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Post by mulcibaer on Nov 2, 2016 12:02:39 GMT -5
It is finally approaching quiet again in Cynderfall... After much rejoicing and many parties, normalcy is starting to return. Late one afternoon, a solitary figure remains behind after Q'tar makes his last call.
Jace sits at a bench at the far wall, drumming his fingers and waiting for Q'tar to notice him.
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Post by Q'tar on Nov 3, 2016 16:39:18 GMT -5
The Tavern Keeper, with a sad look on his face still, solemnly places the mask of Xerxes on the mantle next to Zipperhead. Then with a slow turn he scans the tavern room, which seems eerily empty. Eventually his eyes fall upon a familiar figure sitting on the corner. He forces a small smile.
"Jace, my old friend," Q'tar says, trying to sound jovial, "Been awhile. Your usual?" He asks as he moves toward the bar where the spirits are kept. After a few seconds of searching he found the dusty bottle he was searching for. Instinctively he also reaches fora newly cleaned glass...
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Post by mulcibaer on Nov 4, 2016 19:32:07 GMT -5
Jace sighs quietly while thinking of the bottle - it was a 40 year old brandy, a drink he'd rather enjoyed until this past year.
He lies for a moment. "Absolutely, one of three reasons I've come here so late. "
He motions for Q'tar to join him.
"A toast, to friends near at hand or never far from heart."
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Post by Q'tar on Nov 5, 2016 7:21:43 GMT -5
Q'tar smiles and takes a sip of the brandy. He notices that Jace looks longingly at the glass, but does not partake.
"Agreed, To good friends." the Kur'asi said solemnly into the empty glass, thinking of the friends lost in this latest chapter of the settlement's history. Friends that died in defense of it, and friends that were just pawns in a twisted game. He shot a menacing glare at the new trophy on the mantle for a second, a hint of crackling lightning in the corner of his eye.
Then he turned back to Jace. "It really is good to see you still walking around, old friend."
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Post by mulcibaer on Nov 5, 2016 18:16:44 GMT -5
"There's more to this traveler than you see, Q'tar. And this latest series of events have persuaded me to remain isolated."
Jace stands back from the table and rubs the powders and oils that conceal the deathly pallor of his face. "I must ask you remain silent on this matter. I trust you not to think less of me.. last year, after casting those runes, I was afflicted with some form of vampirism."
Jace remains standing, arms crossed, anticipating his forced expulsion.
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Post by Q'tar on Nov 5, 2016 20:58:51 GMT -5
The Kur'asi blinked in surprise at the revelation from Jace.
His mind began racing, going back to when they encountered said runes. Back before the settlement had a name. Back when he recruited help to open a road that was blocked by Highwaymen so he could get a caravan through. Back when he himself went through a major transformation.
He remembered the runes that Jace spoke of. When they burned their ancient language into his forehead. He remembered his friend changing even then, but he assured everyone that he was well.
It seems that he wasn't. Q'tar took a longer pull from the brandy. Will this make three? Three lost to the creation and defense of his beloved Cynderfall? He slowly shook his head at the sobering and frightening thought.
But the mysterious runes were something different. Had to be. They were not apparent during the plant seige, and never seen during the undead armies of Xerxes. Were they something different? Something more sinister? But most importantly. have they sealed Jace's fate?
But there was something else about this revelation that chewed at Q'tar; why didn't Jace tell him sooner? Why did he not trust him when it happened?
He motioned for Jace to sit once again. Once he was seated he leaned closer. "Why are you telling me this now? Was I not trusted before when this first started happening to you? Maybe we could have found a solution sooner...."
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Post by mulcibaer on Nov 6, 2016 22:03:09 GMT -5
Jace chuckles a bit at the last of Q'tar's words.
"Solution? No my friend, I no longer view this as an affliction to be cured. In fact, I enjoy the benefits I've reaped from this curse."
He sits down, now much more relaxed and open by his posture.
"I'm not one to harm the innocent. I've been feeding from cattle, see, and I don't intend to change diets. I didn't tell you because I was sure I could trust no one to not destroy me before I had understanding of my self, but now that I have purpose, I wanted to bid you... well, not quite farewell. More of a prolonged absence."
His voice softens as Q'tar's face grows grave.
"Look, qtar. A book from the library in Winterrend can travel the world, but it's home is still in that particular shelf. I have a new patron though, and between tasks and research, I hardly have time to pretend at life."
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Post by Q'tar on Nov 7, 2016 6:13:37 GMT -5
The Kur'asi manages a more genuine smile this time. He pours another drink for himself.
"Please forgive the morose demeanor, my friend. This most recent menace has cost me quite a bit. I lost two people dear to me, and just did not want to lose anyone else." He lifts his glass in a pseudo toast. "I am very glad to see you are not letting this affliction destroy you."
He downs half of the drink in one swallow, the looks across the table at his friend. "You are always welcome here in the Lounge, Jace. Think of this as a safe library for a very important book."
"So," he asked, a little more jovial this time, but still talking low, " What are you researching right now?"
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Post by mulcibaer on Nov 25, 2016 10:20:51 GMT -5
"Work for my ...patron. .. had me far too busy to finish research. When there's anything of value, I'll be sure to show you."
Jace makes to leave, gripping Q'tar's hand firmly in an icy shake.
"It's nice to see all our sacrifices given reason. This town. ..it's really becoming a bustling place."
With that, Jace takes his leave.
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Post by Q'tar on Nov 25, 2016 21:25:38 GMT -5
Q'tar smiled as his friend hastily walked out the door of the tavern.
Once gone, the smile melted from his face. He looked around the half full room. He quietly observed the townsfolk celebrating with wine and song. Celebrating a victory that they have no idea of how it was won. The lives lost and sacrificed.
"Yes," he sighed, speaking to no one, "It sure has."
The tavern keeper sighed once again and went to work, cleaning the table that he was just sitting at...
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