Session 40: Shadows of Trees Report

General Summary

Walking thru bitterly cold tunnels the expedition would emerge into a large cavern, a great stone altar covered in snow dominated the center of it, while a massive tree seemed to be growing out of an opening in the rear of the cave. While it was difficult to see out the other side of the cave they quickly became aware that they were staring into the side of an even more massive tree, the great tree seen growing in the center of the mountain. So large nothing could be seen but its bark out of this outcropping. As Isenara began to creep forward the smaller tree within this cavern began to move. An ancient Treant stirred pulling itself from where it extending out into the sunlight its withered and tired face turned, blue eyes glowing eerily as it observed them. Wisps of shadow swirled over its bark, "It has been a .......very long......time since any......have visited.....me," the creature boomed in its slow methodical voice. Rising to its full height the tree would lumber closer to the alter observing them, "Oh....Children of Winter, it has been......some time indeed." "Ancient one!" Aria would call moving forward, "We have come to return the ancient scrolls to this place." The Treant would boom a bit and nod, "It has been a very long time since those great works have been here....the time of great change is nearing." "Time of change?" asked Malakar. The treant would nod, "Yes...any century now I would imagine.....I am sad to say however, I can not let you return them."  

The expedition would frown now moving to being on edge, "Why would you prevent us?" Aria would call back. The great spirit would harrumph again, "Because I am loyal to Leowyn, and this is the last vestige of her influence on winter, and I must safeguard it...but perhaps we need not be enemies.....you are both children of Winter and Shadow.....help me to make this place a conduit for her." This would intrigue Malakar and seem to annoy Bahzel as they discussed with the tree the intent of doing such. While Aria and the others were not opposed to allowing Leowyn a path to return to Winter, they did not want a civil war, and the conflict that this would undoubtedly bring. Zaelith during this would pray to Shaelache for guidance, to hear her voice whisper, to return the tree to winter. The expedition would huddle together to discuss the Treants proposal, Zaelith sharing his premonition while Bahzel would advocate against changing the alter. Isenara would offer they could attempt to do what they had done at the Temple Mount when they first arrived. Agreeing the party would draw closer to the Treant to discuss further. As Malakar approached he would ask, "Do you remember me ancient one?" The Treant would lean down to inspect him, "Much of your muchness has faded but yes...I do know your essence...." Malakar would frown, "I have lost much of my memories of the ancient times, could you impart your great knowledge to help me remember?" The treant would tilt its head moss and snow dropping from his limbs, "They would not be memories, but simple knowledge...I could perha..." at this he was interrupted as several hands would press to his trunk and a great prayer would be uttered to winter. With a terrible groan the treant would shudder and curl into a ball as the shadow swirling about him would shriek and pull from his form. The shadows of each of the expedition would soon come to life with a menacing shout.  

While the Ent lay motionless its shadow and the shadow of the others rushed into battle. Aelorna would spin her spear moving to flank Daereths shadow driving her weapon into the loosely corporeal form. Bahzel would swap to his Hammer infused with vitality and crash into his shadow before summoningg Shaelaches grace to shield his allies. As the shadows fell upon them every strike attempted upon them would be met with the Winter Queens power lashing back out at the shades as it protected the expedition. The great shadow of the tree would summon a great darkness to cover the area, leaving all but Malakar and Daereth blinded. They would cut thru several shadows then move towards the greater threat. Isenara would slip her shadow and push out of the darkness back into the light to strike back at the shades within. Talindra would call upon her sacred power to send bursts of Vitality to banish the shades and pull at the life energies of the greater shade. As Malakar moved in to face the greater shade, Arias staff would crackle with lightning just barely missing him as it surged into the shade. Zaeliths blade coursing with magic would dispatch the remaining shades, the darkness slipping away, the Treant would slowly rise, rid of his shadowed presence.  

"It seems I no longer can aid our lost queen....perhaps this is always as it should have been.," he would bemoan. He would move to aide them access the altar to return the Scrolls, in asking this places purpose he would tell them cryptically it was a path for Araneth to return when the time was right. He would grant Malakar his wish imparting knowledge of the Age of Wonder within winter, then he would bid them farewell, teleporting them outside the mountain before another question could be asked.  

The village would be ecstatic with their return, and another great celebration would be had. The expedition would marvel at 3 such grand parties in such a short time. Daereth would win his third round of contests against Sciat and finally late into the evening the Elves would bid their farewell and board their boats for the last time, they would depart at first light. As they boarded Isenara would note they seemed to have an additional passenger. In reporting to Aria she would learn Fia was coming along, the girl had apparently wished to slip away in the night and not cause issue with her family and kin. The sail home was swift and uneventful, as they returned to Hithfaer during the Full Moon of Fading Autumn. A great celebration would be held for the Archons return and the Celebration of Winters Finding. During Arias first court Nythara would request an audience to give a gift and ask a boon and a favor of the Archon. The gift would be an Arcane Standard bearing Arias house crest. Seeing the Archons pleasure with the gift she would request to be granted her own house, but a house designed to foster the greatest Mages of the realm not be one of nepotism. With this granted she would next ask for Aria to consent in her pursuit of marrying Zaelith as a part of creating this new house, with a grin, Aria would give her permission in this as well.