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Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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<blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 6156493" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p>It had been 5 weeks since their council and luncheon with Rhea. The others were becoming somewhat anxious to carry on their mission. Alaria assured them another week at most would be best forher to complete her research and transcriptions.</p><p> </p><p>Alaria carried her newest spellbook and a manual borrowed from the keep archivist,<em> A Treatise on Transportational Magik</em>, by the noted R’Hathi sage Olion. She walked with resolute purpose, returning to the great library that was available to all of the keep‘s mages and scholars.</p><p></p><p>“Magess Alaria! ” a voice rang through the hall behind her.</p><p></p><p>She turn to see, with some surprise, the lord-prince Montor come jogging up behind her. The blond haired mage who couldn’t be any older than Alaria, herself, was in a billowing white tunic lined in dark blue trim and a midnight cloak trimmed in silver, very similar to Alaria’s though the various protective sigils and runes that lined the Dragonmage-apparent’s cloak were significantly more advanced than her own.</p><p></p><p>“My lord?” Alaria answered with a nodding bow.</p><p></p><p>“Do you have a moment?” Montor asked as he caught up to her.</p><p></p><p>“Of course, my lord. How may I be of service?” Alaria replied.</p><p></p><p>“Montor, please.” he smiled warmly.The fine but strong features of his handsome face and deep blue of his eyes caused Alaria to wonder what, if any, elfin blood the Dragonmage’s line contained. “I have heard of your idea to teleport bones from Dragonbone Isle to thwart the dragon-wizard. It is ingenius in its simplicity.”</p><p></p><p>“My thanks, my...Montor. I am afraid, however, that I have yet to find a method of doign so. Magus Trymis was intrigued but assured me he would not be capable of such advanced spellwork.” Alaria said with some defeat.</p><p></p><p>Montir noted the Treatise Alaria covered. “Not giving up yet, I see.” he smiled again.</p><p></p><p>My, Alaria thought, he was handsome.</p><p></p><p>“A failing, some might say.” Alaria smiled in return. “I am stubborn, like my father, and do not believe I have exhausted the possibilities.”</p><p></p><p>Alaria looked at the books in her hands and thought if she ought to continue, knowing the Dragonmage-apparent would be unable to aid them in their cause. </p><p></p><p>“I am, at the very least, hoping I might find a way for us to pierce Tresahd’s defensive barrier so that we need not carry out another month of wandering the Feldmere to return to ‘her’ lair. If we could arrive, even just outside the lair, it would be a significant advantage.”</p><p></p><p>Montor nodded, his face pensive at the possibilities. “It is surely possible...but might required some work.”</p><p></p><p>“According to Trymis, the fact we have actually been there before should be a great boon and might permit our access. Last time, we didn’t really know where to go...other than the Feldmere and the name ‘Nor Gorthok.’ But having been there, phsyically, Trymis supposes, we might use Keep’s teleportal circle to arrive significantly closer, if not actually inside.”</p><p></p><p>Montor nodded. “Just so. Trymis is a talented mage and my own knowledge and use of dimensional folding would concur with his supposition.”</p><p></p><p>“It would be...I do not mean to presume, my lord Montor," Alaria continued, figuring it most appropriate to use the prince’s title and name, as he wished. “But would it be possible for you to accompany us to the Feldmere? Perhaps simply lending some power to the teleportal circle to further its power?”</p><p></p><p>Montor looked around as if someone might hear his response and smiled again at Alaria, “I would be most amenable to lend what aid I can whilst not disobeying father,” he looked about again before saying to Alaria with a wink, “...too much.”</p><p></p><p>“It will require some research and work. But I do not doubt the power of Wyr can be of service in this endeavor. Zhiranth has told me at the Council of Wyr is beginning to become concerned with this ‘Desaarthal.’” the lord prince replied.</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps...” Alaria began to dare to ask. Montor interrupted, as if reading her mind...which as far as Alaria knew of the young mage, he very well might be doing.</p><p></p><p>“Would you care to join me in my library...later this afternoon...we could search for some possibilities.” he asked.</p><p></p><p>Alaria was inwardly ecstatic but strove to maintain her ‘professional’ detachment, seemly for a lesser mage being presented with access from a greater one. “That would be...agreeable, my..er...Montor. I would be honored to accept.”</p><p></p><p>“Very good then, my lady Magess. I shall see you at...shall we say, three bells?” Montor said quickly. He seemed to be distracted by something Alaria did not hear.</p><p></p><p>“Excellent.” Alaria grinned coyly and tossed some of her dark hair over a shoulder. What was that?! Alaria thought to herself. She shook her head after the prince bowed and turned back down the corridor. What was she sixteen? Acting like a second year apprenti? Why was she feeling so...flirty? </p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>Three days later...</p><p></p><p>Haelan entered the common chamber and plopped himself upon one of the cushioned chairs around their dining table. Beside a very serious looking Braddok.</p><p></p><p>“Hiya, ‘Sarge.’ How were your rounds this morning?" the Hilltender opened with his usual cheerfulness.</p><p></p><p>Braddok merely grunted a reply from behind his flagon of ale.</p><p></p><p>Their chambermaid had just finished bringing in their luncheon of dark bread , fruit and cured meats and cheeses. Haelan set to making himelf a ham and cheese sandwich, looking occasionally at the grim swordsman from time to time. The warrior seemed to hardly notice his presence.</p><p></p><p>“Alaria still working?” Haelan ventured another conversation opener.</p><p></p><p>“Of course.” Braddok replied darkly. </p><p></p><p>“In the Dragonwing library again?” Haelan asked, cautiously. “She and Prince Montor have been spending quite a bit of time together of late.”</p><p></p><p>“Indeed.” He replied. “I’ve spoken to her more through the Keep ball than in person.”</p><p></p><p>“That so?” Haelan said innocently, though he knew this to be true. The magess had barely returned to their chambers at all in the past three days.</p><p></p><p>“Hail friends.” came Fen’s casual friendly voice from the doorway .</p><p></p><p>“Fen! Welcome back. Ho long will you be staying?” Haelan smiled at the druid’s entrance, thanking the Hillmother for some more cheerful conversation.</p><p></p><p>“I received a summons from our Magess. My studies are ended for the time being. I suspect we will be leaving on our further...mission...in short order.” the half elf replied, ripping himself a chunk of the nutty dark bread.</p><p></p><p>“Really?” Haelan answered with some surprise mingled in his excitement.</p><p></p><p>“Oh sure. She tells you her plans.” Braddok said grimly and raised his flagon again to drain it before immediately refilling it from the pitcher of crockery in the middle of the table.</p><p></p><p>Fen looked to Haelan with some surprise.</p><p></p><p>“Is there something wrong?” Fen asked, unknowingly.</p><p></p><p>Braddok stuck a large hunk of cheese in his mouth.</p><p></p><p>Haelan turned to the druid and answered as quietly as he could, though there was no doubt Braddok still heard. “They’re having some...issues.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, our mission is of the utmost importance, my friend.” Fen attempted to sooth the warrior’s obviously wounded ego and/or heart. “I am sure once we leave this place, things will smooth themselves out.”</p><p></p><p>Braddok looked at Fen darkly for a moment and then his expression softened. “You are probably right. I pray that it is so. I will confess, as much as I appreciate the hospitality and expertise of the lordmage and his subjects...I will not be sorry to leave. I fear Alaria might be unwilling to go at all...and leave all of her beloved sorcery.”</p><p></p><p>Haelan looked at the warrior with sympathy. “Braddok, she cares for you. I am sure of that. You two...all of us, in fact...have shared so much. You’ve faced death together more than once. Saved each other on more than one occasion. We brought you back from the dead, after all! A connection that deep cannot be broken by books and scrolls.”</p><p></p><p>Braddok nodded in agreement, though his face showed his reticence to agree.</p><p></p><p>Just then, the blue light bal of keep appeared hovering above the center of the table.</p><p></p><p>“<em>Stormriders, the Magess Alaria requests your presence in the Dragonwing library antechamber.</em>” Keep’s melodius chorus of voices announced.</p><p></p><p> “Thank you, Keep.” Haelan replied cheerfully. They had been in Lordmage’s stronghold for nearly a month and a half, but every time the Hilltender saw the floating ball of light, he was amazed at the magical oddity.</p><p></p><p>The ball began to fade before the Hilltender responded. “Uh, Keep?”</p><p></p><p>The light solidified and increased in intensity once more. “<em>Yes, Hilltender Haelan Spurthistle.</em>”</p><p></p><p>“Where is the library antechamber?” Haelan asked.</p><p></p><p>“<em>The Dragonwing Library antechamber is accessed by the main hall. North Spire. Level 10. Second door on your right.</em>” the ball replied matter-of-factly.</p><p></p><p>“Thanks again, Keep.” Haelan answered in his polite manner.</p><p></p><p>“<em>You are most welcomed, Hilltender Haelan Spurthistle.</em>” Keep’s voice replied, a bit more kindly and feminine sounding than it’s usual dispassionate drone. </p><p></p><p> Haelan smiled. The Hilltender had learned the disembodied energy ball, the sentience of the stronghold referred to by all of the inhabitants as, simply, “Keep”, did not require such formality or personal niceties. But it made Haelan feel better to use them anyway...The Keep seemed, Haelan imagined, to appreciate it though the priestesses of Gilea had informed him some weeks ago that ‘Keep’ merely replied to what was presented to it...it possessed no individual ego or emotions to offend.</p><p></p><p>The company followed the directions, running into Pyrnion on the way, who had received a similar summons. </p><p></p><p>“Hail Druid Fen. Happy to see your return. Do we know what this is about?” Pyrnion said stoically.</p><p></p><p>“No clue.” Braddok said bluntly.</p><p></p><p>Pyrnion raised a feathered eyebrow at the warrior’s back for his curt reply. Haelan just shrugged and grinned weakly at the zephari.</p><p></p><p>In the antechamber were Alaria, Montor...standing much too close to the magess for Braddok’s liking...and the Lady Rhea, sitting casually in a high-backed leather padded chair.</p><p></p><p>“We’ve done it!” Alaria said with a smile none of them had seen in the past several weeks of intense study and training. “We can teleport to Nor Gorthok. Get directly to the keep without having to traverse the swamp.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s what you’ve been working on all of this time?” Braddok said with some annoyance.</p><p></p><p>“Yes.” Alaria said with some question in her voice. “Not all of it, to be sure, but these few days passed. I thought the advantage of surprise would be desirable?” she said quizzically.</p><p></p><p>“Indeed! I have no desire to spend another three weeks in that gods-forsaken place. Even if we’d know where we were going this time.” Haelan answered before Braddok could say anything.</p><p></p><p>“We must make ready and go by the end of the week. We must collect Duor and Jovias. Montor will then aid us in the teleportation from Bridgetower.” Alaria continued to explain.</p><p></p><p>“‘<em>Montor’</em> will, will he?" Braddok said in surprise at Alaria’s apparent familiarity with, not only their benefactor, but the lord prince of the realm.</p><p></p><p>“From Bridgetower, I will still be within Daenfrii. My father can not object.” Montor said with a smirk.</p><p></p><p>“I didn’t know Bridgetower had a teleportal circle.” Fen said with surprise.</p><p></p><p>“It does not. But the spell is easily within my power from there.” Montor answered.</p><p></p><p>Rhea spoke. “You have all progressed so easily in your training that Alaria feels you are all as ready as you will be. My attempts to scry the dragon’s lair have continued to meet without success. However, outside of it, I can tell you, that there have been no notable movements of troops or increased coming or going of notable monsters. Scrollmaster Inden <<em>Author/DM’s note: the high-priest of Solilorr in Daenfrii who all of the companions had previously met.</em>> tells me his visions on the place have detected no more evil or increased power than there has been since the dark wizard’s defeat in Evandrial. It seems the time to strike is upon you.”</p><p></p><p>The companions all nodded in understanding, expressions of varying amounts of seriousness and concern clear on the four men.</p><p></p><p>“What about the demons?” Haelan finally asked, the fear evident in his voice.</p><p></p><p>“Scrollmaster Inden and Matron Uma have both consulted with servants of their respective deities. Their contacts claim there has been no interplanar activity that they have noticed in the same time. It can be assumed whatever creatures were there before are still there.” Rhea answered. Apparently, unbeknownst to the party, the power-that-be in Daenfrii have taken up a good deal of interest in this Tresahd-Desaarthal business.</p><p></p><p>“‘Cept the one we killed already.” Fen added.</p><p></p><p>“We can presume so.” Alaria answered.</p><p></p><p>“Well, I guess no <em>new</em> demons is a good thing. heh heh.” Haelan chuckled weakly.</p><p></p><p>“We will have to inform Captain Londar that we’ll be leaving.” Braddok said to no one in particular.</p><p></p><p>“Already done.” Rhea said with a smile. “He wishes to have a send off for you in two night’s time from Bridgetower...if you are amenable to the idea.” Rhea smiled before adding, “We both do. Nothing formal, mind, just a small gathering among friends. I am certain Captain Rynthis and the Lady Elhianne will be most accommodating.”</p><p></p><p>“We would be honored.” Alaria answered before anyone else. </p><p></p><p>Braddok’s face turned into a stromcloud as he noted Alaria’s smile directed at the Dragonmage-apparent.</p><p></p><p>“If that’s all then?” Braddok said. “I will conclude my rounds and the conducting of my duties until such time as we must go. My ladies...my lord.” Braddok bowed deeply, turned and left without waiting for a dismissal.</p><p></p><p>Alaria looked after the warrior with a mixture of annoyance and a slight pain in her heart.</p><p></p><p>“Alaria, my dear, let us walk, shall we?” Rhea said, rising from her seat and taking Alaria by the arm.</p><p></p><p>“We should still...” Alaria began to object.</p><p></p><p>“It can wait, I’m sure?” Rhea said, questioning to Montor.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, of course. There’s nothing more to do than calculate the final vectors and atune to the location...which we can’t do until we arrive at...” Montor began explaining the magical details, as he was prone to do, often missing the fact that those around him had little understanding f what it was he spoke.</p><p></p><p>“Very good, Montor. We shall see you later.” Rhea interjected and led the magess out of the chamber by the arm with nodding bows to the other companions.</p><p></p><p>Haelan, Fen and Pyrnion simply looked at aeach other and the Draognmage-apparent in some discomfort.</p><p></p><p>“Can we help?” Haelan said, breaking the uncomfortable silence.</p><p></p><p>Montor chuckled atthe daelvar. “You are a true representative of your kind, Haelan. But I think I will be able to handle it.” He smiled. “Please, return to your days and what preparations you require. We shall leave the Vale for Bridgetower on the morn after tomorrow.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 6156493, member: 92511"] It had been 5 weeks since their council and luncheon with Rhea. The others were becoming somewhat anxious to carry on their mission. Alaria assured them another week at most would be best forher to complete her research and transcriptions. Alaria carried her newest spellbook and a manual borrowed from the keep archivist,[I] A Treatise on Transportational Magik[/I], by the noted R’Hathi sage Olion. She walked with resolute purpose, returning to the great library that was available to all of the keep‘s mages and scholars. “Magess Alaria! ” a voice rang through the hall behind her. She turn to see, with some surprise, the lord-prince Montor come jogging up behind her. The blond haired mage who couldn’t be any older than Alaria, herself, was in a billowing white tunic lined in dark blue trim and a midnight cloak trimmed in silver, very similar to Alaria’s though the various protective sigils and runes that lined the Dragonmage-apparent’s cloak were significantly more advanced than her own. “My lord?” Alaria answered with a nodding bow. “Do you have a moment?” Montor asked as he caught up to her. “Of course, my lord. How may I be of service?” Alaria replied. “Montor, please.” he smiled warmly.The fine but strong features of his handsome face and deep blue of his eyes caused Alaria to wonder what, if any, elfin blood the Dragonmage’s line contained. “I have heard of your idea to teleport bones from Dragonbone Isle to thwart the dragon-wizard. It is ingenius in its simplicity.” “My thanks, my...Montor. I am afraid, however, that I have yet to find a method of doign so. Magus Trymis was intrigued but assured me he would not be capable of such advanced spellwork.” Alaria said with some defeat. Montir noted the Treatise Alaria covered. “Not giving up yet, I see.” he smiled again. My, Alaria thought, he was handsome. “A failing, some might say.” Alaria smiled in return. “I am stubborn, like my father, and do not believe I have exhausted the possibilities.” Alaria looked at the books in her hands and thought if she ought to continue, knowing the Dragonmage-apparent would be unable to aid them in their cause. “I am, at the very least, hoping I might find a way for us to pierce Tresahd’s defensive barrier so that we need not carry out another month of wandering the Feldmere to return to ‘her’ lair. If we could arrive, even just outside the lair, it would be a significant advantage.” Montor nodded, his face pensive at the possibilities. “It is surely possible...but might required some work.” “According to Trymis, the fact we have actually been there before should be a great boon and might permit our access. Last time, we didn’t really know where to go...other than the Feldmere and the name ‘Nor Gorthok.’ But having been there, phsyically, Trymis supposes, we might use Keep’s teleportal circle to arrive significantly closer, if not actually inside.” Montor nodded. “Just so. Trymis is a talented mage and my own knowledge and use of dimensional folding would concur with his supposition.” “It would be...I do not mean to presume, my lord Montor," Alaria continued, figuring it most appropriate to use the prince’s title and name, as he wished. “But would it be possible for you to accompany us to the Feldmere? Perhaps simply lending some power to the teleportal circle to further its power?” Montor looked around as if someone might hear his response and smiled again at Alaria, “I would be most amenable to lend what aid I can whilst not disobeying father,” he looked about again before saying to Alaria with a wink, “...too much.” “It will require some research and work. But I do not doubt the power of Wyr can be of service in this endeavor. Zhiranth has told me at the Council of Wyr is beginning to become concerned with this ‘Desaarthal.’” the lord prince replied. “Perhaps...” Alaria began to dare to ask. Montor interrupted, as if reading her mind...which as far as Alaria knew of the young mage, he very well might be doing. “Would you care to join me in my library...later this afternoon...we could search for some possibilities.” he asked. Alaria was inwardly ecstatic but strove to maintain her ‘professional’ detachment, seemly for a lesser mage being presented with access from a greater one. “That would be...agreeable, my..er...Montor. I would be honored to accept.” “Very good then, my lady Magess. I shall see you at...shall we say, three bells?” Montor said quickly. He seemed to be distracted by something Alaria did not hear. “Excellent.” Alaria grinned coyly and tossed some of her dark hair over a shoulder. What was that?! Alaria thought to herself. She shook her head after the prince bowed and turned back down the corridor. What was she sixteen? Acting like a second year apprenti? Why was she feeling so...flirty? *** Three days later... Haelan entered the common chamber and plopped himself upon one of the cushioned chairs around their dining table. Beside a very serious looking Braddok. “Hiya, ‘Sarge.’ How were your rounds this morning?" the Hilltender opened with his usual cheerfulness. Braddok merely grunted a reply from behind his flagon of ale. Their chambermaid had just finished bringing in their luncheon of dark bread , fruit and cured meats and cheeses. Haelan set to making himelf a ham and cheese sandwich, looking occasionally at the grim swordsman from time to time. The warrior seemed to hardly notice his presence. “Alaria still working?” Haelan ventured another conversation opener. “Of course.” Braddok replied darkly. “In the Dragonwing library again?” Haelan asked, cautiously. “She and Prince Montor have been spending quite a bit of time together of late.” “Indeed.” He replied. “I’ve spoken to her more through the Keep ball than in person.” “That so?” Haelan said innocently, though he knew this to be true. The magess had barely returned to their chambers at all in the past three days. “Hail friends.” came Fen’s casual friendly voice from the doorway . “Fen! Welcome back. Ho long will you be staying?” Haelan smiled at the druid’s entrance, thanking the Hillmother for some more cheerful conversation. “I received a summons from our Magess. My studies are ended for the time being. I suspect we will be leaving on our further...mission...in short order.” the half elf replied, ripping himself a chunk of the nutty dark bread. “Really?” Haelan answered with some surprise mingled in his excitement. “Oh sure. She tells you her plans.” Braddok said grimly and raised his flagon again to drain it before immediately refilling it from the pitcher of crockery in the middle of the table. Fen looked to Haelan with some surprise. “Is there something wrong?” Fen asked, unknowingly. Braddok stuck a large hunk of cheese in his mouth. Haelan turned to the druid and answered as quietly as he could, though there was no doubt Braddok still heard. “They’re having some...issues.” “Well, our mission is of the utmost importance, my friend.” Fen attempted to sooth the warrior’s obviously wounded ego and/or heart. “I am sure once we leave this place, things will smooth themselves out.” Braddok looked at Fen darkly for a moment and then his expression softened. “You are probably right. I pray that it is so. I will confess, as much as I appreciate the hospitality and expertise of the lordmage and his subjects...I will not be sorry to leave. I fear Alaria might be unwilling to go at all...and leave all of her beloved sorcery.” Haelan looked at the warrior with sympathy. “Braddok, she cares for you. I am sure of that. You two...all of us, in fact...have shared so much. You’ve faced death together more than once. Saved each other on more than one occasion. We brought you back from the dead, after all! A connection that deep cannot be broken by books and scrolls.” Braddok nodded in agreement, though his face showed his reticence to agree. Just then, the blue light bal of keep appeared hovering above the center of the table. “[I]Stormriders, the Magess Alaria requests your presence in the Dragonwing library antechamber.[/I]” Keep’s melodius chorus of voices announced. “Thank you, Keep.” Haelan replied cheerfully. They had been in Lordmage’s stronghold for nearly a month and a half, but every time the Hilltender saw the floating ball of light, he was amazed at the magical oddity. The ball began to fade before the Hilltender responded. “Uh, Keep?” The light solidified and increased in intensity once more. “[I]Yes, Hilltender Haelan Spurthistle.[/I]” “Where is the library antechamber?” Haelan asked. “[I]The Dragonwing Library antechamber is accessed by the main hall. North Spire. Level 10. Second door on your right.[/I]” the ball replied matter-of-factly. “Thanks again, Keep.” Haelan answered in his polite manner. “[I]You are most welcomed, Hilltender Haelan Spurthistle.[/I]” Keep’s voice replied, a bit more kindly and feminine sounding than it’s usual dispassionate drone. Haelan smiled. The Hilltender had learned the disembodied energy ball, the sentience of the stronghold referred to by all of the inhabitants as, simply, “Keep”, did not require such formality or personal niceties. But it made Haelan feel better to use them anyway...The Keep seemed, Haelan imagined, to appreciate it though the priestesses of Gilea had informed him some weeks ago that ‘Keep’ merely replied to what was presented to it...it possessed no individual ego or emotions to offend. The company followed the directions, running into Pyrnion on the way, who had received a similar summons. “Hail Druid Fen. Happy to see your return. Do we know what this is about?” Pyrnion said stoically. “No clue.” Braddok said bluntly. Pyrnion raised a feathered eyebrow at the warrior’s back for his curt reply. Haelan just shrugged and grinned weakly at the zephari. In the antechamber were Alaria, Montor...standing much too close to the magess for Braddok’s liking...and the Lady Rhea, sitting casually in a high-backed leather padded chair. “We’ve done it!” Alaria said with a smile none of them had seen in the past several weeks of intense study and training. “We can teleport to Nor Gorthok. Get directly to the keep without having to traverse the swamp.” “That’s what you’ve been working on all of this time?” Braddok said with some annoyance. “Yes.” Alaria said with some question in her voice. “Not all of it, to be sure, but these few days passed. I thought the advantage of surprise would be desirable?” she said quizzically. “Indeed! I have no desire to spend another three weeks in that gods-forsaken place. Even if we’d know where we were going this time.” Haelan answered before Braddok could say anything. “We must make ready and go by the end of the week. We must collect Duor and Jovias. Montor will then aid us in the teleportation from Bridgetower.” Alaria continued to explain. “‘[I]Montor’[/I] will, will he?" Braddok said in surprise at Alaria’s apparent familiarity with, not only their benefactor, but the lord prince of the realm. “From Bridgetower, I will still be within Daenfrii. My father can not object.” Montor said with a smirk. “I didn’t know Bridgetower had a teleportal circle.” Fen said with surprise. “It does not. But the spell is easily within my power from there.” Montor answered. Rhea spoke. “You have all progressed so easily in your training that Alaria feels you are all as ready as you will be. My attempts to scry the dragon’s lair have continued to meet without success. However, outside of it, I can tell you, that there have been no notable movements of troops or increased coming or going of notable monsters. Scrollmaster Inden <[I]Author/DM’s note: the high-priest of Solilorr in Daenfrii who all of the companions had previously met.[/I]> tells me his visions on the place have detected no more evil or increased power than there has been since the dark wizard’s defeat in Evandrial. It seems the time to strike is upon you.” The companions all nodded in understanding, expressions of varying amounts of seriousness and concern clear on the four men. “What about the demons?” Haelan finally asked, the fear evident in his voice. “Scrollmaster Inden and Matron Uma have both consulted with servants of their respective deities. Their contacts claim there has been no interplanar activity that they have noticed in the same time. It can be assumed whatever creatures were there before are still there.” Rhea answered. Apparently, unbeknownst to the party, the power-that-be in Daenfrii have taken up a good deal of interest in this Tresahd-Desaarthal business. “‘Cept the one we killed already.” Fen added. “We can presume so.” Alaria answered. “Well, I guess no [I]new[/I] demons is a good thing. heh heh.” Haelan chuckled weakly. “We will have to inform Captain Londar that we’ll be leaving.” Braddok said to no one in particular. “Already done.” Rhea said with a smile. “He wishes to have a send off for you in two night’s time from Bridgetower...if you are amenable to the idea.” Rhea smiled before adding, “We both do. Nothing formal, mind, just a small gathering among friends. I am certain Captain Rynthis and the Lady Elhianne will be most accommodating.” “We would be honored.” Alaria answered before anyone else. Braddok’s face turned into a stromcloud as he noted Alaria’s smile directed at the Dragonmage-apparent. “If that’s all then?” Braddok said. “I will conclude my rounds and the conducting of my duties until such time as we must go. My ladies...my lord.” Braddok bowed deeply, turned and left without waiting for a dismissal. Alaria looked after the warrior with a mixture of annoyance and a slight pain in her heart. “Alaria, my dear, let us walk, shall we?” Rhea said, rising from her seat and taking Alaria by the arm. “We should still...” Alaria began to object. “It can wait, I’m sure?” Rhea said, questioning to Montor. “Yes, of course. There’s nothing more to do than calculate the final vectors and atune to the location...which we can’t do until we arrive at...” Montor began explaining the magical details, as he was prone to do, often missing the fact that those around him had little understanding f what it was he spoke. “Very good, Montor. We shall see you later.” Rhea interjected and led the magess out of the chamber by the arm with nodding bows to the other companions. Haelan, Fen and Pyrnion simply looked at aeach other and the Draognmage-apparent in some discomfort. “Can we help?” Haelan said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. Montor chuckled atthe daelvar. “You are a true representative of your kind, Haelan. But I think I will be able to handle it.” He smiled. “Please, return to your days and what preparations you require. We shall leave the Vale for Bridgetower on the morn after tomorrow.” [/QUOTE]
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