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#Post#: 1161--------------------------------------------------
290 AC to 370 AC The Path to Schallsea
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: June 24, 2025, 3:45 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Prelude-
[center]The Birth Omen is read for the infant Selene just after
her birth. There is an audible gasp, and a hesitation, then the
ceremony continues-
“This girl, named Selene, born on this day…gasp…This girl will
darken the Moon with her name.”[/center]
[center]What is past is prologue…[/center]
[center]The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter One: Awakening[/center]
Eastern Ansalon
Nation of Silvanesti
Silvanesti Forest
Silvanost, the Capital City
290 AC Age of Despair
Night, under the Silver and Red Moonlight, beneath the curtain
of stars of heaven,
Within the eternal city of a thousand white towers, the
beautifully tended Gardens of Astarin set the backdrop, as
luminescent pulses denote the arrival of Summer Home fireflies
to the party of Selene Ironleaf's fourteenth lifeday. Feelings
welled up of serenity that Selene had never known possible. And
so, it was as much a surprise to her as those present when
magical sparkles emanated from her fingertips, causing some
concerned outcries before they all had to come to terms with
what they were really seeing. The dark-haired child had produced
a magical show for everyone in the grove, creating ample
witnesses to the event.
Within days, drama behind the scenes escalated, for the fate of
the child was being discussed, and many factors weighed against
her. House Mystic sends two agents to oversee the testing of the
girl in question.
House Mystic Ilyndra Starfall and Varindor Lithendor handle the
duties of testing the girl. They review what information they
already know about the girl in question. She is from House
Metalline, it was unusual to find one gifted in the art from
this house. They first interviewed the eyewitnesses, and soon
they were satisfied by what they heard. It almost excited these
mages at the prospect of this young one.
Next, they meet her parents and ask about any background they
might know about any wizardry in their family history. Both come
up with nothing from their respective sides. They ask if they
may test young Selene. The looks between these elves tell the
mages that they have discussed this matter. They meet young
Selene and conduct their tests with subtlety, time-tested
methods that Selene sees through and surprises both mages with
the depth within this girl. She far exceeds the marks in each
test. It has been rare that this level has been reached by any
potential mage.
They report back to Ylle Savath of House Mystic of what they
have found, only to find her unmoved and unimpressed by the
results. She would change his mind a few months later when
Selene was tested before her. Some barriers are lifted, and
Selene is assigned a Tutor.
#Post#: 1171--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Story I Chapter Two: The Tutor
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 5, 2025, 7:49 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]What is past is prologue…
The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Two: The Tutor[/center]
Eastern Ansalon
Nation of Silvanesti
Silvanesti Foresti
Silvanost, the Capital City
Though Selene had tested high on their wizardly aptitude tests,
Ylle Savath, Head of House Mystic, had even seen her abilities
with her own eyes, Ylle still had his reservations about Selene.
For one thing, her birth omen was unclear at the time of her
birth… And it is still unclear to this day, which puts a cloud
over Selene’s eventual entry into House Mystic in her book. For
another, those eyes of hers, like she understands everything
already, it's unnerving. She might even have eidetic memory.
Another reason is that the Sylvelthar family of the intended in
the marriage agreement has brought a suit in the House
Advocate's office about the dowry that was agreed upon in that
agreement. That can be easily swept aside. It is an objective
fact that these gifted outsiders upset the careful balance, and
yet more and more are born each day. Is that in itself an omen
of the times? Ylle dwells on the matter further in solitude.
Selene Ironleaf was assigned to Elenara Silvermoon as her tutor
at her family’s Ironleaf Tower estate in the House Metalline
District. Elenara was a fierce advocate for Selene’s continued
instruction; the fact that everyone else hesitated tells her she
is on her own in this. Elenara is not ready to give up on this
girl because of an unclear birth omen. How many children have
been permanently stunted because of our birth omens?
As years pass, under Elenara’s tutelage, Selene excels by leaps.
She has thrown herself into the art. The rest of her world
conspired to dictate Selene’s future for her. The marriage
contract is really what is distressing Selene the most. Elenara
is more convinced than ever that Selene is meant to be a part of
House Mystic. On what would be their last session together,
Elenara had come to learn that for Selene, she is willing to
give up the wealth and the name of her family’s House to
practice the art.
Ylle Savath and her closest advisors decided, upon hearing these
reports from Elenara Silvermoon, that she would be removed from
instructing young Selene one-on-one at once. Until arbitration
is concluded with the intended’s family, Selene's future is
unknown.
#Post#: 1186--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Story I Chapter Three: The Dark Beauty
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 11, 2025, 5:51 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Prelude-
306 AC
A Meeting of Silvanesti House Mystic. Ylle Savath is presiding.
The Sylvelthar case involving the intended has been decided for
a year now, and the excuses have run their course. The
commitment to move forward with Selena Ironleaf seems all but
inevitable. So, she allows her to enter a probationary period
where, at the conclusion, “we will make our final determination.
She will be assigned to Miralyn Brightglen’s Academy.
[center]What is past is prologue…[/center]
[center]The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Three: The Dark Beauty[/center]
Academy of the Mystic Arts
325 AC
Years have passed
Selene has been on probationary status for nineteen years. It is
almost as if they are slow walking everything on purpose. She
narrowly survived her marriage arrangement, and her family did
not lose everything as she feared. For much of Selene’s life,
she has been around adults, and it has taken time for her to get
used to the close quarters with lots of different young wizards
who have gone through the Academy. It has reached a point where
Selene has moved up to become the head student, not a position
she seeks out, but it just falls into her lap when she is asked
to run the classes. Things have become remedial for now, for
these last several months. Almost like they (House Mystic) have
forgotten about me. In all of that time, Selene did not find
anyone she clicked with. People came in and out of the school,
and she hardly noticed. Until this new class of students, a few
students in particular caught her attention.
An elf maiden with long golden hair. old for a student at the
school, at thirty-eight, her name is Kalana Hiewind. Selene’s
impression of Kalana is that she is not from Silvanost, but her
family is rich. Selene does not know the backgrounds of these
students or what brought them to the academy. Kalana is
intelligent and is leaps and bounds beyond a lot of the students
here. She will be one to take note of. It takes a while for
Selene to get a handle on Kalana's moods, to better understand
how not to run afoul of her.
The youngest elf she has seen at the Academy is Inari Westbrook
at twenty-one. Inari is considered a prodigy and has been moved
up, so much so that it gives Selene pangs for how many years
have been wasted with the slow walk. Selene’s first assessment
of Inari is that she is indeed advanced, much further along than
when Selene started. It just depresses her more that she is
being treated this way by the House Master.
One of the elves very much interests Selene, for she has never
met anybody like her. The Dark Beauty is considered crass by
high elven morality and norms by normal standards. Seraphelle
Moonshadow was wicked smart in ways that excited Selene. Selene
feels awash in many different feelings when she is with her.
Over time, Selene also wonders about the implications that she
has developed a girl-crush on Seraphelle.
And so it was that Shalafi Miralyn Brightglen taught the elves
their lessons through the school session. Seraphelle learned of
how Selene is on probationary status as well, and they bond over
what is being held back from them.
#Post#: 1203--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Story I Chapter Four: Birth Omen
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 20, 2025, 10:21 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]What is past is prologue…[/center]
[center]The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Four: Birth Omen
Dalamar was created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
[/center]
Eastern Ansalon
Nation of Silvanesti
Silvanost, the Capital City
A meeting at the highest levels of the House Mystic is opened. A
significant number of House Mystics have forced this meeting
against the better judgment of Ylle Savath, the Master of the
Order of Mystics. Ylle stubbornly contends that the uncertainty
of this girl's birth omen gives her the right to do whatever she
will, but this time, her support has evaporated.
Enough wizards had come through the Academy that they now had a
strong voice in the majority; Ylle was told to bring her
evidence so they could see and hear what she had against this
girl. It was within Ylle's power to deny this girl, to the
devils take this majority, and to the abyss with all of them.
The argument that she is pushing them from the light does little
to convince her. Ylle reads part of the Birth Omen to them.”
[center]“This girl, named Selene, born on this day…gasp…This
girl will darken the Moon with her name...” [/center]
The majority maintain that it is forcing them to look elsewhere
for knowledge. In the end, she relents. She has been holding
back several Wizards because, in her heart, she believes she is
right. But fine, let the pieces fall where they may.
And so it was that several wizards moved out of the Academies
from across Silvanesti and were invited into House Mystic.
There was a grace period during which Selene and her former
schoolmates had not been assigned anywhere yet. They stay in the
House Mystic White Towers in Silvanost. They were allowed to
attend the Spring Dawning festivities. A group gathers to go and
enjoy the night. Selene is 68, Kalana is 57, Inari is 40, and
Seraphelle is 62. This small group of girls became close.
344 AC Spring Dawning Festival
Spring Dawning is a magical and important time for the elves of
Silvanesti. The White Robe group consists of Kalana Hiewind,
Inari Westbrook, Selene Ironleaf, Seraphelle Moonshadow,
Aelistria Moonglow, Nymeris Willowglen, and Dalamar Argent of
House Servitor.
They experience the Festival atmosphere. There is a lot of food,
and Silvanesti bards of Astarin sing and play beautiful songs,
telling stories and entertaining the crowd with their music.
Additionally, there are entertainers such as acrobats,
traditional Silvanesti puppet shows, jugglers, and Magic
provided by members of House Mystic.
The group has enjoyed just about everything, but now finds
themselves stopping to take in the Archery Tournament, where a
young elven girl named Saida, the youngest winner at fifty-one,
beat out the top winners from previous years. It was close to
the end, but she beat them decisively. The shocking conclusion
leaves everyone present with a lasting memory of this occasion.
The group walks away and enjoys the rest of the night’s
festivities. The group discusses a range of topics, some of
which are superficial, but most are about magical theory and
applications, causing Selene to take note of who is talking. She
notes that the one known as Dalamar has done a great deal of
thinking on the subject. She notices his eyes for the first time
and listens to his words, and sees depth in this one. The
subject comes up about whether anyone knows where they are going
to be assigned.
No one knows what they will be doing. At the end of the night,
they go their separate ways to their new dorms in the white
towers of House Mystic, while Dalamar returns to his Master's
Household to sleep.
#Post#: 1206--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Story I Chapter Five: Rumors of War
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 25, 2025, 4:12 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]What is past is prologue…
The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Five: Rumors of War
Lorac and Alhana were created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
[/center]
349 AC
Rumors come flying in from the north that armies are amassing
and staging in a formation suggesting they are coming south.
There are indications that Khur’s Khan has succumbed to the
promises of power and has joined with the Dragon Army in the
North.
Meeting at the Tower of the Stars
The Tower of the Stars is the seat of power for the elven nation
of Silvanesti. Located in Silvanost, just to the east of the
Garden of Astarin, the tower is made of crystal in the shape of
a spire with gemstones embedded into it, causing the tower to
sparkle at night. It is by far the most dominant structure in
Silvanost. There are silver wall-brackets for torches, and
several libraries within.
The venerable Speaker of the Stars, Lorac Caladon, sits upon the
Emerald Throne, his daughter, Princess Alhana, along with
members from House Royal at his side. Also in attendance are
House Cleric, Mystic, and Senior members of the Sinthal-Elish
Lord General Garan of House Protector. The General briefs the
Speaker and House Royal about the troop strengths measured
against their own, and there is great worry for the civilians.
Lorac indicates that messages have passed between Elven Capitals
across the desolate expanse of the Plains of Dust. Word comes
that an escape plan is being developed. If things go badly for
the Qualinesti, they will cross the straits of Algoni to the
Southern Ergoth continent that broke away during the cataclysm.
The first suggestions come about moving the people out of harm’s
way and moving them to a place of safety for the duration of the
war. Speaker Lorac beseeched those present to wait until his
address to the Sinthal-Elish, for he would be able to reveal a
more defined plan of evacuation.
Last year, in 348 AC, Speaker Lorac Caladon received emissaries
from Ariakas and signed a détente with the Dragon Emperor. The
dragonarmies pledged to leave Silvanesti alone, and the elves
agreed to do nothing to interfere with the occupation of their
neighboring lands.
Some of this information filters down from the Head of House
Mystic that secret plans are underway for a mass exodus to
Southern Ergoth, where a thriving settlement of Kagonesti has
established itself. It is House Mystic's position that they
should withdraw and escape to this Southern continent. Not
everyone agrees with this decision.
Though Dalamar has been adopted into House Mystic, he still
carries the distinction of being from House Servitor, and with
that stigma still controlling his destiny, he still has to carry
out the chores of House Servitor. It is expected of him. He
tries to carry this burden internally and not let anyone see how
it tears at him inside, to be thought of as less useful than
others because of his social status. He carried as much of this
inside as possible. The girls did not treat him as less.
Something he appreciated about them, though he is not sure he
has ever told them. He is no less than them. But the girls can
see the burden he carries whenever he is stepped on by someone
of a higher class. It is not just Selene’s group; a lot of the
students who came over from the academy do not carry it over
Dalamar’s head, and he still feels alone.
It is Seraphelle who suspects he has gotten access to a new
source of magic that he has uncovered; he keeps it to himself
and tells no other. Seraphelle observes to Selene that Dalamar
is walking taller than usual. “What did I tell you?”
Selene tells her that they should “tread carefully but we need
to work on gaining his confidence. It might take a long time,
but over time if we prove ourselves, we may win him over enough
to share. We approach it measured and disciplined and see what
may learn what we can from him.” They plot and plan together,
carefully choosing what will work and what won’t. They have
hungered for more and still feel they are being held back.
#Post#: 1268--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Chapter Six: At the Ruins of Solune Part
One: The Plot
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: November 12, 2025, 1:10 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Warning: strong, sensitive subject matter ahead. Consider this
Thread M/A Rated R
[center]What is past is prologue…[/center]
[center]The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Six: At the Ruins of Solune Part One: The Plot
Dalamar was created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman[/center]
349 AC
Late Spring Dawning
Spring storms roll through the forest one night, a few nights
after Selene and Seraphelle had decided to commit to their plot
to get closer to Dalamar to learn where he has gained power
from. Inari has watched the pair for weeks and decides to add
what she thinks to the proceedings. So, Inari approaches the
conspirators and asks to join in with their conversation. The
girls are alarmed that they have been noticed and concerned that
the young one might not fully understand what they are doing.
Inari adds her pieces of information she has been considering
these past nights and has concluded that they should let her
join their circle.
The Information Inari offers is that she heard Selene and
Seraphelle a couple of nights ago talk about their musings about
Dalamar, and so she had done her own thinking on the subject and
has concluded that Dalamar has opened himself to the black moon.
Selene and Seraphelle look at each other and back at Inari, and
they nod with understanding, and a recognition that they now
share a possible dark truth that they must keep between them at
all costs.
With Inari fully on board in their circle, they were given
access to her exceptional intelligence. She had been thinking
about this as well, deciding on which ruin to set the stage to
make contact with Dalamar.
Although Inari knew what the other two girls knew, that one of
them would have to get close, only it was not clear which would
go forward with being the point of contact with Dalamar. Inari
analyzed who the best candidate would potentially be. She had
also accounted for Kalana to be factored into the equation
because it is inevitable that she will eventually be added to
the circle.
In the end, Selene's volunteering was something Inari always
thought was going to happen, but Inari needed Selene to arrive
at this point on her own, and without Inari’s interference.
Seraphelle understood this choice and braced herself for the
feelings that she was going to feel soon. They try to move past
this as a means to an end, but they all know it is much more
than that.
Selene had begun making eyes with Dalamar for a few days before
he found a note that had been passed inside his pocket. It is a
short note from Selene with her signature that reads that he
should join her and her friends as they visit the Ruins of
Solune the coming weekend.
He does not answer her until the first day of the weekend. He
looks like he has packed for a trek in the woods, complete with
a walking stick. Selene approaches: she walks with a certain
confidence that she has enticed him in.
She approaches him and asks if he is going to the Ruins, and
Dalamar answers and just says, “Yes, I will accompany you on
this field trip. Where are your fellow sisters?”
Selene answers, “They will be along, I’m sure, any moment now.
Have you been to this ruin site before?”
“I have not, that is part of the reason I acquiesced to come on
this walk.”
Selene and Dalamar are quiet for a few moments (contemplating
the other part), waiting ….
Just now, Inari and Seraphelle are being confronted with the
inconvenience of Kalana inviting herself to the outing. The
girls isolate Kalana and give her the lowdown of the circle’s
intentions. Kalana understands and acts accordingly and gets
with the program.
They all walk out and meet Selene and Dalamar, and the group
sets out and heads into the woods, following the path. They are
traveling southwest, away from Silvanost. The girls hang back
from Dalmar and Selene, and they travel together to the dock.
The girls who are hanging back, Inari, Seraphelle, and Kalana,
are talking quietly amongst themselves, as Inari has only shared
enough that was necessary for Kalana. Having observed Selene
observing Kalana, Inari discovered that Selene was very wise for
doing so. Observing Kalana’s change of moods was the key to
understanding Kalana and her dark moods. Inari had been working
on Kalana for weeks now to have this conversation with Kalana.
Trying to gauge her ability to fully embrace the darkness that
the others have committed to embracing. Kalana has been held
back as well. It has been stifling and redundant. She is very
resentful of House Mystic.
Seraphelle listens and only puts in a word or two during the
exchange during the long walk. She tries to regulate her
feelings, knowing what might have to do, all in an effort to win
him to our circle. Seraphelle had deeply questioned herself to
see if she was willing, and something held her back.
They leave the Island of Fallon and cross over the Thon-Thalas
on the ferry to the other side.
They walk a short way before they cross under the ancient,
elevated King’s Road. This part is one of the last remaining
sections, which was supported by large pillars thirty feet in
the air running on pillars for 600 miles from Thon-Thalas in the
east to Purstal in the west. Originally molded from stone by
House Mason of the Silvanesti Elves as a means to travel from
Silvanost, through the Plains of Dust, and into Qualinesti, it
was widely used by merchants and travelers. However, during the
Cataclysm, the highway collapsed near Purstal and lies in ruins
further west of that point.
Soon, they are setting out on the old pathways into the Forest.
Ahead of the girls, Selene and Dalamar maintain a conversation
about the potential hostilities with the Dragonarmies soon.
Dalamar reveals it has been weighing heavily on his mind, trying
to come up with some way to impede forward movement. “It is
almost inevitable they will overtake our defenses, and House
Protector will fall. It is so hard to think about retreating,
and yet, how else can we survive?”
Selene had heard a well-sourced rumor and decided to pass it
along to Dalamar. “It’s my understanding that House Mystic will
play a part in the defense of Silvanesti, in concert with House
Protecter.”
Dalamar shrugs and says, “Unfortunately, as powerful as some of
us are among House Mystic, it is my estimation we will be rolled
over by the Dragonarmies. It has been hard to contemplate the
very idea that Dragons have leapt from our bedtime stories into
the sky as creatures of terror, destroying everything in their
path. I am not hopeful, but I have formulated a possible
strategy, if I’m allowed to try to cast the necessary spells for
the gambit to work.”
Selene considers for a moment, then ventures, “What would be the
impediments as you see them if you don’t mind my asking?
Dalamar considers this enigma of an elf talking to him. He
stalls for a few moments while he considers how to answer. “You
know of the Moon Cousins, you know who we only venerate Solinari
and have access to, these spells are outside his spheres of
control. We would have to draw on the magic of Lunatari and
access the spheres of Illusion. You understand my hesitancy to
bring forward under the nose of Ylle Savath and her ultra
conservative orthodoxy, I hardly see reason to explain any
further.”
Selene notices he actually seems defeated, just a slight sign of
disappointment. “I’m sure Ylle Savath will be open to just about
anything before this is all over with.”
Dalamar actually smiles slightly, chasing away his gloom.
“That's very perceptive, thank you dear lady, you have succeeded
getting me to consider things in its proper context.”
Slightly surprised by this, she is quiet for a time, causing
Dalamar to be quiet.
Dalamar breaks the relative silence after a while and asks
Selene if she knows the history of the ruin they are headed to.
Selene recalls what she knows about the Ancient Ruins of Solune,
and of what Inari told her about what she learned about the
site, for this very purpose: “When one of them, Parys Dayl, quit
the trio, Kayn Wynstal decided to study on his own as well.
Fayal Parran, the remaining elf, left for another part of the
forest. The White Mage, Parys Dayl, established a tower he
called Solune. After some time, the three mages were summoned to
help defeat the dragons in the Second Dragon War. Solune was
left empty and fell into ruin.
Dalamar nods and is impressed that Selene knew of it. Dalamar
decides then and there that this one is worth pursuing. He has
been confused this whole way. Others may not have noticed, but
Dalamar has. He has seen the looks between Selene and
Seraphelle, so he cannot understand what is at work. He plays
along to learn the truth of it.
Selene notices they have gotten closer in the last few moments
as they have knocked hips more than a couple of times now…
Seraphelle, Inari, and Kalana are back a ways, but close enough
to see the recent events up ahead. They share a look between the
three of them, and though Seraphelle looks braced to handle what
seems all but inevitable now, the three share a look of
solidarity and nod to each other that all is going according to
plan.
The Day Passes,
The group has walked all day and has had a few breaks. None of
them had ever been so deep into the forest before. The group
really takes in this rare moment, surrounded by the life of the
forest and the chirping of the birds and scattering of the
chipmunks and red squirrels, (Which fly via their thin membrane
between their arms and legs.) in other parts of the forest, the
fey are more prevalent, so far there has been little indication
they have attracted their attention, yet.
The elves soak in this rare opportunity to be so deep into the
forest without the people being on top of each other in
Silvanost. There is forest in every direction.
They witness a small herd of deer jumping through a meadow, but
stop long enough to take a look at the elves before they dart
off.
After a while, Dalamar and Selene realize they are not going to
make it there tonight, so they hang back to tell the others that
they should establish camp. Selene quietly reminds the girls to
maintain noise discipline to a minimum, as she embraces her
Dark-haired beauty, Seraphelle, with a deep, meaningful hug, and
Seraphelle steals a quick kiss.
Selene moves on to Kalana, whom Selene embraces while looking
over Kalana’s shoulder at Inari. Kalana and Selene separate, and
Selene moves over to Inari. They hug, and Selene finds Inari
hugging tightly with deep affection. Selene is moved by this
outpouring of feeling that Selene never knew Inari had within
her, that feeling of sisterly love for Selene. It could be many
things, all rolled up, but either way, Selene whispers in
Inari’s ear that “Things are moving apace…”
Inari turns to her and nods. Inari decides then and there they
will be implementing somatic hand talk, but code it in a way
only we know what is being said in the future, as soon as
possible. Inari insists that Selene “Return to Dalamar and make
use of this time with him.”
Selene walks back over to the area Dalamar has chosen. She
notices a large camp blanket has been laid out over bedrolls.
Selene gazes at the sky and the grey clouds moving in begin to
worry her. She comments on the sky to Dalamar while she makes
her way over to a Honey leather tarp. She sees where he has
poles and posts to secure the tarp to the ground. Dalamar looks
back at the sky and tells Selene, “I have been monitoring the
developments.” He comes over and helps her erect the tarp over
their dwelling place. She goes out and picks up sticks and other
starter materials, along with many sticks that have fallen in
the last storm that rolled through here.
Dalamar comes back with enough wood to add to the girl’s pile
and for Selene and himself. Soon, small campfires illuminate
the night that has fallen while they have been making their
arrangements to bed down for the night.
He returns to his and Selene’s campsite and deposits the wood he
has collected to last the night. He sees Selene watching him
from across the fire. She has changed into a light blue, almost
sheer night gown. The outlines of Selene’s shapely figure are
revealed to his eyes, of which he cannot look away from her. She
looks incredible. He steps around the fire and removes his White
Robe and reveals himself to be naked, and he folds his robe and
places it inside his bag and takes out trousers that he puts on.
Selene looks away but finds she is drawn to him as well.
He knows she saw him; he comes to her side and kneels down and
slides onto his bedroll onto his side to look at her, while she
lies back and moves her side looking at Dalamar. So many things
are going through her mind. What now? I don’t know what he
thinks is going to happen. What if I ask to talk and it makes
him mad and turns him off and away? Time is going past, and she
gets up on her knees, pulls him up on his knees, turns to him,
and they come together and kiss passionately. She says to him,
interlaced with kisses, “I really need to talk to you, but now
is clearly not the time.” This whole time, they are getting
hotter, and the scene fades to black…
#Post#: 1269--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Chapter Six: At the Ruins of Solune Part
Two: The Deal
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: November 12, 2025, 1:14 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Warning: strong, sensitive subject matter ahead. Consider this
Thread M/A Rated R
[center]What is past is prologue…[/center]
[center]The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Six: At the Ruins of Solune Part Two: The Deal
Dalamar was created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman[/center]
Some time passes, and they are lying together intertwined on
their bedrolls. They are quiet for a while, and he says to her-
“You said you wanted to talk to me, what do you want to talk
about?”
Selene knows this is the moment that will make or break “The
story of the Three Wizards, We know what became of Parys Dayl,
quit the trio, but what of Kayn Wynstal, who decided to study on
his own as well. And Fayal Parran, the remaining elf, left for
another part of the forest?”
Dalamar looks into Selene’s eyes, looking back at him. He tries
to see if she knows anything about him. He can’t tell. Damn it.
He looks away and thinks, “Of course you know of Larune, what
was always going to happen to them? I do not know of what became
of Kayn Wynstal, but he was of the Black Robe, there are no
tales of what became of him or his followers. Still, it is an
interesting notion.” He asks, “Was there something else or was
that all that wanted to ask me about.”
Selene knows this is important, “First, I don’t want you to have
to say anything you don’t want to say aloud.” She moves closer
to him. “You know some of what they have done to me; they left
me to rot in the Academy of the Mystic Arts for nineteen years,
and now they give us just scraps to get along. I want to know
if there is another way. I am willing to say I want to see the
Black Moon and learn…”
Whatever Dalamar thought she wanted, this is beyond his
thoughts. He is unsure what to even say to this. “First, his
name is Nuitari, and second,” He asks, “How much does the other
girls know about me?"
Selene tells him, “Enough. Inari pieced it together. They are my
circle; they have all decided they want this.”
Dalamar is sober, “If we are found out, it will be the end for
us, all that ever knew or loved you will know you betrayed the
Light of Eli. All of you understand that. Then they might hire
the Black Knives to come after us. They disappear dark elves, to
get rid of the stain dishonor. Our lives would be forfeit. That
would be the road ahead if we are found out. We are going to
have to be brought together in a curse that will strike if any
of us that gives away the group, I’m inclined to wish all of you
were dead. I refuse to be taken down by your circle. Make it
clear to them how deadly loose lips are. We cannot be seen
together; that is, your circle cannot be seen with me around
anywhere after this. We will have to be quiet and be doubly safe
at all times.”
Selene asks, “How can we learn from you?”
Dalamar says to her, “I will teach you, and you will teach the
others.”
She thinks about it, she sees the obvious trap, but agrees.
Selene and Dalamar come together and begin deeply kissing, and
then consummate their agreement, and the scene fades to black
again…
The next morning,
Dalamar rolls over and finds that Selene is already gone. It
rained a little last night. He thinks about his choice last
night to go along with her enticement and learn what she was
about. It was much more than he considered probable. Still, it
is quite a risk. He wonders how he was found out and how long
they have known. That is something else to consider. They have
all known, and so far they have not told anyone. He knows hope
is a foolish dream; he just cannot believe he is putting his
trust in these girls. He resolves to find the right curse to
bind their trust.
Meanwhile, Selene went over to the girls’ camp very early and
found Seraphelle, Inari, and Kalana curled up under a blanket.
Selene finds Seraphelle and gets under the blanket between
Seraphelle and Inari. Kalana moves closer to hear, and Selene
recounts how things went last night.
Seraphelle kisses Selene and hugs her. But Selene tells them
about the deal, “that he would pass only knowledge to me, and I
will share it with all of you. I know this is not ideal. I only
agreed because it was that or nothing; I had to think fast to
not show any hesitancy. It's my feeling he is only trying to
protect himself. It is a power play for sure, but we are still
in the game. He also wanted to sow resentment with you girls to
turn you against me.”
Inari calms things. “It is clearly better than nothing, as you
say. What you did last night you got him to open up. He feels
exposed; we all know about him now.”
“Well, he knows about us, we are even.” Kalana says, speaking up
now that she is a part of the group.
Selene breaks it to the circle, “Well, he wants to curse us, to
make sure none of us talk.”
The girls look at each other, then each of them has an opinion.
Selene stops them and says, "Quiet". Selene tells them she did
not agree to it, but again, she thinks it is the only offer on
the table. “None of us plans to talk anyway, right?”
The girls look at each other. Selene tells them what Dalamar
told her, about being thrown from the light and how everyone who
loves us will turn their back on us if we are found out. “None
of us wants that, right?” Selene asks. The Girls look at each
other and answer “no” truthfully.
As they are making breakfast, Inari tells Selene that they have
come up with things to talk about on our way to the Tower. “We
don’t want things to turn awkward when we are so close to
success.” Selene agrees that it is smart, and Selene thanks
Inari for her help with the lore of the Tower. Inari answers,
“It was my pleasure to help. Inari tells Selene, “The girls and
I worked out a hand talk vocabulary last night; we will show it
when we have time.” And Selene nods and commends her on her
cunning.
They make breakfast, and soon Dalamar joins the circle, the
offerings today, brought by the circle: berries, ground nuts,
and apricot sweet bread, savory rhubarb tarts, and cider.
After breakfast, the group moves out; they travel together this
time.
Selene is quiet for a little while, letting the other girls
provide the subjects to converse about. She has had little time
to consider her actions from the previous night to entice
Dalamar into this deal. She is afraid to admit even to herself
that being with him was more exciting and more intense than she
was prepared for.
Soon,
The group is collectively standing in awe of the site before
them. A dilapidated three-hundred-foot-tall tower that was
erected with magic by the elven White Wizard Parys Dayl. Though
it is clearly weathered, it survived the dragon wars of old and
the cataclysm. Dalamar remarks, “We shall see if it survives the
coming dragon war. We are now in the fighting season, and word
comes to us that the enemy marches towards Silvanesti. If we
survive what is coming, and we make it to far-off Ergoth, we
should come together, and we will learn the magic that has been
denied us.”
The girls agree. Within days of their return, Dalamar has bound
them in a curse to make it deadly to break their bond under the
black moon. Dalamar and Selene meet several more times, where he
taught her several new black magic spells and dark rituals, and
each time their robes would slide from their shoulders and they
come together in the early Summer night.
The scene fades to black…
#Post#: 1279--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Chapter Seven: War Comes for Silvanesti
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: December 13, 2025, 2:24 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Warning: strong, sensitive subject matter ahead. Consider this
Thread M/A Rated R
[center]What is past is prologue…[/center]
[center]The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Seven: War Comes for Silvanesti
Dalamar Created by Margaret Weis
Nancy Varian Berberick for the novel Dalamar the Dark [/center]
Summer 349 AC
Eastern Ansalon
It is before dawn, when a lithe and attractive human female, who
has the bearing and skill of a trained warrior, readies herself
for battle and dons her Red Dragon Highlord Armor.
In the formative years of the Dragonarmies, Phair caught the eye
of Ariakas, who noted her skill as a fighter and tactician and
made her one of his first Dragon Highlords. Phair was described
as being rather attractive with blue eyes and lustrous golden
hair that cascaded down to her shoulders. Although she had a
fierce and cool gaze that rarely softened with emotion, due to
her hard upbringing as a child.
Phair grew up in the streets of Tarsis, completely penniless and
homeless. Her sister was forced to work in a brothel to keep
them both fed, and her early life was hard. She was treated with
contempt by rich merchant elves in Tarsis, which fostered a
deep-seated hatred of all elves in her heart.
The young Phair learnt the way of the sword and rose to become a
warrior and a mercenary. Eventually, she found her way into the
camp of the formative Dragonarmies, rising to prominence before
Ariakas and becoming the Highlord of the Red Dragonarmy.
The Highlord’s scouts return, and soon the Red Wing Army
Commander, Dragon Highlord Phair Caron, consults with the
representatives of the Blue and Green Dragonarmy Highlords. The
Blue Wing, under Highmaster Topus (acting for Kitiara), is part
of the western assault, while Salah-Khan, the Khan of Khur
commanding the Green Dragonarmy, will attack the eastern
assault.
And where now is Highlord Kitiara? Phair would really like to
know, and so will Emperor Ariakas. Highmaster Topus gave only a
tepid excuse for the Blue Highlord’s absence. So, Phair plans on
using the Blue Wing as shock troops and spearheading the attack,
and I will decimate her army for this affront, then I will pull
them back at the last so they get none of the glory or rewards.
The attack plan has already been decided on; these are
last-minute adjustments according to new information.
Walking away from the other wing commanders, Highlord Phair
Caron also consults with the black-robed wizard Tramd of
Thorbardin, also known as Tramd o' the Dark. The two discuss
final preparations. The Black Robe, Tramd o' the Dark, tells her
he plans to infiltrate the line at the first chance and
eliminate the opposition along the fronts. He has every
intention of seeing that Barrier Hedge is eliminated to allow
the advancement of the invasion to go forward.
Dragonarmy Order of Battle for Silvanesti Campaign:
Red Wing Army Commander: Highlord Phair Caron, a Tarsian (CE
female human Rog4/Ftr6/dragon highlord 2), riding Blood Gem
(male old red dragon)
Army Composition: Five flights, including five dragon wings (ten
red dragons). 3rd Red Flight— Flight Marshal Chomax (CE male
human Ftr9), 16th Red Dragonarmy (draconian army), 17th Red
Dragonarmy (draconian army), 22nd Red Dragonarmy (mercenary
infantry), 23rd Red Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry), 1st Red
Dragonwing (1 mature adult, 1 young adult) 4th Red Flight—
Flight Marshal Gierhaard (CE male human Ftr5/Bbn4), 18th Red
Dragonarmy (draconian army), 19th Red Dragonarmy (draconian
army), 24th Red Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry), 25th Red
Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry), 2nd Red Dragonwing (1 mature
adult, 1 young adult) 5th Red Flight— Flight Marshal Solon (CE
male human Ftr7/Rog2), 20th Red Dragonarmy (draconian army),
32nd Red Dragonarmy (mercenary cavalry), 26th Red Dragonarmy
(mercenary infantry), 27th Red Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry),
3rd Red Dragonwing (1 old, 1 adult) 6th Red Flight— Flight
Marshal Weimir (CE female human Ftr8/legendary tactician 1),
21st Red Dragonarmy (draconian army), 33rd Red Dragonarmy
(mercenary cavalry), 28th Red Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry),
29th Red Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry), 4th Red Dragonwing (1
old, 1 adult) 7th Red Flight— Flight Marshal Awkright (CE female
human Ftr 8/legendary tactician 1), 16th Red Dragonarmy
(draconian army), 34th Red Dragonarmy (mercenary cavalry), 30th
Red Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry), 31st Red Dragonarmy
(mercenary infantry), 5th Red Dragonwing (2 young adult)
The Green Dragon Wing, under Green Dragon Highlord Salah-Khan,
Warlord of the Khur Tribe,
Green Dragon mount Chokingdeath. Scimitar, his weapon of choice
Army Composition: Two flights, including two dragon wings (four
green dragons) and Khur cavalry regiment. 1st Green
Flight—Flight Marshal Anduren (LE male human Ftr7/legendary
tactician 1), 4th Green Dragonarmy (draconian army), 5th Green
Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry), 6th Green Dragonarmy (goblin
infantry), 1st Green Dragonwing (1 adult, 1 mature adult) 2nd
Green Flight— Flight Marshal Guilerth (LE male human
Ftr7/duelist 2), 7th Green Dragonarmy (draconian army), 8th
Green Dragonarmy [Green Scourge] (ogre infantry), 9th Green
Dragonarmy [Ravagers of Kern] (ogre infantry), 2nd Green
Dragonwing (2 adult) 1st Khur Cavalry Regiment—Sub-commander
Azim Monsoon (NE male human Bbn5/Rgr2/legendary tactician 1),
3rd Khan Riders (mercenary cavalry), 4th Khan Riders (mercenary
cavalry), 2nd Dervishes (mercenary infantry).
The Blue Wing, under Highmaster Topus (acting for Kitiara), was
part of the western assault. However, Kitiara ordered her forces
to retreat from the main conflict, likely to preserve her army's
strength for her own campaigns. Topus’s Blue Dragon Kindledoom
Army Composition: Three flights, including three dragon wings
(six blue dragons). 1st Blue Flight— Flight Marshal Elowyn (LE
female half-elf Rgr2/Ftr7), 1st Blue Dragonarmy (draconian
army), 2nd Blue Dragonarmy (draconian army), 11th Blue
Dragonarmy (mercenary infantry), 1st Blue Dragonwing (1 mature
adult, 1 adult) 2nd Blue Flight— Flight Marshal Aronath (LE male
human Wiz2/Ftr7), 3rd Blue Dragonarmy (draconian army), 7th Blue
Dragonarmy (draconian army), 12th Blue Dragonarmy (mercenary
infantry), 4th Blue Dragonwing
The Initial Assault: Heavy losses on both sides characterized
the Silvanesti campaign, and for the dragonarmies it proved to
be the most challenging phase of the war thus far. Highlord
Phair Caron called for Highlord Salah-Khan’s assistance in
moving deep into the defensive lines of the elves, trusting this
to the Green Wing’s mastery of forested climates, while the red
dragons set the ancient woodlands afire to drive the elves back
to the capital.
The Blue Wing’s 2nd and 3rd flights joined in the assault to the
west, but Highlord Phair Caron was determined to keep the bulk
of the critical fighting to herself and her army. Highmaster
Topus found his army subordinated to the Green Wing and was
rebuked by Highlord Phair Caron.
The Blue Wing suspended most of its forward activities prior to
midsummer in 349 AC, and struck farther west, taking Sithelnost
before withdrawing completely and returning to the Khalkists.
Shortly into the campaign, Phair Caron ordered his forces to
attach themselves to the larger Green Wing, and after several
more stints against the elven empire.
Phair led her army in a direct assault on the elven towns of
Larune and Alinesti, over which most of the heaviest fighting
for the Silvanesti Campaign occurred.
The Northern Front: Two months after the initial attack on the
northern borders of the forest, the dragonarmies and elves
clashed near the elven towns of Larune and Alinesti, on either
side of the Thon-Thalas river.
When Dragon Highlord Phair Caron attacked Silvanesti, Dalamar
was disheartened at the elves' response to the attack. He had
formulated a plan, and with some encouragement from the girls,
he shared it with his master Lord Tellin Windglimmer, who in
turn shared the plan with King Lorac, Ylle Savath of House
Mystic, and Lord Garan of House Protector.
Dalamar's plan involved the use of illusion magic to confuse the
Dragonarmy, which was held in low regard by the white-robed
wizards of House Mystic. Lorac approved the plan, however, and
Dalamar was sent north with the Silvanesti army. His plan was
successful, but the elves lost the battle. In the ensuing
confrontation, his master Tellin was slain by the black robe
renegade wizard Tramd o' the Dark, before the wizard’s avatar
faded to dust.
Tramd o' the Dark was born Tramd Stonestrike, a male Theiwar
mountain dwarf wizard who was fairly strong in magic. He would
use different avatars to interact with people away from his real
body, which was hidden away in a far-off fortress. This body was
completely helpless, and over the years, his flesh scaled, he
had rotten teeth, and his beard became white and in tatters.
Before Tramd took his Test of High Sorcery (sometime before 142
AC), he was a very strong and hearty dwarf, but the test ruined
his body so badly that he kept himself alive by sheer force of
will and his magic. He was left blind and couldn't leave his bed
or feed himself due to both his arms and legs no longer working.
He could create avatars to interact with the world and would
change them like most people change clothes. His true body would
remain at his citadel on Karthay.
After joining the Dragonarmies, he has served as Phair Caron's
chief wizard through an avatar. Most people thought he was
mysteriously bizarre. He would shapeshift into a human, dwarf,
or ogre, whatever best served his purposes. While in the Red
Dragonarmy, he mainly looked like a human barbarian with thick
blonde hair and a beard, and would ride on a red dragon named
Doom. Tramd was instrumental in the invasion of Nordmaar and the
now ongoing Silvanesti Campaign.
Ylle Savath, Master of House Mystic, was part of a group of
wizards that attempted to thwart the invasion with an illusion.
Phair Caron found where they were performing their magic, and
Ylle attempted to hold the spell, but red dragons descended on
them, and she was killed in an explosion of fiery breath from a
red dragon. Dalamar watched it, as Ylle's face had a look of
such horror that he had to turn from her body. Ylle Savath is
killed.
The elven defenses were considerable, and they used the terrain
to maximum advantage, keeping the dark forces busy in the dense
forested environment for the remainder of the summer. This came
at great cost, however, for the elven strategy of feigned
retreat, followed by a rapid encirclement of the enemy, slowly
decimated the elven ranks.
Cooshee elven dogs, whose masters have departed in the exodus,
roam the empty streets of the abandoned towns and cities.
Ultimately, the towns were overrun, and the supply lines for the
elven forces were cut off. As the Red Dragonarmy pushed the
elves back and prepared to assault Silvanost.
[center]...[/center]
Selene watches as the elven army puts up a brave fight, but the
encirclement makes it impossible to save them without giving
away their own position. She looks at the other girls’
beleaguered faces of her secret cabal, Seraphelle, Kalana, and
Inari, then over at Dalamar.
The wildrunners with Dalamar all agree. The combined elven
warriors were one of the last groups to get out. They look at
the burning countryside and mourn for all of the death they have
witnessed, thousands of elves defeated, most of them cut down,
the other taken prisoner.
Selene quietly mentions to Dalamar that she is sorry how things
turned out with the plan. He thanks her but masks his
bitterness, for his plan worked; it was the Wildrunners that
failed to do their part, but he keeps that to himself in this
mixed company with the wildrunners. His plan to save his
Silvanesti went up in flames as he and the others watched the
Red Dragons lay waste to their homeland.
Dalamar decides to confirm with Selene that their Shalafi Ylle
Savath died in the attack. So many years of Selene’s life were
stolen from her because of that woman. Selene is unsure how to
feel about the news of her demise. Either way, she thanks
Dalamar for telling her. The group makes haste to get through
the woods to the Thon-Thalas River. Already, they can hear the
City’s emergency horns being blown. The evacuation must already
be getting underway.
Red Dragonarmy troops are now flooding into the Forest for the
final push. Joining the humans, draconians, and ogres in the
invasion force, the Auxiliary troops were made up of hobgoblins,
bugbears, goblins, gnolls, and kobolds.
Elven Defenses Broken: A victory seemed assured. Ariakas
provided Phair Caron with critical information about the elven
defenses, which he acquired from Silvanesti exile Feal-Thas. The
elven forces lost communications and support from Silvanost.
Despite ongoing losses at the hands of the elven Wildrunners,
the dragonarmy troops forced the elves into withdrawal. The
gates of Silvanost were only a week’s march away, and Highlord
Phair Caron’s conclusive victories spurred her onward to the
elven capital.
Inside the city, everyone is running to the port. A mad scramble
comes to what had been an orderly exodus up to now. Unknown to
Selene and the others, a countdown is on, and time is waning. A
wizard who is familiar with the Wizards of House Mystic by the
name of Vanasar Ambrodel comes to them, and tries to get his
words out; he is so shaken. He tells them, "They need to get out
of the city immediately." He hurries to others around him, to
get them to leave now, too.
Finally, Dalamar goes and grabs hold of the wise old wizard and
demands to know why they must hurry.
“The Speaker, he has a Dragon Orb, he is going to use it when
the Dragonarmy comes across the Thon-Thalas river.”
Dalamar briefly considers going back before hurrying with the
girls and the old wizard to the southern end of the island, to
Phalinost, and soon they have boarded a sailing vessel, one of
the last. They sail out of the Cooshee Gulf and into the
southern Courrain Ocean, and are sailing into open water.
Selene makes sure they have space for them. When she returns,
she watches Silvanesti start to fade in the distance. She joins
the group, standing and saying goodbye to their homeland.
At the Tower of the Stars
Speaker Lorac walks towards the emerald throne. He has already
set up the Orb in place in a fitted stand that Lorac had made
specially for this item. He sits and looks towards the orb.
As the Dragonarmies charged toward Silvanost for the Battle for
Silvanost. The Speaker of the Stars ordered the last evacuation
of Silvanesti, sending his subjects on ships to Southern Ergoth.
This is what created the break in the flow of supplies to the
elven armies.
A calculated risk on the part of the Speaker, he waited until
the end of the summer, when the Dragonarmy was closing on
Silvanost.
Moments before, Lorac is thinking back when he was young again,
and he thinks back to his dear, dear, Iranialathlethsala, in
their halcyon days with their dear, princess, Alhana….
The unthinkable occurs. The Speaker of the Stars, Lorac Caladon,
used the dragon orb to destroy the invading forces. Before
ordering the orb to destroy the dragons. The orb, however,
seizes control of Lorac and grips his mind, driving him mad.
Rather than working as desired, it wrought his nightmares onto
the land and the invaders, driving almost all of them mad. The
unexpected result of this was the projection of Lorac’s fevered
nightmares out across the forests of Silvanesti.
Waves of preternatural horrors swept over the Red Wing, sending
the troops into mind-altering states of fear and paranoia, and,
ultimately, insanity.
Highlord Phair Caron, who was at the head of the invasion
forces, instantly went insane and screamed as she tore out her
eyes. Her personal guard, their minds clouded with their own
horrid phantasms, babbled incoherently; cut down the "horror"
they saw before them. They fell upon her with swords.
This kind of thing happened throughout the ranks, leaving the
Red Dragonarmy to flee in disarray, leaving the forests
abandoned to Lorac and a certain green dragon...
The Blue Wing had already completely withdrawn.
The Green Wing
Salah-Khan. His green dragon mount was named Chokingdeath.
Salah-Khan and the Green Army survived the Silvanesti campaign
and retreated to Khur.
The Silvanesti Exodus
The ships bearing the Silvanesti elves
Families forced into confined quarters, sharing with other elves
from different houses. It is a situation of absolute misery;
there is no firm ground beneath their feet. They don’t know for
sure if where they are heading is a mirage or not. The girls
make it onto one of the last ships that departed Silvanesti, and
they stay together on the ship traveling to Southern Ergoth. It
is eight weeks to reach Southern Ergoth.
The Dragonarmies retreated, abandoning the Silvanesti forest to
a green dragon and the nightmares of Lorac. With the elven
forces depleted, King Lorac sent the elves away from Silvanesti
so he could use the Dragon Orb. Lorac's attempt to use the orb
backfired, creating what was known as Lorac's Nightmare.
The Silvanesti Campaign was a pyrrhic victory for the
dragonarmies. Although the elven kingdom had been brought low
and its people scattered in ships on their way to exile in
Southern Ergoth, little was gained in the way of annexed
territory or substantial resources. The Nightmare rendered the
forested region useless for occupation forces, and Salah-Khan
was forced to keep his Green Wing regiments in the border
forests far from the capital.
Cyan Bloodbane, a particularly cunning green wyrm who, by all
accounts, had once aided the renegade wizard Galan Dracos in the
Third Dragonwar against Huma, served as the only warden capable
of withstanding the Nightmare’s effects. Indeed, it was later
said that Cyan Bloodbane was responsible for keeping the elven
king in his tormented state, further propagating the twisted
horrors that are coming from Lorac’s mind.
Whatever the case, with Highlord Phair Caron dead and the Red
Wing diminished to as little as half its initial strength, the
Dragon Emperor knew that most of the following year would be
needed to regroup and recover from such heavy losses.
Ninety percent of the 3rd and 6th Red Flights, along with
twenty-five percent of the Green Wing forces, were almost
completely wiped out. The lesson of this campaign was clear:
more work needed to be done before the highlords and their
dragons could achieve the ambitions of the Queen of Darkness...
#Post#: 1294--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Chapter Eight: Silvamori
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: December 21, 2025, 2:13 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Warning: strong, sensitive subject matter ahead. Consider this
Thread M/A Rated R
[center]What is past is prologue…[/center]
[center]The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Eight: Silvamori[/center]
Late Summer 349 AC
The Silvanesti Exodus
Courrain Ocean
Aboard the Astarin's Way
Just making it out of the Blood Sea was a miracle in itself, but
the truth of it was that it was a taxing voyage that took a lot
out of the crew and its passengers. Many a Blood sea pirate ship
tried their hand at capturing a ship or two, but the other ships
did not allow that to happen. Having left the Courrain Ocean
behind, and entering the Turbidus Ocean, traveling along the
northern lands of Ansalon. Eventually traveling through the
straits of Algoni. The nightmares the girls have had since the
fighting in the forest. watching people get incinerated and
hacked apart. The War took its toll on the girls. They were
mostly quiet and to themselves for the trip.
After months of travel, the ships finally arrive on an Autumn
Twilight morning in Harkun Bay and, in due course, The
Passengers are brought ashore to dry land. From what the wizards
can see, the elven settlements of Silvamori are a far cry from
the beauty of the ancient elven cities. Exiled from their
homeland, the Silvanesti elves made their voyage to the lands
that Kith-Kanan once granted to the Kagonesti in the mountains
of Ergoth. The civilized elves from the east arrived in their
silk and finery with nothing but some personal effects and
barely enough food to make the journey.
The Silvanesti had sought out the Kagonesti and spoke with their
elven cousins. The Kagonesti agreed to allow them to stay for a
short time only. Thousands of Silvanesti settled the forests on
the west side of the Thon-Tsalarian or “River of the Dead.” The
wild and untamed forest of Southern Ergoth was considered
verdant and impractical for everyday life, so the elves began
using their magic to shape this new land much like their old
one. The underbrush was sculpted into paths, thorny nettles were
forced back, and clearings were swept of debris.
The Kagonesti offered their help, but the Silvanesti declined,
saying the Kagonesti had done enough for them already. The
wizards and Woodshapers of the Silvanesti worked long and hard
to pull dwellings of polished stone from the earth and construct
dwellings among the trees. In a matter of months, most noble
families were sleeping within the finely crafted dwellings of
Silvamori. When they report to the elf in charge, they are led
to Regent Belthanos, who is the present leader of the
Silvanesti, in the absence of King Lorac and his daughter
Alhana. He explains that House Mystic has been decimated, and so
now that you are here, living quarters have been set aside for
you. Just follow my aide to the housing attendant.
A few hours later, the girls are put together, and Dalamar is
put on his own, a few houses away. The wizards settle in. Selene
had been true to her word and taught the girls anything Dalamar
showed her. Still, not all was happy with the arrangement, and
Selene could tell something was vexing Kalana, and Selene wanted
to nip it in the bud. Selene endeavors to win Kalana over.
Something clicks because eventually, Kalana opens herself up to
Selene and shows enormous growth, and the two become close over
time. She opens herself up to the group.
Time Passes,
At the time, the settlement of Qualimori is only in the planning
stages. Envoys from Qualinesti have made contact with Chief
Cher-kal, the chief of the Kagonesti, to ask the wild elves for
permission to move onto their land. Surprisingly, the Silvanesti
are not against the idea, though they have made it clear more
than once that they do not want the western elves anywhere near
them. Some Kagonesti have begun building crude wooden structures
in anticipation of the arrival of the Qualinesti.
Selene and Dalamar continued with their arrangement, and the two
learned the mysteries and secrets together clandestinely in the
first months. One Winter Come evening, Selene is making her way
amidst a light snowfall to Dalamar’s house, but something Selene
hears stops her. A noise of … pleasure? Selene stops and glances
through a stained windowpane. There, Selene sees Dalamar and
Kalana heavily involved in coitus. Selene steps back softly,
turns, and walks back towards her house, but continues walking.
She can feel Nuitari out tonight, even if she can’t see him yet.
She can feel his power radiate down. The snowfall picks up as
she decides which way to go.
Months of sacrifice, and it all collapses. Part of her was glad
for it; she did not like being used that way, but something
inside her liked being in his arms. It was just different. But
not like what she had with Seraphelle. Does that make me greedy?
Apparently, Kalana thought so. Selene tried not to bring emotion
into it, but she found this to be ever so painful.
Down, but still standing, Selene decides to call it a night and
begins heading back. This self-flagellation won’t change
anything. She contemplates how she might salvage the agreement
with Dalamar, whom she is perhaps the maddest at. Kalana, she
can almost halfway understand, but Dalamar? She thought he was
enjoying himself and seemed to enjoy exploring the darker
mysteries with her.
That is what she will miss the most, if indeed it is over. She
is trying to imagine how it goes forward. For us to become his
own personal harem, and he goes through us one by one? No, a
line must be drawn. I will not let that happen. It’s the whole
reason I set out to settle things without the other girls
getting hurt.
Suddenly, her elven ears make out the sounds of distant, but
unmistakable sobbing. Selene tracks through the couple of inches
of newly fallen snow on the pathway and creeps behind a tree. It
is Kalana. Selene pulls herself from shock and approaches
Kalana.
“No, go away! I mean it, go away Selene!”
“Kalana, what… what’s happened, why are you crying?” Selene asks
with genuine concern as she slips a bit and nearly collides with
Kalana. She finds purchase, regains her balance, and stands up.
She looks at Kalana, who just looks miserable, and she hides her
crying behind her hands. In a fit, she moves her hands and
utters, just loud enough for Selene to hear…
“He told me to go and get you!” She sobs more, trying to get the
words she does not want to say out to the person she does not
want to say them to. “He said that at least you knew what you
were doing. And that I should ask you for freaking lessons.”
Selene is shocked, “He didn’t… tell me he did not say that to
you.”
Kalana looks at her miserably. “I can’t say it again. What a
bastard!!!”
Selene hugs Kalana deeply and whispers to her, “We will open the
wine we liberated during the holding action that we have been
saving, and we will share it between us.” Kalana nods, and
Selene takes Kalana’s cold hand in hers and takes them to their
home, and the two share a bottle of Silvanesti Red, something
from home.
After a while, Kalana started to explain that she “Just wanted
to try to take over for you and see what he was like.” Selene
tells her she understands, “but it was not a part of the
agreement, and now…” Selene stops and tells Kalana, “Let’s talk
about this in the morning, and let's let you and me sleep this
off tonight, okay?”
Kalana’s head is spinning, and she just agrees with whatever
Selene suggests. Selene helps Kalana get under the covers and
tucked in for bed. She put a pail next to her bed, just in case.
Selene walks down the stairs slowly and into the family room.
There, Seraphelle and Inari are sitting, waiting for word on
what happened tonight. A slightly inebriated Selene sits and
asks for some tea to be made. While the girls are doing that,
Selene fills them in on what transpired and warns them not to go
hard on her. “In the morning, we will figure out a path.
Forward, I think we need to separate ourselves from Dalamar for
the time being until he and I come to an understanding.”
Time moves along,
Winter Deep 350 AC
One day, during the bitter cold of Winter Deep, Selene bundles
up, swallows her pride, and returns to Dalamar's house. A woman
answers, not Silvanesti, this is a wild one, a wild elf with
silvery white long hair, she has dark brown skin, and some
tattoos. This one is one of the Kagonesti. The Wild Elf starts
speaking animatedly. Selene thinks the wild elf asked her what
she wanted.
Selene answers, “I’m Selene. I have come to speak to Dalamar.”
The Kagonesti smiles as she looks Selene up and down and just
laughs as she shuts the door. Selene pulls her coat tighter and
knocks on the door again.
This time, Dalamar graces the doorway with his presence. “Why,
Selene, come out of cold,” Dalamar turns and speaks Kagonesti to
the woman Selene saw moments before.
There is another woman here, older, who is Kagonesti too. She,
too, is looking at Selene. Selene takes in the scene. Dalamar
walks to Selene and hands her a drink and bids her to warm
herself by the fire. Selene accepts the warm beverage and
follows Dalamar’s suggestion to warm herself up. Well, this
changes things, doesn’t it? Selene tells Dalamar, “I have come
to renegotiate our agreement, but I can come back.
Dalamar has a glass of wine and sits on the divan, and
introduces, “This is K'gathala. K'gathala is my new Shalafi in
the ways of Dark Magic. We have been exploring the mysteries
together of late. She is well aware of the Dark Moon and its
promises of power. And this is Hestia. From K'gathala’s tribe,
she has a grasp at the basics, but I was going to ask you for
your help with her.”
Selene looks to Hestia. Hestia, for her part, has given up on
trying to follow along with the words, but by following the high
elves’ eyes and the sounds of their voices, they have level and
stable voices, and therefore slightly pleasant, but now she
realizes she is now the center of the conversation. She looks up
at both of them and is trying to decide who she can trust more.
Before Selene can answer, Dalamar continues along, “It hasn’t
taken our fellow Silvanesti exiles long to begin enslaving our
Kagonesti brethren in Southern Ergoth Elderwood. It started when
I found out that my services were no longer needed. Why could
that be? They had found new slaves among the Kagonesti. You see,
Selene, instead of letting her fall into the system, she is one
of us; we should protect her, if we can."
Selene agrees. “Now to our agreement, but first, don’t you think
you should apologize to Kalana for your cruelty towards her.”
Dalamar looks to some distant spot and says, “Kalana had it
coming, don’t you think? He looks to Selene and tells her she is
off the hook for their agreement. We all should meet and learn
from her.” Selene looks at K'gathala and bows her head to her in
respect. Turning back to Dalamar, Selene asks, “She would be
willing to teach us girls?”
Dalamar speaks Kagonesti to K'gathala. K'gathala again looks
Selene up and down and tells Dalamar something that makes him
crack a slight smile that he immediately tries to hide. “She
says she would be willing, but the girls would understand what
she was saying.”
Selene nods, So we need to learn Kagonesti, okay. Taking Hestia
with me will help. When is the first class? Dalamar thinks for a
moment and replies, “A fortnight.”
Selene agrees and walks to Hestia and offers her hand. Dalamar
explains that she is going to stay with Selene and her girls.
Hestia looks to K'gathala, who is having none of it; she
irritably berates Hestia in Kagonesti.
Hestia angrily gathers her things and her dearskin blanket that
she wraps around herself and presents herself to Selene, as if
to say, Well, ready. Selene smiles at Hestia and looks at
Dalamar, and then K'gathala bids them goodnight and walks to the
door, waiting for Hestia to catch up to her, and they exit
Dalamar's house and head into the snowy evening.
#Post#: 1303--------------------------------------------------
The Path to Schallsea Chapter Nine: The Elderwood
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: January 26, 2026, 2:11 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]What is past is prologue…[/center]
[center]The Path to Schallsea
vol. I
Story I
Chapter Nine: The Elderwood [/center]
Spring Dawning 351 AC
Silvamori and Qualimori (Metropolis, 45,204):
The Qualinesti crossed the Straits of Algoni and have come to
shelter in the Elderwood, east of the Thon-Tsalarian, the River
of the Dead. They are separated by the River; their capitals
bear the names of Sun for Qualimori and Rain for Silvamori.
Here, the elven senates of both elven nations, the Sinthal-Elish
of the Silvanesti and the Thalas-Enthia of the Qualinesti,
gather to meet their people’s needs.
Resources have become even more strained with the arrival of
their Qualinesti cousins, and apparently, there is already a
land dispute, but somehow, the elves have made it work.
As the months turn into years, the girls spend part of their
time reconstituting House Mystic with the other survivors of the
House; the other part, the girls had learned from Hestia over
that fortnight how to speak in the Kagonesti tongue. They were
ready for their lessons with K'gathala, their Kagonesti Dark
Shalafi. Things were slightly awkward with K'gathala being
Dalamar’s girlfriend. Dalamar stayed in Silvamori as well; they
all benefited from K'gathala’s teachings of her primitive
version of the dark arts. They had never felt closer to Nuitari
before coming to the Elderwood.
There were, however, a couple of drawbacks. For one, she was
much harder on the girls than she was with Dalamar (85), and she
was especially hard on Selene (75), for K'gathala had sused out
that Selene and Dalamar had had a previous relationship, (as
transactional as it was,) and was more verbally abusive then
she needed to be, and usually, Selene was singled out.
After a while, Dalamar took pity and backed K'gathala off.
K'gathala rode Kalana (64) as well. She was the last to learn
Kagonesti, and while she learned, she sometimes made mistakes,
which caused her to get a earfulfrom their Shalafi. Kalana had
somewhat rebounded from the disastrous night, but she still
could not look or talk to Dalamar in class.
Inari (47) was doing perhaps the best in class as she and Hestia
(52) really came to understand each other, and she has the best
grasp of the language and is always correcting the girls around
the house when she hears them practicing on their pronunciation.
Hestia had become one of the girls Inari had decided. Selene and
the rest of the girls agreed. Hestia had become part of the
group. They had taught her High Elven, but she did not like it
and only learned so she could understand the girls’ words.
The Girls were working hard to not be suspected, and to always
build out alibis during their clandestine lessons. They had a
few close calls, and if Hestia had not been there, the girls
would never have made it out of the trouble that would have
surely come.
Selene Ironleaf
Over time, Dalamar comes back into Selene’s life, if only just
to talk, like they used to, as colleagues. He tells her he would
like to discuss with her about when it is safe to return to
Silvanesti, and he wants to return with them.
Selene shares with Dalamar her fears of being caught back in
Silvanesti and asks if it would be better just to go to Wayreth
from here. “I feel like we are using up our chances; we won’t be
able to hide what we have become forever. Silvanesti has never
been on our side; we believe that we won’t be able to hide
ourselves among them for too much longer.
Dalamar tells her, “You and others can do what you want, but you
will never be able to return. Look me in the eye and tell me you
would rather live somewhere else.”
Selene can’t look him in the eye, but says, “Before the exile, I
could never imagine it, but now, maybe.”
“I’m going back. This has been a traumatic experience; we have
taken advantage of it. We get our leave to travel to Wayreth,
and we can come back.
Selene asks about Hestia, “They won’t let her into Silvanesti,
except to serve the new head of house mystic. Besides, we can’t
pull her from her home. You told me to bring her into the
group, what did you have in mind for her?”
Dalamar simply shrugs, “You would agree she is much more than
when you first found her?”
Selene considers for only a moment and says, “we don’t know the
effect of cutting her off from the Elderwood will be, let alone
the long ride on the ship going back.”
Dalamar clarifies what he is trying to ask. “Is she more now
then what she was? I mean we can’t know for sure, but I have
seen a difference what she has become since rooming with you
girls. She understands high elven even if she refuses to speak
it. We will get her to Wayreth, she deserves the opportunity, if
she has to remain with us for a time, we will watch out for
her.”
Selene tries to be optimistic, but she knows how their people
are and what they will do to Hestia if they don’t protect her.
Dalamar thanks Selene for their talk and heads for his house,
while Selene watches him go. She turns and heads inside, seeing
that everyone is occupied, Selene reenters her house, which she
shares with the other girls, Seraphelle, Kalana, Inari, and
Hestia.
Seraphelle Moonshadow
She climbs the ladder to her room, which she shares with
Seraphelle. It's small and cozy, and they share the only bed,
which Seraphelle is lying on, while she is reading Elven Poetry
Collection by the renowned bard Quivalen Soth. Seraphelle looks
up at Selene as she comes into the room and sits on their bed.
Seraphelle sees that Selene is deep in thought about something
and asks Selene about it, “What did Dalamar have to say? It
couldn’t have been good.”
Selene tells Seraphelle about Dalamar’s insistence that we bring
Hestia back with us to Silvanesti.
Seraphelle is stunned, “I can see why you are nearly speechless;
I don’t know how Hestia will take it, I don’t feel good about
this.”
“He says we will take her to Wayreth, but are we even going to
be allowed to go to Wayreth? He thinks we can live in Silvanesti
after we take the test, I’m not so sure.” Selene looks to
Seraphelle, “What do you want to do?”
Seraphelle thinks for a moment, “I don’t have a good feeling
about going back. I don’t know how we can avoid it. I don’t know
where we would fit in.” As Seraphelle was talking, Selene moved
a little on the bed and lays her head down on Seraphelle’s
tummy, so she could see Seraphelle talk. Seraphelle continues,
“If we can make it to Wayreth, if we make it through the Test,
we can make our life someplace where we feel the safest.”
Selene observes, “Those are big if’s. I don’t want to bring
Hestia to Silvanesti, as much as we have bonded, it would be
torture for her, and you know how she is, she tells it like it
is. It's so refreshing, and blunt.”
“I think it will be torture for us there as well. It might be
hard to hide what we have become, and Hestia will stick out, and
will be remembered. We, and I mean Inari will need to smarten
her up socially, Hestia can stay herself, but she should be
armed with the knowledge, right?” Seraphelle asks.
“Right, you are right. We should arm her with some etiquette;
it’s a good idea. I will talk to Inari about it.”
Seraphelle brushes a strand of Selene’s hair behind her ear and
holds out her hand to Selene. Selene takes Seraphelle's hand,
and Seraphelle asks Selene, “Where do you want to live, if we
get past the ifs, where do you think we can be safe?”
“I don’t know. We will have to see how the war turns out. Maybe
we can live in Balifor, away from the kender.
Seraphelle asks, “Did he want anything else?”
Selene had been away in thought, when she looked up at
Seraphelle, she saw her wicked grin, knowing what it implied.
“No. I think he misses our long talks. I don’t think he gets
that with our Shalafi.”
“So, he sleeps with her and talks with you?
They both roll their eyes and laugh while Selene gets up and
crawls to kiss Seraphelle deeply as they roll together.
Kalana Hiewind
Kalana Hiewind has her own room, but she is still in the same
treehouse with Hestia. It's almost like Hestia knows how much
she irritates Kalana and annoys her more. Hestia likes everyone
else, everyone, but Kalana.
Kalana was not happy that she was being made to learn the
Kagonesti language or miss out on the instruction. She was even
less than thrilled when Selene brought Hestia to the Treehouse.
Things have devolved into Kalana and Hestia constantly butting
heads, and Selene tries to keep things calm and tries to keep
Hestia from bothering Kalana. Other than the monster (Hestia),
Kalana’s name for her, Kalana finally picked up Kagonesti (she
detests having to learn it and speak it). Thankfully, Inari is
an excellent teacher. She has left to go on walks on her own,
seeing people, and being seen. She had grown into a beautiful
young elf maid with golden hair that spilled over her back.
Though Dalamar ruined her self-confidence and self-worth, it has
been a road to recovery, and though she resents her sometimes,
Selene has been there for her, as much as it irritates her
sometimes. She does not mean to be ingrateful. She wishes she
had Selene’s confidence and self-assurance. She is only a few
years older… She just feels like she is always in her shadow,
and Kalana wants to shine. So, she soaks up some attention from
admiring young men. She goes home alone, still not confident
enough to get that far with anyone after the Dalamar incident.
Inari Westbrook and Hestia Nightlock
The two had been nearly inseparable since Selene brought Hestia
into their lives that snowy night. Inari, being the smartest,
got it first and helped the girls pick it up. Inari has grown
into a beautiful young woman, but she has not grown in height
very much in these few years of what should be a growing spurt.
Standing at 5’5’, she is not exactly pleased, but she supposes
it could be worse. In contrast, the lithe wild one that came to
live with the girls, Hestia Nightlock, has grown tall, with her
dark brown skin, white hair, scantily clad, wearing necklaces
and bracelets of silver and turquoise. She is a powerful young
woman who has learned so much from Inari and the rest of the
girls.
Dalamar Argent
As for Dalamar, he remained in the city of Silvamori for years,
studying the Kagonesti magic taught by his lover K'gathala. It
would seem they would talk deeply in the night as K'gathala
informed Dalamar that in her tongue the word "argent" meant
"night's son", and he fancied the name Dalamar Nightson.
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