Chapter 6: Traveling to Morda

The sun had not yet reached its apex as Vespera and Eldric made their way towards the wizard spires, which loomed before them. The intricate carvings of fantastical creatures caught the morning light, and Vespera could feel a spark of energy in the air around them. As she was wheeled closer, she noticed that each spire had its own unique architectural details - some bore symbols of dragons and others were adorned with spirals of magical runes. Vespera stood mesmerized by the sight of these majestic structures.

Upon Showing their tickets they were told that their travel request had been approved, and within moments, they were teleported to Morda. Vespera was amazed by the sights and sounds of the bustling port town. The salty sea breeze filled the air as she took in the view of the harbor, with ships of all sizes and designs coming and going. She marveled at the diversity of the people, noticing merchants from distant lands, sailors in colorful attire, and the various races and cultures intermingling in the busy streets.

As they walked towards the market, the sounds of haggling merchants and street performers filled Vespera's ears, creating a lively atmosphere. The scent of exotic spices and freshly caught fish wafted through the air, making her mouth water. Eldric could see the joy and excitement in her eyes as she took in her surroundings.

They finally reached the market, where they began searching for the rare gem Eldric needed for his enchantment work. The market was teeming with vendors selling all manner of goods, from intricate jewelry to vibrant textiles, magical trinkets, and more.

Vespera’s gaze darted around the market, as she noticed various street food vendors. The scent of savory grilled meats and freshly cooked noodles, sweet pastries and fragrant curries filled Vespera’s nose, tantalizing her taste buds and making her stomach rumble with hunger. "Sir Eldric, can we try some of these street foods? They smell delicious!"

Eldric smiled, "Of course, Let's try a few."

They stopped at several street food stalls, trying a variety of dishes. They sampled spicy skewers of grilled meat, steamed dumplings filled with fragrant herbs and vegetables, and a sweet, crispy pastry drizzled with honey. Eldric helped Vespera eat each dish, occasionally taking a bite himself or finishing the ones she didn't care for.

As they continued through the streets of Morda, Eldric couldn't shake the feeling that they were being followed. Every now and then, he felt as if at least two people were following them cloaked in invisibility magic, stopping whenever they stopped. Occasionally, he couldn't spot them at all. Concerned for their safety, he cast a shield spell on Vespera and himself as a precaution.

Eventually, they reached the shop Eldric was looking for, and he purchased four of the Cybele emeralds, ensuring he had extras for future projects.

With the shopping done, they headed to inn Eldric had booked for the night. However, Eldric took a wrong turn, leading them into a strange, dimly lit alley.

"Oops, I think we took a wrong turn. Let's backtrack and find our way to a better area," Eldric suggested, feeling slightly uneasy.

Vespera nodded, her eyes scanning the dark alley. "It's all part of the adventure, right?"

Eldric smiled, trying to reassure her. "That's right. We'll find our way in no time."

As they prepared to leave the alley, the sense of being watched still lingered.

As they rounded the corner, four daggers flew towards Vespera, only to bounce off the shield Eldric had cast upon her. Two more daggers came at Eldric, but they too met the same fate.

Without hesitation, Eldric and Vespera sprang into action. Eldric quickly took out the two nearest attackers with lightning strikes, while Vespera struggled to cast a shadow bind spell. Her hands and arms trembled from the effort, but she managed to succeed immobilizing one of them through sheer willpower.

"Thank you, Vespera," Eldric said, wanting to ease her strain. He eliminated the trapped assailant with a powerful fireball. Hearing a gasp, he turned to see a hooded figure with a blade to Vespera's throat, chanting to dispel her shield.

Vespera's eyes were filled with panic as she tried to use her shadow magic against the attacker but struggled to control it. Eldric wasted no time, casting a rust spell and a time burst on the sword. He watched as the blade crumbled just as Vespera's shield failed.

The attacker appeared stunned for a moment before grabbing Vespera by the neck, intent on breaking it.

Vespera remembering the ring Eldric gave her, activated it a radiant shield engulfed her, pushing away her attacker both burning him and shocking he as it switched between elements.

Eldric wasted no time and took the opportunity to turn the assailant into an ice statue.

Vespera was shaken but happy that she could use some of her magic. She was even more grateful to be alive after the brush with danger.

Eldric searched the bodies for any information but found nothing except for a small insignia tattooed on one of them that he didn't recognize.

"Vespera, look at this," Eldric said, pointing to the tattoo.

“Do you recognize it?”

Vespera squints, "That is the symbol of a sub-family of the House of Zirath. Why are they after us?"

Eldric frowned; concern still etched on his face. " There is no easy answer, but We'll get to the bottom of this. Do you think you would be able to cast question the dead on him?”

Vespera looks down at the body, " I'm sorry I don't know that magic. but even if I did, I'm still having a hard time doing the Somatic gestures of most spells.

"It's ok Ves, we don't know if it would have worked anyway. The important thing is you are safe, I'm really glad you remembered to activate the ring."

She nodded, scrutinizing the situation that seemed too convenient to her. "Thank you for protecting me, again."

 “Of course, let's find the inn and get some rest."

Eldric made sure to dispose of any evidence of the skirmish in the alley before they continued towards the inn.

As they walked, Vespera shared what she knew about the House of Zirath and its sub-house. "They are known for their prowess in Alchemy, Conjuration, Necromancy, as well as political intrigue. They have a sub-house called the Veil of Death, which specializes in espionage and assassinations. They're very secretive and difficult to trace."

Upon reaching the inn, Vespera was relieved to see the luxurious building and its private security, clearly accustomed to such lavish accommodations. They were shown to their room, and Vespera couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, it's furnished just like the rooms back home!"

Eldric smiled and said, "I rented this suite since its frequently used by Dark elf Nobels and Visiting Dignitaries to make you more comfortable."

She thanked him but couldn't help thinking that this room was larger than the supposed house they shared in Riversmeet.

They took some time to relax and wash up, enjoying the luxurious amenities.

She appreciated Eldric's efforts to make her comfortable but couldn't shake the feeling that everything that happened was scripted to make her trust Eldric for some unknown reason.

When they go downstairs for dinner Eldric sits close so he can help her eat, but she seemed to be distracted only absent mindedly taking the food as he fed her.

Vespera's thoughts continued to race she couldn't help but think that other than being human Eldric has to be too good to be true. She wondered if he had researched her preferences somehow, as the tiny house in Riversmeet was decorated with colors and items she would like.

Him knowing that I use shadow magic is odd because I keep that a secret, only using magics dark knights usually possessed. But he claimed I use it openly.

Well father isn’t here to chastise about traditions of being the heir so maybe that's true.

The ring he gave me was my style and the shield spell is remarkable. He claims he made it himself, even if he is skilled, I don't see how he could of at his age. Did he just take a piece of my gear, and give it back to me knowing I wouldn't remember it?

As Vespera's mind wandered, Eldric tried to engage her in conversation. "This dish reminds me of a burdock beef stew. Have you ever tried it?"

She hesitated before answering, not wanting to reveal her suspicions. "I'm not sure, it seems vaguely familiar. But it's hard to say."

Eldric nodded, his face showing a slight frown and his brow furrowed.

As they continued eating, Eldric shared a story about a large-scale mission where they had to break up a crime syndicate and capture DreadEye the leader who lived in the catacombs below Echowind Haven.

She peered out the window, barely paying attention to the story he was telling her. His words came in a continuous stream, but each story seemed less and less plausible.

After they finished dinner and headed upstairs, asked if she was okay. She replied, "The events of today just have me worried about my safety I feel so helpless."

Eldric tried to ease her concerns as he helped her to bed. "I understand your concerns, Vespera. But please know that I will do everything in my power to protect you. Your safety is and has been my top priority.
Once the bracers are complete you should have much better control of your hands and arms making easier to manipulate you magics.
You're already making steady progress thru your effort as well. I glad to see you can hold some lite items like pastries and cookies."

Vespera gave him a small smile, busy being lost in her suspicions. As she lay in bed, she resolved to remain cautious, still unsure if she could trust the man claiming to be her husband.

Throughout the night, Vespera tossed and turned, as she lay awake in her bed, her mind swirled with all the stories Eldric had told her. Despite herself, she found herself wanting to believe him and accept the warmth of his care, but something held her back.

Suddenly, Vespera found herself in a in a beautiful Garden- her ancestral home! she was walking hand in hand with Eldric down a long cobblestone path as they were laughing and talking.
Eldric told her that his research had revealed the location of some rare books in her family's collection that would be extremely useful to them. With a mischievous glint in his eye, and while we're at your home we can see if the Skugga blessing passed to you. To Vespera's surprise, she agreed.

They made their way up to the library's vault which she unlocks for him, it was filled with ancient manuscripts and exotic-looking books that seemed to have been untouched for centuries.

Vespera took a step back and allowed Eldric to take charge. He seemed to know exactly where he was going, looking around the shelves as if familiar with their contents. With meticulous care, he searched through the books until he found what he was looking for- an old book of alchemical recipes.

The two of them stayed in the library late into the night, discussing theories and stories about her ancestors. When Vespera finally said she wanted to freshen up for their evening, Eldric said he would head down to meet her shortly. She left him there and headed off to the baths and then her bed chamber.

But several hours passed and still no sign of Eldric. Vespera began to worry and soon heard a loud banging on her door. Her father's voice called out from outside. He berated her for trusting a human and letting him into the vault without anyone else present, accusing him of being a thief.

She immediately denied that Eldric was a thief and ran out into the hall to look for him. To her dismay, she found that many books were gone, but the worst of all was Eldric was nowhere to be seen. Upon further investigation, Vespera found remnants of a teleport spell on the ground and knew that Eldric had taken his leave in quite a hurry.

Vespera's heart sank as she realized what must have happened, she felt silly for trusting him when she had so many suspicions about him from the start. Vespera's father ordered the guard to take her to the dungeon, and as she was resisting the guards, she heard Eldric's voice.

Vespera awoke with a start, only to find herself still in the extravagant hotel room. There was Eldric, standing at the foot of the bed, a pair of socks in his hand as he gently woke her up.