Part 1: A Family Matter

[Game Master]

Celalil was called into her father's garden. The eldest member of the Eleniaranea clan was sitting on his favorite bench seat, shaded from the sun by a massive oak and overlooking a bed of flowers that he liked to tend personally. In the warm, spring, morning sunlight Celalil noticed that her father's hair, once as golden blonde as her own was now platinum. His eyes (blue like hers) were still full of life but, hadn't truly sparkled for decades. His hands and face bore the beginnings of wrinkles so uncommon in elves that she still had trouble getting used to them. Yet what did she expect? He was after all, seven hundred and twenty years old. He was dressed rather somberly as was his way, in high, black leather boots, gloves and cloak accenting a forest green shirt and earthy colored pants. His cloak bore two clasps, one at each shoulder, carved of white ivory. One was the traditional overlapping leaves representing the Tree of Life while the other was a human skull representing the human's Mistress Death. They were a gift from the nearby town of Garrotten's human Priestess of Death. Celalil couldn't remember her name. The young elven priestess strode up to her father, bowed respectfully and smiled. "You wished to see me father?"

"Yes child. How...how is your sister?" He asked in the calm, soothing voice Celalil loved so much. The question startled Celalil a bit as she knew the relationship between the two was strained. Elisiel had returned from her score years of wanderings only to return as a warlock less then a month ago. This infuriated the elder priest to no end and they had hardly spoken a word since. It seemed his ire with her was finally over. Celalil knew her twin sister was quite well and still believed in the Tree of Life. In her words, she had taken her faith one logical step forward and worshiped nature and the elements more directly now. She was currently reading some text in the master library, curled up next to a roaring fire even though the spring humidity had been especially hot and heavy this year.

[manicpixie]

"She seems to be fine, Father. Things don't weigh as heavy on her heart, you know that. And, of course, she is where she has always been most comfortable when in this home." Celalil answered with an understanding that she hoped could lend a little comfort to her father. "It is you I am more worried about Father. How are you doing?"

[Game Master]

"I have a heavy burden to place upon you and your sister my sweet. That inturn burdens my heart." He looked upon his daughter's perfect elven features with sarrow in his eyes. "It is time for you to leave the nest dear one. I am afraid I must send the two of you on a mission of grave importents and subject you to even graver danger." the old elven priest stood and motioned her to hug him. While in her fatherly embrace he whispered in her ear. "Go now my child. Fetch your sister, and meet me in my private study."

[manicpixie]

"Yes, of course, my dear Father." Celalil replied, then with mild urgency and worry and a little excitement, " I will fetch her at once, whatever you wish of me."

She tightened her hug a little and gave him a kiss on the cheek, before running off into their home, towards the Master library.

[manicpixie]

Once in the Master library, Celalil could feel the instant warmth that room seemed to always give upon entering. Even for as large as it is, it was always the coziest room in the entire home. With books about everything and large windows with drapes that matched the colors of the goddess. It didn't matter whether or not the fire from the huge fireplace was going, the room was always warm.

This was a place where the girls definitely felt safe. It was almost as if there was some sort of charm or something to protect the books and that charm grabbed onto whatever or whoever walked in the room. The girls had asked there father about this once but he rambled and changed the subject in a way that he always does when he does not want to talk about something.

Either way the girls felt most at home in this room and therefore they did all their studying in here and all their teachings were in here and this is where they chose to relax. Elisiel’s annoyance from the spirits always seemed to dissipate when in here, also. Something to do with whatever made them feel protected, they always supposed.

Celalil looked around the large room and found Elisiel cozied up in one of the large sofa-like chairs around the fireplace. She was reading a book that looked like it had to do with the Goddess, Celalil guessed this was Elisiel’s way of proving she still believed in her. Keeping her memories alive on Who and what the Goddess is and what she desires is one of the most important ways to show she matters to her.


Celalil walked up next to her sister and stated, “Father requests an audience with the both of us at once, dear sister.”

“Are you sure he wants to talk to me, he hasn’t seemed too interested in communicating with me since I came home?” Elisiel asked. She hardly looked up from what she was doing.


“Yes, Elisiel. He requested an audience with the both of us.” Celalil, sort of, pleaded, “Do you not see how it breaks his heart this ‘situation’ between the two of you? We are all he has, you know.”


“I see, dear sister, and I feel it hurting you more being stuck in the middle, but what can I do, he is stuck in his ways?” Elisiel sat up and put the book down on the table that the sofa chairs surrounded.

Celalil could tell by her sister’s stature and the tone in her voice, that she was hurting just as much as everyone else by the tension. So, Celalil decided to drop that portion of the subject and just hoped that Elisiel and their father could get over their childishness quickly. “Either way Elisiel, Father request’s to see us both and I told him I would get you quickly. So come on please and stifle the irritation long enough for us to have a decent family sit down. At least for as long as you are here,” she stated this more emotionally than she normally would, but she quickly regained her composure and turned to walk out, hoping her sister would follow. Then she stated in a way that her sister would not hear,”Or at least for as long as he is here.”


Elisiel got up quickly and shuffled as fast as she could to be side by side with her sister, they walked out of the room together but didn’t say a word on the way to their father’s study.

[Game Master]

Elisiel hadn't been in her father's study in decades. Not since...well, before she truely began resembling her mother. Even so it was just as she remembered it. The North-East wall was mostly glass allowing the morning sun to illuminate the whole room without being blinding. In the center of the wall was a glass door mounted within a thin wood frame to abstruct as little of the view as possible. It lead out to a small patio where father liked to have his morning tea and pray to the Tree of Life. Elisiel imagined as she had when she was a child that if she looked hard enough she could see the island of Lopan where she and her sister did most of their growing up. When they were not here on the mainland that is. The opposite wall was adorned by a large book shelf that held Father's most prized tomes, books, manuscripts and religious doctrines. The third wall behind Father's desk was a huge portrait of her mother when she and her father had first become bond mates. For Elisiel it was like looking in a mirror. The rest of the study was filled with furnature and items one would expect in the study of a Priest of the Godess. Including intricate sculptures of leaves, trees elven maidens and other icons.

There was one item out of place though. Upon the massive birds eye maple desk where her father now sat was an ornate box with delicate gold leafing decorating it on all sides. She stepped forward now to keep up with her sister who stood just before the great desk.

"Ah, thank you both for coming." the elder Eleniaranea stated. Elisiel noticed her father's eyes focused somewhere between the twins as not to look directly upon his daughters. "Do you...remember this box?" he said while caressing it's surface lightly. Elisiel infact did not. Her sister obviously did as she gasped before nodding her head in the affirmative. Father must have sensed Elisiel's confusion for he began to tell a tale that sturred memories from when she was but a child that flooded back to her. Oh Godess! How could she have forgotten?

"In this ornate box lay the severed, withered, black hand of the dread Lich-King Armitis. A creature so foul and so evil he roamed the world performing wild experiments on elven kind. The race he once called his own. Legand has it that he was alive during the great 'Eldars war' between the Elves and Dwarfs that forever destroyed the friendship between our two races. Magic was raw and untamed back then and Armitis tapped into that power, allowing him to use his incredible sorcery to prevent his own death. It was then as an undead creature he continued to torture elf and dwarf alike seeking more and more power. Centuries later he created the Necronomicron; 'The Book of the Dead'. A magical tome that contained all his research and spells pertaining to the corruption of life and creation of undead beings such as himself. It was I who discovered his lair as he began using the Necronomicron for the first time. It was I who thwarted his plan to rule the world through legions of undead and it was I who severed his hand that was holding the evil tome. The same hand that even now rests within this box." Father Eleniaranea's speach became more and more animated and feverish as it was told. When he ended he was almost gasping for breath, he had worked himself up so.

[manicpixie]

Surprisingly it was Elisiel who answered and jumped at the strain this, what it was, was casting on to her father. She couldn't believe it, she thought this story to be only of legends or something exaggerated, as the story of hero's always are.

She walked around the desk as quickly as possible, she didn't care if it was out of place and whatever he was about to say next she was prepared for, but she needed him to know that she loved him. Seeing him so worked up was something she had never seen in her entire life aside from her recent, as he would have put it "defiance".

He truly has her worried now. He truly was worried. She laid her hand on his shoulder to let her know she was their for him and said, " Father please, take a breath before telling us more. I had no idea you had such a burden upon you, such as this." She then said, "What can I do to help?"

[manicpixie]

Celalil stayed right where she was almost as if frozen in shock that this was what they were in their father's study for. She simply was able to quietly, almost as if choking the words say, "Yes, Father, what Elisiel said.....take a breath first, then let us know what you need from us."


Other than the fact the Elisiel was always the one that was never speechless, it was almost as if the girls had switched places for a moment. Elisiel was never one for comforting and worrying. But Celalil just couldn't bring herself to move, as if in fear of what her father was going to say next.

[Game Master]

The girls beloved father calmed himself before continuing in a more stable voice and demeanor. "Thank you my children." He stroked his brow with his left hand as if suffering from a headache. "It pains me so much to burden you like this but, I see no other option. I'm sure you remember your studies on the undead and the Lich in particular." He must have been refering to Celalil as Elisiel left before her studies were complete.

"It is almost impossible to truely destroy a Lich because, it's soul is only partially bound to it's body. The other part of the creatures soul must be contained or imbued into a physical object of some kind linking the Lich's essense to that object. As long as both the Liches body and the object remain intact the Lich is immortal. I believe that Armitis had transfered his soul's bond to the Necronomicron thus infusing his vast power into the magical tome. This binding makes the Necronomicron a powerful book of evil and would be very dangerous in the wrong hands. After severing Armitis' hand he was greatly weekened. You see, unlike most undead creatures a Lich still feels pain because it is still, inpart, linked to it's soul. Losing both it's hand and tome simultainiously overwhelmed the vile beast and banished it for years. I searched high and low for Armitis to try and finish the fiend off but, it was elusive and remained hidden to lick it's wounds. I always knew that one day Armitis would regain enough strength to attempt to regain his lost Necronomicron and start his mad experiments in raising an army of the damned to sweep across the world. Now I fear I have proof that he is once again on the move."

[manicpixie]

"Seriously Father," The twins spoke in unison this time and then Elisiel went on to say, "What do you need, " Then Celalil spoke, "From us? Anything... Anything, you need, at all."

The two girls gave a fearful look at each other. They had not finished each other sentences or even spoken together like that since they were very, very little. They were not part of this yet, but they could both sense and hear the fear and urgency and emotion in their Father.

Celalil nodded to her sister to let her finish and then lowered her head, as if to pray to herself, in silence.

"Father we are willing to take upon anything you chose for us to do. Especially, if it means removing this burden from you! I know both Celalil and I hurt very deeply when you hurt and oh, Goddess…...” she paused because she could hear herself beginning to get emotional and ramble. She took a breath to, sort of, calm down and continued in a much calmer tone, “If you need me to read and study for a while on this Lich so I can learn everything I need to know… I am, we are, willing to do whatever you need.”


Celalil lifted her head and said in an, obviously, controlled tone,” Yes, father. Exactly what Elisiel said, tell us whatever it is you need from us, to rid you of this wicked burden.”

[Game Master]

"Alas my children, the time for study is over. There is little time. Please know that I assign this to you with a heavy heart. We may never see eachother again." The elder Priest took a moment to recompose himself. He lifted the lid off of the box containing the Lich's severed hand. He tilted the box so both girls could see within. Just as he had described, a withered, black corpse hand lay within. The sisters jumped back a step in unison when quite unexpectently the hand twitched.

"This my daughters is how I know Armitis is on the rise. Because his soul is bound to the book of dead he must be whole in order to retrieve it. The Lich needs this hand and the closer he gets the more active it will become. Take it with you and use it wisely. Whatever happens do not let Armitis retrieve this hand or he will unleash the full power of the Necronomicron. Fortunatley for us, the Church is in possession of the book. I wanted to guard it personally but, the Priests would not allow it. Now. Now, they must listen to my warnings and relinquish the book to me. You must make haste in my stead and retrieve the book from the church of the Tree in the town of Gedro in Southern Timiro. Use the hand to convince the Priests to give you the Necronomicron and bring it to me here. Do not fear. I will not send you alone. I have already hired henchmen and retainers to follow you to Gedro. They await you in Garrotten. I will also be sending my good friend Lorchier as a guide. He knows the way and was with me during my confrontation with Armitis."

Lorchier, thought Celalil. Not Lorchier. It was true that the wood elf had been Father's most loyal friend and companion for years, even before mother died. It was also true that he was a crude, wildman with an eye for Celalil. Only the priestess robes kept Lorchier from asking for her hand. She avoided him whenever possible and now on her first adventure she would be forced to travel with him. The thought was repulsive. She had broached the subject of Lorchier's unwanted advancements with her father once but, he would not be swayed to believe Lorchier was anything but, a decent fellow.

[manicpixie]

Elisiel gave a quick kiss on the cheek to her father and said, “We definitely will not let you down Father,” before quickly leaving the room to prepare for the journey. She could sense the urgency and wanted to make haste, especially as serious as this was.


Celalil, on the other hand, lingered at the front of her father’s desk. She was still not quite sure how to react to the overflow of information and she was not happy about Lorchier being their ‘guide’.

So to express her concern for all, the lich and Lorchier, she said as she leaned over the desk a little, “Father, I truly understand the urgency of this. I just am having a little trouble, even after seeing the hand for myself, coming to grips that this is real. I thought it only legend. I love you Father and like Elisiel said, ‘We will not let you down.’ But, seriously,” she lowered her tone slightly,”Father, does it have to be Lorchier? Does our guide really have to be him? You know my concerns with him. Is there truly no one else?”

Even though Celalil knew, this was trivial, especially compared to what they were about to prepare themselves for, she felt a need to ask.

[Game Master]

Celalil's father cuped her cheek with his hand. "My precious Celalil. I know of Lorchier's love for you. He would not be such a good friend if he did not confide this with me, yes? The truth is his infactuation will instill in him a will to protect you and that alone is reason enough to send him. However, he is also the only one alive besides myself that has seen Armitis and lived. He also knows what the book looks like. He will spot a fake incase the priests at the temple try to trick you. I have no reason to believe they would but, know that there are those who would have the book destroyed instead of guarded. It is best for all that Lorchier goes at your side. Will you obay me in this my child?" With that he hands over the now closed box containing Armitis' severed apendage. She grimiced when the hand twitched within.

[manicpixie]

She held his hand for a moment at her cheek. She knew that this adventure was going to be tough and this might be one of the last tender moments with her father. "Of course Father, I will obey you in this. I understand." She closed her eyes for a moment to gain control of her emotions and said, "I shall go get ready, as is Elisiel. I love you Father, very dearly." Se kissed his hand and turned to walk out of the room, she thought to herself, May the Goddess guide and Bless us in this.

She knew as she thought it she would be saying it as well. As a matter of fact she should probably, no not probably, but most definitely pray before they all leave. And even, maybe as they were leaving.

[Game Master]

Leaving was a quiet and somber event for the most part. Both sisters were sad to leave father for their own reasons. A small group of the servents waved goodby and everyone had a group prayer for a safe journey. Elisiel had a much larger farewell then Celalil and Lorchier for it seemed the entire graveyard had come to see her off. They stood there in their ghostly silence by the dozens, staring at her mournfully. She refused to open herself to a communion with so many aparitions present. It would surely overwhelm her senses. Instead of banishing them however, she allowed them to stay in peace as long as they behaved. She scanned the faces as she often did as a child hoping beyond hope to see the one spirit she would gladly talk to. Yet as always, she failed to see a ghost reflect her own image back to her. Feeling even more alone now she turned over in her saddle to find comfort in her sister only to see her a little ways back, engaged in a hushed conversation with Lorchier. It ended abruptly with Celalil troting off ahead to catch up with her.

The twins chatted about old times and their time apart. They discussed their skills to see how they complimented eachother and where they were lacking. They discussed their father and mother and to Elisiel's bemusement and Celalil's bewilderment they discussed Elisiel's romantic yet short involvement with a wood elf over a decade ago.

Time passed and they soon found themselves in Garrotten. Both women had been here many times growing up so the growth of the town took them both by surprise. It seemed a little while ago the nearby moutain had produced gold so the Baron had opened it up to mine claims to increase revenue. It seemed to be working. Lorchier took over at this point leading the way to the hiring hall were a small group of people were waiting to join the group. Lorchier thought it best if Celalil made the introductions.