Nightflier's Midnight Game Thread

Game Master nightflier

"I know that there were more Sleepers. The ancestors of other fay races, I suppose. Erunthalion thought that there are four Sleepers in total: ancestors of Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes and Halflings. Or at least the greatest rulers and heroes who led the descendants of Elthedar after the Fall."

She smiles.

"Yes, I do have something in mind. I can't leave the Silverthotne, but I can send you to find the Eldest of elorgs. If you are willing."

Sky sits silent, and brooding. Anyone who knows the mannerisms of his new form would recognize the barely suppressed rage and anger...how close he was to erupting. But for now he held his peace. It was not fair. He had already paid the ultimate price...yet here he was asked again. This time he would make others pay the price. The ones he trusted, the ones who were with him now would not suffer. He would make sure of that.

"I will go", Sky stated simply, then returned to his private thoughts.

Solvistania turns her gaze away from Aealia and covers her eyes with her hand. It was all she could do not to break down in front of her, sobbing like a child. When she looks up and catches the looks of resolution in her companions eyes, she feels the depression which always seems to hover over her fade, if momentarily.

I...I HAVE to do this, no matter the cost...I have no choice.

She looks up at Aealia, her face calm. "Very well, I shall go to find my brother."

Duncan was silently listening all the while, but hearing one more time something he don't likes in young Dorns voice, he frowns a bit, and speaks up.

"I know that your people are proud, Dorn, and that there was always animosity between them and Sarcosans, but there is no need for such arrogance and dismissal of your future companions, for you know nothing of them, as you yourself said. I'm guessing that you were thrust into fighting for your life while you were still a bit more than a boy. So was I, my friend, and I also rode and fought with Roland for a while. You are still young and the Northern blood runs hot in you, but do not think that any of us is in any way below you, and do not speak about helping us as if it were a dull chore you are instructed to do, while other people are elsewhere fighting. If you just listen, you will realise that this might task and the people involved might be more important than any battle you have fought yet."

"I know little of you or your past struggles. You have fought against the Shadow, openly and defiantly. For that you stand as equals in my eyes not below. Yet you mistake the meaning behind my words. Roland is the heir to the Redgard throne, though he refuses the title of king until the day his lands are free of the Shadow, we of house Redgard still regard him as such. To fight along side him as you have is a great honor. To be tasked with a mission by one such as him is no small thing and regardless of how I feel about it, whether it is a dull chore or my hearts desire, it is my duty to my king and I will see it through to the end. I give you, all of you, my word as a member of house Redgard that so long as I draw breath I will aid you on your mission."

"I'm glad to see you value the honor one owe's his king We'll lalk more when we know more of each other, Darren of House Redgard."

"What the hell is up with Dorns and refusing crowns? 'The world went to shit two thousand years ago, and we're gonna sulk about it and blame the past for the present and our rulers are going to rule the same way they always have, but they're not going to wear the special hat until the world goes back to being made of sugar and daisies. It's symbolic of our struggle. Boohoo.' Seriously, how long is it going to take for you guys to pull yourselves back together again?"

Wordlessly watching Darren Duncan thinks sorrowfully
So much was lost... Dorns might still keep up the fight but it is tragic that they do not remember their own religion anymore. Almost like the honour is the only thing left to them. Vengeance, honour and duty. They do not even know what they are truly fighting for. Darren has a task set by his liege, and he would probably do it even if we were Orcs. But it rings empty to me. Was I like that when I was younger? Before I found Gilian...

Aelia nods.

"I thank you", she simply says. "I will assist you in any way I can. I have some small ability with channeling and I can give you some small boons; food as well. I sense that you have ancient magics with you, but they reek of evil and death. You can not use them and not succumb to their evil, but I can disenchant them and use their power for better purposes. If you wish, we can trade. I can not offer you equivalent value, but the things I can offer would be something that you can use, at least."

"This circle of stones is a crossroads of the Old Ways - ancient byways long abandoned because they became unsafe. But now, danger is everywhere and time flows differently in the Old Ways and distances are not the same. I have created a guiding light for you, to take you to Erunthalion. He has taken the Ways to reach his intended destination and I think that he became lost in the Place Between. The light should guide you to him - but be warned: Old Ways move strangely through time and space and they are home to strange denizens, sinister spirits and fey monsters. It will be dangerous."

Silently, Gilian reaches forward and calmly lays her hand on Solvistania arm. I don't know what you went through, but I will not let you down.

When most of her companions have agreed to the Snow request, she lets go of Solvi'arm, and looks at Duncan, drawing his attention. Her hand moves up to her sleeping child's head and her gaze moves from the child to the Snow and back.

"I as well agree with you that bringing back Erunthalion is critical, for we need his help to contact the Sleeper again. But to help you, we also need a boon from you. This search is bound to be dangerous for all of us and I would not want to bring our child there. Yours is a place where the Shadow is kept at bay, so, if Duncan agrees, I would ask you to care for our child. Protect him and teach him while we are away."

While talking, she tries to discern Duncan's feelings, ready to stop if he does not seem to agree.

Solvistania fingers the staff which she had liberated from the Librarian all of those years ago. "I take it you refer to this staff I hold, Aelia? We also have the sundered remains of a collar from the former bearer of this staff. What sort of items do you have for trade?"

When Gilian touches her arm, she at first flinches then she relaxes as the touch of the healer acts as a soothing balm for her inner turmoil. "Thank you...Gilian." She looks at Duncan, "I agree with Gilian, this will be frough with danger, unsuitable for your...child" Her voice cracks a little at the end of her statement.

Sensing her mistressthorn between her son's safety and her loyalty and desire to fight against the shadow, Pebble raises from the ground where he was waiting.

"Mistress, if you desire, I will stay with the young master and help him in this strange place."

Answering Gilian with a smile, he kneels down and takes his son by his shoulders.

"Now you see that all the stories we told you over the years are true. Now, your mother and I have to go again and have some more adventures. But you can't come with us yet, although I know you would like nothing better, and you will, one day, but not yet. You still have to grow stronger and learn many things before you come with us. And there is no better place to learn these things, than here, among the Elves. They will care for you while we are away."

Duncan reaches for his neck and takes his necklace with Lann's stone off, putting it into Alan's hand, and wondering how truly there was no change. The magic really resides in his own body and being now. Closing his hand over his sons, he says:

"You know what this is, I told the the story of Lann many times over. Now is your turn to carry it, and grow up to make your ancestors proud. And do not worry, we are coming back when we help our friends."

He gently musses Alan's hair and stands up, exchanging a glance with Gilian and Solvistania, before turning to Aealia.

"Of course we will all go, but you knew that already. So would you protect our son and care for him, teaching him all you can while we are away?"

Ilona walks over to Alan, dropping to one knee to smile at the adorable little boy.

"Hi, Alan. I'm your Aunt Ilona and I'm so glad to meet you. Your mom and dad are amazing heroes and they're going to help make the world a little safer ok."

She gives the little boy a conspiritorial wink and leans closer whispering.

"Don't worry, I'll look after them, I promise."

Little boy looks at Ilona and smiles shyly. You can see that he will be a great charmer when he grows up. If he grows up. Somehow, that gives you even greater determination to fight the Shadow with everything that you have.

Sky impatiently wraps, then re-wraps the bindings on his hands, that he uses to help grip his weapons in the cold. "It it too hot in here". "Ilona, Solvi, might I have a private word with you two over there", His head nods at a copse of trees outside the protective circle.

Solvistania turns to look at Sky'tor, staring at him with her blood red eyes gleaming. She says nothing however, and slips away from the others to join the newly reborn Erunsil elf.

One of Erunsil guards slips inside the circle of stones. "My Lady", he calls Aealia. "There are news."

"Speak freely", she replies. "These are friends in the struggle."

Erunsil just nods.

"Wolfhere has sent a word. The Packs are gathering. Conrad the Black and Conrad the Red have arrived, as well as Charlez Wolfskin and Arnulf the Left-Handed. Each of them with full Hundred of the Wolves. Grim-Grim is leading the Bears from the North. Wolfhere does not know what are the intentions of the Bleak Prince, but he says that Erend hasn't said a word that isn't an order since Erunthalion disappeared. He fears that the Prince will do something foolish."

Aealia nods, as in thought. "I doubt it. No matter how much concerned for Erunthalion, Erend is a creature of grim intellect almost as much as the Eldest. But this changes things for me."

She turns to the Bonebearers and Darren. "I must return to the Silverthorn. I will leave messengers so that you can send a word of your decision."

Ilona nods, rising to walk over to the trees as well, crimson eyes studying the Erunsil elf.

Ilona and Solvi:

Sensing her mistressthorn between her son's safety and her loyalty and desire to fight against the shadow, Pebble raises from the ground where he was waiting.

"Mistress, if you desire, I will stay with the young master and help him in this strange place."

Gilian smiles at Pebble proposal, "Thank you very much, Pebble, that would make me feel better."

As she says that, she senses a tension in Duncan and gathering Alan in her arms, she steps into the Erenlander embrace. "Something seems to be bothering you, Duncan?"

Duncan/High Duke, I'm just interpreting your ooc thoughts.

Solvi, Ilona, and Muni

Ilona stands silently watching as first Solvistania then Sky'tor make thier way back to the circle, fury clear in the body language of each of them.

Fury was something she understood, but watching Sky's muscles twitch he's come close to taking an action that could have ended their mission before it ever started.

A deep baritone echoed in her mind, the first time Requiem had spoken that day.

If he'd have attempted the shot you would have cut him down without hesitation wouldn't you?

He didn't.

But you would have...

....Question is, how much of that was me and how much of it was you? We need a fight. Soon.

That we do

The sword chuckled mentally. His grasp of sardonic humor had improved.

Looking up at Muni perching smugly on the branch she shook her head.

"Is this what it was like for him?" she asked, making her way towards the circle.

Duncan looks into Gilian's motherly caring eyes, and steels himself for what he knows he must do. Above all else, their relationship is about trust and sharing, so would never even dream about keeping something to himself. He probably couldn't even if he would, for Gil knows him too well, and would sense it just like she noticed his unease just now, same as he would sense it in her (or so he hopes). Smiling to his boy, he says:

"Stay here with Lady Aealia, Elves and Pebble, son. Your mother and I will be back in a moment."

Taking Gilian's hand, he leads her out of the circle, and feels like his own heart is encumbered by a heavy load, dragging it down, threatening to tear it in half. Once again he senses her concern, both for Alan and what her man is going to say.

"Gil... I would like nothing better than to leave Pebble with Alan. I know it would be comforting for him to have someone he knows and trusts around here. I know that the Elves and their ways will be a bit alien to him, and that you would also like to stay with him through your link with Pebble in way, but I don't think Pebbles should stay with him."

For a moment he sees a reaction in her eyes, but, as always, she lets him share his opinion.

"I think that Pebble gives us tactical advantage in most situations, advantage I'm not sure we can afford to lose. Now the stakes are higher more than ever, and an early warning from Pebble about an enemy, or you healing someone through him, someone that would be unreachable to you in the moment, may mean the difference between life and death. And if he is not there, you would have to expose yourself even more in order to heal others, and you know how hectic a battle can become. I know it wouldn't be easy for him to stay here surrounded by strangers of another race, but he is strong for his age, and the blood is strong. What he survived with us during the four years of his life is remarkable even for this times. And if the Elves in Silverthorn can't protect him from the shadow, I don't know who can. So I would rather not take any chances of you and me, and the rest of the party, risking ourselves more than we have to. Even one person who falls in the party could spell an end for us all, and I would rather we both came back to him unscathed. And..."

He pauses for a second, scanning her face and somehow he feels as if she already knew all he was going to say. He feels a bit of wetness appearing in the corner of his eyes, but he blinks it away.
"And I don't think what would happen to us if you were to fall because you put yourself at risk to heal another one. Because I know you would do it, and try as I might, there is only so much I can do to protect you if we found ourselves in the middle of our enemies. He will be just fine, and staying alone will only make him stronger. He is a Bloodforged. Aryth, I'm sure the boy understands what is going on better than I would have at twice his age."

He smiles at her, and gazes once more time into warm depths of her eyes, searching for her answer before she utters it.

"Is this what it was like for him?" she asked, making her way towards the circle.

"Eh? Your sword talkin' to ya again? Yeah, I guess it prob'ly was. 'Cept he had about sixty voices in his head, so t' speak. He's gatherin' more, I think. The land's chalk full of dead people, an' now that he's fully on the other side they're just flockin' to him. I've never seen nothin' like it."

Gilian sighs heavily."I don't like being wrong, but in this case, you are right. Despite all his qualities, Pebble is still a child, by elemental standards. and without guidance, I don't see what he could do that the elves could not."

Her shoulders sag a little under the weight of the decision she has to take. "I don't like being thorn between Alan and every one else. But you are right again, Pebble is much more usefull as a scout or in a battle than here. I've always known that someday, I would have to leave Alan behind to go back to this unfinished mission, but I had hoped that he would be old enough..." Tears flow freely on her face as she fights her maternal instincts.

Getting a grip on herself, she smiles through her tears and takes Duncan hand in hers. "Thanks for your vision and strength. Let's do it before I change my mind."

"Come, let me hear you decision about the items you carry with you. I will have to fly soon."

Knowing that he is right did nothing to lessen the grief and the guilt he felt, as he knew he would. Seeing Gilian's first tear roll down her cheek almost pushed to the front tears somewhere behind his own eyes, but he steeled himself, and drew Gilian into comforting embrace. For a second he tries to come up with something to say, that it is not the matter of someone being right or wrong, and that all will be well, but then realizes that he doesn't trust himself to speak, so he only gently tightened his arms for a moment remaining her steadfast support, then let go as Aealia's voice jerked him back into reality.

Gilian and Duncan entered the circle's warmth few paces before Solvi came from the other side. Once glance at Solvi revealed that emotions were raging in her, and her angry stride just confirmed his conclusion. Sky'tor and Ilona were still a bit behind her.

Well, that didn't go very well, whatever he told her. I hope Gilian will be able to get to the bottom of it and settle it.
He shot a concerned and supportive glance at Solvistania before briefly meeting eyes with Gilian.

Of course she noticed it first and probably understood half the story already, even thought she herself is still a bit shaken by our decision. She would always put others first, no mater what her own sacrifice in doing so would be.
His body became overwhelmed with strong tingling waves caused by admiration and adoration for the small energetic woman he loves so much...

Solvistania is torn between the desire to scour the flesh of Sky'tor from his living body and the urge to crawl up in a ball and allow the madness to consume her utterly. She touches her cat's furry hide, and is amazed at how soft and warm Felina's winter coat is to the touch.

Truly, I have no one but you, Felina.

The words of Aealia bring her out of her reverie. She strokes the staff claimed from the former Librarian, and ponders the power she could unlock from it...given time to study it further.

She responds in an ungracious tone, I wish you to safeguard these items until we have returned. There are many ways to unlock the magic contained therein, but I need to study it further..." and gain more power.

Before joining her friends, Gilian takes the time to sit with Alan, explaining again what his father just said. Then taking him by the hand, she brings him to Aelia.

"I will join my friends, looking for Erunthalion. During that time, I entrust our son Alan to you. Please, take care of him as you would do with any of your child. And should anything happen to us, I trust you to care for him and raise him to fight against the shadow, whatever his competences."

"She speaks for the both of us. Now, if the time is short, tell us what we need to do, and where we need to go. We could use a few supplies, some food, and as far as I am concerned we could go immediately"

"Very well. I shall take charge of them - and young Alan as well. Take your time and rest here. I will send a messenger to you with instructions in two days time. Come, Alan. It is time to fly." She smiles to the boy.

Do you want some time, or can we proceed?

I think that we should wait for Gilian to talk to Pebbles and Alan, and maybe react to Solvistania's state if she sees fit to do so now.

I think that we should wait for Gilian to talk to Pebbles and Alan, and maybe react to Solvistania's state if she sees fit to do so now.

I think that's already been taken care of.

Silently, Gilian reaches forward and calmly lays her hand on Solvistania arm. I don't know what you went through, but I will not let you down.

When most of her companions have agreed to the Snow request, she lets go of Solvi'arm, and looks at Duncan, drawing his attention. Her hand moves up to her sleeping child's head and her gaze moves from the child to the Snow and back.

When Gilian touches her arm, she at first flinches then she relaxes as the touch of the healer acts as a soothing balm for her inner turmoil. "Thank you...Gilian." She looks at Duncan, "I agree with Gilian, this will be frough with danger, unsuitable for your...child" Her voice cracks a little at the end of her statement.

Gilian sighs heavily."I don't like being wrong, but in this case, you are right. Despite all his qualities, Pebble is still a child, by elemental standards. and without guidance, I don't see what he could do that the elves could not."

Her shoulders sag a little under the weight of the decision she has to take. "I don't like being thorn between Alan and every one else. But you are right again, Pebble is much more usefull as a scout or in a battle than here. I've always known that someday, I would have to leave Alan behind to go back to this unfinished mission, but I had hoped that he would be old enough..." Tears flow freely on her face as she fights her maternal instincts.

Getting a grip on herself, she smiles through her tears and takes Duncan hand in hers. "Thanks for your vision and strength. Let's do it before I change my mind."

Before joining her friends, Gilian takes the time to sit with Alan, explaining again what his father just said. Then taking him by the hand, she brings him to Aelia.

Unless someone has something else to say, then I believe we can move forward.

I agree, let's move forward.

Sorry for not posting. I was at a wedding yesterday and I woke up just now. I'll be posting more stuff tomorrow.

Two days passed before a couple of Erunsil scouts came to take the child. Both of them were silent and grim as Erunsil usually are. The taller one came to Gilian and offered her an apple made of gold. "When you wish to start the journey, just hold the apple in front of you and whisper, "Betwixt and between", and the path will open. Come", he said to Alan. They took the boy and disappeared.

Two days passed before a couple of Erunsil scouts came to take the child. Both of them were silent and grim as Erunsil usually are. The taller one came to Gilian and offered her an apple made of gold. "When you wish to start the journey, just hold the apple in front of you and whisper, "Betwixt and between", and the path will open. Come", he said to Alan. They took the boy and disappeared.

As they were about to leave, Gilian intercepts them with a thin smile: [b"]This sound all good and proper,"[/b] she says.However there is one minor point you've forgotten to tell us. Let's say we take the apple and start our journey. How will we know we've found Erunthalion and more importantly, how do we get back from where we find him?"

"The apple will become your guide, lady. That is all I know, since we receive the same apples when we have to travel the Ways."

"Ok, then. Now all we need is a formation, and we can go. I will stand at the front a step in front of you to draw the potential enemy to myself. Sky, how do you prefer to fight, with a bow or knives? If you like bow better, then you take the rear, and Ilona and Darren are flanking me. Muni, Solvistania and Gilian are in the middle."
After seriously looking over the party, he draws his blade and straps his shield on.
"If there is nothing more let's go."

"I enjoy killing with either". "The rear of the party is fine for me". Sky takes position at the rear of the party.

Hearing words enjoy killing, Duncan frowns for a second, but his frown is mostly hidden under the helmet, and then turns to take his place at the front.

Solvistania stares at Sky'tor for a few seconds as the snow elf moves to the rear of the party. She then turns her back on him. She touches Felina's fur and strokes it gently for a moment before murmering to her pet, "Felina, scout ahead of the group and stay unseen."

"Aaand here we go again." the black bird scoffs, landing on Ilona's shoulder. "It's like starting all over again, swapping a knight for that Sarcosan witch and putting a less gloomy coat of paint on our resident Dorn."

Darren moves to take his position near Duncan."I don't doubt your abilities in combat, but your armor will slow you down, more so due to the snow, if time is essential to the mission then I would say to exchange it for something lighter but that is your choice. I'm far more experienced with this sort of terrain than most of you, I will be our scout."

"Well we do not know what kind of terrain we will be traversing, and I'm not planning on being a scout. We do not really need one of us to scout ahead, we have Pebble and Felina, and they are much more stealthy than any of us. Pebble move through the ground and senses tremor in it, while Felina's keen senses are not likely to miss anything."

As the two fighters pit their opinions and maybe more against one another, Gilian steps between them. This is not going well. This newcomer needs to show up and feel useful. Well, let's give him that. He is not used to the group and our abilities.

"Hold, do not get too high about this. Depending of the terrain and of the situation everyone of us has his strength. As for now, we don't really know what we are up against, nor what kind of situation awaits us. I don't think Felina or Pebble are up to this kind of thing yet. I would suggest that you Darren and our flying friend Muni take the lead as I'm sure Muni should figure better what to do while we travel the Ways. Then we'll have Duncan and Ilona, followed by myself, Pebble, Solvi and Felina. At the rear, we'll have Sky. When we know a little more about the environment, Pebble and Felina should be able to scout as well."

Felina meows and then moves back next to her mistress who absentmindedly strokes her fur, her thoughts elsewhere.