Search for the Truth (short story)

Title: Search for the Truth
Author: Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l

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

Following on from an 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 Aendir's 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 rites.

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 now 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 own beloved 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 to 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 - 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 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 hesitantly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I haven't seen you since the gathering at the Villa."
Elaejia holds her breath.
You bite your lip.
Elaejia glances away.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "Right."
You clear your throat.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "I hope you and the family are keeping well?"
You incline your head.
Speaking frankly in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "First allow me to apologize for my behaviour then, lady Rohese."
Elaejia shakes her head.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you assure, "You have nothing to apologise for."
You look at Elaejia and shake your head.
Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia says, "I know it must have been uncomfortable for you, I regret that."
Speaking understandingly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I know how much you care for your brother."
Elaejia takes a deep breath.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia admits, "I am too quick to anger."
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you counter, "You're just protecting your family."
You nod understandingly at Elaejia.
Speaking tentatively in Elven to Elaejia, you reassure, "I know Daevian well though and I know he wouldn't wish any harm to come to Jossarian."
You smile at Elaejia.
Elaejia smiles faintly.
Speaking in Elven, you hastily say, "But it's none of my business."
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia wryly says, "So he keeps reiterating."
Elaejia makes a flicking motion with her hand.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia carefully says, "I have spoken to him, since then.  We have reached an... Accord."
You let out a sigh of relief.
Speaking sincerely in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "I'm glad, he is a good soul and I would hate to see him cause a rift."
Elaejia looks thoughtfully at you.
You smile at Elaejia.
You take a tiny sip of your porcelain tea cup, warming your lips and making sure it isn't too hot to drink.
Speaking concernedly in Elven to Elaejia, you ask, "How is Jossarian?"
Elaejia closes her eyes for a moment.
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia murmurs, "Master Corwyth indicates he is troubled," she pauses, glancing away, "I have not spoken to him, yet."
You incline your head.
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia adds, "I will, when he is ready."
Speaking politely in Elven to Elaejia, you offer, "If there is anything I can to help, please do not hesitate to ask."
Elaejia inclines her head.
Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "It is kind of you to offer, but I hesitate to put you in such a position again."
You smile at Elaejia.
Speaking softly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "You know where to find me."
You wrinkle your nose.
Elaejia smiles.
Speaking tentatively in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "But I'm glad that I've caught you, there is another matter I wish to discuss with you."
You glance around the area.
Elaejia gazes with interest at you.
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."
Get what?
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 - 13416]
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 - 13424]
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.

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers to the group, "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.
(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers to the group, "Ink appearing on skin, similar to your own, not quite identical."

(OOC) Elaejia's player whispers to the group, "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