Fantasy The Seed of Life

[Effervescent]

It's been two hundred years since the kingdoms last saw peace between those with magic and those without. With the following death of the land's peacekeepers, known in legend as Dragon Wardens, humans allied with orcs and drove those with magic from their lands in fear of the power they could possess against them. As time passed, animosity grew between the two societies.


Not but three years ago rumors passed through the lands of a Dark Army rising, a society of Shadow forming within the Twisted Woods once again. The rumor grew to reality as they slowly crept out from the woods, kidnapping innocents for nefarious purposes and slaughtering those who resist. Magical beings began to feel a threat upon their magic as it grows weaker. And then, as the Dark Army grew in number, the threat became too grand to ignore. Humans, orcs, and all manner of magical beings must now set aside their differences to combat the Shadow before it consumes the Four Kingdoms.

 

[Effervescent]

Prologue

Upon the walls of Rosenfall patrolled the Watchmen of the Wall.The expansive city rests atop a hill where roads wind upwards like snakes to the grand castle where the young King EfransMalan presides. The walls were built in the time of his great grandmother in efforts to keep out the unwanted and, eventually, those with magic. Despite its prejudices and trade setbacks, it is the capital to the most prosperous kingdom in the allied lands. Through the former king’s negotiations with the orcs, their success has only been bolstered.


Shadow plagues the allied lands as the Twisted Woods grow further from their origins. This prosperous land, so close to the gnarled treeline webbing further into their farmland, now finds themselves at the forefront of tyranny. Even with the aid of their orcish allies, they find themselves at a loss for time. As citizens are swept from their homes to disappear for seasons in slavery and torture unless they submit to reformation in Shadow, the King’s Army struggles to catch their oppressors before it is too late.


“Perhaps it is time to set aside our prejudice of magic,” the Queen Regent advised her son. Careful footsteps approached the end of the table where the young king sat with an untouched meal. Holding court to address the state and fate of his land was beginning to take its toll. Every plan they put forward was of no use. Even when his men had encountered the Dark Army, all of them died.


“And go against my father’s wishes?” the King said. “What could magic do for us? Why would they want to help my people?”


“Remember your teachings, majesty,” she said. “The Arcane can locate the Shadow. They have-“


“You heard the Elssar’s predictions. The land will fall to Shadow.”


Just as the King’s hope faltered, a white flag billowed in the Spring breezes heralding the coming of a traveler. The watchmen of the wall stood uneasy at the sight, knowing the signal is for peace yet fearing a ruse. Eyes fixated on the figure as it approached only to reveal Elder Lannya, the elf, as she halted at the gates.


“I request an audience with your king in matters of the growing Shadow.”


A moment passed into minutes as the request was sent down the chain of command eventually leading to the escort of the representative of the magical society. The people of Rosenfall rushed into the streets as the elegant elf passed through the cobblestone streets. There were some who had never seen such grace in a walk. It was often said to be akin to floating.


The young king agreed to meet with Elder Lannya, and they spoke for hours on matters at hand. The magical world was dying from sickness, their magics threatened by the taint placed upon the world tree. The king explained his situation with his people, and she graciously listened with genuine concern.


In the weeks to come, King Malan called upon the leaders of the allied kingdoms and of the Lands of Magic to converge within the halls of the castle of Rosenfall. Those of magic reluctantly acquiesced while the rest made haste by horse or by airship. The threat of Shadow was a great foe filled with slippery snakes that strike swiftly in the night. Everyone agreed this blight upon the lands must end before it is too late.

Warlord Szul took his place next to the young king of Thallas, his black eyes staring minacingly at his magical enemies across the table in the war room. King Nalthson conversed openly with the Vuaturi representative Thannel as they awaited the meeting's start. Per usual, King Drovane of Faledrin was nowhere to be seen. King Malan had hoped he was just late for the meeting, but upon a missive he was informed that Drovane would not be attending the event.


King Malan stood, hands raising in the air to call order and silence among the gathered. "We will begin without King Drovane," King Malan stated. "The matters of our land are too pressing to wait on someone who cares so little of even his own people. King Nalthson, thank you for coming so quickly. I know it is a long and difficult travel from your home in the mountains. Do you mind telling us of the struggles in your land?"


"The Twisted Woods has grown into Baladur as well," King Nalthson responded gruffly. He stroked his grisley white beard as he spoke. "On top of this growing rebellion from the natives, I now have to deal with damned dark creatures tearing through my villages. We have reports of a pack of Tainted using my mountains as a feeding ground."


King Malan nodded, his nerves fluttering in his heart as he looked to Warlord Szul. "Has the Shadow reached your people? Have you had any issues with your own becoming Tainted?"


Warlord Szul shook his head, his decorated dreads in metal clasps clattering with the motion as he crossed his massive arms over his chest. "No," he stated simply. "But my people have fought against the Shadow before."


"How did you do it?" King Nalthson asked curiously, fascination lighting his eyes as he leaned forward in his seat. Szul slowly nodded his head towards the other end of the table where Elder Lannya and Thannel sat. The two elves, their expressions set with sternness, held their stare with the orc. The imposing orc said nothing more.


"Warlord Szul explained to me that magic is what helped their people," King Malan explained. "Good magic."


"No offense, but the orcs tore down their magic fairly easily this past war," Nalthson pointed out. "Their weaponry is beyond powerful. They should be enough."


"They had dragons once," Szul added. "And then they didn't. But Shadow is different than their magic. They are its only great weakness."


"That makes no sense," Nalthson grumbled, his back hitting his chair as he slumped in disappointment.


"Magic does not follow your laws of understanding," Elder Lannya finally cut in with a voice as smooth as velvet. "Regardless, we need your aid and you need ours. Our people are dying in one way or another due to this threat of Shadow. We need to work together-"


"If you're the answer, why don't you go in and fix it for us?" Nalthson interjected. "Seems like magic is the answer to all our problems, yet you have been sulking in your woods over a war long past."


"We cannot do it alone," Thannel explained. "Our numbers have thinned considerably due to the war. We have been restricted to the confines of Eversyth."


"Indeed," Malan said in return, "we ended the war in agreeance we would not tread on each other's land. But now we must move past this and work together."


The discussion was long, but proved fruitful in the end. Legions of magic and non-magic alike would finally march together through the allied kingdoms and the ever growing Twisted Woods to combine their efforts against this Dark Army. Plans to locate sects of Shadow and those enslaved by them and to attack and level Kal'kath head on were in place. There was just one caveat.


“We need to find the Seed of Life,” Lannya stated. "We will only aid your people if this is made a priority."


“What is this Seed of Life?”


"A Seed of Life is how the World Tree began," Lannya said. "My people are connected to this World Tree, as are every living thing, even you, in a small way. It is the balance of life and magic. It gives us our soul and our magical attunement. Seeds of Life are grown when the Tree feels a growing threat upon its existence. The continual mass use of Shadow Magic is corrupting the World Tree. There would most definitely be a Seed of Life to be found."


"Do you know of a location, or will we be sending our people in blindly?" Asked Malan.


"We have a location," Lannya said. "All we need are the people to find it."


"And what if you don't?" Nalthson asked.


"Then the World Tree dies, and with it, our souls."

Chapter 1: Springer

​

Aboard the airship Galbad'ul presides the hardworking orcish crew as they set sail through the air spaces of Thallas. Within their cabins lies the greatest hope for the war against the Dark Army; the select warriors from both magical and non-magical lands. Through whatever means, they were eventually plucked from the gathered ranks in Rosenfall and assigned on this most important mission to the Northern Mountains of Baladur. While the humans and orcs were a little skeptical of this mission, those with magic prayed for its success.


"It's most of the day's ride to the monastery," explained the ship's captain to the gathered warriors. The orcish woman frowned at the inconvenience of their travel. "When we arrive, we will sound the bell thrice. Do not travel past this cabin. If you are dying, use the intercom located at the doorway."


Reluctantly, the captain remained before the selected warriors, though only out of duty in case there were any questions. The cabin was a modest size fit with two four-person tables, simple wooden chairs, and a lovely view of the scenery passing on either end with grand windows spanning the length of the two outer walls. The intercom was a rectangular device set within the wall lined with labeled buttons to designate where to send your communication. As the ship began its slow journey out, the city scene quickly turned to sprawling lush fields of greens dotted with wildflowers until they reached dense farmland with rows and rows of crops. The Spring sun danced brightly through the billowing clouds that carried with a light breeze. It was a beautiful day. It was not the scene of a world thrown in chaos.


@DergTheDergon @Elle Joyner @Keitsumah @Kharmin @ShyEra

 

[Elle Joyner]

Wynleth Kinor

It was incredible to think that after everything that had transpired over the years, the world could still be so beautiful. When she had arrived in Rosenfall, she had not found a people eager for reform or progress, but a cold and suspicious people. It had been a sobering moment when she'd come through the gates to sneers and whispers, and hateful gestures.


She had come expecting a world ready for change, but she had found instead, entirely what she had been warned she find. Hatred and anger and fear, because of what made her different.


She had not turned back, but in her heart she knew her fight would not be an easy one. Hood pulled up to cover her ears, she had continued her journey more apprehensive than before, but came at last to her destination.


Now, in the airship above the clouds, she watched the world fly by as she had never been seen it... Beautiful and untouched, as if the Shadow had never been. It was the world as it could be, but how it might never be if they could not learn to set aside their scorn and work together. Turning away from the window, Wyn looked to the others on the ship and sighed, softly.


"What have you gotten me into, Rem..."

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitas Rynn



​

The quiet rasp of cloth over metal could very easily have gone unnoticed in the room, muted as it was by the hum of the engines all around. Leaning fearlessly against one window, Keit stared down the hundreds of feet below to the landscape as it passed beneath her feet. Her trademark weapon, a double-headed spear, rest easily in one hand as the other continued its slow, almost clockwork rhythm in polishing one blade until the steel shone like a mirror.


Eventually, she paused, glanced up at the captain to hear her words, then deftly flipped the spear and began polishing the other blade. The blacksmiths had been all too eager to reinforce the staff with wire and sharpen it after she'd dropped a few more gold coins than needed on the counter. It wasn't like she ever expected her life to last this long with her recklessness, and a faint smile quirked her lips as she thought about several of her last excursions. Yes, reckless, but she had finished each mission with aplomb. Maybe that was what had caught the attention of those who had chosen her and the others for this mission.


Failure was never an option.


The second blade flickered in the light, and the hand holding the rag halted. Then pocketed the oiled fabric before she sheathed the weapon across her back with a sharp click of the hooks strapped to her back snapping shut over the rod. Her gaze swiveled over the other inhabitants within the room, sizing them up. She didn't consider herself a better fighter than any of them, but if anyone was to meet her gaze they would find a deep seated ferocity towards their completion of this mission.


After looking them over, she turned slightly to face the room completely, rather than half facing the room, half facing the window. Arms crossed, her voice rang out clear and crisp over the hum of the engines.


"We may as well get to learn two critical things first. Name, and weapon specialty." she said coldly. "I am Keitas. Spear Maiden. Expect a high amount of movement from me if there is combat, so please try not to hit me if any of you are archers or...mages." The last word said a little reluctantly, though she kept the note of disgust in check.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Arriving in Rosenfall that morning, Vallen sauntered through the crowd, head held high, each step resonating with purpose and conviction. He was here to embark on a journey to find the Seeds of Life that had not yet been destroyed, and find some way to stop the shadows. He saw this as reason to ignore the glares, insults and jeers leveled at him as he headed to the orcish airship which he was here to board. Prejudice was an unnecessary point of view, and only hindered the progress of sentient life as a whole, the way Vallen saw it. He just hoped that one day, when his people and the other magic folk had helped rid the land of Shadow once and for all, that it would be a much more widely accepted point of view.


In one of the chairs closest to the back of the room, facing towards the door so as to get a clear view of all the room's other inhabitants, Vallen sat with his arms folded in his lap, back straight but posture relaxed, calmly observing his peers for this journey with a neutral expression on his face. His analytical blue gaze swept over each person in the room nearly equally, and Vallen seemed to take his time with each observation.


In front of the window was a light-skinned female elf, a Sur by the looks of her, who turned and sighed softly,nervously glancing over the others. He understood her trepidation, for certain, being in a rather small room as part of the minority, as it seemed all elves in the room would be from here on out. in fact he felt much the same despite how calm he may seem on the outside to the others.


Vallen's gaze then swept over a fierce-looking human female keeping hold of a double-tipped spear. To Vallen's mild surprise, she took that very moment to turn the the others from the window and speak up. Her voice was cold and even in tone, carrying over the engines with confidence, as expected of the way she carried herself and the sharp look in her eyes as she looked over the others in the room with intensity. Vallen looked to her, expression still neutral and unchanging, and began to speak clearly yet calmly, his gaze passing over everyone else in the small room as he introduced himself. "Vallen. I fight with the blade, and arcane magic," he said, gesturing to the blade at his side with one hand, and observing the room for any suspicious-looking glances in the others' eyes at the mention of his magic, to see who he needed to be careful around in future.

 

[Sha]

Godric III sat amongst his new peers with a smirk which caused a curl to form in the brush of his upper lip. From the side of his mouth that did not rise sat a wooden Sherlock pipe with a slightly longer than average stem. Smoldering tobacco within the bowl gave rise to a soft grey matching the color of his eyes as he took another puff. The narrow top of his head was bare, clearly shaved as the balding man’s dark hair stubble outlined where it was meant to grow. His helmet, smaller than was ideal, shared the subtle cone shape of the top of his head as it sat upon the side-table just beside him.


“If you are dying, use the intercom located at the doorway,” An orc lady said to the warriors. Godric let out a hushed laughed which caused a cloud of smoke to be exhumed from the bowl of his pipe. The idea that someone with enough finesse in the art of war to be seated in this room would suddenly begin to die tickled him. Seated between Godric and the window was the side-table which held his helmet. He glanced out of the window when the orc had left. “Ne-ne,” He laughed softly to himself, “B-E-A-Uitful,” He muttered before tending to the tobacco of his pipe with a thin metal packer.


The silence which followed her departure was brief, and though Godric’s mind was beginning to wander to the warmth of home, he did not mind this breach of silence as he was genuinely curious as to the state of his new companions. The first to speak was a beautiful young woman with all the sternness of a warrior. Her voice was stoic and she wasted no time on unnecessary words. Godric thought her to be nobility of some sort due to the way she addressed them all so suddenly and with such clarity. The room was not exceptionally large but if one were timid it would be easy to have their voice lost amongst the low rumble of the engines. He noted her apparent disdain for magic as she finished her own introduction. Next spoke the Vuaturi. Godric had never met one of his kind before, but as the magical being looked about the room Godric could see in his eyes a wisdom only attainable through an age unattainable by humans. Removing the piped from his lips with his left hand and laying his forearm upon the chair’s armrest he smiled to Vallen when their eyes crossed.


Then Godric stood. He cleared his throat from the tar which had accumulated and swallowed the mucus he had ripped free. “Me name’s Godric Bjorkson the third, son of the mighty warrior Godric Bjorkson the second, son of the less mighty, though mighty still, Godric Bjorkson the first,” He said with a smile which now did not hide the grey of his iris. “I’m a spearman, ye know,” He said, pausing to puff at his pipe three times as his eyes glanced about the faces surrounding him. “From the heart of the north, I am; Baladur. I’m not a smart man, if I’m bein’ honest to ye, but I know ‘ow to spill blood. So if ye don’mind, I won’be doing much of the plannin’, but if ye need a distraction, ye don’t hesitate to ask now.” His smile now grew to the point where it seemed to encompass the entirety of his face. With seemingly shut eyes he finished, “The old best die before the young, ye know. N’ from how pretty all of ye are, I venture guess ye have many years left to live, and not that ye can’t do it without me help, but be sure I won’t be letting ye die before me. After all, ye’re the ones who ought to have the time to enjoy the freedom we come to win, ye know.” He paused and breathed deeply through his nose as he allowed his eyes to pass once more over the room’s denizens, “Well, that about all there be to me. Sorry to disappoint ye,” A laugh filled with sincerity escaped his throat as he finished. He puffed once more upon his pipe. His smile lessened as he sat and adjusted himself into his chair.

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/57a8c4c01a70c_Jadzia_50.jpg.7edd567d7a8c8f536d30d329e5ad3124.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="76666" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/57a8c4c01a70c_Jadzia_50.jpg.7edd567d7a8c8f536d30d329e5ad3124.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Jadzia kept her head down, most of her face hidden by the cowl of her cloak with the exception of her blonde hair that spilled out from within. Between her fingers, she absently spun one of her arrows as if she were inspecting the fletching on it. Truth be told, she was nervous not only with this latest excursion but with the collection of warriors that had been assembled around her. Compounding her anxiety was the flying ship which set her nerves on edge – Muld were meant to be on the ground, not soaring in the clouds like birds.


She dared a peek out from under the edge of the hood as the others began their introductions. Her steel-grey eyes passed from one to the other as they spoke. Women and men both had been brought together for this task and her first glance told her that they all seemed quite capable of their part. Jadzia purposefully avoided Vallen's gaze at the mention of magic.


The warrior Godric's boasting brought a slight smile the Jadzia's lips. Here, at least, was something familiar: a man from her own region who carried with him the same bravado as many in her village. She admired his cool, collective posture and wondered how someone from Baladur could be so comfortable inside the airship.


Jadzia's feet shifted below her where she leaned against the airship's bulwark as a brief moment of turbulence shuddered throughout the vessel. She clenched her jaw against the urge to vomit and hoped that the cowl concealed her airsick visage. As the moment passed, she swallowed before trusting herself to speak.


Her thick, Slavic accent betrayed her Muld heritage to all who listened. "Name iz Jadzia," she said, "and am archer." She casually waved the arrow she was holding. With a perceptible nod toward Keitas, she continued, "my arrows are true; have no fear spear maiden. We fight same cause, no?"


The ship barely lurched again. Jadzia replaced the arrow in her quiver and used her longbow as balance as she eased herself down to sit on the floor. The sooner the airship landed – anywhere – the sooner Jadzia would be rid of the damned thing. She kept her head down to allow the hood to continue to hide most of her face.

 

[Writer]

Life had been full of new experiences for Krizar, a fresh reminder that even at the age of 107 there was always something new to learn or discover. First, there had been the city of Rosenfall, a huge, booming city, the likes of which Krizar had never dreamed of seeing. It was incredible that cities of this beauty exited, with the tall spires and walls that seemed to stretch to the very heavens.Within the city, Krizar received many long glances and murmurs as he walked through the city on his way to the airship Galbad'ul. He wasn't surprised by the level of attention he was receiving. Most had likely never seen a Maldviri before, and he doubted none of them had ever seen a Justicar in the flesh before. His bright, elegant armor stuck out from the dull, placated metals of others' armor.


When Krizar reached the airport, he was in store for the second new discovery of his life, the airship Galbad'ul. An airship was something that Krizar had never heard of before. In fact, when he first received the order he thought that the order had been written incorrectly, there was no ships that flew, only the birds did such a thing. Galbad'ul was very much a flying ship, though. A fact which he found both fascinating and a bit unsettling. In a way, it seemed almost unnatural that the ship should fly. Krizal had some aprehension as he stepped aboard the airship, but once he was aboard he found the airship relatively stable. It was no different than sailing on the Glassy Sea, except instead of sailing on water this ship was sailing on air.


Upon entering the cabin, Krizal was a bit confused at the cabin's occupants. Had the orders been wrong? Had he missed the expedition? Surely this could not be of such importance if those who comprised the expedition were so...unimpressive. Perhaps that was why he had been summoned. None of these people would last more than a few seconds with a Tained or the Shadow. It seemed that job would solely fall to him. No wonder they needed the skills of a Justicar.


As the others made formal introductions to each other, Krizal waited patiently to speak. When at last the time came for him to speak, he communicated himself quite clearly. "I am Justicar Krizal. I have been sent by my order and the Light to ensure that the Shadow does not impede your progress. Should we come upon the forces of the Shadow, step back and leave them for me. Where you would be destroyed in seconds by such a few creatures, it will take many more than that to land more than a soft bruise on me. And, new friends, be warned. I am a Justicar, which means I am bound to the holy book Ozon, and I will uphold its statues at all times. Should one of you do something that violates the statues, I will be forced to take action against you to deliver your soul to the Light." It was a bit of a somber way to leave things off, but Krizal felt it was something these people needed to know. It wasn't personal, it was just his job, to go forth into the World and on behalf of the Light deliver justice as written in the Ozon.

 

[Seanzah Angel]

JASIRI MOYO

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/57a8c4cdecdf8_JasiriMoyo.jpg.3be6dda0ff88cd1c46355e71d60aaf16.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="77310" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/57a8c4cdecdf8_JasiriMoyo.jpg.3be6dda0ff88cd1c46355e71d60aaf16.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

The journey to the north was surprisingly short for Jasiri. The tales he heard of the travels of other Maldviri people brought on him the assumption that it would be very tiresome and trying. Some of them spoke of their distaste for the people of the north and their way of life. Admittedly, he was afraid that he would feel the same about the people of the north. He was so accustomed to the Madviri way of life that he didn’t think he would be able to get used to any other way of life. And he was still young for a Maldviri, but he soon learned that the definition of what was young varied widely between the northern peoples.


The biggest reason for it seeming like such a short trip is that Jasiri had to do next to nothing on the way. The journey across the Glassy Sea was set up by much more experienced sailors than him, so he stayed in the passenger deck and helped out with cleaning and feeding the others. The journey was rather steady, as the Glassy Sea always seemed to be very calm. Jasiri liked to believe it was especially calm for the Maldviri because of their association with the Inner Light.


Once the ship had docked, Jasiri made sure to thank the sailors and especially the captain for the trip, and set off with a small band of Maldviri soldiers, most of whom he knew, further north. For several days they traveled from city to city, but it was nothing he wasn’t used to. The only difference was the temperature. It seemed that now his robes were more useful in shielding himself from the cold rather than protecting him from the hot sun and the rough sands.


He also expected to have fought with Shadow Casters within the first couple days, but was surprised to find that the borders of some of the cities were actually well fortified against the Tainted and other such things. He also expected to have trouble speaking to many of the people, and with some of them he could hardly tell what they were saying, but for the most part it seemed rather easy going. And of course he could sense the eyes watching him, but he knew that would happen. He was watching them, too. Mostly out of curiosity, but if he had to be completely honest, it was because the cultures he was being exposed to were very different from what he was used to.


It was definitely a change, but he was determined to make the most of it, for when he returned home he knew he would have many stories to tell his brothers and sisters. The best of which so far, he knew would be the story of the journey in the ship that could sail through the air.


Jasiri had never seen or even dreamed of anything like it. When he saw it, he was very puzzled because there was no water around, but he trusted that it was just another weird thing from the north. And when the craft began to raise in the air, it was as if Jasiri’s heart stayed grounded while his body rose upwards. He gripped his sword in his hand as a reflex while his other hand held tightly on his robes. His breathing became short and quick, but as the ship began to move forward and he saw the others relax, he did as well.


Then within only a matter of minutes, a human woman began to introduce herself. He could tell by the way she spoke suggested she was used to being in some sort of position of command, or perhaps just used to being on the front lines of fights. She looked like she could handle herself, though he suspected her way of fighting and the spearmen of Maldvir had a very different way of fighting. Then a human-looking man with very pointy ears spoke. Jasiri raised an eyebrow, not expecting the ears, but didn’t really think it any more odd than the disgusting drinks some of the men of the north drank in their taverns.


Jasiri enjoyed the voice of the next man that spoke, Godric Bjorkson. Though afraid he might seem rude, he began to smile as the man told the group of himself. He liked the lively way in which he talked, a high contrast against the two previous speakers of the group. It was refreshing, to say the least. Then a girl whose face was partially covered by a hood spoke, and she seemed to be one of those people that he couldn’t seem to make out a single word that they spoke. He frowned, trying to concentrate on her words, but to no avail.


And because of the angle that he was sitting next to the woman, he could see that she was having trouble with the air travel. Admittedly, Jasiri was as well, but it didn’t seem to be much different than sea travel for him. He dealt with it much better than her, and he wanted to try and comfort her, but he suspected that if he couldn’t make out a word she spoke, she probably wouldn’t be able to understand him either. So he remained quiet towards her, but still tried to think of something to say to the rest of the group. And he was so entranced that he didn’t even realize Krizal was speaking until he was done.


He looked up from where his eyes seemed to be looking into blank space and smiled faintly. His eyes darted to Krizal for a moment and saw him to be a familiar face, though one he couldn’t seem to place. He returned his gaze to the rest of the group before his staring seemed unnerving, and began to force out his introduction. “My name is Jasiri. I come from Maldvir and practice the ways of the Inner Light. I am well trained in fighting against people of the Shadow, as well as protecting others. I hope to become fast friends with all of you, despite our many, many differences.” He said, a shy smile spreading across his lips as he ended his introduction. He meant what he said, though he knew expecting to be friends with everyone was probably not the most practical wish to be made.

 

[Elle Joyner]

Wynleth Kinor

They had only been airborne a short while, but the time had come, it seemed, for introductions and posturing. Wyn watched the others as they stepped forward and announced their names and specialties, each (with the exception of one hooded creature who seemed more apt to curl in the corner and hide) with increasing amounts of confidence and pride. Her heart began to pound as it neared her turn, her mind swelling with an uneasy doubt. These were seasoned warriors, veterans of their art... she had barely practiced with her weapons and had never completed her studies in magic. At this rate, she'd be hurled off the ship, should they discover just how inexperienced she really was.


Swallowing whatever shreds of pride remained within her, Wyn rose to her feet and dropped her hood back, the tips of her ears a bright red, which slowly flushed color into her cheeks, "Uh... I am called Wynleth Kinor. Wyn. From Emalnahar. I've got... knives? And..." And a sword she could barely lift, "And I studied ice magic, at the Academy." Where she never graduated, because before she could finish, her life was irreparably crushed by the loss of her father...


Still, it was fair. She hadn't lied... Not entirely, anyway. They needn't know all the details, not yet. Not until it mattered. She might not have had much experience, but she could handle herself when it mattered, and what she did possess was an uncompromising passion. Her father and her brother would be avenged, even if she had to give her own life to see it done. Weapons and magic were well and good, but in the hands of someone lacking heart and faith... in the hands of someone who desired renown, more than resolution, they were as useless as an unarmed, blind beggar.

 

[Semblance]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/elfrz.jpg.65c142d447715092626a6accac02e369.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="77376" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/elfrz.jpg.65c142d447715092626a6accac02e369.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


A pair of piercing golden-brown eyes gazed out from the dark cloak that he was wearing as a tall muscular elf leaned back in his wooden chair. Arun's dark brown hair framed the edges of his sharp cheekbones, hiding his pointed ears underneath his tussled hair and warm hood. After registering the captain's voice over the intercom, he naturally found himself admiring the sprawling lush green fields passing by them. The bright sunlight glowed softly down onto the ship, painting the wooden boards a gentle gold. Had the world not been engulfed in shadows, one would think that all was right in the world.


Arun shifted his observant eyes over to the company that he was with, taking each and every one of them into account. He listened intently to their introductions, including their name and weapon specialty, as he tried to gauge each of their personalities and skills. His golden-brown eyes finally rested on Wyn, the only familiar face in the room, as she stood up to voice herself.


His piercing gaze softened as he remembered the day when he had brought back the dead body of Wyn's older brother. The devastated look in her and her mother's eyes had almost broken his heart. Afterall, Oremi, her brother, was one of Arun's best friends back in Emalnahar. The two had practically grown up together, along with Wyn and his own younger sister. After the Shadow had brutally ripped away their loved ones, the two male Sur's had set off on a quest to destroy the Dark Army along with some of their other courageous friends. However, after a fateful battle, Oremi had fallen victim to a shadow monster, forcing Arun to pause their quest in order to bring his friend's body back to his family. A wave of guilt churned in his stomach for the thousandth time as the battle replayed in his head. He couldn't help but consider all the things he could have done in order to prevent the death of his best friend.


His mind snapped back to the present as Wyn sat back down and the attention of the group turned onto him. Giving the female Sur a small comforting smile, Arun rose to his feet, the wooden chair creaking as he stood up. "My name is Arun. I'm from Emalnahar," his smooth voice filled the air as he introduced himself. "I use my dual daggers for offense and my Earth magic for defense," he explained to them, his fingers instinctively grasping the handle of one of his blades. These daggers were the only thing that he had left of his parents, for each of them had crafted one and presented it to him the night before he left for the Academy. A second wave of guilt passed through him as he wondered what would have happened if he had never even left his family. He could have prevented their deaths had he been there. But he wasn't. "The Shadow has no place in this world, and I will do whatever it takes to vanquish them for good," he added, a vengeful look brimming in his eyes, before sitting back down in his wooden chair.

 

[Effervescent]

Above Thallas And To The Hills

​

The Galbad'ul's captain took her leave as soon as the warriors began to prattle off their craft and trade. The orc woman sneered, or maybe she was fixing her lip to rest under the small tusks that jutted from her underbite. In the hours that followed, the airship's crew would be about their business, readily avoiding the common area to give the chosen warriors their space and allow themselves a better work flow for the duration of the flight. The deep hum of the quad engines hung continuously in the air as the ship propelled its way through the lush terrain of Thallas.


Farmland sprawled for miles where rows of young crops swayed in the breezes of Spring. From where they traveled, it barely looked as though Thallas had been touched by the taint of rising Shadow. The flight carried with it a stunning view out of each window that rested upon the port and starboard sides of the common area. it wasn't until they drew closer to the rolling hills that they came upon a homestead completely blackened and marred by pulsating Shadow Taint that sullied the soil. Dead crops and livestock wreathed the remains of a cottage. The entire scene was in stark contrast to the serenity of life that surrounded it.


Within the hour after, the captain chimed upon the speaker system, her voice crackling with the technology as she gruffly and concisely stated, "We're docking the Elssar Monastery in five." A click followed, and then silence. Just in the distance, the red slatted roofs of the Elssar Monastery could be seen lining the tallest hill surrounded by nothing but tall grass and purple wildflowers. The humble Elssar lived within grand seclusion, though their home was always open to the traveler.


The engines rumbled louder as they eased the Galbad'ul to a stop at the well crafted skyport. The Elssar specifically built the port for better relations with the orcs, and thus far it has delighted them to see it received so well. The airship's crew quickly set to anchor the floating ship to the stone structure of the port, opening the door and setting the dock to allow the passengers to exit.


The Monastery held an earthy pallor in the air, like the sweet must of cedar reminiscent in Baladur. Just at the entrance of the port was an older looking man, his aged features without the frame of a frock as his bald and bare head glistened in the sunlight. A warm smile adorned his lips within the embrace of thick curving wrinkles that pushed up his cheeks. The Elssar was simply adorned in robes of gray delicately lined in strips of bright red. He opened his arms in a welcoming gesture to the passengers as they exited the ship.


"Welcome!" he said. "I am Elssar Borus. It is such an honor to meet the ones I had come to see within a vision. We have a hot meal waiting for you and soft beds for the night. We have been looking forward to offering our hospitality to those who wish to vanquish the Shadow blight. Shall we proceed?"


@DergTheDergon @Elle Joyner @ShyEra @Keitsumah @Kharmin @Sha @Writer @Seanzah Angel @Semblance

 

[Elle Joyner]

Wynleth Kinor

If that didn't absolutely beat all. She wasn't entirely sure why it had surprised her so much to see Arun there - Of course he would be there, she had practically followed in his footsteps, but right there, in the same crew, as remarkably determined as Oremi had ever been, it was both immensely reassuring and entirely unnerving. Arun knew well enough that she was no warrior, and with his damnably frustrating overprotective nature she wouldn't have put it past him to call her out on it, but his was a brief introduction, punctuated by the same thirst for revenge that she herself possessed and then he sat and fell silent and unable to help herself, Wyn breathed out a sigh of relief.


After the introductions, most of which only served to make her feel completely inadequate, Wyn tucked her hood back up and focused on the view. It wasn't until they passed over the blackened, shadow-scarred lands, with homes burned to dust that she could recall why she had shown up at all. Her mind, seeing the charred buildings, the devastated fields, revolved back to that moment only a few weeks prior, opening the door to find her brother beneath the shroud...


Her features turned to stone as she stared down at the turmoil below and her knuckled tensed to fists, balled tightly. Warrior or not... this was why she was here - because these monsters needed to be stopped, and someone had to do it. They might not have been the most put-together army one might find, but they were there, they were ready to fight, and that had to count for something.


When the ship finally came to a rest of the docks outside the monastery, Wyn pulled away from the window and turned to find the other elf from her homeland, slipping through the crowd until she'd caught up to him, a hand coming to rest on his arm, her voice a husky whisper, "Runey... Listen. I... I'm not sure what you're thinking, but I could wager a guess. I know you're probably not thrilled with my being here, but could you not say anything, to the others? About... you know... about me maybe not being exactly on their level? Please?"


@Semblance

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitas Rynn



​

The young woman's eyes narrowed when Krizal basically claimed they were all next to useless compared to him against the Shadow, and her hand rightened on the shaft of her spear, each finger drumming down in rythm as she took a deep breath, forcing herself to settle. He was 'of the Light' as he said, not of Shadow. At least he might be useful as a meat shield later the way he spoke.


Keitas listened keenly to each as they took their turn speaking, but she did not speak again herself, her eyes skimming the ground below until they came to rest on the destroyed farm.


Again, the dark orbs narrowed, the few lighter colors intermixed in them glinting in the light. She had seen many of these wreckages -had fought the Tainted beasts that had wandered too far from the Twisted woods. Had killed more than half. And each one seemed uglier than the last.


However, she was not left long in those grim thoughts, as the ship docked, and she followed the others out to meet with the Elssar. Her gaze remained blank and cold, but the small smile that quirked her lips belied it as she bowed her head politely to the elder. "Lead the way, sir."

 

[Sha]

Godric III enjoyed the taste of oak and coffee which floated atop his tongue as he held the tobacco’s smoke within his mouth. He puffed out a cloud of soft grey as he looked through his window intently and with a slight furrow of his brow. The man had seen much in his many years of being a warrior of Baladur but what he now saw was quick to remove the smile from his face. A single homestead covered in a shadow caused not by the blocking of the sun, but rather, by some force of hell which seemed to him to trickle upwards from the very earth upon which it engulfed. He did not shudder but watched, as if entranced, as the Shadow Taint pulsated around the dead which sullied the ground. As he released another puff of smoke his nose tingled with the smell of rot, as though somehow the evil which pervaded the small crop of land below managed to waft its scent through the skies and sully the room in which he sat. Clearing his throat, Godric stamped out the final, dying coal which lay in his pipe before tapping it gently into a small glass ashtray seated just beside his helmet.


The image refused to leave his thoughts and was accompanied by the lingering scent of death. The party was informed they would be docking at the monastery shortly. His usual happy, thoughtless grin returned to his face as he packed another bowl of tobacco into his pipe, lighting it as they docked. He stood and allowed the others to exit first as he always does when he noticed the two Surs speaking in a whisper. With a twitch of an eyebrow he puffed on his pipe and followed the others out, not wanting to intrude, though he wondered how it was that they knew each other; until now he didn’t think anyone was acquainted.


As Godric stepped out of the aircraft the scent of rot which had lingered for the past hour in spite of his tar-dulled sense of smell suddenly vanished to be replaced by the smell of cedar and a calming freshness of air. Standing before them was a man dressed in simple, albeit elegant, attire. Godric’s smile deepened as the man greeted them with a gentleness which Godric found befitting of a man who hailed from a place such as this. The young lady who seemed to enjoy taking charge responded by respectfully inviting our new host to lead the way. At this Godric could not help but release a small chuckle from behind the rising smoke of his pipe but did not speak – he simply had nothing to say.

 

[Seanzah Angel]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/57a8c4d70dbcf_JasiriMoyo.jpg.4d8dceddd8d900bf68f20872459a3b26.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="77706" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/57a8c4d70dbcf_JasiriMoyo.jpg.4d8dceddd8d900bf68f20872459a3b26.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

During the journey over Thallas to the Elssar lands, Jasiri couldn't help but watch out of the windows as they flew by. The lush greenery of the farmlands below was something he had never seen before. He was amazed to say the least. Back in Maldvir, all there seemed to be was sand. Here, there was ... everything other than sand. It was quite a nice change.


He barely even noticed the effects of the Shadow Taint on the land until they came closer to a small plot of land ravaged by Shadow. He frowned, his eyes scanning over it slowly, as if there were any way to determine it wasn't the effects of the Shadow Taint. His thoughts suddenly flashed back to several years ago when the people of the Shadow attacked his family. His hand that was just resting on his sword before tightened until his knuckles were almost white. He forced himself to look away from the Taint before his anger amounted to something more than he could handle.


And when finally the warning was given about docking at the Elssar Monastery, a wave of relief came over him until they actually started to land. The engines of the giant ship blasted louder than ever before, making him jump in his seat. He tensed his body and spread his arms to better balance himself as they landed, thankful there was nobody too close to him.


Then they exited the ship through the door and Jasiri was met with a blast of fresh air, to which he smiled widely. All the sights and smells of this new land seemed too good to be true to him. And the Elssar man seemed to be very nice and hospitable, even in the midst of such danger in the air. It was all Jasiri could do to not shout incredulously into the open air.

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/57a8c4d921c65_Jadzia_50.jpg.d7cd59e7c192dc881611662038eda980.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="77789" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/57a8c4d921c65_Jadzia_50.jpg.d7cd59e7c192dc881611662038eda980.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> "Is not unlike riding drunk ché-ga," Jadzia grumbled to no one in particular as she referenced the yak-like animals from Muld that, in the damp, wet spring months would munch on a certain fermented mushroom and then wildly careen across the valleys. It was sporting amongst the most daring of youth to try and ride such inebriated beasts without breaking their necks. The unpredictable shifting and lurching of Galbad'ul brought the memory to mind; ché-ga and airship both were not Jadzia's preferred method of traveling.


When the craft finally docked, Jadzia gladly climbed unsteadily to her feet. The worst, she hoped, was now over and it was time to bring her focus to the journey ahead. She didn't press the others to disembark from the airship now that it seemed steadier upon its moorings.


The air that stuck her as she exited the ship was crisp and chilled but nowhere near as cold as her homeland. She inhaled deeply and tried to settle the turbulence that still roiled in her stomach at the trip, trusting that the fresh air would alleviate the problem. With her longbow firmly in her grip, she managed along the docking area to where they were greeted by their escort.


Jadzia didn't think much of the priestly man that welcomed them. She also didn't find any appreciation for the magnificent monastery. Instead, the archer paid closer attention to the other warriors that were now gathering around the tonsured man. She was more interested in their reactions as the man greeted them. Most expressions were neutral which made Jadzia feel that the welcome was expected and the generosity of the accommodations was not unusual.


That the man freely admitted to his visionary premonition of their arrival concerned her. True, there were the elders in Muld who foretold the right times for planting and predicted the weather patterns, but that was their god-given talent, not magic. This Elssar spoke of things that, to Jadzia, were ... unnatural. A priest he may be, but not one like she had ever met before. Under her hood, her steel-grey eyes narrowed with suspicion.

 

[Semblance]

Arun's piercing golden-brown gaze followed the passing scenery below their ship as luscious green hills turned into blackened dead crops. His fists clenched around the handle of his daggers as he narrowed his eyes, anger and hatred fuming up inside of him. The taint of the Shadow corrupting the earth, his earth, made his blood boil, which once again reminded him of why he was on this quest. As the red roofs of the Elssar monastery came into view, a small flicker of curiosity and wonder lit up inside him, as he had never interacted with Elssar before. The sweet musk of cedar filled the earthy pallor air, calming the male Sur as he took in every breath of the comforting smell.


When a bald robed man came to greet them, Arun slowly followed the rest of the warriors off the ship. However, he looked up as he felt a hand on his arm, finding Wyn next to him. The mere sight of her reminded him of her older brother, a nostalgic image of his best friend flashing in his head. He watched the way her soft lips moved as a whisper escaped her mouth, requesting his silence in her exaggerated fighting skills. He flinched slightly as she used the nickname that only she and his younger sister, Ava, called him by. That mere name alone brought a flood of memories of his sister back to him, strengthening the nostalgia he was already feeling.


When Wyn mentioned how he must not be thrilled that she was there, a surge of protectiveness overcame him. How could he be happy that the only person alive who even came close to being called family was now on an impossible suicide mission? She was the only one left in this world whom he actually cared about, and it was his responsibility to his dead best friend to keep his younger sister safe. And accompanying him on a journey to slay the Shadow was certainly not going to accomplish that. However, if Wyn had even half of the determination as her brother did, Arun knew that nothing he said was going to convince her otherwise. He had certainly tried when he had first seen her on the ship.


Breathing out a small sigh, the tall muscular Sur turned to face the female elf. "Thrilled?" he repeated incredulously. "Horrified, is more like it. Do you know how dangerous this mission is? There is every single chance that none of us is going to make it out of this alive," he told her, his golden brown eyes angrily meeting hers. "When Oremi-" he paused as he said his best friend's name out loud for the first time since he left home. Taking a deep breath, he continued slowly, his voice filled with emotion. "When Oremi was killed, his last words to me were to take care of you." Arun's gaze shifted into the distance as the death of Wyn's brother replayed over and over in his head. "I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you," he added softly, turning his piercing gaze back onto her. "But I suppose it's too late to turn back now, and having the group know about your lack of fighting skills won't help anyone. I won't say anything," he promised reluctantly as he looked into her pleading hazel eyes. The male Sur pulled the blonde elf into a quick hug, resting his chin briefly on her head, before breaking apart again.


Giving her a small sad smile, Arun turned around and followed the rest of the group towards the exit. He smiled at the old Elssar standing by the entryway, finding his gentle aura refreshing and comforting, before stepping off the ship. He breathed a small sigh of relief as his feet finally touched the earth, naturally seeking the familiar feeling of the dirt and grass.


@Elle Joyner

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen Dyis

​

Vallen listened to the other introductions with a thoughtful look on his face, his expression unchanging except for a slight frown when the one known as Krizar expressed his lack of faith in the other's abilities. He supposed he understood the sentiment, seeing as he may not have met many not of his kind, yet Vallen felt as though stating his opinion so bluntly, despite how polite and chivalrous the manner, would not go over well with a few of the others. The menacing glare the woman known Keitas shot Krizar after he was done speaking seemed to be confirmation of this. Vallen's attention was diverted from this line of thought as he spied a few the others staring wide-eyed at something out the window. he took this as cause to investigate for himself.


Spying the corrupted farmhouse, he stared at it for a long while, trying as he might he could not keep his eyes from narrowing, his lips forming a grimace, belying the anger such corruption left him with. Ground-dwellers may have destroyed his people's homes, but now that they must live here with them, Vallen could not let the hatred of those days cloud his judgement for one moment. Everyone surrounding him had the same mission... some may be affiliated with those that waged war against the Vuaturi and all magic folk, but that did not matter to Vallen now. He's had many years to change his perspective, and no matter where it's spreading now, if the shadow destroys the world tree all will be doomed. He reflected on this silently as he gazed intently upon the devastated farmland, forcing himself not to look away until the ship had passed over and he had no physical choice in the matter. He decided to let it serve as a reminder of the reason he is here.. .of what he has set himself on doing.


The ride weore on, and Vallen fell into a pattern of thoughts, taking out a notebook and writing things that came to mind that seemed profound. Ideas for applying magic or arcane theory, profound philosophical concepts, and the like. His attention was diverted from his thoughts as the speaker system crackled to life. listening to the Orc woman's announcement, he stretched and began to look out the window at the Elssar monastery now in plain view below. What Vallen had heard of the place's majesty didn't seem to do it justice, and he respected the monks very much from his knowledge of thier philosophies and way of life. He was intrigued and honored about the prospect of meeting them.


As the Airship prepared for descent, some of the others seemed surprised or caught off guard by the sudden turbulence and roar of the engines. Thankfully for Vallen, he spent so much of his early life on airborne machinery that it didn't bother him all that much. As they stepped out, Vallen kept quiet and observed his companions further. If he was approached by one of them, he would speak. Otherwise, he saw nothing at the moment to be gained from conversing with the others. Many of them seemed suspicious of the monks, nervous or perhaps unsure of themselves, besides the spearman known as Godric at the very least. Vallen had noticed the human's grim expression whilst seeing the effects of the Shadow taint in the area, but now, the warm smile he seemed to usually wear returned as the monk known as Borus introduced himself to the group. Vallen regarded the kind Elssar with a curt yet polite nod, and a small smile, remaining silent. He was content to allow Keitas to take the initiative, bidding the Borus to lead the way. It seemed from the way she carried herself that she could be trusted with this role. Vallen had come to realize during his time that two centuries of life gives a being a certain sense for people. Vallen was content to allow his new comrades to play to thier strengths whilst he played to his own. Commandment and leadership was not one of them.

 

[Effervescent]

Within the Walls of the Elssar Monastery

Elssar Borus smiled widely at the entourage, his head inclining to Keitas as she signaled their readiness to continue. High upon the skyport, the light wind whipped about, fluttering against the Elssar's simple robes as he turned towards the staircase. "If you would follow me, please," he said as he calmly moved forward. The staircase spiraled down the skyport tower for three stories and made skillfully of stone. Borus took each step methodically, his bare feet peeking through as it found the next step below. The further down the group would travel, the stronger the scent of cedar would grow, merging with vibrant smells of rose and lilac.


Walking out from the tower, Ellsar Borus guided the group through an open courtyard filled with a lush garden. A few other Elssar quietly tended to the garden, their hands in the dirt as they pull out weeds or shape the hedges. As the group passed, they smiled and waved, their heads bowing respectfully to the entourage that glistened with the sweat of their labor. Bees zipped past to pollinate the growing life about the courtyard with a soft hum and butterflies fluttered about as colorful spots amongst the green. Flowers of all shapes and sizes covered the beds that lined the simplistic layout of the courtyard where the path was defined by colorful stone plucked from a nearby river and set within the dark dirt. Rose bushes trailed up each of the four corners of the courtyard in a deep pink, and at the center of the open space was an apple tree.


The monastery was busy and alive as Elssar went about their business slowly. Everyone they passed greeted them with a smile and a bow of their bald heads. Elssar's duty was to show each person their quarters for the night's stay and insure they all had what they desired before dinner was served. The Elssar believed in simple living, but since they opened their doors to guests, they have tried their best to give travelers the comforts they can provide. Each room is only big enough for one person, a twin bed fashioned from their own craft in a corner and fitted with a down comforter draped over a plush mattress. The view out each window faced the hills that rolled out towards a treeline that still held its dense greenery filled with oaks and maples.


Once dinner was ready, Elssar Borus quietly gathered each member of the newly arrived entourage by knocking on their doors and waiting for them in the hallway. Once everyone was present, he led them through the corridors and down a set of stairs. Rich smells of roasted meat, spiced vegetables, and warm breads wafted through the stone hallways as they drew closer to the dining hall, its double doors open to welcome in the guests. Light banter among the gathered Elssar continued as Borus showed them to the empty seats at the middle of the long tables that lined the large room. There were about fifty Elssar total ranging from young adult to old, all of which were men, the most aged of them rising to a stand as the guests entered.


"Greetings," the old one said. The banter died out as all eyes set on the newcomers and about a dozen Elssar quietly left for the kitchen. "Please sit. My name is High Elssar Navier. We are all so delighted that fate has brought you to our doorstep this night. It truly gives us hope for a better tomorrow. Now, as we dine together, we would all be most interested in hearing why you have come to embark on this most daring endeavor. It pleases us that the Seeds of Life are real. While we have not seen it ourselves in vision, we cannot refute the validity of the Shae."


All Elssar would wait for the newcomers to take their seats first before sitting themselves. The ones that had retreated into the kitchen soon came forth carrying plates of beef and pork roast, bowls of snap peas and green beans and corn and carrots, baskets of bread sliced and buttered, and pitchers of water and wine. Every item was placed along the outer edges of the tables for everyone to pick and choose what they so desired. The plates and cups were fashioned from wood and the utensils cast from iron and set before each place at the long tables. It was certainly modest and likely all they would choose regardless. As the Elssar gave their full attention to the group, they waited for both a regale of their inspiration for embarking on their journey, and for them to fill their plates and cups with food and drink.


@DergTheDergon @Elle Joyner @ShyEra @Keitsumah @Kharmin @Sha @Writer @Seanzah Angel @Semblance

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen Dyis

​

Vallen followed Elssar Borus down the winding steps, his gaze sweeping throughout the majestic, beautiful surroundings the monastery provided, taking it all in. Vallen had seen quite a few remarkable sights in his years, but none quite like this. As Borus guided the group through the grounds and inside the monastery building, Vallen smiled back towards a few of the monks they passed in kind, glancing curiously at a few exotic-looking plants around the lush courtyard that he'd never seen, and other sights within this new place that caught his eye. Despite the daunting and dangerous journey ahead of him, it was certainly easier to momentarily let go of his trepidation here than it had been aboard the Galbad'ul.


As Vallen was led to his quaint little quarters for his stay here, he bowed respectfully to the Elssar that showed him there before stepping inside. It was certainly satisfactory from what he gathered upon first glance, but that did not take much for this elf, having had many years to become quite adaptable to new environments, not to mention the Vuaturi as a race being rather well known for thier flexibility. Vallen unloaded a few of the belongings that had been weighing him down on the way here, sitting down for a moment and simply relaxing for a short while. Rising to his feet, Vallen glanced out the window and gazed thoughtfully upon the lush forest and grassy hills in the distance. He took this time to remind himself one more time that he was here to ensure such beauty remains upon the land, whatever it takes.


Hearing a rapping at his door, Vallen was snapped out of his reverie and promptly opened the door, revealing Elssar Borus. Vallen watched as the others finished gathering in the hall, then diligently followed once Borus began leading the group. He glanced about at the other's faces and demeanors, remaining silent and calmly moving with the group, hands at his sides. Entering the grand dining hall, he looked and listened curiously as the Elssar conversed amongst themselves, taking his seat without hesitation, positioning himself with his back straight and his hands politely folded in his lap.


As the Elssar named Navier stood, Vallen's gaze fixed upon upon him. For a moment, Vallen perceived something rather odd: Navier's facial features seemed blurred, unclear... it almost seemed as if reality distorted upon looking at him. With a blink, he could suddenly see the man much more clearly now; aged and wisened-looking. Vallen's initial thought was to dismiss it as a mere trick of his own mind, but one does not study the Arcane to the extent Vallen has without learning to question such things. He kept the thought at the back of his mind for now, but it left him with a faint, yet uneasy feeling he couldn't quite shake.

 

[Seanzah Angel]

Jasiri Moyo
​

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_10/57a8c4ed10c0e_JasiriMoyo.jpg.1b49899563ecc11ab4b3a0ca3e554cec.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="78556" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_10/57a8c4ed10c0e_JasiriMoyo.jpg.1b49899563ecc11ab4b3a0ca3e554cec.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

As Jasiri followed the Elssar with the rest of the group, he came to the conclusion that he would just have to get used to discovering strange new things and being surprised and overall amazed at everything around him, from the exquisite architecture to the lush greenery that seemed to envelop the lands around them. While descending the staircase, he watched the Elssar ahead of them and was very intrigued by the way he moved. It seemed to be natural to him, but it was excessively graceful compared to what Jasiri was used to seeing with the warriors and common people of Maldvir. Some of the teachers, such as his mother, walked gracefully, but never to the Elssar's extent.


And as they drew closer to the monastery, he was taken aback by the smell of the place. He had never smelled anything quite as pleasant or nearly as powerful. He couldn't help but inhale slowly and deeply to get as much of the scent as possible before quickly exhaling, only to slowly inhale again to repeat the process. It was rather addicting for him, given he wasn't used to smelling anything as good. All the Maldviri had was the smell of cactus juice and the odor of camels. Sometimes there were good smells of incense, but it wasn't natural - it was man made and doctored to smell better and last considerably longer.


Another alien thing to him was the fact that the Elssar were gardening. He'd never seen the practice in the flesh; hearing about it made him question the sanity of the people he heard it from and those that supposedly practiced it. However, now that he was seeing it he could understand why people would like it. It brought an inviting appearance to the place, and the flowers that were blooming gave it a smell that didn't need to be doctored to stay strong or smell better.


Jasiri was pleased with every passing Elssar that they were extremely respectful and inviting. They all bowed their head and smiled happily, to which Jasiri couldn't help but reciprocate the gestures. While not everyone in Maldvir greeted each other in the same way all the time, it was considered to be the most polite way of doing so. To see the Elssar doing it reminded him of home.


When they were shown to their rooms, Jasiri was very satisfied. The walls were thick enough that he wouldn't be able to hear everything that went on around him, the floor was sturdy, and the bed looked very comfortable. He didn't bring much else with him to add to the room, other than the clothes on his back plus two changes, and his weapons. And even if the room wasn't desirable it wouldn't really bother him. He was used to traveling in the desert, making shelter next to a smelly camel in the sand where there was a chance of waking up to a scorpion on his face.


He decided to leave his weapons in his room, seeing as how the Elssar seemed like the last people on any list to attack. They were peaceful and contributed nothing but shelter to those in warfare - or so he assumed. He spent a short time meditating before they were invited to dinner, channeling the Inner Light through his body as he blocked everything else out. He sat on the bed with his legs crossed, back straight, and his hands resting comfortably on his knees. His breathing was slow and deliberate to keep his blood flow steady, though the workings of the inner body was less important than the Light that his meditation brought forth.


It wasn't as if his body started to glow brightly as he channeled the Light. Rather, he focused on his feelings of hope and happiness and his inner peace. These feelings - what is the Inner Light - moved around inside of him as he pushed back all of his doubts and aggression towards the world. It brought about him a feeling of uplifted morality and spirituality. These feelings wouldn't likely be noticed physically, outside of the way he spoke to people and his reactions to certain situations. He'd be more inviting and jubilant, though not overly so to the point of annoyance.


Then a knock sounded on his door and he got up from the bed to exit his room after quickly straightening his robes and gear to make him look more presentable. He followed Elssar Borus with the rest of the group through the corridors and down the stairs. His nose was immediately and pleasantly assaulted with the smell of fresh meat and vegatables and bread being prepared for them to eat. His mouth immediately began salivating and his stomach growled inside of him, hungry for the food.


He sat down when invited to do so by the High Elssar Navier in one of the chairs set around the long tables near his new companions. He listened as the Elssar continued to speak, recognizing some points in his words, such as the Seeds of Life, though he could not remember what a 'Shae' was. Regardless, he enjoyed the short speech of the High Elssar. He was excited to hear more details about their journey and why they had been grouped together for such an important task.


And of course, Jasiri was more than happy to fill his plate with food, as he had seen several others do, mostly Elssar. He grabbed an abundance of meats and balanced it with plenty of vegetables and a little bread. He turned down the wine and instead took the water, as he didn't want to hinder his ability to speak or move in any way. He waited to be invited to eat, or another Elssar to begin eating before he did.

 

[Elle Joyner]

Wynleth Kinor

He was as understanding as she had expected him to be, possibly even more so, but Wyn still felt properly chastened, when Arun left her side. He would keep his word. She knew him too well to think otherwise, but her concern did not abate - would not abate. There was still a chance the others would find out about her lack of experience some other way, and she might be sent home, and if she lost the opportunity to honor her father and her brother, it would destroy whatever modicum of hope she had left.


Following the small group, Wyn stayed near the back, careful to keep her distance, but not in any way that might draw suspicion. She couldn't separate herself from the others, not for long, not without drawing attention to herself, but for now at least, she needed to be cautious. There was a lot of uncertainty in her own skills, but absolutely none in those of her new companions and some of them, she suspected were not to keen on elves, as it were. It would be in her best interest to steer clear of any of them, until such a time that she could prove her worth in another way.


Of course, all of these thoughts dissolved, as they were welcomed into the Monastery. It was simple, but beautiful, like home... teeming with life in every crevice. The garden, most particularly, enticed... but there was little time for dawdling, and with her slightly smaller stature, Wyn had to double her gait to keep up. They were shown to their rooms, which proved to be quite accommodating and, graciously, private. After they'd settled in, which for Wyn meant finally unburdening herself of her brother's blade and her warm, weighty cloak, they were collected and assembled in the dining hall.


She hadn't realized until the myriad scents began to drift through the room just how hungry she was. Finding a seat, she dropped into it and looked around the room at the others. They were invited by one of the Elssar's to explain their presence there and when no one readily jumped at the opportunity, she cleared her throat and stood. She felt exposed... horribly exposed, and vulnerable, but she'd come there to prove she was worthy to fight side by side with these people, and she would not cower.


"...When the Shadows first arose as a threat, my father Galethry was among the first of our people who left, to seek out answers. I was away, at the time, with my brother, at the Academy. We received word during my studies that my father had been killed. We returned for his funeral, and afterwards, my brother Oremi..." She paused, and shifted, her gaze moving briefly to find Arun around the table, "My brother Oremi followed in my father's path. He organized a small group of villagers and left to fight. Only two came home alive. They brought my brother's body with them. My mother and I are all that remains of our family, and I know it will not be long before the Shadows encroach upon my beloved home. I'm here, because with every breath in my body, I am determined to see to it that no one else suffers what I have... that we lose no more to these monsters."


Taking a breath, Wyn settled back in her seat and lowered her gaze to the plate in front of her, suddenly and inexplicably too nervous to eat.

 

[Keitsumah]

Keitas Rynn



​

Keitas had taken very little time arranging herself in her quarters: being a scout and a soldier, she had gotten rather good at keeping her supplies on the light side. However, despite the friendly atmosphere of the Elssar's monastery, she decided against leaving her weapons. Rather, she checked the dagger sheathed in one boot, the shortsword strapped against her side with the grip pointing down, the tip of its sheath just under the joint of her arm. Then, taking her spear, Keitas proceeded to unhook its two heads and render the weapon into a staff, tying both of the deadly points to one hip with a coil of leather. The staff itself could be a deadly weapon in its own right: the dark wood having been hardened and compacted until a deft blow with it could stun a great warrior, and leave a lesser man with a crushed skull.


Patting herself down to erase any trace of the shortsword and dagger on her person -not because she intended to use them, but because it was only proper manners to not have even had them to begin with- Keitas tilted her head to one side slightly when she heard another knock at the door.


"Coming."

* * *

​

As the others continued eating around her, Keitas remained content with a simple chalice of water and buttered bread, her meat laying cold on one side of her plate as she listened to the elven girl speak her part.


"I was lucky not to lose any family as you have... yet." she said, setting the chalice down with a clack. "My three brothers are all soldiers for Thallas. Just as I am. However, my experience with the Shadow is with the beasts. I have seen young children die, impaled by spikes, teeth, or claws. I have seen parents ripped apart and eaten by the Shadow. I have watched this... disease spread uncontrolled, and as it grows, so does my rage. It is my experience with the animalistic nature of the Shadow that drives me to wipe it out. There is no balance with it -like the plants, the cattle, the wolves. Had there been balance, we would not have this problem now. And it is such imbalance that has driven me to fight against it and try to drive this new evil to extinction."


She let go of the chalice and took a chunk of bread to pop in her mouth, chewing quietly, her expression stating that she was done talking for the time being, even though she snuck a challenging glance at Krizar.

 

[Semblance]

Arun slowly followed the Elssar and the rest of the group as they were led deeper into the monastery and down the earth-filled stairs. He reveled in the strong cedar scent and the vibrant nature smells that reminded him of home. His piercing golden-brown eyes were welcomed with a luscious green garden and his gaze absorbed all the striking colors that painted the meadow. He caught the eye of one of the monks, and the male Sur gave the old man a respectful nod and a friendly smile. It had been a long time since he was greeted with such kindness, given that he had recently been traveling through human lands, where not everyone was so welcoming towards elves.


Finally, Arun reached his room and he tossed his bag loosely onto the twin bed. The conditions were very humble and practical, which the Earth mage did not mind at all. He was used to modest accommodations, in fact even preferring to live as close to the earth as possible. The monastery, filled with thick greenery, reminded the male elf of his home back in Emalnahar, and a small wave of nostalgia passed through him. His little sister, Ava, would have loved this place had she still been alive. The homey familiar atmosphere of his temporary home made him feel safe for the first time in a while, and for a split second, it was as if all was at peace in the world. The prevalent dangers of the Shadow and the rise of the Dark Army felt so far away as Arun gazed out of his bedroom window and admired all the sunlit luscious fields.


Arun's inner thoughts were interrupted as he heard a knock on the wooden door. He quickly made his way out of his room and joined the others in the hallway, pushing his reflections out of his mind. Soon, the group was led through another series of corridors until they finally reached what he assumed to be the dining hall. Lavish smells of juicy meat, seasoned vegetables, and warm bread filled his nose as his mouth began to salivate. It had been a long time since his last meal, and his stomach growled as if in agreement. Arun took a seat across from Wyn at the table and politely listened to the High Elssar welcome them into their abode while inquiring about their reasons for their journey.


He listened intently to Wyn and Keitas speak about their motivations for accompanying them on the quest, meeting Wyn's emotion-filled eyes when her brother was mentioned. Their speeches reminded him once again of the threatening Shadow that was to consume the world, along with the burning hatred that followed. When the female from Thallas was done speaking and sat back down into her seat, Arun rose to his feet and swept his piercing gaze around the room. "Thank you for inviting us into your home. We appreciate all that you have provided for us," he began gratefully as he looked over at the High Elssar.


"My story is similar to Wyn's, as I was part of the group that her brother was in to fight the Shadow back in Emalnahar. When my parents and sister fell victim to the Dark Army, Oremi and I set off on a quest to defeat the Shadow. However, we were attacked by a group of them halfway through our journey. After a hard-fought battle, in which Oremi fought with such bravery and courage, he was killed by one of the shadow monsters. Only me and one other elf in our group made it out alive. We brought his body back to his family, Wyn's family, before continuing on this journey," he explained, his voice filled with conviction and his eyes brimming with emotion, as his mind replayed that fateful night for the hundredth time. "The Shadow has taken too many innocents, and they must be cleansed of from this world. I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal, and I am lucky to have found others who are brave enough to accomplish this," he finished, his vengeful gaze sweeping the table once more before sitting back down into his chair.