From the beginning, another perspective (in common)

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From the beginning, another perspective (in common):

Note to the reader please read “From the beginning (in common)” first.

She awoke gain, with the nightmare of the past. It was the same vision, the day in which Alexandra Nezzerscape died. This was a glorious day to some and day of mourning for others.

Alexandra was born of wealth and power in the year 923. Her skills in the arcane arts were, both in strength and fluidity, unmatched at the time she had grown of age. Born of Bane’s followers in the “Cult of the Dragon” she had prepared herself for her clandestine position of “Dragon Queen”. While still young, perhaps too young, she rallied her followers and marched to Surkh to take the position by force.

It was at the hands of the Dragon Queen herself did Alexandra fall. Unknowing to her followers her lifeless body was dragged from the keep and brought back to the Citadel in Ulkan. It was there that the Red Wizards of Thay performed the ritual that brought her back from the grasps of Bane himself.

The ritual of “Soul Merging” was one of deepest kept secrets in Thay. How these wizards knew of it and why it was performed that day is unknown. What is known is the ritual took four of the seven’s lives to perform and two more were taken by Alexandra herself upon awakening. Only one managed to escape that day. His name and whereabouts is unknown to this day.

The details of this ritual that were observed by her followers before forcing their way in were limited. A single source of innocence (a young Elvin child), a single source of great power (a stone or egg of some sort) and an ancient scroll were taken into the chamber. After the screams filled the chamber Alexandra’s followers finally broke down the door only to find the child covered in the wizard’s blood clenching a scroll.

Fearing the reprise the from the cults recent defeat in Surkh, they rushed the child to the docks and boarded the first vesel heading south crossed the Deep Wash. Onboard a young cabin boy named Zephron took an unusual interest into the cult’s recent happenings. Worn from battle and the events at the Citadel, Bolock, the group’s new proclaimed leader, told Alexandra’s tragic story. Understanding their need for secrecy, the boy suggested the woods just over the southern leg of the Orstaun Mountains, Thornwood.

Taking the boys advice the group set forth upon reaching the shores…

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Upon arriving to Thornwood the remaining members, 37 in total, began to build a small village. During this time Alexandra, now having gained complete control of her host, led the process using her arcane abilities to clear the land and creating most of the buildings that remain to this day. She chose to live on the outskirts of her new home adopting Bolock, and his wife Gena, as surrogate parents to not arise any suspicions as for trade was now essential for the village’s survival.

Time passed slowly, for she was not accustom to this way of life but for now it was required. Several seasons had passed and the thoughts of conquest had past for all save for Alexandra. For her this was deep rooted in her being. She began to school others in hopes to build enough strength to claim her right as Dragon Queen of Surkh.

With schooling complete most, if not all, the villagers had become proficient in the arcane arts. It was at this point Alexandra could devote her time to discover the reason behind the Red Wizards’ actions and decipher the writings on the scroll that had been with her since they had transferred her soul into the body she now claims as her own. Many late nights and incantations she spent studying the writings. Time and time again she failed in learning the meaning behind it all. Frustrated she ventured forth to the port cities of Mintar, Saelmur and Ankhapur in search of answers.

Each resulted in futility. It was not till her second trip to Ankhapur that she ran into the young cabin boy, Zephron. Now a strong man of some age, she did not recognize him; it was Zephron that recognized Alexandra. Remembering that day they crossed Deepwash, he had always been intrigued as to what happened after they parted ways. It was not long before they became friends, both relentlessly driven toward their goals; Alexandra ruler of Surkh and Zephron fame and fortune.

It was apparent to Alexandra that she did not have the means within her reach to understand the meaning behind the Red Wizard’s actions but Zephron did. He was a first mate on the merchant flagship Avion. In his position he could search for answers in far way lands, perhaps making his way to the lands of Thay. It was with this revelation that she formulated a plan of corruption and control.

It was not long before their relationship surpassed friends into lovers…

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Both knew each was using the other but they did not care. Alexandra kept bolstering Zephon’s skills with trinkets she made with the scarce resources that flowed through Thornwood. She in turn requested that he pushed his position as first mate to drive the captain into farther lands to seek answers for her.

This continued for a season or two; Alexandra always portraying a strong willed and powerful woman, awaited his return, only to find he had no answers. She knew this could not go on much longer for life in Thornwood had changed.

During the past season a change had started to take hold in Alexandra. It started with a simple restlessness. True she was restless by nature but this was different. The nightmares came next. Filling each morning with the remembrance of the day she died and the pain of her awakening. This alone would be enough to drive one mad, but Alexandra was determined to find the answer at all costs. It was on the peak of the 4th moon that she came to realize that these memories were not her own. She was not alone…

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Upon this realization that these nightmares were that of the soul whom also inhabited the body brought on new questions of “why a merge and not a replacement”, “what is the other’s purpose”, “am I the dominate soul” and “if so, how long will I remain so”. It was this last question that put urgency to her resolve.

Alexandra gathered Bolock and several other of her most trusted followers and formed a counsel, who’s only purpose was interpret the purpose and intent behind these nightmares. They were thorough questioning all aspects of these dreams and Alexandra herself. After weeks of consultation it was determined that the host’s original soul was fighting to resume control, and furthermore that her power’s were diminishing as a result of this inner battle.

She dismissed these finding, for she was to rule as the “Dragon Queen” it was her destiny! It was not till two moons later did the unthinkable happen to change her mind…

It was a crisp autumn morning when Alexandra woke. Still dazed from the sleep she slowly stood from her bed. As her mind began to clear she realized that there was no nightmares, could it all be over? Immediately she tried to call out the Bolock or Gena, but she could not speak. She then looked for a mirror to see what was wrong, but she aimlessly wondered about her room. She tried to go down the hall, but still she aimlessly wondered about her room. Was she dreaming? No she could feel the autumn air a crossed her face, the roughness of the simple floor against her feet. Was it Bane’s retribution at what she had become? No, she imagined that would come with great pain and suffering. What was it then? A spell perhaps? No, she would know if it were. It was not until Gena came through the door begging for forgiveness at the intrusion when Alexandra actually hid from her, Gena the meekest of her followers! It was then as the first words escaped Alexandra’s lips that morning that she knew.

“Where am I? Who are you?”

“Bolock”, Gena cried, “Come quick!”

When Bolock entered the room with one look he knew as well. Without hesitation he cracked Alexandra in the head causing her to collapse to the ground, and then all was dark.

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When she awoke both Bolock and Gena were staring intently at her, searching for a sign. One look from Alexandra and they both knew. Quickly the counsel was gathered and the event explained. She had finally come to terms, but what now? The counsel led by Bolock now had a new objective, how to handle this new arrival should it raise its head again.

Many days and nights the counsel convened. Sometimes with Alexandra and but mainly without. After a week, Bolock called for Alexandra. It was determined what should be done. Bolock explained to her that she needed to embrace this soul, give it life if she wanted to understand its purpose and moreover learn how to control it… until it can be remedied. He when on to state that the village would welcome this soul as his daughter and treat her as such. “We will call her Elandra. It is close enough to your name for if she is mistaken as you it can be quickly explained.” He went on to say, “We will explain to her that she is sick and we are working a remedy.”

Alexandra knew this is what needed to be done. She tried as she could to let go and see how this one, this soul, this Elandra, could be controlled.

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Alexandra continued to meet with Zephron when he was in port. She never let on during their time together of what was going on. Always hoping for some answer, never getting one. She would have to take matters in her own hands if he was going to be of use to her.

When not with Zephon, Alexandra spent most of her time letting Elandra out. During these times she was always present, always aware of what was going on. At first she started to push or influence Elandra’s decisions, motions, and memories. It was not long that Alexandra could fully manipulate Elandra, as if a puppet, filling lost memories of her childhood, her parents, and of her sister “Alex”.

While not the resolution Alexandra was seeking, it sufficed for now.

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It was time Zephron owned up to his part of the bargain. Through her talks with him she learned that it was the captain that would not let the ship venture into new waters, keeping the crew in line with a simple but steady income. She pushed the notion of Zephron taking command, but he lacked the drive to do something about it.

The only way he was going to get command was if it was handed to him. He did not have the drive she was once led to believe. She needed this ship and one who could sail it; all other paths had been tried.

It was with that she hid aboard the vessel and waited…

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Soon after the ship left Ankhapur she made her move; slipping into the captain’s quarters. Over days, she listened to his voice over and over till she had it, and once she did the time was right.

The stage was set, the crew tired, and both the captain and Zephron entered the cabin. Quickly she disabled the pair with a few incantations and locked the door; it was now time for her performance.

She stated off with using the captions voice and soon followed it with Zephrons’s. Both were stunned at what unveiled before their eyes.

“It is your job to keep these dogs at bay” in the captain’s voice.

“If you pay them a fraction of what you take in I would not have to” in Zephrons’s voice.

“Bite your tongue or there will be a mutiny” in the captain’s voice.

“Perhaps…” in Zephrons’s voice.

Her performance when on; taking random objects and throwing them about, looking for something as she did. Soon she found what she was seeking, a hefty stash of coins. Her performance was coming to an end as the crew could be heard gathering near the door. She picked up Zephron’s blade and pushed it in the captions chest over and over. As the blood poured out she took what she could and rubbed it over Zephron. With no need anymore she relinquished her control on the captain; his body simply fell to the floor. With that she took the stash of coins and threw it. The bag opened and coins scattered as it breached the door’s glass. Next, Zephron himself was pushed through the door. Alexandra relinquished her control on him and sank into the back ground listening to the cheers of the crew parsing “Captain Zephron”.

She remained hidden until the next port where she slipped off silently.

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Over the next few moons Alexandra chose not to embrace Elandra, feeling that she had learned to fully control the soul. This turned out to be a terrible mistake. During this time she visited Zephron, now caption of the Avion, when he made port. He was grateful for his new position but did not agree with the means to which he gained it. He did in turn travel far beyond the waters he was accustom and did in fact seek out information as to the Red Wizards’ ritual. He gathered bits and pieces and relayed them to Alexandra; none of which were to insightful. He did this, not out of obligation but out of fear, having witnessed her powers first hand. Alexandra, relishing in her triumphs did not realize this and assumed that he was simply upholding his part of the deal.

For almost a season she saw less and less of Zephron. This was in part due to great distances he now covered in search for answers, but this was also in part due to his reluctance to see her again. Meanwhile Alexandra continued to keep Elandra at bay.

It was a night of celebration, the village was strong in trade, the villagers themselves were fluent in the arcane arts and she had a grand ship at her beckon call. It was this night she would inform the counsel and the rest of her followers of her plains to once again claim her birthright as “Dragon Queen”.

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As the celebration progressed, the stocks of wine, ale and mead were tapped. Alexandra drank along with the rest of the villagers. The moon was almost at peak when she slammed down her goblet and call for everyone’s attention. She began to speak of their prosperity by her hand and that it was time to move forward when, she fell unconscious.

A fortnight had passed before she regained consciousness. Upon wakening Bolock and Gena filled her in as to what had happened during her absence. It was Elandra that awoke the morning following the celebration and had remained until just a few hours ago. It was under the will of the counsel that collectively they managed to bring back Alexandra in the weekend state she was in. And at this moment the counsel was still reciting incantation to keep her in control.

It was at this moment that Alexandra truly felt weak, a feeling that she had never experienced before. Even at her death weakness was not present but it was now.

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A moon had past, and while the council did not continually have to recite incantations for Alexandra to remain in control, it was still a necessity. She felt beat but would not give in to the feeling, she still remained strong; at least that is how it appeared. Meanwhile the council met behind closed doors to discuss the situation.

Several moons had passed before Alexandra was called to meet with the council. It was Bolock who spoke:

“It has been several seasons since Elandra has first shown her will. Up until recent we were under the impression that you were capable of controlling her. This is no longer the case; it is the will of the council that is controlling her. We cannot continue this indefinitely. We know of your efforts in discovering the Red Wizard's purpose for this. We are also aware of you dealings with the cabin boy… Zephron. It is the will of the council for you to leave and seek your answers else ware. We have explained your… situation to him. He has agreed to take you aboard his ship and aid you in your quest.”

(Enters Zephon)

“Hello Alexandra or should I say Elandra” *a smile crosses his face*

“Take your scroll and whatever you wish and set forth!”

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Slowly she gathered a few items from her home. Home, she thought she would never think of it as such, but after having to leave by the hand of another, well it was saddening. Both Zephron and Alexandra walked slowly to the port of Ankhapur.

The days traveling were filled with silence. Both looking over each other, trying to size one another up. Looking back it was hard for her think how far she had fallen. She commanded on many conquests only to be instructed to leave by her most trusted follower…

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Upon arriving in Ankapur it was Zephron who broke the silence.

I have informed the crew that we are taking on a passenger, Elandra. I think that it would be best if you relinquish control… to keep up appearance. I understand that you are fully aware of all that goes on while she has control and that at any point you can resume control. That said when we are alone, please, feel free to be yourself but otherwise I expect to be dealing with Elandra.”

Alexandra was relieved that Bolock did not fill Zephron in on everything. “She had taught him well”, she thought to herself, “but what did he tell him?” Only time will tell but for now she played along for it was in her best interest.

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Before heading to the ship, Zephron insisted that she see an old sage. He went on to state that this sage had been insightful and had helped him in the past when searching for the bit of information he had passed along. Alexandra agreed and followed him to the docks where they entered a small decrepit building. Sitting in the dark mending nets, an aging woman looked back.

“Zephron is that you? Of course its… and I see you brought…” She looked Alexandra over, “Alexandra. Come in child and sit a spell.”

“And you are?” questioned Alexandra.

Slowly pouring two cups of tea, she looked up, “Naresh. Please sit and share some tea.”

Zephron notions to Alexandra to sit, she does.

“So how can you help me?” asked Alexandra.

“Have some tea and I will explain” Naresh stated as she took a sip herself.

Looking for answers she obliged and took a sip. “Now how can yuuu…” Alexandra fell to the floor.

As she began to slip into unconsciousness, Alexandra hears Naresh’s voice. “Sleep dear, that is it sleep… You are right she is a strong one…”

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Time was no longer relevant. Alexandra was in a void; only occasionally focusing in on bits and pieces. They were at sea the best she could tell. She did not have control nor could she tell what was going on. The best she could hope for was to push her presence, make herself known… She had become a memory, the memory of “Alex, Elandra’s sister”.