Order of the Dark Flame: The Adventures Continue (no spam-story)

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sat Oct 27, 2001 8:36 pm

As Dragon Wench gazed happily at the assembled booty, she suddenly remembered the potions that she had retrieved from the witch's corpse.

Excitedly, she began to dump her pack on the table; remembering, however, some personal items that she'd stashed there, she hastily righted the bag. After ferreting within its interior for several moments, she pulled out ten different potions, all of them stored in ornately sculpted ceramic bottles.

Dragon Wench raised her eyebrow at Viv. "I don't know about you, but I'm out of identification spells, I think that we'll have to sleep on it."

Yshania, at this point inquired where the keep's washing facilities could be found. The other two women, upon Yshania's request, realised that they were all still in a state of semi-undress, and that the thought of a bath sounded immensely appealing.

Thus they trooped upstairs and found plentiful supplies of hot soapy water and much needed sleep.

[ 10-30-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Oct 29, 2001 2:48 pm

Her sleep was sound and untroubled, but very early the next day Dragon Wench awoke to a strange sense of.......forboding.

"No," she thought.....Not forboding, something else.....something that she could not quite fathom......She felt that her life was soon to take an unexpected direction.....Restlessly, she tossed and then turned. Finally, she sat up in bed; arms wrapped around her knees she looked out towards her window. Darkness was slowly transforming into daylight, black becoming pearl-grey, almost it seemed, a portent of what was to come.......

[ 10-30-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Mon Oct 29, 2001 5:04 pm

The trail to Pal’Lith was a pleasant, easy ride. The gently curving track led through meadows holding the last traces of autumn’s wildflowers. It occasionally meandered through lightly wooded areas; the canopy of fall leaves providing shelter from the chilly breeze. The cool air made the horses playful; they pranced and sidestepped, sometimes breaking into a faster pace.
T’lainya rode between Darkpoet and Caladriewien, relating the strange underground adventures she and the others had experienced. Darkpoets mother was intrigued by the manifestation of so much wild magic. They briefly chatted about the possibilities of such power. The conversation was broken by Darkpoets mount, Hunters Moon playfully racing off in a canter. The others followed and when the dust had settled, they were content to ride along quietly.
Caladriewien watched her son and T’lainya speaking quietly, riding shoulder to shoulder. She slipped into a light reverie, recalling the first time she had seen T’lainya.

Lyander Ruaghniim rode into Pal’Lith, his young half-elven daughter behind him. He was clad in chain mail, long sword sheathed across his back and a curved long bow made of yew slung across his horse. He rode straight across the main square, turning down a narrow track to his sister’s home. His daughter was quiet and pale, she didn’t speak, she just observed everything in silence. Lyander lifted his hand in greeting to his nephew Menadir and his playmates. Lyander stopped and dismounted handing the reins to Menadir. T’lainya slid off the horse and looked quietly at her cousin and his friends. Menadir stepped forward and embraced his cousin.
”Come, let’s stable the horse and you can tell me about Evereska.”
T’lainya nodded and followed her cousin into the barn.
Lyander watched them go and entered the house. A slender blond elven woman in a simple green gown rose from her chair to embrace him.
“Lyander, you are welcome in our home brother. Have you brought your daughter?”
“Zan’della, how are you? It’s good to see you and Ristanin again. I see Menadir is growing into a strong young elf.”
Ristanin looked up from the arrowhead he was crafting and greeted his brother in law.
“Lyander, welcome. I see you’re dressed for a journey.” The archers voice was mild; it would be a breach of manners to question his brother in law.
Lyander noticed a lovely dark haired elven woman sitting next to his sister.Caladriewien greeted Lyander. He remembered she was wed to a human warrior named Jelaric.
Lyander faced the couple. “I have a favor to ask of you. I will be traveling for some time and I cannot take T’lainya with me. She has taken Felenya’s death hard. The girl has always kept her own counsel, and her mothers death has only made it worse.”
Zan’della spoke almost before Lyander was finished. ”Of course we’ll care for her.” She touched her brother’s arm. “She is family.”
Ristanin nodded. “She will be as our daughter. Perhaps being around Menadir will help her overcome her grief.”
Lyander spoke slowly, his voice unusually hesitant. “I’m not sure if it’s all sorrow. She has a deep interest in the teachings of the protector. Her faith is intense. She even swears she has seen Arvandor in her dreams. She has served as an acolyte in the great temple of Corellon in Evereska.”
Ristanin looked thoughtful. He was a tall elf equally well known for his love of fine wine and his skill with a bow. “That would be a tremendous honor for your house. Those who serve Corellon are honored.”
Zan’della smiled at her husband. “Have the Faernsuora accepted her?”
Lyander snorted. “With old Forthryn governing the novices? His feelings on humans and half bloods are well known. He can’t deny her the chance, but he won’t make it easy. He had to give in because she’s already learned to cast simple healing spells.”
“Without training?” Zan’della was surprised. “That is very unusual. This should be a very interesting time.” She grinned at her husband, who grinned back.
“A chance to prove that stubborn old elf wrong? I’m going to enjoy this.”
Caladriewien was interested in the discussion. She was a priestess of the great forest god Rillifane Rallithil. She was anxious to meet this child of Lyanders. She also thought the presence of another young half elf her sons age would alleviate some of the differences he felt.

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 9:25 am

once Nippy's notes were taken, the small group headed back toward the Keep. Again, the journey was surprisingly uneventful; though the familiar birdsong and scurrying of various animals had now returned to the area. Loner suspected that most creatures, benevolent or otherwise, were occupied in one way or another with the Drow advance.

Lomoro rode by her side, and remained silent for most of the journey. When it was Kramor's turn to scout ahead, however, he took the opportunity to speak.

"You have conducted yourself well, Loner," he said, suddenly and quietly.

Loner turned, her brow knit. "I've done no such thing," she said. "When it came down to it, I collapsed." She said it not so much as if it were a great catstrophe, as simply an error that needed vigilance.

"And what did you learn from that collapse?" Lomoro asked.

"Well, my own collapse, the collapse of my spirit...it nearly destroyed the mission. It could have affected everyone in such a way that they would have collapsed as well."

"This is why I say that you conducted yourself well," Lomoro said, his eyes straight ahead on the trail. "You know your error."

She sighed. "I am not progressing as I ought to be."

Lomoro turned abruptly. "If you have some idea of what 'ought' is, then perhaps you are not progressing, at that."

Again he was silent for a time before continuing:

"I am an old man, my student. I grow weaker as my school grows stronger. Many come to learn the Way, and I can no longer teach and train them all. I have had help in the past, my students have stayed with me to help train the newcomers. But they always left after a time, and were either killed in battle or found a wife and grew fat and complacent." Loner laughed. "I need another teacher to help me train those who wish to follow the Way, and to continue in my tradition after I am gone. If I do not find one, the school will close forever."

Loner knew what he was saying, but dared not presume to speak.

"I want you to come back to Kara-Tur and be my assistant. Eventually you will be master teacher there. Kramor would make an excellent fight trainer."

Loner's heart swelled; had she really just heard...? She hesitated. "I...I am honored by your words, Master...I feel that I need to stay here to help, for a while," she answered. "The Order still has need of me. I have no wish to abandon my friends in such a time..."

"Speak to Kramor," Lomoro said, "and give me an answer within the week. When I have it, I will return to my home."

Then he was silent, for the rest of the ride. Loner wondered with a sinking heart what they would find when they returned to the Keep...

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 12:26 pm

Before retiring to the room Vivien had shown her to, Yshania asked Dragon Wench whether she could lend her some fresh clothes. Choosing a pair of chamois pants and a crisp linen shirt, Yshania thanked Dragon Wench. Yawning, she was suddenly too aware of her exhaustion 'good night, Dragon Wench' she smiled. She returned to her own room and quietly closed the door behind her.

The room was simpler than Nippy's room - obviously a guest room. Yshania loved it's sparseness. A bed, a chest, a small table and a chair.

Dropping her bag onto the table, she dragged the chair over to the window and sat for a while, gazing across the lands, her chin cupped in her hands. So much had happened in these last couple of weeks...

Eventually she dragged the chair back, her eyes were heavy and she ached all over. She dropped her gown on the chair and climbed into bed, the cool sheets comforting. As she drifted into sleep, the events of the last few weeks swam around...becoming increasingly obscure.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 1:50 pm

Gwalchmai awoke sweating profusely, despite the cool night air blowing in his open window. He had an intense feeling of loss - hopeless loss. He hadn’t felt despair this deep since..... no. Better not to even think about that. He thumped his fist into his soaked pillow, trying to shake the foreboding, but to no avail. Looking out the window at the night shadows, he reflected on his time with the Dark Flames. He had certainly always enjoyed himself, even trapped by Drow in the Underdark, but he wondered now if his time with these friends would soon be coming to an end.

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 1:56 pm

It was some time nearing morning when Viv woke from her usual dreams, feeling somehow unsettled. It almost felt as if she wasn't alone. Her eyes carefully traveled the room, noting the familiar shapes of the ivy along her wall, the wine cabinet holding her most precious bottles, and the desk with books filled to the brim with wisdom of the ancients. She should really get to reading those one of these days.

Her eyes caught an unfamiliar shape on the floor in front of her bed and she tried to make out the dim form with her eyes. It wasn't her boots, much too big, what on earth could it be? It almost looked like it was moving, which caused shivers of terror to travel along her arms and through her chest. With a gasp she hid under her blankets, wide eyes waiting for the first light of dawn and for the shadow creature to go away.

[ 11-02-2001: Message edited by: Vivien ]

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 2:05 pm

Yshania's sleep was disturbed and restless, despite her exhaustion. Her dream lifted her from deep depressions and forboding to near elation and close to waking. She tossed and turned in her bed....

Still asleep, she sat upright. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed she arose and walked across the room. In her semi-conscious state, the unfamiliarity of her surroundings caused her desperate concern. She found the door and wondered out into the hallway...

Dreamily she acknowledged her surroundings, but found no sense. Suddenly she had an overwhelming sense of feeling exposed. She reached for the handle of the door...

Entering the room she subconciously sensed someone's presence. Desperately trying to wake, she wondered who was in her room...who had moved the bed, and the chest, and the table...

Frantically she struggled to become more aware, things were moving in such slow motion. The man by the window turned and rose from his seat...

As he held out his hand to steady Yshania's stumbling form she recognised him...this time she felt no ulterior motive...only...she gradually became aware and acutely embarrassed. Gwalchmai kindly offered her a gown.

[ 10-30-2001: Message edited by: Yshania ]

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 2:36 pm

After stabling the horses, Nippy went off to study his notes, and Loner walked slowly through the courtyard of the Keep and into the great hall. She tossed her pack into a corner; she was tired.

Home.

Really?..

She took a deep breath, and looked around the hall. Something felt different. The wounded had been tended and were mostly gone, sent back to their homes, or to their graves...

How long can I keep this up?...

"Hey," said Kramor, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. "You okay?"

Loner leaned back against him and sighed. "I don't know," she answered. She turned to face him. "There's something I need to talk to you about."

"All right," he said, concern in his eyes. He took her hand and together they went to their room. Loner flopped down on the bed, and Kramor sat beside her.

After a moment she spoke. "Lomoro made me a proposition...he wants me to go to Kara-Tur and teach. He's growing too old to maintain the school by himself. He wants to pass it on to me; and he wants you to be a fight trainer." She stopped, waiting for his response.

Kramor took a deep breath. "I don't know anything of the ways of the kensai," he said.

Loner looked at him. "You've been helping me with my training ever since I started on the path again. You know more of the fight techniques than you realize." She paused, and gazed up at the ceiling again. "I told him I'd give him an answer within the week, after I spoke to you."

"Well," said Kramor, "what do you want to do?"

Loner shook her head. "I...I want to do it. Even though it might mean never returning here, never seeing the Flames again. But...I feel that this has been a time in my life that is now coming to an end. I feel...different here. As if the Keep is no longer my home. I...I feel pulled toward this, Kramor; I feel that this might be the calling I was born to." She looked at him and saw, as always, understanding in his eyes. More quietly, she went on: "And I don't know how much longer we can both keep this up, my love. I'm getting tired of being terrified for your safety every time we go into a skirmish. And I know you feel the same way. It distracts both of us. I have loved this adventurer's life, but...I feel that, if we are to have a future together, it cannot go on forever."

Kramor stood and went to the open window. "How would you feel about giving that up? Giving up the battle against evil, that you cherish so much?"

Loner sat up. "That would go on. I would give up nothing. Training new warriors would be my part in the struggle. An indispensable part. This world is in desperate need of good teachers; there are so many who pervert the Way and teach wrongly. I would be fighting against their falsehood, for one thing. What I want to know is, how do you feel about it? Leaving this place and going to Kara-Tur? I'm not going anywhere without you..."

Kramor was silent for a moment. "I have felt the same as you, Loner. For some time now. I tire of this life; I feel it's wearing me down. If we went to Kara-Tur, would it be a...kind of retirement?"

"It would be a retirement from the adventuring life, yes. There would be times when we would be required to go out on skirmishes, for the sake of protecting the surrounding lands. We might be called on for the local defense. But most of the time, even in wartime, we would stay and run the school, to train new warriors."

Kramor turned back to the window. He nodded. "I'm in agreement if you want to go, my love. It's up to you."

Loner fell back onto the bed again. "But I'm torn," she continued. "My friends may need me here..."

Kramor went over and took Loner's hand. "We'll talk to them," he said softly.

Loner nodded. "If I can find them," she said, with a slight smile...

[ 10-30-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 3:40 pm

Nippy was concerned. He recognised these marks from somewhere, but where? He looked out the window and noticed an owl on a branch. The wise old owl. Nippy had noticed it before. It sat silently on that branch scanning for prey. With a sudden flutter it swept down and obtained it's meal for the night. Nippy looked down again and saw the book, the thought of the owl's twisting head shook him. He rotated the book and saw a symbol. A symbol he had seen in training. A symbol that had such a significant meaning Nippy was shaken to his very core. He struggled to come to words with this, this symbol of the Demon Belhifet.

OOC: Hope that this is ok Loner, I have an idea. I'll PM you and tell you about it.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 4:06 pm

The dark shadows outside the keep seemed to move of their own accord. More than once, Gwalchmai felt his skin crawl with fear as he thought he saw evil figures dancing in the night. He concentrated on his breathing, staring into the shadows from his window, trying to calm himself. He could hear her voice calling to him, sending shivers up his spine. Her hand outstretched, the pleading in her eyes. He shook his head violently to rid him self of these foul memories. Then he froze. Someone was at his door.

Grateful for the distraction, he turned, his face a mask of mild amusement. Real amusement soon replaced his fear as Yshania walked into his room - stark naked. She was clearly trying to awaken herself from a walking dream. This must be the night for strange visions and restless sleep. Oddly, she seemed embarrassed to be caught without her clothing. Surely, as a druid, she would be used to such things, and she obviously had nothing to be embarrassed about. He even wondered why she had gone to such lengths earlier to hide her considerable endowments behind fruit. Shaking himself out of his reverie, he found a long robe and offered it to her. He briefly worried that she would slap at his hands again, but she took the robe and sloughed into it. It was oversized on her, and enveloped her completely in soft fabric. She seemed much more at ease.

Harry2052 · Post by **Harry2052** » Tue Oct 30, 2001 5:05 pm

It was mid-morning when Harry rode into Athkatla on a horse he had taken from the bandits who tried to ambush him unsuccessfully. Selling the horse to a merchant near the gates he headed into the slum and arrived at the Copper Coronet. When he got to the bar he placed the money from the merchant on it asking for drinks and a room, then he moved to a table and proceeded to drink himself into a stupor as his feelings of devastation about his wifes death overwhelmed him.

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Thu Nov 01, 2001 1:22 pm

Darkpoet was buried at the foothills of Evereska, in an unmarked grave.

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Fri Nov 02, 2001 8:56 am

DP: *hug*

Viv woke from a fitful sleep, looking up at the blankets above her. Had she slept the rest of the night covered entirely? It was awfully stuffy in her blanket tent, and with faint light streaming through the window she felt silly for thinking there had been something in her room.

A loud crunching noise followed by a snuffle caused her to jump up, her terror of the night renewed. Clutching her sheet to her chest she looked frantically around the room, her heart beating in shaky rythym through her veins. There was the shape she had seen in the night, a bluish mound in front of her bed...eyeing her.

Her heart now slowing down she took a step towards it, wondering what on earth that dragon was doing in her room. He appeared to be quite content, chewing on a tooth pick of some sort with a look of rapture in his shining eyes. Except the toothpick was twitching. Narrowing her eyes she yanked the broom from the dragons mouth, noting that it appeared none the worse for wear from spending a night as a chew toy. In fact it appeared to shine now, a faint silvery color coming through the wood. With a shrug she sent it to clean the keep, not knowing what else one does with an animate broom.

She then began instructing the dragon on the fine virtues of 'privacy' and 'not drooling on Viv's floor'. Jinxx gave her his full attention, so she could only assume the message got through. As she began dressing, after having sent the dragon to go outside and get his breakfast, she wondered idly what kind of morning the others were having.

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Fri Nov 02, 2001 10:10 am

Loner spoke to Lomoro while Kramor packed their things. Lomoro was ecstatic that they had accepted his offer. Truth be told, Loner was starting to get excited about the move. She had loved Kara-Tur -- the dark mountains and the lush green forests...she could hardly wait to breathe that clean, wholesome air again.

She left Lomoro's room and went down the hall, hoping to find at least one of the Flames. Don't make me leave a note...she thought she caught a glimpse of Yshania going around a corner...or was it Gwalchmai? It looked like Gwalchmai's robe...Loner shook her head and smiled. In a twisted kind of way, she thought to herself, I think I'm going to miss this place...

As she neared Dragon Wench's room, she noticed the door slightly ajar, and saw DW sitting meditatively on her bed. Well, Loner thought -- Here we go... She went over and softly knocked on the door.

[ 11-02-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Nov 02, 2001 3:55 pm

Dragon Wench looked up upon hearing the knock.
She smiled when she saw Loner, and motioned her inside, noting as she did, that her friend seemed preoccupied and slightly uneasy.

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sat Nov 03, 2001 8:51 am

Loner smiled back, a bit sadly. The Dark Flame had been part of her life for so long...

"I'm leaving," she said, right to the point. "Kramor and I are going back to Kara-Tur." She told Dragon Wench about Lomoro's offer, and the school. "I feel this is right," she continued. "I accepted Lomoro's offer, and he wishes to leave from Athkatla tonight."

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sat Nov 03, 2001 9:23 am

Dragon Wench stood up and approached her friend. Unsurprised by the news, she gazed at Loner for a long moment.

Finally, she gathered her thoughts.

"We have fought many battles together, and slain many demons....... I will miss you, we will all miss you. I understand though, that your path takes you elsewhere, and that you prepare for new challenges.....

Then she smiled, "Good Luck, I think you know,.... you will always have a home with us wherever your footsteps may lead you."

With that she embraced Loner, and gave her a small pendant engraved with a silver dragon.

"Take care of yourself," she said softy.

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Sun Nov 04, 2001 3:23 pm

OOC: @Loner You had better come say goodbye to me...

"Alright, Simbul, now that we have gotten the pleasantries out of the way perhaps you will tell me to what I owe the honor of this visit." His voice was heavy with sarcasm. Thought he found the exchange between Jennabard and Simbul intriguing, in that Simbul didn't often take an interest in people younger than two hundred years old, he was still irritated with her lack of manners. "Thany," purred Simbul, still fixing Jennabard with a feline gaze, "have I ruffed your feathers?" Georgi bristled. Witch Queen or not... "If you had, you'd be a grease spot on the ground by now," she retorted, in an even but decidedly malevolent tone.

Simbul dropped her eyes from Jennabard and sighed. Still ignoring Georgi, Simbul shifted her gaze from to Thantor. Their eyes met for a moment, then Simbul asked, "The recent drow attacks -- what is your assessment?" The transformation in Simbul was so dramatic that Jenna was taken aback. The mincing, catty persona was gone, replaced with the clipped, focus delivery of a military commander. "A diversion... war hides a multitude of sins," Thantor said grimly.

"And generates a multitude of corpses," Simbul replied, her tone matching Thantor's.

"Your intelligence is excellent... as always," remarked Thantor. Simbul acknowleged this with a nod, then said, "So it is true?"

"It is," replied Thantor. "I've seen this Abomination myself. I was planning a raid with Anicka, an elven commander, and some others when the "war" broke out. I have been occupied here since then."

"You are placing a band-aid on a bruise, Thantor, while your patient hemorrhages from the nose and mouth. We must attack the root -- only that will resolve the real threat."

"What is your interest in this, Simbul? We are a long way from Aglarond."

Simbul paused, her eyes glancing sideways to Georgi, and then giving Thantor a searching look. "You can trust them, Simbul. I would vouch for any member of the Dark Flames with my life. Besides," he said, c(o)cking his head to the side, "I assume you already know that they are sworn enemies of the Shadow Master."

Simbul considered this briefly. "Very well, Thantor -- on your word. I have a lead on the possible identity of the Shadow Master."

[ 11-04-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Sun Nov 04, 2001 3:47 pm

Loner looked at the dragon pendant in her hand. She felt tears forming behind her eyes, but she smiled. "I shall miss all of you as well," she said. "Life is funny...we may meet again.

"We have to get going," Loner said after a moment. "Please, tell the others I said goodbye." She hugged DW once again and said, "The blessings of the gods be on you." Then she turned and left the room.

She wished she could have said goodbye to Thantor; but he was nowhere to be found. So Loner wrote a brief note of explanation, and slid it under his door. She hoped she might meet some of the others along the way…

Kramor smiled when Loner appeared in the doorway of their room. He was just fastening the last trunk, while two stout halflings carried another trunk from the room. "Ready?" he asked, and Loner sighed. "I suppose so," she answered.

"Lomoro said he would meet us outside the stables," Kramor said, and picked up the small trunk. "Looks like there's nothing for me to carry," Loner remarked, looking about the room for one last time. Kramor touched her hand; she turned to him and smiled, and together they left the Keep.

Lomoro was indeed waiting outside the stables, but he was seated in a rather large wagon, with a dwarf holding the reins. He smiled as Loner and Kramor approached.

"Well well," said a familiar voice from the front of the wagon. "Finally leaving us are you?" Mazzy Fentan's cheerful face peeked out around the driver dwarf's shoulder.

Loner grinned. "So you're chauffering us away, eh Mazzy? And providing the transportation and moving help to boot? Can't wait to be rid of us I imagine..."

Mazzy laughed. "I shall miss you both. I just had to see you off. You can tell me all about this school along the way. Your teacher over there has been a little...tight-lipped. Is he always like that?"

Loner laughed. "If you only knew! I guess I'll have to take classes on how to teach without ever explaining anything."

Now it was Lomoro's turn to laugh. With that, the dwarf shook the reins, and the burly horses departed at an easy trot. Loner and Kramor gazed straight ahead, and didn't look back once.