Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 18:27:26 -1000 Subject: [ffml] [MW] Lorinan's quest From: Lorinan set off after Bacca. After a while, he just got bored with walking around in a circle following Bacca's tracks. Instead, he decided to head off towards the group. Suddenly, he noticed a thing hiding against the side of the corvette. Lorinan decided to investigate. What he saw would remain in his memory for all time. It was the body of a mog-man. A man who'd been kupo'd to the point of turning into a moogle himself. Man: "Help me. Help me. Please, I need help." L: "What happened? Who did this to you?" M: "I'm from the future, and you caused this." L: "That's impossible. I'm the only Knight of the Word now. All the others have completed their quests. Mine can only end when I've stopped the destruction. Only the balance must be saved. How could you come here?" M: "I'm from the future, and you caused this." L: "There you go with that future thing again. What am I supposed to do?" M: "You failed in your quest. The moogles were all destroyed, and you were powerless to stop it. You were betrayed by a friend. If only you had found the elfstones. The orange elfstones. Only you, a Knight of the Word can L: "Thanks, I think. Where can I find the stones?" M: "Only the druids know. Seek the help of the druids. There is one amongst you. Only they know the whereabouts. Only they can take you to them. The druid amongst you also seeks something that can only be found when you find the Stones. But only you can wield the Orange stones. One for body, one for mind, one for spirit. Seek the wisdom of the ages, and the knowledge of the past." L: "Thanks for the warning, but who is the druid?" M: "That I do not know. I must leave now." L: "Thanks for the warning." The mog-man disappeared. Lorinan decided to head back to the camp. He then called a meeting of the heroes. After telling them what He'd learned, He then addressed Kaitlin. L: "You're the only druid I know of. Was he talking about you?" Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 15:16:30 -1000 From: The Druidess Kaitlin Kaitlin looked at Lorinan for a moment, wondering. "You are a Knight of the Word, eh?" She shifted her weight thoughtfully. "I didn't think there were any left. In fact, I don't know if I've ever been around any before. "But I do know you're only supposed to see the future in dreams, right? That's really quite odd . . . " Kaitlin explained to all who would listen that the Knights of the Word had the unique ability to live a future life while they slept, a future of hopelessness. It was the future that they, in their waking life, would have to attempt to stop, lest it come true. Magic used in this life would render him defenseless in the sleep-life, and it would only be rejuvenated in the next waking sequence. It was a scary life to live, indeed. But an honorable one. "Elfstones, Elfstones . . . " Kaitlin muttered. They used to be so common. Elfstones came in sets of three, normally--a stone each for mind, soul, and body. Hers were red and used for communication purposes with her mentor back home, Walker Boh--they were also adept at discerning magic types and other astounding abilities, much of which she wasn't so sure of herself. The legendary blue Elfstones were still, as far as she knew, on her home world--just like all the others except her red ones. If Lorinan were searching for orange Elfstones, he might have to journey back to the Four Lands . . . or would he? Relics of the Druids had been found across the galaxy (such mysteries the Druidess would have liked the time to solve now and then, but ended up getting caught in the Moogle War). There were so many possibilities. Kaitlin addressed Lorinan after she had mulled over such things. "I have never seen orange Elfstones. They're mentioned once or twice in the Druid histories, and I can only *assume* they're in the Four Lands. But perhaps not. You might say Stones of that color are not stable. There've been instances of cross-dimensional phasing of them, strange disappearances; I can only assume that's why they're not so common. They're too volatile for anyone but madmen to worry about. I can send you back to the Four Lands if you would like to search there; you might even want to talk to Walker Boh if you can find him. Or I can attempt to send you elsewhere, although my ties as of yet are few. What do you think? Or do you have an idea of your own?" Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 05:25:14 -1000 From: Jeheshua@aol.com Lorinan mulled over what Kaitlin had told him. IF the stones were so unstable, why would he be told to retrieve them? "The only way I think I could survive in the Four Lands, is if I had a guide with me. Do you think either you or someone you know who knows the lands could assist me. All I know is that you would know what to do. If you think I should talk to your mentor, I believe you said his name was Walker Boh, then maybe I'd better do that. But what is the history of the ages I was told about? The apparition said I find information as to the whereabouts in the History of the Ages. What's that?" Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 12:48:51 EDT From: As Lorinan questioned Kaitlin about his strange quest, a tall man wearing threadbare clothes walked up to them. His messy hair and the grime on his face did not make it more difficult to recognize him; in fact, it helped Lorinan remember the man's identity faster. That martial artist who had offered to lead the army through the tunnels of Crystal Peak and had left suddenly after that. "You're Siran, that martial arts guy, aren't you?" Lorinan asked. "That's right," replied Siran. "Where did you disappear to?" asked Kaitlin, who didn't look particularly interested. "I had some personal business to attend to. Advanced training with my Master." "What brings you back here now?" Lorinan asked. "Well, I overheard enough of your conversation to know that you are about to embark on a journey to the Four Lands. I've never been to the place, but if you think you might need a fighter such as myself, I would be happy to go with you. After all, I'm not really the soldierly type, and Bacca has no real use for me in his army." Kaitlin's eyes narrowed, and it unsettled Siran. "You speak of this journey as if it were nothing more than a stroll through the countryside. This will be no simple quest." "I'm sure it will be difficult, but that's all the more reason you'll need some help. As long as they have pie in the Four Lands, I'll be happy," Siran said. "Pies?" "Yeah, I like pies," replied Siran with a grin. "Especially Strawberry Rhubarb. Blueberry's good too." "And let's not forget Cherry!" Lorinan added. "Well...yeah, Cherry's good too, but not as good as Strawberry Rhubarb." "Granted, but--" The Druidess cleared her throat, and the two men stopped discussing pies. "Well," Siran said, "it's your decision. Do you want my help?" --Pat Szostak Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 23:41:46 EDT From: Lorinan mulled over the idea Siran's joining him. "Well, What do I have to lose. Okay, sure." Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 23:06:54 -0400 Subject: [ffml] [MW] Lorinan's quest (And Kait's instructions) From: druidkaitlin@juno.com (The Druidess Kaitlin) "Look." She stepped forward a bit. "I'm only a Druid in training . . . I know very little. Siran, I'm glad you stepped forward--I want you to go with Lorinan to the Four Lands. As for me, I have promised to stay here with the army to fight and aid. This I must do. "I want you to seek out Walker Boh. I'm sure he can tell you more. Show him this," Kaitlin continued, pulling out a small silver necklace, "and he'll know you talked to me personally. He will help you how he can, that I am sure of. "Once you are prepared, I can send the two of you--no more. Teleportation of even ONE person at such distances is very taxing, and I mustn't deplete myself." Kaitlin nodded to them and walked off. The two stared at the little necklace Lorinan now held. It was a shimmering, delicate pendant of a tiny cat with what appeared to be a spear through its underbelly. What's more, the cat was smiling. Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 10:34:29 EDT From: "Is this an omen?,"Lorinan wondered, "because even if it is, It can't discourage me from this quest." Lorinan decided to head out to the quartermaster. Once there, He and Siran stocked up on the latest weapons, armor, and items. Once ready they went to find Kaitlin. "We're ready, Kait. Where do we find Walker Boh once we've arrived?" "I'll drop you at the Hearthstone. That's where He lives. I'll also warn him of your coming so he'll be ready." "If you're ready, I'll send you now." With that, the two heroes disappeared into the mists. Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 12:57:38 -0400 Subject: [ffml] Re: [MW] At Hearthstone From: druidkaitlin@juno.com (The Druidess Kaitlin) Kaitlin collapsed. She was exhausted. Two people to the Four lands . . . hehe. She hoped they made it all right--she could barely teleport herself a mile or two these days, despite the gods' augmentation of her powers. The Druidess stood up and brushed herself off. "Now, I gotta give Walker a ring . . . " She strode to her tent shakily and brought out her Elfstones. "I have to use them again," she thought warily. She was getting too used to their power. She had little Elven blood in her, if any at all, yet she had always been able to use them well. After all, however, they WERE Elfstones, and they WERE addictive . . . and she had to use them sparingly as possible. She held them out before her, and peered into their redness. Kaitlin felt the crackle of magic across planes, and then the winds of magic that carried her message, which simply told the Druid that the two heroes Siran and Lorinan would be along shortly, seeking his help. She heard a flicker of a response in her mind . . . but something was wrong. She couldn't pinpoint it, but she felt as if someone had been eavesdropping, like tapping a telephone line . . . but she was positive the message had gotten through, and gave it little thought. What concerned her more right now was the way her stomach felt like it was burning . . . not with heat, though. With Ice. * * * * * The Druid Walker Boh felt the magic before he got the message. He listened to it where he stood in a meadow outside of Hearthstone. It was from Kaitlin, the young Druidess he had taught, and had then sent out into the universe to discover what she could. The message told of two travelers who would be arriving shortly, and that they would carry an artifact of hers as proof that they had traveled by her magic. But Walker already knew that it was indeed Kaitlin who was sending them--everyone had a unique way of weaving spells, like a fingerprint of magic. But for some reason, Kaitlin's was different . . . he had felt it before. Different than it should have been, no matter how long she had been gone. When he felt it, it was the equivalent of seeing double. And MUCH more powerful than such a young Druid could have been able to weave. But before Walker finished completing his thoughts, something else came on the tail end of the message . . . it leapt out of the air like a fish out of the sea, and stood before him, towering above him frighteningly. A Phantom Beast! Walker brought up his good arm, once again cursing the fact he only HAD one, instinctively drawing up a shield. Why had a Phantom Beast appeared here, of all places? His eyes widened, but he was not phased. A burst of blue Druid Fire engulfed the Beast, but did little to slow it as it swooped forward in a rush of air to strike at Walker. Knocking him back and temporarily fizzling his shielding, the Phantom Beast howled, its voice like the wind. Summoning his strength, Walker beat it back with another shocking blue flare, and it screamed. But it kept coming, and Walker wasn't sure why. It should have been dead a million times by now . . . it should have been . . . * * * * * After a rather jolting flight through the inner planes of cross-galactic transportation waves (say that five times, fast!) Lorinan and Siran appeared outside of Hearthstone, as expected. They heard the pained scream of the Phantom Beast and the sounds of attack magic from the distance, and rushed toward it concernedly. And there was the Druid they were looking for, facing off against a huge monster. Walker Boh was clothed in leather; he had extremely pale skin and short-cut coal black hair, beard, and mustache. He looked unafraid, but at a loss. Siran and Lorinan looked at each other, shrugged, and prepared to aid Walker Boh in his battle. Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 23:29:16 EDT From: Lorinan prepared his mixing items. He then mixed a catgut potion. "One part cat's drool, two parts canary feathers, and one bottle anti-matter." A giant flying cat swooped onto the beast and exploded into acidic blood, eating at the beast's skin. The beast was severely weakened. The two then saw the druid send a blue whirlwind into at the monster. It was summarilly sucked into the void. The two walked over to Walker Boh, the druid who could help them. "Are you Walker?" "Of course I am, Lorinan and Siran." "How did you know us?" "Kaitlin warned me about your coming. What do you need?" "I've been sent on a quest for the orange elfstones. Kait told us you could help us. I was told to look in the histories of the ages. I hope that means something to you." Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 12:43:59 EDT Subject: [ffml] [MW] The History of Ages From: "Indeed it does, Lorinan," Walker Boh said. "I will be more than happy to answer your questions, but perhaps we should talk inside my house rather than out here in the open." Lorinan and Siran agreed and Walker Boh led the two adventurers into his modest looking home. The inside of the house was amazing in that there was almost no furniture at all. The entire house was filled with book shelves full of ancient texts and strange looking artifacts. "I'm afraid this isn't the most commodious of dwellings," Walker Boh said by way of an apology. "You'll have to sit on the floor." "No problem," Siran said. "Now, what can you tell us about the orange Elfstones?" Lorinan asked. "And what's this about the history of ages?" "Hmm...with a tale this long, it's hard to know where to begin..." "Try beginning from the beginning," Siran suggested helpfully. "What?" he asked defensively when Lorinan gave him an annoyed glance. "Sage advice," Boh replied. "Very well then, like all artifacts of power, the orange Elfstones are neither good nor evil, but also like artefacts of power, they were originally used for evil purposes. Ages ago, magicians used them in magical war fare. The possession of the three orange Elfstones was a key factor in the power structure of ancient society. However, the magicians who used the Elfstones abused their power too much, and eventually sacrificed their humanity to use the stones. Though their magic was incredibly strong, their bodies were weak, and the Magicians were killed by their own servants, men and creatures who were tired of the constant death and destruction." "So did the servants of these Magicians hide or destroy the Elfstones?" Lorinan asked. "If only they had," Boh replied sorrowfully. "The servants were no match for the seductive nature of the Elfstones, and they took the Elfstones for themselves. Their destruction was just as imminent as the destruction of the Magicians who first owned the Elfstones. By that time, the Order of Druids had been established, and the Druids made it their mission to seek out the orange Elfstones and hide them away from mankind. "But even we Druids were unable to fully resist the temptation of the Elfstones. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to stop numerous wars that were being waged at the time, and many of the Druids thought that the orange Elfstones would give us the power to make the kings and generals listen to us. Druids were not respected as much then as they are now, you see, and many proud Druids were extremely frustrated by that." "So the Druids fought amongst themselves?" Siran asked, completely absorbed in the Druid's tale. "For a short while, yes. Some Druids tried to use the powers of the Elfstones, but once they realized the powers that the stones had, they became frightened and realized that the Elfstones must be hidden away. Others destroyed themselves trying to use the stones' fearsome powers. But the Druids were eventually in agreement that the orange Elfstones were a threat and must be hidden away. The three stones were hidden across this land, and their hiding places are known only to the Druids. The secret has been kept for Ages." "You must tell us where the stones are hidden," Lorinan pleaded. "Kaitlin has assured me, and I sense it myself, that you have no evil intentions, Chemist. But why do you seek the stones so desperately?" Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998 19:56:14 EDT From: Lorinan looked at Walker with intensity. "I am a Knight of the Word. That which created you and your world. I have the curse of living the future in my sleep, and trying to save it in my wake. I had a strange vision one night...." (Lorinan proceeded to tell the story.) "So I need to find the Elfstones in order to stop the sabotage and also to stop this war entirely. The only problem is that one moogle must be saved to preserve the balance. I can only assume the sabotage is in someone killing the surviving moogle. The vision said to seek the wisdom of the ages. I assume that's you." Walker replied, "Not entirely true. While I have access to what you seek, I am not the wisdom. That is held in the Druid Histories." ooc: IT's in your court now, Edward. Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 10:47:41 EDT Subject: [ffml] [MW] Elfstones found From: The trio were headed to Paranor, the home of the Druids. Upon Arriving, Walker then opened the door with some weird incantation. Inside, it was dark and musty, with the scent of death on everything. Many had died here, and no wished to live there anymore. Walker led the two questors down numerous hallways and passages. They finally saw a room filled with broken shelves. "This is the library," Said Lorinan, "This is just great. We come all this way, and for nothing." "Never believe what you see." Walker replied, "This may seem like a broken room, but what happens when you turn this switch?" He then walked over to one of the walls, and turned a knob on the back. A wall swung out revealing an entrance into another room, this one with Books from ceiling to floor. Walker paced amongst the books. "Ah, this is the one." He opened it and read from the passage he found. "Seek the one who has given all to lose his all. He alone has the key to the stones. In the resting place of Druid and Foe shall those who seek find. The fires of Hades shall be thy guide. The water of life shall be thy sight. The stones you require shall be thy reward." "I'm the One who gave all to lose my all. The key is my magic. It alone can open the doors here. The resting place of Druid and foe is here in this castle. There was a great battle fought long ago in these very walls. The fires of Hades is the furnace, there's a hidden spring that gives refreshing. And the stones should be there. Let's go." He led them to a room with a giant furnace. There was a depression below next to the fire line. Walker crawled down on rings set into the walls. He then opened the door leading to the spring. At the spring, he addressed the party. "Only he who is able to wield the stones can see them until they are found. Lorinan, you need to drink the water to find the stones." Lorinan drank the water, and looked around the cavern. He saw something orange shining out of Walker's robe. "I think the stones are in your robe Walker." "Very good. Now I know you are the only one who can wield the stones. If you had been incencere, or of evil purpose, the spring would have killed you. I now can at least rest knowing they are in safe hands." He handed the stones to the Lorinan. "I'm going to send you back now. Help Kaitlin if she needs it. Keep her safe. I feel something is wrong with her. Use the stones to find it. "Walker, thanks for everything." Walker waved his hand toward the two questors, and they vanished into the mist. Good luck to you all, and keep safe, please." ------ Lorinan and Siran appeared in the middle of the camp. They noticed a sudden blackness around one area, then a bright light. Running toward it, Lorinan readied his stones. "I wonder how these work?" He held them out toward the darkness, and summoned the power. Suddenly the light exploded out toward the darkness. The dark was shattered. What it was, They didn't know, and wouldn't know. Subject: [ffml] [MW] Homecoming From: Later, in the camp... Siran: Well, that was something. So, uh, now that you have those Elfstones, Lorinan, what are you gonna do? Lorinan: I must fulfill my destiny as a Knight of the Word. Siran: Cool. The scintillating conversation was quickly interrupted by some of the other heroes, who had noticed them coming back. Tojo: Hey, looks who's back! Siran: Who? Tojo: I was talking about you guys. Siran: Of course you were! Kaitlin: How did the journey go? Lorinan: We got the Elfstones! Tojo: Did you bring us back anything? Lorinan: What? Siran: Well, there was a gift shop in that Druid place, but everything was REALLY expensive. Tojo: You didn't get us anything?! Schala: You cads! Siran: Hey! Wait a sec! I did buy some novelty Turquoise Elfstones! Kaitlin: Huh? Siran: Yeah, if you put them in water, the water gets all black and you get sick if you drink it! Hee hee, it's really neat. Kaitlin: Yeah, well, right now, we're actually in the middle of a big important battle of some sort, so we can't talk for much longer. Lorinan: How can you be talking to us if you're in the middle of a battle? Schala: Um, magic. Tojo: Yeah. See you later. And so, the other heroes disappear...