Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Another day, another discovery.
This one came when he decided to walk among the south coast and visit the old temple where he had left the gem for Elith to recover. It was just by chance that he spotted a huge, white tree. It naturally drew his attention with how it stood out, so he ventured into the faerie grove where he saw something that provoked him to no end.
"The White Tree
Grown to protect our city by Liara. The youngest daughter to our first queen, Elisara. Lost to the shadows and found again.
May its light ever keep the darkness at bay."
He could feel himself trembling with rage. The Elisarans are so sure of themselves and their purity they would invent children of the first Queen? Documented no place else? One THEY just happened to find again? Disgraceful! Does their shame hold no end?!
He looked up at the tree with a glare. He should bring his fiercest of flames. Bring it right down. Reduce this.... symbol... to nothing but cinders and ashes.. Like they did to their oldest tree. He should create a pyre they would see all across the south.
But....
On the off chance this is true..
This tree would have been planted by the daughter of the first Queen. Sister to the eternal King. A relic of the first elves. Those were sacred, even to him. He could not in good conscience harm it.
The question now is, who is Liara, and why has he never heard of her? Letters were sent out. One slipped into the armor of an elf patrolling the Taureglond docks. One appeared in the hand of the one on door duty at the Celestial Temple. The last was sent to the Opera house of Steinkreis trough an animated raven.
Sister Arakhor.
I need a name researched: Liara.
Your brother.
Holy knights
I recently learned of a name in the south which I have never heard myself. A "Liara." A supposed daughter to Queen Elisara herself. I find it strange such a woman was not recorded in what was once the true Greenwood. I will pay you well if you go trough any records limited to the Empyrean and those of your order. Any information would be appreciated.
The man in white.
The White Rose
When you have time, I would like to seek your knowledge of the islands history and legends. You are familiar with these, are you not? The name I am interested in is a supposed daughter of Queen Elisara herself. Liara. This name has never appeared in my home, neither trough spoken word or written documentation. I wish to know if she ever truly existed, or if she is something the Elisarans made up. Your efforts will naturally be paid for.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
During another of his errands in the north, he noticed the Crossroads area still looked darker than it should. Strange. If rumors were correct, this should have been solved. He went to the Hilltop where the darkness was supposed to be focused, where he saw a familiar figure. The White Rose. She was playing her harp and singing. A beautiful song about being bound to duty and finding ones fate. Most of it resonated well with recent events Elarion had been trough. There is much doubt in the man, and a great need to seek the truth.
When she was done singing, she addressed him. They spoke briefly about the darkness that had filled the area before they got to the subject at hand. Liara. She confirmed she was real and told him she was reclusive. One that didn't live a fanciful life Elisara's other children, and she was mostly known for growing a single tree. This was strange to him. He should have heard of a child of Elisara, a sister to Syann, even if only known for a tree.
They spoke briefly of how stories are passed down in the poisoned woods before a familiar, yet different figure appeared before them with the clear intent to insult. Elarion didn't really care that much, but Nicolette was visibly tense. She spoke as if she once knew the figure, and Elarion remembered where he had seen him. One slinking in the back of Morton and Mors' tomb. His whole personality was different back then, but who this once was mattered little. What did was he seemed to want to attack them. A flame appeared in Elarion's hand, so when the fallen angel turned his back and dared Nicolette to attack him, the flames were unleashed. Nicolette may not have been able to strike at him, and certainly not with the intent to kill, but Elarion had no such restrictions. He did not hold back as he shouted the chant for empowered flame arrows. Green flames shot boldly trough the air, all hitting his wings while Nicolette called on the light.
It was a fierce battle, but the woman of light and the man of destruction won in the end. The polar opposites managed to banish him. Nicolette on the ground, tired, yet uninjured. Her light had protected her. Elarion had taken both hits and flames, but he pushed trough. He was the Poisonwood evoker. The destroyer. To know power such as his was to know pain, and he was no stranger to it. He put on his helm and breathed the fumes of his forest stored within, letting his wounds slowly heal.
After he was gone, Elarion helped her up. She was distraught. Spoke on how this fallen one had promised to protect her. This was so far out of Elarions element it was scary. The only things he could tell her was all promises he has ever heard was empty, and they are a waste of time. No one would keep them, and she should not bother with them.... but he couldn't say that. He muttered a spell to blow all ashes off his hand, and laid the now somewhat clean hand on her shoulder. This seemed to calm her. Perhaps more so from the fact the gesture came from someone who could not possibly know much about comforting anyone.
Yet... He did. In that moment of catching her breath after such a challenging encounter.. The way she spoke of Ramiel afterwards.. It reminded him of one of his sisters from the forest. He gave her the time he needed, and did his best to comfort her. The subject soon shifted back toward Liara, and Nicolette apologized, seemingly for what had just happened, but Elarion told her he had promised her a favor for her information, that they could let him helping her be this favor. She agreed to this and went on.
She avoided his gaze as she told him about Liara. How the elves had told her Liara had been one who preferred making things to destroying them. She said she thought from what she knew of the Poisoned woods, that they would not allow someone like this to grow up between them. This was still strange to Elarion, as they would have heard of the eternal king's sister, and the druids were a major faction of his forest. He asked her what was so special about the tree, and she answered someone like Elith could likely answer that better. Told him he would know the magic of it. Said she didn't think it was any form of weapon that his people should fear, to which he told her he does not fear it. If anything, it is a relic of the first elves, and should be warded. He told her as much as he wants to burn it for what they did to their holy tree, he cannot bring himself to harm the white tree. She seemed relieved at this and commented on it being important to him.
He told her they were from a time before the elven schism, and that no elf native to Thain would ever disrespect them. He asked her if the reason she would not meet his eyes was because she feared he would destroy it. She nodded. He shook his head and swore to Queen Elisara he would not harm it. This seemed to calm her, and she went on to tell him the tree was said to hold magic the darkest shadows could not touch. That it was said to not twist to their will, no matter how hard they tried. Elarion drummed his fingers on his knee as he looked to the ground. There was a certain doubt in his eyes. That such a tree would stand with Greenvale. It would add up with the increasing feeling he has of something not being right.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
He asked if one can commune with it, and she told him she doesn't think they can, and that it would be too much. She told him the druids of Greenvale commune with many of the trees, but she has never seen them touch that one. As if they know not to. This made Elarion curious. What is it the Elisarans fear? What would this old tree show them that they refuse to see? A painful past they would turn a blind eye to?
He asked her if she ever learned of the oldest tree of Poisonwood to which she shook her head. He asked her then if she had heard of their song, and she told him she had only heard a little that Arakhor had once told her. That it was something of the woods sharing a song that only they can hear. He went on to tell her in full what the song was. How it was something that connected them all, and is also something that is essentially their afterlife. Nicolette furrowed her brow at what she heard and listened with interest as he shared with her what few outsiders knew. He told her about the ancient tree and why it was so important to them. How anyone could commune with the Poison simply by touching its leaves. Even outsiders.
He wondered if it is the same with Liara's tree. What it would connect to, what it would show. Nicolette did not know, but she knew the druids have ways to talk to the trees. To see things from them. That she could only guess what they would see. When Elarion asked her what she thinks, she told him she thinks they would see the one who made it, or the people it protected, or maybe it would burn a person up if they tried. Maybe the reason the druids do not try is because they knew better. But if they really did know better than to commune with a tree that stands against darkness, then the elves certainly have something to hide. Elarion told her this. That they fear what they might see. When Nicolette then asked him what he thinks they would see, he told her he can only tell her what he hopes for. The truth about their dark past. Answers long forgotten by time. Answers buried for personal gain. Answers buried out of shame. Answers no one alive can give.
"You want to know the truth. The things your people couldn't even tell you." She said as her youthful eyes took him in. He told her he knows something is wrong. That somewhere in the past, there is a truth that is buried. He does not know what, but he knows history as he knows it is not what truly happened. That he wants the truth that Yu'syu and Syann both hid... Or perhaps only one of them hid. Irregardless of which it is, he seeks the true truth. This made her smile and told him he is seeking something worth having. She told him she thinks he will have it in time, and maybe the White tree will help him get there. He told her he hopes it will, and she asked if his own people would believe it.
This, he does not know. He leaned forward and breathed out a sigh as he told her they had been spoon fed one single truth since birth. That there was no truth but Syann's.. but now, even though he was raised by the clergy, he seeks it. He told her about the current state of the woods, and how miserable they are. How so many die from starvation. That he has seen his own resort to cannibalism. The sad state they are in when they die.. His eyes were filled with pain as he told her. He went on to tell her they were once the proud Greenwood. The ones who overcame the Poison, and made it theirs.. But they are now reduced to this.. He gritted his teeth and clenched his palms. "If all of this... If all of this... was for a lie.. Centuries.. Centuries, White Rose.. Centuries of suffering... For nothing..."
She took it all in with an uncertainty in her eyes. Somehow, even the problems of Steinkreis seemed less in comparison as she looked to him with sadness in her youthful eyes. She told him she can't imagine what it would be to grow up in a place like that, but she has come to know a little pain. More than someone her age should have. Enough to know it is only a waste if he makes nothing out of it.. Then the pain is just part of the path he took. He thanked her, and she told him it is she who should thank him. After all, he was the one who saved her. He tried to think of the right response to this, but just ended up nodding, as if it was obvious he would save her.
Their conversation drifted of to a bit of banter, something Elarion does not get to indulge in much, but still enjoyed. It was a nice change of pace after such a heavy conversation subject, but they returned to it soon enough, as Nicolette said "You should break free of them." She watched his reaction as if knowing how dangerous those words are, but still went on. "If you find the truth and they've lied to you, all of this time.. They don't deserve your loyality." It made his face twitch a bit. He does not like the thought of betrayal one bit. There has been enough of this among the elves, and if there is one thing he would hate to do, it is to keep that embarrassing tradition. Still, this was a conversation he has had with Arakhor several times, but the more he saw and heard, the more doubt the evoker faced. He closed his eyes and breathed out a sigh. Told her it is his home, and all his life, he has been a destroyer. He cannot go back to the peaceful life the others enjoy, for he has never had it. There would just not be room for one like him in this new world.
She told him there are stories of the weapon Greenvale used against his people. Her voice tensed as she said it, but Elarion already knew. He had already heard from L1-LY. She said it is horrifying what they did, and that she doesn't know if she could forgive them either, but Phoenix fire doesn't just bring death. Phoenixes are reborn in it. They become someone new and walk away from the flames. The symbolism of her words was so clear, yet even right before him, the words went right over his head. He instead went on to tell her he can forgive the Elisarans. They have proven themselves ignorant to the life in the Poison. That they would not know the depth of the pain they caused. Even if he loathes them for it, he could easily have done the same. He told her that is exactly where the problem is. That after the great pyre, their trees can no longer live. Their plants cannot regrow. She told him that if the stories of their kind are true, she wants to believe there is still a chance to be reborn. Even if it takes a while, even if it is only for those who really look for it, there is always a way. One just has to see it.
He looked to the ground as he listened to her. His head low as he closed his eyes. "If anything were to grow once more.." He stopped there as he knows well what it will take. The death of his Queen. He hated this thought, as she had been a good queen to him. He has no reason to betray her, but if it is between legacy and loyalty... which it is increasingly becoming clear it is... "But would we be allowed to grow..? Would the Elisarans let us..? Would the island..?" She told him he would have to ask them. He closed his eyes once more and bit the inside of his lip before saying "The more truth I seek, the more treason I will commit.." She told him some things are worth it, and he told her he hopes it is, before he laid his hand on his shoulder and told her if there is anything he can do for her.. She smiled back and bowed her head. She didn't answer, but nodded in understanding.
They parted ways afterwards. Nicolette for the temple, and Elarion for the southern woods.
Registered Member #1320
Joined: 10:38:49 pm GMT 06/23/08
Posts: 1086
Holy knights
I recently learned of a name in the south which I have never heard myself. A "Liara." A supposed daughter to Queen Elisara herself. I find it strange such a woman was not recorded in what was once the true Greenwood. I will pay you well if you go trough any records limited to the Empyrean and those of your order. Any information would be appreciated.
The man in white.
A Templar brings the correspondence to the Tower where Sollis was studying.
"Oh, Thank you. Strength and Honor, Templar"
The golden haired man reads the note... and scratches his head....
"pay us well... for restricted information... is he daft?"
and with that, the letter goes into the fireplace and Sollis goes back to his text.
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Another day, another errand. This meeting took place in a cave of the Hammersong giants.
The elderly elf frowned as he entered the cave and found an elf covered in ash before him. The figure heard the light steps of who could only be a fellow elf. Not a good sign with his allegiance and moderate infamy, so he turned with his hand ready for a blast, but stopped once he saw who it was.
"..Elder." "Evoker." "Strange place to run into you, but rather fitting. It saves me the work of sending you a letter." Elith inclined his head, but said nothing. "I spoke to the White Rose about the white tree on the other side of your city. She recommended I talk to you." The elder's ears twitched at this. "You spoke with the White Rose." He frowned. "In what terms, you mean speak with?" "Spoke as in I sat with her and spoke." Elith nodded. "I see. And she recommended that you meet me to talk about the White Tree." He pondered that a moment. "Indeed." "She's right. I can shed some light on its mystery. But, first, I would like to know, why are you so interested in it." "She said you could tell me more than she." Elarion nodded deeply. "This Liara has not been mentioned once, not in written nor spoken word. At first I thought you Elisarans invented her, but the White Rose assured me she was real. I would like to know why there is no knowledge of her in the woods, and I am curious about her tree." Elith listened attentively as Elarion spoke. When he finished he looked at him for a moment before nodding. "Of Liara there aren't many records, that is true. She was the youngest daughter of Elisara and not reknown for anything special, except for a kind heart. In a way she died when she was very young, because the Void claimed her, but that is not all that there is to it." Elarion frowned. "A sad fate for the sister of Syann." He nodded and motioned for him to go on. "In fact, in another way, she was saved from the attacks of the Void. And she had the possibility to grow up and plant the seed of the white tree." Elith frowned slightly at the interruption. "The Void" He continued. "Wanted to destroy her, because of what she could have achieved, specifically, the White Tree." Elarion raised a brow at this. "The Tree allows a defense against the ever hungry energy of the Void, and it warded Greenvale against it." Elarion nodded.That explained its purpose better. Thank you, elder." Elith nodded too. "You are welcome, Evoker. It is a symbol and a powerful ward of the first elves." "And a needed one, it seems. I have seen the darkness around the human city." "And only recently appeared as only recently, it was needed to protect Liara from her fate, in the neverending battle between Light and darkness." "Curious... Though do you know when in history she disappeared?" "She died of old age a long time ago. She lived a long life, albeit troubled by the constant battles against the Void. But her role and testimony, the White Tree are her legacy in the battle." "Died of- ?" This sent a look of pure confusion across his young face and he cupped his chin in thought. "What is it?" "Then she should have experienced the separation of our people.. She should have chosen a side.. She would have been mentioned!" Elith shook his head. "She aged faster, because of the void skirmishes." "Ah.. That is... unfortunate." Elith nodded. "What makes you so interested in the tree though?" "I was told it protects from the darkness, and The White Rose told me no druids of Elisara has yet to commune with it. I wondered why that was... but if it protects from the void, and not a general darkness, then that makes more sense.. It made me curious why none would speak to it.. If they were scared of what the tree might show. It made me wish to speak to it.. Perhaps it would show me a side to our past hidden by time." Elith nodded as he listened. "Communing with it, might offer you some insight, but what it will show, will be only for it to say. Not to mention, that a druid able to commune with it would be necessary." He smiled. "Are you looking for an unbiased bystander?" "I am." Elith nodded. "Understandably. Would you be so kind, to refresh me about the truth, you have grown up with?" "You have to be a bit more specific. Regarding Liara, there was no truth at all. I just learned of her existence recently." Elith shook his head "I meant about Syann and Yu'syu. I will offer mine in exchange, for you to think about." "Ah. That Yu'syu betrayed her father. Brought those who listened to her madness, and made us the great enemy. Hence, we have always known her as "The Traitor Queen." Elith nodded. "Does the name Uultak says anything to you?" "Yes, he is a rather... How do I best say it.. His name is rather forgotten these days. It is trough his studies we......." He trailed off and sighed with his eyes cast downward. "...survive.." The last word was said in such a way Elith had no trouble telling he didn't mean it. The elder nodded. "Yes, thanks to his spell, the Lady became Syfana." "He is the one who brought the Poison.. His intent is lost to time, but we grew into it. We survived and made it ours... As for what happened between him and the eternal king, I do not know. The pages were missing from his study." Elith nodded again. "After what happened in the depths of the Woods, Syann achieved the ability to use High Elven Magic and decided to unleash it on the other races. What happened between Syann and Uultak." "I see... That is a relief.... To be completely honest, I had feared the two were actually one and the same." Elith shook his head. "No, they are two different creatures. But the price that Syann paid for that power, it is unknown." He frowned. "But it was a high price." Elarion nodded. "I have seen the power of the ancient high magic. I understand why Syann outlawed its practice." Elith nodded. "But he eliminated all those who could stand against him, including his sister, Talyrenne." Elarion nodded again. "He also outlawed all practice of the arcane for that very reason. He did not want anyone to challenge him. This rule was in place for as long as Syfana's rise to being Queen." "Uultak, Evoker, tricked him in believing that he could be the Overlord of the elves and created the Poison to make the elves dependent from it and serve him, keeping them in the Woods and unable to reclaim the city of Elisara, where he dwelled after the Cataclysm." Elarion raised a brow at this, but he did not question him. His words were plausible and he had no reason to doubt them. "That...." He drummed his fingers on his staff. "Hrm..." He looked to the ground once more. "The City of Greenvale was then reclaimed by the efforts of adventurers, who chased him away from it. But his design with the poison remained intact, and it bore the results that we even now see." "That... It makes sense... but I do not think I like what I hear.. We have always prided ourselves in overcoming the poison and making it ours.." Elith nodded. "Neither did I at the time." He paused. "And I was not born in the Poisonwood." "Yet... Tell me, do you know how the Hands are made?"
Registered Member #24916
Joined: 2:58:00 pm GMT 01/23/19
Posts: 610
Elith shook his head. "I do not. As for you overcoming the Poison, I am led to believe that it was a joke, so to speak, of destiny against Uultak. Something he didn't expect, that shows that the elves are stronger as he anticipated." "I believe that to be the case, yes. As seen what those in Taureglond have achieved. That actually came up in a recent conversation, how the Poison is the very image of balance. While Taureglond has achieved incredible results in giving life from it... Us of the core woods, have shown what it can do with death." Elith nodded. "The Hands, I suppose." Elarion shook his head. "The firn'mul. Our new scouts. The.... "Redeemers.." The Hands are.... Hm.. They may not actually be that different now that I think about it." "Ah." Elith nodded. "They came to be when The Order was first formed. One would be brought to a cauldron filled with the purest conservation of the Poison, where the would-be-Hands were put into it. Boiled alive. Those who were "worthy" rose from the cauldron as Hands. They serve the will of the Poison, so what you say about Uultak is rather alarming." Elith nodded. "In the sense that they might feel his influence." "Indeed. I know he still has an interest in what happens in the woods, so the thought of them still being under his influence.." "But I would not be too sure about it, with living things, they evolve and change and the poison showed to be very much...alive, so to say." "It is, yes, as seen with Taureglond.. But in the core of the woods... His magic hold a great influence.. It is trough it we maintain our army.. How we... "survive.." Elith nodded as he listened. "Yes, they are completely obedient to what was once the order. Now to our Queen." As Elarion finished speaking, Elith looked at him for a moment. "What made you want to look for more, more than the truth that you have grown up with? It is uncommon to see something like this among the Gis'rantha." "Hrm... What indeed..." he drummed his fingers on his staff as he thought about it. "..And that word has not been used in a long time, Elder. I was also raised among the cleregy... As for my answer, have you seen the state of my home? Not just the tunnels where you did the ritual, but the state of my people?" "I heard something about it, but I haven't been in the place. I believe there is no need to poke the bear, unless necessity calls for it." Elith looked thoughtful for a moment. "You were asking yourself, if it was...worth it." "I must thank you for that..." He nodded. "In a way, yes.. I will not lie. We are in a horrible place.. We desperately cling to life. Our war with Elisara has turned into a war to stay alive.. We....." His face twitched a bit. There is so much he could say, but his expression fell as he looked to the ground. "..when the signs came that something was not right.. Before, we were suppressed... Now we are miserable... My people may not even have a decade left, Elder.." He kept a stern face as he closed his eyes. "If all of this was over a lie.." Elith watched quietly, allowing Elarion to finish his thoughts. "...if it is, then all our suffering would be for nothing.." Elith nodded slowly. "The moment of learning the truth can be terrible." He spoke softly despite his rasping voice. "Evoker, I will not say anything more. I believe you will have to learn the truth alone, as I did at the time." Elarion lifted his head to look into Elith's eyes. "I do not like the implications of this." Elith shook his head. "Unfortunately, it is not for you to decide. If you have been looking for the truth, what you will find might not be pleasant, but it will be for you to decide wether it was worth it or not and, unfortunately, only in hindsight." "Indeed... I already know it may come down to a choice between loyality and legacy.. But already knowing does not make it any more pleasant.." Elith nodded to this. "Though the information you presented me about Uultak, that he and the eternal king are indeed different.. It leaves me with nothing regarding his empty grave." Elith frowned. "The grave is empty?" "Yes.. It was originally planned for his remains to be used for Syfana's ritual, but it was empty then. It is why Princess Talyrenne's remains were used." Elith gritted his teeth at the memory. "I had thought the only mage capable of opening them were you, but you would not get past the hands, leading me to think it was something you and your huntmaster had done, but then I saw you carrying Acharn and Estel.." Elith inclined his head. "Do you really believe that I wouldn't be able to cut through those abominations?" He smiled. "Good." He then waved a hand. "But the point remain, I would not desecrate Syann tomb." "It took me every spell I had to take down even one of your honorguard, and they are on equal level to our Hands, so no. I do not believe you would get there alone." He nodded "That is what I thought when I saw you hold the Queen's armor and blade... But since my suspicion that he and Uultak may have been one and the same is off the table, I am left without any clues to what may have happened. I would like to see his remains returned to his ancestral home." Elith nodded and pondered for a moment. "Syann was a powerful mage, his remains held some power as Talyrenne's." he frowned. "Could it be that they have been used by someone or something?" "Princess Talyrenne's remains were used as one of royal blood was required.." He rubbed his chin as he pondered. "What could be powerful enough to require his..?" Elith shook his head. "That on the spot, I cannot know. You might need to investigate" He paused. "And I will be helping, the desecration of Elisara's son's grave, will not go unpunished." There was an ancient rage burning in Elith's eyes. "I am grateful, Elder. I am happy to have your aid in this." Elith nodded. "I thank you for telling me about it." "Of course.. And I know your huntmaster has been hunting for Princess Talyrenne's remains..." Elarion opened his robe enough to show a nasty scar across his gut from when Renneleth tortured him. "If you are interested in those, speak to Sylvox. He was the one left behind to clean after the ritual." He bowed his head again. "Of course.. And I must thank you for your information. It may prove invalueable." Elith nodded. "Gladly given. I shall meet with Sylvox as well. Thank you." Elarion bows his head. "Be safe on your way back." "You too, Elder."
Registered Member #24916
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Posts: 610
Days keep passing, and more and more, Elarion saw the decay around him. He noted how the patrols around a certain once had four of his living kin patrolling by it. Now, there were none of the living walking by, and he saw six of the eternal army. It was soul crushing to see the home he fought so hard for be reduced to this. To make matters worse, he felt a disturbance. Something in the Poison wasn't right.. Or perhaps what he heard was what remained of the song. He did not know it at the time, but he had lost his dear, beloved sister.
But just like he had lost Seryn when she became Arakhor, there was still a new sister in her place. Arakhor became Sae'lór. One day while walking the sad remains of his home, he felt a soft breeze washing past him. One that whispered past him and guided him to move south. He did not hesitate to follow such a nudge and went right trough the barracks and trough the portal leading south. From there, he went to the remains of their ancient tree, a place where he would often meet his sister. He called for her, but no answer came.
Then, the very air around him bean to swirl and spiral close. It poured unto itself, becoming even more visible as the poisoned air flew around him. It enveloped him, not with hostile intent, but a loving one as though it recognized one of its own. He was not sure exactly what was happening, but he did not fear the Poison. He was one with it. Even if this Poison was cleaner than the one of his home, he let it happen. The pressure grew heavier as the mass of poisoned air was somehow taking shape. Arms, legs, wings. A chest to lean upon. A full body began forming behind him and he soon found himself in the arms of someone. It held him for a while, just held him as it took in his scent before it eventually eased its hold and allowed him to turn.
He could already tell who it was the moment he had felt the winds. He knew the signs of his dear sister, yet something was different. She was different. She was clean.. Well dressed.. Her wings larger and somehow full of life. Her eyes glassy and made of different shades of green. They stood holding each other as Elarion took in the new sight before the fey spoke. She told him what had happened, showing several of Arakhor's old quirks. Elarion recognized them instantly, and he knew his sister was still with him. They stood close, holding one another, embracing each other like only ones with true love for each other could. A gesture he would surely be killed for, for showing to an enemy.. But this was his sister. She will always be his sister, so after she had established her new identity to him, the two set off for a mission like in the days before their home was separated.
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Posts: 610
It did not take many days before Elarion went south to see his new sister. Taureglond was easy to navigate, but he still chose to conceal himself. After all, there was no need to cause alarm with his presence. The fey would likely not trust him, and the rocs would likely not know him. It was just best to move unseen.
When he found the garden the old Thayan enclave had become, he was moved deeply. Life had sprouted there. Everything was so verdant. Like they used to describe their woods. So much life, so much beauty. As he took in the scenic garden, he thought to himself "this is how the Poisoned woods should look."
...but he knew that could never be. With his forest slowly dying... No, not dying. It is on life support. His life support. Too few even attempt to keep their home alive. Far too many just don't care. They let whatever happens happen. It made him wonder if the order was truly what held his old home back. After the druids took Taureglond, the docks and Ridgeshield had become greener than the Poisoned woods had ever been. Could it be the druids were really held back before they parted? If that is so, perhaps their betrayal had been for the best.. It was a shame. A dire shame, the thought, that they could never have beauty worthy of the first elves in his home.
As he thought to himself, vines rose from the grass behind him, slithering and snaking their way into a chair-like formation which his sister sat on. It took him a while to notice as Sae-lòr did not announce herself. When he finally did, the two shared greetings, and they spoke of the garden and his sisters plans for it. It did not take long for their conversation to shift, though, to a talk they have had so many times. Of their homes and their loyalities. Each time they had it, the result was always the same... Or was it? After each time they had met, things had gotten worse in the burned forest, and his sister saw, perhaps a long time ago, what Elarion was not ready to see himself. He was breaking.
He had chosen to remain in the winter so they could have the summer. Words that would come up over and over again. They were the words spoken in Yu'syu's tower before it collapsed, when the Poisonwood quartet had to choose between Syfana and Sylvox. But it was not just a winter Elarion was suffering trough. It was becoming clear to him he was facing an ice age. No matter how much he struggled, it would never be enough. At best, he could only keep a dozen alive. A dozen among a few thousand. He knows they don't have the time they will need to bring her back as he had hoped, so they could focus on regrowing their forest. He thought he was fine with it, but being surrounded by so much misery. the pride of his people forgotten.
He was breaking, and Sae'lòr knew it. She may have known for a while. Elarion even admitted to it when she pointed it out. His voice even cracked. He brought up when Arakhor once asked him what they would do once Syfana is brought back. Back then, he had a clear answer. Now, he no longer knows. He even admitted to her he feels lost. Like he is wandering a winter storm where every attempt at lighting a flame fails. As they spoke of the future of the forest, he even admitted to knowing she was right. There is only one future for his home. It cannot be saved. He admitted this for her, before telling her it is why it is so hard. It is his home. His birth home. His ancestral home. His birthright. The home of his ancestors.
The roots that made her throne extended to him and carried him to her side, to her feet, where they wrapped about his frame like a loving mantle. She told him "Come what may, you will always be of the Poison. Of Syfana's, of mine. My child. My dear friend." As she moved him, he took off his helm, so he could rest his bared head at her knee. She combed her fingers trough his hair as the roots made sure he was comfortable as she kept speaking. She told him he still has a choice. He cannot bring spring or summer to autumn or winter. He thought to make winter his. He thought himself capable of it, but it is proving too cold. Too lonely and bitter. The soft touch of his sister was breaking him. He had missed her so much, and he was now finally ready to admit defeat. "And so, a horrible choice. The one you faced on that day. The one that has been chasing you since then. Do you embrace winter? Become it? Become the cold. Trade life for death. Or choose summer." "Can I even have the summer? Is it still within reach?" She offered him a warm, motherly smile as she leaned down to lay a kiss to his forehead. "Always. But you cannot have both. To follow Sylvox is to be a traitor to Syfana. To follow Syfana to be a traitor to Sylvox. Either peace or victory. Life or death. Creation or destruction."
They spoke briefly on Elith's aim to destroy Syfana, and how far he would go to get rid of her. It then shifted to how far they would go for their own. How far they have gone. They did what they had to do. Sae'lòr caressed him as Elarion sighed and went on. He told her he still does things they would never approve off, all because of his desperation to keep his own alive. Things that would disgust the three. Things that would make Sae turn from him.. All to delay the inevitable. She told him it is not too late, but there may come a point when there will be. He didn't answer to this. He knows she is right, and he can't keep going.
Hours came and went. Clouds, currents, the buzzing of wasps, the distant roars of dirlagraun hunters.. But she held him close and tight in that dear embrace. He remained leaning on her trough the hours with his head rested on her knees, feeling her loving touch as he felt so deep in pain and so lost.. but having his sister here with him.. "Breathe. Rest. Our troubles can wait for now. Azuul, Syann, Uultak, Syfana.. They will be here when we open our eyes. Let your burden rest... Here, in this, but another scar to grace our home. Ruin, death, but also growth. The very essence of our existence."
"Thank you, sister.." He opened his eyes to look at the crystal spire before them. "Yet beauty came of it.. The kind only a summer could give." "All seasons are beautiful, but theirs can be a terrible beauty." The wind continued to bless them with the freshness of the vast, unending ocean. As rained poured on them.. So many sounds of nature, yet they all passed right by Elarion. It was not noticed or acknowledged, as it was simply not relevant in the presence of his sister. It was her he needed. Her warmth. Her comfort. "Remember what Lindelamin used to say. We of the Poison do not yield. When we cannot walk, we crawl. We find a way. We survive, no matter the odds. We are one with the poison. Became one with it when it was supposed to torment us." "Indeed." He closed his eyes again and shifted in his position to lay more against her. "And if crawling is what I must do..." "The decision is yours. You know what Arakhor used to say. What she thought on the matter. Most of the voices agreed of course, but only you can decide."
"No.. It is clear what will happen. I have had all the signs. They have been mocking me.. Taunting me.. But I had hoped I could still make progress.. The path has been before me for a long time.. And the more I try to fight for my home, the more I am pushed away from it.. I know it is a battle I cannot win, and my only path is away.." He reached up to take her hand. "It is a difficult thing, to accept defeat. I can picture Arakhor's anger, sorrow, bitterness over hers so very vividly. Seryn had entrusted her a precious thing, and she could not do it justice. Syfana did not become her Titania. Her home was forever broken."
"It is.. There are no words for how difficult it is.. Yet I see no option left.. It has become between legacy and loyalty.. I choose our legacy.." She took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Sometimes, what we want obscures what lies before us." "Or we are not ready to see it." He added. "Our legacy is a cursed one. And even the notion of loyalty transcended what it once was." "Even if it is cursed.. It is still what I choose." "We are of the poison. It is out calling."
The two sat there for a while longer, just sharing in the others warmth and comfort with Elarion being the one to break the silence. "..thank you, sister." "The bond we share is unique. It must be honored. Remembered. I do so gladly." He smiled up at her then. "No matter what.. You will always be my sister.." His eyes closed after this and Elarion faded. He was tired. Exhausted.. and here with his sister, he had peace.
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Only a day after, he heard about elves traveling south to hear legends of elven history. This was a chance he would not let slip by him, so he took his spare clothes out of storage and spent the day applying a new dye to give him an appearance none would suspect. To have a story that would be believable, he pretended he was one of the Taureglond faction. It could give him something to fall back on, should anyone question him.
He was glad when it was the elder who took the stage. It was one Elarion had gotten respect for recently. One he knew had knowledge of the past, and one he knew would not lie. When the elder told the story of how Syann came to power, Elarion noticed little differences in the story already early on. Small little details that would never have been told in the woods. They were told Syann had always been the strong with an iron rule. It seems this had not always been the case, and something that had developed over time. It was strange to hear this side of the story, and learn so many sides to their eternal king which he never knew himself. Many aspects of it resonated with him as well. He understood many of Syann's decisions, however he also realized what the one who's iron rule he had been brought up under truly was. A broken mind doing what he thought best for his own.
The story made Elarion realize just how right he is to seek the unfiltered truth only time itself knows. He is also right to seek his remains. He is one they all should remember, and his grave should be back with his people. Which people that will be is a matter for the future, but the task should take priority.
After Elith's story was told, things developed into banter and wild discussion.. Then stories of the Watch falling into the hands of a new management. Neither of which interested Elarion much. There was meant to be another story of the white tree that loomed over them all, yet one thing after another distracted from it. It was getting more and more frustrating, but at least it turned into something that started mildly interesting when the White Rose took the floor.
It was strange to see how nervous she was when she told the truth of who she was. She, who had encouraged him to find the truth and leave the woods. He made sure to use her own words when she struggled with the truth as it gradually came out. He remained passive trough her confession. He just didn't have much of an emotional connection to it. He wasn't the right person to comment on one with evil connections anyway, but even in this, he saw a comparison to the past. Greenvale's side of Syann and Yu'syu.
Her answer to the question he asked her made him think. He asked she felt after her decision. She told him it was like waking up. Like she had been telling herself a lie all her life and she finally let herself speak the truth for the first time. His gaze drifted to the forest floor. The voices around him became distant and unimportant... but he heard something one of the others said. "All that matters is that you have dared to take away that blindfold, to see and meet the world beyond it."
Perhaps it was time he did the same. Take his first step into the path that had been before him for so long. Since the White Rose could be so brave, why could not he? The time just felt right.. To make his choice official and surrender to Greenvale, here, in a gathering of his enemies.
..but this was not the case. He decided he would take the stand after The White Rose, and his sister agreed it would be fitting.. but after the young human was done, matters developed too far into wild discussion things strayed too far off course. So much so it seemed no one even noticed Mors let them know the corpse stitcher of Syfana was among them. It was endlessly frustrating for Elarion though, who had come there seeking knowledge, so at one point, he just walked up to the tree and touched it. He whispered to it he had hoped to hear its story. What stories of the past left unspoken, and what secrets had been kept from him.
After the meeting was done, and most had left, he walked up to The White Rose. He thanked her and told her of his intent to leave his home and surrender, much to the surprise of his friend who was still there, Ilyrana. Ilyrana had always been sympathic to their cause, and a good friend. She was one Elarion knew he could count on, and one he had originally planned to introduce to the forest.. though once he began to suspect something wasn't right, that was put on hold.
After The White Rose left, he spent the rest of the night with Ilyrana, explaining his decision to her and told of all his doubts.
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Then it finally happened. He was on his way from the bounty hut when he came across Elith in a certain graveyard. He greeted the elder, and they were soon joined by Sir Lott of the Empyrean. When Elarion told him he knew well what was hidden there and asked the elder why this place was of interest to him, the elder told him it is where Syfana's bond could be broken. He watched Elarion for a moment before he told him it is time Elarion makes his choice.
Elarion took a deep breath as he closed his eyes and muttered in elven. "Forgive me, my Queen.. You were a good ruler, but.. I have to think about what is best for our people.." When he opened them, he looked back at Elith. It was not a proud face, or a hostile one, like one from Ashwood should show an Elisaran. It was sad... Empty.. The weight of his decision was showing so well as he began to speak. "I had thought to announce my decision last night, Elder... It has... become..." He felt it was becoming hard to just get his words out. He knew what he has to do, but it was still so hard.. "..a matter between legacy and loyality.." He closed his eyes again and did his very best to keep his face straight, and not let it show how deep in despair he felt from his decision. "...and I choose our legacy." The shiny knight just stood beside them as Elarion spoke, unsure what Elarion meant. "She was a good queen.. But.. with her in place.. My forest can never regrow.. It brings me no joy to do this... but it has to be done.. For the future of my... of our people.."
Elith nodded slowly and acknowledged his words with "Very well." He paused for a long moment before speaking again. "Welcome then." He said before the elder went on to speak in elven. "I cannot speak for the Queen Yu'syu, but you won't be considered an enemy from me and you shall receive shelter and my help, should you need it in the future." He bowed his head and came up to Elarion where he put his hand on the young evoker's shoulder. "Brother."
Those words almost broke Elarion. Partly because it established him as what he hated the most. Traitors.. But also because elven kinship is not a thing the native elves took lightly. For another, even an former enemy as well as one who had once walked the same path to call him brother... It was nice to know he would not be alone in this. He knew he would have his sisters, but the extra support was well appreciated. When Elarion told Elith he would surrender to Greenvale, the elder told him he will have to do so after helping against Syfana, to show them that his words are not just that.
A surge of Poison, and rising vines drew Elarion's attention as the white knight told Elith there is honor in forgiveness and strength in sacrifice. Elarion greeted Sae-lòr, and they were soon joined by a woman from the Bloodguard, who was none too happy to see either one of Ashwood or a fey. Another of Sir Lott's order joined them and they all went to the cavern below.
Elarion bit the inside of his cheek and he could feel his gut wrenching as they walked along. His head was hanging low, and his fists clenched as each step he took in that cave brought him one step closer to betrayal. The words around him just faded out, and became like distant muffled noises even while the others were right beside him. His face was covered with fear and sadness as he felt like he was walking the green mile, only looking up when Elith asked if someone would be able to identify the trails and limbs of Syfana's spell, and suggested Celestine and especially Elarion would be the most adept at recognizing it. The evoker told the elder the ingredient used from here was the lava, so he was unsure what he wanted him to feel for, and Elith told him to seek not her remains, but the trace of her energy latched onto this place.
Elarion closed his eyes and held his arms out as he focused on sensing the energies his home was now bathed in. He soon found a trace of it, but the other powers the cave was flooded with, made it hard for him to pinpoint. The Bloodguard woman joined in and they soon found the tiny force they were searching. There was only one problem. The tiny force grew huge, and it soon felt like they had a power source before them. It wasn't, but the difference just felt that dramatic. Flames soon surrounded him, burning him with limited success as he was quick to send the flames away. It still hurt, but before he could have time to treat the burn, the ground shook and strange flowers rose from the stone floor. A smell of over mature fruit, reeking of disease and pestilence oozed from them.
Elarion clenched his chest as it happened as the guilt of treason was weighing heavily on him. As the others were facing what was likely his Queen's magic, he just felt the world spinning. His gut wrenching even more as he knew he was about to truly commit his betrayal. It made him physically sick to his stomach. Syfana had been a good Queen to him. She could have disposed of him early on, as was the law of Syann, but she kept him. She let him flourish as a mage, and she let him become someone. He remembered well how many times he had doubted her when she was playing her cards close to her chest, to reveal and impress with how she was right to do so later. She was, in all, a good Queen. -He- was the traitor.
His hand moved from his mouth, where he had covered it as to not let his sickness let anything burst out. Then to cover and rub over his eyes at the weight of what he was about to do. He then rubbed over his face and soon trough his ash coated hair as he felt something approaching. "It is here." he told them as he ran his hands trough his ash coated hair. He and Sae-lòr had a brief argument of Syfana's plans and intentions, something they often did. His sister pointed out Syfana's new age would not have place for any of them or anything else, to which Elarion answered there would be no place for traitors... which now includes him... He completed it with "Very well.. Let us complete my treason."
Sae'lòr told him where he sees a traitor, she sees a savior. She sees redemption. She sees someone that has embraced the truth and his people. She told him to be strong. Her words made him clench his teeth and his eyes to squint as tears swelled in his eyes. When Elith presented him with the blade that would end it all, he stared at it. This was it. He closed his eyes and said "This really is it, isn't it.. Forgive me, my Queen." as he lifted the silver blade.
A voice then formed in all their minds. "The one communing with the Blood had seen it, striking me will damn much more than just the one you want. Are you sure that this is the path you want to follow?" The voice fell silent, and Elarion told the others he does not know what will happen, but he is doing this. He lifted the sword once more and slashed trough the presence before him.
[ The Island of Thain ]
Onta-Crona
