For some reasons I'm updating pleasantly fast, although I'm overusing the word "pleasant", as well as the word "fast". Nonetheless, this should be the last of the week, and hopefully I would be able to keep this schedule up.
Frost Arc
Chapter 2: All of the lights
My eyes, heavy and hindered, slowly pry themselves open, taking the first of my strength under the pressure of the lids. My body, as I notice, has stopped aching. There is no longer the tingling sensation I has been feeling since last night, which would most likely means that my wounds have been mended. The world itself is still a blur, seeing through the perception of a person just awoken from slumber. However, my consciousness has already returned to me, as I reach for the side of my waist. There was, if my memory serves, the worst of all wounds that Akasha has inflicted onto me, and now it can no longer be felt. The druid's remedy is truly of great quality, for I have never seen such a medicine by magic that could heal a person without him or her being conscious while consuming it. I must ask him later about it, for more details, as it has proven to be worth to learn by heart as it would serve my journey well, in the future. My strength has completely returned to me, which I would greatly appreciate, not being disoriented after every sleep. It, however, still took me a full minute before my sight can make out more than grainy settings of the surroundings. Just as I remembered it, I was within a rock chamber. The room itself was still lit by the numerous torches. I had not taken too much time to observe those objects, but from a viewer's perspective, they appear to be forever burning, which intrigues me greatly. I settle down, sitting up on the bed first, in order to think things through. Time is on my side, just once. It really does not matter how many days has it been since I escaped, since I am still young and full of energy. That does not mean I can be lazy, however, as I intend to start my training right now.
With that in mind, the most logical decision would be to look for Syllabear. However, these tunnels make up an intricate system of underground maze; thus, I do not quite expect to find my ways around these parts any easier than how I got myself in. I, at the very least, still can gather up enough memories to locate my way towards Syllabear's study, even though that might not sound like the best thing to do at this moment. He might or might not be there, and should he be looking for me, we would easily miss each other among these underground passageways. At least, that is what I have known so far. Having created such a convoluted system, I am sure that the old druid has had his own method of efficient communication and detection within his own home. Perhaps I am wrong, but I doubt it. Thus, the most prominent thing I should do right now is to simply wait around this specific place, in order to not get myself lost and allow him to locate me easily should he needs to, while also use the spare time to study the complexity of this construction. Looking around, I can spot only two ways in and out of this specific chamber, and I am unclouded enough to know which one I came through. However, that would only lead me to the study room, and who is to say that Syllabear is there, or even just the location of his private room. Pondering, I see no logical resolve just yet. Abandoning the thought of exploration, I return to the bed, a few of those magical leaves still in hand. If there is nothing else I can do, I might as well try to study these.
Upon closer inspection, the herbs, or "essence of the trees" as the old druid has put it, appear to be of extreme simplicity to the naked eye. It is basically a small green orb. However, its magical healing properties are formidable, thus this is obviously no work of a physical chemist. Nothing short of a magician would be able to pull off something similar. It is, however, the delicacy of the details which truly astounds me. If what he said was true, then I have various reasons to respect the old druid.
"Traxex!"
I tilt my head. My train of thought was interrupted, but there was no problem. I am extremely interested in what I just heard, instead. It seems that the assets of these stones surrounding me also act as a sound amplifier. It is something expected from a closed off cave underground, but it has never struck me as sufficient for sound waves to travel through so much distance without dissipating or becoming distorted. I truly am amazed at how this was built. However, there are bigger priorities right now.
"Yes?"
I call out with the best of my voice's extension. Truly, I do not have a strong voice, as I do not talk much nor ever sing. Being a usual closed off person, there is little else to expect. I wait, ears true to my words, trying to pick up the deflection of the sound waves off the wall. It appears to be clean and slick, not at all interfering with the transfer. I could not, however, determine how deep I am underground. There is no answer coming from the druid, but I would not hold my breath. I predict that it would only take a few moments for my voice to reach him and for him to appear at my sight. I was not wrong.
"Good morning, young adventurer." Syllabear did not say that immediately. Rather, he has his eyes skimming through the chamber first, before jumping to any conclusions. It strikes me that he has not surrendered his trust just yet, and it is rather normal, I must say. Being a drow, it would be common for other people to question my genuineness based on my race, and I am sure that I would have to experience that again in the future. Right now, however, it has yet to bother me much, for I know I have done no wrong, and he should be able to see that. As expected, his smile lit up after that. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Rejuvenated, thanks to your medicine." I express my gratitude in the most honest way I could, being blunt about it. I am cold hearted, or at least that was what my nannies used to tell me ever since I was a just a child, approaching my teenage years. Even though I despised it, a part of me had always known that it was true. I do not have a single being to express my affection on, and being basically imprisoned in my room for a few good years prior to this day did not do any good for my expressions. Whether I want to change that or not is not up for discussions at the moment. There are more things to do and more hardships to overcome in the near future, so anything resembling feelings would be quite out of the question. Of course, I could not say that so prematurely, considering I would never know what the future might holds, but right now, that would be the soundest plan.
"So what are you planning to do now that your wounds are no longer of a concern?" His question makes me think hard, truly. I have heard of many tales of aspiring heroes leaving their hometown only to be sucked into the tides of the next war, completely lost sight and turned to fighting for a cause, be it moral or not. I am not sure of what I want to do, more or less just an escapist attitude rather than having a well thought-out plan waiting for me once I did. However, I have to make a decision soon. Time is golden, and I would be broke soon if I had not any.
"I plan to stay in this forest for a little bitter longer." Syllabear appears slightly surprised by my answer, but he regained his composure soon enough. Perhaps he has expected me to be quite prepared as has actually gotten into fighting before meeting him, which would explain the severity of my injuries. He knew little of my pathetic physical state, before I decided upon dumping myself upon the wilderness. It was more of a spur of the moment decision, but I do not regret it. I would have to make my own plans now, and that would be just it. "I believe I need to hone my skills before heading out onto the open plains. I am not yet qualified to be called a warrior, and wish to prove myself before my imminent departure."
"Such enthusiasm." The druid seems to be amused by my speech. I do not quite know what he saw in me, but I would take what I can get. I am in no position to be of demand. I might not have bleed to death without his help, but I could have survived on my own. That is, of course, only my premature deduction. I am truly not aware of the life out here, and what it would take to survive in these harsh woods. "It appears I was wrong to assume about you, thus I would ask. Have you had any prior training of magic or combat?"
"Yes…" As insignificant as it actually is, yes, I have had time to train during my years of being stuck within the castle. It is, by all hypocrisy, perhaps the most revered and "graceful" sport that I could have gotten my hand on. It was one of my various hobbies, but was my only physical one. I would understand the need of my father to keep me from posing as a threat to him. "I have had my way with the bow."
"Oh…" He lightly strokes his long beard. I was not sure what his specialty is, but I expected it to be of magical abilities, considering the prevalent of medicines within his studies. However, the fact that his personal pet was a five feet tall brown bear shakes my theory greatly. I decided that it is simply a waste of time in trying to guess. Such an old individual must have had quite the number of tricks up his sleeves, and my pestering him for information would never be as nearly as effective as simply waiting for him to tell me. "I do not know much of archery, but that has never stopped anyone before. Are you passionate of the art?"
"Yes, very." There is a slight fervor in my words as I speak. I do not worry of people picking up on my obvious enthusiasm, as it was something I could really be proud of when it comes to fighting. I have devoted most of my time allowed outside the confinement of my room to perfect the bow and arrow, so much that it has almost become my second nature. Now, I would not lie and state that I am an experienced archer of any sort. I was not even allowed to fire more than five shots every time I could get hold of the instruments. However, I see that this new life would give me ample opportunities to practice what I have yearned for so long.
"Glad to hear that." He seems rather impressed of my dedication, much more that I would have thought. If his words are to be taken literally, he has little experience, but is willing to help. It would be rather great if I had someone to teach me to craft materials, for archery requires a finite amount of arrows, and I am unaware of how to make such masterpieces. "Are you able to acquire the needed tools?"
"I… had a bow with me." I have, alas, completely forgotten about the weapon which I have brought with me from the castle dungeon. Most likely it was because of my lack of attention on such a trifle thing when my life was on the line and I was about to pass out at the time. Regardless, I now am cognizant of my mistake, and would attempt to fix it as soon as possible. "However, I must have left it in the cavern where the bear, I mean Misha, was in."
"I see." Syllabear has something in mind; that much is obvious. Of course, one can say the same about me as well. My plan is clear as day: going back to the cave to attain said object. However, I am completely reliant on Syllabear to even lead me out of these tunnels, and I am not quite sure whether either of us would be able to locate what I lost. On one hand, the druid must have been quite comfortable with the terrain around these parts, enough that he might just be able to collect it for me. On the other, he has simply no obligations to help me any further. "Well, I think I can help with that."
"If you could, I would be very grateful." I bow slightly. If anything, even though I cannot express my emotions well, I should try my best with body languages in order to convey my good intentions as best as I can. He seems to be nonchalant, however, and I am not sure whether to take it as a good sign or not. Regardless, he has already agreed to help, so it would be in my best interests not to ask too many questions.
"It's my pleasure to be of help." His words are sincere. Perhaps it was just the old age, but nonetheless, I am thankful for what he is willing to do on my behalf. Odds are, I would have to rely on him a lot for the time being, but it is a good thing that he does not seem to mind much at all. "Now, let us traverse the corridors to the outside first. I can trust that you are not as comfortable under these shrouded conditions as one might be."
I stay silent, only nod at his words. After all, there are things better left unsaid, and it is against my intentions to be talkative. There is still a distance that I need to keep, for I cannot fully believe in just anyone. Cynical it might be, but I am taking no chances. He turns and walks off, as I follow step by step. The pace of which we are travelling is slightly faster than last night, at least I think it is just morning, but I am able to keep up, having familiarized myself with the rugged interiors of the rock and the way to avoid petty collisions with objects of disinterest as I walk. As we stroll across the tunnels, I try my best in order to take in the inner workings of the cut-offs and passages, but to no avail. I need a lot more time than a few minutes to work out a usable map in my mind, so I just decide to give up on it entirely. It might come as disadvantageous in the future, but I would just have to learn my lesson the hard way. Soon enough, we appear at the ever so recognizable wooden gate, separating the chambers from the outside world. As the druid pushes the door out, I am almost instantly blinded by the sun light. Perhaps I should have seen this coming, having to shut off my eyes for the time being, adjusting them to the ever-present natural light source. It was a few minutes before my eyes finally adapted fully to the wilderness' setting outside. Syllabear steps out first, and close the door behind me as I do. I have not yet quite accustomed to the place, but there are a few clearings that could be rather spacious. I am not yet aware of the druid's plan however, and I await his explanations as he seems to be taking in the sun light and smile.
"I shall recall Misha." He declares subtly, but I happen to catch it. I do not know what the beast would be of help concerning what we were aiming for, but I have little choice but to trust the man for what he offers. I see him closing his eyes, as a cloud of smoke manifests itself in the void beside him. As if with magic, the anomaly soon disappears, revealing the ever so intimidating sight of the bear in question. It extends his fangs and paws, showing extreme territorial behavior and strength that would probably be able to maim me in one slap. I retract from acting out, however, as I am somewhat familiar with the beast, and it seems to enjoy my company for whatever reasons. That would be the only reason why it did not crush me after seeing my unconscious body draping over its cavern. "She would help you locate the cave so you can recover your bow."
"I see." It seems like a straight forward plan, and I have nothing against it myself. However, unlike Syllabear, I have no direct way of communicating with the animal except for gestures that might as well be a blind person talking to deaf ears. In other words, I am not at all confident with my ability to bend the beast's will to my own, let alone trusting it to lead the way. "Where would you be, in that time?"
"That, young adventurer, would be a surprise." The druid answered in his composed tone, only help to rub my curiosity the wrong way. I have lost all interest in finding out his plans, or perhaps that was his intention all along. In any event, I suppose that Misha would be the best help I can get at the moment. I would have to take it, seeing as the chances of me finding another bow, or someone who can actually build a bow, in these conditions would be a million to one, and that is already stretching the possibilities. However, I also fear that the bear might strike patrollers as odd, considering how I have been missing for more than two days and the cave in question was uncomfortably close to my castle. Nevertheless, I had to do it on my own if I hope to make it anywhere. "You should set out soon, it is almost noon."
"Yes." Having been in the tunnels for so long, I have completely lost track of time or my sense of it. Syllabear must have been in possession of a natural clock to be able to pin point with minimal accuracy, since I cannot tell the difference between near high noon to dissipating afternoon to save my life. Misha, as if understood my command, begins to walk in what seems like the south west direction. My life rests on its shoulders, I suppose, as I walk alongside the animal. I am neither injured nor tired to require sitting on its large fell, but I must admit that it was comfortable. I cannot speak of that now, though, as the bear seems to casually carry on to its destination without paying me too much attention. I would enjoy that as well, as I take the time to discern out the scene. It seems to be a quiet forest path, not that I have ever seen any before just yesterday. The soothing bird rhymes and pleasantly screening leave walls seem to welcome me just the same. I certainly do appreciate the liveliness of one's busy city, but I can imagine myself retreating to a place like this once I get old and simply live off the rest of my life. Smiling, I realize that I have just let my imagination fly again. I still have years ahead of me after all, I would worry about settling down later. With that, I focused on the path I am walking on instead. I have little idea of exactly where I am heading, but nothing too unpleasant have spurred up yet, so I can at least relax my guard a bit.
It was actually quite the saunter, as the sun is at high above my head when I have arrived. From here, it is close enough to the Underdark that I could almost imagine the castle from where I am standing. Of course, since it is shrouded by a magical mist to block out the sun, I would not be able to see into the barrier, nor would they be able to see me out here. That would be probably best, as I am in no conditions to engage in a cat and mouse chase right now. The cavern is now in front of me, as I can already feel my nostalgia building up. I brush it off, however, and simply entered the dark interior. Dark would not be the actual description, as without the huge beast behind me blocking out the sun, the cave is lit up enough for me to not having to work my way through the blind black in order to locate what I came here for. In a stroke of luck, the bow is just there, in a corner, completely unharmed from whatever natural hazard that might have befell the weapon otherwise. Walking out, I can see Misha still there awaiting my return. Perhaps I am beginning to form a bond with this giant as my pet, and it amuses me just by thinking about such a superfluous thing. However, I have beginning to believe so, especially since the bear has been nudging at my shoulder this whole time, causing my back to feel rather ticklish. I held back from laughing, but I did pet the bear a little. It does not appear to dislike it, so at least I know that it trusts me enough. Turning to my right, all I can see is a giant shroud of fog, blocking everything beyond from my view. I know what that is, but there is nothing there for me anymore. I bowed at my birthright one last time, before leaving with Misha, my past shredded behind me.
The trip back is rather uneventful, as expected. There are simply not many differences in this forest than the ones I have read about in books and heard from tales. I do value that aspect, though, considering how I am not yet ready to face imminent danger that might have been lurking elsewhere, at the times when challenges come to face me. This would be a perfect practice range, and it would be quite free as well. As I arrive back on the site, I have noticed something extremely abnormal. A clearing near the gate of the underground system has been completely trimmed down to the bare ground, with the woods of the fallen trees stacked on the far side. This is obviously the work of Syllabear, but for whatever reasons I cannot put my finger on just yet. Misha, however, seem to react quite actively as it spots this. It would seem that it is able to sniff out the druid's whereabouts just by being in the proximity. I have no chance but to follow the running beast towards a nearby river, which I am unaware of until now. There, I come across Syllabear doing what seems like trying to dig up some of the mud from the riverbank.
"Ah, young one, I see that you are done." He greets me with glee, which I am taken aback by. I am unsure of whether my confusion is because of the lack of joy running through my past memories, or am I simply pleasantly surprised. Regardless, there are other things that catch my attention. Misha plunges itself into the river, bathes in that clear water, squirms in bliss of innocent. It does a number to lift up my spirits, as well as reminding me that I have not had anything to eat or drink for quite a while. That would be on my priority list later. "Wait for me, as I am almost also."
I have no other choice but to simply hang around the area until he is done with his digging. In the mean time, my eyes focus on the bow I have just brought back. It seems to be different from those which I usually had the chance to fiddle with on the castle's archery range. Those were mostly common pieces, fitting for a commoner's use. This one has been inside my father's trunks of various luxurious objects, counting that whip as well, so it must have been special. In fact, just observing it alone makes me feel strange. There is this strange draw, in the fibers of the golden work of art. It just appears so strong, yet so extremely flexible, that there would be nothing short of the properties of an artifact.
Misha's howl has disturbed my concentration; however, as I realize that the druid has completed his work, mounting those pounds of dirt within large baskets and putting them onto the bear's large shoulders, walking towards where I am.
"Why are those needed?" My inquiry only seems to amuse him. For various reasons, these old individuals simply like to leave us youngsters in the dark, trying to divert our attention from the truth and break it out as a joyful surprise. I have nothing of that though, and he could possibly see it from my eyes. Hopefully, he would know not to beat around the bushes, and just be out with what he has to say.
"You have seen my logging?" He asks; as if to confirm my standing on the matter. I do not hesitate as I nod; for it is something quite obvious and there is simply no reason that a lie would have helped me in anyway. He appears pleased by the news, and motions me to follow him. "Come, I shall show you."
With that, once again, I am following him. The amount of dirt he has plowed up must have been enormously heavy, seeing as how it is pressure even the gigantic beast leading the way. It is hard to judge without knowing the true volume and characteristics of the matter, but visually those appear to be quite extraordinary. The distance is relatively low, however, and soon Misha is put to rest after dumping the baskets on the ground, shrugging itself from the bounds and turns to stand next to me. Despite its uncleanliness, I could feel myself not quite caring, as my hands proceed to pet the beast anyways.
"I see you have gotten close." The druid looks pleased with that fact. I have no retort, simply standing still, waiting for what he has to say. "You are planning to stay close, right?"
"Yes." I answer truthfully. Interested would not begin to cover what I am thinking at the moment. It would seem as he is still holding something from me, and I intend to force it out this instant.
"Well, we are going to build you a house." My eyes were stuck between narrowing and widening. I am not sure whether I heard that right, or I should be happy that I did. Such passion within the words of the druid proved to be against the joke theory. I would like that, very much.
"Right here?"
"Yes, right on this clearing." His grin appears to be nothing short of wide of the mark. It almost makes me smile, almost. "These logs are essential for a shelter, and so would the mud, as they act as the best paste one could find in nature."
I stand still a bit, trying to take this all in. Not only is he keep helping me for no good reason, Syllabear is actually offering to help me build my own house out here, living off nature and the natural life, without having to resort to his crammed underground bedroom, which I have not realized I hated so much until now. I am skeptical, but I cannot let this opportunity go.
"Why are you doing all this for me?" My words would seem like catechization, mostly because they are. However, unlike I had expected, the druid took no longer than a few seconds to burst out a laugh and an answer.
"It is quite simple, young one, I merely am lonely." That hit me as a bit odd, but I restrain myself to listen to the rest of what he has to say. "Truth be told, it has been a while since I've been living alone off the land for so long. I have not told you, but I have an apprentice. However, right now, she is travelling to the far side of the forest in order to reach the city and bring me back special substances in order for me to research. I cannot do much until then."
"You're saying that you are basically bored?" I am not sure whether to take his words seriously or not, but they sound ludicrous to the point of untrue. Then again, who am I to judge what the norm is.
"Yes."
After a brief moment of thinking, I simply shrug. There are no more reasons that I have to know. Looking back, there has never been a time of Syllabear distrusting me, nor was he ever dishonest. I take that with a grain of salt, but there is simply no better option that to believe him. His story may sound farfetched, but so is mine, and I know all about not judging people about what they appear to be standing for. It is now the afternoon and I have yet to decide on anything. For all I know, it would be better to just get the constructing part done so that when night comes, I would have my own little home to rest upon, and not have to reside on the confined space that is the guest chamber of Syllabear's home. My expression eases as a result, and the druid picks it up immediately. I decide to let him help, considering how little I know about building any kind of half-baked structures, as such a thing has never appeared to be my forte. Setting the bow aside, I know it would be something I have to leave for later, as accommodations would be the most important thing that needs to be taken care of right now. After that, food would be high on my list.
