The Purifiers

Chapter 2: Dreams Fall (Scene 2)

A steel giant walks through the city streets of Eyescend. His name is Mancer, and at this side is K'Ulnar, an Elf standing not even half the height of his companion. From the nearby street vendor K'Ulnar can hear a sizzling followed by a pop. He sniffs the air as he asks, "Smells delicious, does it not? Stopping a moment to grab a bite would be nice, do you not agree?"

Mancer doesn't respond and just keeps walking. With each step the earthenware plates of the stand clunk together and the hanging metal skewers jingle. K'Ulnar frowns, but follows along all the same, his steps resulting in a light hop timed to match each earth shaking step of his friend. "Still in a sour mood, are you?"

"If you don't like my mood," Mancer responds, "You didn't have to stay. You could've joined the others on their last mission."

"You were injured, what if something happened? Better to stay and protect a friend, is that not the nobler thing to do?"

Mancer says, "I didn't ask for your protection. Besides, we're in Eyescend. Not much danger here."

With a serious expression K'Ulnar replies, "And Eyescend is known as the refuge of the Elves, or have you forgotten? Metal body or not, are you not still a Dwarf?"

"We're no longer at war. Or have you forgotten?"

K'Ulnar answers, "No. No I have not, but are all Elves so forgiving? What does Eyescend mean again? Ah yes, Dream's Fall. Dreams of peace can fall just as easily, would you not say?"

Mancer doesn't respond, only continues onward. The painted shutters of a nearby home lightly knock against their wooden frame as he passes. K'Ulnar says, "I was worried about my friend, is that so wrong."

"You keep saying that," Mancer tells him. "But I don't know what makes you think we're friends."

"Well, we have known each other longer than the rest of team, have we not?"

Mancer replies, "By one mission ... and the rest of the team was wiped out."

K'Ulnar adds, "One mission is still longer and we survived, do you not think that means something?"

With a sigh Mancer replies, "Very well. We are 'friends.'" His Elven companion smiles as he continues, "It's just been a while since I've called anyone friend but one." He grips the handle on his axe tighter.

"Your rune axe?," K'Ulnar asks. "Tell me, what's he like?"

Mancer takes a few seconds before answering. "We used to talk a lot, good conversations, but haven't talked since I took this form. It's been so long I can't remember a single conversation, or even how his voice sounds."

K'Ulnar looks down at the ground as he purses his lips. "How long ago was that anyways?"

"A long time. I don't remember a date. At least a thousand years."

As they continue towards their meeting, they pass another food stand. K'Ulnar asks, "And that doesn't smell the slightest bit tempting?"

Mancer answers plainly, "I can't smell, and I don't need food."

"Not even for pleasure?"

"This body lacks a palate. It's been so long, I can't even remember how anything tastes. Even if I could, a golem body can't digest it. The food would just remain there until it rots or is removed."

"Oh," replies K'Ulnar. "Do you miss it?"

"You get used to it," Mancer tells him.

With a smile K'Ulnar asks, "Well, then would you mind if I stop to have a bite to eat?"

Mancer sighs.