The House of Light

[Gilliadson]

The knight and his wife watched with sadness as the great wizard left the keys to the house and the badge of leadership on his desk and walked out of the House. Gilliadson reluctantly picked up the badge and fastened it to his breastplate on the armor stand by the door.

Lady Sineliniel summoned two small flames and set them in the window by the door. Tears streamed down her cheeks and fell silently onto her sapphire blue silken gown.

"These two will burn there until Lady Amentet and Master Uryaistar return to these halls."

Gilliadson took his wife into his arms as she wept onto his shoulder.

"Mia Silina we must return to our Home. I will send some of our knights to come guard this place while we work on restoring it." The knight gently kissed the Koada`Dal before the two of them walked out. Gilliadson locked the door and summoned his steed. The couple rode like the wind on the Holy Steed through High Pass and then through Kithicor Forest. Some of the undead tried to take swings at them but missed widely as the couple sped by them. They rode into the Commonlands to the estate just south of the entrance to Nektulos Forrest. The couple dismounted and walked through the open gateway as the guards saluted the arrival of the Lord and Lady of the House. Gilliadson and Sineliniel nodded to the guards at the gate. Gilliadson sent for the captain of the guard who arrived in short order.

"You called M'Lord?"

"I have. I need a company of our best knights sent to House Illumine to guard the property and it's visitors while we restore it."

"It shall be done M'Lord."

"Very well. Praise be to Marr."

"Praise be to Marr, M'Lord." Gilliadson and Sineliniel walked into the House and stood on their front balcony watching as the company of Knights was assembled and sent out.

"All will be well Leofa." Said the knight as they walked back inside their bedroom.'

[Stormfollower]

Stormfollower watches from a grove not far from the great houses entrance. He notes the exit of his two old friends and wonders to himself where they might be off to. He watches as the Shadowbanes head to their estate, Gilliadsons new badge of honour gleaming brightly on his chest as it ever did on Uryaistars. He is camped there still, watching when the knights come to set up guard over the guild. Only then does he enter, helm in hand, dragging his cloak into once vivid halls of light. Past the waterworks of the courtyard and into the council cahmbers.

Great columns of sunbeams pierce the main hall through the windows above as he walks steadfastly across its great length. As he reaches the Shadowbane knights he stops in the full illumination of one of the columns of light and awaits their welcome.

[Gilliadson]

"Greetings and welcome to the House Illumine!" Said one of the knights who recognized the Northern Shaman as one who had visited the Shadowbane Home. "Make yourself at home. Lord and Lady Shadowbane should be returning soon and there is ample foodstuffs in the kitchen."

House Illumine

[Jetamio]

In the gardens, up in the branches of a tree that looks both out of place yet at the same time belonging, the flame haired druid watches. She glances towards her old bedroom, for a moment seeing the ghost of an emerald Drakkin and her infant son, then towards the lawn where she once died.
She notices Stormfollower entering and watches him silently, taking note of his every movement even though she already has him engraved on her heart. She sighs softly to herself among the branches of the Planar tree, not able to bring herself to enter the Halls just yet. The pain of old is still too great, and even now she hears the echoes of Sanjah and Faelian's laughter even as she contemplates the recent losses.
Instead she murmers to the tree whose branches she sits in, asking its permission to stay a little longer.

[Gilliadson]

The young couple approach the gates to Gill-Alani on the Commonlands. The woman, being very great with child shifts a little uncomfortably on the seat of the carriage. The Guards at the gate snap to attention upon recognition of the couple and salute as the young man helps his wife down from the carriage.

"Welcome home Master Darthan." Says one of the guards. "Your parents are in the House and are expecting you and Lady Alrienne."

Darthan and Alrienne nod to the guards as they pass through the gate. The guards salute the couple crisply and then return to their previous positions. As the couple approach the front door, it swings open quickly and a golden blonde Koada`Dal Lady clad in a sapphire blue gown rushes out to greet them.

"Welcome home mia Donne and Donne-Silina!" The Koada`Dal's voice sounding musical as she speaks with excitement.

"Greetings Damman!" Says the young man as he kisses the Koada`Dal on the cheek. The Koada`Dal throws her arms around the young man and returns a kiss to his cheek.

A young brunette Ayer-Dal lady appears in the doorway.

"Welcome home Darthan and Alrienne! It is so good to see you both and feel the love between you two once again!" The Ayer-Dal clasps hands with Alrienne.

"Myrikel!" Exclaims Alrienne. "It is so good to see you again Lovebearer! How has the Mistress been treating you?"

"Quite well of late! Lithian came to visit a few days ago and we had a great time together."

"Please let us all go inside." says the Koada`Dal. "Your Dammak is awaiting you in the Fireplace Room."

The four enter the house and head to the Fireplace Room. A tall Brown-haired Human is standing next to the fireplace looking at the small portraits sitting on the mantle when they walk in. The Human clasps hands with the younger Ayer-Dal male and smiles.

"Welcome home Son!" Says the elder Human. "It is good to see you again. Welcome to you as well Alrienne. So any day now?"

"Yes, Sir Gilliadson." Says Alrienne. "We do not yet know if it will be a male or female but Darthan wanted the child to be born here."

"That is quite well. Mistress Willa has gone to the Northlands to stay with your sister, Lillyth and Lord Baldemar. But we do have Mistress Linella on hand to assist you."

"That is good." Replies Darthan.

"You two must be weary from your journey. Your room is prepared and Mirah will take you to it."

"Thank you Father." Darthan turns to the young Vah Shir maid. "Lead on Mirah"

"Right this way Master Darthan and Lady Alrienne." The white-tiger clan Vah Shir turns and walks up the stairs followed by the young knight and his pregnant wife.

[Gilliadson]

The Koada`Dal Ladies step through the portal outside Freeport and ride toward the commonlands. As they near the gates of the estate, the guards snap to attention as they recognize the Ladies.

"Greetings Ladies Elanil and Marial!" Says one of the guards crisply. "Welcome back to Gill-Alani. Please enter and be at rest."

The ladies dismount and hand their steeds over to a stable hand to be cared for.. As they approach the door of the manor, the door swings open and Myrikel runs out to greet the Ladies, throwing her arms around each of them.

"Greetings Grandmothers! Welcome to our home for such a blessed event to come! Darthan and Alrienne arrived yesterday and Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother arrived this morning. Alrienne is starting to show signs of delivering soon."

"It is so good to see you again Myrikel. Please take us to where the rest of the family is gathered." Says Marial.

Marial leads the Ladies to the sitting room on the second floor of the manor. Gilliadson rises from his char as they enter the room and walks up to Marial.

"Greetings Shelera! It is good to see that you arrived safely." Gilliadson embraces the elder Koada`Dal and kisses her cheeks. Marial returns the embrace and the kisses.

"It is good to see you again as well Silind-Donne."

While this is going on Sineliniel rises from her seat as well and greets her mother, Elanil in like manner. Darthan rises from his chair and helps Alrienne to her feet as they wait for the elders to finish their greetings. Elanil and Marial greet their grandson with embraces and kisses and then turn their attentions to Alrienne.

"It is so good to see you again Alrienne." Says Elanil. "Have you two chosen names for the child?"

"Indeed we have." Replies Alrienne. "Darthan has chosen Trestir if it is a boy and I have chosen Charlahnne if it is a girl."

"Oh such lovely names. I take it that all the preparations have been made for this blessed event?"

"Indeed they have been, Damman." Replies Sineliniel.

"Oh my!" Exclaims Alrienne as a contraction hits.

"Let us get her to the room quickly!" Shouts Sineliniel. The ladies quickly help Alrienne to the room that is prepared for her birthing while Gilliadson dispatches a bard to the Temple of Marr to fetch a priest or priestess.

Bralder, Gilliadson and Darthan sit outside the room watching as maids come and go bringing fresh cloths and hot water.

A priestess arrives and enters the room with a nod to the two men sitting patiently outside the door. When Alrienne screams the first time, Darthan jumps to his feet. Gilliadson pulls his son back down.

"I have been through this a few times, Son. The screaming is normal. Alrienne is in good hands."

Darthan looks at his father with a look of relief. Several hours go by and several unnerving screams later and the door opens. Linella walks up to the men.

"You may enter now. It is over." Says the Halfling druidess.

Bralder, Gilliadson and Darthan enter the room and join their wives. The priestess completes her blessings upon the child and presents it to Alrienne who is resting on the bed.

"Congratulations to you on the birth of your son." Says the priestess. "Bring him to the Temple for blessings from the High Priestess when you are able to travel."

Alrienne smiles as she hands the child to Darthan. Darthan looks at his son's face and smiles brightly.

"Welcome to the land of Norrath Trestir!" Says the young knight. "May your days be long and full."

Darthan hands the child back to Alrienne.

"Time for your first feeding, Trestir." Says Alrienne as she bares a breast for the child to feed from.

Marial, Elanil, Verlaine and Sineliniel each embrace Darthan and plant kisses on Alrienne's forehead before leaving the room with the elder men.

[Gilliadson]

The baby crying awakens the platinum haired Koada`Dal. Marial rises from her bed and walks to the room where Alrienne sleeps with the newborn. The crying stops just before she reaches the door. Marial knock gently on the door.

"Enter." The call of a woman's voice barely audible through the door. Marial enters the room and sits beside her Grandson's wife as she is feeding Trestir. "He sure does feed a lot."

"You know, Gilliad told me the same thing about Gilliadson. I truly sometimes wish I could have had a child with him. But Tunare did not bless me with such. But young Gilliadson was quite a blessing to raise. He was as spirited as my niece. I am not at all surprised that the two of them actually bonded."

"Darthan is trying so hard to live up to the name he was born into. My Father-in-law has left him some very big shoes to fill."

"A man is not measured by his deeds young one, but what is in his heart. Darthan has the heart of his father and that is what makes him worthy to carry on the traditions here. Do not worry, child, great deeds do await to test those who are great of heart."

"Oh... Trestir is done feeding."

"May I hold him?"

"Oh of course Lady Marial." Alrienne hands the baby to Marial. The Koada`Dal Grand Arch Mage gently rocks with Trestir as she starts to hum an ancient tune from the time of the Elddar. The child slowly falls back asleep in the Matron's arms. Another gentle knock on the door is heard and Alrienne quietly calls for the knocker to enter.

Sineliniel and Verlaine enter the room and take the seat opposite Marial and Alrienne. The four ladies hold a quiet discussion while the baby sleeps.

Gilliadson awakens to find the other side of his bed empty.

"She must have gone to visit the new mother and child" Gilliadson thought. The knight got out of bed and donned some pants and a robe before going down to the family chapel for his morning prayer. Darthan and Myrikel are both in the chapel when he arrives.

"Good morning Father." Both of the children greet in unison.

"Good morning you two. I see you are ready to begin the day as well. Shall we?"

"Indeed." Replied Myrikel who heads to the area devoted to Erollisi Marr which is right next to the area devoted to the Love Goddess' Brother Mithaniel Marr. The three knights kneel and pray for a while before rising and heading to the family dining room for breakfast. A young Teir`Dal joins them at the table followed by the rest of the family. Several house staff bring the food out of the kitchen and set it before those sitting at the table.
After all is set out, Bralder, being the Patriarch of the family prays for the blessing on the food before they all begin to eat.

"So Alrienne you feel strong enough to take Trestir to the Temple today?" Asks Gilliadson.

"I do. Darthan and I will be leaving after Breakfast." Alrienne replies.

"Very good then. I think Sineliniel and I would like to come along as well if you like."

"That would be wonderful!"

"P`Nala, would you like to come along as well?" Asks Sineliniel.

"I would love to!" The Teir`Dal answers.

"Patron, would you and Matron like to come as well?" Darthan inquires.

"I believe we shall." Replies the Elder Shadowbane. Verlaine nods in agreement and smiles.

"Very well then!" Pipes in Gilliadson. "Let us just make a family event of this! "Do I even need to ask you Shelera and Silina-Damman?"

"Oh no! We would come even if you did not ask." Marial smiles brightly as she replies.

"This child is going to have the most powerful escort of any other Shadowbane child that has made this short journey."

"Do not forget me. I too would love to come to this blessed event." Myrikel speaks up.

"I figured having my sister along on this was a given. I would not dream of leaving you out of this." Darthan says.

"Well then on the morrow we will hold the Ceremony of Passing here and you will be the new Lord Protector of Gill-Alani." Says Gilliadson.

"Well Father, I know you and Mother look forward to the serene surroundings of House Illumine."

"Indeed we do. It has been a very good life that we have shared here since this place was rebuilt. We need a Druid from here to come stay with us there and tend the garden... It is in need of some attention and neither your mother nor I have the skills for such a task."

"How about Linella? I am sure that she would love such an assignment."

"Ask her after the ceremony tomorrow."

"P`Nala," Sineliniel speaks up, "I have discussed this with Alrienne and we have decided to give you a choice. You may accompany me to House Illumine or you may stay here and assist Alrienne. Keep in mind that I may call upon your services from time to time."

"I have grown to love you dearly M'Lady as well as this wonderful family. You know that I am also the current keeper of Willanaome's Library. I am torn but I feel I must remain here though my heart is always with you. I will never refuse a summons from you." Says P`Nala.

"Very well then.. all is settled. Let us take this child to be blessed!"

[Gilliadson]

The manor and courtyard are bustling with activity as the preparations are made for the Ceremony of Passing. The Shadowbane Knights are assembling dressed in their ceremonial armors. They are not quite as strong as what they wear into battle but then they are not made for battle. Only the guards at the gate are in battle-ready armor. The House staff are dressed in their best clothes for this event and Lady Sineliniel is dressed in her finest sapphire silk gown. Bralder and Gilliadson give Darthan his final briefing before the ceremony. Dignitaries from Freeport and Qeynos arrive and are assembled in the Grand Hall on the first floor for refreshments while the preparations are under way.

Myrikel and Mirthan stand at the gate greeting guests as they arrive...

[Gilliadson]

"Where are Alrienne and Trestir?" Sineliniel's voice was filled with concern.

"They are not back yet?" Asked Darthan. "Alrienne went to Freeport to escort her parents to the ceremony."

"The guards at the gate did not see her return."

"They should have been back long ago."

"Have the servants prepare rooms for the guests." Said Gilliadson. "Darthaniel and I will begin our search in Freeport."

"Father I will come too!" Myrikel said as she walked up.

"Very well then! Let us get to it!"