Zynell/Logs/Communing with the Dark Grove

Communing with the Dark Grove: Asildu Side Quest

[Near Kaerna Village, A Dark Grove]

Around you grow trees in a circle so even and perfect they warrant suspicion. In the center of the grove is a deep pool, its surface smooth and glassy, undisturbed by the wind. Sunlight slants through the leaves and falls in dappled pools of light. A nest has been built in one of the tallest trees, its occupant a sleeping night owl, its head tucked under its wing. You also see a black obsidian altar with a rough obsidian bowl on it and a dirt path.

Umptiskrunk says, "Is gonna be wet, folks. Just so peoples know."

Kethrai says to Umptiskrunk, "Eh, what else is new lately."

Umptiskrunk says to Kethrai, "Guy is right, been lots rain."

You say, "We have a few more on their way so we will be starting in just a few roisaen."

Gragnel says to you, "Before others start flooding you with whispers, just go ahead and put me on the list of speakers. I know, you already knew that and probably already did it. I just had to say it."

You say, "I was going to make you ask."

Gragnel exclaims, "Well, beat ya to it then!"

Kethrai says, "Would hardly be a Damaris event if you didn't speak."

Gragnel asks Kethrai, "Right?"

Tirost says to Kethrai, "Afternoon, Keth. Heard you and your company experienced visions recently, possibly from the Triquetra."

Kethrai nods to Tirost.

Ezathiel raises an eyebrow.

Ezathiel gazes at Kethrai.

Gragnel says, "Oh! Yeah! Zynell told me about what ya'll saw. Wild stuff."

You nod in agreement.

Gragnel says, "I didn't see it at the time, so was a might confused. But, she filled me in afterwards."

Kethrai says, "It feels like such a rare thing to have all the pantheons in alignment with each other this way."

Aerilia says, "We're in strange times."

Tirost asks Kethrai, "The visions seemed aligned with the Kermorian pantheon and the Rakash?"

You say, "Aye, but reassuring in a strange way."

You nod to Tirost.

Gragnel says, "A common foe does have a way of unifying a proper opposition."

Gragnel shrugs.

Kethrai says to Tirost, "At least, aligned with them in this fight. Or maybe more importantly, also enemies of the Heralds in it."

Tirost asks Kethrai, "They asked to you to resist the Heralds? Did they say how, or why?"

You tap your foot impatiently.

You say, "His is opting for very dramatic entrance."

You sigh.

Kethrai says, "They said not to 'turn our backs on the weapon that will save us.' And we also were shown the Heralds consuming mana from everything, including the Wheel."

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Kethrai.

Ryeka nods to Kethrai.

Aerilia nods to Kethrai.

Nawain frowns at Kethrai.

You give Darkewolff a playful poke in the ribs.

Darkewolff looks at you, obviously trying not to grin.

Majeskyr asks, "What's the Wheel?"

Tirost asks Kethrai, "The Wheel? The cycle of life and death of Prydaen souls?"

You say, "Alright..."

Kethrai says to Majeskyr, "It's a... machine, or metaphysical concept, or both?, a tool that the Prydaen gods use to bring our souls back from the dead in new lives."

Kethrai nods to Tirost.

Welcome!

You say, "We are gathered today to commune with Damaris and the Dark Grove."

Majeskyr nods to Kethrai.

Kethrai coughs.

Nawain gives Tirost a slight nod.

Kethrai looks thoughtfully at you.

Ezathiel gazes at you.

Crobin's ears perk up happily.

You say, "This is not one of the cleric's Immortal events. This is part of the freeing Asildu plan."

Tirost coldly asks Kethrai, "And the Heralds are taking from it?"

You say, "If this is not what you were expecting, you are still welcome to stay and participate as you are comfortable."

You look around, trying to appear nonchalant.

You nod.

You say, "Damaris followers, we were asked to host Asildu's attempted return to the Immortals here."

You say, "This place is sacred to Damaris and his followers. His presence is easily felt here in the shade."

Gragnel gives a slight nod.

You make a rumbling noise of contentment.

Darkewolff gives a slight nod.

You say, "When an area is so alive with the presence of the divine, one has to offer respect and ask before bringing chaos and potential disaster."

You grin mischievously.

Sothios smiles at a black obsidian altar.

You say, "It is with this reverence that we pose our questions to Damaris and the Dark Grove."

You say, "We seek guidance, acceptance, and assistance."

Ezathiel fidgets nervously.

You say, "If you would like to participate in any parts of the ritual, please get the item from the dropped bag and follow along."

Elurora pats Ezathiel on the back.

You say, "At the end i will also be inviting folk to share their Damaris stories, how they came to follow him, their wishes for Asildu and the Dark Grove..."

Let the Rituals Begin

You say, "Firstly."

You say, "I carved a lot of beads..."

Crobin stands near a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Hoppr drops an ebon-hued backpack.

You say, "Each bead is imbued with a little bit of blessings and my clericing."

You say, "May the amount present help act as a beacon for our commune and dreams."

Gragnel gets an onyx panther bead from inside an ebon-hued backpack.

You say, "May the favor of those gathered in such a small space bring the attentions of the Dark Grove and our beloved Immortal."

Gragnel reverently places an onyx panther bead atop the obsidian altar.

Gragnel begins to pray.

You bow your head and say in a hushed voice, "Damaris, guard and protect the children this night."

Elurora indicates her panther bead with a smile.

Ryeka kneels down.

Casari glances up at the sky.

Kitosaki says in a Toggish accent, "Umm just tell us when to do whatever with it please."

Kitosaki grins stupidly.

You take in a great breath of air.

Gragnel's offering is consumed in a blinding flash of light. When your vision clears, a glowing Damaris orb rests in its place upon the altar.

Gragnel gets a glowing Damaris orb from atop a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka bows her head and mutters a short prayer in a hushed voice. Raising her head, she glances to the shadows with a knowing smile.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

The trees sway slightly, their leaves shuddering.

As Gragnel starts to place his Damaris orb on the altar it leaps from his hand and suddenly glows brightly, hovering just above the altar before it bursts into a flash of excruciatingly beautiful light which instead of dissipating, streaks around the area as tendrils of light representing every color of the rainbow. Then, an instant later, the multicolored lights gather around Gragnel and mix together, forming a white mass of brightness which completely obscures him from sight. Slowly, it appears to seep into Gragnel, until all the light is gone and Gragnel appears somehow changed.

You relax your ears for a moment, letting them sag slightly.

Gragnel hums to himself.

You say, "There are no shadows without light."

Hoppr drops a ditty bag.

As Ryeka starts to place her Damaris orb on the altar it leaps from her hand and suddenly glows brightly, hovering just above the altar before it bursts into a flash of excruciatingly beautiful light which instead of dissipating, streaks around the area as tendrils of light representing every color of the rainbow.

Then, an instant later, the multicolored lights gather around Ryeka and mix together, forming a white mass of brightness which completely obscures her from sight. Slowly, it appears to seep into Ryeka, until all the light is gone and Ryeka appears somehow changed.

You say, "Please take a candle."

Nawain gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Viredoh gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Kitosaki gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

You say, "The dream candle is used in the pool in Ratha to induce a dream vision."

Aerilia gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Ectheleon gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Ryeka says, "An offering for the Lord of Shadows."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Telamont gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Miskton gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Kethrai gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

You get a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Tirost gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Aerilia ponders.

Sothios gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

You quickly flick the switch on the back of the dragon, pointing it at a dream candle as flames shoot out the creature's mouth, making the candle quickly catch fire.

You say, "Damaris, we light your dream candles that we might see your visions clearly."

Miskton points his umbral colossus at a dream candle and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the candle quickly catch fire.

(Zynell places the dream candle at her feet so the shadows dance behind her)

You lower the candle and place it on the ground at your feet.

Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration.

Nawain points her World Dragon at a dream candle and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the candle quickly catch fire.

Mistanna gets a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Ryeka reverently places an onyx panther bead atop the obsidian altar.

Ryeka begins to pray.

Nawain gazes at a dream candle.

Hoppr drops a rugged silver backpack.

A burning dream candle's light grows much weaker.

Ryeka gets a glowing Damaris orb from atop a black obsidian altar.

You say, "In the bag are several jewelry pieces, take one."

Kethrai casually observes the area.

A burning dream candle's light grows much weaker.

You say, "The SILVER BACKPACK."

Gragnel gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Nawain gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Gragnel reverently places an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet atop the obsidian altar.

Aerilia gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Gragnel offers his circlet to the gods in homage of their greatness.

You get an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

A burning dream candle's light grows much weaker.

Ectheleon gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Majeskyr gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

You say, "Please hold one of the damaryn pearl pieces in your right hand and admire its pale shade of grey with faint blue striations."

Mistanna gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Darkewolff gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Kethrai gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Kethrai moves an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet to his right hand.

Aerilia moves an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet to her right hand.

Kitosaki gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

You say, "These gems are said to be the Eyes of Damaris."

Viredoh gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Kethrai gazes at an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet.

Majeskyr holds an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Aerilia holds an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet in both hands and closes her eyes in concentration.

Miskton gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Ectheleon moves an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet to his right hand.

The nightowl stirs in its nest, making soft noises to itself.

Telamont smiles.

Miskton moves an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet to his right hand.

A burning dream candle's flame flutters slightly.

Darkewolff gazes at an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet.

(Zynell holds the pearl piece in the candle light and slows her breathing to concentrate on the beauty of the striations.)

Ryeka gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Tirost gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

A burning dream candle's flame flutters slightly.

You say, "Damaris, we first and rightly seek insight. Grant us the patience and ability to see what you see in the lost and tortured souls."

Ryeka holds an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet high into the air for all to see.

Miskton gazes at an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet.

Crobin gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Kitosaki fidgets nervously.

Hoppr pulls a pink-checked cotton cloth out of a picnic basket, setting her basket aside as as she shakes out the cloth and lays it out upon the ground.

You say, "Please get a DREAM drink."

Crobin gazes at an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet.

You get a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

A burning dream candle dims drastically.

Gragnel gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

An electric light shines around Casari, pulsing and crackling in time with her song.

You say, "Damaris, Asildu is like these drinks. He is drowning in the sea of Herald rage and will."

You take a sip of the dream. Yow!! That's potent! It makes your face feel flushed and your eyes water!

Ectheleon gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Darkewolff gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Ryeka gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

A burning dream candle dims drastically.

Gragnel guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Majeskyr gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Aerilia puts on an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet.

Tirost gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Mistanna gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Ryeka holds a flask of drowning man's dream high into the air for all to see.

You say, "He is one less fortunate than we are, he is but a child in the ways of the soul, mislead and enslaved by those with power."

Kitosaki gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Miskton gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Viredoh puts on an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet.

You guzzle down the dream. Yow!! That's potent! It makes your face feel flushed and your eyes water!

Viredoh gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Gragnel guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Aerilia gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

Tirost guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

You say, "We may have the opportunity to direct him back to the Immortals, please hear the drowning man's dream to be saved."

You guzzle down the dream. Yow!! That's potent! It makes your face feel flushed and your eyes water!

Viredoh takes a sip of his dream.

Miskton guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Aerilia gasps and chokes as her face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Gragnel guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Tirost guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Kethrai puts on an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet.

You say, "Damaris, please help us give him that calm spot in the turbulent waters of life."

Ectheleon gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Kethrai gets a flask of drowning man's dream from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.

You take a sip of the dream.

Gragnel guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Majeskyr gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Ectheleon gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Kethrai takes a sip of his dream.

A burning dream candle sputters suddenly and then goes out.

Kitosaki gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

You say, "We ask that he find solace in your Dark Grove. The calm we find in your acceptance."

Ectheleon gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Tirost takes a sip of his dream.

You take a sip of the dream. Yow!! That's potent! It makes your face feel flushed and your eyes water!

You take a sip of the dream. Yow!! That's potent! It makes your face feel flushed and your eyes water!

You finish off the rest of it, and set the flask aside.

Kitosaki guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Ectheleon takes a sip of his dream.

Majeskyr takes a sip of his dream.

A burning dream candle sputters suddenly and then goes out.

Viredoh gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Kitosaki guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Ectheleon takes a sip of his dream.

A burning dream candle sputters suddenly and then goes out.

Ectheleon guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Ryeka holds an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet in both hands and closes her eyes in concentration.

Hoppr drops an ash grey backpack.

Kitosaki gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

Miskton gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

You say, "There are some extra charcoal pieces in the bag."

Ectheleon takes a sip of his dream.

You say, "The ASH BACKPACK."

Viredoh gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Ectheleon guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Mistanna gasps and chokes as her face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Viredoh gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Majeskyr takes a sip of his dream.

The trees sway slightly, their leaves shuddering.

You get some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Kethrai gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Miskton gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

(Zynell vigorously rubs the charcoal into her palms)

Majeskyr takes a sip of his dream.

Viredoh gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Mistanna gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Darkewolff gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Aerilia takes a sip of her dream.

Ectheleon gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Miskton gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Aerilia gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Ectheleon rubs some charcoal.

You say, "With this charcoal, I mask my face, obscure it from the world, I hide it in the shadow-like substance that we seek to hide Asildu in."

Darkewolff gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Majeskyr guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Miskton guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Miskton gasps and chokes as his face takes on a bright reddish hue!

Kitosaki gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Viredoh rubs some charcoal.

Miskton guzzles down some of his dream and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve.

Majeskyr gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Crobin grumbles.

Ryeka gets some charcoal from inside an ash grey backpack.

Crobin says, "I shall return."

(Zynell makes two deliberate swipes of her palms down her cheeks. Realizing part way through that her fur is already black, she grabs some more charcoal and swipes some more across her forehead causing a light dusting of charcoal powder to cling to her fur.)

You say, "Damaris, We ask for your assistance in keeping Asildu hidden here in the Dark Grove when the time comes."

(Ryeka marks herself with the charcoal)

Gragnel lightly touches his panther pin as he says a quick prayer.

Gragnel gazes up at the sky.

Kitosaki rubs some charcoal.

You say, "We seek your knack for secret keeping. We humbly request your blessings upon the Dark Grove as the place to host Asildu's redemption."

You bow your head and say in a hushed voice, "Damaris, guard and protect the children this night."

Ectheleon rubs some charcoal.

Mistanna rubs some charcoal.

You say, "A bag of sharp things next."

Hoppr drops an iridescent haversack.

Kitosaki gets a panther-pommel pasabas from inside an iridescent haversack.

Ectheleon gets a panther-pommel pasabas from inside an iridescent haversack.

You say, "Please hold a para in your left hand."

Ectheleon moves a panther-pommel pasabas to his left hand.

You get a panther-pommel pasabas from inside an iridescent haversack.

Mistanna gets a panther-pommel pasabas from inside an iridescent haversack.

Ryeka gets a panther-pommel pasabas from inside an iridescent haversack.

You say, "Or pasabas."

Viredoh gets a panther-pommel pasabas from inside an iridescent haversack.

You giggle.

Majeskyr gets a panther-pommel pasabas from inside an iridescent haversack.

Viredoh moves a panther-pommel pasabas to his left hand.

Aerilia begins to carefully examine a panther-pommel pasabas.

Ryeka holds a panther-pommel pasabas high into the air for all to see.

Elurora pats Nawain on the back.

(Zynell glances at her hands to make sure her right hand still has the damaryn pearl and left has the sharp stabby.)

Kitosaki begins to carefully examine a panther-pommel pasabas.

Majeskyr grins.

You nod.

You say, "Damaris we know the task is not an easy one. Nor are we foolish enough to think simple words will be enough."

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Darkewolff gets a panther-pommel pasabas from inside an iridescent haversack.

You say, "Damaris, guide our aim, may we find the Heralds' tether in Asildu and severe it with the severity and finality that every assassin learns."

Kitosaki fidgets nervously.

Mistanna gets an inlaid damaryn pearl circlet from inside a rugged silver backpack.

The Dark Grove is Listening

The willow leaves whisper softly as a gentle breeze stirs ripples across the pond's surface.

(Zynell, even left handed makes a very skilled stab and slice motion with her pasabas, mimicking the severing of Asildu's ties to the Heralds.)

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kitosaki blinks.

Aerilia tilts her head to one side.

Tirost rests his posture and listens attentively.

You say, "And finally."

You say, "Damaris, Dark Grove, we offer you our experiences as devoted shadow followers."

Sothios emits a rumbling purr, like a large mountain cat.

You say, "We have all been found in the darkness. We have all found the darkness."

You say, "We offer you our tales of finding love and acceptance when we thought all else was lost."

You say, "We ask that you offer the same love and acceptance to Asildu's lost soul."

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

You glance at Sothios, a male Elf.

You say, "I have read my and Damaris' story a few times. Today i share with you one that has been kept secret for far too long."

Damaris is Watching

Time slows, and the air takes on a golden light. Everything goes silent, and you sense that you are being watched.

You get a storyteller's book of fairy tales bound in quilted silk from inside a storyteller's book bag stitched with various mythical beasts which is in your encompassing shadows.

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Elurora gazes up at the sky.

Crobin smiles.

Aerilia inhales a great swallow of air.

You flick one ear back as though listening for something.

Sothios casually observes the area.

Mistanna tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

Kitosaki glances up at the sky.

Sothios' Story

You gaze at Sothios.

Majeskyr glances up at the sky.

You nod to Sothios.

Kethrai glances at you.

You open your storyteller's book.

You delicately say, "Today was the day. It all came crashing down."
You delicately say, "The boy returned home from errands round town."
You worriedly say, "Her laughter was silent, he knew something was wrong."
You hopelessly say, "He tripped over her body, his mother long gone."

Sothios gazes down at the ground.

You bleakly say, "It takes two to make a child but only one to destroy it."
You disdainfully say, "The monster that spawned him looked like he enjoyed it."

Crobin flicks one ear back as though listening for something.

You angrily say, "Her blood stained his hands the boy felt it in his bones."
You malevolently say, "A rage filled him as he moved the loose cobblestones."

(Zynell slowly turns the book around to show a depiction of a small river that trails between the boy and the blurred shape of a fallen elven woman. Behind him, a thing of nightmares, the color of dried blood and evil with horns, forked tongues, multiple sets of eyes, and menacing gaze looms over a small elven boy.)

Telamont stands near Sothios.

You disdainfully say, "The monster gloated, the boy drew his hidden knife."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You triumphantly say, "The monster fell to his knees as the boy took his life."

(Crobin moves towards the back of the group his eyes scanning)

Elurora gazes at you.

You gravely say, "The childs chest heaved with the effort of a hard life won."

Telamont rubs Sothios's back.

You hauntingly say, "He took a step back to see what sacrifices he had done."

(Zynell takes a slow steading breath before continuing the story)

You painfully say, "Gone was his innocence, gone was his heart."
You painfully say, "Gone was his childhood that had barely just start."
You somberly say, "This was no longer a safe spot, no longer his home."
You somberly say, "Doomed to the streets and shadows to roam."

Sothios glances at you.

(Zynell's ears droop a little as she turns the book to show an image of the small elven boy's face riddled with conflict and guilt. An ethereal elven man and prydaen female hug the boy, love, comfort, and concern echoed through the haze of time.)

Sothios inhales a great swallow of air.

You rub Sothios's right hand.

Sothios slowly empties his lungs.

You haughtily say, "His bloody form was frozen in place."
You mysteriously say, "The man strode in to the crime ridden space."
You mysteriously say, "He knelt by the boy, his eyes full of pride."
You proudly say, "I'm proud of you son. You could easily have died."

You mysteriously say, "From his pockets he pulled two coins star-shaped."
You mysteriously say, "He motioned the boy place them where his mother's eyes gaped."
You mischievously say, "Eylhaar will find her and peace She will bring."
You proudly say, "You did well my son. Do not fear any thing."

Elurora furrows her brow.

(Zynell turns the book to those gathered, showing the elven boy paying his respects to the elven woman. Her form is haloed in starlight hues as he places the coins over her eyes. The nightmarish figure already being consumed by shadows takes up only the corner of the page, already becoming a trial overcome. The man with star-strewn hair looks on approvingly.)

You mischievously say, "I heard your cries, I saw your dream."
You proudly say, "You used the tools I left you, his eyes in mischief gleam."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

A tear runs down Sothios's face.

You proudly say, "You did well my son. I have but one thing to ask."
You mischievously say, "Stay your weapon in anger is your one and only task."

(Zynell's eyes shine with a pride as she shows the painting. Eyes of shadow appraise the young boy as the man replaces the kitchen knife with a parazonium. A sense of pride, hope, and acceptance radiate from the dark figure as the boy contemplates his future.)

Kethrai gazes thoughtfully at you.

You mysteriously say, "He placed a hand on the boys shoulder, the shadows lengthen."
You bravely say, "The boy swallowed his tears, a nod as his resolves strengthen."
You mysteriously say, "Shadows swirl, only the boy left behind."
You bravely say, "A gold coin in his hand, but no parents to mind."

Ryeka nods.

You lovingly say, "He dreamed of her laughter, her hugs and his forehead kissed."
You lovingly say, "His soul heavy in burden as she would forever be missed."
You lovingly say, "He woke safe in the shadows, knife always in hand."
You lovingly say, "Forever in service to the Lord of the dream land."

Tirost gazes at a black obsidian altar.

You smile slightly as she turns the page to show a raven haired beauty that is captured mid smile, her stormy grey eyes alight with laughter. Subtle silver stars linger in her iris as her loving gaze settles on the viewer. Shadows swirl through the background, a panther and jackal figure watch from afar as the lithe lady s arms extend as if to offer the viewer a motherly hug.

Sothios gazes at you.

You close your storyteller's book.

You say, "Damaris, we ask that you extend your love and understanding throughout the Dark Grove."

Gragnel smiles.

You say, "You look upon us, flawed, broken, marred, traumatized individuals with little hope... and you do not turn your back."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You say, "You do not tense your lip."

You say, "You find the beauty, the potential, the willful soul. You gaze on your children with pride when they make the hard decisions."

You say, "We ask that you help us give Asildu the chance to make the hard decisions. The kind that will make you proud."

Sothios casually observes the area.

Aerilia gives a slight nod.

You say, "If you feel moved to share how you and Damaris met or other words with the group, please let me know."

Damaris' Answer

You find yourself wandering a dark forest and hear a deep growl nearby. Whirling around, you see a pair of eyes narrowed upon you, glowing in the shadows. With barely a whisper, a large panther leaps forward, its extended claws narrowly missing your throat as it sails past, raking across the thick trunk of a nearby tree. The tree shudders and splits open, revealing a passageway carved from a strange stone. The panther snarls and vanishes.

(Crobin glances around his eyes connecting with Sothios and gives a nod)

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Nawain blinks.

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Aerilia furrows her brow.

You blink.

Tirost rubs his head.

Mistanna blinks.

Crobin shakes his head.

[Near Kaerna Village, A Dark Grove]

Around you grow trees in a circle so even and perfect they warrant suspicion. In the center of the grove is a deep pool, its surface smooth and glassy, undisturbed by the wind. Sunlight slants through the leaves and falls in dappled pools of light. A nest has been built in one of the tallest trees, its occupant a sleeping night owl, its head tucked under its wing. You also see some charcoal, an iridescent haversack, an ash grey backpack, a pink-checked cotton cloth with several things on it, a rugged silver backpack, a ditty bag, an ebon-hued backpack, a black obsidian altar with a couple of things on it and a dirt path.

Elurora blinks.

Kethrai casually observes the area.

The golden light recedes, and time resumes its normal flow.

Kitosaki coughs.

You nod.

Crobin shivers.

Aerilia rubs her neck.

Crobin says, "Just like before."

Darkewolff lets out a sigh of contentment.

Elurora gazes at an onyx panther bead.

Crobin's ears perk up happily.

A cold grey light fades into a heavy mantle of black as the feeble, grey glow of the sun vanishes into the heavy clouds that fill the sky.

Sothios smiles.

Umptiskrunk glances up at the sky.

You say, "Many thanks."

Ryeka says, "I think the Lord of Dreams will help."

Kethrai asks, "The first revelation of this place, maybe?"

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Tirost quietly asks Aerilia, "...Did you see that? The panther, the split tree, and the passage?"

Aerilia nods to Tirost.

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka shivers slightly.

Sothios says, "Damaris will help."

Sothios nods.

Aerilia quietly says to Tirost, "I'm not sure what to make of it, though."

You say to Ryeka, "Aye i think so."

Tirost nods to Aerilia.

Crobin says, "The shadow showing us the way."

You nod.

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kitosaki asks in a Toggish accent, "So... now what?"

You say, "Granting safe passage."

Gragnel

You ask Gragnel, "You wished to share?"

Gragnel nods to you.

You put your book in the book bag which is inside your encompassing shadows.

Crobin smiles.

Gragnel stands up.

Gragnel dusts himself off.

Gragnel gets a pitted iron comb from inside his leather longcoat.

Gragnel runs his iron comb through his hair.

Gragnel runs his iron comb through his hair.

Gragnel puts his comb in his leather longcoat.

Crobin perks his ears up happily as he gazes at you.

Gragnel smiles broadly at the gathered faces.

Gragnel loudly says, "Greetings. I am Reverend Gragnel Durbin and today I will *NOT* be giving a sermon."

Gragnel smirks.

Illiya grins at Gragnel, her dimples flashing into view.

Ryeka grins at Gragnel, her dimples flashing into view.

(Crobin Cough "lies" cough)

Gragnel asks, "I know. I know. Crazy, right? I mean, who would have ever thought that *I* would make a choice like that?"

Elurora glances at Gragnel.

Ryeka laughs!

Gragnel matter-of-factly says, "But, I assure you, I am completely sane. Well, as sane as any other Cleric is during these times we find ourselves in."

Tirost grins at Gragnel.

Gragnel says, "Today, I thought I might share a bit of my own history for you. How a little Gragnel-in-training grew up and found his way to Lord Damaris."

Gragnel says, "Also, might explain why I can sympathize with the man we know as Asildu."

Gragnel smiles begrudingly and takes a deep breath, preparing himself.

Gragnel inhales a great swallow of air.

Gragnel slowly empties his lungs.

Ryeka nods.

Aerilia gazes at Gragnel.

Gragnel says, "I had always suffered from horrible nightmares, even as a small child."

Gragnel frowns as he gazes into the distance, the vague hint of memory active in his eyes.

Gragnel says, "I hardly had the energy for fun and games or sports and play. I was always so tired from not sleeping well the night before."

Gragnel painfully says, "This continued on, though my years growing up in picturesque Wolf Clan. Day after day, night after night."

Gragnel rubs his neck.

Gragnel says, "It wasn't until my teenage years that I finally found a remedy for my ailment..."

Gragnel says, "Dusk berries."

Gragnel smirks.

Ryeka grins, revealing her dimples.

Gragnel sweetly says, "Their juicy insides, the burst of flavor, the immediate need for sleep. Yes, these were what I had needed my whole life."

Illiya grins at Gragnel, her dimples flashing into view.

Gragnel says, "But, I was just some snot-nosed kid from the Clans, I had no way of paying for these sweet treasures all on my own."

[Near Kaerna Village, A Dark Grove]

Around you grow trees in a circle so even and perfect they warrant suspicion. In the center of the grove is a deep pool, its surface smooth and glassy, undisturbed by the wind. Peering into it, it takes you a moment to realize that your face is not reflected in the pool and another to realize that neither are the trees. In fact, the only thing that can be seen are stars -- thousands and thousands of endless stars, some of which you know you have never seen in the sky above you. You also see some charcoal, an iridescent haversack, an ash grey backpack, a pink-checked cotton cloth with several things on it, a rugged silver backpack, a ditty bag, an ebon-hued backpack, a black obsidian altar with a couple of things on it and a dirt path.

Gragnel says, "That's what brought me into the service of the Crossings High Temple."

Crobin asks, "Pay?"

Crobin chuckles.

Illiya grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view.

Gragnel snorts at Crobin.

Gragnel says, "They gave me a job cleaning the tunnels in exchange for a place to stay in the Monk's Quarters and a small amount of coin."

Ryeka winks at Crobin.

Crobin smirks.

Gragnel wryly says, "Convienent for me to have both the berries and a bed within a stone's throw of each other."

Gragnel smirks.

You grin at Gragnel.

Gragnel says, "I spent many years there, growing into adulthood under the guidance of the monks."

Sothios takes a seat near a black obsidian altar.

Gragnel says, "When, finally, I had reached an age where it was time to choose my profession."

Ryeka nods to you.

Sothios reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Sothios shivers slightly.

Gragnel says, "For many people, this can be a tough decision, but for me... It was not."

Gragnel smiles confidently at the gathered faces.

Gragnel says, "I knew I wanted to serve Him. However it was that I was able to."

Gragnel nods emphatically.

Gragnel says, "And that's what brings us to this point."

Gragnel says, "I'm nearing my sixties and I've been in the service of our Dark Lord Damaris for over half my life."

An odd rumbling sound fills the grove -- if you didn't know better, you'd say it was purring!

Gragnel strongly says, "I can say with complete confidence that I would not have had it any other way and I feel blessed to have finally found peace within His loving arms."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

The rain slacks off somewhat.

Gragnel nods in agreement.

Viredoh's tail rolls up and down in a smooth undulation.

A faint growl echoes from the shadow.

Gragnel says, "There you have it, that's my story. That's my journey to Him. A simple desire for restful sleep."

Elurora smiles at Gragnel.

Gragnel slowly says, "I thank you all for listening to my tale and maybe it will explain why I feel for Asildu."

Gragnel painfully says, "I doubt the man has gotten a good night's sleep in a long time now. I know from my own experience that the lack of rest can leave one... grumpy."

Gragnel nods.

Ryeka chuckles.

Ryeka hugs Gragnel, getting a smile in return.

Gragnel hopefully says, "I pray that Lord Damaris can find it in his graces to help us and help him."

Gragnel says, "I wish for him to know the peace and tranquility that I have found in the service of our divine Immortals, and in the service of Lord Damaris specfically."

You grin at Gragnel.

Aerilia smiles.

(Gragnel gazes out at the crowd with a positive gleam resting in his eyes. He takes a moment to meet the gaze of each peson, attempting to convey a feeling of importance to his presentation.)

You nod in agreement.

Gragnel appreciatively says, "Thank you all, once again, for listening to me speak today."

Kitosaki nods.

Gragnel says, "As a side note..."

Elurora gives Gragnel a slight nod.

You angle your ears forward, gazing curiously at Gragnel.

Gragnel says, "These don't do much these days..."

Gragnel gets a Damaris dusk berry from inside his leather longcoat.

Nawain smiles at Gragnel.

Gragnel pops the dusk berry into his mouth and sighs contentedly as a drowsy expression washes over his face.

Aerilia chuckles.

Gragnel says, "Not every..."

Gragnel blinks.

Gragnel gazes off into the distance.

Gragnel suddenly lies down and curls up for a nap! What a strange person.

You pat Gragnel on the back.

Aerilia gazes up at the sky.

Mistanna chuckles.

Aerilia asks, ".. Should we just let him nap?"

Ryeka stands near Gragnel.

Nawain giggles.

You nod to Aerilia.

Nawain nods.

Ryeka nods to you.

Viredoh nods.

Aerilia nods.

Umptiskrunk exclaims, "Is not nap time!"

Ryeka grins, revealing her dimples.

Crobin says, "If he sleeps we draw on him."

Viredoh nods to Crobin.

Illiya grins slowly at Crobin.

Aerilia says, "Have at it."

Crobin accepts Aerilia's charcoal.

Ryeka exclaims, "I would say he's going to rest well!"

Kitosaki smears his hand with warpaint and slaps it onto Gragnel's forehead, leaving a mark for all to see.

Ryeka chuckles.

Crobin stands near Gragnel.

You grin.

Kitosaki hums to himself.

Aerilia grins at Crobin.

You nod to Ryeka.

Umptiskrunk laughs at Kitosaki.

Kitosaki grins stupidly.

Mistanna casually observes the area.

Kitosaki grunts at Umptiskrunk.

Umptiskrunk makes a grunting noise.

Ryeka chuckles.

Illiya gazes at Gragnel.

Umptiskrunk exclaims to Kitosaki, "Good one, pal!"

Umptiskrunk grunts at Kitosaki.

Kitosaki says in a Toggish accent, "Just trying to help."

Kitosaki buffs his scalp, making it shine.

(Crobin leans down pokes Gragnel)

(Ryeka contemplates fluffing Gragnel up like a cushion to sit down, then changes her mind)

Ryeka chortles softly at some secret joke.

Gragnel suddenly stretches, yawns, and opens his eyes as he awakens from his little nap.

Aerilia gazes at Gragnel.

Gragnel sits up.

Ryeka asks, "Well- where should I begin indeed?"

Gragnel yawns expansively.

Ryeka grins at Gragnel, her dimples flashing into view.

Gragnel stretches his arms.

You grin at Ryeka.

Gragnel rolls his wrists back and forth, stretching his forearms.

Illiya gazes at Gragnel.

Aerilia accepts Crobin's charcoal.

Crobin says, "Darn."

Ryeka winks at you.

Gragnel asks, "Oh, ya'll still here?"

Aerilia quietly says to Crobin, "Next time."

Illiya snaps her fingers.

Crobin nods to Aerilia.

Ryeka exclaims, "Yup!"

Gragnel observes Ryeka with fascination.

Ryeka grins at Gragnel, her dimples flashing into view.

You say to Gragnel, "Aye and Ryeka is sharing."

Gragnel exclaims to Ryeka, "Oh, I woke up just in time!"

Ryeka lets out a hearty cheer for Gragnel!

Crobin says to Ryeka, "He did look like a comfy seat."

Ryeka nods in agreement.

Ryeka

You angle your ears forward, gazing curiously at Ryeka.

Ryeka says, "Well- I stumbled into Crossing, just a lost little elf with little if any memory of my past. Which may be just as well, A few kindly people pretty much invited me to join their sort-of family."

Ryeka chuckles.

Ryeka says, "One would think that would set me up to follow Tamsine or Hodierna. And it almost did."

You grin.

Ryeka says, "But shortly before the Red Winter, they vanished."

Ryeka says, "Some of you may not remember that- but I do."

Ryeka asks, "By then, I was strong enough to hunt Rock Guardians- with a little assistance- and I started wondering who would go to those hiding in the shadows when they were in need?"

Ryeka ponders.

Ryeka says, "That was Damaris. So I started into his path."

Ryeka says, "Back to the Rock Guardians- the Panther came there."

You grin.

Nawain ponders.

Ryeka says, "It was a very strange thing, feeling his hand on me, and his shadow across the stars."

Ryeka says, "And he asked me then who I served. I said Him."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You perk up your ears happily.

Gragnel nods to Ryeka.

Ryeka says, "And he told me to remind people to seek favor with their gods- Hard times were coming."

Ryeka says, "As they have several times."

Ryeka nods.

Ryeka says, "I still help people seeking favor- and I still search in the shadows for those who are in their time of need."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Ryeka says, "And I think he approves."

Gragnel reverently places an onyx panther bead atop the obsidian altar.

You nod at Ryeka, in complete agreement with her views.

Ryeka kneels down.

Nawain smiles at Ryeka.

Ryeka bows her head and mutters a short prayer in a hushed voice. Raising her head, she glances to the shadows with a knowing smile.

Gragnel gets a glowing Damaris orb from atop a black obsidian altar.

Crobin's ears droop for a moment.

As Gragnel starts to place his Damaris orb on the altar it leaps from his hand and suddenly glows brightly, hovering just above the altar before it bursts into a flash of excruciatingly beautiful light which instead of dissipating, streaks around the area as tendrils of light representing every color of the rainbow. Then, an instant later, the multicolored lights gather around Gragnel and mix together, forming a white mass of brightness which completely obscures him from sight. Slowly, it appears to seep into Gragnel, until all the light is gone and Gragnel appears somehow changed.

Gragnel reverently places an onyx panther bead atop the obsidian altar.

Ryeka says, "That is all- for now- but I think it is something that can help Asildu."

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka shivers slightly.

Gragnel nods to Ryeka.

Ryeka nods to you.

You nod at Ryeka, in complete agreement with her views.

Aerilia smiles.

Gragnel gets a glowing Damaris orb from atop a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

As Gragnel starts to place his Damaris orb on the altar it leaps from his hand and suddenly glows brightly, hovering just above the altar before it bursts into a flash of excruciatingly beautiful light which instead of dissipating, streaks around the area as tendrils of light representing every color of the rainbow. Then, an instant later, the multicolored lights gather around Gragnel and mix together, forming a white mass of brightness which completely obscures him from sight. Slowly, it appears to seep into Gragnel, until all the light is gone and Gragnel appears somehow changed.

Ryeka takes a seat.

You say, "Many thanks."

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka shivers slightly.

You ask, "Would anyone else care to share?"

Gragnel reverently places an onyx panther bead atop the obsidian altar.

Gragnel gets a glowing Damaris orb from atop a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka shivers slightly.

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka shivers slightly.

As Gragnel starts to place his Damaris orb on the altar it leaps from his hand and suddenly glows brightly, hovering just above the altar before it bursts into a flash of excruciatingly beautiful light which instead of dissipating, streaks around the area as tendrils of light representing every color of the rainbow. Then, an instant later, the multicolored lights gather around Gragnel and mix together, forming a white mass of brightness which completely obscures him from sight. Slowly, it appears to seep into Gragnel, until all the light is gone and Gragnel appears somehow changed.

Elurora reverently places an onyx panther bead atop the obsidian altar.

Elurora offers her bead to the gods in homage of their greatness.

You say, "Well then, i greatly appreciate everyone coming out and participating and witnessing our communing with the Dark Grove and Damaris."

Post Event

Ryeka kneels.

Ryeka bows reverently to a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka stands up.

Viredoh bows reverently to a black obsidian altar.

Illiya says to you, "Thanks for hosting these."

Illiya smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Elurora nods to Illiya.

The steady rains turn into a driving storm.

Aerilia nods in agreement.

Elurora smiles at you.

Miskton nods politely to you.

Crobin hugs you, and you wrap your arms around him with a warm smile.

Viredoh bows to you.

Aerilia says, "Lovely service. I'm happy you were heard."

You say, "Aye, the next actual cleric one is in a few days."

Gragnel says, "I think we have our answer. I think we have Him to aide us with secrecy and stealth."

Gragnel nods.

Ryeka nods.

You say, "Huldauh themed."

Crobin chuckles.

Mistanna says to you, "Thank you for hosting."

Crobin says, "Oops."

You nod.

Ryeka says, "I should bring extra lavender and sage."

Ryeka grins, revealing her dimples.

You say to Ryeka, "Always lavender."

You giggle.

Ryeka laughs!

Ryeka nods.

Crobin says, "Off we go."

You bow your head and say in a hushed voice, "Damaris, guard and protect the children this night."

Kitosaki glances up at the sky.

Ryeka glances up at the sky.

You glance up at the sky.

Miskton scans the sky from horizon to horizon.

Nawain glances up at the sky.

Aerilia glances up at the sky.

You say to Mazilyn, "I suppose you should get extra prepared."

Mazilyn beams!

Miskton says, "Mostly clouds, at the moment."

Aerilia nods to Miskton.

Kitosaki says in a Toggish accent, "So many of them... like more than ...five."

Mazilyn exclaims, "Am gonna!"

Ryeka says, "I should get my little scratches attended too."

Ryeka chuckles.

An odd rumbling sound fills the grove -- if you didn't know better, you'd say it was purring!

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

A loud, affectionate purr rises from your throat.

Kitosaki says in a Toggish accent, "Ummm."

Viredoh's tail rolls up and down in a smooth undulation.

Kitosaki searches around for a moment.

Ryeka leans over and scratches your back.

Umptiskrunk says, "Okay, Ump happy come here. Damaris is pal, Phelim is better pal, but Damaris is good pal. People be good people, okay? Bye now."

You grin.

(Mazilyn makes a quick sketch of her Truffenyi doll standing in the Dark Grove next to a tree with a strange stone passage way)

Mazilyn casually observes the area.