Dawn approaches as I wake; the light stains the sky a soft red. My skin prickles with the familiar sensation that signals my change, I stretch my wings and lift off the edge turning midair as my transformation occurs, landing lightly on my feet at the door to the watch house; I smile lightly to myself, getting better. The first month or so of my nightly changes would usually result in me falling from whatever rafter I had been perched upon, to land rather clumsily, and in some cases painfully, on the floor.
These days I woke just before the dawn, tuned as I was now to the rise and fall of the sun.
I looked about myself to get my bearings, the city watch block I had spent the night in was that of Daggerwatch and the surrounding houses were low bearing, dwarf sector, a little walk around confirmed I was in the Highhold neighbourhood in the Cliffside area of Sharn, my wandering led me to a small tavern, the symbol above the door represented the house Ghallanda, a shining harp was painted on the door, The Silver Lyre.
Inside the air was warm and dry, very welcoming after the downpour of the night, a Halfling barmaid rushed gaily to serve the few patrons that were already on the premises, I took a seat near the bar and waited to be served. I was approached not by the maid but by a half elf, she was richly dressed standing out somewhat from the surrounds, she carried her head highly and her presence spoke wealth and power, her vivid green eyes were intelligent and inquisitive.
"Ravena D'Vadalis" she spoke my name, not as a question but as a statement of fact, and she turned and walked to an alcove to the rear of the establishment, clearly I was to follow, and did so taking in her graceful fluid walk as I seated myself opposite.
"Taylor sends his regards. Would you care for something to eat?" She gestured the bowl of fruit on the table and called across the maid, murmuring to her quickly about expectant guests. Taylor was a friend of my family, and he worked at Morgrave University in their ancient thaumaturgy department, after my incident I approached him for a cure to my problem, so far he had been slow in progress, my friendship with the mage was supposed to be a secret as was his assignment- for his protection more than anything- how did this half elf know my name and more puzzling how did she know my whereabouts? Did she expect me here? My brain raced through a million and one questions, was Taylor safe? Had Daemian found him? Did he suspect I was trying to undo his handiwork? The elf must have noticed my confusion for she steadied her gaze and laid a reassuring hand on my arm, her signet ring glinted in the tavern light, Ir'Leyden, nobility.
"Taylor is safe, his relationship to you is only in my knowledge because he found it necessary to use my services, I am somewhat displeased to find that negotiations are being undertaken on the University premises without my knowledge, none the less Taylor gave me sufficient reason not to call attention to your little project. Your investigation so far has been without charge; conducted for the sake of research and friendship, as Taylor is acquainted with your family. However expenses have come up which need to be addressed".
I fidgeted in my seat, I had little money. Taylor was aware and had tried to use items and incantations already in his possession, if money was involved then it must be trickier than I thought, that still didn't explain how she knew who I was.
"The university is undertaking a light expedition, a retrieval of artefacts, as payment for our services we'd like you to be a part of the team" she continued, either oblivious to my discomfort or choosing to ignore it, I relaxed a little, realising that they didn't want money and I was still a secret. This was going well. I picked up an apple from the bowl and removed a dagger from my thigh. As I peeled the rind I met her gaze, and asked, "How did you know who I was? And I believe I'm at a disadvantage, as I know nothing about you, not even your name" she smiled at me as though I was but a child, the smile of someone who has presented you with something obvious yet you still don't understand.
"I'm Iriana Ir'Leyden, the head of Pre-Galifar studies at Morgrave University. Taylor came to me to look at ancient history books on transformation, which peaked my curiosity as he's currently teaching elemental thaumaturgy, quite a different topic for him to be researching, he discreetly told me of your problem and I've been helping him ever since." She took some time to order a drink from the maid, and sipped slowly before continuing, "I must admit I never thought I would actually meet you, I'm originally here to hire the crew for my expedition, I happened to notice your dismount from the watch tower this morning, I noticed you shift form instantaneously, its fluid, like nothing I'd ever seen before, not like the transformations of shifters or when a druid takes on animal form; had I blinked I'm sure I would have missed it entirely. Taylor had mentioned your unusual shifting ability, though I admit it wasn't until I saw your hand that I was sure it was you" I looked down at my hand, a band of pale skin surrounded my right ring finger, where my signet ring should sit, the ring that tells my station in this world, the ring I no longer wore in order to stay hidden from him and his fiends. Wearing the ring was dangerous, though it seemed that I was still recognisable just by not wearing one at all, I placed my hands under the table, colour rushing up my cheeks as my memory flashed and images of his face broke into my thoughts.