Justin relaxes at Jena's polite discourse. (Not that he was afraid she'd be cross, just wanted to make sure he didn't step on any important toes.)
"Thank you my lady. Now that IS fascinating. I consider myself more than just a dabbler in conjuration, but I've never heard of this exact technique before. Please tell me, why is it so difficult to perform conjurations here in this realm?,..."
And he carries on in a similar vein until they reach the city,...
Justin:
The three elvish ranger companions depart the company with a handclasp and thanks. Jena and Maelrin along with a squad of the elven knights in full plate and shield escort the party up to the crystal temple.
Just outside the temple is a bustling court of elves and other beings, all walking and talking with small globes of light following them, lighting them in the twilight dusk.
Perceptions:
DC 15:
DC 20:
The squad of knights open a path towards the entrance without problem
Inside the party is led through a corridor faced with crystal panes depicting scenes of battles, parties, births, deaths, all manner of tableaux. The sun faintly illuminates them now, but during the day it must blaze with color.
A large inner room is reached. This one is built of a rich red black-veined marble. At the far end of a carpeted walkway is a woman seated on a rose crystal throne. The throne is shaped like a rose in truth, the petals twisting to form the arms and back of the seat.
The woman herself is simply stunning. It is almost impossible to look upon her without getting lost in her beauty. Rich honey ringlets of hair frame her flawless pale face, her rich blue eyes tinged with the faintest purple shade.
She looks as young as Jena, but there is a certain stillness and poise to her that marks her as far more ancient than that. This woman has likely outlived nations.
She smiles at the group as they approach. The smile lights up her calm face like a birdsong on a cold spring day. Jena bends a knee and smiles back. Maelrin gives a fluid bow.
"My children, you bring strangers to me. I have not seen a human in a very long while. "
She looks at Ekuur and smiles
"And I sense that perhaps you have something I would like to see?"
Jena rises and approaches the woman, kissing her cheek. The woman stands, a gown of sky blue silk trimmed in gold frothing at her knees. A circlet sits on her brow, set with a large central gem. The oval stone glimmers brightly, shining like a pale blue star.
"Lady Grandmother Meralindiel, this is .." Jena relates all their names and titles, if given during the travels .."They came from The World Ash. We .. encountered the Ice Spider, but she was thwarted by the efforts of our guests."
The woman, Lady Meralindiel looks over the group. Her almond-shaped blue eyes seem to pull them in
"I believe we have things to discuss. In private. Jena, Maelrin, attend me. My guests, if you would?" She comes over and places her arm in Ekuur's . She then leads them out of the audience chamber through a side door.
Lady Meralindiel guides them to a library with many comfortable overstuffed chairs. She sits at a desk that looks like it could seat twelve comfortably.
"Please, good guests, tell me why you have traveled so far."
Justin is obviously so enthralled, and distracted, by the beauty and architecture that he wouldn't notice himself being stripped naked by a tribe of noisy goblins. How he doesn't manage to get separated and lost is a secret known only to the tale-weaver himself. ;P
When meeting the lady in charge, he (unusually wisely) decides that his usual smart-aleck repartee is not likely the best introduction of his group at this point. (Although he suspects that the lady is experienced enough to take it in stride, he's not going to risk it. Yet.)
When he follows the others to the library, he eyes almost pop out at the possibilities. When invited, He sinks gratefully into an overstuffed armchair, barely suppressing his sigh of pleasure. He doesn't bother to hide the grin.
perception
Ekuur is also a bit distracted by the sights and sounds, as well as Lady Meralindiel's beauty. He finds himself missing Sigrid yet again ...
"We have traveled far, Lady Meralindiel, as you say. The World Ash is sick, and we were given to understand you may have something that could help. And we have, in turn, brought something you may indeed wish to see in trade."
perception 1d20+4
Ekuur is also a bit distracted by the sights and sounds, as well as Lady Meralindiel's beauty. He finds himself missing Sigrid yet again ...
"We have traveled far, Lady Meralindiel, as you say. The World Ash is sick, and we were given to understand you may have something that could help. And we have, in turn, brought something you may indeed wish to see in trade."
Lady Meralindiel nods and touches the shining gem at her brow.
"Indeed. There is only one thing that can cure a sickened Yggdrasil that I posess. The Chrysagmir."
She removes the circlet of pale gold from her blonde hair and places it on the desk in front of her. The gem radiates light on its own, shining and sparkling with a deep blue fire.
"It is a unique gem, forged in the Days of Making. Given to Hanali Cenali when she was but newly deified by an elder god who wished to woo her. It is literally a shard of the Primal Energy, trapped in a lattice that preserves it in its original state."
She directs her gaze to Ekuur
"I trust Yggdrasil has decided to grant that which I have coveted for many years?"
Ekuur goes silent for a moment.
Ekuur:
Ekuur: ** spoiler omitted **
Ekuur seems to come back to reality. Looking back at Lady Merindiel, he answers her question. "Yes. I am the seed's bearer." He takes his pack off his shoulders, and removes the seed from the pack to show to Lady Merindiel.
sense motive
Lady Meralindiel is hard to read. She has the ultimate poker face, it is like staring at a quiet pond when she is at rest.
When Ekuur reveals the pumpkin-sized Seed, Meralindiel smiles. She stands, her blue silk gown draping over her statuesque curves. She advances until she is a few feet from the flame priest.
"May I touch the Seed, Ekuur?" She asks quietly, in a voice that makes you want to do whatever she asks
Isaac interjects and puts a hand on Ekuur's forearm while he holds out the Seed.
"Perhaps, Ekuur, we should ask about the Crysagmir's use first and how best to employ it to cure the World Ash? A moment's more anticipation, after all, will only make completing the exchange that much more enjoyable."
JUstin watches the exchange with unfeigned interest, leaning forward slightly to cover his almost imperceptible hand motions of a minor detection charm.
She had remained silent as they traveled into the elven city. She stayed in the background. Blended. It was better not to be noticed. The last time she had been in an elven city she had been a child. And she had been fleeing it at top speed, running for her life. The construction of this city was similar, though there were subtle differences. It was more artistic. Fluindil was austere by elven standards, or so she'd heard the nobles say when she had served them at dinners and parties. Her eyes darted always to and fro. She was frightened. She was wary. She did not trust the beauty before her. She knew how easy it was to hide horrors underneath beauty. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion as the priestess asked to touch the Seed.
Merle taps her foot as she idely looks around at the groups surroundings whilst the exchange goes on.
Isaac interjects and puts a hand on Ekuur's forearm while he holds out the Seed.
"Perhaps, Ekuur, we should ask about the Crysagmir's use first and how best to employ it to cure the World Ash? A moment's more anticipation, after all, will only make completing the exchange that much more enjoyable."
Lady Meralindiel pauses
"I don't know the particulars of what has happened, but you must take the Crysagmir to the source of the affliction and say the Word of Unmaking. It is a dangerous task, but it will release the stored Primal Energy, which will hopefully repair whatever damage there is."
Justin:
Isaac nods.
"I see. One more question, milady: this 'Word of Unmaking'- is this something you already possess knowledge of or will we have to find it ourselves after trading for the Crysagmir?"
Justin nods slightly in return, (very grateful that he didn't offend someone who can make his eyes water just by the passive magic they radiate!) And politely adds to Issac's question;
"And is the word something that anyone can say, danger willing, or should it only be tried by those with skill in controlling magic?"
Meralindiel looks at the two
"I know it. I have known it for many centuries. Ser Justin is correct in thinking that a master of the arcane would be best to use the Chrysagmir "
The lady pauses, then speaks again
"One thing I cannot tell you are the side effects of unmaking the Chrysagmir. It is unique. There is no precedence for the release of its energies"
"Well were in luck if anything I'm overqualified."
The elven lady holds her hands out
"I promise I will be gentle, Ser Ekuur. If I could?"
Justin rolls his eyes, (briefly) at Merle' statement. But only gives a small smile when she glances his way.
(While he would probably never admit it to Merle, her natural affinity for magic will probably give her better control over such a wild and chaotic energy than his studious approach. Although that doesn't mean he's not interested in trying!) ;P
Justin nods to the lady again, and gives an almost imperceptible nod to Isaac as well.
"Go ahead. After all, It is only fair that she be allowed to say 'hello' first." He tells Isaac and Ekuur.
"And she has been most patient with our attempts at security and diplomacy. For which I thank you my lady." He says with another smile and bow of his head.
Ekuur nods, and brings the seed to Lady Merindiel.
Ekuur nods, and brings the seed to Lady Merindiel.
Lady Meralindiel lays her slim pale hands upon the burnished burlwood of the Seed. Ekuur feels her presence enter the communion he and the Seed have shared. The woman looks like a maid, yet her spirit sings with wisdom.
Snippets of memories whirl through his upper thoughts: A battle along a high snowbound mountain pass, a summer field where multi-colored butterflies swirl above tall grass stalks, a vision of a woman even more lovely than Meralindiel herself dancing atop a rippling pool of water in a fountain, her every movement fluid as the element she defies.
::Planter I greet you:: The Seed sends over in its not-language. The Seed begins a song like thousands of larks calling.
Meralindiel's soul sings with joy as the Seed touches her mind
"I have waited many years for your coming, Scion of Yggdrasil. Together we shall sing for many years, Lady willing."
The Seed turns its mind to Ekuur
::Bearer. Go with my thanks. Know that you will always have my gratitude, you and your friends. Take from me a love of growing things to brighten your sere soul. May we meet agian::
Ekuur feels a wave of the growing energy wash through him. He drifts for a moment in an endles web of green threads, feeling the power of the plant kingdom about him, a slow thrumming sound that vibrates through his spirit.
Meralindiel holds the seed silently for a few moments then looks up
"Friends, the Chrysagmir is yours. I will teach those who will learn the Word of Unmaking. It is a Word of Power, and not lightly spoken."
Rhiannon smiles quietly having watched the proceedings with an eye towards defense of those engaged in the ritual. Her of personal protective magic was limited and as a birthright required no study. SShe doubted the knowledge of this word would affect her Dragonmark.
Meralindiel holds the seed silently for a few moments then looks up
"Friends, the Chrysagmir is yours. I will teach those who will learn the Word of Unmaking. It is a Word of Power, and not lightly spoken."
"That will be me then." Merle says stepping forward.
"That would be us." Justin corrects wryly. He looks at Merle with a slightly raised eyebrow.
"After all, two heads are better than one." he adds with his usual trademark half-smile, To take any possible sting out of his words.
(Although whether or not that will matter to Merle, He's beyond being able to tell.) ;P
"Considering the effects it's already had, I presume that whatever is affecting the World Ash is not going to simply allow itself to be removed quietly. Two of us ready to try to control the Chrysagmir's energies seems,... Prudent." He muses aloud with a smirk.
"That would be us." Justin corrects wryly. He looks at Merle with a slightly raised eyebrow.
"After all, two heads are better than one." he adds with his usual trademark half-smile, To take any possible sting out of his words.
(Although whether or not that will matter to Merle, He's beyond being able to tell.) ;P
"Considering the effects it's already had, I presume that whatever is affecting the World Ash is not going to simply allow itself to be removed quietly. Two of us ready to try to control the Chrysagmir's energies seems,... Prudent." He muses aloud with a smirk.
"Spare us the screed, cutter. You just want another magic toy for your collection."
She dug her fingernails into her palm trying to keep herself from making a smart alec comment. She didn't want to draw attention to herself here. But it was hard now that there was less separation between her two selves.
"You guys forget that there's more then one caster in this group," Karrin says, "and having more then one capable of saying the word would be to our advantage, especially one who's able to take a beating, cuz I;m guessing that this twisted thingy probably is going to have some defense. They call that not putting your eggs in one basket, though I never really understood that expression, cuz when I collected eggs at the monastery I only ever used one basket. Couple of the eggs got eaten before they made it to the pantry but none got broken . . . course they were in good hands, and likely I can protect our squishy mages, but I think we'd better have everyone who's able ready in case someone gets cracked . . . if you know what I mean."
She lost the battle as Sanna (She hated that her other self had started using that name again. As far as she was concerned Sanna Mai'im was someone she used to be and it should stay that way. But she did have to admit that they couldn't both be Nari. It made them sound crazy. They weren't crazy. They were both perfectly sane.) decided she'd had enough of this and demanded her turn with the body.
"Yes, you're all very impressive," she said, dryly. "So now you can all get to the learning the word part? Yggdrasil isn't getting any healthier while we stand here," she added, impatiently.
"Yes, you're all very impressive," she said, dryly. "So now you can all get to the learning the word part? Yggdrasil isn't getting any healthier while we stand here," she added, impatiently.
Lady Meralindiel, Jenadiel and Maelrin all turn to look at Naridre. Jena looks a bit bewildered by this outburst. Maelrin frowns. Lady Meralindiel smiles again.
"I am sorry, yes, you do have your mission to accomplish. We are being rude hosts. If those who would learn the word come with me?"
She takes the Chrysagmir circlet and hands it to Issac.
"If you could, please take the gem outside the palace. One can't be too careful when speaking primal words. Jena? Perhaps you can give the others a tour of the city if they wish?"
Jena nods assent. Maelrin speaks up
"Lady grandmother, I shall accompany them as well."
Meralindiel nods
"As you wish. Any who do not wish to go can stay in my study here. Feel free to peruse the books, just be careful handling them. Some are millenia old. My servants can bring you refreshments."
Feeling grumpy and unsettled by being in a place that reminded her so much of Fluindil, Sanna found it hard not to make cutting comments. It was the thing that worried Nari so much. She worried too much. Well, mostly. Meek and mild Naridre knew how best to employ courtesy. Sanna had never had much time for it. She decided that perhaps it might be best this time to use some discretion and stay in the library. She wouldn't be allowed more time with their shared body if she made trouble every time it was her turn.
Seph at the mention of the library heads there enjoying how the place reminds him of home. choosing a random book he begins attempting to read it.
Linguistics
As Ekuur hands the seed over.
To Justin, Merle, and Karrin, his expression gets a bit hard. "As I bore the seed, I believe I will also learn the word. I am unsure why you automatically assumed yourselves and discounted me; do you feel the magic of the divine is inferior to arcane? Or just that I am illiterate and unable to learn it?"
Isaac secures the crystal in his pack.
"Bar that, cutters! Need I remind you we're guests here, so let's keep our caterwaulin' to a minimum."
He looks at Nari.
"And if we can't be pleasant, let's see if we can be polite. If Lady Merilindel has no objections, we'll have you four learn the Word and select the best candidate when the time comes."
"Lady Jena, Lord Maelrin, it would be my pleasure to see more of your beautiful city. Since most of you seem set on learning the Word or studying up, I reckon it'll just be me and Rhiannon right? We'll bring ye back a souvenir."
"Lady Jena, Lord Maelrin, it would be my pleasure to see more of your beautiful city. Since most of you seem set on learning the Word or studying up, I reckon it'll just be me and Rhiannon right? We'll bring ye back a souvenir."
She shuddered. "Please don't. No offense intended to our gracious hosts, but elven cities make me...well, we'll just leave it at uncomfortable. Is that polite enough for you?" she added a little too sweetly. For all her current bravado, the look in her eyes is similar to a cornered animal.
Her manner abruptly changed and she quickly clapped her hands over her mouth. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."
To Justin, Merle, and Karrin, his expression gets a bit hard. "As I bore the seed, I believe I will also learn the word. I am unsure why you automatically assumed yourselves and discounted me; do you feel the magic of the divine is inferior to arcane? Or just that I am illiterate and unable to learn it?"
Karrin blinks.
"Um, I was actually talking about you Ekuur," Karrin says looking rather uncomfortable, "I didn't think anyone was thinking that I could learn this word. I mean It would be neat and all, and I do use magic and stuff, but I think I'll be kind of busy fighting things. I was thinking of you cuz you're usually front line and can take a beating."
"Lady Jena, Lord Maelrin, it would be my pleasure to see more of your beautiful city. Since most of you seem set on learning the Word or studying up, I reckon it'll just be me and Rhiannon right? We'll bring ye back a souvenir."
She shuddered. "Please don't. No offense intended to our gracious hosts, but elven cities make me...well, we'll just leave it at uncomfortable. Is that polite enough for you?" she added a little too sweetly. For all her current bravado, the look in her eyes is similar to a cornered animal.
Her manner abruptly changed and she quickly clapped her hands over her mouth. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."
Merle seeing the mess Nari is getting into decides to help her out.
"Nari Seph headed for the libary maybe you could go there and lend him a hand? I mean you have been trying to help him learn to read again right?."
As Ekuur hands the seed over.
** spoiler omitted **
To Justin, Merle, and Karrin, his expression gets a bit hard. "As I bore the seed, I believe I will also learn the word. I am unsure why you automatically assumed yourselves and discounted me; do you feel the magic of the divine is inferior to arcane? Or just that I am illiterate and unable to learn it?"
"Actually I put myself foreward since I am pretty sure I am the most experianced here at manipulating magic but if you think you can do it better go ahead."
To Justin, Merle, and Karrin, his expression gets a bit hard. "As I bore the seed, I believe I will also learn the word. I am unsure why you automatically assumed yourselves and discounted me; do you feel the magic of the divine is inferior to arcane? Or just that I am illiterate and unable to learn it?"Karrin blinks.
"Um, I was actually talking about you Ekuur," Karrin says looking rather uncomfortable, "I didn't think anyone was thinking that I could learn this word. I mean It would be neat and all, and I do use magic and stuff, but I think I'll be kind of busy fighting things. I was thinking of you cuz you're usually front line and can take a beating."
"My apologies then. I know I can be quiet, but I do not like being discounted, either." Looking to Merle, he adds, "And I believe I have been serving the Sacred Flame for nearly as long as you have been alive. But Isaac is correct; this is no place to bicker. We should all learn it, if we are capable."
"I'll be honest, I did get the impression ye were talkin' about yourself, Karrin."
Isaac shrugs.
"Anyhow, water under the bridge. Right?"
"I'll be honest, I did get the impression ye were talkin' about yourself, Karrin."
Isaac shrugs.
"Anyhow, water under the bridge. Right?"
Nari and Seph settle into the large study. A maid and butler appear after the others leave and offer them refreshments. There are many wonderful tomes in the room, often exquisitely illuminated with a amazing pictures of fantastical scenes.
Jena and Maelrin lead the others out of the large temple and down the rock into Hanalindali proper. The architecture seems to run to slim towers and graceful flowing stone buildings.
Jena points out a tower that looks to be a single block of pale-green jade carved into a fantastical dragonshape along its side, the dragon's head becoming the roof of the tower.
"That is Turok's tower. He was a mighty wizard of the Elder Age. The Disciples of Flame have their chapterhouse there now."
She points to a soaring white tower that looks like it is infested with giant tree mushrooms. Closer examination reveals the sides of the tower are dotted with flat platforms. Griffins, hippogriffs and other winged beasts alight there and are led inside.
"The Tower of the Zephyr. The Order of the Winds dwells there. My cousin Imdril is of their number, you met her briefly on the road here."
She does a bit of talking, as the group heads to a large marketplace. Groups of elves shop and haggle among open stalls featuring a variety of vegetables and crafts. A cluster of goblins work at a large smithy/shop, selling various weapons and assorted ironmongery.
"This is the Souk of Dreams. " Jena says gesturing about.
Lady Meralindiel leads the small group of folks to an inner room in the temple. She places the Seed down on a set of silken cushions and looks at the group
"A Primal Word is not just speaking. It requires a certain mode of moving and a particular mindset, much like spellcasting. These words form the basis of all creation, all magic. This Word of Unmaking is tailored to the Chrysagmir, but there are many others. Let us begin."
Lady Meralindiel leads them through a series of movements and mental exercises that lead up to speaking the Word
Lady Meralindiel leads the small group of folks to an inner room in the temple. She places the Seed down on a set of silken cushions and looks at the group
"A Primal Word is not just speaking. It requires a certain mode of moving and a particular mindset, much like spellcasting. These words form the basis of all creation, all magic. This Word of Unmaking is tailored to the Chrysagmir, but there are many others. Let us begin."
Lady Meralindiel leads them through a series of movements and mental exercises that lead up to speaking the Word
DC check using wisdom
Charisma check
Ekuur:
Merle:
"What?" Justin protests innocently to Isaac. "Just because of one little incident, you thought I didn't know what Prudence was?" He asks, seemingly genuine.
"Believe me, the LAST thing I want in my personal 'toy box' is a shard of primal energy." He gives a small, genuine shudder. "I'm all about experimentation, but a guy's got to draw teh line somewhere." He mutters.
He acquiesces with open hands when Isaac tells them all to pipe down and behave. And he adds his apologies and gratitude to their hosts. Although like the others, he gives a raised eyebrow at Nari's outburst.
He seems genuinely shocked at Ekuur's outburst. And something else as well. Whatever it is, it seems to bother him more than Nari's did.
He follows the others in silence and listens to Lady Merelindiel without any of his usual comments or cracks. Either he is taking this VERY seriously, or something else is bothering him.
;P
He follows the others in silence and listens to Lady Merelindiel without any of his usual comments or cracks. Either he is taking this VERY seriously, or something else is bothering him.
1d20+4
;P
Justin:
As the party following Jena peruses the many tent stalls of the souk, they see many wonderful items for sale