Post by Admin on Nov 4, 2015 14:44:04 GMT
Machaya stared at the Sembel Mountains in the distance with weariness. The venerable Bardess knew that this would be her last journey abroad. She knew that she may never see her beloved Shellasar again after the Heirophancy ordered her to make the trip to Astahar. The only reason she agreed to go was because Reika, and a diplomatic party had agreed to go with her. There was no way that she could have made the journey by herself. There are far too many dangers between Shellasar and Astahar. Machaya had been named after the Goddess, Machaya, who had given the Halflings the speed and cunning to survive in Shellasar. She is also credited for giving the Halflings their seemingly ever-positive attitude. Looking at the Sembel Mountains, Machaya felt nothing like her namesake. At the venerable age of 92, Machaya finally felt old.
"Reika... " Machaya said, leaning heavily upon her staff. "Have you ever seen such a sight? In all our travels, have you ever seen a place that looked more gloomy and boring as that?" she asked, nodding towards the mountains. Machaya had an easy sort of smile on her face as she looked on. Instead of lingering on those dim thoughts, she shook her head and put on a pleasant face for Reika.
"We are in Astahar, though you may not know it. The Humans do not patrol this far south. I remember coming here years ago and talking to an old guardsman. He said that the mountains were their first line of defense. They are the "first and last sentinels" that will keep their enemies at bay," Machaya said, chuckling quietly as she shook her head. At that point, she began moving again, walking at a steady pace towards the mountains.
"I know it doesn't look like much, Reika, but these mountains are just as dangerous as Shellasar, only in different ways. Don't lose your spirit here, because you will certainly feel it slipping at times..." she said.
"Once we reach Flynrest, we will make our way to the manor of Alexander Wainwright. He is a businessman, and is our host for the trade negotiations. How do you feel about all this, my dear? Do you think we should trade with the Humans?" she asked, looking over at the young Halfling as they marched on.
"Reika... " Machaya said, leaning heavily upon her staff. "Have you ever seen such a sight? In all our travels, have you ever seen a place that looked more gloomy and boring as that?" she asked, nodding towards the mountains. Machaya had an easy sort of smile on her face as she looked on. Instead of lingering on those dim thoughts, she shook her head and put on a pleasant face for Reika.
"We are in Astahar, though you may not know it. The Humans do not patrol this far south. I remember coming here years ago and talking to an old guardsman. He said that the mountains were their first line of defense. They are the "first and last sentinels" that will keep their enemies at bay," Machaya said, chuckling quietly as she shook her head. At that point, she began moving again, walking at a steady pace towards the mountains.
"I know it doesn't look like much, Reika, but these mountains are just as dangerous as Shellasar, only in different ways. Don't lose your spirit here, because you will certainly feel it slipping at times..." she said.
"Once we reach Flynrest, we will make our way to the manor of Alexander Wainwright. He is a businessman, and is our host for the trade negotiations. How do you feel about all this, my dear? Do you think we should trade with the Humans?" she asked, looking over at the young Halfling as they marched on.
