Tell tale residues of a powerful enchantment washed over Siréne as she walked through the doorway into a lavish meeting room. There was even greater magic to be found here, and though the witch sensed its presence she also felt the coiling snake of desire rise. The flame haired woman before them possessed a beauty that would have been remarkable even among the fey. Such was a rarity in the mortal world. Mortal beauty was joyful, but it was also tame and safe. This was a terrible, unending beauty that called out with desire and promised death. It was the beautfy found in faeries and magical creatures, and demons, and gods. 

Kakaranatha had found them and chosen to reveal herself. The Dragon Goddess met her gaze with a treacherous smile as she detailed a pact they had no choice but to make. Something deep within Siréne stirred at the thought of this. It was dark and exhilirating, a path she knew all too well. Her capricious fey blood called out and the dark magic of her people rose up in anticipation. This was a bargain, a favorite game of the fey. In this, Siréne would be just as treacherous as the dragon. 

"It is good to see you again Kakaranatha," Siréne spoke with a genuine smile touching her lips. "This is a bargain I will gladly make."

A moment of silence punctuated her agreement as she raised her glowing fey eyes to meet the emeral gaze of the dragon. There would always be an understanding between them. The pact had been made.

For the five remaining party members and the Arch-Mage from the past the two choices were really only one, to accept her demands for silence. Once all had said yes, even a very reluctant Allanan, the Dragon Goddess leaned back and relaxed for the first time since they had all entered her “office”

“Good it does please me that you all have accepted the best choice.” as Kakaranatha spoke the amulet lifted off of the table and floated to within the reach of Sirene. “Take it oh sweet Sirene as I have always liked you best. You shall be the one to use this as needed as my, lets say special friend, on this earth.” Looking at the Elf Enchantress her eyes penetrating, Sirene could almost feel, love maybe?, coming from her and the Elf felt a tinge of fear for the first time since meeting the great dragon.
With her statement and choices over the same young girl appeared and ushered them to a new door but all were halted by Kakaranatha next words.

“Oh yes one more thing. It seems there are two others with knowledge of how I came to be, both young elves, a brother and sister, who seem to desperately be seeking you all out” A deep laugh as if a joke. “I believe they are the spawn of the one called Talcanaiion Aldavather.” A loud sigh escaping her as she looked to Sirene.“Elves and your long names, that you met when I was freed. Though their father is dead, the two siblings feeling that I killed him, seek to warn you of me and what they think I am. You must locate them, give them my choices, and then with them under your watchfulness proceed from there. I need not tell you if they refuse You can shortly find the two siblings here at this bar.”

She gives you the bar’s name and a small map. With that last statement and items the door opens and the six found themselves once more in a quiet seemingly deserted alleyway.

((Ok For sake of catch-up gonna take a few liberties))

Released from Kakaranatha’s office the party once more split into two groups, with Lothor and Sirene seeking a library, and Cor, Uthlok, Valene and a protesting Allanan heading for some bar called the Dozing Dragon. The irony of the bar’s name not lost on the four of them. With the help of the map they made it there quickly and moved inside. Seeing no elves as described by the Dragonness the four found themselves a good vantage point from which to watch the front door and settled in, each with something to drink before him.

As five minutes turned to ten, then to thirty, Cor decided on another round for himself.

"Another ale!" Cor called to the barkeep trying to fit in and not bring attention to him or the others with him "And make sure that pretty lass brings it." the Knight Cleric could see that the free flowing ale had everyone a bit tipsy and when the bard began an ancient drinking song the place erupted in cheers and all joined in the singing. Suddenly without warning a young black bear burst through the front door and into the center of the bar becoming its main attraction.

OUTSIDE

Rayden ran forward followed by her brother Arandur, not really paying attention to where they were both headed, she was simply following a running Brutus. The young bear had caught the scent of something and had begun to track it. Then suddenly a building loomed before them as the bear continued his tracking of the scent making a beeline towards it before he simply ran through the door of the building, a pub Rayden noticed.. filled with lots of people.. "oh no.."
Running faster Rayden chased Brutus into the building. "Brutus! Get back here!"

INSIDE

As swords were drawn, hammers readied for a fight and arrows nocked into bow strings the black bear stood in the center of the inn, now looking a bit confused, the but then moments later a stranger ran into the room, a female elf, young looking panting and out of breath calling out "Brutus! Get back here!" Just seconds later the girl was followed by a young male elf and Cor as well as Ulthok, Valene and Allanan knew that these two were the siblings that Kakaranatha had sent them to find. Acting quickly Cor took control of the room.

"What in Thordin's name is going on out here? Why is there a wee bear crashing our party?"

Rayden frowns and turns towards the voice, "Sorry, he caught a scent of something.. normally he's only this fast when he smells family.. But.." Rayden trailed off turning to look at Brutus, a hand on her hip, her voice stern, "I don't believe that any family would be here Brutus, you ran all this way.. scared all these people for nothing." Rayden once again turns her gaze towards the dwarf and tilts her head, smiling sheepishly, "I am terribly sorry about Brutus. He won't harm anyone here."

As the young Elf girl spoke the crowd started to relax. The young bear having looked but a few moments confused moved towards Cor. The bear approached Cor slowly, sniffing his way closer seeming to recognize the Dwarf Knight Clerics scent When the cub was just a few inch’s away Cor leaned forward and leaned down to sniff the bear’s nose. The bear jerked back at teh unexpected move, not so much scared but due to the loud laughing and clapping as weapons were re-sheathed and tensions finally eased. Brutus tilted his head in a quizzical manner trying to figure out what exactly had happened. Cor laughed and reached out to rub the bear behind the ears.

"Aww, who is a good wee bear? Is it ye? Yes ye are a fine wee bear cub."

Allowing the dwarf to pet him much as a docile cat Cor knew most of the peoples attention were once more back to their drinks and tall tales. Looking at the siblings, still petting the bear, he offered them a place at the party’s table.

“Come we have much to talk about, let not my drunk friends scare ye off. I'd wager none of them will remember their own name in an hour or so, much less anything we discuss, 'My name is Cor, by the way, Cor Trollhammer”

Suddenly brother and sister knew why Brutus had lead them here for standing before them was the Dwarf their father had sent to find.

“Ok yes, yes we know of you and seek to warn you of KaKa...”Arandur begin before he found himself silenced and unable to talk. Cor having pulled the young elf closer to him.

“Hold ye words lad we know why you and your sister be here. Join us and we will speak on it."

Introductions made the six began to talk……….

((DM OOC; Ok going to stop here let you all play out the actual in game meet. Have fun. Nimu. Nomad your back on track to the library and you do find one. However parts of the outside has damage though the interior for the most part still stands with a few new skylights. Ok next post I'll go for Saturday the 8th. Again sorry this one took so long))

Lothor stood with Sirene outside the library for a couple of minutes and examined the place.  Like everything else in the city it had suffered from the recent war.  It was damaged and in need or repair.  But like the city, it still stood.  

The pair entered the building (Assuming for Sirene, change as needed) and looked around.  The interior was in as rough of shape as the exterior, even sporting a few new skylights.  Part of the idea of a library building was to keep the rain off of the books, so he hoped they would be able to get the roof repaired quickly.  But what sort of a priority woud a library be in the middle of a war?  Besides, it wasn't his concern at the moment.   His concern was information.  But he wasn't exaclty sure what, which made it all a bit more difficult.  

He looked at Sirene.  This was one of those places where he might be willing to defer to the spellcasters in the group if they had any great ideas.  "Do you have any suggestions on what to look for?  I'm thinking we need history - probably general and religious.  What has our scaly friend been up to?"  He looked around a bit trying to figure out where to start.  "I think I might start with current events.  We know who was doing what when we left, at least to some degree.  Lets see if the basic outlines of things remain the same.  The first need is the here and now, then afterwards perhaps there will be time to sift through the histories a bit."

(OOC:  Assuming there is no disagreement - Lothor probably would follow her advice if it is given.)

Lothor looked around again until he found someone who looked like they might be a librarian.  Removing his helmet he approached the person.  "Excuse me.  I am fairly new to the city and as you might expect, have been rather caught up in recent events.  I'm looking for some recent news.  The last year, the last month, perhaps even the last week or so although I suspect I was in the middle of a lot of that.  I'd like to know a little something about the place I find myself.  Can you help me?"

After getting some assistance he asks one other question, "I'm also looking for some general histories.  Where might I find those?"

(OOC:  I'm not quite sure what to expect from a library in Trilogy.  Are there newspapers?  If so, that is one thing he would be looking for.  Magazines of any sort?  Any kind of current events?  Or is it just more scholarly stuff?  If so, a quick look at a "Who's who" kind of book would tell him if the same people still rule the city.  It might also tell him who is the head priest of the Dragons cult - and where the temple might be found.  Information on the recent war would also be critical.  Have the antagonists remained the same?  Has anything noticable changed about the war?  After he has gone through recent topics he would start looking at more general histories.)

'My friends,' Arandur started as he cast his sharp eyes around the group he had finally succeeded in locating. He would now complete the task his dear father, Talc, had tasked him and his sister, Rayden, with carrying out before his untimely demise.

Arandur wondered what the future now held in store for him and Rayden. They had barely left the safety of the edge of the great forest they called home so everything they were seeing and experiencing from the moment they set foot from the dense leafy roof was new and unfamiliar to them. Human buildings, villages, cities...Arandur had read of such things in the vast elven library, but had never before seen them with his own eyes. Now, along with the new experiences he had to adapt to, he also had to embark upon his most dangerous quest in his life on top of it.

You are not asking for much, father, the elf ranger thought with a hint of sarcasm, but I know you would not send Rayden and I on such a dangerous task unless absolutely necessary. In fact, you said yourself that you wished you didn't have to. I promise to honour your request until the end.

'I must inform you of news most sad...I understand that you knew Talcanaiion Aldavar, father of my adopted sister Rayden,' he gestured to the female elf sitting beside him, 'and I, Arandur. With the utmost regret, I must tell you that the great ranger has tragically passed away a few weeks ago.' Arandur paused for a polite moment to let the group process this sorrowful news before continuing to inform them of yet more grievious news. 'For reasons unknown, it is suspected that the mighty she-dragon godess (OORP: forgot her name, sorry!) had a claw to play in his demise. She is not as benevolent as she would have you believe, my friends,' Arandur warned his companions. 'Perhaps she considered our father a threat to her malicious plans, so therefore eradicated him before he could strike against her? Who knows? Anyway, our father imparted this information to Rayden and I so that we may pass it onto you, fellow warriors, so that you may be armed with this knowledge to do the right thing to save this realm from the godess' tyranny. I pledge my sword, my bow and my skills as ranger and cleric at your service.'

Rayden looked at the surrounding group of inhabitants of the pub that Brutus had led her too, she figured she’d allow Arandur to speak on their behalf and explain why they were there. The elven Ranger stuck close to Brutus, but now surrounding by unknowns, she stuck by her brother closer then her bear. If she was to fight, at least she would have her brother at her side.

Ever since that night… Arandur had to been a beacon of strength and protection for the elven woman. And until the end of time, it will always be that way for her.

  Cor released Arandur and stepped back.  "Come, let us sit, eat and drink.  Then we can discuss things out of reach of prying ears."  Once all were seated and ale and food provided, Cor spoke once again.  "Now then lad, ye speak some truth but truth sometimes comes with a heavy price.  For the moment all ye need ta now is that the dragon is more powerful than you can imagine.  Speaking ill of her is nay advised if ye want ta live ta see the sunrise.  She has offered each of us a choice, remain silent about her and live or reveal what we know and die.  For the moment we have chosen the first as it is preferable ta the alternative.  She charged us ta offer ye the same choice.  Think carefully before ye speak.  Once ye have made yer choice we will think on our path forward either with or without ye and yer sister."  Cor waited for a choice to be made.   

“... it does please me that you all have accepted the best choice.”

Kakaranatha smiled as the draconic lifted off the table to float in rhythm with her words. It buoyed up and down, moving at a steady pace forward. Siréne felt a bit of dark hunger for the trinket, it was a terrible and beautiful thing to behold. As if aware of her covetous heart, the amulet came to a stop just before her, waiting to be plucked out of the air. In this moment, the dragon goddess met her eyes with a gaze full of promise.

"Take it, oh sweet Siréne. I have always liked you best" Kakaranatha spoke with a honeyed sweetness. "You she be the one to use this as needed, as my special friend on this earth."

Their eyes met again and it seemed as if the dragon's gaze bore through her, penetrating to the very core. In those emerald eyes, Siréne felt an all consuming love and desire. It demanded of her completely. Reaching out, the fey witch plucked the amulet from the air. Meeting Kakaranatha's gaze, she drew it toward her and held it for a moment at her breast. For better or worse, she had been claimed...

Following their meeting with Kakaranatha, the group split up for a time. As the others made their way to a tavern, Siréne once again joined Lothor in search of a library. There was a renewed urgency to this search. They needed to know what had changed in the course of history, and perhaps more importantly, she needed to learn what she could of the amulet she now carried. 

It did not take long for the pair to find the city library, a building that had certainly seen better days. As with most of the city, the library had suffered some damage during their recent war. Yet, even with a few holes in the roof, it still stood. Nodding to one another, the pair entered. 

Once inside, Lothor looked to her questioningly. "Do you have any suggestions on what to look for? I'm thinking we need history - probably general and religious. What has our scaly friend been up to?" He looked around a bit trying to figure out where to start. "I think I might start with current events. We know who was doing what when we left, at least to some degree. Lets see if the basic outlines of things remain the same. The first need is the here and now, then afterwards perhaps there will be time to sift through the histories a bit."

The witched nodded her agreement, "Current events are as good a place as any. If you focus on that I can look into histories, religion, and more esoteric subjects. We will cover more ground this way."

At that each began their search through the library. It was going to be a long day. True to her word, Siréne sought out the histories and religious texts. Yet she also sought out what she could of magic and artifacts, and all the stuff of legend. She would learn all she could about Kakaranatha's amulet, and her own connection to the dragon.

 

((OOC: Siréne is going to look into more ancient histories, religions, and legends. She is also going to be looking into magical texts and the study of divination spells. She is going to work toward identifying everything the amulet can do.))

Arandur was unable to reply to the dwarf's frank words straight away, instead just staring at Cor as the weight of the huge decision weighed heavily on his narrow shoulders. For such a little being, the dwarf was placing such a large burden on the elf. The decision should of been a very simple one: stay mute about Kakaranatha's true tyrannical nature and be shown mercy by the she-dragon, thus saving them all from a grisly demise. However, the millions of innocents in the realm deserved and needed to be made aware of the potential threat that darkened the land, lest they perish due to their ignorance of the situation-and it would be Arandur and his companions to blame for that ignorance. The elf would feel a shame too unbearable to endure if, because of their actions, they sealed the fates of millions to suffer that which they did not deserve.

Arandur's mouth suddenly felt like a desert floor completely devoid of moisture, which he tried in vain to wet. He glanced at the tankard of mead next to his sharp elbow but resisted the urge to partake of the liquid. He had no desire to express his discomfort and even fear to his companions-fear for all the citizens of the realm and their uncertain fate.

What do I choose? He wondered. Whatever I do decide may seal the fates of all those around me and if I decide wrong...he swallowed again, hardly succeeding past his sticky throat. Am I cursed to live the rest of my immortal life with the fact I have doomed the lives of all those beings due to my innability to make the right choice? Oh, Father, what an impossible task you have charged me with!

Everyone's attention was upon him, rapt and awaiting his next words, eager to hear what he had to say. The elf had no choice, he had to inform his companions of the decision he had made now...except he had not yet made one. He pondered hard his options, carefully examining each with the same keen eye and dedication as a master artist does with his masterpiece. Finally, he had made his choice, though he prayed to all the merciful gods that his decision was the best one.

'As much as the citizens deserve and need to be aware of this threat,' he started, his voice slightly raspy due to his dry throat and mouth. Clearing his throat, his voice sounded clearer when he resumed his speech, 'the beast has issued her warning to us very clearly and I think we should heed it for we hardly know anything of Kakaranatha's powers or their limits, if indeed they have any limits at all,' Arandur added with a hint of dread. 'Therefore I think, if my dear sister Rayden agrees with me,' here he smiled at her, 'we should hold our tongues until we can fathom with utmost accuracy what the she-dragon's powers and, indeed, what her weaknesses are. If we are the realm's only hope of bringing this beast to heel, then we must proceed with the utmost caution lest we are destroyed prematurely due to our carelessness and recklessness. I just pray that the many innocents of this realm do not pay dearly for our decisions or mistakes.' He ended on that sombre note, casting his emerald eyes down sadly, concern etched upon his face as he studied the wood as though it might contain some clues as to how they should proceed. If there were any answers, though, they eluded him. The elf became tense in the silence that followed, a silence so sharp it seemed as if a thousand razors hung in the air. He waited warily for his companions' response.

As Lothor and Sirene entered the library they could see that the damage inside was more then the outside had shown, with more of the deeper interior burnt and collapsed. They also found themselves alone the only light that from the holes in the ceiling. There were no people hurrying between the surviving stacks, no caretaker librarian to greet them and help to help them in their search. Entering deeper both could feel a sense of something not altogether right, the shadow of its corners almost too black, a chill lightly caressing them as if something hidden within those shadows watched them.

For the next hour Lothor and Sirene searched and looked and finally the big Fighter found a slightly burnt history book and at once began looking for anything in relation to Kakaranatha rise to power. Here Lothor finished reading as the history was the same as that he knew. The fighter could see that with Loki’s defeat for all intents nothing had changed but for the dragon to become a goddess with many followers and a new religious order.

The battle continued for fifteen more days until Karza and Allanan finally met face to face. The two locked in combat. Followers on both sides stopped to watch the epic struggle. In the end, Allanan cleaved a hand from Karza and dispelled his corporeal form. With the loss of Karza and the dragon, the Army of Darkness wavered and the forces of good began a rout. The wizards cast a magical slumber upon the Shadow-Wraiths and banished Sadist to limbo. Karza's Army quickly disappeared as its soldiers scattered throughout the land. Allanan took the Steel Maiden and secreted it away before disappearing himself.

In the first year after the end of the war things were quiet then one morning the world awoke to a great battle in the sky. The two combats Loki the God of Mischief and a dragon like no other, She was huge, easily the size of five normal dragons in body and length her wings seemingly miles wide when fully opened, crimson in color many thought her to be evil. This battle lasted for days with neither god nor dragon gaining the upper hand and it was during this time of the fight that her name was became known thanks to the Elves and their ancient books of history. Kakaranatha was her name, she the first of Loki’s dragon’s, created with power almost equal to his own. However her and the mischief god were not alike as she was created with a heart of good by a god of evil, Loki not knowing that Hel had altered his spell ever so slightly in anger at Loki’s creation of such a creature. Loki quickly realizing something was wrong tried to undo the spell but failed and in desperation created a spell of living ice to entrap her and hide her away. Little is known how she broke her bonds of ice but she had come to battle Loki for his seat and so the battle contiued for ten days more. Then with little fanfare the fight was done, Loki falling to the earth of Trilogy defeated.

Once again peace spread its calm hand across Trilogy. Kakaranatha, showing all her good, banished all dragons evil to Cirith Ungole and granting all dragons a new home on on an island in the Hildorian Sea and naming it Dragon’s Home. The Elves migrated to the glade filled woods of the North and there founded E'Loth Lorian. In honor of the death of their hero, Thorin Ironshield, the Dwarves settled near the place he fell. They named the area Erebor. Humans spread across the land and founded many new settlements. Principal among them were Calahorn, Roheryn, Shanntara and Culhaven.

Here Lothor finished reading as the history was the same as that he knew. The fighter could see that with Loki’s defeat for all intents nothing had changed but for the dragon to become a goddess with many followers and a new religious order.

For Sirene her search was mostly of finding of mostly human history and small bits of history from the Elves and dwarves known by man. If once there had been books of real value they were lost, stolen, or destroyed. She did find it strange perhaps that the books had no word of the dragon goddess before she rose to take Loki’s place. Clear to her that any information of that time before lay in the library’s of the elves in E’loth Lorian. For all her hours of looking she was disappointed to find no information the Elf Enchantress herself did not already know. As she rose to put the last book back in its place she was once again caressed by a cold chill, her magic resistance triggered Sirene knew Lothor and her were not alone!......................

((Ok I posted this part first as Odyson and I talked on the phone too long on the status of life, liberty, and magic items and I was unable to write the full post before arm started hurting and I got sleepy. lol. I will post the second part tomorrow night.))

Ulthok listened as Cor stated the facts to the two Elves they were sent to confront with Kakaranatha's demand which she presented as an offer. These were children of the ranger they had rescued in the tower and he had been ready to fight the great dragon but fate handed them a different option and their actions had changed history. Talca had chosen to stay behind so what he had done was also an effect on history. These descendents still had much to tell as the adventures needed to understand the new present. The Halfling listened as the Elves finally made their choice.

“As much as the citizens deserve and need to be aware of this threat,' he started, his voice slightly raspy due to his dry throat and mouth. Clearing his throat, his voice sounded clearer when he resumed his speech, 'the beast has issued her warning to us very clearly and I think we should heed it for we hardly know anything of Kakaranatha's powers or their limits, if indeed they have any limits at all,' Arandur added with a hint of dread. 'Therefore I think, if my dear sister Rayden agrees with me,' here he smiled at her, 'we should hold our tongues until we can fathom with utmost accuracy what the she-dragon's powers and, indeed, what her weaknesses are. If we are the realm's only hope of bringing this beast to heel, then we must proceed with the utmost caution lest we are destroyed prematurely due to our carelessness and recklessness. I just pray that the many innocents of this realm do not pay dearly for our decisions or mistakes.”

As the Elve hang his head Ulthok piped up.” Well you’ve made the right choice; I can tell by your looks you believe we were the last hope to save the world from the acts of the Dragon Goddess. But you really need think how do mortals stop Gods…..”, Ulthok let that sink in for second. “Your father wasn’t with us long enough to learn our mission…and that wasn’t to stop a god from effecting the lives of the mortals. If you believe the goddess is responsible for Talca’s death then I believe it was related to what he did after we left not to just what we did there.” The small mage know they may not favor what he had to say, but he had to say it. “Raydon, your confidence and skill with animals shows your father taught you well. Arandur you seem to carry the action spirit Talca showed when we revived him. So join us in the quest we can handle…and if our actions open a chance for what you feel needs to also be done then all the better. …Now finish your drinks and we must find our way to General St Alban’s and meet up with rest of our group to learn what they have found has changed from last we were here.”

The party headed to the General’s; and Allanan walked with Ulthok and Valene. Halflings weren’t common in his time and the fact that these little people could cast intrigued him. “Pardon me for speaking bluntly”, he said to Ulthok, “but meeting a Halfling that can cast arcane magic is something quite interesting to me.”

Ulthok looked up at the tall human mage,” Well in 2000 years my people have achieved many things, but you are correct that even now there are few that have learned the arcane skills. Valene has become a conduit of her diety and with that blessing she is a very capable caster….”, then with a slight tremble in his voice, “it is her skill that I need now.”

With a raised eyebrow Allana looked to Valene and then back to Ulthok,” Tell me …if it isn’t too personal, what skill do you need?”

“Well sir before we freed you from your own ice prison we battled our way through the halls of the tower. We had another member that didn’t make it to the cavern….my companion and familiar Peri, a fey creature of a Fairie Dragon, died in an attack from the beholders. Valene will perform a raise spell to bring her back to life. My heart will be broken as our link will be gone, she has become so much a part of me in our short time together….. I now know the despair she must have suffered when I died and my spirit flooded into my amulet of life protection and joy she felt when I was healed.”

Allanan stopped, “You have an amulet?……pull it out so I can see it please.”

Ulthok slid the chain up that suspended the item that rested next to his heart. When it was free of his shirt Allanan bent down to examine it.  A faint glow seemed to emanate from the opaque stone imbedded in the golden medallion. “Ulthok…you don’t need to raise your friend…she is here and has been next to your heart. On rare occasion the familiar link is especially strong and in your case because her size was small but her spirit so strong you share your amulet. You two might even be able share it together if the time ever came.But she is a magical creature and I cannot say that the amulet will react as it does for you.I would say don't attempt to release her yet, I am unsure of the magic needed, perhap a your fey caster Sirene should help; her Heal spell would be stronger.”

Although disappointed Ulthok agreed, if just for Peri's safety.

 

For the first few seconds the meeting between Elf brother and Sister and Cor were tense, Arandur not knowing what to make of the dwarf grabbing him. However Cor quickly spoke his name and Arandur calmed down. Looking to Rayden he gestured for her to follow them to a table where seated were two humans and two halflings. Once all were seated and introductions made the talk went quickly. As Arandur tried to warn the group about the true nature of Kakaranatha the group listened quietly then told the two that they already knew her true nature and had just an hour or so ago been given by her a choice. A choice also given to the Elf siblings and now delivered to them by Cor.

The siblings seeing no choice, though clearly not happy about said ‘choices’ in the end decided to go with the group, perhaps joining the group itself in any future endeavors. With the goal set my the Dragon Goddess completed it was finally time to move to the fortress center and the generals and kings waiting there. Though streets and thoroughfares were once again thick with celebrating people they quickly made their way to its front gates and the guards posted there.

During the trip to castle center Ulthok could not help but bring up the question of Peri. Showing him his Amulet of Life Protection the Halfling was over joyed to learn that it could very well indeed hold the life essence of the faery dragon. However the Arch-Mage was unsure of how to release her essence as such had never happened before and thus the attempt could have unforeseen consequences. However that was left for another day as the group reached the inner gate. With a quick use of General St Alban’s name and that they were survivors of the raid on the Githyanki fortress and they were ushered inside.

Almost at once things began to happen as the soldiers and civilians in whispers were told who you were as you moved past, the only survivors of the attack on the flying fortress. Arandur and Rayden having never been in such a huge place of human craftsmanship found themselves ready to bolt for the doors. Only the looks of Cor and Ulthok held them back as moisture could be seen on their faces and fear in their eyes growing stronger the deeper they moved. A turn of a corner and the doors to the main war room open, many a general, including St Alban’s waiting for them to to be among them.

However the most striking in the room was the girl Cor, Valene, and Ulthok knew as Althena Sunblayze, daughter of Allanan. As the generals and the surviving kings moved forward to greet you the girl looked at the party a smile at first on her face, then quickly replaced by confusion at the sight of Allanan among them.

“Daddy?” Her eyes wide open, her gaze sweeping each of party members as if asking for help including the new siblings “How, how can this be?” As Althena backed away a few feet from the group, Allanan raised his hands and began the words of a spell. Ulthok the only other mage in the room knew it was not about to be one of friendship or greeting..............

((DM OOC: Ok my post part 2 I hope you all like it. So the question before you, is Allanan an undercover bad guy, or is he attacking just Althena who he knows is not his daughter.
Next post will not be next Saturday as I have my monthly roll20 game with Odyson that night so I will try for Sunday or later in the week of the 18th.))

Cor entered the great war hall and saw the expected generals and kings.  Then his eyes fell upon a most unexpected sight.  Althena stood amidst the gathered company.  He saw her smile at seeing her old companions fade into confusion as she saw the one she claimed to be her father.  Allanon; one known now to not be her sire.  The old wizard lifted his hands to cast a spell.  Although Cor had no idea what spell was in the works he had great doubt that was not offensive in nature.  In the briefest of moments he had to make a choice.  There were too many unanswered questions especially in this new time for him to stand idle.  Rushing forward he shoved Allanon to break his concentration and called out to those gathered in the hall.  "Restrain that lass.  I dinna ken if she is as she has claimed ta be.  Allanon, stand down until we find how this meeting has come ta pass."  Cor continues to move towards Althena.  "Ye seem ta have some serious explaining ta do lass.  I suspect ye talk quickly and truthfully."  

 

Rayden listening to what her brother agreed to, smiled slightly nodding her head in agreement. Before she knew it they were moving to another location.

Brutus huffed out a breath as he walked beside his Elven Ranger. The one who had saved him all those years ago. The bear pressed his nose against her hand lightly then huffed against her fingers before bumping her lightly causing a small chuckle to leave her lips. Brutus, now receiving the chuckle concluded that his task was done and had at least for the moment, cheered his elf up.

 

Rayden looked around the seeing the fortress she grabbed Arandur’s hand, her grip tense as she looked towards the older elf, wanting to speak but fear for the moment, held her tongue. She was a ranger, a cleric. Her father would be disappointed in her acting like a small child ready to run away with fear. With the thought of her father she tightened her grip on her brother’s hand once more before dropping it, steeling her resolve in doing what needed to be done. What their father sent them here for. So, head held high, Rayden simply followed, trusting that her brother and beloved bear would remain by her side for the duration of whatever adventure they were sure to be sent on.

Once, however, they entered the room Rayden saw to her horror, a spell beginning to be cast. She once again allowed fear to grip her as she gripped Arandur’s hand tightly, most likely causing her nails to bite his skin. She vaguely heard the dwarf speak to the spellcaster, but fear kept her tongue still.

Finding little of value, Lothor grew frustrated.  It seems anything of much value had been removed from this place already.  The great dragon seemed to have made little impression on things until suddenly appearing in the sky to fight Loki.  Somehow the big warrior doubted she had been idle all that time.  But that did not mean that they would be able to feret out her actions.  Nor did it mean that they needed to do so.  Even with what they knew of her, was the world really much worse off with the dragon than with Loki?  And had not Loki returned from the dead before?  

    For now, he was more concerned about the battle they had been fighting for months. Years.  Decades.  Centuries.  Millenia.  Time travel screwed up even simple thoughts sometimes.  Maybe he should give it up.  The thought made him grin a bit as he replaced his last book and sought out Sirene.  This place gave him the creeps and he felt like there were eyes peering at him from the dark corners - of which there were many.  

     Finging the Fey he expalined all he had found - which didn't take long.  

(OOC:  It didn't seem from the last DM post that Lothor knew about whatever was watching, so all I think I could deal with is the end of the research and finding Sirene.)