Original Kally and Sel story (PG)

[Kallysti]

((A little history, I suppose: One evening of playing EQ, about a year ago, a friend and I were talking (via Selquinn and Kallysti) about rp and back stories. He went over a lot of Sel's story with me, something only one other person (besides himself) knew. I was moved by his story and by a desire to write. I'd never written stories before, at least, not since I was 12 :P.

We talked that night about how it might be nice to start rp'ing in EQ (he'd done it in the past with Sel but I hadn't. Hadn't even known him then.) So the next day, I PM'd him (on our guild's mb's) the first "part" of the following story. And he PM'd me his answering one back. And I did another back... and he another... and so on. The following is the resulting story. At first, it was only for our own amusement. Some of what we referred to in the early "parts" had been done during rp sessions in-game. It's that earlier period of things making no sense that I mostly want to edit now. To make it a better flowing story.

To be honest, this was pretty roughly written on both our parts... I'm not as fond of it as it is written as I used to be. But it's nostalgic for me, and maybe it will entertain at least a couple of you...

It's a very long story. In many little parts. So I'll be posting just one or two of those parts at a time. Just a warning... this'll be a long thread in the end, lol.

-Steph (Kallysti)))

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Morning (by Kallysti)

Kallysti openned her eyes, awakened by the accursed sunlight. The place was unfamiliar but she was not alarmed as she had a tendancy to set up camp wherever necessary. She sat up, wincing at the pain in her head. "Damn Koyote," she muttered, "'sacrificial wine' indeed".

She looked around, taking bearing, and wondering why and how she had ended up in dwarf country last night. Out of the corner of her eye she made out another unfamiliar thing. Well, not so much unfamiliar as closer than usual. The dark ranger, she thought, what...? She furiously wracked her brain, trying to remember what had happened before she'd made camp. At last it occurred to her: histories. They'd only shared their histories. Only? she thought to herself ruefully, When was the last time you even did that much? She did recall another time, around a fire, sharing stories with the intense enchanter and his halfling companion but they had not gotten into such detail as she and the ranger had last night.

For the first time in years, she thought of her half-sister, Vesti, wondering what had become of her. She also remembered the ranger's stories and mused over why he had never killed her in her sleep, for in his place she would probably have done just that. Well, I never did much care for those filthy orcs. It's just another reason to hunt them down, along with the ones that ally themselves with them. Heh, that would be a majority of the Tier'Dal nation, her own people... but so be it. There were a few she'd give a chance to prove themselves, not every single Tier'Dal considered the orcs their friends. And this was just another proof of a cruelty that, even in her long years of training, Kallysti could not condone. Maybe it was just personal, and she needed more justification, it couldn't possibly be that she had any desire of vengence for this... light skinned elf's behalf.

She got up quietly, gathering her things. Maybe he had not remembered, and she could leave before he woke..
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Morning (by Selquinn)

Selquinn opened his eyes at the sound of movement not far from him, and saw Kallysti rise. Closing his eyes again aginst the sunlight peering through the low clouds, he pondered all that had been said the night before. Why in Tunare's name had he bared his soul to her... a Tier'Dal, a child of Innoruuk?

Listening to the sounds of the forest as it awakened, he thought back on the past, and how things had changed. His vendetta against the orcs and Dark Elves was long spent... but the burning hatred, the need for vengeance, still lingered. So odd, it seemed, that it should be a Tier'Dal he had come to trust above all others... a priestess of Innoruuk, no less! Though he knew from their long discussion the night before that she was no ordinary Tier'Dal. He had known that for years now... and despite their resons to hate and mistrust each other, neither of them had ever betrayed the other.

He remembered meeting her, wondering if she was enough of a threat to kill outright, and deciding that the world alone would be enough to do that. In the City of Mist, she had surprised him with her skill at her craft, and her bravery... and earned a grudging respect. It made him think what would his life become had he killed her, back when she had seemed so insignifigant... and he shuddered. He would never have met the others he had come to rely upon without realizing it, the halfling and the Teir'Dal enchanter.

It struck him like a thunderbolt that in spite of all his hatred, he had actually come to love these companions, these... friends.

And in that moment, he could have sworn he felt Tunare smile upon him.

[Kallysti]

Home (Kallysti)

Kallysti openned her eyes to the familiar shouts of the Plane of Knowledge. At least she knew where she was, despite the fact that few could get any rest in this place. Would that I could summon something besides water and that disgusting bread, as well. She smiled, then stopped for a minute. There was a task at hand...

She pulled out a hideous idol that had obviously seen much use. She softly intoned the prayer taught to her in her 51st season and stepped through the resulting gate to the front of her guild hall in Neriak.

Sel had a notion to kill a few of the inner guards of Neriak, to make them realise there was no safe place for them. Not when the Dark Ranger desired vengence. Kallysti wondered again, why she agreed to help him, both in scouting the best hiding places in the city and in the killing itself.

Scouting... like I need to scout the city I've known since I could walk! There were any number of places to drag a single unsuspecting person along to dispose of them with no one knowing. She sat for a moment in the comforting gloom of surrounding stone.

"Well then," a soft, pleasant voice said from behind her said, "fancy seeing you here."

Kallysti cringed almost imperceptibly and did not turn around but replied, "I have as much right here as anyone, and more so than some..."

"How dare you," the soft voice hissed, all pleasantness gone, "you think that because I do not leave the church I do not know what goes on outside? What kind of company you have been keeping? Do you think the church will stand for your association with that pompous murderous enchanter who still walks our halls, and really... a halfling?" He whispered, "And who is this other? This light-skinned elf in your company? And why is he familiar to me?"

Kallysti stood and turned to face him, "It is no business of yours who.."

"SILENCE!" His colorless eyes narrowed, "You just watch yourself. The Dark Prince does not look kindly on those that betray his people. You may some day find yourself calling for a healing power that He will not answer."

Her eyes narrowed to match his, "You are a fool if you think Innoruuk looks kindly on any of us, Father. And I am tied to Him with an unbreakable bond, YOU made sure of that. And if that is really the best you can do, then I have other business to attend to." Her hands shook slightly as she turned to walk away and she heard him whisper, "This isn't over."

And it began to dawn on her, just why her loyalties lay where they did.
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Home (Selquinn)

I can't believe I asked her to help me hunt her own people...

Selquinn shook his head as he stalked towards the portal stone that would take him to the Faydark. She had offered freely, and it seemed she had as much reason for this as he...

Touching the stone caused the world to seemingly fade to mist before his eyes, accompanied by the familiar falling sensation in his stomach... he was long accustomed to magical travel, but it never became pleasant for him. Better the pounding of his own feet on the forest floor, either two legs or four... and his vision cleared to reveal the deep primeval forest of Greater Faydark. Pausing a moment for a deep breath of the close, humid air and smiling to himself, he set off at an easy trot towards the lift that would take him into Kelethin.

Pushing through the double doors of the guildhouse of the rangers of Kelethin, he could see a bustle of activity. It seemed there was a new class of would-be rangers in the house today. These were very young, perhaps only 10 years or so, and he remembered the lesson well... they were learning how to quickly draw, aim, and fire their bows. The orc silhouette at the far side of the room already bore several shafts, as did the wall on either side of it.

Hearing a muffled curse to his left, he turned to see an elven boy with shoulder length chestnut hair struggling to draw his bow again. The boy's fingertips would be quite sore by now.. all the more so because his technique was wrong. Selquinn stepped behind the boy, gently taking his right hand and guiding it.

"Three fingers... two above the shaft, and one below. Just the tips, now.. if you set the string at the first knuckle it will roll when you release... that will hurt more and may make your arrow fly wild. Now... control your breath, and shoot when you are ready. You have all the time you need."

The boy held his breath, a look of concentration hardening his young face. He released his shot, and the arrow struck the orc-shaped target with a loud thunk directly in the center of its chest. "Well done!" Selquinn said with a smile, patting the boy on the shoulder.

"Thank you, sir," the boy said, smiling as he turned, and stopped as he saw who he spoke to, the smile sliding from his face. "Excuse me..."

Selquinn watched the boy sidle away, still watching him with what seemed to be fear from the corner of his eye. A hand fell on his shoulder. "Well, I had heard you were back in the vicinity. Our scouts brought word yesterday of great turmoil among the orcs in Crushbone. I knew it was you long before they brought word of who was causing it." Selquinn turned to face him, his old teacher... Maesyn Trueshot.

"Hello, teacher," Selquinn said, his face stony. " I did not come to disrupt your lessons."

"Sel... you disrupt them by being here. You have made a name for yourself in your travels. Stories abound of how your hatred has come to control you. The boy, for example. Does it surprise you? And the scouts in Crushbone yesterday say you had help this time, A Tier'Dal. I assume this is one of those you travel with?"

"She is, yes," Selquinn replied, not liking where this was going.

"Is this another like before, another attempt to get close to your enemies? You know how i disapprove of that kind of tactic."

"Nothing of the kind, Maesyn. She is a friend. A true friend. So are the others we travel with. We all have entrusted each other with our lives on countless occasions, and still we stand without betrayal. You always spoke so highly of loyalty, so why can't you understand this?" He had not realized he had been raising his voice, until he had been shouting at the end. The guildhall was silent, all eyes and ears upon he and Maesyn.

Maesyn looked down at the floor. "I don't want to keep you Selquinn. No doubt the so-called Dark Ranger has important things to be done with his... friends. We will protect our home from darkness without you, as we always have."

Sel stalked silently to the door and opened it. Turning in the doorway, he quickly drew an arrow from his quiver, nocked it, drew to his cheek, and fired. The arrow flew from his enchanted bow in an almost invisible blur, stiking the orc silhouette in the middle of its face and splitting the wood. The top of the orc's head fell to the floor with a thump. There was a collective gasp form the students, but Selquinn did not hear it. He was already gone, walking across the catwalk to the lift. He had somewhere he had to be...

[Kallysti]

Later (Kallysti)

Her father gone back to his study, Kallysti sat alone in an alcove of the city, one of the many deceptively quiet places throughout Neriak. She flipped through her ancient spellbook until she found the spell she wanted. As she stood to cast, her hands shook for the first time since her novice training. She had never been so uncertain, the spells had always just come to her, all her life. Sparkling blue mana formed at her fingertips... and fizzled out. She had expected this... Frantic now, she tried again. This time, nothing happened at all.

There's no way he could have been right about that... but somewhere in the back of her head, she could not recall her father ever being wrong on matters of clerical magicks.

She knelt on the hard stone floor, "Innoruuk, Dark Prince," she intoned in the language of the elder Tier'dal, "I hate you more each day, how can it be that you have forsaken me? Is this not what you ask of us? Our undying hatred?"

He did not answer, that was not unusual. There had only been one time she'd ever heard the Lord of Hate's voice, she shuddered violently at the memory. It had not been she who had called Him down...

Perhaps Selquinn was right, maybe it has nothing to do with my bonds to the church and to Innoruuk... maybe my healing is a gift that will always be mine. She sat down again and closed her eyes and meditated on her oldest lessons. The magick had come instinctively for so long, it was hard to determine exactly how to do it. She stood up. Concentration, of course... and the intended target, like so... she closed her eyes and willed the hatred to channel through her... And felt a sudden virtuous rush, a great durability and shielding.

Kallysti collapsed to the ground in relief. It was not this day that her power abandoned her. Maybe it never would, or maybe Innoruuk had just not noticed the actions of a single priestess among many. She was aware that his retribution could come in the next moment, the next day, the next year... chances are it would come one day.

And she... and the ranger... had just that day...

It's not like she had never seen or caused death. Far from it. It would likewise not have been the first time she had killed or aiding in killing one of her own. But this had been so... intentional, so calculated. Execution that would have made her father's best generals proud. She had seen such things before, obviously one could not live in a city filled with shadowknights without experiencing the dark rage of hatred when faced with one's enemies. But from a race of the Light... such things did not happen. Did they?

Even before they had entered the city, she had had misgivings. But they had nothing to do with worries for her father's minions. She snorted. He could stand to lose a few worshippers. After she had left the confrontation with her father... the others had summoned her. They requested that at a specified time, she lead the ranger to them. Kallysti had agreed, but lied to both sides. Two days before the intended trap, she had accompanied Selquinn, whom she hadn't told such plans to. When all had been said and done, it was not the killing of the Tier'dal guards that so disturbed her. Not even the betrayal to her people. For reasons she would not admit, it was the shame of betrayal to one who trusted her and had no reason to....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kally looked up at the sky as she left the outer gates of Neriak and cursed quietly to herself. She'd spent too much time inside, meditating. She had to hurry, Caittune was waiting for her in the Twilight Sea. Sel would probably already be there by now. There was something the usually cheerful little halfling had been so somber about. Something she had wanted to share with them both.

And Kally had that little something to tell Selquinn too, something that might just destroy the fragile trust they had only begun building.
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Conflict (Selquinn)

The wind gently ruffled the leaves in the unearthly trees above Selquinn, adding their soft rustling to the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore not a foot in front of him. Above him in the dark sky, he could see Norrath shining brightly. Through the clouds he could make out his home, Faydwer. It seemed so far away, so peaceful and tranquil. The scene around him warred with the painful mix of anger and pain. The gasping breaths he drew, the pounding of his heart. His hands that would not stop shaking.

The halfling, Caittune... she had shared her story, trusted him. She deserved to know about him. They had shared many battles together, were friends, even. He trusted her. But with this? Would she even want to know? And this was the least of what weighed on his mind at the moment.

Yes, he told himself, Kallysti had volunteered. She had been a part of a trap to ensnare him! She had not betrayed him, though, and yet she felt she had. Why? She said she had been ordered to do it... what was she to do? Refuse the elders of her church? Had he been in her place he'd have agreed, too, if only to get out of their reach again. And so, rather than betray him, she had betrayed her people, her god. He was glad her magic was still hers, though he had not been certain even as he had reassured her before. Perhaps Innoruuk could not take them. Perhaps he hadn't even noticed. But others had, and they would seek to repay the act. Odd, though... it had brought him no pleasure, as he'd expected it would. Perhaps because he knew they would hunt her for what she'd done, and that it was his doing.

He cast his bleary eyes to the sky above. "Tunare... Mother..." he whispered. "In protecting your children, I have always taken the battle to my foes, and have become like them. I beg your forgiveness. Now they will come to me, as I must protect one of Innoruuk's own children.'"

Selquinn closed his eyes tightly, digging his fingernails hard into the palms of his hands. "I beseech you... should I fail to protect her.. let my enemie's steel find me instead, and allow her to live. I know of no one who has earned such a sacrifice more." The words startled him even as he spoke them. He had risked his life many times in the past, but never for someone else. True, if they came, it would be a chance to kill more Teir'Dal, but for once the slaughter of his enemies was not his true goal.

Rising form his crouching position at the water's edge, he began walking back up the steps to the castle. They would be wondering where he'd gone. And as he walked the question remained... Why?

[Kallysti]

.... (Kallysti)

She was being lead across the chapel, like so many times throughout her childhood: through a secret door at the back, and down the many flights of stairs to the recesses below. This time, however, she was the one surrounded by all the priests and priestesses, instead of her father. Each was dressed in the traditional red, high-collared robes reserved for the most sacred... and bloody... of ceremonies. She did not need to look down, she knew already that she was dressed in the slightly more ornate costume of the highest office. She was unarmed but for the plain obsidian dagger at her side.

Further down through the dark, murky depths they travelled, until at last they reached a large, round room. The small crowd was split down the middle, allowing her passage through to the end of her short journey. She stopped. A figure at her side whispered in a masculine, almost kindly voice, "It is time."

Taking her by the elbow he lead her to the altar at the center. She looked down, expressionless, at the ranger, tightly bound in chains before her. Blood trickled down the side of his face, he had obviously not been taken without a fight. She drew the sharp, simple dagger from her side. Staring up at her, he spit and cursed her name, the hatred in his eyes back one hundred-fold. She smiled serenely and raised the knife above her head...

Kallysti shot up from her "bed" at their camp site, drenched in a cold sweat. This had been the third one in a row. Her own personal anxiety was not enough to explain why the dreams were steadily getting worse: someone, something, was behind them. It was not a hard task to determine just who had sent them, only a few were powerful enough to get through her defenses. Mortal or otherworldly, the list was short. But had it been sent as a warning... or were they afraid? And afraid of what?

She did not know where to find answers for herself but perhaps she could take Selquinn to find some from his end. She would have to take him somewhere that he would not have ever thought to try on his own. She knew that she could not go with him for this entire journey but at least she knew where to start...
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Tunare (Selquinn)

Tunare stood before Selquinn, resplendent in her shimmering grees dress, her face seemingly of alabaster severe and beautiful. She seemed to not notice him as he knelt before her, as if her attention were directed elsewhere. Only the small black bear at her feet took any notice of him, sniffing in his direction and turning to gaze disinterestedly through the archway behind him.

"Mother... I have been consumed with hatred all my life for those who hurt those I loved. I have used it in battle against my enemies, in your name. I beg your forgiveness." He looked down at her feet, then back to her eyes. She did not look at him. " Mother, I would destroy every orc and Tier'Dal that lived if I could, but I can no longer feel that way. It is by an act of kindness from a Tier'Dal that I am here before you." He could see his goddess' face shift slightly to show what looked like distate, and wariness. So, perhaps she did listen to him... he had heard the rumors that the gods would no longer heed their worshippers. Given what he had just told her, he wasn't sure if he was happy that those rumors might be false.

"This Tier'Dal... she is a priestess of Innoruuk, who my elders once told me held a piece of my soul... how fitting that she be my most trusted companion.She aided me in my vengeance recently... she turned on her own people... and now she is hunted by them. Because of me!" Selquinn paused to gather himself. " I have pledged to protect her from them, Mother. In spite of all I have fought for, in spite of all I have ever learned or been taught, I stand in defense of one of the Dark Prince's own children." Tunare now seemed to look at him from the corner of her eyes... or was it his imagination? Her face seemed to show concern now.

"Mother, I do not do this because I hate her enemies... I would protect her from my own kind if need be. For the first time in my life I do not fight for hatred, but for love. I cannot think it right that she should be my enemy because of her race.... she is the greatest friend I have ever known. I beg you, Mother... grant me your favor in this endeavor." He rose to his feet, and bowed his head in reverence to her. As he lifted his eyes to her face once more, he could see that she looked upon him now, and there seemed to be a faint smile on her lips.

"Selquinn, my child... your path is just, and I favor it. You may have found grace once more, but do not falter. The one you speak of wears a strong bond to her church and her god... it may hold her more strongly than you know. This bond may perhaps be broken, but only if she wished it to be so. Only then will she be free... do not aid her in hatred for enemies..."

Selquinn sat upright with a start, looking around wildly. He was lying under a pine tree, in the Faydark once more. He was not in Tunare's home now...it was a dream. He had revisited what he had done in his dreams.

Except... was it a dream? He had never had one so vivid... and try as he might, he couldn't remember if she had truly spoken to him , or if his sleeping mind had only just added that... but her words still echoed in his mind! It was too clear, it could not have been a dream.

"It was real... she spoke to me...", he whispered.

Selquinn collapsed back to the ground, all strength seemingly gone from his body. With the sound of the forest all around, singing to him, he pressed his face to the ground before him and softly cried, the tears of joy rolling down his cheeks to wet the soil.

[Kallysti]

Bonds (Kallysti)

Kallysti crept through Nektulos on a path she had not followed since she had taken her vows and left the church seeking adventure. Yet still, she found the ancient stone wall as if she had been there every day of her life. She mumbled, "Three down... 2 left... and there"... she placed her hands lightly on an insignificant piece of crumbling mortar and mumbled the words. A small doorway openned before her, immediately closing again as she entered.

"It has been too long since your last visit, my child," said an ancient voice from the darkness, "but you are always welcome."

"I have come because I need your help. I do not know if what I need can even be done, but I must try. My vows..."

"... taken against your will, I know."

"Is there a way..? Should I find a way to break those bonds holding me to the church, to my father, to my people... would I still possess the skills I've had since birth?"

"Many years ago," the old Tier'dal replied, "there was another who came to me and asked these same questions. Do you know what happened to her?"

Kallysti's voice was small, "Yes. My mother was cast out and never returned. You were also driven into exile, for aiding her."

"All for the love of a human." He sighed. "Do you know what happened after we'd done all that work to break her own bonds to the Dark Prince?"

"I..." This part was unknown to her. Her mother's life and subsequent death after her exile was a foggy story to her at best. She shook her head silently.

"She left Neriak, with only a sword strapped to her back. She went to this human she had given her heart to, only to find he was gone. Finally, she managed to track him down only to find he had forgotten her in her absence and found another. And... you know the rest."

Yes, Kallysti thought, that was when she no longer cared for anything, and sought her own demise.

"That's right," he replied, startling her, "neither her lover or her people would have her after what she had done. The bonds can indeed be broken. It is a long and painful process, but I know you have the strength to survive it. Her powers remained, I am sure yours would as well. They are a gift from birth that can never leave you. But my question to you is this: is it worth it? Come back to me when you know for sure."

"I know for sure." she told him immediately, "I would break those bonds for him."

He sighed, "If that is your wish... you know I cannot say no to you, child. You became like another daughter to me after she was gone. You are more like her than you know." Tears were forming in his eyes and he squeezed them shut, "would that I had refused your mother, and I wish I could refuse you as well. Return to me tonight and we shall begin."
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Nighttime in Nektulos (Selquinn)

Selquinn sat quietly with is back against a boulder at the base of a sheer rock cliff deep in the dark forest. The night was alive all around him with the sounds of the chirping crickets and the occasional howl of a wolf. He knew the undead walked these woods, but he knew of none of any great power. It was unlikely any of the Tier'Dal would be out this far from Neriak, and he had nothing to fear from them anyhow... as long as they didn't come for him in force. Which they might, he mused... he had made himself a rather attractive target for them in the past week.

He didn't truly understand Kallysti's desire for him to remain behind at first, but her explanation made perfect sense. What would her grandfather think if he should approach... what would he do? If he had such power, she would be safe enough, but it bothered him deeply that he could not see to her safety himself. It had been bad enough when they had become separated after she missed the boat in the Abysmal Sea, in fact it had thrown him into a considerable panic, but to know she was close, and to be unable to guard her was so very difficult. He fervently hoped that should she need him, he would hear her cry and be there in time.

Poking at the ground with his toe, he uncovered a small shoot sprouting up in front of him. He reached down and scooped it out of the ground, taking its large tuberous root with it. He plucked away the stem and brushed off the dirt, and took a bite. The crunchy root tasted far better than the iron rations he'd bought in the Plane of Knowledge. Such a shame he so often traveled to places that had no food to be foraged.



later....


Sel's eyes snapped open, scanning the dark forest. Damn, he thought, I fell asleep... for how long? The sound which awakened him came closer... footsteps in the loose rock to his left. Two sets of them. Two voices, speaking quietly. In the Tier'Dal tongue, no less. It hardly mattered, Selquinn had learned their language years ago.

"A halfling scout, do you think?", one voice murmured, apprehensively.

"No... not here. I can see him, that's elven armour.", a more confident voice replied. "Fier'Dal, I'd say. And asleep, too."

Sel did not move. Closing his eyes to mere slits, he saw the two shadowy forms in the night fog. They came closer... almost within reach.

"Fier'Dal, all right.", the older, more confident voice said. The leader, then. "Go ahead, bind him. We'll have him helpless before he even wakes."

One of the shapes moved in closer, only three feet away. With a metallic rattle, he drew a pair of steel manacles from a belt pouch. "Aye, Sergeant.", the Dark Elf whispered. It was then that Sel finally moved.

His left hand, lying across his stomach, moved in a blur to the hilt of the blade at his right hip, drawing it, and swinging in a wide arc in one fluid motion as he rose to a sitting position. The night was banished from this small corner of the forest as the blade was bared, magical lightning crackling down its length. The enchanted steel tore through the dark elf's midsection as if his armour were not there at all, spraying a fountain of blood that covered Sel's face, and dropped the guard screaming to the ground. Rising to a crouch, Sel drew his other blade and faced the other, whipping his head back to fling his bloodsoaked hair out of his face.

The Tier'Dal recovered from his shock quickly, and came forward, his own sword at the ready. He swung low, and Sel deftly parried the attack, driving his opponent's blade down and away. His other sword slashed upward, and was only slightly deflected as the Guard Sergeant brought his shield in front of him. The tip of the sword grazed the elf's cheek, bringing a grunt of pain as he stepped back. Sel pressed the attack, using both blades to alternately attack and defend. A sideways slash opened a cut on his enemie's arm, a thrust barely turned aside by the shield created an opening for a deep cut across the chest. As he continued to back away, the fear showed plainly on the guard's face. Sel was too fast and too strong for him, and he knew it.

In desperation, he came back again, punching towards Sel with his shield. Spinning quickly and dropping to a knee, Sel ducked under the blow entirely and drove his lightblade up and forward. The resistance it met was slight as he buried two feet of it in the guard's chest. The dark elf's shield and sword fell from his hands, as he staggered back a step, an expression of shock and horror on his face. The blade pulled free as he fell over backwards. Sel wiped the blood from his lightblade on the dead elf's tunic before sheathing it. Swiftwind required no such attention-- the lightning seemed to vaporise any gore upon it. As he moved to sheath it once more,he noticed something else... its flickering light revealed another form in the brush, watching him. As he turned towards it, it rose, and turned to run.

Sel gestured forward with his right hand, he summoned the magic to him, and directed it with a mumbled word. In a spray of dirt, vines burst from the ground around the running tier'Dal's feet wrapping around his legs and bringing him crashing to the ground. They continued to tighten, holding him fast to the ground. As he ran to the fallen elf, Sel could hear a snapping sound, followed by a sharp scream of pain. The roots had tightened enough to break the Tier'Dal's ankle. Standing above him, he shoved Swiftwind's tip under the elf's jaw, pushing his head back and allowing Sel to see his face.

He was young, most likely still in training. Little more than a boy, in fact. Swiftwind's lightning singed and burned the beard the youth was trying to grow, and its light showed plainly the terror in his eyes. No, Sel thought, this one isn't old enough to be outside the city yet, at least not tonight. Much like I was too young... The thought came to him unbidden.

Pulling the blade away from the youngling's throat, Sel's right fist descended, smashing into the boy's jaw, and sending him into unconciousness. Dispelling the roots entangling him, he then dragged him back behind a large boulder, and used the guard's irons to bind the young elf. A piece of fabric cut from a dead guard's tunic made a decent gag. And then it was time to find a new place to wait.

As he walked away from the carnage he had wrought, Sel marvelled at himself. He could not kill that elf... simply could not. He had been no threat, and amazingly enough, he did not hate the boy for what he was. Until now, he had thought his hatred gone, but had been afraid to really test it. True, he did still hate what they were... but it did not rule him. At least not today. He owed Kallysti for that, and for much more.

He only hoped the two of them would be far from here before the elf bound in the rocks was found.
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The First and Strongest Bond (Kallysti)

Kallysti looked into the deep gloom as the enchanted door closed behind her for the second time that day. "Ah," the old man sighed, "I was truly hoping you would not return... but I knew you would."

"My mind has not changed, Grandfather. Tell me what needs to be done and let's be started."

"Such impatience. Alright, my child, let me tell you simply, then. Do you remember how these bonds were forged?"

"Most of them..."

"The rest you will remember. Each of the... processes... required for each bonding must be redone, then shattered so that they may not reform. I have no doubt that you will survive the first step, but it's the second that most do not live through. On some of these, I can travel with you, and shield you from some of the effects, as well as some of the memories, if you will let me. Some will need to be done yourself. But, I get ahead of myself. I am unfamiliar with some of the darker secrets of the church and they may have changed since your mother's time as well. Every detail is crucial for success. Come to me child, let me see what must be done."

Kallysti knelt before the old wizard, seated in his chair. "Close your eyes, empty your mind," he said as he gently laid his gnarled hands to either side of her head, "and let me see these things we must undo."

And suddenly, he was there, inside her mind. She balked at first at the intrusion and tried to fight it. It was an instinctive reaction and she withdrew it as soon as she could, knowing his presense was benign. She did as the he had bid her and emptied her mind of everything. "Yes, yes," he muttered, "as I expected... hm, this one will be difficult... that one has changed a bit... oh! But how... oh, I see now, but..." He dropped his hands and took a deep breath. "Kal, this last one... binding you to your father?"

Kallysti blinked slowly, "Yes?"

"I have never seen the likes of this. Yes, I can understand why it works, I am almost certain I know how to undo it but... even knowing your father, what he has been capable of... how could he do this? His own, his only child?"

"I had asked him similarly, at the time... he said..." her voice trembled slightly, "he said that after what Mother had done, how could he not?"

"This one, we should handle first, for a couple reasons. One, once your father knows what we are attempting this strongest bond is one he could most easily use. And two, well... if you survive this one..." Kallysti nodded, knowing the others would be a breeze compared to this. "But we will need help. Two of those we need, I can get easily... the third? Child, you know this is the one bond that cannot be shattered upon it's breaking. It must find another, or in time it would return to your father. This... other of yours? The one for whom you are doing this...?"

"I... wish I could. But this ritual, I remember too vividly. It is not something I would ask him to experience. He has seen too much of this sort of thing already, isn't there another way?"

He shook his head, "It's the only way I know we can be sure. Shatter this one, and it would shatter your very soul. If you do not want to do this..."

"I will ask him...", she rose and headed to the doorway, "just give me a little time."
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New Bonds (Kallysti) -Note: this one was written quickly in the midst of in-game roleplay with Selquinn and Milau.-

A door appeared behind Kallysti, "So, Kallysti, you have asked him already? And I see Milau and her husband have come as well. All to the good then. Phaydra awaits inside, we can begin as soon as you are all ready."

The small somber party quitely followed the ancient Tier'dal through the gap in the wall and into his home. The door sealed behind him.

"I would like you all to meet Phaydra, aside from Kallysti and myself, I do not think any of you have met her." A thin shape materialized out of the darkness. Her drab gray robe was hanging off her bones, her sunken ashen face framed by stringy dark hair. It was clear to the other Tier'dal, though perhaps not to Selquinn, that she was a necromancer, one of Neriak's darkest denizens.

"Shall we begin then?" the old wizard asked. "Phaydra, if you would...?"

The shadowy girl pulled something out of her pocket and cupped it in her hands. In an eldritch language she whispered to what she held hidden. Quietly, she walked over to Selquinn. She pressed the thing into his palm. It was hard and smooth to the touch. "Take this," she whispered, "and do not let it go. That is your one task tonight." She then turned her back on him and walked over to where Kallysti stood. Kallysti bowed her head. Phaydra lightly placed her hands onto Kal's shoulders. Both closed their eyes. In the same strange tongue, the necromancer whispered to Kally. The time seemed to stretch for an eternity before she had finished. When her last word was spoken, she lifted her hands into the air, allowing Kallysti to fall to the ground, completely lifeless.

"NOO!" Selquinn screamed, reaching for his swords...

"SELQUINN!" Bellowed the old wizard, "DO NOT DROP THE STONE" Sheer will and the fierce command of the old man's powerful voice were all that kept Sel standing there... stone still, tensed to spring.

Phaydra knelt before the body and whispered a few more words. Selquinn felt a seering heat in the palm of his hand. For the first time he looked down at what he had been given. He openned his hand and a fierce green light eminated from what had once been a simple stone.

The ancient Tier'dal nodded mutely to Milau. The younger cleric stepped forward, and, her voice shaking slightly, began to chant. As her voice rose over Kallysti's lifeless form, Selquinn felt the stone grow slowly cooler. All that was forgotten however, when Kallysti suddenly blinked and slowly sat up. Sel rushed to her... and she smiled.
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The Next Day (Selquinn)

Selquinn strode through the crowd in front of the bank, trying to see in all directions at once. There was no telling where or when an enemy could emerge, even if it were supposedly impossible for them to strike here in the Plane of Knowledge. If anyone should find a way around that obstacle, it would no doubt be the Tier'Dal... they certainly didn't lack for power, and they had more than enough reason. He yawned... having barely slept last night wasn't making his morning any easier. The dreams had come upon him and had not given him any peace. He reckoned he had seen Kallysti die at least five times last night... maybe more. Each nightmare had brought him awake in a cold sweat and breathing hard.

The bank was crowded as usual... he would come back later. Heading back the way he had come, he thought about the other two bonds, and what she had said. The worst was supposedly over, but he knew from her reaction to his questions that what was to come was far from easy. And what was this sacrifice she had mentioned? What were they going to have to kill? Knowing the Tier'Dal, it would be something or someone who did not deserve death...the tought was unsettling to say the least.

A large hand fell on his shoulder. Spinning, he had his blades half drawn before he saw who it was who had accosted him. He looked up above the massive furry chest that was eye-level to him into the feline face towering above, and smiled in recognition.

"Dakhath! It's been too long... how have you been?", Sel said.

"I am well, Selquinn.", Dakhath replied, in his deep, rumbling voice. It sounded almost like he growled constantly when he spoke."It has been months, has it not? We have come far since I last saw you."

"We? Oh yes, of course!" Sel bent down to examine the large tiger that stood behind Dakhath, nearly touching the backs of his legs. Reaching into a pouch, he produced a large piece of venison jerky and offered it to the massive cat. It sniffed the meat for a moment, looked at Sel, and then up at Dakhath before taking it. "He's grown so much..."

"As have I... I'm sure you've prospered as well. We've been quite busy lately working with the Wayfarer's Brotherhood, in fact. My usual companions have been somewhat difficult to find lately, so I wait at their camps in case anyone else may need me."

"Well, there's always need... but I'm surprised you would need anyone else. As I recall, you two did quite well on your own."

"Indeed, we do." Dakhath smiled, showing large glistening teeth. The sight would have frightened anyone who had not met a Vah'Shir into a month's worth of nightmares. "Sel... it is lucky I found you. I recently met some who were looking for you, and I don't think they were friends."

Selquinn grimaced. It had to come sooner or later. "Tier'Dal?"

"Actually, no... though they were elves. One of your people, a ranger I believe. At least, he carried a bow. The other was a Koada'Dal... a paladin, by his look."

"What did they want? Do you know their names?"

"No, they did not give names... they already knew mine. They knew you and I knew one another, from the day you came to help me fight the orcs. As far as what they want exactly, I don't know, but they were very insistent about locating you. The paladin, in particular."

Sel pursed his lips, lost in thought. Why would such elves be seeking him? Was it possible they had somehow gotten word of his actions of late? "What did you tell them?"

"I told them the truth, that I had not seen you in some time.", Dakhath said. He smiled again. " If I had seen you, they still would have gotten nothing from me."

Selquinn returned the smile. "Thank you, my friend." He reached up to pat Dakhath on the shoulder, then bent to scratch the huge tiger behind its ear, which it barely allowed at first but seemed to enjoy, closing its eyes halfway and pressing the side of it head against Sel's fingertips. "If you see them again, stay clear. I don't know what they might want, but it's best if you were not involved."

"Are you certain? We would help you if I knew how..."

"No, I would rather you not become involved. This may be nothing, or it could be very dangerous. You know my usual companions... if these elves find you again, or you learn anything, will you please let me know/ It sould not be difficult to find one of us."

"Of course I will, Selquinn.", Dakhath said, smiling once more but there was a look of mild concern behind his eyes. " Anything I learn about this, I shall pass to you and your friends. Will this concern them as well?"

"It may, I don't know yet.", Sel said. "Be safe, Dakhath. I must go look into this myself. I don't like surprises." Smiling to his friend once more, he turned and disappeared into the crowded street. Dakhath watched him go.

"Nor do I, my friend....nor do I.", he said to himself. "Be alert, Dark Ranger."
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The Inner Sanctum (Kallysti)

Kallysti awoke in the familiar surroundings of her grandfather's study, the first truly rest-filled night she'd had since... well, ever. She sat up and pulled the loose red robe closer in the chill. She wondered where Selquinn had gone, they might be doing the next breaking any time now.

"You're awake... good. I trust you are well rested?" Kallysti nodded. "Excellent. Put these on." He tossed a set of ceremonial robes onto the bed. "We have little time to spare." He closed the door behind him.

Kallysti quickly got dressed and openned the door. Her grandfather grabbed her by the wrist. She could not remember him so agitated in all her life. "Things worked out sooner than I'd hoped. Quickly, let's be off." He bowed his head, a brightly glowing gate appeared and he pulled her through.

They landed on a cold stone floor. Kallysti knew immediately where they were. Her father's inner sanctum! She spun around, it was empty. She turned to the old wizard defensively.

"What is the meaning of this? Why are we here?"

"Relax, child. Your father is gone, along with any who even know this room exists. His most trusted spies told him that his daughter and a certain ranger were spotted in the far reaches of the Western Wastes." He smiled grimly, "One does not have to like the politics of Neriak to be able to play them well."

She turned her head at a small noise coming from the corner of the room, apparantly they were not alone after all. She stepped closer, there was a small figure on the altar, tightly bound, though it was clear from the terror in his eyes that he could not pose any possible threat. "I..." she stammered faintly, "no, I... I thought I would be able to... but..."

"Kallysti, your father and the elders of the church are distracted at this time, breaking the bond with your father has sent him into a rage. We MUST break your bond with the Church NOW, or your father will use it and you to rain his fury upon the Fier'dal in retribution, and a hundred more like this one," he nodded towards the child, "will die. Break this one and you are free to fight them. In fact, if your father sees your ties are broken, he will be much less likely to even attempt such a battle."

Kallysti stepped up to the altar. She looked down at the child, his wide eyes stared back up at her, blond hair soaked with sweat. She tried not to imagine Sel in his place... or what he would even think of her for this, were he to know. "For the greater good...?" He nodded. "Please... don't tell him?"

His look was impassive, "We have enough time for this, Kallysti, but you must get started now."

She turned back to the altar, her face a set mask of determination. She pulled the knife from her side but when the screaming began, it was not the boy's alone.

Hours later...

Kallysti resheathed the knife, not bothering to clean it. Blood soaked the sleeves of her robe up to her elbows. A strangely detatched part of her mind marvelled at so much coming from such a small thing. As soon as her knife was sheathed, the old wizard placed his hands gently on the sides of her head. A seering, explosive agony ripped through her, seeming to stretch into eternity.

She openned her eyes and saw her grandfather standing over her. He reached for her wrist again. "Wait." she whispered. Using the altar for support, she dragged herself slowly to a standing position. One hand on the cold stone, the other on the child's lifeless chest, she chanted. The seering pain of the newly shattered bond ripped through her again. Still she kept on. Blue light poured from her hand and enveloped the child in a dazzling aura. The worst of his wounds began to close and he openned his eyes. Kallysti fell to the ground, utterly spent.

Still later...

She openned her eyes again, this time to her bed in her grandfather's study. The bloodstained robes had been changed, but she could tell she had not lain there long. She turned her head, there was no sign of her grandfather. Movement from the corner of her eye drew her attention and she painfully turned her head a little more. The child... her grandfather had brought them both back here. He lay unconscious, wrapped in blankets, his breathing shallow. Kallysti closed her eyes tightly and openned them again, her plan clear. She let her legs fall over the side of the bed and lowered herself until she knelt by young Fier'dal. She whispered words of apology and touching her forehead to his let them creep into his mind. The child's eyes fluttered open. He stared up at her in disbelief, shock and a lingering weakness holding him in place. She spoke another word of power, warm blue light shot from her hand to him, his wounds closed, all energy returned. Blearily she held her hand up in the direction of the hidden door and it openned. The child quickly stood up and dashed towards it, sparing a slightly worried glance in her direction. Whether it was worry for himself, awaking next to a dark elf, or worry for her condition Kallysti did not know. All she knew was, it was not the terror she had seen before... he had forgotten as she had intended.

Kallysti closed her eyes and the world slipped away again.
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The Dream (Selquinn)

Selquinn rematerialized in Nektulos Forest to find it still dark. He had only been gone for a short time, but time in the planes was sometimes different... one never really knew. He hurried back to the place he had rested in the rocks last night... or rather, the place he had tried to rest. Hopefully now he could still find a few hour's sleep. The sun was still a couple hours away from rising, judging by the sky.

Finding his sheltered place, he nestled himself in between two boulders, pulling his cloak around him as a blanket against the chilly night air. If only he could sleep now... even if the nightmares did not return, he had new concerns now, thanks to Dakhath. He might almost have been happier to not know. It certainly wasn't as if he didn't have enough troubles....

With that thought, he drifted off to sleep...

Sel lay on a cold slab, looking up at the ceiling. There was an odd chanting... he seemed to think he should understand what it meant, and yet could not... or was it not real? It seemed to be in his head alone.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed movement.... a figure, moving toward him. It was only when the figure reached his side that he saw it was Kallysti. She seemed sad, as if torn by a great conflict within her. He also noticed she held a knife in her hand... which she raised above her head... and plunged downward...

"NOOOO!", Selquinn screamed, bolting upright in his hiding place among the rocks, his eyes snapping open. He could see the forest around him... and the dark room on which he lay at the same time. Kallysti's face, looking down upon him... the burning agony of a blade... his own scream echoing in his ears, except that it was not his own voice, it was that of a child...

Choking as he forced himself upright, he felt conciousness slipping away from him... it was not real! He was in the forest, alone! The thought did not make the pain subside... and everything continued to grow dim to his sight in the room where Kallysti stood, while the forest remained as clear as ever it had. It was almost as if he were seeing one image through the other, as the room went black and he collapsed to his knees... and then the pain and the vision were both gone and his body went limp. The last thing he felt as he passed out was the shimmering stone he had been given the night before rolling out of his grasp... odd, he hadn't realized he had been holding it.

Some time later... it could not have been long, for the sun still had not risen... Selquinn opened his eyes again, and saw the stone in front of him. As he touched it, there was a brief flash of the pain he had felt, and a faint echo of that childlike scream of agony and terror.

"By the gods... what has she done?"
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Answers (Selquinn)

It had taken Selquinn several minutes to recover his breath. Now, with his heart finally slowed, he began to make his way toward the place they had found the hidden passage the night before. he had not moved more than ten feet when he heard the sound of footsteps, moving closer toward him, form the direction he was going. He crouched down amidst the rocks to wait for whoever it might be. Moments later, a shape was visible... a wizened old shape, dressed in robes and walking with a staff... his white hair very bright against the darkness. Kallysti's grandfather. Sel launched himself from his hiding place, both blades sliding from their sheaths in the same instant.

"What have you done!?", he shouted, rushing towards the old Tier'Dal. Stopping mere feet away from him, he raised his blades. "Talk to me... what have you made her do?"

"I have made her do nothing she did not need to do, and if you were not so impetuous, you would realize that!", the old elf snapped, scowling at Selquinn. "You wish to see her? then put those away and stop your mewling, and follow me." The wizard turned his back to Sel and began to walk towards his home, leaning heavily on his stick. Sel knew it was not a sign of weakness... he had seldom seen one with such sheer power. the urge to strike remained strong for a moment before he could push it back and follow to the cave.

Entering, he could see Kallysti lying there, seemingly asleep. At least, she was breathing... and she was not wearing the same robes he had seen in his dream... if only it had been a mere dream.

"You want answers, boy? Then be silent and listen," the wizard said. "Do not wake her, she needs rest. The second bond is broken, and I know she told you it involved a sacrifice."

"But a child? Why a child.... damn you!" Sel growled. " And damn her, too!"

"I said be silent! This ritual is for the clergy of Innoruuk, and as such his hatred figures strongly in it. It required the blood of an innocent to be complete. If it helps your Fier'Dal sensitivity any..", the old elf sneered as he said this, " the boy lives. She used her own power to bring him back after the ritual was complete. By rights she should not have been conscious, and I know not where the strength came from."

"I saw none of that... the child living again," Sel murmured.

"You saw... I had wondered how you knew. The bond you share with my granddaughter would seem stronger than the one her father held. Perhaps because you both desired it this time... I am not certain. perhaps because the emotions were so strong at that moment." The dark elf turned back to Kallysti, feeling her forehead.

"And the boy?" asked Sel.

"She healed him, and I believe removed any memory of this. For him, it will have never happened. He left here not more than ten minutes ago. Now, either leave, or shut up and let her rest."

"Very well," Sel grumbled. "I must find the boy and take him home. I cannot leave him to wander these woods alone. She will be safe with you? I will return as soon as possible."

"Safe with me?" the wizard said, looking amused. "You should know by now the answer to that question. Go find the boy... she will be here awaiting your return."
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The Last Bond (Kallysti)

Kallysti slid into consciousness. She slowly openned her eyes, her entire body felt filled with broken glass and even the tiniest movement shifted it. "Sel..?" she whispered.

"He has been here and gone, my dear, but he will return," came the gentle, slightly amused reply, "maybe then perhaps you will stop calling for him, even in your sleep. Rest now."

"Wait," she called, her voice barely audible. The old wizard knelt closer to hear. "I would know of this last bond. I have no... specific memories of the bond with my people..."

"Kallysti, in your condition at this time, I do not dare look into your mind again. Servants of Ro are the ones that shatter, that burn... the fires are cleansing, perhaps healing in their own way, but in one way or another, they destroy, they do not mend. What I have done to you must heal in it's own time. But I can tell you what I saw when first I looked several nights ago." He sighed. "The bond to your people is not one specific ritual. It is not pinpointed and smashed and it's done. No, the bond with your people is a natural thing, that formed over time, simply by being born among the Tier'dal. Every one of us has it. It is who we are, who we were, and what we can become. Not all bonds formed are those for a particular reason. And not all control us, in fact, they should not. The bonds placed upon you by your father and the church were unnatural, against your will. But there are other kinds: bonds of friendship for instance, that you would not want broken. If you truly desire, as your mother did, to break that one as well, there are steps we can take. But ask yourself this: Would you destroy this bond to your people? To who you are? Already your ties to them fade but as long as you stay in contact with any of us," he smiled sadly, "then that bond will never fully be gone. There are those I know you would wish no association with, but one must take the good with the bad, so to speak. One person is not responsible for all the sins of their people. Do not forget where you come from but do NOT take on that burden. Do you understand this old man's gibberish?"

Kallysti smiled back at him. It was all the answer required.
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Return to Kelethin (Selquinn)

Selquinn strode down the path that wound through the forest of Greater Faydark, away from the portal stone that led to the Plane of Knowledge. The air here seemed cleaner than that of Nektulos Forest, less oppressive, somehow. the animals were not so aggressive, either, at least no more than they should be. Being back in the Faydark couldn't help but to bring a smile to his face as he pressed on towards the city of Kelethin. Still, he could not stay long... he knew he must return to Nektulos as soon as possible. Kallysti was there still, resting after the removal of her second bond. She would still need protection, perhaps now more than ever.

A small hand tugged at his belt. "Sir?" a small voice said to his left. Sel looked down and smiled at the boy who walked with him.

"Yes? What is it?" he answered.

"Are we almost there?" the boy asked, plucking at the new tunic he wore. The blanket he had been wrapped in when Sel found him creeping through the forest would not have done at all; Sel had bought him new clothes when they passed through the Plane of Knowledge on the way back home.

Sel patted the boy on the shoulder. "Yes, very near now." He pointed at a dim shape, barely visible ahead of them. "See that very large tree? The one you can barely see in the fog? That's one of the city's trees, Eathyn. One of the ones that holds it up above the ground.We'll be there in just a few minutes."

Eathyn smiled back up at him. "I can't wait to get home!" he exclaimed. He seemed excited, but worry crept into his eyes. "But everyone will want to know where I went, and I dont even know."

"Don't worry, you won't be in trouble at all. I promise," Sel replied, smiling at the boy again. "Everyone knows how tricky those pixies are, right?"

The boy giggled a little. "Yeah. But, sir? Where did they take me?"

"Not far, only to the foothills of the Butcherblock mountains. It's a good thing my friend found you when she did, too! There's goblins there, and I don't think you'd like meeting them, do you?"

"No, sir!" Eathyn said, shaking his head. "But...your friend was a Tier'Dal..."

Selquinn laughed. He hoped it was convincing to the child. "No, no ,no! She isn't a Teir'Dal at all. She's from Felwithe... an enchanter. She has incredible magic, you see. She can make herself look like other people, or other things. She could even look and sound just like you, if she wanted to." Sel grinned down at the boy. The lifts into the city were visible ahead of them now.

Eathyn laughed again. "Thats good, I don't ever want to meet a real Tier'Dal!"

"You might meet one someday, you know. I have met some, and you know what? A few of them aren't really bad after all." He tried to imagine himself saying these words just two weeks before and could not. " Still, Eathyn... we must be careful with them. But remember, not everyone is what they seem. Use your own eyes, and your brain, and decide for yourself. Don't just listen to other people."

"Like when they talk about you," Eathyn said quietly. He seemed embarrassed now.

"Yes, I suppose so." Sel stopped walking and turned to face the boy. He squatted down to face him at eye level. "I am not like most Fier'Dal, Eathyn. I don't know what stories you heard about me, but I'm sure some of it is true. They say I let my hatred take me, and they are right. But most of those people who tell those stories were never there with me to see what really happened. Much of it is exaggerated." He smiled again. " Most of the time, I'm just like any other Fier'Dal you meet in the city. I have killed, and I will again, but only when I must, to accomplish some good. Understand?"

"Yes, I think so," Eathyn said. "They said I should be afraid of you. But I like you."

"Well, that's good, because I like you, too," Sel answered, ruffling the boy's hair. "Come on, we're almost there." He stood and continued walking to the lift, the boy following at his heels, looking up at him with what seemed to be adulation. He looked away, shaking his head slightly.
Mother, let this one grow safe and happy...

As they stepped onto the lift, the guard nodded his helmeted head slightly towards Sel. He spared no glace at the child... with his blonde hair and green eyes, he probably took him to be Sel's son. The resemblance had struck Sel the moment he found Eathyn in the forest, cringing under a fallen oak tree. As the lift rose, he tried not to think about what that resemblance meant... hopefully nothing.

The lift rose quickly, and soon stopped level with the platform high above the forest floor. The whole thing swayed slightly in the breeze. Sel found in comforting, another sensation only his home could produce. Outsiders often had a greta deal of trouble dealing with it... he wondered briefly how Kallysti would handle it, were it possible for her to come here.

"Now... do you know which way to go to get home?" he asked the boy. Eathyn pointed up a catwalk that led to a slightly higher platform.

"It's right there, very close," he said.

"Good. Now before you go, I want you to have something." Sel reached into a pouch at his belt and withdrew a small ring. A simple piece of jewelry, really, at least to the untrained eye. A band of velium, with a diamond set into it." This ring was given to me a long time ago by an old friend. It's magic... it can protect whoever wears it against harmful spells." He took the boy's hand and slipped the ring onto his middle finger. As he did, the ring grew smaller to accomodate Eathyn's finger. Sel stood up and smiled down at him.

"Wear that, and those pixies can't ever do that to you again," he said.

Eathyn marvelled at the ring a moment, then hugged Selquinn fiercely. "Thank you, sir." Then he pulled away and ran towards home, pausing halfway up the catwalk to turn and wave frantically to Sel, a huge grin on his face.

Sel watched him go, thankful the boy had no memory of what had really happened, and hoping that the story he had given him would be believed when Eathyn told his family where he had been. After the boy was gone from sight, he turned back toward the lift and stopped. Blocking his path were two figures. One, a Fier'Dal with short brown hair and icy blue eyes, was dressed much like himself, and carried a bow. The other, an imperious-looking Koada'Dal, was clad in shining platemail and wore a large sword strapped to his back.

"Thornwood," the High Elven paladin spoke. "Finally we find you..."

[Kallysti]

Confrontation (Selquinn)

"Well, Thornwood, what have you been up to?" said the paladin. "Vartaen and I have been looking for you all over."

"So I've heard, Elaith," said Selquinn. "What do you want this time? Another lecture for me on Tunare's will, perhaps? Maybe another criticism of my methods? For one who never seems to leave Faydwer, you've got a lot of ideas of what to do about things you know nothing about."

The high elf stiffened visibly. "I do my duty to the Mother, ranger. That duty is here, as is yours. You are the one who is too blind to see that!" he growled. " Now I hear you are keeping company with Tier'Dal again, only this time I suspect you won't be trying to kill them in their sleep. Deny it if you will... Vartaen here has seen you!" The wood elf next to him nodded his head.

Selquinn walked up to Elaith, stopping a foot from him and looking him straight in the eye. 'You're in my way, Elaith," Sel said, cold menace in his voice, "and you really don't want to be. I'm going down that lift. Either move, or you'll get down out of the city much faster than the lift can take you."

"Mark my words, Thornwood... I'm watching. This Tier'Dal harlot of yours will suffer Tunare's wrath, and so shall you if you continue this."

Elaith was too fixated on Sel's eyes, and so never saw the mail-clad fist that rose up from below and slammed into his jaw. He spun and dropped to his hands and knees, shaking his head and bleeding from a cut lip. He looked up at Sel with rage in his eyes.

Sel stood above him, cold rage showing plainly in his face.

"All the harlots I know are in Felwithe," he said, smiling cruelly.

Sel's kick took Elaith in the side of the head, just behind his ear. He rolled a short ways from the force of the blow before stopping, all conciousness gone. Sel stepped over him to the lift. Vartaen followed.

"Sel," he said, "you shouldn't have done that. When he wakes, he'll just press harder."

Sel slapped the lever, causing the lift to start downward, the two of them aboard. "That's the worst thing he could do, and as usual he's too blind to see it." Sel turned a glare upon Vartaen. "And you've been tracking me."

Vartaen shook his head. "No! Well, I've tried, but you've been nearly impossible to follow. I didn't know where to begin, really. I'm sorry, Sel," Vartaen stammered, "Elaith didn't give me much choice."

"Didn't he? Understand this... if you lead him to me, if you lead him to her... I will kill him."

"Over a Tier'Dal? But, why?"

"I have reasons. Personal ones. For her sake, my sake, and your sake, I can't tell you what they are," Sel said," so stop following me. lead him elsewhere, if you want to do some good. There's Tier'Dal in the Western Wastes hunting me, I understand; take him there. He'll be just as happy crossing blades with them anyhow."

The lift touched the ground with a slight thump and Sel stepped off. "I mean it, Vartaen... don't try to lead him to me. I can't believe you can follow the trail I'll leave now that I know, anyways. If I see him anywhere near her, he will die."

Vartaen grimaced. "Very well, I owe you that much at least. I just hope you know what you're doing. I know full well you haven't turned, but Elaith won't be convinced, especially now."

"She's not what he thinks," Sel said.

"I hope not, for your sake. I just wish you could tell me why."

Sel shook his head. "Not now... perhaps some other time, when this is over." Sel stepped down from the lift onto the trail.

"Sel...when you hit him... are you in love with her?"

Selquinn stopped and turned. "She's a friend... at least. I don't know, Vartaen. But I wouldn't have her attacked, with words or anything else. Elaith is lucky he didnt get worse for it."

Vartaen smirked. "You never were good with happier emotions, Sel. Elaith deserved that, Tier'Dal or no. I won't lead him to you, I swear it." he thought for a moment. "These Tier'Dal in the Wastes... are they many in number?"

'I expect so," Sel said He smiled as an idea struck him. "Tell Elaith to bring friends. A lot of them. They are there hunting me... they'd never expect to be hunted in turn...."
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The Hall of the Paladins (Selquinn)

Selquinn stood in the main hall of the paladin's house. The room seemed cold with its gleaming white marble walls, ceiling and floor, even though it was actually quite warm. Several armoured Koada'Dal stood before him, listening to him intently. He had been here for perhaps half an hour, telling them of his encounter with Elaith. No doubt they knew the story already, but if they had heard it from Elaith's lips it would have been skewed, turning Sel into a traitor.

One of the high elves, before him raised a hand, as if motioning for Sel to stop speaking. He was taller than the others, with typically severe high elven features and pure white hair. He was resplendent in his shining plate mail, which was polished to a mirror finish. Every inch of him seemed a leader... fitting for a general.

"We knew of this, Selquinn, though not quite as you have told us," said General Jyleel. "Elaith was very adamant about the need to bring you to justice... too much so. He is young still, and has too much zeal for his work. His claim that he needed fifty men to accompany him to the Western Wastes of Velious to apprehend you at a meeting with the Teir'Dal was much exaggerated, I felt. He has been assigned penance for his misdeeds, and shall trouble you no more. I offer you my sincerest apologies on behalf of my Order." Jyleel bowed deeply to Selquinn, a grave look upon his face. Selquinn, somewhat stunned, returned the bow.

"General, I thank you for your graciousness. Be assured Elaith's actions have not colored my opinion of you and your followers... I have the utmost respect for your order," Sel said.

"Can you tell us anything of this Teir'Dal, Elaith says you are in league with? Is there such a one?" Jyleel asked.

"There is, General... but I cannot say more..."

Jyleel pursed his lips a moment in thought. "Would you speak with me alone, please?" he asked. He getured towards a door to his left. "I would know more of this, if you will share it with me in confidence. You have my word that, unless you have committed any foul deed, I will not betray your trust."

Sel looked down at the floor. "I have committed foul deeds, General,... but not in this. I will tell you alone." Jyleel opened the door and held it for Sel, then followed him in and closed it behind him. He waved towards a chair on the far side of the room near a blazing hearth.

"Please, sit. Relax. This room is warded against any kind of eavesdropping, including magical means. You can speak freely here," he said.

Sel took the offered chair. "You realize that I cannot tell you everything... I would not betray her trust."

"Of course," said Jyleel, sitting as well. "I am merely concerned about her intentions... you know well how treacherous the Teir'Dal are."

"I do know, yes," said Sel. "This one is not like that... I have known her long. You know how those of us who travel the wilds and the planes often come to ally with those who would normally be great enemies. She has never failed me as an ally, though she has had many such opportunities.... and honestly, there is no one I trust more."

"I know something of your past, Selquinn, and I know you more than most would not be quick to give such trust. I will let your words stand as a testimony... the order will not seek her out. I will attempt to control Elaith in this, though he is headstrong. I believe beating him will have made you an enemy for life."

"He would not have told you of that... you've been speaking with Vartaen, then?"

Jyleel nodded. "Yes, I have. He told me what you did, and why. Elaith was very wrong to say any such thing, and it is part of the reason he now does penance. Vartaen also said he thinks you are more than mere friends with this woman."

"Perhaps... I am unsure of her feelings. Regardless, I will stand in her defense, even against Elaith."

"I would expect nothing less," Jyleel said. "I cannot truly condone your connection to her... but I will do nothing to prevent it. You know here best...but do not expect her to be welcomed in either Felwithe or Kelethin simply because you vouch for her. I know well how adventurous ones such as yourself often acquire strange companions in their travels. To betray her, even though she be a Teir'Dal, would be a terrible wrong. And so, I will ask you no more of her."

"Thank you, General," Sel said, rising from his seat. "I must be gone now... "

[Kallysti]

New Questions (Kallysti)

Kallysti materialized into the Nektulos forest in front of the book. It was not quite dawn, her grandfather should still be up and about his studies. That was good, she had questions for him...

As she approached the crumbling stone wall she could immediately tell that the doorway stood open. Hardly a secret doorway if he left it standing open like that, perhaps he was finally starting to lose his memory. She stopped short. There was a strange charred smell coming from the doorway, it grew stronger as she drew near. Kallysti could hear small noises from inside as well. She muttered a few words of elvish, making a small warding gesture around herself.

She listened closely, intent on making out the sounds from inside. Such was her concentration that she tripped over something rather large in the doorway. Catching herself before she fell, she looked back. The blackened remains were probably elven, beyond that it was impossible to tell. Kallysti gasped and began coughing... the smell that was faint outside now permeated the very walls around her. She gagged, her eyes quickly adjusting to the blackness of the room. Black on black, she could tell why she had not seen them immediately: more like the one in the doorway lay thickly scattered in the first room. She picked her way around them, believing she would know her grandfather upon sight, horrified that he might be among them... why else would they have been here though? The bodies grew thicker as she made her way towards the back room, the stench was almost overwhelming. All that was forgotten, however, when her eyes found the center of the room.

Outwardly, at least, he was untouched but when she knelt and began lift him, he seemed as light as straw. She instinctively chanted her most powerful healing spell, hoping he was merely unconcious. The spell had no effect. Her heart now in her throat she laid him back down on the ground. Both hands over his chest, she whispered intently, glowing blue light surrounded his body. Nothing changed. Again she tried. And nothing. Louder she chanted, until she was screaming the spell at the top of her voice. The blue light from her hands exploded around him and illuminated the room in a bright, eerie, light. And still there was no effect on the lifeless form before her. She sank down further, defeated, and lay her head on her grandfather's unmoving chest.

She lay with him in utter silence, unable to tell the passing of time until that same small noise she had heard at the entry drew her attention. It was coming from very near now, to her left. She dragged her gaze across the blackened room. There, in the corner, a pile of rubble... and something moving feebly beneath it. Kallysti rose and made her way over. A small dark hand, still twitching, still trying futiley to claw out of the mess. Ironically, it was the pile of stone that had kept this one from becoming a charred lump like the others. Numbly, Kallysti began to move the rocks. The small figure they revealed was not one she had expected: Milau! The younger cleric was barely breathing. Kallysti used what remaining power she had to heal the girl as much as she could. Her breathing became more regular but she had not regained consciousness.

In the distance, Kallysti could hear many voices. They were far enough for now, but getting closer. This was certainly no places to stay now. There would be time to mourn later. She lifted Milau and stepping through the doorway, carried her to the portal for the Plane of Knowledge. There they could rest in relative safety, until the girl was ready to answer some questions.... and there would certainly be questions.
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The Cave (Selquinn)

Selquinn stood in the black forest, watching and listening for any sign of Kallysti's return. The soft rain on the leaves above and the mist it raised made it difficult, though, and the cold and damp seemed to chill him to the bone. Though this forest was natural, it had never been comforting to him; the Teir'Dal seemed to taint it by their very presence.

The sound of a crackling branch caused him to drop to a crouch, drawing his blades. Out of the fog came a figure, staggering under the weight of what looked like a body it dragged. Kallysti.

"Kal, you're safe... what's happened?" Sel asked. As she drew near, he recognised the one she pulled behind her... Milau. Kallysti said nothing as she continued moving past him towards the portal. Even though the rain had wetted everything, as she passed him he could see the tears in her eyes and on her cheeks. Sel reached out a hand to her as she touched the stone, still not even looking at him. In a blur, Kallysti and Milau disappeared.

Sel ran, following the trail Kallysti had left. It was not difficult, even in this light; dragging someone left marks a blind human could find. It was obvious where the trail led, and the dread grew in him of what he would find with each passing moment.

His frantic run brought him to the rocks in just a few minutes. Breathing hard, he looked into the open doorway. Never had he seen it left open like this... and the smell of charred flesh emanating from the black hole in the rock told him why it had been left. Steeling himself, stepped inside. The smell was almost unbearable here. He knew it well, he had been on enough battlefields where magical fire had been used, but in this cave, with no breeze, it was nearly enough to choke him. Bodies covered the floor, all burnt beyond any recognition. He knelt beside one... there was almost nothing remaining but bones. Its clothing had been burned entirely away, and there was only a small pendant around its neck. Under it, clutched in a skeletal arm, was a thick book. A spellbook, by its appearance.

Quickly looking over the other bodies, he saw that they seemed to be elves, when there was enough left to tell. All seemed to be wearing a similar pendant around the neck... a silver medallion of a sword, point down, which seemed to become the branches of a tree nearer the hilt. He had never seem this symbol before.... but he was certain it was not something a Teir'Dal would wear.

His suspicions were confirmed a moment later as he pulled a scorched shield from a corpse lying beneath it. The elf was burned horribly, but his equipment was mostly intact. The plate armour, blackened and cracked from the heat, still shone in some places. It was not Teir'Dal armour. The sword clutched in its hand left no doubt, though. The fire had not damaged it so it was easy to recognise. A dark elf touching this would have had his hand incinerated. It was a paladin's sword...

The sound of footsteps on loose rock behind him brought him back to his sense. Turning, he raised his bow, nocking an arrow and drawing it back. He could see three dark figures standing at the entrance, peering inside.

"By Innoruuk, what is this?" one of them said in dark elvish.

"Search the cave. I want to know why we never knew of its existence all this time," said another, dressed in black platemail. "And I want to know who these belong to." He gestured at the corpses. Two of them slowly crept inside... Sel was trapped. They came perhaps ten feet in when one of them stopped suddenly and pointed in Sel's direction. "Wait, theres one still alive!"

He might have said more had the broadhead arrow not torn through his throat at that moment. Dropping his sword and clutching at the wound, he sank to the floor, gurgling. The second who had entered watched him fall, and panicked, turning to run back outside. A second arrow landed squarely between the shoulder blades, splitting the steel plate and burying itself deep. With a scream, he collapsed against the third elf, who still stood in the doorway. The armoured figure quickly ducked out of the opening.

Selquinn knew he couldn't stay here... there would be more coming, and soon. Slinging his bow back over his shoulder, he drew his blades and rushed forward, turning left as he did to face the third figure. Swiftwind's lightning lit the immediate area well, and Sel could see the Teir'Dal there with sword drawn. As he rushed forward to join battle, a horrible burning pain drove deep into his back. Glancing back, he saw another dark elf behind him, a dagger in each hand. One of them dripped with Sel's own blood. Spinning quickly even as he fell to his knees, his backhanded swing with his lightblade crashed into the side of the elf's head, splitting his unarmoured skull and dropping him to the ground next to Sel.

The last one came closer, smiling with confidence now. Trying to ignore the pain and the frightening sensation of growing weaker with each passing moment, Sel pushed himself upright once more, and attacked.

It was not a fair fight. Bleeding badly, and fighting a strange drunken sensation, Sel staggered on the poor footing of the wet rocks, desperately trying to stay on his feet. That dagger must have been poisoned, he mused. There was no time to worry about it now, as this Teir'Dal was fast, and skilled. As he pressed Sel back, he seemed to grow ever more confident. Their blades clashed against one another mightily, and Sel knew he would soon be too tired to hold up his defense. In a desperate move, he lashed out with the lightblade towards the Teir'Dal's head. The elf deftly raised his own blade to parry it. At the same moment, Swiftwind struck at the hilt of the dark elf's sword, knocking it from his hand and sending it flying into the darkness. As he pushed forward to disembowel his enemy, the Teir'Dal cried out an arcane word Sel did not understand, and grasped him by the forearm.

The pain was more than he had ever felt before. It seemed to burn in every part of his body, even in his mind. He screamed in agony as he fell towards the dark elf, knocking them both to the ground. In a fury, he drove Swiftwind to its hilt in the shadowknight's chest.

They lay there for some time. Sel was too weak to remove his blade from the dark elf's chest. Too weak to even stand. He tried to mutter the words of a spell that would heal his wounds, would cleanse whatever poison was in him... and failed. There were more voices in the forest now, and running footsteps coming closer. Just as he lost conciousness, he finally caught a glimpse of the approaching group.

Teir'Dal.
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Thoughts (Kallysti)

Kallysti had lain for some time now in a relatively peaceful corner of the Plane of Knowledge but sleep had been evading her. Beside her on the grass, Milau seemed to not have that problem. The younger cleric did not move, save for the rise and fall of her chest.

Kallysti leaned back against the stone wall, a thousand thoughts racing through her mind. Chief among them though were who the elves in the cave were and how did they get there? How did they know the place existed at all for that matter...? But this last one she she could answer. Whoever they were and for whatever reason they had come, it had been she who had lead them there. How many years had that cave been there undetected? How many years had her grandfather...

But her mind shied away from thoughts of the old man, the shock and the pain still far too recent. She would see it every time she closed her eyes for many years to come. Still... she should not have left him there, he deserved better than to lie there on a field of battle, his own home or not! But she had heard others coming, probably allies, reinforcements for the ones who were already dead. It would not be safe to go back there... and yet... where was Sel? She had gone off by herself from the camp, though in the back of her mind it occurred to her that he might follow anyway... then after she'd found... she shook her head. All was a numb blur past that point. All she could remember was the weight of girl behind her and how much darker the forest seemed.

She looked down at the peacefully resting Milau. She knew the girl would be safe enough here, violence to another was prohibited, even magickally enforced so that there was no way it could happen. It would be safe to leave her here, even unconscious as she was. But Kallysti's need for answers from the girl warred with her worry over Sel. He should have come back, tracked her down by now... he was like that for some reason. She had taken it for granted when she sat down next to Milau that he would just appear from nowhere, like he always did. Yet quite some time had passed and there was still no sign of him.

She sighed. Her mind made up, she rose and headed back towards the portal to Neriak
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Captive (Selquinn)

Selquinn slowly fought his way back to conciousness...

He hurt. Everywhere, it seemed. His back ached dully, from the dagger thrust he had taken... but not as badly as it should have. His head felt as though it were splitting apart, though, and he was too weak to stand. How could he be upright, then...?

Slowly opening his eyes, he began to realize where he was. The room was dark, the stone walls and floor reflecting little light from the dim lamp on the table before him. He realised he was cold, and looking down saw why; he was naked, and chained to the wall by the wrists and ankles. Looking around, he saw his equipment lying in a heap on a bench along the far wall. Two Teir'Dal stood near it, watching him.

"Thornwood," said the younger of the two, stepping forward. He wore plate armour and carried a shield. An evil looking mace hung from his belt. "We search the world for you, traveling to frozen wastes and the most miserable jungles, only to have you walk right into our own forest." The dark elf smiled. "Innoruuk favors us this day."

Still struggling to gather his strength, Sel said nothing. This seemed to disappoint the Teir'Dal, as the smile slid from his face. He came closer, and stopped just in front of Sel. "As much as we delight in having you as a...guest... there is another we would much rather find. One of our own, and I think you know where we can find her. Tell me, where is Kallysti?"

Sel still said nothing. The Teir'Dal was beginning to glower now, his patience almost at an end. Reaching out, he grasped Sel by the chin, forcing his head back against the stone wall. "Tell me what I want to know, ranger. If i have to ask you a second time..."

Sel coughed. "Brave one, you are, threatening me while I'm chained...don't waste your time. I'm not telling you anything," he whispered hoarsely.

The Teir'Dal scowled, then reared back his arm, backhanding Sel across the face viciously. "I am not in the mood for games, Thornwood. Tell me, now!" he shouted.

Sel licked at his lips, tasting the blood from the cuts upon them. Drawing himself up, he spat fully into the dark elf's face. "I told you no. Or are you too stupid to understand? NO!"

The Teir'Dal wiped the mix of blood and saliva from his face as he grasped the mace hanging from his belt. The other elf came forward, grasping his arm and preventing him from freeing it. Turning in anger to confront whoever it was who had touched him, the younger elf paused when he saw who it was.

"Go, N`Jarn... leave me to talk to this Feir'Dal. Alone. And send in my assistants... I think I will have need of them." The older elf shoved N`Jarn towards the doorway. Glaring back over his shoulder at Sel, the angry Teir'Dal stalked out of the room, his footsteps echoing deeply on the stone. The older elf turned his attention to Sel.

"Excuse him, he his too emotional for this work. His place is on the battlefield, of course, much as yours is." The Teir'Dal showed no emotion on his face, other than a faint glimmer of anger deep in his eyes. "Long have we sought you for your crimes against my people, Selquinn. You have much to answer to the Teir'Dal for. And your debt to me is far greater still. I want to know where my daughter is, and you're going to tell me."

Sel looked closely at this elf. So this was Kallysti's father, the one who had caused all this trouble for her. He wished fervently he were free, even barehanded. "What makes you think I'm going to tell you anything?" he said.

The Teir'Dal smiled back at him. "Oh, I know you won't. You'll defy me just as strongly as you can. For now, anyways. But in the end, it doesn't matter." He reached into his pocket and pulled from it the stone that had been used in the binding ceremony, shining faintly. "Her bonds to me are broken, or rather, transferred to another. Given that I believe she shares her mother's fondness for those of inferior blood, and knowing of your closeness to one another, the bond must be yours now." He held the stone up inches from Sel's face. "Do you know what this is? It's a focus for the bond. It would allow you to use her, if you so chose. Were I to destroy it, the bond would remain. I can remove the bond, of course, should I wish it."

"By killing me?" asked Sel.

"Of course, that would work. However, it still leaves me with the unfortunate problem of my traitorous daughter wandering the world freely. My intention is to bind her more strongly than before, so that she would never even consider breaking it a second time. Now that the only one who would help her is dead," he said, smirking, "it would be impossible anyway."

"You can't bind her again, damn you," Sel said. "You need her here for that, don't you? I won't tell you how to find her. Do what you will to me, it won't help you."

More echoing footsteps came, drawing nearer. The Teir'Dal turned to watch two more elves enter the room. Both were dressed in dark blue robes, adorned with the unholy symbols of Innoruuk's faithful. One carried a large book, along with a quill and a bottle of ink. The Other held a rolled-up leather bundle. he placed it on the long bench nest to Sel's armour and began unrolling it. Within, barely visible in the dim light, Sel could see several ghastly looking instruments.

Kallysti's father shook his head slowly as he looked Sel in the eyes. "We don't need you to tell us where she is, Thornwood. Even if she does not feel you through this bond, I need only arrange for her to learn of your capture, and she will come to me, hopefully with that cursed enchanter companion. Then I will have everything I want." he gestured to the other two elves, who came forward and unshackled Sel from the wall. Catching him before he could slump fully to the floor, the half-dragged him to the table and lay him across it on his back, where they began to bind him once again. His arms and legs were pulled down tight against the table with leather straps. Another crossed his forehead, holding his head down and forcing him to stare at the ceiling of stone above him.

"And as for you... well, like I said, you have so much to answer for, for all the trouble you've caused me in this. I intend to see you suffer for that, for a very long time. Perhaps while you enjoy the hospitality of Innoruuk's temple, you might share some of what you know..."

Sel could not see what the two Teir'Dal assistants were doing. One opened his book and dipped the quill in the inkpot. The other picked up something from the bench and moved back to the table where Sel lay. Gritting his teeth, he offered a silent prayer to Tunare, begging her to grant him strength.

And then... the entire world became pain.

[Trumble]

This is the best fan fiction I have ever had the priveledge of reading that I can remember. Keep it coming! :D

[Kallysti]

((Thank you for your kind words!

Note: These might start coming a little more slowly now. Sel (who is my rl b/f) and I decided we're going to rewrite some of the story completely. So starting here this is new stuff, omg! The same spirit will be there, of course, but we're adding some new stuff and changing/editting out a few things we thought we could do better. I guess it's a moot point if you didn't see the original, lol. Plus it's fun to write!
~Steph))
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Studies (Kallysti)

Captain Lihans regarded the pile of books and papers before her and sighed heavily. Her long, pale fingers massaged her temples and she closed her eyes. Elder Teir'dal was certainly not her first language but very few among their ranks could read it even passably well and none of them could possibly be trusted with the sensitive information she searched for.

Qarr, the old dark elf, took notes on everything: from his most dangerous arcane experiments to what he had for breakfast. Studying his writing was not the most tedious job she'd ever had but it was close. And many of his writings were missing. She frowned. The old man knew! They knew that he knew: they had intercepted a message from him to a traitor within their own ranks! And while that traitor and the Teir'dal wizard had met the same fate, the information could still be written down somewhere. They had to be sure, just killing him was not enough.

She picked up the top most book and began slowly turning the pages, skimming the words that she now knew by heart... for all the good that it did her. So many had died in their attempt to silence that vile, inky scholar, yet for all that loss, the loss of so many of Mother Tunare's good, strong men and women, it might still get out that...

She slammed the book closed. In an act of uncharacteristic frustration she practically threw it onto her desk. The remaining stack of books and loose papers wobbled precariously for a moment before toppling down to cover half the floor of the small room. She stood, exasperated, and went to kneel beside her desk. She began picking up the books and stacking them haphazardly beside her. After she cleaned them up she would definately take a rest. This mind set was not helping her any. As she picked up the last one she noticed something new, however: a loose piece of paper that had somehow gotten stuck behind the book's cover. Gently, she pulled it out, it came reluctantly. She sat down on the floor, the rest of the loose papers scattered where they'd fallen, and read the letter. For letter it was, not from the old man but to him. From...

There was a knock on the door and a slightly muffled voice asked, "We heard a crash, Captain Lihans, are you all right?" She did not answer, just continued to read intently. The door opened a crack and slowly widened. A pair of worried blue eyes peeked in at her, the young druid's small silver medallion swinging as he leaned forward to get a better look inside.. "I'm sorry to intrude ma'am," the polite voice continued, "but we heard a crash and..."

She looked up at him. Normally any youngsters opening her door without her leave would get a severe dressing down, if they were lucky. But her mood had suddenly lifted and she was almost grinning at the young Feir'dal, "Recruit, send me our best hunters. I have a job for them."

"I'll send for them right away, ma'am," he replied smartly.

"Excellent. For it seems old Qarr had something we hadn't counted on..."

"And what would that be, Captain?"

She smiled to herself before answering, "An apprentice."

***********

Gedwilth's eyes snapped open at the insistant knocking on his door. Must have fallen asleep reading again, was his first muddled thought. The knocking continued but at his shout of "I'm coming!" it halted. He rose from the old chair slowly, catching A Treatise On the Dietary Habits of the Common Wyrm as it started to slide off his lap. He wove his way around neatly stacked books and bookshelves and absently placed the scroll from his lap on top of a pile of papers on his desk.

He was still blinking owlishly as he pulled the door open. "Oh, hey there, Loreat," he smiled.

The elder dark elf pushed the door open further and slid inside the room. "What's wrong?" Ged asked, yawning, "You seem rather agitated if I do say so myself. Is it another issue with..."

The intense enchanter cut him off, "Have you seen Kallysti or Milau recently?"

He shook his head, "No, Lore. Your wife has ever been reclusive, more so than myself. As for Kally, I have not seen her since she left on one of her 'visits' to Faydwer. I assumed you would know better than I where she... Are you feeling all right?"

"I don't know how to tell you so I'll just tell you, Ged: Qarr is dead," Loreat said simply. This was definately not what Ged expected to hear. He found himself at a loss for words. "To answer your next question, Ged: yes, I'm sure. The Indigo Brotherhood, on one of their patrols, saw smoke on the edge of Nektulos. And to make a long story short: they found the remains of a battle. Amongst it were the bodies of your grandfather and at least twenty of the.. light elves."

The stunned look had not left the young wizard's face as he asked, "The light races? I don't understand. How would they know about him? Or care? He never left his study! You're sure it was not the Indigo Brotherhood who..?"

Loreat shook his head and there was just a hint of dark amusement as he said, "Oh, I'm sure. One of the younger shadowknights 'found' a paladin's sword. Or so I heard. The rest of them were carrying what was left of him home when I found them."

"So... Kally? Milau?"

"No sign of them. That's why I came here. You and I would be among the first contacted should Kally need help, especially in Neriak..."

I'll never return all these books and scrolls to him now, he thought stupidly, his mind still not accepting that his grandfather, who had seemed so immortal to him, was gone, I guess I can keep them and study as long as I like. He almost began laughing hysterically.

Lore's voice broke his reverie, "There is also a rumor flying about that Kal's father is inordinately happy about something, though the same rumor says, it's not that he's found her... yet. That still does not auger well. And I'll ask you again: do you have any idea where we might find her or my wife?"

The slender, young Teir'dal shook his head then half smiled, "But travel is half of my trade. And I promise you, I will gate to every region I can until I find them or some word of one or both of them. Did you want to come with me?"

"Yes, I think I..." a sudden sharp knock on the door stopped him in mid-sentence. He looked at the small wizard questioningly but Ged only shrugged.

"Come in, then," Ged said a bit irritably. A solemn, dark-haired figure pushed the door open and stood in the doorway. "Come in, child," Gedwilth repeated but the tiny Teir'dal only shook his head and held out a small scroll for Loreat. The dark enchanter took the message and scanned it quickly.

He looked back at Ged, concern replacing the anger in his features, "I have to go. They found Milau unconscious in the Plane of Knowledge. Alone. Do what you have to and find Kally, Ged, I'll help when and if I can." And with that, he strode fast and purposefully out the door, the silent child trotting behind him to keep up.

"I guess it's up to me then," Ged mumbled at his books as he began to weave a complicated gate spell, "I have to find her." And then, he thought, the energy at his fingertips starting to reflect the dark fire now in his mind, then I go and show those pale bastards just what the other half of my trade is...

[Kallysti]

Demands (by Selquinn)

N'Jarn moved the candle closer to the parchment on the desk, straining to read the words written upon it. He muttered for what seemed like the hundredth time about the need for more light. His scribe had filled four sheets today, and N'Jarn fully expected that, like the three previous days, they contained nothing useful. The chronicle of the Feir'Dal's torture had so far been extremely disappointing... who would have expected a wood elf to withstand pain so well? It seemed the more they hurt him, the harder he became. Possibly, N'Jarn mused, he had undergone similar treatment before. If so, they would eventually know all about it.

N'Jarn cursed softly as he came to a place on the sheet where the words were obscured by a bloody smear. Selquinn had done that deliberately, Innoruuk damn him. The Feir'Dal, bleeding badly, had slumped against his chains and mumbled something, and the scribe had been stupid enough to lean in closer to hear. Most of the mouthful of blood Selquinn had spat at him had struck him in the face, but some had landed on the parchment. N'Jarn shrugged. It wasn't as if it had ruined anything useful. What was far more interesting was what happened to the guard who rushed in to subdue the wood elf. Selquinn hadn't been nearly as weakened as they had supposed, and the guard had lost an ear to the Feir'Dal's teeth before anyone could pull him back. The other guards had beaten him unconcious at that point, and they had been unable to interrogate him further.

He has a hatred in his heart equal to that of any Teir'Dal, possibly more. As if Lord Innoruuk himself had.... N'Jarn shook his head, forcing his mind back the the pages before him before his thoughts turned even more heretical. The Teir'Dal were the Prince of Hatred's chosen children. The wood elf chained up in the next room must simply be insane. There was no other answer.

The door opened violently, slamming against the wall with a crash that resounded through the labyrinth of corridors. N'Jarn jumped visibly, his first thoughts of a wood elf escaped from his chains and come to murder him banished at the sight of the armour-clad Teir'Dal standing in the doorway.

"Who dares interrupt my work!", he shouted. "Identify yourself!"

The warrior walked into the room, closing the door behind him. As he entered the light, N'jarn recognised the young face before him. He gripped the edges of his desk to stop his hands from shaking.

"My name is Drazharr.", the interloper said. " I have come for the Feir'Dal."

"Have you?", N'Jarn replied. "I'm afraid you're not the first, boy. I'm not finished with him yet, and neither is High Priest Kahir Varshalin. I'm also coming to the conclusion that Lord Innoruuk himself has an interest in him, so you're just going to have to wait your turn."

The young dark elf scowled, leaning in closer. "I will not be spoken to in such a manner!", he hissed angrily. "I am a loyal servant of Innoruuk, and a shadowknight of Neriak. I demand respect!"

N'Jarn laughed softly. "Respect? You're no shadowknight. You're a child, and a half-trained one at that. You've learned nothing of manners, at the very least." He turned back to the pages on the desk. "Begone, Drazharr. Be thankful I don't report your intrusion to your superiors."

Drazharr's hand shot out, sweeping the papers from the desk in one hard motion. "You will listen to me, priest!", he growled dangerously. "That ...thing...has insulted my honour and my pride. He has made a mockery of me and my strength. I know you're aware of how he left me wounded in the forest. He had me at his mercy, and refused to kill me, as if I were not a worthy foe! He will suffer for that outrage, priest, and he will suffer at my hands. I demand satisfaction!"

N'Jarn slammed his fists down and the desk and jumped to his feet, meeting the angry young shadowknight's gaze. "You demand satisfaction? What you'll get is a place in shackles next to him if you are not gone from my sight!", he screamed. "No one saw you enter these catacombs, Drazharr, and no one need see you leave, either. Do I need to spell that out for you? Begone!"

Drazharr spared him one last look, hatred and a promise of retribution burning in his eyes. Then he was gone, the heavy wooden door slamming behind him. N'Jarn sighed and sat back down, trying to slow his racing heart and control the trembling in his hands. For a moment, he had been certain that it was Selquinn coming into the room. He'd finally had a revelation about him, had finally learned something of importance.

The Feir'Dal chained in the next room terrified him.

[Kallysti]

A Visit (by Kallysti)

Kallysti ran back from the bank across the hub of the Plane of Knowledge. She slowed down as the crowd around her thickened. How is it I always end up running by the wizard's port-in no matter what? She sighed impatiently and pushed her way through as best she could, muttering apologies as she went. Suddenly her foot struck something large and unyielding and before she knew it she was on her face in the grass.

She heard a startled exclamation from what she had tripped on. "Kal!"

The speaker's hands helped her to her feet and she found herself face to face with Gedwilth. She blinked, Only Ged would be sitting in the midst of a crowd. No doubt had his nose in his spellbook... But before she could respond or ask what he was doing there, she found herself in a tight embrace. "Oh, Kal," he said, "I have to tell you something: Our grandfather.."

"I know," she answered gently, hugging him back, "I found him, I.."

"Wait, so you were with them?" he asked, holding her back at arm's length to look into her eyes, "I thought the Indigo Brotherhood couldn't stand you. Why would you have been with them?" He looked more puzzled than she had ever seen him.

"Ged, I was alone. What do you mean?"

And he told her everything Loreat had said.

"Wait. What was that at the end? He said that my father is happy?" Ged nodded. "Yet here I stand." Quickly she came to the most logical conclusion and there was dread in her voice as she asked, "Oh no. Sel. My father has Sel, doesn't he?"

"What? Your Feir'dal riend? I would not know, Kal. I have never seen him so I would not know him if I saw him. There are often many races of the light among your father's prisoners, so it could easily be so that he is one of them. I try to avoid his dungeons anyway! Would it make the high priest happy to have this friend of yours?"

Kally nodded, a look of certainty and horror on her face now, "Indeed, it would. Ged, I'm going back to Neriak. I have to know."

"Do you think that's wise? You know how badly your father wants you back. And why."

"I know. And no, it's not wise. But if he has Sel then I am not leaving him there. And not just because I have any feelings for him, Ged. It was my fault that trouble found Qarr. It is my fault if they now have Sel. I should have known he would follow me..."

"Kal, if you need my help you have it," the young wizard told her, "you know that. Just promise me that after this is done, you'll come to Felwithe with me. I have some, um, questions, that need answering."

Of course he would want to go to Felwithe after what happened, she thought. "Ged, it's probably best that you don't come with me. In fact, you should find somewhere to hide until things calm down. Before my father and his friends decide that traitors and heretics run in our family and come to 'question' you..."

He snorted contemptously, "Perhaps you are a heretic but I never subscribed to that whole Innoruuk thing. And regardless, Kal, I'm not one to go running and hiding. I'm coming with you. You may need me before the day is out."

You bring fire or flight, Ged, she thought, I hope I don't need either. Out loud she said, "Fine, you can come. I'm just going to find out what I can find out. I may just talk to a few friends I have who still dwell within the city. We'll stay out of sight as much as we can, anyway." And we WILL stay out of sight, she thought firmly, not daring to think ahead any further than that.

***************

Kallysti surveyed the guards at Neriak's front gate from a safe distance in the forest, "You're sure they won't see us?" she whispered.

Gedwilth answered just as softly, "I'm sure. I used to play at this when I was younger. Just to see how far my invisibility would work. Any undead will surely see you, though. Be careful. You know where I'll be."

"Getting what you can of your things, yes. And you know where I'll be."

He nodded, "As close to the dungeons as you can get without being seen. If the spell stays on you, you should be able to get that far easily. Be careful."

"Of course."

"Kal, what if he's there? Then what?"

"I'll think of something." And I'll get him out or die trying

*******************

Ged had been right, no one had seen her. And the invisibility spell, for a wonder, actually lasted long enough to get her to the dungeon's entrance and beyond. A short wait at the door and she'd been able to follow a guard inside when it opened.

Now she prowled the hallway, peering into each cell she passed. Each black stone room would be barely large enough for a human to lie down in and each had a front and back entry. The 'front' door was what she looked through: a stone slab with a small slit at eye level. The 'back' door was harder to see and lead away, deeper into the ground to the labyrinth's less pleasant areas. Most of the cells were standing empty, she saw, though that was not unusual in itself. Few lived for long once they were taken here. She saw two Ayr'dal, side by side, and one other that she thought had been human. She kept on down the long hallway, checking now and again for any guards patrolling past her but she made her way down the hall without incident.

She almost passed him. She had to stop and look a second time to be sure. But there was no mistaking the blond figure hanging in the shadows. Even naked and bloody, his head hanging forward in what could only be unconsciousness, she could tell it was him.

She pulled on the door, knowing it was futile. She looked up and down the hallway again, "Sel!" she hissed through the tiny window at him. He didn't move. In fact, if not for the shallow rise and fall of his chest she would have sworn he was dead. She leaned her head against the stone wall, thinking.

A sound on the other side of the door made her jump. She spun around, her heart racing, and looked for the source. The hall was still empty but she looked back through the door in time to see a pair of guards unchaining Sel from the wall. Kallysti clawed hopelessly at the door as they dragged him off, still seemingly unconscious, through the back. In what seemed like no time at all, she swore she could hear his faint screams. She leaned her head against the door, now unable to think.

She hadn't even realised that she had been sobbing aloud and that Ged's invisibility spell had long since worn off. Not until a hand rested on her shoulder and a surprised voice said, "Well, what have we here?"
--------------------------------------------------

Complications and Plans (Kallysti)

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Gedwilth shook his head and smiled a bit to himself, Whether or not he's here, I think I'd like to meet this Feir'dal of Kally's. Like it or not, his cousin had changed. For the better, Ged thought but he wasn't sure if she saw it that way. Wish I could meet someone like that, I could stand a change myself... Of course, it would help if he put down his books once in a while and he did not see that happening soon.

He smiled sadly and and shifted the old, worn backpack on his back. These never left his sight, not even for a minute! Especially not now... these books now meant more to him than his own spellbook, perhaps more than his own life. He stopped and remembered that they had meant the life of their author... Ged blinked back sudden tears. He vowed silently that after he had his revenge for his grandfather's death, he would continue the legacy left him in the pages of those books.

He was wondering how many more books he could carry with him, certainly not even a fraction of what was in his room. He was still making a mental list as he approached his room, so absorbed that he did not even notice that the door stood slightly ajar. What he did notice, right away, however, was the absolute scattered mess of what seemed to be every book and scroll in his room.

But he barely had time to survey the damage before a deep, commanding voice inquired, "Gedwilth N'Talis?"

"Yes?" Ged peered into the darkness and could make out nothing more than a vague cloaked shape, his sharp eyes catching the dim glint off what he assumed might just be the tip of an arrow pointed at his head.

He heard the soft hiss of a sword being drawn, "Drop the bag and come with us," came another voice behind him. He could just feel the sharp point in his side, driving the command home. For just a moment he felt frozen in place.

Then he heard footsteps approaching outside his door. And everything seemed to happen at once. The door was kicked in, revealing several of the High Priest's personal guard, shouting that he was under arrest. He felt he wind of an arrow pass by his head and turned to see it embedded in the eye of the Teir'dal closest to him. The dark elf fell, dead before he hit the ground. There was an instant of silence, then all hell broke loose.

It was hard to tell, in the darkness, exactly what went on. He heard startled cries from both sides amongst the clash of steel, which seemed to come from all around him. In the sudden chaos, though, he did notice one thing: both sides had momentarily forgotten him. He began to whisper urgently, ignoring a sudden sharp pain in his arm as he quickly wove his fastest emergency evacuation spell.

He finished just in time, the "battle" had taken less than a minute in reality. His mysterious intruders had won but he wasn't sticking around to see what they wanted. There was a flash of light as Ged disappeared.

He reappeared just outside the city gates and made his way into the forest, hoping he could get far enough to escape any notice. He sat down, his back to a fallen tree. It was then that he looked down and saw the arrow that protruded from both sides of his arm. He didn't need to look that closely for confirmation of the design. It was tangible proof of what he had thought he'd seen in the instant the room had been lit by his spell: Feir'dal.

Ged sighed. I hope Kally is having better luck than I am...

**********************

"Help you, Kal? You're lucky it was me who found you! If anyone else had found you, you would be in a cell next to this friend of yours. If you were lucky! And you have the nerve to ask for help?" She knew he was right, she was lucky her old friend was still her friend after the last time they'd parted.

"Jin, I just don't know what to do. It's my fault they have Sel, I'll do anything to get him out. Please."

He sighed and leaned out the door a moment to see if anyone had heard them. Initially, when he had seen it was her he had pulled her aside to talk in one of the long-empty cells. Sel's screaming had ended abruptly a few minutes ago. She didn't want to think about what that might mean.

"Do you remember the last time you asked me for help? When your father had other friends of yours held here?"

She looked down at the ground. "Yes," she answered softly.

"Then you remember how that ended," it was a statement, not a question. And she did remember, all too well. She and Jindar had been so young then, both of them still in their respective training. They had been much more than friends. He had been willing to do anything for her and she had known it. It was too much to hope that he would still be willing to help. She had really wished it