The stars above and the earth below....

Valenas Nerul · Post by **Valenas Nerul** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:20 am

Many hundred years ago.....

Father: "What's wrong Valenas? Why are you not eating? Do you not like the food?"

Valenas: "No... it's not that. It's just that..."

Father "Just what?"

Valenas "I want to ask you something father..."

Father: "What is it, my son?"

Valenas: "Why is it that I must spend so many hours meditating while the other children can spend so much more time playing?"

Father: "I've told you many times before. You must train very hard to learn to sense the forbidden magics."

Valenas: "But what is it all for? Nobody ever uses those magics anyways. And why is it that I am the only child who must learn this while the other children don't?"

Father: "Listen to me carefully Valeans. Our ancestors witnessed the dread destructive horrors that the Enforcer would bring to those who used the forbidden magic. They also understood the ambitious nature of mankind and the unevitablility that they would one day discover and use this magic once again. So when everyone else around didn't dare to even talk about it, our ancestors made kept the memory alive. They taught their descendants everything they needed to know to sense these forbidden magics, so that they could warn others of it one day. My father taught me, just as he was taught by your grandfather, and so on.

This is the desitny of our family, Valenas. Even if others will not believe in all this, we must trust in what our ancestors have told us. We must dedicate our lives to prepare for the day that these forbidden magics are discovered again, so that we can warn others of the danger that it brings. Do you understand?"

Valenas: "Yes father, I understand. I will do my best to carry on the work of our family, so that we can save other lives from the wrath of the Enforcer."

Dyluck · Post by **Dyluck** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 11:48 am

Present day....
One evening at the Magic Academy.....

Valenas: "So you see, it will only be a matter of time before the Enforcer arrives."

Dyluck: "Hmm tell me this, Valenas.... Have you ever seen this.. Enforcer?"

Valenas: "No, I haven't."

Dyluck: "Do you... have any idea how he...or she...or it... looks like?"

Valenas: "No...."

Dyluck: "And yet you are so sure that it exists?"

Valenas: "Of course! How could I not believe the word of my father? As I said, for countless generations my family has dedicated our lives to prepare for this. There is no way it could be false!"

Dyluck: "Alright, suppose this is all true. What's to say the Enforcer hasn't died of old age after all these years? What's to say that it wasn't destroyed by the gods after it had done its work?"

Valenas: "That could be a possibility. But we shouldn't take that risk. The power of the Enforcer is horrible and unstoppable!"

Dyluck: "What would you have us do then?"

Valenas: "The Enforcer will be drawn here by the meteor, and possibly by yourself. We must warn the people of this island about what has happened and tell them to leave as soon as possible."

Dyluck: "Do you really think that the people will believe such an incredible story from a complete stranger? Even if they did believe you, the people of this town would not leave their homes so easily.

Valenas: "We should at least give them the choice. Surely if you and the other nobles told....."

Dyluck: "I think it is unnecessary to tell them. It would only create panic."

Valenas: "I think you don't want people to find out that you wield such powers and that you are responsible for this."

Dyluck: ".......... ................."

Valenas: "..........."

Dyluck: "............."

Valenas: "So you will not help me tell them?"

Dyluck: "As I have said, I find that to be unnecessary."

Valenas: "Very well then. I shall tell the people myself then, and hope that I can save them from the wrath of the Enforcer."

Dyluck: "If that is what you wish to do, then so be it."

Valenas: "Thank you for your time Headmaster Dyluck. I shall depart and make my way back to town now."

Dyluck: "Now? Look at the sky. It's rather late now isn't it? Why don't you stay for dinner? You're welcome to spend the night here as a guest as well. Pehaps I will consider your request again as well."

The next day, Valenas Nerul was never seen by anyone again.....

Viola Thistle · Post by **Viola Thistle** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 3:05 pm

Back at the inn, Viola spotted Brendan at a large round table near the window. "Hiho, Brendan! Has our elf friend come down to serve his spectacular breakfast yet?" Viola glanced about the room, though the look from Brendan's face told her he was still famished from his nightly fast. "Guess he doesn't know much about hobbits and free food," she chuckled as took a seat next to him.

"I suppose Bumbol will arrive shortly."

Viola and Brendan ordered something to tide them over until the elf descended with a proper breakfast. The two halflings talked of the dance contest and large lizzards as they snacked on fresh bread thick with jam and boiled eggs dashed with salt.

Bumbol Woodstock · Post by **Bumbol Woodstock** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 5:32 pm

Bumbol walks slowly pass the tavern. He is fresh from hunting and slightly winded. His ears are burning from the glaring sun. Only in his small hole is it cool. He walks to the sea horse and smiles at Brendan and Viola when he enters.

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 5:59 pm

"Well, I never..."
Brendan proclaims as his breakfast arrives at the table.

"All the times I've eaten here, have I never gotten a full yummy brekkie of sausages, bacon and eggs..."

As Brendan scoffs his breakfast down, he turns to Viola and mumbles:

"So...mfmfmf, what's on the...mfmfm agenda today, mfmfmf Vivi?"

Turning next to Bumbol, he asks:

"Catch anything this morning Bummy?"

Bumbol Woodstock · Post by **Bumbol Woodstock** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 10:37 pm

Bumbol pulls out a small rabbit from his bag. "Yes, not very large, pretty bony... What can you expect with this drought? But I have to eat some meat..." Bumbol takes out his short sword (to a human just a regular dagger) and skins the rabbit.
And begins to cook the meat he can. While he does this he listens to the conversation Viola and Brendan have.

Viola Thistle · Post by **Viola Thistle** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 2:46 pm

"Well," Viola begins. "I am a bit curious about why our elf friend didn't show up for breakfast. I don't ask for anything in return for helping someone, but a promised breakfast is a promised breakfast!" Viola giggles.

"But really, he shouldn't be using that leg much. Maybe I should find him..." Viola trails off and looks to Brendan and Bummy, hoping they will accompany her.

Bumbol Woodstock · Post by **Bumbol Woodstock** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 4:25 pm

Bumbol looks up from his meal and says "What could have happened to him? His leg seemed fine. I am sure he is just caught up with meeting Dyluck and the two of them are talking about something important and not that all appealing to me."
Bumbol takes another bite of meat and says, "But whatever you think you want to do, I will follow. Course never really liked Dyluck much... Wouldn't really fancy going to meet him... Probably wouldn't even give us a warm meal for our troubles of going up that big hill... He probably doesn't eat warm meals..."

Viola Thistle · Post by **Viola Thistle** » Mon Sep 01, 2003 9:26 pm

"I don't know, Bummy," Vivi bit her lip and stared past her hobbit companion. "It's all so strange. How would he know of Dyluck and his school on our small island? And why would he seek him?" Viola's eyes twinkled. "Besides, I don't like to be stood up for breakfast!" she giggled.

Viola paused for a moment. "And the elf will need to change his bandages," she said, reaching for straws.

Bumbol looked at her unimpressed with her reasons to go trapsing up a mountain to Dyluck, whom he had no interest in seeing. "Come on," she smiled. "It'll be something to put in your book." Viola looked across the table for his reaction.

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Mon Sep 01, 2003 11:55 pm

Brendan rising from the table with such Zeal, knocks his plate of food over.

"Well, Vivi, I'm willing to pay old man (Brendan giggles at this) Dyluck if you are. And don't be so sure about Dyluck, Bumbol-I find him to be quite hospitable...although his academy is quite eery..."

Brendan slings his bag over his shoulder, slips his dagger into a small scabbard and waits for the other two at the door.

Bumbol Woodstock · Post by **Bumbol Woodstock** » Tue Sep 02, 2003 3:51 am

Bumbol sighs as he hears Viola finally making the decision to leave for the Magic Academy. Brendan seemed to be in high spirits, Bumbol had no idea why.

"Ok, lets go and get it over with then." Bumbol followed Brendan who was following Viola. He let his short bow hang around his shoulder and his short sword gleamed underneath his small green cloak. He left his pipe in his mouth and walked silently like most hobbits do when they are deep in thought.

Viola Thistle · Post by **Viola Thistle** » Tue Sep 02, 2003 4:57 pm

Soon, the three halflings crossed through the gates of Troll's Bane, heading for the mountains. They marched through what was left of the morning and into the afternoon.

As the heat of the day beat down upon the small travelers, they grew weary and hungry, as hobbits often do with much exersion. "Perhaps a bite to eat and a drink before we move on?" Viola said with a dry voice. Ahead on the worn trail was a small clearing, partially shaded in which they took shelter in.

The mountain, like the rest of the island, was devoid of trees. However, particularly hearty plants still thrived in the altered climate. Large-leafed palms with waxy, dark green leaves toward over the hobbits with their gangly-legged stems.

Viola searched through her heavy bag, finally pulling out a few rolls and thickly sliced bacon she prepared for their hike. "Here we be," she said as she handed Bumbol and Brendan the bundled buns. She tore the bun apart and placed the bacon in the middle. Just as she opened her mouth to take a bite, a surprised squeal escaped and she was pulled back into the weedy overgrowth.

Bumbol Woodstock · Post by **Bumbol Woodstock** » Tue Sep 02, 2003 5:16 pm

Bumbol chewed on the bacon and out of the corner of his eye he saw Viola's body get pulled back roughly. She screamed and Bumbol froze for half a second, but was on his feet quickly running. He left his bow on the ground but had his short sword.
He raced into the brush quickly followed by Brendan who had already withdrawn his dagger. They tried to follow Viola's squeels, but running through the undergrowth was slow and tricky. Many times both Brendan and Bumbol tripped over roots or ran into trees. They were tripped so often it almost seemed that the roots were moving themselves so they would trip...

"Bumbol, stop!" Brendan said as he breathed heavily. "Look at the ground!" Brendan pointed and they saw that the roots were moving around as if alive. "These roots... They must be what got Vivi..."

Bumbol withdrew his short sword and said, "Ok, we'll cut our way to her then?"

"Yes, Bumbol, lets move fast."

The two brave hobbits worked through way more undergrowth, they followed the vines now. Then they broke through the undergrowth into a clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a large tree, the vines leading up to it. And there, Viola was dangling unconcious from a vine. The tree seemed to be petting her.
Bumbol went without thinking, all he thought of was to free Viola from the tree's grip. Vines burst out from the tree whipping to Bumbol. Bumbol swung his short sword into the thick green vines, but there was to many of them for him and was quickly tied up.
Now it was up to Brendan to save both Bumbol and Viola.

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Tue Sep 02, 2003 7:05 pm

Looking up ar his two entangled comapnions, Brendan began now to sweat.
"Oh bother, bother, bother," he began mumbling to himself.
His already tenuous grip on the dagger began to loosen, with his shaking and rumbling, with the result that it too fell to the ground and was swallowed by the ferocious vines.
The truth now hit Brendan, that he would have to save his friends without a weapon. He began doubting himself so much, that he considered turning heal and retreating back to Troll's Bane, that is until he saw Viola's face.
It was such a frightening look afixed to her face, that he almost wanted to cry. But, it was that luck that stirred up whatever amount of courage this little halfling had in his body.
Realising that brawns were not his forté, Brendan quickly formulated a plan...heeding Cherria's words....he decided to use his surroundings to aid him. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out his bacon butty, and waved it in front of the creature..."The thing that is waving Vivi around must be the brain of this vile contraption....and perhaps it too is the eyes", he thought to himself.
Shrieking at the top of his lungs, Brendan verbally attacked the creature to the best of his ability.
"Oi! Weedy! Ye hungry? Well how about you let my friends down and go for this instead?!"
At this, Brendan flung the roll at one of the bottom tentacles...it quickly released his dagger, and and seized the roll. Brendan made a roll of his own for the dagger, got a hold of it, and jumped for the main stumpy part of the creature. He clambered up the "trunk" as if he were a young boy on Murreghan again and lopped off it's limb. Vivi fell to the ground with a thump, and the apparently imjured creature, then too let go of Bumbol...

What were the three to do next?!

Viola Thistle · Post by **Viola Thistle** » Wed Sep 03, 2003 3:41 pm

Viola fell to the ground with a solid thud. The rope-like flora began descending toward the stunned and groggy halfling , sliding effortlessly over the undergrowth. Quickly it wrapped around the uneaten roll that fell from her hands and withdrew back to the tree.

Gaining a bit of coherence, Viola and Bumbol stumbled forward to Brendan’s beckoning calls. Yet, again the vines sensed them, either by movement or smell or some other sense. Weaponless, Viola searched around for something to protect herself from the embrace of the plant. A shriveling bunch of wine grapes hung out of the bag she clutched in her hand. She plucked a few grapes and threw them at the nearest vine advancing on them.

The vine wrapped around the grapes, surprisingly so gentle not a single grape burst. Quickly it retreated back to the tree just as another vine reached out for Brendan. A few more grapes sent the vine back to the tree to return its prize.

Walking backwards and tossing clumps of grapes, cherries and jerky, the three made their way back to the dirt path. Bumbol retrieved his bow and the three set off to the Magic Academy again.

The amber light of the late afternoon caste a strange glow on the Academy’s stone walls. Looking up at the giant doors, Viola pushed Brendan and Bumbol forward to knock.

Bumbol Woodstock · Post by **Bumbol Woodstock** » Wed Sep 03, 2003 4:37 pm

Reluctantly Bumbol knocked the large metal doors. The knock echoed throughout the entire castle and Bumbol, Brendan and Viola waited for Dyluck to answer the door...

Dyluck · Post by **Dyluck** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 3:26 am

After a short while, the iron doors of the Magic Academy open slightly, and a bony-cheeked face stuck out to inspect the three visitors. The head turns back around and mutters something to another person, before the door opens and the bony-cheeked man comes out wearing a guard unifrom . Another burly looking guard with a beard follows him out and closes the doors. The two guards look over the little party and then look at each other with raised brows. The first guard turns to the halflings.

"Well whadda we have ere? What's a buncha lil' munchkins like you doin all the way out ere? Hey Gus, do ya think these shrimpy lil' kids are some new junior magicians? Harharhar!"

The bony faced guard snickers and chuckles, looking at his burly partner who smirks and walks right in front of Brendan Mason, towering over him. "Nay ye clown. These ere ain't students and if I ain't mistooken, these ere are halflins.

"Oooooh, lil' halflins huh?" replied the other guard sacracstically while eyeing the group.

The burly guard looks at the halfings, "Well whatever ye came fer, it looks like yer outta luck. This ere academy ain't welcomin no normal visitors ere now since this morn'. So if ye wanna get in, dere's only one way. Tell 'em Fin.

"Dat's right!" thundered the skinnier guard. "So listen up! If ya want ta get in, you'll have to go through the Hall of Trials. It be a lil' passage where academy students used to have to solve some purty puzzles fer exams, which ye'll hafta use yer little heads to solve. Jus head left along them walls and you'll see the doors around the corner. Once inside the first room, there'll be one of them fancy scrolls on a table that'll tell ya what ta do next. Course there's guards outside the doors too, but they aint gonna stop ya from tryin to brave the hall, and they aint as porky as ol' Gus ere either, harharhar!"

"Shut yer trap, ya little underfed money" snarled the other guard. Then he turned back to the halflings. "Alwight, now move on over to the Hall of Trials, or get yer lil' stool shiners outta here! There ain't gonna be no snoopin 'round ere!"

Something about the rays of the setting sun cast along the grand building and the pinkish clouds in the orange sky would create a strange sensation for a weary traveller. Eerie yet soothing, it makes the scenery seem somehow familiar, as if saying to adventurous spirits that they've travlled here to this spot before in another time, in another life. But it's only a faint feeling of tired souls mixed with familiar melodies in the heart, and very soon the sensation would pass away.....
Though the scenery would seem somehow too beautiful to forget.....

Viola Thistle · Post by **Viola Thistle** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 7:24 pm

Viola sat her hands on her hips and furrowed her brows at being called a child. However, by the time the guards mentioned the Hall of Trials, her face dropped. She rushed foward, pushing past Bumbol and Brendan. "Oh, no! We are only here to see Dyluck and to check up on a friend of ours, or rather an aquaintance. There is no need for such elaborate welcoming games."

Viola started to walk past the guards toward the massive doors. "We'll only be a moment, good sirs."

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Thu Sep 04, 2003 10:41 pm

Ducking under the guards legs, for he was short enough to do so, Brendan grabbed the hem of Viola's skirt.

"Vivi...perhaps we had best do what the guards say...although what Dyluck is doing with guards here I don't know..."

Brendan makes his way to the Hall of Trials door, and motions for Bumbol and Vivi to join him.

Dyluck · Post by **Dyluck** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 3:09 am

The two guards quickly impede her way with two long spears and growl menacingly. "Hey! Somethin' wrong yer puny ear holes?" the burly guard thundered. "I SAID, this ere Academy aint welcomin no visitors n' that means YOU little pips! Got it??"

The massive doors open and four more guards with swords come out, drawn by the sound of the commotion. They stood behind the first two and shut the iron doors again.

"I don't care who ya are or what yer business ere n' what not." the guard continued. "Headmaster's orders are NO ONE gets in n'less they go through the Hall, so make like yer little friend over there n' scram! Don't make me repeat myself again!"

The other guards glared menacingly with their hands on hilts and sheaths.

Viola Thistle · Post by **Viola Thistle** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 5:26 am

Viola set her jaw and looked sternly at the two guards. "You insolent little children," she wagged her finger at the two burly men. "You ought to be ashamed of yourselves for acting in such a manner. We are your elders by many years, I am sure. Consider how Dyluck will react when we tell him how rudely we've been treated!"

With an exasperated sigh, the hobbit lady turned around and followed Brendan to the doors. "Might as well go through this door. One is as good as another, though it's really quite silly."

As the three mighty travelers approached the doors of the "Hall of Trials", the guards moved to the side allowing them passage.

"Maybe it will be a dining hall full of fruit and herb-roasted lamb," Viola mumbled, her growling stomach reminding her that her hunger still lingered from earlier in the day. The halfling men pushed the heavy doors open just enough for the three to squeeze through.

Viola's hopes were dashed upon seeing the empty room. A simple table sat purposefully in the middle of the room. Shadows and light from several torches hanging on the walls played across the stone floor as the three walked cautiously to the table.

A fine rolled parchment the color of split oak lay on the table, tied with a ribbon. Viola looked to Brendan and Bumbol with wide eyes, silently urging one of them to unfurl and read it.

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 5:34 pm

Looking to Bumbol with an exasperated look on his face, Brendan sighs:

"Why does Viola get us to do everything..."

Reaching for the scroll, he gives it a quick sniff and proclaims..."Smells like Granny"

Unfurling the scroll he begins to silently read it. A look of confusion crosses his face as he looks up to his companions faces..."You aren't going to like this"

"Well go on Brandy read it aloud," urges Viola.

Brendan begins to read:

((Dyluck if you will...))

Dyluck · Post by **Dyluck** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:01 pm

The scroll on the table reads:

Welcome to the Hall of Trials.
The Hall consists of several rooms, each containing a puzzle that must be solved in order to open the door to the next room. Each room will contain a similar table with an open scroll that will give you instructions on how to solve the trial and open the door to the next room. If you are having difficulty with a trial, there is a box underneath each table which contains a second scroll that will give you an additional clue for that trial. However, opening this box will cause the next Trial to be more difficult, so think carefully about whether you need it. Proceed to the first trial through the open door in the back of this room.

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:05 pm

Brendan stuffs the scroll into his pocket, and turns to face the door.

"So, shall we go through with this my friends?"

Brendan makes his way to the door and watches as Bumbol and Vivi gingerly make their way after him..

Dyluck · Post by **Dyluck** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 11:26 pm

The next room looks virtually identical to the previous room, with torches hanging on the wall and the table in the front of the room with the open scroll on it and the box beneath it. The iron doors in the back are closed. Two bookcases stand on the left of the room and two more stood on the right side.

The first bookcase contains the following books:

Beginner's Guide To Fire Magic
Fireballs and Flames
How to Summon the Flammeria Storm
The Color Spectrum of Flames
The Sun and it's Shimmering Heat
Concentrated Flaming Implosions
Practical Uses of the Elven Flame
A Comprehensive Study of the Rune of Ra

The second bookcase contains the following books:

Humid Climate of Tropical Jungles
The Desert and Its Water Sources
Survival in the Deep Woods
Monkeys of Incredible Intellect
Slums of the Cities of Great Empires
Elven Forests and Its Balance With Nature
Dangers of Swamps and Bogs
Life on the Snow-capped Mountains

The third bookcase contains the following books:

Shapeshifting Salamanders
How to Tame Dogs and Wolves
Sightings of Valzhurion the Water Dragon
Legendary Charm of the Fire Bird
Flying Doves: Long Distance Communication
Trolls and Their Eating Habits
Calm and Cunning Elks
Sea Serpents and Their Prey

The fourth bookcase contains the following books:

Stars and Constellations
From Meteors To Comets
The Beginning and End of Stars
The World: Material Object or Flat Shape?
Theories Of Passage to Other Worlds
Underwater Life in the Coral Reef
The Stern Face of the Moon
Astrological Signs and Foresight

The open scroll on the table reads:

Each book on the bookcases in this room are also switches that can be triggered by pulling out the book slightly. In order to open the door, there are four specific books that must be triggered, and only those four books must be triggered.

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 2:53 am

Brendan walks amid the bookcases with his friends, looking each up and down...

"Well...this one seems to be about fire..."

He rubs his hand against a few leather bound books in the first, seeing if any feel different.

"And the second seems to be about places.."

The third is about...animals...

Brendan makes his way onward...

"And this final bookcase...it seems to be about...the heavens."

Brendan notices the names of the books written on the spines...
He smiles to himself, "I think I have it figured chums!"

Pointing to a book on the final case, he says:
"See this book, if you re-arrange the letters...and remove some other ones...you get the word..Switch"

Brendan points the individual letters out..

The World: Material Object or Flat Shape?

"Perhaps the other books have similar arrangements...can you see any Viola?"

Viola Thistle · Post by **Viola Thistle** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 2:52 pm

Oh, I can make out lots of words from the book titles...

How to Tame Dogs and Wolves

Old Tomes

But, which words do we look for? All "switch"...Viola scratches her head.

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 8:18 pm

Turning to Viola, Brendan opens his mouth...but no words come out. Stopping to think before continuing...he finally arranges a coherent sentence.

"Vivi...maybe there is one book, in each case that spells a particular word in a sentence?"

Practical Uses of the Elven Flame

Pull
"Is that one right, do you think Viola?"
Walking to the next bookcase Brendan looks for the next word in the sentence.
"Viola, Bumbol...I'm having trouble here...we have the following words...pull, old tomes and switch...but I cannot find a pattern in the remaining bookcase."

[/i]

Bumbol Woodstock · Post by **Bumbol Woodstock** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:47 am

"Who said it had to say a sentance? I think that in every shelf there is 1 book misplaced... The Books I think misplaced are...

The Sun and it's Shimmering Heat- Because that shelf is about magic fire.

Monkeys of Incredible Intellect- Because that shelf is about places.

Trolls and Their Eating Habits- This was a hard one, and would be the only flaw in my theory, but all the other books are about non man shaped creatures.

Underwater Life in the Coral Reef- All the others were about astronomy and the Earth." Bumbol looks at Brendan and Viola to see their opinions.

Brendan Mason · Post by **Brendan Mason** » Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:44 pm

Taking a closer look at each shelf, Brendan sees what Bumbol means and concedes victory.

"Awrighty..."

"I'm willing to pull those books...what about you Vivi?"