FinalHavenLarp.com

*In donovans' Wake the shadow reenters the inn*

*He slides into the shadows and waits to see with what purpouse Donovan strode by him*

*Atrum pours Kidwynn a mug of ale and begins to banter until Corbyn asks his question and then his attention is clearly focused on Vauns response*

*Kidwynn nods her head when Atrum pours the drink and then is clearly aware of the stranger as he attempts to hide in the corner. She then focusses her attention on Corbyn and Vaun to hear the reply as well.*

As before, the harlequin painted elf-looking woman closed her eyes and placed her hand on the card for a moment before flipping it over and opening her eyes. She stared at it for a long time before speaking, her expression blank. Finally she met the deep eyes of the Duke and said in her habitual whisper, “The Glow Card. So there is some hope for thee after all.”

She gave a shudder and was silent a long time, her eyes closed again. She spoke without looking at him, a kind of far off quality in her soft lilting voice. “If Darkness it is that binds thy son, then it is Light which lends thee thy grace. So as there are those forces working against thee, so too as many for. It is in hope and love that this day will be won or lost for thee.” She opened her eyes now, looking rather more tired than before.

“If thou wouldst hold true to thy love, strong in the face of descent, and give way not before the Darkness ahead, then yes, there are the means in thy hand to bring about thy desire. The way is not lost unto thee completely. However,” and she tilted her head to one side, regarding him curiously, “Thou shalt be tested, and soon, I think. Easiest will be the path to give in to the darker way, harder the one graced by light. It is only in thy faith in love and hope that thy child shall be redeemed unto thee. Falter but a little and all will be lost. Falter and thou shalt lose more than just thy son.”

For a moment her eyes flickered to the figure trying irritatingly unsuccessfully to hide in the shadows. Her eyes narrowed only a fraction, almost imperceptibly. She did not appreciate the macinations of those who would interrupt her with their silly games. Her sharp eyes memorized the features of the figure and she saught out the face of Artum, heaving a telling sigh. Vaun then turned her gaze back to the Duke, her expression serene and emotionless again.

"Thou hast the means, it is thy resolve that remains to be seen."

*When Vauns turns to look in Atrum's direction he waves a hand absentmindedly in a dismissive fashion in Farbarian's direction and remains fixated on the conversation at hand*

*Corbyn nodded to Vaun, then rose and looked at her for a long moment, smiling grimly. He then caught the gaze of his First Knight and indicated that they should enter the Office of the Duchy to discuss what had brought Donovan.*

*Donovan bows to the Duke and gives quick nods of acknowledgement to Atrum, Vaun, Kidwynn, and the Farbarian. He opens the office door, quickly glances inside, and then gestures to the Duke to enter.*

*Dallid approaches Vaun*

“Some knowledge lies beyond what mere investigation can uncover. As such I would ask your assistance in exploring beyond such mundane boundaries.”

The harliquin painted elven-looking woman turned her dark violet eyes to the strange figure before her. It occurred to her that there was a large amount of irony that she should consider anyone strange, as her like was unlikely to have set foot upon mainland Phantara in the last 3,000 years. She had seen him about the Haven, this man, if a man he could be called, and could not help but be somewhat curious about him.

She regarded him for a long time and answered, “Wisdom it is that thou knowest, at least, that there are pathways beyond the visible. What is it that thou wouldst know? Doest thou seek teaching in the Mystic path, or rather my assistance in some matter which besets thee?” She was direct, knowing that bantering pleasantries was a waste of time. If nothing else, Vaun was a direct person when dealing with the physical world.

“Your perspective is what I seek, for mine can reveal no more of my greatest concern.”

“I desire most to know the location of the Aspect of Creation and the Gnome Ulie, for I fear them unreachable. However, any glimpse concerning them may well prove valuable. I hope these words alone offer adequate focus – for little more can I provide. Will you help me?”

Again, she pondered his words and request carefully. She did not wish to commit to an endeavor she did not fully understand, but this seemed simple enough. After a thoughtful moment she replied, “It is within my power to walk the hidden ways and seek that which thou wouldst know. I have no way of assuring thee that I may be able to learn thy desired information, but it is possible.”

Again she was quiet, meeting his eyes, dark black as hers were lavender. Finally she said, “I will do this thing thou wouldst have of me. To perform so trying a task is not easy, and I will need one good night’s rest as well as a few components to give unto the fire. However, in a day’s time, I will be able to venture into the Mists and See what there is to be Seen.

“In the mean time, is there more information thou might possess that would help me focus my energies? Perhaps an object belonging to the gnome thou seekest? Sometimes objects help me sense the aura of a person, making it easier to locate them Beyond.”

“Objects of the Gnome’s making are plentiful in a location three days travel west of here. Yet I will not return there soon, as a Great Will has placed me here – I suspect with purpose to fulfill. Indeed, all Haven had best gather now to meet challenges fast approaching.”

“Still, two here in Haven knew the Gnome for some time. I go to their dwelling next, as I have news for them of their village, and will ask if they carry any item once of the possession of Ulie.”

“I will return here shortly with what more of the Gnome may be obtained.”

She nodded. "Here I shall remain, preparing."

Roughly a quarter hour passes before Dallid returns, a walking stick in hand. He walks directly to Vaun, and places it on the table before her.

“Ulie is a builder, artificer, architect and tinkerer. He is adept at magic. Though not known for casting explicitly, he imbues such in many of his creations. He is host to the Aspect of Creation, under the influence of which has he constructed 16 structures of unique design and strong, fire-resistant material – re-establishing his village, burned to the ground by raiders some moons ago. These structures are intended to serve as homes, though all but one remain empty.”

“He left his village four days ago. Whether or not he sought a specific destination is unknown. We attempted to track after him, but his trail ended abruptly. I fear abduction by the Evil Dragon, though employing a magic device to assist his journey may also have caused us to lose his trail.”

“He shaped this staff, though passed to it no magic I can detect.”

“Of the Aspect of Creation I know little, save it’s former host was a raider. He served as his warband’s smithy, rendering superb armor individually tailored to each warrior. He perished during the raid on Ulie’s village, passing the Aspect to the Gnome. Creation’s opposite is Destruction, which currently resides in Drake, along with the Aspects of Aggression and Order.”

*As Drake stagers to the bar he makes a detour and walks up to the table when he hears his name, and the Aspects*

"I do not mean to intrude upon your talk but I think this may be needed to know. I only hold Order. The other two are in the Dark Elf at the moment."

*Drake will give a bow and then continues to the bar*