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The parchment thin bone drapery was pulled tight, the streets were eerily quiet. Most towns continue their bustle into the evening as weary workers find time for a pint, and the company of friends. It was not like that in Tenubria. Skeletal beings had no need for sleep, no need for companionship, and no need for rest. Humans in Tenubria were well off the streets by the time the sun set. Doors were barred and windows shuttered, otherwise they may be a convenient meal for one of the undead. It was all so very unsettling, and while Riatha was used to the unusual, even the dark and fiendish, Tenubria scared her - and she had not been frightened in some time. Settling into the corner of the room, her back pressed firmly into the bone wall, the only entrance across from her, she let her mind drift free and found a place of quiet meditation, well away from the horrors and troubles of the day. She drifted, soon unaware of her surroundings, of the hard bone floor, the way her bow felt, draped across her lap, the way her longsword was jabbing slightly into her lower back, the erratic sounds of the monk's snoring - he was the only one who still really needed to sleep. Emjad had taken up a similar meditation, but she doubted he would be traveling tonight. The powers conferred to Drake and Kaylo were still unsettling to her, but with their sacrifice came increased stamina and determination - she could respect that. They sat in another corner and whispered quietly to one another. They bore careful watch, especially should they come into contact with Vecna or Araketh. Although the Eye was well protected from this plane in the Bag of Holding, she could still feel it's piercing gaze through the dwoemer cast upon it. She would rather be rid of the hideous artifact, but it still may prove useful. Back to her real goal for tonight. She let her mind wander even deeper into the meditation. She could picture the forest she once called home, and she could become lost in this dream. Ancient oaks, firs, and elm covered the landscape. Trees as old as the Breaking survived here. Many were the last of their kind, transplanted by the FatherTree when he still walked this plane in a human form. The Elven Gardeners would tend them well until his return, as unlikely as that may be. She passed quickly over and through the town of Arboria, too many old memories, and settled her mind in the grove behind the palace, in the Garden of Queens. Aptly named, this was the resting place of the Queens of the Western Depths. Buried unbound, unfettered and as free as they entered this existance, they were interred with the seeds of the Great Trees, that they may provide nourishment for their growth. It was here, under the shade of a great ash tree, a monument to Elessia, that her Queen awaited her. Elessia was perhaps the most respected Elven Queen. She possessed great skill in battle, commanded powerful magic, and in her time was considered quite beautiful. Many a treaty was negotiated with a lift of an eyebrow, or toss of the hair, when Elessia parlayed. The woman now "standing" in front of Riatha reminded many of Elessia, in both strength and beauty; although they also say that the Crown Princess will one-day outshine them both. "My Queen", says Riatha as she bows deeply to her liege. The bells in the Queen's hair tinkle softly, even in this dream realm, as she lifts Riatha to her feet by an elbow. "So formal today, Riatha, something must be troubling you", states the Queen. "Tell me where your adventures have led you now. When last we spoke, you were within the Temple of Vecna in the Great Devestation." "We have traveled far since then, but not on the Prime. We have suffered many pains and losses to make our way to the Isle of Tenubria. It is an inhospitable land filled with the undead. We tread softly and in the shadows to avoid detection. We have found shelter in an inn, and will seek Araketh on the morrow. But I have news of even greater importance to the Western Depths." The Queen accepted the non-chalance with which Riatha spoke of Tenubria. Riatha had spent years learning to mask her emotions and while it made her an excellent agent in the realms of mankind, it did set her apart from other elves, drunk with the joys of nature, life, learning and love. "If you dare to risk communication across the planes, then it must be information of a troubling nature. Speak child." "The library in the temple of Vecna held great tomes concerning Necromancy and the like, but also tales of great artifacts and relics from the Breaking and beyond. Of particular concern to me is that left open at a reading table were books concerning the FatherTree and his gifts to the Elven people. It may be nothing, but it may be that the minions of Vecna will seek the relics hidden for so long. It may be that you find them at your doorstep in no time at all. I urge you to keep a closer watch. The loss of the artifacts of the FatherTree would be a devestating hurt to the elven people and their history. Not to mention the loss of such power in this time of wars and upheavals. Their protection must be guaranteed." "This is troubling news, my daughter, yet the relics have been safely housed in the WildWood for centuries. The creatures of the forest serve their old master still. They will be safe. I worry more for you and your mission. Battle has raged in Nogard, the outcome is still unclear. Evelyn sent minions to seek our assistance, not openly of course, but for the time being our goals are similar and we guard the Western flank of Nogard and keep Evelyn's foes from fleeing. I hope you will soon find yourself back in the Prime and amongst those who care for you. I will pray to Corellon Larethian for your safe return." With that, the Queen faded from the grove, and returned to the concerns of the Prime. Riatha lingered for a few minutes, relishing, as always, in the brief glimpse of home. Hopefully, she too would one day be buried in the Queens Garden. But for now, her mission was in Tenubria, and it was her mother who must lead the elves in these troubled times. |