Current Character Description - Atandella Shu'la

She who stands before you is one of no special talents. Or so it would seem by appearance. Wearing a firey red robe with an overly large hood  designed to conceal her delicately pale face, her dazzling green eyes pierce through you as none other could. The staff she carries is very unusual in itself. For a fleeting second, it would appear as if there are runes carved all about it, and they move as if of their own accord. Then they vanish. Hair that streams down her frail shoulders in a cascade of violet steals your breath for a moment as you gaze upon her. Something  about the way she holds herself and the way she walks suggests that she might hold something of great value. She holds it as if she protects it with her very existence.

Reunion

Vorcet found himself suddenly uncomfortable sitting in the leather chair and started to pull himself upright to stand when Elbryan chuckled, obviously amused at Vorcet's sudden discomfort. "How long have you been using this office in my absence? Ten years by now I would immagine."

"Give or take." Vorcet says guardedly before settling back into the chair.
"I've no intention of reclaiming whats mine old friend." Elbryan said "Besides, I've grown to like the freedom."

"It would have been nice to have your guidance occasionally while I was holding your church together." Vorcet said bitterly.

"Was it such a hardship?" Elbryan asked suddenly serious. "Did you think I would leave you unprepared to lead?  From where I stand you did a  perfectly good job leading until the end of all of the churches.  What would my presence have done other than undermine your authority?"

"Still, I am not you.  You and Atandella were the church." Vorcet replied.  Some of the irritation leaving his voice.

"We were leading the church in a time of war.  War is something I know intimately.  With the Istishian church all but destroyed, Kossuth's followers needed someone a bit less.... violent.  The war was never about destroying the Istishian church entirely.  They would have thrown the elements into turmoil with their plans.  We simply restored that balance."

The two old friends looked at eachother for a while accross the desk. "So in the end it all came down to restoring balance." Vorcet stated

"I see you no longer wear your Insignia from the Guardians."  Elbryan said.

"I learned something with the destruction of the the old churches and organizations." Vorcet said thoughtfully. "We had failed our intended function in the end. We had set our focus on the petty squables of the churches.  And while we were watching that, the insane followers of the Rok plotted and planned. Had we been watching the whole picture we would have seen that the there was balance to the petty bickering of the old churches. It all seemed pointless at times, but its like a forrest fire. It seems such a terrible thing to happen, until you see the new life it creates after the fact."

"It sounds like you have your direction now." Elbryan says.

"I do." Vorcet responds. "Ive got someone doing some research for me."

Elbryan nods slowly and turns to leave, "Ill be in the area a bit longer should you need anything.  And one last thing, You need to find a better hiding place for your phylactery.  Keeping it around your neck is reckless in the extreme."

A dumbfounded Vorcet watches Elbryan walk out as his hand makes it's way to the gem hanging from a chain on his chest.

"Pretty crafty.... for a corpse." Vorcet whispers to himself.

Meeting in Polaris

Elbryan Stepped back into his town and Looked around. Rememberin the sweet smells of the place. And at the same time remembering the god forsaken cold that was over this city year round. As Elbryan was about to round a corner he heard voices. Voices he had not heard in a long time. Kohrin and Atandella were standing in the City Center. He could catch most of what was said. They were discussing where a good place to put the city hall would be. Nobody knew that Elbryan was back in town yet and He kind liked it that way, but business needed to be taken care of. "I know where we can put the Town Hall." Elbryan says as he rounds the corner. Both Tandy and Kohrin jump back at the sight of him, and when the inital shock is gone agree to see the place that Elbryan has in mind. Elbryan leads them Down Crescent street And then on a northern street untill They reach an abandoned warehouse. "Kossuth himself showed me this building shortly before I left. I was not afforded the opportunity to tell you about it before I had to leave." said elbryan as he looked at the building. Then He looks at Tandy and says, "Im sorry for dissapearing again... My former life keeps calling me away. I think Things are resolved now. I shouldn't be dissapearing again for a long time...." Then Elbryan looks at his feet. and Tandy Lifts Elbryans head and says, "All that matters is that you are alive and here with us now. Nothing else matters." "Thank you Tandy" says Elbryan. "Here let me show you two the structure as it stands now."

FLAMEs in Polaris (Part 5)

Stark stepped down from the fountain and smiled broadly as he handed out the remainder of his parchments to the anxious citizens.  "Yes, Krogenar... I am well aware of your presence.  Twould take more than a few seasonal bathings to shield your wretched smell, even in the depths of this frigid waste", he thought amusedly to himself.  His hawkish eyes hadn't missed the Istishian's less than adequate attempts to lose himself in the crowd as he had continued his speech.  Though well skilled in the arts of camouflage in the wild, Krogenar was well out of his element here in the city.  The expected and long-awaited appearance of the enemy merely made things all the more interesting.  "Indeed, the Istishians have placed their necks right in our noose, just as Lady Atandella foresaw they would"  Stark congratulated to himself as he marked Krogenar's slinking retreat through  half-lidded eyes.

Pocketing the fire ring, Stark graciously took his leave of the assemblage and made his way down the ice shrouded street to the depths of a frost-limned alleyway.  From the depths of a 'borrowed' bag of holding he withdrew a flowing white cloak which blended seamlessly with the surrounding snow, even in the growing darkness of the fast encroaching night.   Donning the garment, Stark drew the cowl low across  his head and studied the wall before him with a smile.  "Ah... the thrill of bagging the mark."

FLAMEs in Polaris (part 2)

Finally completing the missive, Stark reviews what he has written one last time, the crimson quill grit in his razor sharp beak:

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High Flame Atandella and Lord Elbryan:

Per your request, I am reporting some of the things which the righteous forces of Lord Fire may strive to bring to the cold and troubled peoples of Polaris.

- aquaduct waters from the Dark Lake through the proposed Temple of Kossuth, thereby heating the liquid to steam and piping it into the businesses and homes as an ambiant heat source.
- import various endangered species from the realms into the Polaris Forest to create a wildlife sanctuary for the beasts.
- prepare tax incentives for the merchants of the city to import and sell more exotic and desired goods.
- encourage the guilds to better prepare their pupils  for the wilds of the realms through practice and  training
- balance the patrols of the uncaring Shimmering Guardsmen of Polaris with more populace friendly guard  to police the wandering bands of thugs and street  tuffs.
- temper the clergy to put the wandering spirits of  the Polaris graveyard to final rest, fire the current  gravekeeper for hitting the spice wine too often and  not doing his job.
- increase the housing for the poor and downtrodden

Istishian activity has been limited in this area at this time.

Signed by my hand, your loyal Servant... STARK

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Nodding in affirmation, Stark invokes a prayer to Lord Flame and watches in rapture as the message is consumed in a blazing ball of fire... magically  transported to his lady and liege. 

PreTrial: Aberrant Behaviour (end)

"By the flames of Kossuth, why would Quaster seek to aid me in any way... especially after going out of his way to attack me, some time ago, in Hilp.  Not to mention, his attacks upon my brethren." ponders Stark. "Something is horribly amiss.  He's surely up tosome deviant scheme."  His eyes slowly close, as the soothing warmth of the fire lures him into slumber.

Later, as he quickly makes his way to meet with Atandella and Elbryan to report on his mission, Stark is halted by a small mob of people crowded about a publicly posted proclamation.

Noting that the notice bears the scales of Tyr, Stark scans the document halfheartedly, eager to be on his way.  His eyes widen in shock as the meaning of the words spider their way into his brain; he rereads the message yet again.

Unrestrained, raucous laughter echoes about the Square, causing people to turn from their gossiping and level confused looks at the mirthful bird-man.

"No wonder." gasps Stark between bouts of fits.  "This trial is indeed going to be interesting."  He continues laughing as he leaves, ready to share the  joke with the others.

PreTrial: Aberrant Behaviour (pt 1)

Absorbed in thought, Stark strode briskly down the  streets of Westbridge, his gait made somewhat  irregular as he subconsciously avoided the water puddles and mud ruts which criss-crossed the path.  It  had been some time since he had been able to return to town.  Stark looked forward to a hearty meal and a  seat close to the roaring fire of the inn to warm his  chilled bones.

Stark's mission was an important one.  Scouting the  depths of the frozen city, determining locations of  strategic importance and noting the everyday problems  which afflict the citizenry.  The pack on his back  contained some updated maps as well as information  which Lord Elbryan and High Priestess Atandella would  find most interesting.

His hasty walk is suddenly halted by the appearance of  a shrouded form that seemingly springs from nowhere.   Aghast, Stark's eyes take in the dark blue flowing  robes and emblazoned shield bearing the crest of  Istishia.  A low seething hiss escapes his beak.

"Just my luck to fall across the path of Quaster, yet  again.", Stark silently curses to himself.  He quickly  flourishes his cloak, concealing his damning cache of  documents, while leveling a heated gaze upon his  opponent.

Decifering of Lies

The Past several days had worn On Elbryan greatly.  First the Problems with Quaster and his lies. Then the premonition of his gaining his life.  And to add a bit of welcome Stress To  Plan a wedding for himself.  As the Time was Growing Neigh.  Elbryan decided to Meditate again as his premonition took all of his time in his last session. Elbryan Thought of Many things in that time. His upcoming wedding, (should I drag Kellistandra into the middle of this) Quaster took up a great deal of his thoughts on this particular night though. Why had Quaster Lied to his own Wife.  Is he that afraid of punishment. He Knew Menhara would not have condoned his actions regarding Atandella and Starke.  But All he could do was hope that The Church of Justice would do its job and take care of Quaster and put him away for a long time. He had told Khalan Everything he knew yet it seemed as it was not enough. Was attempting to Better himself in his profession. These actions seemed Like acts of war to Elbryan.  Yet he spoke of peace when he was surrounded by his followers. How Many people would Quaster leave in his wake of lies. Elbryan did however realize one thing.  The reason he was getting his life back was because of Quaster. Elbryan now Knew his purpose, and that purpose was to keep people like Quaster in check. After finally arising refreshed Mentally and Physically from his long Trance Elbryan stretched out And prepared for another long day.  There were plans to be made.  It looked as though FLAME would have  to make the next move. Elbryan Then pulls out a map And begins to map out the areas to be faught over.

The Spark of the F.L.A.M.E

::A druidess falls to her knees in front of an inn room's fireplace, raises her arms and begins to pray out loud::

m'Lord

I am Atandella, and currently I am in the jewel of the burning desert, New Thalos. I pray to you as I am in need of your guidance. I hear the water worshippers constantly speaking ill of you, and I believe they  are taking your mercy as a sign of weakness.

I know your power is great, and if you truly wished you could do away with them. There are more than worship you as I do, and I wish to seek them out. allow them to see that without you this world would be cold and dark.

I beg you, m'Lord, to allow me to come to Westbridge. So that I may be with you, be in your light, and learn more of your ways, so that I may profess your true words to the masses.

m'Lord do bless me, and give me this chance that I may bring them to you and your firey ways. I will continue to pray for a sign from you, m'Lord. I wait patiently for an answer to my prayers.