Firiona Vie Everquest

The Last Stand

Chapter 1: The Calm Before The Storm
Gill-Alani:

The aroma of fresh-baked chocolate cookies filled the kitchen as the Koada`Dal removed the tray from the oven. Her soft voice could be heard in the dining room while she sang an ancient song. The Air Elemental hovered just ouside the kitchen door allowing none to pass. The Human stood indignantly in front of the Elemental.

“What do you mean I may not enter Fluffy?” He sternly asked. “I am her husband and last I checked this is my house!”

“I am sorry Lord Gilliadson.” The Elemental replied. “I have my orders and I am bound to obey them to the letter.”

“Very well then, I will await her at the table.” Gilliadson grumbled as he turned and walked to the dining room and took a seat at the table. A young boy came running into the room and stopped next to Gilliadson.

“Grandfather! Is Grandmother baking cookies again?” The child asked with a hugh smile.

“Indeed she is young Jahael. She had just started singing so she is likely almost done.”

“Good! I love Grandmother's cookies.”

“As do I.” Gilliadson picked up his grandson and set him on his lap. A short time later, the kitchen door opened and Fluffy moved aside as the Koada`Dal came out with a large platter full of chocolate cookies and a bottle of milk.

“Ahh Mia Leofa dro Nessh Jahael!” Sineliniel exclaimed. “Nid maden dos eru nied lengith, mia inen.” (Ahh My Beloved and Young Jahael! Not long you have been sitting I hope.)

“Not too terribly long Leofa. Our grandson just joined me. Is not that right Jahael?”

“Indeed Grandfather.” The boy replied and then stumbled a little over the words as he addressed his Grandmother. “ Fir nidravell sinargen`bas tuon! Uss fi Vi eru?” (Smell good the cookies do! One may I have?)

“Very good young Jahael!” Sineliniel exclaimed! “Your Elfen is getting much better! You may have two cookies.” Sineliniel looked into her husbands eyes. “And you, Leofa, may have no more than three. The rest are for House Illumine. Mirthan requested a batch saying his supply was running low.” Sineliniel poured each of them a glass of milk, picked up a cookie and joined the two at the table. The three of them talked and laughed together for some time before Gilliadson rose from the table and bid his grandson to follow.

“It is time for your training little one. Let us retire to the courtyard.”

“Yes Grandfather.” Jahael followed Gilliadson out to the courtyard, picking up his practice sword along the way. Sineliniel packaged up the rest of the cookies and sent for a bard. A young Ayer`Dal entered the dining room within minutes and let his drum hang from its sling as he politely bowed to Sineliniel.

“What may I do for you Lady Shadowbane?” The young bard inquired.

“Please take this package to House Illumine in East Karana and deliver it to my Son Mirthan.” Replied the elder Mage. “Here are some coins for your services.” Sineliniel handed the package of cookies and a small bag of coins to the bard.

“Thank you M'Lady!” The bard stored the package in his pack and tied the small bag to his belt. The bard picked up his drum, started beating a cadence on it and ran out on his errand.

House Vel`Dynn:

The Teir`Dal sword-maiden walked slowly around the messenger who was kneeling reverently before her.

“So that is all the information that you were given?” The Lady Knight asked.

“Yes Matron.” Replied the messenger.

“Very well then. Return to my sisters and tell them to keep a vigilant watch. This information does not bode well for us but it is still too little to form a plan of action with. We need more. You may rise and go now.”

“Yes Matron.” The messenger quickly rose to her feet keeping her eyes toward the floor as she turned and left the room. It had been some time since the Agents of Discord had attempted to undo Norrath's timeline. Now it seems they were preparing to attempt a direct invasion but where was the entry point to be? N`Lestari and P`Nala were investigating the reports that D`Narr's spies had brought to her about some large movements of Discordian Troops and some experiments with portals. Perhaps it was time she paid a visit to the Shadowbanes. The Paladin always seemed to have ways of getting truthful information. If the Discordians were planning something for Norrath then Gilliadson and Sineliniel would make excellent allies.

House Illumine:

The young bard arrived at the gate and bowed to the guards before entering. Mirthan was waiting in the foyer when the young bard entered the house and presented the package of cookies. Mirthan handed a bag of coins to the young bard.

“Thank you for your service.”

“Your mother has already paid me.” The young bard tried to return the coins.

“Consider it a bonus. Thank you much.”

“Thank you Maestro!” The young bard left as quickly as he came.

“Cookies from Mother?” The Lady Knight's voice rang out as she entered the foyer.

“Indeed Sister! Have you received any word from P`Nala since her sister sent her on this mission?”

“I am afraid not. Lithian has not even mentioned anything of P`Nala's whereabouts. I am sure though, that if it is important that we will be informed.”

“That is certain.”

Somewhere in the realm of Discord:

“Did you see the size of that thing?” N`Lestari whispered to her sister.

“Indeed. That is the largest Bazu I have ever seen. It makes Hulcror look like a baby.” P`Nala whispered back.

“I hope that is the only one.”

“As do I.. We will have to send the messenger back to Sister when she returns. Looks like that portal device has finally stabilized. The Battlemaster that I have bound my sight to is looking at what appears to be a map of the Commonlands of Freeport. That is a bit too close to both of our homes for my liking. I think we now know the where. When should not be too long from now.”

“I think you may be right Sister. Innoruuk help us all.”

“I will not argue theology with you right now. May all the Gods help us!”

Chapter 2: Alert!

Somewhere in the Realm of Discord:

The messenger returns and kneels before the Sisters.
“Matron requires more information M'Ladies.” The messenger says. “She said to keep a vigilant watch.”
“More troops have been pouring into that citadel while you were away as well as the largest Bazu we have ever seen.” Said P`Nala. “This thing could eat Hulcror for a light snack. It seems the portal devise has stabilized. I would guess that they will be moving out soon. From what I have seen it appears that their target will be in the Commonlands of Freeport. I have written all of this down. Take this note to the Matron immediately. Rise and go.” The messenger took the parchment from P`Nala, bowed to the Sisters and departed.

House Vel`Dynn:

The messenger returned and handed the parchment to D`Narr. The Matron read the missive and thought for a few moments. D`Narr quickly wrote two messages on other parchments and handed them to the messenger. “Go to Gill-Alani in the Commonlands and give this first message to Lord Shadowbane only. You are then to return to my sisters and give the second one to P`Nala. Tell N`Lestari to return home.” D`Narr then called for her House to assemble. Once all were together, D`Narr addressed them. A grave danger threatens our world! A danger greater than mere Paladins and other Pales. Gather your arms and be ready to depart for Gill-Alani in the Commonlands. We will be quartered there while we prepare to face this threat. They will be our hosts and I expect you all to treat them with the same respect that you treat me. Any altercations with them will be dealt with severely for this time they are our allies. Go now! When N`Lestari returns we shall depart!”

Gill-Alani:

“Very good Kiir`Sinthe! Your balance is almost perfect.” Sineliniel said as her apprentice merged the elements into one orb. “Now concentrate. Feel each of the elements within the orb. Separate them in your mind. Then will them to separate simultaneously.” Kiir`Sinthe's brows furrowed as she concentrated on the orb floating in front of her. She could feel each of the elements, Earth, Fire, Water and Air. “Balance my dear. Remember Earth is the heaviest and requires just a little more will to move . Next is Water followed by Fire and then Air. Once you feel you have it pull them apart.” Kiir`Sinthe pushed her will into the orb and slowly applied pressure to the elements within. She could feel them starting to come apart. The young Koada`Dal gave the final push with her mind and the orb collapsed. “You needed just a little more on Earth my dear. You were really close that time. We can try again later when you are rested.”

“I am sorry Mistress.” Kiir`Sinthe was clearly disappointed. Kiir`Sinthe was apprenticed to Sineliniel two years ago at the request of her parents. Her instructor at Citadel said that the young Mage showed promise.

“Very good form Jahael!” Exclaimed Gilliadson. “But remember always keep your eyes locked on your opponent's eyes. They will always tell you where the next blow is coming from.” The boy watched his grandfather intently. Gilliadson swung a high arc down toward Jahael's head which was deftly deflected with the boys shield. Jahael quickly thrust his practice sword toward the elders midsection which Gilliadon easily dodged. Gilliadson's blade came back on a horizontal arc at stopped just at the Jahael's neck. “Well you held out longer this time my boy! You may perhaps best me yet.”

“But you are the best, Grandfather.” Jahael said. “None can outmatch you.”

“No matter how good you are, there is always going to be someone who is better. While it is honorable to fall in battle for a good cause, it is smarter to know when to withdraw if possible and live to fight another day.”

A commotion was heard at the gate so Gilliadson went to investigate. Upon arrival The knight saw a Teir`Dal bearing the crest of House Vel`Dynn arguing with the guards.
“What is the meaning of this disturbance?” Gilliadson queried.

“This cur claims to have a message for you from Lady D`Narr Vel`Dynn.” One of the guards replied. “I demanded she hand it over so I could deliver it to you. She insists that she must deliver it personally.”

“Well I am here now so let her pass so she can fulfill her charge and be on her way.” The guard let the Teir`Dal pass. The messenger handed a parchment to Gilliadson and departed quickly on her other errands. Gilliadson quickly read the note. “I am calling for an immediate assembly. Lady Shadowbane will send Fluffy to relieve you for it. I want you all present.”

“Yes Sir!” Replied the guards. Gilliadson ran into the manor and emerged a short time later with Sineliniel, Fluffy and the entire House Staff in tow. The bell was rung calling for the assembly and Fluffy relieved the gate guards. Within minutes the courtyard was filled with a battalion of Knights clad in crimson and silver armor. Gilliadson and Sineliniel surveyed the assembled members of the House for a few moments before Gilliadson began his address.

“I have just received a dispatch from Matron Vel`Dynn that we are about to face an invasion from the forces of Discord here in the Commonlands. I know many of you hold no love or trust of the Teir`Dal but I will tell you that there are greater evils in this universe than Shadow Knights and Necromancers. We are about to face one of them. Matron Vel`Dynn and her House will be arriving here soon to assist with repelling this invasion. House Illumine will most likely be joining us as well. Due to space constraints the fighting forces of all Houses will be quartered in our Barracks. I expect each of you to treat the rest as trusted allies whether they be of House Illumine or House Vel`Dynn or any other House that answers the call, for in this case they are allies indeed. The forces of Discord have apparently created at least one of the most fearsome Bazu ever seen. We expect it to be at the front of their battle line. Apparently they have constructed a portal device and are targeting The Commonlands as the place to begin their invasion. Patrols consisting of Knights of all houses will be sent out to keep watch over the Commonlands and to alert us when the portal opens. Keep yourselves ready at all times.” Gilliadson called a bard to him. “My son and daughter-in-law are at the resort in the Timorous Deep. Go quickly and bid them return immediately”

“As you wish M'Lord.” The bad replied and departed beating on his drum.

House Illumine:

Dancing lights appeared in the parlour which flew around the room for a few moments and then gathered together into one light which flashed brightly for a moment leaving a Teir`Dal maiden in violet arcanist robes standing in the middle of the room.

“P`Nala! It is good to see you have returned!” Myrikel exclaimed.

“We have no time to lose!” P`Nala responded. “We must take all available members and leave for Gill-Alani at once!” P`Nala handed her note to Myrikel who read it and passed it to Mirthan. Mirthan read the note and nodded.

“Indeed.” Said the Bard. “We will take our guards with us as well. Father will need all the help he can get.”

From a distance, Xar'zith Maral watched the strange goings on in Gill-Alani. Though she had never made a direct visit, she did often keep a discreet eye on all the Houses. She seldom relayed her findings, for no-one ever asked her. Only her own curiousity and lack of anything better to do urged her on.

She stayed undecided for a moment; it was likely none of her business, but at the same time, they might be gathering a force to attack Qu'ellar d'Veldrin. Finally she urged her Kirin mount down the hill towards them, unhidden and at a casual gait so not to alarm anyone by charging in.

Chapter 3: Call To Arms

House Vel`Dynn:

N`Lestari arrived at the House and presented herself before her Sister after checking on the House forces.

“Our people are ready to depart Matron and await your orders.”

“Send messengers to Qu`Ellar d`Veldrin, House Bloodrose and the other Houses of Neriak, Oggok and Grobb informing them of what is transpiring and invite them to join the battle to come. We move out immediately!”

Gill-Alani:

Fluffy was still standing guard when Xar`zith arrived at the gate. The Elemental moved aside and bid her to enter. Several bards exited the gate on their way to Wolf Cult Clan, Felwithe, Kaladim, Kelethin, Crescent Reach and Ak`Anon. Mirthan, Myrikel and the rest of House Illumine arrived shortly afterward followed by Darthan and Alrienne a few hours later.

The tension in the air made the Kirin nervous, prancing on the spot while Xar'zith sat expertly astride it.

"What is going on?" she finally asked, hoping someone might answer her.

Gilliadson walked up to the rather confused looking Teir`Dal.

"Ah Good! Matron Vel`Dynn has sent word to your House as well I see. House Vel`Dynn should be arriving soon and I hope to see more from Qu`Ellar d`Veldrin as well as House Bloodrose. As soon as all have arrived, We shall hold a briefing amongst the Leaders and Officers of each of the Houses. The door is open please go in and make yourself at home."

"Well that, Sir, does not answer me at all. I am not in Leadership, nor are any of my kin. I will just have to and find out myself and see if the threat is worthy of all this fuss."

The irritated Assassin turned her Kirin mount back towards the gate, the beast half rearing as it senses its rider's displeasure.

"The threat is dire indeed M'Lady. The denizens of Discord are amassing for an assault upon our world which is to begin somewhere here in the Commonlands. I only pray that we have enough time to gather a large enough force to repel it. I thought you were already contacted by your House and was merely the first of them to arrive. Lady D`Narr will arrive soon and will be able to give all the details that she has. You will not find out much more than that before Lady Vel`Dynn arrives. You may wish to talk to her sister P`Nala though. I think she was one of the ones gathering the information that D`Narr has." Gilliadson motioned toward the manor where P`Nala had gone with Mirthan and Myrikel.

From behind the chair only an arm can be seen laying languidly over the side, dainty fingers of a lighter than normal Teir’Dal blue dangle in a relaxed form. Her hand turns over, opening the palm allowing the thrall to deposit the letter.

“Interesting.” a smooth voice states calmly. Soon the young, female Teir’Dal rises rounding the chair heading toward the door. Instructions are left with her thrall as she exits the room, “Send for Xichis and Valdaven. I will not be lured into a trap that they cannot handle.” Pausing at the doorway she gives one final order. “Instruct General Krivistian he is not to leave Amirah’s side, regardless of what that blasted Paladin says or does. And General Szragodesca is to join me immediately. Should my negotiations,,,, fail. General Kravastion is to stay with the castle and form the army, should we not return,,,, whole.”

Without waiting for a response she exits the room, slaves scurrying about preparing for their Mistress’ leave. All preparations are done by the time she reaches the main steps to the castle and her thrall appears by her side. A low groan rumbles from a soul without a body, an ever loyal servant to his Mistress.

She nods once and the thrall tosses into the air a black bridle that forms into a dark mist that falls slowly to the ground, an ebony horse clad in battle armor forms. The horse rears kicking its front feet into the air before dropping to pound them onto the hard ground. Cerissa’s thrall wisps beside her lifting her to help her up onto her mount.

“Ensure those I have requested catch up with me before I meet my sister D’narr in the House of our enemy.” A guard runs off to deliver the news while Cerissa digs her heels in to the sides of her horse sending it lunging forward.

The road had been long, but shortened by the magick allowed to one such as Cerissa. She slows her horse to a trot as she enters the Commonlands. How much she hated this place. She had sworn one day to burn every village within it to the ground one day. Unfortunately, today was not the day.

Pulling the reigns she slows the horse to a walk as the estate of House Illumine comes into view. Her last encounter with this family was anything but pleasant. And she knew Zotreth wouldn’t be around this time to help her. She had grown in strength, however, there was something to be said for the power of a Knight. One corner of her lips flicks slightly as if a grin may want to form as she remembers watching Zotreth battle this House, so young and yet so powerful. It seemed so long ago now.

There she sits silently with her thrall floating beside her as she awaits the arrival of her Iksar Mercenary, Xichis; the Knight she knew she could command well enough to keep her protected, Valdaven; and the General Szragodesca she thought could provide advice, should she need it. The warm air of the Commonlands surround her while her hidden eyes remain steadily and cautiously on the estate.

Not so far away, one such rift opened briefly. The form of a man half stumbled, half fell through the portal to land face first in the dirt. The rift closed behind him before he could even curse. He pushed himself up to a kneeling position and looked around. A thick bushy beard covered most of his dark face, an equally untamed mane of jet black hair crown his head. His clothes, such as they were, were ripped and charred, revealing twilight skin underneath. His body was gaunt and wasted, his boney long fingers digging into the loose dirt. Liquid gold eyes, bright in their sunken sockets, blink at the sunlight. He takes a deep breath, knowing the scents of the Commonlands from times gone by, and knows he is finally home.

His smile of relief looks more like a grimace through his grizzly beard, and he opens his eyes once more to find himself being eyed up by a patrol in crimson and silver...

The patrol leader reigned in his steed as the small portal opened. The leader cautiously approached ragged looking figure with his hand on the hilt of his blade.

"Identify yourself!" The patrol leader ordered. The other members of the patrol dismounted and surrounded the figure.

Identify himself? To these Humans and pale Elves? Who knew what they knew about him. He didn't even know how much time had passed since the explosion. Had she survived? Was she also wandering Norrath somewhere? Had their transgressions been forgotten in the chaos that surely must have ensued?

He managed to drag himself to his feet, though he seemed a little unsteady on his feet. Identify himself, he thought, what name could he give? His mouth opened, the husky rasp of one who has not uttered words in years reaches their ears.

"Ed... Edaemus."

It wasn't entirely untrue.

The patrol leader turned to one of the others.
"Fetch a cloak for this man." Then he addressed the stranger. "Well Edaemus, unless you are an extremely powerful practitioner of the arcane arts, this place is soon to be quite unsafe. If you will come with us, I am sure Lord Gilliadson would like to have a chat with you. We are expecting some very dangerous folk to be arriving." The leader motioned toward the fortress near by.

(( Hey Gilly! There are ppl waiting for approval from QdV to get on to the board and post. Can you get them approved? Thanks! ))

((Only Licinia has that power, I had some mod power on Jetamio but I cant seem to log into it ))