Private Tales Adventure to Anywhere

[GreekGod]

Marius Alva Decimus sat outside the tavern in Elbion fuming over what had just happened. The caravan that Marius and his apprentice Serbert were supposed to travel with had left without them. Marius banged his fist on the table they were seated at and Serbert focused on the book he had opened in his lap. They were both wearing the blue robes of scholars, except Marius had a brown cloak over his shoulder as well. Marius sat facing the street, with Serbert in a chair behind him.

"That damned merchant! We were supposed to travel with him all around the continent. Now we'll be lucky if we even get to leave the city! I have things I need to explore almost everywhere and now I can't get anywhere!" Marius yelled aloud before turning and looking at a startled Serbert. "I'm sorry boy, I'm not angry with you, I'm just angry in general." Marius sighed.

"We just need to find someone who travels to escort us. I'd prefer we travel with some people who are more adept at combat. I can hold my own but I'm no sellsword and the roads are getting too dangerous to travel unprotected for very long." Marius said to the teen. "I suppose we can go to the market soon and look for anyone else planning on travelling, at this point I'd take going anywhere with almost anyone."

 

[Maho 'Jerik' Sparhawk]

Get out of my head get out of my head GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD!

That was the phrase repeating through Sparhawk's subconscious as he made his way to the tavern. He had just received the letter from Gerra, letting Maho know of his plans to travel to a Templar outpost, then to Molthal, and wherever we must from there. Sparhawk was always aware of Gerra's plans to conquer Amol Kalit, and build a great dynasty that would outlive even the greatest of Empires. An Dynasty that they would build together. Sparhawk thought. However, at this time, he had bigger problems. Much bigger.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The night before had been arguious; rolling around in anguish and agony, wrenching his voicebox till his voice was heard from every corner of Elbion. The feeling of the rune etching into his neck, the sensation of his mind being invaded and infiltrated by a higher being. It wasn't his best day.

The next morning, he awoke in a shock. He hadn't thought he'd rested the entire night, yet he felt rejuvenated and filled with life, almost better than he had the day before. He jerked his hand to the nape of his back and neck, to find the strange symbol etched there. Sparhawk had studied many languages on his travels, but these markings were unknown to him. Perhaps the language of the gods? No matter, he had things to do, the letter from Gerra enlightening him on what he must do.

That evening, he had finally reached the tavern, strange words still wandering his mind. Many scholars, sell-swords and travellers sat there. Sparhawk had met many of his old friends at the Tavern. He could even remember going for a drink when he first arrived in Elbion with his master, Jerik. He sat on a bench adjacent to many pub goers; best not to attract any attention. He just needed a minute to clear his head.

Yeah, clear his head. That's what he needed to do.

GreekGod

 

[GreekGod]

Marius sat at the tavern, sipping his ale as he tried to calm down. "It's not a big deal, they'll be other people you can travel with, there's no rush." He thought to himself. He watched as a man walked alone into the tavern and sat down. Marius pursed his eyebrows together as he tried to remember where he knew that face from. Then it hit him. Marius stood with a laugh and pointed at Maho Sparhawk .

"You're that bastard who tried to lift the college years ago." Marius said as he walked towards him. "I remember you. They had me and a few other scholars try to figure out what happened but then pretty soon after we started investigating we were told to drop it."

Marius took a sip of his ale. "I always wondered what ended up happening to you, I'd heard you graduated but then you weren't heard from since."

 

[Maho 'Jerik' Sparhawk]

Now - to be fair - bastard wasn't the worst thing he'd been called.

He turned to see a middle-aged man, years his senior, with a companion sitting across from him. He was wearing fairly general attire, but it was blatantly obvious that he was well studied in the art of magery, even without him stating that he was a scholar.

Lifting of the college. It wasn't something Maho liked to dwell on. It had been one of the chapters of Sparhawk's life that he'd had to learn from, making sure he didn't do something so reckless again. To think, that at such a young age, and with such inexperience that he could bend the rules of magic. It was foolish. Stupid even.

He turned to meet the man's eyes.

"Yeah, not my best decision!" He chuckled, wanting to keep it lighthearted.

"I've uh, been travelling for the past 13 years. Yeah... i uh, didn't want to hole myself up in the College or burden myself to some wealthy Baron or Prince." He saw one of the Bar maids and signalled her to bring him a drink.

"I've walked and sailed around a pretty big chunk of Arethil: saw the Falwood, that was pretty fantastic, al-" He paused for a moment. He hadn't even asked him his name.

"Oh- do excuse me. W-Who are you?"

GreekGod

 

[GreekGod]

Marius listens to Maho and as the barmaid approaches he holds his cup out to her as she fills a cup for Maho beside them and then refills Marius' cup. Marius takes a sip and nods at Maho.

"That's an understandable choice, to leave the college and serve nobody but yourself. Oh and I'm Marius Alva Decimus." Marius extends a hand to Maho. "So you've done some travelling? That's interesting. I do a fair bit of travelling for the college myself, mostly in the Amol-Kalit area. I suppose I'm lucky that way, I'm not cooped up inside all day teaching."

Marius turns to his table and waves for Serbert to come over. The teen human walks over with his book under his arm and says "Yes sir?" Marius grabs the boys shoulder and gestures his head towards Maho. "This is my apprentice, Serbert. Serbert this is...I'm sorry, what was your name again? I remember your reputation not your name." Marius says with a chuckle.

Maho Sparhawk

 

[Maho 'Jerik' Sparhawk]

"Pleasure to meet you Marius. Master Marius i assume- i've forgotten the formalities from the college. But yeah, i mainly travelled around small villages, making supply runs to main cities if i couldn't live off what the locals gave me..." He stated, as he took a swig of the drink that'd been poured for him. huh, not half bad.

"Amol Kalit? I'm-" He hesitated. Is he at liberty to give away this sort of information? I mean, he could just say he's travelling there on business. Not at all suspicious, as some of the great destinations in the desert are rife with underground trading and information-brokers.

"I'm travelling up to Amol Kalit in a few months. Got some business with some up-and-coming leaders." He laughed heartily, taking another swig of the not-half-bad wine. The man called the Apprentice over, a large tome under his arm, no doubt from heavy study in magic.

"Oh, Sparhawk. My name is Maho, but i haven't really used it since i left the College." Funny. He hadn't given his first name out since he'd met Gerra. It was something quite personal to him. His many years of toil as a slave branded his first name with a dirty mark. He didn't even have a last name till he'd met Jerik.

"An honour to meet you, 'Prentice Serbert. Assuming you're hard at study at the college eh? Funny story actually... i'd come back to the college just yesterday for the first time in years." He lightheartedly spoke, almost letting slip the deal he'd made with the Conjurer Telemachus.

GreekGod

 

[GreekGod]

Marius laughed. "Unfortunately it's not master, I learned while I was in the college I have zero magical capabilities, I'm just a researcher and scholar. We're hoping Serbert here has more luck than me." Marius rubbed the boys hair affectionately. "I've actually been planning a trip to that area for a while, up and coming power, eh?" Marius rubbed his chin, thinking. "Hopefully that doesn't affect my work."

Serbert smiled lightly as Maho made the comment towards him. "Yes, sir, I've been working very hard under Marius' guidance. I hope you had a pleasant time at the college." He said to Maho politely.

Marius patted Maho on the shoulder lightly. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to let us come with you to Amol-Kalit, would you? You seem like you have connections and if there's too be some problems in the region I'd prefer to be with someone who can throw their weight around and make sure we don't get killed. I could pay you, all we'd need is for us to make a few stops along the way at some places I need to visit for my research." Marius looked at Maho hopefully, knowing this would probably be his best chance of travelling safely.

Maho Sparhawk

 

[Maho 'Jerik' Sparhawk]

Sparhawk went quiet. He had to be honest with Marius. If he was truly to travel with him to Amol Kalit when he returned from Belgrath, he needed to know the truth. He leant over, and muttered quietly beside him.

"The up and coming leader i'm talking about is Gerra of Molthal, and the Molthal lineage is one of the most powerful dynasties this side of Arethil. I'll tell you straight, i'd be happy for you and your apprentice to join me, and you'll be safe under my care. But i can't promise your 'Prentice will be able to forget some of the things he'll see. I've- I... I've sold my soul to aquire the power i need to help Gerra in his quest for Amol Kalit. I can get you there, and i can help you with whatever it is you require, but it'll have to be under the pretence that you and your 'Prentice are two of my followers." He whispered. He knew the road to Amol Kalit would be paved with blood and the bodies of the guilty. And likely the innocent.

He leant back to his original position, and began swirling the cup in his right hand. With his left, he lowered the cowl that covered his neck, to reveal the rune on his neck, a brand that confirmed his deal with a supernatural deity.

He widened his eyes as if to say: Are you willing to take that chance?

GreekGod

 

[GreekGod]

Marius nodded and glanced at Serbert. He leaned over and whispered into the boys ear, he pulled his head away and looked at the boy. Serbert contemplated something for a moment and shook his head. Marius seemed saddened.

"I understand, I've read about that lineage during my research. A hundred years ago or so they annihilated a sand elf clan that practiced Zeenism, the ancient religion I'm focused on." Marius sighed. "If the current ones are anything like the old ones, it'll be risky but it's a risk I've got to take. We'll come with you, as much as I'd rather the boy stay at the college, he insists on coming."

Marius drew a map from his bag and spread it out the table. "The most important place for me to go is here." He said as he pointed at the separated land mass south of the Baal-Asha river. "There's an old castle that I need to explore, I've spent years trying to discover it's location and finally I know where it is."

Maho Sparhawk

 

[Nayden Syr]

Nayden would look up from his pint of hard ale, he over heard the whole conversation but what caught his was the fact that they were people from the college, one formally from it that is. So they probably knew a bit about some of the other things in the world, as well as his affliction. But a castle? That took the cake!

Finishing up his pint of hard ale he would get up from the table, and walk over to the other patrons that were talking. Along the way getting another pint before walking up to them smiling, "Sorry gentlemen but couldn't help but to over hear what conversation you were having." He gives a slight bow to his head, "My name is Nayden and I am wondering if you would not mind me coming a long on this little en deavour of yours. I am sure you could use the help." He says with a smile as he took a sip of his drink.

 

[Aithlin Kitansyr]

The tavern had been a quiet restful place for the young elf to get a cool drink out of the heat of the sun. If there was one thing that people had failed to mention to her when she was thinking about a trip out here it was how hot the temperature could get, hence the added benefit of the tavern having an actual roof over her head that could shelter her from the sun that beat down from overhead, so different from the forests of her home. She hadn't expected to hear anything interesting and had retreated to a corner with her cool drink shortly after receiving it. With her hood up it was easy to blend into the shadows, just another patron in the bar who was drinking and minding their own business. That had been her plan, relax a while, recover and then head back outside to see what other supplies she could purchase from the market. Only then, someone had to go and mention elves, sand elves no less.

Aithlin had grown up in Fal'Addas she was familiar with most of the major elvish families and tribes, there was little else to do but learn about them and meet them. In all her decades mixed into the elven politics though she'd never met any sand elves before. Shifting in her seat she leaned back, listening to the conversation, trying to take in everything they were saying...only it was difficult without actually seeing that map. Aithlin stared down at the drink in her hands and sighed, tipping it back before she pushed back from the tables she'd been occupying and padding her way across the room to peer down at the map on the table, shaking her head. "I had no idea we even had castles out here...I mean...space for one more?" Pale hands reached up, pulling back the hood of her cloak as she offered the gathered group a small smile. "I didn't know the Elves used to have settlements out here, it'd be nice to go and see them and...well I've been trying to find someone headed out that way for a while now. Not that many people seem to want to visit the desert. Who knew?"

 

[GreekGod]

Marius looked at the pair who joined them, a surprised grin on his face. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you two were involved in this conversation, although I suppose more is merrier." Marius winks at Maho. "At the very least you're two more people bandits need to kill. So, let's do introductions. I'm Marius Alva Decimus, this is my apprentice Serbert." Marius points at Maho. "That's Maho Sparhawk."

Marius hunkers over the table and looks at the map, thinking for a few minutes. "Ok, this is how this is working. Take it or leave it. We're travelling first to the castle south of the river and I'm going to do some exploring there. We can loot it and anything I don't want for my research, you can all split among yourselves." Marius looks at the group to make sure they're focusing. "Next we'll head to the warlord Maho needs to visit and after that we'll either explore more ruins as we travel back or follow any leads we discover in the castle. Sound good?" Marius says with his eyebrows raised. "Oh and for transportation, I can borrow two horses and a wagon for us from the college. You're all responsible for your own food and gear. I say we go get our supplies ready and leave first thing tomorrow morning. It's getting a little late to leave now."

Marius stands up from the table and pulls a coin pouch out, handing it to Serbert. "We've traveled together enough that I assume you know what we need, go to the market quickly." Serbert nods and leaves the tavern.

 

[Maho 'Jerik' Sparhawk]

More people...

Of course, Sparhawk didn't hate people, and- as Marius had said- 'the more the merrier'. But more people meant more complications, and he couldn't account for that many people. Well, if they were just accompanying them on their search, that'd most likely suffice.

Next we'll head to the warlord Maho needs to visit

"Hey! I'm not- i'm not... a-" A warlord... Am i?

In the great scheme of Arethil, what made someone a war-wager and a peace-giver? How many lives did it cost for someone to become a monster? What would someone have to do to make the worth of their soul faulty?

Who am i kidding? I don't have a soul...

He knew he would commit atrocities in both the Templar Outpost, and especially Belgrath. But the lives that would be taken in the Siege of Belgrath would be too great to number. Families shattered, blood-spilled, all from the power given from by a demon-devil, produced by blackest womb of creation. They'd all burn.

"We should travel their with haste, if we are to make time. Gather what you need from the market, and meet me tomorrow morning. We should make good ground early."

GreekGod | Nayden Syr | Aithlin Kitansyr

 

[Nayden Syr]

"Nice to meet you." Nayden does not say much else as he listened to the plan, "Very well then. See you guys tomorrow morning." He'd say now a bit worried as to how he will be able to get his food without drawing too much attention to himself.

He'd turn towards the door walking out it deep in thought. As he had his gear covered, that is for very much sure. Grumbling some words to himself he'd disappear into the darkness to obtain his food.

 

[Aithlin Kitansyr]

"Tomorrow morning then outside this tavern then I assume?" Aithlin waited for a sign of assent before she straightened, nodding her head at the group once more before she span on one foot like the dancer she was. Her hands came up, clasping her hood, pulling it up over her head as she pushed the door open and stepped outside. The hustle of the street outside was a far cry from the quiet stillness of the tavern, she sounds and the smells buffeting her senses for a moment. However, that same rush, the flow of the crowd was what made it easy for her to vanish into the press. the anonymity of being just one more body in a sea of flesh. It was easy enough for her to let the current carry her along like a leaf on a stream, pulling her towards the markets. She had much of what she needed in her lodgings already, all she required from the markets was a little sustenance...well that and whatever else managed to catch her eye. You never knew what you might fight lying around in a bazaar like this.

 

[GreekGod]

"Yes, outside the tavern. I will see you all bright and early." Marius said before rising and leaving, headed to the College of Elbion to get the wagon. He made the required preparations and fell asleep in his room at the college. When he awoke at dawn he shook Serbert awake and began packing his bags. He took all the supplies he needed and threw them on the back of the cart before attaching the horses and riding to the tavern. As they waited for the rest of the group Marius leaned over to Serbert. "If something goes wrong and things get rough, you need to leave me and flee, I'll hold whoever is attacking us off and you need to get back to the College as soon as possible, understood?"

Serbert shook his head. "I won't abandon you." He said, Marius' voice cracked as he spoke next. "Y-You must, if it comes down to it. This will be our most dangerous journey yet and I won't be responsible for your death." Serbert shook his head. "And I won't be responsible for yours, we stick together." Marius slightly nodded and left it at that.

 

[Maho 'Jerik' Sparhawk]

"Tomorrow Morning then," He uttered heartedly.

As he made his way into the tavern to rent a room for the night, he thought back to the list he'd made; yes, he'd been in a horse race, that was one item off his list. Battle in a magical duel. No, hadn't done that yet. Well, hopefully - after tomorrow - Go on one last Adventure would be able to be struck through on his list.

He was going to miss this most of all. Miss adventuring with a group of strangers, learning new things and discovering artefacts, stepping where none had stepped before. It depressed him to think he was going to have to leave it all behind for Gerra. As he lay in bed, he got very little sleep, the thoughts that Imamu stuck inside his head kept him from resting. His mind full of dark imagery and forbidden thinking...

Hopefully things would be better in the morning...