Coming together at the shrine of dreams (log)

From Vrairdrick's perspective.

(This occured during the Beyond the Arkati storyline in Wehnimer's Landing, but ended up tied to Ride of the Red Dreamer.)

[The Shrine of Dreams]
Stars surround you, twinkling brightly as far as the eye can see. Or so it seems, until you look more closely, and realize that the walls and ceiling of this room are made of rocks pieced together in such a way that bits of light flicker through the crevices, giving the illusion of being beneath a starlit sky. Pinpoints of light reflect off of the polished black marble floor, adding to the sensation that you have entered the heavens themselves. You also see a tiny black pearl, a massive bearded white tiger that is sitting and a graceful marble altar with a shallow font on it.
Also here: Mohrgan, Kerl, Scrivener Rolfard who is sitting, Lady Riend, Geijon who is sitting, Greganth, Lady Chisandra who is sitting, Karibeth
Obvious exits: out

Rolfard smiles at Karibeth.

Greganth quietly says, "Welcome to the Resistance."

Greganth grins at you.

You grin.

Kerl says, "We'll have to give thought to it all."

You ask, "There is only one way out?"

You chortle.

Karibeth nods to you.

You say, "I’m in then."

Karibeth chuckles.

Greganth quietly asks, "Are you aware of the history we share with this place?"

Mohrgan raises an eyebrow.

You say, "I know of a little. Rolfard informed me of."

You say, "The bone wall and the attack on my Lord's Altar."

Karibeth quietly says, "I explained briefly the other eve, also, but was very brief."

Karibeth quietly says, "About how Lord Ronan sent a sign that he was watching over us here."

Greganth quietly says, "Many months ago, we sought one place, of refuge, as the summoner's can scry anyplace they desire, we had no safe spot.. Kari brought us here, and Lord Ronan offered his protection while we were here."

Mohrgan gently wraps his hand around his obsidian sword symbol and murmurs a softly spoken prayer.

Greganth quietly says, "Stone has discovered this, and set barriers against us to gain entrance."

Karibeth reaches out and touches her Ronan symbol.

Geijon says, "That feels like a long time ago."

Karibeth nods at Geijon.

You smile at Geijon.

Karibeth quietly says, "Has been a goodly long time now."

Mohrgan angrily murmurs, "He will pay dearly for it."

Karibeth nods in agreement at Mohrgan.

Greganth quietly says, "So we wish to let Ronan know we don’t doubt his strength, and alert him to the petty attempts by Stone to thwart his position."

Karibeth nods at Greganth.

Greganth quietly says, "Maybe he can, um.. get his attention."

You nod.

Greganth grins slowly.

You chortle.

Karibeth quietly says, "And to put to rest any disbelief that he's compromised Ronan's power."

Karibeth mumbles something under her breath.

Greganth agrees with Karibeth.

You ask, "I have been told, you wished to move locations now?"

Greganth quietly says, "Not at all."

Karibeth shakes her head.

You glance at Karibeth.

You ask, "Just to resancifiy here?"

Karibeth quietly says, "Some feel we should."

Karibeth nods to you.

You nod.

Karibeth quietly says, "I believe we are as safe here as ever."

Karibeth shrugs.

Kerl says, "I have seen Harbingers here, many years ago. Even the safest location can be made unsafe."

You say, "Lord Ronan allowed whatever happened. Perhaps to lure them out."

Karibeth can offer Kerl only a blank expression.

Greganth quietly says, "We believe he attempted to break Ronan's wards, failed miserably, and made his best second attempt by blocking access."

You nod at Greganth.

You say, "Seems reasonable."

Mohrgan softly says, "When the puppet of Sheru, Nostus, assailed us here, Lord Ronan sent forth his power and guarded us."

Kerl says, "Word was that one of the Ta'Mori found something however."

You say, "Nostus. That one I know from Solhaven."

You mutter something inaudible.

Mohrgan shrugs. 

Karibeth nods to you.

Rolfard raspily says, "Three somethings."

Kerl says, "A dagger of some sort... I've no idea if it's significant."

Karibeth quietly says, "Nasty fellow."

Rolfard raspily says, "Though they may hae been offerings."

Greganth quietly says, "By doing so, however, he blocked everyone access to Lord Ronan, I can’t see him allowing such an interference to go unanswered."

Kerl says, "Ahh, well that shows you how much I know."

Mohrgan softly comments, "I believe that Lord Ronan would not allow His sanctum to be compromised."

Kerl nods at Mohrgan.

You say, "Strange tidings."

Speaking to Mohrgan, Kerl says, "This is what happened when the harbingers were here."

Kerl says, "Those who offended, perished."

Kerl says, "Struck down by a shimmering light."

Kerl smiles at Mohrgan.

Speaking to Mohrgan, Kerl says, "Well then, lets hope your kindness taints their... taintedness."

Karibeth grins at Mohrgan.

Mohrgan smiles.

Geijon says, "Cause he's lacking brains. I think humans would call th' elf daft."

Greganth chuckles.

You ponder.

You remove a hammered gold chalice from in your black velvet cloak.

Rolfard brushes his finger gently against the glossy back of the spider on his badly stained container. It obediently unravels its webbed lock, allowing the clasp to spring open.

Rolfard removes a holy scimitar symbol suspended from braided dark woven veniom from in his badly stained container.

You say, "I had contemplated a commune during the ceremony. I believe it may help. But I will leave that up to your collective decision."

Greganth ponders.

Karibeth glances around the room.

Greganth quietly says, "I defer that to those more spiritually inclined, it is your Patron. If you feel it will assist our cause, I would say yes to it. The decision is yours to make."

You nod slowly at Greganth.

Rolfard places his hand on his scimitar symbol.

Kerl says, "I would normally be the first to say no, but in this case, I can see the merit."

You nod at Kerl.

Rolfard raspily says, "Perhaps a communion to remind him his followers still work for his cause."

You ask, "I assume there is no one here who opposes Ronan's will?"

You say, "We need to be of pure unified heart."

Chisandra looks over at you and shakes her head.

Karibeth reaches out and touches her Ronan symbol.

Karibeth quietly says, "Know where I stand."

You smile.

Mohrgan nods in agreement.

You say, "Without saying."

You say, "I know many here. Good folks all."

Mohrgan gathers a tired-eyed black-clad man idol from one of the straps on his black leather bandolier.

Mohrgan traces his fingers over the surface of the black-clad man idol.

Mohrgan reverently places a tired-eyed black-clad man idol on the ground.

Speaking to you, Kerl says, "And I'm with you, in spirit and with blade should need arise."

You ask, "I am ready to begin, we you are. Is there anything more I should know?"

You smile.

Speaking to you, Geijon asks, "What do you need from us?"

Karibeth glances around the room.

You say, "Just quiet."

You say, "There is one part."

You say, "It is a song."

Karibeth cocks her head at you.

You say, "This is the verse. You may sing in response as well."

You sing:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all. 
May we be worthy to your call."

You say, "When I sing that, please feel free to respond in kind."

Karibeth nods to you.

You say, "You may also, feel free to any quiet prayers that you wish."

You ask, "Shall we begin?"

Karibeth nods.

Greganth kneels down.

Mohrgan nods.

Karibeth kneels down.

Mohrgan kneels down.

Chisandra moves to a kneeling position.

Rolfard moves to a kneeling position.

Geijon moves to a kneeling position.

(Vrairdrick slowly walk the perimeter of the room, occasionally delaying as if he is checking for its structural integrity.)

(Vrairdrick walk deliberately into the center of the room, short of the altar.)

You remove a small black marble altar from in your black velvet cloak.

You remove a frayed meditation mat from in your black velvet cloak.

You carefully place your black marble altar on the floor.

You unroll your meditation mat and place it on the floor.

You remove a hammered gold chalice from in your black velvet cloak.

You put a hammered gold chalice on a small black marble altar.

You turn around.

You say, "Please all take a knee in respect of the Lord of Dreams."

(Vrairdrick turns to face the altars.)

As you move to your knees you reverently face the black marble altar.

You kneel down.

As you move to get settled on the meditation mat you calm and center yourself, preparing to spend some time in contemplation.

You move to a sitting position and scoot next to a frayed meditation mat.

Lifting your hands towards the black marble altar you chant a prayer of praise for Ronan.

>prepare 330
You raise your hand while murmuring a soft orison, focusing on the Prayer of Communion spell...
Your spell is ready.

You remove a black Ronan symbol from in your black velvet cloak.

You gesture at a black Ronan symbol.

Focusing your will on the Ronan symbol, you channel your energies into opening up a link between yourself and Ronan.

You fall into a deep trancelike state while muttering a quiet prayer in the hope that Ronan will hear. After a few silent moments, you calmly open your eyes.

Mohrgan gently wraps his hand around his obsidian sword symbol and murmurs a softly spoken prayer.

You put a black Ronan symbol in your black velvet cloak.

Lifting your hands towards the black marble altar you chant a prayer of praise for Ronan.

Karibeth clutches her Ronan symbol tightly.

You carefully take off your obsidian sword symbol and settle it gently in the palm of your hand.
Karibeth tilts her head down.

You clasp your obsidian sword symbol gently in your hand and murmur a softly spoken prayer.

Kerl continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Karibeth continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

You thrust your obsidian sword symbol high over your head as you gaze up to beseech your god for guidance.

Rolfard hangs his head.

Greganth tilts his head down.

You recite:

"Lord Ronan we praise you for being the guardian of our inner beings. For being the gate keeper of our dreams"

Kerl continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

You recite:

"Lord Ronan we praise you for your uncalled mercy in accepting imperfect beings as ourselves"

You recite:

"Lord Ronan we praise you for being the Just Sword of Liabo and acknowledge your strength and wisdom as far above our own!"

You remove a diamond-edged black vultite longsword from in your black velvet cloak.

You raise your black vultite longsword in triumph!

You gently ring the bells, creating a cascade of soft tones.

You chant a reverent orison, asking Ronan to grant you a peaceful sleep.

You gently ring the bells, creating a cascade of soft tones.

You say, "Please join me in song."

You sing:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

Kerl sings:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

Greganth sings:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

You sing:

"Dreams glide into minds eye.
A gift no one may deny.
Truths held in place do not lie."

Mohrgan sings quietly:

"May we be worthy to Your call.
Through the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to Your call."

Inky, shimmering shadows roil up the walls of the shrine.

You sing:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

Greganth sings:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

Kerl sings:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

Mohrgan clutches his obsidian sword symbol tightly.

Chisandra sings:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

Kerl continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Karibeth sings:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

You move to a kneeling position.

You grovel in front of the black marble altar pleading for mercy.

Karibeth closes her eyes for a moment.

Greganth tilts his head up.

Karibeth rubs her Ronan symbol.

Chisandra continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

You recite:

"Lord Ronan I call upon your blessing upon this shrine once again! Cleanse it from the cursed touch of those who falsely claim your realm!"

Strange shapes blossom and twist over the walls, formed of starlight and silver mist.

You smile.

You chant a reverent orison, asking Ronan to grant you a peaceful sleep.

Rolfard sings vibrantly:

"May we be worthy to your call
Through the darkness embraces all
May we be worthy to your call"

You feel more refreshed.

Kerl continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Rolfard continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

You recite:

"Lord Ronan bring sanctuary and protection to this abode, so that we may meet in safely!"

(Mohrgan gazes raptly about that walls and over the altar.)

Mohrgan gently wraps his hand around his obsidian sword symbol and murmurs a softly spoken prayer.

You gently ring the bells, creating a cascade of soft tones.

You gently ring the bells, creating a cascade of soft tones.

Mohrgan traces his fingers over the surface of the black-clad man idol.

You recite:

"Lord Ronan we pray your guidance upon our deliberations and ask you to hear our call!"

You feel more refreshed.

You sing:

"May we be worthy to your call.
Though the darkness embraces all.
May we be worthy to your call."

The rasping whisper of a sword being drawn echoes from the shadows. It plays off of the stone walls, sharp and silvery.

Greganth inclines his ear, but doesn't hear anything unusual.

You clasp your obsidian sword symbol gently in your hand and murmur a softly spoken prayer.

The voice of Beonas says, "You call to the Dreamer."

You say, "Aye, my Lord."

Rolfard holds his breath.

Mohrgan breaks out in a sweat.

Karibeth breathes in slightly.

A tall man's shadow, raw-boned and only slightly bent by the burden of years, detaches itself from one of the walls.

Greganth tilts his head down.

(Vrairdrick falls prostrated.)

Kerl blinks.

The voice of Chaeye says, "But there are only dreams here."

Mohrgan glances down.

Kerl continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Karibeth tilts her head down.

You lie down.

Geijon shifts his weight.

(Rolfard bows his head, eyes shut.)

A slight female shadow joins the first. Her eyes are smoldering pits of silver light in the darkness.

Karibeth clutches her Ronan symbol tightly.

The voice of Llumen asks, "Why have you called?"

Kerl continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

You say, "We wish to strengthen our bonds, the enemy has sought to defile this place of worship."

A third shape, broad-shouldered and powerful, detaches itself from the walls and joins the other two.

Rolfard continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

You say, "The enemy spies us, and we pray our Lords power to shield this area from intrusion."

You say, "And we seek guidance in the actions we should take next..."

The shadows drip away from the three figures, sublimating into cool, dark mist.

Karibeth no longer appears to be listening intently.

You see Llumen.
He appears to be a Sylvankind.
He is taller than average and appears to be an adult. He has heavy-lidded crystal blue eyes and alabaster skin. He has short-cropped, inky black hair oiled into a series of quill-like spikes. He has a hard face and slightly pointed ears.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a silvery wool greatcloak, a silver-edged ebon faenor greatsword slung over his shoulder, a stark black golvern breastplate emblazoned with a nine-pointed silver star, a pair of dark leather trousers, and some steel-toed ebon leather boots.

You see Chaeye Larrinthe, the Elf Shadow Templar.
She is very tall and appears to be young. She has tilted silver eyes and jet black skin. She has long, wavy silver blonde hair. She has a delicate face and thin-tipped pointed ears. Despite the darkness of her skin, she appears to be Vaalorian.
Her shadow is outlined in glowing silver and seems to move of its own volition.
She has an array of pale tattooed sigils that sheathe each of her arms from wrist to elbow, and a small sword-shaped mark on her neck.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing an obsidian-set slender silver circlet, a sheer ebon spidersilk tunic over a suit of matte black rolaren scalemail, a polished ebony scabbard engraved with intricate sigils, some side-laced midnight black breeches, and some tall onyx-clasped boots.

(Rolfard opens his eyes slowly, his body completely still.)

Llumen frowns.

Llumen glances between Chaeye and Beonas.

Karibeth bites her lip.

You see Beonas, the Human Shadow Templar.
He is tall but stooped and appears to be extremely old. He has pale blue eyes and leathery skin. He has receding, long white hair worn in a long ponytail. He has a gaunt face and a long scar down his left cheek.
His shadow is outlined in glowing silver and seems to move of its own volition.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a silver-edged black golvern sabre in his right hand.
He is wearing a weathered leather dustcloak adorned with a faded sigil of silvergilt, a dirty wool tunic, some ragged dingy grey trousers, and a pair of old leather sandals.

Llumen nods at Beonas.

Beonas says, "Faith is the only shield one needs, and virtue the only sword."

[The Shrine of Dreams]
Stars surround you, twinkling brightly as far as the eye can see. Or so it seems, until you look more closely, and realize that the walls and ceiling of this room are made of rocks pieced together in such a way that bits of light flicker through the crevices, giving the illusion of being beneath a starlit sky. Pinpoints of light reflect off of the polished black marble floor, adding to the sensation that you have entered the heavens themselves. You also see a frayed meditation mat, a small black marble altar with a hammered gold chalice on it, a tired-eyed black-clad man idol, a tiny black pearl and a graceful marble altar with a shallow font on it.
Also here: Llumen, Chaeye, Beonas, Mohrgan who is kneeling, Kerl who is kneeling, Scrivener Rolfard who is kneeling, Geijon who is kneeling, Greganth who is kneeling, Lady Chisandra who is kneeling, Karibeth who is kneeling
Obvious exits: out

Greganth tilts his head up.

You say, "Yes M'lord."

Llumen arches a brow. Something that might be a smile plays across his lips, quick as moonlight glancing off the surface of a pond.

Mohrgan takes a deep breath.

Speaking quietly to Beonas, Llumen says, "Still, sometimes having a sword for a sword is worthwhile."

Kerl smiles quietly.

(Vrairdrick smiles ever so slightly.)

Chaeye says, "The night is dark and fraught with perils."

Rolfard wrings his hands.

Mohrgan gazes in wonder at Chaeye.

Speaking quietly to Chaeye, Beonas says, "Just so."

Karibeth smiles faintly and nods slightly.

Greganth fidgets anxiously, a troubled look on his face.

Beonas surveys the gathered supplicants with eyes still sharp despite his advanced age.

Mohrgan hangs his head.

Beonas says, "This is only a shrine."

You say, "It is out of the way we had hoped from the enemy's ears."

Beonas says, "His true temple is within your minds. Its doors open when you sleep."

Karibeth nods in agreement.

Mohrgan smiles ever so slightly.

Beonas says, "It is up to us to defend this place, not the Great Rider."

Greganth looks thoughtfully at Beonas.

Chaeye cocks her head.

Speaking quietly to Beonas, Chaeye says, "There is power here, old master. That cannot be denied."

Llumen rests a gentle hand on Chaeye's shoulder.

Llumen says, "We must always strive to prove ourselves. Even those of us who have climbed high in the." Dreamer's eyes.

You nod slowly at Llumen.

Speaking quietly to Llumen, Beonas says, "There is no height, no depth. He does not think of us as such, as I have told you before."

Geijon says, "Wise words."

Beonas says, "We exist only to serve."

Beonas closes his eyes for a moment.

You ponder.

Speaking softly to Beonas, Chaeye says, "The candle burns from both ends. One must reach the middle, and then, the wick is no more."

Beonas slowly empties his lungs.

You clench your obsidian sword symbol and take a deep breath, calming yourself. After a moment you are filled with a sense of peace and you release your grip.

Greganth looks lost in thought.

Beonas says, "If you would defend this place, do so by shielding it with your faith, and keeping a watchful eye."

Karibeth nods.

Mohrgan softly breathes, "Always, m'Lord..."

Beonas says, "There are other troubles afoot, and greater ones to come, in the South and otherwise."

Llumen glances at Beonas.

Rolfard raspily ventures, "We serve the Dreamer, ever guarding in the darkness, our vigil: the light of the stars in the tapestry of night."

You say, "Aye m'lord, I had been leading prayer vigils there; I had sensed the enemy recently."

Greganth clasps his hand over his mouth.

You smile at Rolfard.

Greganth tilts his head down.

Karibeth quietly says, "We will help wherever we are needed."

Beonas says, "This much is true: no place is truly safe."

Speaking hesitantly to Beonas, Mohrgan offers, "M'Lord...it is long since I have seen even a shadow move within the gates of His temple...can you tell us anything new about what transpires within? Is she..."

Greganth raises his hand.

Mohrgan glances south.

Beonas opens his mouth to speak, but a sudden wind whips through the chamber and drowns his words.

Rolfard raspily continues, "Our Faith bolstered, we will remain keen as the light the moon burns through the sky."

Karibeth furrows her brow.

Chaeye looks over at Beonas and shakes her head.

Kerl continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Mohrgan clenches his jaw.

Rolfard continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Speaking to Beonas, Chaeye says, "There is only one answer, the answer that comes to us all. Silence is the only place where the truth can be spoken."

Beonas smiles haltingly.

Speaking gently to Chaeye, Beonas says, "I know, sweet child. Soon enough."

You ponder.

Llumen says, "We work to keep my sister sleeping."

Mohrgan closes his eyes for a moment.

(Mohrgan bows his head reverently before Llumen and says nothing more.)

Llumen says, "There is much darkness inside of her. She sleeps in service to us all."

Geijon says, "This awakens further bad memories for me."

Karibeth closes her eyes for a moment.

Chaeye says, "She will awaken, and he will ride forth."

You take a deep breath.

Llumen sharply says, "But now is not the time."

Greganth quietly asks, "Our enemy, the Summoner Grishom Stone, he can reach into our minds and insert his thoughts, he listens to our whispers, he watches us and he plans continuously to our demise, how do we defend against him? How can we stop his intrusions and his attempts to stop those who would seek Lord Ronan's guidance?"

Speaking to Llumen, Beonas says, "There is never a good time for tragedies. Enough of such talk. They need our aid, not our burdens."

Karibeth rests a gentle hand on Greganth's arm.

Rolfard ponders.

Greganth tilts his head down.

Greganth quietly says, "He too is a master of the shadows.. he believes he rules the night, but we know this is not true."

Speaking to Greganth, Llumen says, "There is but one ruler of the night. This is so."

Greganth adopts an agreeable expression.

Karibeth nods in agreement.

Greganth quietly says, "He needs to be reminded."

Greganth clenches his fist.

You nod at Llumen.

Geijon adopts an agreeable expression.

Beonas says, "We, too, have fought with a being who can bind tongues and see through the eyes of others."

Greganth nods slowly at Beonas.

Chaeye says, "The fallen brother, fallen and fled, betrayed and dead."

Mohrgan breathes in slightly.

Greganth quietly asks, "And what guidance can you offer from your experiences?"

Llumen clears his throat.

Beonas says, "This place is not enough, on its own."

Beonas says, "You must reinforce the stones with your faith."

(Vrairdrick glances at Greganth cautiously.)

Greganth turns an inquisitive ear towards Beonas.

Beonas says, "Our foe, who called himself Tseleth the Cold, was empowered by the Serpent himself."

Karibeth slowly empties her lungs.

Geijon glances at Kerl.

Mohrgan quietly mutters, "Curse his name."

Greganth surreptitiously glances at Karibeth.

Beonas says, "If this summoner does not have the favor of the Arkati, then many places can be warded against his scrying."

Greganth quietly says, "He believes himself Beyond The Arkati, by his own declaration."

Greganth smirks.

Mohrgan coldly spits, "He is a fool."

You say, "Foolish."

Greganth adopts an agreeable expression.

Karibeth quietly says, "But he is not."

Geijon says, "He seeks some kind of ascendancy or perhaps he has already been touched by something."

Geijon says, "He has "Creations"."

Llumen glances at Beonas.

Beonas frowns at Llumen.

Beonas says, "No mortal man is beyond the Arkati."

Kerl says, "We shall prove his mortality..."

Kerl mutters under his breath.

Mohrgan's entire body tenses as he clenches his fist.

Rolfard raspily murmurs, "There are some, few, amongst the arkati that ascended to their places...he doesn't believe it too far from his grasp."

Karibeth quietly says, "He has claimed dark power from somewhere but he is still only mortal."

Beonas says, "There are few things beyond their power, and I can say with certainty that this man is not one of them. That is why the Dreamer will not bestir himself to act against him."

Greganth nods slowly.

Karibeth nods at Beonas.

Mohrgan lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Mohrgan nods slowly.

Speaking to Beonas, Kerl says, "Your words offer encouragement."

Greganth quietly says, "Then guide us to do this deed, I would gladly be the weapon to settle this affair."

Karibeth smiles quietly to herself.

Kerl bows.

Mohrgan softly says, "Indeed."

Kerl says, "Hope."

You say, "We all would lay ourselves as the weapon the Dreamer would wield."

Mohrgan glances at Kerl.

Mohrgan nods approvingly.

Beonas says, "It is... something of a relief to be able to say so."

You smile at Beonas.

Karibeth smiles.

Chisandra nods.

Speaking quietly to Beonas, Mohrgan says, "For us as well, m'Lord."

Llumen somberly says, "There are other wars whose outcomes are not so clearly seen."

Mohrgan surreptitiously glances at Llumen.

Mohrgan glances down.

You ponder the meaning of Llumen's existence.

Geijon agrees with Beonas.

Speaking raspily to Llumen, Rolfard speculates, "The intrusion of demons to this realm?"

Chaeye sharply says, "She stirs. The shadows press against the wall, black and grim, red with fury."

Mohrgan softly states, "Worse."

Mohrgan surreptitiously glances at Rolfard.

Llumen turns to face Chaeye.

You listen carefully to Chaeye.

Llumen asks, "Are you certain?"

Karibeth quietly says, "Go if you must."

Karibeth nods.

Greganth nods slowly.

Kerl nods.

Chaeye says, "My gaze falls where the stars fall."

Chaeye dissolves into glimmering shadows. Moments later, Llumen's form begins to fade as well.

Beonas slowly empties his lungs.

You ponder.

Kerl smiles gently

Karibeth quietly says, "Thank you for coming to speak with us."

(Rolfard bows his head in reverence.)

Karibeth tilts her head down.

You say, "We are not worthy, but thank you for your words of encouragement."

Beonas says, "My compatriots are young, in mind if not in body."

Mohrgan takes a deep breath.

Beonas says, "They will seek to hold her for as long as they can, until the evil that waits within her can be dealt with in its own time."

Karibeth nods slowly.

Beonas says, "But you all know this one truth--the world is never out of danger."

Kerl nods.

You ponder.

Mohrgan softly says, "My heart goes out to Lord Llumen...his burden is the heaviest of all."

Mohrgan closes his eyes for a moment.

Rolfard raspily murmurs, "I lend myself to the Dreamer."

Rolfard lies down.

Rolfard relaxes his hold on a holy scimitar symbol suspended from braided dark woven veniom in his hand.

Rolfard closes his eyes and appears to fall asleep.

Kerl blinks.

Beonas says, "I think they believe they will be delivered from the worst of it, if only they hold out long enough. All we can do is choose the hour of our fate."

Mohrgan glances down.

Beonas says, "It is, I believe, a lesson that might serve you all well."

Greganth quietly says, "Then I vote we choose a date very very far in the future."

Greganth quietly says, "I won’t go quietly."

Greganth slowly empties his lungs.

Kerl says, "Our definitions of fate differ my friend. I would choose tomorrow."

Kerl smiles at Greganth.

Beonas closes his eyes for a moment.

Speaking softly to Kerl, Beonas says, "Yes. I suppose that might be best."

Mohrgan nods slowly.

Greganth looks lost in thought.

Beonas slowly empties his lungs.

Kerl says, "But, it is the fate of our enemy. Perhaps ours and his are intertwined."

You say, "Perhaps..."

Kerl says, "Greganth is recently married... he is expected to think of his future, of a happy length."

Kerl smiles at Greganth.

Beonas says, "It is... it is what the Dreamer would do, I believe."

Mohrgan glances at Beonas.

Mohrgan's entire body tenses as he clenches his fist.

Greganth nods in agreement.

Kerl furrows his brow.

You nod.

Mohrgan firmly says, "So be it."

Karibeth agrees with Kerl.

You say, "And perhaps...stealth."

Beonas nods.

Karibeth quietly says, "And so they shall."

Beonas smiles faintly.

Kerl says, "The latter will come quickly, if we can accomplish the former."

Beonas turns, and is gone with little more than a whisper and a stir of shadows.

You move to a kneeling position.

Mohrgan softly murmurs, "Gratitude and reverence to the Dreamwalkers...who grace us with their companionship in our hour of need."

Kerl says, "I don't know, but Vrairdrick, please, finish what you started. I believe we owe thanks to Ronan to be sure."

Mohrgan closes his eyes for a moment.

Mohrgan places his hand on his ebony symbol of Ronan.

Kerl continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Karibeth closes her eyes for a moment.

You nod.

Karibeth quietly murmurs, "Thank you for hearing our prayers."

You recite:

"Lord Thank you for hearing our prayers and sending your servants."

You stand back up.

Kerl nods.

Bowing his head, Mohrgan offers his prayers to the black-clad man idol.

(Vrairdrick moves to one corner of the shrine.)

You gently ring the bells, creating a cascade of soft tones.

Chisandra smiles quietly to herself.

You recite:

"Ronan, The Lord of Night"

Chisandra rests a gentle hand on Karibeth's arm.

Karibeth smiles at Chisandra.

(Vrairdrick moves to a second corner of the shrine.)

You gently ring the bells, creating a cascade of soft tones.

Geijon says, "We've been patient this long. He is as fatigued as we are, if not more so. Stone has to expend a lot of energy and resources for everything he does."

Geijon says, "His resources are finite."

You recite:

"Thanks and Praise go to him"

Karibeth nods to you.

(Vrairdrick walks to a third corner.)

You gently ring the bells, creating a cascade of soft tones.

You recite:

"Lord Ronan, Lord of the Night"

(Vrairdrick slowly walk to the final corner.)

You gently ring the bells, creating a cascade of soft tones.

Karibeth smiles happily.

You recite:

"Lord of Dreams protect your servants and guide"

(Vrairdrick walks to the smaller altar.)

You remove a hammered gold chalice from on a small black marble altar.

Mohrgan recites reverently:

"Those who bear the Light in their hearts...
Need never fear the darkness...
Blessed are the Dreamers!"

You say, "The passing of this chalice from our altar, to His altar, signifies a pledge and a renewing of our hope."

Karibeth nods to you.

(Vrairdrick places the chalice on the graceful marble altar.)

You turn around.

You say, "Thank you, I believe it is quite evident the Lord heard our prayers."

You smile.

Karibeth grins at you.

Karibeth quietly says, "Indeed so."

Karibeth stands up.

You say, "Now it’s up to the Warriors to plan what is next."

See Also

• Ride of the Red Dreamer
• Beyond the Arkati