Talax and Qalo found themselves suspended in silence, the frigid mountain air stinging their skin as they clung to the remnants of the basket. The basket had come to an abrupt stop, and the thin strands that held it together groaned in protest at the strain.
Looking up, Talax's eyes met the gaze of two figures that loomed above them on a stone bridge that suspended over empty air. Squinting against the piercing sunlight, Talax peered over the edge of the basket to see the two figures, a male elf with delicate features and a female gnome with comically large eyes that made her look perpetually startled, their thin blue robes flapping wildly in the frigid wind.
The male elf held a clipboard in one hand, and he was glaring at the two newcomers with an expression of stern disapproval, as if they were responsible for the basket's current state of disrepair. The gnome, who was even shorter than Gormak the dwarf, stood next to him, her eyes fixed on them with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
Talax couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he met the gaze of the male elf. "Um, hello," he stammered, trying to sound polite despite their precarious situation. "We didn't mean to intrude. We were just trying to... well, we're not exactly sure where we were trying to go."
The male elf arched an eyebrow and tapped his clipboard impatiently with a slender finger. "State your names and the purpose of your visit," he repeated, his tone devoid of warmth.
Qalo, still shivering from the cold and the shock of their journey, managed to find his voice. "I'm Qalo, and this is Talax," he said, pointing to his friend. "We're... uh, adventurers. We got into this basket without really knowing where it was going. We just needed to get out of a dangerous situation down below."
The gnome exchanged a glance with the elf and then leaned in to whisper something to him. The male elf's expression remained stern, but he nodded in response to the gnome's words.
After a moment of contemplation, the male elf finally spoke, his voice a touch less harsh. "Very well, Qalo and Talax, adventurers. I am Elandor, and this is my companion, Lirielle. You find yourselves in the Cloud Monasteries, a place of deep introspection and self-improvement. To gain access to our facilities and training, you are expected to pay the symbolic fee of one gold coin for every week of your stay. Also, you are expected to follow the rules of our home, obey the brothers and sisters of enlightenment and help with tasks you will be assigned. A guide will be appointed during your stay to help you navigate the cloud monasteries and give you assistance when necessary.”
Talax barely heard the elf’s words because he used his analyze ability.
Name: Elandor
Health points: 260/260
Mana: 325/325
Level: 31
Race: High Elf
Age: 71
Profession: Monk
Class: Guardian of the Mystic
High Elves are an elegant and magically gifted elven subrace known for their extended lifespans, often exceeding centuries, and their profound expertise in various magical arts. They inhabit enchanting cities hidden within ancient forests or atop lofty mountain peaks, where they meticulously preserve their rich elven heritage, culture, art, and wisdom. While High Elves may come across as aloof due to their long lifespans, they are deeply revered for their intrinsic beauty, grace, and unwavering commitment to honor, representing a harmonious blend of magic, elegance, and tradition.
Talax his eyebrows rise in surprise. The high elf was the first person he had encountered with both a profession and a class. He wanted to know more but given the man’s sour expression he wasn’t going to be forthcoming with his questions.
Name: Lirielle
Health points: 150/150
Mana: 280/280
Level: 24
Race: Gnome
Age: 28
Profession: Mage
Class: None
Gnomes are a diminutive and jovial race known for their insatiable curiosity, boundless creativity, and knack for tinkering. They possess a distinct charm with their round faces, button noses, and mischievous eyes. Gnomes have a profound affinity for the natural world and often inhabit cozy burrows, quaint villages, or whimsical forest homes. They are renowned inventors, engineers, and alchemists, crafting intricate contraptions and magical devices that are both ingenious and playful. Gnomish society values camaraderie, laughter, and storytelling, and their sense of humor often shines through their love of pranks and clever wordplay.
“Human, do you hear me?” The high elf named Elandor barked, drawing his attention. Before he could answer Qalo’s high pitched voice pierced the air, laced with urgency and despair. “Yes, yes! We accept!”
Elandor nodded in approval as Talax and Qalo accepted their invitation to stay in the Cloud Monasteries. Without another word, he turned and walked towards the edge of the stone bridge where they were suspended. Reaching into a pouch at his side, he retrieved a coil of sturdy rope and swiftly unraveled it. With practiced precision, he tossed one end of the rope down towards the basket, where it unfurled like a snake.
"Here," Elandor called to them, "I'll provide you with a means to climb out of the basket safely."
Qalo whimpered in protest as he looked at the rope ladder, his fear of heights still very much evident. He muttered under his breath, "I'm going to die. I just know it."
Talax, feeling a mixture of amusement and sympathy for his friend, patted Qalo on the back. "Come on, Qalo, it'll be fine. Just take it one step at a time."
With shaky hands, Qalo cautiously began to climb the rope ladder, each rung a slow and deliberate effort. He wailed softly as he ascended, the sound echoing through the mountain air. His protests and fearful cries continued unabated, but his determination pushed him forward, and he made slow but steady progress.
Talax followed Qalo up the rope ladder, his own ascent marked by a racing heart and sweaty palms. The thin air at this altitude made every breath a struggle, but he pressed on, refusing to be left behind.
After what felt like an eternity, Talax finally set foot on the stone bridge that spanned the summit of the rock formation. He took a moment to catch his breath, his eyes roving over their surroundings. To his surprise, the peak wasn't very large, and it looked nothing like what he had expected of the Cloud Monasteries.
The summit was a small, round plaza beneath his feet was paved with flat, rough rocks that seemed to have weathered the passage of countless centuries. They bore the scars of time, etched with grooves and patterns that hinted at the stories they held. The rocks were scattered haphazardly, their arrangement seemingly arbitrary, as if placed by nature's hand rather than by any deliberate design.
Two small, crude buildings stood on either side of the plaza. Their architecture was simple and unadorned, made of weathered stone that blended seamlessly with the surrounding rock formations. These humble structures bore the marks of age, with faded colors and cracks in their walls, as if they had stood for ages, silently witnessing the passage of time.
The atmosphere was one of serene isolation, with the high-altitude winds carrying a sense of tranquility that seemed to have settled over the summit. Despite its simplicity, the summit held an undeniable charm, as if it were a hidden sanctuary untouched by the outside world.
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What truly drew his attention, however, were the dozens of narrow and perilous rope bridges that extended from the summit, connecting it with other towering rock formations nearby. Each bridge seemed like a treacherous path, swaying precariously in the high-altitude winds, their wooden planks weathered and worn by countless adventurers who had come before, looking like they were ready to fall apart at any moment. But what perplexed him most was that he could barely make out the other ends of those bridges, as a heavy mist shrouded everything beyond the immediate vicinity into an indistinct haze.
Talax turned to Elandor, a puzzled expression on his face. "Is this... all there is to the Cloud Monasteries?"
Elandor nodded, his eyes filled with a quiet understanding. "This is just the beginning, Talax. One of the many entrances that act as the gateway for the many monasteries perched in the Cloud Mountain. The true journey lies across those bridges and within the mist. The Cloud Monasteries are a place of both physical and spiritual exploration. It is within that mist that you will find the answers you seek, and the path to self-discovery."
Talax grew confused, is seemed that the man thought they were there for training. He didn’t know if he should tell him that they were simply seeking the shaman, perhaps if he told him they could get away from paying for their stay.
Elandor nodded to Qalo and gestured toward the gnome, Lirielle, who had been observing their interactions with a bemused expression. "Lirielle will be your guide for the time being. She'll help you navigate the Cloud Monasteries and assist you with your tasks."
Talax took a deep breath, wanting to explain their purpose for being there, but before he could utter a word, Elandor cut him off with a sharp retort. "Save your questions and explanations for later. Follow me."
Feeling like chastised children, Talax and Qalo exchanged glances before obediently following the high elf like whipped puppies. As they walked, Talax couldn't help but notice the small gnome, Lirielle, smirking at their meek behavior.
Elandor led them to one of the two small buildings on the summit. The structure, like the others, was unadorned and weathered by time. They entered through a wooden door, and Talax's eyes immediately fell upon the mostly barren room inside.
The room was simple yet held an air of serenity. Against one wall stood a wooden desk, with papers neatly stacked and organized. A prayer mat was placed on the floor, with incense burning at either side, filling the room with a calming fragrance. The flickering flames danced in the still air, casting soft shadows on the walls.
At the back of the room, a curtain separated the space into two sections. Talax's curiosity was piqued, and he glanced at Lirielle, who simply smiled knowingly.
Elandor's gaze turned stern as he addressed Talax and Qalo. "Before you proceed any further, there is a rule you must adhere to in the Cloud Monasteries," he said, his voice firm. "Personal possessions are forbidden within these walls. You will have to remove all your clothes and armor and hand over your weapons."
Talax's brow furrowed in protest. "I can't part with my armor and weapons, and we need our warm coats in this frigid climate," he argued.
Elandor's tone remained unyielding, and a note of impatience crept into his words. "In the mountains, everyone is equal. Your flashy trinkets will not earn you any favor here. It is your merit and capabilities that will determine your standing from now on."
Talax was about to argue back, his anger simmering just beneath the surface, but Aria's voice echoed in his mind, her wail of desperation cut through his anger. “Talax please! You know that the shaman is our only chance at finding my kin! If the cranky high elf wants you to take of your armor, then lose the damn armor!” Talax couldn’t ignore Aria’s slightly deranged tone of voice, nor the reminder of their contract.
Reluctantly, Talax agreed to Elandor's request, his voice tinged with resentment. "Fine, we'll comply with your rules."
Elandor gave a curt nod. "Good. You may remove your belongings now." He said pointing to the curtains. Talax shared a glance with Qalo and with a helpless shake of his head he drew the curtain aside. Behind him he heard Elandor supply. “Lirielle will provide you with a few simple clothes and the robes worn by all initiates.”
For a moment Talax wondered what he had gotten himself into this time. He had simply wanted to visit a shaman, not join a mystical order of monks!
As he began to remove his clothes and armor, Talax couldn't help but feel exposed and vulnerable. He put down his cherished armor and warm coat, his fingers lingering on the familiar feel of the leather and steel. It was a bitter moment, in a short time his armor had become a part of himself and letting it go felt like he was losing his strength and identity.
Once he was stripped of his possessions, a rustle in the curtains informed him that his new clothes had arrived. Naked and disgruntled he inspected what he was offered. It was a simple set of grey pants and tunic with brown moccasins and an old, faded robe.
Talax grimaced but put them on, feeling the rough texture of his new clothes drag against his skin. It was a far cry from the expensive and luxurious equipment he had gotten used to wearing recently. He was about to leave the small place when Aria intervened. “You should hide my necklace! If you give it to the high elf, our connection would be broken, and we won’t be able to communicate, and I don’t even want to consider the implications, that simple act could be perceived as a breach of contract.”
Talax swore and pulled the medallion under his clothes to cover its existence and placed it backwards, so its outline wouldn’t be visible. Taking a bracing breath, he patted down his new attire nervously and he stepped out of the protection of the curtains and was met with Lirielle who was waiting patiently, Elandor on the other hand had sat down at the desk and was tapping his quill impatiently.
“Please proceed and place your belongings here.” He announced irritably and pointed at a small table next to his desk. “Your possessions will be catalogued, stored safely and returned to you with your departure.” Talax dragged his feet but ultimately placed his armor, his sword and daggers in a pile atop the rickety table.
Qalo had yet to make an appearance, he was about to see what had happened to his friend when Elandor cold voice stopped him. The high elf's gaze fixed on Talax's fingers, and he pointed at the two rings he wore, one of which was the Ring of Second Chance, a valuable Godtouched artifact with the power to bring someone back from the brink of death. “Your rings and bag as well please. I have other tasks to attend to, I cannot waste the whole day on you two!”
Talax clutched his left hand protectively, wanting to protect his Ring of Second Chance instinctively. He could part with his armor, albeit reluctantly, but he couldn’t give away an item as precious and rare as the Godtouched ring. He got the sense that if anyone realized what the ring could do, even a monk wouldn’t hesitate to steal it.
“Aria? What should I do?” He inquired with desperation. Aria's voice was hesitant and reluctant, but she advised, "Hand over the ring, Talax. We don't want to risk antagonizing them or drawing undue attention."
Talax swallowed hard, his heart heavy with the decision he had to make. He reached for the Ring of Second Chance, his fingers trembling slightly as he slipped it off and handed it over to Elandor.
The high elf took the ring, inspecting it with a keen eye. For a moment, his brows furrowed, and he scribbled something down on a piece of paper. Talax's heart caught in his throat, fearing that he had made a grave mistake.
But then, to his immense relief, Elandor placed the ring inside the chest, along with the rest of his belongings. Talax exhaled a shaky breath, grateful that the artifact hadn't raised any significant concerns.
As he watched Elandor inspect and store their items one by one, Talax couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability. They were at the mercy of their hosts, and their possessions were now in the hands of strangers.
Just as Talax was beginning to adjust to the situation, Qalo made an entrance, his new clothes fitting him uncomfortably, as if they were a size too small. The fabric clung to his body like a second skin, and he looked comically uncomfortable as he tugged at the unfamiliar attire.
Talax couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at his friend's predicament, for a moment forgetting about his ring and the uncomfortable feeling of weakness he felt without his gear.
Qalo, still shivering and visibly uncomfortable in his new attire, reluctantly handed over his gear to Elandor as well. The high elf meticulously cataloged each item and stored them inside the chest, leaving Talax and Qalo feeling vulnerable without their weapons and armor.
Once their possessions were secured, Elandor wasted no time in informing them that Lirielle would be their guide to their sleeping quarters. Without a word of farewell or any semblance of hospitality, he shooed them away with a dismissive wave of his hand.
Talax and Qalo exchanged a glance before scampering away from the austere room. The moment they stepped outside, they were assaulted by the biting cold and the relentless howling wind. Talax tightened the unfamiliar robes around himself, but they offered little protection from the harsh elements.
Qalo, his teeth chattering, tucked his hands under his armpits and protested, "I'm going to turn into an icicle if we stay out here much longer!"
Talax couldn't help but agree, his breath visible in the frigid air. He turned to Lirielle, who had a mischievous smirk on her face and her eyes were dancing in amusement. "How are we supposed to keep warm and survive in this freezing cold?" he asked, his tone a mix of frustration and desperation.
The gnome's smirk grew wider as she regarded Talax. "Ah, there is a way," she replied cryptically, her tone playful. "But you'll have to figure it out for yourself. It's the first test for all initiates."
Talax's brow furrowed in confusion, but then he felt like he had reached the end of his patience with the enigmatic Cloud Monasteries and their eccentric customs. As they followed Lirielle across the small square, he couldn't contain his frustration any longer.
"What are you talking about, what tests?" he demanded, his voice tinged with annoyance. "We're not here to join some lunatic monks or train under some hermit. We're here to find a shaman, a man who's supposed to help us. We don't have time for your initiation nonsense."
Qalo nodded vigorously in agreement, his teeth still chattering from the cold. "Yeah," he added, "what he said."
Lirielle, seemingly unperturbed by their outburst, continued to lead them towards the precarious bridges. Her gnome-sized steps were quick and sure, and she didn't seem to mind the howling wind and icy chill that surrounded them.
"Initiation tests are an integral part of life in the Cloud Monasteries," she explained calmly. "They are designed to test your determination, resourcefulness, and adaptability. If you wish to find the shaman, you'll have to prove yourselves worthy. It's not something that can be rushed. Besides, Orion isn’t here."
He froze mid step and demanded, “What?” a chorus of whats followed his outburst.
“What?” Qalo echoed his question.
“What?” Aria exclaimed in despair, and he was sure that if she had a corporeal form, she would be tugging her hair.