AbyssalRoadTrip
patreon
Abyssal Road Trip - 298 - Break me down
🕑 Added 2023-06-15 02:11:43 +0000 UTCAmdirlain’s PoV - Material Plane - Votari
After her return trip to Cemna, Amdirlain progressed through a series of random jumps between Cemna, Votari, and the desolated worlds.
The leaps initially battered her mind and caused Pain Eater’s capacity to grow. World Step dampened the impact, and a Journeyman breakthrough strengthened it. It was an outcome that was a long time coming since its progression through the Apprentice ranks had taken hundreds of jumps.
The varying trips had crisscrossed the universe leaving a strange star map of songs within her mind. Enraptured by the music, Amdirlain began deciphering them, only to be interrupted by a message from Cyrus asking if he needed to fill in with her students.
Okay, I got caught up in increasing World Step. I’ll likely need to evolve it to shift the formithians between worlds, even with cheating and setting it in crystals.
Planar Shift was far different from the rapid-fire world leaps, making her pay particular attention to the Power. Whether it was the care she took or simply an accumulation of use, the notification was another reminder that World Step wasn’t the only thing she needed to push.
[Planar Shift (Self) [Ap] (4->5)]
When she returned to Xaos, Amdirlain sensed Goxashru approaching Nolmar, with Enrig and Callen close behind. She crossed the town’s boundary and teleported directly to Nolmar. In the outer courtyard, Cyrus was present with a frown of concentration, staring at the tower’s control device.
“Galasser needed the drops changed, I take it?” enquired Amdirlain after they’d exchanged greetings.
“Yes, but not because of oversupply. The Commander has requested some specific potions in bulk, so he’ll need heaps of certain materials,” explained Cyrus. “You’ve got your production lines of experience, materials, and potions all intermingled.”
“The closest I got to being an industrialist was factory simulators. He’s going to be one rich Alchemist, though I wonder how long before this attracts some competition,” pondered Amdirlain.
Cyrus shrugged. “I’ll leave worrying about the economy’s inflation and market pressures up to you. What’s on your agenda for the day?”
“I need to spend some time working with them on spells and Mana Manipulation. Though they don’t have enough Mana to do more than an hour of those exercises daily, I’m looking to ensure they consistently push those skills. The training has so far focused more on martial arts,” admitted Amdirlain. “I’ll use that split of one hour Mana and three unarmed as the daily routine going forward; at least on those days they don’t do tower runs.”
“As Livia and I said the other night, most teachers don’t throw their students into battle so early,” remarked Cyrus.
“I know, but you also talked about exchanging pointers. Against the constructs, they don’t have to hold back and there are no hard feelings,” countered Amdirlain.
“And it's better to determine those that might develop such early,” critiqued Cyrus.
“It's not the only training they’re going to be doing, and we can do regular tournaments,” advised Amdirlain.
Cyrus smiled at that suggestion. ”You didn’t comment on those during the other night's discussion.”
“I was looking to learn all the options,” explained Amdirlain.
“Fine, we’ll discuss a tournament when they’re further along,” said Cyrus. “Try not to give your students too much of a level advantage.”
“Skill can overcome levels, and the garrison has a wide range of levels even now,” argued Amdirlain. She gave him a smug smile and headed towards the training courtyard she’d been using.
When the trio arrived, they bowed in unison to greet her,
“Elder,” said Goxashru.
“Sifu,” intoned Enrig and Callen.
“I hope you all are feeling good today,” said Amdirlain after she’d returned their greetings. “Goxashru, I’m glad they finally let you loose.”
“The rituals were as much for my Clan’s honour as my own; I couldn’t insult them by ignoring their request,” explained Goxashru.
Amdirlain gave an understanding nod. “When you have time later, I’d like to learn more about them.”
“Whenever you have time, Elder,” agreed Goxashru.
“Now, let’s get down to the lesson. To ensure you each grow your magical skills, from now on, I’ll be starting with an hour of practical sessions with spells or Mana,” said Amdirlain, her gaze sweeping across the trio, making it clear she meant all of them.
Goxashru nodded and then lowered his head. “Alfarr has offered to assist my weapon skills.”
“Thanks for letting me know; that's fine with me. I leave it to you to arrange a suitable time with Alfarr,” replied Amdirlain.
“I told him I’d let him know when my duties allowed,” said Goxashru, his posture straightening in relief.
“Today, we will conduct an exercise with your Mana Pool. Wherever you sense the energy within you, mentally pinch the pool's surface and draw a thread out,” stated Amdirlain. “This might need some experimentation, as both the Mana Pool and your manipulation of it are very dependant upon the individual.”
“Is drawing it out more efficient than just letting the Mana fill the Spell Form?” asked Goxashru.
“If you practice pulling threads of Mana, you’ll find it naturally thins itself. Once you get this occurring, you can visualise the Spell Form with tighter conduits,” clarified Amdirlain, and she motioned to the courtyard edge. “Take a seat; there isn’t a need to stand while practising this initially.”
“Initially? Does casting on the move need us to get used to this?” asked Callen.
“Initially, because there isn’t a need to overload the challenge,” replied Amdirlain. “The key to casting while moving is to improve the speed of visualising the Spell forms.”
Enrig perched on the upper step and wrapped his tail around his legs. His posture made Amdirlain consider the logistical challenge of having a tail and the various furnishings she’d created in the rooms.
“Before you start, I’ll show you the importance of finding a mental image that works for you,” stated Amdirlain.
Gently touching their minds, she replayed aspects of her psionic lessons. Amdirlain shared the mental images that resulted in crushed objects and stone weights hurtling about uncontrolled. After Amdirlain got snorts of amusement and surprise, she showed them what had worked for each. Only then did she walk them through the process she’d suggested for the exercise; imagining a finger brushing the pool's edge, she drew a glistering thread upwards.
“So part of today is finding what works for you. Then I’ll go through it with you to ensure you won’t cause yourself future trouble. If you have difficulty finding an approach, let me know, and we can try some things together,” reassured Amdirlain.
As they got into their practice, Amdirlain listened to their public minds and the stirring of their Mana pools. She only provided gentle mental commentary between attempts to let them know what had caused the most reaction from their Mana. When they all had achieved drawing out a thread of Mana, she had them work on casting their cantrips.
When the lesson moved on to unarmed combat techniques, Goxashru excused himself and moved to one side to practice with his sword and shield.
* * * * *
When the lesson ended, Amdirlain perched on the upper step and motioned Goxashru to sit beside her.
“How was your family?”
“Pleased, but concerned I would be so far away,” admitted Goxashru.
“You don’t have to live here if that would reassure your family. I can easily maintain the Gate device I gave you to get back and forth,” advised Amdirlain.
“That would not be suitable. Even if you are not always here, a Talon’s place—when not conducting their business—is where their Elder lives,” insisted Goxashru. “If I were always appearing at home, it would cast shade on my family's honour as others might believe I’d abandoned my duty.”
Untying a storage bag from his waist that Amdirlain hadn’t provided him, Goxashru laid out lots of items; various goods of precious metals, a casket filled with potions, and the last object which caught her attention: a True Song Crystal lap harp with energy strings that resonated with Life Mana.
“This harp came from the hoard of the grandmother of my town’s patron,” explained Goxashru. “They asked for it to be given to you to repay your efforts in halting the formithians. They hoped you could come visit but accepted it was unlikely given your status as an Outsider.”
Amdirlain ran her fingers across the lap harp, the gentle energy in the string’s perfect notes far below what she could control. Yet, that it was a child’s instrument for a Skill Amdirlain didn’t possess, brought forth a smile.
“Your baring of teeth shows pleasure, yes?” enquired Goxashru.
“That’s correct,” acknowledged Amdirlain, though she had to refrain from commenting on his ‘crocodile’ smile.
“Many soft-skinned folk are strange. My mentor advised me to exercise care showing my teeth, but you do so when pleased,” stated Goxashru.
“What caused your mentor to give such advice?”
Goxashru gave a forceful tail flick. “I asked why the furred ones here might shy away from me.”
“Some species possess instinctive reactions developed on their original world. Especially when species bigger than them possess sharp teeth,” explained Amdirlain.
“The Elder kin are both, and we don’t shy from them,” refuted Goxashru, and he quickly continued. “Though we make sure to show proper respect, that is because they are so much greater, not because we expect retribution.”
The force of his tail motions was a distressed metronome to Amdirlain. “How do the species that your people hunt react to your presence?”
Goxashru clicked his tongue, and his tail movements slowed. “They aren’t intelligent beings. I would not hunt anyone here, no more than I hunt the desert foxes.”
“Most species' instinctive reaction is to be wary about beings who possess natural weaponry superior to their own,” offered Amdirlain. “It's not about retribution; it's about being eaten and the idea of how much damage teeth or claws could cause to them.”
Goxashru tapped his claws against an armoured thigh and looked down at the sound they made on the crystal. “Oh.”
At his sudden note of melancholy, Amdirlain opted to change the subject. “Cheer up, they just need to get used to you; you’re larger than the local lizardfolk. Was it your town’s patron or their grandmother who hoped to meet me?”
“Their grandmother. My town’s patron invited her to meet me after one look at the armour you provided,” advised Goxashru.
“Shall we experiment then and see if I can meet them?” asked Amdirlain.
“Experiment?”
“Let me create a device, and we’ll go find Livia,” stated Amdirlain.
Utilising a set of crystal blocks, Amdirlain added enchantments to create the gadgets she’d proposed to Livia.
After she explained their purpose, she handed a set over to Goxashru, and his tail jerked about erratically. “I would not dishonour you by enacting such a summoning?”
“Not if you did so only at my request and ensured I was promptly freed,” replied Amdirlain.
“Of course,” exclaimed Goxashru.
Amdirlain smiled. “It will only work for you and Livia if you use it willingly, and the keys to it aren’t something anyone but an Anar can change or detect. Do you believe the invitation to visit empty diplomacy or genuine hospitality?”
“They wouldn’t have expressed regrets at its unlikelihood if it wasn’t true. Such an Elder does not need to give hollow invitations or express empty desires,” declared Goxashru. “Though we should still follow the formalities and send an acceptance of the Elder’s invitation through her voice or kin.”
“Let’s follow proper formalities,” agreed Amdirlain. “Now, the other gadget can be used regardless of who has summoned me, and I’ll upgrade your pendant so you can travel to any world using it.”
“Gadget,” Goxashru sounded out the English word, the syllables rolling awkwardly on his tongue.
“Earthquake crystal,” offered Amdirlain in Draconic, and Goxashru nodded happily.
Amdirlain messaged Livia about her plans, only for Livia to appear in the courtyard, her gaze gleaming with curiosity. “Would it be alright if I came to meet your Elder kin, Goxashru?”
“You are family to Am. For you both to come, well, among my people it is a display of great trust and respect for their honour,” replied Goxashru.
“Well, let's hope the experiment goes well,” stated Amdirlain.
Teleport shifted them to a wooded hillside in the Outlands, with the Spire filling the view through gaps in the canopy.
“You didn’t just open a Gate this time,” huffed Livia in mock surprise.
“There are formalities to follow, so I’m trying to get into the proper mindset,” replied Amdirlain before she handed over a pair of the crystals to Livia.
“Maybe you could just choose to be formal,” quipped Livia.
Amdirlain raised a single eyebrow. “You’re having far too much fun with that, young lady.”
“Just like you have fun being a goof, Móðir,” replied Livia.
Opening a Gate, Amdirlain targetted the same hill overlooking Goxashru’s hometown. Goxashru led the way through the Gate, and Livia followed him without hesitation.
“Is here okay?” asked Livia.
“Normally, it should be created on stone to avoid natural shifting, but it will work,” replied Amdirlain.
“That can be experiment number two,” offered Livia.
Giving them the go-ahead, Amdirlain closed the Gate. It had barely shut when she received a summoning notification featuring Livia’s name. The rainbow wall conduit between planes was narrower than last time but didn't obstruct her passage. Not fighting against the summoning’s draw, Amdirlain soon stood on the hillside with her Fallen form revealed.
Though the circle’s barrier appeared perfect to her True Sight, Resonance allowed her to detect the flaws and hear beyond the circle. In the initial moments that Amdirlain was present, new ones developed from the metal’s weight compacting the soil.
Despite towering over both of them, at twice their height, the circle’s size restrained her size, and there was no space for her wings to unfurl. The pair looked up and blinked, dumbfounded, giving Amdirlain time to confirm the concealment of her auras was still in place. It allowed for some interesting possibilities that the Power had been nullified, but the True Song effects remained. A quick test of a melody had a tiny zephyr spinning toward the distant river without forcing a breach in the circle.
Is that because of the flaws or because True Song is sound and the circle allows communication?
When Livia shook off her surprise, she put her foot across the circle, breaking its constraints. “We should try the earthquake gadget away from the homes.”
“I provided you both so you have the option,” advised Amdirlain after she took her Wood Elf form.
“You’re a little on the tall side now, Móðir. I mean, lots of the Norse want to grow up big and strong, but you kinda took it to an extreme,” critiqued Livia.
Amdirlain bopped her nose. “Yet compared to many beings, I’m a small fish in a big pond.”
“Not comforting,” advised Livia. “Perhaps don’t readily share those comparisons.”
Clearing his throat, Goxashru bowed far lower than he had in the past. “Elder.”
Amdirlain stepped forward and drew him back up. “Knowing and seeing are different, aren’t they, Goxashru?”
“Yes, but it seemed wrong that we constrained you, even willing,” explained Goxashru. “Such an act shamed me.”
Amdirlain absorbed the mithril from the ground and churned the dry soil to maul the outline of the runes' impression.
“I’ll need you to endure it for a few more tests but, hopefully, no emergencies arise that require either of them,” advised Amdirlain.
“My honour in your service Elder,” intoned Goxashru.
“How should we proceed, Goxashru?” enquired Amdirlain.
“If we approach the river gate on this side, we can use the visitor's entrance there. The guards will have a notice taken to the town’s council and the patron,” informed Goxashru. “Normally, a visiting Elder in lesser form would have a voice to speak for them. The guard will beat their shield and lead us in procession to the town’s senior guardians.”
“I’ll let you deal with the formalities while I listen in,” stated Amdirlain. “We’re in your hands.”
Goxashru gave a bow and led the way. “Livia’s eyes will have people thinking she is an Elder, despite her strange form.”
Amdirlain shifted into Orhêthurin’s original elven form with its electric blue hair instead of the Anar’s typical platinum blond.
“Did you choose to keep that hair colour, or was that your old form?” asked Livia.
Amdirlain grinned. “I like the blue.”
“It’s bright, though not as bright as your eyes,” critiqued Livia.
Looking back over his shoulder, Goxashru gave a nod. “Now they will not know what to believe. The sun shows from your eyes, perhaps the avatar of an Elven Goddess.”
“Not a Goddess,” countered Amdirlain.
“Not at present,” muttered Livia, and Goxashru grunted in confusion.
“Nevermind her, it seems it's Livia’s turn to be a goof,” advised Admirlain, and she poked out her tongue at Livia’s protest.
Amid the town’s thick stone walls, its entrance was a double-layered stone gatehouse. The outer gates were wide open as they approached, while the inner ones were only ajar enough for a handcart to pass between them. A half dozen guards stood ready in the kill zone between the double gates, and more were arrayed across the battlements. Each wore solid-looking brown leather armour over the top of their green scales. The chest pieces displayed a Gold Dragon with its wings flared out. Beneath it was the town’s name in Draconic runes.
Though the guards at the town’s entrance didn’t close the gates, the nearest looked at Livia and Amdirlain warily.
“I recognise you, Talon Goxashru. What brings you so back so quickly?” asked the first guard.
Goxashru stepped to one side, bowing to Amdirlain before returning his attention to the guard. “My Elder wishes to accept an invitation extended to her by your Patron’s ancestor.”
The guards looked like they’d unexpectedly found themselves flailing in deepwater, both sets of their eyelids fully closed before springing open again. “Please accompany us, Elder. We will see you to a comfortable place to await acknowledgement from our Patron.”
Amdirlain gave Goxashru the mental go-ahead, and Goxashru nodded politely to the guards. “The Elder agrees to indulge the offered comforts.”
The guards didn’t hesitate and immediately turned on their heels to lead the way, letting loose loud clicks and chuffs. After they passed beyond the outer battlement’s shadow, they drew their swords and slapped them against their shields with every step.
The other four guards rushed to the inner gates and opened them in a rush of movement. The racket and hurried activity grabbed the attention of those on the battlements who drew themselves straight. Beyond the thrown-open gates, the town’s foot traffic stopped at the sound the guards made. Though the streets weren’t populated enough to obstruct them, the pedestrians parted before them, allowing the guard’s procession to move straight down the middle. Amdirlain focused on keeping her pace to the same tempo as the guards and holding back Femme Fatale’s prompts.
Don’t cringe.
The minds around them were curious about the strange-looking elders, and a few recognised Goxashru from his pronouncement ceremony. Others that didn’t recognise him connected the dots with his crystalline armour.
Though the gates were pulled nearly closed behind them, the guards leading them didn’t pause. The display continued through the wide streets flanked by heavy stone buildings that radiated the heat of the afternoon sun. Though Livia didn’t share Amdirlain’s immunity to fire, the heat that could fry an egg in under a minute didn’t faze her.
When they reached a three-story building in the town’s centre, a trio of Dracoychrus wearing heavily enchanted mithril armour were awaiting their arrival. Amdirlain detected a mix of melee and arcane melodies within them, ranging up into Tier 5 Prestige classes.
“Greeting to your Elder from our Patron, Talon Goxashru. Her Voice has dispatched word that she will be here momentarily. What is your Elder’s desire: to retire within, or await her arrival?”
“We’ll wait,” Amdirlain mentally informed Goxashru.
“The town’s walls provide a gift of welcome heat, and the Elder is pleased to enjoy it while she waits. Within the sun, we might have the pleasure of witnessing the glory of your Patron’s arrival.”
“Then it shall be as you say. Might we stay to ensure our Patron is properly greeted, or does she wish for privacy.”
“It is only fitting that you might witness your Patron’s glorious arrival and their friendship exchanged,” replied Goxashru.
“What do I need to have ready?” enquired Amdirlain into Goxashru’s mind.
“A gift of any kind, though she’ll return it in kind when she has the chance. Since this is the first time you’ve met, something metallic, be it ingots or finished goods. Bars would indicate you wish to entrust the town to prepare a proper gift in your name. The closer a friendship becomes, the more insignificant the gifts exchanged.”
“Would it help your family if I provide ingots?”
“There are crafters among them,” admitted Goxashru.
Underneath concealments, Amdirlain created thirty kilograms of mithril ingots and stored them away. They were only waiting ten minutes before a shadow swept across the town.
A Western Dragon appeared, some three-hundred-metres from snout to tail with scales of liquid gold that flawlessly reflected the sunlight. It had a blunt snout, wide wings, and upswept horns. As she turned, Amdirlain caught the lack of spikes beneath the Dragon’s chin that revealed her gender; the lack of the ‘beard’ despite clearly being an older adult was a clear sign. The strength within her Class songs left the town’s guardians in the dust.
The leading edge of her wings was a curtain of shade drawn across the town before she passed over it completely. The Gold Dragon vanished, and sunlight returned, a gleaming Dracoychrus appearing in the square.
The Teleport made it clear she could have arrived that way immediately, but the wait hadn’t bothered Amdirlain.
“Covering the town in darkness has a particular meaning?” enquired Amdirlain, having retained the link to Goxashru’s mind.
“It is under the guardianship of her scales, and those that haven’t heard the news of the procession now know there is Elder’s business being conducted,” advised Goxashru mentally, though his tail twitched slightly. “I hadn’t expected her to appear without her Voice; you’ll need to address her directly.”
“Do I present the gift now?”
“If you wish, though if you’ve chosen a personal gift, you would bestow that away from public eyes.”
Analysis provided the Dragon’s name, and Amdirlain inclined her head politely before she followed Goxashru’s prompts. “Greetings Phrinhralith. I’m honoured that you’d greet me without the company of your Voice. May the lustre of your scales continue to rival the sun, and your children and territory know only prosperity.”
As she addressed Phrinhralith, Amdirlain heard a rush of memories surge to life inside the Dragon’s bloodline memories. Her voice and features tied into that connection and added to the choices and references from Bahamut; taken together, it shocked Phrinhralith to her core. A whispered prayer turned suspicion into certainty with Bahamut’s acknowledgement.
The Dragon bowed so low her body was almost prone, causing the guardians and Goxashru to click in shock. After they shrugged off their shock, the guardians threw themselves prone to match Phrinhralith's posture.
“We thank you for your words and humbly greet the one who was once Orhêthurin. Forgive me that I do not at this time utter the short name you use now, I would not wish to appear to give insult. You are the creator of stars and worlds, provider of nesting places, and protector of hatchlings. It brings honour to me and my bloodline that we will always have this memory of your return.”
Goxashru’s tail froze, and his body went almost rigid at the reverence in the Patron’s greeting. Amdirlain felt the thrum of faith in those witnesses within the square and surrounding buildings. The formation of a new Mantle rushed Amdirlain, but her Willpower—funnelled through a few instinctive notes—split it apart.
“There is no need for such between us; one of your townsfolk was chosen by Bahamut to serve as my Talon. You should all give your thanks to Bahamut for my presence here.”
Rising from her near prone position, Phrinhralith kept her eyes below the level of Amdirlain’s and nodded again respectfully.
“I bring a small gift for you. I would entrust the town’s crafters with preparing something fitting from it,” continued Amdirlain.
With that, Amdirlain made the mithril bars appear within arm’s reach of Phrinhralith. Phrinhralith’s forked tongue scented the air, and her inner eyelid flickered in surprise. “A generous gift indeed.”
“Its worth is only a tiny fraction of my respect for your people. I would be very grateful if I might impose upon you to contact your grandmother on my behalf,” declared Amdirlain.
[Diplomacy [J] (25->26)
Note: A for effort. Well, it's not, but you know what I mean.]
“I will take you to her directly,” proclaimed Phrinhralith.
Comments
Luboš Hemala
Real meeting your creator moment there :-) I can see how Am can think dragons are cute.
Gopard
Thanks for the chapter! You see these kinds of moments... They're really funny to read! If only other species weren't so utterly incapable of retaining accurate historical records! ;)
