This is a Skamos/Arius story only. Feel free to read, but only Dan and I will be adding to this particular story. Thank you.

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"Pursuit of Knowledge"

Arius wended his way through the city.

As he went, the elven warrior noticed several of the city’s inhabitants stop dead in their tracks to stare at him, their eyes wide with disbelief. Sometimes they would group together at the corner of two intersecting thoroughfares, standing with heads close together as they whispered amongst themselves, never taking their eyes off of Arius.

Ignoring them, the black-clad elf pulled his hat further down, trying in vain to obscure his distinctive visage.

“It seems your music has made you quite the celebrity, Arius,” Daerist chimed in within his mind, his voice surprising Arius after days of its absence. “Isn’t it ironic? Of all your companions, you were the one who desired a quiet, normal life more than anything… And now look at you! I dare say you’re more famous now than the ‘legendary’ Arius of old!” The spirit chuckled, causing Arius to furrow his brow in distaste.

“Enough,” the fey warlock said softly, a bitter edge to his voice. “This is all Jeyld’s doing…”

“Of course it is,” Daerist responded, his mental voice still colored with mirth. “And I’d be willing to bet that our old friend is enjoying his handy-work very much, wouldn’t you?”

At this Arius was forced to smile, for he knew that—wherever he was—Jeyld was most certainly rolling on the ground, laughing uncontrollably at the elf’s discomfort. Arius glanced momentarily at the faceted sapphire that had been magically grafted to the back of his right hand, finding himself captivated by the way the gem caught and reflected the morning sunlight. He felt comfortable knowing that Jeyld was always so close to him, regardless of the great distance that separated them.

He had left the Inn of the Loose Tooth at dawn, sneaking away silently, not even bothering to tell his companions he was leaving. Let them worry a little, he thought with a slightly mischievous grin. After spending a little time exploring the Foreign Quarter of the City of No Names, Arius had eventually begun making his way through the morning bustle, following the directions given to him several days earlier by Skamos. Arius liked the tiefling wizard, and he had actually surprised himself by asking him for the opportunity to study with him. It seemed that Skamos was very well educated, especially when it came to the history of Bolermos; a history that Arius had had no part of, being sealed away in the void.

This was the second time that Arius had visited Skamos at his home, though the last time had been in the evening, and he had been invited to stay for dinner by Tiena, Skamos’ wife. It seemed that she had been very appreciative of Arius and his companions for aiding her husband in rescuing her from the sewers, and Arius had graciously accepted the invitation. That night, after dinner, Arius and Skamos had talked of the old days, of Jeyld and the Anti-Triumvirate, of the many adventures that the gnome bard had told of in his famous ballads, and of Galdria before the Fall.

The glances and whispers continued as Arius silently walked on, ignoring the people around him, trying hard not to hear the comments that they made under their breath as he passed by. It seemed that—not for the first time—Daerist was right: against his wishes of anonymity, Arius had become quite the reluctant celebrity.

And he was less than thrilled about it...

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The house was modest.

Sandwiched as it was between two much larger and classier homes, the residence of Skamos and his wife seemed small in comparison. Arius smiled to himself as he stood silently outside, realizing the amount of money that it must have taken to have purchased such a home, small though it was, here in the wealthier portion of the Foreign Quarter. How Skamos had talked Tiena into making such an extravagant purpose was beyond the elven warlock, though he could well imagine the arguments that must have been spawned from such a decision.

"Knocking typically works," Daerist spoke within Arius' mind. "Unless, of course, you intend to simply stand out here all day..."

"Of course, knocking!" Arius exclaimed, widening his eyes in mock wonder. "I would have never thought of such a thing! Praise the gods that you, with your infinite wisdom and insight, are here to guide me!" He shook his head as he approached the door, ignoring the questioning glances from those on the streets who had heard his odd outburst.

Let them think what they want, the fey warlock thought with a sly smile. After all, celebrities are expected to be a bit eccentric, aren't they? He detected a hint of humor from Daerist, and his smile broadened as he rapped lightly upon the heavy wooden door.

After a brief moment of silence, Arius heard the soft sound of footsteps from inside as someone approached, most likely Tiena, for Skamos tended to stalk about rather than tread lightly. Finally the door opened, revealing the tiefling woman's smiling face, though Arius was unsure whether the smile was due to an honest feeling of pleasure at seeing him, or whether she was simply humoring the amethyst-eyed warrior.

Looking past Arius, Tiena noticed the small crowd that the elf had amassed during his stroll throughout the city. Several citizens, it seemed, had decided to follow the violin-playing, black-clad man, as if expecting him to break into a performance at any time. She scowled at them, the expression of disgust in her fiery eyes causing many of those gathered to flinch. Tiena quickly herded Arius inside, closing the door and separating the elf from his legion of adoring fans.

Arius could have kissed her.

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AMdG