A look behind the scenes at a conversation between Erdir and Faerlin, hinting at the shared history between the pair.
CW: talk of violence and murder
Join Dax as she narrates a scene between Erdir and Faerlin before the events at the outpost. This is the first in a series of short episodes that give some behind the scenes details on what happens when the party isn’t around.
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Transcript by Dax
Upbeat piano intro fades out [00:27]
Suspenseful music fades in [00:29]
Dax: They shut the door behind them and meandered through the makeshift home toward a back room. Unhooking a key ring from their belt, he silently inserted a long metal key into the lock, turning gently to keep the click on the quieter side. He slipped into the room and gently shut the door behind them. Striding over to the desk as quick as he could, they lifted a glass orb from its display and said quietly,
Dax (as the stranger): [slightly deeper masc tone, British accent] This is Faerlin calling for his Imperial Majesty’s mage. Erdir, are you there?
Dax: There was a short pause and then a response. The orb lit slightly and through the muddled crystal, Faerlin could see a distorted image of the man with yellowed skin and balding pate, whose teeth reeked of tobacco and rot.
Dax (as Erdir): [deeper, masc tone]Faerlin I do not have the time to answer questions. We’re nearly there can this not wait –
Dax: Faerlin rolled their eyes before interrupting.
Dax (as Faerlin): I am not calling to ask about the preparations for his Majesty’s arrival, I am calling you because…they…are here.
Dax: This time there was a pause on Erdir’s side.
Dax (as Erdir): Are you absolutely sure?
Dax: Faerlin nodded and proceeded to describe the Emperor’s grandchild in great detail, adding that they had taken on the name “Lorsanan”. He then assured Erdir he had not revealed his true understanding of “Lorsanan’s” identity, and had assigned them some chores since they had claimed they were a servant.
Dax (as Faerlin): How shall I proceed? Shall I kill them now? I could set their head on a platter for his Majesty –
Dax (as Erdir): Don’t be a fool! His Majesty would have your head as soon as you removed the dome from the platter. [sighs] Despite his family’s decision to accept exile, his Highness continues to have hope that one of them will see reason and seek him out. I am sure he’d recognize how similarly the whelp looks to Tannyth, and would know you’ve done him a disservice. Give me a moment to think.
Dax: Faerlin waited patiently, every so often putting an ear to the door to make sure nobody could be heard on the other side. It wouldn’t do to have the Emperor’s grandchild overhear this discussion. As his mind began to wander, thinking of golden biscuits and warm honey, he was jerked back to reality by Erdir’s voice.
Dax (as Erdir): Here’s what we’re going to do. I’ve been expecting them to approach his Majesty for quite some time now. We’ll arrive as scheduled – there’s no avoiding that. We’ll have the two of them meet and while Revasen is staying with us we can figure out a way to reveal their true intentions. When we depart for the Stronghold we’ll make sure that they’re taken care of. For now, keep them busy. Add to the chore list if you need to. And find a way to gain their trust.
Dax (as Faerlin): As you wish. Suppose they don’t take my offerings as kindness? Suppose they decide that I’m not to be trusted based on my affiliations?
Dax (as Erdir): [sigh] I do not care what you have to do, just do it. Refuse to let them eat or drink until you’ve tested things for poison. Give them a hot bath. New clothing. Even some of his Majesty’s food…they do seem to like the finer things. Make up some rumor about the family for all I care – just make sure his Majesty doesn’t catch wind of it. [pauses] Are my instructions clear, then?
Dax (as Faerlin): Yes...
Dax: Faerlin paused for but a moment, hesitating to end the connection.
Dax (as Erdir): And yet you have questions.
Dax (as Faerlin): Do you know if the companions you mentioned are nearby? Perhaps we should send the guard to round them up? I bet if we sacrificed them to the Emperor then this…grandchild…will be forced to reveal their intentions without our help.
Dax: A slight chuckle could be heard through the orb.
Dax (as Erdir): It seems I have taught you well. Despite your general incompetence, I believe that would be a good way to get rid of those meddling heroes once and for all. Just see to it that they don’t escape. The last thing we need is for them to alert anyone to their presence and give Revasen a chance to help them. These fools have a soft spot for the unfortunate, so I imagine they will help their companions in any way they can. Then there can be no suspicion of bias on our part…as far as the Emperor is concerned. Now go, you’ve dallied too long and I am being summoned. Do not fail me.
Dax: The orb went dark again, Erdir’s image fading from view. Faerlin gently placed it back on its pedestal and left the room as silently as they had arrived. They quietly locked the door and stowed the key ring. He softly padded down the hallway and started a mental checklist of all the things he could do to gain Revasen’s trust.
Dax (as Faerlin): Not a long list, but something is better than nothing. Here’s just hoping it works.
Dax: For Faerlin, things would proceed as normal. They prepped the platters of food just to his Majesty’s liking, arranged in a way that was pleasing to his discerning eye. He checked on “Lorsanan” a few times but for the most part left them alone, figuring if he checked too often they might think he was spying on them. Despite Erdir’s instructions, they opted to treat Revasen as the servant they claimed to be.
Dax (as Faerlin): Perhaps if he wanted me to offer them a hot bath, he should consider asking the Emperor to treat me that way first.
Dax: It wasn’t until the presentation of the prisoners that things went awry. One of them shifted into a wolf when the construct was killed, taking out some of the guards. What Faerlin hadn’t anticipated was Revasen pulling an exploding arrow and kicking up dust. The next thing he knew, explosions were going off and there was fire and screaming everywhere. Suddenly, he could hear Erdir in his thoughts,
Dax (as Erdir): [echoing] Follow them! He is not convinced this wasn’t some ruse of our design, so you need to keep your eye on Revasen and make sure they reach the Stronghold.
Dax: Faerlin, having not mastered mental communication yet, whispered back,
Dax (as Faerlin): And how do you suppose I should get them to take me along? Offer them sweets?!
Dax (as Erdir): [echoing]Shut up! You insipid child, do I have to think of everything?! Tell them you’ve been abandoned, that we let you die because you allowed them to come here. Anything! Just make sure they trust you and follow your lead.
Dax: Faerlin suddenly felt a rush of pain as Erdir’s consciousness ripped from his mind. They knew it meant a total connection sever, so as not to be detected by any magical attempts by an enemy. They quickly dashed into the crowd heading for the entrance, running as fast as his feet could carry him. He could see Revasen and their companions ahead, dragging that damned construct with them.
Faerlin’s eyes darted around as they approached the cavern entrance, searching for a hiding spot they could use until an opportunity presented itself to reconnect with Revasen. Seeing a large rock just outside the cavern, they dashed to hide behind it. It was only a matter of biding his time, watching the Emperor’s grandchild until they would notice his eyes on them.
Music fades out [08:49]