Quest for the Light.......The Child of Light is lost, the quest for the key to salvat

[Moonlight_33]

A lone rider sat steady in the sadle. The red dragon beneath her was as weary as it's rider. Both had come far, and had a lang way yet to travel, but the need was great, so travel they would. The rider drew back the hood of her traveling cloak, setting her raven hair free to dance with the wind. From beneath her cloak she produced a book, now so familar to her touch. It's soft leather bindings dull and warn with time. She didn't need to open the pages, she new the words be heart.

He wakes her from a dreamless sleep,
It's time for them to leave the keep.
To ride into a night so dark.
Before the demon makes it mark.
They must get there before the dawn
The place to see her baby born.
For if the sun should find them out
The dark would take the child, no doubt.
A babe of light to touch the heart.
To shine and make the shadows part
A mother rides into the night
This destiny her only plight
They see the road by light of moon
They hear the demons soulless croon
To reach the place where stones stand tall
For this her horse will give it’s all
The pain takes hold, but she rides on
The cloak of night is almost gone
They see the pace in downs pale glow
The demon follows close they know
One final burst of speed comes fast
Their worthy mounts have breathed their last
Between the stones he lies her down
Safe beneath a golden crown
And with the first bright ray of light
He takes from her a brand new life
She gave her all, his honored lady
To give the world this treasured baby
And now the man must face the dawn
And take the child his wife has born
To hold her dearly to his heart
For now the life he loved must part
He’ll bury her beneath the stones
He sings for her in somber tones
For she will see the dawn no more
She’ll spend forever on the tore
And he will take the child of light
Then teach her all she needs to fight
To keep the darkened heart at bay
This child of light must show the way.

She whispered the words in her mind. The child of light had been born under the last full moon, she had seen it in the stones. Now she must find the child and pledge her life to her safe keeping, before the darkness finds a way to make it's mark on the world. The stones told of others who would join her on her quest, and of those would do all in their power to see her fail. She must not fail.

The sun had begun to set over the mountains in the distance, and sensing her mounts exhaustion, she slid free of the harness, and jumped to the ground. They would eat and sleep, then continue their journey North.

 

[Kalann Rathwind]

Kalann awoke in from the dream drenched in sweat. He remembered much of the dream but much also was gone to him in his waking. The red dragon rider he must find her and help her. Though he knew not how or why. The image of the child stood in his mind as well the new born child one of such power. The child, and the raven haired dragon-rider both connected in destiny to himself, Kalann Rathwind. He rose from his bed and dressed quickly.
His long dark blond hair he tied behind his head with a leather cord to keep it from his eyes, of which are a bright twinkling blue in color. He wears black pants, and a black tunic over a chainmail shirt which when in plain sight gives off a slight golden glimmer. Apon his left forearm from elbow to wrist is an intricatle leather gauntlet woven together so that it seemed to be one long band with no beginning or end. His leather riding boots are turned down at the top and slightly coated with dust from his long day of travel, and a midnight blue half cape caught the slight updrafts of air within the inn and billowed slightly behind him. He wears a ring shaped of a dragon clutching an onyx soulstone on his right hand and one of a large red ruby on his left. He wears a large axe stapped across his back, and he wears a pair of scimitars at his hip.
He passed through the open doorway of the inn and into the yard adjacent to the stables. He quickened his pace to the stables where he caught the stable boy by suprize.
" My horse. " he said quickly.
" Yes, master." the boy said.
Moments later the boy appeared from the stable leading a tall white Paradeen Warhorse. The horse locked eyes with Kalann and instantly knew what his master was thinking thus was the power of the medallion hung about Kalann's neck. Kallan placed his food and supplies with the saddle bags of the great stallion and rested his hand upon the handl of his ancestrial great axe, Shadowbane, the he swung himself into the saddle and rode from the stable yard. He knew not where he must go only that with great haste he must travel north, always north until those who were placed in his dreams by the fates were to him found. Then their lives with his own must he protect.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha


Tabbetha woke with the dawn. She had slept much longer than she had intended but when she looked and found Morlock, her red dragon and closest friend, still asleep, she decided one night of good sleep was worth the little time they had lost. She rose and stretched, looking out across the vast land that lay before them. She sighed heavily, a little sad that all of this had transpired while she was away, but fate dealt the hand, all she could do now was play it.

An image flashed across her mind. A man was coming. She could see his face clearly in the back of her mind and she considered what to do next. Behind her Morlock stirred and stretched his massive wings.

“Good morning Tabby, you rested well?” he spoke through the mind, such was the link between them, but she answered vocally, more out of habit.

“Yes my friend, very well.”

“You seem troubled.”

She told him of the vision she had seen and they bother considered for a moment. There was a town ahead, perhaps half a days ride by horse. They would go there and wait one day for the blond rider then they could wait no more. Morlock lifted his great head, transforming into a horse of graceful beauty; dragons being a little vein, and awaited his Lady’s pleasure.

Tabbetha had been to long in the company of only dragons and was not looking forward to the company of men again. She stepped easily into the saddle, taking her bearings, they continued north to find a tavern, and wait.

 

[Neale]

Morlock

Morlock shifted his gait to a prance as they neared the tavern. Granted, there wouldn't be very many people here to impress, but a certain image must be maintained, regardless!

Are you certain you wouldn't like me to assume human form? I understand that the taverns in these parts can be a bit... rough.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha

Looking around them she descided that would not be such a bad idea after all. She didn't care much for human company at the best of times, but when a drunk was thrown from a tavern onto the road before them, she descided she didn't care for it today either, and she knew Morlock would neber tolerate anyone bothering her. They headed for the stables and the privacy of a stall where he could trasnform without attracting attention.

 

[Neale]

Morlock

Um, Tabby? If a fine horse like me goes in to the stable, and doesn't come out... I think it might be noticed. As much as I hate it, I should alter my appearance a bit. Matching word to deed, Morlock shifted his equine form slightly, becoming an ordinary-seeming horse, indeed. No great attention would be paid to him now.
The pair approached the stable, where the lady gave a stableboy a penny to take Morlock inside. It wasn't very long at all before Morlock was able to effect his transformation. The stable boy was an exceptionally lazy example of the breed, and simply led Morlock into a paddock, without even bothering to feed or water him, much less remove his tack. Evidently, from the grunts and groans emanating from the rear of the stable, the stable boy had other concerns this night.

His transformation complete, Morlock-the-man walked from the stable. His human form was a lean, tall man, with fiery red hair, pulled back into a ponytail. He wore dark green leather travel gear, and carried a scabbarded sword. From his hat to his boots, he was immaculate and very stylish. Yes, indeed, he thought-shared with Tabby, I look good.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha

Tabby took one look at her friend’s attire and refained from laughing. He did cut a striking figure when he was in human form, dashing to say the least, but he stall carried the vanity and cockyness of a young dragon.

Pushing her cloak back over her shoulders, her own manner of dress was just as stylish though it marked her for what she was. A dragon rider. Her maroon suede jacket and pants, trimmed in gold, and he knee length boots made her a figure worth looking at, but mostly it was her hair that caught peoples eye. Raven black and shining like the night, it hung almost to the back of her knees in gentle waves.

Taking a table near the door they ordered a meal and wine. From here they could watch the comings and goings of all who passed by, but even as they sat, Tabbetha knew trouble was close at hand. Sliding her hand under the table, she released the throng that held her sword in place while she flying. She would be ready for what ever happened next.

 

[Kalann Rathwind]

Kalann

As he approached the inn he pulled his horse up short this in where his vision had led him to this place at this time. He quickly dismounted and led his horse to the stable and seeing no stable boy led the horse inside himself. He romed his saddle and found him some food. Then he sat upon the task at hand. He walked into the inn and scanned the area eyes passing over everyone. Then he saw her the image from his mind's eye that had spurred him on to this place from so far to the south. The raven haired dragon rider. There was a man with her but Kalann paid him no mind for the moment. Kalann approached the table and said,

" I am Kalann Rathwind of the Noble house Du'Avronet Second in line to the throne of Natalia. "

Kalann watched the woman waiting for a responce to the introduction. He knew not what had brought him here but he knew why he had been brought. He was to protect this woman and the child with his life.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha

Tabbetha had spotted the man the moment her walked through the door and knew at once he was the one they had been wiring for. She stretched out her hand in greeting.

“I welcome you Sir Rathwind, I was expecting you. I am Tabbetha Allana Travarse of the seventh wind, formally of the land of Gremell. This gentleman to my right is my friend and traveling companion Morlock. If you are tired sir I would have you rest awhile, if not, I would take leave of this place at once. There are far to many eyes and ears for my comfort.”

She looked to Sir Rathwind for a descision.

 

[Kalann Rathwind]

Kalann

"Rest of of no great importance to me at this point. I agree this place has far to many eyes and ears to be safe."

Kalann wiped the dust from his tunis and extended his hand to the lady.

" Then shall we go."

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha

Tabbetha took his hand waited as he took Morlock’s. As they made their way to the stabels he asked if she would like her horse sent for and she laughed.

“No. Thank you. I already have my horse with me.”

Morlock gave her a sideways grin and vanished into a stall, returning as the ever immpressive mount she was so fond of. Kalann understood a little better now the relationship between this woman and the man she traveled with, and he went to retrieve his own horse.

As they rode from the village heading North, ever North, there were eyes upon them.

 

[Vivid]

Minlor -- (new character)

Minlor D'Aviant poured over the passage again, his finger tracing the scribed lines. He was careful not to push too hard, the parchment was fragile, the book having been written a few centuries ago, mad ramblings of a man labelled mad by his order.
Nostralus was said to have looked so hard at the stars his brain fell out of his ear. He preached of times far in the future in chaotic peotry and insane prose. Just before his death he penned this book. Minlor shifted the bobbing, glowing orb, a simple Cantrip, to highlight the text again.

"And so it is whispered twixt stars in the skies,
'Come forth twil a child with deep golden eyes,
Of noble beginnings and loose family ties,
She rids the great world of Its magical ties,
Away Its corruption, deception, and lies,
In this one lies power of infinite size.'"

Minlor closed the book, an unseen hand floated it back to it's place in his library. There were too many questions. A golden-eyed female child, an "It" referred to. It was too cryptic, and that usually meant powerful.

Minlor put his wrinkled hands on his knees and pushed. There was still strength in his old body. The wrinkles and white hair was inherited by his human father, but Fae blood pumped through his veins as well. He was given the human fire and drive but an elvish patience and foresight. That combination, and studying in both worlds, melded magics previously so foreign any who tried to master both wound up mad. Perhaps that's what this was, a bit of the madness said to happen when thoughts fly through your head simultaneously in both languages. Still, he *had* to know.

Leaning heavily on his polished staff, he walked out of the Comparative Magicks wing of which his "Director" status allowed him access to after college hours, and headed East to the Divination Department. He accessed his personal Scrying booth. The porcelin bowl filled with a murkey grey mist at his command. He was not to be looking to the world of material tonight. He bothered not to ward his mind against tampering, a deal this powerful was always honored.
"Gorial, steward of knowledge to Bastre, keeper of time, I wish to use one of my queries as per our..."
"I know the transpirings, Mortal. I know my bounds. Speak your question." it spoke with comtempt. It always did.
"Very well, a golden eyed child mentioned in the writings of Nostralus, What is the content of the relevant information you can give me concerning this child?" Minlor chose his words carefully, several questions were wasted in queries that Gorial found loopholes to answer.
There was a long pause, Minlor grew nervous. The entity of knowledge was formulating his answer carefully.
"The being refered to by Nostralus was 4 hands tall, 2.5 hands across, weighed 1.7 stones." Minlor's heart sank, Gorial was giving only a description of the child at berth, exactly what was referred to by Nostralus, as bloody requested. Minlor brightened as the voice from the bowl continued.
"It's destiny is fragile, some paths to greatness, others to death. It is sought for by many, some for greatness, others for death."
"Who is closest, friends or enemies of the child?" Minlor spoke.
"Is that a question?"
"Damn" but Minlor had to know. He had so few queries left, and there weren't that many opportunities to do favors for higher beings to earn more. But he had to know. Who was closest to discovering the child.
"Yes, it was another question."
"Very well," the voice was smug, then Minlor realized his mistake as it continued. "The closest in proximity to your relative position on that planet are these:" Minlor saw two lone figures in the water traveling on horseback Northward. He recognized the road. He had meant who was closest to the child. But the higher beings were fickle and the question unprecise enough.

"They are potential friends and protectors." Gorial was smug. The smile apparent in his words. Then Gorial was silent and Minlor felt through the tenuous portal that something was shifting in the realms of thought on the other side. It was a quieter being who added across the span, "As you are, Minlor."

Minlor quietly pondered the words. He considered his destinies. With a wave of his hand he appeared in his personal chambers. He gathered several potent items, including a fine blue traveling robe embroidered with potent runes and his travelling staff topped with a golden Griffon's claw grasping a unicorn horn, freely given as a token of respect and an acknowledgement of deeds for the forest. He scribed a letter explaining the sabbatical he was taking to the Grand Magius.
He was involved. He was glad for the opportunity to venture forth again. His magics would be needed again.

It was a whistling old man who appeared at the next town along the traveler's route. He arranged accommdations for horse and person and resolved meet them when they arrived.


[Edited by Vivid on 03-10-2001 at 05:56 PM]

 

[Kalann Rathwind]

Kalann

As they rode north Kalann continued to feel the same sensation of being watched. When they stopped and made camp that night he knew their was someone in the darkness beyond the campfire light. Tabbetha and her unique friend lay asleep they were exhausted. Kalann rose to his feet leaving his axe where it lay and taking up his pair of enchanted scimitars. The blades as did he senced the presence of a great evil an evil they had been forged to vanquish, Trolls. Kalann unsheathed the twin mystic Flamemist Scimitars and waited in the shadows for the disgusting twisted creatures to make their move.
It wasn't a long wait however for soon the shadows errupted around the camp with dozens of the denziens of the night. Kalann acted on instinct first to protect his sleeping companions though they slep no more.

"Rise and fight." where the only words Kalann spared the time to speak to Tabbetha and the other.

He struck time and time again wounds carterizing as they were made to keep the foul beasts from regenerating behind him. The only true way to kill a troll is with fire and both warrior and weapons knew that and used it to their advantage. Trolls fell dead all around the lightning fast strikes of the battle driven ranger, but where one Troll dropped two more rushed forward to take it's place and Kalann quickly grew weary fighting such an unsurmountable force such as this.
There had to be at least seven tribes of Urbelesk Trolls banded together here, but that was impossible because all the Urbelesk Tribes would kill each other on sight even if that meant dying in the process. What could bring so many together in one place. Whatever it was if something didn't happen to change the tide of this battle noone save the trolls would walk away from it, but Kalann fought on ignoring the wearyness of his body and the pain of his several wounds. Fought on to survive, fought on to protect Tabbetha though he knew not why. He fought on long after he should have collapsed with exhaustion long into the night...

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha

Side by side the trio fought, cutting and slashing into the Troll’s foul smelling flesh. Tabbetha knew by the Troll’s numbers that the shadows were at work and their only means of surviving this night would be with magic, and escape. She yelled to Morlock to transform, to take on his natural dragon form, while he did so she brandished her sword high in the air, calling upon the moon for her aid, drawing forth the power of light and flooding the ground around them in pure white Illumination.

The Troll’s squealed in fear and ran for the cover of the trees, but it would not keep them at bay for long, they were driven by something more powerful then fear and would not stop until their gruesome deed was done.

Tabby grabbed Kalann by the back of his shirt.

“Come, quickly.”

He grabbed his axe and pack as they ran together for the dragon, leaping onto his back as he lurched into the air, the dragon’s mighty claws grabbing Kalann’s horse and lifting them all high above the trees to the safety of open air. They didn’t fly far. The added weight of the struggling horse to Morlock’s already tired body was more than he could maintain for long. Setting down in a field, Tabby cast a glamour over the terrified horse, calming it, then turned to survey what surround them.

In the distance she could see the lights of another village. They could rest there and not have a fear of Troll’s, but there were things she feared more than trolls, and those things dwelt in such places as human’s chose to live. Before they could rest, there was work to be done.

Driving the end of her elegant saber into the ground, she called upon the forces of earth for healing and strength, feeling the energy rushing up through her blade and into her body. Placing a hand on Kalann’s arm, she forced the energy through herself and into him, giving his body the strength it needed to hear and recover quickly. This journey must be swift and there was no time to spend recuperating naturally. She reached for Morlock, but her was reluctant to take strength for her, but knowing there were times when the deed would be returned in kind, he came closer. With the palm of her hand on his mighty red nose, she let the healing energies of the earth flow into his exhausted form.

With a heavy sigh she pulled the blade from the ground, she needed to rest badly now. Climbing back onto Morlock’s neck, she rested against him. Kalann mounted his horse, and in silence, both mounts carried their riders towards the village at a steady walk. There was no need to rush now; they would rest with the rising sun.

 

[Vivid]

Minlor

Minlor sank back into his comfortable chair in the common room of the inn. He laughed heartily with his new friends as he recounted tales of adventuring and fighting foul beasties.

When he asked of recent news he was told by a woodsman the the Trolls have been gathering in one place. They hadn't been warring like they normally were. They weren't bothering any body but the woodsman felt sorry for anyone camping outside this night.

Minlor set down his spiced wine and paid his tab. If there were any this night who could take care of themselves it looked as if those two could. But still, introductions should start early.

Minlor took his staff to the stables. He waved his hand over the horn adorning its top. The shaft took on a blue glow that brighted as the staff gained length and depth and form. The old mage released it as four strong legs dropped to the ground. The head formed under the horn bearing the long protrudence on equine neck and shoulders. He watched as two lily-white wings unfolded from the creature's back. His Unisis whinnied and neighed, brandishing her proud horn like a sword and stretching her wings. The magic that stored her immortally in the staff was just one of the many magics in his "walking stick" but Minlor was glad for it. It had saved his steed's life.

He mounted and Gloryka launched into the air. They flew southward, Minlor scanning the road for heat or light. He saw several figures within the trees lumbering after something. He set his mount down in a clearing to investigate. Minlor had underestimated the size of the force when he heard the cries of his assailants from all around him. Several groups of trolls charged from all sides in a deadly circle closing in on it's center. Minlors hand shot up and a ball of flame appeared over it, a hovering, fuelless torch. It grew as seconds passed and he continued to energize the magic. He calculated distances, directions, targets. He waited till he could smell the foulness of them then reached up and squeezed the ball of flame within his closing fist. The fire was forced through the spaces of his fingers like an expanding blob and it shot forth in all directions, seperating again, charring all in it's path as the miniature suns surrounded the old spellcaster. The trolls still able to fled into the night. Smouldering corpses of the unfortunate lay staining the ground black.
"Perhaps that will disrupt their pursuit." thought Minlor wryly. He needn't guess who they were persuing. With a wave of his hand strong gusts of air extinguished any lingering fires and he sent restorative energies to any flora hurt in his explosive magic.

Once again on Gloryka, Minlor shot in the direction the trolls had been tracking. He saw a small village ahead and sped toward it. Dawn was breaking.

OOC: Just felt like playin' with trolls too.

 

[Neale]

Morlock

As they traveled, Tabbetha allowed the gentle gait of her friend to lull her to sleep. Before too long, the group reached their destination, a small inn. A short way from the inn, Morlock transformed himself into his human form. Practice doing just that enabled him to catch his mistress as he changed.

"Kalann, we will go to the inn, and get a room for my Lady. We will see you in the morning."

Morlock went into the small inn, and asked the innkeep for a room. Something about the transformed dragon unnerved the innkeep enough that he failed to dicker for a price, and did not even try to claim that they were full.

Laying the exhausted Tabbetha upon the bed in the room he had secured for them, Morlock settled into the corner next to her... watching. Softly, he whispered to her, "Sweet Dreams, mistress. I will keep you safe."

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha

Even as Tabbetha slept, there was no rest, dreams and visions plagues her through the morning, waking her only a few short hours after she had been laid to rest by Morlock. Opening her eyes and seeing him sitting there in the corner watching her, her heart went out to him. She opened her arms to him, inviting him to her bed, something she had never done before, in his human form, as a man.

He hesitated, but not for long. He was just as exhausted as she was and knew he needed to rest. Snuggling up together, sharing in each other’s warmth and comfort, they slept.

They woke three hours after the sun was full above the horizon, finding Kalann sitting with an old man in the tavern waiting for them. Tabbetha new this man, she had seen him in her dreams many times. She offered him a blessing that surprised him, it was not one he had seen in a very long time. She touched her heart, her throat, and the center of her forehead, bowing slightly.

“In the name of the order of the first wizards of the seventh wind, I bid you welcome to the quest for the child of eternal light. With all that I am, and all that I once was I welcome you Minlor.”

He looked at her a little stunned. How could she know such a greeting? It had not been spoken since he was a novice in the order, and it was banned from being spoken by the elders, being considered nonsense. When he looked a little closer he realized how it was that she knew it.

“By the saints, it’s You. You’re the keeper. Well I never thought the day would come when I would see you again. It is an honor and a privilege to serve you Milady.”

“It is nice to see you again Minlor. Time has been kind to you. It’s been what, half a life time?”

“More Milady, much more.”

She smiled in a sideways fashion at him.

“Please don’t remind me of the time that has passed me by Minlor, I am feeling old enough this morning as it is. What have you to tell my wise one that I might not already know? I have need of your council, and your charming wit.”

 

[Neale]

Morlock

What? Mistress Tabbetha wants me to join her... in bed? Morlock was more aware than ever before of the dangers of assuming a human form. His dragon blood called out only to other dragons. In this form, however, the deep-seated love he always felt for his mistress took on a new dimension. Strange sensations went through his entire body as he walked across the room, to her side.

Filled with the wonder of her presence, the transformed dragon slipped under the covers beside her. The bed was easily large enough for the two of them, lieing beside each other. Morlock lay on his back, with an arm under Tabbetha, who was snuggled up next to him under the warm blankets. Even in this form, dragons never truly sleep, so he lay there, holding Tabbetha at his side, smelling her hair, and sharing her warmth as she slept, her head on his broad chest.

All too soon, morning came, and they prepared to go downstairs to break their fast. No words were spoken about the night they had shared, and none were needed.

Upon their arrival at the large table in the inn, Tabbetha recognized an old human seated there. Morlock did not, and he smelled magic about the man. Therefore, the dragon kept a careful eye on the elder as they spoke.

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha

Tabbetha was the last in the line of the keepers. For twenty generations, the first daughter of the first daughter was bread with the richest of bloods, the strongest of breeds, and the masters of their crafts and magic’s. She was a breed all of her own. Her body a cauldron for the bloody mix of every race that ever walked this land, including some that no longer existed. Every cell in her body held a memory, every beat of her heart connected her to the very earth on which she walked. She could talk to the living eliminates of the universe and manipulate them to her needs. But these powers were not for her; they were for the child of light, the hope for the future. After Tabbetha there would never be another keeper, she was to be the last, bore baron, unfertile, she could produce no daughter to follow after her. Gifted with immortality, she had waited two hundred years for the child to be given life, to pass on all that she carries within her, and find a new eternity of peace. The greater gift for her would be a full measure of human mortality, a single lifetime to live out.

Her heightened senses, and her sharp intuitive powers made it almost impossible for her to live amongst the irrational and emotional minds of humans, so she found a certain measure of peace amongst the dragons. She had traveled much of the world, gathering images and memories that would serve the child in her own lifetime. Now she was here, in this time, in this place, with these people and the time for fulfillment was at hand.

“We have much to discus my friends, let us talk while we ride, time is wasting.”

 

[Moonlight_33]

OOC: Vivid, take a free hand my friend and folow your heart, your word have been brilliant thus far, and i trust in your imagination. let it flow.

 

[Vivid]

Minlor

Minlor D'Aviant was in good spirits. A wry jaunt with trolls, a night's wind through his greying hair, clutching Gloryka's neck like old times. She'd have to retire to the staff soon, he knew. But Gods, it felt good.

He made quick arrangements in the inn of this village, (not the same as the one he was waiting in but hospitable people nonetheless). He meditated quietly in the common room, occasionally chatting with the early merchant until a striking figure pounded down the stairs, the wood creaking with the girth of the man.

Minlor's mage-sight showed him a beacon with dweomer's flowing through armor to lighten and strengthen, through twin sheathed scimitar's, strong of fire, and several other items of note. Minlor used the horn-topped staff to scoot a chair out for the giant of a man. Noticing his hesitence the wizard spoke, "Do not be alarmed, I am Minlor D'Aviant, a friend, and persuer of knowledge, particularly about the child you seek." The man sat slowly, Minlor couldn't judge his expressions. They were about to continue further when a soft, clear voice interrupted them.

Minlor looked at the speaker, puzzled with familiarity.

The Keeper? Yes, It had to be. Of course a matter such as this would concern her.

Minlor heartily returned her greeting and pondered what information he could add to their quest.
"Yes, Lady .... err... what name do you go by these days? Well, I believe that there is a child you are seeking? It is the same golden-eyed child referred to by a member of our order, centuries ago, before the Ways of the Seventh Wind were abandoned entirely. Unfortunatelt his writings are sketchy and my... other sources were non-forthcoming. I was wondering what else you could tell us."

Minlor noticed her travelling companion. A dashing red-haired man, dressed to the nines. A second look, this one with mage-sight caused the old half-elve's eyes to widen. A translucent image was superimposing on this fellow's form. The juxtaposing image easily filled half the room with it's winged reptilian form. 'Well, the keeper certainly has gained in allies.' he thought.

 

[Neale]

Morlock

They had been seated, and were talking to the wise old mage. Well, not so old as dragons reckon age, but relatively old, nonetheless!

Tabby, I'm going to the bar to fetch us some drinks, and eavesdrop a bit. I like this human magi, he noticed my true self! You should have seen his eyes widen! Granted, not much, but I noticed.

"If you will excuse me, sirs, lady? I find myself still a bit dry after the journey, and would quench my thirst at the bar. Shall I have anything sent to the table for any of you?"

 

[Moonlight_33]

OOC: I'll add this again, just cause i like it

Tabbetha

Tabbetha was the last in the line of the keepers. For twenty generations, the first daughter of the first daughter was bread with the richest of bloods, the strongest of breeds, and the masters of their crafts and magic’s. She was a breed all of her own. Her body a cauldron for the bloody mix of every race that ever walked this land, including some that no longer existed. Every cell in her body held a memory, every beat of her heart connected her to the very earth on which she walked. She could talk to the living eliminates of the universe and manipulate them to her needs. But these powers were not for her; they were for the child of light, the hope for the future. After Tabbetha there would never be another keeper, she was to be the last, bore baron, unfertile, she could produce no daughter to follow after her. Gifted with immortality, she had waited two hundred years for the child to be given life, to pass on all that she carries within her, and find a new eternity of peace. The greater gift for her would be a full measure of human mortality, a single lifetime to live out.

Her heightened senses, and her sharp intuitive powers made it almost impossible for her to live amongst the irrational and emotional minds of humans, so she found a certain measure of peace amongst the dragons. She had traveled much of the world, gathering images and memories that would serve the child in her own lifetime. Now she was here, in this time, in this place, with these people and the time for fulfillment was at hand.

“We have much to discus my friends, let us talk while we eat and drink. Some spiced wine for me thank you Morlock"

 

[Vivid]

Minlor

"Tell me keeper, do you still go by the travelling name 'Tabbetha'? I must know more about this child." The mage drank heartily of the mulled wine and ordered more of the stewed potatoes for his morning meal.

The Half-Elf continued, "Nostralus's writings go as far back as your mother's time. This child seems destined to usurp some powerful being's plan. And this being, or minions thereof, is bent on stopping that from happening. Do you know what odds we face? I see.... talent" Minlor gazes to the large arsenal of a man seated across from him, who still hadn't spoke yet, and the wyrm-turned-human at the bar, "... in you traveling companions thusfar, are we to expect more?"

 

[Moonlight_33]

Tabbetha

She gave him an understanding smile. She could only imagine how many questions were going through his mind, and she would answer all she could, but her answers would be few.

“Yes I still use my grandmother’s name, Tabbethea, my own name seems just a memory to me now. As to the child, there is not much I can tell you, other than she is born, and she is safe for the moment. I seek to find her as soon as possible and time runs short.”

She accepted a mug of ale from Morlock.

“These men are talented in their fields, just as you are in yours, we each have our place and we know not what awaits us with each leg of this journey. If you have the calling, and the courage, then join us.”