Shrine of Leya - A Compilation
The Shrine of Leya Quest: A Compilation
Chronicled by Dame Deavon Laeren-Zulon, recovered from the lost scrolls by Arianiss Winterfox
The Beginning
"When I was just a young woman, living carefree and hunting with my circle of friends in the landing, I came of an age where it was time for me to chose which Arkati I would worship. One night, I asked my beloved husband, Lord Zurion Zulon, to show me all the shrines in the lands and to tell me the many tales behind them. Intrigued about the Arkati, including those without shrines, I ventured to the archives one day and sat with the tomes open, reading the history of the Arkati and the pantheons of Lornon and Liabo, transfixed. I turned a page and saw illuminated on the manuscript in the ancient language, the name of 'Laia'. There was little on the yellowing paper, but of what there was, I discovered Leya was the daughter of Kai, a master of the martial arts, the patron of Amazons, and a superior warrior skilled in many weapons. A curious feeling came over me, as though a voice whispered in me ear, welcoming me. It was then that I chose to devote myself to Leya.
"Many years had passed since that day, but still there was the calling deep inside me. Leya's lost tomes needed to be recovered, but how? There was only one answer: I would have to commit myself to a quest. Seeking out Lady Laranna and Lady Kythyn, I told them of my goal, hoping they might be able to provide me with even the tiniest clue. Kythyn suggested that I speak with Lady Kiora, a fellow warrior, who had also foresworn her devotion to Leya. Early one morning, I found her sitting in the common room of House Brigatta, and began to chat with her about Leya. While I had merely desired to find the lost tomes of Leya, to add to the desolate page in the manuscript. Kiora wished to actually find her shrine. We made a pact to bond together and begin our quest, then began talking about how we might arrange it and who we should ask to accompany us. Lady Kythyn was the first to pledge us her sword arm.
"Months passed and both Kiora and I were now apprentices in the warrior order of the Silver Gryphons. It was time for us to proceed, so we announced our plans to our brothers and sisters of the Order, and invited Lady Wanton, Lady Cinabar, Lady Zyanna, and Lady Shadowkatt to join with us. Lord Ruffelin and Lord Kinshack volunteered to serve as sentinels, being worshippers of Kai. Communing at Kai's Shrine seemed to be the first logical step along the path, and sensing the danger in raising the ire of the Gods, we approached clerics Lady Morgaine and Lady Myste to assist us, or at least be there to raise our bodies if we were horribly smited. We agreed that an empath was a necessity on this journey and posted a notice in central Town Square, and that was how we found Lady Sylanae. Others invited others and soon our small group grew into a good-sized quest.
"Late winter was upon us, and sensing it was time to begin, I sent messengers to rally our group in Hearthstone Manor's Rose Garden. There we received some protective spells for our journey from Lady Laranna, and bowed our heads in quiet meditation to our respective deities, asking for their blessings of our journey. Off we traipsed though the woods, following the well worn path to Kai's Shrine: The Shrine of Heroes. Following Myste's cue as she began to commune, we knelt in prayer, cast our offerings, and called on Lord Kai to hear us, some grasping the touchstones of their faith.
"Almost unseen, a strange fog began to seep in, swirling around the temple, even though there was no sign of any wind. Our prayers continued, barely halting as a voice scarcely more than a whisper echoed 'Who calls me from my slumber?' Myste spoke up, 'Lord Kai I have called you on behalf of the warriors traveling with me, we seek to honor your daughter Leya.' Hollow laughter bounced off the stone walls of the chamber. The voice questioned why we called it by that name, seemingly amused at our efforts. The fog grew thicker, darker as more laughter, lightening, and thunder echoed around us. Asking why we had summoned it, we asked the voice for help with our quest. When the now decidedly female voice wondered if we deemed ourselves worthy to kneel at the Shrine of Leya if we had not the resolution to honor her by finding it ourselves, we almost thought we had failed, protesting that our efforts to date had been fruitless and only sought guidance.
"Then the voice softened, and replied to Myste that she was not the one we sought, merely one who serves her. We asked how we may serve our Lady, but the hand servant was unable to reveal more, advising us to remain resolute as a fitting tribute to Leya. And with a clap of thunder shaking the walls of the temple, a flash of lightening illuminated Myste with a blue light, as the voice answered 'What task do you deem worthy of her? The best answer is often found within, gentle Myste.' The fog gathered around Myste, obscuring her from our vision, then rolled around the temple like a restless sea of white. Each of us thought aloud of how we could serve our Lady. The fading whisper affirmed that we had answered our own questions and this was surely a tribute to our courageous Goddess.
"As the fog returned to curl around Myste in a ghostly light, a shining dagger pendant suspended on a crystal chain appeared at her feet. Then the voice cautioned us to not summon her again until we were truly worthy to kneel at her Lady's altar, the fog seeping away into the night, one last clap of thunder resounding in the shrine. As Kinshack winced, the fog enveloped him, leaving him momentarily senseless.
"We gathered around Myste, excited with the events of the evening, awestruck by the pendant, each of us wishing to touch and examine it. We returned back to town, and to the rose garden to discuss what had happened and what our next step should be. Lady Kerrithan came to sing to the pendant, to see if she could discern it's magical properties. It pulsed once, then whispered to her that she could not know it's powers. It was from this time forward that we learned that when the pendant pulsed, Myste would feel summoned to Kai's shrine. And return she did, many times, until the day the pendant crumbled. On one visit the hand servant told the questors present to look for the shrine in the forest. On other nights after much devotion and prayer, some of Leya's followers were blessed by visions and mystical events.
"Lady Miriweather, Lord Filifor's ex-wife, happened upon some of the questors one night, and thrilled them with her mother's stories about Leya. She was to return again another eve and tell us even more stories as we sat in Helden Hall's Great Hall, enraptured. A few days before we had been dismayed to find that Kai's Shrine had been closed. (Seems a cleric had taken a group there to commune to a God other than Kai, and it offended the God. Angrily smiting all intruders, the shrine was sealed.) Just as Miriweather had bid us farewell and disappeared, we heard a boy shout from the streets below that Kai's Shrine had been reopened. Off we went to give our thanks to Kai and Leya. Hurrying through the woods, we arrived and quickly knelt, again murmuring our prayers and offering tokens of our fealty. After a suitable time, we arose and began to head for home, when I felt an urge to touch the Leya medallion given to me by Lady Kali. It now sparkled and was set with a tear; I thought that odd, since the others so blessed by our Lady bore her symbol, the dagger.
"Several days later I received a messenger from Myste. A few of the questors had received visions during the day... a young woman had appeared to them, beckoning to them as they lay fainted and entranced. Many felt the time was right for us to search for Leya's Shrine. We headed once again to Kai's Shrine, and upon arriving kneeled to pray. Master Matubaa was performing his Voln step with Kai, when all of a sudden, a young woman stood behind the God, smiling at him, then faded away silently. We called out to our Lady not to leave us, and bowed our heads ferverently in our devotion.
"The fog and thunder again returned, the lightening creating eerie reflections as it bounced off the walls. The mist darkened as a whisper asked us who we sought. Of course we answered that we sought our Lady, Leya. The voice queried why and we replied that we desired to end her suffering. Lowering to a whisper we were told'That can never be undone.' Disheartened and about to leave with so many questions unasked, the thunder rumbled and the whisper haunted us, 'Seek clues to find your goal in the songs of children.' Then the thunder sounded again, a beam of light appeared though the fog, as the sunlight emerged. The clouds frayed to nothing and bird song filled the air.
"We headed back to the Landing to find the lost child in Shantytown to see if we could solve the riddle. Once more we stumbled on storyteller Lady Miriweather, out for an evening stroll. Excited and breathless we told her what had just happened and she was able to recall part of a childhood song:
'Forest grows where forest will,
Cloaking valleys, mantling hills,
Through the thickets run the boar,
Hulking bears and manticores.'
'Came a lady, fair and bright,
Dwelt in magick forest light,
Built a temple on a hill,
Dwells among the treetops still.'
We wished her good night, anxious to begin our search.
"Off we went to the forest, past manticores and thraks. We arrived at the circle of trees dominated by an ancient oak marked with symbols. It was there that many of us began receiving messages, nagging feelings inside. 'Something nags at the edge of your thoughts, a feeling like you might be missing something important. Your thoughts return to visions of beautiful forests.' Around and around we searched, venturing further and further into the forest. 'You feel the forest pull at you. You feel the forest around you, like you have come home.'
"As each message reached us, we grew more excited. Suddenly a snowy white owl, which some of us had spotted recently in the Landing and on Teras, appeared overhead winging towards the forest on the far slope. We knew this owl was 'Rigaetha', who had once been Leya's magical steed. Up trails and down paths we climbed, Rigaetha leading us on a merry chase. And finally the at a dead-end, we searched and discovered yet another passage that seemed to hide behind giants ferns. Pushing on through to a clearing and some boulders, we climbed to the crown and before us was stood a black marble portal. At first the group was quiet, then ecstatic. Trembling with joy we entered the shrine for the first time and upon arriving in the central room, fell to our knees in tears and prayer.
"For hours afterwards we examined every niche, every statue, every detail. Exhausted and elated, Myste closed the evening in prayer at the altar upon which Leya's magical sword, Soulingen, lay. A rumble of thunder was heard, a slight wind that quickly calmed was felt, and a trillium blossom drifted down to the shrine floor. At first we placed it on the altar, but fearing it would be lost, we gave it to Master Geijon, who had been the groups' guide that evening. Many of us stayed in the shrine that night, and we often return frequently, sharing the story of Leya with others, continuing to offer our prayers and thanks, leaving gifts of our fealty at the altar's foot. In return, Lady Leya has continued to bless those who follow in her path of kind and merciful deeds. And yet, there is still much more we need to learn and discover about our Lady Leya."
By my hand, Dame Deavon Laeren-Zulon
The First Commune
by Lady Laranna
"We began our quest in the Rose Garden of Hearthstone Manor with some spells for our protection, and in quiet meditation to our respective dieties asking for their blessing on our journey. Venturing outside of the town walls of Wehnimer's Landing, we quickly followed the paths to the shrine of the, Kai, the god of strength, prowess and athletics - also the father of the goddess we sought - Leya. Kneeling, the followers of Leya bowed thier heads in prayer and beseeched the goddess for some sign of recognition.
Below are the actual events recorded to the best of my ability.
In the Shrine of Heroes
Snow white vultite walls tower high overhead in this eight-sided room, their enormous size dwarfing only slightly the magnificent granite statue that stands in the center of the structure. Softly colored light filters in from huge stained glass windows set into each wall, creating a kaleidoscope of color dancing across the rich grey slate floors. Kneeling with me before the statue was Lord Kinshack, Lady Cinabar, Lady Kiora, Lady Myste, Lady Sylanae, Lady Deepspring, Lady Morgaine, Mistress Jorrdan, Lady Kythyn, Lady Deavon, and Lady Rali.
Kinshack bowed his head and murmured a few quiet prayers to Lord Kai. "I brought an offering to my lord," he said while removing a vruul skin from inside his black leather cloak. He laid it beneath the statue. "Tis to show that i still fight for him, and fight hard." Kythyn beseeched the gods for mercy and guidance, as Rali rubbed her golden Leya medallion, deep in meditation. Myste recited: "Lord Kai hear our prayers to you this eve," and began muttering soft sounds, the exact words we could not discern. Jorrdan, Kiora, Kinshack, Cinabar, Morgaine, Sylanae, and Deepspring (caressing her purple Leya sash) knelt in gentle prayer. I quietly offered my own prayers to the Greater Gods, as Rali and Kiora embraced their Leya figurines. Deavon recited "Lord Kai, warriors all, we come to you and honor you with our devotion for you and your daughter, Leya."
I glanced at the statue, noting it's appearance. "A warrior of magnificent size and strength stands proudly in the center of the room. The heroic figure, carved from a single block of pale grey granite, towers to a height of nearly twenty breathtaking feet. Though his face is youthful, his gaze is that of one who has unflinchingly confronted even the mightiest of foes. One mighty hand clutches a Dir-wood spear tipped with gleaming adamantine, raised warily against some unseen foe. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this granite god is his left hand. Clenched in a tight fist that betrays both stern inner resolve as well as intense ferocity, you can almost imagine it crushing the last breath out of any enemy."
Kinshack breathed deeply, slipping into a meditative trance, a prayer to Kai on his lips as Deavon finished speaking and softly touched her white Leya medallion. Myste recited "Please help us Lord Kai in our quest this night we humbly ask you." Rali prayed for Leya to reveal herself to the quest on this night.
A strange fog seeps in.
Myste recited: "Lord Kai we seek your guidence," then gazed up at the magnificent granite statue and heavenward.
The mist swirls around the temple, moving with no sign of any wind.
Deavon says, "Lord Kai, we seek to honor your daughter, let us show you our devotion to her!" Morgaine and Kiora both gazed at the wonders around them, Kinshack smiling in devotion around the words of his prayer. I quietly sat back, folding my legs neatly beneath me, taking out my quill and tome to record and reflect upon the events as they unfurled. Myste recites: "Lord Kai please help us this night," again soft sounds emerged from her lip, Sylanae's soft whispers of prayer, mingling.
A voice, scarcely more than a whisper, echoes "Who calls me from my slumber?"
Myste says, "Lord Kai I have called you on behalf of the warriors traveling with me, we seek to honor your daughter Leya." Deavon touched her battle-worn silvery hexagonal vultite shield engraved with the image of the goddess Leya bravely challenging a towering dragon, as the voice surrounded them.
A hollow laugh sounds, bouncing off the stone of the chamber.
I glanced slowly around the shrine, watching, hearing as Deavon recited "Lord Kai, your daughter inspires many among the lands." Myste says, "Lord Kai, we humbly wish to pay both you and your daughter tribute."
The voice trembles, fading in and out of hearing. "Why call do you call me by that name?"
Morgaine's face turned slightly pale, I interrupted, asking, 'What name shall we call ye by?" Kinshack replied, "Because tis here at your shrine that we come to pray," as he gazed towards the statue. Myste answers the far-off voice, "This is your shrine M'Lord Kai." Deavon whispered to Myste "Who is it that we commune with then?", as I paused my quill in midair.
The laugh sounds again, rising in pitch and malevolence. The fog thickens, turning a deeper shade until the room is almost too dark to see beyond a few feet.
Kinshack's grin faded into a sealed-lipped visage, and retrieved his offering, while I blinked a few times to allow her eyes to adjust to the change in light. Deavon asked: "Who do we have the honor of addressing on this eve?" with Myste echoing, "M'Lord what would you have us call you?" I began to furiously scribble some more notes in my journal. Rali addressed the group, "Mayhaps it is Leya herself come ta our call?" Kinshack spouted, "I'll not offer the tokens of my battles to any other than my Lord or his daughter!"
The voice sounds again, this time possessing a raspy, feminine pitch. "Ye mortals, you are so confident of your ability to summon whom you wish!"
Deavon looked over at Myste, "Do ye think we have the honor of addressing the patroness Leya herself?" Kinshack surmises, "We assume location affects the beckoning." Morgaine answers to heavens, "Nae Lady, we were only hoping, not presuming." Deavon responds as well: "Nay, tis not our confidence, but our desire to honor those we worship!" Rali chimed in: "If tis you Leya... we wish to show our loyalty only."
Thunder echoes off the walls of the chamber.
Deepspring adds her voice: "No, we would not so presume. We only seek knowledge and to pay tribute!" Kinshack said, "I'll not kneel before a dark goddess," as he stands. Myste smiled, hoping they are speaking with Leya herself.
Lightening suddenly flashes, striking at Kinshack's feet!
Kinshack stared straight ahead, as Deavon glanced at him. Rali believed her loyalty is being tested and remained prone. Kinshack said, "Smite me if you will, I'll not kneel," removing his black vultite greatsword from inside his battle harness. Cinabar looked anxiously at him as Kiora playfully admonished, "Kinshack, if she wanted to smite yah she woulda already done so."
Static electricity runs up the walls of the room, creating a strange, blue halo around the walls.
Myste said, "Lady Leya, if it is you to whom we are speaking, we would seek your shrine so that we may show devotion to you." I quietly murmured words of apology to her Master Fash'lo'nae, fearing what the commune has done to the Arkati's collective hold on the veil, then whispers to Myste, "I have a feelin' this isna' yer Goddess." Unfailingly, Deavon touched her white Leya medallion, her grasp firm as she continued to offer prayer to her goddess. Kinshack turned with a warrior's pride and left the shrine. Deavon asked bravely aloud: "Reveal yourself then! What are you afraid of?"
The voice echoes out of a rumble of thunder, "Why have you summoned me?"
Morgaine glanced at Deavon as Jorrdan cringed and Cinabar cowered. Myste responded to the thunder, "We seek Leya's shrine to pay her homage" Deavon continued her challenge: "Certainly not a group of women who seek to honor Leya?" Kiora pleaded, "We seek knowledge great one, the knowledge of the location of Leya's shrine" as Rali stated, "We wish to find a place to pay homage to Leya." Myste asked, "Will you help us in our quest?", as I quietly watched the happenings, my quill scribbling hastily over the parchment.
A peel of ghostly laughter rings out, echoing off the walls in eerie repetitions.
Deavon closed her eyes and concentrated on the vision of Leya she sought, hearing as Myste requested, "Would you tell us you name?" and Morgaine asked, "Are you laughing at us? We only seek to learn, to pay homage..." Kiora focused on a vision of Leya that she remembers from stories.
The voice sounds again, "Do you deem yourselves worthy to kneel at her shrine if you have not the resolution to honor her by finding it?"
Myste sighed as she thought that Leya would never laugh at those looking to serve her, Rali glanced at Deavon and Kiora, both entranced, and added her vision of Leya. Deavon frowned slightly confused, wondering what God toys with them then. Wanton arrived and knelt down in reverent prayer. Myste, summoning strength added, "We seek guidance only that we may begin the search anew." Deavon attempted one more time: "M'Lady, we have sought the lands for your tomes, and tried to find your shrine." I bit at my lips, carefully transcribing the words of the astral voice. Rali agreed, "Aye... I have looked high and low." Deepspring asked: "May we have some clue as to where to search? And more knowledge of the Goddess Leya herself?"
The voice softens somewhat, making a noticeable contrast albeit varying little in degree. "I am not the one you seek, gentle Myste. I merely serve her."
Deavon pleaded: "It is in desperation that we have come to your father's shrine to seek his aide, and to grant our one wish... " Rali inquired, "Can you tell us where to begin our search?" Myste chimed in: "Will you help us then, that we may serve her also?" I licked the tip of the quill to moisten the ink, continuing to record this holy event.
The voice fades almost to nothing, yet continues, "I am not given to reveal that, nor you to ask it of me. But remain resolute and your answers will be the fitting tribute to her."
Deepspring bowed her head in acceptance, as Rali hung the golden Leya medallion around her neck. I nodded slowly, gazing around for a moment, before concentrating on my parchment again. Myste asked, "Is there a task she would require of us in our quest to serve her?" Deavon pleaded "Will you convey our wishes to her Lady for the women that seek to honor her?"
Thunder echoes through the chamber again, making your bones seem to shake in response to it.
Morgaine shivered and Sylanae flinched, yet Deavon straightened proudly and unafraid, trusting in her god. Cinabar swoons, those nearby attend to her. Kiora nodded slowly in agreement as the words still echoed. Deavon pledged, "I will perform whatever task she asks of me..."
Lightning flashes, striking before Myste and illuminating her with blue light.
Kythyn replies, "Aye, so shall we all!"and raised her vultite claidhmore in a triumphant salute! Myste smiles beatifically as the light surrounds her. I paused from delving into a pouch, producing some fine powder to dust it over the parchment to help dry the ink. Again, Deavon clasped her Leya medallion to her breast, as Kiora embrassed her Leya figurine. Myste responded humbly, "We will gladly accept whatever tasks Lady Leya would ask of us." Deavon softly whispered, "We will find her shrine and clear it of the weeds and decay that have kept it hidden from those who adore her." Kinshack returned and stood near the back of the shrine, observing this change overcoming Myste.
The voice whispers, "What task do you deem worthy of her? The best answer is often found within, gentle Myste."
Deavon asked gently, "What does your heart tell you, Myste?"
The fog gathers around Myste, almost obscuring her form.
Wanton quietly watched Myste, a speculative look in her eyes as Deavon smiled warmly at Myste, tears filling her eyes. Morgaine contemplated what we knew of Leya, wondering what would be a fitting tribute. I carefully noted the activity surrounding me, my quill moving briskly over the pages. Deavon bowed her head, focusing on Myste, strengthening her meditation.
The fog rolls around the temple like a restless sea of white.
I set my quill down, to quickly skim through another parchment. Rali spoke, "All I can say for meself is that I am an Amazon warrior within my heart. I am searching for a place to show my loyalty to my goddess." Myste replies, "Perhaps to defend the weak as the Amazons once did in the past, but this would be an ongoing service," as Deavon adds, "Perhaps if we continue to follow Leya, by example...", nodding towards Myste. Wanton agreed, "Worshipping is always an ongoing service." as Myste continued, "As is defense of the young and innocent." Deavon nodded to Myste again, voicing, "Defending the lands and always using our might for just causes..." Deepspring thought to herself "To defend my sisters, and those less fortunate, to heal those wounded in battle. All these are in my heart." Myste smiled warmly as the women sought their task eagerly.
The voice whispers, "You have answered your own questions. Surely this is a tribute to your courageous Goddess."
Kiora piped up, "I have died and will die for those that fight beside me in combat." Deavon smiled happily as the voice fills her with serenity. Cinabar sobbed with joy. Kiora offered more prayers. The group all expressed their joy in one way or another, as Myste replied, "We will continue to do our best to help those in need and defend the weak and innocent."
The fog curls around Myste's form, strangely highlighting her in a ghostly light. A pendant appears at Myste's feet.
Myste asked, barely aware of the miracle, "Is there a way in which the goddess Leya might appear to us, that our mortal eyes would see?" Deepspring smiled softly to herself, glad that she has been paying tribute to her Goddess as Myste slowly picked up the shining dagger pendant suspended on a crystal chain. Jorrdan, Deavon, and Rali blinked with awe. Deavon sighed, "Oh Myste..." as Cinabar gasped. Kiora smiled, fulfilled and Sylanae gazed in wonder at her surroundings. Cinabar whispered, "That's lovely." Deavon hugged Myste tightly as she beamed with joy, returning the embrace, "Tis truly an honor, Myste" "How beautiful," Myste exclaims softly, staring at the pendant. Kiora agreed, "Ye have been blessed" Deepspring nodded to Myste, adding her smile to the many. Jorrdan consented, "Indeed." Myste asked quietly, "Will this aid us in our quest to serve the goddess? Truly I am honored and overjoyed."
The voice almost fades into obscurity, whispering, "I go. Do not summon me again until you are truely worthy to kneel at my Lady's altar." The fog seeps away, almost unnoticeably.
Wanton spoke up, "Somehow, I never doubted that all would live through this experience." The women all turned their attention on Myste. Deavon asked, "Myste... what does the medallion look like?" Kiora requested, "Show us the pendant ye have been graced with." Myste displayed a shining dagger pendant suspended on a crystal chain.
Just before the fog fades into invisibility, a thunderclap sounds.
Deavon sighed, "That was so... so... moving..." as Kinshack winced at the noise.
Suddenly, the fog envelopes Kinshack, leaving him senseless.
Deavon mouthed "Thank you, Leya!" Kiora smiles at Myste, "Well yah know, I seen Myste get stone creatures, but dis is the first time I seen her get pendants." I examined the pendant, "While this bears nae spell I can see, I've yet t'find any recording o' Leya's symbol. I b'lieve ye've been graced with her symbol yerself." Myste proudly proclaimed, "We have her symbol!" Wanton nodded and added, "That will give tribute to Leya.. and then, perhaps, she will come the next time you seek her."
After taking a few moments to gather their thoughts and calming the pounding of their hearts, the worshippers offered a silent prayer to thier goddess, and we all left the temple to head back to the Landing. Appreciation and determination flushed some of the faces of the pilgrims of this religious journey, while others were bathed in the soft glow of serene peace.
Once settled back in the Rose Garden of Hearthstone Manor, we began to discuss the events of the evening. Kerrithan was invited to come and lore-sing to Myste's artifact. This is what I noted, and what Kerrithan related to me...
Kerrithan sings:
"Tell me pendant, crystal sharp, Answer to my questing harp. Sing and tell me all you share, Answer to the ones who care."
She felt a faint resonating vibration from the crystal pendant in her hand, and she learned something about it... This is a small item, under a pound. In your best estimation, it's worth around 1000 silvers.
Kerrithan sings:
"Tell me pendant, we seek to learn, With what magic do you churn. Sing to us of thy purpose here, We ask these questions without fear."
She felt a faint resonating vibration from the crystal pendant in her hand, and she learned something about it... From the pitch of the vibration she determined that the purpose of the pendant is as a decorative one, perhaps. She is not exactly sure.
Kerrithan sings:
"Tell me pendant of thy glow, I feel your magic and wish to know. Tell us of thy purpose bright, Lead us through the darkest night."
The pendant pulses once then fades to normalacy.
Kerrithan sings:
"Pendant, I seek thy secrets to know, Will you to us thy magic show? I feel thy spell and feel thy power, Will you answer us this hour?"
A voice whispers, "Ye cannae know my powers Bard."
Kerrithan says, "It's whispering to me..." and gazes in awe at the crystal pendant in her hand.
It's believed that Myste will be the only one to exactly determine if the pendant, the symbol of Leya, will be the key in any future interactions with the Goddess. While discussing their desires to obtain objects akin to the newfound symbol of Leya, a blue glow emitted from above, bathing Rali in a holy light, thus blessing her. Needless to say, she was estatic.
The worshippers discussed the situation more, promising to do everything in their power to earn the right to kneel before Leya's shrine, worthy of the great goddesses attention.
By my hand, Laranna MacRoy-Raevhaz Scribe, House Illistim
The Tales of Lady Miriweather
by Lady Kiora
"About a week or so after the quest began, some of us (Kythyn, Morgaine, Deavon, Shadowkatt, Myste, Sylanae, Danay, Diandra, Deepspring, Bronwyn, Grobinal, Geijon, Jorrdan, Starwynd, Brutkc, and myself) gathered together in Lady Kythyn's room to talk about all the events that had been happening since that first night we ventured off on our Quest for Leya. Many of us had missed the visitation of storyteller Lady Miriweather, an empath and the ex-wife of Lord Filifor. Several days before her visit, Jorrdan had found the scroll in a golem box. It was our understanding that the story Miriweather told helped us piece together the tale of Leya, given by the clue on the scroll. Those of us who had not yet seen the scroll passed it around. It read:
"...and it came to pass that the Goddess, in her great sorrow, built a black marble shrine, a monument to her desolation of spirit. Upon the altar, she placed the great sword given to her by her father, laying it down with the promise to never weild it again. In place of the mighty blade called Soulingen, she took to her a simple dagger, henceforth using it for all purposes that befell her.
"And taking on the humble robes of a common wanderer, she returned to the noble elves who had sheltered her in the sweet days of her innocence, retiring to the city in the trees to wait out her time."
So Lady Shadowkatt sat down and began to retell the tales. Shadowkatt starts, "Miriweather told of a young lad... he was quite good looking she says...and that he and Leya fell in love." Deavon remarked, "Love... the root of all problems." Kiora added, "He was elven." Myste interjected, "He was successful in all he did, but one day tried to enter a wizard's tower to learn. Upon being discovered by the wizard, he suffered his wrath. Remorseful at what he had done, he wrapped the lad up in healing leaves and laid him within the boundary of the forest. Leya happened upon him, tending his wounds, and thus they fell in love." Shadowkatt began her reciting again, "The lad wanted to take his love, Leya, to his people and show her to them... Leya decided that she couldnt go... not yet anyway... So he rode off to his homeland only to find it being invaded. He took up his sword and rode off into the battle." Deepspring asked if we knew what he faced in battle. Kiora answered, "Miriweather only described it as a dark evil or something like that." Shadowkatt nodded and continued. "He was being overrun by the enemy. When he had left to go back to his people they were to meet on a certain day at a certain place at a certain time. He never showed. Leya felt he was in trouble and she called to her horse. This was nae ordinary horse... I dont know what else to call it but a magical horse... and she headed to the battle. When she arrived she saw her love in the middle of a horde of these evil critters."
Shadowkatt took a deep breath, "So she unsheathed Souligen and headed into the onset of the battle to fight aside her love. She swung in a rage... killing left and right... until... her love dead... Leya, in her rage, had slain her love." We gasped in horror, some of us crying sadly. Softly, Shadowkatt finished, "She vowed never again to take up the sword. She went back to the spot they had vowed to rendezvous at and built her shrine. Upon a black marble altar she placed her sword, never to be touched again. It was a sword that could be touched by no mortal..." Myste chimed in, "So she lives a simple life, helping others." Shadowkatt added, "She took up a simple dagger and retired to an elven city. That is the story Miriweather shared."
Bronnwyn spoke, "Miriweather said that when Leya left the forest on her horse that the grounds shook. She was nae supposed to leave there. I wonder... if that could have been her father, Kai's anger?" Deavon nodded and said, "Such a sad story... our Lady must have lived in despair the rest of her days." Bronnwyn continued, "She was sent to the forest by him to avoid such things, so when she left the forest on her horse and the grounds shook."
Kythyn then led us down to the Helden Hall brewery to find the Lady Miriweather inorder to get more information and hear more of her wonderous stories of Leya. The smells of hops and honeyed brew tantalized our senses, making our mouthes water in anticipation. A small gnomish brewer draped in a huge apron anxiously bustled about checking the fermenting brew. Large fermenting vats took up most of the room and strange vials and testing containers cover the large table, while sacks of grain and small kegs of finished brew occupy a corner. The size of the vats attest to the thirst of the occupants of this house. We heard a muffled cough from behind a keg. Miriweather stepped sheepishly out from behind a keg and wrapped her pudgy arms around the center of a gnarled walking staff, casually leaning forward. Kythyn said, "Milady Miriwether, if ye be sampling the wares of our brewery, I bid ye welcome." Miriweather replied to our greetings with a smile, "Erm.. evenin'" Shadowkatt exclaims, "Ah, it is good to see you again m'lady!" I commented, "As i figgured, behind de keg" Miriweather complained, "I no finded any ale in here!" We chuckled as several offered her rum and ale. Deavon said, "Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lady Miriweather... we have been hearing of your storytelling." Miriweather replied, "Twas not me stories.. twas me Maethers." Diandra added, "Enchanting stories nonetheless." Deavon agreed, "Tis important to keep stories alive through the generations" Shadowkatt asked, "Tis perhaps yer story now, in a way, that it has been passed on by ye?" Deavon commented, "Good stories are the soul of a warrior's life." Deepspring chimed in, "And an empath's. What else do you do when you're sitting around cleaning up?" Miriweather queried, "Me? I takes care of all tha youngins." Miriweather mumbled something that we don't quite catch, then muttered with a frown, "That rascally hobbit."
Afer finding Lady Miriweather hiding behind some kegs we traveled to Helden's Great Hall, where food and drink awaited a most fantastical tale. Rushes lay strewn across the floor of this enormous room with a lofty ceiling, and elaborate tapestries adorning the walls. Opposite the entrance was a raised dais dominated by a massive table overlooking scores of smaller tables. In the center of the Hall lay a large hearth providing warmth and light. A display case rested against the east wall, flanked by trophies of conquered beasts. Stairs led up the north wall to a railed balcony. Miriweather eased herself down into a chair. Kythyn grinned, "Welcome milady, to Helden Hall!" Miriweather said, "Thank ye. And a fine-lookin' house ye haves here too. Well, what brings all ye fine ladies here this even?" Kythyn responded, "We hear that ye may have tales of interest to those that seek to worship the goddesss Leya." Miriweather thinks, "Hmmm. Told ye mosta what I knows from me Maether tha otter nights. Has ye all heard alla thats?" Kythyn inquires, "Might ye entertain a few questions, milady?" "Well, lessee," Miriweather paused as she considered. Bronnwyn remarks, "Miriweather I was wondering about a part in ye story." Miriweather asked, "What that be lil Bronnwyn?" Bronnwyn continued, "Well... when Leya left that forest on her horse, ye said the grounds shook... could that have been related to Kai in any way, or his concern for his daughter?"
Miriweather settled back, "Wells, I'll tells ye what's I knows. A crossin' tha bounderie, it twas. Tha forest was all bound up in tha magicks, ya sees. Well, I nae knows how tha' magickal bounderie was set ups... but twas to protects Kai's beloved daughter froms tha very thing tha happened." Danay asked, "Kai did not want his daughter mixing with mortals and did not trust her?" Miriweather disagreed, "Oh aye, I spose he trusted her. I allas took tha story ta means he was protectin' her." We absorbed that for the moment, then Grobinal asked, "How did the blade get its name?" Miriweather furrowed her brow, "Well, lessee... tha be another story alltagether... Soulingen," she uttered as she shivered, "Twas tole ta lil hobbits ta scare 'em inta bein' good, it twas. In tha hands 'a good, twas a blade of fierce power...Buts it tended ta steal tha souls of wha' it kilt. An' oncet in tha battle lust.. twould get ta reevin." Deepspring gasped, "That is a truly horrible weapon." Miriweather agreed, "Took a powerful soul ta weild. Tis said it hungered fer souls, buts it twas beautiful." "Sounds like the Vvrael," Myste commented. Miriweather shrugged, "I nae knows." Danay offered, "I hope it cannot fall into the wrong hands now," with an assenting nod from Miriweather. Sylanae considered, "Was it the souls that gave the blade its power?" Miriweather answered, "Well, I nae knows tha either Sylanae." Master Geijon spoke up, "Did evil seek to capture it because of those powers that it had of taking ones soul?" Miriweather replied, "Well, in those times, I thinks tha evil sought ta takes everthin." Deepspring asked, "And I assume Leya's Shrine had powerful protections placed on it, yes?" Miriweather said, "I nae knows Deepspring. Tha Shrine is said to house tha lady's sorrow." Quick we were with the questions, our thirst so strong. Danay wondered, "Miriweather, did you say you knew how Leya came to possess the sword?" Miriweather reflected, "Well... tha old legends say twas given to her by Kai, for she saws it and fells in love with it." Deepspring asked, "Can we get to Leya's shrine and is the sword still within?" "Wells, twas said when I was but knee-high to a dwarf that the Shrine be hard ta finds, but oncet found, is open to all of gentle heart." Miriweather relayed. We agreed that this was good to know. "In alls tha stories me Maether told me, Leya was never found after... But ye knows those elves... They be verra private." Brutkc glanced at the storyteller, "She is forever hidden from mortal kind?" Miriweather grinned, "Well, thas why twas a favorite story ta tells youngins. Twas said she tole those tha saw her tha last, tha' she be best served by showing mercy to those who needs it."
Jorrdan commented, "Then I served her well last night," earning a smile from the wizened lady. "Lesee... me Maether oft tole us a story of Leya and Kai. Kai was... well a romantic one as ye may knows... Kinda like tha rascally hobbit. And Leya's maether was sposed ta be one of tha fairest of the elven ta ever be borned." "Was she a mortal?" Deavon asked. Miriweather continued, "Kai, he was so in love tha he hid her away... Well, Deavon, some legends say she was mortal, some say she was a goddess cos no mortal could ever have been sa beautiful. So's with visions of tha evil startin' ta build, Kai feared for her safety. She bore Kai a daughter. Twas said tha child was so beguiling tha' tha birds and animals came to her hand. She began ta shows her fathers gifts ta her early... She was schooled along withs the young elves, but soon twas evident none cou' best her. She stole her Faether's heart early. An' finally he took her to train, seein' her talents and great spirit. When she became ole' enough, he gave her a mighty steed. An' as much as her faether loved her, she returned tha' love twice fold. Vowed tha never marry. So.. sincet she spent all her days huntin' an' spendin' her time wi' her faether... Kai prepared a place for her to keep her safe. Ya sees... Kai saw the evil risin." As we absorbed this, Myste asked, "Do you know the nature of the evil they faced?" Miriweather went on, "They say her Maether was a seer... Was a gifted witchess. As she held her beloved babe in her arms right after tha babe was born... twas a difficult birth, she spent most alla her spirit an' life gettin' tha babe ta daylight... So, she looked up at Kai and said, 'Protects tha babe, for the evil will hurt her. An' then her spirit was called away." Sadly we took this in, then Grobinal inquired, "Did Kai raise her himself or was she sent to the monks?" "Firs' he lefts her with tha elves... for his sorrow was great," began Miriweather, "But when he saw her Maether's spirit and beauty a shinin' in her eyes, he could stay away nae more. So's when Kai magicked up tha forest, twas cause he hailed backs ta her maether's words." Brutkc stated, "Then Kai feared losing Leya as he had her mother?" "Aye... as I was a sayin', Kai saw tha evil risin' in tha lands, and his heart was feared... but he nae wanted ta put fear inta tha heart of his beloved daughter by a tellin' her. So when she gave lil evidence of wantin' ta mix with worldly affairs, he was more an' happy. So Kai an' Leya dwelt in joy for marry a year."
We paused for more ale and a chance to absorb all that we were hearing, as Grobinal wondered, "M'lady how long ago did all this come to pass?" Miriweather replied, "Twas all verra long ago, Grobinal. Twas right before tha fall of the Arkati. Wha other question can I tries ta answer?" Danay piped up, "I have a question about our service to her now. You say to serve her we must show mercy to those that deserve it, but that does not negate, I hope, our passion as fighters?" Miriweather responded thoughfully, "Nae, I think tha stronger a fighter, tha more need for a respect for mercy. Wells... twas said, Leya tole' tha elves who loved her ta promote mercy... buts I nae be a fighter.. twould seem ta me, you'd know better how ta serve one of your own," closing with a smile. Grobinal began, "My lady... when Leya's love was in trouble...where was Kai?" "Kai was a battlin' tha evil tryin' ta destroy all." Miriweather answered. Kythyn asked, "Do ye think we should actively seek our Goddess or her shrine, or shall we conduct ourselves with mercy and honor, and let her seek us?" Miriweather considered, "Well, thru tha years, many have sought tha Shrine, out 'a curiosity bout tha sword, and also some wantin' ta see tha place because of tha ole' stories. Although I nae have heard 'a any findin' it... some must have, otherwise we would nae still have tha stories, seems ta me." Grobinal pressed on, "Might ya know the region at all, or descriptions from the area as told to ya by ya mother?" Miriweather thought back, "Onliest things me Maether tole me was tha twas at tha edge of Leya's forest."
Starwynd inquired, "Can you tell us anything about Leya's love, Miriweather?" "Wells, as I tole tha ladies tha other night.. I nae member his name," she began, "Only tha he was a proud one, if a beautious one." Deepspring asked, "And what tales do you have of Leya's forest, Lady Miriweather?" "Hmmmm... her forest. Tis said, it still is enchanted, an' as beautiful a forest as ever was." Deepspring continued her question, "Enchanted how? Is that known?" Miriweather replied, "Verra aulde magicks, Deepspring. Legends says tha not even tha evil could intrude even after they defeated tha Arkati. They says, tha Shrine is just on tha border, which is tha only reason folks can gets ta it. Twas built on tha place where Leya was sposed ta meets her love, ta carry him back over tha barrier. Now, I believes.. tha' tha forest of Leya's was a diffrent one thans what tha elves lived" Deepspring sighed, "I am so saddened by the tale of Leya's life... and still wish there was something more we could do for her... showing mercy is admirable, of course, and I will strive to do so, but..." Miriweather replied, "Well, I nae knows tha steps ye have taken."
Kythyn asked, "Myste, might ye recount what we have done to date?" Myste began, "We have searched the Landing and surrounding area, started looking in River's Rest, and traveled to IceMule Trace to find an area with ferns, a hill, forest, and some ruins." Kythyn pressed on, "And our visits to Kai?" Myste says, "We were not able to enter, a barrier of some kinds." Miriweather chimed in, "Why I was jus' there a small whiles ago." Myste continued, "We had communed there on nights when I felt a pulse from the pendant I once had." Deepspring interjected, "You were recently at Kai's shrine, Lady Miriweather?" to which she nodded. Danay asked, "You no longer have the pendant, Myste?" Myste said, "It shattered. I felt a very weak pulse, then it shattered." Miriweather added, "Seems ta me those pendants have a tendency ta does that, when ya uses them alot... I had one 'a tha crystal ones oncet." We talk about the ice and rubble pass that we could not seem to penetrate and wondered if the shrine lay beyond it. Miriweather remarked, "Well I dunno.. tha legends does say tho.. tha way inta tha shrine be verra hard ta finds. Praps a time of followin' tha goddesses example, combined with a few prayers would turn tha trick." Geijon wondered, "Is it possible that the fern and hill are at the outside of the shrine, but to find that glade there is some other type of entrance to reach that?" Miriweather answered, "I nae knows Geijon... as I said, no one I ere talked to ha' found it."
Grobinal asked, "M'lady can ya tell us more of Leya's steed?" "He twas said ta be a snow-white steed," Miriweather recounted. He was they sayes, spiritually tuned ta tha girl. Course he was made a pure magicks. When Soulingen tooks tha life of tha lad.. Leya was said to utter a cry tha echoed ta tha heavens." Deepspring leaned forward, "Is her steed's name known?" Miriweather mused, "Tis seemed ta be on tha verra edge of me memory... tis been many years sincet I told this. Anyways.. when Leya shouted out tha cry... tha heavens echoed tha wail like thunder. Aye.. twas a wail of such sorrow tha it sounded for miles around, so tha legends says. Legends says tha' tha cry undid tha magicks at tha heart of the steed, and in a flash 'a light tha' light tha skies, tha steed changed to an owl." Diandra remarked, "M'Lady Miriweather, yer tales are truly spellbinding." At this point we learned that some had spotted a white owl lately. Geijon stated, "So the owl may be guiding us towards her shrine." Miriweather smiled tiredly, "Erry more questions afore I takes ta bed this even?" Grobinal asked, "The name of the steed?" Miriweather tapped her chin in thought, "Hmmm... started withs an 'R' seems ta me. Seems ta me.. twas somethin' likes... Rig... Rigaetha. That be it." As we muttered about this for a moment, we almost forget our weary guest. Thanking her and offering her some last refreshments, Lady Miriweather bid us farewell, "Verra well. I hopes ye finds what ye be lookin' for! A good even ta ye all!" and hobbled out.
We talked of all the signs we had seen and the blessings we had received: Myste's pendant and backpack, Deepspring's shield, my myklian scale offering and my sack. As we were discussing what next steps we might take to honor Leya and serve her, we heard from out in the street, a voice yelling 'Kai's is opened... it's opened!' The voice, obviously of a small lad, dwindled off as he ran on down the steet. Sylanae wondered, "Perhaps we should go look?" Deavon added, "Perhaps we should go and offer our thanks and prayers." And as we found that Kai's shrine was open once again, we adjorned to that place to offer many prayers to Leya. Lord Raincail joined us as we knelt and gave our thanks. As we left the shrine of Kai... Deavon leaving behind a siren lizard skin and Danay leaving a ritual dagger both as gifts to the goddess Leya... Deavon felt an inclination to touch her medallion, the one that Lady Kali had presented her with just prior to the beginning of the Quest. And thinking about all the past events, she reached up to her throat and found that it had been changed by our Lady.
By the hand of Lady Kiora Lionblood
The Finding of the Shrine
by Dame Deavon Laeren-Zulon
On the early morn of the 28th day of March, Lady Myste sent her messengers to alert many of us that some had seen visions seen earlier in the day, which meant we might be fortuitous in our attempts to reach Leya. We each made our way to the Shrine of Heroes (Kai's Shrine). Lady Kiora, Lady Grobinal, Lord Ruup, Lady Deepspring, Jorrdan, Lady Bronnwyn, and Lady Myste and I assembled at the shrine. The young Master Matubaa was already engaged in combat with the Lord Kai as we knelt and prayed. Suddenly, the ghostly figure of a young woman stood behind Kai, smiling fondly at him. We gasped at the apparition. Jorrdan exclaimed, "The... the ghost...," as she turned pale, Deepspring crying out, "It is Leya!" I reached up to touch my medallion, blessed by Leya just a few days before and asked outloud "Leya, my Lady... is it you that graces us?" The figure faded away as silently as it appeared. We continued to pray reverently, hoping their Lady would return. A cloud of fog drifted into the room, the deep sound of thunder echoing from outside the shrine. We continued to offer our fealty and devotion. Lightning struck somewhere outside, sending eerie reflections bouncing off the walls... and yet we stayed still and strong in our worship.
The fog deepened from greys to a darker shade of charcoal. A voice whispered, unidentifiable as to gender, "Who do you seek?" Grobinal spoke out, "We seek the Goddess Leya!" with many of us echoing like a chorus. The voice continued, "Why do you seek her?" I replied, "To serve her and to honor her..." Grobinal added, "We wish to help end her suffering." The voice whispered, "That can never be undone." We sighed sadly, distraught. Thunder rumbled again." The soft whisper seemed to emerge from the thunder, "Seek clues to find your goal in the songs of children." Deepspring repeated, "The songs of children...." Puzzled, Ruup's mind raced back to his childhood, trying to unravel the mystery. Thunder rumbled again, then a beam of light broke through the fog as the sunlight re-emerged. Still we prayed as we tried to discern the meaning of those haunting words. The cloud frayed into nothing. A bird began to sing somewhere outside the shrine, its melody filled the shrine. The song lifted us with joy and we stood, renewed and ready to continue our quest. Myste suggested that perhaps it was the songs of the children in Shantytown we needed to seek out, and joining me, the we headed back to Wehnimer's Landing.
As we were rushing through town, Grobinal suggested that we seek the lost child. At South Ring Road, on the outskirts of Shanty Town we found a ragged child cowering, looking lost and forgotten. We knelt and prayed to Leya for a sign, as Grobinal called out:
"Child who hides and cowers in fear, Have you a song for us to hear, Can we help you this starry night, To make your way and day seem right"
Just then, Lady Miriweather, storyteller extraordinare, arrived. After much greeting and hugging for our old friend, Miriweather wrapped her pudgy arms around the center of her gnarled walking staff and casually leaned forward. We anxiously awaited her wonderous words, when suddenly she headed west. We followed her only to find Miriweather poking at something beside the road with her staff. Looking up at us she exclaimed, "A large bunch 'a ye togethers tonight, I sees." We nodded and chuckled, as Miriweather explained, "Just takin' me health in a stroll," then took a tug on some demon rum.
I said to her, "Aye, we are very excited tonight" then asked, "May we join you?" Miriweather replied, "Joins me? Where ye wants ta go?" Myste explained, "we were told to seek the songs of children." Miriweather furrowed her brow and repeated "Songs 'a youngin's?" "Hmm... songs a youngin's" she said again, as though lost in deep thought, then brightened with "I knows one!" We smiled at her excitedly as she began to sing, "Hi ho, hi ho... the dwarves are nasty folks... That tha one ye means?" We laughed at her witty tune, Deepspring asking, "Would you happen to know of one that involves Leya, Lady Miriweather?" Miriweather said, "Well, lemme sees..." and surrendered to her thoughts and rum again. "Wells, I knows a olde song, but nae knows if tis bout a goddess..." Young Master Geijon joined the group gathered as we crowded around Miriweather, hoping she might be able to help us. Then, looking up at us, Miriweather started, "Lemme see... tis a silly bit a nothin'. Somethin' bout forests.. used ta sings it ta me youngin's. Why I been here longer tha' I kin members! Hmm.. ifs I can jest members it." Expectantly we waited, then she began to sing:
"Forest grows where forest will, Cloaking valleys, mantling hills, Through the thickets run the boar, Hulking bears and manticores."
Deepspring exclaimed, "We know that area!"
"Came a lady, fair and bright, Dwelt in magick forest light, Built a temple on a hill, Dwells among the treetops still."
then concluded, saying, "That be all I kin member of it." We thanked her gratefully, and offered her some chocolate and more rum. Accepting the rum only, she said, "Wells, I will be offs ta me bed now," then tried to bow, almost falling over, deciding to offer us a smile instead. More hugging and thanks were shared until Miriweather hobbled on down the road.
We decided to find the place described in Miriweather's song, stopping to gather Lady Shadowkatt and Mistress Danay along the way out of the Landing. We headed out past the manticores and thraks and into the valley arriving at a circle of trees with an ancient oak marked with symbols at its center. I recited the song again as we gathered our bearings. We had begun to wander around nearby when Ruup said, "I just got a nagging feeling I was missing something..." Danay chimed in, "I had that feeling earlier." We returned to the oak tree and searched around, but nothing. Again we began to head back out when I felt an odd sensation. Something nags at the edge of your thoughts, a feeling like you might be missing something important. "Wait!" I cried out, "Something just nagged at me..." Some knelt to pray beneath the oak tree, others searched around it. Your thoughts return to visions of beautiful forests. Ruup states, "Moments before Deavon got the nagging feeling, I had it too, then the God spoke and told me to share the thoughts playing in my mind." I added, "My thoughts returned to visions of the beautiful forest." As we stood, Danay thought aloud, "There is a place with thick trees and ferns, but I can not remember if it is on the hill..." Off we went, proceeding farther into the valley reaching the forested path in Lysierian Hills. We wandered for a bit and then - You feel the forest pull at you. I gasped again, "The forest just pulled to me!" Bronnwyn murmured, "I seem to recall thoughts of searching a virgin forest, where footsteps were new." Back down the path we wandered and into a vale in Aillidh Brae. You feel the forest around you, like you have come home. "Wait!" I exclaimed excitedly. "What, Deavon?" Myste asked, and I told them. Master Geijon began to lead the group slower through the vale, wondering if they were getting closer. Twas just then that a large owl winged by overhead, heading toward a patch of forest on a far slope. Deepspring exclaimed, "An owl!" recalling Miriweather's stories of Leya's steed-turned-owl, Rigaetha. Geijon lead us over the lava bridge up the slope, up to the canyon rim, trying to follow the path of the owl. In the far distance, the owl could be seen circling over a forested area further down the slope. Geijon led on further. Once more the owl appeared, flying overhead, very low, and proceeded down the ledge, disappearing in some trees. Down to the cliff bottom we descended, arriving at the canyon floor. For a long time we circled around, arriving at a thicket enveloping a rocky forested path. The path back up the slope looked promising as we ambled upon a forested trail.
As the group grew tired, Myste pleaded, "Please show us another sign, oh gracious and merciful Lady Leya!" A long climb to the cliff top, provided us with a view of the forest so clear and visible. Geijon announced, "Now we must be close!" Again the owl flew overhead, very low, and proceeded down the ledge, disappearing in the trees. We followed the owl into the trees, down the trail, where we discovered a wooded path. At the forest's foot, giant ferns cascaded down the trail's embankments in a deep emerald drift of fronds. Geijon smiled knowingly, as he knew this matched Miriweather's song. "Very, very close" he murmured. I made a careful search of the area and discovered an overgrown path. Jorrdan cried out, "This has got to be it!" We wandered down it, deeper into the forest arriving at a large growth of ferns, at the dwindling path's abrupt end. We spotted a clearing and bravely ventured in with anticipation. Tall boulders stood in our way, and we climbed them carefully, arriving at the crown. Delicate mosses covered the rocks strewn about, trillium grew here and there, offering tri-leafed stems crowned with snow-white blossoms. Ferns resumed their rampant play behind the edge of the granite outcrop, sprawling over and around the feet of a beautifully veined, black marble portal. Cries of surprise erupted from the group as they spotted the entryway. Trembling with joy, we walked through the black marble portal and into the marble hallway. Continuing down the hallway, we entered the central room and knew instantly that this was the Shrine of Leya.
Many fell to their knees in prayer, others cried, in awe we tried to take in every detail. The dome with its "tears", the pool, the altar, the niches filled with statuary. After a few moments of repose we decided to explore and enjoy the shrine. The statues surrounding the central room each depicted something or someone important to the tale of Leya - her father Kai, her lover who she had smitted accidentally with her sword Soulingen during battle, Leya herself, and then Leya holding her dying lover in her arms. So much to see, but we wondered, "Where was Soulingen?" Onto the altar we moved, and there it lay, tossed aside casually with grief and disgust. So touched were we to discover the shrine, that Myste asked us to kneel and give thanks to our Lady. We bowed our heads humbly. A rumble of thunder outside made the gentle drop of water into the center pool seem louder still. A slight wind blew through and as it calmed, a blossom feel seemingly from thin air. Kiora touched the trillium blossom, then I picked it up and looked at it, "How wonderful in it's simplicity," I said, then put it on top of the black marble altar.
As we stayed by the altar we discussed our joy, our worry about the safety of Soulingen, what mysteries the shrine might hold. We gave the blossom to Geijon to thank him for guiding the group, a token of Leya. Some of us chose to spend the night in our Lady's presence. As I laid there, my eyes closed and drifting off to sleep, I heard the soft sound of wind chimes drift in on a light breeze.
By my hand, Lady Deavon Laeren
Visions and Blessings
by various sources
Below you will find the collected stories of the visions and blessings that have been seen and received by some of the Leya Questors. Many of the items spoken of are still in their owner's possession, although some have been lost due to departure from the lands, handed down to relatives, or even outright sold merely for coin and profit. No true acolyte of Leya will ever sell you an artifact from the Quest, or blessed by our Lady. If you are being offered such an item for purchase you can send me an escroll and I will verify it's authenticity. If you believe that you have had a vision of the Lady Leya or have received her blessing and would like to be included on this list, you need to send a log or screen capture of the event to Lady Deavon Laeren. All reported visions/blessings will be verified with the Greater Gods.
The first time we went to Kai's Shrine and communed with what we believe to be Leya's handservant, a pendant appeared at Lady Myste's feet. It was a shining dagger attached to a crystal chain, which, though possessing no magical properties, did often pulse and speak to her, drawing her back to Kai's Shrine, until the day the pulse grew weak and it crumbled.
Lady Myste "The second time I communed for those present to speak to the goddess Leya, I was again bathed in a loving light, and later discovered Leya had graciously marked my backpack with her symbol - it had been stitched with silver spidersilk in the pattern of a glowing dagger."
Lady Grobinal "After Miriweather's second visit with the Questors, we went to Kai's Shrine to pray and pay our respects to Leya. During that time I was holding a short dirty dagger in my hand that once belonged to Groggle. After I left Kai's Shrine and was on my way to Twees, I discovered that my short dirty dagger was now a shining dagger with intricate arachic sigils etched into the blade"
Lady Deepspring "One afternoon while at Hearthstone Manor replacing a deed, I felt a wave of vertigo pass over me. I received my deed, went outside, and felt very dizzy. I then fell in a deep faint (I was physically stunned, as well). I saw a vision of a young woman, beckoning to me. My fiance, Lord Ruup, who was with me, unstunned me. I smiled at the young woman, whom Lord Ruup did not see.
"I told Ruup that I felt we needed to go to Kai's shrine, and the young woman and my dizziness disappeared. We went to the shrine and prayed. We were both gifted with better insight into ourselves, but nothing else occurred. Ruup has also now pledged himself to Leya's Quest, seeing the power that she wields and my devotion to her. I am not sure who the young woman was... I'd like to believe it was Leya."
Lady Kythyn "While hunting in wind wraiths on Teras Isle last night, I became dizzy and then was stunned. Through the fog of my stun, I saw a young girl smiling at me. She then faded into the fog, whereupon I was left with the vision of a ghostly centaur. A red centaur then appeared and chased away the wraiths, pawed the ground, neighed an echoing neigh, and then leapt into the air and disappeared."
Lady Dainnah "I had a similar vision while at Leya's Shrine. There was a centaur hide lying before the altar, and the hide started to glow, then stood up - reincarnating the centaur. The centaur pawed the ground and ran off. Through a fog I saw a young woman beckoning to me. I was physically stunned into a trance. Then the vision faded and the fog of dizziness left me"
"Then, almost a fortnight later, I was again visiting the shrine, with Remeck and Griftan, and I knelt to pray to Leya and told her of all the deeds that we had been doing. When it came time to leave, I readied my shield and found that it had changed from a blood red shield to a blood red shield crossed with hammered vaalin engraved into a motif of repeated daggers."
Lady Shadowkatt "One night soon following the Quest's first vision, some of us returned to Kai's Shrine give our devotion to Leya. Having knelt and prayed, we received a message to look to the forests to find the shrine. As we prepared to go, I slid my shield off my shoulder and noticed that it was somewhat different. Examining it closely I found it to now be a black vultite shield fire-branded with the image of a glowing dagger"
(Katt has since reported seeing Leya while training at the Warrior Guild, encouraging her to continue to grow and attain her goals.)
Lady Deavon "As we left Kai's Shrine the night that it reopened, having prayed to Leya and given her our devotion and thanks, I felt an inclination to touch my white Leya medallion - a gift given to me by Lady Kali. As I reached up to my neck to touch it, I felt it change. It now sparkled and was inset with a tear-shaped pearl.
"I cried with joy that Leya had sought to bless me, but I was curious - all the others had all received a dagger ornamentation, or had daggers altered. Why did I have a tear? I found part of the answer when we discovered Leya's Shrine. From the dome of the shrine water falls like tears into the pool below."
Lady Danay "Lady Shadowkatt was attempting to charge some items in The Reach one night recently. It was getting late and had taken longer than she had thought it would, when she attempted to exit by the water tunnels. Two hours later she was still trapped, wet, tired and in despair. Our good friend, Lord Baleford, and I had been waiting on the outside by Lake Eonak, asking every person wandering by or who escaped from The Reach for directions out, but to no avail. Finally, I was struck with an idea and here is what happened:
"I would like to pray to Leya, she is the one who cares for Katt," I told Baleford. "Then do so," he replied. Removing a single yellow rose from my cloak, I knelt down and began to pray. "My Lady Leya, I pray to you today of a small thing, but for one you care for. I offer you this rose as an offering... it was given to me by Shadowkatt." Dropping the rose, I continued. "Shadowkatt is special to you and I, and she is now trapped and needs your guidance. She knows nothing of my prayer to you now. I ask that perhaps you could look in on her, and give her the guidance she needs. My Lady Leya, please answer my prayer, and speak to the one you love." I waited, and upon receiving no reply or sign from our Lady, I sighed heavily. "I do not think she is listening to such a foolish request," I told Baleford. Dejectedly, I picked up the rose, "I do not know what else to do, that was all that I had in my power to try." Gazing up into the heavens, I spoke, "Thank you for hearing my prayers, Leya, even when you choose not to answer." As I rose, fearing that Katt might spend the night sleeping in the water tunnels, she suddenly came spurting out of of the gushing waterfall and splashed into the lake. After several agonizing moments she was thrust by the currents into knee-deep water nearby. After much celebrated relief and hugs and kisses of reunion, we headed back to town. Showing Katt the rose I said, "I tried it as an offering," then placed it back in my cloak. As we entered the gates and made our way home, a warm glow emanated from my cloak for a moment. Puzzled, I searched only to find the rose now missing. Quickly I knelt in a prayer of thanks, knowing my Lady had accepted my offering. Rising, we continued our round of well-wishes and good-nights, when something seemed to move in my cloak for a moment, then was gone. Once again I peered in, only to gasp as I removed a shining golden rose from inside. Now wide awake, Katt and I decided to trek to Leya's Shrine, and it was there we prayed once more to our Lady and bid adieu for the night.
Lord Geijon "I arrived at the meeting late and I was glad to see all the fine ladies gathered around the storyteller Miriweather, and myself, oddly being the only male of the group, until Lord Ruup came along later. We started off and went to Kai's shrine in search of clues to the location of Leya's Shrine. Again Myste communed and we discovered a few valuable answers that later helped us reach her shrine, and as I got up to leave my armor was anew and blazed with a glowing dagger over my right shoulder. I marveled at the beauty of the mark! Days went by and we continued the Quest for the shrine and as the days went by, in an odd experiment the armor was destroyed by dark magics that cursed it and it was lost.
Knowing the loss I felt for losing the armor, and in my eyes, Leya's favor, my fellow questors allowed me to lead the group and again Leya sent us visions. Somehow I managed to decipher them with the groups help, although we didn't agree on everything we finally reached Leya's Shrine together and spent hours exploring and marveling over its beauty. As we sat near the pool next to Soulingen, a single trillium blossom appeared near the altar. For my efforts and the loss of my goddess' marking, I was given the blossom and to this day many years afterwards I still carry it with me at all times. It has never wilted or dulled in beauty and I will treasure it always. I still sometimes doubt myself and go to Leya's shrine for guidance. That may just be man's doubts in ourselves, but whenever I meditate at her shrine I feel relieved and continue onward.
... I will never leave these lands for they are my home and the gods we choose or are chosen by always watch us.
Lady Jorrdan "Standing outside the Shrine after having prayed with the other Leya followers one night, I began to prepare for the journey back to the Landing. I slung my shield from off my shoulder as I bade my friends goodbye, then -- almost as an afterthought, I decided to arm myself. Upon withdrawing my heavy vultite falchion from its sheath, I discovered that I had been blessed by Leya, for the hilt of my falchion had been changed and incised with blood-red dagger sigils surrounded by lightning. Not only had I been blessed by the Goddess I had chosen to follow... my decision to become a warrior had also been reinforced when Leya altered, of all things, my falchion."
Additional Remembrances
Leya Anniversary Event
Posted by Sylanae 1/30/05
Wow.. where do I begin?
Well, first thank you to all who came to the Leya Gathering! It had been much too long since I saw most of you and it was wonderful meeting those new faces as well.
Second, thank you to Storyteller Morrin and whomever built that grand surprise that STILL has my mind whirling.
For those that missed the event, I wish you had been able to attend as there were many revelations and adventures!
I will briefly summarize the events. If anyone has a log that can be posted please do so as it appears my log thingie did not work.
Once everyone had gathered, I spent a few moments greeting folks, explaining who I was and my relationship to Leya. I pointed out that many of us had known each other for quite a number of years but that all were welcome and that I was glad to see every one there.
We then congregated in the West Niche - Night - to begin the ceremony. I will not outline the ceremony in detail, suffice to say it incorporated the four main aspects of the Shrine: Strength, Mercy, Night and Day.
Once the ceremony concluded we all met back in the main room of the shrine and lo and behold, Storyteller Morrin was there to greet us. I retrieved some refreshments for those gathered and at Morrin's behest we moved to the South Niche - Mercy - to hear a tale.
The tale picked up from where Leya's story currently waits, as she has cast aside Soulingen and walked into obscurity. The tale in its entirety belongs in a post of its own, and I hope someone did log the event and might have it with Morrin's own words.
For the sake of brevity, I will summarize and state that as Leya walked her grief hung about her like a heavy cloak and beneath the weight of it she lost her sense of purpose. She continued to wander back towards her home and met up with women in trouble and pain and with her grace and strength nursed them back to health - both physically and emotionally. With each woman she met and helped she let go of a bit more grief and at the same time remembered what her duty in life was.
Each woman that she met up with ended up joining her in her travels and as the group got bigger they became known as Amazons. They would help all manner of women no matter the size of her trouble. In time, Leya realized the impact she had on the women that followed her and that realization helped her let go of her grief for good. It also signaled her time to leave them for they had learned all they could and were ready to stand tall on their own. After a sad goodbye, Leya left the women to carry on the teachings she had first began and with a thought of the rift between her and her father she wander once more into the forests.
Morrin ended the tale around then and as she was closing her tome her bookmark fluttered down and got lost. While searching for it behind the statue in the niche she was suprised to find a hidden staircase that none of us had ever noticed before.
With great spirit we all headed down the staircase to see what wonders had eluded us for these many years.. and what a great find it was.
I will end this post here, as I wish everyone to have a similar experience of discovery that I did when we first rushed down the staircase.. its something that I don't want anyone to miss out on. In the following days, I do hope someone can post a log that will show what else happened once we explored below the shrine, and perhaps more discussion will come of the discovery.
Again, to everyone involved. Thank you. You made this a night to remember and cherish. I hope to see all of you again very soon. Let's not let the years come between us again.
With much affection,
Sylanae C.
Leya Shrine Anniversary Thank-Yous
Posted by GS4-Andraste 1/30/05
>> Thank you to whomever it was that built the additional rooms that have been secret to our eyes all these years. The discovery of them and their part in Leya's story was amazing. Truly beautiful and fitting.
Sylanae, aside from thanking you and your society for hosting the reunion tonight, other thank you's go to:
SGM Ozias for listening to my wheedling and cajoling (a job in and of itself), and for giving me the green light to finish up this longstanding project.
GM Zyllah for doing the lion's share of co-authoring the final chapter of Leya's Story with me.
GM Zilana for bravely taking on the role of my NPC Morrin tonight, so I could just be a player tonight, once again.
GM Voraviel who is an uber-coder and solved my scripting needs in a flash. I owe him a lot and no doubt, he'll make me pay!
GM Modrian who always entertains my eleventh hour (figuratively 11:00 PM) QCing requests.
Myself for adding three new rooms to the Shrine and writing a simple loresong.
Lastly... three special thank you's:
GM Talairi, who wrote part one of Leya's Story and created the Shrine -- she served as my inspiration for becoming a GM. I am also honored to have co-authored part two of the story with her as well and learned to NPC at her hands.
PM Melissa, who understands how dear the Arkati are to the players.
And to all the men and women of Elanthia who make the worship of the Arkati an exciting part of roleplaying in GemStone IV.
--A.
Finding of the Hidden Leya Amazon Daggers
Posted by Stretch 2/1/05
[Shrine of Leya, South Niche] The area within the alcove is almost completely overtaken by the sculpture it harbors. An ensemble of two figures, the monument bears a carved legend across its base that reads "Mercy". Appropriately, the soft illumination bathing the statuary promotes a meditative ambiance. You also see a heavy backpack, a cotton backpack, the Evesong disk and an old stone staircase. Also here: Sylanae, Subarashi, Oracel, Antonette, Tashalin, Nediva, Deavon, Great Lady Myrene, Laella, Galenok, Lady Danay, Evesong, Storyteller Morrin Obvious exits: north, northeast, northwest
You see Storyteller Morrin Cairwyn the Bard. She appears to be a Sylvankind. She appears to be very young and shorter than average. She has almond-shaped hazel eyes and fair skin. She has long, braided honey-hued hair woven with carnelian silk ribbons. She has a heart-shaped face and an a bay laurel branch tattoo encircling her wrist. She is in good shape. She is holding a very old battered leather journal in her right hand and a curved willow branch lyre wrapped with pale green ribbons in her left hand. She is wearing a tanik limb walking stick, a circlet of green and gold oak leaves, a hooded wheat-hued spidersilk cloak, an ecru linen haversack, a tear-shaped amber pendant hanging from a delicate faenor chain, a dark siena velvet tunic, a braided ivy vine girdle slung with a battered tin chalice, some supple brown leather leggings, and a pair of soft doeskin boots fastened with gold pinecone clasps.
Morrin says, "Unbeknownst to her, the utterance acted as an incantation and forever bound the discarded weapon askew upon the black marble surface. Gathering up the dagger-sized sword given to her as a gift by the Halflings, she headed for the road that would take her away from this scene of sadness. Wandering the lands for many cycles of the moons, grief was her sole companion."
Morrin says, "Making her way to the forests of Ta Ardenai, where she could be closer to her mother's people, much of her time was spent in solitary travel. Kai kept a distant watch on his troubled daughter, knowing from his own sorrowful experience that she would have to find her own way to come to terms with the death of her beloved."
Morrin says, "Her days were often spent in quiet meditation and in keeping her skills as a warrior honed. While the thought of combat stirred her grief, she was too much her father's daughter to simply waste or ignore her inherent talents. Time passed slowly, as it often does when the soul is wounded, and though her physical strength was prime, her heart remained heavy. Leya had lost her sense of self."
Morrin says, "Sadness surrounded Leya like a cloak and gave her a measure of distance from those she had known in the past, as she visited those places where she had once been happy. Keeping to the shadows, she slipped among old friends unseen, watching searching for something to end her grieving."
Morrin says, "Some might say it was coincidence, and others believe it was her mother's inherited second sight that brought Leya to be walking the forested route between Ta Ardenai and Ta Loenthra one day. There she encountered a young woman in distress. Seeing someone else in pain pulled at Leya's heart and she could not bear to witness the misery, so she offered her aid."
Morrin says, "Leya asked for the woman's story and learned that the young woman was a sculptor's wife. In a sudden fit of bravery, the woman had seized a discarded shard of chalcedony and slain her abusive, brutal husband. Afterward, though she was shaken with fear and guilt over ending the life of someone that she had once loved, she had set out to turn herself in to the Captain of the Guard. Afraid no one would believe her, or worse yet, think it no crime to beat one s wife, the woman had fled town instead."
Morrin says, "No stranger to feeling aimless, lost, and guilt-ridden, Leya suggested the woman travel with her for a while before giving herself up to the Elven justice. Better to face a judge strong than defeated. As they wandered, Leya and the woman formed a deep and abiding friendship."
Morrin says, "During their time together, the young Arkati taught the elven woman many martial skills, including the art of crafting blades from found materials. Together, the mortal and Leya transformed the chalcedony shard weapon into a crude dagger, promising that it would never be used unjustly."
Morrin says, "Confident, no longer the little scared mouse she once had been, the woman returned to town and turned herself in a year and a day after the murder. By now, tales of the sculptor s cruelty had become widespread and many had expressed relief at his passing. ."
Morrin says, "In the face of such evidence from the townsfolk, the Captain of the Guard considered the matter justified and dismissed the outstanding charges against her."
Morrin says, "Leya stood at the back of the courtroom, watching her friend s ordeal, then moved to her side to celebrate the good news. For a split moment, that day at the tournament with Nelito came to mind, as did the reunion with her father."
Morrin says, "With that reminder of her tournament loss and all that came after, the last wisp of her grief finally disappeared, leaving a sense of inner peace and purpose in its place. Sadness at the thought of the estrangement from her father still remained. Leya knew that she had more work to do before she could resolve that part of her life."
Morrin says, "Together the two friends made their way to a local inn, and as they did, they passed a young half-elven girl clothed in tattered rags. She was being harshly berated and flailed by the inn s owner as she tended to the wash out in the alley."
Morrin says, "After the man went inside, the two women escorted the girl out of town, careful to put a good deal of distance between themselves and the inn. Making camp in the woods that night, Leya realized that they had acted without really thinking of the consequences, and now had to decide what to do about their new companion." girl."
Morrin says, "Pondering the choices before her, Leya came to the conclusion that the woman had been given into their care for a reason, and that she would do all that she could to help the woman heal."
Morrin says, "The two older women served as teachers and mentors to the girl. Learning the ways of combat, how to use a bow and sword, and how to fight hand-to-hand, the young prot g gained faith in herself and pride in her newfound strength. Each found solace in the others as they shared their painful pasts and realized their futures held much hope."
Morrin shifts her position, carefully turning to the next page in the battered journal.
Morrin says, "As had happened with the sculptor s wife, the bitterness and despair that had surrounded the young chore girl fell away during the passing weeks, and a confident young woman emerged. The three continued to travel together as companions and friends."
Morrin says, "Then one night, a frightened woman from one of the giantman clans stumbled into their camp. The woman was half-starved, and her appearance was disheveled from her wandering through the thick woods."
Morrin says, "The group took the woman into their care, feeding her and assuring her that she was safe. Just as Leya had done with the others, so she began her work with the newest member of their little tribe."
Morrin says, "This time though, she had the help of the other two, which made the teachings progress much more quickly. Together they traveled the elven lands, this odd group of women bound together by tragedy."
Morrin says, "After a few months, word of the small band and Leya's teachings had trickled out to others in the surrounding area. Women would approach them in every village and burg, each with a story more heart-rending than the next, and each were welcomed warmly."
Morrin says, "With each instance of healing others, Leya s own heart mended. No act of kindness and mercy was too great or too small a request of the group."
Morrin says, "Intensely loyal to Leya and her teachings, the women had taken to calling themselves Amazons. Out of individual women in desperate straits had formed a strong sisterhood, developing their own culture and code for living. ."
Morrin says, "I see this comes full circle now."
Morrin says, "One night, as Leya proudly surveyed the gathering as they laughed around a bonfire, she realized that her work there was indeed finished. She had done all she could for the women, and it was time for them to stand on their own, to carry on without her guidance."
Morrin says, "He following morning, Leya gathered together her few belongings and announced her decision to the stunned group. It was time for her to leave them, so that she could finish what remained to be done within her self, and so the women could continue the work they had just begun. ."
Morrin says, "Leya gestured to them all, standing proud and confident in a circle, and proclaimed that each was a leader worthy of respect. ."
Morrin says, "As sad as the women were at the parting, they understood why it was necessary. With a final farewell, Leya once again wandered down the path alone, disappearing within a circle of trees."
The music begins to swirl around you again, a quick bright beat that seems to brighten the area.
Morrin says, "Years turned into decades, and the Amazons continued on. Often some of the women would split away from the original group to take up residence in another part of the continent, where they would bring their teachings and training to those who came to them. The women usually crafted symbols to indicate their status as Amazons. ."
Morrin says, "Some groups favored ivory daggers or chalcedony shards, some crafted lapis lazuli teardrops, and others carved horses or owls out of snow white alabaster. Each sect or tribe had their own codes, culture, and way of governing, but all of them strove to remain true to what Leya had taught the original Amazons."
Morrin says, "The site of the shrine that Leya built in Egan s honor remained a legend until a group of determined Amazons sought its location and rediscovered it, with Leya's blessing, in the year 5097."
Softly the song fades, drifting off on the gentle wind.
Morrin says, "A good ending I think."
As Morrin leans to close her journal, her bookmark is blown away by a quick breeze, fluttering to the ground.
Morrin asks, "Oh?"
Morrin feels along the sculpture carefully for a moment.
Morrin says, "There is something here."
Morrin pulls the latch and suddenly the ground rumbles as a hidden staircase is revealed!
Morrin points at an old stone staircase.
Morrin stands up.
Morrin put a very old battered leather journal in her linen haversack.
Morrin put a curved willow branch lyre wrapped with pale green ribbons in her linen haversack.
(Down we went.)
Sylanae's group just climbed down an old stone staircase.
[Shrine of Leya, Secret Passage] Clay and shale walls glisten with a slight, damp trickle from the verdant forest above, sproutings of tangled roots run along the sides like skeletal fingers. The gently sloping dirt floor leads down a torch-lit passage towards a flickering light glowing brightly at the far end. Along the east wall, a long tapestry has been draped, illumination showing through where the edges warp and bow out. You also see an old stone staircase and a discolored iron chain. Also here: Subarashi, Oracel, Antonette, Tashalin, Nediva, Deavon, Great Lady Myrene, Laella, Galenok, Lady Danay, Evesong, Storyteller Morrin, Sylanae Obvious exits: down
Sylanae's group just went down.
[Shrine of Leya, Egan's Tomb] Opening up into a vast circular chamber, the tomb is dominated by a simple black marble bier upon which rests an ornately-carved serpentine catafalque. Rusted iron lamps mounted on the walls burn quietly, the faint aroma of their bdellium-scented oil filling the air. Also here: Subarashi, Oracel, Antonette, Tashalin, Nediva, Deavon, Great Lady Myrene, Laella, Galenok, Lady Danay, Evesong, Storyteller Morrin, Sylanae Obvious exits: up
>l catafalque
Exquisite details in the carving of the serpentine catafalque render an amazing likeness of a handsome elven male lying in peaceful repose. A thin seam barely divides the top from the base, the only suggestion that this elegant sculptural study is actually a final resting place.
>l bier
The base of the bier is etched with the trunk of a large tree of life, and its burdened branches stretch out to each side. Individual leaves have been polished to a glossy sheen adding a bas-relief effect to the catafalque's altar.
Morrin asks, "There is a tapestry back up there perhaps it has something to add to this?"
Sylanae's group just went up.
[Shrine of Leya, Secret Passage] Clay and shale walls glisten with a slight, damp trickle from the verdant forest above, sproutings of tangled roots run along the sides like skeletal fingers. The gently sloping dirt floor leads down a torch-lit passage towards a flickering light glowing brightly at the far end. Along the east wall, a long tapestry has been draped, illumination showing through where the edges warp and bow out. You also see a discolored iron chain. Also here: Subarashi, Oracel, Antonette, Tashalin, Nediva, Deavon, Great Lady Myrene, Laella, Galenok, Lady Danay, Evesong, Storyteller Morrin, Sylanae Obvious exits: down
>l tap
You see nothing unusual.
Sylanae's group just went behind a long tapestry.
[Shrine of Leya, Amazon's Vestry] Slightly L-shaped, the clay walls here have been smoothed carefully, then panoramically-carved with many figures of armor-clad women bearing weapons. A large black marble slab table paired with wooden benches extends the length of the room. One silver iron oil lamp shaped to resemble the pool in the shrine above sits centered on the table, its single flame burning brightly. You also see a weathered modwir trunk. Also here: Subarashi, Oracel, Antonette, Tashalin, Nediva, Deavon, Laella, Galenok, Lady Danay, Evesong, Storyteller Morrin, Sylanae, Great Lady Myrene Obvious exits: out
>l in trunk
That is closed.
>l trunk
Weathered modwir boards are reinforced along the edges with discolored iron fittings, as well as reinforced with thin bands around the base and across the lid. A well-rusted lock doesn't conform to the normal shape of a key.
(Trunk was opened.)
>l in trunk
In the modwir trunk you see a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger, a simple faenor dagger and a simple faenor dagger.
You remove a simple faenor dagger from in a weathered modwir trunk.
>l my dagg
Inscribed on the amethyst handle is a name rendered in crude script and a small tool has been used to etch an owl on the blade near the tang. You also notice a small enchanter's glyph. There appears to be something written on it.
>read my dagg
In the Common language, it reads: "Jadryga"
>l table
An alternating border of horses, owls, and crossed daggers is carved along all sides of the black marble slab. A recently polished silver lamp filled with fragrant oil sits at the center and glows from the light of a single flame.
>l wall
An earthen bas-relief is carved along the two longer walls, with women of all races and sizes, each bearing a proud and determined mien. Along the shorter back wall, lettering done in an ancient style scribes out a purpose for this room.
>read wall
- "No doubt tales of my life and journey have *
- survived, if you've found this shrine and the *
- gifts the Amazons of the past have carried *
- forward to the future. At the end of my *
- journey as a mere mortal, and once I was *
- well hidden within a circle of modwir pines, *
- I called out to my father. Overjoyed to hear *
- my summons, Kai crossed the distance with all *
- due haste. Before him I stood, no longer the *
- young girl who had left in grief, but a woman *
- shaped by it. At first we said nothing, but *
- then I offered, "Will my father forgive a *
- wayward daughter for her absence in his life *
- until now and accept her eternal love?" *
- *
- "We both smiled at this replaying of a *
- familiar scene. Embracing, I wept the last *
- remaining tears of my sorrow, now mixed with *
- joy at being reunited with my father. He *
- spent the night in kindly patience, listening *
- as I told him all I had learned, and when I *
- was finally silent, we watched the rose-gold *
- light of dawn pierce the needle-laden boughs. *
- A single beam spilled down to the forest *
- floor as the sun slowly rose, encompassing me *
- fully within its light, and with it came new *
- clarity. Born of the union between a mortal *
- and an Arkati, I realized the time had come *
- for me to take up more responsibility, and *
- affirm my role as Patroness of the Amazons." *
- *
- "I leave this place as a gift, to those who *
- dedicate themselves to following my ideals." *
That's pretty much the bare bones of it. I wasn't sure everybody wanted to see half a room of Amazons having hissy fits, so I cut all of the chatter and stuff out. If I was wrong and everyone does want to see it, let me know and I'll post the full log.
Seems each of the daggers had a different gem hilt and a different named etched onto them.
Wheee! Yay Leya!
- Laleena
Loresong on Leya Daggers
Posted by Jade123 2/1/05
You sing:
"Dagger that I hold to heart Knowledge of you to me impart Your weight and value I'd like to know Within my mind let it show"
The first clear notes of your song ring out, causing the air to reverberate palpably. Invisible waves wash over you, creating a sensation of spiraling down into an unending yet gentle fall. As you near what you anticipate as the bottom, everything slows and you synchronize with your surroundings... but this is another time and place.
Towering trees mask most of the night sky, although stars wink in and out of existence between gently swaying boughs. Within the woodsy ring sit many women of all shapes, sizes, and hue. Slender elves, wizened gnomes, gangly humans, small halflings, and many more have gathered around a blazing fire, lifting their voices up in song.
Roundtime: 17 sec.
This is what I saw ~ Icewhite begins his song with a few notes, stringing them together like precious beads on a silk thread.
You sing:
"Dagger that I hold aloft What's the purpose you hold most oft? Do you hold mana for song or spell? I'd like to know, to me tell"
Adding another refrain to your melody, you feel yourself begin to spin again, the only thing that keeps you grounded is the feel of the dagger in your hand.
At the center of the circle sits a dark-haired woman with deep azure eyes who commands the attention of all present. With nothing more than a scrap of metal and a sharp piece of rock, she shows them how to fashion a crude blade.
You feel a slight disorientation as the vision grows blurry, but just as soon it clears, and you see the campground now in daylight. Each woman proudly wields a small dagger blade, some polishing them, glinting with the sun's reflection, others carefully wrapping them in a sheath of leather.
This is what I saw "The soft melody continues as Icewhite adds another verse to his song. His hand automatically traces along the dagger as he sings."
You sing:
"Dagger, tell me now and tell me fast What is your history, your hidden past? Are you famous or just a pawn? Tell me ere before the dawn"
You raise your voice up again, this time much stronger and hitting distinct precise notes designed to bring out more of the story hidden within the dagger. Again the familiar dizziness surrounds you.
When your focus stabilizes, each woman is carefully displaying her newly hilted blade, every one with a unique handle etched with a name. Above the tang, some have crudely etched an owl, while others have chosen a steed as an inspirational symbol.
Roundtime: 18 sec.
What I saw "Nodding as he sings, Icewhite continues his joyous song, turning the dagger over and over as he does."
You sing:
"Dagger to which I sing Tell me a most wondrous thing What spell or ability do you hold? These are the things I wish to be told"
Once more you are transported with a swirling sensation back to the forest of the previous scenes with each note you add to the refrain.
Tears, laughter, hugs, and kisses are offered to the woman the tribe is gathered around. Her voice is soft and indistinct, but from the tone you can tell that she is making her farewells. She steps away, glancing back once to issue a wave, then disappears into the woods.
Blackness descends quickly and then the gradual glow of an oil lamp illuminates a small, earthen room filled with a large table and several benches. A crone garbed in simple garments kneels by a open trunk. Her hand goes for her crude dagger, lifting it out of its sheath. She places it among the many other daggers in the trunk, then closes the lid and removes the key.
Roundtime: 17 sec.
What I saw ~ "Icewhite frowns in concentration as he weaves another verse, his voice wavering only slightly."
You sing:
"Dagger once in womens grasp Release to me the secrets you clasp For your story is incomplete Fill my mind with what I seek."
The dagger vibrates slightly in response to your notes, then goes still.
Roundtime: 17 sec.
He wasn't sure if he got the last. He thought there may be one more but wasn't sure. Perhaps a woman could get the last?
Charna
Leya Daggers
Posted by Sylanae 2/1/05
If possible, I would love to find out the names and designs on all the daggers. I wasn't able to read/see them all that night.
I think the women who helped bring the Amazon way of life into being deserve a moment to shine, plus those who keep track of history such as this might like to know.
I'll start with the two daggers I currently have.
Here's mine: Inscribed on the onyx handle is a name rendered in crude script and a small tool has been used to etch a proud steed on the blade near the tang. You also notice a small enchanter's glyph. There appears to be something written on it: "Morgallen."
And the extra: Inscribed on the mother-of-pearl handle is a name rendered in crude script and a small tool has been used to etch a proud steed on the blade near the tang. You also notice a small enchanter's glyph. There appears to be something written on it: "Raphfelia."
Any one else?
- Syl
16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)16:49, 29 July 2019 (CDT)
The Original Amazons of Leya
posted by GS4-Andraste 2/1/05 (the names on the daggers)
They are: Romilde, Ualda, Sigismonda, Orlanthe, Jadryga, Lorelle, Herthe, Etheloe, Rhedwyn, Margred, Abertha, Heraltha, Narancia, Tirgelth, Darienna, Fallaen, Hjordis, Cerbylis, Raphfelia, Bevyena, Morgallen, Seredita.
Who were they? Anyone's guess...
The original Amazons from almost 20,000 years ago, during the Age of Chaos? Women who, through some secret sisterhold, knew the secret of the Shrine and placed their daggers there when their friends had died or been killed? A subsequent sect that used to meet there and has since disappeared? A merchant who left behind her wares?
Maybe someday tales will surface.
--A.