Saving in Talgerin

The Past and the Plan

Whoever the theft was, they did it purposely because a note hung for Mel. It read:

Dear Mellian,

If you would like your pretty pony back, you will have to give the Urnami back to its rightful owner. Return it to me in three days. Otherwise, she will serve me for as long as I live along with the Urnami.

Please and thank you,

Darainson

After reading the note aloud, Joey was outraged." I should have known it was him! Why could I have been so blind?"

"I should have said I suspected something like this," Mel said. "Also, what does he mean by 'Urnami'? I thought those things were myths."

Joey sighed. "What he means is the object you just picked up," nodding toward the crystal in her hand. "The crystal is a powerful container that allows magical people to have the magic they have, like I was saying earlier. The dwarfs have been looking for theirs for a long time, but I guess one of them found it and then lost it." He sighed, "It was all my fault."

"What do you mean it's all your fault?" She asked cautiously.

He took a deep breath and then began.

"The Urnami were made in the age of the Pagiec, the time of power and magic. It was the time of wizards. Fortunately, one wizard decided he wanted other people. So with time and effort, he created the race of dwarfs, humans, elves, giants, and so on, until there were many cities of races.

"The other wizards were impressed with his work, but they warned him that in the future, the mortal races would become corrupt, and there would be war. So they gave him advice about what to do. He did not listen and took each Urmani away to give to his subjects' leaders.

"The dwarfs were the first to use magic for evil. They became corrupt, as the council had said. Next were the men and giants until all mortal races fought. They fought for power. Unlike the mortals, the immortal races used magic to help others in need, use it as healing, and make sure magic users did well.

"Finally, when the young wizard realized what was happening, he took the crystals, again, hiding them where he thought was safe. All until now."

"Still, what do you mean by what you said," questioned Mel.

"I was that wizard. All the wizards are 'fairies and brownies,' as you call us. I hid the stones, only to find one located," Joey mumbled. "All that work for nothing."

Mel was shocked. "Why? Just because you didn't get your way, does not mean you get to steal. Don't you know that stealing is wrong?"

"I know it's wrong," he snapped. "I just wanted to do something cool. Besides, the past's the past. I can't rewind time." His expression was apologetic.

"Fine, but you're making the rescue plan with all my suggestions. Understood?"

Slowly he agreed with the conditions. "Understood."

-----------------------------

Their plan was relatively simple. It was to make a replica of the Urnami with no magic. They would give it to him and then receive Lianya with open arms. That was if it worked. That was why it was the first plan.

Their second plan was to try to find Lianya, get her out of where she was, and return without being seen by Darainson. If that didn't work, they would have to contact the Wizards' Council, which was not Joey's top recommendation. If one of the previous plans they had made worked out they wouldn't call on the committee. Otherwise they would call on their last resort.

As they walked to the dwarf's home, Mel asked why it was unfortunate that he had created the other mortal and immortal races.

"It's because of the mortals that it is unfortunate. The immortals did not do anything," he said. "I also got banned, so I don't think that the committee will help."

"There's always a chance they will," Mellian said with confidence.

As they walked up to his door, Joey stopped in his tracks.

"Mellian, stop!" He screamed.

"What is it?" Mel said as she whirled around.

"It's a trap," he explained, but sounded like he didn't actually care. "I need you to slowly walk away and come with me. I think I know where Lianya is."

Mellian stopped and turned around. And then she yelled.

"What do you mean? Why didn't you say anything earlier!?"

"I have been searching the area with my magic and I found where she is. I didn't say anything earlier because I didn't know. I also only realized that there was a trap because I heard him chanting." He quickly added, I'll explain more later, when he saw the look on Mel's face.

"Do you know where he is then?"

"I believe I do."

"Where?"

"In the Cave of the Syanal Mountains."

"The Caves?"

"Yes. I could tell you what they are if you don't know."

"I know what they are," she snapped.

"Sheesh, what's wrong with you?" Joey exclaimed. "I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings."

"Just. Stop. Talking. Please."

The rest of the way back to the cabin was quiet and full of thinking. Mel thought about the plan. She wanted to get Lianya back. Somehow she felt they had met long ago and were good friends. She felt the same way for Joey, except that he could not be trusted.

-------------------

Making a plan is hard, especially when you are arguing half the time, which, in this case, was happening. She would suggest something and he would turn it down.

They were in the cabin eating a small lunch when Darainson suddenly remembered something from when he was scanning.

"I think I forgot to tell you something I saw. Do you know what Thedarnegbirds are?" He waited waited until Mel answered.

"Yes, they're myths and legends. They're fake. Mothers tell their children the stories of Thedarnegbirds to scare them."

"Wrong. They are legends and myths, and mothers do tell their children those things," he said with a laugh. "But they are not fake. And they do not like me at all. The reason I'm bringing this up is because, well, there are some in the caves. They are very dangerous and you can't get trust from them very easily, so reciprocate the amount of trust you get. Do you understand?"

"From what your saying, I'm getting that you want to go there and..."

"And use the Urnami to eliminate Darainson and return Talgerin to its proper balance."

Mel just looked at him with a non-amused expression. 

"You are far too hopeful. Do you even know how to use this?" she asked, holding the jade crystal in her hand. "'Cause if you don't, let's keep it for the last resort."

"Fine. What's your plan?"

"It's similar to yours, but no magic stones or magic in general. Maybe you can do a little intimidation with it, but I don't want to kill anyone. Also I think we should trick him into giving Lianya back as a response to his threats. Got it? "

Joey sighed. "Very well. We will go with your plan, but if he tries to hurt anyone severely, I will use my own music to attack."

"Okay, just please remember... Talking first, along with the one-sided trade, and then fighting."