Gaea, A Certain Fellowship (IC)

[Imperialisium]

Aeman's Heart is failing, a fractured Soul under constant assail from without; is this the End Times? I dare not hazard a guess, and many would believe only a power equal to those that would destroy our creations can stop it; alas, I do not think so. It is the mortal kind, the lesser beings toiling in the fields and taking all around them in wonder that will throw the Darkness out. For in them is our future, and our hopes an dreams. Will you answer my call, my plea for aid? Come to the Fortress near the sky, amid high mountains looking down upon green fields. There you will see it.

-Vaemidia's Call to the Dreamer

Aeman, who cut out his Heart and cleaved his Soul into two for the survival of Gaea. His metaphysical essence forming a shield that The Dark One's cannot penetrate; at least, until now. His Heart is failing, his Soul waning. Evil is permeating the cradle of your very being. Even now the servants of The Dark One's are on the march. Preparing their schemes and their plans to thwart the forces from which may prevent their masters coming. For their is one being that will wreak a special vengeance upon Gaea, the Lord of Destruction is smiling in waiting.

So it falls to you! Wanderer, warrior, noble, or other. To answer the dream that has invaded your sleep and seek the Fortress where all will be made clear.

OOC/Master Thread/Sign-Ups

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=319420

[Imperialisium]

515 AL

Valuryan ran swiftly through the Sun's Wood. Leaping over branch, rock, and fallen tree with the grace of one borne from a life in the woods. His sleek features, proud and noble, opposite his dull raiment of green, brown, and dark moss. His figure was lithe, handsome, and shapely. But his pace brought a sense of urgency to him. For he was racing along the woods like a straight arrow. Aiming for a settlement that was one with the trees about it. Raemaris, nestled among the trees, but not disturbing the environment around it. One could miss it entirely if they did not look well, or where foreign to the construction of the Elves residing in the Asaheim Mountains.

His dream's have been disturbed, the honey sweet voice seeming from a loving mother, it raptures through his mind. Pleading him to go to the Fortress near the sky, upon tall mountains overlooking green fields. His thoughts only bore one matching location. The Twilight Fortress. One of the most sacred locations in the known world for followers of The Vaulted Ones. Yes, that must be it. All would be made clear there, even if he had to pray for days on end without rest nor comfort.

So he sped along, the ground beginning to ascend in height, as if ascending some gradual staircase to the heavens. The tree boughs letting the Sun through, casting a soft yellow light across the ground. A dip and he slid downhill, jumping off a rock and onto a small path. Aiming for the wooden gate before him embedded within a stone wall. Raemaris was just on the other side of that gate, and then he would begin the final leg of his journey...

[The Starlight]

515 AL

Saerondr awoke in his large bed, as the sun rose and displayed its light, shooting forth beams of radiance. Dressing quickly, strapping on his equipment, he pondered the dream. It was troubling news, for if Aeman's Heart was failing, Gaea was in grave danger. War would be upon them, and images of flame and death flashed through his mind as he clad on his plate armor, strong, but still being light, made of the powerful whitestone found deep in the Asaheim Mountains. Right now, the stone was being put to use to rebuild the former capital of Altma, just how it was in those days of old. And once its building was complete, his parents would move their court there from Valtmeris, and make it the capital of Elvrion. Finishing his dressing and strapping on his sword and horn, he took from his closet a cloak of blue and silver cloth, afterwards striding out for the throne room.

Walking in, nodding to the guards, he went on one knee. "Greetings, father and mother." His mother Irithren rose, a large smile on her face. She looked as young as ever, and as fit. Saerondr had no doubt that she could still wield a sword in battle, as age had not lessened her. "You need not bow before us, my son. Good morning. Now, what is it that you have come to speak about?" she asked. Saerondr explained the contents of the dream and the faces of the Emperor and Empress grew troubled and thoughtful.

Ardruil, his father spoke. "It is no doubt that this Fortress is the one of Twilight," Irithren nodding in agreement. He continued, "I and your mother would join you, but we have not received the dream. Perhaps in earlier days it would have been so, but we have an empire to rule. But you will not be alone. If you have received this dream, undoubtedly your sister has. We are loath to have both the Crown Prince and Crown Princess go on such a quest, but this matter could mean the end of all. Go with our blessings, son, and if you should ever need aid, blow your ancestor's horn, and we shall hear it." Ardruil was speaking of the horn of Saerondr's predecessor, Emperor Saerondr the Great. Saerondr tightly hugged his mother and father and walked out.

He was 37 now, both he and his sister Finduilas, being twins in both appearance and mind. They were both of the adventurous sort, taking after their half-sister Vaemidia, but also paying some attention to matters of state. His sister, perhaps, took more after their mother in terms of learning the art of the sword and horse, adopting the battle dresses of her mother. Delving into his mind, Saerondr sent a telepathic message to his sister. "I hope you are still not slumbering, sister, for the dream details that we must go to the Twilight Fortress. I have gained mother's and father's approval and blessing, and shall wait for you at the door."

[Damak Var]

Twilight Fortress
515 AL

Four walls kept Remus Agrypa contained. It was cold and dark. He could hardly see his own hands. His orders from the Arcani Grandmaster was simple, steal a chapter of the sacred scrolls of Aria. Why the Grandmaster wanted it was not imparted to him. All Remus worried about was his mission for the Enlightenment. Unfortunately in scouting the fortress beforehand, he was certain that the security of the structure could not be breached. Perhaps by a better Disciple of their Order but not him. Determining that the only way inside was to get captured, Remus did so. The guards quickly apprehended him for trying to scale one of the walls.

In the confines of his cell, Remus sat on the floor in a meditative position planning his escape. It would be no easy task. He had to get the scroll first and then make his way out. All the while no alarm could be raised or else he would end up back here and under a heavier guard making it impossible to leave. Yet these were the things he trained for growing up with the order. It had been a long grueling process to become a Disciple. Being tall, he always had difficulty with stealth and escape. But he was able to make up for it by learning to be more clever and using well crafted disguises. Other than being tall, Remus had a completely forgettable appearance. He had a good physique to him as a result of training but it was no different looking than an elite legionnaire. As for attractiveness, he was completely forgettable. Not ugly but just another face in the crowd. A trait about him he valued highly.

So Remus sat, waiting for the opportune moment to make a move. He had already gotten out of the shackles. They would have to come into his cell to feed him eventually.

[Imperialisium]

Twilight Fortress
515 AL

Valuryan did not waste time in Raemaris, only sojourning to take a steed from his family's stable before galloping North. Mount Vanaheim shot upwards like a great pillar into the heaven's. The glistening domes of the fortress could be seen glittering high up in the distance as Valuryan began his ascent. The road wound about the mountain and across various faces. Until finally, over an hour later the elf found himself staring at the great gates yawning open.

Knights of both the Palaedic and Dragon Order's could be seen in their colors. Their heraldry was unmistakable as Valuryan galloped into the courtyard. It was one of the lower courtyards, for the fortress not only delved into the mountain but straddled the cliffs themselves. Rising up in ordered levels that told no central plan. One could ascend a staircase and end up two levels higher than before, followed by a descent via another path and be three levels down. A defensive measure to make it difficult for an aggressor to work their way through the fortress itself; also, to make it hard for an easy escape as well.

"Ah, Valuryan, son of Azuryan. How good is it to see you!" said a familiar voice. It was Eonwaris, the elderly High Priest hobbled over. Using his bare staff to prop himself up.

"Father Eonwaris, you haven't aged a day!" replied Valuryan and the old man punched him in the shoulder.

"HA! You inherited your fathers since of humor no doubt. That old goat I tell you never knew when to be quiet." The grin on the old Priests face was warm and inviting. "But I have a question for you."

"What can I help you with Father?"

"We captured a person that was attempting to scale he walls. A peculiar fellow, nothing I've seen in a long time. His devices and consummate visage speaks of someone who has experience in the practice of stealth. I was wondering if you could take a peek and see if he rings any bells?"

"Of course Father."

The two entered the bowels of the Fortress. Down hallways, rooms, gantries and courtyards. Descending into the mountain itself several levels until they entered the dungeon. Moving along the cells they spotted a pair of guards standing across from a heavy door. The duo halted and Eonwaris opened a small peep hole. Valuryan craned his neck and took a long look at Remus. Noticing his garb, accouterments, and stature.

"I can't say I've seen his kind before." Valuryan stepped back with a frown.

"Several of the Knights and Masters believe he is from Paletine. That country to the far South of the Continent." said Eonwaris.

"I am sorry Father. I have met very few Paletine, for the furthest South I have been has been to Numera. Still far a field from Paletine or their dominions."

"hmmm. Well it was worth the effort."

At that Eonwaris guided Valuryan away, aiming to walk him up to the main cathedral. Mean while the guards readied to open the door and deliver the mid day meal to their prisoner.