A wild goose chase

[Archival]

Drum must have scoured the coastal waters south of the Hills of Noddendody for a hundredth time. He swam underwater, cast dragnets, climbed coastal rocks, checked everything. So what was one last sweeping boat tour of duty? Perhaps he missed something, but alas, this last search turned just as empty.

Dejected, the Dwarf in his skiff stared blankly at the massive cliff wall fronting the South Sea. The promontory gleamed a dark shade of what seemed like black, but was really deep red like that of dried blood.

“Sacre Blaurg, me mateys gonna be strangling me. What if der be no treasures, really! I checked a thousandth times, argh.”

By ‘mateys’, Drum did not mean his Dangles crew, a feared group of pirates, but meant a bunch of adventurers he met at the Bull N’ Bush tavern in Casper. A lesser posse who he could haggle with more easily. Haggle with what? Why, treasure, of course. Surely this piece of rock he dug up while mining in Blaurg led to treasure!

A red ‘X’ clearly was etched on the rhombus stone with a map of Terrenus on it. What else could it indicate but treasure? But alas, after a hundred solitary expeditions, Drum found nothing. Still, there was one avenue left to try.

By air.

After all, the words ‘Only those with wings of flight can find me’ was inscribed on the map. But how the heck can treasure be up in the sky!!? Drum glanced up at the midday sun beneath the brim of his hand, waiting to be enlightened. He did have an instrument of flight available. The Bumbling Fool, an amazing airship. But without the captain and the navigator, who were busy on a separate quest, the mutinous idea of gathering the remaining crew for a detour simply could not fly. The Captain will surely skin his hide.

And so, after a few rounds of liquor and banter at the tavern, Drum got to talking to a half-dragon. The kerosene bulb lighted above his head. If not an airship, maybe a dragon? Ah! A few others joined, and the expedition was set.

And now, with skiff secured, Corundum Sardonyx waited for the gang to show up.

[Modulation]

Eldra casually walked along, hands in her pockets. She was clad in a tank top and a jacket, as well as jeans. And some black boots. She'd taken a bit to learn what was normal around here, so she could blend in. A woman on a mission. Her ring was around her neck, as well as a set of dog tags which once belonged to her husband. He'd been a soldier, at one point. Her hair was down, to cover the pointed tips of her ears. Golden eyes, and red runes around...however, sorcery could only get her so far - she needed money. And when the man had come into the bar, she'd struck up conversation. Unfortunately, her weakness was liquor - and he'd found out about her heritage. But it was useful in landing her a job, so...

Eldra was a half-dragon, and also half-elf. It was a strange heritage - one that allowed her to have natural talent for magic. She needed no weapon, other than herself. And, with age, came the ability to transform into her scaly counterpart. She was decades old - but didn't look it. Her complexion was always pale, but rosy, when in her half-elf form. And her hair was very fair. It marked her down as strange, even before people met her. And at 5'5", she was also short. Regardless of how she dressed, she'd attract attention. And now, as she made her way to the cliff, she thought about how long it'd taken her to find out about him. About how her husband was now in Terrenus, somewhere...

But she needed money to travel. And as she approached the skiff, she sighed. Oh, how life had thrown her down this path...

[Claire Of The Mute Heart]

Like flies to a pile of festering shit. Those who sought materialistic gain would congregate. Conjuring forth and weaving various plots. Methods in order to obtain what treasure had yet to be unearthed. For one by one, they would lose themselves to greed's call. Perhaps a few would withstand their inner demons song. Aleun sought not riches, her reasons for joining this band of misfits was far less selfish. Though for the moment her true intents would remain shrouded in a aura of mystery. However her body language and lack of interest in their affairs was evidence enough. For in her eyes they were nothing more then her mule. And so after the half elven made her approach. In the distance her figure could be seen. Clad in dark leather attire. Which clung tightly to her beautifully defined frame. And on her back, rested an overly sized scimitar. A brand of crimson decorating its otherwise silver appearance. This symbol was her own, a testament to her abilities as a fighter as well as her ranking within her own house.

Though such pearls she would refrain from tossing amongst swine. For these ignorant creatures knew nothing of her role within Drow society. And they were no more equipped to understand then she cared to explain. As she approached the Dwarf known as Drum, a cold gaze would lock on his short and stout exterior. Her eyes would refrain from gracing the half elf. For at the moment they had nothing to say to each other. The way she carried herself was that of a seasoned warrioress. One who was confident if not overly prideful in her abilities. For in her eyes killing was an art. And she was this arts mistress.

With uncanny speed the woman would reach behind her cloak, pulling out a brown sash filled with coins. Tossing it at the feet of the repulsive dwarf. "Half now, the other half after we return. If I die you can keep this half. If I survive a man clad in swarthy attire will find you. And hand you the other half of our agreement." She would conclude. Shining but a glimmer of light upon her role in their affair. For what was in the interest of the Drow, was not always in the interest of others. This large sum of Gold was the Drows percentage of funding necessary to make this operation possible. Now it is true that Drows tend to be reclusive if not xenophobic toward the other races. Only rising from the underworld in order to test their mettle against the surface species. And to wage war on their lands.But on some rare occasions they would work together, so as long as it remained in their best interest of course. This occasion was no different.

The Drowess would not even introduce herself. Instead she would find herself drifting to the back of the group. Unsheathing her blade before slamming it into the harden earth itself. A thin cloud of dust would rise from the impact, dissipating in the air due to the influence of the wind. She would then plop herself on the cold ground, back resting in her blade as arms folded across her defined abdomen. "I have been walking for 48 hours. Do not concern yourself though. I will not hinder our progress. I require only a few minutes. In the meantime I believe we need to figure a method of travel." Aleun would conclude.

[Modulation]

Eldra reached the skiff in time to hear the last comment, and thought for a minute. "Well, we've got the boat...but I suppose I could carry a few people if we need to..." She wasn't informed that there would be flying - or if she was, she was a horrid drinker. Her massive hangover attributed to that. Taking a small flask from her bag, she sipped at it. One of her potions - it promoted clarity of mind, and helped someone think. Also good for relieving the symptoms she was suffering now. Should've known better, but she was also prepared. There were different flasks in her bag, and also some strange components. Different things, for her magic. Some were material components, for the most complicated of spells - others were useful bits and pieces, like pebbles for focusing magic light upon. There was even a spoon she'd acquired, years back, which would create food if placed in a bowl. Unfortunately, it had all the consistency of wood paste. And most of the taste. Still nutritious, however.

However, there were a few things she had noted. Number one...the dwarf. Strange guy - seemed to have a thick accent. And not a gruff mountain one either...no, he had the kind of accent that came from being on the high seas. A pirate. It'd make sense that he was searching for treasure. And then the Drow...too typical, of her kind. Self-centered, yet still bent on representing her race. An embodiment of chaos, yet she attempted to impose her orders upon others. In essence, a walking contradiction. Two other things were apparent to Eldra, at this point...the woman was a warrior. A very good one, from the quality of her weapon - which meant she was unlikely to be a priestess, or even a magician. The priestesses either did not concern themselves with the surface world, or used lackeys to battle for them. As to the second thing...she seemed to be used to the surface. There was no apparent squinting of any form.

Eldra believed, then, that the woman had seen her coming from a long way off. And the attitude...well, this woman didn't care about either of them. That didn't stop her from wanting to talk to the woman. Perhaps to alleviate tension...perhaps, to get on her good side. There was too much experience with being called a "Surfacer" for her to sit idly by. Eldra would get to know the woman, first. Perhaps even figure out which house she was in, or if the dark underworld of the Drow had suffered any changes since her visit as a prisoner of their kind many years ago. A pet, even - for half-dragons were rare, if even existent at all. "So...that's a wonderful blade you've got there." Secretly, though, she scanned over the woman. Looking for any signs of magical items that might pose a threat.

[Claire Of The Mute Heart]

The mission ahead would prove dangerous, perhaps not for the treasure hunters. For their objective was not the same as hers. As Aleun sat there, her gaze would rise to the heavens. A silent, yet potent sense of loneliness and sorrow floated about her. A heart burdened by much regret. To any that observed this would come off as odd. For normally Drow were too prideful to display such emotions. But at the same token female Drows hardly ever ventured into the surface world. She was clearly a walking exception to the general rule. Her gaze only averting when the other female approach, clearly she was half elven. Her attempt to study Aleun for magical items would prove a waste of time. For she did not rely on trinkets for power. Instead she might note the odd scent of the woman or perhaps her unique aura. A signature few possessed within their society.


Aleun would listen to her words. Not because she wanted to, but because she sensed a power in this one. One that deserved at least an ounce of respect. Though at the moment she would be unable to fully explain what this power truly was. At first she would wonder why this one approached her. For deep down inside she could sense disgust stirring with her. Then it hit her. This woman was attempting to analyze her. However she possessed no way of knowing what it is she was scanning her for. However ultimately she would decide that it was of no import. "You have no reason to fear me. You are of no importance toward my mission. I am not here to be your friend. Nor am I here to steal your riches." She would reply with sincerity. Averting her gaze from this one. "I have no interest in meddling in your affairs for long. Soon enough I'll complete my task and you'll never see me again. And in time you will forget about me, probably sooner rather then later." Her words were rather depressing. But they were true nonetheless.

"This blade is a tool. A tool symbolic toward my nature. Sometimes I kill and feel regret. Sometimes I kill and feel a sense of relief. But most of the time...I kill and feel nothing at all. It is my pen and killing is an art. Of which I am a master." As these words parted from her lips her gaze would once more lock with the woman. Fear perhaps wasn't the correct word to use. But she was defiantly on edge and by nature people are never on edge unless they feel a threat is near. "I obviously am revolting to you. You probably view me as an arrogant, egotistical and narcissistic warrior. To some capacity you're right. But I am not your average Drow. My being here instead of a male should be evidence enough. Clearly you have a history with my people, and one that is undoubtedly not pleasant. I don't want your approval. For I don't possess that luxury." Aleun would conclude.

[Modulation]

Aha! That was it. Eldra knew what was bothering her about the woman now. She was lonely, too - walking down her wayward path. A fellow woman, thrown into the pits of...wait a second. Why were her feelings fluctuating so much? Was she really becoming this conflicted? At the same time she was wary of this woman, she also wanted to learn so much about her. And find out why she was wandering the surface so. In fact...the Drow just relied on her natural instincts. That, too, was to be respected.

However, the topic of the blade came up. The blade of a killer...swift in cut, easy to wield...choice, for Drow. Taken aback a little, Eldra was then barraged in accusation. Which, she was slightly guilty of. This woman was definitely cast down, and had to fight her way through life. And, at this stage, it wasn't an issue between elves anymore. It was an issue about trying to be friendly, to someone not used to having a friend. Drow society was harsh - it allowed for no allies, at times. Drow were the hardest of souls.

"I don't find you revolting...honest. And, if you don't need it, I won't bother giving any...but all I want to say is that I'd rather be working beside your blade, and not on it. I hope that my racial background won't upset you..." She paused for a moment. A rather nervous girl in general - it was hard to believe that she was over a hundred years old. "...I'm Eldra."

[Claire Of The Mute Heart]

If Aleun could read her thoughts she would undoubtedly admire this ones powers of observation. However she was no psychic. As the woman spoke to her no smile would grace the Drows face. Despite her words being somewhat complimentary by nature. Truthfully the woman's race didn't truly appall her. She despised the weak. And the power she sensed dwelling within her, though proving elusive proved to be more then enough to elevate her to some degree in her eyes. Aleun would only blink as she introduced herself. This caught her off guard a bit considering her original thoughts toward this one. But a name meant nothing on the battlefield. More importantly a name meant nothing to those you would never see again. And this Drow knew all too well despite whatever "bond" was developed this day. In the end she would be left alone. Carrying out her task till one day she was killed. There was no avoiding her fate.

"The friends of today are tomorrows enemies. Consider yourself lucky this day, but next time you might not be." A chuckle parting from her lips as she thought silently to herself. 'Why did I just do that?" Truthfully the word friend never applied to her. It was an empty word without meaning. For in her entire life she never had a friend. For time was a luxury which often escaped her. "I told you already Eldra; who I am and what I am doesn't matter." Her eyelids closing shut as she continued to speak. "For soon enough you will forget me. I am not permitted to have friends. And a name is something you only share with a friend in my opinion. I am here to do a job, after that I will fade from your world like a ghost. You will continue to live your existence as you please. You will live a normal life, and die a normal death. We are from different worlds Eldra. I am not meant to live a normal life. I was bred to fight, my mere existence an abomination. And I will die a monsters death, poetic justice."

Her words might seem depressing, but this is the only world she knows. And so her words were not weighed down by self pity. rather the exact opposite, willful acceptance. "Eldra...I sense a power stirring within. That is the only reason I have an ounce of respect towards you. Humor this monster, enlighten me behind it's origins. Would you do this for an old woman?" Eyes opening once more, locking with the woman's. Her face emotionless as usual. Her eyes still carried a sadness about them. Though what it was which still troubled her soul (assuming she has one) was clearly eating away at her like a cancer.

[Modulation]

"Temporary acquaintances, then." She sat down beside the woman, still curious. This lady...clearly, she'd accepted her lot in life. Downtrodden, always. Practically treated as a male in Drow society, it seemed. Oh, it didn't do any good to keep making assumptions, at this rate. If the woman wanted to tell her what her job was, she'd say it. Otherwise...it seemed that she didn't enjoy her homeland that much. So, Eldra began to think. "There's one flaw in your reasoning. We elves...aren't allowed to forget. Humans have such short memories, because they know they're bound to die too soon. But for me...I've remembered all my friends." Shaking her head. "My life was never normal from the start. And you could consider me more a monster than you...your blade may take a life. A sweep of my palm, and lives are burned away in an instant."

Looking away, she thought for a tad. A power, stirring within..."I think what you're talking about...something which saved me long ago..." She struggled to find the words. "Love. I'm doing this from the bottom of my heart, so that I may have enough to travel in secret. I'm looking for my husband, you see...he was taken away. And I've been searching for nearly two years now." She faked a smile. "What with him being a werewolf, and me...half-elf, and part dragon...we're probably the two most persecuted races out there. People kill dragons for their bones, and scales. I'm a walking commodity."

Eldra was lost in her thoughts, recalling language. "If you have no name, though...I'll call you Talindra. It means 'Lone Warrior', in the old language of the dragons." She had dodged the question, perhaps, but...looking at her hand, she reached into the back of her mind. Talin, as she'd call her for now, looked like she needed a better answer. So Eldra decided to show her. The skin of Eldra's hand began to glow slightly, taking a natural yellow light. And then gold, as scales sprouted out. Nails, elongating into claws. Shiny, sleek...only her hand transformed, bringing the other half out to light. Eldra's mother was a gold dragon - possibly, the rarest to find. For they were hunted, as gentle as they were, for the color of their scales. And they didn't wish to fight back, as much as they could - they were some of the most skilled in magic, as well. "Told you...I'm always up for auction. It's why I almost didn't make it out of your dark home...always hunted, and always will be."

[Archival]

Drum had bought the skiff using Aleun’s money, but now had to abandon it along the coast of the colossal promontory. He hid it inside an alcove of rocks, though, fashioned with the use of his Hammerüng. Stones had jutted up in a nifty niche formation with each calculated slam of earth hammer against shore. If the hunt turns out a bust, he could always return here, to salvage and refund.

But for the past while, Sardonyx had to put up with the dreary duo of Drow and Demi-Dragon, arguing about races and names and all that petty stuff women drone about. They were pretty things to look at, sure, but he swore their griping had reduced him to his last brain cell or two. He had already plucked a few strands of gold from his majestic beard. Where was that fourth person? She was holding the expedition up!

“By Gaia, I be swearin’, if dat Healer be not ‘ere right dis minute, we be startin’ wid-out ‘er. Bigger slice of da pie wid fewer people to divide wid, aye?” Although he got the impression from the Drow that financial gain wasn’t her prime motivation. What a doofus. What kind of life if there be no treasure hunting and no pillaging? The Demi-Dragon seemed more level-headed and amicable. Definitely indispensable. Her dragon form was essential for this mission to take flight. Whatever each one’s motivation, Drum felt he needed all of them, their expertise and skills, whatever help he could muster. After all, there was something ominous about the map, its challenging dare.

Steel thine will if thou darest challenge me
But beware once thou decided to pierce the sky
There’s no escaping me—thou either win or die.

Not a moment too soon, at almost noon, the latecomer buffoon showed up.

“Blaurgissimo!” The Dwarf of Blaurg clapped his hands together. “About time!”

The default dwarven leader gathered his dream team and debriefed them of the mission. Egads, what if this didn’t work? He’d rather suffer as a jailbird in an Arcantus prison than face the wrath of scorned women. Having wasted their time going out into the middle of nowhere. The land of X.

“So we be right ‘ere, if me map-reading skills serve me correctly--and we Dwarves never get lost in mazes,” his fat finger, poking through a fingerless glove, tapped at the X on the map. “But I be swearin’ by Gaia dat I scoured dis area a million times, and der be one way left to go.”

He jerked his thumb UP. Then crossed his fingers behind his back.

“So, show us dis dragon, Pointy Ears. Better be big enough to carry three elephants!”

So the transformation would take place, wowing the audience, with the Dwarf, Drow, and Healer promptly saddling on. Dwarf had bought leather straps and other contraptions to facilitate passenger comfort and safety, including a harness to secure the rock-map against the dragon's back so that it would be in full view at all times.

And staying on the ‘X’ coordinate, they would soar higher and higher. Drum started to sweat when nothing was happening at five kilometres high. At that moment, severed from his beloved ground, the airborne earthly dweller felt like a captive to his own device. To his own demise. To his own downfall.

But then, at the six-kilometre altitude mark, the X started to glow faintly. The higher they went, the brighter it glowed. A proximity signal.

No one was happier at that twinkling moment than Drum. But at the same time, he steeled his will in anxious preparation, not truly knowing what was up. Maybe a cloud would appear with a castle on it or something. And it would contain untold treasures! Dwarves love them shiny jewels. “Higher, higher!” Drum cracked his baritone at the golden draconian steed, his scarf floating in the wind, his goggles concealing the emerald gleam.

At twenty-four kilometres altitude, something happened. The X stopped throbbing, remaining consistently bright, and the area marked as Circle 17 started to blink.

Altitude: 24 KM
Coordinates: X

[Claire Of The Mute Heart]

The Drow would permit this one to label her as she pleased. For she was known by many aliases. None of which did she ever derive any meaning from. Her tale of love would fall upon deafened ears. For love was a weakness, a distraction like all emotions. And though she possessed emotions and desires. This woman possessed enough discipline to keep such things at bay. Less her productivity were to suffer. "If you are truly persecuted then fight, fight for everything you possess. Just don't expect others to stand by and let you take whatever it is you please.If you deserve whatever it is you desire you will obtain it. If you falter and fail to earn whatever it is you seek. Then you were never fit to have it to begin with." Aleun would reply rather coldly, once more revealing her Drow mentality. Yet despite how such words might make this one feel, she could not deny the truth in Aleuns word. Nor could she despise her for displaying such integrity and sincerity.

With eyes still peering into Eldra's orbs the Drow would continue to express her thoughts toward her words without prejudice or remorse. "If your life was normal I would not be speaking to you. For to be normal is to be weak. And to be weak is to be a cattle. And a cattle's only role is to serve it's masters before being butchered. Your rant regarding love is a waste of your breath. I appreciate the gesture...well that's a lie. Truthfully I couldn't careless about your story. I am not interested in your love life. Nor am I interested in whatever worth your scales may posses. And I care not about your past with my people. I do not need love. Love clouds ones judgement, a weakness. It would be illogical for one such as I to even consider such a notion as the illusion of finding love. Do not concern yourself with my social life. For us Drow work together and from the heart. Whether we work together or apart. In this aspect it is impossible for me to ever be alone.."

Aleun would state before rising from her perched position. Removing her scimitar from the harden earth before sheathing it. The hoarse whisper of metal grinding against metal disturbing the normal clamor, sending a shiver down ones spine like nails to a chalkboard. "A name means nothing on the battlefield. A name means nothing to a monster or to a ghost. So you may call me whatever it is you please." Aleun would conclude her brief conversation with the half elven. Casually strolling away from this one, closing the distance between herself and the dwarf which seemed to be in charge before calling out to him. "I am not here for your treasure. Whatever riches you may find I want no part of. I am not permitted to receive any form of payment. Once we reach our destination however I have to accomplish my mission. Afterwards I will gladly help you carry your loot so you may fatten yourself if you so desire. But a fair warning..." A smirk creeping upon the Drows face as she locked eyes with the dwarf.

"If you or your men get in my way. I will not hesitate to kill everybody. My only concern is the mission. Everything else is secondary. I am sure you'll find this acceptable. For you will be rewarded richly as soon as we return. And if I die you needn't worry. My well being will not impact your profitability." Aleun would conclude as her arms rested on her side.

[Archival]

Standing a proud 5’2”, Drum stood nose to chin with the no-nonsense Drow, his fierce spirit aglow through the prisms of his emeralds. A Dangles pirate knew nothing about surrender or cowardice. He wiggled his upper lip in defiance, dignified moustache moving in unison, brushing the air suddenly thickened by confrontation. They had yet to lift off from this watering hole and already there was dissidence among the rag tag crew. He was not too familiar with Drows and their kindred, and from what he was hearing, that she was not here for treasure or riches but was here to accomplish her duty, it all sounded ludicrous. Who would do such a thing as protect a hardened Dwarf, fully capable of skirmishing with the best of them all, let alone a woman of this fragile frame? And all for free? And now she was addressing his fellow Dangles, as if taunting he was a crybaby who would solicit the aid of his buccaneer brethren, insinuating that he wasn’t good enough to embark on a solo expedition.

The woman's voice grated and gyrated against his gears more irritatingly than the steel of her scimitar against tough ground.

The Drow was an utter conundrum to Drum, but not completely. He himself abided by a code of Dwarven honour in which he’d offer his life for the safety of his crew, the Captain foremost. For this mission, he was C... no, not Captain, but... Fearless Leader. That’s right. As long as there were people under him, their safety he was responsible for. What was treasure obtained if he lost his crew? The satisfaction would be void, at least for Drum, a more honourable pirate than the usual swashbuckler.

The satisfaction.

Gasp.

Maybe there was truth to what the Drow was claiming, after all. Fine. Let her be the protectorate, the blade and the gauntlet. Let her drink the goblet of glory of living up to her stated purpose. But she should also know that it would be a mutual pact. He would watch her back just as she would his. Although, it seemed from that perspective, he would get the better.. end of the deal.

“What ye be thinkin’ I am? I be a fair man, just like me fair Cap’n Silver. When everybody be snickerin’ ‘bout a cave-dwelling dwarf being a sky pirate, why, da Cap’n be taking me under his wings wid open arms. And now ye be under my wing, ye be also enjoying da same priv’lege, or else me name ain’t Corundum Sardonyx!”

The name. His proud name. Imbed dat into yer memory, Drow.

He stomped off, resuming the priority task at hand: getting this shindig off the ground.

There ain’t gonna be no lousy drowsy Drow interfering with his quest for booty.

[Modulation]

Silent, Eldra listened as the woman rebuked her another time. She had put up a proverbial wall. So, only one more thing was said. "A name does have its place. It marks someone as an equal to you, to have known what they were called. And to remember a name is to remember every opponent or friend you've encountered. A person is the sum of their experiences. The question is...who are you, to you?" She left no room for argument. The healer had finally arrived, and she wasn't in the mood for words anymore. Her skin glowed as scales raced up, obscuring her features. Bones, changing. A tail, poking out from the top of her jeans. Then her form began to expand, her outfit molding into her form. Wings, expanding. She bounded for the cliff, as even her bag disappeared. Everything was in the magical realm attuned to her - sort of like a pocket in space. Regardless, she'd long since learned how to make it a part of her transformation.

Changing, growing...Eldra opened her wings before she hit the water, flying up and buffeting the people on the hill with beats of her massive wings. Setting down, she blinked at them. Massive golden eyes stared down. The main of her body was about seventeen feet long, not counting her neck, head, or tail. Her horns were more of a deep copper, and even for a dragon, she seemed...figured. A picture of majesty.

So as people strapped onto her, she was kneeled in close to the ground. Still thinking about the woman's words. Love wasn't something useless...was it? Given the signal, she kicked off, flapping with might. The dwarf...he was heavy. It wasn't something she couldn't handle, though. There was plenty of muscle in her form - and she could easily carry eight hundred pounds without being bothered at all. Her flying was a bit rusty, and she had these people on her back, but...Eldra felt free. The sky was exhilarating - and it was refreshing her. The sun on her scales...her innate abilities were recharging. The gases were churning in her, waiting for her to unleash holy fire upon anything in her way.

But a gold dragon always used her mind before charging into the fray. She cast a glance to the people on her back, sending a mental thought. "Mr. Sardonyx? Are we high enough now?" It was starting to get cold up here.

[Claire Of The Mute Heart]

The half elvens words would receive no reply. For the Drow had seen fit to end their mutual exchange of words. For ultimately nothing of value would be obtained by their idle bantering. Perhaps in another life they could be friends. But until then she'd have to remain focus solely on the task at hand. She had already risked much just be entertaining her. For if her house got word that she spoke toward a surface worlder, the consequence would be dire to say the very least. The leader of this materialistic expedition, the dwarf would convey his thoughts. His accent nearly as thick as the foul odor which engulfed the air around him. His arrogance was commendable, if not misplaced. It would seem he was under the delusion that though he was the leader of this expedition, that somehow that made this Drow one of his own. As if he were her superior. The mere thought of being under this foul creatures command was almost enough to make her regurgitate whatever little food remained in her stomach.

Still she would have to reply with some tact, less her words end up retarding their progress. Thus delaying her from completing the mission. And so carefully she would choose her words, showing as much restraint as possible. "What I think is irrelevant. Time will prove if their is any merit in your words. Which by the way were so elegantly pose." A hint of sarcasm lingered on her grin as she continued to speak. "But do not kid yourself Dwarf. I am not under your wing nor would I ever be under command. I am only here because fate has deemed it necessary. The powers I serve are far greater then a stone born such as yourself will ever be able to grasp. You can not fathom my role or my purpose. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. And what I know is though you may think yourself as captain of this poor excuse of an expedition. Ultimately you will depend on my services. So you best choose your words more wisely Dwarf, less I turn my back during your time of need."

At this point the half elf would alter her form. The metamorphosis must have been painful for the sheer mass of the dragon was quite impressive. No wonder many of her kind sought to subdue this free spirit. "But enough of this pointless conversation. We have both expressed our opinions well enough. Let us mount this dragon and finish our objectives. I am sure you'd rather live out your days as a rich fat pig as oppose to a poor one." Aleun would conclude, tossing tact out the window. However she doubted the Dwarf would take her words to heart least of all be offended. For Her kind and his never saw eye to eye to say the very least. Silently The Drow would mount the beast of burden. Keeping her composure as the dragon carried them into the heavens. The air was far colder then Aleun had previously theorized. However she would show no physical signs of discomfort. After all she was trained to thrive in every clime imaginable just about.

"I see Eldra, you feel most free when you soar above the heavens. However it is quite clear this is an ability you haven't used often enough of late." Aleun would state as she made a mental note to protect this one with her life. For if she died they would end up losing their only ticket back home. And though her return was not necessary to complete her mission. There were fates worse then death. Like being trapped with the foul smelling dwarf for example. "When we reach our objective stay by my side. You're far too valuable to risk bodily harm if not death." She'd conclude, stating the painfully obvious. Arms now folding across her abdomen, supporting her bosom as well as helped keep her body heat to herself. The symbol on her scimitar would flash, something Aleun noted but did not appear shock by in the very least. What was her mission? And would it potentially jeopardize their expedition? No doubt by now such questions would emerge from their thoughts.

[Archival]

Ground zero

“A name is a sum of their experiences,” the half-elven said.

“Ain’t dat da truth!” Spat the Dwarf. “Corundum be dem coarse rocks grinded for dem sandpaper, aye. Yers truly be da roughest bushwhacker in all of Gaia, if ya dig what I mean?” He wasn’t beating around the bush. “And Sardonyx be da hardest, toughest stone around!” Flexing biceps for effect. It was true. With muscles hard as rock tightly woven, a dwarf can take and dish out ten times more the punishment, whether physical, magical, or... verbal.

The Drow spoke up with her high-and-mighty speech, as if she owned the Word. Well, Drow backwards was Word. Welcome to Conundrum’s backward world! A reality where there simply was no use arguing with a woman hell-bent on... something. She seemed reliable enough as an ally, albeit temporary. Drum just tuned her drivel out, filtering only the nuggets from among dirt and gravel. And what enticing jewels these nuggets were turning out to be.

The Drow’s words registered in backwards order, as-stonish-ingly. Probably because everything clicked only after her final suggestive tidbit.

less I turn my back during your time of need.
Oh? Dat would be... grand! And wow, actually concerned about me needs, eh?

So you best choose your words more wisely Dwarf.
And how wise yer own words, laden wid latent intent. Hehe.

Ultimately you will depend on my services
Now dat be a good woman. Mission first, den, ultimately... services. Services at da deep-end of da gratitude scale. Besides, ain’t no privacy up der while flying a dragon.

I ... far greater then a stone born such as yourself will ever be able to grasp.
No hands, aye! Dun wanna be callusing dat soft, tender skin wid me... hands.

elegantly pose
Ooh, so hell-bent. I be acceptin’ yer proposition; ye in dat prone position, I be seeing it now... so elegant a pose.

Drum winked back at the Drow with the sardonic smile.

Up in the air

Excited by the realization that the map was indeed special and not just an ordinary piece of rock, the Dwarf spurred the Dragon higher. The map's signal peaked at 24 KM. They were rewarded with a hint of the next leg of their journey: the middle of the Hills of Noddendody (17).

“It be working! Da map be working! It be telling us to go northeast! Go, Dragon, go! Go Team D!”

And so the expedition began, with Dwarf, Dragon, Drow, and Doctor in search of Destiny. When they reached the second marker, the signal blinked strongest at a lower altitude this time, triggering yet again, another destination: Oliver Scudder's Woods (16).

Altitude: 9 KM
Coordinates: Hills of Noddendody (17)

[Modulation]

Eldra only grumbled as she adjusted direction. I feel like I'm being used, here. Her thoughts were only to herself, however. Continuing her flight over the land, she watched the land below whenever the clouds parted. Flying was exciting, but it was a little dampened by the fact that, regardless, she was no better than any mechanical contraption someone could think up. And the drow was treating her as if she were a glass key - beautiful, useful, but exceptionally delicate. Eldra was not delicate. She was a large being...sinew, scales, claws. Teeth. Fire, for crying out loud. But whether she be beast of burden or a tool, it didn't matter. She had her own mission right now.

Going through the places in her head, she went into a dive to get the signal going again. The altitude had to keep adjusting on the map, and with her wings tucked in, spinning in the air, she waited until the telltale beeps came up strong. When they did...she flared them out, flying straight out again. Eldra was giving the riders their money's worth - if you fly on a dragon, prepare for an experience. But now she observed as they passed over the Hills of Noddendody. Continuing in this direction would mean...the woods of Oliver Scudder. She had no idea who that was, but that's what her study of a map back in the town had gleaned. Hopefully, if nothing else, she'd know the terrain after the end of the journey.