Ella guided Xavier from the building they were in. It turned out they were only a couple streets away from the nexus plaza and that was the direction that they walked as they stepped onto the street. She didn’t lead him to the large official building he had noticed the last night, however. Instead, she led him around to the small path between it and the earthen garden. As they walked, he started hearing raised voices from up ahead. At first, he could not make out the words but as they drew closer, he easily identified the voice of Lianna coming from a small circular dome-like with steam rising out of the top center of it.
“No, I will not do it. How could you even ask that of me? You know what happened,” her voice had a mix of anger and almost pleading tones.
He couldn’t make out the soft response to her words, instead only hearing the muffled sound of High Speaker Kaelith.
As he approached the door the two wardens standing guard outside nodded to him and one reached over to open the passage for him and Ella to enter. Inside the two women cut off speaking abruptly as they heard the sound of the door shifting. Xavier had to duck slightly to pass through the doorway and felt like he had been hit in the face with a wet towel. The small dome, it turned out was a sweat lodge. He grunted softly as the heat and moisture caused his body to dampen instantly. When he was able to see through the rising steam, he noticed that it wasn’t just the two women he had heard but all of the elders were there as well. A second look confirmed that they were all in their small clothes also, fur, feathers and exposed skin soaked due to the conditions of the room.
Xavier glanced over his shoulder and noticed Ella was already stripping down to match, her clothes going into a small basket near the doorway. She sat in one of the open spots her face serenely innocent as she returned his look. He was pretty sure she knew what to expect and had negelected to tell him since he had made her wait while he got ready. He narrowed his eyes at her a moment, to which she only smiled, before he followed her example and stripped as well.
The guard who had let them in had remained in the open doorway long enough for them to place their items in the baskets. He then took them outside of the room and closed the door behind himself leaving them to their discussion.
Xavier looked over each of the elders and Lianna. All but the Iskari seemed relaxed and serene, simply enjoying the heat and moisture of the steam. Lianna’s muzzle wore her strain evident however and her eyes were narrowed slightly though if in anger or agony, Xavier was not certain.
“I did not expect to meet with you all in a room such as this,” Xavier started. “Though I am not going to complain, the heat feels wonderful on muscles I hadn’t realized were still sore. I used to enjoy going to the sauna back home.” He snapped his mouth shut suddenly, realizing that he had said more than he intended to.
Kaelith’s eyebrow rose slightly at his words then nodded to the Vulpiri elder who made a slight motion in the air. Xavier felt the subtle shift when she was done but could not tell what had happened. It was then that the High Speaker actual spoke once again.
“Elder Lyselle just made it to where no one outside of this room can hear anything said within. Before you speak, however, I want you to be aware that part of this ceremony revolves around the steam. There is an herb in the water that gives the steam truth speaking properties. As long as you are breathing it in you will be unable to lie,” the Lynari woman said.
Xavier, stiffened slightly at that statement. He was unaware that such a thing existed and was really taken aback at the fact he had not been warned before entering. Ella, at his side, reacted similarly both now tense and suddenly untrusting of the others in the room. Kaelith held up a hand placatingly.
“Be at peace Xavier of Rynthavael. We mean you no harm, nor do we intend to dig into your secrets beyond your intentions towards Verdantspire. Due to the realities of the times we live in we have to take precautions for our people however. Nothing said within these walls will be repeated outside of them.”
Each of the elders nodded along with the High Speakers words. Lianna sat stiffly where she was though, and it took Kaelith looking directly at her before she finally gestured her agreement to the words as well. While that didn’t completely placate Xavier’s mood at being tricked, yet again, by the smiling High Speaker, he did relax slightly. He did decide to be much more cautious around the High Speaker as it was clear her feline nature lent to a more manipulative nature.
“Alright,” he responded, “it seems trust has yet to be fully earned between our people. Though I am now curious about this herb. It seems it would be a good thing to have on hand back in my village as well.”
It was the Cervari, Elder Sylara Dawnshade Xavier remembered, who responded this time, “We would be happy to provide you with some cuttings. You have proven yourself and your village enough to discuss trade in the near future. That is not the point of this morning however.”
Kaelith nodded and took up the discussion, “No we called you here to discuss the relationship between our settlements, and the surrounding troubles instead. The steam ensures that all words are true and honest for both our safety and your reassurance.”
Xavier took a deep breath, wincing slightly as he realized he was only exposing himself deeper to the effects before he finally relaxed and just accepted the situation for now. “Alright, I guess I can see the wisdom in that. Where do you want to begin? I am anxious to see an alliance between our settlements. Though Rynthavael is small right now I intend for it to grow to rival the ruins it is built upon.” Once again, he said more than he had originally intended but he did not try to take back the words once spoken, the were after all his actual intent. He glanced towards Lianna, her presence was now somewhat a mystery. She was not an elder as far as he was aware, and she was clearly at odds with at least part of what was going to be discussed.
Kaelith noticed the shift in Xavier’s gaze and nodded, “That is as good a place to start as any. I told you last night of the growing tension between our people and the Kingdom of Arenvalis. It was not always so, however. Yes, there have always been issues with raiders taking slaves, but they were infrequent and not so focused on Animari. It has only been in the past decade or so that the shift has occurred. Rumor is that is also when sightings of King Ironthorn became more infrequent. We need to know what has happened to cause this change so we can better protect our people.” She gestured towards Lianna, “We have asked her to escort you into the wildlands as she is one of few Wardens who have traveled them.”
Lianna stiffened and Xavier could hear a low whine from the woman before she snarled. “I will not go with the human to those lands! You cannot possibly ask this of me. Why would you expect me to go back there?”
The Iskari Elder, Veyara Frostwhisper, was the one who answered. “Niece, you know that you are unquestionably the best one to escort him safely. We do not ask you this lightly especially given your history, but it needs to be done if we are to be able to take precautions.”
Xavier now knew the relationship between the Elder and the twins he had noticed before. They were family just not as close as he had originally thought. Lianna growled again but the stare from her aunt kept her silent beyond that and she relegated herself to crossing her arms and leaning against the wall unwilling to say more lest she embarrass herself or the gathered Elders.
Kaelith took command of the conversation once again. “We know you are an outsider, it is why we want to send someone familiar with the wildlands with you. They are more dangerous than ever before and someone unfamiliar with these lands could unknowingly end up in more trouble than expected.”
Xavier’s eyes widened at the admission of the Elder’s knowledge. He suddenly felt like a very small animal in a room of hungry predators, though the Elders made no hostile gestures or even spoke harshly he felt trapped. “How? I didn’t say anything”
Kaelith chuffed softly, sounding almost like a light laugh. “You did not have to say anything. Lianna told us about your blessings. Your actions told us much more, however. You do not act like one from the Silverwood, or even from Eldoria in general. Though we could assume you came from somewhere else on Arath it was the blessings of the gods and now your own wariness that confirms our suspicions of your actual nature. As you have said, it is clear that trust does not yet fully exist between our peoples, but I would like to believe it is starting between ourselves. As I said before anything said here will not be repeated elsewhere. Your secret is our secret. This I swear, this I swear, this I swear.”
High Speaker Kaelith Moonstride, the Leader of the Animari of Verdantspire Haven has sworn an oath to keep all secrets divulged in this meeting. As the leader of her people all Animari beholden to Verdantspire Haven are bound by this oath. Breaking this oath will have dire ramifications for any who would dare to do so.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
The sudden prompt gave Xavier pause. While the Lynari had tricked him into making an oath before he hadn’t realized how serious they could be. The fact that the universe seemed to back them when the words were said in triplicate confirmed his suspicion that there was more to them than just words, however.
Studying the faces of those across from him for several long moments he turned to look questioningly at Ella. She pursed her lips in thought then nodded slowly. “They have sworn Master. The consequences of breaking such an oath would be dire not only for them individually but as leaders, for their people as well.”
Xavier closed his eyes briefly as he wrestled with what to say before he looked back to the others sitting in the room, and then he began telling his story from waking on the fateful day he died on Earth though he left out details about Ella’s nature. When he finished, he was met with a variety of expressions ranging from shock to awe to serene contemplation. Kaelith nodded as if she expected something of the nature while Lianna stared at him with slack jawed incredulity.
‘You are right,” Xavier stated, “I am new to Arath and would likely blunder into issues without aid. Ella has been my guide so far, but she has made it obvious that her knowledge is limited to the areas around my lands. She was not much of a traveler before joining with me.” He looked to Lianna, “your help would be appreciated if we are to be successful. I know you distrusted me when we first met but I hope to continue proving myself to you.”
The Iskari continued to stare at him, though her mouth shut when she realized her expression. Pain passed over her features before she spoke. “I cannot, not to those lands. Please do not ask this of me.” She turned to nearly plead with the Elders.
Sylara placed a comforting hand on the Iskari woman’s leg speaking softly to her. “Child do not let the past rule you. This could bring you the peace you obviously still have not found. Trust that we do this for the best of all yourself included.”
Xavier could see the inner struggle that Lianna fought before her shoulders slumped and she gave a slight nod. The Cervari pulled the younger woman into an embrace and whispered into her ear for several moments before releasing her and resuming a seat beside her.
The Iskari Beastmaster Lianna Frostwhisper has offered to become your traveling companion.
Do you accept? Yes or No
Though surprised at the sudden prompt Xavier focused on yes and accepted the update. He looked to the woman who now wore a resigned expression though it seemed more of one resigned to the gallows than anything else. It seemed Xavier had more than just Ella to learn more about and he hoped that he could earn the trust of the Iskari enough for her to open up to him.
Kaelith, in turn, looked back to Xavier and spoke softly. “We request that you, as an unknown individual, travel to Ironhaven to seek answers as to what has changed in the Kingdom of Arenvalis. Why is there an increase in hostilities to their neighbors and travelers. And if possible, to find and free any others of our people still in the markets.”
You have been offered a quest: Shadows Over the Wildlands
Recent tensions between the Kingdom of Arenvalis and its neighbors have escalated beyond mere territorial disputes. Reports indicate a surge in hostilities toward the Animari, as well as an increase in slave trade activity in Ironhaven. Verdantspire Haven cannot afford to ignore this growing threat.
Elder Kaelith has tasked you with infiltrating Arenvalis, uncovering the cause of its newfound aggression, and, if possible, dismantling any Animari trafficking operations within Ironhaven. However, the Kingdom of Arenvalis is no mere den of raiders; its laws are strict, its watchful eyes many, and its ruler, King Rorik Ironthorn, is not a man easily swayed. Proceed with caution—diplomacy may serve you better than steel, but you must be prepared for either.
Quest Objectives:
1. Investigate the Hostilities – Travel to Arenvalis and uncover the source of rising tensions with the Animari and other neighboring factions.
2. Gather Intelligence in Ironhaven – Identify key players in the slave trade and locate any Animari captives.
3. Liberate the Enslaved – Free any Animari prisoners in Ironhaven without alerting the full force of the kingdom.
4. Determine the Kingdom’s Intentions – If possible, secure an audience with influential figures to gauge whether war looms on the horizon.
Challenges & Considerations:
* The Kingdom of Arenvalis is well-armed and its people are fiercely loyal. Open combat will likely result in failure.
* Ironhaven is a fortified trade hub; any direct assault will bring severe retaliation.
* Information may be locked behind gold, favors, or carefully navigated conversations.
* While King Rorik Ironthorn has been pragmatic in the past, his stance may have shifted due to unseen pressures.
Penalties for Failure or Refusal:
* Continued hostilities from Arenvalis toward Verdantspire Haven and possibly towards Rynthavael.
* Increased slave raids against the Animari.
* If discovered, you may be marked as an enemy of the kingdom, making future travel in Arenvalis perilous.
* Loss of settlement relationship between Verdantspire Haven and Rynthavael
Rewards:
* Critical intelligence on the political landscape of Arenvalis.
* Increased settlement relationship between Verdantspire Haven and Rynthavael.
* Trust and gratitude from the Animari.
* Potential new allies within Arenvalis if handled wisely.
* 12000 Experience
* Optional Rewards: Unique gear, relic, or favor from a freed captive, additional experience points.
Do you accept? Yes or No
The size of the prompt that appeared in Xavier’s vision was enormous compared to other quest prompts he had received. He wondered if this was due to the nature of the quest or due to the fact it was coming from someone with more details about what he would be facing. It took him several long minutes to read and then reread the details before finally focusing on yes and accepting the quest. It must be the next quest in the chain he was expecting to see last night. Now he understood why it didn’t happen immediately. He needed the elders to better understand himself and to trust him more before something of this magnitude.
“I would be honored to help your people and mine with this quest High Speaker Kaelith. I would need to go back to Rynthavael and inform my people that I will be traveling and possibly away for a while due to this, however. They only expected me to be gone for a couple of days and this seems as if it would take much longer than that. If acceptable I will head home immediately and set out for Ironhaven within the week.” Xavier bowed slightly as he spoke showing respect to the Elder and her companions.
“We did not expect you to rush off to those dangerous lands without preparation Xavier,” she responded with a smile.
She gestured towards the Ursari elder, Thror Ironpaw, who in turn held out a small black metal collar. Seeing it Lianna’s jaw stiffened, and tears began to well in the corner of her eyes.
Speaking gently Kaelith said, “Take this slave collar and its key. It is part of the reason Lianna was so adamant about not going. Her freedom would be forfeited if found in the Wildlands, however this would mark her as already being a slave. Place it upon her before you leave the woods, and you will be prompted to set its restrictions. You do not have to set any when offered the chance as the collar itself will be indication of her ‘status’ enough. I am trusting you with one of ours, do not betray that trust, Xavier.” Her voice had turned icy serious when she spoke the last.
Hesitantly, Xavier took the collar and stone from the man and looked between it and the resigned Iskari. He had a sinking feeling this would not help their relationship and completely understood why she was so resistant to the plan. “I would not put you through this if you do not want to Lianna. I can find another way and you can sta…”
She cut him off abruptly, “The High Speaker is right, this is the best way.” She shifted slightly exposing her right hip to him. A part of her fur was missing in an intricate sigil branded into her skin. “That was my collar before I was freed with my brother. It is why I know where we are going so well.”
Xavier gasped. It was no wonder the woman hated humans so much. Also, why she had such aggression towards the raiders when they attacked the camp. “I have no words…” was all he could utter at the confession. The shock stilling his tongue suddenly.
Lianna rose suddenly and left the room wordlessly. Xavier watched her go and looked back to the Elders. “I will watch over her as if she was one of my own people. I swear she will not wear this cursed thing longer than absolutely necessary and there will be no restrictions placed upon her.”
Kaelith nodded in acceptance and Veyara spoke. “I will hold you to that human. She and her brother are the only family I have left. I am placing a lot of faith in you and if it were not for the fact that we recognize your worth and that you will lend a hand in rough times we would never have allowed for this.”
The words the Iskari elder used immediately brought to mind the change in relationship between his settlement and theirs and Xavier understood it was why such a thing was possible. It also drove home the importance of relationships in this world, they were not just ambiguous ideas but quantifiable and unavoidable if one wanted to survive.
“Go and gather your things, we will have Lianna meet you at the southern gate so you may begin your travels.” Kaelith said. “We wish you safety and a quick return home.”
Xavier rose and turned to leave before pausing and looking back to the gathering of venerable Animari. “I do have one request before I leave. My village is small currently and there are still many dangerous beasts in the forest. Could your Wardens help keep my people safe while I am away?”
Thror was the one to answer the request. “We have asked much of you human and recognize that it places risk on your people. I will task the Wardens to patrol around your village as well. Who should they speak to, so they are not attacked?”
Xavier thought but for a moment before responding. “I will let Braegor know they will be visiting soon. He is the blacksmith of the village but was an alderman previously, so he leads in my absence.”
Thror acknowledged the statement and Xavier and Ella walked out of the room leaving the Elders behind in the steam. Xavier knew his world was about to expand greatly and behind him, still in the damp chamber the Elders of Verdantspire exchanged looks of worry and hope that this outsider human could be the change that prophecy had spoken of.