Gale follows Elsewhere into the area behind the house; he looks for indications of recent activity but finds only the footprints of the chickens and the small garden that is sorely in need of watering. The cleric estimates it has been nearly a fortnight since any care has been given to the wilting vegetables.
Within the house, Lucky, Irthos, and Preah don't discern any signs of theft, violence, or wrongdoing. Simply put, it seems as if Dahlimé has vanished for some reason. But as the three dragonborn continue to make their investigation in the home, one of the old wizard's favorite tricks is suddenly triggered. A programmed illusion appears before them. For a fraction of a second, they believe that Dahlimé now stands before them, but they quickly recognize her image for what it is: a facsimile of herself, something she relied upon often when the five were young.
The illusion speaks, perfectly imitating the voice and mannerisms of the old wizard. "Ah, if only I could behold you with my own eyes! Gale! Irthos! Lucky! Preah! Elsa!"The words are a mixture of love and sadness.
She continues, "Circumstances dictate that this--for now anyway--is the most prudent way for us to meet. Of course, there's a story to tell--isn't there always?--but that must wait. Here we stand together on the agreed upon date, my little ones, and so I must tell you..."
Dahlimé, rather strangely, breaks off her thought and continues, "...Irthos, you do remember where you nearly split your head open that one summer day, don't you?"
A gnarled old tree jutting from a cliffside on the far side of the island was a favorite childhood spot for the risk-takers among the dragonborn. By tying a rope to one of the tree branches, one could swing far out from the cliff and make a spectacular free fall into the sea below. On one blistering summer day, Irthos' grip on the rope was less than secure, and he nearly tumbled to his own doom. The warlock remembers this event vividly, and he knows precisely the place to which Dahlimé is referring.
She wasn’t there. That much had become clear to Lucky as he searched in vain for a trace of Dahlimé. High and low, it seemed that Dahlimé hadn’t been here for a while now, certainly a matter of weeks. Yet there seemed to be no sign of violence or anything untoward that had caused her to leave..... It was almost as if she’d just upped and left. Returning to the others still in the house, Lucky hissed out of a combination of frustration tinged with the slightest hint of melancholy at her disappearance.
”I don’t understand,” he began. “It’s almost as if she’s just left. Why would....”
Before he could finish the sentence the magic triggered, and Lucky found himself staring at the form of Dahlimé as she shimmered into existence almost as if from nothing. He watched in rapt fascination as the image of Dahlimé spoke, and he found himself remembering the woman who had taken him....all of them in and raised them as her own, And although part of him missed Melissa and what he had left behind in coming here, the other side of him missed the t8me before......
It’s gone now hasn’t it? And no matter how much you wish it, it’s never coming back.
As he watched her speak, the thought came to him unbidden, and Lucky found himself wondering.... Did he ever want the peacefulness and naïveté of the life he led before, here in seclusion away from the world at large, having experienced what he had?
It was a question that he did not know the answer to.
As Dahlimé mentioned the place where Irthos had split his head open, Lucky turned his head to look at his brother.
“Do you know where she is referring to?”
It was beginning to look more and more like this was a puzzle they would have to unravel piece by piece.
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Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you
Divine radar picking up nothing, Preah follows the others inside just in time to catch the illusion appear. ”Ah! So you found... her. She’s not here, is she?” As the others also watch, a small seed of true worry is planted in her mind. Dahlimé rarely used this form after the five grew, and only under dire circumstances. As the illusion finishes, Preah starts. “Irthos, is she referencing what I think she is? The time when you nearly... the first time I managed to channel... the cliff?”
Elsa is looking around at her mother's usually carefully tended garden in distraught and dismay, but then hears Dahlimé's voice and turns to run and slams into Gale who is standing behind her. Though Gale is barely affected, Elsa falls to the floor and looks at the ground sheepishly as she gets to her feet, then runs around her brother and into the home to see the end of the programmed illusion. This is not the homecoming she envisioned. Of course she loved her sister and brothers, but she wanted her mother to hold her again, to feel her warmth and to smell her hair. Without Dahlimé, it didn't feel like home.
She listens as the illusion concludes and (on the verge of tears) silently looks to Irthos, waiting for him to respond to Preah.
As he watched the message conclude a wry smile had appeared on Irthos’ face, he is clearly enjoying the prospect of what will unfold next.
So, it is to be a game then Mother. Excellent.
Looking to Preah he nods before he turns to Lucky and answers, his voice slightly distant as he remembers. “Of course...how could I forget...you aren’t the only one who’s had a spot of fortune along the way.” With a quick shake of his head he returns his thoughts to the present. “Come, I will lead the way”
With that Irthos leads his siblings out of their old home and on towards the cliffside, eager to delve into the mystery further he doesn’t look back for a moment.
A half hour later, the five dragonborn approach the western end of the island and stand at the top of a windswept cliff. Ten feet below them, seemingly defying gravity, is a twisted old tree clinging to the near-vertical, rocky surface. From one of its branches hangs a frayed rope. For a second time, an image of Dahlimé appears out of thin air. Her programmed illusion sits within a crook of the old tree. "Yes, Irthos, you landed headfirst on one of those rocks,"she motions downward, somewhere toward the sea, "which, in the end, may have increased your wits."
The image of Dahlimé then breaks into a mirthful laugh before continuing. "And the next time you were brave enough to swing from this rope, your sister Preah presented you with a helmet of her own making, saying 'Diving into rocks is more fun if you don one of these, brother.'"
The old wizard chuckles a bit more and says, "Preah, just where did you find the materials to make that helmet?"
As the image of Dahlimé vanishes, Preah, with a noticealbe grin on her face, remembers slinking into the storage shed near the house. Using tools she wasn't permitted to use and cutting up pieces of hardened leather meant for other purposes, Preah created a rudimentary piece of headwear and ached for the day she could jokingly present it to Irthos.
Preah smiles at the memory of her childhood joke, and sticking her tongue out mockingly at Irthos, she says “I know exactly what mother is referencing this time. Come, I’m sure we will find another riddle there.” She leads the way to the shed, and as she opens the door, Preah is hit with a wave of nostalgia. She remembers the hours spent fashioning the helm, and the looks on her mother’s face when she found out. First frustration, then anger, then pride and mirth when she discovered the purpose of her crimes. A single, small tear runs down the dragonborn’s face. “Oh mother. Please, be alright. We all still need you.”
As Elsewhere suddenly turned to head back into the home, Gale barely had time to swing his shield out of the way before she ran straight into him. Shaking his head at the memories this brought forth, Gale didn't even have time to extend a hand to help her up before she was slipping past him. Returning to the home, he listened in to the programmed illusion from the doorway.
During the half hour walk to the cliff, Gale didn't say much, but his mind was racing... What's the point of this? Is it a game she devised during her loneliness? Or is it something more sinister? Is she making sure it can only be us that follows this trail to her, for her or our safety?
At the cliff, with the ever so welcome wind blowing from the sea, Gale's mood darkened at the second illusion. "More and more, I'm thinking this is to make sure it is us that finds her. Which means she is in danger."
Elsa retrieves her things, bundling her lyre with careful haste before running to catch up with her siblings. She's clutching the lyre a little too tightly and, were she stronger, it might actually break in her grasp. She watches the new illusion silently thinking the worst but praying for the best, not knowing to whom she prayed. Mother please, please be safe.
Suddenly she is filled with regret for having left. She recalls being alone with Mother on the rocky shore, Mother's gentle coaxing and chiding as Elsa pleaded and begged her not to send her away. Mother's soft hand brushing Elsa's face and horns. Holding her hand.
She snaps back to reality as Preah speaks, and follows along after her siblings.
The five dragonborn begin the return walk to the house, behind which stands a tiny, rustic structure that stores all manner of odds and ends, simple tools, and seasonal items. The lock on the door is little more than a decoration, for the the five siblings figured out long ago how to pop it open without the key. When they were younger, Gale and Lucky both claimed to have been the one to discover the trick for breaking into the shed, and on one occasion their disagreement over this led to one of the most memorable fights of their childhood. The fight, unsurprisingly, failed to resolve the matter. It merely earned the two of them a trip to bed on an empty stomach that night.
Preah approaches the shed and with the claw on her index finger easily picks the corroded lock. As she opens the door--to no one's surprise--another image of the kind old wizard materializes before their eyes. This time she speaks while holding an illusory image of a chicken. "Naturally! You raided the storage shed, didn't you, Preah?"
The illusion of Dahlimé then releases the bird and watches it wander off to a point at which it disappears. "Just one more question if you don't mind. Yes, yes, yes...just one more. Where did a tired old wizard find the likes of all of you?"
Dahlimé's question immediately prompts each of the five dragonborn to study each others' faces. Did any of them know the answer? Yes, there was one who did.
As the group follow the trail that Dahlimé had left them, first to the cliffend, and then back to the storage shed, Lucky finds himself glancing with concern to Ella from time to time. Of them all, she seemed to have been hit hardest by their mother’s disappearance.
Moving closer to her, Lucky leaned in to whisper in what he hoped was a reassuring voice, “Its going to be ok. We’ll find her.”
Despite his somewhat fickle nature there was a bond between the five of them that transcended that — he would do all he could to see than and Dahlimé safe if he could. When they arrived at the storage shed he remembered well the time that both he and Gale had tried to outdo the other in their attempts to break int the shed. With a wry smile and a glance to Gale, Lucky chuckled, “You know it was me that got in there first don’t you?”
Then he stuck his tongue out to his brother.
Preah easily got into the shed, triggering another image of Dahlimé. Lucky watched it wordlessly then turned to the others one by one, looking for an explanation to her words.....
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Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you
Elsa stays quiet, while her siblings discuss the latest clue, reluctant to give up the secret that she and her mother shared alone. She sighs heavily, purposefully trying to draw their attention, then turns and starts walking. After a few steps she turns to see that they are still standing in front of the shed, discussing and she turns.
"Come on", she says, her worry for Mother disappearing for just a moment, overcome by her mild annoyance with her siblings for ignoring her as they had done so many times before. Then she starts walking and unravels the lyre from its cloth wrapping, stuffing the cloth into her bag. She plays while she walks and sings.
An ol' matron fair with silvery hair
Set off 'cross the seas to the isles of Korinn
Claiming one for her home and discovered a hollow
And discovered something mysterious within
The matron did brave the dark sea swept cave
Wherein lay a massive and translucent stone
And hidden within were five dragonkin
And the dear matron freed them with a wave of her hand
And fifteen years later now here we stand...
She trails off at the end. "Not my best work, but one of the first lyrics I ever did write. I still consider it to be in progress so don't make fun please." She gives her siblings as mean a glare as she can muster, fooling no one. Seeing that it is low tide, she continues to lead her siblings down toward the cave and tells them a story, that faraway look in her eyes turning back to worry and sadness.
"You all remember how I would disappear from lessons occasionally when we were little? It worried Mother to no end the first few times, but eventually she got wise to the fact that I would always hide in the same little nook stealing looks at her tomes or scores of music that I dug out from her library. In any case, on one of the earlier times (when she still worried that I had fallen into the sea and drowned) she found me in my nook, curled in a ball and sleeping comfortably." She omits the fact that her face had been covered with dirt and tears, she couldn't remember exactly why she had been upset. "She woke me up gently, at least, gently in her way, and held me for a time, rocking me in her lap as she sat on the floor. That's when she told me the story of how she found us in the cave under the island, our eggs enclosed in stone. She told me... how much she loved us..." Ella tries to stifle her tears, but her irregular breathing and cracking voice make it clear that she is crying "and how grateful she was to be our mother."
"She said that this would be our secret, just the two of us, and I held onto it because it felt like the most precious thing anyone could share." As they reach the cave entrance, Ella stops for a moment, pulling a torch from her pack and lighting it. She stops crying, and her milky white eyes seem filled with purpose as she turns to her siblings, torch held high. "But it is clear that now is not the time for secrets, least, not from each other."
As he arrived at the cliff top Irthos slowed to a halt with memories flooding back in, memories that he could never quite shake off. Nearly dying does that I guess He mused to himself when suddenly the next illusion started up.
Letting out a small chuckle as his mother mentioned the helmet he throws up another disguise self, this time creating the helmet that Preah had made for him before turning to the others with a silly look on his face as he wore the goofy looking illusionary helm.
As Preah set them off towards the storage shed he turned to his brother Gale as he talks of danger. "Of course it is brother but Mother always did like to play games. Perhaps there is nothing to this beyond a bit of fun."
As the next illusion finishes at the shed Irthos furrows his brow in frustration. I never did figure that one out...this must be what it's all about. Unaware that Elsewhere has begun to move away he wracks his memory for clues before suddenly he hears the singing behind him. Turning to listen as she finishes her tune before detailing her secret. With a warm smile he moves over to her and places a hand on her shoulder as she gets tearful.
"So you do have a secret after all sister, I'm impressed! Come let's go see the cave and get to the bottom of things. I'm sure Mother is fine, she survived us after all so what could possibly do her any harm?"
As they arrive at the cave Irthos produces his wand and illuminates it with a quick light enchantment. Pausing for a brief moment at his sisters last comment he thinks:
Not all secrets are there for sharing little sister...but perhaps...in time...
With that he follows after her into the cave, eager to discover the secret that has eluded him his whole life.
Noone responded....it seemed that none knew the answer to the riddle posed to them.
"Why the games and mysteries?" Lucky muttered in frustration. "Why bring us back to chase a trail? Just tell us what we need to know."
The dragonborn was not known for his patience. It was at that precise moment that the sound of singing drifting over to him in the air could be heard. Looking around, Lucky noted that Ella was no longer with them. He followed after her, only turning his head momentarily to shake his head wryly at Irthos's illusions.
"One day, you're going to have to show me exactly how it is you do that. I could amass a small fortune with that ability....."
Arriving behind the other two at the cave, Lucky grins at Ella, "Nice work sis. Well done."
He follows them into the cave.
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Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you
At the shed, Gale stares down Lucky as he once again tried to lay claim to the discovery of picking the lock. "I know that you think you discovered it first." Then Gale jokingly tries to flick Lucky's tongue.
After following Elsa to the cave, Gale has a feeling of foreboding. Before entering and following the others, he resets the straps on his new shield and grips it tightly. He would even unsling and wield his flail, if it wouldn't worry the others.
Preah thinks as they all walk. What weighs so heavily on her? Has one of the others upset her again? Is this solely mother’s disappearance? What more is at play here? She hurries to catch up to Elsa as they travel to the cave. “Elsewhere,” she says, the use of her sister’s full name giving her comment more weight. “You know that, as much as we all tease each other, and as much as we all tease you, you know that we all still love you. You’re our sister, and none of us would purposefully spite you. In fact, just as I walked up today, I was thinking about how much your skills had improved since we last met. I think that your music is wonderful.” She stops the procession to hug Elsa and whisper into her ear. “Whatever we have done to hurt you, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
With Elsewhere in the lead, the five follow the tunnel that winds its way into the rocky heart of the island. A few minutes later they reach a small, open chamber, the very place where they were discovered by the wizard eighteen years ago. No, Dahlimé was not waiting for her children in that place; another programmed illusion was, however. Her illusory self appeared in the center of the room, and this time it offered some answers.
"I needed to be cautious, little ones, taking pains that only you would find what I have hidden here. No doubt Elsa has explained the significance of this place to the rest of you. But not only did I find five dragonborn eggs on that day, I found a strange message..."
She pauses. "...No, not a message. A promise? Perhaps. A prophecy? Seemingly so. I know much and have seen much, but I now find myself in the midst of a tale both curious and mysterious. More accurately, all of YOU are now in the midst of a tale both curious and mysterious. And, as so many tales do, this one appears to include the work of darkness. Something has been watching...searching...prying me in recent months, always trying to learn the whereabouts of five dragonborn. This something is distant and indistinct for now, I believe, but sinister and potent. This confirms what I have always believed about the five of you. You have been chosen for some great purpose. Discovering all of you in this cave was no accident."
She halts her monologue momentarily once again; the five siblings look at each other, their faces showing a mixture of concern and puzzlement. "Undoubtedly, questions race through your minds, my treasures. I can imagine what they are. Am I safe? Yes! And I will remain hidden for now and, therefore, prevent myself from being used as a pawn against you. Will we see one another again? I am sure of it! Possibly when you least expect it."
Dahlimé's face takes on an even greater degree of seriousness. "Here's a hard question, and I have no doubt a few of you are mulling it over this very moment. Can one reject this calling? Can't one simply ignore this strange purpose and go about one's business? Ah! A question for the gods themselves! But I will say this. A calling is an unspeakable gift and a matchless honor."
She then smiles broadly and says, "Somewhere within this cave I've hidden an obsidian sphere. I wonder who'll find it first?"
A few minutes later, Gale holds within his hands a small, perfectly smooth obisidian sphere that has been etched with words in Draconic inlaid with gold. He turns the object about in his hand, following the script as it wraps itself around the sphere. Slowly and intentionally, he reads aloud and the rich, ancient language fills the small room:
Thus saith Kuyutha:
Dragonborn, North Wind borne, these five are called to find,
Find five feathers, the feathers of Gruemar, and then his dishonor unbind.
End the mourn at Rays of Morn is the quest before them set.
Then dragonborn shall be dragon born and greater glory beget.
As the final message plays out Irthos is too distracted by his own thoughts to look around the cave properly.
So the old Gnome was onto something after all. Oh Mother, I understand why you waited but perhaps you should have told us sooner. Looking around at his siblings he pauses in his contemplation before he smirks. But here we are now, and I suppose we are better prepared for what lies ahead.
As Gale discovers the orb Irthos' thoughts return to what is at hand. After listening to his brother read the words aloud he peers in closer to examine the orb, his thoughts echoing in the ominous silence that now fills the room.
Prophecy indeed...
Looking up to see the grim faces of his brothers and sisters he speaks first: "It seems we have a destiny, and one that is shared amongst us all." With a sly grin he gestures once more, throwing up an illusion and taking on their mothers appearance he steps into the centre of the room and faces them. In a voice that is easily understood as an imitation of Dahlimé he says in an effort to relieve the sudden palpable tension "But don't go letting the promise of glory go to your heads now my treasures!"
Gale hisses. "Puzzles. Nearly twenty years our mother knew of this riddle. She either deciphered it and chooses not to tell us, she didn't even try, or tried and wasn't successful. Knowing even that much would help us tremendously. Now we must find out what it means at the cost of the lives we just started. " Gale hands the orb to Irthos and continues, "Is it magical? You like to read, have you any clue? It looks like we need to research what 'North Wind', 'Gruemar' and 'Rays of Morn" mean, especially in relation to each other."
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As Gale hands him the orb Irthos lets his illusion drop as his brother cuts right to business. Glad to get his hands on the orb he eagerly begins to study it, replying without looking up.
"No time wasted eh Gale? Now what have we here...the etching is fascinating, I've never seen work so fine...and the words...quite the prophecy no? Quite a puzzle indeed..."
His words trail off as his focus deepens, trying to see if there is more to the object itself or if he recognises any of the phrases in the writing.
For the orb itself - arcana:5 For the words - history:5
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Gale follows Elsewhere into the area behind the house; he looks for indications of recent activity but finds only the footprints of the chickens and the small garden that is sorely in need of watering. The cleric estimates it has been nearly a fortnight since any care has been given to the wilting vegetables.
Within the house, Lucky, Irthos, and Preah don't discern any signs of theft, violence, or wrongdoing. Simply put, it seems as if Dahlimé has vanished for some reason. But as the three dragonborn continue to make their investigation in the home, one of the old wizard's favorite tricks is suddenly triggered. A programmed illusion appears before them. For a fraction of a second, they believe that Dahlimé now stands before them, but they quickly recognize her image for what it is: a facsimile of herself, something she relied upon often when the five were young.
The illusion speaks, perfectly imitating the voice and mannerisms of the old wizard. "Ah, if only I could behold you with my own eyes! Gale! Irthos! Lucky! Preah! Elsa!" The words are a mixture of love and sadness.
She continues, "Circumstances dictate that this--for now anyway--is the most prudent way for us to meet. Of course, there's a story to tell--isn't there always?--but that must wait. Here we stand together on the agreed upon date, my little ones, and so I must tell you..."
Dahlimé, rather strangely, breaks off her thought and continues, "...Irthos, you do remember where you nearly split your head open that one summer day, don't you?"
A gnarled old tree jutting from a cliffside on the far side of the island was a favorite childhood spot for the risk-takers among the dragonborn. By tying a rope to one of the tree branches, one could swing far out from the cliff and make a spectacular free fall into the sea below. On one blistering summer day, Irthos' grip on the rope was less than secure, and he nearly tumbled to his own doom. The warlock remembers this event vividly, and he knows precisely the place to which Dahlimé is referring.
She wasn’t there. That much had become clear to Lucky as he searched in vain for a trace of Dahlimé. High and low, it seemed that Dahlimé hadn’t been here for a while now, certainly a matter of weeks. Yet there seemed to be no sign of violence or anything untoward that had caused her to leave..... It was almost as if she’d just upped and left. Returning to the others still in the house, Lucky hissed out of a combination of frustration tinged with the slightest hint of melancholy at her disappearance.
”I don’t understand,” he began. “It’s almost as if she’s just left. Why would....”
Before he could finish the sentence the magic triggered, and Lucky found himself staring at the form of Dahlimé as she shimmered into existence almost as if from nothing. He watched in rapt fascination as the image of Dahlimé spoke, and he found himself remembering the woman who had taken him....all of them in and raised them as her own, And although part of him missed Melissa and what he had left behind in coming here, the other side of him missed the t8me before......
It’s gone now hasn’t it? And no matter how much you wish it, it’s never coming back.
As he watched her speak, the thought came to him unbidden, and Lucky found himself wondering.... Did he ever want the peacefulness and naïveté of the life he led before, here in seclusion away from the world at large, having experienced what he had?
It was a question that he did not know the answer to.
As Dahlimé mentioned the place where Irthos had split his head open, Lucky turned his head to look at his brother.
“Do you know where she is referring to?”
It was beginning to look more and more like this was a puzzle they would have to unravel piece by piece.
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you
Divine radar picking up nothing, Preah follows the others inside just in time to catch the illusion appear. ”Ah! So you found... her. She’s not here, is she?” As the others also watch, a small seed of true worry is planted in her mind. Dahlimé rarely used this form after the five grew, and only under dire circumstances. As the illusion finishes, Preah starts. “Irthos, is she referencing what I think she is? The time when you nearly... the first time I managed to channel... the cliff?”
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Elsa is looking around at her mother's usually carefully tended garden in distraught and dismay, but then hears Dahlimé's voice and turns to run and slams into Gale who is standing behind her. Though Gale is barely affected, Elsa falls to the floor and looks at the ground sheepishly as she gets to her feet, then runs around her brother and into the home to see the end of the programmed illusion. This is not the homecoming she envisioned. Of course she loved her sister and brothers, but she wanted her mother to hold her again, to feel her warmth and to smell her hair. Without Dahlimé, it didn't feel like home.
She listens as the illusion concludes and (on the verge of tears) silently looks to Irthos, waiting for him to respond to Preah.
~♡~
As he watched the message conclude a wry smile had appeared on Irthos’ face, he is clearly enjoying the prospect of what will unfold next.
So, it is to be a game then Mother. Excellent.
Looking to Preah he nods before he turns to Lucky and answers, his voice slightly distant as he remembers. “Of course...how could I forget...you aren’t the only one who’s had a spot of fortune along the way.” With a quick shake of his head he returns his thoughts to the present. “Come, I will lead the way”
With that Irthos leads his siblings out of their old home and on towards the cliffside, eager to delve into the mystery further he doesn’t look back for a moment.
A half hour later, the five dragonborn approach the western end of the island and stand at the top of a windswept cliff. Ten feet below them, seemingly defying gravity, is a twisted old tree clinging to the near-vertical, rocky surface. From one of its branches hangs a frayed rope. For a second time, an image of Dahlimé appears out of thin air. Her programmed illusion sits within a crook of the old tree. "Yes, Irthos, you landed headfirst on one of those rocks," she motions downward, somewhere toward the sea, "which, in the end, may have increased your wits."
The image of Dahlimé then breaks into a mirthful laugh before continuing. "And the next time you were brave enough to swing from this rope, your sister Preah presented you with a helmet of her own making, saying 'Diving into rocks is more fun if you don one of these, brother.'"
The old wizard chuckles a bit more and says, "Preah, just where did you find the materials to make that helmet?"
As the image of Dahlimé vanishes, Preah, with a noticealbe grin on her face, remembers slinking into the storage shed near the house. Using tools she wasn't permitted to use and cutting up pieces of hardened leather meant for other purposes, Preah created a rudimentary piece of headwear and ached for the day she could jokingly present it to Irthos.
Preah smiles at the memory of her childhood joke, and sticking her tongue out mockingly at Irthos, she says “I know exactly what mother is referencing this time. Come, I’m sure we will find another riddle there.” She leads the way to the shed, and as she opens the door, Preah is hit with a wave of nostalgia. She remembers the hours spent fashioning the helm, and the looks on her mother’s face when she found out. First frustration, then anger, then pride and mirth when she discovered the purpose of her crimes. A single, small tear runs down the dragonborn’s face. “Oh mother. Please, be alright. We all still need you.”
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As Elsewhere suddenly turned to head back into the home, Gale barely had time to swing his shield out of the way before she ran straight into him. Shaking his head at the memories this brought forth, Gale didn't even have time to extend a hand to help her up before she was slipping past him. Returning to the home, he listened in to the programmed illusion from the doorway.
During the half hour walk to the cliff, Gale didn't say much, but his mind was racing... What's the point of this? Is it a game she devised during her loneliness? Or is it something more sinister? Is she making sure it can only be us that follows this trail to her, for her or our safety?
At the cliff, with the ever so welcome wind blowing from the sea, Gale's mood darkened at the second illusion. "More and more, I'm thinking this is to make sure it is us that finds her. Which means she is in danger."
Elsa retrieves her things, bundling her lyre with careful haste before running to catch up with her siblings. She's clutching the lyre a little too tightly and, were she stronger, it might actually break in her grasp. She watches the new illusion silently thinking the worst but praying for the best, not knowing to whom she prayed. Mother please, please be safe.
Suddenly she is filled with regret for having left. She recalls being alone with Mother on the rocky shore, Mother's gentle coaxing and chiding as Elsa pleaded and begged her not to send her away. Mother's soft hand brushing Elsa's face and horns. Holding her hand.
She snaps back to reality as Preah speaks, and follows along after her siblings.
~♡~
The five dragonborn begin the return walk to the house, behind which stands a tiny, rustic structure that stores all manner of odds and ends, simple tools, and seasonal items. The lock on the door is little more than a decoration, for the the five siblings figured out long ago how to pop it open without the key. When they were younger, Gale and Lucky both claimed to have been the one to discover the trick for breaking into the shed, and on one occasion their disagreement over this led to one of the most memorable fights of their childhood. The fight, unsurprisingly, failed to resolve the matter. It merely earned the two of them a trip to bed on an empty stomach that night.
Preah approaches the shed and with the claw on her index finger easily picks the corroded lock. As she opens the door--to no one's surprise--another image of the kind old wizard materializes before their eyes. This time she speaks while holding an illusory image of a chicken. "Naturally! You raided the storage shed, didn't you, Preah?"
The illusion of Dahlimé then releases the bird and watches it wander off to a point at which it disappears. "Just one more question if you don't mind. Yes, yes, yes...just one more. Where did a tired old wizard find the likes of all of you?"
Dahlimé's question immediately prompts each of the five dragonborn to study each others' faces. Did any of them know the answer? Yes, there was one who did.
As the group follow the trail that Dahlimé had left them, first to the cliffend, and then back to the storage shed, Lucky finds himself glancing with concern to Ella from time to time. Of them all, she seemed to have been hit hardest by their mother’s disappearance.
Moving closer to her, Lucky leaned in to whisper in what he hoped was a reassuring voice, “Its going to be ok. We’ll find her.”
Despite his somewhat fickle nature there was a bond between the five of them that transcended that — he would do all he could to see than and Dahlimé safe if he could. When they arrived at the storage shed he remembered well the time that both he and Gale had tried to outdo the other in their attempts to break int the shed. With a wry smile and a glance to Gale, Lucky chuckled, “You know it was me that got in there first don’t you?”
Then he stuck his tongue out to his brother.
Preah easily got into the shed, triggering another image of Dahlimé. Lucky watched it wordlessly then turned to the others one by one, looking for an explanation to her words.....
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you
Elsa stays quiet, while her siblings discuss the latest clue, reluctant to give up the secret that she and her mother shared alone. She sighs heavily, purposefully trying to draw their attention, then turns and starts walking. After a few steps she turns to see that they are still standing in front of the shed, discussing and she turns.
"Come on", she says, her worry for Mother disappearing for just a moment, overcome by her mild annoyance with her siblings for ignoring her as they had done so many times before. Then she starts walking and unravels the lyre from its cloth wrapping, stuffing the cloth into her bag. She plays while she walks and sings.
An ol' matron fair with silvery hair
Set off 'cross the seas to the isles of Korinn
Claiming one for her home and discovered a hollow
And discovered something mysterious within
The matron did brave the dark sea swept cave
Wherein lay a massive and translucent stone
And hidden within were five dragonkin
And the dear matron freed them with a wave of her hand
And fifteen years later now here we stand...
She trails off at the end. "Not my best work, but one of the first lyrics I ever did write. I still consider it to be in progress so don't make fun please." She gives her siblings as mean a glare as she can muster, fooling no one. Seeing that it is low tide, she continues to lead her siblings down toward the cave and tells them a story, that faraway look in her eyes turning back to worry and sadness.
"You all remember how I would disappear from lessons occasionally when we were little? It worried Mother to no end the first few times, but eventually she got wise to the fact that I would always hide in the same little nook stealing looks at her tomes or scores of music that I dug out from her library. In any case, on one of the earlier times (when she still worried that I had fallen into the sea and drowned) she found me in my nook, curled in a ball and sleeping comfortably." She omits the fact that her face had been covered with dirt and tears, she couldn't remember exactly why she had been upset. "She woke me up gently, at least, gently in her way, and held me for a time, rocking me in her lap as she sat on the floor. That's when she told me the story of how she found us in the cave under the island, our eggs enclosed in stone. She told me... how much she loved us..." Ella tries to stifle her tears, but her irregular breathing and cracking voice make it clear that she is crying "and how grateful she was to be our mother."
"She said that this would be our secret, just the two of us, and I held onto it because it felt like the most precious thing anyone could share." As they reach the cave entrance, Ella stops for a moment, pulling a torch from her pack and lighting it. She stops crying, and her milky white eyes seem filled with purpose as she turns to her siblings, torch held high. "But it is clear that now is not the time for secrets, least, not from each other."
She turns and walks into the cave.
~♡~
As he arrived at the cliff top Irthos slowed to a halt with memories flooding back in, memories that he could never quite shake off. Nearly dying does that I guess He mused to himself when suddenly the next illusion started up.
Letting out a small chuckle as his mother mentioned the helmet he throws up another disguise self, this time creating the helmet that Preah had made for him before turning to the others with a silly look on his face as he wore the goofy looking illusionary helm.
As Preah set them off towards the storage shed he turned to his brother Gale as he talks of danger. "Of course it is brother but Mother always did like to play games. Perhaps there is nothing to this beyond a bit of fun."
As the next illusion finishes at the shed Irthos furrows his brow in frustration. I never did figure that one out...this must be what it's all about. Unaware that Elsewhere has begun to move away he wracks his memory for clues before suddenly he hears the singing behind him. Turning to listen as she finishes her tune before detailing her secret. With a warm smile he moves over to her and places a hand on her shoulder as she gets tearful.
"So you do have a secret after all sister, I'm impressed! Come let's go see the cave and get to the bottom of things. I'm sure Mother is fine, she survived us after all so what could possibly do her any harm?"
As they arrive at the cave Irthos produces his wand and illuminates it with a quick light enchantment. Pausing for a brief moment at his sisters last comment he thinks:
Not all secrets are there for sharing little sister...but perhaps...in time...
With that he follows after her into the cave, eager to discover the secret that has eluded him his whole life.
Noone responded....it seemed that none knew the answer to the riddle posed to them.
"Why the games and mysteries?" Lucky muttered in frustration. "Why bring us back to chase a trail? Just tell us what we need to know."
The dragonborn was not known for his patience. It was at that precise moment that the sound of singing drifting over to him in the air could be heard. Looking around, Lucky noted that Ella was no longer with them. He followed after her, only turning his head momentarily to shake his head wryly at Irthos's illusions.
"One day, you're going to have to show me exactly how it is you do that. I could amass a small fortune with that ability....."
Arriving behind the other two at the cave, Lucky grins at Ella, "Nice work sis. Well done."
He follows them into the cave.
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you
At the shed, Gale stares down Lucky as he once again tried to lay claim to the discovery of picking the lock. "I know that you think you discovered it first." Then Gale jokingly tries to flick Lucky's tongue.
After following Elsa to the cave, Gale has a feeling of foreboding. Before entering and following the others, he resets the straps on his new shield and grips it tightly. He would even unsling and wield his flail, if it wouldn't worry the others.
Preah thinks as they all walk. What weighs so heavily on her? Has one of the others upset her again? Is this solely mother’s disappearance? What more is at play here? She hurries to catch up to Elsa as they travel to the cave. “Elsewhere,” she says, the use of her sister’s full name giving her comment more weight. “You know that, as much as we all tease each other, and as much as we all tease you, you know that we all still love you. You’re our sister, and none of us would purposefully spite you. In fact, just as I walked up today, I was thinking about how much your skills had improved since we last met. I think that your music is wonderful.” She stops the procession to hug Elsa and whisper into her ear. “Whatever we have done to hurt you, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us.”
Officially Joined the Expanded Signature Club
Will be on Hiatus: Currently Clear
With Elsewhere in the lead, the five follow the tunnel that winds its way into the rocky heart of the island. A few minutes later they reach a small, open chamber, the very place where they were discovered by the wizard eighteen years ago. No, Dahlimé was not waiting for her children in that place; another programmed illusion was, however. Her illusory self appeared in the center of the room, and this time it offered some answers.
"I needed to be cautious, little ones, taking pains that only you would find what I have hidden here. No doubt Elsa has explained the significance of this place to the rest of you. But not only did I find five dragonborn eggs on that day, I found a strange message..."
She pauses. "...No, not a message. A promise? Perhaps. A prophecy? Seemingly so. I know much and have seen much, but I now find myself in the midst of a tale both curious and mysterious. More accurately, all of YOU are now in the midst of a tale both curious and mysterious. And, as so many tales do, this one appears to include the work of darkness. Something has been watching...searching...prying me in recent months, always trying to learn the whereabouts of five dragonborn. This something is distant and indistinct for now, I believe, but sinister and potent. This confirms what I have always believed about the five of you. You have been chosen for some great purpose. Discovering all of you in this cave was no accident."
She halts her monologue momentarily once again; the five siblings look at each other, their faces showing a mixture of concern and puzzlement. "Undoubtedly, questions race through your minds, my treasures. I can imagine what they are. Am I safe? Yes! And I will remain hidden for now and, therefore, prevent myself from being used as a pawn against you. Will we see one another again? I am sure of it! Possibly when you least expect it."
Dahlimé's face takes on an even greater degree of seriousness. "Here's a hard question, and I have no doubt a few of you are mulling it over this very moment. Can one reject this calling? Can't one simply ignore this strange purpose and go about one's business? Ah! A question for the gods themselves! But I will say this. A calling is an unspeakable gift and a matchless honor."
She then smiles broadly and says, "Somewhere within this cave I've hidden an obsidian sphere. I wonder who'll find it first?"
Perception: Elsewhere 14 | Gale 13 | Irthos 9 | Lucky 6 | Preah 4
A few minutes later, Gale holds within his hands a small, perfectly smooth obisidian sphere that has been etched with words in Draconic inlaid with gold. He turns the object about in his hand, following the script as it wraps itself around the sphere. Slowly and intentionally, he reads aloud and the rich, ancient language fills the small room:
Thus saith Kuyutha:
Dragonborn, North Wind borne, these five are called to find,
Find five feathers, the feathers of Gruemar, and then his dishonor unbind.
End the mourn at Rays of Morn is the quest before them set.
Then dragonborn shall be dragon born and greater glory beget.
As the final message plays out Irthos is too distracted by his own thoughts to look around the cave properly.
So the old Gnome was onto something after all. Oh Mother, I understand why you waited but perhaps you should have told us sooner. Looking around at his siblings he pauses in his contemplation before he smirks. But here we are now, and I suppose we are better prepared for what lies ahead.
As Gale discovers the orb Irthos' thoughts return to what is at hand. After listening to his brother read the words aloud he peers in closer to examine the orb, his thoughts echoing in the ominous silence that now fills the room.
Prophecy indeed...
Looking up to see the grim faces of his brothers and sisters he speaks first: "It seems we have a destiny, and one that is shared amongst us all." With a sly grin he gestures once more, throwing up an illusion and taking on their mothers appearance he steps into the centre of the room and faces them. In a voice that is easily understood as an imitation of Dahlimé he says in an effort to relieve the sudden palpable tension "But don't go letting the promise of glory go to your heads now my treasures!"
Gale hisses. "Puzzles. Nearly twenty years our mother knew of this riddle. She either deciphered it and chooses not to tell us, she didn't even try, or tried and wasn't successful. Knowing even that much would help us tremendously. Now we must find out what it means at the cost of the lives we just started. " Gale hands the orb to Irthos and continues, "Is it magical? You like to read, have you any clue? It looks like we need to research what 'North Wind', 'Gruemar' and 'Rays of Morn" mean, especially in relation to each other."
As Gale hands him the orb Irthos lets his illusion drop as his brother cuts right to business. Glad to get his hands on the orb he eagerly begins to study it, replying without looking up.
"No time wasted eh Gale? Now what have we here...the etching is fascinating, I've never seen work so fine...and the words...quite the prophecy no? Quite a puzzle indeed..."
His words trail off as his focus deepens, trying to see if there is more to the object itself or if he recognises any of the phrases in the writing.
For the orb itself - arcana:5
For the words - history:5