Chapter Eight: Reflections and The Highest Mountain

Otiorin Taletreader




Otiorin paused in his search for treasures hidden on the deceased giantkin and watched the interaction between father and son. He smiled to himself as he watched Wolf assume the form of his namesake and silently blessed the three Daughters of Summertime, the mischievous forest sprites who had gifted that power to the ranger. For all their playful foolishness, they had seemingly worked to some higher purpose when they had granted this alternate form upon Wolf. Otiorin fancied he could hear their tiny giggles amongst the voices of the Wild Elves in the forest around them. The sound of Elven laughter, no matter how swiftly stifled, made the Half-Elf's heart warm. Where there was mirth, there was hope. The Wild Elves were not so lost to their curse that they were without humor, without positive, healing emotions to see them through the dark days that yet awaited them. 


His resolve renewed, he nodded as he finished off his looting and nearly piled his finds centrally of the scattered corpses. 

Bren Sarabina






Bren smiled and nodded at his friend, then frowned in concern when the elf clutched at an obvious injury.  He glanced at Mamapaw and gestured to her to follow him, then quietly approached Shalin from the side away from Ranthorn.  So as not to interrupt the family conversation going on nearby, he also spoke quietly, to them both.  "I don't like to see you hurting, my friend.  Lady Saberfang, have you a spell of healing you can use?"

Kaerri said:

 So as not to interrupt the family conversation going on nearby, he also spoke quietly, to them both.  "I don't like to see you hurting, my friend.  Lady Saberfang, have you a spell of healing you can use?"

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"I was hoping someone would grant permission.  I was getting impatient."  Mamapaw nodded her thanks to Bren and approached Shalin with open paws and a kind smile - a clear offer to help him.  Shalin grinned, first at Bren, then up at Mamapaw.  The closer the Felane came to him, the more he marveled at her.  


His left hand rose and scrawled golden letters into the air that hung there long enough to be read by all.  "I do not like the grip of pain any more than you like seeing me in it, dear Bren.  Yet, how does Destiny favor you in that you come across creatures never before seen or writ' in Sharseya?"   


Mamapaw quietly and discreetly cast two Cure spells upon the gray elf in a well-practiced and with a grace known only to cats.  "You have my thanks, druidess.  I will keep your kindness in my heart."   Then the Silent Sorcerer breathed a deep and soundless sigh of relief as Mamapaw nodded with a look of relief of her own.  "Wait...  Bren, did you not introduce her as...  Melshaef?"


Mamapaw grasped her Bronze-made spear and proudly held it to her chest.  "I am she."


Shalin looked up to Melshaef and staggered in shock.  "What a day!  I have...  much to ask you before we part company, if you please."


"It would please me," was all Melshaef could think to say.





As Otiorin carried the newly-found goods to the center, he found his feet had carried him along a long log, perhaps a felled tree some twenty feet in length.  It was not until he paused briefly that he realized it was the bloodstained weapon of the Formorian.  One smash from that could have sent an adult horse off its feet and the rogue/sorcerer knew there were more about.  


As he neared the center of the corpses, he passed by three horrid corpses of ogres, all clad in large-sized chain mail suits both strong-looking and made from masterwork quality.  Beside them lay a greatsword, a maul, and a greataxe each about as long as the half-elf was tall.  Otiorin was able to deposit the goods in a spot easily seen by all.  He felt Sparkle's gaze upon him; even if he could not see her, he knew the feeling of that motherly gaze well enough.  


Powerpaw did not notice any of this.  He was muttering "moar?" sounds and growling ever so slightly.  The curious feline was on all fours, sniffing the ogre corpses and examining their hands and arms, his thoughts racing through his mind as easily evidenced by his bushy white and black tail swishing back and forth in an incessant dance.  When he spoke, it was just low enough to be heard; he did not want to interrupt Wolf's reunion with his father.  


"Hay, guys?  Uh, you seen dese callouses on dere hands?  Da speed-lines on dere arms?"  Powerpaw stood up while the fur on his body stood out.  "Dese ogre-faces are wearin' dere armor correctlies.  Dey used dere weapons like smarty-guys."  He looked to Luna, Bren, Mamapaw, and Otiorin.  "Unless I iz really goofin', I tink dese guyz ain't just ogrezes...  Dese guyz iz warriors*."


(Dungeon Master Note to Players)

Luna frowns. "This is distributing. The giants are formidable without any training and well fitting gear. We don't need to face an army of giants like this."

Bren Sarabina

Dannigan said:

"Yet, how does Destiny favor you in that you come across creatures never before seen or writ' in Sharseya?"  

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Bren grinned.  "Oh, you know me.  I suppose there weren't enough elves in the vicinity, or something.  At the time, that is."

Dannigan said:

Shalin looked up to Melshaef and staggered in shock.  "What a day!  I have...  much to ask you before we part company, if you please."

Click to expand...

Bren put a firm hand on Shalin's shoulder to steady him, smiling, then turned his attention back to Otiorin, Powerpaw, and the pile of assembled loot.

Dannigan said:

"Unless I iz really goofin', I tink dese guyz ain't just ogrezes...  Dese guyz iz warriors*."

Click to expand...

Bren's frown was a match for Luna's.  "Disturbing indeed. Giant-kind are tough enough without actual training.  And where and why would they get it?  And from whom?"  He shook his head.  "It used to be ogres were one thing, and ogre-magi another; almost different races, really.  Ogres that have had warrior training -- that are capable of such training -- that's very unusual in my experience."

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger




Wolf observed Ranthorn for a while longer, then walked over to Luna while everyone else seemed to be deliberating the spoils of the battle they had missed. He looked up, fixing her with an excited, adorable gaze before proceeding to impatiently rub his muzzle against her lower robes. He wouldn't say anything, but his body language was all demand and no question.

Luna is still somewhat taken by being in the presence of Shalin, but her attention is quickly drawn to Wolf as he nuzzles her.  She kneels down and wraps her arms around him, pressing her own face into the hair on his neck in a hug.  "Wolf, would you please introduce me to your father?  I would like to meet him, if could."

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger




Luna's touch drew out a low-pitched, trembling noise from the back of Wolf's throat that was not unlike a purr. Before backing out of her embrace, he rewarded her efforts with a well aimed lick across her left cheek.


Not straying too far from the girl, he cast glances between her and Ranthorn and sent: "Father, Luna. Luna, father. Feel free to meet."


He barked once in confirmation.

Rugged Ranthorn, being no civilized creature, offered her no courtly bow or outstretched hand.  Instead, he measured Luna up with his eyes and, making up his own mind, the towering ranger nodded once in acceptance as befitted a wanderer of the woods.  "Fair winds to you, Luna."  And as such a man, he was direct.  "If Leonard chooses to go with me up north to help me rescue Haydan, does he go with your blessing or without it?"


Sparkle allowed her scales to cease their camouflage.   The curled reptilian shone purple and black under the forest heights.  She regarded Ranthorn with unblinking eyes and without comment.  For now, she studied him without wariness.





During this time, Shalin and Melshaef began to exchange words.  From the start of the conversation, the Silent Sorcerer had Melshaef's undivided attention and while they were discreet out of respect for the Wayfaring Wanderers and Ranthorn, they were nonetheless involved in deep talks within short moments.  Their mutual bond of trust was Bren - their trust and love of Bren and their knowing that each was a friend of his made their own talking easy and free, almost as if they were not strangers at all.  


Once again, through the powers of goodness and friendship had the son of Killane brought down the boundaries between strangers and in this case, people from completely different sides of the world.  To see a celebrated and widely-traveled elven sorcerer as Shalin warmly conversing with a furry Felane priestess of Mielikki who had herself left the jungles of Shamballah and crossed lands and ocean all to find her son was in itself a rare and wonderful scene of what was possible in Sharseya.





Speaking of that white-and-black-furred feline son, he continued to prowl low on all fours across the forest floor, following his whiskers and nose.  His blood-red eyes glanced about from under swiveling ears as he snorted and snuffled while repeatedly muttering "mmmoar?"  

Luna offers up a respectful curtsey to Ranthorn.  "Well met, good sir.  Your son is a dear companion to me, but I am hardly his keeper.  If he wishes to travel onwards with you to help his brother, I would be a poor friend to say 'no, you may not go.'"  She looks down a the shaggy man/wolf, and says in a softer voice, "I would hope that, if you do go, you would make haste to come back to me, dear one."

(Location, time, and weather)




Ranthorn seemed to give Luna's response serious thought.  He crossed his arms.  "Well said, lady."  He turned to his son.  "And you?  It brings me no pleasure to even make such a request, yet I have to do everything in my power for Haydan and my promise to him.  I will do so or die trying."  He took a breath of air as a sobering thought came upon him.  "Whether you accompany me or no, I will find a way.  However, son or not, I have no right to ask anything of you.   Ultimately, the decision falls to you."


"What say you?"


In that moment, the forest itself seemed to quiet.  The Grugach did not stir more than any leaf in the wind.  Sparkle, Melshaef, and Powerpaw paused in their doings and turned to Wolf each with their own expression of curiosity and wonder.  For what Leonard's father said had rung true - the decision to go or stay rested solely upon Wolf's shoulders.

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger





Wolf raised his head and observed the surroundings, seeming to take in the sudden rest that had fallen upon the world. For a moment it looked as if he would howl, but then the transformation took effect and moments later the ranger stood in place of the animal. He brushed himself off and turned to Ranthorn.


"I am not wont to leave Luna's side, for she is dear to my heart." he spoke, paying the girl a loving smile. "But neither am I eager to let you attempt this quest on your own. If Mielikki says you need me, then you do. Hers is the greater wisdom. You will not find the way alone." the ranger concluded as he walked up to his father. "And alone you would be, while even in my absence Luna keeps the company of those I'd trust with my very life. She will be safe here while I am gone. That is my decision.


"Besides, we are bound North, are we not? I have long yearned to scour the northern reaches, but at their current pace, the two of us could be there and back before they even make it to Highwind!"

(Dungeon Master Mood Music =)  )

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Ranthorn grinned at Leonard with such pride and gratitude that it cannot help but be noticed by all around.  "My prayers have been answered."


Hearing this, Powerpaw and Mamapaw cheered in a loud, cat-like fashion and came bounding up on all paws to Wolf's side.  Unless Wolf resisted, Powerpaw was the first to glomp Leonard in one big happy furry hug.  He lifted Wolf up and hugged him as if the rugged human were one of Powerpaw's own pride in Shamballah.  "Awww!  I iz reawwy gonna miss you, Wolf-face!"  He then set Wolf down and made enthusiastic motions as if firing a longbow.  "Smack one of da bad guyz wif an arrow fer me, would ya?  Don't get 'im in da chest or in da shoulder but IIIIIIIIN DAAAAAA FAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!!"


With big eyes and a worried, "Oohhhhh!" Mamapaw was the next to give Wolf a hug (without picking him up).  "You are both humans of the wood and dear to Mielikki, so you will not be wont for food, shelter, and her compassionate company, but still worry for the dangers the two of you will face!"  Mamapaw knelt down so that she could look Wolf in the eye.  Her tone was motherly and filled with seriousness.  "Wolf.  Where you tread, my prayers follow.  As surely as you have risked your life for my son and I, you may count on them.  And should we cross paths once again with the Dire Wolf of Dalsus, I will make every attempt to see that vile, heartless monster dead."  She gave Wolf a lick across the side of his face.  Then slowly she said a prayer with all of her heart.  "Go with the blessings of the Forest Mother and rescue the family that needs you."  Both Mamapaw and Powerpaw looked upon Wolf as mother and son; two people whom the world itself could not divide.  Paw in paw, their expressions made it clear that they wished the same good fortune and love they now enjoyed for the human father and son before them.


Sparkle uncoiled slightly at this display of Bast's people.  It took her a moment to send, but send she did.  Wolf, you have been a Wayfaring Wanderer in heart and in action since the team began.  Return to us whole and with your father and brother in hand.  Sparkle bestowed a rare smile Wolf's way.  Oh... and to those that kidnapped your brother?  I say you slay them in imaginative ways and make great examples of their corpses.  It is, after all, the way of dragons...  


The Silent Sorcerer approached Ranthorn.  Ranthorn saw Shalin and met him halfway.  They shared an embrace as only good friends can.  Ranger and Sorcerer, human and elf, they simply looked at each other, conveying their feelings through their eyes and body language.  No words were shared as no words were needed.  Only after they had communicated this way did Shalin clap Ranthorn on the shoulder and scribe, "Speak when you are ready and I shall cast such a spell upon you as to send you and your son across the continent with such a speed as to shame the wings of dragons."


In her pride, Sparkle could not let that lie.  Inside your minds came an immediate and defiant roar.  Dragons can teleport too, elf!  


"Not with their wings."  


Shalin seemed to chuckle though no one heard it.  In reply, Sparkle gave a friendly harrumph  and rested her head as if it were her final word on the subject.  


Powerpaw snickered at the scene.  Then the furry warrior dropped to all fours and gazed at Wolf, his blood-red eyes curious in the way that all cats are.  "Hay, uh, Bria izn't here ta say farewellzes.  You wants us ta tells her anyting for you when we sees her?"

Luna goes up to Wolf and takes him by both hands.  Looking up into his eyes, she says, "You are a dear friend and companion, and it would be horrible of me to ask you to choose between me and your own kin.  So, I will say to you, come back to me quickly, because I love you and will miss you with every waking moment we are apart.  Finally, here is something to remember me by."  She leans up and plants a very passionate kiss on his lips before breaking apart with a flush on her face.  She reaches up and pulls her hairpin out, and slips it into Wolf's hands.  "Return this to me, my love, and you can get more of those kisses we both like so much."


She steps back with a sigh, then looks around at the other members of the Wanderers watching them.  "What?  Haven't you ever seen a woman giving her love a goodbye kiss and a token to remember her by?"

Leonard Wolf - The Ranger





Wolf took the hearty Felane goodbyes as well as he could. Powerpaw, as always, could not be matched in liveliness nor strength but the ranger gave it his best shot. "In da face!" he promised. Mamapaw, on the other hand, was as gentle and wise as ever, so he acted back in kind. "I thank you, Melshaef. And ever shall my prayers be with you. All of you." he said with a small bow before he turned to Sparkle. "Take care, Sparkle. I shall miss you, but not nearly as much as Pecker will!" He grinned, only then remembering to release Pecker from the amulet. He did so then, so that they could both wave their goodbyes. That done, he faced Otiorin. "Fare thee well, Otiorin." he told him in Elven, then continued in Common. "It was an honor to come with you this far. I trust my regards to Bria are safely left with you." The ranger greeted Bren last, by placing a hand on his shoulder and looking straight into his eyes. "Lord Sarabina," he addressed him with a friendly smile, "I wish you best of luck with this lot. Not that you'll need it, but just in case. Try not to replace me, for I intend to return."







Finally, Wolf came to Luna. Or rather, he was going to come to Luna when she ambushed him from behind. Before he knew what was what, she had him by the hands and was talking. Talking? That's all very nice, but can't she say it in a faster and more pleasant manner, such as by...


And just like that, the ranger's thoughts were dispersed once more. He took her in; her scent, her warmth, the very feel of her - completely. But all too soon the kiss was through and all he had to show for it was a hairpin. So once the girl stepped back he examined it closely... And hurriedly advanced on her while pushing the hairpin back into her hand. "There! Returned!" Counting on her confusion, he embraced her tightly with one hand on her waist and another behind her back. Then he kissed her again, hoping that this time would last long enough to sate his hunger. It wouldn't, of course, but it felt good to try nonetheless.


When it was done he showed her the open palm of his right hand, where somehow her hairpin ended up once more. "I wouldn't part with this for the world. I very much like the power that comes with it." he said, smiling. "Until we meet again, Luna Callen."


Now he was ready.

Otiorin Taletreader


Otiorin sat himself upon one of the noisome ogre corpses a moment and listened to Wolf's farewells. He smiled sadly at the Elven the ranger spoke, " Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au', mellonamin. May the road that takes you from us be free of calamities, that you may return upon it the swifter. Corellon watch over you, Wolf, and you, Ranthorn. May you be successful in your quest and return again all three hale and hearty."


He tired to keep the tears from his eyes, but it was too great a challenge and two sparkling channels cut their way down his cheeks, which he did not swiftly dash away. Aye, he would keep Bria safe, til his last breath and final heartbeat. He had already sworn that in the secret places of his heart and assured it in the blood of malefactors. He would not let her down.


Translation: My heart shall weep until it sees thee again, my friend

Bren Sarabina

Wolf Rawrrr said:

The ranger greeted Bren last, by placing a hand on his shoulder and looking straight into his eyes. "Lord Sarabina," he addressed him with a friendly smile, "I wish you best of luck with this lot. Not that you'll need it, but just in case. Try not to replace me, for I intend to return."

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Bren clasped one hand over Wolf's and the other on Wolf's shoulder, smiling.  "Dear friend, there is no replacing such as you.  We may have others join us, but you'll always be a part of the Wanderers, whether near or far.  May you and your father travel safely and may your questing be successful.  Mielikki watch over you both, and over your brother, wherever he is.  I look forward to hearing your tales when you return!"  He nodded firmly, his smile broadening, and then he turned to Ranthorn.  "Take care of our Wolf, will you, and let him take care of you?  I wish you all the best in your growing relationship.  I know what it is to have a family member suddenly appear into your life, and I hope you two find the same joy in it that I did."  He offered his hand to each of the rangers in turn, in token of farewell and friendship both.

At Wolf's command, Pecker burst forth from his enchanted talisman.  Such was the energy from those unfurled feathers and the mad chirping that followed that Wolf may as well have unleashed a feathered typhoon.  As if Pecker had been hearing everything going on, the feisty falcon immediately set upon Sparkle.  Those that could speak the language of animals could understand his every excited chirp.


"Stupid old reptiiiiile!"


Sparkle hopped onto the ground and crouched into a battle stance, her eyes and tail gleaming.  What?!  You oafish avian!


Pecker soared down, his wings spread.  "Steak lover!"


Sparkle reared up.  Stinky fish-breathed buffoon!


And they "hugged."  It was as affectionate a sight between two such creatures that ever was.  Pecker and cleaning Sparkle's neck and wing while Sparkle leaned her head against his, both of them showing a clear fondness for one another.  But there was sadness too, for no two real friends can part toward uncertain futures without the pang of sadness ringing loudly from within.  


"Scale-face..."


Bird-brain...


The lives of birds have never been that of dragons, for dragons on Sharseya are known to have outlived humans, dwarves, even elves while the life of a falcon is fleeting by comparison.  They both knew that should they meet again, time, precious time, would pass.  And with its passing would come changes.  If this were to be their last parting between young bird and old dragoness, this is the way they both wanted it to be.


And so it was until Pecker flew back faithfully to Leonard Wolf's shoulder and Sparkle loyally to Luna's.  There, they continued to look upon one another, unknowing what time held for either of them, but heartfully glad for what time they had shared together.





(GM mood music in spoiler)

Kaerri said:

He nodded firmly, his smile broadening, and then he turned to Ranthorn.  "Take care of our Wolf, will you, and let him take care of you?  I wish you all the best in your growing relationship.  I know what it is to have a family member suddenly appear into your life, and I hope you two find the same joy in it that I did."

Click to expand...

Bren's words caused Ranthorn the Ranger to pause in thought.  'That's a tall order, Sarabina.  I'm not used to having anyone around to do such a thing.  Except Shalin, really.  I don't know where I would be without him."


Shalin looked up to the tall human.  With practiced hand, he scribed golden words that shone for a moment in the air.  "Like rain and earth, our friendship has nurtured us both, rugged Ranthorn.  May I offer my magic to transport you both northward and closer to Haydan?"


Ranthorn brightened.  "And slice all that time on the road in getting there?  By all means!"


"Where would your booted feet tread?  What door would you lay hand upon?"


"Agnon Most-holy's high temple belonging to Thor.  I--" he glanced at Leonard, "--we can begin our trek from there."


Shalin nodded.  


"But first..."  Ranthorn looked worried.  "Tell me true, Shalin.  Do you think we can recover Haydan from the Frost Giants?  I yearn to know why they have not killed him.  It is true that the sons and daughters of Ymir enjoy making slaves of humans, but..."


"Have hope, Ranthorn!  We know Haydan draws breath still.  For now, that must be enough.  While he is alive, there is hope.  The rest may be learned after you find him."


"Aye...  It is as you say.  But all these years..." Ranthorn cringed at the thought of the time he and Haydan had been apart.  He kicked the corpse of an ogre so hard it shuddered.  He roared.  "More than twenty years!  Why must rescuing him be like climbing a damned mountain?!"


Shalin raised a hand to his lip.  Then he scribed.  "Long ago in your years, a dear friend shared a poem of his people with me..."




Unbeknownst to the Wayfaring Wanderers with Shalin and Ranthorn, a similar conversation was taking place along The Road of Kings in the Adventurers' Wagon.  Bria and Glider sat upon plush pillows in the candlelight reflected from the calm of the Grand Pool.  


Bria put down her quill and journal.  "Glider, I would not be who I am had I never left the Phoenix Mountain and became an adventurer, but... is it because of the journey that I am who I am now?  Do you think I would be much changed I had stayed?"


Glider sat in lotus position with a smile across his face.  "No, Bria-honey.  Whether you like it or not, you are the path you have walked.  We all are."


"And if I choose to continue adventuring?"


"By choosing to climb instead of walk, you will surpass survival and through your efforts, succeed."


"Wow...  Does that path have a name?"


Glider looked into the water of the Grand Pool and reflected on that thought.  Then he spoke in poetry...




At that moment...  both Shalin and Glider shared the same words.  Here are those words:










Ranthorn nodded.  Once again, the sorcerer had dispelled his worry with his own personal brand of magic and now it was time to go.  Ranthorn placed his hand on his younger son's shoulder and ready for anything, drew his notched battleaxe with his other hand.  Sparkle looked toward Pecker who returned her gaze while Powerpaw paused in his sniffing of the earth to watch.  His mother watched too.  Then both Felane waved to Leonard Wolf and Ranthorn the Ranger as the Silent Sorcerer, Staff of the Magi in hand, closed his eyes and seemed to speak though not one word could be heard.  


Long moments of silence followed.  But then, at least for Otiorin, Bren, and Mamapaw, there was something heard.  Not far from their very own feet, a patch of earth shifted and broke ever so subtly.  There, unknown to all above ground, was a hole in the earth hidden expertly by some denizen of the wild.  Something or someone in that hole was trying to get out and hearing nothing, slowly and cautiously came forth.  However, as her fey-like eyes fell upon Shalin's charismatic casting, she could not possibly know that behind her were the three aforementioned adventurers watching her peek out from the earth.


Something in Leonard's instincts called to him and he turned.  When he did, he laid eyes upon Nivirea who also saw him.  Though complete strangers, they met eyes however briefly.  Pecker saw this too.


It was then that Ranthorn, Leonard Wolf, and Pecker who was quiet for once, disappeared in a beautiful flash of sunlight and were gone.  


Soft gasps and murmurs of wonder were heard from the Grugach who watched from the safety of trees and shrub.  So equally-hid and protected Nivirea thought herself, so easily did this ageless elven sorcerer she gazed upon bring forth such powerful magic that she was distracted.


But Bren, Otiorin, and Mamapaw were not so distracted to miss this new human-sized young woman in the hole with her back to them.  


What do Bren and Otiorin do?


Thus Chapter Eight: Reflections and The Highest Mountain comes to an end!  Please continue the adventure here with Chapter Nine: Crossroads.