"I was asking about the Silence spell because I thought it could be cast to cover the passage out of the dungeons, in the direction any reinforcements would come. That way, if the guards shout for help, or a fight breaks out, the sounds wouldn't reach unfriendly ears. For me, I can cast a small number of spells." Annoura then names the spells she can cast.
Ebril chuckles, "Yes, yes, I do get the gist of what Silence is meant to do. I was just trying to get started on the 'getting to know each other' phase of our training."
Ebril chuckles, "Yes, yes, I do get the gist of what Silence is meant to do. I was just trying to get started on the 'getting to know each other' phase of our training."
Annoura laughs, a rich and throaty sounds. "Oh, thank you, Ebril. I needed that," she says when her mirth subsides. "Of course you know about your own spell. I was just trying to convey the idea I had that lead me to ask about it."
“If you know the identity of as much as a single guard of the holding area we could capture him and extract the information instead of just waiting on the warehouse.” He said with a rather detached voice. It was not like he wanted to torture an imperial, but rather saw use on the possibility. Can’t be the only one. A fact that made Findal believe that the rebels didn’t have even that much information. Picking guards one after the another until finding one useful would be far too risky for the operation. “Otherwise, the wait starts and I can’t cast any spell.” He answered Annoura before looking at the rest of the group. It would certainly help if someone could neutralize the rattling. “On the exit matter, we only know of the one we are going to use?”
Azra takes her turn to speak. Sibi hasn't said a word through all this, but watches the back and forth with interest, and an amused smile.
"Unfortunately they'll be changing the guard the day of our operation, no time to watch and see who will be there, and we don't have access to any kind of rota. It's probably for the best - if a guard didn't turn up to their shift they'd start asking questions. As for the exit, you've got one way in, one way out. Unless you want to make a break for it through one of the main entries to the Maw, which I wouldn't recommend. The outside is much more heavily guarded than the inside, show of force etc. You'll have seen them just by walking past." Indeed, you will remember the ring of black-armoured soldiers surrounding the amphitheater.
I would like to know the source of the rather scant information you do have, though. I understand the need for security, so, no names but what can you reveal about your source?
"As for our source, you're wise not to ask for names. You won't get any. But I can say that they are someone with a little reach who has seen too much for their own conscience."
Ebril seems a bit discomforted by Rummus' last comment, but quickly speaks. "By 'sequestered' I was more concerned about our freedom of movement than accommodations. You say 'staying at the warehouse' like it's a fancy resort. Are we allowed to leave and go where we want?"
Rummus speaks up again at this question. "Ha! It's definitely not fancy! You can leave if you have to, but take extra care you're not followed back."
Just as you are discussing the Silence spell, a little bell rings up on the wall, and you see that a string goes from it up into the ceiling.
"Damn," says Rummus. "Soldiers upstairs. Could be a whole Hand squad. You're not going back out that way. Come on, best you get moving." He leads you to an old oak barrel by one wall. He turns the top most metal band of the barrel, and a section of the stone wall gives an audible *clunk*. Rummus pushes it, and it turns away, revealing another tunnel.
"Follow the river signs, you'll come out right by the Quesh, in the North Feint district, follow it north till you find the Mazeen fishery, you can't miss it."
"Not fancy is fine," Ebril says. But then as the bell rings and Rummus announces they should go, he stands and calmly follows to watch Rummus mess with the barrel. "Well, this is certainly convenient!" he tells the dwarf, then proceeds into the now opened passageway in the wall. "Guess we'll be on our way. But I can't help but note your words imply you aren't coming with us. Will we see any of you later? Especially the lovely Azra? I'd love to hear more about Sibi's claim of you being a bad, bad girl! We really glossed over that part of the conversation!"
He listens for any response, but certainly doesn't hold up his departure as there seems to be a little bit of urgency.
“Let’s make some things clear, lassie.” He said toward Annoura. “We are not your employees, we don’t need your permission. What you condone or not is your problem and I will torture as many as necessary, as soon as necessary and however necessary.” His voice had an emotionless tone. The elf had mentioned being a paladin and Findal knew how those moral types could be. Much good they did when the city fell, he though with irony and bitterness. War has no space for idealism, he knew better than anyone. “If you don’t like it then do your damn best to make sure anyone we capture speaks before it comes to that, or turn your face.”
His questions were answered by Azra. Findal didn’t like Sibi's smile. Not because it was sinister and the woman was beautiful. The problem was that the dwarf could not fathom its meaning and that made him uncomfortable on that land. So the wait starts, the barbarian said to himself before the presence of guards was noticed.
“****in dogs.” He mutters under his breath, taking his axe into hands and looking to the contacts. “Meeting point after the deed?”
Finn awaits for an answer and for his companions to enter the escape. The shorter legs of his folk meant less speed. To take the lead would be to delay the others, besides, he was likely the one to deal better with taking damage.
His questions were answered by Azra. Findal didn’t like her smile. Not because it was sinister and the woman was beautiful. The problem was that the dwarf could not fathom its meaning and that made him uncomfortable on that land. So the wait starts, the barbarian said to himself before the presence of guards was noticed.
((Just to clarify, Sibi the bard was the one smiling, not Azra. Azra has seemed pretty stoic and hard-nosed the whole time.))
Annoura eyes the dwarf coolly. "Thank you for your candor. In return, let me make some things clear. Up yours," she says without heat. "I'm not here to stroke your ego or anything else. I'm here to work with you toward a common goal...operative words there...'work with'. That's what I plan to do. I will condone or not condone anything I feel like. I neither offered my permission nor hinted it was necessary. You do you and I'll do me. I expect to inflict, and suffer, a whole lot of violence before this done. I don't condone torture partly because it's just wrong to inflict pain on the helpless but also because it's frickin' useless to most people as a way to gain information. The number of people who can properly use torture to extract useful information is as rare as its application is common."
She pauses and looks around, "Now...unless other people have some air-clearing to do, let's get to the warehouse."
Aah the ancient conflict between elf and dwarf. "Elves would rather debate and delay than do the hard thing!" "Dwarves would rather rush in without forethought, and risk doing more damage!" So it goes round and round. The humans in the group can only hope that the tension doesn't disrupt the plan.
"We'll see you soon," says Rummus. "Need to check in with our friend upstairs once the guards have moved on, see what they're about."
"Don't you start," Azra says to Ebril with a roll of her eyes. "I get enough trouble from this reprobate," nodding towards Sibi. The bard turns to Ebril "You wouldn't believe the stories I've heard," he says with a wink, and a flick of his hands as he ends the spell, and the image fades away.
Making your way down the tunnel, the hidden stone door closes behind you. Faint light filters down from grates set deep into the ceiling, creating pools of dim light every 20-30 feet. Occasionally you come to a fork, or a small junction room. Each turning is marked with a symbol - a hammer, a crystal, a book, and in your case waving lines to indicate running water. Findal, with his dwarven knowledge, is able to tell that these tunnels are old, pre-Empire. The Red Cord seems to have appropriated them for quick and hidden movement throughout the city. A few times you pass a passage which has collapsed. Findal again will be able to tell from the way the stone and earth has fallen that these collapses were deliberate, and a long time ago.
Following the river symbols you make all the correct turnings, until you reach a set of steps. They lead up to hatch, which opens on an empty room with one door. Opening the door you find yourselves in a cobbled alley, bright light greeting you. The sound of the river rushing to your right gives you a good indication of where to turn next.
"Well, here is the river, so northward to our destination then?" Ebril says, ready to keep moving. "Unless any of you have an excursion you'd like to make?"
He nodded to Rummus and his group, ignoring Annoura’s words, though not out of malice or irritation. With the approach of guards the dwarf was clearly in alert. The entirety of his attention towards the entrance through which the rebels first arrived. As the other four entered the tunnel he followed suit.
Findal felt even more at home on the tunnels. It was easy for him to notice they were old. Older than the empire, at the very least. The fact bought him memories now bittersweet of a time of laughter and drink. Of the most beautiful woman in the world. He shook his head paying attention to the way, making sure that if any follower were to keep with them he would notice.
There was no pursuer, no battle, and by the time the others started talking again he decided it was time to break his silence. It should safe enough by then.
“I need no stop and honest question: has the meaning of the word ‘condone’ changed in the last two hundred years?” He asked everyone at once, not only Annoura. “Back on my time it meant ‘to allow’. I also didn’t catch what you meant by ‘stroke your ego’ either.” There was a strange honesty on Finn’s comments. Like he was an old man trying to understand what someone younger was speaking, even though he barely looked past his fifties. “That was why I told I don’t need your permission. To put on your terms, we will just do things our own way.”He turned his way to the door. “Should be bar it?”
Annoura considered the question briefly as they walked. "I can see your point," she said after a bit. "However, I do not think it actually means that. At least, it's not how I have always used it. My understanding is that it conveys approval or sanction of an action. Agreement with the action. Or, in this case, not agreement. As for the ego bit, well, I meant I'm not here to approve of or not approve of what you do. You're a grown dwarf. If we disagree on something, we can talk about it and, find a compromise, most of the time at least."
She looked at the dwarf. "I hope that clears up where I'm coming from. We are companions in a dangerous undertaking and misunderstandings can be deadly."
“Maybe it is a regional difference on the usage.” He said rather distant. The keener eye could notice a certain he barely paid any attention to any word from them. Almost like he was lost in thoughts, or memories. Findal didn’t like to find things like that, reminders of how much things had changed. It reminded him of his lost years and of his fury, of course. But above all else reminded him of how much time had passed and of the many fears that this simple fact brought forth. How many of his friends were still alive? Was his family enslaved? What about her? In certain ways was thinking about her that terrified him the most. “Yes, deadly.”
The dwarf said as if waking from a daydream. Truth be told he couldn’t remember most of what the elf had just said. His consciousness was distant, singing the song of nightmares. In better days and with good ale Finn would have beseeched Hanseath from a bless of forgetfulness. Then and there, considering what he was, it would be more fitting a plead to Marthammor Duin or Moradin. Maybe in a century or two the All-father would listen. Either way, he decided, can’t ask more of the Lady of Mercy. She had done plenty for him already.
“Yer an adult already?” He asked the elf. It seemed the easiest question to make and new thoughts would be welcomed additions to his mind. “And both of you have difficulty too see in low light?” He asked to the humans.
Starting to make his way north along the river, Ebril glances back at Fin and Annoura. "Wonderful! A great discourse on language! Never thought I'd learn so much when I arose this morning!" He hears the dwarf's questions, presuming the latter was directed at him and Emel. "Yea, certainly can't see in the dark. Well, not without light. And that I can produce almost as though by magic!" He pauses a moment, looking thoughtful, then breaks into a laugh. "Oh wait! It is by magic!" He shrugs. "It's not that grand of a trick really, but useful enough when I need it."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Annoura eyed the dwarf as she began moving. Certainly there was a great deal going on beneath the surface, but what and how would it affect their mission, only time would tell, if even that.
"Honestly, no, not by elf standards. Back home, I would still need a chaperone if I was with a boy. But, I am not back home, and I do not wish to be with a boy," she finished quietly. There was one boy she wished to be with but he was safe...as safe as anyone could be in the Empire. Her brother stayed in their small home on the outskirts of the slums, working at a baker's shop. He had a knack for that, it seemed. He wanted to save enough to open his own shop one day but Annoura wanted to save enough to send him back to the forests of Eapish, but knew both were likely just dreams. Still, dreams were important. They lead to hope. And her greatest dream, deepest hope was to shatter the Empire into so many fragments they could be ground to dust beneath her heels.
She looked at Ebril. An odd human, she thought, but full of life, at least from the outside. Hopefully, it was not just a surface affectation. She smiled at him, "Then today is already a good day for you. Learning is a great gift," she said. She began to sing softly in elvish, a learning song designed to teach the children of her homeland the constellations. Her parents hadn't thought it useful to teach to Tchandry but after their mother died, she'd sung it to her brother as a way to remember them, and home, and to be closer to him. She had a good memory for the teaching songs and she'd done what she could to keep up his education. When she was done with that one, she switched to another, but this time she sang in Dwarvish.
This teaching song was about the earth and the kinds of rocks that lived there. Her father had told her it had been a gift to her tribe from the Dwarves and it was why she'd been taught the language and why she'd taught it to Tchandry.
Emel looks at Ebril. "Unfortunately not that spell. The bit of magic I do have isn't exactly made for subtlety."
"I was asking about the Silence spell because I thought it could be cast to cover the passage out of the dungeons, in the direction any reinforcements would come. That way, if the guards shout for help, or a fight breaks out, the sounds wouldn't reach unfriendly ears. For me, I can cast a small number of spells." Annoura then names the spells she can cast.
ooc: First level paladin spells.
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Ebril chuckles, "Yes, yes, I do get the gist of what Silence is meant to do. I was just trying to get started on the 'getting to know each other' phase of our training."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Annoura laughs, a rich and throaty sounds. "Oh, thank you, Ebril. I needed that," she says when her mirth subsides. "Of course you know about your own spell. I was just trying to convey the idea I had that lead me to ask about it."
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Azra takes her turn to speak. Sibi hasn't said a word through all this, but watches the back and forth with interest, and an amused smile.
"Unfortunately they'll be changing the guard the day of our operation, no time to watch and see who will be there, and we don't have access to any kind of rota. It's probably for the best - if a guard didn't turn up to their shift they'd start asking questions. As for the exit, you've got one way in, one way out. Unless you want to make a break for it through one of the main entries to the Maw, which I wouldn't recommend. The outside is much more heavily guarded than the inside, show of force etc. You'll have seen them just by walking past." Indeed, you will remember the ring of black-armoured soldiers surrounding the amphitheater.
"As for our source, you're wise not to ask for names. You won't get any. But I can say that they are someone with a little reach who has seen too much for their own conscience."
Rummus speaks up again at this question. "Ha! It's definitely not fancy! You can leave if you have to, but take extra care you're not followed back."
Just as you are discussing the Silence spell, a little bell rings up on the wall, and you see that a string goes from it up into the ceiling.
"Damn," says Rummus. "Soldiers upstairs. Could be a whole Hand squad. You're not going back out that way. Come on, best you get moving." He leads you to an old oak barrel by one wall. He turns the top most metal band of the barrel, and a section of the stone wall gives an audible *clunk*. Rummus pushes it, and it turns away, revealing another tunnel.
"Follow the river signs, you'll come out right by the Quesh, in the North Feint district, follow it north till you find the Mazeen fishery, you can't miss it."
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
For reference, you all know what the Maw looks like from the outside:
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
"Not fancy is fine," Ebril says. But then as the bell rings and Rummus announces they should go, he stands and calmly follows to watch Rummus mess with the barrel. "Well, this is certainly convenient!" he tells the dwarf, then proceeds into the now opened passageway in the wall. "Guess we'll be on our way. But I can't help but note your words imply you aren't coming with us. Will we see any of you later? Especially the lovely Azra? I'd love to hear more about Sibi's claim of you being a bad, bad girl! We really glossed over that part of the conversation!"
He listens for any response, but certainly doesn't hold up his departure as there seems to be a little bit of urgency.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Annoura moves out through the tunnel, hand on her hilt, ready for violence, senses straining for anything.
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
“Let’s make some things clear, lassie.” He said toward Annoura. “We are not your employees, we don’t need your permission. What you condone or not is your problem and I will torture as many as necessary, as soon as necessary and however necessary.” His voice had an emotionless tone. The elf had mentioned being a paladin and Findal knew how those moral types could be. Much good they did when the city fell, he though with irony and bitterness. War has no space for idealism, he knew better than anyone. “If you don’t like it then do your damn best to make sure anyone we capture speaks before it comes to that, or turn your face.”
His questions were answered by Azra. Findal didn’t like Sibi's smile. Not because it was sinister and the woman was beautiful. The problem was that the dwarf could not fathom its meaning and that made him uncomfortable on that land. So the wait starts, the barbarian said to himself before the presence of guards was noticed.
“****in dogs.” He mutters under his breath, taking his axe into hands and looking to the contacts. “Meeting point after the deed?”
Finn awaits for an answer and for his companions to enter the escape. The shorter legs of his folk meant less speed. To take the lead would be to delay the others, besides, he was likely the one to deal better with taking damage.
((Just to clarify, Sibi the bard was the one smiling, not Azra. Azra has seemed pretty stoic and hard-nosed the whole time.))
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
OOC: Fixed.
Annoura eyes the dwarf coolly. "Thank you for your candor. In return, let me make some things clear. Up yours," she says without heat. "I'm not here to stroke your ego or anything else. I'm here to work with you toward a common goal...operative words there...'work with'. That's what I plan to do. I will condone or not condone anything I feel like. I neither offered my permission nor hinted it was necessary. You do you and I'll do me. I expect to inflict, and suffer, a whole lot of violence before this done. I don't condone torture partly because it's just wrong to inflict pain on the helpless but also because it's frickin' useless to most people as a way to gain information. The number of people who can properly use torture to extract useful information is as rare as its application is common."
She pauses and looks around, "Now...unless other people have some air-clearing to do, let's get to the warehouse."
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
Aah the ancient conflict between elf and dwarf. "Elves would rather debate and delay than do the hard thing!" "Dwarves would rather rush in without forethought, and risk doing more damage!" So it goes round and round. The humans in the group can only hope that the tension doesn't disrupt the plan.
"We'll see you soon," says Rummus. "Need to check in with our friend upstairs once the guards have moved on, see what they're about."
"Don't you start," Azra says to Ebril with a roll of her eyes. "I get enough trouble from this reprobate," nodding towards Sibi. The bard turns to Ebril "You wouldn't believe the stories I've heard," he says with a wink, and a flick of his hands as he ends the spell, and the image fades away.
Making your way down the tunnel, the hidden stone door closes behind you. Faint light filters down from grates set deep into the ceiling, creating pools of dim light every 20-30 feet. Occasionally you come to a fork, or a small junction room. Each turning is marked with a symbol - a hammer, a crystal, a book, and in your case waving lines to indicate running water. Findal, with his dwarven knowledge, is able to tell that these tunnels are old, pre-Empire. The Red Cord seems to have appropriated them for quick and hidden movement throughout the city. A few times you pass a passage which has collapsed. Findal again will be able to tell from the way the stone and earth has fallen that these collapses were deliberate, and a long time ago.
Following the river symbols you make all the correct turnings, until you reach a set of steps. They lead up to hatch, which opens on an empty room with one door. Opening the door you find yourselves in a cobbled alley, bright light greeting you. The sound of the river rushing to your right gives you a good indication of where to turn next.
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
"Well, here is the river, so northward to our destination then?" Ebril says, ready to keep moving. "Unless any of you have an excursion you'd like to make?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Annoura shakes her head and looks at the other two. "Either of you need to make a stop?"
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
He nodded to Rummus and his group, ignoring Annoura’s words, though not out of malice or irritation. With the approach of guards the dwarf was clearly in alert. The entirety of his attention towards the entrance through which the rebels first arrived. As the other four entered the tunnel he followed suit.
Findal felt even more at home on the tunnels. It was easy for him to notice they were old. Older than the empire, at the very least. The fact bought him memories now bittersweet of a time of laughter and drink. Of the most beautiful woman in the world. He shook his head paying attention to the way, making sure that if any follower were to keep with them he would notice.
There was no pursuer, no battle, and by the time the others started talking again he decided it was time to break his silence. It should safe enough by then.
“I need no stop and honest question: has the meaning of the word ‘condone’ changed in the last two hundred years?” He asked everyone at once, not only Annoura. “Back on my time it meant ‘to allow’. I also didn’t catch what you meant by ‘stroke your ego’ either.” There was a strange honesty on Finn’s comments. Like he was an old man trying to understand what someone younger was speaking, even though he barely looked past his fifties. “That was why I told I don’t need your permission. To put on your terms, we will just do things our own way.” He turned his way to the door. “Should be bar it?”
Annoura considered the question briefly as they walked. "I can see your point," she said after a bit. "However, I do not think it actually means that. At least, it's not how I have always used it. My understanding is that it conveys approval or sanction of an action. Agreement with the action. Or, in this case, not agreement. As for the ego bit, well, I meant I'm not here to approve of or not approve of what you do. You're a grown dwarf. If we disagree on something, we can talk about it and, find a compromise, most of the time at least."
She looked at the dwarf. "I hope that clears up where I'm coming from. We are companions in a dangerous undertaking and misunderstandings can be deadly."
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric
“Maybe it is a regional difference on the usage.” He said rather distant. The keener eye could notice a certain he barely paid any attention to any word from them. Almost like he was lost in thoughts, or memories. Findal didn’t like to find things like that, reminders of how much things had changed. It reminded him of his lost years and of his fury, of course. But above all else reminded him of how much time had passed and of the many fears that this simple fact brought forth. How many of his friends were still alive? Was his family enslaved? What about her? In certain ways was thinking about her that terrified him the most. “Yes, deadly.”
The dwarf said as if waking from a daydream. Truth be told he couldn’t remember most of what the elf had just said. His consciousness was distant, singing the song of nightmares. In better days and with good ale Finn would have beseeched Hanseath from a bless of forgetfulness. Then and there, considering what he was, it would be more fitting a plead to Marthammor Duin or Moradin. Maybe in a century or two the All-father would listen. Either way, he decided, can’t ask more of the Lady of Mercy. She had done plenty for him already.
“Yer an adult already?” He asked the elf. It seemed the easiest question to make and new thoughts would be welcomed additions to his mind. “And both of you have difficulty too see in low light?” He asked to the humans.
Starting to make his way north along the river, Ebril glances back at Fin and Annoura. "Wonderful! A great discourse on language! Never thought I'd learn so much when I arose this morning!" He hears the dwarf's questions, presuming the latter was directed at him and Emel. "Yea, certainly can't see in the dark. Well, not without light. And that I can produce almost as though by magic!" He pauses a moment, looking thoughtful, then breaks into a laugh. "Oh wait! It is by magic!" He shrugs. "It's not that grand of a trick really, but useful enough when I need it."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Annoura eyed the dwarf as she began moving. Certainly there was a great deal going on beneath the surface, but what and how would it affect their mission, only time would tell, if even that.
"Honestly, no, not by elf standards. Back home, I would still need a chaperone if I was with a boy. But, I am not back home, and I do not wish to be with a boy," she finished quietly. There was one boy she wished to be with but he was safe...as safe as anyone could be in the Empire. Her brother stayed in their small home on the outskirts of the slums, working at a baker's shop. He had a knack for that, it seemed. He wanted to save enough to open his own shop one day but Annoura wanted to save enough to send him back to the forests of Eapish, but knew both were likely just dreams. Still, dreams were important. They lead to hope. And her greatest dream, deepest hope was to shatter the Empire into so many fragments they could be ground to dust beneath her heels.
She looked at Ebril. An odd human, she thought, but full of life, at least from the outside. Hopefully, it was not just a surface affectation. She smiled at him, "Then today is already a good day for you. Learning is a great gift," she said. She began to sing softly in elvish, a learning song designed to teach the children of her homeland the constellations. Her parents hadn't thought it useful to teach to Tchandry but after their mother died, she'd sung it to her brother as a way to remember them, and home, and to be closer to him. She had a good memory for the teaching songs and she'd done what she could to keep up his education. When she was done with that one, she switched to another, but this time she sang in Dwarvish.
This teaching song was about the earth and the kinds of rocks that lived there. Her father had told her it had been a gift to her tribe from the Dwarves and it was why she'd been taught the language and why she'd taught it to Tchandry.
Performance 18
Tandor the White, Human Life Cleric