RP:The Eternal Tree Awakens

Part of the The Orb Of Life Arc

Summary: The Eternal Tree provides the clue to the location of the second key, and reissues a warning of the fate that might befall those who attempt to hold more than one. The Tree refines the mission and reward of those who prove themselves worthy of the task of restoring the Balance by finding the Keys.

Characters: Eternal Tree, Sophie, Rheven, Thea, Rhocielle, Cecilnezuto, Kenneth, Rebekah, Neema, Keturah, Belphesius, Arcos.

Location: The Druid's Eternal Tree

Thea moves into the sacred space after removing her footwear, something that seemed to be ritualistic for the Druidess. She wanted to be as close to nature as possible when visiting these spaces. She settles herself before the great tree and begins a soulful conversation, "Oh great and wise one of these wood, of this land..it is said you imparted a gift to the world long ago. The orb of life, which is now sought and needed, is said to have come directly from you. Is there any confirmation you can offer a humble Druid as myself that this is in fact truth versus rumor? If it is an extension of your power, then your assistance may be needed, oh great one. There are those who have chosen to abuse such a gift."

Thea holds her vigil at the foot of the arboreous being so closely related to herself, waiting for any sign..any word in return to answer the questions she has posed.

Thea sprawls on the earth, still awaiting any possible answer from the holy tree as thoughts of all she learned in recent days continue to reel through her Druidess mind. Would she find the next of the keys? And who might find the other? Would they return it to the Sage as requested? All these questions yet answered...including the one posed to the Eternal Tree itself.

The voice of the Eternal Tree echoes as if it were very far away. "Today I shall share my wisdom"

Thea is yet unwavered in her efforts, still situated there 'neath the divine trunk as she begins a soft, slow mantra in the language of her ancestor's. Her hope is that the rise in energies will be enough to awaken the spirit that dwells within and gain her answers. Palms turned skyward facing the mighty branches of the much larger tree almost seem to be doing so in an offering. And it is, an offering of Thea's own will and power as she asks once more, "Oh holy tree, I beg thee to hear my cause. Your answers are necessary for me to continue on this journey and aid in the further preservation of nature as well as possibly restoring what has recently been lost. I -need- to know this now..is the Orb of Life your gift to my kind?

The voice of the tree echoes distantly as it's branches sway gently. "It was. We gave it to the Sylvan kind so that it could be kept safe from harm."

Thea, upon recieving the confirmation of the Orb's origination frowns a bit, "Aye, wise one..but it has been stolen along with the Hallowed Grove. The Orb is said to be with those who have abused it's power to create artificial life, and locked away. We now search for the keys necessary to unlock it. Will you be able to lend us your assistance in the days to come if it should be needed, oh mighty spirit?" The Druidess did not open her eyes, still very much entranced with this vision quest as she and the spirit within communicated as only a Druid could with such an avatar of Nature itself.

Eternaltree sways its branches once more and the pool below its gnarled form ripples with the movement. "We cannot interfere but we can advise and give aid to you in your quest."

Thea said to Eternaltree, "Any guidance you may offer will be much appreciated. Do you know of the keys or their whereabouts, oh ancient one?"

Eternaltree said to Thea, "We know of the whereabouts of the second key but we must impart this knowledge to all."

The Eternal Tree beckons with its ancient branches to all who would seek the second key.

Eternaltree waves its branches at each and every creature entering the chamber its ancient wisdom washing over the gathered who can feel its awesome power.

Sophie nods politely to Thea, before turning her attention respectfully to the eternal tree.

Eternaltree said, "Heed my words mortals and heed them well for I will tell you but once of the key and the warning that it comes with."

Eternaltree said, "Know that those who find the keys must never hold more than a single key at once or tragedy shall befall them but also know that the three who hold the keys shall have to make a difficult choice."

Rheven senses Thea's presence and appears quite suddenly, a few inky tendrils gathering together before they assume the familiar form of the revenant vampire.

Eternaltree said, "Each key is cursed and each key bearer can fall victim to the curse. Know that as a set the keys of mind body and soul are fated."

Thea is still situated among the grass, listening to each word and paying close attention to the tree's warnings.

Eternaltree said, "Long ago we gifted the Orb to the Sylvan with the purpose of creating areas where our sacred woods could thrive but this was not the only purpose of the orb."

Eternaltree shakes it's branches and the entire chamber shakes as leaves drop from the ceiling the tree speaks once more.

Eternaltree said, "The Orb contains our seed and it is the source of the orbs power."

Rhocielle uttered a singular rumbling of his throat, nodding slowly to the Eternal Tree with regards to the foreboding warning of the cursed keys.

Eternaltree said, "Recovering the Orb of Life is therefore one of the greatest quests we can impart to the mortal races."

Eternaltree stops shaking and an aura of calm seems to fill the entire room.

Eternaltree said, "The Orb was stolen long, long ago by an Avian who sought to usurp the very power of the gods themselves and he used it to create life. Such hubris led to his death and the death of all of his kind within his city. "

Eternaltree said, "As you know the Orb was sealed away before his death and warded by three magical keys of mind, body and soul."

Thea begins to sway softly, the tale now unfolding to be truth that the Sage was correct.

Rheven crosses his arms against his robed form, feeling almost uneasy, perhaps out of place before such a bastion of nature; none too surprising, considering his existence is not so natural. "...May I be so bold to ask a question, perhaps?"

Cecilnezuto listens intently, noting that what the Sage had told him was indeed more serious than they had anticipated.

Eternaltree said, "The bearers of these keys are fated to decide the fate of two races. The beings on Armantium and The Sylvan Elves. Only one may live the other must perish."

Thea 's eyes, which had been calmly closed until now, suddenly fly open as Rheven makes his request of the holy tree. Turning towards the revenant with a surprised expression, the Druidess merely awaits his response.

Kenneth nodded at Thea, for he knew his master. As the Intelligence Officer of The fold, his duty to gather information is needed most here and now.

Sophie just listens silently rather over awed that the eternal tree is choosing to communicate with them.

Cecilnezuto takes a deep breath.....Decide the fate of two races? Did any truly have that right, other than the Gods?

Thea said to Eternaltree, "Wise one, is Armantium not a dead city with only artificial life to claim it's space?"

Eternaltree seems to turn slowly pointing several of its ancient and gnarled branches at the one bold enough to ask a question. "Speak, ask your question and be done unnatural one!"

Sophie is startled, a whole race must perish? Surely not?

Rebekah is surprised to see a talking tree, yet it seems to eminate a sense of comfort and warmth. Though she is oblivious of why so many are gathered here, she slowly begins to understand that this is no ordinary tree. She looks around at everyone here and wonders what exactly is going on.

Neema looked just a teeny bit troubled about mention of the fate of the two mentioned races. As much as she wanted to ask a question to the holy tree if that meant that avians were possibly going to be wiped out, she held her tongue.

Kenneth stared at the deity before him. One must perish? Such a conclusion for a god....why is this...Such things makes him rethink his return to agnosticism.

Eternaltree said to Thea, "This is true."

Thea 's empathy is set off immediately when the entirity of those gathered consider the possibility of having to make such a choice. She looks on each, realizing this is why there are those to answer such calls where Nature is concerned.

Eternaltree said, "Mortals set events in motion to abuse the orb and create life, mortals had a hand in destroying the hallowed grove, therefore it falls to mortals to restore the balance of life and death."

Keturah frowned, dark brows knitting together. To decide the fate of any race, seemed.. She laced her hands together before her stomach, fingers squeezing against one another as she forced a more neutral expression.

Thea nods solemnly, knowing these words well as they have served as the decree to her own existence since she can remember. Balance is the key to all.

Cecilnezuto nods in understanding at the Tree's words. It was true, the balance was disturbed and must be set right. Though, he still felt a pang in his heart for a race having to perish to do so.

Rheven eyes the branches as they shift and move to indicate the archmage, speaking clearly to the ancient tree of druidic power. "Very well. You have already made clear that a choice lies with those that hold the keys...but...why is this?" Only a brief pause is taken, not enough to allow an answer before another quick question is posed. "...Though you may believe one such as myself would be...unconcerned as my magic is not sourced for you, nor even my existence...I have my reasons. Would I be wrong to assume calamity should the orb be claimed by one of ill-intent? What could they possibly use it for?"

Rhocielle uttered a singular rumbling of his throat, nodding slowly to the Eternal Tree with regards to the foreboding warning of the cursed keys, "Great Tree, you spoke of the bears of the keys are able to fall into the curse of the keys. May I ask for you to explain...?"

Kenneth didn't forcE a neutral expression like his comrade, for his actions are based on emotions. "Wise Deity....a question...?" His anger was sensed greatly in the dense air.

Thea now looks on Rheven, noting the concern in the revenant's question and possibly understanding why he would ask it. She offers him a soft and knowing smile, as if to impart some reassurance to him that they would see this through.

Eternaltree said to Rheven, "The mortals who find the keys have the choice by finding the keys they are proving themselves worthy to us. The Orb will not allow itself to be used for ill-intent again if handled by one who wishes to do ill with it, they will be destroyed. The power to create new life with it shall never be abused again. The bearers of the keys will be given each a fantastic treasure for their efforts in addition to deciding its ultimate fate."

Rebekah said to Eternaltree, "You say that my race, humans are responsible for this? Tell me what makes you believe my kind are at fault?"

Belphesius 's beady eyes grow large at the sound of treasure, a tusky grin coming over his visage as he eagerly awaits the following words.

Thea utters under breath, "Mortals..not only humans."

Eternaltree said to Rhocielle, "If a bearer of one key holds another they shall be sapped of their strength and their body twisted and distorted. This was the Avian's intention, not ours."

Eternaltree said to Rebekah, "We were present when the Avian stole the orb and with it our seed."

Neema is beginning to dislike her race. Her feathery wings that easily peg her as an avian slump a bit on her back, as if she's trying to hide them from view.

Rheven said to Eternaltree, "Very well. A final question, then I will trouble you no more. You specifically say...mortals. While still bound to this coil, I am not as most in this realm as you can no doubt sense. I assume no ill effect shall I find or hold such a key?"

Rebekah said to Eternaltree, "So what you're saying is, bad people did bad things so now you need good people to make it right....right?"

Eternaltree said to Rheven, "You may live for a very long time as a creature of the night but compared to the Eternals you and your kind are a mortal race. Holding more than one key would harm you just as much."

Eternaltree said, "Fret not Avians, you contain the possibility of doing good and evil as do most mortal races."

Eternaltree said to Kenneth, "I am not a deity but one of the eternals but I shall answer."

Rheven said to Eternaltree, "I was merely asking the effects of holding one upon my race, but very well. I believe it has been answered."

Eternaltree said to Rheven, "You may hold one but only one."

Thea sat there now trembling as if she were straight-wired to the trinity of the trees, sensing their frustrations and concerns now like never before. Perhaps it was all the questions being posed, seeing as the trees rarely spoke to many, much less a gathering of this size and with the concerns presented.

Neema felt a little bit better thanks to the Eternal Tree, but was clearly still troubled. Hopefully she might be able to lend a helping hand somewhere in all of this.

Cecilnezuto whispered something to Neema.

Rebekah shifts uncomfortably before responding to the great tree. For a moment it would seem to others that she was spasming slightly but the warcaster knew the truth. When she speaks, a reverence can be heard in her voice. "Great and wise Eternal Tree, I know that evil grips this world tightly. If you were to give me the wisdom and strength to stand against your enemies for the good of all, I would swear my loyalty to you now." The woman then kneels before the Eternal Tree and bows her head, whispering unintelligible prayers to any who will listen.

Neema whispered something to Cecilnezuto.

Eternaltree said to Rebekah, "I am giving my wisdom to all gathered freely, without pleading. I do not desire adoration my only desire is to see balance restored and my seed safe."

Cecilnezuto whispered something to Neema.

Kenneth stared at the deity, thinking of his words carefully. "Who is to die? Why must one die in the first place...is there no other way?"

Thea said to Rebekah, "The tree is an avatar of nature, dear. Just as we who protect the balance hope to one day be. "

Eternaltree said to Kenneth, "We wished that all could live but the situation as it is does not allow for both races to survive."

Eternaltree said, "I can answer no more questions for it is time for me to tell the location of the second key."

Cecilnezuto nods at the pixie’s words, "Aye, 'tis true. And as for choosing the fate of a race.... It must be done, to restore the balance proper, though, that is not to say such a choice will be made lightly." He said this to no one in particular, more like voicing his thoughts after commenting to the pixie’s words.

Eternaltree said, "The key is not where the Avian who stole the key hid it originally. Dark forces have taken the key and in an echo of the past seek to use the key itself to create new life with which to inflict harm on the ones responsible for their creation."

Neema whispered something to Cecilnezuto.

Eternaltree said, "The key is hidden in a secret chamber in the temple of a false god."

Rheven smiles and disappears, just as quickly as he came.

Cecilnezuto whispered something to Neema.

Thea said to Eternaltree, "Thank you, oh wise one for sharing this with us and we can only hope to restore the balance."

Cecilnezuto bows to the Tree and departs to seek the key.

Neema departs, figuring she might as well try searching for the key.

Rhocielle remained where he was. There was nothing to be done for the black Lycan, save to contemplate on all the Tree had spoken.

Eternaltree vanished before your eyes, perhaps never to be seen again.

Keturah dipped into a respectful bow. Straighening, the druidess bit pensively against her fingernail for only a moment, before turning 'round to depart herself.

Kenneth stared at Rhocielle. "Sir?"

Rhocielle said to Kenneth, "Speak."

Kenneth said to Rhocielle, "What do you think of this....decision.....The two races....who does that include...inviduals....like...people in The Fold....main people...is it all elves...even...half-elves.." He worried for his love-interest Rhoswen. "Well?"

Arcos crosses his arms as he thinks, listening in on the Fold members' conversation.

Rhocielle said to Kenneth, "There are no two races... The homunculi in Aramantium are artificial abominations that a corrupt Avian made in order to play as a god for himself..."

Kenneth said to Rhocielle, "I see...and the second race...?"

Rhocielle said to Kenneth, "The Sylvan Elves. They are the ones who live in Vhys..."

Sophie resolves not to seek out a key, since she could not bear to make such a decision.

Kenneth nodded slowly. "Vhys...something to research...Rhocielle....I want to help you find the next key....okay?"

Arcos decides that nothing could be done except follow the others and keep track of their movements. Moving east, the dark avian also begins his search for the key.

Rhocielle shook his head, "You should help the others. I have one key already, and am unable to hold the others. Better that I distance myself entirely from the search until the others are found..." Looking up to the Eternal Tree, he uttered simple, "Best you would take your leave now, Kenneth. I doubt it will be long before the next one is found..." There was a simple authoritative tone to his voice, expressing his desire to be alone for the time being.

Kenneth nodded slowly. "Very well...." He walked away towards his quarters....He was a man of knowledge and had so many books of many things..one must have something on Vhys....and if not..a library...a mage library..rumors...anything.....