6.03a - The Forge

((To make up for the delay - a longer than usual segment - Happy Christmas))

Anneleigh left the observation spot and made her way along the known trails, watching for signs of the courier or his dark package.   Before too long she found his resting space, undeniably death touched and impossible to miss.  As she approached the courier, she thought he saw the hint of a smile on his face.

She came up and stood just outside the perimeter of the planar reach.  The courier watched her for a few moments, panting with exhaustion, sometimes grimacing in pain.  After a few minutes of silent observations, on both the part of the courier and Anneleigh, he finally spoke.

Holiday Delay

I received a surprise in the form of two little overnight guests - my 9 and 5 year old nieces.  So today will be a baking and fun day.... Story will come tomorrow.

Thanks for your understanding.
Melissa

1.03g - The Transmission

Gwenllian, being the only ascended among the group, volunteered to check the area.  To her surprise and relieve, none in the company objected or requested to escort her.  As quickly as she could manage, she made her way to Twilit Stand, an area of Moonshade known for its rolling hills, high trees, and view of The Sanctum of the Vigil. 

6.02a - Redsnow Courier

The third husband walked Anneleigh to the place he lost track of his wife’s footprints in the snow.  From there, she was able to use her hunting skills to track the woman.  Bent branches here and there as well as a few disturbed piles of snow lead her to the third husband’s wife.  Curiously the other two women were with her.  They were huddled in a small clearing, surrounding a few candles, some of which had burnt themselves out, others had been blown out by the wind.  Hanging around the neck of each of the deceased woman is a Couldbourne Ice Necklace.  The men had described the trinkets as a protection against evil, but it seems these victims did not reap those benefits.

Minor Delays

Dear Readers;

Just a quick note to let you know this week's story, for both Anneleigh and Gwenllian, will be slightly delayed do to holiday festivities.  I will have them published by Sunday, but with any luck earlier than this. 

Thank you for your understanding.
Melissa

6.01A - Cloudbourne Protection

Anneleigh walked through the quiet village until she came to Kain’s command at the far end of the settlement.  Though she was shivering with the cold and blowing snow, she remained out in the open to observe.  Kain was in conversation with his soldiers and she did not want him to see her in cover and think she eavesdropped on a private conversation.

“The work you’ve been doing here has not gone unnoticed.  Cyril himself has sent commendations, but I’ll dispense with the pleasantries.”

6.00A - Iron Pine Peak Story Summary

This post will chronicle the story of Anneleigh as she travels through Iron Pine Peak, helping citizens, Kain, and the Icewatch.

Although the Iron Pine Peak story starts at the Chancel of Labours, I've chosen to begin Anneleigh's journey at Whitefall, opting to hold the Chancel story until it fits within the timeline at a later point.

Below, you will find a listing of each story, a short outline of that weeks post, as well as significant story moments and characters.

1.02G - The Relics

Gwenllian returned to Talvar, unsure if she found any information that the council would think useful.  When she entered the house she found the room a buzz with planning and excitement.

“We’ve got our first lead, Linny.” Hartigan said.  “The local wildlife has been turning up dead, tainted by planar energy.  Garret just returned from a hunting trip to the coast.  Tell her what you told us, Garret.”

“The Azure Blade has landed on the shores to the south!” said the large dwarf to her right.  She thinks back, trying to remember Garret from her memory but decides this must be the first time they’ve met.   She smiles at him, trying to work up the same level of excitement he was showing.

“Who are the Azure Blades?”  Gwenllian asked.

5.08A - Kain's Mission Complete

Anneleigh crouched beside the shaken prisoner.  He groaned and then looks up to see her.

“What.... What happened?”

“I believe Doctor Visek had kidnapped you and created his vessel around you.”

The prisoner cried out, not in pain but in distress.  “I remember now, yes.”  He puts his head in his hands and shakes his head.  The movement gives Anneleigh the impression of he is trying to shake off a horrible memory.  “I was the vessel; the souls of others have been trapped with me.  The shell of the gnarlbone was only an exterior.”

5.08A - Doctor Visek

Carwin and Anneleigh agreed; there was no time to waste in ridding Scarwood reach of Doctor Visek.  Hoping that Marshal Kain would understand, she disregarded the order to proceed to Camp Cestus and made her way to the Barricade in Shatterbone Canyon.

She found Dame Levitia Volya already stationed in barricade’s command.

“I’ve been sent to kill Doctor Visek.”  Anneleigh said to the commander, who was clearly not expecting her.

1.01G - Returning to Three Springs.

“Gwenllian, A message from Borrin Gammult .” A messenger said to the young dwarf as he handed her a letter.

“Did he what this was about?” she asked, as she tied her long brown hair out of her face and ripped open the letter.

“No, miss, just asked me to deliver this to you.”

Written on the notice, in large, but tidy, handwriting, were the words “Three Springs sends word. Go to Talvar as soon as you can.”

1.00G - Gwenllian's Tale: Story Summary

Gwenllian's tale will be told in a slightly different way than Anneleigh's.  Her story will take place in two, relatively long, parts, rather than segmented by zones I have done with the travels of the high elves.  I am also completing her quests as a level 50, and will more easily have access to story elements like chronicles and raid instances.

As with Anneleigh's story, the following post is the highlights of Gwenllian's journey.

5.07a - The Shrine of Thedeor

Anneleigh walked towards the old, gray-haired, and bearded sage, who was grinning ear to ear.  After the day’s events, it was a relief to see he obviously had good news.

“Thank you for your assistance against the Shatterbone cultists, Anneleigh.” He began as he led her to one of the worship rows to sit down.  “Nothing can repay the debt our order owes you, but perhaps this may aid you some.”

Special Letter to Readers

Hello Friends,

This week is monumental in many ways; the most important to our community being the upcoming stormfront.  Crucia has succeeded in her plans and a Queen from a distant land comes to the Telara shores seeking help from the ascended.  I'm speaking, of course, about the expansion that releases early this week.  It may be some time before our hero reaches Dusken, she still has many battles to wage on Telara. (To be clear, when I say Telara, I mean the original continent.  Dusken is still on our planet, but a new and exciting continent across the ocean.)

This is also a very special week for the blog Anneleigh Ascended.  One year ago next week I began writing the stories of a High Elf who experienced ascension at the time of the shade. 

So, instead of writing a new story piece this week, I wanted to highlight some projects  from other creative people who play rift.  I hope visiting them will spark a creativity movement throughout the community.  Stay tuned after the reviews - I've also got an important announcement about Anneleigh Ascended.

5.06 - The Cultist

The Sagespire monks led Anneleigh inside and sat her down in an area that looked very much like a kitchen.  It had a closed in feeling, rather unlike the open worship room she had been welcomed into earlier.  She got the impression the monks wished to be a little more secretive with their next task.

“This report was discovered on the corpse of a Shatterbone Cultist.  Inside, it gives evidence of a Shatterbone spy within The Sagespire.”, said the first sage. 

5.05 - The Portal

Anneleigh gathered the pieces of the Chain of Command and started the trek north along the pathway Marshal Kain described.   He had told her it would be impossible to miss the Sagespire, and he was right.  Even before she neared its foundations, high in the Scarwood Hills, she could see the tower.  Stretching as high as Auzl Warden, and possibly as old, or older, as the ancient tree, Anneleigh found herself wondering about the purpose of the structure.

5.04 - Heart of Mathos

On her way out of the Lord’s Hall, Anneleigh kept a watchful eye on the disrupted debris of the now silent chambers.   She found several artifacts that she believed might be worth collecting and pocketed the items; a tarnished heavy chain with a Mathosian engraving, a jagged object that emitted a strange purple glow, a clasp or tie of silver, a cracked gem mount.   Strangely, many of the pieces seemed to fit together, forming some sort of amulet; complete, though damaged, aside from the missing gemstone.  Anneleigh tested the glowing artifact in the empty place, but it did not complete the set.

5.03 - The Lord's Hall

Anneleigh approached the base of the stair and began to climb.  She could feel the cold of the wind against her back as she climbed further up the cliff face.  After about twenty minutes, and what felt like 100 steps, she reached the top.  Many spiders and webbed figures dotted the small lawn.  They took little notice of her, but she moved through them with caution anyway.  Across the plateau rose another staircase.  Anneleigh realized, with an uncomfortable stitch in her side, that she must have only reached a small landing, not the top.

5.02 - Apparitions of Old

“Just southwest of here, our thrust into Lord’s Hall has been blunted by unexpectedly heavy resistance.”  Marshal Kain said, “ Sir Piotr Siennicki has been tasked with several critical objectives.  Why don’t you head down there and see if you can lend him your unique skillset.”

As he spoke a young woman approached their circle, trailed by another soldier who was taking notes.  “That report makes it sound like the fool ran into an abomination.”  She said to the soldier, who nodded and left the group.”  The young woman sighed and focused on Kain.  “We’re here after artifacts from the Mathsian War and to restore the protective shrines, not for some snot-nosed recruit to be scaring people with imagined stories from the last war.”

5.01 - Introductions

Anneleigh remained in Sanctum for several days, refreshing her body, mind, and spirit, and preparing for the journey ahead.  When at last she felt strong enough she departed via the porticulum for Crimson Wash – the most westerly place she had visited thus far, and began the trip into Scarwood Reach on foot.

5.00 - Scarwood Reach Story Summary

This posting serves as the summary and index of the journey through Scarwood Reach. It includes posting numbers, characters and extras important to the story.

It is updated as the story progresses.

4.03 - Rock Ridge

Anneleigh, the Priestess Hellen, and Sir Armex turned as one at the sound.   Its resonance caused the windows of the houses to shudder and the fire to flicker dangerously.  The pressure wave that followed a few seconds later smelled of ash and was warmer than any summer breeze she had ever felt.  In the distance above the low mounds and tall clay pillars they could see the fire rift erupting.

“That’s over Rock Ridge.  I know it is.”  Ser Armex said

4.02 - Demon Steps

“I’ve felt a dark presence in the Demon Steps... It can only be Angdralthus, the lich sent by the Endless Court to oversee their operations.”  The priestess Hellen said. 

Anneleigh looked around to the piles of bodies and swarms of endless cultists and Hellen noticed her gaze. 

“The sooner we rid Scarlet Gorge of the Endless, the sooner we can better assist those who have already perished, but we are likely to lose more lives if we do not act quickly.”  She said.  “You must acquire his phylactery if you hope to defeat him. “

4.01 - Crimson Wash

Anneleigh blinked and looked around before realizing where she had been transported.  Grateful she did not have to reveal her secret to Gwyddon, she looked up the road to the inn, the thought of a decent sleep in her mind.  Instead she saw Marshal Oakheart coming to her side.

“The shadows are falling away.  The unnatural darkness is lifting.  If I had to guess I’d say you had something to do with it.”  Oakheart said with a smile, something she had never seen him do.

4.00 - Scarlet Gorge Story Summary

The following post is a summary of the events in Scarlet Gorge, including important story points, characters and events.  This will be updated each week as the story progresses.

3.14 - The Stranger and the Rift

Anneleigh and Gwyddon, still in their wolfish forms, made their way through Shadefallen keep, following the path upward as it twisted around on itself, until they reached the highest platform.  Neither of them said anything as they walked. 

When they approached the Alter at the far end of the dais they saw the Hag had already arrived, and she had a guest.

3.13 - The Shade Well

Anneleigh and Gwyddon in their new forms followed Laria’s instructions to the summoning circle of Malevolent Shade Well.  As Laria predicted, they were able to walk freely among the cultists and their summons. 

3.12 - The Hag's Curse

Anneleigh and Gwyddon listened as Brother Jebiah described how to find the Hag’s Cottage.  As it happened, it was not far from Tearfall Run.  The research camp had been set up in the shadow of both the cottage and Shadefallen Keep, the old Mathosian castle of this area that has now been overrun with endless cultist.

3.11 - The Hag's Diary

Anneleigh stood to leave, but Laria raised her hand. 

“I can do one better at the moment.  Best not to enter the cottage until my sister has her focus trained on you.  You can do so much good before she suspects you have found out her plot.”

Anneleigh nodded and returned to her chair.    

Laria was quiet for a long moment, and when she spoke, she once again sounded tired and weak.  “You have already heard me tell you I am indirectly to blame for this mess.  It is not because I took up arms with my sister, but because I had insight I refused to share.”  She sighed and lowered her head, a show of defeat Anneleigh had never associated with the spirit guardian.  

Letter To Readers

Hello Friends,

Thank you all for your continued feedback.  I welcome all comments and truly appreciate all the suggestions and love shown towards my stories.  I write today on a particularly unfortnate matter.

In the past month I have been receiving a number of comments that appear to be more ad space than genuine comment.  This becomes a particular problem when the links and websites may be questionable in content or web-safety.  It has become quite the challenge to decide which posts are harmless and which are really only attempting to bump their own page hit count. In order to remain 100% age appropriate for every reader, and to have greater control over which websites I appear to support.   I have made the following decision. 

From this point forward, comments advertising other websites will be deleted.  You are still welcome to leave a comment with your link in your name, but visible links, "visit me" text, and or "my website has a new post" gives the appearance I support a project I may not. 

I am happy to plug websites that I think have real substance, but I feel there is a better way than blind links in the comments.  If you have a website you'd like me to link, please email me.  If I feel it is in keeping with the spirit of this blog, I may include your link on my sidebar.

Thanks for your cooperation in this matter.

Anneleigh

3.10 - The Brugher

When Anneleigh returned to Gloamwood pines she was surprised to find Doctor Oswell continuing about his business as if nothing had happened.  In the back of her mind she was sure he would have heard his fraud had been found out – that he would be packing his belongings and trying to sneak off into Scarlet Gorge.  Instead, she found him in much the same position as before; tending to the infected and sick.

3.09 - Research Grant

Anneleigh followed path back to Tearfall Run.  As she approached the small research party she passed Laria’s forest Alter and grimiced.  Right now all she wanted was an impossible wish, a wish for further instruction from the forest guardian, but she knew Gwyddon was right.  Laria would return to Gloamwood only when she was strong enough to continue the fight.

The research party was composed of a young woman, whom Anneleigh supposed to be Fiona, a dwarf monk and several assistants and guards.  Anneleigh approached Fiona and relayed her instructions.

Oh what a small break can do to story flow

Hello fellow inhabitants of Telara and welcome to anyone who has not yet made Telara their home.

This week's episode will be delayed until at least tomorrow.  I wanted to put this out there incase you were waiting to see what happends to Anneleigh next.  Also, you may notice that last week's episode was an EXTRAs feature.   They share a common thread, so, I might as well come clean about the delay. *looks around sheepishly*

EXTRA - Gloamwood Pines and The Darkening Deeps

A little background on areas of Gloamwood Pine and the story about them straight from the Lore Department. (Via riftgame.com)

3.08 - Savior of Gloamwood

Blood from the slit in the Barghest’s neck dripped onto Anneleigh’s shoulder and rolled down her arm as she carried the beast back to Gloamwood Pines.  As she walked Anneleigh worked through her story.  As a result, the return journey took longer, both because of the weight of the animal and the thoughts traveling through her mind. 

3.07 - Greybriar Hollow

Disheartened, Anneleigh left the small camp and returned to Gloamwood Pines.  She was not sure what she misunderstood in the transcation, but something had gone wrong.  With no further actions to go on from Laria, she decided to return to Gwyddon to see what he suggested.    When she arrived, however, she found he was not alone.

3.06 - Millrush Pond

Anneleigh followed directions to Tearfall Run and easily found the Alter that stood nearby.  As before, she closed her eyes, placed one hand on the weather-worn surface and attempted to make contact.   With all her attention focused, this time, on speaking with Laria, she was rewarded quickly.

3.05 - Mayor Dragomir

As Anneleigh approached the camp at the Narrowing Trail Waykeeper Sera came running down the road to greet her.

“Did you find Darion alive?  I have been anxious for news since the moment you left.”

Anneleigh nodded. “He was too weak to make the trip with me, but I assured him you would not let him die once you learned where to find him.”

3.04 - The Deeps

Anneleigh followed the forest road downward towards the base of the large waterfall.  When she finally approached the waykeepers they were surprised to see her but regained their composure quickly.

“An ascended!  Thank the vigil!  My scouts narrowly avoided capture escaping the Deeps.  One reported massive stockpiles of goblin venom.  They could poison our entire water source with a supply that large.”

3.03 - The goblin plot

“I have been so weak, drained, since the rifts first tore through this wood.   When the rifts first struck, magic from Regulos, from the Death Plane, infected the pines, twisting them into hate-filled treants.  I remember little else.”  Laria said in little more than a whisper.  “I had hoped that by bonding myself with the forest, I would have the strength to fight against the shadow that consumes it.   I am weak, unable to help you further, but the power of the Ascended is like a light against this darkness, and as the darkness fades, my strength grows.   Continue about your purpose,” Anneleigh’s eyes widened and Laria must have noticed her surprise, “yes even in my weakened state I can sense your minds division.  Continue in your purpose.  When the time is right, I will find you.  You will be the undoing of the evil that has consumed my dear forest.”

3.02 - The Forest Alter

Anneleigh crossed Gloamwood Pines to find the guard post on the outskirts of town to the west. 

“Marshal Oakheart?” Anneleigh inquired of the guard captain, “The Guardian guard at Gnarlwood sent me your way.”

The marshal nodded.  “Thank you for seeking me out.  Stand tall; we have an amazing journey ahead of us!”

3.01 - On the way to Gloamwood Pines

Anneleigh approached the barrier between Silverwood and Gloamwood, wondering if it had always been there, or if its addition was due to the recent Goblin intrusion.  She thought back to her time in Silverwood but could not remember ever traveling this far into the forest.

Along the arch stood two Mathosian campers, who watched her as she approached.

“Be welcome; but remember, we have our eyes on you.  Keep your nose clean.”  The woman said. 

3.00 - Gloamwood Story Summary

This posting serves as the summary and index of the journey through Gloamwood. It includes posting numbers, characters and extras important to the story.

It is updated as the story progresses.

Special - Sanctum (Part 3)

As Anneleigh left Thontic’s Row and climbed the steps that continued the path she realized she had completely circled the basilica, returning to Tavril’s plaza and Lila Medows, the abbot of Tavril.  The abbot smiled as Anneleigh approached. 

“You have learned everything the village has to tell; now it is time to enter the holy site itself.”  Lila said.

“I am egger to see it.  I have also heard that Shyla holds council here.  Do you think she will recognise me?”

Special - Sanctum (Part 2)

Anneleigh blushed.  She did not like feeling ignorant to the ways of her fellow Guardians.  Without another word, she crossed the square, made her way through the archers who practiced their weaponry and found the man the dwarf had pointed out.

“Olaf Baldstrom?” Anneleigh asked as she approached.  “I understand you can tell me about this city.”

Special - Sanctum (Part 1)

Anneleigh crossed Silverwood and made her way to Sanctum’s Watch.  Now that the time had finally come for her to set foot into the famous city, she was feeling a little more nervous than she expected.  From across the bridge she could see the low lights of the surrounding village contrasted against the evening sky.   From the center of the village rose the towering basilica, its graceful arches and high windows only adding to its grandeur.  In short, Anneleigh was in awe of the whole thing.

Letter from the Writer

Dear Reader,

This marks the end of another chapter in Anneleigh's story.  Though I plan to have her visit Sanctum next week, it will be more of an introduction to the Capital than a pure storyline addition.  After the Sanctum piece, we will be heading to Gloamwood.

I hope you've enjoyed this chapter.  It's been very exciting to write, even if it was tricky in someplaces.  As all writers know, sometimes your characters take you places you didn't expect.  And as a reader, I hate to read repetition in action or deed.  Therefor, my efforts to avoid Anneleigh killing each foe and picking up important plot points from every dead body, I ran into a few sticky situations in story continuity.  Pair that with my personal need to stick as close to the game writing provided and you can see where I'd run into trouble.    The story of Anneleigh in the Palisade was particularly tricky.  (Go back and have a read over knowing this and you'll find the spot I went... "Oh shoot.. Now what.  AHHA!")

I look forward to diving into Gloamwood.  Gloamwood was the first "zone" I played through after deciding to make this blog.  Therefor I took quite a few more screenshots and was careful to turn off my UI more often. 

On another note, I have recently decided to open this blog to submissions.  If you would like your work featured on Anneleigh Ascended, please note the following:

2.17 - Kongeegon

Anneleigh once again entered deeper into the keep.  Niall Adnar and Emilyn Summers were not familiar with the spirit guide’s alter within the Keep; they left it to her to find and communicate with the guild.

Anneleigh searched the small alcoves and hidden caves of the Keep.  She was certain the Aelfwar would not have permitted the shrine to stand if they knew of its existence.  Logic followed that if she was sent to find it, it must be someplace hidden.

The sunlight began to fade during her third pass through; she became aware of a glowing light, illuminating a large square on the highest level.   Its dim light glowed more brightly in the twilight and had previously been obscured by a large amount of First Order Aelfwar.

2.16 - The new threat

“Kongeegon?” Tivan repeated once Anneleigh had recounted the event.  “Are you sure?”

Anneleigh nodded.  “Yes, very.  But what does that mean?

“Prince Hylas must be mad to involve himself with such powerful planar magic, yet it would explain much of the Aelfwars’ recent activities. “

“Yes, but what is Kengeegon?”

2.15 - A meeting with Prince Hylas

Loras Tivan described the goblin lord, its location, and the location of the guard responsible for arranging the meetings.

“And you don’t feel this could be a trap?” Anneleigh asked him.

“Possible, but like I said, what choice do we have?”

2.14 - Entering Overwatch Keep

Anneleigh watched the squirrel for a few moments before turning towards Quicksilver College.  No matter the hour, she felt an urgent need to find Professor Bedstraw. 

She walked the quiet college paths in the moonlight.  All of the students had returned home many hours ago, but she knew the professors kept longer hours.  At last she found him, deep in conversation with Professor Drift and one of the college guards.  All three looked relieved as she approached.

2.13 - The Palisade

Anneleigh covered her feet in first muddy earth, then spongy moss, and finally a binding of large, durable leaves and vines.  She had used this technique many times while hunting.  The earthen shoes provided a lighter footfall when tracking dear or other game.  They would do well for her travel into the Palisade.

Slowly she climbed the gentle slope until she came to the entrance of the structure.  It was designed to heighten its defenses, with much of its outer walls following the mountain’s edge higher than any Mathosian, Elf or Dwarf could reach.  Anneleigh peered towards one of the guarded openings, only to find more structure.  “A labyrinth, or simple maze?” she wondered of the entrance way. 

2.12 - EXTRA - House Aelfwar

A few excerpts from Rift-Game on House Aelfwar.

2.11 - Gutter's Cave

Anneleigh gathered her few belongings and set out north towards the goblin encampment Professor Drift described.  As she crossed into the goblin’s area, it was clear why no other soldier had succeeded.  All around her, goblins were using a combination of spell craft and blunt weapons to both slay and restrain those residents of Silverwood and Quicksilver College who had unknowingly crossed their path.  Many were still alive.  Anneleigh attempted to free them, but her strength was not sufficient to break the spell holding them to the pillars. 

2.10 - Interlude

The next morning, Anneleigh returned to Argent Glade.  After all the unsettling images she saw during the day, she felt sure she would not achieve a truly deep sleep unless she could allow herself to drift off to the sounds of the natural forest.

As she walked into the village, two Glade Guards approached her.

2.09 - Hedgerow Court

There was silence between Maris and Anneleigh while the pair absorbed the full meaning of the vision.    It was Maris who spoke first.

“What we can know for certain is, at least part of this message is prophesied; not yet come to pass.  In your vision, Hylas summoned the treants against Shyla.  This alone is the link between current and future.  Only the Vigil will know if this vision will come to pass?  We must do what we can to prevent it.  Tristan Alecourt has experience with such beings.  Perhaps he can help us learn the truth.

2.08 - Vision Quest

“Sanctum Watch?”  Anneleigh asks, for this outpost is as new to her as Sanctum itself.

Brougan quickly draws up a simple map.  “We know there are watches of Aelfwar here, here and here, so be sure to stick to the path wherever possible. “  Brougan says as he points out areas on the map to avoid.  “It’s important you reach Maris as soon as possible.”

“I understand.” Anneleigh says as she rolls up the map. 

Anneleigh set off east, towards the coast of Silverwood.  She had a vague idea of where she was heading.  The area had been one of cliffs and plateaus when she last had the need to travel there; a rocky coast carved out by ocean currents.  As she topped the crest of the final hill she was started at the development.  There before her stood a towering basilica on a small island off the coast.  A small bridge extended the path from the main land into the village surrounding the structure.  On this side of the divide was the small outpost of Sanctum Watch.

2.07 - The Mirror of Ages

And so, Anneleigh traveled west of Argent Glade, up the slight slope to the Mirror of Ages.  Though it has been twenty years since her time in Silverwood, and several years previous to even that since her last pilgrimage to the holy shrine, the Mirror of Ages had not changed.  Only the presence of the Alefwar displayed the outward signs trouble within.

As she approached the final ridge she found two archers guarding the path towards the inner circle.  If it were not for their uniform, and their obvious attempt at banning all but the Alefwar from this sight, they would be undistinguishable from her kin in Argent Glade.  Beyond them, many more of their fellows were desecrating alters in plain sight.  Anneleigh allowed the anger she felt towards them to flow through her veins. 

2.06 - House Aelfwar

When dawn broke Anneleigh felt more refreshed than she had at any time in her recent life.  The heat in the air seemed lessened.  The dew on the grass was proof of the return of much needed moisture to the woods.  At peace, but understanding the feeling was an illusion created by the softness of life in Argent Glade, Anneleigh sought out Brougan Grote, the elf who had been steward of the town for as long as anyone could remember.

2.05 - Fire Rifts

On the surface, everything in Silverwood appeared as it had 20 years ago.  The forest was just as lush and vibrant as it always had been.  Yet something lying just under the surface disturbed her.   Anneleigh could not put her finger on exactly what had changed but could feel it in the air as she walked from tree to tree deep in the woods.  There were fewer animals, to be sure, and those that Anneleigh did come across seemed strange, almost unnatural.  There was also a peculiar heat that never truly seemed to dissipate. 

2.04 - EXTRA - The Wanton

A few excerpts from RiftGame.com on the Wanton and Maelforge.

2.03 - Specter of Maelforge

“Osteneer is dead?” Catelyn asked when Anneleigh returned to her a few moments later.  “This is excellent news.  We will have many battles against the Defiants at this place in the coming years, but you will be remembered as the hero who won the first.”

Anneleigh smiled.  “Very kind praise for very little work.  It was the Vigil, not I, who slain the commander.”

Catelyn nodded and smiled.  “You do the work of the Vigil, Anneleigh.  The honor goes to you.”

Catelyn’s words were drowned out by a commotion over the nearest ridge.  As both elves turned to see what had caused the disturbance, Catelyn spoke.

2.02 - Founder's Threshold

“The others live.”  Anneleigh exclaims.  “I was not told.  This is wonderful news.”  She beams from ear to ear.  “Captain, we cannot fail now. I am a single hunter, but see now how the Vigil blesses their chosen.”

“We’re not victorious yet.  The others from the bridge seem to have fallen unconscious in the blast.”

2.01 - The Ascended Returns

Anneleigh pressed her hands to her ears to muffle the sound, closed her eyes and counted to 10, shook her head; nothing would rid the sound of battle from her ears.  Finally, she was forced to concede the trauma of the events of the last few days would say with her.

She gathered her bearings and started forward, knowing if she went around this out crop of land she would leave this small alcove and find the wide open Silverwood.  It was only after three or four steps that she noticed the messenger of the Vigil.  Relieved, she approached the being.

2.00 - Silverwood - Story Summary

This posting serves as the summary and index of the journey through Silverwood. It includes posting numbers, characters and extras important to the story.

It is updated as the story progresses.

Letter from the Writer

Dear Readers:

This marks the end of Anneleigh's Journey through Methosia.  I hope you have enjoyed the opening chapter of this project.  I encourage anyone who is interested in Fantasy Games to pick up Rift.  My storytelling cannot do it justice; especially the cut scene towards the end of this chapter (which, though I have saved to my computer, will not upload.)  All pictures included in the Blog are gameplay footage. 

Next week begins Anneleigh's story through Silverwood.  As always, I welcome feedback from followers. 

Don't be alarmed if the page looks different when you visit next week. ;)

Thanks for reading.
Melissa

Post Script: January 28 2012.  I am still unable to fix the links in the side bar.  Attempt number 4 may work.  Appologies for the unreadable red.

1.12 - The Shade of Regulos

Anneleigh approached the Messenger at the end of the presentation platform and knelt at its feet.  It took several moments for the Messenger to speak.

“This place is a nexus where the power of the five Gods meets.  It is where the Vigil can reach out its hand to those who seek them. “

The Messenger nodded and Anneleigh rose.

“You have done all the Gods have asked.  Now they ask for so much more.  You must be prepared to give your life to push Regulos back through the Ward. “

1.11 - Orphiel Fairwind

Eyes shut tight against the terror, she fell.  All around her, friends from Silverwood were falling at the swords of the undead.  A few fell from fear alone, but many lived to strike a few blows before their lives were undone.   Above here, she could smell the stench of rotting flesh of the undead, the endless cultist who had fought her to this state.     Throughout the battle here at Thedeor Fields she had not struck a killing blow; though not for lack of trying - the warriors of Regulos were stronger than many rabid beasts she had dealt with in her home of Silverwood.  With her last ounce of strength, she rose as high as her weakening muscles would allow,  planted her dagger deep where a breathing opponent would have the most to lose-where blood and air would normally flow- and heaved it to one side, falling to the ground as she did so.  Time slowed and her vision tunnelled, but she was able to watch his head leave his body before all went black.

1.10 - EXTRA! From the journal of Maura Reinhard

This gem is on the rift official website with additional information about the plane of death.  It's short, so I wont include a cut to more for this.

We lived at the heart of where the Shade appeared, my husband, my two sons and I. We tried to flee, but the land was dead in every direction. The undead beasts of the rifts did not slaughter us, but watched with hollow eyes, as if they knew. As if they knew.

My sons changed, skin tight over bones, and so pale I could see down to their dear hearts. Their father recoiled from them, but I could not. By night, they would tell me how alien everything seemed, how strange it was that father’s chest rose and fell as he slept, while ours did not. We decided to open him up and see why. My boys and I did not leave the shaded lands, but no matter how many people we open up, we can never remember how to breath.