Collected Writings: To Leave a City of Feylight
Deep black cover, it intermittently shines with the glowing pattern of fae lights or stars.
Foreword by Anonymous
Of who we are; are we made into what we are or born that way? Are we a series of choices refined and shaped into the very art of who are? How bound and defined are we at birth? Perhaps it is some mixture? But a greater question than this?
Does any of it matter?
Sculpted into our desired form or natural, it does not change the immutable fact of what one is. How much was always there and how much was chosen to be made?
Life is a mixture of lies and truth. And even should one see the truth before them, bias and knowledge clouds and distorts it causing each to have their own view of what truly exists. So too is this story. A lovely mix of truth, lies, my own experience and bias to give hopefully insight to a bit of what life can be like in a city so very far away.
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR (1383 DR)
Anonymous
Chapter I - Foretold by Anonymous
A babe was raised, over the varying patterns of blood and gem dust below. A subtle wind stirring them about before the small circle of adults leaned in. Small gasps filled the cavernous room, dispelling the former silence as several spoke up.
"Now this one will be brilliant. So full of potential."
"Truly a sight to behold, a prodigy."
An older woman spoke softly in hushed tones,"Add them immediately to the list of children to be admitted for magical studies."
The group dipped their heads in reverence to her before passing off the child to a set of drow standing close by. Even the dim lighting could not hide the proud expressions upon their faces as they departed the house of Auguries.
A small head poked forth from the stalagmite house. White, shoulder-length hair fluxing in color from the ever dancing fey lights; their displays a myriad of vibrancy and shapes. Her wiry body followed, clad in blacks and blues, only a slender silvery necklace to stand out from her dark skin.
"Iymaryn!"
The drow girl refocused from the brilliant fires to the approaching figure. A similar age and stature but longer hair. Hands pointedly on her hips as she stared down the short haired girl.
"You're going to be late staring off at the fey lights again!"
Iymaryn brushed back some locks from her face, "Oh, Baelinth. It- there still should be time yet."
"Not if you want a good seat." the long haired girl huffed.
They both turned, nimbly ambling their way along the thin stone walkways, a delicate web of passages around the many stone formed homes until they entered one quite a sight larger. The metallic door opened, permitting them both into the gathering of young drow.
The large hall loomed lit with the brightest blue fey fire. A distinguished headmaster stood, raised platform permitting him easy oversight of the multitude of young drow gathered. His robes and grimoire proudly worn. A deep breath is drawn before addressing them,"Today, you all begin lessons, these are meant to prepare you for adult life soon to come. Those of you with promise may join the ranks of the various schools here. Your auguries have foretold potential at birth, but now we will truly see the potential. Or lack thereof."
The hall briefly fidgeted into whispers before once more the commanding tone strove above it, "This is when we see how many of you may rise to exalted statuses. There is afterall no greater ability than those that wield the weave. Strive to learn, strive to take your place high amongst this city. You will all be taken to classes and later instructors for teaching and evaluation." A snap of his fingers and the doors lining the hall opened, as magical bubbles surrounded each child, guiding them into their assigned room.
Iymaryn glanced up from her small but well prepared desk. The floor of the room sloped, giving a perfect view of the teacher. Her white hair was drawn back elegantly into a bun. The purple, shimmering robes swished as her tall figure glided around the focused area.
"Welcome all, this will be your introduction to the art of magic and the beginning of the road to see each of your potentials.?" Her eyes scanned, piercing the gaze of every student in turn. "I am Mal'shalee, a wizard in the school of divination. Now to begin at the basics."
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR (1383 DR)
Anonymous
Chapter II - Worth by Anonymous
"Nothing? Nothing at all?" A wizened man incredulously peered over the shoulder of a teenager. "How many years has it been since you started your studies?"
Imyaryn paused gazing out over the scattered books and varying spell components. "The same length of time as most."
His white brow arched in vexation, "So why keep trying?"
She slowly shook her head, "I'm not the one that asks to keep trying. It is from disbelief that many have been tasked with attempts over and over."
"So I've heard. Comprehension of all the theory, and yet. Failure to touch the weave."
"Yes. Thank you for your time." As her steps resounded through the great empty hall as behind her the mess sorted and cleaned itself magically. The man's aged head shook in her departed direction.
The fey lights brilliance burned lower to indicate the hours of less activity. Weaving her way through the softly lit, winding footpaths she stood still a moment beside a contraption of skulls and teeth levitating in grand display. Her step held a moment, before proceeding with heightened haste down into the city.
At the end of her path a domed building stood, lit in blazing blue flames. The great stone doors scraped against the earthen floor, as two bulky guards shifted them closed. "Please, wait!" Iymaryn?s hand outreached pleadingly towards the swiftly closing doors.
One turned agitatedly before an aged voice echoed from within. "Permit her in. This is a guest I've been awaiting."
Reluctantly the doors were parted enough to open passage, before solidly shutting behind Iymaryn. Of all the rooms branching off the main circular entry, only one was casting off vibrant rays of light.
"Well, do come in. Endless Reflections."
She stopped cold as the elderly voice spoke her name, but specifically spoken to highlight the meaning. "Surprised? I like to keep track of all the auguries I perform, child. You are no different. Now do come in."
Hesitantly Iymaryn spoke up, her voice ringing in the near silence. "I came to try and meet Mal'shalee. About the failed attempts."
The color-shifting fey lights bathed the octagonal room in an undulating light. The scent of incense lingered in the air, a reminder of the many rituals held upon the rock hewn floor. The figure gnarled with age stood commandingly near the center. "Ah yes. The attempts to harness the weave. I am Tin'afay, the overseer of auguries and elder in the school of divination. Speak to me in place of Mal'shalee."
"I am here to request that the trials of my ability cease. They are of benefit to no one. Not once in these eight years have I felt the weave."
Metal resounded against stone as Tin'afey struck her staff tip commandingly upon the floor. "We know what was seen. You hold great capability still."
"What if the potential seen was not to use the weave?" The two figures stood opposed as Iymaryn's quiet words fled, leaving only the faint crackle of flames.
A trail of scarlet paint followed swiftly after the brush. Imaryn ceased examination of her work as a tall female strode through the store showroom directly to her. Exasperation laced every word as she scowled, "Iymaryn! What is this I hear of you no longer studying? Surely you can't settle for a life like this?"
Iymaryn set aside the runic painted disk, "I'm to serve in the Divination school library. Eventually as a loremaster should I prove myself. Why does it matter so, Baelinth?"
Baelinth's voice flared in indignation, "That'll never amount to what you were supposed to be or overcome your reputation. The bad luck charm of hopeful wizards. The girl who doesn't have expressions. I still remember catching you trying to make a smile in the mirror, have you forgotten?"
"No. I'm simply seeking the knowledge I desire to find."
"Only knowledge is worthless. You'll never amount to anything! How could you just give up on everything."
Tense stillness hung in the air until a slap reverberated in the air. Baelinth lowered her hand as she turned to go. Her voice however was broken and quiet,"You were supposed to be so much."
Iymaryn's hand gingerly touched the mark left upon her cheek before returning once more to her quiet ring making.
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR (1383 DR)
Anonymous
Chapter III - Dream by Anonymous
The book spines slid familiarly beneath her fingertips as Iymaryn slotted each into their allotted placement. Her path wove through the bookshelf maze, she stopped at a paper logging away some list of titles before leaving through the massive doors. They creaked after her as she stepped into the faerie fire light, the glow of vibrant color contrasting deeply to the darkened labyrinth of books left behind.
This cycle her steps took her through the heart of the city. Various figures breezed by with spells, caring not for the slender paths of stone beneath them. Trade wagons and bands traversed down the central pillar, the raucous noise as they progressed to the bazaar announcing the influx of goods and trade this cycle.
Iymaryn eventually broke off from this grouping of people, reaching an unloading band of mismatched many. Half-orcs, humans, halflings and dwarves all intermingled to create this motley group. A great broad man stood squarely in the middle of this bustling hive directing the various tasks of unloading. He called out to Iymaryn as she approached.
"Oi, Iymaryn. How ye doing on yer goal?"
She joined him in the calm center ring, "Not as quick as I would like, Reinhard. But safe passage isn't cheap as we both know."
"No, certainly not to smuggle ye around. How bloody long has it been since ye found me?" He crossed his great arms, crisscross scars telling a tale of much fighting as his progressively white hair told of many years. His eyes carried a steely yet amused glint.
"Hm, twenty years or so? I won't have enough to pay to leave for some time though. Maybe another seventy years?"
Reinhard guffawed, "Long enough I'll be long into the ground. Tell ye what, got this for ye lass."
Iymaryn starred a long moment at the parchment handed her, "This is-"
His deep voice cut her off "May not be long before ye deal with my son. He's an ambitious lad, good with the trade. A pride and joy o' mine. That paper is good to try and keep our agreement through him one day."
"I'll make sure I keep my end of the bargain. Do you have any work for me this trip?"
"Oh I sure do." The great man smiled warmly while guiding the drow woman towards an official looking open tent.
As she left the bazaar, she carried with her a bag. Fewer walked or even flew in the passages, an hour seemingly late in the cycle even for a forever lit city. The lanterns illuminated the quiet workshop as Iymaryn laid out various components. She unfolded a paper, glancing at it and her materials before tucking it away.
The door of the shop suddenly clattered open, admitting in a slender drow woman who beelined straight to another workstation She grasped a bracelet triumphantly before incredulously noting the lights and then Iymaryn. "Whatever are you doing here at this hour?!"
"I could ask you the same, but it seems your lost bracelet was found, Nylwae. Just work for me."
Nylwae marched herself over and began scrutinizing the spread of items organized upon the countertop. "What do you even do when you're not here or at the library? You're so quiet."
Iymaryn began shaping an amulet as she spoke, "I listen, observe the many traders that come through."
Nylwae's face scrunched in exasperated disgust, "But why? That doesn't do anything for you unless they have some use. Like- I met this human and he thinks we might be able to figure out my way to magic. Then I'll be part of a school and the elite of the city." She cut off as she watched Iymaren with her steady work before sharply cutting in, "Why don't you seek out power from magic? You know so much and he says most everyone can connect to the weave. You can't even get high paying work with your reputation as is."
"Tried for six years with so many tutors. I try on my own every now and then but it amounts to nothing. Not even a simple spell like light."
"Well I guess if you want to give up. But I'm going to become so much more! I'll leave this place behind. Dark Cycles, Iymaren." The door shut in place behind the ruffled trail of her elegant dress, leaving the place nearly silent once more except for subtle sounds of Iymaryn's craft.
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR (1383 DR)
Anonymous
Chapter IV - Breaking by Anonymous
Iymaryn's held breath was slowly exhaled as she examined the document in her hands. Her steps quickly retread through the city to the bazaar. Past the various traders, mixes of faces past and newer to this cavern of trade. Within the motley crew circle stood a man young of features, his directing stopped as she approached.
"You-"
"Yes, me." Iymaryn offered forth the document alongside one other she pulled from her bag, this one was aged yet well kept.
He stared over the pages, spellbound by them. "From my great-grandfather, I was told of this but.."
"But you did not actually expect someone to actually have been working for so very long on this. I did meet him when his hair was already graying, otherwise it would have been likely to come from your grandfather. Will you fulfill it?"
Their gaze held, before he gave an affirmative nod. "I, Armond, will fulfill this contract. We head where you ask to go. Leave with us on the final day of Ches. There are some cycles before then."
"Thank you, I will be here."
The door to a small abode swung open as Iymaryn entered. The unornamented room seemed barely lived in. Her slim bag filled quickly with what few belongings existed. Her gaze wandered around the tiny place before she departed from it, closing the door. Her path took her past the art workshop, she peered in at the many working away but her former station was left pristine and empty. At the end of her walk she stepped into the great library she had known so very long. She pulled from a pouch a magically runed stone which she slid across the counter to the other woman behind it. There was only a nod between the librarians before she left, great doors closing behind her with finality.
The motley group was already seemingly close to packing up all their goods as she approached. The young leader gave an affirmative nod as she joined them, "We leave soon."
"I'm ready."
The wagons already began their ascent, up the Z'orr'bauth, about halfway up the great pillar, another procession was occurring. Many in the higher echelons of society were proceeding to a gala. The grandeur of every person, even servants, spoke to a likely highlight of the year. Baelinth and Nylwae floated in glittering finery. Baelinth caught Iymaren's gaze for the briefest of moments before refocusing back to their stunningly different worlds.
The traders wound upwards for so very long until the exit cavern became apparent. Armond glanced to her as they stepped out of the city leaving the fey lights for darkness and bustling city for caverns of silence. "Have you ever been out here?"
"No. That is what I paid you for, to see much I have not."
He nodded as he began ordering the various parts of the caravan to prepare for the long road ahead.
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR (1383 DR)
Anonymous
Chapter V - Darkness by Anonymous
All encompassing darkness, stark in contrast to the always faelit city. Wheels rolled along in this world filled with shapes rather than color. So passed many cycles following along roads clearly well trod, change was small and so they seemed to meld one to the other. It was along this road they traveled, but subtle sounds grew around them. Tension filled the camp as watches grew even more in priority. The few caravans on this route opted to stay closer together creating a long chain of wagons.
Circled defensively, the rationing of food sometimes lively before was covered in gloom. Iymaryn ate at something dried as Armond spoke up, "Tense area to be in. Mind flayers, beholders. Never can let your guard down in this area."
She nodded in affirmation, "Is part of why paying for something like this is so expensive."
"Well yes, it is. But also I was wondering, why do it?"
She turned her gaze to him, "Why trade in different cities? Because of the diversity of goods. Why learn in other places? The diversity of knowledge."
He considered for a moment, "I suppose so. But Sshamath seems so diverse already."
"It can seem that way. But there are limits. Knowledge isn?t known for knowledge, it is known for power. You should be wary too, those not of my kind can only go so far."
"Oh? What makes you say that?"
"Quite some time ago a human helped a drow find her connection to the weave, she moved up in rank so quickly leaving that trader behind. Seems like he might have felt something for her. He was found dead in the ghetto, so much blood lost his body was like an empty husk."
Her words hung in the near silence of the gathered, however it dissipated as yells pierced the darkness. Iymaryn fled into a wagon as the sounds of clashing steel and spells reverberated in the open cavern. It was some time before the yells and cries eased, the wagons rolled in haste once more to leave that place.
Despite the tension of some cycles, no more attacks cut through the darkness as the journey continued. Upwards they rolled along the sloped stone and earth. The environment subtly changed, till they stopped. She exited the wagon to find them parked before a gaping hole. But rather than to another cave it was almost as though it left this world for another. The wind whispered through leaves and bushes. Far off distant lights shone from some small town. Iymaryn stepped through, ceiling no longer above her, the starlight rained down. She lifted her gaze to the starry sky dancing with so many lights. She left these new visions to return to camp, where the next part of smuggling her to other parts of this new world would begin.
Written by Elennei Sh'yalva
AR 183
My thanks to Truggug, without the inspiration of your stories this tale possibly never would have been told. Whether you return or stay at rest, know you were a source of inspiration. One of the greatest gifts one can give.
Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 183 AR (1383 DR)