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Post by Kolfrosta on Oct 17, 2007 15:46:56 GMT -5
"There",she said as she pointed with her blade. "The tunnel to Shallybrook is where we head, but not through this pass below us, we will head east and go up to the top of the ridge over there and follow the ridge. It is less likely we will be ambushed."
They had marched through the Storm Horns over the past few days, heading up to High Horn from Tyrluk, then returning. Aria had been recalled back to Suzail, and Kelric remained further behind toward Highhorn to see if he could find any rumor about the one they sought. Thus it was that Sharita found herself in the company of Teneas and Entori.
The journey up the mountain and to the cave was fairly routine. Wandering frost giants dissapproved of thier tresspass, and they in turn convinced the frost giants to allow them to pass. As they neared the cave, the lady paladin was already thinking about a nice hot bath to end the long march through the cold snowy mountain passes.
As they entered the tunnel, they were met with a force of beholder-kin. Frowning she lept to the fray, closely followed by her two companions. They fought hard, and defeated their foes, but at great cost. As she helped Entori back to his feet, "We have to leave.....now. Back the way we came."
"There is no way out for you here", a ghostly voice behind them replied, a sneer barely discernable in his features. The dark skin and pale hair left no doubt what it was.....one of the drow ghosts in the employ of the Silent Dominion.
"We have tracked you all through the mountains, watched your every move. We were even going to let you go, until the overseer realized who you were, paladin."
She lowered her head, and turned it slightly to her two companions and whispered in a low voice one single word. "Run".
The ghost sneered. "Run? There is no place to run, we will slaughter you all. I have thirty of my men in this pass and tunnel, along with our other help" He stomped on the ground, and at that moment, from all around them, shrouds appeared from the walls around them, surrounding them. It seemed they were indeed trapped. "However", the ghost continued, "we will let them go, if you surrender, paladin."
She turned her head and gazed evenly at the ghost, replied quietly, "Very well..." She then said quietly, "It has been, both an honor, and a priviledge, to know you both. But go now..."
Teneas moved off without a word, Entori, however, hesitated. She spoke softly to him "Entori, go...you have Isiolith. She will need you as will others.." With resignation, the young elf moved off, quietly wishing her luck.
She waited patiently, watching the two ghosts. They had moved a bit, to gain a better view of the departing elves. In doing so, they had also moved away from the cave exit....there was her chance. As her steeled herself for the dash to the exit, one of the ghosts burst out "One returns!"
She paused, groaning inwardly. Turning her head to the left, she coud see the magic unleashed upon one, then the next ghost....this was her chance. Calling out, "Run, Entori!" She made the break for the exit....she hoped, the drow were intent on their true target, and would pursue her into the mountains. She knew these mountains as well as the back of her hand, they were one of her favored walking places, as well as some of the views at the top. She knew...she stood a better chance of losing her pursuers here..than anywhere else, without getting herself lost.
A half dozen of the drow ghosts emerged, as she called the blessings of her goddess to her. She moved quickly down the moutain ridges, dodged past a wandering band of giants and made for the pass to Tyrluk. All was going well, the potion she drank helped her increase the distance between them. As she crested to pass to head into the mountains west of Tyrluk, she paused and looked back, trying to catch her breath. Coming from below, she could hear the sounds of battle. She hoped, it was the giants battling the drow. She waited. Nothing...no Entori..no pursuers. Just the wind gusting through the pass, all else was silent. Furrowing a brow, she retraced her steps a ways. Something was wrong. As she drank a potion to hide her, she walked along the east ridge, looking into the valley and along the road below. She had hoped to lose them in the mountains, true...but it just seemed too easy. Then she saw why. One of the drow ghosts was standing over a familiar grey robe in the snow. Sighing softly, she made her way, carefully past the scout, and to Entori.
She reached to her belt, and pulled the wand to resurrect him. With a hasty command to run, she turned and did the same, expecting he would follow close behind. As she reached the top of the pass once more, she turned and looked. No Entori to be seen. Muttering, she made her way back down, and saw him embattled with a drow ghost on the bridge. A silent cuss, and she ran to his side, and battled the drow that had him cornered. After a long battle, the drow yielded, and sank into the ground with the words "Fine, go then."
She watched it sink into the ground. Turning to her friend, Aye then..can you travel? We have to go, and have a long way to go. Just as they were getting ready to go, they were set upon once more. A dozen drow ghosts appeared, and the battle began anew. Entori dashed away, heading south. Sharita had engaged the leader, managing to snap the bowstring on his bow before following. Silently she had wished he had gone the other direction, but there was no helping it now....that way was blocked.
They made it to the lower ridge when they were once again surrounded. She called to him to run, but he cried out frantically "I can't!". Pausing and racing back, she reached for a scroll from a pouch, reading off the words under a hail of lightning arrows, she was able to grant him a boost of strength. But it was too little, too late....they overwhelmed him and he went down once more. She raced through the passes, looking over her shoulder, she was nearly to the southern pass, when the drow behind her called out "The elf will make more than a worthy ransom!"
She slid halfway down the slope trying to stop and turn. It had dawned on her what they were doing. They knew...she could escape...they also knew her "weakness". She wouldn't leave without him. They had been using him a bait....and they would keep doing so, until she could no longer revive him.
She raced back with this thought in her head, she had to think of something, a plan an idea....she raced along a ridge, and saw where Entori had fallen. He was only one ridge below her...then she came to an abrupt stop. A dead end. The cliff to her right was too high to jump. The cliff to her left....while she could have jumped down easily, she saw she would have landed in the middle of a force of three score ghosts. Entori was down, and ghosts stood over him. She was out of ideas.
Panting she turned as the voice spoke behind her. "Surrender, paladin, and we will deliver his body to the border."
"Let me see him taken to the border"
"The ghost ignored her, and turned to the ghost next to him. "Shoot her if she moves"
Her thoughts raced. Yes, she could get to him and revive him, they would only cut him down again. She could try to get to him and carry him....but she would not be able to defend herself, and his weight would slow her down. Her eyes passed over the forces arrayed against her. More reinforcements were arriving from the north. The small valley below her was dark, for the numbers of ghosts there. There was little doubt of the outcome of that idea. She could see no other way to save him.
"I surrender"
"Turn and face the cliff, drop your weapons and your gear", the ghost sneered.
Setting her jaw, she did as told, and waited. The ghost tossed a stone which landed in the snow next to her.
"Pick it up"
Slowly, she bent down, and picked up the stone, knowing full well, her fate was sealed.
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Post by Kolfrosta on Nov 19, 2007 18:09:17 GMT -5
The magic which had enveloped her slowly released and dissipated. As she opened her eyes and looked around she thought for a moment she had gone blind, until her eyes adjusted to the very dim light. With more than a little frustration, she hurled the rock from her hand into one of the corners of the room.
"Gods, I hate losing!, her temper flared a bit, until she calmed down, and assessed her situation. She found herself in a small, four walled room, low ceiling, no door, and a grate covering much of the floor which by the smell, seemed to serve as the cell's latrine. Her shoulders sagged a bit. She could barely see the cesspool ten feet below her, but it's depth was undeterminable.
"Drowning in a cesspool....not the best of ways to go. There has to be a way...." She scanned the room once more, but it revealed nothing, save for along one wall, as she walked it, she could 'hear' various voices in her mind. She avoided going near that wall from there on in. Unable to think of anything else she could do, she knelt in prayer. If this was indeed about to be her end, she asked for Mystra's courage, strength, wisdom and guidance to face what would come.
Before long, near the wall where she could hear the voices, the soft sound of swirling energy followed by a swirl of light, announced the arrival of one of her captors. The illithid was cold, demanding. "Lower your wards"
She refused. The illithid then began casting, attempting to strip the spells from her, but they held. Her lip curled slightly as the illithind, it's tentacles quivering, left the same way he came.
Once more the illithid (or another, she could never tell them apart), came and asked that she lower the wards protecting her, and once more she refused. It handed her a parchment, the same request was written upon it: "Lower the wards protecting you, it will go much easier." With a pointed look at the illithid, she tore the parchment in two, and dropped it to the floor. The illithid left a bit quicker this time.
Yet it returned, again, and gestured to the parchment on the floor. With a meaningful look at the illithid, she walked to the parchment, and ground it down through the grate with her boot heel. "Where is T'Nal? Does he fear me enough, that he will not even come to do his dirty work? My gear is taken from me, surely, he has nothing to fear by coming here now..."
"You wish to see the master?"
"I do."
The iliithid once more teleported from the room. For a long while she paced the room. A bottle of water had been brought to her, it still lay in the middle of the floor. A thought had occurred to her, and with an icy calm and resolve, she went to pick up the bottle.
"My life for his...and death before dishonor. These two things, I have lived all my life. I cannot stop now. And yet...perhaps....will the dreams end? The neverending dreams of Nessus? If he steals all that I remember...will the curse be broken? Will the suffering end? Would he do that even? By wiping my mind, he could in essense....be aiding me. Would my enemy be willing to go that far? Or shall I only be executed, none ever knowing my fate. I suppose I will eventually find out. Mystra, let me face what comes, with all the bravery of your paladin, and a Knight of the Realm of Cormyr. Let the way be prepared, one of your own is coming home to Dweomerheart."
Her thoughts were broken, as the hum of teleportation magic filled the room. And there he stood. T'Nal, the undead illithidlich which she and her closest of friends had vied with for years, ever since they denied him the Nexus Key. He stood at the far wall from her, his head just barely under the ceiling. The room filled with psionic energies, nearly to the point of nausea, but she stood her ground, even if she did pale a bit on seeing him. He was indeed, grown far more powerful, than he had ever been before. There was no resemblance whatsoever to the frail, sickly creature, who, out of pity, she refrained from putting out of its misery those few years ago when she had the opportunity.
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Post by Kolfrosta on Jan 21, 2008 6:45:28 GMT -5
Even though her mind was warded with the blessing of Mystra, the Illithidlich's voice slipped easliy past her protections, he entered her mind.
":We have watched you travel all through the mountains. Oh yes, we were quite content to let you be, until one of the overseers recognized who you were, paladin. I have an overseer screaming for your blood.:" The "voice" was dispassionate, unemotional, even this too had changed from past encounters. ":He claims that you attacked him in the streets of Redmist, severing three of his feeding appendages, leaving him crippled. Do you deny these charges?:"
"If I attacked him, it was in self defense, and I believe if he had not been there to begin with, he would not have suffered such wounding."
":I ask again, are you guilty of these charges?:"
With a hint of resignation, she replied, "No, I am not."
":Then in that case, you will be spared the surgery. I will inform the overseer of my decision. However, you know far too much of me, and what goes on here. Your mind will be wiped.:"
"Surely there are other means of ridding me. Banishment to the planes...it would remove me from this realm, and out of your way." Her mind raced for alternatives, hopefully one, any one would appeal to him besides the mind wipe. To lose everything, all knowledge, all memories, was something she dreaded since hearing of his first victims.
":Your mind will be wiped.:" Was the simple reply, as T'Nal faded from view in his teleportation from the room.
She furrowed a brow, the water bottle, now mostly empty, still in her hands. "No way out, save one." As she considered the possibility, an elder orb appeared in the room, silently. Before she could react, it unleased its anti-magic ray on her, stripping all her wards from her. As it teleported out, she smashed the bottle against the wall behind her.
A machine, looking more like a huge dark crystal globe on a pedestal, appeared in the room. It began to pulse, and in that instant, with a prayer of forgiveness, she jammed the broken bottle neck into her own neck. Her blood spilled over her fingers, oozing down the front of her armor as she sank to her knees. Everything was slipping away, growing dark, and as she slid to the floor, she could feel everything, every thought, every memory slip from her mind, though if it was from the wound or the machine, she could not tell as the darkness closed around her...
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Post by Kolfrosta on Jan 21, 2008 7:25:10 GMT -5
Lying on a cold floor, she opened her eyes, but could not see. It was dark, or she was blind, she could not tell. All was silent for a time.
"Where....who?" Slowly, she rose to her feet, her dress afforded little comfort, it was cold, damp here. In the darkness, she could hear scraping? She wasn't sure. But whatever the noise was, it crept closer along the floor and she backed away until her bare back was against the moss covered wall behind her. Cold, wet and gave a sickly feeling. The stench decay was barely tolerable.
She didn't know why, or even where it came from, but she clutched the doll that was in her hand to her chest, as if it could somehow protect her, or simply because it was the only thing she had in her hand at the moment.
Thoughts wandered through her mind. "Have I died? Where am I? No, wait, Mystra. My Goddess, I....am..her paladin."
Further sounds distracted her thoughts, as if plants or vines were moving across the floor. There was now a dimmest of light, not enough to see far from her face, but she could barely make out a large plant-like pod growing a few feet from her. Having no where to run, she could only watch in horror as the pod grew, and eventually opened to reveal a large hideous creature which she had never seen before. Purplish skin, with bright yellow eyes, her pointed teeth yellowed, her breath, fetid. Scraggly dark hair framed her face, as it reached a gnarled scabby, warty taloned hand toward the trapped paladin.
"Tch, ye've forgotten Ol' Meg again. And after I took care of ye and looked after ye all these years, my little Sharita. Seems ye've gotten yeself in trouble again, and Ol' Meg can helps ye she can."
Sharita could only stare, horror filled her being. Certainly she could remember being a paladin, but her training was all forgotten. But now, at least, she had a name for herself. But was it really hers?
The hag spoke to her, told her of their past dealings, and she replied best she could to the hag, which, was not much.
The hag, in her cracked and gravelly voice eventually asked, "Ye want ta go home deary? "
Sharita only nodded.
"Then all ye have ta do, is wake up deary. Ye want to wake up?"
Sharita could only nod again, and as she did so, the hag moved with a surprising quickness, with one hand grabbing Sharita's hair and yanking her head back, the other she pointed one long razor sharp talon, and drew it cross Sharita's throat, slicing her throat open.
Sharita awoke in an inn, still clutching the doll in her hand, the horrific "dream" slowly fading. She didn't know where, or who the three people in the inn were. She did know who she was, or at least her name, who she served, and that for some strange reason, the pack on the floor next to her was hers.
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Post by Kolfrosta on May 25, 2008 19:55:05 GMT -5
The weeks passed, and she slowly gained some bearing to her life. Many came, and testified thier friendship, but the words of the old dwarf she held close ..."Trust no one".
The candle flickered on the table as she closed the book. Leaning back in the chair running a hand through her hair, she sighed softly. "How does one re-learn a lifetime?" Her gaze wandered over the bookshelves, each reflecting the soft warm glow of the candlelight, and lending the library a warm comfortable home-like feeling. And yes it was home, for the time being. The priestess had been very kind, bringing her pertinent knowledge and studies in the beliefs of Mystra, the Knightly Code of the Mystic Fire, The History of the Realm of Cormyr, and even Elminster's Ecologies....
For a time, life was simple, it was learning, growing in faith and knowledge. Meeting new faces (to her), hearing of the lives and happenings of others, though not really knowing where she fit in. She slept comfortably each night, and awakened to a whole new world.....one she was eager to get out and explore.
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Post by Kolfrosta on May 11, 2010 8:30:26 GMT -5
[journal entry, dated well after the T'Nal's demise]
It is over. This past nightmarish year has seen the rise and fall of the Silent Dominion. T'Nal is no more. There are scattered remains of his army still tucked away, but I do not imagine they will remain for long.
Yet, all things considered, I should note down what did happen. One truly never knows if they will always remember, even the important things.
T'Nal brought his undead army to the western regions of Cormyr, they overran Isinhold, and some whispered they were welcomed in Redmist. (I never could confirm that.)
Elminster provided guidance, as he has done in the past when the realm was deeply in trouble. He suggested finding an artifact known as the Annullus, a githyanki artifact that could destroy him. Elminster suspected the shards of it could be here, in Cormyr. Suffice it to say, the shards were found, some were lost and regained, and of surprising note, Ailren, of all people, was helping. Though I suspect he sought something to gain, I suppose I can admit here, that he did far better than we did in keeping the found shards hidden. Perhaps there is something to be said for keeping some secrets, even from allies. But he did help, and the Annulus was able to be put back together. Somewhat.
The most difficult time, for me anyway, was justifying lending aid to those who, under normal circumstances, would oppose me, or the realm. I was fully prepared to go to jail rather than compromise my principles, until Elminster lectured me on "greater good". I'm not sure if not remembering I already knew better was worse than being lectured by the greatest sage in all Cormyr and devoted servant of Mystra on the most basic principles of my Order. Or perhaps I do.
In any case, I did go with Vrulo, Lucius, Torian, Aliren, Darkharp, Kalista, and others, I regret I can not remember thier names right now. I suppose I had much on my mind beyond pleasantries and etiquette. I really should find out who else was there. Perhaps my next trip to Suzail.
Our group ventured in the Hullack, to retrieve the final piece. A githyanki held it, we defeated it and all his undead he kept creating. And at the end, Ranan and that sorceress, Harley, show up to claim it and the rest of it. I wish, at the time, I knew truly who he was. Then I only knew he was a powerful man not to be trusted. At least we did cross blades for a time. I'll have to be sure if we ever meet in such circumstances again, I must fight as if facing the devils of the Nine Hells themselves. I will never know for sure, of course, who would have won our impromtu duel, I suspect, he may have, if Vrulo didn't come up behind him and cleave him shoulder to hip. (I'm rather glad Vrulo decided not to take up that offer to kill me.)
We had all the pieces, and returned to the War Wizard tower. Elminster fixed the artifact (mostly), but could only send one person through a portal into T'Nal's lair. Had I known fully the amount of grief T'Nal had brought to me, my friends, my people, I would have stepped forward with no hestitation. But I did not know these people, I didn't know really if they knew me. I did volunteer to go, if no one else would. It was unlikely anyone one going would return.
The debate began, some saying Ailren should go, or I should go, or Vrulo. It was confusing to listen to. And somehow it was decided, by vote, I should go. (I think I still owe Torian for that, she argued the best in my favor.)
Elminster's portal led right to his lair. Even past any guards he may have had. Finding him proved rather easy. He found me. We spoke, agreed that not both of us were going to walk away from this battle. At this I raised the Anullus, spoke the words, and it shattered, into a thousand pieces in my hand. It did not destroy T'Nal, but he was hurt. I knew I could not fail, I lept at him and did not let up my swings until he moved no more.
By luck, or simply the frailty of arrogance, his phylactery, was in the same room. Perhaps he never considered anyone would ever be in that room save him. But there it was, the opportunity to end T'Nal once and for all. And never, have I heard a more pleasant sound, than that of shattered crystal falling to a stone floor, as I did the moment my blade went through that abomination's soul gem. His power was gone, his tower was crumbling, and the last clear thing I can recall was starting to run.
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Post by Kolfrosta on May 11, 2010 8:31:59 GMT -5
(Old Meg and a Tale of Redemption)
Sharita Amraphen killed T'nal E'lkanar Sharita Amraphen: *looks up* Sharita Amraphen: *looks to see if the place is collapsing* Sharita Amraphen: *(sees the phylactery)attempts to smash it* The Voice: *In a flash of fire and light the stone smashes and turns to dust.**A wave of nausia hits you.* Sharita Amraphen: *lowers her head in a prayer of gratitude* Sharita Amraphen: *then sinks to her knees* The Voice : [Tell] "... Tcch... well, well... Ye made ol' Meg proud..." The Voice : [Tell] "... Feel that...?" *A tingling crawls up your spine.* Sharita Amraphen: *furrows a brow* The Voice : [Tell] "... They're tryin' t'come back... all of them... memories... nightmares... Just... sleep." *In an instant, you drop to the ground, blackness filling your conciousness.*
(The scene changes from T'Nal's Underdark Lair, to a dark damp dungeon.) Sharita Amraphen: *frowns, looking around* Sharita Amraphen: *furows a brow, looking around* The Voice: *thick, thorned brambles coil up from the floor and writhe as if alive, filling the room.* Sharita Amraphen: *watches the vines creep in* Old Meg: *A figure rips itself from the thorny brambles and paces to the center of the room.* Sharita Amraphen: *softly* Ol Meg... Old Meg: *The fat, short, hideous crone cackles and nods.* Ye be a-rememberin' me this time... Old Meg: That makes Ol' Meg pleased. Old Meg: *The crone snaps her fingers, filling the room with an eerie light.* Sharita Amraphen: *frowns a bit looking around* Old Meg: ... Ye killed ' cause for ye lost memories this time... so ye should be a-doin' fine... I c'n restore 'em at yeh wishes... Old Meg: All the nightmares... th'death... the very Hells crawlin' in ye precious little head... Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* All the friendships...love...and all I had learned. Old Meg: If'n ye ask Ol' Meg.... She be a-sayin' ye've had enough... Ye should jus' be a-stayin' with her... Old Meg: ... Ol' Meg goin' to let ye in on a secret... Old Meg: ... *she crooks a finger.* Sharita Amraphen: *watches her carefully* Old Meg: Ain't nothin' compares to not rememberin' something... then havin' it come back an' knowin' yeh better off with it forgot... Old Meg: Horror beyond even Ol' Meg. Old Meg: Be a-makin' ye want t'claw out ye own mind... "say it isn't so", "say it isn't so".... Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* If that is Mystra's Will, I will endure it. If it is Her Will to lose what I have lost, I shall endure that as well. Old Meg: I keep ye nightmares, little Sharita, my Sharita... I be a-keepin' 'em safe... Old Meg: ... No, Sharita... Its ye choice now. Ain't no one elses... Ol' Meg loves t'gods as much as th' next, but ain't have no control over ye an' ye choices. Old Meg: They's as powerless as little infants next t'human will... Ye be a-understandin', Sharita? Sharita Amraphen: *looks thoughtful* Old Meg: ... Ol' Meg keepin' it safe for ye. All them nightmares. Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* I understand. Old Meg: Ye want 'em back? Sharita Amraphen: *thinks* Sharita Amraphen: Will I remember everything...even te time after I lost my memory? Old Meg: Ol' Meg always watched yeh, Sharita... always cared for ye... jus' mind me when I be a-sayin 'there's some thin's better off not remembered'... Old Meg: Ye will remember it all. Old Meg: *Sighs, clicking her talons together.* I be a-knowin' ye when ye were jus' a babe... tiny little thin'... Ol' Meg always be a-thinkin' yeh as jus' that. She want t'protect ye. Sharita Amraphen: *tilts her head* Sharita Amraphen: With all due respect...why? Old Meg: *blinks.* Old Meg: ... In all our meetin's, even th'one ye forgot... before ye forgot... ye never asked. Old Meg: An' now ye be a-askin' Ol' Meg why? Tcch... too soon... too soon. Sharita Amraphen: Too soon? I should hve asked before.... Old Meg: Ol' Meg don't want t'chill th' marrow in yeh bones... Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* Then...by rights..I should refuse your aid... Old Meg: ... by rights? Askin' a lot of Ol' Meg 'by rights'... Old Meg: She th' one who saved ye... seen yeh visions? Doll's eyes, hmn? Sharita Amraphen: *nods slowly* Old Meg: ... Be a-seein' th' lovely pair... lovin' their -gift-......? Old Meg: Seen th' pair struck down, did ye? Orcs an' a raided wagon...? Little Sharita hidden away? Old Meg: Ye not be a-seein' Ol' Meg, though... ye used t'visit me in ye dreams... forgot me... Hurt me so badly, little Sharita... Sharita Amraphen: *furrows a brow* Old Meg: Ol' Meg were th' one tha' kept t'orcs from yeh barrel... kept ye out o'sight... Be a-keepin' y'safe.... Old Meg: ... Used t'dream, ye did... dream of th'loneliness... everythin' in Gray... Old Meg: ... Ol' Meg proud y'didn't fall to it... ye as good as one could hope. An' Ol' Meg be a-lovin' ye for it. Old Meg: *she clicks her talons.* Old Meg: ... Ye want t'remember, little Sharita...? Sharita Amraphen: *furrows her brow thoughtfully* Old Meg: ... Ol' Meg'll give it all back... even t'dreams she's kept hidden since ye were a babe... Old Meg: ... Ol' Meg be a-wonderin' if y'be ready... Old Meg: ... 'cause its as cold and bleak as th' Wastes from which I sprung... Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* What I lost...I do not know how...but I suspect I was defeated in battle. If it is your favor to give back what was taken...I decline. Old Meg: ... Ye don't want t'memories back...? Old Meg: I'll give 'em back. Old Meg: ... -All- of them... even t'ones yeh didn't recall before this whole tragedy happened to y'mind... Old Meg: Ol' Meg loves ye an' wouldn't keep it from ye if y'really be a-wantin' it... Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* If this is your favor....then I decline. Old Meg: *sighs* ... A'righ', child. Ol' Meg ain't hurt ye an' she wouldn't try t'change ye mind, either. Old Meg: Ol' Meg may look a witch, but she be a-lovin' an' a-carin' as any other. Sharita Amraphen: But you will not say why.... Old Meg: Ye wish t'know that bad...? Ain't enough tha' Ol' Meg be a-carin'? Sharita Amraphen: You asked me not to learn of the dark places, of fiendish things....and I wonder why that is also. Old Meg: 'cause y'rose so far, little Sharita... Sharita Amraphen: I do not quite follow... Old Meg: As I said... I'm proud y'as good as ye is... Sharita Amraphen: And yet now, after you caution me of having memories I would do better without, and I decline...you question if I am sure, when I really do not know what I decline. Old Meg: I took them dreams ye had as a babe t'protect ye. Always watched over ye... made sure ain't no fiendish thin's nor no dark places be a-gettin' hold a'ye... Old Meg: ... *sighs* Sharita Amraphen: *tilts her head* Am I dreaming now? Old Meg: ... Aye. Dreamin'... Dreamin', but still... ain't no one goin' t'wake ye until ye wake yeself... Sharita Amraphen: *looks thoughtful* Old Meg: ... Tcch. Ol' Meg'll come clean... but only if ye really wish it... She ain't wantin t'chill y'bones or soil who ye are, hmn...? Sharita Amraphen: *nods* Then I will give my answer. Old Meg: ... Ol' Meg cares 'cause it ain't from t'land y'know from wence ye be a-spawned... Old Meg: *The Crone's voice takes on an ominous, chilling quality.* Old Meg: Ol' Meg been a-watchin' over ye 'afore ye even -been- spawned... Old Meg: ... Tcch... Sharita Amraphen: *raises a brow ever so slightly* Old Meg: ... Gray Sisters... 'Night Hags'... Tha's what they call fiends such as I... tcch... We be a-dealin' in souls. Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* And that is why you did not want me to learn of such things.... Old Meg: ... An' as ye is now, little Sharita... it ain't th' first time ye'soul drawn breath. Old Meg: No, no... Old Meg: Ol' Meg's dark... darker than pitch... she ain't one t'lie to ye... Old Meg: She didn't want y't'learn o' dark thin's 'cause she wants ye safe. Old Meg: Ol' Meg still sees ye as little Sharita... babe jus' a-cryin' an' scared... Old Meg: ... But don't let ol' Meg stray... there's more to th'tellin'. Old Meg: Ol' Meg deals in souls... An' ye were among 'em... squirmin' little larvae on th' darkest of darks... Gray Wastes... Old Meg: Ye want Ol' Meg t'keep goin'...? Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* I think I can imagine the rest....your care extends only so far as my soul beloning to you....if..this is indeed true. Old Meg: ... True enough, though, ye' soul ain't mine... Old Meg: ... Its y'Lady's. Sharita Amraphen: *quirks a brow* Old Meg: ... Ye given flesh t' try again. Damned get undamned... Made Ol' Meg proud, ye did... undamned an' in ye Goddess's favor. Old Meg: ... Ye used t'dream o' th' Wastes when ye were a girl... Used t'dream o' th' dark... Old Meg: An' Ol' Meg took it away... Ye be yehself... ain't nothin' of th' Wastes or of Ol' Meg in ye... Jus' good. Old Meg: ... An' ye who ye are. Old Meg: ... *she clicks her talons.* Sharita Amraphen: *nods slowly* Old Meg: Ol' Meg's proud an' will always be there t'watch ye... She ain't no mother... but she be a-feelin' like one. Old Meg: ... Now, do ye want t'recall what that evil deathless monster took from ye...? Sharita Amraphen: *thinks hard and long*
DM ManyAsOne : [Shout] //The following applies onto to those suffering with amnesia from the Dominion// DM ManyAsOne : [Shout] *Your stomach turns and you feel your world spinning around you. The vertigo quickly grows overwhelming, your entire body shaking before it collapses.* DM ManyAsOne : [Shout] *Your conciousness fades for just a few moments, but when you awake, you recall everything.*
Sharita Amraphen: I will...decline. Let the past..be the past. I will look forward. Old Meg: ... Aye, so be it... Ol' Meg hopes ye keep out o' th' dark... fiends an' evil... horrible... she jus' be a-wantin' t' see th' little girl. Old Meg: ... But, Ol' Meg ain't got power that ye ain't be a-givin' her... So, ye do as ye will. Sharita Amraphen: What do you mean? Old Meg: ... It means that I ain't doin' nothin' unless ye ask it of me. Old Meg: Ye want t'awake? Sharita Amraphen: Aye... Old Meg: Ol' Meg'll keep y'nightmares safe. Old Meg: ... Even th' ones from when y'was a babe... An' th' darkness a'fore that... *she cracks an evil smile, drawing a dagger.* Sharita Amraphen: *frowns* Old Meg: ... But, Ol' Meg... she ain't one t'lie to ye... she's as dark as dark gets... Old Meg: [Tell] *You feel fear, despite your divine protection from such things.* Sharita Amraphen: *reaches for the blade that isn't htere* Sharita Amraphen: *pales, takes a step back* Old Meg: [Tell] *As the Night Hag approaches and raises the dagger, your definition of nightmare becomes redefined...
(The scene changes to Sharita's bedroom in Isinhold.) Elminster: *Gazes at Sharita lying on the bed.* Sharita Amraphen: *awakens with a start* Sharita Amraphen: *sits up* Elminster: Lady! Ah, I'm pleased to see you awake. *He smiles, holding a tray with a teacup.* Elminster: ... There are others about who are regaining their memories... I trust you're feeling better as well? Sharita Amraphen: *takes a deep breath* Sharita Amraphen: I had a dream... Elminster: Did you? I can imagine so... Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* My apologies..but..my first memories...are...from a tenday ago.... Elminster: ... I... Elminster: ... I see. Sharita Amraphen: *slowly rises from bed* Elminster: ... *sighs.* Thrice damn me. Forgive, Lady Sharita... I shouldn't have sent you with the artifact broken as it was.... Elminster: ... there's no telling what it could have done... do you recall how you arrived here? Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* I dreamt of Ol' Meg....then...arrived here. T'Nal is destroyed. Elminster: *casts her a grave look and motions back to the bed.* Back down onto the bed. Elminster: ... *He sighs and holds out the teacup.* Sharita Amraphen: *sighs and sits back down on the bed, accepts the tea* Sharita Amraphen: She offered to restore...what he had taken..I declined. Elminster: ... We had given up hope. It was several days ago Elminster: ... You've been asleep for a good... *ponders.* ... two days... and before that... well... it's been almost a tenday since the incident... Sharita Amraphen: Several days? Elminster: Aye. Elminster: ... We had all but given up hope, but a few days ago... you were seen crawling your way out of the Marsh of Tun, screaming... Sharita Amraphen: *furrows a brow* Elminster: ... By the time you were here, you had all but worn out your throat... You were still trying to scream though... Elminster: ... Forunately, I was still about... I used a spell to put you to sleep... I haven't be able to find any sort of magic auras on you that would explain it... Sharita Amraphen: *shakes her head* Elminster: ... But you... appear fine now. *gazes at her closely then nods.* Sharita Amraphen: A Night Hag...there...was no right way out....I don't think. Sharita Amraphen: *sips her tea* Elminster: ... A Night Hag? *shakes his head slowly.* Such fiends can only haunt the minds of the wicked. Sharita Amraphen: *furrows abrow* Then....but..how can...this be? Elminster: ... *He gives a shrug.* The Annulus, perhaps? I believe you crawled out of the Underdark yourself... Elminster: ... Your blade was stained with all manner of blood. Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* I do not even remember.... Elminster: ... And you had dragged yourself through the Marsh... you got out on your own... Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* So.I may not dream of her again? Elminster: ... If you ask me... I think you need more bedrest... *sighs.* The Annulus might have addled your mind a bit. Elminster: I don't know. I don't think so. Night Hags can only haunt the minds of evil souls. Elminster: ... I think you need rest. Sharita Amraphen: She said..she would keep...my dreams..of the past..from me.... Sharita Amraphen: *looks at him* Or..I have lost my mind... Elminster: ... the dreams of... Nessus...? Sharita Amraphen: *nods* Sharita Amraphen: At least....she never said... Sharita Amraphen: She only called them places of the dark..... Sharita Amraphen: I don't really know what she was talking about... Elminster: *Sighs* I wish I were more of a sage, Sharita... *Tugs her blankets back over her.* Drink your tea. *He sighs.* My opinion is that this is a side-effect of the Annulus. Sharita Amraphen: *quietly* Then my memory will return? Elminster: ... I do not know. Sharita Amraphen: *setlles back in, holds the tea on her lap* Elminster: ... I do not know what to think... but your proximity to the artifact when it was used and... *shrugs.* ... the fact it was poorly re-assembled... Sharita Amraphen: *furrows a brow* The whole...dream...seemed like a deal with a devil...no matter what I chose...it would not be well. Elminster: ...At any rate... you seem better... though I cannot help but feel guilt that your memory has not been returned... Elminster: ... I think it... could be for the better, Lady Sharita... Sharita Amraphen: I think that was my choice... Sharita Amraphen: For good or ill...it is done. Elminster: ... You've told me the dreams and I think that it is best you not have them. Elminster: ... You're a strong soul, though. *Smiles.* Finish your tea and give me the cup. I've some things to purchase. I'll fix us something to eat an- Oh... I hope you do not mind.... Sharita Amraphen: *takes a sip of the tea, and lies back down* Elminster: I've taken the liberty of using your guestroom and seeing to your recovery. Sharita Amraphen: *small smile* That will be fine. Sharita Amraphen: And thank you. Elminster: ... *Nods.* I know you do not recall it.. *snatches the teacup away, full or not, then turns and starts for the door.* But I'll have to let you try some sasparilla... Sharita Amraphen: In the morning then.... Elminster: Rest well. Sharita Amraphen: *closes her eyes and drifts off*
(Author's note: My apologies for using the chat logs, but I wanted to really capture this part of her life as accurately as possible. As well as show it was not all me. Thanks to DM MaO, for creative evil genius, and to all the other players involved in the Silent Dominion series of events. Log edited for readability and spelling.)
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Post by Kolfrosta on Feb 1, 2012 14:53:36 GMT -5
Ayala made her way through the town of Waymoot. The morning was fresh, crisp, the sun having risen a few hours ago, the frost from the night before still clinging to shadowed corners the sun hadn't touched yet. Dry leaves rustled in the slight breeze which stirred them from their resting place from the previous fall. But she walked with purpose, her aerial servant trailing behind with a silver tea service. She made her way to a certain home, nestled back in the far corner past the Lliran grove, to the old Cup and Spoon Inn, though now the home of Sharita Amraphen-Gallen. It was Fifthday. Tea day with the old lady paladin, who wasn't really so much as "old", as "old for a paladin".
The walkway was swept, and well tended, the front of the house neat, though the flowers still slept, awaiting the spring when they could bloom and bring forth thier beauty to add to the simple refinement of the home.
Ayala knocked at the door, but as she did so, the door slowly swung inward. Not a sound came from the house, And Ayala furrowed her brow a bit. It wasn't like Shari to leave the door unlocked, let alone open. She stepped in, stepping over a vine of brambles that lay just inside the door.
The air inside was close, heavy, and musty. It seemed darker to her, though she figured it was only the lack of torches that usually brightened the entry. With hardly a though, she sent a small glowing ball of light aloft to light the way.
"Sharita?"
No answer came. Ayala thought to herself, "Well, the door was open, and she knows I'm coming" She continued in to the living room. It was odd, as she first noticed dried leaves around the floor. The fire had burned low, and coals still glowed from the fire of the night before. Next to the living room chair, a shattered crystal goblet lay on the floor, the shattered pieces sparkling brightly in the magelight.
She made her way to the chair, and found her friend, as if asleep, a journal open on her lap, and an old tattered rag doll resting on the pages beneath her hand. No amount of prodding could stir the lady who finally found peace. Ayala glanced at the open journal.
"I feel the time is fast approaching, when I will finally make the trip, to meet old friends and loved ones who have gone on before. I have no regrets over this life, for it was full with love and joys, along with the pains and sorrows. The perfect balance of life which we all share in common, which we so often overlook. While these last years have not been so adventurous, I think, of all the accolades, the honors, the fame, there was nothing quite so gratifying as the smile and light in a child's eye when thier favorite pet was rescued for them, or the light in the mother's eye when her child was brought back safely to her. It is my hope that after I depart, that small kindnesses will continue and prevail, that people will take courage, and dare to resist the temptations that lead us astray. It is my hope, that they will learn, hope need not come from anywhere, save within ourselves. It is our trust in our gods, our love for our friends and loved ones, from which this springs, yet like the candle it is only put out, when we snuff it.
Meg has arrived......"
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Post by qewaye on Feb 7, 2012 12:14:06 GMT -5
Many days after the news has reached the Hullack forest, a letter written in elven is placed at a small yet growing shrine of flowers by Isiolith. The letter is not sealed and is available for any elf to read.
"How do you say farewell to a friend? An ally who has stood by you through hard times and laughed with you in good ones, who has shared your food by the side of the road in the cold rain, not once uttering a complaint? One who has been a light in the darkness, saved countless lives, who has striven for what was right even when what was right was hard, unpleasant and painful? Whose sacrifices were so vast that our debt would take a thousand years of deeds to repay?
How to part from that person, who has given you the best advice in times of difficulty, whose serenity and grace made others around her at peace and untroubled...whose time was long and adventures are the tales that make young wanderers' eyes widen, jaws drop and hearts yearn to do the very same?
The answer is, it is not possible in the heart to forget or say farewell, ever. And so shall we always remember.
In celestial grace she now stands in her lady's mansion, beautiful beyond words we now behold her, a memory no shadow can ever touch.
Sharita, wisest of paladins, elf-friend and sister in battle, rest in peace and glory. We shall meet again."
At the house in Waymoot a bottle of Saspirilla is left at the door of the empty house with a single lily and an attached note reads;
"Never forgotten."
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2022 20:38:47 GMT -5
A darkly clad halfling with a masked face and a wide brimmed hat leans on a tree nearby and looks over the old house. He smokes his pipe and fragrant clouds drift away from him as he stares at the place. No light in the windows anymore, must not be anyone living there just now. No light in the windows. He reaches down and takes a well worn silver flask from his belt, uncaps, and drinks from it, tilting it so that some of the whiskey spills onto the leaf-litter at his feet. His mind ran through the entry he had just written into the Appendix for his newest book, Silence & Silver: A Modern History of Cormyrian Conflict, the entry concerning The Lady Sharita Amraphen.
The Lady Sharita Amraphen: The Sevenstar Sword, Paladin of Mystra and an Oversword of the Royal Corps of Monster Hunters. One of the Silver Shields, one of the Four Heroes of Redmist who traveled into the Hells to free Redmist from their evil grip, the bane of T’nal and an acknowledged champion of the people of Cormyr. Known archnemesis of Ranan Hallomein. Sharita fought in every Cormyrian conflict from the time she arrived in Cormyr until she died in her home in the spring of 1376 DR. Her story, like all stories that are true, wasn’t without darkness and certainly was a tale forged in strife. She first faced T’nal years earlier while questing with the Silver Shields for an artifact known as the Nexus Key, which T’nal was also seeking, and she faced him again after the Annulus was reforged by Elminster of Shadowdale, and prevailed once again. I myself wrote a song which she is the subject of that became quite famous, likely not because of who I was, but because I was good at choosing a muse. Very good as it turned out. Her name is legend and The Lady Sharita Amraphen is one of the most celebrated and famous of all modern Cormyrian Warriors.
He turned and walked away after staring at the old home for awhile. Memories drifting through his mind of many years in the past. "I am pretty good at choosing a muse...."
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