02-24-2013

From The Final Challenge Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

The Heartbringer's Tale


The Lower Hall
[Exits: north up]
This hallway must have been built by giants! It is huge! Then
again, there are more than a few giants that belong to The Guild, so
it may just be so. A stairway leads up to another hallway above.
(Dark Purple Aura) Ghazkull is here.
Mish Leigh Salvandor will use her contacts to help you... for a price.

A small black spider creeps out of the shadows and regards you.

Ghazkull acknowledges the spider with a small bow.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'it is nearly done'.

The Lady's voice comes quietly from all around you. 'What is, Heartbringer?'

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'my tale'.

The air shimmers for a moment, the shadows spinning into narrow strands of darkness.
The ebon threads form a spiderweb, which shudders across your senses.
A figure appears within the web, quickly solidifying.
The Lady Weaver stands incarnate before you.

Cordir says, 'In what way, 'done'?'.

Ghazkull bows before Cordir.
Ghazkull says (in elven), 'it is nearly ready for the telling, I am... complete...but I must learn control. I... Nearly attacked one of your bards who had done nothing but try to help me'.

Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'but for the presence of DarkClaw I may have broken a promise'.

Cordir says dryly, 'I would not be pleased by this. But Ghazkull, has Star not schooled you on the nature of vampire fledglings and what to expect?'

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'she has begun'.

Cordir turns over her wrist, revealing several twin sets of puncture marks.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'there was not much time, and circumstances beyond our control but I was strong... at that moment and I fled'.

Cordir says, 'a new vampire has no control, generally, so that is not unexpected. Star should have warned you. You were strong to be able to do so.'.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'I went...home'.

Cordir smiles slightly.
Cordir says, 'To the Loom. Yes.'.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'I was born there, I felt it... appropriate'.

Cordir says, 'Star and I spoke of it last night.'.

Ghazkull nods.

Cordir reaches up and lightly cups Ghazkull's cheek for a brief moment, smiling at him.
Cordir says, 'Know that I watch over you, Heartbringer. That your Thread is one I watch.'.

Ghazkull nods.
Ghazkull says (in elven), 'I think maybe that is why I found my way to the Loom last night'.

Cordir nods.

Ghazkull closes his eyes briefly, taking a few deep breaths as he does so.

Cordir says, 'Are you having difficulty?'.

Ghazkull opens his eyes.
Ghazkull shakes his head.
Ghazkull says (in elven), 'it is... somewhat easier at present'.

Mnaramenth arrives from a puff of smoke.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'I have not exerted myself since last night, maybe when I do, it will become harder. Then we shall see'.

Mnaramenth says (in elven), 'well that was much easier than more bad recalls'.
Mnaramenth chuckles, evidently amused.

Ghazkull chuckles at Mnaramenth's joke.

Cordir says, 'it is rare that I see two of Mine at the same time.'.

Mnaramenth bows before you.
Mnaramenth grins happily.

Mnaramenth says (in elven), 'sometimes it's rare we see each other'.
Mnaramenth chuckles, evidently amused.

Mnaramenth nods in recognition to Ghazkull.

Ghazkull nods in recognition to Mnaramenth.

Mnaramenth says (in common), 'I jus' ha'ter be questionin' meself iff'n I was drinkin' fro'th'righ' rockin' starr'.

Ghazkull blinks.

Cordir says, 'Don't worry, Ghazkull, I barely understand him most of the time, either.'.

Mnaramenth says (in common), 'yah, I do be seein' yerself more'n I be seein' any o' th'other o'we're kin'.
Mnaramenth says (in elven), 'You know, it's not -my- fault I learned common from the dwarves'.

Cordir pauses a moment, tilting her head to one side, and thinks.
Cordir utters the words, 'comprehend'.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'there are not many of us remaining'.

Mnaramenth says (in elven), 'true enough'.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'indeed, I would not be here myself, were it not for DarkClaw'.

Shadows wreathe the hall in response to the Lady's sorrow.

Ghazkull's eyes lose focus.

Cordir watches Ghazkull, a slight frown touching Her lips.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'I must depart, unfortunately, something otherworldly calls me. I shall return soon'.

Cordir frowns slightly, saying, 'If you have questions regarding your ..state... and you are not getting answers from Star... Seek me out.'.

Ghazkull bows deeply.
Ghazkull says (in elven), 'Thank you, Lady.'.

Cordir says, 'My second husband was a vampire as you may remember.'.

Ghazkull nods.
Ghazkull says (in elven), 'I remember'.

Ghazkull bows before Mnaramenth.
Mnaramenth bows before Ghazkull.

(End Scene)

In Immortal Halls: The Serpent's Fangs


Seraph: hello cordir

Cordir: Good morning

Seraph: how are you?

Cordir: I am well enough. Irritated, as seems to be my typical mood of late.

Seraph: and why is that?
Seraph: or you would rather not speak about it

Cordir: One of Mine now serves Star, and she has not taken the sort of care of him that I would wish.

Seraph: you know as well as I do DC is just a god belgarion runs lost

Seraph: who is that?

Cordir: Ghazkull. The Heartbringer.

Seraph: ahh ghazkull
Seraph: the semi vampire

Cordir: He appears to have completed the transformation.
Cordir: He drank of a bard last night.

Seraph: oh? which bard was stupid enough to do that?

Cordir: He did not say. I have not asked.

Seraph: hmmm
Seraph: I will ask him

Seraph: why didn't you alter his thread and fix him?

Cordir: Because such things are not done lightly, Seraph.
Cordir: Because it was not asked.

Seraph: to heal a friend sometimes overrides the laws

Seraph: would you like to know?

Cordir: If I wish to know a thing, I am able to discover it on my own.

Seraph: look you think I am a pain but you have great power in your hands
Seraph: and not to help one of your own...well

Cordir: I do wield great power, yes. And Tynian trusts me to use it judiciously.
Cordir: I do not alter people without their consent, and when not at their request.
Cordir: Threads should remain untampered-with

Seraph: if you say so but for one of my own I would do whatever it takes to heal them
Seraph: maybe that's why you think I am a pain
Seraph: because I don't look at everything as black and white

Cordir: I think you irritating, Seraph, because you are one of the more arrogant individuals I have met.
Cordir: because you seem to think that we are peers.

Seraph: maybe I am arrogant
Seraph: think we are peers I do not
Seraph: maybe its because I am bold and speak my mind
Seraph: I asked you to teach me about the weaver to understand things better
Seraph: but you seen it as I was going to cause chaos
Seraph: you have judged me before I acted

Cordir: *sharply* You are altogether too inquisitive as to Power, Seraph.

Seraph: what power do I have?
Seraph: please enlighten me on this

Cordir: Little, actually. That seems to be why you seek out means of obtaining more.

Seraph: I seek out to understand
Seraph: I am a powerless god that can't do anything

Cordir: I wouldn't put it that way. You seem to be enjoying being the stone cast into still waters, causing waves.

Seraph: how am i?

Cordir: You enjoy chaos.
Cordir: I am the Weaver. it is my antithesis.

Seraph: I haven't done anything
Seraph: what have I done look at my thread

Cordir: *dryly* I have.

Seraph: then tell me what have I done

Cordir: Thread manipulation.
Cordir: Which I am not pleased with.

Seraph: how by letting people make a choice?

Cordir: I have seen your machinations, Seraph.
Cordir: And until you openly violate Tynian's laws, I will continue to ignore it.
Cordir: But you are what you are - Evil. And you do what you do for your own reasons, goals and pleasure.

Seraph: *smirks* so letting people make their own choices is evil?

Cordir: I am not a fool, Seraph. Do not take me for one.
Cordir: Your game of denial and bravado wins you nothing.

Seraph: I am not saying you're a fool
Seraph: people do things I show them the other side of the coin
Seraph: if they choose to believe me or stay on their path that is there choice

Cordir: We have already discussed your little mouse running through the maze.

Seraph: mouse?
Seraph: oh Samiyah
Seraph: she makes her own choices
Seraph: I do not force my beliefs on her like wish tries
Seraph: whatever she does it's up to her
Seraph: or anyone that believes in me

Cordir: Tell me, Seraph - Did you study under the Arch Lich?

Seraph: yes

Cordir: ... that answers many questions.

Seraph: what does that mean you got your answer

Cordir: the verbal games. The challenges. The questions within questions. The lies.

Seraph: my time with Molo wasn't long enough to be taught anything by him
Seraph: but I came to understand why people think of me as sly underhanded etc and it doesn't bother me
Seraph: for it is THEIR choice to believe what they want of me
Seraph: changing peoples' minds of me is like trying to convince a dragon not to eat you. Very long and hard
Seraph: like you Cordir - you think I am playing games up to no good so you will cast me aside like a old pair of boots

Cordir: to cast you aside, Seraph, implies far more interest than I hold. I watch you, as one watches a snake that is curled up on one's porch.

Seraph: what are you waiting for me to do?

Cordir: Bite a visitor.

Seraph: as you stated earlier I am powerless
Cordir: No, you stated you were powerless. I said you held little power. Not none.
Cordir: you have the power of persuasion

Seraph: my words do not change people. People change themselves

Cordir: back to that trope, are we?

Seraph: step away from the threads for a moment and hear what I am saying
Seraph: if I say to someone , "East are rocks, hills and are hard to get through but you will survive, but west is certain death" and they choose west -- that is their choice

Cordir: Seraph. I am not a simpleton. Please do not continue to insult my intelligence. I see the webs you weave.

Seraph: then the threads are wrong

Cordir: I have been watching you, Seraph. Fairly closely.
Cordir: As I would anyone who tampers with Threads.

Seraph: then you must see I am doing nothing

Cordir: I am fully aware of what you're doing. And it is not "nothing"

Seraph: no you think I am doing something

Cordir: And now we have circled back to this.

Seraph: if I sat on a rock and just talked to people passing by people would think I am doing something
Seraph: I am not cramming the false god Nash down peoples throat I am not letting blue and reds be best friends and doing things together.
Seraph: I am not letting a ordain run a following or followers run a following yet I am -- what is it your sister said? An abomination?

Cordir: If you tamper with the Tapestry, and alter Threads themselves, or bind two Threads, blending them...
Cordir: I can see why she used the term.
Cordir: But given what happened to Sagan, I am not surprised she used such a strong word.

Seraph: then she should have fixed Sagan
Seraph: maybe her dislike for me is because I can do something she can't
Seraph: maybe your dislike for me also

Cordir: She Cuts threads.
Cordir: She does not destroy them.
Cordir: and she does not splice them.

Seraph: I do not destroy them

Cordir: *mildly* I have encompassed all three Incarnations of the Triat, Seraph.
Cordir: There is nothing within the Tapestry that you can do to it that I am unable to do, let me assure you.

Seraph: I know
Seraph: but you will not let me learn or even watch

Cordir: No. I will not.

Seraph: because I have evil intentions so you claim

Cordir: You do, yes.

Seraph: if you say so then it must be true

Cordir: I say it because it is true.

Seraph: I must depart as always Cordir I have really enjoyed out talk

Cordir: good bye.

A Warning Heeded


Sagan tells Samiyah (in common), 'My Wyldess tells me that someone thinks they can take my helm from me?'.

Samiyah tells Sagan (in common), 'well...'.
Samiyah tells Sagan (in common), 'the Squishy One - Wish'.
Samiyah tells Sagan (in common), 'He and I were speaking'.

Sagan tells Samiyah (in common), 'I see...'.

Samiyah tells Sagan (in common), 'and he asked me - what did I think would happen if Seraph's things were destroyed?'.
Samiyah tells Sagan (in common), 'I do not know, but thought I should warn those who have them'.
Samiyah tells Sagan (in common), 'that the topic is on Wish's mind.'.
Samiyah tells Sagan (in common), 'how he would pursue it, I do not know -- but warned .. is ready.'.

Sagan tells Samiyah (in common), 'I see. I welcome the attempt, but I doubt that his adherents would give it up -
assuming they were able to kill me. '.
Sagan tells Samiyah (in common), 'Thank you for the warning. '.

Samiyah tells Sagan (in common), 'of course'.


In The Temple of the Lost: The Ritual

(Log by DarkClaw)

Temple of the Lost
[Exits: west]
A large eye hovers in mid-air here, emitting a soft, purple glow.
(Dark Purple Aura) Belgarion is here.

Ghazkull arrives from the west.
Ghazkull rushes in, 'Is everything okay? Sami said something might be up'

You ftell, 'If anyone would like to join us in the temple for the ceremony to restore Belgarion's sight, it is going to happen now.'.

Evie arrives from the west.
Evie rests.

Pyre arrives from the west.
Pyre smiles happily.
Pyre rests.

You smile happily.

Evie smiles happily.

You say, 'Ghakull, you have the artifacts?'.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'I do'.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'with the Help of Null'.

You say, 'Shall we begin?'.

Ghazkull nods.

Evie smiles happily.

You say, 'Lost Ones, I have brought you together today... '.
You say, 'to conduct and witness the Summoning Ceremony to restore Belgarion's sight with the aid of the Elements.'.
You say, 'Ghazkull, may I have the Earth artifact, please?'.

Ghazkull gives you the perpetual strength of earth.

DarkClaw takes the perpetual strength of earth from Ghazkull and holds it in her hand.

Ghazkull closes his eyes briefly, taking a few deep breaths as he does so.

As it touches her hands, a large band of brown energy flows from the perpetual strength of earth into the Eye of the Lost.

The earth below your feet begins to rumble and shift, causing you to seek your balance and find your strength.

You say, 'The Wind, Ghazkull, please?'.

Ghazkull opens his eyes, his lips twitching into a faint smile.
Ghazkull gives you the incessant power of wind.

You say, 'Thank you.'.

DarkClaw takes the the incessant power of wind from Ghazkull and holds it in her hand.

A yellow band of light flows from the incessant power of wind into the Eye of the Lost.
A slight breeze blows into the temple and seems to caress your form lovingly, stirring knowledge and memories banked long ago.

Evie's face beams towards the whispering breeze.

You say, 'And the Might of Water next, Ghaz?'.

Ghazkull gives you the crushing might of water.

DarkClaw takes the crushing might of water from Ghazkull and grasps it.

As the energies flow once again to the Eye, this time the colour of blue, you feel drops of mist on any exposed parts of flesh, restoring your well-being.

You say, 'And lastly, the Scarring Touch of Fire, please.'.

Ghazkull pats his pockets.
Ghazkull starts rummaging through his bags.
Ghazkull looks in his pockets again.
Ghazkull gives you the scarring touch of fire.

DarkClaw nods and whispers, "Thank you, Heartbringer."
DarkClaw takes the the scarring touch of fire from Ghazkull and wields it.

Zarathos has entered the game.

A blazing red beam of energy shoots out towards the altar and an oppressive heat fills the room, the Elements seeming to intensify as one.

Evie beams a smile at Zarathos.

Zarathos beams a smile at Evie.

Without warning, there is a sharp CRACK and the Eye of the Lost splits down the middle, an arm reaching out in each of the four cardinal directions.

Ghazkull gasps in astonishment.

Subsequently, brilliant pillars of light explode from the crack in the eye.

Zarathos sits down and thinks deeply.

One red, one blue, one brown, and one white.

Shifting and writhing, the shafts of energy finally begin to coalesce and take on a single, corporeal form.

The room calms and a beautiful, mesmerizing voice fills your head. 'I am Khazri, Goddess of the Winds. Who summons me?'

A gurgliing voice comes from one of the beams at the altar. 'I am Neso, Goddess of Water. Who summons me?'

The ground beneath you rumbles once again and a gravelly voice says, 'I am Temblor, God of the Earth. Who summons me?'

The heat within the temple once more becomes overpowering and a crackeling voice speaks, 'I am Fiamme, Goddess of Fire. Who summons me?'

You say, 'It is I, Sacred Ones, in need of your gifts.'.

The energy spills from the Eye of the Lost and flows across the room towards DarkClaw, coiling around her form and sliding over her curves in a visual display of a caress.

As one they ask, 'Star, why have you called us?'

You say, 'Belgarion has been blinded by a spell that was uncompleted. I would call upon you to heal him.'.

A tendril of the energy lifts and curls as if seeking out the ordained mentioned, then the entire mass breaks away from Star and glides across the floor to Belgarion.

The colors seem to shift and take over dominance as each Element speaks in turn, first being Temblor. 'You called for my powers recently.'

Fiamme's voice follows suit. 'And mine also.'

Belgarion lowers his head and nods.

A small arm of water reaches out and lifts Belgarions head. 'Do not be ashamed, my son. We heeded your call.'

Neso continues, 'We have been watching your progess with Star.'

As one, they address DarkClaw together. 'Yes Star, we have been watching, waiting for the moment you would be in true need of us.'

Khazri's mesmerizing voice takes over. ' We will heal him for you, Star, but we will channel the power by way of you, for he is not only ours, but belongs to us through you.'

DarkClaw crouches down and embeds each of the Elemental artifacts into the floor of the temple, surrounding Belgarion and her, in their appropriate cardinal directions.

The energy from the Gods shifts and moves, creating an unbreakable circle around DarkClaw and their corresponding artifacts.

A radiant, prismatic light suddenly shoots from the cracked eye and turns into a sparkling shower that decends upon Belgarion's shoulders.

In one voice you hear a slight whisper, 'Now Star.'

DarkClaw says, 'Spirits of the North, powers of winter, guardians of earth and stone...'

DarkClaw says, 'ground us with the perpetual strength of the Earth and reforge what was taken!'

The Earth begins to shift and tremble, making it difficult to keep yourself upright, yet your awareness reminds you that you cannot break the circle from either side.

DarkClaw says, 'Spirits of the East, powers of spring and the freedom of flight...'

DarkClaw says, 'guard us with the incessant power of Wind and restore the vision that was once his!'

An unexpected blast of wind tears through the room, winding its way around you, pushing at you mercilessly, forcing you to stand firmer and guard your position.

DarkClaw says, 'Spirits of the South, powers of summer, sprites of the dancing flame and you who teach us courage and the power of truth...'

DarkClaw says, 'protect us with the scarring touch of Fire, the same fire that once burned away his gift of sight!'

Once again, heat begins to rise, gradually building to an almost unbearable temperature.

DarkClaw says, 'Spirits of the West, powers of autum, Lady of the seas and tides of being...heal and shield us with the crushing might of Water!'.

Abruptly, the artifacts within the floor seem to shatter and explode and the circle of energy breaks, suddenly drawing the heat back inward along with the air supply.

Then darkness...

...and rain. A gentle rain, washing over whatever skin you have exposed, soothing you,

Seeping into the floor of the room as if it were completely made of Earth.

Belgarion falls to the ground in a heap.

DarkClaw lets out a cry of distress and crouches down alongside Belgarion, her gaze and hands moving over him slowly, with purpose.

Again, the voices of the Gods speak as one, 'He is fine, Star. He will sleep for a time. There is much power he was still holding within.'

Their voices continue, stronger, firm. 'You must know this though, Star...he is now bound to the Elements.'

'And you...we were never lost to you. You shut us out. Should you do so again...' The warning is evident in their tone.

DarkClaw nods hesitantly and lowers her gaze, acknowledging their words.

The voices seem to surround Belgarion and grow louder, 'Both you, Belgarion, and Star, are beyond the reach of the Fallen One now. As such, Belgarion's soul will never be within reach either.'

Ghazkull gasps in astonishment.

Belgarion awakens and slowly gets to his feet.

Ghazkull claps his hand over his mouth to quiet himself.

Belgarion glances around the room.
Belgarion looks at Evie.
Belgarion looks at Ghazkull.

Evie hugs Belgarion.

Belgarion looks slowly across the room to Darkclaw.

Belgarion hugs Evie.

Evie tugs at Ghazkull's sleeve with a smile.

Ghazkull looks at Belgarion.

Belgarion slowly walks to Darkclaw.

Ghazkull hugs Evie.
Ghazkull snickers softly.
Ghazkull ftells, 'you only had to ask if you wanted a hug evie'.
Ghazkull ftells, 'no need to hint like that :P'.

Evie ftells, '*snicker*'.

Belgarion looks deeply into Darkclaw's eyes.
Belgarion says (in common), 'dear one'.

DarkClaw smile softly at Belgarion, "Yes, love?"

Belgarion kneels before Darkclaw.
Belgarion says (in common), 'I am forever at your service my love'.

DarkClaw blinks at Belgarion and raises a brow, "You always have been. Were you thinking of changing your mind at one point?"

Belgarion grins evilly.
Belgarion says (in common), 'never that'.

You chuckle.

Belgarion wraps his arms around Darkclaw and squeezes.
Belgarion looks to the Gods in the room.
Belgarion says (in common), 'I thank you for your aid in this Sacred Ones'.

The Gods reply as one, 'You are welcome, Belgarion, and your Goddess should be pleased she may call upon us once again.'

The energy breaks apart, each pillar returning to the Eye of the Lost through the crack, the crack sealing up as if it was never even broken.

Zarathos waves happily.

You ftell, 'Take care, Z. *hugs*'.

Evie beams a smile at Zarathos.

Evie waves goodbye to Zarathos.

Zarathos ftells, 'i was saying bye to the elementals'.

Zarathos ftells, 'lol'.

Ghazkull ftells, 'hehe'.

Belgarion ftells, 'lol'.

You ftell, 'ROFL!!!'.

Evie grins evilly.

Ghazkull ftells, 'I got that one!'.

Ghazkull ftells, '*roll*'.

Evie pokes Zarathos in the ribs.

Zarathos grins evilly.

Belgarion hugs Ghazkull.

Belgarion says (in common), 'thank you'.

Belgarion says (in common), 'for all your help'.

Belgarion looks at Zarathos.

Ghazkull shrugs.

Ghazkull says (in elven), 'I promised'.

Belgarion bows before Ghazkull.

Belgarion says (in common), 'i am forever in your debt'.

Ghazkull takes out a quill and some parchment, 'can I get that in writing?'
Ghazkull snickers softly.

Belgarion laughs.

You grin evilly at him.

Zarathos looks at Belgarion.

Evie snickers softly.
Evie whispers "Quick, get it in writing!"
Evie blinks.
Evie looks around innocently.

Ghazkull prays, 'sorry, I don't know why but i'm suddenly in a really jokey mood :P'.

You tell Ghazkull, 'No reason to be sorry!'.

Zarathos leaves west.

Ghazkull prays, 'there's been too much sombreness around here to my mind recently :P'.

Zarathos ftells, 'lol ghost of belg outside temple'.

You ftell, 'Thank you, everyone.'.

The Sahib, Displeased

Nasha's Home
[Exits: south]
This is the home of Nasha the Weaver. It is furnished simply, with a
small bed, shelves with small trinkets, and a chest of clothes. Though
she weaves for a living, it appears her joy is in providing fabric and
garments for others, rather than herself. The articles found here are
of moderate, modest hue, and simple cut and design. A few bolts of
fabric lean against one wall, providing temporary storage space for the
full shop. The exit to the weaving store lies to the south.

Someone smiles at Samiyah

Samiyah says (in common), 'Hello..'.

Seraph has granted you the ability to see him when he is invis.

Samiyah smiles happily.
Samiyah removes the decorative brooches holding her veil in place.
Samiyah unwinds the dark linen folds of fabric that cowl her hair.
Samiyah lifts the last drape that conceals her face.
Samiyah stops using an ornamented black linen headdress and veil.

Samiyah says (in common), 'Sahib.'.

Seraph says, 'hello dear one'.

Samiyah bows her head respectfully.

> l seraph

Seraph says, 'how are you?'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'I am ... I am angry and disappointed.'.

Seraph says, 'why?'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'with myself, for trusting stupidly.'.

Seraph says, 'trusting who'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'DarkClaw. Who can I no longer name Sayyida.'.

Seraph says, 'oh what happened?'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'You were so right, Seraph.'.
Samiyah looks down at her hands, embarrassed.

Seraph says, 'was I?'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'She does not lead the Lost.'.

Seraph nods.

Samiyah says (in common), 'I went there to help one of her people. Belgarion - he was there. So .. I simply ignored him and focused on Ghazkull, who I was there to help'.

Seraph nods.

Samiyah says (in common), 'She became angry that I ignored her lover and said that he deserved respect and acknowledgement in his home. I said that he did not, and left. She became angry and followed me. Belgarion twice entered the room, empowering spheres to affect me with spells, while she stood
there and she either did not care or did not understand. I told her I would not turn my cheek again if he cast on me a third time. She kept blathering on about how she did not know what he was doing -- when he was doing it right in front of her. So..'.
You shake your head.
Samiyah says (in common), 'She is not Sayyida.'.

Seraph says, 'your choice'.

Samiyah nods, the movement causing her veil-charms to chime.

Samiyah says (in common), 'but you were right... and I should have listened.'.

Seraph says, 'sometimes you have to learn things for yourself'.

Samiyah sighs.
Samiyah nods, the movement causing her veil-charms to chime.
Samiyah stills the chimes, as if the sound irritates her.

Seraph says, 'you do realize her dog and other people will hunt you'.

Samiyah nods.
Samiyah says (in common), 'I do. I expect it.'.

Seraph says, 'its is up to you to run or stand and fight but they are like a pack of wolves'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'I cannot fight.... with weapons but I am a bard and I have other tools.'.

Samiyah rubs absentmindedly at her bloodshot, aching eyes.
Samiyah says (in common), 'How is your strength?'.

> l seraph

Seraph says, 'i am fine'.

Seraph says, 'you must sleep soon'.

Samiyah confesses, 'I am afraid to sleep..

Seraph says, 'why?'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'I am afraid that I will have bad dreams and be unable to wake. I get no rest. Only... Similus.'.

Seraph says, 'you will always wake. The vision you will adjust to'.

Samiyah says slowly, 'Sometimes, it feels ... As if he hangs at my hip, waiting to be used, thirsty for it.'.

Seraph nods.

Samiyah says (in common), 'Is that because of your spirit, or because my mind is broken?'.

Seraph says, 'your mind is not broken'.

Samiyah closes her eyes in relief. Oddly, she asks, 'Say that again?

Seraph laughs.
Seraph says, 'your mind is not broken'.

A rigid tension leaves her body, as if she had been bracing herself against something.

Seraph says, 'so tell me how did you help the wanna be vampire'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'Oh. He was hungry. '.

Seraph says, 'so'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'I gave him something to drink. '.

Seraph sits down and thinks deeply.

Samiyah says (in common), 'Like any child on the street - except he doesn't eat bread. I didn't let him bite me. Friends don't bite friends.'.

Seraph asks slowly...what did you give him?

Samiyah says (in common), 'a cup of blood.'.

Seraph's teeth grit together...say again?

The shadows seem to surround Seraph

Samiyah looks alarmed at your tone, and says hesitantly, 'He was trying to Become, and he was hungry and no one would help him... so I offered to. The ..Lady... DarkClaw had made him wait and wait, and I told him I would give him my blood to help him, but only in a cup. No biting..

Seraph screams in a demonic voice.....YOU DID WHAT?

Samiyah drops to her knees, head pressed to the floor, in abject humility and supplication.

Samiyah says (in common), 'I helped him - fed him - like I would anyone who was hungry and in need! His fellows were not helping him... so I did!'.

Darkness starts to take over the room engulfing every bit of light.

Seraph's voices booms from every angle in the room.
Seraph screams ....YOU ARE LINKED TO HIM.

Samiyah sits up, back on her heels, still kneeling, her eyes huge and dark. 'No one said I would be.. in fact, he seemed to fear me afterwards! I do not feel any link to him... I do not sense him, or know where he is..'.

Seraph tries to compose his voice.....your blood he will always want. Your blood flows threw his veins '.

Samiyah says bitterly, 'Then he will be just like the rest of the Lost.'

Seraph gathers himself.

Samiyah forces herself to rise and stand upright before you.

the darkness fades back allowing light to come in

Seraph says, 'it was your choice '.

Samiyah says (in common), 'No one told me it would be a bad thing. Not DarkClaw, not Ghazkull. If it offends you, I apologize - that was not my intent. I just saw a hungry .. boy... and wanted to help.'.

Seraph says, 'do you think they would'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'Yes - I did. More the fool I am.'.

Seraph says, 'well it was your choice'.

Samiyah says quietly, 'Yes, Sahib.'

Seraph gasps as he realizes what you did.
Seraph has removed your ability to see him when he is invis.

Samiyah blinks in surprise.

Someone says, 'i must leave'.

Samiyah says (in common), 'Seraph?'.
Samiyah says (in common), 'was it something I did?'.

Someone says, 'no'.
Someone steps into the shadows.

Samiyah sighs.
Samiyah runs her hands through her braids in frustration.

Ghazkull's Journey

Square of the Grande Plaza
[Exits: (south) (west) up]
The Plaza here is pristine ... clean, unblemished, resplendent ...
except for the occasional hole winding downward ... as if dug into
the floor by some burrowing beast. Nonetheless, some intelligence,
some sentient is maintaining this quadrant of the Plaza ... if you
only knew who ...

A chthonian hatchling arrives from the south.
Your armor deflects a chthonian hatchling's attack.

Your pierce decimates a chthonian hatchling!
A chthonian hatchling is DEAD!!
You receive 0 experience points.
You hear a chthonian hatchling's death cry.
You see nothing like that in the corpse.
The corpse of a chthonian hatchling contains:
Nothing.

A chthonian hatchling arrives from the west.
You parry a chthonian hatchling's attack.

You can't concentrate enough.

You attack and narrowly miss a chthonian hatchling.
You attack and narrowly miss a chthonian hatchling.
A chthonian hatchling looks at your fighting style and smirks.

You over-extend your attack slightly, pulling you off-balance!
You deftly move out of the way of a chthonian hatchling's attack.

You are hungry.
You are thirsty.
Your force shield shimmers then fades away.

You do all you can just to defend yourself.
Your stab wounds a chthonian hatchling!
A chthonian hatchling outmaneuvers your dodge attempt.
A chthonian hatchling scratches you.

Your magic missile maims a chthonian hatchling!
A chthonian hatchling is DEAD!!
You receive 0 experience points.
You hear a chthonian hatchling's death cry.
You get 12 gold coins from the corpse of a chthonian hatchling.
The corpse of a chthonian hatchling contains:
Nothing.

You are surrounded by a force shield.
You fade out of existence.

Someone says, 'And what are you hunting, Heartbringer?'.

Zarathos ftells, 'ok'.
Zarathos ftells, 'found him'.

DarkClaw tells you, 'Sac up'.

A juvenile chthonian arrives from the west.

You gasp in astonishment.

You ftell, 'umm'.
You ftell, 'I might have to cancel'.

Zarathos ftells, 'why?'.

You ftell, 'think Cordir is annoyed'.

You are looking for a Night Young of N'Kai. You have 50 ticks left.

DarkClaw ftells, 'Why?'.

You ftell, 'because I was killing things in N'Kai'.

DarkClaw ftells, 'Ahhh'.

You say (in elven), 'I was hunting a Night Young'.

Someone says, 'do not let me keep you'.

Zarathos ftells, 'your call'.

Someone says, 'carry on your way'.

You say (in elven), 'I apologize if I have offended you'.

Zarathos arrives from the south.
Zarathos says (in common), 'fol'.

Someone says, 'In no way, Ghazkull'.

You ftell, 'one sec'.

Someone says, 'Please - continue your task.'.

You bow deeply.

Zarathos says (in common), 'sorry, didn't mean to interrupt'.

You say (in elven), 'thank you'.

Someone says, 'You did not, Zarathos'.

Zarathos nods.

Someone says, 'all is well.'.

Zarathos smiles happily.
A chthonian hatchling arrives from the west.

(they travel to....)

Plaza Perimeter Walkway
[Exits: north east]
It is black as Oblivion here. Rubble from Iridium Avenue has rained
down here, blocking the way south. The rose marble walkway goes on,
continuing to the east, but blocked to the west by debris.
A map of the Citadel Plaza has been inscribed on this wall, but is heavily damaged.
(Invis) (Dark Purple Aura) Zarathos is here.
A Night Young of N'Kai lies enmeshed in a magical prison-web.

Zarathos nods.

>Con night
A Night Young of N'Kai is no match for you.

Your pierce wounds a Night Young of N'Kai.
Your pierce mauls a Night Young of N'Kai.

Your pierce wounds a Night Young of N'Kai.
A Night Young of N'Kai's armor deflects your attack.
Your armor deflects a Night Young of N'Kai's attack.

Your magic missile MUTILATES a Night Young of N'Kai!
A Night Young of N'Kai is DEAD!!
Congratulations! You have killed your target.
You receive 288 experience points.
You hear a Night Young of N'Kai's death cry.
You get 16 gold coins from the corpse of a Night Young of N'Kai.
The corpse of a Night Young of N'Kai contains:
(Glowing) an iridium bracelet

Someone says, 'Congratulations.'.

You fade out of existence.

Zarathos ftells, 'right one?'.
Zarathos cheers you on, confident that you will win.

You ftell, 'nod'.

Zarathos utters the words, 'gjfzzl'.
Zarathos waves goodbye to you. Have a good journey.

You say (in elven), 'Thank you, If you will, I would continue looking around? I have fond memories of this place'.

Zarathos utters the words, 'safhar'.
The air shimmers as Zarathos creates a portal here.

Someone says, 'by all means'.

You bow deeply.

>Butcher corpse
You really messed that corpse up.

You grumble.

Someone arches an eyebrow inquisitively.

You say (in elven), 'maybe it was for the best'.

Someone says, 'What is that?'.

You say (in elven), 'I messed up the corpse I tried to butcher'.
You say (in elven), 'I did not enjoy having to kill anything in this place'.

Someone says, 'the creatures are aggressive'.
Someone says, 'there is little you can do to prevent it.'.

Someone walks to the north.

Granite Cavern
[Exits: north south]
(Invis) Phasing in and out of visibility, a larval polyp flies through the air.

Someone walks to the north.

Granite Cavern
[Exits: north south]
A Marker Slab has been erected in the center of the room.

> Look slab
Turn back now, while the Sigil shines, great and strong and bright.
Turn to hearth and turn to home, the call of warmth and light.
Leave here now, before you meet the Spawn of Black and Night.

Run and hide, while the Sigil holds; live and strive and know.
Run to peace, and the strength of friends; be and act and grow.
Leave here now, before you glimpse the Spawn of N'Kai below.

Go fast, make haste, and warn of the perils nigh.
Go now, don't wait, or seek out the reasons why.
Leave before you find the Spawn, for then ye surely die.

Someone walks to the north.

Granite Cavern
[Exits: north south]

Someone walks to the north.

End of the Granite Cavern
[Exits: south down]
This is the Last Bore, the tunnel that connected the Plaza to the
black caverns of N'Kai. Strong winds howl here, flowing into small
holes in the ground. The source of the winds is a mystery - there
SHOULDN'T be any wind ... yet it rages like a storm here ...

A Marker Slab has been erected in the center of the room.
The Sigil Draktha floats in the air here, warding the cave below.

Someone smiles faintly.

Ghazkull stares at the Sigil.

> Look Sigil
Pulsing red and black, the Sigil Draktha writhes and contorts before
you, shifting in time the magical flow sealing N'Kai below. Briefly,
the Sigil fades, and then resurges in power. The Sigil is weaker now
than it once was. One day it will fail altogether ...

> Look Down
Below is N'Kai the black, cave of fetid breath.
Sealed for now, by magics human, it has given us our Death.

Below lies N'Kai the dark, antithesis of Light.
Held at last, it cloaks our souls in everlasting Night.

Below stand N'Kai the pit, eater of souls and life.
Do not enter, for few survive its viciousness and strife.

If you enter, the Sigil holds YOU, down with the fetid breath.
Unless you escape otherwise, you enter to meet Death.

Someone says contemplatively, 'Do you recall... that all four Shamans spoke for you at your joining?'
Someone says, 'That was an extreme rarity.'.

You ponder the question.
You say (in elven), 'I do'.

You are hungry.
You are thirsty.

You say (in elven), 'I have a record of it'.
You say (in elven), 'I did not realize it was a rare event'.

Someone says, 'Extremely.'.

You say (in elven), 'then I was honoured, way beyond my realization'.

Someone says, 'and to have Tamar as your sponsor - another uniqueness.'.
Someone says, 'I had never allowed one outside Fate to stand as a sponsor.'.

You sniff sadly. *SNIFF*
You say (in elven), 'I miss Tamar greatly'.

Someone says, 'I have not seen her in a very long time.'.

You nod.

Someone says, 'Will you enter N'Kai with me, Ghazkull?'.
Someone is now guarding you.

You say (in elven), 'if you will give me a moment, then I would be glad to'.

Ghazkull closes his eyes briefly, taking a few deep breaths as he does so.
Ghazkull opens his eyes, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

Cordir leaves down.

You say (in elven), 'I am ready'.

Cave Conjoining N'Kai
[Exits: north]
You are below the Sigil Draktha, near N'Kai the Black. You
have no escape but to go onward, for the Barrier seals you
within here just as forcefully as it does the Spawn. Bones
lie scattered about, strewn above a dried pool of blood.

A Message has been scrawled on the bloody floor.
(Intense Light Cyan Aura) Cordir is here.

(Cordir walks to....)

The Shore of Lake Hali
[Exits: east south down]
Black ice, dark and opaque, extends in a plain about you,
forming a lake of dark, slick perfection. You have landed
on the shore of that body, a dark cliff rising before you
to the north. An octagonal door has been cut into it, and
an octagonal pit opens downward. The eldritch monstrosity
emanating from them horrify you, urging you to retreat.
(Intense Light Cyan Aura) Cordir is here.
Shar-Ti, Duergar Shaman of the Dhole, worships her totem here.

Cordir nods in recognition to Shar-Ti.
Shar-Ti nods in recognition to Cordir.

You bow before her.
Shar-Ti looks around, startled.

Cordir unlocks the door.
Cordir opens the door.

Cordir leaves north.

A Midnight Garden
[Exits: south]
The breathtaking loveliness of a midnight shadowed garden embraces you. The
night sky is filled with stars... no, not stars, but strands of light which
shimmer at the edges of sight. The soft call of unseen birds provides sweet
melody to please the ear and the low hoot of an owl echoes out of the trees,
only to be answered by the harsh, mocking scream of a carrion crow. A thick
tangle of web-shrouded crimson briar roses marks the boundaries of the area
and every conceivable variety of flower blooms within, despite the darkness.
At the center of the garden lies an ornate multi-tiered fountain, ebon fire
lighting the cascades from within. Benches have been placed invitingly in a
semi-circle around the stone basin of the fountain, set just inside a thick
band of mithril.
(Intense Light Cyan Aura) Cordir is here.
(White Aura) A distressingly large, shiny black spider weaves webs here.

Cordir closes the door.

You gasp in astonishment.

Cordir says, 'Welcome.'.

>Look Guardian
The huge black widow spider glares at you, its eight jewel-like eyes gleaming
with crimson balefire. Its mandibles are daggers of ivory, dripping with some
ichorous poison. It hisses balefully, saying, 'This is no place for a mortal
to be!' and gestures abruptly with one chitinous leg, dismissing you.
The guardian spider leads a charmed life.
The guardian spider is in perfect health.

You say (in elven), 'am I safe to go visible?'.

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'She will give you no harm.'.

You nod.

You say (in elven), 'if I may look around?'.

Cordir says, 'now you know one of the hidden secrets of N'Kai.'.
Cordir says, 'Oh, of course.'.
Cordir says, 'please.'.
Cordir seats herself at the edge of the fountain, and gestures around the garden.

> Look North:
Ghazkull examines the briar.

Ghazkull wanders over to the northern part of the garden, recoiling slightly at the cobwebs.

Ghazkull shivers. Brrrrrrrrr.

You say (in elven), 'I have never been able to completely get over that'.

Look West:
To the west, the briars give way to a small pathway that winds through the
roses. In the distance, a small cottage can barely be seen, the light from
a lantern illuminating its door. The structure is sheltered within a stand
of oaks. It looks like a comfortable, cozy home, just big enough for two.

You are hungry.
You are thirsty.

Cordir murmurs, 'I can hear your stomach grumbling from here.'

Cordir utters the words, 'create food'.
A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.

Cordir utters the words, 'create food'.
A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.

Cordir utters the words, 'create food'.
A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.

You snicker softly.

You get a Magic Mushroom.
You get a Magic Mushroom.

You eat a Magic Mushroom.
You are no longer hungry.

You are too full to eat more.
You are too full to eat more.

You bow deeply.

Cordir nods.

You are thirsty.

You drink water from an antelope hide waterskin.
You do not feel thirsty.

Cordir drinks water from the fountain.

You drink water from an antelope hide waterskin.
You do not feel thirsty.

Ghazkull looks off in the distance to the cottage on the horizon.

Cordir frowns slightly, tinged with embarrassment.
Cordir says, 'Forgive me. I did not think.'.
Cordir says, 'You may well have other tasks that you need to attend to.'.

You shake your head.

Cordir says, 'You are welcome here at any time - it need not be at this moment.'.

You say (in elven), 'I had been thinking about N'Kai a lot recently'.

Cordir says, 'it is a place of transformation.'.

You say (in elven), 'and I got a chance to hunt here, so I resolved to look around when I had finished'.

Cordir says, 'You hunted the Citadel.'.
Cordir says, 'N'Kai itself...'.

You nod.

Cordir says, 'is beyond your capabilities at this time.'.

Ghazkull glances up at the web above him.

You say (in elven), 'my apologies, I interrupted you in my eagerness to explore'.

Cordir says, 'not at all'.
Cordir says, 'I have been watching through your eyes.'.

You nod.

Cordir says, 'there is much more to see, but perhaps another time?'.

Cordir says, '(the office is vastly smaller than my temple, honestly)'.

You laugh.

Ghazkull inhales the strong fragrance from the roses.

Cordir plucks one of the blooms, neatly avoiding the long thorns.

Cordir gives you a black rose.

A black rose rests here.

>hold rose
You don't have a hand free to hold a black rose.

You stop using a fishing spear.
You hold a black rose in your hands.

> look void
Void... where prohibited.
This pun is included solely for the edification of Boromir.

You groan loudly.

Cordir snickers softly.

You say (in elven), 'aha'.

You say (in elven), 'the word cocoon is spelled incorrectly in the description'.
You say (in elven), 'hence why I missed it'.

Cordir says, 'oh dear'.

Ghazkull ponders whose remains are in the cocoon.

Cordir says, 'Rincewind.'.

You nod.
You say (in elven), 'I remember THAT one'.

Cordir nods.

> look crow
An ancient crow, feathers a glossy sable black, sits within the briars,
glaring balefully at you. It screams, the sound raucous and grating. A
sense of power emanates from it and its scarlet eyes are hate-filled.

Her eyes seem to follow your movements and she ruffles her feathers menacingly.

Ghazkull takes a few steps backwards, muttering a few words to make sure his protections are up.

Cordir says, 'Macha will bring you no harm in my presence.'.

You say (in elven), 'It is but a reflex'.


(Ghazkull begins examining the threads in the Pattern)

> L fuchsia
As your eyes flow over the fuchsia thread, the image of a graceful
and lovely elven woman comes to your mind's eye. She has the pale
skin and crimson eyes of a vampire, but her smile - though fanged -
is warm and friendly. An aura of power surrounds her, glowing with
an Immortal's strength as she tends to those in her care.

DarkClaw tells you, '*hugs*'.

You tell DarkClaw (in elven), 'good night *hugs*'.

You smile happily.
You say (in elven), 'forgive me if I am incorrect, but...'.
You say (in elven), 'the fuchsia, thread'.

Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively.

You say (in elven), 'is that... DarkClaw? or another'.

Cordir says, 'It is the last Scion of Lord Khore.'.

You nod.

Cordir says, 'The Lady Clue, Incarna of the Wyrm.'.

You gasp in astonishment.
You say (in elven), 'I remember Clue.'.

Cordir nods.

You say (in elven), 'so many names I remember, so few remain'.

> l silver
Lightly touching a finger to the silver strand within the Pattern,
you sense that it reveals a moment trapped in time from some years
in the distant past. You see a moonlit elven garden, curtained off
from the rest of the Realm by a delicate wall of spider-webs: near
twin to where you stand now. A preternaturally still figure stands
gracefully tall, looking up at the night sky. He turns, and a slow,
sensual smile lights up his face, revealing ivory fangs. "Love? I
hadn't expected you this ear-- You're not her." The smile disappears
instantly, to be replaced by chilling menace. "Who are you? What are
you doing looking among my Lady's private things? You are _not_ welcome
here." He makes an abrupt, angry gesture with one pale hand. There is a
sudden flash of darkness, and your eyes sting; this vision of the past
fades away.

You blink.
Ghazkull rubs his eyes.
You shudder from the sheer thought of it.
You say (in elven), 'that did not feel good'.

Cordir shakes her head.
Cordir says, 'No.'.
Cordir says, 'But my memory of Deamhan is a vivid one.'.

You nod.

>l midnight
As your gaze brushes the midnight strand, you catch a glimpse of a
city silhouetted by night. Frowning, you look closer, for there must
be more... Straining your eyes, you finally see what the Weaver does:
Standing on a wire stretched taut above a shadowed alley is a dark,
lean figure, his outline barely visible in the pale starlight. His
arms are held out to the night sky and his head is tipped back, as
if watching the infinity above. A feeling of calmness radiates from
him, and despite the powerful chilling wind he seems unrushed. He is
waiting, but for what? Suddenly a cat dashes across the rooftops,
drawing your eye, and when you look back, the figure is gone...

The Lady's expression does not change, but sorrow echoes in her eyes.

Ghazkull tilts his head quizzically to one side, unsure what to make of what he has just seen.

Cordir murmurs, 'My Shadow.'

Ghazkull murmurs, 'Nyx?'

Cordir nods.

Cordir utters the words, 'create food'.
A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.

Cordir utters the words, 'create food'.
A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.

> L blackfire
Gazing into the blackfire strand, you become surrounded by the lightless void.
Searing, unseen flame licks at you as you vainly try to find something other
than endless black silence around you. The fires make no sound, the burning
of your flesh makes no sound, and your ongoing efforts to find any point of
reference make no sound. You hear a calm, measured voice calling from every-
where at once, in perfect Old Thoras. It says, 'It has been this One's
observation that few enjoy visiting Him in these environs. Worry not. This
one will find thee, in time."


>l shroud-grey
An icy power radiates from the shroud-grey thread. With that aura of cold,
a complex swirl of emotions cascades around you: Love. Loss. Pride. Hurt.
Tenderness. Jealousy. Hopefulness. Hopelessness. Friendship. Hesitation.
Acceptance. Abruptly, the Weaver's presence veils this thread, severing
your contact with it, and all you sense is gentle reproof at your curiosity.

You blink.
Your cheeks are burning.

Cordir blushes slightly as well.
Cordir rises from the bench and walks the garden, Her hand trailing through the roses and thorns without a care.

You say (in elven), 'I believe I have seen everything, although please show me anything I may have missed'.

Cordir says, 'I think you have seen it all'.

You nod.

Cordir says, 'You are one of the few welcome here at any time.'.

You gasp in astonishment.

Cordir says, 'Simply let me know should you wish to return.'.

You say (in elven), 'I am truly honoured, Lady'.
You bow deeply.

Cordir says, 'I was honored by your faithful service.'.

You smile happily.

You say (in elven), 'It was my pleasure, I would have followed you to the void if circumstances had allowed it.'.

Cordir closes her eyes, shaking her head.
Cordir says, 'No.'.
Cordir says, 'I am glad you did not.'.
Cordir says, 'Live on. Learn. Grow.'.
Cordir says, 'I must go.'.

You nod.

Cordir says, 'May the Three ever guide you.'.

You bow deeply.