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Story Hour
Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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<blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5972277" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p>The first days in Bridgetower passed in something of blur for Alaria.</p><p></p><p>Following the first night, which she had passed with Braddok and to her surprise and somewhat embarrassment she had thoroughly enjoyed, her days were filled with the activity of one bereaved...just looking for anything and everything she could do to keep busy.</p><p></p><p>She had had her first report and meeting with Captain Rynthis, followed by a visit to Magist Stenthil. They arranged to meet later in the week to identify the companions' unidentified items and recharge her staff. Stenthil apologized for his lack of time, but the Captain, it seemed, had the old magist scrying day and night to keep tabs on the borders of the realm and occasionally to see how things went on the front.</p><p></p><p>The second afternoon had presented a lengthy and somewhat tiresome afternoon tea with the Lady Elhianne. Her sincerity and well-meaning nature was, however, difficult to be annoyed with. The lady's condolences had been heartfelt and her utter dismay at the horrors Alaria had endured in the passed weeks was completely sympathetic.</p><p></p><p>Later that day, she had sent one of her ladies to the party's chambers to offer Alaria an array of gowns and robes, one more elaborate and poofy than the next (having been horrified at the tale of Alaria "loosing her clothes" to some magical trap in the lizardmen's den). Though beautifully crafted, Alaria had to admit, they were not exactly conducive to travel and adventure. Still, Alaria selected one of deep midnight blue velvet with elegant silver trimming that had sparked an idea.</p><p></p><p>Arrangements had begun to be planned for a memorial for the fallen Stormriders, though all agreed it would be inappropriate to hold them without Fen's presence. So that would wait.</p><p></p><p>Braddok spent his days familiarizing himself with tower and small keep, befriending several of the soldiers and shared an ale one evening with Lieutenant Goren who, after little conversation, Braddok remembered slightly. The two traded "battle stories" like two old veterans would.</p><p></p><p>His nights, to his great surprise, were being spent in Alaria's bed and he found himself acknowledging and enjoying feelings he had held for some time, it seemed.</p><p></p><p>Though he spent much of his first days praying and waiting and chatting with the catatonic druid, Haelan the Hilltender was surprised to find himself hailed as something of hero, separate from the rest. He enjoyed much time in the kitchens with Bridgetower's head chef, Mrs. Pottle. To his utter glee, the egg-laying hen, Elsie, had been not only kept safe in the keep, but had a sign outside its private coop reading "The Hilltender's Holy Hen."</p><p></p><p>It seemed many of the locals from the surrounding lands came to make visits and leave "gifts" of feed for the chicken, in exchange for ONE of her allegedly "holy eggs." Haelan thought this silly, but as the wise Mrs. Pottle pointed out, "Folks need sumthin' to give them comfort in uncertain times like these. And your Elsie is the best egg-layer I've ever seen!"</p><p></p><p>Haelan, though uncomfortable still, was forced to see the wisdom of this statement. He did request the sign be changed to "The Hill MOTHER'S Holy Hen" as the daelvar was quite sure the blessing of the chicken's bounty ought rightfully be due Faerantha and not himself. Mrs. Pottle promised it to be done that day.</p><p></p><p>Following their...altercation in the infirmary ward, Duor had moved in to the party's collective chambers and shared a room with Braddok, though in effect had the room to himself as the warrior was busy "smelting with the magess", as the dwarf jabbed in good-nature. </p><p></p><p>On their fourth day, the party sat about taking in their break fast.</p><p></p><p>They were not accustomed to the attention and soft spoken "awe" the servants and guards around Bridgetower offered them and preferred to take meals themselves. While normally it would be seen as rude, the Lady Elhianne insisted that the companions be given as much privacy as they wanted in their time of mourning...though, as etiquette demanded, sent daily invitations to join her in the main hall for supper.</p><p></p><p>They had already decided that as soon as Fen were able and Alaria had completed whatever she was spending hours a day doing with Stenthil in the library, they would be off to Miralostae to aid in the fight and defense of the elvin capitol. Specifically, the treasure within, the mystic Eye of Arinane, was their main concern.</p><p></p><p>To their surprise, Fen entered the chamber, fully clothed and holding a pack and his spear, in apparent readiness to leave.</p><p></p><p>"FEN!" Haelan cheered with all of the brightness and smiles the halfling so easily conjured. He rushed over and gave the druid a tight hug around his waist.</p><p></p><p>Alaria, also, jumped up from the table and through her arms around the half-elf's neck. She said nothing but a light tear came down her cheek.</p><p></p><p>Fen returned the embrace and grinned, ever so slightly."It is alright, magess. I am alright."</p><p></p><p>The steamy form of Mister Meeessh floated over from [what had become] his place near the fireplace that burned all day and night, keeping the mephit as warm as it could in the near constant chill of the encroaching winter. He stood and looked up from with hands clasped together. "Meeessh ihs happy to shhheee mahssster Fehhn ihsss well."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you Meeessh. Good to see you too." the druid smiled back. He'd all but forgotten the mephit was in their company.</p><p></p><p>Duor had silently gotten up from his seat and edge his way to stand behind Braddok.</p><p></p><p>"It is fine, Duor. I hold no blame upon you...anymore. You were merely acting as is your nature. I have had my tears...and my crazed moments. I hope you will forgive my outburst and am please our friend, Haelan, was able to stay my angry hand.</p><p></p><p>"What transpired, and transpires still, is all the will of the Balance and I can only accept that Erevan and Festus are returned to the Cycle and shall, again, work their bravery and good for Orea in their own time...in their own new ways." Fen explained seeing the nervousness on the dwarf's face.</p><p></p><p>"Welcome back, my friend. Are you going somewhere?" Braddok asked with a smile, taking in the druid's traveling gear, as he gripped forearms and clasped him on the shoulder once Haelan and Alaria had backed away.</p><p></p><p>A look of shock flashed on Haelan's face. "Go somewhere? No, Fen, you can't! We have to..."</p><p></p><p>"Alas, my friends. I must away. It has been too long since I've conferred with my order and I have much to report. It may be they, also, have some insight that might aid our cause." the druid said in all seriousness.</p><p></p><p>Haelan's eyes again filled with tears. They'd only just gotten Fen "back" only to lose him, too! It was almost more than the halfling could bare. "But...you can't...not you too..."</p><p></p><p>"Do not feel sorrow, friend Haelan. I have not the words or means to thank you for your unerring attention and care. But do not fear. I will return before the greater moon's next fullness. I shall rejoin you as soon as I am able...wherever you may be." Fen explained.</p><p></p><p>Alaria, also shocked with the news, could make no argument. The druid had to do as he willed...or rather as his order willed. She had no doubts he spoke true and they would see him again as soon as he could.</p><p></p><p>"Be well, Fen. Keep yourself safe." Alaria said calmly, though tears also welled up in her eyes.</p><p></p><p>"And you, magess. You all!" Fen replied. "By the next full silver moon. I promise...my friends."</p><p></p><p>Braddok gave the half-elf another tight grip on the forearm and a serious but understanding nod.</p><p></p><p>The druid turned to leave before Duor said, through a throat-clearing cough, "Fen...take care o' yerself."</p><p></p><p>The half-elf looked over his shoulder at the dwarf and grinned slightly with a nod. Then he left the chamber.</p><p></p><p>Haelan looked at Alaria, then Braddok, then Duor...just the four of them now...well, and Meeessh. "What are we going to do? What about the memorial? What about Miralostae?"</p><p></p><p>Alaria sniffed back the tears in her eyes and sat back down to finished her tea and light breakfast. "We do as we planned, Haelan. You heard Fen, we'll see him in a couple of weeks. Til then..."</p><p></p><p>"We do what we do, Hilltender. Remember?" Braddok said with a reassuring hand on the daelvar's shoulder. </p><p></p><p>*</p><p></p><p>The whole of the tower thundered and clapped with the unknown flurry of magics being set off within the library. Servants shook and guards gave each other nervous looks with each long rumbling. Everyone had been alerted that the Magess Alaria "Stormrider" and Magist Stenthil would be in deep conference for the extent of the day and under NO circumstances were they to be disturbed.</p><p></p><p>A particularly loud crash of thunder caused Haelan to flinch visibly. The halfling stood outside the doors of the library as Braddok came walking up.</p><p></p><p>"By the gods, what are they doing in there? Am I early? Is Alaria alright? She said to come at one bell passed midday." the swordsman said.</p><p></p><p>"I believe..." the daelvar flinched as another peel of thunder shook the hallway, "...they are recharging Alaria's lightning staff. But, yes. you're on time...I think, though I could not hear the bell above all of this fury."</p><p></p><p>Inside the library, Alaria stood back, her lightning spell exhausted almost as much as she.</p><p></p><p>Stenthil, on the other hand, was giddy with power. He exercised his magical craft in a way he hadn't done (or had cause to do) in years. "HAHAHA! By the Blue Star, I'd forgotten how FUN this is!" the grey-bearded wizard chuckled.</p><p></p><p>The lap-drake, Amarys, had found herself a spot on a shelf, buried under rolls of scrolls, clasping her forearms over her unseen ears.</p><p></p><p>By contrast, Meeessh flitted and flipped through the air all around the staff that hovered across the library from the two mages. The mephit was letting out a constant stream of tea-kettle like hisses and whistles which alaria took to be laughing. Being a creature of air and water vapor, the mephit had no fear of electricity and found the discharging and residual sparks lovely and tickling...as close to being in his own plane as he had encountered in this strange "solid" world.</p><p></p><p>"That should be enough, I think, Master Stenthil." Alaria said finally. "Perhaps one more...Devrim, would you care to do the honors?" she said turning to the awestruck apprentice who had been standing by with a tray of wool and copper wires and some beverages for the "true Magi." The young man's dark hair stood on end in all directions from the static that pervaded the entire library.</p><p></p><p>"Really?!" he said excitedly, almost dropping the tray. At Stenthil's instruction, he'd studied the incantation for shocking grasp, but had not dared to dream that in the presence of these "powerful wizards" he would be called upon to <em>help</em>!</p><p></p><p>Stenthil looked at his pupil and smiled. "Go ahead, young Devrim. Give it a try! Just like we've practiced."</p><p></p><p>Devrim neared the staff and reached out cautiously. </p><p></p><p>"Don't ACTUALLY touch it, mind! Just near...That's right." the kindly old magist offered instruction and encouragement.</p><p></p><p>Devrim cast the spell. He'd memorized it and ran it over in his mind a hundred times that morning. His hand burst into a ball of electrical sparks and, almost immediately, felt the energy being pulled...ripped...from around his wrist and into the banded staff.</p><p></p><p>"Wow!" Devrim said with as much excitement as he had uttered before the spell. "That was awesome!"</p><p></p><p>"Heh heh heh. Yes, Devrim...it is. Well done." Stenthil smiled in approval.</p><p></p><p>Alaria, similarly, grinned at Devrim. Though the man was little younger than she, if at all, she still thought of the young man as a child...and in the ways of the Mysteries, he was. She went and grabbed the staff out of midair.</p><p></p><p>The staff sparked at her touch and Alaria felt the give and flow of the energies within it. Yes, this would do nicely...for a time, she thought.</p><p></p><p>"Now!" Stenthil clapped his hands rubbed his palms together. "What's next? You've some items, I believe? Won't be as exciting as this has been...but still a good lesson."</p><p></p><p>Alaria shook her head in agreement and ushered in Haelan and Braddok. The halfling toted their one remaining pack of holding and Braddok with the sapphire studded scabbard hanging from his swordbelt that clasped the warriors soft long blue tunic around his waist.</p><p></p><p>By Manat, he was handsome, Alaria thought to herself. As fact she had been noticing more and more with each passing day. The two humans shared a grin of mutual admiration and affection.</p><p></p><p>Haelan pretended not to notice, though his eyes rolled in reflex. This "lovey dovey stuff" had been going on more and more every day since their arrival. The Hilltender wished the image of Braddok's butt an inch away from his face would leave his mind forever. </p><p></p><p>"Very good. Very good. Just here. Place them here. What do we have then?" Stenthil said as he hastily cleared away some tomes and scrolls from one of the many tables scattered around the library.</p><p></p><p>"Let's start simple." Alaria said and instructed Haelan to remove the potions they'd found in the behir's treasure trove. Thankfully, to all of them, Haelan had somehow become the unofficial "carrier of the potions" and so they had not been lost, as so much of the coins and gems had been, with Festus' demise. Alaria shook the image of the blob of melting flesh and bone in the acid pool from her mind.</p><p></p><p>"Ah yes. Excellent. Pay heed, young Devrim. The Divination of Identification is one of the Mysteries most valuable and closely guarded secrets. It will tell you everything you need to know about what an item does and cannot do, how to access their powers and, perhaps, if you're lucky" Stenthil winked at the assembled audience, "a bit of its history as well."</p><p></p><p>He looked over the various flasks of colored liquids with great interest. "Now, there are many in the Craft that can identify potions simply on sight and smell. Alchemists, mostly, but there are others with the experience or knowledge.</p><p></p><p>"You friend, Magess, the Emerald Lady...what is it they crudely call her in the Laklans? Ah yes, the 'Green Witch'. heh heh heh. Ah country folk...Manat bless them. But she is particularly skilled in the identification and crafting of potion.</p><p></p><p>"THIS, " the old wizard exclaimed, holding up the blue potion, "should smell like winter berries and if I don't miss my guess would offer the imbiber great strength." The wizard pulled out the stopper and took a brief whiff. "We shall see, eh? Yes, we shall see. But you have to make sure!" he said with a tone of warning to the apprentice. "Potions, like any other magic, are never a sure thing and might be cursed or enchanted to appear as other than they are. </p><p></p><p>"HENCE, the divination of identification is always advised, if not strictly necessary. I will require ABSOLUTE silence to heed the pings of the ether." he finally concluded. </p><p></p><p>With some intricate hand movements (like fingers playing a piano) Stenthil passed his hands over the bare table. He mumbled some unheard syllables and a ring of arcane symbols appeared in a circle, glowing just above the top of the table. </p><p></p><p>He placed the vial of blue liquid in to the circle and placed a hand to his forehead.</p><p></p><p>"Uh huh...uh huh...Yes...it's coming..." the others simply watched the curiosu old man.</p><p></p><p>"What's an 'imbiber'?" Braddok whispered to Haelan.</p><p></p><p>"The guy who drinks it." Haelan whispered back.</p><p></p><p>"SILENCE!" Stenthil said, without opening his eyes. His voice echoed through the library as much as the thunder. Haelan and Braddok's eyes opened wide.</p><p></p><p>The two seasoned adventurers looked like youths with their hands caught in the cookie jar under a disapproving glance from Alaria.</p><p></p><p>"Yes...there it is. HA!" Stenthil said in triumph as his eyes snapped open and he picked up the blue potion from the circle. "A potion of strength...just as I said. Heh heh heh. Old Stenthil's still got it!"</p><p></p><p>Next he sniffed at the pink potion with red flecks in it. "This...*sniff again* This is curious...I'm not sure...smells like *sniff a third time* PHEW! Body sweat and...blood?"</p><p></p><p>He placed the potion within the glowing circle of runes. Closed his eyes and placed a hand to his forehead again. </p><p></p><p>"Ahhhh..." the wizard intoned before quickly opening his eyes and removing the potion from the circle. "This is NOT to be ingested orally!"</p><p></p><p>"Huh?" Braddok said.</p><p></p><p>"You don't drink it." Haelan said as way of explanation.</p><p></p><p>"Quite right. Quite right, Hilltender." Stenthil explained. "It is an elixir to return a petrified creature to its normal, flesh and blood, state. Terribly handy if you happen to be come across a basilisk...or the medusae...There are the spells for it also, of course, attributed to the ancient necromancer Themgrior, which cause a similar effect...Terrible fate for any, I tell you that! The breath of a gorgon is said to cause the transformation also..." Stenthil began to ramble.</p><p></p><p>"Magus Stenthil...if you please. The next potion?" Alaria interrupted recalling at once the magist's propensity for long-winded, however informative, monologues.</p><p></p><p>"Ah yes, indeed..." he pulled the stopper off of the flask of the clear but thick liquid. "It...huh...it smells like...well...like you, Meesh. heh heh." said the wizard.</p><p></p><p>"Meeessh! Mhyyy name ihsss Meeessh! Meeessh nohhhht smehhhhll!" the mephit said in annoyance. </p><p></p><p>Stenthil looked at the mephit in confusion...that's what he'd said, or so he thought. He again closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment.</p><p></p><p>"Ah...uh huh...yes quite..." Stenthil said to himself more than his audience.</p><p></p><p>After a moment the three companions seemed ready to fall into the table leaning forward awaiting the wizard's discernment.</p><p></p><p>He pulled the flask out of the circle of runes and put the stopper back in.</p><p></p><p>Another few beats passed. </p><p></p><p>"Well?!" Alaria finally said in frustration.</p><p></p><p>"Oh, yes quite. This potion will give the imbiber the form of mist...a sentient gas for up to a day's time, unless they wish to return to a solid form. Now, mind! Once you've become solid again, the transmutation is spent. But you will be aware, able to see and hear and move upon the air, even as a cloud, for the length of you intangibility."</p><p></p><p>Alaria nodded in apparent understanding. Between "sentient" and "transmutation" and "intangibility" Braddok was thoroughly lost, but he felt he had the gist...and if Alaria understood, he had no worries.</p><p></p><p>"Now...this sword?" Stenthil said and held out a hand to Braddok. "Magess Alaria, would you care to conference? You are familiar with the identification divination, are you not?"</p><p></p><p>"I am...by your own generosity and that of Bridgetower. [<em>Alaria had transcribed the spell in this very library...I think, though had never had the time to invoke it in their travels.</em>] Thank you, Magus. I shall indeed." Alaria said with all formality.</p><p></p><p>She had memorized this spell specifically for this purpose, though she had wished to be able to get a gleaning of those magic acorns Fen had received as well...the curious blade had puzzled her ever since Braddok's assertion that it "spoke" to him.</p><p></p><p>Alaria moved closer to the table, beside Stenthil, and ran her hands over the surface of the table in flickering fingers just as Stenthil had and spoke the same syllables. The ring of runes floating slightly above the table grew in size to an oval before the two wizards.</p><p></p><p>Stenthil gently placed the sword, still in its scabbard, upon the table within the oval. It stuck outside the runes at either end (being nearly the length of Braddok's impressive arm span).</p><p></p><p>The two wizards placed hands to their forehead and closed their eyes in tandem.</p><p></p><p>"Oh my...yes...very powerful...Do you see that, Magess?...This <em>is</em> some thing..." Stenthil began to babble before his eyes shot open as he called out, "MANAT'S STAR!"</p><p></p><p>As the older wizard was exclaiming, Alaria's eyes also shot open, but instead of her eyes, bright blue light shown forth. Alaria's mouth opened and began to speak, and the light shown from her mouth as well.</p><p></p><p>The magess' voice ushered forth but was...behind?...or within, a different voice, sharp...it sounded...emotionless...cold...metallic?</p><p></p><p>Braddok moved toward the table but Haelan pressed a hand into his abdomen to stay him. </p><p></p><p>Devrim backed away from the table and made the five-pointed star motion with his hand of Manat's Blue Star to protect him from the unknown magic.</p><p></p><p>"<em>I am Kandu...Fourth of Six...as is evident from my gems of power...We, brothers and sisters all, were forged in the Dawning Age by the titan Grangidon...our sole [or was that "soul"?] purpose to bring Order to the Chaos of Ahl's making...</em>"</p><p></p><p>"Alaria?" Braddok asked softly.</p><p></p><p>Her mouth again opened and the blue light ushered forth again, "<em>I am, BY FAR, the most intelligent of us...I can see afar at great distance...as I told you, though was not fully awake after so long left to sleep...I can reveal the defilement of evil and magic upon a whim...None under enchantment escape my notice...My specific purpose to destroy the horrors of the Chaosbringer...None can escape my notice...nor resist my wrath...And with my jeweled sleeve, no effect of the Unholy shall again assault your body or soul..."</em></p><p><em></em></p><p>"Well, that sounds...all good...doesn't it? Uh...Mister Kandu...sword-guy, sir...can we have our magess back, please?" Haelan cautiously offered.</p><p></p><p>The daelvar was unceremoniously shushed by Stenthil, "Do not break the trance!" the wizard whispered in wonder. </p><p></p><p>"<em>I have read your heart, Braddok Kar Barforth, and find you true and righteous...I am yours to wield in this time of trouble...I have seen your mind and trials, your unfortunate past and present...I will be your arm and you shall be mine. Together we shall quash the rising tide of evil as was and ever has been the intention of my maker.</em>..<em>to the never ending glory of Ahl</em> <em>and Zho and all of the forces of good in this world...</em>"</p><p></p><p>Alaria closed her mouth. The light faded from Alaria's eyes even as she closed them, unconscious, and fell to the floor in a feint.</p><p></p><p>Braddok jumped over the table as Stenthil and Haelan rushed around. She was already returning to consciousness.</p><p></p><p>Devrim ran to get a cup of water from the tray he'd previously held. The magess took it and gulped thirstily.</p><p></p><p>"Are you alright?" Braddok said, his voice full of concern. "If that weapon has cursed you in any way, I shall cast it into the river even now." The swordsman looked at the weapon lying on the table.</p><p></p><p>The ring of runes was fading from view. The sapphires in the scabbard glittered a bit, whether it was the light from the glowing runes or some internal magic, he could not say, but in a blink they looked as they always had.</p><p></p><p>"I am fine, Braddok...but did not realize the identification divination left one without memory! What is the point of that?" Alaria said with mild annoyance.</p><p></p><p>"You don't remember, Magess?" Stenthil said in confusion.</p><p></p><p>Alaria shook her head.</p><p></p><p>"Well, it seems your man Braddok, here, has found himself quite the enchanted blade. seems we have much more to do!" Stenthil said as Braddok helped Alaria, who protested several times that she was fine, to her feet.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, much more research is needed. If you are up to it, Magess, your aid will be most welcome. My good warrior, will it be alright if we keep this weapon for a few hours more? I have so many questions!" Stenthil more said than asked.</p><p></p><p>"If...uh...if Alaria thinks you should. Then yeah, fine." Braddok answered. "But I'm staying too."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, yes. Of course." Stenthil said over his shoulder as he moved to the rows of books and scrolls. "DEVRIM! Bring me <em>Abalard's Accounts of Ancient Arms</em>...OH! And the histories of the Dawning Age...you are welcome to stay as well, Hilltender...eight eyes are better than six, after all. heh heh...Eh, you can read can you not?" the wizard said as he disappeared into the rows of shelves.</p><p></p><p>"Of course I can read!" said Haelan indignantly. "But this seems a bit more of Alaria's area. If you please, I shall go find Duor and take in a bit of lunch."</p><p></p><p>"Amarys, get outta there! I need the Treatise of Titans...Grangidon... Grangidon..." the mage's voice returned as it trailed off as he moved further and further back into the library. </p><p></p><p>"Good sword you have there, Braddok. See you later." Haelan said with a cautious look at the sheathed sword on the table. "And...uh...nice to meet you, too, Kandu."</p><p></p><p>Alaria looked at the daelvar's back curiously before turning to Braddok.</p><p></p><p>"Who's Kandu?" she asked.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 5972277, member: 92511"] The first days in Bridgetower passed in something of blur for Alaria. Following the first night, which she had passed with Braddok and to her surprise and somewhat embarrassment she had thoroughly enjoyed, her days were filled with the activity of one bereaved...just looking for anything and everything she could do to keep busy. She had had her first report and meeting with Captain Rynthis, followed by a visit to Magist Stenthil. They arranged to meet later in the week to identify the companions' unidentified items and recharge her staff. Stenthil apologized for his lack of time, but the Captain, it seemed, had the old magist scrying day and night to keep tabs on the borders of the realm and occasionally to see how things went on the front. The second afternoon had presented a lengthy and somewhat tiresome afternoon tea with the Lady Elhianne. Her sincerity and well-meaning nature was, however, difficult to be annoyed with. The lady's condolences had been heartfelt and her utter dismay at the horrors Alaria had endured in the passed weeks was completely sympathetic. Later that day, she had sent one of her ladies to the party's chambers to offer Alaria an array of gowns and robes, one more elaborate and poofy than the next (having been horrified at the tale of Alaria "loosing her clothes" to some magical trap in the lizardmen's den). Though beautifully crafted, Alaria had to admit, they were not exactly conducive to travel and adventure. Still, Alaria selected one of deep midnight blue velvet with elegant silver trimming that had sparked an idea. Arrangements had begun to be planned for a memorial for the fallen Stormriders, though all agreed it would be inappropriate to hold them without Fen's presence. So that would wait. Braddok spent his days familiarizing himself with tower and small keep, befriending several of the soldiers and shared an ale one evening with Lieutenant Goren who, after little conversation, Braddok remembered slightly. The two traded "battle stories" like two old veterans would. His nights, to his great surprise, were being spent in Alaria's bed and he found himself acknowledging and enjoying feelings he had held for some time, it seemed. Though he spent much of his first days praying and waiting and chatting with the catatonic druid, Haelan the Hilltender was surprised to find himself hailed as something of hero, separate from the rest. He enjoyed much time in the kitchens with Bridgetower's head chef, Mrs. Pottle. To his utter glee, the egg-laying hen, Elsie, had been not only kept safe in the keep, but had a sign outside its private coop reading "The Hilltender's Holy Hen." It seemed many of the locals from the surrounding lands came to make visits and leave "gifts" of feed for the chicken, in exchange for ONE of her allegedly "holy eggs." Haelan thought this silly, but as the wise Mrs. Pottle pointed out, "Folks need sumthin' to give them comfort in uncertain times like these. And your Elsie is the best egg-layer I've ever seen!" Haelan, though uncomfortable still, was forced to see the wisdom of this statement. He did request the sign be changed to "The Hill MOTHER'S Holy Hen" as the daelvar was quite sure the blessing of the chicken's bounty ought rightfully be due Faerantha and not himself. Mrs. Pottle promised it to be done that day. Following their...altercation in the infirmary ward, Duor had moved in to the party's collective chambers and shared a room with Braddok, though in effect had the room to himself as the warrior was busy "smelting with the magess", as the dwarf jabbed in good-nature. On their fourth day, the party sat about taking in their break fast. They were not accustomed to the attention and soft spoken "awe" the servants and guards around Bridgetower offered them and preferred to take meals themselves. While normally it would be seen as rude, the Lady Elhianne insisted that the companions be given as much privacy as they wanted in their time of mourning...though, as etiquette demanded, sent daily invitations to join her in the main hall for supper. They had already decided that as soon as Fen were able and Alaria had completed whatever she was spending hours a day doing with Stenthil in the library, they would be off to Miralostae to aid in the fight and defense of the elvin capitol. Specifically, the treasure within, the mystic Eye of Arinane, was their main concern. To their surprise, Fen entered the chamber, fully clothed and holding a pack and his spear, in apparent readiness to leave. "FEN!" Haelan cheered with all of the brightness and smiles the halfling so easily conjured. He rushed over and gave the druid a tight hug around his waist. Alaria, also, jumped up from the table and through her arms around the half-elf's neck. She said nothing but a light tear came down her cheek. Fen returned the embrace and grinned, ever so slightly."It is alright, magess. I am alright." The steamy form of Mister Meeessh floated over from [what had become] his place near the fireplace that burned all day and night, keeping the mephit as warm as it could in the near constant chill of the encroaching winter. He stood and looked up from with hands clasped together. "Meeessh ihs happy to shhheee mahssster Fehhn ihsss well." "Thank you Meeessh. Good to see you too." the druid smiled back. He'd all but forgotten the mephit was in their company. Duor had silently gotten up from his seat and edge his way to stand behind Braddok. "It is fine, Duor. I hold no blame upon you...anymore. You were merely acting as is your nature. I have had my tears...and my crazed moments. I hope you will forgive my outburst and am please our friend, Haelan, was able to stay my angry hand. "What transpired, and transpires still, is all the will of the Balance and I can only accept that Erevan and Festus are returned to the Cycle and shall, again, work their bravery and good for Orea in their own time...in their own new ways." Fen explained seeing the nervousness on the dwarf's face. "Welcome back, my friend. Are you going somewhere?" Braddok asked with a smile, taking in the druid's traveling gear, as he gripped forearms and clasped him on the shoulder once Haelan and Alaria had backed away. A look of shock flashed on Haelan's face. "Go somewhere? No, Fen, you can't! We have to..." "Alas, my friends. I must away. It has been too long since I've conferred with my order and I have much to report. It may be they, also, have some insight that might aid our cause." the druid said in all seriousness. Haelan's eyes again filled with tears. They'd only just gotten Fen "back" only to lose him, too! It was almost more than the halfling could bare. "But...you can't...not you too..." "Do not feel sorrow, friend Haelan. I have not the words or means to thank you for your unerring attention and care. But do not fear. I will return before the greater moon's next fullness. I shall rejoin you as soon as I am able...wherever you may be." Fen explained. Alaria, also shocked with the news, could make no argument. The druid had to do as he willed...or rather as his order willed. She had no doubts he spoke true and they would see him again as soon as he could. "Be well, Fen. Keep yourself safe." Alaria said calmly, though tears also welled up in her eyes. "And you, magess. You all!" Fen replied. "By the next full silver moon. I promise...my friends." Braddok gave the half-elf another tight grip on the forearm and a serious but understanding nod. The druid turned to leave before Duor said, through a throat-clearing cough, "Fen...take care o' yerself." The half-elf looked over his shoulder at the dwarf and grinned slightly with a nod. Then he left the chamber. Haelan looked at Alaria, then Braddok, then Duor...just the four of them now...well, and Meeessh. "What are we going to do? What about the memorial? What about Miralostae?" Alaria sniffed back the tears in her eyes and sat back down to finished her tea and light breakfast. "We do as we planned, Haelan. You heard Fen, we'll see him in a couple of weeks. Til then..." "We do what we do, Hilltender. Remember?" Braddok said with a reassuring hand on the daelvar's shoulder. * The whole of the tower thundered and clapped with the unknown flurry of magics being set off within the library. Servants shook and guards gave each other nervous looks with each long rumbling. Everyone had been alerted that the Magess Alaria "Stormrider" and Magist Stenthil would be in deep conference for the extent of the day and under NO circumstances were they to be disturbed. A particularly loud crash of thunder caused Haelan to flinch visibly. The halfling stood outside the doors of the library as Braddok came walking up. "By the gods, what are they doing in there? Am I early? Is Alaria alright? She said to come at one bell passed midday." the swordsman said. "I believe..." the daelvar flinched as another peel of thunder shook the hallway, "...they are recharging Alaria's lightning staff. But, yes. you're on time...I think, though I could not hear the bell above all of this fury." Inside the library, Alaria stood back, her lightning spell exhausted almost as much as she. Stenthil, on the other hand, was giddy with power. He exercised his magical craft in a way he hadn't done (or had cause to do) in years. "HAHAHA! By the Blue Star, I'd forgotten how FUN this is!" the grey-bearded wizard chuckled. The lap-drake, Amarys, had found herself a spot on a shelf, buried under rolls of scrolls, clasping her forearms over her unseen ears. By contrast, Meeessh flitted and flipped through the air all around the staff that hovered across the library from the two mages. The mephit was letting out a constant stream of tea-kettle like hisses and whistles which alaria took to be laughing. Being a creature of air and water vapor, the mephit had no fear of electricity and found the discharging and residual sparks lovely and tickling...as close to being in his own plane as he had encountered in this strange "solid" world. "That should be enough, I think, Master Stenthil." Alaria said finally. "Perhaps one more...Devrim, would you care to do the honors?" she said turning to the awestruck apprentice who had been standing by with a tray of wool and copper wires and some beverages for the "true Magi." The young man's dark hair stood on end in all directions from the static that pervaded the entire library. "Really?!" he said excitedly, almost dropping the tray. At Stenthil's instruction, he'd studied the incantation for shocking grasp, but had not dared to dream that in the presence of these "powerful wizards" he would be called upon to [I]help[/I]! Stenthil looked at his pupil and smiled. "Go ahead, young Devrim. Give it a try! Just like we've practiced." Devrim neared the staff and reached out cautiously. "Don't ACTUALLY touch it, mind! Just near...That's right." the kindly old magist offered instruction and encouragement. Devrim cast the spell. He'd memorized it and ran it over in his mind a hundred times that morning. His hand burst into a ball of electrical sparks and, almost immediately, felt the energy being pulled...ripped...from around his wrist and into the banded staff. "Wow!" Devrim said with as much excitement as he had uttered before the spell. "That was awesome!" "Heh heh heh. Yes, Devrim...it is. Well done." Stenthil smiled in approval. Alaria, similarly, grinned at Devrim. Though the man was little younger than she, if at all, she still thought of the young man as a child...and in the ways of the Mysteries, he was. She went and grabbed the staff out of midair. The staff sparked at her touch and Alaria felt the give and flow of the energies within it. Yes, this would do nicely...for a time, she thought. "Now!" Stenthil clapped his hands rubbed his palms together. "What's next? You've some items, I believe? Won't be as exciting as this has been...but still a good lesson." Alaria shook her head in agreement and ushered in Haelan and Braddok. The halfling toted their one remaining pack of holding and Braddok with the sapphire studded scabbard hanging from his swordbelt that clasped the warriors soft long blue tunic around his waist. By Manat, he was handsome, Alaria thought to herself. As fact she had been noticing more and more with each passing day. The two humans shared a grin of mutual admiration and affection. Haelan pretended not to notice, though his eyes rolled in reflex. This "lovey dovey stuff" had been going on more and more every day since their arrival. The Hilltender wished the image of Braddok's butt an inch away from his face would leave his mind forever. "Very good. Very good. Just here. Place them here. What do we have then?" Stenthil said as he hastily cleared away some tomes and scrolls from one of the many tables scattered around the library. "Let's start simple." Alaria said and instructed Haelan to remove the potions they'd found in the behir's treasure trove. Thankfully, to all of them, Haelan had somehow become the unofficial "carrier of the potions" and so they had not been lost, as so much of the coins and gems had been, with Festus' demise. Alaria shook the image of the blob of melting flesh and bone in the acid pool from her mind. "Ah yes. Excellent. Pay heed, young Devrim. The Divination of Identification is one of the Mysteries most valuable and closely guarded secrets. It will tell you everything you need to know about what an item does and cannot do, how to access their powers and, perhaps, if you're lucky" Stenthil winked at the assembled audience, "a bit of its history as well." He looked over the various flasks of colored liquids with great interest. "Now, there are many in the Craft that can identify potions simply on sight and smell. Alchemists, mostly, but there are others with the experience or knowledge. "You friend, Magess, the Emerald Lady...what is it they crudely call her in the Laklans? Ah yes, the 'Green Witch'. heh heh heh. Ah country folk...Manat bless them. But she is particularly skilled in the identification and crafting of potion. "THIS, " the old wizard exclaimed, holding up the blue potion, "should smell like winter berries and if I don't miss my guess would offer the imbiber great strength." The wizard pulled out the stopper and took a brief whiff. "We shall see, eh? Yes, we shall see. But you have to make sure!" he said with a tone of warning to the apprentice. "Potions, like any other magic, are never a sure thing and might be cursed or enchanted to appear as other than they are. "HENCE, the divination of identification is always advised, if not strictly necessary. I will require ABSOLUTE silence to heed the pings of the ether." he finally concluded. With some intricate hand movements (like fingers playing a piano) Stenthil passed his hands over the bare table. He mumbled some unheard syllables and a ring of arcane symbols appeared in a circle, glowing just above the top of the table. He placed the vial of blue liquid in to the circle and placed a hand to his forehead. "Uh huh...uh huh...Yes...it's coming..." the others simply watched the curiosu old man. "What's an 'imbiber'?" Braddok whispered to Haelan. "The guy who drinks it." Haelan whispered back. "SILENCE!" Stenthil said, without opening his eyes. His voice echoed through the library as much as the thunder. Haelan and Braddok's eyes opened wide. The two seasoned adventurers looked like youths with their hands caught in the cookie jar under a disapproving glance from Alaria. "Yes...there it is. HA!" Stenthil said in triumph as his eyes snapped open and he picked up the blue potion from the circle. "A potion of strength...just as I said. Heh heh heh. Old Stenthil's still got it!" Next he sniffed at the pink potion with red flecks in it. "This...*sniff again* This is curious...I'm not sure...smells like *sniff a third time* PHEW! Body sweat and...blood?" He placed the potion within the glowing circle of runes. Closed his eyes and placed a hand to his forehead again. "Ahhhh..." the wizard intoned before quickly opening his eyes and removing the potion from the circle. "This is NOT to be ingested orally!" "Huh?" Braddok said. "You don't drink it." Haelan said as way of explanation. "Quite right. Quite right, Hilltender." Stenthil explained. "It is an elixir to return a petrified creature to its normal, flesh and blood, state. Terribly handy if you happen to be come across a basilisk...or the medusae...There are the spells for it also, of course, attributed to the ancient necromancer Themgrior, which cause a similar effect...Terrible fate for any, I tell you that! The breath of a gorgon is said to cause the transformation also..." Stenthil began to ramble. "Magus Stenthil...if you please. The next potion?" Alaria interrupted recalling at once the magist's propensity for long-winded, however informative, monologues. "Ah yes, indeed..." he pulled the stopper off of the flask of the clear but thick liquid. "It...huh...it smells like...well...like you, Meesh. heh heh." said the wizard. "Meeessh! Mhyyy name ihsss Meeessh! Meeessh nohhhht smehhhhll!" the mephit said in annoyance. Stenthil looked at the mephit in confusion...that's what he'd said, or so he thought. He again closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment. "Ah...uh huh...yes quite..." Stenthil said to himself more than his audience. After a moment the three companions seemed ready to fall into the table leaning forward awaiting the wizard's discernment. He pulled the flask out of the circle of runes and put the stopper back in. Another few beats passed. "Well?!" Alaria finally said in frustration. "Oh, yes quite. This potion will give the imbiber the form of mist...a sentient gas for up to a day's time, unless they wish to return to a solid form. Now, mind! Once you've become solid again, the transmutation is spent. But you will be aware, able to see and hear and move upon the air, even as a cloud, for the length of you intangibility." Alaria nodded in apparent understanding. Between "sentient" and "transmutation" and "intangibility" Braddok was thoroughly lost, but he felt he had the gist...and if Alaria understood, he had no worries. "Now...this sword?" Stenthil said and held out a hand to Braddok. "Magess Alaria, would you care to conference? You are familiar with the identification divination, are you not?" "I am...by your own generosity and that of Bridgetower. [[I]Alaria had transcribed the spell in this very library...I think, though had never had the time to invoke it in their travels.[/I]] Thank you, Magus. I shall indeed." Alaria said with all formality. She had memorized this spell specifically for this purpose, though she had wished to be able to get a gleaning of those magic acorns Fen had received as well...the curious blade had puzzled her ever since Braddok's assertion that it "spoke" to him. Alaria moved closer to the table, beside Stenthil, and ran her hands over the surface of the table in flickering fingers just as Stenthil had and spoke the same syllables. The ring of runes floating slightly above the table grew in size to an oval before the two wizards. Stenthil gently placed the sword, still in its scabbard, upon the table within the oval. It stuck outside the runes at either end (being nearly the length of Braddok's impressive arm span). The two wizards placed hands to their forehead and closed their eyes in tandem. "Oh my...yes...very powerful...Do you see that, Magess?...This [I]is[/I] some thing..." Stenthil began to babble before his eyes shot open as he called out, "MANAT'S STAR!" As the older wizard was exclaiming, Alaria's eyes also shot open, but instead of her eyes, bright blue light shown forth. Alaria's mouth opened and began to speak, and the light shown from her mouth as well. The magess' voice ushered forth but was...behind?...or within, a different voice, sharp...it sounded...emotionless...cold...metallic? Braddok moved toward the table but Haelan pressed a hand into his abdomen to stay him. Devrim backed away from the table and made the five-pointed star motion with his hand of Manat's Blue Star to protect him from the unknown magic. "[I]I am Kandu...Fourth of Six...as is evident from my gems of power...We, brothers and sisters all, were forged in the Dawning Age by the titan Grangidon...our sole [or was that "soul"?] purpose to bring Order to the Chaos of Ahl's making...[/I]" "Alaria?" Braddok asked softly. Her mouth again opened and the blue light ushered forth again, "[I]I am, BY FAR, the most intelligent of us...I can see afar at great distance...as I told you, though was not fully awake after so long left to sleep...I can reveal the defilement of evil and magic upon a whim...None under enchantment escape my notice...My specific purpose to destroy the horrors of the Chaosbringer...None can escape my notice...nor resist my wrath...And with my jeweled sleeve, no effect of the Unholy shall again assault your body or soul..." [/I] "Well, that sounds...all good...doesn't it? Uh...Mister Kandu...sword-guy, sir...can we have our magess back, please?" Haelan cautiously offered. The daelvar was unceremoniously shushed by Stenthil, "Do not break the trance!" the wizard whispered in wonder. "[I]I have read your heart, Braddok Kar Barforth, and find you true and righteous...I am yours to wield in this time of trouble...I have seen your mind and trials, your unfortunate past and present...I will be your arm and you shall be mine. Together we shall quash the rising tide of evil as was and ever has been the intention of my maker.[/I]..[I]to the never ending glory of Ahl[/I] [I]and Zho and all of the forces of good in this world...[/I]" Alaria closed her mouth. The light faded from Alaria's eyes even as she closed them, unconscious, and fell to the floor in a feint. Braddok jumped over the table as Stenthil and Haelan rushed around. She was already returning to consciousness. Devrim ran to get a cup of water from the tray he'd previously held. The magess took it and gulped thirstily. "Are you alright?" Braddok said, his voice full of concern. "If that weapon has cursed you in any way, I shall cast it into the river even now." The swordsman looked at the weapon lying on the table. The ring of runes was fading from view. The sapphires in the scabbard glittered a bit, whether it was the light from the glowing runes or some internal magic, he could not say, but in a blink they looked as they always had. "I am fine, Braddok...but did not realize the identification divination left one without memory! What is the point of that?" Alaria said with mild annoyance. "You don't remember, Magess?" Stenthil said in confusion. Alaria shook her head. "Well, it seems your man Braddok, here, has found himself quite the enchanted blade. seems we have much more to do!" Stenthil said as Braddok helped Alaria, who protested several times that she was fine, to her feet. "Yes, much more research is needed. If you are up to it, Magess, your aid will be most welcome. My good warrior, will it be alright if we keep this weapon for a few hours more? I have so many questions!" Stenthil more said than asked. "If...uh...if Alaria thinks you should. Then yeah, fine." Braddok answered. "But I'm staying too." "Yes, yes. Of course." Stenthil said over his shoulder as he moved to the rows of books and scrolls. "DEVRIM! Bring me [I]Abalard's Accounts of Ancient Arms[/I]...OH! And the histories of the Dawning Age...you are welcome to stay as well, Hilltender...eight eyes are better than six, after all. heh heh...Eh, you can read can you not?" the wizard said as he disappeared into the rows of shelves. "Of course I can read!" said Haelan indignantly. "But this seems a bit more of Alaria's area. If you please, I shall go find Duor and take in a bit of lunch." "Amarys, get outta there! I need the Treatise of Titans...Grangidon... Grangidon..." the mage's voice returned as it trailed off as he moved further and further back into the library. "Good sword you have there, Braddok. See you later." Haelan said with a cautious look at the sheathed sword on the table. "And...uh...nice to meet you, too, Kandu." Alaria looked at the daelvar's back curiously before turning to Braddok. "Who's Kandu?" she asked. [/QUOTE]
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