[Raeslyn's Story] Chapter 3.0: Welcome to Gloamwood!

Location: Sanctum
Time: Late Morning
Date: Year 1509, 8th Moon
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     Several days after my second (and hopefully last) demise at the hands of Kongeegon, I was approached on my way to a merchant's stand by a courier in the colors of Argent Glade's militia. The courier, a man barely old enough to be called that, seemed in complete awe of me. Rather amusing, I dare say. As I quickly read the missive he'd given me, I could see out of the corner of my eye the way the boy kept glancing back at me, mystified, as he made his way back to his sturdy looking pony he'd left by the Vigil statue. Presumably he thought it was bad manners to approach me while still mounted.

     I sighed as I read the letter, which asked for my aid in a matter involving the goblins, this time in Gloamwood. Again? Didn't I put an end to their biggest threat already? Couldn't a poor helpless Ascended catch a break? Well okay, so I wasn't that poor or helpless. And I was one of the strongest beings who could stand up against the bad guys now. I and my fellow Ascended were created for this, after all. I suppose. If I had to. Well, no time like the present right?
     Since Gloamwood, which had at one point been part of the Forest of Tavra, was a large and dense forest, I opted to leave my mare behind again. It just didn't seem feasible to bring a large animal along into a relatively unknown forest. I had heard stories about Gloamwood for as long as I could remember, none of them good, but I hadn't actually had reason to venture much beyond the surrounding woodland of the college, so this would be new territory for me. I was actually a bit thrilled to explore a new part of the forest, despite the rumors of dark forces at work there. My abilities, and my faith in them, had grown over the past month since my rebirth, and I felt quite confident in my ability to handle any "dark forces" that tried to tangle with me in Gloamwood! In fact, I was rather looking forward to the challenge. Not to mention, I was running low on coin, since I'd never exactly been rich, and having to outfit myself in proper leathers wasn't cheap. They brought me back from the dead and all, couldn't they at least make sure I was well taken care of? Oh well, I'd rather pick out my own livery anyway. I was picky when I came to the kind of leather I wanted. I needed it to be supple but strong, and very breathable. Being trained in the art of subtly and assassination, I demanded a lot of flexibility out of my body, and in turn, my clothing. Dexterity and agility were what kept me alive in my profession.
     As I mused over the finer details of how to get the people of the wood to pay me for my services, I wandered toward the entrance of Sanctum. Then I paused. Right, the people of Argent Glade had mentioned the porticulum! That seemed a much faster and convenient method of travel, despite it feeling too much like magic. But the ways had been blessed by Thontic, I even knew that, so it seemed safe enough to use. The porticulums had always been in service since the beginning, a gift to us sentient races, or so I'd always been told. I'd heard that they employed the magic of the other planes in order to function, so I guess that makes sense of why they had only recently been "rediscovered", since before the disaster with Aedraxis (not going to think about that!) no one had ever used or mentioned them except in history lectures at the school. I snorted.

     After asking a guard who'd been lounging by the Vigil statue where the porticulum was, I ventured inside the actual Sanctum, the holy temple to the Vigil that the city of Sanctum had been built around. As always when I stepped inside, I could veritably feel the presence of the gods all around me, like a vast heavenly choir singing music only I could hear. I raised a hand to my left ear, almost absently. The weight and presence of the Vigil nearly brought tears to my eyes the last time I'd entered this building. Taking a deep breath, I down the stone hallway that curved gently toward the central atrium of the temple. The ceiling soared overhead, high and majestic and I found myself drawn to stare upward like it was my very first time here. I just couldn't help it. I always tell myself I'm a practical person. Of course I give my whole heart and soul to the Vigil. How could you deny the sanctity of their vision? But I've always been focused more on a down to earth way of life, where I went about my business, and the holy priests of the order went about theirs. But there were times....meh, enough reminiscing! I shook my head in exasperation with myself. Aha, there was the travel gate. A large archway embedded in the stone against the wall. The beautiful elf standing beside it, humming and reading a book, looked up and beamed at me.

     "Hello Ascended! Have you come to use Sanctum's porticulum?" Obviously, I thought to myself. She continued on, oblivious to my inner monologue. "Don't be shy, step up and I will activate the gate. Where do you wish to travel?" She gazed at me in awe and expectation and I huffed, making a show of adjusting the many daggers attached to my slight frame. I was not shy! Or nervous! I just didn't trust magic, especially with my own wellbeing. And rightfully so. Determinedly I stepped forward.

     "Argent Glade, please." I said simply, giving the woman a nod. Within moments, I'd been whisked off into the stream of magic that transported people across distance on the physical plane. I found myself plunked down in the green curtain of another gate, in the bright open air of Silverwood. The familiar surroundings of Argent Glade reassured me that I'd arrived in one piece. I stepped down off the platform and glanced around hesitantly. The missive said that a man named Ralph Bonser needed to speak to me urgently about a goblin matter. I wonder how I was supposed to find him. The name was unfamiliar, likely one of the wilderness guides or woodsmen that patrolled the wood. It didn't sound like an official Guardian matter, after all. As I made to walk off, a gruff looking man in muted colors approached me, frowning. I almost rolled my eyes. Now what? If it wasn't broad daylight I'd say he'd want to rob me.

     "Hello, are you Raeslyn? The Ascended?" The man eyed me up and down, as if he was doubtful that I was anything more than some random little elf girl who'd gotten lost. I crossed my arms over my breasts and struck my best no nonsense pose.
     "Yes. May I help you? Are you Ralph?" I asked the last on a whim, realizing that he might be my contact. The man nodded and I nodded back, relaxing. That solved that problem. Looking around carefully, he drew me off to the side. I raised an eyebrow.

     "I've heard of how you took down Kongeegon and saved Silverwood from being overrun by the Plane of Life." Ralph began earnestly. I nodded slowly. Where was he going with this?

     "Well, it wasn't just me. There was a small army of Guardian forces, plus a few other Ascended." I replied. Might as well show some modesty. I smirked.

     Ralph nodded again, but didn't seem to be really listening. "That's good, we have a bit of a situation. I've been in communication with an old of mine lately, Brion. He's a Waykeeper up in Gloamwood. Patrols the Darkened Trace path and the roads along the border of Silverwood." He paused, looking worried, and I made a noncommittal noise along the lines of 'yes and?'. I could already see where this was going. Ralph was worried for his friend, whatever his name was, and wanted me to go make sure he was alright. Or some variation of that. "He's reported strange things happening in the gloam. Mutated beasts, red eyes in the dark, deadly man sized spiders, and the goblins have become much more brave and vicious. Almost desperate in their attacks. Something's happening up there, I just know it. Something bad. It's always been a bit dark up in the gloam. The people there keep to themselves and solve their own problems, but Brion's messages are beginning to worry me."

     "I see." I said softly, thoughtfully. Ralph gazed at me beseechingly. I ignored him as I considered this information. Now that I thought about it, there hadn't been much trade and travel out of Gloamwood before my death and the defection of the Aelfwar. Even in the times of peace that we'd had before the Mathosions had to start their civil war, I'd not met anyone from Gloamwood, or who had traveled there. In fact, I'd always been told that if you entered Gloamwood, you usually didn't come back. I frowned. That sounded ominous. And with the stirring of the dragons in their prisons....it definitely bore investigating, I think.

     Misinterpreting my silence, Ralph frowned. "If it's a matter of cost, I can pay you! Or my friend can. He gets quite an allowance from Sanctuary Guard as a Waykeeper. I'm sure he would agree to an allowance for your help." I perked up, giving Ralph my full attention. "Well in that case." I said. "I think it would be a good idea if I did go check up on your friend....." I trailed off as I realized I couldn't remember the guy's name. Honestly, I'd been more focused on the relevant information.

     "Brion." Ralph helpfully supplied. "Waykeeper Brion. Oh, thank you very much Ascended. It's much appreciated! When can you leave?" He leaned forward eagerly. I backed up a step and glared at him. "I'm already packed and have my things, I can leave today." I replied slowly, glancing down at myself to make sure. Yep, had my daggers, was wearing my newly outfitted leather armor. My pack was slung across a shoulder, and my pouch of herbs and vials was securely tied at my belt. Again I admired my new armor. It fit like a glove, dyed muted forest colors of browns and greens. I looked quite good, if I don't say so myself. I grinned. Ralph saw me off with plenty more thank you's and promises of payment and I strode down the path leading toward the jagged mountainous border between Gloamwood and Silverwood, a spring in my step. Today was a good day. The promise of earning some coin, exploring a new part of the forest, having a task to focus on. And the day was quite bright and warm for this month.

     It took me the better part of the day to reach the border of Silverwood. There wasn't any clear demarcation that said "Gloamwood starts here" or anything, but you could tell the forest was changing. The trees became taller and larger. The shadows seemed to lengthen, a rather odd occurrence actually. The vegetation became darker in color and more spread out, and the path became less well marked and traveled. At last I came upon a stone archway that spanned a pass through the low mountain range that surrounded Silverwood. Standing on either side of the archway were two men, each bearing fiercely burning torches. Nearby, a large bonfire roared cheerily, and a small camp had been set up. The two sentries eyed me warily as I approached.

    "This Gloamwood?" I asked unnecessarily, just for something to say, since they were just staring mutely at me. One of them nodded, grudgingly.

     "You planning on entering the gloam, stranger?" He asked roughly, peering behind me. I glanced behind me as well, then cocked an eyebrow at him.

     "Well yes, actually. I was sent to lend aid to the Waykeepers since there hasn't been any communication from Gloamwood in a while." I kept my tone calm, but I was getting annoyed with their attitude.

     The other man held up his torch and squinted at me, as if it was dark out and he couldn't quite see me. Which made me realize that yes, nearly inside the gloamwood itself, it was actually quite dark. Strange, it wasn't even evening yet. "Consider your next steps carefully traveler." The man said in a harsh voice. "The road ahead leads deep into the gloam, where outsiders don't often feel welcome." I blinked, unimpressed.

     "Are you threatening me?" I asked sharply, hand going to my dagger. The two men glanced at each other then shrugged. My annoyance went up another level.

     "Merely a warning. Gloamwood is not what it seems. Beware the witch of the wood. We keep to the old ways here. The families of the gloam, like the trees, have deep roots. We take care of our own, and the Waykeepers have always taken care of Gloamwood themselves. An outsider from that holy city will be unwelcome." I frowned at this information.

     "What do you mean, beware the witch of the wood? Who's that? And I'm not afraid of those living in the wood." I tossed my hair.
     Instead of answering my questions, the man said "If you insist on entering Gloamwood, take this road west and you'll find Gnarlwood Post. If you're looking for work or someone in particular, the Waykeepers there should be able to help you."

      The men fell silent, not saying anymore on the subject and I shrugged.
     "Well, I'll be off then." I said, and strode beneath the stone arch. I didn't look back but I could almost feel the stares of the two sentries boring into my back as I walked. I kept my head high, not wanting them to see my nervousness. Because I was rather....concerned. The minute I actually walked beneath the ancient trees that made up the outskirts of Gloamwood, it was like a heavy blanket of gloom fell across me. My heart felt heavier, and it was almost like it was hard to breath. A very disturbing feeling. As the mountains sharply fell away behind me, rolling hills continued on either side of the tiny meandering cobbled road that led through the forest. The trees loomed on either side, reaching out with skeletal branches like fingers of the dead. Not a warm thought. Suddenly, an unearthly howl pierced the shadows and I froze mid-step. I glanced to my left, daggers in both hands in an eye blink. Despite my superior Ascended eyesight and senses, I couldn't seem to see beyond the shadows at the edge of the path. It seemed to me that something was there, staring out at me, judging and weighing me. I gulped. Come on Rae, keep it together. Nothing there. And even if there was, it couldn't threaten me.

     Although I wasn't so sure about that. I had only recently found out that I could, in fact, die. And it had been painful as hell. Not an experience I'd like to repeat. Ever. Being immortal did not make me immune to injury or anything else. Also, I didn't actually know if I was truly immortal, or if my soul was more firmly tethered to my body, and could be quite easily retrieved by a healer. If that was the case, I was kind of screwed if I died out here, because I couldn't see a random traveler coming across my corpse and attempting a resurrection spell.

     After several more minutes of watching and listening, I relaxed slightly and kept walking. But I kept my daggers in hand. As the minutes ticked by, I found myself growing ever more antsy and jumpy. The muscles between my shoulder blades began to ache from the strain. This was no pleasant trip. Gloamwood was not at all as I'd imagined it.

     I can't say for how long I walked, becoming more tense as time went by. The trees and shadows played havoc with my sense of direction and time, and I couldn't make out the angle of the sun from below the canopy of skeletal branches. Eventually, the road saw more use and then curved to the left. Through the trees I could see flickering flames and if I strained, I could make out voices, strangely muffled for how close they were. Warily, I stepped around the curve, half thinking maybe I should have used my trick with the shadows to shroud myself in invisibility. A small military style camp came in to view in a clearing. A woman carrying a torch stood watch by the perimeter, and several men sat on tree stumps oiling their weapons. A large bonfire burned in the center, around which several more men and women gathered, talking in low voices. Now that I was closer, I could hear and see them clearer. Gloamwood was a strange forest.

     "Who goes there?" The woman declared as I walked toward her. She held the torch high and reached for a sword with the other hand. I quickly sheathed my daggers and held up my hands. "Hello to the camp." I said as a general greeting. "My name is Raeslyn. I was sent here from Argent Glade." The woman frowned at me. "Argent Glade? Isn't that in Silverwood?" She eyed me skeptically, as if not able to believe I'd come all the way here from Silverwood. Or maybe, that I'd come all the way here and was still alive. With how I'd felt out in the open on the road, I could believe that. The woman stared me down for a few seconds, then nodded.

     "Very well, you don't have the mark on you. This way." I blinked. The mark? What did that mean? Another eerie howl rent the air and I stopped, glancing around. The woman stopped as well and raised the torch a bit. She glanced around warily, then grinned at me. "You get used to it." She said when she saw my tense posture. I gave one more sweep of the surrounding darkness before following her toward the light and warmth of the bonfire. Get used to it? I doubt it. I'd only been in Gloamwood for what felt a few hours and already I was eager to leave.

[Raeslyn's Story] 2.16: Tokens of a Dragon

     After straightening out the mess with the students and making sure that Scotty didn't actually harm Fiona, since the teachers seemed to think that they needed to duke it out on their own, I remembered that the Guardians asked me to find and slay this Gutter, a notorious goblin leader who seems to be the one behind all the goblin troubles in Silverwood. It would be nice to get rid of him once and for all and free Silverwood from Maelforge's grasp. Of course I'm not naïve enough to think that this would solve all the world's problems, or even Silverwood's problems, but ya have to start somewhere, right? After selling off what junk I'd gathered along my travels-seriously, how does my bag get so full all the time?!-I went in search of the goblin hordes.

     After conversing with several Guardian officers on the location of the goblin threats, I worked out a general pattern and realized that the greatest concentration of goblins was up north, by the mountainous edge that marked Gloamwood and Moonshade Highlands. That didn't bode well and meant that the goblins were spilling over into Silverwood from Gloamwood for some reason. Normally I wouldn't think they'd dare be brave enough to attack Silverwood so openly like this, so something must be driving them...but I couldn't worry about that now. Deal with the current problems before moving on to others. As I ventured further and further north, into territory I'd not explored before, I began to see quite a bit of signs that the goblins had set up shop here. There were profane effigies to their malignant ruler, Maelforge, as well as crude bone statues, blood splattered on trees, and other disgusting goblin habits I'd read about but didn't want to analyze too closely. Disgusting creatures. Where'd goblins even come from anyway? I was mildly curious, but not curious or scholarly enough to pick up a book and read about it. I was more of an outdoors, actiony kind of girl. I ducked a low hanging branch as I moved along more slowly now. I could hear a loud commotion along with metallic clanks now, so I guessed I must be nearing their main camp. It was early evening, but I wasn't worried anymore about being out after dark after I'd learned I could see just as effectively as during the day.

     The camp...was horrifying. That's the only word I can use to describe this...horror. Goblins swarmed the area like giant, bloodthirsty ants, fighting with each other, slicing up questionable slabs of meat, stoking fires, sharpening blades, arguing, standing around, and generally looking like the worlds most disorderly army ever. The horrifying part was, interspersed among all the goblins were these tall, wooden poles. Atop each pole was carved a crude likeness of a dragon breathing fire, which I assumed was their representation of Maelforge. The dragon effigies clutched tiny sourcestone beads in their claws, which meant that they actually had power. And tethered to the poles were hapless men and women, mostly human and elven. It took me a moment to realize that these must all the missing travelers I'd heard about that had disappeared from the roads and paths in Silverwood. The Guardian's warnings about staying alert while on my missions gave a whole new meaning. As I watched, one of the bound victims screamed and slumped to the side. A shining mist floated up from the body and was eaten by the Maelforge carving. I stood there, wide-eyed, for who knows how long, just watching all the terrible things happening in this goblin camp. Truthfully, I knew I should attempt to do something about those poor souls, if only to prevent Maelforge from burning them up as fuel for his great power, but I just couldn't find a non risky way of freeing them without exposing myself to the same thing. The place was literally full of goblins and there was no feasible way for me to pass among them unseen. Which presented the same problem when trying to find their leader. How was I to know which was their leader anyway? They all looked the same. Squat, malformed looking creatures with manic expressions and skin the color of old blood. Their clothing barely covered them, hanging off in burnt tatters. No matter how long I looked, I couldn't find a single one that would fit even a loose definition of the word "leader."

     I was about to give up and see if there were other encampments around the mountains when I saw a goblin seemingly appear out of thin air. After a moment of staring I realized he'd climbed out of a cave hole. The goblin looked self-important, preening and strutting around camp, swatting his fellows and laughing at their outrage. Although he was obviously no foot soldier, I had a feeling this wasn't Gutter. But...I turned my gaze back to the cave hole, which I could barely spot from my position on the other side of the camp. I bet that Gutter was in there. Goblins loved dark underground spaces and if  I a goblin leader-perish the thought-I'd have chosen the most ideal spot to set up my own tent, so to speak.

    "Gotcha," I whispered triumphantly. Now to just get to that cave entrance. I considered the distance from my hiding spot to the shadowy dot that was the cave hole. Since I'd been using my abilities, they were coming easier to me, no doubt a perk of my new god given strength, but I wondered if I could keep up my stealth for that long, and avoid coming in close contact with any of the goblins along the way. I'd learned the hard way a few days ago that if one came too close to my invisible body, I was seen. Well, here goes. If this didn't work I was getting a crash course in how my immortality worked. I gave myself an amused head shake. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I pulled upon my Ascended gifts, including the ability to bend the fabric of space around so that it folded over me, leaving me invisible to the naked eye. I didn't know how it worked exactly, but it was a pretty nifty ability that I was always using. It definitely helped my sneaky, assassiny skills. Not wanting to waste any time because I knew that the longer I held onto the invisibility, the harder it became to stay that way, I quickly darted out into the crowd. It took quite some skill to dodge around goblins and their sprawled possessions and I did knock over something roasting on a spit when I had to abruptly dodge two fighting goblins. The one watching the fire didn't seem to react though, busy digging his crooked teeth into something that I didn't look too closely at.

     I did lament the fact that I had no way to free those poor trapped souls, but it was either risk myself freeing them or kill Gutter and drive out the goblin threat once and for all. Not to mention, who knows if I'd be successful. I might end up right there beside them if I got caught, and that was not something I was willing to risk. I may be an Ascended, sworn to the Vigil, but I did have a healthy dose of self preservation. I think all assassins do.

     I was right, it was a cave hole. Whew, that's a relief. Imagine my embarrassment if I realized that the shadow the goblin had emerged from earlier was nothing more than a tree he'd taken a leak behind. Just as I reached the cooler shadow of the cave's entrance, my cloaking pattern failed me, leaving me standing with nothing but a few daggers. Thankfully the darkness of the interior seemed to effectively hide me from view of the camp, and there weren't any sentries posted inside the tunnel. I snorted. Goblins, so full of themselves. Or maybe just stupid. Probably both. Still, I unsheathed my daggers and moved silently on the balls of my feet down the slanting tunnel. Instead of getting cooler as I went down, the tunnel seemed oddly to be getting hotter. With a feel of planar energy to it. So the Guardian's spies were right, the goblins did have something of Maelforge in their greedy paws. Well, time to put an end to that. I reached the bottom of the dirty little cave and saw immediately that Gutter was the only one here. Perfect. He was a large goblin, easily a foot taller than the rest of his brethren, and I wondered why that was. No matter, he was still shorter than me and would die just as easily as his friends. Incredibly, he was oblivious to my presence, gazing at something red in his hand. Two torches stood on either side of him and a painting depicting a flying dragon made a macabre backdrop, no doubt painted with blood. I was debating whether I should try sneaking up on him or just rushing him when he conveniently turned and regarded the painting on the wall. Taking advantage of this, I rushed forward, knives flashing in the light of the torches. I managed to sink one dagger into the creature's back before he was able to twist around and dislodge me. I let go of the dagger to avoid being dragged off my feet and pulled out another one. I'd just retrieve the lost one off his corpse, I thought grimly.

     The goblin sneered at me with hate filled eyes, not at all startled or horrified to see me standing there. "The red dragon hungers for the ashes of this world! I will feed him your charred bones to keep him sated for now!" The goblin wrested one of the torches out of the ground and brandished it like a sword. I nearly laughed. This was the best the goblins had to offer? No wonder they hadn't actually made any headway in Silverwood. If there weren't so damn many of them, they wouldn't pose any threat at all. But because there were so many of them, and being directed by something so potent as an actual physical representation of Maelforge, I needed to put a stop to them as quickly as possible.

     "I'd like to see you try, scum!" I snarled back him. Gutter growled at me and swung the torch in a clumsy arc. Although I could have avoided it, I wanted this over quickly so steeled myself and stepped closer. The torch slammed into my left arm as I plunged my dagger into his chest. The goblin gave a choked, hateful cry of rage as he stumbled back, dropping the torch. Knowing he was done for, I stepped backward and cradled my damaged arm to my chest. By the Vigil that had hurt more than I thought. I hoped it wasn't broken. As Gutter gurgled his last, his hand spasmed and the red thing he was looking at earlier tumbled onto the dirt floor of the cave. It came to rest at my boot and I stared down at what looked to be a wicked sharp claw or talon. A talon of Maelforge. I backed up from the item, not trusting its innocent appearance. I tiptoed around the talon, bent and retrieved my daggers from Gutter's corpse. I wiped the ichor off on the goblin's tattered tunic and sheathed them all. I ripped a piece of linen off the goblin and used it to gingerly pick up the talon. I wrapped it tightly in several layers before hesitantly placed it in the bottom of my pack, not wanting to accidentally touch it while rummaging for something else. Mission accomplished, I stepped back from it all and silently crept back up the tilted tunnel that led out of the cave. The oppressive, overly hot atmosphere was causing my back to feel prickly with sweat and the malignance was making me dizzy. Time to get out of here.

     Outside, the camp went about as it had before, completely ignorant to the fact that their leader was dead. I wonder how long it would take them to realize that the terrifying force keeping them together as a unit was gone. They would break up into smaller groups, attack and kill each other, and eventually could be easily hunted down by the non-Ascended members of the Guardian faction. The only thing I regretted was having to leave those poor trapped travelers and students to the mercy of the goblins. Maybe I could alert the guard at Argent Glade to their plight and a contingent of men could come free them. That seemed like a good idea. Reaching out, I again wrapped the layers of air around me, although it was harder this time after it's recent use. After making sure that I was indeed invisible, I darted back through the camp and didn't even breathe until I was nearly a mile from the camp. Then I broke into a run and made good time back to Argent.

     It was well after dark and I was exhausted when I eventually made it back to Argent Glade. Knowing that the college would be closed for the night and everyone in bed, I followed that idea and went to sleep myself.

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    "With Gutter defeated and the talon of Maelforge removed from their clutches, the goblins will retreat to where they came from hopefully. I'll have the talon sent on to Sanctum with a few trusted men to be placed in stasis in blessed crystal since it cannot be destroyed." Professor Bedstraw said. The next morning I'd taken the token of Maelforge to him and explained all that had happened. He'd also promised to see if anything could be done about the poor victims trapped in the camp. I nodded half heartedly at his words and the professor smiled gently. "You can't save everyone, dear one. Maelforge's power over Telara has been lessoned because of you, remember this, because the people of Silverwood will." I felt my spirits lift more at his words and gave him a grateful nod.

 

     "Thanks." I said, feeling awkward with all the attention. Bedstraw fiddled thoughtfully with the talon, before passing it on to a guard captain standing at alert nearby.

 

     "What if...just as Maelforge's talon was a physical artifact of his power, there was one for the Fae to use as well, tied to Greenscale? We already know that Hylas was given a very important gift by Lord Twyl. Our scouts confirm this. I'm beginning to suspect that his commanders also carry such potent tokens of Greenscale's power. Each of these artifacts must be collected and sealed away so that Greenscale does not gain any more power on Telara. If he were to break free of his prison..." The professor shuddered. He glanced at me to see if I was following and I nodded in agreement. It made sense. Dividing up the powerful artifacts among his commanders allowed Hylas to secure their loyalty by entrusting them with such important items, and it also spread out Greenscale's aura, allowing it to cloak a wider area.

 

     "We need to find these artifacts and get them away from the Aelfwar," I said thoughtfully. "I haven't been in Silverwood long enough to know where any of his commanders would be. I'd guess Overwatch, but it's too heavily fortified to just attack it outright...." Bedstraw was shaking his head and I raised an eyebrow.

     "I've received news yesterday that Marshal Rowen, one of Hylas's most trusted commanders, has recently been spotted at the Palisade up north. He carries the most effective of the Fae artifacts. If we can get a hold of that, it would be a great blow we could deal to the Aelfwar." I tried to keep my face blank of emotion as Bedstraw mentioned Marshal Rowen. Oh gods, I knew him! This is what I dreaded most, having to face off against someone among the Aelfwar that I actually had a passing acquaintance with.

 

     "I see." I finally managed to get out past my dry throat when Bedstraw looked at me expectantly. He frowned and I looked away, studying the gray walls that surrounded Quicksilver. The morning light shone down upon the courtyard, covering everything with a warm sunny glow so completely opposite of what I was feeling right now. I ignored the concerned look Bedstraw was now giving me as my mind swept me back to memories of years ago...before my death...before the Aelfwar had gone against their oaths...back when the world was a simpler place. What I wouldn't give to be back in that time again. I can clearly picture Marshal Rowen's kind face as he praised me on my footwork, having walked by as I was sparring with one of the other students at the Keep. In between my lessons at Quicksilver, my mentor had taught me the basics of hand to hand fighting, defending myself, and stealthy attacks with daggers. Marshal Rowen had laughingly said that he'd better watch his back, I was getting so skilled at daggers that he was concerned I'd murder them all in their beds. The other soldiers watching had laughed.....oh how true his words were turning out to be. Grief surged in my heart, and bitter resentment. Why had they turned from the gods? Why had they forsaken their ages old oaths to Tavril? Their covenant to protect and watch over the land? Did Hylas truly believe he was doing what was best for Telara?

 

     I became aware that Bedstraw was talking to me in a loud voice. "Raeslyn? Lady Ascended? Are you alright?" He waved one of the nearby students to fetch a glass of water. I shook myself and reigned in my emotions, picturing a still pond like my mentor trained me to, and dumping all my feelings into it, to slide beneath the surface...there, now I could think clearer. I straightened from my hunched posture and pasted my customary look of mild impatience back on.

     "Yes. Yes I'm fine." I said, a little sharply to cover up any weakness there might otherwise have been in my voice. "The Palisade? I remember where that is, actually. I'll fetch this Fae artifact." I turned on my heel and calmly walked off, head held high, before anyone could question me further. The student with the glass of water ran up to Bedstraw just as I was leaving and I saw him take the glass and thank her out of the corner of my eye. Both student and professor watched me walk away but I didn't turn around or pause. Just treat this like any other task. I can do this. For Silverwood.

[Raeslyn's Story] 2.14: The Mirror of Ages

Since it had been getting dark as I headed back to Argent Glade, I found myself traveling under the night sky and was surprised to find that it wasn't nearly as dangerous or alarming as I imagined in this precarious time. For one thing, to my surprise I realized that my eyes seemed to adjust perfectly to the near darkness of night, catching and reflecting the small light that the moon offered. It was a neat trick and it took me a few minutes to realize that it must be something that comes with my Ascended package. Huh, nifty! Another reason was I'd just kicked a bunch of Aelfwar and Fae butt, so I was feeling just a bit confident that I could take on anything that tried to threaten a lone traveler at night. In fact, I was looking forward to beating up anything that attacked me along the road. Help keep the roads clear and all. But nothing jumped out at me as I made my way back to Argent Glade and soon I found myself strolling down the main path that led to the Blunted Quill, Argent's only Inn. After inquiring of the Innkeeper where I could find a Cerys Amare, I found the petite elf seated at one of the far tables facing the exit. Good, at least she had proper sense.

     I walked up to her and waited for her to acknowledge me. She glanced up when a shadow fell over and raised an eyebrow in enquiry.

     "Hello, name's Raeslyn. I'm the newest Ascended around here and I've just come from Highglade Lookout. Tristan Alecourt sent me to find you and report what I'd found there." I said by way of greeting, not wanting to waste any time about it. The woman's expression changed as I spoke, finally settling on awed surprise, a facial expression I'd come to know very well lately.

    "You! You're an Ascended?" She seemed to hold her breath, sweeping her eyes up and down my body and I resisted the urge to cover my front or fold my arms, instead tapping my foot. Cerys eventually blinked, shaking herself out of her self induced shock at seeing an Ascended up close. Honestly, I'd just like to be treated like everyone else for once, instead of this godlike being. I didn't feel very godlike, just another person doing what they could to protect their homeland who happened to have an edge that others didn't. That's all.

     "Wait. Tristan sent you?" The woman finally spoke again. Her elfin features gave her stunning eyes and slender fingers, which she drummed on the table as she watched me. "Please sit down and tell me what's happened." She said politely, indicating the chair opposite hers. I glanced around, then huffed and sprawled out in the chair, deliberately being as opposite her demure behavior as possible. This made her smile, which annoyed me more. This is why I liked working alone. I told her what I'd seen and discovered at the hedgegrow maze up at Highglade and explained my suspicions.

     Cerys shook her head sadly. "I'm glad Tristan sent you to me. He must have known I'd need help. News of Hylas's betrayal is shocking, true, but we are also faced with Rifts and the spread of strange planar magic throughout the forest. Now that I know that this planar unrest is the result of the Fae tampering with the natural order of the forest, we need to find a way to stop this." She rubbed her perfectly formed lips thoughtfully, then snapped her fingers.

     "I think I know what we need to do! There may be a way to commune with the Vigil directly, to understand Prince Hylas's madness. As an Ascended, you are favored by the gods. Perhaps they will bless you with a vision." I snorted and shook my head. Cerys frowned at me. "What?" She asked sharply.
     "No way am I doing another vision quest. Been there, done that, no thanks." I said abruptly, feeling ready to just leave and find my own way. Cerys waved her hand. "Fine then, but we can at least go to the sacred Mirror of Ages. If we meditate at the altar of Tavra, we should receive an answer from the Vigil." I raised an eyebrow skeptically. And what's with all this "we" stuff she kept spouting? If she thought for a second she was coming with me, she'd better forget it. I work alone.

     "There's no we. I work alone lady Cerys." I said with finality. The woman opened her mouth as if to argue, then sighed and relented. "Alright." She said finally. "I just feel like I could be contributing more then just relaying information back and forth among the Guardian forces. It's not as exciting as being out in the field, risking life and limb to protect the forest!" I raised both eyebrows at her impassioned speech. Exciting? Obviously she's heard way too many adventure stories. But I ignored this and concentrated on the important thing here.

     "So you're sure this is the best idea? Try to contact the Vigil at the Mirror of Ages?" I'd heard of the Mirror of course. Every Elf had. It was the heart of our people. Our most sacred site. It's where the real power of Tavril was concentrated the most. High Elves often completed pilgrimages to the Mirror back before the joining of the Guardians. I'd never gone of course, preferring my interdependence, but I'd had friends who'd gone. All of  this "trying to understand Hylas's treachery" stuff was rather aggravating though. Do we really need to know why he did it? He's obviously lost to us, and while that is something we should mourn, for Hylas was our beloved prince, we were wasting valuable time trying to investigate irrelevant issues. It was frustrating that Ascended or not, I was still subject to the laws of the Guardians and the Vigil, having to follow their ways. I would never in a million years break my faith with the Guardians, but at times like this, I felt like there should be allowances for certain measures.

     "Yes, I feel that this is the correct path." Cerys replied simply, staring at me steadily. I nodded reluctantly and she gave me a radiant smile. I nearly rolled my eyes.

     After leaving Cerys to her own devices, I requested a room at the Blunted Quill and spent the remainder of the night going over the information I'd gathered on the Aelfwar and the Fae so far. As soon as I'd dealt with the threat to Silverwood, I needed to find a way to get into this 'Realm of the Fae' that Tristan had mentioned. I needed to put a stop to the Fae for good so they wouldn't come back and threaten Silverwood again in the future.

    Dawn came too quickly and I stumbled out of bed with my eyes feeling gritty. I gulped down a hot breakfast at the Inn and set out on my quest to the Mirror of Ages. Ironic that I'd resisted my own pilgrimage there only to end up going anyway after my resurrection. Life is just full of twists I suppose.

     The Mirror of Ages was deep into the forest of Silverwood, away from any towns or villages, because it represented the wild and free spirited love that Tavril had for the land and its protectors. It was a sight that until recently could only be found by those worthy of Tavril's blessings. Now that things had changed and the High Elves had joined with the new Guardians, the Mirror was available to any that swore themselves to the Vigil. I'll admit that made me a little annoyed.

     My first look at the Mirror of Ages was shaded with horror. The place was swarming with Aelfwar soldiers and priests. My skin prickled at their presence. How dare these pretenders get anywhere near this sacred site! I hid in the shadows and observed their movements. The Aelfwar were systematically violating the holy space. They were conducting some kind of profane ritual at the altars and butchering the well known sacred rites we usually spoke to the goddess. Anger began to burn hotly inside of me. How dare they. Had they no respect for Tavril? My fingers itched to launch daggers at these sacrilegious pretenders. First things first, I needed to clear a path to the main altar, located inside an ancient and beautiful heartwood tree at the center of the Mirror. The tree was surrounded by pools of beautiful, mirror-smooth water, blessed by Tavril herself. Around the ancient and powerful tree were several lesser altars, all having been built in dedication to Tavril and with her blessing. As I crept past one such altar, I felt heat rush through me at the desecration that had been done to it. Now this fight was beginning to become all too personal. I'd been pushing my personal feelings about the Aelfwar to the side as I fought against them and thwarted their rituals, but this, such deliberate sacrilege against Tavril herself, was the last straw. The Aelfwar could not be redeemed. A small part of me mourned this, mourned what should have been....what could have been, if only circumstances had happened differently. But I couldn't dwell on that now. I needed to find a way to commune with the Vigil here. I knew this was key. I could practically feel the focus of the gods on my back. They knew I was here and they had a message to show me.

     When one of the Aelfwar priests ventured too close to my hiding spot I took great satisfaction in slitting her throat. She dropped without a sound and I hid the body in the tall grasses surrounding the mirror pools. It wouldn't stay undiscovered for long, but hopefully long enough to for me to gain access to the central altar and commune with the gods. Although how I was going to do that and keep on the defensive against any other enemy was beyond me.

     Two more Aelfwar met their end at my blades before I made it to the central altar itself. It was magnificent. I had no words to describe the majesty and beauty and mystery that seemed to surround the interior of the giant tree. The roots of the tree were so large I didn't think I'd be able to get my arms around the smallest one and they reared up out of the earth like majestic sentinels defending their liege. I felt so small in the sheltering embrace of the giant tree and hardly dared breath loudly. As I moved beneath the sheltering roots of the tree, it was as if the outside world fell away. The sounds of the Aelfwar betrayers as they continued their desecrations seemed to fall away, as well as any worries I'd had. The tension fell off my shoulders and I felt like crying for some reason. Taking soft, quiet breaths, I knelt in front of the beautiful altar and whispered a simple prayer to Tavril.

     Slowly, light flared along the edges of the altar and took form in front of me. I backed up a step, hesitant. The light coalesced into the form of the familiar Spirit Guide doe and I blinked at her in shock.

     "I'm glad to see you here, Raeslyn." The doe said. Although I didn't actually hear any words. They just seemed to form in my mind. It reminded me somewhat of the way the Messengers of the Vigil communicated. I nodded my head at the doe in return. "I have grave news, I'm afraid." The doe continued and I nodded grimly. "The Aelfwar have turned from the gods. In their fervor, they have allowed a seed of disease to sprout within them, ruining all they touch. My shrines are being corrupted one by one and as Hylas's power grows, my light in these woods fades." I gasped, feeling horror creep into my eyes and the doe stared deep into my soul with liquid anguished eyes. I knew it pained Tavril deeply to lose any of her children and the Aelfwar were those closest to her, the first ones to pledge to her Covenant all those eons ago.

     "But never fear, Raeslyn, for as long as their are believers in this world, there is still hope. Prince Hylas, in exchange for the loyalty of the House Aelfwar, received a powerful gift from Fae Lord Twyl. Such a gift was not meant for the fickle hands of that treacherous elf. Take this token, it may reveal the truth of Hylas's fall. Remember child, we are all beloved, even those who have fallen from the path. Deliver this token to the one known as Cerys, she will know what to do." The doe bent her head and grazed the earthen floor that the altar rested on. When she lifted her head, a tiny, vibrant green seedling could be seen. I gawked at it. Wow, a gift from the gods! Well technically, from a Spirit Guide, but they worked for Tavril so in essence...

     Reverently, I knelt and cupped the tiny seedling in my palm. I stared up at the doe from my kneeling position. The soft, intelligent eyes stared into mine, filled with the weight and knowledge of the world. I swallowed, suddenly feeling parched. The doe pawed the ground slightly, then tossed her head. And disappeared. My eyes automatically adjusted to the sudden loss of the light and I glanced around, stunned to realize that it was now midday. Had I really spent the better part of the morning inside this sacred tree? I stood and stretched, feeling my muscles protest at the stiffness. I said another simple prayer of thanks towards the altar and ducked out from underneath the roots.

     "What? Who are you!" Too late I realized I hadn't cloaked myself in shadows and swore, jerking swiftly to the side as an Aelfwar soldier glared at me suspiciously. I unsheathed my daggers and stuck my tongue out. So it was a bit immature, but it wasn't as if trying to reason with him was going to work, now was it? The man's face turned red in anger and he lunged at me, sword raised. I swiftly sidestepped his obvious lunge, easily avoiding the thrust and slicing along his side just under the arm as I went. I'd learned to exploit any weakness your opponent gave you. The man hissed in pain and anger and I glanced around, hoping we wouldn't catch the attention of anyone else. The man swished his sword in front of him in a fancy pattern but I wasn't that impressed. He obviously knew how to perform the moves, but not how to actually fight. This was further evidenced when he rushed me again, sword leading. He was holding it too high and leaving himself completely open so I leaned into the attack, narrowly avoiding the sword but managing to score several cuts along his chest before darting out of the way. I smirked and the man bellowed in anger, whirling to glare hatefully at me.

    "Fool Guardian. You are too late to do anything here! Hylas will have Silverwood and we shall return to the old ways, like we were meant to be." The man taunted me and I glared but kept silent. There wasn't any use arguing, this fanatic obviously wholeheartedly threw his lot in with Hylas.

     The prickling sensation on the back of my neck was my only warning before the ground just in front of me violently erupted in a shower of dirt and sparks. I admit I nearly fell over backwards in my scramble to get away from it. One look at the soldier confirmed that he hadn't done that so I scanned the area. There was a robed Aelfwar priest standing on a rock, staff held at a sharp angle and hand still held out in the motions of a spell cast. Uh oh. The cold sneer on the spell caster's face spelled certain disaster and I glanced between the panting soldier and the priest, trying to think of the best strategy. That's when movement alerted me to yet another priest, come up behind the soldier. The woman placed a hand on the soldier's wrist and a green glow surrounded where their flesh joined. Now I was definitely in trouble. Uneasily, I glanced between the three of them. No way would I be able to take out all three without gaining some injuries in return. No doubt severe injuries. Time to make myself scarce. Like a true rogue, I quickly dived behind a nearby outstretched root just as another sizzling bolt of magic struck the spot I'd just been standing in. I felt the leather soles of my shoes melt slightly from the intensity and swore again. I needed to get out of here. A warrior or other risk-taking individual may have stayed and battled it out, but I was just a rogue, Ascended or not, and wasn't used to taking on others head on, especially multiple targets. I was more adept at quiet, shadowy assassinations and daggers in the dark. Keeping low, I skirted the edge of the root and glanced around. A few more Aelfwar were looking this way, obviously curious as to what all the commotion was about. I needed to make my break for it before they all came to realization that there was an enemy in the camp. Throwing caution to the wind, I concentrated on my ability and forced myself to use the unique ability that allowed me to shift through the spaces in the air, teleporting yards away from my current position. In fact, I was now on the outskirts of the small clearing that the Mirror of Ages rested in. Without waiting for anyone to react to my sudden appearance, I ducked my head low and rolled sideways into a nearby bush, hoping it wasn't poisonous or would otherwise adversely affect me. There were lots of such undergrowth in Silverwood if one wasn't wary.

     The whole way back to Argent Glade I criticized myself for getting caught in such a situation that almost tested my immortality. That was close and I couldn't believe I'd been stupid enough to let my guard down and forget my surroundings. "Always be aware of where you are!" My mentor's voice came back to me, scolding me in my head. Soothing waves rippled through my mind, no doubt from the other souls that inhabited my body, but I ignored the sensation. I'd rather not have a reminder of my unnatural state just now. It was just another hint that I should have been paying more attention. I was Ascended now and I should have known better. The sacredness of the grove must have gotten to me, was my only consolation. I wouldn't let it happen again.

[Books and Artifacts] III: History of the High Elves

     ".. .. For all their talk of peace and harmony with the land, the High Elves have a surprisingly violent history. They are much like a gardener who speaks of the serenity of her garden, but will not hesitate to prune plants, poison vermin, and uproot those plantings that did not bear fruit. We brief visitors will marvel at their creation, how serene and beautiful it is, how peaceful. What we don't see is the bloody and often brutal effort necessary to achieve this effect.

      Brakor Melthorpe argued in his tome on Mathosian pre-history that this was precisely how that culture came about. The elves enacted a long standing prophesy over centuries to change the nature of man. The mercurial character of the Eth was not to their liking, so they evolved human culture into the honor bound, spiritual Mathosian. If this is true then it certainly explains the many conflicts between the High Elves and dwarves in our history. It was their attempt to shape us. I credit the dwarven innate stubbornness and contrary streak for forestalling the Elven designs; unless those are precisely the characteristics they wished out of us.
      Individually, however, High Elves come across as a cultured, refined, and achingly beautiful people. Their society is egalitarian by nature, and largely invisible. Only in the forest of Silverwood have they constructed much in the way of permanent structures. The majority of the High Elves walk the land, looking for signs from their goddess, enacting her will upon those who would bring harm to the land. These groups are either a blessing or a scourge to the local populace, depending on where their arrows are pointed.

      Occasionally, one of these knight errants will grow tired or curious of this life and settle in a foreign town and live like the rest of of us mortals, learning a trade, raising a family, and enjoying the serenity that comes from not shouldering the burden of the world's problems."

              ~~The history of the High Elves as told by Historian Gulgot Rampnor, a dwarven historian

Reference: The words of this lore excerpt are taken directly from the book "The history of the High Elves", which can be found in game by completing the artifact set that awards it! It's funny to think that the Mathosian people today were molded by the High Elves into the kind of civilization they wanted. I guess they took their covenant to their goddess pretty seriously, eh?