The tall tales & tragedies of the Chattering Scroll Inn

[Flintlockecole]

(Been awhile, might as well continue on this deadman's tale)

 

Locke eventually stumbled upon a cobblestone road. "Which way" he said as he flipped a foreign coin "I bet your laughing your backside off" he continued on. He walked down the road until he saw a sign that said "Imperial City 20mi". Did the dormant Empire he knew of live in the foreign land he thought to himself. The day gave way to a clear and vibrant night, the stars held none of the constellation the dead-man was familiar with. The smell of smoke overtook Locke, Fire he thought, could be a camp or an Inn his mind pondered.

[tokyobiohazard]

 

Kelemvor glanced to Kalin, "There is no need to fear retribution from me. I realize your actions come from sincere concern, and I truly appreciate it, from all of you. She shall need you before long."

 

He then stepped closer to Rhaine, "Do you remember what I told you when I first sent you here?"

 

"Yes milord."

 

"Jergal and I researched the volumes of Eternity's End to find out more about these portals from Toril to Nirn. We were able to glean that the portals are a recent development, likely a result of the Spellplague. They are one-way-only, and they exist on both Nirn and Toril. One of these portals is within a mile of the undead threat I warned you of. Although, I am not certain that they are aware of it, yet. It is located somewhere in the Jerall Mountains, across the border of Cyrodiil and into Skyrim. Further examination revealed a more disconcerting fact. This threat is larger than I had first anticipated, with a familiar mark that I do not like."

 

Rhaine's brow furrowed, "How do you mean, milord?"

 

"Quell, Rhaine. I detect the mark of quell. Not one or two, not even a half dozen....more. They are surrounded by a large coven of necromancers - likely their creators - on par with the likes of Szass Tam...or, whom Reona and Ellundil might more closely identify with, Mannimarco."

 

Her mouth dropped open. Quell were some of the most powerful undead creatures in existence - not because of size or strength, but because of their unique abilities. Quell had the capacity to completely block even the most powerful priests and priestesses from accessing the powers of their gods - including Kelemvor himself - rendering them perfectly useless. And if there were more than six, even she would have difficulty resisting their magics. A few dozen talented necromancers on top of that would severely complicate matters.

 

Kelemvor continued, "That is not all. The portal which these quell are near deposits travelers squarely in the middle of Baldur's Gate. Should the necromancers and quell manage to make it through the portal, there will be no stopping them. None of the priests and priestesses of the city will be ready for the intercession, and divine magic will be effectively stamped out. The only defense would be the sun itself, which could be blocked by the necromancers' spells. A full-scale massacre will ensue.

 

"This is a threat that we cannot allow to go further, for the sake of Baldur's Gate and for the citizens of this world, as well. You must not let them expand. They have been latent for many years, but that is changing. They are developing something...allowing it to grow. I cannot determine what it is - not yet, at least. I fear the quell are the least of your worries."

 

Rhaine took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "What are your orders, milord?"

 

"First," he answered, "you must find out more about this enemy...it is key to proper preparation. There is only so much information that I can provide. Looking across the planes and into this world is like peering through a frosted glass. I have impressions, but not clarity.

 

"Ask the patrons of this inn, especially natives of Skyrim, about what they've heard and seen. Also, seek out the proprietor, Myrmaad, as I believe she knows something of these necromancers. She is not at the inn at this time...in fact, the sage has been abducted to a nearby cave system. She is accompanied by a half-drow named Kismet, so she should not be hard to locate, but seek her out soon. I fear she is in danger."

 

"A half-drow? From Toril?" Rhaine asked, her eyes widening in surprise. It seemed more and more folk from the Realms were coming to Nirn.

 

"Yes, and from Menzoberranzan, no less - transported here by the Spider Queen herself. It seems more than one Faerunian god is interested in these portals, which may prove to be a problem. I do not know Lolth's motives, but I doubt they are for the good."

 

"Anything else, milord?" she inquired.

 

"One thing remains," he replied, "you will not go alone. I forbid it. As I have said, you will need your new friends to accompany you. They are all powerful allies, especially regarding mind magic, which may be your only advantage. You cannot afford to let the quell succeed in stopping the flow of your power. Should they completely block your contact with me, you will die, and there will be no way for me to save you. As you are assuming divinity yourself, you will suffer the fate of all divines who lose access to their power source: you will cease to exist."

 

He turned once again to Reona, Ellundil, and Kalin, "Which brings me back to you three. Will you hear and heed my words?"

 

Rhaine watched her companions with no outward expression, but her mind was whirling with what she had just learned. It was hard to accept. Her duty was clear, and yet she risked her very soul by doing it.

Kalin was silent for a moment, pondering Kelemvor's words. Oh, hells, you might as well. You don't want to lose Rhaine, do you? Oh, shut up, you! You're not helping. He thought, then began to speak.

 

"Kelemvor, I owe my life to Rhaine. I would be a poor friend indeed if I do not aid her as she aided me. I will join her." Turning to the priestess, Kalin continued. "Rhaine, though I rarely do this, for I feel that I shouldn't have to prove myself, my heart tells me that I must." He knelt on the ground in front of her. "By my god, Lathandar-that-is-Amaunator, I, Lord Kalin of the House of Orus, do swear to accompany you in your endeavors. Though I do not look it, I am a veteran of two major wars, and I have experience in fighting the undead, and I shall fight, even if it means my death, for you. Thus I do so swear, by my god, my friendship," he formed his mindblade and drew it across the palm of his hand, blood welling from the clean gash, "and by my blood."

 

Without waiting for her response, Kalin rose nimbly, the bleeding from his hand already slowing. " Besides," he added in a jovial tone and with a wink, "it would be very un-gentlemanly of me not to help a beautiful maiden in need."

 

Kalin turned to face Reona and Ellundil and smiled and stated, with almost disturbing flippancy: "Anyway, I bet it will fun, fighting nasty cadavers and necromancers while carrying the fate of thousands of lives on our shoulders. What do you two think?"

 

Reona smirked and crossed her arms, "These quell, what sorts of weaknesses do they have? Can I kill them with my sword? Can I kill them by breaking their minds?" She realized she'd left her sword back in the room, and itched to have the familiar weight on her right hip.

 

Such impropriety from her as of late, Ellundil thought and moved next to Reona, resting a hand on her narrow shoulder and shooting a nervous grin toward the others, "I think what my friend means is that we will provide assistance in any way we can, since the fate of everything we hold dear to our hearts, including our newest friends, is threatened."

 

Reona glanced down at the hay-covered floor beneath her, feeling Ellundil's massive, warm hand on her shoulder, being instantly reminded of her late brother. She let her long, raven hair fall from behind her pointed ears and veil her face as her pink lips bent up into a soft, sad smile, Brother... A flood of memories overtook her, until another thought crossed her mind.

 

Lord of the Dead...

 

She pushed her hair back in place, gently moved Ellundil's hand off her shoulder, and looked up at Kelemvor with an expression of realization, her icy gaze meeting the eyes of his mask, "I thank you for healing me, Kelemvor. You did not have to do such a kindness for me, nor show such patience. You also called me something that was not my name, Rey'ohnahn, I believe. Why? Do you know something about myself that I do not? I... suppose I have many questions, but in order for the others here to understand, I must share my past with them. If there is time, I would like to begin by telling of what happened on the day that I killed my brother."

Edited October 7, 2011 by tokyobleach

[AurianaValoria1]

 

 

Kelemvor glanced to Kalin, "There is no need to fear retribution from me. I realize your actions come from sincere concern, and I truly appreciate it, from all of you. She shall need you before long."

 

He then stepped closer to Rhaine, "Do you remember what I told you when I first sent you here?"

 

"Yes milord."

 

"Jergal and I researched the volumes of Eternity's End to find out more about these portals from Toril to Nirn. We were able to glean that the portals are a recent development, likely a result of the Spellplague. They are one-way-only, and they exist on both Nirn and Toril. One of these portals is within a mile of the undead threat I warned you of. Although, I am not certain that they are aware of it, yet. It is located somewhere in the Jerall Mountains, across the border of Cyrodiil and into Skyrim. Further examination revealed a more disconcerting fact. This threat is larger than I had first anticipated, with a familiar mark that I do not like."

 

Rhaine's brow furrowed, "How do you mean, milord?"

 

"Quell, Rhaine. I detect the mark of quell. Not one or two, not even a half dozen....more. They are surrounded by a large coven of necromancers - likely their creators - on par with the likes of Szass Tam...or, whom Reona and Ellundil might more closely identify with, Mannimarco."

 

Her mouth dropped open. Quell were some of the most powerful undead creatures in existence - not because of size or strength, but because of their unique abilities. Quell had the capacity to completely block even the most powerful priests and priestesses from accessing the powers of their gods - including Kelemvor himself - rendering them perfectly useless. And if there were more than six, even she would have difficulty resisting their magics. A few dozen talented necromancers on top of that would severely complicate matters.

 

Kelemvor continued, "That is not all. The portal which these quell are near deposits travelers squarely in the middle of Baldur's Gate. Should the necromancers and quell manage to make it through the portal, there will be no stopping them. None of the priests and priestesses of the city will be ready for the intercession, and divine magic will be effectively stamped out. The only defense would be the sun itself, which could be blocked by the necromancers' spells. A full-scale massacre will ensue.

 

"This is a threat that we cannot allow to go further, for the sake of Baldur's Gate and for the citizens of this world, as well. You must not let them expand. They have been latent for many years, but that is changing. They are developing something...allowing it to grow. I cannot determine what it is - not yet, at least. I fear the quell are the least of your worries."

 

Rhaine took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "What are your orders, milord?"

 

"First," he answered, "you must find out more about this enemy...it is key to proper preparation. There is only so much information that I can provide. Looking across the planes and into this world is like peering through a frosted glass. I have impressions, but not clarity.

 

"Ask the patrons of this inn, especially natives of Skyrim, about what they've heard and seen. Also, seek out the proprietor, Myrmaad, as I believe she knows something of these necromancers. She is not at the inn at this time...in fact, the sage has been abducted to a nearby cave system. She is accompanied by a half-drow named Kismet, so she should not be hard to locate, but seek her out soon. I fear she is in danger."

 

"A half-drow? From Toril?" Rhaine asked, her eyes widening in surprise. It seemed more and more folk from the Realms were coming to Nirn.

 

"Yes, and from Menzoberranzan, no less - transported here by the Spider Queen herself. It seems more than one Faerunian god is interested in these portals, which may prove to be a problem. I do not know Lolth's motives, but I doubt they are for the good."

 

"Anything else, milord?" she inquired.

 

"One thing remains," he replied, "you will not go alone. I forbid it. As I have said, you will need your new friends to accompany you. They are all powerful allies, especially regarding mind magic, which may be your only advantage. You cannot afford to let the quell succeed in stopping the flow of your power. Should they completely block your contact with me, you will die, and there will be no way for me to save you. As you are assuming divinity yourself, you will suffer the fate of all divines who lose access to their power source: you will cease to exist."

 

He turned once again to Reona, Ellundil, and Kalin, "Which brings me back to you three. Will you hear and heed my words?"

 

Rhaine watched her companions with no outward expression, but her mind was whirling with what she had just learned. It was hard to accept. Her duty was clear, and yet she risked her very soul by doing it.

Kalin was silent for a moment, pondering Kelemvor's words. Oh, hells, you might as well. You don't want to lose Rhaine, do you? Oh, shut up, you! You're not helping. He thought, then began to speak.

 

"Kelemvor, I owe my life to Rhaine. I would be a poor friend indeed if I do not aid her as she aided me. I will join her." Turning to the priestess, Kalin continued. "Rhaine, though I rarely do this, for I feel that I shouldn't have to prove myself, my heart tells me that I must." He knelt on the ground in front of her. "By my god, Lathandar-that-is-Amaunator, I, Lord Kalin of the House of Orus, do swear to accompany you in your endeavors. Though I do not look it, I am a veteran of two major wars, and I have experience in fighting the undead, and I shall fight, even if it means my death, for you. Thus I do so swear, by my god, my friendship," he formed his mindblade and drew it across the palm of his hand, blood welling from the clean gash, "and by my blood."

 

Without waiting for her response, Kalin rose nimbly, the bleeding from his hand already slowing. " Besides," he added in a jovial tone and with a wink, "it would be very un-gentlemanly of me not to help a beautiful maiden in need."

 

Kalin turned to face Reona and Ellundil and smiled and stated, with almost disturbing flippancy: "Anyway, I bet it will fun, fighting nasty cadavers and necromancers while carrying the fate of thousands of lives on our shoulders. What do you two think?"

 

Reona smirked and crossed her arms, "These quell, what sorts of weaknesses do they have? Can I kill them with my sword? Can I kill them by breaking their minds?" She realized she'd left her sword back in the room, and itched to have the familiar weight on her right hip.

 

Such impropriety from her as of late, Ellundil thought and moved next to Reona, resting a hand on her narrow shoulder and shooting a nervous grin toward the others, "I think what my friend means is that we will provide assistance in any way we can, since the fate of everything we hold dear to our hearts, including our newest friends, is threatened."

 

Reona glanced down at the hay-covered floor beneath her, feeling Ellundil's massive, warm hand on her shoulder, being instantly reminded of her late brother. She let her long, raven hair fall from behind her pointed ears and veil her face as her pink lips bent up into a soft, sad smile, Brother... A flood of memories overtook her, until another thought crossed her mind.

 

Lord of the Dead...

 

She pushed her hair back in place, gently moved Ellundil's hand off her shoulder, and looked up at Kelemvor with an expression of realization, her icy gaze meeting the eyes of his mask, "I thank you for healing me, Kelemvor. You did not have to do such a kindness for me, nor show such patience. You also called me something that was not my name, Rey'ohnahn, I believe. Why? Do you know something about myself that I do not? I... suppose I have many questions, but in order for the others here to understand, I must share my past with them. If there is time, I would like to begin by telling of what happened on the day that I killed my brother."

 

 

So it all comes back to this, Rhaine thought. She watched curiously as Kelemvor cocked his head to the side, which the Chosen had learned was a sign of his amusement. He shifted his weight to one foot, crossing his arms, "You may indeed share your tale, little elf. I'm sure your companions wish to hear it, and I myself am intrigued. After you are finished, I shall provide answers to your questions. A fair trade, yes?"

[tokyobiohazard]

So it all comes back to this, Rhaine thought. She watched curiously as Kelemvor cocked his head to the side, which the Chosen had learned was a sign of his amusement. He shifted his weight to one foot, crossing his arms, "You may indeed share your tale, little elf. I'm sure your companions wish to hear it, and I myself am intrigued. After you are finished, I shall provide answers to your questions. A fair trade, yes?"

Reona stared into the startlingly perfect mask of the god and reddened with embarrassment for a moment, before haltingly beginning, "On the day I killed my brother, Arva and I were hunting and were ambushed by a daedroth. He threw himself in front of me, and it... speared him in the gut with its claws," She tasted bile at the horrid memory of seeing her brother's innards spill out, "I took the sword from his hands and smote the beast somehow, strengthened by rage, I suppose. I turned to my brother and saw him lying there... I leaned by his side and he told me... Told me... that the sword was now mine, and his last wish was for me to find someone to read the runes on it, before asking me to slit his throat. And I did."

 

She looked down at the ground, "Covered in his blood, I dragged his body back to the village... I was broken inside, and my responses were hollow and emotionless. Of course, the others then blamed their Demon for killing their Angel. I had no proof of the ambush, and had to lead our warriors to the small clearing where the body of the daedroth lay. They believed me, and I was cleared of any sort of suspicion of murder. I started wearing his sword all the time after that.

 

"His funeral came, and I decided to stay at his grave for a while afterward. I cried over that mound of dirt for countless hours, before making up my mind to leave. I didn't take any supplies with me, I just... started running. I lost Arva's sheath, and my shoes wore out after about a month, but I kept going. I asked everyone that I could about the runes on the sword, until I got to the inn, that is..."

 

Pausing to take a breath and wipe the tears that pricked at her eyes, she gave a weak smile, "That's all I had to say. It's no epic, but it's my life."

[AurianaValoria1]

Reona stared into the startlingly perfect mask of the god and reddened with embarrassment for a moment, before haltingly beginning, "On the day I killed my brother, Arva and I were hunting and were ambushed by a daedroth. He threw himself in front of me, and it... speared him in the gut with its claws," She tasted bile at the horrid memory of seeing her brother's innards spill out, "I took the sword from his hands and smote the beast somehow, strengthened by rage, I suppose. I turned to my brother and saw him lying there... I leaned by his side and he told me... Told me... that the sword was now mine, and his last wish was for me to find someone to read the runes on it, before asking me to slit his throat. And I did."

 

She looked down at the ground, "Covered in his blood, I dragged his body back to the village... I was broken inside, and my responses were hollow and emotionless. Of course, the others then blamed their Demon for killing their Angel. I had no proof of the ambush, and had to lead our warriors to the small clearing where the body of the daedroth lay. They believed me, and I was cleared of any sort of suspicion of murder. I started wearing his sword all the time after that.

 

"His funeral came, and I decided to stay at his grave for a while afterward. I cried over that mound of dirt for countless hours, before making up my mind to leave. I didn't take any supplies with me, I just... started running. I lost Arva's sheath, and my shoes wore out after about a month, but I kept going. I asked everyone that I could about the runes on the sword, until I got to the inn, that is..."

 

Pausing to take a breath and wipe the tears that pricked at her eyes, she gave a weak smile, "That's all I had to say. It's no epic, but it's my life."

 

Rhaine was astonished. She felt ashamed for having ever suspected the Bosmer of murder. To kill out of mercy was one of the hardest things a body could bring him or herself to do.

 

Kelemvor stood very still in respectful silence for a long while. Then, his posture straightened and he approached her. Placing one hand upon her shoulder, he lifted her chin with the other, so that she could not avoid his gaze, "Such actions speak volumes of your character, Reona. You are more than you think you are, as your words have shown me. And so was your brother and his sword."

 

He looked up for a moment, then back down to the elf, "I see your brother's weapon, and the runes upon its blade. They are ancient, and possess a unique power. Translated, they mean 'Soulstealer.' And the weapon has done just that. Arva has never left you, little elf....his spirit resides in the blade itself, having been taken into it the moment you killed him.

 

"Arva whispers to me even now, and he begs me to tell you: he was your betrothed. When you were small, your parents arranged a marriage between you. Arva was informed. You were not. It was not long before Arva's family was killed, and your parents took him in, intending to tell you of your betrothal at a later date. Unfortunately, that never came to pass."

 

He fell silent, still looking into the Bosmer's face - waiting for her reaction.

Edited October 8, 2011 by AurianaValoria1

[tokyobiohazard]

 

Reona stared into the startlingly perfect mask of the god and reddened with embarrassment for a moment, before haltingly beginning, "On the day I killed my brother, Arva and I were hunting and were ambushed by a daedroth. He threw himself in front of me, and it... speared him in the gut with its claws," She tasted bile at the horrid memory of seeing her brother's innards spill out, "I took the sword from his hands and smote the beast somehow, strengthened by rage, I suppose. I turned to my brother and saw him lying there... I leaned by his side and he told me... Told me... that the sword was now mine, and his last wish was for me to find someone to read the runes on it, before asking me to slit his throat. And I did."

 

She looked down at the ground, "Covered in his blood, I dragged his body back to the village... I was broken inside, and my responses were hollow and emotionless. Of course, the others then blamed their Demon for killing their Angel. I had no proof of the ambush, and had to lead our warriors to the small clearing where the body of the daedroth lay. They believed me, and I was cleared of any sort of suspicion of murder. I started wearing his sword all the time after that.

 

"His funeral came, and I decided to stay at his grave for a while afterward. I cried over that mound of dirt for countless hours, before making up my mind to leave. I didn't take any supplies with me, I just... started running. I lost Arva's sheath, and my shoes wore out after about a month, but I kept going. I asked everyone that I could about the runes on the sword, until I got to the inn, that is..."

 

Pausing to take a breath and wipe the tears that pricked at her eyes, she gave a weak smile, "That's all I had to say. It's no epic, but it's my life."

 

Rhaine was astonished. She felt ashamed for having ever suspected the Bosmer of murder. To kill out of mercy was one of the hardest things a body could bring him or herself to do.

 

Kelemvor stood very still in respectful silence for a long while. Then, his posture straightened and he approached her. Placing one hand upon her shoulder, he lifted her chin with the other, so that she could not avoid his gaze, "Such actions speak volumes of your character, Reona. You are more than you think you are, as your words have shown me. And so was your brother and his sword."

 

He looked up for a moment, then back down to the elf, "I see your brother's weapon, and the runes upon its blade. They are ancient, and possess a unique power. Translated, they mean 'Soulstealer.' And it has done just that. Arva has never left you, little elf....his spirit resides in the blade itself, having been taken into it the moment you killed him.

 

"His spirit whispers to me even now, and it begs me to tell you: he was your betrothed. When you were small, your parents arranged a marriage between you. Arva was informed. You were not. It was not long before Arva's family was killed, and your parents took him in, intending to tell you of your betrothal at a later date. Unfortunately, that never came to pass."

 

He fell silent, still looking into the Bosmer's face - waiting for her reaction.

 

Tears filled Reona's eyes and spilled over as she rethought everything that Arva had ever said to her, suddenly understanding everything he'd done with a perfect clarity. She closed her eyes and wiped her face with a white sleeve, before meeting the gaze of the mask again, "I thank you, Kelemvor. Everything my brother- I mean Arva- said or did now seems to make more sense. He had a good life, I think. I feel more at peace with his death now, knowing that he is safe with me. Even as we speak, I am sending out a tendril of my mind to the sword so that he can know I've found someone who can read the runes."

 

Reona! Arva's response was excited and fast as a bolt of lightning.

 

Arva! I know it's been a long time, but be silent for just a few moments more. Look and listen with my eyes and ears, she replied, barely able to contain her happiness at hearing him speak, and then focused on the things around her, flicking her eyes around the stable once so that Arva could see what surrounded her, before meeting Kelemvor's gaze once again.

Edited October 8, 2011 by tokyobleach

[AurianaValoria1]

 

Tears filled Reona's eyes and spilled over as she rethought everything that Arva had ever said to her, suddenly understanding everything he'd done with a perfect clarity. She closed her eyes and wiped her face with a white sleeve, before meeting the gaze of the mask again, "I thank you, Kelemvor. Everything my brother- I mean Arva- said or did now seems to make more sense. He had a good life, I think. I feel more at peace with his death now, knowing that he is safe with me. Even as we speak, I am sending out a tendril of my mind to the sword so that he can know I've found someone who can read the runes."

 

Reona! Arva's response was excited and fast as a bolt of lightning.

 

Arva! I know it's been a long time, but be silent for just a few moments more. Look and listen with my eyes and ears, she replied, barely able to contain her happiness at hearing him speak, and then focused on the things around her, flicking her eyes around the stable once so that Arva could see what surrounded her, before meeting Kelemvor's gaze once again.

 

 

Kelemvor nodded, "Perhaps you both can be at peace, now. But, you have questions you wish answered. Shall I begin with your name?

 

"Names have great meaning in my world, and yours, too. You know already that Reona means 'reaper' or 'she who collects.' In fact, it is a modern corruption of a much older Elvish name, Rey'ohnahn. In Faerun, the Elves have their own pantheon, and their language and lifestyle has always been closely tied with their gods. All deities share a language called Supernal: a hieroglyphic system which can be understood by anyone of any race, as it transforms to be readable to all eyes. However, it cannot be spoken by mortals. Rey'ohnahn has meaning in Supernal as well, and possesses much more powerful connotations. Roughly translated, it means 'banshee' or possibly 'siren.' Assign this name to a person, and it implies powerful psionic skill, specifically the ability to lure victims to their deaths with illusionist magic. You have this ability, Reona...your parents did not name you lightly. Although your power is latent, you can call it forth with practice.

 

"To that end, I offer you this," he held up his hands. In them materialized a circlet of braided silver, which he then placed upon the elf's brow, "It shall help you expand your telepathic range, so you may speak with your companions from great distances when silence is required. It has other functions, but I will leave them for you to discover."

 

He backed away from her, "You also wish to know why you intrigue me? It is simple. I've known only a handful of mortals with the confidence you possess. This shall serve you well, but I must warn you: countless souls have entered my realm because they died of overconfidence. Thus, I leave you with this....listen to the dead, Reona. They have many stories to tell and valuable lessons to teach."

 

Kelemvor then looked to Ellundil, the Altmer tall enough to almost look the god in the face, "I realize you need your runes bare to access your magic. In this, subtlety is not available to you often. But perhaps I may aid you in this," he held his arms wide for a moment, and the shadows of the stable coalesced into a gossamer-thin cloak that settled about the Altmer's shoulders. "With this cloak, you will be able to meld with the shadows when the situation calls for it, and your magic will not be hampered. My advice to you: you are impulsive when emotionally roused, and that may very well cause the deaths of both you and your companions. Control your heart with your mind, Rune-Mage, for all your sakes."

 

Finally, he turned to Kalin, "And you, elan. You favor mindblades, but they may not always be available to you. When your mental magics fail you, you may rely on this," he produced a small dagger, silver with a black hilt, the sheath of plain black leather. "It looks unassuming, but I assure you, it will do the job. I'll leave its powers for you to find out." He then leaned close, murmuring, "I shall also impart this to you, so you may go with a lighter heart: your family rests easy and in peace."

 

He backed away from all of them, "I thank you all for your willingness to help my Chosen. Any ally of hers is an ally of mine. May you all go with my blessings. Rhaine? You have a question." It was more of a statement than an inquiry.

 

Rhaine hesitated, unsure of whether or not to voice a niggling thought. "My lord, I must ask...why do you do this? Why are you so concerned, and insist I take allies with me? You have never done so before. You....you could easily Choose another should I...fall."

 

His physical form began to fade, so that only the mask remained suspended in midair. It stayed for several moments, shimmering with a ghostly quality.

 

"Some people, Rhaine, are irreplaceable."

 

With that, a gust of wind blew through the stable, and the mask dissipated into wisps of silver mist....and was gone.

Edited October 8, 2011 by AurianaValoria1

[GrueMaster]

 

 

Tears filled Reona's eyes and spilled over as she rethought everything that Arva had ever said to her, suddenly understanding everything he'd done with a perfect clarity. She closed her eyes and wiped her face with a white sleeve, before meeting the gaze of the mask again, "I thank you, Kelemvor. Everything my brother- I mean Arva- said or did now seems to make more sense. He had a good life, I think. I feel more at peace with his death now, knowing that he is safe with me. Even as we speak, I am sending out a tendril of my mind to the sword so that he can know I've found someone who can read the runes."

 

Reona! Arva's response was excited and fast as a bolt of lightning.

 

Arva! I know it's been a long time, but be silent for just a few moments more. Look and listen with my eyes and ears, she replied, barely able to contain her happiness at hearing him speak, and then focused on the things around her, flicking her eyes around the stable once so that Arva could see what surrounded her, before meeting Kelemvor's gaze once again.

 

 

Kelemvor nodded, "Perhaps you both can be at peace, now. But, you have questions you wish answered. Shall I begin with your name?

 

"Names have great meaning in my world, and yours, too. You know already that Reona means 'reaper' or 'she who collects.' In fact, it is a modern corruption of a much older Elvish name, Rey'ohnahn. In Faerun, the Elves have their own pantheon, and their language and lifestyle has always been closely tied with their gods. All deities share a language called Supernal: a hieroglyphic system which can be understood by anyone of any race, as it transforms to be readable to all eyes. However, it cannot be spoken by mortals. Rey'ohnahn has meaning in Supernal as well, and possesses much more powerful connotations. Roughly translated, it means 'banshee' or possibly 'siren.' Assign this name to a person, and it implies powerful psionic skill, specifically the ability to lure victims to their deaths with illusionist magic. You have this ability, Reona...your parents did not name you lightly. Although your power is latent, you can call it forth with practice.

 

"To that end, I offer you this," he held up his hands. In them materialized a circlet of braided silver, which he then placed upon the elf's brow, "It shall help you expand your telepathic range, so you may speak with your companions from great distances when silence is required. It has other functions, but I will leave them for you to discover."

 

He backed away from her, "You also wish to know why you intrigue me? It is simple. I've known only a handful of mortals with the confidence you possess. This shall serve you well, but I must warn you: countless souls have entered my realm because they died of overconfidence. Thus, I leave you with this....listen to the dead, Reona. They have many stories to tell and valuable lessons to teach."

 

Kelemvor then looked to Ellundil, the Altmer tall enough to almost look the god in the face, "I realize you need your runes bare to access your magic. In this, subtlety is not available to you often. But perhaps I may aid you in this," he held his arms wide for a moment, and the shadows of the stable coalesced into a gossamer-thin cloak that settled about the Altmer's shoulders. "With this cloak, you will be able to meld with the shadows when the situation calls for it, and your magic will not be hampered. My advice to you: you are impulsive when emotionally roused, and that may very well cause the deaths of both you and your companions. Control your heart with your mind, Rune-Mage, for all your sakes."

 

Finally, he turned to Kalin, "And you, elan. You favor mindblades, but they may not always be available to you. When your mental magics fail you, you may rely on this," he produced a small dagger, silver with a black hilt, the sheath of plain black leather. "It looks unassuming, but I assure you, it will do the job. I'll leave its powers for you to find out." He then leaned close, murmuring, "I shall also impart this to you, so you may go with a lighter heart: your family rests easy and in peace."

 

He backed away from all of them, "I thank you all for your willingness to help my Chosen. Any ally of hers is an ally of mine. May you all go with my blessings. Rhaine? You have a question." It was more of a statement than an inquiry.

 

Rhaine hesitated, unsure of whether or not to voice a niggling thought. "My lord, I must ask...why do you do this? Why are you so concerned, and insist I take allies with me? You have never done so before. You....you could easily Choose another should I...fall."

 

His physical form began to fade, so that only the mask remained suspended in midair. It stayed for several moments, shimmering with a ghostly quality.

 

"Some people, Rhaine, are irreplaceable."

 

With that, a gust of wind blew through the stable, and the mask dissipated into wisps of silver mist....and was gone.

 

 

"Amen to that," Kalin chuckled, then the psychic blew out a small sigh. "Well, since Kelemvor said what I am, I guess I should explain. You see, though I appear by all means purposes a human, and I once was, I am not. I am an Elan, a secret race hidden among the humans in Rhaine's and my world."

 

"I was turned into a creature of psionic power by a traveler who discovered me dying by the ashes of my family's estate. He did this so that I could survive, and you all can see for yourselves that I did." He paused for moment, a sad look on his face. "Though now I can go without food or drink, ignore most mind-affecting spells, reduce injuries, and effectively live to be 2000 years old, my turning also caused me to lose a lot of my memories before it occurred. I still remember having a family, but I can't recall their faces or names."

 

Kalin fell silent, then blew a short sigh again and spoke again. "Anyway, I've wandered the Realms since that night, developing my abilities. Now I can summon a pair of powerful mindblades at will, and, a bit more notoriously in civilized lands I might add, I am a pyrokineticist, a walking fire hazard, to put it simply, which allows me to create and manipulate fire."

 

The man chuckled again. "Whew, I've been carrying that around for fifty years. It felt good to share it with you all." He turned to Ellundil and asked, "Now that Reona, Rhaine and I have shared something, do you want to add anything, Ellundil? I mean, no pressure or anything, but I'm just curious here. I'm enjoying these little heart-to-hearts. Come on, it'll be fun."

[SoulofChrysamere]

"Sure thing good sir! Your water will be ready soon" Mike headed out into the kitchen to start boiling the water. He returned to the patron a few minutes later with a glass of hot water

 

"Tell me my friend, is something wrong? You look a bit tired and a bit lost in your thoughts"

 

 

 

Redemin looked at the man for a moment before answering.

 

 

"Just a bit tired, son. Been hell reaching this part of the province. But you don't need to be bored with the details of how I got here. I could use a bit of info though."

 

 

Redemin took a sip of water before continuing.

 

 

"You know of any work 'round these parts for an assassin or bounty hunter? I've got considerable experience in tracking down outlaws."

[tokyobiohazard]

 

Kelemvor nodded, "Perhaps you both can be at peace, now. But, you have questions you wish answered. Shall I begin with your name?

 

"Names have great meaning in my world, and yours, too. You know already that Reona means 'reaper' or 'she who collects.' In fact, it is a modern corruption of a much older Elvish name, Rey'ohnahn. In Faerun, the Elves have their own pantheon, and their language and lifestyle has always been closely tied with their gods. All deities share a language called Supernal: a hieroglyphic system which can be understood by anyone of any race, as it transforms to be readable to all eyes. However, it cannot be spoken by mortals. Rey'ohnahn has meaning in Supernal as well, and possesses much more powerful connotations. Roughly translated, it means 'banshee' or possibly 'siren.' Assign this name to a person, and it implies powerful psionic skill, specifically the ability to lure victims to their deaths with illusionist magic. You have this ability, Reona...your parents did not name you lightly. Although your power is latent, you can call it forth with practice.

 

"To that end, I offer you this," he held up his hands. In them materialized a circlet of braided silver, which he then placed upon the elf's brow, "It shall help you expand your telepathic range, so you may speak with your companions from great distances when silence is required. It has other functions, but I will leave them for you to discover."

 

He backed away from her, "You also wish to know why you intrigue me? It is simple. I've known only a handful of mortals with the confidence you possess. This shall serve you well, but I must warn you: countless souls have entered my realm because they died of overconfidence. Thus, I leave you with this....listen to the dead, Reona. They have many stories to tell and valuable lessons to teach."

 

Kelemvor then looked to Ellundil, the Altmer tall enough to almost look the god in the face, "I realize you need your runes bare to access your magic. In this, subtlety is not available to you often. But perhaps I may aid you in this," he held his arms wide for a moment, and the shadows of the stable coalesced into a gossamer-thin cloak that settled about the Altmer's shoulders. "With this cloak, you will be able to meld with the shadows when the situation calls for it, and your magic will not be hampered. My advice to you: you are impulsive when emotionally roused, and that may very well cause the deaths of both you and your companions. Control your heart with your mind, Rune-Mage, for all your sakes."

 

Finally, he turned to Kalin, "And you, elan. You favor mindblades, but they may not always be available to you. When your mental magics fail you, you may rely on this," he produced a small dagger, silver with a black hilt, the sheath of plain black leather. "It looks unassuming, but I assure you, it will do the job. I'll leave its powers for you to find out." He then leaned close, murmuring, "I shall also impart this to you, so you may go with a lighter heart: your family rests easy and in peace."

 

He backed away from all of them, "I thank you all for your willingness to help my Chosen. Any ally of hers is an ally of mine. May you all go with my blessings. Rhaine? You have a question." It was more of a statement than an inquiry.

 

Rhaine hesitated, unsure of whether or not to voice a niggling thought. "My lord, I must ask...why do you do this? Why are you so concerned, and insist I take allies with me? You have never done so before. You....you could easily Choose another should I...fall."

 

His physical form began to fade, so that only the mask remained suspended in midair. It stayed for several moments, shimmering with a ghostly quality.

 

"Some people, Rhaine, are irreplaceable."

 

With that, a gust of wind blew through the stable, and the mask dissipated into wisps of silver mist....and was gone.

"Amen to that," Kalin chuckled, then the psychic blew out a small sigh. "Well, since Kelemvor said what I am, I guess I should explain. You see, though I appear by all means purposes a human, and I once was, I am not. I am an Elan, a secret race hidden among the humans in Rhaine's and my world."

 

"I was turned into a creature of psionic power by a traveler who discovered me dying by the ashes of my family's estate. He did this so that I could survive, and you all can see for yourselves that I did." He paused for moment, a sad look on his face. "Though now I can go without food or drink, ignore most mind-affecting spells, reduce injuries, and effectively live to be 2000 years old, my turning also caused me to lose a lot of my memories before it occurred. I still remember having a family, but I can't recall their faces or names."

 

Kalin fell silent, then blew a short sigh again and spoke again. "Anyway, I've wandered the Realms since that night, developing my abilities. Now I can summon a pair of powerful mindblades at will, and, a bit more notoriously in civilized lands I might add, I am a pyrokineticist, a walking fire hazard, to put it simply, which allows me to create and manipulate fire."

 

The man chuckled again. "Whew, I've been carrying that around for fifty years. It felt good to share it with you all." He turned to Ellundil and asked, "Now that Reona, Rhaine and I have shared something, do you want to add anything, Ellundil? I mean, no pressure or anything, but I'm just curious here. I'm enjoying these little heart-to-hearts. Come on, it'll be fun."

 

Ellundil looked down at the cloak that rested gently on his shoulders. The soft brush of fabric against the flesh of his torso was an unfamiliar feeling, as he hadn't worn a shirt in quite some time, since he hated not being able to feel the soft hum of magic inside his runes. It felt good to know that he could now be more inconspicuous if he so wished. He also pondered the god's advice for a moment, and made sure to remember it next time he felt impulsive. He wasn't alone now, and his actions affected his friends as well as himself.

 

Finally, he closed his eyes and exhaled, his arms crossed, "Forgive me for this, friends, but I prefer my story stay... untold... for now. You all have shared so much with me, and my heart swells with happiness at that fact, but I cannot reveal more than this: my trust in all of you is growing quickly, but complete trust is needed for me to divulge my secrets. I prefer for my past to stay with me, unless a dire reason for its revealing presents itself."

 

He hid his reddening face beneath his unbound hair and wished nothing more than for the eyes of everyone to leave him, when he noticed that his cloak began to hide the glow of his runes under its dark cloth and he began to become translucent and slightly fade into the the darkness around him for a split-second, before becoming visible again. His eyes widened as he realized that the god had given him something with which he could quite literally meld with shadows.

---------------------------------------

Reona nodded at Ellundil, understanding why he wouldn't want to share things about himself just yet. She then reached up and let her fingers play across the braided circlet of silver about her crown. The circlet made her feel a slight mental pull telling her which direction all of her friends were in, which made her wonder why she would need to know where her friends were. Adopting a troubled expression, she shared her concern with Arva, who agreed with her, impressed at how much Reona's independence as a single entity had increased in the few months since his passing.

 

Voicing the issue, Reona addressed everyone, "Arva and I think that Kelemvor's gift to me may have been given because we will be separated soon, and there will be a great distance between us all, as without the circlet, my mind can expand a league in all directions. If I wear the circlet and we use my mind as the focal point, we can all speak with each other as we are now from almost anywhere. Arva wants me to add that if I use a bit of craftiness with the circlet, it can allow you to also speak with him through me, or hear his thoughts directly without my hearing them if you instruct me to shield myself from the conversation but keep the connection intact."