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The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 01 Apr 2005 01:11 PM |
Adarin shifted slightly to adjust his stance, bending his knees a little to ease the stiffness.
A long night’s duty, but one which was almost over and a warm home and bed beckoned from not long away.
Life as a Palace guard, while an honour and a post that was necessary – more so lately than ever – could at times in all honesty be tedious to say the least.
He glanced over at his colleague on the other side of the door, doubtless his thoughts were similar.
He rolled his head, easing the stiffness in his neck, then looked up and blinked in surprise. Shooting an enquiring glance across at his fellow guardsman he saw the shock mirrored in his eyes.
“Rain…? Here?”
Pulling his cloak tighter around himself as the temperature also began to drop, he moved back slightly to shelter nearer the walls of the Palace and muttered a swift prayer to the mighty Lord Aros for a swift end to this duty.
Something was wrong… |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 01 Apr 2005 01:11 PM |
| ((bumped to main threads)) |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 01 Apr 2005 04:23 PM |
The rain continues to beat down upon Ferein, the air slightly chiller than normal. Though unaffected by the temperature change there is an air of disquiet about all dwelling within the realm. Such weather has never been known before.
((OOC - Whether it shows physically or not, it is raining in all outdoor areas of Ferein and will continue to do so until further notice. Any elf entering Ferein will feel slightly uneasy, slightly dismayed at the rain. Any with close ties to nature of any race will also feel the unease, rangers and druids with elven blood more so)) |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 01 Apr 2005 06:13 PM |
Ferein had always made her uncomfortable, but this was something different. Gwyneira stood in the downpour, wondering at this new sense of unease. This was something more than her personal dislike of the Elven city; it was something almost physical. She was certain that if she shifted to wolf form at this instant, her hackles would be standing on end.
Despite her Elven heritage, the tree city had never impressed her. It was too cold, too unreal... and unrealistic. A place detached from the rest of the world and deeply engrossed with only itself and with a past that could never be again. The entire city was like an ornamental vase, preserved forever behind a glass case in some museum: something to be looked at but not touched. Something distant and alien and unwilling to relinquish its secrets. Something that never changed.
Until now.
Gwyneira looked about her, feeling that old familiar feeling again. As usual, she was of two minds about the situation: each opinion standing opposite the other, neither being dominant. On the one hand, it was a relief to see that Ferein could, after all, change. For all that the Elves hated the Undead, their city may as well be one of the ruins that the Undead liked to frequent: unchanging; forever in the past; unfriendly—if not downright hostile—to those who did not belong.
On the other hand, not all change was for the better.
She thought of the lost Elven city she had visited just yesterday, overgrown and abandoned and lying in ruin. Thought of Elbereth's Tears and wondered what could traumatise a goddess so much that she would permanently scar that place with eternal sorrow. She thought of stories, repeated all across Vives, that the Kobai Desert had not always been a desert—but had been transformed into one by some great cataclysm.
A premonition flitted across her mind, passing like a ghost, leaving only a chill in its wake. It was gone before Gwyneira could glimpse its details. She only knew that it had been there, if only fleetingly.
All around, the rain continued to fall endlessly, creating glistening mirrors on every surface. And each mirror reflected a ghost of a city, frozen in time, and the image shattered with each falling drop. |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 02 Apr 2005 03:11 PM |
The skies above Ferein grow ever darker as the rain continues to fall.
The Grove and Temple Gardens echo ceaselessly with the prayers of the druid order and the Priesthood of Aros, prayers which as yet have been met only with silence.
The rain continues to fall, almost drowning out the sounds of thunder from the skies seen dimly through the trees. Among those dwelling within, the unease deepens...... |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 02 Apr 2005 03:44 PM |
Ana approached the entryway to Ferein with a bit of apprehension, there was certainly something amiss. She couldn't feel it very strongly inside of her, but the shadows seemed darker ahead, and the world more gray as opposed to the lush greens and sunlight she always remembered seeing.
Upon stepping from the passageway, she felt it... A soft cold kiss of water upon her face. Looking up she could see only rain clouds and hear the soft roll of thunder in the air. She continued into the fair realm looking down at the sopping wet earth beneath her feet. Thinking to herself "this must have been going on for a while now... this is most unnatural, I can't recall the last I felt a rain such as this here... especially one this cold."
So, she turned from her original path toward the ships and went to the grove to seek the wisdom of the protectors that stayed within. Approaching quietly, the first figure she could see had her hood up and was seemingly gazing at the ground deep in thought.
Through quiet conversation Ana learned from the druid that there was indeed something most unnatural about the rains, and the mother has given no word as to it's cause despite their near constant prayers. A sudden bolt of electric crashing to the ground drew the two womens attention immediately. The storm was getting worse.
Since even the keepers of the grove had no answers Ana set out to find her own. Even as she left Ferein she saw several more arcs of electricity come crashing down leaving a wake of deafining thunder. For the first time, Ana actually felt a little relieved to be leaving Ferein... that in and of itself caused her an unease greater than any supernatural rains. |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 03 Apr 2005 01:54 AM |
And the rain continues to fall... the temperature continues to drop...
Prayers, ever more impassioned, remain unanswered.
The storm has worsened and cloud cover is now complete, darkness broken only by the weak glow of lamps and the occasional lightning flash.
Any Elves venturing outside do so only briefly unless having business which keeps them from their homes, and even then scurry quickly over the walkways and through the trees.
Those approaching Ferein by sea will now see the monumental storm front hanging over the realm and yet still leaving surrounding areas untouched. By land, no effect is felt until reaching the top of the stairs from Mystic Wood, though looking up from there the clouds above the realm will be visible through the trees.
Ferein is given up to the oppressiveness and unknown of an endless night....
((Any Elf of Ferein will now be distinctly uncomfortable upon entering the realm, an effect that will be felt by -any- with Elven blood whatever their affiliation. A feeling which again will be more heightened among those with ties to the natural world, rangers, druids, barbarians of other races will be affected, though none as strongly as the elder race. Above all... a sense of sorrow, wrongness, and impending doom)) |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 04 Apr 2005 02:50 PM |
Adarin winced slightly as yet another burst of thunder echoed through the Inner City, the following flash of lightning picking out the surrounding buildings and statues in stark relief.
Four days now... four days of ceaseless rain, becoming ever colder. From a slight feeling of unease, those of his fellows he had spoken to - like himself he supposed - now gave the appearance of being decidedly unsettled, one might even say nervous, scared.
Huddled here in the scant shelter of the palace, one could only wonder at this turn of events.
And still... it was said, the Gods remain silent. No word from either Temple or Grove.
Blinking the rain from his eyes he stared at the closest statue of the mother, giving a brief exclamation of dismay and looked across at his colleague, who turned towards him with a similar shocked expression.
"Red!" He called, "It glows red!"
"Aala," answered his companion, nodding jerkily before running through the doors.
As Adarin turned once more to stare at the statue, now joined by others glowing the same, his colleague's voice echoed down the corridor and through the open door, "I will make sure the Council is informed..."
((Various statues of the Mother have taken on a sickly, red glow... meanwhile the rain still falls and the storm thunders on. Elves living within or visiting the realm will now feel almost as if they are living through a nightmare, the unease almost oppressive, only heightened for those with closer ties to nature.)) |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 04 Apr 2005 05:05 PM |
Vurbag held a firm grip on the cliff. Why did he do this anyway? Probably because it was so dangerous that no other person would be mad enough to do it. He looked down, the temple gardens seemed smaller than a one-man tent from up here. He took the copper spear out of his bag. With his massive arms, he plunged it deep into the very rock.
"Dat was 'un...five to go...".
He started his long climb back to the gardens. Little did he know that he might get fried doing this...
((Vurbag Usko is setting up copper spears on the six highest cliffs surrounding Ferein to avoid the lightning striking down on trees and elves.)) |
Vurbag Usko - Missing
Melinne Carshall - Missing |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 04 Apr 2005 05:48 PM |
Reports had come in, but they were not complete. They were mostly rumors whose sources were not the most desirable people. The White Bishop dismissed the reports off hand, saying,
If the elvish home is in danger, it is through their own fault. Such is the punishment for those that dare defy the Just Hand of Midoran. Truely, it is not our concern, unless, of course, Felves invite the New Order of Midoran to enter their lands to save them from their wounded land. We have, after all, experience in saving sickened people."
-Comment attributed to White Bishop Vidus Khain, the Chosen Voice of Midoran. |
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
-Henry David Thoreau
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 06 Apr 2005 07:29 PM |
As suddenly as it started... the rain has ceased
The last echoes of the thunder faded to be replaced by silence as the Elven of Ferein looked to the skies in hope - but the clouds remain.
The rainwater on the glowing red statues quickly freezes until it seems to the untrained eye as if the Mother herself weeps tears of blood for the realm.
And then the snow began, the wind that had caused the rain to lash throughout Ferein blowing the flakes around in a frigid, stinging, unending blizzard.
The unease grows...
...to despair, as Ferein lies under darkness, frozen in time. |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 06 Apr 2005 07:44 PM |
Johe skittered through the tree's of Ferein nimbly. Looking for the path to Elvalia's house, as "Gramma Elmerie" had suggested
"well at leest tha rain stopped, maybe Gashers mom fixed it", he muttered to himself, rubbing his arms absently," she outta put anutha log on tha fire tho I think."
The white flakes started to sprinkle through the tree's as he walked up the stairs to the plateau where Elvalia's house stood. He squinted in thought.
"Well tha's strange," he murmered," only uther place I seen that is...," He quickly turned and ran towards the Gladden, grumbling, "Bluddy icy's they bin gettin' too big fer their britches anyway, I shulda gessed" |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 09 Apr 2005 03:29 PM |
Frozen Ferein... for such it now is, frozen and more, an increasing air of wrongness; of nature awry. It has been noticed of late that the very trees, the plants, the beasts that inhabit the once timeless realm are beginning to show signs that not all is well. The name all but unknown, until now, disease...
Birdsong which had normally rung clear through the primal trees now sounds forced, coats which once shone in the filtered light through the canopy above now look distinctly lacklustre. Eyes which once shone in the glories of untouched nature, now look glazed and begin to dim.
Not all are affected, it is true, and certainly no elf has shown signs, though there are rumours...
Rumours that the malaise may have affected the very highest in the realm. |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 09 Apr 2005 05:41 PM |
Quin wasnt able to understand it. He did not have any particular faith of his own, and had, to the best of his recollection not returned to Ferein in some time.
Yet something within led him to believe returning the shard was the correct thing to do. He had even been offered 12,000gp for it from one trader, which meant it was most likely worth over 150,000gp on a more open market. He was sure Jand would give him a good price for it.
But something within drew his loyalties elsewhere. He placed the note.... and waited to see what would happen.
As interested parties all confirmed the same story he knew it had to be returned and he knew he could not ask for any gold in return. Elmirie and Rasputin were both clear. The Tear could save Ferein.
As he handed it over he felt a sense of loyalty.
"How can this be. I'm not a follower, Ferein isn't my home. Why loyalty? Honour maybe, a sense of righteousness event, but loyalty? It doesnt make sense."
And then as Elmirie pointed out this was but a shard, not one of the tears but a mere fragment, Quin felt disappointment.
"I thought it would help". His protestations were not mere self preservation but a genuine sense of disillusionment, a feeling that he had someway failed Elbereth.
"It still might". The fair elven's word were comforting.
"I still might" he thought, as the sense of loyalty returned. |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 10 Apr 2005 03:33 PM |
Even here, within the palace, there was no hiding from events within the realm, not that any would wish to.
Though largely unaffected by it, all could feel the cold, hear the blizzard which raged outside, read reports from others.
Princess Sairalindë Nénharma, for so long leader in all but title, looked up from her prayers at the figure on the bed and rose slowly to her feet. Turning to a nearby attendant who, like others in the chamber, could not take his eyes from the scene, she spoke softly, "She has passed, could you inform the Council and ensure that measures are taken to inform our people?"
With an effort of will the attendant focused his eyes upon her and nodded once, "Of course Your Highness." At which he glanced once more at the figure on the bed and hurried silently from the room.
Turning once more towards where the woman lay the Princess knelt once more, pausing only to consider the effect the news would have on a people already close to despair.
**** Displayed prominently throughout the Kingdom of Ferein ****
It is with great sadness that the Palace announces the passing of Queen Celebess Nénharma, widow of our late King and mother to our beloved Princess.
Be it known that her soul is now at peace in the embrace of Elbereth and Aros.
As is custom there will be a short period of mourning prior to the funeral.
May the Mother and the Archer watch over us all as ever.
((The funeral will be held as an IG event on Thursday 14th April commencing at 9pm GMT or thereabouts - all are welcome to attend)) |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 14 Apr 2005 03:07 AM |
| ((Bumped as a reminder... this will now take place most likely at 10pm GMT, or thereabouts. Any who have been involved so far or with an interest are urged to attend)) |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 14 Apr 2005 07:01 AM |
Calia stood with the high Priestess, she looked tired and a little worn. The hope of the elven people was so low with the loss of there Queen and the sickness of there home it was all taking its toll on everyone. Calia had been dealing with so many people wishing to have there prayers answered sent on to Lord Aros. Calia helped dress the Queen for her funeral and with the instructions from the council helpped set up the area for everyone to attend. She had to admit that she wondered if Tarik or whoever was making Ferein sick would strike today, it would be as good a time as any, everyone would be low and everyone would be there.
I wonder if today is going to get worse... |
Its easy clinging to your moral high ground when you have everything, try it when you have nothing left.
Cain Angus |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 14 Apr 2005 10:28 AM |
| ((Can I ask approximately how long this is likely to take?)) |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 14 Apr 2005 10:39 AM |
| ((Difficult to tell but I would imagine no longer than 3 hrs)) |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 14 Apr 2005 11:36 AM |
| ((Thanks. That's a good enough guide. Will do my best to be there. *grins* |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 15 Apr 2005 05:05 AM |
***Bearing the signature of Princess Saeralinde Nenharma and the seal of the Council of Ferein***
Let it be known to all loyal to this realm that a meeting of the Council will take place to discuss the recent affliction which has beset our people.
In light of the seriousness of the situation and recent information discovered by the druid order, the meeting will be declared open to any wishing to attend who may have a desire to assist.
May the Mother and the Archer watch over us all as ever
OOC - THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW AT 10 pm GMT (or thereabouts). Any who have any involvement or wish to be involved, whatever their race, are welcome to attend. |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 15 Apr 2005 06:20 AM |
| ((OOC: Would that be Friday at 4 PM CST or Sat at 4 PM CST?)) |
Signed,
Bhrodi Ferocitas
"From discipline comes all else."
"He who wins the war writes the history."
"Si vis pacem, para bellum."
("If you want peace, prepare for war.") |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 15 Apr 2005 07:30 AM |
| ((Saturday at 4pm CST ... um I think)) |
ELVES! |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 15 Apr 2005 01:35 PM |
((Saturday at 4pm CST ... um I think))
((yes, that is correct.)) |
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Re: The Sickening of Ferein
Posted: 16 Apr 2005 01:28 PM |
| ((Just a reminder that the next episode will take place today 10pm GMT, (4pm CST 5pm EST) no need to worry about levels as it will be RP intensive, and once more all are welcome regardless of race)) |
ELVES! |
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