Aergar
The solitude of the forest welcomed Aergar. He came to rest in the comforting arms of an ancient oak. The leafy boughs embraced him like a long lost lover, and in them he found comfort. Already the feelings of dread were fading. He was tired, so tired that the thought of sleep teased his mind. He did doze a bit, but while his body rested his spirit lifted from him and bounded through the canopy in the form of a ram. Though not like any ordinary ram, because the form was altogether insubstantial and quite ghostlike, surrounded by a blue-green aura. Its mouth was wide and filled with sharp-looking teeth, though teeth that could not bite living flesh. It ran wild and unfettered, pranced through streams and thickets alike, all through the night until the moon was high enough for the wolves to sing to it. It was then it returned to the body that was its home, and Aergar awoke refreshed. He felt quite himself once again, and he realized it had been quite some time since he had corresponded with Phrenesis.
Remembering the little black book, he withdrew it from his jacket pocket and let it fall open on his lap. He found an elaborate-- if chaotic-- sketch, featuring Ada herself about to be devoured by a very angry characature of a pie, but oblivious to her peril. Beside this and rather out of place was a carefully scrawled question mark. Ah so it was a progress report that old ghost wanted. He thought for a moment. Truly he had not learned much, but the fact that Ada tolerated his presence was something of a start. He thought a bit more, then pricked his palm with one of his long pointed fingernails, turning to a blank page he drew sultry scarlet lines that formed a rather suggestive picture of himself and Ada, as if he were romancing her, but behind them he sketched a clock and gears. As the blood dried on the page the bright red faded to brown, and he closed the book. By this time the sun was rising, and he figured he ought to go and find his party.
After locating the road, he teleported himself up it some distance until he was standing outside of Hanuel. The sun had risen fully by now, the town was waking up. There were several inns but Aergar saved time be peering into the stables at the horses to see if Willow was there. As he made his way along, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in a shop window and, being the narcissist that he was, paused a moment to take a longer look. He was a little surprised at what he saw. The first thing to notice was that his golden horns had grown, at least an inch, curving back over his head. His face too was changed, features slightly sharper, taking away from his formerly youthful appearance. Turning around and looking over his shoulder, he noticed that the hem of his coat didn't quite reach his heels as it once had, but now rested just above his ankles. He wasn't sure if he should be disturbed or impressed. He hadn't thought to change his appearance, though in a way he liked looking a little different, having looked the same for so many years. In many ways he thought he might be a great deal more handsome, so he decided to leave it as it was. After admiring himself for another moment or so, and making a couple of faces, the shop owner came out and shooed him away.
He found the inn and ordered a simple meal in the taproom while he waited for his newfound companions to wake up. When they did meet up with him they were one less in number, and he made a smart remark about Ada changing her mind and selling the girl into slavery after all. "And for a good price I'll reckon, seeing how plump your purse is." Soon they were back on the road going north, to Eira he learned. He wondered what could be so interesting up there. Fritz was situated in the back studying some old scrolls or some such, and Aergar managed to squeeze himself between Ada and Fimion. He asked to be allowed to drive several times until Ada tried to smack him, he then retreated to his perch on the very top of the canopy's frame and pretended (unconvincingly) to sulk. The road ahead was long and he was already bored, and annoyed at how slow mundane traveling was. He could hardly stand walking much less sitting in a wagon doing absolutely nothing.
Laakari
"What an interesting collection you have here," a sinister voice hissed from the doorway. Laakari turned, shocked to find his pale kinsman filling it with his willowy frame. "You would not be angry if I borrowed a trinket or two, now would you?"
"Bromelian, I think--" Laakari was cut off my a muffled scream. The pale elf jerked poor little Novell into view, his long white fingers held her by the head, palm covering her mouth and nose so that she could barely breathe. "Let her go!" Laakari exclaimed instantly, taking a defensive position. Bromelian's thin lips curled back in an unfriendly smile. His grip tightened on the small fae girl as tears spilled out of her eyes. "Please," Laakari pleaded, "She's innocent."
"All suffer in war. Suffering makes no distinction from the good and the wicked. I will let her go, but you must give me something first. I desire the ianua stones."
"You cannot--"
"You are in no position to bargain, dimidium-sanguinis. Do you think I value this insignificant fae? These are revolting to me, I would not hesitate to kill even this child of theirs. They are vermin. Give me the stones."
Laakari scowled. Wordlessly, he turned to one of the shelves on the back of the wall, pulling forth a small chest. With yet another small key, he unlocked it and lifted the lid. Inside, lying on a bed of velvet, was a gold chain. On each end was a polished, uncut gem. One was obsidian, the other opal, each uncut and polished to be perfect spheres. He lifted it, careful not to let the two ends touch, and placed the the item into Bromelian's outstretched hand. The elf's eyes fixated on the odd trinket while the hollow eyes of the wolfskin draped over his shoulder glared at Laakari mockingly. His eyes flicked back up to his cousin coldly. He released his hold on Novell and shoved her toward Laakari, who opened his arms to catch her so she would not fall.
"Farewell, Laakari." Bromelian clicked the stones together and vanished in a flash of light. Novell sobbed and Laakari scooped her up in his arms, wondering what the ramifications of his sentimental weakness would come to.
Bromelian
He arrived on the outskirts of Tariq ahead of schedule, the sight of him earning a number of curious looks from the locals. However, no angry mobs came to drive him out so he ignored them. Spotting a familiar woman gazing up at the airships he approached her with reverence. The black cat at her heel eyed him suspiciously. "The ianua stones, as you requested," he presented the gift to her, "They shall take you wherever your heart desires within Emansaria. Simply touch them together with the place in your mind, although they can only take you to locations you have seen yourself already. I imagine that won't be a problem for you. Although, use it sparingly, it takes nearly a full day to recharge. I am sorry I had to use it, this way was the most efficient." He bowed his head. "I expect my reward immediately, and it ought to be generously given seeing as how I took such a beating in order to acquire this pretty bauble."
