RP:A visit from a prodigal elf

Part of the Conquest:The Return of the Prek Arc

Part of the The Power of The Forests Arc

Intro: The Eternal Tree appears to be be acting strangely as if detecting the threat to itself and it's forest. The ancient tree sends out a signal so strong it even reaches a woman who has not been in it's presence for a very long time....

Summary: The residents of Hollow respond to the behavior of the ancient sentient eternal tree with a mixture of shock, fear and reverence.

Characters: Ryeanna, Ginger, Lirithen, Althyaron, Rikailin

LOCATION:'’’ The Druid's Eternal Tree (Within the Sage Temple).

Narrator: A soft rumble can be felt within the lands of Sage as a brilliant green light shines out from deep within the ancient Druid temples before washing over the entire forest in a warm peaceful wave. The question of what caused the rumble is soon answered as the ancient branches of the eternal tree rise higher into the sky than ever before, growing before the very eyes of the druids and rangers of the land below as they gaze upon its powerful form with awe. It appears recent events have stirred its powers. The Eternal Tree’s Broadened branches appear stronger almost muscular. All around the sacred temple roots from the tree explode from the dampened soil exposing the tree’s ancient form buried deep below the earth. The ancient spirits of the forest have been roused...

Ryeanna appears on the scene looking somewhat bemused as she casts a glance over the onlookers and the much healthier looking tree. “So now you’ve chosen to act...” The Lich Queen wanders closer to the tree but stops from getting too close. “Even I would not consider getting in your way now...” The Lich Queen takes a few steps around considering the tree. “I do regret trying to burn you down I didn’t understand you were sentient. That was so very long ago.” As the Lich Queen idly ponders as she paces her skirt wafting about her feet she could not detect as tree as it suddenly reacted to her presence flailing a branch barely a foot from her face causing her to stop dead in her tracks. “And you know what I’m thinking too, a clever trick to be sure. I shan’t interfere again as it would seem I have your forgiveness.”

Ginger cannot find whatever was hidden, and does like the druid, bowing in front of the tree. The mimicry in miniature is in no way devout, but it appears to work for Liana, so why not? Perhaps things will make more sense this way. Lirithen lifted a hand to stem those rangers who reached instinctively for their weapons, a gesture to allow the woman to pass. Not to say the once Protector kept a hand away from the pommel of the moon blade at his waist...

Rikailin comes stumbling into the area, looking half-distracted and half-crazed with fright. Once before, and once only, did she remember this massive tree stirring into any form of true sentience, and that previous occurrence had been none too pleasant for anyone, despite the generally benevolent intentions of the great tree itself. She breaks into the circle of concenned onlookers and hardens her face into a mask of utter and ruthless determination, daring others with her eyes to bar her passage to the place to which she is bound. On a small patch of clear earth, Rikailin falls prone, fingertips pointed toward the tree, and throws herself wide open to the tree's conscience, entreating its near-thoughtless presence in soundless but nonetheless powerful tones. "Hear me, o root and shade of all. Hear me and enlighten me. It is I, Rikailin of the glades, and I have not fallen from your path or forgotten your silent dominion. Give unto me your wishes; deliver unto me your desires. Let me join my strength to what already exists, to those other druids brave and strong enough to commune with you, to allay this latest threat upon the safety of your land."

Ryeanna turns to leave but a branch suddenly bars her passage and The Lich Queen raises an eyebrow at the ancient gnarled barrier and begins to speak to nobody in particular. “No we’ve moved on to far to be embraced again...your light, your love it’s alien to us now. We have a new power and a separate purpose. We do not however oppose you, we just merely don’t see eye to eye”. Ryeanna laughs sardonically and the branch seems to shake at her like a cross parent scolding a child. “Well you know what I mean, we can’t come back. Look to the children of Rynvale if unification is desired you may find it there. I shan’t fight this battle for you but I shan’t raise my staff in anger either.” The ancient tree branch slowly winds away from the Forsaken Elfess and her path is unblocked. Ryeanna nods to tree and for a moment it is almost as if the two have reached an understanding.

Lirithen leaned gently towards Athyaron, whispering quietly in his ear.

Ginger rises from her prostrate position, confused. Everyone is doing something different, and none of it makes any sense to her less than sound mind. The tiny pixie steps back a few paces, and sits down to watch. Curious people doing strange things.

Lirithen whispered to Althayaron “She represents the Sylvan remnants; the tree must pine for their return to the forests.”

Athyaron whispered to Lirithen "I see."

Liana hears the queen's words as though from a distance. The awareness of the tree pulses in her as strongly as does her own blood, and yet, the words still register. A thought flickers across her mind and is no doubt picked up by the tree. "This process is already begun. We seek to unify once more, but time must be granted." She waxes quiet then, content to simply drink of the tree's magnifficence. Anger is felt, however, anger at the continued fighting in Sage, at the daring of any at all to fight in the lands belonging to the tree. "I am trying, ancient one." Liana's tone is quiet, almost reverent as her eyes return to the perusal of the tree's upper reaches. "I am attempting to drive them back, and yet, without harm to the environment, this goes slowly. I protect your children as best I can, ancient one. I loathe the war, but if we do not defend, they will burn your land, they will torch your ofspring, they will decimate the forests you preside over. Instruct me what is to be done and I shall endeavour to do so." All she receives in return is a building of the anger. A second branch shakes, this one scolding the druid, not the lich.

Ryeanna looks slightly embarrassed at the crowd but seems to determine to finish her business with the tree and its call. The Elfess kneels down and stares at her reflection in the pool and sighs softly. “It almost touches me that you think we are within redemption... but alas not today. The Lich Queen stands and nods to the crowd before removing her glove and caressing the tree for a mere moment.”I pity those that have incurred your wrath.” She then turns to leave, stony faced and drained.

Lirithen held a firm stance, back straight, witnessing the proceedings with a firm, apathetic expression. An example to those few who felt their fear getting the better of them.

Ryeanna shudders, shaking off a few bad thoughts before leaving.

Please feel free to add more if you were present