The elf will listen to the half-elf's story and will reply in elven
Dove responds in elvish to Terevalis, "I do not need the help of the elves not do I desire to help them. It is better to embrace my human half because its is the best way to get by. All my father ever gave me was a lifetime of prejudice and hardship. I've never put much faith in the Gods either as what good are they? Until six months ago I had thought the Gods were just silent idols that were a waste of my time. Even now I am not going to grovel myself to distant gods."
Then perhaps it is best that you take yourself and continue your current profession of rutting with any one or anything that will pay enough steel to pay for a dalliance or a few moments of passion given by someone who will show that passion to anyone with the correct amount of steel.
Dove says in elfish, "Don't judge me elf. I was not born into a life of privilege like yours and I do what I do to survive. Jor cares for me and is giving me a chance to get away from all of this. It is something I will take up rather than have the Blackbird continue to milk me for all i'm worth.
Gabriel offers his prayers before approaching the Herald.
"Hello again Herald. So tell me did you foresee this meeting. We have found the key and dealt with the bandits. Can you tell me what lies ahead. I though I was to serve the order. Become a great knight. Is this what lies ahead of me? The others are good natured but lack the same conviction. Am I te lead, to teach. I know not what lies before me Herald."
With a smirk, Looking at the wares it cannot be worth much especially when you trounce around tore like some human whore, oh, that is correct, that is what you are. You are simply using Jor as a means to an end. Tell me, do you plan to reject him and betray him to the Dark Knights or anyone else for the right amount of coin, after all, there is the old saying in Silvanesti, The honor among whores last only until the next payment. And as far as being milked by the Blackbird I am assuming that you would do this for anyone for the right price among other things. . Of course this is in elven.
The Herald puts his book down and turns to Gabriel showing a sympathetic face and says to Gabriel, "So you have retrieved the Key. It is grand to hear that it now lies in the hands that destiny has chosen. As for what lies ahead, I can foresee that you walk the path of heroes of old Gabriel. If you continue to follow the Destiny before you one day you will be known among the great knights of history. Huma Dragonbane, Strum Brightblade, Geoffrey Quick, Elias Solamnus, your name shall be remembered beside them all. Your role my friend is to lead but also to learn for no man is an island onto himself. As for where you path lies, have faith that the truth shall be revealed in your journey. Finding the key is only the first step. The next step is finding the wisest elf in Pashin. You must seek this individual for they shall know the next course of action to take."
In the course of their discussion the wizard will return the other two scrolls of sleep and identify to Cole.
Cole takes the scrolls and says, "Thank you for returning these. They're mementos from my time at the academy."
Dove finally has enough of Terevalis and stops talking to him, fed up of his insults and arrogant nature as well as the suggestion that she is using Jor. She goes back to conversing with Jor asking about his adventures with the Brass Tigers and the places he's travelled to.
Before he returns to his room the elven wizard will state in Solamnic I did what I could, Jor Majere. She refused the help of the elven peoples. Beware the beauty that is without that does not match the depravity within
"You honor me old man, those names hold great honor in hour ranks and are ones most of us strive to be like. I will do my best for what comes my way. I will take your words as a lesson and not seek this right as if I'm entitled to it, but strive to be worthy of the honor you say I will have. Blessings upon you friend. Now the wisest elf in Pashin. Does he or she have a name? We should probably wait on the others to get here to speak further. Please tell me the story of Huma would you?"
Gabriel takes a seat beside the man hoping to hear the telling of the great Huma once again.
The Herald says in response to a request for a story, "Ah yes sir knight I can tell you a story. But I have told the story of Huma so many times and I am sure that you have heard the tale yourself. No, let me tell you another tale of the Knighthood. Allow me to tell you the tale of Sir Tobin, a Knight of Solamnia who found true friendship with the most unlikely of creatures."
"Sir Tobin was once a young and handsome Knight of the Crown who at the conclusion of the War of the Lance was without purpose. He departed from his post to perform a quest of honor that would prove himself a true hero. When speaking to the people of the land he learned that a savage Minotaur was terrorizing the town of Dragon's Point. He rode to the town where he met with the town elders where he was asked to slay the beast and bring back his head to prove the deed was done. Sir Torbin seeing this as a chance to prove himself a true knight spurred his mighty warhorse and rode off with courage to face the foul beast. In time he faced down the Minotaur and challenged him to battle, only to be surprised that the Minotaur was an intelligent being with also a deep understanding of Honor. An epic battle between man and Minotaur ensued as many blows were stuck but no side could overcome the other. With Torbin and the Minotaur both one strike from death both sides yielded and Torbin became friends to the Man Beast. But such a friendship was not to last as a few days later other Minotaurs arrived to execute the Minotaur as a deserter. The Minotaur not willing to surrender to execution asked Tobin to bear witness as he faced down his executioners. The Minotaur a mighty warrior would kill two of his executioners before falling in battle. Torbin would bury his new friend with honor. The next day he would return to Dragon Point, gather what provisions he required and headed on his way to other adventures. But before leaving he looked back one last time with a glare of remembrance to a friend so short lived."
Time passes and eventually as agreed upon the group meets at the Temple of the True Gods and meets up with Gabriel. The Herald welcomes each of you by name and congratulates you on finding the key. He likewise tells you that you must seek the wisest elf in Pashin to take the next step on your quest.
Alathea tithes 10 more steel to the Temple.
"Herald, is there nothing more you can tell us? Terevalis, do you perhaps know who the Herald could be speaking of?"
That would be the Lady Sheyln. states the Silvanesti.
Sighing and clearly noticing the outcome even though Jor can't understand elven language. Speaking for a while with Dove before excusing him in order to bring the stolen equipment back to Dark Knights and coming back to tavern.
Grapping Dove along Jor walks to the market and asks her about simple things in Pashin. Then as an idea occurs to him Jor curiously asks Dove "Dove, do you know a lot of people here? How well are you acquainted with the currents here? I mean, political and other similar topics. I will be contacting my Company Leader shortly and reporting the situation here. I still need some more time to find out enough facts about this place and how the situation is developing."
Looking in her eyes I could maybe wiggle you a job as an information broker and specialist regarding this area. You do have for sure some contacts who could help us and I can offer my & my company protection for you. I can't promise anything regarding company... but I can make sure there will be no harm towards you in meantime as long as I am here as Jor gives her 50 steel coins Also consider this as a payment for your talents & new job, not the old one... although I did enjoy [b]Giving her a smirk and patting in the butt [b]Its not much but I consider you being paid for couple days more, my lady bowing a bit for Dove
Still walking around the market and looking around for a weapon shop Jor has thought for a long time to buy a better sword. Now that he can finally afford one Jor goes through wares before finding out masterwork Greatsword. Happy with this he buys it before moving slowly towards the Temple of True Gods as he explains to Dove that he will be meeting Herald there
Dove to the first question for Jor smirks and says, "I know a lot of what is going on politically in the city actually. And in confidence I will tell you what I know."
Once talking in a private place she says, "Well first of I know that the Legion of Steel has not fully left the town despite the dark knight assurances. They have spies operating covertly in the town, covertly undermining the activities of the Dark Knights. I also know the Mayor of Pashin is not as dumb as he seems to be. He may act like a coward on the surface but it is a ruse I hear and he secretly is aiding the resistance. The Dark Knights seek to make this town their base of operations in this region. They have already built an Enclave but also have had numerous Nerakan civilians and tradesmen move into the town seeking to overwhelm this melting pot and "legitimately" annex the town and surrounding regions as Nerakan territory. As for the elves, they live underground somewhere and pretend to be leapers to avoid being interrogated by the Dark Knights. However it seems that an increasing number of them have actually been afflicted with some kind of strange disease so I usually keep away from them when I can help it, I was somewhat curious to investigate where the elves are but the underground is a dangerous place. I heard that a great evil once resided there and even now the place is infested by vermin, goblins... and perhaps even darker things still.
Dove takes the steel and kisses Jor passionately and then says "Oh Jor you are too kind to me. No man I have ever met had showed such kindness to me. As for the Brass Tiger company I am willing to be an informant if you so require sweetie. Seems like a better job that what I have been doing here for the past five years. Maybe I should become a Mercenary like you. I am fairly skilled with a knife."
"Thank you sir. That is a valuable lesson indeed. We too often let the actions of the masses shape how we view the whole of a race. You have taught me that honor is not something only a knight can have. Thank you."
Gabriel sits and waits for the others to show. When they do and they now have a name he stands and is ready to go when the others are.
"Terevalis do you know where thus Shaylin is located? I am willing to meet with her. Know that I have my own goals I must attend to and I cannot commit to a further task unless it somehow coincides with the one i have already been tasked to accomplish".
I do know where the Shalafi resides. She is my teacher of the arcane arts. I am not sure that the Silvanesti would take kindly, however, to non elves finding out where they are staying. However, we did retrieve the Key of Quinari. That may count for something.
The Hearld says to Gabriel "I do not always tell people what they want to hear Gabriel as you have seen earlier. I tell what they need to hear. My memories are those of Krynn and her history is my life. There are great things in your future Gabriel. Honor can take many forms in this world. Remember to judge for yourself rather than follow the pre-notions of others."
To Alathea when she questions the Herald he says "I am afraid my role in this story has come to an end Alathea. I was the catalyst to bring you all together and begin your grand quest. Now it is up to fate to lead you on the course to follow. Be patient for events shall reveal themselves in time."
Alathea gets the sense of certainly in the Herald's voice as though he is absolutely confident to this statement.
The Hearld hearing Terevalis and mention Shaylin in elvish gives a glace to him but remains silent on the issue, neither confirming nor denying his assessment.
As for the two NPC's with you, Cole approaches the hearld first and says.
"Umm... mister Herald. I'm Cole, a sorcerer. I...worked for the wrong people and now I owe penance by becoming a Wizard. But I'm afraid to lose everything I worked so hard to achive."
The Hearld smiles and says, "Cole, Sorcery is a part of this world just as the moons of magic. I myself wield the powers of Sorcery and they have done me well as my profession."
He holds one hand out and chants a spell in a rythmic tone. Above his outstreched hand a glowing sphere of light appears in the air and dances about the room moving with a prenatural silence and otherwordly grace.
The Hearld says "The gods gave us free will to chose our path in life Cole. Service to the Orders of High Sorcery will give you the opportunity to achieve great things but you will also be beholden to the Orders as well follow their will until end of your days. I cannot make this choice for you. You will have to make that choice for yourself."
Cole nods and says "Thank you Herald. You have given me much to think about." he says looking rather introspective.
Spellcaft
Spell Craft
Recognizing the spell and hearing the Herald's reply, the elf will retort in a way that only a Silvanesti elf can Wild Magic is an abomination that almost destroyed the world had the 3 Cousins not taught us to temper it. Wild Magic is responsible for the Desolation, the Destruction of Qualanesti and the realms of the Dragon Overlords. It was wild magic that created the Shield around my homeland and destroyed the land and the people. It would appear that Cole is an opportunist and would renig on the deal he made a few days ago. as he walks out of the room
After Cole gets his words of Wisdom, Dove is the next to approach and bows to the Herald and says, "Greetings Herald. I am Dove Kassab, a daughter of a human and an elf. All my life I have been treated poorly for my heritage. I have been forced to sell myself to make enough money to eat and live but now... I think I have found love."
She gives a glace to Jor and looks back to the Herald. "What should I do oh Herald? Should I take the chance I have been given or should I continue to scrape by making a living here in Pashin?"
The Herald looks to Dove compassionately and says. "Ah love, it crosses all boundaries be it race or gender. One might have called it foolish when Gilthanas Kanan fell in love with the Silver Dragon D'Argent but nonetheless it happened despite all odds. I can see doubt in your heart Dove, that you blame your hardship on circumstances that you had no control over. All are born to this world for a reason. Tanis-Half-Elven's birth was thought to be a mistake by the Qualinesti but despite his heritage he went onto great things. He aided the Heroes of the Lance, slew the Dragon Emperor and even won the heart of the fair Golden General Laurana. Do not judge yourself as useless Dove for your birth has purpose, you only need to discover it. My final words of advice to you is when love presents itself you should grab hold onto it for it could never come again."
Arriving to the Temple of True Gods a while ago and coming inside just to hear Terevalis saying something in elven, which Jor can not understand, Jor shrugs his shoulders as he approaches others with his new sword tied on his back.
It seems everyone is here and all is well like usual. That does seems interesting trick referring to glowing sphere of light Do you have something to say to me Herald? Not sure what purpose I really had in the request of yours but as it is fulfilled, I guess there is not much more or? Jor directing his question at Herald
Seeing Gabriel and remembering information which he received from Dove Jor pondered for a moment the true meaning of him being there but not saying anything we are living interesting times in here Pashin it seems
I have received some information from reliable source about current situation in here Pashin regarding factions and power struggles. I do consider sending a message soon to inform my Company Leader about possible actions. Just a tip as I do find it important to inform you. Jor says to others while giving eye to Herald Or have you seen something regarding me and Brass Tigers Company, Herald?
A moment passes before Dove approaches Herald to suddenly bow and asks something Jor would find quite personal, leaving him to only wonder how hard has life been on Dove
The Herald looks to Terevalis and replies to him, "It is True that Sorcery is responsible for many ills but also it does many good things as well. The Academy of Sorcery, The Citadel of Light, the Sorcerers of the Legion of Steel and most of all the power to fight magical beasts that can only be slain through the powers of magic. We would have not survived the War of Souls without the powers that Sorcery had given to us to battle the tide of ghosts that the Dark Queen unleashed. Let me ask you this Terevalis, is it better to have a world of magic or one of no-magic at all? Did you not see the hardships that came when the Wizards lost their spells and the Clerics could no longer hear the words of the Gods nor draw upon their power. The people of the world did what they had to do in order to fill the void that was left. Just as what I had to do as well."
To Jor's question the Herald says, "In time you will cross paths with the Brass Tigers again Jor as will the rest of you. Your company has a role to play in the events to come. As for the nature of that role, only time will reveal."
As for Dove, at the end of the Herald's speech she gives a look to Jor and smiles and then looks back to the Herald and bows, "You have my thanks Herald for your wisdom."
Looking over his shoulder, Yet it was the sacrifice of a god, the sacrifice of E'li that restored what had been lost after ambient magic powered the Dark Queen's bid for power! as he walks out the door placing his hood over his head.
Terevalis leaves the cathedral and heads off into the town. However from a dark alleyway steps out Nathalin who is under a cloak and hood. He speaks in elvish to him.
"Greetings Terevalis. I was sent by Shaylin to find you. It has been decided that the heroes that aided in recovering the elven relics will be invited as guests to the elven enclave. She wants to meet them all in person to take part in a Divination. Could you see to it that they are gathered together so that I may lead them to our enclave?"
Still angry at the Herald's comments and Cole's apparent going back on his word the elf will only nod.
The elf will return to the meeting room and announce You have been summoned. Do not keep the wisest of elves waiting. as he leaves the room stopping at the shrine to the 3 Cousins to offer a brief prayer.
Mithas watches the whole scene is wry amusement. "The Herald makes a good point Cole and I would be careful with Terevalis. The Silvanesti care only for their rules and hate what they can't control. You would be wise to remember that."
The elf cares more about what has happened to his people instead of what he can do for them. His mind is so full he can't see the big picture. If I am to be part of this group he above the others will have to be watched. He would sell us all for the power to have his revenge it seems.
"Herald if there is nothing else I thank you again for your words. May the gods be with you my friend. So Terevalis is our only link to this Shaylin, we should catch him before he stomps off and see if a meeting can be arranged."
Gabriel draws up his hood and heads for the door of the temple.
The Hearld nods and says "Be well adventurers. May you fulfill what fate has in store for you."
Cole says "Ah finally. I'm interested in meeting a real wizard. It might influence my decision if I am to go through with my change in occupation or not."
Dove says, "The elves? Will they even let me come along?"
Anyway barring any parting words the group follows Terevalis towards the meeting point with Nathalin. He is a few blocks away as he does not want to expose himself in the town square where there is an abundance of Dark Knight Patrols. As the group is heading there they see an old woman at the edge of an alleyway look in their direction. Her face is so gnarled that its hard to tell if this is a man or a woman. Stringy white hair hangs over her face and her eyes are milky white as though she was blind. But despite this her gaze locks with your group and she hobbles out the alleyway. A foul stench comes off her body and assails your nostrils as she approaches. She calls out to you in a raspy hissing voice that sounds like scratching glass to your ears.
"The stars are set in motion, a plan cunning and divine; Beware the spectres of the night, beware the unseen designs; the key you hold others desire; protect yourselves from obsession FIRE!"
When the last word is hissed the woman cackles loudly as bluish mist smokes out from her clothes. She then spontaneously combusts as blue flames cover her body. There is a echoing scream she then then explodes into a burst of ghostly-hued flames catching Terevalis in a backlash.
This of course catches the attention of numerous people on the street who look in shock at what just happened. Voices yell, "What was that? They just burned that woman to death! Witches! Black magic most foul!"
Fortunately there was not a Dark Knight patrol near you at the time of this event however the word is spreading quickly among the witnesses and a rukas is spreading. It is only a matter of time before a patrol comes to investigate the commotion.
Dove looks in shock and says, "I think we should get out of here and fast. The Dark Knights would likely arrest us for this"
Arcana
Spellcraft
Reflex
E'li! the elf cries.
Spellcraft
Alathea is shocked and begins to pat the fire out on Terevalis if necessary.
"Agreed, we must leave now".
The yell and sudden explosion of the old woman, the panic and yells of sorcery caused adrenaline to pump on Jors body and his whole body reacted immediately to the commotion.
Grapping Dove and hushing at others "Move now and fast before they come. I could maybe alone have no problems but I rather not test my luck at this moment with everyone here. We need to get moving"
As Jor turns around and begin to sprint away while dragging Dove behind him. "Dove, if you know somewhere safe place, just lead the way" as he slows just a bit to let Dove take the lead while watching behind him to see if others follow him
Nathaniel and I both know ways around the city that not even the inhabitants of the city would know. I am not sure that I trust the half-breed to know them, she would sell the elves out in a heart beat.
Dove shrugs and says, "I do not know. Lets just get some distance as quickly as we can."
With that she bolts away heading away from the marketplace and further to the east part of town.
So are the rest of you bolting?
"Everyone scatter. We can regroup by the "
With that Mithas runs into an alley, but after a few feet, he slows and blends in the shadows, easing his way towards the meet up site.
Alathea will follow Terevalis as he is the one who can lead us to the location of the wisest Elf in Pashin, or t least, so he claims...
Shrugging and giving a quick glance at Terevalis We can meet shortly after near Five Dragon Inn & Tavern. Better to just get out of here meantime and with that Jor rushes off after Dove
Running down the street at top speed with the priestess and the sorcerer behind him, Terevalis will run into an old abandonded warehouse. Running down the steps he will run behind the flight of stairs and push into the wall. Another set of steps opens up in the floor and he tells the other two Down and wait for me for a few moments . As they descend he looks around and seeing that they were not followed follows them down after pushing a pressure point on the wall the floor slides over them with no one being able to tell that it was ever disturbed.
Rest here for a moment before we continue. After they catch their breath he will explain to them the importance of keeping what they see here and from now on secret. Do not be surprised if the elven clerics or mages alter your memory before we exit into the Enclave. THis is as much for your protection as it it for the elven refugees. I can see in the dark. Do you have a way of doing so? he asks as he stops bit says a word in Magius Rentrah as another door opens and they enter into the sewers of Pashin.
Alathea draws a torch and casts a Light spell upon it. "Now I can".
The group runs away from the scene, some going their own way, others staying together. It is good that you do so as about a minute later you hear alert horns being blown. Fortunately you managed to get a good head start on the Dark Knights and their search for you is somewhat in disarray. Terevalis and those with him are soon met by Nathalin and says,
"You really riled things up. The Dark Knights are on the lookout. You will need to use the Sewers but the closest entrance from here as to not leave a trail they can follow. I will lead you there and have some of my people gather the rest of your group. We will then create some distractions while you Terevalis lead them to the enclaive"