Session #49: Battle to the bitter end
Jan. 14th, 2024 07:05 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
istainion Day: 15, Time of day: Afternoon
Location: Yesterhill
Note: Ellamin and Naedithas are defeated and turned into dust. Obtained noble ring (Torvial) and feathered earring (Shevat)
(Remarks marked by *are written in abyssal, remarks marked by - are written in celestial, the rest of the entry is written in common)
"Well, well, well~ It looks like you dealt with that one, I was going to shoot him when he got away, but~" We turned in the direction of the two elves that just arrived. There was an odd shadow around them, messing the eye to get a good look at them. Both had pale, washed out pigmentations to them. White and grayish hair, black eyes with red pupils. The smaller one with the ponytail, which the others referred to as "Ailoton" seems like the only one capable of socially interacting, followed by a large half blood, which I assume is Naedithas. The difference in physical age is clear. It's a good thing that his parents around to judge him for his partner choices with that age gap they share.
I narrowed my eyes, trying to see if his attitude is the same as the entries he made in the journal I keep. I'd say, he's quite alike, but would he really harm a defenseless man, himself? He may have lost the ability to think for himself. They may have been direct orders from that count.
"Ailoton!" Shevat called out to him. "What are you doing here?" It didn't sound like a gentle question, or a welcome back, it had more of an accusing tone to it. It seems like we're just that lucky to get a one out of twenty chance, like that raven lady said. I think we hit the jackpot. Unfortunate, though. "Well, I was coming here to give a report on how they were doing, but um ..." From behind, I heard the aasimar woman interrupt him. "Hopefully well!" They made eye contact, causing the other high elf to smile. "Yeah, it looks like they're all dead." Yshvara nodded. "Yep. It looks like that didn't go very well."
Ellamin looked back at us, his confident expression didn't change. "I mean, congratulations." I thanked him for congratulating us, after all, we did quite a good job putting a hold on that twisted plan of theirs. He looked at me at that moment, slowly letting his gaze move to both Torvial and Arabella. "I see some new faces. You didn't have any trouble replacing us, did you?" Yshvara shrugged, lifting both her arms. "Well, we couldn't help you aligning yourselves with the enemy, could we?"
Then Shevat took a firm step forward and yelled at the young high elf. "You took Naedithas from us! What do you mean, replace?!" Naedithas who stood behind the archer gave no reaction at all, neither to the sight of the one who tried to rebel in his place. Nothing, his expression was nearly blank. Like that of an empty puppet. The two have many scars on their skin which look rather fresh. What kind of work has this count been making them do?
The silver haired elf seemed disinterested in answering the druid, instead, he focused on what mattered, to him. "Well, it looks like some of you have some very loose morals, that guy was not about to do any kind of funny business, I can assure you. But you killed him anyway. We have some openings~ And Strahd pays well." Yshvara had no patience for the guy, mentioning that he previously admitted that he would have shot the escaping druid himself. "Guilt-tripping us isn't going to get you anywhere. So, are you done? Because we're very busy." Simply rejecting the offer that, hopefully, each of us would have rejected. Ellamin looked at her, eying her with surprise. "OH, I am SO sorry to have taken up your time then, you know what? Now that I do have you here, you're starting to become a little bit of an annoyance on the count's side, so would you promptly die, please?"
They drew their weapons, taking an offensive stance, ready to make an attack. For a second, I was caught in what felt like a family drama, now, I must see whether my plans will be effective. Given the state in which we are currently at, including that of myself, this is going to be rough, no matter the numbers ...
From behind us, we heard footsteps approaching. Behind us, two figures appeared, pale skin, bloodshot eyes, long nails and fangs. It’s been made clear that we're dealing with vampire spawn in addition. I pulled out my long sword and tightened the straps of my shield around my left arm, closing my eyes for a moment to make a silent prayer.
May fate be on our side.
<Battle Start>
From behind me, I heard the bushes rustling, before one of the vampire spawn almost flew in my direction to land an attack on me, using their claws. Luckily, I was quick enough to place my shield in between. These creatures are fast ... Though, I've gained some experience using my shield and blocked another attack that came my way.
I heard Ellamin yell the commands to his lover, like a tool of a necromancer. "Take out the big one in the front!" The one at the front was Torvial. Hopefully, I thought, he isn't that strong ... Without much of an emotional response, the half blood simply did as he said and rushed over to the redhead. With a grunt, he pulled out his greataxe and stomped his axe into the ground. A sudden, loud sound came out of him, filled with an immense anger. The ground around him was starting to shake.
The sounds were unnatural, piercing each of our ears with little mercy. Each of us was suffering, but before it reached me, Arabella did something, causing my pain to lessen. (... Why?)
But when I saw everyone else's reaction, it became clear that it was more than just a deafening sound. It looked like a type of headache they were having. I grit my teeth, cursing in silence. Most of us were affected, the state we were in wasn't helping. Before I knew it, dark tendrils shot from the ground where Naedithas stood. They shot in the direction of both Pyre and Torvial, leaving the redhead firmly on his feet, but the female redhead was not too lucky as she fell down onto the ground.
That guy, he's someone to look out for ...
The archer prioritized Shevat for some reason, who may have this drama going on between themselves. I'm not surprised, knowing that he's sensitive about the fact that this group believes that this guy simply took him away. I read those thoughts, before the journal was left behind. Nothing but regret, loss of meaning, disinterest in life. The meeting he had with the enemy, all left with me now. I understand this loss, but not to this degree. I never had a person to return to like that, one, who should last a lifetime. Though his thoughts are flawed, there are reasons why half-bloods and full bloods don't belong together. He would one day have to face this loss, himself.
- What we are up against, I know, is nothing but revenge for the mockery and misunderstandings during their time of travel. I have really gotten myself into trouble by joining them, but I must hold my ground. He led me here, I am certain, He would want me to stand, fight and protect these men and women. And that mission, I refuse to abandon.
Ellamin met eyes with the female aasimar, an attempt that has failed, from what I have seen. It may have been an attempt to control her. Another thing to look out for. The lady suddenly yelled at Torvial, a command, combined with a magical boost. "Take him down, before he can do any severe damage!" (Bardic inspiration) They locked eyes, and shared a smile. That was also a moment in which the enemy saw a moment to attack.
Naedithas got his greataxe from the ground and swung it in Torvial's direction and he sure didn't hesitate to bring a large wound onto his face. Pyre quickly picked herself up from the ground and got behind Naedithas to put the half blood at a disadvantage. When she struck him there was no reaction to the pain. It's like this man is a walking corpse.
Moments later, the severely wounded Fire genasi lady was transformed into a giant ape again, to help her through the suffering. A lot of light came from Torvial when he struck the enemy, causing severe damage, fueled by radiant energy. No reaction, again, neither to the light, but it was showing, his wounds were severe, just far from enough to keep the big half blood from moving.
Yshvara requested me to use a special spell that allows better healing, which in this situation, I couldn't simply ignore. While I'd rather take down the enemy, I am in no position to protect each of them from harm. Holding onto my necklace for a moment, I made a short prayer to connect to Ilmater, requesting strength when the familiar warmth of light reached those surrounding me. (Beacon of Hope) When I felt the claws of the enemy against the new shield, I slammed it against the vampire spawn to keep it at bay, who again, clawed against it.
When I hid behind my shield, I saw Torvial being struck down to the ground by the enemy after some severe damage was dealt to his body. Then when I looked in that direction, I saw Ellamin aim somewhere, away from the group and disappear into the shadows. When I turned my head back to focus on the enemy in front of me, to my side, I saw a large arrow of mist strike past Shevat and Yshvara. The aasimar was fast enough to move aside, but Shevat who was concentrating on Pyre's form didn't see it happen in time and took the impact of it entirely. It became clear that this fight is far from over.
Though there was more happening after the druid was struck, it's like he's close to crying. His body was shaking and his eyes started to tear a little. What was in that arrow?! ...
Moments later, a massive warmth filled the air, closing our wounds when Yshvara mixed her magic with mine, increasing her healing potential. (Mass cure wounds +29 HP) Shevat responded differently to it, he was suffering from the healing. Was it the arrow's doing? I felt guilt wash over me when I saw it happening. (Damn these two ...) He seemed more than in pain, the human was suffering from emotional pain as well, like he is tied. He was looking in the direction from which the damage originally came. I saw the archer in the back. A tear was rolling down his cheek. *What has that damned count done to them?! ... Are they both trapped?
"Ailoton, stop this foolishness at once! Strahd didn't give you what you wanted!", Shevat yelled after healing Torvial from the distance. "That's not Naedithas!" It nearly startled me to hear him yell like that all of a sudden, but I can see what he is trying. It might just be enough to bend his young and inexperienced mind.
A loud roar came from the big half-human behind me, when the clouds suddenly began to gather, darkening our surroundings. A loud rumbling from above was heard when a big flash of lightning struck closely behind me. Luckily, Torvial, the target of it, was quick enough to move aside in time. I cursed the half blood, hoping for his suffering to end. (Path to the Grave) - May he return from where he came and be put to rest, until ...
Then the vampire spawn flew past my shield at incredible speed, used her claws and moved her arm around me, limiting my ability to move. It was to my luck that the pain was enough to stay focused. It was hard to concentrate on my spell with a nasty undead close to me.
I noticed a thud to my right when the giant ape fell down the ground. Its appearance shifted back to that of Pyre, who was unconscious on the ground. The worst about it was that I am stuck with this monster and unable to move to her. Before I knew it, a familiar, dark, misty arrow shot past me, striking both Shevat and Arabella. "Yshvara! ...", Shevat called out to the lady next to him. "The berry ...", soon afterwards, he passed out and fell to the ground.
I looked back to where it came from, the elf with a wicked smile on his face, but as soon as Shevat passed out, it dropped, his face turned blank. I recognize that state. Utter despair. His moves, they cannot have made on free will. His body language changed entirely, at first, he seemed confident, but it seems to have shattered.
- That damned vampire controls them and suppresses their will in one way or another! We must make him pay for what he has done, even if it's the last thing we will do ... We must put an end to all this suffering!
Suddenly a lash of lightning energy struck in Ellamin's direction, who wasn't fast enough and neither strong enough to avoid it, he was forcefully pulled closer to Arabella. As soon as he arrived, he got struck by lightning damage. "Wake ... Up!", she yelled to him. As soon as he recovered from the damage, he put up a confident act again. "I don't know what you're talking about, I am ... Awake enough." Ellamin responded.
Yshvara went down to her knees and sought for the berry, forcing it into Shevat's mouth as he was lying unconscious onto the ground. And afterwards, she got Pyre back onto her feet. I can already see her go down again after she inflicted self harm again. (Why does she keep doing it, anyway ... Are people actually fighting this way?)
Shevat then suddenly stood back up again as if nothing happened. It seems like the berry was effective. This may change the turn of the battle. Then suddenly the lightning struck right behind me. Shevat was targeting the damned spawn from behind me. I was grateful! But also ... No, I was quite fine with it. It severely wounded the creature. - Thank the Lord ...
"Ailoton, you want the REAL Naedithas back? You want to see him live without the curse? Then let ME help him!" Shevat yelled at the young elf in the back. I could feel the impact, these words have a lot of power to it, but if it breaks his facade is the question. I decided to keep my attacks aimed at the real threat, hoping for Shevat to render the boy useless in combat.
The real threat, in the meanwhile, took out both Pyre, who was barely standing, as well as Torvial out. I was stuck to the ground, grappled by an undead. Gritting my teeth at the sight, I saw the half blood move to Arabella. That damned ...
Watching my two allies unable to fight, I felt myself urged to get to them, but this creature wouldn't let me. It even stunned me by growling and saying terrible, flirtatious things, such as ... "Kiss me ..." I felt my body grow cold with disgust as Yshvara passed me by to heal the two back onto their feet. I yelled at it to get the hell away, but the creature continued. "Come here, handsome~"
Moments later, Pyre charged to Naedithas again, locking eyes with me for a second when another comment from the undead came. It was like it knew that it disgusted me. That thing is playing with my head!
After an aimed strike from Naedithas, even Arabella goes down, but not before blinding the half blood with her gauntlets. Powerful, even when she hits the ground ... Unlike someone, I needed to free myself!
When another lightning strike shot down onto the undead, it wasn't as effective as we had hoped. "Oh, even the Gods want us together!" Honestly, I hate admitting it, but I was terrified. "Have mercy ..." I mumbled. It was to my luck that Torvial came to help me. Messenger/Warrior of fate, yeah, that he is ... "Nah?! You're coming between me and my soulmate?!" It yelled back. "I'm not your soulmate! ...", I yelled back at it in despair.
"If you kill us here, there is no one left who can help Naedithas!" Shevat tried again, but it struck the elf differently. The boy became angry at the remark. "Everything I did is for Naedithas!" He yelled back. "Funny way of showing it!", Yshvara shouted in the back.
The fight took a turn when Arabella got up and Shevat got knocked out again. Moments later, he was rescued again by Yshvara, my gaze moved to the side, to where Ellamin was at. We locked eyes for a moment, when suddenly, his voice was sounding in my mind. I frowned, gritting my teeth again at the comment. "You know, I was once a part of their group, but they will betray you, the first chance they get."
- . . . It's not like I don't know that they will, as soon as they hear and learn more about me, I thought to myself, they will abandon me, like everyone else did. May it be by betrayal, or pure hatred . . .
I yelled back at him. "I don't need ANYONE!" And revealed enough of a sign that I don't care. (CRIT/CRIT) Then Shevat turned to Ellamin again. "You said you did everything for Naedithas?! That is NOT him, if you really love Naedithas, you would know the difference between saving his soul and reanimating his body!" It seemed to take effect on his mental state. He seems frozen on the spot. *Remind me to never argue with Shevat about similar topics.
While the other vampire spawn took a hold of Shevat, he tried to reach out to Ellamin once again. "It's not too late, Ailoton! Come back to us and we'll save Naedithas together!" If it had any effect it was difficult to tell, even Torvial tried to reason with him. "Can't you see that these guys really care about you and just want to help you?"
Tsk, yeah, it's a nice position to have, hearing these encouraging things with uncovered meaning, but Strahd is quite powerful. Will these words truly reach what they intend? ...
The battle again took a turn when Naedithas single handedly took out both Pyre and Arabella, leaving his focus on the only one that remained standing, myself. After a failed hit by blade, I got Pyre back up again who went down more than four times this battle which wasn't entirely to the large half-blood's liking. He had his murderous gaze onto me, I don't think he blinked even once nor did he hesitate to use that large axe against me. Previously, I was feeling physically quite alright, but as soon as the man struck me twice, I, too, felt my gaze weaken, the warm blood pour out of the wounds he inflicted and my vision darken. Knowing that this was potentially my last moment to be alive, I used my final strength to speak. "Forgive me ..."
- I just didn't beg for their forgiveness, neither just that of Ilmater, but also the victims of my crimes. May everyone, one day, forgive me ...
"You're so dramatic, it causes me physical pain ..." Was the last thing I heard from the woman I just brought back from the grave as she got back up. What does she know, anyway ...
Before I knew it, I was held in a position, choking on a liquid that was forced down my throat. I coughed out, looking up to my savior which was the dhampir, Arabella who wasted up her most valuable position to rescue me. The sight of her frightened me somehow, it seems like that undead creature left me a mental scar.
"Oh, look at Arabella helping you, Viiris. Are you indebted to Arabella?!" I heard Pyre say. Dammit! ... I looked up to the small lady, when she spoke to me. "I only have this one, make it count." I frowned back at her, peeking back to the enemy who was looking away from me as the dhampir moved away from me. Damn this! ...
Moments later, Arabella seemed to be under some mind control spell, causing Pyre to faint once again and the others were in a terrible condition, even Shevat fell to the ground again. With only a little bit of strength left, I felt everything darken. It seemed like an endless, pointless battle. We had little chances from the start, even while saving up most of my magical abilities, it seemed like it was never enough. As soon as one of them stands, they will fall again. It was like a nightmare, a fever dream, a living hell.
My position made me feel useless, helpless and most of all, I felt powerless. I felt myself questioning my purpose, feeling all the faith in my abilities weaken and the connection to Ilmater stutter. I felt the external sounds weaken as if I'd fall unconscious again, but I was still standing. There was a ringing in my ears, my vision became blurry as I watched them all fight and struggle to survive.
When an arrow struck me, sucking the life out of me as, I felt the adrenaline rush through me and I suddenly realized where I am at. As my vision became sharp again, I saw Torvial on the ground and the man who previously got me down on my knees, standing right in front of me again. He looked down at me with his bloodshot eyes, holding his greataxe. I saw Yshvara run to Torvial to get him back up his feet again, but my eyes were resting on the enemy in front of me. To me, it felt like my life would come to an end soon. To my right, Pyre was suddenly attacking Shevat.
This fight, it's pointless, yes . . . T h a t i t i s . . .
Again, Shevat fell. Unable to keep standing.
It was as if my experience slowed down, each passing second felt like ten. My body felt weak, the blood kept pouring out of me. Nausea got to me and the headache grew worse. I was wondering.
. . . Maybe death in this place wasn't so bad, after all . . . It is all I've ever wanted, to be far away from where I came. These strangers, they don't know me, don't recognize my name, nor are they aware of my doings . . .
I saw Torvial attack the half blood from behind, drawing his attention for a moment. That was when I reached for my amulet and shut my eyes, speaking the words that reach the undying and the undying alone. May he be affected, or I will die. I refuse to run, running is pointless. If I lose my life here, then that is what I must, I thought to myself as I called out the words. (Channel Divinity: Turn undead)
It was successful, but as soon as he got hit, Naedithas returned to us, but stopped at where Yshvara was standing. It seems like my connection hasn't failed, even with the stuttering, even in a helpless situation, which gave me hope. Yshvara and Torvial in the distance flanked him, he was suffering severely from his wounds. When the aasimar woman struck him with her weapon, the man could no longer keep himself standing and fell to the ground with a thud. (250+ HP) From behind me, I heard Ellamin fell to his knees, shocked at what happened.
When I turned around, I saw the tears flowing from his eyes. The sight of his lover falling prey to the group that he betrayed, leaving only him standing. He began to shout helplessly. I felt this, I never had it before that I felt bad for my enemies, ones that joined forces with the enemy, but this time, I felt it. If only, I thought, things would have gone differently ...
Then something happened to him, it looked exactly the same as the way this necromancer lady, Stasia did. What this boy planned, looked like a life risking ability which may destroy one, if not each of us. It seems like, without his lover, he lost his will and desire to live, but when he will, he will take us down with him. I can't afford that, but it was hard on me to see each of them strike onto him with their full might. While they did, all who hit him were struck by an arrow he shot, Shevat went down in the attempt to attack and heal Arabella back up, Torvial also nearly fell, then it was my turn. I let go of my amulet, and looked in his direction. I had to put an end to this ...
I channeled my radiant energy and gathered it in my hand, until I launched it in the boy's direction, looking away from the hit it took. I couldn't bear the sight of my own failure when he struck the ground. I have murdered a foolish child, powerless, in a heartbroken state. Then stabilized Shevat from dying from the position I was at. Forgive me, for I have failed you.
I saw his body lay from the distance, but I refused to take a closer look. From behind me, I heard movement, footsteps, that ran past me, toward the one who just fell to the ground. I caught a glimpse of him, it was his lover, Naedithas, who used his final strength to get to his partner. I peeked to see, hoping for a miracle to happen, but all I saw was the man placing himself next to his lover onto the ground, giving him a hug, before reaching for his hand and laid beside Ellamin as he, too, shut his eyes. It was heartbreaking to see. Ellamin, he was smiling. I could swear that saw his lips move before he went down, in the corner of my eye, speaking the words "Thank you".
<Battle End>
______________________________________________________
{ Their spirits unified in a black void, where they meet and speak to each other. They looked at each other as Naedithas said the words "I'm not mad at you, this is fine. It's not your fault." He smiled at him. Ellamin looked back at him, returning him a weakened smile, heartfelt as he returned the words "I love you, Nae." }
______________________________________________________
Both of them, before any of us could move, the two, they turned to dust. I clenched my fists as I held onto my weapon and shield. They are gone ... And nobody could save them from this cruel fate ...
"Strahd will pay for this ...", Yshvara said with determination as she passed me. I looked in her direction, before looking down onto the ground again. "I'll ... Tear him to pieces ..." I said to her, before she moved away. They all gathered around Shevat, who woke up from his state as Torvial used his healing artes on him. I heard the man groan as he slowly sat up, asking "Is ... It over?" The others confirmed with a nod, yes, it is. "Thank the spirits ..."
I moved closer to the group when the familiar healing spirit appeared close to Shevat. It mixed with my healing magic, letting us recover to its maximum potential. But the true damage, that won't heal ... Neither be displayed in our scars, as they are gone. Only the tears in our clothes is what is left, the blood soaked clothes.
- Again, I got away with it, without any sign of punishment. I let my gaze rest on Torvial with a request in mind.
Location: Yesterhill
Note: Ellamin and Naedithas are defeated and turned into dust. Obtained noble ring (Torvial) and feathered earring (Shevat)
(Remarks marked by *
"Well, well, well~ It looks like you dealt with that one, I was going to shoot him when he got away, but~" We turned in the direction of the two elves that just arrived. There was an odd shadow around them, messing the eye to get a good look at them. Both had pale, washed out pigmentations to them. White and grayish hair, black eyes with red pupils. The smaller one with the ponytail, which the others referred to as "Ailoton" seems like the only one capable of socially interacting, followed by a large half blood, which I assume is Naedithas. The difference in physical age is clear. It's a good thing that his parents around to judge him for his partner choices with that age gap they share.
I narrowed my eyes, trying to see if his attitude is the same as the entries he made in the journal I keep. I'd say, he's quite alike, but would he really harm a defenseless man, himself? He may have lost the ability to think for himself. They may have been direct orders from that count.
"Ailoton!" Shevat called out to him. "What are you doing here?" It didn't sound like a gentle question, or a welcome back, it had more of an accusing tone to it. It seems like we're just that lucky to get a one out of twenty chance, like that raven lady said. I think we hit the jackpot. Unfortunate, though. "Well, I was coming here to give a report on how they were doing, but um ..." From behind, I heard the aasimar woman interrupt him. "Hopefully well!" They made eye contact, causing the other high elf to smile. "Yeah, it looks like they're all dead." Yshvara nodded. "Yep. It looks like that didn't go very well."
Ellamin looked back at us, his confident expression didn't change. "I mean, congratulations." I thanked him for congratulating us, after all, we did quite a good job putting a hold on that twisted plan of theirs. He looked at me at that moment, slowly letting his gaze move to both Torvial and Arabella. "I see some new faces. You didn't have any trouble replacing us, did you?" Yshvara shrugged, lifting both her arms. "Well, we couldn't help you aligning yourselves with the enemy, could we?"
Then Shevat took a firm step forward and yelled at the young high elf. "You took Naedithas from us! What do you mean, replace?!" Naedithas who stood behind the archer gave no reaction at all, neither to the sight of the one who tried to rebel in his place. Nothing, his expression was nearly blank. Like that of an empty puppet. The two have many scars on their skin which look rather fresh. What kind of work has this count been making them do?
The silver haired elf seemed disinterested in answering the druid, instead, he focused on what mattered, to him. "Well, it looks like some of you have some very loose morals, that guy was not about to do any kind of funny business, I can assure you. But you killed him anyway. We have some openings~ And Strahd pays well." Yshvara had no patience for the guy, mentioning that he previously admitted that he would have shot the escaping druid himself. "Guilt-tripping us isn't going to get you anywhere. So, are you done? Because we're very busy." Simply rejecting the offer that, hopefully, each of us would have rejected. Ellamin looked at her, eying her with surprise. "OH, I am SO sorry to have taken up your time then, you know what? Now that I do have you here, you're starting to become a little bit of an annoyance on the count's side, so would you promptly die, please?"
They drew their weapons, taking an offensive stance, ready to make an attack. For a second, I was caught in what felt like a family drama, now, I must see whether my plans will be effective. Given the state in which we are currently at, including that of myself, this is going to be rough, no matter the numbers ...
From behind us, we heard footsteps approaching. Behind us, two figures appeared, pale skin, bloodshot eyes, long nails and fangs. It’s been made clear that we're dealing with vampire spawn in addition. I pulled out my long sword and tightened the straps of my shield around my left arm, closing my eyes for a moment to make a silent prayer.
May fate be on our side.
<Battle Start>
From behind me, I heard the bushes rustling, before one of the vampire spawn almost flew in my direction to land an attack on me, using their claws. Luckily, I was quick enough to place my shield in between. These creatures are fast ... Though, I've gained some experience using my shield and blocked another attack that came my way.
I heard Ellamin yell the commands to his lover, like a tool of a necromancer. "Take out the big one in the front!" The one at the front was Torvial. Hopefully, I thought, he isn't that strong ... Without much of an emotional response, the half blood simply did as he said and rushed over to the redhead. With a grunt, he pulled out his greataxe and stomped his axe into the ground. A sudden, loud sound came out of him, filled with an immense anger. The ground around him was starting to shake.
The sounds were unnatural, piercing each of our ears with little mercy. Each of us was suffering, but before it reached me, Arabella did something, causing my pain to lessen. (... Why?)
But when I saw everyone else's reaction, it became clear that it was more than just a deafening sound. It looked like a type of headache they were having. I grit my teeth, cursing in silence. Most of us were affected, the state we were in wasn't helping. Before I knew it, dark tendrils shot from the ground where Naedithas stood. They shot in the direction of both Pyre and Torvial, leaving the redhead firmly on his feet, but the female redhead was not too lucky as she fell down onto the ground.
That guy, he's someone to look out for ...
The archer prioritized Shevat for some reason, who may have this drama going on between themselves. I'm not surprised, knowing that he's sensitive about the fact that this group believes that this guy simply took him away. I read those thoughts, before the journal was left behind. Nothing but regret, loss of meaning, disinterest in life. The meeting he had with the enemy, all left with me now. I understand this loss, but not to this degree. I never had a person to return to like that, one, who should last a lifetime. Though his thoughts are flawed, there are reasons why half-bloods and full bloods don't belong together. He would one day have to face this loss, himself.
- What we are up against, I know, is nothing but revenge for the mockery and misunderstandings during their time of travel. I have really gotten myself into trouble by joining them, but I must hold my ground. He led me here, I am certain, He would want me to stand, fight and protect these men and women. And that mission, I refuse to abandon.
Ellamin met eyes with the female aasimar, an attempt that has failed, from what I have seen. It may have been an attempt to control her. Another thing to look out for. The lady suddenly yelled at Torvial, a command, combined with a magical boost. "Take him down, before he can do any severe damage!" (Bardic inspiration) They locked eyes, and shared a smile. That was also a moment in which the enemy saw a moment to attack.
Naedithas got his greataxe from the ground and swung it in Torvial's direction and he sure didn't hesitate to bring a large wound onto his face. Pyre quickly picked herself up from the ground and got behind Naedithas to put the half blood at a disadvantage. When she struck him there was no reaction to the pain. It's like this man is a walking corpse.
Moments later, the severely wounded Fire genasi lady was transformed into a giant ape again, to help her through the suffering. A lot of light came from Torvial when he struck the enemy, causing severe damage, fueled by radiant energy. No reaction, again, neither to the light, but it was showing, his wounds were severe, just far from enough to keep the big half blood from moving.
Yshvara requested me to use a special spell that allows better healing, which in this situation, I couldn't simply ignore. While I'd rather take down the enemy, I am in no position to protect each of them from harm. Holding onto my necklace for a moment, I made a short prayer to connect to Ilmater, requesting strength when the familiar warmth of light reached those surrounding me. (Beacon of Hope) When I felt the claws of the enemy against the new shield, I slammed it against the vampire spawn to keep it at bay, who again, clawed against it.
When I hid behind my shield, I saw Torvial being struck down to the ground by the enemy after some severe damage was dealt to his body. Then when I looked in that direction, I saw Ellamin aim somewhere, away from the group and disappear into the shadows. When I turned my head back to focus on the enemy in front of me, to my side, I saw a large arrow of mist strike past Shevat and Yshvara. The aasimar was fast enough to move aside, but Shevat who was concentrating on Pyre's form didn't see it happen in time and took the impact of it entirely. It became clear that this fight is far from over.
Though there was more happening after the druid was struck, it's like he's close to crying. His body was shaking and his eyes started to tear a little. What was in that arrow?! ...
Moments later, a massive warmth filled the air, closing our wounds when Yshvara mixed her magic with mine, increasing her healing potential. (Mass cure wounds +29 HP) Shevat responded differently to it, he was suffering from the healing. Was it the arrow's doing? I felt guilt wash over me when I saw it happening. (Damn these two ...) He seemed more than in pain, the human was suffering from emotional pain as well, like he is tied. He was looking in the direction from which the damage originally came. I saw the archer in the back. A tear was rolling down his cheek. *
"Ailoton, stop this foolishness at once! Strahd didn't give you what you wanted!", Shevat yelled after healing Torvial from the distance. "That's not Naedithas!" It nearly startled me to hear him yell like that all of a sudden, but I can see what he is trying. It might just be enough to bend his young and inexperienced mind.
A loud roar came from the big half-human behind me, when the clouds suddenly began to gather, darkening our surroundings. A loud rumbling from above was heard when a big flash of lightning struck closely behind me. Luckily, Torvial, the target of it, was quick enough to move aside in time. I cursed the half blood, hoping for his suffering to end. (Path to the Grave) - May he return from where he came and be put to rest, until ...
Then the vampire spawn flew past my shield at incredible speed, used her claws and moved her arm around me, limiting my ability to move. It was to my luck that the pain was enough to stay focused. It was hard to concentrate on my spell with a nasty undead close to me.
I noticed a thud to my right when the giant ape fell down the ground. Its appearance shifted back to that of Pyre, who was unconscious on the ground. The worst about it was that I am stuck with this monster and unable to move to her. Before I knew it, a familiar, dark, misty arrow shot past me, striking both Shevat and Arabella. "Yshvara! ...", Shevat called out to the lady next to him. "The berry ...", soon afterwards, he passed out and fell to the ground.
I looked back to where it came from, the elf with a wicked smile on his face, but as soon as Shevat passed out, it dropped, his face turned blank. I recognize that state. Utter despair. His moves, they cannot have made on free will. His body language changed entirely, at first, he seemed confident, but it seems to have shattered.
- That damned vampire controls them and suppresses their will in one way or another! We must make him pay for what he has done, even if it's the last thing we will do ... We must put an end to all this suffering!
Suddenly a lash of lightning energy struck in Ellamin's direction, who wasn't fast enough and neither strong enough to avoid it, he was forcefully pulled closer to Arabella. As soon as he arrived, he got struck by lightning damage. "Wake ... Up!", she yelled to him. As soon as he recovered from the damage, he put up a confident act again. "I don't know what you're talking about, I am ... Awake enough." Ellamin responded.
Yshvara went down to her knees and sought for the berry, forcing it into Shevat's mouth as he was lying unconscious onto the ground. And afterwards, she got Pyre back onto her feet. I can already see her go down again after she inflicted self harm again. (Why does she keep doing it, anyway ... Are people actually fighting this way?)
Shevat then suddenly stood back up again as if nothing happened. It seems like the berry was effective. This may change the turn of the battle. Then suddenly the lightning struck right behind me. Shevat was targeting the damned spawn from behind me. I was grateful! But also ... No, I was quite fine with it. It severely wounded the creature. - Thank the Lord ...
"Ailoton, you want the REAL Naedithas back? You want to see him live without the curse? Then let ME help him!" Shevat yelled at the young elf in the back. I could feel the impact, these words have a lot of power to it, but if it breaks his facade is the question. I decided to keep my attacks aimed at the real threat, hoping for Shevat to render the boy useless in combat.
The real threat, in the meanwhile, took out both Pyre, who was barely standing, as well as Torvial out. I was stuck to the ground, grappled by an undead. Gritting my teeth at the sight, I saw the half blood move to Arabella. That damned ...
Watching my two allies unable to fight, I felt myself urged to get to them, but this creature wouldn't let me. It even stunned me by growling and saying terrible, flirtatious things, such as ... "Kiss me ..." I felt my body grow cold with disgust as Yshvara passed me by to heal the two back onto their feet. I yelled at it to get the hell away, but the creature continued. "Come here, handsome~"
Moments later, Pyre charged to Naedithas again, locking eyes with me for a second when another comment from the undead came. It was like it knew that it disgusted me. That thing is playing with my head!
After an aimed strike from Naedithas, even Arabella goes down, but not before blinding the half blood with her gauntlets. Powerful, even when she hits the ground ... Unlike someone, I needed to free myself!
When another lightning strike shot down onto the undead, it wasn't as effective as we had hoped. "Oh, even the Gods want us together!" Honestly, I hate admitting it, but I was terrified. "Have mercy ..." I mumbled. It was to my luck that Torvial came to help me. Messenger/Warrior of fate, yeah, that he is ... "Nah?! You're coming between me and my soulmate?!" It yelled back. "I'm not your soulmate! ...", I yelled back at it in despair.
"If you kill us here, there is no one left who can help Naedithas!" Shevat tried again, but it struck the elf differently. The boy became angry at the remark. "Everything I did is for Naedithas!" He yelled back. "Funny way of showing it!", Yshvara shouted in the back.
The fight took a turn when Arabella got up and Shevat got knocked out again. Moments later, he was rescued again by Yshvara, my gaze moved to the side, to where Ellamin was at. We locked eyes for a moment, when suddenly, his voice was sounding in my mind. I frowned, gritting my teeth again at the comment. "You know, I was once a part of their group, but they will betray you, the first chance they get."
- . . . It's not like I don't know that they will, as soon as they hear and learn more about me, I thought to myself, they will abandon me, like everyone else did. May it be by betrayal, or pure hatred . . .
I yelled back at him. "I don't need ANYONE!" And revealed enough of a sign that I don't care. (CRIT/CRIT) Then Shevat turned to Ellamin again. "You said you did everything for Naedithas?! That is NOT him, if you really love Naedithas, you would know the difference between saving his soul and reanimating his body!" It seemed to take effect on his mental state. He seems frozen on the spot. *
While the other vampire spawn took a hold of Shevat, he tried to reach out to Ellamin once again. "It's not too late, Ailoton! Come back to us and we'll save Naedithas together!" If it had any effect it was difficult to tell, even Torvial tried to reason with him. "Can't you see that these guys really care about you and just want to help you?"
Tsk, yeah, it's a nice position to have, hearing these encouraging things with uncovered meaning, but Strahd is quite powerful. Will these words truly reach what they intend? ...
The battle again took a turn when Naedithas single handedly took out both Pyre and Arabella, leaving his focus on the only one that remained standing, myself. After a failed hit by blade, I got Pyre back up again who went down more than four times this battle which wasn't entirely to the large half-blood's liking. He had his murderous gaze onto me, I don't think he blinked even once nor did he hesitate to use that large axe against me. Previously, I was feeling physically quite alright, but as soon as the man struck me twice, I, too, felt my gaze weaken, the warm blood pour out of the wounds he inflicted and my vision darken. Knowing that this was potentially my last moment to be alive, I used my final strength to speak. "Forgive me ..."
- I just didn't beg for their forgiveness, neither just that of Ilmater, but also the victims of my crimes. May everyone, one day, forgive me ...
"You're so dramatic, it causes me physical pain ..." Was the last thing I heard from the woman I just brought back from the grave as she got back up. What does she know, anyway ...
Before I knew it, I was held in a position, choking on a liquid that was forced down my throat. I coughed out, looking up to my savior which was the dhampir, Arabella who wasted up her most valuable position to rescue me. The sight of her frightened me somehow, it seems like that undead creature left me a mental scar.
"Oh, look at Arabella helping you, Viiris. Are you indebted to Arabella?!" I heard Pyre say. Dammit! ... I looked up to the small lady, when she spoke to me. "I only have this one, make it count." I frowned back at her, peeking back to the enemy who was looking away from me as the dhampir moved away from me. Damn this! ...
Moments later, Arabella seemed to be under some mind control spell, causing Pyre to faint once again and the others were in a terrible condition, even Shevat fell to the ground again. With only a little bit of strength left, I felt everything darken. It seemed like an endless, pointless battle. We had little chances from the start, even while saving up most of my magical abilities, it seemed like it was never enough. As soon as one of them stands, they will fall again. It was like a nightmare, a fever dream, a living hell.
My position made me feel useless, helpless and most of all, I felt powerless. I felt myself questioning my purpose, feeling all the faith in my abilities weaken and the connection to Ilmater stutter. I felt the external sounds weaken as if I'd fall unconscious again, but I was still standing. There was a ringing in my ears, my vision became blurry as I watched them all fight and struggle to survive.
When an arrow struck me, sucking the life out of me as, I felt the adrenaline rush through me and I suddenly realized where I am at. As my vision became sharp again, I saw Torvial on the ground and the man who previously got me down on my knees, standing right in front of me again. He looked down at me with his bloodshot eyes, holding his greataxe. I saw Yshvara run to Torvial to get him back up his feet again, but my eyes were resting on the enemy in front of me. To me, it felt like my life would come to an end soon. To my right, Pyre was suddenly attacking Shevat.
This fight, it's pointless, yes . . . T h a t i t i s . . .
Again, Shevat fell. Unable to keep standing.
It was as if my experience slowed down, each passing second felt like ten. My body felt weak, the blood kept pouring out of me. Nausea got to me and the headache grew worse. I was wondering.
. . . Maybe death in this place wasn't so bad, after all . . . It is all I've ever wanted, to be far away from where I came. These strangers, they don't know me, don't recognize my name, nor are they aware of my doings . . .
I saw Torvial attack the half blood from behind, drawing his attention for a moment. That was when I reached for my amulet and shut my eyes, speaking the words that reach the undying and the undying alone. May he be affected, or I will die. I refuse to run, running is pointless. If I lose my life here, then that is what I must, I thought to myself as I called out the words. (Channel Divinity: Turn undead)
It was successful, but as soon as he got hit, Naedithas returned to us, but stopped at where Yshvara was standing. It seems like my connection hasn't failed, even with the stuttering, even in a helpless situation, which gave me hope. Yshvara and Torvial in the distance flanked him, he was suffering severely from his wounds. When the aasimar woman struck him with her weapon, the man could no longer keep himself standing and fell to the ground with a thud. (250+ HP) From behind me, I heard Ellamin fell to his knees, shocked at what happened.
When I turned around, I saw the tears flowing from his eyes. The sight of his lover falling prey to the group that he betrayed, leaving only him standing. He began to shout helplessly. I felt this, I never had it before that I felt bad for my enemies, ones that joined forces with the enemy, but this time, I felt it. If only, I thought, things would have gone differently ...
Then something happened to him, it looked exactly the same as the way this necromancer lady, Stasia did. What this boy planned, looked like a life risking ability which may destroy one, if not each of us. It seems like, without his lover, he lost his will and desire to live, but when he will, he will take us down with him. I can't afford that, but it was hard on me to see each of them strike onto him with their full might. While they did, all who hit him were struck by an arrow he shot, Shevat went down in the attempt to attack and heal Arabella back up, Torvial also nearly fell, then it was my turn. I let go of my amulet, and looked in his direction. I had to put an end to this ...
I channeled my radiant energy and gathered it in my hand, until I launched it in the boy's direction, looking away from the hit it took. I couldn't bear the sight of my own failure when he struck the ground. I have murdered a foolish child, powerless, in a heartbroken state. Then stabilized Shevat from dying from the position I was at. Forgive me, for I have failed you.
I saw his body lay from the distance, but I refused to take a closer look. From behind me, I heard movement, footsteps, that ran past me, toward the one who just fell to the ground. I caught a glimpse of him, it was his lover, Naedithas, who used his final strength to get to his partner. I peeked to see, hoping for a miracle to happen, but all I saw was the man placing himself next to his lover onto the ground, giving him a hug, before reaching for his hand and laid beside Ellamin as he, too, shut his eyes. It was heartbreaking to see. Ellamin, he was smiling. I could swear that saw his lips move before he went down, in the corner of my eye, speaking the words "Thank you".
<Battle End>
______________________________________________________
{ Their spirits unified in a black void, where they meet and speak to each other. They looked at each other as Naedithas said the words "I'm not mad at you, this is fine. It's not your fault." He smiled at him. Ellamin looked back at him, returning him a weakened smile, heartfelt as he returned the words "I love you, Nae." }
______________________________________________________
Both of them, before any of us could move, the two, they turned to dust. I clenched my fists as I held onto my weapon and shield. They are gone ... And nobody could save them from this cruel fate ...
"Strahd will pay for this ...", Yshvara said with determination as she passed me. I looked in her direction, before looking down onto the ground again. "I'll ... Tear him to pieces ..." I said to her, before she moved away. They all gathered around Shevat, who woke up from his state as Torvial used his healing artes on him. I heard the man groan as he slowly sat up, asking "Is ... It over?" The others confirmed with a nod, yes, it is. "Thank the spirits ..."
I moved closer to the group when the familiar healing spirit appeared close to Shevat. It mixed with my healing magic, letting us recover to its maximum potential. But the true damage, that won't heal ... Neither be displayed in our scars, as they are gone. Only the tears in our clothes is what is left, the blood soaked clothes.
- Again, I got away with it, without any sign of punishment. I let my gaze rest on Torvial with a request in mind.
