Search for the Truth (short story)

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Search for the Truth

Author: Rohese Bayvel

Family Tree
Created using myheritage

First published on the 9th day of Olaesta in the year 5120

Following on from Eternal Knowledge, this journal is a repository of vignettes including insights into Rohese's continued story and her search for the truth about her family and, in particular, the mysteries of the Codex Ista.

Prologue

Extract from Rohese's diary, entry dated the first day in the month of Lormesta in the year 5120.

I am standing at a crossroads.  

I could choose to ignore everything that has happened to me over the past year and continue with the mundane rituals of my life - rising at dawn and humbly carrying out my duties and responsibilities until the sun sets, only to repeat it all again the next day - but taking the easy road back means I remain this Rohese forever.  

To either side of me are enticing alternatives or slight deviations where little is fundamentally different in my life but there are opportunities for growth; where I remain a widow and fully embrace a spiritual existence.

Or ... I take a step forward and then another, into the unknown.  I choose to love again and, with strength and guidance, I search for the truth about my heritage.

Glowbark

Rohese's great-great grandmother on her father's side was of Veythorne descent. It made perfect sense that she should start her search for the truth in the grounds of the nearby family estate, and, more specifically, at the glowbark tree where her ashes had been scattered.

Rohese had recently spent a few weeks at her grandfather's house learning all there was to know about this remarkable lady. Born in 2956, Rahese Versillian (nee Veythorne) rose to become a respected Loremaster with a reputation for her rather forthright opinions on questionable study practices. Her own field of research focused predominantly on the Elanthian Moons and her only published work entitled "Where Sacred Beauty meets Divine Power" became standard text for many young academics and students of selenology. At the height of her career, Rahese served as an advisor to the Ta'Illistim royal court before stepping down to give birth to her daughter, Miramie, in the year 3464. Little is written about her after that and Rohese had to rely on household accounts to determine the date of her death and manner of her subsequent burial rite.

Whilst Rahese chose not to have a memorial tree planted in her honor, she nonetheless wished to have her memories preserved by binding herself to the familial glowbark tree and Rohese was eager to find out more from this potential source of information. She felt that Rahese held the key to learning more about the effaced writing in her grandmother's book and the peculiar text that manifested itself beneath her own skin from time-to-time; not to mention the puzzling lines of ink that permanently marked her spine.

The Lady Elaejia Silithyr had kindly agreed to be her companion and assist in the matter as she was familiar with the spiritual link between elves and trees. The intention was to commune with the glowbark in an attempt to glean some knowledge about the original source of the book and its mysteries.

A secret hope of Rohese's was that this would also enable them to form a better bond, given that she was the cousin to her beloved friend, Aendir. Rohese felt that she had not made a very good impression on Elaejia at the outset so was eager to rectify that as soon as possible.

I must remember not to be too effusive!

Rohese murmured this mantra to herself as she headed towards the Green in the hopes of finding Elaejia that afternoon.

The Glowbark Tree

[Ta'Illistim Green]
At the southern end of the green, the expanse of carefully manicured lawn is broken up by a low pool, set flush to the ground and surrounded with a ring of cut stone socles.  Beyond the statuary, the grass continues until hitting a low silver fence.  You also see some cushioned benches and a sterling silver serving cart with some stuff on it.

Elaejia gives a short little hum of surprise.
You glance up.
Elaejia smiles at you.
You feel your face lighten as a smile spreads across your face, the thick fabric of your lamb's wool cowl hiding the majority of the expression, though it can do nothing for your eyes.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "This is a nice surprise."

You see Lady Elaejia Silithyr Loenthra the Aristocrat.
She appears to be an Elf.
She is moderately tall.  She appears to have come of age.  She has subtly tilted cobalt-violet eyes and rose-tinted fair skin.  She has very long, silky caramel-brushed blonde hair with thick side-swept bangs.  She has a thin-boned, gracefully angular countenance, tapering to a softly pointed chin.
She is in good shape.
She is holding a gilt-spined saffron leather volume in her right hand.
She is wearing a high-collared ruched cream partlet ringed by a prismatic rose-gold fire agate medallion choker, a small abstract silver pendant, a pleated dark leather bookbag with a braided silk shoulder strap slung over her shoulder, a pauldroned dark grey suede corset with a rolled half-collar over some graduated leather banded armor, a filmy rose taupe chiffon blouse, a warm cherrywood bangle inlaid with amber bands, a gilt-inlay ebony signet band, a distressed suede specimen kit bound in mithril mesh, a heavy black silk blade harness, and some mottled grey wool leggings striped with thin pieces of leather under some slouched black leather boots set on narrow dark cherry heels.

Speaking pleasantly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "Lady Rohese, indeed."
You close a pavonated leather-bound book.
You place your hand on your leather-bound book.
Elaejia laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Elaejia glances at a gilt-spined saffron leather volume in her hand.
Speaking in Elven, you softly ask, "Join me in some tea?"
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "We both came out to read this afternoon, I see."
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.
You nod.
Elaejia put a gilt-spined saffron leather volume in her dark leather bookbag.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "It's a lovely afternoon for it."
You lightly pat the cushioned benches.
Elaejia smiles.
Elaejia sits down next to you.
You put a pavonated leather-bound book in your white suede satchel.
You draw the hood of your cowl off of your head, you loosen the toggles at your neckline, and pull the piece free.
You let out a sigh of relief.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia wryly notes, "Perhaps another drink, though."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you continue, "It's been some time but do you recall my rather hasty note a few weeks ago?"
Elaejia looks around for something.
Elaejia nods briefly to you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you explain, "I believe I know where I can start looking for some answers."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you add, "If you are still willing to help me?"
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia recalls, "It was in the gardens at Veythorne, I believe you indicated?"
You nod eagerly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you elaborate, "I was working on my genealogy and it occurred to me that my great-great grandmother was of the Veythorne line."
Elaejia nods to you.
Speaking thoughtfully mystical in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Do you know what sort of questions you might have?"
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I have been led to believe that her ashes were scattered in the garden so I thought we might take a look."
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I think so."
You nod at Elaejia.
Elaejia smiles.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "I am of course still willing to assist in whatever way I can."
You beam happily at Elaejia!
Speaking relievedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you admit, "I have no idea how to reach out to her but if you can help, I would be so grateful."
You bite your lip.
Elaejia nods slowly.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia asks, "And you believe she may have bound herself to a tree?"
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I do."
You nod at Elaejia.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "From what I can gather from family journals, Rahese asked for her ashes to be scattered around the tree."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "That would make sense, particularly if they were closely bound."
Elaejia nods to you.
You nod in agreement at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "That bodes well, for learning something of use."
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia smiles at you.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia asks, "Have you considered what offering we may bring?"
Speaking hopefully in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Even if it gives us an idea where else to look."
You tap a flask of pure water, which is in your right hand.
Elaejia nods approvingly.
Speaking in Elven, you softly ask, "Would this be acceptable, do you think?"
You let out a sigh of relief.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia amusedly says, "I cannot think of a plant that would be displeased with water."
You put a flask of pure water in your lamb's wool robes.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I thought so too."
You wrinkle your nose.
Elaejia tilts her head up.
Speaking sheepishly in Elven to Elaejia, you inquire, "Do I need to do anything to prepare?"
You bite your lip.
Elaejia shakes her head.
You nod faintly.
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you so much for agreeing to help me with this."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Not really, the spirits of trees are not overly concerned such trifles."
You nod understandingly at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "And if we are on the right track, it will recognize you as her line, and be more open to you in any event."
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
You glance around the area.
You gaze thoughtfully at your signet ring.
Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Are you nervous?"
You nod slightly.
You giggle softly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I'm afraid of what I might learn."
You bite your lip.
Elaejia cocks her head.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia asks, "Why is that?"
Speaking anxiously in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "What if my family has a scandal or secret that we never knew about?"
You wrinkle your nose.
Elaejia blinks.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia assures, "I cannot imagine that will be the case, lady Rohese."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you confide, "But I'm more concerned that I will be a disappointment to them."
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
You glance away.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Your grandmother literally wrote the book on how to avoid scandal."
You close your eyes for a moment.
You giggle softly at Elaejia.
Speaking relievedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Very true."
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I am equally sure your accomplishments thus far speak for themselves."
Speaking carefully in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "You should be sure, though, that you wish to proceed."
Speaking decisively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I am.  I need to know what my legacy is."
Elaejia smiles.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "And I need to know it's not sinister in nature."
Elaejia nods understandingly.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Removing the weight from your mind will be a boon to your path, I am sure."
Speaking in Elven, you softly agree, "It's the not knowing that worries me so much."
Speaking cryptically in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "You've seen the ..."
You glance around the area.
Elaejia nods understandingly.
You quietly whisper to Elaejia, "... markings on my back."
You clear your throat.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia murmurs, "I would be alarmed as well, I understand."
You smile at Elaejia.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I can't tell you how much better I feel for having shared it with you and Akenna though."
Speaking relievedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "It was a load off my mind."
Elaejia bites her lip.
You wrinkle your nose.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia asks, "Indeed?"
Elaejia furtively glances at you.
Speaking hesitantly in Elven to you, Elaejia murmurs, "I have always found that quite difficult."
(Rohese tentatively reaches out to take Elaejia's hand but withdraws at the last moment.)
You nod faintly.
Elaejia takes a deep breath.
(Elaejia takes your hand.)
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you confide, "Whilst I have many acquaintances, I have few close friends that I can share such things with."
You let out a sigh of relief.
Elaejia smiles a bit awkwardly, fidgeting slightly.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia agrees, "On that we are similar."
(Rohese squeezes Elaejia's hand in her own, resting her other hand over the top in a gesture of sharing a confidence.)
You smile at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "I am honored to be counted among that few, lady Rohese."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "And I am honoured that you have accepted me into your family, Lady Elaejia."
Speaking in Elven, you lightly say, "But please, it's just Rohese."
You wrinkle your nose.
Elaejia chuckles to herself.
Elaejia nods in agreement.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia briskly says, "If you are ready, however, we should proceed before night falls."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "There, now we are truly friends."
Elaejia tilts her head up.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Let's."
You nod.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
You stand back up.
Elaejia stands up.
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia takes a deep breath.
Elaejia nods.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I shall be guided by you."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia amusedly says, "Luckily I have learned my way around this city."
You giggle softly.
Elaejia steps through the gate, passing under its arch in the direction of the United Bank of City-States.
You step through the gate, passing under its arch and arriving at the steps of the United Bank of City-States.

TRAVELLING TO VEYTHORE MANOR

Lady Elaejia just slipped quietly down a tree-lined pathway, with her group following closely.

WANDERING THE GARDENS

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "This garden is truly a jewel."
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "It's such a joy to wander."

[Veythorne Manor, Gardens]
Thin vines of flaeshorn curl around the gates to the west, their golden berries plump and lustrous.  An ancient sycamore tree spreads its massive limbs up toward the sky, dipping and bending into comfortable crooks before tapering out into thin leaf-strung branches.  The massive, curving roots of the sycamore arc over tiny streams that circle its base, the meandering path of the water tracing interwoven patterns along the moss-ridden ground.
Also here: Lady Elaejia

A spiny dark green leaf lazily drifts in on a soft breeze and settles to the ground.
You pick up a spiny dark green leaf.

Elaejia smiles.
You give your eyebrow a little workout.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia murmurs, "Perhaps they were expecting you..."
Speaking in Elven, you cautiously say, "I'm wondering if it's a sign."
You nod slowly.
You gaze thoughtfully at your dark green leaf.
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at an ancient sycamore tree.
You gaze thoughtfully at an ancient sycamore tree.

The sycamore tree appears quite old -- its bark covered with clusters of deep green moss and its spindly limbs ascending towards the heavens.  Its massive branches curl around one another to form a plethora of cozy crooks, and its deep green foliage shivers briefly as the wind passes by.

You brush your fingers lightly against your dark green leaf.
You glance at an ancient sycamore tree.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "It is a good sign.  They are open to you already."
You agree with Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, you distantly say, "I will keep it safe."

Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia explains, "Their spirits are in conversation all the time."
You smile at Elaejia.
You glance between Elaejia and an ancient sycamore tree.
Speaking curiously in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "They are connected?"
Elaejia nods to you.
Speaking softly in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you say, "We will return."
You reach out and touch an ancient sycamore tree.
Closing her eyes, Elaejia lowers her forehead to an ancient sycamore tree in a reverent gesture.

MOVING ON

[Veythorne Manor, The Glowbark]
Deep shadows grip the area in perpetual night, not even a pinpoint of light winking through the velvety shroud of darkness that shifts restlessly overhead.  An ancient glowbark tree towers over the surroundings -- an ethereal radiance rhythmically pulsing outward from the deep furrows in its bark.  Sirenflowers grow along the edges of the streams trickling beneath the massive roots of the tree, sending forth eerie cries that flow into one another to form a slow, sad melody that hangs over the area like a fog.
Also here: Lady Elaejia

Speaking in Elven, you wistfully confide, "This is where my husband proposed to me."
You gaze wistfully at an ancient glowbark tree.
Elaejia gives a short little hum of surprise.

A chill draft of wind whistles by, evoking a cascade of soft, somber wails from the sirenflowers growing upon the ground.

You brush your fingers lightly against a vivid multi-hued sirenflower.
(Rohese approaches the glowbark tree slowly, her steps faltering as a pulse of phosphorescence illuminates the bark for a moment.)
You gasp.

Tiny orbs of rainbow-hued light swirl among the leaves of the tree, sending forth ethereal cries of beauty before they hide amongst its leaves once more.

Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "You have many connections here, another auspicious situation."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "Did you see that?"
You nod slowly.
Elaejia nods slowly to you.

The sirenflowers whisper in soft, echoing tones to one another before rising into their eerie ballad once more.

You glance up.
You smile quietly to yourself.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "Please find a place and center yourself for a moment, Rohese."
You nod faintly at Elaejia.
You glance around the area.

The glow from the tree pulses slightly, sending forth shimmering waves of incandescence across the surroundings.

You close your eyes for a moment.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking in Elven, you quietly murmur, "The lights are so pretty."
You glance up.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia softly agrees, "They are."

The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.

Speaking in Elven, you distantly add, "Almost hypnotic."
You gaze in wonder at an ancient glowbark tree.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "They are attuned to you, I think."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I do feel at peace here."
You nod at Elaejia.

The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.

Elaejia nods approvingly.
Elaejia grabs a wavy-bladed ritual dagger of black stone and bone from inside her leather ritual satchel.
You give your eyebrow a little workout.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia assures, "A tool, only.  Not a weapon."

The glow from the tree pulses slightly, sending forth shimmering waves of incandescence across the surroundings.

You let out a sigh of relief.
Elaejia chuckles to herself.
Elaejia leans forward.
Speaking nervously in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I would hate for anyone to get hurt."
Elaejia drags her ritual dagger through the dirt, creating a large ritual circle.
You glance down.
You gaze thoughtfully at a large ritual circle drawn in the dirt.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "They do not require such low methods."
You smile.

The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.

Elaejia grabs a vaalin-rimmed glass bottle containing pieces of golden amber from inside her leather ritual satchel.
Elaejia gives her bottle a hard shake, causing a piece of golden amber to fall into her hand.
Elaejia tosses a vaalin-rimmed glass bottle containing pieces of golden amber inside her leather ritual satchel.
Elaejia carefully places a piece of golden amber on the ground.
You glance down.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you remark, "Such a pretty stone."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia explains, "Amber originates with them."
You nod understandingly.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia continues, "Both of us must bring an offering, and that is mine.. The return of something that is theirs."

The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.

You remove a flask of pure water from in your lamb's wool robes.
Speaking in Elven, you tentatively inquire, "Should I pour this now?"
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly agrees, "Kneel in the circle and introduce yourself."
Elaejia nods to you.
You nod.
Carefully stepping over the dirt, you enter a large ritual circle drawn in the dirt and kneel down, head bowed, eyes downcast.

The glow from the tree pulses slightly, sending forth shimmering waves of incandescence across the surroundings.

Speaking reverently in Elven to an ancient glowbark tree, you say, "My name is Rohese Bayvel.  Please consider me to be a friend."

Tiny orbs of rainbow-hued light swirl among the leaves of the tree, sending forth ethereal cries of beauty before they hide amongst its leaves once more.

Elaejia takes a few steps back.
Speaking softly in Elven to an ancient glowbark tree, you continue, "I bring you life."
Elaejia inclines her head.
(Rohese passes her hand over the pure water murmuring a prayer of blessing to the elements.)
You pour the contents of your pure water on the tree.  The clear liquid quickly evaporates.
That was the last drop.

A chill draft of wind whistles by, evoking a cascade of soft, somber wails from the sirenflowers growing upon the ground.

The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.

(Rohese reaches out to tentatively place her hand against the trunk of the glowbark tree.  As if in response to her touch, a flare of spectral light blinds her for a moment and she retracts her hand with a start.)
You gasp.
Elaejia nods encouragingly to you.
Speaking in Elven, you anxiously ask, "Too soon?"
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "I do not think so.  It is in the nature of the glowbark to shine."
You smile.
(Rohese hesitates for a moment before replacing her hand on the glowbark tree with a little more determination.  The slightest pressure of her palm causes pale blue phosphorescence to seep out between her fingers and bathe her skin.)

Tiny orbs of rainbow-hued light swirl among the leaves of the tree, sending forth ethereal cries of beauty before they hide amongst its leaves once more.

You close your eyes for a moment.
Elaejia kneels down.

The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.

(Elaejia leans forward with a bowed head, murmuring under her breath.  She places her palms flat on the ground, infusing mana into the earth around the roots of the glowbark.)
You glance nervously at Elaejia.
Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "The spirit recognizes you, that is certain."
Your face lights up with joy.

The glow from the tree pulses slightly, sending forth shimmering waves of incandescence across the surroundings.

Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "That's good, yes?"

The dirt at the edges of the ritual circle shifts slightly, the overall shape becoming a little less distinct.

Elaejia nods once to you.
You let out a sigh of relief.
You gaze fondly at an ancient glowbark tree.

The glow from the tree pulses slightly, sending forth shimmering waves of incandescence across the surroundings.

Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia reminds, "Remember now.. This is a tree's spirit.  Your inquiry may be puzzling to it."
You nod understandingly at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "But the many connections you have here are all in our favor."
Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "When you feel you are ready, make your entreaty."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I've always wondered why I felt drawn to this place."
You nod slowly.
You turn to face an ancient glowbark tree.
(Elaejia places her palms down once again, channeling another offering of mana into the earth with quiet murmurings.)

The dirt at the edges of the ritual circle shifts slightly, the overall shape becoming a little less distinct.

(Rohese rests her hands on the soil at the base of the glowbark tree.  Closing her eyes, she murmurs a blessing under her breath before sitting back on her heels to raise her eyes to the tantalising glimpses of sky overhead.)
The glow from the tree pulses slightly, sending forth shimmering waves of incandescence across the surroundings.

Elaejia gazes with interest at you.
Speaking reverently in Elven to an ancient glowbark tree, you say, "Much has happened to me over the last year.  I am hoping to find answers about the strange things happening to me."

A few ghostly blue leaves slowly sink to the ground from the huge bough of the glowbark tree, their pale light resembling wisps of gossamer in the darkness.

You glance down.
You pick up a radiant ghostly blue leaf.
You glance at Elaejia.
You smile quietly to yourself.
Elaejia slowly empties her lungs.
Speaking excitedly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "This is a good sign, yes?"
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia breathes, "The bond between this spirit and your line must be remarkable, Rohese."
An arctic fox pads in.
You glance at an arctic fox.
The arctic fox paws at the ground.
Elaejia looks thoughtfully at an arctic fox.
The arctic fox sits down.
The dirt on the ground shifts significantly, the ritual circle completely losing its distinct shape and effectively disappearing.
You incline your head.

The fox appears to be a magnificent specimen of his kind.  A barely perceptible aura encompasses him and a distinct look of intelligence fills his glittering eyes.
He is carrying a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole.

Speaking in Elven, you curiously ask, "Is he with you?"
The arctic fox roots around the room.
The arctic fox barks.
You ponder the meaning of an arctic fox's existence.
The arctic fox drops a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole.
You bite your lip.
Elaejia gazes with interest at an arctic fox.
The arctic fox paws at the ground.
You nod slowly.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia murmurs, "It seems he is."
You pick up a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole.

The moment your hand touches the stone, you get a flash of a vision.

Speaking in Elven, you softly ask, "What an odd looking thing?"
You incline your head.

Ink appearing on skin, similar to your own, not quite identical.

And a carved wooden pendant with the image of a dogwood blossom.

You close your eyes for a moment.
Elaejia takes a moment to observe you.
Elaejia gives a sidelong glance at an arctic fox.
Speaking excitedly in Elven to Elaejia, you exclaim, "A vision!"
You ponder the meaning of an arctic fox's existence.
The arctic fox barks.
The arctic fox stands up.
The arctic fox pads off.
Elaejia slowly empties her lungs.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you elaborate, "I saw ink appearing on skin but it wasn't mine."
You shake your head.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you add, "And a carved wooden pendant with a blossom on it."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
You gaze thoughtfully at your flat pebble.
You glance at an ancient glowbark tree.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "The connection is quite remarkable, Rohese."
Elaejia shakes her head, totally at a loss.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "I was confident we would learn something, but ..."
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
(Rohese reaches out to touch the glowbark tree again, allowing its blue auric field to envelop her.  A gentle breeze stirs her hair, causing it to shimmer with an ethereal light.  The faint text beneath the skin on the back of her hand rises to the surface, the words, "seek" and "find" becoming legible for a moment before fading away.)
Elaejia gazes in wonder at you.
You glance down.
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think we have a lot to think about."
Elaejia nods slowly to you.
You smile at Elaejia.
Speaking gratefully in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you so much."
You gaze thoughtfully at your flat pebble.

Worn smooth by water erosion, the pale grey pebble sits comfortably in the palm of the hand.  Roughly ovoid in shape, it features a small natural hole near the edge that allows the user to peer through.

Speaking wryly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I cannot be certain I was needed-- the spirit was waiting for you, I think."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you exclaim, "Not at all, I wouldn't have known where to start without you!"
Elaejia smiles.
Elaejia stands up.
Closing her eyes, Elaejia lowers her forehead to an ancient glowbark tree in a reverent gesture.
You turn to face an ancient glowbark tree.
Speaking in Elven to an ancient glowbark tree, Elaejia murmurs, "We are grateful for the energy you expended this day."
Speaking wistfully in Elven to an ancient glowbark tree, you say, "Thank you."
You brush your fingers lightly against an ancient glowbark tree.
You nod.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I need to try and identify the blossom I saw on the pendant."
Speaking curiously in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Could you make out any detail about it, or the ink?"
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Tapered and with a pink tinge."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Speaking in Elven, you frustratedly say, "I've seen it before, I know I have."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "It will come to you, I am sure... perhaps try sketching it."
Elaejia nods to you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "That's a good idea, I'll do that when I get home and send it to you."
You nod appreciatively at Elaejia.
Elaejia slowly empties her lungs.
You gaze thoughtfully at your flat pebble.
Speaking softly in Elven to your flat pebble, you ask, "And what are you all about?"
You turn your flat pebble over and over in your hands.
Speaking carefully in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "To be presented with a gift... I am not certain what to make of it."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I've seen pebbles like these at my grandfather's house."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I will write to him and ask."
You smile at Elaejia.

A pale yellow sunset closes out the cold day.

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Whether it comes from your kin, or from the spirit itself is the first thing that comes to mind for me."
You nod understandingly at Elaejia.
You glance up.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "You were right to make the most of the daylight."
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia chuckles to herself.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "They sleep in the evenings as well."
You smile quietly to yourself.

The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.

Speaking gratefully in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you again for your assistance today."
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I will see about finding more information on this development as well."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Let's meet again soon."

The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.
Elaejia nods in agreement to you.
You kiss Elaejia on the cheek.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Good night, Rohese."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Forgive me but I had to."
Speaking in Elven, you fondly say, "Good night, Elaejia."
Elaejia smiles awkwardly.
Elaejia nods understandingly.
You reach out and touch an ancient glowbark tree.
You sigh wistfully.
(Elaejia slips away quietly.)
You rub the surface of your flat pebble, taking solace in its simple design.

Sycamore

Cradling the spiny dark green leaf in her hand, Rohese was reminded of her recent walk in the Veythorne Manor Gardens with the Lady Elaejia Silithyr. Their aim had been to commune with the ancient glowbark tree but, on route, this leaf had fluttered to the ground at their feet. Rohese was not generally superstitious but the leaf did seem to be a portent of some kind and it had played on her mind since.

The vision she had received that same day – of a carved wooden pendant with the image of a dogwood blossom – had resulted in her visiting her grandfather again to seek further answers. If anything, her time spent with him had generated more questions but she had returned home with a pale pink leaf pendant that had once belonged to her grandmother; and her great-grandmother, Miramie, before her.

Miramie was the daughter of Jhonuil and Rahese Versillian, born in 3464 and especially loved by both her parents. She was particularly close to her father and he had never truly recovered from her untimely death at the tender age of 347. Knowing that his only child was dying, Jhonuil had helped her to select a seedpod for a memorial tree and subsequently bind herself to it. He dutifully planted the seedpod in the grounds of the Veythorne Manor on the day of her death in 3811. At the same time, he ensured that both he and Rahese had made arrangements for their own memorials so that – in death - they would be reunited with their beloved daughter.

Jhonuil only outlived his wife, Rahese, by a year but in that time he had arranged for her ashes to be scattered around the glowbark tree and, in turn, bonded with a sycamore seed that he duly planted in the same garden shortly before his own death; a sturdy tree had grown over the years laden with deep green foliage.

Unbeknownst to Rohese, the leaf she was now holding was of that same tree and, today, she planned to pay it a visit to see what she could learn from it.

The Sycamore Tree

[Ta'Illistim, Weyr Var]
Curving off from the main var is a tree-lined pathway, which leads to an ornate ivory gate.  The dogwoods at the corners of the intersection of var and path are in flower with large white blossoms, which stick out from the spindly branches, growing in such profusion that they nearly obscure them altogether.

Lady Elaejia just arrived.
You smile.
Elaejia takes a deep breath.
Speaking curiously to you, Elaejia says, "You opted for privacy."
You nod.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I did."
You bite your lip.
Speaking tentatively in Elven to Elaejia, you explain, "There is another matter I would like to discuss with you alone so I thought it best."
You glance nervously at Elaejia.
Elaejia closes her eyes for a moment.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "But first, let's find the tree."
You smile.
Elaejia nods once.

WANDERING THE GARDENS

[Veythorne Manor, Gardens]
Thin vines of flaeshorn curl around the gates to the west, their golden berries plump and lustrous.  An ancient sycamore tree spreads its massive limbs up toward the sky, dipping and bending into comfortable crooks before tapering out into thin leaf-strung branches.  The massive, curving roots of the sycamore arc over tiny streams that circle its base, the meandering path of the water tracing interwoven patterns along the moss-ridden ground.  You also see a spiny dark green leaf.

The sycamore tree appears quite old -- its bark covered with clusters of deep green moss and its spindly limbs ascending towards the heavens.  Its massive branches curl around one another to form a plethora of cozy crooks, and its deep green foliage shivers briefly as the wind passes by.

You gasp.
You pick up a spiny dark green leaf.
You glance at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia chuckles to herself.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "It's as if it was waiting for us."
You rub a spiny dark green leaf in your hand.
You gaze thoughtfully at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia dryly says, "We may even need to render an apology for our tardiness."
You nod in agreement at Elaejia.
Speaking thoughtfully to an ancient sycamore tree, Elaejia says, "They are rarely in such a hurry."
(Rohese eagerly approaches the sycamore tree, her gaze drawn upward to its spindly branches.  Seeing them begin to flay wildly - a flurry of deep green foliage spiralling away into the distance - she hastily retreats, taking a few steps backwards.)
You clasp a hand over your mouth.
Elaejia gives a short little hum of surprise.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you posit, "I think it's unhappy."
You wrinkle your nose.
Elaejia frowns.
Elaejia tilts her head up.
You glance down to see a spiny dark green leaf in your right hand and nothing in your left hand.
Elaejia scans her surroundings with the alertness of a seasoned scout.
You glance warily at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia slowly suggests, "Perhaps it is indeed impatient."
You nod slowly.
Elaejia takes a deep breath.
Speaking softly in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you apologize, "I'm sorry."
You gaze thoughtfully at your dark green leaf.
Speaking quietly to you, Elaejia asks, "You are unsettled?"
You nod slightly at Elaejia.
You hang your head.
You bite your lip.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you admit, "A little, I didn't sleep very well last night."
Elaejia reminds, "It is important to be centered, perhaps a brief meditation will help?"
You nod understandingly.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I'll do my best."
You glance around the area.
(Rohese steps onto the mossy ground and slowly lowers herself.)
You kneel down.
You fold your hands in your lap.
You close your eyes for a moment.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
You lower your gaze.
You chant a reverent orison, asking Lumnis for wisdom and guidance.
You take a deep breath.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
Elaejia intertwines her fingers.
(Rohese slowly opens her eyes and raises them to look up at Elaejia standing nearby.)
You stand back up.
You dust off your ivory cotton cotehardie.
Elaejia nods slowly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you comment, "A little better."
You nod.
You glance uneasily at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia asks, "Now your offering?"
Speaking nervously in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I am ready."
You remove some essence of air from in your steel vasculum.
Elaejia grabs a vaalin-rimmed glass bottle containing pieces of golden amber from inside her leather ritual satchel.
Elaejia gives her bottle a hard shake, causing a piece of golden amber to fall into her hand.
Elaejia tosses a vaalin-rimmed glass bottle containing pieces of golden amber inside her leather ritual satchel.
You gaze thoughtfully at your essence of air.
Elaejia kneels down.
You gaze with interest at an ancient sycamore tree.
You begin to watch Elaejia intently out of the corner of your eyes, while trying not to be too obvious about it.
Elaejia says, "Do not be afraid, we know already that even this spirit seeks an audience."
Elaejia smiles at you.
You smile at Elaejia.
You nod faintly.
(Rohese cups the essence of air in her hands and tries to still her breathing.)
Elaejia rubs a piece of golden amber in her hand.
You incline your head.
Elaejia takes a moment to observe you.
You wrinkle your nose.
Speaking in Elven, you softly ask, "Now?"
You take a few steps toward an ancient sycamore tree.
You kneel down.
Speaking to you, Elaejia agrees, "When you are ready.  Take your time."
(Rohese carefully lowers the essence of air to the ground, laying it to rest in the moss.)
You carefully place some essence of air on the ground.
Elaejia leans forward.
You nod at Elaejia.
You smile.
Elaejia carefully places a piece of golden amber on the ground.
You glance up.
(Elaejia places her hands on either side of the offerings and channels mana into the earth, murmuring quietly.)
(Rohese adopts a reverent pose, her hand reaching out to touch one of the curving roots at the base of the sycamore tree.  Pressing her other palm into the damp, moss-ridden ground, she closes her eyes and murmurs a blessing to the elements of air and water.)
Elaejia whispers, "Now your introduction."
You nod slowly at Elaejia.
Speaking reverently in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you beseech, "We come at your beckoning to ask something of you."
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at an ancient sycamore tree.
Speaking softly in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you plead, "I am looking for answers to my past and need to find my grandmother's tree."
Speaking softly in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you plead, "Please."
Speaking frustratedly in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you exclaim, "You have something to tell me, I know!"
Elaejia holds her breath.
(Rohese breathes a heavy, impatient sigh as time passes.  Sensing nothing but the uncomfortable dampness of the earth beneath her hand and knees, she adjusts her position.  In desperation, she stares up at the deep green foliage again and, pressing her hand resolutely against the moss-covered bark of the sycamore tree, she whispers a final heartfelt plea into the passing wind.)
You hang your head.
You close your eyes for a moment.
You shake your head.
Elaejia frowns.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Nothing."
You bite your lip.
You remove a spiny dark green leaf from in your steel vasculum.
Speaking tearfully in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you ask, "Why did you send me this if you have nothing to tell me?"
You gaze thoughtfully at your dark green leaf.
Speaking to a piece of golden amber, Elaejia asks, "Are the offerings too few perhaps?"
You glance down.
You reach out and touch some essence of air.
You glance at an ancient sycamore tree.
Speaking slowly to you, Elaejia says, "Or.. it thinks you are not ready."
You nod slowly.
You gaze longingly at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia frowns.
Speaking quietly to you, Elaejia says, "They do not understand most of our emotions, you know.  They are too fleeting."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you muse, "I wonder if whomever bonded with this tree was not of my great-great grandmother's line?"
Speaking slowly to an ancient sycamore tree, Elaejia says, "It doesn't seem likely that a tree unrelated to your line would seek your attention."
Speaking to you, Elaejia says, "We can attempt to make that confirmation."
You smile at Elaejia.
You nod.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "It's worth a try."
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia grabs a hammered copper scrying bowl from inside her leather ritual satchel.
Elaejia takes out a small flask of water and pours it into her copper scrying bowl then stows the empty flask.
You incline your head.
Elaejia rubs a hammered copper scrying bowl in her hand.
Elaejia touches the tip of her finger to the water in her copper scrying bowl and then lightly traces it around the rim.
You fold your hands in your lap.
(Elaejia nestles the bowl at the foot of the sycamore tree, before the other offerings.)
(Rohese idly thumbs the leaf in her hand, her focus entirely on Elaejia.)
Elaejia touches the tip of her finger to the water in her copper scrying bowl and then lightly traces it around the rim.
(Elaejia places her hands to the earth, once again channeling a small amount of mana into the ground at the tree's roots.  The trunk and boughs nearest the ground vibrate perceptibly, disturbing the water in the bowl so it sloshes slightly over.)
You give your eyebrow a little workout.
You bite your lip.
Speaking to you, Elaejia whispers aloud, "Place your hands around mine, and look into the water."
You nod at Elaejia.
Elaejia closes her eyes for a moment.
Elaejia touches the tip of her finger to the water in her copper scrying bowl and then lightly traces it around the rim.
(Rohese places her hands on either side of Elaejia's and peers over the rim of the bowl.)
You surreptitiously glance at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia quietly emphasizes, "You must be in your center, and then request its connection."
(Rohese continues to gaze up at the sycamore tree as its spindly branches stir and shiver.  Odd leaves drift away to disappear on a gentle breeze.)
Elaejia indicates an ancient sycamore tree as a possible option.
You nod slowly at Elaejia.
Speaking quietly in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you request, "Oh sacred sycamore, I beseech you, please can you reveal your bond to my family."
You close your eyes for a moment.
Elaejia tilts her head down.
(Rohese takes one last look up at the sycamore tree, her fingers grazing its moss-covered bark as if beseeching it to respond.  A shudder of its spindly branches sends a shiver through the foliage and brings with it the faint whisper of the words "Jhonuil" and "persevere," before falling still again.)
You gasp.
Speaking excitedly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "Did you hear that?"
Elaejia cocks her head.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you explain, "Jhonuil was my great-great grandfather."
You smile.
Elaejia uncertainly says, "Ah.."
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at an ancient sycamore tree.
Speaking in Elven, you amusedly say, "So not a direct descendent of Rahese, he married her."
You giggle softly.
You gaze fondly at an ancient sycamore tree.
Speaking kindly in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you say, "I understand now."
You reach out and touch an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia wonders, "Do you?"
You nod at Elaejia.
Elaejia gazes with interest at you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "The pendant in the vision.  We must persevere with that."
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "My grandfather told me that Jhonuil gave it to Rahese as a gift."
You clap your hands together in delight!
Elaejia nods slowly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you exclaim, "So we must find the dogwood tree!"
You glance around the area.
Elaejia curiously says, "It is odd yet that this spirit sought you so much."
Speaking fondly in Elven to an ancient sycamore tree, you say, "Thank you."
You reach out and touch an ancient sycamore tree.
You nod in agreement at Elaejia.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Perhaps he just wanted to let me know he was watching."
You gaze fondly at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia chuckles to herself.
(Rohese kisses her three fingertips and rests them lovingly on the bark of the sycamore tree.)
Elaejia inclines her head.
You stand back up.
You dust off your ivory cotton cotehardie.
(Elaejia recovers the bowl from the ground, tipping some of the water into the earth.)
You smile.
Elaejia gets out a flask and pours the water from her copper scrying bowl into it and then puts the flask away.
Elaejia tosses a hammered copper scrying bowl inside her leather ritual satchel.
Speaking quietly to an ancient sycamore tree, Elaejia says, "We thank you for the energy you spent this day."
Elaejia reaches out and touches an ancient sycamore tree.
You gaze fondly at an ancient sycamore tree.
Elaejia stands up.
Elaejia dusts off her tailored leggings.
Speaking sincerely in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "It means so much to me that you are here with me."
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia bites her lip.
Bowed slightly westward, the flora follows the path of the afternoon sun.

WALKING BACK TO THE GATE

[Veythorne Manor, Gardens]
A small hill ascends to the southwest, and growing atop it is a small dogwood tree -- its arcing branches swept with immaculate pale pink leaves that flutter like feathered wings with each passing breeze.  Dark violet windflowers sprout along the ground, their numerous petals glimmering with a faint velvety sheen.  Pale crimson leaves litter the ground, mere droplets of color upon a carpet of healthy green.
Obvious paths: north, east, south
Elaejia followed.

A few of the pale crimson leaves upon the ground are picked up by an errant current of wind, swirling about in a whirling dance before settling to the ground once more.

You gaze thoughtfully at a small dogwood tree.

The dogwood tree is slightly larger than a bush, its branches arcing off in every direction to form a cloud of pale pink leaves that rustle in perfect synch with one another at any faint disturbance.

Elaejia raises an eyebrow.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "That looks like ..."
You gasp.
Elaejia nods slowly to you.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "And so close to the sycamore."
You glance north.
Speaking to you, Elaejia asks, "Do you think it could be..?"
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
You giggle softly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I wouldn't put it past him."
You wrinkle your nose.
You gaze thoughtfully at a small dogwood tree.

Speaking to a small dogwood tree, Elaejia says, "It must be a lovely thing, to be so near the sycamore, if so."
(Elaejia's breath hitches again, slightly.)
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "To be so close to his own daughter."
The dogwood tree rocks back and forth slowly, its pale pink leaves rustling back and forth like gossamer wings.

You reach out and touch a small dogwood tree.
Speaking amusedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think we know where to come next."
You giggle softly.
Elaejia nods slowly.

Butterflies flit about the tree and the dark violet windflowers, their tiny wings adding delicate swaths of vivid color to the surroundings.

You sigh happily.
You pick up a radiant ghostly blue leaf.
You smile quietly to yourself.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think Rahese approves."
Elaejia smiles.

Dogwood (by Day)

The resemblance was uncanny. Gazing at her own reflection in the mirror and back at the portrait of Miramie Anuviel in her hand, Rohese could barely tell the difference. The portrait had accompanied a recent letter from her grandfather in which he had attempted to answer some of her questions about the family.

He had shared his memories of Miramie's untimely death and how Rohese’s grandmother, Sahese, had grieved for a year. During that time, she had visited a dogwood sapling in the grounds of Veythorne Manor each day to tend it. Nothing was ever said about the cause of Miramie's death but he had been conscious of hushed conversations between his wife and her own grandmother, Rahese, that had ceased abruptly whenever he had entered the room. It had also struck him as odd that Miramie's husband, Astania, never talked about her; perhaps his memories were too painful.

Memories; so powerful yet so fragile. Rohese was reminded of her own recent foray into them and how she too had recalled hushed conversations during her childhood.

Her grandfather's letter had gone on to explain how fond Sahese was of the dogwood blossom pendant he had given Rohese during her last visit and how he understood why she had gifted it to Elaejia. He had closed by asking after Aendir and requesting that they both visit again soon.

Rohese folded the letter and slipped it into her journal. Annotating the page with the day's date, she added a few lines:

"Dogwood.  A tree of renewal and beginnings.
It begins with me finding Miramie’s dogwood tree."

The Dogwood Tree

[Ta'Illistim, Weyr Var]
Curving off from the main var is a tree-lined pathway, which leads to an ornate ivory gate.  The dogwoods at the corners of the intersection of var and path are in flower with large white blossoms, which stick out from the spindly branches, growing in such profusion that they nearly obscure them altogether.

A tapered deep green leaf lazily drifts in on a soft breeze and settles to the ground.

You glance down.
You glance at Elaejia.
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at a tapered deep green leaf.
You pick up a tapered deep green leaf.
You gaze thoughtfully at your deep green leaf.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "So it seems my great-great grandfather is happy we're back today."
You brush your fingers lightly against your deep green leaf.
You smile quietly to yourself.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "It's a good sign."
Elaejia nods in agreement to you.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "So much so that it greeted you even before we truly arrived."
You nod enthusiastically!
You put a tapered deep green leaf in your leather bag.
You glance at a tree-lined pathway and slowly exhale.

WANDERING THE GROUNDS

[Veythorne Manor, Gardens]
A small hill ascends to the southwest, and growing atop it is a small dogwood tree -- its arcing branches swept with immaculate pale pink leaves that flutter like feathered wings with each passing breeze.  Dark violet windflowers sprout along the ground, their numerous petals glimmering with a faint velvety sheen.  Pale crimson leaves litter the ground, mere droplets of color upon a carpet of healthy green.
Obvious paths: north, east, south

You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at a small dogwood tree.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia murmurs, "The dogwood is a curious tree."
You nod in agreement at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Look at the beautiful leaves."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Even in age, they seldom grow large."
You glance around the area.
Elaejia nods to you.

The dogwood tree rocks back and forth slowly, its pale pink leaves rustling back and forth like gossamer wings.

You gaze thoughtfully at a small dogwood tree.
You smile.
Speaking in Elven, you reflectively say, "So pretty."
Elaejia nods in agreement to you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I've seen a picture of Miramie."
You smile at Elaejia.
Speaking interestedly in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Indeed?"
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "And I think I know why her father keeps leaving me leaves."
You remove a tapered deep green leaf from in your leather bag.
Elaejia cocks her head at you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Apparently I look just like her."
You wrinkle your nose.

Butterflies flit about the tree and the dark violet windflowers, their tiny wings adding delicate swaths of vivid color to the surroundings.

Elaejia smiles quietly to herself.
Speaking in Elven, you sadly say, "She died so young."
You gaze with interest at a small dogwood tree.

The dogwood tree rocks back and forth slowly, its pale pink leaves rustling back and forth like gossamer wings.

Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "He must have been heartbroken."
Speaking softly in Elven to you, Elaejia agrees, "That must have been wistful for the sycamore's spirit."
You agree with Elaejia.

A few of the pale crimson leaves upon the ground are picked up by an errant current of wind, swirling about in a whirling dance before settling to the ground once more.

Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Do you know much else of her?"
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "So I'm hoping between them, we can find some answers.  Perhaps even why she did die."
You shake your head.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Only that she was their only daughter."
You bite your lip.

The dogwood tree sways back and forth as a current of wind whips through the area, and a few of its feathery leaves flutter to the ground.

Elaejia frowns.

Butterflies flit about the tree and the dark violet windflowers, their tiny wings adding delicate swaths of vivid color to the surroundings.

Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at a feathery pale pink leaf.

Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "And whatever secret my family is keeping, I think she is the key."
You gasp.
You pick up a feathery pale pink leaf.
Speaking softly in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you say, "Thank you."
You hold your pale pink leaf close to your body.

The dogwood tree rocks back and forth slowly, its pale pink leaves rustling back and forth like gossamer wings.

Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "This is auspicious."
You smile.
Elaejia smiles at you.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I am truly glad this journey has been so marked with good fortune."
You smile at Elaejia.
Speaking affectionately in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I couldn't do this without you."
Elaejia smiles quietly to herself.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Alright."
You smile.
Elaejia takes a deep breath.
Elaejia grabs a wavy-bladed ritual dagger of black stone and bone from inside her leather ritual satchel.
(Rohese takes a few tentative steps towards the dogwood tree.  A zephyr of pale pink leaves rise into the air to swirl around her with soft whispered words of welcome before settling down on the ground again.)
You smile quietly to yourself.
Elaejia holds her ritual dagger out in front of her, and as she whispers quietly, she brings her dagger down to the ground, dragging it through the dirt to create a large ritual circle.
Elaejia tosses a wavy-bladed ritual dagger of black stone and bone inside her leather ritual satchel.
You glance down.
You also see a large ritual circle drawn in the dirt.
Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia reminds, "It is time to center your awareness."
You nod slowly.
You take a deep breath.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
Carefully stepping over the dirt, you enter a large ritual circle drawn in the dirt and kneel down, head bowed, eyes downcast.
Elaejia kneels down.
You reach out and touch a small dogwood tree.
Speaking quietly in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you introduce, "Hello Miramie, I am Rohese, your great-granddaughter."
Elaejia closes her eyes for a moment.
Speaking reflectively in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you continue, "I think you've been waiting for me."
You smile quietly to yourself.
You lower your gaze.
You close your eyes for a moment.
Elaejia grabs a large bronze tobacco jar from inside her leather ritual satchel.
Elaejia screws off the lid of her bronze tobacco jar.
(Rohese runs the pale pink leaf gently through her fingers a few times as she tries to calm her thoughts.)
(Elaejia pinches some tobacco from her jar and sprinkles it at the base of the tree.)
Elaejia screws the lid of her bronze tobacco jar back on.
Elaejia tosses a large bronze tobacco jar inside her leather ritual satchel.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think my offering has been decided for me today."
You carefully place a tapered deep green leaf on the ground.
Speaking curiously in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Oh?"
Elaejia nods understandingly.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Her father wishes to join us."
You smile.
You reach out and touch a tapered deep green leaf.
You nod faintly.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia approvingly murmurs, "I think you are quite right."
You glance up.
You gaze thoughtfully at a small dogwood tree.

The dogwood tree rocks back and forth slowly, its pale pink leaves rustling back and forth like gossamer wings.

(Elaejia nods encouragingly to you, and leans forward to place her hands upon the ground.)
You lean forward.
(Rohese rests her hands at the base of the tree, one over the green leaf, the other holding the pink leaf alongside.)
Elaejia leans over and whispers, "I think you need only open yourself, when you are ready.  She knows what she will say."
You nod slightly at Elaejia.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking tentatively in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you begin, "Miramie ..."
Speaking gently in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you inquire, "I am seeking answers to my family's heritage and, in particular, any knowledge you may have about my grandmother's secret - your daughter?"

The dogwood tree sways back and forth as a current of wind whips through the area, and a few of its feathery leaves flutter to the ground.

Speaking softly in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you correct, "Our secret."
You sigh.
Speaking fretfully in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you urge, "Please, can you guide me and help me to find out what is happening to me?"

Sparks spill from the shadows, spiraling about in the air before coalescing into a floating orb of silver flame.

Flickering tongues of fire erupt from the surface of a floating orb of silver flame as its light steadies.

(Elaejia hums in a low, droning tone reminiscent of the thrum of bees, and channels mana into the earth at the base of the dogwood.)
You blink.
Elaejia holds her breath.
You gaze thoughtfully at a floating orb of silver flame.
(Rohese tentatively reaches out to cup the flame in her hand, allowing its silvery glow to envelop her.  A gentle breeze stirs her hair, causing it to shimmer with an ethereal light.  Faint text begins to emerge on the back of her hand but the words move too quickly to be legible.)

A feathery pale pink leaf lazily drifts in on a soft breeze and settles to the ground.

You glance at a feathery pale pink leaf.

A floating orb of silver flame darts about through the air, giving a final wobble before shooting north!

A feathery pale pink leaf is suddenly caught up in an errant breeze and swirls east.

You glance north.
Elaejia glances east.
Elaejia gives a sidelong glance at you.
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, you softly ask, "Did you see it too?"
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "The flame?"
You let out a sigh of relief.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I wasn't imagining it then."
Speaking softly in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you ask, "Where should we look, what are we missing?"
You close your eyes for a moment.

This vision strikes you - A view of Miramie in a candlelit drawing room with facing mirrors so she is seen in infinite reflections...Her myriad reflections are each doing different things - studying a tome, weaving a chain of cords, polishing a lens, lighting a candle  in each reflection, she is lit in a shaft of moonlight.

Speaking hesitantly in Elven to Elaejia, you exclaim, "I think she's trying to tell me something!"

A few of the pale crimson leaves upon the ground are picked up by an errant current of wind, swirling about in a whirling dance before settling to the ground once more.

Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I see her in the mirror ... lots of mirrors."
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Guess it seems there is something to find... northeastward.. ?"
You nod slowly.
Speaking in Elven, you softly exclaim, "I think so!"
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at a small dogwood tree.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I can see a book and ribbons ..."
You shake your head.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "No, not ribbons."
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "String."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Elaejia gazes with interest at you.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Candles."
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "So many candles."
You bite your lip.
Speaking carefully in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Do these things mean anything to you?"
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "She's so pretty but she looks so sad."
You bite your lip.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think she's studying something and it's troubling her."

The dogwood tree rocks back and forth slowly, its pale pink leaves rustling back and forth like gossamer wings.

(Rohese starts as a movement in the undergrowth catches her attention.  A squirrel scampers across the grass towards her and sits up on its hind legs.  Dropping a small acorn at her feet, it scurries away.)
You glance down.
You pick up a small acorn.
You gaze thoughtfully at your small acorn.
Speaking wryly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "You have more in common than your visages, it seems."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think Miramie is the key."
You nod in agreement at Elaejia.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "An oak tree?"
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I wonder ..."
You bite your lip.
Elaejia looks thoughtfully at you.
Speaking softly in Elven to yourself, you say, "Silver haired."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Perhaps Wilver was trying to tell me something too."
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "About your grandmother's hair?"
Elaejia furrows her brow.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "And that silver flame."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "The flame was quite curious."
Speaking frustratedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I'm more confused than ever."
(Elaejia reaches a hand out, motioning at your hands.)
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "May I see.. Your hands?"
You nod slightly.
You put a feathery pale pink leaf in your leather bag.
You put a small acorn in your leather bag.
Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Did you note the script, in the silver light?"
(Rohese reaches out with her hands to place them gently into Elaejia's.)
You nod slowly.
Elaejia surveys her surroundings before looking disappointed.
Elaejia lowers her gaze.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "It was moving so fast that I couldn't read it though."
You sigh.
(Elaejia holds your hands in cool fingers, studying them closely, turning them over and back.)
You bite your lip.
Elaejia frowns.
(Rohese relaxes her hands in Elaejia's grasp and faint lines of text writhe beneath the surface of her pale skin.)
Elaejia breathes in slightly.
Elaejia squints.
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia breathes, "There.. just there."
You nod.
Elaejia narrows her eyes.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "If only it would settle so I could read it."
(Elaejia traces an invisible line across the back of your hand with a finger, but shakes her head in frustration.)
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Indeed. I can't make it out at all."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia murmurs, "In form it looks Elven.. but it is illegible."
(Rohese turns her hands over to expose her palms.  Odd words bubble to the surface; some reversed, some overlapping and others quite bold.)
You act puzzled.
Elaejia cocks her head.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you explain, "It's the same as the writing I found in my grandmother's book."
Elaejia nods slowly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I couldn't understand that either."
You shake your head.
You glance at a small dogwood tree.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I wonder if that was the book Miramie was reading too."

The dogwood tree rocks back and forth slowly, its pale pink leaves rustling back and forth like gossamer wings.

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia hazards, "If you place your hand upon the tree, perhaps?"
You reach out and touch a small dogwood tree.
Elaejia leans forward.
(Rohese presses her hand hard against the rough surface of the dogwood tree.  Using her fingertips, she adds more pressure as if pleading for the tree to respond.)
You give a sigh of frustration.
Elaejia shakes her head.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I wonder ..."
You glance north.
Elaejia nods slightly to you.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia murmurs, "There is certainly some path you are required to tread."
Elaejia stands up.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you muse, "Miramie was reading by candlelight ... I may need to as well."
Elaejia ponders.
Speaking in Elven, you exasperatedly say, "But I've done that before."
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I read by candlelight all the time."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Elaejia chuckles to herself.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia wryly says, "Naturally."
You giggle softly.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "There has to be something I'm missing."
You remove a small acorn from in your leather bag.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "It seems you've an appointment with an oak tree."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think there must be an oak tree somewhere that has the answer."
You smile at Elaejia.
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you say, "Thank you."
Closing her eyes, Elaejia lowers her forehead to a small dogwood tree in a reverent gesture.
You murmur some prayers under your breath.
You reach out and touch a small dogwood tree.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you too."
Speaking quietly in Elven to a small dogwood tree, Elaejia echoes, "We are grateful for the energy you expended this day."
Elaejia smiles a touch awkwardly.
Speaking softly in Elven to a small dogwood tree, you promise, "I will come back, you won't be forgotten."
You smile.
You stand back up.
You dust off your velvet cotehardie.
You kiss Elaejia on the cheek.
Elaejia breathes in slightly.
Elaejia smiles at you.
You smile.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I expect there are lots of oak trees in this garden too."
You wrinkle your nose.

The dogwood tree rocks back and forth slowly, its pale pink leaves rustling back and forth like gossamer wings.

Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I'll take a walk in the morning and see if anything reaches out."
You gaze fondly at your surroundings.
Elaejia nods slowly to you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I don't know about you but I need some tea."
You smile at Elaejia.

Oak

"The mighty oak is considered the most powerful and sacred of trees.  It holds the true alignment of balance, purpose and strength."

Rohese traced an annotated illustration of an oak tree with her finger and resumed reading. She wanted to learn as much as she could before venturing out in search of such a tree. Elaejia had sent word that she was free that afternoon so the search for the truth could resume.

She reached for the genealogical notes she had made on her great-grandfather, Astania Anuviel. Born in Ta'Illistim in 3342, he had apparently fallen in love with Miramie at first sight and they had married in the year 3679. Rohese's grandfather had spoken about the strength Astania had shown after the unfortunate death of Miramie in 3811 and how his life had been given new purpose in bringing up their daughter, Sahese, alone. Astania had doted over her and it had taken all of Eairion's persuasive skills to get his permission for he and Sahese to wed.

It made sense to try and find his memorial tree after the visit to Miramie’s had yielded an acorn. As tenuous as it seemed, Rohese was sure it was a message and everything pointed towards an oak tree. She had a good idea where to start.

Picking up the acorn - a little wrinkled in places but still whole - she slipped it into her bag and reached for the smooth flat pebble that it had been sitting on. She had been using it as a paperweight on her desk for over a year, still unsure of the reason why her grandfather had sent it to her via his familiar. Worn smooth, the pale grey pebble sat comfortably in the palm of the hand. Roughly ovoid in shape, it featured a small natural hole near the edge, just big enough to look through. For no particular reason, other than she had no idea what else to do with it, she dropped it into her bag along with the acorn and gathered her notes together.

Now she just needed to find something to offer to the tree.

The Oak Tree

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia asks, "Indeed -- have you made any progress since last summer on discovering anything on your own?"
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Only that I still have this ..."
You remove a small acorn from in your leather bag.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "And I believe we need to find the tree from which this dropped."
Elaejia looks thoughtfully at you.
Elaejia nods in agreement to you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I have had so little time to search but I did happen to notice an oak tree on a recent walk that I think we can start with."
You smile at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, you softly ask, "If you'd be willing to accompany me?"
You incline your head.
You gaze thoughtfully at your small acorn.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia pleasantly says, "Of course."

[A WALK TO VEYTHORNE MANOR]

[Veythorne Manor, Walkway - 13413]
Creeping vines of ivy twine along the gaps in the cobblestones underfoot, trailing towards the base of a large, gnarled oak tree upon the crest of a small, verdant green hill.  Pale ivory blossoms line the path, their thin petals casting a soft, bluish light over the grass as sunlight passes through them.

Speaking in Elven, you softly ask, "A fine specimen, don't you think?"
Rohese smiles as the trill of lively birdsong floats down from the nearby oak.  Across the garden, the song is echoed by another, matching the melody note for note.  The pair serenades one another back and forth across the garden, the chorus continuing until the first begins an alternate tune and the echoing begins anew.
You gaze with interest at your surroundings.
Speaking pensively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think this might be the right place."
You gaze thoughtfully at your small acorn.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia curiously asks, "And you believe this may be the oak linked to your grandmother?"
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Let me see ..."
(Rohese lifts her gaze to the verdant crown of the large oak tree.  Stepping into the shadow of its leaf-laden branches, she reaches out to rest both hands on the rough bark.)
You close your eyes for a moment.
Elaejia scans her surroundings with the alertness of a seasoned scout.
Speaking in Elven, you tentatively begin, "I believe you might have been waiting for me."
Speaking in Elven, you softly apologize, "I am sorry it has taken me so long to come but much has happened since Elaejia and I spent time at Miramie's tree and I was left this."
For the briefest of moments, your gaze alights on the acorn.
Elaejia smiles quietly to herself.
(Rohese cradles the small acorn in her palm and murmurs an elven prayer of remembrance.  As if in response, a gentle breeze stirs the foliage overhead, bringing with it the sharp scent of fresh greenery blended with an earthy, nutty aroma.  The sound of birdsong fades away and an eerie stillness settles around you.)
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Elaejia grabs a large bronze tobacco jar from inside her leather ritual satchel.
Elaejia screws off the lid of her bronze tobacco jar.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you confirm, "It's the right place, it brings back so many memories."
You smile.
Elaejia smiles at you.
Speaking wistfully in Elven to Elaejia, you explain, "I am reminded of summers spent with my family; walks in the woods and picnics in an oak grove."
You hold your small acorn close to your body.
(Rohese gazes intently at the oak tree.)
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "Your connection to their spirits has always been strong, I am not surprised these recollections come to you so easily now."
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia picks idly at a large bronze tobacco jar.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia lightly asks, "Did you remember to bring your offerings?"
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I did."
You nod.
You remove some essence of water from in your leather bag.
You smile.
Elaejia gazes with interest at her surroundings.
Elaejia bites her lip.
You incline your head.
Elaejia kneels down.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I have brought the seed and the nutrients with which to give life to it."
You glance between some essence of water and a small acorn.
(Elaejia takes a small handful of tobacco from her jar and sprinkles it at the base of the oak with a murmured offer of thanks.)
Elaejia screws the lid of her bronze tobacco jar back on.
Elaejia tosses a large bronze tobacco jar inside her leather ritual satchel.
(Rohese follows Elaejia's lead and steps closer to the tree.)
You kneel down.
You carefully place a small acorn on the ground.
You carefully place some essence of water on the ground.
(Rohese rests a hand over the small acorn and murmurs a prayer of thanks.)
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "The garden here is even more peaceful than the other groves we've visited."
Elaejia tilts her head up.
You smile.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "It's especially quiet today."
You glance around the area.
Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "Do you know what you will ask today?"
Speaking tentatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think so."
You nod slowly.
You take a deep breath.
You close your eyes for a moment.
Speaking in Elven, you calmly say, "I'm ready."
You smile.
(Rohese turns towards the oak tree.)
Elaejia inclines her head.
Speaking in Elven, you gently say, "I know how hard it is to lose someone you love." Gazing up at the leaves again, she adds an insistent tone to her voice.  "I'm here to learn more of Miramie and your daughter, Sahese, if you are willing to tell me."
You glance up.
(Rohese brushes the heavily-ridged surface of the tree trunk with her fingers, pausing to trace a few distinctive patterns within the bark.  Her curiosity piqued, she leans closer to examine the silvery scars.)
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
(Elaejia leans forward and places her palms upon the ground at the base of the oak, humming faintly and channeling mana into its roots.)
Sparks spill from the shadows, spiraling about in the air before coalescing into a floating orb of silver flame.
Wobbling lazily, a floating orb of silver flame dims about its edges, although the core remains bright.
You gasp.
Elaejia breathes almost without making a sound.
(Rohese tentatively reaches out to cup the flame in her hand.  Bright silvery light bursts all around her in a protective cocoon of arcane energy and reveals the clear outline of dendroglyphs in the bark of the oak tree.  The silvery gleam illuminates a crescent moon above an elven runic symbol.)
The core of a dimly radiant floating orb of silver flame brightens as it soars higher into the air.
Speaking in Elven, you softly ask, "This symbol is unfamiliar to me. Do you recognise it?"
You peer quizzically at Elaejia.
(Elaejia stares at the tree, brow furrowed.)
Elaejia shakes her head.
The core of a brightly luminous floating orb of silver flame brightens as it soars higher into the air.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "The moon crescent is interesting though."
You agree with Elaejia.
Elaejia pauses and studies a brightly luminous floating orb of silver flame with thoughtful consideration, moving to observe it from multiple angles.
Speaking in Elven, you softly speculate, "I'm wondering if it means we need to read it by moonlight?"
A brightly luminous floating orb of silver flame bobs through the air with a sound like a crackling fireplace.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia slowly agrees, "The orb does.. resemble a moon as well."
Speaking in Elven, you distantly say, "I wonder…"
You rummage through a dual-strapped leather bag.
You remove a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole from in your leather bag.
You turn your flat pebble over and over in your hands.
You gaze thoughtfully at your flat pebble.
(Rohese hesitantly lifts the flat pebble to her eye, her embarrassment evident by her flushed cheeks and nervous giggle.  Just as she peers through the hole, she gasps in astonishment and almost drops it.)
Elaejia nods slowly to you.
Motes of indigo light wash through the center of the floating silver flame, multiplying and spiraling outward until they have completely overwhelmed its hue with their own.
Speaking in Elven, you uncertainly read, "Beloved."
You nod eagerly.
Speaking in Elven, you softly repeat, "It says, "Beloved!"”
You gaze thoughtfully at your flat pebble.
Your face lights up with joy.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia breathes, "The spirit's gift."
You squeal.
The core of a floating orb of indigo flame brightens as it soars higher into the air.
Elaejia laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Speaking tentatively in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "Do you think there might be dendroglyphs on the dogwood tree?"
You rub the surface of your flat pebble, taking solace in its simple design.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I think that is quite likely indeed."
A brightly luminous floating orb of indigo flame floats overhead, its bulk wan against the sun's radiance.
(Rohese returns her attention to the oak tree, resting her hands back down on the damp earth over its roots.)
(Elaejia gazes at the runes curiously.)
Speaking in Elven, you gratefully ask, "I understand.  Do you have anything else you wish to tell me?"
You glance up.
Motes of red light wash through the center of the floating indigo flame, multiplying and spiraling outward until they have completely overwhelmed its hue with their own.

A vision of Sahese making a final notation into a pavonated book and then murmuring a low incantation as she wipes an opal-ringed hand across the page. The text vanishes, and she picks up a new quill, commencing to fill the page again.

You bite your lip.
Speaking tentatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I see ... my grandmother."
Elaejia blinks at you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you continue, "She's writing in a book.  My book!"
You close your eyes for a moment.
Wobbling lazily, a floating orb of red flame dims about its edges, although the core remains bright.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia urges, "What does it say?"
Elaejia leans forward.
(Rohese presses her hands into the grass, her fingers sinking into the earth as she concentrates on the vision forming in her mind.)
Speaking frustratedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I can't read it, it vanished before I could see it."
You sigh.

A blizzard of cottonwood catkins obscures the view of Sahese and the book.

The flame wobbles sullenly before going out in a tiny explosion of light.
You gasp.
Elaejia flinches.
Elaejia slowly empties her lungs.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you exclaim, "The cottonwood tree!"
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia confusedly asks, "The what?"
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Where I used to play with my sister as a child."
You bite your lip.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "It's all happening so fast, I can't make anything of it."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia understandingly asks, "You saw it?"
You vigorously shake your head.
You sigh.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I saw the catkins that used to feel like snow."
You wrinkle your nose.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I wonder what it can mean."
You remove a pavonated leather-bound book from in your dark cerulean shrug.
For the briefest of moments, your gaze alights on the book.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "She was writing in this book and it ... vanished."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
(Elaejia glances at the oak tree and back at the book in your hand.)
You glance up.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia hazards, "Perhaps..."
You bite your lip.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "What are you thinking?"
You brush your fingers lightly against your leather-bound book.
(Elaejia motions to the flat stone in your hand.)
You offer your flat pebble to Elaejia.
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia gives a short little hum of surprise.
You raise an eyebrow in Elaejia's direction.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Oh no-- I dare not take the spirit's gift in my hand."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you urge, "Do it."
You nod at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia asks, "But perhaps…it revealed something from the tree.  Why not the book?"
Elaejia slowly empties her lungs.
Elaejia has accepted your offer and is now holding a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole.
You nod encouragingly.
You offer your leather-bound book to Elaejia.
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia furrows her brow.
Elaejia has accepted your offer and is now holding a pavonated leather-bound book.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "See if you can see anything."
Elaejia frowns at a pavonated leather-bound book.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "At least then we'll know if it's only meant for me."
Elaejia just opened a pavonated leather-bound book.
Elaejia holds her breath.
You begin to watch Elaejia intently out of the corner of your eyes, while trying not to be too obvious about it.
(Elaejia holds the stone up to her left eye and peers down at the open page for a moment, but finally shakes her head.)
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
Speaking in Elven, you disappointedly ask, "Nothing?"
(Elaejia turns to look at the oak in a similar manner, then shakes her head once more.)
You snap your fingers disappointedly.  Rats!
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "It was worth a try."
Elaejia smiles at you.
You smile at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "And we have learnt something as you said."
Elaejia offers you a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole.  
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "So, I'm guessing grandmother meant for only me to read it."
You accept Elaejia's offer and are now holding a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole.
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia nods in agreement to you.
Elaejia offers you a pavonated leather-bound book.  
You put a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole in your leather bag.
You accept Elaejia's offer and are now holding a pavonated leather-bound book.
You hold your leather-bound book close to your body.
(Rohese returns her attention to the oak tree, gazing into its dark green canopy.)
Speaking in Elven, you softly mouth, "Thank you."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I guess we'll have to come back at night and spend some time at the dogwood tree."
(Elaejia lowers her head reverently to the oak tree, leaning forward once more to channel mana into the ground.)
You put a pavonated leather-bound book in your dark cerulean shrug.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia curiously asks, "And what of the cottonwood?"
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "We should definitely visit that too."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I'm assuming it's still there, it's been a while since I last played there."
You wrinkle your nose.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia ponders, "It is curious that these spirits are so engaged with the night."
You nod in agreement at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia teases, "Perhaps they will make a night owl of you yet."
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.
Speaking playfully in Elven to Elaejia, you echo, "Perhaps."
You wrinkle your nose.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "The moon is rather beautiful to behold, after all."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "There is a reason they feature in poetry so often.. Even the humans recognize their beauty."
You nod faintly.
Elaejia surreptitiously glances at you.
You glance up.
Elaejia smiles quietly to herself.
You smile quietly to yourself.
You clear your throat.
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you so much for this."
Elaejia smiles at you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "It means the world to me that you're here."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "I am honored you asked for my help, truly."
(Rohese returns her gaze to the silvery scars in the bark of the oak tree.  Tracing them with her fingers, she nods slowly and repeats her gratitude to the spirits within.)
You smile at Elaejia.
You stand back up.
You dust off your blue velvet gown.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia carefully says, "This is...this seems as though it will be something quite personal.  Your forebears took pains to lead you on a specific journey."
You nod slowly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "And I sense we're getting close to answers."
You glance around the area.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "The time alone to bond to these spirits enough.. It is a wonder, truly."
(Rohese lifts her hand up and watches as the faint lines of text ripple beneath her pale skin.)
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia stands up.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I should probably start documenting my experiences too."
You remove a feathery pale pink leaf from in your leather bag.
You gaze thoughtfully at your pale pink leaf.
Speaking in Elven, you softly exclaim, "I would never have thought that leaves could convey so much meaning!"
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia agrees, "Indeed.  I suspect in hindsight some elements may be instructive that now seem confounding."
You brush your fingers lightly against your pale pink leaf.
You nod at Elaejia.
Speaking softly in Elven to your pale pink leaf, you say, "We have some work to do."
You let out a long, contemplative breath.

Willow

"The willow is known for being the tree most associated with the moon, water, and wisdom.  It is the tree of enchantment and communing with her during a full moon can increase the potency of insights to be gained.  Her energy puts us in touch with our feelings and deep emotions, and it is the ability of the willow to help us to express them.  Approached with respect, willow is a wonderful teacher and will whisper to us if we are still and willing to listen."

A lilac-scented breeze lifted the thin green willow leaf from her desk, causing it to drift lazily to the floor. Rohese bent down to retrieve it and placed it back on top of the letter she had been reading. She had spent the last few days going through a stack of old documents and had stumbled across some correspondence that had given her pause for thought. She had always believed that her father, Tymian Bayvel, had been laid to rest in the family mausoleum when he died in 5103; she recalled leaving a mournbloom there all those years ago. Apparently, that was not the case and, while she was away from home, those managing the Bayvel affairs had followed different instructions. Instead, her father's ashes had been scattered beneath a willow tree in the Veythorne Gardens, in keeping with his recent forebear's private wishes.

Reaching for one of the open books left to the side, she continued to read about the lore of the willow.

"The willow is also known as a tree of dreaming and inspiration.  It is sacred to poets, for the sound of the wind through the willow is said to have a potent influence on the mind.  There is a darker side, however, for it is associated with grief and death.  Elven folklore advises that to plant a young willow and watch it grow, would ease the passage of your soul at death. It is believed that the spirit of the dead will rise up into the sapling, which will grow and retain the essence of the departed one."

Rohese was reminded of her recent commune with an ancient willow in Vornavis and the three leaves gifted to her that night; one of which now lay on her desk, the other two having been gifted to her poet. That particular willow had imparted its wisdom beneath the full Liabo moon but she was still unsure what it had all meant.

The drapes at the open window lifted on another errant breeze bringing with it whisper...her name, only this time it wasn't her beloved’s familiar voice, it was something else. Another willow was calling to her and she needed to find out why. Could her father have something to say to her?

The Willow Tree (Part 1)

[Ta'Illistim Green - 24555] 
At the southern end of the green, the expanse of carefully manicured lawn is broken up by a low pool, set flush to the ground and surrounded with a ring of cut stone socles.  Beyond the statuary, the grass continues until hitting a low silver fence.  You also see a ruby-crested greater bearded vulture that is flying around, a wayward wood spirit that is flying around, some cushioned benches, a sterling silver serving cart with some stuff on it and a large crystal cart with some stuff on it. 
Also here: Lady Elaejia 

You bite your lip. 
(Elaejia visibly collects herself.) 
Elaejia smiles at you. 
You smile at Elaejia. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you ask, "I was hoping you might take a walk with me this afternoon?" 
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia replies, "A walk is always appreciated." 
You softly say, "It's a lovely afternoon too." 
Speaking carefully to Elaejia, you explain, "I've recently come into some information that I think might help us ... me." 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "As I inferred in my letter." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "It was curious to me that you did not have that knowledge until so recently." 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "It never occurred to me to even look." 
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "But something has been happening that prompted me to ask the question." 
Elaejia nods understandingly to you. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "I'll explain on the way to the Gardens." 

WALKING TO THE VEYTHORNE GARDENS 

[Veythorne Manor, Gates - 13366] 
Pale crimson magnolia trees flank the ivory cobblestones, their long, tapered leaves shivering with a multitude of shadowed hues with every faint breeze.  A massive manor towers above the landscape a short distance to the north, while pleasant floral scents ride on the air.  Through the veritable forest of trees stretching out toward the east and west, one can glimpse the peaked roofs of other buildings. 

You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
You softly reveal, "I can hear a willow whispering to me but I can't make out what it's saying.  It's as if ... it's calling to me." 

The magnolia trees waver in unison as a soft draft of wind passes by, and swirls of leaves race off on the current. 

You glance around the area. 
Elaejia looks thoughtfully at you. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "I know there are willows in this garden so it seemed a good place to start." 
You bite your lip. 

A few colorful butterflies chase one another across the manor's gated courtyard, then disappear into the distance. 

Speaking softly to Elaejia, you posit, "I believe it might be the willow where my father's ashes were scattered." 
Speaking sadly to Elaejia, you explain, "He died when I was away from home for some time and I was unaware that his ashes had even been scattered." 
Elaejia frowns. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "But I stumbled across a letter recently that mentioned it." 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia disapprovingly says, "An unforgivable oversight for your estate's executors not to mention it." 
You agree with Elaejia. 

A few songbirds trill gently as they soar overhead. 

Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "I suspect it was because there was no one in the Bayvel house at the time to see to such matters." 
You softly say, "It was all shut up at the time of his death until I returned." 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia thoughtfully muses, "Willow spirits are of course well known to be rather talkative." 
 
A small songbird trills a delicate melody within the wavering boughs of one of the magnolia trees, then swoops off and into the sky. 
 
You softly say, "The house records were in some disorder." 
You agree with Elaejia. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "And I believe even more so during a full moon." 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia asks, "Do you recall if your father was connected to them in any way?" 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you add, "It was a full moon last night." 
Elaejia nods in agreement to you. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "My father was a fisherman, his favourite spot was on the lake, here in the gardens beneath the willows." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
Elaejia nods understandingly. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "It makes perfect sense so I am hoping I am right." 
You softly say, "Let's go and see if we can find it." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
You pause in place for a moment, trying to decide which way to go. 
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "Your instincts have guided you well so far, we have no reason to doubt you now." 

[Veythorne Manor, Walkway - 13409] 
A small stone building, wrought with a dark blue latticework, stands to the western side of the cobblestoned path, its arched windows and blue-tiled roof fashioned with meticulous care.  A particularly large willow spreads its leafy bough over the house, casting patches of deep verdant grass in both light and shadow. 

(Rohese ponders the willow near the house and takes a step towards it.) 
Elaejia gazes with interest at her surroundings. 
You shake your head. 
You softly say, "It's not this one, I can barely hear the whispering." 

[Veythorne Manor, Walkway - 13406] 
A large black willow stands within the center of the walkway, the cobblestoned path curving around each side of the tree in order to accommodate its girth.  Trails of thin leaf-swept vines hang low to the ground, each swaying rhythmically as the wind whistles past.  Long reeds waver in unison along the far western bank of the lake, providing a soft staccato beat that subtly meanders through the area.  You also see a small wrought iron gate. 
 
Elaejia tilts her head up. 
(Rohese walks around the willow in the center of the walkway and reaches out to touch the leaf-swept vines.) 
You sigh. 
You shake your head. 
You disappointedly say, "Nothing." 
You listen, but don't hear anything unusual. 

[Veythorne Manor, Dock - 13401] 
The pleasant sound of water sloshing against the wooden beams of a small dock echoes throughout the area, and the walkway branches up a bit to accommodate the short little pier that extends into the lake.  Clusters of water-lilies float along the edge of the water and underneath the dock, their subtle fragrance wreathing the area.  A single black willow graces the edge of the shore, its long vines whispering soft, indecipherable phrases as they brush against one another quietly. 
 
(Rohese carefully steps down towards the shore to examine the black willow.) 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Elaejia inclines her ear, listening intently. 
You glance down. 
You gaze thoughtfully at your ring footflower sandals. 

A turtle pokes its pointed head up above the surface of the water, glances around a bit, then sinks into the depths once more. 

You softly exclaim, "It's all muddy!" 
Elaejia chuckles to herself. 
You sigh. 
You softly say, "Still nothing." 
You softly say, "Perhaps I am wrong, after all." 
You walk toward Elaejia. 
You dust off your lamb's wool robes. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia wryly says, "Knowing we were seeking a willow, we ought to have brought a blanket." 
You giggle softly. 
You agree with Elaejia. 
Elaejia gazes with interest at her surroundings. 
You softly say, "I wonder." 
You thoughtfully tap a finger against your lips. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "There are quite a few willows in this garden, I believe." 
You nod. 
You softly say, "My thoughts exactly." 
You softly say, "And less muddy." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
You glance around the area. 
 
[Veythorne Manor, Gardens - 13415] 
Tendrils of trumpetvine twine about the arcing designs of the gates to the north, the verdant creepers weaving a complex veil of pure green dotted with flame-red blossoms.  The sagging bough of a black willow hangs over the gate, its own whip-like vines intertwined with the trumpet-shaped flowers.  A tiny stream winds its way along and through the path, its trickling cadence mingling with the soft rustles of the leaves overhead. 
 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
(Rohese reaches out to run her fingers through the whip-like vines hanging from the sagging black willow.) 
You beam! 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you confirm, "This is the one.  I can hear it whispering to me." 
You clap your hands together in delight! 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you ask, "Can you hear it?" 
You incline your head. 
Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "This one has some tales of its own to tell, it seems," 
(Elaejia nods toward the silvery scars along the tree's bark.) 
Elaejia turns an ear toward a black willow. 
You let out a little squeal of delight. 
You gaze fondly at a black willow. 
Elaejia closes her eyes for a moment. 
You smile quietly to yourself. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia whispers aloud, "Yes, I do hear its susurrus." 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "I can't make out what it's whispering though." 
You shake your head. 
Elaejia gazes with interest at her surroundings. 
Speaking tentatively to Elaejia, you suggest, "Do you think we should try and commune with it?" 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "It would help open your ears to its words, certainly." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
You take a few steps toward a black willow. 
You kneel down. 
You attend to your lamb's wool robes, making the robes as presentable as possible. 
Elaejia takes a deep breath. 
Speaking softly to yourself, you remind, "I must centre myself and clear my thoughts." 
You close your eyes for a moment. 
You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
Speaking calmly to Elaejia, you say, "I'm ready." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
(Elaejia walks around the tree, observing it briefly, before returning to your side.) 
Elaejia kneels down. 
(Rohese leans forward to place her hands on the ground at the foot of the black willow.) 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "This tree is scarred, so it is important to reassure it of your intentions, Rohese." 
You nod understandingly at Elaejia. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "I will be kind and respectful." 
You glance up. 
You gaze fondly at a black willow. 
Speaking softly to a black willow, you pray, "Blessed willow, please help me to understand why you are calling to me and what messages I am being given by the other trees." 
Speaking softly to a black willow, you continue, "Let me be guided by your wisdom." 
You kindly offer, "I bring you the gifts of moon and water." 
You remove a solid moonstone cube from in your lamb's wool robes. 
Speaking softly to a black willow, you say, "Please accept them with my love and gratitude." 
You carefully place a solid moonstone cube on the ground. 
You remove some essence of water from in your lamb's wool robes. 
You carefully place some essence of water on the ground. 
(Elaejia leans forward slowly and places her hands on the black willow's bark, being careful to avoid the scars.) 
(Rohese bows her head in reverence, resting her hands on the earth as she murmurs a prayer of blessing.  An errant breeze causes the lithe green boughs of the black willow to sway, briefly revealing its trunk and the silver scars flowing across its ebon surface.) 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "I wonder ..." 
(Elaejia murmurs softly, her chanting almost musical, as her hands glow with the release of mana into the willow's roots.) 
Elaejia cocks her head at you. 
Elaejia pauses and studies a black willow with thoughtful consideration, moving to observe it from multiple angles. 
(Rohese focuses on her hands and presses deep into the soil at the base of the black willow to share her mana.) 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you whisper aloud, "Do you think those scars might be dendroglyphs like those we found on the oak?" 
Elaejia gives a short little hum of surprise. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you whisper aloud, "And that's what the willow wants me to read?" 
You bite your lip. 
You glance up. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia slowly says, "It seems... possible." 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia wonders, "Why should they have scarred over in this case." 
(Rohese watches the spindly boughs of the black willow sway in the breeze, the gentle susurrus of its leaves is almost hypnotic.) 
You stand back up. 
You dust off your lamb's wool robes. 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
(Rohese carefully parts the curtain of spindly boughs with one hand and steps closer to the black willow to investigate the dark silvery scars on its ebon bark.) 
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process. 
You brush your fingers lightly against a black willow. 
Speaking excitedly to Elaejia, you exclaim, "It's the crescent moon again and look, more runic symbols!" 
Elaejia tilts her head up. 
You softly say, "You can just make them out." 
You lean forward. 
Elaejia furrows her brow. 
You brush your fingers lightly against a black willow. 
You rummage through some pure white lamb's wool robes with deep sleeves pooling into the train. 
You remove a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole from in your lamb's wool robes. 
You smile. 
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I was about to ask if you'd brought that." 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "Let's see, shall we." 
You giggle softly. 
You turn to face a black willow. 
(Rohese tentatively lifts the flat pebble to her eye and peers closely at the silvery runic symbols in the bark.) 
You let out a little squeal of delight. 
You delightedly exclaim, "I can read them!" 
Elaejia laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. 
Elaejia clasps her hand over her mouth. 
You bite your lip. 
Speaking sheepishly to Elaejia, you say, "I'm sorry, I get so excited about the silliest things." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia wryly reminds, "We must be careful not to startle the spirit." 
You nod understandingly at Elaejia. 
You softly say, "I'll be quiet." 
You bite your lip. 
You lean forward. 
(Rohese places the flat pebble against her left eye and begins to read the symbols.) 
You slowly read, "Relinquish your attachment to the known, step into the unknown, and you will step into the field of all possibilities." 
(Elaejia resumes her musical chant for a few moments, refocusing on channeling mana into the tree's roots.) 
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process. 
Elaejia raises an eyebrow. 
You softly note, "That's ... exactly what the other willow whispered to me." 
Elaejia slowly empties her lungs. 
You softly exclaim, "Oh!  But I haven't told you, have I!" 
Elaejia looks over at you and shakes her head. 
You kneel down. 
You gaze fondly at a black willow. 
You remove a tiny thin green willow leaf from in your lamb's wool robes. 
Elaejia leans back. 
Elaejia moves to a sitting position. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you explain, "I visited an ancient willow in Vornavis a few weeks ago and it was quite enlightening." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Elaejia nods slowly to you. 
Speaking tentatively to Elaejia, you continue, "Just like this ... the willow called to me." 
You glance at a black willow. 
You sheepishly explain, "It was a full moon that night and I kept hearing the willow whispering to me to come, so - as reckless as it seems in hindsight - I went in search of it." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "To my surprise, I was able to commune with it and it whispered the exact same thing to me." 
You glance at a black willow. 
You slowly repeat, "Relinquish your attachment to the known, step into the unknown, and you will step into the field of all possibilities." 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you sigh, "And now I'm even more confused." 
You glance between a tiny thin green willow leaf and a smooth flat pebble with an off-center hole. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia allows, "Well.  No one can gainsay that you've stepped into the unknown." 
You nod faintly at Elaejia. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you admit, "I'm scared but I'm not, if that makes sense." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "It seems the willows believe there are further paths to tread." 
You nod. 
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia asks, "What holds you back from them?" 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you confide, "Fear, I suppose." 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you confide, "I'm afraid of what I might learn, afraid of losing everything I hold dear and ..." 
You brush your fingers lightly against your shooting star locket. 
You nod slowly. 
You glance at a black willow. 
Speaking sadly to a black willow, you say, "I wish you were still here, ada.  I could use your wisdom." 
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at a black willow. 
You weep gently, trying to smile through your tears. 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "He would know what to do." 
(Rohese wipes away her tears.) 
Speaking gently in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "The willows seem to have something to say to you." 
You nod slightly. 
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "You say you can hear them, but I think you must focus and listen." 
Speaking softly to Elaejia, you say, "Perhaps I should just spend more time with them and stop being so impatient." 
Elaejia chuckles to herself. 
You are now speaking Elven. 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "You're right, as always." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia allows, "Trees are rather known for their patience." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
Elaejia pauses and studies a black willow with thoughtful consideration, moving to observe it from multiple angles. 
Speaking reluctantly in Elven to Elaejia, you admit, "Something I'm not particularly good at." 
You bite your lip. 
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you for spending time with me this afternoon." 
Elaejia takes a moment to observe you. 
(Rohese rests her hand over Elaejia's for a moment.) 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "You are a good friend to me, despite all the hurt I have caused your family." 
You lower your gaze. 
Elaejia glances away. 
(Elaejia swallows, and takes your hand again.) 
You smile at Elaejia. 
Speaking hesitantly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "Would you be willing to help me again, should I discover anything more?" 
You incline your head. 
You bite your lip. 
Elaejia takes a deep breath. 
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I'll understand if you're not." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly says, "I am resolved to master my emotions, and I ... would be grieved to lose your friendship now." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
With an empathetic nod, you take Elaejia's hand in yours for a moment and give it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. 
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you." 
Elaejia closes her eyes for a moment. 
Speaking apologetically in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "But I have taken up enough of your time this afternoon." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Elaejia smiles wanly. 
Elaejia glances at a black willow. 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
You smile. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia advises, "This tree has more to share with you, I can feel it." 
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I think I will spend some time with the willow." 
You agree with Elaejia. 
Elaejia reaches out and touches a black willow. 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I'll stay and listen for a while longer." 
You turn your ear toward a black willow. 
You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Perhaps it is as I said, and the spirit is over cautious.  The influence of your father's echo here will help you become close enough to it, I am sure." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "My suggestion is to reflect on your father here, share those with the spirit." 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I'll make sure I come and sit regularly." 
You nod at Elaejia. 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "And I'll do that." 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I'll also remember to be quiet and patient." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "You might also find some fallen bark to make a tea of." 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "That's a good idea." 
Speaking wryly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I knew you would be amenable to a tea." 
You giggle softly. 
Speaking bashfully in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I am rather partial to tea." 
You bite your lip. 
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I will let you begin your friendship here for today." 
Elaejia glances at a black willow. 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you again." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
Elaejia bites her lip. 
Elaejia inclines her head. 
You gaze thoughtfully at your flat pebble. 
You glance at a black willow. 
You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia murmurs, "I hope you find what calls to you soon." 
You smile at Elaejia. 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I'll let you know." 
Elaejia stands up. 
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Please do pass on my best wishes to your family." 
Elaejia dusts off her grey linen trousers. 
Elaejia smiles wistfully once again, and nods. 

Sealing the letter to her grandfather, she added it to the pile of completed correspondence. She had struggled to find the words to explain recent events so opted instead to simply inform him that she would visit soon. Her walk with Elaejia had resulted in more questions than answers so, as her friend had suggested, she would spend some time with the tree. Besides, it would be a good opportunity to start documenting her thoughts on their sentience.

Reaching for another sheet of parchment, she penned a brief note and rose to her feet. The dawn chorus outside her window had signalled it was time to start her day. Stepping quietly into the next room, she kissed Mirkk gently on the forehead and watched him sleep for a few moments before placing the note beside him.

Before leaving the Veythorne Gardens, Rohese had harvested a few of the newer branches from the willow tree, taking care to only cut what she needed and giving thanks. She had stored away most of the prepared bark, stems, and leaves from those cuttings, to allow them to dry, but kept a little back to make a fresh tisane. She could smell it brewing as she walked down the stairs, the faint scent of wintergreen perfuming the air.

Pouring a cup and taking a sip of the bitter herbal infusion, Rohese noticed faint lines of text fading in and out beneath the pale skin on the back of her hands. Elaejia had been right about the tea having the desired effect; let's see if she was also right about sitting with the willow.

Sat by the side of the stream, Rohese was cloaked in a thicket of willow. Its protective branches extended out over the thin stream, providing shade and shelter to birds and insects alike. Deer had grazed on the delicate spring growth but the canopy was still bushy with an abundance of thin green leaves on spindly boughs. The sound of bees and other insects feasting on pollen and nectar hummed over the trickling sound of the water and she marvelled at the tranquillity of this hallowed space.

The Willow Tree (Part 2)

[Veythorne Manor, Gardens - 13415] 
Tendrils of trumpetvine twine about the arcing designs of the gates to the north, the verdant creepers weaving a complex veil of pure green dotted with flame-red blossoms.  The sagging bough of a black willow hangs over the gate, its own whip-like vines intertwined with the trumpet-shaped flowers.  A tiny stream winds its way along and through the path, its trickling cadence mingling with the soft rustles of the leaves overhead.  You also see a double-lidded wicker basket lined with checked gingham and a soft teal angora wool blanket with some stuff on it. 

A blue-eyed white tiger scrambles in. 
You smile at the tiger. 
A blue-eyed white tiger sits down on his haunches and watches the bustling surroundings warily. 
Speaking fondly to a blue-eyed white tiger, you say, "Hello, River." 
You pet the tiger, scratching him behind the ears. 
Mirkk just arrived. 
Mirkk grins. 
You glance up. 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Mirkk gives you a lingering kiss on the forehead. 
Speaking fondly to Mirkk, you say, "Hello you." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Hello love." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "There are actually quite a few willows here." 
Mirkk grins. 
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement. 
You nod at Mirkk. 
You softly say, "As I found out on Feastday." 
You bite your lip. 
You gaze fondly at a black willow. 
Mirkk grins. 
Mirkk glances at a black willow. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "You found my note, then." 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
(Rohese lowers her green leather lexicon into her lap.) 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I did. Made my morning just knowing I was going to see you today." 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Mirkk sits down. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "I'm happy you could come." 
You lean forward. 
Mirkk leans forward. 
You give Mirkk a lingering kiss on the lips. 
You gaze fondly at Mirkk. 
Mirkk says, "Oh." 
You incline your head. 
Mirkk offers you a radiant ghostly blue leaf.   
You let out a little squeal of delight. 
You carefully place some willow bark tea on the ground. 
You accept Mirkk's offer and are now holding a radiant ghostly blue leaf. 
Speaking appreciatively to Mirkk, you exclaim, "Thank you!" 
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement. 
You put a radiant ghostly blue leaf in a double-lidded wicker basket lined with checked gingham that is on the ground. 
You accept Mirkk's offer and are now holding a radiant ghostly blue leaf. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I saw those on the way and had to pick them up for you." 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "You spoil me." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
You brush your fingers lightly against your ghostly blue leaf. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I adore you, so it is easy." 
You demurely lower your misty grey eyes. 
You put a radiant ghostly blue leaf in a double-lidded wicker basket lined with checked gingham that is on the ground. 
Speaking wistfully to Mirkk, you say, "I've missed your company." 
(Rohese brushes a stray lock of Mirkk's hair aside, tucking it behind his ear.) 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "But I was happy to find you asleep in the Manse this morning." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk exclaims, "And I yours. What have you been up to?  
You wrinkle your nose. 
You take a tiny sip of your willow bark tea, warming your lips and making sure it isn't too hot to drink. 
A feathery pale pink leaf lazily drifts in on a soft breeze and settles to the ground. 
Mirkk glances at a feathery pale pink leaf. 
You carefully place some willow bark tea on the ground. 
You pick up a feathery pale pink leaf. 
Mirkk laughs! 
You hold your pale pink leaf close to your body. 
You giggle softly. 
A blue-eyed white tiger settles into a comfortable sitting position. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "My family have had a lot to say lately." 
You gaze thoughtfully at your pale pink leaf. 
You gaze fondly at a black willow. 
You put a feathery pale pink leaf in a double-lidded wicker basket lined with checked gingham that is on the ground. 
You pick up some willow bark tea. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I was just about to say that the trees seem to be talking today." 
Mirkk gazes thoughtfully at a black willow. 
You smile. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Do you know this one?" 
You softly say, "So, you're probably wondering why I'm here." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
Speaking wistfully to Mirkk, you say, "It turns out ... my father's ashes were scattered here." 
Mirkk points down. 
Mirkk asks, "Here?" 
You nod slowly. 
You smile. 
Mirkk nods. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you ask, "Do you remember me telling you about the willow in Solhaven?" 
You bite your lip. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I do." 
You softly elaborate, "How it ... called to me." 
You surreptitiously glance at a black willow. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
Mirkk gazes with interest at a black willow. 
You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
Mirkk blinks at a black willow. 
You softly say, "Well, this one has started doing the same." 

The willow sags gently as if holding the weight of a heavy burden, its slightly somber appearance only enhanced by the dark silvery scars that flow across its ebon surface. 

Mirkk gazes thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Mirkk says, "This one though." 
Mirkk stares at a black willow. 
You glance between Mirkk and a black willow. 
Mirkk turns to face you. 
Mirkk smiles. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you ask, "Do you hear it too?" 
Mirkk glances at a black willow. 
Mirkk frowns. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "It is not so much what I hear as what I see." 
You softly ask, "Oh?" 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Speaking curiously to Mirkk, you ask, "What do you see?" 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Arborglyphs. Sometimes called dendroglyphs." 
You nod enthusiastically at Mirkk! 
You softly exclaim, "You see them too!" 
Your face lights up with joy. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "It is not uncommon for rangers to use them to mark things in the wilds." 
You let out a little squeal of delight. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "We try to be careful not to hurt the trees, though." 
Mirkk glances at a black willow. 
You nod understandingly at Mirkk. 
Mirkk whispers, "But these are different." 
You nod slowly at Mirkk. 
You smile. 
Speaking cautiously to Mirkk, you ask, "Can you read them?" 
Mirkk looks over at you and shakes his head. 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Mirkk says, "But I have seen them before." 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you confide, "I can." 
You bite your lip. 
You softly ask, "Oh?" 
You softly inquire, "Where?" 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I think so." 
(Mirkk leans over and lightly touches the bark of the willow tree.) 
You lean forward. 
Mirkk turns to face you. 
(Rohese eagerly places her hand over Mirkk's and awaits his answer.) 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you prompt, "Try and remember, it could be very important." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I am familiar with some markings as a ranger, even those in other languages." 
You bite your lip. 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "But this stands out because of how unfamiliar the language is." 
You glance at a black willow. 
You smile. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you explain, "They're elven runes." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Just like the one I saw near the boathouse in the Wyrdeep." 
You softly exclaim, "Oh!" 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "I told you about the waterfall?" 
You softly say, "No." 
You shake your head. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "The settlement had a river that ran through it." 
You softly say, "You told me about the willow oaks, the maralda and the bridges." 
You smile. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "The river created a beautiful waterfall." 
You place a hand over your heart. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "They had steps that went down behind the waterfall to the pool at the bottom. Also at the bottom was a boathouse." 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Ilizzaro, Emmakin and I took those boats on our way to River's Rest." 
You softly say, "So that's how you managed to avoid the Greensmen." 
You giggle softly. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "At the side of the boathouse, as if shielding it from view if coming up river, were several willows." 
Mirkk grins at you. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "As we were leaving, I saw this type of marking on one of the willows." 
Mirkk points at a black willow. 
You glance at a black willow. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "But I do not know what any of it means. I am glad you can read it, because I surely cannot." 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you ask, "Elven runes, like these?" 
You point at a black willow. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
You smile. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "I couldn't at first but ..." 
You lower your gaze. 
Speaking sheepishly to Mirkk, you say, "You're going to laugh at me." 
Mirkk glances at you. 
You bite your lip. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Only with you, not at you." 
Mirkk winks at you. 
Speaking embarrassedly to Mirkk, you say, "I have a seeing stone." 
You blush sheepishly to yourself. 
Mirkk looks thoughtfully at you. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Firstly, that does not surprise me." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Mirkk gives you a lingering kiss on the cheek. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "And I love you all the more for it." 
You bite your lip. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Second, the seeing stone helps you read the runes?" 
You softly say, "These runes, yes." 
You point at a black willow. 
Mirkk gazes thoughtfully at a black willow. 
You softly say, "It seems they are under an enchantment of some kind." 
You softly say, "Do you see this one ...." 
You stand back up. 
You take a few steps toward a black willow. 
Mirkk stands up. 
(Rohese traces the shape of a crescent moon scratched into the bark of the black willow.) 
Mirkk leans forward. 
A blue-eyed white tiger stretches out and rolls over on his side sound asleep. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
You softly say, "It's faint but it's there." 
You smile. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I see it." 
You softly say, "There's a similar one on an oak tree nearby." 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
A blue-eyed white tiger purrs quietly in his sleep. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Really?" 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "I think it means they can be read by moonlight." 
You nod at Mirkk. 
You softly say, "But I was able to read the other runes beneath it using my stone." 
You blush sheepishly to yourself. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Will the moon need to match the shape of the moon rune on the tree?" 
You softly say, "That I have yet to find out." 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Mirkk gazes up into the heavens. 
Mirkk smirks. 
You softly say, "I am convinced there are some on the dogwood too." 
You softly say, "But I will need to venture here at night to find out." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
Speaking tentatively to Mirkk, you say, "I was hoping you might come with me." 
You bite your lip. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I would like nothing more." 
You smile at Mirkk. 
You softly say, "I don't really want to walk these gardens alone in the dark." 
You glance warily around the area. 
Mirkk smiles. 
You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
You take a few steps toward a soft teal angora wool blanket. 
You kneel down. 
Mirkk sits down. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you add, "But do you know what the strangest part of this is?" 
You glance at a black willow. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "What is that?" 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you reveal, "The runes on this tree match what the willow in Solhaven whispered to me." 
You bite your lip. 
Mirkk blinks. 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Mirkk looks lost in thought. 
Speaking slowly to Mirkk, you recall, "Relinquish your attachment to the known, step into the unknown, and you will step into the field of all possibilities." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "So if I remember correctly." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "You had said the willow in Solhaven whispered to you." 
You nod at Mirkk. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "And this one has it written in runes?" 
You nod at Mirkk. 
You smile. 
Mirkk glances between a black willow and yourself. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you admit, "I have no idea what any of it means." 
Mirkk shrugs at you. 
You take a tiny sip of your willow bark tea, warming your lips and making sure it isn't too hot to drink. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I am at a loss." 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "Elaejia suggests I sit with the tree and just listen." 
You turn your ear toward a black willow.  
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "So, here I am." 
You bite your lip. 
Mirkk smiles. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Should I shush, then?" 
Mirkk grins. 
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement. 
You shake your head. 
You fondly say, "No need, silly." 
You give Mirkk a lingering kiss on the cheek. 
You softly say, "I can still hear the whispers but I can't make them out." 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Mirkk glances at a black willow. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "She also suggested I drink tea made from its bark." 
You gaze thoughtfully at your willow bark tea. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "She seems to have a strong understanding of communing with trees." 
(Rohese glances down at her hands and the faint lines of text flowing beneath it.) 
You agree with Mirkk. 
You softly say, "She does, I am so grateful for her insights." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Is something troubling you?" 
A blue-eyed white tiger purrs quietly in his sleep. 
Speaking to a blue-eyed white tiger, Mirkk says, "Besides his snoring." 
Speaking reticently to Mirkk, you say, "Only that the words have appeared again." 
You giggle at a blue-eyed white tiger. 
You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
Mirkk removes a spiny dark green leaf from in his black leather waistcoat. 
Mirkk turns over his dark green leaf. 
Mirkk put a spiny dark green leaf in his black leather waistcoat. 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "They're talking to you too." 
You nod at Mirkk. 

A pleasant shiver runs down your spine as the susurrus surrounding the black willow quickly envelops you. All the other sounds of the world fall away, and the tingling sensation overtakes your body. The scarred glyphs on the willow’s bark emit a faint vert glow.  

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process. 
You gaze about with intense interest, your misty grey eyes pausing to briefly inspect the situation in their path. 
Mirkk raises an eyebrow in your direction. 
(Rohese shivers slightly as the lithe green boughs of the black willow sway on a gentle breeze, briefly revealing the scars on its ebon bark that appear to be emitting a faint vert glow.) 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Everything okay?" 
For the briefest of moments, your gaze alights on the willow. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you ask, "Do you see that?" 
You bite your lip. 
You point at a black willow. 
You distantly say, "And the whispers..." 
You incline your head. 
Mirkk looks over at you and shakes his head. 
You glance around the area. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Just rustling of leaves." 
Mirkk shrugs. 
You bite your lip. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "You heard something?" 
You nod at Mirkk. 
Mirkk turns an inquisitive ear toward you. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you exclaim, "I can't make anything out though!" 
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process. 
Mirkk blinks. 

The faint whispering once again fills ears, blocking out all other sounds in the garden and raising gooseflesh over your whole body. You still cannot make out any word from the many whispers that suddenly surround you but the tingling sensation warms your form. The scarred glyphs glow more brightly.  

You pause in introspection, your gaze growing distant with your ponderings. 
(Rohese covers her ears and closes her eyes tightly as if overwhelmed by something.  She slowly rocks back and forth on her knees in time with the susurrus of the black willow's leaves riffling on the breeze.  The scarred glyphs on its bark glow more brightly and the faint traces of text barely visible beneath her skin bubble to the surface for a brief moment.) 
You fret. 
Mirkk frowns. 
Mirkk glances at a black willow. 
Mirkk glances at you. 
You stand back up. 
You take a few steps toward a black willow. 
You reach out and touch a black willow. 

Focusing your attention, the willow’s whispers subsume you once again and you finally discern the fondly voiced words, "Mother... Moonlight..." repeating over and over. The glyphs on the willow's bark finally emit enough of a verdant glow that you can make out a second runic inscription further down the trunk fading slowly as the willow's voice of air finally stills.  

Mirkk stands up. 
You quietly mouth, "Mother ... Moonlight." 
You slowly repeat, "Mother.  Moonlight." 
Mirkk glances between a black willow and yourself. 
(Rohese focuses all of her attention on the black willow, its whispers distracting her once again as she strains to listen.  The dendroglyphs on the black willow's bark finally emit enough of a verdant glow that it is possible to make out an inscription further down the trunk that slowly fades as the black willow's voice of air finally stills.) 
You gasp. 
You kneel down. 
You brush your fingers lightly against a black willow. 
You softly exclaim, "Look!" 
You point at a black willow. 
Mirkk glances at a black willow. 
You incline your head. 
Mirkk leans forward. 
Mirkk squints at a black willow. 
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process. 
You slowly read:

"Linden, guide my heart.
 Linden, light my mind.
 Linden, guard my love. 
 Linden, shade my line." 

You brush your fingers lightly against a black willow. 
You sigh. 
You softly say, "And it's gone." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Linden?" 
(Rohese rests her hand on the rough bark of the black willow, her fingers tracing the scars where the runes were glowing.) 
You nod at Mirkk. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "I wonder..." 
You bite your lip. 
You gaze thoughtfully at a black willow. 
Mirkk sits down. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "A silver for your thoughts?" 
Speaking vaguely to Mirkk, you speculate, "I think we may have to look for a linden tree." 
You glance at a black willow. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Do you think it is nearby?" 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Or somewhere off the edges of the maps?" 
Mirkk grins. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you confide, "I'm concerned you might be having second thoughts about taking up with me." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
Mirkk glances at you. 
Mirkk looks over at you and shakes his head. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I have not had a second thought about anything since the day I met you." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "And if I have failed to do so already, let me say that I love you." 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "I love you too." 
You lean forward. 
You give Mirkk a lingering kiss on the lips. 
Mirkk gives you a lingering kiss on the lips. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "You are my everything." 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you promise, "And you are mine." 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you confess, "I don't think I could cope with all of this without you." 
You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Well, I will not claim to understand any of it, but I am here to support you in any way I can." 
A blue-eyed white tiger purrs quietly in his sleep. 
Mirkk glances at a blue-eyed white tiger. 
You smile at Mirkk. 
You ponder the meaning of a blue-eyed white tiger's existence. 
You giggle softly. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you ponder, "I think I will have to go and visit grandfather again soon and ask him if he knows anything about a linden tree." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "And where is grandfather?" 
A blue-eyed white tiger purrs quietly in his sleep. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "He lives a couple of hours northeast of here." 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you exclaim, "You should come with me!" 
You reach over and gently rest your hand on Mirkk's arm. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I would love to." 
The heat of noon settles in as the sun reaches its apex. 
Mirkk grins. 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I did not want to invite myself." 
You encouragingly say, "Oh, do come, you can fish together." 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I will make sure to bring my fishing rod, then." 
Mirkk nods once. 
Speaking tentatively to Mirkk, you say, "I need to tell him about us." 
You wrinkle your nose. 
You smile at Mirkk. 
You nod encouragingly at Mirkk. 
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "And I will be prepared to use said fishing rod as a defensive weapon." 
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement. 
Mirkk winks at you. 
Speaking reassuringly to Mirkk, you say, "I doubt it will come to that." 
You gently brush your nose against Mirkk's. 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "Grandfather is a dear, honestly." 
You surreptitiously glance at a black willow. 
You softly say, "Father might have been a little harder to ..." 
You let out a long, contemplative breath. 
You smile at Mirkk. 
Mirkk grins. 
Speaking to a black willow, Mirkk says, "There is always fishing to talk about." 
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "That's settled then, we'll go and visit him later this week." 
You giggle to yourself. 
Mirkk nods to you. 
You glance between Mirkk and a black willow. 
You gaze thoughtfully at your green leather lexicon. 
You thumb through your green leather lexicon but are unable to find what you're looking for. 
You shake your head. 
You gently close your green leather lexicon with an open palm. 
You put a leaf-embossed green leather lexicon in a double-lidded wicker basket lined with checked gingham that is on the ground. 
Mirkk glances at you. 
You softly say, "Enough of trees and my family, you have my undivided attention now." 
A spiny dark green leaf lazily drifts in on a soft breeze and settles to the ground. 
You glance at a spiny dark green leaf. 
Mirkk picks up a spiny dark green leaf. 
Mirkk put a spiny dark green leaf in a double-lidded wicker basket lined with checked gingham that is on the ground. 
Mirkk winks at you. 
You gaze thoughtfully at a double-lidded wicker basket lined with checked gingham. 
You smile quietly to yourself. 
Speaking amusedly to Mirkk, you say, "It seems my great-great grandfather wants to join us now too." 

Cottonwood

There had been too many distractions lately and Rohese was conscious that she had failed to follow up on any of the revelations from her time spent with the trees in the Veythorne Gardens. A sense of guilt washed over her as she remembered her promise to Elaejia and, more specifically, to the oak that they had communed with back in the spring.

At the time she had been gifted with a vision of her grandmother writing in the very same book that had started this whole search for the truth. The vision had been brought to an abrupt end by a blizzard of cottonwood catkins that reminded Rohese of the tree she used to play under as a child. The same tree that had been revealed through a loresong associated with her mother's pendant. Had her mother been trying to tell her something about the Bayvel family and its arcane legacy?

Rohese lifted the pavonated leather-bound book from her lap and opened it once more. The faint text beneath her skin shifted slightly as if acknowledging this simple action. The text rarely moved these days but she was always aware of its presence. Mirkk had seemingly grown accustomed to it now; he had barely mentioned it since she had first shared it with him. She sometimes caught him gazing at it as it rippled up her arm or idly tracing it with his finger after they had made love. It amused her that after such intimate moments, emotive and explicit words would randomly reveal themselves only to fade almost immediately as if hiding in embarrassment.

Turning a page in the book, Rohese re-read the all too familiar and innocuous paragraph on conversation in polite society. It seemed so tiresome to her these days. It was the hidden meaning to the book that still eluded her and she slammed it shut in frustration.

A quick glance out of the window reminded her that her impatience and black mood was largely due to the inclement weather and nothing more. Mirkk was running a few errands and wasn't likely to be back for a few hours. Dare she slip out now without him noticing? Recalling their conversation earlier that day, she resolved to be back before he was to avoid causing him any further concern.

Pulling the hood of her houppelande up over her head, she quickly slipped outside and headed towards the city-proper. The cottonwood tree was located just behind the Bayvel Manse in High Park and Rohese hurried towards it. The rain made the cobbles beneath her feet slippery but she navigated them with dexterity and soon reached her destination. The large tree loomed over the greensward; its silvery white bark now considerably darker in places with deep fissures indicating its age. It was too late in the year for catkins but Rohese recalled many warm spring days spent chasing her sister around this very tree amid a flurry of white seeds.

Ignoring the storm, Rohese lowered herself into the wet grass to kneel before the tree. She felt there was no need to say anything - just being here was enough - and she was soon rewarded with the faint echoes of children’s laughter and the sound of her mother's voice filling her thoughts.

"Be careful what you wish for, meldaiel."

Time passed and Rohese was reluctant to leave for fear of breaking this longed-for connection with her mother, Aenor Bayvel. There had been no further whispers but a single glossy leaf had floated down to land in her hand. A solitary tear traced its way down Rohese's cheek but was soon lost in the raindrops that continued their stinging attack against her.

Enough distractions. Rohese whispered into the wind, "I am coming home to you, melmenya."

Dogwood (by Night)

The storms that had beset Elanthia for the whole of Jastatos had given way to misty autumn mornings and cloudless star-filled skies. The Lady of the Green watched over the night with her stellar stalk of wheat as Mirkk and Rohese entered the Veythorne Manor grounds under the cover of darkness. It was the perfect night. Liabo sat in the western sky with her face glowing fully on the world, her stark brilliance illuminating the way with tiny fireflies adding their golden glow across the cobblestones.

Not that they really needed any help in navigating their way to the Gardens; Rohese could probably find the dogwood tree blindfolded now, having spent many hours just sitting beneath it. Growing atop a small hill in the southwest corner was her great-grandmother's tree. Although it was not particularly large, it made up for its lack of grandeur with its delicate beauty. Its branches arched off in every direction to form a cloud of pale pink leaves that fluttered like feathered wings in the cool night air.

Rohese was hoping for some answers. She had learned from her commune with a nearby oak some months ago that there could possibly be dendroglyphs on this tree too that could only be seen under certain conditions and she was sure those would be met tonight.

Cool drafts of air caused the dark violet windflowers to shiver briefly and Rohese wrapped her robe tightly around her as she knelt among their velvety petals. The grass was damp beneath her knees but her focus was entirely on the familiar dogwood. A flurry of pale pink leaves rose into the air and swirled around her with soft whispered words of welcome.

The quiet hoot of an owl could be heard from somewhere above. Mirkk seated himself nearby and chuckled, reminded of something amusing that had occurred earlier that day.

Rohese sat in stillness for some time, letting her mind wander over all that she had learned from the trees over the last year or so. She had come a long way in her search for the truth but there was still so much she didn’t understand. Lifting her eyes to the shadowy pink canopy overhead, Mirkk watched in silent amazement as the milky glow of the moon coalesced around her, bathing her in a soft wash of white radiance. A gentle breeze stirred her hair, causing it to shimmer with an ethereal light and, in turn, revealing the clear outline of dendroglyphs scarring the bark of the tree.

Mirkk quickly rose to his feet to examine the marks. The silvery gleam had illuminated a crescent moon above a series of elven runic symbols, not dissimilar to the marks Rohese had shown him on the willow. Tracing his finger over the strange indentations, Mirkk broke the silence to ask, "Can you read them?"

Almost as if in a trance, Rohese slowly reached inside her robe for her seeing stone. Mirkk noticed that the faint text beneath the skin on the back of her hand was clearly visible in the moonlight. He could make out that the words were elven but he wasn't able to translate them. Peering through the hole in her stone, Rohese began to read the symbols displayed before her:

The wind, with a sway and rustle,
Toss'd the leaves of the linden tree,
And, deep in the silvery shadow,
A treasure was shown to me.

Just as she lowered the stone into her lap, the symbols began to fade away and the incandescence around her slowly dissipated.

Mirkk stared at his wife. He barely recognised her as her hair was now pure white with golden highlights. A white halo encircled her misty grey eyes and her skin had an almost luminous quality to it.

The Songs of Glimae'den

Liabo was a gleaming silver-white orb hanging low in the sky, exceptionally large and pale. Beams of moonlight turned the pond aglow like molten metal; beguiling in its languid, silent beauty. Long, graceful branches of willow swayed gently back and forth on a barely palpable wind. Under the wavering light of the moon, they resembled ghosts dragging their distended arms along the ground. The silence was omnipresent, broken only by the lone hoot of a saw-whet owl.

Rohese paused for a moment before entering the hallowed space. Bathed in the ethereal light of the full moon, she turned her face upwards and closed her eyes. It was then that she heard the singing; soft and clear on the cool breeze.

She had spent the week wandering the beautiful town and ancient woodlands of Cysaegir with Mirkk; examining the ruins of long-abandoned elven dwellings and attempting to build trust with the trees. In the light of day, the air had been filled with so many distractions - the susurration of the leafy canopy and clamour of birdsong - but her commune with the willow had brought with it a sense of peace and a desire to return. Her intuition had told her that she needed to come back under the light of a full moon and she hadn't been disappointed.

Haunting the night air were beautiful, dulcet voices singing in perfect harmony. They sang of love and loss, of golden leaves falling in the wind and glimmering silver starlight. Sad strains of regret and grief blended into lullabies and choral chants.

Rohese wasn't sure how long she had stood there listening. The calm of the clear night had also brought with it a heavy dew and the hem of her robe was now sodden. Barely noticing, she stepped out of the moon-silhouetted stands of birch and willow and the lamentations ceased; all she could hear was the soothing, babbling rush of the nearby waterfall.

The collective endeavour of the trees had brought her here; they remembered Glimae'den! She made a silent promise to return and headed back to the Naerine Hostelry.

~☆ ^☽ ☆~

Mirkk sat up to find Rohese standing at the foot of their bed. The hem of her robe was soaking wet and her feet were stained with mud and grass. She seemed to be oblivious to the fact that she was shivering from the cold. Grabbing one of the blankets, he quickly rose to wrap it around her shoulders.

Rohese awoke with a start.

Interlude

Part I

"With freedom, flowers, books, and the moon, who could not be perfectly happy?" ~ Oscar Wilde

Eairion was a proud elf and especially proud of his family. Second of his name, Eairion was born in Ta'Illistim in 3712 ME and could trace the Bayvel line back to the Undead War. He had known there was something special about Sahese the moment he had met her. A descendant of the Veythorne family, she had been a respected member of Illistim society with a keen love of literature; something he now recognised in their grand-daughter, Rohese. Also bearing a striking resemblance to Sahese, it was hardly surprising that he had grown very close to Rohese over the years since his wife's death and that of her parents.

Eairion had married Sahese in the year 3807, shortly after they had met, but it was only a few years ago that he had learned a little more about his elusive wife that had troubled him; much of her past was still a mystery though. He was growing more concerned as Rohese had become curious about her too and seemed eager to find answers. It all stemmed from a book that Sahese had given her. Eairion had noticed the faint text appearing on Rohese's skin from time-to-time. It reminded him of the nights that he had caught his wife writing in that same book. She had been unaware of his presence as he cautiously watched her make notations on its creamy vellum pages, then murmur a low incantation and wave her opal-ringed hand across it. He would check the book the next day only to find the pages blank. When the book had been gifted to their grand-daughter, he noticed that it was filled with anodyne text on etiquette and propriety. He had yet to speak to Rohese about it and was unsure if he should even mention it.

Standing at the library window, Eairion watched Mirkk bend to pick a flower from the garden and tuck it behind Rohese's ear. He liked Mirkk. They were clearly very much in love and - knowing Rohese's predicament with regard to children – he had put aside his initial reservations about their marriage as he simply wanted her to have the freedom to be happy. He was troubled though. Last night, he had caught her sleep walking. Taking a stroll around the house before retiring to bed, he had noticed Rohese standing down by the edge of the lake in just a shift. The Liabo moon was full, casting a pale silvery glow across the languid water and she appeared to be just staring at its reflection.

Eairion had managed to coax her back inside and to her chambers where she woke with a start. Whilst it was odd that she seemed to have no recollection of where she had been, he was more perturbed by the fact that her hair was pure white with golden highlights. A white halo encircled her misty grey eyes and her skin had an almost luminous quality to it. He remembered how he had found Sahese in exactly the same circumstances.

He made a mental note to speak to Mirkk the next day when they had plans to go fishing.

Part II

There were precisely twenty-two linden trees in the grove on her grandfather's estate. A known favoured spot of her grandmother's, Rohese had spent the morning wandering alone among the graceful deciduous ornamentals in the hope of finding some answers. As she meticulously inspected the trunk of each tree, she recalled the mysterious passage of text recently revealed in the grey bark of a dogwood.

The wind, with a sway and rustle,
Toss'd the leaves of the linden tree,
And, deep in the silvery shadow,
A treasure was shown to me.

Finding no obvious signs of dendroglyphs on these age-old trees, she lowered herself with an irritated sigh to the ground. Kneeling on a carpet of dewy grass and fallen leaves, she gazed up at the glorious yellow canopy overhead. Fall had cast its enchantment, each tree now bearing a golden coronet of feathery foliage that would soon be carried away by the seasonal winds. The babbling sound of water in the nearby river added to the soothing autumnal ambience broken only by an occasional woodpecker and mourning dove.

Rohese pulled her shawl around her shoulders. She felt an eerie sense of detachment from the expansive house in the distance. Set in a narrow dell on the edge of ancient woodland, the ancestral home was currently shrouded in a silvery grey mist that had yet to disperse in the weak sunlight. It was a magical place, filled with many fond memories of time spent with loved ones yet tinged with the poignancy of their loss.

Here, among the trees, she suddenly missed Mirkk, wanting to hear his voice and share her thoughts with him. He was somewhere in the mist on the other side of the house, fishing with her grandfather and she longed to see him. Rohese inhaled the sweet, soothing fragrance of the trees and tried to overcome her apprehension; she would have to wait until this evening to find comfort in his arms. As if sensing her unease, the leaves of the trees rustled with a dry, sorrowful sound; the musical psithurism of the foliage lending a doleful counterpoint to the melodic song from the birds concealed within. A shiver ran down Rohese's spine. Glancing down, she noticed the text moving in an agitated state beneath the skin on the back of her hands.

"What are you trying to tell me, Amma?" Rohese cried out in frustration, yet no answer came.

Part III: Fishermen's Conversations

(Added with permission of the original author.)
Crossing the entry hall, Mirkk gave the composed head of household a polite nod. The rest of the staff had been scurrying about that morning, acutely aware of Rohese’s habit of rising early. They were, however, surprised to see Mirkk up and about at such an hour. He caught Rohese briefly with her teacup in hand as he was on his way to meet her grandfather Eairion. Their interaction was brief—much briefer than he preferred—but he did not wish to keep his host waiting. Rohese informed him of her intention to walk the grounds and he mentioned to her that he would meet her later.

The two men left as the fog was still thick and made the manor house emerge like an island from the sea. It reminded Mirkk of Caligos Isle and that he had Eairion in mind when he purchased the ball of indigo fishing line there. Mirkk knew the land surrounding the house was beautiful, with its fields, groves, and vineyard, all surrounded in the outlands by thick forests. The last time he had visited, it was summer and the first leaf had yet to turn color, much less fall. He had hoped to catch a glimpse of the foliage this morning, but the grey shroud kept it from him.

The two didn't speak as they made their way through the mist down to the edge of the lake. It wasn't uncommon for the two to remain quiet as they fished. Mirkk didn't take it as a slight, or that Eairion was perturbed by something. As they waited in silence, a raven quorked somewhere off to the west, likely watching from the branch of some bare tree.

Mirkk looked over at Eairion who consistently watched his line. Mirkk returned his gaze to his own line. Finally, Eairion broke the silence.

"There is a striking similarity between Rohese and my dear Sahese," he said quietly as to not disturb the fish that seemed not to be participating in that morning's event. Mirkk again looked at Eairion, who was staring at him. With what seemed almost like a sympathetic nod to Mirkk, he turned back to the fishing line.

"Rohese has stated as much," Mirkk replied slowly as he began watching his line again, trying to be measured in his response. He wasn't sure what Eairion was trying to tell him with that bit of information.

"First, I should probably tell you something about my grand-daughter," Eairion continued soberly. The tone was what caught Mirkk's attention, though he said nothing, only waited for Eairion to continue. Eairion's line dipped and darted slightly in the water before ceasing abruptly, and he watched it keenly. After a pregnant pause, Eairion added, "Last night, I found her standing in this very spot and simply staring into the lake. She was sleepwalking."

Mirkk turned his head and looked at Eairion. This wasn't the first time she had sleepwalked, although it was a relatively new occurrence. Mirkk opened his mouth to speak just as Eairion's fishing line began to dart wildly in the water. Eairion pulled back on his fishing rod slightly, watching it curve as the line continued its excited dance across the water. Mirkk set his own fishing rod down and purposefully moved closer to Eairion. "Go ahead and gather the basket and net," Eairion stated in a tone that was both confident and eager.

As Mirkk picked up the net and basket, Eairion leaned forward, easing the tension on both rod and line momentarily, allowing the fish a bit of freedom to swim and tire itself. A massive largemouth bass broke the surface, curving its olive-hued scaled body and slapping the water with its tail before disappearing again below the surface. Eairion leaned back again and pulled hard on the fishing rod. Mirkk watched the rod bend and wondered it was going to break. Seeing the line move as close to shore as it likely ever would, Mirkk seized the opportunity and splashed his feet into the water, grabbing the line with his hand and hoisting up, displaying once again the speckled trophy bass at the end of Eairion’s fishing line. Mirkk shoved the wood-handled fishing net under and scooped up the fish. He turned to face Eairion with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.

Eairion laughed at Mirkk's reaction, and nodded approvingly at the bass as he took the line in his hand, pulled the fish out of the net and worked the hook its mouth. He held it up to appraise it with a grin of his own.

"Will you take it back to the house and have it prepared?" Mirkk asked.

"No, no," stated Eairion, "It's catch and release today. It is quite a magnificent creature, though, isn't it?" He looked back at Mirkk, and Mirkk couldn't help but feel like Eairion was once again studying him.

Mirkk opened his mouth in response. He didn't want to press, but he also wanted to ask a pointed question to continue the conversation they were having just moments ago, but the opportunity was lost. That conversation was over. Instead, he simply replied, "Quite so," as he smiled and nodded admiringly.

The fog never lifted, and the conversation never continued. For the rest of the morning, they were just two men enjoying fishing.

Part IV: Secrets and Lies

Eairion paced up and down the hallway outside the library, his thoughts tumbling over each other in an attempt to make sense of them. Rohese was inside, no doubt engrossed in perusing the shelves for more books to borrow. There was so much he needed to tell his grand-daughter but how do you break it to someone you love that you have been keeping a secret? Eairion was conscious that his conversation with Mirkk that morning had been cut short; he should have grasped the opportunity when he had it but the moment had passed too quickly and it was not something that could simply be picked up again.

With a heavy sigh, he turned away; he couldn't face her. Eairion had found solace in his grand-daughter over the last decade and he wasn't about to jeopardise that. Perhaps, with her own newly found happiness, she'd soon tire of her search for the truth about her grandmother. He could only hope.

Reaching the end of the hall, Eairion was suddenly faced with Mirkk at the foot of the stairs. They exchanged a cursory greeting and Mirkk took a few steps forward but Eairion paused. Glancing back over his shoulder, he spoke quietly.

"Mirkk."

Mirkk turned, giving Eairion a warm smile.

"Come back soon, we have much to talk about." Eairion continued, his brow furrowed.

Mirkk nodded slowly, not really sure what to say in response. It didn't seem the right time to press him for more information. He watched Eairion mount the stairs slowly and then continued on to the library in search of his wife.

Magnolia

Stepping through the ornate ivory gate, Rohese was immediately greeted by a flurry of leaves. Momentarily distracted from her original intention, she paused to watch the display and listen. Something was amiss. Rarely had the magnolia ever engaged with her on her many excursions into the Veythorne Manor grounds but they clearly wanted her attention this morning. The trees continued to weep forth a constant stream of verdant teardrops as she reached out for one of the tapered green leaves caught on a strong current of wind.

Her senses now heightened, she could hear a cacophony of whispers from the forest of trees before her. Warnings of secrets and sorrow, of deception and grief. Feathery pale pink and ghostly blue leaves blended with the jade and dark green foliage, enveloping her in a zephyr of radiant colour. She turned in a slow circle, allowing the leaves to flutter around her and closed her eyes.

She whispered a response into the wind and felt the air grow still. Gently brushing her cool silver hair away from her eyes, she tucked it behind her ear and gazed in wonder. The area was shrouded in a haze of pale crimson and deep purple as the leaves of the surrounding magnolia trees continued to whisper quietly to one another but eventually settled into an occasional shiver.

A nightingale alighted on one of the branches and trilled a haunting, soft melody in the darkness. Rohese glanced up at it and smiled. A lone tapered deep green leaf slowly floated down from the boughs of the nearby tree and swirled about before landing upon the cobblestones. She bent down to retrieve it, along with a few of the others at her feet.

Time to revisit the other trees and find out what's going on!

Interlude

Part V: No Rime or Reason

"The moon stared at me through sprinkled nighttime stardust and I alone smile." ~ Jay Long"

The grove was quiet, save for an occasional rustle in the surrounding foliage and soft hoot of a nearby owl. A fresh layer of powdery snow covered the dense shrubbery and had settled on the ground, twinkling in the moonlight.

The constant flow of crystalline water that normally trickled down from the Sylvanfair tree had ceased for the night, leaving the lagoon-style pond in stillness. Liabo was admiring her reflection in its mirror-like surface with skeins of frost creeping across her silvery white face. Rohese's own pale face overlaid that of the moon as she stared intently into the glassy water. Dressed only in a white silk shift, she stood barefoot and smiling, unperturbed by the light snowflakes landing on her hair and eyelashes.

The silence was disturbed by Mirkk stepping through the gap in the natural wall. Breathing a heavy sigh of relief, he quickly wrapped a blanket around Rohese's shoulders and tried to gently guide her away but her gaze remained transfixed on the Great Moon's visage in the water. Reluctant to wake her from her noctambulation, Mirkk picked up a small pebble and tossed it into the middle of the pond. Ripples emanated outwards, dissolving the lunar image and washing away the fringes of starry rime. Rohese inhaled sharply and turned her startled gaze towards Mirkk, the enchantment now broken. Seeing the look of bewilderment on her face, he gently pulled her into his arms.

"Come on, let's get you inside where it's warm." He said carefully, trying to not to show his concern, and led her back into the majestic oak tree.

A snowy owl took flight from an overhead branch. Swooping low over the water, it flew away into the night.

Part VI: A Secret Shared

(Written in collaboration with Mirkk.)
Arms clasped behind him and holding a bottle of whiskey, Mirkk wandered along the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves of Lord Eairion Bayvel's extensive personal library. He laughed inwardly at the thought of having not spent much time here. He had been in the library on a few occasions in search of Rohese, either to steal her away for a walk along the grounds or to remind her it was late and to come with him to bed. This was the first time he had actually taken the time to examine some of the books, letters, and manuscripts that Eairion kept.

I wonder if he's read all of these? No, that would be impossible. There must be thousands of books here.

As he strolled, casually tapping his gold feather quill wedding band lightly along the glass of the bottle, he read some of the spines of the books. The first, a green book with gold lettering, read: Migratory Behaviors of Cormorants of Darkstone Bay. Further down, another, this one a brown leather-bound book with words written in elven. Mirkk paused, reaching into his waistcoat with his free hand and donned his vaalin-framed spectacles. He read the words A Geological Study of Igneous Rock Formations. Clearly, he was not in the literature section. He removed his spectacles and tucked them safely away in his waistcoat pocket, taking a few more steps as he did, and then something caught his eye. He stopped, tilting his head to read one of the spines of a series of black leather-bound volumes with silver writing. The first one read Noble Houses of the Turamzzyrian Empire: 3500 to 3999. Curious, he looked at the next volume of the series, Noble Houses of the Turamzzyrian Empire: 4000 to 4499. He froze.

Slowly, with an apprehensively curious look, he reached his hand over the top of the volume and, with a gentle pull along the fore-edge, nudged the volume out about two inches from the shelf. His heart began to beat faster. He wringed his hand once, took a deep breath, and carefully grasped the book on both sides along the spine. The still quiet of the expansive room was unsettled by the sound of the heavy doors opening somewhere behind him, and he quickly pushed the book back into place.

~☆ ^☽ ☆~

Eairion paused outside the library door, his hand resting on the ornate handle. It's time, he thought. They deserve to know the truth.

The library was a dimly lit space with shelves lining the walls from floor to ceiling on three sides and split on two levels. A fire had been laid for the evening and the heat from the steady blaze warmed the far end where two chestnut leather sofas and some deep brocade-covered armchairs had been arranged around it. Candles, set on an array of scroll-littered tables, cast a golden glow over the whole room, illuminating the many books on display.

"Mirkk." Eairion nodded along with his usual perfunctory greeting and accepted the glass of amber whiskey being held out to him. He cast his eye around the spacious room, expecting to see his granddaughter perusing the shelves or curled up on the sofa by the fire.

"Rohese is not with you?" He asked, somewhat relieved.

"I've persuaded her to indulge herself with a bath before dinner," Mirkk explained, holding Eairion's gaze for a moment before taking a sip from his own glass.

Eairion emptied his glass in one swallow and Mirkk proffered the bottle, which was readily accepted. Pouring another generous measure, Eairion gestured towards the armchairs with an inclination of his head. Mirkk followed the lead and they both sat quietly before the fire for a few minutes. The silence was palpable, broken only by the crackles and hisses emanating from the hearth.

"The whiskey is good." Eairion finally noted, tilting his glass so that the rich gold liquid glistened in the ambient light. Mirkk continued staring into the flames, occasionally glancing across at Eairion. He knew that this was his grandfather-in-law's way of saying thank you so he simply nodded an acknowledgement. Eairion was a venerable elf of few words; something Mirkk had quickly learned to appreciate but he sensed there was something more to this latest conversation.

"There's something I need to explain."

Eairion drained his glass again and placed it on the nearby table with the bottle. Resting his head in his hands for a moment, he took a deep breath.

Mirkk listened as Eairion quietly recounted the story of first meeting Sahese. How they fell in love and married in 4612. Their first son had been born in 4689 and Rohese's father, Tymian, shortly after in 4694. How he thought they had been happy.

Mirkk reached for the bottle and refilled his glass, tilting it mutely towards Eairion who shook his head. Returning it to the table, Mirkk leant forward, resting his elbows on his knees to warm the glass between his hands as Eairion continued.

"Rohese is all I have to remind me of her, Mirkk." Eairion paused at this point and closed his eyes. In a low voice, he simply added, "Her grandmother is still alive."

Mirkk blinked and peered quizzically at Eairion.

"Sahese didn't die in 5112 as everyone has been led to believe," Eairion said with a heavy sigh. "She returned to the Wyrdeep."

~☆ ^☽ ☆~

Rohese dipped her toe gingerly into the milky water; the temperature was just right. She stepped into the bathtub and lowered herself into its steamy depths, inhaling the soothing scents of lavender and sweet orange on the moisture-laden air. Closing her eyes, she lay back and allowed herself to sink below the surface. Her thoughts drifted over the past year; so much had happened but she finally felt at peace.

Cleansed and ready to face the evening, she rose from the bath and dried herself. It was the 25th day of Eorgaen, the last night of the Feast of the Immortals, and they were having dinner with her grandfather to mark the end of the holiday. She slipped into the new gown that Mirkk had gifted her, the pale silk feeling soft and luxurious against her skin. Lifting her hands beneath her hair to fasten her necklace at the back of her neck, she wandered to the window of her bed chamber.

Heavy snowfall obscured much of the view of her grandfather's estate but she could just make out the silhouette of trees in the distance. A silvery moon hung in the sky, shimmering through the snowstorm like one of vaalin-starred ornaments on the solstice tree downstairs and adding to the eeriness of the blue-grey winter's night. The urge to return to the linden grove was strong but common sense prevailed.

Gazing distractedly at her reflection in the window as she continued to struggle with the clasp, an image of a second face appeared in the distorted glass; similar to her visage yet not her own. Rohese quickly turned on her heel believing it to be someone standing behind her but all she saw was her own reflection in the tall dressing mirror. As she stared at herself, the faint apparition of another elf appeared alongside her. Rohese rapidly switched her focus between the window and the mirror, watching as the faces of elven ladies repeated themselves many times over; all of them were pale complected with silver hair, each smiling at her in turn.

Rohese took a step towards the full-length mirror and each ethereal spirit began to waver and fade away. Feeling an overwhelming sense of loss, Rohese wiped away a solitary tear from her cheek but resolved to make her final preparations for dinner. She was already late.

Ten minutes later, swathed in a velvet wrap to ward off the chill, she opened the library door to see Eairion and Mirkk rise to their feet and turn towards her.

Linden

Starlight rippled across the cobblestones in shadowed waves. Surely this was the silvery shadow referred to in the dendroglyphs carved on the dogwood tree?

Rohese sighed in frustration. She had spent the last few hours beneath the feathery canopy of the small linden trees in the Veythorne Manor gardens in the hope of finally learning the truth but...nothing. Why did it keep eluding her?

She had examined the bark of each tree very closely but there were no signs of any runic symbols.

A soft dark-blue starling took flight from one of the branches drawing her eyes upwards in anticipation. Her senses were heightened but there was still an empty silence from the trees around her. She resolved to return with Elaejia as soon as possible; she would know what to do.

The Linden Trees (Part 1)

[Veythorne Manor, Gardens - 13399]
Raspberry brambles twirl around the massive wrought-iron posts to the north, each obscuring the intricate patterns wrought in the metal and warping them into a strange, organic pattern of miniature loops and curving arcs.  Pale golden blossoms wreath the base of several small linden trees growing along the eastern gate, their sunny hue only enhanced by the patches of daylight peeking through the feathery canopies of the lindens.  You also see a small wrought iron gate.
Obvious paths: south, west

A little songbird trills out a soft little tune, then flits away.

Elaejia carefully says, "Today we will inquire more directly."
You glance up.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "As always, I will be guided by you."

A few tiny brightly-hued birds peck at the ground quietly, chirping as they merrily go about their way.

Elaejia nods to you.
Speaking disappointedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I was unable to determine anything on my own."
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "The birds seem to be happy to see us though."
Arenglae glances between Elaejia and yourself.

A tiny fuzzy caterpillar dotted with bright colors creeps slowly across one of the pale golden blossoms, then disappears into the foliage.

A ruby-crested greater bearded vulture breathes quietly in his sleep.
Arenglae glances at a pale golden linden blossom.
Elaejia interestedly says, "And Rauka even seems.. calm."
Elaejia urges, "Please, sit."
Elaejia sits down.
You nod slowly.
You plop down to the ground in a sitting position.
You gaze with interest at your surroundings.
Arenglae sits down.
(Rohese fixes her gaze on the linden trees around them.)
The silvered arctic fox scampers about and pants with wriggling excitement, springing closer to you and then darting away in a gracefully exuberant game of one-sided tag.
Elaejia begins, "As I mentioned, I've adapted a binding I read of in our villa's library,"
You nod understandingly at Elaejia.
Speaking exasperatedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I am willing to try anything at this point."

A few tiny brightly-hued birds peck at the ground quietly, chirping as they merrily go about their way.

Elaejia says, "When a tree has not been joined to an individual as most we have interacted with have been, they are more…feral."
Elaejia holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
You incline your head.
You nod slowly.
(Rohese ponders the nearest linden tree, searching for any sign of dendroglyphs.)
Elaejia clarifies, "Less apt to share what they've learned, though of course you've experienced some communications in any event."
You nod understandingly at Elaejia.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you agree, "Even the oak responded, albeit reluctantly."

A small violet butterfly takes a drink from one of the small blossoms on the raspberry vine.

Elaejia slowly continues, "Given your obvious facility with this art as a whole, the path we will take today will be a more direct summoning."
You bite your lip.
Speaking hopefully in Elven to Elaejia, you add, "And today is a full Liabo moon, so that may aid us?"
Elaejia tilts her head up.
A ruby-crested greater bearded vulture breathes quietly in his sleep.
Arenglae tilts her head up.
Arenglae gazes up into the sky.
Speaking reticently in Elven to Elaejia, you admit, "I am quite relieved we are doing this in daylight though."
You wrinkle your nose.
Elaejia lightly says, "It may indeed, though I didn't plan for that since I didn't know when we would be here."
Elaejia chuckles to herself.
Elaejia nods to you.
You giggle softly at Elaejia.
Elaejia takes a deep breath.
You take a deep breath.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
A ruby-crested greater bearded vulture breathes quietly in his sleep.
You surreptitiously glance at a ruby-crested greater bearded vulture.
The silvered arctic fox curls up on the ground and falls asleep.
You steeple your fingers in your lap, quietly observing your surroundings.
You close your eyes for a moment.
Speaking carefully to you, Elaejia says, "So... the first step will be your obtaining an altered state of consciousness, to better form a bond with a possibly unwilling spirit."
You nod slowly.
Elaejia grabs some wild sage from inside her leather ritual satchel.
Elaejia turns over her wild sage.

A small violet butterfly takes a drink from one of the small blossoms on the raspberry vine.

Speaking cautiously in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "I imagine it will be harder to attain than previous attempts?"
You bite your lip.
Elaejia admits, "We will have some help."
Elaejia indicates some wild sage as a possible option.
Speaking softly in Elven to Arenglae, you whisper aloud, "I am so impetuous and can barely sit still, Elaejia is so patient with me."
You nod understandingly at Elaejia.

A few tiny brightly-hued birds peck at the ground quietly, chirping as they merrily go about their way.

Arenglae studies you closely, pondering some aspect of your self with great consideration.
You wrinkle your nose.
Elaejia says, "This is diviner's sage - it has some, ah, active effects upon the mind."
Elaejia offers you some wild sage.  
You accept Elaejia's offer and are now holding some wild sage.
You nod appreciatively at Elaejia.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae whispers aloud, "I cannot imagine you being impetuous, Lady Bayvel."
Elaejia says, "Hold it in your mouth, but do not swallow it."
Speaking hesitantly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "As you wish."
Elaejia assures, "It is not dangerous, but merely less effective when eaten."
(Rohese slips the wild sage into her mouth, placing it on her tongue.)
You nod briefly at Elaejia.
Elaejia explains, "Over time, the effects will grow.  You may experience visions more powerfully, and perhaps a euphoria."
You nod slowly at Elaejia.
You close your eyes for a moment.
You fold your hands in your lap.
Elaejia quietly adds, "You may push it to the side so you can speak."
Elaejia smiles at you.
You giggle to yourself.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you mumble, "Thank you."
Arenglae folds her hands in her lap.
Elaejia curiously asks, "You brought the oil?"
Elaejia cocks her head at you.
(Rohese pushes the wild sage leaf to the side of her mouth.)
Speaking in Elven, you softly exclaim, "Oh!"
You rummage through a compact steel vasculum dyed in a gradient of verdant hues and see a tapered deep green leaf, a silk-knotted silver bell, a smooth flat pebble, a small leaf shaped pin, some obsidian crescents and a pine cone.
You shake your head.
You sigh.
Speaking apologetically in Elven to Elaejia, you murmur, "I'm sorry, I didn't think to bring that."
A little songbird trills out a soft little tune, then flits away.
Elaejia nods slowly.
Speaking in Elven, you softly exclaim, "I can go and get it, if you wish!"
Elaejia frowns.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae asks, "What oil?"
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae asks, "I may be able to find it, if it is needed?"
Speaking softly in Elven to Arenglae, you explain, "Oil to make a ritual circle."
Elaejia slowly says, "I am a bit concerned at sending you out now you've already started on the sage."
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae mouths, "Oh.  Hmmm... um..."
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at her leather ritual satchel.
Elaejia says, "Hmm."
Elaejia grabs a bronze root-bound flask from inside her leather ritual satchel.
You incline your head.
Elaejia reads, "Extract of tkaro.  It may be a suitable substitute."
You bite your lip.
Speaking briskly to you, Elaejia says, "We will make do."
(Rohese presses the wild sage leaf firmly back onto her tongue.)
You glance apprehensively between Elaejia and Arenglae.
Elaejia removes a strand of knotted cord from in her wool ruhana.
Elaejia offers you a strand of knotted cord.  
You accept Elaejia's offer and are now holding a strand of knotted cord.
You gaze thoughtfully at your strand.
Elaejia says, "This will be the carrier of our symbolic binding."
(Arenglae sits quiet and still, not wishing to disturb the ritual.)
You nod understandingly at Elaejia.
Elaejia says, "You will focus on the cord as we work, keeping control of the linden spirit through it."
(Rohese runs the strand slowly through her fingers.)
You nod slowly at Elaejia.
Elaejia carefully says, "Now... there is an element of this that I must ask you whether you want to engage."
Elaejia stands up.
(Rohese turns her gaze towards the nearest linden tree while idly forming knots in the strand.  Untying each as she goes, she slowly moves along the strand.)
You glance up.
You ponder the meaning of Elaejia's existence.
(Elaejia walks in a small loop around you, tilting her flask pouring it in a circle.)
You glance over your shoulder.
Elaejia quietly says, "A binding spell is always improved with sacrifice."
Elaejia tosses a bronze root-bound flask inside her leather ritual satchel.
You give your eyebrow a little workout.
Speaking fretfully in Elven to Elaejia, you echo, "A sacrifice?"
Arenglae furrows her brow.
(Elaejia holds up a hand and mimes making a cut with the fingers of her other hand.)
You nod faintly at Elaejia.
A tiny fuzzy caterpillar dotted with bright colors creeps slowly across one of the pale golden blossoms, then disappears into the foliage.
Speaking anxiously in Elven to Elaejia, you mouth, "Blood magic?"
You bite your lip.
Elaejia murmurs, "This is your decision, but if you wish it, you may imbue the strength of your spirit into the cord."
You gaze thoughtfully at your strand.
(Elaejia waves a hand in vague assent.)
You glance dubiously at Elaejia.
Speaking resignedly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Let's do it."
Elaejia says, "If you wish to call it that, though it has taken some unfortunate turns in foolish hands."
Speaking hastily in Elven to Elaejia, you request, "But please don't tell Mirkk?"

The flora stands erect as it faces the midday sun.

Elaejia chuckles to herself.
You wrinkle your nose.

A few tiny brightly-hued birds peck at the ground quietly, chirping as they merrily go about their way.

Speaking in Elven, you softly inquire, "This will be between us three, yes?"
You glance around the area.
Speaking to you, Elaejia remarks, "Two secrets - I shall have to start requesting a holding fee."
Arenglae places a hand over her heart.
You lower your gaze.
Speaking quietly in Elven to you, Arenglae assures, "Of course."
A small violet butterfly takes a drink from one of the small blossoms on the raspberry vine.
You giggle to yourself.
You smile at Arenglae.
Elaejia gazes in amusement at you.
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Arenglae, you say, "Thank you."
Elaejia sits down next to you.
Elaejia grabs a wavy-bladed ritual dagger of black stone and bone from inside her leather ritual satchel.
(Rohese nervously runs the knotted strand through her fingers, her gaze shifting between Elaejia and the tree.)
Speaking to you, Elaejia apologizes, "When we first began your journey, I said blood would not be required, but I had no idea where we would be led."
You nod reassuringly at Elaejia.
Speaking sincerely in Elven to Elaejia, you state, "I trust you."
(Elaejia takes your hand gently in hers.)
You smile at Elaejia.
You glance down.
You study a strand of knotted cord, looking for any imperfections.

A little songbird trills out a soft little tune, then flits away.

Elaejia holds her breath.
You glance appreciatively at Elaejia.
Elaejia presses the edge of her ritual dagger against your right palm, clearly intending to cut it.  
With careful precision, Elaejia uses her ritual dagger to slice a long, deep line across your right palm.  Blood immediately pools along the surface of the cut.
Elaejia wipes the blade clean.
You furrow up your face and wince.
You bite your lip.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you mouth, "Ouch!"
Elaejia nods sympathetically to you.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Elaejia wryly murmurs, "It wouldn't be a sacrifice if it didn't hurt, a little."
Elaejia tosses a wavy-bladed ritual dagger of black stone and bone inside her leather ritual satchel.
(Rohese glances down at her hand and watches the blood pool in her palm.)
You sigh.
(Elaejia sits up straight and folds your hand over the cord.)
Elaejia says, "Now, you will focus your thoughts as you are used to."
You nod slowly.
You close your eyes for a moment.

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The effects of the sage are starting to take hold, the world is appearing to slow around you."

You bite your lip.
Speaking faintly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I feel a little light headed."
Elaejia whispers something to Arenglae.
Arenglae nods once at Elaejia.
(Rohese tightens her grip on the strand in her hand and begins to sway slightly.)
Elaejia quietly murmurs, "Do not fight it, imagine a doorway."
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
You nod slightly.
Speaking in Elven, you faintly murmur, "I see a doorway, it's slightly ajar."
Elaejia quietly says, "Through the doorway is the spirit's domain."
Elaejia murmurs, "The answers you seek are there, you must bid this linden open the door."
(Rohese's eyes remain closed as she continues to play with the strand.  Droplets of blood begin to fall to the floor.)
You nod slowly.
Speaking in Elven, you faintly explain, "It's opening.  There's a bright light.  It's so bright I have to avert my gaze."
You bite your lip.
You glance away.

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "A sense of disturbance drifts around you, surprise, and anger."

You breathe in slightly.
Speaking quickly in Elven to Elaejia, you exclaim, "I don't think I'm welcome!"
Elaejia firmly says, "You make your own welcome now."
Speaking anxiously in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "The tree doesn't want me here."
You bite your lip.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
(Elaejia closes your hand more tightly over the cord.)
You grimace.
Elaejia gently continues, "The answers you seek are here."
Elaejia glances around the area.
Arenglae furrows her brow.
(Rohese struggles to maintain her meditation, her brow furrowed as she seems to fight against something.  Tightly gripping the strand, she is unaware of the blood now seeping into the skirts of her gown.)

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The world fades at the edges, Elaejia and Arenglae appearing to be a vast distance away. The door creaks open.  Through it you see a gryphon, dangling upside down in a snare from a bough."

Elaejia gazes with interest at you.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you fret, "I can't do this!"
Elaejia urges, "You can, and you will."
Arenglae glances between Elaejia and yourself.
Speaking tearfully in Elven to Elaejia, you fret, "A gryphon ... hanging."
Elaejia furrows her brow.
Elaejia surreptitiously glances at Arenglae.
(Arenglae places her hands flat on the ground beside herself.)
Speaking in Elven to Elaejia, Arenglae mouths, "Now?"
Speaking in Elven, you faintly exclaim, "Don't leave me here ... come back!"
Elaejia nods slightly at Arenglae.
Cerulean will'o'wisps swirl around Arenglae's hands as she prepares a spell, casting ghostly blue-white light across the surrounding area...
Arenglae gestures.
A strong whirlwind whips through the area, stirring up dust and other small pieces of debris, which form a small cloud overhead.
The whirlwind subsides, allowing the dust cloud to settle.
Elaejia quietly says, "We are here, Rohese."
You let out a sigh of relief.

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The infusion of mana from Arenglae ripples through your vision.  The gryphon vanishes, replaced by a cat passing through a doorway."

Speaking in Elven, you relievedly say, "It's gone ... the gryphon has gone."
Speaking in Elven, you lightly exclaim, "There's a cat!"
You smile quietly to yourself.
Speaking in Elven, you softly repeat, "I see a cat."
Elaejia quietly says, "Tell the spirit why you have called it."
(Rohese thumbs the strand in her hand.)

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The effects of the sage are very strong now.  Elaejia's voice sounds as if it's coming through water."

Speaking in Elven, you quietly ask, "Spirit, I wish to know the truth about my grandmother.  The trees have sent me here.  Are you she?"
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, you frustratedly say, "Please help me."
(Rohese murmurs words under her breath, beseeching both the spirit and the tree to answer.  A golden linden blossom is lifted on a gentle breeze, swirling around her for a moment before settling back onto the ground.)

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "A sense of wary recognition flows through you, coming from the doorway.  The cat vanishes.  A sun rises in the east and then seems to pass into another plane as it travels westward."

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Speaking in Elven, you disappointedly say, "The cat's gone.  I hope I didn't upset it."
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, you excitedly add, "The sun, it's rising in the east but wait ... it's gone too."
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "A feeling of judgement, careful consideration.  You feel very small before its scrutiny."

You lower your gaze.
Elaejia furrows her brow.
Speaking quietly to you, Elaejia says, "You can do this."
Speaking in Elven, you apologetically murmur, "I'm sorry."
You nod slowly.
Speaking softly to you, Elaejia repeats, "You can do this.  You have a connection to them and you require answers."
(Rohese sways a little but maintains her meditative trance.  The knuckles on her hands whiten as she maintains a firm grip on the strand.)
Speaking in Elven, you firmly ask, "Spirit, please reveal yourself to me.  Are you my grandmother?"
Elaejia gazes with interest at her surroundings.

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "A whisper rises in your ears, all at once a creaking, cracking, rustling susurrus of sound that somehow carries meaning   A geas is fulfilled - Search you now and free me.  My shade has been cast.'."
Arenglae closes her eyes for a moment.
(Elaejia leans forward and places her own hands upon the ground.)
Elaejia surreptitiously glances at Arenglae.
Cerulean will'o'wisps swirl around Arenglae's hands as she prepares a spell, casting ghostly blue-white light across the surrounding area...
Elaejia murmurs, "Spirit, accept this gift."
Arenglae gestures.
(Rohese sighs heavily and her shoulders slump in resignation.  Speaking softly, she mouths a few words, quietly adding, "I release you," and lowers her hands into her lap.)
You shake your head, totally at a loss.
Arenglae furrows her brow.

A radiant ghostly blue leaf lazily drifts in on a soft breeze and settles to the ground.

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The world still has a brightness at all edges, but only the linden shines in particular."

Arenglae glances at a radiant ghostly blue leaf.
Arenglae glances at Elaejia.
Elaejia whispers something to Arenglae.
Arenglae nods slowly at Elaejia.
Speaking quietly to you, Elaejia asks, "What answer did it give?"
Speaking in Elven, you quietly say, "Thank you spirit for granting me this moment, I will continue my search.  You are free."
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking frustratedly in Elven to Elaejia, you sigh, "She's not here."
You gaze thoughtfully at a radiant ghostly blue leaf.

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The shine surrounding the linden continues, distracting your attention."

Elaejia frowns.
Speaking to Arenglae, Elaejia explains, "At one of our last... communes.  We were led to understand that the linden trees would guide the next steps in her journey."
(Rohese gazes distractedly at the linden, sensing its bright light behind her eyes.)
The skin around the long cut down the center of your right palm flows together, the wound fully healing within seconds.
You glance down.
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae vaguely offers, "Sometimes... a guide shows you the way you should not go... before it can show you where you should go."
You nod slowly at Arenglae.
Speaking despondently in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I think it's clear it's not any of the linden trees in this garden."

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The healed cut itches, and a glimmer of the shine trails from it to the base of the tree."

Elaejia nods slowly.
Elaejia slowly says, "What were the images you saw, I wonder."
Elaejia shakes her head.
Speaking to you, Elaejia asks, "The spirit offered no clue?"
(Rohese glances down at her hand, idly scratching at her palm and her gaze seems to follow something leading towards the nearby tree.)
Elaejia furrows her brow.
Speaking distractedly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "The images?"
Speaking in Elven, you softly exclaim, "Oh!"
You nod slowly.
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you admit, "The hanging gryphon was most disturbing."
Arenglae furrows her brow.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "But I have no idea what it could mean."
Elaejia glances inquiringly at Arenglae.
Speaking in Elven, you gently inquire, "Are either of you ladies familiar with such imagery?"
You glance expectantly between Elaejia and Arenglae.
Elaejia thoughtfully echoes, "A hanging gryphon.  A cat."
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae uncertainly says, "I am not."
Speaking in Elven, you vaguely add, "And then the sun rising in the east."
You bite your lip.
You gaze thoughtfully at your strand.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "I do not know much about visions."
You nod understandingly at Arenglae.
Speaking in Elven, you disappointedly say, "Other than tea leaves, neither am I."
You wrinkle your nose.
Elaejia frowns.
Elaejia repeats, "Tea leaves?"
You thoughtfully tap a finger against your lips.
A ruby-crested greater bearded vulture breathes quietly in his sleep.
Speaking anxiously in Elven to Elaejia, you blurt, "Danger!"
Elaejia blinks.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae asks, "Which?"
Elaejia says, "What?  A gryphon is dangerous, yes..."
Speaking carefully in Elven to Arenglae, you explain, "A gryphon in the tea leaves ...."
You glance apprehensively at Elaejia.
Speaking thoughtfully in Elven to you, Arenglae asks, "What of its inversion?"
Speaking in Elven, you worriedly say, "And a cat."
Elaejia closes her eyes for a moment.
Speaking softly in Elven to Arenglae, you say, "The inversion means danger."
You nod slowly at Arenglae.
Your thoughts roil, a tumult of quick images and phrases.  Inhaling and exhaling slowly, you press a hand to your chest.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "I see."
Arenglae furrows her brow.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "What troubles me more is that a cat in the tea leaves often signifies deceit."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Elaejia murmurs, "Of course. I might have guessed that.  My aunt was obsessed with leaf reading after..."  she trails off, "Before I came here."
Elaejia gazes with interest at you.
Speaking tentatively in Elven to Elaejia, you add, "It's not the first time that secrets have been mentioned."
You bite your lip.
You glance around the area.
Arenglae folds her hands in her lap.
Speaking hesitantly in Elven to Elaejia, you confide, "My mother's tree did tell me to be careful what I wished for."

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The last words of the spirit recur in your mind.  Search you now and free me."

Elaejia nods slowly.
Speaking quietly in Elven to yourself, you murmur, "Search you now and free me."
You nod almost imperceptibly.
Speaking adamantly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I can't give up, I will find the linden tree."
Elaejia carefully says, "You are surely not... unfamiliar with danger, nor unprepared for it."
You nod in agreement at Elaejia.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "We've come this far."

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers, "The trailing glimmers and glows are fading as the effects of the sage wane.  The last one from your healed hand pulses and flickers."

Speaking fondly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you, for everything."
With an empathetic nod, you take Elaejia's hand in yours for a moment and give it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
You smile.
You gaze thoughtfully at your strand.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you apologize, "I'm afraid it's rather ..."
You offer your strand to Elaejia.
You wrinkle your nose.
You rub your hand, trying to work the stiffness out.
Elaejia has accepted your offer and is now holding a strand of knotted cord.
You glance down.
Elaejia chuckles to herself.
Elaejia curiously asks, "Where will you search next?"
Elaejia cocks her head at you.
Arenglae glances between Elaejia and yourself.
Speaking lightly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Good question."
You giggle to yourself.
Elaejia gazes thoughtfully at her strand.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "My grandmother left me the Ailanthus Manor, I will probably try the lindens there next."
Elaejia nods slowly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "But there are many."
Screwing your eyes upward, you glare at your offending hair and sigh.  You close your right eye, jut your chin out, and blow upward across your face, causing your hair to flutter in the air for several seconds before falling back down and away from your eyes.
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Arenglae, you say, "Thank you for your help today too."
Elaejia wryly says, "An unfortunately prolific tree."
(Rohese rests her hand over Arenglae's for a moment.)
You agree with Elaejia.
You pick up a radiant ghostly blue leaf.
Speaking in Elven to you, Arenglae deflects, "I did not do anything much, Lady Bayvel."
Speaking softly in Elven to your ghostly blue leaf, you exclaim, "And what are you all about!"
You smile at Arenglae.
Speaking softly in Elven to Arenglae, you counter, "Just having your company has helped."
Arenglae inclines her head.
A few tiny brightly-hued birds peck at the ground quietly, chirping as they merrily go about their way.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "I am so grateful to have friends in you both."
You smile.
Arenglae smiles slightly at Rohese.
Speaking softly to you, Elaejia says, "I am sorry we were not able to discern more."
Speaking tentatively in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "Might you be willing to help me again if I find another suitable contender?"
You bite your lip.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you reassure, "At least we were able to determine it's not here."
You gaze with interest at your surroundings.
You pick up one of the golden linden blossoms fallen from the linden trees.
Elaejia responds, "Of course," she pauses and adds, "If this approach has not frightened you off."
You wrinkle your nose.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you admit, "It was a little disconcerting."
You gaze thoughtfully at a pale golden linden blossom.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae asks, "Have there been visions of this nature before?"
Speaking softly in Elven to Arenglae, you say, "Not of the same portentous nature but there have been visions, yes."
You nod at Arenglae.
You smile.
Speaking in Elven, you softly reflect, "I suppose any answer is a good answer, even if it's a no."
You wrinkle your nose.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia carefully says, "Well.  You ought certainly to try the less taxing method first, with each new stand of linden."
You nod in agreement at Elaejia.
Elaejia smiles a touch wryly.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you confess, "I am not sure I could go through that again each time."
You giggle softly.
Speaking affectionately in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I shall remember your guidance and simply sit with the trees."
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "You may experience some after effects, but it should wear off by this evening."
Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "Thank you.  I should probably go home and lie down for a while."
You stand back up.
Elaejia inclines her head.
You suddenly lose your balance and stumble a bit to the left before righting yourself.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Oh my."
Your thoughts roil, a tumult of quick images and phrases.  Inhaling and exhaling slowly, you press a hand to your chest.
(Elaejia reaches out to steady Rohese.)
You nod slowly.
Arenglae stands up.
Elaejia stands up.
Speaking in Elven, you softly say, "Tea."
You nod once.
You wrinkle your nose.

~☆ ^☽ ☆~

Rohese wandered down the trail, taking care with her footing on the slope and averting her gaze against the prevailing wind as it created a tornado of fallen leaves around her. She brushed her hair away from her eyes and habitually tucked it behind her ear whilst quickly glancing around for any obvious signs of danger. Whistler's Pass was treacherous any time of the day but particularly so in the early morning or late evening.

It was dawn and the first rays of sun were gradually illuminating the city walls behind her. Finger-like slivers of early morning mist were pushing in among the long grass around her feet as she traversed the meadow towards Ailanthus Manor. She often took this shortcut from the trail and paid for it with damp shoes but it was a good excuse to remove them and walk barefoot for a while.

Stepping through the wrought iron gate, she paused at the reflecting pool in the middle of the courtyard and gazed at her own reflection in the pellucid water. Not one for vanity as a rule, she had taken to catching glimpses of herself in a mirror lately and noticing that the faint text usually only visible on the backs of her hands was now a little more prominent on her face. As she pondered her appearance, fluffy linden blossoms drifted in on the breeze and settled lightly on the surface. Rohese tilted her head and smiled down at herself as it seemed to give the appearance of being framed in a halo of pale golden flowers.

A koi erupted from the surface of the pool to feed on an unsuspecting damselfly, disturbing the serenity of the reflected image and startling her. Disappearing beneath a lily pad, it left behind a series of ripples and set the lilies to bobbing up and down. She sat on edge of the pool and trailed her fingers through the gently undulating water. Her mood had been melancholy ever since Mirkk had shared the news that her grandmother was, in fact, still alive. She should be pleased, surely, but all she could dwell on was how her grandfather had lied to her for all these years.

The trees had been trying to tell her - warning her about deceit - but she had foolishly brushed it aside in her own selfish pursuit for answers. Even her mother’s cottonwood had cautioned her to be careful what she wished for. How could she have been so naïve! No wonder she couldn’t find a memorial tree: there wasn't one! But then the dendroglyphs revealed on both the willow and the dogwood had referred to a linden tree.

She furrowed her brow. But where and for what purpose?

Another flurry of sunny yellow flowers drifted past her, a few of them landing on the water and in her lap. She picked one up to inspect it more closely and it slowly dawned on her where they were coming from.

Pale golden flowers. Linden blossom!

Looking up, she realised that the whole estate was enclosed by a sweeping curve of tall linden trees, it wasn't just a few, and her heart sank. So many linden trees. How am I ever going to find the truth?

Interlude

Part VII: Time for Tea

TeaMind

The leaves take the water.
The first sip emanating wisdom's light.
Where TeaMind is polished, it shines,
Pervading the Universe,
Teaching us once again –
A true cup of tea is more than it seems.
And so are we.

Rohese pored over her dark leather incunabulum, fascinated by the contents of its neatly-inked pages. She knew she had read somewhere about a tea rite that harnessed the magical properties of ingredients to assist in the manifestation of an arcanist's intentions. Having found the crucial passage, she showed it to Mirkk, who couldn't help but share his reservations.

"I don't want you taking any more unnecessary risks," Mirkk cautioned. "You know how I feel about you using flow magic."

Rohese picked up the radiant ghostly blue leaf that had prompted her research and slipped it between the pages of her book to serve as a marker. Placing a reassuring hand on her husband's arm, she gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I promise I will be careful but I need to find out if the glowbark leaf carries any significant meaning. I'm convinced that Rahese was trying to tell me something."

She sighed heavily. "Especially since the linden's spirit was rather guarded in its revelations."

"But it did indicate danger ahead, not to mention more deceit and lies," Mirkk reminded her, not without a little tension in his voice.

Rohese rose, kissing him tenderly on the cheek. She knew that, despite his concerns, he would still help her; she loved him for that. Returning the book to the table, she went in search of Aavia to ask for her help in making preparations.

An hour later saw them both back in the manse with a basket of gathered ingredients. Aavia had dutifully left an apothecary chest by the fireplace, as directed, and the stove had been prepared for making tea.

Armed with a pestle and mortar, Mirkk set to grinding tree bark, crushing a labradorite stone, and mashing an apple. Rohese had informed him that the bark would form the basis of the tea leaves; the labradorite being added for its mystical powers that supposedly facilitated initiation into the mysteries, raised consciousness, and formed a connection with spiritual energy. The addition of the apple was to simply make it more palatable.

Rohese reached into the chest and pulled out a small, bulbous green glass bottle. Each prepared ingredient was emptied into the bottle in turn and she gave it all a good shake before inserting a single wood violet[1]. Carefully adding a few measured drops from her flask of sparkling mind essence[2], she recited the first part of the incantation from the open page of the incunabulum.

Grown in the light of the Sun,
The Moon, and of the dew.
I make this intercession.
Be of benefit to me and my rite,
For your virtues are unfailing.

Mirkk watched her closely as she then slipped the ghostly blue leaf into the thin neck of the bottle, pressing it into the sludgy mixture and replacing the cork to seal it.

"Now we wait," Rohese added brightly, placing the witch bottle on the nearby windowsill, where it sat, bathed in the sunlight.

The wait seemed interminable but it was only a few hours before the contents of the bottle had dried out in the warm afternoon sunshine. Mirkk was tasked with lighting the stove and putting the kettle on, while Rohese retrieved the witch bottle and fetched the teacups. Popping the cork from the green bottle, Rohese proceeded to add a drop of her precious glowbark leaf extract. She surreptitiously glanced at Mirkk to ensure he wasn’t looking and quickly murmured a few words under her breath before swiping the remainder of the oil on her fingertip gently across her forehead. Rohese then picked up the incunabulum and recited the second part of the incantation over the bottle.

By the magic of the glowbark,
I purify you,
So that whatever is crafted may,
In all its powers,
Have a good and speedy effect.
Be purified by my prayer, be powerful,
And reveal your secrets to me.

A wavering glow danced behind the grate of the cast iron stove, accompanied by a periodic cracking of burning wood. Setting the water-filled kettle on top, Mirkk turned to her.

"And we're going to be...drinking that?" He asked with a sceptical tone.

Rohese laughed softly and nodded, handing him the bottle.

"Just add a pinch to the water when it's ready and then we'll see what the tea leaves have to say!"

Mirkk carefully measured a portion of the tea leaves into the kettle and gave it a quick stir, wrinkling his nose at the acrid smell now permeating the room. A few minutes later, he poured a small amount into each of the waiting teacups. The resulting tea was a murky, pale violet in colour.

Rohese took the first sip. It had a sharp bite of acidic, under-ripe apple that caused her eyes to water. Mirkk nervously followed and took a large gulp, filling his mouth with grit. It was all Rohese could do not to laugh at his reaction as he spluttered and wheezed his way through the beverage. Trying to diffuse the situation, she pointed out that the apple certainly helped to improve its flavour.

Draining the last of the tea, she knelt before the hearth to examine the leavings in the bottom of her cup. She noticed that the first had settled high in the bowl. Turning the teacup slightly towards the glow of the fire, she saw the letter "N." Tilting the teacup back towards her, she could make out the image of a box.

"A gift given," Rohese murmured. "And soon, if my interpretation is correct," she added, furrowing her brow. "Though what that "N" signifies, I can't tell."

"Yours?" She prompted, trying to peer into Mirkk's teacup.

"A double line or possibly the letter I," he offered and shrugged.

"Well, a double line often means a doubt well founded," Rohese chirped. "So that's no surprise," she added with a wry smile.

Mirkk gazed into his teacup and tentatively continued. "A window...perhaps."

Rohese tapped her finger thoughtfully against her bottom lip.

"A reminder to go with your instincts," she nodded faintly, as she contemplated everything that the tea leaves had revealed.

"What now?" Mirkk asked, still puzzled.

"Now we continue the search for the linden tree and find that gift or treasure the trees keep telling me about!" Rohese replied with determination, relieving Mirkk of his teacup and placing them both on the table for Aavia to clear away. Lost in his thoughts, Mirkk rose to his feet to help her tidy up.

"Just promise me that I don't have to drink anymore of that tea!"

Notes:
[1] a wood violet represents secrecy. See Speech Unspoken: The Language of Flowers
[2] Essence of mind is made through alchemy for greater intuition.
[3] all readings of the tea leaves were actually derived in game and interpretations gleaned from A Taste of Truth - Tea Leaves

Part VIII: A Moonlit Commune

Faint slivers of luminescence alighted on the pool as Rohese knelt on the damp cushion of moss at its edge. Leaning over, she peered into the moon-dappled water. Apart from the sound of the trickling waterfall, the oak grove was still and quiet.

Mirkk stood in the shadows of the arched gate leading back into the walled courtyard of the manse. Following Eairion's advice, he had kept vigil that night knowing it was a full moon, which would likely trigger Rohese's noctambulation. As anticipated, she had risen from their bed just as Liabo's glow pervaded the room. He watched with trepidation as she ventured outside, fearing she would wander far from home, but he was somewhat relieved to see she had stopped at the pool.

Rohese stared transfixed into its black depths, caught in a liminal state as if waiting for something to happen. A shaft of silvery white light broke through the forest canopy to illuminate her for a brief moment and she reached out to touch the glistening water, her fingers sending ripples across its surface.

Mirkk was reluctant to step closer in case it startled her but she appeared to be talking to someone and he was both curious and anxious. Stepping forward as stealthily as possible, he peered over her shoulder and was alarmed to see not only her reflection but that of other faces shimmering alongside hers. Glancing at Rohese, he could see she had a look of serenity so he allowed her commune to continue and took the opportunity to look more closely at the ethereal visages in the water.

Just like his wife, each was pale-complected with long silver hair. Bathed in the moon's pearlescent glow, they simply gazed back with gentle smiles until an errant breeze caused the overhanging branches to rustle and sway, breaking the enchantment and casting the pool in darkness once more.

Rohese sighed and rose to her feet. Unsure what to do next, Mirkk reached out tentatively to take her hand. She smiled softly and allowed him to lead her indoors and back to bed but not before he caught her glancing back at the pool with a wistful expression.

At the time that Rohese was being drawn into Mirkk's reassuring embrace, Eairion stood at his study window with a tumbler in hand. He watched as a snowy white owl took flight from the branch of a nearby tree, swooping low before him and out across the lake to disappear into the linden grove.

"Good night, Sahese." Eairion murmured as he turned away, draining the whiskey from his glass.

Linden (continued)

Rohese and Mirkk had spent the morning poring over maps of the Ta'Illistim environs and they had narrowed down their search to the area around the Ailanthus Manor. It just had to be there; it was the only place that made sense. It also occurred to them that the grounds of the Moonstone Abbey backed onto the estate; a coincidence that wasn't lost on Rohese.

Moving swiftly south and west down Whistler's Pass and across the meadow, they headed into the forest that surrounded the manor. Within its heart, the pungent mustiness of loam ruled hand-in-hand with the relentless green of the woods. A ragged path wound its way through the trees. Chinks of green light filtered down from the intertwined branches overhead and swayed gently at the prompt of a breeze, dappling the trail where it could be seen through the overhang of fern fronds. The trees grew so densely within the fastness of the forest that the canopy shaded everything beneath them with deep shadow. Here and there, lacy-edged lichens frilled the edge of a rock or up-thrust root with their ivory-toned growth, casting a supernatural luminescence in the darkness.

Pausing to orient themselves, they traversed a grove of tall linden trees, their trunks straight and elegant and their lowest branches beginning a good-ways off the forest floor. Beneath the leafy canopy, the ceiling hung significantly higher than that of the surrounding forest, giving the whole glade the lofty majesty of a temple nave. The trail meandered in a loop pattern that circled the trees, criss-crossed and turned back on itself. Rohese felt inexplicably ushered along by mounds of grey-patinaed boulders and silver-edged ferns until they reached a clearing where the well-spaced trees lifted their mantle of branches in an attitude of nobility and grace. The leaves rustled on the wind and Rohese found herself slowly reciting the verse revealed in the dendroglyph’s on the dogwood tree.

The wind, with a sway and rustle,
Toss'd the leaves of the linden tree.

Mirkk hung back as Rohese wandered around the trees, examining them closely. He watched her circle each in turn, her fingers caressing the bark. It wasn't long before she stopped at one in particular and smiled widely at him.

And deep in the silvery shadow,
A treasure was shown to me.

The Linden Trees (Part 2)

[Linden Grove, Path - 9887]
Tall, well-spaced linden trees lift their mantle of branches in an attitude of nobility and grace.  At their feet, a path winds through the boles in a haphazard course, ushered along the way by large mounds of silver-edged ferns.  An occasional boulder stands alongside the trail here and there like spectators at a parade, the stones' massive shoulders covered with lichens that look determined to outdo the ferns with their amplitude of silvery patina.
Obvious paths: southwest, northwest

You glance around the area.
Mirkk glances around the area.
You bite your lip.
Speaking softly to yourself, you whisper aloud, "The wind, with a sway and rustle."
You glance up.
Mirkk glances northwest.
Mirkk glances at you.
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Hmm?"
Mirkk glances up.
You feel more refreshed.
Speaking distractedly to Mirkk, you ask, "Sorry?"
You incline your head.
You glance around the area.
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Oh, I thought you said something."
You softly say, "Oh! I was just remembering the verse."
You thoughtfully tap a finger against your lips.
Mirkk looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.
(Rohese begins to wander around some of the trees, her fingers trailing over the bark.)
Mirkk takes a moment to observe you.
Mirkk glances around the area.
Speaking softly to yourself, you whisper aloud, "Toss'd the leaves of the linden tree."
(Mirkk slowly follows a safe distance behind you.)
(Rohese stops at one tree in particular and glances up at its rustling canopy.)
Mirkk glances up.
You bite your lip.
(Rohese trails her fingers over the rough bark of the linden tree as she circles it.)
Speaking tentatively to Mirkk, you ask, "Mirkk?"
Speaking to you, Mirkk whispers aloud, "Do you think the link will be stronger immediately after a full Liabo?"
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Yes?"
Speaking reticently to Mirkk, you say, "Come here a moment and take a look at this."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Mirkk slowly strides over to stand before you.
Mirkk glances up.
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "Look at the bark on this tree."
(Rohese traces faint marks in the bark of the tree with her fingertip.)
Speaking hesitantly to Mirkk, you say, "Is that ..."
(Mirkk leans forward and places his hand carefully on the bark of the tree.)
Mirkk squints.
Speaking dubiously to Mirkk, you continue, "A crescent moon?"
Speaking quietly to you, Mirkk observes, "It looks like it."
Speaking apprehensively to Mirkk, you ask, "Could this really be it?"
Mirkk leans back.
Mirkk turns to face you.
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "There is probably only one way to know."
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking softly to yourself, you whisper aloud, "And deep in the silvery shadow."
You glance down.
You kneel down.
You forage briefly and manage to find a fiddlehead fern!
Mirkk takes a moment to observe you.
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you speculate, "The ferns are casting a silver shadow, I suppose."
Mirkk nods slowly to you.
Mirkk kneels down.
Mirkk forages briefly and manages to find a silver-edged fern!
You gasp.
You softly exclaim, "A silvery shadow!"
Mirkk nods slowly to you.
(Rohese moves some of the ferns aside and leans forward to peer closely into the ground.)
Speaking softly to yourself, you whisper aloud, "A treasure was shown to me."
Canvassing the area carefully, you discover a nacre-inlaid wyrwood casket!  You quickly snatch it up before anybody else notices it.
You blink in surprise as though just becoming aware of a nacre-inlaid wyrwood casket's presence.
Mirkk glances at you.
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you exclaim, "I've found something!"
You gaze thoughtfully at your wyrwood casket.

Despite being no bigger than the size of a standard deck of cards, the small wyrwood casket has been elaborately decorated on all sides with runic symbol pyrography.  Left smooth, the lid bears a complex moon phase design in mother-of-pearl inlay and silver tracery around it depicting an array of astrological glyphs.  

Speaking anxiously to you, Mirkk asks, "What is it?"
Mirkk leans forward.
(Rohese brushes away the dirt and leaves from the outside of the wyrwood casket.)
Speaking tentatively to Mirkk, you say, "It looks like a box of some kind."
You bite your lip.
You show Mirkk your wyrwood casket.
Mirkk blinks.
You gaze thoughtfully at your wyrwood casket.
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "It has some sort of runes on it."
You nod slowly.
You rub a nacre-inlaid wyrwood casket in your hand.
You softly say, "I can't quite make them out."
You shake your head.
Speaking excitedly to Mirkk, you ask, "Do you think this is it?"
Speaking puzzledly to you, Mirkk says, "I do not know."
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you ask, "The gift the tea leaves spoke of?"
You bite your lip.
You gaze thoughtfully at your wyrwood casket.
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Perhaps."
Mirkk glances around the area.
You glance up.
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you ponder, "It all fits."
Speaking reticently to Mirkk, you ask, "Do you think I should open it?"
Mirkk glances uneasily at you.
(Rohese attempts to open the casket but finds the lid won't budge.)
Mirkk glances around the area.
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
You sigh.
Mirkk looks thoughtfully at you.
Speaking disappointedly to Mirkk, you say, "I can't seem to open it and there's no sign of a keyhole."
You turn over your wyrwood casket.
You incline your head.
(Mirkk points at the wyrwood casket you are holding.)
You bite your lip.
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "Look at the design."
You gaze thoughtfully at your wyrwood casket.
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "What do you see?"
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "A moon and stars."
Mirkk nods slowly to you.
Mirkk glances up.
You bite your lip.
You glance up.
You softly exclaim, "Oh!"
Mirkk removes an alum-banded dark ivory pocket watch from in his black leather waistcoat.
Mirkk gazes with interest at the dark ivory watch in his hand.
Mirkk put an alum-banded dark ivory pocket watch in his black leather waistcoat.
Speaking sheepishly to Mirkk, you say, "You're right."
You lower your gaze.
You feel more refreshed.
Speaking playfully to Mirkk, you murmur, "For once."
You glance at Mirkk and smile in a slow, coy fashion.
Mirkk laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.
You wiggle your nose.
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I said nothing."
Mirkk hums a seemingly random tune.
Speaking decisively to Mirkk, you say, "We'll take it home."
Mirkk glances around the area.
Mirkk nods slowly to you.
You stand back up.
Mirkk stands up.
You dust off your lamb's wool robes.
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Do you think it has to be a full Liabo?"
Mirkk peers quizzically at you.
You gaze thoughtfully at your wyrwood casket.
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "There's only one way to find out."
You wrinkle your nose.
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you exclaim, "Try each night until it opens!"
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "You could place it on the window sill. It will catch the most moonlight."
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "Or I get so frustrated that I throw it out of the window."
You bite your lip.
Mirkk laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.
You nod in agreement at Mirkk.
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "We'll put it on our bed chamber windowsill."
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I would go fetch it."
Mirkk nods to you.
You giggle softly at Mirkk.
Speaking excitedly to Mirkk, you speculate, "I wonder what's inside!"
(Rohese gives her wyrwood casket a gentle shake.)
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "There's definitely something in there."
Speaking to you, Mirkk asks, "Does it feel heavy?"
Mirkk peers quizzically at you.
You hold your wyrwood casket close to your body.
You shake your head.
Mirkk ponders.
You softly say, "You try."
Mirkk has accepted your offer and is now holding a nacre-inlaid wyrwood casket.
Mirkk holds a nacre-inlaid wyrwood casket up to his ear.
(Mirkk gives the wyrwood casket a gentle but firm shake.)
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you say, "It's muffled, there's probably something soft inside."
You thoughtfully tap a finger against your lips.
Mirkk nods to you.
Speaking to you, Mirkk says, "I can feel something shifting."
Mirkk offers you a nacre-inlaid wyrwood casket.  
You hold your wyrwood casket close to your body.
You glance down.
You brush your fingers lightly against your wyrwood casket.
Speaking softly to Mirkk, you exclaim, "Let's go home!"

Moonstruck

Walk barefoot. Listen to the trees. Drink in the moon. Be magic
Private commission from https://sayta.artstation.com/

a nacre-inlaid wyrwood casket
Despite being no bigger than the size of a standard deck of cards, the small wyrwood casket has been elaborately decorated on all sides with runic symbol pyrography.  Left smooth, the lid bears a complex moon phase design in mother-of-pearl inlay and silver tracery around it depicting an array of astrological glyphs.

A gentle moonglow slipped through the window of the bed chamber, bathing the small wyrwood casket on the sill in its silvery luminescence. One by one, the glyphs on the lid glowed brightly, followed by a series of barely imperceptible clicks.

Rohese stirred in her sleep. Rising to her feet, she took a somnambular step towards the window and into the square of light on the floor cast by the moonbeam. As the light of the full Liabo moon struck her, the faint lines of text beneath her skin began to ripple and swirl. Another step closer and the mysterious calligraphy glowed softly, permeating her skin and lifting from its pale surface. Words and phrases writhed around her wrists like ethereal manacles, snaking their way up her bare forearms and beneath the sleeves of her shift. Reaching out for the casket, the agitated text slowed and, as soon as her fingers made contact with the little box, it settled back into place but continuing to emanate a steady warm, golden glow. The array of glyphs on the lid pulsed with a dazzling white light and faded back to their usual dull silver.

Rohese woke with a start. Realising the significance of the moment, she tentatively opened the casket in her hand. Nestled in the folds of the grey velvet lining was an adularescent pale opal ring. She lifted it out and examined it closely. Flanked by a vaalin crescent and a trio of tiny silver stars, a notably large oval-cut opal sat atop a band of white gold. Flaunting a milky white body, the remarkable stone was semi-opaque and showed a play of iridescent colour with flashes of silver and blue across its glassy surface.

With only a moment’s hesitation, she slipped the ring onto the middle finger of her right hand and a rush of images and sounds invaded her mind. Wave after wave of memories and emotions hit her, causing her to reel and step backwards out of the shaft of silvery light. The sensory assault ceased as abruptly as it had started and she quickly removed the ring. It was then that she noticed the faint engraving on the inside of the band. Turning it towards the window, she read the inscription.

Walk barefoot.  Listen to the trees.  Drink in the moon.  Be Magic

Mirkk stepped behind Rohese as she stumbled backwards, resting his hand gently on her back in case she fell. Glancing down, he noticed that the inked text down her spine was faintly glowing through her thin shift. Something significant had clearly just happened to her and, seeing the ring in her hand, he hoped that she finally had some answers.

~☆ ^☽ ☆~

For days afterwards, the memories came flooding in when she least expected it. Every bone in her body turned hot and she couldn't make it stop. Whatever binding had kept them at bay had broken. There would be a rush of sensation through her, then nothing. She would become overwhelmed with the slightest sound or the way her clothes felt against her skin or a smell. It was as if her body remembered and reminded the rest of her.

Long lost recollections of her childhood and her family came and went like the rapidly turning pages of a book. It became a turbulent journey through not only her own past from differing perspectives but also from other matriarchs in her family; all leading up to her search for the truth through the trees in the Veythorne Garden and the moment when she had finally found her grandmother's ring in the Linden Grove. She would never feel alone again because now she had their collective memories too.

Rohese wept softly; not through any feeling of sadness or grief but simply an emotional release because she finally understood.

Epilogue

Extract from Rohese's diary, entry dated the 20th day in the month of Lormesta in the year 5122.

I made the choice to step into the unknown and I found love.  

I am still Rohese but, with his strength and guidance, I found truth.  

I found peace where there was once grief; and found grief in the place that I once thought held peace. The truth is so far separated from where I thought it existed. It became a wild, unbound journey: the journey from the illusion into the truth.

I've learned that we are all the pieces of what we remember – there are no secrets or surprises. We hold in ourselves the hopes and fears of those who loved us. As long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss.

It had all started with a book; her grandmother's book. The search for the truth had taken her down paths she had never anticipated. She had visited countless libraries across Elanthia, communed with trees, dabbled with flow magic and rituals she was not really skilled enough to perform. And now...now she finally understood what it all meant. Generations of women in her family had harnessed the power of the moon and bequeathed their knowledge to their daughters and grand-daughters as echoes of memory through the medium of text.

Rohese passed her opal-ringed hand over her grandmother's book and smiled as she read the simple text on etiquette and protocol. The effaced text was no longer evident on its pages, it was all within her.

I am the book.

Author's Notes

Secrets of the Page

A witch may glean scraps of rotes inscribed previously in a palimpsest through the echoes of their memory, though she can never learn them without full experiences. Once she has figured out how to understand and interpret those echoes, she can develop her own rotes based on that knowledge.

Each rote echoes its own mystery. True understanding comes when the energy and rhythmicity of the moon is harnessed. Aligning with the phases, it is possible to work with natural forces to clarify and refine those mysteries. Once she has fully scrutinized the echo with the "sight," the witch may cast it from the palimpsest with alacrity.

The Elven Connection with Trees

A tree in its infancy sends roots down into the earth even as it reaches and opens to the sky above, in search of nourishment from the elements. In the same way, elves connect with the world and the Palurin Fea with elemental and spiritual strands that keep them connected. Just like a tree, an elf seeks the sustenance needed to survive and thrive. Both serve as conduits for the intermingling of the opposite and complementary elements of air, water, fire, and earth.

Trees will often grow around other trees or even through rock, shattering it, in their effort to reach the air and light they need to survive. Elves are similarly resilient with a built-in propensity for growth and the conditions that promote it. Elves find creative ways around the obstacles they confront as they follow their own paths, moving toward that which sustains them. Long ago exiled after the Undead War, dark elves' skin grew dark from exposure to the mana foci of Rhoska-Tor and they mastered spiritual and elemental magic as no other race ever could.

Contemplating the ways in which trees and elves mirror one another brings them into alignment with the reality that they are all part of the Palurin Fea. Elven progenies, and the trees and their offspring, will live together on Elanthia as long as they all survive, sharing the elements and serving together to forward the Arkati's plan.

Trees Remember

There has always been a spiritual link between elves and trees, and elves who are grieving find in trees an unspoken solace and a solemn comfort. The planting of memorial trees is longstanding tradition throughout the Elven Nations, and usually given in memory of a life well-lived, or as a symbol of everlasting affection. The planting of trees symbolizes peace, life, growth, and hope for the future.

Whilst Rohese's family are not of a high enough station to have memorial trees planted in places of honor, they nonetheless have preferred locations where their seedpods are planted or favoured trees where their ashes are scattered.

Memorial Trees

An extract from an essay written on Memorial Trees by Elaejia Silithyr

An elf wishing a memorial tree prepares one for herself by selecting a seedpod and binding herself to it before her death. If she does not plant it herself, or take it with her to her death, her family is enjoined to plant the seedpod in a place where it will thrive.

Having been bound to the spirit of an elf, the seedling assumes some of the life force of that elf and is granted an even longer life than even trees generally enjoy. They are also more resistant to blights and other vegetable dangers.

They may blossom in atypical colors or with unusual vibrancy, especially on the anniversaries of the death of their elf.

The earlier in an elf's life she chooses to bind herself to a seedpod, the more connected their spirits become, as the tree's spirit has longer to know her.

Even if an elf only chooses and binds herself to a seedpod on her deathbed, her tree will always remember her name, and will whisper it into the wind occasionally. Some older elven mortuary houses provide this service upon request.

The most connected trees assume some of the knowledge of their elf, though in general the things of interest to trees are not typically very interesting to non-sessile mortals. There are a great many trees with memories of particularly beautiful wildflower meadows and enthusiastic honeybees from aeons past, for example.

In general, the spirits of memorial trees are more open, and interested in the lives of non-sessile mortals than other tree spirits are. One might think of them as "partially domesticated," such as like felines.