Svevenka

Amhranai's page

159 posts. Alias of LusipherPE.


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Another wastrel human. I hope this doesn't take long. If I didn't think he'd try to take advantage of these two, I'd have left by now. I guess I'll have time to get ready later.

"I think I'll pass on that drink, thank you. Don't forget we need to head to the market as well, Lureene."


The press of the crowd was at once a source of concern and security to Amhranai. Too many people and too open of an area for someone to try anything untoward. And yet very easy to slip through after a quick thrust of the knife. The attention brought by Lureene's otherworldly beauty was also unnerving; the guildmaster's appearance, however, had a calming effect.

"Oh, hello Angrem. I see you already know Lureene here; allow me to introduce our companion, Sasha Nevah, of Malatesta. She is in the employ of our Princess as well. I am quite content in my house, but I believe these two ladies are indeed interested in moving in. Do you know who we could speak with to arrange such matters?"


"A trip to Freetown does seem to be in order. If nothing else, it should be the last thing Bonati expects, if it is indeed his hand behind recent goings-on. However, I think it would be best if my presence there is much less public than Arion's. Should make a few things easier."


Amhranai smiled grimly. "Well, when confronted by a person surrounded by so many sycophants, blunt truth usually works best. It's the last thing they expect to hear. On to more important matters..." The elf paused to take a drink. When she was done, she removed the medallion around her neck and laid it on the table, hand closing over the cloud-wreathed eye.

"For the time-being, I do feel more rested than I have in a long while. About half a century now, I'd say. That was the last time I really had regular dreams. Not from any lack of faith on my part-well, not in Iscandü at least, but more because my dreams kept me from sleeping to the point that I was going mad. Iscandü took note of this and has been shielding my dreaming mind ever since." The priestess looked away for a moment, hand on the medallion tightening. "I think I have been getting better but I will let him be the judge of that. Having said that, I was granted a dream last night."

Amhranai took another drink, swallowing slowly. "He came to me in the guise of a friend I buried this morning, as a reminder of a lesson I struggle with. Afterwards, we were atop the tower you have both described. In addition to seeing the battle, we saw you, Alis, and Lureene and Sasha and Wingilmë. It was there that he told me that we are to be his champions against whatever it is Avoreen and Charelle have in mind. It is a mystery even to him, as those two do not dream and their followers are similarly opaque. Those followers are, I believe, known to you-the Order of the Wasp. They are responsible for the death of your predecessor and will no doubt make it their business to see you, and the rest of us, meet the same fate."

A smile, bright and mischievous, stole across her face. "He also told me, Alis, that I should keep you, a known troublemaker, honest."


Amhranai's eyes glided coolly from the treasurer, past the guild- and harbormaster, lingered briefly on the commodore and then came to a rest on Alis. "No questions, Princess, except one. Who gets the dubious honor of breaking the news to Bonati?"


"I do not believe 'resilient' is the word you're looking for, Treasurer. Lady Mondracus is a very resilient woman. Perhaps less suspect to ill-will would be a more fitting descriptor for Sir Hellhammer's proposed building.

"As for me? Well, I don't make it a habit to frequent the palace. Too much empty space for me."


Her heart was still there on Pinnacle Rock, an empty pit yawning in its absence. She barely recalled descending the towering promontory, nor could she say how she ended up at the Governor's house. Her eyes were blank as she regarded the well-kept grounds, gardens in full bloom, iron dome brilliant in the late morning sun. Just as brilliant was the gloriette north and west of the gardens. It's radiance usually caught her eye, but today it was little more than a light in the distance. I have seen Sorrow's face. She does not speak, she does not weep. She does not know me. For I am but a stone fitted in place on the bridge where she walks.

The walkway to the western entrance of the Palace stretched before her but she was unable to cross the threshold and so stood at the gate, oblivious to the guardsmen warily grasping their weapons. A popping noise, followed by something sharp jabbing into her hand, broke the spell. Cursing, she looked down at her hand to see a winged shape dart upwards, stopping just before her face. It was the pixie once again. His voice flooded her thoughts-'Your friend has been taken care of and is much happier for it. Iscandu says to not allow yourself to be weighed down by his passing; you have much work to do. Honor his memory and do not falter now! Remember the dream!' A wand, barely perceptible, appeared in his hand and gently alighted on the tip of the elf's nose. Eyes blinked reflexively; by the time they were open again, the pixie was gone.

Life came flooding back into the priestess, threatened to brim over until she remembered the watchful guards. Azubuike...rest easy and dream well. Her knight's badge, hidden from view inside a pocket, was warm to the touch as her fingers closed around it. Affixing it to her breast, Amhranai passed beneath the archway, back straight, strides purposeful.

Giles promptly answered her at the door and she silently followed him through the palace, pausing as he slipped inside a room. She heard muffled conversation and then Alis' ringing voice. Offering the dwarf her thanks, she entered the room and immediately had to stifle a groan. More of my least favorite people.

Amhranai inclined her head in greeting to Arion before answering Alis. "Bonati has a surplus of many things, Princess. Generosity being one of them. I believe he will be most eager to voluntarily provide some of his men to assist with the construction effort."


Azubuike's body? Her gaze shifted from door to Karaka and back once more. On the return trip, eyes locked on the scrap of paper on the table. How could I have forgotten? The goblet dragged her arm down like a weight, rudely dislodging its denizen. A furious beating of gossamer wings was the only thing that saved him from a painful crash. Crisis averted, the pixie gestured with one hand and began to fade from sight. Amhranai could have sworn that he stuck his tongue out at her right before disappearing completely.

"I-I'm sorry, Karaka, I had forgotten about your note in all the excitement. Alis and the others can wait for now. Where are you taking him?"


Amhranai swatted away the hand that grasped her shoulder. "I'm awake!" Setting down the goblet, the elf paced back and forth, breathing sharp and furious, as if she had been running. What are these wasps he spoke of? And what was he about to say?

The elf came to a halt before Karaka a few moments later. She looked up at him, icy blue eyes as wide as they could go. "I had a dream, Karaka. A dream! We are again besieged by the same forces that corrupted O'beilumanji; in fact, they have not left. That is what happened today! And they are coming back! I must speak with Alis!" Her words came in a rush, tumbling like a waterfall and it wasn't until he heard the scrape of a wooden drawer that he realized the crazed woman had darted over to her dresser and begun pulling out clothes from within.

With no thought for modesty, Amhranai hastily changed where she stood. Once done, she returned to her bed and picked up the wooden goblet. A noise echoed from within the bowl, barely reaching her ears. Inspection revealed the same pixie that had ridden her shoulder earlier, softly snoring within the shadowy depths. What are you still doing here? Are you here to serve as a reminder? Shaking her head, she made for the door, looking at Karaka as she passed him. Something in his face made her stop. "What is it?


The compassion with which her god favored his acolyte stilled the torrent of emotions swirling within the elf and she stood, silent, awed as Iscandu described the tableau beneath them. Vision blurred, shoulders slumped, she looked away once more. It is too much. Few things had stricken Amhranai so in recent memory, and most of those had been of the unpleasant variety.

With a start, she realized the Vala was done speaking. Facing Iscandu, eyes still blurry, she barely saw the frown on his face slowly turning into a bemused smile. Amhranai's dark eyebrows knit in consternation. "I do not understand this reason you speak of-what is it about me that would be of worth to Alis? Surely there are others far better suited than I." A bleak smile pulled the brows apart, a memory of the day she was knighted coming to mind. "You as well, my Lord. More than a few wonder if I would not be better suited as an acolyte of your brother, myself among them. But then I remember a time before..." The smile turned wistful, gaze lost in times long past. "I suppose that does not matter, but you know how it will nag me. So what will it be then? Is it time to pick a fight?"


A tickling sensation along her scalp drew the elf's attention away from the tower. Her hand was poised to scratch the spot when something sharp jabbed her palm, not painfully, and instead her fingers plucked the offending object, bringing it before her face for inspection. Another pixie! Quietly, below the drone of her god's voice, she said, "A stowaway, hm? I suppose you can stay, as long as you are nice." Her fingers released the creature, who promptly stuck his tongue out at the elf before alighting on her shoulder.

What of Lureene does this tower represent? Or is the tower Lureene herself, besieged by Avoreen and her minion, while Sumalya seeks to drive them away? Amhranai shook her head, setting aside those questions for the moment to answer Iscandu's earlier assertions. "Why would I read a tragedy when I've lived through more than a few of my own? And how does reading about a thing convey the same lessons?" Her nose wrinkled as she blew an errant lock of hair from her the side of her mouth.

"You know why I am not amongst my people-they practically cast me out. I would argue that it is they who have lost perspective; many of them are too full of themselves. I maintain faith in those few who have not succumbed to such attitudes but, after my service ended, after what I've seen and lived through, I can't help but feel an irreparable rift between myself and them.

"Also, I don't think I stress over every ill or quarrel. If anything, I seek to avoid it. And if my 'shapely young friend' is Alis, she's caused me more trouble than not!" As if summoned by just thinking about it, the mithril badge appeared in her hand, which she held up for both to see. "I'm sure you watched this happen and found great amusement in the whole ordeal! I didn't want it and I still don't want it, but it seems I've been left with little choice. How am I now not supposed to become embroiled in whatever schemes she has envisioned? I am tied to her as surely as a docked boat!" Face flush with anger and frustration, Amhranai turned away from Iscandu and the tower. The arm attached to the hand holding the badge cocked backwards as if to throw the object down from their cloud-wreathed perch, quivering in the air as a war raged inside her head.

The arm dropped, limp as a wet noodle, head following suit. Voice barely above a whisper, she said, "But I do not believe you have cast this dream upon me to listen to my complaints. What is this tower and what does it have to do with Lureene? Why is your wife fighting those two demons alone?"


Azubuike sembling into Iscandu came as no surprise to the elf. Nor the thrust of of his argument. It was a long-standing conversation between god and acolyte. "Iscandu, you know as well as I that an existence without pain is no mercy. How else would we learn? I understand the desire to protect, but we must be allowed to strive and fail and get back up." She sighed then continued in a resigned tone. "But your point about joy and respite is, as always, taken. I think the day you no longer need to shield my dreams is coming soon. We shall see."

Amhranai accepted the goblet from her god, a puzzled look on her face. "All the time in the world for what? And what's that noise? It sounds like a...battle."


What is this? Azubuike?! But you're dea-pixies! Alarm fueling her reactions, Amhranai grasped the cord at her chest in one hand and then promptly sat up. Her legs, however, did not move; the pixies had bound them tightly (but not uncomfortably) together. She swatted at the flitting forms perfunctorily, attention focused on her friend.

"Azubuike," she gasped. "I-well, for years now, I have been preoccupied, busy. And besides, why should I entertain a fantasy such as this? Some indulgence, yes, but this? This is a paradise that belies reality and I cannot bring myself to lie to you."


Amhranai had barely left the compound of the Palace when the skies opened up. A scant dozen paces later, the elf was thoroughly drenched. Betrayer's ashes! Not one of my better decisions. She had stayed in the apartment long enough to note the rich furnishings-writing desk, cushioned chair, large bed covered with pillows-and not much else; most of the few moments she spent in the room found the priestess listening at the door. Once assured that Darvesch would not be coming back out, the lithe woman slipped out of the room, a swiftly moving shadow gliding through the corridors of the palace.

Head down, hood drawn up (for all the good it would do her), Amhranai swiftly traversed the paved streets of the better-kept sections of Port Eldarion. The only others foolish enough to be out in the storm were guards at their various postings and even those were smart enough to seek shelter beneath awnings or inside the doorways of various taverns.

Through lightning arcing overhead, she spied the muddy roads heading into the outer portions of the city. Her once swift passage became a slippery, squelching affair, the mud frequently threatening to pull the boots right off her feet. The outer walls of the Mondracus estate rose up on her right, falling away as she headed east past the Hope-Light Mission. She was barely able to make out lights coming from inside the building through the rain which had only increased in intensity since she had left the palace.

She found her house by nearly stumbling into a wall, feet slipping out from under her and sending her to the ground a few short feet away. Getting drenched wasn't bad enough?! Slowly extricating herself from the ground, Amhranai stood still for a moment, allowing the rain to wash away some of the mud caking her clothes. Reminds me of that time we were out in the Veldt. At least this mud isn't mixed with blood.

The door swung open, slamming shut once she was inside. A ball of light appeared in one hand, emanating from her knight's badge, while she lowered her hood with the other hand. A scrap of paper lying on the table caught her attention and, walking over to it, she slowly read the crudely-written message written there. A chill having nothing to do with being soaked spread throughout her body. Azubuike's dead...


"Thank you, Darvesch, Dreamer guard your sleep."


Apartments? Here? I doubt I'll use those much, if at all. Certainly not tonight-I need to find out what Karaka and the others are doing. I guess it can't hurt to see where they are in any case.

"Not entirely comforting, but harmless enough for now. If nothing else, at least she's aware of our concerns. And of course we'll remain watchful. Who knows, I might be wrong about Arion." In some ways perhaps. "To the apartments then?"


At least he and I are on the same page. Perhaps, between the two of us, we can keep things together. I'm willing to give Alis the benefit of the doubt here, but should things continue as they have, we'll be in for some trouble. What I saw there was by no means a measured response, even for someone in his profession. And it did not at all look like an act.

"It's possible Bonati was paying a debt since Vergeir essentially went to jail for him. Perhaps there's more to that waiting to be found in Freetown, where he was supposed to be dropped off. I don't know. As for punishment, well...No need to be blatant about it. Perhaps a trip to Freetown would be in order first?"


"Just a note of caution, Alis. While we were in the brig, Arion very nearly lost himself to his...baser emotions and looked ready to cause Ugorji serious harm. He may have been unduly upset at a slight to Lureene, but given your warning to him before we left, I'm not sure if he has a predilection for violence. I don't know that I trust him and, with the three of them together, that could be quite dangerous."


"Together then. I'll share my story first. Just let me know when you're ready."


Amhranai reluctantly joined the others, mind elsewhere. A few items found their way onto her plate, more out of habit than any desire to eat. The cup she filled only half way with wine. Do they do nothing else but eat and talk? We have things to take care of and I need to check on Karaka and the others. Warn them that Bonati is more active than usual. Food found its way into her mouth though she did not taste much of it. Distractedly, she noted the return of Darvesch and, with some surprise, his approach to where she sat.

Silence greeted the dwarf's question as Amhranai set her cup beside an empty plate. The elf's eyes slid past the faces, seeking one in particular. A moment later, in a voice just as hushed, she said, "Let's just say our new friend may have been a bit...vigorous...while interrogating Ugorji. He didn't do anything improper, but he came very close. I thought I was going to have to subdue him and I'm not sure how much I trust him. I was going to speak to Alis about it when she's free."


After lingering in the corridor, eyes trained on the departing trio and the space they had previously occupied, long enough to ensure Arion would not attempt anything rash, Amhranai spent the rest of the trip above-decks. Her steps carried her aft, away from the others, where she leaned against the rail. Probably more peaceful back here.

The water cascading in the wake of the Avenger dully reflected the lurid glow of Darkpool above, light the elf basked in and drew strength from. Within its calming presence, her previously dark and chaotic thoughts settled until she found sleep, however fitful, curling up on the deck and wrapping herself in her cloak.

After starting awake one too many times, the dark-haired elf sat up, rubbing at her eyes. I'll need to speak with Alis when we return, preferably before Arion does. This mission could have turned out much worse. But what to say? 'Arion allowed his rage over a perceived slight against Lureene to nearly get the better of him'? How much, though, was his display there simply rage from a perceived slight and not a predilection for violence? Would he have carried it further? Alis did warn him against violence before we left but that doesn't mean he falls prey to it so easily. Regardless, it can't hurt to let her know.

An uproarious shout from the fore broke the elf's thoughts. What in the name of Miralnas' still winds was that?!


I do not like this in the least. Is he too incensed to think clearly? Am I going to have to subdue him?! I doubt that would go over well with those three making moon eyes at each other every chance they get. Where's Darvesch, dammit?! He's the inquisitor!

"We may be acting as agents, but I know I'm not qualified to interrogate this man and I doubt any of you are either. This is not within our purview, Arion, and if you'd like to discuss this further, I suggest we do so elsewhere. I'm sure arrangements can be made to have Ugorji watched until we're done."


And I thought he was arrogant before. That was nothing compared to this display. What Ugorji did was wrong, but are his aims deserving of such malignant arrogance? They are, after all, not much different from my own. I think it would be best to keep these two separated until we return to Eldarion...

Silently, Amhranai emerged from the shadows of the brig and tapped Arion on the shoulder. "I believe we're done here. As it is, I doubt we'll gain much more." Her eyes fell to the Sky Elf's hand. "Rather, if we do gain more information, the means by which it is gained will force me to lock you up as well." Beneath her cloak, the priestess' other arm was held horizontal to the deck, ready to fend off an attack. I don't think he would try it, but considering what I just saw, I'm not too sure. "I'm sure the Princess wouldn't be too pleased, either. We'll be back in Eldarion soon enough; allow Princess Kirmoon's agents to deal with him."


"Well, you know how it goes, cousin. He attempted a clumsy attack on me that left him quite exposed and, before his knife was halfway to my face, I had lodged mine in his chest. Quite simple, really." Blurred movement followed by a flash of metal and then a thunk of something driving into the table left a quivering blackened dagger before Ridger, not far from the wrist attached to the hand that caressed Lureene's fingers. "Just like that.

"Now then, Captain Ridger, I suggest you find a new employer or you might find yourself with the same terminal affliction as the man you were supposed to be delivering. I'm certain Princess Kirmoon can find some work for you; there should be no shortage of shipments for skilled crews." Amhranai leaned forward and removed her dagger from the table and waved the point back and forth to encompass Ridger and his crew. "And if I hear that any of you speak with your previous employer-and trust me, I will-not even Balezu's icy grip will save you from my wrath." Sheathing her blade, the elf now regarded her companions. "I have nothing further to say to these people so, if you're satisfied, I believe we can move on to Catone."


"I believe, Captain, that our friend's passenger is someone I encountered this morning. His absence could be attributed to his death; he tried to kill me but I got the better of him. If you'd like, Ridger, I can bring you his body and you can deliver that. Maybe I'll even go with you."


"You are shirking the tribute by not telling me truth! But, if you insist..."


"That's interesting, captain. But I'm not sure I believe you." Amhranai shook her head, a look of sorrow on her face. Sheathing one of her kukris, the elf swiftly replaced it with a vial. Something clear swirled inside as she gave it a shake and held it up before the captain. "Do you know what this is? It's acid and, in case you didn't know, acid has a habit of making holes in whatever it touches. Wood, stone, metal: you name it, acid goes right through it. Oh, it goes through flesh, too. If you'd prefer this acid remain where it is and not on your skin or pretty little boat here, I suggest you tell me everything you know about Catone over there. And I mean everything. If you know his mother's name, I want to know it too!"

Rolls:
Bluff Checks
M 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Intimidate Checks
M 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3


Attacking you wasn't exactly the plan, but you see what happens when you get some lustful parties involved..."So you have no idea who that man is? The one on the deck before the dwarf? I find that hard to believe. Would your crew say the same?" Her eyes cast about for one of the sailors from The Avenger. Catching the eye of one of them, she circled a finger in the air, requesting them to escort the crew over. Lureene might be better suited for this but that doesn't mean I can't make them even more happy to deal with her. Amhranai's eyes swung to the captain, something resembling a smile appearing on the elf's face as she waited on the sailors.


Amhranai smiled over at the captain. "Who said we had to return to port right away? There's a whole big ocean out there just waiting..." Her attention shifted to the sailors. The elf's voice was low as she reminded them: "Remember, use only blunt objects or the flats of your blades. We're here to subdue, not eliminate. Understood? Let's go."

With a sharp about-face, Amhranai swiftly made her way over to the Swollen Sprite, weapons at the ready once she was on the deck. Her narrowed eyes sought out her companions, taking note of Darvesch looming over an apparently unconscious form. Everyone looks okay, but where's Sasha? Is that our man then? A sharp extension of her forearm first left and then right set the sailors accompanying the elf to fan out. Amhranai herself approached the cowering captain, face darkening with each step, her grey eyes encompassing the prostrated man as well as those standing near him. "Care to explain what's going on here? If I like what I hear, I might allow you to continue to draw breath."

Moves to I10, assumes a defensive posture


There's that term 'medic' again!

Amhranai smiled disarmingly at the fairer-haired elf. "I'm not just a healer, Captain; I moonlight as an infiltrator of no small skill in my other life. I was right there beside them many times when I was in the military. Nothing quite so thrilling. And terrifying."

Sighing, she continued, "You are of course correct, Captain. However, their course of action is not precipitated on first contact but emotion." The dark-haired elf shook her head. "I expect plans to change on the fly, have participated in such many times, but they invite more chaos here than is necessary." Amhranai sighed once again, lowering her eyes for a moment. And wasn't it Arion himself who, not too long ago, suggested that one relatively small part should not overly affect the larger plan? My how that changes when that part is of a much more personal nature.

"Too late to change any of that now though. I do not intend to ram them, Ms. Movato, I just hadn't realized they'd pulled to so swiftly. Let's get ready, shall we?"


A strangled curse erupted from Amhranai as Arion leapt into action. "Betrayer curse you all for fools!" He's worse than Darvesch! Those three do not bode well if they will allow their emotions to rule them so recklessly. Sasha is quite capable of taking care of herself. And, if nothing else, they could at least be quiet about it!

The elf turned away from her departing companions, seeking out the captain. Anger and disgust were plain in the priestess' face and more than evident in her voice. "As you can see, Captain, orderly is the last thing on their minds and it now seems that the investigation you alluded to will come with a considerable amount of violence. Let's match their course and speed, get some lines attached with that ballista and keep the rest of their crew occupied. And since those idiots have all flown from the coop, I'll need to requisition a few of your men for a boarding party."


Aside from a few glares, no words were spoken between priestess and huntress during the pursuit. Amhranai had distracted herself working with the sailors and, as she had guessed earlier, found that all the knowledge was still there, waiting to be used once again. The unspoken bond she shared with those she worked with was at once comforting and disconcerting. Good-natured joking and ribbing came swiftly, interspersed abruptly with silence and, for a few, the thousand-yard stare of eyes that had seen too much. And the elf found herself similarly lost.

Mavato's announcement of their imminent encounter brought Amhranai back to the others, eyes sliding coolly past Sasha and then watched with a mixture of mirth and alarm as the human darted for the ballista and proceeded to fire it. Gods-blessed? Must be. Since she seems to be so happy, I guess I'll talk to her once we're done.


Amhranai favored the man with a smile. "Thank you Giovanni. I promise to be especially careful; as I told the captain, I have very little desire to take a swim today. Especially if these waters are shark-infested. Iscandu keep you safe."

The elf turned away and carefully laid out the materials around her newly-acquired cauldron on a table bolted to the floor. A swell threatened to send all the items to the floor and it was only through her quick reaction, hands darting out like snakes, that kept them on the table. I definitely do not miss the constant need to tie everything down!

After catching her breath, Amhranai turned a calculating eye on the items. Four hours isn't much time, even for something simple. Maybe waiting would be a better idea. Safer too. She sighed wistfully. It would be nice if I could spend more time perfecting what little I do know. Her eyes swung to where she had last seen Giovanni. "On second thought, I think now is not the right time for something like this. It would take too long to prepare and I'd rather not endanger all of us by trying to speed up the process. Here, I'll help you put these away."

Amhranai left the galley after everything was put back and stopped just inside the officer's mess. Sasha will probably have come out by now. I suppose I should figure out something to say to her. This should be fun.


"Hello, Giovanni, nice to meet you. I'm looking for some items with which I could make acid. Anything here that I could use?"


Satisfied with the condition of the cauldron, Amhranai held it in one hand by the rim down at her side. The smile that had been on her face faded as narrowed eyes watched Sasha and Lureene depart. Can't even make a joke...how has she survived this long? And I guess now I'll be the one at fault, right? With a sigh, she turned back to the captain. "Thank you, captain. I have as little desire to put holes in your ship as you, and your crew can rest assured that I won't require any of their body parts. They're too salty anyways." The smile returned, briefly, disappearing again as calculations of time tumbled through the woman's head. Not much time, but perhaps long enough for something simple.

As much as she would've liked to assist in preparations, Amhranai instead made her way towards the officer's mess, figuring the larder would not be too far from the dining area. She was brought short, however, upon hearing Arion address Amelia. I didn't think he would know Zuck, but perhaps that was part of his training before coming here. Interesting. Throughout their conversation, a scraping noise of something being dragged across the deck caught her attention. What are they doing in there? Probably best if I left her alone for now.

Swift steps carried the elf past the noisome room and into the officer's dining area, where she paused for a moment to determine the location of the galley before moving towards the sound of banging pots and pans. Addressing the first person she could find, Amhranai asked, "Could you direct me to the larder please? The captain granted me permission to use of some of your supplies to make items I hope to put to use in our voyage."


Amhranai heaved a sigh. "Sasha, I would have expected you, a huntress, of all people, to know that baby's flesh is the most succulent, clean and pure and devoid of the poisons a body ingests over the years. You really must get out more often."


"Actually, I will be the one cooking babies, Sasha. Do you have any handy?" Amhranai lifted the cauldron from where it had been stowed, turned it first one way and then the other, eyes sharply taking in its appearance. I wonder if I have time to make anything. Might as well get started. "Captain, I request permission to peruse your stores. I believe I could craft some items all of us would find useful once we engage the enemy."


Arion wrote:
"Though there be conflicts and dangers here, something is awakening within me as each moment passes here. My only regret is not relocating here sooner. Yet this week has been filled with restful sleep and pleasant dreams. Not so with Yourself?"

Interesting. I imagine Alis knows all this, but is she inclined at all to act on any of it? Will she hold it above him like a headsman's axe? She does not strike me as such, but with the right set of circumstances, who knows?

"My dreams are largely the same-mists of shifting colors-as they have been for many years. I think that is Iscandu's mercy at work. The dreams I used to have..." A shudder rippled through the elf. "Well, they were not pleasant. However, while my dreams have not been so fitful, my sleep has. It very rarely comes easy and never seems to last long. Perhaps a side effect of that mercy? I don't know. The irony is delicious, is it not? Priestess of the god of dreams who does not dream and sleeps only restlessly."


The repeated gestures of her blade against the stone had set Amhranai's mind drifting and at ease. Arion's voice broke through all this, focus returning sharply as she listened to the elf speak.

What then is this? Was my distaste for his flamboyant verbosity so plain earlier? Even if it were, why should that matter to him? Amhranai set her dagger beside the stone. "Why should you apologize? If speaking in the manner you do provides a sense of comfort, of relief for you, why should my dislike of such matter? I may have no patience for your flowery words at times, but that doesn't mean I'm going to upbraid you about it at every turn. Also, as much as we work to help others, we must first, within certain bounds, help ourselves. If that's how you go about it, I can very well ignore it." A smile lit up the woman's face. "Besides, serious business is always best offset by gallows humour, something I've been known to indulge in. And I don't think your new lady friends would take too well to you suddenly clamming up, especially on account of another woman!

"Since you brought it up, though, just who are you and what do you seek release from? I gather you serve Alis through Sin, in more than just a scribe's capacity, but you mention 'wretched and gloomy labyrinths'-what shadows lurk in your past?" A hand grasped the medallion at her throat. "Do they trouble your sleep?"


Amhranai nodded after the Commodore but stopped just short of saluting him. Makes sense to not re-assign men in such a manner.

"I know enough about sailing to not be completely lost, but much of my time was spent on land. Like you, I haven't been on a boat for years. I have a feeling, however, that most of my knowledge would return if we were underway." Seating herself across from the pale-haired elf, Amhranai settled herself on the edge of the chair. "Might as well take this time to prepare for whatever comes next. Hurry up and wait as usual-I'm sure you're familiar with the concept." The priestess smiled at Arion while swiftly producing oil and a whetstone, with which she slowly sharpened the blackened dagger used earlier.


He may not appreciate that..."Commodore...Sir...please don't mistake the princess' intentions here. She is by no means interested in taking control of your men but merely wishes to observe. This way we'll know as soon as possible what they may happen to find."


A sigh echoed through Amhranai's thoughts. Of course he would have no idea, he's probably barely past his first 100 years. Too young to even begin regarding continued existence with anything approaching malaise. And I doubt that if I hadn't led the life I did that I would feel that malaise either. Still, even ignoring that, there are few that understand, regardless of age. They never will and for that they should consider themselves lucky. Her face softened into a tired smile as she looked up at the taller elf.

"You see the markings on my face. I'm sure you know what they mean amongst most elves-I am anathema to them and largely shunned. But I wear them proudly as they were given to me in honor for what I did. Tell me, what is so noble about being shunned for helping our wilder cousins and receiving a mark of honor? It seems rather ridiculous to me." Amhranai paused, drawing a deep breath and exhaling slowly. "From that example, I'm sure you can derive my feelings about our people assuming the mantle of royalty over the other races. Also ridiculous. We all have the same fears, hates, loves and joys. We all die in the end. Why not make our shared existence less needlessly contentious?" Amhranai sighed again, this time audibly. "I am not 'mired' here due to any captivity. No, I choose to be here, thanks to hard lessons that have repeatedly told me this: elves are no more or less barbaric than those we would call 'lesser'. We just hide it better." The tired smile became crooked, mischievous.

"And I will gladly accept your assistance, but please do not allow all your perceptions of me to be mitigated by my past life. Too often I find that people will venerate a member of the military, former or otherwise, when, in reality, we are just trying to survive just like everyone else. I'll leave you with two contradictory statements that sum up my feelings about military service. First, a poem:

'And now the page before us blurs.
An age is done. The book must close.
We are abandoned to history.
Raise high one more time the tattered standard
Of the Fallen. See through the drifting smoke
To the dark stains upon the fabric.
This is the blood of our lives, this is the
Payment of our deeds, all soon to be
Forgotten.
We were never what people could be.
We were only what we were.

Remember us'

And the other is this: 'The unnamed soldier is a gift. The named soldier-dead, melted wax-demands a response among the living...a response no-one can make. Names are no comfort, they're a call to answer the unanswerable. Why did she die, not him? Why do the survivors remain anonymous-as if cursed-while the dead are revered? Why do we cling to what we lose while we ignore what we still hold? Name none of the fallen, for they stood in our place, and stand there still in each moment of our lives. Let my death hold no glory, and let me die forgotten and unknown. Let it not be said that I was one among the dead to accuse the living.

The priestess' voice quavered throughout, eyes watering and then brimming over. When she was done, the elf took a few moments to compose herself, smiling once more. "Quite contradictory, no? But enough of that mess. Let's see what awaits us at the citadel."

I'm compelled to credit the two quotes above to their author, Steven Erikson. While the words are not mine, I strongly identify with them and base much of Amhranai's character around these ideas.


Eyes trained on the citadel, the priestess ignored her companion. She had considered and re-considered what to say to Arion while they journeyed across the city and was still unsure which tack to take with her fellow elf. Who knows what repercussions will come from what I'd really like to say? On the other hand, why should I worry so much? With a snort, the elf leveled her green eyes on the scribe, who had just cast a spell.

"Tell me, Arion,"Amhranai said, holding up the broken twig between them, "were you given lessons in pedantry along with everything else? You think I don't know how this Betrayer-kissed lunacy works?! I've been the individual, broken like this twig, many times in the past. Broken by the deaths of my friends! Broken by my helplessness and inability to help them! Because their deaths meant more of us lived, or so our commanders told us. Didn't always work that way. I don't need a pedantic, patronizing, sycophantic and golden-tongued Sky Elf to remind me about any of this!" She threw the twig in his direction, not caring where it went. "Also, I don't care how many flowery words you throw at me, I'm not falling for the prim and proper elfling act, so drop it. I'm almost 200 years old now and have little patience for needless foolishness. Understood?" Before he could answer, Amhranai continued: "Now then, I have a key for an entrance to the basement, but seeing as the citadel isn't under siege, we might as well just walk through the front door. Fly if you wish, I think I'll walk."


Amhranai was well past the point of rage. Instead, she found that her veins now coursed with ice and a gelid lump had settled in her stomach. Amelia's revelation and the ensuing completion, for now, of the puzzle whistled through the barren tundra that had settled in her mind-places and names were registered for later reflection but, for the time-being, she had other matters to deal with first. The focus of which lie broken on the ground.

How dare he patronize me?! Do I strike him as some fresh recruit, barely capable of figuring out which end of the blade I strike my enemies with? Does he really think I am so inexperienced as to completely disregard a large threat in favor of a smaller, more personal threat? Even after I explained as much not a moment before he deigned to give me a lesson?! Such arrogance! Such ignorance! I will not jeopardize the mission and refuse to work with him outright but I will not proceed further before disavowing him of such petty notions!

Amhranai's face was a frozen mask as she shifted her gaze from the broken twig to the princess, jaw rigid, green eyes flat, lips compressed. Her voice was colder. "We'll do what we can, Alis. The sooner this is over with, the better." Although she never looked at him, it was hard not to question what the elf hoped would pass quicker: the mission or her involvement with Arion.

Ignoring the Sky Elf's flamboyant gesture, the dark-haired priestess moved to where the broken twig lay, kneeling to collect the two pieces before facing the two once again. "Ah Arion. I am no lady and will not suffer being called such. 'Amhranai' will suffice. With that settled, shall we be off?"


Were she younger, Amhranai might have withered beneath the steely gaze of the princess. Instead, the elf stood, resolute, not yielding, but not challenging either. "Your point is taken and well understood. I might not have met you out in the harbor did I not understand the need to remove the, as you say, arsonist. However, that does not mean the fires already lit will no longer burn.

"Is there something I have withheld to this point? Yes, there is, but once again, it is nothing new. An escaped convict attacked me, as well as a group of Zucks I was speaking with this morning. One who used to be in the employ of Iole Bonati. Whether he was acting under Bonati's orders is of little consequence-opportunistic killers roaming the streets are in no short supply lately and, like I said before, their preying upon the Zucks is not out of the ordinary. Is there some over-arching plan behind killing me? An attempt to drive an even larger wedge between the Zucks and those in power? Possibly, but to my mind, it seems to be a rather roundabout way of achieving such, and I do not think my death would tip the scales in such a manner. I would not be the first to be killed for attempting to help them." Iscandu save me from such hubris! And yet, in my desire to depart here, to help Karaka and the others, do I not fall prey to just that? They are more than capable of taking care of each other and for me to suggest less does them a disservice.

Amhranai waved a hand in deference. "Fine, I submit. Let us see where this investigation takes us."


Amhranai leveled a bitter smile at the elven scribe. He's turned enough flowery phrases to populate a garden. "My 'news' is nothing new, Arion-since O'beilumanji's ill-advised attempt at holding the city hostage, chaos has been quite prevalent in the streets. Even more so in those parts where 'missing individuals' are less cause for alarm. Which is, as I said, nothing new.

"Widen your gaze, if you will, outside the opulent quarters here and north of the harbor. You will find more than just the shadows preoccupying most people. No, these are all too real phantasms leering over the weak, intent on murder, rape, pillaging. There are children dying out there and we are chasing down ancient relics. Relics whose relevance is, to me, highly trivial at this point in time." An exasperated sigh punctuated the end of the elf's statement.

Turning to Alis, she said, "Your Highness, if my presence is no longer required here, I have some friends who could use my assistance. I cannot seem to bring myself to worry too much over these proceedings while their need is left unmet. I believe the others here are more than adequate to solve whatever puzzles remain." For a moment, it seemed the priestess was prepared to walk away before receiving an answer, but she held fast, expectant.


As if just roused from slumber, Amhranai dragged her eyes lazily in the direction of Arion. While talk of the evil artifacts had caught her attention, she didn't see them as a direct cause for alarm; in fact, little of what had been discussed left the elf feeling alarmed. Any double-dealing or the like would be dealt with by those better suited to its ouster. The safety of the friends she had left in the morning weighed far more heavily. They should be okay, but I still question just what am I doing here anyways? Perhaps, in time, my presence at meetings like these will make more sense as I am more exposed to the other side of things.

"Hmm...anything to add? I think not. I question how evil those relics are, whether or not they were simply focal points for ritual sacrifice from days long past or something else. Darvesch certainly seems adamant, but doesn't that come hand in hand with his profession? I say such, Darvesch, not to cast aspersions on you or your inquiries, but more to raise the thought of whether this line of questioning is even necessary.

"To be honest, however, I find that I am...distracted at this time. Nothing of great importance, just the ongoing effort of putting out various fires around Eldarion. Please, do not allow my distraction to deter any of this investigation. The sooner we have answers, the better."


Amhranai sighed in answer, eyes rolling in a wide circle. "I suppose."


Amhranai flashed a tight smile. "We shared words yesterday and I may have pieced together Sin's other profession. But I did not know she was your spymaster. And I suppose that someone of your station would be more than well aware of court intrigue; in my past life, those of us who served usually paid the price for those intrigues, either on purpose or with little regard. A fate I did not wish to see repeated here." The elf's smile turned bitter with remembrance. "Anyways, that's all I wanted to say, unnecessary as it's turned out to be." The priestess turned to retake her spot by the aquarium, only to pivot sharply back in the direction of Alis before she had taken a step. "That whole key thing can be kept between us, right? Their use is at your disposal of course, but I think the fewer that know of them, the better. Agreed?"


Amhranai looked around before speaking, voice pitched low. "This might sound strange coming from me, but are you sure we can trust her? It is almost too late now to stop that anyways, but I don't know where her loyalties ultimately lie-I don't believe anyone does." The elf's black hair swung back and forth as she looked around once again. "I know trust has to be given on faith at times and, with someone of Sin's connections, it can be unavoidable, but I thought you should be aware that this woman could be your greatest ally and the first to turn her back on you. Tread carefully."

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