Zed Shinestone kicks us off with a solo!

It says it's a different type of piece and.. well.. it's certainly that.

 
[A Zed Shinestone piece - intentionally vague till finish. -- = Zed's thoughts; italic speech = words in South Ireacan]

--Breathe in, breathe out - what will happen, will happen. Banish doubt and fear from your mind --

The male stood alone amidst the grove, waiting for the right moment to begin his ritual. Almost anyone who might interrupt him had left after the quest for the artifact of life had been resolved. The new agenda to cover was to seek out the former Queen of the Goblin Empire in Hey Daze, or to hinder the rising of the Ebon Blade Empire. The completion of either task appeared daunting and bleak to the lone man, but he knew how to set about on the former task - though even the initial trip came with a heavy toll.

-- Just a little longer now; don't rush it, keep your resolve firm --

He had prepared for the trip as well as he knew how - taking stock of his equipment and supplies, mentally rehearsing his lessons on how to achieve the undertaking, and concocting the salve that would signify his willingness to undergo the journey. The remnants of the risen dead had been interred or burnt in the wake of the magical phenomenon precipitated by the artefact, but he thought the barrier was thin enough where he stood for the ritual to work. Though crossing by himself meant that there was no guarantee he'd meet up with his comrades and associates whenever and wherever they crossed at, he preferred the solitude for the attempt - no witnesses to see if he failed, or what happened if he succeeded.

-- … Breathe in, breathe out... and start. --

Closing his eyes slowly as dusk began its short march over the plains, a slight tremor in his voice crept into his voice as he called out for a goddess who could aid him.

"I do not ask this lightly, nor do I wish for the end of my time on this plane. But, in this hour where the hunt must be -"

<It is good to see that you still speak and act properly in the manners of your birthright, young South Ireacan. But do not waste your time with the full rites - let's be quick about this, shall we?>

The man shivered from the cold, perfunctory tone issued with the underlying reptilian hiss. But at least she had not true-named it - that would have spelt out her clear displeasure for whatever affront she took at his call.

"I have need to travel to Hey Daze, oh lady. To search for a Catalianan female who had been wronged, and who was a key figure in this part of the world."

<And do you recall the toll that I will ask of you, for your journey? You do recognize the one most likely to return as the beacon to Hey Daze?>

"... I do, and I accept, Lady of the Snake."

<And do you acknowledge that there will be no intervention from my part, or from Cal'? And that there's no guarantee of the return of your flesh and spirit to these lands, young one?>

"... … I do... and I accept this, Lady of the Snake."

<Very well. Keep your eyes shut - lest I be tempted to take them away. Your guide will come along as he pleases. If you cannot convince him to take you to Hey Daze...>

"I know, milady. Thank you for your promptness, and assistance given."
-----
He had not envisioned succeeding so quickly, and on the first try! Ill-omen indeed, when one's death god/dess roams and responds to calls made in earnest. The South Ireacan continued his quiet, lightless vigilance - there was even less of a chance that his 'guide' would not show, for their pasts. But that was not the only reason he remained silent, with his eyes shut - for a spirit walk could attract any spirit or ephemeral being if one was receptive enough...

"Hello squirt - long time." The speaker from the lands of the dead clamped brusquely on the man's bicep in a familial manner. The one addressed paused overtly - and they both knew it - to clamp down his feelings for the shade before responding.

"I greet you, spirit, and ask -"

"Whoa now - no naming? No greeting? And formality without our language? My, my - how you've changed."

"I speak to you now, spirit, as I -"

"And what's this? New clothing and weapons? An item of jewelry - seems to be from someone close to you; emotional weights are clearer to the dead, you recognize? And look at you, where you stand - so far from our home range, our people. Tsk, tsk - is someone feeling a little bit regretful about kill-"

"THE ONLY THING I regret is that I had to see it with my own eyes to believe the truth of the crime. And yet the rumors spoken in hushed voices; the looks and frightened eyes... how could you, … I shall name you not, spirit."

"Some things still get a rise out of you, huh? Well then, think you're ready for a trip where the dark, damned, and demented creatures and people nest? Let's go then, br-"

"Be silent, spirit. You no longer have the right to call me that - if you ever did."
-----
The ripples of the passage nauseated and disoriented him, even with closed eyes and a somewhat centred psyche - so the presence and ambience of Hey Daze reached the one now called Zed Shinestone in a delayed manner. It took a minute or two more before he recognized where the salt water crossing his lips had come from, and for him to retake control of himself.

Very different, but great stuff. It illustrates one of the great strengths of a solo roleplay. The writer is the only one in control, so it's easier to set a specific mood and tell a more focused story. This also makes a really, really good peek into Zed's past. It's a side of Zed we don't see very often.

We'll get back to Zed but first, let's visit Jarlsboris and a couple of the furry mainstays.