The Fall of Vana: The Cleric Perspective

Sirena hears the request of the High King and immediately summons her clerics. She bids them stand safely atop the tower and tells them to send her the strength of their deities.

She travels to the center of Vana and stands upon the ground. Planting her feet firmly upon the soil, she raises her hands and calls out to the deities of Taure Ru:

"Belenus and Calypso,
Vhaeraun and Lolth,
Mariana and Seannus!
Bringers of destruction and darkness!
Great divinities of the night
I call upon you to perform the darkest of deeds."

She begins to sway and turn and dance as she feels the strength of the dark clerics atop the tower in Taure Ru and the presence of the gods.

"Bring forth your wrath upon the gods of Vana.
Drive them away from the land with their blasphemies.

"Bring forth your wrath upon the land of Vana
That it will never more yield tree or root, food or fruit.

"Bring forth your wrath upon the fauna of Vana
That they never breathe air again and drown in the seas."

Her dance becomes frenzied as she chants the last words of the curse:

"Bring forth your wrath upon the people of Vana
Let them be cursed one hundred fold for their crimes"


She falls to the ground as the force of the Taure Ru gods descends upon the continent. She struggles to her feet and begins to run for the border as a deafening roar affirms the finality of her curse. She smiles in satisfaction, knowing that she has at last fulfilled a sacred duty for her Sire in ridding him of the land of Vana.

The Priestess, the Dragon and the Ranger

Torgan High Priestess Sirena wanders the realm of Zolio, marveling at its visual simplicity until she arrives at a great open temple. She climbs to the top to discover a place of peace and rest. There is an urn blazing brightly and she drops to her knees. "Belenus" she prays, "Hear me." She opens her mind to receive her God but she feels only a deep void. "Where are you my Beloved?" she asks. She listens but the only sound is the fire crackling. There is no presence. She tries again, letting her mind float free in a second attempt to reach her God. This has always worked before, but He is not there this time. She begins to weep and wonders if He has left her? She needs to hear His voice and feel his love. Sirena begins to weep as she tries harder to sense Him and fails. What has she done to offend Him? Where has He gone?

Random Mistwalker: hsssss...(Draconian): intakr ayo grhui kuest rl'eldo?

Sirena hears a hiss through her sobs and turns. She is relieved to see the dragon, beloved of her God. But she is surprised when it suddenly approaches her. She is afraid it is attacking, can’t understand why, and she stumbles backwards and falls off the ledge where she lies unconscious on the ground.

The small black dragon swoops and swerves as it flies off the temple and down, closer to her. He licks his lips and approaches. Suddenly arrows fly through the air and score a direct hit on the dragon. The dragon flies up to identify the attacker and out of pure instinct, returns the attack. The dragon yells “Any who attack me will feel my fire.” Arrow after arrow strike the dragon. A fierce fight ensues that lasts for what seems like eternity. Arrows, dragon fire and claws are everywhere as the dragon swoops, attacks, pivots and flies and the stranger with the bow runs, hides, fires quickly and tries to find an advantage and avoid the dragon’s fierce attacks.

After both are badly injured the dragon lands on the temple and shouts, “Why do you fight biped? Why attack?”

The Sylvan Ranger Damian comes into view. “You attacked my friend. I saw you attack the High Priestess. Why did you attack?”

Random Mistwalker: I did not.. I was asking why she was here.. You attacked me. You hit me with your arrow first!

Damian: “So this is all a misunderstanding? I saw her lying on the ground with you over her. What was I to think?”

Random Mistwalker: “Not that I would not have attacked.. she was kneeling.. when I was hit with an arrow. Perhaps she was prey.. perhaps not depending on how she answered…”

Damian: “So you admit you thought her potential prey. Did she answer you? “

Random Mistwalker: “No… for I was hit.. before she was able to answer.. if she was a foolish one who wanted nothing more than to take and show no respect… then yes…”

Damian: "We will never know then, will we?" Random Mistwalker narrows his eyes. Damian keeps his bow ready while he talks to the dragon. “Then let us go our own ways in peace. I will stop shooting if you will fly away. I will tend to her wounds.”

Random Mistwalker eyes his wounds.. "Very well.. you have much to lose.. but I shall leave you in peace"

Damian: “I do indeed but I am not afraid and so shall I leave you in peace. Perhaps we can meet again under better circumstances.”

Random Mistwalker turns and pulls an arrow from his scales and spits it on the floor of the temple. "Very well.. we shall see." He flies off without another word.

Damian wraps a hasty bandage around his own arm and runs off to find Sirena. He looks at Sirena lying on the ground "Sirena, are you hurt?" He kneels and takes out his medical kit. He applies a poultice from his kit to her forehead. He reaches into his kit, takes out a vial of smelling salts and breaks it under Sirena's nose. Then he impulsively leans over and kisses her and cries "please be alive"

Sirena gasps from the pungent odor of the salts and her eyes flutter open as she feels his lips touch her. She reflexively slaps him. "How dare you!"

Damian sees her move and exclaims, "You are alive! OUCH! Why did you hit me? I just saved your life! You were about to be eaten by a dragon.”

Sirena puts a hand to her head "Yes, I remember a dragon and I remember his breath knocking me off the ledge.”

Damian: “You were unconscious on the ground. I came upon you with the dragon leaning over you. I fired at him and engaged him in a battle. I nearly died saving you.”

Sirena starts to cry, "It was horrible. Belenus was gone." She suddenly hears the ranger. "You shot at the dragon? He is gone?”

Damian says stoutly, “Belenus may not have been here but I was lucky to happen upon you. And yes, the dragon is gone. I negotiated an end to the hostilities with him. He claimed it was a misunderstanding. The dragon flew off a few minutes ago and I ran to revive you.”

Sirena cannot believe the circumstances that have put her beside the Sylvan Ranger and she whispers, “I can well believe it a misunderstanding. Dragons are beloved by Belenus.” She winces as she moves her arm and begins to carefully move her arms and legs, checking herself for damage.

Damian: “Although the dragon claimed I shot first, he admitted he was sniffing you to see if you were suitable prey. He would have killed and eaten you I'm sure had I not attacked.”

Sirena is aghast. "Sniffing me? I am Beloved by Belenus! Why would a dragon eat me?" She shakes her head, "This is not right.” She begins to weep quietly. “I could have been eaten by one of Belenus’ favorites.” She looks up at him "I do not understand this at all, but I thank you."

Damian: “Perhaps he was deranged by the mushroom plague. Who knows? Or perhaps he was sick and not in his right mind.” He kneels down and puts his arm around Sirena. “But all is well, you are safe." Sirena cries out as Damian's arm touches her shoulder and he notices she is wounded. “Let me bandage your wound. Show me where you are bleeding.”

Sirena shakes her head. "There is no blood. I am just aching and will bruise all over. I shall not be able to wear silks for two weeks." She stands a bit stiffly. “Thank you Sylvan Ranger. From what you say I might have died.”

Damian: “I think yes. Let me carry you to your home or to someplace safe.”

Sirena raises an eyebrow. She is already as close as she wants to be to the Sylvan Ranger in fact she is too close. She steps back.

Damian says hopefully, “Would you like me to walk you someplace?”

Sirena says curtly, “I can manage thank you.”

Damian: “Let me at least walk with you until you are in your own territory.”

Sirena is a bit shaken by the incident and replies without thinking, "I would welcome the assistance of a bow if that dragon returns. I think there is a tavern here and it is over the hill. "

Damian: “Good. Let us walk there then. A drink would do us both good.”

They both walk quietly for some time until they reach an empty tavern with an inviting fire. Sirena sinks gratefully into a chair. Damian speaks, "You should eat something. You have had quite a day"

Sirena responds, “I am not hungry. I just want to be home." She does not say she also wishes to be out of the ranger's presence and rests her head on the table.

Damian: “Sirena, now that you are safe and resting, I have a favor to ask.”

Sirena lifts her head "favor?"

Damian continues, “Some might even call it a debt to repay. I know you disdain Sylvan rangers, me included.”

Sirena frowns. "What debt? You have lent me no money.”

Damian continues: “I do not share your disdain. You might well have been dragon dinner tonight. It is a simple favor...”

Sirena: “I know, Damian, and I am thankful...even grateful that you were nearby.”

Damian: “I would like you to be my Lady. You know I have always been fond of you since I first saw you standing near me when I was injured in the wood. Now that I've saved your life I think that is only fair. I am not asking to marry you. I know you are a high priestess.”

Sirena is shocked and indignant: “Your Lady!?! You cheeky arrogant Sylvan Ranger! I asked nothing of you for saving your life so long ago. I am Torgan, and you are Sylvan. Yet you are the one asking for payment in return for what one would call a benevolent act?”

Damian: “You allowed me to be in your debt. And our lands may be different and occasionally at war but we do not have to be.”

Sirena protests: “I did not allow you to be in my debt. You took it upon yourself to believe you owed me something.”

Damian: “Well, be that as it may, I now ask this favor of you. Were it not for me you would be merely a dragon's burp by now. Where was your God tonight?”

Sirena hears Damian’s question about her God and her heart stops. Yes, where had He been tonight? She says indignantly “I admit I am thankful to be sitting here instead of in the belly of a dragon... but your Lady? Ha! Never!”

Damian: “I'm happy that you are at least thankful, and could it be that your God acted through me tonight? Gods do that sometimes.. They act through agents in the world...”

Sirena scowls at the ranger. “You presume much. If He were to act through another, why did he not choose a mighty Torgan Warrior instead of a..Sylvan Ranger?”

Damian: “It is simply a theory but it is one that the facts of this evening support. When I saw that dragon near you my mind changed in an instant. I can not explain why or how.”

Sirena laughs, a bit unnerved, "Your mind changed? How is that?”

Damian: “Perhaps my strength and skill with the bow against the dragon were guided by your God. I hit the dragon a lot, far beyond my normal skill level. Something has to explain that.”

Sirena leans forward and places her elbows on the table. She winces at the aches and says "Are you ready to embrace my God?

Damian leans towards her and replies "I am ready for you to explain Him to me and consider it."

Sirena says "I am willing to do that, if you would listen with an open heart"

Damian smiles, “I think we have the makings of a compromise."

Sirena says hesitantly, "Compromise?”

Damian: A good compromise will be that you be my Lady for a year and a day, the same amount of time I was your protector. And during that time you will teach me about your God and I will listen with an open mind.”

Sirena sputters "I don’t need a Lord ..or a protector. You presume too much.”

Damian: “That was no presumption, it was an offer from the heart.”

Sirena Lauria: “I will teach you about Belenus if you are willing to learn”

Damian prompts: “and....”

Sirena says emphatically “But I will not be your...Lady. I need no Lord of my own. I have Belenus and the Watch.”

Damian asks her, “What will you be then?”

Sirena sighs "I acknowledge that a debt exists and that payment must be made and since I held you to a year and a day, so I will agree with you. However, I will agree only to not frown or scowl at you.”

Damian strokes his chin.... “That's excellent but perhaps you could agree to actually smile as well.”

Sirena Lauria scowls, then forces a smile on her face "Agreed. I will treat you with the respect I reserve for Torgans and I will teach you of Belenus, for the period of a year and a day.”

Damian leans back in his chair happy. His wounds are healing in the warmth of the tavern with the food and drink and Sirena has just agreed to be pleasant to him. It is a small step, but one in the right direction.

Megalith Code for Sale

Down underground, Swith is prizing gold nuggets from the rock when she comes across a stone tablet half buried in a small side cave. She manages to free the thing and drags it off down the tunnels.

Sirena Lauria: tal Swith
Swith (cyneswith.luik) jumps, with a squeal.
Sirena Lauria giggles: I didn't mean to startle you
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'By the gods miss... I thought yer was King Eecho fer a moment... He usually throws folk out of 'ere...'
Sirena Lauria: well, perhaps if we are quiet, no one will know we are here
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, putting a finger to her lips, then points to a stone slab under her arm. 'Eh... look what I found miss...' She puts the heavy thing on the ground.
Sirena Lauria takes a look and says "what is that you have there? isn't it a bit heavy to be lugging around?
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'Aye... bloody heavy. I's 'ad ta stop every cave fer a rest. Just thought might be useful to yer... I don' know what these carvin's be about... at least it nah be whisperin’.’
Sirena Lauria peers at the carvings on it "this is a key to the runes on the megalith Swith. Don't you recognize them?"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) shrugs, 'Aye... thought it were somethin' like that. But yer's already solved it, 'aven't yer?'
Sirena Lauria says, yes I have solved the carvings... but I need to find the answer to the question
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'Well maybe I leave this bloody heavy thing 'ere then. Eecho can tidy it up later..' She giggles.
Sirena Lauria: there must be more of these - this is only some of the runes.
Swith (cyneswith.luik) scratches in her hair. 'It be the only one I's seen miss.'
Sirena Lauria: well if you see any others, be sure to pick them up. someone might be willing to pay for them
Swith (cyneswith.luik) arcs a brow. 'Pay...?' She frowns, 'I's goin' ta need a donkey, 'elp me carry stuff.'
Sirena Lauria grins "There are many here who like to be first - they want to win at all costs
Swith (cyneswith.luik) grins too, 'Well if there be pay involved, I likes ta win too..'
Sirena Lauria frowns "perhaps you could sell the location of where you found these...."
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Yer thinks I should put it back where it were?'
Sirena Lauria says "if it was well hidden, then yes I do. But if not, then hide it yourself"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) frowns, 'I nah knows where ta put it now... can't be bothered carryin' it all the way ta the village..'
Sirena Lauria frowns as she thinks "then break it up into a million pieces
Swith (cyneswith.luik) wrinkles her nose. 'With what? Me slingshot?' She pauses before the obvious occurs. 'Oh, but there be pickaxes... hmm...' She looks behind her a while, wondering what to do.
Sirena Lauria nods "yes, pickaxes are all over this mine. Tthe dwarfs just left them lying around when they decided not to work the mines anymore'
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Well now I don' know what ta do... shall I bust the thing up an' move it, maybe sell it down the village... or shall I put it back? I don't trust them eerie whispery ghost voices... might come an' get me..'
Sirena Lauria says thoughfully. "I think the ghost voices are contained in the stone. As for this, I would break it with a pickaxe and scatter the pieces. it should not take more than a couple of shatters.
Sirena Lauria: After all, we both know the riddle now"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) frowns, musing a while, then looks down the tunnel behind her. 'Hmm... s'pose I'll go get a pickaxe then...'

*A few moments later*

Jordon McGillivary walks up to his friend "can I help you with that Sirena?"
Sirena Lauria says "But of course Jordon
Swith (cyneswith.luik) points 'Eh, if yer breaks it up around the runes, maybe I can sell 'em...'
Sirena Lauria takes careful aim
Jordon McGillivary turns at the sound of a voice "good morn maam. Swith. How are you? Haven't seen you in a coons age"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods to Jordon with a black-toothed grin and sets about breaking down the tablet with an axe also. 'I's alright sir... 'ow's yerself? It 'as been a while..'
Jordon McGillivary: "busy. very busy"
Sirena Lauria wipes her brow. I think we have them now Swith"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) leans on the axe a while and looks at the rubble. 'Hm.. aye.'
Sirena Lauria: We can each carry a few pieces out of the mines for you"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods and starts to push some bits into her lute sack.
Sirena Lauria picks up two runes and put s them in her pouch which is beginning to sag.
Jordon McGillivary shakes his head over the retort he knew would follow his statement and asks "What is so compelling that two ladies are below ground swinging axes?"
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Yer wants to 'elp sir? Yer can carry some o' these runes.'
Sirena Lauria says "Here Jordon, carry these back for Swith"
Jordon McGillivary bends and picks up all he sees
Sirena Lauria smiles "It is nice to have a strong helper." she looks at Jordon's muscles with admiration
Swith (cyneswith.luik) looks at one of the broken chunks of rock. 'ow much yer reckon I can get fer these then?'
Sirena Lauria shakes her head "I have no idea Swith. Maybe you could let it be known they are up for bid?"
Jordon McGillivary says "I can hold more if you add them to the stack in my arms"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, thoughtfully. 'Hmm... nah a bad idea. Just hold off tellin' everybody yer's already solved the riddle, eh?' She smirks.
Sirena Lauria: That is a deal Swith. I will not be deluged with inquiries then. I like the way you think"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'I likes the way I thinks too... usually makes me coin.'
Jordon McGillivary: "what riddle? What do you want with rock pieces?"
Sirena Lauria turns to Jordon "it is a long story . Shall I tell it to you over a glass of wine?"

Visiting the Megalith

Sirena meets Styx in the enrance to the underground passages. "Tal nag Styx. You get around as much as I do."
Styx (death.jestyr) shrugs "so it would seem"
Sirena Lauria: I am looking for the megalith. Do you know where this pool is that the King was speaking of?
Styx (death.jestyr): with the rocks? and the voices? i know of it
Sirena Lauria: would you take me there?
Styx (death.jestyr) shrugs "Sure" She follows him to a cold dark place in the mines. "its down in the water"
Sirena Lauria asks softly "this is the pool, then?"
Styx (death.jestyr) nods "creepy down there...might be cursed"
Sirena Lauria shivers "It looks not so refreshing as the pool outside by the infirmary. And I shall have to disrobe to swim to the bottom."
Styx (death.jestyr) nods "i'll leave you to it then?"

Sirena Lauria smiles and says "that would be best" as she takes off her kerchief. She pulls off her boots and places them together on a rock. She unties her skirt and removes it, folding it and placing it beside her boots. She lifts her chemise over her head and sets it on top of the bundle beside her. She walks to the edge of the pool and shudders. Taking a deep breath, she dives in and swims to the bottom of the pool.

The sound from the stone enters her very soul as she studies the huge rock, She stays down as long as she can and she emerges from the pool gasping for breath. It unnerves her and she sits shivering on the rocks. "It is as if somthing is trapped, " she says to herself. She does not want to go down again, but she knows she must...the writings on the stone must be recorded. Shaking the water from her hands, she takes a scroll and a pen from her pouch and begins to transcribe the first three lines, all that she can remember. When she has done, she stands and steadies herself for another dive.


She can hear the cries echoing in her heart and they frighten her. But she has been charged with healing and she is sure there is healing that must be done. She dives again stying long enough to commit three lines to memory and then she rises to the surface again, swims to the rocks and quickly jots down the next three lines. Her face is wet from tears as well as the icy cold of the water that has never seen the light of day.

She puts down her pen, shivering from the sound of the eerie voices. She hugs her knees and wonders if she dares to enter the cold deep of the water again. Sirena prays to Belenus again and asks him to keep her safe from harm. She stands. "Third time takes all" she whispers , and filling her lungs with air she dives again.

This time when she surfaces she has only two lines to scribe. She writes them down quckly, careful not to drip water on the ink and so blur the characters. When she has done, she dons her chemise and pulls on her skirt. She tugs her boots over her feet and gathers up her pouch and scroll. Then she leaves the mine chamber hurrying back to her house to study the strange markings and see if she decipher them.

King Zig tells of the Megalith

Summary: At the King’s Feast, Zig tells a story of something which the dwarves have found while digging in the mines. A giant monolith with unknown writings. He tells that voices, the sounds of crying souls, comes from the box – now the dwarves are afraid to dive into the waters and continue their mining operations. Zig needs the mystery solved so mining can resume.
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King Zig then wipes his mouth on his wrist and begins to tell his tale "something else were found in the mines...

Eecho Rotaru listens to the story of the mines, and shivers.
Styx takes a few grapes from his pouch eating them slowly as he listens to zig

Odil Lumiere: "What else is in the mines beside the "workers"?
King Zig: yes well i am coming to that Lady Odil, be patient. King's got a right to tell a tale proper too dont he?
Vengeance chews on the pigs foot as he listens

Shadoe Oleander chews a cookie thoughtfully, wishing Zig would get on with what else is in the mine
Odil Lumiere: "My apologies King Zig"
King Zig: so...these dwarves are digging so deep and then what do you know we hit water
Sirena Lauria says "water?"

King Zig: but do you think we stop because of a little water?
Odil Lumiere: "What is under the water?"
Sirena Lauria nods her head from side to side
King Zig: well these dwarves just keep digging holding their breath as they do
Eecho Rotaru whispers to himself, "Nosy Odil"
Destiny Utherwurldly: looks into her cup and takes a swig
Odil Lumiere: Odil looks at the King and wonders why he is so mysterious
King Zig: one dwarf takes his pick takes a deep breath jumps in and start hacking away. 4 minutes later he comes back up and another goes in really something to see i will tell you
Sirena Lauria listens with baited breath

King Zig drinks more of his ale
Sirena Lauria lets out her breath "what did they find?"
Styx raises a brow and munches on some bread listening to zig closely
King Zig: now where was i?
Kriro Resident while keeping an ear open for the kings story he starts licking of the blood on the plate as well.
Odil Lumiere: "Under Water"
Sirena Lauria prompts "the dwarves were taking turns digging in the water

King Zig: ah yes well, one day, on e dwarf returns and he is screaming and shaking and, crying! very unusual for dwarves to do you know. says he was digging and started hearing these voices and a light
Shadoe Oleander starts drumming her fingers on the table lightly
Sirena Lauria frowns "voices? and a light?'
King Zig: naturally, the Overseer whipped him good for lying and trying to scare the other slave.... ur, workers and immediately sent in 4 more dwarves with their axes and shovels

King Zig: pretty soon up the come all screaming and cursing as the first. so now the Overseer himself takes off his clothes and jumps in well. when the news came to me i could not believe it i had to go see fur meself and go see i did
Sirena Lauria says impatiently "what did you see sire?"
King Zig: I am getting to that Lady Sirena
Eecho Rotaru: No! Just finish sire.
King Zig: So as i was saying, i head to the mines and i too remove me clothes and dives deep into the cold waters of the mines, dirty with the filth from all the mining
Cyneswith Luik grins, 'Lot's o' naked folk in this tale..'
Sirena Lauria sips her wine and her face reflects more impatience

King Zig: well anyway, this light shines from the stone and a voice calls me
Eecho Rotaru takes a really long drink.
King Zig: calls to me!
Cyneswith Luik guides a goblet of bloodwine to her lips and swallows some down, trying to concentrate on the story.
Sirena Lauria listens intently
King Zig: and there, before my eyes this enormous Monolith stands glowing and with strange letters written all over it and....well...it sounded like it was crying
Vengeance would raise his brow if he had one "Strange letters.. Interesting.."
Sirena Lauria whispers "the stone was crying? did it say why?"
Vengeance: Maybe King Zig Punched it?
Odil Lumiere: Odils thinks because it seen zig naked
Vengeance chuckles to himself..
Shadoe Oleander drums her fingers on the table a bit faster... thinking the bloodwine has finally taken it's toll on the Kings mind

King Zig: Well we could not understand it
Destiny Utherwurldly: gives up using a mug and drinks from her pouch
Sirena Lauria: Sire, did you leave the stone there?
King Zig: indeed yes Lady Sirena not 200 Orc could move that stone if we wished to we need yurself to go there
Sirena Lauria puts her head in her hands "It should be studied"
Vengeance nods in agreement having already seen the stone.
King Zig: see if some demon or god is maybe housed in this watery case
Sirena Lauria says "perhaps I should see this crying stone for myself

King Zig: Lady Sirena i insist you do
Styx: she should take a few guards...its creepy down there
King Zig: we must know what is the "Message of this Megalith"
Sirena Lauria says "then if it is your will, I shall comply. I am curious anyway"
Eecho Rotaru: I think it is haunted!
King Zig: You will use all caution
Styx nods "definitely haunted"
Eecho Rotaru: In fact, I think the white worm come from that same cavern.
Styx nods "i agree with eecho"
King Zig: the worm?
Sirena Lauria shivers "I will need to prepare myself. Who do you trust to show me the stone, Sire?'
Cyneswith Luik scratches at a flea, half asleep. 'I's nah followin' yer... where'd the naked folk end up? '
Odil Lumiere: "I am curioust too, must go and see it one night when all the dwarfs are drunk"
King Zig: from the Megolith?
Shadoe Oleander catches Manwell's eye across the table and smiles
Eecho Rotaru: That is everynight Odil” laughs


Manwell Roux: *glances back at Shodoe and gives a slight nod*
Raio Hawklord: could a demon perhaps decipher it?
Styxr: Anu and i have been there as well with Lord Eecho
King Zig: Can you hold your breath lady Sirena?
Manwell Roux: *hears the offer of protection and quietly sizes Kriro up*
Sirena Lauria gives an uncomfortable smile "then I shall accept your escort, m'lord"

King Zig: we have called for the mer to assist but they seem to be out to sea at the moment
Destiny Utherwurldly: grins looking over her shoulder
Kriro Resident: I don't breathe either.
Styx: i have been to those stones a few times the moment you go in the water your heart starts to race and shivers run up your spine..
Manwell Roux: King Zig, these marking on the Stone ... are they in a recognized language? Please pardon my lateness in arriving if this has already been said
Zaireus (Human Form) speaks up again, his voice was quiet, but it still had the power to draw in the ears of those that would listen, "I too shall help this High Priestess, if she shall accept a simple human to guard her that is.."
Sirena Lauria shivers "I will make an inspection as soon as I can be shown the location"

Eecho Rotaru: Well it is curious... One part seems almost familiar.. only a tiny portion.. but the rest.. seems to be some ancient language. Being it is underwater.. perhaps some derivative of mer or siren? I should ask Karinah about this.
Vengeance shurgs "Possibly.. I have had a look at it.. It seems like a mix of several ancient languages.. It is going to be incredibly hard to translate"
Eecho Rotaru: But honestly I dread being down there very long. I feel like... darkness sucking the very life out of me.. Cursed! I believe it cursed!
Odil Lumiere: "I would not jump to conclusions King Eecho, it may have been on the surface and than sank at some catastrophic event"
Cyneswith Luik: 'Maybe 'tis nowt but a signpost sayin' 'What yer doin' down 'ere?'
Eecho Rotaru: The power that comes from it.. It seems to thrive and grow every day.
Donney Dagger nods "Some ancient Power is there.. Even i felt the drain on my when near it."
Eecho Rotaru: If I did not know better, I would say it wanted to be found...
Manwell Roux: Has anyone of the Light seen this Stone? Perhaps it would react differently
Sirena Lauria laughs weakly at Swith, all the time wondering if she is up to the task of deciphering unknown runes.
Vengeance: That Voice.. Almost seems to call out to you..

Manwell Roux: Is this Stone in the Caves or in the Mines, if I may ask?
Vengeance: Deepest part of the mines..
Manwell Roux: *nods*
Eecho Rotaru stands and says, "With sad hearts, full bellys, and gassy butts, I must say this feast time has come to an end, that those who wish to go to the dragon hunt may do so. Thank you so much for coming to his majesty's feast."
Vengeance: Deepest part of the mines..
Manwell Roux: *nods*
Eecho Rotaru stands and says, "With sad hearts, full bellys, and gassy butts, I must say this feast time has come to an end, that those who wish to go to the dragon hunt may do so. Thank you so much for coming to his majesty's feast."

A Disastrous Boat Ride

A search in Vana for Merfolk has unexpected consequences

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Damian: good day Sirena

Sirena greets him with “Good day Damian. I am very pleased to see you.”

Damian rubs his ears to see if there is something wrong with them. “Do you need some assistance?”

Sirena replies, "I am looking for mermaids and was hoping to take to the sea in a boat but I am not a good oarsman."

Damian: well then, I'll be glad to help. I'm good with boats. Do you have a boat? If not, I can find one.

Sirena says "I remember our previous boat ride and you only tipped me into the sea once!" She laughs ruefully, "I think the boat is this way." They walk along the shore until they come across an abandoned boat. Damian wipes the sweat from his brow and seats himself in the boat.

Damian: “Please sit in front of me.” Sirena lifts her skirts and daintily steps into the boat. “There you go. Now the boat will be more balanced and I can see you. Where to, fair lady?”

Sirena watches Damian take the oars expertly and smiles at him. “Along the coast m'lord. I am looking for swimmers.”

Damian: “Your wish is my command m'lady.” Sirena is more than content to watch Damian row as she leans back and trails her hand in the water. After a while the boat docks on a sandy shore and she steps off into the sand.

Damian asks, “Do you know if the mermaids are about?”

Sirena replies, “I do not know if we can spot any merfolk; they are elusive, but maybe we can find where they play.”

Damian: Perhaps we should sit by this fire then and dry our wet feet. I know nothing of the merfolk. Why do you want to find them?

Sirena: I have been inducted into the Society of Scholars and my first task is to research the mer.

Damian: Congratulations then

Sirena smiles modestly "It is because I am a cleric; we just never stop studying and learning.”

Damian: It is warm here. Perhaps we should take off our footwear.

Sirena shakes her head. "We do not have time to lollygag. I need to find where the merfolk play."

Damian shrugs his shoulders. "As you wish. We will walk in wet footgear and look for them."

Sirena sighs "Aye, you are right. I should remove my boots.” She bends over and unlaces her boots, pulls them off and ties the laces together. She slings them over her shoulder and begins to walk in the warm wet sand along the shoreline until she makes a fateful discovery. “We are stranded on an island you dolt!”

Damian wonders how he went from being smiled at to a dolt in just a few minutes. He says “I will take that as a compliment. And this is where you said the creatures lived.”

Sirena frowns " I will get wet swimming to shore and in this dress! I am stuck here.”

Damian: let us find the boat again

She says furiously, "You let the boat go out to sea. How can we find it again? You did this on purpose!"

Damian: No m'lady I would never endanger you on purpose. Let me think. Let's return to the fire while I consult my papers.

Sirena looks at Damian and scowls “You will just have to swim out and get it!”

Damian: I have an idea, I just need to work out the details. Please have a seat.

Sirena Lauria sits down angrily on the stump by the fire, scowling.

Damian: “I am thinking, be patient.” He suggests, “It is very warm here, perhaps we should take off our shirts.”

Sirena taps her feet, gets sand between her toes and then lifts a foot to brush the grit off.

Damian: would you like some help getting the sand from your toes?

Sirena gives him a dirty look, takes a deep breath to calm herself, and says, "Thank you but I can manage."

Damian: stay here while I examine the island. I may be able to make us a boat. I am good with my hands in more ways than one...

Sirena watches with a bit of relief as Damian wander offs, looking at trees and pulling at underbrush. After a long wait Damian reappears. “Come with me. I've fashioned a crude sailing craft. Perhaps it can get us back.”

Sirena follows him because she has no choice. She claps her hands when she sees a raft created out of small trees and lashed with vines.

Damian extends an arm “Let me help you on. Sit in front.” Sirena tries to balance on the floating platform and falls overboard.

Damian yells “Sirena! You fell out of the boat!”

Sirena sputters, “Damian I am never going on a boat ride with you again.” She swims to the shore.

Damian laughs as he plunges into the water and follows her. “Now we are both all wet. It is no problem, we will find a fire to dry our clothes.”

Sirena starts to cry, being wet and tired, "I am dripping and my dress is ruined.”

Damian says contritely, “I am sorry I made you sad m'lady. I was trying to help.”

Sirena says "How many more days till your debt is worked off? I cannot wait until you are gone! You cause nothing but trouble and aggravation. And now I am wet and cold."

Ever optimistic, Damian says, “Follow me. I will find us a warm fire.” Sirena slogs very ungracefully after him as he finds a small clearing with a fire. “Sit and get warm.”

Sirena greets the roaring fire with delight, "This is more like it."

Damian: there is food here also

Sirena says "I am not hungry, just cold and wet."

Damian: If you take off your clothes and put them over a log they will dry faster. I will not look.

Sirena says "I am not taking off my clothes in front of, or behind any man!"

Damian laughs, “Have it your way then.. we will just sit here until you are dry enough to continue. I have seen most of you at The Place anyway.”

Sirena gives him a dirty look "That is different. This is something else. You go away then and stay there. I see a shack you can sit in."

Damian shrugs. "As you wish Sirena. Let me know when you are ready to continue our quest."

Sirena grumbles "No more quest tonight." She makes sure Damian is in the shack before she drops the waistband of her skirt and spreads it out to dry in front of the fire. She removes her chemise and holds it up in front of her, hoping Damian is not peeking. She waves the chemise in the air wishing it would dry faster. The fire makes her drowsy and she lies down beside it and falls asleep.

Damian notices what he thinks is Sirena’s fall out of the corner of his eye and becomes concerned. He wonders if he should see if she is all right and he decides to check on her to be sure. He hurries to the figure on the ground and asks with concern, "Sirena, are you all right?

Sirena wakes with a start "Damian! " She realizes she is unclothed and grabs her chemise to cover herself. "Go away!"

Damian says, “Aha, you are fine. I was afraid for you.” He hands her a glass of mead to revive her.

Sirena waves her arms and shouts "Go away! " She knocks the mug over and it spills all over her chemise. She starts to cry. “At this rate I will never get dry!”

Damian “I have a medicine which will help you feel better. Let me give it to you.”

Sirena shouts "Wait! I need to put on my chemise.”

Damian: “I will close my eyes!” He rummages through his pockets with his eyes closed looking for something.

Sirena announces, "I have put on my chemise. I am covered." She looks longingly at her dress, but it is taking a long time to dry.

((Silverwing Benoir whispers: rummages though their pouch.))

Damian finds what he is looking for and hands her a small bottle “Here is a potion which will help you feel better and help dry you faster. Here, take this. It will make you feel better.”

Sirena takes it and sniffs it, not recognizing the smell, but not detecting any known poisons. She drinks it and says “Thank you.”

((Leather Pouch whispers: Sirena Lauria consumed a Love Potion, Spell lasts for 5 days.))

She says "This tastes sweet and clean. I like it." She smiles at the Sylvan Ranger and feelings of trust, content, and great happiness washes over her. She shakes her head a bit but the sensation remains.

Damian looks at her closely as he asks, "It is very sweet, how do you feel now?"

Sirena says "Yes, sweet it is and so are you to give me such a delicious drink. I feel warm and very happy right now. I feel light and full of air." She reaches for her now dry dress and tugs it on. "It is time I should be heading back to The Place. Will you walk with me?"

Damian smiles at Sirena, "I would be honored to walk with you"

Sirena giggles, "I would be honored to walk with a Sylvan Ranger such as you."

Damian asks, "do you know the way from here?"

Sirena says I think if we walk along the beach we can find our way"

Damian replies '”Fne.. but hold my hand so you don’t trip”

Sirena slides her hand into Damian's. She is quite content to let the Ranger guide her over the rocks and through the grasses that line the shore.

Damian says 'look at the pretty flowers in the meadow.' He smiles at Sirena and says 'they are almost as pretty as you'

Sirena looks at the handsome ranger and it as if she has never really seen him before. She smiles back at him and says "They are lovely and they smell so sweet."

After a blissful trek hand in hand along the shore, Damian asks, ”Is that your destination?"

Sirena answers, “Yes, that is Klavnork Keep, where The Place is."

Damian says, “follow me up the mountain then” Sirena huffs and pants as she climbs up the steep mountain. He asks “would you like me to carry you?"

Sirena nearly swoons to think of being held by Damian but replies "I think I can make it."

Damian says 'Fine, but if you change your mind I'll be happy to carry you.'

Damian says 'we are in your lands now'

Sirena replies "yes, shall I show you the way?'

Damian: yes, lead the way from here, but hold on to my hand tightly

Sirena Lauria gaily takes the ranger's hand and leads him up the path, all the time fully trusting this handsome, gracious man who is accompanying her home

They walk along the path, hand in hand, until she spots a dark patch of fur through the foliage. She stops and points “A bear!”

Damian: I see it. Is he safe?

Sirena says "You are the ranger. I do not know"

Damian: Many are not. Wait while I prepare my bow just in case.

Sirena's heart flutters as the ranger makes the way safe for her. She hurries past the big bear and looks at the Sylvan Ranger, "Thank you. That was so brave of you."

Damian: he appears harmless, but you can't be too sure.

Sirena flutters her eyelashes "You are so brave. I must hurry on my way, but perhaps I will see you later?"

Damian replies 'of course. I look forward to meeting you again'

Sirena hopes fervently that he will come watch her dance.

Damian: safe paths m'lady

Sirena curtsies, "Safe paths to Sylvhara m'lord"

Damian bows and turns to leave blowing her a kiss.

Sirena rushes off, all the time thinking of the handsome ranger.

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Emy & Cas, thank you so much for inviting me as blogger! *Giggles. I will try to remember to take pictures too!

Sirena's Elevation to Priestess

High Priest Eecho Rotaru: Ladies and Gentlemen, and you brutes in the back. We are here tonight to invoke the dark gods! Those primal powers who shake heaven and earth with their fiery will, shall be called to witness the making of a priestess, a cleric of Torgan. High Priest: Now if you will, please follow me as we progress up the Mount of Shadow to the holy shrine of the gods. The High Priest leads the procession up the Mount to the Healing Shrine and waits for them all to gather round it. 

 

The High Priest raises his hands and closes his eyes. "Gods of Shadow, I call you to bless this place - to consecrate it again for holy use, that Sirena may once again tend the shrine!"
Candidate Sirena Lauria begins to to tend to the shrine. She trims the wicks on the candles and lights them. Then she picks the leaves from the surface of the pool and disposes of them. She takes an empty flask from her pouch and carefully dips it into the water, stoppering it and setting it aside when she is done. She removes the bandages and salves from her pouch and sets them beside the flask. She dips her fingers into the pool and sprinkles the tools of her trade with drops of the healing water. She murmurs a soft prayer, "Bless these tools so that the healing I offer is strengthened by Your Power." She waits a moment and then returns all to her pouch.

High Priest: Sirena, you have come here tonight, keeping the shrine as you have for many moons before. In which deity's name do you do this service? Candidate Sirena turns to the High Priest and responds quietly, "I perform these acts in the name of Belenus." High Priest: Sirena, I have witnessed your hard work and dedication, attending classes, prayers and devotion to your deity. And it is as the High Priest of Torgan and its gods that I ask you to step forth. Candidate Sirena steps forward. High Priest: You are about to commit to be a priestess of your god for the rest of this lifetime. Are you ready to take that step? Candidate Sirena Lauria says joyously, her face shining with an inner light, "High Priest, I am not only ready but eager and willing to be priestess to Belenus for the rest of my lifetime, to serve Hm with love and devotion and passion." High Priest: Then by the powers invested in me by the gods of this realm I anoint you with this oil and name you Priestess of Belenus! The High Priest takes out a small vial of holy oil and pours a few drops on her head.

High Priest: Sirena, please turn and bless the people as your first act as a priestess and cleric. Priestess Sirena turns to the people and lifts her arms, knowing that the God is with her now and will be with her forever. She chants, "People of Torgan, I bless you in the name of Belenus. May you never hunger. May you never thirst. May you never want for health and strength. This I ask for you in the name of Belenus." She lowers her arms and smiles at the gathering. HIgh King Zig: Huzzah! High Priest: Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you cleric of the Torgan Empire... Priestess Sirena Lauria!

Priestess Sirena bows "Citizens of Torg, Sylvhara, Vana and all other realms I wish to express my thanks to you for witnessing this very special evening with me. The joy of one special moment is multiplied when shared amongst friends such as you."

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My thanks to Sirena for her submission