The Ranger pulls down his hood and turns to address the human warrior who stands so noble and respectfully for the passing procession of the priests.
”It is not everyday one sees a human in the city, let alone on given a servant of the Kingfisher as a guide. You have witnessed something very special this night. I wonder how many other humans can say the same. Perhaps none.”
”I am guessing you are an Elf Friend?”
Erystelle finds a ranking member of the White Robes, a female Silvanesti.
Erystelle approaches with solemn respect to the White Robe Wizardess. Dressed in his blue, white and gold trimmed robes he bows at the waist, nods his head while placing his left hand near his neck fingers crooked in the sign of the heart showing his sincerity while his right gestures and swished in the askance for a word of importance.
”I apologize for disturbing you on this night learned mistress, but I have a matter most disturbing to me that may concern you and your like as well.”
He straightens, his face a study of calm set in porcelain.
”I am Erystelle formerly of The lands of the Silvanesti. Classically schooled in the arts and one hopeful to someday take the test at the Tower.”
The Silvanessti wizardress looks at Erstelle with a bit of disdain IF you are an apprentice wizard, why do you not wear the white robes of an apprentice? But anyway, how can I help you?
What is the rest of the party doing?
Windsworn is slightly startled at the appearance of yet another elf whom he has not noticed.
With a bow, he offers his apologies.
"I'm sorry for not noticing you earlier Sir Elf. I am Windsworn a squire in service to the Solaminc Knights. As for you question, yes I am an elf friend an honor granted to both my Knight Lord, Sir Fieron of the Rose and myself in recognition of services rendered to the Elven Court."
As he straightens himself, he smiles.
"Yes. I have being granted a wonderous sight to have graced my life in being able to view this solemn occasion. I do pray that I may be able to carry that Pride of my late Knight Lord and prove myself worthy of being knighted."
Pellarin mingles and makes small talk. Grazing on the delightful canapés provided.
The Silvanessti wizardress looks at Erstelle with a bit of disdain IF you are an apprentice wizard, why do you not wear the white robes of an apprentice? But anyway, how can I help you?
”These are the robes of a scribe and lore keeper as I am now honorably employed gathering, sorting and preserving what was brought and found here in the great retreat.”
”I practiced the arts as traditionally taught, but only recently have I been able to cast the First Circle of Spells, I can also manifest cantrips and scribe magic.”
”Neither do I have a Shalafi. I would not presume to grant myself such robes.”
”I was bid to seek you out and please forgive me for my directness, for I know this would never be acceptable in a respectable court or learned hall, but I was directed to ask you about . . .
The elf looks both ways with his eyes, though his head does swivel a bit to add to his almond eyes peripheral vision.
” House Unctio most learned mistress.”
Windsworn is slightly startled at the appearance of yet another elf whom he has not noticed.
With a bow, he offers his apologies.
"I'm sorry for not noticing you earlier Sir Elf. I am Windsworn a squire in service to the Solaminc Knights. As for you question, yes I am an elf friend an honor granted to both my Knight Lord, Sir Fieron of the Rose and myself in recognition of services rendered to the Elven Court."As he straightens himself, he smiles.
"Yes. I have being granted a wonderous sight to have graced my life in being able to view this solemn occasion. I do pray that I may be able to carry that Pride of my late Knight Lord and prove myself worthy of being knighted."
”Do they have some plan for you? Or have you fallen back with the rest of those fleeing? Seems like we must either organize a defense or prepare to harry the enemy. If we leave them alone I fear they will simply grow stronger before coming here to finish the job.”
Windsworn shakes his head.
"I have not being knighted as my Knight Lord fell in battle before he could stand and pronounce me worthy." his statement alone sums up what status he does hold in the knighthood.
"I have being sent here instead as a test of sort to prove that I am worthy of being knighted. No further orders have being given to me other then to make myself useful to the Elven Court and serve as a temporary liaison."
The elf nodded.
”Here you may establish your own order or strike a new path as many of our traditions and normalities have been strewn asunder.”
He gestures to the assembled elves.
”Without strife and chaos you would likely never have seen this. Silvanesti, Kagonesti, Qualanesti all together, joined by what they have in common and less distanced by their differences.”
”As for me personally. The Silvanesti would categorize me as Qualanesti, my people see me as a cousin of the wild elves and while the Kagonesti accept me, I am not truly a member of their tribe, but I am free to be me here.”
”What manner of council can you give to our war leaders? Did you train in heavy armor and horse? You must forgive my ignorance, for I have never come across a human knight in all my many decades of ranging these woods.”
"As a squire, I have being given lessons in both warcraft and horsemanship. Not only that I have being granted the privilege of studying and learning the written word and numbers." Windsworn is more then happy to explain his current skillset.
"Unfortunately most of it was cut short as my Knight Lord has fallen and no other Knight has stepped forward to take up mentorship or tutor me further. I'm afraid the war has sapped a significant amount of the order's resources."
Does Kyber have Dissasoiciatve Personality Disorder? :)
The White Robe wizardress's eyes grow large at the mention of House Uncito. She gives a smile and a sigh. House Unnctio was one of the more talented and powerful of House Mystic. Sadly. they are no more. The last 3 members were lost to us, two in the Summer of Chaos, and the other was...lost to us.
The White Robe wizardress's eyes grow large at the mention of House Uncito. She gives a smile and a sigh. House Unnctio was one of the more talented and powerful of House Mystic. Sadly. they are no more. The last 3 members were lost to us, two in the Summer of Chaos, and the other was...lost to us.
”Is there a member who would be involved in hunting down renegade wizards by chance?”
The White Robe again, gives a sad smile, This is not the place to discuss this, young one. Come, let us go to the Wizard school and she leads Erystelle there.
She sits in a comfortable chair and bids Eystelle to sit. An unseen servant comes and pours wine for them. She lifts her glass ande sips a bit. Looking off into the distance she begins:
Terevalis Unctio was born on a night when both Solinari and Nuitari were in High Sanction. It seemed as if he was favored of Solinari, for what elf, other than Dalamar the Dark has ever looked upon the Black Moon with joy? Terevalis was talented and grew in knowledge in skill. He helped in the defense of Silvanesti against the agents of Chaos, where his parents were killed. Barely did we have time to recover before the Dragon Queen stole the world and the Moons were taken from us. Many of the Silvanesti, as you know, were extremly saddened by the loss of magic, especially as the shield built by the green Dragon, Cyan Bloodbane began to suck the lives of our people. Then came Mina and the Dark Knights. Then came the minotarus which forced us from our homes as they destroyed the Ancient Elven homeland.
Terevalis fled to Pashin. It was there that he and others discovered a statue of Quinari and embarked upon the journey which would help to shape Ansalon as the Heroes of Destiny. Terevalis took his Test under the watchful eye of Zoe Lefthand. It was during his Test that his dedication to magic was tested. His love for the elven people was strong but his hate for the enemies of the elven people was stronger. Nuitari's dark whispers called to him and he responded, taking upon the Black Robes aned being gifted by the gods of Magic themselves, the Staff of Magius, to help defeat the evil of Chemosh.
Terevalis grew in power and worked very hard to find apprentice mages to be taught, to restore our numbers. However, his love for the Order and his wearing of the Black Robes helped him to destroy many sorcerers who would not undergo an ephphanhy. Appearing before the Conclave he convinced them to re-establish the Renegade Hunters with himself as the head of that organization.
Blessed with power and knowledge, he has helped many elves find their way to Wayreth and is a teacher ot many. These take the Black Robes. Again, did Nuitari bless him with knowledge that the magical fortress of Zhaman had not been completly destroyed by the Master of Past and Present but had been taken over by a group of sorcerers and Knights of the Thorn. He disposed of them and has claimed the fortress for the Orders, this being a base for the study of Renegade Hunters of all 3 Orders.
If you have angered him, or drawn his attention. young one, you are in a world of danger. As Master of the Renegade Hunters he has the power of the Conclave behind him,as he sits as a representative on that body.
”I have indeed drawn his attention. He allowed me to see him wearing his black robes in the market, yet he was invisible to everyone else. A strange and beautiful light led me from the Market to a grand oak where he spoke to me in a voice that came from every direction.”
”The he refused to reveal itself to me saying it would become very uncomfortable for him if any White Robes were to know of his presence. He said, “Though we are bound by the Magic in the places common to High Sorcery, not so outside of the Towers. I would not want to decrease the number of any of the brethern, especially elven followers of High Soorcery.” He said that he was turning many elves and half elves to the Black and asked many questions of me.”
”I told him truthfully that I have a small ability with Necromancy, but the Red Moon rejects me wholly as I have no ability to cast illusion magic. But, I also told him truthfully that I believe The Red Moon knows my true heart which I believe will be dedicated to Solinari.”
”He said, “ My agents report that there are very few followers of Solinari in Baleph, and those that are present have only recently passed the Test of High Sorcery. Whether they are up to the challenge of teaching is something that they will have to do, if Baleph is to produce wizards for the defense of the elven people with Solinari's gifts. though there are others who would do what they could to protect the elven people and bring vengeance against our many foes.”
”I do not want to sound rude, but I need to find a willing Shalafi, I would wear White Robes if they were granted to me. I fear he is warning me to find a master or he will deal with me as he would a Renegade, which I do not wish to become.”
”Before I left he challenged me to ask you about his house.”
”He also mentioned I was rare as very few classically schooled Silvanesti remain. I suppose that’s true.”
Khyber nods in agreement with Windsworn’s words.
”I fear the war has consumed the resources of most of the fair races. I don’t know if the Dragons or Minotaurs are actually worse? At least the dragons didn’t move into and defile Elven homes.”
He speaks loudly enough that those around him can easily hear him say.
”It seems clear that our clerical orders are rebuilding their strength and numbers. Faith is returning. I have also heard rumors that the Druids have reawakened and gather in neglected groves. We must combine magic and blade to defend what we have established here.”
The clerics of Mishakel are more than happy to talk with Anatoli. Some may even recognize your parents names and invite him, when he has time of course, to spend time at the Temple.
The wizardress looks sadly at Ersytelle The Master of the Renegade Hunters is still bound by the tenets of the Orders of High Sorcery. As long as you do not practice higher level magic, without taking the Test of High Sorcery, he cannot, as a renegade hunter, do anything to you.
It seems as if, even donning the Black Robes he seems to care for the elven people. Had he taken the White, he would be a great ally for Baleph.
He is also correct in that I am the only Wizard here, so far, who has passed the Test of High Sorcery. My speciality is in Divination, though we do have a few apprentices here who have different specialities. Our magic takes years to learn and master. she says sadly. Though I am sure that the Conclave will send more powerful white robes to teach here in Baleph. I do plan on traveling to Wayreth to consult with Mistress Jenna about our situation here. However, that would require my being gone for a bit as I have not the skill to yet cast teleportaiton magic. Nor would I want to take able bodied elves from Baleph to accompany me to Wayreth. Perhaps you know of some who might accompany me?
The rest of the night will go uneventfully. It is almost as if the gods of light walk around the city of Baleph.
Windsworn finds that both Thaleles and Khyber's words resonate within him.
"I do not know though we might find out sooner or later. The day draws late and I must retire to my quarters. Should I be summoned forth on the day morrow to perform a task, Perhaps you two might do me the honor of accompanying me on it?" he asks.
With that said, he does return to his quarters after obtaining where he might contact the other two.
Everyone is still asleep?
The wizardress looks sadly at Ersytelle The Master of the Renegade Hunters is still bound by the tenets of the Orders of High Sorcery. As long as you do not practice higher level magic, without taking the Test of High Sorcery, he cannot, as a renegade hunter, do anything to you.
It seems as if, even donning the Black Robes he seems to care for the elven people. Had he taken the White, he would be a great ally for Baleph.He is also correct in that I am the only Wizard here, so far, who has passed the Test of High Sorcery. My speciality is in Divination, though we do have a few apprentices here who have different specialities. Our magic takes years to learn and master. she says sadly. Though I am sure that the Conclave will send more powerful white robes to teach here in Baleph. I do plan on traveling to Wayreth to consult with Mistress Jenna about our situation here. However, that would require my being gone for a bit as I have not the skill to yet cast teleportaiton magic. Nor would I want to take able bodied elves from Baleph to accompany me to Wayreth. Perhaps
you know of some who might accompany me?
”I hope I am understanding what you are asking. You are looking for capable companions willing to travel correct? If so, I know of several elves that may be be willing to go with you, including myself. I have also heard rumor of a human who aspires to become a knight. Such types are usually eager to embark on a quest of some sort. Shall I look into these persons for you?”
Seek them out. I leave the day after tomorrow. The Council will pay a fee to compensate you she replies.
Locating the herbalist walking away from the party, Erystelle calls out and waves to him.
”Pardon me, but I would speak with you about a possible endeavor which includes financial compensation.”
Picking his way through the crowd, Erystelle sees the human he is looking for. The human stands at least a full head over the much slighter elves. Thus, he was easy to locate, but what luck! The would be night is speaking with the one potential group member he had fretted about finding, the woods walker known to him as Khyber.
He moved up to them and bows to Khyber then a bit stiffly offers his hand to Mr. Windborn.
”I apologize for inserting myself in this conversation in such a direct manner and without the standard exchange of pleasantries, but I come to speak with you of an exciting quest, one that will be challenging and comes with the chance to prove one’s self while at the same time earning you coin to improve upon your knightly trappings.”
”My name is . . . In this place I am known as Erystelle of House Mystic. I extend my hand to you so that we may squeeze each other’s hands while shaking them vigorously. In the words of your people.”
”Put her there!”
”Perhaps on day you may teach me why you use the gender language of “her” in this ritual and where “there” is that you “put” her. Common, though linustically simple, direct, and sometimes brutal in its form, is very interesting to study.”
Realizing he is going on a tangent he waits to see if the human will take his hand.
He inclines his head to the herbalist.
”Yes, I am Erystelle with whom you spoke earlier. I will be trying to locate and recruit your alchemist friend as well. There will be a fair bit of travel involved, the compensation will come directly from a group in a very secure position and we shall embark the day after tomorrow. Are all these conditions amenable to you?”
Windsworn looks at the elf before him.
"I'm afraid I cannot give you answer right now as I am a liaison appointed to the Elven Court and cannot just leave my post without due notice. Also..." as he gives the proffered hand a firm shake.
"I do not know whereabout that term came from either nor why the term 'her'. I'm afraid I'm not much of a scholar."
right I will be there to hear the offer and see if I am interested. Thanks for thinking of me
”I may be wrong, but I sense an aura about you. It’s magic, not like mine, but magical none the less.”
”It is also my belief there are forces at play here far larger than it appears on the surface. In fact I know some of them. It is my sincerest hope that you will join us.”
Windsworn looks at the elf before him.
"I'm afraid I cannot give you answer right now as I am a liaison appointed to the Elven Court and cannot just leave my post without due notice. Also..." as he gives the proffered hand a firm shake."I do not know whereabout that term came from either nor why the term 'her'. I'm afraid I'm not much of a scholar."
Erystelle gives the slightest of smiles.
”I have strong confidence that you will find aims of this endeavor in-line with the Council’s own.”
I am a simple herbalist and not much more really. I will however be here tomorrow and I will bring the alchemist.
The elf wearing the blue gold and white robes of a scribe archivist smiles slightly in a knowing manner.
”When I was a much younger elf in Silvanost I had by chance met the Green Cleric himself. His voice was like leaves brushed by the summer breeze. He stood tall and lithe, firm yet flexible in manner and being next to him felt like one was being enveloped under the canopy of a weeping willow. A comforting feeling.”
”You have a presence like that Anatoli. You also have ample humility.”
He pulls the sleeve of his robe back exposes his closed hand. Rotating it up, the palm opens revealing a miniature willow tree.
”I am obviously a scribe, but we are so much more than we choose to let the rest of the world know of us.”
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Erystelle, I've had my hands in flowers and dirt for over a hundred years and watched false priests and lost priests fumble for faith while I knew all along that faith requires work. The Gods don't gift us things greater then our lives and what we do in those lives and with those lives is the reflection of a prayer truly answered. I chose to learn herbs and healing to help and make coin. That is what I am. Don't go looking for great secrets or strange happenings in every place for surely your mind will make what you wish to find apparent to you.
It's easy to find what you want when signs and gifts are easy to find. Hardest when nothing is there to lead you but you. The Gods didn't leave us, we left them and forgot ourselves. With that Anatoli will nod politely and move again on his way
Erystelle, I've had my hands in flowers and dirt for over a hundred years and watched false priests and lost priests fumble for faith while I knew all along that faith requires work. The Gods don't gift us things greater then our lives and what we do in those lives and with those lives is the reflection of a prayer truly answered. I chose to learn herbs and healing to help and make coin. That is what I am. Don't go looking for great secrets or strange happenings in every place for surely your mind will make what you wish to find apparent to you.
It's easy to find what you want when signs and gifts are easy to find. Hardest when nothing is there to lead you but you. The Gods didn't leave us, we left them and forgot ourselves. With that Anatoli will nod politely and move again on his way
Erystelle bows in farewell, but watches as he goes.
”You will not have to go looking for strange happenings. Secrets are already coming to light and there is someone to lead us already. No, it came looking and already found us.”
”What are you up to Erystelle? You come here speaking of quests and Elven Councils. Have you spent too much time reading and scribing fairytales or is this for real?”
Khyber says with his arms crossed against his chest.
”It is not my place to say Woodswalker, but I can assure you this is a worthy endeavor and important for the future of our people.”
”And specifically I was bid to find a worthy team and I believe you are meant to be a part of this journey.”
”Not your place to say huh? Let me guess, are we rescuing some old books from an abandoned tower or escorting a caravan that might be harried by goblins? I don’t have time for that kind of errand running. We have human encroachment on all of our borders, logging disputes, waterways to keep clear and don’t even get me started on the intertribal issues all of this togetherness can cause.”
He shakes his head dismissively.
”While I respect you and what you are trying to do here, I can’t get myself wrapped in some local crisis.”
The mage purses his lips.
”It is more than that. This is a matter that will see us go off Island and crossing large areas of . . . well a place that is notoriously easy to become lost in and that is after a substantial overland journey and who knows if . . . Well, I should not say much more. I have given up too much already. Please just come tomorrow morning to the meeting place and keep an open mind.”