Escape From the Underdark (Out of the Abyss)

Ch 1: Making a Deal

  Marcus slammed his cup down, and reached into pocket and pulled out his wallet. He grabbed a 20 dollar bill and handed to the bartender, who gave him a nod. While Marcus normally never drinks, he did today because he got fired from his job that he had for 5 years. He got fired for two reasons, the first was because when was covering a mistake one of his coworkers made, and the second and main reason was because his boss never liked him.

  Marcus let the bar wondering what he was going to do next. He had enough money to last him for five or six months, since he never really spent any of his money except for food and bills. So he had enough money to take a break before looking another job.

  As Marcus was thinking, he decided to walk through the park so he can have more time to think, and less time to be alone in his apartment. And as he was walking around the park he began to notice that there aren't any other people around. He felt an eerie sensation run up is spine. He was about to pick up his speed, when he heard a twig snap behind him.

  Marcus quickly turned around and saw a person stand in the shadows. From the outline he could see the person was female, but that didn't ease his tension. Marcus know that looks could be deceiving. So he took a step back. "Hello, can I help you with something." He said trying to keep the nervous out of his voice, but a little bit of it slipped out.

  The female chuckled, and her voice sounded like angelic singing. Marcus was entranced by her voice, and he only broke out of it as she began to speak. "No you can not, but mabye I can you." She said as she walk just out side of the park lamp light.

  Marcus kept his eyes on her and slowly turned to make sure she was always in his line of sight. "Ok, I'll bite. What can you do for me?" He asked a little weary, but still trying to be confident.

As soon as she got on the center path she stop and look towards Marcus. "I want to make a deal with you." She said, and before Marcus could say anything she put a hand up to silence him. "Not just any deal. A deal for a new start. You go to this place and do a few favors for me, and in turn you will get a life like you ever could expected. Fame, fortune, and love will be yours. But the path will be hard, and you wouldn't be the same after." She said, but not in an authoritative like tone but a caring and competitive voice.

  Marcus stood there and was in thought about it. Her offer sounds good, bit there had to be something else attracted to it. And then he came to a decision. "I'm sorry lady, but there are to many things in this deal that can't be accounted for. And to be honest, I don't know and you don't know me." He said and walked out of the light of the park lamp and past the woman.

  "That were your wrong Marcus I do know you." The woman said, and this causes Marcus to stop and turn around, and saw the woman and a few feet away. "You are a kind man, who even before being fired today has had a rough life. And that kindness and compassion is what I'm looking for. Because that is how you are, and you need could use some of that right now. So please accept me deal." And as she said the last words, she offered her hand for him to shake.

  He looked at her hand, and felt the sincerity in her voice. Marcus let out a sigh and took a few steps forward and took her hand in his a shook it. "Fine." He said giving in, and followed it with. "But I need to know a few things. Like we're am I going, what am I doing, and who are you?"

  The woman spoke in a happy tone. "All will be answered tomorrow, after you get a good nights sleep. But I'll at less Give you my name." Marcus stood with a little tension, and upset that she wouldn't answer him. But he'll let it slide for now. "My name is Eilistraee." The woman almost sang. She then let go of his hand. "Now go and get some rest, you'll hear from me first thing tomorrow." Eilistraee said, then Marcus left to go to his apartment.

  As soon as he got there he made sure to lock his door, and then went straight to his bed wondering what he got himself into. He then quickly fell to sleep. Which caused him to miss the moonlight to change it position to fall onto him as he began to glow, and the moonlighting got brighter. After a few moments the bright light dissipated, and Marcus body did as well.