2022-05-12 Beneath The Surface - Gerhard
May 16, 2022 23:31:12 GMT
Jaezred Vandree, Anthony, and 4 more like this
Post by Gerhard on May 16, 2022 23:31:12 GMT
Safe in my room in Fort Ettin, I withdraw a sheet of pure white parchment from my backpack. I hold it up to the light, my eyes wandering over the ivory sheet, checking for minor imperfections in the paper.
The small wooden table in the corner of my room catches enough of the moonlight to work on, with the help of the small candle next to me. I brush a small hair off of the top; trim a few stray strands from the edge.
A stray hand delves into my pocket, producing a small vial of black ink and a quill. The small breeze that enters through the window ruffles the feather that decorates the tip. I wet it on my tongue, dipping it into the open vial, and wait for a drop to fall back into the cup.
Dear Henri,
I have returned from the Witching Court, and the Anuhlin Shambles within. Lord Jaezred, a local adventurer and lord, put together a party to go out on an archaelogical and investigative expedition.
It was... not what I expected. Neither the party, nor the job.
I figured that the party would be more like the old days. Some folks from the museum, for instance. Or maybe some sages, looking to learn from the secrets of the past. Orianna Èirigh was the closest to that, I think. She's a librarian, she said. I think that applies to her the same way archeologist applies to me these days: maybe a memory of the past, maybe a vision of the future. Regardless, it was good to have another academic with us.
The others.. well, Jaezred is different on a job. A bit more pressing. Sort of like those old benefactors we used to have: less interested in the findings, more in what can be released from the dirt. I think this one was a bit personal for him, though. Near the end he kept writing in his book, and he started to look agitated, as though he was expecting a reply.
Toothy and Florian seemed like they had a bond. They've both got more beasts on and around them than old Professor Hirwin. Or in Florian's case, sort of.. everywhere?
Elan was the last member of our party. I was worried about the kobold - we delved deep into the shambles, and I was afraid he wouldn't come back out. I'm happy to say that he not only made it out, but he landed the final blow: a well placed dart struck the crystal heart of the heaving mass of...
I sigh, looking to the window.
The crystal.. there was evil in that town. The things that happened down there... I am glad that we could put the spirits to rest. The crystal is defunct, now, and the portal it had opened long gone.
Orianna sent a familiar through before it closed, and it came back to tell her of a void. An inky blackness lit only by the light through the portal, and an identical crystal to ours lying on the other side.
I offered to step through. Maybe I'm too confident in the hooks that Mister has in us to think he would let me go so easily, were I to get trapped there.
I suppose we won't know, now.
The wooden chair beneath me is well made, and sturdy, but still it creaks as I lean back.
I think I'm ready, Henri.
I hope I will see you soon.
Yours,
G.
10 Mirtul 1499
As before, I pull out my most important possessions from my breast pocket. To the previous letter, I add today's: neatly dusted, to dry the ink, and folded twice.
I place them back, my hand lingering to make sure they don't fall out.
I lick my thumb, and in a swift motion, snuff the candle.
