An Innocent Dwarf V2

(*All rights reserved by the author, Connor D. Johnson (C.J. Wilson).*) Eliza, Tethe, and Dimrur see a dwarf chained up outside the constable's office. He looks old, haggard, and tough, like he might chew rocks to pass the time. The constable eyes the dwarf with suspicion and fear. Dimrur stops and stares at the dwarf, something soft in his eyes. Tethe glances between Eliza and Dimrur, eyes narrowed. Eliza: Is it the dwarf? Dimrur nods. Then, a villager approaches and the constable walks away, leaving the dwarf alone. [[Go talk to the dwarf->talk to convict]] [[Ignore him->ignore him]]

Dimrur strides ahead of the group and stands in front of the dwarf. The dwarf doesn't look up. Dimrur: Friend, what ails? The dwarf eyes Eliza and Tethe with suspicion, but looks at Dimrur with curiosity. Dwarf: This is no concern of yours, Youngblood. Dimrur: That's for me to decide. We've little time to chat, so I'll ask little of you. My name is Dimrur Cal'edge. Yours? Dwarf: (*After a pause*) Baelsh. [[Next->talk to convict 2]]

Eliza leads the party away from the convict. While they can return at any time, this action would negatively affect Dimrur's view of Eliza and Tethe. [[Back to start->Start]]

Baelsh glances at the constable, still wrapped in his conversation with the villager. The villager is a young, pureblooded human. He looks stressed and confused. Baelsh: I've given you my name. You'd best leave. Dimrur: My time has yet to fade. You're accused. Baelsh nods. Dimrur: Are you guilty? Baelsh: (*Pausing*) It matters not. I'm finished, as is this conversation. Dimrur: I see no cairn above your head. You're far from finished. Eliza steps forward, Tethe following tentatively. [[Eliza stays silent->eliza stays silent]] [[Eliza: (*crouching to eye level*) Please, sir, were trying to help you. We won't use any of this against you->eliza pleads with Baelsh]]

(*Choosing this path has no affect on Dimrur or Tethe's opinions*) Baelsh: (*Pausing*) I'm no murderer. Tethe: (*Scoffing*) *That's* the accusation? Eliza: It's just an accusation. Right? Baelsh says nothing. They wait for him to respond but he stays silent. Finally Dimrur straightens. [[Next->dimrur speech]]

(*Choosing this path increases Dimrur's respect for Eliza, but makes Tethe think she's more naive.*) Tethe: She's right. We're the only people taking a risk here, and we're choosing to do so. Baelsh: (*Pausing*) I'm no murderer. Tethe: (*Scoffing*) Good gods, that's the accusation? Eliza: It's just an accusation. Right? Baelsh says nothing. They wait for him to respond but he stays silent. Finally, Dimrur straightens. [[Next->dimrur speech]]

Dimrur: I'll not let an innocent man die. Much less an Old Stone. For the sake of my pride, let me intercede. Baelsh eyes Dimrur for a long time. Finally, he nods. Baelsh: Proof. That should be your aim, Youngblood. I've killed only in self defense, but my words do more harm than good without proof. One man's already been sent to find it, but I fear he won't return. And no violence. There's been far too much already. Dimrur nods and the party walks away. The constable finishes talking to the young human, who looks at Baelsh with a tortured expression before turning away. Tethe: Proof will be hard to find. That's if it even exists. Dimrur: It does. Tethe: How do you know? Dimrur says nothing. Eliza looks at the constable and the human. Tethe nods towards the constable, while Dimrur's eyes lock onto the young man. [[Talk to the constable->talk to constable]] [[Talk to the human->talk to keller]]

(*Doing this alerts the constable to your presence in town, affecting a later scene*) The party approaches the constable. He's middle-aged and it looks like half that age was added last night. His suspicious stare looks new, like something his face isn't used to. Dimrur: Constable. The Constable looks down at Dimrur, then at the two half-elves. Constable: Don't tell me. More trouble? Tethe: Warm welcome. You treat everyone like that? The Constable tenses, looks at Tethe's sword, then sighs. Constable: Sorry. I'm sorry. It's been a rough few days. Eliza: So it seems. You have our sympathy. Constable: Yeah. Twenty years I've been here. Never once seen a murder among our own. My name's Hal, by the way. [[Next->talk to constable 2]] (set: $metHal to true)

The party approaches the young man. He twitches and looks at them, almost ready to run. His whole body seems turned against itself in confusion. Dimrur: Young man, what ails? Tethe: Do you know that dwarf over there? The man freezes, then takes a breath. Young Man: Yes. He's my master, the village blacksmith. Or, was my master, anyway. Dimrur: What happened? Young Man: He... they say he killed my father, but he couldn't have. He wouldn't have. He's known us for years, been a second father to me. I know some dwarves are violent, but... [[Next->talk to keller 2]]

The party introduces themselves to Hal. Dimrur: What happened? A dwarf gets curious about the crimes of his own. Hal: Might be you'd rather not know about this one. He killed a man. Eliza: Good god. Who? Hal: (*Jabs a thumb at the young man from before, walking towards the edge of town.*) That boy's dad. The kid was the dwarf's apprentice and the dad owned half the saw-mills in town. I thought they were friends, but... Dimrur: What has the accused said? Hal: That's the thing. He's quiet. Won't confess, won't deny. But we found him out by the river, standing over the body with a bloody rock in his hand. Easy enough to figure out what happened. Tethe eyes Dimrur. Even Eliza casts a doubtful glance towards him. [[Next->talk to constable 3]]

Dimrur: Unfortunate. Hal: I know. Listen, sorry about earlier. There's been a lot of tension around town, I didn't mean to get on you just because... A fire sparks in Dimrur's eyes and Hal goes silent. Hal: Nevermind. Well, try and stay safe. We've got an inn if you need it, but don't be surprised if no-one's very talkative right now. With that, Hal goes back to stand near Baelsh, leaving the party to themselves. Tethe: This looks bad. Dimrur: He's innocent. Tethe: The rock was in his hand. Dimrur: He's innocent, boy. Don't be deceived. [[Eliza: Calm down, you two. We don't know anything, yet->eliza tells both to calm]] [[Eliza: I think he's innocent->eliza says Baelsh is innocent]]

(*Tethe respects Eliza's strength, but is frustrated. Dimrur believes she's staying focused, increasing his respect*) Eliza: We should go talk to his apprentice. Tethe: Somehow, I think that's just going to make this worse. Eliza: Not if we're diplomatic. Worth a shot, right? [[Next->talk to keller]]

(*Dimrur's affection for Eliza is increased, but Tethe is angered*) Tethe: What makes you so sure? Eliza: Something seems off. We should go talk to the apprentice. Tethe: Somehow, I think that's just going to make this worse. Eliza: Not if we're diplomatic. Worth a shot, right? [[Next->talk to keller]]

Eliza cuts in and introduces herself. The rest of the group follows. Young man: I'm Keller. Might I ask why you're so interested in me? Tethe: Apparently we can't pass through a town without playing hero. Eliza: Don't mind him. If that man is falsely accused, I'd like to help. Keller: I don't know how you could. They found him over the body with a bloody rock in his hand. I've been wracking my mind for a reason, but I just can't... [[Next->talk to keller 3]]

Eliza: Is there anyone who might know why this might've happened? Keller: My mother, but she's... well, she won't listen to me. Much less, you. (*Keller focuses on Dimrur*) Eliza: Where could we find her? Keller points to the edge of town. Keller: I haven't been there myself, but it's up the mountain. Eliza: You haven't been there yourself? Keller: My mother and I never saw eye to eye. I sent an old friend up to speak to her, but I don't have much hope. Anyway, follow the trail to her mansion, it's impossible to miss. Just be careful. She lets beasties roam around to dissuade the "uncouth." [[Eliza: Thank you, Keller->the mountain path]]

The village fades behind them and they walk into a narrow forest path. The canopy is heavy and strewn with branches. Recent rains have left the leaves soaked and spotted the ground with puddles. Suddenly, the trio hears a growl. A pack of corrupted wolves stalks out of the trees in lockstep, and Eliza steps between them, Tethe, and Dimrur, ready to cast. [[Use fire!->fire wolves]] [[Use ice!->ice wolves]] [[Use lightning!->zap wolves]]

The group arrives at the mansion gate. Beyond is a pathway leading to a house. Tethe: (*Spitting on the ground*) Place seems rich for such a small town. I wonder how many people have gone without for her to afford this place. Eliza: Must everything be a conflict with you? Tethe: Maybe I'm just seeing something you're not. Dimrur: Calm down, you two. They walk onward. Just outside the door is a middle-aged woman in fine clothes, arguing with a farmer. Dimrur stops at the gate. Dimrur: You two should go on ahead. Tethe: Why? Dimrur: She doesn't like dwarves, boy, clear as glass. Tethe: Convenient. Dimrur: (*Ignoring Tethe and turning to Eliza.*) You heard her son speak, and you're no fool. My presence will only harm. Please, speak to her. [[Eliza: I'm not going to let her cause you a problem. Please join us, Dimrur->bring dimrur]] [[Eliza: Fair enough. See what you can figure out on your own->dont bring dimrur]]

The group walks up to Keller's mom as the farmer leaves. The farmer stares at Dimrur curiously, but scurries out the gate as the mother snaps at him. Mother: And who let you three in? (*Eyeing Tethe.*) Well, one of you, at least, is welcome to stay. Tethe: (*Ignoring her comment*) You're Keller's mother, right? Mother: (*Scoffs.*) It seems. My name is Brynn. And you? All three introduce themselves. Brynn glares at Dimrur, then turns her body to face the two half-elves as though he isn't there. Brynn: What brings you to my home? Looking for work? Now's not a great time, unfortunately. Eliza: We heard. We're sorry for your loss. [[Next->bring dimrur 2]]

The group walks up to Keller's mom as the farmer leaves. Behind them, Dimrur follows the farmer out the gate. Mother: And who let you two in? (*Eyeing Tethe.*) Well, one of you, at least, is welcome to stay. Tethe: (*Ignoring her comment*) You're Keller's mother, right? Mother: (*Scoffs.*) It seems. My name is Brynn. And you? The siblings introduce themselves. Brynn: And what brings you to my home? Looking for work? Now's not a great time, unfortunately. Eliza: We heard. We're sorry for your loss. [[Next->dont bring dimrur 2]]

Brynn: Don't be sorry- be enraged. That brute killed my husband. My husband made this town, you know? All he asked of the blacksmith was his land, and- Eliza: I'm sorry, what? Brynn freezes. Then, grins. Brynn: Nevermind. It makes no difference now. One is dead and the other will soon be hung. (*Glaring at Dimrur.*) The blade of justice comes down hard on the wicked. Their kin, too. Dimrur: I feel no shade, dear lady. What about you? Do you feel any sunlight on your skin? Brynn: (*Scoffs.*) Quite a comment coming from a cave rat. Tethe stomps forward, only to be yanked back by Eliza. Tethe glares at her and she glares back, allowing some magic to crackle in the air. Finally, Tethe goes limp. Eliza: It feels like we've overstayed our welcome. I'd say enjoy your day, but I'd rather you didn't. [[Next->leave with dimrur]]

Tethe huffs and puffs all the way to the gate. Tethe: That bitch. Dimrur: Calm, boy. I appreciate the sentiment, but live in my shoes and you grow used to folks like her. Tethe: (*Silent for a few moments*) I don't envy you, dwarf. Dimrur: (*Smiling*) A pity. I've much to envy. Eliza: (*Chuckling*) Glad to see some good between you two. (*All three relationships are strengthened, slightly*) Then, out of the shadows, a figure appears. It's the farmer from earlier, holding a note in his hand. Farmer: You three. You're here to help young Keller's master, are you not? [[Next->farmer reveal]]

Dimrur: Indeed. Are you the friend that Keller and Baelsh spoke of? Farmer: Yes, yes. My name is Malek. Here, take this. He presses the paper into Dimrur's hand. Dimrur reads it, and his eyes quickly go wide. Dimrur: Arrogant fool. Malek nods. Eliza: Dimrur, what does it say? Dimrur: It's a letter from Keller's father to Baelsh. He's demanding that Baelsh sell his land. It's damn near a threat in its own right. Did you see something, Malek? Malek: Not much. But enough. Keller's father argued with Baelsh and brought him out to the forest. I believe-- Eliza: Self defense. Malek nods solemnly. [[Next->ask farmer]]

Tethe: Pray tell- why haven't you delivered this, yourself? Malek: Brynn has people watching me. She knows what happened. If I go to town... You three look strong enough, though. Take this to the constable, then send help to me. Please, hurry! With that, Malek turns and walks back towards the mansion. Brynn barks orders to him in the distance. Dimrur: (*To Tethe*) Do you believe me, now? Tethe nods, clenching his fists. Eliza: Dimrur, brother. We should get moving. And be ready for a fight. [[Next->return fight]]

The trio reach a low point in the hills before they encounter Brynn's thugs. They come out of the cracks in the mountain wall, another on top of it with a bow and arrow. Eliza looks around. The area is devoid of trees, and the water from the rains has poured over the opposite cliff. Eliza notices some cracks in the rock walls to their side. Dimrur steps in front of her, followed by Tethe. Tethe: We'll need support. Dimrur: Find a way to deal with the archer before he becomes the death of us. Eliza taps into her mana and the air around her begins to crack. [[Break the rock wall!->thugs wall]] [[Pinpoint the archer!->thugs archer]] [[Make a barrier!->thugs barrier]]

Brynn: Don't be sorry- be enraged. That brute killed my husband. My husband made this town, you know? All he asked of the blacksmith was his land, and- Eliza: I'm sorry, what? Brynn freezes. Then, grins. Brynn: Nevermind. It makes no difference now. One is dead and the other will soon be hung. Tethe: Could you be more callous? Brynn: I'm sorry, was your husband murdered? Maybe if you'd endured any hardship, you'd have more sympathy. Tethe stomps forward, only to be yanked back by Eliza. Tethe glares at her and she glares back, allowing some magic to crackle in the air. Finally, Tethe goes limp. Eliza: It feels like we've overstayed our welcome. I'd say enjoy your day, but I'd rather you didn't. [[Next->leave without dimrur]]

Tethe huffs and puffs all the way to the gate. Tethe: That bitch. Eliza: You don't have to ready up for a fight with every unpleasant person we meet. You know that, right? Tethe: And do *you* know that being soft is going to get us nowhere but underground, if we're lucky? Eliza hardens, then jabs a finger at Tethe. Magic crackles in the air. Eliza speaks first: Watch your mouth. Sometimes, we need to walk delicately. Don't confuse my kindness for weakness. Understood? Tethe: (*Quietly*) Understood. (Their relationship is strengthened.) Then, out of the shadows, two figures appear. It's Dimrur, with the farmer aside. Dimrur is smiling. Dimrur: We have our proof, if you two are done squabbling. [[Next->dimrur reveal]]

Dimrur: This is Malek. He's the friend that Baelsh mentioned. He handed me this. Dimrur hands Eliza a letter. She scans it, quickly grasping its meaning. Eliza: Keller's father wanted his land? No, that's an understatement. This letter's every bit as threatening as an open blade. Dimrur: Indeed. Malek saw them arguing. Keller's father brought Baelsh into the forest. Then-- Tethe: Self defense. (*Quietly, with some shame*) You were right, Dimrur. Dimrur nods. [[Next->ask farmer]]

(if: $metHal is true)[(display: "confronted by hal")] (else:)[(display: "climax")]

(This scene is caused by speaking to Hal earlier in the story) The trio marches back into town, all the way to the constable's office... only to be stopped by Hal and a gang of recruits. A crowd gathers around them. Baelsh looks on from his stoop, fear and guilt plain on his face. Hal: Sorry you three, you're going to have to come with me. Eliza: What? Why? Hal: The villagers saw you talking to the accused, then heading up to Brynn's place. Heard fighting, too. We'll need to keep you here 'til we can be sure everything is fine. You look a little like hired hands. Eliza panics. If they go talk to Brynn, it'll tip her off. She'll feed them some story, and this'll get out of control. What to do? She could try and cast a spell, some sleeping magic, but that's so delicate... Dimrur steps forward. Dimrur: Please, constable. Stand aside or listen to me. I promised that there would be no violence. [[Next->tethe fights]]

Then, suddenly, Tethe steps in front of Dimrur, poised to fight the constable. Tethe: (*whispering*) You'll keep your promise, dwarf. (*To the constable*) Here's the deal: Fight us, and you're going to have more to bury more than one corrupt landlord and a dwarf that *didn't* kill him. Now, would you like like to see that proof, or is one of you tired of hanging around this side of death? Hal hesitates. He stares at Tethe's weapons and Eliza steps to his side, magic crackling in the air. Hal: Fine. What do you have? (Tethe and Dimrur's relationship is greatly strengthened) [[Next->the crime explained]]

(*Because you didn't talk to Hal earlier, he didn't investigate you, and doesn't stop you on your way back to town. While simpler, it misses an opportunity to strengthen some relationships*) Hal is readying a noose when the trio return. A crowd has gathered and the trio forces their way through. Hal jumps up at the sight of them and Eliza rushes forward. Baelsh's face lights up with hope and disbelief. Eliza: Stop what you're doing. The dwarf is innocent. We have proof. Hal looks at them doubtfully. Then, Dimrur steps forward, the paper in his hand. Hal: What do you have? [[Next->the crime explained]]

Dimrur hands Hal the paper and he reads it over. As he reads, Keller appears from the crowd. Hal shows him the paper, and he pales. Eliza: There's more. A farmer, Malek. He saw Keller's father coerce Baelsh into going into the forest. Baelsh fought back in self-defense. Malek could attest to this, but Brynn has people watching him. We fought some, but can't guarantee we got them all. Hal: I'll send some people up. This... the old man's behavior makes a lot of sense, now. Behind Hal, Keller approaches Baelsh. Keller: This is why you didn't say anything, isn't it? You didn't want me to have to take sides without proof. To wonder whether my master was a killer, or my father a con-artist? Baelsh: (*Choked up, nods*) Yes, boy. I'm so sorry. I didn't want this. I'd hoped to scare him off, but-- Keller falls and hugs Baelsh. Baelsh, empty of words, leans his head on Keller's shoulder. [[Next->ending]]

Hal thanks the trio and they walk away, silent. Eliza is smiling, while Tethe and Dimrur are both stoic. Finally, Tethe turns to Dimrur. Tethe: You knew. How? Dimrur: I know the eyes of a guilty man, Tethe. He didn't have them. Eliza: How can you tell? Dimrur pauses for some time. Then, he speaks: Dimrur: I see those eyes every time I look in a mirror. Now, let's carry on. We have work to do. END

Eliza charges the air with magic, feels it crack the air and take shape as her comrades make some distance. Finally, she snaps her fingers and calls High Words, pointing at the wolves. The cracks burst open and a gout of flame whips towards them. Dimrur and Tethe bark a warning behind Eliza, drowned by the sound of the fire crashing into the pack. Little is left but charred meat and some singed leaves. The forest, still soaked from the rain, failed to catch. Tethe: Hells, don't scare me like that! Dimrur (chuckling): Risky. Gutsy. Don't see many mages your age think quick on their feet like that. [[Next->at the mansion]]

Eliza charges the air with magic, feels it crack the air and take shape as her comrades make some distance. Finally, she snaps her fingers and calls High Words, pointing at the wolves. The cracks collapse in on themselves and a burst of chill air whips out into the pack. Some are frozen in their puddles, while others are encased in ice. One makes it away, but not far. It slips on the ice and Dimrur smacks the flat of one of his shortswords into its head. Her brother looks at her. Tethe: Freezing the water? Smart move. [[Next->at the mansion]]

Eliza charges the air with magic, feels it crack the air and take shape as her comrades make some distance. Finally, she snaps her fingers and calls High Words, pointing at the wolves. Lightning bursts from the cracks in the air and strikes a wolf standing in a puddle... but the other tendrils crash into branches and leaves and rocks, missing the rest of the pack. But, the animals are stunned long enough for Tethe and Dimrur to act. Dimrur whips out his shortswords and cuts through the pack's left flank, while Tethe's slender blade catches the throats on the right. Eliza takes a breath and zaps the last two wolves. Her brother and ally pant. Dimrur: Fool move. Lightning in a forest. [[Next->at the mansion]]

Eliza: Stand back! Eliza widens the cracks just a little and slams her palm into the rock wall. The cracks disappear from sight and she channels their energy through her hand and into the weak point along the cliff. There's a loud rumble, and it collapses. Tethe and Dimrur leap back, but Eliza stands still, the archer falling from the cliff in the same landslide that buries his friends. It takes some time for the noise to die down. When it does, Dimrur groans. Dimrur: Impressive, but let's hope we can make it through this mess in time. [[Back to town->back to town]]

The others have barely unsheathed their weapons before Eliza narrows a single crack to a pinpoint, and a lance of energy bursts out and hits the archer above with enough force to throw him out of view. The other thugs pause in shock, and Dimrur and Tethe take their chance. The fight doesn't take long. Dimrur wipes some blood off his shortsword and looks at Eliza. Dimrur: Didn't realize you could aim like that. Impressive. [[Back to town->back to town]]

Eliza: Move fast! She lets the cracks widen, more opening up with every second in a net above the trio. The archer above fires and hits solid air. Tethe and Dimrur move fast, dodging through the thugs and cutting them down. Tethe catches a wild swing on the flat of his blade and whips the tip of his sword through the attacker's legs, while Dimrur closes in, drops a shortsword, and throws a heavily armored axeman over his shoulder. Eliza keeps the shield up, straining, but it finally breaks. She looks up and sees the archer taking aim again... only for Tethe to grab his ankle and yank him off the cliff. Tethe climbs down slowly and carefully. Tethe: That was too close. [[Back to town->back to town]]