Quo Vadimus
by RadjanPrologue | Past, Part I | Past, Part II | Past, Part III | Past, Part IV | Present, Part I | Quest, Part I | Quest, Part II | Present, Part II | Past, Part V | Past, Part VI | Present, Part III | Past, Part VII | Present, Part IV | Wedding
Prologue
The room was deathly quiet and equally as dark. Strumm slowly lifted his head from his hands, clasped in prayer, to squint into the darkness. His face was still frozen in a scowl when a scratching sound was heard at the door. He recognized the flint on steel as a candle flared to life. As his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the flame, the figure behind it also came into focus."Greetings, Grungi," he said quietly, his deep baritone echoing in the chamber.
Grungi did not respond, but came to sit across from his friend at the large oak table. Strumm's eyes shifted from Grungi's face to the infinite darkness behind him.
"I am sorry, Strumm," he said in hushed tones.
Strumm slowly closed his eyes and tried to swallow, "Thank you for being here."
Grungi shifted slightly on the oak bench. He started to say something, but remained silent, instead. There really was not anything he could say or do to ease the pain his friend was experiencing. Strumm shifted his gaze to look into Grungi's face.
The flame on the candle was strong and steady.
After awhile, Grungi softly cleared his throat and said, "I recall hearing about the night you met her." Strumm's mouth curved slightly upward and he nodded, remembering.
Minutes dissolved into hours as the two friends sat in comfortable silence, staring into the darkness.
Past, Part I
Tristadorn was in the zone. Strumm smiled to himself. He had not seen Trist for many seasons. Strumm remembered the day he sold a full set of banded to the young paladin, loaning him some of the pieces until payments could be made. He also recalled that the noble man went out of his way to pay him every copper due for the set. Trist had adventured long and hard and had far surpassed Strumm in seasons. It would be good to talk with him again."Greetings, Tristadorn. It has been many ages since I have seen you." Strumm said to the paladin in a tell.
"Strumm!" Tristadorn replied, "Where are you?"
"I am in Mistmoore Castle, near the cemetery. I am waiting for my brother, Plukk, to join me. I noticed you were in the zone, also. Are you adventuring nearby?"
"I am helping a friend in a quest to obtain her Nightshade Wreath in the Maid's Room. When Plukk zones in, why don't the two of you join us?"
"Certainly. We should arrive shortly."
"It will be good to see you again, old friend."
"Aye."
The cemetery in Mistmoore Castle is not a frightening place if one understands how the creatures behave who inhabit the area. Strumm began to play Shauri's Sonorous Clouding and he disappeared from sight. An unusually strong sense of excitement suddenly filled his heart. Then, just as quickly, an equally as strong sense of forboding replaced it.
Plukk.
Strumm sighed. Plukk would be bringing news of some new questing adventure, he guessed. He had seen so little of his brother this past visit. He hoped this new quest, whatever it was, would not keep him away for long.
As the soft mist encircled him, he began to explore.
Past, Part II
His brother was going to kill him.Plukk knew that his family did not understand the risks he took to please his liege lord, but Strumm would fair worse. He could feel the sense of dread building within him as the information he knew he must share with his brother weighed heavy on his shoulders. His body slumped forward slightly as if the weight were real.
He guessed, also, that his brother already knew. As twins, they had an uncanny knack for sensing each other's thoughts and actions. When they were younger, their mother could not punish one for some misdeed without, unknowingly, punishing the other. It was as if they not only shared the same looks and features as twins normally do, but also, in some fashion, shared the same mind and soul.
As bards, they grew up in a musical family. Their parents were both bards of the highest song. They knew a strong sense of family and commitment. The family d'Tune spent most of their time together, adventuring, exploring. They knew every kilometer of most of Antonica and they anxiously awaited the opportunity to explore the new land known as Kunark.
That level of exploration, however, required that the young bards gain more seasons of song. Each one valiantly studied and gained experience. For once that season was achieved, family tradition dictated that they would be given their surname. A privilege honored for generations in the family d'Tune.
Plukk sighed. It was going to be a long evening, and the bright sun of Norrath had not yet dipped beyond the Lesser Faydark mountains. He stopped playing his song of Selo's and slowed to a crawl. He was not yet prepared to meet his brother.
He knew that this next quest would deny both of them their surnames.
Past, Part III
"Nay, m'lady," Tristadorn said, "Maid Issis has not yet spawned."Radjan sighed. The hour was late and she was weary. "I am sorry, m'lord. I had no idea this quest would take as long as it has. We can leave, if you desire."
Tristadorn smiled, "Not to worry, Radjan. A Nightshade Wreath I have promised you, and a Nightshade Wreath you shall have. We have the room to ourselves and you are gaining quite a bit of experience, are you not? Besides, I am in the best company this eve."
Radjan grinned at Tristadorn and glanced at the beautiful wood elf bard singing sweetly beside the bed, "Aye, m'lord. Thank you both, very much."
"The night shall become more interesting, m'lady." Tristadorn said, slyly, winking at Rowyn, "We are going to have company."
Radjan smiled politely, but was in no mood to greet company. She crawled onto the dusty bed and sat cross-legged, meditating, her mind clearing from Rowyn's song of clarity. She regained only half her mana before Tristadorn warned her of another incoming creature. She stood for the time it took to cast her most effective disease and poison spells, then sat again, ready to heal, if necessary.
It took only a few minutes for Tristadorn and Rowyn, both well along in their seasons, to down the sneering gargoyle. Radjan continued to meditate.
"I shall return momentarily. Our company has arrived." Tristadorn said.
Radjan simply nodded. The sheets and soft blankets which had been gloriously comfortable and luxurious in their day were now rotted and dusty. But to Radjan, who was exhausted, they looked very inviting. She let her eyelids droop as she sat among them, meditating.
Past, Part IV
"Follow me, bardmeat." Tristadorn teased.Strumm laughed, "Is that what I shall be, Sir Tristadorn?"
Tristadorn scowled, "Do not use that ridiculous ephitet, bard. I am a simple paladin."
Strumm grinned, "The day you are a 'simple paladin' is the day I fight along side you on the planes."
"You shall fight there one day, Strumm." Tristadorn replied, as he led him down the dark hallway into the maid's room.
"Plukk will be joining us soon."
"Ah, yes! Your brother. How is he?"
"He is well, I believe. I do not see him often. He has the heart of an adventurer and much prefers the neverending quests our leige lord offers him."
They had reached the maid's room. "It is safe to remove your song of clouding now."
Strumm glanced around the room. The blue lights from a fellow bard filled the chamber and danced across the inhabitants. He saw the wood elf as she sang her song of clarity. The rest of the room was empty, save for a couple of bureaus and a massive oak bed.
A deathly usher screamed, "Do not underestimate the might of Mistmoore! Barbarians like you are better left dead than alive!"
Strumm looked for the source of the usher's wrath and his eyes came to rest upon a red-headed barbarian female, sitting squarely in the center of the bed. The usher struck her and she stood, her head nearly touching the ceiling. She seemed unaware of the usher as it punched her a second time. Strumm could not take his eyes off of this formidable woman. The smattering of freckles across her nose gave her a child-like quality, but he could see the maturity in her green-flecked eyes and the strength in her body.
She bowed before him.
"Greetings," she smiled.
"M'lady," Strumm breathed.
Present, Part I
Strumm refocused his eyes from the shadowy darkness beyond Grungi, to the candle burning low on the table before him. Dark red wax dripped like blood, cascading slowly down the long taper onto the shallow tin saucer. Grungi looked into his friend's eyes. Part of his friend was dying.Grungi cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak. Strumm heard the soft sound and shifted his hollow gaze from the flame to his friend's face.
"She is not gone, Strumm. Not yet."Strumm lowered his eyes. The bright flame from the candle flickered and reflected the pain etched in his handsome face. "Nay, my friend," he swallowed hard, "Not yet."
"When..." Grungi began.
"It will not be long, Grungi. The wings continue..." Strumm stopped as a knock sounded at the door.
The door, which had not been latched, eased open slowly and a small figure appeared. An aura of lights surrounded the child, twinkling merrily. As the maiden entered the chamber, the lights followed, dancing around her and bouncing off every dull surface. The glow from the candle, which had been so bright, dulled against the onslaught.
The child carried a heavy tray, laden with two tankards of ale and a loaf of warm, crusty bread. Strumm and Grungi both rose to assist the girl with the tray, but the child was quick and nimble and blithely placed her encumbrance upon the oak table. She smiled sweetly at Strumm and curtsied.
"For your refreshment, m'lord." She giggled.
Strumm bowed and remained standing. The child was no more than six seasons. She had hair the color of a Norrathian sunset and her strong green eyes peered at him from beneath corn silk lashes. Her pointed ears were small and dainty. Her lips, pink with youth, turned upward in a mischievous grin. She giggled again under his scrutiny.
The giggle caused a tightening in Strumm's chest. He recognized the laughter. It echoed in his brain as he searched his memory for the source. Nothing. He could not place the sound. He shook his head to clear it and smiled at the youngster.
"Thank you, child," Strumm said politely.
"Tis my pleasure, m'lord." She turned to leave, the dancing blue lights blinking steadily around her.
Strumm called her back, "What is your name, child?" he asked.
The maiden stopped and turned to face Strumm, "I am Arietta," she said, grinning.
Strumm had no reason to recognize the name, but he could not rid himself of the overwhelming sense of familiarity. He watched as the child exited the chamber, taking her blue lights with her. Then he sat and reached for a stein. He took a long draught.
Quest, Part I
"Fancy meeting you here, light one," the sensual female whispered near his ear.Plukk stared at the flames flickering in the hearth. He did not blink. "You summoned me, m'lady." He said flatly.
The woman snaked soundlessly around him. He could feel her fingers touch him as she circled behind him. Her fingers slowly moved up his neck and she entwined them in his dark, wavy hair. The caress made him shiver slightly and he cursed inwardly for his lack of self-control. The dark elf sensed his discomfort and grinned evilly. She moved her hand from his head down his back and rested it firmly on his buttocks, squeezing slightly. She delighted in his discomfort.
He continued to stare at the flames dancing in front of him. The dark elf moved slowly around him. He could feel her breath as her mouth came near his ear. It was hot and moist and Plukk did not know how long he could maintain his composure.
"You are a fine looking bard," his tormentor hissed, "you will serve me well."
"Aye, m'lady," he replied.
She stood before him and looked into his eyes. He did not look at her and this infuriated the dark elf. She reached up and took his face in both hands, forcing him to look into her dark face.
"I will have you, bard!" She snapped.
"I will serve you, m'lady," He said.
The woman sneered and shoved him away, "You do not comprehend me, Plukk," she growled in a low voice, "I will have you."
Plukk did not move. "I will serve you, madam. I will not bed you."
The dark elf moved toward the velvet-covered table in the corner of the room. The table was stocked with decanters of wine. She uncorked one and poured the blood-red liquid into two silver-encrusted goblets. She walked slowly over to Plukk and handed him the drink. He accepted the grail with a steady hand.
"We shall see," the woman whispered and raised the goblet to her lips. Plukk continued to stare at the fire, but raised his own goblet as well. He took a sip of the elixir and it felt like liquid fire as it flowed down his throat and into his body.
The dark elf screamed with ecstasy. She lowered her goblet and threw it into the fire.
The last sound Plukk heard was the ensuing explosion and the faint sound of maniacal laughter.
Quest, Part II
Plukk awoke in a dark chamber. He squinted into the darkness but nothing came into focus. It was deathly quiet. One hand was resting on his chest, the other lay lifeless beside him. The effects of the drug were slow to dissipate. Soon, he sighed to himself, his body would grow used to the poison and he would become immune. Then she would use something stronger. He shuddered to think of the strength of the next poison.He reached his hand upward to rest on the talisman hung around his neck. His fingers wrapped slowly around the intricately carved stone. His finger traced the figures engraved on it. The figures represented ancient letters. When he was young, he had asked his father the meaning of the words. His father only laughed and told him he would know what they meant when the time was right. And he would understand their meaning.
"Quo Vadimus." Plukk whispered to the darkness. The words held as much meaning today as they did when he was a child. Nothing.
He gripped the talisman tightly, his thumb feeling for the deep notch cut from the bottom. There was a piece missing from his talisman, but he was not alarmed. He knew who wore the missing half. Strumm's talisman was a duplicate of Plukk's. The notches on the underside of each of the stones fit together to form a perfect rune. The rune, as a whole, would be handed down to the next set of twins born to the d'Tune family. It was the last step to be completed before Plukk and Strumm would be given their surname and their rightful position in the clan.
Plukk felt someone stir beside him and he turned his head sharply toward the sound. An intense pain in his temples greeted him and he winced, but did not cry out.
"Tis not yet morning, m'lord," a small voice whispered.
Plukk relaxed and silently prayed for the throbbing in his head to cease. It was not the evil one. It was his own beloved. He moved closer to her and tried in vain to gather her into his numb arms. She realized his intent and rolled on her side, her head resting on his shoulder.
"The effects of the mask stayed with me longer this time," she said, her voice catching.
"I know, my love," he whispered.
He moved his hand from the talisman to her face, stroking it softly. Her skin was thin and fragile from the mask. He did not know how much longer she could endure the torment.
"Plukk..." she began, her voice choking with tears.
Plukk closed his eyes and waited for her to continue. He already knew what she was going to say. He had been waiting for this announcement for a long time, knowing that it would be the beginning of the end for him and for his family.
"...I am with child."
Present, Part II
The empty steins littered the chamber floor. All that was left of the candle was a giant mass of soft red wax. Grungi lay sprawled on the hard oak bench next to the table, crumbs of bread caught in his beard and moustache. He was snoring.Strumm smiled at the sound. He had not slept. He could not sleep. In a months time, the woman with whom he was in love would be gone forever -- bidden by the gods to become some powerful spirit to protect her people. He had spent the night trying to decide what course of action he could take to prevent this from happening. But as the dawn broke over the horizon and spilled into the chamber, he still had no solution.
All he did know was that he felt helpless. This feeling enraged him and he could feel his face burning with indignation at the thought of feeling so weak. He realized he had spent the night in this chamber with Grungi, who had slowly drunk himself into a stupor. He had spent the night without her beside him. Then the thought struck him. If he only had one month to spend with his beloved, why was he spending any amount of time without her? There was only one thing he could do which would not make him feel helpless. He cursed inwardly for not thinking of this sooner.
Strumm sprang to his feet. The oak bench on which he was sitting caught on the cobblestone floor and toppled backward with a resounding crash. Grungi stirred at the sudden sound and rolled over, falling with a thud onto the floor. Strumm heard him groan.
"Grung!" He shouted.
Grungi lifted his hand to his head and cringed, "Owww..." he moaned.
"I need your help! Now!"
Grungi moaned again and rolled into a ball, shutting his eyes tightly. Strumm strolled around the table and reached down to grab Grungi by his collar, lifting him up. Grungi's head drooped forward, his eyes still closed.
"Wake up!" Strumm said, shaking the dwarf.
Grungi's eyes opened and he stared, bleary-eyed, at his best friend.
"What a way to arise, bard," he groaned, his hand reaching for his aching head.
"I need your help, Grungi. Now. Let's go."
"What?" Grungi said, "Where?"
"I have to find Radjan. I have a question for her."
Past, Part V
A song of clouding surrounded Plukk as he entered the narrow passage into Mistmoore Castle. Corpses of fallen soldiers lay upon the ground. Dozens of them, curled into fetal positions. Some almost escaped through the zone wall, but were felled before they reached safety. Others fell on the gentle hill, rolling into the darkness below.He heard shouts from nearby. A woman screamed. It was a blood curdling sound and it sent a feeling of dread through him. He knew he was safe, however, as he continued to play his song.
There was no avoiding this meeting with Strumm. He must tell his brother about this quest. This, his last quest. He was coming to say goodbye. He thought about the events which had brought him so far. He sat for a moment, recapping the actions and words of the dark elf. The dark elf by night and his beloved by day. He reached up to grasp the talisman which hung around his neck.
His lover was with child. His child. Most likely two of them. Twins. His children should be the rightful recipients of the talismen. Then he and Strumm would be given their surnames and the torch would be passed to the next generation of d'Tunes. But this was not to be.
His lover had been cursed with an evil magical mask which, when activated, gave her the illusion of a dark elf. She had no control over the mask. In the beginning, the mask was hardly ever activated. And when it was, it had no lingering or lasting effects. Plukk used to joke with his lover about being attracted to her "dark side." But then, as time went by, it was activated more often and with lasting effects. When the mask was activated, she became the persona of a dark elf. She became evil. He spent many years questing to find a cure for his beloved. His answer finally came from his liege lord.
The ancient mask had a flaw. A piece was missing from the chin area. If he could find the missing piece and insert the piece into the mask, it would be destroyed. However, his beloved would be destroyed, as well. He searched for an alternate solution and found it within himself. In order to save his love and her unborn children from the mask, he would place the missing piece into the mask, then attempt to transfer the mask to himself. He would be destroyed, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make.
Because he had found the piece. It was the talisman. His talisman. He had not yet attempted to put the talisman into the mask, but he knew it would fit and he knew it would destroy the mask. Now, with his lover carrying his children, he must attempt to destroy the mask soon, before it effects the babes and takes complete control over his love.
All that remained was saying goodbye.
Past, Part VI
"Gate!" Tristadorn shouted, "Go! We'll be fine!"Radjan knew the drill. Strumm would be able to run to the zone using Selos, and Tristadorn and Rowyn could hold their own, but she would never make it if she ran. She must cast her gate spell and create a portal which would take her to safety.
She looked into Strumm's eyes and began to cast.
"I'll see you on the other side," she said.
-----
Radjan gated to her bind point which was just outside the zone to Mistmoore Castle. She remained alert, as there were new dark elves, the Teir'Dal, who inhabit the Lesser Faydark zone, adjacent to Mistmoore Castle. Although they were not a threat to her normally, they would be now with her health so low.
She healed herself, then waited for her friends. When they did not arrive in a timely manner, she grew concerned. She cast invisibility and spirit sight upon herself and zoned back into Mistmoore Castle. She spotted Strumm near the zone. He was singing Shauri's Sonorous Clouding, but was visible to her through her spirit sight.
"There you are," she said to him, "Where are the others?"
The bard turned toward the sound, "Hello, m'lady."
"Where are the others?"
"Pardon me?"
"Tristadorn and Rowyn. Where are they?"
"Rowyn is here?!" The bard cried in astonishment.
"Of course she is here. Do you not remember? What is the matter with you?"
"I must find her!" He shouted, ignoring her.
"She was right behind you. What is wrong, Strumm?"
Radjan heard a voice behind her, "He is not Strumm, m'lady... I am."
Radjan turned around and saw an exact duplicate of the bard with whom she was just conversing. She blushed.
"Pardon me, m'lord," she said, bowing, "You both look..."
Strumm beamed a smile at her, "Radjan, meet Plukk, my twin brother."
Radjan turned to make Plukk's acquaintance, but he had disappeared down the steep slope, deeper into Mistmoore Castle.
Present, Part III
He raced eastward along the river in West Karana, following the small path on which many feet have trod. The journey was long for many, but for Strumm who played his Mistmoore Drums and sang Selo's it was short.Soon he found himself in North Karana crossing the large stone bridge into South Karana. Why Radjan was here in South Karana, he would never know. Lately, she had been spending much of her time in the city of Firiona Vie working on her alchemy skills. He winced inwardly at the thought of her alchemedic powers growing stronger every day. Soon, she would become a Master Alchemist and the calling of the Spirit would be complete. And she would be gone from him forever.
Strumm's stomach knotted, but he continued his journey into South Karana. She was near the Centaur Village, according to his keen sense of tracking. He turned eastward and ran. The day was clear and crisp and he could see her standing in a small clump of trees. She was not alone. Strumm could make out two additional people. A tall barbarian man and a male wood elf druid. They were talking urgently with Radjan. They did not notice him as he approached, so he caught a few fragments of their conversation.
"Oh, Janamor," Radjan was on the verge of tears, "No." She was speaking to the tall barbarian, her brother.
"Radjan, listen..." Janamor started, tenderly. He then spotted Strumm and stopped, "Good day, m'lord," he said instead, bowing.
Strumm bowed before Janamor, "Greetings, Janamor."
Whatever he was going to say to his sister would not be revealed. Strumm did not push the issue. He had other, more pressing, thoughts on his mind.
"Hello, my love," Radjan smiled warily at Strumm. He went to her and they embraced.
"Strumm," Radjan said, turning to the druid, "this is Calron Soullite. He is assisting me in helping Janamor gain experience here at the Centaur Village. We have had much success today."
Calron bowed. "'Tis a pleasure to meet you, sir," he said cordially.
"The pleasure is mine, m'lord," Strumm replied, bowing in turn.
An awkward silence followed the light exchange. Radjan finally spoke, "We were just about to leave, my love, to return to Firiona Vie..."
"No, Radjan," Janamor interrupted, "It is done. I will go now with Calron."
Radjan lowered her head mournfully and went to her brother. She looked into his eyes and saw his love for her. She also saw great determination. She could also imagine that those eyes held a reflection of their father in them. As if in a way, he had returned through his son to protect her. Radjan held him tightly and kissed his cheek, "It is done."
Calron and Strumm watched the exchange in silence.
Janamor reached down and brushed a tear off of his sister's face. Then he stepped back and nodded to Calron.
Calron began to cast a spell.
They created a mystical portal and disappeared from sight.
Radjan buried her face in Strumm's shoulder.
"What is it, Radjan?" He asked, holding her and stroking her hair.
"I cannot speak of it now, my love. I am sorry."
"The calling of the Spirit." Strumm whispered.
"Yes."
Strumm strengthened his embrace and buried his face in her hair. He could feel tears beginning to form in his own eyes. He swallowed hard and tried to clear his head. He was determined to make these last few weeks with Radjan happy. He wanted to fill a lifetime of happiness in the time they had left. He broke their embrace and smiled through his tears.
Radjan bravely smiled at Strumm. She looked into his face and grew concerned. She saw the dark bruises under his eyes. He had not slept. She reached up to trace the bruises gently with her fingertips, "My love!" She whispered, "Why have you not slept...?"
Strumm looked into Radjan's eyes and ignored her question. He took her hands into his own, withdrawing them from his face.
He slowly knelt before her and held her left hand tightly. He swallowed hard.
"My dearest Radjan," he whispered tenderly, "will you complete my life, and marry me?"
Radjan gasped in delight, "Oh, my love!" She cried, "Yes!"
Strumm slipped a white and gold band onto her finger and stood before her. Tears of pure joy streamed down Radjan's face. He smiled and kissed them away.
They stood together, in each other's arms, until the bright Norrathian sun slipped over the horizon.
Past, Part VII
Her health was low when he found her at the gate. The corpses of several deathly ushers and sneering gargoyles lay on the ground at her feet. She was pale, bruised and battered, but she had emerged from the fight as the victor. She rose to her feet when she saw him approach. She smiled warily."Morning," she said.
"Rowyn, what are you doing here? It is not safe. We must leave!" Plukk was clearly distressed.
"I am helping the family d'Tune. Ensuring a future generation."
Plukk reached out embraced her. "I do not know what you are talking about. Come, we must leave this place."
Rowyn allowed herself to be led out of Mistmoore Castle. When they arrived in Lesser Faydark, they saw Strumm and Radjan sitting by the valley wall, talking quietly with each other.
Rowyn sat carefully on the mossy ground. Plukk began to play Hymn of Restoration, in harmony with his love. Soon the color began to return to her soft cheeks. She looked up at him and he knelt beside her and kissed her forehead tenderly. "Now," he said, "what is this about ensuring a future generation for the family d'Tune?"
He placed his hand on Rowyn's belly, already slightly swollen. He felt a surge of pride. Rowyn smiled sadly, shook her head and looked across the valley at Strumm, still sitting with Radjan. Plukk followed her gaze and saw his brother. "Who is that?" he asked Rowyn, indicating the tall barbarian.
"Her name is Radjan. She will help ensure the future generation of the d'Tune family."
Plukk was alarmed. He looked quickly at Rowyn, then at her belly, increasing the pressure of his hand. Rowyn nodded sadly, "They are well, my love. You will have two healthy children soon. But they will not know you, will they? You will be gone." A tear rolled down her face. Plukk looked solemnly into his lover's eyes and nodded slowly.
"I must do this." He whispered fiercely.
"You are sacrificing yourself for me and for our babes."
Plukk's gaze was filled with strong determination. It did not waver. "Aye."
Another tear rolled down her cheek. She looked again at Strumm and Radjan. "They will help me raise our children. Go say goodbye, my love," she whispered, "this is why you have come to this place."
Present, Part IV
Arietta.The memory struck Strumm like a bolt of lightning. He sat upright in bed. Plukk's child. The smile, the laughter. Everything about the girl reminded him of Plukk. Radjan stirred beside him but did not wake. Strumm quietly climbed out of bed and crossed the chamber to his writing desk. He opened the cover slowly, as it had a tendency to squeak. He did not light a candle. He knew what he was looking for and he knew where to find it.
His hand reached toward the back of the desk and his fingers felt the old parchment. Slowly he withdrew the foolscap and unrolled it. He placed his hand under the parchment to catch the object he knew would slip from its wrappings.
The talisman felt cold in his hand. The leather string, which was as old as the talisman itself, was beginning to grow stiff and rot. His fingers felt the letters engraved upon the stone. Quo Vadimus. The meaning of which still eluded him. He felt the notch along the base.
He had worn the talisman for as long as he could remember. He had never removed it. Until the day Plukk sacrificed his life for the sake of his love. Strumm felt tears well in his eyes as he sank to the hard cobblestone floor... remembering.
-----
It had happened on the same night he met Radjan. They were seated in the valley just outside of Mistmoore Castle. Strumm smiled slightly, remembering his old mentor, Tristadorn. He wondered where the aged paladin was now? Another person was there, too. A female wood elf bard, much higher in seasons than Strumm. He struggled now with her name. He could not remember. Plukk had arrived late. Very late.
Strumm had been deep in conversation with Radjan when it happened. He saw Plukk out of the corner of his eye. He was holding the female wood elf bard tightly. She was wailing and thrashing about. What caught his attention was Plukk's plea, "No, Innoruuk! Leave her alone!"
Strumm and Radjan leapt to their feet and raced across the small valley. Strumm blinked his eyes rapidly. The wood elf bard was gone. Plukk was struggling with a dark elf. He had his half of the talisman in his hand. The other hand was grasped firmly on the silver mask covering the top half of the dark elf's face.
The dark elf was hissing and screaming at Plukk. She reached out and raked his face with her nails. Blood pooled and dripped from his face. Plukk did not flinch.
"Plukk!" Strumm shouted in terror at the scene.
Plukk did not shift his gaze from the dark elf, "Strumm! My brother!" he cried, "Help me!"
"What?" Strumm replied, dropping to his knees beside his brother, "Tell me what to do, Plukk!"
Plukk took his talisman and tried to fit it into a small hole near the bottom of the dark elf's mask. The woman shrieked and the sound reverberated in their ears. She seized the talisman from Plukk and threw it. Plukk watched in desperation as the talisman rolled out of his reach. Strumm lunged for the stone and handed it quickly back to Plukk.
Plukk forced the stone into the hole in the mask. It was a perfect fit. Lightning began to arc out from the mask, sizzling in the foggy air. Plukk grew more frantic.
"NO!" Plukk screamed, "Wait!" He gripped the mask firmly with both hands and pulled hard.
Plukk turned toward Strumm. For a brief moment, Strumm saw the terror in his brother's eyes. Then he saw peace.
"I understand now. Quo Vadimus. This is where I am going. Take care of them, Strumm. They are our future." Plukk yanked hard on the mask and it came loose. The dark elf lay still, breathing shallowly. Slowly, she transformed from dark elf to wood elf.
Lightning continued to flash from the mask, piercing Plukk's hands and burning his flesh. Plukk slowly turned the mask around and moved it toward his own face. "Goodbye, my brother."
Strumm realized his brother's intent and reached out to stop him. But there was nothing Strumm could do to stop his brother's sacrifice. The mask jerked forward and affixed itself to Plukk's face. Plukk fell to the ground, lifeless. Then, slowly, the lightning subsided and the bright silver began to tarnish. It turned black and curled along the edges. Strumm knelt beside his brother's body and wept silently. Radjan came and knelt behind him. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder but said nothing. There was nothing to say.
The mask curled and twisted for a few more minutes, then it slowly disappeared. Plukk was dead.
-----
Tears rolled down his face as the memories of that night washed over him. He began to sob. The talisman slipped from his fingers and fell to the floor. Soft arms reached out and gathered him close. He continued to sob. Radjan held him for a very long time. Until the darkness of the night crawled back into its hiding place and the soft light of morning sifted into the chamber.
Radjan reached out to pick up the talisman from the floor. She studied it intently. Strumm was silent, but watched her as her fingertips outlined the carving. "Where are we going?" She whispered.
"Now?" Strumm replied, confused.
"No, my love." She said, holding out the stone to him, "Quo Vadimus. Where are we going?" Strumm slowly reached out and accepted the talisman. He read the words again and he understood, just as Plukk had over six seasons ago, just before he died.
The wood elf bard's name came to him then. "Rowyn," he whispered, grasping the talisman tightly, "He loved her very much."
Radjan smiled, "Aye, my love."
"He sacrificed himself for her and for Arietta."
"And Analisa." Radjan reminded him gently.
"Twin bards," Strumm looked sorrowfully down at his talisman, "They should be the rightful owners of the talismen. But the set is not complete. Only mine remains."
Radjan took the talisman from Strumm. She untied the knot and slipped the stone from the brittle leather strap. She reached down and lifted the hem of her nightdress. Colorful ribbons were woven in an intricate pattern along the bottom of her nightdress. She carefully ripped the seam and gently pulled a vibrant blue ribbon from the weave. She threaded the talisman onto the blue ribbon and knotted the end. Then she turned to Strumm who had sat silently, watching.
"Where are we going?" She whispered.
Strumm leaned forward, pulled her to him, and kissed her fiercely and passionately. He knew exactly where they were going.
The Wedding
Elentiri says, "On behalf of Strumm and Radjan Spirit, I would like to welcome thee to this blessed event. For the sake of the bride and groom, I ask that thee be seated, disarm, refrain from casting spells, and do not imbibe in alcoholic beverages until the ceremony is complete."Elentiri says, "You may activate the gifts thee were given following the closing announcement by Rashaun. Please do not activate them prior to or during the ceremony. I thank thee for thy cooperation."
Elentiri says, "Would the wedding party please come forward and take thy places beside the bride and groom?"Laoghaire stands by her sister.
Grungi stands next to Strumm.
Elentiri clears her throat gently for attention, and raises her hands in greeting to the assembled crowd.
Elentiri says, "Dearly beloved!"
Elentiri says, "We are gathered here, in this beautiful setting, in the crisp Everfrost air, to witness and celebrate one of the most wonderful adventures that any two among us can enter upon."
Elentiri says, "For on this fine evening, we gather to lend our support and best wishes to the most joyous of Bindings of Affinity -- that between husband and wife."
Elentiri says, "If there be anyone here who knows just cause why these two - Strumm and Radjan -- should not be wed, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace!"
Elentiri listens intently.
Elentiri nods with satisfaction, and continues.
Elentiri says, "And now, who gives this woman to be wed?"
Brunosi says, "I have known Radjan since the day of her birth. In the memory of her father, Rademus, and her mother, Beathus, I am honored to place her in the care of Strumm, her beloved."
Brunosi hugs Radjan.
Radjan kisses Brunosi's cheek.
Brunosi bows before Strumm.
Strumm bows before Brunosi.
Elentiri beams a smile at Brunosi.
Elentiri says, "The realm of Norrath is wide and wondrous, and many miracles manifest themselves here."Elentiri says, "And it is the lucky adventurer indeed who finds a soul-mate to share such things with him or her ..."
Elentiri says, "For once so bound together, every triumph they share is the sweeter, every tragedy the more bittersweet."
Elentiri says, "To quest alone is noble."
Elentiri smiles.
Elentiri says, "To quest together with thy one true love is magnificent!"
Elentiri says, "And so these two shall be joined together as they share these three things…"
Elentiri says, "Gaol, Delseachd, Cairdeas."
Elentiri says, "Love, Loyalty, Friendship."
Elentiri turns to Strumm.
Elentiri says, "Strumm, does thee take Radjan to be thy lawfully wedded wife ... to have and to hold, in full health and in unconsciousness ...'"
Elentiri says, "... in times of full buffs, fine gear, and many coins, and in times when rabid and poisoned, empty-handed, and without a copper to both thy names …"
Elentiri says, "... through and after ten thousand deaths and resurrections, for as long as ye both shall adventure?"
Strumm turns and looks at his beautiful bride.
Strumm takes her hands into his own.
Strumm says, "I do."
Elentiri nods solemnly, and turns to Radjan.
Elentiri says, "Radjan, does thee take Strumm to be thy lawfully wedded husband ... to have and to hold, in full health and in unconsciousness ..."
Elentiri says, "... in times of full buffs, fine gear, and many coins, and in times when rabid and poisoned, empty-handed, and without a copper to both thy names ..."
Elentiri says, "... through and after ten thousand deaths and resurrections, for as long as ye both shall adventure?"
Radjan is overwhelmed with love and happiness as she answers.
Radjan says, "I do."
Radjan smiles.
Strumm smiles.
Elentiri nods and beams a smile.
Elentiri says, "Strumm and Radjan have already exchanged precious tokens of their love for each other. As a promise toward their future, each of them now equips the Blessed Ring of Nife. Thus, they will now exchange words of prose instead of rings.
Elentiri turns to Martin and smiles, nodding her head slowly.
Martin begins to play an ode to joy.
Radjan softly clears her throat and gazes into the eyes of her beloved.
Radjan says "Hear my cry in my hungering search for you…"
Strumm says "…taste my breath on the wind."
Radjan says "See the sky as it mirrors my colours…"
Strumm says "…hints and whispers begin."
Strumm says "I am living to nourish you,"
Radjan says "…cherish you."
Strumm says "I am pulsing the blood in your veins."
Radjan says "Feel the magic and power and surrender to fate."
Strumm says "Every finger is touching, searching…"
Radjan says "…until your secrets come out."
Strumm says "In the dance, as it endlessly circles…"
Radjan says "…I linger close to your mouth."
Radjan says "I am living to nourish you,"
Strumm says "…cherish you."
Radjan says "I am pulsing the blood in your veins."
Strumm says "Feel the magic and power and surrender to fate."
Radjan feels tears of joy upon her face.
Strumm reaches out to brush her tears away.
Strumm smiles at his beloved.
Elentiri says, "Radjan, repeat after me these solemn words handed down through the ages: "With all of my heart and mind and soul, Strumm, I thee wed."Radjan says, "With all of my heart and mind and soul, Strumm, I thee wed."
Elentiri says, "Strumm, repeat after me these solemn words handed down through the ages: "With all of my heart and mind and soul, Radjan, I thee wed."
Strumm says, "With all of my heart and mind and soul, Radjan, I thee wed."
Elentiri smiles again, more broadly than before.
Elentiri says, "I seal this union with a traditional Norrathian blessing…"
Elentiri places her hand first upon Strumm's head, then on Radjan's, saying,
Elentiri says, "May thee have -- walls for the wind, and a roof for the rain, and drinks bedside the fire…"
Elentiri says, "Laughter to cheer thee, and those thy love near thee, and all that thy heart may desire."
Elentiri says, "I now ask that the gods who rule Norrath guide this couple through all their adventuring in this world, until the end of time.'
Elentiri says, "Tis traditional, but not required, that spouses share, as a symbol of their joint commitment one to another, a common surname. Because Strumm was denied his surname, Radjan would now like to make a request as a gesture of her love and loyalty to him."
Radjan raises her eyes toward the heavens and whispers 'You told me to find my own course and to follow where my heart leads me, mother. I am here now, standing beside Strumm, my beloved. This is where my heart has led me.'Radjan feels the warm, loving presence of her mother wrap around her.
Laoghaire is surrounded by this warmth as well.
Laoghaire beams a smile at her sister and nods in gentle understanding.
Radjan smiles at Strumm.
Radjan says, "For thee, Strumm, that the world may know the depth of my love for thee, I have forsaken the calling of the Spirit. For now and for ever."
Radjan and Laoghaire bow their heads together and say a silent prayer for their brother, Janamor, who has accepted the calling of the Spirit in Radjan's stead.
Elentiri says, "So shall it be, by the power of Rashaun, it shall be done for all time."
Rashaun removes Radjan's surname.
Elentiri says, "And now, by the authority vested in me, by the gods of Norrath, I am proud to pronounce thee -- Husband and Wife!'
Elentiri turns to Strumm.
Elentiri says, "You may kiss thy bride!"
Strumm turns to Radjan, takes her into his arms, and kisses her.
Radjan returns his kiss with equaled passion.
Strumm whispers to Radjan, 'La forza del destino.'
Rashaun announces to the zone, "Let the celebration begin!"
