Quiet Return

[Alais d Nitesong]

There comes a hiss in the water of the mirror..... and instantaneous evaporation, leaving the mirror empy, black, silent.

[Sylus Kurgen]

It had been several weeks since he had last been in I'Taurn. The Manor house felt as cold, empy, and lifeless as he had left it. Striding through the halls he heard faint sounds coming from Alais appartments. Breaking into a dead sprint he beelined his way towards the dragon doors of her room. The warding was still up, but he knew how to undo it, with a soft muttered Annaran word the warding fell and he pushed the door open.

More by occupation than sense, Sylus did not call out to check if anyone was in the room. As far as his knowledge went Alais was still missing, his numerous tries to contact her had failed hopelessly and he dared not use the mirror, not yet anyway. The last time he had dried to use the mirror it had shown him nothing, but he had a feeling it would reveal something important to him tonight. Quick strides took him over to where she kept the mirror, he saw a problem immediately, the mirror was dry. Sylus knew that it could be refilled...but what bothered him was...WHY is the mirror dry.

"More riddles....more riddles..." He whispered to himself. Grabbing a pitcher that seemed always be filled with a strange reflective liquid, Sylus poured it into the empty basin of the mirror.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The journal sat in one of the finished rooms in Matlal, it was not one of the books protected by the Tome Guardian, but it was protected by the wards of the growing house.

The mirror is tied to the Eldarie sorceries, but the influence of the power shift in Riverbend have abruptly dried the mirror up, a very curious, and ominous phenomenon, a harbinger of things to come.

Flames and the fires of destruction flicker in the future. The Annaran source of power has taken on a new and dark influence that seems to wither any elven touches or influences.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The mirror had been refilled, and the image slightly darker, as though a shadow lay over the image in the mirror.

There was stone reflected in the mirror, and the room appeared to be part of a mausoleum.

The image flickered and vanished.

[Sylus Kurgen]

He continued to read through the large tome that had come into his possesion by a most curious means. It had simply appeared on a table in front of him after he refilled Alais's mirror. Something at the time told him that this book would be important to figure out why the mirror had evaporated and why Alais had gone missing. He knew that she was back now..some feeling came over him as he leafed halfway through the book. It wasn't like he was reading it...more like he was devouring the knowledge within it as if being urged by an external force. His arms ran through isometric exercises as he continued to digest the words, spells, and enchantments the book filled his mind with. HIs muscles working against themselves, becoming stronger, firmer. Sweat beaded his brow and chest as he turned page after page, his arm extended to the side moving through the routines he had learned during his training with Master Tetsen. All the while that eerie song played in the back of his mind pushing and prodding him to continue reading till he had the whole tome memorized.

Sylus lost count of how many times he read the Deneiran Bible, all he was aware of was that reading it and understanding it was of the utmost importance. He saw the mirrors dark interior flicker with images out of the corner of his eye but he paid it no heed. All he was aware of was the Tome of Universal Harmony, and the truths it put into his mind...and his soul.

He was unaware of how many days had past as he read through the ancient tome again and again. His back aching from constant sitting, he looked through the balcony doors at the setting sun.
"I need to get some air." He spoke to himself as he closed the great book and picked it up off the table. "A couple duels should be entertaining" Book in hand the former assassin headed for the arena.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The mirror rippled, and the room of stone figures faded.

The surface of the mirror stilled, leaving a blank reflection, slightly darkened as the liquid transmitted only the bottom of the stone basin of the mirror itself.

The scented candles in the apartment fluttered and went out.

[Legendazona]

The Kurgan had returned, briefly, after an extended absence, but still no signs of the sorceress herself.

The ghost had alternated between the dojo, the house, and the Sidhe, yet, no one had seen her.

As she floated in the branches of a tree, she noted that the candles that always burned within the appartment suddenly flickered, and died.

She frowned, then made immediately for the Sidhe.

[Sylus Kurgen]

Again he was sitting in the library at I'Taur with the only object of importance sitting on the table before him. He had most of the book admitted to his memory, the knowledge within the large tome flooding his mind, but he had only just come to know the price. Turning his back to the book, he case his eyes across the mirror he had taken to carrying on his person. The man reflected back in the mirror was not someone Sylus wanted to recognize....but it was someone he knew all too well.

Lines of care and worry not crept outward at the corners of his eyes, soft bits of gray bled into his black mane at the temples. His muscles though as stong as ever were not as defined as they once were. For being a man in his mid-twenties.....the man in the mirror screamed early thirties. Knowledge has it's price....but is it always worth it?
Closing the Tome of Universal Harmony, Sylus put the book onto one of the many shelves in the library...wanting to be done with it. But he knew that it still had some purpose or else it would have left his sight long ago...after the very first week where he had read almost the entire volume. Oh no.....the book still had a purpose. Even if that purpose was clouded to him and all those he told of the book. It still had a purpose.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The white albite house sat silently amidst the emerald green lawns.

Silent.

Slowly, vines grew over the main gate, hiding the shimmering mithril, crawling over the bronzed basalt walls.

Life slowed to almost non-existence within the curtain wall.

All lay in silence.

[Legendazona]

The ghost floated amongst the folliage, turning it into frosted, blackened leaves as she watched the Priestess stand before her ancestral home, but for all intents and purposes, I' Taurn appeared deserted.

The General had not lied when he'd said she'd gone. This growth of the vines across the gates gave proof of her absence. The land lay quiescent and the House was sleeping.

The white robed priestess remained for a long while, content to simply watch. She had not spent much time in the house, it could not be a longing to return to a home she'd never known.

The ghost paused to wonder what was going through the half breeds mind.

[Alia Anor Graham]

I left the Hospice, returning to the home that I never knew. Vines grew in abundance over the beautiful mithril gates, obscuring the view of the property almost completely. It appeared as though someone had tried to trim back the vines, but the enchanted plants would have taught whomever it was how unwise that move was.

I crossed the street, reaching out to touch the white flowers, smelling the slightly spicey sweet scent. The growth of the vines meant the house was once more deserted. Once again the woman who claimed to be my mother was again gone. Left everything and everyone behind to seek her own greedy purposes.

A shiver slithered down my back, and I looked around... once more the sensation of being watched... but no one could be seen.

It was time to go. There is nothing here for me anymore.

[Lucelei]

The Priestess made another trip to the vacant house on Gold Dragon Way. I find it curious that she is spending time staring at an empty house. It would be interesting to know why she comes here, and just what is passing through her thoughts as she stares.

Of course, another question is why Caleb felt she needed watching at all.

[Alais d Nitesong]

A soft wind whispers through the trees, caressing the leaves and setting them to dancing lightly. A soft murmur of sound as they brush one another in the soft riffles of air.

The vines flowering on the front gates move in the breeze, freeing the mithril dragon gate from their grasp. The white flowers perfuming the entrance with a slightly spicey fragrance.

The house was coming alive again.

[Alais d Nitesong]

I was about to take Sai Jon into the Great Hall where I'd found Daemonbane after Morrin and I had exiled his people, but before I could finish the sentence, a tear rent the air in the foyer, followed by three heavily armed figures.

First came Jacob, whom I'd thankfully already met as my hands had already reflexively curled around my staff in preparation to defend my home.

Jacob swung the firearm in a three-sixty circle around the room as though expecting to be attacked my some unseen horde.

The second creature through the rip nearly stopped my heart. He was huge! A demon is bad enough, but with the cybernetic enhancements and twirling swords, I found myself taking another step back. It took a moment to recognize Saltera from Sai Jon's memories, but there is little doubt that is who Jacob's backup is.

Then a young man of about 20 summers stepped through. His resemblance to Sai Jon was amazing, but Sai Jon had slain his son.

Laughter broke the tension in the air, and all three of them looked at Sai Jon with puzzlement. "Problems?" Sai Jon queried as the newcomers all realized there was no enemy they needed to vanquish here.

Jacob answered for the trio as I stood in the doorway until Sai Jon introduced me to the three unexpected arrivals. He introduced the young man as Tobias. He must have found an alternate time when his son had survived.

Jacob was already scoping out the entry hall, standing and inspecting the finely carven oak dragon doors leading to the Great Hall. After recovering a bit from the entrance of the three armed warriors in so dramatic a fashion, I took them into the Great Hall. I gave Jacob a quick smile in response to his question, and told him that the mortgage was paid over 1500 years ago.

The central portion of the fireplace was empty as I swept my hand toward the conspicuous vacancy. "This is where I found Daemonbane after the Banishment. It had replaced my own family coat of arms, hanging here, as though saying to me, 'you are the last Annaran'." My gaze flickered over the cybernetically enhanced demon as I spoke the name of the black Annaran blade. "The three books lay upon the hearthstone. All four artifacts survived the Banishment, and were here waiting when I returned."

The Nitesong coat of arms and familial blade Morvinyon hung upon the fireplace still, but it was clear they were not the central focus. That item now lay on the foundation stone of the house on Matlal.

"If you will come with me gentlemen? We will house here while we are in RhyDin, and I will show you to your rooms. From there, we need to go find Baroness Topaz and Queen Teleperien. The Baroness should be in residence at Dragon's Gate. Queen Teleperien will either be in RhyDin, or Eldicor. If she is in Eldicor, we'll need permission to cross her borders."

After showing them to rooms on the third floor, I took them to the fourth floor to discuss next steps. I provided them with a map of the city, showing them where Dragon's Gate was, and where the dueling forums were, since these are the most likely places to find both women. I also showed Sai Jon where the burned brewery could be found, since it was where we'd encountered Tass' mind.

Tobias seemed very quiet and almost pensive as the men studied the maps and grew familiar with the streets of RhyDin.

[Alais d Nitesong]

After briefing Sai Jon and his friends, I headed for Twilight Isle. It seems almost foreign to be back in RhyDin after so long in the Emerald Isle's. As I moved silently amongst the trees seeking either Topaz or Teleperien, I heard my name called softly.

"Alais?"

Rhaine had seen me amongst the trees and waved. "g'eventide m'friend". She was accompanied by a man I had never seen before, but instantly I could see the demon influence. Perhaps it is elven insight, or perhaps it is too much time in Annara, but there was no mistake about the blood this one carried.

Rhaine approached, "I thought you were at the Isle's...."

I gave her a wry smile, "it is a very long story lass, the Isle's are closed and Sai Jon and I have come to RhyDin."

She nodded, telling me she had something of importance to discuss with me. She spoke quietly, "you know I'm rather friendly with that bloodmage, Daigotsu?"

I did know, and it worries me after my experiences with the Bloodmage.

She continued on, "well, what would your friend dragon Tasslehofl do in his Citadel? Daigotsu refused to answer my questions, I realize he is rather.... wary."

I am surprised to hear this news from her, for I never expected Tass to form an alliance with the bloodspeaker, "Sai Jon and I have come seeking Tass, he did depart from the Isle's, you have seen him?"

She shrugged, "your Tass, looking like a dracolich was studying in the library."

Her words came as a shock. Tass had thrown Sai Jon and I out of his mind, trying to protect us, and now Rhaine tells me she's seen Tass in his cursed state in Daigotsu's Citadel. I frowned, "the wasting has very nearly destroyed his body, we don't know the source of the malady, perhaps he's sought the help of the bloodmage to heal the wasting?"

She shrugged, "I have no damned clue what did it, but why would Daigotsu allow him in the library? And why would he smile to Daigotsu as if he's friend and lord? That smile, by all the unholy, it looked odd."

I frowned deeply, I had no answers, and only a lot of questions and I told Rhaine that we've come back to RhyDin now that the Isle's are closed to us to try to protect Topaz and Teleperien, and that we've sought Tass for several weeks. I could not tell her that we knew Shahai had Tass' body. Not yet. We need Teleperien to go ahead and heal the body, which she might not do if she knew this was Shahai.

Rhaine nodded toward her table and the man seated there, "Anyway, want to sit down with us Alais? I would like to introduce you to my brother, Vitus. He is a Knight loyal to the Grim Lord."

At first I told her I didn't want to intrude, but her claim that this was her brother grabbed my immediate attention, "You do not favor one another," I told her. Their appearances in no way bespoke a blood kinship.

She smiled, "Yes, Vitus is the best brother one can wish for."

The man stood at the mention of his name, bowing quite formally, "Greetings, I am Vitus Rustovich, Archaeologist in service to the Army of Midnight."

Elven reticence made me give him a bit of a wide berth, "good evening Vitus Rustovich, I'm very pleased to meet you." This makes two demons in one day!!!

He grinned at his sister, "Jumpy one this is."

Rhaine smirked, "or too elven, elves tend to.... dislike those of your bloodline Vit, and they know you when they see you."

I had to laugh as I remembered the day she'd introduced me to her Vicar, Raevyx. Sparks had flown instantly between the Drow and I. I gave Vitus a smile, "Please do forgive me Vitus Rustovich. I am not used to all of Rhaine's friends and family yet."

He simply grinned, "you have no reason to fear, I no longer eat elves."

I could feel the blood drain from my face, "I'm very happy to hear that." Quickly changing the subject, "you did say you are an Archaeologist?"

Rhaine's expression was one of mischief and pride, "the best one the Legion ever had." I believe my friend was enjoying my clear discomfiture at Vitus' presence, but she did seem to adore him, and his accomplishments.

Vitus nodded, "more of a hands on archaeologists. My duties are to acquire ancient relics and artifacts that may prove beneficial to the Legion."

"So you have the task of finding magical artifacts?"

"Magical and otherwise," he told me. I told him that he was very likely to find a plethora of such artifacts in RhyDin, and Rhaine snickered, "hopefully not anything like the one you have shown me Alais. Warriors of the Lord aren't recommended to touch it."

Vitus raised a brow at her words, and a quick shiver of dread whispered down my spine. "That one is safely on Matlal." I told her. There was no point in discussing Daemonbane in front of Vitus.

I glanced at Rhaine, "I have had to share more about Annara than I'm happy about. Things are worse than we thought."

She looked at me with wide, dark blue eyes, "worse?"

My voice lowered to a mere whisper, "the plains around the Keep are full of demons and undead. Sai Jon and I did just come from Riverbend."

Vitus smirked, "that doesn't sound so bad, sounds like home."

I turned a silver gaze on him, "it is very bad, the tear is in the 6th level of Hell, and a Tiefling is about to bring the dead into the realm of the living."

Rhaine's reaction caught me off guard, "Tiefling?! Half tanar'ri??" She looked quickly at Vitus, "that is the trace I have been looking for! Tanar'ri!!!"

Vitus glanced away from Rhaine to me a moment, "pardon, sometimes I forget that some prefer the dead to stay in the ground."

I nodded at Vitus, "so the 'others' have told me, he is the General they do hope will bring them freedom. I have not seen him, but they call him Rael."

Vitus looked at Rhaine, "Tanar'ri? You mean the assassin? Or is this something more recent?"

Esperwind gave a quick look, and I realized our discussion was gaining attention. Lowering my voice a bit as I told Vitus that I preferred the dead to remain banished in Riverbend, for many reasons.

Rhaine seemed truly pleased by the revelation of the tiefling. "The entire picture Vitus, the events I have told you about - these might be influenced too."

He nodded, "seems there may be more need for me to finish my.... project than before."

She promised to help him with this project, and they spoke of someone called Arioch. Vitus seemed most adamant about preparing a new home for him.

Rhaine was busy planning, "well, at least the pieces fall together, 6th layer and Tiefling."

I glanced at her, "the General is from the 9th level according to the "others"." I was not entirely following where she was going, but it had to have something to do with Tenebris.

Vitus rose and excused himself, "I have to go back to the Temple, hopefully Ixt can let me in, I need to work on my project."

I bid him farewell, and then Rhaine looked at me, "if hte situation is the way I think, it would be the solution of some problems, or someone would at least pay."

I quirked a brow at her as she continued, "I told you about the Temple of Asmodeus... about the events that led me here."

She had, and some of what I knew I'd learned from her dreams. "Your words were a hint that could solve the riddle about the origin of these events."

I pondered a moment, "you think this Tiefling is a part of that?"

"He may be. Tieflings in Baator! And if Vitus' work is over, by the Midnight, someone will have their sorry rear handed to them! Tieflings do NOT belong in the Hells!" Her voice was harsh and resolute.

I smiled as I remembered the burning resolution in Sai Jon, "You will have to fight Sai Jon for that pleasure lass. I've never seen a man so committed."

She gave me a look that could have come straight from Cania, "for the pleasure of ripping out the heart of someone who harmed....." she hesitated, "I would fight Kir'Jolith Himself!"

She wouldn't say the name, but I knew she spoke of Tenebris.

"I do think Sai Jon is similarly motivated." I was not going into his reasons for such motivation. Dragging those memories into the light once was more than enough.

I rose, telling Rhaine I was back at I' Taurn, and that she is welcome to come talk.

Rhaine nodded, "a lot has happened my friend, a lot. I will not explain it here and now."

I agreed with her, and told her that much has changed on the Isle as well.

She surprised me when she said she didn't care about the Isle's. "If the Emerald Isles do not hold them Rhaine, they'll come to RhyDin next."

Rhaine touched my thoughts with the idea of starting a temple to Asmodeus, and I was taken back by that notion. There were currently only three here, and perhaps a fourth coming. The idea surprised me.

She quirked a brow at me, "I see nothing surprising really. From strategical point of view, it's rational, besides, Vanion and Iggy are the only Myr'Khulians.

It would appear that those in service to the Grim Lord are considering strategic expansion.

I parted company with Rhaine while both of us invited one the other to our homes and refuges.

While I worry that I cannot get back to the Emerald Isle's right now, it is good to see old friends.