A Wood of Surpassing Quality

[Aedon Durreah]

One of the few things that Yew seems to have an abundance of is Yew trees. In recent months the wood of the yew tree has become a hot property. Builders have discovered that the hardships Yew endured when the area was sickened and swamp like was that the Yew area trees bore a wood of surpassing quality. Able to stand up to conditions which would warp other boards.

Some scholars have conjectured that this came about when the minerals of the earth they grew in were forced up through the trees roots as the waters filled the lands. Perhaps carried in some way by the properties of the contamination itself. This leads me to believe that there is a possibility that the harm done to Yew may turn out in some ways to be a boon for the lumber trade.

PGOH has been trying to secure as much of the lumber from Yew as it can to use in shoring up the tunnels at their dig site. I have already sent several shipments their way, and yet their appetite for the lumber has not been sated.

At the same time, ship builders have also discovered that the odd properties in the wood make it an excellent material for the building of larger and faster vessels. I have seen tradesmen and those of questionable reputation hanging around the area and seeking talks with the monks of the Empath Abbey.

It has been said that whoever gains control of the Yew woods and lumber will be able to gather vast wealth to themselves through trade and out right sales of the precious wood. The people of the Yew area forests are becoming concerned that greedy profiteers may strip the forests and kill the way of life in the surrounding towns and villages.

[Alyssia Kanath]

It was wet.

Grey. Dreary. Frigid. Muddy.

Add on to that a host of other adjectives that Alyssia Kanath could probably come up with, if she had half a mind to. She focused however upon her task, protected from the rain like she was under the covered landing that stored Stormguard's supply of firewood.

The ax swung down and with a loud thwacking noise split the log that had been placed there. The two nearly even pieces fell to the stone floor with a clatter and the woman took another log from the nearby pile, placing it in the center of the stump she had brought in for this purpose.

She wiped the perspiration from her forehead, despite the near freezing temperatures around her, and again the ax rose high. With a grunt, it slammed down upon the hapless wood again. These scene repeated over again for many minutes until the warrior was satisfied with what she had to add to the dwindling wood stack against the wall.

Suddenly, she felt someone watching her. No wariness or fear tickled at her mind, for she knew who stood not far away, watching her quietly. Smiling to herself, she spoke up in attempt to overcome the sound of the outside drizzle. “Go ahead, watch yer grandma chop the wood while you jus' gallivant aroun'....” A chuckle rolled from her chest as she lifted her head to gaze at her grandson, who stood at the edge of the awning solemnly. He was in lupine form, a form he preferred. The huge, shaggy dire wolf....who at this moment looked more like a drowned dire wolf with his golden-red fur laying flat and dripping, stared at her with sad emerald eyes.

That was very unlike the usually cheery, happy go lucky lad she knew.

“Aiden?” She frowned, setting the ax down and walking up to him. She knelt down before him and put her hands into the fur of his neck, lifting his head to gaze into her eyes. ~Aiden? Wha's wrong?~ She repeated the word telepathically via the family resonance.

~I...I found...~ The words were hollow, confused. ~There's something you have to see.~ She could almost hear tears in his voice and as she looked into his eyes and did see them sparking unshed.

She did not question him. She said nothing more. Only stood and entered the house for a few moments before returning with her overcoat, cap, and a hooded cloak to shield her from the rain.

He began to lead her towards the abbey of Yew and it did not take long before they had come to the edge of the forest. As said edge approached, a confused look crossed Alyssia Kanath's face. The edge shouldn't be for another half mile, she thought to herself. But clearly she saw an end to the denseness.

And once Aiden MacKenzie led his grandmother to there, all she could do was stare. The field was littered with shattered stumps, fallen trees and churned mud. Devastation stood between her and Yew. Loggers had been working in the area since time forgotten, but never had so much been taken. Never had entire swaths of forest been ripped from the earth in such a way.

Where the sounds of wildlife should assault her ears, there was only an eerie silence. Punctuated as it was by the dreary, unending splatter of rain against the soggy desolate ground.

~It's getting bigger. It's moving towards the Shadowmoor. Aegis. I talked to a few of them earlier before they took the latest shipment out. I told them I was looking for work. They're shipping it to the port cities and towns. To the ship-builders.~ Aiden whispered in her mind, his ears drooping and a sorrowful whine issuing from his wolven chest.

She pushed her hood back, hat going with it, to better see. a squirrel darted aimlessly amongst the broken wood, searching in vain for his home. As her eyes swept the scene she began to notice many small things like that. Some small animals dead, a nest of baby birds destroyed and surrounded by hatch lings that had drowned in the mud. In her mind she saw the faces of her brethren, had they been here to witness this callous disregard for nature. Heard their words, saw the grief in their eyes.

But Alyssia Kanath was the only Ranger left to grieve for the forest left to the Rangers of the Heart's Care by the Shadow Rangers. And so she fell to her knees in the slick mud, covering her mouth with one hand. Tears, mingling with the now driving rain, trailed down her cheeks as she wept for the wanton destruction in the name of progress.

As Aiden watched his grandmother sadly, he knew that no one would ever know how deeply this effected her. And as he listened to her thoughts rambling and shooting wildly through her mind as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing, he knew that she would find a way to slow or even halt this disaster all together. Or at least, she would try.

He knew she would be accused of many things in the weeks ahead. That she would be in danger. That she may very well put the entirety of Yew in danger. But none of them would know just how terrified Alyssia Kanath was in her heart. Terrified that the one solid rock that she had had all her life, the one thing she could always count on, was her being a Ranger of the Heart. And the forests she had called home during her life while on Sosaria and had spilled blood over to protect.

And suddenly, it was disappearing before her eyes.

She slipped a gloved hand into her coat to grasp the carved wooden badge that was pinned inside, away from the prying eyes of anyone else. She clutched the heart shaped tree tightly and made a vow right then and there.

A very dangerous vow indeed...

[Aedon Durreah]

Rain fell softly on the roof of the Rest. It was mid-November and the winds, which had been blowing from the South, now blew steadily from the Northwest.

Inside the tavern, Aedon checked the stocks. There were others he could have given this task over to; but, in truth, he enjoyed the busy work and took pleasure in the walk to the Abbey to purchase wine and cider. Taking a final tallies, he pulled on his coat, and headed out and into the glade.

Aegis was beautiful to him in all seasons, but there was always something in the autumnal air which lifted his spirits. Within the shelter of the trees, small animals hustled about, gathering nuts to last them the winter. Approaching a large tree, Aedon reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a bag of nuts and berries. Slipping some within a deep knothole in the trunk, he could not help by smile thinking of the treat the squirrels would soon discover.

He enjoyed tending the smaller creatures of the woods, and hoped that the small offerings he left today and throughout the cold months might help sustain them until the westering winds of Spring brought new life. Tucking the bag back in his pocket, he continued on towards the Abbey. His heart light, he hummed and half sung an old tune as he walked the path so familiar to his feet.

Soon, he found himself perplexed by the brightness which lay before him. Even on the clearest of fall days, the trees held back much of the light of the sun, and provided shelter to the brush below. Why then should the path in front of him be so feckin' bright? He stopped for a moment staring straight ahead. Putting a hand to his brow, to shade his eyes, he strained to understand what may be the cause of the odd illumination.

With a cry of anger and pain, Aedon broke into a run. His feet moved faster then he would have thought possible while his heart beat wildly within his chest. Through thickets and brambles, he made his way towards the Abbey.

Coming to a halt, in a clearing where once mighty Yew trees grew, Aedon slowly looked around. Never had he seen such devastation, such wanton destruction of life. Small creatures made homeless, or whose lives were ended at the stroke of a lumberjack's axe, lay at the trunks of the trees they called home.

Closing his eyes, in disbelief, he could feel the pain of the wild things, the bewilderment felt by the creatures now left without shelter against the cold; and, from deep within the ground, an anger such as he had never felt before.

Years of plague had failed to conquer the land, Orc invasions and undead legions had been thwarted in their attempts to lay siege to Yew. Even the powerful demon Ix Tab had failed in her attempts to rule over the great forest. But now it would seem that greed, and lust for profit might signal the death knell for the Yew forest and all life which dwelt within.

He could not go on to the Abbey, and for some reason, he could not yet turn back. Reaching into his pocket, he took out the bag of nuts and berries and began to scatter some on the ground. He knew he could not bring back the homes of these small creatures, but perhaps he could find a way to help them survive the long cold of winter.

Scooping up three small fox kits who lay whimpering near the still body of their mother, Aedon tucked them inside his coat and turned back towards the Knights Rest.

[Aedon Durreah]

I am concerned.

The stripping of a part of the woods of Yew has hit me hard. Sleep eludes me, and I am consumed with thoughts of retribution against those who have defiled nature so heinously. And then, last eve, something more occurred, and I cannot help but wonder if there is a connection.

I was already on edge about the happenings in the forests, and thought a quiet evening at Ques might quiet my nerves. I tucked some books into my pack, and headed to the house behind mine to pick up Aph. We had, over the past several weeks attended the Tavern together, and I was looking to get some input from her on the state of the woods. Her sister has many contacts, some far darker then those I might press into service. And I knew well that if I asked Aph, she would beseech her sister to aid me.

Aph's house was darkened, and when I checked the Rest I found no sign of her having been there either. I assumed she was off tending the children, or perhaps sitting with friends discussing the rapidly approaching Yule season. So, books in tow, I made my way to the small tavern on the river banks outside Skara.

As I entered, I found the usual crowd there. I raised my hand in greeting to all, and then heard Aph's voice to my left. Turing to smile at her, I quickly discovered she was there in the company of another man. I nodded to them, and made my way to the bar, ordering my usual cup of tea. The two went on talking, engaged in what appeared to be very pleasant conversation. They teased and laughed at each others jokes as they shared a glass of beverage. I did, after a few minutes, receive a polite invitation from Aphrodities table.

“Aedon, come and join us.”

Well, I may not be the wisest of men, but I do well recall that two is company and three a crowd. So thanking the, I declined and ordered a bow of soup. I took my meal and tea to one of the back tables to give me space to look over the tomes I had brought along. Logs and ledgers of past logging within the great forest of yew.

The pages told the tale of a once flourishing industry which fell victim to the times of plague, Logging, which once served to support most of the families who lived in the area, fell off to near nothingness as those of other towns grew fearful of contamination- should lumber from Yew be brought in. Picking up a copy of a page from a more recent ledger, I saw that the sudden upswing in demand for yew logs was not just high, but reaching near epidemic proportions. And always the same mysterious mark was made to denote the buyer. No name, no address of residence given. Making a quick note on the page, I sowed my books, picked up my pack and moved towards the exit of Ques. Bidding them all a pleasant night, I returned to Aegis.

I was just beginning to work on a few details in my house, when Aph returned. She seemed upset with me. Laughs I found this rather humorous seeing that I had done all I could to leave her and her friend to their conversations. We argued for a bit, and at times it did get on the spirited side. She went to her house and I continued with my work. In a short time, she returned and wished to speak more. Being not the sort to air my business in public, we took our conversation inside. As we sat speaking, it was not long until I noticed something odd in her.

Her skin paled a bit, and she began to shiver. Lightly at first, but as the moments wore on, they came more often and with greater intensity. Standing suddenly, she ran outside. Following her, I found her about six feet from my house heaving violently as pain racked her face. She turned towards me, and collapsed upon the ground.

Lifting her as carefully as I could, I carried her to her house, and set out to find her sister. I do not know why I thought to look for Tac instead of running to the Abbey for a healer, nut it may turn out that my sudden impulse proved true.

The next hour or so was spent watching on as Tac tended her sister. I knew things were grave by the ashen tone which fell over the older sisters face.

“She has been poisoned Aedon.” Tac said as she cast a suspicious eye on me.

I felt nervous, ill at ease and a bit pissed off that Taccara might, even for a moment think me guilty of such a thing. I remembered asking Aph as she shivered if she had possibly eaten something that disagreed with her stomach.

“I have only had a glass of wine.” She replied softly.

I told this to Tac, and prayed she believed me as she continued to tend Aphroditie. Looking to me she said softly;

“She is dying Aedon.”

Reaching to her neck, she pulled out a small amulet on a silver chain. I had seen this item earlier in the eve as Taccara and I spoke in the Knights Rest. Clutching the item in her hand, she leaned in close to Aph whispering to her. I could not hear the words the elder spoke to the younger sister. But in her hands, the amulet began to glow a soft blue. This effect seemed to build over the minutes which passed until, to my eyes, it seemed a brilliant flash of blue light ripped through the room. At that moment, Taccara collapsed beside the bed of her sister.

Stepping closer, I noticed that Aph now lay at peace upon her bed, her breathing steady and clear. No sign of the pain of moments before now lay upon her face. Helping Tac to her feet, I asked if she would be alright. Nodding slightly she told me she needed to rest.

“I will be in the other room resting should need me.”

Are these things connected. This is the thought that has thrummed in my head since last eve. Is it possible that whoever the mysterious buyer of Yew lumber is has decided that more profit can be made through keeping those of the area focused on other issues and not looking for him. Or is there something heretofore unlooked for at work within the Glade?

Aph will recover for her ordeal. Under the tender care of a sister who loves her, she will shake off the effects of the poison, and return to full health. But the sickness which grips me, heart and soul. The pain of having the land around me stripped and left for dead all for the sake of gold. This will take time and investigation to cure. I just must take care that in seeking to protect the forests of Yew that I do not offer up to pain and death the lives of those around me, who I love.

[Aedon Durreah]

Sitting at the writing desk in the large house next to the Rest, Aedon quickly inscribed a note.

Aly,

I am not sure if you have seen the state of the Yew woods in the area close to the Abbey. Large swaths of trees are missing, leaving only mangled, badly hacked trunks. The small beasts who drew shelter in the area lay dead or homeless in the mud quickly filling the landscape.

I have asked around, and spent some coin and, thus far, all I have for my efforts are several pages from ships ledgers ordering logs from Yew. These are not like the many takings we have seen in the past. Lumber, as you know is a way of life in Yew, but the person behind this is ordering massive quantities of the precious wood. There is no name on the orders; they are simply signed with the image of a wolf's head.

In addition, an attempt was made on Aph's life last night. Had it not been for her sister's skills, she would surely have been lost to us. A poisoned bottle of wine was left, with an unsigned note of apology, in her mailbox. She assumed it was from me.

I have been going over all that I have told, you, and am having little luck in dealing with all this on my own.

I need you Red.

Aedon

Tying the note to the leg of a trusted bird, Aedon sent it winging to the home of the Thunderlord.

A response came quickly, and it was agreed that they would meet at the home of Aphroditie. Aly would wish to check on her, and ask a few questions. The ranger had experience in such matters, having served as Arbiter for her clan and, at one time, for Aegis.

On her arrival, they sat speaking before a warm fire in Aph's house. After assuring herself that her friend was on the mend, Aly turned her attentions to the Ledger.

“I have seen this symbol before. I know this. I think it was some captain's mark. Have ya anything else Aedon?”

“No, this was all my source handed me, and I am not even certain of the validity of the papers.”

Their talks lasted for some time, moving between the subjects of the ledgers mark and the attempt on Aph.

After a time Aedon glanced at Aly asking,
“Do you think there is a connection between the poisoning, and the devastation of the woods?”

Aly sat in thought for a few moments and then looked up.
“There must be. You have been asking questions around, and could be that this “wolf” is trying to distract or divert attentions until he has what he needs. But why so much wood?”

Her eyes suddenly widened and the ledger in her hands fell to the floor.

“He's building a fleet.”

Looking across to Aedon and Aph she continued.

That has to be it. With a fleet the size he could build with that much lumber, he can lay siege to any of the port towns.”

She paused a moment, and continued.

“Makes sense now. With the folks of the Yew area focused on Aph's death and you, Aedon, framed for the killing, he could move ahead unfettered with the ravaging of the forests.”

It all made seemed to make sense now; but, fortunately, Aphroditie did not die as was the plan. This would give them time; time to plan, time to try to head off whatever may be looming before them – the final assault on a city weary of discord, the people of the villages at each others throats, and a fleet of ships capable of making the “wolf” master of the seas.

Yes, they had time. And as the night's winds howled outside, those gathered within Aphroditie's house, began to plan.

[Pandora de Romanus]

(this may be out of chronological order; original thread found: www.ordervschaos.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=44)

*an note on the desk of Pandora in her office at the Dark Tower*

Pand,

Thought I'd leave this note for you. Tonight I visited the Knight's Rest and the tavernkeeper, Aedon, there told us of stories that the wood of Yew had been infused with special properties. This is specially intriguing to me as Amroth is currently seeking to increase our lumber supplies for various project, one being the ship building project for our new fleet. Might be worth sending our lumberjacks over to test a sample...

B.

(above written by Bianca Solderini, reposted with permission)

[Pandora de Romanus]

(this may be out of chronological order; original thread found: www.ordervschaos.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=44)


Amroth walked in with a look on his face that immediately caught my attention. A slight uneasiness overcame me.

"I've got some alarming news." Amroth said as he plopped down in the comfy guest chair across from me. I put down the pen and pushed the papers in front of me aside. I crossed my hands together on my desk and leaned inward.

With a sigh, Amroth removed his gloves and slapped them on the desk. "So, like you asked I went to Yew," he looked up at me. "And when I got to the Abbey, it was empty. Completely empty." I repeated this back to him as a question, "Completely empty?" Amroth nodded, "I know, I thought the exact same thing, how odd. So I decided to go on walkabout." Amroth sighed once again.

"What did you find?" I asked. "Well, to put it bluntly. A complete disregard of nature and utter devastation," Amroth said. "Yew has lost," Amroth paused for a second, "uhhh perhaps over a thousand trees in what seems to be overnight." My eyes widened, "Are you serious?" Amroth with a nervous smile said, "I am dead serious." I had to take a moment to reflect on that statement. "What did you see?" I asked.

"Small animals dead on the ground, their blood splattered every which way. They were purposely killed. Birds flying around aimlessly trying to find their homes which no longer exist. The trees were also improperly chopped. They were not professionals. A heat permeated off the ground, fresh blood and not just animal blood. The smells were sharp and quite distinctive. I shut my eyes and listened accutely to the winds around. Nothing. It was like they came, they took, they left." Amroth sounded exasperated.

"Ok, stop. This cannot be. I need to speak to Aedon. Immediately." I exclaimed. "They will not be able to investigate the way that we can, our hightened senses are going to tell us what we need to know. How do you propose we broach this subject with mortals who do not know --- or refuse to know --- who, what we really are?" Amroth laid his points down. "Hmmm, you got a point." I agreed. I would have to give this some thought.

"Let's hault the ship building orders. I originally thought we might be able to use this new Yew wood for that project, but certainly not at the expense of the livelihood of Yew. I mean we're responsible entreprenuers," I said. "Not to mention, we're not in the business of murdering innocents. Mortal blood was spilt. I promise you," Amroth added. We both paused for a while.

"What of the people of Istas?" Amroth broke the short silence. "What of them?" I asked. "What do we know of them?" Amroth asked. "Little. What are you thinking?" I asked Amroth. "Well, they might be able to help us in the investigation and dig deeper. They are vampires of this land, surely they have much more knowledge to offer and they have elven vampires, with a whole set of different gifts," he stated. I nodded and said, "I see what you mean. I'll reach out this eve'."

The two of us just sat in perfect silence.

[Pandora de Romanus]

*a parchment of fine quality, rolled and sealed with red wax stamped with a calligraphic emblem*




Esteemed Lord Azrael,

I come to thee with much weight on my mind. I feel it imperative that we meet at once, for the livelihood of the people of Yew may be in grave danger.

We have been working on raising up a small fleet of ships, architected as war ships, and we had been low on the wood to build them. We had chosen Bloodwood, the blood of the spirits, making it smooth and very durable, but as ye may know we're entrepreneurs and we endeavor to push the boundries of current science. It had been reported that Yew lumber may be of high value; it has been infused with special properties that enhance its strength and durability. It was of great curiosity to us to acquire a sample of this wood. Two moons ago, my trusted advisor, Amroth, who services our coven family as lead architect, took one of our most skilled lumberjacks with him on an exploration seeking just that -- a sample.

The destruction that was found upon his arrival was quite impalpable. First, the great Empath Abbey was completely empty. Yes, completely empty. Quite a rare occurence as the monks reside there. And then the lord Amroth told me that after exiting the empty building, they walked around the permiter to find a massive quantity of the surrounding forrest all but stripped off its beautiful long-standing trees with little to no regard for the animals that inhabit the land. And stranger yet was that Amroth felt a certain heat permeating from the ground below. There was blood split, Lord Azrael, and I speak not of just animal blood. Something of great evil is upon that area of Sosaria.

I know that you may know little of us, being visitors to this world from quite a far away one, but I can assure thee, we measure our need for profit against a very high set of values, and one of our core laws is that we will never profit unjustly from the mortals around us. We not only value mortal life of worth, I'd even go a step further to say we need it. As vampires of ancient ages, it is the mortal world that we depend on to carry us through so many lifetimes and endure the eternity we face. We've had to learn this through the thousands of years we have lived on Earth, in Sosaria, and other worlds alike.

In writing to thee, I understand this land is thy home. Ye were born here, died here, and were reborn here. Thus, I feel thy connection to the people in Yew might be of great importance to thee, as ye have amigably spent some time at the Knight's Rest. There is no greater evil than those that hunger for power and gold; that can lay permanent hold upon life as mortals may know it. This may be what lies in store for the people of Yew.

When can we meet? I eagerly await thy response; time is our greatest enemy.


With respect,

[Aaron Deckard]

Posted for Ayesleigh Ashlynne Deckard:

===========

Ayesleigh looked up as her father entered the stables, a smile on his face and the unmistakable scent of his pipe on the breeze around him. The golden Cavendish tobacco Ankhara had got for him carried hints of vanilla. The younger Deckard sat feeding a carrot to a large hare who's hind paw had been crushed; behind her Ankhara spread hay for a bed.

"New one?" Deckard asked.

The young half elven gypsy nodded to her father, "found her and a few others near a caved in burrow, the others have a few cuts but are mostly just cold and frightened," Ayesleigh told her father motioning to the crate at the back of the pen Ankhara was spreading hay in.

"I've learned a few things," Deckard told his daughter nodding also to Ankhara motioning her over.

"The organization responsible it seems from information I received from Aedon is called Foggy Bay Logging, and they use a wolfs head as an emblem." the Guard Captain told the two women.

Deckard watched as his daughters eyes began to smolder, she had an absolute hatred for anyone who would hurt an animal or its habitat. At an early age she'd found a kinship with animals of all species, bring home any animal that needed veterinary help or rehabilitation. Ayesleigh was good at reintroducing them back into the wild, rarely did an animal she cared for have to stay long.

"Listen Sparrow, I know how you feel, and I hate whats happening to these animals also; however I don't want you taking matters into your own hands. You mind the hurt and those needing refuge; please leave it to me and the others investigating what happening, to bring those responsible to justice," Deckard spoke firmly but kindly to his daughter.

"I will keep close to home," Ayesleigh spoke softly nodding to her father. "I will take Azurna my Cu Sidhe with me if I have to venture outside the glade alone." she finished.

Deckard reached into his pack and withdrew two small pouches one of blue leather the other red. Handing them to the two women he explained that he'd purchased and attuned communication crystals in Britain, that using these crystals the three of them would always be in touch with each other.

"I don't want to take any chances... I don't like an adversary that doesn't leave tracks I can follow." Deckard told them.

Ayesleigh tucked the hare into the bed Ankhara had laid out and stood next to her father, "Ankhara said she is going to stay with us until this is settled, we could all stay in the barracks above the stables, so we can hear the animals," she looked to Ankhara and her father in turn, her face hopeful.

"Its a good idea Lindor," Ankhara said smiling, her elvish name for songbird she'd given to Ayesleigh spoken with affection.

Deckard put his arms around both women, "I am not going to even try to argue with the two of you," he grinned warmly squeezing them both.

"I will be up in a little while, I want to make sure everyone is warm before I try to sleep," Ayesleigh said softly her Highland accent strong in her voice.

"Alright Sparrow, but not too long," Deckard told his daughter as he took Ankhara by the hand and led her up to the loft sleeping quarters above the stables.

Ayesleigh smiled watching them, she liked when Ankhara visited, her father seemed happier. Turning to the small nests and crates they'd made in the stables Ayesleigh checked all their animal guests to make sure they were warm and had water for the night. The young woman then brought out two apples for her Cu Sidhe asking her animal companion to watch over the stables while she slept as she fed Azurna. After a while the young Deckard climbed the stairs to the loft and crawled into the middle bed, her father and Ankhara would sleep on either side of her to keep her safe, she smiled again thinking about the closeness that had grown between the three of them, and hoped it would continue to grow as they worked together to solve the mystery of the missing trees and refugee animals.

[Aphroditie]

She didn’t expect much going into the night. She needed to say goodbye to her friends and loved ones. She also knew deep down that she wanted to apologize to Aedon. What she didn’t expect was how the night would have ended. She was ready to go home she wasn’t sure how much her heart could take listening to everyone.

She wasn’t feeling well, the poison was out of her system but her body still was weak. Then after the argument last night she could not sleep all she could do was pack up the house and send world to the general to get the boat ready and prepare to take the children back to her homeland.
She also sent word to Ala’sse for a favor, it meant the world to her; she wanted a yew tree seed. Ala’sse had a great gift, she talked to the trees and they gave her wood and resources without having to chop at the tree. No damage done to the trees and yet all she needed.

Aph carried that seed in her pocket all evening; it was going to be the peace offering before she left. We can’t always take back the cruel things we say but we can make amends and move forward, and that was her plan. She was waiting until the correct time to give it to him.

He asked to speak to her as she was just about to go, he took her outside near the pond. He wanted her to stay instead of go he wanted her to help in finding who was destroying the lands. She reached into her pocket pulling out the seed, looking around she found a spot. There she kneeled and dug into the dirt. She could feel the cold wet dirt under her nails but she didn’t stop, soon she made a deep enough hole and planted the seed. Looking up at him she almost saw tears in his eyes. He offered her his hand and helped her to stand. She had just planted the first seed to replenish the world of the trees that men were taking.

She had remembered the attacks that Yew had suffered and how well it recovered. She had been through it before. She had seen the raids upon raids, trees burned and cut down. The swamps, the disease, the weather and so much more other destruction. Yew survived and grew strong it will do it again they just needed to replant once seed at a time and make sure to keep the seeds nourished.

[Seti Azrael]

The ice storms had already begun their winter march into the high-mountain valleys of the city of Istas. Thousands of pinpricks of ice on stone and glass coalesced into a steady and frigid thrum through the halls of the Elysium Office building. No light shown save the hearth fire in the common room downstairs, and a less brilliant light filtering from beneath the steel doors of the Seti’s office, knifing it’s way through the foggy and cold dark of the remainder of the building.

Azrael’s mirrored eyes reflected the words on the parchment of the most recent report he had received regarding the Bane movements into Magincia and the altar they had begun there. A single candle burned far to his right on the dark stone desk. His expressionless features shifted only slightly as his brow raised and his long elven ears perked when the knock echoed though the steel door of the office.

“Come,” he said simply. His eyes remained on the report.

Stygia entered, dressed in a thickly woven winter cloak, with her hood still drawn about her head. She sighed and shivered once as she closed the door, and walked across the room to stand at the foot of his desk.

“Winter is definitely here,” she said as she laid a small bundle of new correspondence and various papers that had recently arrived onto the corner of the desk.

He simply nodded, the change in temperature was hardly noticeable to him, as he looked to her and asked, “How are you this eve?”

“Cold.” She answered curtly. The answer seemed typified by the small cloud of warm breath in the freezing stone office. She smiled with a shiver and turned for the door, seemingly eager to make it back to the warmth of her forge room at the Seti’s haven.

Azrael watched her go, looked to the small bundle of newly arrived mail and quietly began filtering through it. He came to a parchment marked with a familiar red seal that he had seen recently cross his desk in a previous evening: House de Romanus.

The Seti carefully opened the seal and read quietly, unbreathing and unmoving, through its contents.

His head tilted slightly as he retrieved a fresh parchment and inked a quill pen. He sat pen to parchment and began writing:




Lady Pandora de Romanus,


I can appreciate your concerns in the matter regarding Yew, and will indeed meet with you at your convenience. However, I believe perhaps you hold misconceptions regarding my …feelings, about the Yew area. This can of course be discussed personally.

I also would like to make mention that the area of Aegis is not my domain, and any assistance I may, publicly, offer should be in conjunction with the ruling forces in the area.

I recently spoke to Lord Durreah, and believe he will be assuming a magistrative role for the lands nearest the Abby. I would like to direct you to speak to him, and I am also aware of an appointed Captain for the area by the name of Mister Aaron Deckard. I am uncertain of whether you have met the Captain, and while I understand the militia for the Aegis is no longer a project that is being perused by the people of the region, perhaps you and I could seek the Captain out and you might make inquiry with him about the situation. The Captain’s lieutenant, Ankhara Vieil'arbre, is a resident of Istas and she may have interest in the matter and could likely arrange a meeting with Captain Deckard as well as Lord Durreah. Lieutenant Vieil’arbre remains an elven paladin of…



Azrael frowned slowly even as he wrote the words…



…Corellon Larethian, patron god of the Elven pantheon. It is for this reason alone that I believe the lieutenant would be more than willing to assist us in arranging these meetings.

Alyssia Kannath would also likely be of intrinsic value to you as well in this matter. She is the leader of the Ranger groups that have made the Skara Brae region their home, but have been timeless ally to the people of Yew in several conflicts in the past. Lady Kannath and I have a shared history from times far removed from the present, and I of course can give you introduction with her as well should you wish it.

I hope this letter, then, can offer some plan for you in your coming investigation, and I look forward to our personal meeting to discuss matters in more detail and perhaps to arrange meetings with others in the region.

As I have said in the past, ‘ Order above all things’ and in this matter I assert the same. Existence remains a vast and complicated equation, with an easily manipulatable set of variables to produce effects most conducive with an individual’s desire.

Is there a time and place in the coming nights that would be most convenient for the both of us to meet? While I am not yet certain what I might offer in assistance to you, I am nevertheless amicable to the idea of doing so in whatever capacity you may need.

Until then…

Carpe Noctem,

~A




Carefully the Seti rolled the parchment and placed an ebony waning crescent seal of wax on its outer edges and then slipped the document into a small silver scroll case. Azrael walked to the balcony door of the office, calling to his avian messenger Lucif telepathically. The crow lighted on Azrael's shoulder and took the hook of the scroll case into his beak, waiting for Azrael's instruction. Azrael spoke the name of the intended recipient softly, "Lady Pandora", immediately feeling recognition from Lucif.


Moment’s later Azrael’s mirrored eyes watched the crow disappear into the heavy clouds and ice of the sky above Istas. Silently the Seti turned to the office, closing and locking the heavy door behind him once more.