Disclaimer: The recognizable characters appearing in this story are © Wizards of the Coast, Inc., all rights reserved. They are used without permission and for entertainment purposes only. No profit is being made by the author for writing this story. No infringement upon nor challenge to the rights of the copyright holders is intended; nor should any be inferred.
Down the Rabbit Hole
As Solonund slid down the moss covered slide, he thought he was surely going to die. No matter how hard Drizzt held onto that bow to pull him up, it did no good, because the bow snapped under the strain. A white light began emanating from the talisman that was hanging from a cord around his neck. The light enveloped Solonund, and he could feel himself growing heavier, falling faster. At that speed, he would be nothing but pulp when he reached the Underdark, or so he thought. He closed his eyes.
He came down hard on something that smelled of mold and rotten cloth. Solonund opened his eyes.
Other than sore muscles and a couple of bruises,he was not hurt. More importantly, he was alive.
He had fallen on what looked like a pile of burlap rags. The area around where he had fallen was full of activity. He looked up and realized how strange this place was. This place was not a Drow city or encampment. It was too well lit, and too dirty. On top of that, there were no spiders. There were rats running here and there.
The population was mainly humans, and none of them looked like slaves. Some of them were pouncing on the rats, killing them and taking their tails. One group of men stood around bragging about how much 'jink' they were going to make from all of the rat tails.
There were several robed figures among the crowd, some were rummaging through the rags, others were carrying dead bodies to a large alcove. There was a stairway leading up in the alcove.
The buildings were surrounded by garbage similar to the pile Solonund was sitting on. Solonund could see that once the buildings were opulent with splendor, but now they were nothing but ruins.
"Where am I?" Solonund whispered to himself.
He decided to ask one of the humans closest to him. The robed figure just shooed him away saying," Dusties don't pay fer the living."
He moved to ask one of the young men who was collecting rat tails. The man and his friends quickly pulled out daggers and lunged themselves at Solonund.
"Prime berk," one of them said as he took a swing at Solonund.
Solonund quickly pulled his katana and made quick work of his assailants. As soon as the thugs fell, the crowd who stood and watched the fight quickly fell upon the bodies and looted them for all they could get. The robed men then picked up the bodies and took them to the stair in the alcove. Once the mess was cleared, the people went about their business as if nothing had happened.
A man with tattooed arms came up to Solonund and said, "You had better go see Phaerod, prime. It is obvious to me you are lost." As he finished his sentence, he held out his hand. When Solonund gave him a strange look, the man replied," My payment? I am a tout, It is my profession to be paid for my information, so pay me."
"Oh, alright," Solonund said as he pulled a gold piece out and placed it in the tout's hand.
"Ah, a rich berk. I am feeling generous today so I will tell you much more for this payment. You are wondering where you are? You are a prime and have no idea how you got into the buried village. You are no longer in your world. you are no longer on the prime material plane. You are in the buried village, the garbage heap of the vast city of Sigil. Sigil, the city of doors, the center of the multiverse. Phaerod rules the buried village. His house is that large building over there. Go right in, the guards will not bother you unless you attack them or one of Phaerod's toadies. And keep a hand on your pockets."
The man then quickly turned and walked slowly among the crowd shouting, " Tout here, copper for a tout!"
Solonund saw the building the tout had indicated and headed inside. The large room was mostly bare save for a throne on the far end. On it sat a middle aged man who needed a crutch to stand.
"Who comes to see the Mighty Phaerod?"
"Solonund Brasher."
"Never heardda ya. Whadda ya want?"
"To know how I got here."
"A Prime eh? Ya got me interested. What keyed ya use?"
"Key?"
"Gate Key. The doohickey ya have on yer person that opened the portal here?"
"What is a doo hik key?"
Phaerod let out a sigh," Stupid Prime. Alrighty, then. How kin I get this to ya more plain? ya took or got somethin you did nah had before ya got here? Somethin which give off a strange scent or feel or light when ya went thru tha gate?"
Solonund looked down at the talisman that was still around his neck. One side had a carving of Meilikki, the there had a group of lines and circles with no markings. Solonund gasped. The lines and circles on the back of the talisman had rearranged themselves.
Phaerod looked at the talisman Solonund had in his fingers.
"Coo! Now one of them ain't been seen around in ferever! Very rare, very expensive. How'd a Prime like yerself get his hands on a mapin key?"
"My talisman is the key you meant?"
"Hoo hoo hoo," Phaerod said as he hopped around like a delighted child," That there aint no ordinary key. This village, oh eons go, was one of the richest parts o' Sigil. Them that lived here were masters o' art an culture. They made heaps of magic thingies. Very powerful ones, ones even more powerful than them keys. Began thinkin themselves like gods or better than em. Them back then figured out a way ta make keys dat could map where ya is an not only that, but was a key to lottsa places. Hell, ta legends says that them keys can open just about any gate. Some say them things got a soul all their own, an can think. Them things are praised by gate busters, even the copies. Any hoo, them that lived here got too big fer their britches an the Lady o' Pain destroyed their district. Them artists that knew the secret ta makin them things could never quite remember how it were done after that. Lemme have a look at that thingy. Ill see if it a real one, or a copy. I aint never seen a real one, an the copies of them thingies is rare."
Solonund removed the talisman and held it up for Phaerod's inspection. Solonund was careful to keep his hands on the cord. The excitement that Phaerod was showing towards the talisman put Solonund on his guard.
Phaerod was obviously out of his mind. Solonund saw no reason to give such an item to a madman.
"Coo Hoo Coo Hoo woo hoo!!! This is a real un! So tell me, what happened ta ya in order ta open the gate?" Phaerod said, grasping the talisman tightly.
"I fell down a deep, dangerous cavern that led to the Underdark"
"That settles it. This is the real thing alright. The real ones are said ta have a safety on em, returns the owner ta the amber village, what this place was before it were the garbage heap, if it looks like he is goanna be a deader. That unicorn, that be the symbol of da amber village. Was da main god of them that lived here too. This thingy is priceless. Rarer than rare, and dangerous. Keep it under yer shirt, an don't be usin it unless ya absolutely need ta." Phaerod said as he released the talisman. "Thingy aint no use ta me though. Too unpredictable. too dangerous. I got enough dangerous stuff ta worry about these days. Stuff like that don't make jink worth beans, just draws theives. The alcove ta the right of the front door leads ta ragpikers square. Ya needs information, pay a tout. Don't look anyone in tha eye, less ya wanna fight. Keep yer sword at the ready. An don't be flashy with the jink, only gonna get ya robbed and a deader, or back in here. Now go, get! I don't wanna see ya in my place again."
**********
Solonund traveled up several levels of piled garbage before reaching the surface. Those of the 'amber village' must have been very decadent to be buried so far down.
Once on the surface, he was not prepared for the sight. The city was in the inside of a ring. Just looking at it made Solonund dizzy and want to vomit. He wandered around until he found a marketplace. He found information for lodgings and particular dangers. He also found out the best section of the city to find a new bow. He stayed the night in a fleabag brothel. Despite the condition of the building and the poverty of the prostitutes, he found his stay there extreremely pleasent.
The next morning, he immediately set out for the clerk's ward. That was the best place to find a suitable bow, and information about the talisman around his neck without causing too much attention.
He first tried to find a suitable place for him to stay. There were no clear markings on the buildings. He wandered into the first place that looked like it might be an inn.
A beautiful , winged creature came up to him as he entered.
"Welcome to the brothel of intellectual lusts. I am Grace. If you need anything, please just ask me."
"Uh, I'm sorry. I am a bit lost. I really don't have the money to pay for pleasure right now, as tempting as it sounds."
Grace let out a slight chuckle," You do not understand. We do not charge money here. This is not an ordinary brothel. Here, we exchange stories of our experiences. We lust for knowledge here, not necessarily bodily needs."
"I see. I still need a place to stay."
"Then perhaps one of our prospects can help you. It will only cost you a story."
"Thank you. Out of all of those I have met here, you are the most courteous lady I have met here."
"Of course, you are welcome. May you experience sensation."
Solonund cocked his head and said "I am not familiar with that last phrase."
"Oh I see, you are a Prime, newly arrived. I am a member of the Society of Sensation. We relish all of life's experiences."
"Ah, I see."
"Thank you for coming."
Among the storytellers there was a girl named Anaiys.
Anaiys was a Moon Elf from a place called Perianth, but she had spent her entire life traveling the planes on a spelljammer ship. She became tired of the constant travel and decided to spend some years in one place, to see what living a life as a city dweller would be like.
As he finished the story about his travels with Drizzt, Anaiys took a closer look at the talisman.
"That is an odd unicorn talisman," she said , " I have seen dozens of talismans with female unicorns, mostly symbols of Meilikki, but this is the first one I have seen with a male unicorn."
"Male?"
"Yes, see, it has a barbed horn and a beard. Only male unicorns have those. Besides, he is facing the wrong direction to represent Meilikki. Perhaps it is an aspect of Yathaghera, the god of the Pegasi and Unicorns."
"That is interesting."
**********
Solonund found Anaiys company more than pleasant. She was the first female that he felt comfortable to talk with. She was the only female he trusted.
She helped him to find a more permanent residence. She helped him find the right historians and solicitors to talk to find information about his amulet.
She held him in her arms whenever he felt discouraged. She was his lover whenever he needed her.
She loved Solonund and was in love with Solonund. He could return her affection and pleasure, but he could never find it in his heart to truly love her like she wanted him to.
They stayed with each other for several months when, despite his own reservations, he took Anaiys as his wife.
Anaiys was thrilled.
They were married in the main hall of the Sensates. The wedding was not a big affair, but very memorable.
The moment he looked at Anaiys in her wedding finery, he thought to himself, "Perhaps father was right about my curse going away."
The two of them spent two years exploring the planes through various gates in Sigil.
Anaiys' childlike demeanor sometimes made Solonund happy, but more often, he found it annoying. She rushed through things too much. She did not fathom that there was always plenty of time.
He realized his annoyance with her was due to the fact she reminded him of a bad habit that he himself was guilty of having.
It was rushing that made him end up in Sigil in the first place. He had learned his lesson, but she was not. Her rushing around was getting them both into more trouble than it was worth.
**********
Solonund decided to spend some extra time at the home of the scholar that he was paying to help find out the origins of his unique talisman.
"Ah, now here is something."
"What have you found, Fallon?"
"This is a text that lists Elven gods. I had not thought to look here. I had assumed the talisman was of human make, but I was mistaken."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I found this scroll on the Amber Village in the storeroom of one of the clerks here. It wasn't much. It was a census of the citizens that occupied the area before it was destroyed. The residents were mainly elves. So I started looking at Elven artifact listings. No luck there. Then I found this."
"The text that lists Elven gods, so why does that matter?"
"Ah that is the thing. There are eight Elven gods here that nether I nor any elves I know have ever heard of. And, there are a few Elven gods that are not on this list at all. Which means those eight gods are most likely dead and this was made before that."
"So the talisman is dedicated to a dead god?"
"Exactly. This list also lists the symbols of those particular gods. That talisman is exactly like one of the symbols described."
"Pilin'Solor, the Herald, the Pathfinder, the Renewer, Elven son of Yathaghera. Half-brother of Erevan Ilesere. He is described as being an Elven shape shifter who also takes the form of an amber colored unicorn. His horn is gold and has a barbed tip, much like that of an arrow. His wings are made of fire, as are his hooves. His purpose is to report the goings on of the Elven people to Corellon. From what it says here, he is roughly the Elven equivalent to the human god, Hermes. He is also to find all stray spirits and lead them back to heaven, where they belong. It also mentions that his will starts forest fires where the woods are becoming ill. In his winged unicorn form, he served as Corellon's battle mount. About how or when the god met his end , it does not say. I can find out for you , Solonund. I find this very interesting."
" If you want to, Fallon, it is up to you."
"Good, I will see what else I can find out."
**********
Solonund returned home to see Anaiys bursting with impatient excitement. He was not in the mood for her childish bouncing around or her oh so common guessing games. He knew she would have to put up with it that day, because she could not be compelled to calm herself.
"Guess what?"
"What?"
"NO, you are supposed to guess."
"Lets see, you found something while you were shopping today?"
"Right, now guess what."
"You found something you think I will like."
"Right."
"A new silky dress for me to peel off of you."
"NO, nothing like that."
" Hmmm, lets see. New perfume?"
"No, its not something for me that you like."
"Let's see, is it rare?"
"Most definitely."
"Another talisman like mine?"
"No."
"I give up, what is it?"
"Not until you make one more guess."
"Anaiys, I am exhausted."
"Look here!"
From out of her pocket she pulled a small brown figurine.
"His name is Solaris. Since you are a ranger and have no companion like rangers are supposed to have. I thought you needed one. Here, take him, and summon him."
Solonund looked at the carving closer. It was in the shape of a hawk.
"Solaris, come to me."
Suddenly a mist revealed a large hawk, ready to take Solonund's commands. It flew around a couple of times and landed on his shoulder. Solaris gently nibbled on Solonund's ear. Solonund reached up and pet the bird.
"He likes you. I knew he would."
"Anaiys, this is the most wonderful gift any husband could ask for."
"I am so glad the two of you like each other. " And now for your other present."
"Another present? I hope I do not have to guess."
"I will spare you this time." She said as she held out a ring box.
Solonund took the box and opened it. Inside was a silver ring. The image on the crest was of Meilikki.
"Anaiys, it is beautiful!"
"I thought that it suited you better than that wooden symbol around your neck."
He put on the ring and admired how well it looked on his hand.
"Thank you. I will never take it off."
Anaiys began bouncing around the room in delight, and singing off key.
"Solonund, I am just here to get a couple of things. I have a couple of days of intense magic training at the Sensate hall. It will be easier for me to stay there until I pass my tests. I will see you in a few days."
"Alright. I am sure Solaris can keep me out of trouble. See you when you get back."
"I love you, Solonund."
"Uh huh, you too."
Anaiys gathered her magic tools and left.
"Thank goodness. Solaris, are women always so annoying after you stay with them for so long?"
Solaris simply cocked his head and quietly screeched.
**********
The next couple of weeks Solonund worked with Fallon on the properties of his talisman.
Fallon was able to find an actual drawing of the symbol of Pilin'Solor. It matched the image on the talisman perfectly. An amber colored, gold barbed horned, bearded unicorn's head, with pale green eyes, facing right, centered in a circle where one half is a crescent moon the other half is a thin red wing.
The next step was determining what the circles and lines on the back represented. Solonund knew they rearranged themselves whenever he passed through a portal to another plane. It had to be some sort of map, and there had to be some way to manipulate the talisman. That was also revealed in some of the writings they found.
Before long, Solonund was testing out the talisman. The talisman allowed the wearer to teleport to just about anywhere on the planes, providing the owner knew where he was going. It also served as a key to minor portals. The map on the back showed the relationship that the current place had to the last place visited, along with information about the easiest places to go next. The darkened circle, which was always present, showed the owner's home plane.
"It has its drawbacks," Fallon said," This tome says that it saps a person's energy if used too often. Some sort of fail-safe, like a curse, was placed on the real ones. So, if used by someone who was not the rightful owner, it would eventually drain the person's energy until there was none left. In other words killing the thief. It also says something about the talisman choosing the owner."
"No wonder the thing is so valuable." Solonund thought to himself," and dangerous."
**********
When Anaiys finally came home after her magic training, she announced that she had been given the happiest news she had ever heard.
"Solonund, I have wonderful news, and I want you to guess what it is?"
"Oh, Anaiys, you know I have become very tired of these guessing games."
"Please, this time it really is wonderful."
"Alright, you found the fastest spelljammer, that won't burn out after only one trip."
"You are making fun of me."
"No I am not. Alright lets see, you found a stable gate to Arvandor?"
"No, one more guess."
Solonund let out a sigh. In the last year, he was slowly regretting taking a lover that stayed with him more than a few months. If this is really what marriage was like, perhaps he was better without it.
"Quit stalling, Solonund, are you going to guess or not?"
"I give up. I can't think of anything."
Anaiys quickly put her arms around Solonund and gave him a tight squeeze. She whispered softly in his ear," I am going to have a baby. You are going to be a father."
Solonund stood up in shock. He looked at her and began to back away.
"What is the matter? Aren't you happy?"
"I--- I need to be alone for a while. I'm sorry. I will talk to you later," Solonund said as he ran out of their house.
He went to the fest hall of the Sensates. Perhaps if he talked it over with his friends there, he could sort out his feelings.
He found no answers there. He wandered to the Brothel of Intellectual lusts. Talking to the acolytes helped him to feel better. He returned to his house.
Anaiys was sleeping on the couch. He covered her with a blanket, and gently kissed her on her cheek.
Perhaps he did love her after all. How could she conceive by him unless there was some love towards her. Solonund decided to rest. He would talk to Anaiys in the morning.
Solonund woke from his reverie to a silent house. He walked out into the main room and found that Anaiys was gone. She left him a note.
"My parents are docked near here. That was the other surprise I had planned for today. I had hoped that you would come with us. I know you are not in love with me , no matter how deeply you care for me. I had hoped that despite that, you would come with me. My mother has told me she found a way back to your home on Toril. I had hoped to go with you there and raise our child on your home world. I must apologize. I do not want to take your child from you. I know you will love this child with all of your heart, despite your reservations about your feelings for me. Do not despair. This child will know its father, and I will teach him or her to be proud. Goodbye."
"No!!!" Came from Solonund's mouth before he could even think. He grabbed his gear and headed straight for the spelljammer port.
He had run from his feelings for years. He was not going to let Anaiys go anywhere with his son and not take him. He will not let his son have no father. No father was worse than a bad father. His experiences with Kordon and Montolio had taught him that.
Solonund reached the spelljammer docks in time to see Anaiys' ship wink out. Solonund fell to his knees and shook.
"Why couldn't she wait? Why did she always have to be in such a rush all of the time?"
Solonund could not help his tears from flowing down.
"I hate you, Anaiys, for always being in such a hurry, " Solonund screamed inside his thoughts, "Don't you realize how long we are going to live? We are Elves for Corellon's sake! I'm not yet one hundred and you are not yet sixty! We live for nearly seven hundred years! Why do you have to be in such a goddamn hurry all of the time!"
**********
Solonund left the house he shared with Anaiys. It was time to start using the amber village talisman. It was time to take the wanderlust he loved on his home planet, and extend it to the planes.
Perhaps he could find Anaiys and his son. He knew it was going to be a boy, something deep inside knew. Perhaps the gods had given him the insight, he did not know. But for now, he was content to wander and find out all he could about the plains before he returned to Toril. Solonund had known where to find the gate to return to Toril nearly a year before. Yet, he knew if he had told Anaiys, she would be in a rush to go, and Solonund was in no rush to go anywhere, especially Toril.
He was afraid what he would find there. He was afraid Drizzt hated him. He was afraid that he would see the knight-priestess, Katla again. He was afraid of the scrutiny that Shun would give him. He was afraid to go back. He needed to work through his fears. The best way he knew of to do that was to walk, to be a ranger. This time he walked to places unfamiliar, and he was happy to go.
***********
Notes:
Prime- a Sigil slang term meaning someone from the Prime Material Plane
Berk- a Sigil slang term meaning idiot or stupid
Deader- a Sigil slang term meang a dead body.
Toril- the name of the planet where the Forgotten Realms take place.
Spelljammer- a type of space ship that travels through planes of reality.
Down the Rabbit Hole
As Solonund slid down the moss covered slide, he thought he was surely going to die. No matter how hard Drizzt held onto that bow to pull him up, it did no good, because the bow snapped under the strain. A white light began emanating from the talisman that was hanging from a cord around his neck. The light enveloped Solonund, and he could feel himself growing heavier, falling faster. At that speed, he would be nothing but pulp when he reached the Underdark, or so he thought. He closed his eyes.
He came down hard on something that smelled of mold and rotten cloth. Solonund opened his eyes.
Other than sore muscles and a couple of bruises,he was not hurt. More importantly, he was alive.
He had fallen on what looked like a pile of burlap rags. The area around where he had fallen was full of activity. He looked up and realized how strange this place was. This place was not a Drow city or encampment. It was too well lit, and too dirty. On top of that, there were no spiders. There were rats running here and there.
The population was mainly humans, and none of them looked like slaves. Some of them were pouncing on the rats, killing them and taking their tails. One group of men stood around bragging about how much 'jink' they were going to make from all of the rat tails.
There were several robed figures among the crowd, some were rummaging through the rags, others were carrying dead bodies to a large alcove. There was a stairway leading up in the alcove.
The buildings were surrounded by garbage similar to the pile Solonund was sitting on. Solonund could see that once the buildings were opulent with splendor, but now they were nothing but ruins.
"Where am I?" Solonund whispered to himself.
He decided to ask one of the humans closest to him. The robed figure just shooed him away saying," Dusties don't pay fer the living."
He moved to ask one of the young men who was collecting rat tails. The man and his friends quickly pulled out daggers and lunged themselves at Solonund.
"Prime berk," one of them said as he took a swing at Solonund.
Solonund quickly pulled his katana and made quick work of his assailants. As soon as the thugs fell, the crowd who stood and watched the fight quickly fell upon the bodies and looted them for all they could get. The robed men then picked up the bodies and took them to the stair in the alcove. Once the mess was cleared, the people went about their business as if nothing had happened.
A man with tattooed arms came up to Solonund and said, "You had better go see Phaerod, prime. It is obvious to me you are lost." As he finished his sentence, he held out his hand. When Solonund gave him a strange look, the man replied," My payment? I am a tout, It is my profession to be paid for my information, so pay me."
"Oh, alright," Solonund said as he pulled a gold piece out and placed it in the tout's hand.
"Ah, a rich berk. I am feeling generous today so I will tell you much more for this payment. You are wondering where you are? You are a prime and have no idea how you got into the buried village. You are no longer in your world. you are no longer on the prime material plane. You are in the buried village, the garbage heap of the vast city of Sigil. Sigil, the city of doors, the center of the multiverse. Phaerod rules the buried village. His house is that large building over there. Go right in, the guards will not bother you unless you attack them or one of Phaerod's toadies. And keep a hand on your pockets."
The man then quickly turned and walked slowly among the crowd shouting, " Tout here, copper for a tout!"
Solonund saw the building the tout had indicated and headed inside. The large room was mostly bare save for a throne on the far end. On it sat a middle aged man who needed a crutch to stand.
"Who comes to see the Mighty Phaerod?"
"Solonund Brasher."
"Never heardda ya. Whadda ya want?"
"To know how I got here."
"A Prime eh? Ya got me interested. What keyed ya use?"
"Key?"
"Gate Key. The doohickey ya have on yer person that opened the portal here?"
"What is a doo hik key?"
Phaerod let out a sigh," Stupid Prime. Alrighty, then. How kin I get this to ya more plain? ya took or got somethin you did nah had before ya got here? Somethin which give off a strange scent or feel or light when ya went thru tha gate?"
Solonund looked down at the talisman that was still around his neck. One side had a carving of Meilikki, the there had a group of lines and circles with no markings. Solonund gasped. The lines and circles on the back of the talisman had rearranged themselves.
Phaerod looked at the talisman Solonund had in his fingers.
"Coo! Now one of them ain't been seen around in ferever! Very rare, very expensive. How'd a Prime like yerself get his hands on a mapin key?"
"My talisman is the key you meant?"
"Hoo hoo hoo," Phaerod said as he hopped around like a delighted child," That there aint no ordinary key. This village, oh eons go, was one of the richest parts o' Sigil. Them that lived here were masters o' art an culture. They made heaps of magic thingies. Very powerful ones, ones even more powerful than them keys. Began thinkin themselves like gods or better than em. Them back then figured out a way ta make keys dat could map where ya is an not only that, but was a key to lottsa places. Hell, ta legends says that them keys can open just about any gate. Some say them things got a soul all their own, an can think. Them things are praised by gate busters, even the copies. Any hoo, them that lived here got too big fer their britches an the Lady o' Pain destroyed their district. Them artists that knew the secret ta makin them things could never quite remember how it were done after that. Lemme have a look at that thingy. Ill see if it a real one, or a copy. I aint never seen a real one, an the copies of them thingies is rare."
Solonund removed the talisman and held it up for Phaerod's inspection. Solonund was careful to keep his hands on the cord. The excitement that Phaerod was showing towards the talisman put Solonund on his guard.
Phaerod was obviously out of his mind. Solonund saw no reason to give such an item to a madman.
"Coo Hoo Coo Hoo woo hoo!!! This is a real un! So tell me, what happened ta ya in order ta open the gate?" Phaerod said, grasping the talisman tightly.
"I fell down a deep, dangerous cavern that led to the Underdark"
"That settles it. This is the real thing alright. The real ones are said ta have a safety on em, returns the owner ta the amber village, what this place was before it were the garbage heap, if it looks like he is goanna be a deader. That unicorn, that be the symbol of da amber village. Was da main god of them that lived here too. This thingy is priceless. Rarer than rare, and dangerous. Keep it under yer shirt, an don't be usin it unless ya absolutely need ta." Phaerod said as he released the talisman. "Thingy aint no use ta me though. Too unpredictable. too dangerous. I got enough dangerous stuff ta worry about these days. Stuff like that don't make jink worth beans, just draws theives. The alcove ta the right of the front door leads ta ragpikers square. Ya needs information, pay a tout. Don't look anyone in tha eye, less ya wanna fight. Keep yer sword at the ready. An don't be flashy with the jink, only gonna get ya robbed and a deader, or back in here. Now go, get! I don't wanna see ya in my place again."
**********
Solonund traveled up several levels of piled garbage before reaching the surface. Those of the 'amber village' must have been very decadent to be buried so far down.
Once on the surface, he was not prepared for the sight. The city was in the inside of a ring. Just looking at it made Solonund dizzy and want to vomit. He wandered around until he found a marketplace. He found information for lodgings and particular dangers. He also found out the best section of the city to find a new bow. He stayed the night in a fleabag brothel. Despite the condition of the building and the poverty of the prostitutes, he found his stay there extreremely pleasent.
The next morning, he immediately set out for the clerk's ward. That was the best place to find a suitable bow, and information about the talisman around his neck without causing too much attention.
He first tried to find a suitable place for him to stay. There were no clear markings on the buildings. He wandered into the first place that looked like it might be an inn.
A beautiful , winged creature came up to him as he entered.
"Welcome to the brothel of intellectual lusts. I am Grace. If you need anything, please just ask me."
"Uh, I'm sorry. I am a bit lost. I really don't have the money to pay for pleasure right now, as tempting as it sounds."
Grace let out a slight chuckle," You do not understand. We do not charge money here. This is not an ordinary brothel. Here, we exchange stories of our experiences. We lust for knowledge here, not necessarily bodily needs."
"I see. I still need a place to stay."
"Then perhaps one of our prospects can help you. It will only cost you a story."
"Thank you. Out of all of those I have met here, you are the most courteous lady I have met here."
"Of course, you are welcome. May you experience sensation."
Solonund cocked his head and said "I am not familiar with that last phrase."
"Oh I see, you are a Prime, newly arrived. I am a member of the Society of Sensation. We relish all of life's experiences."
"Ah, I see."
"Thank you for coming."
Among the storytellers there was a girl named Anaiys.
Anaiys was a Moon Elf from a place called Perianth, but she had spent her entire life traveling the planes on a spelljammer ship. She became tired of the constant travel and decided to spend some years in one place, to see what living a life as a city dweller would be like.
As he finished the story about his travels with Drizzt, Anaiys took a closer look at the talisman.
"That is an odd unicorn talisman," she said , " I have seen dozens of talismans with female unicorns, mostly symbols of Meilikki, but this is the first one I have seen with a male unicorn."
"Male?"
"Yes, see, it has a barbed horn and a beard. Only male unicorns have those. Besides, he is facing the wrong direction to represent Meilikki. Perhaps it is an aspect of Yathaghera, the god of the Pegasi and Unicorns."
"That is interesting."
**********
Solonund found Anaiys company more than pleasant. She was the first female that he felt comfortable to talk with. She was the only female he trusted.
She helped him to find a more permanent residence. She helped him find the right historians and solicitors to talk to find information about his amulet.
She held him in her arms whenever he felt discouraged. She was his lover whenever he needed her.
She loved Solonund and was in love with Solonund. He could return her affection and pleasure, but he could never find it in his heart to truly love her like she wanted him to.
They stayed with each other for several months when, despite his own reservations, he took Anaiys as his wife.
Anaiys was thrilled.
They were married in the main hall of the Sensates. The wedding was not a big affair, but very memorable.
The moment he looked at Anaiys in her wedding finery, he thought to himself, "Perhaps father was right about my curse going away."
The two of them spent two years exploring the planes through various gates in Sigil.
Anaiys' childlike demeanor sometimes made Solonund happy, but more often, he found it annoying. She rushed through things too much. She did not fathom that there was always plenty of time.
He realized his annoyance with her was due to the fact she reminded him of a bad habit that he himself was guilty of having.
It was rushing that made him end up in Sigil in the first place. He had learned his lesson, but she was not. Her rushing around was getting them both into more trouble than it was worth.
**********
Solonund decided to spend some extra time at the home of the scholar that he was paying to help find out the origins of his unique talisman.
"Ah, now here is something."
"What have you found, Fallon?"
"This is a text that lists Elven gods. I had not thought to look here. I had assumed the talisman was of human make, but I was mistaken."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I found this scroll on the Amber Village in the storeroom of one of the clerks here. It wasn't much. It was a census of the citizens that occupied the area before it was destroyed. The residents were mainly elves. So I started looking at Elven artifact listings. No luck there. Then I found this."
"The text that lists Elven gods, so why does that matter?"
"Ah that is the thing. There are eight Elven gods here that nether I nor any elves I know have ever heard of. And, there are a few Elven gods that are not on this list at all. Which means those eight gods are most likely dead and this was made before that."
"So the talisman is dedicated to a dead god?"
"Exactly. This list also lists the symbols of those particular gods. That talisman is exactly like one of the symbols described."
"Pilin'Solor, the Herald, the Pathfinder, the Renewer, Elven son of Yathaghera. Half-brother of Erevan Ilesere. He is described as being an Elven shape shifter who also takes the form of an amber colored unicorn. His horn is gold and has a barbed tip, much like that of an arrow. His wings are made of fire, as are his hooves. His purpose is to report the goings on of the Elven people to Corellon. From what it says here, he is roughly the Elven equivalent to the human god, Hermes. He is also to find all stray spirits and lead them back to heaven, where they belong. It also mentions that his will starts forest fires where the woods are becoming ill. In his winged unicorn form, he served as Corellon's battle mount. About how or when the god met his end , it does not say. I can find out for you , Solonund. I find this very interesting."
" If you want to, Fallon, it is up to you."
"Good, I will see what else I can find out."
**********
Solonund returned home to see Anaiys bursting with impatient excitement. He was not in the mood for her childish bouncing around or her oh so common guessing games. He knew she would have to put up with it that day, because she could not be compelled to calm herself.
"Guess what?"
"What?"
"NO, you are supposed to guess."
"Lets see, you found something while you were shopping today?"
"Right, now guess what."
"You found something you think I will like."
"Right."
"A new silky dress for me to peel off of you."
"NO, nothing like that."
" Hmmm, lets see. New perfume?"
"No, its not something for me that you like."
"Let's see, is it rare?"
"Most definitely."
"Another talisman like mine?"
"No."
"I give up, what is it?"
"Not until you make one more guess."
"Anaiys, I am exhausted."
"Look here!"
From out of her pocket she pulled a small brown figurine.
"His name is Solaris. Since you are a ranger and have no companion like rangers are supposed to have. I thought you needed one. Here, take him, and summon him."
Solonund looked at the carving closer. It was in the shape of a hawk.
"Solaris, come to me."
Suddenly a mist revealed a large hawk, ready to take Solonund's commands. It flew around a couple of times and landed on his shoulder. Solaris gently nibbled on Solonund's ear. Solonund reached up and pet the bird.
"He likes you. I knew he would."
"Anaiys, this is the most wonderful gift any husband could ask for."
"I am so glad the two of you like each other. " And now for your other present."
"Another present? I hope I do not have to guess."
"I will spare you this time." She said as she held out a ring box.
Solonund took the box and opened it. Inside was a silver ring. The image on the crest was of Meilikki.
"Anaiys, it is beautiful!"
"I thought that it suited you better than that wooden symbol around your neck."
He put on the ring and admired how well it looked on his hand.
"Thank you. I will never take it off."
Anaiys began bouncing around the room in delight, and singing off key.
"Solonund, I am just here to get a couple of things. I have a couple of days of intense magic training at the Sensate hall. It will be easier for me to stay there until I pass my tests. I will see you in a few days."
"Alright. I am sure Solaris can keep me out of trouble. See you when you get back."
"I love you, Solonund."
"Uh huh, you too."
Anaiys gathered her magic tools and left.
"Thank goodness. Solaris, are women always so annoying after you stay with them for so long?"
Solaris simply cocked his head and quietly screeched.
**********
The next couple of weeks Solonund worked with Fallon on the properties of his talisman.
Fallon was able to find an actual drawing of the symbol of Pilin'Solor. It matched the image on the talisman perfectly. An amber colored, gold barbed horned, bearded unicorn's head, with pale green eyes, facing right, centered in a circle where one half is a crescent moon the other half is a thin red wing.
The next step was determining what the circles and lines on the back represented. Solonund knew they rearranged themselves whenever he passed through a portal to another plane. It had to be some sort of map, and there had to be some way to manipulate the talisman. That was also revealed in some of the writings they found.
Before long, Solonund was testing out the talisman. The talisman allowed the wearer to teleport to just about anywhere on the planes, providing the owner knew where he was going. It also served as a key to minor portals. The map on the back showed the relationship that the current place had to the last place visited, along with information about the easiest places to go next. The darkened circle, which was always present, showed the owner's home plane.
"It has its drawbacks," Fallon said," This tome says that it saps a person's energy if used too often. Some sort of fail-safe, like a curse, was placed on the real ones. So, if used by someone who was not the rightful owner, it would eventually drain the person's energy until there was none left. In other words killing the thief. It also says something about the talisman choosing the owner."
"No wonder the thing is so valuable." Solonund thought to himself," and dangerous."
**********
When Anaiys finally came home after her magic training, she announced that she had been given the happiest news she had ever heard.
"Solonund, I have wonderful news, and I want you to guess what it is?"
"Oh, Anaiys, you know I have become very tired of these guessing games."
"Please, this time it really is wonderful."
"Alright, you found the fastest spelljammer, that won't burn out after only one trip."
"You are making fun of me."
"No I am not. Alright lets see, you found a stable gate to Arvandor?"
"No, one more guess."
Solonund let out a sigh. In the last year, he was slowly regretting taking a lover that stayed with him more than a few months. If this is really what marriage was like, perhaps he was better without it.
"Quit stalling, Solonund, are you going to guess or not?"
"I give up. I can't think of anything."
Anaiys quickly put her arms around Solonund and gave him a tight squeeze. She whispered softly in his ear," I am going to have a baby. You are going to be a father."
Solonund stood up in shock. He looked at her and began to back away.
"What is the matter? Aren't you happy?"
"I--- I need to be alone for a while. I'm sorry. I will talk to you later," Solonund said as he ran out of their house.
He went to the fest hall of the Sensates. Perhaps if he talked it over with his friends there, he could sort out his feelings.
He found no answers there. He wandered to the Brothel of Intellectual lusts. Talking to the acolytes helped him to feel better. He returned to his house.
Anaiys was sleeping on the couch. He covered her with a blanket, and gently kissed her on her cheek.
Perhaps he did love her after all. How could she conceive by him unless there was some love towards her. Solonund decided to rest. He would talk to Anaiys in the morning.
Solonund woke from his reverie to a silent house. He walked out into the main room and found that Anaiys was gone. She left him a note.
"My parents are docked near here. That was the other surprise I had planned for today. I had hoped that you would come with us. I know you are not in love with me , no matter how deeply you care for me. I had hoped that despite that, you would come with me. My mother has told me she found a way back to your home on Toril. I had hoped to go with you there and raise our child on your home world. I must apologize. I do not want to take your child from you. I know you will love this child with all of your heart, despite your reservations about your feelings for me. Do not despair. This child will know its father, and I will teach him or her to be proud. Goodbye."
"No!!!" Came from Solonund's mouth before he could even think. He grabbed his gear and headed straight for the spelljammer port.
He had run from his feelings for years. He was not going to let Anaiys go anywhere with his son and not take him. He will not let his son have no father. No father was worse than a bad father. His experiences with Kordon and Montolio had taught him that.
Solonund reached the spelljammer docks in time to see Anaiys' ship wink out. Solonund fell to his knees and shook.
"Why couldn't she wait? Why did she always have to be in such a rush all of the time?"
Solonund could not help his tears from flowing down.
"I hate you, Anaiys, for always being in such a hurry, " Solonund screamed inside his thoughts, "Don't you realize how long we are going to live? We are Elves for Corellon's sake! I'm not yet one hundred and you are not yet sixty! We live for nearly seven hundred years! Why do you have to be in such a goddamn hurry all of the time!"
**********
Solonund left the house he shared with Anaiys. It was time to start using the amber village talisman. It was time to take the wanderlust he loved on his home planet, and extend it to the planes.
Perhaps he could find Anaiys and his son. He knew it was going to be a boy, something deep inside knew. Perhaps the gods had given him the insight, he did not know. But for now, he was content to wander and find out all he could about the plains before he returned to Toril. Solonund had known where to find the gate to return to Toril nearly a year before. Yet, he knew if he had told Anaiys, she would be in a rush to go, and Solonund was in no rush to go anywhere, especially Toril.
He was afraid what he would find there. He was afraid Drizzt hated him. He was afraid that he would see the knight-priestess, Katla again. He was afraid of the scrutiny that Shun would give him. He was afraid to go back. He needed to work through his fears. The best way he knew of to do that was to walk, to be a ranger. This time he walked to places unfamiliar, and he was happy to go.
***********
Notes:
Prime- a Sigil slang term meaning someone from the Prime Material Plane
Berk- a Sigil slang term meaning idiot or stupid
Deader- a Sigil slang term meang a dead body.
Toril- the name of the planet where the Forgotten Realms take place.
Spelljammer- a type of space ship that travels through planes of reality.