Alrik gets up from his chair and puts his shirt back on, and opens the door.
You see Magnolia standing there, a meek sort of expression on her face. Her arms are bandaged with dark silk, and she has a small basket of food with her. "H-hi, sir."
"Hello, Magnolia. Are you okay?" He gestures for her to come inside, closing the door behind her
The dark elf hesitates but comes in as directed. When the door closes behind her, she stops, nervously watching the ground. "I'm alright... Are you okay?"
"I am. Thank you for asking." He gestures to the bed and sits down in the chair again, taking a drink from his water.
She silently sets the basket on the table, moving with as much delicate grace as she can to the bed. She sits on the edge, rather tentative. She finally meets your stormy eyes with her reddish brown ones.
Alrik stares at her for a long time, his mouth hidden behind his fingers as he leans on his hand. Finally after what feels like an eternity, he clears his throat. "So, what happened?"
She swallows, having a hard time maintaining eye contact. She looks down, running one hand over the other. "I... don't know, sir. To be honest, I don't remember a lot from the last week or two."
"I believe you. Necromancers have ways to control people's minds..." he takes another drink of his water, still not breaking eye contact
She hesitates, then nods a little. She tries to make eye contact again, shaking a bit.
"I... Vaguely remember you from last night. Like from a dream. You were injured... Right?" She glances at your side.
Alrik nods. "Skeletons stabbed me. You patched me up. We came to my room and you gave me a massage. Next thing I knew, I was waking up in the crypt."
Magnolia's eyes glaze over, trying to remember. "I remember... Patching you up? Nothing else is familiar after that. Except..."
She hesitates. "I remember seeing coffins. Lots of coffins. My arms hurt. I... Remember being in a dark room. Everything was black and white, and there was a kobold sleeping. I was holding him, and then he woke up. We couldn't get out."
She looks at her hand where the ring once was. "It felt like a dream. A nightmare. But then I woke up... Dahlia was yelling at me, slapped me out of it." She bows her head, feeling your gaze bore into her.
Again Alrik nods. "I awoke in a stone sarcophagus with a reanimated skeleton. I blasted my way out and then fought my way to Tak and you. I watched them break the ring and you snap out of it."
She looks up, a mix of shock and horror on her face. You can almost see the waves of guilt pass over her countenance.
"There was a ring... Wasn't there?"
"Yes. You owe your life to Dahlia. She saw it for the evil magic it was and yanked it off your hand, casting it aside." He leans forward and grabs a golden skinned pear and takes a bite.
She watches you eat for a moment, and looks down at her hand, rubbing where the ring once was. "That man... He came here. He requested me, and then... Gave me that, saying it was a gift."
"As I said, necromancers are sneaky... crafty... full of tricks."
"I-I'm sorry, sir, greatly, for the pain and displeasure I've caused. From my lack of caution, for... Whatever I did. I pray to the divines for forgiveness, and to you." She bows her head again, genuinely pleading.
Alrik smiles, a great sadness showing in his eyes. "You have nothing to be forgiven for, Magnolia... you were under the spell of a necromancer. You had no choice in the matter."
The girl keeps her head bowed, stifling a small sob. The realization of everything that happened finally seems to hit in that moment, the memories piecing back together.
"I-I'll be sure to thank Dahlia again later... She was so kind when we got back, s-she gave an excuse to the matron to cover for me." Wiping her eyes, she takes a deep breath. "I had no idea I'd been gone almost half a day. I would have been in even more hot water otherwise, if it weren't for her."
Alrik nods again, taking another bite of the pear. "If it comes down to it, I'll talk to the matron. She'll listen to me..."
Magnolia nods. She shifts a little on the edge of the bed. "That is very kind of you, Sir. You must be exhausted... Is there anything else I may fetch you? Or I can have someone else bring? I'm sure after everything you're likely not... Well..." She trails off, feeling a bit like the trust she would have had the previous night, if in her right mind, was broken.
Alrik nods. "I am pretty tired... I'll go take a bath to rinse off all the crypt dust. Who knows what it's done to us, having been breathing that crap in for as long as we were... As for you doing something for me, I'd appreciate another massage later. That helped curb the nightmares some."
Magnolia nods with as pleasant a smile as she can. "Yes sir, I can arrange for that."
***
The three of you head toward town, then go your separate ways. Atriox, you walk toward where The Scribes Den is located, down the main street by the docks. It's afternoon now, and mildly warm. You're eager to put some of your plans into motion soon...
Entering, you see there are a number of tables in the center of the room, stacked high with books and scrolls. Full bookshelves cover almost every wall and block some of the windows, making the room dimly light. There is no fire place and the shop is very cold, lit by a number of tall candlelabra's placed around the outside of the room.
A women is sweeping the wooden floor boards of this surprising cramped bookstore. She looks up at you as the metal bell at the top of the shop door rings. She turns her head towards the back of the store and exclaims to somebody out of sight: "Markas! You have a customer!"
You hear the sound of footsteps coming from below the shop. A thin brownhaired man wearing a thick woolen jumper, with a monocle hanging from his chest appears from the stairwell at the back of the store behind the countertop. He smiles, "Greetings to you! Welcome to my little bookshop! How can I be of assistance?"
Atriox smiles and nods to the man "hello there good sir. My name is Atriox. I am a freind of Olohands. He recently had us go into the catacombs. He feared the town was under threat from the undead. As it turns out he was right. Another day and the town would have been overrun. But Me and my freinds fixed that. Apparently your mayor did not deem it wise to even investigate the issue. No matter I am here because I can do something for you good sir."
He pulls out the letter and holds it up " I came across the remains of Miss Corella Dryadson and a Lord Adodak Swordhand. I believe the former is a ancestor of yours yes ? This letter should solve some of your family's questions.
Markas puts a pair of white linen gloves on, and picks up his monocle hanging around his chest and says: "Well theres only one way to find out! Please, show me this document!"
You hand the letter to Markas who studies it closely. Holding the letter up to the window Markas says, "Well the first thing I can tell you, looking at the color and texture of the parchment, I'd date it...100...yes, at least 100 years old. Appoximately of course. Can't tell for sure without doing some further tests...It's in reasonable condition for its age."
Markas reads the front of the letter out loud in a strong voice: "Without you, my heart withers..."
Markas then removes the letter and reads Corella's message. By the end of the letter, Markas looks up at you with a somewhat surprised look on his face.
"This is incredible! It puts all the myths and rumors around Corella's death finally to rest. The story of Corella is quite a legend around this town you know... The children have been singing songs about her for years. Being a distant decendent of the Dryadson family it definitely has a special significance for me too... May I ask, where in the crypt did you find it?"
Atriox continues smiling "I believe I found it in the ladie's sarcophagus. I assume it was placed there after her death."
"Absolutely remarkable...Well, I tell you what. I'm quiet positive this is a geniune article, and seems like a very plausible story. I'd like to offer you some gold for your efforts, but there is one condition; You must take this letter to my grandmother Darella." He carefully replaces the letter and hands it lightly back to you.
"The reason is two fold. I would like her to confirm its authenticity; she is very knowledgable in this towns history.... And I'm sure she would love to see it herself!" He smiles, removing his monocle. "Being a relative of Corella much like myself of course."
Atriox nods his head. "I'll gladly do this but the coin is unnecessary my freind there is only one thing I'd ask of you.
"Oh?" Markas's curiosity is peeked. "What would that be? Mr Atriox?"
Atriox coyly grins. its actually quite simple really. I am haven't been in town all that terribly long truth be told. But in that short time I've seen thugs in the streets attacking people, the mayor ignoring a tip about a serious threat to the town, and just the fact that this port could be doing so much better nay thriving. But it isn't and that starts at the top, the mayor. I think he needs to be replaced. I know alot of people here dont know me but I think I'm beginning to make a name here me and my freinds,but I am a prince you see and someday when the time comes I could use a port of my own. I want to see this city thriving I want to see gold in the streets. I want you to go home exhausted every night good sir because your shop was filled all day with people wanting to buy your books.
Atriox straightens himself and looks the man in the eye. "Quite simply i want you,and your family when the time comes to remember who helped you in this most personal matter and support me as lord of this fine town."
(Persuasion 19)
Markas seems surprised, and pulls out a small handkerchief to clean his glass. "I see," he says after a minute, "You have taken an interest in mayorship of our fair city? Or should I say, as a barony of a castle? Hmm..."
He looks up at you, a very serious expression on his face. Then he cracks a smile. "Mayor Cere Bronzebottle is a popular man. But sir, you have my support. I would be happy to assist you in your interests later, when the time comes."
He pats your arm. "Keep putting in good work with the people, they are the heart of the city. No matter what Cere says."
Atriox looks at the man gratefully. "I will do just that sir,and I thank you. When I win this little race I will remember you and your support."
He shakes the mans hand "I'll be off to see your grandmother then, would you kindly tell me where to find her ?"
He smiles wider. "Jolly good. Oh! Certainly. I haven't been to see her for a few months, but you should find her homestead a few miles west of town. Take the bridge north then cut due west, you can't miss it."
Atriox shakes his hand one last time and decides to go to the museum first as it is closer.
As you leave the shop, you think for a split second, in the corner of your eye.... That you saw something moving in the shadows of the allyway, next to Markas' shop. But you can't be sure. When you focus closely at the other end of the ally, you cant see or hear anything out of the ordinary. Strange.
You head down the lane toward the town hall. You remember seeing something next door that looked historical, but you aren't positive. You were a little distracted with Dahlia and--
Zeed turns a corner and bumps into you, completely by accident. He snarls, "HEY! Watch where yeeeeeeeIKES!" His eyes pop, scrambling back and stumbling over his feet.
Atriox grunts with amusement. He looks at zeed contemplating his options. Finally after a moment he makes his mind up.
He leans over and extends his hand to zeed offering to help him up
The aarakocra flinches, twitchy, giving Atriox a weird look. He's vety unsure if he should makr eye contact or not. He opts to not, but takes your scaly claw.
Atriox helps him up "at ease zeed I'm not going to hurt you.........probably."
He looks the man over "how are your wings healing?"
Zeed twitches again, ruffling his feathers as he stands and adjusts his jacket. "Tch, fine. I'm just fine. Nothin' more than a scratch." He glances around looking for other people, but no one seems to be nearby.
His black, beady eyes dart about, then land on yours. He looks you up and down, sensing something strange about you. "Whatda want, man? You uh, you good? We cool?"
Atriox looks at him back up and down.
"Yeah we're all good Zeed. As long as you mind yourself. Say you and your men are all about money right ?"
He sniffs, brushing his beak with his hand. "Maybe. Money talks for anyone. Whatabout it?"
Atriox hands zeed 25 gold.
"This is just barely a taste use it as you will. I have some business to attend to still but later bring yourself the minotaur and one other you trust to my room at the fang. I have a business proposal for you. One that will use your talents and earn you gold. And if Dahlia is there before me you best be on YOUR best behavior."
He begins to turn away and then looks over his shoulder "if you choose to ignore this opportunity Zeed that's fine but you better go back to how you were. Looking at the ground and being afraid."
He stares at you in shock, and then at the bag you handed him. He's rather dumbfounded as you walk away.
(That was friggin cool lol)
(I honestly think he would be speechless so lol let me set up the museum)
You continue walking down the road and up the stone steps to what you assumed to be the museum. It's near the north end of Dragonshore, along the topmost point of the hill overlooking the bay. The only places further up include the town hall and some more upscale residential buildings.
Pushing the door aside, you're greeted with a rather quaint little exhibit, full of ship and fishing memorabilia. A few people mill about, looking at the interesting pieces, and one or two individuals work to clean the displays.
A grey haired man, eloquently dressed with a cane, exits from a hall leading to other exhibits-- apparently natrual features, magical artifacts and items of nobility--and he spots you.
"Why good day, my fine lad! You're a fresh face from the sea. Stopping in for a visit?" He is jovial with a rather airy voice.
"The name is Vincent Fereness. How do you do?" He reaches to shake your hand.
Atriox shakes the mans hand "hello there Mr. Fereness howd you do. My name is Atriox. And this is more than just a visit freind I have an artifact that you may be interested in."
Atriox pulls out the crown from his bag a little
"Got somewhere private we can talk sir ?"
His eyebrows shoot up, lost in his long bangs. "Verily! This way." He turns on heel, his cane click clacking on the floor as he leads you to a private office.
You enter, finding it extremely neat and tidy. It's impressive how spotless a place could be. Labels mark everything here, and only a few new items sit waiting to be catalogued in a basket nearby.
Closing the door, he turns to you, excitement in his brown eyes. "Where, pray tell, did you find this artifact? Tell me the whole history." He sets the cane nearby, drawing on some clean gloves.
Atriox chuckles "that's quit the story sir. It started with mister Olohand inviting me and a freind of mine to his house for a meal. Claimed he had a proposal for us. Turns out he wanted us to take care of some undead coming from the catacombs. We investigated and turns out Dragonshore had a necromancer problem. One more day and this town would have been no more. We stopped him. When we searched the tomb we fought a skeleton who was in what was left of royal armor. After he was defeated that crown fell from his head."
He holds the crown up to a mage light on the ceiling, checking the authenticity of the metal in its glow. The etchings catch the light like fire, glittering. "My my," he tisks, What a fantastic artifact... Must be nearly 400 years old. Definitely authentic. Likely... Oh, I'd say one of the first lord lineages of Dragonshore. Before the dropping of the local monarchy, and all that recent history of course..."
He coughs a bit, setting the crown down on a green fleece sheet stop his desk. As he removes his gloves, Vincent eyes your armor too. A small smile tugs the corners of his mouth. "Now that looks a little less ancient... Adodak's, I presume?" He gestures with his knuckles, slipping his gloves back in his pocket.
"If you know of him, of course." He opens a drawer, leafing through some papers. "Reduced to a mindless thrall... Sigh, what a shame... That's horrid news we had a necromancer again. Been a while, I suppose. But it upgrades your status from grave robber to archeological hero!"
Vincent laughs, then coughs again as he slips into his chair. "Sorry, joke of the business... We do appreciate your help, Atriox." He gives you a curious grin. "I assume you're not bringing this here to just tease me, hmm?"
Atriox gives the man a roguish grin.
"I do not wish to charge you for it. No no. It is my gift to this museum and this town. To show that I respect its history and culture."
Atriox walks around looking at the collection a little.
"I am disappointed in the current ruling of this fine city. There are thugs just running around aimlessly causing trouble, the mayor indulges his whims while ignoring reports of an undead invasion of his city. Not impressive at all. This could be a huge booming port under the right leadership............my leadership."
He gives the man another roguish smile
Vincent leans back. "Aaah, now we get to the meat of the issue! I see." He pulls out a thin pipe to have a smoke, lighting it with a match. "Sounds like you've had quite the time here, my friend."
"I suppose Olohand was rather salty about the mayor, wasn't he?" He takes a long drag on the pipe, blowing out some colored smoke. "You haven't been here too long, so I completely understand. However, that fellow has come up with some mighty tall takes in the past."
He holds up a hand, "Not to deny this time was true. Only..." He takes another puff and blows. "It's been the rare result in a long string of stories."
"Do you know much about Mr. Bronzebottle, Mr. Atriox?" He grins. "Best know one's opponent is all."
Atriox looks at the man sharply. "I know a little but I could use more information about the man. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated and your help WOULD be remembered my freind."
"Persuasion 17
"Information seems fair... You did bring me an exquisite piece." He watches you, thinking, and glances at the crown again.
"Cere is an interesting fellow. Stout, no nonsense. His father was a fantastic mayor once, too. People held him in favor due to his relation, and his superb work out at sea. About 40 years ago, we had another necromancer problem..."
He pulls out a short pick, cleaning out his pipe to reload it with fresh tobacco. "The fellow tried to raise undead off the coast. Quite unorthodox." He taps it on his desk, then pulls out a small bag of herbs. "Started flooding the docks with barnacled, waterlogged beasts. Cere took care of it, and saved the town."
"Granted," he continues, "in recent years he's become a bit... indulgent. But people remember his heroism. He still makes efforts even now to secure peace for our city. Dealing with the issues of the bandits on the roads, raids from kobold forces, trade issues at sea with the... Continuing wars in the south and east..."
He trails off, concentrating as he relights his pipe. "Local and minor crimes and such aren't as big of a fish to fry, in his eyes. He worries I'm sure about living up to the legacy of his father, Elric." Eyes flashing a bit, he studies you.
"Does that help somewhat, Dragonborn?"
Atriox nods "that's all interesting information. Thank you. I hope you will show your support for me and remember me as a freind when the time comes my good sir. Enjoy the artifact I'm sure it will be s splendid edition to your collection."
He bows to the man respectfully and takes his leave. Deciding it's time to visit the old woman as he promised.
You exit the building, the late afternoon sun starting to make its way down. You have a few hours of daylight left.
You are walking up a narrow rocky path towards grandma Darella Dryadson's farm, a few miles from Dragonshore. Along the left hand side of the path is a long row of pale gray wooden piles, presumably once used for a wire fence. The right hand side of the path is dense with old twisted oak trees and dense shrubbery underneath.
Make a perception check for me... If low, what's your passive score?
(17)
You hear some very faint noises coming from the bushes nearby, but when you investigate there doesn't seem to be anything of interest or threat.
(Succeeded 1 of a skill challenge.....)
As you approach the front door of the small cottage, you can just make out some faint sounds, possibly of quickened footsteps, from inside the house. You gently knock on the front door. A frail voice can be heard from inside the cottage. "Please come in!".
You slowly turn the handle and swing the door open. The interior of the cottage is very meek, and contains a number of bookshelves, full of old books and scrolls. You see a women sitting in front of a small unlight fireplace in a rocking chair. The room is very cold. She beckons you closer.
You stand next to her. You look at her face and see that she indeed elderly. Glancing around the room you see no one else, and the house is completely silent. You can not see into the bedroom, as the door is closed.
"Welcome to my home. I'm sorry, I couldn't greet you at the door, I'm not as mobile as I once was. It's not often I have guests. How may I help you?"
Atriox looks around the place. He's very suspicious at this point given what's been going on. He looks at the old lady
"Are you home alone madam ? Are you sure everything Is alright ? Your grandson sent me to talk to you."
(Persuasion 14)
"Ohhhh, What a dear. I'm fine, thank you sweet man. Just lonely here by myself. How is my grandson? He visited the other day, but I miss him so... What did you need to talk with me about?" (roll an insight check)
(Nice roll...lol) You distinctly remember the bookshop owner mentioning he hasn't been there for weeks. There is something off about her, you're sure of it.
You feel you should question her a bit more... perhaps ask about her relationship to Corella Dyradson or if she knows much about the history of Dragonshore.
Atriox looks at her sharply. He Is on Alery now.
"You say your grandson hadn't visited in a few days ehh ? Hmm interesting. Well madam he sent me to ask you about your ancestor Corella Dryadson. He said you were a bit of a town historian and knew everything I needed to know. "
He watches her intently looking to see her reaction at his words
"Oh...why, yes of course. She was my great aunt. Corella's nephew, Elian Dryadson's, was my father. As for history," She gives a short, light laugh, "I know some things about the towns past but history is not one of my strong points."
(Roll a History check, then an Insight check for me)
You know the tale of Corella Dryadson now, and that Corella had no brothers or sisters. Therefore, she had no nephew. As for her historical knowledge, you feel that her reply is an honest one, however... there is something in her reply that suggests she was trying to avoid this question.
You visually scan the old women to see if you can notice anything out of place. A knitted rug covers her body from neck to feet, only exposing her head and her right arm with which she is holding a cup of tea. (Roll for Perception for me)
(You've succeeded 4/5 already.... you're pretty observant.... mwahaha.)
(16)
As you briefly look the old women up and down, you notice that there is no steam coming from the cup of tea she is holding, and the cup is still full and looks like it hasn't even been sipped. You notice that the old women keeps glancing at the door nervously.
(Success 5.... you're positive she's hiding something, and isn't who she says she is.)
Atriox sure that there is something amiss walks casually around the room as if just looking around. He makes his way behind the woman and in one deft move swings his sword around and puts the blade so close to the womans neck you couldn't fit a hair between the two.
Atriox drops all pretense of being calmed and fooled. He grunts in anger billowing steam
"You are definitely not who you say you are or at the very least are hiding something! I seriously suggest you drop this act now come clean! Is there someone in the bedroom?!?"
She turns her head to look at you. "I have had enough of this! Hand me the master's letter now, or face the consequences!" Her voice is high pitched and scratchy now.
As she says these words in blind fury, her face flashes to that of pale white; black skin surrounds her eye sockets, and her eyes are as white as snow.
The old women throws off the rug with startling dexterity and underneath the blanket you see she was concealing a long silver blade in her left hand. She leaps out of the chair. The illusion from her face shimmers away to the pale face that you saw, and stays fixed there.
You definitely foresaw the ambush by the doppleganger, and realize now that she thought you had with you the other letter... the one Olohand is still working on. She had no interest at all in Corella's letter. Being as ready as you are, you make the first move!
Atriox moves back just a little to put some semblance of space between them.
He doesn't want to kill this creature........yet. He begins to search his mind thinking for any possible way to contain this creature when all the sudden an idea comes to him. He doesn't know where from exactly its almost from a far off place deep inside him, telling him to try this. Atriox's eyes darken as he calls on a power that he doesn't understand at all. He reaches out his hand talons extended wide as a dark energy pools from his hand as he casts a spell almost unknown to him but yet somehow familiar at the same time.
(Casting charm person spell "17" )
He talks soothingly to the creature
"You are veryyyyy tired freind. You've been working so hard you want to sleep. You know it's safe with me here guarding you. You want to take a deep long rest now. I'll make sure nothing happens to you so that you have good dreams. You trust me." (Persuasion 19)
(Ohhhhhh dudeeeeeee that's so COOL!)
The assassin stares at you, their furious expression suddenly... relaxing. Their white eyes shimmer a little, and they nod. "I am tired... I trust you..." They glance around for a place to sleep.
Atriox waits till the little changeling is out then he makes the scene look normal gathering up her little blade and everything.
He's sure with how well this trap was thought out that the changeling wasn't alone. He knows he probably doesn't have long.He moves to investigate the bedroom.
(Investigation 15....)
An ice cold intensity shoots through your side and your back, as her blade finds its way in between your ribs. Your breath is driven from your body as you gasp for air.
(9 damage doubled from her dagger, so 18... plus a special trait of dopplegangers... surprise attack. First round of combat takes extra 3d6 damage, and I got a 15... that WON'T double, thankfully, but... 33 damage total.)
(Actually.....)
As you turn your back on the changeling, you don't hear the sound of another hidden dagger being drawn. You don't see the toothy smile grow on her face. You don't hear the footfalls of her sneaking up behind you, as your hand tests the locked bedroom door handle....
(You're gonna hate me... I swear I rolled these. With advantage, she got a critical... she's not charmed at all, as changelings are immune to charm spells..)
An ice cold intensity shoots through your side and your back, as her blade finds its way in between your ribs. Your breath is driven from your body as you gasp for air.
(9 damage doubled from her dagger, so 18... plus a special trait of dopplegangers... surprise attack. First round of combat takes extra 3d6 damage, and I got a 15... that WON'T double, thankfully, but... 33 damage total.)
(You have 3 hp left, but it is your turn now)
The assassin's cruel laugh rings in your ears, but it feels far away. You fall to your knees, dizzy with pain. But as you turn to look at her, you see her evil smile falter. She looks unsure, then confused, then rather terrified.
Your eyes have turned completely black, matching the darkness of your horns. A voice, not merely an echo in your mind now but tangible in the air around you, speaks in a deep, heavy tone. "You dare harm my vessel... your master is no match for me..."
You see her struggle to remove the dagger from your side--to even just let go of it--but she can't seem to. She begins kicking at you wildly, trying to loose herself from your grip. Shadows leak from your wound like dark blood, wrapping their way up the weapon and grasping her fingers. She howls as they burrow into her skin, tearing their way through her body.
(The entity within you automatically sacrifices the last of your health to initiate the blood rite... your new chosen ability... you inflict a full amount of damage back to the assassin for what she dealt you. So she takes 33 damage... mwahahaha. Congrats on unlocking your new ability!)
Your vision turns fuzzy as you lurch to the side, the doppleganger finally able to let go of the blade. She begins fighting with the shadows infecting her body. She claws and screams as they overwhelm her, trying to get away from you as quickly as possible, rushing to break the window and flee to safety.
You're now dying on the floor, blood leaking from the knife in your back. Make a death saving throw. (This is d20 roll. Just let me know the number).
(You rolled 14) You grit your teeth, trying to keep conscious but find yourself fading in and out. You hear glass shatter from far away, followed by a scream and shouting.
(Make another death saving throw for me. You are at 1 success, 0 failures.)
(11, 2 successes and 0 failures) You hear the crunch of glass being stepped on and a voice near your ear, but you can't focus very well.
(2.... 2 successes and 1 failure) You feel a distant pain, like a shard of ice in your lungs that you can't get rid of. The knife was just pulled out and blood is pooling on the floor. Something is being applied inside the wound, stinging and burning now. You gurgle a bit as you cough up some blood, your vision getting a bit hazier.
(3 successes now...) You feel a gentle light fill your body, and the shadows recede like the burbling tide of a sickly sea. Everything goes quiet and you drift into a dreamless sleep.
***
Alrik. You spend the rest of the evening recovering from your time in the crypt. You bathe, have your clothes cleaned, get fresh drink and food in your stomach, and relax. But you find it difficult to fully settle down, for every time you close your eyes, you picture being back in that coffin. Breathing in that dust. Seeing those eyes. The blood. The fire.
You know the necromancer of Dragonshore is still on the loose, somewhere. You plan on taking care of him one way or another.
That evening you check in on Tak, who's still resting in Atriox's room. You haven't seen the dragonborn or his new lady friend, but the kobold seems to be recovering well. He's been out like a light since you got back. At first you weren't sure where he was--the bed was empty, save for the little crates and bags full of treasure and goods from your adventures. But you could hear light, fitful snoring, and finally found the fellow under the bed--curled up in a soft blanket and clutching his precious coin.
You spend some time in your room after that, meticulously studying the magical rings you've come across in the last few days. The spell storing band was quite handy during the horrors in the farm fields, and you plan to put as much power as you can into it for an emergency.
Mustering up the last of your strength, and likely, hoping it will exhaust you so you can sleep, you grip the ring tightly and focus all of your storm magic through the Weave, into the small piece of jewelry. You see the gemstones light up instantly, flickering with the pour pouring in. You don't tangibly see the spell magic anywhere, like the mage at Stonebreak Keep told you, however you feel it there.
You feel the eye of the storm around you. Sweat pours from your brow, and your pupils turn to reptilian slits. Your scar prickles with electricity, glowing a faint blue, purplish light. All the scales on your arm twitch and flex, your muscles cramping with the effort. It is like fighting with a force of nature itself. Finally... it passes. The ring is warm to the touch. A small spark of electricity passes over the band, and a few of the gemstones remain lit.
You sink into the chair beside you, thoroughly exhausted and out of breath. Your silk robe is drenched in sweat. The stitches in your side ache terribly, but don't seem to be bleeding. Thankfully. A knock sounds on the door, and Magnolia comes in.
Seeing you in such a state she hesitates, but gives you a genuine smile to reassure you as she closes the door. "I'm here upon your request, sir? Let me get you cleaned up for your comfort first, then I'll be happy to oblige with the massage and some music. This night will be different, I promise."
The night passes in peace as you share in the full, relaxing company of the dark elf maiden. You have no nightmares, her lullaby-like, sing-song voice putting you to sleep. You also thankfully wake in the same soft, relaxing bed--no stuffy crypt this time. It is miraculous to you to finally feel rested.
***
Atriox, you find yourself coming back to consciousness. Opening your eyes, you groan... everything aches terribly, and you can barely move. Your vision swims, but you can start to make out that you're on the floor, covered in the scratchy blanket the assassin had used, with a hay-filled pillow under your head. A cool breeze wafts in from the broken window, the night sky black and glittering with stars outside. You've been asleep for hours, and it's likely close to midnight now.
"Hey miss, lookit who just woke up! Guess he's not dead after all... scrappy bastard." The voice sounds familiar, the last line said with.... mock disappointment, almost. A few hurried footsteps later, you see Dahlia appear in your vision. "Oh thank Zodal and the divines..." The woman plants kisses all over your face, kneeling to hug you. "I thought we'd gotten to you too late..."
Atriox coughs hard the impact of her hugging him hurts but it's a welcome pain at this point.
He try's to hold a hand up to her face. "I........I thought I'd never see those beautiful Golden eyes again......"
He looks to Zeed "you came then........I couldn't have been more lucky when I made my proposal earlier. I thank you for coming with her."
Dahlia smiles like she's about to cry and kisses him again. "I'll be right back. Let me get you something to eat, hero." With a smirk she heads over to the little kitchen nook on the other side of the room, pumping some fresh water and gathering a few things. Zeed leans back, his feathery arms behind his head.
"Yea, had a hell of a time getting to you. I tried to do what you said, boss. Went to the Fang, but they don't like us there. We ain't allowed in no more cause'a--well--" He glances at Dahlia. "Anyway... she heard the ruckus we were making and I told her you sent me, and where you was headed. She figured she should go find you. And you said you wanted to see me... I wasn't gonna try to get on your bad side again and not show up! I'm tough but I'm not stupid."
He sniffs, pausing before he continues. "So we went with her. Couldn't find you. But then Tank said he saw you heading out'a town, so we followed after. Some nasty lookin' fellas were hanging out near the house here, but this is our turf, see? We didn't recognize em, so we ambushed em." He grins. You see the scuffed up state of his clothes and a rip in his shirt, but otherwise it looks like Zeed fared well.
Dahlia comes back at that moment, giving the bird a funny look. "I heard the window shatter when we got here. I ran over and right into a strange looking person... it... they, scrambled away from me and made a break for the trees. But when I saw you inside, I--" She shifts uncomfortably. "I was worried we were too late." She holds a bowl of broth to your mouth so you can drink.
He drinks whatever it is shes giving him, trusting her. After he finishes he coughs a bit and takes a moment to rest and gather the strength to speak.
"I imagine that was the changeling you ran into. She was imitating the old woman who lives here........(coughing).......where is the creature now ?
Zeed and Dahlia look at one another. She's the first to speak. "Well... I'm not sure where the changeling went, she disappeared into the night. But..." She trails off.
Zeed clears his throat a bit. "We uh, wanted to check the house to make sure no more of em were hangin' about. The bedroom was locked so Nathaniel and Tank got it open. The tall dresser in there was ajar, and uh... The old lady, Darella? We found her." He shifts uneasily. "She had been poisoned, died several hours ago. We put her on the bed and covered her up, but...." He trails off now, an awkward silence filling the room.
Atriox looks very saddened by the news but not surprised.
"I had.......(cough)......I had feared as much once the changeling revealed herself. Thank you Zeed. You respected her body. That is what matters."
He looks at Dahlia "once were back we must summon our freind and inform him of her passing."
She nods, glancing sadly at the closed door of the bedroom. "I didn't know her well, but Markas always spoke kindly of her. He's a good man. We'll let him know, so he can make arrangements for his grandmother's body."
After feeding you she takes some time to change your bandages, having disrobed the top half of you at some point during your sleep. You're in and out of a doze, but you find the food and the rest helps. Zeed is in and out at times, checking on the others who have apparently taken watch on the porch. You can hear them laughing and gambling, the smoke from a small fire wafting in when he opens the door. You feel safer with these people around you, enough that you can rest.
Before he drifts off he whispers to Dahlia......keep Zeed and tank close........then he drifts off hard.
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