"We could scry for the Crown and for the Banner of the First Kodiakborn. Think of the possibilities."
"As much as I hate to get back to business, but I think we need to learn what it was that Irrisen seized from the dwarves. They staged this whole siege to get something out of their vault, then just left and let the city survive when I think it could have been sundered. Maybe it is something so powerful they aren't even concerned about leaving an angry Dwarf Nation at their back. I am sure it will be a question Savol has for us."
"Agreed. They put far too much on the table to go after small stakes."
"We could scry for the Crown and for the Banner of the First Kodiakborn. Think of the possibilities."
And there is what I was worried about, though I didn't think Thorvald would be the one to mention it. "The banner would be excellent for our people's morale and more. The crown? I still distrust it and think it should stay hidden. Besides, we have other things more crucial than that to learn and we only have two of these seekings."
"My vote for scrying would be for the Banner and for the object stolen from the vault? I also think it would be better to scry for the book rather than Ana's sister since the book may no longer be in her possession."
"As for sharing memories, perhaps it would be helpful for some of us to have a chance to experience Ana's dreams and to learn what she has been dealing with? Perhaps starting with the night she woke up in the tent with me holding the icicle?"
The banner and book sound goo to me.
"I suppose though the gods themselves have instructed us to find this man Zethyris told us about. I think we all know where the book is going and I don't think we plan or going to White Throne to get it back."
"Our best wizards have attempted to track the book to no avail. We haven't tried the woman you spoke of but if she's the one who took it then scrying on her would most likely prove fruitless as well."
"I definitely don't think we should be looking for any probably-cursed crown, though it would match nicely with our sometimes-possessed princess."
"We know where the crown is. So no need to scry on it - especially when we don't plan to retrieve it. If you want to see my dreams, lets get it over with first. Maybe it will reveal something that we want to scry on afterwards."
Ana takes a deep breath, then turns to the dwarf and says:
"I'm ready. What do I need to do?"
"Uh, count me out of the dream-sharing. What if the dreams themselves are what's affecting Ana?"
"Just relax and don't fight me otherwise it may hurt." the dwarf seats Anastasiya down beside the orrery's central orb and begins casting while holding one of his meaty palms upon her forehead while the other touches the orb.
The dwarf begins pouring his energies into Anastasiya, willing her to bring forth the memories of the night many days ago. Images swirl and burst both into and out of focus on the orrery, faces, places, items. None lasting for more than a second before being replaced.
A stray thought brings a flush to Anastasiya's cheeks as she subconsciously fights bringing that particular dream forth which turns to pain as the power of the orrery seems to continue pulling the memory out. With a sigh she relaxes again and the pain recedes as the room around everyone gets darker and the images begin to resolve more solid.
"I have heard one can fight the cold by sharing body heat. Like this." As a ghostly image of Ana slips closer to Rutilux amidst a spectral copy of your camp. The image slipping in and out of focus. "...about all the fierce wolves you have fought."
Rutilux looks down into her eyes, "I did actually fight off some wolves once, when I was much younger, but they weren't particularly fierce. They were after a good man's herd. I managed to kill one, and the others fled. But that was much further south, and I hear creatures of the north, are not just beautiful, but are far more bold"
"So what are you going to do with this fierce, bold northern creature - that is doubtlessly after some innocent man's herd?"
The Cavalier's eyes heat for a moment, and then he puts a hand against her cheek briefly, "What I wish, with all my blood, to do, and what I should do are , I fear, two different things, Ana. Duties pull at me like chains, but I put those chains on willingly. Until I know how far those same chains will let me roam, I dare not go hunting, not even for the most beguiling of prizes." He pulls his hand away slowly, reluctantly, "I hope you do not think me a coward. I know I risk losing the right to hunt all together."
Ana is clearly disappointed. It takes her a few moments to find the right words, but when she finds them she replies with a cold voice:
"You never know how far your chains will let you go, until you pull on them."
Then she turns her back on Rutilux to wander off into the darkness.
After some few steps she shouts: "Rutilux! You don't need my permission to hunt." She doesn't stop or turn around to deliver that message.
Then the image fades away and restarts
"I have heard one can fight the cold by sharing body heat. Like this." As a ghostly image of Ana slips closer to Rutilux amidst a spectral copy of your camp. The image slipping in and out of focus. "...about all the fierce wolves you have fought."
Rutilux looks down into her eyes, "I did actually fight off some wolves once, when I was much younger, but they weren't particularly fierce. They were after a good man's herd. I managed to kill one, and the others fled. But that was much further south, and I hear creatures of the north, are not just beautiful, but are far more bold"
"So what are you going to do with this fierce, bold northern creature - that is doubtlessly after some innocent man's herd?"
The Cavalier's eyes heat for a moment, and then he puts a hand against her cheek briefly, "What I wish, with all my blood, to do, and what I should do are , I fear, two different things, Ana. My heart pulls at me like chains, but I put those chains on willingly. Until I know how deep my feelings go, I dare not go hunting, not even for the most seductive of prizes." He pulls his hand away slowly, reluctantly, "I hope you do not think me a coward. I risk losing something I hold dear for the chance to tame something wild"
Ana is clearly disappointed. It takes her a few moments to find the right words, but when she finds them she replies with a cold voice:
"You never know how far your feelings will let you go, until you risk breaking them."
Then she turns her back on Rutilux to wander off into the darkness.
After some few steps she shouts: "Rutilux! You don't need my permission to hunt." She doesn't stop or turn around to deliver that message.
Again the scene resets.
"I have heard one can fight the cold by sharing body heat. Like this." As a ghostly image of Ana slips closer to Rutilux amidst a spectral copy of your camp. The image slipping in and out of focus. "...about all the fierce wolves you have fought."
Rutilux looks down into her eyes, "I did actually fight off some wolves once, when I was much younger, but they weren't particularly fierce. They were after a good man's herd. I managed to kill one, and the others fled. But that was much further south, and I hear creatures of the north, are not just beautiful, but are kind and caring as well"
"So what would you do wth a fierce, bold northern creature - that is doubtlessly after some innocent man's herd?"
The Cavalier's eyes heat for a moment in anger, and then he puts a hand against her shoulder, "What I would do with any beast. But the wishes of someone I care about bind me like chains, but I put those chains on willingly. Until I know how far those same chains will let me roam, I dare not go hunting, not even for the most dangerous of prizes." He pulls his hand away slowly, reaching behind him, "I hope you think upon this. I know I risk losing the chance to hunt all together."
Ana is clearly disappointed. It takes her a few moments to find the right words, but when she finds them she replies with a cold voice:
"You never know how far your chains will let you go, until you pull on them."
Then she turns her back on Rutilux to wander off into the darkness.
After some few steps she shouts: "Rutilux! You don't need my permission to hunt." She doesn't stop or turn around to deliver that message.
"it's not your permission I'd ask."
The image blurs and becomes indistinct. The room seems to drop in temperature to match the memories.
"I have heard one can fight the cold by sharing body heat. Like this." As a ghostly image of Ana slips closer to Rutilux amidst a spectral copy of your camp. The image slipping in and out of focus. "...about all the fierce wolves you have fought."
"Now now child. Everything will be alright."
Rutilux looks down into her eyes, "I did actually fight off some wolves once, when I was much younger, but they weren't particularly fierce. They were after a good man's herd. I managed to kill one, and the others fled. But that was much further south, and I hear creatures of the north, are not just beautiful, but are far more bold"
"So what are you going to do with this fierce, bold northern creature - that is doubtlessly after some innocent man's herd?"
The Cavalier's eyes heat for a moment, and then he puts a hand against her cheek briefly, "What I wish, with all my blood, to do, and what I should do are , I fear, two different things, Ana. My heart pulls me in another direction. A direction you cannot follow." As he looks in the directions of one of the tents.
Ana is clearly disappointed. It takes her a few moments to find the right words, but when she finds them she replies with a cold voice:
"Feelings are like chains Rutliux, you never know how far your chains will let you go, until you pull on them."
Then she turns her back on Rutilux to wander off into the darkness.
After some few steps she shouts: "Rutilux! You don't need my permission to love someone else." She doesn't stop or turn around to deliver that message.
"Poor child, forget about this unworthy man. Your soul burns far brighter and deserves more than a mere man."
The scene begins to unfold again, but this time there is snow falling and wind stirring it amongst the tents.
i]"I have heard one can fight the cold by sharing body heat. Like this." As a ghostly image of Ana slips closer to Rutilux amidst a spectral copy of your camp. The image slipping in and out of focus. "Would you keep me warm?"
Rutilux looks down into her eyes, and steps away. "I cannot..
"So what are you going to do with this fierce, bold northern creature - that is doubtlessly willing to run away with that innocence of yours?"
The Cavalier's eyes heat for a moment, and then he puts a hand against her cheek briefly, "What I wish, with all my blood, to do, and what I should do are , I fear, two different things, Ana. My heart belongs to another and I cannot risk causing her sorrow for even for the most beguiling of prizes." He pulls his hand away slowly, reluctantly, "I hope you do not think me a coward. I know I would regret it if I did."
Ana is clearly disappointed. It takes her a few moments to find the right words, but when she finds them she replies with a cold voice:
"What about all of those glances and those smiles? Did they mean nothing? D I mean nothing to you?"
Then she turns her back on Rutilux to wander off into the darkness.
After some few steps she shouts: "Rutilux! You jerk." She stops and turn arounds around to find Rutlix cradling Dagmar in his arms, whispering in her ear and causing her to giggle before kissing deeply and lifting her off of her feet. They both seem to have forgotten Ana is even there.
Tears begin to roll down Ana's cheeks but stop halfway as they freeze and turn to ice. The heartbroken look upon her face turns to one of cold malice as she raises her right arm above her shoulder and a the wind and snow collects and for,s into a six foot spear of ice. "He'll hath no fury like a woman scorned." As she points the spear hurtles through the air piercing Rutilux's heart from behind as his back is turned towards her.
The scene shifts suddenly out wards as the camp fades from view and a great glacier comes into focus surrounded by an army of ice trolls, monstrous white wolves and other fell creatures. Standing atop the highest point is Ana, a crown of blackened iron atop her brow and a sceptre of ice resting upon her arm.
The image fades and rooms is bright again.
Sense Motive to gauge the reactions of the party members.
It was difficult to watch the vivid and increasingly passionate and emotional scenes play out between Ana and Rutilux, even though Thorvald knew they weren't real. At least he hoped it wasn't recent if it was a skewed perception of a real event. He knew both he and Rutilux had pursed Ana and Thorvald accepted that. Maybe this was why the party switched up tents that night Ana manifested the spear? But, the spear had been aimed at Dagmar that night. Was this an ongoing fixed delusion? Was the voice poisoning Ana to all her conpanions?
"So it festers, changing subtly, twisting slightly, until this . . . voice comes to the forefront and speaks to her whispering thoughts? Is this something cast on her or someone contacting her mind through her dreams like some kind of night hag in the legends? Do you think it is something that can, uh, affect those near to her when she sleeps? As in their minds and dreams?"
Thorvald wanted to ask if there was a way to fix it. To stop the dreams, but he was too afraid to ask for fear of the answer he might receive. Not knowing what to say to Ana he opted instead to stand next to her placing an arm around her shoulder.
Despite wanting to know what was going on with Ana's dreams, Dagmar still felt a bit uneasy watching such private moments between Ana and Rutilux, not knowing how much of it was true. When they got to the scene involving herself and Rutilux, Dagmar could feel herself blushing bright red, knowing full well that what she witnessed never actually happened.
Well, I certainly didn't expect to myself in Ana's dream like that. Did she actually think that I was trying to steal Rutilux away from her? I mean, I know that I was thinking about changing my stance on southern men, but Ana made her feeling known first and I would never have done such a thing to her even though she obviously thought that I would...
Dagmar looks between Ana and Thorvald as she talks, avoiding looking over at Rutliux due to being rather embarrassed over the false scene from Ana's dream.
"I don't think that I was affected during the time I shared a tent with Ana and certainly I didn't have any sort of odd dream that night that Ana had that one. Now I am left wondering what would have happened if Ana and I hadn't been roused out of our sleep by that attack. Lost in a dream, would she have driven that icicle into me? Did her dream attract those ice elementals or were they responsible for bringing the dream to Ana?"
Zethyris watches, sober and silent. He glances at Rutilux and Dagmar to see how they respond, then focuses his attention on Ana. "Ana? Are you alright?"
Rutilux is blood red and avoids eye contact with anyone, but does say, "Twisted indeed. Dagmar is innocent of any such... behavior. And Ana,I fear, has had her very dreams poisoned."
Ana puts her hand on Thorvald's arm and looks at him apologetically, while the picture of her trying to seduce Rutilux are shown in a seemingly endless loop.
Once it is over she stares at her feet and says "I had forgotten that this is how the dream started. I only remembered the end ... when I was leading an army of monsters. Dagmar, I'm really sorry. I'm sorry I blamed you for being responsible for the ice elementals back then... you probably were right: it must have been me who created them..."
She turns to Zethyris and replies "I feel a bit uncomfortable that you all just saw that scene between Rutilux and me. Over and over again. But aside from that I am fine. Do you want to see more?"
Julian snaps, "I was VERY clear I wanted nothing to do with this! I realize it is a great service you are performing, but it is one I refused. Now we are no closer to understanding Ana's actual predicament but her privacy has been slaughtered. Do not invade--" he catches himself and takes a breath. "I would deeply appreciate a warning next time before you or anyone else entered my head."
"You are free to leave if you wish, no one is holding you here against your will, but you seem awfully affected by this where the rest of us aren't. Do you have something that you need to share? What is making you recoil from this so passionately?"
"Perhaps the Ulfen don't, but we Tian respect each other's privacy. I tried to opt out so that someone could observe what happens to those entering the vision. But with the vision sprung without warning, we all found ourselves thrust into something that was none of our business. It held no clues about Ana's ...condition. Can't you see she's embarrassed? Who wouldn't be? My dreams are dull things or non-sequiturs in a series, but they are mine. I am ...angered that my request was ignored and I was subject to the vision as well. My mind is not a place I enjoy having uninvited guests, as it is the only thing that is truly mine."
She turns to Zethyris and replies "I feel a bit uncomfortable that you all just saw that scene between Rutilux and me. Over and over again. But aside from that I am fine. Do you want to see more?"
"Only if you are okay with continuing. We're not going to force you."
"So if I leave the room, I am free from this?" Assuming the wizard says yes, Julian walks out the door.
My memories are private things as well. I will join Julian. Jediah joins the ninja outside.
The dwarf is taken aback at Julien and others obvious offence. "I would never invade someone's mind without permission! Everything you saw was merely her dream given form through the use of illusions. This device draws upon the spell being cast. Your friend chose that memory." he pauses as the two men leave and looks at Ana, "I appologize if you did not want to show the entire dream and I understand if you do not wish to continue. The spell and thus this orrery shares the whole memory not just what the person wishes to show. If nothing but your embarrassment was gain by this I truly regret having done it. I have the utmost respect you all of you for saving this city from that dragon."
"It sounds haughty, but 'apology accepted.' You meant no offense, clearly. I ...adjusting to societal norms here has been ...taxing. I apologize in kind for my ...prickliness."
"Please, continue. I will happily share all my embarrassing memories with you - if there's a chance that it helps to find a cure to my condition."
"We did not mean to imply that you would violate the minds of others, it's just that most of us have very little knowledge of magic. I think it was assumed that 'sharing'Ana's dream involved a sort of mental connection. I am sorry for any slight on your honor."
Rutilux does manage to give Julian a nod of respect. He sympathizes. I cannot know how embarrassed Ana is, but if it is anything like what I'm feeling, she's mortified. Still, the clues within maybe all we have. "Unless Ana wishes me to leave, I shall stay and seek out more clues in these dreams. I'm sure she and I wish the investigation was not ..necessary."
"I understand, these are memories, which are the most personal things a person can possess. If you intend to continue which dream do you wish me to draw out?"
"Unfortunate, but necessary. If you wish to leave Julian it is your prerogative, however, your different way of thinking about the world might yield important clues here. Keep in mind these are dreams and memories manipulated, not solely Ana's invention."
"I think we should continue because we may not have a chance to use an augury room like this again and we have a trained diviner to assist us. This is about Ana's well being, not anyone's comfort. Its about helping a member of our group. I think Ana is showing great courage in the face of this challenge, so can we."
Thorvald looks like he was going to say something else but changes his mind and looks Ana in the eyes. "If it is too taxing, I could take a turn and try to bring forth the bear dream. Perhaps we can see how it was I had the same one as you. Maybe to see if it came from you or this mysterious voice that manafests itself in your dreams. I want you to know I feel no embarasment or shame or anger about these images. Even if the first one was reality."
Thorvald looks Rutux in the eyes if he will meet his, "Nor do I hold any ill will from this dream or memory against you brother. You kept your oaths as I understand them. Ana had no commitment to me at the time of this, um, whatever it is. For my part I did not know that something like this had played out between the two of you or my own actions may have been different. I can see how wrong the accusations I made against you were, and that the beliefs I held about your intent in Oakrun were unjust to say the least. I also see why Ana had, uh, trouble choosing her suitor in light of this relationship that was unknown to me. While I won't say I enjoyed watching it, it helped deepen my understanding of you both. I do not regret what Ana and I have now, nor begrudge you the past. It's not often a man can see the past he did not know of and have to ask forgiveness in the present."
Thorvald paused, it was traditional to give the wronged their chance to be heard once a public reparation had been made.
The Ulfen wanted to say more, but he didn't want to have it come across wrong. It was important for the big man to set right his wrongs. He realized how hard it must have been for Rutilux to send him back to Ana that night. Rutilux obviously had upheld his code, but at a cost of his own desires and probably a broken heart. Deep down though, Thorvald knew it was for the best, Ana and he had the blood of the north in them mixed with natures more feral, emotional and chaotic than the rigidly disciiplined southerner. They were a better match. Still opposites attract strongly, Rutilux could have ruined it for everyone involved, but put himself aside so that the two of them could find happiness.
Once the topic has been discussed or if no one said anything further, Thorvald will try to take the focus off himself so he turns to the dwarf and asks, "Since I know little of magic, are these visions our scryings you are granting us? I don't want to use up the last one if it is."
Outside the room Julian makes a face to Jediah. "What is with these people and their need to share every feeling they have aloud?" He laughs. "I mean, good for them, I guess. I've just never known a group of capable warriors so ...'share-y.'"
Jediah shrugs. Bond of friendship, swordbrothers or however it is.
Julian nods. "Fair enough. They remind me of a boy before his first proper geisha; nervous and fumbling and focused only on genitalia's benefits. Like awkward children playing at adult feelings. Ah, but I am too harsh. I am too used to how things were back home."
"Alright, concentrate on remembering the dream and ill draw it out."" the dwarf settles Thorvald down near the orb and begins just like before.
The room darkens and a strange image begins to appear, as if you are looking through someone's eyes rather than as a separate entity like last time.
You're running through the forests near your home, exhilarating in the bright summer sun beating down upon you through the gaps in the trees. You feel strong and proud knowing that this is your forest, your trees. You come upon your river, full to bursting with fresh salmon and trout, a bounty of food and just what you need to stay strong to hold your lands from any who would dare to claim it. Leaping into the waters you surface with a glistening trout flapping with futility in your muzzle before you toss it to the rocky bank and wait for another. This time your paws catch your meal as a mighty swipe sends a shower of water and large salmon through the air to splash down upon the rocks. As you settle down to eat your fill a familiar smell wafts through the trees towards you. Following it you see a beautiful woman, your Ana standing between two boulders in a clearing beckoning you to her. Bending over at the waist and giving you an inviting smile she curls her hands towards herself drawing you nearer and nearer. Something seems odd but you know you're safe with her so you let your paws take you where you want to go.
Just before you reach her a flicker of movement catches your eye and suddenly you feel a tightness around your throat, then again and something is pulling you back. You snarl and try to turn to face whatever it is, shuffling in hopes of placing your muscled bulk between your love and your attackers who resolve themselves as two men holding your throat with ropes attached to thick poles of wood. Standing up to your full height you begin to drag them towards your waiting paws when you feel a light touch upon your shoulder, "Do not resist my love, we need you strong and healthy for what we have in store for you." Almost immediately you feel your strength slipping away as a chill radiates from her hand across your form until you feel weaker than a kitten.
Time passes in a blur before resolving itself again with you inside a cave, no a human building in a pit surrounded on all sides by smelly, stinking humans. Yelling and throwing rotten foodstuffs at you. You feel stiffer than before and it takes a while before you remember you've been slowed down by all of your wounds. Your coat is matted and greyish, missing all together in some places. Replaced by old scars and half healed wounds. You begin to put weight on your left paw but stop as the pain reminds you that you lost much of it against that giant long haired cat. Somewhere above you you can hear Ana's voice as she croons to you and promises to take care of you as soon as you beat theses beasts who threaten her. Memories of her smiles and soft touch set your hackles on end, how dare something threaten your Ana while you still breathe, so you turn to face these beasts, confident that your injuries are not enough to stop you from protecting her. From the other side of the pit three near-wolves, those things the humans call dogs, rush at you and circle you. Nipping at your hide and your paws then jumping back when you focus on them. As you turn to batter one dog with your mighty paw another jumps on your back and it's teeth sink into your neck. With a snarl you try to pull it off but another leaps inside your guard and tears a deep chunk out of your knee causing you to fall. Try as you might you cannot keep up with the faster dogs eventually your stamina falters or your wounds catch up to you as you collapse and everything goes dark. "What a pity, it seems my pet doesn't have any fight left in him, I guess I'll just have to find some other way for him to entertain me."
Your mind refocuses and you find yourself standing atop a small pedestal, a strange itchy item, a hat?, is strapped atop your head as you try to balance upon your feet and spin about causing the dress cinched about your wasting frame twirls and spins but your leg, the knees that the dog got to soon gives out and you fall off. The laughter that filled the background until now picks up then stops and you hear the angry clacking of a woman's shoes moving towards you. Turning your head you see Ana, glaring down at you as she tries to drag you up off of the floor but you are too weak to stand and fall back down several times before she gives up. "So you've finally given up Thorvald? I knew you couldn't keep me happy for ever. I guess it's time for me to find a new toy." she turns and begins walking away but stops. "But first I really should deal with you." A spear of crystal clear ice manifests in her hand and you watch as she thrusts it deep into your chest, the pain is excruciating as she twists it back and forth until the image fades suddenly
A shadow passes over Zethyris's face as Thorvald's dream concludes. I hope this doesn't cause any trouble for Ana. Even dreams tend to stem from some facet of reality.
Partly to give everyone a chance to think rationally before discussing the dream but also because he is genuinely interested, Zethyris asks, "Ana had her dream the night we fought those ice monsters. When did you have this dream, Thorvald?"
"I had that one the night we entered the city here, after having been bitten by spiders."
"I noticed there is no manipulating voice in that dream and it does not replay and change like Ana's did. Perhaps it is simply a nightmare, but what if it is coming from whatever it is that is effecting her?"
" Ana told me that In her dreams she is powerful. Very powerful, but always on the wrong side: She leads armies of ice trolls and winter wolves. She seems to kill and destroy everything that she should care for. She said, "I dream of you, Thorvald. A lot. But in my dreams, we are always enemies. We always kill each other in the end."
But a know she isn't like that when she is awake. She is concerned about me being close to her when she sleeps for fear that she might attack me when she is the person she is in her dreams. We have all seen that it can become a waking dream now. Is she perhaps possessed by a spirit or a spell?"
"Whatever it is can make her turn against us."
"Maybe it is best Jediah and Julian didn't stay for that, I am sure the jokes and ribbing would be unbearable."
Ana had heard the content of that dream from Thorvald already. But seeing it throgh his eyes makes her shudder nevertheless. She silently agrees that it is better that Julian and Jediah have left.
"This felt definitely different from my dreams. Maybe somethig is trying to warn you of me, Thorvald. Can we look at more of my dreams? Maybe someone can spot a pattern..."
"You have never wronged me and I don't know who or what would be trying to warn me, but I could see that those who want to dominate your mind would want me separated from you."
"Yeah, I think trying to find a pattern in your dreams sounds like our best bet."
Rutilux takes a deep breath, but nods.
"Curious," comments Zethyris once Thorvald replies. "I also had a nightmarish dream that night. Perhaps some power was at work that night, and that dream was not entirely of your own mind."
"What was yours?!"
When Ana has taken the time to bring her memories of another dream to light the wizards prepares and again the lights dim and spectral images begin to form.
Before you a greyish white mass of bodies march. The forms of terrible ice trolls mixed in with human soldiers wearing white cloaks to blend into the swirling snow. at the edges of the army can be seen the sleek forms of white wolves. In the distance and to our right are the mountains that make up the northern border of the linnorm kingdoms. Close around you march your silent watchmen and bodyguards, their forms hidden under robes and their faces permanently covered by those masks. Turning behind you can see your army stretching back as row upon row of soldiers who live and die by your orders making their way quietly through the snow while up above the sky is covered by a never ending snow. "Your highness." A large man in black plate mail riding behind you eases his horse closer but remains outside the ring of your robed guardians. "We will arrive just before sunrise. Shall we take the time provided to set up our own defences and give the men a chance to rest? It will take some time to dig them out."
"No, we attack as soon as it reveals itself on the horizon, and I expect to be inside by this time tomorrow.
"It will be as you command m'lady" then the scene fades
A room takes shape, large stones make up the walls covered in tapestries depicting various Ulfen stories and great battles. Situated between the tapestries stand various armour stands holding odd ulfen styled armour, most damaged in some fatal way. Dominating one wall is a great mosaic that is a map of the ulfen territories with various plaques showing clan symbols and heraldic marks hung under pictures of cities. While whomever it is you are watching through surveys the room a man moves into view and replaces one plaque with an ice white plaque of what looks like a glacier or a frozen mountain in the northern mountains where it joins many other similar plaques. "m'lady, the last remnants of resistance have been captured and are awaiting your pleasure to be publicly executed. The fortress is ours." The man's colour pales as he looks towards you, "Yours M'lady, only yours." A wave of a gloved hand covered in rings dismisses the man as the scene twists and shifts to somewhere else. The man in black plate mail is beside you again, this time his armour is marred by dozens of scratches and dents. On his back hangs a eerily blue great sword as he walks in front of you. Out of the corner of your eye you can see one of the masked and robed men moving fluidly along beside you, making no sounds. His feet do not even seem to scrap or slap on the stones unlike your own or the heavy thuds of the armoured man. "M'lady, soldiers found it only minutes ago and immediately sent word to me. No one has entered yet as you ordered."
"Good." The group turn a corner to find several soldiers standing uneasily around a large stone pit. Moving directly to the edge you peer down into the blackness before moving towards a ring of stairs set into the edge that spiral down into the darkness below...
The scene changes again, this time the woman walks alone while soldiers stand at attention along the wall of the corridor. A the end is a heavy wooden door rattling back and forth as if battered by a heavy wind. The woman walks up to it and the last two soldiers push them open. The light from the other side is blinding at first but she blinks away the brightness and steps through. Onto a balcony overlooking the outside grounds where only hours ago your soldiers were fighting. Now in orderly rows stand hundreds of posts and on each and every post is a man or woman still alive, hanging by chains while ravens perchance amongst them pecking and snapping "Look at where you are now. Yesterday you were champions of the north, feared far and wide. Today you live by my generosity alone. Broken, defeated and utterly at my mercy. Where is your honor now? What happened to the legends I grew up hearing about. For hundreds of years you have existed to defy me and my family but in one day I have taken your order and burned it to the ground. Today you live so that you may truly understand the power you thought you were equal to. Remember this and tell your ancestors and your gods that we are coming for them next because tomorrow you will be nothing more than food for that wish you arrogantly named yourselves." The scene fades as the view pans over the hundreds of stakes, spread out across the frozen earth, and countless black wings defending upon them
Rutilux tries to concentrate on the dream, looking at the sigils, clanmarks, and heraldry in the dream, hoping to place them... or if he cannot, at least be better prepared to research them.
Isham also reviews the heraldic indications on the markers as the scene unfolds, and attempts to supplement Rutilux's more detailed knowledge with his own breadth.
...and Isham marshals all his willpower to keep his mouth closed and contain the unvarnished ignorance about to emerge.
As the balcony scene, overlooking the walls and the pikes, unfolds, Isham concentrates to try and discern time. Is the scene hours hence, or at some other season? Are the adjacent territories depicted as captured by the Irissen in the dream-scene known or thought to be conquered?
"Master Priest, I assume there is no such map room in this castle, nor such a pit descending to a balcony? Ana, is this some known Irissen magic - perhaps the walking 'hut' of legend?"
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"Master Priest, is it possible to seek dreams forgotten or hidden? Can this magic, and this device, help us find the way in which Ana was connected to her Irissen family? Perhaps by understanding better how such a thing came about, we can determine how to better remove, or at least counter, such a dangerous link."
'...and if so, perhaps later I can seek to use this device to probe that occasion when my own magical abilities began to emerge. It can not be coincidence that these Northern lands and this fated quest precipitated the awakening of such talents. There may be clues in those dreams.'
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"This has to be a dream right!? The people named after ravens have to be the Raven Guard, the guardians and champions of the north and watchers of Irrisen. If this is a memory . . . Then the invasion has begun, but all Ulfen Clans will be affected and rally. Please though, tell me what we are seeing is just a dream."
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"What was yours?!"
"It also gave me thoughts of doubt in someone I trust. I may share it later, once we are done with Ana."
Ana's 2nd dream...
Zethyris is intrigued by the second dream and Thorvald's statement. "Indeed, this dream seems to have more to do with an actual event, rather than a regular dream. I'm no expert in magical matters, but is it possible that the dream was a form of scrying or prophecy?"