Session #10: Shrine of Torm
Jan. 14th, 2024 07:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
istainion I placed myself in a comfortable position, close to the window, to make sure that I will hear when the lady is calling for me. Once I had entered my meditation to feel well rested for the event, I'd occasionally hear screaming in my mind, or odd, indescribable noises. Each time, I'd take a warrior stance but with no threats to battle in front of me, nor near me. Kyndel suggested that they may be nightmares, if not results of excessive traumatic experiences. I wasn't sure what to think, because I indeed have had some complicated phases in my life. I hadn't imagined how much of an impact it could have had during my moments of rest.
How is it possible, I wondered, that this is the very first time that it has happened to me? Am I concerned about the dragon? Or is it the midnight event? Will I be strong enough?
No, I couldn't let it control me. Each time it happened, I'd position myself back to resume the resting. While it felt like I didn't get much of an opportunity, I got some words of comfort send into my mind. It felt like a sign that I was given, assuming that it was a part of a dream of some sort. Not only that, it advised me how to dress, like it knew that I had an upcoming meeting with that lady. I have to fix my hair, bring flowers, and ... The rest I forgot.
Around midnight when everyone chose to sleep, I left the treehouse as quiet as I could in response and made way to where the howling came from. When I was making my way toward the forest, I heard Hemlock's voice in my head. She sent me her best wishes. While I couldn't see her, I was happy about her support.
I straightened my posture and found the most beautiful white flowers that I could find, glittering in the moonlight. With these in my possession, I met the wolf that called out to me.
The wolf guided me farther away through the forest until it paused. Then it turned to me and transformed into a human, one that looked familiar to me. It was Susi! I noticed that she looked differently from the one I have met. It caught me off guard, and a little nervous, but her behavior and body language, even if a little differently, confirmed that she is, indeed, the Susi I met.
Her hair, it was nicely brushed, her eyes had some black type of ink around them, her lips, redder than before. And more of her face looked a little different, as if decorated for a feast. Are these cosmetics? And that scent that she had, it was very fresh and a little sweet. Very gentle. Her robe was partly torn, dyed in a midnight blue. Lady Susi told me that she had an accident which resulted her robe to be torn at the position one of her legs, exposing it to harm.
The lady didn't look dressed for a fight and it concerned me about her safety in combat. After all, we would battle a sacred beast near the shrine of Torm. Of course, that won't make me take this challenge any less seriously! Quite the opposite, I feel urged to keep her safe even more now! Even if the scent may attract the beast, my mission won't be aborted!
She approached me for what looked like an embrace and I tried to hand her the flowers, but she ignored them and squeezed them in between us. We shared an embrace, which seemed strange. She was so kind and willing to be close to me all of a sudden. Then, she took the flowers in her hands with surprise and excitement. She admired them and I told her that they reminded me of her and her wolves, glittering in the light of the moon as they did.
Then she turned to me and gave me advice related to the other women in my group, again, pointing out that they are dangerous, deceptive people. Sure, I have witnessed some of that, but she didn't stop after mentioning the first troublemakers. She also included sister Yolantha, a woman who is ever so faithful and wise, to be manipulative. Susi believes that she will render me into one of her puppets if she'd have the chance. When I exposed my hand on request, she noticed the ring, asking me why I am wearing it. And I told her, I was told to keep it safe with no other instructions. Lady Susi assured me that this ring is a part of Yolantha's plans to control me through manipulation. It is a cursed item that is in my possession and she demanded to take the ring away. I resisted, however, then I must at least return it to the sister. Instead, I took it off and was given a ring which she conjured from a rock. It was impressive, the ways she used her magic like that and made an excellent copy of it.
That'll keep the sister from wondering, she had said to me.
Then she continued to speak ill about Hemlock, which she said is named after poison. A horned, fat woman, she described her as. I don't recall Hemlock being fat? Quite the opposite, I'm concerned if she feeds herself well. We haven't been able to visit taverns lately, but luckily the druids provide us with plenty of food! Lady Susi warned me that she is a tiefling, a devil worshipper that is interested in obtaining my soul and I must be wary of her. If possible, avoid any contact with her, so I won't be consumed by the darkness. I feared for the worst, but nothing has happened? These women she speaks ill of, they saved my life.
After everything was said, she held onto my arm tightly as we continued our journey toward the shrine. On our way to an open field, I heard an unknown noise. Soon afterwards, a large creature made its appearance. Its legs were guarded by metal and it wore a mysterious mask. Quickly, I drew my sword and stood in front of the lady to protect. I taunted at the beast to come to me, forcing its gaze on me, but the beast, he didn't move. He looked rather confused as if it recognized our innocence, gazing in our direction. In the back, I saw the lady druid use hand motions at it, which I assume is a druidic method to calm the mind of the enemies. Soon afterwards, the beast let out a small noise and it disappeared.
Dumbfounded as I felt, I watched it ran off with great speed, disappearing into the distance. Confused whether I must chase it or not, but the lady held onto my arm again and cheered that I have protected her. She admired me wholeheartedly, calling me a great warrior, but I haven't fought the beast. Are we the chosen ones that are allowed in the shrine? The Lord must have blessed us! I thank you, Torm! Your guiding light, I won't let it fade, neither in the darkest of nights!
With the druid on my side, we made it to the shrine. It had a text written on the wall with a crossed through word, which was a little odd for a shrine, but who knows what may have happened to it. The previous shrine wasn't in the perfect state either, it must be a result of the difficult terrain.
While I was examining the text, Susi continued her path and during it, she fell down a cliff (1 meter high) and sprained her ankle. I rushed toward her, but she seemed to have slipped and rolled straight into the water stream, in which she got her robe soaked. I checked on her to see if she was alright.
Yes, she said, but she hurt her ankle. I took a close look at it, it didn't look very bad. Though, it's not in my nature to doubt a lady and especially not one of such a high, druidic position. I asked her if I should heal the pain away, but she said that during the night, she is allergic to healing. It was concerning, I haven't heard of such a conditional allergy before. Instead, we must spend the night at the shrine, she said.
I couldn't let a lady rest at a humid place such as this one if I can help it! Then, I suggested that I could carry her to safety, away from the potential dangers. Again, I couldn't. She is cursed by the feywild and cannot be carried or else she will turn to dust! I grew nervous, frozen in my position, brainstorming about a method to get her to safety elsewhere. She moved toward where some blankets were positioned in a golden yellow shade. It made me wonder how they got there. Is this really a shrine? Was it a message of comfort by Torm? My attention was fixed on Susi, I didn't pay attention to any symbols or markings, and everything was happening so incredibly fast.
Before I knew it, the lady druid crawled toward where the blankets were at and took off her soaked robe with little care about exposing her body. I decided to turn my head away respectfully until she was wrapped in the blankets. I felt concerned that she'll be cold, especially with the water that she's been exposed to. Though, Lady Susi assured me that she was fine with just the blankets, but did let me know that it may not be enough. She needed my warmth as well.
By that, she needed me to take off the cold metal armor to share my body heat with hers. I hesitated for a moment, but I recognized my duty and did as she told me to, keeping my weapons close in case of an enemy's attack. She pulled me closer to her and I felt her body pressed against mine. It was strangely comfortable to feel her soft skin touch mine and to wrap my arms around her gently. Eventually, I'd let my chin rest on her as our embrace tightened a little. I never thought that I needed an embrace such as this one in my life. Everything happened so fast, but now, it felt like time stood still for a moment.
It didn't stop there when she started shivering again, and she suggested that we needed to create more body heat through ... Various exercises ... And ... She ... Sure had her ways with that. I could feel our connection grow in ... Unusual ways. I wanted to keep her safe in ways I have never felt so eagerly for a single person in my life before. The moment we spoke that day felt like a magical moment, and now, this is what happened.
. . .
The next morning, I came to my senses again. I was alone in the blankets with a scarf around my neck, wielding her scent, the one she had during that night, but Lady Susi, she is gone. With no blood traces nearby, I realized that she made herself to safety, or so I hoped. I needed to confirm her safe return from the others. She is their portal guardian after all.
I recalled what she told me. All the druids that were gone during the evening, they returned safely, along with three masked people that the archdruid invited. That connection reminded me of the others and my urge to hurry back to them as quickly as I can. With this scent so close to me, I felt more confident than ever before. With a brave smile, I made a final prayer to the shrine. Unlike how it usually goes, this felt ... Empty. Like the connection was broken to the shrine.
I hurried back to the ones that were already curious about my wellbeing and wished them a good morning upon meeting. They seemed curious, if not suspicious about where I have been, or rather, they seemed vaguely informed. Sure, they were curious, but not upset about my sudden disappearance. I appreciate their curiosity about me and urge me not to leave me behind. I did get a mild fear of abandonment when they were suddenly chasing that bell, occupied by some wererats while we were at the gold mine, but this time, it was different. I felt very appreciated.
They asked me a number of questions and checked my new scarf, dyed in a familiar color of midnight blue. Sister Yolantha seemed extremely curious about the fake ring, she, too, needed me to remove my armor to see it. It made me a little suspicious, because it seemed to align with what Lady Susi warned me about.
I didn't hesitate this time to ask her if there is a reason why I must keep it safe for her. Sister Yolantha explained that it will protect me in battle, she spoke truthfully, but somehow, it felt like there was more to it. Women, they can be very sweet and lovely, but they also seem to have a side to them that I can't quite understand. But, that doesn't make my shared company with them any less nice, if anything, more interesting. Maybe, one day, I'll have them figured out. I'd wait while putting the ring on as soon as they don't pay attention.
We went back and met up with Roihu who was awaiting us at the tree house, curious about our lacking presence. He let us know that the archdruid wishes to meet with us after breakfast. After we enjoyed the breakfast and delicious juice, we went with him to where they would meet with us.
There, the potion master, arch druid and Sade were awaiting us. The potion master handed Kyndel three potions, upon the sister's request, we were given a powerful scroll (Pass without trace) to aid us in our quest in return for 200 gold, which she single handedly paid. As nervous as I was to see only 32 gold in my possession, I wasn't able to help much with the payment. They cannot assist us in any other way, but they have given us so much during our stay. A wonderful stay, great sleep, kind people and a unique experience.
Sade approached me and handed me a letter, she confirmed to me that Susi has safely returned and she was handed a message to give to me. I felt blessed and my cheeks flush a little, but I had to address my concerns about her. I needed her to know about the curse and told her, but in response, the lady slapped her forehead for reasons I didn't understand. Then she told me that it'll be fine. Yes, I believe so, too. After all, this is a place of healing. Again, I felt my smile return to me.
We shared our goodbyes with the people and I promised my friend Roihu that I'll return when I survive. I really wish to hear everything about his druidic experiences in full length! The moment we left, he turned into that beautiful, blue bird again and spun a few times above us, high in the sky. I waved him and the others goodbye as we followed Sade.
. . .
When no one was looking, I took a glance at the content of the letter and felt the sweat form on my forehead. I hadn't expected such love and threats combined in a single letter.
"Brave Sir Veigeros,
you are hereby granted my permission to depart on your quest to slay a dragon.
After you have slain the monster, you are to return to my side immediately and without delay.
IF YOU EVEN SO MUCH AS LOOK AT OTHER GIRLS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY, I WILL KILL YOU, THEN REVIVIFY YOU, THEN KILL YOU AGAIN.
Hugs and kisses,
Your Lady"
. . .
I thought to myself when I looked at the home of the druids fade away into the distance. That ... I must return. I wish to recover more in this peace when everything is over. Thank you, everyone, for your hospitality. I will not take this for granted.
How is it possible, I wondered, that this is the very first time that it has happened to me? Am I concerned about the dragon? Or is it the midnight event? Will I be strong enough?
No, I couldn't let it control me. Each time it happened, I'd position myself back to resume the resting. While it felt like I didn't get much of an opportunity, I got some words of comfort send into my mind. It felt like a sign that I was given, assuming that it was a part of a dream of some sort. Not only that, it advised me how to dress, like it knew that I had an upcoming meeting with that lady. I have to fix my hair, bring flowers, and ... The rest I forgot.
Around midnight when everyone chose to sleep, I left the treehouse as quiet as I could in response and made way to where the howling came from. When I was making my way toward the forest, I heard Hemlock's voice in my head. She sent me her best wishes. While I couldn't see her, I was happy about her support.
I straightened my posture and found the most beautiful white flowers that I could find, glittering in the moonlight. With these in my possession, I met the wolf that called out to me.
The wolf guided me farther away through the forest until it paused. Then it turned to me and transformed into a human, one that looked familiar to me. It was Susi! I noticed that she looked differently from the one I have met. It caught me off guard, and a little nervous, but her behavior and body language, even if a little differently, confirmed that she is, indeed, the Susi I met.
Her hair, it was nicely brushed, her eyes had some black type of ink around them, her lips, redder than before. And more of her face looked a little different, as if decorated for a feast. Are these cosmetics? And that scent that she had, it was very fresh and a little sweet. Very gentle. Her robe was partly torn, dyed in a midnight blue. Lady Susi told me that she had an accident which resulted her robe to be torn at the position one of her legs, exposing it to harm.
The lady didn't look dressed for a fight and it concerned me about her safety in combat. After all, we would battle a sacred beast near the shrine of Torm. Of course, that won't make me take this challenge any less seriously! Quite the opposite, I feel urged to keep her safe even more now! Even if the scent may attract the beast, my mission won't be aborted!
She approached me for what looked like an embrace and I tried to hand her the flowers, but she ignored them and squeezed them in between us. We shared an embrace, which seemed strange. She was so kind and willing to be close to me all of a sudden. Then, she took the flowers in her hands with surprise and excitement. She admired them and I told her that they reminded me of her and her wolves, glittering in the light of the moon as they did.
Then she turned to me and gave me advice related to the other women in my group, again, pointing out that they are dangerous, deceptive people. Sure, I have witnessed some of that, but she didn't stop after mentioning the first troublemakers. She also included sister Yolantha, a woman who is ever so faithful and wise, to be manipulative. Susi believes that she will render me into one of her puppets if she'd have the chance. When I exposed my hand on request, she noticed the ring, asking me why I am wearing it. And I told her, I was told to keep it safe with no other instructions. Lady Susi assured me that this ring is a part of Yolantha's plans to control me through manipulation. It is a cursed item that is in my possession and she demanded to take the ring away. I resisted, however, then I must at least return it to the sister. Instead, I took it off and was given a ring which she conjured from a rock. It was impressive, the ways she used her magic like that and made an excellent copy of it.
That'll keep the sister from wondering, she had said to me.
Then she continued to speak ill about Hemlock, which she said is named after poison. A horned, fat woman, she described her as. I don't recall Hemlock being fat? Quite the opposite, I'm concerned if she feeds herself well. We haven't been able to visit taverns lately, but luckily the druids provide us with plenty of food! Lady Susi warned me that she is a tiefling, a devil worshipper that is interested in obtaining my soul and I must be wary of her. If possible, avoid any contact with her, so I won't be consumed by the darkness. I feared for the worst, but nothing has happened? These women she speaks ill of, they saved my life.
After everything was said, she held onto my arm tightly as we continued our journey toward the shrine. On our way to an open field, I heard an unknown noise. Soon afterwards, a large creature made its appearance. Its legs were guarded by metal and it wore a mysterious mask. Quickly, I drew my sword and stood in front of the lady to protect. I taunted at the beast to come to me, forcing its gaze on me, but the beast, he didn't move. He looked rather confused as if it recognized our innocence, gazing in our direction. In the back, I saw the lady druid use hand motions at it, which I assume is a druidic method to calm the mind of the enemies. Soon afterwards, the beast let out a small noise and it disappeared.
Dumbfounded as I felt, I watched it ran off with great speed, disappearing into the distance. Confused whether I must chase it or not, but the lady held onto my arm again and cheered that I have protected her. She admired me wholeheartedly, calling me a great warrior, but I haven't fought the beast. Are we the chosen ones that are allowed in the shrine? The Lord must have blessed us! I thank you, Torm! Your guiding light, I won't let it fade, neither in the darkest of nights!
With the druid on my side, we made it to the shrine. It had a text written on the wall with a crossed through word, which was a little odd for a shrine, but who knows what may have happened to it. The previous shrine wasn't in the perfect state either, it must be a result of the difficult terrain.
While I was examining the text, Susi continued her path and during it, she fell down a cliff (1 meter high) and sprained her ankle. I rushed toward her, but she seemed to have slipped and rolled straight into the water stream, in which she got her robe soaked. I checked on her to see if she was alright.
Yes, she said, but she hurt her ankle. I took a close look at it, it didn't look very bad. Though, it's not in my nature to doubt a lady and especially not one of such a high, druidic position. I asked her if I should heal the pain away, but she said that during the night, she is allergic to healing. It was concerning, I haven't heard of such a conditional allergy before. Instead, we must spend the night at the shrine, she said.
I couldn't let a lady rest at a humid place such as this one if I can help it! Then, I suggested that I could carry her to safety, away from the potential dangers. Again, I couldn't. She is cursed by the feywild and cannot be carried or else she will turn to dust! I grew nervous, frozen in my position, brainstorming about a method to get her to safety elsewhere. She moved toward where some blankets were positioned in a golden yellow shade. It made me wonder how they got there. Is this really a shrine? Was it a message of comfort by Torm? My attention was fixed on Susi, I didn't pay attention to any symbols or markings, and everything was happening so incredibly fast.
Before I knew it, the lady druid crawled toward where the blankets were at and took off her soaked robe with little care about exposing her body. I decided to turn my head away respectfully until she was wrapped in the blankets. I felt concerned that she'll be cold, especially with the water that she's been exposed to. Though, Lady Susi assured me that she was fine with just the blankets, but did let me know that it may not be enough. She needed my warmth as well.
By that, she needed me to take off the cold metal armor to share my body heat with hers. I hesitated for a moment, but I recognized my duty and did as she told me to, keeping my weapons close in case of an enemy's attack. She pulled me closer to her and I felt her body pressed against mine. It was strangely comfortable to feel her soft skin touch mine and to wrap my arms around her gently. Eventually, I'd let my chin rest on her as our embrace tightened a little. I never thought that I needed an embrace such as this one in my life. Everything happened so fast, but now, it felt like time stood still for a moment.
It didn't stop there when she started shivering again, and she suggested that we needed to create more body heat through ... Various exercises ... And ... She ... Sure had her ways with that. I could feel our connection grow in ... Unusual ways. I wanted to keep her safe in ways I have never felt so eagerly for a single person in my life before. The moment we spoke that day felt like a magical moment, and now, this is what happened.
. . .
The next morning, I came to my senses again. I was alone in the blankets with a scarf around my neck, wielding her scent, the one she had during that night, but Lady Susi, she is gone. With no blood traces nearby, I realized that she made herself to safety, or so I hoped. I needed to confirm her safe return from the others. She is their portal guardian after all.
I recalled what she told me. All the druids that were gone during the evening, they returned safely, along with three masked people that the archdruid invited. That connection reminded me of the others and my urge to hurry back to them as quickly as I can. With this scent so close to me, I felt more confident than ever before. With a brave smile, I made a final prayer to the shrine. Unlike how it usually goes, this felt ... Empty. Like the connection was broken to the shrine.
I hurried back to the ones that were already curious about my wellbeing and wished them a good morning upon meeting. They seemed curious, if not suspicious about where I have been, or rather, they seemed vaguely informed. Sure, they were curious, but not upset about my sudden disappearance. I appreciate their curiosity about me and urge me not to leave me behind. I did get a mild fear of abandonment when they were suddenly chasing that bell, occupied by some wererats while we were at the gold mine, but this time, it was different. I felt very appreciated.
They asked me a number of questions and checked my new scarf, dyed in a familiar color of midnight blue. Sister Yolantha seemed extremely curious about the fake ring, she, too, needed me to remove my armor to see it. It made me a little suspicious, because it seemed to align with what Lady Susi warned me about.
I didn't hesitate this time to ask her if there is a reason why I must keep it safe for her. Sister Yolantha explained that it will protect me in battle, she spoke truthfully, but somehow, it felt like there was more to it. Women, they can be very sweet and lovely, but they also seem to have a side to them that I can't quite understand. But, that doesn't make my shared company with them any less nice, if anything, more interesting. Maybe, one day, I'll have them figured out. I'd wait while putting the ring on as soon as they don't pay attention.
We went back and met up with Roihu who was awaiting us at the tree house, curious about our lacking presence. He let us know that the archdruid wishes to meet with us after breakfast. After we enjoyed the breakfast and delicious juice, we went with him to where they would meet with us.
There, the potion master, arch druid and Sade were awaiting us. The potion master handed Kyndel three potions, upon the sister's request, we were given a powerful scroll (Pass without trace) to aid us in our quest in return for 200 gold, which she single handedly paid. As nervous as I was to see only 32 gold in my possession, I wasn't able to help much with the payment. They cannot assist us in any other way, but they have given us so much during our stay. A wonderful stay, great sleep, kind people and a unique experience.
Sade approached me and handed me a letter, she confirmed to me that Susi has safely returned and she was handed a message to give to me. I felt blessed and my cheeks flush a little, but I had to address my concerns about her. I needed her to know about the curse and told her, but in response, the lady slapped her forehead for reasons I didn't understand. Then she told me that it'll be fine. Yes, I believe so, too. After all, this is a place of healing. Again, I felt my smile return to me.
We shared our goodbyes with the people and I promised my friend Roihu that I'll return when I survive. I really wish to hear everything about his druidic experiences in full length! The moment we left, he turned into that beautiful, blue bird again and spun a few times above us, high in the sky. I waved him and the others goodbye as we followed Sade.
. . .
When no one was looking, I took a glance at the content of the letter and felt the sweat form on my forehead. I hadn't expected such love and threats combined in a single letter.
"Brave Sir Veigeros,
you are hereby granted my permission to depart on your quest to slay a dragon.
After you have slain the monster, you are to return to my side immediately and without delay.
IF YOU EVEN SO MUCH AS LOOK AT OTHER GIRLS WHILE YOU’RE AWAY, I WILL KILL YOU, THEN REVIVIFY YOU, THEN KILL YOU AGAIN.
Hugs and kisses,
Your Lady"
. . .
I thought to myself when I looked at the home of the druids fade away into the distance. That ... I must return. I wish to recover more in this peace when everything is over. Thank you, everyone, for your hospitality. I will not take this for granted.
NOTE: Yolantha and Hemlock were looking for an old druid to learn more about the Icepire Hold, and learned that 30 years ago, there was no message again from the warlord that built the fort. The druid mentioned that it was built to keep the marauding orcs in check. Though, the regions have been exposed to earthquakes. The building may be damaged in response to the earthquakes. She also told the two women that their supply routes were cut, and she believes that the warlord and her men may have died of starvation. (+ 3 health potions - Kyndel, +1 scroll of Pass without Trace, everyone is well fed.)
