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14:37, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Conversations with Talindra.

Posted by DMFor group 0
Sirenya
player, 141 posts
HP: 41/41
Thu 4 Mar 2021
at 21:29
  • msg #26

Conversations with Talindra

It was a small request, but one that Sirenya was happy to oblige to. She followed the directions of Talindra to her room and searched for the bookcase that contained the slim leather-bound book.
DM
GM, 3076 posts
Thu 4 Mar 2021
at 22:23
  • msg #27

Conversations with Talindra

You head to Talindra's bedroom. ((ooc: It's the one with a blue carpet in the NW corner of the upper floor map.)) Talindra has described herself as one of Master Bhephel's senior apprentices, and the room looks it. Not that you were trained in anything like this place, but you can definitely tell that these are apprentice quarters.

Talindra has a desk and bookcase and a couple of chests and wardrobes for clothing. Everything is a bit worn, though, and you're pretty sure it was a bit worn back during the Fall, and it's not just the passage of time. The carpets on the floors are threadworn, the wall hangings and blankets faded.

There's paper strewn across the desk, and eight books are on the bookcase. Most of them are fairly hefty, with thick boards underneath dull-colored leather for covers. But there is also a slim book bound in red, on a shelf by itself.
Sirenya
player, 142 posts
HP: 41/41
Thu 4 Mar 2021
at 22:36
  • msg #28

Conversations with Talindra

The room had seen better days, that was for sure. From the looks of it, the last time it hadn't seen better days was probably millenia ago, but the books and papers in the room still seemed to be intact. It was so hard to resist the call to read through some of the papers on the desk, and the books were oh so tempting. Sirenya had but one goal though, and that was to retrieve the book of poetry.

Reaching up and grasping at the red book, Sirenya returned to the common room to start the process of flipping the page of her deceased companions poetry book.
DM
GM, 3077 posts
Thu 4 Mar 2021
at 22:52
  • msg #29

Conversations with Talindra

Talindra smiles when you return with her book. "Thank you. Please." She waves a hand at the table.

((ooc: Are you going to read the book as well? Or just turn the pages? Talindra doesn't mind, either way.))
Sirenya
player, 143 posts
HP: 41/41
Thu 4 Mar 2021
at 22:56
  • msg #30

Conversations with Talindra

Assuming she can read it, Sirenya would take the time to read the poetry.
DM
GM, 3078 posts
Fri 5 Mar 2021
at 02:30
  • msg #31

Conversations with Talindra

The poetry is all in elven, copied out by someone with a clear, flowing hand. Forest imagery is prevalent throughout the poems, along with a sense of cycles of nature and that current tribulations will pass. The verses are tight, the language not overly-flowery. You can see why they would be a comfort to a woman in the middle of a difficult apprenticeship. Or dealing with an unwanted undead transformation.
Sirenya
player, 144 posts
HP: 41/41
Sat 6 Mar 2021
at 00:15
  • msg #32

Conversations with Talindra

Sirenya has a hard time coming to grips with the tight language, but she perseveres as it seems to be lifint the spirits of Talindra. She realises how little she knows of the current life of Talindra. She doesn't press it, for fear of causing more upset and anguish. "I feel like our lives are complete opposites in many ways. I'm a carefree gnome exploring Faerun for adventure, trying to experience all there is of the world. I don't think I could ever put myself in your shoes and understand what you must be going through."

She lays her hand upon the hand of Talindra, making sure not to let it slip into the ghostly form of the undead. "Are you sure there is nothing I can do to help?" she asks.
DM
GM, 3084 posts
Sat 6 Mar 2021
at 19:35
  • msg #33

Conversations with Talindra

Talindra sighed. "What I truly want, you cannot provide." She rubbed her hands over her arms, and seemed to take comfort in the contact. "Tell me of the world, what you have seen. I cannot stay here indefinitely. Myth Drannor, no matter how much I love it, will be my... well. My death again, I suppose. Where have you been?"
Sirenya
player, 145 posts
HP: 41/41
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 03:31
  • msg #34

Conversations with Talindra

"I'd ask how much time you have, but I guess you've got an advantage on me!" replied Sirenya, cheekily smiling.

She sits down and settles in. This could be a long tale!

"I suppose I'll refrain from telling you my whole lifestory, but how about we start things with my birthplace of the Forgotten Forest. If you've ever been there, or heard tales about it, most of them are true. It's an area of great danger, as you can often find yourself wandering through the shadows and all of a sudden deep in the plane of shadow. Believe me, I did it as a youngling and the experience was harrowing." explains the young vanisher. "You might say that's what led me down my current path of making sure that I'm able to remain unseen as long as possible!"

She pauses for a moment, just to give Talindra time to respond.
DM
GM, 3086 posts
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 05:00
  • msg #35

Conversations with Talindra

Talindra smiled. "It seems a terrible thing to be forgotten, especially for something as grand as a forest. It seems a very human name. I doubt elves would ever forget a forest. Where does it lie?"
Sirenya
player, 146 posts
HP: 41/41
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 06:37
  • msg #36

Conversations with Talindra

"If I were to believe everything I had read and heard, the elves referred to the forest as the Dornwood of Salvatos. Perhaps you've heard the name before. It's a curious forest to be sure, for it lies on the edge of the Anaurach Desert and between the Marsh of Chelimber. From east to west, the variation in temperatures and availability of water varies considerably, with oak and walnut the longest lasting varieties of tree, but we also have fiercely sought after shadowtop trees that are well known for their enduring properties." replied Sirenya. "I myself have a set of bolas crafted from the wood of a shadowtop tree. Would you like to see?"

Reaching into her pack anyway, Sirenya removes the dark woody weapon for Talindra to observe.

"Truth be told, there's a lot going for a place like the Forgotten Forest, but the yearning of adventure came to me early. I'd like to say it's been a wanderlust that has been with me forever, but in all honesty I remember being just a youngster when our village hero came a wandering. Tales of orcs and drow, searching high and low for lost treasures, disarming and picking all sorts of locks and traps. Oh, the blood of my nose started twitching something chronic, and thats not the only place if you know what I mean!"

Sirenya almost turned bright red as she said that, then got back to the story. "Well that was it for me. The next chance I got, I grabbed my belongings and attached myself to the first adventuring comapny that passed through the forest."
DM
GM, 3087 posts
Mon 8 Mar 2021
at 02:37
  • msg #37

Conversations with Talindra

"I've seen a number of younglings have that exact same reaction," Talinda says, nodding. "Elves and humans have the same fancy you did, no doubt the the same consternation as your parents. We used to joke that, 'Those who can, teach. Those who can't, risk their life on the road.' Those of us who were content to stay in our towers and advance the Art, I mean. I was going to be teaching them in a few years."

She shakes her head. "Maybe they were the smarter. I doubt... this..." she waves a hand at herself, "happened to any of my more adventurous colleagues. But I have never been an adventurous spirit."

Talindra moves over to a table and tries to sit down. She goes right through it, and barely manages to catch herself from falling. Cursing under he breath, she straightens. "So. What is life like, outside Cormanthyr?"
Sirenya
player, 147 posts
HP: 41/41
Mon 8 Mar 2021
at 23:37
  • msg #38

Conversations with Talindra

It was hard to suppress a laugh, but she did. "Life outside Cormanthyr? The same as most everywhere I'd expect. Plenty of people with more troubles than they ever asked for, good and bad people all mixed in a pot and left to fend for themselves. With all there is in life to do, its surprising that so many people dwell upon the past, if you ask me." replies Sirenya.

She was tiring of the conversation at this point, and took a seat herself. "Tell me more about the magnificence of Myth Drannor in all its glory. I'd love to hear more." she asks.
DM
GM, 3101 posts
Wed 10 Mar 2021
at 02:30
  • msg #39

Conversations with Talindra

"Cormanthor was..." Talindra hesitates. "How do I describe a song? How do I describe my own beating heart?" She glances down at her chest, as though realizing that her heart doesn't actually beat anymore. "There was song on every corner, and the Art laughed and bubbled wherever you looked. I wanted nothing more than to come to Myth Drannor while I was a girl, and when I did it was everything I hoped for and more. I saw the Coronal before he passed." She pauses, a faraway look in her eyes.
Sirenya
player, 149 posts
HP: 41/41
Wed 10 Mar 2021
at 10:40
  • msg #40

Conversations with Talindra

"Did you ever contemplate moving to Evereska with the other elves? There is a thriving community that is near to the Forgotten Forest. I always wanted to visit, but my parents never wanted to mix with the elves for some reason. I think they were scared of some folk tales to be honest." replied Sirenya.

"Well, perhaps you'd like to hear more of my story? I mean, I won't say I don't like to brag, but there's some pretty wild stuff I can share. Would you like to hear about the time that I snuck into the Lord Erathon's manor to steal his pet piglet for a prank? Or the time that I was captured and mistaken for a small child, sold into slavery with the Zhentarim?"
DM
GM, 3105 posts
Thu 11 Mar 2021
at 01:46
  • msg #41

Conversations with Talindra

From out in the hallway near the stairs, you hear Kora call out, "Is that you? Show yourselves."
Kitheras Sunblade
player, 336 posts
AC: -1 THAC0: 15
HP: 29 / 41
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 00:06
  • msg #42

Conversations with Talindra

"Talindra?  Are you here?" He had shed his pack and situated his appearance, wiping grime from hands and face and taming his hair.
DM
GM, 3107 posts
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 00:30
  • msg #43

Conversations with Talindra

You find Talindra in the casting chamber up on the second floor. The runic circle that once held the efreeti is quiescent, though still carved deep into the stone of the floor. She looks like she's trying to take an inventory of the books along the walls, and is quite obviously frustrated at her incorporeal state.

She looks up at your voice and takes in your appearance. "Yes, I am here. My city has not been kind to you, it seems."
Kitheras Sunblade
player, 337 posts
AC: -1 THAC0: 15
HP: 29 / 41
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 00:39
  • msg #44

Conversations with Talindra

In reply to DM (msg # 43):

"I'm sure that your city would have been quite kind to me.  Myth Drannor under the occupation of the Army of Darkness is inhospitable to everyone. They keep the dream hidden and in chains.  I have not Corym's ardor for it, but everyone needs inspiration.  Could the dream of Myth Drannor yet inspire a people?" He tilts his head coyly, "Isn't the chance of it worth the effort?"

He bows to the lady of the house, "I wanted to greet you, and thank you for your hospitality. My hands have played a bloody tune today, may I play for you a finer one?"
DM
GM, 3112 posts
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 03:14
  • msg #45

Conversations with Talindra

"I would appreciate a song," Talindra said. "I keep thinking that I'll reward myself with a trip to the Pipe and Unicorn. They always have good beer and excellent singers. And then I remember that I can't."
Kitheras Sunblade
player, 338 posts
AC: -1 THAC0: 15
HP: 29 / 41
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 04:23
  • msg #46

Conversations with Talindra

In reply to DM (msg # 45):

"I think a celebration would raise many spirits. I'll play a few tunes for you in private, and you can help me select my repertoire. Reputedly Qasida has a fine voice, if we can teach her the words we'll be able to harmonize. My only regret is that while playing I'll be unable to join you for a dance.  Corym is nimble, but untrained."

He produces his harp and plays a few quick paced songs and sings.

22:23, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 6 using 1d20.  Harp (17).

22:22, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 4 using 1d20.  singing (15).

This message was last edited by the player at 04:23, Fri 12 Mar 2021.
DM
GM, 3113 posts
Sat 13 Mar 2021
at 04:38
  • msg #47

Conversations with Talindra

As your music begins, Talindra leans forward. Her eyes unfocus and her hands drop to her sides as she listens with her entire being in a way so common among elves and almost unknown among all the other races. She sways slightly in tune with the music, for once not noticing or caring that she occasionally slides slightly into the table beside her.

When the music ends, she takes a long, shuddering breath and lets it out slowly. "Thank you. That was wonderful."
Kitheras Sunblade
player, 340 posts
AC: -1 THAC0: 15
HP: 29 / 41
Sat 13 Mar 2021
at 22:24
  • msg #48

Conversations with Talindra

"You're an exceptional listener.  Perhaps later you'll show us whether you're a dancer as well?" Kitheras bows and excuses himself.  Having settled his nerves, he could now broach the topics that must be discussed.
Corym Ildroun
player, 2363 posts
19/28 HP
AC 0
Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 13:32
  • msg #49

Conversations with Talindra

Corym greets Talindra warmly and expresses his joy to be reunited with her.  In his mind saving Talindra was the most epic feat he'd ever achieved, and the quest to see her restored had taken on the dimensions of a holy quest in his mind.  All his life he had sought to restore lost Art to the people.  Now he sought to restore a woman to her Art--one who brought with her the memories and cosmopolitan values that were so near to his heart. A pride in the People and an openness to the world.

"Talindra, I swore you an oath to see you restored.  To seek and find a Wish. In our ventures these past two days I fell in with a band of the Black Archer and aided their captain in the ambush of their foes.  He told me of an elven archmage nearby, one whom I knew but knew not his mastery of Art.

Talindra, if what is on that scroll is half so valuable as I believe it might be, I believe that we can strike a deal with this archmage to see you restored.  But the Captain also said that Neldor has no presence on the field of battle and cannot be counted on to enter a perilous undertaking. If you are to be restored, we will have to take you to him.

Do you know if you are able to leave the tower?  Some spirits are bound to locations, and as far as I know you have not left Master Bhephel's tower since your awakening."



Corym waited for a response. His eyes shone with excitement and fervor.

"What's more, we've stirred a great deal of trouble in this neighborhood, and the artifacts we've reclaimed are beginning to challenge our ability to bear them out of the City of Song.  I daresay we are poised to move soon, though I will be discussing it with the Company as dictated by the charter we are bound to. If you are to come with us and we are to further preserve Master Bhephel's legacy, we will need to accelerate those preparations."
DM
GM, 3290 posts
Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 06:03
  • msg #50

Conversations with Talindra

Talindra nods, slowly. "I do not feel any particular connection to this place. Beyond the fact that it has been my home for twenty years. Or six hundred and twenty. If you leave, I believe I can come with you."

She glances around. "I will miss it, however. I was always meant to leave, but this place has been the key to my future. Or so I thought. I know you mean to 'restore' me. Resurrect me." She gives a little shiver at that elven taboo. "I don't know if that is possible. It may be the best you can do is destroy me. Or maybe left me drift into the Vale of Lost Voices and take up the watch of the baelnorn."

"Talindra," the name feels like a prayer on his lips, "when Kitheras and I drew you from the darkness and and penetrated the suffering of your mind... when it worked. I've never felt so certain.  So clear.  All my adult life I've risked my life rescuing our history and art.  My life for a scrap of paper.  My life for a cracked gem.  My life for a stained journal.  I've never hesitated because I knew I was serving something larger, and that if my life were forfeit this or that time that it would have been so that our kin would benefit and not be bereft of their heritage. So that they could dream and aspire and rekindle the hope and verve of our people.

"This time I'm here to save you. To restore to you the life that was taken. I can see your eyes and hear your words.  I see your pain and loss, and I can't let it rest.  This time I know for whom I place my life on the line, and I won't fail this time. A Wish reshapes reality.  It's a Wish we seek. It is the exclusive provence of of Archmages.  Archmages fear me, their towers and wards are no bar to me. You will be whole."


Talindra's eyes, which usually seem perpetually out of focus, sharpen on Corym's face. It is eery; for the first time in days she looks genuinely inhuman. "I am dead, Corym. A floating whisper and memory, a shadow of who I was. And you are fixating. Of the two of us, I believe you are the scarier."

"If you were merely dead or had died, I could be at peace with that.  I would have to be.  If you had chose the path of an eternal sentinel I would respect and honor that choice.  I would visit you when the chance arose to provide distraction from your labor. But that isn't the case. We're not talking about experimental magic or a theory.  Wish exists and there are wizards in the Dales that know it. Just one Wish and you will hear again the songs of Arvandor lilting just beyond the periphery, feel the grass beneath your feet, and breathe the free air."  He takes a breath, "I know I fixate--that's what I do. But I think you're afraid to hope.  Walk with us, let us see the Sage.  If he tells me it can't be done we will make the arrangements you desire from the options available.  But do not submit to despair because you fear that your hope is impossible.  The impossible has been my calling since I took on the work of a Knave." He smiles roguishly. "What could you lose by indulging my silly fixation?"

Talindra shrugs. "Since we haven't established whether this new form of mine can feel pain, potentially a great deal. But I don't have a better option. I can't stay here. I have no idea how the master's wards have remained functional for so long, but they have to fail eventually. And once they do, well. This will be a hotly contested lair. So we go. And if you can help me bring as much of Master Bhephel's knowledge out, I will be grateful."

"We will. And more than his if we can manage."

Talindra nods. "When do we go? And to where?"

"I'm proposing to the Company that we aim to arrive in Glen two nights prior to Midwinter. That should give sufficient time to complete an accounting and prepare for the journey. We may even penetrate the basement before we go.  If you're amenable, I believe the door to the catacombs is an unparalleled work.  I don't think I've mentioned but before I took on my Knavery I was trained in the work of an Architect, Engineer, and Stonemason. I won't leave such beauty behind if I can avoid it.  I could design an entire manor home around that door!

Talindra's eyes lose their intense focus. "So a moon, more or less. I suppose that is enough time to sort through a lifetime's gathering. I suppose it will have to be."

"Something occurred to me the other day that I'm certain you'll think is silly.  The year dawning is 1361 DR. Do you recall its name in the Calendar of Harptos?"

A small shake of the head. "I didn't expect to live long enough to see it. Or at least, not have my wits about me if I did."

"The Year of the Maidens."

Talindra cocks her head. "And why should that matter?"

"Well, it seems fortuitous to me that just as the Year of the Maidens dawns that we have the hope of restoring one to her rightful life and are in search of another that was lost."

Talindra throws back her head and laughs. It's the first time you've heard so much as a chuckle from her, and now she lets out a fully belly laugh. "I assure you, the name a long-dead human gave to the year has nothing to do with me. Now go. You have planning to do, and I have papers to sort through."

"Kora's fingers will no doubt be in need of some tending by our priests!  How do her studies proceed?  How has it been for you to take up the work of teacher? Hopefully I didn't start her out on too rocky a foundation with my hedge magic."

"Well enough." Talindra waves her hand at the door.

Bowing once more, Corym leaves the room.
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