DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
The Damn Forum mkIII
HTML https://thedamnforum.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: The Hierophant of Chislev
*****************************************************
#Post#: 142--------------------------------------------------
262 AC A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar vol. I The World
of Elves
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 22, 2023, 1:28 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Warning: Bleak, terribly strong, sensitive subject matter ahead.
In the Shadow Years of the Age of Despair…
[center]
A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar
vol. I The World of Elves
Chapter One: Talidaar's Beginnings
Character of Talidaar was created by DCR
Story by James S
This story is dedicated to DCR
[/center]
Note: Talidaar’s Birthdate was sometime in 262 AC
265 AC
Southwestern Ansalon
Qualinesti Forest
Once, long ago, in the hard years after the Cataclysm, during
the Time of Darkness, an old Elder Elf, Tevarith of the Wood,
left his home in the forest to travel to the Qualinesti city of
Frenost. There, he found the widowed daughter-in-law, Arlyn.
Arlyn had been married to his son Eldrin, and the only other
living person in the house was a young half-human, three or four
years old. Arlyn was in a deep, deep depression, and the boy was
in danger of neglect. Tevarith nursed her back to health and
took care of the half-human boy that was now his kin.
Tevarith was a brown hood, a quiet order that had been nearly
wiped out of existence in the time of Silvannos in the Age of
Dreams. But some survived and came into the speaker's service
over the long millennia since. They served gods from the Balance
and were, on the whole, always considered on the verge of being
cast fully from the light. The thing that kept them around was
their usefulness to the Speaker. But the coming of the fiery
mountain has brought silence and seeming indifference from the
Gods for the plights of the people. Healing is an art and is
only known about from tales of the past of great miracles
performed by the Holy Orders of the Stars when the Gods
listened. They have been quiet for these many hundreds of years.
And so, when called upon in these days, their herb lore,
apothecary skills, anatomy awareness, and skills gathered over
thousands of years were passed down and shared within this small
cult. They created an almanac after careful observations; they
could tell when the best time to plant and harvest was, and how
to keep the soil healthy by rotating the crops. They were the
closest thing to healers the people had at in the time, where
charlatans and priests of false gods also existed in the Age of
Despair.
Tevarith would find out over time from his daughter-in-law that
the first time the Human Raiders came, people finally came and
helped Eldrin fight off the humans. But it wasn’t soon enough
for her.
Talidaar was the name given to the half-human child that was
born a year later. Very fast for an elven birth, but then
Talidaar was not completely elven. Eldrin tried to comfort her
and took care of their girl, Wydara, and the half-human baby to
give his wife time to recuperate. It was thoughtful in theory,
but the dark days would continue for her for a couple of years.
Just when things almost got back to semi-normal, Arlyn was
starting to come back to life. Life for the family of Talidaar
was awkward, but things, it seemed, were going to turn out okay.
But the Raiders returned. The people could not stop them, and
anyone who tried got cut down by the edge of the sword.
They came to the house again, killed Eldrin, abducted their
daughter Wydara, and took Arlyn for a second time.
Arlyn thought she would die. She did not want to exist anymore.
She would listen to the young child climb around the house. She
did not know if she could go on.
It was at this point that the grandfather entered the story. He
cared for Arlyn and cared for Talidaar. But soon, despite the
care, Aryn gave in and ended her life.
He buried them together and said a prayer of hope that they
could find happiness in the next life.
Tevarith looks down at his grandchild, who is looking up at him.
He holds his hand, and they walk from the only home that
Talidaar had ever known, and goes to live with his grandfather
in the Forest.
#Post#: 146--------------------------------------------------
270 AC A Druid's Tale The Story Talidaar Chapter Two: Talidaar
Youth
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 22, 2023, 4:20 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar
vol. I: The World of Elves
Chapter Two: Talidaar's Youth[/center]
[center]Talidaar was created by DCR[/center]
270 AC
Southwest Ansalon
Qualinesti
Life for Talidaar in the house of his grandfather brought
discipline, education, and the ways that have been handed down
for ages. Living in balance with the forest. Moderation. Herbal
lore and the sylvan language.
His Grandfather was a cold man since the death of his wife
earlier in the Time of Darkness, the death of his son and his
wife broke him down more, hearing that Wydara was taken away,
and who knows what will happen to her. Wydara had been named
after his wife.
But Tevarith gave Talidaar as much knowledge, and even his love,
in his way. Talidaar’s feelings about his grandfather were awe,
fear, and love. He burned through the cold heart and was able to
get love from the old man.
As a part of his lessons, Talidaar learned about tree care and
its many types. The names of birds. The study of meteorology,
the study of weather, clouds, and storms. Study of plants,
flowers, and their uses for medicinal remedies.
Occasionally, before Grandfather was too old and when Talidaar
was old enough, they would travel between the Elven cities and
towns and help those they could, for they could not actually
heal. But they could bring some comfort by bringing methods of
very early primitive medicine, and apothecary herbal remedies.
By now, Talidaar has amassed a lot of information and is a very
measured child. He has been a great assistant for many years
now.
But this trip was the next phase of Talidaar’s education. While
the people were smiling, Talidaar began to notice the parents
taking their children away from Talidaar, who could not fathom
why.
While Half-Humans have been a phenomenon on the borders of Elven
Nations, going back to the time of Sithel Twice-Blest.
Qualinesti, while being more tolerant in theory and practice
early on than the Silvanesti, is now just lip service and
sentiments. They turn their looks from the half-human child.
Though Talidaar did not understand it then, he would later
understand completely. But there was a long time of perpetuating
a hope of being accepted by a kind that just couldn’t. It would
leave a long-lasting scar that just could never heal.
Tevarith still helped these people even so.
#Post#: 148--------------------------------------------------
277 AC A Druid's Tale The Story of Talidaar vol. I Chapter
Three: Qualinost
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 22, 2023, 5:50 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar
vol. I: The World of Elves
Chapter Three: Qualinost[/center]
[center]Talidaar was Created by DCR
Characters in this story were created by Tracy and Laura
Hickman, Margaret Weis [/center]
277 AC
Southwest Ansalon
Qualinesti
During the Spring of Talidaar’s fifteenth year. His Grandfather
received a royal summons to attend the Speaker posthaste. The
missive goes on to detail the trouble. The speaker's young son
is suffering from pneumonia. He implores him to arrive
immediately.
The Grandfather tells Talidaar to wear traveling clothes and
bring his Robe while he gathers his supplies and medicines. He
grabs the traveling cloaks and hands one to Talidaar when he
comes back into the living space. The Grandfather tells him that
to act out at all at all will bring great dishonor to our
society, and him personally, and could disgrace Talidaar’s
future. The Grandfather takes his walking stick and hands
Talidaar his own. They venture into the spring night.
It was Talidaar’s first visit to the great capital of Kith
Kanan. He was Talidaar’s favorite protagonist from the old
tales. Qualinost, in old Elven, means in memory of Quinara.
Named for the Wife of Silvanos, the founder of the Silvanesti
nation.
The sights left Talidaar in awe. The four great arched Bridges
that spanned the city’s perimeter were suspended from the four
towers named after Kith-Kanan’s beloved. Arculoallis, Sithel,
Mackeli, and Suzine Towers. As much for conveyance and
artistry, the bridges were defensive locations in times of
banditry during these Dark Times after the Fiery Mountain
crashed down.
At the center of the city was the great Tower of the Sun.
Talidaar just looked up in disbelief at the scale of everything.
It was everything he had dreamed of and so much more.
They traveled to the speaker's residence and approached from the
back door. They are brought to the Speaker at once.
The Speaker tells them that his young son Gilthanas is very ill.
He asks Talidaar’s Grandfather to do what he can to see that his
son may yet live.
And so it was, for the next several months, Talidaar and his
grandfather ministered to the young prince. Talidaar learned to
stay away from Prince Porthios and his judgmental looks. His
temper was on full display on several occasions.
An encounter with two elf maidens almost led to disaster. An
Innocent conversation with two beautiful girls. Talidaar had
almost no contact with the fairer sex his age. Nothing could
have prepared him for meeting these two incredibly beautiful
elves. He asked for their names. Kira answers one, and the other
reveals her name is Lauralanthalasa. Talidaar realizes his
mistake and backs away, and excuses himself as he moves away
from them. He is positive he was seen by several attendants
walking through the residence. Talidaar slips in and tells his
grandfather what happened so he can prepare for any consequences
that may be coming.
DM Note: This was Talidaar and Kira's first meeting.
#Post#: 151--------------------------------------------------
277 AC A Druid's Tale Story of Talidaar vol. I Chapter Four:
Lessons
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 22, 2023, 11:43 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]A Druid's Tale: Story of Talidaar
vol. I: The World of Elves
Chapter Four: Lessons [/center]
[center]Talidaar was Created by DCR
Characters in this story were created by Tracy and Laura
Hickman, Margaret Weis [/center]
277 AC
Southwest Ansalon
Qualinesti
Qualinost, Capital of the Qualinesti Elves
The Royal Court of Solostarin Kanan
Through the spring, and into the late summer months, Talidaar
and his grandfather were still guests of the Speaker, while they
attended to his young son, Gilthanas.
Prince Porthios had made it his business to keep tabs on
Talidaar. He overheard his sister and her friend talking about
the Half-Human, though they were referring to him as a Half-Elf.
His blood boiled. One Half-Human around is bad enough, but now
two. Filling these poor girls' heads with deviant thoughts.
Porthios was always of the mindset that the bloodline was to
remain pure. Sometimes, it felt like it was slipping away before
it was his time. Witnessing the giggling girls when the
Half-Human walked by gave Prince Porthios the idea. Now, he just
needed the will to carry it out.
He got an elf maiden of his to write a sweet, affectionate
letter to the Half-Human. Then Porthios waited for the right
moment to drop the letter where Talidaar would find it.
He then waited to see if it worked.
A time later, Talidaar left his grandfather’s side and went to
the place indicated in the letter. Good sense left Talidaar. He
had no idea she felt that way.
Talidaar found himself much too far into the residence for this
to be real. He tries to make his way back to his room, but he
hears that his presence has been spotted and there is a search
for him. Talidaar knows this is the end for him if he is caught.
He will bring dishonor to his grandfather and his order. What a
fool he was.
He hears Prince Porthios laughing and hears his sister say it is
not funny if they catch him-
Talidaar sneaks as far as he can, but eventually, the game is
up. Talidaar tried to say he made a wrong turn and got lost.
They search him and find the letter.
He is brought before the speaker and made to explain himself.
Prince Porthios mounted the dais and walked to his father’s side
at the throne.
Talidaar tries to explain, but he knows he was caught. There was
nothing he could say to fix this.
“Father, I must be allowed to speak." The elf maiden with the
long golden hair comes forward.
Porthios’s smile disappears, and he bends over and whispers to
his father.
“Lauralanthalasa, it is far beyond time for bed. This is no
place for you. The Speaker says tiredly.
“But father, Porthios set this whole thing up. He laughed about
it to me.” The princess testifies.
Solostarin looks up at his son and can read the guilt on his
face. The speaker tells his son to remove himself from his side.
“You will need many more years of practice to get by me again.”
Porthios was heated but left after giving Talidaar a look of
disdain.
“Laura, go to your room.”
“Yes, Father.” She climbed the dais and kissed him on the cheek
before walking back down and eyeing Talidaar, and finally
leaves.
“I wonder if you can sit down here by me, I want to talk to
you.” He gestures with his long fingers to the steps to the
throne.
This might be the only way he doesn’t lose his head, so Talidaar
sits at the place indicated.
“I know you were tricked; I know you know it now. Anytime the
crown is involved, beware the vipers Talidaar. Court intrigues
are not for the faint-hearted. I wonder if you fully understand
where you went wrong?”
Talidaar takes in this piece of advice and answers, “Any girl in
this house is above me. I should not have done anything except
what I’m here to do.
“I think you do understand Talidaar, at least, I hope you do.
I’m sure you will remember this in the future.” The Speaker
indicates that this audience is over with another hand gesture.
Talidaar says, “Thank you, great Speaker, and then leaves and
goes to his room where his grandfather is waiting for him.
#Post#: 176--------------------------------------------------
278 AC A Druid's Tale Story of Talidaar vol. I Chapter Five:
Spring Dawning
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: July 26, 2023, 5:02 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]A Druid's Tale: Story of Talidaar
vol. I: The World of Elves
Chapter Five: Spring Dawning [/center]
[center]Talidaar was created by DCR [/center]
[center]Lashia, and Kira were created by JMS [/center]
Southwest Ansalon
Qualinesti
On the last day of summer, Gilthanas comes out of his illness,
and soon Talidaar and his grandfather are leaving Qualinost.
Talidaar feels years older in these last few weeks. He learned
many lessons.
They walk through the city and visit merchant shops. They made a
sizable sum for their efforts for the Speaker. They look for
anything they could use back home. They pick up a few things and
agree that it is expensive here. They walk around until they
feel like heading for home. Talidaar asks himself if he would
like to live here. It was absurd, of course. He was questioning
a lot these days. The disillusionment he felt as Talidaar gives
a last look at the great Tower of the Sun and the arch bridges
of his dreams, and turns around to join his grandfather on the
road.
They arrive home in a couple of days. They unpack and set their
clothes out to wash in the stream.
They begin preparing for provisioning for winter and start
gathering nuts and some berries.
Though they live in the Forest, they live on the fringes of
society. This brought Talidaar into contact with various races
he had before. Dwarven merchants, Kender, Centaurs, and
Kagonesti wild elves all came around. He had seen the oddly
tattooed elves at the Speaker’s house and never made a
connection. They were there as servants. The brown hood
community trades with these wilder elves and the other outsiders
and has built a relationship of trust with them.
278 AC
The Next Spring
Talidaar’s grandfather slowed down on his travels and asked his
grandson to take his place without him. And so, it was when
Talidaar came to travel through the wood and help the elves,
even though he had no place among them. The feeling was not
universal; some were kind, but most were not.
Early Evening,
The Spring Dawning Festival has come to Qualinesti during
Talidaar’s travels across the elven homeland. Spring has brought
the elven forest back to life and into its full glory of beauty.
Even so, Talidaar was in a slight mood on this day, even with
the merryment going on around him. He is trying to decide his
future, and he is unclear where that might take him.
Still, he can’t help himself, the festive atmosphere brought on
by the musicians and revelers dancing and merrymaking across the
way. Talidaar is unexpectedly handed a cup of punch and kissed
on both cheeks by a pretty elf maiden passing out goblets to
people nearby.
Kira Silverleaf and Lashia Ambrodel are enjoying time staying
with a family friend and out to enjoy the festivities. Kira and
Lashia have been near lifelong friends, and in many ways, Lashia
is closer to Kira than she is to her older sister, Damara is
already serving with the Windriders. Lashia came to cheer on
Kira, who had participated earlier in the archery contest and
placed third.
Kira is taller than Lashia, and where Lashia wears her golden
hair down, Kira usually wears her honey blonde hair up in a
braid and is dressed in a white dress, while Lashia is wearing a
white initiate robe of the magus order. They are deep in
conversation about the marriage proposals that have rolled in in
the wake of her Archery final placement, something Kira did not
anticipate. Lashia reminds Kira that she got more proposals than
the other two finalists, completely unorthodox, mind you,
everyone knows formal proposals come on Summer Home.”
Remembering back to this afternoon, Kira just hangs her head and
groans. “What was I thinking? It was a complete disaster.”
Lashia stops her friend. “Not a complete disaster, is that not
the half-human that stayed in the palace all those months last
year?” Lashia asks Kira.
Lashia’s friend looks over Lashia’s shoulder, and Lashia hears
“Oh my Gods, it is him.”
Lashia chides her friend, “All those young eligible elves
earlier and you turn them all down and this half-elf is the one
that has you frozen up?”
“He’s different.” Kira says in a small voice.
“Obviously.” Lashia laughs at her friend and fixes an appraising
gaze on the aloof specter at the party across the way. “He’s
very handsome, quiet, a lot going on behind those eyes. Your
father will love him, I’m sure. You want to talk to him don’t
you? Are you sure about this?”
Kira slowly shakes her head. “No, I’m not sure about anything.
Oh, Las, I do want to talk to him.”
“People will talk, and it will get back to your Father, you know
that, right? Lashia asks.
Kira nods and looks at Lashia. “You're right.” Kira looks down
and feels defeated and a bit sad. It shows on her face.
Lashia sees it and decides, “hell with it,” We will do it sneaky
like.” Lashia begins devising the right strategy. “I’ll be right
back.”
“Las, no, Lashia…damn it.” Kira whispers to her friend to come
back without raising a big scene.
Lashia does not heed her friend; she is already committed to her
plan and walking away from everyone.
Lashia weaves a low-level illusion of bursting clouds of color
overhead. This goes on for a few moments, long enough to grab
people’s attention to the heavens to see the spectacle.
Talidaar's eyes were in the sky as well when movement near him
drew his attention back, and he looked around to see what it
was, only to find it was nothing. Talidaar turns and sees the
elf maiden standing with the princess at the palace. How can
this be? He sees that everyone else's eyes are still diverted.
Talidaar looks into her green eyes. She begins to speak and asks
Talidaar if he will walk with her. He can only nod as she takes
his arm and they walk away from the revelers, clouds still
bursting into colors in the sky. Talidaar looks at her and
hesitates before saying, "Your name was Kira, right?"
Kira blushes a little and says, "I'm flattered you remembered,
Kira Silverleaf, but you never told us your name."
"... Talidaar, my name is Talidaar Arbagon. ... I... I... never
expected to see you again."
Kira blushes again and turns away briefly with her eyes closed,
then she turns back to him again and says, "I thought the same."
She continues them on their walk and talk. They continue as she
directs him to one of the many paths that lead to the nature
park around here.
Just taking each other in and for one night, he did not feel
that sting of his heritage. Talidaar was just himself, and she
treated him no differently. For one night, it seemed like life
was not so bad at all. They continued walking and talking for
hours before she guessed at the time, and told Talidaar she
would have to see him again another time, Summer Home
festival...? "
Talidaar tells her he is looking forward to it, and Kira smiles
at him and they part company with long looks at each other
before separating paths in the night.
#Post#: 1210--------------------------------------------------
278 AC A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar vol. I The World
of Elves Chapter Six: Smitten
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: August 9, 2025, 7:38 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]A Druid's Tale: Story of Talidaar
vol. I: The World of Elves
Chapter Six: Smitten[/center]
[center]Talidaar was created by DCR [/center]
Western Ansalon
Qualinesti Forest
On the way back from the festival, Talidaar is feeling the rare
aftereffects of euphoria. This time, there were no tricks or
traps; he just got to talk to her, and she talked to him. He did
not once feel singled out for his heritage; it never came up.
The night was magical; he just couldn’t believe he got to see
her again, and that she even approached him out of an array of
people; she came to him.
This elicits a question... What could she see in me? Talidaar
thinks to himself. It may be the first time he had had something
else to think about other than his inner thoughts of doubt. Now
he has thoughts that were intertwined with thoughts of her. The
way she took his arm, the cute moments, she looked away to hide
her smile. He had never felt these feelings for anyone before.
He wants nothing more than to be in her presence again.
He continues the traveling route his grandfather and he have
taken every year of his young life. He does not know how this
has happened, but his self-esteem rises a bit.
When he is back at his Forest Home with his Grandfather, his
Grandfather can tell a difference in Talidaar’s disposition.
Until he knows more, he will refrain from comment, lest it bring
him out of reverie. After a few days, while preparing dinner,
the Grandfather asks what her name is. For he has been able to
deduce what ails Talidaar through observation of his grandson
over the few days. “Kira.” Talidaar answers.
“Must be some maiden, I have never seen you like this. I do not
want to dampen the mood for you, but I want you to be careful,
keep your wits about you when you are out there, among the
people.”
Talidaar nods and says, “she is special.” Talidaar thanks his
grandfather for his wise words in bringing him down from the
clouds.
“When are you seeing her again?” Talidaar’s Grandfather asks
him.
Talidaar answers “the Summer Home Festival.” As they sit down at
the dinner table and enjoy a meal together.
#Post#: 1272--------------------------------------------------
278 AC A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar vol. I The World
of Elves Chapter Seven: The Summer Home Festival
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: November 14, 2025, 10:27 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Warning: strong, sensitive subject matter ahead. Consider this
Chapter M/A Rated R
[center]
A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar
vol. I The World of Elves
Chapter Seven: The Summer Home Festival
Character of Talidaar was created by DCR
[/center]
Summer Home 278 AC
It is the Day of the Summer Home Festival in the elven kingdom
of Qualinesti. Specially crafted kites soar through the air in a
great open field, with dozens of elven children around watching
in wonder. The festivals celebrated have been more of a solemn
traditional affair since the cataclysm, but some joy is starting
to return to the people and young people who were born on this
side of the cataclysmic event more than three hundred years ago.
Poetry contests and food competitions bring forth amazing
delights to be sampled after they are judged for taste and
presentation.
Archery tournaments for different age brackets are held. Kira
Silverleaf participates but gets 5th place. Kira and Lashia
Ambrodel get together after the match, and after Kira has
changed into her summer dress for tonight. Lashia asks her
friend, “What happened?”
Kira hedges and says she has a lot on her mind. "I was very
distracted."
Lashia arches her eyebrow and says, "I'm not nobody, it's me.
What is it really? no more hedging."
“I am a little worried about meeting Talidaar in a while. My
father is being completely unreasonable.”
“He has gone off the deep end, even before this. I am beginning
to think only your father’s chosen suitor is the only one he is
going to accept, which naturally means to him that he is your
only choice as well.”
“He can’t really believe that.” Kira scoffs.
Lashia gives her best friend her honest assessment, “He
believes it.”
Later,
Soon, the lightning bugs come out and their bioluminescence
flashes as they fly amongst the dancing elves.
Luminaires are lit at night and add to the ambiance of the
moment.
Kira meets up with Talidaar and guides him in a direction away
from the main thoroughfare of festival revelers, and the only
people they see are people who are heading towards the festival
excitedly, away from them. Kira is wearing her hair slightly
differently; it is braided with baby's breath woven into her
braid, and it is up, revealing more of her face and her neck.
She is wearing a summer light blue dress with puffed sleeves,
starting from her puffed shoulders. She is a vision of beauty.
Talidaar and Kira walk amongst the luminaires, under the stars
and the trees. It is a perfect visit. They talk about
everything, and their future plans, their hopes. Kira plans to
serve her tours in the military and then get out, and adventure
around, find a good man that I have chosen, get married, and
have babies.
Talidaar laughs good-naturedly and says he plans to work to
become a druid and will have to work his way up through their
archaic and complex Hierarchy, and someday, perhaps meet a
pretty and good woman, and marry her, have several children, and
grow old together in a place of our own.
“That sounds wonderfully nice and cozy,” Kira says after a few
moments of imagining such an idyllic setting for the ever
after…“Where is this place you describe as our own?” Kira asks
after a few moments.
Talidaar was lost in thought as well, and came out of it, but he
heard her, he says, “I do not know, I dream of it sometimes. It
is not too far from here; it is in Abanasinia somewhere. I can
tell because of the trees, they are local, but that way a ways.”
Talidaar points in a direction to the northeast, as if he can
vaguely see it. “I plan to look for it in the coming years and
build a home. Maybe you could visit me when you take your leave
from the service.”
Kira wonders if that would be possible, knowing her father, he
would put a stop to it if he knew. She had cast her eyes down in
thought, but she brought them back up to his eyes. Kira says, "I
would like that very much. We will plan for it, but it might be
some time until that happens, but know that that is what I
want." She looks at his beautiful face and his solemn
expression, and Kira hooks her arms around Talidaar’s neck and
pulls him down enough to kiss him. Talidaar is completely
surprised, but more willing to accept her willing advance. Their
lips touch, and they meet each other with want and desire.
Fireworks go off in the open meadow where they were flying the
kits earlier. It is the kind of kiss that you remember. They
come up for air, and he holds her in his arms in a hug as she
rests her head on his shoulder.
Distantly, they can hear a more popular song from recent years,
and it turns out to have a special meaning to Kira, so Talidaar
does not miss the opportunity to ask her to dance, and she
accepts, and they begin dancing together. It is so moving to the
little fey that have been watching the elven couple, and they
decide to add to the ambiance with fey magic and glow globes
that float with the dancing pair.
She wants to warn him, but she sees that he is having such a
good time, she cannot bring herself to tell him her father
forbids her to see him; she wants to spare him, but in doing so,
seals his fate.
Once the music dies down and they have gazed into each other's
eyes and have found such balance with each other, it is painful
for Kira to go, but she promises they will see each other again:
“It might be a few years before I can see you again, do not
forget about me.”
“How could I? I don’t think you have to worry about that, Miss
Silverleaf.” Talidaar answers sweetly. They share a last kiss,
and a last embrace, and Talidaar lets her go, and they watch
each other for a few moments as she leaves, and then she is
gone…
Talidaar is lost in the fleeting moments of serenity. Whatever
happens next cannot dim for what becomes years from now a memory
of a perfect night with Kira.
Talidaar is suddenly set upon by a few elves. When Talidaar
becomes sure he can not run or talk his way out of things, he
fights for his life, punching, kicking, anything, but he is
finally knocked unconscious. Talidaar later awakens in the
extensive basement. Soon, the bag is ripped off of Talidaar’s
head, forcefully taking some of Talidaar’s hair with it.
Talidaar tries to focus, but he is having trouble doing so. It
is dark in this room, except for a few candles flickering.
People are standing around him, males, dressed alike. Military?
Figures comes down the stairs and into the room. One of them is
carrying a lantern. One of them bends down and forcefully grabs
Talidaar’s chin to see all of the damage done to the Half-Human
already. Talidaar does not like this feeling, and he pulls away,
which brings a backhand across Talidaar’s face.
“You were given an opportunity to wizen up and you came back
again, but your natural thought was to think if you shaved, you
could fit in with the people.”
“You of all people have captured my daughter’s interest… You, a
half-breed half-human thought that you were going to take my
daughter away from me? To go live in the woods like hermits?”
“Your kind should have wiped out hundreds of years ago.
“Just looking at you makes me sick to think you and Kira could
have anything together!”
Kira’s father gets down on one knee and gets in Talidaar’s face,
while another holds up Talidaar’s head by his hair. “You will
never see her again! You will go from Qualinesti and never come
back or we will finish what we started, maybe we will give your
Grandfather the same treatment.”
Talidaar’s face grows stern, matching his thoughts.
The Father attacks Talidaar, whose hands are restrained behind
him, and cannot defend himself from his wild attacks and kicks.
The Father steps back as Kira’s older brother comes in and he
bashes Talidaar about his head and face.
Then, he follows up with kicking Talidaar, the others join in…
and then, everything goes dark for Talidaar as he blacks out.
Later,
At Talidaar’s Grandfather’s House, Tevarith has been watching
the march of the moons and the dance of the stars, and still,
his grandson has not come back yet. He puts off his nagging
worry for a while longer, believing he should give Talidaar the
benefit of his patience, maybe Talidaar had an incredibly good
night…
Soon, the nagging worry he was feeling won out. Tevarith sets
out into the predawn morning. He does not have to travel far. He
sees a body has just been dumped just outside the city limits.
The prone body worries the Grandfather, and he bends down on old
knees and feels to find if there is a pulse… A weak one!
Tevarith stands and looks around to see what nature might make
available to help. He calls out in a strange horse-like sound,
and eventually, a horse runs up and through some considerable
effort, Tevarith gets Talidaar up and laying on the horse, and
Tevarith walks the horse carrying Talidaar back to the house.
Tevarith does everything he can to bring comfort to his grandson
and healing. It absolutely breaks his Grandfather’s heart that
this happened; he had his concerns, but even he did not think
they would go this far. This is beyond normal hatred. Tears roll
down Tevarith's face as he looks out into the distance. Talidaar
will mend in time, but seeing him like this just tears at the
old elf.
Such vile hatred for one so young, and for what? He cries all
over as he takes care of Talidaar, helping him eat, helping him
walk again. It took time, and the Old Elf was patient. It
brought him back to the first days of caring for the young boy
who is now a young man. He remembers how small Talidaar was. He
thinks back fondly on the years they have spent together, and as
time goes on, and it moves into the fall and winter months,
things that the young man Talidaar did, the Old elf was forced
to do with Talidaar still mending in bed. He had to take care of
things through the winter months.
Soon, it became too much for Tevarith, and though he did not
want to admit it, it was burning his candle brighter and tiring
him out more often. Tevarith kept this fact from Talidaar and
continued to care for him, bringing him back from the brink of
isolating himself in a prison of depression that gripped
Talidaar when he was conscious, and so he spent as much time
medicated as he could be.
It was not until he learned that his Grandfather had come down
with a respiratory illness that brought Talidaar back to life
and mobile enough, though he still ached and was in pain from
mending ribs and bones, he cared for his Grandfather with all of
his might and skill.
The first indications of spring, and the old elf and Talidaar
walk out into the yard and have a seat, and take in the spring
air. They ended up saving each other and got each other through
the winter months.
#Post#: 1364--------------------------------------------------
279 AC A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar vol. I The World
of Elves Chapter Eight: Day of Reckoning Finale Part I
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: May 9, 2026, 6:12 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Prelude[/center]
Qualinost, capital of the Qualinesti
The pre-dawn Hour
A group of elves gather together to talk for a few moments, then
mount up and head out of the stables and head southeast amid the
budding white and pink cherry blossoms overhead.
Soon after, an elven maiden bursts out of the doors, past two
elven guards, and runs from her father’s estate, her face
flooded with tears upon tears. Kira Silverleaf runs to the only
place she has ever felt completely safe these many years, the
Ambrodel Household. The Qualinesti Ambassador Ken-Kathaas
Ambrodel was descended from the long line of the Ambrodel
bloodline that has served the royal house since the founding of
Qualinesti, and even before. He is a good man, a fair man. He
has to help her.
She knocks and is brought in. Kira is brought to the lithe and
silver-braided-haired Laeriel, Lashia’s mother, who is very
pregnant with surprise child number three, a rarity, but not
unheard of. Laeriel calls for her second child.
Lashia comes out with bed head and a bit grumpily, until she
sees the state in which Kira is in, she runs to her and holds
her in her arms. Kira tells her what the matter is. Lashia
considers this for all of two seconds and takes Kira into her
father’s office at the estate, knowing full well the
consequences for disturbing her father’s important state work,
but pushes on anyway.
The Silver regal fox Ken-Kathaas Ambrodel is in the middle of
writing a draft statement when he hears the dreaded knock at his
door. A knock that belongs to his most rambunctious and
problematic child so far. He is about to admonish Lashia for
disturbing his work when he sees Kira of the Silverleaf clan
running over to Ken-Kathaas and buries herself in his arms very
unexpectedly.
“What’s this, what is it, child?” Ken-Kathaas pulls Kira back so
he can see her eyes, but they are full of tears. The Ambassador
of Qualinesti eyes his second daughter and asks her to explain.
Lashia is not crying like Kira is, but she is visibly upset. She
looks up at her father and says, “We need your help, Dad.”
[center]
A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar
vol. I The World of Elves
Chapter Eight: Day of Reckoning
Story Finale Part I
Character of Talidaar was created by DCR
The Ambrodel Name created by Paul B Thompson and Tonya C. Clark
[/center]
Thirdmonth, Spring Dawning 279 AC
A lone figure moves ungracefully across the yard around the
hovel that Talidaar shares with his Grandfather. Talidaar uses a
walking stick to walk steadily as he goes to the chickens to
feed and water. He has decided he is definitely not going to any
festivals in Qualinesti, or anywhere again for a while, if ever
that is for sure.
As ever, Talidaar moves slowly around the yard, doing the things
that his Grandfather cannot anymore, even now that he is better.
In truth, Talidaar is glad to be outside again and reconnecting
with the sunlight, the wind, the earth, and the trees.
Talidaar feeds the animals a daily allotment of feed and water.
He has always been a friend to all small things. Talidaar always
has a few nuts or berries for his furry friends on the trail
around his place. Birds have already come by to say hello and
get their bite. Talidaar has been using this time to reflect on
how things are going in his life and what he should do next.
Kira’s Father’s words ring in his memory To leave Qualinesti,
or we will move you with your Grandfather out of Qualinesti.
Talidaar knows he cannot move his Grandfather now. He is too
weak to go anywhere.
Talidaar makes breakfast, not much, a couple of eggs and some
porridge, something they both can get down and keep down. Over
the meal, Talidaar is quiet; he has been thinking and asks his
Grandfather about the lonely wood at the foot of the Eastwall
Mountains. He has seen it in his dreams before, several times.
Tevarith considers his words, “The Hermit of the Wood that lives
there now is such that you will need a great reason to be able
to enter, The spirits of that Wood are very particular about who
they allow to enter. Remember that. You might be able to find
some peace there, Talidaar, if anywhere in this world. When you
finally do go there, present yourself, and give your lineage, it
will count for something.”
“You’ve been there before? Did you say spirits of wood?”
Talidaar asks, just to clarify if he heard his grandfather
right.
“You heard that right. The spirits have protected the wood for
hundreds of years, I don’t know the full story of it, my father
took me there when I when I was a bit older then you are. We
maintained relations for a time, and even after my father
passed. The Guardian Cerlin died and passed guardianship over
to his ward, Kaelan. I visited him a few times after Cerlin
died, but Kaelan has dropped off communications over the years,
he’s been there in the wood, living as a hermit. He does not see
many outsiders these days, other than the small circle he led.”
Talidaar thinks this over, as there is a pecking on the hovel.
Talidaar comes out and sees a woodpecker pecking, then it stops
and looks at you.
Talidaar looks at it, then hears horses, not too far off, coming
this way. Though he is not as spry as he once was, Talidaar’s
grandfather is at the door and hears the horses as well. He
whispers in sylvan to the woodpecker, and it flies off into the
distance. “Our friend will alert the wild elves. I need you to
gather our people . . . now listen, Talidaar,” he can see
Talidaar disagreeing with him in his eyes, “ they will be here
soon, you need to go now and gather our people.”
With that, Tevarith pushes his Grandson out of the doorway and
into the yard. “Talidaar, I love you. Talidaar did not feel like
resisting; he just hates the idea of his Grandfather confronting
those riders without him. But those words tell Talidaar to do
what has been asked of him.
Quick mobility is not something Talidaar is not fit to do any
longer; the beating he received very nearly came close to
crippling him, and he still grimaces when he takes steps. So
Talidaar moves as quickly as he can with his walking stick,
providing much of the support to keep him going.
Soon he comes to the first hovel, this was the Druidess
Nyralisa, and Talidaar warns her, and Talidaar moves to the
next, the Druidess Ilandri, and to the next, to the old Druid
Hérion. It is not long before Talidaar asks for assistance in
alerting the others.
Feeling like he has already been gone too long, Talidaar turns
and moves quickly, straining himself to get back; his body hates
him for the movement on mending bones. Talidaar falls a few
times and winces through the pain. He gets back up shakily,
using the staff to pull himself up, and he sets out again for
home.
Back at Talidaar’s Grandfather’s hovel-
The Riders have arrived, fifteen in all. The group had
accumulated more as they passed by a few different estates.
Tevarith came out to meet them in his Brown Robes and, leaning
heavily on his walking stick. Wearily, he asks, “Kiirthal
Silverleaf, is that you out there?”
Uncomfortable at being singled out so directly, it only raises
his ire. “You are still on Qualinesti lands. I made it clear to
your grandson to vacate these grounds, or I would come and throw
you out.”
Tevarith sadly replies, “I saw what you did to my grandson. It
told me a lot about you, and most of all, it showed me what kind
of man you are.”
Kiirthal Silverleaf retorts with icy coldness, “Somone willing
to protect my future bloodline with prejudice. I hope I made
that abundantly clear by now.”
Tevarith counters, “Oh, you have, you nearly crippled him. You
almost killed him for your drive for purity, and now you are
willing to shed elven blood.”
A few elves around in the group shift uncomfortably but remain
in lockstep.
Major Kiirthal Silverleaf grows tired of this conversation and
asks again if his grandson is within, “bring him out so that we
might talk with him again.”
Tevarith answers evenly, “He is not here; I sent him from here
before you arrived.”
Kiirthal looks to his right, to his subordinate, and orders,
“Check!”
The elf, Nithion, slides down from his horse and walks carefully
past the old Druid to the hovel, peers inside, and enters.
Moments later, he comes out and reports, “It's true, there is
nobody else in there.” The elf says.
Kiirthal looks at the old Druid and asks evenly, “Where is he?”
Tevarith smiles and answers, “Away from you.”
Kiirthal looks to Nithion, and the elf goes to strike Tevarith,
who goes to block with his staff, rebounding Tevarith to the
ground.
“This will go easier on you if you just tell us where he is.”
Kiirthal tells the old Druid.
“I’m sure it would be, but I am not going to let you murder my
Grandson.” Tevarith answers
Kiirthal tells Tevarith, “It’s your choice. Get the rope up
there in that elm!”
The old Druid tells Kiirthal, “It does not matter what you do to
me you will not have him.”
“We will hunt him down in the woods or wait just over there out
of sight and let him come home to the sight of you hanging from
the old elm, before we ambush him. We will crush his spirit as
we run him out of the wood, that is, if we don’t hang him too.”
Tevarith replies, “I will point out that we Druids of the wood
have special dispensation that has been upheld by subsequent
Speakers, including the current Speaker, Solostaran Kanan. I’ve
personally received personal awards for my services to House
Royal.” Tevarith informs Kiirthal. “I have notified enough
people about you to ensure your name with reach the Speaker for
this outrage.”
That causes the elves to stop doing what Kiirthal was intending,
and they pull the rope down. Kiirthal is incensed as some of the
elves leave, wanting nothing more to do with the proceedings.
Others are staying and considering what Kiirthal’s reasoning is
to threaten to take their lives. Sure, the Half-Human has to go;
if what this Druid is saying is true, then it gives a great many
of them pause, despite their ranks and allegiance to Major
Kiirthal. To go any further would be crossing a line they are
not sure they can come back from. Kiirthal’s sons hesitate,
seeing that everyone else is.
There is one or two that are fashioning a noose still,
undeterred. Birds start to flock down the heads of those elves
and those nearby them. “The animals have gone crazy!” yells one
The elves look to the old Druid as the winds start picking up,
blowing the trees all around them.
#Post#: 1365--------------------------------------------------
279 AC A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar vol. I The World
of Elves Chapter Eight: Day of Reckoning Finale Part II
DIR By: Dungeon Master
Date: May 9, 2026, 6:27 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Warning: strong, sensitive subject matter ahead. Consider this
Chapter M/A Rated R
[center]
A Druid's Tale: The Story of Talidaar
vol. I The World of Elves
Chapter Eight: Day of Reckoning
Story Finale Part II
Character of Talidaar was created by DCR
The Ambrodel Name created by Paul B Thompson and Tonya C. Clark
[/center]
Just outside the perimeter of the Hovel and the elven mob,
Talidaar peers from his hiding spot, which he chose just moments
ago. He feels compelled to go down there and confront them and
take his Grandfather to safety, but he believes that is not what
his Grandfather wants. Can he live with an imposed exile, he
asks himself? He can’t answer that as he looks to his
Grandfather and touches his lips to remember the kiss of all
kisses with Kira. How can he leave all of that and the Forest?
Is he prepared to make that sacrifice?
He has been waiting for any sign that the Kagonesti have
arrived, but he has heard nothing yet. Until the birds started
acting up, and this wind has whipped up out of nowhere, which is
very unusual. He wonders if he should take it as a sign to act?
Maybe not a formal exile, maybe a voluntary exile.
He hears voices nearby; some of the Major’s men are coming this
way. He disbelieves he has been seen; has he missed something?
They are indeed closing on his position; He considers his
options.
He hears other steps, much lighter, off in the woods; they are
attempting to be quiet, they are on the move, this way. It can
only be the Kagonesti coming, Talidaar considers what he must do
next as the wind continues to sweep through the area.
Talidaar steps out of his hiding place and crosses the yard,
stopping only to retrieve his grandfather’s sickle hanging from
the side of the hovel. He laments it has not been sharpened
since the previous summer and places it behind his back, looped
through his rope belt. He walks around the yard toward the
gathering of elves.
“I will leave, I will leave Qualinesti, I accept no formal
exile, I do this voluntarily, if you release my Grandfather
allow him and the others to stay, per their right, guaranteed by
the Speaker.”
Major Kiirthal responds, “You don’t get to decide what we will
do.”
A tall elf steps forward, not someone Talidaar can say whether
he has seen or met before, “I challenge you to a duel. Here and
now.”
Talidaar looks at him blankly, “I don’t understand why you and I
should have reason to quarrel.”
Kiirthal answers the half-human’s question himself, “His issue
with you is because this is Celeion Galaethil of a Noble House,
of a noble family, this is Kira’s intended.
Talidaar closes his eyes ever so briefly, nods, and opens his
eyes again, looks back at the elf, and takes him in more fully.
He’s Bold, his height and impressive physique send thoughts of
this one with your Kira, and a fire is stoked somewhere deep
within him. Celeion’s crystal blue eyes glower at Talidaar, and
his thick blonde mane cascades down his back, and his cheekbones
look as though they were chiseled from stone.
“Talidaar!” His Grandfather calls to him from across the way,
“What are you doing?”
Talidaar answers as calmly as he can, attempting very hard to
mask the uncertainty he is feeling, “I’m trying to get you out
of this alive.”
The surviving Brown Hoods that are able enough to make the trek
from their homes and finally make it here to witness the
proceedings.
The elves wonder about their intentions, but most of them see
that they are no match. These are elves that were around before
the cataclysm, elders of the ancient order of Brown Hoods.
Feeling emboldened, if the Druids have arrived from their long
journey, then the Kagonesti have surely taken up positions
around the area already. Talidaar pushes forward. “I want my
grandfather and other druids freed from your wrath; they are
elves and free of your hate, your issue is squarely with me.”
Kiirthal shifts his position and considers this and agrees. He’s
not completely blinded; he does this knowing he will lose more
men if he does not relent on the matter. It is true, the Druids
do have the Speaker’s ear when they are in favor. He can try to
control the narrative for a time, but word will get back to the
Speaker, unless…
Sounds are coming from the direction of the city, and several
riders coming up the road are revealed to be Guardians of the
Sun, escorting a high-born rider of one of the finest horses in
Qualinesti. A stallion gifted to him by the far-off Khan of
Khur.
“Ambrodel! What are you doing here Ambassador?”
Ambassador Ken-Kathaas Ambrodel looks to Kiirthal, “I might as
well be asking you the same thing, Major? By whose authority
have you assembled these men? Why are you on the border?”
Kiirthal drops his head, and a very small voice under his
breath, “Kira,” his daughter has betrayed him. He had long
worked to get his daughter in with the Ambrodels daughters and
the young Princess of House Royal, but the truth was, Ambrodel
barely tolerated him, and only did so for the sake of his
daughter's friendships. Ambrodel could ruin him with nary a
word to the Speaker; he could bring it about on his own; he had
that kind of authority; his family is nigh on intertwined with
royalty itself. He will have to play this cleanly, as much as
this Half-Human turns his stomach, it is well known that the
Ambrodel family has long been not only products of half-human
taint, inasmuch as their bloodline carries strong elven
heritages from the dawn times. Even so, they are known to
champion the Half-Breeds cause. We carry the blood of the dawn
times as well, but we have not sullied our bloodline with human
blood.
“Major?”
Kiirthal comes out of his deep thoughts and answers, “This boy
has tried to form a bond with my daughter; they have met in
secret on at least two occasions. I believe he engaged her in
the Speaker's House, if word is to be believed. He was told
under no uncertain terms that he was never to approach her
again, and I found correspondence between them in my daughter's
room.”
“That is a lie,” Talidaar states flatly, “I have never
corresponded with your daughter by letter or note, you slander
me without proof.”
Ambassador Ken-Kathaas Ambrodel looks to the Major, waiting for
his reply to this challenge to the veracity of his charge.
Ken-Kathaas can see the gnomish gears working overtime in
Kiirthal’s brain to find another lie to stilt up while he finds
another.
Kiirthal opens his mouth but can’t find words fast enough to
cover for his inability to find a justification that would hold
up under Qualinesti Law; nonetheless, he does not see a path
out.
Ambassador Ken-Kathaas Ambrodel points out to the Major that his
perimeter guards have been taken out of the equation.
Kiirthal looks around and asks how? He sees nothing; the Druids
are all right here in the yard. “What do you mean?” his eyes
scan over the men that are left, those that left, and those he
sent out looking for the boy. He sees they have not returned.
Ken-Kathaas Ambrodel replies, “I mean, Major, you have been
outflanked; there are about two dozen Kagonesti out there, all
around us. I imagine they are none too pleased that you are
threatening their friends of the forest. Your fixation with this
young man has allowed this to spiral and develop into a
full-blown diplomatic incident that is going to take a more
senior hand to resolve than what is within your purview.”
Kiirthal looks at Ken-Kathaas as though he had slapped him
across the face, but he did it completely with only his words.
He looks around him, trying to see what Ken-Kathaas sees. “I’m
not blind, where are they? Is this some plot?”
“A plot?” Ken-Kathaas calls out in Kagonesti to demonstrate for
the Major how they are evading his sight. He does not believe
you are real.”
A figure emerges from the forest; he is a wild elf under a layer
of mud to mask his signature. Kiirthal never considered the
possibility.
“I will still have my justice.” Celeion Galaethil defiantly
claims, staring at Talidaar with renewed vitriol.
Talidaar’s eyes dart to his sword hand, which is on his belt,
very close to his sword handle. Talidaar checks his disposition
and watches his eyes as his sword hand twitches, while also
staying aware of the proceedings. Talidaar reaches behind him
and readies himself.
Major Kiirthal tells his future son-in-law to silence himself.
If this whelp does not know any better to displease the
Ambassador, then maybe he is not the right match for his
daughter.
Celeion Galaethil reaches for his sword handle, and starts to
pull it free of its scabbard, only to find a hooked blade coming
down on his wrist, not quite cutting into his mailed glove, but
causing significant bone damage, causing him shooting pain and
unable to grip the handle of his sword with his sword hand as it
is hanging limp in his other hand, supporting it in pain.
Everyone in the immediate area who saw what happened is
astounded at the change of events. The Druids come forward and
minister to his wounds, fashioning him a cast and splint to
allow it to heal properly. It will take time.
Kiirthal and Talidaar are left standing, staring at each other
in silence. Ambassador Ken-Kathaas Ambrodel comes forward, “We
must resolve this peacefully if you will, gentlemen. You must
end this crusade against this young man, Kiirthal; it will turn
your blood black, and it will coat your insides with venom that
will end up poisoning your soul.”
“That’s easy for you to say Ambassador, your daughter is not
flirting with a half-“
“I’ll leave,” Talidaar offers if that is what it will take,
“I’ll go. My Grandfather is not well. I had hoped to tend to him
before I left, to make sure he was cared for. I am not sure how
long he has; if it is soon, I wish to see him buried per his
wishes.
“Major, this young man, his grandfather, this small dying
community is the last of a holy line, long have we elves been
friends with the Druids of the forest, our people have grown up
beside each other, when the Gods were present, they granted them
healing powers, the aid they have provided are skills that have
been passed down by tradition through the ages, and they have
saved lives, even without the ability to heal, their poultices,
and herbal skills has made more of positive impact then you can
imagine.”
“The Qualinesti Druid Elandriel has kept tabs on the boy and
found him to be following the tradition that his Grandfather has
taught him. He has given back to the community, despite citizens
like you trying to deny him his homeland in peace and safety.
“I am told his family was attacked in Frenost, Human Raiders
violated his mother, and he was begot against everyone’s will,
but they accepted him until a couple of years later the Raiders
returned and killed his father, violated his mother again, and
stole his older sister. His mother later took her own life. His
Paternal Grandfather raised him to the man you see him today.”
Kiirthal is quiet, considering. His men have nearly fully
evaporated; only a few remain. He finds he cannot meet the
Half-Humans eyes, is it shame that he is feeling, “Tend to your
Grandfather, depart when he is gone, do not ever believe you
will ever be with my daughter, I will do everything to keep her
away from you so you never see her again, go on your voluntary
journey, and begone with you for as long as you can stay away,
you will not be welcome.”
It is internally agonizing, like taking a spoon to one’s heart.
He trusts that somehow, He will see her again, a hope he will
kindle deep inside, and he will bury it, to try to mitigate the
pain, to pretend like it doesn’t even exist. Talidaar accepts
the condition, while the Druids, Ambassador Ambrodel, and the
Kagonesti bear witness.
Talidaar is incredibly relieved, if still completely sad. He
expresses his thanks to the Ambassador. Ken-Kathaas puts his
hand on Talidaar’s shoulder and tells him, “What he said was
true; a great many owe you their lives and their happiness. It
is something to be proud of, son. Know that it was Kira who
asked me to save you; it’s something you can carry away with
you.”
Talidaar had not pieced that together yet; it brings such thanks
into his heart for her. “Sir, you will tell her that I send my
thanks?”
Ken-Kathaas nods and tells Talidaar that he will. He starts to
walk to his horse, which is being held by one of the Guardians.
He turns to the Major, “I will consider my findings of this
matter before I speak to the Speaker and his military advisors.
I believe my findings are contingent on your virtuous behavior
going forward.”
Kiirthal nods and starts for his own horse.
Talidaar begins to walk towards his Grandfather, he is beaming
with pride at how Talidaar has conducted himself in this matter.
Celeion is walking away from the Druids, back towards the Major.
He passes by Tevarith, and Talidaar sees his Grandfather’s eyes
open in shock, unexpectedly. As Celeion passed by him, he had
planted his dagger into Tevarith's back. Talidaar’s
Grandfather’s knees collapse from under him, and he falls to his
rear and topples over onto his side.
Talidaar is in complete shock, as his whole world just crashed
around him before his eyes. One of the Druids, he does not know
who, checks his pulse, and Talidaar sees the Druid's facial
reaction that tells him everything. In one action, he
disembowels Celeion with his Grandfather’s sickle, slicing open
his abdomen in one quick strike, spilling his internal organs
forth on the ground, the traditional death for those who sin
against the Druids. Talidaar turns his gaze toward Major
Kiirthal. The two share a moment, each contemplating the other.
He says he will come for his body when he is finished.
Ambassador Ambrodel is horrified but understands. As he begins
to depart, he turns and watches the young man drop to his knees
and take his Grandfather into his arms and mourn the man who
raised him.
[center]Finale
Next
The Epilogue[/center]
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1