Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Onta-crona. Tel'Quessir for create harm, the title Seryn gave Elarion Hanolen after seeing how he delights in causing harm to ones enemies. A most fitting title for the young evoker from Poisonwood, whose spells are all specialized to cause as much destruction and harm as possible. One has to ask, how did this come to be?
Long ago, before Elarion were even born, Syann, the king of the poisoned elves banned the study of the arcane, and any who dared practice it in secret would be killed. Such was the case with Elarion's parents. They were both promptly executed, with Elarion being scheduled to be next, however, there was an oddity with the young mage. The magic in him was not taught, it resided -in- him. This came as a surprise to many, and led to Elarion becoming a most controversial figure. Many wanted him dead, as is the law of Syann, yet the cleregy argued his "gifts" may be a gift from the forest itself! Why else would there be magic in his blood?
This was begrudgingly accepted, and Elarion was allowed to live, but he was to be raised by the cleregy. As one can expect, this made the young sorcerer fiercely loyal to the woods. He never forgot what the higher ups did to his parents, but as time went on, and he was shaped into Poisonwood's own little zealot, he came to understand how wrong they were, and they likely had a shady motive which would prove their eternal king right in banning the arcane.
But that was then. Those days are barely remembered, and Elarion is now just a curiosity, or just a disliked figure. Not an outcast, but not exactly popular either. They tolerate him, and this has proved most fruitful to the woods.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
His story truly took off when he met the changeling, Seryn. A forest sister who was quick to aid the young evoker. It was not long before he met Cathalya either, and the two brought Elarion with them, and let him experience all manner of places and shared all sorts of knowledge. He would be nothing without these two, and their help was truly invaluable in shaping the young man into what he is.
During one particular day, they brought him to the oldest tree in their woods, and let him communicate with it. As he let his mind wander and be filled with what the tree wanted to show him, he saw images of each and every living being in their forest. People, fey spirits and animals alike. They all shared the poison. It strengthens and unites them as one. It is something outsiders will never understand, the sense of unity within the poisoned woods. The ones who fight for themselves and follow the will of their eternal king, Syann.
But was the king truly a king? Many refer to him as prince Syann, but doing so is a disservice, and throwing shade at his name. The traitors may see him as a mere prince, but to Poisonwood, he is their king. Their one true king, from before and forever.
One stranger in particular would see this and be most mystified was the infamous drow sorceress. She had apparently made her way into the woods good graces, and so Elarion would not question her presence. The other drow she was with that day, sure, but his desire for Syann's secrets will earn him an early grave.... if he is not in it already. The sorceress on the other hand, she truly wished to understand the woods, and especially how they could revere their dead so. Since she had apparently served the woods well as an ally, the evoker and Seryn were happy to show her how they honor their dead. As they took her to the grave site of their most important figures, they came upon The Lady, kneeling and paying her respect to their king..
Their dark cousin seemed the most surprised of all. She had stated they do not honor their dead, but rather tear them down and mock them, but here she is, seeing a leader kneeling at the grave of a former king. It must have been a strange, but stunning experience for her, and she seemed to be truly in awe of the respect the poisoned elves held for their dead. It was a brief encounter, and simple commands were given. Seryn was to track down a traitor, and Elarion was to be an ambassador to the mages in red. A strange task, but it made sense to send someone expendable. If he fell to the Thayans, there would be no loss to the woods, and if he failed, he could be their scapegoat.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
His first mission to the enclave was an interesting one. He had briefly made an appearance there once to announce himself, and tell the Thayans of the role he would be playing, but they were not properly introduced before an emissary of the lady approached Elarion when he was running an errand. He was instructed to report right away to the grand wizardess, and to mind his manners.
He departed right away, and made his way to their enclave where he was directed to a grave behind their outpost. Most of them seemed freshly dug, and were likely all victims of the battle he was not there to be a part of. It was there that he met the grand wizardess and had his first proper introduction. They shared in a little small talk where the Thayan was curious to how there could be another mage in the woods. Elarion told her as it is, that he is a curiosity, and they both agreed the woods sent an expendable one. This was likely what the Thayans wanted as well, one they could just throw away when they were done with, however, Elarion had no such intentions. He has a forest to prove himself to.
The first order seemed easy enough. Form an alliance with the orcs known as the "Hellshire clan", gain their trust, and learn what he can of what is in the caves below. The mission seemed simple enough, but it would take some time to accomplish due to certain complications. He first sought out his sister, Seryn, now Arakhor, to learn of the current state of affairs. He seemed to recall her mentioning the woods have attacked the clan all but a few days before, so he needed to get some facts straight first. He did indeed remember right, as Arakhor confirmed tensions are indeed high between the two factions. She believed there might actually be possible to still form an alliance, and she knew what was hidden deep in their caves, and agreed to show Elarion sometime.
With matters now complicated, he sought out an audience with the lady of the order, and informed her of his orders from the Thayans. She told him there would be no alliance with the orcs, and their carcasses will be used as fertilizers for the trees they burned down. The caves were of interest though, and he was to investigate them for her as well. The Thayans need only know what is important for their ships to arrive.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
It took a little more time with war matters distracting him from his mission to the reds, but he did get it done in the end. He went to the caves with Arakhor, and with her help, he managed just barely to get past the vents oozing fire.
In the chamber were... statues. Statues of figures long forgotten, lava, and two altars. Seryn did not know what it was all supposed to symbolize, but they were soon joined by another changed shape. A fire elemental soon changing into the orc blood Avaggdu. The poisoned elves knew this one. He had been sent to their woods by the traitors in the Feywood council, and had the orc blood not mentioned that, he would have been just another corpse feeding the vermin of the woods. This one was different. He showed wisdom not common for his kind, so the two had not only let him live back then, but also shown him their oldest tree.
Unfortunately, he did not have the same level of wisdom to share with them, as he knew next to nothing about this cave. It was unfortunate, but perhaps it was much to assume the orc bloods would be able to discover anything. They were eventually joined by others. The Hellshire clan seemed to have become aware of their presence, as they were soon sharing the tiny platform with two more orc bloods, as well as a minotaur, and a lizard man. A situation most critical to be sure, with how tense things have been recently, but the evoker had one thing to fall back on. His assigned position.
He introduced himself to the shaman who seemed to be their leader, and the conversation seemed brief. Elarion already knew there would be no alliance, but when he stood within swiping distance of beasts and brutes, there was no way he would admit to that. He played it clever and was as diplomatic as he could, while Arakhor tried to plead an alliance, but the shaman would not budge. There will be no alliance between them. Perfect. Things had worked for the best until the cave seemed to come alive like an active volcano. It trembled, and they bolted for the exit.
The escape was.. embarrassing, to say the least. The evoker is a bit on the fragile side, and the flame vents made short work of him more than a few times. The cave eventually calmed down, and they were able to return down. Things only got odd from this point. Voices were heard within the cave, and it all seemed to have been triggered by a sacrifice done up in the orc camp. It was strange to say the least, with the voices asking if they be man or beast, and when the orc blood shaman answered he is both, the voices seemed to go on a rampage between asking "Man?" "Beast?" and echoed between how many voices, until they all shifted into shouting "Kill."
It was at this point the Evoker knew it was time to go, as it seemed to trigger something in one of the orc bloods, as well as their minotaur. They both shouted, and Elarion slipped behind the large burly back of the shaman, and up into the higher cave. He had thought his sister would do the same, but the sounds of fighting was soon heard, and he had to run back to aid his sister. She was indeed in combat with two of the brutes, and was admittedly handling herself well. Not that he would expect anything else, but he did not like seeing her grouped upon by savages, so he unleashed his greatest destructive magic on both, and they were both on the ground.
Afterwards, there was a little more talking, and it was reaffirmed there would be no alliance, and the two from the woods took their leave.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
War can certainly keep one busy, and for a young, eager, and certainly most destructive man like Elarion, there was no better place to be. He delighted in the destruction, carnage and death surrounding him. There was something oddly pleasing about all the misery and hatred surrounding him, like if it was feeding him. Perhaps it was? Hate is a powerful motivator, and he certainly channeled it with his magic. Perhaps his gift did indeed come from the forest itself, and was the years of hatred finally boiling over, and found itself a host.
One can ponder such for an eternity. The present is so much more interesting. Their enemy had somehow sent him to the abyss, and there he learned from it. Delighted in it. Hatred and wrath that overpowered their own, and there was so much of it. He knew this was the perfect power to draw from, not caring that the abyss cannot be controlled, only unleashed. Why would he even care about controlling it? When the goal is destruction, there is no need for such. Feed the chaos, and let the destruction continue. All thanks to whoever sent him to the abyss.
Another interesting foe to learn from was the old one. A mage like him with even greater spells. One that truly caught the evoker's attention was a single word he used, to cause great harm to his balors. One single word and pulling at the weave. This power must be possible to grasp! It was when he discovered scrolls containing that exact spell, the evoker was able to copy it. He studied exactly how to pull at the weave, and practiced it on Greenvale's soldiers until he had it. Thank you, old one. The spell that now rips apart their hope guard is all thanks to him.
Rather ironic, really. How so much of what he knows, he learned from his enemies. So many useful tricks, and this... blood of the world? He had thought it was nothing but a silly rumor only a few had talked about, but dismissed as a myth. It was when it was discovered it was a real thing, that his sisters had helped him find one of these paths. It was dangerous for sure, and he nearly died a few times before he was able to complete his test, and attain his selected power. Again, thanks goes to Greenvale, and whoever put out the signs. This blood, and its paths have proved truly useful.
But not all knowledge came from the enemy. As he continued to serve the woods, their leadership seemed to warm up to him, and the Lady herself eventually showed Elarion how the Hands are made. She showed him the potential of the poison, and what could be done with it. It made him wonder what he himself could do with it, and so he started collecting their enemies. It was an interesting project which wielded both interesting and disappointing results. It was not until the high priestess, Vryx, aided him, that they finally wielded real results. Their first "redeemer" was created, along with their shock troops. All of which proved to perform beyond expectations, and so work began on taking these experiments further. One can only guess what he can do now that he knows what they are capable of.
He seemed to be doing well for himself, and it seemed he was no longer seen as an expendable abomination of an arcanist. He would see more of the order druid, Sylvox, as well as high priestess Vryx. One of which he often made uncomfortable with his evil idea's. The other told him to continue to serve the cause, and she foresaw great things for him. Of course he will. He will serve the cause until his death. All for their eternal king, Lady Syfana the first, their woods, and the poison.
Speaking of serving, there was one report that was long overdue. It was sent to the lady trough a patrolling soldier.
Lady Syfana
I apologize for sending this as late as I have. It was simply forgotten among more important war duties.
Myself and Arakhor looked into this cave beneath the orc camp. What we found was an old ritual site, with statues of humanoids with monstrous traits, as well as a pair of altars. The orcs appeared while we were examining them, and outnumbered and would overpower us. I had to play diplomat with them, and offer the alliance the Thayans were interested in back then. I of course knew nothing would come from this, and their answer did not matter. Your order was clear, but this bought me time.
What happened next came as a surprise. Booming voices asking if we were man or beast. Many voices repeated those two: "Man?" "beast?" until they both faded into saying nothing but "Kill!" Two in their clan lost their minds, went berzerk, and had to be put down. I do not know what this site is, but neither do they. As far as I can tell, it is nothing but a place to make mindless, brutish killers. It could be an interesting tool to use on our enemies, but to our own, I do not see much of a use. If anything, I see it as a threat.
Getting there is dangerous as well. You have to pass trough a cave filled with flaming gas pockets ready to explode at the slightest disturbance, along with flames shooting from the walls. It is extremely dangerous, even while well prepared.
Perhaps you will find a use for it, but until then, I recommend all of our glorious woods stay away.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Hands of Syann. The finest Poisonwood has to offer. Who were they, and how were they made?
The answer was found in the deepest reaches of Poisonwood, in a cauldron containing the purest concentration of their poison. The Lady herself showed Elarion as she threw in what was clearly not a willing subject. She told him she had perfected this method after much experimenting, but it still only had one third success rate. Those are still relatively good numbers when one thinks about it. They both watched as the poor man screamed and flailed while being boiled alive in the cauldron. None of them blinking or even giving the smallest facial movement. They simply watched as the man went quiet and stopped moving. Both watched in anticipation, just staring at the massive cauldron, until the man rose from the poison. He grabbed the edge and climbed out. His eyes were now green, and he was breathing green fumes. It was clear how they are made. Either loyal subjects, or someone who have wronged their lady. They are given a chance for a greater purpose in their poison. It gave so many ideas. So much potential. Could this be done with everyone? Could they do it with their enemies? The lady had never tried, so the hunt was on for live enemies to convert.
Answers came when the lady rose as their new Queen. It was after this that Vryx approached Elarion. She knew of his interest and experiments with the Poison, and he showed her the prison cell where Elarion kept four bodies of slain Greenvale Estecallon's. All four kept cold by his magic, with their bodies in good condition. One of them he had even slain by himself, all trough magic, leaving her armor in perfect condition. Cathalya followed, and lent her aid as they channeled the poison into Greenvale's fallen finest, and soon, she stood up with a lifeless stare in her now green glowing eyes. They had done it. They had raised the hope guard of their enemy as one of their own!
Now that they knew it was possible, they thought of all the live prisoners they kept holed up in a cell. So many moaning, groaning, still living prisoners. All ripe and ready for the cauldron.. except there was a small problem. Vryx seemed to have already tested this, as she told him the poison only works on its own. Oh well, they shall serve on in death, and so they did. After their old oak was destroyed, Vryx approached him while he was working on his newest experiment. She told him the unit he had planned to use as a shock troop had performed beyond expectations, and helped drive the enemy off. Excellent. Truly excellent. Now that they know it works, Greenvale shall have another nightmare. He had gathered more of Greenvale's dead soldiers, cut their bellies open, and had been working on filling their intestines with black powder. What is better than sending their dead back to them? Sending their exploding dead back to them.
But things would not go according to plan. With the betrayal of Sylvox, there was no winning the war. There was a huge battle sure, but it was lost. In the end, their Queen suffered a heavy blow and would need a long time to recover. Their home in ashes, and half their own numbers were now undead. With so many bodies littering the forest, there really was not much to do for the mage. Everything he has ever done was duty. Duty and his sisters. Neither were there for him to tend to. All he could do was wander the as filled ground littered with corpses of the fallen, and trees dried and dead, either burned or sapped of energy. If Poisonwood wasn't a place of death before, it sure is now. All he could do to get his mind off losing the battle was to raise the fallen to serve Syann's eternal will. Re-increase their numbers, and ensure the woods will always have its army, now and forever.
What it wouldn't have was his sisters.. While he regrets it every day and every moment, he just knew he could not go with them. They wanted peace, and he wanted war. The destruction of Greenvale, and he will not give up on that goal, even if it will now take him a century. It will still be a century of planning, and if he was able to gather the power he did in this short time, he must be truly formidable in a hundred years.. Still, so much can go wrong in that time. Sylvox's group needs to be kept an eye on, both to the risk they might pose, and to ensure he can step in if his sisters joins the picture. They may not be of the same faction anymore, but they will always be his dear sisters. Even when he saw them trough the fractured tree, he could only watch them. A warm smile on his lips, yet with tears in his eyes, hoping they will not meet their end at the hands. He would now even sit there for hours, watching the southern end of the woods, hoping they would walk in and check on their old favorite sites. Even if they could not see him, he saw them, and that alone was enough.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
A new day, a new mission.
The future had looked like the present. Bleak, like their forest. It was hard to imagine what to do without his sisters and the forest..
Taking the war away was like taking away the evoker's identity. He had been raised for it, shaped for it, shaped BY it. It could not end, for without it, he was nothing... but that isn't quite true, is there? There are still so many mysteries to solve, so much to work with.
First of all, the Poison. What is it? It is their potion of life, their power source, the venom to their enemies. It is so much, and they still know so little about it. Even their queen had only just recently learned one of it's secrets, and gained eternal life, but that is just one among the many uses it has! There is the creation of Hands, the creation of Redeemers.. It is a source of power with untapped potential.
It made the young evoker think more and more. It had been speculated his own powers were a gift from the forest. That his arcane magic was powered by the Poison. If this is true, would that not mean they have a form of magic limited to only them? The potential could be limitless! If this proved to be true, he could tap into uncharted territories, perhaps bring out something only Uultak and Syann before them could have known! The mere thought of it had the mage excited. He must research this!
There is also the Redeemers. It took the work of a high priest, and Elarion together to raise just the one, so after the great battle, they were naturally drained.. Unless the clergy had perfected a new way, in which case, Elarion had to learn it. There was still the problem of making them last. It took so much just to keep them bound, having them as a permanent force would be nothing short of a challenge. He would have to research a way to keep them bound in the realm of mortals.
Perhaps... he could find some of the answers he sought in even darker magic.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Unfortunately, such magic was not easy to find. He had access to little information as it was, and with the island now being on alert for anyone loyal to Syfana, he was rather limited to where he could look. Granted, he would likely have to blast his way into a vault to find what he wants, but not having access in the first place takes away even that.
So the search was on. The obvious would be places he could walk, but searching the watch proved unfruitful. No one there would be of any use, beyond those who would require rediculous tasks of him. Whatever happened to good old bribes? The Iron City was next on his list. Surely the devil worshipers must have the magic he searches for?
Going there to find out turned out to be a night he will never forget. Sure, he learned there were few practitioners of the arcane, but he received such a fascinating display of a different culture. Luck had it it was the day a apparently famous woman came to the city, to perform at something they called an "opera house." Such strange things, and what a display it was. Titles and fame seemed to matter even more to those of Azuul than it did to those of Thay. It was truly spectacular. Seeing such a lovely new form of music was astonishing as well. It is a city he will return to for sure. Another matter he took note of was how far they would go for appearances. Perhaps something could be learned from this. That to show what filth the dogs of Elisara is, he will need to appear better than them. An interesting idea, and something to try for sure. Shame there was no magic to learn though. Still, it was such a fascinating culture. Perhaps he can take the mantle of ambassador again..
Things became interesting as he left, as the talent, and a new possible friend had really not gotten far outside the city, despite leaving long before him. Of course, it was incredibly tempting to blast them both, but he would not wish to risk Xavier and Nicolette to be caught in the crossfire. After all, why let things go out over those who had given him such a night to remember? One also has to consider appearances, and so, he offered to aid escorting the two. This was reluctantly agreed on, and the five set out for safer destinations. He quickly saw why they had not gotten far, as Elisara's mage was quite frankly inefficient with his spells. It was nearly insulting, and so Elarion held nothing back against the undead of the swamp, and it's strange felines. There were some subtle jabs here and there, but both kept it civil for their shared company.
Until the mage came right before Elarion and said he would make one thing clear. He told him neither he, or any of the towers mages had any part of the burning of his woods, and did make a good point of others being able to enter and tamper with the tower. Touche, human. Touche. It became an interesting little back and forth between the two, and the mage surprised the evoker with his understanding of the war. It was interesting to say the least, and the evoker wanted more.
But more would have to wait. They reached Hamley, and they met his sister on the road. He shared worries with her, of how Sylvox knew about the burning of their home, yet had done nothing to stop them. How crazy it was for them to have stolen Syann's remains. He told him she would always be his sister. That he did not see her as a traitor, but rather misguided and used for an unknown purpose. If anything, Elarion worried he had not sent her to the warm summer he had hoped for, but rather a snow-less winter.
Cathalya's arrival put things into perspective, though. She claimed she herself was the one who planned to steal Syann's remains, and used the incredibly weak arguments of them not being safe in his home, and that they loved him as much as those who remained. It was like a knife in Elarion's heart. The betrayal was truly felt this time. No longer was she a sister he could try to steer others away from, but one who had knowingly taken their eternal king. It had been such a nice day, but of course, such had to be balanced out by a horrible end...
Yet the morning proved far more interesting than he could ever have imagined. While he was out wandering aimlessly and thinking, he came across the entry to the old haunted Greenwood tower. It was as good of a place as any to search for the magic he desires, so he went in. The tower was exactly what one would expect, until he reached the top floor. There, he encountered a mirror image of himself. It looked exactly like him, and moved and talked like him... until he went for the door. The image screamed "No!" and tried to block him, only to fade upon contact. Inside was nothing of any real importance. Just an officer trapped in time. It was quickly slain, and nothing really warranted such a strange encounter..
Until magic happened around him. Bursts of what could be assumed to be negative energy, as well as arcane flashes. It was hard to say what this would be, until a familiar figure showed itself. Perhaps the most important figure in elven history. The lich Uultak. The meeting was brief, and the lich asked his name and loyalty. Elarion answered honestly, hoping he would have some time with the lich. After all, there are so many questions unanswered, that only this lich would have the answers to, yet he only told him there will come a time when he will be called upon to prove his loyalty. Until then, "we" will be watching. Those two sentences stuck to his mind. He is most certainly willing to prove his loyalty, but who are "we"? Such a frustrating question he will only find the answer to in time.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
It is frightening how small the island can feel when one is searching for something.
He started on the southern most part of the island, and worked his way north, considering and dismissing locations as he walked.
The cursed tower stuck in time had nothing, but turned out to be incredibly interesting. Greenvale would hold nothing of what he sought. If they did, it would be sealed behind the tightest security, and he would never make it inside. That is assuming he would find where it was. The ogre halls has been picked clean of anything of interest years ago, and there is no way he would find it in the halfling village.
He continued north, and Hammersong mountain was just as quickly dismissed. Neither the dwarfs or the mad gnome could possibly have, or would depart with what he wanted. The celestial temple further north would never do so either. If they have anything that would be of use to him, it would be guarded beyond anything he could ever get past.
The journey continued north. Anything beneath the kobolds? No. In Mora'chel, perhaps... but his last visit had turned out to be a huge pain, and he would rather not get involved with the political games of the dark elves. Crossroads... Websters landing, Steinkreis.. Neither were valid options. Or... perhaps there were cultists among Steinkreis' nobility? Surely that might be an option. He will need to look into that one. It is considered an option for now. The trip continued north. The Lord's Tomb, might well hold what he needs, but it would be written in a language long forgotten, and he would need to strike a deal with the Lord, to even arrange something. Perhaps it could be doable, but it is not a high priority idea.
He has yet to see any mages that could help him in the Watch. The drow witch might be able to, but she has already asked him to do something he might not be able to accomplish. East from there was Hamley. It is unlikely they would have anything where he could access it. They would likely just burn such tomes instead of sealing them in an archive. Further west from there were the bugbears. They definitely- hold on now, was there not an abandoned hideout in the ruins beyond? Yes, that is an idea to chase. Beyond that is the Drakamyre, and the archmage Khalador might be willing to trade. The Iron city did not seem to be a good option, and beyond it is only the wastes. Any ruin there would have been picked clean ages ago.
In the north, there is Feywood. There is no way he would find what he wanted there. Perhaps on Craggen? The trip took the evoker there. One of the first sights to greet him in the north, was the tower of the wizard of the far north. Absolutely not an option. One must not trifle with one rumored to be as powerful as he is mad. Below the ruins of Craggen? There is one demilich who might know, but it is unlikely he will share. Deeper beneath there is none other than the lich who had approached him but a few days ago. He still does not know exactly what it was the lich wanted with him, but he will not take the chances at disturbing him. The search continued further into the north. Perhaps there is something there the evoker has yet to see?
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Well, the old hidden hideout had plenty of books. There were many papers scattered about the place, so it is doubtful any of them will contain what he needs. While he was there, another idea hit him. The Alhoon. It was separated from the rest of its race, and will be relaitvely easy to take down if he is careful. It was. With a warrior vrock, and a missile barrage, the creature was forced back into its phylactery in no time at all, and it's books was free for the taking. The only problem would be to translate them. He still took a solid bundle before he left. He can always pay someone to skin trough and see if they had what he wanted.
There was still another issue that needed to be addressed. With Cathalya giving him such a knife trough the heart by stealing Syann, it means he can no longer trust them. There was no way Arakhor did not know about this plan. There was no way she was not in on it.. But why did she do it? He will have to see her to find out. It still felt like a huge betrayal. Not just to them all, but to him. He was still their brother. Amywiel still felt like a sister, even if she feels a bit misguided. He feels like he can't trust them, and that leaves him with few options regarding his little pixie, Sae.
The little pixie went down when they had tried to take the Queen's tower. Hit by an arrow, and nearly died. The wound had left a large gash in her waist, and while she could likely recover in the poison, the necromantic energies and screams of the tormented souls of those who burned to death would make her recovery impossible. He was getting an increasingly uneasy feeling about the faction on Ridgeshield too. He could not trust his sisters either.
Who does that leave him with? The baneites? While certainly someone he could normally depend on, this was not what he wanted for his little pixie. The Iron city? Even worse. The watch? Please, don't make him laugh.
Who does that leave him with?
It was not an easy decision. He had to think long and hard about it, but in the end, he only saw one option. Someone he at least had respect for, and they him... to a certain degree anyway. They were the ones who gave him a comfortable chair when he was their captive, and the one who had shown he had genuine understanding of the war. It was far from ideal, but what other choice did he have? Sae had served him so well, and now she suffers constant pain for his lack of foresight. Like his sisters, Sae deserves her summer.
He held his portal stone in his hands, and copied their magic as he aimed in on the power source in the tower's basement. It did not take long before he found the man he was looking for, and the two went back down to talk in a room in the basement. They spoke briefly of Syann's remains, and the mage asked about Princess Talyrenne's, to which Elarion gave the best answer he could. That Sylvox would likely be the only one who knows, seeing as he remained behind after the queen's ritual. His sisters had left when he did, and Vryx had gone with Elarion. Syfana went to do her own thing, and most certainly did not clean up after herself. It leaves only one possible option. There would be no harm in telling the mage. There will need to be a certain level of trust, considering what Elarion was going to ask him.
He conjured up a crystal cocoon made of the poison. A hard outer shell to protect the high concentration of poisoned waters within, where the near dead Sae is resting within. The poison will heal her on its own, but she will not be able to make a full recovery with the state their woods are in, and Elarion told Teron just that. Sae was one of the few joys Elarion had left in life, but it was now time to part with her. For her own good. It broke him to do so, yet when the mage agreed to take care of her, it was like a weight was taken off his shoulders. Finally something good with all the bad. He was glad his eyes were covered in the signature glow of the forest, for he could not let someone who is technically still an enemy see the emotion in his eyes.
Luck has it the mage has experienced looking after fey. It was a relief to hear. Sae had always been different. She was more serious than most of her kin, and took her duty as serious as anyone would let her. Had she been Arakhor's size, she would no doubt be in their military. But now, she is in the capable hands of someone who would once be an enemy she would go against, to be cared for, at the request of her master. Fate is such a strange thing. It will surely be a hard adjustment for all three of them, but Elarion knows Sae will be in good hands. Perhaps his little Sae will even be happy.
[ The Island of Thain ]
Onta-Crona