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Story Hour
Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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<blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5974275" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p>The hours in the day passed, slowly.</p><p></p><p>The sun had set an hour or so ago and the two experienced wizards continued to pour over various books and scrolls. They had declined Haelan's invitation to come to dinner and had barely touched the tray of food the daelvar priest had had sent to the library for them. </p><p></p><p>Braddok had fallen asleep in one of the more comfortable chairs at a different table from where the wizards worked. Poor Devrim had also drifted off, his occasional snores reminding the magi that he was face down in some large manual. The lap-drake, Amarys had similarly curled up in one of her favored nap spaces in the stacks somewhere. A periodic hissing, like steam escaping a kettle, told Alaria that Meeessh was still about soundly sleeping.</p><p></p><p>Alaria took a break from the research to work on edging her new dark blue gown with runes of protection. She had removed several of the underskirts so that it fit and fell more simply and would allow better movement in her travels. Some simple cantrips aided in her removing and re-sewing the silver trim. She had never really spent time learning the finer points of embroidery, much to her mother's displeasure.</p><p></p><p>When all was said and done, Alaria hoped, the robe might lend her some added protection from various magics and elements, much like Fen's sacred druid cloak. </p><p></p><p>The afternoon, evening, and now early night were proving useful and informative. It did not take long for Stenthil to track down that "Grangidon" had been a titan of the Dawning Age. Not the least of his accolades was fathering the legendary titan smith, Doron, creator of the great artifacts of power known collectively, now, simply as the "Gifts of Doron." They were attributed amazing powers throughout the histories and myths of Orea and were said to bring about the Age of Order out of Chaos, long long ago. Ages, even, before the Godswar.</p><p></p><p>Gragidon, himself, had also been a master smith (as many of the Children of Ahl, the great titans of old were well-versed in the working of stone and the riches of the earth). Among the tales of his achievements was the crafting of a series of blades simply referred to as "The Six." Each was imbued with powerful magics, as only the titans possessed.</p><p></p><p>They were described in Stenthil's ancient book, to Alaria's initial confusion, as daggers or knives. Stenthil was quick to point out that what would be a "dagger" to a titan would easily be a sword, even a very large one, to human hands.</p><p></p><p>Each of the blades were named and decorated with various gems (the perfection of the beauty of the treasures of Ahl's earth being one of the titans' greatest pleasures). Sunstone, Emerald, Amethyst, Sapphire, Moonstone and Ruby were all mentioned, in order. The fact that Kandu's scabbard was decorated with four sapphires seemed to confirm the sword's assertion that "he" was "Fourth of Six."</p><p></p><p>This caused Braddok to immediately think back to the inn of the Ruby Scabbard and the great two-handed sword and scabbard crusted with six giant rubies, that hung over Bobrik's bar in Hawkview.</p><p></p><p>Stenthil and Alaria agreed that this could, very possibly, be one of the titan's great works.</p><p></p><p>As to the location of other of the mystic blades, there was some limited detail to their powers and proposed uses, but no inkling as to their whereabouts all of these ages later. Alaria had little interest in this, believing their possession of ONE of the great swords was more than enough to handle at this point.</p><p></p><p>Alaria and Stenthil also spent some time seeking anything they could find about the realm once called "Gorathgraard", "Nor Gorthok", the Lord Gorathiel and his daughters. Of this, they could find very little other than one account of a clan of dwarves from Naradun who came to the east to construct and renovate a great citadel for what was called an "great aelfin king and lord of magic."</p><p></p><p>The tale went on to assert it became one of "the great Nors" which this same clan constructed across the north in the days before the Five Tribes of Men had moved throughout the world. They included Nor Gorthok, Nor Tyrilith (also constructed for a "great aelfin warrior-king"), Nor Caerkiard (reputed to be destroyed during the reshaping of the realms during the Godswar), and Nor Avadok (which Alaria and Stenthil concurred was the current fortress-city of the now elf realm of Miralostae called Nor Evand). </p><p></p><p>Shortly after eight bells, Haelan returned to the library. "The seneschal's boy came to the chambers. He said Captain Rynthis needed to see us, right now! All of us."</p><p></p><p>Alaria apologetically took her leave from Stenthil and the large library where she felt so at home. They roused Braddok and Meeessh and the group met Duor outside of the captain's office.</p><p></p><p>Being ushered in at all speed, Rynthis greeted the party and moved the side table behind which, Alaria knew, was the hidden room with the giant magic mirror (via which Bridgetower maintained contact with the Dragonmage's keep two days deeper into the realm).</p><p></p><p>"My apologies for calling on you at this hour, Magess, but the Stormriders are summoned." </p><p></p><p>Rynthis explained hastily as the party moved into the hidden chamber lined with sconches that rose in flames to light the room and flicker across the massive reflective surface. "They are here, my lady."</p><p></p><p>The surface of the mirror glowed faintly and rippled and the image of the Lady of the Emerald Tear, Rhea, appeared larger than life within the glass.</p><p></p><p>"My greetings and condolences to you all, Stormriders. Captain Rynthis has relayed the reports of your recent losses." Rhea began. "I am sorry to not be able to convey them in person, but the time grows short for the security of the realms. It is, however, good to see you again among the living, Braddok kar Barforth." the lady smiled poltiely.</p><p></p><p>"My thanks, Rhea. What can we do for you?" Alaria replied. The magess felt herself blushing to recall the words of the Green Witch from their time in Welford about men being "good for some things." Alaria prayed to herself that Rhea would not be reading her mind and the all too fresh memories of being in Braddok's arms. In an attempt to not linger upon those thoughts, Alaria quickly continued, "We have heard conflicting reports of the Steel Dragons' time on the battlefront. I trust you all are well?" </p><p></p><p>"The Dragonmage-apparent did suffer a grave wound some weeks ago. He is well now. However, that does go to what I wanted to speak with you about.</p><p></p><p>"The Lordmage, Montor's father, has forbidden his sons' return to the front. The line of the Dragonmage is far too tenuous at this time to risk his life further. Montor, of course, is not pleased by this decree, but is in no position or inclination to disobey his father. Silran and his sister, Erilyn, remain in Miralostae aiding their people...as is their duty. Carak remained as well. But the rest of us have returned to Daenfrii to do what we can to thwart the rising tide from here.</p><p></p><p>"Your news has proven most enlightening. Though the Lordmage's war council considers the word of a goblin as scant proof, even the possibility that Tresahd might be, in fact, the wyrm Desaarthal in some cloaked form is too grave to ignore. The supposition that the necromancer might be trying to take the Eye of Arinane and revive Shaarzak is doubly troubling."</p><p></p><p>"I had meant to send word about that, actually. Is the Ihs Repahl safe? Might it be possible for me to reclaim the orb? I think it would be a great boon to our cause." Alaria interjected.</p><p></p><p>Rhea looked at the magess with curiosity. "The orb remains secure, however, it is the decision of the council that the dark wizard's quest for the Eye to be our greatest threat. The powers of the elves' sacred orb are not entirely known and if Tresahd is able to claim it, the consequences could well prove unstoppable. My Sight has recently proven unable to pierce the veils of the future...there are too many forces in flux." Rhea admitted with some evident disappointment.</p><p></p><p>After a moment of thought, Rhea continued, "As to returning the Ihs Repahl to your hands, Magess...I am afraid I can not say. I shall propose it to the council. Though I can already imagine the idea will meet with resistance.</p><p></p><p>"Our request for you, Stormriders, if you choose to accept it, would be to journey to Miralostae and do some reconnaissance. Hopefully provide some solid evidence of Tresahd's intentions and, if possible, his true identity."</p><p></p><p>"Well, we were going there anyway." Haelan now piped in. "I know Erevan would want us to."</p><p></p><p>The others were quick to agree and accept the mission.</p><p></p><p>"Very well. I shall arrange transport for you on the morrow. You will meet an ally upon your arrival in Evandrial. An aid in our cause. From there, he can help direct you on your way.</p><p></p><p>"You have our thanks, Stormriders, and the thanks of the Lordmage. May the gods heed our prayers for your safety and success." Rhea said in closing.</p><p></p><p>As her image began to fade from the mirror, the Emerald Lady glanced at Alaria and gave her a knowing grin and a wink.</p><p></p><p>In the magess' mind, Rhea's words echoed across the ether, *<em>And Magess Alaria? Good for you.</em>* </p><p></p><p>Then Rhea was gone and the mirror went dark, simply reflecting the company and flickering magical flames around the room.</p><p></p><p>Alaria returned to the library to continue her projects while the others all retired to bed. </p><p></p><p>Tomorrow was sure to prove a long day on their continuing adventure. Haelan, moreso than the rest, wondered repeatedly at who this "ally" might be.</p><p></p><p>"Nuthuh point-ear, no doubt. Won't be any substitue fer Erevan, though. I'll tell yeh that." Duor responded in sincerity. </p><p></p><p>"Of course not, Duor. But any aid will be welcomed." Braddok replied, sharing the dwarf's unspoken mourn.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 5974275, member: 92511"] The hours in the day passed, slowly. The sun had set an hour or so ago and the two experienced wizards continued to pour over various books and scrolls. They had declined Haelan's invitation to come to dinner and had barely touched the tray of food the daelvar priest had had sent to the library for them. Braddok had fallen asleep in one of the more comfortable chairs at a different table from where the wizards worked. Poor Devrim had also drifted off, his occasional snores reminding the magi that he was face down in some large manual. The lap-drake, Amarys had similarly curled up in one of her favored nap spaces in the stacks somewhere. A periodic hissing, like steam escaping a kettle, told Alaria that Meeessh was still about soundly sleeping. Alaria took a break from the research to work on edging her new dark blue gown with runes of protection. She had removed several of the underskirts so that it fit and fell more simply and would allow better movement in her travels. Some simple cantrips aided in her removing and re-sewing the silver trim. She had never really spent time learning the finer points of embroidery, much to her mother's displeasure. When all was said and done, Alaria hoped, the robe might lend her some added protection from various magics and elements, much like Fen's sacred druid cloak. The afternoon, evening, and now early night were proving useful and informative. It did not take long for Stenthil to track down that "Grangidon" had been a titan of the Dawning Age. Not the least of his accolades was fathering the legendary titan smith, Doron, creator of the great artifacts of power known collectively, now, simply as the "Gifts of Doron." They were attributed amazing powers throughout the histories and myths of Orea and were said to bring about the Age of Order out of Chaos, long long ago. Ages, even, before the Godswar. Gragidon, himself, had also been a master smith (as many of the Children of Ahl, the great titans of old were well-versed in the working of stone and the riches of the earth). Among the tales of his achievements was the crafting of a series of blades simply referred to as "The Six." Each was imbued with powerful magics, as only the titans possessed. They were described in Stenthil's ancient book, to Alaria's initial confusion, as daggers or knives. Stenthil was quick to point out that what would be a "dagger" to a titan would easily be a sword, even a very large one, to human hands. Each of the blades were named and decorated with various gems (the perfection of the beauty of the treasures of Ahl's earth being one of the titans' greatest pleasures). Sunstone, Emerald, Amethyst, Sapphire, Moonstone and Ruby were all mentioned, in order. The fact that Kandu's scabbard was decorated with four sapphires seemed to confirm the sword's assertion that "he" was "Fourth of Six." This caused Braddok to immediately think back to the inn of the Ruby Scabbard and the great two-handed sword and scabbard crusted with six giant rubies, that hung over Bobrik's bar in Hawkview. Stenthil and Alaria agreed that this could, very possibly, be one of the titan's great works. As to the location of other of the mystic blades, there was some limited detail to their powers and proposed uses, but no inkling as to their whereabouts all of these ages later. Alaria had little interest in this, believing their possession of ONE of the great swords was more than enough to handle at this point. Alaria and Stenthil also spent some time seeking anything they could find about the realm once called "Gorathgraard", "Nor Gorthok", the Lord Gorathiel and his daughters. Of this, they could find very little other than one account of a clan of dwarves from Naradun who came to the east to construct and renovate a great citadel for what was called an "great aelfin king and lord of magic." The tale went on to assert it became one of "the great Nors" which this same clan constructed across the north in the days before the Five Tribes of Men had moved throughout the world. They included Nor Gorthok, Nor Tyrilith (also constructed for a "great aelfin warrior-king"), Nor Caerkiard (reputed to be destroyed during the reshaping of the realms during the Godswar), and Nor Avadok (which Alaria and Stenthil concurred was the current fortress-city of the now elf realm of Miralostae called Nor Evand). Shortly after eight bells, Haelan returned to the library. "The seneschal's boy came to the chambers. He said Captain Rynthis needed to see us, right now! All of us." Alaria apologetically took her leave from Stenthil and the large library where she felt so at home. They roused Braddok and Meeessh and the group met Duor outside of the captain's office. Being ushered in at all speed, Rynthis greeted the party and moved the side table behind which, Alaria knew, was the hidden room with the giant magic mirror (via which Bridgetower maintained contact with the Dragonmage's keep two days deeper into the realm). "My apologies for calling on you at this hour, Magess, but the Stormriders are summoned." Rynthis explained hastily as the party moved into the hidden chamber lined with sconches that rose in flames to light the room and flicker across the massive reflective surface. "They are here, my lady." The surface of the mirror glowed faintly and rippled and the image of the Lady of the Emerald Tear, Rhea, appeared larger than life within the glass. "My greetings and condolences to you all, Stormriders. Captain Rynthis has relayed the reports of your recent losses." Rhea began. "I am sorry to not be able to convey them in person, but the time grows short for the security of the realms. It is, however, good to see you again among the living, Braddok kar Barforth." the lady smiled poltiely. "My thanks, Rhea. What can we do for you?" Alaria replied. The magess felt herself blushing to recall the words of the Green Witch from their time in Welford about men being "good for some things." Alaria prayed to herself that Rhea would not be reading her mind and the all too fresh memories of being in Braddok's arms. In an attempt to not linger upon those thoughts, Alaria quickly continued, "We have heard conflicting reports of the Steel Dragons' time on the battlefront. I trust you all are well?" "The Dragonmage-apparent did suffer a grave wound some weeks ago. He is well now. However, that does go to what I wanted to speak with you about. "The Lordmage, Montor's father, has forbidden his sons' return to the front. The line of the Dragonmage is far too tenuous at this time to risk his life further. Montor, of course, is not pleased by this decree, but is in no position or inclination to disobey his father. Silran and his sister, Erilyn, remain in Miralostae aiding their people...as is their duty. Carak remained as well. But the rest of us have returned to Daenfrii to do what we can to thwart the rising tide from here. "Your news has proven most enlightening. Though the Lordmage's war council considers the word of a goblin as scant proof, even the possibility that Tresahd might be, in fact, the wyrm Desaarthal in some cloaked form is too grave to ignore. The supposition that the necromancer might be trying to take the Eye of Arinane and revive Shaarzak is doubly troubling." "I had meant to send word about that, actually. Is the Ihs Repahl safe? Might it be possible for me to reclaim the orb? I think it would be a great boon to our cause." Alaria interjected. Rhea looked at the magess with curiosity. "The orb remains secure, however, it is the decision of the council that the dark wizard's quest for the Eye to be our greatest threat. The powers of the elves' sacred orb are not entirely known and if Tresahd is able to claim it, the consequences could well prove unstoppable. My Sight has recently proven unable to pierce the veils of the future...there are too many forces in flux." Rhea admitted with some evident disappointment. After a moment of thought, Rhea continued, "As to returning the Ihs Repahl to your hands, Magess...I am afraid I can not say. I shall propose it to the council. Though I can already imagine the idea will meet with resistance. "Our request for you, Stormriders, if you choose to accept it, would be to journey to Miralostae and do some reconnaissance. Hopefully provide some solid evidence of Tresahd's intentions and, if possible, his true identity." "Well, we were going there anyway." Haelan now piped in. "I know Erevan would want us to." The others were quick to agree and accept the mission. "Very well. I shall arrange transport for you on the morrow. You will meet an ally upon your arrival in Evandrial. An aid in our cause. From there, he can help direct you on your way. "You have our thanks, Stormriders, and the thanks of the Lordmage. May the gods heed our prayers for your safety and success." Rhea said in closing. As her image began to fade from the mirror, the Emerald Lady glanced at Alaria and gave her a knowing grin and a wink. In the magess' mind, Rhea's words echoed across the ether, *[I]And Magess Alaria? Good for you.[/I]* Then Rhea was gone and the mirror went dark, simply reflecting the company and flickering magical flames around the room. Alaria returned to the library to continue her projects while the others all retired to bed. Tomorrow was sure to prove a long day on their continuing adventure. Haelan, moreso than the rest, wondered repeatedly at who this "ally" might be. "Nuthuh point-ear, no doubt. Won't be any substitue fer Erevan, though. I'll tell yeh that." Duor responded in sincerity. "Of course not, Duor. But any aid will be welcomed." Braddok replied, sharing the dwarf's unspoken mourn. [/QUOTE]
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