Order of the Dark Flame: The Adventures Continue (no spam-story)

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 11:39 am

Dragon Wench studied the ressemblance between Georgi and the stranger in astonishment. Surely, such similarity to a distant ancestor was more than a liitle uncanny. Then, she paused, shocked. All the women were wearing identical amulets. Enscribed upon the surface of each amulet were the stylised faces of five women encircling a deep, red flame. The pendants radiated with a magical energy that none of the trio had ever previously felt.

[ 07-24-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 6:00 pm

"The Order of the Dark Flame?" Ismena repeated. "Well, it would seem we left our legacy to the world..."

"Do you know of any way we might get back to the future?" Georgi asked, anxiously. "We were looking for a friend who was abducted. I don't know how much time we have... although, I suppose we may be able to get back to the exact moment we left, in which case that's not quite so imperative..." her brow furrowed, a little confused.

Gwalchmai described the standing stone they had appeared by, and the rune on it. Ismena nodded. "There may be something we can do. But we must consult our wisest counsellors... Would you care to accompany us back to our camp? I believe a feast has been planned for tonight, in celebration of our victory. We succeeded in the destruction of a very evil, very powerful cleric..."

"The Shadow Master!" Dragonwench gasped.

"You know of him?"

"He was not defeated as finally as you might think," Gwalchmai informed them. "If you killed him, he has been resurrected somehow... This is why we must find a way back to our own time as soon as possible."

"Of course. Let us adjourn to more comfortable surroundings, then. It isn't far to our camp... and after your contribution to that battle, the least we can offer is sustenance and a long soak in a jacuzzi..."

Georgi and Dragonwench looked at each other, and grinned. Assenting, they began the journey back to the camp.

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 9:25 pm

There was another ripple of discomfort as the priestess stated her rank within the clergy. The leader spoke again. “How can we trust you? None of my band is familiar with any tale of a half blooded cleric.” The elfs' voice was smooth and insinuating. T’lainya looked imperiously at the mailclad elf. “Do you truly believe that any imposter could wear these symbols and make such a claim with impunity? The protector of the Tel’Quessir would not allow it. You are surely a fell warrior, have you ever seen any imposter able to don the armor of the protector?” The symbols patterned in the armor glowed briefly, perhaps in response to her words.
The commander spoke again. “That part is indeed true stranger.” The insult was again subtle. “There is one who may verify your identity. Follow us.” T’lainya nodded and motioned to Darkpoet and Brink to follow. She took the opportunity to slowly stare at each of the archers hidden in the trees.
They followed the elven warriors to a small camp in the forest. A small stream that meandered around the edge of the clearing provided water. There was a small tent set up with two sentries standing at attention. The tent flap opened to reveal an elf of medium height clad in a simple blue tunic and carrying a staff. He appeared to be in the prime of his life, shoulder length gold hair bound by a silver circlet. T’lainya looked at Darkpoet, a flash of worry evident in her eyes. Darkpoet looked back reassuringly, wondering why she should be nervous.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 9:40 pm

As they walked back toward Ismena’s camp, Gwalchmai spotted an unusual flower. Stopping, he bent to smell it. Its lovely aroma was quite intoxicating – and familiar. Ismena stopped beside him and said, “Ah, yes. A most rare and precious variety. Delicate, yet burns with fiery passion.”

“Do you know what this flower is called?”

“It is a Crimson Rhodelia.”

“It reminds me of someone… actually a whole bunch of someones…. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Quite nice.”
(

)

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 10:12 pm

The three accompanied their new-found friends, and made their way to the encampment. Gwalchmai, in particular, responded to the sense of peace prevailing in the meadow and in the shaded glade they were walking through. Lofty oak trees towered above them, while the fluted song of birds drifted through the leafy branches.

Soon, they arrived at the settlement. About a dozen wooden dwellings had been constructed around a central fire pit. Off to one side a small hut stood. A trickle of steam, rather than smoke, escaped the thatched roof. Georgi, intrigued, enquired as to its purpose. They were told that this was where they housed the steam bath. The trio looked confused.

"Come I shall show you," said their guide.

As their eyes adjusted to the dim light, they entered the low ceilinged structure and saw thickly piled, and luxuriously soft skins scattered around a large cauldron. Tendrils of vapour arose from its depths, and the faint scents of lavender, geranium and neroli lingered in the air. Gwalchmai, Georgi and Dragon Wench grinned at one another. The significance of "steam bath" was not lost on the by now grimy fighters.

Ismena smiled at them. You will want to freshen and purify yourselves before the feast later this evening. With that, she left, and then returned with three, soft, cured skins and the slightest hint of a smirk in her grin.

[ 07-24-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Manveru · Post by **Manveru** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 10:33 pm

Suddenly the glow appeared and everyone heard the sound indicating teleportation spell. Half-elven wizard in his blue cowl appeared one moment later, it was Manveru. He was not aware of the situation at all - he just asked all gathered people if anyone is interested in corporation in his old unfinished custom romances project, because all data are now gathered and post on BG2 forums as he stated........

One moment later he started to recite incantation and dimension door appeared once again..... Manveru disappeared moving hmself to the other part of the realms , maybe Eregion or maybe other forgotten lands (for now, of course)

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 11:54 pm

Brink followed the elven warriors as they led him and his 'friends' towards the tent.There was a look of worry on his face, as he had never trusted anyone aside from himself for a long time, yet his survival here was dependant on the half-elf walking beside him.Feeling helpless, he secretly hoped that she knew what she was doing...

******

They reached the tent in due time, escorted by the elven warriors who had confronted them earlier.An elf appeared, dressed in a blur tunic and carrying what looked like an ancient staff, and approached T'lainya.Brink paid no attention to their conversation, he was concentrating his thoughts on an escape plan which they could use should the elves turn hostile.He knew that they were no match for the elves, for they were seriously outnumbered and who knows what power this elven 'mage'....Brink assumed that the elf in front of him was a mage based on his dressing.... possessed.He didn't like the idea of being blasted into smithereens so early in his lifetime (

)

{OOC: I have a feeling that Brink is going to be an anti-social freak

)

Teroril · Post by **Teroril** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 8:57 am

A new character appers
----------------------
At the same time not so far away, the half elf mage Teroril wandered. "I sense the feeling of a battle in the air" he said to himself, and sudently he saw a glimpse of light (Manveru's dimension door) and then he thought: "this isn't what is suposed to happen!" and he hurried in the direction where the light had ucured, when he was near the battle, he cast improved invisibility, and steped closer.

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 11:08 am

T’lainya recognized the elf before her. He was centuries younger than the last time she had seen his face, but the patrician features were carved in her memory. Enstarath Feywine was a priest well known for his views on humans. His likeness was carved at the great temple of Corellon in Ereveska.

The new elf glanced disparagingly over the three who stood before him. His eyes taking in the evidence of the recent battle, he stared at them for a long moment. His eyes narrowed as he concentrated on each of them in turn. Darkpoet felt the priest’s eyes on him, burning into his soul. He felt deeply ashamed, as if the elf could read the crimes he had committed while possessed by the demon. The priest turned his gaze to Brink next. The ranger felt uncomfortable, the priest’s eyes seemed to tell him he could have tried harder to save his companions. He sighed in relief when the elf broke the stare. T’lainya waited impassively, she knew how debilitating the gaze of a senior priest could be. Enstareths son was much like his father she thought wryly. She had served briefly under his son and had been relieved to be transferred.

T’lainya looked up and met the older elfs eyes. She let him sense her aura and power. She lightly cast her senses at him, showing the older priest respect, while letting him know she had the power to return his prying or block it. “Well met T’lainya. How a half blood came to your position I do not know, but you are who and what you claim to be. Now tell me how you came to be here again. I also wish to know if your conflict will hurt the Tel’Quessir.” He motioned for the to be seated.

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 11:51 am

Brink let out a sigh of relief that he need not use his escape plan as it was nearly impossible to execute without knowing the amount of elves who were watching them.He looked at Dp and T'lainya, and he could see that they too were slightly relieved that the first and most important part of their examination was over.They were then motioned to be seated by the elven mage, an offer which Brink gladly accepted.

{OOC: *sigh* I feel so useless

}

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 12:05 pm

Georgi looked at Gwalchmai,
"You are completely covered by the monster's black ink," she giggled.
Dragon Wench grinned, "yes I think there was a reason we were shown to this steam bath, we are all filthy."

They entered the small hut and proceded to remove their dirt-encrusted garments. Both Georgi and Dragon Wench were pleased that they had packed a change of clothing.

Twilight was descending, and the billowing clouds of steam were so dense that they could barely discerm one another in the near-darkness of the hut.
Dragon Wench snuggled up to Gwalchmai and whispered something in his ear. Georgi seemed worried. Understanding how her friend was feeling, Dragon Wench lightly laid a hand on Georgi's shoulder before beginning to cleanse the ink from her body. Equally concerned, Gwalchmai gently rubbed Georgi's shoulders as she gazed uncertainly into the misty shadows of the hut.

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 12:09 pm

OOC: Gwalchmai seems to be one heck of a lucky person

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 12:12 pm

Ooc: Please excuse the lateness of this. You see, the space time continuem is different inside my tent

Jennabard and Vivien found themselves still in the tent, the fire washing over their faces and bodies alike, the tall woman silent for a moment before them. The fire in the hearth burned oddly, each flame leaping slowly to it’s height, as if time and air were different in the tent. Vivien wondered again where the others were, if they needed help.

The words still echoed in the air
“Good. You have come. Their armies will be here soon. They are jealous of my power, and wish to take it from me. But perhaps you two, my daughters, may help me to preserve some of it for the future.”
And then Vivien’s consent, followed by Jennabards. Consent to do what? How could they preserve what they didn’t understand?

The tall woman stood with radiant eyes, as she seemed to measure them with each look and breath. Sounds outside began to be heard, shout, cries, the sounds of war and blood spilt.

The woman before them spoke again.
"You must join hands with me, and join with me in spirit. Only then can my power be passed, and perhaps kept safe from those who oppose me.”

Questions formed in her mind, and she saw the questions in Jennabards eyes as they joined hands and faced each other. The woman began to chant in a language Vivien did not understand, her low voice seeming to caress each foreign syllable, the fire leaping in tune to each word. Suddenly swirls appeared before them…around them. She wondered if they were awake or asleep, eyes opened or closed. The hands holding her kept her from being swept into the mist and she felt fire climb from her linked arms to her head. Crying out she fell, and saw Jennabard lying on her side near her, her breathing strained.

She crawled to her, and Jennabard got weakly on one elbow, shaking her head.

‘”I feel…”

“You will feel the same. You are merely the mortal vessel, and the seed has been sown.” The women before them did not stand anymore, instead she leaned against a table, her features somehow more drawn than before.

“For your help, I will send you where you need to go.”

The mists were back, and Vivien wondered where next they were to go.

[ 07-25-2001: Message edited by: Vivien ]

[ 07-25-2001: Message edited by: Vivien ]

Brink · Post by **Brink** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 12:16 pm

OOC: Hiya Viv and dw

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 1:31 pm

(OOC: Hi Teroril

)

T’lainya straightened herself, feeling slightly stunned at the depth of the priests dislike. She explained about the magic portal and what she knew of the shadow master. Enstareth thought for a moment. He told them they would be resting at the camp tonight and that he would hold them responsible for any trouble. The priest sent a message off and disappeared into his tent. T’lainya, Darkpoet and Brink settled in near the center of camp. T’lainya was quiet, reflecting on everything that had happened. Darkpoet put a hand on her shoulder and she leaned against him, drawing strength from the paladin. She spoke softly to the others. “I suspect the elves will have an idea of how to manipulate the portal so that we may return to our own time.” She sighed and shifted. “Such portals are not unknown to my people, but I wasn’t aware any of them were still functional.”

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 4:49 pm

Feeling thoroughly refreshed, Dragon Wench and Georgi dressed in the spare clothes they had brought - halter tops and leather miniskirts +5. Leaving the hut, they were greeted by Ismena, smiling. "The feast preparations are well under way. I took the liberty of explaining your predicament to one of my advisers. He is a great mage, if a little... eccentric. I believe he may have a solution. Please, follow me." She led them to one of the smaller huts, set a little way off from the others. As they approached, an small explosion from within made them jump, and Gwalchmai exchanged glances with the ladies. Ismena opened the door in a billowing cloud of smoke. "Emmett?" she called.

There was some muttering and cursing from within the cloud, "... damned cheap potions..." they heard, just before someone emerged. Georgi laughed in surprise as she saw him, but quickly covered it up by coughing, pretending to choke on the fumes. Dragon Wench raised an eyebrow at her mischievously. 'Eccentric' hadn't quite prepared them for the wild-eyed mage who stood before them, still muttering to himself, a shock of unkempt white hair rambling around his soot-marked face, some kind of goggles hung round his neck. "Aha!" he cried enthusiastically, "the time travellers! Yes, yes, good, a bit of conundrum but not beyond the capacity of my genius..." Ismena smiled somewhat apologetically, but didn't interrupt. Emmett's hands gesticulated wildly as he talked. "The key, yes! The key is the standing stone! If my calculations are correct (and they usually are), then that rune can be activated by a surge of energy, and all in the immediate vicinity will be sucked through a portal... of course, no guarantee it'll take you where you want to be, but at least you won't be here. I'd say the chances of getting straight back to where it came from are fair to middling, so pretty good really..."

"You don't know if it will work?!" asked Gwalchmai, anxiously. "It could be a death trap!"

"Yes!" cried Emmett vehemently. "But what do you expect when you're meddling in the very fabric of the universe? One has to suffer for one's art, yes? Anyway, I have the perfect opportunity to test this theory, because by my estimation a thunderstorm will be coming in tomorrow, probably early morning, mmmmmmm. The electrical power of a lightning bolt will serve as a perfect catalyst for the operation. I shall construct a device to concentrate the energy into the rune, and blam!" he slammed a fist into him palm, "you'll be on a return journey to the future!"

Ismena observed the flabbergasted expressions on their faces. "I know it's probably not quite what you wanted to hear, but it seems there is little choice. This could be the only way for you to get back." She nodded her thanks at Emmett, who disappeared back inside his hut. The smoke had cleared up, and Georgi caught a glimpse of all manner of strange contraptions within, presumably Emmett's various inventions. "I assure you, I have rarely known a calculation of his to be wrong," Ismena continued. "But come, you will have plenty of chance to discuss the matter over some good food and a glass or two of mead." And with that, she ushered them to a long table set up to one side of the camp, laden with all manner of delicious-looking food. They suddenly realised how long it had been since they had eaten, and followed hungrily.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 8:17 pm

As they neared the food laden table, the three time travellers almost swooned as the scents of smoked salmon, venison haunch, marinated mushrooms, and wild berries greeted them.

Large jugs of mead jostled amid platters of freshly harvested shellfish. As if this wasn't enough, something suddenly caught Georgi's attention. Nestled amid these delicacies were small amber coloured bottles. she picked one up and sniffed, it was.....Tia Maria. Then Gwalchmai, who had been perusing the upper end of the table found another familiar favourite.......mounds upon mounds of whipped cream. A smile crept into his face. As Georgi was examining the Tia Maria he snuck into position and aimed a small dab at her nose. Georgi, her introspection momentarily forgotten, reached for a nearby grape, which bounced off his ear. Unable to resist, Dragon Wench picked up two small scoops of cream and launched them at both Georgi and Gwalchmai.
Realising, however, that they were attracting some raised eyebrows, they attempted to compose themselves. Since another steam bath was not practical, they all went off behind some trees to remove the splatters of whipped cream. Gwalchmai, grinning, licked the dab of cream he'd thrown from Georgi's nose. In this manner, the party was able to return to the feast with no lingering traces of cream on their garments or elswhere.
Their appetites were now even more stimulated than before; they all grabbed large bone platters and began to help themselves to the enticing delicacies spread before them.
Soon, little could be heard but contented munching, the sloshing of mead, and the occasional soft burp.
When darkness had completely fallen, the villagers lit a large bon fire in the central pit. Drums began to beat, hypnotic and rythmic as if speaking to an ancient primal power. Dancers appeared, twirling and gyrating around the flames, almost becoming one with the flickering, fiery tongues.

[ 07-25-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 9:02 pm

Georgi smiled as she watched the dancers spiral elegantly around the fire, her fingers gently tapping the tabletop along with the beat. It's a pity Thantor's not here to see this, she thought, and her smile suddenly faded. How could she sit there enjoying herself while he was... wherever he was? In terrible pain? Dead, even? She stared pensively down at the table.

Gwally glanced in her direction, and saw the look on her face. He put a friendly arm round her. "Hey," he whispered, pouring some Tia Maria and pushing it towards her, "You can't do anything about it now, and we're not losing time... Relax, lass. Enjoy yourself."

Hearing his words, Georgi slowly looked up at Gwally, a mischievous glint in her eye. She downed the Tia Maria and jumped to her feet, grinning. "Come on, Dragon Wench... let's show them how to dance where we come from!" Grabbing her hand, she winked and pulled her into the centre of the encampment, among the other dancers.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 9:06 pm

As the two women made their way towards the flames, all eyes turned towards them in eager anticipation. Most of the men in the settlement had been decidely intrigued by the exotic looking pair.
The drum beats intensified. Georgi and Dragon Wench stood facing eachother. Then sinuously weaving around one another, they moved to the intensely pulsing beat. Hair swirling and hips rhythmically swaying, they ressembled long forgotten woodland spirits, dancing only to the cadence of forest beings. One of the watching dancers let out a wild scream, and then pipes joined the drums, vibrating shudders reverberating in the clearing.
One young dancer, thoroughly entranced, joined them. Georgi let her loosened hair caress his shoulders as he came near. Dragon Wench winked at him slyly and invited him to join the dance. His muscular body, joined their writhing forms, and together they cast the shadow of a snakelike beast, urgently pursuing an unknown quarry.
After what seemed an eternity, a priestess clanged on an enormous gong. It echoed and shuddered, and finally all was still.
Georgi and Dragon Wench collapsed on the ground. The sheen of sweat glistened off their bodies and their sides heaved slightly as they gathered their breath. The young dancer, smiling shyly, helped them to their feet. Georgi, andrenalin still surging through her veins, kissed him lightly on the cheek, while Dragon Wench traced his jaw with the tip of her finger.
Then, smiling sweetly at the solicitous stranger, the two women returned to Gwalchmai and asked if he'd enjoyed the dance.
Turning to Dragon Wench, Georgi said,
"you know, I think I could use another steam bath, I just got sooooo sweaty dancing."
Dragon Wench smiled, "yes, but I think that some cold water would be good too, Gwalchmai do you think you could be talked into finding us a nice cold container of water, it would feel so good to have it sluice down our skin before we submit to all that hot steam."

[ 07-25-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Teroril · Post by **Teroril** » Tue Jul 24, 2001 9:38 pm

After the conversation Teroril followed the three to the huts, and listened. when he had herd the conversation between emmett and the others, just after that, he couldn't understand anything but he sat down and began to eat his brought food, it was not much, but enough to survive.

When his invisibility wered off, he wandered in to the tent where the three persons were sitting, he casted lots of protrction spells before though.

When he entered the tent he saw all the shoced faces around him, the dancers stopped, and Teroril said: "I wont harm you, lay down your weapons, so I can explain why I'm here". the others did that becouse they could se the mark in the amulet that Teroril had around his neck, and somehow they knew who Teroril was. "I am, as you alredy know Teroril an outcast of the order of Gartegh, and that order is probably waching this now.

I have a quest for you before you leave for the future. It will be hard, but you will find use of the tresure that you will find afterwards. I must sleep now becouse that I'm so Wery much exhausted, by casting all theise spells, so if you guys don't mind I will lie down to sleep now, and when I wake up I will answer all of your questions!"

Teroril fell asleep and didn't wake up until several hours later.