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First published on the 17th day of Olaesta in the year 5119
First published on the 17th day of Olaesta in the year 5119


At the end of [[A Healing Process]], Rohese finally reached a turning point in her recovery from pain and grief. This is a continuation of her story and includes her insights into [[The Nazhor Chronicles]].
Following on from [[A Difficult Journey]] and [[A Healing Process]], this journal is a repository of vignettes including insights into Rohese's continued story and her involvement in [[The Nazhor Chronicles]].

===Prologue===
It is through our memories that we learn to live again, learn to love again, and, in turn, make more memories – better memories. The knowledge is eternal; sustaining us, nurturing us, and allowing us to grow. As [[House Illistim]]'s heraldic statement bears testament: Knowledge is the key to eternity. It is my hope that by recording my memories, my loved ones will not be forgotten, I will not be forgotten, and I can help make memories for others.


===Trials and Tribulations===
===Trials and Tribulations===
Line 247: Line 250:


Several voices echoed in her mind. ''Know that I am always with you, child. I love you, pixie. Be strong, Rohese, I am inordinately proud of you.''
Several voices echoed in her mind. ''Know that I am always with you, child. I love you, pixie. Be strong, Rohese, I am inordinately proud of you.''

===Of Crystals and Tomes===

<pre{{log2}}>[Darkened Hall, Oculus]
This space is perfectly round, with a gently sloping ceiling that rises to a small opening at its peak. Through this opening, the light outside comes through and strikes a deeply-flawed crystal mounted in the floor. The floor underneath is firmly packed dirt, and the walls are sheer stone, but the room is curiously bereft of the echoes one would expect from such a space. You also see a narrow doorway. Obvious exits: none

This ruined crystal has a deep crack cutting a jagged line through its surface. The flaw runs to the heart of the crystal, where there appears to have been a rounded out space. The entire crystal is dull and lifeless, despite the shaft of light striking it.</pre>

The faint shaft of natural light coming through the oculus dimmed for a moment as a phalanx of geese passed overhead. [[Avawren]] gestured, calling on the spirits to cast Light and the shadows in the Darkened Hall duly retreated. Now able to see a little more clearly, Rohese slowly circled the room to examine the flawed crystal mounted in the floor. Her expression hardened with each step and, on completion of her exploratory circuit, she turned to face Avawren.

As if understanding exactly what Rohese was thinking, Avawren nodded. "Where should I start ..."

She took a deep breath and began, "I don't know how long the existence of this room ... this crystal was known, but I was allowed to see it once, briefly, when it was whole. The entrance is locked and only one person holds the key. [[Darcena]] and I were shown it during a gathering of the Circle ..."

She paused to shift her weight, casting a glance at Rohese. "Though I came to know of this room a week or so prior to that."

A little distracted, Rohese nodded faintly, her attention still drawn to the center of the room. Reaching out, she touched the ruined crystal, which remained dull and lifeless despite the shaft of light striking it from the oculus above. A deep crack cut a jagged line through it surface, running to its heart where there appeared to be a rounded-out shape. Something was clearly missing.

Avawren pursed her lips, giving a slight shake of her head. "I wish I'd gotten the chance to show you before it was destroyed. It was beautiful, alive. It ... thrummed. The whole room pulsed with it. I'd have liked to have gotten a sharp pair of Illistimi eyes on it." She offered Rohese a small smile.

Rohese breathed a heavy sigh. Realising that time was of the essence and she could trust Avawren, she made a decision. "I need to show you something."

Rohese reached into her case and pulled out a small blue and black tome covered in silver scrollwork. Showing it to Avawren, she watched her expression closely as the realisation of its significance quickly dawned on the [[Nalfein]].

"You know what this is?"

Avawren arched a brow and, with a smile, simply remarked, "We have a great deal to talk about it seems."

Nodding in agreement, Rohese returned her smile. "It's time the Inner Circle met and we put all our differences aside. I've been complacent for far too long." Slipping the tome back into her case, Rohese glanced at the crystal again before continuing. "Knowing about this place and with Nazhor's tome in our possession, I believe it's time for some decisive action."

With a resigned sigh, she noted, "I also need to meet with [[Nehor]] but, this time, I won't let him make a fool of me."


[[Category: Essays]]
[[Category: Essays]]

Revision as of 04:14, 23 April 2019

Title: Eternal Knowledge
Author: Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l

First published on the 17th day of Olaesta in the year 5119

Following on from A Difficult Journey and A Healing Process, this journal is a repository of vignettes including insights into Rohese's continued story and her involvement in The Nazhor Chronicles.

Prologue

It is through our memories that we learn to live again, learn to love again, and, in turn, make more memories – better memories. The knowledge is eternal; sustaining us, nurturing us, and allowing us to grow. As House Illistim's heraldic statement bears testament: Knowledge is the key to eternity. It is my hope that by recording my memories, my loved ones will not be forgotten, I will not be forgotten, and I can help make memories for others.

Trials and Tribulations

Rohese paused, her hand resting lightly on the door handle.

She glanced in the direction of the burly guard standing nearby, his words echoing in her mind. “Scum! That’s what he is. Should’a strung ‘im up in the commons for the real birds to feed off’a!” He snorted at his own attempt at humor and spat over the balcony.

Taking a deep breath, Rohese opened the door and stepped over the threshold, flinching slightly as she heard it lock behind her.

The room was fairly well appointed, despite being used as a holding cell, and there was a fairly decent view of the town through the window. Even through the heavy rainfall, it was possible to make out curls of black smoke in the distance where the burnt out shells of homes still smouldered.

He was seated in an armchair facing her, one leg crossed over the knee of the other, his fingers steepled together. He looked surprisingly relaxed, given the circumstances, but then Nehor was always good at putting on a show.

“Thank you for agreeing to see me,” she said, flushing slightly under his steady gaze. “I wasn’t sure you would be willing and the guard was reluctant to let me in otherwise.”

“Come to gloat?” he responded, somewhat curtly but his demeanor softened a little as he gestured towards the other chair.

Rohese hesitated, doubt still lingering over her motives for being there. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea after all. She knew it was probably futile but she had to try, even after her vain attempts to reason with him the other day. She would never forgive herself if she didn’t at least try to talk to him again, this time without the added distraction or pressure of a hostile audience. It was unfair of Socius to have put them both in that position but she understood the necessity; time was of the essence. She wished that she had had the chance to appeal to him alone, in a place of her choosing where he wasn’t so … vulnerable. But it was too late. She had failed him then and she was more than likely going to fail him again.

His trial was scheduled for the coming Restday, a week on from the atrocities that had occurred under his alleged leadership. She had this one last chance to reach out to him, to reason with the man that she knew he really was: Kind and caring; one certainly intelligent enough to understand her point of view and more than capable of seeing beyond the delusional plans of a madman. If only he would let his guard down and let her in; explain why he felt that Nazhor’s idea of balance was the only way forward. What had happened to make this man so disillusioned with the world? Yes, Elanthia had experienced horrific events over the millennia – and was still suffering from tyranny and malevolence - but there was hope. She witnessed many genuine acts of kindness and forgiveness every day. Goodness and mercy would prevail, of that she was certain.

Firming her resolve, she sat down in the armchair and settled her gaze upon him.

“How are you?” she began, fidgeting nervously with the skirts of her kirtle.

“I endure,” he admitted. “The treatment of the guard was not gentle. They lost friends, most of them, in the … incident.”

Rohese nodded faintly as Nehor gave her a wry smile and she knew then that this wasn’t going to be easy for either of them.

---<-`<@

An hour later, Rohese stepped back into the corridor and watched the guard turn the key in the lock. She glanced back at the door, almost tempted to go back in. Should I have refused his request to leave? No, he needs time to think. With a perfunctory nod towards his gaoler, she headed down the stairs and out into the rain.

A Life in Ruins

Mist Harbor, Restday, 31st day of Charlatos
A pretty young elven woman races in, crying. She pleads, "Can someone... please... help my father? The house was set on fire, and he's stuck in there!" As she finishes her message, she is suddenly struck by a streaking fireball! Flames engulf her body as she screams aloud! The magical flames consume her with incredible rapidity, leaving her in a heap of ashes as the last of the flames die out.
Mist Harbor, Day of the Huntress, 5th day of Olaesta

Rohese draped the silk veil across her face in an attempt to mask the lingering taint of charred flesh and the acrid smell of smoke. Cautiously stepping over the rubble, she struggled with her raw emotions as she witnessed the evidence of a murdered family strewn about the ruins of their former home.

For some reason, Ceyrin held back, the fading daylight casting him in shadow and obscuring his expression. He shifted his position as a streak of bright white lightning seared the sky and briefly illuminated the ash-filled room. She barely flinched these days. The raging storm had become part of everyday life on the island and no one seemed to pay it much attention anymore. They had more important things on their minds.

Rohese’s gaze fell upon a bloodied shirt and her hand flew to her mouth. Fortunately, the militia had taken away the corpses for burial but it was obvious what had befallen this unsuspecting household. Cracked and broken bowls lay at her feet, the smaller one still with the spoon resting inside. Caught unawares during their evening meal, they’d had no chance to escape. They were my friends! A tear ran down Rohese’s cheek as she surveyed the rest of the damage.

Whether it was seeing her distress, or just to escape the torrential rain, Ceyrin cursed under his breath and joined her inside. He bent down to retrieve something from near the hearth and attempted to conceal it before she noticed. But then, taking in the devastation around him, he had second thoughts and handed it to her.

Ceyrin simply stated, “He needs to see that.”

With a cry of anguish, Rohese slipped it carefully into her basket. Nodding once, she replied flatly, “I’ve changed my mind, I need to go to the trial.”

---<-`<@

Later that evening, alone in her room ...

A boom of thunder resonated outside.

Rohese set down her quill and read over the letter she had just written.

Clerk to the Magistrate
c/o Sergeant’s Office
Mist Harbor
Dear Sir,
I wish to formally request an opportunity to speak at the trial of Nehor on Restday, the 7th day of Olaesta. It is my understanding that witnesses will be asked to present their evidence and, if I may impose on the goodwill of the court further, I would like my testimony to be heard last, if at all possible.
Humbly yours,
Rohese Bayvel-Timsh’l Illistim

Folding the parchment and applying her seal in white wax, she found herself gazing at the basket on the floor beside her. The mere reminder of it tugged painfully at her heart but it firmed her resolve and she rose to her feet with the intention of delivering the letter herself.

How many more lives need to be ruined!

Conscience and Correspondence

She was home.

Walking into the hallowed halls of the Library Aies brought back a flood of fond memories and she breathed in its comforting fragrance. The familiar smell of wax and dusty parchment embraced her like a warm hug.

The events of last Restday had left Rohese reeling. The trial had epitomized everything she abhorred and had fought to overcome in her short life: injustice and indifference. "A travesty of justice," some hailed it but went about their day nonetheless. Many were baying for blood and seeking it in turn, while others were savoring the bizarre turn of events. A few were even whispering rumors of collusion and allegations of "crocodile tears." But one thing could be agreed upon, it had certainly had an impact on the people of Mist Harbor.

Rohese had promptly left the Isle, feeling as if she had no place there anymore. She had witnessed Nehor being found guilty of all charges brought against him yet walk free with a fine of 10 silvers; apparently that was all those innocent lives were worth. The magistrate had trivialized every word she had delivered and she had been left feeling foolish and inept. No matter, I am home now.

Lost in her thoughts, Rohese had walked the length of the Hall of Being and reached the Hall of the Ancients at the far end. Taking in its golden glory, she circled the room, allowing her fingers to wander along the spines of the weighty tomes lining its shelves. She had come to the Library in the hope that she could find something … anything … on the mysteries of the meek.

A voice behind her caused her to jump with a start. "Lady Rohese... may I please have a moment of your time?" Socius stepped into the room and approached her. "I have an apology and an explanation to offer you, Lady."

Instantly recognisable from his scar, Rohese retreated a little, shocked to see him in the Shining City.

"I have been away, checking on my father," he added, by way of explanation, "and in my absence, a cancer spread to the Isle. In fairness... it has been there for some time. But it became malignant in my absence. And some of the consequences of my inaction, and absence, caused you a great deal of hurt. And for that, I simply cannot apologize enough "

Breathing a heavy sigh, Rohese replied, "You're referring to the trial, I take it."

Socius nodded and, stepping closer, he spoke quietly, suddenly conscious of his surroundings. "May I explain the actions I have taken, and intend to take, as a result of that horrible day?"

Rohese nodded slightly by way of a response.

"I thank you, Lady. First, the magistrate has... left his post. He will never again darken anyone's door, whether within or without a hall of justice." Lowering his voice further to a mere whisper, he added, "Nehor ... when he is seen, shall be dealt with. Harshly. His role in this has not gone unnoticed by me and he must pay for the pain he has brought to the Isle."

It’s all my fault. If only I could have reached him ... made him understand that he wasn’t alone and that he was merely Nazhor’s puppet. As if hearing her inner thoughts, a darkness clouded Socius’s eyes.

"The more immediate threat, however, is Nazhor, and he nears his goal with frightening rapidity. If he is successful, the Isle will be transformed into a hellish place, populated by atrocities that were never meant to be in this world."

He glanced around the room to ensure they could not be overheard. Taking no chances, he leaned in closely and whispered something into her ear. Somewhat taken aback, Rohese considered his words and nodded in agreement. She had clearly underestimated this man and was astounded that he had made the effort to come all this way to speak with her on the matter.

"If I might be so presumptuous ..." With a ghost of a smile on his lips, Socius reached over her shoulder to one of the upper shelves and lifted down a tan leather book. "There's an old tale that I read as a boy. My father travelled a great deal, and I was always keen to read as much as I could. Given our current ... situation ... there's a particular passage that is ... worthy of consideration. It suggests some insights into ... other worlds. A guide to correspondence, if you will."

"Could be worth a read," he suggested, handing it to her with the barest hint of a wink. "Until next time, Lady," he bowed and left the room.

Rohese glanced down at the book in her hand and read the title. "Tales of Toomy the Bard." It wasn’t a thick book so, forgoing her usual ritual of a comfortable seat and a cup of tea, she quickly opened it and started to read. About halfway through, she noticed a tiny symbol at the top of one of the pages. It looked almost like a bird and appeared to be a handwritten annotation to the text. She read the passage again …

Toomy stared in the mirror at himself, his eyes wide on both sides. But the Toomy in the mirror's mouth moved! "The thing is, Toomy, you're not as alone as you think. You chose a road that looks empty to you, but there's lots of Toomys who took that road, too! You can't see them, of course, and they can't see you, but there's lots of worlds with lots of Toomys, and all of them who went down that path with you... they're closer than you think! If you take another turn, then a lot of Toomys will too. Think about that, Toomy. You're never really alone, so there's no reason to be scared. You're an army of Toomys, so you have nothing to fear!" {scribbled in the margins, in a spidery Elven script, someone has written, "Be true to yourself always, so that you are as many of yourself as you can be. Is this the secret?"}

Rohese smiled to herself and mentally started packing for her return to the Isle.

Memories (Rohese runs the Gauntlet)

The Now

Rohese reached up for the tome on the highest shelf and blew away the thin layer of dust. Carefully opening the cracked leather cover, she began to read the faded text within.

She had spent the last few days wandering the Halls of the Library Aies in search of anything that would reveal the nature of the meeks and give her an insight into the meaning of their correspondence. The bruises were fading on her arm but the scar tissue was a constant reminder of their desperate attempt to reach out for help and her recent encounter with Socius had made her more determined than ever to do just that.

The storybook she was now holding was a familiar one from her childhood. One story in particular resonated with her and she paused to reflect on its meaning. The tale of "Patience and the Lily" reminded her so much of her own story: one of hope and suffering, of love and loss. Patience's story could be her own. Memories of her family flooded her mind, both happy and sad; the smiles on their beloved faces still causing her heartache but she smiled as she thought fondly of them all.

Reaching into robes, she pulled out her grandmother's book and opened it to read the words inscribed on the inside of the cover.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Lost in thought, she didn't notice the room around her shift slightly, and the lines of the objects become slightly less distinct.

A voice spoke in her mind, whispering slightly, "Lady Rohese... this is a time of... correspondence. And opportunity..."

Placing her hand on her book, Rohese tentatively asked, "Who are you?"

"I am one of the meek... your thoughts have drawn me to you during this time of correspondence. I have prepared... an opportunity. Should you be willing to undertake it, I believe much good can be done."

Resting the fingertips of her right hand in the hollow of her throat, Rohese closed her eyes for a moment and quietly murmured an archaic elven orison. Feeling a little more settled, she nodded slightly and felt herself pulled away.

She opened her eyes and surveyed her surroundings. She found herself standing in a white marble atrium, with elaborately styled buttresses supporting the ceiling overhead, and brilliantly colored stained glass windows casting a kaleidoscope of rainbow hues across the single massive marble slab that served as the floor. The air was still and heavy with the taste of dust and time. At the far end of the atrium was a single archway.

The awe-inspiring beauty of the chamber was oddly comforting so Rohese took the opportunity to steady her breathing and prepare for what might lay ahead. Sensing her readiness, the voice continued.

"What you see is not what is, but a construct fashioned to help you comprehend what must be done. I have tunneled through, and will hold the way as long as I can, though time will be short. The Fallen will send obstacles, but I will assist as much as I can. In your memories, we increase correspondence. Proceed, Broken One, and know that we are with you."

Stepping tentatively through the archway, Rohese was immediately transported back to her childhood.

The Past

The first thing that struck her was the fragrant scent of herbs as she stood amidst a modest garden, carefully organised and in full bloom. Various herbs and brilliant flowers lay in neat rows and a delicate wrought-iron fence surrounded the entire space. Just beyond the fence, through a faintly glowing gateway, stood an indistinct pair of figures, hand-in-hand, watching her silently. The larger of the two seemed to be carrying a fishing rod, and the smaller one seemed to be rather thin. In that moment, the smaller figure raised a hand towards her, as if in greeting, but made no sound.

Memories of her mother overwhelmed her: the scent of her garden in full bloom, her smile thought lost to the years, and her strength as she fought the unwinnable battle against illness. Carrying that memory in her heart, Rohese simply walked towards the gate and whispered, "Mother?"

Her vision faded in a melancholy grey haze only to return with a sinking feeling.

The Near

The scent of lavender filled her nostrils again but this time it came with a wave of nausea. A pair of stone pots containing large plants in full bloom rested on either side of the wooden doors through which she had just stepped. The walls were painted a pale green, and the carpet underfoot was a complementary darker green with an intricate pattern of interlaced deep blue woven throughout. Her eyes were drawn to a large writing desk in the middle of the office and she knew immediately where she was. An indistinct figure in the background sighed and approached her.

"Does this space look familiar?"

Rohese nodded and suddenly felt the stares of an unseen crowd upon her. She felt her face blush hot with embarrassment. This can’t be happening again!

"This is the place where you almost broke."

Rohese's insides roiled and she felt a deep knot of pain in her gut as she relived the deep betrayal once more. Tears rolled down her cheeks. "That wasn’t justice!" She cried out, recalling the humiliation of Nehor's trial a few weeks ago.

"And what has justice to do with reality?" The figured stepped closer again. "You are not owed justice, Lady Rohese."

Retreating, Rohese quickly replied, "Justice is everything. It creates balance!"

"And do you believe you are entitled to it, then?"

The distinct sound of laughter drifted through the room and Rohese was certain it was directed at her. Struggling to maintain her composure, she glanced at the book in her hand and recalled the words of her grandmother once more. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Rohese cleared her throat. "Yes, everyone is entitled to justice."

"And when the world does not accommodate you... you turn and run. What is the right path when faced with injustice?" The figure’s words felt like a slap in the face causing Rohese to doubt herself for a moment but she quickly recovered. "To stand and fight, I know that now."

"Is every life truly worth saving?"

"Yes!" came her reply, without hesitation. Her grandmother's face filled her thoughts as if prompting her to continue. "Every life deserves a second chance."

The indistinct figure stepped even closer but she was still unable to make out the features enough to identify him although, in her heart, she knew... and she knew she still had a chance to reach out to him.

An indistinct figure asked, "Even one... such as I... who would turn from the light time and again?"

Somewhat reassured, Rohese nodded firmly and repeated, "Yes, forgiveness is everything."

"Then why... Lady Rohese... have you been unable to forgive yourself?"

Feeling her eyes burn as she attempted to hold back the tears, she finally set aside her long-held anguish and boldly declared, "Because I wasn't ready to do so but now I am. I know that I too am worthy of forgiveness."

“You believe that you are ready... that you can stand against injustice, and your own self-doubt, and be a force for good?"

Firmer in her resolve, Rohese stated, "I will do whatever it takes ... even if it means my humiliation again." Removing the white linen bandage from her arm, she exposed the elaborate mark marring her arm and brushed her fingers lightly over the scar tissue. Taking one final step forward, the figure placed an indistinct hand across the mark.

"Go forth, then, Lady Rohese. With open eyes, and a knowledge that you... matter."

Without even a backward glance, Rohese stepped through the small hatch.

The Present

Rohese found herself in a circular room of doors. The room was lit from above by a massive candelabra and each door was equally spaced from its neighbour. Each of the doors were slightly different in color and had a plaque set at eye height. The ceiling overhead was low, causing the space to feel cramped and confining.

A familiar voice whispered to her. You know what you know. You've seen what you've seen. You've been where you've been. You've lived what you've lived. Now go where you'll go. And remember your manners.

Clutching the book tightly in her hand, Rohese surveyed each of the doors, reading the plaques in turn.

"There is one, there is the other, and never the twain shall meet."

"What is, must always be."

"When the journey ends, there is no more."

"Who we are today is who we'll be tomorrow."

"Tomorrow is tomorrow, and its worries belong to it."

Rohese wished her grandmother was here with her. She would know what to do – which door to choose - but something didn't feel right. Is the path forward always so clear? It is never clear except when the path of righteousness is before you.

Closing her eyes, Rohese searched around and discovered a hidden door. Murmuring under her breath, "Remember my manners," she knocked tentatively on the door three times and watched it slowly swing open before her.

The Path

Ahead of her lay a long hallway, down which ran a plush red velvet runner with stylized golden patterns sewn into it. The walls were sturdy and high, and decorated with palatial tapestries of vibrant scenes. Interspersed along both sides of the runner were a series of small columns, each topped with a small figurine.

Rohese peered curiously at each in turn, noticing that when she touched them, they came alight with faint tendrils of essence. Noticing an elaborate plaque imbedded in the floor, she scanned the unusual phrase and pondered its meaning. “TVYUVW, WTWX, VTYUW, TZXX”

Touching a number of figures in turn, she suddenly felt herself pulled away again.

The Quiet

Surrounded by darkness this time, Rohese quickly realised where she was. There was almost enough light to see by but she was unable to tell where it originated from. Directly overhead was a matte black ceiling and a cool breeze blew through the area. Shifting shapes appeared against the darkness on all sides but their details were impossible to discern. One thing was clear though, Nazhor wasn't here but his book was. Glancing nervously around her, Rohese quickly picked up the book and noticed that the small niche in its center was empty.

"As you see, Lady... the Fallen has made a grave error. Keep this safe. When the Fallen realizes its absence, his rage will be terrible. Seek the crystal. When the two are joined, his ability to draw on the powers of the meek will be no more."

Rohese closed her eyes and nodded. I can do this!

"You are stronger than you have shown thus far, Lady Rohese. The time for self-doubt, fear, and mourning has past. The world needs your strength. Do not disappoint it."

Rohese softly echoed, "I am stronger and I will no longer doubt myself." Kissing three of her fingertips, she pressed them to her heart and felt the comforting presence of her locket beneath her robes.

Fading away, the voice whispered, "Of this, we have no doubt. Fare thee well, Lady Rohese. We shall be watching."

The New

Finding herself back in the Library Aies, Rohese glanced down to see both the Fallen's tome in one hand and her grandmother’s book in the other.

"I will always love you, Sighisoara but it's time I stood on my own two feet."

As the words left her lips, she noticed faint lines of text lifting from the pages of her book. Writhing around her wrists and climbing her arms, the elven script settled into position on her skin and began to dissolve into it. The vellum pages glowed for a moment and the book returned to its original state leaving Rohese gazing in awe at her hands.

Several voices echoed in her mind. Know that I am always with you, child. I love you, pixie. Be strong, Rohese, I am inordinately proud of you.

Of Crystals and Tomes

[Darkened Hall, Oculus] 
This space is perfectly round, with a gently sloping ceiling that rises to a small opening at its peak. Through this opening, the light outside comes through and strikes a deeply-flawed crystal mounted in the floor. The floor underneath is firmly packed dirt, and the walls are sheer stone, but the room is curiously bereft of the echoes one would expect from such a space. You also see a narrow doorway. Obvious exits: none 

This ruined crystal has a deep crack cutting a jagged line through its surface. The flaw runs to the heart of the crystal, where there appears to have been a rounded out space. The entire crystal is dull and lifeless, despite the shaft of light striking it.

The faint shaft of natural light coming through the oculus dimmed for a moment as a phalanx of geese passed overhead. Avawren gestured, calling on the spirits to cast Light and the shadows in the Darkened Hall duly retreated. Now able to see a little more clearly, Rohese slowly circled the room to examine the flawed crystal mounted in the floor. Her expression hardened with each step and, on completion of her exploratory circuit, she turned to face Avawren.

As if understanding exactly what Rohese was thinking, Avawren nodded. "Where should I start ..."

She took a deep breath and began, "I don't know how long the existence of this room ... this crystal was known, but I was allowed to see it once, briefly, when it was whole. The entrance is locked and only one person holds the key. Darcena and I were shown it during a gathering of the Circle ..."

She paused to shift her weight, casting a glance at Rohese. "Though I came to know of this room a week or so prior to that."

A little distracted, Rohese nodded faintly, her attention still drawn to the center of the room. Reaching out, she touched the ruined crystal, which remained dull and lifeless despite the shaft of light striking it from the oculus above. A deep crack cut a jagged line through it surface, running to its heart where there appeared to be a rounded-out shape. Something was clearly missing.

Avawren pursed her lips, giving a slight shake of her head. "I wish I'd gotten the chance to show you before it was destroyed. It was beautiful, alive. It ... thrummed. The whole room pulsed with it. I'd have liked to have gotten a sharp pair of Illistimi eyes on it." She offered Rohese a small smile.

Rohese breathed a heavy sigh. Realising that time was of the essence and she could trust Avawren, she made a decision. "I need to show you something."

Rohese reached into her case and pulled out a small blue and black tome covered in silver scrollwork. Showing it to Avawren, she watched her expression closely as the realisation of its significance quickly dawned on the Nalfein.

"You know what this is?"

Avawren arched a brow and, with a smile, simply remarked, "We have a great deal to talk about it seems."

Nodding in agreement, Rohese returned her smile. "It's time the Inner Circle met and we put all our differences aside. I've been complacent for far too long." Slipping the tome back into her case, Rohese glanced at the crystal again before continuing. "Knowing about this place and with Nazhor's tome in our possession, I believe it's time for some decisive action."

With a resigned sigh, she noted, "I also need to meet with Nehor but, this time, I won't let him make a fool of me."