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[FR]The Return of the Heroes of the Vilhon Reach (updated 8/20!)
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<blockquote data-quote="Broccli_Head" data-source="post: 825910" data-attributes="member: 105"><p><strong>Midsummer, 1378, Year of the Cauldron</strong></p><p></p><p>The wedding was a grand affair. Everyone who was anyone in Cormyr attended. Belsimmers and Huntcrowns, Wyvernspurs and Silverleafs crowded into the splendid courtyard of DragonStorm Castle. The Steel Regent came, standing in shining full plate armor as the maid-of-honor for her fellow warrior woman, Alberia Lhal. Even Caladnei, chief War Wizard of Cormyr came with a bumbling and babbling Vanderghast in tow.</p><p></p><p>Nosr sulked during the whole event. He questioned Aris's motives. Then again maybe Alberia was the one marrying for politcial reasons or maybe they were actually marrying because they loved each other. Plus, Benito Moltos who had been gone for over five years was performing the ceremony and Ellysidell, whom Aris had only kept tabs upon was the "best man" while he had been relegated to usher.</p><p></p><p>"So much for loyalty...," Nosr muttered under his breath.</p><p></p><p>Kith also mopped, but nor for the same reasons as Nosr. It was more of a matter of security. </p><p></p><p>The doppleganger, Aris's chief on intelligence and an ardent worshipper of Tyr, recalled the recent conversation:</p><p></p><p>"You're just putting another person in harm's way, Aris."</p><p></p><p>"Alberia can take care of herself."</p><p></p><p>"And now some of our resources will have to be devoted to protecting her. Making sure that the many enemies that you have collected don't try and use her for leverage." </p><p></p><p>"Kith, we are in the middle of Cormyr."</p><p></p><p>"Exactly! This is not the same Cormyr it was under Azoun, and I know that the Night Masks, Quivering Thumb, People of the Black Blood, Eldereth Veluthraa--"</p><p></p><p>"You need not continued. I know who our enemies are."</p><p></p><p>"Zhentarim and the Shades, thanks to your meddling cousin. Any one of those groups can waltz on in here and cause trouble even with advance notice. Keep yourself in danger if you want to, boss, but why add a weak link in our chain."</p><p></p><p>"Kith, I appreciate your concern, but Alberia is not a 'weak link'. We are getting married and that is all there is to it!"</p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>Aris had then summarily dismissed him and they had not spoken more than a few words in the last month. Now Kith watched and worried and probed peoples minds as Benito presided over the exchange of vows. He ground his teeth. When Jhovan returned he would approach Aris again. Maybe he and the assassin together could make him more tractable...</p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>The wedding finished and feast began. Much wine and ale was consumed and the musicians played long into the night. Nosr's mood lightened somewhat as many a young noble lass pulled him from his corner chair and into a dance. Conversations, with their plots and machianitions cropped up here and there among the nobles, with Kith and Kyros cataloguing it all (and their instigators) for analysis (and follow-up) later. </p><p></p><p>Ivan and Benito and their wives sat together and their children played and the two dads compared diaper and dookie stories laughing a lot and enjoying the peace and innocence that their families brought. </p><p></p><p>"You'll have to come an visit the old inn, Benito. You remember Twillight Hollow?"</p><p></p><p>"Only too well, my friend. That's were Ellysidell died. Where my doubts about Tyr began."</p><p></p><p>Ivan furrowed his brow and tried to maintain the light atmosphere, "Well I renamed it. It's called the Twin Swords. Lots of fun and a few brawls to keep me honest." </p><p></p><p>"That's great. I see you've married a sister of Ilmater."</p><p></p><p>Ivan smiled, looking for Gwynneth among the crowd. He squirmed feeling out of place among all the finery. Fortunately, his wife and Johanna had hit it off tremendously and they were talking and watching the children. They all seemed like bumpkins compared to the silk- and jewels-laddened locals. </p><p></p><p>"Ivan, I do not want to leave my family, but I feel that Ilmater has asked me to continue that quest that we left long ago."</p><p></p><p>"I hung up my swords from heroics. Aris knows my mind. I'm stayin' in Twillight Hollow. I fear what may happen if I leave for too long."</p><p></p><p>He informed Benito of the precarious peace that existed between the Zhentarim from Irieabor and Darkhold and the belagured riders from Asbravan. </p><p></p><p>"Too many skirmishes have happened lately, Benito. The Hollow is neutral ground."</p><p></p><p>"I have a old debt to pay. We all do in Irieabor."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, your father. I despise Thaeglos as much as the next man. His wolfpacks roam the Vale at will, except in my village."</p><p></p><p>Ivan beat his chest for emphasis</p><p></p><p>"There will be a reckoning soon, my friend. Would you be there if I need you?"</p><p></p><p>Ivan thought for some time, but did not respond. </p><p></p><p>"Come visit Twillight Hollow, Benito. You're something of a celebrity there."</p><p></p><p>Grasping Benito on the shoulder, he gave him a knowing nod. </p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>Elsewhere Aris had a candid conversation with Vanderghast.</p><p></p><p>Walking behind the mage while he practiced his senility, smelling roses and following butterflies, Aris asked "What are you doing here, Old Snoop?"</p><p></p><p>The former high mage of Cormyr narrowed his eyes and spoke in a harsh whisper, the trapping of an old fool gone. </p><p></p><p>"You are not one of the royals, Wolf's son, so please refrain from calling me by a nickname reserved by them. You have already crossed the Mistmaster. Would you like another <em>geas</em> placed on you? How about one that will dampen your honeymoon?"</p><p></p><p>Aris Cloud-dancer bowed and recanted, "Forgive me, Lord Vanderghast. I was testing your act. If you were the groom would you not take offense at someone of power pretending to be a doddering old fool?"</p><p></p><p>"If I were the groom, I would be attending to my wife! Oh so long ago..."</p><p></p><p>The high mage's eyes misted as he reminisced about love long past. </p><p></p><p>"Of course, all believe that you are just a gold-digger. Where do your loyalties lie, Wolf's son?"</p><p></p><p>Now it was Aris's turn to glower.</p><p></p><p>"Where they have since you forced me five years ago to swear loyalty to King Azoun's son. I am still loyal to Cormyr and loyal to my wife."</p><p></p><p>He crossed his arms as Vanderghast raised an eyebrow. </p><p></p><p>"And your <em>legion</em>?"</p><p></p><p>"When you need it, a part of Cormyr's armed forces."</p><p></p><p>"You realize that us allowing you to have an armed fighting force within our boundaries, sets a dangerous precedent. The nobles are clamouring to be allowed to do the same to bolster their own house forces. Sit on that wolf. Alusair values you and your wife's friendship to highly to tell you like it is. I, like you claim, care for Cormyr more than my own feelings or standing and I, unlike you, have proven so again and again. Do not disappoint me."</p><p></p><p>Amidst protests from Aris of "I fought in the Horde Wars...," Vanderghast began chasing a lizard. </p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>Grim was so tempted to separate many a noble from his purse or bracelet or ring that night, but Ellysidell kept him in check. They had met on the road two days from the castle and had had so much time to rekindle their old friendship....</p><p></p><p><em>I was so nearby, big brother. Why didn't you come and get me?</em></p><p></p><p>"I didn't know where you were. We did not travel through Sembia. You are not easy to find little brother."</p><p></p><p><em>I guess we all got caught up in other responsibilities. How is Talindra? Is she still as ornery as ever?</em></p><p></p><p>THe mention of her name in the conversations usually ended them, but Grim kept probing. The thought of the wedding and all that food made him less grim and more giddy so the mischevious halfing came out....</p><p></p><p>By the time the music began to die, Grim had found a good place to hide and with a full belly went to sleep. Ellysidell, more comfortable outside, sat nearby, still never sleeping, but thinking what Aris was up to. He had been honored to be his "best man", but the bitter taste of all that time passing with barely any help for his cause remained. </p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>The next day, Aris and Alberia invited their old adventuring companions to breakfast. Their plans were to honeymoon in Ilighon and return a week from that day. </p><p></p><p>Aris raised his cup. Alberia grasped his hand for support. </p><p></p><p>"I propose companions that we bring our righteousness to bear against the evil that surrounds our lands. For five years I have been building a small mercantile empire to someday rival that of the Zhentarim, the Iron Throne, the Rundeen, and the rest. I would wish, friends, that you would join me in the fight. From here, in the heart of Cormyr we can strike out against our foes with the Stormwolf Legion."</p><p></p><p>Benito and Ivan frowned. Grim smirked. Ellysidell crossed his arms, impassive. Nosr and Kyros raised their mugs echoing support. </p><p></p><p>"Ilmater decrees otherwise, Aris. We need to finish what our parents could not. The time is at hand."</p><p></p><p>The usually taciturn elf added, "If strike against our foes we must, then send more than just weapons and food to Cormanthor where my companions and I strike against the children of the Spider Queen."</p><p></p><p><em>The Harpers could use your help in Sembia!</em> sent Grim. </p><p></p><p>"What about Irieabor?" asked Ivan. </p><p></p><p>The murmur and hubub began as to what task was the most important. Aris tried to interrupt but the voices (and telepathic messages) grew louder and louder. Alberia wore a forced smile but stayed quiet. </p><p></p><p>Ivan's lionar-trained voice finally cut through the din. </p><p></p><p><strong>"I am returning with my family to Twillight Hollow!" </strong></p><p></p><p>In the silence that followed his shout Benito spoke.</p><p></p><p>"I am going to Hellgate Keep to retrieve the Gatekeeper's Crystal."</p><p></p><p>Nosr doubled over while Kyros and Aris grimaced as if in pain. </p><p></p><p>"Meet me in Silverymoon in a tenday if you want to go. I will go alone if need be for I do the will of Ilmater."</p><p></p><p>Then he rose to leave.</p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>The reunion soon ended with many a troubled brow or frown on the faces of the heroes. </p><p></p><p>That afternoon, Benito and Ivan and their families travelled together towards Twillight Hollow, grateful for the respite from the world, at least for the next four days...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Broccli_Head, post: 825910, member: 105"] [b]Midsummer, 1378, Year of the Cauldron[/b] The wedding was a grand affair. Everyone who was anyone in Cormyr attended. Belsimmers and Huntcrowns, Wyvernspurs and Silverleafs crowded into the splendid courtyard of DragonStorm Castle. The Steel Regent came, standing in shining full plate armor as the maid-of-honor for her fellow warrior woman, Alberia Lhal. Even Caladnei, chief War Wizard of Cormyr came with a bumbling and babbling Vanderghast in tow. Nosr sulked during the whole event. He questioned Aris's motives. Then again maybe Alberia was the one marrying for politcial reasons or maybe they were actually marrying because they loved each other. Plus, Benito Moltos who had been gone for over five years was performing the ceremony and Ellysidell, whom Aris had only kept tabs upon was the "best man" while he had been relegated to usher. "So much for loyalty...," Nosr muttered under his breath. Kith also mopped, but nor for the same reasons as Nosr. It was more of a matter of security. The doppleganger, Aris's chief on intelligence and an ardent worshipper of Tyr, recalled the recent conversation: "You're just putting another person in harm's way, Aris." "Alberia can take care of herself." "And now some of our resources will have to be devoted to protecting her. Making sure that the many enemies that you have collected don't try and use her for leverage." "Kith, we are in the middle of Cormyr." "Exactly! This is not the same Cormyr it was under Azoun, and I know that the Night Masks, Quivering Thumb, People of the Black Blood, Eldereth Veluthraa--" "You need not continued. I know who our enemies are." "Zhentarim and the Shades, thanks to your meddling cousin. Any one of those groups can waltz on in here and cause trouble even with advance notice. Keep yourself in danger if you want to, boss, but why add a weak link in our chain." "Kith, I appreciate your concern, but Alberia is not a 'weak link'. We are getting married and that is all there is to it!" ** Aris had then summarily dismissed him and they had not spoken more than a few words in the last month. Now Kith watched and worried and probed peoples minds as Benito presided over the exchange of vows. He ground his teeth. When Jhovan returned he would approach Aris again. Maybe he and the assassin together could make him more tractable... ** The wedding finished and feast began. Much wine and ale was consumed and the musicians played long into the night. Nosr's mood lightened somewhat as many a young noble lass pulled him from his corner chair and into a dance. Conversations, with their plots and machianitions cropped up here and there among the nobles, with Kith and Kyros cataloguing it all (and their instigators) for analysis (and follow-up) later. Ivan and Benito and their wives sat together and their children played and the two dads compared diaper and dookie stories laughing a lot and enjoying the peace and innocence that their families brought. "You'll have to come an visit the old inn, Benito. You remember Twillight Hollow?" "Only too well, my friend. That's were Ellysidell died. Where my doubts about Tyr began." Ivan furrowed his brow and tried to maintain the light atmosphere, "Well I renamed it. It's called the Twin Swords. Lots of fun and a few brawls to keep me honest." "That's great. I see you've married a sister of Ilmater." Ivan smiled, looking for Gwynneth among the crowd. He squirmed feeling out of place among all the finery. Fortunately, his wife and Johanna had hit it off tremendously and they were talking and watching the children. They all seemed like bumpkins compared to the silk- and jewels-laddened locals. "Ivan, I do not want to leave my family, but I feel that Ilmater has asked me to continue that quest that we left long ago." "I hung up my swords from heroics. Aris knows my mind. I'm stayin' in Twillight Hollow. I fear what may happen if I leave for too long." He informed Benito of the precarious peace that existed between the Zhentarim from Irieabor and Darkhold and the belagured riders from Asbravan. "Too many skirmishes have happened lately, Benito. The Hollow is neutral ground." "I have a old debt to pay. We all do in Irieabor." "Yes, your father. I despise Thaeglos as much as the next man. His wolfpacks roam the Vale at will, except in my village." Ivan beat his chest for emphasis "There will be a reckoning soon, my friend. Would you be there if I need you?" Ivan thought for some time, but did not respond. "Come visit Twillight Hollow, Benito. You're something of a celebrity there." Grasping Benito on the shoulder, he gave him a knowing nod. ** Elsewhere Aris had a candid conversation with Vanderghast. Walking behind the mage while he practiced his senility, smelling roses and following butterflies, Aris asked "What are you doing here, Old Snoop?" The former high mage of Cormyr narrowed his eyes and spoke in a harsh whisper, the trapping of an old fool gone. "You are not one of the royals, Wolf's son, so please refrain from calling me by a nickname reserved by them. You have already crossed the Mistmaster. Would you like another [i]geas[/i] placed on you? How about one that will dampen your honeymoon?" Aris Cloud-dancer bowed and recanted, "Forgive me, Lord Vanderghast. I was testing your act. If you were the groom would you not take offense at someone of power pretending to be a doddering old fool?" "If I were the groom, I would be attending to my wife! Oh so long ago..." The high mage's eyes misted as he reminisced about love long past. "Of course, all believe that you are just a gold-digger. Where do your loyalties lie, Wolf's son?" Now it was Aris's turn to glower. "Where they have since you forced me five years ago to swear loyalty to King Azoun's son. I am still loyal to Cormyr and loyal to my wife." He crossed his arms as Vanderghast raised an eyebrow. "And your [i]legion[/i]?" "When you need it, a part of Cormyr's armed forces." "You realize that us allowing you to have an armed fighting force within our boundaries, sets a dangerous precedent. The nobles are clamouring to be allowed to do the same to bolster their own house forces. Sit on that wolf. Alusair values you and your wife's friendship to highly to tell you like it is. I, like you claim, care for Cormyr more than my own feelings or standing and I, unlike you, have proven so again and again. Do not disappoint me." Amidst protests from Aris of "I fought in the Horde Wars...," Vanderghast began chasing a lizard. ** Grim was so tempted to separate many a noble from his purse or bracelet or ring that night, but Ellysidell kept him in check. They had met on the road two days from the castle and had had so much time to rekindle their old friendship.... [i]I was so nearby, big brother. Why didn't you come and get me?[/i] "I didn't know where you were. We did not travel through Sembia. You are not easy to find little brother." [i]I guess we all got caught up in other responsibilities. How is Talindra? Is she still as ornery as ever?[/i] THe mention of her name in the conversations usually ended them, but Grim kept probing. The thought of the wedding and all that food made him less grim and more giddy so the mischevious halfing came out.... By the time the music began to die, Grim had found a good place to hide and with a full belly went to sleep. Ellysidell, more comfortable outside, sat nearby, still never sleeping, but thinking what Aris was up to. He had been honored to be his "best man", but the bitter taste of all that time passing with barely any help for his cause remained. ** The next day, Aris and Alberia invited their old adventuring companions to breakfast. Their plans were to honeymoon in Ilighon and return a week from that day. Aris raised his cup. Alberia grasped his hand for support. "I propose companions that we bring our righteousness to bear against the evil that surrounds our lands. For five years I have been building a small mercantile empire to someday rival that of the Zhentarim, the Iron Throne, the Rundeen, and the rest. I would wish, friends, that you would join me in the fight. From here, in the heart of Cormyr we can strike out against our foes with the Stormwolf Legion." Benito and Ivan frowned. Grim smirked. Ellysidell crossed his arms, impassive. Nosr and Kyros raised their mugs echoing support. "Ilmater decrees otherwise, Aris. We need to finish what our parents could not. The time is at hand." The usually taciturn elf added, "If strike against our foes we must, then send more than just weapons and food to Cormanthor where my companions and I strike against the children of the Spider Queen." [i]The Harpers could use your help in Sembia![/i] sent Grim. "What about Irieabor?" asked Ivan. The murmur and hubub began as to what task was the most important. Aris tried to interrupt but the voices (and telepathic messages) grew louder and louder. Alberia wore a forced smile but stayed quiet. Ivan's lionar-trained voice finally cut through the din. [b]"I am returning with my family to Twillight Hollow!" [/b] In the silence that followed his shout Benito spoke. "I am going to Hellgate Keep to retrieve the Gatekeeper's Crystal." Nosr doubled over while Kyros and Aris grimaced as if in pain. "Meet me in Silverymoon in a tenday if you want to go. I will go alone if need be for I do the will of Ilmater." Then he rose to leave. ** The reunion soon ended with many a troubled brow or frown on the faces of the heroes. That afternoon, Benito and Ivan and their families travelled together towards Twillight Hollow, grateful for the respite from the world, at least for the next four days... [/QUOTE]
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