Henris speaks up, "Seeing as I'm likely to be one of those who has a little difficulty getting in to Evereska, I'd rather not be left behind. I technically have family in the city, although I haven't met them, so I should only have to do a little cajoling.
"As for how to get there, I'll go with whatever the rest of you decide. My question is will the kiira be safe if we take a long time to get there?"
Nehama thinks on what she knows, and states to all gathered " If it is the Goddess will for us to die before reaching there, perhaps we do so because we have stopped a great evil in the past dark knight. Or the Kiira itself makes one a dark knight, and taking a long time will doom us all. However, did we not all come together by chance? So perhaps we shall chance it, and take the short route. Surely it should be easy to tell if we were followed, and if that way is safe. If it is not safe, I vote we go the 5 day journey. More time isnt the answer, for we will have to study once we make our designation."
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"I agree with Nehama, the five day journey would be more prudent, while we do not know what could be out in the wilderness, if the Dark Knight stalks us still, I would not want to retrace our footsteps to confront that foe, at least not at this time.
We shall have to endeavor to keep the Kiira and its bearer safe for the journey Henris.
Worry not Nivian, I shall vouch for you and Henris when we arrive within the safety of Evereska as companions worthy of entrance. After the experience we have had, the High Mages themselves may wish to speak with us".
"I agree with Nehama, the five day journey would be more prudent, while we do not know what could be out in the wilderness, if the Dark Knight stalks us still, I would not want to retrace our footsteps to confront that foe, at least not at this time.
We shall have to endeavor to keep the Kiira and its bearer safe for the journey Henris.
Worry not Nivian, I shall vouch for you and Henris when we arrive within the safety of Evereska as companions worthy of entrance. After the experience we have had, the High Mages themselves may wish to speak with us".
"That might not be wise," Iym said. "We must go there, of course. But we may attract the wrong kind of interest even in the Fortress Home."
Pero shrugs at Iym, "Are you suggesting we research this odd occurrence ourselves and not consult the wisdom of our Elders?"
As the last of the tower flakes off and the localized temporal loop collapses, Herrnarrell walks out of the tower. He is holding his head as if to ward off an oncoming headache and he looks around feeling very confused. "What did I miss?"
"Well, we apparently resolved an ancient time loop curse by locating a kiira, then preventing the death of an elven commander named Raurniel at the hands of her sister, who happens to wear the same armor as the Dark Knight who chased us out of the Halfway Inn. There was also this boy who probably wasn't a boy who gave us advice, and told us we need to travel to Evereska. We're trying to decide which route to take."
Henris hoped his summary was enough for Herrnarrell to get caught up with things.
Pero shrugs at Iym, "Are you suggesting we research this odd occurrence ourselves and not consult the wisdom of our Elders?"
"It's said that once every House had its kiira, but many are now lost. Some may care less for regaining their kiira than one they can claim as theirs'. We should keep it from grasping hands. Even those of good heart may fear ancient secrets still locked within being loosed on the Realms once more and be moved to drastic steps. And this must have come to us for some reason, even if only to give it to those of the People to whom it truly belongs."
Pero considers Iym's argument and nods, "A fair point Iym. Very well, I am in agreement with your assessment. Should the need arise to consult with our Elders we shall omit the Kiira's place in the story until we learn more of it, or perhaps, from it".
Pero considers Iym's argument and nods, "A fair point Iym. Very well, I am in agreement with your assessment. Should the need arise to consult with our Elders we shall omit the Kiira's place in the story until we learn more of it, or perhaps, from it".
Iym smiled, relieved that someone understood.
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The travelers retreat from the ruined tower with more questions than answers. Who was the mysterious boy they encountered? What's is his connection to the Kiira, Ruarniel, and the Dark Knight. Why was Ruarniel cursed to begin with? What is her connection with the Dark Knight who looks so deceptively similar to her?
These thoughts and more plague them as the travelers ride back along the road, retracing their steps to the Halfway Inn. The boy had told them to seek answers. Evereska was the largest repository of elven lore they had available to them. Whatever answers they could have would be found in the libraries of the Fortress Home.
Carefully, they ride, always choosing to avoid other travelers and detection. It draws their journey far longer than it should, but, eventually, after two days, they crest a small hill and spy the ruins of the Halfway Inn. The village is a ruin. The namesake of the village stands a gutted shell against the darkening sky. The houses and other buildings of the small hamlet show signs of recent conflict.
There are no signs of the Dark Knight, or a horde of zombie to be seen. But, faint wisps of smoke waft from a few chimneys, and lights begin to glow from lower windows. The town is damaged, but not broken. The elven spirit endures!
"We should search for survivors who may need assistance and perhaps escort them to Evereska that they be safe"
Nivian approaches the Inn, dreading what she will find, but also feeling that it needs to be done. How much time passed when they were in the tower? Have the dead been buried? She doesn't know the answers to these questions, but is determined to find whatever answers she can.
Henris shakes his head and says, "Look, people are already returning to their homes. They've probably already sent a message on to Evereska telling them what happened. We should press on."
Pero shakes his head and frowns but sees the reason in Henris' statement, "We should at least search the Halfway Inn, then be on our way".
Nehama pats Henris on the shoulder, stating " Take cheer. For there are people back home, we should atleast ensure they are safe and sound. And they may have news. Do we even know how long we have been gone? We could find we are quiet in the future or past." She was trying to cheer him up, and the group, however she felt this was just too easy.
"I would caution against us spending too great a time here. If the Dark Knight still hunts us... Well, we can see around us now what havoc they had wrought the last time we spent too long in a single location. Can this place survive another attack? Food for thought." Herrnarrell pauses here before muttering to himself, "I wonder if my teapot survived all this madness."
The Travelers cautiously walk towards the village. Nivian odesn't see any threats. The only signs of the Dark Knight or the zombies. She does spot a few elves stepping out of their homes, weapons ready.
Nivian addresses the elves stepping out of their homes.
Perhaps you recognize me. My name is Nivian and I had been a performer here for a long time. My friends were staying here during the attack, and I personally witnessed the Dark Knight and her minions slaughtering many who I had worked with and loved. We were able to escape the slaughter, and save very few, and we left here with the Dark Knight pursuing us. They were too strong, and we couldn't stand against her. We return now to see what there is to save, and how we can help. Has she been back? What can we do to help your town, and rebuild?
Pero has his eyes on the Halfway Inn and the well being of his old friend Myrrin Silverspear but awaits the response of the local elves before making his way in that direction.
After all, most of his time spent in the area is within the Inn itself and he is not entirely sure he is all that well known to the other locals his tomb guard duties keeping him busy for the most part.
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One of the elves nods. "Aye, I remember you. I heard you sing." He lowers his sword. "You're voice was beautiful." He pauses. "Wait. You faced the Dark Knight? You survived? We haven't seen the Dark Knight, or their servants, since that night. Please, whatever this is. Whatever brought them here. Finish it."
Pero nods at the elf, "By the will of the Seldarine we shall cousin, tell me, is my friend Myrrin well? Have you seen him?"
The elf shakes his head no. "No. I haven't seen Myrrin. All was confusion that night. Mayhaps he went in to the city?"
Pero looks grim, "Thank you cousin.
My friends, let us search the Inn then head to Evereska straight away".
Nivian bows, smiling, to the elf who said her voice was beautiful, and then proceeds into the inn to help with the search.
"Alright, if we're going to do this, let's be smart about it. Go slow. The Dark Knight was able to raise the dead on our heels and she may have left some of them, or other traps for that matter, in case we returned." Herrnarrell follows Pero into the Inn with his leafblade drawn, its blade dimly glowing with a whitish-blue aura.
Henris sighs, but nods in agreement and proceeds to the ruins of the inn to search with the rest of them, hand resting on his sword hilt.
Pero casts Detect Magic as the group approaches the Inn.
"We must go on," Iym agreed, sighing.
Nothing. The Travelers find naught in the charred remain but ash and ruin. Not even bones remain, either destroyed by the fire. Or, they were removed through other means. Nothing is left of those who fought or died in the Halfway Inn but memories and nightmares.
After searching and finding nothing, Nivian looks grim and says We may as well move on.
"Agreed. Let's go to Evereska."
Pero mouths a silent prayer to Aerdrie Faenya and nods grimly to his companions, "Agreed".
The Travelers slowly make their way through the ruined town. Half-burned buildings flank them to either side. Snow falls slowly as they wend their way through the streets, quietly gathering in drifts in corners and alleys. For a day, they travel further and further into the mountains, soon leaving the smokey eaves of the village far behind.
Eventually, they come to twin gates of carved stone that stand nearly as tall as the mountains themselves. The history of the elven people are embossed on the stones in gleaming mithril and moonstones. Guards walk the parapets at varying heights up the gates. A woman riding a pegasus soars down from the sky and alights on the ground.
"Greetings, Travelers. Why do you come?"
"Well met Guardian. I am Pero Elond, Evereskan Tomb Guardian here to report to Elaundril Tavaraneith.
With me is recent resident of Evereska Herrnarrell Leafblade and Tel-quessir Nehama MoonBow, Iymbrydam “Iym” Alastrarra, and Sarrissa. The last two are worthy companions Nivian and Henris Flynn.
Besides my report, we bring grim tidings of a recent altercation at the Halfway Inn whose mysteries run quite a bit deeper than the normal mayhem we experience with Non Tel'Quessir".
Henris breathes deep as they approach the gates of Evereska. He knows that, as a half-elf, he's allowed into the city, but it may be difficult for him to move about or find anything. He could probably pass as a servant, if needed.
When the elven woman on a pegasus lands to question them, Henris keeps quiet, allowing Pero and the other full-blooded elves to handle the discussion.
Nivian waits to see if she will be allowed within the city.
Sarrissa stood in awe at the sight of the elven city. She had only ever seen sketches and they did not do Evereska justice. The details present in every inch, the sheer size of the twin gates, it was all so inspiring. She stood quietly with her mouth only slightly open.
It is beautiful, isn't it?" Jerr-Dann echoed.
[b]"Well met Guardian. I am Pero Elond, Evereskan Tomb Guardian here to report to Elaundril Tavaraneith.
With me is recent resident of Evereska Herrnarrell Leafblade and Tel-quessir Nehama MoonBow, Iymbrydam “Iym” Alastrarra, and Sarrissa. The last two are worthy companions Nivian and Henris Flynn.
" Greetings, Guardian of the path. We come to seek assistance, and to share our stories. May we pass along with our traveling companions? We shall keep them from tarnishing the surrounding area." Neham tries her best with a diplomatic ploy, as she was a full elf, she still was a guest to the city.
The guard grimly nods as she regards the assembled Travelers. Her eyes narrow at Henris and Nivian. "A Tomb Guardian? Why did you leave the city? And why do arrive with such.. interesting.. companions?"
The gold elf takes an imperious tone and air as she somehow manages to look over the Travelers' heads while seeing everything about them. The only elves she directly looks at are those who are pure gold elf. "we are aware of what happened to the Halfway Inn. We were told there were no survivors. How is it that you survived? When others did not" Her meaning is clear: how is it that other more "worthy" elves died, when non-elves did not.
We managed to avoid being murdered in the middle of the night. When I came to help, I was able to drag one person out who had been attacked and left for dead, but couldn't help others. We gathered the survivors and ran with the Black Knight at our heels.