07 | December | 2007 | Turn the Page

The Hard Road: Waterdeep: The City of Splendors

Show a little inspiration, show a little spark
And show that things that drew me to you and stole my heart
And tell me something I don’t know instead of everything I do
And look at me as if I mean something to you
Our hearts are beating while we sleep, but while we’re wide awake
You know the world won’t stop, and actions speak louder
Listen to your heart, and what your heart might say
Everything we got, we got the hard way

lyrics from The Hard Way as performed by Mary Chapin Carpenter

“Well, as always Cap, it’s an excitin’ time when boardin’ passage,” Shani said with a grin as she took the reins to lead Callipso off the boat and onto the docks. Umbatu gently patted the horse’s rump, smiling toward Shani, and then offered the same look to Ari and Lyssa.

“May’aps one day she’ll be a quiet journey,” Falcon said softly as he waved to the three. “An’ as always, pleasure ‘avin’ ye ‘board, Wendy.”

Lyssa looked over the city with disdain. It had been a while since she was here last. Pulling some platinum coins from her purse she held them out to Falcon. Triumph’s leads firmly in her other hand. “Fix ‘er up.” She said calmly. “and give the boys a night off to get shitefaced aye?”

Falcon looked to the coins for a moment, then looked to Lyssa and merely chuckled as he took the coins. He turned and started to laugh lightly, eventually breaking into a quiet song. Umbatu strode past in his usual gait, glancing to Lyssa and shaking his head with a smile, the action saying more about the captain than any words ever could.

Ari offered a wave, keeping quiet. He hadn’t spoken much since the fight on the ship, and there wasn’t much for him to say.

“So,” Shani called out as she stood next to Callipso. “What now? Jist git ta the guild an’ knock on the door?”

“Pretty much. It’s north of here, in the Sea Ward.” Lyssa replied looking over to a section of the dockward that was under construction. The sight causing her to laugh softly. “Oops.”

Shani arched an eyebrow, looked to Lyssa and then back to the construction area. “I figger there’s a bit o’ a tale ta go with thet,” she said quietly. “An’ I’m guessin’ y’all know it intimately.”

“… How long has it been since that fire, Lys? I can recall a few tales about that,” Ari said, looking to Lyssa. His tail began swinging back and forth, showing obvious interest in the whole story.

“Aye, there’s a tale. Many in fact. But would you like to hear the actual truth about it? It’s been almost a year and half now.” She said still grinning as she looked between the two.

“I figger I kin wait,” Shani smirked as she lead the horse off the docks and onto the cobble stones of the streets. “‘Sides, ifn I wait ’til after we done, after we find Andar o’ course, it gonna mean ya owe me somethin’ on the trip. It’ll be somethin’ ta share fer later.”

“Fair enough.” She said, tugging on Triumph’s leads. “C’mon horse, I want to get away from smell of the ocean and the ship.”

Waterdeep was a busy city. Much busier than Mirabar or Neverwinter. And even more so than Roid. Especially now, what with a tree growing out of the middle of the crumbled buildings. Bells tolled in the distance, merchants hawked their wares as travelers wondered at the majestic buildings. The sounds of the city were booming all over, even in the early morning. The smells of freshly baked breads, fish, raw meats and spices of various kinds, reach their noses all at once. Even the slums looked much more wondrous than those of other cities.

They left the Dock Ward following the main road through the Castle Ward that would eventually lead them to The House of Wonder. There they would be able to seek out help.

As they walked, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. That was, not until they strode past the Yawning Towne Portal Inn. Shani saw it at first. A hooded figure that seem to be taking a great interest in everyone’s movements, but sticking close to the shadows. The pale elf watched as the figure, covered in head to toe with tan colored robes, reached the door of an apartment and produced a key. The figure did not make any move to hide the fact they were unlocking the door. For the casual observer, it would not have been out of the ordinary. But Shani knew that the building once was the home to Waien Argith.

She pushed the thoughts from her mind, she had heard word the elven archer had recently met his death, defending his home. Shani did not dwell on it, as the matters of getting to Baldur’s Gate were much more important. And so, she followed along with Lyssa and Ari, horses keeping the slow pace, as they entered the Sea Ward, and the Temple of Mystra loomed in the distance.

Lyssa’s expression upon seeing the The House of Wonder was neutral. The Temple didn’t impress her with it’s steep steps and columns, the finely carved statues that seemed to welcome those to enter into safety. She had seen it all before. Somberly, she lead Triumph to the base of the stairs. “Stay here horse.” In the back of her mind she knew that Triumph would do as Lyssa said.

Ari’s gaze drifted over each statue, imagining if they have any sort of significance. His paced slowed to a halt as he eyed each one. “Wonder how they managed so many and so vast,” he muttered more to himself.

Shani took Callipso and gently tied him to a nearby hitching post, and did the same with Triumph. Then she followed Lyssa and Ari as they mounted the stairs to the doors of the lavish temple. This was Lyssa’s show, she would need to get the deal made. But Shani was there just in case she had to step forward and convince them of the necessity of the situation.

Lyssa hadn’t said much since they left The Red Rose, her mind was set to what they needed to accomplish. As she walked up the steps, she knew exactly how she would get them passage to Baldur’s Gate. Once at the top, she looked over the extravagantly carved doors. Each door depicting an avatar of Mystra in various ornate and detailed forms. The doors looked very life-like, a feeling of being watched by the carvings was enough to make Lyssa hesitate before she tip-toed to opened one of the massive doors.

As it opened, there wasn’t a sound that came from the hinges. A swirling red mist drifted out around their feet. Upon entering, the air seemed much thicker, but not cloying, instead, it was welcoming, as though a person was wrapping each of the three in a very warm, comforting blanket. Mild and pleasing odors met the three, as perfumes of scented flowers, incense and even the smells of mages practicing their craft wafted easily through the many chambers of the elegant temple. The doors quietly closed behind them as they stepped forward. They didn’t notice, it was almost as though they were captivated by the interior of the temple.

All save Lyssa. She had a purpose to be here, and she had steeled herself against the effects of the place. Whether they truly were magical or not, could be argued for the next millennium. It didn’t matter to her.

As they stood and waited, a cry of excitement sounded out. “AH-HA! Visitors!” They searched the room for the one who spoke, and it wasn’t until the gnome appeared from behind a length of bookshelves did they see who was coming to greet them.

The gnome wore elegant robes, floor length, even for a gnome. His kind eyes and brilliant smile only matched by his keen senses and extremely curious nature of his kind. “I bid thee welcome, weary travelers, to The House of Wonders. We offer all manner of services here for those who have traveled a long and hard road. I assume by your demeanor…” He paused as he sniffed slightly, taking note of the odor as he calculated for a brief moment. “And you’d appearance, it would seem as though you have indeed had a very well traveled and difficult time. Is that the scent of Port Llast I smell…” he said as curiosity got the better of him and he approached Lyssa. “Hmmm, no, no… that is most definitely Neverwinter with an overlay of Sahuagin. You’ve been in a bit of a battle I would say, having won out in the end.” He grinned with this last statement, hoisting his hands up in a victorious manner.

Shani merely smirked, noting that the gnome had rattled off a great deal of information and made a query before he had even introduced himself. Typical, really.

“I need to see Sophitia.” Lyssa said dryly. She was clearly not amused by the gnome who sniffed her.

“Oh! Indeed, indeed,” he said as he steepled his fingers, seemingly in thought. “Pressing business, I assume.” The gnome nodded politely and smiled his ever present, flamboyant smile.

“Calling on an old friend is more like it. Now go find her.” She said trying to remain calm. She had no patience for gnomes and their annoying behavior. This one was pressing all the right buttons to get himself ejected by force from the room.

“Oh dear, dear, dear,” the gnome tched quietly. “Such tone. If you are indeed a friend, then Sophitia will know right away. Please, just follow me, follow me.” He held out an arm and bowed deeply, almost as though he were used to such comments.

“Eilistraee help me…” She muttered under her breath, then sighed deeply and started in the direction he motioned.

The gnome ushered the three through hallways and upstairs, humming as he went, offering a kind wave of hello as he passed by familiar faces. He always made certain that his charges were keeping step with him. He would study each in kind. Ari was the last one he took note of, after coming to rather insightful conclusions about each of the women.

Something about Ari brightened his already brilliant eyes. “Oh! My! Word! You have a tail!” The gnome rushed forward as though intent on studying this new curiosity. But he suddenly found himself blocked, as the pale elf stood before him and grinned.

“Hey now,” Shani said softly and turned to Ari, a gentle finger rapping against his chest. “I can’t let ya jist head straight long fer somethin’ thet’s mine. I mean, this here’s very delicate merchandise,” she said in a rather sultry voice that made her southern drawl melt those within earshot. She leaned over and looked the gnome square in the eye. “If y’all know what I mean.”

Ari looked to Shani, confused. He didn’t exactly register what was just said for a few moments, until it finally clicked. His ears perked and his face turned crimson, still left speechless. His tail curled at his side, as if it’s to protect him, shifting weight from one leg to the other uncomfortably. The silence between the four was quite awkward. Lyssa looked between Shani and Ari then laughed softly as she started walking again. She seemed to know exactly where she was going.

The gnome took in this new information and then let out a silent Oh. He gave one look to Ari and smiled as he whispered, “Lucky boy.” He moved to the doors and returned to his extremely flamboyant nature. “Right this way, ladies and gentleman. May I present to you Her Lady’s chamber. I give you, Sophitia.” He threw open the doors and faced the chamber, bowing deeply as he waved a hand to the three, as if to instruct them to bid enter.

The room was ornate without being lavish. Items and furniture were arranged in such a way that Sophitia could navigate with little problem. To the outside observer, this would appear as a very homey place, but there was something that would tug at the back of their mind when entering. Everything seemed to have a purpose in the room, from the furniture to the small knick-knacks that lined the bookshelves. A set of drapes, well cared for and well crafted, blocked off a second room. The hint of a bed beyond betrayed this as being Sophitia’s sleeping quarters. Just being in the quarters told a visitor this was well used, and well cared for.

“A familiar presence, in an unfamiliar form.” A sensual voice rang out all around them. “She also brings two friends. Shani and Ari’Kavain.” At the calling of her name, Shani arched an inquisitive eyebrow, but said nothing. Times like this, it was better to let things play out. Answers to questions would come in time. Ari glanced about, his ears twitching. Who is this woman, and how’d she get my name? He looked to Lyssa, hoping she might know.

“Sophitia,” Lyssa smiled, looking at Shani and Ari, giving them a look that stated it was okay and she would explain later. “It’s been too long.”

The drapes parted, to reveal what appeared to be a rather dimunitive, young woman. Her plain features were hardly anything to turn someone’s head. Neither beautiful nor hideous, she attracted none of those attentions. But what was noticeable about her, was the blindfold she wore over her eyes. Wherever she would move, there always the presence of a silent, male who seemed to tower above her, but not in a menacing manner, rather as a guide. In a way, when Shani saw him she was immediately reminded of the first mate of the Red Rose, Umbatu.

“It has been too long. Unfortunate situation you are in my dear. All will be well soon. I can promise you that.” Sophitia said to Lyssa. Sophitia was dressed in a black robe, its fabric whispering as she moved closer to Lyssa, with the help of the large man. She sat gracefully on the chaise. “Thank you, Leonid.”

Leonid bowed his head and remained standing behind the chaise, as Sophitia summoned three comfortable looking chairs for Lyssa and her companions to sit.

“That is good to know Sophitia, however that isn’t the reason I came here.” Lyssa said softly. Her voice was child-like as she sat down.

“Yes, I know. You are in need of transportation. From what I can see, you are rather hasty about where to go.” Sophitia replied. “I can help you, but first you must rest.”

“We don’t really have the time.” Lyssa said, though it would seem her words fell upon deaf ears.

“What you ask of me will require time and preparation, Lyssa. You and your companions will rest.” It didn’t come out as a question, but more of a demand. Lyssa only nodded her head, then look to the other two.

It was all arranged, rooms were prepared for all of them. Lyssa and Shani would stay in one room, with a room set aside for Ari. The evening would go by slowly once they were ready. It would be good to sleep on something that wasn’t rocking on the waves. For Shani and Ari, it would be peaceful. But for Lyssa, there was something else that was about to unfold.