Vaemyr (prime)/stories/Chasing Shadows
Opening Notes
This story relates to Four-Winds Isle storyline, "What Dreams May Come"
Special thanks to Akenna and Missoni for letting me use them in this. And Quilic for answer questions and the fun and interesting story so far.
Story
"Distractions," he said to himself as he walked by the front of the Stumbling Pebble bar, knowing what was going on inside. He didn't hate the idea of course, trying to keep people in town in higher spirits wasn't a bad idea, but right now he needed to focus on one thing and one thing only, finding Pashtal, the "Mr Shadow" whom murdered Penre and kidnapped Greth. He had a plan, thanks to his earlier experiment, the sylvan sorcerer still had a feint connection to him. "I wonder if he can still feel this too, probably not. He's affected so many in so many ways, why would he think mine was different or special." But he remembered his dream now, seeing his face at the bar over Penre's body, and the words of Reynai while Talinvor had enticed answers from her, those scenes had brought it all back to him. He also saw this person in his dreams, lurking like a shadow.
Later that night, Vaemyr, Missoni, and Akenna along with several other casters from the guilds in Mist Harbor all came together in the lab where Vaemyr originally had his dream experiment.
"Thank you all for coming and helping with this. I hope this might be our chance to strike back at the one who's been responsible for the misery that has been caused here lately." Vaemyr spoke with purpose, but genuine gratefulness, and a satisfied look came across his face as he looked at his companions who were helping him with this. "I've spoke with most of you about what we're going to be attempting here, but I'll do a quick rundown for review. First the goal here is to try and find and locate Pashtal, the Nalfein Elf, who has also been this 'Mr Shadow' responsible for the nightmares in town and the murder of Penre."
Vaemyr took a deep breath before he continued, "In a previous experiment weeks ago, I had my own encounter with Mr. Shadow in my dreams. This seems to of left a bit of a residual link that I think we'll be able to use to do a bit of dream and nightmare magic of our own. I'll be acting as the link, and also the medium of the magic, Missoni will be responsible for creating our own nightmare and using it to follow that link back to Pashtal, Akenna will be helping to stabilize both sides as she has some experience with following through dreams and those connections. The rest will be providing mana and energy for all of us, so that we will have the strength to penetrate any potential wards and barriers he has. If all goes well, we'll attempt to create Pashtal's own worst nightmare to scare him, while we try and figure out his location. Afterwards, we will attempt to go to the location and apprehend him."
Everyone nodded in agreement. A few minutes later the ritual began...
A cold dark shadow drifted through the streets, the magic pulling it along, as it slowly crept through a closed window. There in front of a mirror seemed to be a Nalfein Elf in the mist of preparing an elaborate disguise. As the shadow began to take form, the elf turns quickly to stare briefly at the shadow for only a moment. Then with a wave of his hand an dark energy pulsed forth...
Back in the ritual chamber, Vaemyr had been concentrating, everyone poured their focus and energy..., 'Yes there he is.' but before he could even take time to examine the room he was in there was a sudden backlash that washed forth, overwhelming him. Vaemyr eye's jarring open, the energy from the disruption pulsed through the rest of the room, sending everyone tumbling to the ground. Vaemyr cursed, "So close, we were so close, I saw him, even if only for a moment... He's still in Mist Harbor, and he has some new disguise."
Everyone gathered and tried again, maybe they could glean more, but it was to no avail. He was aware of the link now and was actively blocking any attempts to trace it. Vaemyr sighed and thanked everyone for their help. As everyone left for the night, be began to prepare his things to once again leave Mist Harbor for the night, then just briefly he felt something again. "Maybe there's still a way..." he thought as he activated his trinket and disappeared into mist.