Session+49


 * 6-28-2014 ** **Shield Boarding at the Celebration in The Sun's Heart**

With the barbarian clans newly released from their bloodlusting rage, injured and scarred both physically and mentally... as they remembered the things they had done... Uther, Posy, Thorn, Axton, and Yuki stayed with Uthgart to get the barbarians healed and re-acclimated.

The others went on to The Sun's Heart to celebrate with the elves. Disembarking from the Destiny, Tyrian and many cheering elves came to welcome us with open arms. We told him the story as he escorted us into the palace. Mali told him how much Erevin was a hero and Tyrian accepted this as expected fact, nodding, "What else?" We went on to tell him that we lifted the curse on Castle Scarwall, defeated Bridget and the crown, the barbarians were themselves again, and Melar's curse was lifted. Tyrian was very happy that the barbarians would again be allies and the trade routes to the south would be much safer... even the gypsies would be able to finally leave the city. Erevin nodded, telling him that a couple of the gypsies had been very instrumental in our success. Tyrian called for a grand feast to celebrate in the grand Cavern of Crystals.

We were given lavish guest rooms. The lifeforce of the tree made the rooms warm. Mali put a pillowcase on her head, folded like a crown, "I require my floor to be cherry." One of the elves stared at her for a moment, "We only have the one tree..."

Miles away, Yuki was lying on a fur on the cold arctic ground outside, pulling a pinecone out from under her back...

Back in the palace... Erevin was relaxing in the intricate marble bath with crystals that made the water glow in different colors. Shri came up out of the water, whipping back her wet white hair with a smile. Everyone was healed and relaxing as any remaining aggressive rage that had been weighing on us from Melar was washed away.

We gathered at the breakfast table in the morning. Wren pondered for a moment as a voice whispered in her head, "You don't need to... you don't have to tell them..." Wren shook her head and began the story to everyone at the table about her ritual with Crowe, "It's not like she got me drunk and dropped me off on some curb..." Crowe nodded, "I would never do that..." Erevin raised an eyebrow, "I can think of several men offhand who would say otherwise." Crowe shrugged, "Yes, but they're 'men'." Wren nodded to her, "That's true... and I'm your favorite sister."

"She's your only sister," Mali looked back and forth between the two. "Well only blood sister..." Wren nodded, "That we currently know of..." Crowe nodded, "All the coven witches are sisters... and Raven is our Mother... but go on, I didn't mean to interrupt." Wren nodded, "Anyway, it was a witch ritual... herbs, circles, painting... that kind of thing." Crowe looked Kale up and down and Wren turned back to her with narrowed eyes, "I said hands off... I'm not above using your skull as one of my alchemy bowls too, you know..." "So possessive..." Crowe turned back to her with a smirk, "And so easily interrupted." "It appears that he's broken her," Erevin nodded. "What?!" Wren blinked over at him. He smiled, "A witch... finally stolen from the coven." Kale blushed and Crowe leveled an icy stare at him as Wren stared at Erevin. Kale leaned over and whispered toward Erevin, "Don't get me in trouble."

"By all means..." Erevin smiled, "Continue your interesting story." Wren snorted at him, "Since you're so interested in it..." she turned toward Mali, "Anyway... the ritual gave me a vision... I was a dragon flying." "Oh!" Mali nodded, "What color?" "White," Wren nodded as the halfling ooo'd, "Much like my great grandmother... I was flying, it was magnificent... but anyway, the more important part of the story... there was a volcano where the magma dragons were going to be married. I was running late... the volcano was becoming active and there were little magma hatchlings swimming in the lava. Guests were already arriving... fire giants! ...several primal dragons... a few chromatic dragons, though none of the metallic... and... and... hundreds of drow!" She glanced back toward Erevin who scowled, "And a drow fortress 'inside' the volcano! The volcano was enormous... all of this was inside the volcano... and they had my mother... she was wearing one of those tentacled masks!" The young witch shuddered.

Erevin tilted his head at her, "You say this as though she was taken against her will..." Wren blinked at him, speaking a little uncertain, "Well... I assume she was taken against her will... I mean we know what the tentacle mask does." Erevin looked at her, "She may have put the mask on willingly... and showed up there for the party." Wren sank back, pondering it, "Well I... I suppose... it's 'possible'... the last we knew she was going after the mindbreaker." "Maybe it did," Erevin shrugged, "I mean she wasn't all that sane to begin with..." "That's true," Crowe nodded. Wren nodded and shrugged a little, agreeing, "Yeah... anyway..."

Erevin nodded, "Drow fortress. Hundreds of drow. Evil witch with a mask on." Wren nodded, "Yes. And with what I seen... there is no possible way we can take everything on without help... and I believe this place is the start of the fall of Myth Coramanth..." "We need an army!" Mali nodded. Wren nodded to her, "Or something! I need to get to the Dragon Council and tell them what's going on. I mean it was just... overwhelming! Fire giants! Primal dragons! Chromatic dragons! Drow! And my mother! There's so many." Mali nodded. Crowe looked at her calmly across the table, "I suppose that depends on what your objective is..." Wren blinked back at her, "Save Myth Coramanth? Save Mother?"

Crowe nodded at the second one, "Ah, there we go... certainly I would think rescuing Mother would be an easier thing to accomplish than slaughtering everything in the volcano... though I know there are some," she glanced at Erevin for a moment, "that wish 'that' outcome, but..." Wren shook her head, "But we can't let them go on with their plan to destroy Myth Coramanth either." "No," Crowe shook her head, "but don't you think that rescuing Mother takes priority?" "Of course she's high on my list," Wren nodded, "but we're also talking about the whole city here..." "They're not marching on the city right 'now'," Crowe shook her head, "And I don't think you'll be able to convince the dragon council to assault the volcano and other dragons..." Wren nodded, "But they should probably know what's going on regardless..."

Crowe shrugged, "Certainly... but... if you're worried about Myth Coramanth... your little jaunt to the future indicated that our mother disabled the mythal... so certainly if we were to take her away, then they couldn't use her for that." "I agree with this," Erevin nodded, "However... while we're there..." Crowe nodded with a laugh, "Yes, of course, kill them all... the women... the children... they're animals." "I need to say nothing else," Erevin nodded. Wren widened her eyes in shock, looking back and forth between the two before glancing softly toward the drow at the table, "Poor Shri..." Shri shrugged, "Most of my people are sort of... like that." Wren nodded slowly, "...alright." Shri continued, "Though they may have some prisoners other than your mother... drow are slavers. They like to capture others and make them do their work for them." Erevin nodded, "A fortress that close to the surface... I'm sure that they do." "So exploding the volcano as it was done by your mother in the underground cavern," Shri turned to Erevin, "may lead to other unintended fatalities."

Erevin nodded, "She can be a bit zealous. Paladins... tend to get very caught up in the moment. She 'is' the law." Wren turned to him, "It must have been a very fun childhood for you." He nodded to her, "Me and dad got along well." She nodded.

Ursus chimed in, nodding to Wren, "As long as we're discussing things to do... there is one last member of your mother's old company who we have yet to go rescue..." he glanced over toward Mali. Mali nodded, speaking a little quietly, "I 'was' hoping that we could go rescue her sometime..." "Really?" Wren blinked at her a little in surprise. Mali sat quietly, not responding... Erevin raised an eyebrow, "I thought you said she abused her... or something?" Wren put a quick finger to her lips, shushing him, and glancing back toward Mali, speaking a little soft and coaxing, "Mali... is there something that you need to tell us about Esme?" "No," Mali shook her head. Erevin and Wren asked in unison, "Are you sure?" "Mmmhmm," Mali nodded. "Was she mean to you?" Wren tilted her head. Mali pondered for a moment, "Define mean..." Wren blinked wide eyes over at Erevin, "She did beat her!" Ursus shook his head, defending her, "She trained Maliumpkin to be a fine druid! You shouldn't cast such dispersion on her character.... Sometimes training is difficult! I mean... I've seen the way that Crowe treats you sometimes." "Oh..." Wren blushed and nodded, "yeah. There is that." She sighed and leaned her head against her older sister. "Mmm... good times," Crowe smiled, "the pit of spiders... ohh..." she laughed softly, "but you're not afraid of spiders anymore, are you?" "No..." Wren blushed and glanced down, "not anymore." "Well that's good," Erevin nodded. "Oh that reminds me! When we get back to Myth Coramanth," Wren nodded to Crowe, "We should really pick up Venom before she eats one of the children... it's been months." Erevin blinked at her in surprise. Wren laughed softly, and waved her hand a little dismissively, "Nothing... she's my mother's pet. Very poisonous. Anyway..." Erevin stared at her for a long moment, "So..." he made a little note on a scroll in his pocket, "along with the drow... we're going to expel all witches from Myth Coramanth as well." "H-hey!" Wren flailed, "What have I done against Myth Coramanth? We have a 'good' coven!" Erevin shrugged and added an extra note to his scroll, "Okay... except for Wren." "Well..." Wren nodded for a second, "B-but... what about my sisters? My coven?" "Yeah... They gotta go," Erevin nodded. "B-but!" Wren looked over at Crowe, hoping for help... "Such a mean prince..." Crowe nodded, "I like it." Wren blinked at her and shook her head, "Him and Shri might be up for company..." She shrugged.

Erevin shrugged at them, "You don't have to worry... I'll never take the throne." Shri raised an eyebrow, "I don't know, Erevin, your mother is a pretty determined woman." "Yes," he nodded, "but my sister stands to inherit long before me, so... I... I get the luxury of being prince forever... do what I wish." "What about the whole embassy in Lyrabar... someone has to be the ambassador," Wren nodded. "It will be one of her underlings," Erevin nodded. "Maybe that Kiera woman..." Shri nodded. "Oh, Keira, yeah..." Erevin nodded, "That'll piss her right off..." "For The People," Shri nodded, "Sacrifices will be made." Erevin nodded, "For The People."

"Well... I just thought I'd bring that up," Ursus nodded, bringing the conversation back, "Mali really cares for her mentor." Wren turned to Mali, "Well it doesn't take any time from things here..." Erevin raised an eyebrow at Ursus, "Really? She never mentions her." Ursus spoke up defensively, "She talks about her all the time to me!" Mali smiled up at Ursus gratefully, speaking a little shy and quiet, "Thank you." He smiled back at her and nodded. " 'You' haven't mentioned her very much..." Erevin continued with Ursus. "If Mali hasn't saw fit to say anything... I'll keep her confidences," Ursus nodded firmly. "Aww," Wren smiled at the two of them. "Well then let's go get Esme," Erevin shrugged, "And put this quest to an end." Wren nodded, speaking a little softly, "And then if Destiny has to leave... then at least we'll have everyone." "Destiny can't leave yet," Mali shook her head, "There are still bags to be opened!" Erevin shook his head, "I fear those bags are for other people, dear." Mali gasped at him, "Why would you say that?" "Destiny may stay here... we don't know," Erevin shrugged, "It's totally up to Destiny." "Well I would like to travel with her when all of this is said and done," Wren nodded, "A good hundred years... then come back to see everyone with lots of tales and it will be like I never left. I would like that." She nodded again. "A hundred years?" Erevin raised an eyebrow, "...a thousand years." Wren shrugged, "Well... I'd want to come back and at least visit after a hundred years. A lot will happen. I'll have stories. We can always go back out. And then I wouldn't have to worry about Mali, Yuki, Thorn, Posy, or anyone else aging... it would be like I never left." "Huh," Erevin nodded.

"Unless there's something else on your docket," Ursus brought the conversation back again, "There are plenty of things to do... fungus to kill, unicorns to find, weddings to crash..." Erevin looked over at the halfling, "Mali?" She looked up and nodded, "I would like to go rescue Esme... then the unicorn." "Esme then. We'll leave after the celebration... pick up the others on our way," Erevin nodded, "That gives us the afternoon to do whatever you want."

"I would like a fire... and tea... and to dance naked," Wren nodded. Kale nodded to her, "I'm not opposed." "Oooo tea!" Mali nodded, "and I have sticks!" She held a few sticks up. Wren giggled and nodded, "Yay!" "I don't think those will burn for very long," Kale smiled, "We'll probably have to get more." "Well... she can get naked pretty fast," Crowe nodded. "She has a whole skill in it," Erevin nodded. "It's all about the clothes you choose... and... and anyway," Wren shrugged, "Everyone want to come?" "I have plans..." Erevin nodded to her, "but thank you."

After looking over the main bridge as a location for a moment... Wren and Mali settled on a nice little spot among some smaller trees. "How about this one?" Mali pointed at a little secluded spot, "It has 13 trees." Wren looked it over and nodded, agreeing to the area, "It's perfect!" After being very disappointed with the idea of Mali's 2 ft campfire beads... they managed to get wood from the shops to build a nice big fire. A few of the local elves were curious about the fire in the daytime and came to join them... partaking in tea and naked dancing. Even a few of the gypsies came and sat among them enjoying their little afternoon celebration. There was music and dancing and joy. Mali lowered her poison tolerance to fully delight in Wren's welcoming tea. Ursus danced in a loincloth with Mali trying to convince him otherwise...

Erevin and Shri watched the witch and druid carrying off wood and tea and giggling... "They are up to no good..." Erevin shook his head, but continued on with the drow priestess heading off toward the Destiny to pick up Yuki and Axton to go to Castle Scarwall to hallow the grounds... but on their way, they passed a strange group of a dozen elves... mix of moon elves and sun elves... men and women.. carrying very ornate shields too large to wield in battle. All of the shields had different colors, very ornate, and artistic... one had a portrait of the queen of Evermeet. Erevin bowed to them in greeting, and a young moonelf woman with dark bluish tinged hair bowed in return, "Lord Erevin, it is an honor. I am Cerwyn Starym." He recognized the name as a fairly prominent name in Evermeet. Her shield bore the crest of her family... a star over an island in the ocean.

"I'm sorry... I don't recognize your company," Erevin looked over the elves with her. "Well this isn't exactly a company," she smiled, "We're going to the Crystal Caverns to do a little (insert a foreign elven word here that loosely translated to "shield boarding")." "Shield boarding?" Erevin raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "Really?" "Why don't you come along and I'll show you, young prince," Cerwyn smiled. Erevin glanced toward the Destiny and turned to follow the group of elves... Cerwyn smiled, "Tonight at the celebration there will be a contest that Lord Tyrian has arranged between the houses... a display for you, my lord... and your company... so pretend to be surprised." She winked. Erevin smiled and nodded, "Of course."

He and Shri followed them into the entrance of the caverns... a short tunnel that opened up to a vast rounded cavern with multi-colored crystals in the floor and the ceiling. Elves were scurrying around setting up decorations and tables for the feast. Off to the right there was a curved ramp along the edge of the cavern where children were laughing and giggling... sliding on shields. Some of the younger ones sat on their shields like sleds. On the left was a longer curved and rounded tunnel that wrapped down and around 3/4 of the cavern.

Cerwyn winked at Erevin, "The left side is a touch more advanced..." she motioned to one of her companions, asking him, "Would you like to do the honors?" "Of course," the other elf smiled and nodded, taking his shield off of his back. Cerwyn led Erevin up to the balcony overlooking the course. Along the left tunnel were more crystals like the cavern that became obstacles. The shield-boarding elf stood on his shield, holding the rope, and wove through the obstacles as he skated down the curve. He hit some of the crystals, making them light up and ring out with a tone. "Ahh," Erevin nodded, "That's how they score points... and it makes for a great display." Cerwyn nodded, "Yes, exactly." "I've never heard of this sport before..." Erevin shook his head. The shield boarding elf continued sliding and there was a jump-ramp about halfway down the tunnel just before a pit... Cerwyn smiled, "And if you're bold..." she pulled a charm out of her hair and held it out over the balcony rail. The elf hit the jump, launching high in the air and took the charm out of her hands. He then took a very sharp hair-pin turn, riding the wall up to another path that was transparent, so everyone could see him sliding and weaving, though no one else could see the obstacles he faced until he slid down, returning him back to the beginning of the course.

Erevin smiled and turned to Cerwyn, "So when did this all begin?" "After Prince Tyrian brought us here and we discovered the crystal singing. We were able to shape the caverns and several of the crystal singers and the other elves discovered that particular crystals had very little friction... so several of us found a use for frictionless crystal." "Let me guess... one of you dropped a shield by accident the first time?" Erevin chuckled. "Yes," Cerwyn nodded, laughing softly, "And I mean no disrespect to my Lord Tyrian, but we elves tend to dwell in places removed from the rest of the world... and Tyrian certainly picked a place that was very far removed from the rest of the world and... there's not a lot to do here... so we found something for us to do when we're not hunting and doing all of the doldrums of daily life."

Erevin nodded, "I understand... If you ever fancy yourself a trip away from here... the city of Myth Coramanth would welcome you." "I've heard of it," she nodded, "I think I would someday like to visit your people. I've heard much of your mother's bravery in Evermeet." "She is a very determined woman," Erevin smiled politely and nodded, "And not unlike your own city... it is rather removed from the rest of the world... though we are surrounded by forests instead of ice." "I do miss the forests of Evermeet... though we were only too happy to follow our Prince here," she nodded, "And I do hope you enjoy the festivities tonight." "I had plans to make a trip... but you have changed my mind," he nodded, "I will stay and watch this... 'sliding' event." "We would be honored," she smiled, "It is not something you're likely used to... but we do derive a great amount of fun from it." "I've no doubt," Erevin nodded, "And I'm sure a great number of elves have broken limbs here." Cerwyn grinned, "We do keep the temple of Corellian quite busy." "I don't doubt that," Erevin smiled at her, "Are you good?" "I am the best," she nodded. "We shall see," he grinned.

"The balcony is the best place to watch..." she nodded and winked, adding the elven word for spectator, slighting him a bit. Erevin looked over the track again, imagining it to be very exciting if there were several on the track at once... racing to hit the crystals and vying for points. He thanked her for her time, "I'll see you this evening... I look forward to your expertise." She smiled as he walked away and she glanced over at the children's ramp, winking at Erevin. He stopped by one of the children, asking a small boy where to buy one of the shields that the others were using. He thanked the boy and headed directly toward the shop.

As he walked, he recalled the name of Starym in the tomb where he got his moonblade... it was from her family. Not wearing his sheath out on display, it didn't seem that she had noticed.

Erevin walked into the arms shop where an older elf was working over a crystal fire kiln, shaping crystals into a blade. He looked a bit odd with his broad shoulders and large arms from swinging a hammer his whole life. Erevin watched curiously and looked over the interesting array of metal and crystal worked items... including a crystal breastplate that you could see through. Quenching the crystal blade, the elder elf nodded to him in greeting, "Good afternoon, elf. Are you one of those guests that my customers have been blathering on about?" "With the flying boat?" Erevin nodded, "Yes." The weapon smith nodded, "I don't get out much... what can I help you with?" "Well... as odd as this might sound... I just met a troupe of young hot-shot elves who were prone to skating on their shields down crystal slopes," Erevin nodded. "Oh god... you met those idiots?" He sighed. "Yes," Erevin nodded, "I mean to put them in their place." "Oh... Oh, well that I'd like," the kiln worker nodded with pleasant surprise, "I mean shields are for defending someone against getting stabbed! Now we're making all sorts of fancy shields that wouldn't hold up against a good troll's hit!" Erevin nodded, "Exactly." He made a custom order of a shield with straps for his feet and a small rudder for directional drag. "I'm not going to have time for fancy... they usually ask for fancy. It's all about the ornamentation and display..." Erevin shook his head, "I don't need fancy." He paid for the shield and 3 greater arrows of dragon slaying. "We don't get much call for those kind of arrows up here... we only see the occasional whites. Put 'em in their eye if they're an evil dragon." Erevin nodded.

Erevin paused on a hill to learn the balance of the shield before he made his way back to the palace to see Wren, Mali and the group returning as well... hair a little wild, and smelling of wood smoke and witchy herbs. He smiled at them, "I trust the dance went well?" Wren grinned, "It went fabulous!" He glanced up to see other more local elves stumbling a bit back to the palace. Kale slid an arm around Wren and walked with her toward the palace, shivering slightly as they walked past Erevin. She glanced over at him, concerned, "Are you alright?" Kale nodded, "Just... something sent a shiver up my spine." She glanced over her shoulder at Erevin a moment before turning back to Kale, "He's up to no good... we should keep an eye on him." "I always do. One eye," Kale nodded.

As everyone returned to their rooms, they found wrapped packages of outfits in the style of the elves of The Sun's Heart... crystal thread woven into the fabric. Wren and Kale were given matching green with Wren's crystal threading woven to make her dress translucent. Erevin and Shri were given red and gold with a lion emblazoned on their outfits. Mali got the cutest elfy looking dress with a slit up the side and open back and a diamond tiara so she looked like a little princess. Ursus looked over at Mali, dressed in an elven black silk suit that was sleeveless and studded with crystals, "You look beautiful tonight." "Thank you!" She blushed and giggled, "You look very pretty too!" "I'm 'not' pretty!" He took her hand to lead her out of the room, "C'mon! ...my little halfling princess." At her request, he put her up on one of his shoulders, carrying her. Shri linked her arm into Erevin's, her dress clinging to her curves.

Everyone met with Tyrian who led them procession style to the Crystal Cavern where ice fairies wisped around the beautiful decorations. As we descended into the cavern, it was lit up with beautiful colored lights from the crystals.

Out in the woods, Yuki slapped a mosquito from biting her, "OW!" A crude tent rolled about on the edge of camp rumbling with animalistic sounds. Thorn passed quietly by some of the sleeping barbarians, rooting around a little for treasure only to come up empty handed... again. He sighed sadly and then realized he just had his hands in one of their loincloths! ...he stopped off next to the stream, scrubbing his hands.

The Crystal Cavern was magnificent with crystal tables and lit up crystals in the ceiling like the night sky. Everyone was in dressed up clothes. A dozen or so of the gypsies were also there, dressed in brilliant colors. Cerwyn smiled, "It's good to see you again Erevin...", she casted a long gaze at Shri before she looked over the others, "And friends." Erevin smiled and introduced everyone to her. Tyrian used the tones of the crystals to quiet down the room and introduced Erevin and the group to everyone formally, "Thanks to him and his company... the barbarians that have been plaguing the lands have been restored to their old selves. Tonight we are celebrating this victory over Melar with a feast... and a little demonstration."

Wren nodded over to Tyrian, still admiring the caverns, "This place is truly magnificent!" Erevin nodded his agreement. Lavish platters of food were brought to the table.

Back out in the woods, Yuki was eating a dry piece of bread from her trail rations and looked up to see the line of barbarians for healing. The one in front was scratching his arm pit next to her. The barbarians hadn't bathed in months... or longer. The smell was overwhelming! Rain had been their only shower. She handed out a bar of soap to each one as she healed them.

Erevin, Wren, Mali, and the others were very diplomatically social with the people... talking up Lyrabar, Myth Coramanth, and some of the interesting people they had met on their adventures. Fielding questions and keeping things light. After a couple of hours, Tyrian introduced Cerwyn and her companions, "Our entertainment has been prepared."

About a dozen elves with Cerwyn were dressed in their finest. Everything was very flashy and fully displaying their house colors and symbols. The crystal singers made the crystals along the path glow brighter and more beautiful. The elves lined up along the edge of the ramp. Tyrian let Erevin and his companions up to the balcony to watch. Wren leaned forward, very curious. Tyrian raised up his blade and the young witch blinked over at Mali, "You don't think he means to behead them do you?" Mali shook her head, "I don't know... This 'is' a festival... You came packing, right?" Wren nodded, a full set of spells prepared just in case. Mali nodded, "Good! Me too!" Tyrian waved his sword downward into it's sheath, "Begin!"

The dozen took off swiftly down the surfing tunnel, weaving their way through the crystals and lighting them up! Wren leaned far over the rail, watching them... completely enthralled in their display. Mali peeked through the bars of the railing, "Lift me higher! I need a box!" One of the elves launched up from the ramp becoming eye level with the halfling much to her delight! Erevin held out his glass of wine. One of the elves comes by, just a little short of reaching the glass, but Cerwyn took it from his fingers and drank the wine on her way back down! Wren and Mali applauded in excitement as the other elves watching from the tables also cheered. Wren and Mali stared at the shields sliding along the translucent ramp in excitement and wonder. The elves landed back at the beginning, stepping on their shields to flip them up into their hands. Everyone was applauding at their performance.

"Quite the display, Tyrian," Erevin smiled over at him, nodding. Wren nodded, "So much fun! Do 'you' do that?!" Tyrian smiled over at her, "I've... tried it a few times... but it is... how can I put this? ...not my fortay." "Oh... alright," she nodded wondering how much truth was in that... she'd seen him leap out of Yuki ribbon shield and attack that giant bug thing! Surely he would be dextrous enough to do this with a little practice. "Well... throwing grand events... certainly falls into your fortay," Erevin smiled and nodded. Cerwyn stepped up onto the balcony, "Prince Tyrian is far too modest... he does quite splendidly." Tyrian blushed, embarrassed... such events were... a bit beneath his status and perhaps he would be seen as a little too old for it. Erevin smiled, "You wouldn't begrudge me a shot at it, would you?" "Oh!" Tyrian shook his head, "Of course the course isn't deadly or anything like that... but I'd hate to see the prince of Myth Coramanth become injured... that would look bad." "Aww... Shri is here," Wren piped up, "And me... and Mali... how much trouble could he get into?"

Cerwyn laid a hand on Erevin's shoulder, looking up at Tyrian, speaking almost a little mockingly, "But... he's a hero of the realm! Fighting off barbarians and spectral dragons! One little shield boarding race certainly couldn't harm a great hero..." Erevin smiled, "And there you have it." Wren giggled. "I suppose I can fetch a shield for you," Tyrian nodded. "No need," Erevin smiled and kicked up the new shield he'd had the runner bring to his table. He smiled at Cerwyn, "You wouldn't begrudge a 'spectator' a run?" "Just buying a shield... does not make one a shield surfer," she smiled back. Erevin grinned, "I'd hope not." The two walked back to the beginning and Cerwyn nodded to the others, "Shall we go again, boys?" Her companions gave a resounding "Yeah!" response. "Take it easy on the prince," she teased.

Erevin got a bow and arrows from of the guards nearby and slid his feet into the straps of his shield. Cerwyn stood next to him, winking, "I'll ride beside you... in case you slip and fall." "I was rather hoping you would lead the way," Erevin winked back. She smiled, "This isn't just a ploy to stare at my behind, is it?" "Well... it does have that advantage," He grinned. Wren and Mali climbed on top of the railing of the balcony, sitting on the edge to watch. Mali casted eagle eyes over both of them to see even better. "Oh! This is nice!" Wren cheered at her and looked over the elves below. "I would so like to ride down with one of them," the elven witch looked them over more closely, "Mmm which one to convince..." Mali giggled, "Charm person at the ready!" Ursus nudged Mali. Tyrian waved the sword, "Begin!"

Woosh! They slid down swiftly, diving down the slope! "I could wish him a little good luck..." Wren winked. "That would be cheating!" Mali shook her head at the witch, "It's a competition!" Erevin shot arrows from his bow as he slid down, marking the crystal ahead of the others. He skated and weaved down the path, learning quickly! Cheers from the crowd echoed above him. "Go Erevin!" Wren and Mali cheered for him from the balcony rail.

Erevin slid up and along one of the high crystals as one of the other elves blinked, "Is that in the rules?!" Cerwyn glanced up at the elven prince and smiled back at the other, "It's not 'against' the rules..." Cerwyn leaned forward more, coaxing speed out of her shield, trying to move ahead to get the crystal. Erevin's arrow flew by her and she sliced it in half with her blade, but his second shot hit the crystal. He leaned into the big jump to leap up and Wren held onto Shri, letting the drow woman lean way out on the rail. Erevin glided his hand along her hand and arm and slid back off as he dropped back down into the ramp! The girls sighed dreamily and the crowd cheered! Ursus muttered behind them, "I could totally do that..." Mali smiled and turned around, a little daringly, "I'm sure Erevin would let you borrow his shield." Ursus nodded, not so readily, "Yeah... yeah... Later. ...I'll ask him for it." Mali nodded happily, "I'll let him know to look for you coming." "...thanks," Ursus replied with sarcasm. Wren giggled and noticed that Kale had said nothing the entire time...

After his great ramp up, the wall of the hairpin turn was coming up fast for Erevin and one of the elves bumped him slightly, slowing him down. Mali gripped onto Ursus's arm around her in her excitement! Erevin felt his shield being drawn upward into the transparent tunnel. Wren leaned back against Kale, "You're being awfully quiet..." He spoke with extra enthusiasm, "I'm... I'm just enjoying the performance... it's amazing!" "Mmm hmm," Wren sat back up on the rail cheering once again, "Go, Erevin!"

Erevin slid swiftly along the glass-like crystal, hitting the next target with his arrow. It lit up brightly, sending a flash out to the crowd. One of the other house elves rode next to him and Erevin put an arrow through his shield, pinning the other elf to the floor, abruptly stopping him. Crystals were jutting from both the bottom and the top of the tunnel, criss-crossing! Cerwyn dove between them, her shield sliding under as she dove over the other, jumping one! Erevin leapt up, jumping over two! He landed in his shield, quickly slipping his feet back into the straps. He whipped his cloak behind him and slid up the wall into her line of sight to show off the moonblade he carried. Cerwyn paused for just a moment, staring at the moonblade... giving Erevin just enough time to slide in front of her... her shield bumping his slightly, so close! They fly out of the tunnel to land back at the beginning, Erevin just barely in the lead! Wren stood up on the rail, clapping and cheering with Mali beside her, "Way to go, Erevin!"

Cerwyn smiled at Erevin, "So my lord prince... not such a spectator then." "It's a good game," he grinned back. "The bow was a neat trick... don't think it'll work twice." He smiled, "I didn't think I could out skate you... but maybe I could out distance you." She nodded, "Mmm... and that's an interesting sword you have there." "I didn't think you'd notice..." Erevin feigned innocence. Cerwyn laughed, "Oh I think you know quite well..." Erevin smiled, "It was given to me years ago." She nodded, "By who?" "The baylorn who guarded the crypty, (insert forgotten name here) Starym." "Oh! He was an uncle of mine... great uncle actually." "He still serves your people well," Erevin nodded. "There were many moonblades that have been lost... it is good that another has resurfaced," she nodded. "We rescued a half dozen in Waterdeep... the drow meant to destroy them." She sighed and nodded, "There is another in my family... though I was not selected to try." "It is a heavy burden," Erevin nodded, knowing that it was not uncommon for an important member of the family to not have the chance to try...

Tyrian smiled at Erevin as he returned, "Are you sure you haven't tried this before?" Erevin grinned, "That was my first ride... though I did get to watch them earlier today." "Ah ha," the noble prince nodded, "Such a spirited ride does peek my own interest... Perhaps I'll seek you out for a private run later." "Of course," Erevin nodded. Wren blinked wide eyes, "But I want to watch!" Tyrian smiled at her, "Of course 'you' are welcome to come and watch... perhaps your young Kale would like to try...?" Kale stood behind her shaking his head and criss-crossing his hands. "Oh!" Wren nodded, "I bet he would love to do that." She glanced back at the warrior as he put his hands down and stood a little too innocently. "Can Ursus try too?" Mali nodded excitedly. "No, no... I wouldn't want to intrude on... their... uh..." Ursus trailed off. Wren raised an eyebrow at Kale, "Really?" "It can't be that hard, right?" He smiled back at her. "No, no... we can do this! Yeah! Yeah!" Ursus and Kale fist bumped... talking themselves into it. ( Lol! Reminds me so much of "rev up the engines" from Prep and Landing... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPDE9rDwVYg )

Cheery merriment continued on and the crystal singers melted away the tables from the center, opening it up for the dance floor as musicians stepped up to play. Mali started to undo the top of her dress and then paused, blushing, as Wren was cheering next to her, "Now for sophisticated dancing!" Ursus nodded to the halfling, "I think this is a "clothes on" event." Erevin found the young boy who told him about the store and gave him his winning shield. "I will treasure it always!" The boy hugged onto it... the winning shield! from a hero of the realm! Ursus led Mali out onto the dance floor to dance among the others with their becoming more and more comfortable strange mismatched dance. Beautiful music played throughout the cavern as Kale pulled Wren into his arms, leading her out to dance.

Yuki sighed wearily as she handed out another bar of soap to a barbarian. Dirt was on her cheek, bandages were all around her. Uther and Posy's tent tumbled across the ground behind her, carrying on with more animalistic noises. Icy rain poured down over the snow covered cold ground.

The celebration continued on very fun... no attacks... nothing bad happened. Dancing and merriment ensued. Everyone retired to their luxuriously large and soft princess beds.

Everyone gathered for breakfast, discussing the plans. Prince Tyrian had the Destiny restocked... Mali rode in on a crate of peaches, eating one as it was carried onto the ship. Tyrian talked to his advisors, setting everything up for Yuki's parents to stay and all preparations for the city. "I will be going with you. I will aid your quest til the end."

The Destiny took us to the barbarian camp to pick up the others. As soon as the gangplank touched the ground... Yuki ran up it, "Wreeeeeennnnn!" "Yuki!" Wren opened her arms and turned around to see the disheveled priestess, "Oh sweetie... what happened?!" Mali walked across the deck, wearing the little elven tiara, and sniffed the air, "What is that 'smell'?!"

The barbarians cheered on the priest and priestesses as they went up the gangplank and they chanted heavily after Posy, "Earth Shaker! Earth Shaker!" Uthgarte embraced his two sons, saying their farewells. Tyrian and Erevin speak with Uthgarte, letting him know that trading has been reopened and they are welcome in the city. Uthgarte nods, "My people need much... Melar has gutted our lands, sending our people to kill for slaughter." He looked at Mali and Posy, "You take care of my sons!" The girls nodded.

Azarius worked the controls of Destiny, taking us into the air as Captain Whitestrake took the wheel. We fly through the ribbons of light of the astral sea... The tentacle sphere still hovered dangerously close to ours. Something about Destiny washed over Wren and tears slipped down her cheeks. "Why are you crying, Wren?" Yuki blinked at her. "I don't know... it's just so sad..." the young witch shook her head. Gregori helped Mali set up the bond to Esme, creating the red ribbon.

Six days of travel through the sea... spheres blurring past... Wren was very disappointed they left The Sun's Heart before the shield boarding event with Tyrian and the guys... Kale slid an arm around her shoulders, "Don't worry. We'll go back." Eventually we reached our destined sphere. Castles appeared throughout different views... one on the mountains, one in the ocean, one floating in the sky... between their flickering was a black mail gauntlet... Destiny's voice sounded out, "Prepare for sphere impact in 10, 9, 8..." Wren stood next to Mali, holding her hand as they stared into the sphere wide eyed.

Porting into the sphere... The sky was dark! Lightning flashed! Rain came down with a drenching down pour! Horrificly looking creatures were arranged around one of the castles, marching toward it, beating shields and chanting, "Thonak! Thonak! Thonak!" Wren shivered as cold slid down her spine and she squeezed Mali's hand.