*Barratiel sends sealed parchment to Sorath via messenger, a scout in Pelor's army, based in Krigala, Elysium*
Sorath,
It has been several months now that you have charged me with the guardianship of Naya'il and since I have seen you, my friend. I trust your duties for our Shining Father go well and that there will be a break in those troubles soon that you may safely return to calmer times and your home on Krigala.
I write to give you warning that there is a suitor for your daughter and that I am taking steps to see his worthiness for her hand. I have met with him formerly the once since learning of his courtship and will be setting him appropriate challenges. But, the ultimate test and approval is and will be yours, Sorath.
I have initial concerns, firstly his worship of this Morrigan, a lesser known goddess who is known to take many guises. The man, one Kelth McEwan, a strong warrior to be sure, asks that I look to him, his heart, not an old, perhaps tainted view of this deity and his reasons for following. Time and test will tell if he is worthy despite this. I will take on this matter on your behalf and ensure Naya's well being is considered in all things.
The man offers some odd cloth and bracers as sign of intent for his desire to wed. I refused to receive these pieces - only a father, you, my friend should accept his pledge for troth. I only promised that should he succeed in my challenges, I would put forward his name to you for consideration.
May Pelor grant you leave soon to meet with me, this man and your daughter soon.
Your friend
Barratiel
The Challenges of a Celestial
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*Mausman
- Posts: 486
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
*Kelth stood in the circle of ice...in the iceplane...Barratiel stood before him in all his glory...watching him curiously...for Kelth took of his pendant...depriving himself of Morrigan's blessing*
*Kelth did not even outpour his emotions into wards this time...only wits, claymore and his love for Naya...which in his mind, was more than enough to prove his point to Barratiel*
*And so...the duel began... Barratiel summoned the powers of his deity and attempted to unleash them upon Kelth...Kelth tumbled forward and managed to avoid the gap in the ice behind him Barratiel had just created...Kelth, in turn, charged at Barratiel and literally battered him to the ground , unleashing some mighty slashes at him in turn... Barratiel however, came back to his feet and unleashed another spell which had Kelth rub his eyes...his sight was lost for the moment...hearing would have to guide him to his opponent now...*
*Gripping his claymore tight he listened with intent...silence between the two...only the cracking of ice as they both moved slowly...Kelth tilting his head...following Barratiel's steps by ear...Barratiel in turn appraising Kelth...surprised by his tactics but by far not taken aback*
*After a brief moment, Kelth was certain he knew the location of Barratiel and leaped at him, claymore ready to strike...Barratiel attempted to land a swift strike of his own, though Kelth managed to grab the blade with his gloved hand, grinning faintly and striking Barratiel with a faint graze, struggling to swing the claymore with only one hand*
*the duel lasted for quite some time, Kelth slowly gaining the upper hand by striking at Barr's weapon, causing openings to strike at him, Barr's holy powers constantly mending his own wounds, untill the moment was there, finally, Kelth had him down on the floor...both panting*
*Kelth wanted to help him up but not insult honor, seeing Barratiel crawling up, had him extend his hand, as to shake and thank for a wonderfull battle...Barratiel took it and shook in turn*
*Kelth inclined his head respectfully at Barratiel, awaiting his judgement*
*Kelth did not even outpour his emotions into wards this time...only wits, claymore and his love for Naya...which in his mind, was more than enough to prove his point to Barratiel*
*And so...the duel began... Barratiel summoned the powers of his deity and attempted to unleash them upon Kelth...Kelth tumbled forward and managed to avoid the gap in the ice behind him Barratiel had just created...Kelth, in turn, charged at Barratiel and literally battered him to the ground , unleashing some mighty slashes at him in turn... Barratiel however, came back to his feet and unleashed another spell which had Kelth rub his eyes...his sight was lost for the moment...hearing would have to guide him to his opponent now...*
*Gripping his claymore tight he listened with intent...silence between the two...only the cracking of ice as they both moved slowly...Kelth tilting his head...following Barratiel's steps by ear...Barratiel in turn appraising Kelth...surprised by his tactics but by far not taken aback*
*After a brief moment, Kelth was certain he knew the location of Barratiel and leaped at him, claymore ready to strike...Barratiel attempted to land a swift strike of his own, though Kelth managed to grab the blade with his gloved hand, grinning faintly and striking Barratiel with a faint graze, struggling to swing the claymore with only one hand*
*the duel lasted for quite some time, Kelth slowly gaining the upper hand by striking at Barr's weapon, causing openings to strike at him, Barr's holy powers constantly mending his own wounds, untill the moment was there, finally, Kelth had him down on the floor...both panting*
*Kelth wanted to help him up but not insult honor, seeing Barratiel crawling up, had him extend his hand, as to shake and thank for a wonderfull battle...Barratiel took it and shook in turn*
*Kelth inclined his head respectfully at Barratiel, awaiting his judgement*
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The planetar stepped back regarding Kelth from his great height.
"You have indeed proven yourself well able to protect her and that your power comes not only from muscle and the kissing of a crow pendant...but from somewhere deeper. I judge that you pass my first challenge"
he nodded slowly, clearly impressed at the man's abilities in the duel. His smile was wry
"..just never try to take my sword from me again...it was a gift from Pelor himself"
but this was only Barratiel's dry sense of humour, and he indicated that no insult had been made.
"Now to the second challenge....a quest....this will be a test of wider skills and for a purpose that is not of your own but for a greater good......
There is a plane, known as Carceri...the creatures within are many and evil, the remnants of many wars between celestials and their foe, cast offs from outfall of the Blood War....a place of exiles...who plot treachery and return of power against all that is good.
There is a leader there, one of the gehreleths who has grown to power.....we believe that he holds one of the ''Dawnshards''..a relic belonging to Pelor that was lost a decade ago.
Your task...defeat this leader, find this relic....the essence of the sun at dawn shines through this shard, its light should be returned to Pelor, his holy symbol.
You may take only up to three others with you...make your choice wisely...to do battle, to find your way through the hazards of that plane and to search for this relic. "
Barr nodded then to Kelth as he asked if taking Naya'il with him on this mission was acceptable, before taking off in flight once more to soar over the icey mountains of the ice plane."
"You have indeed proven yourself well able to protect her and that your power comes not only from muscle and the kissing of a crow pendant...but from somewhere deeper. I judge that you pass my first challenge"
he nodded slowly, clearly impressed at the man's abilities in the duel. His smile was wry
"..just never try to take my sword from me again...it was a gift from Pelor himself"
but this was only Barratiel's dry sense of humour, and he indicated that no insult had been made.
"Now to the second challenge....a quest....this will be a test of wider skills and for a purpose that is not of your own but for a greater good......
There is a plane, known as Carceri...the creatures within are many and evil, the remnants of many wars between celestials and their foe, cast offs from outfall of the Blood War....a place of exiles...who plot treachery and return of power against all that is good.
There is a leader there, one of the gehreleths who has grown to power.....we believe that he holds one of the ''Dawnshards''..a relic belonging to Pelor that was lost a decade ago.
Your task...defeat this leader, find this relic....the essence of the sun at dawn shines through this shard, its light should be returned to Pelor, his holy symbol.
You may take only up to three others with you...make your choice wisely...to do battle, to find your way through the hazards of that plane and to search for this relic. "
Barr nodded then to Kelth as he asked if taking Naya'il with him on this mission was acceptable, before taking off in flight once more to soar over the icey mountains of the ice plane."
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*pelhikano
- Posts: 197
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Meanwhile, Sorath received the letter from Barratiel.
So you have found love, little bird...
He writes a reply to Barratiel:
So you have found love, little bird...
He writes a reply to Barratiel:
wrote: Barratiel,
I thank you for your continued guardianship over my daughter. The war continues as ever, but that should not be surprising to you. I am sending this letter through a chain of messengers, as I am still far from home. A meeting can only be arranged in at the earliest a month's time.
True love is a rare thing indeed. Naya is still very young, and this may be only some youthful infatuation, which is not to say it might not make her rush into dangerous decisions. I must ask you to take greatest care you do not force either of the two into a dangerous corner, as Naya might prefer to fall together with him rather than fleeing.
I am not overly familiar with the goddess Morrigan, though it sounds like she is part of the fey court. These are a capricious bunch I have always felt, and I worry what this means for the mindset of the man Kelth. I ask you to find out if this courtship of Naya is not some strange ritual or a wicked game of the fey, who are known to not put much worth in honor and truth as we understand it.
Though I welcome your effort to test the strength of the man's love, I must stress again that you may not endanger Naya in any way, even indirectly. Consider that she may be (foolishly) thinking herself in the throes of true love and passion and may follow this man to wherever you send him for the tests, even if disallowed by you. Youth has a way to do such things despite all efforts of the old to stop them. Do your best to ensure that Naya does not follow him into undue danger, and I also ask you not to send Kelth into near certain death: that would not be an act worthy of Pelor.
Ultimately I trust your judgement in this, my old friend, and I know you love Naya as much as I do. I will think of an ultimate test to test the true extent of Kelth McEwan's love and contact you as soon as possible.
May the light of Pelor shine on you always,
Sorath
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*Mausman
- Posts: 486
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
*Kelth held his pendant, glancing at it, frowning as he sat on a rock in the beastlands*
I...d'feated Barratiel wivoout yer aid...*as he rolled the pendant over his fingers and into his palm again* in...duel...
I...slew demons an' devils...thinkin' I....required yer blessin' tae do such...but it was Naya pullin' me throough....an' me oown drive tae slay them abominations...
ye ne'er were wiv me all along, were ye? Morrigan....ye look at me from afar...like tha pawn tha' I am tae ye...I am forced tae praise ye...fer if I nae do it...-her- grave will be dessecrated again as it was back then...an' I kin sense, yer nae plannin' tae let me go wivoout price...an' nae ma'er if I pay it...I will nae knoow peace in tha' end...
*Kelth rummaged in his belt pouch, revealing his old pendant of Tempus...staring at it for a long, long time*
I...-we-... will purge Carceri...but whom do I take wiv? ...Naya wants tae come...an'...I nae be complete wivoout 'er scythe at me side...securin' this relic
twa more soouls...Barratiel allowed me...
whom do I take wiv? ....
whom...do I trust 'noough fer this? ....
I...d'feated Barratiel wivoout yer aid...*as he rolled the pendant over his fingers and into his palm again* in...duel...
I...slew demons an' devils...thinkin' I....required yer blessin' tae do such...but it was Naya pullin' me throough....an' me oown drive tae slay them abominations...
ye ne'er were wiv me all along, were ye? Morrigan....ye look at me from afar...like tha pawn tha' I am tae ye...I am forced tae praise ye...fer if I nae do it...-her- grave will be dessecrated again as it was back then...an' I kin sense, yer nae plannin' tae let me go wivoout price...an' nae ma'er if I pay it...I will nae knoow peace in tha' end...
*Kelth rummaged in his belt pouch, revealing his old pendant of Tempus...staring at it for a long, long time*
I...-we-... will purge Carceri...but whom do I take wiv? ...Naya wants tae come...an'...I nae be complete wivoout 'er scythe at me side...securin' this relic
twa more soouls...Barratiel allowed me...
whom do I take wiv? ....
whom...do I trust 'noough fer this? ....
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
After reading the letter, Barratiel, lowers the parchment and stands, looking out to the sea and the mouth of the great river Oceanus from his home. His thoughts are manyÂ…
“Ah Sorath, my friend…would that you had spent this time with Naya’il as I have had, you would know her to be strong and competent in battle and be proud to know what she can accomplish…your concern is expected, but I have seen what she can do both alone and with this man in battle….
Â…. I doubt my task is certain deathÂ…difficult yesÂ….but not impossibleÂ…and I know her to be close to her full potential and ready to join us in PelorÂ’s armyÂ…...indeedÂ…I had in mind to offer her position as my aide and bring her out to join you Â…show her that path as her destiny and reunite father and daughter fighting together for our great causeÂ…ah wellÂ…
Hmm…I will investigate this Morrigan further, friend, as you ask…and attempt to judge her feelings… but when it comes to the emotion of true love my friend, you are the better placed to know having loved her mother…I can only ensure that he deals with her honourably and righteously”
And with that Barratiel withdrew into his home, thinking that a month would pass quickly enough and praying that Sorath would deal well in that time before they could meet up again.
“Ah Sorath, my friend…would that you had spent this time with Naya’il as I have had, you would know her to be strong and competent in battle and be proud to know what she can accomplish…your concern is expected, but I have seen what she can do both alone and with this man in battle….
Â…. I doubt my task is certain deathÂ…difficult yesÂ….but not impossibleÂ…and I know her to be close to her full potential and ready to join us in PelorÂ’s armyÂ…...indeedÂ…I had in mind to offer her position as my aide and bring her out to join you Â…show her that path as her destiny and reunite father and daughter fighting together for our great causeÂ…ah wellÂ…
Hmm…I will investigate this Morrigan further, friend, as you ask…and attempt to judge her feelings… but when it comes to the emotion of true love my friend, you are the better placed to know having loved her mother…I can only ensure that he deals with her honourably and righteously”
And with that Barratiel withdrew into his home, thinking that a month would pass quickly enough and praying that Sorath would deal well in that time before they could meet up again.
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
They met up at the portal to Carceri. Neli handed out to each a number of prepared spells and wands. Kelth assured her she would not be out of pocket for the work she had put into this venture. Naya'il saw the scrolls and with curiosity tested one...a greater spell mantle....she shouldn't have been able to use it...arcane spell casting when she was a favoured of the divine? But the spell worked to her astonishment and the protective mantle settled around her...curious...something from her mother's side that she had not been told about?
The beach on Carceri was initially deserted until Kelth lead forward and then there was no end to the waves of gehreleths; Farastu, Kelubar and Shator that swarmed towards them, hampering progress to reach the cliff cave entrance. Clearing path forward they would approach once more from behind...it was imperative the adventurers reach the cave before being overcome by the swarms. A lull in the attack allowed them to enter the cave, Kelth taking rear guard ensuring none followed them through. Here, they were given a small respite to catch breath from battle before pressing on.
The tunnels were dark, narrow in places but the team...for they were a team...while Karath'rok had not fought with Kelth or Naya'il for some while, he had quickly picked up his role and position wielding his axes with great skill and aplomb. Neli, in turn, easily proved herself skilled mage adapting to their fighting styles, raining missiles from the rear. But then, she had fought once before with kelth, against the Champion of Shar..so was not entirely unfamiliar with Kelth's leadership style. Her missiles were charged with heated electricity that had Naya protecting all with the same energy immunity to allow the mage free reign to let lose her charges of destruction upon the gehreleths.
Finally, they came up on a larger chamber, Kelth bashed open the door to face a line of ten large demodands...spells and dispells flying everywhere, the adventurers raced into the room to confront the beasts. Scythe, axe, claymore and missile lashed and slashed through the hoard. Protections dispelled, Naya found herself held by a powerful force, unable to move; Kelth left drained of his strength until Naya finally released herself from the hold and restored him; Karath and Neli holding the gehreleths at bay until the other two had recovered.
It took all four to bring the final leader down. And when it fell, defeated, the shard of light fell to the floor with it. Both Naya'il and Kelth kneeled to study it, the shard revealed and parading the essence of its dawn light around the chamber. Kelth reverently lifted it from the ground. Seeing the relic, both Karath'rok and Neli questionned the meaning of it for Kelth, on asking for their aid, had not given them reason, only that he needed their help on an 'important' mission. The fact they had come to his and Naya's request, without needing to know more was to their credit, and both were given explanation of the quest then and the importance of this relic: its holiness and power, a symbol of Pelor that had been lost, taken by this gehreleth, now to be returned to its rightful owner. Kelth calmly wrapped up the relic in white linen, storing it carefully to his pack.
The team moved through the chamber and found that the next door led out to a storeroom that contained a portal. Stepping through they returned safely to the Lady's Ward in Sigil and to a bear hug from a lion followed by a celebratory feast.
The beach on Carceri was initially deserted until Kelth lead forward and then there was no end to the waves of gehreleths; Farastu, Kelubar and Shator that swarmed towards them, hampering progress to reach the cliff cave entrance. Clearing path forward they would approach once more from behind...it was imperative the adventurers reach the cave before being overcome by the swarms. A lull in the attack allowed them to enter the cave, Kelth taking rear guard ensuring none followed them through. Here, they were given a small respite to catch breath from battle before pressing on.
The tunnels were dark, narrow in places but the team...for they were a team...while Karath'rok had not fought with Kelth or Naya'il for some while, he had quickly picked up his role and position wielding his axes with great skill and aplomb. Neli, in turn, easily proved herself skilled mage adapting to their fighting styles, raining missiles from the rear. But then, she had fought once before with kelth, against the Champion of Shar..so was not entirely unfamiliar with Kelth's leadership style. Her missiles were charged with heated electricity that had Naya protecting all with the same energy immunity to allow the mage free reign to let lose her charges of destruction upon the gehreleths.
Finally, they came up on a larger chamber, Kelth bashed open the door to face a line of ten large demodands...spells and dispells flying everywhere, the adventurers raced into the room to confront the beasts. Scythe, axe, claymore and missile lashed and slashed through the hoard. Protections dispelled, Naya found herself held by a powerful force, unable to move; Kelth left drained of his strength until Naya finally released herself from the hold and restored him; Karath and Neli holding the gehreleths at bay until the other two had recovered.
It took all four to bring the final leader down. And when it fell, defeated, the shard of light fell to the floor with it. Both Naya'il and Kelth kneeled to study it, the shard revealed and parading the essence of its dawn light around the chamber. Kelth reverently lifted it from the ground. Seeing the relic, both Karath'rok and Neli questionned the meaning of it for Kelth, on asking for their aid, had not given them reason, only that he needed their help on an 'important' mission. The fact they had come to his and Naya's request, without needing to know more was to their credit, and both were given explanation of the quest then and the importance of this relic: its holiness and power, a symbol of Pelor that had been lost, taken by this gehreleth, now to be returned to its rightful owner. Kelth calmly wrapped up the relic in white linen, storing it carefully to his pack.
The team moved through the chamber and found that the next door led out to a storeroom that contained a portal. Stepping through they returned safely to the Lady's Ward in Sigil and to a bear hug from a lion followed by a celebratory feast.
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*Mausman
- Posts: 486
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
An' so we 'ave been victorious...*Kelth glanced at the Dawnshard*
T'is time tae return ye tae yer rightfull place...ray o'light....*Kelth spoke against the Dawnshard as if it -were- an actual newborn*
truely, 'avin' Neli an' Karath wiv us alloowed this...quite tha swift force we were wiv all foour...nae a single grave injury....
...t'is strange...fer some reason I....this cause...t'felt -good- tae pursue...purpose...nae only fer tha goal tha's tha most important one in me life noow...but...more...
I will await Barratiels judgement...*Kelth tucked away the bundled Dawnshard* ..wiv raised chin an' straight back....my love fer Naya is true...'e 'as tae see tha'.....
T'is time tae return ye tae yer rightfull place...ray o'light....*Kelth spoke against the Dawnshard as if it -were- an actual newborn*
truely, 'avin' Neli an' Karath wiv us alloowed this...quite tha swift force we were wiv all foour...nae a single grave injury....
...t'is strange...fer some reason I....this cause...t'felt -good- tae pursue...purpose...nae only fer tha goal tha's tha most important one in me life noow...but...more...
I will await Barratiels judgement...*Kelth tucked away the bundled Dawnshard* ..wiv raised chin an' straight back....my love fer Naya is true...'e 'as tae see tha'.....
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*Mausman
- Posts: 486
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
* the sound of the crashing waves on the beach of Elysium was nothing compared to the many thoughts and questions that were racing in Kelth's mind*
*The powerfull flapping of those magnificent wings could be heard in the distance, which rapidly came close...Barratiel arrived in all his glory...summoned by Kelth's beloved Naya'il...*
* Barratiel enquired as to why he was summoned...but soon his angelic eyes widened when Kelth produced the bundle of linnen from his pack, holding it like the newborn source of light it was to him*
* after enquiring to the fate of the evil Lord and hearing Kelth declare that their crusade through Carceri had it purged quit thoroughly, the gift of a grin was offered by Barratiel, whom accepted the Dawnshard from Kelth, whom, after handing it over, declared that it was the fact that the two additional souls who aided in this, were chosen for their willingness from the heart...Neli and Karath'rok...*
*The true test however...only began then...for Kelth...struggling with his inner questions and emotions, broke in front of Barratiel...revealing how it came to be he served Morrigan...revealing how he once was one of Tempus' proud flock...asking...near begging with his eyes for the truth...asking Barratiel if it was true that one needed to be chosen by Pelor...*
*Barratiel, be it suprise...sympathy...or mayhap truely seeing Kelth's inner core in front of him, clasped Kelth's shoulder, a majestic display of exactly that which Pelor stands for...mercy...as he smiled upon Kelth, speaking true, hard words, after Kelth had confessed his fear to him...expressing understanding for Kelth's choice those ten years ago...speaking out how he saw it...the bargain of a Goddess with a damaged soul at that time...*
" It seems to me...you have a choice to make, lad...the future and living...and pray that the light of the sun might shine upon her grave and grant her eternal peace...or stick to the past...the dead...and wonder how long you will have to repay that debt to that fickle Goddess.....the choice...is yours, Kelth" *as he smiled gently once more at Kelth*
*Kelth nodded slowly, the words hitting him, as if he could feel the pain the hammer once caused when it broke one of Naya's wings to prepare for mending...which...was exactly that which happened now...Kelth broke...in preparation for mending...*
* Grabbing that pendant...that sickly black pendant of the Crow of War...clenching his fist around it...jaw fixed, Kelth turned to the sea...and with a mighty hurl, sent it off, breaking his symbolic bond to Morrigan in front of Barratiel and Naya'il...slowly turning to face Barratiel once more*
An' so...tha choice is made...Barratiel...*Kelth spoke with broken voice*
*Barratiel had nodded approvingly as he saw Kelth cast off the pendant into the sea, speaking as Kelth faced him*
"Are you ready for your third test then, Kelth McEwan?"
Aye...Barratiel...I stand ready...*Kelth nodded*
*Barratiel kindly asked Naya to move a bit further, as he required to ask Kelth some questions in private*
"This...test is about honour and...truth, Kelth...are you...a man of your word? not breaking it once given?"
...Yer question requires actions, instead o'words fer an answer, Barratiel...but aye...I kin say in all truth tha' I am a man o'me word...
"Then answer me this, in truth...have you two...been...intimate with eachother? ...touched? .."
* Kelth proceeded to respond in full, not spilling details but being honest in his answer..yet Barratiel lifted his hands, stopping Kelth and asking him for the single answer*
Aye...Barratiel...we 'ave....
"Then I ask of you...Kelth...out of respect to the girl and her family, ...that you do all to not have her be with child before Sorath's blessing, vows made and are joined in lawful wedlock...will you give me your word on that? Kelth McEwan?"
*Kelth glanced up at Barratiel, knowing full well what it meant which he asked*
Aye...Barratiel...ye 'ave me word on this...*as Kelth placed his right hand on his chest, where his heart would be*
"Then I deem you pass this third test...Kelth McEwan...it is in Sorath's hands now.."
*Kelth inclined his head respectfully, smiling up at Barratiel, whom again, gripped Kelth's shoulder firmly, which strangely gave Kelth comfort...*
I kin sense yer urge tae bring back this gift o' light tae....-our- Lord...Barratiel...
"Indeed...and so I shall...." *Barratiel smiled as he made ready to depart to the fortress of light, waving at Kelth and Naya'il*
*The powerfull flapping of those magnificent wings could be heard in the distance, which rapidly came close...Barratiel arrived in all his glory...summoned by Kelth's beloved Naya'il...*
* Barratiel enquired as to why he was summoned...but soon his angelic eyes widened when Kelth produced the bundle of linnen from his pack, holding it like the newborn source of light it was to him*
* after enquiring to the fate of the evil Lord and hearing Kelth declare that their crusade through Carceri had it purged quit thoroughly, the gift of a grin was offered by Barratiel, whom accepted the Dawnshard from Kelth, whom, after handing it over, declared that it was the fact that the two additional souls who aided in this, were chosen for their willingness from the heart...Neli and Karath'rok...*
*The true test however...only began then...for Kelth...struggling with his inner questions and emotions, broke in front of Barratiel...revealing how it came to be he served Morrigan...revealing how he once was one of Tempus' proud flock...asking...near begging with his eyes for the truth...asking Barratiel if it was true that one needed to be chosen by Pelor...*
*Barratiel, be it suprise...sympathy...or mayhap truely seeing Kelth's inner core in front of him, clasped Kelth's shoulder, a majestic display of exactly that which Pelor stands for...mercy...as he smiled upon Kelth, speaking true, hard words, after Kelth had confessed his fear to him...expressing understanding for Kelth's choice those ten years ago...speaking out how he saw it...the bargain of a Goddess with a damaged soul at that time...*
" It seems to me...you have a choice to make, lad...the future and living...and pray that the light of the sun might shine upon her grave and grant her eternal peace...or stick to the past...the dead...and wonder how long you will have to repay that debt to that fickle Goddess.....the choice...is yours, Kelth" *as he smiled gently once more at Kelth*
*Kelth nodded slowly, the words hitting him, as if he could feel the pain the hammer once caused when it broke one of Naya's wings to prepare for mending...which...was exactly that which happened now...Kelth broke...in preparation for mending...*
* Grabbing that pendant...that sickly black pendant of the Crow of War...clenching his fist around it...jaw fixed, Kelth turned to the sea...and with a mighty hurl, sent it off, breaking his symbolic bond to Morrigan in front of Barratiel and Naya'il...slowly turning to face Barratiel once more*
An' so...tha choice is made...Barratiel...*Kelth spoke with broken voice*
*Barratiel had nodded approvingly as he saw Kelth cast off the pendant into the sea, speaking as Kelth faced him*
"Are you ready for your third test then, Kelth McEwan?"
Aye...Barratiel...I stand ready...*Kelth nodded*
*Barratiel kindly asked Naya to move a bit further, as he required to ask Kelth some questions in private*
"This...test is about honour and...truth, Kelth...are you...a man of your word? not breaking it once given?"
...Yer question requires actions, instead o'words fer an answer, Barratiel...but aye...I kin say in all truth tha' I am a man o'me word...
"Then answer me this, in truth...have you two...been...intimate with eachother? ...touched? .."
* Kelth proceeded to respond in full, not spilling details but being honest in his answer..yet Barratiel lifted his hands, stopping Kelth and asking him for the single answer*
Aye...Barratiel...we 'ave....
"Then I ask of you...Kelth...out of respect to the girl and her family, ...that you do all to not have her be with child before Sorath's blessing, vows made and are joined in lawful wedlock...will you give me your word on that? Kelth McEwan?"
*Kelth glanced up at Barratiel, knowing full well what it meant which he asked*
Aye...Barratiel...ye 'ave me word on this...*as Kelth placed his right hand on his chest, where his heart would be*
"Then I deem you pass this third test...Kelth McEwan...it is in Sorath's hands now.."
*Kelth inclined his head respectfully, smiling up at Barratiel, whom again, gripped Kelth's shoulder firmly, which strangely gave Kelth comfort...*
I kin sense yer urge tae bring back this gift o' light tae....-our- Lord...Barratiel...
"Indeed...and so I shall...." *Barratiel smiled as he made ready to depart to the fortress of light, waving at Kelth and Naya'il*
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
*Barratiel, after returning the Dawnshard relic to safe hands of Pelor's most trusted in the Fortress of Krigala, sends via messenger scout another letter to Sorath*
Sorath,
I was gladdened to receive word from you and trust the same messengers will find way to wing this in return.
The challenges I put forward for Naya'il's suitor, Kelth McEwan, he has dealt with wisely and with courage. The first, a test of prowess in duel, a test to find out his worth as her protector. He won over me Sorath! Veteran I maybe, my friend but that told me I have some retraining to do.
The second challenge was a quest to assist Pelor, something for a greater purpose than his own; a test of how he leads, chooses his companions and deals with a larger duty. Your concern was expected Sorath, he chose to take Naya'il with him and two others. But I tell you, Sorath, she is glorious in battle, strong and determined and almost to her full potential. The challenge was difficult but not impossible. They were victorious on this crusade, returning with barely a scratch. The relic Dawnshard is now returned to Pelor - I know you will be pleased to hear this.
On the subject of the goddess Morrigan, it would seem the man has seen the light. His reasons for worshipping her were due to bargain made at a vunerable moment, at young age over some half score year ago to save the grave of his former wife from being desecrated. It was a shame that it was a crow not ray of sunlight that caught up with him at that moment. Still, he has shown his heart not only to your daughter, speaking of his love for her but also of his willingness and desire to start a new. He has forsaken Morrigan and is turning to Pelor. Another sign of his serious intent Sorath.
The last task I set this man was one concerning honour and respect, for Naya'il, for you and for her mother. If he were to make me promise, give me his word on one aspect of his moral behaviour then I would judge him to pass this test also. I will not go into details on this, but he did give his word Sorath. His actions to date and his intentions, to my judgement, seem honourable and I believe his word can be trusted. If necessary, a simple question of Naya'il at appropriate time will lend support to my opinion on this in due course.
So there you have it, my friend. I give to you the name of Kelth McEwan as worthy suitor for Naya's hand in wedlock. The matter is now in your hands and I will continue my duty of guardianship of her until such time as you release me from that task to him, to another or back to you.
May Pelor guide you safely on your dutiful path and help you and our allies bring swift end to this infernal war.
Your friend,
Barratiel
Sorath,
I was gladdened to receive word from you and trust the same messengers will find way to wing this in return.
The challenges I put forward for Naya'il's suitor, Kelth McEwan, he has dealt with wisely and with courage. The first, a test of prowess in duel, a test to find out his worth as her protector. He won over me Sorath! Veteran I maybe, my friend but that told me I have some retraining to do.
The second challenge was a quest to assist Pelor, something for a greater purpose than his own; a test of how he leads, chooses his companions and deals with a larger duty. Your concern was expected Sorath, he chose to take Naya'il with him and two others. But I tell you, Sorath, she is glorious in battle, strong and determined and almost to her full potential. The challenge was difficult but not impossible. They were victorious on this crusade, returning with barely a scratch. The relic Dawnshard is now returned to Pelor - I know you will be pleased to hear this.
On the subject of the goddess Morrigan, it would seem the man has seen the light. His reasons for worshipping her were due to bargain made at a vunerable moment, at young age over some half score year ago to save the grave of his former wife from being desecrated. It was a shame that it was a crow not ray of sunlight that caught up with him at that moment. Still, he has shown his heart not only to your daughter, speaking of his love for her but also of his willingness and desire to start a new. He has forsaken Morrigan and is turning to Pelor. Another sign of his serious intent Sorath.
The last task I set this man was one concerning honour and respect, for Naya'il, for you and for her mother. If he were to make me promise, give me his word on one aspect of his moral behaviour then I would judge him to pass this test also. I will not go into details on this, but he did give his word Sorath. His actions to date and his intentions, to my judgement, seem honourable and I believe his word can be trusted. If necessary, a simple question of Naya'il at appropriate time will lend support to my opinion on this in due course.
So there you have it, my friend. I give to you the name of Kelth McEwan as worthy suitor for Naya's hand in wedlock. The matter is now in your hands and I will continue my duty of guardianship of her until such time as you release me from that task to him, to another or back to you.
May Pelor guide you safely on your dutiful path and help you and our allies bring swift end to this infernal war.
Your friend,
Barratiel