Day came and went, with the sun soon setting in the west behind the frigid, snowcapped peaks. The steady bustle of the night was soon upon them, and people filed in and out of the Dwarven Chicken on their own accord. The seven travelers mingled amongst themselves in hopes of becoming more acquainted.
Zesam and Lill told stories of slaying dragons, trolls, and tales of the many green men. They had been everywhere, from what the others could tell. Ray shared things about life on her farm and the daily struggle of dealing with two small cousins. Kat tried her best to remember her stories, but often forgot what she was saying halfway through. They laughed with her anyway to make her feel better. Nimer had excused himself and removed from the rest of the party to go upstairs to the room in which he, Jex, and Ray were staying. When asked why he was leaving by some very drunk companions, he simply said it was business.
Nimer ascended the stairs, getting winded by the top. He needed something from his bag to make him feel better again. Entering the room, he rummaged through his belongings in search of something specific and found it deep within his bag moments later. He sighed in relief when he saw it. Settled in his hand was the essential item, his brass flask. He popped the top and tipped it, taking a swig only to get the last of what was left in the flask. He tipped it downward, getting a few last drops to splash to the floor.
He mumbled curses under his breath and stuffed them into his coat. "I need more brew," he muttered to himself. Standing, he went for his meager sacks of coins, trying to find what little he had left. Pocketing enough to buy him what he needed, he turned to leave, only to see Ray leaning in the doorway.
"And where do you think you're going?" she asked, crossing her arms. "Everyone is downstairs waiting for you."
"I need to run into town. I need ingredients for a brew," Nimer said sternly. "If we are leaving tomorrow, I only have some time tonight to ensure I have enough to last the rest of the trip." He attempted to move past Ray, but the girl kept her arm up to block his path. "Move, Ray," he commanded.
"No," she said simply. "You're going to tell me what you need this brew for, because there is plenty downstairs, and you're missing out on the congregation."
"I don't have time for this, Ray! This is a matter of my survival and ability to slow the necrosis!" Nimer scorned.
"Necrosis?" Her eyebrows knitted, and her eyes narrowed on him. "We need to agree, at least between us, no more secrets. Now, tell me, what is the brew?"
Nimer gave an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose, and answered, "It's a healing potion. I drink it throughout the day to help with my curse. I'm out."
Ray smiled. "Was that so hard just to tell me?"
"Yes," Nimer spat stubbornly. "Please, no more questions."
Her smile turned to a smirk, and she waved him through the doorway. "Let's go then."
"No, you aren't coming with me, not while the guards are looking for us," Nimer said.
"Yes, I am. I'd like to learn to make it, and I'm not taking no for an answer," Ray said and walked down the hallway.
Nimer wanted to rage, but even more so, he was suspicious of her and what Ray wanted. He grabbed his coat, shrugging into the armholes, and followed her down the stairs. They passed by the table where Jex, Kat, Kugruth, Lill, and Zesam sang songs and feasted merrily. Ray gave Jex a small wave, but was too caught up in telling the others how he tamed a dragon. He told the story with enthusiasm, waving his hands and arms about. Merry laughter soon followed. Ray smiled fondly, shaking her head. Nimer and Ray slipped out into the brisk, Winterwane evening and merged among the crowds.
People filtered into bars and Inns, and several supply shops still had a steady bustle of customers coming and going from their doors. They quickly slipped into an alleyway when they saw guards prowling through the crowds, their heads turning back and forth while they surveyed the surrounding area. Nimer popped the collar of his coat, and Ray pulled up her hood.
"I don't think they saw us," Ray whispered to Nimer.
"Good, keep an eye out for any more guards," he answered.
"I meant to ask, how long have you been making potions?" Ray asked curiously.
"Several years, especially since I was cursed with the necrosis," Nimer answered, glancing ever so often behind them. "Navid was better at making potions than I was, though. I was more of a fighter."
"Tell me about him. Kugruth said he was your twin."
Nimer nodded slowly. "Navid was my twin, my identical twin, too." Despite the sad look on his face, Nimer continued. "We both kept hold of the stories of magic that had been lost to time. I ran my guide business, and he told stories of jest. We were a great team of brothers, well known centuries ago."
"You both sound like you were close," Ray said fondly.
"We were, till Albranis then chose me to be his host. I accepted then, thinking it would be good growth for myself." Nimer watched the street while they walked.
"How did he die by your hand?" Ray asked.
Nimer took a deep breath. "I tried rejecting the power that Albranis gave me. I tried to pass my awakening onto Navid. Once you accept the power of a god, you must live with that power. Your fate is in their hands."
"Why didn't you want his power anymore?" Ray asked.
"Kat," Nimer answered, looking over at Ray.
"What about her?" Ray asked.
"Faelira chose her near the time Albranis chose me. I had sealed Kat's memories and awakening to protect her in case any of the dark council knew who she was," he admitted. "I then handed her over to Toralak because she was also showing signs of another awakening that was causing her pain. I regretted my mistake."
"But you can reverse it," Ray urged. "You have control of that mistake."
"Not entirely. You see, the hells that were sealed by Myrkatha and Albranis before my time were ripping open, and the dark council would soon be looking for new hosts," Nimer informed. "Sealing her power was the only way not to get her killed."
Ray was lost in thought, and she kicked a loose pebble across the street with her foot. "It does sound like it was a hard decision to make."
"We only want what is best for those close to us," He fell silent for a moment, mulling over his decisions.
"What about the necrosis? What does it do to you?" Ray asked, sounding more worried than before.
"It makes my awakening much more painful than the other gods as a lesson for defying the god of life," Nimer explained. "Your body needs to be healthy and strong to house the power of a god. If I don't continue to heal myself with brew, it will drain my life force faster the more I use my abilities, and I will not be fit to awaken. I will merely die. I keep fighting my awakening so I don't perish."
Ray stammered, "If I had known sooner, I never would have purposely spilled your brew that day."
"I was as intolerable as you were. I think I deserved it," Nimer admitted, receiving a slight scowl from Ray. He chuckled a bit.
Ray tucked strands of hair behind her ear. "How many times have you been close to death then?"
"Several times."
"Why do you keep fighting your awakening?" Ray asked curiously.
"I'm not ready," Nimer said, simply stopping in front of a small herb shop and looking up at its sign that read Herbal Remedies in green paint. "The role of Albranis on this plane is a great one. The responsibility that comes with this awakening is greater than that of the other gods. The Kingdom of Zaniah is not a small kingdom to watch over as a god. It is the central command of all the realms. I do not see myself being able to take on such a responsibility at this time."
He paused. "And with the curse, a successful awakening is slim. Alec specifically wants to find a way to break the curse before I awaken. He's seen this happen before and the last host to get necrosis died and was not so lucky. He spent years suffering because of his mistake."
"We'll keep you alive then," Ray insisted. "Whatever it takes. We'll find a way to break the curse on you."
"When you find the way to break the curse of a god, let me know. I'd be glad to see that," Nimer smirked, then pushed open the shop door, and the two shuffled inside to buy the goods for the brew.