Ragh. I'm currently undecided on the progression of events in 'Urist'. How should Urist deal with the mysterious stranger? Is his mission even possible? Will the fortress fall? Will the drugs ever wear off?
Let's find out, in the next episode of Urist: Some Dwarf That Did Things.
Urist brooded over his second meeting with the stranger, leaning against the wall opposite the forges. He turned every word over and over in his head, searching for new meaning. Finally, he gave up, deciding that he'd better just get on with his life and burn that bridge when he got to it. Urist turned, heading up the stairs for fresher air.
After ascending all the stairs, he felt a bit out of breath, so he went into the nightmarish dining hall, and sat at a table alone. Dozens of mugs were piled on the table, most half empty, some full. Urist gave them a cursory look, then just picked one and downed it. It tasted like booze, so he took another and downed it too. It didn't help him catch his breath, but it sure made him feel better about his situation.
Several drinks later, Urist felt the strange feelings coming back. "Oh great, I drank another one of those laced drinks..." He groaned, feeling foolish for not checking the mugs more thoroughly. He felt sounds, and heard colors, a truly intriquing sensation. For awhile, he was afraid to move, thinking it would only make everything worse.
Then, deciding he might as well go back to the depot to check on Sarvesh and the others, Urist stood and walked from the dining hall. He felt amazing, his whole body aglow with warmth. His movements felt so fluid and greased, and his eyesight felt sharper than it ever had. He saw whole new colors, the walls shivering and breathing as he passed.
Going up the stairs, he felt as if he were climbing a great mountain with every step. Urist smiled at the wondrous new depths of feeling he was experiencing, when he reached the top step. With the thought that this astounding hike would end, he frowned a bit, all the good feelings fleeing him in an instant like cats before a magma breach.
The shadows groped at him cruelly, every dwarf that passed had the face of a monster, their eyes shining sickly and their teeth elongated and pointed, like vampires. Urist struggled to contain his terror, wanting to bash their faces in, to flee this hell. Urist entered the trade depot, the muted sunlight shining through the roiling dark red clouds and dark thunderheads. Sarvesh was lounging against a wall with several other guards, just chatting idly to pass time.
Urist sat on one of the wagon benchs, and took a biscuit out of his pack. He didn't want to eat, he wanted the feelings to pass, but he would try. The first bite was delicious, but the second turned to ash in his mouth. He forced himself to chew through it and swallow, washing it down with plain water from his hip-flask.
Sarvesh appeared at his side, saying something. Urist mumbled, "Huh?"
Sarvesh said, "I asked how it was? Did you learn anything?"
Urist smiled through the feelings, "It was fine. I learned a lot about their strategic position, for sure. I just need to digest it all for awhile. I'll come over and talk to you then, for now let me be alone with my thoughts."
"Sure, sure. I only ask because you were looking at that biscuit like it had killed your family, your dog, and it owed you money. I was somewhat worried." Sarvesh chuckled a bit.
"No, I'm fine. Just very deep in thought is all." Urist smiled again, feeling the internal storm starting to recede a bit. He took another bite. "Giff muh a mimit."
"Alright, enjoy the snack." Sarvesh sauntered away, back to his conversation, while Urist thought to himself.
'What the hell did I drink earlier that a mugful did THIS?!'
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Topic: [34.11] Spearbreakers - It shudders and begins to move (Read 2277924 times)