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You are here: Home --> Forum Home --> Rules-based RPGs --> Dungeons and Dragons --> The Chakran Portal - an Adventure in Audalis
Parent thread: The Chakran Portal - Q/A
    Messages in The Chakran Portal - an Adventure in Audalis
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Kaelyn
Dragon Fodder
Karma: 80/19
2264 Posts


Thondrek

The day before them had been wraught with problems, peril and pain, but it was persecution that had seen them through. Thondrek was happiy to strip himself of the goo covered gloves her wore, as well as the bark-made underfoots he had strapped to his boots earlier.

He had been busy doing just that, after wiping plenty of lizard blood and bone and sinew from his person when Wulf had strolled up, and into the tree. Thondrek was about to make another one of his off kiltered, and even more off timed attempt at humor when his vision went white.

As sight returned to the Khordaldrum, he wiped at his eyes and his ears perked up at the sounds of renewed life to the surroundings. He rose and stretched from where it seemed he had been sleeping for a fortnight, strength renewed and stamina restored. As he rose, his eyes took in the sight of the great white willow, Wulf's accoutrements, and the surrounding landscape, and quietly he found himself mouthing the words of many of the local plantlife, and even a songbird which flew overhead. Surely these were things he had not cared to know before, had not had reason to know before, and yet, they came to him with the ease of his calling upon a hundred different brews of ale or stout.

Thondrek took a few steps around the clearing, watching Ellisarae claim Wulf's gear, and Allysia dart back and forth into the treeline, but truely the Khord's mind was reveling in the new insight he had gleaned into the working's of nature, and its importance in the role of everything.

Turning, Thondrek moved towards where Lady Qualindray and Malius stood, and he smiled a toothy smile kept hidden mostly by his thick amber beard.

"Nap time's over kiddies, time to move on."


Posted on 2008-04-30 at 15:55:41.
Edited on 2008-04-30 at 16:01:45 by Kaelyn

Brianna
Not Dragon Mistress
Karma: 105/32
2282 Posts


Geim

Geim came back to consciouness as gar as he was concerned only moment after returning to the land of the living. Opening his eyes on Loda who was holding his head and looking down at him. "Your a sight for sore eyes there lassy. Best thing I have seen in a while. That was some powerful healing you did. I fell fine as a fittle except my eyes are all yucky like I over slept.

Damn tree tried to kill me. Nearly did I have you to thank for that. It felt like a bear had hug the breath out of me. I know it was bad as I was out walking the Great Dwarven Road and was almost to the gates of Kharox's Great Hall. Mighty fine place that it is." Geim was unnaturally loquacious, most likely it confirmed to him that him he was alive to talk to others.

Ach! Enough of this laying a about. Give me a hand there Loda lass I have to see whats happened. I quess we won this one. Is everyone else okay?

With help Geim gets up feeling a lot better than he has in some time. refresh restored invigorated. He wipes his eyes again with his sleeve they were gummy.

You know lass you are a comely lass when you have no time for all that drinking--it is bad for you health. Geim suddenly stop., Never mind lass forget I mentioned it I don't know why I did.

Geim looks about the the whole place had changed. Gone ws the sick tree lashing out furiously at them with it sickly white trunk and branches that had nearly been the death of him. Geim felt himself shudder a bit. IN it place was a tree that had little resemblance to it former state. Its trunk was gleaming white, not the flat deathly white it was before. Gone was the red veined leaves looking as if blood had course through it them and not sap. Now it leaves shone bright as mithral and it branches reach to the heavens. Geim was even award of the birds breaking into song nearby and other sounds of the forest that were natural not something he was normally very aware of.



Posted on 2008-05-03 at 05:06:02.

TannTalas
Trilogy Master
RDI Staff
Karma: 181/119
6817 Posts


Not one of my best


With the end of the fight Malius found himself on guard as he was unable to offer the aid of healing to any but himself, and he had been lucky this fight to not receive any wounds.
His attention drawn to that of his small companions as they moved around inside his inner clothing he opened his armor to once more let them out, checking each for harm.

With that done he began a slow systematic search of the surrounding area, while at the same time using this search as an excuse to move closer to the Bladesinger Elessarae as he helped the others in the party with healing.

Upon catching her eye he bowed his head as to acknowledge her and moved to stand near to her though he did not speak, not knowing really what to say. He had realized during the fight that somewhere since the two’s first meeting feelings of some sort had arisen, though Malius did not call it love but somehow maybe a new closeness.

For now he would remain quiet about this ’new’ feeling and go on with the mission at hand the group yet had the Chakran Mountains to seek out..........



Posted on 2008-05-05 at 04:46:25.

Jozan1
RDI Fixture +1
Karma: 67/14
1556 Posts


.

Loda awoke on the ground refreshed, and for a second she wondered if the entire thing that had happened was fabricated within her own mind. The contrast between the shining sun and singing birds, this glorious white tree by them and the horrid battlefield before seemed to surreal. But she looked around, and smiled. There glorious battle was everything but fake, and she petted Gothard who lay next to her, rolling around in the grass. She sat u, and realized that she was very hungry, and thirsty. Not having anything for a while and fighting so hard really drove her pallette crazy.

She looked down at Gheim who was in his lap, and held his head, remembering how hard all three of them, Gheim, Gothard and herself fought to keep him alive. She gave a small thanks to her patron god and opened her eyes to see Gheim looking back up at her.

"Your a sight for sore eyes there lassy. Best thing I have seen in a while. That was some powerful healing you did. I fell fine as a fittle except my eyes are all yucky like I over slept.Damn tree tried to kill me. Nearly did I have you to thank for that. It felt like a bear had hug the breath out of me. I know it was bad as I was out walking the Great Dwarven Road and was almost to the gates of Kharox's Great Hall. Mighty fine place that it is. Ach! Enough of this laying a about. Give me a hand there Loda lass I have to see whats happened. I guess we won this one. Is everyone else okay?"

Gheim got up, and so did she, standing by his side for the moment.

"You know lass you are a comely lass when you have no time for all that drinking--it is bad for you health. Never mind lass forget I mentioned it I don't know why I did."

Lodas eyebrow raised as he made those comments, and a smile spread across her face. She never had a reason to stop drinking as much as she did before, but if it was to get with this fine dwarf here, she would cut back.

" Gheim, I am glad that I brought you back. When I seen that you were in trouble I did'nt hesitate at all to save ya. I could'nt let such a fine specimen of dwarf slip through my fingers so easy."

Loda winked at Gheim, and smiled.

" And if you would think of me as much as I think of you just by laying off the drink, I'll do it in a heartbeat!"

Loda slapped Gheim on the butt, and walked off towards the tree, laughing loudly to herself with Gothard by her side



Posted on 2008-05-05 at 22:59:43.

Brianna
Not Dragon Mistress
Karma: 105/32
2282 Posts


Geim

"Geim, I am glad that I brought you back. When I seen that you were in trouble I didn’t hesitate at all to save ya. I could'nt let such a fine specimen of dwarf slip through my fingers so easy."

Loda winked at Geim, and smiled.

Geim was surprised both by his comments that he thought might be rude but Loda seemed to have no issue with what he said or the way he said it and by her following response.

"And if you would think of me as much as I think of you just by laying off the drink, I'll do it in a heartbeat!"

Loda slapped Geim on the butt, and walked off towards the tree, laughing loudly to herself with Gothard by her side.

His hand went down to rub over where she had smacked him on the butt, not that it hurt, no, not at all. It just gave him something to do with his hands for that moment. Geim chuckled as bit to himself as he watched Loda walk away—not bad looking lass at all. Her occupation was a bit different, being a Dwarven Ranger was out of the ordinary. And her drinking to excess but still she was as fine as a companion as one could wish for.

All these good folk were as fine as set of companions in difficulty that one should wish for. Geim now had time to look around him. “Okay, anyone need healing?”

It was then that Geim heard Elessarae tell everyone who had been contaminated by the tree to strip themselves of their clothes. So that is what he did. He went off to find some conveniently thick undergrowth and strip and wash himself down with water from his water skin taking some extra time to wash his eyes again that seemed to still be running. After changing his clothes he gathered up his things, and made his reappearance in fresh clothes.


Posted on 2008-05-05 at 23:45:21.

Almerin
Typing Furiously
RDI Staff
Karma: 177/19
3012 Posts


there is my update

Alloryen Kingdom
East of Hith Elee
6th day of the 8th month: Temoth Ore
6:53 pm

It had been a long day, and much had happened. Much had happened the last few weeks, but all of them felt refreshed now, and ready to face whatever tasks lay ahead of them. Overcoming this final obstacle in the cleansing of Sylvaria’s woods had strengthened their bonds, made companions out of strangers and had proven their ability to complement each other in battle. Now, it was time to head back to the village of Hith Elee, to find their horses and left gear. But how would they transport Alluwego, the young archer, who had been the sole survivor of the attack on his home village? He had perished under the sonic attack of one of the lizards, and his body was stiffening quickly. But there were other things that had to be taken care of too. Like the goo that clung to many of their pieces of clothing.

Most of them stripped, as Elessarae advised, of the cloths that had been touched by the goo. Draven however, choose to wear the filth as if it wasn’t there. His black garment was soaked with already drying mucus, but apparently he would rather risk infection than show what they had all caught a glimpse off.

Geim did remove all his cloths, in the comforting shelter of bushes and trees. And when he returned, he was completely devoid of the goo that had been smeared and splattered all over him. But as he stepped closer, the others realized he had forgotten a spot in the corner of his eye. He wiped at it, and got it off, but as soon as he smeared it away, another small drop of red goo appeared in his eye and streamed slowly over his cheek. Whatever he tried, it would not cease.

Still, they had to go back, and so they retrieved their steps leading towards the village. A stone throw away from the open field in the forest they found Elessarae’s companion, Comrade, the young moonhorse. He looked healthier than she had seen him in a long time. He seemed older too, as if he had matured by whatever force had given new life to the white willow and its surroundings. Malius’ ferrets also showed up here, returning from a safe hiding place they had escaped to during the battle.
Now they were complete once more, and they could continue their journey back.

The trees seemed full of life again, but the further they went from the willow, the less evident the changes became. Birds still flew overhead, but their songs didn’t sound as clear or full of joy. The pressure of pollution still lay thick over the forest. It would take quite a while before the woods were as full of life as they had once been.

The town of Hith Elee had not changed at all. Bodies of dead Sylvari lay scattered across the streets, some violated by the big lizards, some as if they would soon awake from a deep sleep. But all of them were stiff and cold, and the idea that one of the town-folk seemed more unlikely with each passing minute. It was at the Solanis Paean Inn, that Lady Quilanday announced her departure.
“I will come back tomorrow, and with me I will carry the reward that was promised you for your aid in this battle. For now, I believe there is work to be done in this village, and I am sorry that I cannot aid you in giving my kin a proper burial. But please know how thankful I am, and with me the good people of Sylvaria.”

She climbed her horse and rode off into the forest without looking back.



Posted on 2008-05-06 at 15:10:37.

Kaelyn
Dragon Fodder
Karma: 80/19
2264 Posts


Thondrek

Returning to Hith Lee with a new understanding of the world around him, Thondrek had hoped to find some survivor's with which to share the tale of their brave success, but alas there was not one to be found. They had brought Alluwego back with them, the poor youth having succumbed to a the devastating sonic attacks of the lizards. Lady Qualindray had informed them of her need for departure, and of her hopefully swift return upon the morrow, but Thondrek, no pup to the ways of war, or burying those fallen from it, knew they had a long eve ahead of them.

With a gulp from his flagon, and a loosening of his tunic neckline, he set about the long task of burying all the dead.

There would be time for scavenging supplies later.


Posted on 2008-05-09 at 19:13:10.

Dragon Mistress
Not Brianna
Karma: 68/55
1764 Posts


Elessarae


Now, it was time to head back to the village of Hith Elee, to find their horses and left gear. But how would they transport Alluwego, the young archer, who had been the sole survivor of the attack on his home village? He had perished under the sonic attack of one of the lizards, and his body was stiffening quickly.

Most of them stripped, as Elessarae advised, of the cloths that had been touched by the goo. Draven however, choose to wear the filth as if it wasn’t there. His black garment was soaked with already drying mucus, but apparently he would rather risk infection than show what they had all caught a glimpse off.

The moment Draven appears in his goo soaked clothing, Elessarae moves towards him and at the same time gives Alyssia a long look.

“You must get out of those clothes, they are contaminated, wearing them you will be contaminated also, there is not telling what will happen to you, and what is already happened to you because of the poisonous tree.” She pulls off her own cloak, the one that had been given her when she had had to burn her own clothes back at the nameless village. She hands it to him and knows that she had seen the beginning of a terrible scar on his chest. Why a warrior would be ashamed of a scar she had no idea, but Draven seemed a dark sort, so his secret was still his, she looks over to Alyssia, and Alyssia’s, given how she had acted so strangely just because Elessarae was trying to get Draven out of his goo soaked clothing.

Still, they had to go back, and so they retrieved their steps leading towards the village. A stone throw away from the open field in the forest they found Elessarae’s companion, Comrade, the young moonhorse. He looked healthier than she had seen him in a long time. He seemed older too, as if he had matured by whatever force had given new life to the white willow and its surroundings. Malius’ ferrets also showed up here, returning from a safe hiding place they had escaped to during the battle. Now they were complete once more, and they could continue their journey back.

Elessarae throws her arms around Comrade and buries her face in his neck. “Thank you, Adaron, Solinari....” This was not longer the colt that had been left in her keeping. Thought not at the height of maturity, Comrade had become a young adult. Elessarae remembered how Comrade had acted when she had gotten the black mare to replace Gharion, Comrade had not taken to her as he did to the gelding. Elessarae had wondered what was behind his behavior, at one point thinking he was jealous of the mare being ridden by Elessarae instead of him.

As they return she walked close to the young stallion. When Malisus’s ferrets come scampering back she smiled at the Ranger knowing how he felt at their return.

The trees seemed full of life again, but the further they went from the willow, the less evident the changes became. Birds still flew overhead, but their songs didn’t sound as clear or full of joy. The pressure of pollution still lay thick over the forest. It would take quite a while before the woods were as full of life as they had once been.

The town of Hith Elee had not changed at all. Bodies of dead Sylvari lay scattered across the streets, some violated by the big lizards, some as if they would soon awake from a deep sleep. But all of them were stiff and cold, and the idea that one of the town-folk still lived seemed more unlikely with each passing minute. It was at the Solanis Paean Inn, that Lady Quilanday announced her departure.

Returning to the inn Elessarae looks about at the dead and knows they will have to be taken care of.

“I will come back tomorrow, and with me I will carry the reward that was promised you for your aid in this battle. For now, I believe there is work to be done in this village, and I am sorry that I cannot aid you in giving my kin a proper burial. But please know how thankful I am, and with me the good people of Sylvaria.”

” Bring a priest if you can and someone to watch over the village until others can come to claim it. May Solinari and Adaron watch over you. The young Bladesinger bids Lady Quilanday a safe journey as she climbed on her horse and rode off into the forest without looking back.

Comrade follows Elessarae into the inn and as all are assembled she turns to them. “I think all of use should bathe, whether or not you believe you were contaminated. Then I must do what I can for the dead,” she says, “I ask for your help in located and collecting the dead. Should we find any in their home we should leave a note of how many and what sex and age and anything of value that they are wearing should be left in their home. As for any others found out and about their sexes and ages should be noted as well as their valuables collected, so someone will need to do the job of a scribe.” Elesssarae looks around to the others.

“I believe the best way to deal with all the dead is to build a mass pyre. If any of you have any other suggestions, please share it.”


Posted on 2008-05-09 at 20:24:33.

Brianna
Not Dragon Mistress
Karma: 105/32
2282 Posts


Geim

Geim retrace the trail with the others. The canny-eyed elves kept them on the right trail. Trees were trees and they were all about. Though he did notice that the forest was not as alive as it was near where the white willow stood.

lady Quindalay made her adoes to them at the inn. "That be fine Lady, We be taken care of them proper like, Don't you worry none.

Geim wipes his eyes again as he had to do several times on the return trip. The goo still continued to gather right at the inner corner of his eye.

"Draven lad fo as the lass says she knows what she is doing. Look at me goo dripping from my eyes and you were captured same as me. Don't tempt fate especially one you can avoid." go strip off those clothes and wash them out. If you don't I will come over there and strip you down myself. Geim threatens.

"Elessarae, lassie, Would you have me wear away? We can get started here with the dead. Not need to wash first since we will need to wash later, no point of taken two baths in one day." Geim chuckle mainly as a release. Lets get going. Well divide up the town and bring out the bodies. Two people together we still don't know what may be out there. IF this tree ws so bad for so long I just bet a platinum to a copper that there is more out there.

"Hey, Loda Lass, lets me and you join up and show these others how two Khords get the job done."


Posted on 2008-05-10 at 07:05:19.
Edited on 2008-05-10 at 07:07:21 by Brianna

Valimar
\m/(-_-)\m/
Karma: 57/15
900 Posts


A Post

Draven hadn’t been seen all night, and none of the group bothered to investigate. When morning rolled around, and He had strolled out from where Alyssia had dragged his body, now fully clothed and enwrapped in his cloak, he didn’t seem to notice them. He had however, approached the willow, and after a moment of scanning the grass, had picked up the vial he had dropped.

He could feel her eyes burning into him, and he knew it was coming…

“You must get out of those clothes, they are contaminated, wearing them you will be contaminated also, there is not telling what will happen to you, and what is already happened to you because of the poisonous tree.”

He turned and looked at her. His yellow eyes were empty of emotion. Perhaps the goo was already taking effect on him? She held a cloak out to him, and his dead stare dropped to it. Geim, watching, apparently felt it was his duty to try and use a threat to back Elessarae’s demands. None of it mattered. His voice was hallow. He did infact seem different since yesterday. Less…alive.

“The filth is dried. If it will infect me, It will have done so over the entire night that I spent wearing them. The few hours to the village make no difference. Keep your cloak. And you. Master Dwarf. I don’t suggest you attempt it.”

He would say nothing else on the matter.

Whatever his true thoughts on the issue, none could say, but as soon as they reached the village, he strolled through the streets of the dead as if on an evening walk, away from the group. Any question of where he was going, he would respond with “A bath?”

((He will find a well and a house(preferably more upper class) that offers privacy. First he will empty the home of bodies. Then, He will fill it’s bath with water, and bathe, and clean his clothing and armor. He will look through the houses selection of clothing for something fitting of his style, and when he is done, he shall remain in this house. He has further, private business. If Alyssia follows him, he will allow it.))



Posted on 2008-05-10 at 16:20:44.

Dragon Mistress
Not Brianna
Karma: 68/55
1764 Posts


Elessarae


Elessarae will go looking through the barns for a wagon. She finally finds a single horse wagon and what was a good sized draft type horse. She hitches it to the wagon and drives it back to the inn to pick up the others who said they would help. (I am assuming that since Comrade survived a sonic roar, that a cart horse, somewhere in the village may had survived.)

"We will have to check for pets and livestock that may have survived," she says to whoever is there to join in her in the grim task of collecting the dead. She notices the absence of the dark warrior with the burning scar.

While they are gathering the dead Elessare will also borrow clothing as what she is wearing is her last set of clothing that she brought from the Bladesingers' Keep.


Posted on 2008-05-10 at 16:55:19.

Brianna
Not Dragon Mistress
Karma: 105/32
2282 Posts


Geim

"Ach, Draven Laddie, I'd be only doing it for your own good. You know that. It be silly to tempt the ill favor spirits with such actions. Fo it as soon as you can that is all I ask of ye. A little thing I am sure."

Geim turns away. No he would not attempt to undress Draven He had hoped thought that it would have helped Draven think about doing what was asked. Ach the lad would not be shown the way he march to his own drumbeat whether for good or ill Geim knew not.

A bit defeated Geim clumped away. Some the wellness that he felt near the tree seeming to fade a bit. He felt older and more weary. His eyes continued to tear up with the red goo and he continued to wipe it away.

"Come Loda Lass there a lot to get done before we can rest. Kharox bless us all this day and the departed souls."


Posted on 2008-05-10 at 18:36:13.

cdnflirt
Angel Reincarnated
Karma: 87/22
1159 Posts


from a distance...

Since the battle Alyssia seemed distant to everyone as if her thoughts robbed her from the world they knew. From a distance she followed her companions to the town. Disgust showed in her features yet she spoke no words to anyone, even if anyone addressed her the entire journey she was detached from reality.

The woman's thought swirled about the things she wished she could have voiced to the man she loved. The day passed slowly for her, and the thoughts threatened to pass into words, but she held back. Listening to the chatter from her comrades she would nod occasionally or shake her head, but it was almost as if that morning she had woken as a mute. She had not uttered a single word the entire trip to the town.

The woman sometimes wondered if anyone would inquire about the mark on his chest, but mainly worried about the things that weren't addressed. What were they saying behind their backs? Did the rest of the group feel that the pair of them were simply outcasts? She wondered much the past fortnight but kept her thoughts to herself. Her gaze spotted everything, and her memory would note the things she thought important in the city, certain markings that lay about, and the manner the corpses were found.

Alyssia listened to her heart as Draven walked away from the group. Without hesitation she followed her love to a house and helped him cleanse it of the filth that was left behind. While Draven was in the bath she searched to see if there was any edible food to cook for when he was out of the shower. The woman hadn't even spoken a word to her love, which he would surely find odd. She always spoke to him when they were alone, and yet she hadn't even muttered a sound. Should he speak however, she would leak her thoughts to him.

Fear filled her heart, anxiety, wonder, and amazement all compressed in her heart, and no matter the strange feelings, she couldn't help but love Draven completely.


Posted on 2008-05-11 at 02:11:24.

TannTalas
Trilogy Master
RDI Staff
Karma: 181/119
6817 Posts


A Better Post

With the tree free of its mutated sap and healthy once more the party returned to the small village of Hith Elee only to find the smell of death was everywhere as body upon body were strewn among the homes and streets of what had once been a quiet township.
It was at the Solanis Paean Inn, that Lady Quilanday announced her departure.

“I will come back tomorrow, and with me I will carry the reward that was promised you for your aid in this battle. For now, I believe there is work to be done in this village, and I am sorry that I cannot aid you in giving my kin a proper burial. But please know how thankful I am, and with me the good people of Sylvaria.”

She climbed her horse and rode off into the forest without looking back.

By this point the smell, pungent and disease ridden, was too much for Malius to take so he and his ferrets, with a few words to the rest, letting them know of such retreated to the woods around the town. Once returned to their comfort he began a systematic search of the towns surroundings, while the rest of the group began the grisly task of burying the dead, making sure no more mutated animals existed.

With the area around the town seemingly clear, the thought of reentering the town not desired, the Ranger set up a small camp fire and awaited the rest of the party to once again move towards the Chakran Mountains....

(OOC: Edited per Dragon Mistress )


Posted on 2008-05-11 at 03:56:07.
Edited on 2008-05-11 at 07:07:49 by TannTalas

Almerin
Typing Furiously
RDI Staff
Karma: 177/19
3012 Posts


Burrying a Town

Alloryen Kingdom
East of Hith Elee
6th day of the 8th month: Temoth Ore
7:25 pm

Burrying the dead was a horrible task. The frozen faces of the fallen Sylvari stared blankly at the heavens, but sometimes it was as if they peered at the heroes accusingly. What made matters worse was the fact that so few of them had chosen to help in the burial.

Draven and Alyssia had once more separated themselves from the rest of the group. They went into one of the homes and brought the bodies of its inhabitants outside. But instead of moving on to the next building, they reclused inside and did not show themselves for a long time.
Malius had seen his share of death, and wished not to lay his kin to rest with the others. With the notion that he would scan the area surrounding the village for remaining menaces he crept into the forest and started a search. He found nothing disturbing, except for the sound of shovels digging a hole in the ground; a scraping, spine-tingling sound that carried far through the trees and announced the finality of Hith Elee’s fate. When he was sure no dangers were left to be faced, he gathered dry sticks and built himself a fire.

Thondrek and Loda set themselves to a task most suitable for their likes: digging. They dug a hole big enough for all the villagers to rest graciously. Their Khordaldrum hands worked fast, and with pride. When the sun went down completely they were still digging, their extraordinary vision granting them clear sight. In the darkness it was as if they were back home, mining the foundations of Khordal.

Elessarae and Geim had found a cart that would carry the dead, but faced the fact that none of the village’s cattle were alive. Even the animals had perished in the attack. Luckily, help came, in the form of a moonhorse, who was eager to please his guardian.
With the cart rolling behind them, the Sylvari bladesinger and the Khordaldrum Runemaster went on a grim tour through the village. Geim proved to be a sturdy worker, with strong hands and an endless stamina. Elessarae opened up to be a persistent spirit, handling the dead with an admirable compassion. They made a good team.

Riding up and down to the mass grave Thondrek and Loda were creating, they brought the deceased and gently lay them side by side into the earth. It was deep in the night when the last body was placed. They would have to wait with covering them up until the morning came, when Quilanday would return with a Sylvari priest.

And so it happened. When dawn addressed itself with cold fog and bleak sunlight, the sound of hooves was unmistakable. Lady Quilanday had returned. She had taken remarkably little time to come back to the village, crossing the forest in unnatural speed to return so soon. With her rode a Sylvari man, dressed in the authentic garment of the Eyes of the Blazing sun. An aura of positivity radiated from the cleric, but his face looked disturbed. When he slid from Quilanday’s horse he stumbled slightly and muttered softly: “Give me a minute.”
Quilanday smirked, and winked at the companions.
“It takes some time to get used to my horseback skills.”

Then she noted the big hole in the ground, and fell back into more serious tones.
“I am glad to see all of you here, and I want to thank you for the work you’ve done while I was away. I have brought a priest of Solanis, that we can grant these people their well deserved rest.”

The priest stepped closer, still a little shaky. “Good morning to all of you. I have heard great things about you, and it is an honour to be in your presence. I am Yugan of Solinari, the Radiant Father.”

Yugan wasted no time on words, and set off to the mass grave, to start preparations for the blessing and burial of the dead. From his bag he took four mirrors, and placed them on every corner of the grave. Besides each of these, he placed a bowl with dried herbs, which he set fire to. Soon, the fog covering the forest ground became scented; a spiced but fresh smell that cleared the heads of those who breathed it in.
Then the priest stood at the heads of the dead villagers and muttered a prayer to his god. He paced around the grave and repeated the prayer at each side. After uttering the peaceful words of his god on every angle, he fell into a soft humming. But his voice grew steadily, and with its rising strength, the fog departed, and the sun grew brighter. Its rays were reflected in the mirrors, intensified. Four beams of light came together in the midst of the grave, and bathed the dead in a soothing warmth.

It was then that Yugan motioned the companions to aid him in covering the bodies with sand. When the grave was fully covered, the priest sang his prayer to Solanis one last time, but this time he was not alone.
From the forest came a procession of Sylvarians, dressed in long robes. They were people from surrounding villages, carrying a candle each. They stepped slowly, voices in union, full of respect and sorrow. They had come to burry a town.

Later that day, Quilanday gathered the companions and took them into a private area. There she handed them a leather pouch, containing gems who’s combined value reached 6000 GP. For each of the heroes she had an individual Fire Opal, worth 1000 GP.

“I had told you Sylvaria would be generous. And here is something to show MY gratitude,” she added, and handed the heroes a small leather chest, which contained six potions.
“I know you will need these if you’re travelling into the Chakran Mountains. May you return safely.”

She took Elessarae aside for a minute and whispered: “You make sure to find out what those Goblins are up to. We must punish them for what they have already done to our empire!”

After that she said her goodbyes to each of them individually, knowing that it would be a very long time before she would see any of them again.



Posted on 2008-05-11 at 10:51:08.

   


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