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Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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<blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5740100" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The party, washed and refreshed from their travel, entered the grand hall of Bridgetower. On the dais in an elegantly crafted chair of dark wood sat the Lady Elhianne. A larger higher-backed chair was empty beside her.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">She appeared a vision in a gown of sky blue silk trimmed in delicate swirls of white lace, resembling clouds. She wore a single ring set with a large sapphire on her right hand. A simple band of gleaming silver circled her head to contain the twirling blond hair that cascaded passed her shoulders.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria found herself envious of the woman’s natural beauty and elegance. The R’Hathi mage felt plain before her. She had expended a few cantrips to remove the dust of the road from herself, Coerraine and Haelan. Erevan, of course, was ever-graceful. The elf never seemed dirty or haggard, Alaria noticed distinctly. Duor, even with magical assistance, still seemed ruddy and road-wary. Festus had washed himself and changed his travel cloak for the blue and grey striped cloak of the Bridgetower guard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The companions strode through the hall with their heads high and bowed at various depths before the Lady of the Tower. Servants scurried in the wings to either side, setting tables for the evening meal and lighting the candles and sconces that lined the chamber.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Hail and well met, heroes.” Elhianne said with a broad sparkling smile. “We are so glad to attend your triumphant return. The news brought by Sergeant Borsem was most troubling. I trust all is now resolved?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“It is, milady.” Coerraine responded to Alaria’s mild surprise. “The foul curse of Shafton has been lifted.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“That is wonderful news, sir Goldshield. My husband sends his apologies he cannot meet you, as was his desire. He is in conference with his lieutenants at all hours these days. The battle has been joined at the south edge of Miralosta, as he tells me. The Lordmage’s forces are all being filtered and deployed through Bridgetower and my lord Captain is kept very busy. But we would be most gratified if you would dine with us, this evening and relay the whole of your adventure.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“We thank you, Lady Elhianne, for the honor and gratefully accept.” Alaria returned. “We would offer you these spoils of our adventure, gifts for you and our lord Captain, in gratitude for Bridgetower’s abundant aid.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">She turned and nodded at Festus who then walked forward with a small velvet pillow they’d “borrowed” from the ante-chamber. Upon the pillow was the string of pearls and the topaz feathered servant statuette. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne smiled and took the pearls into her hands. “These are lovely, Alaria.” The lady’s eyes took in the lustrous beauty of the necklace and the fine craftsmanship of the statue of the curious creature. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“My lord and husband has told me of your quest to reclaim your fallen companion. It is a most noble cause which I would be thankful to hear fulfilled.” Elhianne paused for a moment before replacing the pearls upon the pillow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The gratitude is ours to give, Stormriders, for your aid to our home and lands. I cannot, in good conscious, deprive you of such valuable jewels when they could aid your cause in no small way.” Elhianne nodded to a couple of guardsmen standing near the dais.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Two guards came forward. Each lugged a handle of a chest of lacquered dark wood set with a silver clasp between them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“If you will indulge my conscience, I bid you take this in exchange for your gracious gifts.” Elhianne finished.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The guards lifted the top of the wooden box to reveal it filled with gold coins. [600 in all]</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Truly, my lady, the graciousness of Bridgetower knows no bounds.” Alaria said in breathy surprise. <<em>author/DM note: I believe the response from the players was something along the lines of “Lady Elhianne ROCKS!” “Bridgtower is AWESOME!” and other, less polite but similarly complimentary, exclamations</em>> “Our thanks, lady.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne smiled, happy to see her intended gift (which had now become a trade) to the worthy troupe well-received. “Now, let us sup and you will tell me all of the exploits of your great adventure. Your time here will be short, I suppose and I do so enjoy your copy.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">With that the party sat and dined and extolled the Lady Elhianne with their time in Shafton. The Lady listened eagerly, fully enraptured with the moments of heroism and danger. She was especially taken with the telling of Haelan’s turning the ghouls and impressed with the compassion of their decision with the monstrous “Hargak.” She visibly jumped when Festus slammed his hand upon the table at dramatic moments as he relayed the incident with the falling piercers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Near the end of the meal, the Lady of the Tower took a moment to instruct a servant to take a plate of venison and potatoes to her lord husband in his office. She turned to Alaria. “Else he would never eat.” She said with soft smile in that “one woman to another” kind of way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Duor, none too subtly, asked Elhianne if she knew anything about the “dragon treasure” in the Feldmere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne laughed politely. “Alas, master Duor, my schooling does not extend into such things. I have heard the songs and tales, of course…as have all in these lands. But to aver their veracity is beyond me.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Erevan asked the Lady if she knew of anyone in Bridgetower or Dragonwing Vale who might be interested in the “trading or purchasing” some of their other teasures, including those of an arcane nature.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne thought for a moment. “Hmmm. With this, perhaps I can help you. In Bridgetower, now all is concerned with battle and weapons and other unsavory things. I fear trade has all but stopped, even in the short time you have been away. There has been no traffic from outside of Daenfrii since shortly after your first coming to us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“However, my sister, the Lady Dauphinne <”doh-fin-eh”> maintains a position in the Lordmage’s court.” She turned to Alaria again, as if to say to her alone, “She is married to one of the lieutenants in the Lordmage’s personal guard. He is a noble sort, if not as handsome as my Rynthis.” Elhianne concluded with a wink.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Clearly, thought Alaria, the Lady Elhianne was sorely in need of the company of other courtly women. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The Lady continued to the table at large, “She does enjoy collecting items of art and beauty and has a small talent for sorcery, herself.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">She turned for another aside, this time to Coerraine, “Which practically all of the court does, of course.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne returned her attention to her plate and concluded with, “Yes, Dauphinne may be a good place to start.” She took a dainty forkful of the glazed carrots that remained on her plate. She chewed delicately and swallowed before continuing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Haelan listened attentively while reloading his plate with more meat and bread that sat before him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“There is also an archivist in the Keep, Felton. He was tutor to my sister and I…and before us, I am told, the belated Dragonmagess. Merciful Mother bless her. He is quite knowledgeable in all manner of topics and no doubt would know who in the Vale might be of service to you.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">She took a sip from the gem encrusted goblet before her. A servant immediately appeared and refilled it with the sweet golden elfvine before she set the goblet down.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria also took a polite sip from her unadorned goblet. “If I may, my lady…” Alaria began.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Alaria, call me Elhianne. Please. It has been long since I’ve had a lady of quality in my company. We are near as sisters, I feel, and would not have titles between us.” The lady said unexpectedly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Alaria was surprised but managed a polite smile. “As you wish, my…eh…Elhianne. I am honored.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“But, if I may and it does not trouble you, what became of the belated Dragonmagess?” Alaria felt this information may be relevant for them in the future. The wizard hoped it would be well-received, being the closest thing to lady-like “gossip” she could think of…Not to mention Alaria, being Alaria, was simply curious.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne put down her fork and exhaled. A look of pity crossed her face. “Oh, Alaria, it is a sad tale.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“If it upsets you, please do not…” Alaria tried to back track, not wishing to sadden their gracious hostess.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“No. No. It does not. But it is a lamentable tale. I was only a girl. Nearing my tenth birthday. The princes were only seven and five. My father was a captain with the Vale guard and we lived just outside the Keep in a fine townhouse. It was a glorious time in Daenfrii. Late spring. The fields and gardens were filled of blooms, the air was sweet and clean with their perfume.” She chuckled to herself. “Whether that is entirely true or the rosy shade of childhood memory, I do not know.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne took a moment to take another sip from her goblet before continuing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Well, the Dragonmagess, as of course you know, was a formidable wizardess. She had a beauty and a strength…as all of the Dragonmages do, of course. With such compassion and kindness. Dauphinne and I were raised among courtly women. We are distant cousins, you know? Three times removed from the Dragonwing line…on our mother’s side.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“But I digress…That day, the air turned bad. Sulfur and smoke filled the senses and burned the eyes. The Keep all but erupted in flame and everything turned to chaos.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“It seems a demon had been summoned forth by one of Daenfrii’s enemies and sent to lay waste to the Vale.” The lady’s eyes seemed to glaze over as she slid back into her memories of the dark day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Within the Keep, all of the children and ladies were herded from one chamber to the next, climbing higher and higher in the great tower. We raced ahead of the creature…we ran so fast…until we came to the grand hall…it bellowed through the whole Keep…”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The party did not interrupt as the lady again composed herself with a long sip of elfvine. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The thing, whose name even now I will never dare to utter, left death and burning in its wake. It crushed through the gates. It decimated the waves of guards, whether they bore arms or spells. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Our father fell…” the lady’s story trailed off. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Elhianne, I am so sorry.” Alaria offered. She gently placed her hand on the Lady’s. It quivered beneath her touch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne smiled at the magess. “Many died, that day, Alaria…so many…</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“We huddled behind the Seat of the Dragon…um…the throne of the Dragonmage in the grand hall…where the Vale’s magical protections are strongest.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Selaina [the Dragonmagess] was there. The princes, Montor and Malac had been brought to the hall also with their guard of wizards and warriors. The lordmage, Arganor, was there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“She had taken up the Staff of Wyr, of course, and readied to fight the creature.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“They thundered their way through the halls. I’ve never…the magic she commanded and the power the creature summoned…your hair stood on end. The air was charged with the stuff. I’ve never experienced the like before or since…nor would I ever wish to.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The wizards and warriors fell by the handful. Our Lordmage Arganor had expended himself beyond his means and was near death…Selaina…the Dragonmagess…knowing something beyond our ken, used her power to transport all of us, including her fallen husband, out of the hall to the lower courtyard outside the keep gates.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“It is said, the young prince Montor was the last to be swept up in the arcane whirlwind…naturally. He is the Dragonmage-apparent, after all. They say, the poor little prince watched his mother fall.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“In that final moment, the creature made its final assault, wishing to end the line of Dragonwing there and then…but Selaina would not be felled. She used the dragon magics and the Staff of Wyr to destroy the creature…or banish it.” Elhianned smiled weakly, “It depends on who is telling the story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“The cost of doing so consumed her in the eldritch power and she was lost to us…but Daenfrii and her family…She saved us all.” Elhianne finished, attempting to conclude on a positive note.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Elhianne and several of the companions took a long draw of their drinks in the silence of the finished tale.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“So, Arganor was healed. His strength in the aftermath was amazing. Were it not for him, I doubt Daenfrii would be as strong as it is today. He rules, as Lordmage of Daenfrii, until such time as Lord-prince Montor takes up the Staff of Wyr and fulfills the destiny of his birthright.” Elhianne added, attempting to move the conversation back into the “now” and out of the tragic day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Haelan’s voice broke the silent hall. “Is there any more of that delightful mince pie?” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“More ale here.” Said Duor in a commanding tone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Festus, also looking to lighten the mood, stood and raised his mug. “Indeed. More ale! More elfvine! A toast to our most gracious Lady! To our most esteemed Lord Captain. To Lordmage Arganor and the line of Dragonwing! To Daenfrii!”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"To Daenfrii!" the hall resounded in cheer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">At this, all stood and raised their glasses (except Elhianne, of course, as she was included in the toast). The rest of the evening proved most light and they spoke no more of the belated Dragonmagess.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 5740100, member: 92511"] [FONT=Verdana]The party, washed and refreshed from their travel, entered the grand hall of Bridgetower. On the dais in an elegantly crafted chair of dark wood sat the Lady Elhianne. A larger higher-backed chair was empty beside her. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]She appeared a vision in a gown of sky blue silk trimmed in delicate swirls of white lace, resembling clouds. She wore a single ring set with a large sapphire on her right hand. A simple band of gleaming silver circled her head to contain the twirling blond hair that cascaded passed her shoulders. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria found herself envious of the woman’s natural beauty and elegance. The R’Hathi mage felt plain before her. She had expended a few cantrips to remove the dust of the road from herself, Coerraine and Haelan. Erevan, of course, was ever-graceful. The elf never seemed dirty or haggard, Alaria noticed distinctly. Duor, even with magical assistance, still seemed ruddy and road-wary. Festus had washed himself and changed his travel cloak for the blue and grey striped cloak of the Bridgetower guard. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The companions strode through the hall with their heads high and bowed at various depths before the Lady of the Tower. Servants scurried in the wings to either side, setting tables for the evening meal and lighting the candles and sconces that lined the chamber. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Hail and well met, heroes.” Elhianne said with a broad sparkling smile. “We are so glad to attend your triumphant return. The news brought by Sergeant Borsem was most troubling. I trust all is now resolved?” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“It is, milady.” Coerraine responded to Alaria’s mild surprise. “The foul curse of Shafton has been lifted.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“That is wonderful news, sir Goldshield. My husband sends his apologies he cannot meet you, as was his desire. He is in conference with his lieutenants at all hours these days. The battle has been joined at the south edge of Miralosta, as he tells me. The Lordmage’s forces are all being filtered and deployed through Bridgetower and my lord Captain is kept very busy. But we would be most gratified if you would dine with us, this evening and relay the whole of your adventure.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“We thank you, Lady Elhianne, for the honor and gratefully accept.” Alaria returned. “We would offer you these spoils of our adventure, gifts for you and our lord Captain, in gratitude for Bridgetower’s abundant aid.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]She turned and nodded at Festus who then walked forward with a small velvet pillow they’d “borrowed” from the ante-chamber. Upon the pillow was the string of pearls and the topaz feathered servant statuette. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne smiled and took the pearls into her hands. “These are lovely, Alaria.” The lady’s eyes took in the lustrous beauty of the necklace and the fine craftsmanship of the statue of the curious creature. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“My lord and husband has told me of your quest to reclaim your fallen companion. It is a most noble cause which I would be thankful to hear fulfilled.” Elhianne paused for a moment before replacing the pearls upon the pillow. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The gratitude is ours to give, Stormriders, for your aid to our home and lands. I cannot, in good conscious, deprive you of such valuable jewels when they could aid your cause in no small way.” Elhianne nodded to a couple of guardsmen standing near the dais. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Two guards came forward. Each lugged a handle of a chest of lacquered dark wood set with a silver clasp between them. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“If you will indulge my conscience, I bid you take this in exchange for your gracious gifts.” Elhianne finished. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The guards lifted the top of the wooden box to reveal it filled with gold coins. [600 in all] [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Truly, my lady, the graciousness of Bridgetower knows no bounds.” Alaria said in breathy surprise. <[I]author/DM note: I believe the response from the players was something along the lines of “Lady Elhianne ROCKS!” “Bridgtower is AWESOME!” and other, less polite but similarly complimentary, exclamations[/I]> “Our thanks, lady.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne smiled, happy to see her intended gift (which had now become a trade) to the worthy troupe well-received. “Now, let us sup and you will tell me all of the exploits of your great adventure. Your time here will be short, I suppose and I do so enjoy your copy.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]With that the party sat and dined and extolled the Lady Elhianne with their time in Shafton. The Lady listened eagerly, fully enraptured with the moments of heroism and danger. She was especially taken with the telling of Haelan’s turning the ghouls and impressed with the compassion of their decision with the monstrous “Hargak.” She visibly jumped when Festus slammed his hand upon the table at dramatic moments as he relayed the incident with the falling piercers. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Near the end of the meal, the Lady of the Tower took a moment to instruct a servant to take a plate of venison and potatoes to her lord husband in his office. She turned to Alaria. “Else he would never eat.” She said with soft smile in that “one woman to another” kind of way. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Duor, none too subtly, asked Elhianne if she knew anything about the “dragon treasure” in the Feldmere. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne laughed politely. “Alas, master Duor, my schooling does not extend into such things. I have heard the songs and tales, of course…as have all in these lands. But to aver their veracity is beyond me.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Erevan asked the Lady if she knew of anyone in Bridgetower or Dragonwing Vale who might be interested in the “trading or purchasing” some of their other teasures, including those of an arcane nature. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne thought for a moment. “Hmmm. With this, perhaps I can help you. In Bridgetower, now all is concerned with battle and weapons and other unsavory things. I fear trade has all but stopped, even in the short time you have been away. There has been no traffic from outside of Daenfrii since shortly after your first coming to us. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“However, my sister, the Lady Dauphinne <”doh-fin-eh”> maintains a position in the Lordmage’s court.” She turned to Alaria again, as if to say to her alone, “She is married to one of the lieutenants in the Lordmage’s personal guard. He is a noble sort, if not as handsome as my Rynthis.” Elhianne concluded with a wink. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Clearly, thought Alaria, the Lady Elhianne was sorely in need of the company of other courtly women. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The Lady continued to the table at large, “She does enjoy collecting items of art and beauty and has a small talent for sorcery, herself.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]She turned for another aside, this time to Coerraine, “Which practically all of the court does, of course.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne returned her attention to her plate and concluded with, “Yes, Dauphinne may be a good place to start.” She took a dainty forkful of the glazed carrots that remained on her plate. She chewed delicately and swallowed before continuing. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Haelan listened attentively while reloading his plate with more meat and bread that sat before him. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“There is also an archivist in the Keep, Felton. He was tutor to my sister and I…and before us, I am told, the belated Dragonmagess. Merciful Mother bless her. He is quite knowledgeable in all manner of topics and no doubt would know who in the Vale might be of service to you.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]She took a sip from the gem encrusted goblet before her. A servant immediately appeared and refilled it with the sweet golden elfvine before she set the goblet down. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria also took a polite sip from her unadorned goblet. “If I may, my lady…” Alaria began. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Alaria, call me Elhianne. Please. It has been long since I’ve had a lady of quality in my company. We are near as sisters, I feel, and would not have titles between us.” The lady said unexpectedly. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Alaria was surprised but managed a polite smile. “As you wish, my…eh…Elhianne. I am honored. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“But, if I may and it does not trouble you, what became of the belated Dragonmagess?” Alaria felt this information may be relevant for them in the future. The wizard hoped it would be well-received, being the closest thing to lady-like “gossip” she could think of…Not to mention Alaria, being Alaria, was simply curious. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne put down her fork and exhaled. A look of pity crossed her face. “Oh, Alaria, it is a sad tale.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“If it upsets you, please do not…” Alaria tried to back track, not wishing to sadden their gracious hostess. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“No. No. It does not. But it is a lamentable tale. I was only a girl. Nearing my tenth birthday. The princes were only seven and five. My father was a captain with the Vale guard and we lived just outside the Keep in a fine townhouse. It was a glorious time in Daenfrii. Late spring. The fields and gardens were filled of blooms, the air was sweet and clean with their perfume.” She chuckled to herself. “Whether that is entirely true or the rosy shade of childhood memory, I do not know.” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne took a moment to take another sip from her goblet before continuing. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Well, the Dragonmagess, as of course you know, was a formidable wizardess. She had a beauty and a strength…as all of the Dragonmages do, of course. With such compassion and kindness. Dauphinne and I were raised among courtly women. We are distant cousins, you know? Three times removed from the Dragonwing line…on our mother’s side. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“But I digress…That day, the air turned bad. Sulfur and smoke filled the senses and burned the eyes. The Keep all but erupted in flame and everything turned to chaos. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“It seems a demon had been summoned forth by one of Daenfrii’s enemies and sent to lay waste to the Vale.” The lady’s eyes seemed to glaze over as she slid back into her memories of the dark day. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Within the Keep, all of the children and ladies were herded from one chamber to the next, climbing higher and higher in the great tower. We raced ahead of the creature…we ran so fast…until we came to the grand hall…it bellowed through the whole Keep…” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]The party did not interrupt as the lady again composed herself with a long sip of elfvine. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The thing, whose name even now I will never dare to utter, left death and burning in its wake. It crushed through the gates. It decimated the waves of guards, whether they bore arms or spells. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Our father fell…” the lady’s story trailed off. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Elhianne, I am so sorry.” Alaria offered. She gently placed her hand on the Lady’s. It quivered beneath her touch. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne smiled at the magess. “Many died, that day, Alaria…so many… [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“We huddled behind the Seat of the Dragon…um…the throne of the Dragonmage in the grand hall…where the Vale’s magical protections are strongest. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“Selaina [the Dragonmagess] was there. The princes, Montor and Malac had been brought to the hall also with their guard of wizards and warriors. The lordmage, Arganor, was there. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“She had taken up the Staff of Wyr, of course, and readied to fight the creature. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“They thundered their way through the halls. I’ve never…the magic she commanded and the power the creature summoned…your hair stood on end. The air was charged with the stuff. I’ve never experienced the like before or since…nor would I ever wish to. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The wizards and warriors fell by the handful. Our Lordmage Arganor had expended himself beyond his means and was near death…Selaina…the Dragonmagess…knowing something beyond our ken, used her power to transport all of us, including her fallen husband, out of the hall to the lower courtyard outside the keep gates. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“It is said, the young prince Montor was the last to be swept up in the arcane whirlwind…naturally. He is the Dragonmage-apparent, after all. They say, the poor little prince watched his mother fall. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“In that final moment, the creature made its final assault, wishing to end the line of Dragonwing there and then…but Selaina would not be felled. She used the dragon magics and the Staff of Wyr to destroy the creature…or banish it.” Elhianned smiled weakly, “It depends on who is telling the story. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“The cost of doing so consumed her in the eldritch power and she was lost to us…but Daenfrii and her family…She saved us all.” Elhianne finished, attempting to conclude on a positive note. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Elhianne and several of the companions took a long draw of their drinks in the silence of the finished tale. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“So, Arganor was healed. His strength in the aftermath was amazing. Were it not for him, I doubt Daenfrii would be as strong as it is today. He rules, as Lordmage of Daenfrii, until such time as Lord-prince Montor takes up the Staff of Wyr and fulfills the destiny of his birthright.” Elhianne added, attempting to move the conversation back into the “now” and out of the tragic day. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Haelan’s voice broke the silent hall. “Is there any more of that delightful mince pie?” [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]“More ale here.” Said Duor in a commanding tone. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Festus, also looking to lighten the mood, stood and raised his mug. “Indeed. More ale! More elfvine! A toast to our most gracious Lady! To our most esteemed Lord Captain. To Lordmage Arganor and the line of Dragonwing! To Daenfrii!” "To Daenfrii!" the hall resounded in cheer. [/FONT][FONT=Verdana]At this, all stood and raised their glasses (except Elhianne, of course, as she was included in the toast). The rest of the evening proved most light and they spoke no more of the belated Dragonmagess.[/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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