Sitting at the bar in one of the seedier hostels on the wharf-front in Modark, Avala thinks back over the circumstances that conspired to force her from her beloved forests and onto the sea. The war, the abominable gray orcs, the unexpected yet fortuitous reunion with her foster brother... she couldn't help but wonder if Sheela herself had reasons to want her far from the land of her birth.
And of course, the death of her father. Despite the nearly 3 week journey, she'd not had the heart to tell Ardil about Jerval's death. He hadn't asked, either - possibly he sensed her discomfort, or maybe he feared the worst and hoped to avoid confirmation as long as possible.
She passes a hand over her weary eyes. Despite her exhaustion, she had been having trouble forcing her brain to stop agonizing over details long enough to sleep.
Lasch and Udaya
Arriving at the Headmasters office, Lasch, finds him awake going through some parchments. With Lasch somber words, “Really?” a tinge of pain in the old mans voice. “We should not have to wait long for the authorities. I spoke to Constable Herik just this morning as I made my way into the library.” Getting up from his desk, “Shall we see if he is still outside then, so we may get this done?” Not waiting for a reply the Headmaster leaves, lasch with him.
Herik smiles at Udayas’ comment and she could’ve sworn he blushed, before any comment can be made her attention is brought to the Headmaster and an old teacher walking from the main doors to them. Noticing the saddened expression on both men, “This can’t be good.” And Herik shortens their journey meeting them halfway.
“We should go inside Constable.” The Headmaster says, “Something has happened.” Not wanting to say anything more outside the four go in. The Headmaster is silent as he leads them to the main library and further in to its back area. Udaya remembers this area being off limits to students when she was here for schooling, only the graduates were allowed. Professor Thomas lays slumped at the table, face down alongside a book – without a word Herik begins his examination.
Aeldris
Sareth nods and the two enter the main tree. Inside the royal guard alert as ever give their nods to the two Cavaliers. Arriving at the Queens chamber Aeldris can hear painful moans from within, though they are not as loud as a scream, it is evident she is in pain. Sareth offers Aeldris a securing touch, placing his hand on his shoulder for comfort, then opens the door. Nodding for Aeldris to enter first he follows closing the door after. Within the room the Queen lays in her bed her body occasionally flinching from some unseen pain. Her handmaidens attempting to ease whatever pain they can, assisted by several priests of Corellon.
At the closing of the door the Queen bolts to a sitting position, her eyes solid white, and her hair going the same color right before their eyes. Her mouth opens and in a hallow voice, “Pasts must be learned, secrets opened, eyes awakened and old allies found.” She convulses again, “Royalties nephew must cross the bridge, shatter the walls, or all elves fall!” Her last word trails before she drops to the bed again, her body full of sweat as if he she had just bathed.
Her eyes open and seem to search the room, there is pain them, but when she sees Aeldris the pain seems to lesson. In her weakened state she raises an arm signaling him to come closer.
Crystal
** spoiler omitted **...
I'm still waiting on a response to this. Are you still with us Sunny/Crystal?
Being used to living on the road, Ardil had picked a simple room in a cheap hostel. Sitting on one of the straw-stuffed beds, he was thinking about the last few days while looking idly through some of the items he brought for trade.
Perhaps this was a bad choice, after all Vala was used to the comforts of home and this may just make her more uncomfortable. Oh well, the room is paid for a week, and decisions can be made after that... This is no time for bartering for goods! I'm worried about my sister. She has been quiet and moody during the trip and she seemed to be avoiding talking about the family. Maybe they had a big fight? I'll let her tell me about it when she's ready. For now, I think she will enjoy the new sight. Terial teaches that travels will heal old wounds and I've always found that it's worked for me.
Udaya
Udaya detects no evil, not even a lingering trace.
Ardil and Avala
Morning comes early for the duo, the streets bustling with work something neither of them are truly accustomed to on Minkrath island. The meet up for the morning meal and easily learn of a caravan departing for Drokara through the mountain pass in just a few short days.
Ardil's never been much for learning what is happening at each place he stops. He figures it would just drive him crazy.
Royalty's nephew...she must be talking about me. But walls? Old allies? None of this makes any sense..
He quickly approaches the queen's bedside, kneeling at its side both as a sign of respect and to make it easier for the queen to speak to him in her weakened state. "I have come as you requested; Lord Sareth tells me you have a task for me."
Aeldris
She clasps your hand, you can feel her squeeze only because you know she is trying to - it is a sad state the Queen is in. Her voice is weak as she speaks, "I've seen a great sea, and the shadows in our woods, darkness in the skies and in these same dreams is you." She smiles, "You have been the light in the dream, it is not I that has tasked you, I think the Seldarine has a hand in this. My visions are warnings."
She shudders, from an unseen pain, then continues "First you must go to Kelsinko the priestess of Hanali there has something for you, my visions have shown me this and i've sent word for her to expect your arrival. I do not know what or," she shudders again, it is apparent it is taxing her to stay awake and to talk, "who it is. The visions are vague. You must find passage across the sea, go to the human port of Drokara...the Sea Spirit Inn..." Her eyes close unable to resist slumbers embrace. One of the handmaidens comes over giving you a comforting touch and you lay the Queens hand down you notice the King in the room.
He looks at you, his concern for his wife evident, his expression shows this - you can see he feels you are her only hope. He turns to Lord Sareth, "Prepare him quickly, if everything she has said is correct we do not have much time." The King then exists the room his royal gaurd following.
Lord Sareth looks to you, "If you are ready?" And he motions to the door.
Ardil
I'm going to wait for Avala before posting anything further on the knowledge result. :D
Taking a long look at the queen and praying to all the gods it will not be the last time he sees her, he stands, nods, and departs with Lord Sareth.
Once they are outside, he tells Lord Sareth, "I will make preparations at once; it's still early in the day. Tethis should be well rested by now; I need only to gather a few provisions and say my goodbyes."
Aeldris
Lord Sareth nods, "Very well, you will be travelling with 'escorts' we want this to appear to be a normal trip to Kelsinko. No one needs to know except those going with you that you will not be returning with them. You will go with others you know, all of them excellent Knights by my standards." He extends his hand placing it on your shoulder, "Gather your things and say your goodbyes, then meet me and the others at the east stable."
With that Lord Sareth gives you a slight bow and excuses himself.
Aeldris returns home and quickly checks over his pack; most of it still ready to go from his most recent excursion. He grabs a few extra items--a small axe and dagger for utility, a few spare clothes--and then changes into slightly less formal clothes, leaving his finest behind. He briefly visits his closest relatives, simply letting them know that he's being sent on a particularly long assignment. Preparations complete, he heads for the stable. On the way, he ponders how unusual it feels--his preparations are little different from a standard patrol, but the mission now is far greater and could take far longer. He does his best to take in the views of the city, knowing he might not see it for some time, but his worry for the queen's condition weighs on him.
Aeldris
Aeldris arrives at the east stable, four other Knights are present along with Lord Sareth. At seeing his arrival the Knights salute their comrade and Sareth produces a medium size object covered in cloth. “The King wishes you to leave this a true representative of our people.” Removing the cloth he reveals a Medium Metal Shield with a Crossed Longsword and Longbow on a green background – the Great Elf Kingdom coat of arms. “May she protect you as you have done for her.” After handing the shield over and Aeldris testing its weight, “Good journey brother!” Sareth embraces Aeldris in a hug as one of the other nights brings about Tethis. The Knights mount their respective horses, “At your leave Lord.”
ALL, so how long do we wait for Crystal? I leave it up to you all, last I heard (posted) she was working swing shifts. But I can't find that exact post to when she posted it.
Right now if we wait for her I can't move Aeldris any further along without her.
Which also means we will hit a stopping point.
So we are back to the question at hand.
"Thank you, my lord; I shall do my best to represent our great kingdom in this endeavor. Farewell; I only hope the gods will see fit to bring me home before too long has passed."
Giving his lord a deep bow, he mounts Tethis in a fluid motion. "Now, let us be off!"
Thanks for the link, so Mar 2.
Correct. And her last post in the 'Connections' thread was 5-Mar.
Hmm... In case I vanish and you need to find me, not that I expect it to happen :), or to privately message me:
Played with them in other games will try to get a hold of them ASAP :)
I'm pretty sure he/she is around. I think I saw the Sunny alias pop up recently...
Yes, 'Sunny' is playing in Muad's game and posted yesterday.
ok, well I hope to see them again soon here! :D
Hello! Hello! Hello!
Sorry, sorry, sorry for not keeping up with threads! Real life and work is annoying when it gets in the way.
Is Crystal okay?
Much cheers to you and yours.
That's correct, again thnks UU for the link.
Crystal there's a little RP in there for ya too. Need to move that along so you and Aeldris can meet. :D
Just waiting on Lasch to finish up the 'library' group and soon we will have everyone together.
Got some work to take care of right now, so once i'm free I'll get more to Ardil and Avala.
:D
Added that small part into the character. Will still not have much free time for another two days or so.
Sorry to be a drag. Am really looking forwards to joining in the game. *Curtsies*
“Please child come and sit with me we...” She paused, “Have much to discuss.” Crystal simply nods and walked over to her Mother, curling her legs and simply sitting at Saldarne Herillyn feet and resting her head upon her Mother's knees. Crystal looks up into her Mother's eyes calmly and expectantly.
Crystal
Mother looks down at her child, “Today is the start for a wonderful time for you. I’m sure you recall the stories I’ve told you of Saldarne, I have been saddened at my requests to allow you to enter the city but alas the Elven people are very selective of who may enter its boundaries.” Mother steps over to her desk and pulls a parchment from it, “I’ve received a letter from the Queen herself, you are to accomplish something great for this Kingdom and one of the Knights sworn to protect will be accompanying you. I do not know the Knights name but I am told he is on his way.” She looks at Crystal happiness in her eyes, “Soon they will all see the beauty I’ve seen in you since you were a child. I’ve prayed for this day and it appears Hanali has answered my prayers.” Unable to hold her joy Mother grabs Crystal up in an embrace then releases her regaining her composure, “Please now, go and prepare yourself for a great journey!”
Ardil and Avala
During your breakfast meal and your short outing, looking for a caravan headed to Drokara, you over hear talk of increased guards providing escorts for the trips. You easily learn that the trail goes through the Seacoast Mountains; it is a well travelled trade road connecting Drokara and Modark, also allowing trade from the dwarf clans that dwell within the mountain. Though oddly you have seen no dwarves out an about.
Jonas, the caravan leader, informs you that they will be departing in the morrow – at day break.
Aeldris
The road out of Saldarne is uneventfull – there is no parade in his honor for this grave mission he has been given, as if the elven people are not aware of what is at stake in the their own future. Perhaps that is the reason for such secrecy, how many people truly know what the Queens prophecies are? And how many are aware of how ill she actually is? These questions reverberate in his head as they leave the city proper, then its outlying estates, and soon just into the Savage Wood itself.
His companions keep mostly to them themselves, in silent vigil, their positioning to be fully around Aeldris. Apparent their mission is to make sure he makes it to Kelsinko unharmed. And in true Knightly fashion they achieve that, it becomes evident to Aeldris of their orders – Trust no one and protect him at all costs. They encounter other patrols along the path and at each meeting the guard tightens their circle on Aeldris – as if spies are expected amongst their own kin.
Just short of a week’s travel gets them to Kelsinko, its elven architecture pleasant to view, and yet its lack of similarity to Saldarnes’ natural beauty makes the city somewhat unwelcoming. Commoners, elven, readily step aside for the knights raising their hands in praise and some of them rendering salutes of honor. Few dwarves walk the streets, several humans, and even less Halflings and gnomes – they all take in the sight that is the Knights and Aeldris over hears some mentioning to the strangers of the honor they bare witness too.
Their journey is precise in the city, straight to the Temple of Hanali with no distractions – arriving at midday on her steps. Mother Herillyn, standing outside, is joined by two other priestesses. Her companions offer a slight bow, Mother stepping forward to the knights as they dismount, “I have been expecting you. Please come in you must be parched from your journey.” She motions to enter the temple; two of the Knights stay mounted “Sir Caresti, we shall continue on to secure your vessel.” Giving a bow to Aeldris the two continue on their way. The two remaining look at Aeldris, “We shall tend to the horses call for us if we are needed.” Bowing they too depart the front steps.
Crystal
Several days go by, Mother constantly showing her affection to her daughter, “I shall miss you so much, no are you ready? Are you sure you’ve prepared everything you may need?” These are daily questions as the week goes on. Near the end of the week word spreads quickly in Kelsinko of the Royal Knights entering the city proper, a troop of five, the beauty of their armor and general appearance has brought about much more rumors to the beauty of the great city Saldarne.
“Quickly child, prepare your best clothing,” Mother practically pushes Crystal down the hall to her room, grabbing a few other younger priestesses on her way, “Make sure she is ready, bath her and dress her.” Giving her orders and exiting the room she pokes her head back in, “Leave not these chambers child, I will send for you once it is time.” And with that she is gone.
The younger girls go about their business tending to Crystal and beginning their gossip, “Did you hear?”, “No, What?”, “One of them is from the royal family!”…and so the gossip continues.
As his escorts depart, Aeldris walks up the temple steps. "Greetings, Mother. Some refreshment would be welcome." Once within the temple doors and clear of the many ears of the street, he adds, "It will have to be quick, however; my errand is most urgent."
Crystal
Sir Aeldris Caresti, nephew to the Queen, is one of the Knights. He has never been to Kelsinko as he is one of the pure bloods; most of the elves of noble lines normally don’t leave the safety of the Savage Wood if they even leave the fabled city of Saldarne. Though his name brings about that of a warrior; one with honor, and serving with distinction.
Crystal fits in well with the younger priestesses, helping to carry on their conversation and sharing in their enjoyment of such talk.
Shortly after the bath, new attire, and appropriate finerys to accentuate Crystals normal attractive appearance a knock on the door comes. One of the girls goes to the door and opens it, Priestess Unari, 3rd from Mother enters, “Mother is ready for you Crystal if you would come with me?”
Anyone seen our Professor around? Did I miss something? Perhaps one of his posts? I'm just waiting on him for you UU. :(
Aeldris
Mother leads you into the temple, the common hall is just that, full of bench style seating with an alter at the front. Four doors go off from this room, two on either side. You proceed to the second door on the right, entering a hallway, a few offshoots from it and several other doors. You go down the hall, taking your first left into a longer hallway, passing two other doors and finally ending at a door. She opens the door revealing an office, finely decorated in silks, gold, silvers – what one would expect from a high priestess of Hanali. She motions for you to enter, immediately inside you see the room is large, a desk, a table for 6 and several book shelves as well as a stone tub its water giving off steam. The water itself is a golden color and sometimes alters to silver, its magical properties apparent. “Please join me at the table.” She takes a seat and from a pours wine for the two of you, then a third glass placed at the seat next to her.
“I am aware of the priority of your task, but before you can be away you must be prepared.” She drinks from the glass and you notice another priestess enter the room, Mother turns to her, “If you would please Unari, if she is ready.” The Priestess gives a slight bow to mother and exists the room. Turning back to you, “Do you know why you are here Sir Caresti?”
Anyone seen our Professor around? Did I miss something? Perhaps one of his posts? I'm just waiting on him for you UU. :(
** spoiler omitted **
Crystal
Then let us press on shall we:
Udaya and Lasch
The constable continues his search; the immediate are first then a closer examination of the body. The Headmaster turns to Udaya and Lasch, “Lasch, please tend to this matter. I shall prepare the school and ensure the library is not disturbed until this task is accomplished.” With those words the Headmaster leaves the room.
Herik eventually begins his examination of the body, and then moves onto the table. “No poisons. Well none that I can find.” He looks up a confused expression on his face, “No blood. I cannot account for anything that may have caused his death.” Herik looks to Lasch, “How was his diet? Did he exercise regularly?”
Crystal
Can you please do me a favor? Give me a description of Crystal as she is dressed now, that includes her sinister lineage showing. Or I can just whip something up. :D I didn't want to type up something you didn't agree with though as you vision your character appearing. I will be using it with your introduction to Aeldris. Thanks.
Ardil and Avala: I haven't forgotten about you too, just want to get everyone else moved along. Otherwise I have the two of you sitting in Drokara and waiting for the others to catch up to you. :D
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
Crystal
I see all that you are saying, the feat yes I recall it. The point i'm getting at with your lineage is a Elf only used to seeing full elves would notice those little differences. Which brings us to Aeldris, his experience with elves if of the full blood type. That's why i'm asking for the info, it really will just pertain to him. He is the only elf in the party and has spent his entire life around full blooded elves.
Udaya
You notice that the book is in it's initial pages, and that they seem to be a conjunction of three languages...Celestial, one you do not recognize and Common.
UU frowns and slides the book away from the body for a closer look. She says to Herik, "It's seems odd he'd drop on the opening pages of the book. Perhaps he was re-reading them?"
She glances up at Lasch recalling his academic reputation from when she was a student. "Nice to see you again, Professor. It's been a few years." She slides the book around so he can read it. "Any idea what this third language is? I spot Common and this other is Celestial. But this one..." she points, "this one I don't recognize."
While waiting to hear Lasch's opinion, UU reads the Common and Celestial text silently to herself.
"I was only told you had something for me; the nature of it was unclear. One thing was certain--it was critical to my mission. So here I am." He sips from the glass as he awaits a response.
*Lasch shuffles into the room, curiously holding his cane a little tighter than usual. A long traveling cloak muffles the sound of donned light armor. His steps are sure, but a burden seems to hang about him.*
"Udaya, it is a pleasure again. Mostly." *A stern look comes over his face, quickly replaced by the smile of a teacher glad to see his pupil return*.
"Herik, he was certainly malnourished. Something consumed him these last few weeks, he would spend days at a time in his study, poring over ancient texts even I did not recognize."
Crystal
** spoiler omitted **Crystal
Crystal
Udaya and Lasch
It does appear to be a book translating the language. The third language is unknown to either, from what Udaya can read the first word and third word are the exact same. Picking the book up reveals a map on the table which Herik quickly notices, “Interesting, perhaps he was planning a trip?” Herik gently removes the map, “appears he was going to be taking a boat for a long journey.”
The map shows a Peninsula, it holds the Seacoast Mountains, and within them an area circled just slightly north of a marked path connecting two cities –Drokara on the West and Modark on the East.
Crystal
Spoiler:An attractive female elf enters the room, no not an elf, as you note her eyes giving of a faint red glint, her tanned skin slightly more ashen than such hue would want from exposure to the sun, and her ears...they seem to move as if responding to sounds. These minor differences are apparent to you, but she is still elven, and an attractive one at that. Beneath her attire, silken finery, your eyes cannot help but be drawn to the grace with which she moves, though it is apparent its worn by its choice to seemingly obfuscate such things, a strange choice given how in concealing it does seem to do more in drawing the eye than not.
Crystal
I see the tail as...well like a cats...it's there for balance...so it's somewhat unconscious that it moves about if you will.
Lasch
You may make a Linguistics check on interpreting the book, the knowledge checks pertain to just the map. If you wish to use one of your auto 20's, select which one - Geography or History.
Crystal
** spoiler omitted **Lasch
** spoiler omitted **
Oops. Had my DM hat on. :P
Well I am proficient in ALL knowledges...sooo...
Evens its history odds its geo
UU looks at the map over Herik's shoulder and quips, "He didn't conveniently mark any spots with an X, did he? That might save us a whole lot of time."