#quentin goldenrose

[aquadestinyswriting]

Writing Snippet: A 'What If?'

Alright, so I did a bit of "speculative" writing for the Destiny's New Servants campaign before I took over as GM, trying to figure out where the first GM was going with the story. I've lost most of that writing due to changing laptops and being careless with file transfers over the years (make sure you back up your work kids), but I found this one hidden in the depths of my external hard drive about a month ago.

I vividly recall writing the following piece over the course of about a week. I started the morning after the session where Starhammer died because I wanted to remember every detail of that session, then just... carried on with my ideas of what might happen next.

Now, I was also wondering how best to have Merri leave the picture once I took hold of the reins of the campaign at this point. I had an idea of what I had planned to happen back in Fangthane, but the fact was, the first DM was not going to go easy on us, and it was very likely at least one of the characters would die in the fight against Darkhide. We also knew that Darkhide wanted to rip open the portal to the Pit again, and we'd used up all the God Clay that was left on Titan; what the hell were we going to do if he succeeded? So I wrote something to cover that exact scenario. It all becomes a bit self-indulgent, but that's part of why I like it so much. I apologise in advance to anyone using screen readers, I couldn't think of a decent way to split up the different sections of the story. I'll change it once I come up with something that isn't so much of a pain in the backside for you.

This fairly long piece covers the aftermath of Starhammer's death then skips forward a bit, just as a heads up. The speculative stuff starts after Merri's conversation with Elowyn and Enezeage.

Tags: @druidx, @sparrow-orion-writes , @homesteadchronicles, @warriorbookworm, @mariahwritesstuff, @writeblrsupport, @ashirisu, @thesorcerersapprentice, @blind-the-winds, @freedominique

Elowyn grumbled as Enezeage shimmied down the wall and back onto the street. She got down as the half-orc rolled his shoulders,

“Should we go in after them?” he asked, cracking his knuckles. Elowyn shook her head,

“No, first we need to find Meredith and find out if she wants to press charges.” She said firmly, “We can’t just go in and start arresting people.” Enezeage grumbled, but nodded and looked up the street, noticing that the Celestial Dog had paused in front of what seemed to be a grove of trees. He pointed to it,

“What’s that?” he asked. Elowyn wracked her brain for a moment,

“That’s the Grove of Obad-Hai.” She replied, cautiously running up to it and stopping as she saw a very pale and shaken looking Meredith come out of the trees, along with a man in dark brown clerical robes. The man bowed slightly to the Woodling and turned to Meredith,

“Remember what we said, Daughter of Moradin.” He said sternly, before melding with a nearby tree. Elowyn made a face as the Grove seemed to retract and create a firm barrier around the outside,

“I hate those trees.” She muttered, before turning her attention to Meredith. Upon seeing the look on the Dwarf’s face, she rushed up to her and wrapped her arms around her shoulders,

“Meredith, oh by all the Gods, what happened?” she asked as the other woman began to shake, quite violently, the Woodling noticed. Meredith’s breath hitched as she tried to speak but couldn’t seem to quite manage. Elowyn rubbed her shoulders, “Come on Merri, talk to us.” She said in as soothing as voice as she could manage, waving a hovering Enezeage back slightly. Meredith took a few shallow, shaky breaths and clutched the book she was carrying to her chest tightly,

“St–Starham–mer… he’s– he’s dead.” She finally managed to choke out, tears streaking down her face as the events of the whole evening finally hit her. Elowyn’s hands stopped abruptly, staring at the dwarf with wide-eyed shock,

“Wh–what happened?” she asked in a low voice. Meredith hugged herself tighter,

“The beer… the traitorous swine, he spiked the beer wi–wi’ ooze.” Elowyn’s heart dropped into her stomach,

“Oh no.” she moaned, bringing the traumatized dwarf into a tight hug, “Merri, I’m so, so sorry.” She said, tears stinging her own eyes. Enezeage grunted,

“What about those robed dudes?” he asked gruffly. Elowyn sighed and nodded, gently pushing the dwarf back so she could look at her again,

“I take it those guys showed up when you came outside?” she asked. Meredith nodded,

“Aye, they wanted tae know who I wis an– an’ whit I wis doiin’.” She replied, her voice raw, “I summoned the dug when they drew their swords an’ chased me doon the street.” She finally met Elowyn’s eyes, “They s–said they were bounty hunters.” Elowyn nodded,

“Right ok, Merri I have to ask you this because it’s important.” She said her tone turning a bit firmer, “Do you want to press charges against those guys?” she asked. Meredith fell silent for several long moments, chewing her bottom lip as she thought the question over. Finally, she slowly shook her head. Elowyn bit back a growl of frustration,

“Are you sure? We can get these guys arrested and taken off the streets.” She said. Meredith glanced down at the floor,

“I– It’s no’ worth it.” She said quietly, “D– dinna take this  the wrong way, but… I dinna trust that they won’t just get away’ with it.” Elowyn sighed and forced Meredith to look at her. When this was accomplished she pointed to her badge,

“You see this badge?” she said, “That means that I can go arrest those hooligans and get them locked up and make sure they never get out onto the streets again.” Meredith gave the Woodling a sullen glare,

“Then why don’t ye tell that to the officer who tried to kill me when they paid him off.” She retorted bitterly. Enezeage growled,

“Let’s just go take care of them, Elowyn. We know what they’re doing is wrong anyway.” Elowyn looked up at the Monk and shook her head as she came to the realisation that perhaps Meredith might be right,

“No, if Meredith doesn’t want to press charges, then we have no choice in the matter.” She told him firmly. She turned back to the Dwarf, who was still huddled into herself, “Are you sure you don’t want to press any charges?” she asked. Meredith nodded,

“Aye, it’s not as though anyone's gonna waste their time with the only dwarf left in the city anyway.” She muttered darkly. Elowyn sighed heavily,

“Alright.” She said, “Can you at least remember what this officer you ran into looked like?” Elowyn made up a mental image of the man as Meredith described him and nodded firmly. She recalled that he was likely one of the Road Wardens.

‘Right then, looks like I’ll need to go have a word with someone’s superior officer.’ She thought to herself, gently looping her arm around Meredith and guiding the poor woman away from the Grove,

“Come on then, let’s get you home.” She said gently, motioning with her head for Enezeage to take point. The Half-Orc grumbled, but did what he was silently told, tucking his arms into the sleeves of his own robe as the little group finally began to make their way back to Acacia Avenue.

~*~

Meredith rocked back on her heels with a sigh, she was devoted to Moradin, no question about that. However, even as she reached for His grace this morning, there was… nothing. The hollow feeling that was left behind after Starhammer’s death was hitting the young dwarf hard. Darkhide was still a massive threat that needed to be taken care of, but could she even be of any help to the others at this point? That she could not reach her God scared the cleric, although she knew it was unlikely that Moradin had forsaken her it was still disconcerting to receive no response to her daily prayers.

‘Not only that, but the High Priest and Archlector will have felt the shift by now as well.’ She thought to herself as she got up and made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

~*~

Orock had held a lovely service to Starhammer’s memory, Meredith thought, but that she could not hold a proper Dwarven ceremony upset her more than the knowledge that the older dwarf was gone. Elowyn, bless her, had tried to help but the Woodling just could not understand just how deeply Dwarves held their traditions. Unfortunately, even if there had been a body to bury, Moradin was not available to grant any Blessings and Meredith doubted that Throff would want to stick around either. Meredith was still nursing the first mug of ale she had been handed, unable to really bring herself to drink all that much, when a lanky human came rushing into the back room,

“Elowyn! We got a situation at the Garden of Galana!” Farren yelled as he dodged an irate Khord Inititate whose drink he had knocked over. The Woodling was on her feet instantly,

“What kind of situation?” she demanded, kicking Enezeage in the shin to wake him back up and rounding up the rest of her group. Farren grunted,

“Apparently, a bunch of men in black cloaks have a problem with the church’s High Priest and are trying to get into the Garden to ‘have a word’.” Elowyn frowned,

“But why would they…?” Elowyn muttered, trailing off as she realised what the problem was. She glanced over to Meredith, who had grabbed her mace and Book of Moradin and was looking over at the Paladin expectantly. Elowyn sighed and turned to Farren,

“Has the local Watch House responded yet?” she asked. Farren shook his head,

“The Captain in charge said something about it being an ‘ecumenical matter’.” He said, clearly not happy with that explanation. Elowyn frowned and turned to Meredith,

“You’re staying here.” She said simply, gesturing for the rest to follow her. She expected to hear an angry exclamation and to be asked why, so when it didn’t come, Elowyn looked back over her shoulder with a worried frown. Meredith had gone back to her seat, without comment and was back to staring into the mug of ale she had been nursing. Orock frowned as he looked between the dwarf and Woodling, and made his way to stand behind Meredith,

“I’ll keep an eye on her.” He rumbled, “You’d better get going.” He said, laying a large hand on the dwarf’s comparatively tiny shoulder. Elowyn nodded,

“Once we’ve sorted this whole thing out, I’ll get someone to come back and get her.” She said, running out of the Plot Hook and making her way, with the rest of her companions to the other side of the city.

~*~

Elowyn almost skidded to a stop as she finally made it to the Garden of Galana. She had expected that the Abouna would use some clerical magic to keep the area safe. What she hadn’t expected was the sight of a tall human Wizard with auburn hair and spectacles, standing in front of the entrance to the Garden, holding back a very irate group of humans in black cloaks.

“Step aside!” the leader of the people in black cloaks hissed, “There’s a stunty in there that has a very good price on his head.” The Wizard snorted,

“I’m giving you gentleman one last chance to leave before I get upset.” She replied evenly, gripping the Yew staff in her hand a little tighter. Elowyn smiled a little,

“Hey Derren, what do you say we let these fine men know who they’re back-chatting?” she asked, looking up at her partner. Farren, catching the look in the Woodling’s face, grinned,

“Yeah, why not?” he asked, grabbing his cosh. Elowyn looked back at Felix and Enezeage,

“You guys stay back here with Aurri and grab the ones that decide to scarper.” She said, “I think Abouna Shiverstaff and Grand Wizard Frigidwake are a bit more likely to try pressing charges so we can nick this sorry lot.” Enezeage grinned around his tusks and nodded,

“Finally.” He growled. Felix brought his hands into a casting position and nodded. Elowyn looked up to Farren again and nodded, casually walking around the group of men until she came around to the front.

“Is there a problem, Grand Magus?” Elowyn asked, using her best ‘on the beat copper’ voice. The leader whirled around, a little panicked as he suddenly seemed to realise just who it was he was up against. Selene smirked a little and looked over to Elowyn,

“Good afternoon, Officer O’Toreguard, Officer Breakwood.” She greeted happily, “I was just asking these fine gentlemen to leave the area.” She explained, “They seem to have this ridiculous notion that they can collect a bounty on the good Abouna’s head, despite Toreguard Law clearly stating that all religious figures are under the full protection of the Drakemarie Empire.” She added. Elowyn tapped her chin thoughtfully,

“Really now?” she asked, turning to the group of humans, “What do you lot have to say about these accusations then?” she asked politely. The leader, who had backed off, glowered at the Woodling,

“Seems like there was a bit of a misunderstanding.” He said in a low voice, “We weren’t aware that the… dwarf that was in the area was the High Priest of the church.” He said. Elowyn looked at her fingernails and tutted,

“Well you see, that’s a bit of a problem. I was under the impression that the few Dwarves still in the city were still protected from murder and abuse under general Toreguard Law, not just the religious figures.” She said, glancing up to her partner, “Officer Breakwood, what do you think?” she asked. Farren tapped his cosh against his boot,

“I think you’re right, O'Toreguard.” He said, “I don’t recall any news about changes to the law, I think I’d remember if someone said something about Dwarves being fair game.” The leader of the other group backed up some more,

“Well, we’ll just be on our way then.” He said, turning around in an attempt to get away, only to find that the people at the back had already been either knocked out or frozen in place as they tried to flee. Enezeage cracked his knuckles,

“Hullo there sunshine.” He growled, grinning somewhat menacingly. The human grunted as Farren grabbed his wrists and cuffed him. Elowyn turned to Selene,

“Well at least now we can get this lot booked once we get them to the nearest station.” She said. The Wizard nodded,

“I believe I can help with that.” She smiled. She looked up to a nearby rooftop and whistled. Almost immediately a large magpie flew down and fluttered onto her shoulder. Selene tickled the bird under his beak, “Chrackle, take this down to the nearest Watch House, we need a couple of wagons to take these fine gentlemen there.” She said, quickly taking out a slip of parchment and quill and making a note. The magpie chuckled as she tied the note to its leg. Selene rolled her eyes,

“After you get back. Stop being greedy.” She chastised. The magpie chuckled again as it flew off. Selene looked at the group of men, who were being rounded up by Farren and Enezeage, then turned to Elowyn,

“Thank you for the help Elowyn.” She sighed, pushing her glasses up her nose, “I didn’t want to have to resort to casting anything to scare them off.” Elowyn nodded as she leaned against the outer wall around the Garden, watching as Farren read the whole group their rights

“I know, at least I’ve managed to get a hold of these guys now.” She sighed, shaking her head. Selene frowned down at the Woodling,

“What happened?” she asked in a low voice. Elowyn shook her head sadly,

“These guys don’t know it, but Enezeage and I know exactly what they’re about. Merri sent a Celestial Dog to find us because she was in trouble. She ran into these guys last night and they chased her all the way from the Dwarven District to the Grove of Obad-Hai.” Selene frowned,

“Why didn’t she stay in the temple?” she asked, “Between them she and Starhammer should have…” Elowyn was shaking her head again,

“Starhammer’s dead Selene.” The Woodling said, her voice tight. “By the time ‘Zeage and I got there, the temple didn’t look too good either.” Selene sighed heavily and pushed her glasses up her nose,

“Egrim’s not going to be pleased with the news.” She muttered, “Once word reaches Fangthane about that, every dwarf in the vicinity is going to get called back there and Father Shiverstaff only just got this place back up and running.” The two women watched as a paddy wagon rumbled up the street and the robed men were loaded onto. Chrackle landed on Selene’s shoulder with a satisfied croak. The Wizard fished out a regular gold coin from her purse and handed it to the bird, who chuckled happily. The captain of the nearby watchhouse approached and saluted Selene smartly,

“Do we know if the High Priest wishes to press charges?” he asked. Elowyn stepped forward,

“Elowyn O’Toreguard, watchhouse eight sir.” She greeted smartly with a salute of her own, “If you will allow the Grand Wizard and myself an hour or so to talk to the Abouna about the matter we can let you know as soon as we can.”  The Captain narrowed his eyes slightly, but nodded,

“Very well then. I will get these lads back to the watchhouse while we wait.” He said stiffly. Once he was gone, both Elowyn and Selene frowned in concern,

“ Do you think they might get away with it after all that?” Elowyn asked quietly. Selene sighed,

“Almost certainly.” She replied heavily, “But we can’t dwell on that right now. I think we’d better let Egrim know they’re gone.” The Wizard looked expectantly at her familiar, who croaked in acknowledgement and fluttered to a heavy vine. The bird cocked its head for a moment before tapping on the wood. After a moment the vines retracted and another Woodling popped her head out of the door to the church,

“Elowyn, Selene?!” she exclaimed, rushing out and pulling the Paladin into a hug, “Oh, I’m so glad you’re safe! I was so worried!” Selene smiled and nodded in greeting, while Elowyn hugged the other woman,

“I know mum. Look, can we come in and see the Abouna? It’s important.” Oakrose nodded,

“Of course dear, come on in, all of you. I’ll get the kettle on.” The whole group were ushered inside and told to wait in the refectory. Selene held up a hand before going inside. She quickly gestured and muttered a few words, a silver shimmer hanging in the air for a few moments before dissipating. The Wizard nodded, satisfied,

“That should keep out any further, unwanted guests.”  She said as Oakrose gave her a concerned look. The older Woodling shrugged and went back to work while Selene joined the others. After a few moments a dwarf with a wood-brown beard and blue(?) eyes bustled into the room. He seemed relieved to see who had shown up,

“Ta fer gettin’ rid of’ those idiots out there.” He said giving everyone a grateful smile, “ I wis off a mind tae ask the Council what the bloody hells they were playin’ at an’ getting’ help from the Druids.” Selene shook her head,

“You honestly didn’t think I would leave you to deal with those hooligans yourself, Egrim?” she asked. The dwarf waved his hand,

“Ach! I ken you would’t Sel, ye’re pretty much the only one on tha bloody thing that's no’ a backstabbing–” Elowyn held up her hand,

“Ok I think we get the idea Abouna.” She chuckled, “The ‘idiots’ as you call them, have all been arrested on various charges so they shouldn’t be bothering you again.” Egrim snorted derisively,

“Until they’re all released again in a week, tops.” He retorted. He shook his head upon seeing the expression on Elowyn’s face at his comment, “Dinna get me wrong, child, but I’m no’ blind nor deaf. Aside from myself, yon wee cleric friend an’ a handfull o’ Slayers, there’s no one else left this side o’ Fangthane.” He pointed out. Elowyn’s face fell,

“If I can get enough evidence…” She said desperately. The dwarf sighed heavily,

“Elowyn, lass, I ken ye’re tryin’ yer best, but ye’re only one of a very few that actually care about this.” He nodded to Farren, who was making up a fresh rollie. The human shrugged,

“Hate to break it to you kid, but ours is the only Watchhouse that was still going anywhere near the Dwarven district.” He lit the cigarette and took a drag, “I think the Council are pretty much just looking the other way until it all ‘blows over’, especially since we’ll be under siege by a massive horde of undead in about a day or so.” Egrim barked out a humourless laugh,

“’Blows over’ he says. Bah!” the dwarf went over to a nearby ale cask, drew himself a tankard, checked the contents and took a swig, “Given what happened last night, they’ll be lucky if they’re no’ fightin’ a fresh war immediately after this.” Elowyn’s eyes went wide and looked between the Abouna and Selene,

“But why would they do something like that?” she asked plaintively. Selene sighed heavily,

“Mostly because the whole city has likely been placed on the Fangthane Book of Grudges, Elowyn.” She explained, “From what Edwin told me the last time I contacted him, the Low King is under a lot of pressure from the displaced dwarves that are now living there to get some kind of retribution for the people that have lost their homes, livelihoods and even family members.” Elwoyn shook her head,

“But Starhammer wasn’t even killed by this Brotherhood of the Cleave. They were still outside and waiting when Merri came out of the temple.” She protested. That earned her a confused look from the Abouna, who paused while taking another swig of ale,

“Wait, what?” he asked, putting his tankard down, “So if those bastards weren’t responsible, who was?” Enezeage snorted,

“From what Meredith told us last night, it looks like it was that Grinbeard guy.”

“Grimebeard? Garl Grimebeard?” the dwarf asked, looking between the rest of Elowyn’s group. Elowyn nodded,

“Yeah, turns out he had forsaken Moradin and was poisoning people with Oozes disguised as beer. I thought we took care of him?” she asked looking over to Felix and Enezeage. Felix shook his head slowly,

“No, it was one of the other members of his family, remember?” he replied, “The others had long gone by the time we took care of the Clay Golem created out of that poor gnome and the Oozes in the cauldrons.” Both Elowyn and Egrim looked like they were going to be sick,

“We never got around to trying to find the rest of them.” Elowyn muttered, “I honestly thought it was Garl we took care of and the rest just scarpered.” She buried her head in her hands. Selene looked over to Egrim with worry,

“What’s the matter, Egrim?” she asked. The dwarf sat down heavily,

“I’ve been in contact with Fangthane a lot recently, fer obvious reasons. I wis wonderin’ aboot tha rumours goin’ about around some folk goin’ missing’ recently. I don’t think the activities of ol’ Grimebeard has been limited tae Toreguard.”

“You think he might be responsible for the disappearances?” Selene asked. The Abouna nodded,

“Ragnarsson mentioned somethin’ about finding some bad beer in the Cathedral’s cellar. I didn't think anything’ of it at first, even dwarven beer goes bad if it’s kept long enough, but…”

“They’re trying to get rid of every Moradin worshipper they can.” Selene muttered, “But why?” the wizard looked up at her old friend, “We need to get word to Fangthane about this, now.” She said firmly, “

“There might be a problem with that, lovies.” Oakrose said as she came into the refectory, handing Egrim a scroll. The Dwarf unrolled it and quickly read through it. He crumpled the parchment not long after,

“Bollocks tae that.” He swore, tossing the balled up parchment to the floor. Selene sighed,

“Let me guess, all communications out of the city have been forbidden, including all scrying and other magical means?” she asked lightly. Elowyn groaned as the dwarf nodded with a weary sigh,

“An’ afore ye ask, I rather think they’ll include familiars as magical objects.” Selene snorted,

“I’m well aware of that Egrim.” She snipped, “Luckily, if there’s one thing Alexis did manage to teach me in the time I travelled with her, it’s to never just rely on one or two methods of communication. That and to never kowtow to a giant red lizard who thinks he’s smarter than you.” She added. Elowyn frowned in confusion,

“What are you going to do?” she asked nervously. The Wizard honestly scared her sometimes. Selene sent the Woodling a reassuring smile,

“Just going to visit an old friend to ask for a bit of help.” She said, “But first, I think I’d better go and fetch your cleric. She’ll be safer here.”

~*~

Much, much later

Darkhide laughed maniacally even as the last of his life seeped from him,

“You’re too late.” he coughed wetly, spraying blood, “The portal is open, the way is clear. A– and you have no God Clay to– to save you.” He chuckled, his throat gargling. Elowyn dropped to her knees, despair written all over her features. Enezeage had bowed his head and placed his hands in his sleeves, while Felix cried out in anger and anguish. Quintin closed his eyes and prayed silently to Correlon Lorethion for a swift death. Meredith, however, struggled to her feet,

“No.” she growled, wincing from the beating Darkhide had given her earlier, “I am not admitting any sort of defeat to you.” She spat, glaring at the Necromancer. Darkhide grinned darkly,

“Do I need… to remind you girl? Moradin… is dead.” He said, now gasping for air. Meredith snorted, looking over at the giant rend in the earth in front of the group.

“I heard ye the first time, ye bag o’ wind.” She said flatly, “But ye never said anything’ about Throff.” She added, glancing back at the dying human. Darkhide frowned momentarily, then his eyes widened,

“No.” he croaked, his last breath finally leaving him as he attempted to reach out towards Meredith, who was staggering over to the portal’s edge. Elowyn jumped to her feet,

“Merri? What are you doing?” the Paladin yelped, racing up next to the dwarf. Meredith looked down at the chasm with a determined expression,

“Finishing’ this.” She replied. She looked up at Elowyn, “Take the others, and run.” She commanded, “If this doesn’t work, ye’ll need tae evacuate as many people as ye can from the Plains.” Elowyn frowned and shook her head quickly,

“But what about you?” she asked. Meredith sighed and glanced back at the chasm,

“That doesn’t matter.” She said quietly, she looked back up at the Woodling sharply, “Now get goin’!” she snapped, a ripple of power washing over Elowyn. The Paladin tried to resist, but found herself unable to. She glared back at the dwarf, even as her feet took her away, tears stinging in her eyes. Meredith watched her friends leave, guilt tearing at her heart,

“I’m sorry.” She muttered, “But this is my burden to bear.” The Inquisitor turned back to the portal, took a deep breath and knelt. She took a moment and then began to cast,

“Throff, gentle Mother of my people, know that I do not make this request of You lightly. I am fully aware of the cost involved and I will pay it.” She prayed, gathering up as much power as she could muster, “Please, grant me the strength to close this abomination, to heal this world that has been wounded so badly already.” She begged, tears stinging her eyes. After a moment, Meredith felt the earth beneath her ripple slightly. She smiled softly; there may not have been any spare God Clay left, but wasn’t Titan made of the stuff? The Dwarf closed her eyes tightly, pushing yet more power into the spell, feeling it drain her very soul as the earth finally began to move, closing the portal to the Abyss. Demons, who had been making their way up from the bottom of the Pit, screeched as slowly, their means of escape closed in around them. They pushed back and the spell wavered.

Meredith was almost completely tapped out, black spots obscured her vision as she felt the resistance,

“No,” she breathed, “I–I am not letting…” her breathing became shallower as she tried to push yet more power into the Shaping spell. It was then she felt a gentle brush on her shoulder. She blinked back the blackness creeping into her vision and looked in the direction the touch had come from. Stringwhiskers, limned in a golden light, twitched his nose at her,

“We know what you doing.” He squeaked, “We come to help.”

“You got this Merri, keep going.” Alphonse’s voice encouraged from somewhere behind her. Looking around at the faces of her deceased friends and travelling companions, Meredith nodded and glared at the portal, which was slowly pushing back open. Gathering up what little strength she had left, the dwarf pushed it all into the spell. The earth rumbled violently as the two opposing forces clashed, but finally, with a deafening ‘boom!’ the portal snapped shut. The hand of a Balor that had been unlucky enough to get in the way, wavered then disintegrated into dust on the wind as everything finally settled. A weak ray of sunlight lit up the ground where the portal had been and a bird flew over and perched on the out of place hammer that glinted as the clouds above Castle Dire finally broke.

When the Command spell finally wore off Elowyn and the others, they were most of the way along the road to Toreguard. Almost immediately, the Woodling spun around and began marching back up the road towards Castle Dire,

“When I get a hold of that girl, she is getting the earbashing of the century!” she snarled. Felix tugged on her arm nervously,

“What was Merri even doing?” he asked. Elowyn shook her head,

“The stupid woman’s probably trying to close the portal by herself.” She replied. Enezeage strode in front of the Woodling,

“Then maybe, it’s a good idea to do what we were told?” he suggested. Elowyn was about to give the Monk a scathing reply, when the earth under their feet rumbled. Felix squeaked and grabbed a hold of Quintin’s leg. The Elf staggered a little at the sudden gesture, but was quick to find his footing again. Enezeage grabbed a hold of Elowyn’s arm as the Paladin fell back with the sudden movement, a large, squat sea of calm amidst the chaos. Felix looked around in awe as the tremor ceased,

“Whoa, someone’s either being really stupid or really brave to try casting this big a spell.” He said, his eyes wide. Elowyn frowned and checked to see if there was anyone evil nearby that was attempting to cast something new. The only hint of red she found though, was a brilliant glow up where the portal had been opened.

“OK, ow. Remember that big ass portals to the Abyss don’t need to be checked for Evil.” She muttered as she blinked her vision back. Felix shook his head,

“It’s not an arcane spell.” He called as another, larger rumble shook the road beneath them. He waited until the new tremor had passed before continuing as he studied the lines of power only he could see, “I think… yeah, it’s Divine Magic. It’s all white and gold.” Elowyn paled and looked up towards Castle Dire,

“Merri, what are you playing at?” she whispered. Aurianna mewled from her perch on the Paladin’s shoulder,

“I think she’s trying to use a Shape spell to close the portal.” She said quietly. Elowyn frowned,

“How? There’s no God Clay left, right?” she asked, now beginning to panic. Enezeage hummed as he realised something,

“That’s true,” he rumbled, “but what did Titan make the world out of?” he asked. Elowyn’s eyes went wide as an even bigger tremor rumbled through the earth, causing everyone to lose their footing. Once it was over, a massive ‘Boom!’ rent the air then… the earth stilled. The group looked at one another questioningly as they got up. After no further tremors came along, Elowyn rushed up the road as fast as her legs could carry her, at least until Enezeage hoisted her onto his shoulder and ran the rest of the way for her.

Once they reached the top, the group looked around in shock. Darkhide’s body was still pretty much exactly where it had been left, as had the bodies of the other Cabal members and the undead. There was, however, no sign of the portal. Or of Meredith. Elowyn was let down as Enezeage looked around in confused awe,

“MERRI!” Elowyn called desperately. She ran around the grounds of Castle Dire, looking for any sign of her old friend, “MEREDITH!” She ran around the rest of the huge courtyard, “Meredith Gruksdottir, you get your ass over here right now!” There was no reply, aside from the croaking of the ravens that had come along to feast on the dead. Quintin quickly came around the corner,

“Elo, I think you need to come have a look at this.” He called. The elf looked confused and upset. Elowyn rushed over to him,

“What’s going on?” she asked. The Ranger held out an elaborate mace. It was made of the best Iron and etched all over with Dwarven Runes. Meredith’s warmace. Elowyn reached out to touch it, but quickly withdrew her hand,

“Where did you find this?” she asked sharply. Quintin turned around and nodded to the courtyard behind him,

“Next to the edge of where the portal should have been.” He replied heavily, “We’ve looked everywhere in the area. There’s no sign of her besides this.” Elowyn glared at the elf,

“There has to be!” she snapped, her voice tight with emotion as she ran over to where the portal had been less than an hour before. Quintin sighed and followed the Woodling at a more sedate pace, tickling a raven that had landed on his shoulder under its beak.

Elowyn reached the knoll where the portal had not long before torn a hole through reality to the Abyss and looked around desperately, tears streaming down her face. The rest of her party finally arrived in the area, looking as lost and confused as the Woodling felt. She looked at each other them, still hoping there was something, anything else. Slowly they shook their heads. Cragspine approached the Woodling, who was now hugging her knees into her chest and sobbing. He gently touched the Paladin’s hand,

“Meredith might not be here, but portal is gone.” He said in a low voice, “This place saturated with Divine Magic, she obviously successful.” He pointed out. Elowyn really didn’t take too much comfort in the little Kobold’s words. The Dwarf, despite some of her faults, had managed to more or less survive their entire journey and had been a welcome, steady presence when everything had, as they often said to one another, ‘turned to shit’.

“It’s not fair.” She sniffled, “Why did all the big stuff have to fall on just her?” Cragspine shook his head,

“The Gods are fickle.” He reminded her, “Come, we go tell big human peoples news.” He said gently, tugging on the sleeve of the Woodling’s overcoat. Elowyn lifted her head and slowly shook her head,

“You guys go on ahead, I need a minute.” Cragspine looked back at Enezeage with a questioning expression. The Half-Orc nodded and shooed everyone else back to the road to Toreguard. The Monk turned to Elowyn,

“Don’t be too long.” He rumbled. Elowyn nodded as he turned around and followed the others. When she was finally alone, Elowyn knelt on the grass and prayed,

“I hope you managed to find wherever it was you wanted to go.” She said, fresh tears making their way down her cheeks, “You really do have a bad habit of wanting to outdo yourself though, don’t you?” she laughed, “I will personally make sure that what you managed to accomplish today is properly recognised though. Maybe once word gets out about it, people back home will stop being such dicks to Dwarves again.” She looked at her hands, which were balled up on her knees, “I’m going to really miss you. I mean, it’s no fun being the only girl with a bunch of men and who am I going to complain about Gorgeous with now?” The Paladin sighed heavily, “Sleep well, Sister. Hope you’re waiting with a mug of decent beer by the time I join you up there.”  She said with a faint smile. The Woodling pulled herself to her feet and looked up at the sky above her, saluted and finally left.

~*~

Even though it was well after dark by the time Elowyn and what remained of her party got back to Toreguard, General Strucker was waiting at the gates for them,

“Did you manage to stop him?” he asked, clearly nervous about the answer he was about to receive. Enezeage, who had picked up Darkhide’s body on his way back, dropped it at the General’s feet,

“There’s the evidence.” He grunted. The General slowly grinned at the sight,

“So it’s over.” He breathed, “At last.” He gestured for one of the guards with him to take the body, “Get that to the Wizard’s Tower, no doubt they’ll want to make sure that there’s no chance of him being resurrected or have any other means of coming back.” He ordered. Two of the guards saluted, picked up the body and carted it off immediately. The General frowned as he looked the group over, “Hang on a minute, what happened to your Dwarf friend?” he asked. Elowyn stepped forward, Meredith’s mace in her hands,

“She fell closing a new portal to the Abyss that Darkhide managed to open before he died.” She said quietly, “If it’s all the same to you, General, I’d rather explain the situation in front of people who know more about magic than I do.” She requested. The General’s face fell as he regarded the beautiful weapon and nodded,

“Indeed. Come, I’ll arrange for a full Wizard’s council in the main Council Chambers for you. Grand Magus Frigidwake is something of a night owl these days and I’ve no doubt she’ll want to know exactly what happened.” He said. Felix coughed, getting the man’s attention,

“You might want to call on some of the religious leaders as well.” The gnome said, “Meredith was, after all, a cleric of Moradin.” The General nodded again,

“Duly noted, Master Gnome, I shall take note of that. But enough, I rather think you all deserve a bit of rest before you get bombarded from all sides with questions.” He said rather more gently, “We’ve arranged for you to stay in the Plot Hook overnight so that you can have a bit of a lie in.” Everyone nodded tiredly, following the General to a rather large and luxurious carriage and piling inside. By the time Orock showed them all to their rooms, they were all already mostly asleep and dead to the world by the time their heads hit their pillows.

~*~

Elowyn found herself feeling oddly calm as she waited outside the main council chambers the next morning. Perhaps, she thought, it was the absence of the Merchant’s Guild, or maybe it was because she had a decent night’s sleep for the first time in what seemed like forever. No matter what the reason, she walked confidently into the large chamber, alongside her friends, who also seemed far more at ease. Selene smiled at the group warmly as she took her seat at the head of the chamber and waited for the rest of the Wizard’s Council and Toreguard’s Religious Council to sit. This done, she leaned forward in her chair,

“Elowyn O’Toreguard, Paladin of the Light and Sergeant of Watchhouse 8, Northwest Precinct, can you please explain to the council what, exactly, transpired at Castle Dire yesterday morning and afternoon?” she asked calmly. The Woodling nodded and stepped forward, telling the combined Head Wizards and Religious leaders of the fight with Darkhide and the rest of the Cabal, of Darkhide’s apparent defeat then his opening of a new portal to the Abyss that was made permanent with the sacrifice of what seemed to be the population of a nearby village. She then went on to explain how, despite being beaten bloody and almost to death earlier, Meredith, Inquisitor of Moradin, had refused to admit defeat and sent the rest of her party away.

“We’re not sure what she did,” Elowyn said, her throat tightening at the memory, “but whatever it was, she managed to completely and utterly seal the portal. The only thing we could find of her when we returned to Castle Dire, was her warmace.” She finished, gesturing to the item, which had been placed on a plush cushion on a table near the front of the room. The Head Priest of Pellor stood and regarded the mace with a curious expression,

“I must admit, my fellows and I felt a very large pull of Divine Magic just before the earthquakes started.” He said, looking around at his fellow High Priests, who were all nodding, “How this single cleric accomplished such a thing is… well none of us have been able to work it out.” He admitted, “Normally a large ritual has to be involved to pull such a large amount of magic into a single area.”

“Perhaps I can help with your query.” A voice quavered from behind Elowyn. She frowned as Selene’s eyes went wide and the Wizard stood with a hasty, deep bow. She looked over her shoulder to find a very elderly dwarf come into the room, escorted by several beardlings and leaning heavily on an elaborate metalwork staff. Elowyn bowed deeply as well, though noting with worry that the old dwarf appeared to be quite unwell.

“Archlector Vanskleig, it is a real honour to have you visit us.” Selene said, her tone worried as, she too, noted that the old dwarf was clearly unfit to have travelled such a long distance, “Someone get him a seat!” she snapped as she hurried down from her position to assist the beardlings in helping him to a chair that was conjoured by a junior wizard. The elderly dwarf smiled warmly at the Wizard as she knelt in front of him,

“Do you require anything, Archlector, a drink of water perhaps?” she asked Vanskleig shook his head,

“No, child. I am here to find out what happened yesterday.” He replied evenly, “I am afraid I do not travel well using portals.” He added. Selene nodded and stepped back, looking over to Elowyn,

“Elowyn, dear, can you quickly summarise what happened at Castle Dire again?” she asked. Elowyn, despite how soul sick she felt to recall the events again, nodded,

“Of course, Grand Magus.” She replied. Taking a moment to centre herself again before repeating what she had told the Council. Once she was done, the Archlector nodded,

“You recall that Meredith was a Shaper, correct?” he asked. Elowyn thought back to when the group had visited Fangthane the first time and nodded,

“Yes, Your Holiness, I do.” She replied, “However, I do not see how that would have helped matters.” She admitted. Vanskleig smiled, his grey eyes twinkling,

“Ah, but it does help. Quite a lot actually.” He replied with a weary chuckle. He looked around the rest of the Council, “The ability to Shape is a rare one.” He said, “It only occurs once in every three or four Dwarven generations, and has only ever been found in one family line.” He explained, “Few know of the Redhammer Clan, but when they were exiled from Fangthane we believed the ability to Shape had been lost to the worshippers of Moradin and Throff forever.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully, “That is, until young Meredith Gruksdottir displayed the ability; at a very young age as I recall.” He shook his head, “The gift of Shaping is a blessing from Throff, She who found the Magic Clay. It would seem that when the portal to the Abyss was opened, Meredith realised that the only way to close it permanently was using what had since become known as God Clay.” He explained. Selene shook her head as several voices piped up,

“Wasn’t it used to seal up the portal under the Wizard’s Tower?”

“I didn’t think there was any of it left.”

“Where would you even get the stuff from anyway.”

The Grand Magus sighed and slammed her staff on the floor,

“If you must ask questions, do so one at a time!” she snapped, “I should not need to remind any of you about good manners!” The High Priests and Wizards who had stood up to ask their questions all at once sat back down, looking suitably embarrassed with themselves. Selene turned back to the Archlector, who was chuckling,

“Ah, now that’s the young Wizard I remember hearing about ten years ago, I did wonder what had happened to her.” He noted with a warm, grandfatherly smile. Selene bit back an embarrassed laugh as the Archlector proceeded to look around the Council Chamber again,

“As to your questions. Yes, there is no more spare God Clay that we know of, however is not Titan made of the stuff?” he asked. Before anyone could answer, he was talking again, “From what has been described, it would seem that Throff, upon seeing the calamity that was unfolding, granted young Meredith a chance to use Titan itself to seal this new portal.” The Archlector sighed heavily, “Of course, such a casting requires a significant cost.” He looked over to the mace at the far end of the room, suddenly seeming so much older than he already was, “Clearly young Gruksdottir felt that the price asked was worth the safety of Allansia, if not all of Titan.” He said, his voice low and heavy with grief. Silence reigned as the enormity of what had actually happened settled on the rest of the Chamber. That one lone dwarf had sacrificed everything to prevent a disaster worse than had occurred ten years ago from happening again was, clearly, quite a lot to take in. Selene nodded gravely,

“Thank you, Archlector. It looks like we all have rather a lot to reflect upon. Especially given the behaviour of some of the city’s people towards the Dwarven people as of late.” She stood and regarded her fellows, “I think it would be best if we took a recess for the next four hours. When we get back, we will discuss what needs to be done to properly celebrate and honour those who have already given this city so much.” She glanced over to Elowyn and the others as she spoke, striking her oaken staff on the floor and sweeping out of the room. Elowyn ignored the mumble of conversation going on as she approached the Archlector and knelt before him,

“Your Grace, I have a couple of questions if I may.” She said quietly, Aurianna quickly scampering up beside her. The Archlector regarded the Paladin and nodded, waving off his beardling assistants,

“I’ll be alright, I will call when we are done.” He assured them gently. The eldest of them bowed politely and ushered the other outside, knowing that this was a private matter. Elowyn smiled gratefully to the old dwarf,

“Thank you.” She said. Vanskleig motioned for her to sit,

“It is no trouble, child. You are clearly worried about something and wish for guidance. I would be a poor cleric to ignore such a request.” He assured her. Elowyn shifted uncomfortably,

“Darkhide said during the fight against him that… he said Moradin was dead.” She said, trying not to avoid the subject, “I assumed he was merely trying to scare Meredith, but before we left the city, she mentioned that she had not been able to reach Him.” She looked up at the Archlector with worry, “Was Darkhide telling the truth? I thought Moradin had merely forsaken Toreguard following Starhammer’s untimely death.” Vanskleig sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair thoughtfully,

“As a friend of Meredith, I feel safe in letting you know what has happened.” He said, “However, this information is to go no further than us unless it becomes something that needs to be dealt with.” He told her firmly. Elowyn nodded, hugging her knees to her chest by now,

“You have my word Archlector.” She said. The elderly dwarf nodded, satisfied,

“The Dwarven people are currently in crisis, my dear.” He explained, “There is much upheaval occurring at the moment both in Fangthane, and until recently, here in Toreguard. As a result of what has happened here of late, Moradin’s followers have become… unsure of themselves and their faith is wavering. As a result, Moradin is less powerful than He would normally be and is attempting to consolidate Himself.” Vanskleig sighed, “My faith in the Dwarf Father is as strong as ever, my dear, however, I am old and while I have a replacement, I worry for my people following my passing.” Elowyn nodded,

“That’s– That’s some heavy stuff. But I am glad to know that Moradin still exists. It eases my heart just a little.” The Archlector smiled,

“You cared very deeply for her, that much is clear.” He said in a low voice, “When I return to Fangthane, I will ensure that young Meredith is properly remembered by all under the mountain. While she passed far, far too young, she was devoted not just to Moradin, but to her people and her world. Take strength in the knowledge that you knew Meredith for who she truly was, not the legend she will obviously become.” He advised. Elowyn nodded, wiping at her eyes as they welled up again,

“Thank you Archlector, I will.” She replied, getting up and bowing, even as the Archlector called for his assistants.

~*~

Later:

“I ‘eard a little about what happened.” Mrs Higgins said quietly once everyone else had left the kitchen, leaving the Woodling alone with her thoughts. Elowyn looked up at the house’s matron,

“I think the news has made its way most of the way around the city by now.” She said with a weak chuckle. The old human fished out an envelope from the pocket in the front of her pinnie,

“Miss Meredith left this with me before you left to go to Castle Dire.” She said quietly, “Said I should give it you when you got back.” Elowyn took the envelope, her hands shaking slightly as she regarded the firm, almost runic strokes of her old friend’s handwriting. The Woodling nodded to Mrs Higgins,

“Thank you, can you go and fetch me a pot of tea? I think I’ll probably need it after reading this.” She asked in a small voice. The maid nodded in sympathy,

“I’ll go fetch a small pot of brandy to go with as well, dear.” She said, bobbing in a curtsey, before bustling off to the other end of the large kitchen. Elowyn stared at the unopened envelope for several long moments, both longing to read the letter inside, and not yet willing to acknowledge that the dwarf was never coming back. Finally, she broke the wax seal on the back and took out the parchment inside:

Dearest Elowyn,

If you have received this letter, then that means the inevitable has happened. Whatever form this has taken, know that I do not want you, or any of the others, to blame yourselves. When Moradin comes calling, I kind of have to answer Him, right? I wanted to let you know just how much the time we have managed to spend with one another has meant to me.

I know that you love your city and pray to Moradin and Throff both that, once time has had a chance to dull the wounds left behind by this most recent conflict, that our people can live in peace with one another again. I trust that Justice will be done for the atrocities that have been committed, and know that, somehow, you’ll be right there in the middle of it. Please never lose sight of that goal, for I know that it might be the only thing that you have left to cling to when the shadows gather and fate feels like it’s ripped everything and everyone out from under your feet. I tell you this as a reminder. In these last days before we finally face Darkhide, the Light that you have brought into my life has been the only thing keeping me going when I truly believed that I had lost everything.

Even though we have had our differences in opinion, know that I have ever seen you as a Sister and, therefore regard you as kin. No matter the challenges that lay ahead of you, know that I am proud to have stood by your side as you grew from a simple Officer of the Watch into a Paladin that has learned the hard way how to lead and inspire others. Even as both of our peoples face dark and uncertain futures I know that you will be there to help light the way to a better future for all.

Should you ever have need to pass through the lands around Fangthane in your travels, please take the enclosed with you.  It will identify you as a close and trusted friend of the Dwarven people and ought to keep you and your travelling companions safe despite the Grudge that will likely be in place by now.

Stay safe òrdugh piuthar and while I hope to meet you again when you finally pass to this next life, I hope it is a very long time coming.

May the rocks stay ever true under your feet,

Meredith, Daughter of Gruk, Son of Ovak

Inquisitor of Moradin 13th level

The sheafs of parchment shook and drops of water splotched the ink as Elowyn finished reading through the letter. Meredith had clearly known that it was unlikely that she would survive the fight against Darkhide. The Woodling frowned through her tears as she realised that there was something else still in the envelope. She gingerly shook whatever it was out onto the table, her heart breaking even further than she ever thought possible as she regarded the item. It was a simple Mythril necklace with a finely crafted dwarven Warhammer attached to it. Both were covered in intricate dwarven runes. Meredith’s Holy Symbol. Elowyn had seen the dwarf use it often enough to Turn the undead to recognise it immediately.

[druidx]

The Ring of Heroes

The Ring, or Circle, of Heroes is a series of 16 statues depicting past heroes of Toreguard. These heroes are:

Alexis Dalliance

Richard Tetherson

Hextor Francis

Dhur'Graz

Ivan Jägerson

Fai Lumidas

Edwin Goodwin

Selene Fridwake

Egrim Shiverstaff

Grizwald

Meridith Gruksdottir

Enezeag

Elowyn of Toreguard

Quentin Goldenrose

Felix Phileas 'Nosey' Parker-Tinker

Snotgrut

These statues ring the 3rd and inner circle of the city, standing at the edge of the defensive canal. Prior to a few years ago, there were only 10 of the 16 plinths filled, but with recent events that has been rectified. There has been talk of the council adding more plinths in anticipation of other heroes to protect us from world-shattering events, but if the rumours are true, it has yet to come to pass.

The statues are depicted in various states of rediment for battle, and stare protectively out over the city. The specific deeds which nominated a hero for inclusion in the Ring are recorded on a plaque at the statue's base. Needless to say, to catalog them here would take quite some time...

There have been many suggestions as to why the sculptors commissioned for these statues decided to depict the heroes as they have been. One suggestions was that in a time of need, they would be animated and used to defend the city, however recent events has shown that not to be the case. After all, why would Archmage Fridwake conjure shields when she could summon 12ft representatives of our heroes past?

[queerplatonicshipshowdown]

Round 1 starts Monday, September 4, 2023!

Here are your match-ups (links under the cut):

Preliminaries:

Balloon and Suitcase (Suitloon) from Inanimate Insanity vs. Test Tube and Fan (Fantube) from Inanimate Insanity

Round 1:

Chance and Shadow from WOE.BEGONE vs. Zolf Smith and Oscar Wilde (Zoscar) from Rusty Quill Gaming Podcast

Karina Lyle and Ryan Goldsmith (goldenrose) from Tiger & Bunny vs. Barbie "Malibu" Roberts and Barbie "Brooklyn" Roberts (Barbie^2) from Barbie

Lord Viren and King Harrow (Virrow) from The Dragon Prince vs. Balloon and Suitcase (Suitloon) from Inanimate Insanity

Ainsley Ainsley, Antone Postminger, and The Gap (horseycule) from Legendlark vs. Kurusu Kazuki and Suwa Rei (Kazurei) from Buddy Daddies

John Doe and Arthur Lester from Malevolent vs. Caspar von Bergliez and Linhardt von Hevring (Casphardt) from Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Ronan Lynch and Richard Campbell Gansey III (Ronsey) from The Raven Cycle vs. Kotetsu T. Kaburagi and Barnaby Brooks Jr. (Taibani) from Tiger and Bunny

Rosé, York, and Grendan from Drawtectives vs. Bakugou Katsuki and Kirishima Eijirou (Kiribaku) from My Hero Academia

Adagumo no Yaorochi and Sukune Katano (YaoSuku) from Le'en Project vs. Hardwon Surefoot and Moonshine Cybin (Hardshine) from Not Another D&D Podcast

--

Crowley and Aziraphale (Ineffable Husbands) from Good Omens vs. Jonathan Sims and Alice “Daisy” Tonner (JonDaisy) from The Magnus Archives

Hooty and Lilith from The Owl House vs. Jane McKeene and Katherine Deveraux from Dread Nation

Moiraine Damodred and Lan Mandragoran from Wheel of Time vs. Jennifer Walters and Patsy Walker (patsyjen) from Marvel

Camilla Hect and Palamades Sextus (Campal) from The Locked Tomb vs. Kazuma Asogi and Ryunosuke Naruhodo (Asoryuu) from The Great Ace Attorney

Steve Harrington and Robin Buckley (Stobin) from Stranger Things vs. Bells Broussard and Emma Robledo from Sidekick Squad series

Daisy Tonner and Basira Hussain (Daisira) from The Magnus Archives vs. Percival King and Ramsey Murdoch (Ramsival) from Epithet: Erased

Sakuko Kodama and Satoru Takahashi from Koisenu Futari vs. Jughead Jones and Sabrina Spellman from Jughead Jones

Gon Freecs and Killua Zoldyck (Killugon) from Hunter × Hunter vs. Mako Mori and Raleigh Beckett from Pacific Rim

--

Stanford Pines and Fiddleford McGucket (Fiddauthor) from Gravity Falls vs. Jem Carstairs and Will Herondale (Heronstairs) from The Shadowhunter Chronicles

Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye (royai) from Fullmetal Alchemist vs. Stanley Barber and Sydney Novak from I Am Not Okay With This

Maz Kanata and Dexter Jettster from Star Wars the High Republic vs. The Doctor and Missy from Doctor Who

Fennec Shand and Boba Fett from Star Wars vs. Curt Mega and Tatiana Slozhno from Spies Are Forever

Lapis Lazuli and Peridot (Lapidot) from Steven Universe vs. Gwen Poole and Quentin Quire (Gwentin) from West Coast Avengers

The Doctor and Jack Harkness from Doctor Who vs. John - 117 and Cortanna from Halo

Ellie Miller and Alec Hardy (Millardy) from Broadchurch vs. Moomintroll and Snufkin (Snufmin) from Moominvalley

Beth Tezuka and Plum (PlumBeth) from Bravest Warriors vs. Allan and Weird Barbie from The Barbie Movie

--

Edgin Darvis and Holga Kilgore from Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves vs. Jolteon and Crap Gorps from Dogs In Love 2

Starscream and Skyfire (Skystar) from Transformers vs. Anne, Marcy, and Sasha (Sashannarcy) from Amphibia

Robbie & factoryAI from Void Terrarium vs. Perle and Dejean from Our Bloody Pearl

Matilda and Drea from Everything's Gonna Be Okay vs. Taion and Eunie (TaiEunie) from Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Nepeta Leijon and Equius Zahhak (Meowrails) from Homestuck vs. Jessie and James from Pokémon

Roxas and Xion from Kingdom Hearts vs. Tang and Pigsy (Freenoodles) from LEGO Monkie Kid

Zelda and Link (Zelink) from Tears of the Kingdom vs. Shin and Noi from Dorohedoro

MK and Mei (goldendragon) from LEGO Monkie Kid vs. Yelena Belova and Kate Bishop (Bishova) from Marvel

[aquadestinyswriting]

Land of Eternal Summer

Summary: Snotgrut has convinced his friends to come with him on an errand off-plane. The only problem is, he didn't bother telling anyone exactly which plane they were visiting in an attempt to give people a pleasant surprise.

Words: 857

Tags: @druidx @homesteadchronicles @flashfictionfridayofficial @asher-orion-writes,@warriorbookworm, @odysseywritings, @blind-the-winds, @thesorcerersapprentice

Warnings: None

Notes: Set in a vague time period around 5-7 years post DNS. 'Arry couldn't get time off :(.

Sunshine filtered through the canopy of the forest, dimly lighting the simple footpath that had been trodden through the undergrowth. A gentle and warm breeze wound its way around the eclectic group of people making their way through it towards the edges of a small village nestled snugly within the seemingly neverending forest.

"Remind me again why I've been dragged back to this godsdamned plane?" Meredith groused, readjusting the pack on her shoulder for the millionth time. Snotgrut's left ear twitched, but he didn't look back at the grumpy dwarven woman as he replied,

"You didn't ask where I was planning on going." He pointed out. The goblin briefly turned his head to frown in confusion at the cleric, "I'm not sure why you're so upset anyway. From what I heard, you guys are going to be very welcome here. Way more welcome than I was during my last visit anyway." 

Felix skipped ahead of the others until he fell in step beside his goblin friend,

"You'll be just as welcome as we are, Snotgrut." The gnome stated happily, beaming at his fellow Arcane Trickster, "The elves of Arborea have long memories and won't have forgotten what you did for them the last time you were here."

"Aye, that's the problem." Meredith grumbled, glancing over to Elowyn. Elowyn glanced back at her friend with a tight smile,

"If I'd known this is where Snotgrut's 'errand' was going to take us, I'd have happily stayed home with you." She sighed. The woodling glanced up at the sparkling spires of a temple to Deep Sachellas that had now come into view. Aurianna, who was currently riding on Elowyn's shoulder in kitten form, nuzzled into her neck with a reassuring purr,

"If we asked them nicely, I'm sure Felix and Snotgrut can create some sort of distraction if you get too overwhelmed and need an escape." The dragon-turned-kitten suggested. Elowyn scratched Aurianna behind an ear,

"They might end up creating one anyway." She pointed out, "You know as well as I do what usually happens when those two are in the same place for more than half an hour." Meredith snorted and smiled for the first time since arriving on the elven plane,

"Aye, well, you'd ken better than me." She said. Quentin suppressed his own snort,

"Why would you guys even need a distraction anyway?" He asked, "Well, I can think of why Elowyn might want one, but I'm not sure why you'd need one. Unless…" The elve's eyes narrowed as Meredith stayed quiet, an embarrassed flush spreading across her face under her beard. Elowyn, catching Quentin's expression out of the corner of her eye, immediately stepped in front of Meredith, as the dwarf's embarrassed expression dropped into one of outraged offence,

"Oh, Gods, no!" She exclaimed, "None of us had any time for that kind of activity. Well�� 'Zeage might have, but definitely not the rest of us." She stated, her words coming out far more quickly than she intended. 

Felix and Snotgrut had stopped and turned to see what the commotion was about at this point and were staring at their three friends. Snotgrut with a look of befuddled confusion and Felix with a sudden look of understanding. The gomish man looked back towards the spires,

"Oh! I think I understand now. This is the same village we stayed in the first time we came here." Felix turned back to Snotgrut, "After Merri managed to use some God Clay to resurrect Deep Sachellas, the elves here were so grateful they pretty much declared her to be some sort of Living Saint." He explained. He looked back towards the path leading to the village, "I wonder if they finished that statue they were talking about making?" He murmured. 

Snotgrut blinked as Felix rattled off his one-sided conversation slash explanation. He had, of course, known about that particular incident. The gnome had told him all about it during their last visit to Arborea, after all. It just hadn't occurred to the goblin that Meredith might be embarrassed about it. He cocked his head as he considered what to do about it. Another warm breeze brushed over him, allowing some of the eternally summer sunshine to drop directly onto him. The goblin sighed and shook his head, 

"None of you have to come into the village, but I don't think any of you will be able to get food, drinks or beds out here." He called, pointedly ignoring Quentin's call of 'I'm pretty sure I can!', spinning smartly on his heel and marching up the footpath. Felix scrambled after him, grinning happily. Quentin shrugged and quickly strode off after the goblin and gnome.

Meredith grumbled, uncrossing her arms and gesturing for Elowyn and Aurianna to follow,

"We might as well get this over with." She groused. Elowyn sighed and nodded. The quicker they all got there, the quicker they could escape again.

The trees swayed in the strengthening wind. Just because it was eternally summer here didn't mean the weather was always pleasant. Especially this close to the coast. And especially when Deep Sachellas was done with his siblings' antics.

[aquadestinyswriting]

How Far We've Come

Summary: A quick look back at how all the main adventurers started their journeys in Destiny's New Servants to how they ended it.

Words: 936

Tags: @druidx @homesteadchronicles @flashfictionfridayofficial @asher-orion-writes,@warriorbookworm, @odysseywritings, @blind-the-winds, @thesorcerersapprentice,@writeblrcafe, @ashiru, @writeblrcafe

Warnings: None

Notes: These vignettes are quite short and I didn't include Aurianna or 'Arry as they're technically side characters. Thannan was also left out because he joined the group so late, he never got a chance to get much development (also... word count)

Celestia still resounded with the sounds of battle as the last of the demons and assorted gods of domains antithetical to the plane were pushed back to their homes. 

Standing on the edge of a small crater near the shore of the celestial sea were the heroes who had made such a victory possible. Each looked to the others, marvelling at what they had all managed to accomplish in the relatively short time they'd been working with one another. Each of them thought back over the journey they had been on, reflecting on the people they used to be and the heroes that they had become since.

Elowyn

Elowyn cast around frantically for a way to get above the crowd for a better view of what was going on. There were times that being a woodling was a detriment, and this was one of those times. She taps Alphonse’s leg,

“Let me get up there. I need to see what’s going on and try to get these people to calm down.” she tells him. Alphonse shrugs and allows the shorter woman to clamber onto her shoulders. As she starts to order people to evacuate in a more orderly manner, she spots, out of the corner of her eye, two hulking figures storming up the canal, throwing boats and barges to either side as they go.

~*~

Elowyn shook her head at Ionah’s words to her,

“Not naiive, just ever optimistic in some twisted sense. I can’t help but remember how things might have gone. I don’t know you well - I didn’t get a chance - but I know that, at some point, there was Goodness in you. Nobody is so far gone that they can’t come back, not even you.” Ionah laughed at her,

“I was damned a lang time ago. I just simply chose to embrace it.”

Elowyn could barely believe what she was hearing. She truly believed that no one was beyond saving at this point, but how could she get through to someone so broken?

Meredith

Meredith glowered at the ash that was the ghoul who had interrupted her quiet drink. She glances over to the watch officers who had caught the creature, who were having a heated discussion about the woodling going into the sewers alone. She motions to the pile of ash,

"Seein' as that one was headin' doon there, I might as well come with." She said, "There's never just the one, and ye'll want a cleric to help deal with them." She offered. 

~*~

Meredith breathed a sigh of relief as Elowyn coughed raspily and held out her hand,

“I’m so glad that’s so much nicer than the last time I died.” the currently polymorphed woodling wheezes. Meredith chuckles as she pulls her friend to her feet,

“Ye didn’t get any time, hen.” she quips, rounding on the the remaining demons with an angry snarl.

Felix

Felix wrapped his arms around his knees and hugged them tightly. If only he had been strong enough to actually cast anything useful, then maybe Elowyn wouldn't be…. The gnomish man choked back his sobs. Self pity wasn't going to get them anywhere, but what could he possibly do that would be helpful?

~*~

Felix stared at the ginormous pyroclastic dragon and the drakes flying in front of it. The gnomish sorcerer smiled slowly as he cast his spell and began to speak,

“No! You’re the one who should tremble, because I am YOUR DOOM!”

Harbinger reeled back, his scales cracking under the unexpected force projected from so small a creature. Felix's grin widened further as all three draconic creatures fell out of the sky.

Quentin

Quentin yelps in alarm as a sword point is almost driven through his midsection by the woodling woman he had been quietly trying to make his way past,

“Hey, hold on, I’m a friend!” he exclaims, only to receive an annoyed glare from the woman and several of her companions. He bows his head, keeping his arms raised,

“Apologies, an introduction is in order. Quentin Goldenrose, tracker and scout at your service.”

~*~

Quentin groans as his friends are regaled about stories of his youth by his sister,

“Seriously, why do you insist on doing this?” he asks plaintively. Elowyn shrugs as she takes another bite of food,

“It’s an older sibling thing.” she replies, “Just relax and enjoy this. We probably won’t get another chance to do it again for quite a while.” she points out. Quentin quirks an eyebrow at the woodling woman, but can’t find any fault with her assessment.

Snotgrut

Snotgrut frowns in confusion as Elowyn speaks to the goblins the group had captured the previous night. Second chances? What on earth would these idiots do with a second chance? He stays quiet, observing the situation. He doesn't quite understand what the woodling wants to happen, but it seems to be working… kind of. Maybe there's something to this 'mercy' thing.

~*~

Snotgrut hefted out the sword he'd acquired when he'd last visited Arborea. Now that the plainly evil half of him had been destroyed, it didn't seem right to hold onto it any more. The goblin glanced up at the blade and froze. It was glowing.

"Was it doing that before?" Felix asked innocently. Snotgrut whimpered,

"No." He replied, voice small, "It's never done that before." His ears drooped as he continued staring at the blade, the slow realisation of what the Emerald Dragon had 'gifted' him with finally sinking in.

The adventurers smiled at one another, they’d all come a long way. Now it was time to hang up their weapons and get some well deserved rest.

[aquadestinyswriting]

WIP Series: Destiny's New Servants- Fangthane's Folly Edition

This is a masterpost of all the writing to do with the Destiny's New Servants campaign from Meredith's perspective as well as the side stories of things that happened 'offscreen'.

Genres- High Fantasy, drama, angst, new adult

Themes-  Corruption and abuse of power, Religious schisms and the politics involved, crisis of faith, racism and xenophobia, classism, growing up, good and evil, family (both biological and found)

Synopsis:  Fangthane has stood as the shining beacon of dwarven-kind upon Titan for millenia, but the aftermath of the Demon Wars ten years ago has left the city-state with wounds that have only barely begun to heal. Unfortunately, there are those both within and without that would see the mountain crumble. Relations with the city-state of Toreguarde have been fraught since the Drakemari Empire became involved in its construction, but things have been more or less amicable until recently. With the rise of the dread Necromancer, Darkhide, problems both old and new are threatening to ignite a war that Fangthane can barely cope with.

In the midst of all of this, a young cleric of Moradin must attempt to navigate the lies and treachery of her own people to uncover the truth at the centre of all this madness. Whether anyone wishes to listen to said truth… well that’s another matter entirely.

Main Characters

Meredith Gruksdottir: The young cleric in question. Sent to Toreguarde to permanently seal up the Hellmouth under the wizard's tower, now she needs to sort out fact from fiction before a schism tears her people apart.

Jotunn Ragnarsson: The High Priest of Moradin in Fangthane, who is trying to seek out the evil that has taken root within the mountain. All the while, navigating the delicate politics involved in preventing his people from going to war against Toreguarde.

Yoruk Copperheart: Meredith’s fiancé. He has recently returned from overseas, only to find things have gone horribly wrong in his absence.

Ionah Copperheart: Yoruk’s mother. Seeking to gain power by any means necessary.

Skarld Firetome: Recently elected Archlector. Has his own agenda, contradictory to the religion he claims to follow

Garl Grimbeard: Recently elected High Inquisitor. A slimy sort who, like Firetome, has his own agenda very much contradictory to the religion he claims to follow. Has a massive grudge against Meredith and her friends.

Side Characters

Elowyn O'Toreguarde: One of Meredith's travelling companions, and her closest friend and confidant. Started out as a rogue-trained officer of the Toreguarde Watch, has since been ordained as a paladin by the Powers That Be.

Aurianna Aurum Filiae: Elowyn's paladin mount. A young gold dragon that typically disguises herself as a small, golden kitten.

Felix Parker-Tinker: Another of Meredith's travelling companions. A gnome sorceror who likes to make undergarments after discovering a talent for it. Is extremely happy-go-lucky and never seems to get angry. This unnerves people.

Darius Wesker: Human sorceror, aged 16 years old, or thereabouts. Is basically Merri and Elowyn's baby brother during the time that he travels with them.

Quentin Goldenrose: Elf ranger with a cougar as an animal companion to start with. Is the party's tracker and scout. Loyal and steadfast, he likes to tease Meredith quite a bit.

Enezeage: Half Orc monk. Isn't too much taller than Felix and is broader than he is tall. The muscle of the group. He doesn't say much, but he lets his fists do most of the talking for him.

Olin Starhammer: High Priest of the Temple of Moradin in Toreguardde. Is basically Merri's honourary granddad.

Stories (in roughly chronological order)

The Adventure Begins

Fight or Flight AO3

An Unusual Discussion AO3

Puzzle of the Heart AO3

A Promise Kept AO3

How to Resurrect a God AO3

A Little Chat AO3

The Darkhide Arc

Slipping of the Mask AO3

Cracking the Anvil AO3

On The Edge AO3

The Hand That Wields AO3

Broken Soul AO3

Letting Go AO3

Fangthane's Folly

A Hero's Respite AO3

Where Secrets Lie AO3

Splitting the Anvil AO3

Keeping Faith AO3

Truth's Embers AO3

Fire Hollowed Souls AO3

Eye of the Storm AO3

An Solas as Gràdhaiche

The Anvil's Fall

The Anvil's Fall AO3

Trapped in the Dark AO3

Bitter Truths, Sweet Lies AO3

The End Game

Hell and Back AO3

End Game AO3/How it Ends AO3

A Long Overdue Conversation AO3

Tag list (dm for +/-): @druidx

[druidx]

Incorrect quote tag game!

Tagged by @corkythewriteblr, about this time last year

Rules: use this quote generator & list as many quotes as you like using characters from your WIPs, then tag as many people as quotes you listed.

I decided to do all these from the Fighting Fantasy World of Titan because of that the last 'find the word tag' I did. Also, I'm popping the taglist up here cuz it says do as many quotes as tagees and so this is gonna get long.

Tagging: @strosmkai-rum @spacetimewraithwrites @wildswrites @tetrodotoxincs @odysseywritings @ayzrules @morganwriteblr @my-writblr @bexminx @writingingraves @dreamwishing @aalinaaaaaa @wardenoftheabyss @pleaseloathemyveryexistence @jaguarthecat

Also tagging @aquadestinyswriting because she'll get a kick out of these.

Random criminal: I really like this whole ‘good guy, bad guy’ thing you guys have going on. Farren: It’s not an act, it’s just that I’m mean and Elowyn isn’t

----

Elo: Hey, Yoruk, can I get some dating advice? Yoruk: Just because I'm with Merri doesn't mean I know how I did it.

----

Elo: I prevented a murder today. Aurianna: Really? How’d you do that? Elo: self control.

----

Snotgrut: I think I'm having a mid-life crisis. Farren: You're like 15 years old Snotgrut: I MIGHT DIE AT 30!

----

Elo: How did none of you hear what I just said? Thazar: I’ve been zoned out for the past two and a half hours. Strucker: I got distracted about halfway through. Schreiber: Ignoring you was a conscious decision.

---

Elo: On a scale from “damn Daniel” to “fre sha vaca do”, how are you feeling? Farren: In between “it’s an avocado, thanks” and “how did you defeat Captain America”, but as a solid answer I would say “I don’t need a degree to be a clothing hanger”. How about you, Milli? Milli: Probably “road work ahead”. Snotgrut: I speak many languages, and this is none of them.

---

Elo: This is a mistake Felix, enthusiastically: A mistake we're going to laugh about one day! Elo: But not today Felix, still enthusiastic: Oh, no. Today's going to be a mess

----

Elo: I learned some very valuable lessons from this. Strucker: I’m guessing they are all horrible distortions on the lessons you actually should’ve taken away. Elo: Death isn’t real, and I’m basically God.

----

Elo: I slept for almost 12 hours but I might still be tired so lets go for 12 more just incase. Farren: Elo, that's a coma. Elo: Sounds festive.

----

Merri: I was arrested for being too cool. Snotgrut: The charges were dropped due to a lack of supporting evidence.

----

Felix: Whaddya call a fish with no eye? Snotgrut, not looking up: Myxine Circifrons Felix: Felix: fsh

----

Snotgrut: Okay. I get it. You've had a really hard time lately, you're stressed out, seven people died- Elo: Twelve, actually. Snotgrut: Not the point. Look, they're dead now and really whose fault is that? Elo: Yours! Snotgrut: That's right: no one's.

----

*Quentin and Felix are doing something absurdly dangerous* Felix: I think Houdini did something like this once! Why, if I recall correctly, he was out of the hospital in no time! Quentin, deadpan: Well that's encouraging.

----

Elo: Snotgrut, keep an eye on Schreiber today. He's going to say something to the wrong person and get punched. Snotgrut: Sure, I’d love to see Schreiber get punched. Elo: Try again. Snotgrut, sighing: I will stop Schreiber from getting punched.

----

*Squad reactions to being told ‘I love you’* Enezeag: Thanks fam! Elo: oh no Felix: *cries* I love you too Snotgrut: Sounds fake but okay Laurence: *A flustered mess* Quentin: can i get a refund

----

Felix: Everytime I hear someone talking about updog, I’m torn between not wanting to fall for it and wanting to help them complete their joke. Aurianna: Okay, but what is updog? Enezeag: Updog is a long sausage in a bun, often served with ketchup, mustard, onions, and/or relish. Snotgrut: Not, that’s a hot dog. An updog is when a new version or patch of an application is released. Quentin: No, that's an update. You’re thinking of the fourth largest city in Sweden. Snotgrut: Surely, that’s Uppsala, where’s updog is the giant spider in Harry Potter. Felix: That’s Aragog. Updog is a symbol conventionally used for an arbitrarily small number in analysis proofs. Laurence: You’re thinking of epsilon. Updog is an upward-moving air current. Snotgrut: No, that’s an updraft. An updog is the modern version of a henway. Aurianna: What’s a henway?? Felix: Oh, about five pounds.

[aquadestinyswriting]

The Trouble with Cultists

It’s been a bit over three years since Ragnarok was averted and Meredith has settled into her role as High Inquisitor of Fangthane. It’s a job she thoroughly enjoys as she still gets to get out into the field. Unfortunately there are a couple of issues regarding that right now.

Word count: 7,150 so a bit of a doozy

A little something to end the year with, and one that’s not all doom and gloom for a change.

Warnings: there’s a kidnapping attempt, some relatively mild bad language and if the idea of being pregnant squicks you out, I really don’t recommend reading.

Meredith sat back and rubbed her eyes tiredly as she finished looking over the latest reports from the various Inquisitors that were stationed in the outlying dwarven settlements. She grumbled a little as she picked up the slate that was at the top of the stack and scanned through it again,

“Looks like I’ll need to have words wi’ the Wardens o’er in Shielbourne aboot how to recognise a bloody cult when they see it.” She looked up as someone tapped on the door,

“Who’s it?” she called, picking up another slate from a different stack. 

“Just me, yer Eminence. Got yer first mug o’ bloc for the day.” The familiar voice of Meredith’s personal assistant, Mairead replied. Meredith smiled to herself as the other cleric let herself in and placed a mug on the desk directly in front of her.

“Ta Mairead.” Meredith said, still scanning the slate in her hand. The High Inquisitor’s brow furrowed, “D’ye think ye could get a hold o’ Captain Darbek for me?” she asked. The other dwarf cocked her head to one side,

“The Major o’ the 6th Chapter ma’am?” she asked, “Dare I ask why?” Meredith stroked at her beard thoughtfully,

“Apparently someone’s seen somethin’ a bit more dodgy than normal.” she replied, “It’s probably nowt to worry about, but seein’ as the main entrance to the deep roads are down there, it’s best to check.” Mairead nodded and scribbled the request down at the bottom of the slate she held in her arms,

“I’ll get on that as soon as possible ma Lady.” she adjusted her grip on it slightly, “I thought I’d remind ye that ye have that meetin’ with Vynheim’s High Inquisitor at half past the ninth hour.” she added, shaking a stray strand of blonde hair out of her face. Meredith nodded and reached for the mug of block coffee,

“Ta fer the reminder, was there anythin’ else major on today?” she asked, taking a small swig of her drink. Mairead clicked her tongue,

“Aside from the usual briefing wi’ the High Council at the thirteenth hour and yer monthly chat wi’ the Archlector…” the younger dwarf paused, seeing Meredith’s nose wrinkle as she placed the mug back on the desk, “Everythin’ alright yer Eminence?” Meredith gestured to the mug,

“The block must be goin’ aff. It’s fine, I’ll get myself another one once I’ve looked over the rest o’ these reports.” Mairead frowned slightly,

“As ye wish.” she muttered, “As I was sayin’; ye’ve got yer monthly chat with the Archlector at a quarter past the fourteenth hour. After that ye have the rest o’ the afternoon to finish off the Quarterly report fer the King and Captain o’ the Kingsguard.” Meredith groaned,

“As if I didn’t have enough on ma plate.” she groused, “I ken they’re important, but that doesn’t make them any less boring to write.” Mairead nodded sympathetically,

“I’ll make sure ye’re no’ disturbed while ye work on it.” she stated, “Did ye want an extra half hour before the daily brief?” she asked. Meredith sighed,

“Make it a quarter.” she replied, “The lads and lassies that were working o’er in Shielbourne will be waitin’ for a debrief. I’d rather no’ keep them longer than I have to.”  Mairead nodded,

“I’ll let them ken.” she said, hefting the stack of slates in her arms into a more comfortable position, “Ye need anythin’ else, ye ken to shout.” Meredith waved the assistant off with a distracted mutter as she read through a roll of parchment she had just unfurled. The other dwarf shrugged and left the High Inquisitor to her work, informed the visitors that Her Eminence would be with them shortly and wandered to the bar to see about getting a fresh mug of coffee for her boss.

~*~

Meredith sighed as she got back to her desk and practically collapsed into the chair. The debrief hadn’t taken as long as she thought it would, the lack of overt activity was something of a blessing there, but the dwarven woman had found herself flagging in the last five minutes. She noted the fresh mug of coffee, along with a note. Meredith picked the note up in one hand and the mug in another.

‘Padraig made this up from the freshest block he had available for you. He’s going to check and make sure the cupboard hasn’t gotten damp in it. Mairead.’

Meredith smiled, while she had insisted that she could manage herself when she took on the job, she had to admit that having a personal assistant wasn’t such a bad thing. As Meredith lifted the mug to take a swig of the coffee however, the smell of the brew suddenly hit her and she felt her stomach turn. Merri quickly placed the mug down on the desk and took a slightly shaky breath. She frowned as she stared at the mug, 

“That’s weird.” she muttered, “Must just be a reaction to the bad mug from earlier.” Meredith tried to ignore the continued twisting of her gut as she glanced over to the calendar that was on the nearby wall next to the large timekeeper and drummed her fingers on the desk as she thought. She quickly checked the timekeeper, there was another hour before her meeting with Vynheim’s High Inquisitor. Nodding to herself, Meredith grabbed her cloak and threw it over her shoulders as she exited her office,

“Mairead! I’m popping over to the main Cathedral for a half hour, if anything urgent comes up direct folk there.” she called. Mairead looked up from her own desk and nodded,

“O’ course ma Lady.” she called back. Meredith nodded to the other dwarves that were huddled into small groups discussing their work. Those who were paying attention nodded back or waved as the High Inquisitor exited the small building and walked across the busy street to the Cathedral proper, deftly dodging people and carts and ponies on her way. As soon as she reached the door of the Cathedral, Meredith felt her stomach heave. She managed to swallow the sensation down, but had to stop and lean against the frame momentarily. One of the paladins standing guard at the door quickly made his way over and laid a hand on Meredith’s shoulder,

“Are ye alright ma lady?” he asked, his features creased with concern. Meredith nodded and straightened,

“Aye, aye, I’m alright.” she muttered, waving her hand somewhat dismissively, “D’ye think ye can get a message to Sister Imraksdottir and tell her that I want to have a word?” The paladin looked over to his companion, who nodded, saluted and hurried off into the massive building. He turned back to Meredith,

“Beggin’ yer pardon yer Eminence, but I think I’d better escort ye down.” he said, holding up his hands as Meredith glared at him, “No offense, but ye dinna look a hunner percent and the Chapter Master’ll have ma head if he kent I let ye wander off on yer own like this.” Meredith grumbled but acquiesced,

“Seriously, ye get a new job and have to deal with a coupla kidnapping attempts and suddenly ye canna be trusted to take care o’ yersel’.” she muttered. The Paladin gave her a small smile as he walked alongside the shorter dwarf,

“I imagine that it is a little frustrating for someone who is used to much more independence.” he noted as the two of them walked through the crowds of clerics, paladins and worshippers, “Unfortunately, the folks up top are a wee bit jumpy at the minute. Rather not lose yet another official, aye?” Meredith snorted as the pair made their way down past the main vestibule and the bar and towards the infirmary, trying to ignore the flips her stomach was doing.

Sister Imraksdottir met the two dwarves at the door to the infirmary. She looked the High Inquisitor up and down for a moment and clucked her tongue,

“Well, let’s get ye in and have a look.” she said. The older woman turned to the paladin, “Ta fer escortin’ her down here. I hope she wasn’t too much bother?” she asked. The paladin smirked,

“No Sister, Her Eminence here might have complained aboot the need fer an escort at first, but she did eventually acquiesce.” Meredith grumbled some more,

“I’m right here, ye ken.” she muttered. Sister Imraksdottir looked over to the much younger dwarf with a more motherly smile,

“I ken it’s frustratin’ hen, but it’s fer yer own safety.” she said, “Let’s get ye checked o’er an’ see what’s goin’ on, eh?” The paladin saluted the two clerics and promptly left to go back to his post. Sister Imraksdottir led Meredith into the Infirmary and into a more private room, handing the young dwarf a bucket as she did. Meredith gratefully took the object and hugged it as she sat down. The Hospitaler sat down opposite her and cocked her head,

“So what’s goin’ on? While I can tell ye obviously have a nasty case o’ nausea, I’m no’ a mind reader.” she reminded the other dwarf. Meredith sighed, trying her best to quell the churning in her stomach,

“To be perfectly honest, aside from feeling sick as o’ this mornin’, I’ve been completely knackered fer around the last two weeks or so. Yoruk has to keep poking me awake to have ma dinner.” Meredith wrinkled her nose, “I’ve also gone off my mornin’ Bloc.” she half-whined. Sister Imraksdottir raised an eyebrow at this,

“Have ye now?” she asked lightly, getting up and rummaging around in a cupboard off to one side. “I take it that started this mornin’ along with the…” she stopped and sighed as she heard the sound of Meredith finally giving in and throwing up into the bucket, “...bein’ sick.” she finished. Meredith groaned,

“I really canna be daein’ wi’ this the day.” she groused, “The High Inquisitor from Vynheim is here fer our usual monthly meetin’ at half past nine. I canna exactly go missin’ that.” Sister Imraksdottir clucked her tongue, the burly dwarf finally finding what she was after and turning back to Meredith,

“Well, I canna say for certain that ye’ll be fine to go, but given what ye’ve telt me so far, ye might be able to if we can get ye to keep the rest o’ yer breakfast doon.” She set about making what Meredith presumed was some sort of tea. After a few moments of faffing around, the Hospitaler handed the younger woman a mug of steaming liquid,

“Get that down yer throat then we’ll have a look.” she said, bustling around for a pair of gloves and some other sundries. Meredith squinted at the beverage, it smelled innocent enough. Shrugging, the High Inquisitor took a large gulp and wrinkled her nose at the taste,

“Ugh, why does everythin’ good fer yer have to taste so revoltin’?” she muttered. Sister Imraksdottir looked over her shoulder,

“Because that’s how ye ken it works.” she replied, turning back to her search, “The rest o’ it should taste a bit better, the valerian root floats while the nettles and mint sink to the bottom.” Meredith frowned at the mug for a moment before heaving a sigh and downing the rest of the tea. She hummed in relief as the quaking of her stomach quelled. Sister Imraksdottir reappeared in front of her and gestured for the younger dwarf to lie down. Meredith did as she was bid and allowed Sister Imraksdottir to get on with her work. The older dwarf hummed as she gently pressed her hands over Meredith’s stomach,

“Any pain?” she asked, her voice clipping slightly. Meredith shook her head,

“None.” she confirmed. The Sister nodded and helped Meredith sit back up,

“This one’s a wee bit more personal, but I get the feelin’ ye ken it’s comin’.” she noted sardonically, “D’ye remember when yer last moon was?” Meredith fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve nervously,

“Aboot a month and a half ago.” she replied, trying to ignore the fact that her heart rate had just skyrocketed. Sister Imraksdottir raised an eyebrow and quirked a smile,

“Well then,” she said, handing the young dwarf a small jug, “might as well get this over with. There’s a water closet just down the hall.” she said, pointing towards the door. Meredith took the jug and scurried out the door. For her part, Sister Imraksdottir simply shook her head with a small chuckle and poured out a couple of small beers from a nearby barrel while she waited.

~*~

Meredith watched with a somewhat more curious expression as the Sister checked things over. While she had some idea of what was going on, she hadn’t learned all too much about the intricacies of Hospitaling, what with the apparently Divine Mission to go and save Toreguarde and all. Eventually the Sister nodded and turned around, handing Meredith the small beer she had put aside, with a broad smile,

“Well that settles it.” she stated, “Looks like ye’re gonna be a mammy in aboot… the sandy-haired dwarf paused as she did some quick calculations, “...8 months, give or take.” Meredith sat, processing the news. She examined her feelings about it carefully as she considered what she wanted to do now. A mixture of warm fuzziness and fear battled with one another for a moment, but eventually the warm fuzzies won out. It wasn’t like it was a bad time to be a mother. Things were relatively quiet and Yoruk always did have a soft spot for babies and young beardlets...

“It might have happened faster than I’d anticipated,” she said, “but I canna say the surprise is an unpleasant one.” Sister Imraksdottir beamed at her,

“I’m glad to hear it.” she said, “Ye can, o’ course, tell Yoruk straight away. No doubt he’ll be delighted to hear the news. As fer the rest o’ yer family, I'd wait another month or so, just to be safe.” Meredith nodded,

“That makes sense. I think ma mother said somethin’ along those lines a while back.” She thought for a moment, “What aboot work?” she asked, suddenly very aware of the fact that she very well couldn’t go out into the field once she started obviously showing. Sister Imraksdottir looked the younger dwarf over for a moment,

“Given that ye’re young, fit an’ healthy, I don’t see only reason to worry overmuch aboot that.” she replied, “Ye should be good to continue workin’ oot in the field until ye’re aboot 4 or 5 months along. Whether anyone will let ye is another matter.” she added, giving Meredith a pointed look. Meredith sighed,

“Aye, I’ve already had to fend off suggestions that ma role should be an entirely administrative one given the recent kidnappin’ attempts.” She snorted derisively, “They backed off when I pointed out that I’d managed to get oot ma own trouble with no problem, and would they like a demonstration o’ such?” The Hospitaler ran a hand down her beard,

“All I can do is make ma recommendations, hen. Given yer own history and that o’ yer mother, I will be wantin’ to see ye a bit more often than most but, for the moment, I don’t foresee any major issues.” Meredith crossed her arms over her chest and groused a little. She’d had enough of seeing the inside of the infirmary as a child,

“How often is ‘more often than most’?” 

“Once a month until ye’re aboot seven months along, then every two weeks after that.” The Sister gave the High Inquisitor a hard stare, “Given yer station on top o’ that, I’m not gonna negotiate that with ye.” she added firmly.  Meredith deflated,

“I suppose I’d better just put up with that.” she muttered, “Is there anythin’ else I should know at this point?” she asked, glancing at the timekeeper on the opposite wall. Sister Imraksdottir handed the Inquisitor a package,

“For the mornin’ sickness. Other than that, keep an eye out fer anythin’ that might seem off or concerning. Ye have any questions or worries, ye can pop in at any time. Either myself or one o’ the other Sisters will be more than happy to help ye out.” Meredith nodded, slid off the bed and bowed politely to Sister Imraksdottir,

“Thank ye fer yer help, Sister. I really ought to be goin’ though. I’ve no time to cancel that meeting with the High Inquisitor o’ Vynheim.” she said. The older dwarf simply smiled,

“It wis no bother, hen. I’m assuming yer meetin’ is elsewhere in the Cathedral?” she asked. Meredith shook her head,

“It’s back o’er the road in ma office this time.” she replied, “If it’ll make ye feel better, I’ll ask the Chapter Master fer an escort on my way past his office.” she added, rolling her eyes at the look Sister Imraksdottir was giving her. Sister Imraksdottir nodded,

“Good. I’m sorry, Merri, but ye are very much a priority target and if the rumours aboot the underpass are true…” Meredith sighed,

“I ken. I’ll see you again soon, Sister.” she said, bowing again and finally making her way out of the Infirmary and towards the Temple Guard offices.

~*~

Meredith sighed and stretched as she opened the door to her house. It had been a long, busy day and the news that Vynheim and Kar Kherril had seen some increases in activity that pointed towards cultists certainly did not help any. She took off her shoes and wandered into the sitting room,

“Maybe I ought to have an hour’s kip afore Yoruk gets home.” she muttered to herself, “Throff only knows I actually want to spend a bit o’ time with him.'' The High Inquisitor, however, paused momentarily. She didn’t know why, but something felt off, and it wasn’t her stomach doing flip-flops for no reason. Meredith frowned and looked around the cosy room, checking every shadow left by the furniture at least twice before huffing in exasperation,

“Ach, Yoruk’s paranoia must be rubbin’ off on me.” she grumbled, “But it looks like I’m no’ having that nap after a’.” Instead, Meredith wandered into the kitchen, pulling the package Sister Imraksdottir had given her earlier from a pocket in her vestments and placed it on the kitchen table. She set about lighting the lamps before checking the coal in the fireplace, lighting a stick of firestarter and placing it into the grate. Meredith had just given the coals a poke as the hair on the back of her neck stood up. The Inquisitor glanced cautiously behind her. There was nothing there. At least nothing that was attempting to hide via illusion magic like the last idiot that had tried tricking her. Slowly, Meredith got up and dusted off her vestments,

“I ken ye’re there.” she called, “Gonna give ye some credit fer being smarter than the last sorry lot, but ye’re still gonna have to do better than that.” She quickly sent a silent prayer to her Gods then attempted to cast Dispel Magic in the area directly behind her. Meredith grunted as she felt her spell being Countered,

“Oh don’t worry my dear Reverend Inquisitor,” a voice hissed from somewhere next to the cold storage, “I can assure you that we’re much smarter than that.” The voice was speaking, oddly, in Infernal and not Abyssal as Meredith had assumed. Still, the auburn-haired dwarf managed to keep her composure,

“Still no’ smart enough.” she countered, narrowing her eyes and aiming a Silence spell in the direction the voice had come from. Luckily, it seemed like the individual had come too close to properly dispel or counter this one, as Meredith heard a growl immediately to her left,

“Vash Fe’lak. You’re going to pay for that you little whore.” another voice hissed, this one also speaking in Infernal. Meredith quickly moved towards the kitchen table, unhooking her mace from her belt,

“I really wish you cultist types would come up with something more imaginative.” she muttered, “As it is, I really dinna have time fer this the day, so why don’t ye just give up already?” A third voice chuckled darkly from near the back door, this time in Common,

“Oh I don’t think so.” they replied. Meredith didn’t react quickly enough to the sound of movement on her right side and quickly felt a cloth covering her mouth,

<<å, faen.>>   She thought as consciousness slipped away at the first breath.

~*~

When Meredith came to, she noticed that wherever her kidnappers had taken her was both cold and damp. She groaned as she felt her stomach flip again,

“Oh, dinna start this again.” she muttered. Swallowing down her nausea, Meredith noticed that she had been bound and shackled. The Inquisitor frowned as she looked the manacles around her wrists over, “These look like…” her musings were cut short as a voice piped up from the gloom in front of her,

“Finally awake are we?” it tittered, “You’re a hard one to try and catch you know.” Meredith snorted,

“I do try no’ to make a habit of bein’ kidnapped, but fer some reason wee idiots like you and whoever ye’re workin’ fer seem to have taken a likin’ fer divine punishment.” she retorted. The voice tittered again,

“Ah, see, my boss ain’t exactly your typical cultist.” the voice said, giggling maniacally, “He knows exactly what you are and what you can do. That’s why he made sure we took some special precautions.” The High Inquisitor raised an eyebrow,

“I noticed.” she said dryly, wincing as she tried to use Detect Evil and only earning a headache and another swell of nausea for her trouble.

“I’ll grant ye this much, yer boss is certainly smarter than most o’ the folk that try this nonsense. How about ye tell me who he is and what he wants wi’ me?”

“How about we don’t.” a smooth voice replied as an elf dressed in elaborate robes and carrying a staff made of what appeared to be Chestnut sat down on a nearby rock, “And, Krex, I’d advise that you don’t keep trying to antagonise our guest. Our master wants her in one piece, and I really don’t have the money to feed her healing potions if she tries anything stupid.” Meredith stayed silent for a few moments, contemplating what the elf had just said. If whoever this ‘master’ was wanted her whole, then clearly the people with her at the moment wouldn’t want to risk hurting her. This was good news. What wasn’t, however, was the fact that this person (whoever they were) was smart enough to acquire anti-magic manacles. Ignoring the swell of panic in her breast, Meredith turned to the elf and gingerly tried to turned on her Detect Evil ability again. There was a flash of slightly too-dark pink before it vanished, the manacles quickly suppressing the ability. She felt her stomach turn again, but tried to ignore it and cocked her head,

“Look, I get that this master o’ yers wants me alive for whatever reason, but I’d really think aboot lettin’ me go.” Meredith told the elf, “Besides which, I never got yer name.” The elf looked down his nose at her, his icy blue eyes piercing into Meredith’s darker ones. He shrugged,

“I suppose some formalities are in order given who and what you are.” he agreed. He inclined his head towards Meredith, “Amrauth Lunasword, at your service, Reverend Inquisitor.” he pointed lazily to a patch of magical darkness, “The annoying little Imp hiding in his shadows is Krex, the goblin that’s asleep on your other side is Da’anas Grizzlash and our resident bard is Ferri Starbrook. He’s gone off to get us something to make a fire with.” he explained. Meredith frowned,

“Ye’re from Mythrilmar?” she asked. Amrauth nodded, “What’re ye doin’ consortin’ wi’ devils and the like? Far as I remember, Fangthane is at least on neutral terms.” The elf shrugged,

“We elves have memories as long as the dwarves, and my people are not exactly forgiving of those who would interfere in our affairs.” he replied, “However, given that the majority of the rest of the mountain stands against the Kaloth and we do not have the numbers to retake our rightful place, those of us who rail against a so-called friendship with the laughably short-lived people of the Pagan Plains made a deal. We hand you over to the master, and he’ll grant us the power necessary to take the Mythril Mountain once again.” Meredith sighed,

“That’s a stupid plan.” she said flatly. “If ye want to take potshots at the ones who ruined yer day, ye’re on the wrong side o’ the continent fer one.” Amrauth shrugged,

“All I know is that our master wanted you specifically. I’ve nothing against you, besides the obvious, but that’s rather by the by isn’t it?” Meredith snorted,

“Ye’ll no’ be sayin’ that when a whole regiment o’ Temple Guard comes doon on top o’ ye, along with a very unhappy Gryphon.” she retorted, “If I’ve got a good idea o’ where ye took me, then I can guarantee that others’ll have worked it out an’ all.” Meredith’s nose wrinkled as the smell of stale, salt air assaulted her with the breeze that came through the tunnel.

“You might wanna scoot over a bit Amrauth. The beardie’s gone green under all that hair.” Krex called out, mere seconds before Meredith turned her head to the side and threw up. Amrauth merely scooted over a few inches, as suggested, and looked down at the dwarf with a critical eye,

“Hmm, that complicates matters.” he muttered, “I do hope it’s nothing contagious.” 

“Ach, awa’ and bile yer heid.” Meredith shot back with a groan. The imp scuttled out of his patch of Darkness and peered at the dwarf closely. He was a dark purple-black colour with long, wicked claws on the ends of his hands and feet and his eyes were pitch black. Demonic wings sprouted from his back and his head resembled that of a tiny, ugly vulture. Krex’s eyes flashed a reddish-purple colour before he sat back on his haunches with an insane little giggle,

“How much more d’you reckon the boss’ll give us for getting him two hostages?” he cackled, looking up at Amrauth and rubbing his hands together. Meredith’s stomach dropped. Amrauth sent the imp a confused stare for a moment before he turned back to Meredith, a sadistic smile slowly crossing his face,

“Well now,” he stated, sitting back and steepling his fingers, “that does rather change things doesn’t it?” Meredith growled,

“If you think fer one minute…” she started before Amrauth waved a hand lazily,

“Oh we’re not going to do anything.” he said snidely, “This just made you all the more valuable is all.”  Meredith continued glaring at the elf, a swell of righteous and protective anger welling up in her chest. She futilely attempted to wrest her hands free from the manacles. Sod trying to play nice; if these people wanted to hand her and her growing baby to a devil then she would show them exactly why she had been made High Inquisitor at such a young age. Amrauth sighed,

“Krex, can you go and find Ferri. I’d rather not have our guest hurt herself before we hand her over.” The imp made a face, but complied and scampered off. Amrauth then turned his attention to the still sleeping goblin,

“Come on, get up! We need to move earlier than I thought.” The goblin snorted as he woke up,

“Wasgoinon?” she mumbled, “We under attack?” Amrauth sighed,

“No, you idiot. Our prisoner is kicking off and I don’t want to waste time finding someone to sell us some healing potions.” The goblin peered at Meredith as she placed a pair of crystal goggles on her head,

“Seriously lady, you need to chill out. We ain’t gonna kill ya or anythin’ stupid like that.” she said blithely as she stood up and stretched. Meredith growled at her,

“I’ll show ye chill oot…” Da’anas ignored the fuming dwarf and turned to her elf companion,

“Where’s Ferri?” she asked, “He get himself lost?” Amrauth shrugged and shook his silvery hair back,

“That’s entirely possible. The old shafts that were nearby are a bit of a maze. Hopefully he didn’t run out of oil…” Meredith tuned their conversation out as her temper guttered out. Her furious rage was now replaced by another, far more uncomfortable sensation. That of mild terror and panic. The Inquisitor took a shaky breath and sent a desperate prayer to both the Dwarf Father and Kherillim. Her heart rate slowled slightly as she felt the familiar warmth of either or both of the Gods’ presences around her. Amrauth turned his gaze back to Meredith,

“Hmm… we might want to see if we can find something that will take the edge off that nausea.” he muttered, “Can’t have you being sick while we’re travelling.” Meredith was about to tell him where he could shove his anti-nausea when she saw the fine features furrow into a frown. The elf turned back to his goblin companion, whose ears had drooped slightly,

“Uhh, Am. I think we got trouble heading this way.” she said shakily. Meredith leaned over so she could see past Amrauth’s slim frame as the sounds of war cries and the ‘clink’ of steel on steel could be heard coming down the tunnel. The Inquisitor’s heart soared as she heard the fighting come closer and she noticed the outline of the little imp scuttle back into the cavern,

“We got a problem!” he screeched, “They worked out where we are!” Amrauth scowled, 

“Really? Do tell.” he told the imp, sarcasm heavy in his voice, “Da’anas get our prisoner out of…” he never got a chance to finish as an arrow, fletched with brown and golden feathers pierced his throat. The elf fell to the floor with a gurgle. Meredith looked down the tunnel just in time to see a massive elk barrel into the cavern, a lithe elf dressed in well-kept leather armour and a forest green cloak riding it. He glanced over to Meredith with a smile,

“Good to see you again Merri. Let me just take care of anyone else that’s hanging around, then we can catch up.” The goblin, who had scurried over to Meredith’s side, raised her arms in surrender,

“Alright, you got me, just don’t shoot!” she yelped. Quentin stared the goblin down,

“Is there anyone else around we don’t know about?” he asked. The goblin shook her head furiously,

“There ain’t, I’m the last one ‘ere, I swear!” Quentin looked over to Meredith for confirmation,

“I’d be able to tell if she was lyin’ better if I didn’t have these on.” she pointed out, lifting her hands to show Quentin the shackles, “They’re a bit o’ an issue.” Quentin patted the dire moose on her neck,

“Maris, keep an eye on this one. Make sure she doesn’t try anything while my back is turned.” he said, glaring at the goblin, who simply gulped and stared at the Elk, who snorted into the leathery green face. Satisfied that Maris had everything in hand, Quentin hopped down from his perch and strode over to Meredith,

“Alright, let’s take a look at these.” he muttered. The ranger peered at the manacles for a few moments before huffing, “Huh, these guys were actually pretty smart.” he noted. Meredith rolled her eyes,

“Now, whatever gave ye that idea?” she asked sarcastically. “Just get these bloody things off. My wrists are startin’ to chafe.” Quentin snorted a laugh,

“Sure thing, Merri.” he said. Quentin looked over to the goblin, “Oi, you over there. Where’re the keys to these things?” he asked. Da’anas whimpered a little,

“Amrauth had ‘em.” she replied nervously, not taking her eyes off Maris, “I think he kept ‘em in a pouch on ‘is belt.” she added, pointing to the now corpse. Quentin nodded a brief thanks, strode over to the cooling body of Amrauth and rummaged around for a few moments. 

“Got ’em.” he said triumphantly, pulling out a set of ornate keys held on a ring of mythril. It took a few tries, but eventually Quentin found the right one and grinned as the lock clicked open. Meredith sighed in relief as she felt a rush of magic around her again as the manacles slipped off,

“Finally. It’s just a shame that there’s nothin’ around fer me tae smack aboot.” Quentin chuckled,

“Maybe next time.” he said, “In the meantime, let’s get you back home, eh?” Meredith nodded, rising from the cavern floor to stand, only to stumble and fall back on her bottom,

“A hand please?” she muttered in embarrassment, “Ma legs have gone to sleep.” Quentin took a hold of his old friend’s hand and pulled her upright,

“Maris will be more than happy to give you a ride back. I’ll get a hold of the goblin over there.” Da’anas’ ears flicked a little,

“I have a name you know.” she groused, crossing her arms. Quentin fixed her with a glare, which caused the goblin to flinch back,

“And at this point, I don’t care.” he stated firmly, “Just be glad I let you live after you helped kidnap my friend.” Meredith rubbed at her wrists before clambering up onto Maris’ back,

“If ye came down here with yer usual efficiency, then she’s the only one we’ve got to question.” the auburn-haired dwarf pointed out. Quentin snorted dismissively,

“Personally I wouldn’t want to bother, but since you’re the one in charge right now, I’ll keep my mouth shut.” Meredith gave the wood elf a small smile,

“I’ll ask why ye’re here and how ye found me later. Fer now, it’s damn good to see ye again Quentin.”  Quentin grinned back,

“Feeling’s mutual. Let’s get back to Fangthane and drop this idiot off with some of your Inquisitors, then we can go for a drink. I don’t know about you, but I could really go for one right now.” Meredith placed a hand on her stomach briefly and frowned thoughtfully,

“As much as I could do with one, I don’t think that’s such a good idea fer me right now.” She said. Quentin sent the dwarven woman a worried glance from where he was tying up Da’anas,

“That’s not like you.” he noted, “You ok?” Meredith nodded,

“Aye, it’s… just been a bit o’ a day, ye ken?” she replied tiredly. Quentin hummed doubtfully, but returned his attention to his task,

“If you say so. I’ll drop this little terror off at the Inquisition offices then I’ll get you back home. Yoruk’s been beside himself, he’ll be glad to see you home safe and sound.” Meredith stifled a yawn,

“Aye, ne doubt he’s got a tonne o’ the Temple guard takin’ up positions around the hoose. Silly laddie.” she mumbled. “If ye dinna mind, I’m gonna have a bit o’ a kip on the way back.” She never heard Quentin’s reply as she laid her head on the back of Maris’ neck and dozed off.

~*~

Meredith sighed and stretched as she blinked herself awake again, only to find that she had been tucked under a blanket on the couch in the sitting room, the smell of some sort of stew wafting in from the kitchen.

“Hey you, have a nice nap?” Quentin’s voice quipped from nearby. Meredith yawned and nodded sleepily,

“Aye, Maris makes fer a comfy pillow.” Quentin chuckled,

“She really does.” he agreed, “I’ll go let your husband know that you’re finally awake.” he said. Meredith pulled herself to a sitting position and braced herself. 

Yoruk was at her side almost immediately, concern written all over his handsome features,

“Finally! When I got word fi one o’ the neighbours that someone was hangin’ around the place…” Meredith held up a patient hand to stop him from rambling,

“I’m a’right, love.” she soothed, “I’m home, I’m hale and I’m safe.” Yoruk huffed through his beard,

“Be that as it may. Maybe now ye’ll actually agree to some security aboot the place?” he asked pointedly. “Especially since the folk after ye are startin’ to get smart aboot it.” he added. Meredith rolled her eyes and scoffed softly, but finally nodded,

“Aye, a’right.” she grumbled, “If only to stop everybody from pesterin’ me aboot it.” Quentin sat back down in the chair he had commandeered,

“As much as I hate to admit it Merri, Yoruk’ right. You’re not just an ex-adventurer who happened to save the world, you’re a statesperson.” he said, “I’m afraid to say that it makes you a very valuable target to those that want to cause trouble in the area.” Meredith glanced over to her elven friend,

“An’ what aboot you?” she asked, “Last I heard ye were gonna take o’er from yer faither.” Quentin made a slight face,

“I did, and I have a constant retinue of people following me around just to be safe.” he replied, “In fact, I’ve got about 5 Harriers as well as a small group of Rangers and Druids with me just for this visit.” he pointed out. His expression softened a bit, “I get it’s frustrating as all hell, but you’ll need to learn to put up with it. Meredith ignored the all-too satisfied look on Yoruk’s face,

“I suppose.” she muttered, “Doesn’t mean I’m gonna like it.” Quentin laughed,

“That’s the spirit!” he quipped, “Now, mind explaining why you’re suddenly against going out for drinks?” he asked. Yoruk’s head snapped around to look at his wife with a confused and slightly worried expression,

“Ghràdhaich?” he asked. Meredith cleared her throat and suddenly became incredibly interested in the motif on the sleeve of her vestments,

“Ah… well, there’s kinda somethin’ I need to tell ye.” she said, “Ye might want to sit doon first.” she suggested, glancing up at her husband. Yoruk frowned,

“Tell me whit?” he asked slowly. Quentin, in the meantime, cocked his head with a thoughtful expression on his face. After a moment, a grin started to make its way across it,

“You might want to take her advice there, Yoruk.” he suggested. Yoruk snorted,

“I think I kin handle whatever ye need to tell me while I’m standin’.” he retorted, narrowing his eyes a little as he regarded his wife. Meredith shrugged,

“Yer decision.” she said. The High Inquisitor fixed the paladin with a stare, though she had started smiling, “Ye’re gonna be a pappy.” she stated. Yoruk simply stared at his wife for a few moments, blinking owlishly,

“I’m… what now?” Meredith chuckled,

“Ye’re gonna be a faither, mo ghaol.” she repeated patiently. Yoruk nodded faintly,

“I thought that’s whit ye said.” he muttered before falling into a heap on the floor. Meredith huffed in irritation,

“Near-twiceling idiot.” she muttered affectionately. She glanced up to Quentin, “Mind pickin’ him up and gettin’ him on the couch fer me? I’ll go grab him a firewater for when he finally comes round.” Quentin nodded,

“Sure thing, Merri. Congratulations by the way.” he said, getting up and finding Yoruk’s arms so he could lift him properly. Meredith waved the comment off,

“Ye weren’t to ken fer another month or two, but ye kinda forced ma hand there.” she said, “If ye could keep yer mouth shut aboot it until I can tell everybody else I’d appreciate it.” she called as she walked into the kitchen and searched through the cupboards. Quentin shrugged to himself as he finally got Yoruk on the couch, with some difficulty,

“Yeah, that’s no problem.” he called back, “Most of the others are still in Toreguarde though aren’t they?” Meredith shook her head as she reappeared, a bottle of firewater and a few glasses in her hands,

“From whit I can mind, Elo, Aurianna and ‘Grut are still there, as is Felix, but I have no clue whaur Thannan vanished to and Harry’s gone off to Kar Kherril to complete his trainin’ as a druid and to act as the ‘Official Guardswolf’ fer the Emerald dragon.” she explained. Quentin hummed thoughtfully,

“So we’re a little bit scattered over the place then.” he noted, “Still, when you’re ready to tell everyone, give us a shout. I can probably send some messages off to the relevant people.”  he offered. Meredith nodded as she poured out two shots of firewater and handed one of the glasses to Quentin,

“Ta fer the offer, but I think I’ll be alright. It’s no’ like getting a message to either Toreguarde or Kar Kherril is all that difficult.”  she pointed out. Quentin nodded,

“True, still, this is pretty exciting news.” he said, grinning again. Meredith sighed and shook her head with a small laugh,

“I’ll tell ye one thing, the wean’s no’ gonnae lack fer folk to fawn o’er them.” At this point, Yoruk groaned as he finally woke back up. Meredith leaned over him as tawny eyes blinked blearily open,

“What was that about no’ needin’ to sit down?” she asked sardonically. Yoruk bit back his retort and pulled himself to a sitting position,

“When…?” he asked. Meredith kissed him on the nose,

“I went to the Infirmary when I went off my mornin’ bloc.” she said, “Sister Imraksdottir confirmed ma suspicions this afore my meetin’ wi’ the High Inquisitor fer Vynheim.” Yoruk nodded slowly, a wide grin starting to spread across his face,

“I’m gonna be a pappy.” he giggled giddily. Meredith handed him the glass of firewater and sat back on her heels,

“Aye, that ye are.” she said, “Dinna go shoutin’ aboot it fi the rooftops yet, mind. It’s still another month or so afore we can breathe easy aboot it.” Yoruk’s giddy grin dropped slightly, but he nodded,

“I’ll defer to yer judgement on that. Still though…” he trailed off as a thought occurred to him, “Ye gonna be alright fer work and a’ that?” he asked suddenly. Meredith sighed, slightly impatiently, but held her temper in check as she nodded,

“I’ve a’ready talked aboot a’ that wi’ Sister Imraksdottir. I should be completely fine to carry on with work.” she replied, “I might want to reschedule some o’ my meetin’s until the mornin’ sickness wears off, but that’s a wee thing to worry aboot.” Yoruk nodded slowly,

“Whit I will do then is see aboot getting some help wi’ the hoose.” Yoruk gave his wife a pointed look, “Ye might be a’right to work as far as the good Sister is concerned, but I’m no’ havin’ ye over-exertin’ yersel’.” he said firmly. Meredith nodded,

“I’ll no’ complain aboot that.” she said, “Still, I dinna need coddled. I’m pregnant, no’ an invalid.” she retorted. Quentin coughed politely,

“If I may,” he said, “You might want to hash all this out after I leave?” he suggested, “I might be here on business, but I still want the chance to spend time with you both.” Meredith looked over to the elven ranger, flushing slightly in embarrassment,

“Ach, ye’re right. I’m so sorry aboot that Quentin. We got a bit lost in the moment.” Quentin laughed a little,

“It’s quite alright.” he said genially, “Now then, are you going to tell me all the latest gossip or what?” he asked, rubbing his hands together. Meredith chuckled, found herself a seat and settled in while Yoruk simply shook his head and went to see to dinner. 

<<Might be an idea to have a word wi’ Uncle Groh aboot a constant guard.>> he thought to himself as he ladled the stew into several bowls and finished laying out the table.

[aquadestinyswriting]

A Quick Introduction to the rest of the Found Family

In between bouts of playing TES: Oblivion and various online versions of tabletop roleplays, I’ve been writing some pieces relating to earlier points in the Titan Fighting Fantasy adventure. Since the characters involved belong to other people I’ve not done full-on introductions to them. However, to provide context as to who these people are in the upcoming posts, I figured I may as well give you all a brief introduction to Meredith’s rag-tag group of friends that she hung around with for so long (and a few who turned up later)

Felix ‘Nosy-Parker’ Tinker: A Gnomish Sorceror turned Arcane Trickster. He’s a friendly and personable sort, almost to the point where it’s genuinely frightening for those not used to it. Felix never really intends to do any harm to those he frightens, but it can be unnerving to have someone be so unabashedly… nice when you’ve done horrible and terrible things. He is also somewhat obsessed with making things for the others, usually some form of underwear (this can be traced back to the Giant Dire Weasel Incident). While Felix can come across as not all that threatening due to his friendly demeanour, the little fellow is a powerful caster and not too shabby a shot with a crossbow. Since averting Ragnarok, he’s settled down with the love of his life and started a family (the first in the group to do so).

Darius Wesker: Darius was a young Human Sorcerer who followed the party as the baby of the group until his untimely demise at the hands of a type of flesh golem experiment. He was treated much like a younger brother by Elowyn and Meredith, who took it upon themselves to make sure the teenager was kept as safe as possible while travelling with them, so his death hit them particularly hard. Despite his young age, Darius was a powerful Sorceror, though being your typical teenaged young man he had a tendency to make poor decisions that landed him in a lot of trouble. This included; gaining the attention of some ne’er do wells connected to Darkhide, learning about the horrific things that exist just beyond the veil of reality and subsequently seeing them absolutely everywhere and finally, almost completely destroying a legal case against an Dwarven Ooze Master who had threatened to poison the whole of Toreguarde using ale and beer spiked with oozes to escalate the conflict between the dwarves and humans by using a Compulsion spell to get the confession out of the prisoner in question (luckily an actual confession was extracted from the fellow afterwards and Darius got a very stern talking to).

Quentin Goldenrose: An Elven Ranger Hailing from the Forest of Night near Mythrilmar. Quentin is a friendly man and loyal to his friends. He’s a practical fellow who enjoys teaching others some of the intricacies of his work and is often the one the others turn to when they need traps to be set or to deal with the local wildlife. He taught a group of three troublesome young men and mentored them. They had enough respect for Quentin that they knuckled down, stopped causing trouble and found jobs for themselves as part of the Toreguarde Military not too long after. His current companion, a large Dire Elk called Maris, was acquired during a trip to Vynheim. Said Dire Elk had previously been the companion of a beautiful elven woman, who was discovered to be leading the poor Quentin on in order to murder him and his friends after getting some information relating to the fall of Moradin’s Anvil to the Material Plane. This was, naturally, something of a disappointment for Quentin and Elowyn to discover (as the woodling also found said elf incredibly attractive, but became suspicious due to her questions about the group’s activities) but he was more than happy to allow Maris to accompany him instead once her previous owner had been dealt with. Following the events at the end of the campaign, he returned home and became a leader of Vigilant Glade.

Enezeage: A Half-Orc Monk who was much broader than he was tall. He, along with Elowyn and Meredith, was the last remaining member of the original party that was tasked with saving Toreguarde from the troubles plaguing it by Drakemar’s Emissary, the others having drowned in the depths of Fangthane after the group was chased out of Toreguarde the first time (we don’t like to talk about it). Something of a loud-mouth, but with the skills to back up his boasts, he was the only member of the party who was actually able to drink Merri under the table. ‘Zeage was an accomplished martial artist who was able to best most of the enemies that assailed him and his friends, though during the latter half of the adventure, he spent more and more time in the quasi-dimensional realm of Githzerai. Sadly, the great galoot met his end at the hands of several fire elementals that had been summoned into Toreguarde to herald the beginning of Ragnarok.

Laurence Tate: Despite what Felix may tell you, Laurence was a (Human) Cleric of Olidammara who offered his services to Lady Elowyn and her friends following Darkhide’s defeat and Meredith’s departure from Toreguarde. Laurence was very much an Artiste, who tended to use his words as his weapons, though he was more than capable of wielding a rapier if push came to shove. Unfortunately, he had a bit of a knack for causing trouble, the culmination of which ended in half of the Toreguarde Council being blown up by a Fireball cast by a Firre (a type of Elven angel) that he’d petitioned for aid. Following a meeting with the Emerald Dragon of Kar Kherril, who Blessed the party with various divine favours for finding and mending the Anvil of the Dwarf Father, Laurence left the party to reflect on his choices and actions thus far and to go on a personal journey of enlightenment and atonement.

Snotgrut: A Goblin Rogue turned Arcane Trickster that asked if the party was hiring the day after Darkhide’s defeat. No one was really sure where he’d come from or what his deal was, but they agreed to let him come along. Snotgrut proved to be an invaluable asset to the group. He’s a keen-eyed shot with a crossbow and is sneaky enough to elude even Elowyn’s sharp eyes and ears. He is also smart. Very smart. Over the course of his journey with Elowyn and friends, he learned around six or seven different languages, learned both human and dwarven law to help get his friends out of legal trouble and spent more time in the Wizard’s Tower learning new arcane tricks and lore than he did at Acacia Avenue. While Snotgrut is smart, he is somewhat lacking in the common sense department and still has some difficulties with social interaction with those he does not know well (he had a knack for exasperating the various authority figures he needed to answer to because of his social cluelessness). Following the events at the end of the campaign, he became a member of the SRU and now works directly under Elowyn as a Lieutenant Second Class.

‘Arry: Originally a large Warg that had spent several years journeying with Snotgrut before meeting Elowyn and company, ‘Arry has since been transformed into a very large Awakened Wolf thanks to a divine favour granted by the Emerald Dragon of Kar Kherril for his help in finding and mending the Anvil of Moradin. ‘Arry, much like Snotgrut, is a little lacking in the social niceties department, but unlike the goblin, ‘Arry doesn’t really care all too much. He’s actually fairly laid-back and would much rather sit down and have a chat while getting belly rubs and scratches behind the ears than ripping people’s faces off, which disconcerted a lot of people during the latter part of the adventure. He began his training as a Druid partway through his adventure and has now dedicated his life to serving the Emerald Dragon as her Guardian.

Thannan Greydown: A human druid that travelled with Elowyn and friends just after Laurence’s departure and assisted in averting Ragnarok. Not much is really known about him, aside from his familial connection to Yastromo’s teacher and mentor. He is a gentle soul, one who is happier providing advice and encouragement than taking any hint of the spotlight. When it comes time to fight, however, he is more than capable of holding his own. Thannan is a powerful member of his order and is capable of wielding spells of immense power, though more often than not he prefers to take the form of various large beasts and elementals to crush those who would dare to hurt him, his friends or nature. After averting Ragnarok, Thannan travelled back to the Freezeblood Mountains to continue his vigil and has not been seen or heard from since.