People of Sierra Na
Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 7:44 am
Elpis
Elpis wakes up and gets up out of bed. She doesnt need to sleep but finds that sleeping relaxes her for the next day better than meditateing. She looks around her house and puts on a robe. In the house you see no mirrors, which is very strange for a priestess of Sune. She steps ouside walks down the path and goes to
the shallow lake near the house. She disrobes and goes in humming.
Its a beautiful spring day. as she washes she looks around at the trees in the area. They were all carefully planted by her years ago. Now they are strong and old some bear fruit for her year round. The sacred grounds of Sune must always be beautiful. Elpis would have it no other way.
After an hour in the water She slips out and goes to the fire. She sits and relaxes among the natural beauty.
A deer walks past her and looks at her. It instantly turns to stone. She becomes troubled walks over to the deer from behind. lifting her hand she concentrates on the ring that it bears. It sparkles a moment and the deer is revived.
" There you go young one. Dont look back again and go find a nice girl to play with". The deer wanders off none the wiser. She had forgotten this day to put her hood on.
She goes to the house and gets it tieing it so her face remains unseen. She gets a diary and comes back outside to the fire.
So long has she waited for people yet they dont come. Is it another of Sune's jokes or something else?
Elpis opens the diary and reads the entries shes most fond of the ones related to her and the priestess she studied under.
Diary entry I
A feast of spring like no other
Today was the Feast of spring, The most holy of days, and happiest of festivals. For me, High priestess of Rock Points chapter, it is also a sad day. As I communed with The Goddess many messages came to me. Messages of Doom for Greater Sierra Na. A Promise of a new beginning.
Sometime in the near future there will be a calamity of world wide proportions. Many will die. Many will simply disappear. A mystery and a star fall together will destroy much of the world we live in. Things will start anew.
I have been commanded to make a special ring and dagger this day, and to take on one of Sune's worst enemys. A creature so evil and vile that a single glance can turn you to stone. I am to pierce its heart with the dagger not to kill it but for something else
The first thing I made was the ring, for though it is complex in its make it is the one thing I can do without the help of all the brothers and sisters of the temple.
I first took The hairs from the mane of a pegasus, one of Sunes divine creatures, and braided them tightly into a ring. I then dipped the ring of hairs into a bowl of
quicksilver. As I took the hairs back out I spoke The holy writ of Sune. Enspelling the quicksilver to harden around the hairs. I then put the ring on the small alter
in my room and enspelled it again with Sunes holy words of longevity and supple spells to turn stone to living flesh.
As The goddess wispered to me, The ring should now forever hold the power to rejuvenate flesh from a stone prison.
Just as I finished the ring an acrolyte softly knocked on my door. It was Pysche; A beautiful blonde initiate whose beauty rivaled that of the of no other in the
realms. I went with her to the Main Temple chamber where the faithful reclined. I took my postion and told the tale of how Sune created the world though her vassel
Pelora, and how Sune raised Pelora up afterward to the stead of the the title The goddess now inherits.
Afterward I did something very different. Hidden within the alter there is one of Sierra na's greatest artifacts. A Greatsword that has never shead the blood of a mortal. I cast a great spell upon the Alter. All stood up mystified at what I was doing. As I completed the spell There was a shaking around the temple tremurs shook the very foundations to the point all thought the walls would fall in around them. Lightning struck the alter spliting it apart, The remnants crumbling to the ground. I reached down and pulled the sword out of the shattered remains. It has had many names thoughout the ages. Sune's lost tear, The sword or mercy, The healing hand, or simply its proper name Sune's Silver Slither. All were in awe that such a thing existed right in their midst.
I said to them children gather around we have a great task to preform. As they gathered I pulled a mythril dagger out of my robes and placed it abover the Slither. I want you all to concentrate on the dagger. Place all your good thoughts, love, mercy, and healing ability into the blade for today we make a Woundhealer, A lesser Slither, To both cure and save a once departed sister.
They gathered round and concentrated on The dagger while I Started the special ceremony chanting with all my heart to the goddess. the Chant waned and waxed for neigh an hour; then The Sword of mercy glowed a rich golden color expanding to include the dagger. After a time it receeded leaving the dagger alone glowing the bright golden color of love and mercy.
I must have collapsed for I woke several hours later in bed with Pysche tending to me. I then told her of her part for I needed someone to go with me to Elpis'es lair. Together: we must find a way to entrap her and use the dagger . I saw the fear light up in young pysche it was profound making me worry for us. If we dont accomplish our mission all will be lost for the future. Pysche thought long and hard about what was to be done,
then slowly she nodded in resign and renewed resolve. she would do it.
We held eachother tonight for tomarrow we may not come back. Only with Sune's blessing shall we prevail.
Elpis Looked up from her reading a moment to survey the area. Off in the distance she caught sight of the dryad coming down to enjoy the lake. She smiled. It's a rare morn she comes over to visit.
Elpis then goes back to her reading. The Dryad will not disturb her meditations.
Diary Entry 2
A Truely sad day this was. The Morn was wet, rainy, a chill wind came off the northern mountain range. As Psyche and I made our way past the weaver's haven and down deeper ever so deep below the sewers of Rock point we became wary of every scuttle of a rat. Once we met shadow beings but Sune's light prevailed to destroy them. As we fought them we somehow got turned around and found a strange anti-chamber where there was a stone circle with a black void within. strange pin sized lights slowly danced in the void. Perhaps it is some sort of summoning circle of a wizard. If so its enormity spelled dire consequences for anyone trying to use it. The thing sent shivers down our spines. We quickly moved away.
Still deeper we began to find a statue here or there. I knew we were close. The hallway opened up to a Coloumed way and a grand door. The Grand hall was lined with
all manner of statuary. Psyche, curious of them, when to touch one but I drew her back saying please do not disturb their rest. She backed off
We opened the door to find a Feast hall. This must have been some long ago buried elven keep or dwelling long forgotten. Elpis sat there confident in her place.
She stood and spoke, "What manner of beings disturbs me in my home". I held up my holy symbol saying, "Elpis, Daughter of Aguthra, Cursed of Sune, This Day You shall
be forgiven and Repent!"
She did not hesitate. Her bow quickly in her hand She attacked. I Spoke Sune's holy words. It Shielded the two of us from most of the onslaught of arrows. The Battle thus began. Psyche started to cast as Elpis threw her bow away and picked up a mace. I managed to hold her back with The holy fire of Sune for a moment While Psyche closed in. I screamed to warn her but not in time Elpis only momentarily dazed lifted her hood and looked at Psyche. The transformation was not instantanious it took a few seconds enough for Psyche to realize her mistake and freeze with a mask of terror on her face.
It was my chance I quickly Lunged and buried the woundhealer in elpis'es heart. It glided in as though the flesh wasnt even there and caught in her very heart.
Elpis fell. The Dagger healed her heart and then, Then the guilt began.
Elpis cried at my feet for begging for forgiveness. For hours I said nothing.Guilt from Eon upon Eon washed over her. Almost as long as humans have held Rock point Elpis and her sisters have terrorized Sierra na for a long ago sin. At least for elpis redemption is near at hand.
Elpis, Daughter of Aguthra, Sune has need of you. For now You must undo all that you have wought here. This ring made by Sune's blessing has the power to revitalize
your victums. You will spend one month repenting and reading Sunes holy book. Then you shall present yourself before Sunes temple. You will have a chance to redeem yourself in Sunes eyes But! it will not be easy.
The pitiful creature just cried. As I backed away it crawled twoard me. I Said, "One month Elpis. We shall meet again".
Elpis looks up at the sky. Its almost Noon. How time flys on good days like this. The area iteself somehow has milder seasons than the rest of the eldrich forest.
Sune shows her splendor in many ways.
She catches a feint whiff in the air. She looks around a moment then smiles under her hood. "So There is only one alive today that smells of the infernal lands yet
can cast a spell of unseeing aye". She laughs, "It's late spring. I suppose your up from the bogs for supplies dear Katashi". A voice beside her says, "Elpis how are you and yes Ive brought gold and some insence for you if you could. As you know, I wouldn't stand too much of a chance of survival in Morzelmore". She nods, "Yes,I know it is unfortunate your races dont get along". She then giggles, " and you know even fey'ri sorcerers cant hide from anything your smell gives you away".
A black scaled drow with dragon wings appears sitting beside her. in his lap is a large staff. The strange creature is smiling. "yes I know it is easier to move this way sometimes". "News"?, she says to him. " Well Daph'trissia the black dragon that shares the swamp with me is now awake and hungry. I had a.......a confrontation with her recently. The truce still holds". She stays silent a moment then speaks again,
"And the family?" "well Elpis they are well Niombi is not the nicest or most leinent of family Heads my other brother and sister stay away as much as possible." Elpis nods "Yes, I have met Niombi on a few occasions she has mastered silence and uses it often. I wouldn't worry shes faithful to her goddess as you are just shows it in a different way. I will have your supplies next week. Your welcome to stay." he responds," I think I'll take you up on that offer Elpis there are a few flowers and herbs in the area I have need of and can take my time collecting them". She laughs, " As you wish my
gentle creature its always a pleasure". " Thats good to know elpis thank you I'll leave you to your reading then". He gets up and walks toward the temple.
Elpis opens the diary again and begins to read
Diary Entry 3
The Day came in bright and clear. The breezes from the sea brought the fresh salt air to us all. By mid day I had grown impatient. Would she come? Would she bring
Psyche with her? I wasn't sure. I feared that Elpis somehow countered the woundhealer.
By mid day I became so edgy that others notice. Several elder priest and priestess had come this day for the council meeting. I went to the meeting with lost hope in my eyes. As the meeting drew to an end several acrolytes crashed into the meeting with fear stricken hearts. Thermon High priest of Calentir stood up. "What are you children doing cowering in fear? What is it?" they pointed down the hall. One managed to say in
a choked voice," It is one of the Sisters of Dark dreams and Ugliness". "She is expected child! All of you behind the dias and watch carefully this day!" They then scamper behind the rooms alter watching the Elders and the two figures approaching down the hall.
Elpises fate had been decided by the Goddess but it was still a choice: the one thing that all mortals have. I was both frightened and gladdened of her prescence.
I saw that she had brought Psyche. A very good sign. Still there could be a battle had se decided to take revenge. I hope the woundhealer had seated itself deep within her heart. They stopped before the council. I stood up for this was my home temple. I was host.
I spoke softly," It has been a month Elpis. You have come late to the appointed hour but you have come. How do you feel?" Elpis shuffles her feet, "Guilt still riddles my heart Priestess." I say to her "The guilt will last a long time but it will subside in time. You were chosen Elpis to become a priestess of Sune. Sune in her splender and mercy has proclaimed it if you chose. If you are true to her in your heart you have a chance to become what you were. Instead of the grotesque form that you now carry. You have a chance to become human once more. You will found a temple within a year and when you have gained one hundred to your congragation Sune will transform you. Until then you will study the Holy writ and participate in all its ceremonys at
this temple under the guidence of Psyche. Do you accept?"
For many minutes Elpis was silent. It was in the end her choice to do this.
Elpis finally after several minutes said, " The goddess herself cursed me this you all know. If I give myself to her and there is a chance to right past wrongs I will do it. I will willingly give myself to her in the hopes it will lift the curse and I may be whole again."
I said to her "If this is about the curse and the curse alone you will never make it. Elpis You must have the Goddess in your heart to suceed. It will not be easy for you; under the curse to attract followers. It will be enough for now. We will start your training and see. Psyche take her to quarters......And Elpis Never remove your hood in this temple. Do you understand?"
She said "yes". The two left I truely hope Elpis finds both faith and redemption in time. She has a long road ahead of her.
Elpis closes the Diary and looks at it, as she remembers the end.........the begining. The fateful night that showed the way she must travel.
That morning The High priestess Lady Aoibheil asked to see them. They came to her chambers. She looked old and haggard. Elpis had never seen the high priestess as such. It stunned her a bit. She told them that an enterprising weaver had taken a silver chalice
from the temple earlier that night. The chalice was sacred to Sune and was used in the festive revels of the temple. The Priestess said that since Elpis knew the ways
of the sewers and had had contact with the weavers, that She and Physche were the best choice to go down and negociate to get it back. We agreed of course since the needs of Sune must overide our own. Before We left however the priestess took a book out of her dresser.
She said, "Elpis....These are my notes of times past since I myself was but an acrolyte of the temple. You will need it in the future. I am sure you will need it to
keep your faith. Read some of it when you find the time and read it often."
We left on our mission. Phsyche was silent as we walked to the sewer entrance. As we got there she said,"I've never seen the priestess seem so.....". "Old", I replied.
"Yes Elpis what has happened to her? Is she getting ready to meet Sune?" I thought for a moment. Phsyche is my sprititual guild, my teacher, friend, and partner. She was meant to teach or re-teach me in the ways of Lady Firehair, yet this was not of the teachings of Sune this was of life. With my eons of experiance I knew and have seen the signs that the priestess showed while Phsyche could only guess. I looked down at the book, a diary, the Priestess gave me. "physche I believe that she is and many will go with her if we are quick we may be able to save her. How I don't know but we must do this quickly."
We dashed though the maze of the sewers. I lead the way occasionally stopping and showing physche how to avoid the ingenious traps and pitfalls the weavers are known
for making to their hide aways. Soon we were meet by a dark cloaked man. The man recognised me and without a word begged with his hand to follow him. We criscrossed
the byways of the deep sewers a bit before we came to a large chamber that looked for all intensive purposes a small inn. It was different but for the weavers it served
the same function. There we met the leader of the Guild Degan Yaegerson.
We sat down with him. He smiled and put a silver cup on the table, "Ladies with your red finery on I believe I know what your looking for. It seems it was misplaced
somewhere. An associate happened upon it. I would gladly give it back to you however my associate when to quite a bit of trouble in delivering it safely to me, one who
would know what to do with it". I replied, " of course Lord Degan and we are much appriciative of your generosity." He taps his finger and smiles, " I would say 25 should be sufficent for my generosity." I nod, "That is acceptable Lord Degan. You can find such in my lair with more take as you please." Degan looked surprised "In all my years I've never thought to go that deep and see what you have Elpis but the offer is accepted hartily." He slides the cup over and I slide a ring of skeleton keys to him. Physche toke the cup and gingerly placed it in her backpack.
As we got up the ground began to shake! Phsyche went for the wall and clung on. Degan fell back on his chair and scrambled to the center of the room. I scrambled under the table hopeful it wasn't an earth quake but some beast of the earth moving. We heard a great roar not of some creature but of something distant possibly on the surface.
Silence ensued a moment, then without warning I felt myself being pulled almost as if my soul was being torn from my body. I looked around Degan was lying on the floor his eyes rolled to the back of his head. to my right Physche had already fallen. I slept.
Elpis awoke to a scene of utter chaos. Degan was shaking her. Psyche was moaning a bit and standing up. She was a bit shaky but alive thank Sune. Degan got us up and made sure we were alright. The weavers were frantically trying to seal the tunnels. "What happened?", I said. Degan replied, " I'm not sure Elpis but the undead from the island have overtaken the city. Some are filtering down from the streets. More are coming up from the deep sewers. Those are shadows. "Elpis concerned said " Have some men go to my lair and get supplies there is enough to last a long time. We must make it to the surface is there a way?" Degan thought a moment, " Yes but you must be quick, even now my men are sealing the exits all of them. We'll wait these creatures out until help comes."
We dashed though the sewers as fast as we could. Others dashed here and there, in and out of the shadows. It seemed like hours to find a way up but we did. What we found there was not pleasent. We broke the surface at a run and quickly Stopped dead. "Ghouls!", Pshyche screamed. We started chanting using the spells we knew to stave off the undead; while frantically making our way to the temple. We collected a few here and there that were saved by what ever catasophy hit the city. Along the way we also saw many that had died so quickly they didn't even know that they were gone. Ghosts everywhere! We avoided them for the fear they inspire can kill even a priest. We made it to the temple to find many ghosts and dead. Little did we know we had been seen and were being surrounded.
The ghosts vaporized as we got to the temple. Something it seemed had turned their fear against them: They fled. the Temple entrance grew strangely silent. We made our way in to find bodies everywhere. Pshyche started to sob. She ran to the body of the High priestess. I heard glass crunch behind me as a boot purposely stepped down on what was left of the front stained glass window on the floor. I turned around slowly backing up to protect
my mentor.
A handsome pale man slowly walked twoard me. "Ladies, You have survived Its nice to see some living among such......chaos". Psyche was still sobbing holding the body of the High priestess. Other figurers aproached from the back of the temple. I knew I wouldn't
have to worry about them if this was their leader until he signaled. " Ladies you have the oppertunity of a lifetime. You are priestesses of Sune and would be a wonderful addition to my rather small family", he smiles showing his pearly white fangs. "Your no threat to me
Vampire. I'm already immortal, cursed by it. If you want a fight know that you fight against one of the four sisters." I replied. He Stops.
Vladimir Knew of the four sisters and the one rumored to be deep under Rock points sewers. He had no wish to take on any of them. He looked at the priestess carefully. Not a piece of skin showed iteself to him. The hood and veil she wore completely hid her face. If it was a ruse it was a good one. This priestess was either very smart or very stupid. The one thing that he did know is the one of the sisters would never go back to the Goddess
that cursed them in the first place. He watched his children in the background ready to descend upon them. "So, You claim to be a sister. Show me veiled one turn your powers against me. If your not a sister then you will die for your indignance. Nothing but food.....but the other......I have plans for her." The Priestess carefully lifted her hand to her hood and pulled it off.
Pshyche wasn't paying attention to anything. All she new was that Her high priestess had died the magic of youth now gone; her body looked old and wasted. She felt herself grabbed. It was too late they picked her up and threw her to the ground again. Teeth sunk in to both her shoulder and her leg almost at once. She felt the numbing pain of the vampires saliva start to course though her veins. She could do nothing but watch the horror of them feeding off of her: Knowing she would be cursed until someone cut her head from her body and placed it in the sunlight.
As I lifted my hood; the vampire realized he had made a grave mistake. He turned his head in time and ran out the entrance. I Turned to the The others behind me. I drew up my bow and started fireing upon them As they looked up they looked into my face and instantly
turned to stone. Most undead are immuned to me but vampires, They pride themselves in their twisted handsomeness and beauty. Instantly they turned to stone. others fled or were felled; at least for a time by my arrows. I ran to pshyche and pushed her head away when she tried to look. I saw the marks on her leg. What to do I had no idea her only chance was to get out of the city. Covering her eyes and picking her up I wisphered to her to have no fear. I walked out of the city none came to stop me. All the undead would fall upon a priestess of Sune, but none would challenge the mighty Elpis, Daughter of Aguthra, who for a millenia has met every challenge lent to her.
Outside the city gates I laid Pshyche down. Her eyes were growing cold. She asked me to kill her. I couldn't. I told her that I would come back with more to rid the city of the undead and restore her once the leader was dead. As she turned to stone I said "Forgive me, I cannot
loose you" .
I wandered many years before founding this temple and now I wait for both those that would come and those that would help me save my friend. I can wait: for unless someone kills me, I cannot die.
Written by Winterhawk
Elpis wakes up and gets up out of bed. She doesnt need to sleep but finds that sleeping relaxes her for the next day better than meditateing. She looks around her house and puts on a robe. In the house you see no mirrors, which is very strange for a priestess of Sune. She steps ouside walks down the path and goes to
the shallow lake near the house. She disrobes and goes in humming.
Its a beautiful spring day. as she washes she looks around at the trees in the area. They were all carefully planted by her years ago. Now they are strong and old some bear fruit for her year round. The sacred grounds of Sune must always be beautiful. Elpis would have it no other way.
After an hour in the water She slips out and goes to the fire. She sits and relaxes among the natural beauty.
A deer walks past her and looks at her. It instantly turns to stone. She becomes troubled walks over to the deer from behind. lifting her hand she concentrates on the ring that it bears. It sparkles a moment and the deer is revived.
" There you go young one. Dont look back again and go find a nice girl to play with". The deer wanders off none the wiser. She had forgotten this day to put her hood on.
She goes to the house and gets it tieing it so her face remains unseen. She gets a diary and comes back outside to the fire.
So long has she waited for people yet they dont come. Is it another of Sune's jokes or something else?
Elpis opens the diary and reads the entries shes most fond of the ones related to her and the priestess she studied under.
Diary entry I
A feast of spring like no other
Today was the Feast of spring, The most holy of days, and happiest of festivals. For me, High priestess of Rock Points chapter, it is also a sad day. As I communed with The Goddess many messages came to me. Messages of Doom for Greater Sierra Na. A Promise of a new beginning.
Sometime in the near future there will be a calamity of world wide proportions. Many will die. Many will simply disappear. A mystery and a star fall together will destroy much of the world we live in. Things will start anew.
I have been commanded to make a special ring and dagger this day, and to take on one of Sune's worst enemys. A creature so evil and vile that a single glance can turn you to stone. I am to pierce its heart with the dagger not to kill it but for something else
The first thing I made was the ring, for though it is complex in its make it is the one thing I can do without the help of all the brothers and sisters of the temple.
I first took The hairs from the mane of a pegasus, one of Sunes divine creatures, and braided them tightly into a ring. I then dipped the ring of hairs into a bowl of
quicksilver. As I took the hairs back out I spoke The holy writ of Sune. Enspelling the quicksilver to harden around the hairs. I then put the ring on the small alter
in my room and enspelled it again with Sunes holy words of longevity and supple spells to turn stone to living flesh.
As The goddess wispered to me, The ring should now forever hold the power to rejuvenate flesh from a stone prison.
Just as I finished the ring an acrolyte softly knocked on my door. It was Pysche; A beautiful blonde initiate whose beauty rivaled that of the of no other in the
realms. I went with her to the Main Temple chamber where the faithful reclined. I took my postion and told the tale of how Sune created the world though her vassel
Pelora, and how Sune raised Pelora up afterward to the stead of the the title The goddess now inherits.
Afterward I did something very different. Hidden within the alter there is one of Sierra na's greatest artifacts. A Greatsword that has never shead the blood of a mortal. I cast a great spell upon the Alter. All stood up mystified at what I was doing. As I completed the spell There was a shaking around the temple tremurs shook the very foundations to the point all thought the walls would fall in around them. Lightning struck the alter spliting it apart, The remnants crumbling to the ground. I reached down and pulled the sword out of the shattered remains. It has had many names thoughout the ages. Sune's lost tear, The sword or mercy, The healing hand, or simply its proper name Sune's Silver Slither. All were in awe that such a thing existed right in their midst.
I said to them children gather around we have a great task to preform. As they gathered I pulled a mythril dagger out of my robes and placed it abover the Slither. I want you all to concentrate on the dagger. Place all your good thoughts, love, mercy, and healing ability into the blade for today we make a Woundhealer, A lesser Slither, To both cure and save a once departed sister.
They gathered round and concentrated on The dagger while I Started the special ceremony chanting with all my heart to the goddess. the Chant waned and waxed for neigh an hour; then The Sword of mercy glowed a rich golden color expanding to include the dagger. After a time it receeded leaving the dagger alone glowing the bright golden color of love and mercy.
I must have collapsed for I woke several hours later in bed with Pysche tending to me. I then told her of her part for I needed someone to go with me to Elpis'es lair. Together: we must find a way to entrap her and use the dagger . I saw the fear light up in young pysche it was profound making me worry for us. If we dont accomplish our mission all will be lost for the future. Pysche thought long and hard about what was to be done,
then slowly she nodded in resign and renewed resolve. she would do it.
We held eachother tonight for tomarrow we may not come back. Only with Sune's blessing shall we prevail.
Elpis Looked up from her reading a moment to survey the area. Off in the distance she caught sight of the dryad coming down to enjoy the lake. She smiled. It's a rare morn she comes over to visit.
Elpis then goes back to her reading. The Dryad will not disturb her meditations.
Diary Entry 2
A Truely sad day this was. The Morn was wet, rainy, a chill wind came off the northern mountain range. As Psyche and I made our way past the weaver's haven and down deeper ever so deep below the sewers of Rock point we became wary of every scuttle of a rat. Once we met shadow beings but Sune's light prevailed to destroy them. As we fought them we somehow got turned around and found a strange anti-chamber where there was a stone circle with a black void within. strange pin sized lights slowly danced in the void. Perhaps it is some sort of summoning circle of a wizard. If so its enormity spelled dire consequences for anyone trying to use it. The thing sent shivers down our spines. We quickly moved away.
Still deeper we began to find a statue here or there. I knew we were close. The hallway opened up to a Coloumed way and a grand door. The Grand hall was lined with
all manner of statuary. Psyche, curious of them, when to touch one but I drew her back saying please do not disturb their rest. She backed off
We opened the door to find a Feast hall. This must have been some long ago buried elven keep or dwelling long forgotten. Elpis sat there confident in her place.
She stood and spoke, "What manner of beings disturbs me in my home". I held up my holy symbol saying, "Elpis, Daughter of Aguthra, Cursed of Sune, This Day You shall
be forgiven and Repent!"
She did not hesitate. Her bow quickly in her hand She attacked. I Spoke Sune's holy words. It Shielded the two of us from most of the onslaught of arrows. The Battle thus began. Psyche started to cast as Elpis threw her bow away and picked up a mace. I managed to hold her back with The holy fire of Sune for a moment While Psyche closed in. I screamed to warn her but not in time Elpis only momentarily dazed lifted her hood and looked at Psyche. The transformation was not instantanious it took a few seconds enough for Psyche to realize her mistake and freeze with a mask of terror on her face.
It was my chance I quickly Lunged and buried the woundhealer in elpis'es heart. It glided in as though the flesh wasnt even there and caught in her very heart.
Elpis fell. The Dagger healed her heart and then, Then the guilt began.
Elpis cried at my feet for begging for forgiveness. For hours I said nothing.Guilt from Eon upon Eon washed over her. Almost as long as humans have held Rock point Elpis and her sisters have terrorized Sierra na for a long ago sin. At least for elpis redemption is near at hand.
Elpis, Daughter of Aguthra, Sune has need of you. For now You must undo all that you have wought here. This ring made by Sune's blessing has the power to revitalize
your victums. You will spend one month repenting and reading Sunes holy book. Then you shall present yourself before Sunes temple. You will have a chance to redeem yourself in Sunes eyes But! it will not be easy.
The pitiful creature just cried. As I backed away it crawled twoard me. I Said, "One month Elpis. We shall meet again".
Elpis looks up at the sky. Its almost Noon. How time flys on good days like this. The area iteself somehow has milder seasons than the rest of the eldrich forest.
Sune shows her splendor in many ways.
She catches a feint whiff in the air. She looks around a moment then smiles under her hood. "So There is only one alive today that smells of the infernal lands yet
can cast a spell of unseeing aye". She laughs, "It's late spring. I suppose your up from the bogs for supplies dear Katashi". A voice beside her says, "Elpis how are you and yes Ive brought gold and some insence for you if you could. As you know, I wouldn't stand too much of a chance of survival in Morzelmore". She nods, "Yes,I know it is unfortunate your races dont get along". She then giggles, " and you know even fey'ri sorcerers cant hide from anything your smell gives you away".
A black scaled drow with dragon wings appears sitting beside her. in his lap is a large staff. The strange creature is smiling. "yes I know it is easier to move this way sometimes". "News"?, she says to him. " Well Daph'trissia the black dragon that shares the swamp with me is now awake and hungry. I had a.......a confrontation with her recently. The truce still holds". She stays silent a moment then speaks again,
"And the family?" "well Elpis they are well Niombi is not the nicest or most leinent of family Heads my other brother and sister stay away as much as possible." Elpis nods "Yes, I have met Niombi on a few occasions she has mastered silence and uses it often. I wouldn't worry shes faithful to her goddess as you are just shows it in a different way. I will have your supplies next week. Your welcome to stay." he responds," I think I'll take you up on that offer Elpis there are a few flowers and herbs in the area I have need of and can take my time collecting them". She laughs, " As you wish my
gentle creature its always a pleasure". " Thats good to know elpis thank you I'll leave you to your reading then". He gets up and walks toward the temple.
Elpis opens the diary again and begins to read
Diary Entry 3
The Day came in bright and clear. The breezes from the sea brought the fresh salt air to us all. By mid day I had grown impatient. Would she come? Would she bring
Psyche with her? I wasn't sure. I feared that Elpis somehow countered the woundhealer.
By mid day I became so edgy that others notice. Several elder priest and priestess had come this day for the council meeting. I went to the meeting with lost hope in my eyes. As the meeting drew to an end several acrolytes crashed into the meeting with fear stricken hearts. Thermon High priest of Calentir stood up. "What are you children doing cowering in fear? What is it?" they pointed down the hall. One managed to say in
a choked voice," It is one of the Sisters of Dark dreams and Ugliness". "She is expected child! All of you behind the dias and watch carefully this day!" They then scamper behind the rooms alter watching the Elders and the two figures approaching down the hall.
Elpises fate had been decided by the Goddess but it was still a choice: the one thing that all mortals have. I was both frightened and gladdened of her prescence.
I saw that she had brought Psyche. A very good sign. Still there could be a battle had se decided to take revenge. I hope the woundhealer had seated itself deep within her heart. They stopped before the council. I stood up for this was my home temple. I was host.
I spoke softly," It has been a month Elpis. You have come late to the appointed hour but you have come. How do you feel?" Elpis shuffles her feet, "Guilt still riddles my heart Priestess." I say to her "The guilt will last a long time but it will subside in time. You were chosen Elpis to become a priestess of Sune. Sune in her splender and mercy has proclaimed it if you chose. If you are true to her in your heart you have a chance to become what you were. Instead of the grotesque form that you now carry. You have a chance to become human once more. You will found a temple within a year and when you have gained one hundred to your congragation Sune will transform you. Until then you will study the Holy writ and participate in all its ceremonys at
this temple under the guidence of Psyche. Do you accept?"
For many minutes Elpis was silent. It was in the end her choice to do this.
Elpis finally after several minutes said, " The goddess herself cursed me this you all know. If I give myself to her and there is a chance to right past wrongs I will do it. I will willingly give myself to her in the hopes it will lift the curse and I may be whole again."
I said to her "If this is about the curse and the curse alone you will never make it. Elpis You must have the Goddess in your heart to suceed. It will not be easy for you; under the curse to attract followers. It will be enough for now. We will start your training and see. Psyche take her to quarters......And Elpis Never remove your hood in this temple. Do you understand?"
She said "yes". The two left I truely hope Elpis finds both faith and redemption in time. She has a long road ahead of her.
Elpis closes the Diary and looks at it, as she remembers the end.........the begining. The fateful night that showed the way she must travel.
That morning The High priestess Lady Aoibheil asked to see them. They came to her chambers. She looked old and haggard. Elpis had never seen the high priestess as such. It stunned her a bit. She told them that an enterprising weaver had taken a silver chalice
from the temple earlier that night. The chalice was sacred to Sune and was used in the festive revels of the temple. The Priestess said that since Elpis knew the ways
of the sewers and had had contact with the weavers, that She and Physche were the best choice to go down and negociate to get it back. We agreed of course since the needs of Sune must overide our own. Before We left however the priestess took a book out of her dresser.
She said, "Elpis....These are my notes of times past since I myself was but an acrolyte of the temple. You will need it in the future. I am sure you will need it to
keep your faith. Read some of it when you find the time and read it often."
We left on our mission. Phsyche was silent as we walked to the sewer entrance. As we got there she said,"I've never seen the priestess seem so.....". "Old", I replied.
"Yes Elpis what has happened to her? Is she getting ready to meet Sune?" I thought for a moment. Phsyche is my sprititual guild, my teacher, friend, and partner. She was meant to teach or re-teach me in the ways of Lady Firehair, yet this was not of the teachings of Sune this was of life. With my eons of experiance I knew and have seen the signs that the priestess showed while Phsyche could only guess. I looked down at the book, a diary, the Priestess gave me. "physche I believe that she is and many will go with her if we are quick we may be able to save her. How I don't know but we must do this quickly."
We dashed though the maze of the sewers. I lead the way occasionally stopping and showing physche how to avoid the ingenious traps and pitfalls the weavers are known
for making to their hide aways. Soon we were meet by a dark cloaked man. The man recognised me and without a word begged with his hand to follow him. We criscrossed
the byways of the deep sewers a bit before we came to a large chamber that looked for all intensive purposes a small inn. It was different but for the weavers it served
the same function. There we met the leader of the Guild Degan Yaegerson.
We sat down with him. He smiled and put a silver cup on the table, "Ladies with your red finery on I believe I know what your looking for. It seems it was misplaced
somewhere. An associate happened upon it. I would gladly give it back to you however my associate when to quite a bit of trouble in delivering it safely to me, one who
would know what to do with it". I replied, " of course Lord Degan and we are much appriciative of your generosity." He taps his finger and smiles, " I would say 25 should be sufficent for my generosity." I nod, "That is acceptable Lord Degan. You can find such in my lair with more take as you please." Degan looked surprised "In all my years I've never thought to go that deep and see what you have Elpis but the offer is accepted hartily." He slides the cup over and I slide a ring of skeleton keys to him. Physche toke the cup and gingerly placed it in her backpack.
As we got up the ground began to shake! Phsyche went for the wall and clung on. Degan fell back on his chair and scrambled to the center of the room. I scrambled under the table hopeful it wasn't an earth quake but some beast of the earth moving. We heard a great roar not of some creature but of something distant possibly on the surface.
Silence ensued a moment, then without warning I felt myself being pulled almost as if my soul was being torn from my body. I looked around Degan was lying on the floor his eyes rolled to the back of his head. to my right Physche had already fallen. I slept.
Elpis awoke to a scene of utter chaos. Degan was shaking her. Psyche was moaning a bit and standing up. She was a bit shaky but alive thank Sune. Degan got us up and made sure we were alright. The weavers were frantically trying to seal the tunnels. "What happened?", I said. Degan replied, " I'm not sure Elpis but the undead from the island have overtaken the city. Some are filtering down from the streets. More are coming up from the deep sewers. Those are shadows. "Elpis concerned said " Have some men go to my lair and get supplies there is enough to last a long time. We must make it to the surface is there a way?" Degan thought a moment, " Yes but you must be quick, even now my men are sealing the exits all of them. We'll wait these creatures out until help comes."
We dashed though the sewers as fast as we could. Others dashed here and there, in and out of the shadows. It seemed like hours to find a way up but we did. What we found there was not pleasent. We broke the surface at a run and quickly Stopped dead. "Ghouls!", Pshyche screamed. We started chanting using the spells we knew to stave off the undead; while frantically making our way to the temple. We collected a few here and there that were saved by what ever catasophy hit the city. Along the way we also saw many that had died so quickly they didn't even know that they were gone. Ghosts everywhere! We avoided them for the fear they inspire can kill even a priest. We made it to the temple to find many ghosts and dead. Little did we know we had been seen and were being surrounded.
The ghosts vaporized as we got to the temple. Something it seemed had turned their fear against them: They fled. the Temple entrance grew strangely silent. We made our way in to find bodies everywhere. Pshyche started to sob. She ran to the body of the High priestess. I heard glass crunch behind me as a boot purposely stepped down on what was left of the front stained glass window on the floor. I turned around slowly backing up to protect
my mentor.
A handsome pale man slowly walked twoard me. "Ladies, You have survived Its nice to see some living among such......chaos". Psyche was still sobbing holding the body of the High priestess. Other figurers aproached from the back of the temple. I knew I wouldn't
have to worry about them if this was their leader until he signaled. " Ladies you have the oppertunity of a lifetime. You are priestesses of Sune and would be a wonderful addition to my rather small family", he smiles showing his pearly white fangs. "Your no threat to me
Vampire. I'm already immortal, cursed by it. If you want a fight know that you fight against one of the four sisters." I replied. He Stops.
Vladimir Knew of the four sisters and the one rumored to be deep under Rock points sewers. He had no wish to take on any of them. He looked at the priestess carefully. Not a piece of skin showed iteself to him. The hood and veil she wore completely hid her face. If it was a ruse it was a good one. This priestess was either very smart or very stupid. The one thing that he did know is the one of the sisters would never go back to the Goddess
that cursed them in the first place. He watched his children in the background ready to descend upon them. "So, You claim to be a sister. Show me veiled one turn your powers against me. If your not a sister then you will die for your indignance. Nothing but food.....but the other......I have plans for her." The Priestess carefully lifted her hand to her hood and pulled it off.
Pshyche wasn't paying attention to anything. All she new was that Her high priestess had died the magic of youth now gone; her body looked old and wasted. She felt herself grabbed. It was too late they picked her up and threw her to the ground again. Teeth sunk in to both her shoulder and her leg almost at once. She felt the numbing pain of the vampires saliva start to course though her veins. She could do nothing but watch the horror of them feeding off of her: Knowing she would be cursed until someone cut her head from her body and placed it in the sunlight.
As I lifted my hood; the vampire realized he had made a grave mistake. He turned his head in time and ran out the entrance. I Turned to the The others behind me. I drew up my bow and started fireing upon them As they looked up they looked into my face and instantly
turned to stone. Most undead are immuned to me but vampires, They pride themselves in their twisted handsomeness and beauty. Instantly they turned to stone. others fled or were felled; at least for a time by my arrows. I ran to pshyche and pushed her head away when she tried to look. I saw the marks on her leg. What to do I had no idea her only chance was to get out of the city. Covering her eyes and picking her up I wisphered to her to have no fear. I walked out of the city none came to stop me. All the undead would fall upon a priestess of Sune, but none would challenge the mighty Elpis, Daughter of Aguthra, who for a millenia has met every challenge lent to her.
Outside the city gates I laid Pshyche down. Her eyes were growing cold. She asked me to kill her. I couldn't. I told her that I would come back with more to rid the city of the undead and restore her once the leader was dead. As she turned to stone I said "Forgive me, I cannot
loose you" .
I wandered many years before founding this temple and now I wait for both those that would come and those that would help me save my friend. I can wait: for unless someone kills me, I cannot die.
Written by Winterhawk