Timothy's talk goes late into the night with Copernicus about the possibilities of trade with Haven. During this time, Jarik finally returned with Ankhl after having kept the other parties from interfering. As Timothy curls up on some blankets by the tree home and nods off, Delachiel has wandered off deeper into the forest where she can rest against a tree and look at the reflection of the moon in the quietly moving waters.
The Xardeth sits still, only the wind moving her silk veils every now and then. Despite the day's events she has not dared to let down her mask.
A soft crunching of leaves can be heard behind the Xardeth. Someone is approaching.
Delachiel turns her head slowly, not wanting to destroy her cover of darkness.
"May I speak with you for a bit, Lady Delachiel...?" asks the familiar voice of Jarik.
Delachiel stands up and greets the knight with a bow. ~~Please.~~
Jarik finds a tree to sit against. "You don't need the veils here, Delachiel. No one is near." He turns to look out over the river, "How much did I tell you of my home? I don't remember."
Delachiel hesitates, but finally drops the veils, leaving her hood up. Only the occasional ray of moonlight brings out a glimpse of white hair or the edge of an eyebrow. ~~Not very much. There wasn't that much time, regrettably.~~
Jarik chuckles softly, "There's much to tell, really. It's not a big place, but it has quite a bit of history to it. My order has about one thousand years worth recorded now." He turns to look at Delachiel, "Part of it is why I'm here now. I...didn't travel off world just to visit people, unfortunately."
Delachiel tilts her head, looking at the knight with more curiosity now. Some of her hair falls out from under the hood, a streak of white on the dark tunic.
Jarik's ear twitches, "We even have records of your people there. But, thats not really why I came looking for you. I need help, Delachiel. Something may happen there soon I'm not sure I can stop.""
There's a tiny nod. ~~Please, take a seat and tell me more.~~
Jarik sits next to the tree he's been leaning on. "My order has been the guardians of my home for almost one thousand years. It was born during a time known as 'Shadowtime' on my home. It was a time of death and decay. Something, some sort of creature, was feeding off the life on my world."
Delachiel nods again, prompting Jarik to continue. She settles down as well, almost facing the fox.
Delachiel crosses her arms tightly against her chest as she listens.
Jarik says, "We began as one knight, actually. His name was lost over the centuries, but that isn't important. He was given the sword I now carry when he saved a dragon's life, as well as knowledge and use of magic. He used those abilities to help others and to construct the order's home in the 'Shadowed Mountains' of Crydon. He vanished on the day the 'shadowtime' supposedly ended. That was just considered a myth by everyone. Until now."
~~The draining has begun again?~~
Jarik shakes his head, "No. But it might. I was looking through the archives back home and encountered 'The First's' journal. The last lines in it hint at something horrible."
Delachiel nods and mutters, ~~A thousand years...~~
Jarik says, "The last entry in the journal was dated one day before the shadowtime ended. All it said was: "It is time to journey into the abyss of Crydon, it's resting place. I do not know if I can stop him, but, I must have hope. Life depends on this. If it takes my very soul, he will be stopped, here and now. If I do not return, I pass leadership to Eiralis, my son. I ask of him to finish this journal, record that I lived and died with honor." And nothing more was written in the journal by him. On the last page was a small entry by Eiralis..." "
Delachiel listens, perfectly quiet now.
Jarik says, "I have found no trace of my father, save for his sword, the gift from the dragon he befriended. It was laying in a cave in front of a great door. The door had no hinges, no handles, nothing except for a simple inscription: When all has turned full circle, I will be free." What could it mean? Is it from my father, or...from the creature?"
~~And the full circle?~~
Jarik says, "In less than two months, a circle of moving stars will appear around my world. This happens once every thousand years according to our astronomers. I'm worried this is what the 'Full Circle' is."
~~Sounds very reasonable.~~ The elfess leans back against a tree. ~~Do you have more knowledge of this original threat or how to thwart it? Any research or magical hints?~~
Jarik says, "And if it is, whatever is behind that door will be free again."
Jarik says, "No, I don't. That is why I am here. The first was the most powerful of the order ever. My skills don't even begin to compare, nor do the two others. No records on how it was stopped exist. Only the first knew how, and it followed him to his grave."
Delachiel examines the knight's face. ~~Quite a challenge, indeed, and heavy burden of responsibility.~~ She folds her fingers. ~~And why is it that you travel across great distances to find me on this faraway world?~~
Jarik looks at the water again, "The records of your race speak that they delve into the very depths of darkness and evil... I was hoping perhaps you might know what it is I'm facing."
Delachiel water flows by, as the elfess sits motionless. She finally speaks, her voice as beautiful as before, yet changed. ~~Some of my race would know, no doubt. I'm afraid I cannot help you there, though. I've experienced one creature feeding on souls and the energy of the land, though, from a different world.~~
Jarik says, "I have been to the abyss the book spoke of. It is a forsaken place, considered cursed and evil. Howling sounds can be heard that pierce to the bone. There is, indeed, a door with the inscription as mentioned."
Jarik tilts his head, "Where? What was this creature?"
~~The world we fled from. An old dragon, called Vorgulremik.~~
Jarik nods slightly, "The creature of the shadowtime was not of 'flesh'. It moved as a shadow over the land, devouring everything it touched."
~~This creature was a real one, but it was banished away since it couldn't be killed. From the shadowy corner of the plain of nightmares it still extended its influence over the land.~~
Jarik says, "I'm not sure if it can be destroyed. It can be imprisoned, it seems."
Jarik hms, "Then I do need to speak to Kainudy, it seems."
Delachiel falls silent again. With a reserved voice she finally agrees, ~~She might know more about the threat, if indeed it is similar.~~
Jarik says, "I came to gather people to help. I ask you now, will you help me? Refusal is understandable, this isn't your world. The likelihood of not surviving is also high. Even I would be tempted to refuse if it were not my home."
Delachiel asks softly, ~~Are you asking me as an expert of evil, or for some other reason.~~
Jarik says, "Partially. Mainly because you are a friend."
Delachiel nods slowly. ~~I will offer my help.~~
Jarik says, "I do have a plan. I'm hoping it may work, but... One of you will have to do something that may not be easy."
~~Doing the right thing seldomly is.~~
Jarik looks directly at Delachiel, "Yes, but...could you kill me without hesitation?"
The Xardeth shrugs. ~~Depends on the circumstances. I need to have a good reason for it.~~
Jarik says, "Well, as warning, you may have to."
Delachiel nods quietly, still baffled by the knight's trust. ~~Why?~~
Jarik says, "The creature is without form. I plan to give it a mortal form."
Delachiel nods. ~~Are you sure it will die if it's mortal form is killed? And -- just in case -- I'm sure you will set the fate of your world before the fate of your dark friend.~~
Jarik says, "I'm not sure of anything. I'm hoping to find another way."
Delachiel nods. ~~Who else will you be working with?~~
Jarik says, "As many as I can gather. I need to locate Kainudy, Zilvar, and Copernicus. All have abilities that may help. And my two students."
Delachiel nods. ~~Copernicus you have. Do you know where to find Kainudy and Zilvar? Frankly, I do not see what use I am, compared to any of them.~~
Jarik says, "I have an idea how to locate Kainudy. Zilvar, I do not know." He raises an eyebrow, "Because a friend is a better ally than a stranger.""
~~When do you wish to leave?~~
Jarik says, "As soon as possible. I need to speak with Copernicus still. But, two or three days is likely."
Delachiel nods. ~~I'll gather my belongings by then.~~
Jarik nods, "Alright. Thank you..."
Delachiel watches the river quietly.
Jarik snerks.
Jarik looks at the sky, "You radiate emotions to a extreme extent, you know."
Delachiel begins to shield her mind, scared. After a moment of thought she turns away and nods. ~~You're very trusting. I will try not to let you down.~~
Delachiel sighs, then turns back with a smile, as if nothing had happened. ~~What is the sky like in your world?~~
Jarik chuckles to himself, "A block only makes it easier to read. Fear amplifies a lot. I trust because there is little time to not trust. The worst that could happen is I fail." He looks back to Delachiel, "Do not worry about what I think of you. A race does not define a single individual." He blinks, "My sky? At night, millions of stars, bright. Two moons and shimmers of color. The day, just a soft blue."
A stab of pain at the mention of brightness. ~~It sounds very pretty. I hope you succeed.~~
Jarik leans back against the tree, "Time will tell. It always does."
Delachiel nods. ~~I think we should head back now.~~
Jarik nods slightly, "You can if you want. I think I'll stay here tonight. I need to think on some things."
Delachiel makes a mental note to refresh her psychic shields. ~~I will see you later, Knight Jarik.~~ She bows deeply, and walks away into the dark forest, quietly fastening her veils as she fades into the darkness.
Jarik closes his eyes, "Good eve to you, Lady Delachiel."