[Raeslyn's Story] 3.11: She's Lived Long Enough

      So here I sat, crouched in the bushes just out of sight of the occupants of Tearfall Run camp, watching through strange new eyes as the Waykeepers and Guardian soldiers went about their usual business. Why was I sitting out here in the woods spying on them, you ask? Well, I wasn't exactly sure what the reception would be to a large, shaggy, sharp clawed werewolf suddenly strolling in. I could easily conjure up images of what said reception would be though. Images of swords and arrows and magic missiles. I'd rather avoid being impaled by my so called allies. Brother Jebiah would have a field day with this. Accursed bloody witch. How dare she do this to me, an Ascended! I had been feeling kind of bad for the Hag after Laria's story, but now I couldn't wait to tell her all about how I feel now. Preferably with a few well placed daggers. I realized I'd clenched my powerful fists when I felt little pinpricks of pain in my palms. Curses, I'd stabbed myself with my own claws again. I took a few deep breaths to settle the simmering rage inside. All my emotions were now super heightened due to this cursed transformation, and I had to be careful I didn't let them out of control. That would be disasterous for everyone.

     After some effort, I was able to still use my ability to cloak myself in planar shadows and turn invisible to the naked eye. I quickly made my way to Laria's altar and placed my furry palm on the old wood, hoping it would still work with my new...transformation. I shuddered. I really didn't want to spend the rest of my days as a werewolf. Then I considered a moment. What if I died? Would the curse dissipate, or would it still cling to my spiritual form and follow my soul when I re entered my body? I shook the idea off. First I'll see if Laria can help me, since it's apparently her sister that cursed me. Darn Hag.

     Laria took one look at me and her expression became grave. "That is a terrible curse to bear." She spoke in her ethereal voice. I nodded. I already knew that. "I'm terribly sorry that my sister did this to you. I didn't know she'd grown so powerful. How is she getting such power? But fear not, young Ascended. After she cursed you, she has turned her attention elsewhere." I snorted. That wasn't exactly a good thing.
     "She has teamed up with the Endless Court and she plans to awaken a darkness in Shadefallen Keep that not only threatens our wood, but all of Telara. I'm afraid the curse she placed on you is beyond my magic, but slaying my sister, while regretful, will remove all the evil she has done, including this curse." She looked saddened at the idea of her sister dying, which of course I could understand because no matter what, they were still family. But her sister was out of control and clearly her mind has been twisted to darkness for so long that she's not able to be redeemed. Not that I'd even want to try. I really wanted this curse off me so I could go back to being me again, without all the urges to kill and maim and howl at the moon. Speaking of...I glanced upward uneasily, but as always, the canopy of the dark wood blocked out any light, even moonlight.

     "Okay, do you know where she is now? I will stop her." I stated, hating the growly sound of my new voice. Laria tilted her head to the side and stared off into the wood as if trying to pinpoint the Hag's position.
     "I can sense the power of nature beginning to twist under her spell, although I can't stop the dark tide of magic. It seems to be coming from the courtyard of the Shadefallen Keep. But be careful, Raeslyn. Her power is strong and in your altered shape, yours is diminished."
    I nodded at her and thanked her. You don't need to tell me that for me to know, sadly. I could feel how different I felt. Disconnected from reality, from my Ascended powers. Like a web was placed between me and my new power. For the first time since Ascension, I felt like a mortal being. And I did not like it. Add to that the fact that I had grown fur and felt itchy all over, and my temper was quite short. I hesitated a moment, glancing back at the Tearfall Run camp. I could see Fiona and Jebiah and a few of the others all talking amongst themselves and performing the daily tasks that kept the camp going. Oh how quickly the simple things like being able to walk into town unmolested were taken away. Hopefully Laria was correct and the curse would fade once I'd killed her horrid sister.

     Shadefallen Keep wasn't hard to find. After all it was the tallest and largest fixture in the forest, as well as one of the oldest castle in these parts. The Gloamwood had definitely taken it over, with trees and roots growing out of the walls, and vines pushing between stones to force their way up. Access to the keep, however, was another matter. The uneven, erratic path that led to its gates was so convoluted that I nearly got lost just trying to find the thing. Not to mention I had to cross the world's most ancient bridge, that gave me a splendid view of a very long drop if I missed a step. Did I mention how much I enjoyed heights? Thankfully, being some bestial creature lent me far better agility and balance and I easily crossed the rickety old bridge. To my horror, within the shallow alcove provided by the front gate, I found piles of bodies. They all wore the garb of the town, and the bodies looked freshly slain. The smell was horrid, although I was equally horrified to find that the lycanthrope virus was struggling in my mind to make me enjoy the sight of all those poor slain citizens. I wrenched my eyes away from the sight and uneasily ran past the gate, holding my breath from the smell. By the gods, the atrocities commited here alone was enough to gain the Hag a one way ticket to the Soulstream.

     To my disgust, the keep was crawling with abominable undead minions, no doubt summoned by the Hag in whatever mad scheme she was thinking up now. I let my new transformed reflexes take over and cut a violent trail through the masses. There was just way too many to try and sneakily make my way across the keep's grounds. I could only hope that when I killed her, the undead too would cease to exist and whatever dark magic animated them would die. From the center courtyard of the keep, I paused in massacring undead minions to glance around. Laria had told me to go to the courtyard, but I haven't seen any indication of that wretched witch yet. Just scads of undead. One such zombie shuffled into my view and I quickly pounced on it, ripping its head off with incredibly long claws. A part of me was thoroughly disgusted and horrified at the carnage I was doing, but that part was becoming quieter by the minute. I should probably be alarmed by that...

     Finally I spotted what looked like an ancient set of stone steps hidden by a low wall that led upward to the ramparts. Aha, I bet she's up there. If I was an evil conniving heartless hag, I'd definitely want a nice view of Gloamwood while I destroyed it. Not that I was going to do that, I hastily assured myself. Ugh, I was getting a headache. It's bad enough carrying the weight of all the knowledge of ancient heroes and power that the Vigil saw fit to bestow upon me, but now I have to deal with the effects of this blasted curse. I was not having a good day. 'Not much longer, Rae!' I comforted myself as I bounded up the steps.

     I froze so abruptly at the top step that I nearly tumbled back down when I saw the Hag, and who she was talking to. Raw fury coursed through me. Alsbeth! That traitorous rat who betrayed us all for power to Regulos. Our beloved Zareph, gone because of her. Pinpricks of pain in my palm made me realize I was clenching my fists so hard that my long claws were digging into my flesh. I hated her so much. I wanted to sink my teeth into her neck and crunch down until she stopped moving! I shook my head and tried to get a grip on the rising animalistic rage coursing through me. The two women were speaking and I wanted to hear. It took several moments to calm down enough that I could hear anything over my pounding heartbeat.

     "Regulos commends your faithfulness, Delilah. He has decided to bestow upon you one of his dark gifts." Alsbeth was saying, her high, cold voice causing another wave of anger to wash over me. I hated that woman. To my dismay, a dark mist seemed to waft upward from a brazier by their feet, bathing the Hag in its power. She rolled her head back and looked ecstatic. I felt uncomfortable watching her expression. Eww.
     "The might of Regulos flows through me!" The Hag cried out, lifting her arms. Her grotesque face and figure seemed to pulse, and she grew taller. Her skin sloughed off her arms like melting wax, leaving a disgusting grey sludge behind. I was revolted. What on Telara did she think was worth that kind of trade off? How could either of them have turned their back on the Vigil so thoroughly?

     "Be warned, Delilah." Alsbeth said sharply, pointing a finger at the newly remade woman. "All power has its price." To my horror, she turned her lithe body and pointed directly at my crouched form. "You seem to have an admirer. I see you, Ascended scum of the Vigil. Delilah, kill this being, and your position among Regulos's ranks will be complete." I scrambled to my back paws and jumped onto the ramparts as Alsbeth turned her back on me, as if dismissing a petty threat. I snarled, no longer held back, and charged at her. To my chagrin, I passed right through her figure, right as it disappeared, and barreled into the Hag instead. She hissed like escaping steam and shoved an arm at me. To my astonishment, I went flying, impacting against the low wall surrounding the roof. The Hag stood up and dusted off her tattered black robes.
     "Fool! Laria has sent you to your doom. You would have done better to cower in the forest with the rest of your ilk." She sneered at my new form, and I was acutely aware of my monstrous new looks. I roared.

     A burst of golden light to my right revealed the form of Laria and I flinched in surprise as she appeared. I had no idea she was powerful enough to will herself into existence without the altars. Laria gazed at me with proud eyes and I straightened up under her soft gaze. I was Ascended, and I should never have forgotten that! Laria then turned her gaze upon her sister, and her eyes glistened with disappointment and sorrow.

    "I'm so sorry, sister, that you've come to this. But you're wrong! Your reign of terror must come to an end." The Hag cackled loudly and shook her head, wisps of long dry hair falling to the stone around her feet. Disgusting.
     "You worms can't destroy me! The power of the death plane is within my grasp. I think my pets would like to feast on your bones." Uhh, that didn't sound good. I shifted slightly away and glanced at Laria, who seemed to be concentrating on something. She lifted her glowing arms up and a golden light grew around her, reaching outward toward the Hag's darkness.

    The Hag uttered the words to a spell and to my horror, the immediate area grew darker. It instantly became harder to breath and a quick glance off to the side proved that it was only right here where we were that was affected. The rest of the keep seemed to still look normal. Lucky me. From the unnatural darkness in the sky, large ropey tentacles thrust downward and dug into the stone of the parapets. I gasped. By the gods! Images of that horrifying day on Thedeor Field came back to me, where I confronted Aedraxis and helped to stop him from becoming the next Avatar of Regulos. Oh gods, is that what was going on here? But not....only a specific being could become the Avatar, and I doubt it was the Hag. But something incredibly wrong was happening.
     As if to accentuate my thoughts, Laria shouted above the sudden wind, "We have to close this death rift as quickly as possible! She is trying to harness it's power! I will aid you if I can, but this death energy weakens my grasp on the material plane." By this point, I could barely make out the golden glow that indicated Laria's position. The whole roof was so dark, all I could make out was the pulsing, glowing tentacles that connected the rift to our plane. But I couldn't let that prevent me from doing what I'd been created to do. That's what we Ascended were made for. We had the unique ability to see the rifts in a light that no one else could. We could see their root in Telara, and we could force that root out of our plane. Narrowing my eyes, I looked for that particular root that would allow me to unravel this rift. It was proving impossible with my altered state, and I snarled.

    The Hag shouted several more words, and I caught the word "vampirica". Just great. Sure enough, out of the rift stepped tall, slender, monstrous fiends with glowing red eyes and pale skin. Mindless undead husks were an easy task, but vampires were a bit harder to take down, since they retained some measure of intelligence and cunning, and were motivated by the smell of blood to fight as viciously as possible. Thankfully, I was pretty confident that being bitten by one wouldn't cause any lasting effects since I was already a cursed monster thanks to the witch. The vampires immediately spotted my large shaggy form standing out against the swirling darkness of the void and hissed, showing mouths full of teeth like jagged glass. My fur was thick and created a strong barrier against their nails and teeth, and my own fangs and claws made such great weapons that I didn't even need my daggers this time. I wasn't even sure if I'd even have the kind of co ordination to pull off the moves and abilities I'd been trained for anyway. I met the vampires halfway, and we became a blur of snarling fangs and claws. I felt a hank of fur being forcefully ripped out of my shoulder and the pain momentarily took over my rational mind. I reacted blindly, throwing my arm around in a wild swing that met air as the vampire quickly darted out of reach. I felt like a big lumbering beast and was growing so frustrated. I vowed after this that I was going to learn what I could about magic curses so I could avoid this problem. I may even, grudgingly, force myself to learn a few tricks myself if it could compliment my own arsenal of dagger moves.

    One unlucky vampire couldn't avoid my claws and I ripped into his chest, sending black blood flying. I pressed the advantage, leaping on the cold creature and continuing to claw at its flesh until the red eyes dimmed and grew dull. Satisfied, I turned to the other, which eyed my warily. Somewhere in the background, I heard Laria speaking to the Hag and I knew I was running out of time. I had to stop the witch before she unleashed more monstrosities on unsuspecting Gloamwood. I may not be impressed with the people who lived here, but I didn't wish this horrible fate on them either. The remaining vampire hissed challengingly at me, but it kept giving worried glances to its dead companion at my feet. I grinned, and I'm pretty sure it didn't look inviting on my furry snout. I was beginning to think that the raw power provided by this werewolf form was a fair advantage despite the side effects. The sheer raw power flowing through my veins made me feel invincible like nothing before. I wondered if this was how warriors felt, with their giant shields and their larger-than-life swords. I stepped around the discarded corpse of the vampire body and caught the other one in my long claws at it made to flee. Not so fast, bloodsucker.

     I think my mind blocked out what happened next, because after that, things became kind of a blur. I should probably be grateful for that, because when I saw the carnage after, I was pretty shocked. I remember that I finally found the hole in reality that the Rift was creating and had used my Ascended abilities to close the rift in the planes, cutting off access from the dark plane. The tentacles flopped to the roof like cut strings and I remember the Hag wailing in fury and agony. I guess she had been caught mid ritual when I performed the deed and with her mind so connected to the rift, when I closed it, she died as well. At least, that's the theory I'm going with. I'm pretty sure I didn't eat her. Like...reasonably sure.

     Suddenly I found myself standing in the middle of the roof that was mostly empty except for the scattered gruesome remains of what may have been some vampires. I didn't look too close. I was so overjoyed to look down and see my own delicate fingers that I spent several moments flexing my hands in disbelief. It felt so incredibly strange to be me again. I felt shorter, and lighter, and....I can't even explain it. It's like a great weight had been lifted off my mind. I actually could think again. Although some part of me missed the raw physical power and savage yet simple thoughts that the werewolf gave me. To the side, Laria's golden form lay sprawled. I quickly darted over to her, marveling again at my lightness and quickness. It was so good to be me again! I sent a quick thanks to the Vigil for looking out for me. I knelt by Laria and reached out a hand.

     "Laria? Are you alright? It's done now right, we stopped her?" Laria stirred under my hand. She looked confused for a moment, before her eyes widened and she beamed at me with love and pride. "Raeslyn! You are yourself again! Thank the Vigil you were able to stop her in time. Well done!" I grinned and gave her a wink as I helped her to her feet. The spirit glanced around, and her smile grew bittersweet.
     "I mourn for my sister, but now I can start lifting the dark curse that stains this forest. Every living thing in Gloamwood is in your debt, Ascended. You truly are chosen by the gods." She gave me another radiant smile and I felt a surge of pride and happiness at her praise. I didn't usually like compliments or excessive praises and all that, but after the trials I'd gone through, I'll take it. A great weariness descended on me as Laria minced over to inspect the vampire bodies. I felt so tired, in mind and body, that I just wanted to collapse right here and sleep for a year. It felt like ages ago that I'd come to Gloamwood, when in reality it can't have been more then a week.

     I couldn't even bring myself to show surprise when a Messenger of the Vigil appeared a moment later, hovering several feet off the ground as its great snowy wings beat the air. The sheer majesty and beauty of the creature brought tears to my eyes and my exhausted mind was so overcome with emotion at the sight. Ugh, I'll just blame my sentimental mushy moment on the day I just had.

     "Protecting Gloamwood need no longer be your burden, dear Laria." The Messenger said, with the strange double voice I'd come to expect from them. Laria froze in shock at the sight and fell to her knees, hands pressed together in supplication. I guess to others, seeing one of the holy messengers of the gods was a shock. I'd been seeing them every since my Ascension so I'd gotten better at my reaction. Or so I'd thought...I secretly wiped a tear out of my own eye. The radiant being smiled gently at Laria. "Your descendant, Gwyddon Duskenleaf, is ready to take on mantle of forest protector. The Vigil honors its debt to you. Rest now, Laria." I blinked, absorbing that. Wait, what? That annoying apothecary was Laria's descendant?! And she didn't tell me? If I'd had more energy, I'd have gotten offended. As it was, I grunted to show my annoyance at being left out of that loop. The Messsenger turned to me, as if reminded of my presence. "You have done well, Raeslyn of the Ascended. You honor us with your bravery and loyalty. A great victory was struck here. The Hag has ever been a dark spot on our wood, and you have ultimately thwarted the plans of Alsbeth as well. You have affirmed the Vigil's wisdom in calling you to the ranks of the Ascended." I shrugged, feeling uncomfortable with all this praise.

    "I'm honored myself, Messenger." I replied, and bowed low. "Thank you for the gifts I've been given."
     "None of us can stand alone against the might of Regulos. Remember that, Ascended. You must work together to save Telara." The Messenger continued. "As a gift for your deeds this day, I can teleport you out of this unclean place if you so desire?" I nodded eagerly, then turned and inclined my head to Laria.
     "I wish you well on wherever your journey takes you next, Laria." I called to her. She smiled warmly at me and waved. I had a feeling I wouldn't be seeing her again, but I knew she would happier where she was going. I stepped up next to the angelic creature of the Vigil. The Messenger's form was so bright and holy that it almost hurt my eyes, even as a devout follower of the Vigil. The snowy wings beat down and seemed to cover my eyes, and before I knew it, I felt a strange weightless sensation. I felt like I was being whisked rapidly through time and space, and suddenly, before I could even process this feeling, I found myself on solid ground again. I blinked my eyes a few times and beheld the sight of everyone in middle of Gloamwood Pines town square gawking at me in shock. I grinned and waved, inwardly cringing. Way to make a scene.

     A woman detached herself from the shell-shocked crowd and ran toward me. I stiffened, and then recognized her. It was Fiona Leone. I was kind of shocked myself to see her, since last I'd known, she'd been holed up at Tearfall Run, trying to create some kind of device to repel death magic or something. Fiona was flushed and smiling, looking excited and proud. Without waiting to see what I'd say, she thrust something into my hands. I stared down at it a moment, then gave her a quizzical look.
     "Oh hi Fiona. Thanks for the present...but what is it?" Fiona laughed.

     "I fixed it! It works!" She exclaimed, and snatched the device back. She held it up, and beamed at it like a proud parent. "I was able to modify the calibration of the death array, and by adding and changing some of the runes, as well as balancing out the energy with water planar energy of all things, I was able to actually create a successful purification device! This spell will do much to protect the citizens of Gloamwood!" I glanced over the device. Color me impressed. I wasn't sure if she'd actually be able to create a working prototype of her invention.

    "That's amazing Fiona. Good job. You better get to work making a lot more of those things though, cause last I saw, it didn't cover much ground." I chuckled as her face fell and she frowned at the device. She waved at me and began wandering off, muttering calculations to herself. I stood there a moment, considering what I'd like to do now. With a tired sigh, I made my way to the Inn. I would really just like a bath and a nice long nap. That sounds heavenly. I smirked.

     I got maybe two feet when I accosted by someone else. This time to my surprise, it was the mayor himself. How honorable, he came down from his tree fort just to see little old me.

    "Hello Dragomir." I greeted in a neutral voice, remembering our last encounter. Hopefully I wasn't about to be arrested. That would end badly. For him. I just wanted some sleep, I felt like whining. To my surprise, he stuck out a hand to shake.

     "The reports are true then? You defeated the monster that has been terrorizing our poor town? I don't know how you did it, but it feels as if a great weight has been lifted off the wood. The people of Gloamwood are in your debt! The name of Raeslyn the Ascended shall not be forgotten in these parts!" He exclaimed this quite loudly, as if making sure everyone in the town square witnessed as he praised their savior. No doubt for his own benefit rather then mine or theirs. I yawned and waved a hand at him.

     "It was no trouble. Just doing my duty to the Vigil and to the Guardians. Maybe next time they send infantry to aid you, don't kick them out of town and hinder their every movement." I suggested mildly, thinking of Marshal Oakheart and his men, banished to the outskirts of town because the townsfolk didn't like outsiders messing in their business. The mayor had the good grace to look abashed. He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, sticking up his short dark hair. "But hey, it all ended alright so no hard feelings I'm sure." I finished. "Just glad that your town is safe and I didn't have to kill you all for being deranged werewolves." Dragomir looked suitably horrified as I sauntered away toward the Inn, daggers clanging against my hips. I smirked. I was definitely glad I was me again, and that I was successful in my first official mission given by the Guardians. All in all, a job well done. I couldn't wait to get some sleep.

    "A room please, for two nights." I told the Innkeeper, who knew me by sight at this point. He nodded at me. "Sure thing, miss Raeslyn. Oh by the way, ye got some mail." I lifted one eyebrow. Mail? Me? Way out here? The Innkeep turned around, grabbed a scroll off the grimy counter, and plopped it down in front of me. It rolled to a rest by my hand, seal up, and the crest of the Guardians and Sanctum stared innocently up at me from the wax. I groaned out loud. Now what? Well, whatever disaster they need me to fix, I'm doing it tomorrow. I've earned some sleep, I should think! I snatched up the scroll in one hand, swiped a mug of wine from a table, and headed up the stairs for a good night's sleep, hopefully without any strange dreams. Gloamwood was safe, at least for now, and the threat of the Hag had been successfully neutralized. The werewolves had all either been cured or killed, and the people of the wood were now as safe as anyone else in this crazy new age. I'd even heard a few amusing whispers around town of the kids calling me "Raeslyn the Wolfbane". The Wolfbane. I kind of liked my new title.
     I fell asleep with a smirk on my face, the empty wineglass perched precariously on the edge of the nightstand.

[Special Feature] III: Zareph Mathos

    

Prince Zareph Mathos, son of late King Jostir the Ancient and Queen Lenia, is a rather important figure in Telaran history. H was born as a twin to his brother Aedraxis Mathos, who was seconds older and thus heir to the kingdom. After Aedraxis was crowned king, Zareph supported his brother and stayed loyal to him, until he heard disturbing reports of unrest, tyranny, and discord within the Mathosian high court. Returning to investigate, he found that Aedraxis was now consorting with dark forces and had gathered all books on death rituals to his side, in order to study the aspect of death. Zareph was horrified and tried pleading with his brother to stop his madness. Soon after, he received a letter from Ardenburgh saying that Aedraxis had set up some kind of macabre ritual scene outside the town gates and appeared to be trying to summon Regulos. Prince Zareph was horrified and quickly went to Thedeor Field, outside Ardenburgh, to stand off against his brother, causing the Mathosian Empire to fall into civil war. Alas, Aedraxis was successful in summoning a death rift onto the field of battle, decimating every living creature on it. Some were outright killed. Others had the misfortune of being slowly turned into shambling ghouls and twisted undead nightmares of their previous selves. None were left alive save Zareph, the sole survivor among the leadership. He retreated to an abandoned abbey located on the premises that night. The next morning, golden light shone through, alerting him to the resurrection of his friends and allies as gods-gifted Ascended, warriors of Telara.
     With renewed hope, Zareph continued the battle against Aedraxis, pushing his armies back slowly with the aid of the newly Ascended. Eventually they met Aedraxis in combat at the site of a massive rift into the Plane of Death, where Aedraxis called on Regulos and Carwin Mathos, Zareph's younger half brother, was slain. After Aedraxis and the Shade of Regulos was defeated and most of the Ascended seem to disappear, Prince Zareph took the remaining survivors and founded a port city he called Port Scion, halfway between Silverwood (the main concentration of those who worshipped the Vigil) and Freemarch (where the planar college was and where Orphiel and his people had set up camp after the fiasco with the Mathosian court). It was Zareph's hope to keep the peace between the science loving people of the south and the Vigil worshipping people and elves of the north. He was neutral on Magitech, knowing it had plenty of good use against the planes and against the Plane of Death in particular, as the Ward was weakening by the day and he needed all the power he could get to stem the tide of planar corruption.
     And it seemed he was successful. There was a truce among the peoples of Telara, however uneasy, as they fought against the cults and planes. After one such battle, Zareph confiscated a powerful piece of Magitech technology, which he brought back to Port Scion to be studied by the Ethian scientists. His good friend and advisor, the powerful mage Alsbeth, was also interested in the device. She promised Zareph that if given time and material, she would be able to build him such a powerful device that would augment the already strong shields of Port Scion and keep it safe from any threat. Zareph readily agreed. He gave her access to the vaults below Scion that contained powerful artifacts and she took advantage of this to unlock the door to the prison that contained the fragment of the Shade of Regulos that Zareph was keeping safe. Calling upon the power of Regulos, Alsbeth summoned a rift over Scion, which Zareph nobly gave his life to keep sealed inside the doomed city. It's actually not really known if he is in fact, dead, or if he's kept in some kind of stasis or half life, but Zareph is seen later on when Ascended gain access to the River of Souls to put a stop to more of Alsbeth's evil plotting. From her words to Zareph in the River of Souls, it seems that he had romantic inclinations toward Asha Catari, who he grew up with in the Mathosian court along with Alsbeth. It always seemed like Alsbeth was jealous of everything Asha got, even Zareph, and wanted the prince for herself so she could flaunt him in front of Asha and Cyril when they met on the battlefield. But the Ascended (the player) put a stop to that, freeing Zareph. He in turn made another sacrifice, choosing to stay and hold Alsbeth off while the Ascended fled back through the portal to the mortal realm to warn their leaders of what had happened. Zareph mourns that he can't come with and rejoin everyone back on Telara, but he knows he would have no life there, being nothing but a specter, as he had not been Ascended.

     Of all the main leaders of the factions, I find Zareph one of the most fascinating, and the most tragic. He just can't seem to catch a break. Hopefully he's happy now in the Soulstream.

References: Holy man on the Shadowlands! (Telara's moon, get it?) It's very hard to find lore information about Rift anymore! Why is that Trion?? Hmmm??? And there's like no info AT ALL on Zareph! The information posted here is taken mostly from the comic, partly from the game, and a large chunk taken from the forums, where a few awesome lorehounds were kind enough to provide me with some details and even a video with info about Zareph!. So a special thank you to Samuraiko, hardy83 and slipmat! You guys are awesome!

[Raeslyn's Story] 2.3: Carrying the Light

     As I was resting up before leaving Divine Landing behind and continuing on down the road, I happened to notice a strange shimmering form out of the corner of my eye. It was rather annoying. Every time I turned my head to look directly at it, it would disappear. Finally unable to stand it, I jumped up from my place under one of the tents and walked over to investigate. I know what you're thinking. Curiosity killed the Rogue. Well, I can't help my curiosity. The camp of Divine Landing was set up snug against a shallow cliff that overlooked the shoreline. If you stood at the edge of that cliff you could probably make out the opposite shoreline across the bay, to what I hear is now called Freemarch. Dirty Defiant. But anyway, I walked over to the cliff edge, and actually received a pleasant, but sad surprise. It recalled to me my memories of the time I spent in Mathosia, just after my rebirth as an Ascended. By the cliff's edge, around back of the Divine Landing camp, stood a large stone monument carved into the likeness of someone I'd not likely forget anytime soon. Someone had made a statue to honor Carwin Mathos. It was made out of some silvery gray material. A very nice depiction too, if I don't say so myself. He looked noble, and brave, eyes foreword, holding his large shield and sword as if it were nothing. There was a small plaque attached to the block the statue was standing on with some words, along with the date of his death and how he died. Despite myself, I felt tears prickle my eyes.

     And that's when things got odd. A ghost shimmered into view right in front of me, between myself and the statue. The ghost was the same color as the rock of the monument, and to my greater shock, it was the ghost of Carwin Mathos himself! I couldn't help my startled gasp and stumbled back a bit, hand going to my daggers. It's not every day that you see the spirits of the dead after all. Everyone knows that all souls return to the Soulstream after their ties to this plane are cut. Unless they have unfinished business or an important message to impart. The spirit smiled kindly at me and I smiled back instinctively, than tried to wipe my eyes without him noticing, which made me laugh inside. Here I am trying to pretend that I hadn't been upset over a dead friend when said dead friend was standing in front of me. How strange my life has become.

     "I've not seen your face since the war in Mathos, Raenyn! I'm glad you're safe." The voice which issued from the spirit sounded so much like Carwin that I almost broke down in tears again. I sighed mournfully again and looked at him with a hopeful glance. Perhaps it was a mistake and he's not really dead? Or maybe he's one of the Vigil's messengers now? I snorted at my own imaginings.

     Carwin continued speaking, oblivious to my inner thoughts. "Though I am indeed dead, the Vigil has need of my services still. I bring you a warning and a gift, dear Ascended." I paused and frowned at him. A warning? I don't like the sound of that. There's only so much bad news a person can take in one lifetime darn it. And a gift? What kind I wonder. Is it going to be like the gifts the Vigil give, which are more like conditions forced upon you whether you want it or not. I waited silently to see what Carwin had in mind.

     "You have seen the enemy of Silverwood--a dragon of fire so cruel his only desire is to see Telara burn. But there are five other dragons breaching the Ward with Planar Rifts and you must be the one to stop them Ascended. In regards to that, the gods bestow upon you a gift: the Planar Lure. It is a magical talisman that will draw on your Ascended powers to breach Planar tears and seal the resulting rifts on your own terms, on your own ground." I felt my eyes widen at those words. A way to close the rifts at my own command? That sounds a hell of a lot more effective than running around fetching relics for uppity officers or knocking over funeral pyres. I could actually do some good if I could get my hands on those Rifts before they even opened and could tear them up my own way. I nodded thoughtfully as Carwin watched with interest. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. I could accept that gift. I didn't like the attached warning about the dragon gods though. I really wish people would stop reminding me about them. What do they expect me to do?

     "Another blessing the Vigil gives you is something called a Planar charge. Each time you do successfully close one of the Rifts in the dimensions, residual Planar energy and excess sourcestone rain down upon our plane, energy from the Rift intruding upon our world. If you pick up these powerful magics and infuse them with your own Vigil-blessed soul magic, you will become more powerful and will be able to make use of your Vigil given powers more readily. I know this is a lot to take in, Raenyn, so for now, take this lure talisman. If you come across a Rift and close it, you'll see what I mean. When this happens, return here to my stone likeness and I will teach you how to align and augment your aura against invaders from the Planes, making you even more powerful. Be careful out there Raenyn, the world is full of dangers--some even strong enough to destroy an Ascended one. Farewell and gods bless."

     I accepted the proffered talisman, a thin, round ring of silver metal and stared at it blankly while trying to keep straight all the information I'd just learned. The more time I spent as an Ascended, the more I realized that being a hero was a lot more work than the stories and legends let on. I'm rather annoyed by that fact. I lifted my head, ready to thank my erstwhile companion of days gone by, only to blink and glance around. He was gone. Only his stone statue remained, hard and cold as marble, staring straight ahead. I almost believed I'd imagined talking to him, except I was still holding the talisman, which I tied to my belt securely with some rawhide rope.

     I didn't waste any more time in Divine Landing, as my Elfish nature was demanding that I get out and roam the wilds and I'd put it off long enough. So I gathered up my supplies, replenished my water and food stores, and set off down the path that led deeper into Silverwood and away from the shore. The farther into the wood I traveled, the happier I became. I'm not totally dense. I could sense the darkness leaking into my beloved wood. I could feel the menace, the heat on the air from Maelforge's trickery. But it was still my beloved home of Silverwood, and being home made me feel instantly better. I kept my eyes out for danger and my hands near my daggers, just in case, but I was enjoying being on my feet. In among the trees I spotted some of the native wildlife to the wood, and noted with dismay that most of them seemed to give off an aura of evil. Using my innate High Elven senses, I tried touching their thoughts, but their minds were consumed with fire and hate. Not a good sign. It seems that Maelforge's minions were everywhere in the forest. How could we have let it get this far? Those cursed Aelfwar, why did they stray from the Vigil's light? After some time of walking, I began to grow hungry so pulled an apple from my pack and munched on it. A lot of the hateful, maddened creatures, what I recall being called "plane-touched", watched me from the shadows of the forest, but until they actually attacked me, I paid them no mind.

     Eventually the path became more winding and carried me over more hills than flat forest land and I knew I had to be in Sterling Hills by now. I slowed my pace and began to glance around. Bancroft had said that this Rudi Tanlop had an encampment around here somewhere. I hope it was along the main road because I really didn't want to go blundering into the forest with all those potentially sinister creatures about, all watching me with deadly intent. As it got on toward evening, small wooden lamp posts that dotted the pathways began to light up, coloring the surrounding forest a warm golden color. I began to wonder if perhaps I should set up camp here and rest a while before continuing on. But since Bancroft's description of their request for aid sounded rather serious, I decided to keep at it. I'd hate to arrive later, only to find the place burnt to the ground.

     To my relief I noticed a space in the tree line up ahead. I could also see little yellow dots that could be an indication of lights or a fire. I felt myself grin and hurried my pace, surprised to find myself happy to spot the camp. Soon I was close enough to tell that it was indeed the Guardian camp I was looking for and not some Aelfwar war party or cultist camp. There were a couple vigilant defenders patrolling the outskirts of the camp and one such man stopped me when I came close enough to be seen. Of course I could have easily snuck past the patrol and strolled into the camp with ease, especially since it was sparsely guarded, but it seemed in better faith to announce myself first. And I was expected after all. I told the guard that Orin Bancroft had sent me to Rudi Tanlop in response to his request for aid.

     The defender didn't believe me at first. I guess I can't blame him. One lone elf girl, what use is she gonna be against the goblin hordes and cultists? After insisting on seeing Rudi Tanlop himself, I was finally allowed into the camp. Which is good because I was starting to get annoyed. I glanced around the tiny camp as I walked up to this Rudi character. There was a curious monument to one side of the camp that kept drawing my eye. It was a large stone object with a three-pronged spike coming up from the center. I stopped to stare at it fully. How interesting. I don't remember seeing an object like that before. But it "felt" familiar, somehow. Like some part of my recognized it. I realized that what I had taken for three spears pointing at the sky were actually small, intricately carved statues of men holding orbs. The men were sitting in crystal chairs and there were blue orbs embedded in the base of the monument as well. I blinked slowly as I studied the object. Impressive craftsmanship there. I bet the Dwarves made it. I wonder what the object represented. It seemed to hum with power.

     Rudi Tanlop was a rough looking Mathosian of average height for their kind. His hair was pulled back in a pony tail and he had a large drooping mustache.

     "An Ascended! I had hoped they would send one of your exalted kind to aid us!" Rudi called in greeting as I walked up, the suspicious soldier at my heels. I turned and gave the defender a cocky grin. "See?" I said triumphantly. The man mumbled something and walked off.

     I stopped next to Rudi and stretched my arms while he chatted. I didn't want to stiffen up from my long walk here. Rudi looked grim as he relayed his problem and it didn't take me long to figure that he was indeed in trouble.

     "We are in dire straits here, Ascended. Though I hear you thwarted the Wanton hordes in Divine Landing, they've now turned their fiery gaze towards the rest of the forest." I nodded quietly as I continued my stretches, urging him to continue.

     "When the Planar invaders take over a strategic position they build one of their profane idols and tend to mass around the area. This can cause quite a problem for even the most dedicated of Ascended souls. This is where you can call on us for aid, Ascended." I frowned and opened my mouth to protest. I did not want help and by the Vigil I did not want someone else's life in my hands. I had enough trouble keeping track of my own skin. Rudi waved my protests down and continued explaining:

     "Trust me, you'll have need of this at some point. Take this flare, Raenyn. I trust you know about all the unique abilities you Ascended have access to? With a charged aura, you can bleed off the excess Planar energy that clings to you like static and you can use it to set off this flare and summon any Guardian force that is nearby to aid you. It's a valuable gift, don't sell it short." I sighed and stopped stretching so I could accept the gift. Jeez, if everyone insists on giving me things I'm going to have to invest in more bags. I'm rapidly running out of room to put all this stuff.

     "And now, to the reason why your here and why we need your aid so badly."

 

     I glanced to the side as movement caught my eye and couldn't help a slight gasp when I saw the Messenger of the Vigil calmly floating above the three-pronged spire to the left. I realized later that the spire was actually a Wardstone, one of the physical manifestations of the Ward that protected Telara. The Messenger seemed to stare right at me, and was it my imagination, or did the head bob in a slight nod? I blinked and looked again, but the vision was gone. Rudi gave me a concerned look.

     "It's nothing, what were you saying?" I said, a bit quickly. I didn't want him to know I'd seen the Messenger; it seemed to private. Besides, I wanted to get this mission over with quickly so I could finally go visit the Quicksilver College and see if anyone had any news on my mentor.

     "The Wanton cult's infiltration of Sterling Hills is very alarming." Rudi began after one last concerned glance at me. I nodded. I couldn't agree more. I'm sure the Wanton Maw are up to no good if they are in the wood.

     "Maelforge's goblin hordes skulk through the forest, setting vespid hives alight to spread their fire magic. To halt this corruption, I need someone to destroy the hives. That's where you come in, Ascended. I can't spare the men to destroy the vespid hives, as that would leave the road to Argent Glade unguarded, but you are a free agent, acting directly on the wishes of the Vigil. I would ask of you to go forth and destroy the vespid hives that have been tainted. I would be grateful if you could bring me a sample of the hive walls to study."

     Ah, so that's what he wanted. Well, the task seemed easy enough. And sensible. It was true he didn't have the manpower. This camp was vastly smaller than Divine Landing, and there were few defenders here. Knowing my way around these woods as well as I do, I could complete this deed quickly and efficiently. Not to mention, I didn't want the vespids to suffer. They may be corrupted by the Wanton's presence, but that did not warrant their needless destruction. Due to my Ascended skills, I could sense which of the creatures was corrupted and which was pure. We in Silverwood have always found many uses for the creatures of the wood, especially vespids. They provided many essentials to us such as honey, parchment, medicine ingredients, poisons for weapons, pest control, and various other things. A High Elf doesn't needlessly slaughter.

     "I shall do as you ask Rudi Tanlop." I said formally, as I was unsure of his status in the new Guardian order. He nodded at me, looking quit relieved.

     I adjusted my daggers at my hips, checked my provisions as I always did before entering the wood, and made sure there were no cracks in my leather boots. You learn early on to have a healthy respect for creatures that wander the forest floor.

     I headed out of the little camp and ventured to the southwest, where I knew most of the vespid colonies could be found. For some reason they liked to nest up by the mountain edges. Silent as an owl I glided throug the foliage. It was still quite dark out, but I was growing more comfortable with traversing the wood at night and my excellent vision helped to avoid nasty surprises. Still, I was cautious and always on the alert. At one point, upon skirting a large fallen tree, I came face to face with one of the silvertip wolves native to Silverwood.

     The wolf stopped and eyed me with mild curiosity. I held still and sent out the wavelength that I was non-threatening. After a moment, the wolf snorted and turned it's head, black nose having no doubt caught the scent of dinner. With a flash of a silver-tipped tail, the furry predator was gone. I took a deep breath, not realizing how startled I actually was until just then. It wasn't that I was scared of the wolf. It was the fact that it had taken me by surprise that startled me. Usually the forest animals couldn't do that to me. How odd. I stared after the wolf, thoughtful.

     The next creature I came across was a vespid itself. I could tell instantly that the large insect was...wrong in some way. It was bulging and bloated, a strange yellowish color, and it's stinger was pulsing with a strange black substance. It hadn't seen me yet so I ducked behind a large plant and studied it. From the markings and the size, I'd have guessed a hive ward, but I couldn't be too sure because of the distortions to its appearance. Usually the hive wards were the biggest of the colony, as they were the protectors of the nests. But this thing was huge. Its multiple wings beat so quickly that they appeared nothing more than a shimmery blur, and I spent a few moments mesmerized by them. I've always been fascinated by winged creatures. Their appendages that allowed them to fly were so delicate, so fine and beautiful, that it seemed impossible to bear the owner into the air. Yet the wings allowed free movement above the ground. It was one of the many miracles of life that Tavril brought to Telara.

     I shook myself from my thoughts and muttered. The other souls inside me seemed in agreement as they were eager to be doing something. I grinned. Stealthily I darted closer to the hovering vespid, easily able to find suitable cover. The vespid, which seemed quite disoriented as it floated in space, paid no heed to my sneaky advances until I was nearly upon it.

     At the last moment, the creature turned to meet my dagger thrust with its deadly looking stinger. I danced out of the way easily enough. Despite their advantage of flight, vespids were slow, sluggish creatures, easily overcome. The insects never showed a level of intelligence even remotely on par with the other creatures of the forest. Even the squirrels seem to have more sense than a vespid. Which worked to my advantage now. I dodged a swipe by one of its pronged legs and rolled under its bulging belly, scoring my dagger along the soft underside. A strange black liquid leaked out and I grimaced as it coated my hand. The vespid let out an incredibly high pitched singing noise and fluttered to the side.

     Insects are actually harder to kill than given credit for. Their carapace is able to withstand a lot of damage before their system shuts down, and they are able to keep attacking even after sustaining mortal wounds. That was another thing I always admired vespids for. Except for right this moment. My hand was beginning sting from the black liquid and I quickly ripped the edge of my tunic to wipe the stuff off. Underneath, my skin was reddened from contact with the stuff. I tossed the rag to the side, making a mental note to do away with it properly afterward.
 

     The vespid reeled to the side and nearly touched the forest floor with its legs as it tried to recover from my dagger thrust. It was buzzing angrily now, a loud humming noise. I had to finish it quickly before the singing note it emitted earlier brings more of the creatures down on me. You don't want to know what happens to a victim of multiple vespid stings. Using my connection to the planes, I teleported to directly behind the spinning insect and made a half hearted attempt to slice off the stinger. I knew the creature would protect the stinger so I didn't follow through on the down stroke, instead flipping my dagger so the point faced back toward me. With a flick of my wrist to the side, I slashed along the vespid sides deeply, making sure to keep my movement quick enough to avoid the black liquid.

     This time the vespid careened to the side and crashed to the forest floor. The wings fluttered softly for a few moments more, than were still. I stood over the overlarge creature, breathing hard as I studied it. It was incredibly tainted, as I'd already suspected.

     I walked over to the cloth I'd dropped, gingerly picked it up, and threw it on the dead vespid's corpse. Using a technique I'd been taught by my mentor, I concentrated on my dagger and let my inner Elven magic light the blade with small magical flame. My mentor called it a fiery spike, as his favorite use for this trick was to fling the flames at his enemy. Keeping my concentration on the blade, I lowered the flickering dagger to the cloth, touching the flaming tip to the weave. Instantly the flame happily leapt to the cloth with a small whoosh sound. The fire greedily ate the cloth with more than the usual gusto and I suspected that the black sludge must be highly flammable. Perhaps I could destroy the hive walls that way...? But no, that Tanlop guy wanted a sample. Whatever for, I've no idea. Maybe he could tell how to stop the spread of the corruption by studying it. That would be a good thing.

     I knew that the actual hive couldn't be that far away since the hive wards rarely left the vicinity of the nest. Next to a giant oak tree I found it. It was larger than the nests I remembered from...before, and I assumed that was from the corruption, just like the hive ward. I studied the surrounding forest carefully and noted a few more vespids, shimmery wings giving them away in the gloom. I'd have to take out those vespids to get a clear shot at the nest, I knew, since I didn't want them alerting the nest or possibly attacking me while I was busy destroying it.

     The first vespid, I took by surprise while it was cleaning a wing with one fuzzy feeler. I used one of my longer daggers to slice a chunk out of the wing, which put the vespid off balance. Before it could bring the stinger to bear, I sank the dagger into its midsection, neatly severing the back segment from the front two. I sent a quick prayer to Tavril for the lost souls of the corrupted vespids as I left it behind.

     The other vespid proved even easier. The corruption was so far into this one that it wasn't even aware of its surroundings. It barely put up much of a resistance and I quickly put an end to its unnatural existence. I wondered what the purpose was of corrupting these insects? They seemed to be faring badly with the taint, so why even continue with it. Unless they changed into different creatures when the taint wholly took over. I shuddered at the thought.

     Again I glanced around the immediate area, trying still to get a feel for the location. I couldn't sense any more of the winged insects nearby, so I figured it would be a good time to attack the hive now. The hive was incredibly tall, but I suppose that makes sense since it has to house all those abnormally large vespids. The part was above ground was paper-thin, delicate as a vespid wing, but actually pretty strong. It didn't have to withstand sharp winds or anything as Silverwood hardly ever got harsh weather, but the hive did have to protect against predators. Usually smaller animals after the honeycomb, since an adult vespid wasn't all that appetizing.

     I studied the hive quickly, noting how the top layers were darker and more sinister looking. Most vespid hives were a slate gray or off white color, but this one was a dark grayish brown streaked with other muted colors. I shook my head in disgust. How dare these hideous Wanton Maw cultists corrupt the creatures of my forest.

     I considered the best way to go about bringing down the hive, than shrugged. Hack and slash seems the most fun way. I grinned.

      The hive wall was made of material the vespids gathered around the forest, which they than mulched down and mixed with their saliva to form the papery looking substance they coated their home with. It was a rather strange process, but it seemed to work for them.

     I amused myself slicing off chunks of the resilient, paper-like hive pieces. One particularly large chunk I kept and stuffed into my bag to bring back to Rudi Tanlop. Chunks of the stuff littered the green forest carpeting when I was done and a fine gray dust coated my arms and daggers. Bleh.

     I destroyed a few more vespid hives that I found and put an end to a lot more corrupted vespids. I hate what seems to be happening to the forest. It was a place of purity, sacredness, peace. It seemed it was no longer. Was no place unaffected by the Rifts? I hope that when we finally defeat these Planar foes that Telara will not be so changed that it can't be reversed.

      On my way back to Rudi's camp along the road in Sterling Hills, I stopped and washed in a deep stream. I was delighted to see that the water was not tainted and proceeded to have a quick bath as well, washing the grime and dust out of my hair. The water was cold, but refreshing, and I felt a thrill like I always do be bathing by moonlight in the forest. I scrubbed at the hand that had been coated in that black substance and was pleased to note that my healing abilities had already taken care of the affected area. As for my daggers, two of them seemed ruined by the black sludge, which had eaten into the blade and chipped away at the razor sharpness of my weapons. I sheathed them but made a mental note to search for new daggers when I had a chance. I was planning on taking a few days to rest up in Argent Glade before I went out to fix more of what was wrong in Telara.

     I strode into camp near dawn, feeling my mood much lighter. My hair was just drying into spun silk strands and I felt a fission of satisfaction from the admiring looks I kept receiving from the defenders. Cheerily I handed over the specimen samples of the hive to Rudi, waiting patiently while he studied them with intensity.

     "Well, I'm not scholar, but you'd have to be blind not to recognize the taint of fire magic bursting from these hive wall fragments. The goblins are up to their old tricks again, I fear. We'll all be reduced to cinder if their magic spreads throughout Silverwood."

     I frowned at this news. I had felt the taint in the hives as well of course, probably more so than Rudi here, but I hadn't suspected that the goblins had had such a direct hand in it! Placing their accursed fire magic into the hive walls themselves? No wonder the vespids were tainted!

     Rudi straightened and gave me a proud nod. "Excellent work, Ascended. Guardian travelers will be much safer now, due to your efforts. You were able to slay a few of those monstrous vespids that are threatening the forest as well, I take it?"

     I nodded sharply, feeling saddened by the extensive corruption of the simple insects. This can't be good for the rest of Silverwood.

     "If you have no further instructions, I'll be pressing on to Argent Glade now." I said, glancing at the Wardstone absently as I spoke. It seemed to glow from the inside. "I've a few errands to run there and I need to gather proper supplies before I can further address the danger in Silverwood."

     Rudi seemed delighted by my admission and nodded. "If you could please, I'd like you to take a message for me?" He waited until I'd nodded, a bit cautiously, before continuing.

     "We must inform the Guardian leadership of the goblin threat at once. Colten Feddel stands watch over the southern border of Argent Glade. He's the right hand man of Brougan Grote, the leader of Argent Glade. Colten will know what to do with this information. Can you do that, Ascended?"

     I scoffed. "Of course I can deliver a message." I said, feeling my Elven superiority reassert itself. How insulting, to ask that! I complained to myself and the other souls I hosted as I waited for Rudi. He found some parchment and wrote down a hurried but detailed report on the circumstances in Sterling Hills and his suspicions about the goblins as well as the taint on the vespids. I refrained from pointing out the obvious; I was perfectly capable of delivering the report myself, vocally. But, whatever.

     Having finished writing the report, he sealed it and handed it to me, watching carefully as I placed it in my pouch and tied down the flap. From a different belt pack I fished out a soft fruit and began munching idly to make sure I wouldn't be dizzy from hunger later.

     After saying my good byes to the defenders of the Sterling Hills camp, I proceeded up the road again, heading north toward Argent Glade. I admit, I was incredibly eager to reach Argent Glade. Quicksilver College was located there and I desperately was hoping for news on my mentor. I also wanted to reconnect with a few of my friends and classmates and get some more extensive news on the situation in Silverwood.

      With my heart light and my head full of plans, I veritably bounced down the north road.

[Raeslyn's Story] 2.1: Battle on the Bridge

     Walking up to the base of the bridge, I could see that there was still some fighting going on. Not exactly what I wanted to see after a disaster. It's bad enough we seem to be at war with our fellow Telarans, but we still fight back and forth in the wake of the bridge blowing up? There were survivors down there that could use aid, why are we fooling around trading shots across the missing section of the bridge. Because from what I could see, that is exactly what is happening here. I huffed as I walked down the bridge, making sure to test each step despite all the Guardians further down. I didn't want to assume anything and end up in the water like the rest of those poor sods. I studiously avoided looking over the railing. Heights and being far up on things was never one of the things I enjoyed doing, I'll say that much.

     There were Guardian bodies littering the bridge, all laying in some dramatic position suggesting they had tried to flee the blast but had not gotten far enough. I clenched my fists to keep my fury in check. What I was furious at exactly, I'm not sure. Perhaps everyone? I stopped by an injured Guardian propped up against the mangled railing of Founder's Threshold and asked what was going on, but he just gave me a dazed look. In shock no doubt. I don't blame him, poor guy. I can't imagine this happening to me. There was a rumble below my feet and I felt a section of mortar detach from the bridge and hurl into the cold waters down below and swallowed, suddenly feeling my throat go dry. Have I mentioned that I hate heights?     At the end of the bridge, where I could see the broken, raw foundation rods sticking out of the bridge's cobbles, I found a whole cluster of Guardians. They all had their weapons drawn and were settled into a combat stance, facing away from me. I blinked. Did they have something cornered? What were they all so diligently staring at? I quietly crept up behind the group of Guardians, but couldn't see over their elaborate winged helmets and bulky armor. A taller man in heavily decorated armor, who looked like a commander, seemed to be standing a bit farther back and to one side, so I decided to approach him instead.

     "Excuse me? What's going on here? There are victims down below and further back along the bridge that could use the kind of assistance this troop can offer! Why aren't you helping them?" I didn't mean to sound accusing and derogatory, but that's how it came out. I winced slightly as I said the words, wondering if perhaps I should have tried for a bit more diplomacy. The commander straightened his posture and cut his eyes in my direction. Than he quickly looked back at me, giving me his full attention. His eyes filled with admiration and shock and I rolled my eyes. Oh boy, he recognizes me. Or at least, what I am.

     "An Ascended! We're glad your here missy. We need you to find a way to get that scum to our side of the bridge so we can give him a taste of cold steel for what he did to our men!" I blinked at the man, not bothering to hide my blank face. Um, what? I just got here so I don't have a clue what's going on, and now I have to apparently make some guy come here? Here from where? I don't know what's going on.

     My expression must have shown quite plainly because the commander frowned but proceeded to explain. "Centurion Osteneer is the one who blew up the bridge. His cowardice is only exceeded by Orphiel the betrayer. he deserves death!" I stepped back a pace in the face of his anger. Ouch, someone has it out for this guy. I almost felt sorry for him, but if he blew up the bridge, I completely agreed, he deserved death for what he did to my people. Huh, my people. I guess I'm finally resigning myself to my task. I shrugged that thought to the back of my mind for now.     "We don't know how to get to him though. He's on the other side of the sheered off section of the bridge. He is taunting us, Ascended! He keeps launching missiles and magical spells at us, but we are not trained in such things. We need to get him on this side so we can exact our revenge. Can you do this?" He looked at me expectantly. I had the feeling that if I told him I could turn Regulos into my personal slave, he'd believe me. By the gods, what have I gotten myself into?

     I whetted my lips and glanced around for some inspiration. All I had on me was my dagger, and I'm not good at the long distance kind of attacks. I don't know anything about magic, and even if I did, I don't think there's a spell I could use to force him across that divide. Hmm. As I tried to think of something, a slim, armored woman walked up behind me. I turned and lifted an eyebrow. What did she want?

     "Our soldiers carried talismans to purge Defiant atrocities on their person. They always carry these into battle. The dead, back along the bridge, have no need of their talismans anymore." She choked as she said that, than bit her lip and continued. "If you could gather a few of these talismans, perhaps the Vigil power bound within them could be combined into some sort of summoning spell? Or perhaps a way to slay him from here?" She looked so hopeful, so eager to help an Ascended, that I nodded. And I didn't have any ideas of my own anyway. I may be Ascended, but that does not mean that I am all powerful and all knowing. Far from it. I feel like a sailor adrift in a foreign sea. And whenever I think I have a handle on things, the boat spins in a different direction.     Following the woman soldier's direction, I cautiously walked back down the bridge. Sure enough, I could make out flat disks hanging either from the dead soldier's necks or off belt pouches. I have to say, I think that taking those talismans was one of the hardest things I've had to do yet. Let's hope it stays that way. There were a few soldiers who had died in agony with their eyes open, and I just didn't feel right taking away their talismans. Who knows, they may be comfort to them in the Soulstream. I did shut their stiff eyelids though and murmured a Vigil prayer for the dead. I was on edge and jumpy by the time I had collected five talismans. They glowed in my hands, something they didn't do when on the soldiers. I wonder if it was because I was a live being, or because of my status. I inspected them as I walked back up to "Lord Runeclift", the commander I'd spoken to earlier. Him and the other soldiers all watched me intently as I eyed the talismans.

     Stacking the talismans on top of each other seemed to do the trick. When they touched flat side to flat side, they melted into each other. The glow became brighter, and yet softer. It was like the golden glow of a wax candle. It gave me a warm, safe feeling and I felt myself relaxing despite my intentions. Amazing, the power of the Vigil. The love the Vigil has for us still takes my breath away. Holding the newly created talisman aloft, I saw how it caught the light and seemed to absorb it, and I knew inside what to do. I walked confidently up to the edge of the sheered off section of bridge, no longer worrying about falling. The Vigil's warm presence in my mind assured me that I would be safe. Looking across the way to the opposite section of ruined bridge, I was not surprised to see a similiar gathering of soldiers than that which was at my back. Except these soldiers all wore red and gold and their armor glittered like tiny blue stars. Sourcestone. I wrinkled my nose. To use that sacred stone in that fashion!      I held the talisman aloft, and the center piece began spinning. Faster and faster it spun. The soldiers across the way all began shuffling uneasily. From this great distance I couldn't see their faces clearly but I could tell they were nervous about this new turn of events. Perhaps they even recognized me as an Ascended. A true Ascended, not one of their abominations born in a factory. A beam of light shot out from the talisman, startling me so badly I almost dropped the bloody thing. I tightened my grip and turned my head away from the brilliance. When I looked back, I gasped, along with the rest of the Guardian soldiers. It worked! The enemy Centurion was struck by the blinding light.

     I could hear him shouting something, and he glared at me threateningly, before he began to glow from within. Suddenly the light exploded outward. It wasn't pretty, let's just say that. I turned away, feeling slightly queasy. It may have been needed, but it didn't make me feel any better about murdering someone. I lowered the talisman, which was now nothing more than cold flat steel, and stared at it silently. Lord Runeclift came up behind me and patted me on the shoulder and I had the urge to shrug him off. The other Guardian soldiers started up cheering, and I silently removed myself from their midst. I just couldn't get that worked up about it. Killing was killing, no matter the reasons. And yes, I may be a rogue, the epitome of deadly assassins, but inside, I'm just a girl with a love of freedom and forests. I wish that I could go back to the simple time before my death. If only I hadn't gotten involved in that Aelfwar plot! If only I hadn't eavesdropped on that secret meeting! If only I hadn't told my master about it. Yeah...if only. Life must be full of "if only's" I stopped at the left side of the bridge, where the railing had been mangled by what looked like a catapult blast.

     I glanced out over the water of Port Scion Bay, and sighed. Well, this was my life now, I'd better make the most of it. I hefted the talisman pieces in one hand and tossed them as far as I could over the bridge. I didn't stay long enough to look where it landed, instead walking back down the bridge. I kind of left Catelyn standing there waiting for me.  

 

"Oh, there you are Ascended!" That was Catelyn speaking. I slid down the remaining slope that led to the bridge and walked up to her. "You're needed elsewhere, I'm afraid. Silverwood has been plagued by the fire dragon Maelforge recently. We need heroes to defend it. Speak with Orin Bancroft, just up to the hill to join in the fight. Vigil be with you Raenyn!"     I blinked. Orin Bancroft? Why did that name sound familiar? I shrugged. Could be anywhere I suppose. I'll find out when I meet the guy. Catelyn pointed up the hill behind me, where I could see the tips of flying pennants and tent tops from my position further down the slope. I nodded at her and headed in that direction. Upon cresting the hill, I found a small, but busy military encampment, heavily guarded. The sentries eyed me with curiosity, but let me pass. To my left I saw a row of tents and pavilions, erected using ash poles. As my eyes roved over the men stationed underneath, my excellent hearing caught snippets of speech.

     "This tent isn't much protection against the Defiant onslaught." One man remarked, adjusting his gauntlets. I eyed the tent again, and grinned. It was true, the flimsy material is hardly going to stop a missile blast or magical casting. But the idea of security can be almost as powerful as actual security in some instances.     "You! ...Raenyn?" The shout and subsequent question had me instantly crouched, hands on daggers. What, it's a reflex. I glanced around the camp. No one seemed to be looking at me as if they recognized me. No, wait. The man standing by some kind of mechanical device. He was smiling at me and beckoning me over. I frowned. Did I know him? He did look sort of familiar, now that I thought about it, but I couldn't tell from where. I slowly approached him, keeping an eye out for anything unusual. Hey, I've had my own people betray me, so it's to be expected that I'm a bit distrustful.

     "The Vigil has answered our prayers!" Continued the man when I was in front of him. I crossed my arms and raised an elegant eyebrow. "Cyril and the other heroes from Mathosia thought you were lost when you shattered Aedraxis's body and disappeared. Clearly your role in the salvation of Telara is not yet finished."

     Clearly, I think sarcastically. And who exactly is this, that he knows Cyril? Again, I had this sense that I should know him, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

     "We are blessed to have you with us, Ascended One. You are needed here more than ever." Jeez, what's with the flowery speech, just get to the point, I thought, irritated. I've no patience for long winded explanations and steering around the subject. Plus, he's speaking to me like he knows me, which I don't like since I can't remember him.
     "As if the return of Regulos wasn't enough, the dragon of fire, Maelforge, is using this breach in the Planes to thwart us with his flame-touched minions. Before we can aid the Vigil in the sacred forest, we must put a stop to the influx of fire demons!"

     I nodded. That makes sense. And Maelforge, powerful enough to mess with Telara, despite being imprisoned? The thought sent a frisson of fear down my spine. Oh, he was still speaking. I tuned back into the conversation.

     "We fight a war on two fronts here in Silverwood. The Defiant at our backs and the cultists at our front. The odds are against us, but we were created to protect and overcome such odds. We are the Guardians and we will protect Telara from the Defiant scum and the evil of the dragons, both at once if need be."

     His little impassioned speech made me scowl. It's hardly necessary to fight the Defiant. From what I've seen, both sides want the same thing: peace restored to Telara, the dragons and their cults defeated, a strife-free existence. It is a waste of time and resources to be at each other's throats when we should be united against a common enemy! It was only by the combined efforts of all the mortal races banded together that saved us from total destruction in the Blood Storm Wars. It's written quite clearly in all the history books at the College. And yet here we are, bickering amongst each other like children who can't agree on something and must beat each other up over it instead. I sighed, blowing hair away from my face. They wouldn't listen to me anyway. Ascended I might be, but I hardly have the kind of power to turn an entire civilization's way of thinking around. I'm speaking of the Defiant of course. If they could just learn to accept the Vigil as their guiding light, we could live in peace and fight alongside each other, in unity.

     Instead of saying any of my thoughts out loud, I put my hand on my hip and said, "What task can I do to help with this problem?" This seemed to make Orin Bancroft quite pleased, for he smiled and tapped his chin in thought. He glanced around the camp, at the serious and sometimes disheartened looks the soldiers were giving each other. It was all rather depressing really. They looked so defeated and worn down. I bet this encampment has seen a lot of fighting and horrible things since it was set up, and the poor soldiers haven't had much of a break from the constant defending of their position against both the fire demons and the Defiant on the shoreline.     "We Ascended know that we do not fight alone." Orin began slowly, as if warming to an idea. I nodded thoughtfully. "We learned this 20 years ago fighting Aedraxis and his Endless Court. But many of the normal soldiers, and other Guardians don't know this yet. To them, the Vigil is just an ideal, a hope, something to look up to, to pray to, like a distant deity that doesn't intervene." I nodded again, this time more slowly. What's the point here? "I'd like you to take this Sigil, Raenyn. Inspire our sentries with the holy light of the Vigil's divinity and love. Show them that they are looked after and protected against the forces of Maelforge. Show them what they are fighting to preserve. Remind them that they are Guardians, the Vigil's chosen warriors to defend Telara against the dragons." Orin held out a small, flat medallion, engraved with the now-common symbol of the Guardians; a silver gauntlet in the form of a fist, on a blue background. A long silver chain coiled around the fist, caught within the net of fingers. I studied the flat disc, keeping my expression blank. There was no doubt that there was power imbued into the Sigil. It hummed beneath my fingers, the tell tale sign of magic. I've never been very comfortable around magic. Most forms of it anyway.

     I tucked the Sigil in my belt, gave Orin a last, searching look--He looked so familiar!--and then wandered off. Surely they won't begrudge me getting something to eat first, right? And changing out of these clothes. They'd mostly dried from my dip in the death-tainted water, but I cringed each time I moved. Having clothes dry on your body is not a pleasant experience, let me tell you.     After a quick, but tasty meal of roast squirrel and light wine, and a change of clothing from a fellow rogue who had some strong leather armor to spare, I felt much more alive and myself again. Stretching in the new leathers, I tested out their dexterity, and nodded in satisfaction. The boots felt a bit tight, but once I'd gained a bit more coin I could commission my own set of leathers. Until then, these would have to do. I quickly haggled prices with a conveniently handy merchant and sold a few of the items I'd picked up on along my travels, feeling the heft of my coin purse as the newest coins were added. This is definitely an improvement over the chaos and fighting and horror of old Mathosia. I shuddered at the memory. Now, time to become inspiring. I chuckled at my own attempt at a pun. I pulled my pack over my shoulders, sheathed my daggers, and slipped the Sigil into my hand. I wonder how it worked. Did I need to touch the soldiers with it? Point it at them? Perhaps whisper a prayer to it? Or give a speech? I snorted at the last one. Me, give a speech? Ha. Maybe I'll hit them over the head with it.

     As it turned out, I needn't have bothered. Within five feet of the nearest sentry of Divine Landing--the name of the camp--the Sigil began glowing. It also began heating up. I cursed and almost dropped the cursed thing when it became too hot to touch, but right at that instant, it floated up off my palm. A beam of gold light shot from the center of the star painted on the gauntlet symbol and bathed the sentry in soft light. It kind of reminded me of the light that had swept me off to a different plane back in Mathosia, after I'd shattered the body of Aedraxis. Thinking that did not help my nerves any. This whole process lasted maybe 20 seconds. Once finished, the medallion plopped back into my outstretched hand. The sentry I'd just assaulted with divine energy turned and stood straighter. He gave me a look of wonder, but it was like he didn't really see me. Or saw something in me that I couldn't see.

     "Amazing!" He said in an awe-filled voice that was barely above a whisper. Nevertheless, my sharp elven ears picked up the words clearly. "I should never have doubted the wisdom of the Vigil. I shall fight on in their honor!" He drew his sword and stabbed it into the air triumphantly. I blinked at him, a bit startled. Interesting. Approaching a different sentry produced the same effect. The Sigil floated off my palm after becoming hot to the touch. It glowed a soft golden and a beam of light bathed the sentry from head to armored boots. Once it had gone dark again and fallen back into my palm, the sentry turned and regarded me with a star struck expression. Looks like I just renewed his faith too. I grinned. This could be fun. Certainly beats murdering fellow sentient beings and confused humans who were led astray by the promise of power, that's for sure. The man uttered some words along the same vein as the first sentry, and ran off to do light knows what. I chuckled.     I spent my time inspiring sentries around the camp, along with the occasional soldier and merchant that looked in need of some divine guidance. It never failed to make me feel better, seeing their faces lift with hope and wonder. It made me feel good about being part of the Vigil's plan. Of being an Ascended. I guess it's just like any other aspect of life. There's the downsides, the good sides, and the really horrible nightmare parts that make you want to crawl in a hole and never come out. Again I felt an uplifting of spirit and I felt confident that this was the path for me. Against my will or not, I am proud to have been chosen by the gods.

     I wandered back into camp sometime later. All the sentries inclined their heads to me and gave me respectful looks. I nodded back. I walked back up to Orin Bancroft, who apparently spent most of his time standing around in front of that metal device thing. Oh well, not my problem. I made sure he'd seen me, than flipped the medallion through the air to him. He caught it expertly, than gave me a disgruntled look. I can just hear his scolding words for casually tossing such a sacred artifact around. I grinned impishly. Yep, being back in Silverwood, doing something good, it felt good. I felt good. More relaxed, balanced, sure of myself. Back in Mathosia, I was constantly unsure. Out of my element. Now I felt like the forest itself was happy to see me back. Self-centered thinking, I know, but that's what it felt like to me. I gave Orin a mock salute, than quirked a brow and studied him more closely. Something about him...

     "Do I know you?" I asked out loud, bluntly, after he'd inspected the Sigil and handed it off to an attendant. "You look familiar..." Not to mention he acted like he knew me. Orin raised an eyebrow at me in turn and eyed me curiously.

     "Don't you remember me Raenyn? Of course, it has been 20 years since I seen you smiting the Knights of Aedraxis in Mathosia. You ensured our victory against Regulos that day. I was one of the ones who helped you on your quest to defeat Aedraxis." I nodded slowly, staying quiet. It's actually hard to remember specific faces or locations from than. Almost like it was 20 years ago for me. Except I should remember because it feels like it just happened, despite the time I'd lost in the Vigil's realm. Odd. I shook my head finally, exasperated.

     "Sorry, I know I should remember, but I just can't." I shrugged. Oh well, I can start anew and meet new acquaintances.

     Orin Bancroft nodded. "It's okay Raenyn. You had a lot on your mind than. You probably do now too. I know that you will be a harbinger of vengeance against Regulos and any other threat to Telara, as you were than. We all know it. We believe in you, Raenyn."

     Yeah...no pressure right?