[Game Thread] A Change of Season - Part 3

[mountainbound]

Oren looks to Daybreak first, to make sure his companion is unhurt, then looks to his friends and the knights. The warlock is impressed at them, having heard many rumors less than complimentary. "Your men fought well. Without them, we would never have succeeded. Thank you, Holger, and if you indeed decide to make this your new headquarters, I hope that it will always be filled with men the caliber of those who risked everything today."

He continues, "It is an honor to be offered a spot among the Knights, now that I know them to be brave and skillful, but our place is back in Oakcrest. I made a promise to those people to protect their village, and my work is not done. It seems the location is of special interest to fiends in the lower realms, and they already have their hooks in the place in the form of a young girl. I need to return to keep and eye on her, and get to the bottom of their scheming."

His eyes drift to Daybreak again, looking forward to returning to Dragon's Rest for some welcome downtime together, and remembering that she too bore her own mystery that Oren swore to unravel. Though she was comely and better able to move about with him, she had been robbed of her original form as a dryad, and he knew she felt a certain wordless emptiness at times, having been severed from her beloved forest... by a demon. But this was just another pattern in the bigger web of challenges in his life.

"If I may ask a favor? Perhaps if you discover why it is that the demons decided to make a portal here, in the church, it might give some insight into their bigger designs for the region, or perhaps even for our world. I feel I am missing a big piece of the puzzle and would appreciate being able to keep in touch with you, to share our findings. And certainly offer aid in times of need. You have my trust and friendship."

OOC Great conclusion, nice to actually make an ally!

[zebedee]

As the party begins to realize that they have, indeed, escaped, Gallindan allows a smile. For a moment, his white hair turns as gold as the sun, his white skin glows a healthy pink, and his piercing blue eyes gleam forest green. He sighs as the colors fade back to their original state. Curiously, his hair does not return to the stark white it has been since Hakkouth's death. Rather, it returns to the shining silver it was when he first met Oren.

Such a strong emotional response is telling; the eladrin had not expected to survive this encounter. Oren has seen the snapshot changes before, but the slower return is also curious. Perhaps the end of winter really is in sight?

He claps Adelaide on the shoulder, grinning. "Well done, my young friend. Listen! Do you hear it? Your bird friends can already feel the change. A few of them, at least. They sing for you once more. Feel that candle in your soul. Hold it. Fear, anger, sorrow - feel them all, for they are all part of the light. But joy. Ah, joy is what holds back the night. Remember this moment - the good and the bad. And recall it when you need to be reminded. And you will need to be reminded."

He listens as Oren responds to the knights. And he nods at the end of Oren's speech. "I fear I must say the same. I have traveled across worlds to be there, at Oakcrest. I don't understand why it calls across the planes, to both sides. But call it does, and I must answer. We may yet need your help again there - be ready for our plea."

[Admin Bhelogan]

Holger listened to Oren's request about finding out why the portals were opening. "I'll make sure to let you know if we find out why. By the Gods, someone has to figure something out soon. These incursions are happening more and more, all across the empire. We could be facing the end of the world if they continue. Those are bigger world problems than I intend to tackle though."

Through the course of the rest of the day, and most of the next, the small group worked to gather up the Knights who had helped with the distraction that had pulled the Demons out of the city proper. Two dozen knights had met their deaths before the portal was closed, and their pursuers were sucked back to the abyss. That accounted for nearly one-third of the volunteers who chose to help Holger in the endeavor to rid his hometown of the invasion. Still, the nearly 50 men left were strong, capable, and loyal enough to see Holger's new vision for the town. Of those of the Knights who did not volunteer for this mission, it was still yet to be seen what path they would take going forward.

Once everyone had been gathered, Oren, Gallindan, and crew were given provisions to make their return journey to Oakcrest. "Till we meet again, may the Gods guide you!" Holger called out, as the journey south began.

OODM The story will continue with: Call of the Ancient - Part 4