The First Land Herald/440-10-11 (2)

Article Number: 72

Dateline: 440-10-11

FETE OF BANISHMENT FOR SIR BEREN The Truthseekers are a group, led by Paladins, who want to find out where Sir Beren went and what got him demoted within the guild, which may be part of what led to his disappearance. The group includes anyone interested in this truth, controversial as it may be. During the first expedition into the Dark Hand to speak to Captain Fenhalut and seek clues, a mysterious body and note were found in the mud beyond Corik's Wall (see FLH 439-08-07). The discovery did not shed any light on Sir Beren specifically, and a second trip to the same area proved fruitless. The Truthseekers then decided to host a Fete of Banishment in hopes that prayer and a showing of sacrifices to the divine would ultimately impact their fate and cause. On the opening date, I sat in the spiritual gardens at the Chapel of the Last Hope in Hibarnhvidar, calmed by the lulling scents of sweet jasmine and orchids that permeated the air there. A pale yellow luminescence hung heavy in the room, providing light to the foliage living in it. Eventually, the rest of the Truthseekers and supporters of the fete began to arrive for the opening ceremony. A box full of white robes and a barren box for offerings were placed on the floor. The receptacle for sacrificial items did not stay empty long, as it was promptly filled with an assortment of rare flowers, prayer beads, and other items visitors saw fit to represent their faith in the search for Sir Beren and the Fete of Banishment in honor of him. Claribel opened up a picnic basket and laid out a cloth bearing nutritious snacks both to nourish those intending to fast and to fuel those taking part in a nearby undead hunt, which symbolized cleansing and would provide some offerings to be made at the closing ceremony. Opening announcements were made by Dame Betlind, Sir Rileos (Northern Watch), Dame Elurora, and myself. Etasia and I prepared hunters for a trip to Boar Clan, where we would clear the pilgrimage trail of blight bats. When I was finished with my part, Mother Zynell shared a short, inspiring story in poetic form about the gods and the seekers of truth. Others present at the start were Eskila, Medikaus, Messica, Anuril, Purnay, Briaen, Boam, Zalinyar, Father Rabee, Sothios, and Constantia. For the remainder of the ritual, the mood was solemn and serene. Several could be seen coming and going from the chapel, some never leaving at all. Paying several visits to the chapel, I witnessed Eskila and Sir Rileos (Northern Watch) relaxing and in deep meditations. It was a moving experience. Towards the end of the week, Etasia and I met at the chapel garden with Father Rabee for blessings ahead of our undead hunt. Lycidilia was to be our combat healer, joined by her husband Tathalus. Kethrai, Anuril, Senthic, and Dame Elurora decided to join us as well. Claribel and Eskila stayed behind to continue preparations for the closing ceremony, Hebion with them in a show of support. We arrived in Boar Clan and finished briefing our group at the Cleric's Guild Courtyard there, as the blight bats are complicated foes to face. Several of the bats were slain and their fangs collected, thirteen of which would be added to the offering box upon our return to represent the Immortals. Prior to heading back to Hibarnhvidar, the crew of fighters decided to take down a few stompers as well. Senthic bravely followed, having never stepped toe to toe with zombies this dangerous before, and though we tried to protect him, he became our sole casualty. He was healed and resurrected by our mobile triage unit. He proclaimed afterwards that he was proud to have given his life for something noble. The closing ceremony drew a much larger crowd. As the boxes filled, a second for offerings was put out, and the hunters each took a turn donating their fangs to it before the formalities. Attendance in the garden included Dame Betlind, Sir Brisknite, Kamisama, Constantia, Merilwen, Szarevar (TG, Council/Lt), Stelling, Nilme, Useff, Eskila, Senthic, Dame Elurora, Kethrai, Etasia, Navesi, Father Rabee, Allye, Hebion, and Claribel. Apologies if anyone was missed coming or going after this point. Stelling came forward to perform, his baritone voice ringing out with an emotionally charged song to Chadatru in a call for justice that filled our ears and hearts. Nilme next came forward with her harp, gracing us with a courageous tune about standing up for what is right in the face of opposition. Her soprano, with the soft accompaniment of strings from her instrument, showcased both her talent and her passion for truth. At the conclusion of the songs, Dame Betlind made sure the fangs from the hunt were properly offered and requested a few words about the hunt. I gave a quick toast to the meaning of coming together for a cause, working with a diverse group, and meeting wonderful new people, and I shared our hopes that the Truthseekers find the truth they are seeking and that our sacrifices the past week had helped shape that future in some way. We all shared a moment of camaraderie and reflection, thanking each other for the various roles each took for the Fete, and Father Rabee closed the ceremony in prayer. He recited, "May we all go in peace, worship well, honor those before us, protect those behind us." With that, the fast was broken. Allye served a hearty meal of sandwiches, stews, fruit, and honey cakes coordinated by her Dancing Swan Catering Company. Though no new information was formally turned up by the Fete, the Truthseekers went home with a renewed sense of purpose and fellowship. I eagerly await what they come up with next in their endeavor to solve the mysteries surrounding their search. Shaylynne Kendialahle Reporter of the First Land Herald

Real Date: Unknown Date

Subject(s): Beren Dark Hand Fenhalut Corik's Wall Hibarnhvidar

Author(s): Shaylynne