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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Olgar Shiverstone" data-source="post: 2376811" data-attributes="member: 5868">Interlude ... The Rose Altar in TilvertonDarian Dawnguard knelt in his cell, finishing the final prayers over his crafted armor.  It wasn't as familiar, nor as desirable, as the chain shirt he had previously worn, but since that -- along with all of his other equipment -- was likely permanently lost in a mind flayer prison deep in the Underdark, this would have to do.  Luckily, Lathander had blessed him with increased powers since his return from slavery, and the church had been kind enough to recompense him for his losses.  In return for devoted service, of course.A knock came at the door to his cell.  Rising, Darian slid the door open, revealed the concerned, lined face of the master of the Rose Altar, Dawnlord Gwinneth."Brother Darian, you must accompany me," Gwinneth commanded.  "An event of utmost urgency concerns you."  Darian followed as the elderly priest led hom through the nave of the altar, into a back chamber lit only by the pink light of the dawn coming in through the stained glass roof.  Within was a single still pool of still, silent water.  Standing about it were another Lathanderite novice, the paladin Velarn, a dwarf in dark filligreed armor, and an elven woman wearing a breastplate carved of a strange but exquisite wood.Dawnlord Gwinneth nodded to the others, though he made no introductions, and motioned Darian forward to the pool."Your companion, Master Sullygrub, arranged to have us scry him while he and your companions went to rescue you," Gwinneth began.  "Normally, we would not violate another's privacy while continuing to do so once the mission was complete.  But your own reports, and those of Velarn here, have continued to concern us about the danger of this strange sect of dark elves.  Velarn insisted that we check on your companions.  Timely, it was -- for they are in dire peril.  Observe."Darian looked into the pool, seeing that in its depths the image of another place was formed ... an evil place, formed of bone, somewhere deep within the earth.  In that evil chamber, a group of five dark elves contended against two others.  A burst of flame was followed by billowing green acidic fog  Two animals -- a fox and rat -- crisped and died in the firestorm.  Three of the elves struck down another, who turned to gas and disappeared.  One elf launched bursting balls of electric flame at a drow priestess wearing the severed hand symbols of Kiransalee, the demented goddess of death, undeath, and vengeance."Though you do not recognize them, the five dark elves are your companions, disguised by a seeming.  They have infiltrated the drow stronghold of Maerimydra, and even now contend against a priestess in one of the inner sanctuaries.  We have been watching for some time.  They have been quite successful so far, but are tired, wounded, and have now alerted the fortress to their presence."Darian gasped.  His friends were close to death, and he had spent the past week fussing over his own adornments!"While we would normally take little interest in a group of adventurers, the threat they have revealed concerns us all.  The cult of Kiransalee would plunge the world into darkness and death should they gain sufficient power.  We need more information about the threat they represent.  And it is not only the Church of Dawn that requires this.  This elf is Chloe Hartspur, a representative of the elves of Cormanthor, here to learn more about the drow threat to the forest.  Your friends are recognized as one of the few surviving experts on the dark elves, and Eliar of Peldan's Helm sent Chloe here seeking them.  I would take it as a favor if you would take her along."Darian nodded, stunned.  "Am I going somewhere?""Does the plight of your friends not concern you?" Gwinneth asked.  "It is time you repaid your most recent debt to the church -- return to aid your friends, and do what you can to discover the intent and powers of this cult of undeath.""What can two do against such odds?" Darian asked. "And how might I reach my friends, knowing not where they are?  The drow would cut us down long before we reached them!""Fear not, Darian," Gwinneth replied.  "In addition to Miss Hartspur, we've hired a guide with some experience in the Underdark to assist you."  The dwarf stepped out of the shadows, bowing.  "Dunin Anvilgate will assist you.  He is a fearsome warrior.  We'd thought to send your deep gnome companion along, but Grishelm is still awaiting our completion of the item you promised his people -- which we will complete in your absence.  Three companions, plus that magic we have provided you, will suffice.  Now join hands.  You need not worry about locating your friends.  This mission is of sufficient importance that Lathander hs seen fit to grant a miracle this day."The elf and dwarf stepped forward to join Darian, as Dawnlord Gwinneth chanted.  The light from above became blinding, and the world swam ...</blockquote>

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