The dust has settled

A forum for followers of Light.
natalia
Immortal of Light
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:08 pm
Temple: Light

The dust has settled

Post by natalia »

Her small black eyes peered out over the destruction of the Spire. The dark vines tight grip still surrounded the lumber that made this once grand spire. Her whiskers hung low to the ground as she took rapid sniffs of the now tainted ground. Her head twisted slightly to the left as she pondered what kind of dark magic Kilogoth had used on the forest soil. She studied the scene, committing it to memory for use later. She slowly turned to make her way to her private study a breeze kicked up. A foul smell ran across her nose, so foul that it stopped her in her tracks. Her face scrunched up tight as he paw covered her sensitive nose. Not giving it another thought she scuttled back towards the Reflecting pools in Devardec.

With an effortless leap she made her way onto the the marble ledge that held the crystal water. From within her pack she pulled out a few old books. All bound in leather she set them down upon the smooth surface, the oldest of which had a small flame embossed on the cover. A slight creak could be heard as the binding stretched upon opening. The pages now in a tarnished yellow color from years of handling she searched for the right page. Nearly half through the book she stopped on a page. Her eyes ran quickly up and down the pages, tracing the faint text with her paw. The word purge appears numerous times on the page. As she leaned in closer to reread a section of the tome, the wind swirled around the pools. Moving faster it created small waves of white peaks in the pool. The wind caught her off guard and flipped numerous pages of the book she read. Her paws worked franticly to find the page she was off till the scent hit her again. The odor was complex and next to impossible to pinpoint the source.

As much as it pained her delicate nose, she deeply inhaled. The bouquet had hints of mold, rotten flesh and even more unimaginable things. She inhaled deeper trying to figure out the source of the scent but as quickly as it wafted in, it dissipated.

She glanced around the reflecting pool, taking note of the construction workers to the south of her. None of these men had been in the Woodtop with her, yet she was sure the aroma was that of the same from the Elven city. Aside from them, she was alone.

A sigh slipped from her mouth as she reopened her book, she still had to find a solution to cure the now ruined ground were the Spire once sat. Best not disappoint
Caerwyn, she requested a solution and fast. No progress or healing could be made until the physical memories could be washed away.
natalia
Immortal of Light
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:08 pm
Temple: Light

Re: The dust has settled

Post by natalia »

She once again found herself before the collapsed spire, packing her longbow she wield a vile of a crystal blue potion and her Tome of Light. The dark vines had encroached further into the area, gaining ground within the Woodtop. She looked over the immediate area closely. She took a few steps closer to the center of the area and pawed at the ground. Her small claws pulled back the vines and splinters of lumber until the soil was visible.

She laid the book on the ground, reopening it to a prior page she had marked. She closed her eyes and started to chant. A brilliant light began to from in her free hand. Her words were clear and unwavering as she chanted louder. The ball of light grew larger as she moved it closer to the vile. She merged the two objects together and a shower of sparks hit the ground. The vile now gleamed with a golden light.

Opening her eyes she looked upon the soil once again as she slowly poured its contents onto the vile onto the ground. As the liquid absorbed into the ground the vines shriveled and started to receded into the depths. She breathed a sigh of relieve, confident that this may of been the solution.

As she packed her tome away and prepared to let Caerwyn know of the results a evil laugh rung out from the depths. She quickly glanced back to the ground as the vines regained their life and started to spread. The ground seemed to move under her as the vines began to consume her. They made quick work of wrapping around her small mouse frame. Their foul stench caused her eyes to water as they twisted around her body, attempting to extinguish her life, and light. It was than she knew she was in over her head, and started to fight back and claw her way to safety, but their grip was strong. She started to weep, fearing the worst. The fear of entering the underworld she called out to her Mistress. With little time to spare a bright light shot from the heavens burning the vines that entrapped her. They fell to the ground with a thud as she quickly scurried to safety.

She stood on safe ground attempting to catch her breath. The magic that infected the ground was great indeed. She needed to speak with Caerwyn and the rest of the temple to come up with another plan. It was going to take more than just her to cleanse the formerCathedral.
natalia
Immortal of Light
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:08 pm
Temple: Light

Re: The dust has settled

Post by natalia »

Her eyes, heavy from lack of sleep, looked up as Jennjenn walked up to the reflecting pools. She had made the pools her home over the last few weeks, spending all her time here reviewing books and her personal notes of the infection they were battling.

"Care to join me in meeting Garali?" asked Jennjenn.

She gave a quick nod as she scampered atop her Pegasus and followed Jennjenn to the Woodtop.

Upon arrival they discussed the blight that had brought down the Spire in a rather light fashion, until Garali opened the floor to other theories. She found herself stepping forwarding and offering what she had learned already.


"I believe, when The Revenant, err Kilogoth, infected the ground he implanted that of lost souls from the Underworld. The infection is more than just a case of blight. Until we can treat the blight and release the souls, I think any type of magic we use will prove to be pointless." she informed the group.

"Further, if my theory in fact is correct, I presume that Lord Kilogoth will stand in our way of treating the soil."

She scanned over the ruins while both Garali and Jennjenn listened to her theory. Her eyes moving slowly around the immediate area, though they didn't focus on the actually distraction or cursed earth. Rather they played out of all the events that had happen. Her visions had become more and more frequent, most of them being replays from the past but now and than a premonition of the future. It was at this time her mind skipped to a moment in the past.

She turned to Lord Garali and spoke of her memory.


"Perhaps you should speak with the Ambassador of the Woodtop. For I remember the Hooded Figure offering a large amount of coin to the Elven leader for something. I don't know if it was for information or for services but either way it could prove to be informative."

The look of shock appeared upon Garali's face as he took in her comments. Garali offered her assurance that he would speak to the Ambassador and seek out answers to what had transpired.

The group continued to discuss the situation, each party offering up names of those to get in touch with, they agreed to meet up again soon to discuss their findings. She felt at easy knowing that Lord Garali had pledged to help them as much as he could to purge the land of this evil.

With one last look over the area she made haste back to the reflection pools and her research.
natalia
Immortal of Light
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:08 pm
Temple: Light

Re: The dust has settled

Post by natalia »

Her only homes have become this Wizard's Laboratory and the Reflection pools. For brief moments she would come out to speak to other citizens but her work started to consume her. It was starting to become clear to others.

Large dark bags have developed under her eyes. Small patches of fur are now missing upon her body due to lack of sleep and proper diet. Yet she had made a promise to her Mistress and her beliefs.

Cauldrons and vials bubbled in the lab as she took out her pack. She removed the crock stopper and used some tweezers to remove a sample of the dark vines from the Woodtop. A large book and quill sat next to a candle as she documented every result. A rack of yet more clear files with soil samples sat upon a shelf above the dark work bench. Just as she started to remove the vine from the small tube a knock came on the laboratory door.


"Come in!" she barked.

A small dwarven page wandered in with a heavy pack.

"I have all the runes you requested M'Lady." the page remarked as he placed the bag near the workbench.

"Thank you, see my assistant outside the cathedral for your payment please." she instructed him as her eyes never leave her work.

"Perhaps you should take a break M'Lady, you don't look well." the page remarked with a look of desperation on his face.

"I can't, this blight must be treated and quickly. Now, if you don't have any suggestions to offer please see my assistant and have a good day." she snapped back.

She bent over and opened the bag taking out a Bronze Rune of Life. She set it upon the bench and rubbed her eyes for a moment. A small sigh escaped her mouth as she settled in for yet another long night of testing.
natalia
Immortal of Light
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:08 pm
Temple: Light

Re: The dust has settled

Post by natalia »

She looked up from her research abruptly as one of her pages informed her that Luminya was spotted by the old Cathedral.

"You, come her quick and watch this vial for results. If anything happens report back to me right away." She ordered.

She scuttled quickly to stables and retrieved her Pegasus and made her way to the blighted grounds. She quickly found Luminya surveying the now infested area.

They reviewed the facts briefly making sure all the facts were the clear.

"Just what do you suggest we do?" she begged of Luminya.

Luminya thought on it briefly before offering Natalia her take on the blight. After much discussion and swapping of theories Natalia's confidence in Luminya's take on the situation blossomed. Luminya than spoke of the items that must be gathered in order to purge the land. The first was rather straight forward and than Natalia's eyes grew wide when Luminya spoke of a sacrifice.

It was than that Natalia knew what she had to do, she stepped toward Luminya and told her she was ready. The blessed Ki-rin offered her a Globe of Light to aid her in the process of curing the blight.

The two finished their strategies and even agreed upon meeting again to attempt once the month of the First Growth had started. They both felt that the land would be the most receptive at that time.

Natalia made her way to Jennjenn and updated her on the situation. She spoke in detail on the date and the items needed but only briefly when it came to the matter of a sacrifice as to know worry her. She promptly returned to the reflection pools to prepare the temple, and herslef for what needed to be done.
jennjenn
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:08 pm
Guild: Knights
Temple: Light

Re: The dust has settled

Post by jennjenn »

The sound of laughter and the changing of the guard drifted to Jennjenn's ears from the guild above as she sat within her office,
a fresh piece of parchment sitting before her. The candle light danced and licked at its wax base, casting long shadows along the office walls
and the Knights' face.

Natalia's words replayed once again in Jennjenn's mind; the items needed and the questions still unanswered. There was still much to be done
and more research to be completed before a definitive answer was found to cure the blight that remained and the forests were returned to their
normal state.

Dipping her quill into a fresh bottle of ink, Jennjenn hovered above the parchment and began to pen a message.


Members of Light and all Concerned Citizens:

As we continue our research into finding a cure for the destruction caused by the Immortal of Death, the need for aide continues to increase.

Help is still needed!

Members and all concerned citizens are asked to seek potions and items that encourage new life and bring them to the site of the ruins for
further research by our team. Please inform Natalia or Jennjenn of which items you have found to research.

Those who may have knowledge in the magics, arcana or past experience with blight and plague who may be able to assist, please contact
Lady Natalia.

We must work as a team to defeat this blight once and for all!


With a flurry, Jennjenn signed her name at the bottom of the parchment before giving a final nod and hurrying to tack it to the
boards for all members to read.
natalia
Immortal of Light
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:08 pm
Temple: Light

Re: The dust has settled

Post by natalia »

She looked up and saw her mentor Jennjenn ride into the immediate area. As has been the norm she was resting next to the reflection pools, her heart heavy with the sorrow of the blight.

Jennjenn made her way to the pools and informed her that she had collected some items that may be useful. Natalia's ears perked up quickly as if filled with new life.

"That's wonderful!" she exlaimed. "Lets go see if they react to the blight or the Globe of Light."

They promptly made their way to the Woodtop and to the once grand Cathedral of Light. They looked over the blight as Natalia unpacked the Globe of Light. Natalia nodded as Jennjenn started to unpack her items of life as the globe came to life and started to quickly pulse with energy. With each item she unpacked the globe pulsed quicker and quicker, yet as she reached her last item they couldn't get the globe to remain solid with energy.

As they both gazed at the Globe the blight grew rapidly and surrounded them, before they knew what had taken place the dark vines and anchored them to the ground. The vines started to ascend their bodes as Jennjenn began to fight back the blight. Altering between her bow and sword the vines were dispatched, bits falling to the ground leaving only a foul stench of evil filling the area.

"Natalia! We must fight!" she shouted.

Natalia's eyes were glossed over as the words of Luminya rang through her mind, the need of a innocent sacrifice, the need for a new life. She nodded slowly to herself, confident she now knew the last time they needed to bring to Caerwyn. to finally rid the lands of the blight.

Tucking the Glove of Light close to her body, she surrender to the blight, she laid down and closed her eyes. The pain increased as tears ran down her nose and off her whiskers. Her face squinted as she struggled to keep her mind pure and her soul filled with Light. The sounds of her bones breaking under the unyielding power of the the blight echoed through the trees. Breathing became very labored as she looked to Jennjenn.

"Trust me Lady Jennjenn" she whispered with her last breath.

As the vines consumed her now limp body the Globe of Light filled the forest with a bright flash of light and Natalia's body disappeared leaving Jennjenn to fight the blight on her own.
jennjenn
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:08 pm
Guild: Knights
Temple: Light

Re: The dust has settled

Post by jennjenn »

The black masses of thick and gnarled vines slithered and moved like long tentacles grasping at the air and ground occasionally as Jennjenn fumbled for the hilt of her blade at her side. One sickly vine reached its way along Jennjenn's boot as she kicked furiously to escape. With a stumble sideways, the Giant momentarily broke free, unsheathing her weapon and raising it above her head, her eyes wide with shock and concern.

As the vine came forward to grasp her again, Jennjenn swung the blade of her sword down in an arc, slicing through the gnarled blight. Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing in her ears as Jennjenn froze, watching the twitching detached piece of vine before her. Her eyes widened as she tried to blink back surprise as she watched the mass carefully. Where her weapon had landed, a new black gnarled vine was growing and taking its place.

Shaking her head, Jennjenn backed her way out of the grove, careful not to turn her back or sheath her weapon until she was far enough away. Her eyes glazed over as the sight of Natalia being overcame passed through her mind. Blinking away the flood of emotion that surged through her and threatened to escape, she turned and hurried away.
****
Ootah charged ahead until the gates of Devardec came into view. Slowing to a slow trot, Jennjenn passed through the gates and into the City, heading directly to the reflecting pools in search of Natalia.

As she neared the pools, Jennjenn's face dropped. She had hoped to find Natalia waiting for her there, but the pools and cathedral site beyond were silent and void of movement. Dumping her pack on a nearby bench, Jennjenn sat, placing her head in her hands. The sound of foosteps faintly growing louder made her look up. It was someone she knew well, but had not expected to see.


"Have you come to reflect at the pools within the Temple of Light, Ravon?" Jennjenn stood to meet the Warlock, curious as to her sudden appearance. Ravon dismissed the Giant temporarily with a smirk as she made her way to the pools, unpacking and removing a cork from a black vial within her fingertips. Jennjenn followed the Warlock to the pools, hovering over her as she watched the Warlock dip the vial into the pools.

Jennjenn watched wordlessly as the Warlock then unpacked a potion of life, nodding to the old Giant to uncork the bottle. Pouring the contents into the bottle and placing some magics upon it. When the Warlock had finished she tossed the bottle to Jennjenn, who lurched forward to catch it.


"This is a Reflection of Life. It will help Natalia if you find her," Ravon muttered off-hand as she waved a hand to the vial in the Knights' hand. "The potion will be of no help should she never be found."

"She'll be found,"
Jennjenn muttered as she packed away the vial gently and turned to walk away. "Your help is appreciated. Should any of you travel to the ruins, take care." With a final look around the pools, Jennjenn turned and walked away...
User avatar
Caerwyn
Posts: 64
Joined: Sun Jul 14, 2013 7:48 pm
Temple: Light

Re: The dust has settled

Post by Caerwyn »

The Lady of Light watched the events unfold from afar, her face suffused with emotion. More than once her body seemed to move forward of its own accord as though to go to directly to the brave leaders of Light and grant divine assistance.

"They must experience and learn," she told herself each time as she willed herself to stay where she was.

Return to “Temple of Light (Natalia)”