Archives: Search for the Stormlord
Chapter 1: Meeting in Roid
Niklas Melphist had been searching for nearly a week now, the city of Roid proved far larger than his trip from Flaim into Valis had been. His quest was finding a sword, not his own, but his mothers, from a dwarven craftsman. The only problem was the amount of dwarven craftsman there were. When he had left his father’s tomb, he had figured it would take a day or two to find out if the dwarf he was looking for was in Roid... but the fact that it was nearly a week told him otherwise. There weren’t many dwarves in Roid, at least not in the contrast of humans, and pointy-eared elves, but they were far in between. He had been in nearly every tavern he could think of, and had just missed getting several black eyes from drunken patrons. Of coarse, he had never seen a drunk before, as his mother refused to imbibe alcohol, and he just assumed they had poor form. Stopping in the street, he heard commotion, and a small crowd had formed a little ways away.
What’s that? he thought, maneuvering his way through the crowd to get a better look...
The focus of the crowd was on one very, very small woman, so small that everyone thought she was a child. She was barely three and a half feet tall, had pointed ears and a head of blonde hair, which made everyone think that she was a little elven girl separated from her mother. However she had made quite a scene trying to convince these people that she was not an elf, nor a child.
Fists clenched and placed on her hips—which were far too mature for a child—she glared up at an innkeeper outside his business. “In the name of Falis, I AM TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD YOU MORON!” the woman shouted. “I. Am. A. GRASSRUNNER! And I just want a bloody room to sleep in!”
“Look kid, I ain’t never heard of no grassrunners! I been tryin’ to be nice to ye, but I’m sick o’ this game! Ye can’t stay here without yer parents,” the innkeeper growled in reply.
The grassrunner’s ear twitched and she was so tense it looked like someone would probably get hurt if the innkeeper didn’t realize that she was telling the truth.
The swordsman looked over the child, for she looked like one, and he found several things odd about her. One, because he had never seen an elf before, were the pointed ears. Niklas assumed they would provide quite the advantage in a heavily shaded area, especially at night. However, the second thing that caught his attention was indeed her curves. Odd things to find on a child, and he had never heard of a creature that looked like a child, but he was told not to ever judge by appearances. Stepping up, he glanced sideways. “Excuse me, but if I said that this child was with me, and I had merely sent her on ahead to obtain a room, would her transgression be forgiven?”
The innkeeper gave Niklas a sidelong glance. “Sure...” he said, just wanting to bring the situation to an end so he could go about his business. “You oughta teach your kid how to respect her elders!” he chastised Niklas.
Meanwhile, Bella was fuming. Did this guy think she was a kid too? She should have just camped out in the woods again! All she wanted was a soft bed for once, but every time she had to deal with more and more ignorant Lodossians the further south she went.
“If she is my child, than I should discipline her...” Niklas said, giving the inn keeper a slight bow, and turning back to Bella. Although he stood a good two feet above her, there was definitely a few traits that were definitely not child like. “Come, shall we go up to the room? Staying down here to further trouble this man does not seem to be in our best interest.”
Bella wasn’t quick to trust strangers, but he’d helped her so far. At this point, she was angry enough to for go cultural taboos and summon some dark spirits. If it turned out he did think she was a child, or if he had even darker intents, he’d be at the mercy of one spirit or another soon. “Alright,” the grassrunner said after a moment of apprehension, then followed the young man.
The swordsman nodded slightly, keeping a few steps ahead of her while he glanced around after each room. Stopping, Niklas apparently came to their room before opening the door and entering.
“You’re a bit of trouble, little one,” he said, picking a wall and sitting down up against it and laying the sword, sheath and all, on his lap. “What manner of creature are you? You look as a child, but are an adult,” he said, looking at her with a slight cock to his head.
Bella’s ear twitched when he called her ‘little one’, but when he asked what she was, she relaxed a bit. At least he was perceptive enough to tell she wasn’t a child.
“I’m a grassrunner,” Bella replied. He didn’t seem to recognize the term. “We’re like elves, only shorter,” she added, “and we come from Alecrast.”
“Ahh, so thats why the people downstairs treated you like a child, even with your... ahem endowments,” he turned away and blushed lightly at that. “Anyway, I suppose most people will continue to believe you are an elf child no matter what you tell them. With your height, however, I’m inclined to believe what you say about being a grassrunner more than an elf,” he said, chuckling slightly. He had yet to see a native elf of his continent, but he had seen a creature from another. “Ah, I suppose I’ve been rude. I’ve yet to introduce myself. My name is Niklas Melphist, I’m from the Storm and Fire desert of Flaim.”
Bella’s frustration began to drain from her. He accepted the truth. With a heavy sigh to show her relief, she replied, “It’s been a problem. My family warned me of it and made sure I wore these tight clothes so at least people who were at least mildly perceptive can see I’m not a child. Anyway, I’m Bella of Alecrast,” the grassrunner said, making a curtsy by spreading the long skirt-like hem of her blouse.
“Pleased to meet you.” Niklas said, lifting himself off of where he was siting and placing his scabbard back on his belt. If Bella were perceptive enough, she might have caught a brief look at the material. It was not metal, but a dull rose colored, wood. “It seems I shall be your patron for the time being. I think it would be wise if you did not go out alone. I do not mistrust your abilities to take care of yourself, but... you’ll likely get dotted and scolded if you do. Speaking of which, I must leave for a few hours, I still haven’t searched all the craftsman in this area, although I am beginning to lose hope that I will find the one I am looking for... at least in this city.”
Bella gave a dismissive ‘hmph’. “I’ve been traveling for over a year. I can deal with it,” she said defiantly. But, after a second thought, she sighed. “I guess it would be easier if I had someone to help me.”
“Alright. Well, as I said, I must go out and search. I’ll only be gone for an hour, two at the latest.” Niklas said, gripping the door knob. “You seem tired, why don’t you rest? I don’t think you’d have much fun coming with me to search for a possible lost cause, then a temple of Myrii.”
Bella was bothered by his comment, maybe she was reading a little too deeply into it, but it seemed to her as if he were still assuming she were a child, be it consciously or not. Leaving her behind because his errands wouldn’t be ‘fun’? Bella eyed him warningly for a moment, but relaxed.
“Actually, I don’t like the idea of being cooped in alone in a place where the innkeeper won’t believe I’m an adult,” Bella replied. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to accompany you, even if it isn’t ‘fun’.”
“Hmm, perhaps ‘fun’ isn’t the word I should have used. More along the lines of ‘futile’,” He said rather absently, opening the door to let Bella through.
* * *
Luda walked through the streets with her weapon in hand. It was taller than her and drew a lot of attention, but she never went anywhere without it. The people of Roid were somewhat familiar with her family’s name and their strange warrior daughter. “Now which one of these bars did grandfather end up in?” she groaned to herself as she walked through the side of town where taverns were numerous. Though he was a priest, he would often go off with a few old friends to drink, always in moderation of course.
She let out a deep breath and decided to poke her head into the first one she came to. The patron of the establishment was complaining about a child trying to reserve a room. Children shouldn’t be in such places alone, she thought to herself. Unable to find her grandfather, she sat down and order a cup of tea. A short break was well-deserved before continuing the search.
* * *
Stepping down the stairs, Niklas looked about the room. It was a habit from living in the desert, where you always had to be vigilant for a myriad of reasons. In this case, he was rather surprised to see a priestess, at least her garb indicated that. Leaning down, he affectionately patted Bella on the head, then spoke in a low tone. “I don’t suppose you could tell me to whom that priestess serves?”
Bella gave Niklas a bit of glare for patting her head, but she replied to his question, if a bit coldly, “I’m no expert on clerics. We grassrunners don’t worship in the same way as humans, so we don’t frequent temples.”
Luda looked up, sensing eyes on her. She made eye contact with a strange couple, a man and a what appeared to be a young girl. Having finished her tea, she paid the barkeep and stood up, carrying her halberd upright. She walked over to where the two stood, as they still seemed interested in her. It was something she was used to by now. “Are you looking for a priestess, sir?” she asked the man.
Standing straight, Niklas took in her garb. He had never seen a priestess of Myrii, and he could only assume she was one by the large halberd she carried. She obviously had some ability with it, as it didn’t encumber her movement the way it would a novice. “I suppose. I wished to pray to Myrii before I departed in a few days, but I wasn’t aware of the location of a priest, priestess, or a temple within this town to where I could voice the prayer. Are you indeed a priestess of the war god?”
Luda tilted her head slightly. “Yes I am,” she replied. “You must not be too familiar with this city. There is a great temple for each of the gods of light here. I can take you to the temple, or if you’d like me to preform the blessing I can do so.”
“No, unfortunately. While it is a beautiful city, it is far more like a maze then where I am from,” Niklas said in a slightly frustrated tone. While his tone only seemed slightly so, he was heavily frustrated, just hid it well. He had become lost more times then he would like to recall, and those who were linked to him by blood seemed annoyed that he claimed any kinship. “I believe learning the location is most suitable for me. I plan to stay in this city a few days longer, and I can only hope Myrii blesses me, so I believe I will pray as often as possible.”
* * *
The dirty, stone paved roads did little to prevent large clouds of dust from being kicked up by the busy populace. Thick yellow-brown billows of dirt choked the tall, haggard old war-dog as he ponderously fell into line with the countless other peasants shuffling and running about.
“Bread! Get yer bread!” cried one aging human as she held out loaves of brown bread.
“How’s things at the shop?” inquired one young craftsmen to another.
“Oh, business is doing good!”
Ghorde Grufmaisen was assaulted by the sounds, smells and sights of the booming city of Roid. Horse-drawn carts with various goods went to and fro, across the streets and into the busy peasant markets. Great resounding church bells could be heard in every direction. Apparently, Roid had many temples to serve the masses. Judging from the well-kept garments and occasional fine clothing, Roid’s masses were well looked after.
“Serves me right, running about without a map,” Ghorde snarled under his breath, scratching his course dirty-brown hair, which had begun to gray. He was lost. Utterly. Without a map or a guide of any sort, Ghorde was forced to find his own way through the thick masses of shouting people.
Off in one direction, a group of nubile lasses began to flitter and gossip. In another direction, an elderly couple went about their chores. The shoppes were bursting with activity, as coin and goods exchanged hands as fast as Ghorde could blink. He shook his head, no sense in interrupting business for directions.
Ghorde walked with the slow steady canter of a soldier. Each step was a dull thud in the rough earth as his gaze searched for a guide or a sign post somewhere. After much frustration, he found none.
“Well, I’ll be damned, I couldn’t find a helping hand if it slapped me in the face!” Ghorde’s face twisted into a grin of sorts, his darkened sense of humor as his only traveling companion. It had been far too long since he sat down and ate a wholesome meal, and even longer since he made idle chat with anybody. His throat had become dry from the long walk around the city, without an ear to speak to, or a drink to quench his thirst.
“May as well find a place to stay,” Ghorde nodded, closing his eyes in thought. “This place works.” Ghorde pushed the old wooden door open. The bell mechanism that alerted the bartender of patrons, jingled lightly. He could feel the eyes of the various, rough-looking patrons bore into him.
“Mmm... Rough crowd I see,” Ghorde scratched at his beard with his thumb. He murmured to himself quietly, taking note of all the patrons. A couple of thugs in one corner, a ordinary patron here and there. A rough looking dwarf was drumming his fingers on the table. Over in another corner were a bunch of shady folk. But to throw it all off, was a small band of three youngsters... One of them looked too young to be in this establishment. Another was a well armed woman, and the third seemed somehow regal, or imposing. He had the look of adventure glowing in his eyes as he spoke with his fellows.
As Niklas spoke the priestess, Bella stepped aside and looked over the patrons of the inn. No doubt they all thought she was a little girl, and quite a few of them glanced questioningly at her. The grassrunner frowned in disapproval and put her hands on her hips, which accentuated her hourglass figure. She was short, but she didn’t have a child’s body. For some reason, a lot of humans didn’t see that.
Ghorde couldn’t help allowing his face to contort with an expression of puzzlement. The small band seemed like they were arguing. Or discussing subjects no one was meant to hear. All the more reason for Ghorde to investigate. He took a quiet stool near the discussion, just within earshot. Occasionally glancing at the band, attempting to read their expressions. What he got instead was a look of frustration from the small girl.
Meeting her gaze, although briefly, Ghorde could tell something more than a little girl stared at him. Hoping to ease the tension, Ghorde nodded to her and spoke, “Awfully strange,” Ghorde grumbled, hoping to provoke an answer from the small girl. “To have a young lady wandering in one of the more rougher taverns of this city.”
“Even stranger that a man would approach someone he assumes is a child with an armed priestess standing beside him,” Luda said to the man who had interjected himself into their conversation. She knew that the girl was either an elf child or a grassrunner, and by the way she took to the stares she received, Luda was able to make an educated guess.
Glancing to where Luda indicated, Niklas noted that Bella had turned her attention to the bar crowd, few of them looking pleased. Apparently she had attracted the attention of a man who looked like he could handle himself if push came to shove. Unlike Luda, he didn’t take to defense of Bella. Instead, he just watched like a hawk eying a rabbit, his head cocked slightly to the side.
“I suppose it would be strange for a child to enter a bar...” Niklas’s statement was as ambiguous as when he had spoken to the innkeeper. He figured few would believe Bella wasn’t a child, so he spoke soothe that belief, but didn’t lie either. “Bella is under my protection, so I don’t think she needs to fear too much. By the way, who might you be sir?”
“My name?” Ghorde chewed on the thought for a brief second, “They call me Ghorde.” He stood up so that he could see full well, the inquiring protector, “Ghorde Grufmaisen.” He pointed to himself, jerking his thumb with some bravado.
“I’m new to this town, so I’m not sure what exactly passes for children here,” Ghorde indicated towards Bella. “But, I suppose if she’s safe, then there’s probably nothing I should worry about.” Ghorde paused for a second, not sure how to conduct a conversation. “Well,” he opened his hand as an invitation for the others to speak, “now that I’ve introduced myself, who might you young’uns be?”
“I’m twenty-seven,” Bella said, in a high, but mature and authoritative voice. As she was soon surrounded by three humans—who she was generally only hip-high to—she began to feel fearful of not being seen. So, the grassrunner pulled herself up onto a barstool so she would be noticed.
* * *
Midau hopped off the back of the wagon and thanked the farmer for the ride. It was a long journey from Raiden to Roid, but he decided it was the best place to search for some adventure, and the best place to start his creed. He was sure that the crowded city had seen its fair share of blood and violence, so what better place to begin his mission.
Upon entering the town he was immediately suspect to whispers and foul names. People eyed him warily as he made his way through the streets. Children stopped playing at the sight of him and people ran from his gaze. He laughed. “I wonder if all newcomers get this treatment?” he pondered out loud as he moved his way towards a tavern.
Midau entered the tavern and looked to the innkeeper, but the innkeeper just returned his look with a dull look of fear. Alright, the second time. I guess I should do up my shirt, the scars are probably scaring the locals.
“I’d like a room for the night,” he stated slowly. He waved his hand in front of the innkeeper’s face, who flinched at the sudden movement. “A room please?” Getting no audible response from the innkeeper he assumed he was a mute and continued. “How many coins? Show me with your fingers,” When the innkeeper still didn’t respond Midau frowned. “Alright, so they let a deaf/mute tend the bar, not the wisest decision for a business to make, but I’m not here to complain,” he said aloud. He shrugged and decided to wait for the propagator of the place to arrive, taking up refuge off his feet at a corner table. When no one would get near him he sighed. “I don’t bite!” he yelled. The innkeeper flinched and Midau shrugged. “There is something wrong with this picture...” he muttered.
The entire inn seemed to go quite as an elven man walked in. He had white hair and dark skin, and though Bella wasn’t native to Lodoss, she’d been here long enough to know a dark elf when she saw one. However, she had never dealt with any personally. The common elves seemed to hate them, but she felt that it was best to reserve judgment until she met one.
The dark elf tried speaking to the innkeeper, but the man was frozen in fear. She was speechless, not just because of the dark elf, but because of the tension in the room. As a stranger to Lodoss, and rarely taken seriously, the grassrunner chose not to speak and looked at Niklas, Luda, and Ghorde for their reactions, hoping that someone would step up and break the tension peacefully.
The warrior cocked his head slightly to the side, and was about to answer, when a dark elf entered the room. It most definitely had to be a dark elf, as it was one of the creatures his mother had warned him about. Sneaky, older than they looked, with the ability to use magic greater than any human, dark elves were one of those creatures that were best not to be trifled with. Subconsciously resting the clawed gauntlet against the hilt of his sword, Niklas debated what to do.
Midau shuddered. It felt like all eyes were on him, a feeling he had since he got here, one that was beginning to annoy him. “Do I have something on my face, or is it the national hobby to stare at new people?” he sighed. “I don’t understand why everyone keeps looking at me, am I that odd looking? I mean, look there,” he says pointing at Bella. “There’s a grassrunner right there, why don’t you stare at her, she’s got the figure for it.”
Bella gasped indignantly as the dark elf mentioned her figure, but that soon became an appreciative blush when she realized that he knew she was a grown woman. She still felt unable to speak though.
The dark elf was definitely uncomfortable, as he should have been. While Niklas himself was a bit uneasy by his presence, several individuals in the room had already drawn weapons. He didn’t want to go near the dark elf, but a sense of ‘duty’ came upon him. Dark elf he may be, he was still a wary traveler who didn’t intend to cause harm. Picking up a bottle from behind the bar, he moved between the crowd, and without saying a word, placed it before Midau. Looking about, he gave a raised brow. It wasn’t a challenge, but his face held a look that seemed to say ‘was that so terrible?’
“Thank you, but I’m afraid I must decline. I was seeking only shelter for the night, but your offer is commendable,” Midau shook his right hand in front of his face. “But, I do not drink alcohol, it is a terrible drug that influences the great and meek alike. It turns some men into beasts and others into incomprehensible creatures.” He paused for a moment and scouted around, he saw that others had drawn their weapons and it pained him to see that. The idea of lives that may be lost on his account was not something he could bear again.
Furrowing his eyebrows, Midau stood from his chair, raising both hands high so everyone could see them he sighed. “It seems that this far out from Raiden my presence is unnerving at best. There is no point in trying to spread a message to cease bloodshed when it seems that I might be the cause of it today.” He wasn’t sure what to make of the boy, as he was closest to the grassrunner when he saw her. He bowed his head slightly to the young man as a thanks again, but continued in a steady unchallenging voice. He wanted peace more than anything else, and he would leave if it meant that him just being there was disturbing the chance for peace to blossom. “’Tis an ugly thing, this inequality of races. I miss Raiden already.”
Midau gave a soft sigh, but his body was, reflexively, already tensed to defend itself. He softened his stance a little, letting him seem lax and tired from the road. Be calm and people will react calmly, show that you are strong and people will be bolstered to attack. Life is too sacred to let go to waste on the drunkards and cowards of change. He slumped his shoulders a little, it didn’t diminish his ability to react at all, but it may have created enough of an illusion of weariness to keep this problem from escalating.
“Excuse me just a moment,” Luda said to the young man who seemed to need some directions. She stepped up to the dark elf, who she had been surprised to noticed but did not fear or harbor ill will towards. She cast a glare at several others in the bar as if to scold them for being so uninviting. “Are you new in this place as well?” she asked him, hoping that everyone would relax if a priestess was seen talking to him. “I hope I don’t sound rude, but it’s very dangerous for a dark elf to walk around in these parts uncovered.”
“I didn’t realize that being a dark elf was a crime.” Midau signed. “Raiden must be a lot more forgiving than other places based on race. I figured that people might be a little shocked to see my scars, that was my only concern, but you’re saying that just being a dark elf is bad enough?” He laughed. “I think the Forest of No Return was a little more inviting.” He relaxed his arms and slowly extended his hand. “Midau of Raiden.”
“Greetings Midau,” she said. “I am Luda, priestess of Myrii.” She shifted her weight a bit more casually which was to say it was just a little less that frigid for her. “The people of Roid aren’t racist by nature, but they have unpleasant memories of dark elves. Most have only seen them during the war. Please be careful. If you do feel unsafe, both my home and my temple are open to travelers.”
Bella relaxed as soon as Luda spoke to the dark elf. The tension in the common room seemed to drop as a priestess of Myrii accepted the dark elf. He seemed like a good person to Bella, but some of the other patrons murmured angrily and slipped out of the room, either leaving the inn or going upstairs to their rooms.
When he mentioned the Forest of No Return, Bella’s ears perked up. “You’ve been to the Forest of No Return?” she asked. “Oh, I’m Bella, of Alecrast,” she added politely.
Sighing lightly, Niklas still looked about to see if anyone was intending to charge. His mother always told him never turn your back on a dangerous situation, even if you think it only might be under control. The priestess was enough for now, although it was probably due to the fact that she was well armed. “Dark Elves aren’t thought well of in most places. My mother taught me not to hate them, but be wary of them because they were hard to kill if you made one your enemy,” he said in a matter of fact tone of voice, his eyes briefly darting to the individual they had been talking with before the dark elf showed up. From the movements of most of the patrons, they were really to drunk to fight well, but the movement of that man proved that he knew how to fight. “My name is Niklas, from Flaim.”
Midau nodded at each introduction and gave a big grin to the grassrunner Bella. “Alright, before any further questions can be asked,” he said. He pointed at Bella; “You’re Bella,” then to Niklas, “Niklas of Flaim,” then finally to Luda, “And Luda a priestess of Myrii. My what an eclectic group we have here,” he gave a small laugh. “Please join me, you too miss Bella. I’ll be happy to have a young grassrunner at my table any day. If you three aren’t doing anything let me treat you to dinner, if that is alright.” He calmed himself. It was too easy to get carried away with generosity when you just escaped a possibly bloody ordeal.
“To answer questions first. Luda, I seem to always be in need of a place to stay, as I am quite nomadic, in at least the last year or so, I’d gratefully take you up on your offer. Niklas, I never knew that dark elves were thought so low of. Perhaps I was just raised differently. And Bella, what an adorable name for an adorable woman. Yes, I have been to the Forest of No Return, though since...” Midau’s words caught in his throat. “Well, I haven’t been there in a long time, and I doubt I’d be welcomed back with open arms.”
Ghorde, suddenly aware of what just happened, regained his thoughts and moved toward the small group that had just recently acquired a dark elf. “Peculiar,” Ghorde murmured to the small, yet ever-growing band of heroes, “I thought dark elves avoided public scrutiny.” Ghorde eyed the dark elf warily. “Where you from?”
“Raiden,” Midau spoke softly. “If you hadn’t guessed already, I’m not your average dark elf. I lived in Raiden all of my life, and spent the last forty-eight years there living among humans, one of which was my wife. She passed away not too long ago though. The frailty of mortality which causes all those on it’s slender path to wither and fall before the eyes of eternal love.” He laughed and pointed to a seat. “Join me too, if you wish.”
Removing his hands from his weapons, Niklas shook his head. “I’ll decline. I came back down here in order to head out to search for a dwarf.”
Ghorde grunted as he took the seat offered to him, “Sure.” He scratched his beard as he listened to the exchange of conversation from the party he had just stumbled upon. His eyes darted between speakers, almost as if he was looking for something. Wanting to hear something. When the clawed knight declined the invitation, Ghorde cocked his head around to face him. “You heading out?” he grumbled, seeing his opportunity. “Mind if I join you? I’m no from here, and I could use a guide.” Ghorde nodded to the knight, “That is, if it isn’t a personal matter...”
Midau chuckled. “It seems as though the invitations all around may be canceled.” He clucked his tongue. “As I’m not too well liked in this city, I think I’ll stay here lest my appearance starts something. I’d be open to company if either lady Bella or lady Luda would like to stay. Though I’m not picky, but I would like to hear of Alecrast from you, Miss Bella.”
“Well...I suppose I’ll stay,” Bella said. She was quite pleased with their new friend. He was kind and interesting, and most importantly, he regarded her as an adult. “Luda was going to show Niklas to the temple of Myrii anyway.”
“I see.” Midau nodded. “So whilst you three look for your dwarf, miss Bella and I will enjoy a quiet conversation and dinner away from the kids.” He gave Bella a little wink. “So, run along now children, we’ll see you when your tasks are done. Of course, all I say I mean in jest, so don’t take offense.”
Ghorde nodded to the knight and priestess. “Well, miss... uh...” Ghorde, scratched his beard in thought, “Miss Luda?” Cocking an eyebrow, Ghorde tried his best to remember the lady’s name. “I guess you’ll be leading the way,” Ghorde wanted to take this opportunity to know the city better, and best he knew where all the temples were first!
