RP:The Sylvan Connection

Part of the The Orb Of Life Arc

Summary: Rhochielle makes contact with the Duchess of Vhys in an attempt to determine what contribution Sylvan lore might make to solving the mysteries of the disappeared Hallowed Grove. His discoveries are communicated to the druid, Thea of Enchantment in the hope that combined knowledge might lead to discovery of the location of the remaining Keys.

Characters: Ryeanna, Rhocielle, Skavlor, Ydna, Thea.

Location: Vhys; Elimdorei Hotel Restaurant. Xalious; Scenic View

Ryeanna looks up at the staircase seeing an unfamiliar face, this clearly peaks her interest as her eyes regain a tinge of life for a moment. "Can we help you?"

Rhocielle kept careful observation of his surrounding as he entered the downstairs restaurant of the hotel. Though having paid a visit or to Vhys, it was his first time on official business in the town. Waiting only just past the door frame, the Lycan did not have to wait long before acknowledged by Ryeanna, "Greetings, Lady Ryeanna. I am the ambassador from Rynvale. I sent word to meet with you a short time ago." To the Avian, he merely replied just as simply, "Hello."

Skavlor returns having failed to deliver the message. The rodent struts past Rhocielle, and marches over to the table and starts to smash it's head on it squeaking "Sorrys Misstresses" with every whack.

Ryeanna closes her eyes for a second apparently in concentration. "Oh I see... then please take a seat we do not have guests from our neighbours too often. To what do we owe the pleasure?" The forsaken elfess waves her hand to a seat opposite and the drinks laid out atop the table.

Ryeanna graps at the hand of her Fermin attendant to stop the ritual thwapping. "No it is quite aright it seems he found his own way, so relax yourself." Ryeanna lets go and gives Skavlor a quick scratch behind the ears in an attempt to calm the creatures frayed nerves.

Rhocielle blinked with some surprise in his expression as the fermin slipped past him to abuse himself upon the table, unaware of the creature's assignment to locate him. "Hrmm," he silently uttered before addressing the woman and taking the offered seat, "..thank you. As I had written to you, I have two matters to discuss with you. First, would be an alliance between Rynvale, and yourselves, our neighboring town, Vhys. Secondly, which would have no bearing on the former, regardless of decision, is the sudden disappearance of the Hallowed Grove just north of the city..."

Ydna said to Skavlor, "You always put on such a show? Nobody payed for tickets."

Ryeanna purses her lips and sways her head from side to side "Alliance." she seems to try the word on for size rolling it around. "I think that can be workable... I shall consult my advisor's and let you know if that sounds fine to you?" The Lich then frowns moving on to the next order of business. "Yes I know all about that, having visited the crash site shortly after... one of our airships vanished along with it, quite tragic no?"

Ydna said to Skavlor, " We lost a ship?"

Rhocielle nodded slowly, replying solemnly, "But of course. Talks of alliance pale in comparison to the latter, we only wished to express our willingness to formalize any mutually beneficial agreements with your township." His grey eyes shifted to the door, idly recalling, "Aye, I too have been to the site... I have spoken to Thea of Enchantment, who has already met with the Sage, who claims to be Sylvan. That is why I have sought to speak with you. I have already located the first of three keys needed to begin the restoration of the grove, but we do not know anything regarding the location of the remaining ones... We could wait for the Sage to recover his memories on his own, but I believe that our efforts are better spent productively, instead of merely waiting idly by. As Vhys is descended from the ancient Sylvans, I wonder if you would be able to provide us with any information, Lady Ryeanna..."

Skavlor said to Ydna, "This ones does nots hears yous its is guardings thes mistress."

Ryeanna listens intently to Rhocielle. "I know of the keys and the orb that they seal. I do not know the locations of them however. I am aware of how the orb was lost and who took it and I have a good theory of why. If such information is of use I shall gladly share it if you wish?" The Lich sits back appraising the ambassador while helping herself to another drink.

Ydna said to Skavlor, "We lost a ship?"

Skavlor whispered something to Ryeanna.

Ryeanna whispered something to Skavlor.

Rhocielle said to Ryeanna, "Of course. It has been my experience that any bit of information may prove invaluable, no matter how trivial it might seem at the time. Please, continue."

Ydna said to Rhocielle, "Would you care for a drink ?Something rare for a rare guest"

Rhocielle said to Ydna, "No, but thank you nonetheless."

Skavlor whispered something to Ryeanna.

Ryeanna said to Rhocielle, "The Hallowed Grove...Druids to you and I used the orb in rituals to create new forests holy trees and so on. It was gifted to them by the Eternal Tree itself. This may explain it's recent activity but that is only conjecture. Anyway... the orb was brought to the mainland and stolen by an Avian who wanted to use it in an experiment to create artificial life. Therefore the likelihood is the orb was once on Armantium where the homunculi are. I believe he used the orb to create them. "

Ryeanna gives Skavlor a darkly cold look pursing her lips very thinly

Ryeanna whispered something to Skavlor.

Ydna waves Ydna exits up.

Rhocielle canted his head slightly, "Aramantium is where the orb might still be locked? Nevertheless, we will need the keys the Sage spoke about." He frowned faintly, "What will happen if the grove is not restored?"

Skavlor nods its Queen as the "Mistress wishes." It them mumbles to it's guards, "Paddeds stickses" and grins happily at Ryeanna.

Ryeanna said to Rhocielle, "Well its the end of 'true' Sylvan culture for better or worse... I cannot imagine it would do the flora and fauna here on the island much good either. Though a thought does occur. I may be wrong about this but removing the orb from Armantium if it’s there may mean that the artificial beings that live there... expire. "

Rhocielle grunted softly, "Aramantium is a dead city, as far as I know. I hear that the Avians have flocked to a new city, above Xalious, I believe. But... if it was used to create them, I have my doubts that the orb is needed in order to keep the creatures alive. Do you know of how and why it was locked?"

Ryeanna said to you, "That I do not know. Perhaps the one that ran off with the orb did not want it taken away. The city may be bereft of Avians but the homonculi still dwell in the city."

Rhocielle glanced aside and muttered audibly with some concern to his voice, "Perhaps we should pay a visit to Aramantium to scout ahead and prepare for when we do have the keys..." He nodded to Ryeanna with a polite smile before standing, "Thank you very much for your time, Lady Ryeanna. I will pass my information along to Thea, as well as tell Lady Arien of your interest in continuing talks of treaties and agreements."

Ryeanna smiles and rises to her feet seeming to float unnaturally as she does so. "I think that would be most wise. You are always welcome here when seeking truth and I shall let yourself and your lady know when we decide what to do with your offer. I will speak of it positively to my ministers however. Good travels."

Skavlor whispered something to Ryeanna.

Rhocielle said to Ryeanna, "Thank you, and may all be well until we meet again."

Later..at the Scenic View…

Thea settles herself on a nearby log and awaits the lycan. Once he is spotted, she brushes her fingers through her hair and speaks quietly, "I believe this is private enough. Now, what has transpired?"

Rhocielle said when he believed no one else around, "I have spoken briefly to Ryeanna, though the Lich Queen could only spare a moment." He then looked to Thea herself, "I was not told much, merely what folklore and beliefs she herself knew. She believes the actual relic to still be in Aramantium, once used by the Avian who stole it, to create artificial life... The homunculi... Also, that the orb itself might have been gifted by the Eternal Tree itself." Shrugging, he gave a brief warning, "This is all her own theorizing, and not proven."

Thea listens thoughtfully, quizzical expression following the lycan's words carefully, "I see..that is most interesting indeed..if there is any truth to it. As you say, it is her theory, but if it is from the Eternal Tree itself..then it's closer to my path than I originally thought." She now wrinkles her nose and repeats, "Artificial life..indeed. Well, the Sage did mention it was in Armantium, but there is no point in trying to recover it without the three keys."

Rhocielle nodded, but looked towards Schezerade, "Ryeanna said that perhaps the orb might kill the homunculi that exist already, if it were to be removed from Aramantium. I don't believe it, but if that were true too, we should scout ahead when the time draws near. I don't think those creatures will just easily allow us to take back the orb if it will mean their lives..." His own expression grew curious and he asked, "Would it be possible for you to ask the Eternal Tree itself for any aid or help? Perhaps he could confirms Ryeanna's story for the origin of the orb..."

Thea considers the possibility of the Lich Queen's warning, "Aye, of course. It is possible after all that it is all true." Turning her eyes skyward now, the Pixie continues, "It is also possible that in doing this, we may end up starting a war with these homunculi. So be it if it means preserving nature here." She says with a determined jaw. "I will go and visit with the tree and see what it will offer. I suppose we will need to gather scouts from Enchantment as well as any others willing to send ahead and see what we will be up against."

Rhocielle shook his head, "A small group, perhaps two or three, would be best. The homunculi do not yet know of our intentions, if even they still exist." As he had told the Lich Queen, he too said to the pixie queen, "Aramantium is a dead city as far as most of us know. A small scouting team just to confirm the orb's location, and determine what resistance we might face while in the abandoned city..."

Thea brings her hand to rest under chin and nods, "Aye..I have just one to send. One of their own in fact, so he'll not seem suspicious. In the meantime, I will keep in close contact with you. I thank you for passing this information along, Rhocielle. I cannot express enough what this entire thing means to the Druids. Your efforts will not go unrewarded, trust me."

Rhocielle allowed a soft sound from his throat rumble in agreement. With a nod, he replied, "I trust you, but not for simple prospects of a reward. I do this because it is what I believe to be right... The grove must be restored..."

Thea said to Rhocielle, "Aye, I just want to extend my own personal thanks in any way I can as well. It is what is right..else balance for the entirity of Hollow might be at risk. I shall see you soon, aye?"

Rhocielle said to the pixie, "Of course. Safe travels until we meet again." Giving a cordial dip of his muzzle, the black Lycan departed thereafter.

Thea Visits the 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."