Past Consequences

[Fostia]

Sometimes running a business can be tedious. Fostia spent several hours this morning making sure her necessary goods got to the teahouse. It was a monthly routine that she wished she could do with out. However, business had it pitfalls and she knew it.

As she returned to the Duel Note she heard the second sound that gave the place it's name. She didn't know which of her children was playing their father's piano. Yet she did recognize the melody. She wasn't musically inclined herself. However, both of her babies said it helped them feel connected to him. The rhythm accompanied an old Fellsguard song meant to cheer up the listeners.

When she opened the door inside she noticed the music stopped. That was when she saw a human friend of hers that hadn't been by in awhile. She wore a deeply troubled expression. "Samantha, what's the matter?"

The blonde woman with touches of gray was wearing a formal dress to match her station. She held back tears as she answered. "My daughter, that Kaltaxi blessed bastard has her!" She unrolled a piece of parchment that was wrinkled from being gripped tightly.



Lady Dubois of house Sidroh,

I have your promiscuous child. You should really teach her that every pretty face hides it's own agenda. Reguardless, last time we met it was two against one. I aim to make us even this time.
You are to inform Lady Illusory to come alone to the place you stopped me the last time. Otherwise your child shall learn life can be brutally short.

Sincerely,
Nightmare Jack



"That thrice cursed summoner! Last time he had my children. Now he has yours. Don't worry Samantha I'll end this. His escape last time was a fluke!" She thought for a moment about her kids when they barely passed their first decades. Then she hugged her friend fiercely. A whisper came from her lips before they parted. "This time he'll not get away, I swear." An edge her children rarely saw began to make itself known. Fostia loving mother though she may be. She was a veteran of the war against Behelest. She began to prepare her equipment which included potions to aid her. Death was the only way Nightmare Jack was leaving her sight. No matter if it was her's or his. The twisted man killed then trapped children as ghost slaves. He manipulated their spirits into nightmare creatures from the worst fears they had in life. Khy'eras would be a better place without him.

[Arnim Falwin]

Arnim knocked once again on the door of the small home in the richer district of Fellsguard. He looked around the fancy stone street. Noting no neighbors came out to observe him. Had Natalie given him the correct address? He spoke rather loudly to the door. "Excuse me, I'm looking for Lady Natalie Dubois. If I am here in error, could you please direct me to her home."

Samantha Dubois made her way to her daughter's temporary townhouse. It was close to her school, so it was convenient for daily endeavors. Regardless, to her surprise an armored fae man was worriedly speaking to her child's ornate door. As a member of the house responsible for questers she prided herself on reading moral character at a glance. At the very least this man meant no harm. "Excuse me sir are you one of my daughter's friends?"

The paladin turned to the mature female's words of concern. He noted the clear resemblance to the younger woman he was here to see. "Kind of, though we just met earlier in her class. We agreed to meet and get to know each other more."

As she got a good look at the warrior in front of her. She recognized his profile after a few moments. "Paladin Arnim Falwin, I have a desperate request! Please, help save my daughter?"

Esyrax truly worked in mysterious ways. Noble quest seemed to appear out of the most mundane encounters. Though he would hardly call their meeting normal. "Of course, it is my duty to help those in need!"

"Thank you, discretion will be necessary for this. My oldest friend in Fellsguard is already preparing to act. I'll give you the location." The noble glanced around and lowered her voice. she pulled out a key to the door and opened it. "Come inside, so I may explain in private."

"No problem, lead the way." As he entered, he noticed several unlit candles placed around the room. As well as a familiar smell from his youth. 'Why did she have that flower known as the Fae's delight?'

[Fostia]

Fostia reflected on the last time she entered this seaside cave.



Eleven Years Ago...

Her time as a scout in the militia of her people made her capable of tracking decently. The numerous magically hidden drag marks were a common tactic by overconfident magic users. However, she used to be one of the most accomplished illusionists among the Kerasoka she knew a key vulnerability. What fooled the eyes couldn't stop touch as long as you disbelieved enough. She knelt on the sandy beach mentally picking apart what arcane art created. As the illusion broke, she noticed dried blood scattered around. Several disturbing humanoid bones that were too small for most adults. Spoke to the disturbing rumors she had heard. She heard female voice crying from inner chambers ahead quiet, but desperate. Likely beyond normal hearing for other races. She crept in, weapon at the ready seeking to end this terror with the strength at her disposal.

Inside her children were unconscious and chained to an altar. Clearly it was meant for an adult to lay upon during gruesome activities. Dried blood matted her boy's hair from a rather severe head blow. Likely he tried to protect his sister. Her little girl had rope burns along her cheeks where a tight gag rested. 'Always sassy, no matter the circumstances child!'

Also, the source of the subdued desperation became clear. An athletically built human blonde woman rested on a wooden rack. Her human features were contorted in pain as she was clearly stretched beyond her natural tolerance. Old black blood coated the torture device like paint. While her body showed numerous fresh wounds. Clear infection was visible throughout. Fostia approached and took in the living victim. It was one of her husband's colleges. "Lady Dubois?"

The noble woman chided herself on showing weakness. She immediately stopped crying to address the woman. "You must hurry and take your children Olori! The bastard could be back anytime now. I doubt I have much time left."

After a few moments a well skilled blow shattered the gears to the device. Her years of studying mechanical devices made it easy. She tossed a healing potion to the woman. "Your valor is noted, but unnecessary."

The hum of dark magic announced a garbed man appearing from smoke. "Now ladies, that isn't very sporting. Allow me to change the odds in my favor. As over a dozen shadow creatures creeped out of the walls of the dim cave Nightmare Jack laughed manically.

The war veteran turned to face the sinister mage. At the same time, she drank a special potion to help her deal with incorporeal creatures. "Never underestimate a mother's protective instinct!"



He would be more prepared this time. Yet, she must soldier on.