The Druid begins to Panic

Jaekob Faolan: The Druid awoke from reverie which lasted considerably longer than even he would have imagined. He was aware of each moment that had passed. He was aware that his mate had not returned home and now he was panicked.

Where is she?????

Jaekob Faolan all but startles as he jumps from the bed, her side empty, unused. He bit his lip hard, a thing he did often. But this time, he bit it harder than usual and could feel the trickles of blood on his lips. He could taste,,,,, smell the blood.

Jaekob Faolan: He wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his hand and rushed outside to question the Elven rangers he had seen the previous night.

Jaek Questions the Rangers

Jaekob Faolan: "What do you mean? You have not seen her of late. What the hell are you? You are Elves rangers...what are you saying hmm," he said in a bit of rage and fright as his boots kicked at the ground. He turned, growling as he turned and moved toward the path that led to Cheshire. "I must go to the Citadel," he mumbled. "Maybe Audrey will know something."

Elven Ranger

Jaekob Faolan: And as he began to rush off, one of the female elves spoke softly. "Mi'lord Druid....if I may, there is a ritual at the Henge. Considering it's importance mayhaps Mi'Lady Amethyst will be there?" And that said, she turned away from him, toward the inlet.

Jaekob Faolan growls yet again and makes his way back into the cottage quickly donning his Druid whites. "I have been gone too long...I have missed so much," he stuttered as he ran

Fitheach Eun: "I would think so; we get so few traders."

Saphira Mistwalker smiles and nods happily. 'Aran Jaekob, greetings."

 Can Wobbit: "Greetings Master Druid.  I´m glad to see you."

Fitheach Eun turns hearing the greetings: " Jaek is that really you?"

Jaekob Faolan nods to them, his face a bit ashen and cold. He tried to focus on balance but could not. "Where the hell  is Ame?"

Sirius Moonwolf: looks about and sees the latest arrival "Greetings Sir, I come from afar, I was here a few days back looking for places to trade with and was invited to attend here today."

Jaekob Faolan nods to the stranger and turns back to Fitheach and Saphira, growling a bit, anxious for a response.

Fitheach Eun bites my lip, not knowing how to say it....: "She has disappeared..."

Saphira Mistwalker frowns at Jaekob's words. "Is Lady Amethyst missing? I had not heard."

Jaekob Faolan: "Wha... what do you mean disappeared?"

Fitheach Eun: "Her elven guard reported her missing ....they went to greet her in the morning one day past..."

Fitheach Eun: "But the house was empty."

Saphira Mistwalker gasps, and her frown deepens.

Fitheach Eun: "They have been out searching for her ever since."

Jaekob Faolan nods to Saphira, dearest of  friends, but cannot compel himself to casual greetings. "It seems so. She is not home and the rangers at our cottage have not seen her for awhile."

Sirius Moonwolf steps back listening, not realizing that there was an issue here and wonders if he should leave quietly to let them sort it.

Fitheach Eun: "They have searched everywhere; there is not trace they can find."

Saphira Mistwalker shakes her head, feeling herself becoming angry. "Are there any signs that she was taken?"

Fitheach Eun: "There was no disorder in the house; the young wolves were there."

Jaekob Faolan looks from one to the other breathing deeply trying to find balance.. He nods and looks about the Henge and a tiny  bit balanced, he says, "So...um...the ceremony. When I was told of it, I hurried here hoping to make up for mine own disappearance."

Fitheach Eun looks apologetically at Saphira; " I am sorry ambassador, the elven council swore me to silence."

Can Wobbit steps closer, just listening.

Sirius Moonwolf slowly turns to go as he is not certain he can be of any help here as he is a stranger here and hopes that they do not look at him to blame.

Fitheach Eun: "Vedui Lady Rosslyn."

Jaekob Faolan sighs, "We will DISUSS this more at a....a....more seemly time hmm?"

Rosslyn Guardian: "Greetings All!"

Fitheach Eun nods grimly, "Yes Aran"

Saphira Mistwalker face hardens. "If I find out the drow were involved "

Can Wobbit: "Greetings Lady Rosslyn."

Saphira Mistwalker: me curses in Draconic, "xsio wer ingoeth ekess wer bekifi".

Fitheach Eun: "You will have me with you on that, Ambassador."

Jaekob Faolan turns to the Bard, inclining his head to Rosslyn. He inhales deeply. "Vedui my dear friend."

Rosslyn Guardian: "And a great good greeting to you old friend....many seasons have passed since I beheld your face," smiles warmly.

Jaekob Faolan swallows hard and forces a smile, "Mi'lady, as enchanting as ever. We should sit and talk soon hmm?" And he turns his head  back to Fit, speaking softly. "I will want to know everything later hmm?"

Fitheach Eun watches the master druid guardedly and with deep concern.

Fitheach Eun nods again; " Indeed Aran, you shall know everything I do."

Rosslyn Guardian: "Oh course my friend... at your convienience."

Jaekob Faolan nods, biting on his lip. "Yes...hmmm...after the ceremony then hmmm? Now tell me, have you room for me in this ceremony and where should I stand?"

Fitheach Eun: "On the other side of the altar, please; there is a stone."

Saphira Mistwalker continues to hiss dire curses, "Si yenta, wer ingoeth geou qe ehis shar vignar svadrav si mi authot!"

Fitheach Eun raises her eyebrows and listens.

Saphira Mistwalker takes a deep breath and composes herself, not wishing to carry hate into the upcoming ceremony.

Fitheach Eun notices Lord Sirius slinking along the stones towards the exit and calls to him: " Please do not go Lord Sirius; this is just an internal matter and is over for now."

Jaekob Faolan nods, "It IS not over. But for the moment until after the ceremony. But, I will NOT be forced to wait long until I know the all of it."

The Druid Returns Home

Jaekob Faolan: The Druid had crawled through caves, small and large. He had passed through mountain passes and climbed mountains. The journey from the Halls of Honor had been without respite and his supply of lembas bread had long ago run out.

Jaek Arrives Home

Jaekob Faolan: But, as his made the last bit of the journey and his feet touched the soil of his homeland, he fell to the ground, digging his soiled and cracked hands into the soil. His clothes were tattered, his body foul and wreaking of months of dirt and the stench of decay.

Jaekob Faolan: Yet, his hands dug into the moist soil. He inhaled the scent of earth and flowers. It had rained recently and the brushes and grass had the scent of wheat just scythed. The smell, the sounds of familiar birds, familiar  animals filled his head and he KNEW he was home.

Jaekob Faolan: He wiped at his cheeks with the back of a hand, intermingling the fresh soil with months of caked up mud which streamed a liquid down his cheeks as tears rolled down his face.

Jaekob Faolan: "I have to hurry," he mumbled to himself. Ame must be distraught with worry and the Druids would chastise him for once again going off alone without a word to anyone.

Jaekob Faolan: The Druid raised himself to stride though the Calenhad woods, though his appearance stole that image away from him. His steeps hastened as he walked the well worn paths and directed himself toward the small home he shared with his mate and best friend, Ame.

Jaekob Faolan: As he neared the entrance to Calenhad, he stopped to gaze upon the statues of robed elves who stood watch over the great elven city. He moved closer to let his hand slide gently over the cold stone and then he, again, pointed himself toward his cottage.

Jaekob Faolan: He forsook the cleared paths so often used by the elves and rushed through the brush and trees behind his home. He hesitated a moment at the door and bit his lip. He knew what lay ahead, the anger of family over his abrupt departure would be met with humility. And so he pushed the door open thinking at first she would just run into his arms and the anger would be abated.

Jaekob Faolan: As he turned the final corner of the house, he paused and swallowed hard when he saw the elven rangers. He began to walk toward them, but changed his mind and moved toward the cottage. He needed to see his mate first. Explanations could wait.

Elven Rangers at the Druid's Cottage

Jaekob Faolan: He did pause a moment at the door. A smile curled onto his lips at the sight of the two wolves they had raised from pups. He scratched his head trying to remember when the wolves had come to them. Then he bit his lip remembering the Demon fire that had almost destroyed the elven woods. Ame had rescued the, of course. He stroked each wolf on the muzzle and strode through the door his eyes darting from corner to corner looking for her. Then he went room to room.

Jaekob Faolan: "She is not home," he mumbled going into the bedroom. Noticing the wooden tub was still full of water, he slipped off his boots. "The least I can do is clean up hmm?" Then he laughed. "Maybe they would scold me less if I remained like this."

Jaekob Searches for a Way Home

   In the damp....in the cold, Jaekob lay free of conscious thought. How long had he laid here? How many days had passed since he left home to begin his quest which had fallen to failure. Now his dreams, when he had them, were of his sweet mate. He hungered to return to her, to return to his home and be in the arms of his mate and the company of his friends.

   There was something dreadful yet poignantly positive in this journey. He might never be able to explain himself, but somehow those who loved him would understand. But, it was time, past time, to return home. He pushed his calloused, dirty palms onto the floor of the Hall and pushed his way upward to stand. His legs were weak as thoughts of her filled his mind and he put his hands to his in a an agony unimagined. He let out a scream that surely shook the Halls of the Ancients and the lands in every direction. Something was wrong, terribly wrong and he knew it.

   The one we all know as Amethyst has left virtual worlds. In whatever manner you pray, please keep my sweet mate in your thoughts. Let us all remember what she has given to make our lands viable and believable. Though she told me early on that she was no roleplayer, her skill was brilliant and her love for the people of the River Lands unconditional. 

The Cheshire Cat Points Audrey in the Right Direction

Audrey Ashgrove slumps in her chair, pushing the thick book away from her and letting out a snort of frustration.

"I simply can not read another line... my head is so full of spells, rituals and all things Drow, it may explode!"

The Cheshire Cat opens an eyelid warily, stretching a paw before rising to pad across the desk from it's resting space atop some journals in the corner of the already overcrowded workspace. The feline has recovered somewhat from the disaster of its loss of collar, the potion ArchDruid Fitheach and Mage Gabriel managed to concoct, keeping it clinging to life.

Audrey looks up from under her fringe and grins sheepishly at her ginger companion. "Oh, CC! Did I wake you with my moanings? I do apologise!"
The Cat places his front paws directly on Audrey's book, licks at her hand and his attention is fixed on the page near his fur covered foot. He gazes into her green eyes with an intense stare before sinking his head again towards the ancient script.

"What has made you so alert, my friend," the young Mage follows the feline's gaze thoughfully, its paw placed strategically near a passage lower down in the book.
Audrey begins to read and her eyes widen, her lips forming a perfect O!
"Oh you wonderfully wise creature. This information is sure to help us in our campaign to rid the Lands of the Drow threat!"
She stands, clutching the alarmed cat to her chest and whirling around the room begins to recite... "Abrupt exposure to sudden bright light, hearing and vision excel that of humans, but can be confounded by loud commotions, Drider spiders can render Drow immobile and are their natural enemy, kindness is an abomination to them..."

Audrey Ashgrove plops down on the sofa and the Cheshire Cat uses the moment to jump deftly from her lap and pad across the room to its basket by the fire, throwing the aroused Mage a haughty look. She smiles and catches her breath, her mind whirling at the possibilities for ways to protect the folks of the Lands from oncoming Drow attacks.

She drummed her fingers on the book pile taking up space on the sofa and squirmed impatiently before settling back into the cushions and grinning, "Wait until Gabe gets home, CC! I'll show him that passage and have him set out to find a Ranger or Guard to show it to. Master Druid Jaekob must also hear of it. Tomorrow we can set about finding out whether there are Driders hereabouts...," she pauses and claps her hands together in glee before continuing, "I have such a good feeling about this. We can dispel those Drow and we will have your collar returned before you know it!"

The Cheshire Cat flicked the girl a shrewd look, lowering its head and licking unperturbed at its paw before slowly closing its eyes and drifting off into a tranquil sleep.

To be continued...

ArchDruid Fiesty summons the Elements

Our brave Hobbit trio reach the target of their mission and approach the heavily guarded Druid Cottage nestled on the banks of the river among the forest directly underneath Calenhad...

Fiesty Lotus looks nervously at the guards about but they seem not to notice them and let them pass by without heed.
Ascending the steps, she pauses at the door, looks to the Rangers nervously and knocks again.

Amethyst McMahon rushes to open the door to Druid Cottage, smiling softly, the strain obvious on her face... "ArchDruid Fiesty, thank you for coming"
Fiesty Lotus smiles, "Lady Amethyst"
The young woman grasps the hand of her visitor, the anguish apparent in her voice, "Fiesty, I don't know what to do anymore... Jaek has been gone so long and I am losing hope..."
Fiesty Lotus looks up in concern before replying, "I got some good news fer ya then!"
Amethyst McMahon perks up, "you do?"
Fiesty nods , "Yes. I think I kin soften yer worries about Jaekob Faolan."
Amethyst McMahon widens her eyes, "oh Fiesty, anything at all would be such a release from the fear!"

Fiesty Lotus glances around furtively before she sneaks out a little granite statue of Copper.
Amethyst looks at the statue with interest and confusion.
Fiesty looks about for her nephew and sees he is not too near.
Amethyst McMahon frowns, "What is that now?"
The ArchDruid shields the statue with her cloak and replies, "Yer see it's a glowin?"
Amethyst McMahon nods in awe.
Fiesty goes on in a low tone, "that's cause it be tellin me he be alright"
Amethyst McMahon gasps and peers over Fiesty's shoulder at the young Hobbit Ranger, "Is it true?"
Fiesty nods slightly and puts the statue away hastily. "Don't want him a knowin!"
Fiesty Lotus dimples
Amethyst peeks out the door again and sees Copper and another Hobbit waiting a short way off...
Fiesty returns her attention to Amethyst, "Well, I kin do the same fer tha Master"
Amethyst McMahon whispers, "is that Druid magic, Fiesty?"
The powerful ArchDruid inclines her head, "Oh yes- It comes from the Earth Spirit."
Amethyst smiles, "aha, your Element ...and you can create one to show us that Jaek is safe... wherever he dwells?"
Another nod from the Hobbit, "Yes - it does that- get dimmer and brighter as he fares."
Fiesty Lotus continues "All I need you ter do is find me a metal or stone object that the King did hold and was fond of... and we kin change it into a statue of him."

Amethyst McMahon looks over Fiesty's shoulder and grins at the Hobbit lads gaping at the statuesque Elven Rangers patrolling outside, Copper inching towards the lovely blonde Elf under the Oak tree, his most charming grin in place.
Amethyst starts suddenly, "I know just the thing. Jaek has a wolf statue near the bed. I'll go fetch it!"
Fiesty Lotus looks to see what the lady is glancing at. "Boys, yer be respectful, ya hear!"

Amethyst McMahon disappears into the Cottage and returns with a dull silver coloured statue of a wolf, showing it to the Hobbit.
Fiesty Lotus, "Oh, that looks just the ticket Lady Amethyst!" She turns and descends the steps, moving towards the water's edge. "Just let me set up here."

IIrime Elven Ranger (NPC) nods to the ArchDruid and Amethyst as they pass without smiling, keeping her eyes on the male Hobbits grinning as they surround her.
Fiesty Lotus, "You come on in this here circle, Lady Amethyst."

Amethyst McMahon follows Fiesty into the circle, her strength leaving her for a moment, she sinks to the ground. Looking up at the ArchDruid, she hands her the statue and strengthened by the power emanating from the Hobbit, she rises and stands by her side.

The ArchDruid sets the bowl of water, earth, feather and candle in their proper place and speaks the circle protection chant in low tones around Amethyst and herself. Then she takes her staff in her left hand and the object in her right and digs her toes into the loamy earth. She begins her invocation to the spirit of Earth. She draws power from the earth with a chant.
Amethyst McMahon stands quite still within the circle in reverence, watching quietly and listening to the words, feeling the energy in the circle.

Fiesty Lotus recites: 
"Change is, Touch is, change IS.
Everything lost is found again
In a new form, in a new way.
Everything hurt is healed again,
In a new life, In a new day.

Touch and mold, touch and mold
This is how earth’s work unfolds,
Mend and heal, mend and heal
Take a dream and make it real"

She intones in a strong voice: "I invoke Earth Spirit to reassure this land by giving this metal the form and spirit of Jaekob Faolan, King of these Lands and Master Druid. I invoke his spirit by the love we hold for him and the Land's need."

Fiesty looks over at Lady Amethyst and nods, "you may speak with the spirit'

The Hobbit prompts the young woman who has remained silent in revery, "Ame?"
Amethyst McMahon nods, her voice shaky, "please look upon our needs at this dark time and keep our King, Druid, Aran and my Love, Protector of these Lands, safe." 
Her voice breaks and she sobs, "...bring him back to me."
Amethyst McMahon adds pleadingly: "...please"

Fiesty Lotus nods and repeats her chant. Slowly the object begins to reshape itself into the image of Jaekob Faolan. The shine becoming more pronounced as Jaekob's Life Essence is reflected in its surface.
Amethyst holds her breath and her eyes sparkle.

When the statue is complete, Fiesty draws the circle to a close and ends the ceremony.

Fiesty Lotus looks up at the Lady.
Fiesty speaks confindently, "It be pretty bright I recon!"
She hands the statue to Lady Amethyst.

Amethyst McMahon is visibly shaken.... "it is shining, oh Fiesty, he is safe!"
The ArchDruid grins.
Amethyst exclaims, "thank you so much... this will surely give hope to the citizens of the Lands."
She pauses and continues quietly, "...and I'm sure Jaek will be home soon."

Fiesty Lotus slumps, suddenly weary, "I think I will just sit down awhile iffen you don't mind."
Her breathing is shallow, "That kinda thing takes it all out of me."
Amethyst McMahon smiles at the ArchDruid and motions for her to return to the Cottage, "Come inside and have some tea, Fiesty. You must be drained."
Fiesty nods, "I thank ye lady and mebby a pint fer me boys?"
Amethyst nods and grins, "But of course!" She turns to the young Hobbit, calling, "Copper! Bring your friend into the cotttage and come have some refreshments!"
She leads the trio into Druid Cottage, smiling happily at the Elven Rangers as she passes... her heart lighter than it has been in weeks.