The Heavens Dance

"Hey there, Esgir. We met not long ago, did we not? You gave me quite a pause, what with your temper." The Empyrean carefully studies the Dwarf's demeanor. "I trust we are in better spirits today, my friend.?" With that Marloff takes a couple of steps towards the librarie's main room. "Have a seat and tell me, what brings you to the tower this evening?"

*The dwarf wrings his hands a bit as he follows Marloff to the main room.*

"Aye must offer m' sincere apologies fer b'fore... events o' late 'ave weighed 'eavily upon m' mind... would y' allow me t' start over sir?"

"Ahh, no need for apologies but, I will accept them." Marloff sits slowly and adjusts his robe. "Please... I would enjoy another conversation with you."

*Taking a seat opposite the mage.*

"Thank y' sir. Aye was wond'rin' if y' could tell me more o' the "'eaven's dance" as y' put it?"

Marloff lays back in his seat, resting his head on the shelves behind him. "The heavens dance is one way for the powers that be to give us clues to the future. I watch the stars slide across the heavens, other beautiful bodies dance with them. All these changes in light and energy bring about the changes in what we perceive as time." The mage's gaze, which had been drawn to the window, returns to the Dwarf. "Does that help your understanding any?"

*Following the Empyrean's gaze to the window, before bringing it back to him.*

"Aye... aye think so? I'd like t' learn more, if ye think ye can teach me?"

"Teach?" That thought had never occurred to the Empyrean. "Well, I am sure in time you could pick some inkling of the discipline. But, to learn, or teach a thing that I came by naturally, that right there just be sorcerery itself." The mage's mustache parts a bit and a low chuckle erupts from behind it. "Haaha heh"

"Aye thought tha' I could use m' knowledge o' things t' come t' make things better... aye was mistaken... aye would try t' learn what ye could teach if ye'd allow me sir."

"You show your wisdom once more, Esgir." Marloff stands and walks to the window to peer out with a cocked head as if to check the time. "Things are the move the days, no? Many people have ideas that are clashing. You choose this time to return to Jastrey. Why now, my friend? What brings you back?"

"What extra time was giv'n t' me has passed..."

*Esgir got up and joined Marloff near the window.*

"Aye 'ave failed t' save m' king... aye 'ave failed t' protect m' kin... 'n aye have failed t' save m' creator..."

*The dwarf sighs heavily.*

Marloff, grasps the shoulder of Esgir tightly as his eyes begin to betray his hidden emotions. "Was a dark and terrible thing. You fought bravely against a foe that you have no chance of defeating." The mages eyes widen and a smile fills his face. "You should wear those wounds proudly. You are a stout and sturdy Dwarf."

"Aye thought aye knew what t' do... it seemed so clear... but then things changed..."

"Knowing what aught to be is so very often different from what comes to be." Marloff sighs deeply. "So many times events change just as I have readied myself to overcome them."

"But does knowing e'er help?"

*looking to the Empyrean.*

"You would be surprised how often help comes from the heavens. I must be willing to trust the thoughts that arise within me. When I do the world seems to run just for me." 
 
"When I begin to doubt, that is when unforeseen changes happen." Marloff clears his throat. "Ahem em, but lets not speak of that unfortunate time."

"Aye believe we've both had our failings and doubts sir... but how's the sayin' go? 'best t' not dwell on th' past'? Although tha' proves especially 'ard t' do..."

*Looking out the window, night having fallen fully now.*

"Aye want t' learn this trust- t' have faith in th' heavens... aye have t' think it all 'appened fer a reason..."

"Nothing is either good or bad. It all comes down to perspective. Your everyday happenstance, while it may seem good can become an ugly thing later on." Marloff claps his and and conjures up a small cloud of sparkling dust. "Best we try and enjoy the small moments of hope."

*Nodding*

"Aye, in these times small moments seems t' be all we 'ave."

"And many small moments together can bring enlightenment." Marloff face contorts. "Forgive me, but could I offer you a drink or a bowl of fruit.?"

"Where are my manners.?"

*Smiling to the Empyrean.*

"Either would be appreciated sir, th' journey from Mason's Deep was rather tirin'."

After conjuring up a bowl of assorted fruit and a huge stein of ale. Marloff sits again. "Tell me, if you would, what tore you away from here for so long? I would like to hear a tale or two of your travels."
 

*Esgir looked to the huge stein presented before him, swallowing.*

"Aye appreciate th' offer, but aye've nae had a drink since Forgehome fell... an' that's th' reason aye've been away so long as well."

"You went away, for two years, for a drink?" The Empyrean shakes his head. "That can not be right."

"I understand, forgive for missing your remark." "I ... well forgive me.'

*Huffed a moment, before chuckling.*

"No, fer whate're reasons or howe'er it 'appened... aye'd been on the trail of a group o' Uordeq who'd kidnapped King Guldar- three days- three days I followed them... an' suddenly, aye step through th' trees an' somehow end up outside Jastrey... Aye barely 'ad time t' get any sort o' bearings when Secronus collapsed the void in and took ou' th' whole shard! So aye end up, stuck in a barrel in Rica! An the strangest creature aye'd e'er seen 'elps me out- that stitched face, calls 'imself Pelle?"

"Yaaaaaawwwnnnm" Marloff lets a large uncontrolled yawn. "There is an empty chamber, just through there."  He point a large gnarled finger. "You are welcome to make use of it. I am turning in for the night."
 
"I wonder where Althena is." The Empyrean snorts to his thought. "That seems to be a reoccurring theme."

*Looking to where Marloff had pointed.*

"Ah, thenk ye sir. Aye've nae seen Althena, or annaeone fer that matter. Thre were a few who left as I was arriving, an I heard someone moving about as I entered. But I'll turn in as well, an' maybe we kin continue our talk on th' 'morrow."

*Morning dawns and Esgir awakens in an unfamiliar place. After a moment of uncertainty he remember where he is, the tower of the docents, having stayed overnight at the invite of the Empyrean Marloff. Looking about the small room he was in he got up, and grabbing his pack, went over to a desk covered in a light layer of dust. Clearing the surface off he fished out several large books of dwarvish design, taking a seat and opening one.*

Marloff bursts into the tower frantically checking all the rooms and alcoves. "Althena !" A sense of urgency can be heard in his voice. "I have read the signs. I fear the future is looking dark." Out of breath, the Empyrean forces his legs to climb the staircase. "Esgir, are you still in the tower?!"
The saddened mage sits center stair and hangs a woeful face into his cupped hands. In a small, almost inaudible voice Marloff weeps. "This world needs to keep one as dear as Althena safe."

*Esgir was roused from his reading as he heard Marloff's outcry from below, already standing by the time Marloff made his way up the stairs, entering the sitting area as the Empyrean slumped into his hands.*

"Marloff? What's goin' on? What about Althena?"

"I... I have seen a glimpse of what is to come." Marloff starts back down he where he heard the Dwarf. "Difficult to say just what fills me with dread. Althena... she is somehow involved." He straightens his robe and brushes away what dust will release its hold on his garments. "She is strong and I should not worry so much, but I do hope she finds her way to my side soon."
A look of determination settles on the mage's face."I would like to hear more about your travels. I was tired and ran off just as you were beginning your tale."

Althena descends the stairs, concern upon her face as she recognized Marloff's cry out of her name.  As she settles upon the landing, she pauses at the doorframe to the common room.  Marloff, although still obviously concerned, is brushing down his robes, speaking with the dwarven merchant, Esgir.  She tilts her head as she tries to hear what they are saying.  However, Marloff's voice is muffled with concern.  They apparently have been having a conversation.  She pauses, trying to decide whether to interupt them or not, when she clearly hears her name fall from her love's lips.  Frowning, she takes a step forward, calling out, "Marloff?  Are you alright?"

*Still surprised by the sudden commotion and frantic tone the Empyrean had moments before.*

"Are ye sure? Should we go lookin' fer her first?"

*Looking from Marloff to the doorway as Althena entered, he knew not why Marloff had been so distraught, but was relieved to see the Ixifar nonetheless.*

"Althena, sweetheart, you must take great care in all your dealings. Darkness will cross your path and force your hand." Marloff wraps her up in arms and robe. He lingers for a time and releases her. "Do not be feared but always vigilant."
"Esgir and I were talking most the night through and I rose early to catch a bit of the dance from the morning's rise."
"I believe he was about to regale me with a tale or two from his journey."

Surprised by the burst of emotion from the Empyrean, Althena hugs the tall male back, patting his back as she did so.  "Relax, Marloff," she whispers as she pulls back to look into his face.  "There is no harm here.  Those of Jastrey are my friends, and Avaren watches over her First. You know this." She smiles, turning to Esgir.  "I shall let you two get back to your conversation."  She steps back and readies to leave the common room to let the two continue their conversation.

"Forgive me, my is mind meandering."

*Bowing slightly to Althena.*

"Aye am glad t' see y' are well Althena; marloff 'ad me concerned."

Althena smiles at the dwarf. "Thank you, but as I said, there is nothing for concern here.  Enjoy your conversation." She turns and leaves the common room and advances up the stairs, heading to her room to check in on Kresh.

*Looking to Marloff, taking a seat in the sitting area again, where we'd been the previous night.*

"Now then, where was aye? Ah, right, Rica."

Marloff thinks to himself, this Esgir, he accepts my mode swings during my visions. I believe this friendship could be an asset to both the Dwarf and I. Althena is fine, I know that now.
"Yes Rica, been a great number of years since I have traded for their exotic wares." 
"You spend much time there?"

"On occasion, they're certainly a strong merchant hub. Ye can find annaethin' ye want in Rica- an' somethings ya don'e."

*Settling into his chair a bit.*

"But yes, after Jastrey was engulfed, we were all scattered about Rica, an' had t' find each other, an' our way home."

"Being drove from your home, that has to be hard on a soul." Marloff says quietly

"T' go from Forgehome bein' attacked, t' this Jastrey, then t' Rica- was all very confusing and disconcerting."

"I wish I could tell you that things would be calming for you now. But, I feel as though trouble may beset us." Marloff nods slightly. "But one thing is for certain, no denying it, being in pain is a sure sign of life."

*Chuckled softly.*

"Then aye think it's safe t' say that Jastrey is very full o' life."

"I believe there is much good here in Jastrey as well. I have seen quarrelsome souls come together to defeat foes."
"It is a grand sight to see and I don't think they even realize that they do it."
The mage adds a follow-up chuckle to Esgir's.

"Aye've come t' learn, tha' Jastrey seems t' know jest who t' take unto itself an' when. Aye dunnae know how it does, but tis like it has a mind o' it's own in regards t' that."

"Ah, Jastrey... You know, I can watch the stars, see their moments, it is as if they write scrolls to advance my knowledge of the world." Marloff leans in a little and taps his finger tips to one another. "But, most of what comes out of Jastrey itself, well, it plumb baffles me."

*Nodding.*

"Jastrey, home o' heroes... Y'know, while aye was away, aye tried lookin' up jastrey in the records o' Forgehome. Much like ev'rywhere else, it jest seems t' have appeared one day."

A look of near fear draws Marloff's lips tight. Then his look turns to delight. "You know, I have lived a good long time. When I was very young, I used to hear whispers of history. But, as soon as it would start, elders would hush them." The mage sighs in relief. "There is a great deal that we aught never know."

*Chuckling.*

"It jest seems odd fer an entire town t' go unrecorded, but aye dunnae know. Perhaps Jastery's abilities serve some purpose unknown t' us. Aye'm not certain whether it's affect on me is som'thin' normal, 'r if it had t' do with Secronus' actions at the time."

"We may never be able to put a pin in that one. Whatever the cause, your journey was meant to be, as is your returning now." He gazes at the moon's shadow tracing across the table. "I must find my chambers and warm my bed for a time." Marloff conjures a lit candle, stands, gives a quick nod to Esgir and heads towards the room that he and Althena share.

*Esgir had remained i nthe tower overnight again, this morning perusing the books in the tower itself; he's never really spent much time here, but it had certainly changed since the construct Rune and the docents had taken up residence within.*

"Ahh, a thirst for knowledge, that is good to see." Marloff conjures tea and flat bread onto the table. "The man who took me in as his own always enjoyed this bread. The texture is not exactly to my taste but, the memories of him are a welcomed side effect of eating the stuff."

*Loking up as Marloff entered.*

"Ah, good aft'rnoon Marloff. May aye?"

"Absolutely, my friend. I believe everything is more enjoyable when shared." He takes up a piece of the bread and tears it in two. He hands half to Esgir and pours tea into small cups.

*Accepting the offered bread.*

"Thank ye sir. I trust ye're doing well t'day?"

"My mind has calmed." 
"I have told Althena about my worries and she tends to take my bazaar ramblings a bit more seriously than most."
"I do need to forage more tea leaves from behind the tower. I know, I know, I could just conjure them. The hands on, taken from the world feel of foraging is very therapeutic in of itself."
"Yes, it is and will be a fine day, indeed."

*Nodding.*

"Aye agree, aye'd much rather have som'thin' more tangible, than som'thin' tha's jest been conjured from th' aether."

Marloff's attention turns from the dwarf. He tilts his head to listen more intently. "I believe I hear rune in the tower."
The unmistakable thunder of Rune's voice echoes throughout the tower. The message that rides on that thunder is unclear but, manifests as command.

"Aye haff t' say, the tower certainly has more life about it now than it did when aye first arrived."

"I have noticed the same thing."
"The tower has become the go to place. We have a little used dungeon, the library for all to peruse and now Althena seems to have set hospital in one of the rooms."
"There are days I think I should move to the tavern and warm their seats at night."
"Guess I might be able to pick up extra gaming that way."
Marloff laughs loudly.
"We should come up with a game for us to pit our wits against each other too."
"What will it be? Horse shoes? Darts? Grognak?"

*Chuckling.*

"Aye'm not sure sir, but it sounds enjoyable."

"I have to admit, though, I have not spent much time studying Dwarven culture."
"I do not know what pass times you would enjoy. Other than who can drink their ale the fastest and still stand."
Marloff tries to gage Esgir's reaction, hoping that it was not a racial slur he had just uttered.

"We tend t' busy ourselves with work an' craft; but there are still games of chance and skill."

"Give it some thought, Esgir, I really do hate for life to be all work." The Empyrean says with full smile.

*Nodding.*

"Things tend t' calm down a bit around Surischtad, so perhaps we'll 'ave some time t' relax."

"Sounds good to me, I need to find more time to sit and write in my journals. I have been learning much that needs putting to ink."
"It also has come to my attention that study on Dwarven history is needed."

*Nodding.*

"Aye was actually lookin' through the books in the tower t'day t' see if they 'ad annae information on Dwarven history; aye'm nae surprised tha' aye did'nae find much."

"I have had some contact with Dwarfs here in Jastrey. Like most races they run the gambit on civility."
"Most would rather you never acknowledged them, other will speck but, not in a friendly, giving manner."
"You, if you do not mind me saying so, are an anomaly of sorts. I can not seem to fit you into any one preconception of a Dwarf."
"A Dwarf, without a doubt, but, there is more to you than others I have met."

"Aye have been around Jastrey and it's people fer some time, an found that many of them aren't what ye'd expect. As long as they'll stand by me, aye'll stand by them."

"An honorable sentiment."

"If ye'll be excusin' me, aye b'lieve tis' aye that'll be bidding you good night this time master Marloff."

*Smiling as he went to stand, heading towards the empty room that had been my home of late.*

"Thank ye fer sharing tha' bread, it was indeed int'restin'."

"Good day to you Sir."