Crystal Quest Chapter 7: Elisa's Story

[Jason Cicchini]

The adventurers leave Antyria with the Crystal of Earth, headed for home. But Sharra is troubled by the recent turn of events.

Sharra- "Mage, I have many questions. I do not think we should travel further with them unanswered."

Talonmere- "Very well. Go on."

S- "You obviously knew the Guardian. She made some very harsh accusations against you-"

T- "Well, her version of events-"

Dornir- "If you knew her so well, why was the location of the crystal not already known to you before we brought you the map?"

Kollin- "Unless there was a conspiracy, like we thought."

S- "You cannot argue that this seemed a bit too easy, even for seasoned warriors like us. What is your real part in all this?"

Talonmere takes some time to respond, letting the question hang in the air. When he speaks again, his voice is heavy with guilt.

T- "You all know of the ancient Druids that dwelled here when Avalonia was but a tender sapling...Elisa and I were of a tribe of their direct descendants. Our lives were...difficult. Magic was stronger, more prevalent, and the ability to wield it would spring up at a very early age. Children would pray their powers would be limited: just enough, but not too much. Otherwise you were noticed by the Elders."

T- "You see, when the crystals were first forged, it was immediately apparent their safeguarding was of the utmost importance. But how, and who to trust? If any member of the tribe showed exceptional prowess in the mystic arts, they were brought to the Academy, where they were instructed in more elite teachings, and eventually one of us would become the Guardian. That is where I met Elisa Vanden."

T- "She was from a family born of the union between a Druid Priest and an Earth Sprite. She immediately struck me as vacuous, air-headed, and disingenuously humble."

K- "So, you disliked her, and sabotaged her?"

T- "I thought about it, yes. You must understand, the "honor" of being the Guardian was at stake. They only ran the Academy for 10 years, and each pupil believed they wanted to be it. There were rumors of endless riches, the utmost respected status..."

T- "Then, Vikdar Brommel suddenly went through a spontaneous boost..."

T- "My jealousy of Elisa's graceful power had just developed to a sort of reverence. She actually was a kind-hearted woman, and I grew to love her as the closest of friends.

T- "But, Vikdar had taken notice of her too. I knew he saw her as a threat, and would use any tactic to gain the upper hand. He, of course, chose the distant, yet desperately in love approach."

S- "Ugh."

T- "I tried to warn her, but she fell for his deception."

T- "Our last year came to a close, and the Elders would make their decision to elect a Guardian. There was a ceremony at our commencement, and Vikdar used it as yet another means of making his case. He brought Elisa as his escort, but ignored her most of the night, choosing instead to converse with dignitaries and the Elders themselves.

T- "Despite his arrogance, it came time for the decision, and the Elders named Elisa, who was immediately taken into custody. I never saw her again. How could we have known? The crystal was barely more than a decade old, its side effects had not been fully studied. The Elders told no-one of their plans for its hiding place, its mention forbidden to be spoken of. What I was able to piece together was small, but set me thinking. I had to find her, set her free, and make Vikdar pay for his crimes."

K- "So it was you! You're the one they're after, the one trying to kill the Log Baron!"

T- "I tried once before, many years back. I took his eye, but not his life. His magic skills have suffered greatly, though. Otherwise, he would have come for me."

S- "How do you know he hasn't sent us for that very reason? You realize we hold a contract with your worst enemy?"

T- "I realize that, and do not mean to insult or waste your time. The man is a tyrant and must be stopped! I know for a fact he is attempting to buy his way into the Senate!"

D- "He may have deserved the sad fate of your friend, but you ask us to take part in killing an employer. That is not honorable. You seem a better man than to hire Lichs and thieves to find your vengence."

T- "I understand if you do not wish to travel with me further, nor do I ask you to condone my actions. However, with my worst fears of Elisa's degradation confirmed, nothing will stop me from holding Vikdar accountable! Alas, it would do Elisa even more disrespect to not assure that crystal Sir Shyre holds not return safely. I will follow a few hours behind you as you travel, but know that my talents and protection are still at your disposal."

S- "Sir Shyre, what do you think?"

K- "The Mage will follow us anyway. Why exile him? Besides, would it not be better to keep him close, so you can be well informed of his intentions for your boss?"

D- "We are going to lost light if we wait around any longer."

T- "How about this: As a means of apology, I can try an old trick I learned at the Academy. I didn't suggest it before because of its extremely draining nature. However, with it we could be back in Darwynia by nightfall."

S- "Then we follow your lead, Mage. But if you deceive us again, it will be the last thing you ever do."

End Chapter 7.

BS Gallery

-Previous Chapters-

Chapter 1 - Greetings on the Road

Chapter 2 - At the Blind Monk

Chapters 3 & 4 - Busted! and The Mage Talonmere

Chapter 5 - the Council of Leaders

Chapter 6 - the Earth Crystal

[soccerkid6]

Intriguing story, I'm glad to see you continued it

The academy looks great, especially the window frames

[Derfel Cadarn]

Great story and some nice ideas in the mocs. These builds are always handy to try out a few things here and there like window and door designs etc. good to see you continuing to build your story.

[MikeyB]

some great vignettes and characters. enjoyed the story as well!

look forward to the next chapter!

[de Gothia]

Great storytelling and some awesome details on the windows!! Keep em coming Jason!!

[Jason Cicchini]

Intriguing story, I'm glad to see you continued it

The academy looks great, especially the window frames

Thanks, man! I'm trying to challenge myself with each build, no matter how short a time it has in the spotlight. I think one of my strongest points is details, so I've been focusing on those first, and fleshing out the rest of the scene around them.

Great story and some nice ideas in the mocs. These builds are always handy to try out a few things here and there like window and door designs etc. good to see you continuing to build your story.

Thank you very much, Lord Artorius! Just wait 'til you see what Darwynia has on the horizon!

some great vignettes and characters. enjoyed the story as well!

look forward to the next chapter!

Thanks Mikey! I have about 3 more planned, hopefully aligning perfectly with my entry for the 4th challenge. Glad to see people are enjoying it!

Great storytelling and some awesome details on the windows!! Keep em coming Jason!!

Thanks deGothia! Out of curiosity, when will you be back in Benoic? I think Kelperth needs to have a meeting with you soon.

[Captain BeerBeard]

I always get an idea or two from your build's. You help me see pieces in a different way. What is that blue torso on the blacksmith head guy from? I'm guessing from pirates?

[Mike S]

Great job! Very well presented and detailed! Keep it up!

[Jason Cicchini]

I always get an idea or two from your build's. You help me see pieces in a different way. What is that blue torso on the blacksmith head guy from? I'm guessing from pirates?

Wow, thanks BB!

As far as the torso, I'm guessing you mean Vikdar's? The Blue jacket/ torn white shirt is from (the sadly short-lived) Pirates revamp. The light blue dress shirt is a later-released Dumbledore, from Goblet of Fire I believe.

Great job! Very well presented and detailed! Keep it up!

Thanks, Mikel! Keep reading, there's still 3 more chapters to this story, and plenty more to come after that!