In a tavern, this time far more upper-class than the one Aelene was seen, our adventures converge with excitement, nervousness and vengefulness, awaiting their next set of instructions. Aelene and Tamari are the first to arrive; surprisingly, the two recognise each other, spending no time to embrace each other. Aelene is the first to pull away and speak.
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“Tamari! I have not seen you in years”.
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“We may not have seen each other, but I have certainly heard of the hypnotic bard who makes even canaries jealous of her voice.”
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“You flatter me and humble yourself, please; let’s take a seat and catch up.”
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Aelene gestures to an empty table, yet Tamari seems slightly reluctant, scanning the room while she walks. As Aelene sits down and waves to the barmaid for another drink, she observes Tamari’s weariness.
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“I am quite aware that your feline race is always on their toes, yet you seem distracted; what is the matter?”
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Tamari shifts in her seat and says, “I am waiting for someone to escort me to Aunt Syndra.”
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Aelene’s eyes widen with excitement, “Ms Syndra! Oh, how I have missed her. I must pay her a visit while I am here.”
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Tamari chuckles lightly.
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“I remember you two keeping me awake at night with your prolonged musical practices; you know, I did not use up my holiday time to achieve less sleep.”
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The barmaid walks over and places the large pint in front of Aelene, who does not hesitate to take a large gulp.
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“Well, we had to find some time for rehearsal, seeing as you occupied her all day with your questions.”
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The two laugh for a few seconds, reminiscing about old times. After a few seconds of silence, Aelene inquires further about Tamari’s stay.
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“What business do you have with Ms Syndra?”
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Tamari looks down at her lap.
“You will think me foolish.”
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The smile on Aelene’s face recedes as she says. “I would never think such a thing. You are the smartest and most cunning person I know. Please, tell me what burdens you.”
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Tamari looks up at Aelene’s celestial eyes, and for a moment, she is transported to the days she and Aelene would run around Aunt Sandra’s residence, playing between the large topiaries and, at times, venturing off into the adjacent forest in search of adventure and treasure.
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Taking a deep breath, Tamari says, “I have decided to go on a quest Aunt Syndra created into the lands of Chult.”
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Aelene shifts backwards in surprise, “Chult! Tamari, you, of all people, know the dangers found there. How are you supposed to survive? Not that I question your magical abilities, but a small arrow is enough to kill you.”
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Slightly offended, Tamari responds, “See! This is why I did not want to tell you. You are always underestimating me.”
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“I do not underestimate you, Tamari. I only worry about your well-being. Besides, I cannot judge. I am also here awaiting further instructions for a quest.” Aelene reaches into her pocket and places the pamphlet on the table.
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Tamari reels forward, exclaiming, “Aelene! This is the exact quest I am awaiting instructions on!”
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The two seem to be overcome with excitement. But before they could express it, the tavern doors burst open as a large half-orc enters. He seems unfazed by the number of faces staring at him. His head moves from right to left as he scans the bar, eventually stopping on Aelene and Tamari. The large man does not hesitate to make his way to their table – dust shoots up with every stomp. The tavern has grown silent, and upon realising that the man is approaching them, Tamari slowly reaches for a hidden knife attached to her hip. Aelene, sharing the same instinct, wraps her hand around the hilt of her short sword. Baldr reaches the table and points at the pamphlet.
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“Where did you get this?”
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Tamari and Aelene turn to each other and then back at Baldr.
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“My, I can see you are not from here; unusually, one introduces oneself before demanding answers,” Aelene said as she took another sip of her beer.
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“My apologies. My name is Baldr, and I possess the same pamphlet. You are correct; I am not from here, so it seems I have forgotten my manners while pursuing my goal.”
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While scooting over, Aelene says, “That was not so difficult. Nice to meet you, Baldr. My name is Aelene, and this is Tamari.”
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Tamari seems fascinated by the half-orcs attire, demeanour and the marking on his body.
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“Don’t mind her; she takes a while to warm up. Please, take a seat.” Aelene says while tapping the long wooden log carved out to act as a chair. As Baldr squeezes between the table and the log, Aelene can be seen holding onto the table in case she is flung upwards. Luckily, the log only squeaks under Baldr’s weight. Aelene waves at the barmaid again, requesting a beer for Baldr.
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As Tamari has finally finished her inspection of Baldr, she asks, “You are a half-orc, correct?”
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Baldr is perplexed by the sudden question.
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“Indeed.”
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“What type of orc are you related to, and race is your other half?”
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Bladr moves his head towards Aelene to see if he is the only one confused by the situation.
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Aelene relieves Baldr’s confusion by stating, “She likes asking questions, a typical scholar.”
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Baldr returns his gaze to Tamari.
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“I am not sure of either.”
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Without a moment’s hesitation, Tamari responds, “Then where do you come from, who raised you, and what are those markings on your body.”
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Baldr seems at a loss for words, not expecting such an interrogation. Thankfully, the barmaid paces his beer on the table, and Baldr immediately reaches to take a large, long sip. Aelene finally chips in to change the topic.
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“Now, now, Tamari, contain yourself,” she says with a taunting tone, “it seems all three of us are interested in this quest. I wonder when our instructions will be given. Any longer, and I will be too deep in beer to be able to understand them.” She chuckles at her own joke. Luckily, the bar doors open again. This time, a finely dressed gentleman enters. His hands and arms are placed inside the adjacent arm’s sleeve; he has a sterling silver necklace and shimmering gold earrings hanging from his ears. He appears to carry himself with a certain sense of authority and dignity -
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usually befitting of nobles. A straight back and an upturned nose, his jaw parallel to
the floor. He scans the tavern, stops at their table and approaches.
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Tamari remarks, “Definitely looks like one of Aunt Syndra’s servants”.
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The man reaches the table, looks at Tamari and says, “I am no servant. Please refrain from calling such. I see you have one of our pamphlets. Would you like to gather more information?”
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Aelene excitedly scurries over Bladr, “Yes! Yes.” This quest no longer seems meant for desperation and may bring great fame.
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The party follows the man up a series of streets. At the same time, children run back and forth, playing numerous games, vendors yell out their products, and beggars absorb the sun with their heads between their knees and their hands outstretched. The man casually removes a silver piece from his pocket and places it in the
the outstretched hand of an unremarkable-looking beggar.
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As they approach their destination, the city becomes more beautiful, eventually arriving in front of a large gate. The man frees his one arm from its material prison, and with a snap of his fingers, the gate swings open. Aelene and Tamari seem accustomed to the city life and Syndra’s wonderful residence. On the other hand, Baldr finds the busy streets, large buildings and noisy residents somewhat overwhelming. He is, however, in awe at the beauty of his surroundings; his head turns viciously side to side so as not to miss any detail.
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Soon, the party is led into the main quarter. In front of them is a long wooden table containing various cheeses and wines. The walls are lined with bookshelves, not a gap visible between them. A fireplace, burning with newly piled wood, stands in the middle of the back wall. In front of it, a tall woman’s figure is projected. Bladr begins to slowly shuffle his way to the wine and cheese,
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“Welcome, fellow travellers; thank you for your interest in my quest.” She turns around, reflecting small amounts of light from her silver mask. Her voice changes from a formal tone to a loving and surprised one, “Aelene! Tamari! What are you doing here? I have not seen you in ages.” Seeing her beloved niece and student, Syndra removes the silver mask from her face and embraces the two.
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“Aunt Syndra! I have missed you so much.” Aelene says with a tear or two running down her cheeks. No matter the circumstances, she would always feel this way seeing her teacher again after so many years; this time, however, Aelene embraces her teacher with far more sorrow and joy. She has returned to the only place she has ever called home. Now, while facing so much disappointment, her emotions overwhelm her.
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“Oh, Aunt Syndra! It has been far too long since we have spoken. I cannot wait to show you all the new spells I have learned and the discoveries I have made.”
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“Tamari, my curious niece. It is wonderful to see you again. I have heard great things from the University.”
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The three share laughs and tears before being interrupted by the sound of a silver plate bouncing off the floor. Syndra, Tamari, and Aelene shift their focus towards the oak table. Baldr, with one hand clutching cheese and the other holding wine, looks at the three women like a child caught red-handed by his parents. With a mouth full of cheese, he says, “shworry”.
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The three girls chuckle, and Syndra asks, “A friend of yours?
“Of sorts”, says Tamari, slightly embarrassed by her company.
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Aelene walks over to Baldr and lightly slaps her hand on his shoulder.
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“We found this walking tank in the Tavern; like us, he is waiting for further information about your quest.”
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“My quest?” asks Syndra, slightly shocked, “you don’t intend to embark on this quest, correct?”
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Aelene and Tamari’s demeanours seem to shift from joyous to puzzlement.
Taking the lead, Tamari says, “Indeed, we three are set on taking this quest and completing it.”
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Syndra’s tone goes cold as she says, “Girls, I do not doubt your skill, and I am sure this half-orc is formidable in battle; however, Chult is a place where pure evil and danger co-exist. Once you enter its territory, it will try to kill you in the most gruesome and unimaginable ways. I have sent party after party of renowned adventurers who have accomplished great feats, the ones you sing of Aelene – I have not heard back from any of them. Why do you think Tamari, Chult has nearly no detailed maps? I, too, had the goal of documenting Chult. I could barely plot a few points of interest before my life was almost taken.”
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Tamari seemed confused as she stared into the cold eyes of her aunt. Never before had she seen such a stern look, yet she could see fear behind those eyes. Nonetheless, she was angered by her aunt’s little faith but also fearful of anything that caused her aunt nightmares. Pushing back the fear that is slowly causing Tamari to tremble, she lashes out, saying, “If the land is so fearsome and unconquerable, then why are you sending so many people to their deaths? What could be so important to you?”
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Syndra turns her back to the part, watching the flames bounce in the furnace. She does not wish her niece and student to see the single rear roll down her cheek.
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“Not important to me, Tamari, but to the entire forgotten realms.”
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Before Tamari could respond, Bladr, in a deeply wounded tone, said, “The curse that prevents any resurrection.”
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Tamari swings her head to Baldr.
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“What?”
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Syndra looks to the ground and says, “The death curse. A curse that has run rampant across the forgotten realms. It prevents the resurrection of people, and, in some cases where resurrection was possible, they would die a few days later. Of course, resurrection has never been without its side effects; I know this too well. Girls, I have never told you, but I was once resurrected during one of my adventures. It changes you. A soul is never as pure as before resurrection; however, this is different. The people who are able to be resurrected now have a look in their eyes that I have never seen. It is somehow hypnotic, as if you are staring into the void of death – it looks back at you, wanting the spark of life in your eyes. There is a jealousy I cannot explain.
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She turns around, her stern composure has crumbled as she stares at the girls with tears rolling down her eyes and a shakiness in her voice.
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“What if something was to happen to you? I cannot resurrect you; even if I could, I would die if I saw the same look in your eyes. Please, girls! This quest is beyond anyone’s capabilities.”
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Tamari and Aelene are anchored into the wooden floors; their eyes are fixed on Syndra. Not a word is able to pass their lips. Never before have they seen their role model in such a state. She has represented an unwavering figure of ambition, bravery, strength and courage all their lives. Now, this unbreakable figure stands before them, overcome with desperation and sorrow. She has become…Normal.
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Baldr steps forward, his shoulders pressed back and looks down at Syndra with a sombre gaze.
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“I empathise with your fear of loss and understand your reluctance. If you do not wish for them to embark on this quest, so be it. But I do not intend to walk away from this quest. No matter the danger, I will accomplish my goals. So, please, provide me with the necessary information so that I may be on my way.”
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Syndra meets Baldr’s gaze and swallows her emotions.
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“Of course, let me get you everything I have.”
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Before she could turn to gather everything, Aelene shouted, “Wait!” This time, tears were rolling down her face, and in a state of verklempt, she yelled out, “I need this! You have taught me to never back away from things considered ‘impossible’ all my life. You told me that in this world, there are people who watch the world and people who change it. I refuse to watch this world become ruled by evil merely because it is too dangerous for us. How dare you!”
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“Aelene!” Tamari scoldingly yells. Clearly shocked by Aelene’s outburst.
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“No, Tamari, don’t act like you don’t feel the same. She raised us to be the best; who more fitting to take on the quest than us? No! I won’t stand idly by while others attempt to accomplish what I could not and then afterwards sing about their success, which inherently is my failure. So be it if you do not wish to provide me with the necessary information. I will follow Baldr and investigate Chult for any leads.”
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Sydra merely stares at Aelene with wide eyes. She looks over to Tamari.
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“Do you feel the same?”
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Tamari looks at Aelene, then back at Syndra.
“Yes, maybe with different motives, but agree.”
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Syndra’s eyes bounce between the two girls and Baldr.
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“So be it. Perhaps my relationship with you two has made me biased.” She takes a deep breath and a moment to compose herself, “I will gather all I have on Chult, any other relatable information. I will send word to my contact at the Harbor of your departure. I will see to it that your voyage is paid for. You may search for anything useful that you think will benefit you.” As she continues to talk, she gathers up all the papers and maps in her possession and places them on the table. Baldr looks at the long wooden table.
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“May I take the rest of the cheese and wine.” He asks, gesturing to the leftover food.
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Syndra answers, a little caught off guard, “Of course, please, take what you need.”
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Baldr rushes to the table, throwing all the cheese and the last bottle of wine into his backpack. While he does this, Tamari and Aelene search the bookshelves for anything useful. Once they have collected what they need, the party gathers at the door, ready to head off. Tension can be felt as the girls fix their eyes on Syndra, standing ready to wish them well. She straightens her back and clears her throat.
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“Girls, Baldr. I wish you the best. Tamari, you are by far the most remarkable wizard I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. Aelene, my prodigy. Never forget to listen to the world around you and sing its magic upon any who stand before you. Please be careful. I, I, I lov-”
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Before Sandra could finish her goodbye, Tamari and Aelene rushed forward to embrace their beloved role model. Tamari, for the first time during this interaction, weeps as she says, “Thank you, Aunt Syndra, for everything you have taught us. We promise to make you proud.”
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Aelene nods, and the girls make their way to the exit. As Baldr is about to follow them out the door, Syndra calls to him, “Baldr!”
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He turns and faces Syndra, “yes, madam?”
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With a serious tone, she says, “Protect them.”
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Baldr nods and walks out of the room.
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