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----------------- Chapter 34: More plans are hatched -----------------
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The party have left the tower of Mendahl, and now they have met up
with Keilan, head back toward their new headquarters ...


(DM:)
When parting Mendahl's Tower, he cautioned you all to stay away for
now from the Sons of the Empire, and told you all that if you chose to
go look for the artifacts, that Archion Thissel would be willing and
able to help out give some clues on where to start looking for them,
and descriptions and powers of some of the known items as well.

So now the planning and decision making is up to you guys. The house
was found to be empty, and as you left it.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana picked up the pace until they reached their headquarters.



Still, Keilan knows nothing about what has happened to the others in
his absence. Looking around briefly, Keilan turns to the others ...

(Silver:)
Silver asks Keilan about Raoh "Is he staying with us this time ?"

(Keilan:)
"Well, I haven't been filled in yet about 'this time'.  Any
volunteers?"

(Arlon:)
"That's the thing, we don't actually have a plan yet.  A decision
hasn't been made on what to do." 

(Silver:)
"Oh, but _I_ know" Silver says with some certainty.

(Arlon:)
Arlon commands Silver to wait.  Before the information passing starts
to happen Arlon will then motion everyone to come close, he will
whisper something to Dithion: "Cast a minor globe if you still have
the energy, please."  He will ask this of Shade if Dithion cannot,
finally he would do it himself if the others couldn't.

He will still speak softly even while he is within the globe.

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks perturbed at these measures being taken, but doesn't
comment.  He pulls up a chair and sits, calling Raoh up to his lap and
stroking the cat's soft fur.

(Silver:)
Restarting what she was about to say before the spell was cast, "I
intend to venture after the artifacts that were lost by Saicha and her
people long ago. Remember the augury ?"

	'You must find the strength and power 
	 to resist and defeat your enemies'

(Keilan:)
"With all respect for Meilikki's wisdom, *I* could have come up with
that augury.  And it doesn't seem to indicate much at all except that
we will have a conflict.  An equally obvious statement..."

(Silver:)
Silver half smiles, expecting some such comment. She makes no reply.

Then, noticing Keilan's continuing confusion at this point, Silver
exclaims "Keilan, the most wonderful thing ! The Lady Shilara is
_alive_ !  Daermon too !  Tucked away in Mendahl's tower, with a sage
called Archion Thissel." Breathlessly, she continues "On studying the
book we found, he seems to think we have three options - try to find
some artifacts lost millennia ago; involve ourselves in specific
missions in a sort of guerrilla warfare; or ..." at this, Silver shows
both fear and wonder "attempt to enter the realms of the Gods
themselves ..."

"Or we can, of course, just let fate take it's course and do nothing."

(Keilan:)
Keilan smiles at this one. "Good news then.  It worried me that the
leaders of Dark Haven might be taken out so easily."

"But what of Lord Clasp?" 

(Silver:)
"Ah yes. Well, the assassins which attempted, but failed, to murder
the Lady Shilara and Daermon succeeded when they came upon Lord
Clasp." Silver looks sorry to impart this news to Keilan. "They were
not powerless minions they sent to kill the leaders here - Daermon
only survived at great cost - he is still very weak."

(Keilan:)
"These new 'allies' I am not given to trust, but I could find nothing
in their manner obviously hostile.  No more so than the Zhentarim
anyway.  Warfare seems no stranger to them.  Has Mendahl said anything
of the Empire?"

"Tell me more of these choices we have.  And this sage Archion."

(Silver:)
Silver looks to Tatiana, Arlon or Shade to explain in more detail.
"Someone else may be better able to recount the details - I am afraid
I didn't pay too much attention while we were in the presence of the
Lady Shilara ..."

"But I feel sure that this latest augury, speaking of 'Finding the
strength and power' refers to the artifacts, much more than the other
two options we have."

(Arlon:)
"Actually Silver, the artifacts we would seek are the ones lost just
before the Core Wars, back in the old empire ..."

(Silver:)
"Yes, indeed, they're the ones ..." she says.

(Arlon:)
"... back on our own continent, back to what we left behind."  Arlon
is a little somber with the last bit.

(Silver:)
"Oh !" she exclaims, a little surprised. "Um ... I still think that
the artifacts are what Mielikki was guiding us towards with her augury
..."

(Arlon:)
"It seems from Silver's augury that our best two options are to travel
the planes beyond ours or find lost artifacts from the old empire.  I
believe we are leaning towards going back to our continent for the
artifacts of the old empire."

Talking to Keilan, "We need to be careful around the Sons of the
Empire - these are the ones that Saicha warned us about 'people coming
in the guise of friendship'.  These seem to be the genetically
gengineered ones the ancient mage's book mentioned.

(Keilan:)
"As I said, their manner is hard to read.  But what does Mendahl say
of them?  And how much does Lord Kael know of these events?  Shilara
and Daermon's survival, for example."

(Silver:)
"Well, I'm not sure, but I got the impression that he was ignorant of
their survival. As if Mendahl knew he would be dealing with the new
arrivals and didn't want him knowing ... but then I could be wrong."

(Arlon:)
"I have just told you Mendahl's thoughts, and Lord Kael knows nothing
about Shilara and Daermon's survival.  It is too risky for him to know
at the moment.  He is in close contact with the aliens and it is
unknown what types of mind powers they have."

"Archion Thissel is the foremost authority on the ancients.  He has
provided much of the information we have received.  This is all I dare
say now. There are many ways to spy ..."

(Keilan:)
"And more ways to fail, but the best way is not knowing the events
that move you.  Surely we will not sail back to the homeland?  The
time for the voyage will be too great.  We might return to find a Dark
Haven full of natives."

(Silver:)
"Hmmm. I hadn't considered that part of it ..." Silver says.

(Keilan:)
"And what of this sage Thissel?  What does he say about these
artifacts?  What forgotten powers do they hold?"

(Arlon:)
"Again we have not finalized our plans, details will be worked out
once we know what we're going to do.  As far as travel back to our
home continent, I am sure we can be teleported there."

(Silver:)
"If we must ..." Silver adds warily. "But then I suppose we really
must in order to follow the designs of our Gods ..."

(Arlon:)
"I don't believe our efforts here will make much difference without
items of power."

"Shall we go find these artifacts, what say you all !?  We can see
Mendahl & Archion again in the morning."

(Silver:)
"Yes, he should have more information for us by then ..."

(Keilan:)
"I say we decide tomorrow."

"It seems we haven't enough to go on right away.  Things will keep
until tomorrow.  I'm going out with Raoh for now.  Perhaps the morning
will shed more light on things.  I may have to see Mendahl and this
Thissel myself."

(Silver:)
"Oh, you will, Keilan ..." Silver says enigmatically.




The globe is dispelled, and most stand to move away ....

(Tatiana:)
"I wonder if any little critters moved in while we were away."

She looked to Arlon, "You know how I hate those unwanted guests.
Could you make sure nothing has taken up residence here before I go
to bed?"

(Arlon:)
"Very well, I'll make a check. We can't be too careful at this point.
Falrun, will you join me ?"  

(Silver:)
Silver frowns at Tatiana's request. She looks to Arlon, Falrun, then
back to Arlon, then says "Oh, I _see_ ! _Visitors_ !" then claps her
hand over her mouth.  "Sorry" she whispers.

(Arlon:)
He starts to look around then "I had better heed my own words."  He
pulls out some black sparkling powder and casts a spell.

OOC: Stoneskin

(Tatiana:)
She smiled at Keilan and Silver.  "_After_ Arlon makes sure the 
place is safe for me to rest, you might want to fill Keilan in on 
anything else he may have missed."

(Keilan:)
"Afraid Goldilocks dropped by while we were out?"

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana's eyes narrowed with anger.  She spoke slowly and carefully so
Keilan knew exactly he was walking on thin ice.

"I'm tired.  I'm scared.  And I'm a bit overwhelmed by the events of
the past two days."

Then through clenched teeth her anger evident, "I don't need your
acidic tongue tonight.  It's barely tolerable when you think you're
being humorous.  But I don't find you amusing."

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks around innocently while Tatiana drips her venom on him.
As she turns away he picks up Raoh and lifts him to eye level.  "You
see, it's like I told you."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana spun back around her hand outstretched to smack Keilan 
across the face.  She halted short of knocking Raoh out of his hands.

"Hiding behind innocents?" she says as she lowers her hand, her 
anger spent, but her frustration building.  "Your sharp tongue 
alienates and shows you for a coward.  With the way you behave, I 
don't understand why you have joined the Eidolon.  Your contempt 
does not breed friendship or trust."

"I have done my best to accept your ways.  I make no judgments about
you, nor do I ask personal questions; it seems that is what you wish.
We are far enough away and you can quit beating us with your verbal
sticks.  For if I get another lashing from your tongue undeservedly,
you will regret it."

(Keilan:)
"Undeservedly?  Coward?"  Keilan sets Raoh down.  "As I recall it was
*you* who decided to twist my arm in the woods without provocation."

OOC: Reference to back before we reached the temple with Saicha
     inside, while we were being affected by the anti-magic zone

"And *you* who fear beasties under your bed.  What you deserve is a
lashing with a belt.  Here I thought bards enjoyed a good jest to
break the tension, but it seems you're just a bitch today.  Go
upstairs and sleep off your fears, or step outside and test your
skill."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana made to slap Keilan across the face hard enough to leave
fingerprints on his cheek from the strength of it.

(Keilan:)
Keilan grabs Tatiana's wrist as it flies toward him (I'm tired of
being smacked and Keilan's not slow).  If she tries to wrench it free,
he lets go.

(Tatiana:)
"A dolt like you wouldn't understand subtlety if it hit you in the
face.  Your mental prowess is evident in how you speak.  I thought it
was a ruse, now I know differently.  And I would expect nothing
different than more lashings from you.  If you can't dish it out
verbally, you'll resort to physical violence."

(Keilan:)
"Who tried to slap who?"

(Tatiana:)
"I gave warning.  When children do not listen they get punished.  You
lash out when one is tired and stab them when they are ill prepared."

"We shall see how you like the same when it is directed at you." she
finishes with nasty glare.

She pulled her hand from Keilan's and walked away.

(Falrun:)
Falrun looks down from the top of stairway, and watches with a
seemingly amused look on his face but will say nothing of this petty
squabble.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will come back out of the first room he went to check and yell:
"Be quiet both of you or I'll give you both a lashing.  You're
starting to give me a headache.  I see your selective memory is as
good as ever Keilan. What were you doing before she twisted your arm ?
You also didn't seem to enjoy the jesting at the Tavern our first
night here."

(Keilan:)
Keilan gives a questioning look to the mage for half a second and then
turns back to the verbal fray.

(Arlon:)
"Tatiana, please settle down and come over here." (he says gently)

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana turned from Keilan and went to a different corner while the
others looked on.

OOC: She is expecting Keilan to grab her or try to stop her.  If any
     such attempt is made to stop her she will try to deftly avoid
     you, making you like more a fool.

(Keilan:)
Keilan falls for another amazingly witty repartee (Your shoes are
untied :> ) "Ah well, I was looking forward to a good tussle."

(Tatiana:)
"You should save your wit, you'll need it."

(Keilan:)
"With an overflowing cup like you around, I can just catch the excess."

OOC: How do I keep getting into these things?  Let's see, Arlon,
     Silver & Tatiana.  That leaves Falrun, Shade, and Dithion.... :)

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Don't mind the new bar room songs that everyone is singing about
     you :)   They go so well with drinking beer. :)

OOC: I know it's not a good idea to escalate this or get petty.  But
     Tatiana doesn't and she's only got an 8 wisdom.

(Keilan:)
OOC: Well, she's a she ;]

(Silver:)
OOC: Tatiana has low WIS & high INT, Silver has low INT & high WIS.
     Hmmm - I find these are really difficult combinations to handle.     

(Shade:) 
With tongue dripping molasses "Uh boys, aren't the Sons of the Empire
enough for you two? Shall we check for some home troubles too? Just
tell me then I can be much more unbearably patronizing than I'm just
being and terrifyingly acidic too" - he sighs - "But I _DO_ think we
had better appreciate each other for our merits than slap for our
quirks."

The bard smiles "What do you think?"

(Keilan:)
Pointing excitedly: SHE STARTED IT!!!

(Tatiana:)
Same exaggerated gesture towards the Ranger. NUH UH  HE DID!

Turning to Arlon, she says "Please finish inspecting the place for
unwanted guests that might wish us murdered in our sleep.  The faster
that is complete the sooner I can get out of this idiot's presence."

(Keilan:)
OOC: Well I guess we can all mark our calendars now!

(Tatiana:)
OOC: *grin*

(Arlon:)
Arlon will not argue after this, he will just go with Falrun to finish
the search.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana calmed down with a heavy sigh.  She forced a smile at Arlon,
She put her hand out to touch him as he busied himself securing the
building.

She mouthed "Sorry" to Arlon; apologizing for her behaviour.



Soon after this, Arlon and Falrun finish checking the upstairs without
incident, and Tatiana goes upstairs to her room ...

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana blinked tiredly "I'm going to bed. See you in the 'morrow."
Tatiana headed upstairs to claim a room.

(Keilan:)
Keilan makes ready to go for a walk with Raoh.  "Anyone want to go?"

(Silver:)
"I think I would join you ... I don't feel too tired right now" She
kisses Shade before she leaves, murmuring "Rest now, Ebu"

(Keilan:)
Keilan accepts Silver's accompaniment with a simple nod, and seeing
that no one else cares to go (not with him anyway ;( ) he gestures
toward the door.

(Silver:)
OOC: Aaaah .... ;)

As Silver leaves for the walk with Keilan, she looks in a sort of
helpless way at Tatiana, and shrugs her shoulders a little as they go
out of the door.





(DM:)
As Keilan, Silver and Raoh talk a trip outside, you notice that some
form of sane-ness has returned to the village. Most troops have been
placed outside to camp, and those still in the wide, are mostly going
to sleep, as they are tired from the sea voyage. You notice that some
have been ordered to patrol, for there is an inordinate amount of
armed troops walking the streets in small groups.

It seems as though the ambassadors of the Son's of the Empire have
left, and the flying 'ships' have left the skies of Dark Haven. You
are surprised by the discipline of the troops, as there are no
scuffles of other problems between the troops from hereditarily
inimical cities/states.

You have trouble finding townsfolk through the throngs of newcomers,
but when you pass past the Midnight's Run, you see that most have
congregated there for some drinks and to talk over the new
developments. Most seem pleased by the arrival of the Sons of the
Empire, unaware of their darker nature, only seeing them as saviors.




And so, Keilan and Silver wander out into Dark Haven. They naturally
move toward the forest that lies outside of the main gates ....

(Keilan:)
He's pretty quiet as they stroll through the city with all the
warriors settling down for the night.

(Silver:)
Silver walks with Keilan, also keeping quiet as they move through the
crowds. Outside, the night is clear and spoilt only by the campfires
and bustling camp noises from the troops stationed there. Silver was
in her element at this time of the day - she was attractive during the
day, but almost radiant at night.

She seemed to be waiting for Keilan to start the conversation.

(Keilan:)
As we pass the city walls and then the troops stationed outside,
Keilan turns the talk to a more serious topic.  It seems he's been
waiting for this chance...  "Silver, how did you first come into
Meilikki's service?"

(Silver:)
Silver's eyes widen at this question and she says in surprise "And I
thought you wanted to talk about 'Ana and the scene back there ..."

(Keilan:)
"Bah.  She just doesn't appreciate the therapeutic effects of losing
your temper.  She wanted to vent some steam, so I gave her an outlet.
We've been under a lot of pressure.  She needed it.  I needed it.  I
didn't mean to upset her with my little jest, but her cage was already
rattled before I spoke."

(Silver:)
Silver nods a little, then shrugs her shoulders as if it is of no real
importance right now.

(Silver:)
An old fallen tree was nearby, so she went over and sat down on it
before answering. She considered how she was going to answer Keilan
carefully, then spoke in a measured tone. "Well, I could talk
endlessly about the pleasures I derive from serving Her, and about how
whole I feel now and how empty my life was before I knew Her. But I
don't think that is what you want to hear ..."

(Keilan:)
Keilan moves over and sits beside her.  He shakes his head softly at
her question.

(Silver:)
As if telling an old tale, she says "My mentor ... I would view him as
my father more than any other ...  first took me in as a young child.
He did not instruct me in the worship of Mielikki, more in the wonders
of the natural world - Her realm. I would guess you know more of these
than any others in the party, so need no introduction to these
wonders. They were magical years ...." she paused, reflecting on the
past. 

Coming back to herself, she continued "from understanding how precious
these wonders are, it is a small step to see that some guiding hand is
at work. Not interfering, but guiding ... gently molding."

"I came to understand the balance of things in a purely personal way,
communing with the forest alone, and then to see this hand at work. It
was the belief that I had the same aims to protect and nurture as this
guiding hand did that gradually molded me."

Silver's eyes sparkled as she added suddenly "Keilan ! The thrill of
having your prayers answered is beyond description ! To know that She
is with you, and caring for you !"

(Keilan:)
Keilan smiles at the lady's enthusiasm.

(Silver:)
More solemnly, she continues "It is difficult, at first, to feel Her
presence without having some object through which you can concentrate
your thoughts. I have this ..." and she pulls out a small sprig of
mistletoe with white star-shaped markings on the leaves. It is
obviously precious to her.

Silver looks at Keilan long and hard, then in a very gentle tone asks
"Why do you ask about this, Keilan ? Do ... you wish to try ?" 

(Keilan:)
Keilan stands up at this and steps off a couple of paces.

(Silver:)
Silver shrugs an apology at any offense she may have caused.

(Keilan:)
"No!  I mean (sigh) no thank you.  It's just that...I have heard a
voice in my dreams and when I have a quiet moment alone."

(Silver:)
Silver smiles warmly at this. "Keilan, that's wonderful !"

(Keilan:)
"It's spooky.  I thought maybe I cracked my head when we fell back
there at the temple."

(Keilan:)
"I do not think it is Meilikki though, it is a slow and solemn voice,
full of strength, like a father's voice."  Keilan turns back to Silver
and smiles, "I'm at a loss for what to do.  Maybe it was just a dream
after all.  *I* would not choose me, if I were a god."

(Silver:)
Silver chuckles a little "So, you have an aim in life ... although
becoming a God is a little adventurous, I must say !"

(Keilan:)
Keilan chuckles at this.

(Silver:)
"As for 'being chosen', I have also wondered about why I was chosen.
But now, after arriving here, I know what I have been chosen to do."

More seriously she adds "One word of advice above all else, Keilan.
Never, ever ignore your dreams. That is where you commune most closely
with yourself and with higher powers. It was a dream which brought me
here, and dreams which have shaped my decisions at various times."

"Believe in your dreams, and _listen_ to that voice. Dreams are never
'just dreams'. And Keilan," here her voice drops to a secretive hush,
"It is natural to doubt. Faith is the one thing which holds me
together and defines what I am, yet there are many times I doubt that
faith. Doubt is a terrible thing, one of my worst fears, yet real
nonetheless." Studying the ranger for a while, she adds "And never let
that secret out. It is one of my 'circles of self'."

(Keilan:)
"You have my word.  May I have yours that you will not mention this?
I don't think I wish to listen to Arlon's prattles about this.  Not
yet.  Not until I know what to think about it."

(Silver:)
Silver chuckles as she imagines what Arlon might say if Keilan
admitted to having hidden powers. "I'm sorry, Keilan. You have my
solemn promise not to reveal any of this ... to _anyone_ ..." she says
meaningfully.

(Silver:)
"Has He ... your voice ... a name ? Do you know more of Him ?"

(Keilan:)
"I was hoping you might know.  I've studied so little of the gods.
The one thing that does stand out is a great oak.  I usually see a
tremendous oak tree towering over the rest of the forest.  That's when
I know the voice will come."

(Silver:)
"Ah yes, of course. Silvanus the Oak Father has spoken to you, Keilan.
That is truly wonderful ... many of my people also follow the paths of
the Oak Father. And to have found Raoh is also a portent. You have
found a match, my friend ... your dreams speak true to you."

Silver smiles at Keilan showing how glad she feels for him.

"You'll never need to be alone from now on, Keilan."

(Keilan:)
Keilan acknowledges the smile with a nod, and then peers intently at
the overturned furball in his lap.  "You really think he is a portent
from the gods?  I thought he was just an unlucky kitten saved by the
insistence of one woman and the magic of another.  'Course that makes
him a lucky kit, I guess."  Raoh purrs drifting into slumber while
Keilan strokes his soft coat.

(Silver:)
"Lucky to have found you, dear friend." Silver's attitude toward
Keilan has softened considerably during their talk, and although she
has not forgotten what he said about Shade, she has accepted it.

"Yes, I do believe Raoh to be a portent, as I dreamed of a birth
before we visited the grove in the forest where we found him. I am
sure it was then that the awareness started to awake within you. For
Sylvanus is rarely to be seen without his constant companion ..."

(Keilan:)
Keilan looks quickly at Silver in surprise, "Companion?  Who is
Silvanus' companion?  I haven't seen...Aaah...," Keilan stands
suddenly and paces a bit, dislodging Raoh to a rough awakening as he
drops to the forest floor.

(Silver:)
"When the Oak Father speaks to you, it is to your soul. No, I mean
when He has actually visited the forests of this world in person. On
those few occasions ... and in His own forests far away ... He always
has a giant wolfhound at His side."

(Keilan:)
"I fear greatly for my success in this whole affair.  I am not a pious
man.  I have spent my 26 years in the woods, forests, plains, and
mountains of the world, but never more than a moment in prayer.  I
have worked and fought there, hunted and stalked.  And studied too,
but not to the same ends as you.  Not to be closer to the gods."

(Silver:)
"That is not how I came into the service of Mielikki, Keilan. I came
into Her care the same way you are becoming aware of Sylvanus ... by
noticing the things in this world that fall under Their realm. I see
now that by serving Her more fully I feel more ... complete. But I
started walking the path in the same way you are just now ..."

(Keilan:)
As Keilan turns back their is anguish and worry in is face that
softens to sorrow at the sight of Raoh, "Oh, Raoh, I am sorry."
Keilan kneels to pet the disgruntled cat.  "I'm not doing very well,
am I?"  Keilan picks him up and sits again a bit farther from Silver
than before.  "What will I do?"

(Silver:)
"You will do whatever you feel right. Sylvanus will guide your steps,
Keilan. His hand will be there to catch you if you fall, and place you
back on His chosen path. Just believe in destiny and the wisdom of the
Gods ..."

(Keilan:)
Keilan pauses for a moment listening to the sounds of the forest and
reflecting.

(Silver:)
While Keilan pauses, Silver is also quiet. She looks up at the night
sky through the trees, and relaxes. Her face is filled with wonder. "I
never tire of the night ..." she murmurs.

(Keilan:)
"What do you think of this mission Silver?  To go after these
artifacts we will have to return to the real world.  I may be more of
a hindrance to the group than a help.  After all, I am still a wanted
man.  If my name passes to the wrong people..."

(Silver:)
"I doubt you would be a hindrance ... but I see your concern. We
should be but a short while in search of these artifacts, and I should
think they would be located in a fairly remote place. But this is
something which the others might have an idea about."

"Perhaps if I brought up the subject later, without mentioning anyone
specifically ... and see what they think about it ? Shade too is in a
difficult situation - as he gets closer to his kin, so their power
over him may strengthen ..."

(Keilan:)
"If you think that would be best.  I think I've run out of clear
thinking for the night."

(Silver:)
"You may also be able to see your sisters again ..." Silver offers
tentatively. "If only for a short while ... I would help you all I
could to re-unite you for a short time without endangering them."

(Keilan:)
"Oh no.  I would not dare.  Though if you could take word should the
chance arise, I would be forever grateful."

A rustle in the bushes announces Raoh's approach to the glade where
Keilan and Silver sit chatting, "Ah, there you are."  Noticing the
slow padding of the little cat, "Are you full now?  I swear, Silver,
he eats more than I do."

(Silver:)
"Oh, he needs to ... yet he does not kill more than he needs to eat.
Not like us ..." she indicates the troops encamped outside the gates. 

Growling low, she catches Raoh's attention, who responds.

Turning back to Keilan, she says "He is a little overconfident though.
The kills he has made have been quite easy. He thinks he can take on
almost anything ..."

(Keilan:)
"He will learn the same way we all do.  It's hard to learn one's limits
till you stretch them.  But I will see what I can do to convince him."

He pauses for a while, then adds "Silver?  How is it you talk to the
animals?  I can do a lot with beasts of the earth and air, but I have
yet to sit and chat with them as easily as I do with you."

(Silver:)
Silver nods. "Yes, few have been blessed as I have. It was a wish I
had as a child, to talk to creatures. And to start with, I had to use
part of the immensity of Mielikki's wisdom to do so. Over time, and
with months and years of study, I came to know their true languages.
Let me see, I first learnt to converse with owls - so you can imagine
how surprised I was when I saw Tuft on the boat !"

"Then came the languages of Bears, Horses, and Large Cats, like Raoh
here. These animals were frequent visitors to our grove back home, so
I had plenty of them to talk with ..."

(Keilan:)
"Marvelous.  Truly marvelous.  That is a thing I would give much for.
If we see better days, I would very much like to study these languages."

(Keilan:)
Keilan takes Raoh up into his lap and flips him on his back, a
position the cat protests until Keilan starts rubbing his stuffed
belly.  "I think I envy you that more than anything."

(Silver:)
"Envy, Keilan ?" she says with a touch of surprise. 

(Keilan:)
"You have your little doubts, I have my little envies."

(Silver:)
Silver smiles kindly, appreciating the light-hearted comment.

(Silver:)
"It may be, in the future, that Oak Father can bless you with the gift
of conversing with creatures of the forest. It is said that He can
call to and understand all such creatures as live in or pass through
His realm." 

(Keilan:)
Keilan just ponders in silence looking out into the dark forest.




Eventually, the three of them walk back toward the gates of Dark Haven .... 

(Silver:)
"Keilan, I have just remembered. I said that there are things close to
the realm of the God one follows that helps you to concentrate your
thoughts upon them ... some call them 'holy symbols' yet I do not put
much store in such names ... well, I believe that some Druids back
home followed the path of the Oak Father rather than Mielikki. They
used an oaken staff, or oak leaves to commune with him."

"There would not be oak on this continent near here naturally, but if
you remember I brought seedlings with me on the ship ? I had some oak
seedlings with me. If you like, I could go to Rhuleck's Farm and
retrieve some small leaves for you ..." 

It appears Silver is quite eager to foster Keilan's belief in
Sylvanus. 

(Keilan:)
Stops walking and looks at Silver, "You would do that for me?"

(Silver:)
"Of course !" Silver says brightly, smiling warmly at Keilan.

(Keilan:)
Keilan bows his head in thought and resumes walking.

(Silver:)
"You may also be able to see your sisters again ..." Silver offers
tentatively. "If only for a short while ... I would help you all I
could to re-unite you for a short time without endangering them."

(Keilan:)
As the two (three, sir!) are only a few steps from the old HQ, Keilan
stops Silver with a hand on her arm, "Silver, do you think I really
hurt Tatiana tonight?  I was raised that such little fights are
quickly forgotten, especially when they are over nothing like tonight.
She has all the fire of my sister Beth.  We fought on a daily basis
when I was younger, but that doesn't mean I don't love her the less."

(Silver:)
Silver covers Keilan's hand with her own. "Don't worry. Tatiana will
bounce back" Silver says softly. "Do something unexpectedly nice for
her. That might help, if you are really worried ..."

(Keilan:)
"I am...and...I will.  I could probably use the time alone even more
than I could use some sleep."

(Silver:)
Silver keeps Keilan's hand covered with her own when they re-enter the
HQ, unless he specifically removes it. [ Which I suspect he will ;-) ]

(Keilan:)
OOC: Like I really need to start up with Shade now!

(Silver:)
OOC: Why change the habit of a lifetime ? <grin>

(Keilan:)
OOC: I'M INNOCENT I TELL YOU!  I WAS FRAMED!

(Keilan:)
Keilan puts his free arm around Silver as they walk along back to the
HQ.  Just outside the door he disengages himself, "Thank you, Silver.
Your kindness has done much for my troubled soul."  With a half-smile he
opens the door for the kind lady.

(Silver:)
Just before she enters, she gently touches Keilan's cheek, smiling
warmly at him. She says nothing, and enters the room.

Silver and Keilan return from their walk with Raoh, and each seems
quite thoughtful (well, except for Raoh ...)




Most of the party have gone to bed while others talk quietly of
various things, when there is a knock at the door ....

(DM:)
Later that night, as some may already have gone to sleep, and others
are studying for spells and discussing the future road of the Eidolon,
there is a knocking on the door. When someone opens it, you see
Mendahl there, with Shilara and Daermon trailing along. 

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana startles awake almost immediately as she realizes she's not
dreaming.  "I thought Shilara and Daermon were dead!" she said with
almost an accusing tone to her voice.

"Is this some kind of bad joke?"  She gets very wary

(Silver:)
For once, Silver understands what Tatiana means straight away. "No,
'Ana, it's fine ... we have seen that the Sons themselves have gone
from Dark Haven." 

She smiles warmly at Shilara "My Lady ..."

She pauses for a moment, then turns to Mendahl, "Although some of
their loyal subjects may still be around ... so was this wise ?"

(Tatiana:)
"Arlon, is there some way we can determine if this is the real 
Mendahl?"

(Arlon:)
"Only by indirect means, which could be difficult without raising
suspicion."

(Mendahl:)
He smiles, and speaks thusly: "I am on my way to report our findings
to Lord Kael. It will be hard, but I will have to convince him that
the Sons of the Empire are our real enemies, and that we should send
out ambassadors to the Ardanarzherdar to establish formal contact with
them, and plan a combined war-council for the dark dread days ahead.
Be prepared, as you may be called upon later tonight, or early
morning, to present your findings to Lord Kael in person. Just to let
you know."

(Tatiana:)
Then when Mendahl says that they are going to see Lord Kael.  "Oh
sorry, I guess Shilara and Daermon are not such a secret anymore."


(Arlon:)
Looking a little surprised and clouding his thoughts "So I guess you
don't want us to take the artifact back to the Temple and try to
release the Demon Lord, Master?"

(Silver:)
"What ?!" says Silver, quite shocked at this suggestion, and glancing
quickly at Dithion to see his reaction.

(Keilan:)
Keilan is sitting quietly stroking Raoh when Mendahl arrives and
nefarious methods to verify his identity are attempted.

"Ignore them.  They are not warriors and forget that the battles to
come will require Lord Kael's full knowledge.  Though I must say,
Arlon, that was an interesting test..."

(Silver:)
Silver looks at Keilan, then realization dawns, and she turns, her
expression rigid. Blushing furiously, she moves over to a table and
busies herself sorting things out on it. Her back is to the door.

OOC: Boy, is she embarrassed or what !

(Mendahl:)
When Mendahl comes along to your headquarters, he will react puzzled at
the strange behaviour from some of you, asking about the Demon Lord
and such, but shrugs it off when he understands you thought you had to
keep up a ruse.

He tells you you are probably correct that the best course would be to
go after the artifacts.

"Yes. The aid of items of such great power would strengthen our side
tremendously. Archion Thissel will be able to give you detailed
descriptions of those artifacts whose existence is known of, and may
be able to give you some sort of clue as to where to start looking. I
must go now to Lord Kael, to explain the truth of the situation to
him, so that our military will be adequately prepared for the shock of
having to fight the Sons of the Empire.  I must needs be on my way
now, but return to my tower around noonish. Get a good night's sleep,
I will try to do the same. We will need clear heads if we want to be
able to plan effectively."

He then leaves with the others towards the Citadel.

(Arlon:)
"We shall await a summons then."  Arlon will go back upstairs with
Tatiana.




And so the Eidolon settle down for the night. Leaving Keilan with Raoh
by the large table, Silver goes on up the stairs ...

(Silver:)
Silver wants to travel secretly and quickly to Rhuleck's farm this
night, and will go in bat form. She will circle in bat form first to
make sure everything looks ok. She will arrive outside the farm, then
walk in. She will tell Rhuleck about what's occurring in Dark Haven,
and bring any news of the farm back to Mendahl at the meeting the next
day. 

(DM:)
When you get there, you notice that many of the newly arrived troops
are quartered at Rhuleck's Farm. You are sure that everyone is fully
aware of the situation, at least the situation as it seemed ere you
guys brought your new info. No disaster seems to have struck there,
and if you assume human form and ask around, you'll be told that there
have been no assassinations or other problems here. It seems that the
Sons of the Empire do not deem a bunch of farmers as any military
threat.

(Silver:)
Silver will pick up two small branches of oak seedlings with small
leaves on, from where her seedlings were planted a short time ago.

She will take the time to wait to speak with Rhuleck out of the
earshot of others (especially the troops). "There are many forces at
work right now, Rhuleck. We have brought information back to Mendahl
that has meant that these 'Sons of the Empire'" she says with a little
scorn "are not as friendly as they seem to be. But keep that news to
yourself - it may prove dangerous ..."

"Be careful who you give allegiance to, my friend. Whenever you can,
send word to Mendahl of aught that happens out here - and make sure
that message is given to Mendahl and no other."

"And most of all, take care ..."

With that she leaves with her branches, and flies back to Dark Haven
in the form of a silvery owl.




All seems quiet as Silver returns, unnoticed, to the headquarters. She
settles down to sleep for the rest of the night ....