Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Assault part 2
The short version was no, they were not. They were tired. Of death, of this war. They wanted it all to end. they wanted to look after the trees. Trees that were now burning. Their morals destroyed, and the group were desperately looking for means to escape.
It was then a vision of the archdruid projected itself from the trees. He looked sadly over the blighted woods as he said "I am sorry.. I had hoped it would not come to this, little fey." They all turned to him. Cathalya with her tail twitching nervously, Elarion noting the sad look in his eyes. They all asked about the woods, and he told them much burns, and much will yet burn.
They watched as smoke clouded the entire south. The poison rising in the air and covering both Hammersong and Sandburrow. It will survive. It always does. Even their Queen was reborn for this very purpose. One thing was clear though. The enemy had prepared for this for a long time. Any talk Arakhor had of peace with them. Each step she tried to make, they were entertaining her as they planned this.. and they had the guts to call Poisonwood evil.. Amywiel meanwhile was looking around in shock, saying she never thought elves of any kind could burn down a forest, and asked why there was so much hate?
As Sylvox reminded Arakhor he had told her there might be a day where she will have to make a choice. To choose between the woods and the lady. Being the flower she was, Arakhor wanted both. She thought all could still be saved, that the lady could be worked into understanding. He told them to look around, and asked if they wish to live in a world of endless war, or if they will join him in making a new growth last. Cathalya replied by saying Greenvale want them gone, so they can have their happy lives
As Cathalya had approached the edge of the tower, and was standing right at the edge, already foreshadowing the thoughts in her mind, she turned to Sylvox and told him she would gladly give her life to make this new growth last. Just as she said this, another figure appeared from one of the other trees. A woman standing with the aid of a cane. She told them she did not want them to die, but she cannot let them continue killing her people. She told them she was once of the poisoned woods too, and that she was the daughter of Syann.
Of course, neither of the Poisonwood four were happy to see her, and quickly pointed out they knew, and that she betrayed him. Elarion went on a proper rant about everything hers do. How she may not want them dead, but their subjects certainly do. How eager they were to be just as bad as them. The queen had a chance there to calm those of Poisonwood, to tell them those causing the greatest offenses would have to face their crimes, but instead, she turned her words back on Elarion. Asked how he was any better, how packing her subjects with explosives, how their barbarisms were any different from his. It became a wow between them to keep up-doing each other. While the evoker might have been calmed, even if just a little, it was a golden moment to calm his sisters. He was filled with hate and malice, but they? They were tired. Arakhor stated both sides had done horrible things, and Cathalya threw her hands in exasperation and said she never wanted all this death. All she wanted was justice at long last. Justice and recognition, but instead, their whole legacy would end there.
What Sylvox said next surprised them... though they should have seen it. How uncomfortable he was when Elarion spoke of his experiments, how his dislike of Queen Syfana being reborn in the poison showed on him, how he was absent for so much lately. He said "Perhaps. We have come to offer you one more chance. Many of the druids- we will not sit by as the lady decimates our woods. We will not sit by as she perverts the life of the poison for death." Of course, his betrayal was pointed out instantly. Arakhor even asked why he turned to treachery instead of helping forging a path, to which he simply replied "I am forging a path." It was a little too late in the game for this, and the Poisonwooders knew this. They commented on it, commenting on who they would have to make peace with. The Traitor Queen.
She however said what should have been the most soothing words. That Sylvox's people will be allowed to live in peace, so long as they can set aside the war and pain. So long as they can heal rather than destroy. Elarion just sneered. This was treason. He held his hands up with lances of pure flame forming, and shot right for the two projections. They naturally went right trough, but at least his answer was clear. The others though... They asked how she thought they could settle for peace now, after what they just did to their woods, but they also knew they could not be in war forever. Yu'syu's eyes hardened at them, and she told them they will do harder if they must. Elarion was quick to tell her to do her worst. That everything they do, he will twist worse. It would be no surprise to anyone that the poisonwood evoker, the one born and bred by this war would never accept peace, but again, his sisters..
With their trees burnt, how were they supposed to accept that they wanted them to live? That was their solution? Them surrendering? Sylvox tried to assure them that a new wood will sprout, and told them the old one is gone anyway. Arakhor replied with even more questions. She asked is he could say the same of the fey, the Hellshire, and all the others. The traitor queen told them to make a choice. To join them in trying to forge a peace. They do not need to throw their lives away... but...
Cathalya looked to Sylvox.. "I have done too many things.. Too horrible things. With me alive, our people would always be in danger of retaliation. The huntmaster won't rest his cries for my blood." She then stepped closer to the chasm with a sad smile spreading on her lips. Amywiel was quick to react. She shouted for her sister and ran to grab her by the arm, telling her she will not be doing a mistake today. She told them "It was a great honor... getting to know such formidable young elves... and fighting along their sides.." Arakhor naturally came to her side, shouting "Lindelamin, no!" while Elarion knew all too well what she felt. What would he himself do after the war? All he has ever known was this strife with Greenvale. He was raised on the mindset of their eternal king Syann. That Greenvale was a people of traitors that will one day pay. What would he do after the war? Where would he go? What would his new place be? Perhaps he should be standing there on the edge with her.. He said "...and it was an honor knowing you, sister... Thank you... for everything..." Sylvox chipped in and said it does not have to be the death of a dream. It can be the beginning of a new one, if only they let it. Arakhor asked him what of the lady and the poison, to which he replied they will survive too, but he will not aid the lady any longer. That she can find a new archdruid. Amywiel, still by her sister's side, told her she had always said things regrow. Plants, yes, but not her.
Cathalya looked to Sylvox. "Will you protect me from the Huntsmaster? How many of our own will die got his revenge?" A natural worry. The huntmaster has been a real thorn in their side trough the entire war. Sylvox nodded solemnly to Cathalya, telling her as long as she keeps the peace, he will do what he can. As Cathalya looked back to the chasm, her loved ones were quick to chime in. "Do not do it, Lindelamin. We must embrace the pain, remember? To fight on." "Sister. I need you. You brought me to the woods. To Poison." Still staring down the chasm, she asked "Will there be poison... in this new dream?" A natural worry. It was such a big part of their life after all, and the women all needed to know. Cathalya told the fey "It's not about my pain, Arakhor... I don't want to give them reasons to eradicate the few of us that survived, just because I still breathe."
Sylvox merely said "Unless you have found a way to live without it. I will care for the trees, Feyling. As I have always done." making it clear that yes, the poison will still be with them, but not as a power source like the lady had. The instrument of evil, but now a tool for life. The life that the ladies longed to see. It made them all look to each other, uncertainty in their eyes. Arakhor was the first to ask what they should do. Elarion answered right away. "Is it not clear?" He looked to the archdruid. "Sylvox." "Yes?"
The evoker held his clenched fist across his heart as he bowed deeply before him. "Take good care of my sisters." It was too late for him. No way to go back. If his sisters had done horrible things, then what has he? He was the one who made undead poison zombies of Greenvale's honor guard! The archdruid nodded sadly to him. "Very well." Cathalya gave him a respectful dip of her head, and he heard a quiet "...brother..." come from Amywiel. He looked to them. "Sisters.. You have all shaped me into who I am today... but at the core.. I am a destroyer. You all create." They looked sadly at him. "Flowers should not walk the path of flame.." he continued with tears forming in his eyes. "So please... Bloom well for me."
Sylvox said they must decide quickly, as the tower was already crumbling. Arakhor paced, and Amywiel said "I know already... I want peace, and Poison." Cathalya finally stepped down from the edge. "Alright, Sylvox. I'll take your offer. For the sake of my sisters... and for the sake of a better future. Amyviel confirmed she will join him as well. Arakhow on the other hand was so clearly unsure. This was a lot to ask of her after all. "Autumn or spring? We thought we could bridge both, but we could not." she said, to which Amywiel replied "After autumn, it's winter. We need summer now, darkfey." Elarion who had already turned to walk, stopped to give a smile over his shoulder. "Indeed.. Enjoy your summer, sister Arakhor. I cannot think of any who have deserved it more. Let me handle the winter."
Sylvox reminded Arakhor she has to choose quickly. Does she hunt for victory still, or will she accept peace? "We wish to create, we do, but not to abandon forest-kin for it." He simply told her she cannot do both. Amywiel told her "In a war we already lost much, darkfey. We don't want to loose you as well." Cathalya merely observed Arakhor, not really trying to influence her anymore. "We are Arakhor. We must help the poison and the woods." "Then you will side with me?" Sylvox asked. "Y-yes, Sylvox."
This made Elarion smile. He knew his sisters would be in good hands. That they would be able to nurture the good nature he knew them to have. That there would be a future for them safe from this endless war.
(( Mega shoutout! This was one of he most emotional moments I have had on Thain! ))
Registered Member #1320
Joined: 10:38:49 pm GMT 06/23/08
Posts: 1086
The Bladesinger was tired.
He had been fighting for so long…he forgot what it was like to NOT fight.
The Queen’s decree had perplexed him at first. He didn’t know what to make of it.
That evening, lost in reverie, he remembered a vivid memory:
A young, adolescent, Kellendill stepped onto the mats….twin wooden swords in his hands.
“And representing House Fehrien of Greenvale….Kellendill Fehrien”
He looked around, a bit pensive….but walked to his assigned spot….the Elvish Red Oak of his practice blades closely mimicking the weight and feel of his normal blades.
And a larger, human, lad stepped up and entered the mat with a large wooden broadsword and round shield.
“And representing House Cornelius of Steinkreis….Samuel Cornelius”
Seeing that he was, in fact, larger than the elf…he grinned at Kellendill from his assigned position.
After a brief explanation of tournament rules… the match was initiated.
The human youth charged ahead confidently, swinging impossibly wide….and missed by an acre. Kellendill deftly flowed with the motion and executed a parry he had learned has a child. Within a minute or less, it was painfully clear to the young Weaponmaster that he outclassed the human. So much so, in fact, that he actually worried for him. Competitors in the “Crossing of Blades Tournament” had been seriously hurt on these mats. It was serious business. And this Feren was NOT ready for it.
Kellendill, highly trained and ready for the fight, immediately made a decision. As the Feren charged blindly, chasing him around the ring clumsily, and generally making a nuisance of himself, Kellendill backed off…looked at the Proctor….and dropped to a knee, placing his blades upon the mat, thus signaling that he yielded…he surrendered. The Humans were obviously confused.
Kellendill, once acknowledged, rose to his feet and walked to the young human….and raised his hand in victory for all to see before the confused Proctor, himself, could even do it. He then picked up his blades and walked off the mat to his Grandfather.
“I am sorry Grandfather”…said the young elf.
“Kellendill…. Why did you do that?”…asked Teh’Renill with a slight grin at the corner of his lips.
“Grandfather… he was not ready for such a fight…and I was terribly afraid of actually hurting that young man in the melee. I apologize….I have dishonored the house.”
A slow nod began as Teh’Renill smiled at his grandson, in whom he was VERY pleased….
“No Kellendill…you did not. Remember today’s lesson…..That to SAVE a life, EVEN in defeat… is to EARN victory and honor within.”
And he remembered saying the same words, once, to Arakhor...in reference to Peace with Poisonwood. And he thought to himself how odd it was that things have worked out this way.
And with that final thought…..the Velahra’Tura of House Fehrien sharpened his blades and set them on their racks…and he rested for the first time in ages….unsure of what was to come.
An Sestainell Poisonwar Edition: To Stoke or to Bury the Hatred?
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For as long as anyone can remember, Poisonwood has been at war with Feywood and Greenvale.
Until now.
For the first time since the Second Cataclysm, genuine attempts have been made toward reconciliation. But will Poisonwood learn to forgive their erstwhile brothers and sisters, and, indeed, following the horrors of the Poisonwar, will the warriors of the Estel Guard learn to forgive the Arben?
Renneleth Margaladhon has convened a summit to explore how authentic the peace that has been so painstakingly worked toward really is .
________
Objective: Partake in Elf Night Poisonwar Edition to deliberate the terms of the peace (among players), and how/if Poisonwood and Greenvale can work toward peaceful co-existence. Date: Wednesday, May 27, 21.45 GMT +1. Type of Event: Strictly non-PvP. Who Can Attend? Elves or characters who associate with Poisonwood, Greenvale or Feywood, and who are interested in ending the Poisonwar.
Registered Member #25436
Joined: 1:59:54 pm GMT 03/22/20
Posts: 58
Torn- Part I The passions of war had shaken Avaggdu deep to his core, riling up a tidal wave of anger which gave him direction and momentum… that tidal wave had crested a few days ago after the meeting between the Queen and the Poisonwood Druid- and- it had now crashed upon a solid cliff of remorse.
There was no victory to be had, there was only the knowledge of how far he had strayed from his path as a druid, that which he held sacred above all other things. He looked down at the Poisonvine Tree Root that Rennelith had given him back before the tree it had come from was destroyed. Avaggdu had kept it alive all this time, because he knew deep down that it was wrong to destroy that tree.
He knew this because it was the very same tree that Seryn and Elarion had shown him the first time they met. When he placed his palm upon its trunk, he felt the entire forest through his senses and could see anywhere inside it in his mind… and he knew then that there was nothing inherently “evil” about it.
Yet… the war still occurred, and sides were taken. Avaggdu chose to stand with Greenvale because at that time The Lady’s true nature was still unknown to most people, and she was allowing all kinds of atrocities to be committed in the name of the Poisonwood. Eventually Greenvale responded in kind with Avaggdu’s help, to destroy the tree. They had thought that this would be some sort of great victory, yet it turned out to merely be an act of purposeless destruction.
As the cliff of his remorse stood before him, he was again able to hear his heart more clearly… and he decided that he would try and do what he could to right his wrong. He sent a tiny forest mouse in search of Arakhor and Amywiel so that he could meet with them.
Avaggdu, Arakhor, and Amywiel met at the edge of the Lumenshire. He held up the root, which was alive and wriggling, stretching towards Arakhor like a long lost relative. He told the forest-kin what the root was from, and his part in the tree’s destruction…
Arakhor was shocked and disappointed. Each time she called him “Marta-hin” it pained him, as he felt he had strayed so far from his druidic path that he felt unworthy to be called “fey-child.” Truly, in recent times he felt he was actually deserving of the name of loathing his mother gave him, Avaggdu- “utter darkness.”
Amywiel told Avaggdu that the destruction of the tree was one of the major reasons that she decided to join the war. This new information increased his remorse tenfold. He was, in part, directly responsible for dragging Amywiel into this ugly conflict.
Arakhor suggested that Avaggdu keep the root as a reminder of what he has done, but Avaggdu wanted to plant the root so that the tree could grow anew. Arakhor and Amywiel liked this idea, and said that they knew exactly where it should be planted in the Ridgeshield, which was to become the new home for those forest-kin who wished to live in peace and poison.
Arakhor and Avaggdu had both been torn by the war, and it was this tearing in their souls that fueled their search for new meaning. They were caught between their anger, their sorrow, and their hope for peace, their desire to see new life grow.
After their conversation, Avaggdu placed the root back in the leather pouch in which he had kept it all this time. The pouch was full of moist, soft soil, and the living root nestled itself readily back into the bag with the tip peeking out of the opening of the bag. It would wriggle around in the bag like a baby inside a womb. A new life.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Assault part 3
As for Elarion... Well, he was blasting his way trough rubble and trees. The tower was falling, just as planned, but it was not time to die. Not yet. It eventually gave in, and he started to fall along with the very stone he stood on. He fell, and blackness surrounded him..
Much to his surprise, he opened his eyes before his own Queen. She seemed to be finishing off some vast spell, and seemed surprised to see him return alone. She asked where they were, and he told him of Sylvox's betrayal. She naturally hissed in anger, and he told her how the druids have left to form their own thing. That they didn't want to follow her path of death, and that his sisters had gone with him. She scowled and said she had wondered about their loyalties, to which Elarion told her they were flowers walking where only flame may live. She asked him if he shall remain true to the flame. He will.
He made his report. How they were successful in giving them a short window from Draxus, but the queen was nowhere to be seen. It was later made clear why, as she was working with Sylvox. He did tell her about the artifacts, and presented her with the record of ancient Greenwood lineages. She took it, and told him it showed the location of family tombs, many of which were located in their woods. She told him many of these were thought lost to time, and not even king Syann himself were able to find them.
The Hands will begin excavations immediately. These tombs will contain great power that it will be a shame to let slumber. They spoke briefly of what came of their woods, and there was no doubt to either of them they will rise again. After all, this was what she had been reborn for. She told him they must make ready. Their enemies will not leave them alone for long. That he had done well.
It wasn't before he took his leave the evoker felt the true gravity of what happened that night. As he walked down the stairs and trough the barracks, there were no one by his side. Everything looked bleaker than normal.. darker than normal. He had normally walked with his sisters. Despite them always walking that path during a scheme, or after recovering from a fierce battle, they had always been together. Comforted each other. Looked after each other. Now? He was alone. He was glad his sisters were given this chance to bloom, but it was dawning on him just how lonely he was going to be. Not even seeing his woods in a blazing inferno changed how it felt. He should be enraged, filled with hatred... but instead, he wandered between burning trees. He dropped down in a remote ruin, and took out a bottle of wine.
Registered Member #1009
Joined: 7:04:13 am GMT 03/26/07
Posts: 539
They say that war never changes. Perhaps in the most basic sense that is true, but in truth it changes often. The reasons, the weapons, the actions, the people, and even the outcomes are rarely the same in every way. For the war in the south many things had occurred which did not happen in the past. Greenvale's wall was torn asunder for the first time in as long as most anyone could remember, elven warriors were raised into undeath and thrown at the city, the ancient tree in the Southern Poisonwood was destroyed, the Ridgeshield was nearly burned to the ground, and the greater Poisonwood was set ablaze. The warriors on both sides were consumed by ever growing levels of hatred and desperation in turn their actions became ever more destructive and damning. Those who were not consumed were nearly powerless to stop the spiral. The Tower of Greenvale has collapsed, the Poisonwood has schismed, champions and agents of both sides are divided by the desire to settle troubles and face the Lady's new form and ambition. Were it not for the simple matter of the Lich, the elves would have surely embraced mutual annihilation.
Dead fey, half orcs, and elves still littered the shire, and the Clan had only just begun to attend to the dead when the request for fire from the Chamber of the Twin Altars was made. The Tower was attacked and in the end all the energy spent hurrying across the island for the other flames was wasted as those in Greenvale had foolishly fired the weapon without it being fully charged. The billowing smoke and green spores had blown across the South, first to the west and then east. How much had settled where would simply be revealed as time progressed. No doubt Avaggdu's work with the truffles and fey would protect the shire from any major infestation but that didn't mean there wouldn't be trouble there and elsewhere.
The question of where the Remnants of the Poisonwood would go wasn't really a difficult one to answer. The fortress beneath the Ridgeshield had been prepared well and it was far from the seat of power that would be the Lady's throne. Despite the realities of the situation there was no way to avoid this outcome. Another open attack on the Ridgeshield would garner no help or positive response from Greenvale. At this point only time would tell if the Remnants would continue to choke out the Ridgeshield or if their presence meant the forest's blight would abate and the road safely open once more.
Many think this is war over, but there is still so much killing and dying left to be done on both sides. Perhaps, however, for just this moment it won't be between the Remnants and Greenvale.
Registered Member #1120
Joined: 4:36:33 am GMT 07/27/07
Posts: 491
He had given up hope. How could words prevail in the face of unleashed hatred? How could two broken branches of such a noble and ancient tree ever tolerate each other’s presence, much less be rejoined? How would anyone bridge such a gap? But bridged the gap was. Internal politics, unknown to the scholar, had done it, had accomplished the impossible. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, a cease-fire had materialized. The exhaustion, the waking nightmare of the siege, the weeks spent placing himself between the Arben and the lives of his neighbors in Elisara’s City, everything had been worth it. The cease-fire was real, escaped from the depths of his imagination through events he was not privy to, but was thankful for all the same.
There was still more to be done, though. The School would likely need extensive inspection and repairs in the face of all that it had been through. In the shorter term, and indeed the more pressing issue was the Lich-Queen of the Poisonwood. Teron would stand with those who opposed this creature, which was why he was rapidly searching through the School’s Hamley annex. Teron was a creator, an artificer, a peacemaker, but now it was time to put his mind and power toward unmaking, towards preparing to break the final impediment to the safety of his home. After all, a thing made can be unmade.
Registered Member #1428
Joined: 12:46:47 pm GMT 05/02/09
Posts: 344
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Amywiel rests next to a fountain of poisoned waters. Those are her only source of joy remaining. Her dear Ancien Tree has been cut. Her dear woods have been burnt. And what happened with Darren and Rita crushed her spirit. At least now, she realizes that Darren is nothing else than a murderer in her eyes. She cannot accept that someone can consider checking if her dear sisters, Cathalya and Arakhor, are on someone else's to-kill list.
But the most frightening thing she learned today is the fact that Dele is apparently, close to a "cure" for the Poison. Remove the Poison, or Heal the Poisoned? Difficult to say, but both are perfectly unacceptable. Her mind on this subject is very clear : "Our Poison is not a threat. Our Poison is life. Our poison is our problem. As long as we don't spread it to other places, why people would even bother to try to do something against our Poison?"
Unless if Peace is only a mirage, and the non-poisoned elves still have dire plans against the peaceful poisoned elves. Perhaps they have plans to remove them completely? This will have to be checked.
Peace, if real, is really a good thing, though. Avaggdu, the half orc traitor, met Amywiel and Arakhor. Even if Amywiel had doubts at first, he seemed to feel genuine remorse about the Ancien Tree and the Poisonwood being burnt to ashes. And he did not come with his hands empty : he brought a living sapling from the Ancien Tree he managed to save! This, by itself, would be enough to trust the half orc druid again in Amywiel's eyes.
She takes a new sip from the sickening green waters, then closes her eyes, a smile on her lips, dreaming about her sisters, about Peace, and about Poison.
Registered Member #1428
Joined: 12:46:47 pm GMT 05/02/09
Posts: 344
Elfmeet - Part I
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The call of a peace meeting from Renneleth was surprising. After all, Amywiel has heard rumors of Renneleth not agreeing into peace up to the point to quit Queen Yu'syu's service. Perhaps he has changed his mind? Perhaps he has a plan? Anyway, the new Poisonwood had to attend and take their chance to discuss peace.
Amywiel wanders into her former home, the Poisonwood, ravaged by the flames. The air is intoxicating and she gets several burns trying to make her way to the Elisara Cave, the place where the meeting is supposed to happen.
As she gets close to the cave, she notices numerous wards on the entryway. She quickly spots the figure of Dele sneaking around her, just before Anyndel, the black kin, came out. He stares at Amywiel for a little while, before just stating : "Inside".
Warily, Amywiel steps into the cave. She notices many elven figures. Most are completely unknown to her ; in fact only Dele and Anyndel are quite of familiar, but it is not comforting at all, as she knows how Dele in particular seems to hate her with upmost passion.
Amywiel, looking around, suddenly realizes how alone she is, surrounded by her former enemies with no shelter, no sister by her side. If they wanted to kill her, it would have been the best time.
It is an awkward moment. Seven pairs of elven eyes are staring at the single poisoned elf, silently. Amywiel takes a deep breath and tries hard to resist fleeing in panic.
One of the Elves approaches her, Cirdan. He offers healing to the burnt poisoned elf, she accepts it.
After the quick healing, another Elf, Kellendill, notices how Amywiel must feel, alone and uncomfortable. He decides to come next to her and introduces her to the others.
Amywiel : " I am Amywiel E'lei'makiir, from the new Poisonwood, the one who seek peace. " Kellendil : " That is good to hear. It takes great courage to do this... especially alone. You needn't stand here apart... you may come and stand beside me. " Amywiel : " I believe I know almost no one of the people who are gathered here. If you can introduce me, I would be thankful. "
Then Kellendil tells her the names of the elves present. Renneleth, Styvn, Caelam, Dele, Anyndel, Cirdan.
Amywiel stares at the taller Elf, Renneleth. It is the first time she is meeting him in person. It seems that the horns only exist in her nightmares, yet, he has an important stature. One which imposes respect, or fear, or probably both at the same time.
Renneleth stares back at Amywiel without blinking once, his dark eyes locked on her. Then he suddenly interjects with a gravelly voice : " We trust you will not be attending alone? "
Amywiel knew that at least Arakhor was going to come, but she had no news from the feyling on this day. She answers: " They are supposed to attend, yes. But I don't know where they are. Perhaps they are a bit late? "
Kellendil, probably sensing the tension the poisoned elf is experiencing, does his best to make her feel better.
Kellendil : " Please... feel welcome... we should all go and have a seat. " Amywiel : " It's a bit difficult to feel welcome, since I was your ennemy a few days ago. And I am alone. But I trust that you really want peace, just like me. " Kellendil : " Amy... you are not alone. That is the point of this. "
The familiar use of her shortened name was curious from an Elf. Only her non-elves friends use the short name, much easier to manipulate in the common tongue. Still, it is somehow comforting.
Fortunately for Amywiel, she was not going to stay alone longer. A green ghost enters the cave, which quickly changes into the familiar body of Arakhor, her sister dryad. A relieving sight for her.
Registered Member #1428
Joined: 12:46:47 pm GMT 05/02/09
Posts: 344
Elfmeet - Part II
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Arkahor is asked about current allegiance of known Poisonwood associates. She tells them that Cathalya joined the Peace, something that seem to surprise or deceive many of the current attendees. She also tells them that the sorcerer, which is Elarion, has chosen to stay loyal to Queen Syfana, the Lady of the Woods. Finally, when asked about Kana'ti, the one who follows Rita like a puppy (Styvn's words), she says that he has never been part of the Poisonwood community, only tolerated but expelled several weeks before the end of the war.
Arakhor tries to communicate with Cathalya to invite her to the meeting, as she is pressed by the other elves to make her attending, but she does not show up. All elves then walk to the back of the caves and take their seats.
Renneleth picks the torch from the nearby pediestal, and does his opening speech.
Estel'glindir. The Flame of Hope. That is what this is. If you desire to speak and to be heard, take the torch and enter the circle. To the others, please be patient. Do not interrupt.
It is important, I think, that I begin this Elfmeet by telling each one of you here present what the Elfmeet is -not- about. It is not about hatred. If hatred festers in your hearts and bids you attend this Elfmeet so you may speak out in anger and indignation... Then the exit is that way. It is not about condemnation. If you have come here to put all the sins of this war at the doorstep of your erstwhile adversary... Then the exit is that way.
The truth is, both sides have sinned. Yet we are not here to measure who has sinned the most. To do so is to regress to hatred and violence, and we have all seen what has come of that. Death, so much death. Just look outside this cave...
Instead, we gather here to explore ways to move forward. For the first time since the Second Cataclysm, we have a choice to move forward as one people. From the ashes of our own sins, yours and mine, we have a chance to sculpt a new world.
Maybe a better world. Hopefully a better world. That is why we are here. That is why I am here.
Renneleth puts back the torch on the pedestal. Kellendill, the elf who has been the friendliest to the poisoned sisters until now, decides to talk next.
Today we come here to speak of peace. I say, we come to save life. All life... is precious. All of it. And I, too, am tired of death. I grow so weary... looking across, past my blades... and seeing elvish eyes going dark across from me. Hatred.... my friends..... destroys one's capability for compassion. And soon, you cannot come back. We all fought. All of us. And all are to blame. Who has claim to the title of victim.... of the rightful group? None have claim, and all have claim. For -that- outside, I am so sorry. And I would take it all back if I could. Correlon may judge me harshly some day, as may history. But the past is just that... and it is filled with regrets. And the futur... well that isn't written yet. So today, I come here, to both ASK forgiveness... and to offer it. And to try and live, the next few minutes, as the best we can all be.
Kellendill sits down after that, while there were whispers between the attendees. Amywiel takes a deep breath and decides to stand up. It is her turn to defend the peace, from the Poisonwood point of view.
[ The Island of Thain ]
Poisonwar
