The Holy Lands | Svernia | Interlude

"I would like to introduce you to a promising individual, Al'ekhhari Assettraelle Benari of Sera." An escort announces, concealed beneath white silken garments threaded in gold fibre.

The dalkarian adolescent next to the escort gives Orelle a deferential bow. "I am honored to make your acquaintance Gran Celestial Orelle."

Orelle acknowledges the youth with intense curiosity. "It is most intriguing and enlightening to make your acquaintance as well young lordling, I'm familiar with your family's position in the Serahn Isles." Orelle gestures to the settee opposite him. "Please, have a seat." While Al'ekh settles himself he continues. "My recruitment agents have informed me of your capabilities and I must say that I'm quite taken by your skills."

"The information you received may have been exaggerated," Al'ekh smiles modestly.

"Perhaps," Orelle muses for a moment. "At present I am preoccupied with matters concerning the order, so I cannot oversee your training personally."

With a hint of wariness in his voice, Al'ekh asks, "when should I expect that to change?"

Orelle shares a glance with the escort. "When matters are settled. We have a number of qualified instructors to occupy my place and oversee your training."

Al'ekh doesn't answer immediately but nods to acknowledge this change of events.

"Of course," Orelle drinks from a crystal chalice. "If it interests you, I propose a test to gauge the limitations of your capabilities." He sets the chalice on the table. "You would be observed by quintessential celestials of the highest order who will not interfere unless the situation requires it."

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"I am ready to prove myself." Al'ekh responds, glad to pass his idle time.

Orelle nods and procures from his robe a booklet and hands it to Al'ekh who takes to absorbing the information upon receiving it. "The details of the mission are in this dossier. To summarize quite briefly; you are to retrieve and return a deifacted shard stolen from the Okari peoples of the Wildlands."

"The Lucaceous?" Al'ekh's eyes widen in surprise. "Forgive me, but this seems a bit absurd."

"It's rumored to be the Lucaceous, we are not certain, even less of its effects." Orelle pauses. "In the Silver Alps I came across a suspicious band of travelers led by Gavin Whitehawk, you might have luck there."

"Whitehawk..." Al'ekh murmurs to himself in an attempt to recall that familiar name. "If a deifacted artifact like this exists, would it not be wiser to keep it in the hands of the Celestial orders?"

"Normally, yes. Though due to the unpredictable nature of this shard, it is better cared for under familiar hands. Until recently, the deifacted shard had been in possession of the Okari for many generations."

Al'ekh nods hesitantly. "I suppose."

"I share your concerns," Orelle admits. "However, an incident involving the Lucaceous occurred a few weeks prior to today. At the time, it was being delivered by Lord Hosleare to the High King Solidore. The effects are still unknown by the Order. We've reason to believe that they were… drastic."

Al'ekh closes the dossier. "I will do my best to see that this mission is carried out successfully."

This seems to have impressed Orelle. He procures from his right breast pocket, a thin silver metal card embedded with the crystalline celestial insignia of Svernia. He hands it to A'lekh, along with a crystal fragment key. "This should cover any necessary expenses, I'm sure you're familiar with it?"

"Quite familiar," Al'ekh nods.

"When you complete this mission, I should expect to have matters settled and will personally oversee your training." Orelle empties the contents of his chalice. "You are dismissed. The best of fortunes." Orelle nods to the dalkarian lordling and exits the room through a separate entrance.

Al'ekh lowers his head at the Gran Celestial's exit before pocketing the silver card and thoroughly reading the dossier. In the back of his mind he repeats the name vaguely familiar to him; Gavin