The Booke of Arcana - Group 1

Pelor and Heironious, gods of the sun and of justice pace around their viewing room, glancing every once in awhile at a pool of water in the center of the room which reflects the goings on of Elthyria.

"It's getting worse..." Heironious said, "What are we going to do? At this rate, Elthyria will fall and it will no longer be a place of peace."

"We were not meant to meddle in the affairs of mortals." Pelor replied, "However, this will escalate and once Elthyria is taken by it, it will start to effect us. Bloodraven is seeking the answers on how to become a god..."

"And our enemies, the evil gods are supporting him in this..." Heironious added.

Pelor walked to the pool and looked down into it, watching the world of man, then he smiled, "We may not be able to directly help mortals...but there's nothing that says we can't give them a friendly shove in the right direction..." The pool shifted, and rippled and then a woman came into view. She was sitting in a chair....reading. Usually there is nothing peculiar about someone reading, but she had a white sash tied around her eyes, obviously blinded by it to be reading. A snowy white owl was perched on her shoulder. It too seemed to be reading the contents of the book.

"Ah yes...Navari Valance..." Heironious muttered, "Her father was a planeswalker, wasn't he?"

"Yes." Pelor replied, "One of the last...murdered by Bloodraven because he would not join the Order. Because she was so young, Bloodraven tortured her and blinded her as a warning not to go against him...but...Thomas Valance knew he was going to be killed, and he passed his knowege onto his daughter."

"Knowledge?" Heironious asked.

"The Knowledge of the Booke of Arcana...where it lies...and how to get past it's obstacles in hopes that she could claim the book and put an end to The Order's reign. He was one of the 12 that constructed the book...going from world to world gathering up every spell not yet recorded."

"Surely Bloodraven would want such a book..."

"He knows of it, but believes it to be nothing but a myth. With that, we have an advantage over him...she is going to have to set out soon to find the booke...so we can put a stop to this before it's too late. Avery!"

There was a little pop and a small little girl with tiny angel wings appeared. She wore white robes and sandals on her feet. Golden bangles jingled on her wrists and her long golden hair flowed down to the small of her back. Her eyes were pale blue. "You called?" She said in a sweet, childish voice.

"Yes. I need you to go to Navari Valance and give her a message from the gods. Tell her it is time for her to seek out the Booke and accomplish her father's wishes."

"Pelor...surely she can't do this alone?" Heironious interjected.

"Of course not." He said dismissively, "Avery, once you speak to her, I want you to seek out these people to meet up with her and help her. I have been watching these selected individuals for awhile now, and I find them capable of accomplishing the task at hand."

Avery nodded, and from out of nowhere there appeared a piece of parchment and a quill in her hands as she began to scribble down the names Pelor gave her.

"Drios the Gargoyle (Avery jumped slightly at this name and made an accidental mark on the parchment with her quill), Jinhosa Asheye, Joshua Sage, Heiola Setilan, and Haruette Arnold." Pelor smiled at Avery.

"Done!" She said in triumph, "I won't let ya down, sir!" She said with a salute and then she put the parchment into a pocket on her robes and jumped into the pool of water.

"Now..." Pelor said, "We wait."

*******************************

Navari sat in a big comfy chair by the fire blazing in the hearth reading a big, thick, leather bound book titled "The Adventures of Sir Gwain: A Knight's Tale. She had read it multiple times, but it was one of her favorites. Luka, her snowy white owl was perched on her shoulder reading the book as well, for he was the only way Navari could see. Their telepathic link allowed her to see through his eyes so she wasn't completely blind, but saw the world from his eyes. It took her awhile to get used to at first, but now she figured if she ever did get her normal eyesight back it would be unfamiliar.

There was a sudden loud pop, and Navari jumped, the book slipped out of her hands, and with a loud hoot, Luka flew up into the rafters, Navari all the while seeing through his eyes as he flew upwards. He scanned around and saw the source of the noise - a small child with angel wings was hovering just in front of Navari's face. Seeing from Luka's point of view, she saw herself sitting in the chair with girl hovering only inches from her face.

"Who are you?" Navari asked calmly.

"My name is Avery!" The girl said happily, "I was sent to you with a message from the gods!"

Navari raised her eyebrows. She had long ago lost faith in the gods, blaming them for what happened to her...what happened to her parents...and what is happening to the world. Therefore, she did not bother wasting breath on prayer, or energy on worship.

When she didn't say anything, Avery became somewhat uncomfortable, "So...umm...anyway...I was told to tell you that you need to start...umm...the quest that your father set before you long ago...to find the book he helped create...the book that can end The Order's tyranny."

Navari stood up and picked her book up off the floor, "And why can't they do it themselves? They're gods. Surely they can just come on down here and get the book themselves. For that matter, they're gods. Can't they just wave their hands and kill all the members of the Order? That would be much more convenient."

Avery looked offended, "They aren't allowed to meddle in the affairs of mortals! It's against their rules!"

Navari laughed, "Luka, point me to the bookcase." Navari's view of things shifted as Luka, from atop the rafters, looked over at the book case. Navari made her way over to it slowly, being careful not to bump into anything, and slid the book back into the book case, "Well then that is a problem isn't it?"

Avery screwed up her face in anger, "Ooooh! But you PROMISED YOUR FATHER!"

Navari froze. Avery had evidently struck a nerve, "That...was long ago. Before my parents were murdered...and before I was tortured and blinded. I can't keep my promise."

"You have to, Navari...that book is the only way the Order can be stopped...and only you know the way to it...don't think about this as being a mission to complete on behalf of the gods then, but think about all the innocent people who are being forced to do evil things for the Order...who are being killed by the Order...they need to be stopped, and you're the only one who can do that."

"Alone?" Navari said, contemplating things.

"No...I was given a whole list of people the gods think will be beneficial to you on this quest." She smiled, "Once I'm done here, I am supposed to go fetch them for you."

Navari thought for a moment. "What do you think, Luka?" She asked the owl. Luka ruffled his feathers before answering, I think we should do this. We've been stuck in this tower for AGES...and it is only a matter of time before The Order starts clearing out this forest for more of their cities. I think we should do it.

Navari sighed, "Fine. I will do this...but it's not for the gods. I'm doing it for us mortals. The ones the gods have seemed to forgotten."

Avery didn't argue. She was just happy she got Navari to oblige, "Tomorrow...tomorrow..." She thought about Drios the gargoyle, "Tomorrow night I will have everyone here in your tower...then you can set out." With another "pop!" Avery disappeared.

Navari heaved a heavy sigh and fell back into her chair. Luka came and perched on her shoulder once more, Come on, Vari. This will be a grand adventure! We can finally avenge your parents, and yourself.

"Yeah.." Was all Navari had to say.

~Hemiola Setilan~

*Olanthigar Order's Capital*

It was the end of the afternoon that looked rather normal;

Some alarms were ringing in a large basement where many things were being processed. Short after many security guard were running trought the city trying to find the one who had came uninvited into their building.

''hmmm... My luck sure runs well today~ Got a free ride into the city, got a trail to an important building fast enough, infiltrated without too much problem and escaped without being seen...or partially seen I guess. '' She thought out loud in a corner.

Two guards then came to her looking at her with strange glare.

''Young lady, you will have to remove this hood of yours.'' One said with rather an arrogant tone.

''Yeah show us your pretty face, to show us your not suspicious.'' The other one said with a grin.

''....Sure thing....'' She said directing her hands toward her hood, but then she quickly change that into punches under their chin. ''How do you like my pretty punches ? '' She said with a smile as she ran away.

More guard spotted her running. Whistles could be heard as well as guards shouting to close the gates where she was heading. ''I Guess my luck was a bit out in the end, but i'm not worried.... they're not fast enough.'' She thought as she charged directly trought the gates.

''SHOOOT!'' Was all that could be heard from behind her. She smirked and let out some small round smoke bombs. The smokes was pretty thick making it impossible for them to aim directly at her and just before the gate would be totally closed she barely passed out of the gates.

''That was careless....risky and dangerous ... nothing like the ways my dad ever thought me, but it sure was....exiting... She thought with a smile as she continue to run trought the forest.

After a couple of hours she stop at a river to refresh and look at the sun that had started it's descending course. ''Hmm... Looks like i'll have to call it a day soon...and lucky me...there seem to be a cavern nearby. Hmm though hopefully I didn't go outside empty handed...I 'borrowed' some.... maps of what look to be the last dwarves hideout... Guess they won't be using it now. '' She said with a smile as she put them into her small backpack under her cloak.

She then started to go inside the cavern that wasn't far at all from there and went a bit deeper in so that she wouldn't be seen from the outside. Settling down she went back outside to get some wood and made a small fire. Then she lay down near the wall and close her eyes.

In matters of minutes she was asleep tired of her long day.

Haruette awoke to the sound of her mother telling her to get out of bed. Haruette grumbled as she rubbed her eyes and sat up on her bed. She resting due to training all day, and only wanted to spend the night in bed. She got herself dressed in casual clothes, and walked down to her mother's room, where her mother was sitting at a table, writing as an elf combed her hair. She said: "It's your turn to get the firewood, Haruette." Haruette sighed and leaned on the doorway.

"Can't you go do it? I spent all day practicing what you just taught me. Also, isn't a little late to go now?" Haruette complained.
"Now, Haruette, we agreed that you would help me in return for me teaching you magic instead of the instructors here. And besides, we're running dangerously low on firewood at the moment. I trust that you can take care of the task even though it's dark outside. You only have to get enough wood to last for the night." The mother replied somewhat mockingly. Haruette couldn't argue against that, so she tiredly walked back to her room, got dressed in her normal outside clothes, and made her way to the back of the house.

Haruette took out a lantern sitting next to the wall and lighted it with the pieces of flint found next to the lantern. She then searched for the wheel barrow and took it with her as she walked into trees behind the house. "Can't believe my mother sent me into the woods at night just to get some firewood. What if there's a burglar waiting in these very trees? I didn't even bring my bow and arrows." Haruette then felt tempted to take off her eye patch in hoping she would be able to see better, but she decided not to. Haruette carefully walked throughout the trees, picking up any fallen branches or large pieces of wood and placing them in the wheel barrow.

Haruette continued walking until she came to a point where it was impossible to push the wheel barrow any farther. "I suppose this should be enough..." Haruette quietly said to herself. She turned the wheel barrow around and walked back on the path she took. Haruette felt relieved to be going back to her home, but she still hardly felt safe. When Haruette reached her house, she rolled the wheel barrow into the basement and left it there with the firewood. She then put out the lantern and left it in the basement as well. Haruette went back upstairs and announced to her mother that the firewood was down in the basement. "Good job, dear. See, I knew you would be fine out there." Her mother chimed. Haruette sighed and dragged her feet back to her bed.

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios)

Hearing someone coming and then asking her question she opened her eyes slowly and sit down to look at the person in front of her. He seemed human and she was wondering why someone would live in a cave like this.

''Oh, really I didn't knew someone was already using that cave. And as for what I am doing...'' She said getting up. ''I was simply resting from my hard day.'' She said as she didn't want to let any detail that would make her suspicious of being agaisnt the order. We're never too carefull, on these dark days, you couldn't trust anyone.

''What about you ? It musn't be entirely confortable into a cave for a living. Unless it's more cause you prefer the wild side. '' She said looking at him and wondering on wich side he was. Was it on the order side ? Against it ? Or simply neutral and hiding from it? Many questions like this were crossing her mind. However she was playing it carefull not to let him know too much. Looking more like an elf was making it harder to hide. If anyone would see her face uncovered they would know.

(ATTN : Drios)

''I see, well I enjoy natural scenery over cities myself. '' She said looking at the teenage boy. She then smile and reply to him ''Thank you for letting me rest here for the night, I'll leave at sunrise don't worry.''

''Although I would mind a midnight snack.... I didn't eat that much in the day. I'll go try to get fish maybe want any ?'' She said trying to be nice with the boy.

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios)

''Sure thing, I don't mind sharing with someone who apreciate nature.'' She said smiling. Looking around she points a river that was close and ask ''Want to meet there ? Since I imagine you're going in the forest anyway ?...''

In fact she thought the guy was pretty nice and was trying to make their meeting longer, because she wanted to know where he was standing. Of course that didn't mean she would find out and if he turned to be an order it would be trouble. Yet playing with fire carefully was always something fun to do. In her ways of thinking at the least.

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios)

At the same time as the young man she goes out of the cave and went by the river. She removed her boots and raised her leggings enough so they wouldn't get wet. Taking a couple of small knifes in her hands, she was there, not moving and waiting for the fish to come closer.

A couple of good fish were coming closer, as soon as the opportunity came she trew her small knifes so fast that they were pinned to the rocky bottom. She took them out and was wondering if it would be enough. She didn't want to take too much from the river after all.

She prepared slowly the fish to be eaten as well as a new campfire. However at some time in the preparations, she heard huge noises and growl. The birds were flying away from the source scared of the fierce battle that may be hapening.

''...Sound like either two beast or it's the young man who caught a nice prey, hum I wonder if he's okay.... but I guess as long that he's not the one screaming he's fine. She thought as she continue the preparations like nothing was hapening.

When he came back she noticed the few bruises and scrapes he had. ''Wow...looked like you had a pretty interesting fight.'' She said with a smile that then went to a big smile when she saw his share. ''Ouuh nice you're pretty skilled at hunting big. And indeed it shall be a nice feast tonight ! The campfire is ready to cook anything we want.'' She finished with a small smile.

She hoped she could show her face better to the man, but it was still too risky to do so. However she was happy she could eat with someone after such a long time. Even if he was still a complete stranger.

''Oh... and I don't think I asked you your name yet. But let me introduce myself first, my name is Hemiola.''

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios )

She looked at the young man and said ''Hum... my mom was offen playing music and she's the one who chose the name. I play from time to time myself, when I can that is.'' At the end of her sentence there was a short time where her head was a bit higher and her eyes could have be seen. They were crystal blue almost looking like the sea itself was in her eyes.

''The boar smell so delicious, been a while I didn't eat something like this. '' She said as she turned to the beast. She then look back at him ''So what about you ? '' she asked wondering what his name would be.

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios)

''I see, nice to meet you Drios.'' She said smiling. When he commented on her eyes she replied ''Thanks...and I know it's sad that i'm hiding them....but I have good reasons to hide my head. '' She finished her sentence by letting go of a small sigh. If it was up to her she would show her face to him, but she didn't know yet if it was safe enough to show her face. After all, she had been walking into the shadows for years, alone.

He then was excusing himself going back to the cavern. ''Is he okay ?....Looked like one of his wound got to him.... I would offer some elf medecine, but I dunno if it would be wise to bring it out.... Hum I'll see if he's okay first. She thought to helself watching on their diner and then looked out to the cavern to see him come back.

''Are you alright Drios ?'' She said with a caring tone.

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios)

''Good'' She said relieved that he was okay. However his next word brought a face in shock as he brought up that she would be an elf or an half elf. Questions was crossing her mind and she became quite defensive. ''If he knows and that he's in the order. I could be in danger. However.... I don't know yet where he stand....'' She thought not knowing what to say or do about the situation.

However one question crossed her mind ''How do you know ? '' She said trying to stay calm.

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios)

At the mention that he wasn't with the order, she was relieved. And listening to his explaination she replied ''I see, you're pretty good... in fact i'm an half-elf, but I look a lot more elf then human. Wich is why i've been covering my identity well... You know, you're the first in years of lonely travels I would feel to be able to trust. Maybe one would call it weird.'' She finished with a small chuckle.

''Anyway i'm glad you're not with the order... I'll keep your secret lair a secret as well.'' She said smiling. I guess .... I could show him in the end. She thought letting go of a small sigh.

She slowly removed her hood from her her and under it was a beautifull and sweet looking face. Her skin was almost as pale as elf but less then most of them. Her hairs were platine blonde and a bit curly, they were tied in a ponytail on the left of her head. She also had small elven ears, smaller then regular elf. Those blue eyes of her were the trait that came out the most outstanding of all.

''There, this is.....how I look'' she said with a smile. ''Oh, and in case you would have some trouble with those wounds of yours....here'' She add taking out a small pot. ''It's elven medecine. I know how to make it so you can take it. I have one more anyway.'' She says with a caring smile again.

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios)

She couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction on her look. ''You're funny. '' She said as she started to laugh with him. She then reply about the skin ''Yeah I know.''

When he declined the elven medecine offer she said ''Alright, feel free to ask if you need any though. '' She put the medecine back in her pocket and snif the air. ''Look like it's ready soon indeed. Smell good''

''And... you mentioned quest ? Must be hard to fufill a quest alone. These past year i've been playing with the fire a lot, trying to snatch info on the order. I didn't get that much though.... I wish I could help all these peoples suffering.... however alone it's just not possible.'' She said looking sad a bit. ''Sorry for this little moment. Haha'' She said with a small chuckle again.

~Hemiola Setilan~

(ATTN : Drios)

''Hm, I think everyone own them for what they did, only not anyone is a fighter.... As for the brought it on ourselves, maybe you're right on some point. But still they were attacking with such power.... '' She let a sigh down and add ''If i'm here today it's because my parents protected me, otherwise I would probably be dead. ''

''But the past is the past... '' She says with a small smile that turned into a laugh when she saw Drios eat. ''Wow you sure are hungry ! Guess i'll dig in as well.'' She cut a leg as well and start eating.

[Attn: Drios, Hemiola]

There was a loud pop as the tiny little angel appeared in the cave. She fluttered in the air before the two she sought, and a mischievous grin spread across her face as she saw their surprise.

"Hello!" She said cheerfully, "Sorry if I've interrupted anything..." She circled around them, "I'm Avery, messenger of the gods! I've come here because you both have been chosen to help in a quest that can rid the world of The Order and it's tyranny." She grinned at Drios, anticipating the answer of which he would give, and waiting to give the retort she had prepared.