Hell to it All pt. 2: Let's Just Do What the Mayor Said and Save Our Friends.

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Cloudbreaker and I found Abu sitting outside the Inn. He too had been crying and I assumed he was feeling just as confused about last night as the Goliath was. He mentioned that he was to pick Bal Vyr’s ring up in a little bit. We told him that first he should come hear out a contract we were offered.

Back in the room, Bal Vyr was resting on the bed as we entered. He stood up and asked about the ring to which Abu repeated what he told me. Cloudbreaker then went on to tell the men about what Garth had asked of us; to kill the Druidess in return for 12,000 gold pieces and all the cold iron weapons we needed. The Goliath wanted to take the deal.

Bal Vyr chastised the Goliath for wanting to side with the Sylphsbane Clade. He reminded all of us how the town literally screwed us over and though Cloudbreaker and I didn’t care about Grendel, we still needed to save him and Trickfoot. I quickly interjected that I had set aside my opinions of Grendel for the Drow had reminded us a few days ago that he is marked like all of us and therefore we needed to stick together. I also added that if Grendel continued to threaten the party, then I would defend us against him.

The Drow gave a curt nod before continuing on with what I had originally thought after hearing about the contract. It was an opportunity to help the Druidess get in and take out the Sylphsbane Clade from the inside as well as the rest of the town. Of course, I had my qualms about that... the innocent town folk, who have no real say about who their Mayor was our how the town guard acted, would be slaughtered for the wrongs of their leader and protectors.

Abu jumped on that notion and said he would only agree to help the Druidess if we can spare the innocent town folk. Bal Vyr confidently said that we could convince the Druidess to keep the murders to those she had requested of us. That way we can put new leadership into play that the Elves were satisfied with.

Cloudbreaker however spat out that we were naive. The Druidess had forced us into a contract in which if we didn’t fulfil, our own lives would be taken. If sided with her, who’s to say she wouldn’t turn on us? Once in the town, who’s to say she would keep her word and spare the town’s folk? Bal Vyr argued that these people had once coexisted together and was optimistic that that was what the Druidess wanted. It was those in charge that had slighted her and needed to be disposed of.

The Goliath shook his head. He went on to say that if we sided with the Druidess, we had nothing to gain, and everything to lose. If we sided with the Sylphsbane Clade, we then gain money, better weapons, and good standing with a faction that could turn this city around. We can then put the Mayor on trial for his crimes and more civilly turn the town around with little blood shed.

His thoughts were more desirable, but I shook my head and questioned how he was so certain that the Clade was any better than the Mayor. What had they done to prove themselves to us? Bal Vyr agreed and suggested that all he was to them was muscle. How right the Drow was as I recalled the way Garth Thorplewood treated Cloudbreaker.

We finally ended the discussion on the note that we’d first focus on figuring the Goblin situation out and saving our friends that way. Hopefully we wouldn’t be slighted by the Mayor. And so we made preparations to leave immediately.

The Goliath was concerned about how to tell Garth that we have yet to decide whether to uphold the contract. I informed him that we can tell Garth that we are under contract with the Mayor to take care of a situation and therefore can not commit to his contract until that has been fulfilled. Cloudbreaker lit up at my genius and agreed that that would be best.

Once the message was delivered to Garth and Abu returned with Bal Vyr’s ring, we packed our bags, bought some rations for the road  (I also buying a waterskin), and took off toward the hills. We had a lot of ground to cover before we arrived to the farm lands.

As night began to fall upon us, we noticed smoke in the tree line next to us. Cloudbreaker mentioned that it smelled of some kind of fuel and quickly we ran into the woods. I could only hope it wasn’t the Elves setting a trap for us.

As we approached, we saw a small woman running around her cart throwing a towel at the fire to bat it out. Immediately the three of us, for Bal Vyr had scouted around elsewhere, ran to help her. I pulled out my waterskin and pulled my cloak off, soaking it in water. I heard Cloudbreaker ask if we could help to which the woman shouted, “Yes! Put the fire out! Quickly!”

It was an exhausting 2 minutes but we finally managed to beat the flames out. The woman had gotten burnt from throwing herself upon the flames inside the cart. Apparently she was transporting a kind of oil that when lit couldn’t be put out with water. The town guard as the buyers and part of me didn’t like the idea of the guards having such a weapon to use against the Elves.

The woman clearly was a Dwarf, so it surprised me that Bal Vyr didn’t try to kill her outright, what with his obsession and paranoia of the race.

I had the first watch of the night. It was quiet and uneventful. I then went to wake Cloudbreaker up.

“Hey, it’s your watch,” I said. I gave him a hand up.
“Thanks,” he said groggily. Then with a squeeze if the hand we said good night and off I went to sleep in my tent.

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Hell to it All! pt. 1: Cloudbreaker... I Like You.

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Hell to it All!

This morning was a mix of emotions. First I woke up way too early and caught word of Bal Vyr muttering to himself, “Oh, like hell you’re gonna keep it between the two of you.”

“What?” I mumbled.

“Oh, go back to sleep. They would feel bad if they knew they woke you up,” the Drow instructed. It took me a second to register who ‘they’ were, but once I heard the door knob twist, I bolted straight. I watched as Cloudbreaker and Abu walked in. They looked remarkably clean. Both stopped in their tracks as they realized Bal Vyr and I were watching them.

“Where did you guys go?” I asked.

“Oh... uh,” Cloudbreaker uttered, “We- we were, um. We got some chickens,” he finished holding out some dead chickens.

“You went chicken hunting? And you’re just getting back now?” I asked skeptically. Abu and Cloudbreaker looked nervously at each other.

“Do I smell perfume on you guys?”Bal Vyr interjected. Both men looked wided eyed back at the Drow. I noticed the scent too and immediately I felt... embarrassed I guess. Maybe jealous too, but why was I surprised? It would seem clear that Cloudbreaker didn’t have eyes for me and it was probably for the best.

I turned over in my bed and let Bal Vyr continue to work out of the men what they had specifically done that night.

When I woke back up, the Drow was relaxing in the corner of the room. I went and washed up before returning and offering to get Bal Vyr something to eat. He took the offer and quickly I went downstairs to fetch him something.

As I came around the corner I immediately noticed Cloudbreaker at the bar. Dale wasn’t in yet, but having helped the Innkeeper the night before, I felt comfortable enough to help myself. However, as I approached Cloudbreaker, there was something drastically different. He was resting his arms on the bar, staring at a loaf of untouched bread. I saw his shoulder shake a little as he took in a quick breathe.

“Cloudbreaker? Are you... alright?” I asked cautiously.

“I honestly really don’t know,” the Goliath wept as he quickly rubbed his eyes. By now I was standing next to him and could see the tears on the bar table and the hint of red in his eyes.

“Wow, you’re actually crying,” I said astonished. It wasn’t that it was a bad thing he was crying, but it was so unexpected of him.

“It’s just (sniff) bread is the best thing humans have,” Cloudbreaker sobbed, “Us Goliaths don’t have it. It’s my favorite thing about man!”

I gawked for a moment at the Goliath.

“I’m going to grab Bal Vyr some food real quick, then I‘ll be right back,” I informed him slowly. Cloudbreaker sniffed and gave a nod of his head.

I gave Bal Vyr his food and as I began to leave he asked if I would check in with Abu about his ring of disguise. I agreed and quickly left the room.

There were a few patrons down stairs going about their business. Cloudbreaker still sat alone at the bar. I sat down next to him and out of the corner of my eye observed him trying to compose himself. He had his face covered by his right hand while his left hand rested on the bar top.

I felt myself begin to reach out to grab his hand, but stopped myself. That’d give you away! I scolded myself. So? I debated,You’re making this too big of a deal. It’s a nice gesture. So with a deep breath, I reached out and grabbed Cloudbreaker’s hand. I pulled it toward me, the Goliath for a moment tensing up before relaxing.

“Hey,” I said as soothingly as I could, “Is the bread really that good or did something happen last night to you and Abu?” I gently rubbed the top of his hand, partly out of fidgeting and partly to comfort him.

Cloudbreaker sniffed before turning his head to look me in the eyes. His gaze was firm as his deep blue, luminescent, and pupil-less eyes bore into mine.

"The bread is stale. It's yesterday's,” he said flatly. I furrowed my brow as I studied his face. I gave a small shake of my head in disbelief.

"I dont mean to be insensitive, but it doesn't seem like stale bread would warrenty such an emotional response from you,” I replied as I took his gaze again. Cloudbreaker let out a long sigh.

"I miss speaking in Gol-Kaa. It's so much easier to be... coy, but for people to understand you,” the Goliath said as he looked back at the loaf of bread. I cocked my head and almost asked ‘why’ when it came to me.

"Oh!” I said, my head racing. Bal Vyr was in the room, so where else could we go for privacy? “I need to exercise my wings. Let's go down to the docks,” I said, pulling on Cloudbreaker’s hand to get him to come with. He looked at our hands, a small smile breaking his lips. However, once he got to his feet, I let go. “Maybe you can teach me some Gol-Kaa on the way. Like how do you say hello?" I added as we walked out of the Inn.

"Well... we don't necessarily say ‘Hello,’” Cloudbreaker mentioned. I gave him a quizzical look, “You see, 'Hello' is just a neutral greeting. You can say it without a thought to it. In Gol-Kaa, every word has meaning. So when you say it, you mean it. If you want to greet me, all you need to do is call me by my name."

I pondered a bit. I never thought much about the words I said having no meaning, but it made sense how casual one could be in their speech.

"Humans tell me it's a strange language," Cloudbreaker suddenly added. I let a soft snort out.

"Humans can be arrogant about what isn't familiar or made by them,” then more seriously I said, “So when greeting you, simply calling you by name is like saying hello, right?”

"Yes- well, sort of,” Cloudbreaker let out another sigh, “I try to keep the common I've learned and Gol-Kaa separate, so I don't begin to blend them and their conflicting practices. It’s not that I don’t want to teach you, but the last thing I want, when I return to my people, is to sound or act alien like."

“Oh,” I said, "That’s understandable. However, I would enjoy learning your language so I can communicate with you or your people when the time comes you're reunited with them,” I persisted. If I’m to roam with Goliaths one day, I would like to blend in as quickly as I could considering how very different I am.

"That’s a good point.” Cloudbreaker slowly said. We walked a few paces in silence as he pondered. The streets were beginning to fill with life as we made our way to the lake.

“I'll teach you what I can,” the Goliath finally said, “but I doubt I'll be able to make you fluent. There is no proper substitute for living in a Goliath tribe for a while, to see how it really works. So, if you want to say hello in Gol-Kaa, you should say my name in Gol-Kaa."

"Is your name, in Gol-Kaa, much different from what I know it to be now?"

"Well, you already know my wish name and my family name-”

“Wish name?” I interrupted.

“Yes. A’aluke is my wish name. Kolothiae is my family name. But my current name, my honorific, is roughly translated to Cloudbreaker. In Gol-Kaa, it’s Kamagath.”

"Ka-ma-gath,” I slowly said, a smile creeping on my lips. It was as though I had learned a secret.

We continued to discuss the significance of names, the Goliath asking if the Angelic did something similar. I explained that most names held no meaning, but that our animals typically received Angelic names to highlight a quality or appreciation. If people were given an Angelic name, it was a nickname and one could have many nicknames depending on who gives them.

When I spoke of that, it reminded me of Bor... I hadn’t thought about him in so long. My second father after my own had died... When I arrived in the Kingdom, he began to call me Yuk Bur (You Buhr). It means Big Fire. For the longest time I thought he called me that in reference to my anger. How quick I was to it. But many years later, I realized he meant it to how strong my spirit is. Despite the obstacles I’ve faced, somehow I’ve always managed to rise above them.

Cloudbreaker thought it quite peculiar. He mistook such names and meanings to be presumptuous like the ‘wish’ names in his culture. I reminded him that when an Angelic name is given, it’s typically after someone has gotten to know you. Hence why our birth names typically held no meaning. Who’s to say who we’d become when we grew up? I then added, since he seemed disappointed by the lack of meaning in our given names, that we eventually give mean to our names. Who we are, how we live, what we become, that is what gives our name their meaning.

The Goliath smiled, seeing some of the logic behind that. He then went on to explain his name. A’aluke, his wish name, means ‘Like Father,’ and Kolothiae, his family name, means ‘of the people that pray on the summit'. Then ‘Kamagath’ means great mountain. I cocked my head curious why we called him Cloudbreaker. He explained it was a simile; a mountain so great that it pierces the clouds, or a cloud breaker.

I admire the depth to his name. It’s poetic.

With that, I then asked if he was suppose to be like his father one day. He smiled and said it’s kind of funny he was given that name. He has a brother who’s 10 years older than him. One would think he should have received such a name, but alas, with Cloudbreaker’s father being the chieftain of his tribe, it would have seemed too soon to have given his first born such a name when in a few decades time he could take over for his father. Let alone, his brother was nothing like his father as it turned out.

“My tribe had such hope in me as I grew up and my father became older. But alas, I’ve been exiled... I worry now what has become of the Vath'ul-Mak'ai. Either my father leads them still, weakening every winter, or another, lesser man has taken his role. Either way, I worry about them." Cloudbreaker finished forlorned. We had arrived to the docks by then and part of me envied the Goliath. Though he missed his family... as least he could take hope knowing they’re out there somewhere.

"At least you can take heart that you have a chance to be reunited with them,” I said with a heavy heart, “As for me... I'll never see my family again." Instantly I realized how depressing that sounded. I also didn’t want Cloudbreaker to pity me.

“Well, I’m going to fly for a bit. I'll be back in a few,” I mentioned as I walked to the edge of the dock and took off over the lake.

As I flew about, landing on the docks ever so often for a quick rest, I remembered one of the reasons we came out was for Cloudbreaker to explain what happened last night. Yet... part of me didn’t want to pry too hard. If he was out with women last night, as Bal Vyr suggested, I didn’t want to know.

“Okay, that’s all,” I said as I landed for the last time on the docks. I sucked in the cool morning air as I walked back to Cloudbreaker, wiping the sweat from my brow.

"Blackwing... about last night,” the Goliath began. I watched him closely nervous about what he would disclose, “I don't remember everything that happened, but I don't think it's because of what I had to drink yesterday evening."

"If it wasn’t the drink that has made these memories faint, then where you two attacked?" I asked cautiously. Cloudbreaker shook his head.

"I don't know- well I don't think so. I feel like we were magicked, but I cannot say for sure".

With that, I focused on the magic auras about the Goliath. If there was anything lingering about him, I couldn’t detect it over the auras of his mark.

“Well I can’t see anything different about you. Is there any details that you remember that would suggest why you believe it was magics used against you?

"Um... I feel really good. I'm not hungover at all and I'm pretty sure last night went south fast. And because of... breakfast. I don’t understand why I was crying. It doesn't make sense for I'm not sad.

"This is the most I can remember Blackwing. I get little flashes of a red corridor, chanting, spinning, an egg, and a bright white flash of light. Then Abu and I woke up in the gutter. We both felt great. That just doesn't feel natural to me..."

“Chanting?” I questioned, “Do you remember what was said?”

“No.”

I furrowed my brows, "Hmm. That is curious...” part of me wonders if he had fallen in with the Heinul cult... but I didn’t want to think about that, nor did I want to bring that up.

“Well I suppose it's a good thing you've returned safely... or at least for what we can tell," a coy smile then creeped upon my face, "So... no rendezvous with women as Bal Vyr hinted at? You do smell nice."

"Ha! Bal Vyr has a wild imagination and likes to stir up trouble!” Then with a more grave look continued, “I must say... I certainly wasn't all clean (and perfumed?) until we woke up in the gutter. It's like we were... washed or something after that white flash. The idea makes my skin crawl."

I gave nod of my head as my heart began to race. At the mention of the Drow’s wild imagination and his love to cause trouble, I knew I needed to speak. How certain I was Bal Vyr would use the closest opportunity to make my crush on the Goliath a huge scene. And seeing I was alone with Cloudbreaker, I figured it was time to get it over with.

I could feel my cheeks burn as I spoke "Well, speaking of Bal Vyr and his wild imagination... I figure it’d be best if you heard this from me than him...” Oh how intently the Goliath looked at me. I took a deep breath and jumped, “I like you Cloudbreaker... a lot,” I then looked away, unable to keep his gaze any longer, my next words rushing out, “I don’t plan on it effecting the party nor do I expect you to like me in return more than a friend... I just thought you’d rather hear it from me than from him-” my voice caught as I felt the Goliath take my hand.

My head jerked up to look Cloudbreaker in the eyes. They were so intense that I felt a lightness about me and I barely caught him saying something in Gol-Kaa.

“What? I exhaled.

His smile broadened as he said, "That means I like you too, Blackwing.” Then with a soft chuckle and a mischievous grin he added, "Though I fear I do not know the proper steps involved in courting an Angelic. Perhaps you could instruct me. I wouldn't want to mis-step."

A nervous laugh escaped me as I gave Cloudbreaker’s hand a squeeze. “I've never been courted...” I confessed, “I’d say it’s similar to what the Humans do. Angelic would hold hands, hug, and kiss- but um, yeah...” I then began to ramble with nervousness, “Of course courtship was so you can find your one true companion,” I paused a moment as I remembered home. “The Kingdom was about family and making those strong relations. That matters not though. This is very much new to me as I imagine it is for you to court an Angelic. So either court me like you would a Goliath or we'll figure out our own way of doing this.”

"Well, I get the feeling that we should find our own way of doing this then,” Cloudbreaker began, “Us Goliaths don't really 'court'. It's usually much more direct. Most of us have grown up alongside our future mate and one day just decide to... bed together. And that's that. First children by spring-" he suddenly stopped and with wide eyes, realizing what he had said, added "That's not what I'm suggesting! I..."

I placed my free hand to my face as I laughed at Cloudbreaker fumbling over his words. To have thought I was nervous.

"I really don't have any idea what I'm doing here, do I?" he asked with a light chuckle.

“It’s okay. I’m liking the hand holding so far,” I said. The Goliath looked at our hands intertwined.

“They are so small...” he spoke with a soft look.

“Hey,” I said, getting his eyes back on mine, “I know must seem brittle to you, especially the night you took me to Pelor's temple, but I assure you I’m more durable than I look. I know I'm stronger than the average person,” I assured him.

"Yeah, I did notice then that. You hardly weigh anything... Yet you’re so strong despite not weighing more than an infant Goliath. I guess magic runs through your blood!"

“That it does,” I responded. I then looked around and noticed more people beginning to go about their day, "We probably should head back. I need to find Abu and ask him about Bal Vyr's ring. Oh!” I exclaimed remembering yesterday’s meeting with Garth, “Weren't we to tell the others about that job with the Sylphsbane Clade? "

Cloudbreaker rolled his head back as he let out his own exclamation, “I completely forgot about that what with Bal Vyr doing his weird ritual thing! Let’s go do that now!” he added, pulling me along. It felt really nice holding the Goliath’s hand. And I must say... I haven’t felt so happy in my life since the time Meryth and I were in our youth...

As we walked back, I did have one thing I was curious about. Cloudbreaker made it seem that Goliaths just paired off. What I didn’t understand was how was it made known to the tribe?

"Cloudbreaker, is there any ceremony to it? Before they... 'bed?'”

“Ceremony?” he questioned.

“In the kingdom we have a gathering to which family and friends can witness the two promise each other with forever. What humans call a wedding, but more simple and humble in comparison to them,” I explained.

"Oh... Um not before usually... Sometimes after. My tribe didn't, but the Kakualak had some kind of simple ceremony that involved a blessing from Theleya that I saw once. I wouldn't know how to perform it. It certainly wasn't a promise of forever. I think it was more of a... fertility blessing. It's hard to promise forever when your mate could be dead by next winter."

"I suppose that would seem silly in the mortal realm,” I said as I realized how ridiculous forever must seem to mortals, “Even I am unsure if I am immortal or not. I've certainly have had a lot of close calls."

We finished our walk in silence. I felt a little embarrassed having asked about wedding ceremonies. It wasn’t like I was thinking about marrying the Goliath. It’s a possibility sure, but what if he thought that was where my head already was... oh well. I focused my attention to making sure I found Abu and asking him about the ring on Bal Vyr’s behalf.

“Hey," Cloudbreaker said as we turned onto the road Larland’s Chalice Inn was on, “Do we say anything to the others?”

Immediately I felt nervous. Bal Vyr did not make my crush seem like a good thing and I really didn’t want to make our relationship a big deal with the group. Yet at the same time, I didn’t want Cloudbreaker to think I was ashamed of our relationship.

“If we do,” I said thoughtfully, “let’s try to be mindful of how we act. We do have this party to work with and... I don’t know. It would seem Bal Vyr was concerned about us happening.”

Cloudbreaker squeezed my hand, “Well, our relationship is none of their business anyways right?” I gave a small smile and enjoyed a few more seconds of holding his hands before reluctantly letting go as the Chalice came into view.

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A Contract to Discuss

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A Contract to Discuss

Bal Vyr has decided get a new item to disguise himself with. And because of this, he has been staying in mine and Cloudbreaker’s room all day! It wouldn’t have been so bad if he hadn’t decided to summon himself a familiar... or call me out on my crush.

See, Bal Vyr and Abu joined me and the Goliath this morning for breakfast. As we ate the Drow informed us of his idea for enchanting his ring with a disguise spell. He had wanted to keep the crown they found from the crypt, but that proved to be a dilemma considering his hat of disguise would need to be removed. Abu offered to assist him with getting the ring disguised and his hat sold. Cloudbreaker and I agreed that Bal Vyr could keep to our room in the mean time.

The Drow also made mention of his desire for cold iron bolts but was told that the material had all been bought up. Cloudbreaker was certain he knew who would have bought it. So while Abu took care of Bal Vyr’s magic items, I went with the Goliath to the Sylphsbane Clade.

The Clade was impressive in it’s grandness. Cloudbreaker seemed to have been there once before for he asked for Harry Thorplewood. We were then presented to a the Clade’s leader, Garth Thorplewood. I assumed he must be Harry’s brother. Garth refused to shake hands with the Goliath. If I thought Dunco had an air of arrogance about him, this man trumped him from his raised eyebrow, look of disgust, and fancy clothes.

It was confirmed that the Clade had bought the cold iron and upon asking to buy it, we were informed monetary exchange wouldn’t be accepted. No. We would need to do them a favor. Seeing we were willing to do whatever it took for us to acquire the material we needed, Garth invited us to the back room.

The room was finer than the common area. The walls were lined with paintings, fine weapons, and decorative fabrics. Intricate rugs covered the stone floors. The furnishings were made of fine woods covered in velvet and satin. It was almost comparable to the Kingdom. For a moment, it almost felt like home.

Garth showed better manners as he offered me a chair in front of a large hearth, where a fire was glowing. Cloudbreaker ended up sitting next to me on the floor since there wasn’t any furnishings made for his size. The man then went on to explain that he’d be willing to equip us with all the cold iron weapons we wanted if we assisted in assassinating the Druidess.

Cloudbreaker and I looked at each other. It was a lucrative deal, especially the Goliath adding in a 12,000 gold piece payout on top of the weapons. But what was most pressing on my mind was how would we get close enough to the Druidess to pull off such a job? Let alone, I truly did not like the town guards or the Mayor and would rather help the Druidess. So I asked if he’d want her alive. Perhaps we could trick him by bringing her in and giving the Elves an advantage from the inside. Garth’s face lit up with excitement at the thought saying he’d give us quite the bonus if we managed such a task. He clearly had something he wanted to do to her.

However we left Garth Thorplewood waiting on an answer from us. He asked Cloudbreaker for affirmation that we’d take up this deal, but the Goliath made it clear he wasn’t the leader of our group. Though I look to him to lead, I admire how democratic he is. And so we left on a promise to respond in the afternoon.

As we made our way back to the Inn, we ran into Abu. He managed to sell Bal Vyr’s hat to the town guard and had his ring underway to being enchanted. He mentioned he wanted to go to the blacksmith’s to get some armor and a weapon, but we informed him we had business to discuss real quick with him and Bal Vyr. Plus Cloudbreaker said he’d be happy to help Abu out in selecting armor and a weapon.

When we opened the door to our room, we found the space within dimly lit for the windows had been covered by the sheets from the bed and 5 candles lit in front of a meditating Bal Vyr. The situation became more sinister as I noted the scimitar in one hand, his other hand slit and bleeding. Shocked by the startling scene, I called out to him. When he didn’t respond, I walked over to the corner he was in, noting the small pool of blood and some web like design by it. I reached out and gently tapped him. Bal Vyr continued to mutter something under his breathe, giving no sign that he was aware of my presence. I looked to the men. They shrugged their shoulders, Cloudbreaker patting Abu’s shoulder and suggesting we go eat and get his armor and weapon.

I figured it’d be okay to leave the Drow for a little while longer. All I could assume was whatever he was doing would be over by the time we got back.

We ended up spending three hours with Banehammer! I must hand it to him for his passion in his craft, but with Bal Vyr in some unknown condition, I was growing readily impatient as the men shopped and discussed the equipment.

Finally we went back to the Inn, the cleric looking less vulnerable than he was. I zipped up the stairs to room 14 and quickly opened the door to find Bal Vyr unmoved and the pool of blood even bigger! Once more I reached out and took the Drow’s shoulder, calling out to him. Suddenly the candles blew out as Bal Vyr grabbed my shoulder and in a loud voice, that faltered, spoke some dark dialect and passed out.

“Bal Vyr? Bal Vyr!?” I stated as I grabbed at the Drow to prevent him from hitting his head. Abu and Cloudbreaker walked through the doorway as all that took place. “Abu, could you heal him?” I asked. I carefully pulled Bal Vyr away from the corner so Abu didn’t have to step into the blood like I had. The Cleric laid his hands upon the Drow, but no noticeable changes took place. For a moment, it felt like Rekka all over again. Then I felt Bal Vyr’s chest rise and fall as he slept. I let a sigh of relief escape me.

“Cloudbreaker, place Bal Vyr on the bed please,” I instructed. As I got out of the way, I looked at the large pool of blood. We had to clean it up. I really didn’t want Dale to see the mess... yet I’d need to get some towels or rags from him...

I took my boots off before going down stairs to avoid tracking blood through the Inn. The men followed me downstairs too. They ordered some drinks as I inquired of Dale about any rags I could use.

“Making another mess are we?” Dale accused, eyeing each of us.

“No,” I lied, but only because Dale made it seem like we were breaking things again, “Our friend is not well and I’d like to clean up after him before it becomes permanent.” The Innkeeper eyed me a moment but nodded his head toward the door behind him.

“You’ll find plenty of rags back there,” he said as he placed two pints in front of Cloudbreaker and Abu. I figured I’d join them once the cleanup was completed.

I made my way through the kitchen and found the pile of rags and dirty towels. I took three and grabbed a bucket to fill with water. Lucky for me, there was already a pot of water resting over a fire. It would seem the cook was getting ready to make a large batch of stew for the night. She was kind in helping me get a bucket of hot water so I could properly clean the floors.

Back in the room, I took some soap and placed it in the bucket to dissolve. I then pulled back the sheet from one of the windows so I could see better. As I scrubbed the blood from the floor something peculiar happened... Right as I went to clear away the web like image Bal Vyr had traced in his blood, it began to move. I pulled back from it alarmed and watched the blood collect and take shape. The remaining blood turned into a raven.

“Caw!” it squawked at me before flying over to Bal Vyr. I looked on with wide eyes, nervous about what it was the Drow had done.

I finished by cleaning my boots before taking the bucket out back and dumping it. I then went to the well and drew fresh water to rinse the rags and bucket with before returning then to Dale.

As I rounded the corner into the main room, I quickly noticed Cloudbreaker and Abu were gone.

“Thanks Dale-” I began, “Um... where’d the guys go?” I asked. The Innkeeper slapped his hand clothe to the counter before giving me a stern look.

“I kicked them out for the time being since they decided to vomit all over. So you’re welcome to use those rags and clean this mess up too!” Dale barked. I felt my shoulders sag, but without a murmur from me, I cleaned up after my comrades.

Once that was done, I decided to spend my time up in the room. As I walked in, I found Bal Vyr sitting on the bed chatting with the bird. He stopped as soon as he noted my presence,

“Hey,” I said cautiously.

“Hey.”

“So... you were summoning a bird?”

“Oh this... um no...” Bal Vyr said as he narrowed his eyes on me.

“Well, that bird was created from your blood.”

“Really? Well, it’s my familiar now. Gonna call her Blackwing,” he said matter of factly. I gawked at Bal Vyr in disbelief.

“Right...” I said feeling uncomfortable suddenly.

“By the way, you and Cloudbreaker?” Bal Vyr asked. I felt my eyes widen.

“What about it?” I said, trying to feign innocence.

“Is it going to be an issue?”

I furrowed my brows in confusion. “What’s going to be an issue? I’m sorry, I don’t understand-”

“I know how you look at him,” the Drow went on, his eyes narrowing on me. My heart began to race. I couldn’t help but wonder why it mattered to him. “Hey relax, it’s perfectly natural. I felt that way when I met my mate,” he continued on.

“You have someone?”

“Yes... but it’s complicated.”

A moment of silence followed to which I attempted to shift the subject off of me, “Um, you’ve been out of it a while. Are you hungry?”

“Actually, I am. I’d love a sandwich,” Bal Vyr answered.

“Okay I’ll be right back with that,” I informed the Drow as I turned on my heels.

“Hey!” Bal Vyr called out as he blocked the door, “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Sorry what?”

“Is it going to be an issue?” he repeated himself. The way his eyes bore into mine was unsettling. I understood where he was coming from; if the party was in trouble, would I only have Cloudbreaker’s back?

As I hesitated to answer, Bal Vyr asked, “Does he even know?”

“No! Well... I don’t know,” I clipped out.

“Ugh, I don’t even want to think about how a Goliath and Bird would work out,” he muttered. I felt my cheeks grow hot with embarrassment, “However I could tell him for you if you’d like,” the Drow offered.

“No! J-Just stay out of this Bal Vyr! It’s none of your business!” I retorted.

“So what is your answer then?” he asked in reference to his unanswered question. I bore my eyes into Bal Vyr’s, hating how embarrassed I felt for the feelings I had for Cloudbreaker.

“It won’t be,” I managed to say. The Drow then stepped out of my way so I could go fetch him food.

Dale instructed me to go make the sandwich myself since the help was out for the night. I quickly went into the kitchen and along side the cook, made a sandwich for Bal Vyr while the cook continued to fill orders.

After giving Bal Vyr his food, I went back downstairs to offer my help to Dale. He begrudgingly allowed me since it was a particularly busy night.

Now here it is, after midnight, and still no sign of Cloudbreaker or Abu. I’m trying not to worry. They are grown adults... yet the Goliath was unpredictable in his behavior. May they not be in trouble...

Oh... and another thought I had while I worked. I suppose I ought to tell Cloudbreaker how I feel. I would hate for Bal Vyr to give it away. From what I know of him, I could see him using that as a tool against us. Plus... if the Goliath isn’t interested in me, I’d rather that not be made a scene for all to see.

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