Session+81

**Session 81** **10/30/15** **The Lunar Eclipse and a Call to Defend Myth Coramanth**

Visiting Shandra in the House of Wonders, several of the group purchased new magical items and spell scrolls while selling several newly acquired treasures. Lyrabar was festively decorated for the Festival of the Moon.

 A festival held at the end of autumn to remember and pay honor to the dead. Over the years, it's become more festive with children running around in ghost, undead, and monster costumes. Lanterns displaying cut out monster faces lit the streets and the moon was enormous and bright in the sky. The elven holiday was typically more somber, but the humans celebrated with a great festival.

Erevin gathered some of the elves from the embassy and formed a procession along with his companions, carrying candles through the streets. They made their way to the site of the battle where Szass Tam's undead forces had come through the city... going to pay their respects to the dead. Wreaths had been placed in the area and many citizens of Lyrabar were also there wearing black and paying their respects. Ursus was somber as he had been there during the battle... he had lost his bear companion and nearly his life before it was done.

As twilight faded toward night, the lanterns seemed bright... and the statue of a paladin standing on several broken skulls of the undead was lit up in the street. High priests of the local temples gathered together with Magnus Dayus. "The city of Lyrabar gives remembrance and thanks to those elves who came to the defense of our city in it's time of need. They sacrificed and fought to stop Szass Tam," the paladin swept his hand toward the gathered elven procession, "And they have come here today... along with the rest of us... in remembrance of those who have fallen." He waved for the group of heroes to come up and join him and Erevin led them up.

There was quite a crowd gathered in the streets... but as they walked up and Posy looked out, it looked more like a stadium... as a throng of spirits stood among the people... ghosts of humans and elves alike had gathered to watch the celebration. The young gnome barbarian looked out with wide eyes... there were... so many.

The young elven prince clasped Magnus's arm in greeting as the group moved up behind him. Magnus greeted each of the companions, clasping their arms. Each of the high priests of the main temples and Magarite were there to greet them as well. "I give welcome to Erevin Lionspaw and Wren Dreamspinner of those elves of Myth Coramanth who came to our aid... and to their companions who have done no small deeds for our fair city in other ways," the divinely charismatic paladin gestured to the group joining him to the people in the streets, "Let it be known that Lyrabar owes you their thanks... and should the time come that you need the aid of Lyrabar and Lathander... please do not hesitate. We are at your service." "Gods willing..." Erevin bowed to him, "That debt will stand for a long, long time." "May it be so," Magnus agreed. Each of the high priests stepped forward to give a blessing and speak about the dead. The temple of Tyr talked about honor and justice... addressing the priests of Tyr who had died in that fight. Alain, the high priest of Sune, talked about love and the priests who died doing what they loved... The high priest of Lathander talked about how night had come to Lyrabar that day, but that Lathander had brought the dawn and the light back in the city. He goes on to talk about the paladins, the first wall of defense of Lyrabar... going on the longest as he talked about many who died. Posy watched the various groups of spirits perk up as they were talked about and remembered. The area was fairly dark, lit only by candles and lanterns... and Thorn's fingers got a bit twitchy. Several members of the city, dressed in solemn black clothing, stopped by to chat with the group. Reegan Winterrowd talked about business with Azarius, Jerrandis and Parula chatted with Wren, and Vivian Dulsaer sauntered over to give Erevin a hard time, "Here in town several hours already... and you haven't come to look me up... oh the wounds... only my fine bottle here to keep me company." The young prince grinned at her and glanced sideways at the dark-skinned priestess standing near. The beautiful red-haired noblewoman continued, "I trust everything in Raven's Bluff went smashingly?" Erevin glanced at Thorn, nodding, and the halfling nodded back both agreeing, "Smashingly... that's a great way to put it." "I've heard that... you've started to build a residence here in our fair city?" She raised an eyebrow. "Ahh yes," Erevin nodded, "I have the plans agreed on... though I'm not certain if they've actually broken ground on that yet or not." "I believe they're getting close... though I'm not sure how much they'll do before spring... but I'm making sure that you get nothing but the finest in materials," she nodded. Erevin looked at her questioningly, "I thought your family made wine?" She laughed, "I know people... I'm quite friendly with the Brightwoods who are responsible for the lumber... and there will be nothing but the best for my friend, Erevin... of course you will invite me over for the house warming?" "Of course," he nodded, "I will have to invite you over privately to help me plan my wine cellar." "Ahh," she nodded, "I can give you some great tips in regards to that." He grinned and nodded, "I was hoping." "Of course you'll have no problem filling it with your elven wines, but the Dulsaers and the Mercers do make fine selections," she nodded. She turned to greet the witch and warrior on her other side, "Lady Dreamspinner... you're looking quite lovely this evening." Wren swept a respectful bow, "Lady Vivian... as are you." "And Kale ," the enticing noblewoman turned to the elven warrior, "You are a lucky man... aren't you?" He nodded, slipping an arm around Wren, "That I am." "I'm just as lucky, I assure you," Wren nodded from beside him. Kale looked as though he was about to protest, but then shrugged and nodded, "Okay... you can say that." He winked at her. Anna arrived to join them, everyone making an effort to talk with the people and be seen. Thorn slipped off into the crowd, bored... shopping through the pockets of the people in the streets... collecting gold coins and trinkets. The bright moon lit the sky ahead, not quite full. Shri glanced up into the sky, "The moon should become full for the next 3 days." "You mean while we're home?" He turned to her, excitement in his voice. She smiled and nodded, "I certainly hope to be home... On the third day of the full moon this year there is predicted a lunar eclipse." Erevin frowned. A time when Eilistraee's power would be diminished and her worshipers remained inside. Everyone rested and relaxed for the evening, meeting for breakfast in the morning before making a few last minute purchases and stops. Erevin headed toward the Medici estate, running into Dominic along the way, "We missed you last night." The young alchemist nodded, "I spent the night with Bishop and his son." "How is he?" the elven ranger asked. Dominic shrugged and nodded, "Grieving..." "Has there been no progress then?" Erevin asked. Dominic shook his head, "Dulcet has returned to Myth Coramanth. She said the same as the other priests... the body is alive, but the soul is gone. Trying to recall her... there is no sign of a soul. ...And the Festival of the Moon is a hard time... as it is a time of remembrance." "That puts him in a difficult place," Erevin frowned. Dominic agreed, "Yes, it is hard to raise a son on one's own... especially when he didn't have much of a childhood himself. I'm doing what I can along with another friend of his... but at some point he's going to have to look into a governess of some type." Erevin nodded, "Alright... then I will not call on him and add to his troubles further." "I would like to join you," Dominic nodded to him. "Well then," Erevin nodded, "Rejoin us... we're leaving for Myth Coramanth." The two returned to the embassy to join the group in the process of Wren and Azarius teleporting the mass amount of people to the elven lands. Appearing in a small glen off of the road into the elven city... a ranger bowed in greeting, "Welcome back to the city, my prince. We were not expecting you so soon. Your mother will be happy to see you." A rich cloak of vibrant colors scattered the forest floor from the oaks and maples. Several piles of leaves had been gathered and the children were running and jumping into them. The elven city bustled high in the treetops. Vendors were handing out various autumn treats. A few guards discreetly followed, looking after the group, but staying out of their way.

 It was mid-morning, and the lower part of the city was more festive like Lyrabar with lanterns and costumes. Erevin and Shri headed for the palace. Wren turned to Kale, "Should we see your sister before we find Loch and Crowe ?" The elven warrior nodded, "We should definitely see her and let her know we're back in town." Thorn stared at the two of them. Wren giggled, "Would you like to go with us?" "I'm sure Thorn has important things to do," Kale shook his head. The halfling rogue shrugged, shaking his head, "I don't really have anything to do... we're sort of between missions. Until we meet Attalicus... I'm pretty open." Kale nodded, "Sure... why don't you come with us." "I would love to," Thorn nodded, falling into step beside the two, "Thank you for inviting me." "You're always a welcome guest in our house," Kale smiled warmly. Wren raised a suspicious eyebrow at him, "What are you up to?" "Nothing, my dearest. My intentions are completely honorable," the green-eyed elf shook his head, sounding innocent. The raven-haired witch kept an eyebrow raised as she looked him over. He smiled at her, "but then again... I can still lie." Wren burst out laughing, and shook her head. Inali leapt onto her shoulder, looking around the city as the companions walked through the pathways toward the other end of town.

Posy, the Garishthimbles, and Lucias went shopping to restock supplies. Observing the elven children displaying a slight racist derision toward the human children as they played in the city, the young gnome opted not to enroll her young squire in any schools here.

Yienshul ran down the walkway to green Wren and Kale with open arms, hugging them both! She blinked in surprise at the halfling behind them, "You brought Thorn with you! I... wasn't expecting that." She let go of her brother and his witch lover to hug the young rogue, "It's good to see you too. Did you come for the Festival of the Moon? ...or were you just looking for another reason to hop in the sack with me?" She giggled teasingly. "Is there sack racing again?" he looked suddenly interested. "Of course!" she nodded, "There's all kinds of fun things!" "I love hopping in the sack," Thorn grinned at her. Kale sighed, "Can we go inside now?" Wren giggled beside him, putting an arm around him.

Yien swept them all inside, pulling out fresh baked goods and tea. Thorn glanced at the cookies and toward the bed beyond the cracked open door, shuddering as he recalled the first time he had met Echo. Yien asked about their adventures and enjoyed taunting her brother with provocative quips about moist muffins and such with the all too willing to participate Thorn. Kale glanced over to the elven witch beside him, "If you kill a halfling... is it only half of a murder?" Wren laughed, "Aww... just look at how happy your sister is... look at that smile." "You know, Kale... I really do want to say thanks again for inviting me. I really appreciate this," Thorn turned and nodded to him, "It's very hospitable of you." He winked back over at Yien. "Yes, Kale! Thank you!" his sister echoed the halfling, nodding her head, "It's almost like Thorn is one of the family." Kale glared at the two of them as Wren struggled to hold back her laugh.

The young elven woman had become one of the central pillar figures in the neighborhood and she went on to tell them what had gone on the city since they last visited, and a few of her neighbors stopped by to see who was visiting. Wren gave her several gifts from the places they had visited... candy, fruits, clothes... and the group told her several adventuring stories.

Eltrue and Hirotsu greeted Erevin warmly, "I wasn't expecting you quite so soon... but it's wonderful to see you. Come... tell me about your adventures and what you need... for I know that my son never comes to see me just to see me." Erevin smiled through the layer of motherly guilt, and went on to tell her about Lantan, the mythal, and the elven souls within. Hirotsu nodded with great interest, "Attalicus will be quite interested in this other mythal... Do what you can to restore these elven souls to their bodies if they do in fact still exist... and they are, of course, welcome to come here to Myth Coramanth with likely most of their city not surviving through the years." "I am told that the city was hidden," Erevin nodded, "So it's possible some of it yet remains. The gnome family who had helped create the mythal are going to try to help us through that... and to free the elven souls." "Excellent," his mother nodded, "They are welcome to do what they wish... but they are still welcome here." The elven prince nodded, "I will certainly pass that along. ...We were hoping... if it is not outside of his capabilities... that perhaps Attalicus could teleport us to Evermeet... opening up a portal." "It has been done," Hirotsu nodded, "But it is not easy. It is only supposed to be done in a time of great need... and can only be opened for a short time... but if you're not taking a great number of you... then it shouldn't be a problem." "If it's an emergency thing, then I wouldn't want to abuse that..." Erevin shook his head, "I can go to Sanctuary and petition Silvermane to send us to Waterdeep where we can acquire a ship." Lady Lionspaw nodded, "It is up to you... the Queen of Evermeet owes no small debt to the elves of Myth Coramanth... I'm certain she would forgive such a small favor, but I will leave that in my most diplomatic son's hands." "Make no mistake... I do long to see Evermeet..." Erevin nodded, shrugging.

Hirotsu nodded, changing the subject, "And what is it with your witch friends? Crowe... and Loch... I believe there names are. My sources tell me they have been staying in town for the past few weeks. Normally the witches keep to their nest." Erevin looked around the queen's private garden to be sure they were alone, "We sent them back to help keep an eye on Queelest ... Shri's sister." "You think something's wrong?" his mother paused her steps and looked at her son. "She acted peculiar... it was unlike her nature..." Erevin nodded. "Very well," Hirotsu nodded, "I only asked because it seemed strange for the witches to be out of their nest with the recent return of their mother... not that the elven guard have minded..." Erevin grinned thinking of the way Crowe moved in and out of bedrooms on a nightly basis, "Oh I'm certain... but no, it was at my request that they came... I had been waiting for her to come to me, but she has not yet." Hirotsu nodded, "I have not seen much of Queelest lately. She has been retired to the grove of Eilistraee for some time... no doubt preparing for the upcoming eclipse." "Perhaps that's all it is, but I will make a point to check on her myself," Erevin nodded.

"Very well," she nodded, "You'll find the young witches staying at Heroes Rest if you wish to see them... in a platonic way." "Purely professional," he agreed, "How have things been here?" "Quiet," she nodded, "We have seen no more signs of those tentacled creatures... nor any sign of drow... the harvest came and went and our food supplies are plentiful." She handed him a box, "And the Eisenhammers send along their regards." Erevin found a set of smoky green shot glasses inside with intricate dwarven symbols, "Excellent! These are very nice. I'll be sure to send my thanks to Goram." He went on to tell her the rest of the story of Raven's Bluff and Hirotsu nodded, saying that she would speak to Attalicus and see if some of the elven people would accompany the dwarves into investigating the ruins further... even if only to collapse the whole thing.

Azarius, Posy, Uther, her relatives, and Lucias spent the afternoon at Heroes Rest with beautiful tiered balconies, floating fey globes of light, and fine elven wine. The Garishthimbles went on and on to Azarius about gnomish mage-like tech-devices. The nobleman smiled and nodded a lot, but found it to mostly sound like gibberish. An elder elf with white streaks ran the inn with several beautiful elven barmaids.

Dominic checked in on his alchemy shop, missing the old life he'd had there.

Everyone joined back up at the palace for the feast Hirotsu had prepared. Loch and Crowe met them there as well, kissing Wren's cheeks in greeting. Crowe looked over Wren, "Something seems different about you, sister... has something changed?" "I... may have switched patrons," the younger sister nodded to her. "Well that sounds like quite the story that we'll have to hear later," Crowe nodded to her. Loch agreed, "I never thought lies and deceit was a good fit for you anyway..." Wren kissed her cheek, "Thank you." Crowe shrugged, "I thought it was pretty spot on." "Hey!" Wren nudged her, "How's the line been at the inn?" Crowe grinned and winked at a few of the guards in the room. "Look at you just shaming all of those men," Wren shook her head. "I know!" Crowe grinned, "Isn't it fantastic?" Wren laughed, "How have things been here?" "Should we discuss that here?" Loch raised an eyebrow. "Well not THAT," Wren whispered. Crowe nodded, "We've been to the Nest a few times. Mother is doing well. She has a new familiar now, so she's getting better." Wren nodded, "Thank goodness for that."  Crowe went on to tell Wren some of her more fascinating stories about her conquests while in town.

After dinner they gathered in a meeting room to discuss Queelest. Crowe nodded, "She has secluded herself for days now... definitely doing some preparation for something... but she is quite perceptive and she's noticed us near her lately... oddly enough she seems to have acknowledged it." "As in a beneficial thing?" Wren raised an eyebrow, "Of simply that she knows?" "She knows... and there's definitely some fear there," Loch answered. "That's not good," Erevin sighed. "I'd say back off for now then," Wren nodded to her elder sister.

The violet-eyed elder elf agreed, "Alright. I think I've sampled enough here..." Wren sighed heavily, shaking her head. Crowe winked over at the halfling rogue, "Thorn... you'll always be my favorite." "Aww... thank you," he grinned at her. "You're just the right height," she rubbed her fingers over the soft stubble of hair on his head. He hugged her, his head resting on her thighs.

Shri set a calm hand on Erevin's shoulder, "I will go speak with her if you like. Would you like to accompany me? Or shall I go alone?" "Of course I will accompany you," the elven ranger nodded, standing up beside her. The two headed for the Shrine of Eilistraee. Priests were preparing for the full moon celebration. Diaphanous silks hung in the trees with wicker dancing maiden statues set about the area. "Welcome back, High Priestess, chosen of Eilistraee," they bowed low to Shri and nodded to Erevin in welcome, "and her consort." They escorted them to a grove around a perfectly smooth pond that reflected the sky where Queelest was meditating. The elven prince wound his prayer beads around his hand, making himself busy, but still staying close.

Queelest nodded to her younger sister in greeting, "Shri, my sister, you have returned. Somehow I knew that you would." "You are preparing for the Festival of the Moon then?" Shri asked, "And the eclipse?" "Yes," Queelest nodded, "How can I help you, most honored chosen..." she nodded to Erevin, "And consort." The elven prince smiled and nodded, "M'lady. It's good to see that you are getting along well here." "Indeed," Queelest nodded to him, "You and your mother have always welcomed the worshippers of Eilistraee here to your city." Beyond her smile and politeness, the elven ranger could see the guilt weighing on the priestess before them. He tilted his head, "What troubles you, Queelest?" "This is a very important festival," the drow woman nodded, "All of the flock is counting on my blessing... channeling the goddess through me... for the upcoming year. It is a heavy responsibility." "It is indeed a lot of responsibility," Erevin nodded, "Which is why we thought you were up to the task." "I appreciate your faith," Queelest nodded, "Forgive me, Lord Lionspaw... I... hope to do you proud." "When my mother originally resettled Myth Coramanth," Erevin spoke softly, "There was a companion of hers... Yilithor... who brought Eilistraee's blessing to this place... It has been long held in high regard." "Yes, I remember Yilithor. He was a great priest of the faith," Queelest nodded, "He left Myth Coramanth to travel the world with his consort."

"Are you sure you're alright?" Shri looked her over, "Something really seems to be bothering you... You can tell me." "Certainly it would be a relief if you would aid me in the ceremony, sister... it would take off some of the weight off of my shoulders," Queelest answered. Shri nodded, "Whatever I can do to help, Queelest." The elder sister stood up and walked to a table, pouring some drow wine into three cups. She handed a glass to each of them, "I appreciate the help, sister. To a memorable Feast of the Moon." She raised her own glass. The wine in the goblet was dark... like a blackened blood. Erevin shook his head, setting the goblet on the table, "Forgive me... I haven't quite developed the taste for Drow wine." The sisters raised their glasses to their lips, and Erevin deftly swept the goblet from Shri's hand, "In your condition you probably shouldn't." Queelest raised an eyebrow. Surprise lit Shri's face for only a moment as she turned toward her elven lover, following his lead, "But that was supposed to be our secret, my mrannd'ssinss." Queelest took a long drink of her wine, "Little sister... I had no idea... congratulations. This calls for another drink." She took another long drink, finishing her glass before sitting down on the marble bench. "I am happy for you both. This will be a great monument to the uniting of our peoples." "That is my hope," Erevin nodded to her, "It has to remain quiet for now though... there are those who will not be pleased." Queelest looked up at Shri as tears started well up in her eyes, "I can't... I can't do this anymore..." "Do what?" Erevin turned to her, "Be priestess?" Queelest shook her head, patting the spot next to her as she looked up at her younger sister, "Our sister is alive." Shri sat next to her, surprised, "She is? How do you know?" She had thought their youngest sister had perished in the underdark long ago. "They told me," Queelest's voice shook slightly. "Who is 'they'?" Erevin asked. Queelest's shoulders hung as she answered, not bothering to look at him, "You know, my prince..." "How are they speaking to you?" he asked. "They have magic," Queelest answered, "I've never experienced something so powerful that connects mind to mind... even through my wards I can hear things that they say to me... and I can see through their eyes... I have seen her." "Where do they have her?" Erevin asked, determination already in his voice. "For weeks they have been asking me..." Queelest shook her head. "What is it that they want you to do?" the elven ranger asked. "They want me to disable the mythal," Queelest answered. "And you have planned to do that on the eclipse?" he asked. "I must confess, my prince... I have considered it... but I know that deep in my soul that they would never honor such a bargain... so I have... stalled," Queelest answered, "I know that you have set the witch's sisters upon me... I had hoped that they would warn you. I knew this conversation would be coming."

 "Now... I have to accept that she is dead... what with her niece or nephew," Queelest glanced at Shri's abdomen and back up to both of them, "I do not believe that they ever thought I would actually betray Myth Coramanth... I believe they are going to attack on the Eclipse regardless." Her voice was coming slow and her eyes looked heavily glazed. "Shri... is she under some sort of magic?" Erevin asked with concern as he looked from one sister to the other. Shri wove a spell over her elder sister finding no magic... Queelest laughed softly, shaking her head, "I am not under anyone's control... You needn't worry about that."

"What could they hope to attack if the mythal still stands?" Erevin asked her. "I don't know... but I think they have a plan... the eclipse is when Eilistraee will be at her weakest... and the gods themselves war in the heavens," Queelest shook her head. "For the record..." Erevin looked at her, "We ARE talking about drow... not dragons, correct?" "What do you mean?" Queelest looked at him confused. "When you said, 'they'," Erevin nodded to her. "When I saw my sister..." Queelest answered, "I seen drow... and also seen a man who was not drow." She went on to describe the human form of Magmadon. Erevin sighed, "Is she real? Your younger sister. Is she an illusion? A fake?" "No," Queelest shook her head, "I don't think so... I had cast a spell of true seeing... but whatever they are using to communicate with me... could have been fooling me. There was an odd thing in the room. It looked like one of those things that you hold fish in... except it looked like there was a brain inside it." "Damn..." Erevin's shoulders grew heavy. "You really did well sister. He is a magnificent man," Queelest nodded her approval to her younger sister, and laid her head on Shri's shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment. Erevin pondered how they planned to attack, and Shri nodded to him, "Certainly we should keep an eye on the mythal."

Queelest opened her eyes, looking more tired, "Have you decided on a name yet?" "We do not yet know if it is a boy or girl," Erevin shook his head. Queelest looked up at Shri's face, "Teach him or her the ways of Eilistraee..." She smiled and then fell unconscious into Shri's lap. Erevin rushed to her side to help as Shri wove magic to remove the poison from the drow wine. Queelest's eyes fluttered, "Let me go, Shri... let me die with dignity... rather than an executioner's blade." Shri looked up at Erevin for some kind of answer. Erevin pointed at the woman in her lap, "Save her!" Queelest struggled as her younger sister wove her healing magic over her, "No... no... damn you." Shri held her as Queelest broke down in tears. Erevin laid a soft hand on Shri's shoulder and nodded before walking from the room with purpose, leaving the two women behind.

Children were laughing in the city, wearing costumes, and the people were delighting in the lanterns and festivities. Erevin ran at full speed to the palace. His companions were there enjoying the afternoon. Posy, dressed in full armor, pulled her axe when she seen Erevin running, and quickly fell into step behind him. The others blinked and then followed after them. Erevin stopped as he ran into Eltrue, "I've received information that the drow plan to attack on the eclipse." "How will they attack with the mythal?" The guard captain blinked in surprise. "I don't know," Erevin shook his head, "But they have a plan..." "I will tell your mother right away," Eltrue began to turn. "And it seems Magmadon is with them," Erevin continued, pausing his mother's personal body guard in his steps. "The dragon?" Eltrue asked, "Are there more?" The memories of the dragon bodies and the buildings scorched and ruined flashed into Erevin's mind, and he nodded, "Yes... there will be other dragons as well." "Dragons can not enter the city either, but I will leave that for Horitsu to puzzle out," Eltrue nodded, "Most stay indoors for the eclipse... but perhaps if we have a couple of days... we should move the civilians. Perhaps to Clan Eisenhammer." Erevin nodded, "If they would have us. We could call on the paladins of Lyrabar as well." Eltrue nodded, "I will speak with your mother... see what she wants to do... but certainly, if you have allies... you might want to seek them out."

Erevin turned around to find his companions standing behind him in the hall. Wren nodded to him, "I can call on Argentillius . The Dragon Council has a beef with Magmadon for trying take over their minds. I think they would come for the chance to pay him back." The elven prince nodded to her, "Send the word. Alert whatever dragons would go to war against dragons." The young witch nodded, "I'll see it done." "We have teleport spells," Azarius nodded to him, "We'll get everyone on high alert and bring who we can." "We'll need to send word to Silvermane as well. We would very much appreciate him coming to aid us," Erevin nodded.

Wren pulled the silver dragon trinket she had been gifted from her haversack, "Argent, we have received information that Magmadon, his dragons, and the drow are planning to attack Myth Coramanth on the night of the eclipse. We don't have positive confirmation on this... but it seems real likely."

Erevin sent a message to Magnus Dayus, "I may need to cash in that chip much sooner than expected. We have received reliable information that the drow and a wing of dragons lead by Magmadon plan to attack Myth Coramanth on the night of the eclipse... if you and those willing would see fit to come stand with us... we would see that debt fulfilled."

Uther and Ursus looked to Posy, "Surely you would bring great honor to call upon our father in our time of need... You have done so much for our tribe." She nodded, her shoulders feeling heavy, "Alright. Send for Uthgart ."

Wren went to Raven, to tell her of the coming battle. She gestured to her side, "You remember Kale, my fiance." "So... you finally decided to bring him home," Raven nodded, "Loch and Crowe have already told me all about him. Wren laughed softly, thinking to herself that they probably hadn't told her EVERYTHING, "Not a shock... but you should hear it from my lips." "And you seem different as well," Raven looked her over curiously. "I swapped patrons," Wren nodded. "I see," her mother nodded, "I sense that the forces of lies and deceit are no longer with you... so... you can no longer lie to your mother." She smirked. Wren laughed, "That may be true... but it doesn't mean that I have to answer everything to my mother either." Raven nodded. Wren went on to tell of her of the coming battle, "We should move our sisters into the mountains with the Eisenhammer dwarves along with the other civilians." Raven agreed, "Very well. We will send the younger into hiding... but myself, Loch, Crowe, and Ibis will stand with you and your lover." "It's going to be dangerous," Wren looked her over, "How are you feeling with your new familiar? Not to insult you... but are you sure you're ready for this?" "I have a debt to pay to the drow... that I am eager to repay now that I am fully myself," the coven leader nodded, determined. Wren frowned, "I hear they have the Mindbreaker's Brain..." "Well then...

Erevin returned to Shri's side, questioning Queelest for any more details.

Horitsu spoke with Clan Eisenhammer and arranged for the children and elderly to travel up the river to the mountains where King Mogrim would welcome them in. The tunnels to the drow had been collapsed, but they were patrolling the area just in case.

There was confusion among the elves. The children and elderly didn't want to leave the city or their loved ones. Erevin and Posy encouraged them to go to help the dwarves. The Garishthimbles took Lucias with them to the mountain as well.

Yienshul had put on leather armor and was holding a blade, "I am young and able. I can fight." Erevin raised an eyebrow. "I need to protect my brother and Thorn," she nodded. Thorn shook his head, "I'm deferring that answer to Kale." Erevin looked back and forth between the two and sighed, "I say we send her to the kitchen where she can help prepare food for those who fight." Wren stepped over and laid an encouraging hand on Yien's shoulder before she could protest further, "She IS a great baker." "Yeah... I am," Yien agreed with her, "Aren't my muffins the best?" "Oh your muffins are so moist," Thorn nodded, agreeing with her. "I have heard of your muffins," Erevin nodded, sending her to help in the palace.

Myth Coramanth was like a ghost town with many sent away. Costumes laid on empty beds unused. There was no festivities in the streets.

Silvermane was one of the first to arrive. Erevin clasped his arm, thanking him for coming. "It is my pleasure. You have done much... though many do not realize it... for the world already. Although the forces of Sanctuary are small... We remember what you did for the city... and to prevent things that could have happened," Silvermane nodded, "I have come ahead... I shall bring along some of the more proficient students from my university in Sanctuary and they will lend what aid they can with their magic." Erevin bowed his head appreciatively, "Thank you." The mage was accompanied by several others... Argent, Caustus Farneel , Freya and Seerah Von Nimbus , and Bloodworth Arclight. He gestured to the silver-haired beautiful woman to his right, "Argent here will also lend her aid." "That's right!" Argent nodded, "I've got your backs. More folks should be coming along as well." Wren greeted them all, thanking them for coming. Bloodworth nodded to her, " Midori is outside of the city... he refused to come in the gates... or he's unable to enter. It was unclear." Wren blushed and nodded, "I will go to greet him at once." A bronzed skin half-elf was among them as well, introducing himself as Nymmurh, "We have come at Aurax's bidding." Wren clasped his arm warmly, "Thank you for coming." Erevin nodded, "Come, I will make introductions to Lady Lionspaw." Nymmurh nodded, "If Magmadon is part of this attack on Myth Coramanth... We, as part of the Council of Dragons, can not permit this. It would be another Lyrabar... Our reputation... took enough damage with that."

Not long after that, Magnus Dayus arrived with several paladins, including Magarite and Alexander Brightwood. Their armor was decorated in their holy symbol of Lathander, and it gleamed in the sunlight. Behind them, several others entered. The pink-haired sorceress, Samira. The leader of the druid park, Rayum Castle. Trey Castle, the head of the arcane university in Lyrabar. He shook both Silvermane and Erevin's hands, "The faculty from the University will also be lending their might to Myth Coramanth." Wren looked at all of the people gathering, her eyes shining, "Such a response... I am overwhelmed... and most grateful." "It is the least we can do to transport so many up here," Trey nodded and glanced with a dirty look at the paladins, "Fortunately they can summon their horses after." "That is beneficial," Erevin agreed. "It is," Magnus nodded, his magnificent armored steed now next to him with sparkling blue eyes.

An hour or so later... Uthgart appeared bearing the sword of Tempus. Posy ran to greet him, embracing him tightly! He wrapped her in a great bear hug, "You have done me a great honor! Tempus shall sing in battle tonight." He handed her her blade. She grinned, "Let's go get a drink."

20 heavily armored dwarves arrived from Clan Eisenhammer lead by Goram in full ceremonial armor, "Mogrim was pissed off that his duties as King didn't let him come here... but I am representing the honor of Eisenhammer." "We are honored to have you," Erevin nodded. He gestured to a large wagon with several barrles, "For when we win the battle." The elven prince grinned, "I'll tap the first one with you."

The sultry black clad witches of Raven's Nest arrived. Raven went to hug and greet Magarite as Crowe and Loch went to hug and greet Wren. Crowe eyed all of the arriving men, "Oh... look at that one! He's all bronze and handsome." Wren laughed, "You're shameless!"

Erevin wrapped his prayerbeads around his hand as the moon was slowly shrouded in shadow... until the night went black. A human voice called out from the trees, "Dragons! High in the sky!" The battle horn sounded loudly. Small silhouettes of dragons soared against the tiny dots of starlight in the sky. Whistles followed by crashes came falling out of the sky... raining down oil on the city. "They are flying above the mythal... and letting gravity do the work," Attalicus explained, "Most of the civilians have gone to safety... but they are trying to burn the city."

"Fire brigades," Erevin nodded, directing several people, "Until there is combat to be had." Nymmurh glanced up, "If we don't go up there and stop them... they will eventually burn the city." "Then take me up," the elven prince nodded to him.

As the first wave of dragons circled around and the next wave came, there was more whistling as great metal diamond-shaped cages dropped to pierce into the ground! Drow came pouring out of the cages, including Z'ress who was now in possession of the sword, Eclipse.

She viewed the crowd and narrowed in on the elven prince, "I have give up everything for this moment..." "Not yet you haven't," he taunted her. "My father was weak... so I took the sword from his dying hands. He thought there could be peace between our peoples... but you and I know differently," She charged toward him, "It can only end one way..." "In fire," he pulled his bow, aiming for her. Z'ress ran with quick speed... and as she grew closer... he could see why the drow were inside the mythal... "I HAVE given up everything... Szass Tam sends his regards!" Fangs showed in her undead mouth as she gaped it open to hiss at him!