Little serves to distract you during the day's trip. As the leader has decreed, you've split into pairs, and it is he who accompanies you in the rear. Even save such a design, you doubt it'd look any different - your craft stirs uproar as is quite expected. And since the work is not yet done... What are you to do.
So you ponder, meanwhile your escort has a quite different concern to mind. By way of demonstration he makes sure you'll be able to understand all the commoners soon to come, fortunately, there is not too much to it, contrary to all the forms your own speech has devolved into throughout the ages. But also, you cannot concentrate really, not on the lecture, not on much else.
And strange it is too, the Wraith backs down for once, yet still there is unrest to plague you. The blood that's been spilled, the spells spoken, it is all you can think of. You dont want to. Once Flax is to introduce yet a new strange way to bend words, you step in.
"This is all rather insightful..." you mutter. "But I'd like to take a break."
"As you please." he replies, calm at first, though soon to become worried, as you try to strike up a conversation, but words struggle to sound. The warrior remarks upon this, albeit not very eloquently.
"You're not well."
"It is so... As I have explained."
"And I intend to honor your wishes. After all, I know you are right. Speak, and I am to aid you. Should we perhaps slow down a bit, if that would ease..."
"No, no. Let us just... Talk about something else."
The companion nods, awaiting a matter to discuss. It takes a while for you to deliver.
"You could tell me...What will come. When we do reach our goal."
"Well I'm not the one blessed with visions now, am I?" he smiles. "Nor can I read my master's plan, not this time."
"Oh I didn't mean that. More so the mundane sort."
"Ah, I see. Then I presume you'll be kept in the manor for some time... A jolly old place it is, I am sure it'll provide all you need, be it distraction or quiet."
"What about the others? The girl you've hinted at, but Sas?"
"I've spoken to him upon the issue, and he wills to remain by you. That should not prove hard to arrange, there's plenty of work in the village... And he's a man of great skill, no doubt."
"So we'll all stay in the house."
"That remains open. But, I can certainly help to reach such state of affairs... Provided I am not dispatched again soon after, which is probable."
"I have never dwelled under a roof, not longer than one night. I must wonder, what's it like."
"Less tiresome, can tell you that! Given you're free from the business of the day, which, my master cannot catch a break exactly, and many in his circle."
"And what does he do? If he has to shove you around all the time."
"Why, he governs! It is not that long he's in office, you see, and much of the common folk is not yet accustomed... But to that he is attentive, especially as of late, still, my knowledge is passing at best, and stay even shorter."
"That is odd. So you are strangers there too? In the land you handle?"
"Well it's been a good couple months by now... But you know people, when it comes to foreigners."
"Oh bother. If you rub them the wrong way, what'll they say to me?"
"It better be good word only, lest they'll have us to pick a bone with. Remember, you are under the lord's protection, and a guest as far as they are concerned anyway. Worry not."
Last thing you need, another fear. You're slipping into these and know not how, but at least you can get gather some intelligence. With these conversations however, there is not much space to ponder, though it begins to loosen.
"Have you been thinking of it lately?" Flax now inquires. "The living conditions to expect?"
"Oh, I suppose it is a new start of sorts." you shrug in response. A pause you leave, but a connection occurs to you, that might demand attention. Whether your fellow's as well is the question, nevertheless, you know what and how to keep discreet.
"See as I was granted my office and leaving the Grove back when, there was a certain stir I recall amidst the elders..." you narrate, and despite mentioning your flock, somehow you maintain peace in your voice, in a manner that surprises even you. Since Flax is clearly interested, you carry on carefully.
"A lot has been considered over the ages, and resolved somewhat consistently. Issues of blood sacrifice, the wolves and their hideous practice, high priesthood, total untouchability... But what I've lived to see, was the very core idea of what a shaman is being picked apart. And whatever stance one did hold, there was much ill will to anticipate..."
"Ah. So that might have to do something with those assaults upon us?"
"I haven't encountered it from those day on, then again, I didn't get to meet colleagues often..."
Now you unavoidably reach the point of contention. Crackantler, a mystic of the old ways, your deceased friend, and his defilement. Yet once more, you oddly feel as if you could continue unbothered, even though you care dearly and are shaken accordingly. A notion you don't quite understand...
"Well know this. The protection extends there too, and doubly so. And I might have some good news for you..."
You lift your eyes, as his tone warrants. And serious he is in the glance also, but remains composed in the voice.
"There is a nice chance you'll be able to acquire aid the other way... From us to your people. Sodu might be dead, but to your credit, I am sure our operations in the north are to be restored, in such a scope. The master is mindful to those that have helped him..."
You nod silent, as a village spreads itself out in the distance. It is strange to think back, as you recall yourself assuring the company, doubting in their progress. Your mind is a wild place, but you cannot show. Like in the beginning of your journey, there is just one point to focus upon.
"Then let us speed along." you bid. "The times are dreary, as we all live to learn, and a long way ahead."
Now the guide rocks his head, smiling.
"You do have the spirit. Let us."
Chain in HandGoal set hast, both eyes upon it
bound to the path fast but the fetter you command
Dice have been cast, sight must not shift
Not all good has passed and shall not till you stand
And it may pain on the morrow
yet life goes on so as you have learnt too
Keep the step, forget the sorrow
Then thou will see thyself through
Barred it is one turn and again
And the target missed but everyone can amend
See, even this - the pain of it then
You can not appease yet the course to come well bend
Shards of the crown lie on the ground
Ash always left as fires are put out
If, only if amidst peace is found
Toil is to be brief and forthwith ceases doubt
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Topic: Dwarf Fortress -Drawings- : Tales of the Deer Wizard (Read 152269 times)