Neverwinter Nights: Shadik's Tale
Author's Note: While this is based on the official NWN1 OC, I have taken liberties with certain plot and character elements. They will of course still follow the tune of the overall story, however for the sake of adding personal touch (as well as hopefully a bit more reading value) I have made some changes, both minor and major, for the sake of something a little different. Also note that I am my own proof-reader, so some grammatical and spelling errors are likely to slip through. Feel free to alert me to any glaring mistakes.
Disclaimer: I do not own NWN, nor its characters or content (etc), that's all Bioware. Anything else however belongs to me.
Part 1: The plague of the North
'The Frozen North; the name given to the stark and unforgiving frontier that lies beyond the High Moor of Faerun... A bleak wilderness where barbarian clans and tribes of giants roam the land and fierce dragons rule the skies.'
'But amidst the frozen savagery stands a bastion of civilization; the city of Neverwinter, Jewel of the North. Behind the city's high walls those both hardy and brave carve out an existence from this bleak land under the guidance and protection of the legendary hero Lord Nasher Alagondar.'
'Yet there are some things that all the courage of the world cannot stand against... A virulent plague wept the city, a terrible affliction that began in the Beggar's Nest. Soon all of Neverwinter would feel the touch of the Wailing Death'
'The disease could not be cured. Panic ensured; the streets erupt into violence. The Jewel of the North was brought to its knees. To save Neverwinter, Lady Aribeth de Tylmarande, Paladin of Tyr and Lord Nasher's right hand, put forth a call for a champion.'
'A rush of would be heroes answered the call: some drawn by promise of grandeur and glory, others by the lure of gold. Those with the greatest potential were initiated into the Academy to train and study under the greatest minds of Neverwinter, all in the hopes a champion might emerge to save the city from the wailing death..'
'And whatever sinister force might be behind it.'
Chapter 1: The First Trials
Shadik awoke from his light slumber by a series of soft wraps at the bedroom door. Shadik sat from his sleeping position above the sheets of the academy provided bed, making no quick effort to answer the beckon. Running a long thin hand through his matted hair that covered him like a veil, he gripped the back of his neck and arched his head and neck sideways, earning an audible pop as the bones in his neck cracked. That done, he stood up and retrieved his sheathed long sword from the end of the bed and moved towards the door.
"Finally, you're up" a sheepish voice greeted as Shadik opened the door. He was a young human in typical blue and white militia uniform. A young recruit he'd guess by his boyish face under neatly cut blonde hair. "I was afraid you were going to sleep all day" he continued with a good tune, waving the small wooden touch in his left hand as he did so. He looked ready to prattle all day long, probably would if given the time, however Shadik quickly interrupted before the stranger could say anymore.
"And you are...?" Shadik asked a little irritably. He was trying to fight off his sleepy haze that had momentarily fogged his mind.
"Oh, I'm Pavel, a new recruit" he beamed with pride. I just arrived at the academy this morning."
They're accepting greens like you into the academy? Shadik thought a little bemused. It was almost as if the city itself wasn't taking the plague seriously if this is the type of recruits they expected to become champions.
"You're Shadik, aren't you?" Pavel asked, his tone becoming one of deep respect.
"What of it?" Shadik replied absently. Already he was bored of the conversation, and it was time he could be spending asleep, now his only retreat from the foolery he was exposed to seemingly daily.
Pavel's eyes lit up with reverence at once. "Is it true what they say about you? That Lady Aribeth herself ordered the academy to send you an invitation to come here for training?"
"If you can call it training" Shadik returned, reflecting he had learned nothing over the past few days. Heck, he thought a school ran by kids could come up with a more realistic training program.
Yet Pavel continued on, oblivious to his statement. "I've never heard of anyone being invited to train at the academy before. Usually people are begging to get in It must be a real honour."
Shadik burst into a gale of laughter he wasn't able to stifle.
"Tell me something kid, have you looked outside this academy and seen what is going on?" Pavel's expression turned to one of puzzlement. "People are dying on the streets from plague and chaos; there is nothing honourable about being summoned to clean up such a mess."
"But it's in dark times a hero is needed the most. A champion, someone to repel the tides".
"It's time like this that fools like you run around with ideas of such grandeur and managed to get yourselves killed." Pavel recoiled as if struck, taking great offense to the statement.
"I uh... don't quite know what to say" he said, his voice wounded. Shadik shook his head. "You can't emulate in a safe secure academy like this the life of a true adventure. It's harsh, unrelenting, and most of all unforgiving. Now that is advice worth studying"
Pavel nodded like a school student. "Yes sir... we've all heard whispers of your exploits." Pavel stopped a moment when Shadik flicked one of his large half elven ears. "In any event" he continued, taking the gesture as one of annoyance. "The final testing is now under way. Since you're so close to completing your training I was sent to let you know."
Finally Shadik thought, nodding slowly. Pavel looked on the verge of saying more, but decided against it, opting to simply take a few steps back. "In any event Shadik I'll leave you to it. Good luck with the final testing, I heard they don't make it easy." He lingered a few moments longer as if to make sure they were done with their business, then Pavel ambled away from the doorway in the direction he had come.
Perhaps I was a little harsh... Shadik wondered as he glanced the new recruit's dejected face before leaving. Noting that nothing could be done even if he was, he made a final ready check before moving into the dorm's main living room. Essentially, it was a square room fitted with numerous small bedrooms that were lined up along each sides of the room, touches and braziers being used as the main source of light. The rooms themselves weren't anything flashy of course, just a bed, a few drawers for personal supplies and a study, which of course is what they expect you to use most. That was his main problem with the academy in this half-elf's opinion; it was too much study, which of course as they find out will really help them little in real combat situations. Yet it was a necessary process in which to separate the good from the bad Shadik supposed, if on nothing more than potential, so he kept most of his reservations unspoken.
Moving up towards the exit on the northern side of the quarters, he passed another recruit that bore some remarkable resemblances to the boy he had just spoken to. He stood in front of the door, as if to guard, and when he approached he simply nodded in his direction and opened it for him.
Perhaps a sibling Shadik thought as he returned the nod, then moved silently into the next room.
"Why if it isn't the nasty elf!" a voice greeted as Shadik entered one of the many training rooms that linked together. Shadik noticed the voice and who it belonged to at once, then offered a narrow grin.
"I'm surprised you were able to drag yourself away from the ale cup to supervise this circus Olgerd" Shadik returned with a laugh. The room, a slightly larger one then the dorm but of similar appearance save for the various weapon and armour racks, was mainly a storeroom for standard issue weapons that most of the recruits use and train with.
Walking towards the small dwarf, Shadik fetched him a companion like slap on the shoulder.
"This is it elf, your last day as a recruit." He beamed happily under the thick tuff of beard. "Think you can handle it?" he gave a sly wink and a laugh. Shadik returned it with a smile.
"I'm supposed to brief you what's ahead, but I'm sure you get the general gist... swing a sword and shoot an arrow, really" Olgerd said. The old dwarf was one of the few academy residents he managed to get along with. He had shared quite a few old stories over a glass of brew, and as such Olgerd quickly understood Shadik was a capable adventure in his own rights, and that the academy training was more of a formality than actual preparation.
"Can I interest ye in a blade or club?" he asked, gesturing towards the weapon racks behind him. Shadik rolled his eyes.
"I think I'd do better off with my hands" he, then glanced at his silver long sword that rested in the scabbard attached to his waist, Arìnes, which through some kind of forged elven magic could never be marked or blemished.
"In the room, behind me you'll have to perform exercises under the head instructors for them to grade you adequate or not. Simple stuff really, just a melee and ballistic test, I'm sure you'll do fine." Shadik nodded silently.
"Then I best move on." Another narrow grin spread across his thin, blade like features. "Try to stay out of trouble, dwarf."
"Ye best be worrying bout ye self you silly elf"
"Spare me" Shadik returned before opening the door and entering the next room. It was a small library wing, rows of staked books rested upon ebon bookcases. It was one of many study areas designated throughout the academy. Shadik's elven ears twitched, detecting the commotion from the room adjacent to him. It was rowdy all right, and by guessing from the sound alone he assumed it was where he was supposed to be tested. He moved quickly with unconscious grace, his thick hide clinging to him silently as if tied down to prevent any noise and entered the centre of the academy and apparent testing grounds as of this day.
The room was the largest of the academy he had seen save for perhaps the ceremony room, and was bustling with activity. Many recruits and students preformed various combat techniques under the guidance of the selected instructors. Target dummies, bullseyes among other equipment were set up as a means to gauge a particular student's abilities.
It's really no different than the local militia Shadik thought absently. Shifting through the crowd aimlessly, he searched for place where he could be assessed.
"Hey, you!" a harsh voice called from beside him. He turned to see a tall, bearded tanned man almost glaring at him. "Yes you, get over here!"
Shadik moved towards the bear of a man with intended slowness.
"It's about time you showed up!" he barked. "You're Shadik Raines, right?"
"That's me" the half-elf replied casually. He thought he already had this one pegged. The tough guy, the one who has to 'show the new recruits what's what.'
"You better straighten your posture and fix that tone with me boy, for I'm Herban, the head instructor here and have been sent to oversee your final training myself! Now personally I don't see anything exceptional, however I'm going to give you the chance to change that. Do you understand!"
Shadik found it amusing that he was likely double Herban's age despite the fact he was a veteran by human standards, but decided he'd remain quiet. All he wanted was to complete the training without having to suffer any unnecessary lectures.
"I can't hear you!' he screamed. "Do you understand!"
"...Yes" Shadik replied softly. "Can we just get this over with?"
Herban snarled. "You better hope you have the ability to match that cockiness boy, otherwise I'm going to enjoy watching you make a mockery of yourself."
The half-elf nodded. "We shall see. So what's the first task?"
"Follow me you fool" Herban spat, then moved towards the eastern part of the room, where the area was largely unoccupied. There, a man with a wooden sword and long dark hair stood patiently.
"Your first task" Herban said, gesturing towards the dark haired man. He stepped forward and greeted Shadik warmly.
"I'm Dendy, the melee instructor. I'll be your opponent for today" he said, bowing lightly. Shadik looked at Herban.
"What is he talking about?"
"Since you're apparently a 'special case,' we're going to assess you a little differently."
Shadik surveyed the room. "You mean I don't get to simply whack a training dummy to earn my pass like the rest of the recruits?"
"Shut your hole you dog, you have bigger things to worry about than being a smart ass. I'm grading you, and I'll be grading harshly, so keep up that attitude and I'll see to it that you're thrown out of here in disgrace."
Shadik ignored him and turned to Dendy. "So what is the task?"
Dendy threw me a wooden sword, almost identical to the one he was holding. It was roughly the size of a short sword, a broad face on a thin pommel. "It's quite simple. You have 60 seconds to try and land a blow on me. If you hit me once, anywhere, you complete the challenge."
I turned to Herban. "Is this really alright?"
"Don't worry you worm, for your sake he won't be trying to attack back, he'll be merely defending."
"And anyway, if worst comes to worst and you injure me, we have many on duty medics that will have no problem patching me up." Dendy smiled. "After all, tis only wood we're wielding, not steel."
"Very well" Shadik agreed, bending down to pick up the wooden sword of the stony floor. "On your mark."
Dendy looked at Herban who nodded. "Alright, you have 60 seconds; show me what you can do."
Dendy raised the sword to his side, facing the sword downwards towards the ground. "Come; see if you can land a blow."
Judging by that defensive stance, he really plans to stay passive the half-elf thought with amusement. It appears they still underestimate me, if they really wanted to gauge my combat prowess, they should have made it a proper duel.
Shadik lunged forward, closing the distance in a single stride. He thrust the practice sword forward towards Dendy's chest in a stabbing motion. The instructor was able to parry, but only just, the tip of the wood nicked his leather cuirass barely. Dendy arced his own sword quick enough to make a quick intercept, the force strong enough to knockout and send Shadik's practice sword tumbling on the floor.
Dendy gazed at Shadik in brief surprise, before he masked it with impassive focus.
"Does that count?" Shadik asked with a sly smirk.
"A lucky brush doesn't count!" Herban declared loudly. Shadik broke eye contact briefly with Dendy to glance at Herban.
"You got a problem with that?" he barked. "Just remember it's me you have to please, so I say that doesn't count. You now have 30 seconds to land a proper blow."
Shadik turned back to his opponent, who looked a great deal more alert now. His sword was no longer placed downwards towards the ground but held out in front of him with two hands. He was taking the fight seriously now.
Shadik retrieved the sword by way of a quick roll. He could see in his opponent's eyes that the sword he dispossessed would not so easily fall back into his hands, a theory proven correct when he felt something above him just glance his hair. Once again armed Shadik wasted no time in moving to the offensive. He sliced towards Dendy's legs while dextrously springing to his feet. Dendy, to his credit was able to anticipate this with impressive footwork, hopping back a step and once more pushing my blade down with his.
"20 seconds!" Herban hollered.
Moving back to create some momentary distance, Shadik sprang forward, executing another flurry. Dendy's parry work was impressive, compounded by the fact he had no offense made it impossible for Shadik to implement any counter attacks of his own. Every block, dodge or parry was merely for defence.
"Times running out recruit, 10 seconds left!" Herban called. Dendy still stood, his sword slowly waving around him, ready for another onslaught.
But now that I've had some time to study, I can see some visible gaps Shadik thought as he moved in for a final attempt. Rather than attacking frontally like he had, Shadik stabbed his blade forward in a mock attack then banked right with a quick pivot. Dendy blocked the initial strike as expected, but he was caught momentarily off guard when Shadik moved to Dendy's flank. Taking advantage of his momentary surprise Shadik slashed towards his chest with a quick swipe. Dendy once more was able to parry the strike by bringing his sword up to his side, but it came at a deadly cost: his centre of gravity. Now momentarily off balance, and locked in a kind of power struggle as they pushed against each other with their swords, Shadik pivoted once more, shifting his own weight to push against Dendy's. The sudden change in equilibrium as well as the fact he was partially off balance to begin with caused him to stumble forward, but even where most would topple he managed to stop himself. Now in a valuable position, the half-elf lashed out three times in succession. Twice Dendy still managed to shield himself with his sword despite the fact he was basically on his knees, but the third strike sent him sprawling to the stony floor below.
He did well to try and salvage the situation by rolling on his side and moving on his back, the lesser exposed position to be in if you're on the deck, but he wasn't quick enough. Shadik converged upon him like a starving animal, pinning his arms and legs beneath his own. Once he had overpowered the instructor in a brief struggle, Shadik brought the wooden sword up and rested it across his throat.
"Does this count?" Shadik asked, looking at Herban. Herban's face was expressionless for a while.
"Let him up" he commanded, although it was without the usual over the top boisterousness. Shadik complied immediately, even extending his hand to help up his defeated victim.
"You were technically a few seconds out... so on that basis I could fail you" he began. Shadik raised an eyebrow at him but said nothing. "However, it was a remarkable display, so I'll leave it up to Dendy to make the final judgment."
I turned toward the instructor, who had brushed himself off. "I've been studying swordsmanship for most of my life... It's a very rare occasion where I find an opponent who can see through my gaps with such a small time." He paused, as if for greater effect. "For that alone I'd give him more than a pass" Dendy finished with a smile.
Herban nodded. "Well, looks like you can back up some of that tough talk. However stay sharp, you still have the missiles examination to go through yet."
"You have fought well and with honour Shadik, it was a pleasure to duel you." He held out his hands, which Shadik took and shook briefly.
"And you too" he replied.
"Follow me, we still have one last assessment" Herban said as he urged his student towards the opposite side of the room where a small archery hallway resided on the western strip. It was a hall that was cut off from the rest of the room, separated by a row of large support pillars. Down the end of the narrow hall was a single bullseye target atop a wooden stoop.
Another instructor, slightly younger than Herban but more grizzly than Dendy approached them. He smiled deceptively under is mop of unruly hair, the kind of smile he makes Shadik think of vipers and vermin.
Just what does he have in store for me? Shadik wondered. He was no longer taking this with the laid back brash attitude he was, instead he was beginning to look at this as a possible challenge. Especially considering marksmanship was far from his desired combat approach.
"Greetings Shadik" the thin man greeted softly. "I'm Hewwet, missile and ranged combat specialist." He did not, Shadik noticed extend his hand in greeting as Dendy had. Despite Hewwet's amiable expression, he could detect one of almost obvious contempt underneath.
Not a fan of half-elves? Shadik wondered.
"I'll start by congratulating you on your success in the melee trials; your duel with Dendy was spectacular" he began, his hands waving for greater effect. Shadik nodded, but said nothing, awaiting patiently for the explanation of his next trial.
"This test should be a good deal easier though, so I wouldn't worry about this too much" he said with a grin that looked to imply the opposite.
"Over there is a rack of projectiles and ammunition. All standard stock of course, but it should be enough to get you through this examination without a fuss. There are pretty much all types of projectiles weapons from bows to slings, so take whatever you feel comfortable with."
Shadik nodded and moved towards the ranged weapon rack behind him. Sifting through the options quickly, he decided upon a short bow. Picking it up and sling it across his back, he picked up a small quiver then moved towards the two instructors.
"A short bow... a fine choice" Hewwet remarked with a smile that didn't touch his eyes in the slightest. To this Shadik said nothing, instead gazed at the large target down the hall.
"I'm going to take a stab and guess I'm going to trying to hit the bullseye with an arrow... how I somehow feel there's more to it than that." Shadik looked at Herban, who remained impartial.
"Not at all" Hewwet said. "All that's required is you at thirty yards and hit the bullseye" he pointed towards a white line marked in the floor where I would be shooting from. "You get three shots to make it, unable to do so will result in a fail of the ballistics trial." To the last line Shadik fancied he saw a gleam in Hewwet's eyes at the prospect. "So good luck, but I'm sure this will be no trouble."
Moving towards the marked line and assuming his archery position (feet planted firmly on the ground, slightly parallel) pulled out a bow as well as an arrow from the quiver now resting on the ground, and began to sight the target. As soon as he began to focus, the three ringed colours around the target (blue on the outside, white under the blue than finally red in the centre) began to rotate, spinning around like a vortex.
Shadik's eyes widened a fraction before casting them towards Herban and then Hewwet. The former only watched him with open expectation, the latter flashing another smile. A more real smile, now that Shadik had shown a moment of doubt.
"Magic?" Shadik asked with a surprised grunt.
"Merely an optical illusion, I'm sure it won't trouble you too much." It would, and judging by the smile that was practically beaming, he knew it would as well.
Just focus, it's a trick on the eyes is all. But it was hard. The rotating colours made it extremely difficult to pinpoint the bullseye, and he was already a sub-par marksman at best. Doing his best to block out all else, he focused on where the red circle marking the bullseye was; he pulled back the arrow and released. It sailed into the air, dipped a little, then hit the timber with an audible thud.
The rotating stopped, and Shadik was able to see where his arrow landed. Despite the fact he thought it was one of his better shots, it went astray, hitting the white strip that circled outside the red.
Damn.
"Oooh, close!' Hewwet commented with glee. "Two shots left, first one is always a doozy since it's a warm up, I'm sure you'll nail it this time."
Concentrating once more, Shadik fired another shot. This one happened to be a worse than the first attempt, the arrow striking the outside white ring of the target.
This time Hewwet didn't say anything, but the half-elf could the instructor's eyes resting upon him.
There has to be some trick to this... Shadik thought, furiously trying to find a solution. He took a great deal longer to have his final shot, trying to find a certain pattern or recurring rotation. After studying the swirling target for long enough, he thought he had found it. He aimed and shot quickly, feeling sure this time his shot would sail true.
Whack!
The practice board stopped revolving, revealing for a third time, despite his earlier inkling, Shadik had missed to the near left.
Hewwet whistled. "My my, you were close" he began in a tone that sounded more like delight than solace. The half-elf kept staring at the target then closed his eyes in frustration. Opening them once more, a solution came to him. It was a bit late perhaps but...
He turned to Herban. "Give me an extra shot" he asked, looking towards the bullseye. "I can definitely do it if given another chance."
Shadik initially thought he would be denied, but to his surprise he passed the judgment off to Hewwet. Turning to the thin man, he thought again that he would surely be denied...
"Alright, I'm willing to grant that" he said with a sly smirk. "However, as a penalty, you'll have to stand an extra ten yards away." Hewwet walked behind me and pointed to my new shooting position. "One final try, see if you can peg it."
Positioning himself in a ready stance once more, Shadik narrowed his eyes as the circular target rotated for the final time. The extra ten yard distance wouldn't be a worry, after all his eyes were keen, at least as far as human standards were concerned thanks to his strong elven lineage. Sighting the general area of the bullseye, Shadik closed his eyes for a few moments, then opened them again. He repeated the process a few times and found his theory correct: It was a mere play on the eyes. If you closed them and opened them there was a small window of time where you could locate the true position of the bullseye before the optical illusion threw it askew. That's when I can strike with assured clarity. Closing his eyes a final time he notched the arrow back, held in the general area of the bullseye... then opened his eyes, adjusted, and fired in a quick motion.
Whack!
Once the board stopped circling they could all see the arrow wedged within the red dot marking the bullseye. Shadik gave his left hand not holding the bow a hard victorious shake.
"Impressive" Herban muttered. Shadik turned to Hewwet, who at first said nothing, seemingly stuck in a stunned trance. Then he turned it into a forced smile and congratulated him.
"Well done indeed. Looks like you've passed the missiles exam... just" he managed. He then turned away, stalking off into another part of the room.
"Well recruit... it appears there's more than meets the eye after all." His tone, while still gruff had a respectful note to it now. Pulling out a piece parchment, Herban signed it with a quill he pulled from seemingly nowhere. "From here on in I officially announce you a graduated cadet. Well done Shadik, you've certainly earned it." Shadik accepted the piece of paper that validated his passing of the basic combat trials.
"Most of the graduates are forming in the southern assembly hall" Herban continued. "Lady Aribeth is present, bestowing blessings on anyone fortunate enough to complete the basic academy training." Herban smiled for the first time today. "I'm sure she'll have something special for you, after all she has sought you out specifically, even going as far to have a different training regime to test just how good you are."
So that's what it was...
With that, Herban bade him a final Farwell before he went back to his supervising duties in the training hall. Moving towards north eastern side of the room, he moved through a winding hallway that led down to the south. He passed through several others room, most of them looking to do with the studies of magic, but a large, barred double wooden hinged door that seemed to span off into other unknown areas of the academy grabbed his momentary attention. Happy to simply remember the point of interest for now, he continued down the hallway to a door with a militia guard in front of it.
"You a graduate?" he asked in a disinterested tone. Shadik nodded, handing him the letter signed by Herban. He gave it a quick look over then nodded, standing aside and pushing the door open.
"Lady Aribeth is inside... she will want to see you immediately."
Shadik thanked him briskly before stepping inside the ceremony hall. It was large, similar in size to that of the training room he had just emerged from, but instead of sectored off small zones within it. It was a large, well lit square room with various benches, cabinets and drawers littered around the outside. Other graduates of all sizes and races were congregated together, talking amongst themselves in small groups. Yet what stood out from them all, even in this bleary light, was the infamous Paladin Aribeth de Tylmarande. Clad in silver steel armour (that interestingly exposed the top of her bosom, Shadik noticed, and wondered if that was intentional) that seemed to gleam brighter than the many braziers in the room, a certain brilliance emanated from her like an aura, her half-elven features beautiful, yet somewhat strained by what Shadik could only assume to be the responsibility of handling the plague.
He was fixated on her for a few moments before presenting himself. Despite the fact she had urged him to train with a letter she had sent out personally, this was the first time he had come face to face with the supposed avatar of all that is good and righteous. Sizing her up against the image all the rumours had created in his mind, while she was no doubt beautiful and radiant, on appearance alone he had trouble imagining her bestowing the iron fist justice she was reputed to dish out. Deciding appearances could only get you so far; Shadik moved forward intending to present himself before the good lady.
It was a little difficult wading through the crowd of people that hovered around her like bees to honey, but eventually he was able to grab her attention.
"Well well, we don't get many half-elves around these parts" she said with a warm smile. Her amber eyes, a usually unsettling feature for one to have save for this instance, regarded him openly and without mistrust. Shadik nodded.
"I'm Shadik Raines, here as you requested." He felt compelled to give a small bow.
Her eyes lit up at once. "Congratulations!" she beamed. "I knew you'd have no troubles with the training."
Shadik smirked. "I hear your responsible for the upping the training in my case."
Aribeth laughed. "It was simply to get an indication of what you're capable of. From what I hear you did exceptionally well, even as far as besting Dendy. He is a stalwart soldier and rarely beaten. You give us much promise; however first, I'd offer you the blessings of Tyr on your successful graduation."
Shadik recoiled a little at the mention of the holy deity. "Not to offend lady, however I think I'll pass on that blessing." His features dimmed for a few moments. Yet rather than be offended, she did the opposite. She reached out with a hand and placed it on his shoulder softly.
"Then allow me to bestow upon you my own blessing." Her touch, despite it being within a thick steel gauntlet, felt somehow soothing and relaxing on his padded shoulder.
"Thank you my lady" Shadik said respectfully. She removed her hands, then began about matters that needed attending to.
"However it seems in my excitement I've forgotten my manners. I am Aribeth de Tylmarande, faithful servant to Tyr and all that is just. It is good to be able to finally meet you; I've heard many stories, which seem all the more plausible now thanks to your colourful results."
Shadik smiled, a little abashed. "I thank you lady, however the introduction was rather redundant I might say... your reputation far precedes you, as I'm sure you're well aware."
"Perhaps, however it never hurts to be courteous" she replied with a smile. Her auburn hair, tied into a neat bun on the back of her head, seemed to light her features afire.
"Indeed, however I doubt pleasantries is what you'd have of me" he felt like he was talking to a kind of living goddess, and the feeling made him uncomfortable, his mind reeling back momentarily to his past life in Waterdeep.
Aribeth laughed, not at all put off by his reserved nature. "Perhaps after the graduation ceremony we can talk in private. We could really use someone of your skills."
Shadik was about to reply, probably something both witty and stupid, but before he could his ears flickered and he sensed a gathering of foreign energies. By the look of Aribeth's sudden expression of surprise and then alarm, he thought she had felt it too.
"I'm not the only one who felt that was I?" she asked, her eloquent, almost seamless voice turning into a low bark.
Shadik shook his head and quickly unsheathed Arìnes, preparing himself for combat.
"Everyone brace yourselves!" Aribeth cried. "We're under attack!"