Epilogue - Beranwald Ragendar Von Grimburn III [Greebo]
Jun 30, 2022 22:13:50 GMT
Ian, Delilah Daybreaker, and 6 more like this
Post by Greebo on Jun 30, 2022 22:13:50 GMT
The Thirsty Dragon was standing.
Her heart skipped to see it as she turned the corner, her cosy little nook in Port Ffirst, still standing. A few people were sceptical about how well it would do, only serving non-alcoholic beverages but between the resident cats and all her hard work, it had really turned into something nice, something good. A cute little cafe of mocktails and games. She was incredibly sad to leave and, while it wasn’t a difficult decision to make, impending doom looming just over the horizon as it was, it wasn’t exactly easy either. It was her home - their home - and the idea of leaving it behind or losing it was a tough reality to accept. Coming back now though and seeing it still in one piece while so many other nearby places had crumbled was incredible.
Jane opens the door to the Thirsty Dragon once again. It looked like she might have a few days of work to get it cleaned up and open again, but it didn't look like anything she couldn't handle herself. A few windows to replace, dust and debris to clear - but some of the furniture and building itself still looked fine or at least serviceable. Half the wharf looked relatively ok in fact, when you compared it to what used to be Old Town anyway. That seemed to have taken the brunt of the damage in the battle. It would likely be some time before things felt normal again but if she could get this place open again, at least there would be somewhere for people to relax a little.
Within seconds of entering, Juno and Euric scramble free of her grasp and begin sniffing around the familiar place filled with unfamiliar scents.
“Greebo! We’re back! Did you find Oscar? Greebo! …gah, where is he? Greebo!”
She drops her pack on the counter heavily, releasing a cloud of dust that makes her cough a little as she picks up a stool and sits down, eyes taking in all the work she has ahead of her. Juno has begun making a loud mrowling noise, her ginger fur almost standing on end, clearly not happy with the changes to her home. Euric, meanwhile, has spotted something under one of the benches and has already sprawled out trying to swat at it, turning his black and white fur grey with the accumulated dust on the floor.
Jane lets out a deep sigh just as a familiar ka-thump is heard from upstairs - the now unmistakable sound of one of the resident cats jumping off the tables they know they aren't allowed to sleep on, followed by the quiet padding of feet across the floor as they head for the stairs
The Thirsty Dragon was quiet.
Uncomfortably quiet. In some way, Berenwald liked to complain about his disturbed naps, but he had to admit he had grown accustomed to the sounds of games being played, dice rolling, chatter and drinks, the loud meowing of his friends looking for attention, Jane scolding his choice of sleeping position… It wasn’t his fault the sun hit the middle of the room in the afternoons… but he had to admit, he was missing them now.
Jane was by no means a stupid person. As much as she had said she wasn’t leaving, they both knew she was going to do the sensible thing and leave when the time came. He had of course expected the ensuing argument with her when he informed her he would be staying though.
Sitting in the quiet now, he could almost hear the dismay and anger in her voice again, as if she was still there. Telling him to stop being stupid and get his ass out the door. The frustration as she told him he had to go, despite his insistence on staying, not only to find Oscar but help the people left behind. The exasperated way she had tried to say he was just a cat, that he couldn’t fight a war, knowing none of that was really true.
He had been confident as usual in his platitudes: “Everything would be fine. He had seen worse and was still here. What was the worst that could happen, he came back as something else again?” - She never did like that joke. He had sat in the door and watched them go, promising to man the fort until they came back, both knowing he wasn’t going to be serving any patrons anytime soon. She had walked down the street, Juno and Euric tucked under each arm, squirming to be free, as she took them to safety. Looking back over her shoulder to warn him not to drink all the milk at once!
That was the last thing she had said as she left.
That was two days ago now.
Beranwald let out a deep sigh and laid down in the few rays of sunlight still shining in through the window in the late afternoon of the day. A rising apprehension had been growing and it was becoming prevalent enough he could no longer ignore it. Not of the coming trouble of course, it simply would not be fitting for someone of his position to be fretting about danger. Especially at this stage in his life after the things he had seen and done. But Oscar still hadn’t come back. He was known for disappearing for a few days at a time but his timing right now could not have been worse.
As he warmed himself in the last rays of the sun, Beranwald closed his eyes to take his customary nap in the middle of the floor again. Tomorrow he would head out and look for him again.
The Thirsty Dragon was dark.
Brian stood outside on the street and looked at the tall building he had come to spend a lot of time in over the last few months. It wasn’t his normal choice of hangout, but the lack of alcohol meant he could bring his family on occasion, and the little ones seemed to like playing with the cats, especially Master Greebo. For his part, though, Brian still found himself double taking the situation most of the time, questioning how in the worlds he had become employed by a cat. Or why he seemed to be enjoying it for that matter. He hadn’t lied, it had been dangerous at times but for the most part, he felt like…. Well, a butler. Not the posh sort you’d usually see in some of the bigger houses in New town of course, he hadn’t been brought up like that but Master Greebo didn’t seem to mind. He was always polite and told him to just speak as he would normally, something Brian greatly appreciated. He was gifted with words like Master Greebo is. The work certainly paid better than security did too.
It was almost habitual now, the walk here. But today he felt like it took far too long. He didn’t feel right about this, maybe he should - no. No he needed to. He had a family and even the ca-, Master Greebo had said as much. He knocked on the door and, in the same disconcerting way he always managed, without anyone seeing, Master Greebo opened the door without actually managing to reach the lock
“Brian! I had assumed you might have already left by now? Is something wrong?”
“‘S fine sir, just… just thought I’d stop by and make sure you was still set on…” he voice trails off a little
“Ah, well, that is very good of you Brian but yes, I’m afraid the plan remains as it was. Oscar still remains on leave and since I’ve not been able to find him I shall have to await his return here to make sure he is safe.”
Brian seems to stumble over his words a moment, questioning whether he should ask or not, “Sir, do… do you not think-”
“No, Brian I do not think you should stay here. You have a family and as much as I appreciate your kind offer, we agreed in the beginning you would be afforded time to support them. I am a grown man and am quite capable of looking after myself, thank you.”
“Right… I know that iz just… beg your pardon but, you’re so small sir”
Beranwald chuckles, “I’m aware I may have a… diminutive stature but I assure you I shall be just fine Brian... I only wish you and your family are safe, which will require you to begin to evacuate with everyone else now. You have already left things too late, I fear. If, after this mess has blown over though, you find yourself wishing to seek employment again, I would be most grateful for your services. For now, however, I would suggest you make your last minute preparations and get your family to safety as soon as possible Brian.”
He’s not sure if it’s the confidence with which the cat speaks or confirmation on his decision to leave but, Brian is reassured by this. He smiles at his tiny employer and nods as he turns for home, “I’ll be back in a few days. If it’s safe, I mean”
“I’m sure you will be, Brian” Beranwald calls after him. He sits and watches the large man amble his way up the road, then remains in the open door, watching the world pass by for a few hours in these quiet days.
It wasn’t until later that evening, after he and his family were already through the portal that Brian realised what had happened. He swears under his breath but can’t help the little smile that creeps onto his face.
The Thirsty Dragon is a mess.
Another blast hits outside, not close enough to damage anything seriously, but close enough this time that the windows smashed in, covering everything in glass shards and thick dust as the noise outside forces its way in.
From his perch on the bar, Beranwald shakes the dust off his back. He had been torn for the last twenty minutes or so on how to proceed. Oscar had not returned yet but he was also reluctant to leave The Dragon unprotected. The odds of finding him were slim, whenever he went off like this he seemed to avoid all his normal haunts. If he came back, he wanted to be here for him but it was looking increasingly unlikely he would get back at all. The wharf was avoiding most of the combat in the harbour town but it hadn’t stopped the occasional dragon swooping down or the invading Gith from taking advantage of the empty streets. Two had already broken in the door looking for something only to meet with gouts of flame from the Dragons resident protector. A third arrived not two minutes later but had a change of mind once the suggestion to leave and never return was made. The growing noise and fires burning across Old Town were only increasing Beranwald’s concern for his friend however and soon enough, the decision to leave was made; the Dragon would just have to defend itself. He could only hope Oscar had gone somewhere familiar in the chaos outside, somewhere he could find him.
Not 30 minutes later, Beranwald collapses on the roof of the Flourished Hook, out of breath. It didn’t look like he was here either… He was fast in this form but he tired quickly still. Thankfully, the Gith weren’t expecting a cat to cause an issue and he was able to bypass most of the small squads without too much trouble, as long as he did not draw attention to himself. It felt dishonourable leaving them to raid the city, he was sure Helm would scoff at his idea of what honourable would be… but more pressing matters were at hand and he could help clean up later if need be.
What he couldn’t let go unattended, however, was people actively in trouble. While on his search of the city, he had already stopped his search for Oscar outside the City Watch building. It was large enough to become a cursory target for one of the dragons and several gith, cornering a few watch members inside. He had considered transforming into a dragon or something himself but, outnumbered, it would only take one hard hit for him to be forced back. He would need to be clever. Some subtle manipulation of their perceptions was enough to send a few of the Gith into disarray; one suddenly swung out with his sabre, cutting down his friend, another began running down the street and a third stopped and just began staring into space. It was enough to sow the seeds of chaos, to eventually cause some bickering. Someone nicked the Dragon in their confusion, who responded quickly by immolating the group before taking off, leaving the rider struggling for some degree of control again. As bodies of the gith lay charred outside, the doors to the watch building opened briefly letting those inside make a brief escape for somewhere safer.
From the Hook, he managed to cross several streets and head south, away from most of the fires at the edge of Old town but still making progress towards the harbour. It was slow going but he had managed to cover some decent ground, reaching Silk street and the roof opposite the tailors with still no sign of Oscar. While catching his breath again, Berenwald looks around to take some stock of the city. Fires burning, largely uncontrolled - a sad side effect of the city being largely empty. Several groups are still roving the streets, hunting down anyone missed by those who passed before. The sound of fighting rings over the rooftops still in all directions. It’s while sitting here that he spots another Gith rider high over the city, circling and pointing down below from the back of a larger dragon than he saw outside the Watch house. Glancing across the roofs, the chaos is unmistakable. The city is under siege and this one appears to be directing the attack, at least in this portion of the city. Taking him out of action might slow down any kind of progress they could make? Or disorientate them enough to allow people to get to safety at least… struggling up onto his feet, Berenwald concentrates, focusing on the dragon as it circles, the shadows enveloping him again as a portal opens, swallowing him up.
In a flash of darkness, he appears on the back of the dragon, claws scrambling for purchase as the rider blinks in surprise at his unwanted hitchhiker. Catching himself, Beranwald takes a breath and prepares to unleash another gout of flame, but the rider is just a little too quick to react, banking the dragon hard to the left, tipping them over. The gout of flame goes wide as he struggles to keep his claws in the leather straps but he can feel himself slipping. A second later, Beranwald tumbles free and begins to fall, the rider watching him fall with a scowl.
The Dragon is Hungry
He sprints down an alley, lungs burning with the effort, how long had he been running now? It doesn’t matter really, not if it catches him. Leaping over the remains of a wall that has been blown down by dragon fire, he turns quickly behind another house, keeping as much undercover as possible. He had been lucky with the fall, having just enough time to teleport himself again to a roof they had been flying over, but the rider quickly turned back around and a much larger flame soon engulfed the entire roof. Now, it was circling above, the rider looking for his tiny assailant. The rooftops wouldn’t be an option anymore. If he wasn’t burned alive, it would only need to get close to him and that thing could swallow him whole. He shuddered as he ran. He would put up a fight of course but regardless of size, that did not seem like a good end.
It seems like an age of running before he finally reaches something he recognises, Old Town Road. The Seashank isn’t too far away, that might be where Oscar is hiding if he wasn’t at the Hook, but he can’t keep this up, not at this pace. Berenwald collapses onto the floor, gasping for breath in the dirty alleyway, just out of sight from the main road. “It’s not far now”, he tells himself. “Just a bit further, as long as you keep that thing off your back, it’ll be fine”.
Some part of him wishes he could convince himself as easily as he can others.
As if on cue, a deafening bellow roars out from above. Beranwald peaks his head out into the street and searches the sky for his aerial predator and within seconds he sees the dark shape pass overhead on its search. The coast is clear, other than a few meandering Gith Soldiers that shouldn’t bother him. He’s so tired but now’s his chance. On shaky legs, he darts out onto the main road towards the Seashank. His progress, however, is stopped suddenly as a flash of silver barely misses him, The Gith appearing from nowhere before him, sword already swung low to the ground at him. In the split second he has to think he realises not taking out the rider has caused word to spread it seems, it doesn’t look like his innocent animal act is going to pass anymore. The Gith warrior is already pulling his arm back for another slash but this time his sword hits the cobblestones. As the cat teleports himself out of sight, back into the alleyways and dashes off again. Great, he thinks, now the main roads are off limits too…
Shaking, heart thumping and almost out of energy, Beranwald finally reaches the Seashank, having navigated the streets and avoiding the invading attackers where he can and putting up a fight where he needs to. The damp and stained walls are somehow a reassuring sight amidst this chaos. The irony that this isn’t even the main threat is not lost on Beranwald though. He chose to stay in Port Ffirst but it was clear the main fight was happening at the fort, these were just raiding parties and scouts. Most of the adventuring community had gone off to the front, he could only hope enough remained behind to protect anyone left in the cities and outlying settlements.
Reaching the back of the Seashank, he is both relieved and annoyed to see the window shut. It’s an open invitation for raiders but also his preferred way in.
“The one day Jedd actually shuts it…”
As he skirts the building, he freezes as he sees a handful of people, gathering around the front of the door but relaxes when he realises they are friendly, just trying to find a haven in the safety of a communal shelter, even if it does look like a strong wind could blow it down. Squeezing in, navigating the throngs of people, many of which are armed he is relieved to see, he makes his way to the bar and jumps up.
“Jedd!”
The gnarled barman turns, almost scowls at the cat on the bar but stops short recognising the singed and scraggly mess on the bar top.
“You look like shit”
“Yes, I’m aware. It’s not exactly pleasant outside. How is everything here?”
“Shit”
Berenwald lets out an exasperated sigh, “Right... Everyone alive at least?”
“For now, I guess - Shut that door already!”
Even under these trying times, it seems nothing can remove the salt stains from Jedd’s personality. The last of the people in the street gather in and are ushered off to safer corners while the few armed people take up spots at the doors and windows.
“Good, What news have you heard about the attack?”
“You tell me, you been out there” - he spits into a mug and begins wiping it with a dirty rag. Probably more from habit at this point since no one appears to be drinking at the minute.
Another voice chips in from the other end of the bar, confident if a little shaky at times/
“Most of the city evacuated already and we’ve been ushering anyone we found away from where their main activity is. Most of Old town is wood so a lot has burned but some of the newer houses in New Town have basements people have hidden in. You’re Greebo, right?”
Beranwald turns to see a face he doesn’t recognise, but it’s not the first time people have recognised him, “Yes, is anyone hurt? There isn’t much I can do to help but I will do what I can”
The man, wearing blackened leather armour matching that of the city watch waves his hand around the room, “Most are hurt but nothing too serious it can’t wait. If you’re able, we need more, uh… people on the doors”
“Yes, but I’m looking for a friend, have you seen him?”
“What’s he look like?”
“A cat”
The man looks bewildered. Jedd, however, grunts from behind the bar, “The scruffy git’s upstairs. Turnt up soon as everything started”
Beranwald’s eyes widen and without a word, he runs along the bar, jumping down to the floor and begins picking his way through the crowd and upstairs. It’s in the third room he searches where he sees him, hunched up under one of the rickety beds, scruffy and patchy black hair and all. He looks scared but otherwise fine.
“Oscar! There you are…” He limps over the room and hunches down next to his friend. “It’s going to be alright my friend. We’ll hole up here and look after the people downstairs, then when this is all over, we’ll go back home. Jane has been worried sick about you.”
“Mraow”
“I know. But we can worry about all that later on.”
Outside, the attack continues. The sounds of fighting and fire ebbing closer and further away like a wave of violence. More people arrive and soon enough, the sound of fighting arrives outside. Rest time is over. Beranwald crawls out from under the bed.
“Just … just stay here Oscar. Everything will be ok. we’ll be home soon.”
He looks across the room to a couple of the gathered people, too injured to fight anymore. They have been staring for the last few minutes at this cat that has walked in and been talking away but no one seems open to asking any questions it seems.
“Can you look after him please?”
The bemused and tired nod in response he gets is the best he can hope for at the minute. With one last long at his friend, he turns for the door and heads back downstairs…
“Oh thank god! Do you have any idea how worried we were about you!?”
A wave of Euphoric relief washes over Jane as she sees the patchy fur of Oscar come down the stairs and trot over quickly, to rub against her leg.
“DAYS! DAYS you were gone! Of all the times for you to go wandering off! And where is Greebo?”
“Mraaaaow”
She looks down at Oscar, both annoyed but unashamedly happy to see him. She scoops him up and fusses his head as he clings to her tunic.
“Well, wherever he is, I’m sure he’ll show up soon enough. He always goes wandering off without saying anything, I wonder where you get it from?”
Oscar, as usual, says nothing but continues to purr as she scratches his head.
Jane looks at the cats around her and the mass of work she has tidying the place up
“He'll come back... He better come back.”
He blinks and… everything is white.
It’s not a scene he relishes but it is familiar nonetheless. An endless white space that stretches out into infinity, a place he has been to several times before, either in dreams or on those occasions where he was on the edge of life. Come to think of it that was happening all together far too often… Why was he here now though? Was he asleep again? It had been so long since he had been here in his dreams…
“It is not a dream”
With a start he turns to see her again. In all her radiance and splendour, light shining off the wings behind her, her hair a cascade of brilliance, her voice like music. Galladia, The angelic messenger, looked as beautiful as she always has.
“Oh, it’s you....” He stands up and realisation strikes - he’s still a cat. He sighs, “Even here you torment me I see”
“You think too highly of yourself if you think you are worth tormenting”
He goes to respond but stops short, things start to come back. The fire. The fighting. He remembered finding Oscar, then heading down stairs to help fight back. He was so tired…
“”W-Why am I here then? Why are YOU here? It’s been years and now you decide to show up?”
“You know why”
…More people had started coming to the Seashank, chased by the Gith who were toying with them, teleporting ahead of them and cutting them down in the streets as Dragons wreathed the skies in flame above. The doors opened and they ran outside to help, to fight back…
…it’s such a blur, so much movement and violence…
… He remembered jumping away, trying to avoid the oncoming attacks but he had been running for so long, he was so tired now. He didn’t quite make it far enough and landed sprawled on the floor, but not before managing to catch the Attacker coming up on the man in the watch uniform’s blind side with a thundering explosion. He saw the man turn in surprise in time to see the Gith warrior fall. Their eyes met for the briefest of moments before the man’s eyes look up and widen, something from behind…
Realisation dawns on his mind like a heavy fog, eradicating any doubts he might have had. He looks up at the divine messenger,
“Well, if that is the case, I thought he had washed his hands of me? I thought I wasn’t good enough for him anymore? You’ve ignored me all this time, so why now!?”
“Beranwald was weak and a disgrace. He did terrible things and then blamed everyone but himself for the havoc he wreaked on his own life. His suffering was his own.”
He scowls at the heavenly figure, “Then why are you here? To tell me what I’ve done wrong yet again!? Helm has turned his back on me already, has he not? Why do you come here now?”
Galladia looks down on the small figure and her stern but beautiful features break into a gentle smile
“Because you, Greebo, have done better”
Her heart skipped to see it as she turned the corner, her cosy little nook in Port Ffirst, still standing. A few people were sceptical about how well it would do, only serving non-alcoholic beverages but between the resident cats and all her hard work, it had really turned into something nice, something good. A cute little cafe of mocktails and games. She was incredibly sad to leave and, while it wasn’t a difficult decision to make, impending doom looming just over the horizon as it was, it wasn’t exactly easy either. It was her home - their home - and the idea of leaving it behind or losing it was a tough reality to accept. Coming back now though and seeing it still in one piece while so many other nearby places had crumbled was incredible.
Jane opens the door to the Thirsty Dragon once again. It looked like she might have a few days of work to get it cleaned up and open again, but it didn't look like anything she couldn't handle herself. A few windows to replace, dust and debris to clear - but some of the furniture and building itself still looked fine or at least serviceable. Half the wharf looked relatively ok in fact, when you compared it to what used to be Old Town anyway. That seemed to have taken the brunt of the damage in the battle. It would likely be some time before things felt normal again but if she could get this place open again, at least there would be somewhere for people to relax a little.
Within seconds of entering, Juno and Euric scramble free of her grasp and begin sniffing around the familiar place filled with unfamiliar scents.
“Greebo! We’re back! Did you find Oscar? Greebo! …gah, where is he? Greebo!”
She drops her pack on the counter heavily, releasing a cloud of dust that makes her cough a little as she picks up a stool and sits down, eyes taking in all the work she has ahead of her. Juno has begun making a loud mrowling noise, her ginger fur almost standing on end, clearly not happy with the changes to her home. Euric, meanwhile, has spotted something under one of the benches and has already sprawled out trying to swat at it, turning his black and white fur grey with the accumulated dust on the floor.
Jane lets out a deep sigh just as a familiar ka-thump is heard from upstairs - the now unmistakable sound of one of the resident cats jumping off the tables they know they aren't allowed to sleep on, followed by the quiet padding of feet across the floor as they head for the stairs
The Thirsty Dragon was quiet.
Uncomfortably quiet. In some way, Berenwald liked to complain about his disturbed naps, but he had to admit he had grown accustomed to the sounds of games being played, dice rolling, chatter and drinks, the loud meowing of his friends looking for attention, Jane scolding his choice of sleeping position… It wasn’t his fault the sun hit the middle of the room in the afternoons… but he had to admit, he was missing them now.
Jane was by no means a stupid person. As much as she had said she wasn’t leaving, they both knew she was going to do the sensible thing and leave when the time came. He had of course expected the ensuing argument with her when he informed her he would be staying though.
Sitting in the quiet now, he could almost hear the dismay and anger in her voice again, as if she was still there. Telling him to stop being stupid and get his ass out the door. The frustration as she told him he had to go, despite his insistence on staying, not only to find Oscar but help the people left behind. The exasperated way she had tried to say he was just a cat, that he couldn’t fight a war, knowing none of that was really true.
He had been confident as usual in his platitudes: “Everything would be fine. He had seen worse and was still here. What was the worst that could happen, he came back as something else again?” - She never did like that joke. He had sat in the door and watched them go, promising to man the fort until they came back, both knowing he wasn’t going to be serving any patrons anytime soon. She had walked down the street, Juno and Euric tucked under each arm, squirming to be free, as she took them to safety. Looking back over her shoulder to warn him not to drink all the milk at once!
That was the last thing she had said as she left.
That was two days ago now.
Beranwald let out a deep sigh and laid down in the few rays of sunlight still shining in through the window in the late afternoon of the day. A rising apprehension had been growing and it was becoming prevalent enough he could no longer ignore it. Not of the coming trouble of course, it simply would not be fitting for someone of his position to be fretting about danger. Especially at this stage in his life after the things he had seen and done. But Oscar still hadn’t come back. He was known for disappearing for a few days at a time but his timing right now could not have been worse.
As he warmed himself in the last rays of the sun, Beranwald closed his eyes to take his customary nap in the middle of the floor again. Tomorrow he would head out and look for him again.
The Thirsty Dragon was dark.
Brian stood outside on the street and looked at the tall building he had come to spend a lot of time in over the last few months. It wasn’t his normal choice of hangout, but the lack of alcohol meant he could bring his family on occasion, and the little ones seemed to like playing with the cats, especially Master Greebo. For his part, though, Brian still found himself double taking the situation most of the time, questioning how in the worlds he had become employed by a cat. Or why he seemed to be enjoying it for that matter. He hadn’t lied, it had been dangerous at times but for the most part, he felt like…. Well, a butler. Not the posh sort you’d usually see in some of the bigger houses in New town of course, he hadn’t been brought up like that but Master Greebo didn’t seem to mind. He was always polite and told him to just speak as he would normally, something Brian greatly appreciated. He was gifted with words like Master Greebo is. The work certainly paid better than security did too.
It was almost habitual now, the walk here. But today he felt like it took far too long. He didn’t feel right about this, maybe he should - no. No he needed to. He had a family and even the ca-, Master Greebo had said as much. He knocked on the door and, in the same disconcerting way he always managed, without anyone seeing, Master Greebo opened the door without actually managing to reach the lock
“Brian! I had assumed you might have already left by now? Is something wrong?”
“‘S fine sir, just… just thought I’d stop by and make sure you was still set on…” he voice trails off a little
“Ah, well, that is very good of you Brian but yes, I’m afraid the plan remains as it was. Oscar still remains on leave and since I’ve not been able to find him I shall have to await his return here to make sure he is safe.”
Brian seems to stumble over his words a moment, questioning whether he should ask or not, “Sir, do… do you not think-”
“No, Brian I do not think you should stay here. You have a family and as much as I appreciate your kind offer, we agreed in the beginning you would be afforded time to support them. I am a grown man and am quite capable of looking after myself, thank you.”
“Right… I know that iz just… beg your pardon but, you’re so small sir”
Beranwald chuckles, “I’m aware I may have a… diminutive stature but I assure you I shall be just fine Brian... I only wish you and your family are safe, which will require you to begin to evacuate with everyone else now. You have already left things too late, I fear. If, after this mess has blown over though, you find yourself wishing to seek employment again, I would be most grateful for your services. For now, however, I would suggest you make your last minute preparations and get your family to safety as soon as possible Brian.”
He’s not sure if it’s the confidence with which the cat speaks or confirmation on his decision to leave but, Brian is reassured by this. He smiles at his tiny employer and nods as he turns for home, “I’ll be back in a few days. If it’s safe, I mean”
“I’m sure you will be, Brian” Beranwald calls after him. He sits and watches the large man amble his way up the road, then remains in the open door, watching the world pass by for a few hours in these quiet days.
It wasn’t until later that evening, after he and his family were already through the portal that Brian realised what had happened. He swears under his breath but can’t help the little smile that creeps onto his face.
The Thirsty Dragon is a mess.
Another blast hits outside, not close enough to damage anything seriously, but close enough this time that the windows smashed in, covering everything in glass shards and thick dust as the noise outside forces its way in.
From his perch on the bar, Beranwald shakes the dust off his back. He had been torn for the last twenty minutes or so on how to proceed. Oscar had not returned yet but he was also reluctant to leave The Dragon unprotected. The odds of finding him were slim, whenever he went off like this he seemed to avoid all his normal haunts. If he came back, he wanted to be here for him but it was looking increasingly unlikely he would get back at all. The wharf was avoiding most of the combat in the harbour town but it hadn’t stopped the occasional dragon swooping down or the invading Gith from taking advantage of the empty streets. Two had already broken in the door looking for something only to meet with gouts of flame from the Dragons resident protector. A third arrived not two minutes later but had a change of mind once the suggestion to leave and never return was made. The growing noise and fires burning across Old Town were only increasing Beranwald’s concern for his friend however and soon enough, the decision to leave was made; the Dragon would just have to defend itself. He could only hope Oscar had gone somewhere familiar in the chaos outside, somewhere he could find him.
Not 30 minutes later, Beranwald collapses on the roof of the Flourished Hook, out of breath. It didn’t look like he was here either… He was fast in this form but he tired quickly still. Thankfully, the Gith weren’t expecting a cat to cause an issue and he was able to bypass most of the small squads without too much trouble, as long as he did not draw attention to himself. It felt dishonourable leaving them to raid the city, he was sure Helm would scoff at his idea of what honourable would be… but more pressing matters were at hand and he could help clean up later if need be.
What he couldn’t let go unattended, however, was people actively in trouble. While on his search of the city, he had already stopped his search for Oscar outside the City Watch building. It was large enough to become a cursory target for one of the dragons and several gith, cornering a few watch members inside. He had considered transforming into a dragon or something himself but, outnumbered, it would only take one hard hit for him to be forced back. He would need to be clever. Some subtle manipulation of their perceptions was enough to send a few of the Gith into disarray; one suddenly swung out with his sabre, cutting down his friend, another began running down the street and a third stopped and just began staring into space. It was enough to sow the seeds of chaos, to eventually cause some bickering. Someone nicked the Dragon in their confusion, who responded quickly by immolating the group before taking off, leaving the rider struggling for some degree of control again. As bodies of the gith lay charred outside, the doors to the watch building opened briefly letting those inside make a brief escape for somewhere safer.
From the Hook, he managed to cross several streets and head south, away from most of the fires at the edge of Old town but still making progress towards the harbour. It was slow going but he had managed to cover some decent ground, reaching Silk street and the roof opposite the tailors with still no sign of Oscar. While catching his breath again, Berenwald looks around to take some stock of the city. Fires burning, largely uncontrolled - a sad side effect of the city being largely empty. Several groups are still roving the streets, hunting down anyone missed by those who passed before. The sound of fighting rings over the rooftops still in all directions. It’s while sitting here that he spots another Gith rider high over the city, circling and pointing down below from the back of a larger dragon than he saw outside the Watch house. Glancing across the roofs, the chaos is unmistakable. The city is under siege and this one appears to be directing the attack, at least in this portion of the city. Taking him out of action might slow down any kind of progress they could make? Or disorientate them enough to allow people to get to safety at least… struggling up onto his feet, Berenwald concentrates, focusing on the dragon as it circles, the shadows enveloping him again as a portal opens, swallowing him up.
In a flash of darkness, he appears on the back of the dragon, claws scrambling for purchase as the rider blinks in surprise at his unwanted hitchhiker. Catching himself, Beranwald takes a breath and prepares to unleash another gout of flame, but the rider is just a little too quick to react, banking the dragon hard to the left, tipping them over. The gout of flame goes wide as he struggles to keep his claws in the leather straps but he can feel himself slipping. A second later, Beranwald tumbles free and begins to fall, the rider watching him fall with a scowl.
The Dragon is Hungry
He sprints down an alley, lungs burning with the effort, how long had he been running now? It doesn’t matter really, not if it catches him. Leaping over the remains of a wall that has been blown down by dragon fire, he turns quickly behind another house, keeping as much undercover as possible. He had been lucky with the fall, having just enough time to teleport himself again to a roof they had been flying over, but the rider quickly turned back around and a much larger flame soon engulfed the entire roof. Now, it was circling above, the rider looking for his tiny assailant. The rooftops wouldn’t be an option anymore. If he wasn’t burned alive, it would only need to get close to him and that thing could swallow him whole. He shuddered as he ran. He would put up a fight of course but regardless of size, that did not seem like a good end.
It seems like an age of running before he finally reaches something he recognises, Old Town Road. The Seashank isn’t too far away, that might be where Oscar is hiding if he wasn’t at the Hook, but he can’t keep this up, not at this pace. Berenwald collapses onto the floor, gasping for breath in the dirty alleyway, just out of sight from the main road. “It’s not far now”, he tells himself. “Just a bit further, as long as you keep that thing off your back, it’ll be fine”.
Some part of him wishes he could convince himself as easily as he can others.
As if on cue, a deafening bellow roars out from above. Beranwald peaks his head out into the street and searches the sky for his aerial predator and within seconds he sees the dark shape pass overhead on its search. The coast is clear, other than a few meandering Gith Soldiers that shouldn’t bother him. He’s so tired but now’s his chance. On shaky legs, he darts out onto the main road towards the Seashank. His progress, however, is stopped suddenly as a flash of silver barely misses him, The Gith appearing from nowhere before him, sword already swung low to the ground at him. In the split second he has to think he realises not taking out the rider has caused word to spread it seems, it doesn’t look like his innocent animal act is going to pass anymore. The Gith warrior is already pulling his arm back for another slash but this time his sword hits the cobblestones. As the cat teleports himself out of sight, back into the alleyways and dashes off again. Great, he thinks, now the main roads are off limits too…
Shaking, heart thumping and almost out of energy, Beranwald finally reaches the Seashank, having navigated the streets and avoiding the invading attackers where he can and putting up a fight where he needs to. The damp and stained walls are somehow a reassuring sight amidst this chaos. The irony that this isn’t even the main threat is not lost on Beranwald though. He chose to stay in Port Ffirst but it was clear the main fight was happening at the fort, these were just raiding parties and scouts. Most of the adventuring community had gone off to the front, he could only hope enough remained behind to protect anyone left in the cities and outlying settlements.
Reaching the back of the Seashank, he is both relieved and annoyed to see the window shut. It’s an open invitation for raiders but also his preferred way in.
“The one day Jedd actually shuts it…”
As he skirts the building, he freezes as he sees a handful of people, gathering around the front of the door but relaxes when he realises they are friendly, just trying to find a haven in the safety of a communal shelter, even if it does look like a strong wind could blow it down. Squeezing in, navigating the throngs of people, many of which are armed he is relieved to see, he makes his way to the bar and jumps up.
“Jedd!”
The gnarled barman turns, almost scowls at the cat on the bar but stops short recognising the singed and scraggly mess on the bar top.
“You look like shit”
“Yes, I’m aware. It’s not exactly pleasant outside. How is everything here?”
“Shit”
Berenwald lets out an exasperated sigh, “Right... Everyone alive at least?”
“For now, I guess - Shut that door already!”
Even under these trying times, it seems nothing can remove the salt stains from Jedd’s personality. The last of the people in the street gather in and are ushered off to safer corners while the few armed people take up spots at the doors and windows.
“Good, What news have you heard about the attack?”
“You tell me, you been out there” - he spits into a mug and begins wiping it with a dirty rag. Probably more from habit at this point since no one appears to be drinking at the minute.
Another voice chips in from the other end of the bar, confident if a little shaky at times/
“Most of the city evacuated already and we’ve been ushering anyone we found away from where their main activity is. Most of Old town is wood so a lot has burned but some of the newer houses in New Town have basements people have hidden in. You’re Greebo, right?”
Beranwald turns to see a face he doesn’t recognise, but it’s not the first time people have recognised him, “Yes, is anyone hurt? There isn’t much I can do to help but I will do what I can”
The man, wearing blackened leather armour matching that of the city watch waves his hand around the room, “Most are hurt but nothing too serious it can’t wait. If you’re able, we need more, uh… people on the doors”
“Yes, but I’m looking for a friend, have you seen him?”
“What’s he look like?”
“A cat”
The man looks bewildered. Jedd, however, grunts from behind the bar, “The scruffy git’s upstairs. Turnt up soon as everything started”
Beranwald’s eyes widen and without a word, he runs along the bar, jumping down to the floor and begins picking his way through the crowd and upstairs. It’s in the third room he searches where he sees him, hunched up under one of the rickety beds, scruffy and patchy black hair and all. He looks scared but otherwise fine.
“Oscar! There you are…” He limps over the room and hunches down next to his friend. “It’s going to be alright my friend. We’ll hole up here and look after the people downstairs, then when this is all over, we’ll go back home. Jane has been worried sick about you.”
“Mraow”
“I know. But we can worry about all that later on.”
Outside, the attack continues. The sounds of fighting and fire ebbing closer and further away like a wave of violence. More people arrive and soon enough, the sound of fighting arrives outside. Rest time is over. Beranwald crawls out from under the bed.
“Just … just stay here Oscar. Everything will be ok. we’ll be home soon.”
He looks across the room to a couple of the gathered people, too injured to fight anymore. They have been staring for the last few minutes at this cat that has walked in and been talking away but no one seems open to asking any questions it seems.
“Can you look after him please?”
The bemused and tired nod in response he gets is the best he can hope for at the minute. With one last long at his friend, he turns for the door and heads back downstairs…
“Oh thank god! Do you have any idea how worried we were about you!?”
A wave of Euphoric relief washes over Jane as she sees the patchy fur of Oscar come down the stairs and trot over quickly, to rub against her leg.
“DAYS! DAYS you were gone! Of all the times for you to go wandering off! And where is Greebo?”
“Mraaaaow”
She looks down at Oscar, both annoyed but unashamedly happy to see him. She scoops him up and fusses his head as he clings to her tunic.
“Well, wherever he is, I’m sure he’ll show up soon enough. He always goes wandering off without saying anything, I wonder where you get it from?”
Oscar, as usual, says nothing but continues to purr as she scratches his head.
Jane looks at the cats around her and the mass of work she has tidying the place up
“He'll come back... He better come back.”
He blinks and… everything is white.
It’s not a scene he relishes but it is familiar nonetheless. An endless white space that stretches out into infinity, a place he has been to several times before, either in dreams or on those occasions where he was on the edge of life. Come to think of it that was happening all together far too often… Why was he here now though? Was he asleep again? It had been so long since he had been here in his dreams…
“It is not a dream”
With a start he turns to see her again. In all her radiance and splendour, light shining off the wings behind her, her hair a cascade of brilliance, her voice like music. Galladia, The angelic messenger, looked as beautiful as she always has.
“Oh, it’s you....” He stands up and realisation strikes - he’s still a cat. He sighs, “Even here you torment me I see”
“You think too highly of yourself if you think you are worth tormenting”
He goes to respond but stops short, things start to come back. The fire. The fighting. He remembered finding Oscar, then heading down stairs to help fight back. He was so tired…
“”W-Why am I here then? Why are YOU here? It’s been years and now you decide to show up?”
“You know why”
…More people had started coming to the Seashank, chased by the Gith who were toying with them, teleporting ahead of them and cutting them down in the streets as Dragons wreathed the skies in flame above. The doors opened and they ran outside to help, to fight back…
…it’s such a blur, so much movement and violence…
… He remembered jumping away, trying to avoid the oncoming attacks but he had been running for so long, he was so tired now. He didn’t quite make it far enough and landed sprawled on the floor, but not before managing to catch the Attacker coming up on the man in the watch uniform’s blind side with a thundering explosion. He saw the man turn in surprise in time to see the Gith warrior fall. Their eyes met for the briefest of moments before the man’s eyes look up and widen, something from behind…
Realisation dawns on his mind like a heavy fog, eradicating any doubts he might have had. He looks up at the divine messenger,
“Well, if that is the case, I thought he had washed his hands of me? I thought I wasn’t good enough for him anymore? You’ve ignored me all this time, so why now!?”
“Beranwald was weak and a disgrace. He did terrible things and then blamed everyone but himself for the havoc he wreaked on his own life. His suffering was his own.”
He scowls at the heavenly figure, “Then why are you here? To tell me what I’ve done wrong yet again!? Helm has turned his back on me already, has he not? Why do you come here now?”
Galladia looks down on the small figure and her stern but beautiful features break into a gentle smile
“Because you, Greebo, have done better”