Chapter 1

The fire borne had seen this day coming, just as he knew that Seren was not immediately consumed by darkness he also new that a call would go out. He did not know what roll he would play but he had seen in the dying flames of divination that he had to step forward.

Phumas steps forward By the celestial fires I would extinguish myself if it would bring light to the world. My flames and my orb are yours to command.

Narbo slowly scans the quickly darkening horizon, then the quickly dispersing crowds and dons a look of disappointment.

I had not known it would get this bad this quickly, surely there must be others willing to sacrifice for the good of the land?

Gingerly stepping through the crowd and being very mindful of his large frame, Narbo slowly makes his way closer to the front of the square through the throng of citizens headed in the opposite direction. Once he gets through the mass his eye is drawn to the first voice raised to volunteer and stops to stare at the wondrous flaming being for a moment. Catching himself, he turns back towards King Darrack, now close enough to add his shout,

Narbo Quills, citizen of Choss Mar'ak and Cleric of Reyna volunteers! For the good of all Sieldar, I lend my aid to those willing to brave the Darkness and rescue Lady Light!

A lone Aarakocra sits on a rooftop in the town square, taking a respite from the hours of flying he had to to do reach Sieldar. His clothes are a bit dirty and wrinkled from the storms and winds he endured in his travel, and his eyes show a little tiredness. He initially entered the city on foot (or rather, talon), but as he walked, eyes everywhere seemed to be glued onto him, wondering what kind of strange creature was he. After all, Aarakocra were a rare sight, especially those from the Halia Coast. In fact, even a few people seemed to want to come up to him and question him, but he was too apprehensive of these new people and the size of the city to want to respond, and so he instead took flight to a random rooftop and sat to recuperate.

At least I got here safe... wonder if anyone from my village is here, or my parents... if they did, they'd probably steer clear of me anyway... I'm a failure to them, anyway. He stares at the metal bracelet on his right arm, feather and storm cloud patterns engraved upon it, the mark of a Storm-Speaker. He takes his eyes off of it, not wanting to remind himself of the past any further. At least I can get a fresh start here... I hope. At least enough to survive when night finally gets here... He leans back a bit, ignoring the speech from the king. Lady Light was a foreign concept to him. All he knew before this was Apet Village and the Halia Coast, after all.

However, it seemed that the travel took a greater toll on him than he had anticipated, because Quetza found his eyes drooping closed and himself leaning his chin on his talon to rest his hand...

...until he lost his balance and fell, his eyes opening instantly as he flapped his wings in panic. All that can be heard from him as he descends is his frantic flapping and even a bit of panicked squawking. However, he safely recovers with his wings giving him lift, and as he finally regains his bearings, realizes that he's right in the middle of the square that people were clearing from after hearing the announcement, amongst a few other people that seemed to answer this call to adventure.

O-oh... erm... yes?

Narbo's attention is drawn to the commotion and he ends up doing a double-take as he takes in yet another creature he has never laid eyes on before.

Well, wonders never cease! What an amazing creature, and that display must have been some sort of ritualistic call to action. Wonderful!

Mistaking the avian's blunder for intentional, Narbo begins eagerly clapping.

Here, here! Such courage and bravado is to be commended in these trying times!

After a long and arduous trek through the endless night, Kai came through a mountain pass and fell to his knees as he saw the sun shining down upon Seren. Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks as he said a prayer of thanks to Lady Light.

"Kai Sunseeker Whatoto is here, Lady Light! Kai will keep Kai's word! Kai will save Lady Light!" Pilgrims and refugees from lands far and near walk carefully around the very large man who bellows to the heavens at the opening of the mountain pass.

Kai rises, gathers his things and hurries along the path. He does his best to avoid hurting these little people in his haste. "Oh, Excuse Kai....Sorry...Pardon Kai"

The noise and crowds of Seren are overwhelming to the barbarian, but as foreign as this land is, a familiar smell gets his attention...Food?!

As the goliath happily munched a hunk of roasted meat on a stick, he followed a crowd that was being directed to the town square. He listened carefully to the king's call to arms.

---

Excitedly, he shoves the rest of the meat in to his mouth and advances through the crowd. Mmmmm! Mmmmm! Kai! he mumbles in vain. He raises his large maul in the air and waves it around.

Naturally the sight of an eight-foot-tall man wearing a brown bear skin and waiving around a massive weapon while growling incoherently incites panic from the majority of people in his vicinity. An area clears around him. Amid screams and cries, Kai steps forward boldly.

He steps up on to the platform, finally swallows down the meat and belches loudly! Kai Sunseeker Whatoto, Champion of the Karakia, has come from the top of the mighty Maunga Ra far away. Kai has come to save Lady Light. Kai will lead Mighty Bull, Clumsy Bird, and Fire Man and crush Evil Night.

Quetza flinches at the arrival of the boisterous, devout goliath, and frantically looks around his surroundings, taking a moment to put two and two together based on what is currently being said and the announcement he heard just before he fell. His blood runs cold as he realizes his situation, and his mind begs of his body to move, to spread his wings and get out of this situation. These look like capable people... I think... Surely I could leave and nobody would blame me, they could take care of this! However, his legs were locked in place, and his wings refused to open, as if he was panicking so much that he couldn't move. He sighs in resignation. Us Aarakocra don't live that long anyway... For Reyna's sake, why can't I move?

He meekly looks up at the goliath, gulping before speaking, a few nervous squawks and clicks in his speech in lieu of an actual expression. M-my name's not "clumsy bird"... It's Quetza K-kontor, if you will... C-cleric of Reyna... He looks down again, hoping the goliath doesn't crush him underfoot for the correction.

A fellow practitioner of Reyna's miracles?! Surely this is providence which brings us far across the land to meet here and now, Quetza! Let us give thanks Reyna's will can still be felt during these troubles! As it says in 'Troubled Waters' 13:2; "It is during the most tumultuous storm that circumstances align to reveal one's true destiny."

Barely able to contain his beaming face, Narbo clasps Quetza firmly but not forcibly on the back and turns to regard the large newcomer. Before even beginning to get used to being larger than most other people around him, his view gets pulled up... and up... and up before finally meeting Kai's gaze.

Kai is it, my aren't you a grandiose individual?

I watch the others introduce themselves to the King, practically falling down at his feet begging to be chosen for this heroic task. Amateurs! Time to put on a show. After all, first impressions are my forte.

The sounds of rhythmic drumming followed by trumpeting fills the air. I wade through the crowd to find an appropriate perch. It's easy to blend in amongst the crowd. Most are not accustomed to smallfolk like me. They probably think I'm some wayward child trying to get back to her mama. In any case, I wait for the whispers to reach a crescendo and for the heads to turn towards the music before I release a shimmering light that seems to explode outwards from my form. When it fades (little sparkles falling around me), I am standing on top of a large rock as close to the center of the square as I can find. My long, purple finery (edged with silver and gold thread) billows in the gust of wind that seems to continually flow around my form. My pink hair is elegantly coifed, and the shine from my signet ring (enhanced, of course) can be seen from quite a distance. I address the king with a voice louder than my own.

"I am Xanarya von Beren III. You may not know me by name, but perhaps you know my uncle, commonly known as the Duke of Rysia. No matter if you do not know his name. Us gnomefolk are not known to frequent this magnificent city. But my Liege, as you know these are trying times. I understand far too well the weight, the burden of leadership. If you cannot yourself lead a force against this Night, then allow me the honor and I will ensure that we save Lady Light and bring our kingdom peace."

Quetza flinches a bit at the back clasp. Oh... right... yeah... destiny... as the good book says, heh. He averts himself from the minotaur's gaze, clearly uncomfortable and frankly quite nervous in the current situation. However, he then looks questioningly at the gnome coming through, trying to avoid flinching again at the booming, magically amplified voice. Oh dear... these people are getting stranger and stranger... And I'm just caught up in the ride... Can I have off, please?

After a few moment's hesitation, he makes the decision to speak again, perhaps a mistake. Wh... what's a duke?

I turn towards the flappy bird-creature. "Indeed! These are the questions one must ask of themselves. What is a Duke? What is a King? What are we made of? We have been brought together under these dire circumstances! We must... rise!" I somehow resist the urge to wink.

I ask a question and am answered with more questions and strange sayings? What IS this place? Confused by the gnome woman's strange speech that failed to answer his question, he simply tilts his head with a small click, signifying confusion in his culture. He then returns to observing the rest of the group. Strange... it's a city full of humans, but none have stepped up, I think.

"Oh, ho,ho!" Kai laughs jovially and points at the king and informs Xanarya, "Him Good King, Loud Gnome."

"Ah, yes... Quite right, Kai my good man. 'Him King.'" Narbo pats him on the shoulder, not really understanding Kai's literal answer to the gnome's existential question. Turning towards Xana, "And what a privilege it is to see a member of a royal family join this monumentous expedition!

Now let me see, custom dictates one bows before royalty so as to honor their raised status. Narbo begins to bow as low as is comfortable for him, then seeing he is nowhere near low enough, begins to bend further... "Narbo Quills... at your (ughh!) service, milady." And further... "If I'm not mistaken... (hurk!) I believe the correct honorific is 'Duke-Niece'?" (complete bluff) And further... "How refreshing to hear one such as yourself... (Nggh!) speak so humbly."

Realizing he is now practically splayed out flat on the ground, Narbo quickly dips his head the last few inches and jumps back to standing. He fastidiously starts brushing the dust and dirt off his gleaming armor and pristine vestments, a very pleased look on his face for making his (in his mind) flawless introduction.

Phumas was remaining silent, he was in the presence pf on of a substantially higher caste and wound not speak unless addressed. He spent much of his time trying to figure out the ordering of races, it seemed pure-bloods were at the rope, the gnomes also show to have quite some honour. The Minatour seemed to be above or on level with the Aarockra, but substantially below the gnome, and he was entirely unsure where the Goliath would fit in. But of course what if the skill classing is different, the Minatour and Aarokra both claimed to be from the Divine Caste, maybe in these lands it is lower then he was used to, if that was the case where would the Arcane caste got in...

As he took in the scene he never looked upon the face of the king and the gnome, lest he offend them.

It seemed that the universe only wanted to confuse Quetza further as he stares at the odd sight of the minotaur groveling before the gnome. As far as he knew, while figures of authority were respected, groveling was an odd practice.

Figuring that questioning further would yield no results, he looks at the odd fire person. He had little idea of that creature's race, much less his name. However, he can't muster the courage to ask.

Narbo scans the square, taking stock of the recently assembled party and seeing if there may be anyone else willing to join the motley group. Well, if nothing else we are truly blessed with diversity this day!Very nearly bursting with questions for his strange new companions, Narbo can barely contain his curiosity. Noticing the fire-being standing away from the rest of the group, he gestures the man over with a wave. "Feel free to join us, comrade. I imagine we will all be getting to know each other very well in the near future. You are quite exotic looking if I may say! Tell me, where do you hail from? Does everyone there appear to be a-glow with flames? What do your friends call you?"

Phumas does walk over to join the group but remains stoically silent, looking towards but not at the king.

"Your Majesty.", Renard bows to the king and turns over to the group of volunteers and tries to size up each of them. He sensed arcane energy resonance from genasi and gnome, although it had strange "taste", when coming from the little one. "What is it? ... Oh, right, probably a warlock.", he thought to himself after short pause, during which he was starring directly at gnome. "Two clerics? And from what I can see - both of Reyna. Unusual, but welcome sight. Goliath is a warrior, probably a savage one, but a warrior nonetheless.", Renard felt that he will get along with Kai just fine. "And sergeant Gorondia. I heard a few things about her. And all of them were good.".
All this happened within few short seconds and before the pause would be noticeable, Renard begun to speak, "As you have already heard, I'm Renard Black. Knight Commander of the Eldritch Knights of Seren. I don't expect you all to be as disciplined as good trained soldiers, but if you can't follow orders - better leave now.", at that moment he looked each volunteer straight in the eyes. "Any questions?"

The Aarakocra simply stayed locked in place, silent as the Tiefling spoke. His mind, however, was a whirlwind of questions and worries. Questions? I have many, but first off, why am I too afraid to say anything?! Why am I letting myself get roped into this?! What are these strange races?! Will this 'journey' be the death of me?! What is with that brute's horrible food etiquette?!

Kai grimaces as Renard lands on the platform and postures. He points the head of his massive maul at the Tiefling, "Fancy Demon help Kai crush Night?"

Narbo's eyes practically twinkled at the sight of the Tiefling soaring into the square. Another winged member of our little group? How magnificent!

The Minotaur takes a step forward and attempts to duplicate the ranger's salute. "Narbo Quills, sir! The miracles of Reyna are at your disposal. I am honored to be part of this expedition and ready to do my part to find Lady Light and restore stability for Sieldar. I was curious, are we absolutely certain Night has abducted her? Could she have disappeared for some other reason and he is simply exploiting that? Also, does anyone have any idea where we might begin our search? What kind of resistance are we facing? Has anyone made contact with the other regions outside Seren? When do we--"

Catching himself, "Apologies, Knight Commander. Sometimes I forget to stop talking." Narbo takes a step back and clamps his mouth shut.

I smile gamely at the one thrown in charge of this party. The smile reaches my eyes, even! Orders? I follow my own orders. I don't "expect" you to remove that stick from your

"Oh, it is so very good to meet you all! Surely we can discuss details in an informal setting? Perhaps share a drink. I've learned comraderie and trust is key to any group's success, is it not? We must get to know one another, so we may utilize our strengths against the Night as best we can. What say you?"

I really hope someone suggests food. I'm starving, and I don't pay for my own meals if I can help it.

"Yes, big guy, that's the plan.", Renard smiles to Kai. He definetly likes this one

"Pleasure is mine, Narbo Quills. As for your questions, I believe we'll be briefed by the sergeant Gorondia as it's ranger's job to gather intelligence.", and Renard gave a nod to a ranger. "As for your talkativeness - I hope it won't be an issue in the field?"

The moment gnome started talking, Renard felt a headache. And he assumed that it won't be a last time. "I agree on the 'get to know each other' part, but would have to insist on banning 'drinks' for a time being.", said he, trying to keep smile from turning into a frown on his face.

I give him a startled look and place a hand over my chest. "I see. My apologies, for I am not familiar with your kind and meant no offense at the suggestion. Is it considered improper in your culture to imbibe beverages with others? I assure you, cool water is incredibly refreshing to a gnome such as myself, there is no improper behavior implied if that is your concern. Humans and elves also sustain themselves on the liquid and, in fact, need it for their very survival. What of the rest of you?" I look around at the rest of the group. Do they really want to stand around with Mr. Uptight in charge? This is going to get old fast.

Narbo wrinkles his brow in confusion, clearly not understanding the gnome's doubletalk. "I do believe the Knight Commander was referring to alcoholic beverages, Lady Beren III. I hardly think we would be banned from drinking water..."

Wait a minute, I don't know anything about any of these people. What if water is like wine to someone? Oh my, what if water is poisonous to someone! Narbo thinks hard for a long moment, pondering all the ludicrous possibilities. Then turns to Renard, "Would we?"

"Oh, ho, ho! Good! Fancy Demon buy friends and Kai ale then crush Night!" The barbarian laughs excitedly. "Kai follow Fancy Demon!"

Kai's hands thud on the shoulders of the clerics as he "gently" pats them with enthusiasm.

Oof! Quetza, who at the moment was trying to not be noticed in the conversation, finds himself lurching forward at Kai's "pat", the wind temporarily knocked out of him. A-a little lighter... next time.. please. He straightens himself out after he regains his breath, neatening out his clothes.

He looks over the motley crew, at this point having resigned himself to his fate. I probably can't back out now even if I tried... He nervously looks at the Tiefling, thankful that the physiology of Aarakocra didn't show expression very well. Quetza Kontor... at your service.

Why do I suddenly feel like a mouse in the world's strangest menagerie?

Phumas' heart sinks seeing another tiefling, seemingly also in a position of power. Do not worry my lord, I know how to take orders. I am Phumas Najhem of the Arcane caste

Even the large Minotaur reels from the Goliath's friendly camaraderie. Steadying himself, he look directly up at the giant standing next to him, "Yes, well... Kai when this is all over I will happily join you in a toast with some sacramental wine! Clerics of Reyna are not prohibited from the 'drink' as it were. At least not in Minotaur culture!" As he is saying this, Narbo reaches across the barbarian and helps to balance Quetza and re-adjust his garments, giving the Aarakocra a slight wink.

"In fact, it is practically implied that on long ocean voyages when the ship's Cleric leads the daily prayers to Reyna for calm seas they are accompanied by much wine toasting! Haha! However, the Knight Comander speaks wisdom. We would not want to cloud our judgement at the outset of an expedition as important as ours. Now then, I agree with the Lady Beren III and our Knight Commander. Let us adjourn to a more... discretionary location and receive this briefing from the Sergeant. It would behoove us to get more comfortable with what we are about to endure as well as with each other!"

I smile even more broadly as I just barely stop myself from laughing out loud as I look at the minotaur's hooves. I like that one. Although I have no idea how anyone's judgement can possibly be clouded by drink. If anything, better decisions are made after several rounds of ale!

Great! Then it is decided. Which way shall we go, then? I motion to the others that we should get moving.

Narbo gives the king a somber nod and as he turns to walk with the rest of group he catches Xana's wide grin while staring at his feet. Oh no, did I step in something?! No... and my hooves look perfectly groomed as usual. I wonder what she finds so funny about my hooves... My hooves.... He is lost in deep thought as the group heads off, scratching his head and staring at his feet.

Why so serious? We've totally got this. And if not, well, we probably would've all died anyway so at least this way we can say we tried something. And hell, if we actually succeed just think of how much gold I'll be rolling in...

"This is going to be a lo-o-o-ong journey...", thought Renard as gnome was putting a twist on his words. "Narbo Quills is correct, I've meant only alcohol."

"Lord? Did I miss something?", Renard was slightly surprised by the way genassi addressed him, "Pleasure to met you, Phumas Najhem. But alas, we should move towards the castle now."

Renard gives salute to the king, "Yes, Your Majesty! We will definetly succeed on this mission!", and he follows the ranger, "Why His Majesty insisted on gathering volunteers is beyond me... Few of my knights, some Tower wizards and one pr two rangers would be much more suited for this mission. But His Majesty was very adamant on his decision... He must've had some reasons, that are very important."

As he followed the group, Quetza tries his best to keep the names memorized. However, with a lack of real conversation on his end, he figures that he should at least talk to somebody. If this journey will be the end of me, may as well get to know who I'm with...

He moves next to the minotaur as he walks, gulping a little before looking up at him. So... erm... Narbo, was it? H-how long have you been a cleric?

Narbo is still lost in concentration and doesn't register someone is talking to him right away. Hooves... Hooves... Cleric... Wait, Cleric? He shakes himself out of his current train of thought, looks up and sees Quetza engaging him in conversation. "Why yes, Narbo Quills it *is* my good man! How long have I? A Cleric...?" Narbo cocks his head and looks confused, like he was just asked a trick question.

"Well, I suppose have been a Cleric my whole life! I was born in the holy city of Hoptar, which is really just one giant cathedral that all of us priests, clerics, and acolytes call home. I suppose officially I was given the title of Cleric on my most recent namesake day, just 3 moons ago." Goodness, is that all it's been? So much has happened since then... "Anyway, everyone in Hoptar is raised from birth to practice the teachings of Reyna and preach them to the citizens of Choss Mar'ak in some form or another. The main duties of a Cleric such as myself consist of traveling from town to town, arbitrating disputes, blessing newborns and weddings, sometimes we serve as a special preacher on holy days, things of that nature. I remember one time when I was still in training my teacher, Cleric Raiben, took me to the village of Tchar'Ghen during one of the worst storms our chronicler has on record to this day..."

Narbo prattles on for a block or two, absolutely thrilled that a fellow worshiper of Reyna is interested in talking shop with him, but very aware of the difference in personality between himself and Quetza. I wonder why a worshiper of the storm-god would be so fidgety and nervous? Surely we have crossed paths because Reyna wishes us to learn of each other's cultures and gain strength through our differences!

"...needless to say those children grew up to be *champion* sailors! Am I right? Ha ha ha! Ahhhh, anyway... What of you Quetza? How did you find the calling? Tell me everything!" At this point Narbo becomes very attentive. One of the few things that shuts his brain and his mouth up is hearing the stories of others and learning about other people and places.

The Aarakocra listens intently, though when asked about his own career he visibly hesitates a little, his left hand/talon rubbing his Storm-Speaker bracelet nervously. He looks down a bit as he speaks, his wings twitching a bit.

W-well... it was only about three years ago that I began. The way my village works... Apet, if you've heard of it, it's on the Halia Coast... He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a hastily written map of the Halia Coast and its location relative to the rest of Sieldar, on the far west coast. The village of Apet is pointed out on there, but the language of the map and its descriptions is in Aarakocra, the map itself of poor quality. It's a terrible map, I know... A-anyways, how us Aarakocra on the coast work is... we only have one cleric per village, of Reyna. They're called the S-storm-Speaker... meant to mediate between us Aarakocra that rely on the sea to survive... I'm that for my village... or at least was. T-they blamed me for... the darkness... once it settled in, and I was already bad at my job... the village was evacuated, and... here I am...

He looks away in shame afterwards, his wings drooping as he pulls his hood over his head.

Eying up the party's, he decides that the safest bet would be to socialise within his skill caste, as the religious ones were doing, he makes his way over to the gnome.

"I do find it strange we are not to drink ale, in a city like this I would not trust the waters! Perhaps this place is like the great city of Alq'Alon, through which purest water flows day and night." Now that he has spent some time in her arcane presence, and coming from lands where Pact magic is actually quite common he determines your casting technique and enquires, "So with whom have you made your pact?"

As Quetza tell his story Narbo's face starts out in excited attentiveness, then quickly turns to sorrow as the tale goes on. "By Reyna's tears what a heavyhearted story! Truly you have suffered a hardship, but you mustn't blame your people. It's as my mother always said, 'In times of great strife when no answer can be found, a ship will turn on it's Captain, regardless.' But more importantly than that you mustn't blame yourself!" and his brow furrows, as it does when he is in deep thought. Could this be a sign? It *must* be, it's far to big to be just a coincidence...

He pulls out his gnarled wooden club and stares at it... Stares *through* it to another time and place. A deep split can be seen in the wood that looks like a perfectly straight angled lightning bolt. After a moment more Narbo replaces the club in the loop on his belt and lets out a great *SNORT* from his long snout and stamps one hoof, signifying an important decision has been reached. He turns to Quetza, stopping him mid-stride and puts a hand on his shoulder, staring him straight in the eyes. "Quetza Kontor, I believe Reyna has set both of us on a path. A path that has led us to meet each other in this time and this place. It is no coincidence two Clerics of Reyna just happen to volunteer for this critical mission. Where it leads I do not know, but I believe we each have expertise the other will need to reach it's end. Are you with me?" Narbo's other hand is extended out in front of their faces.

How forward. I knew I'd like this one. And he glows.

Pure water, huh? That sounds just marvelous. As to a "pact"... this may surprise you, but I'm actually quite single. Why do you ask? I give him a wink.

Pact. Now that's a lovely way of describing marriage. It's like... a promise to be true to your lover. Oh, if only dear Anzu could have kept such a promise to me. We could be swimming in a pile of gold right about now. Sigh.

Quetza simply blinks in astonishment as he looks up at the minotaur for a brief moment, hesitant. I've never really met someone like this before... After all, he saw how much of a klutz I am, that I'm not good at anything. But... I suppose it would be nice to know him better, as I've never really met somebody like me in terms of being a cleric of Reyna either. Maybe I can learn from him... to be better, I guess. Nobody else here I can identify with, anyway.

He extends a talon to shake Narbo's hand. I... I think I'm with you. Thank you. Guess we all need a friend in this situation.