A forgotten tale from a lost Island - The true story behind Aleytys Lamar

[Alytys Lamar]

The kingdom of Laemaros was green and fertile, a kingdom ruled by a couple with one wish -- to have an heir to the throne.

But the queen gave birth to a girl, no second child was granted to her. She wrapped herself in grief, more and more distant to her husband and daughter, drifting slowly into insanity.
The girl grew up only with her nurse and between all the men of her father's court. She was everyones darling, wild and boisterous, even rude. She was allowed to learn reading and writing, she took part in the drinking conquests of the Knights - and soon she was able to ride, hunt and fight better then the most squires. Her father was proud of her sharp wit and often he observed her training with rapier and sword in person.
She did hang out with the stable-boys und the hunters, to make it short, there was not even a hint of suavity, a princess should show, on her.

War broke out, did change all in a blink of an eye.
The warchest dwindled fast, so the king made some arrangements. Their was a mighty princedom and his ruler has seen Aleytys fighting during the tournaments, fascinated from her wild beauty. He boldly asked the King for permission to marry his daughter.
A most welcome change and a lot of wealth would it bring !

The proclamation was made during a huge banquet - but Aleytys was been held in the dark about, took her completely by surprise.
She leaped up furiously, spat in the face of her wannabee fiancé, treating him with deepest scorn.
This dark monarch was known as a lecher, a brute, cold and treating women like worthless beings, existing only to obey. He was known for rape and murder, all who dared to oppose him did vanish fast. Completly unknown was the fact that he was a priest of Moshran, a demonic offscum, exercising a reign of terror.

Her father showed no mercy, she got caught and jailed in a small tower room, not even a window to see the sky. The sign of house Grovinia was forced as a tatoo on her arm.

Desperatly and alone, the tiny room took her breath away, torturing her with the cold stone surroundings. Her pleadings trailed off unheard.
But there was still her nurse, she came up with a plan for an escape which was quickly layed out.
Almost out of the Castle she bumped into her father. He recognized his daughter despite all her disguise and shouted for the guards.
Aleytys heart broke finally, her own father abandoned her in a cruel manner, simply for gold.
The guards rushed at the two women, her nurse died in front of her eyes, but her skills did allow her to create the much needed opening to escape.

She had many friends at the stable guys and squires, the escape was a narrow one, though.

Only 18 years old and on the run, no one on her side.
What she had held precious has been taken from her, her loving trust betrayed.

Negros of Grovinia did swear to hunt her as long as he would stand. He would take all from her, all what she would ever love should die in vein and agony, right before her eyes.
Never would he forget the disgrace this young princess had brought over him. She should be his soon enough, sacrificed at Moshran's altar.

Aleytys was aware there was a dark army on her heals, so she covered her heart in ice, wrapping herself in walls of stone. No one should come near to her ... for their own sakes.

She escaped over and over again, shipwrecked finally on an Island -

it was called Gobaith.

[Alytys Lamar]

PART 1 Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a Bard - Day 1


Yesterday's evening, as the the red dawn passed underneath the sea, Gryphius had made himself comfortable in his night camp, and went to rethink the events of the day: A lot of things had come to pass - uncomfortable ones as well, just like the bidding for pardon from Siltaris. But never he would have been able to summon up enough courage to do this, if not a fortunate coincidence, that passed before, had enabled him to taste from an emotion, he almost had forgotten about: licentious passion - a state beyond all reasoning, in which he was ridded of his troubled mind for a short time, and was able to push aside all his sorrows, to experience the very highest of all pleasures. Since the horrors on Virecta, he'd never again desired a woman, until the encounter with this lady of nobility, though of willfulness as well. Almost embarassing the thought occured to him, how they had come to meet the first time, thus he pushed it aside again swiftly. What kept him from sleeping was the question, why this noble woman had chosen 'him' for this adventure - or was it more than that? Might their love affair possibly put him to the sharp end of the blades of her pursuers, that were after her? Might her fiance, whom she left to escape the slavery of marriage, lay his cruel vengeance upon him? All those questions still wouldn't diminish his desire to see her again - though he didn't feel the urge to tell anyone about this - on the one hand to protect her and himself, on the other hand because the simple truth, that secrets are far more exciting.

Shortly before he fell asleep, the thought about Felicitas awoke inside him once again - his beloved life companion, now passed into the grey shadows, alongside with his home. »Is this right?« he asked himself. »What should i tell her, if one day she stood before me again after all?« Finally the sleep redeemed him of this tormenting thought.

Day 2

More than once they had crossed their paths the last day, and every time he had been knee-deep in trouble, so he was unable to follow her, as his heart desired so dearly. But in the end, he ran across her in a favorable moment: She - the beautiful, young woman of noble blood, her eyes, brown as a chestnut, her waving, golden hair. He had passed beyond the shyness of the last encounter, for he even offered his services as 'escort' to her. Right beside an isolated shack, they enjoyed broiled fish and had a little chit-chat about the idleness of such trifles like gold and trinkets. But still, now and then, she was haunted by shudders - the fear from her pursuers, who meant to bring her back to the rotten claws of her fiance. Although Gryphius indefatigably tried to ensure her, that on Gobiath, she was beyond his reach forever, deep inside he felt unspoken doubts about it. Though he felt, that his affection to this woman grew stronger and stronger, and his mere desire passed into complete devotion. This love affair was a dance at edge of the abyss, he well knew it - as she did also - but a fulfilled life under constant threat is far more preferable than a well-kept life in chains. He would see her again - no regard to the price.

[Alytys Lamar]

Sick games - or the private amusement of Silas Farron

Silas Farron was a very rational man, although he had one single interpersonal weakness: Amusement.
He highly enjoied the sorrow of others, whenever one of his fellow beings suffered his amusement was biggest.
Nothing entertained him more than other's sadness or pain.
His humoristic gaze had fallen upon Gryphius, whom Silas loved to anger, regardless if Silas could throw a drunken bard around in the tavern or if he could laugh about his mourning.
So Silas had found out that the bard had began to fancy a lady.
And as fate wanted, Silas was eager to amuse himself on more suffering...
He would see what he could do to cause some trouble.

*************

Silas' small, sick game had began.
He had seen how Gryphius became perplex whenever Silas and Aleytys shared -actually harmless- gazes.
Also the happening in the cellar of the tavern actually served Silas very well.
Aleytys knew some things about him now, which only very few knew.
This was the cause why she felt a sympathy for him.
They both were hunted ones which did not sleep at night in fear of the dreams haunting them...
And Gryphius, the spinner in the whole game, was ahead to getting caught in the web which the blue-eyed Spider had made for him.
Patience..., Silas spoke to himself, Patience...
Time, and every other element, was on his side.

[Alytys Lamar]

Siltaris - friendship and the way of swords

Always when Siltaris sees Aleytys, she guesses to see herself – Alyetys’ courage, her willpower, her strength, her sensitive feeling and her liking to give life to the cold steel of a shining blade… all that makes her thinking of herself. Both, Aleytys and Siltaris, really were similar, just as Gryphius noted now and then. Siltaris was happy to have met such a human, somebody she can talk about all things coming to her mind and somebody who is able to feel and think the same way Siltaris does – being a female warrior requires keeping up.

Siltaris will stand by Aleytys side… but there seems to be a certain distance between her and Alyetys. A secret, under which Aleytys suffers, a secret, Gryphius seems to know about and which seems to be the destiny of both.

Siltaris has offered her help quite a few times before to Aleytys and Gryphius – both knew that they can count on her. At their last meeting, Aleytys seems to be very upset, confused, unsure. Aleytys did not wanted to talk with Siltaris about it, but she promised to tell her what is going on soon. While Siltaris really would have liked to help her in this moment, she trusts on Aleytys that she does the right thing…

… some time later Siltaris came into Tavern looking for Gloin. There, she saw Silas in a deep talk with Aleytys – she seemed to be even more confused and vulnerable than before; he stood in front of her without showing any emotion, as usual.
In this moment quite a few things came into her mind: Was HE the reason for her closeness? Or did she tell him about her feeling, about her reasons? It would be possible – Alyeytys has had asked Siltaris some time ago for her opinion about Silas… anyway, it would be the wrong way to ask him for help! Although Silas was not the fiend, she thought he would be after having a heavy dispute with him some time ago, he would definitely be the wrong person to give her advise. The only thing he would do is hurting her.. playing with her… searching for the most painful way with his words to deeply hurt into Aleytys heart.

The body language of Aleytys seems not to undeline the one nor the other thought. She stood there motionless, lost in thoughts… again, Siltaris decided that Aleytys would know what is the right thing to do and that she would tell Siltaris about all these strange things and the feelings for her behavious later, when she thinks it would be the right time. With these thoughts, Siltaris left the tavern to think about the things. Finally, she sighed and spoke to herself.
“She will know.. when she is ready. I will be there in any case…”

Then, she looked up into sky, breathed deeply once, shoulderd her bag and hit the road up to Varshikar, with the hope to sort her own life there.
“…hopefully Alica will understand.”

[Alytys Lamar]

Part 2 Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a Bard

For a long time already, Gryphius had been hearing his love's grim descriptions of the horrifying dreams, that tormented her, and also he had been trying to soothe her mind, but nonetheless he was incapable of actually understanding the whole dimension behind this. He felt utterly helpless, whenever he stood before her as she collapsed in tears, because of the frightening images that haunted her every night. Even his own words of comfort appeared to him completely hollow, just like empty husks, that were doomed never to bring up any fruits, as he'd never be able to know her cruel burden.

The recent attack of the undead had rid him of his figment idea to defend Aleytys by the use of sword and shield. He had already seen himself, rising his shiny blade, screaming in anger, storming against the dark wave, to take Aleytys from them once and for all, never to let her go again. But now he looked down at his clothings, hanging down in rags, and his countless, scabbed Wounds - No, he was no warrior. Nothing but a miserable, poor wretch he was, calling himself a bard, who tried to reach up for some glorious deeds. His eyes started tearing, as he felt so helpless. Now the darkness was about to wrap around all things, and still he was not ready to defend Aleytys from it.

He had no choice but to get familiar with the thought, that Aleytys' fate was in the hands of more powerful beings - his good friend Siltaris, to whom he himself and Aleytys had an intensive friendship. But unfortunately, he also had to accept Silas Farron as one of her guardians. Although Gryphius appeared to have been able to establish a fairly good climate between the two of them, in view to the circumstances, he still didn't completely trust him. His role in this matter was still unconceivable to him, for he put a surprising effort into Aleytys' welfare. Again, Gryphius spoke to himself: »Well, Silas, whatever drives you: If it protects Aleytys, it will be fine to me. But don't you ever mistake my friendliness with blindness, for i have two eyes - with one of them, i see the person in you, which i'd like you to be, but the other one's always scanning every step of yours.«

Again, he clamped his sword to move on practicing. »I may be weak, but even to protect Aleytys only for the duration of a wink, i'd move into battle with a twig. Think about the vow, you've taken from yourself: You can't live with her, you'll die for her!«

And indeed - she was more dear to him, than his own life. But never he would tell her, for the burden she carried already pressed hard on her.

*******************

At last - a sparkling hope! Blaithin had done a magnificent work, and replanted the cherry trees at Gryphius' and Aleytys' favourite place, and blessed them afterwards. No man should ever again cut down those trees - never again! From now on, their steadiness should be a symbol for the bond between Aleytys and Gryphius.

She actually reeled in happiness - for few moments, she was able to refrain herself from the strains and horrors, that had passed the last weeks, and experience the enjoyment of the place's beauty and their love-making. Gryphius took note of the strengt returning to her, hence he regained his inner strength from this as well.

He needed it dearly, shortly after, for he was told grim news: A Knight, named Heronius, reported to him about two men, coming from distant lands, that had questioned him about Aleytys. So the followers of Negros, the foul fiance of Aleytys, finally had set their feet on Gobiath. Although still owing him hard evidence, Gryphius nonetheless decided to trust him, and to belief in his words, for he appeared trustworthy to him, and his eyes were shining of mildness and decency. Despite that, he didn't correct Heronius' false opinion, Aleytys and Gryphius werde no more than good friends - too much was at stake to allow oneself to trust every stranger blindly.

»You're running out of time, Gryphius - Soon it will be the final run! Don't start faltering again, and don't neglect your training any longer! This shall be a test of your courage, your strength and your steadiness. And don't forget, that this woman is worth all this hardship!« Excited, nonetheless full of courage, he laid his hand on his sword again, to train his fighting skills. There was still a lot to do.

[Alytys Lamar]

Silas, hunter of knowledge

As Silas studied the library as so often in the past few days, he would almost have given up the search for an eventual hint.
He knew these room very well and had studied almost every book... No Bookcase was unknown to him.
But he mustn't give up, because he knew how important knowledge was for the events to come.
so he was standing in front of the last bookcase, finding... nothing.
Only at the moment he wanted to turn away, he saw a small green edge of an ancient parchment. He pulled it out,
and read more answers than he actually wanted to recieve...


I, Alkuris, Priest of Elara, write this while facing my death, because everything will be doomed if I would not.
Santander - High Priest of Elara - betrayed us with Moshran and slayed or poisoned everyone.
The band is broken - The balance of powers will adjourn.

A descendant of Santander will be more powerful and dark than everyone before him. A follower of Moshran.
If he carries away victory, the world will fall apart in darkness, without wisdom and knowledge.
Only a single being, a fighter, will be able to reunite the destroyed again.
A trinity of emotion, wisdom and force will protect him.
But he alone can unite black and white, good and evil, hate and love aswell as fire and ice with his willpower.
The unity between this contraries has to taken place without the fighter knowing of its power - it can't be forced.
It shall be his free wish and motive.
His power will be strong afterwords, because Elara herself will lay her protective hand over this being.

If the servant of Moshran manages to capture him before the unification succeeds, everything is lost.
May the five guide the being who has to fight this inner strife.

Alkuris, Priest of Elara

He feared to understand what he had read... and it was not good at all.
Many things spoke for it, many against... And to come to a conclusion Silas was sure to take his time, consider every edge of the problem before deciding anything. As ever.
So he took the parchment into his pocket and walked off to think about.

[Alytys Lamar]

Siltaris - friendship and the way of swords


She felt helpless. Aswoon. No matter how comfort she was to Aleytys, all her efforts to encourage her seemed not to be able to light the darkness in Aleytys’ heart.

Before, Aleytys told Siltaris about her past, the reasons for her behaviour and she told about the dark dangers, which were seeking for Aleytys in Gobiath. Much as Siltaris tried, she would never be able to really understand Aleytys’ feelings and her emotions – how should Siltaris be able to comfort her then? Anyway, Siltaris will stand by her side and raise her blade no matter how dangerous and vitriolic the foe will lurk in the shadow.

She would help in any case – even if it should demand everything from her. Of course, Gryphius as well. He was always be able to understand Aleytys’ feelings and he was able to let her think about something else than her sorrow and to give her new courage. He was better in this matter than Siltaris would ever be. “.. and he said, he is just a ordinary bard” she said to herself slighty smirking, “he is much more than this.”

Then, she thought about Silas and a shadow went over her face. During the last meeting of they all three – Silas, Gryphius and Siltaris – told their will to be the fellowship for helping Aleytys. But the reasons of Silas for doing so were quite dubious to Siltaris. He knew more than was willing to tell. He seemed to know what was going on, but he did not want to share his knowledge. And the few things, he shared made Siltaris thoughtfully. He told that he would know that destiny has chosen Aleytys to affect Gobiath’s future.

If this would be right, it would be an explanation for Silas’ selfless and helpful actions, which astonished Sitaris from the beginning. At the same time, it would confirm his egoism once more; only the advantage for himself seemed to be the driving force behind his actions. Siltaris was unsure, if he really knew more about her destiny and the things waiting for Aleytys than he was willing to tell. But she was convinced that there will be a point waiting for the fellowship in future, where Silas would have a chance, which would put him to the touch – a challenge between treachery of the fellowship and sticking to his word for helping Aleytys. She hoped he would stick to his word. She felt subconsciously his human coldness and his striving for power, on whose way the lifes of Gryphius, Aleytys and her own could lay… she would follow the path anyway.

[Alytys Lamar]

Silas, bonded by blood

So the Ritual had taken place. Quite spontaneously actually, but Silas had fulfilled the quest... Darkness and Light, Black and White... they were united.
His blood flowed through Aleytys's veins now, and hers through his.
The blade did not even hurt him, as Aleytys cut his arm. She indeed seemed to have pain, but Silas thought she avoided to show it very well.
The result was a very, very pale Aleytys... The colour of a ghost, almost like Silas.
The demons of her mind are banned... for now
and the worldly ones will be beatable too, he thought as he walked off.

[Alytys Lamar]

She has changed into another Aleytys but was still the same.
It was cold inside her, a calm iciness.

On the Sirani islands an ancient prophecy had come to be real and did give her some inner peace now.

Metamorphosis

Two lifes melted into each other
good became wicked
black became white
fire met ice
the elements paused for seconds
a ribbon which was torn is whole again
Five enshroud against Moshran's vision
Elara's triumph



Still the heavy task to explain all this to Gryphius and Siltaris remained.
She feared it - despite or because of Silas Blood in her veins.

[Alytys Lamar]

Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a bard

After a long time of his abstinence, he finally had seen her again, but what a change had taken place on her in the meantime - wrapped into a black cloak, her skin pale and cold, her lips as well, she appeared to him more like one of the walking undead, than the woman he desired so dearly.

Gryphius was utterly panicked, taken by the shock, and he said ... things to her. Cruel things. »You're an Aleytys, who wraps herself into black cloth, as if she intended to be one with the shadows.« or furthermore »Our whole relationship is based on pain. I hurt you, you hurt me, I hurt you, you hurt me - where is this heading to? That we kill each other in the end?« Those words went deep, for Aleytys' mind still was the same, but now highly vulnerable, hungering for love and affection. Her voice was so filled with pain and grief, that it appeared like she was going to cry out loudly in despair. And nonetheless, Gryphius rejected her, as if she had become a foul monstrousity - not even his nearness he allowed her to feel.

Without a doubt, that night would have come to a very bitter ending, if Aleytys hadn't managed to capture him with her friendly eyes - and suddenly, he became aware of the evilness of his words: He rushed towards her, bursting in tears laying in her arms. Indeed - it was the woman he loved, and he deeply repented about punishing her with his cruel words for an action, that was no less than necessary.

She told him everything about the ritual that had taken place - that she had a share on Elara's wisdom, and that she finally was able to sleep again ... and that Silas Farron's blood was running through her veins now. Although Gryphius apparently had overcome the shock this as well, a feeling of bitterness stayed. He wouldn't be able to resist the thought, that now he also held a piece of Silas with her in his arms. Would he ever be able to see the same in her, as he did before? What would their future look like?

Their destiny was at stake now - one false move would mean the utter ruin for the both of them. This was the hardest test, they ever had to endure yet. The difficult task of bringing all this on Siltaris was upon them also. And there were still numerous tests about to come to question their love.

Still Gryphius held the will to stay true to Aleytys. Whether his weak flesh or his unstable mind would be able to resist, would prove itself in the future.

[Alytys Lamar]

Silas - Memories- Part 1

Silas felt as always – cold.
He did not feel any results of the ritual , but this served him just well.
The little bit of passion which did ahve rushed over him as the blood of the two melted… It did wake memories. Memories of earlier days.
Memories of how often he was sitting alone in the corner of his chamber as a little boy, the sun banned by thick shutters… Books and candlelight his only friends.

The book of blood

The title of his first black-cultist book he read.
And whilst he read, sad and hateful, he missed what even the poorest had: Love.
In the very moment, in which Silas and Aleytys’ lifes united, Silas remembered what he actually was –
A lonely, misunderstood, unloved and much too thoughtful small child which had turned his back to the world, although he was forced to stay.

He had become weak for some moments..
Until the icy, hateful and always mischievous smirking apparition regained it’s might over him.

[Alytys Lamar]

Silas - Memories - Part 2

With a loud clank, the icy ball flew against the rock and cloaked it in a foggy white-blue,
before it burst and fell on the floor in thousands of little crystals.
Silas took a deep breath, leaning onto his staff. He never neglected his practicing, but he was far less focussed than the other times.
Some things were going on behind the cold, ice blue eyes of Silas Farron.

Aleytys... what's got into her? She had cared for Silas almost... affectionate, as he had been very close to death,
but still knew that he would survive, and also the kiss which she had given him was rather confusing.
How she talked to him, as he was on the brink of death, the poison flowing through his veins...
She needed him. She did not want to lose him.
Was it really only because of the prophecy? Or was it more... were there feelings behind?
Silas sighed. He did not want to be loved.
He was afraid of being disappointed one day...

His thoughts rambled to another person. One who he almost feared.
Blaithin.
She had seen through him from the beginning and knew him far too well. Even better than himself, he though and then...
she had managed him to find some sleep.
In her arms he had been laying, in the Seahorse, in the room where she actually should have been resting.
And she had talked to him, as his nightmares reappeared...
Between the laughing demons, who let him walk over fields of blades and brought most horrible tortures to him, he had heared her voice,
How she had cajoled the wincing and speaking, although sleeping, Silas. And somehow, after heavy struggles, he had managed to flee. To flee to her.
He never had slept so dreamless in his life.

Silas sighed anew and raised, to continue with his training.
It always were the most beatiful thoughts which devoured him from inside..

[Alytys Lamar]

Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a bard

It was supposed to be the day, that his name would be famed on the whole island: For a long time he had been practicing for the celebration in the "Fluffy Sheep", and was full of excitement for this event. When he entered the tavern, shortly before the begin of the celebration, Gryphius proclaimed to Siltaris, that this would be the day of his major breaktrough. But it should turn out entirely different.

He sung a funny song about his friend Glóin, and Eviliel presented her beautiful looks by performing a graceful dance. But when Shandariel took over, madness began to take the present attendance - a tumult broke loose, as many fiends tried to interrupt the celebration. And unfortunately, success was granted to their efforts, for both dancers had retreated, when things became too much of a nuisance for them, and even the guests departed on by one. Gryphius was shattered - he had set such great expectations in this evening, now they were smashed by the foolishness of some troublemakers, which were obviously incapable of letting some beings have their amusement.

When Aleytys showed up, Gryphius was filled by hope again, that she'd be able to give him some words of comfort. Together, hand in hand, they went to the small island. But a second time already, his expectations were smashed - not words of comfort, but a verbal ice rain she brought upon him. She was affected to Silas, so she revealed to him, but only with the part of her mind, which was similar to him - the other one would be attracted to Gryphius in eternity.

But those words he no longer perceived, for the first ones were already enough to cool down his mind to ice. Otherwise he'd never been able to say words of such cruelty to Aleytys, as he did afterwards: »I am...a man of honor, Aleytys. I keep up once-forged alliances, until they've fulfilled their purpose. But once they're past use, the partners use to disperse.« Any fool should have been aware of the pain, those words did to Aleytys, and she implored him to listen - for she could not endure more coldness. Merciless, Gryphius went to speak on: »I've been listening to you long enough. Let me finish, so i can finally abandon this place.« That was beyond Aleytys' endurance, and she departed shattered. Nevertheless, Gryphius made no attempt to go after her, and dwelled on the island a little longer instead. He took his lute, but still his mind was icy, as were the sounds, he elicited from his lute:

Lonesome wolf rests in his burrow,
the famine keeps him from sleep.
The winter's cold and full of sorrow.
He hungers for fat sheep.

He was abandoned by his warmth, no longer he was the loving being that comforted Aleytys, whenever the grief took her. He had become cold and evil, even worse than Silas Farron had ever been. Some time later, he left the island as well, setting his steps towards the direction to the "Fluffy Sheep". Outside, he caught a view on 'her' again, as she sat down right beside Silas, and cried out bitterly, due to Gryphius cruel words. But not even as he faced that depressing spectacle he regained his consciousness.

He set foot into the tavern, where he started right away to accompany Eviliel, who was utterly downfallen due to the disaster of the celebration, to get drunk. Gryphius rejected Silas' attempt, who had entered the tavern, to seek conversation with him, with the words, Silas had gained his victory, and should stop teaching him about his duties as ally - Gryphius would face Negros in the battle with a sword, either prevailing, or dying. Furiously, Silas rushed out the tavern, and Gryphius turned to Eviliel again, to mourn about their pity.

Shortly after, Silas returned - and Aleytys walked in front of him, for she had mobilized some more power to face Gryphius one last time. She almost implored him to come with her, for her death would be certain without him. But then Gryphius enhanced his words into heights of cruelty and evilness, that were hardly to be surpassed: »Then go and die in the manner that seems to fit! We all will be dead soon enough!« For those words he recieved a well-deserved slap from Aleytys, which he returned under use of all of his power. Eviliel, whose heart was already troubled by the catastrophic process of the celebration, cried out in pain: »Would you two please stop constantly hurting each other?«

Those words went deep into Gryphius, und suddenly he felt like a haze was lifted from his mind. Suddenly he became aware of his evil behavior towards the woman he loved so dearly - not only, that he had even beaten her now: He deliberately crushed down her heart, and condemed her to the worst mental suffering imaginable. Suddenly, he was filled by a deep feeling of shame and regret. He put Silas in charge to comfort Eviliel, and went outside with Aleytys.

And indeed: The damage, he had inflicted, was big. Aleytys was so shattered and unhappy, as he had never seen her before - and both of these feelings he had seen on her more than once already. But this time, it was neither a foul demon, haunting her in her dreams, nor Negros, trying to take over her mind: Gryphius himself had done this. Utterly exhausted she was, and was miserable to look at. She only wanted to forget - forget that she ever loved him, Gryphius Messerzunge.

Though her heart was broken, it wasn't corrupted yet. She was ready to talk, and both of them made clear their point: Both of them appeared to have a completely different attitude, concerning their love life. Gryphius was thoroughly convinced, that true love only included two persons, no more. She, on the other hand, held the opinion, that every part of one's personality was in need for a proper counterpart. Gryphius was astonished, for this kind of behavior was punished hard on Virecta - never he'd been confronted with a different point of view, but that woman just had one, he had never considered to be possible.

The longer Gryphius looked upon her, the more he remembered his seemingly endless affection to her, and finally, he was allowed to wrap his arms around her again, with the promise, never to hurt her again. He didn't care for anything in that moment, for he more liked to share her with someone else, than to relinquish her utterly. He walked the island with her, where he tried to give back to her as much tenderness, as he brought evil on her, and seemingly, the attempt was successful. Thus the evening came to a rather comforting end, and both of them feel asleep, side by side.

As he woke up in the morning, she had departed already. He approached the shore to have a wash, but his eyes persited on his image on the water for a long time - how could the man, he caught sight of, commit such deeds of unspeakable cruelty? Was it indeed so, that the nameless ones had planted the seeds of evil inside him, and now Aleytys, just like Siltaris before, was the unfortunate one to harvest the bitter fruits? Gryphius shook his head right away - this should have been his last infamous action. He closed his eyes, folding his hands, facing haven, to dedicate a prayer to the godess, whose eye would certainly watch them: »By my faded home, by my dead parents und my loved Felicitas, and under your face, Sirani, godess of love and happiness, i swear you, that i shall never again bring pain upon Aleytys! And by everything, that's dear to me, i indulge you - Whenever i dare to treat Aleytys as shameful as i did, so you're no longer to show mercy with me! Let the punishment be done upon me, that i deserve, or she'll be doomed by my foolishness!«

He lowered his hands again, inspecting his image in the water - now it appeared a lot more friendly to him, than before.

[Alytys Lamar]

Long after Siltaris and Djironnyma had left her, she still was sitting at the fountain
and still she heard the cry of the drunken Preem Nightgrip in her ears:

you will regret this bitterly,you whore ! I know who you are -- HE gets you anyway

Wandering to the gate and out of town -- sitting just somewhere under a tree.
Silas could be found nowhere and at what time Gryphius will come back - only the gods knew.
A gentle draught distracts her -- the falcon circled in close proximity, before settle down on the tree.
A small smile did cross her pale lips. Hastily she takes a parchment, scribbling:


my beloved bard,

I don't know when you come back, but I think the falcon will find you.
Be extremely careful, there are spies of Negros in town. One of them is called Preem Nightgrip.
Be on your guard if speaks to you, he is also asking around about my friends.

Talk to you more if you are back at home.

with deep love and affinity

Aleytys

After rolling the parchment she offered it in her bare hand to the falcon, he snatched it immediate.
Her dark eyes did follow him until the tiny point in the sky vanished.

She then mumbles quietly to herself 'well, then please let me find Silas now'

[Alytys Lamar]

Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a bard

When Gryphius approached the town, the grey walls appeared to tower over him like a sinister wave, for he knew from Aleytys' letter, that the danger was about to take shape, and would soon be capable to reach out its black claws for them. But for a long time already he'd been knowing that, and for long time already his endurance had been tested in the hardest manners. He was torn between two women he loved dearly, but also the life of many of his friends had been put out of joint. But all this didn't manage to make him falter any longer. He now felt ready to take on the task, that was upon him - for his friends, for his beloved Aleytys, and for the memory of his passed home.

Steady-minded, he grimly mumbled:
»Come on, Negros, if you wish to face your death swiftly! Too long you've been watching her steps, too long you've been haunting her in her dreams. It's time to bring your rotten-mindedness to an end!«
He touched the knob of his sword, and entered the town. Finally, he had found his courage.

[Alytys Lamar]

Siltaris - friendship and the way of swords

~~ Slowly the spinn-wheel was twisting, sometimes faster, sometimes slower, and now and then it stopped. By and by the wool was spun to a white-grey thread, while Siltaris let the woole glide through her fingers. She was not very skilled in doing this job and from time to time she had to release the crank for adjusting the wool in her fingers. But the lack of experiences with newel and wool was not the only reason for her slow progress. Again and again she thought about the events of the last weeks. Lots of things happened, lots of things have changed… she has changed…

All started with the celebration at the tavern. It should have become a festive evening, an evening the residents of Trolls Bane would think of for a ling time. It should become a day, where Gryphius gets his approval, which he deserves …and needs… so much with his playing in the lute. But everything was different. All kinds of creatures bothered the celebration, mobbing, not willing to pay some coppers for entrance fee, thus were plead to leave the tavern, while they get even more louder and brash by doing so – after the dancers were gone and Gryphius’ last song was fade away, heard by only a fistful of people, a silence laid over the tavern, over its overthrown chairs and over its wooden floorboards covered by dirt and pieces of broken glases. The feelings of the attendees were depressive state and anger. These were the last days, Siltaris saw happiness in Glóin’s face. Also, it were the last days, she saw Alica the last time for a long time…

Some days later, Kevin told that Alica tried to kill Stephen. Equipped in full armor she went through the streets of Trolls Bane looking for Stephen. She wanted to stop get hurt by his deadhearted and hurting insults. She was heady, sure, but this was one of the reasons Siltaris loved her. But Siltaris was not able to get know what words he told to Alica. At heart it did not matter – his words hurted Alica deeply. How could he, the Governor of the town, the high knight of Kallahorn – her stepfather, Alica hurt so much? Siltaris was not able to understand that. How could such a fiend rule over the town, while at the same time he breaks Alica’s heart without hesitating?

She started to doubt… again. Before this, there have been some moments where Siltaris had to think about Stephen and his power. His foolish and undiplomatic behaviour with the dwarfes concerning the ownership of the tavern. His hesitant acting in dealing with the black-stone cult. Stephen’s noticed but little respected self-proclaimed promotion to the Governor of the town. All these were things people despised, yes, hated him. Lots of her friends told Siltaris to leave the knighthood and to use her life for a more honourable matter. But nothing could stop her to stay in the knighthood and fight for justice in the town in the name of the Governor.

This had changed now. Siltaris took him to ask. She asked him, which dreadful words he spoke to Alica. He denied everything – but Siltaris did not believe him. Then, the dialogue got out of control. He spoke about things he better should have never said. He insulted Alica and herself in front of all the people standing around. He seemed to enjoy it. Siltaris thought that she has finally seen his true face. She left the marketplace in full anger and ran to the town gates –she would never raise her blade for this man again, she would never fight for the knighthood, whose leader was such a cold-hearted, egoistic and obsessed by having power chadband.

~ She took her foot from the crank and stared in the emptiness. Her hands, folded in her lap, shivered. After some time has passed she sighed and stood up slowly. She took her bag full of grey-white threat and stepped slowly to the loom. She had little trouble to get the threat through the wooden eye of needle. When she made it she started to move the needle through the network of threat.

The setting sun will wrap the battlefield on orange light. The countless puddles of half dried blood laying on the trampled down black ground will glimmer in a less minatory red just before nightfall. For all the exanimate bodies these will be the lat sunrays before they will be picked by crows, mauled by wolves and eroded by maggots. The Five will watch over silently. As they always do. They stayed motionless in the twilight when the war between dwarves and Trolls Bane initiated and their eyes will watch the massacre calmly when dwarves and humans slash their blades each other in their bodies and letting bones burst asunder.

Glóin seemed to wanted this situation. He let his hate free. His thoughts were only about revenge. Hopefully the dwarves were caring for him. Siltaris felt apologetic about what they had to do with him. But there was no other opportunity than to jail him in Silverbrand till his mind is clear again. She hoped imploringly that this would happen very soon.

Because there are dark times ahead, in which Gobiath has to fight unified against a more powerful and dangerous foe. With every hour passed HE will come closer. Every blast makes his fleet coming closer to Gobiath. He will already be informed about the place Aleytys is. His scouts have found her. Siltaris was there. A scum of man was it, who used Negros for finding Aleytys. But if scum or not, HE will come and with him a disaster Gobiath has barely seen before.


~ Siltaris putt her roll of clothes aside to the other ones and swept her forehead exhausted. Her moss green eyes had lost its glimmer in this moment and she looked little satisfied to her work done. It was lesser cloth than expected. She breathed once deeply, took the rolls in her arms and went to the door. Before she left the room, she touched for her sword at her side. Since weeks she did not go without it. Now the time has come it is needed.

[Alytys Lamar]

The pain wont let her sleep, the Undeads and Skeletons had done a good job.
The walls around her did no good anyway. She felt so captured.
So she let pass the events from this day, a day she danced with death. twice .. thats for sure.

The cult had strike Trolls Bane pitilessly.

She had met Delorges in the tavern and both did wait for Shandariel the elfess. The attack started without any warning. The Lichs blocked the exits and grabbed immidiate a young Elfess.
The chaos was perfect. She tried desperate to protect Delorges attacking the nearest Lich. But she was powerless against the lightnings. With a loud crushing sound
the door in front of her splintered in hundred pieces.
Her strength was --just absorbed . Then the real nightmare began.
Demons and horrors haunted her through a black deep darkness without giving her a break.
They yelled in her ears she had lost, that she was a failure in person, whispers of an easy death. Silas and all your friends have betrayed you - just give up
Still, every now and then she felt an icy cold reaching out to her and another voice talking ...
His voice ....Can you feel the cold ? I am here ... you know who I am...awake and you are safe..the voice called out to her relentless, again and again,finally the grip
of the nightmare did loosen. She managed to open her eyes,escape from this bitter and cruel darkness. Silas eyes met hers with a *welcome back to the real world* gaze and he smiled, still holding her hand. The shaped bond between Silas and her had held once more.

Delorges was also still there, watching her with a worried gaze.
Finding the way out of the darkness was key for a fast recovery. His mental strength, the strength of Silas Farron, had saved her.
Physically only minor injuries, but her mind had been struck by terror.
Without Silas she would have had no chance to flee from this mental tortur.

Still shaken by the events she had to join a urgent meeting to combine the strength of Gobaith against Negros.
Silas and her walked pass the west gate of Trolls Bane as the attack started.
Undead and Skeletons rose from the ground, separate her from Silas.
She did fight with gritted teeth -- but as her sword broke she knew it wont end well. Soon after she lost the shield, and a strike in her unprotected side hit deep, let her fall to her knees,
heavily bleeding. Suddenly Knights from the grey Rose did break through the foul phalanx, pulling her out of danger.

Now she did lay in the Castle, Grandmaster Lennier had tend to her wounds, ordered rest and sleep.
Trolls Bane was pure chaos, Djronnyma seriously hurt, so many victims.

Oh Gryphius my dearest bard - I wish you could be here with me now she whispered into the faint light.

[Alytys Lamar]

A message reached her with a dove and after reading it she couln't help herself and smiled.

Congratulations ta yer affianc'...

Guran has told me everythin'! I'm sorry tha' I'm not able ta congratulate ye both personally an' I hav' ta send ye a dove instead of,
bu' at tim'I need a lil' rest!
I feel still ropy an' in tha last tim' all I did was ta blunder! Bu' ye can see me at Silverbran'!

I also wish ye both all tha best an' tha' ye'll stay tagether forever!
I hop' tha' I'm allowed ta be ther' at tha weddin', I would be delighted...

Do ye hav' already a date fer tha weddin'?

signed: Glóin - tha silliest Dwarf o' Silverbran'


The shy strange Odette just changed her life it seems
Gryphius and Aleytys are such a beautiful couple , she had whispered to Nerian, and at what date the two would get married, probably not knowing that Aleytys had listened in.

Suddenly she knew what to do, a goal, like a sunbeam in her soul.
Once a decision made she met Gryphius, sank to her knees in front of him, simple asking him if he would be willing to marry her.
His amazed expression was as priceless as his honest delight.

Guir and Siltaris heard it first, then Delorges - and he was happy for both as well.
Guran did show them all around in the halls of Silberbrand and it did remain Aleytys of her fathers magnificent court in Laemaros.

Silas had not been really surprised either, did raise a drink for the couple.

Silas...... ..
the bond between them got stronger and stronger. They both trusted each other blindly, felt instinctively when help was needed.
He did still recover from a attempt to attack the cult, with the help of a fierce little fairy named Laveny - both had paid it almost with their lifes.

It needed to come to an end soon !

Grabbing a new parchment she started, still smiling, to write an answer to Gloin.

[Alytys Lamar]

Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a bard

Whenever the hour appeared to be the darkest, every candle of hope faded, a fortunate event used to happen, which would lead destiny to its right path again:
In the meantime, Gryhius had arranged himself with the thought, that his life would always be similar to the waves of the sea, with the constand neverending contrast baths of ups and downs, ebbs and floods, warmth and coldness. But now he felt like being wrapped in comfortable warmth, and he enjoyed it with the very highest pleasure: In the midst of death and despair the temple had brought over the town, and the certainty, that Negros' helpers now walked the island, Aleytys had done what would give them both the endurance to survive the lethal storm.

When all this would be over, and both were still alive, she would marry him, so she promised. Gryphius was full of happiness, as if he'd live through his happiest days again - all of them at the same time. Taken by sheer euphoria, he rolled through the grass holding her, no longer aware of any hardship, and walked with her through Troll's Bane in celebration. He bought a drink for friends and strangers as well, danced around, enjoying his life. Together with Siltaris and Guran, he and Aleytys carried on the celebration in the halls of Silverbrand, and afterwards in Troll's Bane again, where even Silas attended the celebration.

It was a queer Sheep-herdess named Odette, often mockingly called "Odd Odette", that awoke the idea inside Aleytys. Nontheless, Odette was of a soft and gentle mind, and neither Gryphius, nor anyone else in the celebrating society refused to behave friendly towards the shy girl, as she accompanied them. »That nice being will certainly cause many highly agreeable things on this island.«, Gryphius thought to himself, as he later went to sleep with a feeling of highest comfort.

But in a doze, suddenly a name sneaked into his mind, that he had been pushing aside for days, and immediately he woke up, calling out loudly: »Blaithin!«. Fortunately, Aleytys wasn't around, but finally it deemed to him, that perhaps the most difficult test for his' and Aleytys' love was still about to come - and he would need to face it, if he ever would ever belong Aleytys completely, as he desired. Not to mention the fact, that Blaithin, this unspeakable fair and kind being, indeed deserved something better, than being punished by Gryphius ignorance. »There's no other way: I have to straighten things out with her.« With those words he fell into a sleep, that wasn't as quiet, as he had hoped.

And the dark shadow kept on growing...

[Alytys Lamar]

The Sacrifice

She had hid herself away from any people into the cellar room of the tavern.
Her gaze was empty, like the burned out fireplace before her.

*HE* was here.
Negros of Grovinia, her enemy, enemy of all life, prince of the darkness, had ancored with a large fleet south of Greenbriar.

Silas found her - well he did always. They could sort of sense each other now. But he had strange news.
Someone called Ephraim demanded to met her and Silas at a hidden spot in the south corner of Gobaith.
Both decided to investigate and went there as fast as possible.

Then he appeared out of nowhere ... Ephraim ... mysteriously, dark, in form of a huge raven.
His words were clear, let no room for interpretation.

A great disaster raise its head in the south.
And you are the trigger.
Aleytys Lamar.
Calamity for you and he will feast on it.
You have to avert this!

He ordered both to sit down and let appear a vision most horrible and terrifying.
Greenbriar going up in flames and a huge horde moved slowly, yet steadily and dreadful then everything they had ever seen before, towards the east.
The vision died down.

She asked with a tremble in her voice how she could prevent this from happening.

It lies in the dark.
But you shine like a star in the darkness.
Without you their is no rescue.
You are the cause and the solution.
The wheel of time will change into another future
as it would be now, if you fail.
But there are ways and means to support you.
You master an essence in your body, a essence from which your life was created.
And you are able to materialize this essence - if you want.
She will provide you with an unfair advantage.
But it comes with a exorbitant price.

She answered quietly: The price doesn't matter, I already pay my whole life

Ephraim raised his voice again.

This price is different, unlike anything else.
It is so high that only very few beings would take on this gamble,
and even fewer I would support to go for it.
It will take the gift of conceive a child from you.
You will never see your own children.
Because they wont exist.
The gift of the fertility is lost to you, forever.
Sirani will leave your body and Tanora will take the place.
This power of given a child birth will be the power to destroy him,
the power to safe your destiny and the destiny of many.

If thats the way it should be then I'm willing to pay *she whispered with fear in her eyes*

The nameless one will open a gate
using the enemy on the ships as a catalyst to the underworld.
And, if the gate opens to the flames,
then it is up to you to delete the Portal with the pure essence of your sacrifice.

Ephraim snapped with his finger
The copy of a ethereal altar appeared in front of Silas and her eyes

*HE* will open this portal.
And you know how to prevent it
Undress you and lay down at the altar

She slowly did as ordered, even with the fear in her eyes, she didn't hesitate
The altar appeared to be of fluent water and solid ice.
She shivered to her bones, felt like drifting in the chilly air.
Feeling suddenly hypnotized and tired, but not even near sleep.
Darkness
Emptiness
then total exhaustion.

No word she was able to say nor could she push herself up from the altar for several minutes.
The corner of her eyes did recognize a shining blue shimmer in Ephraim's hand.

Most toilsome she did formulate words .... Is it accomplished ?

Ephraim opened his hand, the radiant blue light grow stronger.
Then he made a move like throwing the light away.
In her hand appeared a small gem,the captured essence.

Ephraim told her to take the stone , to hid it away 'til the time would come.

In the hour of greatest need
this essence will foil the plans of the enemy.
You are in the advantage now.
Use this well
Not to early and not to late
If he calls out the name from the servant of the underworld
then you have the chance to destroy him and his plans.
You will know the moment, do not fail and miss it!

Ephraim let curve his wand to the left, then to the right.
Walking slowly away, he seemed rather clumsy and weak like a blind, old man.

There is nothing more I can do for you Aleytys Lamar.
The Vision I showed to you both will happen, regardless of this ritual
Very soon.
Fortify Trolls Bane and prepare for the battle

Ephraim's wand began to shine in the same glaring light like before
Silas and she were blinded completely
The shreak they heard was from a black bird flying into the horizon.

Silas - please let me alone
he simply nodded and walked away, gave her the room to work this out.

She took the gem into her hands.
It pulsed in a blue-white mysterious light.
All colours are mirrored in it, but still solid.

A part of me......
The part of me that will kill you Negros .....

Without a tear she watched the now empty sky. The acrid taste in her mouth was as bitter as her feelings.

You have to pay for this, about you I'm a playtoy for the gods and for your kind. You took away what most woman consider to be her very being.

She started to drink the rum she had in her bag, she wasn't able to stop and help herself, starting to weep silent, the bitter tears running down her cheeks.
She knew she had to break her engagement with Gryphius, he shouldn't share her destiny ...

[Alytys Lamar]

She couldn't fall asleep

The burns did hurt, her lungs were still craving for air, not to mention her dislocated shoulder, who didn't allow a lot of movement.
The Druid Cyndil had her shoulder set and Lady Meryadeles did speak a healing spell.
Looks like it didn't help much, though.

Her thoughts still raced through her mind, just refusing to be quiet.
It was hard enough to explain to Gryphius which sacrifice she had made -- he refused to leave her, giving her a bit of certainty and warmth.

This disaster, the meeting --
Big mistake to trust Lady Meryadeles -- it had could be the death of all.
The smell of lava, fume and fire lingered still on her.
And she had made another fault, invite EVERYONE to the meeting.

She pulled herself together, thinking back of her educating.
She was born a princess, raised as a heir and military leader to her fathers troups, it was about time to use these abilities
She was a fast learner and never made a mistake twice.

Elara had hold her protecting hand over the people who did travel with her, or all would be dead.

In the afternoon they had killed Negros officer, Preem Nightgrim, as he attacked her.
Actually he should have been brought to prison for questioning -- but how unfortunate, the transport to the prison was sort of *to rough*
They simple changed his body with a namless one, who was attacked from a mummy, not long ago.
Nodbody seems to watch the big group as they scouted to the hole in the earth, the uproar and noises where terrifying
The blackstone-cult, this was the important information, had combined his army with the one from Negros.
She had spotted a skeleton, showing the insignia of the blackstone-cult

Lady Meryadeles knew about the volcano, and she had opened a portal directly into his heart !
She wanted to play leader, but this failure wasn't acceptable. It had cost nearly all for what she was working for.
The service of Lady Meryadeles would still be valuable, but from now on she would make the plans, thinking carefully about every move.
Something she had should consider so much earlier, if her mind would've been occupied with the sacrifice and sorrow in her.

The volcano broke out during the meeting, Negros could have destroyed all important persons with a blow, probably just hesitated to deliver the blow yet.
Or Elara, showing her divine might, had hold him back for now.

She decided to find the persons she had noticed during the meeting, people to reason with, people with a mind for plans.
She would only trust her own intellect and intuition as of now -- then they all may have atleast a shimmer of success.

The scornful laughter from the prince and the cries of his victims did still shrill in her ears.

For all what I love, for Gobaith, you will suffer Negros -- and in the end you'll die. Your infinite arrogance will bring you to your knees.

Finally a peacefull slumber found her.

[Alytys Lamar]

The Death of Markous Vaskar

When the undeads approached, Markous already knew they were coming.

He felt it. Grabbing his staff and burning the documents of the Order, he ran outside, facing the enemies with his brothers.

There he was: Negros, clothed in an armor of bones, like Moshran himself. And around him the foul necromancers of Log'thor.

"You will end my life, but you will never have my soul, foul creature of evil!" Markous yelled at him.

"Oh, there is no need to. Your death will be a symbol of my power to this pathetic people. They are too stupid to unite against me - and they will fall, like you will, son of the old Order. Surprised? Yes, I felt your presence here the first day I set my foot upon this island. You and your Manrok cult have bothered the undead lords long enough. But enough of talking! Necromancers, attack!"

With a horrified look on his face, Markous was the first to be slain by the summoned undeads, and shortly afterwards, the whole monastery was burning.

The death of Brother Markous Vaskar.
Descendant of the Manrok Order.
Abbot of the White Flame.



*****************************************************

Damien from Tol Vanima

With few expression, a grey cloaked figure steps outside the morning mist, facing the still a bit glowing ruins of the monastery, watching from afar. The elf sighs.

"So this was what we were warned of."

The figure watches the ruins for a while without moving, quietly, hidden by the slightly moving fog almost completely.

**************************************************

Gryphius- Thoughts and Life of a bard

There was nothing left but a cursed, ugly shield - an attempt to destroy it remained unsuccessful, for the shield splitted into many shards - most of them could be destroyed, but one appeared to have been stolen by Gort, the powerful orc warrior.

After a longer chase, he was seized by Lady Meryadeles, Aleytys, Guir, Gildon and Gryphius, but refused to tell anything, unaware of the pain, that was done on him. Finally, Negros' voice was to be heard: »Gort, why don't you just tell them the truth? Come to Hellbriar and get your shard, fools!«
Knowing well, that this would be a trap, they did not accept the offer, and released Gort afterwards.

With a feeling of dissatisfaction, Gryphius fell asleep. »Without the last shard destroyed, Markous might never be free.«

[Alytys Lamar]

Gryphius - Toughts and Life of a bard

The war had been taking terrible prices already: Aleytys would never be able to give birth to a child, and the once green and fertile planes of Southern Briar nay laid down burnt. But what reckless hate was capable to desecrate the holy Eldan Monastery, and bring the cold, gruesome wind of death there?

Brother Markous was slain, grim-looking Tombstones disfigured the once pure, idyllic environment of the House of the Druids, and Negros' sneering voice filled the air, obviously pleased with this deed, which shamefulness would hardly ever be surpassed.

Gryphius sat down in his night camp weeping, as he had done several times before. No matter, whether the war would be won or lost - due to the terrible price it claimed from everyone standing on the good side, it would be a defeat in the end.

Depressed, Gryphius whispered to himself: »Negros - you shall pay dearly for every single slain body!«
Finally, the sleep relieved him from those grim thoughts, but the images of the many dead around the Eldan Monastery pursuited him into his dreams.

[Alytys Lamar]

the last missing shard from the shield, stolen by the Orc, it was send to her ----- but Negros nearly had succeed to get a hold on her with and through it.

The package got handed over, shining seductive brightly, dominating her, like casting a mind spell, ban Aleytys.
It did open slowly like a calyx, she couldn't let it go, nor was she able to look away.
The bright shine did grow, and with every bit of increased light her own senses got bereaved.
A sweet voice lured her in with the promise to find peace.
The hand of a celestially beauty waved and made a attempt to grab her..................

Finally the cold blood of Silas in her gained the upper hand.
She threw the package with a last bit of willpower into the fireplace.
The shard rose with a garish light, Gryphius cloth started to sizzle from the heat. A unutturably glow, still growing ...
RUN -- she yelled, pulling the door open, they ran away, full of panic, she could close the door in the very last moment.

But it was -- in her head, she needed to go back, wanted to melt with the red glow, magical waves pulled her back. Not even Gryphius was able to stop her.
She ran almost back to the room and into the hot glowing.
The maliciousness washed in hot waves over her mind , scorched her, evil pictures took her breath away ... but then again her cold blood did win, let her run out of the room.
Now she glowed itself, dazzled everyone, incinerating inside
Wit a final effort she cried out to Silas, he touched her gently -- and safed her life with his touch again. She did welcome the ice , let it spread and the heat inside her vanished slowly.

She was aware of the others, Gryphius, Lady Meryadeles, Delorges and Guir,......
was it truely brother Markous who called out to them now ?
Gryphius tried to speak to the whimpering voice, inviting it to proof it was Brother Markous - all in vain

Lady Meryadeles went to the door and she felt the abysmal unholy being behind the door.

The decision was reached - they all made the attempt to destroy this thing with magic and prayers.
All of them grouped to a circle, combining all the inner strength which was left
- trying to seal the door.
it wasn't enough, the door was shred downright ...

FREE... FREE....
they could hear and a red Lich jumped past them onto the roof of the library.
Then it escaped in a sea of flames, but all had seen the same, the Lich had carried the facial features of brother Markous.

Aleytys collapsed completly, trembling, not able to make a single move.
Gryphius cared lovingly about her, Lady Meryadeles made a room available for rest.

But one thing she knew for certain - the Nightmare had just begun

[Alytys Lamar]

Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a bard

A long time already they had been living under the shadow, and the war had turned all of those involved...inside out. The sacrifices that had to be given were not only to be seen - also to be felt: Gryphius and Aleytys had been drifting apart in a sneaking process, and now differences had grown large, the quarrels more numerous. Whenever there was a meeting with potential new allies, Gryphius felt lost and down-minded, since this appeared like a world beyond his recognition to him.

Furthermore, since Aleytys' name now was well-known all around the island, she suddely was surrounded by so many new worshippers: Mostly noblemen and brave warriors, who easily surpassed Gryphius physically and financially. How could he ever stand against those odds? »Miserable fools!« he angrily thought to himself. »The destiny of the whole island is at stake, and those idiots have nothing better to do than pursuing their hunger for flesh!«

He sat down, having his lunch, and looked at his golden ring that Aleytys had given to him one day. How long would he still wear it? Would his Aleytys' love endure these dark days? Or would this be the ultimate sacrifice to be given for the victory?

He tried hard to remember their happiest days, when Negros still was far away, and life was easy and carefree. But the memory diminished more and more...

[Alytys Lamar]

All of sudden she was Governor of Trolls Bane, another unexpected twist, for sure
The thought to lead and control this town left her still in disbelieve.

The Bandit Galthran had Rothman lured into a trap, injured him and let him run away like a coward.
However, exactly this movement caused in her mistrust. She would observe every step of this man.

There was so much to do - a new feeling of together, peace and wealth. Her goals where set high.
Negros, the dangerous shadow, linger in the background, the cult, what to do with Rothman ? Galthran ?
Had her decision been the right one ?
And which decisions where needed first ? Actions fast and clear ?
Luckily a lot of people stood by her side, be on hand with help and advice.

She tiredly sat down under her favorite tree.

Gryphius...... ..
they finally had speak out to eachother. She felt her love towards him was stronger then ever.

Silas ...
she missed him, missed him so much. And she was deeply worried. Never before he vanished such a long time without sending any message.

Siltaris ...
She could trust her, she was like a rock to lean on. And she was the best choice as a leader of the town guard , Aleytys was sure of this.

..... so many others like Yandran, Chiara, Cawdor, Delorges, so many new and old friends, so much support.

Even if she was tired to the bones she did take out parchments and ink to make lists what to do.

[Alytys Lamar]

Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a bard

The occurences had followed hot on the heels of one another: In the midst of confusion, rebellion and sheer madness, Aleytys had become Governor of Troll's Bane, under a king of more than questionable reputation. And although Galthran, as the being he was now, appeared not to be the robbing, murdering cultist he was before, there still remained a lot of mistrust in Gryphius' heart, but also in those of the townspeople, often approaching him and Aleytys openly with scorn and despise for their support of Galthran. Numerous doubts took Gryphius' heart, whether he really supported the right man, or he was about to make a far more terrible mistake than those standing with Rothman. But the path was taken, and he would walk it alongside Aleytys - either into a golden age, or into the complete downfall. The fateful encounter between Gryphius and Galthran, in a night when bones turned to flesh again, and the blackstone burst, would certainly have a strong impact on the fate of the island - whether in a good or a bad manner was not to be seen yet.

No longer he could deny it: Gryphius held a power he had been unaware of for most of his life, and soon enough it would prove itself, what he'd be able to accomplish with it.
»It is time, Gryphius.«
Whenever he heard that phrase he knew, that his mental horizon would grow larger again. Still, he was not certain whether he could live up to his own expectations, but he felt the deep urge to do something good - more than playing his lute, singing cheerful songs. He wanted to play an active role in making this island a more decent place, apart from petty political struggles.

He laid down in his night camp, feeling proud for Aleytys, but also for his friends, that nonetheless had stayed true to both of them. Now he was engaged to a woman of great influence, but also one with a lot of worshippers. But no longer he felt jelous about that, knowing well, that their love would not come to an end by mere love affairs. He knew her opinion about strict fidelity, and althoug it stood in contrast to the norms he had grown up with, he finally began to undestand and, more important, to accept it. And it was not like he was innocent himself: Indeed there was a mysterious, exotic and intelligent woman of indescribable beauty he felt strong attraction to - a woman in a red veil...

As he fell asleep, the image of her breathtaking dance awoke in him, accompanying him till the moment he woke up again.

[Alytys Lamar]

Restless thoughts circled in her mind.

She couldn't figure out why Galthran all of sudden Trolls Bane handed into Rothman's hands.
Immidiate she gave back the title of governor, because she wanted a vote, a clear vote from the whole island.

It didn't play a role for her anyway, she didn't long for power. Anyone beside Rothman could be Governor.
But there must be created a unity, finally, or Negros would have a easy victory.

She was still aligned with the only goal she had - killing Negros, pulling the root of all evil out.
So much sacrifices she had made by herself.
But they were still bickering, discussion, the hows, whys and if's.
These fools.

A strong pain flashed through her body - SILAS ?
She felt it clearly, something was wrong with him, he was in grave danger,
suffer unbearable pain ... but everything else remained in a blur, a grey mist.

Her thoughts did wander back to matter of hand as the pain lessened.
Rothman - this name caused a fiery hate in her, he had send a unarmed Siltaris to the cross, cowardly and dishonorable.

And Gryphius? ... again beside the red veiled beauty Chiara ?

How long will the bond last they shared ??
Uncertainty did grow

[Alytys Lamar]

Rothman was defeated, jailed at the castle from the Grey Rose.
The pressure on her shoulders did losen, Rothman and his lies were a dangereous shadow, a painful thorn in her side.
But Trolls Bane descended into chaos now.

Reading through all the notifications let her smile faintly.
She wasn't sure if she really could be a good candidate for leading Trolls Bane ............ she was still a 'stranger', a woman, and she had her flaws and made faults already in the past.

Strolling along the river she was in a reflective mood.
It was quite uncomfortable that she and Gryphius lost sight of each other, more and more.

Chiara was a enchantress and kept Gryphius in suspense - but a name appeared in her thought once in a while, too -- Sir Cawdor, owner of Caelum --
He had shown her his country yesterday, it was beautifully there, his visions of the town had deeply moved her and she felt an inner peace , a rather rare feeling she enjoyed.
He treated her like a precious jewel, gentle and considerate.
He did love her, without any doubt, and he knew she couldn't reply these feelings. But it didn't change his behaviour towards her.

Negros was only a quiet, dangerous shadow in the background these days.

[Alytys Lamar]

She felt weaker by the day, without knowing exactly why.
After becoming a citizen in Varshikar she enjoyed the quiet and warm surroundings.

Though she kept herself isolated, even if Aristeus lived there and Maggie Kemoc did give her and Gryphius a warm welcome.

It was as if the name SILAS would burn in her, in her thoughts, in her blood. The scar on her arm, leftover from her ritual with Silas, was red, swollen and hot.
Her heart burned like fire ...

However she did barely speak these days , not even with Gryphius or Siltaris. She avoided every encounter with other peoples, well aware that Gryphius had fallen victim to his passion for the mysterious beauty Chiara. She didn't mind it, though. Love should be free, not in chains.
His heart would return to her, always.
And if not, then this was her destiny. She wouldn't die because of it.

Again a heavy wave of dizziness grabbed her - SILAS - flamed up in her thoughts and she just wanted to yell in pain.
Restraining herself with slow, deep breething, she eased the pain, walking back in a slow pace to Varshikar

What the hell was wrong with her ?

-------------------------------------------------------------

Some days later

Gryphius - Thoughts and Life of a bard

Moving in convulsion, her body laid in his arms, significantly weakened and shaken by attacks of fever. For a long time already, her sickness had been appearing in outlines, but now it finally had taken possession of her, and the stressing occurences of the last months also had taken their price from her. For her, the struggle had come to an end for now, for it was beyond questioning for her to carry on in her recent state.
Gryphius carried her painfully moaning body through the dark corners of the skeleton forest, accompanied by Aristeaus, Maggie Kemoc and Lady Samantha Meryadeles, looking for the hidden temple of Brágon - a place, where Aleytys would be beyond the reach of her enemies.
But as the search proved itself to be futile, they switched over to an alternate hidden place, one that Maggie had proposed.

After Aleytys had bidden temporary farewell to her friends, she staggered on a comfortable spot and adressed the words »I love you.« to Gryphius, before she finally fell asleep. He was in fear she will never awake again, the fever was so high ...

Tenderly he caressed her face, and feelings of regret took him - for a long time already, her sickness had been foreshadowing, but rarely Gryphius was there to give her words of comfort, for he was too busy going after his lust of flesh. Although he was well aware of Aleytys' attitude towards physical fidelity, and she knew about his affair from the beginning, claiming to accept it as well, he nevertheless felt that Aleytys had dearly missed his presence the last days. Softly he caressed her cheek, as her sleeping body laid in his arms. No longer he thought about his neglects, for they appeared devastatingly obvious to him.

Silas Farrons' blood also ran through Aleytys' veins, his state of health was hers as well, and her sickness was the image of the hardship, Silas had to suffer in this very moment.

For the first time since he had been knowing Silas, Gryphius feared about his well-being, not only in view to Aleyty's condition, but also because...well..he actually 'missed' him. Although the words between him and Silas rarely had been friendly ones, that man at least was capable to bring Gryphius back to reason. »That man i scorned so badly once...« Gryphius thought to himself »...has contributed so much more to Aleyty's protection than i will ever be capable of.«

Carefully he bedded down Aleytys in the grass, wrapping his coat around her. Then he retreated a few steps, closed his eyes, kneeling down and lowly sang his prayers. He sang for pardon for his own deeds - he sang for Silas Farron - and he sang...for Aleytys to recover. All night long he was kneeling there, singing his prayers into the dark, uncertain, if a relief would ever come.