“We stand at the beginning of a cataclysm, one that will shake the very foundations of our world. We who are wrought from stone, hewn from the souls of the earth itself. We, the guardians of the sacred fires, the chosen souls forged with divine might. We will stand, and we will fight. Of that, there is no question.”

- Bram Atropis, Department of History, Academy of Arteria, “Tales from the First Dark Tide - The Master of War: Iraan Sparkbeard,”

“All clear, move up.” Mesrn whispered from up ahead, gesturing for the others to move forward.

Koli the brown bearded dwarf nodded, hopping in front of Aryana to take point. Halnir tapped her back and signalled for her to move, he would cover the back. The braided dwarf kept his shield high as he scanned behind them for enemies. Wasting no time, Aryana shuffled forward behind Koli as they reached Mesurn’s position.

“Whole place looks cleaned out, not a feckin soul.” Mesurn informed the two.

“Damn, it didn’t even feel like that long ago since we been around here.” Koli shook his head sadly., “What a mess.”

The three shared a look and waited for Halnir to catch up. Reunited, the party pushed forward deeper in to the ruined village.

They had made a slight detour after noticing what Koli had described as an ‘abundance’ of spiders roaming the central access way. The party deciding that bypassing them would be a safer option than going through them. The dwarves then talked of a small village that used to be around here and that if they were lucky they would be able to secure supplies or get a brief respite. Unfortunately for them, what they found was a ruin.

Similar to the Abenstadtian town, the buildings here were very squat and angular. Thick heavy walls that seemed to make each structure a fortress in and of itself. Unlike the surface however, the buildings here still showed signs of being ornately decorated, with crests, patterns and what little undamaged ornaments remaining. It spoke of an opulence interlaced with pragmatism, a fortified village that was doing well for itself. Before whatever killed it.

Pinkish stone houses with stripes of red and brown greeted the party. Most with chunks and dents all along the walls. To her increasing uneasiness, there was also a large amount of claw marks scratched onto the sides of the walls. Something was trying to get it, she shuddered at the thought. The dwarves evidently shared her worry and had almost instantly swapped into battle formation; with Mesurn and Koli holding the front and protecting her; Halnir holding the rear and keeping his eyes to the roofs just in case.

Perhaps the most distressing thing for her however, was noticing the signs of life that had not quite yet faded. Food that was rotting but not fully rotted; vines and fungal growth that had begun sprouting on the sides of buildings, but not quite consuming them; and even dried blood stains that hadn’t quite weathered away yet. She shared a look with Mesurn and instantly the two knew what the other was thinking, decay had set in, but it wasn’t too long ago. The look of surprised recognition from Koli further confirmed her doubts, as it meant that whenever it was, it happened within a reasonable time frame for the dwarf to remember.

Her heart beat furiously against her chest. The closer they got to the center of town, the more she was reminded of her desolate trek within Melisgrad. How danger lurked within every shadow, and every light source looked like a trap. There was also the eerie silence, the emptiness that came from the village beyond their own footsteps and breaths. At the very least, this time around, she had somewhat mentally prepared herself to stumble into danger. And there’s not massive ritual tower darkening the skies, she allowed herself a single chuckle.

They emerged onto the village square with barely ta squeak, their boots gently tapping against the paved stone roads. Signs of a struggle were more prominent here; barricades blocking the entrances to buildings; weapons discarded or lost in corners; the air too felt a fair bit heavier, as if it was warning them to stay away.

A singular room in the whole village flickered with light, and the four looked at each other, each wondering whether or not exploring would be a good idea. Despite their worries, they advanced, Mesurn giving out a series of gestures that the other dwarves dutifully followed in an attempt to scout out all entrances. Smashed pieces of glass littered the outside of the building. Aryana hugged the wall and found it almost vexing how well designed dwarven architecture was. Instead of being able to peer through the shattered windows, they all had metallic shutters inside the glass that were all tightly shut. She was curious and cautious in equal measure, own palms growing sweaty as the dwarves looked ready to make entry.

Mesurn mimed knocking to her, and she nodded. She was the one who would most likely sound the least threatening given her gruff companions. Let’s hope this isn’t a trap.

Steeling herself, she rapped at the door a few times.

“Hello? I saw a light in there. Is anyone there?” She asked, trying to sound as frail as possible. Not that I need much help there.

The dwarves looked at her with rapt attention, all three looking ready to preform breaching actions as they gripped their weapons.

Aryana took a deep breath, her hand hovering over the cold metal ready to try one last time when a soft jingle echoed from within.

“A visitor fair, who experiences despair. Come, come. Quickly now. A push, a step and then a bow.” A soft voice chirped from within, an almost giggle like melody following soon after.

Aryana felt something squeeze around her, like a thick rope growing ever tighter. Her breath growing ragged for a moment, her vision clouded with pain, but as soon as it started, it stopped. Upon being released, she gasped in relief, alarming the dwarves who now seemed on the cusp of barrelling through the doors. She hastily waved her hands to stop them and wearily moved to open the door.

“Oi, the hells happening to you?” Mesurn hissed.

“H-huh? They said… they said to go in?” Aryana stammered out.

“The hells? Are ye losing yer mind? What voice?”

“The… I heard… I heard a voice?” Aryana started to question herself.

“What voice?”

“The… the… ngh.” Aryana clutched at her head as something seemed to press against her.

Before the dwarves could react, she whipped herself backwards and dislodged the sensation, her head spinning as she dizzily trying to reorientate herself.

“Lassie? Lass?? Mesurn tried to move closer.

Without warning, the main doors slammed open, a loud metallic bang as it smashed against the thick walls of the building. Mesurn fell back and Aryana almost dropped to the floor, her entire being growing weaker with every moment.

“More, more, on the run. Hurry, hurry, let’s double the fun!” The soft voice chirped at her.

Her mind railed against the intrusion and she found the dwarves looking up at a small figure doused with light. The blinding radiance forced her to shield her eyes but within, she spied a small looking pale grey creature fluttering its wings.

“Beware, beware, you’re in the dark’s lair.” It spoke once more, noticing that she wasn’t responding.

Aryana grunted in agony as she felt her muscles weaken, her body feeling like jello as she sluggishly got back up to her feet. She finally met the small creature’s gaze and it beckoned her inside. Her heart sank as she slowly understood what was happening. She examined the wings, the size and the almost whimsical nature of the little thing and came to one conclusion. A faerie folk. Damn… if I remember, the druids said to always avoid such things.

Wary, she motioned for the dwarves to step away and retreat. The creature looked at her and dove at her face, sending her into a panic as she scrambled backwards only to fall and collapse onto the ground.

The dwarves raised their weapon and seemed almost confused on what to do when the faerie spoke again.

“Curious, a pact most foul. Tainted by a child behind cowl. Untied, unbound, by strings of fate.. Hurry, now, before it’s too late!” It giggled, landing on her nose and giving her a soft caress.

Aryana lay helplessly on the floor and shuddered from the touch, but found herself following the faerie’s gaze as it looked off into one of the streets. As if they mind merged as once, she felt herself almost soaring about the village, her attention drawn to strange bony, multi limbed canine looking creatures approaching the outskirts.

“Tell your friends, it’s time to hide. Cause this little one, will provide!” It giggled gleefully, aggressively ripping Aryana’s consciousness back into her body.

“Guh.” Aryana grunted, even more exhausted than before.

As the faerie dimmed the light which surrounded it, Aryana found herself slowly being surrounded by the dwarves, concerned but cautious expressions on their face.

“The… dog looking monsters…” She panted, “They’re coming, from outside the village.”

That seemed to startle them and they paused their advance, Mesurn turning to regard her with hostility. He thinks I’m doing insane, maybe I am. Aryana coughed, felt the dwarves trying to lift her up before recoiling.

“Stonefather, she’s heatin up hotter than a forgestone!” Koli grimaced.

“What the…? Gods! She is!” Mesurn affirmed.

Aryana felt her skin start to crawl as she began feeling physically ill, her body suddenly experiencing an unending bout of coldness from within.

“Gah!” She cried out, her suffering only intensifying over time.

Her unfocused eyes landed on the little faerie, the creature looking nervously off into the distance. Damn… “The monsters.’ She whispered through laboured breaths, “They’re coming.”

As if to confirm her worries, loud shrieking howls could be heard in the distance, the noise still emanating from beyond line of sight.

“Shit. Koli, bags. Halnir, a hand.” Mesurn ordered.

Without wasting anytime, the dwarves removed her packs, Aryana feeling an emptiness once the weight was lifted off her shoulders. My burden to bear… Mesurn and Halnir then hurriedly lifted her up, the dwarves wincing slightly at the touch and tried to rush inside. Koli followed soon after, dragging both her and Sophie’s packs along.

“Barricade, barricade. Or it’ll be time to fade.” The faerie chittered nervously.

“Door…” Aryana croaked.

The dwarves set her on a table and quickly shut any openings. Dragging what looked to be furniture belonging to a small inn to block the doors. For Aryana however, another jolt of pain sent her spasming as she grit her teeth in an attempt to minimize her presence.

The dwarves were having none of it. They quickly lifted her up again and began trying shuffle her off to the second floor. The boots on lifeless stone steps echoed in the silence moments before the loud shrieks outside drew closer. Aryana whimpered in agony, barely keeping herself quiet as the strange sensations demolished her body.

“I see a link! That puts you on the brink!” The faerie grumbled while fluttering around her face.

The link… ah! Argh! Aryana writhed a little more, A link? Then Sophie… she’s… she’s healing? Pain and relief floooded her in equal measure as she almost smiled at the thought. Sophie’s going to be fine, heh. Her joy faded quickly enough as another wave of agony washed over her. She felt her body growing weaker and more frail as she burned up from the draining. The dwarves looked increasingly agitated as they could only helplessly watch her deteriorate.

The faerie looked into her eyes before landing on her nose, the creature’s dainty little form almost like a feather.

“If you don’t want to die, the link must go bye.”

Aryana almost giggled, as much as she wished to serve Sophie, a small part of her was terrified it’s words would come true. It terrified her because there was so much left to see, so many friends to catch up with. And if she did perish, then who would take care of Sophie? With a groan, she slowly nodded.

“A pact we must make, for this link we must break.” It giggled, giving her nose a small lick.

Aryana shuddered, but managed to speak. “How… pact?”

“A pact? Did I heart that right?” Mesurn grumbled.

“What is that light anyway?” Koli asked.

“Faerie.” Aryana answered.

The dwarves let out a small whistle, their expressions of concern growing darker as they heard her.

“Careful lass, the fae are tricky things.” Mesurn hissed.

“Never thought one would be in the deep.” Halnir grunted.

Aryana watched as the faerie stuck its tongue out at the dwarf. Guess they can’t see it’s full form? Curious.

“Warning… heeded…” Aryana coughed, shifting uncomfortably from side to side, “Pact?”

The faerie sat atop her nose and nodded, “A pact to be free, for both you and me. A promise to be sworn, before your soul is worn.”

“A promise?”

“Lass, I’d be real careful.” Mesurn warned.

“You are nature’s child, born of the wild. That is why you can see me.” The faerie finally stopped rhyming, “I will free you from your bondage, for now, for forever, for however long you need. And you will bring me to the surface, to see the light of sun once again.” It tittered more seriously, the creature now adopting a contemplative pose. “Do you accept and promise?”

Aryana paused, now feeling uncertain of the hurt she might cause Sophie in breaking the mana drain. But as her eyes fluttered absently, her world slowly growing more dizzy, she knew she had to. She nodded, “I accept. I promise to bring you to the surface.” She spoke through gritted teeth.

The faerie seemed to still for a second, before the light surrounding it grew into an orb. It pulsed so brightly that even the dwarves has to shield their eyes. Aryana winced but was left awestruck. The druids of the clans had occasionally talked about the fae and their incomprehensible power. Here, this faerie lit up the world and gazed directly at her, the tiny creature almost looking like an avatar of the Spirits. It’s light exploded into a blindingly bright flare and Aryana felt something within her snap as a presence filled the space within. She gasped and choked as Sophie’s mana siphon was ruptured, the backlash whipping across her mind. She writhed a little bit more as a sense of peacefulness settled over her. One last thought travelled in her mind before her consciousness faded. Sorry Sophie, please forgive me.

Aryana awoke wheezing, her body still feeling the effects of having been so thoroughly weakened. Her muscles were sore and she felt faint. But she had regained some semblance of control over her limbs and she scooted herself off the table she had been resting on. She was in a small side room, the voices of the dwarves echoing from below her. She fought the urge to vomit and staggered slightly, only regaining her balance after a few moments of trying to stand still.

Her nose itched and she moved to scratch it when she froze. Sitting atop her nose was something that looked almost exactly like a miniature versiono f her. Red hair though in two buns instead of a braid, green eyes, even the little freckles on her face. She took a moment to just take in the sight before her eyes widened. The faerie seemed absolutely delighted by her expression and smiled widely, taking flight and spinning around her.

“You’re finally awake! No need for a wake!” It giggled, “Do you like my new look? One that even you mistook.”

“Errr…” Aryana mumbled, still too tired to truly process everything.

“Delighted, I’m sure. For I am your cure.” It beamed at her, “In truth I found you pretty, so I took your visage. To build a most, beautiful collage.”

Despite her increasing annoyance at the rhymes, she couldn’t help but smile back, the faerie smiling wider in return.

“A reward I deserve, for you I will serve. For a promise we made, a more than fair trade. Now your burden is gone, you’ll live another dawn.”

“Thanks?”

It nodded, satisfied. But then, a frown appeared on its tiny face, Aryana looking almost surprised at the expression. Is that… is that what I look like when I frown? Oh no…

“What is thine name, o’ patron of mine?” It asked.

“M-my name?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Aryana, nice to meet you?”

“Aryana… Aryana… if I look like thee, then I suppose I am Yana.” It giggled mischievously, “Yes, yes! You can call me Yana, my dear Aryana!” It began flying around her, twirling and spinning while fluttering its wings.

A little dizzy, Aryana opted to just smile before looking at the doorway. Her movements brought the faerie to a halt, and the creature assumed what could best be described as a pout.

“Something the matter?” She asked her flying companion.

“It is the children of stone, they are as boring as bones! But for your sake and mine, I will hide from their… their… eyes…” It seemed almost disappointed it failed to rhyme, but the sadness was shaken off by more vigorous flying, “See? Without my light, I am dark like the night! At least, for all besides you, dear patron of mine.”

“Huh? So they won’t… see you?”

It shook it’s head with a sense of pride on it’s face, “Nope!”

“Huh… neat.” Aryana paused before looking at the faerie in alarm, “Ah! What about Sophie? Err, the connection?”

Yana looked confused, a quizzical look on her face. “The connection is severed and you are alive. That is all?”

Aryana scratched her head, disappointed and a little worried. I’m sure Sophie will be fine, but still. She broke out into a hacking fit of coughs, the noise drawing attention from below as stumpy feet stomped up the stairs. As she recovered, the doors swung open and she found three relieved dwarves looking at her.

“Blessed Stonefather, you’re alright.” Mesurn grinned.

“Thought ye were one with the stone for sure.” Koli grunted, “You alright though? Pretty nasty coughs.”

Aryana clutched at her head and nodded, “Yeah… still feel pretty shit though. But… what did I miss?”

The dwarves looked at each other and shrugged, Mesurn speaking for the three of them, “Ye were only out for an hour or less. A bunch of echoes prowled around the town but I’m guessing ye fairy friend drove them off. Because they’re gone now. Speaking of which, you made a pact with it didn’t you?”

She nodded.

“Well, whatever compelled that I hope it was worth it. By the by what the hells was wrong with you earlier? You looked set to croak over… well, nothing.”

“It’s a long story. Short version is, I lost a lot of mana really quickly.”

It was a half truth, and judging by the expressions on the dwarf’s face, Mesurn could tell. But he didn’t push the subject and just grunted, “Well, good that you’re on your feet now. Rest up a little more, after that, we’ll be one the move. We should be approaching a way fortress soon enough. Once past their walls, the rest of the trek should be easy.”

“Ugh, I can’t wait to be in proper civilised territory.” Halnir muttered.

“Aye, as fun as the outer deep is, I’d rather walk around not worried about being eaten.” Koli chuckled in agreement.

Aryana smiled warmly at the three and they seemed satisfied by her condition, bidding her a good rest as they headed back downstairs. The faerie also seemed satisfied that they were leaving and hovered over her nose once more, this time lowering itself until it fully grabbed onto her nose. It looked up sleepily and Aryana was once again, astonished at the expression from the face that mimicked her own.

“Keeping you alive was harder than expected. So now, for me, sleep is requested.” Yana yawned.

Aryana wasn’t sure if that was the truth or rather the faerie had just worn itself out flying around her so much. Regardless, she laughed a little and leaned against the desk. With a sigh, she supposed that she did also need to recover a little, at least if they were going back on the road soon after. I wonder though, if Sophie used my mana to help recover. By draining so much… she must have taken some heavy damage. If she did fall into the river that Uldren talked about, I just hope she has enough energy to get away now. Sorry I couldn't help you all that much.