FINAL REWARD: PART XIII
by: Taliaferro Erucolindo
Finwellion stood guard over the motionless body of Kiren Tiradoio. It had been nearly a week since Giliath Lang had come back from their ill-fated rescue mission. They had narrowly avoided a clever trap laid by the Teir'Dal, but many of their own had fallen in battle. The Clerics had managed to bring back each valiant hero, save one. Kiren had been in a deep coma since that day. Rumor had it, that he was somehow in communication with Tunare. Finwellion resisted the urge to feel jealousy towards the Ranger, who was perhaps even now in the presence of the goddess to whom he had devoted his life. Such lesser emotions were for lesser beings. He would do his duty and safeguard the very life of this brave soul.
Finnwellion nearly jumped out of his armor when the body laying before him sat upright and awake!
A single tear ran down the face of Kiren, as he uttered the name, "....Tunare....".
The young Paladin was dumbfounded for a moment, then turned and yelled "FATHER! HE IS AWAKE!"
.......
Word spread quickly through all of Faydwer, Antonica, Odus, Kunark and Velious, and soon all members of Giliath Lang had assembled in the Koada'Dal capital. In the days since the Battle of Nektulos, as it had come to be called, the various members had spread out across the globe once again, ever dutiful in their crusade against darkness. Now that Kiren had awakened, the guild once again gathered to hear what he had to say. Kiren, now returned to full health, met his friends in the gathering hall of the guildhouse. His friends pressed him for information about where he had been, while not in his body, and what he had seen.
"I wasn't allowed to see," began Kiren, "all was hidden from me, as though my eyes were not yet worthy...or ready....to comprehend what was there. I do know that I was in the presence of Tunare. Her words came to me inside my head, and there is no mistaking the Mother's voice, for we her children." The Dal and Half-Dal among the guild nodded in agreement. Tunare had created the Elves long ago, long before the schism that had divided the Elves into three distinct branches of the same tree. The Dark Elves, the Teir'Dal, had been stolen away, twisted and perverted by Innoruuk, for his hatred and envy of Tunare's beautiful children knew no bounds. The High Elves and Wood Elves, the Koada'Dal and the Fier'Dal, had simply evolved naturally into two distinct, though allied, members of the Elven family. The Half-Elves (or Half-Humans, as Elves tended to call them) were still part of the family, due to their Elven parent, but were also part Human as well. Even they, the Half-Dal, instinctively knew their Mother's voice when she spoke to them. Kiren continued, "She told me that she wasn't able to directly intervene in the plans of the Dark Ones, but knew that if she pointed us in the right direction, we would have the wisdom and strength to thwart their plans. She told me to tell all of you that the gods of Light are well pleased in us, and that even Rallos Zek...", Kiren cast a sidelong glance at Taliaferro, "...who cares neither for Light nor Dark, only battle, was well pleased that day with the actions of Giliath Lang." Taliaferro and many of the Warriors among Giliath Lang beamed with pride. She.....she wanted to tell me something else, but I'm not at liberty to share that with you right now. I must first meditate upon what she said to me, and make a grave decision. I've heard that His Majesty wishes to hold a banquet in our honor. Perhaps by then I can tell you of my decision."
As the next day passed, plans for the banquet were made ready. Now that Kiren had awakened, King Tearis Thex wasted no time in ordering the Royal Court to prepare to honor the heroes. Kiren, however, was not one for formal occasions. It took much convincing on the part of Telree, Tatina, Lacka, and even Thanoslug (who knew that a banquet meant much food and drink), to convince Kiren that he needed to be there. Kiren promised his friends that he would indeed attend the banquet, at which an official guild meeting would take place, and that he would announce his decision on Tunare's offer at that time. Until then, the Ranger would be spending as much time alone in the woods as circumstances would allow.
The day of the banquet arrived, and the entire Elven Royal Court was in attendance at the Royal Palace. The members of Giliath Lang all dressed out in their finest, removing only their helmets out of courtesy. The food was brought out and, much to their delight, even the Dwarves and Barbarians of the guild were able to eat and drink their fill. "Hey Tal," said Rekus, "I thought you Elves only ate leaves and that trail mix stuff you carry around!" Tal laughed and responded by biting off another mouthful of meat from a grilled rabbit, and saying, "Just goes to show what you Barbarians know!" Rekus gave a mightly laugh and slammed back another ale. As the night wore on, several speeches were made by members of the Royal Court, and eventually by the King himself. Awards and accolades were given, though to many of the non-Elven members assembled, the austentacious accolades were Elven gibberish, and to even some of the Elves, the awards were merely something to be accepted graciously, then placed on a shelf somewhere. Still, all present knew that such things were necessary, for every land needs heroes that the general population can look up to and be proud of. The Warriors began getting restless, and the non-Elves began to tire of the endless speeches. Telree sensed that his members' patience was wearing thin, so he quitely spoke to Finnwe, who in turn spoke to his brother on the council, who then whispered to the King, who called for everyone's attention. "My dear friends," the King of Elves said in perfect Common, "the night has grown long, and our friends need their sleep so that they may fight the battles that await them from the forces of Darkness. Surely they shall be victorious, as the gods of Light have smiled upon them. A final toast then! TO GILIATH LANG, THE SWORD OF THE STARHOST!!!" All present raised their glasses, mugs, tankards, and wineskins, "TO GILIATH LANG, THE SWORD OF THE STARHOST!" and drained them in a salute to the guild.
Soon afterwards, the guild retired to their guildhouse, and began a short meeting to appoint new officers. Rekus, Soaren, Taliaferro, and Zosmann were appointed to the guild council, with the support of their guildmates. Minor other matters were discussed, and soon the guild returned to socializing, telling tales, drinking and sparring. At one point during the night, Kiren slipped away unnoticed. Returning to his chambers Kiren took off his armor and weapons, save for the Short Sword of Morin, and of course the Losse Onde, which he kept with him at all times. He had made up his mind. He would return to the guild hall and announce his decision to his friends. His family.