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druidx · 8 months

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Find the Word Tag - Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan - Part 2

I have a lot of Find the Word tag games. So I decided to put them all together to make me edit the Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan, a NaNoWriMo novel from 2012 based on the first TTRPG campaign I participated in the Fighting Fantasy World of Titan setting.

There was a total of 145 words to find so I've split these into batches of ~50. I've not removed any duplicates, and where there's not an exact match I've used synonyms instead.

I've grouped the words by the original tagger - though some of these are old enough the tagger has changed URLs...

Fair warning before you click:

I have tried to keep the snips short, but at ~8,320 words, this post is 'colour of the sky' long.

Well, if we're sitting comfortably, I'll begin.

➤ @autumnalwalker

Advice (Instruction)

The group once more reached the gates of Castle Dire “Ho there!” Richard hollered up at the guards stationed above. “We return on the instruction of Corporal Janz, bringing the gift from my lord, Zharradan Marr, to his Lordship Balthus Dire.” A cautious face popped up over the battlements. “Good Gods,” said Janz. “Is that it?” Alexis clenched her jaw at his tone. “Yes, it is,” Richard yelled back. “Now let us in, if you please.” “Alright, alright. Keep your pants on.” Janz vanished from view.

Alright

Alexis woke from where she’d curled up under a table. As she crawled out from under the table, she found Victor still drinking, helping himself to a barrel of ale with its top stoved in. “I’m going a-bed,” she declared, her words slurring together. “You should do the same.” Victor grinned, singing something unintelligible in an off-key warble. Alex waved a wagging finger at him. “You better pay for that barrel you’re draining.” “Course!” Victor beamed at her. “We were ordered t’see Yazty and the Cap’n. You better be at Townhall by noon. Got it?” “Aye, aye, sir!” Victor gave her a lazy salute. “Well, alright. I’m going t’bed,” she said and left him to it.

Bite

Back at the inn, Alexis hitched the horses outside and went in, finding Richard in the middle of breakfast. As soon as he saw her, he unfolded himself from the low seating, and they met in the middle of the carpeted space. “Alexis-” Brown hair flopped into his face as he bowed his head, his shoulders slumping with relief. “I… I thought you might have left us.” Awkwardly, he places a hand on her shoulder. “Psh. Never,” she said. “You’d trip the first trap you found and get yourself killed if I wasn’t here.” Despite her flippant words, Alexis squeezed his hand and grinned. He smiled back. “Probably.” “Definitely.” Together they returned to his table, and Richard took a bite from his flatbread. "I’ve sent Bast and Victor to get trail rations and other supplies. Um. I’m afraid Goregut won’t be joining us. He’s decided he’s quite fond of the desert and has joined a mercenary band. He left with a caravan at first light.” His brown eyes regarded her over the bread, lips pursed in a silent question. “Oh.” Alex’s hand found the necklace of bone Gorgut had given her. “A shame. I should have liked to have said goodbye. I guess this means we have an extra horse then.”

Connection

Victor turned away from where he’d been poking at the bottom of a wall and grinned. “Why, Rock to Mud, of course.” “And what is that?” Richard asked. “A spell. If I use it on the base of the walls, the unworked stone here, see? The foundations will collapse, the temple will fall in on itself, be swallowed by sand, and we can be on our merry way.” He dusted his hands off with a grimace. “I don’t know about you, but the heat and dust and significant lack of beer is becoming increasingly tedious.” "I don’t see any other options,” Alexis said. “All right then, let's do that.” Bastet stood, walking over to the tunnel connecting the chamber with the outside, and Alexis joined her. “Whenever you’re ready,” Richard said, motioning the other two up the tunnel to give Victor room to work.

Duck

Victor continued, unfazed, “It seems we were expected, presumably by Yaztromo’s mysterious source. The chappy over there said he would only speak to us together." "Let’s not leave him waiting then," Richard said, leading the way across the street towards the man in question. The man lifted his chin as he saw them cross and ducked down the alley behind him. He led them, keeping his distance, as the alley jinked back and forth, past the occasional body or sack of detritus. He stopped, finally, next to an unremarkable wooden door. Alexis squinted. In the gloom opposite the obvious door was another of dark metal, recessed into the dank brick.

Initially (Introduce)

"Where in the hell are we?" Alexis asked. Despite the guard, Bastet stood up and went to the bars to look around. "What are you doing? Get her back from there. Do you want to get us all in trouble?" came a new voice, hissing from the corner. Alexis turned. In the faint light of the torches, she could just pick out the pale, emaciated form of an elven woman. Her wide, fearful eyes were fixed on Bastet. “You’d better come away,” Alexis said, poking Bastet in the leg. “I’d guess we’re in some kind of drow-run mine,” Bastet said as they sat next to the woman. “Yes,” she said. “We’re on the outskirts of the Darkwood Forest. They have us mining for moonstones.” Alexis held out her hand, introducing herself and Bastet. "I’m Nassurae Talloth," the woman said, ignoring Alexis’ hand. "Now, please, you must get some sleep. Don’t make the guard come back.” Alexis and Bastet glanced at each other as Nassurae moved to the back of the cell, cuddling down with her fellows. “I can’t do anything without my tools,” Alexis said. “We may as well get some rest then,” Bastet said. “I was never stationed at a place like this, but I’ve heard the rumours. We’ll need all the strength we can muster to survive.” So saying, she laid down. Alexis followed suit, trying to get comfortable on the cold, stony ground.

Not

As Richard paid for their meal, Alexis rolled the map up, stuffing it into her pack. “Let’s see if we can drag those two away from their entertainment,” Richard said dryly. Alexis glanced out. The tiles had been put away in favour of a pack of cards and a bottle of pale golden liquor. Bastet now sat, engaging in a drinking contest with a burly half-orc woman. Alexis snorted, and they left the tent. Richard was ahead of her, striding over, no doubt with an admonishment on his lips, when Alexis felt the back of her neck prickle. She stopped, looking around, as twiclings shifted around her. The crowds parted, just for a moment, and she spotted people in what appeared to be clerical vestments. She squinted. Except, something wasn’t quite right… One of them twisted, looking straight at her. “Shit…” He nudged his companion and pointed. “Richard!” she yelled and ran. Today was a day when being small worked in her favour. Alexis shot through the crowds, darting this way and that, winding through the legs of people and animals alike. But though it might help her lose the cultists, she’d also lose her backup. Eventually she was going to run out of legs to hide behind and have to face the cultists on her own – a prospect she did not look forward to.

Once

The blanket of night was once more drawing over as the group approached the flickering lights of Castle Dire. A blanket was thrown over Three and coin exchanged with the duty guards to smuggle him through the gates and into the city. While Richard and Victor stayed in a shadowy nook with Three and their mounts, Alexis and Bastet ventured into the bustling city to find a place for the night. They followed the smells of late-night street food stalls to a place where the cobbled road turned to dirt and the pub signs creaked and flaked as they swung. Two men, in the midst of a fight, tumbled out of one of the myriad drinking houses, followed by a small cheering crowd. In Thieves Cant, Bastet signalled that it advertised stables as well as room and board. A female orc came blundering out after the two humans, grabbing them by the collar. As the pair watched, the orc slammed the two men together, dropping them in a lump at her feet. Their coin purses were removed, the orc yelling for them to never darken her door again. Alexis tilted her head towards the establishment, eyebrows raised in question. Bastet gave a shrugging nod. Silently, they split up – Bastet into the inn, and Alexis to retrieve their fellows.

Pass

“So, how are repairs going?" she asked as the barman began to draw their drinks. "Good. Very good," he replied. "We’ve been one of the first they’ve set to work on. Can’t think why.” He winked as he set Richard’s beer on the counter and moved to draw Alexis’. “Now the pub’s passed to me after old Finnley lost his life in all the troubles, I’m thinking to rename her. Fresh start and all.” He put Alexis’ drink down. “That’ll be a silver bit for the beers and meals then.” “Oh really?” Alexis gave a puckish smile and slid a gold piece over the counter. ”Are you taking name suggestions?” The bartender gawped. Then his hands flashed, hurrying to hide the coin. “You keep tipping like that, love, you can name her yourself.” Alexis grinned broadly, sending another gold after the first. “I think The Plot Hook has a nice ring to it myself. How about you?” “Aye, my lady, aye,” the barman said, eyes wide, pocketing the coin. “I’ll have the sign writers in first thing tomorrow.” “Excellent,” Alexis said, still grinning, and jumped from the counter. The barman passed down her beer. “Food’ll be out in a jiffy.”

Recommendation (Charge)

Richard came back in. He took one look at his empty plate and Alexis rubbing her full belly, and sighed. With a wave to the server for more food, he took his seat.

"Those are fine-looking beasts. Well kept and well trained," he said. "The trader must have charged you a fortune." Alexis gave a small, secretive smile. When Richard raised an eyebrow at her, she laughed, a rare tinkling sound. "Actually, no. We, ah…” Heat rose to her cheeks, and she glanced away, still smiling. “He enjoyed our conversation and cut the price on that account." Both of Richard’s eyebrows shot up and he gave her a long, incredulous look before laughing. “I’m glad you’re on my side,” he said with a grin.

Sat

Richard knocked on the Captain’s door From within came Hengar’s voice, "Come in." Inside the cramped office, Hengar was sorting slates on his desk, Yaztromo behind him, looking out of a window. Hengar looked up from his slates and grinned. "Ah, just the rabble-rousers I was hoping to see. You did a very thorough job of giving half the town a hangover. The other half seem to still be inebriated." Hengar gave them a smirk. "I trust that you, my elite squad, are feeling fit as fiddles, and are keen to continue your duties?" The group glanced at each other, sharing trepidation looks. Alexis nodded carefully. "Ye-es?" The Captain sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers and his expression sobered. "Good. Because I’m afraid I have some troubling news for you. The demon Myurr is as tenacious as he is evil. The Eye of Myurr cult has risen again, this time in its ancestral homeland – the swamps of Silur Cha. I’ve had word from the local militia in the area that there has been unusual activity concerning the lizardman population. This has been confirmed by Yaztromo’s colleagues, who’ve also provided intel about a temple in the depths of the swamp which may be used as another portal staging ground. I’ve agreed to send you down there as you’re the only ones in the militia network with the skill and experience to tackle this.” Hengar sighed. “I don’t suppose you’ve kept hold of that nifty little device that you told me about?"

Think

“I’ve not had chance to scout this level completely,” Alexis told the group as they gathered in the stairwell, “but I’m confident there’re no patrols. We should remain quiet and vigilant all the same.” “Agreed,” Ithanor said. With that, Alexis led the party out and along the long dim corridor. Here racks of equipment lined the walls. Alexis steered clear, but Victor, close to the back, paused next to one. “I could do with a sword," he muttered and tugged at a shortsword. The rack toppled and fell. Metal hit stone in a cacophonic tangle. Everyone froze, hands on weapons. The last sounds of spinning metal tapered off and their breath rasped harshly in the silence. Alexis strained her hearing. “I think we’re in the clear,” she whispered. Ithanor shot a glare at Victor. "Do not do that again.” Victor backed away from the rack, the sword still in his hand. "Sorry! Sorry," he said. “At least I got a weapon?” “Could we please continue?” Nathardrin asked, gesturing to Alexis. “Dalliance?” Alexis nodded. “C’mon.”

Under

Presently, the Captain was refreshed and began speaking. "I have a proposition for you all," he told them. "As you may know, we have started this recruitment drive on information that Firetop Mountain, a dwarven settlement a few leagues away, has become overrun by goblins under the leadership of an evil wizard named Zagor. However, I am reluctant to lay siege to this place or approach it under the banner of war without knowing what I am sending my troops into. "You four have recently come to my attention as potential candidates for a special mission, especially you, little one." He stopped and looked pointedly at Alexis before continuing. "The basic is this: I would like you four to infiltrate Firetop Mountain and gather reconnaissance. This is completely voluntary and if you wish, you may leave this room now."

Wake

Morning – or what Alexis presumed to be so; it was impossible for her to tell from underground – came, and Alexis was woken by Nassurae. As she came awake, scrubbing tiredly at her eyes, she saw that Bastet was being woken by another elven woman. "Come, little one. You need to wake up now," Nassurae said, encouraging Alexis to stand. "They will be bringing food soon. If we do not eat it quickly enough, they will take it before we have finished." Alexis nodded. "Will we be able to see our friends when they take us down to the mine?" "Yes," said Nassurae. "But you will not have any opportunity to talk to them. The work is gruelling. You won't have the breath for talking, if you can even get close enough without the guards seeing. They're very strict – if they see the slightest flagging, they will whip you" Alexis nodded. "I'll have to manage. My friends and I have to find a way to escape. We have people relying on us." Nassurae looked like she was about to say something else but then the guards banged on the bars of their cage.

➤ @oh-no-another-idea

Black (Blackguard)

"Why?" he asked. "What did I ever do to you? For that matter, what did the people of Toreguard do to you?" The Blackguard laughed. "In answer to your second question: nothing. But it got your attention, did it not?" He took another step towards them and Richard did the same, drawing his sword. "As to your first question," the Blackguard continued. "You killed my master and mentor. Twice no less! I should thank you for that, but there was still so much I had to learn. And you took that from me!" So saying, Alexis saw rage cloud his eyes and he launched himself at Richard. Their swords clashed and Alexis found herself moving. "Just because he’s here for Richard, doesn’t mean we can’t help our friend!" she yelled, reaching for her crossbow. Bastet put her hand on Alexis’ arm. "No, we shouldn’t interfere. This is a personal journey. Richard needs to do this by himself." "Screw that!" Alexis said, loading her bow.

Deep

"My lord," the steward said, dipping to one knee and bowing. "I present to you emissaries from your brother in wickedness, Zharradan Marr. They bring you a gift of Marr’s design." "Oh ho?" said Dire, standing to stride down the dais towards them. Where Zagor had been the husk of a man long since departed, and Zharradan covered in so many bodily modifications he was more machine than person, Dire was the direct opposite of his brothers. He wore a well-tailored and debonair robe of azure and gold, cinched at the waist with an exquisitely tooled belt; the robe skimmed the ground as he walked towards them. His neatly trimmed hair and beard were a deep, shimmering black, and the nails that traced his cheek in a thoughtful brush were even and manicured.

Hair

"Hail and well met, fair maiden," came a voice from her left. Alexis glanced over to see an elf come from a small, brightly coloured tent. For a moment, she could only stare, jaw slack. The elf was stunning. Hair like golden honey dripped down his back and shoulders, partly plaited and ornamented with beads of turquoise and lapis. Eyes, the deep green of herbs, smouldered from behind pale lashes. His chest was bare, water droplets caught in soft curls of hair shimmering like dewdrops across his tanned skin. Alexis sucked in a breath, biting her lip and the elf flicked a skein of hair over his shoulder, revealing solid biceps cross-crossed with scars. "Hail and well met," she managed to murmur.

Hands

"I shall be sending an extra man with you," Hengar said, waving forward a human with coppery hair. "Since you’re to make your final approach to the fort on foot, Corporal Durnin here will bring your mounts back to town." "We’d best get going then," Nathardrin said, swinging himself up onto a blue roan. Yaztromo stood next to a chestnut mare, speaking softly to her before mounting. Ithanor cupped his hands, helping Alexis to mount up in front of the wizard, before swinging himself onto a handsome grey charger. Richard stood in front of the mount assigned to him, looking at it with some distrust. The bay shook her mane at him. Richard nodded and, with some difficulty, mounted up. With everyone astride, they set out, leaving Toreguarde in the dust.

Ink

Mess

The clamour of the wake-up bells drilled into her skull. Cursing and groaning, Alexis dragged herself to the Mess Hall, wishing her mouth didn't taste like a desert. She dropped down onto an empty bench, resting her head on the rough wooden table. A cup of strong chicory coffee and a plate consisting mostly of grease, with a side of bread and meat, landed in her eyeline. She rocked her head, following the arm to the amused face of Richard. "How do you not have a hangover?" she asked, glaring up at him through one squinting eye. "Because I didn't drink nearly as much as you or the others," he said smugly. "But you were wasted!" Alexis said, wincing at the loudness of her own voice. "I saw you." "No, you only saw what your wobbling vision allowed you to see. Now, eat up. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us, and we still need to go and wake the other two."

Midnight

Once they were all seated, with a small glass of brandy each, he addressed them properly. "What has my elite squad been up to these past months?" Captain Hengar asked. “I send you off to gather intel about the Eye of Myurr cult, and hear nothing of you until you show up in High Creek.” Alexis took a breath, sharing a side glance with Richard. “It’s, ah. Been a… bit of a time, yes. Port Blacksands then…” she said, and between the four of them, they launched into the full tale. Food was brought as morning turned to afternoon, and again as the evening turned, along with fresh bottles of brandy. Each added their own words to the winding story, and even after the tale was done, Hengar asked follow-up questions, having them retell parts he wanted clarity on. By the time they finally finished, it was gone midnight. “Thank you,” Hengar said, “for your patience in explaining this extraordinary affair. I’ve got a lot to think about with this information. Please, get some rest. We’ll talk more about our next steps on the morrow.” With that, they were ushered from the office and back to the barracks, to collapse into deep and dreamless sleep.

Murmur

The sun had barely risen by the time Richard was waking Alexis. After breakfast, the cook handed them packets of prepared trail rations, and they made their way out to the courtyard, where they found the most unusual sight. Next to a pair of horses, there stood a large dog and an oxen. The stable hand saluted them, as Bastet and Victor came sauntering into the yard. "Sirs," said the stable hand, "I took the liberty of sending a runner to wake your friends and bring them here. I have also prepared mounts for you all." Alexis nodded. "Very good, Private… ah?" "Keld. Ceri Keld," said the stable hand. "Thank you, Private Keld." Alexis put her hands on her hips. "What I would like to know, however, is what the hell is that cow doing here?" "Ah…" Keld paled. "I’m not sure, ma’am. It just… sort of… trotted in, and lowed every time one of the other mounts was saddled. So we saddled it, and it went quiet." Alexis raised an eyebrow. "Richard…?" "Umm, yes. This may be my fault," he said. "I do seem to recall, fuzzily, that I left last night and, umm, called for it. I had a feeling, I needed a mount for my paladin-ness. And, well. Oxen are good strong beasts." He walked over. Cow and elf regarded each other, then Richard reached out and gave it a pat on the head. "I shall call him ‘Benevelor’ because he is a holy cow." Victor sniggered a bit before Bastet elbowed him in the ribs. Alexis sighed and shook her head. "Well, it’s nice to meet you, Ben," she said and patted the cow on the leg. it looked at her curiously and then turned away. Richard frowned at her, as she and the others took to their mounts. "It’s Benevalor," he murmured grumpily. "Shall we get this show on the road, lady and gents?" Alexis asked and with that, Richard mounted, with some difficulty, and the four of them set out to Trolltooth Pass.

Sass (cheek)

The pair made their way to the bar – a simple plank supported by several barrels – and were greeted by a rotund human with a thatch of whitening hair. “Ah! ‘Tis our heroes. Welcome home!” he greeted them with a beaming smile. “And what can I get for you fine folks this evening?” Alexis used Richard’s arm to bounce onto the counter. “Dinner and an ale each, if you please.” The barkeeper frowned, his gaze flicking between Alexis and Richard. “A bold little one you’ve here, sir, eh? Though she’s a mite-” He trailed off catching sight of Alexis’ deepening scowl and Richard’s frantic head shaking. His mouth worked as a tense air filled the pub. “I’ll just be getting that for you then.” “You do that,” Richard said, tapping the counter. Alexis blew out her cheeks as the barkeeper turned away.

Shark (Astute)

"Why don't we take this discussion into my tent?" he asked. "It seems so gauche to discuss business out here." "Ah… I would rather not. No offence, but one can never be too careful. You’re charming and beautiful. But so too is a dryad before it strikes." The elf pursed his lips and, with a small sigh, looked away. "Ah, so astute and practical." He turned back. "Very well. Four fine steeds and one fine pony to go to the Pagan Plains." The elf reached behind his head, putting his full chest on display, and bundled his hair into a bun as he walked to the corral. With an unnecessary leap, he vaulted inside, causing a horse to wicker and shy away.

Smile

In the silence, every displaced rock sounded like a boulder, and every tinkle of the picks in the lock sounded like the rattle of chains from the Pit. Alexis breathed slow and even as she felt her way around the inside of the crude lock. But as seconds seemed to stretch for hours she struggled to keep the wave of anxiety from overwhelming her. Bastet was keeping a lookout, but Alexis found little comfort in that fact. What if she missed a signal, what if she couldn’t move fast enough? Never before had so many relied on her skills. Never before had it meant the difference between life and death. The sudden clunk of the lock seemed to reverberate through the darkness. Alexis glanced over at where she knew Bastet stood. The drow flicked a skein of white hair as she turned, her hands flashing the all-clear. Alexis let out a controlled breath and pushed open the cell door, once again waiting for Bastet’s hand signals. When the corridor remained still and silent, the pair slipped out. Nassurea pulled the cell door closed behind them, and Alexis gave her a reassuring smile. Bastet nudged her arm, and Alexis nodded. With one last look at Nassurea’s wide eyes, Alexis took off down the corridor towards the other cells.

Son (child)

CW Slavery

"Bastet, what is the meaning of this?" Richard said, tone hard. "This is Brian. I bought him," Bastet said, preening with the satisfaction of a cat who’d gotten the best bit of fish. Alexis shot Richard a look, trying to convey with the out-jutting of her chin, Now do you believe me she’s Pit-spawn? Richard’s jaw tensed. “You bought him.” “I wasn’t, y’know, gonna keep him,” Bastet said with a derisive huff. She shot Alexis a cold look. “That would be evil.” She returned her attention to Richard. “I was gonna let him go.” Richard crossed his arms. “Alright. Do it now then.” Bastet opened her mouth. “I assume they gave you a key? Get him out of those chains.” “Fine,” Bastet whined like a petulant child. From her brassiere, she plucked a key. The man looked at her with unrestrained hate as she unlocked the heavy manacle around his neck.

Sprint (dart)

The main corridor of the fort was dark, filled with dancing shadows from the smoking torches. From the side passage, the corridor marched both left and right, sharply turning away from her at either end. With a glance, Alexis noted the corridor as empty. Cautiously she padded out to the left, passing under each puddle of light with quick, light steps. At the corner, raucous laughter drew her attention towards a door on the outside of the corridor. With another swift check that no patrols were about to discover her, she darted over, peeking through the wide keyhole. The room inside was well lit by large windows, filled with all manner of green-skins at banqueting tables, hurling food and sloshing ale, tormenting each other with good-natured abandon. Though she wrinkled her nose at the waste of good food and beer, Alexis was pleased to see they were off-duty, and thus less likely to chance on her or her companions.

➤ @spacetimewraithwrites-archive

Cord

Ithanor set to searching the body for Zagor’s phylactery, while the others investigated the room. "Do you think this is it?" he asked, holding up a tubular object on a leather cord. Victor set down the book he was flicking through and walked over. “May I?” Ithanor nodded, holding it out. Victor took it, holding it by the cord as he muttered something under his breath and snapped his fingers. “I think so," he said, handing it back. “It does have a magical aura. We should destroy it anyway. If it was around that abomination’s neck, it can’t be anything good.” “Right.” Ithanor scratched his chin. "How?" Victor opened his mouth, took a breath, and closed it again with a frown. He walked around Ithanor, stroking his chin. Eventually, he stopped and looked at Ithanor. "Hit it with your hammer," Victor said, tone faintly questioning.

Fail

Night was falling by the time they reached Coven, coating the squat buildings in shadows. People – humans and dwarves both – hurried past with suspicious eyes as they made their way up the main street towards the Inn, a tall edifice carved, like the other buildings, from the sharp rock face of the Moonstone Hills and advertised by a swaying sign of a long, greenish tooth. If the outside had been impressive, the inside failed to live up to the standard set. It stank of stale beer and stale bodies, the villagers speaking in hushed tones. Richard went straight to the counter, ordering them rooms and dinner, with Bastet and Victor trailing behind him to order beers. Alexis veered away to read the noticeboard, keeping her ears pricked for any conversation about the fort spanning the pass, or the monster therein. After they’d eaten, Victor took to wandering between the tables, showing off his prestidigitation and other parlour tricks. Alexis trailed behind him, collecting the odd coin and listening hard for any gossip they may help them, but all she heard was related to the daily lives of the villagers. Not long after Victor wrapped up his ‘show’, she headed to bed.

Fault

(Word edited out for better prose)

CW screen readers, unusual dialogue punctuation

Alexis and Bastet approached the door, swaddled in the armour of their enemy. Two goblins stood on either side. One was picking his nails, the other humming some kind of ditty. ⟨Hey up.⟩ The goblin picking his nails stopped, twitching his ears. ⟨What’re you doing here?⟩ Alexis puffed out her chest, summoning her courage from her boots, and prayed she didn’t forget a word or trip over her tongue speaking the goblin’s language. ⟨Whaddya mean, what are we doing here?⟩ she asked, as brazenly as she could. ⟨What’re you two still doing here? It’s your break, innit? Go on, skedaddle.⟩ The goblin lifted his chin, narrowing his eyes. ⟨You’re early.⟩ ⟨Yeah?⟩ Alexis put her hands on her hips. ⟨Dunno what to tell you, mate. Bigboss sent us up here. If he got the times wrong, then that’s on him, innit?⟩ The goblin titled his head, red eyes still narrowed, but the one humming the ditty had stopped, and was leaning forward, twitching his ears. ⟨You really wanna quibble a few extra hours free time? I was you, I’d just take it, mate. 'Specially since they cracked a cask just as we left.⟩ The ditty-singer smacked the nail-picker. ⟨C’mon, lad. S’better than standing around up here. Anyone asks, it ain’t us what’s gotta sort it out.⟩ The nail-picker sniffed, his long nose wobbling. ⟨Fine.⟩ The two left their station and headed down the stairs. Alexis almost felt sorry for what was waiting for them. Almost.

Favour

The ship lurched. Bastet looked up from where she was stowing her pack, gazing out of the porthole. "It looks like we’re on our way," she said. “I’m gonna go check on the boys.” Alexis hummed and Bastet left. Even though Alexis had always been a wanderer with no real home since she’d left the Forest of Night, she still felt a pang of sadness as she watched the quayside slip away. It was going to be a long time before she saw Toreguard or Allansia again. Alexis climbed up on the chest, pressing her hands on either side of the porthole and gazing down at the jumping white flecks caused by the boat’s movement. “Greg,” she whispered. “I’m finally travelling on your favoured domain. No, I know I’m not skating the waves as you would. But, since we’re here, please keep an eye on us during this long journey. Thank you, amen.”

Glow

Alexis and Nathardrin stepped forward, loosing off a round of arrows each, then fell back to let Richard and Ithanor charge forward. The fighters began to pound the hell out of the drow, dropping three before they moved out of the way to let Victor, his hands glowing ferociously and chanting like the wind, cast a sphere of flame that levelled the remaining two.

Make

The wind whistled through the cracks in the door. "A what?" asked Alexis. "A lich. It is an undead creature who has crafted unholy and powerful magics upon itself, removing its soul from the confines of its Titan-bound shell, and placing it inside another item. Until this ‘phylactery’ is broken, the lich can not be truly killed." The group looked at each other. "I had heard of these such beasts, but thought never to encounter one," Ithanor said. "How will we know what the phylactery is, what will it look like?" Alexis asked. "I do not know, I am afraid," Yaztromo said. "They come in many forms, often some item that is important to the owner. It should be on his body, however. All you must do is destroy it and we will be free of his tyranny. Come. There is much to do. We should make ready."

Mark

They waited in the late afternoon sun, Bastet leaning back in her saddle, and Victor playing with a pack of cards. The groaning of wood reached them, quietly at first, then louder as the great gate began to creak open. A platoon of guards appeared in the arch. One, his open helm decorated with curling markwork, stepped forward and saluted. “Ma’am. We’re here to escort you and the gift directly to the castle and Lord Dire.” He looked up at Three. “Is that it?” “It is,” Alexis said, her voice dripping with ice. “And it is to remain in my custody until we are met with Lord Dire. The guard nodded. “Very well, my Lady."

Minute

“You know, we could leave them here?” Alexis suggested. “They still give me the heebie-jeebies, and I just think that maybe-” “Alexis,” Richard snapped, his face creasing into a ferocious frown. “There is nothing wrong with either Victor or Bastet. They’re perfectly normal people. Besides, we need them and their blades. Don’t bring it up again.” “O-okay,” Alexis said, leaning back in her seat, surprised by the vehemence in his voice. “Jeeze, I was only thinking out loud.” His hand landed on the table, rattling the crockery, as he leaned in, still scowling. “Don’t.” Alexis stared, open-mouthed, as he stood. “You have twenty minutes to finish your breakfast, then I expect to see you in the barracks.” With a sharp about-turn, Richard strode off, leaving Alexis hunched into her seat, and reaching for her coffee to calm her frayed nerves. She took a slug of the drink. It had to be the lack of sleep making him crotchety. She dug into her breakfast. Yeah, that had to be it…

Miss

Crackling stacks of papyrus, held down by painted stones, and rolls of parchment lay across the stall’s table. Idly, she picked up one of the rolls, peeking at its contents – a map, of some kind. “Can I help you, little miss?” Alexis looked up to see she was being addressed by an elf, skin and hair like roasted bark, dressed in a squat hat and brightly patterned robe “Yes. I’m looking for a map of the desert. I need to find a particular temple.” “Oh ho! Treasure seekers! Adventurers!” The man grinned widely, spreading his arms to gesture at the stall. “You have come to the right place, little miss. You will not find better maps of this dry and dusty land, than at Hassan’s World of Treasure!”

“It’s too powerful. There would be Titan-shattering consequences if it were to be destroyed. And I mean that in its most literal sense.” Victor wrapped his arms around his shoulders. “No. You keep it for now. We’ll give it to Yaztromo. He’ll know what to do with it.” Alexis looked down at the dagger in her hands, eyes widening, breath coming in little gasps, and slowly moved it away from herself. “Richard?” she said in a panicked voice. “It’s just an item,” he said soothingly. “Just... pop it in your pack for now.” Fighting the urge to drop the thing and run, Alexis shucked her pack and buried the dagger the furthest down she could manage. Once she was satisfied, Alexis rose, slinging her pack on, feeling as if it were a hundredweight heavier. “What now?” she asked. “Now, we need to get our mounts and get the hell out of here,” Richard said, moving to help Bastet bring Victor to his feet. “There’s bound to be more dirty rotten cultists running around this place, and I do not want to run into them.”

Morning

Over breakfast the next morning, Richard set down his mug and cleared his throat. “Um. I heard a worrying rumour about my home village last night,” he said. “Would anyone mind if, before reporting back to Captain Hengar, we took a trip to High Creek. I found someone with a bit more information about the rumour, and I’m very worried that something isn’t right there.” Alexis shook her head. “That’s fine with me,” Victor said. Bastet nodded. “Me too.” "Thank you," Richard said with a smile.

Old

When Richard, Bastet, and Goregut showed up at the stables, Victor explained what Bloodbeard had told them about their mounts. Goregut had walked, and Bastet sold hers the moment she could find the stable master. Richard stood stroking the neck of his ox. “Benevelor, my faithful friend, I must send you away for a little bit.” The ox lowed disconsolately, butting it's snout into Richard’s shoulder. “I know old friend, I know. I will call for you as soon as I can. It won’t feel like any time has passed at all, I promise.” The oxen lowed again, and with a heavy sigh, Richard stepped back. He straightened his back, and held his hand out, palm up. “Benevalor,” he said, “I bid thee away to the celestial realms, until a time when I can call for you again." The ox was surrounded by a suffusion of golden light, and with one last dismal moo vanished in a flash of light.

Out

(Edited the word out for better prose)

The pub was looking a lot better than the last time Alex had seen it. The charred wooden pillars had been sanded down, patched up, and varnished. The barrels and haybales masquerading as furniture had been replaced by sturdy chairs and tables. The floor was now stone flags, and the counter was a lovingly crafted piece of art. "Roderick!" she called to the barman as she vaulted up onto a freshly upholstered stool. "Beer me up, man!" Roderick grinned and pulled her a jar of the house special. "Well now, if it isn’t our very own hero. How have you been, milady Dalliance?" he asked, handing her her beer. "Oh, you know.” Alexis flipped a hand. “Running around, saving the world, drinking substandard ale." She took a sip of her beer and smacked her lips. “Damn, but it’s good to be home.” Roderick blushed. “Thankee kindly, m’lady.” Alexis winked. "And you, my friend? How has business been? Did you find a lass to let you be her husband yet?" "Oi you," he said with a blushing smile. Over his shoulder to called into the kitchens, “Nadia-Rose? Are you free a spell?” A woman appeared at the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. “Yes, love?” She had coppery skin and shining eyes under a cloud of wispy brown hair. “I’d like you to meet someone,” Roderick said, waving her over. Nadia-Rose smiled as she came to the counter, her cheeks dimpling, bringing with her the smell of bread and stew. "Alexis, this is my lovely new bride Nadia-Rose. My darling, this is Alexis Dalliance. When she can, she’s one of my best regulars."

Salt

“Don’t just stand there, ye daffies!” Bloodbeard called, waving them up the gangplank “Come aboard, my lovelies.” Richard led the way, carrying the heavy pouch of money they’d pooled together. “Your payment, as promised, Captin.” “Thankee kindly, lad,” Bloodbeard said, making the vast pouch vanish into his greatcoat. “Mate Arts!” A man with bronzed skin bringing with him the scent of salt and tar appeared with a snappy salute. “Aye, Cap’n?” “Arts, show these lubbers to their quarters, then report back to deck. We’ll be setting the sails in half a turn of the clock."

Scream

Once more Merickson coughed, breath rattling now. “Ah, child. If only it were that easy.” He cupped her face. “I betrayed everything for my own selfish need. That can never be forgiven.” “It can. It can!” Alexis cried, twisting to look at Richard. “Tell him!” Richard looked down at them, face impassive as a stone, eyes like gimlets, trained on Merickson. "You are forgiven, if you want to be," he said, voice flat. "I am beyond forgiveness," Merickson said, and before she could do anything, he put his hands over Richard’s and plunged the sword deeper within himself. "No!" Alexis screamed. "No!" She shook the Blackguard. "No…" Richard withdrew his weapon and wiped the blade. Gently he pulled Alexis away from the body. "It was his choice," he said softly. "But it was wrong and you could have stopped it!" Alexis sobbed. The rain mingled with her tears. She swiped at her face, pushing wet strands of hair away. "It may not seem like it," Richard told her, "but he returned to himself in the end. You had a part in that. In your own way, your forgiveness of his terrible acts let his spirit move on. You should be proud."

Sing (Song)

Richard stood and clasped Ithanor’s free hand. "Of course we’re not upset! I wish you all the best with your new life. We shall see each other again, I am sure of it." Richard grinned, clapping Ithanor on the back. Alexis stood up on her stool and walked along the bar counter to Ithanor. "Fair fortune, my friend," she said and hugged him. "Now finish the goddamn speech!" Laughter rippled through the assembled townspeople. Ithanor guffawed and raised his glass again. "To Toreguard! Fair fortune attend her and her people!" he cried. "Fair fortune!" the crowd called back. The room settled back into laughter and eating, snatches of song stirring as the beer flowed.

Sink (sunk)

"I hit my head as I fell," Victor said, indicating the poorly wrapped gash. "I don’t remember anything." Richard nodded. "I found him unconscious, draped over a bit of wood. He’s lucky though – a moment later and he would have sunk. I managed to drape him over a lost barrel, and swim us both away from the ship."

Smile (Beam)

Alexis blushed and bowed back. "The pleasure is mine, I can assure you. How’s business, Roderick? While I was out shopping earlier, I noticed the town’s starting to look like its old self again.” “Oh aye, things are booming,” Roderick said. “I’d dare say that fire did us a world of good. Everyone has been getting upgrades. You may’ve noticed the town hall and library are stone-clad and tile-roofed now.” “I did indeed. And there’s so many more shops and services.” “There’s been many folks moving in from the villages around, lots of new talents too. Your mate Ithanor’s been struggling to get housing up fast enough. Nadia and I have been helping out with getting the new folks settled, and all this cash flow means we’ve been able to expand the pub too. Your investment’s doing the town right well, milady.” Alex beamed. “I’m so pleased to hear that. From what I can see, everything is working out great. I’m really happy our home is doing so well.” “Oh aye,” Roderick lifted his chin behind her. “Looks like we’re not the only ones who want a chinwag.” Alexis turned to see Ithanor waving. “Ah, yeah. I’d better go say hi,” she said to the couple. "Congratulations again on your marriage.” “Thank you, milady.” Nadia reached across the counter to clasp Alexis’ hands. “You've done a world of good for our town. I hope your luck stays just as strong.” Alexis ducked her head. “Thank you. I try my best.” With that, she slid off the stool and went over to see Ithanor.

Soak

Mid-way into the journey, the clouds covered over and the Captain looked anxiously at the sky all the long day. The seamen were jittery too, making distracted mistakes, and dropping their tools. Mid-afternoon Bloodbeard ordered everything to be tied down and the sails to be furled, except for the main mast. It wasn’t until evening chow when the winds picked up, large globs of rain hammering into the deck and soaking anyone foolish enough to not have an oilcloth.

Sour (Acidic)

(Edited the word out for better prose)

“Those who would come to Atlantis need to prove themselves worthy of our time,” the apparition said. “Ahead you will find three tests: one of your wits, one of your knowledge, and one of your courage.” “Oh, great,” Alexis muttered. “They bring us here and they still make us fight our way to them.” Richard shot her a look, but they carried on. Alexis went ahead followed by Richard and Victor, then Bastet and Goregut. Their going was slow, as Alexis paused them several times, studying the path and disarming traps. They were so close to the end of the Test of Wits when Alexis made a mistake. The trap she was disarming instead triggered, sending an enchanted arrow to strike her down. Alexis staggered to her feet. “I think I’m-” The arrow dripped a viscous green slime, the leather cuirass smoking where the slime touched. “I’m… Ung!” Alexis doubled over and dropped to the floor.

Tree

They stood on the edge of the swamp, gazing into its shadowed depths. The stench from the mire rose high in the air, followed by clouds of tiny biting insects. “We’ve got to go in that?” Bastet asked, grimacing. “Unfortunately so,” Richard said. “Does anyone have any ideas?” Alexis wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t like it here,” she said. “But it’s full of trees,” Victor said from where he was investigating a large fallen log with Gorgut. “Aren’t those kinda your thing?” “It doesn’t feel right,” Alexis said with a shake of her head. “It’s a swamp. What were you expecting?” Bastet said. “There’re swamps back home. They didn’t feel like this. This feels… sick. Like it’s being poisoned.” “Indeed it is, little maid.” The group jumped at the voice, soft and sad. The treetops rustled and from a low branch jumped a gnome in a pale green robe.

Trick

The next day went the same. The drow woke them early, they received their slop and were taken down to the mine in chains, the menfolk not long behind. Richard was stationed several people down from where Alexis stood at the end of the women’s chain. Through a game of whispers, she shared the plan with him. “It could work,” he sent back. “If she can distract them long enough for you to get our weapons, Ithanor and I can deal with the rest.” “The tricky part will be finding our equipment,” she sent back. The line went quiet as the guards made their patrols. Once they’d left, a message came back, “The men have prepared shivs. They know the guards' rotations. We strike in the early hours, before feeding time. Just get us out – we’ll manage until we have our weapons.” “How will I know when that is?” Alexis asked. The man in line next to her smiled. “Ask Nassurae. She’ll be able to help you with that.” “Right. One last thing – Bastet will need a shiv. She needs to be able to protect herself while ‘entertaining’.” The man nodded, sending the message up the line. A few moments later he said, “We’ll get one to her.” Alexis nodded. Perhaps they’d pull this off after all.

Try

(Word edited out for better prose)

"We need to get everyone out now," Ithanor said, panting. "Before they send more troops." "Nathardrin, Bast and Victor,” Richard said, “go retrieve the rest of our equipment." “Aye,” Nathardin said, and the three of them took off. "All the cages are open," Alexis said. "I’ll go on ahead, make sure the way is clear." “Be careful!” Ithanor said as she set off.

Behind her, Alexis could hear the murmurs of her friends encouraging the other prisoners out of their cells. She ignored them, putting all her efforts toward finding the way out. So far their jailbreak had gone unnoticed, but it couldn’t remain so for long. She kept her ears open listening to the corridors ahead for sounds of discovery, and a watchful eye for the glint of metal from a guard’s blade.

Young

(Avoiding the 'red shirt' issue)

"This acolyte will transport you back to the temple, and assist you in sealing this portal forever." A young man stepped forward. He wore dusky rose robes which stood out starkly against his dark skin and dark hair. His eyes were like birchwood, and he smelt, incongruously to Alexis’ newly-remade nose, like fresh snow. "What’s your name, Acolyte?" Bastet asked. The boy stuttered. “I don’t have one, Miss. Acolytes give up their names on admission to the order.” “What was your name, then?” “I do not recall it. Our names are returned when we reach a high enough proficiency to be worthy of them.” “Well, we have to call you something. In my culture, not having a name is bad luck. If you don’t have a name then you’ll die a gruesome death the moment you’re in peril. Such as,” she flipped a hand, “entering a temple to a demon filled with murderous cultists.” The boy paled. "It’s fine. We won’t let that happen," Bastet said. "We shall call you… Cee Jay." The young man sighed. "Very well, miss. To you and your friends, I shall be Cee Jay.”

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druidx · 8 months

Text

Find the Word Tag - Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan - Part 1

There was a total of 145 words to find so I've split these into batches of ~50. I've not removed any duplicates, and where there's not an exact match I've used synonyms instead.

I've grouped the words by the original tagger - though some of these are old enough the tagger has changed URLs...

Fair warning before you click:

I have tried to keep the snips short, but at ~7000 words, this post is 'colour of the sky' long.

Well, if we're sitting comfortably, I'll begin.

➤ @aquadestinyswriting

Bother

The dragon tilted its head, red scales flashing like fire and blood as it looked at her from another angle. "Well, if that's all it was…" It said, in a descending tone. Alexis nodded fiercely. "Then I suppose I can let you off… But I want you to do something for me, first." "And what would that be?" Richard asked. "There is a Blackguard," the dragon said, "who has been making a nuisance of himself in my territory. I would like him killed.” The dragon sniffed the air, gaze landing back on Richard. “A job, I suspect, for you, holey one.” "Why should we fight your battles for you?" Richard asked. Alexis hissed at him, but the dragon just. chuckled. It crossed its paws, laying its chin down, considering. "Quite frankly," it said finally, "why should I? Why bother sullying my claws when you have appeared at the perfect opportunity to rid this pest for me?" Richard pursed his lips, then gave a sharp nod.

Kettle (Tea)

While Kassandra stoked up the fire and set water over to boil, David, Richard's brother-in-law, bustled around fetching plates and bread for the travellers crowded around his kitchen table. When all had a cup of nettle tea and a plate of bread and jam, David settled into his explanation. “They came a few weeks back,” he said. “They told the village elders they just wanted to practice their new religion in peace. The elders agreed and gave them land to build a chapel. After all, there’re so many gods already – what could one more hurt? “Of course folks are curious. They dropped in to see what this new god was about. And these new priests started converting them.” Bastet raised an eyebrow. “That’s the problem?” “Doesn’t sound like it does it?” David gave a bitter laugh. “But something happened to the folks they converted. Became mindless and mean about it. Our neighbour Sam – you remember, Rich? The fella with the lazy mouser? – he always let me borrow his post-holer, and I’d always let him use my ploughshare. But I went up to ask him for it and he threw me out on my rear, saying the new god didn’t approve of it.” He shook his head. “We never had much, but we had each other. We were a community, see? Now, we haven’t even that.”

Language (Accent)

CW Swearing

Alexis paused at an intersection with Bastet and Victor on her heels and looked around. She couldn’t make head or tail of the street signs, so she grabbed a passer-by. "Excuse me, I’m looking for the trade district," she said. The woman she had caught looked down her nose, brushing away a wave of well-coiffed hair, from where it had fallen at her sudden stop. "It would be over that way," she said, gesticulating to the east. "Thank you," Alexis said, but the woman was already walking away, brushing at her sleeve as though something nasty had landed on it. "Spoiled bitch," Alexis muttered, turning to stick out a tongue at the woman’s back. Bastet winked. As the snooty woman passed, she stuck her foot out, causing the woman to trip. "Oh, my. So sorry," Bastet said, in mimicry of the woman’s polished accent. "I didn’t see you there." The snooty woman spluttered from where she sat on the cobbled street, as Bastet and Victor walked on. Alexis let them catch up and smacked Bastet lightly on the arm, but she couldn’t help smirking at the woman’s comeuppance.

➤ @corkythewriteblr

Citizen

Loyal

"We need to leave," Bastet said. "We don’t know who’s loyal to Dire. These people have their hands full right now, but it won’t stay that way.” "She’s right," Richard said, unfolding from his crouch. "Come on." Mute, Alexis stood, trotting to keep up with the others as they made their way down the castle bailey and into the city, swerving through the chaos of screaming townsfolk to retrieve their mounts from the Inn.

Qualify

Sand (Blacksands)

"Sirs," Richard said with a sharp salute. "I can confirm that both Zharradan Marr and Balthus Dire are dead. We have liberated Troll Tooth Pass, and the city of Castle Dire." "Excellent," Hengar said, his tone relieved. "This is just what I needed, some good news to cheer me up." "Good news? You mean there’s been bad news?" Alexis asked. "Yes, sadly." Hengar sat back in his chair. "Master Yastromo, if you please?" Yastromo inclined his head, long white beard swaying with the motion. "Of course, Captain." The old wizard sighed. "I am sorry, my children, to send you straight out again. However whilst looking through Zagor’s effects, I discovered something disturbing." He held up an amulet depicting a stylized eye in a circle. "He’s still dead, right?" Alexis said with trepidation. Yastromo gave her a sad smile. "Yes. I’m afraid this could be much worse. It seems Zagor was part of a cult called the Eye of Myurr. I have also received word that this cult of Myurr is gaining traction in the town of Port Blacksands. We do not know their aims, but given they worship a demon prince from the Pit, it is surely not anything good." Yastromo glanced at Hengar and stepped back.

➤ @talesfromaurea

Cliff

Desert

CW: Blood, animal death

"Very well. Good luck," Nicodemus said, gesturing at Cee-Jay. "Apprentice?" The boy nodded. With a flash and a jolting motion, the group were surrounded by torch-lit sandstone walls and wailing lizardmen. Victor sent a ball of flame rolling through the crowd, Richard close behind, cleaving a path. Bastet and Jay ran, Victor and Alexis, covering their rush towards the portal. Richard had turned aside, making his way through the press of bodies flung against his sword, towards the lizardman elder whose blade was already slick with the blood of desert rodents, and a wavering chant could be heard through the scrum for fighting.

Ocean (waves)

"Bast!" Alexis shouted. "I need you. Richard’ll take care of Victor. I need help now!" Goregut lifted Bastet around, dropping her next to Alexis. The two of them hunkered down, Gorgut shifting splintered planks as Bastet and Alexis lashed them together as best they could with freezing fingers in the torrential rain. It was a small, pitiful thing, but better than not having anything at all. The three of them tied themselves on long halters to the raft, and then with a joint effort, launched themselves into the heaving waves.

Storm

As is often the case the morning after a storm, a blisteringly clear blue sky beat down upon the sandy shore, with only the merest breeze to ruffle the black braids of the shipwreck survivor. Alexis coughed out sand and rolled over, pawing at the salt crusting on her eyes. She dragged out her water skin and washed off her face of sand and salt before taking a long drink. When she felt slightly more alive – certain that the Great Ever After wouldn’t leave her with crusty eyes – she stood up and started to explore the island and see if she could find her friends.

➤ @whimsyqueen

Fascinate

Alexis clenched her free hand as he walked towards her and forced a smile across her lips. "Most feared Lord Dire," she said. "We have come from the Fort at Trolltooth Pass, sent by your brother in darkness, my Lord Marr, to bring you this gift." "Now, isn’t this a treat," Dire said, stepping around her and Three, his eyes feeling as though they lingered on her as much as the patchwork construct beside her. Dire stopped in front of them, taking a few steps backwards. "Please, show me what it can do," he asked, his silken voice and sickly sweet perfume writhing about her, like the snake of temptation in books of yore. Alexis stepped away and glanced at Richard. They hadn’t planned any of this out, and she wondered how long she could keep the charade up before Dire would know something was wrong. Richard dipped his head, his eyes skittering to where Bastet was signing at her in thieves' hand signals. It was a pattern, followed by the sign for someone getting flattened. Alexis cleared her throat, brushing her nose, signalling she understood. “Three,” Alexis said, addressing the construct. “We’re going to play a little game.” "Goody! I like games," he said. “Please take two steps backwards, and then four forwards for me.” “Okay,” he said, and, squinting at his feet, walked back then forwards, quietly counting his steps. Delighted, he looked back at Alexis. “Done it,” he said happily. “What’s next, ‘Lexis?” “One step right, one back, two forward.” “Okay!” Again, Three’s face scrunched in concentration as he counted his steps, stopping right in front of Dire. “Fascinating,” Dire said, staring up at Three. “You can control it even without it’s crystal.” Alexis glanced back at the others. Victor shrugged. Richard loosened his sword from its scabbard. “Yes,” he said, “it’s a new system my Lord Marr is trialling. Woodling, show him the final command.” Alexis murmured her assent. “Three? Smush!” she yelled.

Gentle

Breakfast finished, Alexis slipped outside with a plate of raw steaks and headed towards the stables. “Good morning, Three,” she called. “Hullo, ‘Lexis,” he said, giving her a wave. She knelt beside her riding dog, placing the plate of steak in front of him. Neisk’s tail beat back and forth as she peeled one steak off and passed it to Three. “Eat,” she commanded, ostensibly to the dog, but Three also devoured the steak as Neisk gave a chuff and settled down to eat. “How are you this morning, Three?” she asked as the construct licked his fingers. “I’m fine,” he said, giving her a big goofy smile. “Your doggy is cute.” “Yes. My to'mae is a very good boy.” Three gave Neisk a gentle pat as the dog was licking the plate. “Listen, Three,” Alexis said. “Me and the others have to go into the city, but we can’t take you. You, um, stand out, a bit. Are you okay staying here with Neisk?” “Oh,” Three’s face fell. “Okay ‘Lexis.” Guilt gripped Alexis’ heart, so she reached over and hugged his arm. “I’m sorry, honey. We’ve got some very important work to do in the city and it’s… difficult when you’re with us.” She looked up into his big, trusting, mismatched eyes. “It’s okay, ‘Lex. I understand.”

Holy

CW swearing

"Yeah… It's some kind of powerful magical item, for sure," he said. "It’s glowing bright blue, but I can’t work out what it’s been enchanted with. Give me a sec, I’ll cast Detect Alignment to find out if it’s evil." Once again the rest of them exchanged looks but kept silent as Victor wiggled his fingers in a slightly different pattern. "Revelux in denomination!" he commanded. The wind sighed. Sand scuttled. Victor screamed. He dropped the dagger, falling heavily into the sand, and covering his eyes. "Holy mother of fucksticks!" Bastet rushed over to him and Alexis swiped the dagger. "What happened?" Alexis said. "Are you okay?" Bastet said, cupping the wizard’s shoulders. "Vic, talk to me?"

Ritual (Rite)

Nicodemus raised an eyebrow. "Indeed." He gestured to the viewing mirror again. "As you can see these cultists are devoted and stubborn fellowes. They have almost finished clearing the temple and preparing for their heinous rite which will allow them to open a portal to the demon dimension, or as you might call it ‘the Pit’, bringing their foul lord Myurr through to wreak whatever havoc he wishes on our world. We can not let this happen. As such I am sending you back with this." He handed Richard a cylindrical device, then waved a hand to bring forth a man in pale robes. "This acolyte will transport you back to the temple, and assist you in sealing this portal forever."

➤ @eli-writes-sometimes

Heir (Prince)

"Are you okay?" Bastet said, cupping the wizard’s shoulders. "Vic, talk to me?" "I… I’m all right. I think," he said, his voice shaking. "So. Um. Yeah. That thing is pure evil. As evil as a prince of evil in the dimension specially reserved for really evil things." "What did you see?" Richard asked. "Red," Victor said. "Only red. That thing is giving off an aurora of evil so strong that I see nothing but the waves of light from it. Give me a moment – I must wait for the spell to wear off."

Humanity (Human)

"Richard!" came the delighted cry of a woman. The door flew open and out sailed a middle-aged woman, long braids of ashy-yellow hair streaming out behind her. "Kassy!" Richard cried as the woman threw herself into his arms. "Kassy, what’s wrong?" Her fingers dug into his shirt, her face pressed against his chest for a long moment, before she looked up with reddened, haunted eyes. "Oh Richard, it’s terrible," she said, tears in her voice. “What is? Kassy? What’s happened?” "Richard?” Sticking out from around the door was the head of a human male. His eyes were heavy and his thatch of dark hair was in disarray. With one flickering glance, he took stock of the mismatched adventurers on his doorstep. “Richard, are these people your friends?” “Yes. David, what-” The man pushed the door wider. “You need to get inside now. Hurry!”

Take

"Ho! Whoa. You hold up a moment there, lassy," the captain called. Alexis stopped and turned back, arms folded and head tilted with a glare. The captain grabbed a line, swinging from the ship to the dockside, and landed, silken waist sash fluttering in the breeze. He struck a pose, one hand on the hilt of his sword. "Are y'trying to suggest that I, Captain Dragan Bloodbeard, of the beautiful Oaken Rose, is not fit to take a couple of poncy humans over the seas to Khul?" The captain took a few, stalking, steps forward, glaring down. "Well, are ye?"

Tough

(Word edited out for better prose) CW: Slavery

Once all the women had eaten, the guards unlocked their cell. The slaves filed out and, one by one, were locked to a long chain. The chain was dragged by a guard down to dim pits where veins of opalescent stone ran through the rock. The chain was locked to a staple on the wall, and pickaxes handed out. The other slaves began to attack the rock face. With a glance at Bastet, Alexis followed suit, struggling to even lift the pickaxe.

➤ @thewriteflame

Erase (Remove)

Alexis must have slept at some point, as she woke in a dog pile of small children and blankets. The sun was burning its way through the hall’s high windows, promising a fine day; what little the weather cared for mortal tragedy… She lay back, staring at the wide-beamed ceiling, exhausted down to her bones. At least it would make assessing the damage easier than if they had to manage it in the rain. Her thoughts turned to Richard and Ithanor, passing buckets in the rain, and to Bastet who’d vanished into the dark, and to Victor, throwing magic and water around with only one care. She should, probably, go check on them. Alexis slithered out of the warm pile, pulling the blankets over those who were left shivering with her departure, watching the children with a fond smile as they snuggled together, filling the hole she’d left. She adjusted her armour – apparently never having managed to remove it the night before – and found her travel pack and weapons close by. On soft feet, she padded out of the Town Hall and into the courtyard.

Flight

"Thank you, so very much," said the dragon. "I’m afraid I was in over my head there. If you kind folks hadn’t come along when you did, I would have been dragon kebab for sure. Thank you again, for saving me, Kypris of the Copper Dragon Flight. Is there anything I can offer you for your excellent service? Alexis instinctively held out her hand. "It’s very nice to meet you, Kypris," she said. The dragon extended a talon and they shook "Why didn’t you use your acid breath attack?" Bastet asked. "My my, you’re very knowledgeable, aren’t you little drow. Well…” Kypris scuffed a foot into the sand. “I was taken by surprise and they tangled my mouth shut before I could use it. I sadly haven’t yet learnt the full way of magic. So I couldn’t do much against those wretched little creatures. Now, please! What can I do to repay your kindness?"

Sleep

CW smoking/ drug use

Slowly they all woke, grateful to find both their necks and belongings intact. “Usually I do not let people sleep here,” the barman said, taking a suck from a long pipe, huffing out a cloud of scented smoke. “But I see you are new here, with no place yet to rest your heads. For the service of keeping the braziers lit and protecting you through the long night.. Eh, I will give you a discount for your newness. Two silver bits each.” He waggled his eyebrows and held out a hand. “Thank you, good sir,” Richard said, passing over his money. “Your kindness in protecting us while we slept is greatly appreciated. You are a godly man.” Silently, Alexis passed over her money. As the coins slipped from her grip, she signed in Thieves Cant, ripoff. The barman grinned widely. With a little prodding, Victor and Bastet also parted, grumbling, with their coins. "Now we’re all friends," Alexis said, "perhaps you can help us further. We’re looking for a ruined temple, somewhere deep in the desert. It’s rumoured to contain a portal to other worlds. Have you heard of such a place?” The barman shook his head. “I have not. But there is a man who sells maps from the marketplace. His name is Hassan. Perhaps he can point you the right way.” “Thank-” Alexis began, but stopped when the barman held out a hand, rubbing his thumb against his forefingers. “The desert is cruel,” he said. “A silver bit.” Alexis scowled. “Two copper is all that direction is worth, and we both know it.” The barman grinned as the copper coins landed in his hand. “Assamarra go with you, tree-child.”

Sound (Hearing)

Before she could get her answer, Richard came pounding over the hilltop. "She shall give it up over my dead body!" he roared, launching into the midst of the cultists, blade flashing in the sun. Fire roared from overhead, arrows zipped through the azure sky. Alexis felt like she’d blinked, and all the cultists lay dead, bleeding into the sand. “Greg damnit!” Alexis snapped, rushing over. “Why in the Pit did you kill them all? We could have gotten information from them. Like why they only wanted the dagger!” Muttering she began to riffle through the bodies for clues. “They… They were cultists,” Richard said, shrinking down. He toyed with the hilt of his sword. “Evil-doers. They were trying to kill you. You’re so small, and you hurt easily. I was just trying to keep you safe.” Alexis looked up, hearing the upset in his voice, and gave a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Thank you, for saving me. I just don’t understand why they wanted the dagger. It’s a piece of junk. I only wanted it because…” She shook her head. “I don’t know. I just wanted it.”

Space

"Arts, I want you to show these lubbers to their quarters, then report back to deck. We’ll be setting the sails in half a turn of the clock." "Aye, Cap’n. Passengers, if ye’d follow me?" the First Mate said, leading the way below decks to show them to two cabins. "Ladies, ye’ll be in here," Arts said, pointing to one. "Gents, this'll be your cabin." He pointed to another. "I'll leave ye get settled. It’d be appreciated if ye could stay in your quarters till the Oaken Rose is underway. Dinner will be shortly after then." With a nod, he left them to their quarters.

"Well this is cosy," said Bastet, as she and Alexis arranged themselves in the cabin. It was indeed a tiny space, with narrow bunks on one side and a small tin sink, recessed into a dresser, on the other. Opposite the door was a porthole, letting in the smallest amount of light, over which hung a hurricane lamp. "Mm," Alexis agreed.

➤ @the-writing-rat

Boiling

"Yes!" she said. "We have been sent to rid your menace from the face of Titan." To her surprise, Zagor laughed. "Oh my," he said, wiping away mock tears of mirth. "What an adorable notion. Whilst you all look the part, I doubt you have the skill. So you are welcome to try, but do not think you will succeed." "We have might and right on our side!" proclaimed Richard, raising his sword. "We cannot fail!" At that signal, he and Ithanor made their charge The villain’s smirk dropped and his black eyes became those of death. He flicked out a hand and the last thing Alexis felt was the hissing and boiling of an orange inferno headed straight for her.

Charity (Offering)

"Excuse me, good sir," Victor called up to the pirate. "We are looking to secure the services of a boat and a captain to take us to the continent of Khul, the new land of adventure. Might your good self be available for this service?" "’Sir’?" the pirate looked around as if confused, and his crew laughed. "Ain’t no ‘sir’s here. Ain’t none but us brigands and rouges." Alexis ground her teeth. The seaweed under the hot sun was pungent, the lack of beer from the ridiculous rules of this cesspit pounded at her head. “Your h'excellency might be in the wrong place, eh lads?” “Enough!” Alexis snapped. “Brigands and rouges it is, if you can’t even see your way clear to not making fun of someone offering you good manners. C’mon Vic, these fools aren’t fit to take us up the street, let alone to Khul in this rickety old tub.” She turned on her heel, marching away when the laughter ceased.

Puzzled

She sat down next to the former barbarian, his hair and attire neater than she had ever seen it. "So what of you, old friend?" she asked. "Business booming for you too?" "Oh aye," Ithanor said. "As if I wasn't busy enough with the repairs and upgrades on the town, they've got me drafted in building a host of new homes. All these new bodies want places to live." "That's excellent news." "Oh and," Ithanor said with a shy smile. "Roderick’s not the only one with a new addition to his life." "Oh?" Alexis gave a puzzled smile. "Yeah. I, ah, managed to find myself a wife as well. Very soon after you left actually. Her name is Maeve, and we’re expecting a child, late spring of next year." Ithanor fiddled with his tankard. "I’ve got us a cottage close to the northeast wall, if you ever want to pop on over."

Succinct (Terse)

It wasn’t until evening chow when the winds picked up, large globs of rain hammering into the deck and soaking through anyone foolish enough to not have an oilcloth. When Richard stood to offer a hand, Bloodbeard held out a hand, saying, "I do thank ye for yer help, these past weeks, and by the end of the voyage we'll have made crewmen of you, I’m sure. But for now, let my boys work. Go down to yer cabins, and kindly stay until the all clear’s been given." With a terse nod, Richard led the way below, the First Mate's orders receding as they did.

Weather

Eventually, Bloodbeard came below, his hat drooping with the weight of water and his beard hanging in a sodden mess as he put his head around the door of the larger cabin which they’d stuffed themselves into. "Ah, you’re all here. Good, good. We seem to be having a wee bit of a storm, lads and lassies. But ‘tis nought to worry about – this ol’ girl’s weathered her share of rough seas.” He patted the bulkhead. “It’ll just get a bit bumpy at times. If you could remain here for the time being, that’d be grand. Can’t be having you lubbers out on deck, under me crew’s feet while they try to save her…” Bloodbeard’s eyes darted, and he forced out a chuckle. “Or risk ye being swept off to the briny deep, eh?”

➤ @sleepyowlwrites

Settle

The dragon clapped its paws again. "One moment then, please." It stood on its hind legs, squeezing its eyes tightly shut. The sand around it kicked up in a sudden twisting wind, knocking Alexis over as the others coughed and struggled to shield their faces. The wind died as suddenly as it came, dust settling around a handsome man with golden-tanned skin in the clothes of a travelling merchant. Alexis blinked and Kypris winked at her, his eyes – slitted like a cat – flashed with copper flecks. "Neat trick," said Victor appraisingly.

Sideways (Open-sided)

"Thank you," she said. "We should find someplace to sit and study this thing… Wait a sec." Alexis stopped, looking around with a frown. "Where the hell did Bastet and Victor go?" Richard glanced around, a hand shading his eyes. "There." He pointed to where a group of people congregated around a low table. On dusty cushions sat Victor on one side, his competitor – a dark-skinned elf – on the other. On the table were a set of bone tiles and a large stack of cash. Victor, in his bright robes, was frowning down at his hand, while Bastet stood behind him, hands on his shoulders, cheering him on. "They appear to be playing a game.” Alexis squinted up at Richard. “For money." "Yes, thank you. I know what gambling is. They can use their money however they wish." "They’re probably cheating." Richard pursed his lips and huffed. “Be that as it may, the fate of the world takes precedence over the immoral actions of our friends.” He gestured to an open-sided tent. “Let’s get something to eat while we look at the map.” They took a seat under the awning within sight of the gambling table, and a waitress brought them a tray of hard cheeses, nuts and cured meats. ”I assume you know how to use the map to find the temple?” Richard asked. “If the map is good, then yes, easily," Alexis said.

Sound

Outside, the day was warming up quickly. The four of them wandered through the tented village in search of a marketplace. It wasn’t hard, following the sounds of hawkers and hagglers, to reach the center of the oasis and the packed market. Narrow lanes bordered with awnings and tents, were filled with people and livestock, braying and hollering. Trestles covered in a dazzling array of food and goods, bright fabrics – soft, diaphanous, silky – dangling from racks, piles of skin and fleeces. The smell was incredible: sizzling meats, perfumed flowers, woody spices, offal and dung. Bright fruits alongside mounds of powders in umber and terracotta. Weapons and clothes and scents Alexis could never have dreamed of in a million years, sold by people of all creeds, their dialects and languages swarming into one joyous conglomeration. It was like nothing she’d ever seen before. Alexis trailed along behind the others, dipping fingers into pots of spice to smell the strange new smells, running her eyes over glittering treasures, laughing and playfully batting away the small children who thrust trinkets and flowers at her.

A lull in the tumult of sounds made her pause. Something like a whisper, a gut-feel, a tickle on the back of her neck made her look back at the stall she’d just passed. Under a lean-to awning of red and yellow were stacks of chests, some open with the papers inside spilling out. "Guys?" Up ahead Richard looked back to see Alexis wandering back to a stall of some wordsmith. “Victor, Bastet! Alexis has found something,” Richard called out, with a huff adding, “I suppose her ‘treasure sense’ is tingling.” Richard returned to her side, as Alexis was scanning the stall. Crackling stacks of papyrus, held down by painted stones, and rolls of parchment lay across the stall’s table. Idly, she picked up one of the rolls, peeking at its contents – a map, of some kind.

Spacious (Space)

Alexis reached out to place a hand on her shoulder, but Bastet shrugged her off. "It’s okay," Alexis said. “You tried, at least.” "When we get out of here," Bastet hissed at her. "That one is mine." Alexis backed away to give her some space and went to find the elven woman. "Nassurae," Alexis said “Yes, sá itil?” "I don’t know night from day down here, but I’m told you do. If my friends and I are to free everyone, I need to be awake three hours before the guards come to take us back down the mines. Do you think, if I sleep now, you’ll be able to wake me on time?" Nassurae looked thoughtfully at the other elven women in the cell. Each nodded, gripping hands, their eyes alight with hope. “Yes,” Nassurae said. "We can accomplish this. We will take shifts and wake you when it is time." “Thank you. I’ll rest now.” Alexis glanced at Bastet. “I would recommend leaving my companion for now. She’ll sleep when she’s able, and I’ll rouse her when it’s time.” "Quiet dreams, eshen," Nassurae said, as Alexis lay down and closed her eyes.

Supposedly

CW Racial slur - black american

A rustle came from behind them, causing the group to turn. Richard and Ithanor drew their blades as a human and a black-skinned elf emerged from the scrub. "Who are you?" Ithanor demanded, levelling his blade at the newcomers. "Umm, hi?" said the drow. "Well?" Nathardrin said. The human stepped forward, brushing down his shabby robes. "My name is Victor, with a monocle. It seems we both have had the same idea: to sneak into Firetop Mountain and destroy the evil Zagor who lurks within." "And what are you supposed to be?" asked Richard pointing at the drow. "Some kind of pointy-ear coon?" The drow straightened, shoulders pulling back as she looked down her nose at Richard. "My name is Bastet," she said coldly. "Despite your manners, I, and my comrade here, wish to assist you with your venture into the fortress to defeat Zagor." "Oh really?" Alexis said. "Yazty-" She turned back to where the wizard had been standing, only to find the patch of rocky grass empty. "Oh. Well, I hope one of you’s a spell-slinger." "Indeed, little one. I am the mighty Victor with a Monocle!" said Victor, swaying a little. "I will astound you with great acts of wizardry and maybe even set alight to some things." "And I am a fighter of great renown," said the drow. Those from the militia shared dubious looks. "Well, there’s not much point us standing around debating it," said Nathardrin. "We may as well get on with this."

Sweep

(edited the word out for better prose)

As the stablehand led their mounts out, Victor slipped him a silver. "We were never here, okay?" he said. Wide-eyed, the boy nodded, grasping his broom and vanishing into the stalls to send out little puffs of straw dust.

➤ @drabbleitout

Soon enough their packs were ready and armour had been donned, and now they stood in the blustery morning, the dirt of the courtyard underfoot. To one side their mounts stood patiently, as Hengar ran through the lists of evils they may face: Goblins, orcs. A bugbear, if they were unlucky. While Alexis listened with half an ear, she studied the mounts with concern, and when the captain was finished, raised her hand. "Yes?" asked Hengar. "Sorry, Captain. None of those mounts are short enough for me to ride." "Do not worry, little one," Yaztromo said, coming from the door of the Town Hall, tugging on riding gloves. "We shan’t make you walk. You’re to ride with me, if that’s acceptable?" "Oh." Alexis flushed and dipped her head. "I’d be honoured." Hengar tilted his head at Yaztromo, his eyebrows raised. Yaztromo replied with an allowing flourish of his hand.

Bark (growl)

"What did you find?" Ithanor asked. Quickly, Alexis outlined the layout of the fort, the two sets of stairs, and the pattern of the patrolling goblins. "We should take them out," Richard said. "Are you stupid?" Alexis growled. "What part of 'stealth reconnaissance' did you not understand?" Richard blinked. "Uhhh…" Alexis could see on his face that he didn’t understand, but before she could snap the answer, Ithanor beat her to it. "It means we go sneaky-sneaky-sneaky," he said, pantomiming a person stepping carefully. "We can’t take them out because it’ll make too much noise, and risk them raising the alarm. We just have to be like little mice, trying to steal grain." "Oooh," Richard said, in a rising tone of understanding.

Borrow (scrounge)

Alexis rose closer to noon than she would have liked, rolling out of bed with a series of groans. Her head felt ten times heavier than usual, and her mouth was as dry as pound cake. Aside from the snoring of the night watch, the barracks were empty. Victor, she supposed, was still in the pub, but where Bastet and Richard were she had no idea. By the neat folds, Richard would have risen early. Bastet, on the other hand, might have woken just before Alexis by the state of her bed, or been just as hungover. After dunking her head into the water ewer, Alexis wandered down to the mess hall to see if she could scrounge up something to eat.

Dry

CW Blood

Zagor was sitting in a chair by his desk on the far side of the room. He smirked at them as they entered and fanned out. "So. You’ve come back for more?" he asked, his voice the rasp of two dry sticks being rubbed together. Slowly the lich unfolded himself from his chair, as Victor darted around to fire off a Magic Missile. Zagor’s robe singed, but the creature inside remained unharmed. While Richard and Ithanor charged in, Alexis and Bastet took up flanking manoeuvres. The battle was arduous, but between the five of them, they whittled the lich down until finally, the pale creature lay deformed in a pool of its own black blood.

Fine

Slowly the group made their way down to the ground floor, exiting through the now open front gate and into the fort’s courtyard. "Yaszty!" Alexis cried, spotting the wizard perched on the back of a wagon. She hurried over to him, the others trailing behind. "I am fine, little one," he said, raising a tired hand. "I assume you were successful?" Alexis nodded. "Yep, we got that bastard and his phylactery. Is Lieutenant Nazaretian around? We should report our success to him." Yaztromo hung his head, letting his shoulders slump. "Sadly, the Lieutenant perished in the battle, taken out by an uncannily well-aimed goblin arrow. The men here have nearly finished their clean-up efforts, so I shall be returning with them to Toreguard soon. I shall convey our success to Captain Hengar on my return.” He cast an eye over the group, taking in their dented armour and bloody scars. “You should take some time to rest before returning. Now the Firetop is free, there is no rush.”

Large

"It doesn’t look like they managed to crack the combination," Marag said, running her hands over the outside of the vault. "Good ol’dwarven engineering, that. Everything inside should still be there, then." With that, she began to finagle the door mechanism, until, with a soft noise like a sigh, it opened. Marag pulled open the door, and Alexis’ jaw dropped. The walls of the vault were lined with gold and platinum ingots. The floor was filled with chests, weapons racks and armour stands, upon which hung the most beautiful items – plates of pale, glistening, silvery metal; bladed hilts crafted with tiny jewels; crossbows engraved with strange runes. Magar stepped into the room, gesturing for the group to follow her. With no regard for the horde of treasures, she went to a chest pressed against the left wall and threw open the lid. Inside, nestled in neat rows on trays, were hundreds of gemstones. Maga scooped up a handful, and moving through the group, doled out a large ruby to each. "I hope this will be compensation enough f’helping us. And as advanced payment for taking out that velskkus, feel free to choose an item that’ll help you in your coming fight."

Mercy

"And how much will this map and information cost us?" she said, squinting. "Ah ha! I see the little miss is shrewd, as well as beautiful," Hassan said with a wink, and without breaking stride, added, "Three hundred gold pieces." Alexis gave him a flat look. "Fifty" "Fifty! No no, I can not go lower than two hundred, seventy-five." "One hundred, and you throw in a compass." She cast her eyes over the pile of treasures. A beautiful curved dagger with a jewelled hilt caught her eye. "And this." "All for one hundred golden bits? No no! Lady, you are crazy. That dagger is five hundred gold alone. Two hundred and twenty-five, and that is like cutting my own throat." "Please," Alexis scoffed. "That dagger is thirty at most. You think I can’t spot coloured glass just because the sun’s brighter here? Two hundred and twenty-five for the map, information, the compass and dagger, and one misdirect should anyone ask about us or our destination. Agreed?" Hassan threw up his hands. "Gods have mercy on me! Beautiful, shrewd and cruel, tsh." He shook her hand. "It is agreed."

New

Twilight was falling, the sky banded with pastel rainbow shades, as Alexis returned from the market with her haul of fresh supplies. As she walked along the dirt track towards the pub chomping on a newly harvested apple, she passed a pair of elders gossiping over a fence about some scandal from a few villages over. She slowed down to listen in as one of them complained about the reign of terror from a monstrous elf who claimed to be a paladin. Back at the inn, Alexis knocked on the gent’s door. “Heads up,” Alexis said, tossing him an apple. Richard glanced up from where he was trying to buff out the dents in his armour and caught it with one hand. “Ah, we haven’t had apples in ages.” He sniffed the skin. “Makes me feel a little homesick. How was the market?” he asked, placing the apple aside and returning to his armour. “About that,” Alexis began. Richard’s head shot up. “No, not the market. The market was fine. I got everything we needed. I meant, um. The village you’re from. What was it called again?” “High Creek. Why?” Alexis bit her lip. “Um.” Richard’s brown eyes creased in concern and he set aside his work. “Alexis?”

Peel (skins)

"Hey," Bastet said, calling her back to reality. "I think there's someone in here." Alexis looked over to see Bastet peering through the bars of the cell door. "Hello?" Bastet called through them. From the other side of the door came a blistering string of curses in a harsh language. "Whaddaya dirty green-skins want with me now?" the voice said in common. "I think it is a dwarf," Bastet said, glancing at Alexis. "Whaddaya mean, ye think it be a dwarf?" asked the voice mockingly. "I most definitely am a dwarf, ye lousy stinkers." Alexis shrugged at Bastet. "Sounds like a dwarf, yeah." "You can pick locks, right?" Bastet asked. "Yes. You go get the others, and I will let the very angry dwarf out of his nasty cell." "'His'! I'm very much a ‘her’, ye cretin." Bastet tilted her head. Alexis nodded, making shooing motions. Baset shrugged. "That’s right," the angry female dwarf called, as Bastet hurried off to find their comrades. "You’d better run, ya mangey beskur!" "Hey, enough with the name-calling," Alexis said, looking up from her investigation of the lock. "You keep that up, and you can stay in there." "Och! Now I’ve heard everything. Yon gobbo thinks keeping me in here’s a threat!" "I’m not a gobbo. I’m eshen." "What’s that?" Alexis sighed, spitting the word. "A woodling." "A woodling? Tch! Can’t be. Woodlings never come out the Darkwood." "Well, this one did. Now will you please be quiet so I can concentrate."

Work

Tentatively, Ithanor moved forward, placing a hand on a tall warhammer. As if that was their signal, the others moved forward, selecting what they wanted. Richard selected a suit of plate mail, Nathardin a recurve bow, and new swords each for Bastet and Victor. "Excuse me," Alexis said as Marag was finishing up with Victor. "I don’t see anything smaller than dwarf-size…" "Ah, now, let’s see. What’re you after, hen? A weapon or armour?" "Armour, if possible?" Maga squinted thoughtfully. "Aye, aye. I’ve got just the thing for a quarter-pint. A masterwork project it is, and a bit of an experimentation for the crafter. I doubt he ever thought it’d be worn." Marag chuckled, pulling from a chest a beautiful set of supple black leather armour, studded with that pale, glimmering metal. "Aye, this should see you right well, hen." Quickly Alexis changed. The armour fit like it was made for her. She grinned at Marag. "Thank you."

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druidx · 8 months

Text

Find the Word Tag - Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan - Part 3

There was a total of 145 words to find so I've split these into batches of ~50. I've not removed any duplicates, and where there's not an exact match I've used synonyms instead.

I've grouped the words by the original tagger - though some of these are old enough the tagger has changed URLs...

Fair warning before you click:

I have tried to keep the snips short, but at ~7,500 words, this post is 'colour of the sky' long.

Well, if we're sitting comfortably, I'll begin.

➤ @artdecosupernova-writing

Afford

They regrouped with the others outside of the stables. By the time Richard, Bastet and Gorgut arrived, Alexis and Victor had already sold their mounts. For Victor, it was a simple matter of money changing hands, but Alexis had hung back, petting Neisk over and over. The stable master hovered with a pouch of gold, while Alexis told the dog he’d been such a good boy, been so patient and loyal, and as dear to Alexis as the others had become. Neisk butted his nose into Alexis’ neck, showering her with doggy kisses. She looped her arms around the dog’s neck, burying her face in his fur. She was going to miss him greatly, Alexis knew. But he couldn’t come with them, and she couldn’t afford to keep him stabled until they returned from Khul. So part they must. With one final hug and a doggy kiss, Alexis drew back, accepting the pouch from the stable master, and watched her companion be walked away.

Angry

Richard and the Blackguard were closely matched in skill. They stood inches from each other with their swords locked. Alexis took careful aim and shot the Blackguard in the leg. He cried out, tipping to the side. Richard took the opportunity; he pulled back, bringing his sword around to thrust. The Blackguard gasped, spitting blood, Richard’s blade digging into his chest. “You were once like me,” Richard said, panting from the fight. “I can feel it! Friend, this does not have to be the end. Repent! Be a knight of honour once again.” “You’re wrong,” the blackguard said, his breath wet and gasping. His face relaxed from an angry contortion to one filled with sadness. “My mother… She grew sick and died. I didn’t understand my god’s will. How… why she could let it happen. So I turned against her. I used my strength for pain. Yet after all this… After what I did to your home, your people… You are still willing to forgive me?” The Blackguard let out a wet chuckle, spitting blood. “I see, now, the error of my ways.” “I see. Then may I know the name of the man I kill here today?” “Vivence Merickson.” The Blaguard grinned. “At your service.”

Bed

CW Medical, blood

The night wore on, and the flames slowly started to die down. Alexis tried to help, but she couldn’t carry a full bucket and people kept tripping over her in their rush. Eventually, she left the twicelings to their work and retreated to the town hall. Over the great fireplace hung a cauldron, doling out broth. Nearby were rows of bedrolls, laid out waiting for occupants once the fires were dead. At the far end, Alexis could see the flicker of Yaztromo’s yellow robes as he tended to the sobbing injured.

She approached as he took a break to lift a cup of water to his lips. “Yaztromo, tell me what to do.” She shook her head. “I’m no use out there, but here I may be able to help.” Yaztromo raised an eyebrow as he wiped his mouth. “Come, then,” he said and led the way to the next patient.

Alexis followed his instructions, wiping away blood, pressing down on wounds, threading needles. “You’re going to be fine,” she lied to patent after patent. The night passed in a whirl of blood and soot, bandages and whimpers, and the occasional tot of something stronger to those who would not make it.

Beginning (begin)

Once more, they arrived at the base of Firetop Mountain, this time riding into the camp that had been established. Soldiers rushed to take their mounts as they drew up in front of the commanding lieutenant’s tent. Yaztromo vanished inside to pass the lieutenant his orders from Hengar. The others were given food and prepared their equipment for the charge while they waited to be called to see the lieutenant. "Good morrow," the lieutenant greeted them as they entered his tent, filled with utilitarian gear. "Nazaretian is the name. I assume you’ve been fully briefed about our situation here and your part to play in it?" “Yes, sir,” Alexis said, inclining her head. "We have." "Good," said Nazaretian. "We’re almost ready to begin our advance. I’ve set aside a cadre for you to take inside with you. They should be assembling now. If you’re ready, head around to the back of the fort.” Nazaretian pushed forward an hourglass. “How long will it take you to get in position?” Richard stepped forward. “About half a turn of the glass, sir.” “Understood. We’ll advance on that mark then. Ladies, gentlemen: good luck.”

Broke (Tore)

“I caught one of the crewmen to ask what was going on,” Richard said. “She tells me that the mainmast is cracked through, and if it falls, it’ll likely crash through the whole ship and sink her.” The group shared alarmed looks. “It doesn’t sound like a hopeful situation,” he continued. “We should get to the life rafts and abandon ship with extreme prejudice.”

As if the Oaken Rose had heard him, there came short, whipcrack sounds followed by a sharp, splintering crack. The ship juddered. Through the open cabin door, a tearing hole appeared on the deck above, the drumming rain soaking everything in seconds. “Get back!” Gorgut yelled, launching toward the door to slam it closed. Soft thuds peppered the door, the timber cracking under the strain. When the noise had died down, they opened the door to find it covered in splinters, some as long as Alexis’ arm. They shuddered at the thought of being speared by one. “Out. Now,” Richard said. They hurried through the ship and up on deck, fighting against the wind and water. Alexis struggled, clinging to Goregut for support. It felt like the whole world was nothing but the lashing rain, the howling wind, and the screaming of timber as the ship tore apart.

Combine

(Edited the word out for better prose)

Alexis glanced up at Richard, raising her eyebrows at him with a self-satisfied smirk. Richard tilted his head as he looked down at her, deliberately crossing his arms and rolling his eyes with a fond smile. Fine, well done, his expression said, but smugness is unbecoming. "Now let us see here then," said Hassan. He was rummaging through the sheaves of papers on the table. Finally, he pulled out a crinkly, dog-eared and stained parchment. "Ah ha!" Hassan said, laying the map out for them to see. Intricately drawn, the map showed the very center of the desert, cross-hatched over with faint grid lines. "We are here, you see?" He pointed to a medium-sized dot at the map’s edge. "The temple you are seeking is here." Now he pointed to a smaller dot closer to the center of the map. Alexis nodded.

Confused (Misunderstandings)

They walked up the winding path to the top of the castle inselberg, wary of the many defensive points along the road. At the top, Richard approached the vast gates of Castle Dire and beat upon them. From above, an armoured head stuck out. “Who’re you lot?” the guard called down. Alexis stepped back, shouting up, "We’re here to deliver a gift to Lore Dire from my lord Zharradan Marr, Master of Troll Tooth Pass. We request an audience with Lord Dire so we may present this gift." There was a long silence from the battlements. “Hold on,” the guard yelled, and vanished out of sight. The wind soughed around them, bringing the scents of the city. Bastet fingered her daggers. Richard loosened his sword, and Victor began flicking through his spell book. The guard’s head popped back over the battlements. “My Lord Dire’s Steward says to return mid-afternoon. The gift will be received then.” “By Lord Dire? Not his steward. My Lord Marr was very clear in his instructions,” Alexis called up. “Aye, by Lord Dire.” “And whom should we ask for when we return? I wish no further misunderstandings about our presence.” “You may call on Corporal Janz,” the guard said. Alexis gave a curt nod. “Very well. We shall return with the gift at the appointed hour.”

Cough (cleared throat)

He reached into his pack, dragging out a bulbous pouch, nearly splitting at the seams, and placed it on the table. As it tipped over, a few coins dribbled out. "I’ve been saving my pay and reward money. I know the farm was struggling when I left. I hoped with this, you and our parents could get it back up and running.” Kassandra, clutched at Richard’s arm, one hand over her mouth. “Richard… This is…” “I know.” Richard patted her arm. “It’s not much-” “Are you kidding? This is astounding!” Richard blushed and cleared his throat.

Crossing (Across)

Inside, the temple was dark. Their torches flared in the dry and dusty air as they progressed along the corridors, the roving lights illuminating crumbling bricks of sandstone covered in cobwebs. Skittery beasts ran from the light, shadows jumping and feet scritching. Withered vines snaked across the floor and walls, partly covering friezes of reptilian people in the midst of heinous acts. Interspersed along the walls were the Eye of Myurr symbol and depictions of a snake-headed man with four arms and enormous, bat-like wings – Myurr himself, they guessed.

Damage

“I had no idea where I or the ship was. Then there was a flash of lightning and I saw this place. I swam us over, hoping the rest of you would find it as well. I tried to wrap Victor's head, but all I could do was pull us up here and sleep." “Let me look at that,” Alexis said. Victor leant towards her, and she removed the scrap of cloth, assessing the wound as she spoke. “We finished the raft and tied ourselves to it before we jumped in with it, but I only had a scrap tied to me when I woke up. I’ve no idea where Bast and Gorgut are. It’s a good job you’ve got a thick skull,” she added, addressing Victor. “It’s just a shallow cut.” Victor hummed in response, his eyes closed. Like the others, much of Alexis’ supplies had been damaged in their escape from the sinking ship. After digging for a while, she found some medicinal herbs which had been spared the water. Her good outfit was cut to ribbons and the precious fresh water from her flask was used to clean and dress the wound. “There. You’ll live long enough to buy me a new dress.”

Dark

CW Blood

Richard glanced back at Victor as Alexis raised her eyebrows. “About that…” He stood stiffly, and it wasn't until he tried to lead Alexis away, that she noticed he was limping “Richard…?” “There’s another reason we didn’t go searching,” he said and pulled away a large leaf that had been wrapped around his leg. Below, was a dark splash of blood on his trews. Alexis sucked in a breath then knelt, peeling away the trews from the gash on his shin. “Greg’s suntanned arse!” she snapped. “Why the hell didn’t you mention this earlier?” “Not sure,” he said, voice vacant. “Didn’t seem relevant. It doesn’t hurt.” “Oooh!” Alexis blew out her cheeks. “Go and sit back down, you idiot. I guess searching for the others’ll need to wait a while…”

Day

She swung onto her pony, and he handed her the reins of the others. The tented streets were getting busier, but not so busy she couldn’t take the horses down them. Alexis looked back at the elf, finding that, astride her pony, they were at eye level. He gave her a coy smile. "A pleasure to do business with you," Alexis said to the stunning elven trader. "Maybe one day I shall come this way again." "Maybe you shall," the trader said, his eyes glittering with mischievousness. "I expect I shall still be here then, should you wish to see the inside of my tent." "Maybe so. Being on first-name terms, however, would help your case immeasurably. Otherwise, who will I know to ask for?" "Shrewdly put, little maid," he said. "You should ask for Tiernan Quinn." "Very well, Tiernan. Till next time, wait for Alexis Dalliance." She gave a sultry smirk of her own, tugging on the pony’s reins to set them on their way.

Dazed

Definitely

(Word edited out for better prose)

The group snuck up the stairs and successfully took their positions. After what felt like ages, Alexis spotted Ithanor's banner-bright hair. She signalled to Bastet that the barbarian was in position, and Bastet signalled back that Richard was too. "Dalliance?" Nathardrin said in a whisper. "Mm?" "What was the 'go' signal?" Alexis opened her mouth. From the far corner of the tower came the sound of splintering wood. "That!" Victor threw open the door. The goblins inside looked up from their dice game. Before they could reach for their weapons, it was all over. While Nathardrin stood watch outside, Alexis darted into the room, checking the goblins had gone to their maker. Victor followed, and between the two of them they searched the bodies and the room, coming up with only a few loose copper coins.

Dilute (Mix)

“Let it never be said Dragan Bloodbeard backed out of an accord.” The Captain nodded. “We’ll be leaving on the night’s tide. That’s around eight bells to you lubbers, just as Lunara’ll be making her appearance. You’ll have to leave your mounts, mind. I’ve just not the space for them. But your party, lass. How many of ye are there?” “We’re five in total – me and him, an elf, a drow and a half-orc. They’ll also be half-price?” “Fair mix y’have there. But, aye, lass,” Bloodbeard sighed. “An accord’s an accord. They’ll be half and all, ye wee swindler. Thrussell!” Down the gangplank trotted a blond dwarf carrying a slate. “Aye, Cap’n?” “We’ll be having five passengers for across the oceans to Khul. At half-price. Tell the wee bounder what she’ll owe.” The dwarf muttered as they made the calculations. “That’ll be two hundred and twenty-five gold bits.” Bloodbeard groaned. “Understood,” Alexis said. “I’ll see ye back here at the rising of t’moon,” Bloodbeard said. Alexis smiled tightly. “Till then, Captain. C’mon Vic, let’s go find the others.”

Evening

(Word edited out for better prose)

The group loitered outside the town hall, watching the sky fill with pink and gold. “What now?” asked Bastet. “The Captain told us to get some rest,” Richard said. “Private Keld has seen to our mounts, so we should return to the barracks.” “But we need to get dinner,” Alexis said. “And you know The Plot Hook has better food than the Mess…” Richard raised his eyebrows. “So… Pub?” “It would help us relax,” Victor said, face filled with earnest sincerity. Richard’s eyebrows climbed higher. “The Captain didn’t tell us to go to bed, did he?” Bastet said. “He said to rest. And it’s a lot easier to do that with a beer.” Richard looked at the pleading faces of his companions. He sighed. “Fine.” The others cheered, making their way along the dusty streets to the pub.

Fluid (Flow)

Given the seriousness of the situation, they drove their mounts hard, walking early and camping late, in order to reach Port Blacksands as quickly as they could. Once they arrived, the group was met by a long queue of people lined up in front of the city's vast gates. "What in the Pit's going on?" Bastet said. It was certainly an unusual sight. Even fortified and walled towns kept their gates open during the day for the free flow of people; travellers and locals alike. "I'll go see," Alexis said and, slipping from her mount, made her way towards the front of the line.

Fly

Force

“Yes, sir,” Ithanor said. “This is Bastet and Victor-” “With a Monocle!” “-Victor with a Monocle. They have rendered us aid in dispatching Zagor.” “Yes. About that.” Hengar ran a hand over his face. “Reports of your deaths have been exaggerated, but unfortunately, the same is also true of Zagor. Given the explosion which was observed, I’m sure there must be more to this. Please, give your report.” As no one else spoke up, Alexis took the role of storyteller, explaining their misadventure to the Captain, mapping out the fort and describing to him the forces they were up against. The night wore on as she spoke. Food was consumed. Bastet fell asleep on Ithanor’s arm, and even Richard was blinking owlishly by the time Alexis finished, yawning massively. “Thank you, Private Dalliance, “ Hengar said, sweeping his gaze over the group. “All of you get some rest – I’m afraid tomorrow I’ll once again be sending you out to defeat the enemy.”

Forward (Advance)

Ithanor collared one of the townspeople. "What’s going on?" he asked. "What’s happened here?" “He did.” The person raised a shaking hand, pointing at the gaping hole in the town hall roof. A flare of lightning illuminated a tall figure in craggy armour. The townsperson fled towards the well. Alexis wiped rainwater from her face as the lightning faded. “Where did he go?” “He must be inside,” Ithanor said, unsheathing his hammer as he advanced on the hall, the others at his back. Out of nowhere, a fist struck him. Ithanor staggered back. “I’m not here for you, boy.” The Blackguard’s voice was melodic, at odds with the hulking dark armour and tower shield, as he strode from the town hall, scattering townsfolk like dandelion puffs in the wind, halting in the market square. “You.” He pointed at Richard. “I’m here for you.”

Grateful

CW Alcohol, Functional alcoholism

It was a canvas affair, with pallets of wood creating a stable floor. Rugs covered the wood, strewn with large cushions around dainty low tables. To one side of the opening stood the bar, half the size of what they were used to in pale, oily wood. “One moment, please,” the barkeeper called as they clustered around, gazing at the fanciful bottles filled with multi-coloured liquors. “Barkeep, a beer for me, please,” Victor said. The Barkeeper, a human with skin like an onion peel and dark, slicked-back hair came over. “I am very sorry, my friend. We do not have beer here. Nowhere to grow the grain. Can I offer you a liquor of some kind? Catus, grape, zovoberry.” He waved a hand to the bottles behind him. “We have many options. Straight or with a little water. Or perhaps mixed together, eh? What would you like?” The disparate emanating from Victor was palatable. From what Alexis had seen, the wizard needed a steady stream of the stuff to be even remotely functional. The past few weeks, rationing his booze out had been torture for all of them. “We’ll try the cactus, right, Vic?” Alexis looked at the barman. “Just little ones. Start us off easy.” “But…” Victor’s voice was distilled anguish. Alexis turned back to him, leaning in. "For our sakes, if not the gods', take what you can get and be grateful for it." Presently, the Barkeeper returned with a tray of little golden drinks and a dish of nibbles. Bastet carried it to a free table, and they spent the evening drinking and relaxing after the long journey.

Great

It took a full day for Alexis' body to be restored and her soul returned. She woke as the light of a full moon flooded down into the room where the wizards worked, her friends standing by to welcome her back to the living. Another day to recover her senses and eat her fill passed before the five of them were brought in front of the Wizard council into the Great Hall of Yore.

Green

The next day, with some grumbling from Victor and Bastet, they rose early. No one would give directions to the fort, citing their imminent death at the hands of some unnamed monster should they dare delve into the fort’s depths. It was with some trepidation and directional fumbling that they made their way up the pass and finally to the old fort. It loomed above them, broken gates like fangs in the dark maw of the entrance. As they entered, Alexis drew her cloak closer against the chill which seeped from the stone. The air was stale and mildewed, smelling like a wet rag. Beards of moss and ferns dripped from crannies in the wall, vibrant green glowing against the twilight of slate-blue stone.

Happy

The wind howled up the pass, as the group exited from the fort, the lowering clouds threatening rain. Three stopped, hovering just inside the doorway. “Uh. ‘Lexis?” “Yes?” “Daddy told me not to go outside,” Three said, shifting from one foot to the other. “He said there are bad people who don’t want to be my friend and who will have nasty toothypicks.” “Hey, it’s okay,” Alexis said, turning back. “We’ll look after you, I promise. We’ll stop anyone who’s mean to you and tell them off.” The construct poed his forefingers together. “And Daddy won’t be mad?” “I don’t think ‘Daddy’ is going to be having any opinions about anything anymore,” Bastet muttered. Alexis shot her a glare and turned her attention back to Three. “No! Daddy’ll be happy for you to see the world.” “Okay." Three smiled and lumbered across the threshold. “There’s so much cool stuff out here. You’ll see birds, and bugs, and sheep…” Alexis took Three’s finger, leading him down the path and away from the fort.

Heat

The days wore on, blurring into a host of blistering days and freezing nights. At some point during the long and arduous search, Bastet produced a black parasol, claiming that drow weren’t good with such heat. Alexis could understand; the Forest of Night was a temperate place, filled with shade and moisture and living things. Even the Plains had long grasses sprinkled with flowers and insects, its broad sky filled with rolling clouds. Here there was nothing. No plants, no creatures. Nothing but the unflinching sun and a sea of empty, coarse, biting yellow sands. Wilting over the back of Neisk as the dog faithfully trudged on, Alexis found herself missing the lushness of her home with a ferocity that bordered on feverishness.

Honour

Alexis could do nothing but stare and gape, as she turned to take in the sight. There were more riches here than she had ever thought possible. "My gods," she managed to spit out. "Look at all this stuff!" Unconsciously she reached out to touch the pile, picking up a golden coin that was as big as her fist. "I do hope you’re not thinking of taking that," said a languid voice that rumbled through their feet and sent shivers through the piles of treasure. Sliding lithely from a side passage came an elder red dragon. Alexis froze, the coin clutched in both hands as the dragon daintily picked its way through the horde. It leaned down, one eye stretching to the same height as Alexis, its gaze focused on her. "Are you thieves?" it asked. "I do not much care for thieves. They tend to be on the stringy side." It huffed out a breath, stinking of brimstone and strong enough to make Bastet stagger. "Well?" "No, your Honour," Alexis managed to squeak. "We were… just admiring your horde. Yep, that was all it was, Sir." The dragon tilted its head, red scales flashing like fire and blood as it looked at her from another angle. "Well, if that's all it was…" It said, in a descending tone. Alexis nodded fiercely. "Then I suppose I can let you off… But I want you to do something for me, first."

Information

Two guardsmen stood either side of a man with thinning hair, a narrow face and sickly mien. The man sat at a travel desk, a chest and chart behind him. As she watched, a fellow traveller – a hammer-wielding orc – approached the table. Coin was exchanged for a slip of parchment from one of the four stacks on the table, the sickly-looking man scribbling something in a ledger and on the slip before it was handed to the orc. Alexis snuck closer as the orc approached the gates. He showed the parchment slip to one of the guards, and they let him through. "Oi!" Alexis whirled. "Yes, urchin, you." One of the gate guards was addressing her. "Yes, sir?" she said, in the most pitiful, lost-small-child voice she could manage. "Not thinking of trying to sneak in were you?" "Oh no, sir. Just wanted to get a look-see what all the holdup was." "Ah. Fresh meat," the guard nodded, grinning wickedly at his fellow. "Well then, Urchin, you gotta pay up or else you ain’t getting in." "Pay? For entrance to a city?" Alexis dropped the voice in her confusion, but the guard didn’t notice. "And to access services, stable your mount, and make trades. Prices are on the wall there." Alexis looked closer at the sign – City entrance, three hundred gold. Stables, fifty gold per beast. Services, fifty gold. Trades, a hundred gold. "And don’t even think of trying to sneak in. Milord Azzur doesn’t like freebooters in his city. You get caught without a pass, instant execution. You get caught trying to access a service or trade without a pass, instant execution. A tradesman gets caught dealing with someone without a pass, instant execution for everyone involved." Alexis swallowed. "That sounds… very comprehensive. Thank you for the information. I’ll get back to my place in line now." So saying, she scurried back to the safety of Richard and the others.

Jealous

Lamp (Lantern)

The Captain nodded. “Good man.” For a moment his shoulders bowed, but he pulled himself back up. With a swift nod, he left. "Alexis?" Richard said. She jumped up and stuck her head around the door of the cabin. In the flickering of lights from outside, the corridor was empty. "He’s gone." "You all heard that?" Richard asked, looking at the group as Alexis returned to her seat. Victor pursed his lips. "He doesn’t think the ship will make it," Bastet said. "No," Richard said. "Get your kit together. We must be ready to jump ship the moment we have to."

Alexis and Bastet left for their own cabin. As they hastily shoved clothing and geegaws back into their packs from where they’d become strewn around the cabin, the ship began to pitch and yaw with a renewed intensity. Bastet paused. In the flickers of lightning and swaying flame of their lantern, she looked ashy green. "Keep going," Alexis said, over the sound of straining timbers. "Bast!" The drow took a breath and quickened her pace.

Leak (drops)

At the base of the tunnel, Victor crouched close to the wall. From one pocket, he pulled a small ball of clay, placing it on the ground. He unhooked his waterskin, and with his free hand, traced a finger along the bottom of the chamber wall, inscribing some arcane symbol. Pouring water over the clay, he began to chant, “Makeiuis squishitus… makeitus squishitus…” As he chanted, the walls began to waver. Massive drops of sludge slid down the walls as they began to bow, tremors from the shifting blocks scatting dust down from the ceiling. “Time we left,” Richard said, grabbing Victor by the collar.

Leave (Left)

Alex met the others in front of the pub, accepting her pack from Richard. "Well?" Bastet asked. "He’ll be fine," Alexis said, as they left, heading for the mighty rock upon which the Castle stood. "Just someone remember where the damn bar is, okay?"

Line

Alexis stood in the bright summer sun, looking down the line at the others lined up, like her, to join the Toreguard militia. There were a lot more than she had expected. But, she supposed, most had similar motivations: poor, hungry, homeless. Nothing else left to lose. She'd heard rumours that there was some evil afoot, meaning the militia required extra bodies if it were to fight back with any success. The line shuffled forward. All sorts formed the line: half-orcs, elves, humans, and dwarfs. No one like her though. But then, Alexis hadn't seen anyone like her since she'd finally said goodbye to the Forest of Night, leaving it behind for good. She'd tried to live with other Eshen communities, she had. But what happened had marked her too deeply. She no longer fit that way of life. She always found herself moving on. The line shuffled forward.

Mirror

The chamber was vast. Tall columns of fluted white marble – rimmed with gold – rose through the center to meet with the rough-hewn rock above. Far above, great panels of transparent material filled in a giant hole, through which shone the tropical sunshine. Arrayed around a vast horseshoe-shaped table sat the council, their varicoloured robes shining like tropical flowers. As the group entered, a red-robed wizard at the head of the table stood. "Welcome, children, to Atlantis, the highest seat of learning in Titan. I am Nicodemus," he said. "It was I that had my friend and colleague Gereth Yaztromo send you to Port Blacksands and have you investigate the Eye of Muyrr cult that has sprung up. “We watched you as you went about thwarting them. And, while you did an admirable job with the tools you had available, you fell at the last hurdle." Here he gestured. A group of younger wizards brought forward a huge mirror, taller even than Three had been. Nicodemus waved his hands, muttering. The mirror shimmered and misted over. With a snap of a finger, the mists retreated, revealing a pale yellow landscape. From the dunes, a temple of orange stone rose.

Moon

“I’ll see ye back here at the rising of t’moon,” Bloodbeard said. Alexis smiled tightly. “Till then, Captain. C’mon Vic, let’s go find the others.”

As Victor and Alexis walked back along the quay, he clapped her on the shoulder. “That was nicely done. You didn’t even need to barter with him” Alexis hummed. "Maybe now his pride will stop him from murdering us in our sleep and taking everything we own.”

Morning

By midmorning Bastet and Victor still hadn't shown their faces. Richard, impatient to be off, strode from where he and Alexis waited with their mounts outside the Town Hall, across the market square and into the still-damp-signed Plot Hook with Alexis trotting along behind. Inside, Bastet picked her way through breakfast, moving with the careful grace of one incredibly hungover. Victor, on the other hand, was slumped on the floor against a pillar, snoring like a hog. "Barkeep – Roderick, right?" "Aye, master Paladin" "Can you give me a hand with this one?" Roderick chuckled, and between the two of them, they hoisted the unconscious Victor up, carried him outside, and dropped him in the horse trough. Victor came up spluttering and flailing. "Morning," Alexis said, staring at him with crossed arms. "'Bout time you joined us," Bastet said. Victor spat water towards the two of them. Giggling, Bastet returned to her breakfast and Alexis turned away towards the horses. Richard held his hand out and hauled the sopping wizard from his morning bath. "Port Blacksands is nearly two hundred miles away," he said. "If we want any chance at catching these cultists before they do more damage, we need to hustle." Victor removed his monocle, wiping it ineffectively with a wet sleeve. "May I at least get changed into some dry clothes before we leave?" Richard smirked and gave an allowing nod as he moved aside. Victor squelched his way back into the pub.

Most (Many)

Night settled like a soft speckled shawl over to the town. As one of the few buildings standing, many of the townsfolk had settled into the pub, slowly dining on stew and griddle breads. Ithanor, Richard and Alexis were no exception. The three dipped into their food with slow and aching precision, nodding heads supported by hands on chins. Once they'd finished eating, Ithanor sat back, brow furrowed in thought. After a moment, he rose, taking their tankards away to be refilled. When he returned, Ithanor stayed standing, raising his tankard. "I would like to propose a toast," he called to the bar at large. "If you fine people would raise your glasses or your hats?" Alexis shot a look at Richard. Richard shrugged and, along with other patrons, they raised their freshly refilled tankards. Ithanor cleared his throat. "Townspeople of Toreguard! I am grateful I came here, grateful for the opportunity to help, and grateful for the welcome I've received. We've made good progress today in rebuilding our home. And I know we will continue to rebuild, to grow. And it's all thanks to you fine folks! To the good folk of Toreguard!"

Mouth

CW Swearing

Alexis blinked, and with a wrenching in her chest realised they were looking down upon the Temple of Muyrr. The temple they thought they’d destroyed was swarmed with lizardmen, dragging rocks and huge buckets of sand from the temple’s mouth. To one side, a lizardman with feathers woven into a cape and an animal skin upon his head, stood arranging items on a table. Glittery items. They type to be imbued with magic. Including one rotten, priceless dagger which Alexis had thought buried thousands of miles away. "Aww, fuck-sticks," Victor said.

Night

Yaztromo gave her a sad smile. "Yes. This, however, could be much worse. I have consulted with my colleagues and am told that this is the symbol of a cult called the Eye of Myurr. Its presence in Zagor's effects would indicate he was in some way affiliated with this cult. We do not yet know their aims, but given they've devoted themselves to a Demon Prince from the Pit, it is surely not anything good." "Yaztromo tells me this cult is gaining traction in a city to the north called Port Blacksands," Hengar said. Alexis suppressed a shiver. She'd heard of the place; it was nothing but a den of murderers and pirates. Hengar rubbed his face. "Much as I am loath to send you straight out again, this threat cannot be ignored for long. Tomorrow, after you've resupplied, I want you to leave for Port Blacksands and investigate this cult. I trust you'll take any applicable action required. All I ask is that you send a courier to keep me updated." Richard snapped off a salute as Alexis nodded. "Yes, sir," Alexis said. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep the town safe." "Thank you, Baldian," Hengar said. "Good night."

Offence

"So how much might that be?" she asked. "Five fine steeds to take us to the Pagan Plains" He stood up. "Why don't we take this discussion into my tent?" he asked. "It seems so gauche to discuss business out here." "Ah… I would rather not. No offence, but one can never be too careful. You’re charming and beautiful. But so too is a dryad before it strikes." The elf pursed his lips and, with a small sigh, looked away. "Ah, so astute and practical."

Pain (Burn)

Thick black clouds filled the sky, obliterating all moon- or starlight, and leaving the open gates of Toreguard wreathed in extra shadows. Above, thunder rolled like marbles on a wooden floor. Seconds later, the rain began, heaving down in globs of water. It wasn't until they passed the abandoned militia buildings and on towards the market square, they found the only light came from the hellish orange of thatch fires. Through the whipping smoke, framed against the terrible flames, they found a chain of people desperately passing buckets of water to and fro. Sheet lightning flickered, illuminating the terrible scene. Alexis had been right – Toreguard was burning.

Permanent (stable)

While Richard and Victor went inside to secure lodging and food, Alexis and Bastet took their mounts around to the stables. The stablemaster took one look at Three and shook her head. "He'll behave," Alexis said. "Won't you, Three?" "Can't I come inside with you?" "Sorry, sweety, but no." For effect, Alexis craned her head back. "You're a bit too tall to fit." She felt bad for lying to him – it was like lying to a child, after all – but it was better than the bare-faced truth, that the inn patrons would fear him, and in their fear try to destroy him. "Oh. Okay." Three looked at the stablemaster. "I'll be good." For effect, Alexis jangled a large pouch of gold. The stablemaster sighed. "Fine. This way."

Queen (Prince)

"We’re currently questing to discover the lost temple of Prince Myurr and destroy the portal therein," Richard said. "However, we're running low on supplies. Do you know of someplace we can restock?" "Ooh, an adventure!" The dragon clapped its paws together. "I can do you one better, my friends, I can lead you to a place I know and then I can help you find this temple, if you so wish?" Alexis grinned at the playful young dragon "That sounds like a plan. Richard?" she asked hopefully of the dour-faced paladin. "I think that would be a good plan as well," Bastet said, nodding. "Agreed," Richard said.

Sad

(Word edited out for better prose)

Richard gave a heavy sigh, lowering his arm. Alexis nudged him. "Hey, buck up. You can call him back when we get there, right? Him being a magic beastie and all." "Yes. I know," Richard said and sighed again. "Let's get dinner," Alexis chirped, as much to take her own mind off her missing companion as Richard's. "A grand idea!" Victor said, thrusting a finger into the air. "Yeah, I'm starving," Bastet said. "I saw a stall down that way selling beers," Victor said, pointing in the direction, his feet following his finger. "Food, Vic. Beer isn't dinner," Bastet said, as they trailed along behind the wizard. "Oh, I'm sure there'll be some manner of greasy fellow selling greasy meat in a bun too." Alexis snorted. Victor continued, "And by the time we have eaten, the moon will have arisen, and we shall set off on our grand adventure to the unknown continent!"

Still

Alexis trailed behind a cluster of other recruits, following them into a room stacked with equipment, arms and armour. "Well, bless me." Alexis looked up from her contemplation of a travel pack. A dwarf with thick ginger hair in a myriad of braids was pushing past the recruits she'd followed. He paused a few steps away, looking her up and down. "Ain't seen the likes of you for a wee while. Hold fast there, hen. Ye'll be needing something a mite more specialised than these here twicelings." He bustled off. The twicelings in question scowled at Alexis, muttering between themselves. From a chest she pulled a pair of daggers, spinning them meaningfully. One of the humans paled and the group moved a few steps away. Alexis grinned, shoving the daggers into her boots. The dwarf quartermaster returned, handing Alexis a pile of leather. "Here we go, lass. It may still be a touch too big, but it'll keep ye going for now." He turned away, gazing at the arms racks. "Grab any pack ye like, they've all got the same standard stuff – bedroll, compass, mess kit. I'm sure you know the drill. Ah ha! Here we go." As Alexis hoisted a pack, nearly the same size as herself, onto her back, the dwarf added a shortsword, crossbow and bolt quiver to her growing stack of equipment. "There you go, girl. All sorted and ready to face the world. Bunks are down that way, Mess is to the right. Orientation'll be held at six bells sharp tomorrow morning. Off you pop now, lass."

Sting

As soon as Alexis hit the water, the coldness of it shocked the air from her lungs in a streaming cloud of bubbles. She pushed up, hauling on the halter to pull herself up and out, gasping in a breath as the salt stung her eyes. The mountainous waves were filled with debris, the flickering of the heavens making it hard to tell what was a friend and what was a barrel. She pulled again on the halter, splashing forward to reach the raft, only to find the splintered remains of a plank on the end. Alexis splashed desperately to keep her head up, lost and alone in the ruinous storm. An empty keg drifted by and Alexis grabbed it. As she did so, a flicker of lightning outlined a hump in the distance. Breath already laboured and limbs burning with strain, Alexis kicked out towards it, praying it was land, praying the others would make it there too.

Stun

"Victor, help Richard. Bast!” she called over her shoulder. “How much longer?" From behind came a cry of alarm. Alexis turned. “Bast?” Jay was sprawled on the floor as if pushed. Bastet, her skin limed with violet light, had her hands around the device. “What are you-? No! Stop!” Bastet wrenched on the device, twisting it counter to the correct action. A wave of undulating air shimmered over the gate, and violet light burst forth. “Bast!” Alexis stood frozen in shock, mouth gaping, eyes wide. “How could you?” Forked lighting leapt from the gate, striking Jay. He fell to the floor, chest smoking. Alexis watched, stunned, as more lighting spidered out. Victor hit a wall, his robes on fire and head flopped at an unnatural angle. Richard flew across the room, barreling into a group of lizardmen, sending them all to the floor. Purple light crackled over his armour and he didn’t rise. Alexis gaped, tears welling, as she fell to her knees. A chilling cackle brought her out of her stupefaction, and she turned back to the gate to see four green hands, spindly nails digging into the sand, gripping the frame. “Please, please, Greg. I can’t-” Alexis gasped as an idea came to her. Her eyes darted as she rummaged through pockets and pouches, finally pulling out a triple-stoned ring. She slipped it on, gripping her hands together. “I- I want to undo this! I wish to turn back time!”

Suit (Dressing)

(Word edited out for better prose)

A light breeze sent the downy clouds scudding across the sky, making the mid-morning sun dim and piercing by turns. Alexis squinted into the ring. As she thought, there was Richard, stripped down to his undergarments, training with the soldiers. What she wasn't expecting was to see Bastet out there with them. Alexis perched on one of the benches, watching as Bastet sparred with a human and Richard sparred with several. Presently Victor rocked up, a tray of food in his hands. He blinked at her groggily, raising the cup of steaming chicory in salute, and to her unspoken question said, "Cure poison." Bastet broke off her training, having landed in the dirt one too many times, and trotted over to filch food from Victor's tray. The sun rose higher as the three of them chatted. Eventually, Richard was brought down by three of their fellows attacking in concert. He jogged over, snatching up a towel to dry his exuberant sweat. "Are we all here now?" he asked. "Present, if not correct," Victor said, lounging back. "Good. We're to see Captain Hengar and Wizard Yaztromo at noon." "We know," said Bastet as she threw Richard his clothes. "How?" he asked, frowning over the bundle. "Yazty's girl-" Alexis started "Wizardly apprentice," Victor butted in. "Yazty's wizardly apprentice caught me on the way here. Said to go to Hengar when we'd done something about our hangovers." "And have we all fixed our hangovers?" Richard asked with a smirk. "Those of us that had them, anyway." The other three gave grumbling assents. Richard pulled on his tunic. "Then let's go."

Threshold (Doorway)

“I want you to go to Coven, a small village just north of Trolltooth Pass. From there you’ll investigate the rumours of foul creatures coming down from the fort and ascertain the strength of Marr‘s forces. My favoured outcome is Marr’s destruction. Yaztromo tells me while there shouldn’t be any nasty lich-like surprises, Marr is still a powerful sorcerer of dark arts. I trust you will use good judgement in deciding if you should retreat and regroup, rather than take him on head-first and lose.” Captain Hengar paused, raising a meaningful eyebrow. “I’ll have mounts and food prepared for you and your… acquaintances. You leave at dawn. Go get some rest soldiers.” “Yessir,” Richard and Alexis chorused. Richard headed out, but Alexis paused in the doorway. Hengar downed the liquid in his glass, letting his head hang as he leaned against his desk. “We’ll get this asshole, Captain. You should get some rest.” Hengar gave her a wane smile. “Good night, Baldian.” “G’night, Captain.”

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