Storyteller Dana says, 'Please get comfortable.. this might take awhile! :)'
Storyteller Dana clears her throat and takes a drink.
Storyteller Dana shouts, 'My story begins! We await any latecomers outside of Crow's Tavern by the pond!'
Storyteller Dana smiles.
Storyteller Dana says, 'Our story begins, my friends, long ago in the city of Felwithe.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'King Tearis Thex is generally hailed as a good king now'
Storyteller Dana says, 'However when he was younger he was a cold man, caring little for his wife or family.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The Queen at one time became with child by her king, and gave birth to a daughter.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'However She told the king NOT of any of these things.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Instead she gave the child to a man named Galeth, one of the kings Advisors.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Galeth took the child deep into the Faydark and raised her as his own.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'As she grew, he taught the girl the ways of the holy sword, and she was a fast learner indeed!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'As the girl came of age, into her mid teenage years, she loved the Forest and her goddess, Tunare, with all her heart.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She was walking one day through the Faydark when a power urged her to go deeper into a forest.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'At the time, a bard of wood elven blood saw her and followed silently.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The young bard's name was Sionache.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Our maiden came to a holy grove in the Faydark and .. amazingly.. heard the voice of Tunare herself!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Tunare gave this girl her blessings and promise of protection over her.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She then told the girl to begin finding friends and to make her way out in the world.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'When Tunare's voice faded, Sionache made herself seen'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Sionache and the girl became fast friends, and Sionache vowed to chronicle the girl's adventures.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And so off they went into the world and had adventures.. but of them.. I know not.'
Storyteller Dana pauses and takes a drink.
Storyteller Dana says, 'Now we must skip far into the future'
Storyteller Dana says, 'to times not so far behind us now.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And We move to the city of absolute evil.. Neriak.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'In the world of Neriak there was a man, a Shadow Knight of dark elf blood known as Laarthik.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Laarthik was so complete and whole in his devotion to Innoruuk that Innoruuk smiled down up on him.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The god of hate gave his servant a special gift... the care and instruction of his child.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The child's name was Lanys, born of Innoruuk.. given to Laarthik to raise, and raise her he did.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She started as a small and weak youngling, but quickly began to grow in power.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Her fame grew amongst the evil ones, and soon she had many followers.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Amongst these are names you might have heard of.. Ventura, Njarnak, Keziah... and many others.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'They served her and Laarthik as they ventured deep into Solusek's Eye, into Najena, into befallen.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'IN these places Lanys retrieved her unholy armor and weapons of great power, which caused her to grow more in evil, hate
and power.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Darkness was coming indeed.'
Storyteller Dana takes a deep breath.
Storyteller Dana says, 'Let us move now to the city of High Keep.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'We all know that High Keep is a neutral place.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Almost all may come and go there as they please, and thus many cities have interests there.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'One woman of dark elven blood, Tyrana Sill I believe her name was, was in charge of overseeing mining interests of Neriak in
the Keep.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She had many of the pick claw goblins there secretly working for her.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'One day, one such goblin came across a vein of very interesting rocks in the mines of the keep.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Thinking the stone was valuable the goblin brought it to his mistress. She demanded he show her were the vein was.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'He did so.. and was rewarded with death by the hands of his evil mistress.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Tyrana took the stone and hired a small band of orc soldiers.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She, and the orcs made their way to Neriak. Most of the orcs were attacked along the way.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Still she made it to Neriak with the help of some other dark elven adventurers. She then approached her master.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Her master just happened to be none other than Laarthik.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Laarthik took one look at the stone and began writing a note. Instead of rewarding Tyrana with stature or riches as she'd
hope, he ordered her back to High Keep to give the note to the Dark Elven commander there.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Angry but obedient, Tyrana took the note and went with the band of Teir'Dal elite forces Laarthik ordered and headed back
to the Keep.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'A certain wood-elf ranger also stationed at the keep heard the news of the commotion in Neriak however.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'He rousted up a contigent of soldiers at High Keep, adventurers of the light, and prepared for Tyrana's return.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Upon entering Kithicor woods, the ranger and his forces attacked Tyrana and her warriors and they were slain!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The ranger then took from Tyrana's corpse a note and took it with him to Lord Tephys, commander of the High-elf interests
in High Keep, and Carson McCabe, leader of High Keep.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The stone stayed with Laarthik :)'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Carson and Tephys looked at the note and were astonished at what it read:'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Laarthik was planning an attack of High Keep!'
Storyteller Dana sighs, clearly disappointed.
Storyteller Dana says, 'While this was happening, however, strange events were also happening in the Faydark.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'First, a dwarf, half mad, was spotted wandering underneath the city of Kelethin.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'He was taken into a tavern to try to make sense of his mutterings.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'At the same time, a young maiden.. THE sword maiden from earlier... was found wandering the Faydark.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'However nobody, of course, knew who she was. ;)'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Those that found her took her to the dwarf in Kelethin to see if they could make sense of each other for you see...'
Storyteller Dana says, 'the sword maiden had no memories.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'she didn't know even who she herself was!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Through the dwarf's mumblings.. both mad and drunk, the maiden was able to realize that she was supposed to find a beast
of beauty and power in the Lesser Fay.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'One ranger had reported seeing the great Unicorn Equestrielle earlier that day.. running through the Fay, approaching
adventurers, shaking her head, then running away.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She would not speak or come near to any.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'That ranger led the maiden to the Unicorn!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'When the maiden approached, something wondrous happened.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'As the two touched, a glowing light enveloped them.. then for the second time, the Voice of Tunare was heard.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She called the maiden her child, and promised that all would be clear soon.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She again promised her protection on the girl... and also gave her one special gift..'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She told the child that she would never be alone again.. no matter where she went, Tunare would send someone or
something to keep her safe.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Then the voice of Tunare faded again.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Not long after, the King of Felwithe announced that he was having a banquet!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'A great banquet for all friends and citizens of Felwithe!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The Unicorn urged the maiden to go to Felwithe that day.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She led the maiden to the gates, and then left her. While inside the gates a crocodile and a rat were the maiden's
companions.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'While wandering the streets of Felwithe, the maiden came across suddenly a familiar face.. the first she had seen!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'For she recognized Galeth, her teacher!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The two were happily reunited and Galeth asked her to go to the King's banquet with him.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The lady agreed, and they were both taken to Felwithe Castle. Many, many adventurers were there already.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'In time, a bard came to perform for the king.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The bard began to sing a song of an uncaring King and the tragedy he had brought to his family.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'This angered King Thex, and he struck the Bard!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Just as he landed the blow, something incredibly happened...'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The ghost of the queen... long since dead (and some whisper that the king killed her.. though I do not know)'
Storyteller Dana says, 'appeared to all those at the banquet!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The queen spoke to the king.. telling of her sorrow and anger... and then announcing one last thing...'
Storyteller Dana says, 'He told her of the existence of his daughter.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Galeth then stepped froward and announced the King's Daughter's presence.. by the name of Firiona Vie!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The Queen then faded away as the maiden Firiona and her father embraced.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'That was a joyful day indeed in Felwithe, as the King's icy heart was melted!'
Storyteller Dana smiles.
Storyteller Dana pauses to take a drink.
Storyteller Dana clears her mind and again begins.
Storyteller Dana says, 'Well!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Back in High Keep things were not so jovial!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Carson McCabe had called together a council of all the "civilized" cities of the world.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'He was begging for help from the incoming invasion.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'First spoke the Erudite representative.. he said that the High Council would debate sending help in the next council meeting.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Well.. we all know how long an Erudite "discussion" can last!'
Storyteller Dana laughs.
Storyteller Dana says, 'No help seemed forthcoming then.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Next the representative from Qeynos spoke.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'He said that Qeynos was hard-pressed on every side, between the constantly-attacking Gnolls and internal struggles in this
city.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'As for Freeport, it was reported that no help would be coming. If the Militia sent help, then the Paladins would overtake
more of the city, and if the Paladins sent help, the Militia would invade North Freeport.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The Dwarven representative then spoke.. and Dwarven Logic had prevailed.. the King decided that they needed to better
prepare Butcherblock for a possible invasion there.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'As of yet.. Lord Tephys had not heard back from King Thex, however.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Things seemed hopeless for Carson McCabe and his small forces of High Keep soldiers.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Just then, into the council chamber stepped an aging Koada'Dal and his female companion!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The High-elf introduced himself as Galeth, and his companion as Firiona Vie, his finest student!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'They brought good news!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Thex had sent them to announce that Felwithe would be sending footsoldiers, commanders, and even members of the
Sunblades, Felwithe's most elite forces!'
Storyteller Dana smiles.
Storyteller Dana says, 'This was good news indeed!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And then, another wond'rus thing happened.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'A bard such as myself entered and whispered a message in Carson's ear..'
Storyteller Dana says, 'It seemed as though the word of war had spread, and adventurers from all over Norrath were leaving their homes and
coming to High Keep to help!'
Storyteller Dana cheers.
Storyteller Dana says, 'Suddenly, things were looking a LOT better :)'
Storyteller Dana smiles.
Storyteller Dana pauses for a drink.
Storyteller Dana says, 'My friends, do we have any questions before I move to the darkest parts of the story?'
Glug, glug, glug... Storyteller Dana takes a swig of Elven Wine.
Storyteller Dana says, 'Less than a year ago, Norrathian time.'
Storyteller Dana smiles.
Storyteller Dana says, 'It is not so much scary.. it is of the war :)'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Shall I continue?'
Storyteller Dana clears her throat.
Storyteller Dana says, 'My friends, I'm sure you don’t' think that the Teir'Dal were at rest during all of this.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'No, for they were very busy.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Word of the invasion spread in Neriak and throughout the ranks of all evil races.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Members of Grobb and Ogguk had also pledged their help to the dark ones.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And their forces began to gather.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Now, in Neriak there was one brief glint of light.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'A Dwarf that some of you might know, Balar I believe is his name'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Upset at the coming threat, Balar gathered an army of light of his own and attempted to invade Neriak.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'It was a valiant effort, but trolls of the Grobb Squad blocked the entrance... and Lanys herself appeared to lead the forces
against them.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'When Lanys appeared, there was no hope of overtaking the city, Sadly.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'but the effort was valiant.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'For the next few weeks both sides began to gather provisions and train their forces.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Words of war spread throughout Norrath.. tensions were high!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And then one day the order was given.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Laarthik and Lanys said it is time.. and the Dark Forces marched.'
Storyteller Dana pauses a moment to gather herself.
Storyteller Dana says, 'My friends of the light.. it was a dark day indeed.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Quickly East Commons, West Commons and Kithicor were over taken by the Teir'Dal elite.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Many, many innocents died that day.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'HUNDREDS, perhaps thousands of adventurers were there.. both of the dark and light.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'There were many heroes of that day though.. I wish I could remember them all.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'I myself watched quietly the invasion and defense of Rivervale, led by Sunblade... Lana? Luna? I can not remember.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'I do remember she chose Caan and Lythander as her seconds in command... and they all fought valiantly.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'However the Teir’Dal were sneaky.. as they were protecting the entrance to Rivervale from Kithicor they came through Misty
Thicket.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The Sunblade led her forces inside of Rivervale and they all fought with courage.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Eventually the sleepy villa was saved, but the cost was high.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'My friends I saw with my own eyes.. the thick grass of the town square in Rivervale ran red with blood..'
Storyteller Dana says, 'where you could see the ground... the corpses were so thick you could hardly walk.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Rivervale was saved.. but at such a high cost...'
Storyteller Dana says, 'and meanwhile things raged on in Kithicor forest.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Lanys and Laarthik continued their march, and eventually met up with Lord Tephys, Galeth and Firiona.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Lanys first engaged Lord Tephys and my friends, that day he fell to her blade.'
Storyteller Dana pauses to wipe a tear from her eye.
Storyteller Dana says, 'Outraged, Firiona began to battle Lanys..'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And at the same time Galeth began to battle Laarthik'
Storyteller Dana says, 'While Lanys and Firiona stayed neck and neck.. it was soon clear that the aging Laarthik was no match for Galeth, who was
younger.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Laarthik fell to the ground then, and Galeth though him dead.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Instead, Laarthik used the last of his strength to both save his student and leave one last curse on the forces of light.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'He pulled the stone from his vest, the stone that had started this war...'
Storyteller Dana says, 'and he used it's power to call down Innoruuk himself into the forest.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And Innoruuk did appear in Kithicor Forest and take his daughter with him back to the plane of Hate, from where he came.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Laarthik did die then, his calling taking the last of his strength. It is said though, if one is unlucky enough, that they might
come across Laarthik's ghost late at night.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Haunting the forest.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And.. of course... a god's presence always leaves lasting consequences, especially one so strong as Innoruuk'
Storyteller Dana says, 'For his spirit still leaves a shadow... and every night the Kithicor forest becomes a horrible jungle of Undead.'
Storyteller Dana shivers. Brrrrrr.
Storyteller Dana says, 'But my friends the story is not over.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'For now, the dark ones are pushed back... but for how long....?'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And high Keep is safe for the time.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'NOW.. after the war'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Firiona returned to Felwithe to bury Tephys, visit her father, and hopefully unlock more of her mysterious past.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The first two she did, and did well.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'This was not so long ago :)'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She thought to seek out an old, wise mother-sage druid living in Kelethin.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'With the help of Harliquinn the bard, and many others, she found this woman.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The woman told her that to regain her past, she must have the assistance of Tunare herself.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And so, with help from her new friends, Firiona began the plan outlined to her by the mother-druid.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'The first thing they did was gather twelve maidens of Tunare, pure of heart and spirit.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Firiona took these twelve and other onlookers deep into the forest and arranged the women into a circle.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'They performed a spirit-cleansing ceremony then.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And then the most incredible thing I have ever seen happened...'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Tunare herself, in body, appeared!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Wonderful and beautiful...'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And utterly amazing!'
Storyteller Dana nods.
Storyteller Dana pauses in wonder.
Storyteller Dana smiles.
Storyteller Dana says, 'She then again blessed Firiona, calling her child.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Well!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Tunare then restored to Firiona her missing memories!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She told Firiona her new direction..'
Storyteller Dana says, 'She must find her lost friends from her lost memories... for there was great work ahead of all of them!'
Storyteller Dana smiles.
Storyteller Dana says, 'Earlier in the day a female bard had been spotted wandering near Felwithe... and Firiona was taken to her.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'This bard was none other than Sionache!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Firiona and Sionache, now reunited, walked off together, speaking of the past and future. :)'
Storyteller Dana says, 'I only heard a few things they said..'
Storyteller Dana says, 'A halfling... Qeynos... possible trouble.. I don't know :)'
Storyteller Dana says, 'But I'm sure I will find out!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'And that, my friends, is where my story ends for now!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Before you go, I have but one request.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'I ask you one thing...'
Storyteller Dana says, 'To repeat the story I have told.'
Storyteller Dana says, 'For I tell it not just for myself, but so that all may know.. but I am just one bard! I can not tell it all!'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Just tell it as you remember, please :)'
Storyteller Dana says, 'Thank you my friends for listening to my tale!'