The swallowed Swallow

[Anume]

A serpent whispers 'You enjoy the taste of wyrms, little birdy?'

 

Henvik says 'Lord Rygothran.' and kneels in respect to his God.

 

Grebit looks around for the serpent licking his lips. 'Did you hear that?'

 

Wincing, Eallyrl herself looks about whispering, 'We are not alone'.

 

You say 'There is nothing more tasty than a worm.'

 

A serpent whispers 'I am the Rat King, I hear all who whisper of me.'

 

You say 'As I live and breathe truer words have not been spoken.'

 

Something massive flies overhead.

 

Grebit flies in circles around the fountain.

 

Suddenly looking upward, Eallyrl ducks her head.

 

'Oh my' Eallyrl exclaims.

 

Peering up Grebit exclaims 'No fair, I cant swallow that thing.'

 

Henvik says 'I told you, Grebit.'

 

Henvik says 'It is a WYRM, not a worm.'

 

'I don't think you would wish to try' Eallyrl says looking skywards still.

 

The day has begun.

 

A serpent whispers 'You seek the head of my servent, do you?'

 

The sun rises in the east.

 

Glancing Henvik's direction, Eallyrl asks 'What servant' to the air.

 

Henvik says 'With all do respect, the academy was attacked.'

 

Henvik says 'I'll handle this.'

 

Eallyrl nods at Henvik.

 

Henvik says 'You remember our meeting.'

 

A chill runs along the back of your neck.

 

You say 'I seek the head of anyone who attacks the people I am sworn to protect.'

 

Henvik says 'We have made an agreement with the family.'

 

Henvik says 'And yet they do not honor it and attack our academy.'

 

Henvik says 'We have upheld our end.'

 

A serpent whispers 'Where is this contract you made? This agreement.'

 

Henvik says 'It was lost... as I was removed from the order.'

 

Henvik mutters something quietly to himself.

 

[Academy](Elder) Henvik: 'Not good.'

 

[Academy](Elder) Henvik: 'Now is your chance, Grebit.'

 

[Academy](Elder) Henvik: 'Make the deal.'

 

Henvik says 'Perhaps.'

 

Henvik says 'Something can be worked.'

 

Henvik says 'Here and now.'

 

A serpent whispers 'Perhaps if your ilk showed did not hide. It would not be sought.'

 

Henvik says 'As we wish to help you if you will simply but stay your blades against the faculty?'

 

Henvik says 'Taking the head of Eallyrl will be futile, especially with such diplomatic immunity.'

 

Narrowing her eyes, Eallyrl says nothing but she does clench her fists slightly.

 

You say 'I have spoken to the monk in person. She claims she asked someone to step outside. She did not.'

 

A serpent whispers 'Speak to my Golden Lackey.'

 

An image of a small halfling boy appears, wagging his finger 'No, no.' Then disappears.

 

Eallyrl frowns.

 

The sun slowly disappears in the west.

 

You say 'Master Henvik enlightens me to pursure better political relations. When the opportunity arises I shall do what must be done to find resolution to the infraction.'

 

Eallyrl says 'It seems more and more to me that these issues will dance around my personage regardless'

 

[Academy](Elder) Henvik: 'Well spoken, Grebit.'

 

[Academy](Elder) Henvik: 'You sound like a damn leader.'

 

Grebit shakes his head. 'I have had a good example Brother.'

 

You say 'Miss Eallyrl this was in no way your fault.'

 

Eallyrl says 'I do not believe it to be mine at all'

 

Eallyrl says 'However, there are those whom will simply single me out for what they believe me to be'

 

You say 'We merely chose poorly on where to conduct our meeting.'

 

Eallyrl nods at you in agreement.

 

Eallyrl says 'However, to a degree, what they speak still proves a falsehood.'

 

'I still stand by what I spoke before' Eallyrl says narrowing her eyes and looking skyward.

 

'I will stir nothing myself' Eallyrl says firmly 'But my time of mercy to allow them to simply return to attempt again are done'.

 

Grebit starts to say something but changes his words 'Tr.. If we would prove to be what we profess to be, those in the right, we must refuse to allow ourselves to be claimed by our personal feelings.

 

The day has begun.

 

Eallyrl nods at you in agreement.

 

You say 'I failed us once in this.'

 

Something cold slides across your face 'War...'

 

Henvik wipes his face.

 

'War' Eallyrl whispers quietly and then shakes her head.  'It benefits noone'.

 

Grebit snaps at what he percieves to be a worm!

 

Henvik says 'Has there not been enough war?'

 

Henvik says 'We need some damned resolve and cooperation for progress to be made.'

 

Eallyrl says 'There has been more than enough'

 

You are hungry.

 

You say 'Aabahran is like a giant pie.'

 

Eallyrl says 'But I do not speak of war, but of battle'

 

You say 'A warm worm pie.'

 

Eallyrl says 'Or would you simply have me lay my own head at the door of whomever wishes to pay a price?'

 

You say 'The pie is balanced in the hand you see.'

 

You say 'And the emotions we have represent the slices.'

 

Eallyrl nods at you in agreement.

 

You say 'In the center where the slices meet, that is called conflict.'

 

You say 'Aabahran can not have too much of any emotion or the pie plate tips.'

 

Henvik says 'Nonsense.'

 

Henvik says 'You go outside and claim diplomacy.'

 

Henvik says 'And laugh in the face of your enemy. At the futility.'

 

Eallyrl says 'If I would of but have had the opportunity'

 

Henvik says 'There is no incentive to kill that which is immune to such attempts.'

 

Eallyrl says 'Sadly, such is not the case quite yet'

 

Grebit smiles at Henvik 'Bare with me. Conflict is the only thing Aabahran can never have enough of.'

 

Henvik says 'That will change.'

 

Eallyrl nods at you in agreement.

 

Henvik chuckles at your joke.

 

You say 'No matter how hard we push in the plates center, no matter how many worms we heap on top, the plate will never tip.'

 

Henvik says 'Grebit, may I make a suggestion?'

 

The sun slowly disappears in the west.

 

Henvik says 'Perhaps using analogies that involve something other than worms, please.'

 

Henvik says 'I am sure the lady here cannot relate.'

 

Henvik says 'As I myself cannot.'

 

You say 'No matter how greedy mortals become and destroy the love or hate or fear of the world, with enough conflict it will find balance.'

 

The night has begun.

 

Tapping at her chin lightly, Eallyrl seems to consider her options.

 

You say 'That is the true nature of Aabahran.'

 

Henvik says 'That is correct.'

 

Henvik says 'It is the nature.'

 

Henvik says 'Nature is chaos, however Grebit.'

 

Eallyrl says 'Though it may be the nature, how the conflict is created and resolved is within our hands'

 

Henvik says 'Beautiful things can be born of it.'

 

Henvik says 'When resolve is found in the appropriate areas.'

 

Henvik says 'Such is the importance of Herald.'

 

Henvik says 'Heralds see the world for what it could be'

 

You smile at Henvik.

 

You say 'I agree.'

 

Eallyrl sighs.

 

'I agree with this in concept' Eallyrl says with a nod.

 

Eallyrl says 'However, there is another portion'

 

Eallyrl says 'Each and every Herald whom enters the Library can shift the balance simply by their presence'

 

Grebit looks over to Eallyrl listening intently.

 

Eallyrl says 'What the Heraldry is as a whole is represented by the sum of its members'

 

Eallyrl says 'This means each and every courier, every young elven man whom stocks the shelves, even those that guard the Academy.  Each and every one of us make up the Heraldry'

 

A great blue wyrm yawns, curls around the fountain and falls asleep.

 

Eallyrl says 'If we but lose or devalue one, the Heraldry itself suffers and we lose sight of our vision.'

 

The night is about to end.

 

You say 'And thus we dance upon the pie plate of life, careful not to eat too much from any slice, les we become trapped under the plate.'

 

Eallyrl nods.

 

Henvik says 'I agree with Eallyrl'

 

You smile at Henvik.

 

Henvik looks at Rygothran.

 

The day has begun.

 

You say 'I do as well.'

 

You say 'She is wise council.'

 

Henvik kneels respectfully before Rygothran.

 

Eallyrl curtseys gracefully to Rygothran.

 

The sun rises in the east.

 

Rygothran opens and eye and says 'Who is wise council?'

 

Apologetically, Eallyrl turns to Rygothran and says 'Greetings mighty Potentate of Avarice'.

 

Henvik says, 'None more wise than the dragon.' as Henvik kneels in respect to his God.

 

Rygothran closes his eye once more and snores loudly, sending sparks around the Forum.

 

The clouds disappear.

 

Dodging out of the way of one spark gracefully, Eallyrl lets out a quiet squeal.

 

Grebit raises one eyebrow and whispers 'This is who you pray to?'

 

Henvik is unphased by the sparking at this point.

 

Henvik nods.

 

Henvik shows his black mask pendant.

 

Whispering, Eallyrl asks 'Are we alright to continue?  Will he sleep peacefully?'.

 

Grebit looks at Rygothran with wide eyes.

 

Henvik nods.

 

Henvik says 'We would be dead if he didn't.'

 

Henvik says 'Eallyrl, your approach to behavior is true. Conduct is of utmost importance within the Order.'

 

You smile happily.

 

Rygothran raises his head and opens his eyes.

 

You say 'Its not a worm at all.'

 

Henvik says 'No, it isn't.'

 

Henvik chuckles politely.

 

Rygothran takes a large drink from the fountain, staring at you hungrily.

 

Henvik says 'Please, spare his life.'

 

Swiftly turning her head, Eallyrl notices Rygothran is awake and protectively moves closer to you.

 

Henvik stands beside Eallyrl

 

Henvik says 'Please do not kill him.'

 

Rygothran lays his head back down and snores once more.

 

You say 'Its like a worm, but it draws the admiration of others.'

 

The sun slowly disappears in the west.

 

Henvik says 'And breathes lightning.'

 

Grebit whispers 'Worms don’t do that.'

 

Wiping her forehead slightly, Eallyrl says carefully, 'We might want to watch our loudness a little more closely'.

 

The night has begun.

 

You say 'They just wiggle and taste good.'

 

Eallyrl places a firm hand on your shoulder.

 

You peer intently at Eallyrl.

 

You say 'I was not going to try.'

 

Eallyrl tilts her head slightly and whispers to Grebit, 'My presence may help provide a distraction though'.

 

Eallyrl smiles at you.

 

Eallyrl says 'I hope we have not ended our discussion'

 

You say 'Its kind of pretty. Besides if Brother Henvik prays to it, I could never treat it harshly.'

 

Henvik smiles happily.

 

A great blue wyrm mutters 'It has a name, little birdy.'

 

Looking up to Rygothran, Eallyrl says in awe 'I find it conspicious that we are graced now with his presence'

 

Grebit straightens himself and dusts off his jacket.

 

Henvik says 'We are truly blessed.'

 

Eallyrl frowns.

 

Rygothran mutters 'I have no need to hurt him, Henvik. I can easily burn down his precious library.'

 

Eallyrl winces in agony.

 

Henvik winces in agony.

 

Eallyrl says 'I would pray we have not angered you so as to inspire your ire'

 

Grebit walks up to Rygothran boldly ' Forgive me Sir Rygothran, I certainly would not have meant to offend. My name is Grebit.'

 

Henvik says 'This is Grebit, he is a swallow.'

 

Henvik says 'He means no offense.'

 

Rygothran growls, with his eyes closed 'Now you pay respect... Amusing is it not, Henvik?'

 

Henvik says 'He has learned.'

 

Henvik says 'Because he is smart, isn't that right, Grebit?'

 

Henvik nudges you.

 

The sun rises in the east.

 

Eallyrl's hand presses down slightly harder on your shoulder, but she maintains her pleasant smile.

 

Henvik says 'Lord, you have allowed the library to stand for so long.'

 

Rygothran yawns and opens his eyes 'Shall we play a game to see how many of ypur precious books you can recall from memory after I turn them to ASH?!'

 

Henvik says 'And for this Grebit could not be more thankful.'

 

Henvik says 'RIGHT GREBIT?'

 

Henvik nudges you.

 

Henvik nudges you.

 

The sky is getting cloudy.

 

Eallyrl winces in agony.

 

The great blue wyrm suddenly raises high, casting a shadow over you.

 

Eallyrl smiles at you.

 

Rygothran says 'Perhaps I will just eat you instead?'

 

Henvik says 'It is always smart to be thankful for what has been allowed to us?'

 

You say 'I am trying to do what is best for everyone.'

 

It starts to rain.

 

Henvik stands in front of Grebit, 'Please Lord, I beg you, do not eat him.'

 

Henvik says 'He is but a swallow, simple and kind.'

 

Henvik says 'He meant no disrespect.'

 

Rygothran says 'Perhaps he needs to learn.'

 

Henvik is shoved aside by an invisible force, exposing Grebit before the great Wyrm.

 

Henvik crashes into the fountain and is knocked unconscious.

 

Rygothran lurches forward suddenly, swallowing you whole!

 

Inside a Great Dragon

  You are surrounded by muscled ridges that are constantly contracting and

expanding.  An acrid smell fills your nostrils.  Floating around the acid

like fluid you stand in are body parts from animals and humanoids in various

states of digestion.  It seems you have become a snack.  

 

[Exits: none]

 

Grebit attempts to swim in the juices but can not find the edge.

 

Gurgles and slurps of stomach acid roll past you.

 

Most of a goat travels past, headed for... Somewhere else.

 

You say 'Lady Fate, what have you written?'

 

Grebit swims against the current looking for a way up.

 

Grebit seems to be slowing his arms and legs tiring from the process. 'Has to be something to grab on to.'

 

You say 'Ahh.'

 

You gather some materials and create a torch.

 

Woosh!

 

The Forum

  The newly built Forum is Maelbrim's premier meeting area.  It is a large

circle, its boundaries marked by columns and its ground laid with marble.

Here is where public deals are struck, orations are given, and a great deal

of spectacle takes place.  It was ground zero for the catastrophe that was

summoned to this land, but there are no signs of that devastation now.  What

had once been a ruinous crater is now a symbol of life and a flurry of

activity.  The King's Square is due east, the Northern Commons to the north,

the Southern Commons to the south and Green Square to the west.  A fountain

has been placed in the middle of the square, a true masterpiece of art.

Just north of it, a white marble statue has been erected, depicting a very

hairy, square, small person.  Must be a dwarf.  

 

Some graffiti has been surreptitiously placed here, depicting a White Wolf.

 

[Exits: north east south west]

     The official Tribunal Roll Call has been posted here.

     The statue of a dwarf stands here proudly, hewn in white marble.

     A large marble fountain carved into the shape of dolphins shoots water into the air.

Rygothran the Mischievous Wyrm, Potentate of Avarice is here.

Eallyrl the Scourge of the Battlefield is here.

Henvik the Master Bard is here.

(White Aura) A Marshall of Maelbrim stands here, enforcing the Law.

 

[Exits: N E S W]{22}(D)

[80094/143/8073]

<1016hp 861m 462mv>

Henvik says 'Grebit!'

 

Henvik rushes over and embraces you.

 

Springing off the ground in surprising speed, Eallyrl wraps the saliva-soaked you in her arms.

 

Grebit tries to stand the stench of stomach acid all over him.

 

Rygothran says 'Next time I will chew first.'

 

Waving her hand over your face, Eallyrl exclaims 'Don't move!

 

Henvik says 'He was eaten!'

 

Henvik says 'And lives again!'

 

With focused effort, Eallyrl begins wiping the Saliva from you one stroke at a time.

 

'You will be alright' Eallyrl whispers frantically.

 

Henvik says 'Oh, Grebit, you have been in the belly of a dragon and lived to tell the tale?'

 

Grebit tries to speak, a faint whisper. 'I built a fire.'

 

You faint.

 

A great blue wyrm flies into the air suddenly, knocking you back.

 

Henvik says 'GRebit!'

 

The night is about to end.

 

Henvik falls down to the ground, but gets up quickly and runs to Grebit's aid.

 

Tumbling with you in her arms, Eallyrl clutches tightly as she rolls with you.

 

You cough.

 

Henvik says 'Come on, Grebit, Wake up.'

 

Coming to rest against the fountain, Eallyrl quickly rights herself and looks to Henvik 'Quick, he needs to breath!  We need water too!'.

 

Grebit vomits up something... a goats ear?

 

Henvik smacks you on the face a bit.

 

The day has begun.

 

Henvik says 'He lives!'

 

You cough.

 

You gasp in astonishment..

 

Wincing, Eallyrl reaches over the edge of the fountain and begins scoping water into her hands and rinsing your face.

 

The sun rises in the east.

 

'Just relax' Eallyrl orders as she begins clearing all dust and saliva from you.

 

Looking up to Henvik while still cleaning you, Eallyrl says 'That was far too close'.

 

Henvik says 'You just survived the belly of a dragon!'

 

Grebit breathes slowly his eyes red around the edges he tries to open them.

 

The clouds disappear.

 

Grebit blinks 'Oww.'

 

Furiously, Eallyrl begins wiping at the corners of your eyes

 

You say 'Everything hurts.'

 

Henvik says 'I am certain it does.'

 

Henvik says 'You've just been in the belly of a lightning dragon.'

 

'It would seem we both have the luck of the Gods' Eallyrl says as she finishes cleaning you up and begins cradling you.