DM Azoun's page

"The people here have come to call me Pirak," the earthen stranger states simply, "well those of this order simply call me the old one. Either are fine for in truth I do not know. What I do know is that the balance has been turned. I had hoped when I set this group initially on its path things would have been diverted, altered. But even the future cannot be seen; there are too many choices that we do not know yet nor understand. As for the path that is ahead...there is a path I would ask you to take. But I cannot force it."

"I had for seen all this and that is why I had you all first gathered and set upon this path." A new figure suddenly is in the grove, this one familiar, as if Assiel knew him. Yet he couldn't place a name to him. He had a earthy smell, his robes even seemed to be dusted with dirt. "Though not all from the first gathering have made it. But that is the cycle is it not?"

The walk is long, but not tiring, not tiring like it should be. They reach the tree line as the sun sets, the clear night skies alight with stars give this forest new light. The place seems undisturbed in anyway; the smells overwhelming and yet still pleasing to bear. Egver continues through the woods not looking to make sure Assiel is following. A point that Assiel notes all too well that this one really could care less if he indeed came to the grove to meet this Elder.

The walk is easy and soon Assiel realizes he is lost in the woods. Looking up he notices his guide is no more. Whispering a short prayer he stumbles into a clearing. A perfect circle; it couldn’t be natural and yet for some reason it looked natural. “Your prayers will not be needed here,” An older Celenree stepped from between trees opposite the angelic mortal. His hair an odd white and his eyes matching and solid; he wore simple brown robes and carried only a staff. His voice was melodic and even calming to Assiel. If ever a thought of danger had entered his mind it was gone when this older man spoke. “We seem to have a friend in common.”

He often walked the city during the day, a break from crafting, it was relaxing in this city. Partly because of the absolute feel of security here. When the voice brought him from his reverie is when he realized how comfortable he had gotten, how much his guard had dropped, “Assiel?” He was a local, dressed in brown robes and carrying a wooden staff with small vines wrapped around the weapon. The vines actually seemed to move. “I have come to extend an invitation to you. The grove beckons, will you attend?” As he asked his gaze moved to the north, the thick forest that was far in the distance could barely be seen.

Helena smiles, "Well if you found it in the books here i'm sure it can be taken care of. Allow me to ask around. Now I do suppose there is something more entertaining we can do at this time?" She winks as she begins to lead Assiel from the temple grounds.

I understand that most of what you are doing here is crafting, and commissioning the one to be made. So unless you planned on playing out the dinner then I will be fastforwarding. Also what is your armor currently?

Helena smiles and smells in the fragrance of the flowers, “Gifts and you would ask something as well? So then is this what the dwarves call a trade?” She winks playfully at Assiel and pushes on before allowing him to continue, “When did you wish to have this meal? I have arranged for this…Mar-gar-et? A human in the city?” She ponders for a moment at the question then responds, “I know of several craftsman, is there a particular blessing you seek?”

A breeze passed by him, he could smell the ocean, and yet he felt a pull. No it was a tug on his being. Not in a harmful way; instead it felt like a calling. The feeling passed as did the breeze and he found himself at his destination. The Celenree temples where beautiful; they were crafted of white marble with markings in gold, silver, platinum and other rare gems. The sun upon them added to the light of the day. He couldn’t keep the smile from his face at the sight or the deep inhale of heavenly air causing his wings to expand revealing their beauty.

“Assiel!” Her voice brought him from this momentary reverie. She was dressed in simple white robes and her golden hair held back by a golden circlet. An emblem of a white staff hung on a silver chain from her neck; it was her holy symbol, the symbol of Shiran. He stood taking in her beauty then caught her as she flung herself in to his arms. “I had thought the worse, but knew you to be alive when the All Mother never revealed your heavenly resting place.”

Iverus pauses in the clearing to see if his voice was heard and just when he had given up hope a nearby tree seemed to birth an elf dressed in simple robes. The robes initially appeared as part of the tree, as did the elf, until he was fully separated from the tree and a form of himself. His voice was calm and even; despite the urgency in Iverus’ “I’ve told you before to not address me as such.” A smile creased his face as he dropped his hood. He was short for an elf, only six foot, only about a hundred and twenty pounds, his hair was a earth brown and seemed to flow freely reaching to the ground. His eyes a purple, like amethyst, and his face seemed to show no age typical of his race.

“I…apologize..” Iverus put in between breaths, “But the King…the Queen.”

“I know.” The druid moved closer resting a hand on Iverus removing the exhaustion from his body, “She is ill.” His looked to the sky as if seeing beyond the canopy of trees. “She is plaqued by foresight to the point of injury.”

Iverus paused in shock, shook his head, “I’ve been sent too..”

“Get me.” The druid finished for him, “I’ve something else to tend to. Tell the King we are aware and things are in motion.” The druid then began moving to the south. He stopped and turned back. “Tell him to find aid in the dwarves. The trolls will become a problem as well as the border to the south and west.” The druids’ form shifted to that of a forest owl and was quickly gone into the woods.

Iverus paused with it all. His mind was stuck with the last tasking from the King, “Get me the Druids now! My wife will have peace!” He had never seen the King at such a temper and now honestly didn’t relish the thought of returning with this news…

The journey stays roughly near the coast line on its way north, but once into the large open plains and sparse trees their direction goes more northwest. The duo passes few settlements and many more small farmlands with a handful of close neighbors. Wishing to remain unseen the two stay shy of any interaction with the locals; it seems however if the thought to change that would please Brax if only at night.

After a long week of travel, many short cuts, the defense lines are reached. Patches of infantry, small garrison, and large platoons decorate much of the plains. In fact at night large camp fires signal the closeness of the camps. Many patrols, horseback and on foot, travel with torches and lanterns between the camps; a few miles east of these camps Brax stops the trip, looks to Alex and motions to the defense lines ahead of them, “It would be best to cross at night.” He gently pats the horse below him, “We can attempt with the animals. It would shorten our journey once through, or we can leave them. There was a farm house not too far behind us that I’m sure would gladly take the beasts in.” Brax grins looking back, “Besides I’m sure it would not be difficult to reacquire them on the return.”

Velipheus quietly laughs to himself at the comment as he mounts his horse. "I will be going straight north to Furp. Trust no one in Umari and when you return you can leave a message with Margaret. Attach it to a fine silken cloak. I will be in need of a new cloak in a few weeks I think." He then spurs the horse and departs the group at a gallop.

"Spices are not but to hide the true taste of the dish." Brax grins showing all the points on his teeth, "This trip should be easy as long as you keep your fear in check Alex." The hobgoblin moves over, mounts his horse, then turns to Alex, "Do you wish to ride the coast there? I know of a few settlements along the way." He seems to absently sniff the air, a sly smile creeps across his face, "Yes I do remember a few of them."

Not as skilled, yet, with the shadows Alex has no problem traversing the wall to the street in silence and makes his way to and through the north gate without being seen. The thought of actually travelling through the shadows as his new instructors did was curious to him; his mind full of questions.

Just past the gate Alex has no issues finding the three saddled horses and the two humanoid shapes apparently waiting for him. He sneaks his way closer until he can comfortably identify Velipheus before stepping out of the shadows of the night. Velipheus nods as Alex approaches from the dark, "I would like to introduce you to Brax." He then motions to the other figure who slowly removes his hood showing for the Hobgoblin he is. Brax sniffs the air and almost 'shivers', "I remember you." His voice soft and gravelly. "But your fear has lessoned."

"Perhaps then there is just concern and our distant cousins are not so different from us." Gralkin takes a drink, "Tis' always better to be prepared."

He moves across the roof peering back into the city, "The west is not an issue at this time. Now there are three of us for sure on the right path. You being the third." He turns for a moment to make eye contact with Alex then back to the city, "The council has been difficult in gathering. It would seem Umari is intent on causing an inner turmoil before an outward attack. Or perhaps the lich there is aware of our knowledge of him." He sighs, "If you wish to go to Umari it can be arranged. I would warn you though of the dangers. It is a place better to be in the shadows then amongst it's people. They, of late," He pauses looking back at Alex, "Set examples at random amonst the people of the streets."

The reunion in the halls was a good one; Thane Mithrilbeard was glad to see the companions all return safely and to see the return of the Dagger. After the formal audience with the Thane the companions are escorted from the room back to the royal guest quarters. Chief Advisor Sargor approaches you all, “And so what would be your plans from here?” He moves to a near by table in the meeting room and begins filling mugs with ale. “Rogdar the Thane and I would ask one more thing of you if you have nothing pressing or planned to do?” He then turns to Alex and Kellen, “I presume you will be returning to Drokara?” Finally he turns to Assiel, “And what of you? Where will you go?”

Rogdar downs his mug in true dwarven fashion, stands up and pats the legendary hound, Trip, on the head, “Aye, then we best be on our way.” Trip sighs in wolf fashion and follows his master from the room.

“The pawn and rook have now entered the fray, and we are just now getting to the point of the true strategy of this game we will begin to unfold. You are right; I do plan to stop by Drokara first, but I plan to study what has happened thus far to better plan for our endeavors to come.” Alex takes a drink from his mug and sets it back on that table.

Assiel looks at the dwarven liquid in the mug, for fresh wine would be divine, he thinks to himself before replying; “I shall return to Celestial Stone and make preparations for the looming dangers ahead. We cannon rush into this, as it seems a good idea to allow our spymaster, Alex, the time needed to do his job.” Turning to Kellen, “I shall keep in touch should you need anything. I believe Alex wishes me to take his weapon to make improvements, when I am finished, would you mind picking it up and returning it to him? It would be but a blink of the eye for you.” Assiel finishes the comment with a chuckle to himself.

The large mage drinks of his mug, smiles and thought of his magical talents, “I certainly can. While most of my time will be spent in Drokara I can easily make a round-trip every day if needed. In fact, I most likely will. The library in Drokara doesn’t have the quality collection needed to do any worthwhile research.”

Sargor nods, “We have a caravan scheduled to depart for Drokara in the morrow if you wish to join it.” He raises a hand pausing any interruption, “I am aware you have other, quicker, means to get there but the offer is still there.” He looks to Assiel, “We can provide you with transport back to Celestial Stone if you so choose.” He then looks to Alex, “What exactly did you have in mind?”

Kellen nods at the acknowledgement of his ability to teleport directly to Drokara, “If I won’t be intruding I think I’ll take you up on the offer to travel with the caravan. I’ve no doubt that your warriors can most adequately defend themselves, however, it would be remiss of me as an ally not to assist in their defense should it be needed.” Kellen drinks from the mug again, “As an aside, are any plans being made to visit the secret stronghold? I would like to speak further with the…guardian…that resides there.”

Politely acknowledging Sargor’s offer Assiel turns to Kellen, “I appreciate, but it seems I have an obligation I must attend to in Drokara. Helena wishes me to extend an invitation to Kellen and his lady to join us for dinner one evening. I’m under strict instructions to do it in person, no magic.” Assiel shrugs at his own words.

“I think I will leave on foot and make my way directly into the land of our neighbor to the west and join the other side. I will not be taking most of my gear. I need to blend.” Alex swirls the liquid in his mug, “I may also get a fishing pole and do a little fishing along the way.” He pauses his mind lost in thought, “I think I will need some salted butter and a few lemons.”

Sargor turns to Alex a mildly look of confusion, “You wish to go into Umari? And how do you plan to get there from here? The mountains may be safe from Giants but there is still threats about.” Sargor finishes his mug and pours another, “You speak of the Dragon?” He asks Kellen, “Kalver is there last I knew. The caravan is not scheduled on a path to pass its home and as I understand it the halls there are beginning to flourish with life again.” He nods at Assiel, “So then two of you for the caravan then? The cargo is simple, weapons for Drokara and some brew.”

Alex turns to his companions, “Would one of you be willing to keep my gear for a while, I do not think I will need it for a while.”

“Certainly, you know where I’ll be.” Kellen smiles before continuing, “Or, if I’m out then Margaret will have it.”

Sargor nods, “Then I shall leave you to ready yourselves for the morrow. If you would be so kind as to gather in the main traders hall then.” He nods then takes his leave of the room.

Dawn, A Day to Travel

The great doors were open letting the morning light shine upon the central chamber in the traders hall. The caravan was assembled, three carts full of armor and weapons, and escort of twelve stout armored dwarves, four trained boars clearly armored, their tusks tipped with metal. Two other dwarves stood amongst this group and watched as the two humans, and angel approached. The dwarves looked almost identical, both in chain mail, axe on back, and two on their sides, the only difference was one was slightly taller than the other. “So ye be are additional cargo and escort?” He steps up and produces his hand, “Hager Hornswallow of Clan Mithrilshield. This is my caravan.”

The other dwarf steps forward pushing himself into the taller dwarf then looking at the trio, “Tager Hornswallow of Clan Mithrilshield. It ain’t yers if it ain’t got me boys securing it!”

The taller dwarf sighs, “We get yer point.” He turns back to the three, “Is it just you three then?”

As the three begin to look about for the dwarven companion a low horn signals in the hall, the security detail forms up in a straight line, Tager quickly rushing to their front standing at attention in front of them, and Hager moving beyond you. Shortly you see another contingent of dwarves, eight in all, six armored with axes and crossbows all dressed in platemail. Their breastplates bearing the mark of the clan. Another dwarf unhelmed and dressed similarly those his armor is more adorned with spikes, his red hair seems singed in multiple locations and just behind him…a dwarf that looks similar to Rogdar. His skin is lighter, no cleaner, his beard and hair neated braided and ending in mithril ties. He wears a fine light grey dress robe and as the light strikes it fine mithril weaving within shows the clan symbal marked across the breast, the sleeve cuffs, and lapels. At his side a large white wolf. The group comes up before Hager, who stands at attention, then the red haired dwarf speaks, “Ambassador Rogdar will be joining this caravan and his detail. We head to Drokara, are security is ours, and the caravans is yours.”

“Of course Master Gralkin,” Hager nods, turns to Rogdar and bows, “Is an honor to have you with us and through these mountains!” He then rushes over to his brother, “Ready the wagons we move now!”

The Ambassadors contingent forms up around him and follows the caravan out of the main hall out on to the mountain pass. The red bearded dwarf watches as the procession goes by the non-dwarves then approaches, “If ye need any words with the ambassador ye go through me. In these halls is one thing, but out in those passes there is protocol to be maintained.” He then turns to Alex, “And fer one how doesn’t want to be known, it is such, ye will not be in his presence.” Then he walks after the contingent.

The trip from the clan is a peacefull one; the caravan travels well with no problems and after a few short days arrives in Drokara through it’s eastern gate. The gate itself made of wood with a low base stones supporting the frame for the small catwalk and two guard towers on either side of the gate. The guards render a peacefull wave and smile to the dwarves. Hager has a few words with the sentries, pulls forth some documents, and entrance is granted. Once through the gates he turns to the companions, “Well that was as we expected.” He looks back to the mountains, “It seems a time of peace for our clan is finally taking place.”

Gralkin and his detail continue into the city along with their Ambassador going straight to the docks. They share no words nor offer any time to receive any…

The streets of Drokara were bustling with commerce, Kellen and Assiel made their way to Magarets Mercantile. An establishment their group helped to build, finance, and stock. Alex departed from them in his usual silence; his absence unknown until they turned to look for him.

Captain Hassen turned then shouted, ”Justin!” A man ran forward and stopped, “Aye Captain.”

“Ambassador Rogdar.” The Captain turned to face the dwarven ambassador, “This is my First Mate Justin Hacken. If you need anything please go through him.”

Justin bowed to Rogdar, “My pleasure to serve Ambassador, if you will follow me I’ll show you to your cabin.” The man waited till everyone was ready then led the group downstairs. Once inside the vessel it was obvious the ship was designed for transporting dignitaries, furnishing created a common room with several doors off to the sides and to the front of the vessel a door. “At the front Ambassador is your room, you’re escort will be in either room next to yours. We have no other passengers on this journey so there should be no one to interrupt you.” He moved to the forward door, removed a key from his pocket and unlocked the door, then handed the key to Gralkin, “Only the Captain has a copy of this key. Within you’ll find a bell, it is enchanted to gain my attention. Please do not hesitate to ring it if you need anything. If not I will arrange for the cook to meet with you in the hour to tend to your cooking desires and routines.”

He moved out of the door way, “If there is nothing you can think of this moment I shall get the Cook and take my leave.”