Pero frowns at being questioned by the Guardian, "When off duty, I visit my friend Myrrin at the Half-Way Inn as is my right.
What Nivian said is true, a cowardly attack in the night struck the Inn and the village around it. We fled as it was clear the foe was beyond us. We have some relevant information about this attack and what we believe to be the leader behind it.
As a life long citizen of Evereska I personally vouch for all those I bring with me. Unless you believe the word of a member of House Elond is not valuable". His eyes narrow as he delivers the last of his statement.
Do not tell them what you are child. You will bring unwanted attention to you and your companions Jerr-Dann warned.
Companions? Sarrissa thought. It was a simple word really, but one she had not attributed to those that she accompanied. I guess we are now, after everything we've been through.
There is more yet to come. You will need them. Care for them. Protect them.
I didn't know you were so sweet on them Jerr-Dann.
Fool girl! Jerr-Dann cursed.
"I am Sarrissa, a simple wood sculptor and local guide" she said as she curtsied low.
Iym fought to hide his irritation. Bad enough to come all this way back and risk everything. Now to not be believed? Questioned like N'Tel'Quess? Next they would pry with Art.
"It has been a difficult sojourn," he said instead of what he was thinking.
Henris is torn, debating between wanting to keep quiet and avoid attention or to add that he hopefully had family in the city. Eventually, he takes a deep breath and says, "My apologies - I know I am not necessarily the most welcome within the great city of Evereska, however, I am seeking to speak with my relatives. Perhaps you know of House Nailo? My uncle Viaro or my grandparents may be in the city right now, or perhaps my mother, Alara."
"A Tomb Guardian? Why did you leave the city? And why do arrive with such.. interesting.. companions?"
Herrnarrell is not irritated by much, and even though he knows mentally to expect some derision from the Gold Elves sitting on their high horse - in this case literally - it never fails to get under his skin, and with the others save for Pero immediately seeming willing to bow and scrape before the guard in order to gain entrance, Herrnarrell eventually loses his patience and speaks up in annoyance. "Why do you ask questions to which we've already given answer? Would a diligent Tomb Guardian not report to his immediate superior in the event of such a catastrophic attack? Would he not bring along those of us who survived and who may have additional information to provide? He has named us 'companion' and still you question him in his duties."
The guard narrows he eyes at Hernarrell's words, but she nods. "House Nailo was it? I have heard of them. I do not know Alara or any of the others, but I have head of your family and there..." She purses her lips, clearly choosing her words. "...history. But, a Tomb Guardian returning to his post, and a member of House Eldon. Very well, if you can guarantee that the rules and traditions of Evereska will be honored by all of your company." She shoots a look at Nivian and Henris. "You may enter."
The gate doors split in the center and swing outwards, opening to a long cobbled road flanked by golden-leafed trees and the warmth of an eternal summer.
Pero smiles, "I shall. Sweet water and light laughter until we meet again Cousin", he enters the city breathing in the fresh air.
"I think it is most prudent for us to make my report first. From there, we can visit the Library".
Nivian smiles, and when they are past the guardian and out of range of hearing, she asks So, what are the rules and traditions of Evereska that you just agreed that I would follow?
Henris smiles and thanks the her, then hurries through after Pero. Once inside, he also says, "I"m curious about that as well. My general plan once I got here was to just try and avoid being in the way while I looked for my mom's family, but if there's other things I need to consider, it would be nice to know about."
Bad enough to be half-human, but a noble house's byblow? Fenmarel had best smile on Henris. Few others would.
Iym kept carefully silent until the guards were behind them.
"You must reveal to none all you see and learn here. The Fortress Home has not lasted so long because every bard sung her secrets."
The Travelers pass through the great gates into Evereska, beneath the stern and watchful eyes of her guards. The frigid chill of near-winter is gone, and the warmth of summer comforts them. Golden leaves glimmer in the sunlight, and the hooves of the Travelers' horses clatter on the stones.
Evereska is a city of ancient wonder. Stone buildings grow from the ground in fanciful shapes--giant waves, flying horses, graceful spires. Park-like forests blossom among the towers and palaces of Evereska. Giant eagles and pegasi fly through air, carrying passengers wherever they will.
1) Say nothing of what happens inside Evereska, avoid even speaking of the Fortress Home in mixed company. [ooc]The first rule of Evereska is that there is no Evereska
2) Knowledge you gain from Evereska must never be shared beyond its walls. Nothing from Evereska leaves its sacred walls: no book, no scroll, no work of Art, nor even a blade of grass.
3) Murder, deadly combat, spellduel, thievery, and fraud are forbidden
4) The tombs and graves of the honored fallen are sacred and shall never be distrubed.
5) Don't disturb the peace, create undo noise, or displays of unruliness
"Well, that explains why my dad didn't have any books on Evereska in his study or anything - just a dot on the map showing where it existed. I know Pero has to check in with his supervisor. Do the rest of us want to go to a library to do some research?"
"That may be a good idea Henris, I can trust you all not to besmirch the reputation of myself or my family based on the rules I've explained above yes?
If my superior wishes to speak with you all, I will arrange for that tomorrow. Once I have completed my report, I will return home to see about lodgings for you all and a meal and most certainly, baths".
Those are pretty heavy rules. What counts as undue noise? Do you guys allow singing? ... Is there an inn? I don't really want to do research or wait until after a report in order to secure a place to stay, and maybe even perform (if it isn't "undue noise.") ... Happy to join you at a library after I get a room though, Henris.
Those are pretty heavy rules. What counts as undue noise? Do you guys allow singing? ... Is there an inn? I don't really want to do research or wait until after a report in order to secure a place to stay, and maybe even perform (if it isn't "undue noise.") ... Happy to join you at a library after I get a room though, Henris.
"Be at peace Nivian, quiet your mind and you shall hear the song of my people", he smiles.
As Pero ceases speaking the sound of song can be heard though its source is undetectable.
"If it is an Inn you would prefer seek out the Unicorn and the Crescent. It is beautiful like the rest of my city. Tell Garion Quickhands that I sent you", He points the way.
Pero nods and takes his leave to make his report.
Nivian stops by a local spring and bonds to it, and then goes to the Unicorn and Crescent to arrange a room and ask if she can perform.
The Unicorn and the Crescent is a large building grown from a single tree. Large trunks dangle from the outstretched branches. Both form the walls and and roof of the inn. Its common room is open and softly lit with a bard playing a merry ballad on his lute. It's a bitter-sweet reminder of the Halfway Inn, and all that was lost.
Garion Quickhands smiles at Nivian as he wipes down the counter. "Greetings and well-met, traveler. What brings you to Evereska? I don't mean to be rude, but it is rare to see one of the Fair Folk traveling the world these days."
The Library of Sylberos is one of the most ancient buildings in Evereska. Some said it predates even the founding of the city's walls themselves. It's a building of the olden style, a tall, graceful spire of crystal and moonstone all flowing together and spiraling up to the sky,.
If any place has information about the kiira, the Dark Knight, or what happened in the cursed tower, it is this place.
Elaundril Tavaraneith is a stern elf. He wears his golden hair in a firm tail, cut short at the nape. As Pero approaches, Elaundril harrumphs and crosses his arms. "You've been gone long, Pero."
Nivian addresses Garion.
Greetings to you as well. I am Nivian. I come to Evereska with a group that fled the destruction of the Halfway Inn where I used to perform regularly. We are seeking to inform people of the threat of the Dark Knight as well as discover what we can about how to end her threat to the world. I am working on a composition about the ordeal and would love to perform it here, if you have any availability.
I assure you that it would also entertain. I would be happy to audition for you if you like. ... I would also like to obtain a room here in case it is needed. I was too far away at my lake last time the Dark Knight struck. I may like to stay closer now.
Henris stares in awe at the library - its beautiful construction and the vast array of knowledge within. Dad would have loved visiting this place - although stopping him from writing a ballad would have been challenging, to say the least. Once inside, Henris decided to start by research the kiira. Seemed as good a place as any.
Iym, knowing just what to expect at the library, wasted no time getting to work.
This time, I stayed overnight intending to return to my duties in the morning. However, overnight the Inn was overrun by Orcs, undead, and some foul "Dark Knight" who commanded these attackers.
I am a group of mostly Tel'Quessir awoke and fought off the Orc raiders who had climbed in the windows to slay sleeping guests, we believe that the Knight was after a group of elves the most vocal of whom was named Elrohir. With this Elohir in tow we fled south, away from Evereska as it was clear that this Dark Knight was beyond us and fleeing towards Evereska did not seem prudent.
Elohir and others of my group believed that this was indeed the legendary Dark Knight whose tale is as old as Cormanthor.
I believe we succeeded in leading this Dark Knight away from the Halfway Inn and the rest of the village.
Exhausted, we found an abandoned tower to rest in whereupon a quite strange event occurred. We awoke in a no longer ruined tower but in one the elves who greeted us named Mindin Oglirahith, the Tower of Song and Mist, more incredibly, the elves spoke with a Miyertiar accent!
The guards introduced us to a Commander Ruaneiral who claimed that the Tower we now occupied was cursed and that she was re-living the horrible events of her own demise again and again and that our presence was the first change in the pattern she had detected in millennia.
Raurniel begged us to assist her in breaking the curse that so afflicted her, the ability to know she was doomed and live her days with those around her who had no knowledge of the doom about to befall Miyertiar.
Aredhel, a knight in service to Aryvandaar, and her own sister, is the one that delivers unto Raurniel the final death blow, that battle we observed and participated in after exploring the Tower.
It is not clear whether we ended the curse with this ensuing fight but what was clear were three things: first, we returned to our own time, second Elohir had vanished, and third the Dark Knight, indeed the same one we'd fled from at the Halfway Inn battle, was Raurniel's foe and quite possibly her sister as she was the spitting image of Raurniel herself.
We encountered a spirit in the Library of the Tower while exploring who indicated that these mysteries could be perhaps solved by searching the archives of a great Library, naturally we reached the conclusion that the Library to search would indeed be here in Evereska and so did my companions and I journey here to complete further research on this most puzzling set of events.
Of course, I knew that I had to report to you before I did anything else, even see my own family Commander. I am formally requesting permission to take a leave of absence to explore this trail of occurrences and bring this Dark Knight to justice".
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Standing quietly behind the others, Sarrissa had been pondering where to go first. While it would have been nice to relax at the inn and maybe speak to others about what had transpired, the potential to learn more about both what was occurring and her own clouded past was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. She followed behind the others as they headed to the library, deep in conversation in her own head.
The library, like the rest of Evereska, was awe inspiring, and overwhelming. She didn't know where to begin. Despite several scoldings from Jerr-Dann, she decided to approach a librarian to ask for assistance.
"Uhm, excuse me. Could you help me locate some information?"
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A handsome gold elf sets a rather large book aside as as Sarissa approaches. "Hello! Yes.. what information are you searching for?" He has a pleasant smile, and beams from Sarissa's attention. He raises a finger in a stopping motion as Iym and Henris dart past, hot pursuit of knowledge. "Um.. please... You must ... Oh bother!" He sighs and turns back to Sarissa, resigned to being ignored by the others. "How may I help you?"
Iym and and Henris quickly make their way through the prodigious library. Their skill is uncanny, as though they had lived in the library their whole lives. For Iym, it's particularly unnerving, as though the book want him to find them. The two researchers discover an ancient tome, nearly forgotten at the back of the of a shelf, far removed from the open floor of the library.
They learned that a kiira was more than just jewelry. For any, they were great repositories of information. For any skilled in the Art, a kiira had the ability to store spells, much like a spellbook. These are the most basic and common of kiira, famed by elf and naga alike, and coveted by wizards throughout the Realms.
But, even rarer, are the tel'kiira. These are truly powerful, ancient lore gems. They are not merely stores of knowledge, but semi-intelligent, and often bound with other powers in their own right. All, even the most basic kiira, could be commanded to glow. But, tel'kiira often had protective abilities, as well. Many were bound to specific bloodlines and elven Houses, like Starym, Durothil, Alastarra, and Ulondarr. The knowledge for crafting tel'kiira disappeared with the fall of Myth Drannor. Even here, in Evereska, the skill to craft such powerful gems does not exist. While a powerful worker of the Art could shape a gem into a kiira, a tel'kiira would be beyond their power.
The very last pages of the book are dedicated to something called selu'kiira. These are ancient, near mythical kiira of profound power, far beyond those of the tel'kiira. Few were made, as their crafting were among some of the greatest works of elven High Magic, rivaling even that of the mythals. Each was crafted for a specific purpose, often as part of the regalia of an elven king. It is said greatest of elven houses had a Selu'kiira: the Nightsar of House Dlardrageth, or the Selu'kiira of House Melarn. Others were bound to roles, or offices of state. It is said one was born by the Highest Mage of...
The rest of the book has been ripped away!!!!
Tavaraneith gapes after Pero makes his report. Chagrin clear on the grim elf's face. "That is.. quite..." He sighs and leans back in his chair. "I feared the worst when I heard the Inn had burned.
Elohir had a mission, that I have lost him..." Elaundril shakes his head, clearly unwilling to follow the dark thought. "No matter. He was a good agent, but there are others." He rises and closes the windows, drawing Pero nearer. "You've told no one? Where are your allies?"
Garion tsks at the mention of the Dark Knight. "Yes, we've heard of the evil that befell the Halfway Inn. I haven't heard of any traveler who knows anything about that grim night. I hope you learn all you can." He grows maudlin for a moment, then beams as Nivian mentions an audition. "No need!! No need!! The skill of your.. ahem.. that is to say. I know of your skill, even here. I have many customers who spoke of your talents and songs at the Halfway Inn. Ballads so haunting they linger in the ear for days. To have you perform here... "
He shakes his head and leads Nivian up a winding set of stairs that seem to be more like woven branches and vines than carved wood. He turns left and opens the fourth door on the right. Within, is a small room that could be a spring in a small forest glade. Thick moss covers the floor and walls, rising to a pool large enough for two in the center. The moss moves up the walls of the room and a thick curtain of moonflower vines trail from ceiling, filling the room with pleasant, light scent.
"I hope this room will suit your needs? Long ago, we had more of the fair folk visit, but we have a few rooms for fairy travelers to the Fortress Home." He smiles happily and helps Nivian settle in. "How many of you will be staying?"
You are the only one I have informed, my allies are at the Unicorn ot the Library already".
Henris stares at the missing pages, before sagging his shoulders deflatedly. "Great, so we find the...magic object, and the book with the information we need about the magic object is missing pages. Do you think we can find out who last had the book? Maybe they were the one who ripped the pages out. How old do you think the book is, anyway?"
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"I was wondering...if uh, you could help me find any information on...Spirit Walkers? I've heard they can uh...see the dead, and talk to them sometimes. Even when others cannot..."
"Oh, and could you tell me anything about Myth Drannor?"
Oh, amazing. This is lovely, and perfect. How long ago was this, when others of my kind apparently stayed here regularly? I am quite interested to know.
As for how many of my companions are staying, I don't know. Some of them likely have homes in town already. I'm sorry. I wish I could give you an estimate.
"Good. I instructed him to tell no one. His mission was sacred to us." Elaundril sighs and shakes his head. "That the Dark Knight found him.... It means he was successful.. Or, at least, he was on the right path..." He stares out the door. "Return here tomorrow. Bring your allies, tell no one. We'll discuss more then."
Iym and Henris both study the book, searching its writing for signs of the book's age. It's old. Older than Evereska, maybe. There are certain references to the Coronal of Elven Court that seem ancient.
Down on the main floor, the librarian beams when Sarissa brings up Spirit Walkers and Myth Drannor. "Spirit Walkers are rare. Their techniques are all but lost. Now, Spirit Walkers must find their ways on their own. But, long ago, there was a monastery of sorts, a community where those with the Gift could go to learn from the elders. Now, I'm afraid all we have are their writings. But, I'm afraid, few can understand their meaning. The books will be on the same floor as your friends, along with the books on Myth Drannor. Three floor ups, I believe."
"Before the Fall, we had several fay customers throughout the years. But, now? I haven't had one within three hundred years."
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Nehama had watched all her companions go on about their own missions, and while she had never been to Evereska, she somewhat felt the lest unsure of where to go. She glances about before finally asking a passerby where one of the temples were located, and if one was specific to her deity, or was it like some places and everything was together, and you got lucky if someone was a higher rank than you tending to it.
Nivian bows to Garion.
Thank you for keeping the accommodations so well, even after so long a wait. I look forward to performing here.
** spoiler omitted **
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Iym considered the reference and tried to situate it with what lore he already knew.
The elf--a courier, by the appearance of his garb--gives Nehama an odd look, before realization dawns on her face. "Oh! You're new! Pardon, honored sister, I mean no disrespect. Yes, there is a single temple dedicated to all the Seldarine near the center of Evereska, by the Great Keep. The Luminous Lady's most sacred temple in the city is Grove of Dreams to the east, where she can be nearer to the tombs of our ancestors." The courier points towards a tall grove of silver-tinged blueleaf trees at the very edge of the city limits. "You will find Dreamguide Felandrian there. He is the eldest servant of the Daughter of the Night Skies." The courier bows and then scurries on her way.
Henris isn't sure how long ago the pages were ripped out. But, given how old the book is, it would have to been very long ago or else more of the book would have been damaged.
Iym is positive the book predates the founding of Myth Drannor by quite some time, even before the founding of Cormanthyr!
Garion smiles at Nivian's complement as servant coughs at the door. "Garion? There's another traveler here, a tomb guardian."
Garion's eyes bulge, Tomb Guardians are highly respected in Evereska, their sacred duty is known to all within Fortress Home. "Oh! Oh my.. yes. I'll be down in a moment. Please, see to his comforts, and , of course, tell him his meals are on the house." He makes a burshing gesture at the boy's odd look. "I know! I know! But, he's a Tomb Guardian! We must respect those who serve such solemn purpose." He bows to Nivian again and then follows after his scurrying employee.
** spoiler omitted **
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"This is older than Cormanthyr. Remarkable; I didn't expect to find such ancient lore anywhere on the mainland. At least not still in the hands of the People."
Nehama thanks the courier for befitting his rank, or at least in the way she was raised, which seemed a bit old fashioned, since she had never been addressed as honored sister, just sister. However, she would think about her choices before realizing that no matter how she looked at it, she didnt know her linage, and the tombs would be a place to start. And if nothing else, she could help expand her faith, and learn new things. She does stop and enjoy some of the city on her way to the Grove of Dreams, but once there she was a bit lost, as now everyone seemed familiar yet different to her. It seems the Grove was ran a bit more formal than she was used to. She shrunk a bit, clearly unsure how to proceed with the City Elves.
Greetings Nivian, I take it that Garion has treated you kindly thus far?
When he returns with your keys, or whatever he is getting for you, we must head to the Library and seek out our allies, I've news".
Nivian stows her gear and follows Garion back down to the main entrance.
She responds to Pero.
Oh yes, he has treated me excellently. Did you know that there are rooms here that are specifically meant for my people? I have never had better accommodations.
After he shows you your room, I would be happy to come with you to see the Library and hear the news.
Henris glances at Iym as he says how old the book is, then follows up with, "Could it be, say, ancient Miyertiar old?"
Henris, Iym (and anyone else looking at the books) are positive the book isn't quite as old as Mierytiar. But, however old it is, no one wanted anyone to learn about the kiira.
Garion bows to Pero. "And, how many rooms will you be needing? Fair Nivian has already told me of hers, and you, of course, shall have among our best rooms. But... How many others?"
"Of course! I'll see to it at once!!
When Nivian and Pero enter the library, they're instantly shown to the Henris, Iym, and the others.
"Something troubles you, daughter?" Dreamguide Felandrian takes step beside her. Soft motes of light, like tiny stars, circle about his head, a half moon graces his brow. His hair is pale white tinged with violet, his eyes emeralds flecked with silver. He exudes an aura of calm and eternal quiet.
** spoiler omitted **
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Bows low before the elder priest, deferring appropriately to his ranking above hers, she holds it long enough for proper respect to be shown and given. She then rises from it when directed, says softly " Elder, I come seeking to walk in the Lady's moonlight properly, and to assist my companions so we may survive our coming journey. We have been set on a path, and I do not understand nor feel we can make our way without proper guidance. And I fear I am not able to draw our Lady's attention enough. Do you have any advice? My companions are now seeking out their own paths, but I fear none look to our creators as they should. " It was clear from her speech and mannerisms she was a bit lost as how to assist her group of companions
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"Shoot. Well, if the kiira is a dead end, maybe we can find out more about either Miyertiar or the..." looking around, Henris lowers his voice, "the Dark Knight." Returning to a normal voice, he asks, "What do you think?"
Agreed.