En Dharasha Everae RP thread

[Invoker]

Nature Servants

He looked towards his brother Mendel, who nodded encouragingly while he was trying to calm Nai's furious reaction as the news were delivered to her (he had never seen her so angry, and really could not blame her...but he also could not afford to let his mind wander. No, not now...). Ithilwen was at his side, her expression a blank mask of composure and serenity, as cold as her icy skin would suggest.

The mage Selhanna announced the arrival of the High Druid himself, he drew a short breath ad voided his mind from any thought, his emotions quenched just like before seizing the Weave and channeling its power. It was an honor and a privilege to be part of this gathering, of course, but they were not just uninterested spectators...there was more. They came here for guidance.

Stepping forward towards the first of the nature servants, he smiled and bowed courteously, ready to submit to his wisdom...

[Invoker]

Stalked

"Are you coming?" he said matter-of-factly, already walking towards the damp cave's exit. Good old Cel, always on guard, always efficient, and sadly so wary of arcane energies...of him, when in fact, he was the least of their problems right now. Somewhere, unseen, Shynt chuckled, no doubt crossing her arms in her classic, nonchalant posture. They were some of the best trackers he knew, and despite t-

The gentle humming coming from all around him, whispered low enough that only he could hear, forced his focus back on the problem at hand. "So, are you trying to make acquaintance or stab me?" he murmured in a low, emotionless voice matching hers in volume. He should probably have been a little more concerned, admittedly. The fact the assassin was easily able to remain undetected even to his brother and sister's well trained eyes was a testament to her skills. Instead of worrying, however, he felt kind of flattered, in a way: he was just a little insulted that whoever sent her deemed one killer sufficient for the job. This is the kind of thoughts centuries of constant manipulation of arcane energies and a less than stellar wisdom can inspire into a brilliant mind, he thought with amusement.

"If I had wanted to stab you, I would have by now" she replied, with that cold cheerfulness of hers. He chuckled as he began moving, slowly, in his companions' direction: "So, you're not here to kill me...why do I feel you are trying to decide whether to put a dagger through my ribs or my neck, then?". "Because I am" she whispered playfully in return "Where would you prefer?". Kael found himself idly considering the choice, as he mentally reviewed his wards already in place and invoked from his memory a few useful contingency spells, just to remain on the safe side: "Well, I'd say through the ribs...I am far too attractive to get stabbed above the shoulders...". "Through the neck it is, then...". He narrowed his eyes, feeling for a moment the warmth of her breath close to his left ear. "Then, I guess you actually decided to attack me, despite my charme...and here I was, thinking we were finally getting through to each other..." he tensed, as the tip of her knife brushed the edge of his force armor. A warning. And also a clear sign she was not looking for a confrontation...not yet, at least.

Exhaling slowly a breath he did not remember to have drawn, Archmage Kael of the fallen Kalinor and his unseen, potentially deadly stalker headed towards the cave's exit, towards Celundel and Shyntvayas. If he had to play with death, he might as well do it in full sunlight and with some pleasant, fresh breeze on his face, thank you very much...

[Invoker]

A New Order

His brothers and sisters once again exceeded his expectations, he thought as he hurled a fireball to his right. Pieces of charred bones and burned rotting flesh rained all across the blast radius area, where a few advancing skeletons and zombies used to be.

The Gathering had been a complete success: the attendance was so high there was basically no more place to sit, despite how large the Council Room was...The consensus had been total on all matters: from the new order that was Laisren's parting wish, supported by Deacon and overseen by Kai (and now by Mendel as Speaker, assisted by Fhaeo as Aegis and Ithilwen as First Wizard), to the prosecution of the Dharashan Library project, and the even more pressing matter of Andariel's disappearance. Everything had been addressed with brutal efficiency, somewhat atypical for the People, usually hard pressed to fit in any sort of structure, or structured meeting for that matter...

Three Vampires distracted him from his reflections, moving in from the shadows of a dead thicket's trees, with the supernatural speed typical of their dark gift. The first shattered one of his mirror images, crashing it with a mighty swing of his broadsword. The second's axe triple chop missed his right shoulder by inches, just as he countered the third's attempt to breach his defensive wards.

Vampires walking in daylight...Disgusted and angered, he traced fiery glyphs of power in the air as he murmured in the arcane language of magic: Mirrorshroud. The subsequent attacks from the two undead knights sliced the air around him, confusion and frustration (relics of a life ended long ago, no doubt) taking hold of them, unable to cope with his displacing weave. The warlock's negative energy burst washed over him, deflected by his arcane shield.

He smiled a dark, malevolent smile. He seized the Weave once more, channeling: "Since sunlight does not seem to affect you, let me perform my very own attempt, for purely documentative reasons...let us see just how immortal you are.". As he wove, he invoked and whispered the appropriate words of power: Voidal Pyroclasm. The whole area exploded around him as the meteors hit the Vampires and hellfire raged wildly after the impact, burning the monsters' battered remains to a crisp and stopping right before the safe area he shaped for himself.

The Undead wailed, cursing as they dissolved into a cloud of gray smoke "Now, now...it would not be polite to leave without saying goodbye while we are getting along so well, would it?". He wove once more: "Gate", and then, "Whirlwind". The strong gust inexorably pushed the clouds of smoke through the dimensional access to the Quasi Elemental Plane of Fire. "Have a nice stay. When you get to hell, tell them Archmage Kael sends his regards, and that the other members of the Orzogoth family are going to follow soon enough...".

His lips curved into a sinister smile, his eyes ablaze with a brilliant white light of power and fury, the last survivor of the fallen Kalinor spread his arms, a lightning storm cracking all around him. These walking dead, sworn enemies of his people, would soon find out why in Cormanthor he was known as Kor'Vain...and they would regret they did not stay dead when they should have...

[beneviolent]

the aboriginal elf-----------------
---------------------------------

His head leaned against a pillar and the rune covered brown cheek rested against the time worn stone. Around him was the circle of eight of two. From time to time he appeared conscious and once his yellow eyes looked up to great tree's arbor spread wide high overhead. "Hail tall one, your trunk is tall and strong. Thank you for the shelter of your arms" he croaked in tree tongue before his eyes closed from the effort.

A wound leaked a few drops of blood past the moss poultice. His head lolled and he remembered.
_________________

"So, you don't speak Common well?"

"No. Nin esse na en illnyealan naith tel en van rim faoema alatymyilm."

The armored man looks disappointed and says, "I clearly have no idea what that meant."

"Ean amilla on an anim lae im nyill pedo tel en illnyealan anesala," the elf rattles on before changing tongues. "Common," then more emphatically, "No."

The man rubs his head. "I need Terri. She would understand that Gobble goop."

"tery."

As a woman comes running up the armored man beseeches her. "Oh thank the gods. He is talking and I have no idea what he is saying."

"Oh?" responds the woman.

The elf points south. "Go."

The woman answers in elven, "Le uva fa enila nef ilcela?"

"Toloth tel ad."

"You will be okay here alone?" she continues. She repeats, "Eight of two,"
then turns and explains to the man. "Eight stones of two."

"Oh crap now your talking that way too."

The elf stares. "Ilaa.. toloth laanelala tel ad."

"He speaks of the pillars Mercury."

The elf twists a leaf blade off a bush and chews on it implacably.

"What Pillars?"

"These pillars."

"He says they are elvin."

The elf rests his cheek against a pillar. "Safe."

"What is he doing?"

"I raised him here. He must think the place is holy now."

The elf chews on a leaf.

"Hmm. strange."

"He is a good elf."

The elf repeats. "Safe."

"Should we leave him here?"

One arm motions wide to them, "Go." Before he rests his hand on a pillar. "Safe."

"I guess he is okay."

"Farewell then, Laac."

"I guess so."

______________________________

And he remembered her. The feral girl with the deep brown skin. Her long dair, dark brown of rather messy dreadlocks tied together into a ponytail, decorated with various knick-knacks. A naturey type with a bow close at hand, obviously not from around here. A distinctly tribal look about her.

______________________________

And he felt the sweet breezes of a butterflies. And he saw the lightning bugs sparkle in the woods.

_____________________________

And more dimly he thought he heard the words of his shaman and the screams of warcries above the thundering racket of his Khentaur brothers hooves.
_____________________________

[TheKai]

Kaikinnion sat on an empty crate overlooking the Baldur's Gate Harbor, attempting to stare out at the horizon but failing utterly because of the tears flowing down his face.

dead.....Dead.....DEAD

That was the only word he could think of...the only word that would come to him. The events that happened far to the south finally reached his ear. Slamming a fist against the side of the crate, he shouted in anger and frustration. WHY WAS I HERE!? DEALING WITH THIS?! This...AUCTION!? Tears flowed fresh once more as the memory of Kael flooded through his mind. Could I have done something if I was there to prevent this? He pondered over and over and over. ANGHARRADH WHY!!! He asked with a voice overwhelmed with sadness and pain.

Since arriving to this region, Kael had been the closest thing to a brother and confidant he had. He was always reliable and always with a ready answer. And the power...he could feel the intimidation returning as if he was in the very presence of the Archmage again. Kael literally brimmed with arcane might and his devotion to the Art was unsurpassed and something he admired very much. Such loyalty to his people with a drive that stun any monk!

The tears flowed constantly as the day came to a close and the stars rose over head. Kael was with Corellon..studying the Art not found in this realm and only in Arvandor. The Archmage must be truly happy now, he thought.

He sat there silently for a few moments. Moments turned into hours as the night got deeper. And he just sat there...numb. Returning home was at the forefront of his mind. He had a nagging feeling over the past moon with the disappearance of the Elf that sponsored him into the village...and now this. The fields of Evermeet looked greener and greener as the night got darker and darker.

Kai sat there, staring west into the ocean. Home...Evermeet...what do you have in store for me?

[beneviolent]

A bell rang somewhere distant. And rang again, probably no louder than before, but seemingly louder as she allowed her concentration to linger on those things her senses were awakening to. She felt the slight breeze brush at a lock of hair and the moistness of the misty air on her cheek. Again a bell rang, now sharply to her ear before ringing into lingering seconds.

She gathered herself quickly and moved towards the temple door. Nearing it she saw a monk standing at the doorway. She had not seen him before in the village. He pulled the bell's rope again and it rang the bell rang again from some aerie loft above.

Stepping inside, grim faces turned to her. Warriors, rangers, and practitioners of Art stood tensed, muscles and expressions mixtures of agony, grief, and anger.

Their dismay enveloped her. "What is it?" she asked.

[mrm3ntalist]

When plans go sideways

The elves were gathered at the camp, near Nashkels' Southern gates. They were well prepared and equiped for this training session. Fhaeo, in his new role as Ahk'Aegis ( leader of the armed forces ) gave detailed instructions of the formations, target priorities and how far the scouts will be ahead from the main group. When Fhaeo gave the order to move forward, everyone was ready... or so they thought...

The group ascented the Northern Cloudpeaks and while they were on the mountain pass, they came upon a group of Giants that they havent seen before in these parts. The elves got quickly into their positions as the Giants charged towards them. The frontline - Nai, Fhaeo and Mendel - got into the giants' way and hold them, while the archers - Celundel and Raven - and the mages - Ithilwen, Kael and Seldruil - attacked the giants from the distance. The Giant Mystics' possesed powerful magic though and by casting a powerful spell drained the lifeforce of Fhaeo. The rest managed to kill the mystic but before dropping to the ground, he managed to cast one last spell that confused Mendel's mind. Ithilwen and Celundel reacted quickly and immobilised Mendel so that he wouldnt hurt his companions. The rest kept fighting bravely but after Raven, Kael and Nai fell as well, it was time to retreat. The ranger Celundel, Ithilwen and Seldruil carried their companions' bodies to the Temple of Help in Nashkel. The priest treated the wounds of the fallen elves. Not all though, since the priest was not able to get back Kael's soul from his journey to Arvandor.

Everyone was greatly saddened by this outcome, especially Mendel. The past couple of week they spent much time together and they got close. All the discussions they had, passed in fast forward though Mendel's mind. With their heads lowered, the elves carried Kael's body, back to their village in Misty Forest. Once there, Mendel instructed the rangers to inform their Clerics, Cormiira Luthien, Elethineth and young Kaikinnion, to gather and help prepare Kael's body for his last journey...

[TheKai]

Bhank stared at the diminishing back of the elf he knew for some time. Looking at the list of names on a parchment, he was to complete these last transactions for the village prior to heading north again.

Bhank looked sharply as he saw Kai speaking to another silver elf, this one obviously nimble and well balanced on his feet. He saw Kai making gestures and pointing north as if giving directions to this newcomer and then, to his surprise, Kai turned and pointed right at him. Bhank look flustered as the eyes of Kai and this new elf fell upon him.

As the stranger began walking towards him, Bhank noticed he maintained a confidence and calm about his person and after making eye contact, a mischievous twinkle was in this ones eye. With a final look, watching Kai board the ship, he greeted the strange silver elf with an uncomfortable smile.

[Solaris]

BEYOND DEATH

A lament could be heard in the tranquility of Dharasha. It began with the setting sun, unbroken, voices singing of the deeds he had done in life.
She counted the strikes of the bell that sounded in the dead of night.

1...2...3...

As a ghost she moved over the path that led out of the village, face covered deep within her cowl. A full moon lighting the way, enhancing the twitching, living shadow beneath her.

4...5...6...

The path took her to the edge of the village, towards a secluded glade. The sound of the bell slowly faded as her footsteps took her deeper into the forest, toward her destination. She walked on, till a place where a field of wild roses had grown. There, he laid to be prepared for his final journey.

7...8...9...

She saw his fragile frame, laying serene, looking almost comfortable in the flowerbed. As if he was sleeping, yet his face did not behold the same warm golden color it used to have. A smile appeared on her pale face. 'I don't think I have ever seen you so serene my old friend... At last it seems you have found peace. A peace that eluded you in life...'

10..11..12...

The bell was only a faint notice in the back of her mind now. A single tear fell down her cheek until it froze solid on her skin. 'If only...I wish I had...' Her voice broke and she simply remained silent as she lifted her head to the full moon that shined down on the small open spot in the forest. On the flowerbed where the wild roses grew.

'will you pray with me tonight sister?' She turned around, startled, as she heard the voice of Priestess Elethineth, her emotions sliding down her face instantly, like drops in a waterfall.

'Priestess' She bowed her head as she spoke the following words.
'Yes, I will join you in your wake and stand by his side tonight'

She stepped closer as Elethineth walked towards her with a smile, her face serene as ever. They each moved to a side of the fallen mage's body.

'take my hands...' Ithilwen locked hands with Elethineth as requested and silently listened as the priestess started her prayer to the One Father and the rest of the Seldarine. Asking for a safe passing of the lost soul towards Arvandor.

Memories passed by in her minds eye. Memories of the Archmage, last of Kalinor, laying next to her. How they fought together against impossible odds countless times, victory after victory.
The times they laughed together, the times they studied together.
The discussions they used to have and how stubborn and unyielding he could be, despite his general open-mindedness and sheer genius. Yes, how annoying he could be...Insufferable at times, really...She smiled sadly.
'This was not yet your time...It's not fair...'

'Concentrate, close your eyes...'

The voice of Elethineth broke her line of thoughts and she nodded solemnly and closed her eyes. Letting Elethineth's words guide her into a trance, she joined her prayer.

She breathed slowly, in and out, let her body relax, closing out all forest sounds around her. Until there was nothing but a void in her mind. Time passed by but she had no notice of it. Time in the void did not exist. Only she herself was there, the monotone voice of Elethineth sounding in the distance of her mind.

'Call out his name...'

She didn't know if she spoke his name out loud, or if it was a mere whisper or if she only thought his name, she didn't know.

'Kael...'

A darkness penetrated into the void, a blackness as a moonless night. She could feel another presence close to her own. Elethineth? No... this was someone else...

She squeezed her eyes tighter as a sudden shiver went through her body. All around her, the priestess and the fallen Archwizard, a thick fog came up, covering them. The fog crackled with energy, so much energy, like...like life force itself. Ithilwen however barely noticed, still hovering in the void of her mind, watching the blackness swirl around. Could it be?...No...he was on his way to Arvandor...his spirit would not be here. Not now...Not after the Helmite Priest himself failed to bring him back.

Still in the void, next to Ithilwen, Kael's corpse began to glow, the energy concentrating on the broken empty husk that was once his body. A finger moved, then the full hand... Glassy green eyes shot open, as dead lips gasped for air, drawing in the life force that was all around.

At the edge of her mind she could hear Elethineths voice, she could not make up her words but it did drive her back to a sense of consciousness.

'Welcome back brother'

A weak familiar voice sounded in her ears as if someone screamed it right at her.

'Sisters...it was your love that guided me back...'



Her eyes opened wide now, first staring into Elethineths eyes. she let go of Elethinets hands, lingering, not daring to look down. Elethineth smiled, talking to the oh so familiar voice she just heard. Ithilwen jumped back, she then managed to look down as she held her breath.

She saw his bloodshot eyes, his pale skin, his faint and weak smile...but he was breathing! Breathing... This could not be... Yet here he was!

She felt a swell of sheer joy deep within, pure happiness. She was screaming inside of excitement that her friend was back! Back... the seldarine be praised! She could hug him, kiss him, squeeze him until he could not breathe! Oh, no...better not that...he barely started breathing again, and was never the toughest individual to begin with...

But on the outside only a composed smile appeared on her cold, pale face.

'It is good to have you back brother...'

[Canto]

A Dark Encounter [copied from private forum post]


Elanaele worked her way carefully up the road through the Fields of the Dead, showing trepidation with each step. She had been on patrol for many days now but felt the need to stop here before returning home. The skeletons fell far more easily than she expected but credited that to the bow she recently acquired in Beregost for this very purpose. Undead were something that had always held a particular terror for her ever since her own brush with death that changed her life forever. Despite telling herself of the good that ultimately came from that event, deep inside she knew instinctively of the risk that had been placed upon her very soul. Fortunately she had needed to encounter few undead in her life, that is until now.

These silly nightmares had been plaguing her for long enough and it was far past time to do something about them. The sleep draughts given to her by her friend Glenia helped but only for so long. It was time to face them directly. The most recent dream, jumbled as it was, revealed a crypt somewhere in this place; one of the few places along the Sword Coast she had yet to venture. Why this place or what she sought her she did not know, only that it was here within her dream.

Night fell and she found herself thankful for the cloud cover that hid the face of the moon; yet another image that revealed itself repeatedly within her dreams just before the terrors ripped her out of reverie. As she reached the rise in the road she could see the ruins clearly and she knew in her heart this was the place. She swallowed hard and made her way to the entrance. Her heart sank when she discovered the entrance unlocked. She had no excuse to turn back now. She cast the few minor protective wards she knew and descended into the crypt.

This place was awake. She could hear the shuffles of feet and the sounds of faint voices stirring within the depths. Reason tried to assert itself to her. She should not be in this place alone. If the others knew of this foolishness she knew she would hear an earful. But how would she explain this need? That she was receiving visions to enter an old crypt from a forgotten war that did not even involve her own people? She did not even believe that herself. This was simply something she had to do.

When she heard the sudden chanting from behind her she cursed her day-dreaming, turned and let fly her arrows with barely a thought. The mummified priest fell after a few short volleys but not before his minor curse took hold sapping her will even more. “You shall join us.”, it said as it finally fell. “Not this day.”, she replied softly to herself.

Still she pressed on dispatching two more of the perverted things nearby. Her quick success with those creatures strengthened her resolve and she recalled the words of her father: ‘There is nothing that causes greater fear than the unknown. Name it and its power over you becomes but a frail thing.’

She took yet another deep breath of stale air and continued onward yet again. However she did not get three steps before a hollow voice beckoned from near by: "Greetings, sister."
She whipped about scanning the chamber for the source of the voice but found nothing. "Who is there?!"

Silence.

"Name yourself!"

"Have I really changed so much?", asked the hollow voice flatly.

"I see nothing. Show yourself!", she demanded to the darkness; but the voice... though cold and emotionless, it was a familiar one. It couldn't be…. "Kael?", she asks to the gloom.

A hushed murmur sounded from nearby and a dark shape took form within the gloom. It was indeed the fallen arch-mage.

"Kael!”, she exclaims. “But... they said you fell. What are you doing here?"

"Do you really wish to hear such an answer from the Arch-Mage ?", his voice rang out flatly. Darkness hung from his very form as he stood there.

Elanaele's mouth went dry as struggled to find the words to respond: "Do you intend me harm?", she finally asks.

"I would not harm any of our kin.", he replies. "But had you been another, who knows."...his voice so uncharacteristically lacking the joy and humor of the elf she once knew.

"But you fell. How can you be standing here? Are you still of this world?"

The form nodded slowly. "I did fall and die...Elethineth and Ithilwen brought me back form the very gates of Arvandor..."

Elan relaxed a bit sensing no deception in his words; but his voice and presence still betrayed a disturbing image. She could sense the darkness in this being and she dared not drop her guard entirely.

He chuckled darkly. "You need not fear me. I used to come here often to gather reagents. I might, however, ask you the same question. What brings you to this place alone?"

"I...I was drawn here."

"You were drawn *here*? What is it you seek?"

"I...I don't know."

The dark form stared silently, expectantly.

She sighed. "I've been having ...er... dreams. Nightmares actually. In them I thought I saw this place hoped that coming here might bring them to end."

Kael’s form nodded thoughtfully, the shroud of darkness still hanging upon him. "Have you found what you seek?"

"I don't know.", she replied. The arch made had appeared in none of her dreams that she could recall, but finding him here like this was surely significant of something. "I don't think so."

"Then perhaps you could use some assistance within? I can cast some wards upon you for prot...."

"No!", she replied quickly. "...er...Thank you, no. I think I have had enough of this place for now. Perhaps we should continue this conversation in the light of day."

"As you will have it.", he chuckles. "Let us return to the surface then. But before walking far he adds: "You do realize that if I wanted to kill you I could do so in broad daylight just as easily, yes?"

The hair stood up on the back of her neck. Nightmares or no. This place can wait. She lets him lead the way out & follows behind cautiously...

[TheKai]

The Silver Elf they call Mith can be seen inquiring of the local Tel'Quessir into the whereabouts of the Gold Elf named Luthien. Further inquiries would render he has a gift for the High Priestess from a Silver Elf that previously resided in the Sword Coast region but recently returned to the Green Isle.

[Invoker]

Revenant

"You...brought me back...?!"

Those words kept coming back to his mind. The very first words he spoke as he returned to life...He could not remember much, nor why he had consented to return in the first place. But he could imagine it.
Protect Dharasha. Defend his new family. His friends. His last action in life was seeing his kin fall without being able to save them. He had failed, and had paid his failure with life.

This hollow feeling...this emptiness inside of him...could that be the cause? "You know the answer", said the voice inside him, before laughing darkly in a corner of his mind: "You know...". He looked in the mirror once more. The elf he saw looked like him, yes...but his skin was paler, his frame thinner, his eyes glassy and bloodshot, his hair shaded in silver... "Who are you?"..."Who are you? Answer me!" He punched the mirror with all his strength, shattering it into hundreds of pieces. As he stared at the glass on the ground, he noticed he was bleeding, as few pieces had cut his glove and his hand under it. He turned towards the creature, still silently sitting in a corner of his room, and he spoke in a blank tone: "This body is inadequate. Bring me what I need. And be quick about it...". His servant nodded, never raising its eyes, and disappeared into the night.

He walked through the darkest recesses of the Misty Forest, his robes blacker than the moonless night itself. He was alone, and minimally warded. That would draw them out, he though with a sinister smile on his bloodless lips. As he navigated the forest's maze with confident pace, two arrows flew towards him from a vantage position ahead, while a huge Orc and his dire boar companion charged him from behind. His smile widened.

The arrows stopped inches before his heart, blocked by the ward he had in place as he slowly turned around to meet his aggressors. The boar's heart stopped instantly as it met his stare: the huge beast was already dead when it crumpled lifelessly to the ground. The orc managed to land a powerful blow on his collarbone, a blow that should have cleaved him in two. He staggered backward, recoiling from the impact. Then his gaze shifted from the blade to the astonished Orc. He saw the fear in the creature's eyes, and he laughed. "You think you can stay in our forest, and prey on us, greenskin?" he caught the creature's wrist in a deathly grip. The Orc tried to struggle, but its powerful muscles had gone numb already, leaving him powerless. More arrows hit his back, blocked by the Dome of Air around him. "Introducing to you the true meaning of suffering...the very treatment you had in mind for us...". He murmured a few words in the arcane language of magic, and invoked one of the most powerful weaves he knew. A weave he had never used before, and never thought he would. "Necromastery" The creature fell limp, as the void inside him became...tolerable. As the arrows kept raining on him, he wove another devastating spell: "Curse of Years". He was already walking away when the screams began. They had only seconds to live before wilting like flowers in the desert...long, painful seconds...

[mrm3ntalist]

Saving (Private) Andariel

It has been too long... Our kin should not be left behind... These were the thoughts that troubled Mendel as he was on his way to their Village from the Gates. Today, they were to meet and discuss about the subject that they were preparing all week - saving Andariel. The elf has fallen in the cave where the Great White resides and the task of retrieving his body was at the very least, a dangerous one.

At the Boareskyr Bridge, a lone familiar figure was standing. It was Kael. Mendel has already heard the good news and run to greet his friend. They spoke, like they used to do many times before, till they went to meet the others that were waiting for them by the portal - Fhaeo, Raven, Elanaele, Ithilwen, Shynt, Draleon and of course Nai. All were ready for the dangerous task they had to perform.



Nai ported them at the top of Cloudpeaks and after a small ascent they arrived just outside the Great White's cave. The group prepared as best as they could and entered the cave. Inside, Kobolds and Dragon Disciples that were protecting the White Dragon, tried to stop the group. Shynt, Raven and Eneaeles' well aimed shots broke the concetration of the Disciplines, while Fhaeo, Draleon, Nai and Mendel engaged them in to combat, long enough so that their powerful Arcanists, Kael and Ithilwen could finish them of.

There was but one thing left between them and Andariels body... The Great White. Although they were a powerful group, they were missing their healers. Their mission for today was to recover Andariels body and not to lose another. Instead of fighting the Dragon the group decided that Ithilwen and Mendel, will go and grab the body which was right underneath the Dragon. Once Ithilwen casted the protective spell, they went inside the cave. Mendel spotted the body and ran towards it. He grabbed Andariel by the leg and began running towards the cave exit, shouting at Ithilwen to do the same. Mendel could feel Andariels head bouncing on every rock it hit but there was nothing else to do.

Once they were outside the cave, Draleon got them back to their village by a travel by plant spell. They quickly went inside Rillifane Rallathil's temple, where they laid Andariel body, gently to the ground. Ithilwen casted a couple of protective spells to prevent any further decay, while Mendel sent a couple of rangers to find their clerics, Cormiira Luthien and Elethineth. There services were needed once again... In the mean time, Fhaeo had already retreated to his tent, where he began planning their next mission. Seek revenge and kill the Great White...

[TheKai]

The leaves are falling,
The time draws near,
The orcs are massing,
But the Elves show no fear.

With the Ahk'Aegis leading,
And the Faernsuora guiding,
En Dharasha Everae,
Was shown the weakness of what they were fighting.

Through thicket and bramble,
The Fey at their side
Not a sound was made,
As the forces ride.

You would not hear them,
Neither did the orcs,
As blade, song and spell,
Fell on them full force.

The healers tended the wounded,
And the rangers valiantly fought,
But against the might of the wizards,
Orcish savagery went for naught.

Alas, it came down to the battle of three,
The general orc,
and two Elves filled with glee.

Long they waited,
For this moment in battle,
The Elves of the Misty Forest,
The orcs would not rattle.

Swiftly and deftly they ducked and dodged,
The orc was too slow, in effect and cause.
They fell on the orc, blades and wards up,
As the head rolled from it's body,
En Dharasha Everae did erupt.

Spirits renewed and limbs given more vigor
They hunted each remaining orc,
With blade, arrow and quiver.

The threat that loomed over the forest was defeated,
With the elves returning home,
To a celebration much needed.

They rejoiced and praised the Seldarine,
And rightfully so,
Without their blessings,
The victory would have been slow.

As I sit here in the harbor,
Penning this missive,
These elves are the heroes,
That Silverymoon misses.

I must make my way north.

-Penned hastily by the Elf, Mith, sitting in Baldur's Gate Harbor, after hearing of the Battle of the Misty Forest.

[Invoker]

An Old Acquaintance

The black robed mage smiled in the depths of his cowl as he advanced towards the eerie, ghostly figure. His companions behind him were ready to attack, both the Dharashans and their newfound allies, an odd dwarf named Grimm, stout and deadly and thus extremely useful in dealing with their current...predicament, and a tall human named Aiden, incredibly proficient with those elegant rapiers he seemed so fond of wielding.

They had slain countless of his minions...shattered his illusions...withstood his power. And now, there he was, standing right in front of them. An otherwordly, fluorescent blue-green light emanating from his dark figure. The man, Aiden, had called him John. The creature himself once maintained Davian was his name, before trying to lure some high profile Silver Rose members as well as Ithilwen, Mendel and himself into a trap in the Fields of the Dead. Almost everywhere on the Coast he was known as the Trickster, and believed to be an Illusionist. But the dark mantled wizard had an entirely different theory...

The Trickster declared he would tell them how to stop him, and that it would not make any difference...he was certain they would fail. The Archmage smiled a thin-lipped, bloodless smile deep within his hood:
"I think not. If you tell us how to stop you, you can either tell us the truth and envision us not taking the hint believing it a lie, or tell us a lie and hope we follow your advice in the illusion it's a path to victory. Either way, you cannot be certain we will fail. Your logic is flawed".
Of course, he knew better than that. This "Trickster", whatever he ("it", really) was, was no mere mortal, and certainly no mere mageling. Kael was himself immensely powerful in the arcane art, and yet his strength could hardly match this creature's, and his reserves of power were painfully limited compared to the neverending stream of raw magic coming from the mysterious being. An old, pagan god, perhaps? An ancient spirit, like the ones walking the lands of Rashemen? Or maybe a demi-god of some sort...

The ghostlike figure chosen by the Trickster as his new avatar turned towards the Dharashan Archmage, a sudden spark of life in his hollow eyes:
"You...you interest me. Just like Cecilia... and Aiden (yes, I see you, trying to hide over there...come back here, at once)...You will see me again soon. I am not done with you".
Kael smiled, as Ithilwen cried in anger and frustration: "No! Not again! After all we have done to get him back, you will not take him again! I will not allow this!".
He was not afraid. He was feeling empty, just as hollow as the Trickster's eyes...except...

Face to face with the monster now only a step away from him, Kael wondered if they did not have more in common than he thought at first. The dark hunger inside him stirred.
His thoughts lingered on the matter well after the creature had vanished, its dark words carrying an obscure, yet alluring promise echoing in the darkest recesses of his mind.