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.”