Athkathla II
err...so am i still dead???
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? - Khalil Gibran
"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!" - Winston Churchill
"We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!" - Winston Churchill
Virrilis nodded, and accepted the man's hand. He knew the nature of the assassin, but he wasn't about to judge him. He took a tep back before turning on his heel, and making his way down the cliff, and back to the city. He wasn't quite sure, but he knew that it wouldn't be too difficult to find the human within the city. He just hoped that Aerie would be alright after this ordeal.
It was past midnight when he stepped through the gates of Athakatla, past the gaurds, and to the door of the building Ferchen was using as headquaters. He still didn't know what the rangers were doing in the city. He walked up to the door, and knocked. He waited for a moment, but no answer came. On previous visits, a man would've answered hastely, and curtly. something was different. He pushed the door in, and was met by the blackness of the room. He opened it fully, and let himself become engulfed in the darkness. He took a few steps forward, walking to the centre of the room. He had wished Ferchen would still be there, that she would've waited for him. He hung his head, dissapointed. As his head hung, a smirk crossed his face. He had done something few elves would have even considered. He had fallen in love with a human woman. He looked back up. For the first time since coming to the City of Coin, Virrilis' smile was a genuine one.
"I was hoping you would come back." Virrilis spun on his heels to face the door way. In the frame of it, the slender figure of a woman was leaning against the side, auburn hair draping over his shoulders. Ferchen walked up to the Blade Singer, drawing him in close. "You look different, but you are Virdel, aren't you?" Virrilis nodded, and smiled. "So, this is what you truly look like. you an elf of Suldanesselar." She smiled as she twisted one of her fingers around Virrilis' long, honey-blonde hair. She withdrew her finger, and took a step back. "Whats your real name?"
Virrilis expected this question, and did nothing to hide it. "Virrilis Fel'hanlo." He smiled, as did Ferchen. that was all she needed. She sprang forward, wrapped her arms around the elf, and pressed her lips to his lovingly.
It was past midnight when he stepped through the gates of Athakatla, past the gaurds, and to the door of the building Ferchen was using as headquaters. He still didn't know what the rangers were doing in the city. He walked up to the door, and knocked. He waited for a moment, but no answer came. On previous visits, a man would've answered hastely, and curtly. something was different. He pushed the door in, and was met by the blackness of the room. He opened it fully, and let himself become engulfed in the darkness. He took a few steps forward, walking to the centre of the room. He had wished Ferchen would still be there, that she would've waited for him. He hung his head, dissapointed. As his head hung, a smirk crossed his face. He had done something few elves would have even considered. He had fallen in love with a human woman. He looked back up. For the first time since coming to the City of Coin, Virrilis' smile was a genuine one.
"I was hoping you would come back." Virrilis spun on his heels to face the door way. In the frame of it, the slender figure of a woman was leaning against the side, auburn hair draping over his shoulders. Ferchen walked up to the Blade Singer, drawing him in close. "You look different, but you are Virdel, aren't you?" Virrilis nodded, and smiled. "So, this is what you truly look like. you an elf of Suldanesselar." She smiled as she twisted one of her fingers around Virrilis' long, honey-blonde hair. She withdrew her finger, and took a step back. "Whats your real name?"
Virrilis expected this question, and did nothing to hide it. "Virrilis Fel'hanlo." He smiled, as did Ferchen. that was all she needed. She sprang forward, wrapped her arms around the elf, and pressed her lips to his lovingly.
I've found that subtlety isn't the way to go when you want to get a point acrossOriginally posted by Rail
Okay, Magus. You're about as subtle as a hammer to a nail.
It's too easily misinterpreted or just missed completely @CM: Nah, it was just a thinly veiled threat to see if you were still there. I just didn't feel like wrapping up someone else's character, in addition to the several I already have
So feel free to write your conclusion now Lost Souls: A bereft lover. A masterless familiar. Friends gone their separate ways. Time marches on, and destiny heralds the meeting of comrades old and new. Can they find what they're seeking? Or will the search bring them only more pain?
Aerie felt a hand on her shoulder. “Magus is alive, m’lady,” she heard Rail whisper. She looked up, tears still streaming down her face, not sure if the assassin's words were somehow meant to console her or if they were truth. She returned her gaze to the rubble, but her sobs lessened and her tears subsided. She stared ahead, sadness replaced by a strange emptiness. Her husband had disappeared; the Rift, her first true home since childhood, was gone. She had thought Magus dead with it, and now he was supposedly alive. It was more than her weary mind could handle. She stood there and looked at the ruins of the Rift, memories flooding back...memories of a peaceful past, a blissful time she thought would never end. She remembered her walks through the garden, and her journeys through the paintings into worlds of past and fantasy. She remembered the servants, each with their own personality and surprising intelligence. Most of all she remembered her times with Magus, whether walking together, discussing things, or just watching him work in his laboratory.
She turned, Rail waiting patiently beside her. Virrilis and Xandax were gone. She said a silent farewell to the brave warriors before regarding her old friend.
“Is he really alive?” she asked softly, staring into the assassin’s eyes.
“Yes.” He told her all she had missed: about the return of the Destroyer, Laznaliasoth’s death, the appearance of the avatar, and the Rift’s final moments. He told her of his conversation with the avatar of Mystra, that she had said Kakx’zlandes was dead and Magus lived.
Hovering nearby all along, Void finally broke his brooding silence. -I’ve wondered how I could still exist...it must be true.-
“I see,” Aerie responded after a long pause, her voice calm and composed. “Then there’s no reason to stand about any longer. I must find him.” She took Rail’s hand, noticing for the first time that his artificial arm was gone. “You don’t have to come with me, Rail. You’ve done so much for us already. I just wish I could repay you somehow. I know...” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a beautiful golden ring studded with precious diamonds. It must have been worth a fortune, enough to live comfortably for the rest of one’s life. A feeling of warmth radiated from it as she pressed it into his palm. “Magus gave it to me for our last anniversary. Take it. It’s the least I can do.”
* * * * *
@Rail: Things will work out no matter what you choose to do. So choose freely. If you decide not to accompany her, she’ll give you a few nonmagical jewels to give to the others. I’m telling you this so you can finish your character in your next post, if you want.
@craig: You still haven’t wrapped up your character yet. Please do so.
@CM: Heelllooo...anyone there? Your character really is going to be dead if you haven’t written anything when I next post. I can’t leave any loose ends untied, you understand.
@all concerned: I plan to be more timely with my next (final?) post.
She turned, Rail waiting patiently beside her. Virrilis and Xandax were gone. She said a silent farewell to the brave warriors before regarding her old friend.
“Is he really alive?” she asked softly, staring into the assassin’s eyes.
“Yes.” He told her all she had missed: about the return of the Destroyer, Laznaliasoth’s death, the appearance of the avatar, and the Rift’s final moments. He told her of his conversation with the avatar of Mystra, that she had said Kakx’zlandes was dead and Magus lived.
Hovering nearby all along, Void finally broke his brooding silence. -I’ve wondered how I could still exist...it must be true.-
“I see,” Aerie responded after a long pause, her voice calm and composed. “Then there’s no reason to stand about any longer. I must find him.” She took Rail’s hand, noticing for the first time that his artificial arm was gone. “You don’t have to come with me, Rail. You’ve done so much for us already. I just wish I could repay you somehow. I know...” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a beautiful golden ring studded with precious diamonds. It must have been worth a fortune, enough to live comfortably for the rest of one’s life. A feeling of warmth radiated from it as she pressed it into his palm. “Magus gave it to me for our last anniversary. Take it. It’s the least I can do.”
* * * * *
@Rail: Things will work out no matter what you choose to do. So choose freely. If you decide not to accompany her, she’ll give you a few nonmagical jewels to give to the others. I’m telling you this so you can finish your character in your next post, if you want.
@craig: You still haven’t wrapped up your character yet. Please do so.
@CM: Heelllooo...anyone there?
Your character really is going to be dead if you haven’t written anything when I next post. I can’t leave any loose ends untied, you understand.@all concerned: I plan to be more timely with my next (final?) post.
Lost Souls: A bereft lover. A masterless familiar. Friends gone their separate ways. Time marches on, and destiny heralds the meeting of comrades old and new. Can they find what they're seeking? Or will the search bring them only more pain?
Rail looked at the ring with fondness as it glowed warmly in the palm of his hand. It was indeed spectacular to behold, platinum and illithium spun in a vibrant pattern, interwoven with diamonds that seemed to shine with an inner brilliance of their own. He thought to give it back, as he couldn't bring himself to accept an anniversary gift, no matter the intentions of the giver. "I do not need payment...," he began, but one look at Aerie biting her lip in nervous anticipation of his acceptance, and he smiled sadly. "Thank you for such a gift, Aerie. I can not tell you how much this means, knowing where it comes from and it's value to you."
Aerie blushed slightly and looked up hopefully. She was eager to get on with the search for her love. Rail's smile held compassion and warmth for the first time since she met him, but she knew his answer before he spoke.
"Aerie, you don't need me in your search for Magus. I would be unnecessary baggage on that journey and would only get in the way upon your reunion. Go and find him. Should you need me for whatever reason, I know you have the power to call." The assassin turned toward Void and with a sly thought he sent, You watch over her, my friend, and get her out of any trouble. And more importantly, you better know when to get lost!
-Why do I constantly get advice on how to behave from a monkey?- Void rolled his eyes, but a smile crossed his incorporeal lips.
Aerie smiled sadly, thought she knew Rail's words to be true. She did know how to find Magus and, though the journey would be difficult, it would be one easier done without another mortal tagging along.
Rail nodded as he saw the understanding in her eyes. "Besides, I have an obligation to clean up the rest of this mess. The clone can not be allowed to roam free in this city." He did not talk about the details of what had to be done, nor did he need to.
And you have a debt to pay, my faithful servant. The whispering voice returned as always, though only for Rail to hear. His face darkened and he turned away slightly from the others.
Aerie misunderstood the shadow passing over the assassin's mood. "The clone is not your fault, though I know why you must do this thing. I wish you luck in your journey. I trust we will see you soon."
The smile returned to the human's face. "We will, though I trust your journey will be far more pleasant than mine. I willhave better luck finding you, and I promise to do so." The irony of that statement did not escape the hakeaskar.
-You still juggle with powers beyond your own, don't you human? Yet still you juggle. Perhaps you are more respectable than I first thought.- Void's toothy grin was the only hint at his sarcasm. -Perhaps not, though.-
Rail bowed respectfully in farewell, and turning from the ruins of the rift, he faded away to shadow and then nothingness, all oin broad daylight. Aerie shuddered slightly, as she never felt truly comfortable when the assassin did that.
Rail did not look back as he descended down the hill and toward the city below.
An interesting pairing I have seen, you and this elf. And Magus. I never stop learning from the allies you have created. What a wonderful eye-opener you have become.
I'm glad I continue to amuse you, Rail thought to the voice.
Not amusement, but intrigue, the voice began. It was smooth and chilled the spine of those not ready, though not with fear. Something far more subtle. Still, I lend you powers, yet you continue on your own course. There are things I require of you, you know. Your time on this plane is limited.
Rail frowned, though conversing with Him always made him do so. I told you long ago that if you wished to use me, you'd have to accept my agenda. As you said, I only have a short time, and there is much left to do.
The fool creature is killed. The cowled wizards are in ruin. Vengeance has been yours. You have all you will need for the rest of your life. What more do you ask, mortal?
I will repay you, Mask, though it will be in time. I will play by my agenda first! Not by yours! That was the deal.
Mask smiled and returned to watching in silence. He knew where the assassin would take him next, and the path would be ripe with deception and shadow. He would continue to get far more than information and intrigue out of the assassin. And in time he would get the tasks accomplished that he required of the human. For now, the assassin's agenda suited Mask fine, and Rail proved to have the most interesting allies. It allowed mask to get inside groups he otherwise could not enter. It was why Rail was his Chosen.
Rail had chosen shadow from the very beginning to accomplish his goals, no matter the cost. Mask had chosen Rail, though much later, for the same reason. Deception and intrigue seemed to follow the assassin, no matter which side he chose. And Mask fed in his wake.
Rail knew all this. He had accepted it so long ago. He was aware of the price he had to pay for his abilities, yet he felt one man's soul was worth the price. He walked on willingly, into the shadow of the city walls. The shadows he knew so well. The shadows he had grown to despise. The shadows he embraced. He would get all he could out of his god before his god returned the favor.
Aerie blushed slightly and looked up hopefully. She was eager to get on with the search for her love. Rail's smile held compassion and warmth for the first time since she met him, but she knew his answer before he spoke.
"Aerie, you don't need me in your search for Magus. I would be unnecessary baggage on that journey and would only get in the way upon your reunion. Go and find him. Should you need me for whatever reason, I know you have the power to call." The assassin turned toward Void and with a sly thought he sent, You watch over her, my friend, and get her out of any trouble. And more importantly, you better know when to get lost!
-Why do I constantly get advice on how to behave from a monkey?- Void rolled his eyes, but a smile crossed his incorporeal lips.
Aerie smiled sadly, thought she knew Rail's words to be true. She did know how to find Magus and, though the journey would be difficult, it would be one easier done without another mortal tagging along.
Rail nodded as he saw the understanding in her eyes. "Besides, I have an obligation to clean up the rest of this mess. The clone can not be allowed to roam free in this city." He did not talk about the details of what had to be done, nor did he need to.
And you have a debt to pay, my faithful servant. The whispering voice returned as always, though only for Rail to hear. His face darkened and he turned away slightly from the others.
Aerie misunderstood the shadow passing over the assassin's mood. "The clone is not your fault, though I know why you must do this thing. I wish you luck in your journey. I trust we will see you soon."
The smile returned to the human's face. "We will, though I trust your journey will be far more pleasant than mine. I willhave better luck finding you, and I promise to do so." The irony of that statement did not escape the hakeaskar.
-You still juggle with powers beyond your own, don't you human? Yet still you juggle. Perhaps you are more respectable than I first thought.- Void's toothy grin was the only hint at his sarcasm. -Perhaps not, though.-
Rail bowed respectfully in farewell, and turning from the ruins of the rift, he faded away to shadow and then nothingness, all oin broad daylight. Aerie shuddered slightly, as she never felt truly comfortable when the assassin did that.
Rail did not look back as he descended down the hill and toward the city below.
An interesting pairing I have seen, you and this elf. And Magus. I never stop learning from the allies you have created. What a wonderful eye-opener you have become.
I'm glad I continue to amuse you, Rail thought to the voice.
Not amusement, but intrigue, the voice began. It was smooth and chilled the spine of those not ready, though not with fear. Something far more subtle. Still, I lend you powers, yet you continue on your own course. There are things I require of you, you know. Your time on this plane is limited.
Rail frowned, though conversing with Him always made him do so. I told you long ago that if you wished to use me, you'd have to accept my agenda. As you said, I only have a short time, and there is much left to do.
The fool creature is killed. The cowled wizards are in ruin. Vengeance has been yours. You have all you will need for the rest of your life. What more do you ask, mortal?
I will repay you, Mask, though it will be in time. I will play by my agenda first! Not by yours! That was the deal.
Mask smiled and returned to watching in silence. He knew where the assassin would take him next, and the path would be ripe with deception and shadow. He would continue to get far more than information and intrigue out of the assassin. And in time he would get the tasks accomplished that he required of the human. For now, the assassin's agenda suited Mask fine, and Rail proved to have the most interesting allies. It allowed mask to get inside groups he otherwise could not enter. It was why Rail was his Chosen.
Rail had chosen shadow from the very beginning to accomplish his goals, no matter the cost. Mask had chosen Rail, though much later, for the same reason. Deception and intrigue seemed to follow the assassin, no matter which side he chose. And Mask fed in his wake.
Rail knew all this. He had accepted it so long ago. He was aware of the price he had to pay for his abilities, yet he felt one man's soul was worth the price. He walked on willingly, into the shadow of the city walls. The shadows he knew so well. The shadows he had grown to despise. The shadows he embraced. He would get all he could out of his god before his god returned the favor.
Matti Il-Amin, Paladin, comedian, and expert adventurer. Proudly bearing the colors of the [url="http://www.svelmoe.dk/blade/index.htm"]Blades of the Banshee[/url]
@craig: I'm leaving the final wrapping up of your characters to you guys. You don't need me unless you're going to talk to Aerie before she leaves. Just don't do anything too bizarre and you'll be fine.Originally posted by craig
OOC:He was walking over to the group(Virdell and rail) thought you might want to controll what happens or something, I don't want ot ruin the plot now
@Rail: Are you done, or is there more to come?
Lost Souls: A bereft lover. A masterless familiar. Friends gone their separate ways. Time marches on, and destiny heralds the meeting of comrades old and new. Can they find what they're seeking? Or will the search bring them only more pain?
I am done. That is enough for this story, don't you think? But of course, there's always more to come from our resident assassin at a later date.
Thank you all for making this story such a fun experience!
Thank you all for making this story such a fun experience!
Matti Il-Amin, Paladin, comedian, and expert adventurer. Proudly bearing the colors of the [url="http://www.svelmoe.dk/blade/index.htm"]Blades of the Banshee[/url]
“I don’t know...” Aerie replied staring off into distance, strangely serene. “But I’ll find him.” She looked at Thryn, the mischievous little rascal she’d met only a couple days ago. Always lighthearted, almost like a child, he seemed untouched by care or worry. Much like herself, not so many years ago...
He stared at her expectantly, waiting for her to go on. “Even now, I’m still not quite sure what happened,” she continued. “From what Rail told me, it seems that Lazal, or Laznaliasoth, was a pawn all along of this Kakx’zlandes. Lazal was just a means to the end of assembling the Crown and freeing himself. Now they’re both dead, victims of their own ambition. In the process, the Crown was destroyed. So I guess at least some good came of this mess.”
Thryn nodded. She couldn’t help wondering if he understood. He always had this befuddled look on his face, as if he was struggling to keep up with life around him, but couldn’t quite keep pace.
-In other words, he’s a dim-wit.- Void quipped sarcastically.
-I didn’t say that...oh, you’re impossible!- she replied, somewhat embarrassed. Void just scoffed.
“So, what are you going to do now?” she asked Thryn after a slight pause. “I suppose you have a home to go back to. It must be nice.”
* * * * *
@craig: Keep in mind that Aerie doesn’t know about the whole thing with Thryn’s parents. Also, sorry for taking a crack at Thryn’s expense. It was just my interpretation of Thryn, or rather Aerie’s. Void’s response was a given, of course. BTW, Thryn didn’t hear that little telepathic exchange.
Oh, and don’t worry about holding me up from finishing the ending. As long as this goes on, I can put off writing the conclusion.
He stared at her expectantly, waiting for her to go on. “Even now, I’m still not quite sure what happened,” she continued. “From what Rail told me, it seems that Lazal, or Laznaliasoth, was a pawn all along of this Kakx’zlandes. Lazal was just a means to the end of assembling the Crown and freeing himself. Now they’re both dead, victims of their own ambition. In the process, the Crown was destroyed. So I guess at least some good came of this mess.”
Thryn nodded. She couldn’t help wondering if he understood. He always had this befuddled look on his face, as if he was struggling to keep up with life around him, but couldn’t quite keep pace.
-In other words, he’s a dim-wit.- Void quipped sarcastically.
-I didn’t say that...oh, you’re impossible!- she replied, somewhat embarrassed. Void just scoffed.
“So, what are you going to do now?” she asked Thryn after a slight pause. “I suppose you have a home to go back to. It must be nice.”
* * * * *
@craig: Keep in mind that Aerie doesn’t know about the whole thing with Thryn’s parents. Also, sorry for taking a crack at Thryn’s expense. It was just my interpretation of Thryn, or rather Aerie’s.
Void’s response was a given, of course. BTW, Thryn didn’t hear that little telepathic exchange. Oh, and don’t worry about holding me up from finishing the ending. As long as this goes on, I can put off writing the conclusion.
Lost Souls: A bereft lover. A masterless familiar. Friends gone their separate ways. Time marches on, and destiny heralds the meeting of comrades old and new. Can they find what they're seeking? Or will the search bring them only more pain?
Thryn held back the tears of joy, remembering his parents were free, "I don't know" Said Thryn thinking hard, if he went back he would be crowned a hero, and protected.If he didn't go back, he's have the world at his feet."I don't where I'll go next, I help you search for magus, I need to thank him..."Thryns words trailed of looking out to the world, now his burden was lifted, was really limited to what he could do??
“You’re too kind,” Aerie replied, smiling warmly. “I should really be thanking you for your help, not the other way around. But I think Void and I will do this alone. It could take a long time, and you have the rest of your life ahead of you. Go enjoy it.” She took a sizable bag of gold from her pocket and gave it to him. “Take the last of my gold. Clerical magic is always in demand, so I can afford the loss.” Thryn nodded, a question lingering on his lips. Aerie turned and began to walk away, Void trailing behind.
“Will I ever see you two again?” he finally asked.
She glanced back, a thoughtful look on her face. “I don’t know. Maybe. Take care of yourself, Thryn.” As she turned, Thryn saw two red eyes regarding him.
-The impetuous tend not to live long, mortal. Remember that.- Then the hakeashar drifted off after Aerie, having said his thanks in his own roundabout way. They disappeared down the hill and were lost from view.
* * * * *
@all concerned: I’ve got one last post, the conclusion proper, to do after craig is done with Thryn.
“Will I ever see you two again?” he finally asked.
She glanced back, a thoughtful look on her face. “I don’t know. Maybe. Take care of yourself, Thryn.” As she turned, Thryn saw two red eyes regarding him.
-The impetuous tend not to live long, mortal. Remember that.- Then the hakeashar drifted off after Aerie, having said his thanks in his own roundabout way. They disappeared down the hill and were lost from view.
* * * * *
@all concerned: I’ve got one last post, the conclusion proper, to do after craig is done with Thryn.
Lost Souls: A bereft lover. A masterless familiar. Friends gone their separate ways. Time marches on, and destiny heralds the meeting of comrades old and new. Can they find what they're seeking? Or will the search bring them only more pain?
Amidst the wreckage, one body did not rise. Clad in plate mail, his hands clenched tightly around a sword of Tymora, Faisal lied in final rest. Mystra’s aid had come too late for him. And so he died, a martyr in the fight to prevent the return of an ancient evil as old as the Gods themselves. The young Chosen of Tymora’s soul went up to his goddess, yet his body remained, untouched by earthly decay, testament to the ethereal forces that yet lingered over the area. In times to come even adventurers would avoid the ruins, as rumors of shadow demons and mysterious guardians accompanied tales of a place completely devoid of treasure or spoils.
* * * * *
Lazal’s disappearance spelled the end of Athkatla’s brief civil war. Its mastermind gone, the tumult in Athkatla gradually died down, and peace returned slowly but surely to the troubled city. Soon after the Black Helm’s return to Athkatla a doppleganger was discovered in the Council of Ten. Further investigation found the whole Council to be no less than agents of a powerful group of dopplegangers based in Calimport. The Black Helm quickly rounded up and executed the whole bunch. The episode set off a doppleganger scare across the city, and dozens more of the creatures were discovered in varying positions of power, particularly in the ranks of the Cowled Wizards. Even Corellon himself was exposed, and the guild’s power declined sharply following the subsequent purges. The Black Helm guards, instrumental all the while in investigation and enforcement, came to be celebrated as heroes. Calahan, their gruff leader, quickly rose to fame, propelled by rumors of his role in defeating the archmage Magus, who allegedly had been driven mad by some experimental accident. As for the Shadow Thieves...they quietly melted into the shadows of public opinion, adapting to changing conditions as they always had. For now, their supremacy was at an end, but their time would come again eventually.
Meanwhile a new Council of Ten was created to replace the one of old, and Calahan was selected as its chairman by popular demand. Despite his initial grumbling, he soon proved to be a strong and effective leader. Under his leadership the Council quickly asserted its authority, reinforced by Calahan’s decision to resign from his position as head of the Black Helm until further notice. New, tighter regulations were passed on the trade and usage of magic, and numerous pacts and agreements were signed with nearby powers. Amn’s prestige was restored, all doubts of her stability removed. And so, for a time, all was well...
* * * * *
A growl sounded from the depths of the darkness. Laznaliasoth stirred, realizing the voice was his own. His last moments flashed across his mind. The Crown, the Master’s revival,...his own death. Yet, he wasn’t dead. Could the Destroyer’s power have waned after all those years?
He opened his eyes and rose slowly to his feet, finding himself in a bleak, formless plane, void of all color whatsoever. The gray sky blended dully into the slightly darker ground, merging together monotonously as the two reached infinitely towards the horizon. The ground was flat, too flat. The plane was obviously artificial. Looking around carefully, he didn’t spot any signs of life. It was an complete and utter wasteland. There was no reason to remain in this place. The demon prince crossed his arms and closed his eyes. It was time to return home.
He focused on the Abyss, willing himself to his destination. But nothing happened. He tried again...nothing. His mind whirled in confusion and anger. His powers...they weren’t working! He reached inside himself, searching for the dark well of power that was his demonic gift. He found it easily, radiating with the power of the void as it always had. He grasped it, preparing to draw it forth into a ball of energy, a simple cantrip. But it wouldn’t come. His power was there, but he couldn’t tap it. Anger bubbled up, threatening to burst into uncontrollable frenzy. Yet it didn’t, no matter how hard he tried. How could this be?!
Then suddenly, he knew. He knew the terrible truth. This was no ordinary plane. It was a prison plane...the prison of Kakx’zlandes. And he was trapped there for all eternity...
No one heard his scream.
* * * * *
Magus woke to the smell of damp, musty air. It was a familiar scent, comfortable even. No doubt about it. This was a mage’s domain.
He felt the stone below him, warm beneath his belly. The air was chilly. He moved his hand, feeling the stone next to him. It was cold. He must have been lying there for some time. He finally opened his eyes, lifting his head as looked around. As he had expected, he was in a wizard’s laboratory. Scattered about the room were tables littered with flasks and opened books. The stone walls were barely visible, lined as they were by shelves of exotic reagents and bookshelves of faded books. A large mirror stood in a nearby corner, covered by a white sheet. Seeing movement, his gaze settled on a slender black-robed figure, the person’s back turned as he set down a couple of potions. Long white hair flowed over his shoulders. Magus couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d met this man before...
“Finally, you awaken,” the figure spoke, startling Magus. That voice...
The figured turned, a sardonic smirk on his golden face. His hourglass eyes drilled into the half-elf like needles. “So we meet again, Magus,” said Raistlin.
*THE END*
* * * * *
I’m finally finished! I thought the ending would be better if it ended with a little mystery... I hope no one’s too lost.
* * * * *
Lazal’s disappearance spelled the end of Athkatla’s brief civil war. Its mastermind gone, the tumult in Athkatla gradually died down, and peace returned slowly but surely to the troubled city. Soon after the Black Helm’s return to Athkatla a doppleganger was discovered in the Council of Ten. Further investigation found the whole Council to be no less than agents of a powerful group of dopplegangers based in Calimport. The Black Helm quickly rounded up and executed the whole bunch. The episode set off a doppleganger scare across the city, and dozens more of the creatures were discovered in varying positions of power, particularly in the ranks of the Cowled Wizards. Even Corellon himself was exposed, and the guild’s power declined sharply following the subsequent purges. The Black Helm guards, instrumental all the while in investigation and enforcement, came to be celebrated as heroes. Calahan, their gruff leader, quickly rose to fame, propelled by rumors of his role in defeating the archmage Magus, who allegedly had been driven mad by some experimental accident. As for the Shadow Thieves...they quietly melted into the shadows of public opinion, adapting to changing conditions as they always had. For now, their supremacy was at an end, but their time would come again eventually.
Meanwhile a new Council of Ten was created to replace the one of old, and Calahan was selected as its chairman by popular demand. Despite his initial grumbling, he soon proved to be a strong and effective leader. Under his leadership the Council quickly asserted its authority, reinforced by Calahan’s decision to resign from his position as head of the Black Helm until further notice. New, tighter regulations were passed on the trade and usage of magic, and numerous pacts and agreements were signed with nearby powers. Amn’s prestige was restored, all doubts of her stability removed. And so, for a time, all was well...
* * * * *
A growl sounded from the depths of the darkness. Laznaliasoth stirred, realizing the voice was his own. His last moments flashed across his mind. The Crown, the Master’s revival,...his own death. Yet, he wasn’t dead. Could the Destroyer’s power have waned after all those years?
He opened his eyes and rose slowly to his feet, finding himself in a bleak, formless plane, void of all color whatsoever. The gray sky blended dully into the slightly darker ground, merging together monotonously as the two reached infinitely towards the horizon. The ground was flat, too flat. The plane was obviously artificial. Looking around carefully, he didn’t spot any signs of life. It was an complete and utter wasteland. There was no reason to remain in this place. The demon prince crossed his arms and closed his eyes. It was time to return home.
He focused on the Abyss, willing himself to his destination. But nothing happened. He tried again...nothing. His mind whirled in confusion and anger. His powers...they weren’t working! He reached inside himself, searching for the dark well of power that was his demonic gift. He found it easily, radiating with the power of the void as it always had. He grasped it, preparing to draw it forth into a ball of energy, a simple cantrip. But it wouldn’t come. His power was there, but he couldn’t tap it. Anger bubbled up, threatening to burst into uncontrollable frenzy. Yet it didn’t, no matter how hard he tried. How could this be?!
Then suddenly, he knew. He knew the terrible truth. This was no ordinary plane. It was a prison plane...the prison of Kakx’zlandes. And he was trapped there for all eternity...
No one heard his scream.
* * * * *
Magus woke to the smell of damp, musty air. It was a familiar scent, comfortable even. No doubt about it. This was a mage’s domain.
He felt the stone below him, warm beneath his belly. The air was chilly. He moved his hand, feeling the stone next to him. It was cold. He must have been lying there for some time. He finally opened his eyes, lifting his head as looked around. As he had expected, he was in a wizard’s laboratory. Scattered about the room were tables littered with flasks and opened books. The stone walls were barely visible, lined as they were by shelves of exotic reagents and bookshelves of faded books. A large mirror stood in a nearby corner, covered by a white sheet. Seeing movement, his gaze settled on a slender black-robed figure, the person’s back turned as he set down a couple of potions. Long white hair flowed over his shoulders. Magus couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d met this man before...
“Finally, you awaken,” the figure spoke, startling Magus. That voice...
The figured turned, a sardonic smirk on his golden face. His hourglass eyes drilled into the half-elf like needles. “So we meet again, Magus,” said Raistlin.
*THE END*
* * * * *
I’m finally finished! I thought the ending would be better if it ended with a little mystery... I hope no one’s too lost.
Lost Souls: A bereft lover. A masterless familiar. Friends gone their separate ways. Time marches on, and destiny heralds the meeting of comrades old and new. Can they find what they're seeking? Or will the search bring them only more pain?
