Raspberry stood in the town center of Sylvanesti with Talnes, the head of the main gate guard. She was speechless, which was quite an unusual thing for a Kender. Talnes stepped up onto the Silver Stump, the place of speech, and spoke to the four winds. From this point and using this magic, all the Elves in a 100 kilometer radius would be able to hear him if they chose.

“My brothers and sisters, Talnes speaks to you from the silver stump. As you know, these are dark times on Krynn. The return of the dragons has faced us with choices, and death hangs in the air like a stench that won’t leave the nostrils. Today however, the gods have blessed us with a gift, and though it won’t solve the ills of our land, it will bring a small pleasure.”

He turned and smiled at Raspberry. “Play your lute on the Silver Stump little one, please.” He stepped down and Raspberry was simply awestruck. She smiled gently and removed her travel pack, laid her hoopak across it and unstrapped the lute. She uncased it and climbed up onto the shimmering stump in the town center. Looking over at Talnes she spoke softly… “Will they all hear?” He smiled gently and nodded his head, “Every note.”

She blushed and her tiny fingers plucked the strings, a melody of beauty beyond imagination began to weave its way through the air surrounding the whole of Sylvanesti. Even the most pompous ears of the Elves could help but turn to listen, and it felt like everyone was holding their breath as the song progressed. Then, just when it seemed as if the song couldn’t get any better, a tiny voice rang out, singing a song of hope…

“When spread the graves of Krynns heroes lay,
Bare and quiet, last light of day,
Branchala’s song brought, and rise the strong,
For sunlight pierces the darkest of dawn.
For whence went dark into this place,
Krynn’s races strong faced the pain,
When hope seems lost heroes once again rise,
May the faces of the gods shine on us again.”

The music went on for many minutes more, poetic verse woven in between the melodies. There was barely an eye without tears as Raspberry brought the song to a close. The magic of Branchala was most certainly present in her talents, and there was hope in the air. The Elves in the town center erupted into applause and Raspberry looked around with embarrassment. She blushed and stood, giving a soft curtsey and taking Talnes’ outstretched hand she stepped off the Silver Stump.

“Little Raspberry, I thank you for your gift. The Speaker of the Stars has requested your presence; would you honor him with a visit?”

Raspberry felt her heart leap, and she gathered her things, slinging her pack hastily on her back and looking up at Talnes. “I would love to go meet the Elf King!” Talnes, good natured as always, took her by the hand, “Then it is to the king.”

The crowd’s parted as Raspberry and Talnes made their way to the King’s dwelling, the Elves threw rose pedals at Raspberry’s feet, and never in her days would she ever imagined that just playing a song would make people so happy.

Tanjee heard Talnes’ announcement and when the Kender stepped upon the stump and began to play her instrument and sing the song, Tanjee was as affected as the others. The song was filled with hope and that was something all races of Krynn could use right now. Especially the Elves, it seemed.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she swallowed down a lump several times that simply refused to leave her throat. Tanjee couldn’t help but wish her brother was as affected by the song as the other Elves were but somehow the healer had a feeling his heart was closed to such things now.

When did he become so hardened? He had never been as carefree as others but he DID enjoy laughing and smiling a great deal. Especially with her. And over the past few months he had become increasingly irritable. So much so that people made it a point to stay well out of his way and not even look him in the eyes when he grew near. It was almost as though it was a different being inside her dear brother. Someone who hated life so much he wanted to make everyone else miserable for just being near him.

Shaking her head, Tanjee tried not to think of her moody brother any more than she had to. While it was difficult to do so, she forced herself to turn her attention to her guest, Kwinn, and make sure his comfort was priority. Giving the human ranger a soft smile, she gestured to their surroundings once more.

”I am glad you have come here, Kwinn. Now the beauty of my home will be understood by another than myself when I talk of it.”

Nim’Sul sat at his ornate desk in the top level of the Ivory tower, the only structure in all of Sylvanesti that was not grown of the forest. The tower itself was a comforting beacon of light in a darkening world. It was not a mage tower in the traditional sense. There was very little restricted access to those who did not use magic. Nim’Sul lived in the top but the tower itself served many functions. Connected to the castle it was a place of solace for many of the King’s most highly ranked advisors and assistants. Nim’Sul occupied the top three levels because as a Mage he needed the most space. Also, being the high advisor to the Speaker of the Stars had a few perks. Nim’Sul used the top most floor as his living quarters, which was also where his main work area was. The second layer was for alchemy and the third was an extensive parlor where most of those who came to visit were entertained and met with.

Nim’Sul felt the comfort of the soft breeze coming into his chambers, and as he heard the song sung by the Kender female, he stopped and listened, a small smile breaking his delicate, royal features. He, like most of the Elves that heard its melodies did take a slight respite from the ills of the world, and when it was over, he could only nod in approval. He would make it a point to meet the Kender lass, but for now, his work needed the utmost concentration. Nim’Sul could feel the evil closing in on Sylvanesti ever still, and he fought with his thoughts on the best way to combat the vile intrusion into Sylvan land. He knew deep in his heart however, that the Dark Queen would not rest until her grip on the whole of Krynn was complete, and all inhabitants were destroyed. He worked his thoughts out; the return of Myth was a welcome surprise, but also a curious one. There was major cause for concern. Had he managed to break free of her clutches? Was his heart still full of darkness? What was his reason for disgracing himself and his father, not to mention his whole race? As far as Nim’Sul was concerned Myth had betrayed all his countrymen and countrywomen, and he should have been arrested on the spot for even showing himself again in this great city. He did not mention this to the king however, being a counselor of the king was as much about tact in advice as much as accuracy. Had this been any other Elf however, there would have been no hesitation.

He looked up from his writings, staring into the darkness of the forest canopy. The depth of the night was hanging high, and the silver beams of the white moon mixed with those of the red creating a mystifying pink hue to anything sprinkled with their grace. A small smile crept onto his face, it was the little beauties that were left, and he found the beauty of the moons’ light fascinating.

He finished writing, his mind clearing and he folded the letter with delicate fingers. He dripped snow white wax onto the edge and sealed it with the symbol of the white moon, his name in Elven woven through the design. He walked to the third level of his chamber and rang for his runner who came before the sound of the silver bell stopped ringing.

“Your grace?”

“Take this to the White Robed female known as Rayann in Myth’s chamber at once. Pay no heed to the timing and if Myth should question the hour instruct him that the summons comes directly from me.”

The runner nodded quickly and exited the room, his crimson and white robes flowing quietly behind him. Nim’Sul walked back up to his living chamber and inhaled deeply.

((--I am going to call some actions, NPC type stuff, but I will leave reactions to you two--))

The runner made his way and knocked sharply twice on Myth’s door. There was a slight rustling inside and Myth opened the door. His bare chest, etched deeply with the defined muscles of a warrior cast thick shadows across his skin. The runner explained himself, and handed the note to Rayann.

“Nim’Sul, High Archmage of Sylvan requests your presence in his chamber; the details are within his summons.”

He turned his attention from Rayann with no other gesture of any kind and bowed deeply to Myth before turning quickly on his heels and leaving with all haste.

As Rayann opened the note it read:

“Dearest Rayann Padraig of Glen Durel;

I send greetings to you Rayann, Wizard of the white, in the name of our moon and god Solinari. I will admit that your presence in our city is less a shock and more a confirmation pointing to the revelations granted us by the deep magic of Krynn. I would like to request the honor of your presence in my chambers on the morrow at the break of sunset. I apologize for this late day appointment but my understanding is you will be occupied with the Speaker of the Stars for the majority of the day. Dinner will be served to you as a result of the late hour, and I advise you arrive alone so we may avoid any unnecessary complications and awkwardness.

I look forward to meeting you face to face.

In the light,

Nim’Sul, Archmage of Solinari
High Council of his Lordship, the Speaker of the Stars”

The note was as pointed and direct as Rayann might expect from a Sylvan Elf, and even more so by one who had spent millennium in the strict and formal study of magic, but its undertones were friendly.

Myth could only let out a sigh and shake his head as Rayann began to dig into the meal. Time away from home amidst the darker elements of Krynn had indeed made him overly cautious. Most of his enemies were far from this hallowed place and those that were her were quite few and in positions that would have no need to use something as trivial as poison in the food. No if someone truly wanted him dead he would be in chains in a cell waiting for a sentencing or an execution on the morrow on the morrow.

With a half smile he sat down and joined Rayann before she decided to eat the whole meal herself. Dinner was silent and before long Myth's ears perked up as he heard to announcement by the guard. Curious he pushed himself away from the table and went to watch the scene below from a window. Myth recognized the voice of the kender almost immediately. It seems one of the previous party members had caught up with them. This cause Myth to frown for but a moment but since it was the kender he knew it to be coincidence more than anything else.

He listened to the song with closed eyes and open ears and felt a stirring deep within by the time the little bard had finished her song. The smile upon his lips was a pleasant one. For but the briefest moment he actually felt that this visit home was the right path. Till this moment he had felt it more akin to a heavy burden that he should deal, a situation forced upon him by the powers above. In truth he could see the path of possible redemption being laid out before his eyes. A shard of hope glimmered upon the horizon and Myth decided to embrace that. Where as before he would accept the hand fate would deal him, now he would accept it with with his chin up so as to meet that fate head on.

((Will leave things vague for some room to let Rayann's actions be played out.))

He wasn't sure when Rayann had decided to join him but before he opened his eyes he knew she would be there at his side. There was a new look in the depths of his green eyes, and his smile was warmer than it had been since they had arrived in ton that afternoon. "Never thought a kender could have such a pleasant voice... only an annoying one..."

In spite of himself Myth yawned and looked to the canopy above. Even with the dense foliage he knew the hours were growing late. "I have a feeling tomorrow will be a long day... I should lay down and rest... feel free to stay up if you wish. I would just advise not making it to late however." He offered her a smile and kissed Rayann gently on the cheek before slipping away to the room. He stopped a moment looking back at her "As far as our worries of unwanted guests. If Aeolis met us out in the forests he is not likely in a position to influence the guards who are likely to be watching over us tonight. He may be able to make his sister's life a pain but the safety of the royal line falls to more... trustworthy people."

Myth was unsure if that would put her at ease but Myth knew some things about his home. The royal guard did not report to the home guard commander. Why he had forgotten such a detail he did not know. The elven warrior took the time to slip off his armor and trappings stripping down to his trousers at the least. With a sigh he pulled the pin that help the knot in his hair letting his red mane loose. He took a moment to pop his neck before laying down atop the bed. The travel and stress of being home had drained Myth and he was asleep the moment he hit the pillows.

Some time in the night Myth's ears perked and his eyes opened a crack. There was a knocking coming from the door. Grumbling lightly Myth went to sit up only to find his beloved's arm draped over him. He could see that she was beginning to rouse from slumber herself. Taking the time to carefully slip off the bed he moved with cat like grace to the door opening it to find a messenger. With Rayann at his back after only a few more moments Myth could only scowl at the intrusion. He only nodded his head as the message was delivered and shut the door when the man left.

Myth said nothing letting Rayann read the message before looking at it himself. With a wrinkle of his nose Myth dropped the note upon the table. "Nim' Sul... That would explain the feeling of eyes upon my back this evening." Taking a seat at the table he leaned back. "He asks a lot of me to allow you to go anywhere unattended. If it were any other person I would show up simply out of spite in response to such a request, but in this instance I am inclined to respect his wishes." Myth saw the questions forming and raised a hand

"I wager he wishes to discuss the matter of your separation from Rorie and my role in it,and some other subjects of magely interest. However I would also wager that he has a great many questions to ask about me and my motives as well. Hence why you are asked to come with out me. It makes it hard to ask questions when the subject of your inquery is standing in the room. Please remeber first and foremost he is the adviser to the king so any information he gleans from you about me will definitely make it to my father's ears before our audience tomorrow. Be honest and hold nothing back is the only thing I will say about the matter. Even if it could paint me in a bad light I want everything laid out before him."

Myth took a moment to wet his drying lips "As to his request I can only comply with it to a limited degree. I will accompany you to the tower however I will not enter into the tower. He wishes to see you with out my presence then I will respect that as much as I can as your guardian. Being the wise man that he is Nim'Sul should recognize the gesture. As your guardian I can't let you travel the city alone but I know enough to respect the sanctity of this meeting by not entering the building. It also shows that I trust him with your safety."

Myth could only sigh as he rubbed his temples "By the gods why am I treating this like a battle strategy..." He offered Rayann an apologetic smile "I am sorry dearest... I..." his words failed him and he fell silent looking out the window into the night forest. One of the many reasons he hated being a prince, politics.

Rayann could hear the sound of a musical instrument being played and an occasional female voice lifted in song but the details of either were lost to her. Still, what little she could catch sounded hauntingly beautiful. Glacning at Myth as the song played, she could see a subtle change happening over him. when the song was finished and he looked to her and smiled, she saw the difference was more than just physical. There was determination and perhaps even a sense of…peace. Returning the smile, Rayann moved closer to Myth and leaned her head against his arm for a moment.

When she heard it was a Kender voice that had been singing, she glanced over the balcony and strained to see who the Kender might be. Was it perhaps Berry? Could the little Kender have found them again? Rayann hoped she had for while the little Kendermaid was chatty, she had such a positive and free spirited outlook on life the magi couldn’t help but smile.

When Myth yawned, Rayann knew he was exhausted. She wasn’t quite ready for sleep just yet and when he told her he wouldn’t be upset if she stayed up, she gave him a beautiful smile. Of course the nagging concern of what mght happen when he went to sleep was quickly quieted when he told her Aeolis and company were not tasked with making sure the royal family was safe and secure. Walking with him and helping him disrobe from his armor and traveling clothes, she kissed him softly.

”I’ll be in shortly. I’d like to go back out on the balcony and meditate. The moon beams filtering through the tress is giving a wonderful glow and I’d like to take advantage of it.”

Once Myth was settled and she saw how comfortably he was sleeping, Rayann made her way quietly back tot eh balcony and sat down. Smiling as she looked around at the beauty that surrounded her. This peaceful, magical place should never fear the darkness. In that moment, Rayann vowed to herself she would do all she could to try and protect it. Closing her eyes, Rayann soon fell into the meditative state she used to commune with her God.

It was a little while later when she got up and walked back into the residence and changed into one of Myth’s oversized tunics and crawled into the bed he already occupied. Kissing his cheek softly, she snuggled down next to him and was soon fast asleep.

It seemed as though she had just closed her eyes when she heard the distant sound of knocking. In fact, Rayann was dreaming of her younger years and the knocking on the door to the residence she and Myth shared blended in perfectly with her dream. In her dream she turned to look at her open bedroom doorway and saw Rorie standing there. A bright smile appeared on her face until she saw the look on his. Where there used to be love and mischief shining in his brilliant blue eyes all she saw now was contempt and….hatred.

The dreamed vision was so disturbing that Rayann awoke with a slight jerk and blinked as she reached out to touch the bed next to her only to find it empty. It was still warm so Myth couldn’t have gotten far. Lifting her head off the pillow Rayann saw he was going for the door when she heard another knock. Quickly getting to her feet and donning her magi robe, she slowly walked up behind Myth to find out what was going on.

Several things flashed through her mind as she secured the robe to her body. Had a patrol come to retrieve Myth and bring him before the King at this hour? As an effort to thwart any plan Myth may have in his head? Was something wrong? Had something happened that they needed Myth’s help already?? Were they going to be banished, right here, right now?

When Myth answered the door and the Elf bowed respectfully then handed her the scroll, Rayann blinked. Glancing at the scroll then at the Elf then back to Myth, she wasn’t sure what to think until she heard the name, Nim’Sul. It had been some time since she had seen her one time mentor. Or so she thought of him like that. The mage had always been kind, gentle and patient with her and Rorie. It was as though he truly understood the uniqueness of their situation. Had it not been for Nim’Sul, she and Rorie would never have been able to accomplish their trials together. She owed the wise magi a great deal and when she read through the written invitation for council with him, she knew she would move heaven and earth to join him for a time. In fact, knowing he was here, now, her heart began to beat a little faster with the excitement of knowing she would see him once more. Her enthusiasm causing a smile to form on her face.

Hearing Myth’s voice Rayann quickly drew herself back to the present and as he explained why Nim’Sul most likely wanted a private audience with her, the smile faded from her features. She let Myth finish before she offered him a knowing smile. Stepping closer, she rose up on hr toes and urged him to lower himself so she could kiss him softly on the cheek. Her right hand caressed his cheek and she let her gaze settle on his.

”Nim’Sul is a wise mage. It’s because of him Rorie and I were able to complete our trials together. I owe him a great deal. I would be honored if you would please escort me to his tower. And I assure you….Nim’Sul is no threat to me. If he wished, he could have done anything to me when we first arrived and there would be little I could do to prevent it. He is much more powerful than I am. Worry not about Nim’Sul, my love. He is the least of our worries. Now, come back to bed. There is a few more hours of rest before the sun rises over the horizon. We will have pleanty to deal with after that. And we need all the rest we can get.”

Taking Myth’s hand, Rayann gently coaxed him back to bed and when they were settled, she once more snuggled up against him, laying her head on his shoulder. Sleep would evade her now, of that she knew, but she was selfish and wanted to spend as much time like this as she could with her love for something told her they would have few and far between moments like this once the sun illuminated the sky in it’s brilliant light.

Nim’Sul woke. The cool breeze of morning was flowing into his chambers and he inhaled the scents of Sylvanesti. He sat up and wanted to begin his morning routine, but this morning was nothing like the typical start to an average day. Today was going to be serious work, and Nim’Sul took to the seriousness of the situation with appropriate preparation. Myth, son and prince of Myth'Alaas Thel'Radin, Speaker of the Stars, was scheduled to appear before the court. Under normal circumstances, this was no big deal what so ever. Myth however, had broken from the service of his people years ago, and had chosen to side with the bane of Sylvan life, he had chosen to embrace the seductions offered him by Takhisis, the Dark Queen of Chaos. This single act of treason had broken the spirit of all the Sylvanesti Elves, it rocked them to their foundational core and sent the kingdom into a state of unrest from which they barely recovered. The royal family was all that had been holding the kingdom together and to see that unit shattered sent seismic waves throughout the nations of Elves.

Nim’Sul had been going contemplating these things in his mind over and over since the prince had shown up at the gate. It was only the long standing order of a father who in his heart wished the return of his son which kept the guard from opening up on Myth with their bows. The presence of a White Robe Wizard was also part of the reason that he was welcomed so quickly back into their midst. Nim’Sul had searched the heart of Rayann the moment he felt her presence, and she was pure of spirit, it was obvious that her devotions to Solinari had not been compromised, nor had she been seduced by some dark force beyond her will. She came of her own will, despite the fear and instinct to run she pressed on as was expected from a devoted Mage of Solinari.

The pair was to appear in the courts today, the whole of the kingdoms hierarchy was waiting to hear from the prince, to know his heart, and to see the White Robe Human Female with their own eyes. Nim’Sul would be in council, standing behind the king, listening, taking in all that was said, discerning its implications and unlocking any hidden meanings. As such he was going to the Hall of Kings early to begin preparations. He slipped on his inner tunic and reagent pouches, tucking them where they belonged. He then put on his middle robes tucking them precisely in place and tied them with their strings. Finally he slides on his outer robe, a garment of such quality it shimmered with all the dignity of not only royalty, but also the importance of an Archmage. The shimmering gold and silver thread were stitched with such loving precision that not a single loop was any larger or smaller than any other on the entire garment. The silk was so fine it almost seemed to have a life of its own, moving and breathing as he moved with Elven grace.

He made his way to the bottom level of the ivory tower and into the castle. Every Elf he passed bowed or nodded in respect, and Nim’Sul returned the gestures in kind. As he approached the Hall or Kings, the four guards at its doors stepped aside and opened the doors for him to enter. It was so quiet inside after the doors closed behind him he caught himself holding his breath. The Hall of Kings was not only a place of such grandeur and splendor it would capture the soul, it was an eternal monument to the royal family, lined with statues carved from the finest marble along the walls. The statues were moved back in precise order from the throne side, so all one needed to do was look along the wall towards the throne itself to see the lineage of Kings from past to present. Nim’Sul looked to his feet and sprinkled sand mixed with horns hobble, thistle thorn, rose hips, and kras’mier. The mixture sparkled as it descended the distance from his nimble Elven fingers and bounced across the floor. Several handfuls of the mixture were scattered all around the entrance and Nim’Sul stepped back, reaching out his hand and whispering the spidery language of magic, “Asorthiatis hilsuchia onjespia magiscorna” Light erupted in all directions as the reagents flared to life, the flux that united reality with the flowing river of Krynn’s magic. Nim’Sul opened his eyes as he watched the tiny flares of magic float around the room, bursting over and over into smaller particles until they were microscopic. The warmth which now filled the room as the spell was in place would be a welcome side affect to an incantation only magic users would be able to detect. Nim’Sul continued to move around the room, casting incantations and charms in certain areas to protect those who would be inside from a variety of possibilities, until finally he had made his way to the throne.

He reached into his robes and removed a small purple satchel of reagents and set them on the throne of the king. Again he stood back and hissed the ancient language of magic, the satchel began to glow and then erupted into white fire that engulfed the throne, scattering across the floor and wrapping itself around Nim’Sul’s feet, connecting the two for a brief moment and then spreading across the whole front of the Hall of Kings. Nim’Sul opened his eyes and look around. With his ability to reach into the sight of the magical, Nim’Sul could see that the entire chamber was now bathed in glowing blow light, an indication that not a single square inch was absent of protections. He turned and walked up the stairs the throne sat on and went beyond, slipping behind the wall through the hidden entrance into a room to rest. The casting had taken its toll on his body and he needed to rest an hour before the court and their two guests would arrive.