Reunion

[Dakirennis 959]

Dak’ir stood at the entrance of Ker’nor. He’d sent out his bird a few minutes ago so he knew that it would take some time for his guest to arrive. He idly fiddled with his staff as he waited, pondering on if this was a good decision. But in mere moment Mithius entered the hollow upon the back of a rather tired horse. Mithius gave Dak’ir a jolly smile as he dismounted.

 

“They make them fast these days! Har har!”

 

“And strong it seems. Come, this isn’t for the public’s ears.”

Dak’ir chuckled, waving for the jovial fat man to follow. They descended down the lift and entered the temple. Turning they make their way down a side passage and into the future priesthood quarters. Their journey ended in a small room, fire crackling at it’s center. A dull haze hung in the air from previous incense incense sticks. The pair exchange pleasantries as they get settled in. Dak’ir circles around the room, lighting fresh sticks of incense and handing Mithius a pipe. Eclipse did not join Dak’ir on this spirit walk, Dak’ir felt the beast’s presence would make the merchant uneasy. He instructs Mithius to close his eyes and smoke, to listen to the sound of his voice.

 

“Stargûsh… Largdâg nargzabghûlum…”

 

The chant repeats slowly, rhythmically. Mithius’ head swims in the sea of smoke that drapes around his head. He drops against the cushions behind him with a thud, his jewelry ringing like a wind chime. Dak’ir managed a soft chuckle before falling back and slipping from his world.

 

~                                             ~

 

Mithius awoke swiftly scoffing to himself at Dak’ir’s attempt, until he realized he was not with Dak’ir. Instead he found himself in a large chamber alone and in the dark. Immediately he launches into a string of curses for letting Dak’ir do this to him. Though almost as if on queue, Dak’ir seemed to materialize behind Mithius on the opposite side of the cavern with a torch in hand. He called him over, Mithius’ jewelry chiming as he jogged towards the apprentice. After a short walk through the stone carved hallway they entered a smaller more homely chamber. A small ‘Ker woman looks over her shoulder from a cooking pot, she smiles to Dak’ir as if this were a normal occurrence. Dak’ir bowed his head to the woman, and the pair continued on. After another short walk, they found themselves within the great hall of the mountain. Fight pits, bazaars, and ‘Ker abundant. They weaved through the crowed and descended deeper into the mountain. Their journey continued until Dak’ir came to an abrupt stop, turning to Mithius.

 

“I’m afraid there are no Dalmas in the Ancestral Plane, old friend…”

 

Mithius’ mood shifted as he pursed his lips, frowning to Dak’ir.

 

“Not honourable enough, are we?”

 

Dak’ir shrugged before turning around and continuing on. He rounds a corner, waving for Mithius to follow.

“Perhaps your more recent Ancestors, yes. But your elders from the days of old, before you were known as Dalma, reside here. And I believe you’ll be most impressed.”

 

 

As Mithius hurried to catch up to Dak’ir he was taken aback by what he then saw. Rounding the corner he came to a cavern that was bright as day. Though no flame graced this hall. Precious gemstones of all kinds lined the walls. While some seemed placed at random or in particular patterns, mosaics began take form upon the larger walls and ceiling. Ancient tales given form by the beautiful stones. At the other end of the room, three rather tall ‘Ker stood together draped in long fine robes. One apparently noticed their guests and Dak’ir bowed low. The trio rushed to welcome those they’d been expecting…

 

Spoiler

 

 

The three peered down at Mithius with judgmental eyes. All the while the merchant could not utter a word, simply awestruck by what surrounded him and the men that stood before him. All there were somewhat mirror reflections of Mithius, though taller and having a better build to suit their weight, and each having a different and rather dashing mustache. The largest of the three leaned down, looking Mithius dead in the eye before bellowing a laugh.

 

“Har har! He’s got our taste, that’s for sure!”

 

The one to his left piped up next, his voice quite flamboyant and over exaggerated. He leaned down to crowed Mithius’ personal space as well, taking a fist full of the merchant’s jewelry and staring at it in bedazzlement.

 

“These gems! The cuts are flawless, and these metals are so pure!”

 

The third finally chimed in, his voice mimicking his tree trunk like stature as he bellowed the telltale ‘Har har’ of Dalma family. He takes one of Mithius’ arms in his hand, running a thumb across the fabric of his robe.

 

“The material is fine but the muscle is… Lacking.”

 

Dak’ir remained silent, watching with a weary smile as he observed the reunion. The four exchanged conversation about their wealth and of Mithius’ old days. The tallest of the three fires a hand forward to Mithius as he the realized the lack of introduction.

 

“Dolyni, dear boy. It’s a pleasure to meet my… Oh blessed be what would you be…”

 

Dolyni falls silent as he tries to figure it out, the flamboyant one interjecting and taking the spotlight next. He steps up to Mithius offering a gracious bow, speaking his words slow and over emphasise certain syllable.

 

“Falsals... At your service young one.”

 

The third folded his arms, inclining his chin to Mithius. This one also spoke his words slow though his voice more resembled gravel than the silk of Falsals’ voice.

 

“Bandadar. We are the Dalmakia family.”

The three bowed in unison, Mithius all the while dumbstruck and as excited as a child by what he was witnessing, what he was learning. Dak'ir let the four converse a little longer, they spoke of wealth, of war, of business. At one point Dolyni removed his robes to flex before Mithius, reminiscent of a strongman, proving to him that they had indeed gathered their wealth all their own and would keep doing so. Until they made enough to pay for someone else to do it all for them of course. Then it would be smooth sailing and self indulgence from there. But over time Dak'ir felt weak, not being used to taking someone else with him on these Spirit Walks. So when goodbyes were said, Falsals led the pair to the Dalmakia smoking room. Dak'ir and Mithius sat down and prepared themselves for the journey home...

 

~                                             ~

 

Dak'ir awoke before Mithius moving around to the other side of the room and kneeling beside the fat man. After some coaxing he awoke, looking to Dak'ir in awe of what had just transpired.

 

"So many questions answered... but so many more to ask. Thank you, Dak'ir. We barely had anything on our family before we fled to Aegis or Aeldin. This treasure is worth far more than any hall full of gold."

It was as if Mithius' world had been turned upside down. Dak'ir smiled wearily, thinking he'd never hear Mithius utter such words. Chuckling he takes his hand and helps him up to his feet, he leands against his staff for support once the merchant had been well enough to stand. 

 

"This is why our Ancestors deserve such praise and honour... I am glad you enjoyed your time beyond but I must rest. This is far more taxing on me than anything I've done before. Thank you for doing this with me, old friend."

 

Mithius nodded, helping Dak'ir to his home before the two parted ways. The apprentice slept well that night, thinking he truly made a difference in changing Mithius' perspective on his people's belief.

[HedgeHug 2049]

Shagarath nods of approval of the tales told in the Stargush'Stroh, tales of the new face that travels to the other side.

[Jonificus 2741]

Mithius hooks his meaty thumbs into his sash as he observes a commissioned painter bringing the ancestors of Clan Dalma back to life on the canvas. He smiles smugly, the elf enters a new era of embracing his ancestors' culture.

 

+1.0 Prestige yearly

 

[Moby_Derp 163]

I must say, the choice of Pillar man theme was a good one.

[Doug 30]

11 hours ago, Moby_Derp said:

I must say, the choice of Pillar man theme was a good one.

(What I imagined the trio to look like after the first part of the post)

Somewhere in the Sutican docks, Douglas felt a pleasant shiver on the cheeks of his buttocks.

 

[Moby_Derp 163]

5 hours ago, Doug said:

(What I imagined the trio to look like after the first part of the post)

Somewhere in the Sutican docks, Douglas felt a pleasant shiver on the cheeks of his buttocks.

 

That's some glorious artwork you have there, where could I find it?