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Seeds of faith.
Posted: 12 Sep 2007 05:12 PM |
The elven woman worked quietly, kneading more flour into the sticky mess that would soon be freshly baked bread. The quiet of her kitchen was however disrupted by the cheerful shouts of a young girl.
"Mom mom! Come to the garden come see what brother has done!" the young girl yelled through the open doorway before running off.
Wiping her hands clean of the excess flour she shook her head with a smile, and set the dough aside to rise. "I had better make sure they haven't made a mess of things."
As she walked around their small home, and the garden came into view her smile vanished. There, sitting in the soil seeded but a few weeks ago, was her son.
This in itself was not strange. Her youngest had always shown an interest in farming, from the time he could walk this garden was practically his playground. No, the strange thing was the state of the seedlings.
What had been neat rows of sprouting vegetables, herbs, and tubers was now a writhing mess of tangled vines, and at the center of the whirling mass of bizarre vegetation sat her son.
Dark brown eyes peered from behind shaggy raven black locks and the child nearly laughed as he spoke. "I asked them to grow for you mommy, I asked them to grow!" |
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Re: Seeds of faith.
Posted: 12 Sep 2007 07:22 PM |
"Is that your answer then? Silence?" the druid asked with a vague hint of humor in her voice.
Breaking away from his thoughts he turned back to her, "Forgive me Sister, I was not paying attention."
His thoughts often wandered during his lessons here in the grove, something that earlier on had lead to contention with his teachers. That was until one of the elder druids decided to take him under her wing.
Old even by elven standards, his new teacher showed great patience with him. She once confided in him that she too was a dreamer. During her youth she had frustrated more than one instructor, to the point of being declared unteachable.
"Did you even hear the question?"
"I'm sorry Sister, but no. My mind was elsewhere." he responded sheepishly.
"I asked you, What is the nature of a druids power?"
He thought back on his lessons, searching his mind for some thread connecting her question to a previous lesson. A few simplistic answers came to mind, "our power is the Mothers", "our power is nature". But he knew she expected more than regurgitation of the words drilled into his head by past instructors.
"Has your mind wandered again child?" she asked after a bit.
"No Sister, I was just thinking on your question."
"Come now, this should be simple for you. Only four years ago when you first discovered your talent and were brought here for training you already knew this."
He remembered it well, the panic as his mother rushed to what she thought was his rescue. The fear that followed as the vines began to wrap around her legs. Then confusion as the child she sought to save walked toward her, the plants moving aside, leaving a clear path for him.
The very next day he was brought to this place, his mothers tears mirroring his own as she told him this was his home now. "You must stay here," she wiped the tears away from his cheeks and tried to smile. "They will care for you, and teach you how to control this gift of yours."
He begged, he pleaded with her, "I promise I'll never do it again, I'll be good, please let me come home, please mommy!" but he knew this could not be allowed. Deep down he realized if he did not learn to control this gift, he would only hurt himself, or someone he cared for.
"Do not fear this place child" came a voice from behind the young elf. "Elbereth has seen fit to give you a gift, and here, among her faithful, you will learn to wield it with skill and wisdom."
The child turned to face the elven woman who had spoke. He had forgotten until now. The woman whom they spoke with that day, it was his teacher. They had met only briefly while his mother and the druid discussed the situation, questioned him, and tried to assure him this was all for the best. Then, still with tear-filled eyes, he was taken to what would remain his quarters for the duration of his training.
"Ah, then you do remember" the druid spoke. "And you seem to have let your mind wander again."
"Yes Sister, I'm sorry," he sniffed lightly as he rubbed at a red-rimmed eye.
"Do not worry child, in another year you will be allowed time to visit with your family. Latonei is not far away, and you can visit them daily."
He smiled and nodded at her, only a year and he can again see his family, this thought relived him greatly.
"But" she interrupted his thoughts abruptly, "you still have not given me an answer."
"I believe" he began, "a druids power is simply the power to ask."
"Is that so?" came her common reply when she wished him to elaborate on an answer.
"A druid does not command, a druid does not demand, we ask. We ask the Mother for her help. We ask the beasts to aid us. We ask the plants to grow."
She seemed to consider his answer for a moment then nodded. "A good answer child. A druids power lies in their ability to work with nature, not against it. To coax the world around us into the tools we require. So yes, in a way we do ask, and this is the nature of our gift. I think that will conclude our work here for the day, go now and think on all we have discussed."
Smiling, he thanked her and left, his thoughts drifting back to his family, soon he would see them again. |
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Re: Seeds of faith.
Posted: 13 Sep 2007 01:58 PM |
Time seemed to pass either slowly or not at all within the grove. Over the last few months he had not only come to respect his instructor, but he began to feel a connection with her. She was more than a teacher, she was a surrogate grandmother.
They talked of many things. His days were filled with conversations of faith, duty, instruction on plants and herbs, and some of their uses. He learned of those who would seek to subvert the cycle, and those who would destroy it utterly. But he particularly enjoyed the discussions on faith.
"Elbereth, like all mothers, gives of herself for the sake of her children. And she asks little in return." Sister Lyeine told him. "The tenants of our faith are few. Respect the cycle in all things. There is a time for life and a time for death. Never call upon the dead, and seek at all times to return the waking dead to rest."
She had told him this many times, but he had come to understand that the importance of these words could never be overstated. Death is a part of life, and a vital one. A balance exists in all things, and we should at all times see to its preservation.
"It is important that you understand these things Amon, not simply remember them, or know another persons reasons." Reaching to her side she picked up a drying leaf that had fallen from the branches above. "Why has this leaf fallen." she asked as she handed it to him.
Taking the offered object he examined it carefully. "It fell because it died?"
"Is that so?" she responded with a smile.
Again she was prompting him to think for himself. He had given the obvious answer, one any could see. He thought for a moment then offered "It died, and the tree shed it to make room for new growth."
She nodded at him but remained quiet.
"If the tree did not rid itself of the dead leaves, there would be no room for new growth. More and more leaves would die, and eventually the tree would wither and die as well."
"Very good" she smiled at him. "And how does this compare with the rest of the cycle?"
"If" he paused and considered his words carefully. "We are the leaves, and our world is the tree" he offered.
"Oh? How so?" came her reply.
"When we die, if the world does not shed us, there will be no room for renewal, and the land will wither and die."
"Then you understand the importance of the balance?"
"Yes Sister, I believe I do."
"Good, then go and rest, you must return early in the morning, just at sunrise. We will have important matters to discuss." |
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Re: Seeds of faith.
Posted: 13 Sep 2007 04:59 PM |
He arrived at their daily meeting place shortly before sunrise. Sister Lyeine was already there and waiting for him. "Come, sit beside me. As I said there are important matters to discuss today." She motioned him over and he took a seat near by. "Have you enjoyed your time here child?" she asked.
"Yes Sister, I have. It was difficult at first, but soon my fear subsided."
"Good, you have learned much in these last months. I have confidence that you understand your abilities, and can show restraint in their use. I believe it is time that you be allowed to come and go as you please." His eyes lit up as she spoke these words. "But, it is also time for you to make a choice."
"What choice is that Sister?"
"You must decide if and how you will continue your studies. Do you wish to remain here, train among the druids and serve Ferein? Or do wish to study in solitude, if you choose the latter you will still be welcome within the grove."
He thought it over a moment then asked "Do I have to decide right now Sister?"
"No, take a few days if you need. But remember if you decide to stay, you will be in the service of Ferein, when you are grown you can, and will be called upon should your home have need of you."
He nodded "I will consider it carefully Sister."
"Good, in the meantime you may go and visit your family. Tell your mother and sister of your time here, ask their advice." She reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder. "But before you depart, I would ask that you spend a few hours with me. Not as a student, but as a friend."
He was confused by her request. While she was kind to him, and he saw this woman as a role model, even as family, she had maintained her role as his instructor.
Noting his hesitation she let out a soft laugh, "Come now, have I been so harsh during our lessons that you would refuse me this?"
"No Sister, you just caught me off guard."
The conversation went on, they spoke of family, of friends, of hope for the future. She shared more stories of her youth and he listened intently to her every word. The sun continued to rise and warm the ground around them, and still they talked. As the conversation began to wear down she bade him to go and see his family.
"Go now child, spend a few days with your family, and then decide. If you choose to return here, remember all that I have taught you."
"I think that I have already decided Sister," he smiled toward her. "I hope that we can continue these lessons, and our friendship when I return."
She returned his smile, "Go now and you can reach your home before the sun sets. You do recall the way?"
Nodding he stood and started his journey home.
"May the Mother guide you in all things," she called to him.
It was nearly nightfall when he finally reached his family home. The windows were illuminated by the oil lamps within giving it a warm and inviting glow. He approached the door and knocked. The rest of his evening was spent in joyous reunion with his family as he told them of his time among the grove, and of his teacher become friend, Lyeine.
Back within the grove however, two druids approached a still form laying upon the grass. The first kneeling beside it. He placed a hand on her chest and waited. "She is near the end."
"I will inform the others," the second replied before she headed off.
"Sleep now Sister, your work in this world is done." |
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Re: Seeds of faith.
Posted: 13 Sep 2007 08:53 PM |
She hadn't told him, but why? Lyeine knew she was dying, knew that she would be gone before he returned. He didn't even get to say goodbye. The ritual was over, her body cremated, and the ashes sprinkled along the banks of the Oamael River. That question would plague him over the years to come.
He had indeed decided to serve Ferien, but he was still young, not even considered an adolescent yet among his people. But the druids agreed to continue his lessons on the promise that when he reached maturity he would join their ranks. And so he divided his time between his new home and his old, the years fading one into the next.
He remembered Lyeine's teachings, it was her mannerisms, her way of thinking that he adopted and shaped to be his own. Her words, every one he held onto in his mind, lest some aspect of her wisdom that he had not yet discovered be lost to him. And he grew.
He was by no means a prodigy, just an early bloomer, he had to study closely all aspects of his druidic training. All the while seeking the answer that was not obvious. When posed with a problem, his first solution would always be met with the thought "Is that so?" And he would delve deeper into the question.
Eventually the day would come when he would be considered in full, a member of the order, part of the grove. He served as well as he could, answering when called. This was his life now. His mother beamed with pride the first day she saw him in his robes, "Your father would have been so proud of you. He always had a great respect for the druids."
His sister, ten years his senior, was just as proud. She had long ago become a ranger, and requested a post in Latonei, so she could keep an eye on their mother. "Don't let it go to your head," she chided. "You're still my little brother."
Time passed easily for the most part, and he survived the troubled times that laid ahead. The tears, the sleepers, he played his part as he was instructed and soon all was once again quiet.
Then came the Atalan. |
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Re: Seeds of faith.
Posted: 14 Sep 2007 11:50 AM |
There had been a few rumors that spoke of them recently. The Atalan, spotted near Gladden. Travelers had been attacked. What would come next? The druid had heard these tales but paid little attention to any of it. And then the news arrived that Brandibuck had been attacked, her people who could not find shelter slaughtered. The few who survived the attack were heard to name their attackers as simply elves.
Before all the fires were even extinguished in the hin village, the city of Port Royale was fell upon. A brave few fought, and fought well there, defending what was left of the lower city and driving the invaders back before they could breach the walls of the upper city. They named their attackers as well. Atalan.
The Halls of Bregodim fell unknown to most of the world. Even the white city, Midor, did not escape this rampant slaughter. And when they sought to blame someone the eyes of the Bishop and his ilk fell upon Ferien. Gladden was not far behind, killed off to the last man.
And then they came for Ferien. From Slyvain, ground not unused to bloodshed, to the Mystic Wood, into Latonei, they killed all they saw. The battle went on as the deep elves pressed on toward Ferien, both sides showing no signs of retreat. If not for the efforts of all who fought that day, and the quick thinking of Elvalia, the losses would have been truly staggering.
As the wounded were brought in, any with even the slightest knowledge of the healing arts came to lend their aid. He searched the faces of the wounded, spoke to those he recognized, "Have you word of Aradera, or my sister Rania? What of Latonei?" But nothing he heard brought him any solace. Latonei was lost, cut off from Ferien to stop the attack.
As he worked the conversations around him offered no hope, and his heart sank. A total loss they called it. Many spoke of the other cities, burned, in ruins, the number of dead still unknown. So many had died, would his family be counted among them?
He thought of his home, little more than a shack, not far into the woods from the ranger's outpost, looted and burned. He thought of his mother, killed by these invaders while she went about her daily chores. He thought of his sister, taken in battle, in defense of Ferien. He thought of the stories of his father, a ranger felled by Tarikian arrows on the Slyvain trail mere months before his birth. And he felt truly alone. |
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Re: Seeds of faith.
Posted: 14 Sep 2007 01:50 PM |
The troubles continued, on the evening of the Atalan attack it was later discovered that Midor had attempted to march to Ferien. Their efforts proved fruitless when the very ground they walked upon turned against them. The druid however continued his work seeing to the wounded, all the time wondering what had become of his family.
It wasn't long though before his question was answered. Reports started to come in from the scouts sent to the Mystic Wood and Latonei. Rania's body was discovered bow in hand near the stairway. All signs showing that she fought to her last breath. Aradera was found armed with a carving knife yards from what remained of her home, blood dried on the blade. She had fought as well.
But there was work to be done, he had little time for mourning. All who could helped prepare timbers, medical supplies, and foodstuffs, these were sent with a detachment of elves to Brandibuck. He had volunteered to go, but was told to remain in the grove.
Word was still arriving, the damage done by the Atalan was great. It was even said that the home of the orclun had been taken, and her inhabitants enslaved. The hidden stronghold of the Novus Aristi deep within the Midor Mountains was rumored to have fallen as well.
He felt useless. He was not there to save his sister, or his mother. Even if he had been, he realized he would have died alongside them. The people outside Ferien were suffering, and he could not help them. The troubles continued for Ferien as well. The assassination of Sairalindë, the departure of the Arosians. All of these things contributed to his sense of unrest. He felt he could no longer remain in the sanctity of the grove.
On a day when he could get away from his duties, the druid traveled to the Oamael River. There on the banks he sat, gazing across the water to the Mothers shrine, and let his mind wander. Aradera, Rania, Lyeine, their faces passed through his thoughts, a rush of emotion accompanied each. He recalled stories of his Father, a man he had never known but still loved very much.
Then the dams burst, grief overcame him, and he wept. His body shook, his mouth opened to scream, but no sound could escape.
He mourned them all at once. |
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Re: Seeds of faith.
Posted: 14 Sep 2007 03:07 PM |
He awoke, his body sore, the sun had already set. He did not recall how long he had been there, or when he had fallen asleep. He still felt the pain in the pit of his stomach, that gnawing emptiness that had brought him to tears hours earlier.
It was time for him to make a decision. Would he remain within the grove, or would he travel across the inner sea. He wished desperately for the council of Lyeine.
"Do you shed these tears for me?" He could hear the words in his mind as though she had spoken them.
"For you, and for others," he mumbled out a reply.
"Foolish child," he imagined her scolding him. "Death is not an end, you will see us all again."
"Yes, I know. But I need your help now. I feel there is much to be done, but I do not know if I should remain here. Even if I leave this place, there is little I can do."
"Is that so?"
He laughed through the grief, even though she was but a memory she was still trying to teach him. "I have nothing to offer but my faith."
"Is your faith not enough? Has it not sustained you this far?"
"Sister, I see now why you didn't say goodbye. It was because you were not truly leaving me. Even now I am learning from you."
In that moment he had decided, he would speak with the elder druids and request leave. He would take his faith and walk the lands outside Ferien. He would hone what skills he possesed, and turn them to the Mothers work, and through his actions bring her to those in need.
He stood, dusting the dirt from his robes, and for the first time in months felt at peace. |
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Conflicting Ideas.
Posted: 23 Jan 2008 02:26 AM |
More than one aspect of this plan worried him. The avatar of war was an abomination in service to an abomination and clearly it must be destroyed, but why was any of this the concern of Helkris. She was known for many things, but altruism was not among them, so why was she the one spearheading this effort.
He had been told by some that the sands of the Kobai were the true domain of Vilyave. Was this a lie? Did this Avatar and its master stand in her path to strike at her sister? Was there something else he didn't take into account perhaps? Could this be related to the idea that had troubled his and even Salt's thoughts when he shared it with him?
This avatar of war, as well as the one that serves Helkris whose birth he witnessed, and the possibility of another, a child of a dwarven mage serving among the demons. They all shared a few common aspects. A portion of their creation involved the care an nurture of a mortal being, and each wielded terrifying powers. Were the gods planning a war, and was this the first step?
But this thought worried him less than another. If that were the case, no mortal could truly stand in the way. To worry over something one could not control was senseless. No, what truly worried him was this: If he helped with her plan, it would mean violating one of the few tenants the Mothers faithful. At no times, call forth the undead.
To wake this "Lion of the Kobai" would be doing just that. He was torn. If this plan would destroy the Avatar of War and its master, and restore a great part of the balance, what would the mother think. He had spoken to Vrodo on the subject and shared his concern. He knew that without hesitation he would give up his life in service of the Mother, but would give up his faith?
He took his questions and his heavy heart to the Oamael River, there he would ask her for guidance.
He knelt before her shrine, and laid the very staff she had blessed him with across his knees. Placing a small bundle of sage at the feet of her statue as an offering, he closed his eyes and prayed.
Speaking in the druidic tongue he told of the plan and the choice that laid before him. He spoke of his hopes and doubts. His hope that this creatures destruction would restore the balance that much more, and his doubts of Helkris' good intentions. He told of the decision that laid before him, and begged guidance. Should he aid them, would this violate his oaths?
His voice quavered with doubt, as tears of pure frustration threatened to escape his eyes.
"I know you have watched me, I know that you have approved of my actions until now," he placed a hand upon the blessed branch that had been gifted to him. "But I do not know if the task I take up now is of your will."
His eyes opened and he gazed up at the statues face. "Mother, I am an instrument of your will. I am your words to those who would listen, your ears to those who would speak, and your sword to those who would threaten the balance. I wield the gifts you have given me as best as I know how, but I do not know what to do."
"I beg you, to give me an answer. Do I aid them, do I help raise this man, this Lion? If I do so, have I turned by back on you, on what I have dedicated my life to? I have been told that this is his fate, to be called back to destroy that abomination, is there truth in that?"
He again closed his eyes and waited. "I ask only for a simple answer Mother. Aid them, or do not." He listened to the wind, to the river, to the rustle of leaves, that is where her answer would be. If one came at all. |
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Questions are answered, questions arise.
Posted: 27 Jan 2008 11:34 PM |
"Sister?" The young elf watched his teacher awaiting acknowledgment.
Lyeine stooped and cut another leaf from the Skullcap plant at her feet, handing it to her student. "Put this in the bundle with the others." She nearly smirked at the expression on his face. "And don't give me that sour look, I heard you. Ask your question child."
The scene shifted and flowed, no longer were the two out on one of their herb gathering trips. He was now following her along the walkways of the old city. "What should I do if I am ever faced with a question I can not answer?"
"All questions have answers, even if the answer is simply that you do not know." Stopping with her back still toward him. "But you have something specific in mind do you not?"
He nodded and again the scene around them blurred and changed. They now stood in a seemingly endless landscape. Rolling hills covered in tall grass spread out to the horizon on all sides. "I don't know what to do Sister. I wish to help them, but am I breaking my oath?"
She turned to him, but the face he saw was no longer that of his teacher. A feeling of warmth and love overcame him as her eyes fell on his. "The answers you seek lie within you, child," he stared, transfixed by her gaze. Her words seemingly coming to his mind rather than his ears.
"But you ask the wrong question. Does the rabbit ask my will before the dash across the open? Does the hawk before it strikes? In doubt the Cycle falters." She took pause allowing the words to truly soak in.
"I trust your faith. Trust my faith in you. And the Cycle will endure."
She turned and began to walk away, her form fading more and more with each step. The child fell to his knees and closed his eyes tightly.
Amon blinked against the light of the noon-day sun. He had fallen asleep. For days he knelt in prayer hoping an answer would come, if not from the Mother than perhaps from himself. There before her shrine he waited without food, water, or rest, until fatigue overtook him.
Slowly pieces of his dream began coalesce in his thoughts. The scene played out again in his memory and he knew he had his answer. Were those words from the Mother, or simply something he had known all along and just needed time to fully realize? Either way he understood now that he had to act.
Even if his doubts were proved in the end, he had to act on what he believed to be best. And this creature had to be destroyed. He half-dragged himself to the riverbank and drank. He would stand with them, but a new question arose inside him. Was he the hawk, or perhaps, the rabbit? |
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Blood and Sand
Posted: 06 Jun 2008 07:05 PM |
A cry of utter rage and frustration echoed across the sands. The druid looked around in shock, never before had he heard such a sound. The horses had been on edge the whole trip. It had taken both Shira and the druid to keep them calmed as they drank from the small oasis. Again the wailing cry came, reverberating through the canyon. The horses shied and laid back their ears, the whites of their eyes exposed in fear. Amon's horse reared, pulling the reigns from his hands, and bolted across the desert. It was only thanks to Shira's strong and practiced command over her horse that she kept it from doing the same.
"Take your horse and ride on, quickly," the druid told her. "I will track down the other and follow after."
The woman offered no argument. She mounted her gelding with ease and looked down at the elf. "Be careful, and make sure you bring back my horse." She rode off towards Bloodwood and left the elf alone with only the sand and the cries of some great beast for company.
It was easy to locate the horse, but difficult to calm it enough that he could ride on. Despite his skill with animals, the mare was in a panic. But he soon convinced it that safety was to be found in listening to his instructions. At the edge of Brandibuck Vale, he reunited with Shira and turned over the reins, "I would advise against returning immediately to the north, I will seek help and find the cause of this disturbance. I suggest you remain in the Vale for the time being." He left to find the Seer without waiting to see what decision she would make.
The mage emerged from his underground cavern just as the druid approached, they exchanged greetings and Salt began to tell Amon of something he had discovered in recent research at Ashasi, but the elf politely interrupted in order to relay the events he had just experienced. Both believed investigation was of immediate importance. Together, they set off.
It was not a route to be undertaken with carelessness, even in the best of situations. They made their way quickly across the sands encountering not only the native dangers of the desert, but a small contingent of undead as well. As they grew closer to the source of the bellowing cries they encountered something neither had anticipated: Demons.
Progression was slow after that. Amon taking the fore, Elebreth's blessings flowing through his body, protecting him and lending strength to his arm as his sword bit into whatever opposed them, and Salt at the rear calling upon the arcane, together they cut down foe after foe. He was truly glad to have the magus with him in this battle. The demons taunted them at every step, seeking to break their resolve, but one after another they fell. The bile rose in the druids throat, these creatures did not belong here. He would not tolerate it, with a single minded fury he attacked all he saw and sent them back to the hell they spawned from.
Spells flew from both sides of the battle, sand was turned to glass with blasts of fire, blades struck together and rang out. In time they reached the source of the echoing cries, the place known as the Devils Backbone. The scene that greeted them was one of pure horror. The bodies of demons and wyrmlings were strewn all across the cliff top. And at the center of this mass of bodies laid a great blue dragon, it's body battered and scared, flesh torn from bone.
They approached the beast with caution and were greeted with suspicion, the beast laid there and spoke to them. "Have you come to finish me then?"
With some convincing, and an introduction, the druid was allowed to approach, he took from his pack a small glass vial and offered it to the dragon. Pulling the cork he slowly poured the tincture into its gaping maw. The healing it offered was not complete, but that was to be expected. A human sized potion could not fully restore such a massive creature. Salt spoke with the great lizard and soon they had discerned what had occurred, and who was at fault. The mages of the dark province were to be blamed for this.
The dragon continued to speak with them, her frustration and anger still visible on the surface. They were told to seek and speak with Vaast'liax. Before more could be said, from the north a demon appeared, and with one spell struck down the dragon in mid sentence. Amon charged, Salt on his heels, he drew his blade and struck. The Balor, though great in power was overwhelmed, it attempted to destroy the druid in the same manner as it just had the dragon, but Amon stood his ground. He felt the crushing fury of the energy the demon had released, but with the Mothers protection he resisted.
Cut after cut sapped the demons life blood until it turned to flee. But he would not let it go so easily. The druid pursued and called down godsfire, but it was to no avail. The creature vanished, called back by its masters. "Coward!" he cried out as his quarry escaped justice.
The two took a brief moment to consider what had just occurred, and made way into the jungle north, doubling back to reach the coast where they were met and joined by the strange monk who had began following the Seer only days before. There they sailed to the coast of Brandibuck. The gnomish contraption was ready and waiting for them, truly their arrival had been anticipated and provided for. The machine took them up high into the clouds, and landed safely in Aerialle.
They were escorted to the chamber where the great dragon resided. There they shared what they had encountered, and were told of the task that laid before them, if they were willing to accept it. |
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Gone Was The Wind
Posted: 12 Jun 2008 02:43 AM |
After taking time to gather help, and resting to restore their strength, the Seer and the child of Elbereth met again within the glade of Brandibuck. There they were joined by Talion, and there they discussed in part what was to come.
Soon they departed and took passage on a ship to the far eastern shore, joined there by the orclun Ophelia, and the desert woman Saana. From there, through the jungle, they traveled to the Devils Backbone. They met with the dragons and spoke in detail on what lay ahead. Those who had only just joined them were made fully aware of what they sought and who guarded it.
After some discussion and a few moments of rest they departed and took up the trail of the Naillamne mages. The trail led them across the sands, and south towards Bloodwood, and into the small hamlet of Brandibuck Vale. Demons and undead fought them at every turn, but within the Inn known as The Hole in the Ground, they came face to face with their enemy. Fighting off yet more demonic creatures, they moved quickly past the spreading flames and found one of the black robed mages waiting.
He was there only as a distraction, attempting to appeal to the Seer's analytical side, tempting him with the promise of knowledge and power. But he would not be swayed, they would not sit and treat with this mage, swords and hands raised, all ready to strike. The Magister's skilled manipulation of magic prevented the other from casting, and three blades struck one after the other, ending the mans life.
Though Ophelia had departed, for her own reasons, the others continued on the trail. The druid stayed behind taking on the form of a water elemental in order to douse the growing flames within the Inn. In a short time he reunited with the others and they picked up the trail again in Hardknot. Into the mountains they were faced with a demon of such strength that the druid felt as if he was merely a gnat nipping at a bear. The devastation it dealt out was almost awe inspiring. It laid waste to the swordsman, the others only escaping by the slimmest margin.
On the verge of death, and nearing exhaustion another felt unable to continue on. Talion, likely due to the injuries he suffered at the hands of the demon, felt the need to depart. Kneeling, more from frustration than the aches that wracked his body, the druid spoke to no one in particular. He felt helpless. If these mages could summon such a powerful creature what hope did they have should they face them.
The thought then occurred to him, that to summon such a thing would take a great deal of energy, a great deal, it was a last ditch effort, he didn't doubt it, they had to be close. That beast was sent to end their pursuit, and it had almost worked. Amon shared his revelation, and then urged the remaining three forward. They took a shortcut through the mines, and past the old fort occupied by the orcs. There, beyond the crumbling and broken walls, they saw their long sought enemy.
Three of the mages were there, one at the head the obvious leader, and two on either side of the wind, apparently maintaining the enchantment that bound it to their will. More demons were called forth, and the druid, seeing an opportunity to turn the battle rushed forward. His blade drove deep into the first of the two who bound the wind. Unable to defend himself, he fell quickly. He turned and directed his attention to the other and dispatched him as quickly as the first. The bindings broken, the wind freed, he came around to face the third mage.
Magics blinded him, and a ringing in his ears made it impossible to hear. He flailed around, with only instinct to guide his blade. He called out for the others to come to his aid, knowing not if they even still lived. He could feel foul magic tearing at his body, trying to drain his strength, noxious gases filling his lungs. Lost in his own dark maze he continued the fight, not even knowing what, if anything, he was attacking.
Finally his vision cleared and the deafening ringing in his ears subsided. The third of the black robed mages had vanished, fled back to his home. Both the Seer and the desert woman lied still upon the stones. The druid was unaware if they were dead or only gravely injured. The wind that they had worked so hard to free danced about and giggled, and moved to the body of Saana. There it danced and twilled, calling on healing energy to restore her. On her feet again, the wind turned and moved to Salt, but quickly turned away, leaving the druid to see to his wounds.
In a flash of lightning, the wind vanished. For a time they thought perhaps it had escaped, and their efforts to return it were for naught. Another flash of lightning, followed by another, and another, seemed to be laying a path for them to follow. At the end of that trail, a great bird, a Roc, circled in the air. It landed and lowered it's head, extending a wing, it bade them to climb onto its back. Salt and Amon, upon its back, and Saana resting comfortable in its massive claw, the bird flew across the sky.
Landing again where this had all started, the Roc allowed them to dismount and then flew away. They made their way back into the caverns below, and they found there waiting for their arrival the very wind they had just freed. It had not escaped, only returned to those who had sent them to find it. There they discussed what had happened, and what was yet to come in this task.
It was far from over, in fact, the most difficult part still lay ahead. |
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The Subtle Stones
Posted: 12 Jun 2008 09:18 AM |
It had been some time since the incident at the standing stones, Amon had thought back on that day often. The strange creature that was summoned, the effort to seal the rift it had traveled through, and the eerily strong sensation that Elebreth was watching the whole thing. When time permitted he questioned those he could on not only the stones themselves, but the use of such circles in various rituals.
He had recently spoken with one of the druids within the grove, and was still awaiting a response. The Seer known as Salt had offered to share what information he could learn. He made good on his promise this day. He had been to Asashi on other business, and took the time to search their library. He provided a handful of accounts that mentioned the Standing Stones.
Little was disclosed, only that on occasion monks travel there to sit in meditation within the circle. In one account the writer even went so far as to say that one should not disclose what if anything they discovered during their meditations, that it was a personal experience.
The druid knew nothing about meditation in the Asashi style, but after departing the Seer's company, he found himself on the Northern Highway. Curiosity had gotten the better of him, and he reasoned that while manipulation of energies near the stones could prove disastrous, an attempt at meditation could cause no harm.
While not an expert on the subject, he reasoned that their method of meditation could not be so very dissimilar from his own. Amon often found himself taking the time to simply sit, clear his mind, and allow the sounds and feelings around him to come into clearer focus. It was more communing with nature than meditation, but it was a start.
On the hill top, at what he judged the center of the circle, he sat. Blessed with a disciplined and strong mind thanks to his training, he was able to still his thoughts. He slowed his breathing and let his senses reach out to the surroundings. The sounds around him seemed enhanced, the rain, wind, rustling of the leaves, even the animals in their burrows. On the surface, this was not unusual, but slowly another feeling seemed to creep toward the edges of his perception.
He felt the strong pull of the natural world as he always did when away from civilization, but there was something more to this. It would be difficult to put into words. A subtle change, it was as though the druids intangible ties to nature were ever so slightly enhanced. The connection that he always felt had changed from the feeling of morning fog damp on the skin, to a single thread of spider silk stretched and waiting across a forest path.
At this revelation, his concentration began to slip. Before he could turn his senses to this thread of silk, it seemed to snap. His eyes opened and he let out a sigh. It was there, he had felt it, but he lacked the methods to follow it. Standing, he wiped away the leaves that clung to his robe and moved to one of the nearby stones. He placed a curious hand on the surface and felt the cold mossy stone. "There is something to this place, secrets waiting to be discovered."
Speaking in the druidic tongue, he uttered a simple prayer taught to him by Lyeine many years ago."Grant me wisdom and time Mother, that I may use them to serve you." Walking away, he paused for a final look back, and then departed to find a place to rest for the night. Perhaps in the coming days, he could speak with the Seer's new shadow, Avestan, and learn more of the ways of Asashi meditation. |
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Sow and sow
Posted: 01 Nov 2008 01:07 PM |
Amidst the boles of the ancient trees in the jungle, he gathered, Skullcap, and Witch Hazel. But he did not take leaves for alchemy, he plucked the most ripened seeds he could find. In Brandibuck near the home of the seer, he took cuttings from the Aloe. In the forest south of the sleepy little village he found clover, and again he took seed.
He traveled further south, across the fields and moors, and then into the fields of ash that once were, and would one day again be Midor Forest. New growth came fast, even after such devastation, and he would try his hand at helping it along.
Along the bank of the stream he began his work. Speaking softly in the Druidic tongue as he planted each seed and cutting. "Grow, grow here alongside these fresh waters. This land needs the life you will bring."
He made room in the ash-laden ground for each seed, each cutting, and cupping his hands in the stream, he gathered water and carried over, giving them their first drink in their new home. |
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