Rohese (prime)/Forgotten Ink

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: Forgotten Ink

Author: Rohese Bayvel

This article is a work in progress!

Alawien Calelith
Created by Rohese's player using Midjourney AI.

Forgotten Ink was a player-run storyline set in Ta'Illistim during the summer of 2025. It began as a continuation of Rohese's story; more specifically her research into the Bayvel lineage and the sentience of trees. What followed was an interactive quest involving other player characters.

Summary

Setting

[Library Aies, Restricted Section]
The library's inner foyer is fully panelled in rich, dark maoral. Pale creamy marble covers the expansive floor, punctuated occasionally by a small golden tesserae set at cross-angles with the tiles. Large antique tapestries cover the wall behind the scribe's desk, illuminated by a series of candle-lit wall sconces. You also see a spectacled elven scribe.

You see Alawien Calelith Illistim.
She appears to be an Elf.
She is average height.  She appears to be aged, carrying wisdom and grace in equal measure.  She has rheumy teal green eyes and wrinkled, fair skin.  She has mid back-length, straight salt-and-pepper grey hair tucked neatly behind her ears.  She has a pinched face and a thin mouth.
A long silver feather quill is tucked behind her ear.
She is wearing a pair of half moon spectacles, a silver-bound open tome pin, a gentian velvet robe graced by a crossed quill and inkwell, and a pair of soft leather slippers.

Prologue

Who decides what must remain hidden? Who deems knowledge unworthy of illumination?

The scent of parchment and aged ink lingered in the halls of Library Aies. Rohese found this comforting and regularly sought out a quiet corner in which to continue her research into the Bayvel lineage. She was particularly interested in finding out more about the glowbark tree in the Veythorne Manor grounds because of her family connection to it: was it an Anienaeun - a remembrance tree - and, if so, when was it planted and by whom?

Scholars in gentian velvet robes moved in hushed contemplation around her, their whispered debates punctuated by the scratching of quills at various writing desks dotted around the vast hall. Rohese was seated at one of these small desks poring over some old texts when an anxious elven woman approached her, her ink-stained fingers trembling around a rolled parchment. It was Scribe Alawien Calelith. Rohese knew her well as she was the scribe that often helped her to access material in the library's restricted section. Alawien glanced around nervously before pressing the parchment urgently into Rohese's hands.

"I was transcribing a passage from a book I discovered that I thought might help you when the ink changed before my eyes. The words rewrote themselves, revealing a passage that I had never seen before. Then, the book slammed shut and vanished entirely."

Her voice dropped to a tremulous whisper.

"I fear I may have uncovered something that was meant to stay hidden."

13th day of Koaratos, 5125

Alawien met with a small gathering of scholars and friends of Rohese and introduced herself. She mentioned that she had found a book entitled, "The Veythorne Glowbark: History and Study," and went on to explain that on opening the book and reading a passage about the gardens, the text shimmered before her eyes and revealed an additional passage but the book promptly slammed shut and vanished before she could read more than a few lines.

Alawien gave out transcript copies of both passages for further study, highlighting the reference to a treatise.

Extract transcribed from "The Veythorne Glowbark: History and Study".
Author: Unknown

The Veythorne family gardens are widely regarded as one of the most well-maintained private botanical collections in Ta'Illistim.  Featuring carefully arranged topiaries, imported flora from across Elanthia, and a variety of native species, the gardens serve as both a place of quiet contemplation and an example of meticulous elven horticulture.  Shaded paths lined with trees lead visitors through carefully curated sections, each designed to highlight the beauty of seasonal blooms.
	

Text of unknown origin discovered by Scribe Alawien Calelith.

I was a scholar before I was a heretic. I walked the halls of Library Aies with reverence, my hands untainted by ambition. But books have voices, and some whisper louder than others.  A forgotten treatise, its black leather cover warped with age, fell from a high shelf into my hands.  No title. No author.  The script within - archaic, tangled.  Yet as I read, I understood. As if the knowledge had always been waiting for me to claim it.  They call it 'forbidden,' I call it incomplete scholarship.  Who decides what must remain hidden? Who deems knowledge unworthy of illumination?

20th day of Koaratos, 5125

Yunni Radottir discovered two discarded notes under one of the shelves in the Library Aies Hall of Magic. She and Rohese agreed that they had been there a very long time and seemed to be notes taken from the missing treatise.

a crumpled white note
In the Common language, it reads:

"Small and bound in black leather, the book bears no title and no author."

Alongside a partially completed diagram of lunar phases is some kind of sigil or glyph and the rest of the crumpled sheet is covered in hastily scribbled notes that have faded badly and illegible in places.

"                 when moonlight casts its glow upon the written word, it does not fall as light, but as memory."

"      the night wanes - perfect for veiling inscriptions.  Let the ink be writ beneath the magic of concealment and         "

"                                          no eye save mine shall read it unless the conditions are met. Even I forget, until she reminds me."

"          text concealed in light's absence is safer than professed silence."

a dirt-dusted white note
The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"The treatise bears a crest - an open eye set against a black pyramid - Watchers? " 

Alongside a hastily drawn sketch of the crest are a few lines of scribbled text, most of which are no longer legible beneath centuries of dust and dirt.

"                      forbidden       "

"Lorae'tyr                                                 "

"                   Shien'tyr                                 "

"                portal or gate                   "

Lucraine had written to Rohese to explain that he was on the hunt for the "old coot" that had mentioned the Illuminator's Talisman and promised to report back. Meanwhile, Rohese finally finished examining all the books on the shelves in the Hall of Magic and found a couple that could possibly be the aforementioned treatise. She was somewhat sceptical as none of them seem to cover 'forbidden' magic to a great extent; they merely referenced it. She believed that the treatise was no longer in the Library Aies and that the author of the discarded notes found earlier by Yunni Radottir had taken it away.

She shared the two books with Alawien just in case:

• Veils Beyond the Veil: A Discourse on Valence Thresholds and the Loss of Form ~ Explores unstable valences, soul-fracture phenomena, and the irreversible price of sustained contact with other planes.
• In Light Unseen: The Obscured Art of Illumination and Thought Binding ~ A study on magical concealment, memory erasure, and talismanic triggers—rumoured to be connected to the Watchers of the Eternal Eye.

Scribe Alawien agreed that neither of them was likely to be the referenced treatise and that it had probably been moved to another location. Alawien let everyone know that she will trying to find the 'vanishing' book in the Restricted Section.

22nd day of Koaratos, 5125

Alawien successfully tracked down the book in the Restricted Section but it vanished again. She managed to glean a little information and wrote to the group to share it.

Dear Scholar,

Today I was fortunate enough to track down the elusive book once more but I didn't have it for long before it vanished again.  I was unable to open the book - it seems to be magically sealed now - but, in the short time I held it, I was able to discern a faint indentation in the front cover that looked like a sigil of some kind along with other faint markings.  These markings were silver in nature and glowed slightly as I happened to turn the book towards the window where the moon was visible in the night sky.

I believe these markings hold the key to preventing the book from vanishing and perhaps even to unlocking the secrets within.  I shall continue to search for the book again but, in the meantime, I think it would be helpful if you could carry out some research into the glowbark tree and perhaps the Veythorne family itself.   I have spoken to some of my colleagues in the Restricted Section and they will be more than happy to assist you.

I welcome your thoughts and suggestions on how I might proceed with the book should I find it again.   Please bear in mind that I will only have it in my hands for just a moment therefore it cannot leave the Restricted Section.

Scribe Alawien Calelith
Library Aies

29th day of Koaratos, 5125

With the Symposium behind her, Rohese's thoughts turned back to the mystery of the missing book in the Library Aies Restricted Section. Scribe Alawien had spent the weekend trying to track it down again with little success and had offered to meet Rohese to discuss the matter over tea.

Comfortable in each other's presence now, the pauses in conversation between sips were not unusual as each tried to shape their thoughts and ideas into something resembling order.

Rohese sighed and replaced her teacup onto the saucer.

"So, it's clear from the first passages you saw that the book is a journal of some kind with entries concealed beneath text seemingly related to the Veythorne Manor glowbark tree?"

Alawien nodded and took another sip of tea before responding.

"The entries are definitely arcane in nature too, judging by the manner in which it was hidden and the book itself sealed. How that was done is something we should probably look into so that - should I be able to find it again - we can attempt to open it."

Rohese's brow furrowed at the mention of arcane but she nodded in agreement.

“The notes that the young elf, Yunni, found in the Hall of Magic and kindly sent to me seemed to allude to moonlight, the Watchers of the Eternal Eye and valences.” Alawien confirmed.

Rohese thought for a moment and then tentatively asked, “And we're sure it has something to do with the Veythorne family?”

Alawien nodded slowly but didn’t reply.

"I spoke briefly with Lord Gilenir Veythorne at the Symposium," Rohese continued, "and he kindly agreed to give us access to his library, should we need it. I will work with the others to compile a list of what material we might wish to look for so as not to impose on his goodwill too much."

Alawien smiled, draining her teacup and putting it back onto the table. She rose to her feet with an audible sigh and groan as she rested her hand on her back. She chuckled slightly.

"Don't get old, Rohese. These old bones need to return to the Library but I will be in touch with you all again soon. Even sooner should I track down that book!"

Rohese returned her smile and gently added, "You take care of yourself and we'll continue our research in the meantime."

2nd day of Phoenatos, 5125

During her research, Lady Elaejia Silithyr stumbled across a passage that mentioned a scholar etching notes into the bark of the glowbark tree. She suggested that we investigate the tree more closely so Rohese offered to hold a brief commune to see what she might share with the group. Several scholars gathered around the tree at twilight.

The Glowbark Tree

[Veythorne Manor, The Glowbark - 13424] (u13111035)
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.  Blush-tinted mezereon 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.  You also see a sapphire-eyed silvered arctic fox.
Also here: Lady Vellani, Lady Arenglae

Alawien just arrived.
You smile at Alawien.
You glance at Alawien and clasp your hands in a reverent gesture.
Vellani nods faintly at Alawien.
Alawien nods in greeting.
Alawien quietly says, "Ah, some familiar faces."
Alawien nods slowly.
Straightening her back, Arenglae gives a formal, low curtsy to Alawien.  She inclines her head as well, giving Alawien a brief nod.
Speaking softly to Alawien, you say, "I am pleased you were able to join us."
Alawien smiles at you.
Speaking quietly to you, Alawien says, "Of course, child.  I am as intrigued as you all are."
You smile.
You softly say, "We'll wait just a few moments and see if others join us and then we'll get started."
Alawien nods appreciatively.
Vellani nods faintly.
Alawien quietly says, "I cannot be away from the Library for too long."
You nod understandingly at Alawien.
Speaking in Elven to Alawien, Arenglae says, "I understand that all too well."
Alawien smiles at Arenglae.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani says, "Is there anything specific we should do--or not do? I do not want to be in the way."
You smile at Vellani.
Rivienne just arrived.
Speaking softly to Vellani, you reassure, "You won't be in the way at all."
You beam happily at Rivienne!
Rivienne smiles.
Vellani nods gratefully to you.
Vellani smiles at Rivienne.
Speaking delightedly to Rivienne, you say, "You came."
Rivienne exclaims, "I did!"
Rivienne says, "Hello, everyone."
Speaking softly to Vellani, you say, "I will guide you when it matters, don't worry."
Alawien smiles at Rivienne.
Alawien nods in greeting.
Speaking quietly to you, Alawien says, "Hurry now child, my Library awaits."
Vellani lets out a sigh of relief.
You giggle to yourself.
You nod once.
You softly say, "Gather close then."
Vellani gazes with interest at you.
You softly say, "Let me ensure we are protected, you can never tell what wayward spirits might wish to intrude."
Murmuring into the air, you prepare Minor Sanctuary, causing pinpoints of silver-hazed light to dance along your form.  As you gesture, the starbursts link together, forming ethereal constellations that fade into the air before you.
A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.
Rivienne glances suspiciously around the area.
You purposefully pace to your right, moving in a circle around an ancient glowbark tree.
You brush your fingers lightly against an ancient glowbark tree.
You nod faintly.
Arenglae takes a moment to observe an ancient glowbark tree.
You softly explain, "I'm going to cast a circle of protection.  When it's completed, you may all join me within, if you wish."
You smile.
Rivienne nods once to you.
You gently caution, "Once inside the circle though, you must not break it until I say so."
You wrinkle your nose.
You remove a small hollowed root from in your linden case.
You hold a small hollowed root at arm's length and tilt it slightly, and a thin trail of sap trickles steadily forth from it.  You let it pour around you as you turn around slowly, and are soon bordered by a circle of sap.
Vellani tilts her head down.
You put a small hollowed root in your linden case.
You walk through the rough circle of the sap and stand within it, kneeling down reverently then bowing your head in supplication.
Rivienne walks into the rough circle of sap and stands within it, then kneels down reverently and bows her head in supplication.
Vellani walks into the rough circle of sap and stands within it, then kneels down reverently and bows her head in supplication.
Arenglae walks into the rough circle of sap and stands within it, then kneels down reverently and bows her head in supplication.
Vellani nods faintly.
Alawien walks into the rough circle of sap and stands within it, then kneels down reverently and bows her head in supplication.
You remove a radiant ghostly blue leaf from in your linden case.
You smile.
You gently remind, "Don't break the circle now, no matter what happens."
You lower your gaze.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani softly agrees, "Do not break the circle."
You smile quietly to yourself.
You wink at Vellani.
Alawien gazes thoughtfully at a circular stain of sap.
You gently instruct, "Now if you could all place your hands on the trunk of the tree we will see what she can share with us."
You lean toward an ancient glowbark tree.
Rivienne reaches out and touches an ancient glowbark tree.
(Rohese places one hand reverently upon the furrowed bark of the glowbark tree.  A gentle breeze swirls around her, lifting her hair and causing it to shimmer with a silvery white glow.)
Alawien reaches out and touches an ancient glowbark tree.
Vellani leans forward.
Arenglae reaches out and touches an ancient glowbark tree.
Vellani reaches out and touches an ancient glowbark tree.
Speaking gently to an ancient glowbark tree, you whisper aloud, "Hello Amaltara."
You smile quietly to yourself.
Rivienne surreptitiously glances at you.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
You reverently say, “Blessings upon you, Mother Tree.  Forgive our intrusion but we have recently learned of a scholar who may have desecrated this space."
You carefully continue, "Would you be willing to share any insights or memories of such an occurrence?"

(Rohese glances around as a sudden hush settles over the glade. The glowbark tree's leaves shimmer faintly, as though catching light from a source unseen.  Blue motes drift lazily from the upper branches, vanishing before they touch the ground, and a faint creaking rises from deep within the trunk, like something ancient shifting in its sleep.  The glowbark tree pulses once with soft blue light, a rhythm strangely close to a heartbeat.)

Alawien gazes with interest at her surroundings.
Vellani breathes in slightly.
Vellani closes her eyes for a moment.
Fehala arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a graceful brown and white doe made of moonlight silver light cantering beside her.
Fehala kisses three fingers and touches them to her brow.
As she moves to a kneeling position, the fabric of Fehala's voluminous layered linen robe pools on the ground around her.
You glance over your shoulder.

[Visions possibly seen by each participant]

🕯️You see a flicker of candlelight in a shadow-filled library.  A robed figure whispers to a companion, "- - the seal won't hold unless it's bathed in moonlight - -"
 
🕯️You recall a memory of bare feet on the garden paths, and a pair of voices - familiar and hesitant - speaking of hiding something not because it is dangerous, but because it is misunderstood.
 
🕯️You hear a single name, half-formed in breath: "Ca -- le -- lith."  Then the creak of a library door closing in the dark.
 
🦋 A moth flutters around your head for a moment and lands on the bark of the tree in front of you.  As it does so, an outline glows, forming a brief glyph resembling a stylized eye.

Speaking in Elven, Vellani whispers aloud, "I see... something."
You beam happily at Fehala!
Rivienne giggles at Vellani.
Speaking quietly to Fehala, you say, "Come and join us."
You raise an eyebrow in Vellani's direction.
Fehala tilts her head toward Vellani, examining her intently as the tip of one ear twitches briefly.
Speaking to Vellani, Rivienne asks, "A Sylvan?"
You giggle softly at Rivienne.
Vellani blinks at Fehala.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae murmurs, "Ca-le-lith...?"
Alawien raises an eyebrow in Arenglae's direction.
Speaking hesitantly in Elven to Rivienne, Vellani says, "No. Well, yes. But also something else. Somewhere else."
Rivienne says, "Oh, ok."
Speaking quietly to Arenglae, Alawien echoes, "Calelith?"
Rivienne flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.

Rohese smiles and the leaf in her palm flutters slightly, though no wind stirs.  The glowbark tree pulses once and a soft voice hums an incantation in a language you almost understand then a phrase can be heard through the susuration of the leaves overhead, "Ink sealed in moonlight. Speak not. Hide all."

Rivienne exclaims, "Oh!"
Rivienne leans forward.
Rivienne exclaims, "I think I saw something too!"
Vellani raises an eyebrow.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae distantly says, "Yes... I saw... bare feet on a garden path... voices speaking...  but the only thing I could make out was Calelith..."
Alawien furrows her brow.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani murmurs, "Moonlight."
Rivienne reaches out and touches an ancient glowbark tree.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani explains, "I saw a darkened libra--"

[Visions possibly seen by each participant]

🌳Your thoughts are not your own.  You hear a voice; not old but weary.  "We thought the Eye would guard us. But it only watched - - and waited."  A single ghostly blue leaf bursts into flame midair and turns to a dark inky colour as it falls and turns to ash.
 
🌿 A light breeze stirs your hair.  The bark beneath your hand feels warm - unexpectedly so.  Then, a whisper, thin as moth-wing, "Memory roots deep.  Secrets rot slow."  You glimpse the ghost of a robed figure pacing a garden path at dusk, a silver sigil glinting at their throat then the image fades, like breath on glass.
 
🌿 The leaf in your palm trembles, though no wind stirs.  The glowbark tree pulses once beneath your touch.  A soft voice hums - a lullaby in a language you almost understand then a phrase bubbles up from nowhere, "Ink sealed in moonlight. Speak not. Hide all."  A blurred vision of a desk cluttered with torn pages, a moth, a hand reaching for a silver sigil.
 
🌿 As your fingers press to the bark, it yields slightly, as if recognizing something.  A sigh rustles the branches.  In the stillness, a voice - not spoken, but imprinted - resonates.  "We wrote in silence, in shadow. They mustn't find it - - not as we left it."  Behind your eyes, you see pages vanishing as they're turned, and a hand pressing a silver sigil into leather.
 
Vellani gasps.
(Vellani briefly recoils from the tree, as if burned.)
Rivienne carefully tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Speaking softly to Vellani, you caution, "Don't break the circle."
Vellani flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.
Speaking in Elven to you, Vellani promises, "I will not."
Speaking in Elven, Fehala says, "There is moths in moonlight, their wings vibrating the bough-song."  She tilts her head to one side, setting a gaze on the glowbark's trunk, "The tree watches where they land, with its single stylized eye."
(Arenglae's eyes stare off, her lips moving quickly but murmuring no words.)
You glance up.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani explains, "I saw a darkened library. And two figures speaking... one said, "the seal won't hold unless it's bathed in moonlight."
Speaking in Elven, Vellani says, "But then..."
Rivienne asks, "Do you remember, at the symposium, Vanathys spoke about rune-grafting, the practice of inscribing magical sigils into bark or roots to essentially turn a plant into a spellbook?"
You nod at Rivienne.
Speaking softly to Rivienne, you exclaim, "I do!"
A circular stain of sap's edges slowly fade away as it continues to dry up.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae whispers aloud, "We wrote in silence... in shadow... They mustn't find it -- not as we left it."
The ghostly blue leaves of the glowbark tree shiver briefly.
Fehala tilts her head toward Arenglae, examining her intently as the tip of one ear twitches briefly.
Vellani winces.
You brush your fingers lightly against an ancient glowbark tree.
(Arenglae's eyes move quickly back and forth, as though reading.)
Speaking apologetically to an ancient glowbark tree, you say, "I'm sorry if this is painful for you."
Rivienne says, "If someone did that here, the glowbark may have grown over it."
Rivienne leans back.
(Vellani fidgets uncomfortably, but remains near the tree. Her eyes flicker to the circle's outline briefly.)
(Arenglae jumps suddenly, as if startled, though she remains seated with her hand on the tree.)
Rivienne says, "Valences and loss of control.."
Vellani nods slowly at Rivienne.
A white-footed scrawny deer mouse on Fehala's shoulder suddenly sits up, scanning the area with a mien of feral regality.
Rivienne frowns.
Speaking concernedly to Arenglae, you whisper aloud, "Are you alright?"
Alawien furrows her brow.
Speaking in Elven to Rivienne, Vellani says, "A voice said, "We thought the Eye would guard us. But it only watched - - and waited."
Vellani frowns.
Alawien nods at Vellani.
Alawien quietly says, "I heard that too."
Speaking in Elven, Vellani distantly says, "I am not sure if it was the same voice..."

(Rohese's hand flattens against the bark of the glowbark tree.  A whisper weaves through the branches, unintelligible but deeply familiar; as if it knows and trusts you.  The bark glistens with dew-like beads of silver-blue light.  For a brief moment the entire tree seems to exhale.  A gnarled spiral pattern is faintly visible in the bark near the tree's base.  The lines are too smooth to be natural, their edges blackened with old magic.)

[Visions possibly seen by each participant]

🌿 The bark seems to shiver under your touch, and the tree's glow intensifies.  A scent like old parchment fills your senses and a clear voice echoes in your mind.  "She believed it could be controlled. I followed her- - too far. The valence waits, but it does not sleep."  Then - - screaming wind, a shattered mirror of stars, and the sound of the book slamming shut.
 
🌿 The glowbark resists you for a moment, then relents.  You feel cold, not on your skin, but inside your thoughts.  A phrase floats up, brittle as old ink.  "To see the hidden, you must forget what you know.  The eye closes before it opens."  A brief flash: the Calelith villa at night, a cloaked figure slipping inside, and a warped black leather tome under their arm.
 
🍃 A single leaf twirls down from the canopy, landing in your palm. It dissolves the moment it touches your skin.
 
🍃 You catch a flicker of silver between the bark's furrows, forming the faint outline of an eye.  A ghostly leaf spirals down, catching the light in a shimmer of ethereal blue.  The moment it touches the ground, it curls inward as if trying to hide something, then slowly disintegrates into motes of silvery dust.

Speaking in Elven, Arenglae whispers aloud, "She believed it could be controlled.  I followed her -- too far.  The valence waits, but it does not sleep."
Vellani nods slowly at Arenglae.
You surprisedly exclaim, "Look!"
Rivienne asks, "Could someone have told the tree secrets, carved them into it?"
Speaking in Elven to Arenglae, Vellani mumbles, "I heard it too."
Fehala nods at Vellani.
Arenglae nods slowly at Vellani.
(Rohese points at the base of the tree where a pattern is fading.)
Speaking in Elven to an ancient glowbark tree, Vellani asks, "What is that?"
Speaking in Elven to Vellani, Fehala says, "There is a shattering-- and a closing-- finality in both."
Alawien quietly murmurs, "I've seen that somewhere before, I'm sure."
Rivienne says, "Spirals are such ancient symbols."
Vellani shivers.
A circular stain of sap's edges slowly fade away as it continues to dry up.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani echoes, "To see the hidden, you must forget what you know.  The eye closes before it opens."
You take a deep breath.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani murmurs, "Calelith Villa."
Fehala leans in toward the tree, her pointed ears raised ever so slightly.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "Calelith Villa... a figure with a tome entering at night..."
Alawien closes her eyes for a moment.
Speaking in Elven, Fehala says, "There is a bargain to be made.  To forget, is to know.  An eye closes before it opens."
(Vellani's fingers reach out as if trying to trace something falling.)

Rohese smiles up at the tree but it quickly fades as the air around it thickens, humming with suppressed energy.  The leaves shift as if responding to an unseen presence and a gust stirs the tree's branches, shaking free a handful of pale blue leaves.  They spiral downward in a slow, deliberate pattern - tracing a sigil in the air before vanishing.

You glance around the area.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani softly asks, "What is that?"
Speaking tentatively to Vellani, you ask, "It looked like a glyph or sigil of some kind?"
Rivienne says, "Seems something may be hidden in Gyldemar Green."
You gaze thoughtfully at an ancient glowbark tree.
Vellani nods slightly to you.
Rivienne agrees with you.
Fehala cocks her head at Rivienne.

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.

Alawien gruffly mutters, "All that’s out there is my old home."
Speaking to Fehala, Rivienne says, "Whats left of Calelith Villa."
Alawien nods slowly at Rivienne.
Rivienne glances at Alawien.
Vellani gazes with interest at Alawien.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "I saw the outline of an eye..."
Alawien dismissively says, "That place has been in ruins for centuries."
Alawien waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.
Rivienne nods at Arenglae.
You nod at Arenglae.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "How... grandfatherly."
Vellani nods slowly at Arenglae.

A radiant ghostly blue leaf is suddenly caught up in an errant breeze and swirls southwest.
You softly say, "I saw that too ..."

You glance southwest.
A circular stain of sap's edges slowly fade away as it continues to dry up.
Vellani glances away.
You apprehensively ask, "Didn't Lady Vaillancourt say something about the Watchers?"
You bite your lip.
Alawien nods to you.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani softly says, "She did."
Rivienne says, "The Watchers of the Eternal Eye."
Rivienne says, "I don’t know much about them."
You bite your lip.
Speaking in Elven to Rivienne, Vellani says, "Nor I. I wish I did, now."
You adopt an agreeable expression.
You softly say, "Perhaps she knows more and can enlighten us."
Rivienne nods to you.
You softly say, "Well, let me close this circle and we can all move more freely."
You stand back up.
You dust off your ecru suede leggings.
Vellani lets out a long, contemplative breath.
Vellani glances warily at an ancient glowbark tree.
Rivienne stands up.
Speaking gratefully to an ancient glowbark tree, you say, "We thank you Mother Tree."
You reach out and touch an ancient glowbark tree.
You purposefully pace to your left, moving in a circle around an ancient glowbark tree.
You brush your fingers lightly against an ancient glowbark tree.
Speaking in Elven to an ancient glowbark tree, Vellani murmurs, "Thank you."
You softly say, "Now you can step out of the circle."
You wiggle your nose at Vellani.
(Arenglae withdraws her hand from the glowbark tree.)
Alawien chuckles.
Alawien stands up.
Vellani smiles faintly.
Vellani stands up.
Arenglae nods.
Arenglae stands up.
Alawien groans.
Arenglae takes a few steps back.
Alawien quietly says, "My poor old back."
Vellani takes a few steps back.
Alawien inwardly sighs.
You reach over and gently rest your hand on Alawien's shoulder.
Vellani nods sympathetically at Alawien.
Speaking softly to Alawien, you say, "Thank you for sparing the time to join us."
Alawien nods slowly.
Alawien quietly exclaims, "Back to the Library and I will let you know if I ever find that book again!"
Alawien waves.
You nod appreciatively at Alawien.
Alawien just went northeast.
You let out a long, contemplative breath.
(Fehala brings her ghostly blue leaf up to her lips, whispering softly into its fold.  She lets the leaf flutter and fall, landing to the ground for the wind to pick up and carry elsewhere later.)
You softly exclaim, "Well!"
Fehala carefully places a radiant ghostly blue leaf on the ground.
Rivienne says, "I used to wonder about that Villa."
Vellani nods in agreement at Rivienne.
You nod at Rivienne.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "I always found it curious."
Speaking softly to Rivienne, you say, "Something connects the Caleliths and the Veythornes, that's for sure."
Fehala closes her eyes as she reaches out and traces the grooves of an ancient glowbark tree.  Opening them, she inhales deeply, then sighs peacefully to herself as she gazes at the tree.
Rivienne nods slowly to you.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani softly says, "Deep roots, it seems."
Fehala stands up.
You smile at Fehala.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani concernedly asks, "But who would mar the tree?"
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Rivienne gazes thoughtfully at an ancient glowbark tree.
Rivienne asks, "Someone who knows that trees have long memories?"
You incline your head.
The silvered arctic fox barks.
Vellani nods faintly.
You softly counter, "Or who doesn't know that trees remember."
You gaze thoughtfully at an ancient glowbark tree.
You reach out and touch an ancient glowbark tree.
Speaking in Elven, Vellani softly says, "That is more disturbing."
Rivienne agrees with Vellani.
You nod in agreement at Vellani.
You softly exclaim, "She has given us much to think about!"
Arenglae nods in agreement.
Rivienne exclaims, "Yes!"
Speaking in Elven to you, Arenglae says, "I will see what I may able to dig up in the Library while there."
You smile at Arenglae.
Speaking softly to Arenglae, you say, "Thank you."
Rivienne says, "I think I will make some very subtle inquiries about the Watchers."
Vellani nods in agreement at Arenglae.
You smile at Rivienne.
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae amusedly says, "After all, I practically live there."
Rivienne says, "And maybe go for a ride to the Villa."
Speaking in Elven, Vellani says, "I will continue to look into this moon magic."
You softly say, "And I will reach out to Lady Silithyr and share what we have learned today."
Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "I hope she is well.  I have not visited with her in some time."
You softly say, "My research has uncovered a few interesting facts too but I'm still delving into the Veythorne family history."
Speaking carefully to Arenglae, you say, "She is ... not herself."
Speaking in Elven, Fehala says, "There are places in the Gyldemar where the bough-song sings loudest.  I will lend listening ears there for what passes in the winds between the branches.  A forest shares its burdens.  Others may know and speak of it."
You smile at Fehala.
Speaking to you, Rivienne says, "Thank you for meeting with us today, I've never seen the glowbark so responsive."
Speaking appreciatively to Fehala, you say, "Thank you."
You smile at Rivienne.
Arenglae raises an eyebrow in your direction.
Speaking softly to Rivienne, you say, "She has her moments."
You gaze fondly at an ancient glowbark tree.
Vellani smiles at Fehala.
Speaking softly to Fehala, you say, "I am sure the Glydemar has many secrets to share."
You softly ask, "Shall we meet again in a week or so to share our findings and thoughts?"

5th day of Phoenatos, 5125

Rohese received a letter from Lucraine regarding the Illuminator's Talisman.

The Illuminator's Relic

To Lady Rohese, 

I write with a burden both heavy and elusive. 

Last night, beneath the shroud of moonlight at Kraken's Fall docks, an old man appeared—
 a figure as weathered as time itself, cloaked and silent but for his eyes, which held a 
curious weight. He offered no name, no direct guidance, only a riddle—words that twist like 
smoke and hide their meaning beneath layers of ink and shadow. 

He spoke not plainly of the talismans, but instead recited a verse — a riddle — that hints at 
their existence and location, though shrouded in mystery: 

"Ink sealed in moonlight, speak not—hide all. 
That’s how it begins, and how most come to fall. 

There's a book that breathes but once a year, 
When a silver-eyed moon draws the truth near. 

Its cover is black, its pages hush-tight, 
It wakes with no flame, only moonlight. 

To find it, forget what you think you know - 
For the eye must close before it shows. 

Seek where moths once danced in dust, 
And Calelith's shadows cradle broken trust.
 
But then, the second, it waits in green, 
In the arms of a mother who weeps unseen. 

Her bark bears the spiral, her breath is thin - 
She grew from the seed they buried within. 

Take it, and she dies with a final sigh. 
Leave it, and the forest begins to cry. 

One opens the way with forgotten lore. 
One holds the cost, rotting at the core. 

Choose the night, and find the seal. 
Choose the root, and learn what's real. 

But mind this well before you try - 
The Eye may watch… but never lies."
 
He vanished before I could press him for more, leaving me only with these words—half illumination, half-shadow. 

I send this to you, Rohese, because your bond with Amaltara and knowledge of the glowbark's secrets runs deeper than mine. I hope that, together, we might unravel what the Watcher's riddle means, and discern when and where these talismans might be found - before their burden falls on those less prepared. 

I await your counsel. 

Ever in pursuit of hidden songs and your attentions,
 
Lucraine the Composer

10th day of Phoenatos, 5125

Rohese received a package from Fehala.

In the pine package you see a densely woven bracelet, a page of flora-embossed vellum and a tiny spidersilk sack.

a flora-embossed vellum

I let my feet, the forest's song, and the pull of intuition guide me through the Gyldemar.  Near the Villa, the boughs sway with a cacophony of whispers.  They speak of past hopes, of love, of betrayal, and of vengeance that clings to the bark, spreading like lichen toward the roots. 

It was at the side of a fallen maoral that I found the stillness I needed to sink wholly into the Now and listen to the beat that hides between the moth's fluttering wings.  I listened, and followed the dry, fluttering whispers into the Villa.

The moth's path led me beyond dead wood wrought into pleasing forms; past a maoral door, and to a desk with a drawer.  Within, I found a sigil concealed from casual eyes.  Though Moth's purpose and meaning may diverge, I cannot help but think this is part of what you seek.  The sigils shape calls to mind the spiral pattern traced by the glowbark's falling leaves. 

A sudden battle between a raptor and a raven broke out somewhere in the rooms above, breaking the stillness and scattering Moth into memory.  I have entrusted the sigil to this greedy-eyed postmaster. May it find its way to you and serve your cause. 

These are my words, now bound in ink.  Free them with flame.
-Fehala

In the sack:

an ordinary silver sigil on a twisted glaes chain

Cast of Characters

• Scribe Alawien Calelith Illistim: Of indeterminate age, Alawien is the last known member of the Calelith family. With the family's ancestral home in the Glydemar Forest long abandoned, she resides alone within the Ta'Illistim city walls and has worked as a Scribe in the restricted section of the Library Aies for several centuries so knows it well. Her reputation and experience in the field of elven botany - in particular arboriculture - have earned her the honorary title of Student of Lore.
• Loremaster Rohese Bayvel
• Lord Gilenir Veythorne Illistim

Key Objectives

1. Track down the missing book and, if possible, find out more about the treatise mentioned in the revealed passage.
2. Unlock the book to reveal its contents.
3. Determine the fate of the book.

Research

The following is a copy of all the extracts that scholars discovered from the research they carried out in the Library Aies.

Library Aies Research
Source Title	Excerpt	Insight
The Veythorne Legacy: Masters of Elemental Lore	The Veythorne family, renowned for their profound research into elementals and their planes, traces its scholarly pursuits back to Meathrix Veythorne Illistim, the esteemed founder of the Elemancers.	This highlights the Veythorne family's deep-rooted association with elemental studies, providing context for scholarly endeavors.
Prominent Figures of House Illistim	Among the illustrious members of House Illistim, the Veythorne family stands out, having been part of the royal bloodline during the dynastic era. Notably, Nionien Illistim's union with a prominent Veythorne merchant led to the birth of Argent Mirror Ainlinnima Illistim, whose reign emphasized commerce and business affairs.	This passage underscores the Veythorne family's historical prominence within House Illistim, hinting at their influential role in Ta'Illistim's governance and economy.
Architectural Marvels: Veythorne Manor	Veythorne Manor, a prominent landmark in Ta'Illistim, is typically closed to the public. However, its grounds are famed tourist attractions, reflecting the family's historical significance.	The manor's exclusivity suggests it may house hidden archives or artifacts related to Veythorne scholars in the past, encouraging further exploration.
Uncommon Practices in Elemental Manipulation	While the Veythorne family is widely respected for their contributions to elemental studies, certain experiments throughout history have been met with disapproval. Records indicate that on rare occasions, scholars have sought to extend their understanding beyond conventional summoning, attempting to bind, converse with, or even subvert the natural will of elementals. Such pursuits often led to disastrous results, reinforcing the necessity of restraint in elemental research.	This passage suggests that a Veythorne scholar may have overstepped the boundaries of acceptable elemental research, possibly attempting to control forces beyond his grasp.
The Elemancers of Ta'Illistim: A Tradition of Elemental Study	The Veythorne family, long associated with the study of the elemental planes, has produced many accomplished scholars in the field. However, historical records note that certain inquiries into the nature of planar energy were deemed inappropriate by the more conservative elements of the scholarly community. While most studies focused on the refinement of elemental control, there are whispers of those who sought to push beyond the established boundaries, delving into the unstable convergence of elements - where order breaks and chaos stirs.	This passage subtly implies that some scholars attempted to manipulate elemental forces in ways that were considered reckless or taboo.
Of Scholars and Shadows: The Veiled Heresies	Throughout history, Ta'Illistim has been a beacon of wisdom, but not all knowledge is welcomed within its spires. There are scattered accounts of scholars whose inquiries led them into dangerous, morally dubious territories - experiments with arcane forces unrecorded in sanctioned texts. Such pursuits were swiftly denounced, and those who engaged in them often found themselves erased from scholarly circles, their works suppressed, their names fading into obscurity.	Hints that this particular author was not the first scholar to be cast out for pursuing forbidden knowledge, subtly reinforcing that his studies may have involved unsanctioned magical practices.
On the Ethical Limits of Magical Inquiry: A Discourse by the Loremasters	While the study of magic is essential to the advancement of elven scholarship, there remain practices that must be regarded with great caution. Manipulation of unstable forces, the reckless binding of energy beyond our sphere, and the pursuit of knowledge that defies natural law have led to the downfall of even the most brilliant minds. Certain records speak of those who, in their hubris, reached beyond their grasp, only to find themselves exiled - or worse.	A veiled reference to those who may have overstepped the boundaries of acceptable magical study. This suggests that what one person in particular uncovered was dangerous enough to warrant erasure from formal histories.
Elemental or Something Else? Anomalies in Summoning	While the majority of Illistimi scholars adhere to the known principles of elemental invocation, some have theorized the existence of entities that do not fit within the traditional elemental classifications. These anomalous forces - neither fully spirit nor elemental - are poorly understood, and scholars who have attempted to interact with them have often failed to document their findings. In several instances, such individuals have withdrawn from public life under circumstances that remain unclear.	This suggests that the scholar in question may have attempted a summoning or communion with something that was not entirely elemental in nature—perhaps a darker, unknown force.
The Glowbark Tree: Fact and Folklore	Among the many ancient trees of Ta'Illistim, the glowbark of Veythorne Manor stands apart. While largely regarded as a botanical curiosity, occasional accounts suggest that the tree has responded strangely to certain magical influences. One such account, notably omitted from later editions of this text, described an instance where an unnamed scholar claimed to have 'awakened' the tree, causing its light to pulse in rhythm with spoken words. If such claims were true, they raise uncomfortable questions about the nature of the glowbark's luminescence - and what, if anything, it remembers.	Hints that a scholar may have used the glowbark tree as part of his experiments, possibly activating something long dormant. The removal of details from later editions suggests an attempt to cover up what happened.
The Veythorne's Oldest Warden	Legends claim that the glowbark trees of Ta'Illistim hold memories older than any written record. The Veythorne estate's glowbark, in particular, is said to have once been tended by a scholar who spent long nights beneath its boughs, etching notes in its bark as if holding discourse with the tree itself. While this is, of course, the stuff of myth, one cannot help but wonder what wisdom he sought - or what answers he believed he had found.	A veiled reference to the author's connection to the glowbark tree, implying that he may have communed with it in unnatural ways, possibly leaving behind traces of his work.
The Silent Expulsions: Scholars Forgotten	Although rare, there have been instances where scholars of notable families found their names stripped from records, their research abandoned to time. Such erasures are never done lightly and often suggest discoveries deemed too dangerous, misguided, or unspeakable for public knowledge. Their fates remain unknown, but some whisper that traces of their work persist in hidden corners of Ta'Illistim's libraries, waiting to be found.	Reinforces the idea that a particular scholar was erased from history, and that his research might still be hidden somewhere, waiting to be uncovered.
Anomalous Runes and Unfinished Research	Occasionally, researchers stumble upon fragmented notations - arcane symbols that do not correspond to any recorded Illistimi school of magic. Some of these appear in older volumes with no citation, their authors long forgotten. While most scholars dismiss them as scribal errors or abandoned research, others speculate that these symbols may belong to theories never fully realized…or perhaps deliberately hidden	This suggests that the unknown author's work may have been concealed in coded or fragmented writings, requiring scholars to piece together lost knowledge.
The Veythorne Scholars: A Lineage of Knowledge	Among the most gifted scholars of the Veythorne line, several names stand out in recorded history: Meathrix Veythorne Illistim, the famed elemental researcher; Lirael Veythorne, an esteemed cartographer of magical ley lines; and Maerion Veythorne, whose later works remain unarchived, though references to his studies appear in fragmented form. His contributions to the family's legacy remain a subject of quiet debate.	Confirms the latter's existence, but hints that his research was never formally archived, suggesting that his work was either destroyed or deliberately concealed.
Disputed Theories of the Arcane	The scholar Maerion Veythorne is mentioned briefly in a handful of elemental studies, often in footnotes or as a secondary source. His theories - largely dismissed - proposed a link between elemental forces and something he referred to only as 'the unseen tide.' While his peers found his conclusions unfounded, some claim his research led him down a path that his family refused to follow.	This passage suggests that Maerion's work was controversial and that his studies led to a break with his family. It also introduces an enigmatic phrase, "the unseen tide," which might be relevant in deciphering his journal.
The Silent Arrangement: An Unspoken Accord (From Private Libraries and Their Patrons: A Treatise on Scholarly Hospitality)	Though no official correspondence survives, records from the Calelith estate speak cryptically of a "scholar" granted irregular access to their collection. Calelith sigils are visible on the covers of a few surviving folios. The transaction may have involved more than trust - perhaps barter, perhaps bloodline curiosity.
From Eyes Unseen: A Scholarly Order in the Shining City (Excerpt from a Loremaster's report on recent discoveries in the Library Aies.)	Among noble scholars rumoured to have ties to the Watchers of the Eternal Eye, two names appear frequently in a batch of scrolls and correspondence: a 'seeker of knowledge' in the Veythorne household, and a 'keeper of the stacks' within the Calelith Villa. Both are said to have worn tokens of polished black coral; small pendants etched with the eye and believed to be known in arcane circles as Illuminator's Talismans.	Hints at two significant individuals that are potentially linked in some way.
A Treatise on Coral and Memory (annotated version)	Excerpt from the marginalia: Though most black coral amulets were thought lost after the destruction of the city of Toullaire in 4565 M.E, two were recorded as active well into the late 49th century. One appeared briefly in Ta'Illistim's academic circles, tied to a Veythorne lord, the other noted - though never directly named - in the margins of a botanical study authored by a Calelith. It is possible the talismans were used not only to store visions, but to conceal the bearers' identities within Watcher rites.	Links the same two significant individuals and their respective families to the Watchers through shared use of rare magical artifacts.
Memory Wards and Symbolic Locks (Vol. II)	Some of the Watchers bound not just books, but themselves. The pairing of a black coral amulet and a living sigil - usually worn as a pendant - created a feedback loop between memory and object. These were not common. At least two examples, possibly one from House Veythorne and another from Calelith, are said to have been attuned to a ritual involving botanical resonance and lunar cycles.	Suggests the amulets may have played a role in the safeguarding of the scholar's journal.
Codices Lost and Found: The History of Forbidden Volumes	The destruction or concealment of volumes marked with the Eye was often paired with the disappearance of their keepers. In several cases, the amulet bore the final enchantment; pressed to a book's spine, it would either bind or obliterate the memory within. Two such amulets - last confirmed over 500 years ago in Ta'Illistim - are missing, along with the volumes they were said to protect.	A dark foreshadowing of the amulets' power, familial connections, the Calelith sigil and Maerion's fate.