Thar Shaddin

Yyan smiled at Misumi appreciatively. That’s an excellent idea. See? You aren’t as helpless as you believe.

He studied the book on the table before opening it. It seemed in remarkable condition, considering its age, and he wondered if it was through the dedication of the scribes or by some other means that it was so well-preserved. He drew it closer. Let me see…

When he opened the binding, Yyan encountered a problem. The language on the pages appeared to be elvish and was completely foreign to him. He frowned in disappointment, scanned at the first lines of scrolling text, moved to close the book again… stopped, blinked, then squinted… what…?

As I sit here, riding in the back of a cart…I watch our home…being devoured by flames…

Yyan spoke the words hesitantly, unsure. What magic was this? The words remained unchanged upon the ancient pages, but as he looked at them, the meaning filtered gradually into his mind, as if the words themselves desired to be read and understood… Page by page, Yyan grew accustomed to the flow, and the reading became easier.

Truly, Numen was our paradise… and now it is lost to us, he spoke. The great Gem of the Sun was removed so that we could understand the shape of shadows, for we knew that without light there is no shadow and without shadow no light…

A shudder of dread passed through Yyan as he read those words; he had heard similar rationales before, had been taught from near-infancy to beware those who used them as their foundation for seeking knowledge. What horrors had been unleashed by the unwitting denizens of Numen who did not understand the true nature of the light?

We have brought the Chalice with us in hopes that we will be able to create another great Gem or at least find the one that has been lost in the darkness. I fear many years will pass before we will once again follow the paths of Numen to regain the Gem of Tarion. May the darkness be kept at bay until then…

Yyan closed the book with a sigh. Released from the pull of the words, he felt drained and listless, and leaned back heavily in his seat, fighting the feeling off.

This darkness she speaks of. Could this be the darkness that Elemire was sent to eradicate? And if so… how did it break the seal?

Misumi flushed under Yyan's praise and gave a soft, self-depricating smile. "Thank you," she replied as she looked down at the book.

Elemire closed her eyes and leaned back, opening herself fully to the experience as Yyan read. The words were evocative, the images easy to imagine.

When Elemire heard the word,s 'great gem' and 'chalice' it was not a cup she envisaged, but a tall plinth with a curved top. The gem seemed to float and spin, casting out a circle of light that seemed to bathe the whole world in beneficent softness and gentleness. Gem and plinth were at the center of what appeared to be an open air atrium. A jolt of recognition hit Elemire. She had seen that plinth before, situated in a very similar way but sans any gem.

Elemire opened her eyes and a grave look settled on her face. "I do not think the darkness can ever be eradicated." This was said softly and with a heavy heart. "Some things, once done; can never be undone. They were like children playing with fire..." Elemire shook her head and sighed.

"But," Elemire leaned forward. Her expression changed to one of determination. ""I have seen that plinth. Our first clue is given! We must travel to Darleone."

Misumi's eyes widened and she looked between the pair of them. "The home of the elves? Aren't humans forbidden?"

Elemire crossed her arms and leaned back. "Only to the interior of the island. Once we arrive at the port city, I will have to petition for you to accompany me." Perhaps we can find a place to land that does not involve the port city...

The idea of traveling to the heartland of the elves certainly made Yyan’s eyebrows rise. He stirred himself and straightened in the chair, noting Elemire’s pensive expression. One would think that the city officials would be accommodating to a Daughter of Baresi on a vital mission, he offered.

Then he leaned back again in deep thought. Travel to Darleone would require the service of a good ship and trustworthy captain. With the festival in the city, the docks were full of merchant vessels that had come to turn a profit at the marketplace. Any ship not under exclusive contract would be looking for employment before the fall storms forced them into safe harbor.

Yyan worried at his bottom lip with his teeth. What he wouldn’t give to see The Starling at port. Captain Burling wouldn’t balk at the very mention of sailing to Darleone; in fact, he thought with a soft chuckle, Kate would want to start right off to catch a good headwind, heedless of the dangers traveling that far west. It would be a personal challenge to her, if she hadn’t already done it before.

He wasn’t setting his hopes on The Starling, however. And there was still plenty that needed to be done, and quickly. In order to make it to Darleone before the start of the stormy season, they would need to leave within the week. Misumi, how soon will you be able to leave the Hall of Records? I have no business holding me down, and we’ll need to make ready as soon as possible.

A thought struck Yyan, and he turned to Elemire. Do you have any accommodations in the city? It may take us a few days to prepare, depending upon the availability of a ship. Old Rainer downstairs should have rooms still available.

"One would think so, would they not?" Replied Elemire with a rueful smile. She shook her head. "We will need to tread carefully and I am not so sure we should broadcast our purpose broadly. Whatever has happened to cause a break might have been caused by design, not by accident."

All three fell into silence, gathering their own thoughts. When Yyan spoke again, both women lifted their gazes to him.

Misumi, how soon will you be able to leave the Hall of Records? I have no business holding me down, and we’ll need to make ready as soon as possible.

"I will need to put in for a sabbatical. We are allowed to take them and I have not taken one yet. I should be able to get everything finalized within a day or two."

Do you have any accommodations in the city? It may take us a few days to prepare, depending upon the availability of a ship. Old Rainer downstairs should have rooms still available.

For the first time, Elemire gave a more approachable smile. "I have and he did. I believe he gave me one of the last rooms available for a price I am sure he thought quite reasonable considering the demand." Elemire's brow quirked up as she gave Yyan a knowing smile. Her gaze moved to Misumi as she asked Yyan, "Have you a place to stay?"

And for the first time since they had met, Yyan would hear a soft voice in his head. Elemire did not wish to worry the girl.

"I do not want to worry her, but Misumi is important to this. She is Salovuje reborn. The longer she is in possession of the book, the more memories and impressions will come to her. Therefore, she will know more in the long-term than we can. She should be protected. Perhaps you or I should stay with her."

Misumi was tucking the books back into her pockets as she thought of things she should bring. "When you say provisions, will that include clothing, food, and equipment? I am thinking the things I own were not made for what we plan to do."

Misumi turned a thoughtful expression to Yyan. "And, will you need a letter of credit to use funds from me or coin?" Shopping in town she understood, unless his methods would be different. Misumi could just imagine him doing haggled negotiations over dice and drinks. Elemire spoke up,

"I would think a combination of both. Will we meet in the morning to begin?"

At the ghostly touch of Elemire’s voice, Yyan looked at her with first mild surprise, then new respect. He gave a small nod but did not reply directly to her suggestion, as conversation within the realm of normal sound flowed on.

Misumi asked him about provisions. Already Yyan had worked up a couple of lists: things they might need, and things he knew they would need. Meet me at the southern end of the marketplace tomorrow, he told her, and we should be able to get much of the needed supplies taken care of.

Turning his gaze upon her fully, he thought about what Elemire had whispered to him. Salovuje reborn… he’d have to puzzle that one out later. But she was right about to suggest protecting Misumi. Though still friendly, his manner became a bit more businesslike than before.

I do have a place to stay, he said. But until this expedition gets underway, extra precaution might not be a bad idea. Either Elemire or I could accompany you, if you wish it.

In the end he chose to leave the decision of protection up to Misumi. For all of his experience, Yyan knew he was not the leader of this mission. He was there to assist, and the sooner Misumi started making decisions, the more used to it she would become.

Meet me at the southern end of the marketplace tomorrow, he told her, and we should be able to get much of the needed supplies taken care of.

Misumi nodded as did Elemire.

"Alright."

"Aye."


I do have a place to stay, but until this expedition gets underway, extra precaution might not be a bad idea. Either Elemire or I could accompany you, if you wish it.

Misumi looked startled for a moment, glancing between the pair of them. "Extra precaution?" Her brows furrowed. Was there something to be afraid of here, in the City? Worry hovered in her gaze,
"If I do something different, more than I have already done, wouldn't that seem more odd and worth more notice?" Misumi shook her head and rested her chin on her knuckles.

"I appreciate the concern, but I think I should act as I would normally do." Misumi looked down, not making eye-contact, "I've spent years beneath notice of many. Hopefully, I can pull off one more day." Misumi stood. "I'll fill out the paperwork tonight and file it first thing tomorrow. I am going to go back to the Hall of Records. There may be other books that were in the same lot as the journal." Misumi held up a hand before either could protest. "It is not unusual for me to work overnight, but it would be unusual for me to have company."

Elemire glanced at Yyan, but nodded all the same.

"I agree with Yyan, but if this is your decision, Misumi, I will honor it." Elemire took a deep breath and exhaled. "Until tomorrow morning then." The elf woman stood up as well and stepped out of the snug. "My room is on the second floor of the back building, should you need me. Is there a bathing house nearby of decent repute?"

Yyan watched Misumi consider his suggestion, then gave a nod at her reply. He was not honestly expecting trouble and could not imagine a soul who would try to interfere with what they were about to undertake. He still had more concerns about the weather, or possible bands of roving pirates, to fill his thoughts. I wouldn’t advise staying up too late, he cautioned her. There will be much to do tomorrow.

He stood up when Elemire did, tapping his chin in thought when she asked about the bathing houses. The motion stirred a growth of blondish stubble on his chin, and suddenly a wash sounded like a rather good idea. The public bath houses will be closed this time of night. They open again at sunrise, or you can request hot water be brought to your room here.

Stretching his long arms above his head, Yyan felt himself breaking into a silly, boyish grin again. Wanderlust rushed full force through his veins, and he was looking forward to tomorrow. Would you at least care for some company on the way back to the Hall, Misumi?

I wouldn’t advise staying up too late. There will be much to do tomorrow.

Misumi nodded, choosing not to mention that she wasn't sure she could sleep while night hugged the city. She had never been afraid of the dark, but now she had cause to be. Light would be blazing her room in an effort to dispel any shadows.

"Ah, pity," said Elemire. "Well, we will see if the room can hold a tub." Elemire rolled her right shoulder and turned her head side to side, to stretch a little. "I have been traveling for a while and making due with rivers. Worst case, I can use the bathhouse tomorrow." Yyan's grin was infectious and Elemire shared in it for a brief moment before lifting her hand as she departed.

"Until tomorrow.."

At his offer, Misumi looked grateful. "I'd like that very much, Yyan." She ducked her head as she headed toward the steps, "Foolish as it sounds, I find I am not as comfortable in the dark as I used to be."

Elemire, whose hearing was as acute as one would expect for her kind, heard the comment but kept her progress toward another set of stairs. Intercepting a woman carrying linens, Elemire asked for a received confirmation that she could have hot water, but not a bath as the room would not allow for both a bed and a bathtub. Elemire thanked the woman and declined the offer of hot water. Tomorrow she would wake early and use the bathhouse.

Lights from the tavern shone on the patch of grass that separated the two buildings. Inebriated lovers held trysts on the long porch and in the shadows around the building. Paying them no mind, Elemire entered the common room and moved to the stairs. When she finally opened the door to the room she had let, her eyes widened. Her tent was bigger than the room!

Giving a soft chuckle, Elemire moved into the room and locked the door. The bed was positioned against the wall where the edge of the roof made a nearly ninety degree angle. A wash basin and bowl sat upon a small stand, which also housed a mirror. Staring at the bed, Elemire finally pulled the mattress pad from it to the floor. At least she would be able to stretch out and not hit her head when she awoke. Moving to the single, small window, Elemire placed a small sprig on the frame and and murmured softly. Her motions and words were repeated at the door. Vines spread around and over each opening, giving off a soft, pleasant, earthy scent.

The metal elements of her armor were removed and placed upon the wire frame within easy distance. Her gear was placed beside the bed. The clasp was removed from her hair, allowing it to fall freely around her face and shoulders. Elemire drew her fingers through her hair and inhaled a deep breath. For the next thirty minutes, Elemire moved through a series of limbering and relaxation exercises culminating in moments of cross-legged peaceful meditation. Moonlight shone on the bedpad in dappled patches, which made Elemire smile.

"My life for My Lady," Elemire murmured and lay down to sleep. Around and beneath her sounds of revelries could be heard, but these were ignored. Tonight, she would rest.

Yyan gave one last wave of farewell to Elemire before he followed Misumi down the stairs. The tavern common room was even noisier than before; as the night hours wore on, the average inebriation level would climb until the patrons either drank themselves under the table or Rainer was obliged to chase them out with a club. He kept close to Misumi, just in case some of the rowdier groups tried to make trouble.

A sharp whistle pierced through the cacophony to draw Yyan’s attention toward the bar. Rainer seemed to be laughing at him. “Forgetting something, lad?” Then he pointed at the table when Yyan had first sat down with Misumi.

His lute was still leaning against the chair.

Aghast, Yyan snatched it up and inspected it for damage, running his hands over the dented wood, almost in apology. It had been his livelihood and companion for years, and at the first hint of excitement he’d forgotten all about it…

He slipped the knotted cord around his shoulder and let the instrument rest against his back. With a smile of gratitude at Rainer, Yyan turned and followed Misumi back out into the street. The night air was cool, dark and clear, and scattered snatches of festival song still drifted through the avenues.

(My apologies for the lateness. I got attacked by a mean but thankfully short-lived cold bug over the weekend.)

As they navigated their way through the crowded bar, a whistle stopped Yyan. Misumi turned as well, curious as to the reason. Yyan's eyes widened and he moved to the table at which she had originally sat. Misumi watched as he patted down the weather-beaten lute like a protective mother checks over her child after a tumble.

The pair exited out of the building onto the street. As with the back courtyard, light streamed from the windows leaving square boxes of yellow illuminating street in cheery light. Enterprising vendors had carts out still, offering food, drink, and treats to those merry-makers who chose to stay out until the wee hours of the morning.

The further they traveled away from the city center and closer to the Hall, though, the quieter the streets became until only street lamps and moonlight lit the landscape and only the distant sounds of music and people could be heard. The entrance to the outer bailey was flanked by two guards who looked as if they would rather be elsewhere. Misumi paused and turned to Yyan.

"You could accompany me in. I ... I wouldn't mind the company." The two guards exchanged a glance and smirked.

(OOC: glad to hear you are feeling better!)

This was the closest Yyan had been to the Hall of Records. The general peasantry was forbidden entry to the grand vault, so when Misumi asked if he would accompany her past the defensive wall he blinked in surprise. Am I permitted to? he asked.

Out of the corner of his eye he caught the shared glance between the guards, the meaning quite clear, and on impulse decided to have a little fun. Yyan waited until Misumi turned to lead the way through the gate, then tossed a wink to the two guards. Barely suppressed chuckles followed in his wake.

Yyan shook his head, amused by the shortcomings of his gender, and trotted up to fall in beside Misumi. However, that small encounter put a thought in his mind. For having just met him, Misumi showed considerable trust in him, the mysterious and significant nature of their upcoming expedition notwithstanding. Such easy trust both flattered and concerned Yyan. Misumi was young, obviously innocent, and self-admittedly sheltered. She would need closer protection once they were out in the open world than he first suspected.

As they walked through the courtyard, Yyan couldn’t help but be impressed at the size of the Hall of Records. Famed across the continent, the closely guarded collection of buildings contained lifetimes of wisdom and knowledge. Would it be terribly presumptuous of me, he chuckled, to request a Writ of Study as a reward for joining you on this quest? He was making a joke, of course. He knew that a scribe of Misumi’s rank did not have the authority to grant a writ to a city peasant who wasn’t even a landowner.

Misumi nodded. She was not a prisoner and was allowed guests. Turning, she led the way into the outer bailey and veered to the left, skirting the outer wall. She was completely unaware of the exchange between the men. Had she been, she probably would have been mortified.

A nondescript side-door was unlocked with a key and inside was Misumi's room. Misumi turned the latch behind them, and then moved to an opposite door. This door led them into a Hallway. They passed very few people. When they arrived at the door to the Hall of Records, Misumi placed her hand upon the door. Beneath her palm, a plate seemed to gleam first red, then a soft golden color, which faded. After the color faded, Misumi opened the door.

Would it be terribly presumptuous of me to request a Writ of Study as a reward for joining you on this quest?

Misumi smiled and replied, "Horribly presumptuous."

Once inside, she closed the door and pressed her hand to another plate which gleamed golden then red. "Hello, my friends," she said softly out of habit.

"Illuminate." An orb of light came into existence above her casting a cheery glow. Sending it up a little ways to increase the area of light, Misumi gestured to a large table around which four chairs were situated. "I'll gather a few books and then we'll be done. Thank you for coming with me, Yyan." Misumi gave a self-conscious laugh. "I hate to admit it, but I feel better for having company." Misumi touched another orb upon the table and spoke the word illuminate once more. This cast another glow of light across the table. "You can sit or come with me, whichever you prefer."

Yyan grinned broadly, pleased that Misumi had shared in his joke. He could count on one hand the number of times he had talked to anyone in the last three years… not his usual mime communication, no exaggeration or guesswork. Just talk. Acting out a conversation could be frustrating; it felt good to just say something and have it be understood.

It was easy to watch over Misumi’s shoulder as she unlocked the door to the Hall of Records with a soft touch. The shifting colors of the lock-plate fascinated Yyan, and he suspected some form of protection magic was involved, but he resisted the urge to touch it. He didn’t want to land Misumi or himself into trouble by poking his nose into things like an over-curious cat.

His first peek into the great Hall of Records made him forget all about the lock, anyway.

Shelves and scaffolding, lecterns and desks, and more books, scrolls, tomes, manuscripts than he could ever have imagined gathered in a single place. Centuries of collected knowledge and experience stretched out before him, and for a moment he felt unloosed from the present, drifting in the tides of the past.

“Illuminate.” Misumi’s spoken command turned the cave of knowledge into a true temple dedicated to learning. Gilded light glowed upon the finely-made mahogany desks and heavy bookshelves and dispersed the shadows from the vaulted ceilings. Yyan was dimly aware that his mouth hung open in astonishment.

“You can sit or come with me, whichever you prefer.”

I don’t think I could sit still in here if you chained me to the table.

Still amazed, Yyan turned around to face her, and for several seconds his lips remained parted, displaying his disability. Then he came to his senses and snapped his mouth closed, looking embarrassed. Sorry.

He wasn’t ashamed of the reason for his muteness; he had come to terms with it long ago. But he knew the scarred stump at the back of his mouth was an unpleasant sight, one that always seemed terribly rude to inflict on others.

I don’t think I could sit still in here if you chained me to the table.

Misumi's smile was a soft one of pride and of affection. She saw how Yyan stared and looked upon the shelves and tiers of books and it warmed her to know that someone else could be moved by the sight. Misumi let her gaze rove over the whole of what could be seen the glow cast by the light orb.

"I love it here." She said softly. "So much history. My favorites are the personal journals where people talk about their lives, their feelings... I feel as if it joins us all, those things... and when you combine them with simple things like the weather almanacs, governmental documents... suddenly it becomes a complex tapestry. I just know if we can understand the way things happened, we can understand a better way to live our lives. We just have to make an effort to change the patterns, just enough..." Misumi fell silent, turning to look at Yyan as he turned to look at her.

She didn't notice his tongue, or the lack of it, at first. That it wasn't there, didn't register until he snapped his jaw shut and apologized. A myriad of emotions went through her - a slight horror to see just a stump, where you expect to see a full tongue; compassion - she could imagine that the experience had been painful; curiosity - as to how it had happened. She had read enough accounts to know that tongues could be cut out for a number of reasons, but wasn't aware of any accidental reasons; and even a little anger - a sort of protectiveness toward someone whom she was coming to like very much. That something like that should be allowed to occur at all was an affront. Misumi shook her head. What was there that could be said? Should something be said at all?

Misumi looked up at Yyan for the duration of a few heartbeats. Then she said, "Please don't apologize for being you."

She turned and moved down a few aisles, "Strange as it may seem I'm actually nearly blind from my work. I don't know why I don't need my glasses. I haven't since I found the memory book. I suspect some kind of magic is at work, but I do not know what it is."

Turning, Misumi moved down another aisle and began to look at the shelves. She pulled a slim volume from the shelf and tucked it into her pocket. Moving further down the shelf, she found another volume, this one a bit thicker and heavier. "These are the two that I wanted."

Yyan trailed after Misumi as she moved deftly through the aisles, listening to her words but keeping his own thoughts about the magic of memory books to himself.

…Please don’t apologize for being you…

He had heard similar words before, and the echo touched a bittersweet memory indeed. Was he still afraid, deep inside? Well… he had stopped running, didn’t try too hard to hide… but he hadn’t seen home for years, so perhaps he was still afraid, just a little. Afraid of what he would return to, afraid of what he would be expected to do.

Yyan wasn’t exactly pleased to find that fear still lingering inside his heart, but acknowledging its presence calmed him. One could never change what one refused to accept. He had learned to judge himself as a man, full of quirks and character flaws and potential mistakes.

Once Misumi found the books she had been seeking, Yyan pulled his attention away from his thoughts. He slipped something out of a pocket in his coat and twirled it idly between his fingers. The hour grows late, he told her after a glance through a pitch-dark window. Shall I escort you back to your room?