Arandur exited the tavern with the rest of his companions, squinting at the glaring sun as he cast his eyes up to search for his loyal hawk.
'Talon, my friend,' he called once he saw him, the bird swooping down to perch on his master's shoulder once more.

It was time to move on. As Arandur made his way forward with the others, his gaze darted around at the unusual sights, his pointed ears flicked in annoyance like a horse's at the noises that were almost deafening to his enhanced elf-hearing. He suddenly felt a pressure on his hand and he tensed, wondering who had made contact with him. He pulled his eyes from his surroundings and focussed them on the source of the sudden touch. He discovered his young sister gripping his hand tightly as she, too, cast her eyes around warily. The male elf returned the gesture, but his was of comfort.

'Hush, now, sister,' he consoled her, 'we must be brave. Do not worry, for I will forever be at your side.'

They eventually made it to a large castle and continued on to the general's room. Being an elf from the great forest, Arandur was not used to so much stone surrounding him. It made him feel chilled and morbid as the stone seemed to absorb all the light that bathed it from the flickering candles to the crackling torches and wood fires. This place was a far cry from the bright wooden homes of his race, warm and cheerful.


Humans seem to have similar habitats to dwarves, Arandur noted. The more time I spend with the two races, the more I see the resemblance they have towards each other.

Finally, they reached their destination and Arandur was once again alert to his surroundings. He was in a very unfamiliar place, after all. It would not do to grow lax in his awareness lest he wished to receive any unwelcome surprises. Looking around, he saw knights lining the walls, standing alert, their swords sheathed but lances in hand. Banners, shields with swords crossed behind them and various tapestries decorated the otherwise drab stone walls, a welcome relief for Arandur as he was beginning to grow tired of seemingly endless grey stone. He halted with the rest of his company and waited patiently, ears and eyes ever alert. What Arandur assumed was meant to be a polite exchange, became a commotion and he stood tall, looking over the shoulders before him as he watched the tense proceedings.

One of their number, an aged wizard he remembered was named Allanon, was attempting to cast an incantation upon a human girl whom Arandur had not seen before so knew nothing about. Was this girl friend or foe? What had she done to cause Allanon to react to her in such a dramatic manner? Cor demanded the girl to provide the group with an explanation and Arandur, knowing nothing of the situation, refrained from interfering, lest he inadvertently do something that would place his companions in any danger, especially Rayden. So he just stood perfectly still and observed the proceedings silently and intimately.

Having learned from Allanan of how to bring Peri back Ulthok was distracted in his thoughts of how to ask Sirene for her help. But first the party made their way to the castle to report to the Kings. It was clear that their new team’s mates were not at all comfortable away from their forest. Rayden and Arandur now held back fear. Hopefully this meeting could be brief and they would catch up with Lothor and Sirene.  

Ulthok and Valene flanked Allanan as the party was ushered into the room where the Kings and remaining general’s waited to receive them. As they entered the crowd parted and there stood Althena Sunblayze, her face lit up as she saw Cor. But her expression changed as she saw Allanan.” “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 she backed away as Allanan raised his hands. Ulthok could feel the magic gathering as a spell was being prepared to be cast.

The party had been lead to believe that Althena was Allanan’s daughter and rightful heir to the evil sword that they must be kept out of the hands of the forces trying to over though Trilogy. But Allanan has said he had no daughter.   

Ulthok sensed that the power of the spell Allanan was drawing was not a blessing. If the two of them began a duel in this small room then all in range would suffer. One of these two have lied or even both, the truth needed to be found. Ulthok had no spells ready that could stop either from casting but perhaps he could interfere enough to prevent the situation from escalating. So raising his arms he let out a cheery greeting, “Althena” and stepped forward onto Allanan’s robe, entangling his feet and falling mightily into the mage. As the Halfling fell he reached out and grabbed Allanan’s arm to steady himself.

Hours upon hours passed, and yet the witch knew little more of the histories than she had before. She would have to seek out the council of her people if they were to learn anything more. At the thought of this a sly smile drew itself across Siréne's face. She could see Mnemosyne's furious response to such a request. That anger would be personal and petulant. While her grandmother's rage was far from pleasant to experience, any break in the ancient fey's impenetrable serenity was a reminder that she was not a god. 

Returning a book to the shelves, Siréne sighed and let her mind wander through her centuries of life. While Faerie had been aloof it had also been beautiful. She wondered when she would find her way back.

Lothor's mortal gait broke the witch from her revery. It seemed the warrior had found little more than she had. These mortal libraries would not have the knowledge they sought. 

As Siréne began to share her own findings, she felt a chilling carress, the tell tale sign of her own magic resistance. Narrowing her eyes, the fey began to search the shadows for signs of the stranger. They were not alone. 

Reaching out, Siréne laid a hand on Lothor's forearm, "My friend, we are not alone. There is someone here weilding magics."

SIRENE & LOTHER

Reaching out, Siréne laid a hand on Lothor's forearm, "My friend, we are not alone. There is someone here wielding magics."
At once the fighter came more alert, his hand to the pommel of his sword, his gaze slowly, calmly, taking in as much of the lighted library area’s within his sight, but he found nothing.

For Sirene it was different though she could feel its magical gaze or touch, somehow it was almost as if it were right there in the library with them. However as hard as she tried she sensed no other living creature in the library at all. Whoever was wielding such magic was somewhere near, but not close.

A quick whispered conversation and the two were headed out of the library and to the center of the great fortress to reunite with the rest of the group. Though nothing stopped them Sirene could still feel the magics. Though much weaker with every step away from the library the Elf Enchantress knew it still followed them.

MAIN CASTLE WAR ROOM

“Daddy?, How can this be” 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.

For Cor there were too many unanswered questions especially in this new time for him to stand idle.  Rushing forward he shoved Allanon to the side to break the wizard 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. Ye seem ta have some serious explaining ta do lass. I suspect ye talk quickly and truthfully."

Cor continues to move towards Althena. Before the Dwarf Knight Cleric or the guards could move to act on his words new voice entered the room. A voice well versed to being obeyed a voice of unspoken command a female voice. A voice easily known to two of the party at once, the Arch-Mage Allanan and the Halfling Thief/Cleric Valene….. Majestic, the queen of good dragons….

“Hold your places everyone and all will be explained!”

Striding into the room clearly with a purpose was a women of unearthly beauty, one known to Allanan as his dragon mount and lover, to Valene as the Queen of Good Dragons.. Majestic…

“Mother?” A quiet gasp from Althena could be heard by Cor, the dwarf being the closet to the young lady and in his mind there were now more questions then answers. Walking up to Allanan, disregarding all but him, she brought him to her in a tender hug.

“Oh how I have missed you these so many, many years.”

A hand caressing his surprised, or better said shocked face, grabbed the back of his head and again before anyone could say a word, Majesty drew him into a fierce kiss. The room for all of the party, the kings and their guards, the generals and their aides, the many servants, and even the numerous animals was dead silent in stunned surprise.
Finally the two separated, Majestic taking hold of Allanan’s hand, led him to stand before Althena.

“Allanan before you ask you have nothing to fear, yes this is your daughter, but she was not born in the normal way.” This gathered a stunned look from both Allanan and Althena once again

Turning to the others in the room

“Majesty’s, Generals, forgive me but this tale must be a private one for it falls within ancient secrets that only a chosen few even know.”

Gesturing to Allanan and Althena she made to move into another.

“Wait” Turning to look at the others of the group Allanan spoke. “If not for them I would not be here right now. They should know along with me the whole story."

Looking towards the group she nods her head.

“Cor Trollhammer, Valene Beestinger, Ulthok Rydenham, and though I do not know the two of you” She indicates the elf siblings. “Please join us”

Without another word or look she moves from the room followed by Allanan, Althena and the rest of the party.

SMALL MEETING ROOM

As all were seated Majesty continued to stand waiting to tell everyone a tale 1200 years in the making.

“Hmmmm where to begin. Before Allanan left to join the members of this group that had traveled to the past he told me he knew, or rather discovered, that the magical power to return you from the future to your own time was the heart of the greatest of Dragons know to history, Kakaranatha. Even at that time the legends told of her disappearance so for Allanan to find it hidden within the earth under a tower seemed strange to he and I both. He had told me what the time travelers had told him about his disappearance and I knew in my heart that he would not return from this mission. Knowing that a daughter of his even existed in the future was a shock knowing him to be unable to sire children. I realized to keep time on its normal path a daughter would have be created. Taking a few clasps of his hair of hair and a small amount of blood I stored them in a timeless void until needed. Again going by what this group had told Allanan, then he told me, and when the time came, I took those samples of life and using Dragon magic, magic I was punished for using, and created Althena.”

Here did the Dragon Queen pause as she looked to both Allanan and Althena, Althena being held in place by Allanan to clearly stop her from leaving or attacking her ‘mother’

“However I did not see that this ancient magic of the dragons, banned thousands of years after our creation, would give my child the power of the mind, much like that used by the race of the Illithid. From the moment of your creation I was your mother and I loved you as no other then your father who sits beside you. Make no mistake dear Althena, he is your father. I told you he was dead for though I was told of you, nothing was said of your father in this future so I assumed him dead. Only when I was trapped in a cell and was set free by a halfling girl I knew from the past, did I start to think maybe he would come here to this time to help the fight against Karza. That is why I waited after my rescue for any sign of your return. Now here you are returned to me and a world needing your help in destroying an old evil risen once more.”

Her tale told and clearly relived to have told it she moved to sit by Allanan and waited for the questions surely to come……..

(DM OOC: Wow that took a bit to write huh. Ok any questions you or such you want to ask this week is your one and only time to do so. Next post I plan to get you all in gear with a new mission on your quest to destroy the sword. Next post lets say next Sunday the 31st.)

  A tale most interesting unfolded as Cor listened to the words of the Dragon Queen.  It seemed that powereful and forbidden magic were resposible for the creation of Allanon's daughter.  As interestign as he found the tale itself, Cor was most interested in the final words.  "What exactly might that great ancient evil be?  Perhaps we can offer assistance if we ken what it is that ye seek to destroy."  Cor was fairly sure that the evil was the dragon god.  He wracked his brain and replayed her words in his mind.   I cannot allow you to tell the truth of things for that would be bad for me. Those had been her words.  When he pushed her she once more told him I promise non of MY people will cause you harm as long as you remain quiet to the truth of things The elder knight-cleric pondered the words. 

"Might I ask for a moment of your time alone after this meeting good dragon.  I have a question of utmost importance that is for you alone.  Even the asking may endanger my life and I will not risk those of my companions." 

 

Valene could sense that Ulthok was about to intercede to stop Allanan from casing his spell. But as Ulthok stepped forward and spoke out a greeting to Althena, Lord Cor drive into the Wizard breaking Allanan's concentration.  

Gaining his footing Lord Cor called, "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. Ye seem ta have some serious explaining ta do lass. I suspect ye talk quickly and truthfully."

Ulthok still stumbled over Allanan's robe and Valene grabbed his arm to steady him. As she drew Ulthok near she froze as familure voice rang out in the room.

“Hold your places everyone and all will be explained!”

Valene gasped,"It 's her, the Queen of Good Dragons.. Majestic."

She stood dumfounded as she watch the Queen walk to Allanan, hug him and kiss his with shameless passion.

Squeezing Ulthok's arm, she leaned in and placed small kiss on Ulthok's cheek. "She sent me back to you..now she has found her lover." They then stood and listened as Majestis told her story.

Raising his arms Ulthok let out a cheery greeting, “Althena” and stepped forward onto Allanan’s robe, entangling his feet and falling mightily into the mage. As the Halfling fell he reached out to grab Allanan’s arm to steady himself. But before he could reach allanan's arn Cor drive into the Wizard toppling him away.  A strong hand grabbed and steadies him. Valene drew he up close.

Cor steadied himself and called out, "Restrain that lass. I dinna ken if she is as she has claimed ta be. Allanan, stand down until we find how this meeting has come ta pass. Ye seem ta have some serious explaining ta do lass. I suspect ye talk quickly and truthfully."

Before anyone could move another voice rose, “Hold your places everyone and all will be explained!”

Her face close to his ear Valene gasped, "It 's her, the Queen of Good Dragons.. Majestic."

Ulthok watched and the same young woman they had met at the mountain crossed the room to Allanan. “Oh how I have missed you these so many, many years.” Taking his face in her hands she kissed him warm and deeply.

As he watched Ulthok felt and tender kiss on his cheek as Valene whispered, "She sent me back to you..now she has found her lover."  Ulthok knew he had another debt to pay.

Then listened as Majestic told Allanan that Althena was truely his daughter but she only real how in private. Allanan then insisted that the party be included, he felt they had earned the right.

The group went to a private room and there the Queen of the Good Dragon told them of had happened. They learned of magic used to create Althena and of her powers of the mind.They also learned that the threat of Karza still existed. The times may have changed but their mission seemed the same.

The presence could still be felt as they made their way out of the library and into the streets. Like some sort of haunting, it followed them, unseen and waiting. A cold snake of dread moved through the witch, but quickly hardened into resolve. She would know who followed them, even if it took all the magic in this world and the next.

Soon they would be reunited with the others and there wads much they needed to discuss. 

 

((OOC: Sorry, short post, wasn't sure where we were yet ))

Cor pondered the exact wording the evil dragon had used.  She had chosen to specificaly forbid speaking and required them to remain silent on her true nature.  What she had not done was forbid them from passing information in a non-verbal, silent way.  Could that loop-hole be used?  If he simply wrote what he knew would that allow Cor to exchange knowledge while keeping to the letter of the agreement?  Was the dragon god lawful evil?  If so she might be bound to the exact wording and not the intent of her requirements.  She also did not prohibit the group from inquiring about her even in ways that might cause others to question her goodness.  Perhaps Odin would have insight.  Cor planned to pray for guidance after gaining the required spells.

When Majestic had finished her tale Valene made her way to her side. "My Lady," the halfling spoke as she gave a brief curtsy. "The magic you used to reunite me with the party worked." Reaching into the pouch she carried at her waist she withdrew a dragon scale. Looking up into Majestic's face she offered the item to her. "You had instructed me to give his to your younger self along with the message to not travel back with us. I was not able to fulfill your request as the younger Majestic was not with the party. Fate alone fulfilled your request and now this belongs back with you."

Valene waited as Majestic gazed down on her.

Ulthok watch as Valene addressed the Dragon Queen. This was the first he had hear of the magic scales Valene had carried. It made him wonder if the one she now held out might still be of value to the party.

It was then that he realized that he too still had a magic item thast princple use had been fulfilled.
Making his way to Allanan the halfling pulled from his pouch a clear gem.

"Pardon me Sir but now that we have returned this gem you gave me to track the party so you could find us is no longer of value for that purpose. Doyou wish it returned or shall I keep it for future use?"

Ulthok waited Allanan's reply although returning a gem was a bit against his nature.

Lothor didn't like invisible magic creatures.  They had a nasty habit of popping up when you least wanted them to.  Or making you wander all around a cyclop's tower wondering when a blinking, giant, salamander would jump out at you.  Annoying things, blinking salamanders.  And he really didn't like something that Sirene couldn't identify.  This was her area, not his. And if she couldn't do it he certainly couldn't.  But he would have to trust her ability to identify a threat when it got closer.  

So without much else to do the big warrior moved back out into the city with Sirene.  they headed back towards the heart of the fortress hoping to rejoin the rest of the group where they could share their non-discoveries.  He kept a close eye out for the unseen threat.  Since he was already hyper-alert he also conitnued to try and notice whatever differences he might find from the fortress he expected.  What else had Kakarantha changed?  

SIRENE & LOTHOR

As the two moved farther away from the library Sirene could feel the watching presence grow fainter and fainter until she hardly knew it was there. However if she concentrated deep enough she could still feel it somehow there, only weaker. The two easily made their way quickly to the interior castle gate, and once recognized for who they where, were let into the castle interior and lead to a twin full suited guarded doorway……...

SMALL MEETING ROOM

With her tale of Althena creation completed Majestic moved to Allanan’s side and took a seat. Looking to Rayden and Arandur she tilted her head slightly.

“And who are you both? I do not remember you from the past?”

Hearing the two’s tale of seeking out the party at their father’s request, yet taking Cor’s advice saying nothing of Kakaranatha, the Dragon Queen smiled as if already knowing the unspoken true reason.

“Well then let me offer you a kind welcome and a thank you for your willingness to help this party in the troubles ahead.”

((Silent, Dragon- Soul, please back post what you both tell her))

Within minutes after the two siblings had answered, Valene, then Ulthok made themselves known. Valene speaking first made her way to Majestic’s side, curtsying in respect.

"My Lady, The magic you used to reunite me with the party worked."

Reaching into the pouch she carried at her waist she withdrew a dragon scale. Looking up into Majestic's face she offered the item to her.

"You had instructed me to give his to your younger self along with the message to not travel back with us. I was not able to fulfill your request as the younger Majestic was not with the party. Fate alone fulfilled your request and now this belongs back with you."

Valene reached out to return the scale to the Queen who just smiled before responding.

“Ahh Valene, my Halfling friend, if not for you I would possibly still be en-caged inside the Githyanki castle. As you can see I no longer have a place on me to return it. Keep it and the magic it contains to help you on the quest yet to come.”

With a second curtsy Valene returned to take her place. Ulthok watched as Valene addressed the Dragon Queen, then retook her seat, and it was then that he realized that he too still had a magic item that its principle use had been fulfilled. Making his way to Allanan the halfling pulled from his pouch a clear gem.

"Pardon me Sir but now that we have returned this gem you gave me to track the party so you could find us is no longer of value for that purpose. Do you wish it returned or shall I keep it for future use?"

“As you say it is no longer of any use magic wise as you are all back home. However it is surely worth a fair amount of coin, so please keep it if for nothing else then money gained.”

As Ulthok nodded his thank you and moved to sit down Arandur, Rayden, and the rest of the party, along with Allanon and Majestic, were finally joined by Lothor and Sirene. The two seekers of information let in by the two guards at the door just as Cor stood to speak.

“Might I ask for a moment of your time alone after this meeting good dragon. I have a question of utmost importance that is for you alone. Even the asking may endanger my life and I will not risk those of my companions.”

As Cor finished his request he could see that Majestic’s eyes were not on him, but on Sirene. The Dwarf could tell her eyes rested on the amulet at Sirene’s neck. The same amulet given to the Elf Enchantress by Kakaranatha herself.

“I see the Dragon Goddess has contacted you already. She must be worried about you as she gave you that amulet to let her watch you when she wants.” A tiny relaxed laugh. “So tell me Elf Enchantress have you felt her gaze yet?”…….

((DM OOC: Ok I left it there so Nimu and maybe Nomad could get some of their own questions and answers in. I’ll plan my next post for Sunday 14th to give eveyone, including myself, time to work up a post. Again my apology for the lateness of my post.))

Arandur bowed deeply and respectfully to the beautiful Dragon Queen before him and felt that she could be a most powerful ally in the struggles to come. From the tale she had told, it seemed that her's and Kakaranatha's pasts were deeply entwined, thus there was much Queen Majestic knew about the dark Dragon Godess.

But will Queen Majestic openly help us? The elf pondered. Or is she concerned about Kakaranatha's inevitable retaliation if she does lend her assistance? I have never had the misfortune of meeting the Godess, but from everything I have heard uttered about her and the dark shadow that passes over the speakers' faces and the way their eyes become pained and wary, I know that the great dragon is not to be trifled with. So I cannot blame Queen Majestic if she, too, is fearful of the consequences that may befall her if Kakaranatha discovers her alliegences lie with us. These are dangerous waters we tread.

He realised his thinking had gone on for rather a long while and he began to wonder if the Dragon Queen possessed the ability to read his thoughts. Would he inadvertently offend Queen Majestic if she could see what he was thinking? He meant her no disrespect. He, too, was wary-even nigh on fearful-of the road ahead and it had dawned on him a long time ago that he may not make it through this venture in one piece-if at all. But in his heart, he knew he must put the safety and wellbeing of the realm before his personal preservation, that is how his honorable father had lived and Arandur would uphold Talcanaiion's beliefs to the end. There was also his deer sister, Rayden, that he had to continue protect and do that he would, always. The dangers may have severely esculated since their more simple lives in the Frozen Forest, but his duty remained the same.

Rayden...I will always defend you, he vowed, no matter the cost to myself. He reached for Rayden's slender hand and gently held it in his to reassure himself she was still there and all was well. He could not imagine his life without her presence by his side, her bright optimism even in the darkest of days that never failed to save him from the dark abyss of despair. Yes, she was his light, his hope, his reason to live and endure all hardships that come his way. She was his precious jewel, one that he would not lose.

But rushing into danger blindly would not do, of course. Nay, he must use his smarts and wits to protect her, for if he were to meet his early demise due to brash foolishness...well, it did not bear thinking about.

Queen Majestic's liquid voice, like a drop of clear water on a crystal bell, brought Arandur's wayward thoughts to an end as she enquired, 'And who are you both? I do not remember seeing you in the past?'

She looked at both Arandur and Rayden in turn, her perfectly sculptued face curious but gentle. Arandur inhaled deeply, preparing himself to recount for the queen the reasons Rayden and he had joined this brave band of warriors.

'Your Highness,' he bowed again and swallowed somewhat nervously. He had never been comfortable of speaking to folk, but to converse with those of such high authority like the Dragon Queen that now stood before him was even more of a challenge. He prayed to the Gods (excluding Kakaranatha, of course) that Queen Majestic would not see his timidity. Again he took another deep breath before continuing, but then paused. Kakaranatha had warned them that if they spoke ill of her, her wrath and fury would rain down upon them.

But, he reasoned, Queen Majestic is already aware of the Dark Godess' malevolence. He lowered his voice, however, lest any unwelcome ears were present.

'If you knew my companions,' he whispered (here he gestured to the group) from ages past, then I assume you also knew an elven ranger by the name of Talcanaiion Aldavathar. He is my father and Rayden's (he glanced at his sister) adoptive father. For the actions he took against the Dragon Godess, Kakaranatha, the evil one dealt him a mortal blow (OOC: or was it poison? Sorry, I forgot!). I regret to inform you that the great ranger has passed away. Before he slipped into the netherrealm (OOC: or whatever you call heaven in Trilogy), however, he tasked Rayden and I with seeking out his old companions and informing them not only of his death, but also of Kakaranatha's darkness and imposing threat to the realm and to offer any assistance to the noble quest of ridding the world of her shadow as we can. I sincerely hope we can help to lead the group to victory and fulfil my father's dying wish...'

A wave of sadness cruelly gripped Arandur's heart in its razor-like claws as the memories of seeing his father's final moments rushed into his already-full mind. He swallowed and inhaled deeply again and glanced at Rayden. I must be strong for her, he thought and this helped to dispel some of his sorrow and helped to gather himself. His tale concluded, Arandur took one final bow and stepped back, falling in beside his sister.

Rayden kept close to Arandur but kept Brutus even closer. A hand firmly in his fur the elven ranger followed the group into the meeting room. The young ranger wanted to go back to the Canopy, even though they were sent she had a foreboding feeling about the whole thing. She turned to look at her brother but then quickly shook her head dismissing the idea of running away.

Brutus could feel his elf’s displeasure and huffed a breath before walking at her side, occasionally bumping into the woman with his nose, letting her know that she was not infact.. alone.

She listened intently to her brother speak, telling of the reason why they were there to begin with. She s kept close to him feeling him grip her hand in turn. Smiling slightly, she listened and watched the Dragon Queen speak to them.