[Hall of the Body]
Solid walls and towering pillars of ice imbue this room with an aura of dignity and strength.  The south wall is inlaid with two side-by-side symbols, and the walls to the east and west provide a backdrop for an altar and a large tapestry.  A woven rug threaded with hues of crimson, silver, azure and ivory covers most of the frozen floor, its intricate sigils forming an interwoven pattern of great beauty.  An ivory statue of a steed and an owl stands before the two wall symbols.  You also see a mosaic mural.
Obvious exits: north, down
Thaleles, Grimlorn, Aydan, Nebekk, Mitheirien and Elaerina followed.

Elaerina smiles.

You say, "And here we are."

Elaerina glances at a carved oak altar.

Nebekk gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

Elaerina nods.

You say, "Please take a seat."

Grimlorn smiles.

Grimlorn sits down.

Elaerina sits down.

Aydan sits down.

Nebekk sits down.

Mitheirien sits down.

You say, "Elaerina is our lecturer.  Please give her yer attention."

Grimlorn nods to Elaerina.

Elaerina stands up.

Elaerina nods to you.

You say, "After her lecture, she will be opening up the floor to discussion and questions."

Mitheirien turns an inquisitive ear towards Elaerina.

You nod to Elaerina.

Elaerina nods.

Elaerina says, "Thankee."

(Iscikella moves to the back of the room.)

You sit down.

Elaerina says, "Good evenin' tae ye all.  I be Elaerina Cragsinger, Scribe o' House Daingneach Onoir, and a Guardian o' the Talismans in our Guild o' the Silver Fist."

Thaleles sits down.

Elaerina smiles as she looks out across the audience.

Elaerina says, "'Tis me great honor tae speak with ye this evenin' regardin' the Lord Kai."

Elaerina reaches out and touches a crimson Kai symbol.

Elaerina reaches out and touches a crimson Kai symbol.

Elaerina says, "'Tis me hope that ye'll abide as quietly as possible durin' the first part o' me talk."

Elaerina says, "Thataway, 'tis nae too oft that I'll be repeatin' meself."

Elaerina says, "Trust me, ye dun want a bardess tae be e'en longer winded than necessary."

Elaerina raises her voice in merry laughter.

Mitheirien agrees with Elaerina.

Mitheirien folds her hands in her lap.

Elaerina says, "An dinna ye be fearin'.  Ye'll all git yer chance tae ask questions and make comments tae yer hearts' desire when I've stopped soliloquizin'."

Elaerina says, "So grab yer drinks, git yerselves settled comfortably, and I'll begin when ye be set."

You smile at Elaerina.

Elaerina smiles.

Elaerina gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Elaerina nods.

Elaerina says, "Well, ye all look ready, so let's git started."

Elaerina says, "Many be the times I've been asked, 'Elaerina, what the blazes be a bardess doin' followin' the ways o' Kai?'."

Elaerina smiles and holds up both hands quickly as if to ward off words of protest, 'Nae, nae - well do I know that bards kin fight with a fury well worthy o' Kai's regard.'

Elaerina says, "But that be nae why I be so taken with the fellah."

Elaerina chuckles.

Elaerina says, "Nor be it the breechcloth."

Elaerina says, "Truly, I started followin' Kai soon after I joined Daingneach Onoir."

Elaerina smiles while chuckling and shaking her head in fond remembrance.

Elaerina says, "Ye see, Onoir were still a young group at that time, and had nary a single bard tae guide me way, so I was told I was tae report as squire tae the warrior Morgiest Frostgiant."

Elaerina says, "It could be that Onoir thought Morgiest, the great bagpipe player, were the closest thing they had tae a bard."

Elaerina rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Elaerina giggles.

Elaerina says, "But those o' ye who know him will know that be unlikely, although rumor has it he did break out inta song at this very event last year."

You smile at Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "What e'er the reason, 'twas a fortuitous pairin, for 'twas Morgiest who took me tae see Kai's Talismans.' Elaerina pauses, lost in remembrance, and then shakes herself and says, 'If ye've nae been yet, ye truly should.  They stand jest outside Kai's Shrine near Wehnimer's Landin'."

Elaerina says, "'Tis these talismans that will form the basis o' me talk tonight.  I'll recite each in turn, and then talk aboot how what we know o' Kai's life sheds light, in turn, on the meanin' o' each Talisman."

Elaerina says, "The history o' the talismans be somewhat shrouded in the mists o' time."

Elaerina says, "That, o' course, be this bardess' way o' sayin' I'm nae really sure who built 'em, er why."

Elaerina flashes a wide grin.

Elaerina says, "It be most likely that Kai hisself built the Talismans tae reward his followers, the Paladins o' Kai.  Twas these Paladins who erected the shrine outside which the Talismans sit."

Elaerina says, "The Paladins o' Kai walked our lands at least 300 years ago, and reportedly spent their time helpin' the weak, protectin' caravans and such."

Elaerina says, "Unfortunately, nae much more be known aboot them."

Elaerina says, "At any rate, Kai's Talismans describe the values by which the Paladins o' Kai strove tae live, and most true followers o' Kai cleave tae those values to this day."

Elaerina says, "But enough o' the history o' the Talismans.  Let us discuss their content and meaning."

Elaerina recites:
    "The Talisman o' Valor states: Ours is not an easy path to follow, yet we follow willingly, for in truth we did not choose this road so much as the road chose us."

Elaerina recites:
    "We are the Sons and Daughters o' Kai, and no mortal soul shall despair o' life in our presence.  We are the champions o' the innocent, the protectors o' the weak, the gladiators o' yer heart."

Elaerina says, "Valor, then, be more than jest bravery."

Elaerina says, "It be more than jest fightin' in a way that'll insure the bards sing aboot ye fer years tae come."

Elaerina says, "Valor dinna champion self nor selfishness."

Elaerina says, "Valor means standin' true in the face o' great odds, physical or otherwise, tae champion the cause o' others.  Tae champion life itself."

Elaerina says, "Kai quite clearly demonstrated true Valor durin' the Ur-daemon Wars."

You nod.

Elaerina says, "We have read stories o' the terrible cost paid by those that faced the Ur-daemons durin' those dark years."

Elaerina shudders.

Elaerina says, "Kai certainly knew the likelihood was high that he'd nae survive the war," as she begins to pace around the room. "So few did."

Elaerina asks, "Yet who else was there tae stand in the Ur-daemons' path?"

Elaerina paces back and forth.

Elaerina says, "Legend has it that Kai were the only Arkati tae participate in that war and survive, and that he slew more Ur-daemons than e'en the great Drakes themselves."

Elaerina slowly empties her lungs.

Elaerina asks, "Ye know, o' course, that Kai's knowledge o' how tae successfully fight the Ur-daemons lies beneath this very town?"

Elaerina says, "Well o' course ye do," as she suddenly becomes aware that she has been pacing, and stops with a blush. "E'en do ye not, I fear that story must await another time.  We've seven more Talismans yet, and time do be awastin'."

Elaerina recites:
    "The Talisman o' Defeat says: Defeat cannot be measured by blood spilled on the battlefield, nor by an empty purse."

Elaerina recites:
    "To know the pain o' loss is to prepare oneself for the joy o' victory.  We cherish our failures as much as our successes, for the bitter taste o' defeat only makes triumph that much sweeter."

Elaerina says, "Kai hisself was defeated but once in battle.  Koar beat 'im fair and square."

Elaerina grins.

Elaerina says, "But that dinna make Kai give up, nossir!  He learned from that defeat and fought V'Tull tae a standstill."

Elaerina shakes her head.

Elaerina says, "That must hae been some whopper o' a battle, too."

You grin.

Elaerina says, "But I digress.  Kai's love o' battle still burns so strong that only Koar's injunctions keep 'im from constant battle agin' the dark."

Elaerina says, "For those who follow Voln's path, this lesson o' learnin' from defeat and nae givin' up be learned at Kai's hands in his shrine."

(Elaerina rubs her backside and grins ruefully.)

Elaerina says, "I'll say no more on that lesson.  Suffice tae say, tain't easy tae learn from defeat, but Kai expects his followers nae only tae do that, but also tae carry on even more strongly as a result o' the experience."

Elaerina recites:
    "That brings us tae the next Talisman: Strength"

Elaerina recites:
    "All the lightning and thunder o' the heavens cast from the palm o' a wizard can never equal the poetry o' a beautiful blade in the hands o' a skilled swordsman."

Elaerina recites:
    "Magic may be the lifeblood o' these lands, but it shall never replace the glory o' magnificent bodies sculpted into the finest weapons ever known."

Elaerina says, "Kai be the Arkati associated with strength, athletic prowess and skill at arms, and rightly so."

Elaerina says, "Ye've only tae look at the statues o' him scattered in shrines around the Lands tae know he be a fine figure o' a warrior."

Elaerina says, "Well-trained, well-honed, battle-ready.."

Elaerina says, "...and often quite well-dressed."

Elaerina winks.

Elaerina says, "But the strength that Kai's Talismans describe goes deeper than mere physical strength.  Writ on the Talismans are lessons in strength o' character as well."

Elaerina says, "There be many in this land who be 'characters' without strength, or who have great physical strength, but lack character."

Elaerina says, "'Tis when these two combine that we see the true measure o' Kai's version o' strength:  having the moral, mental and physical fortitude tae do what be right."

Elaerina says, "Tae illustrate this point, I'll borrow a tiny bit o' Leya's story.  Ye'll hear the rest later in this festival, I believe."

Elaerina says, "At any rate, one day Kai was watchin' a physical contest between the elven Houses and noticed a young Ardenai lass who's physical prowess was unmatched."

Elaerina says, "The tale tells o' Kai's growin' admiration fer the lass as she won contest after contest.  However, he didna recognize her as his own daughter until the end, when she lost her final contest with dignity."

You smile.

Elaerina says, "When Leya demonstrated a strength o' character that matched her strength o' body, Kai recognized her as his own.  Likewise, as we work tae strengthen our bodies and characters, we become more perfectly attuned with Kai."

Elaerina recites:
    "The Talisman o' Despair states:  Despair is our constant companion, sorrow our shadow, as we walk these mortal plains in search o' truth."

Elaerina recites:
    "Our packs are heavy, but our bodies are strong, and we welcome these burdens, for they serve to strengthen our resolve.  Only the strongest shall persevere in this quest, and so we, the Children o' Kai, embrace the burdens which others cannot endure."

Elaerina says, "Despair."

Elaerina slowly empties her lungs.

Elaerina asks, "A constant companion?  A welcomed burden?  Be life truly that dark?"

Elaerina says, "I'll be tellin' ye that as a typically light-hearted bardess this Talisman be the hardest fer me tae ponder."

Elaerina says, "Tae understand it, I looked agin tae the life o' Kai, for he truly did know despair.  We know through stories that Kai's howl o' agony when his beloved Laerya died silenced the very birds in the trees."

Elaerina says, "And yet, as we follow his story, we see that Kai didna give in tae that despair fer long.  Rather, it seemed tae strengthen him as he shouldered it, preparing him for the dark days that lay ahead in the fight agin' Despana and her minions."

Elaerina says, "O' course, what ultimately makes Despair endurable be the message in Kai's next three Talismans: Hope, Friendship and Faith."

Elaerina recites:
    "If we are allowed to take one treasure from this place, it is Hope."

Elaerina recites:
    "We may rail against the present when the world seems to mock us, but our hearts will always beat so long as hope graces each breath.  Defeat, sorrow, despair - these are but milestones by which to measure our lives.  One flicker o' light burning at the end o' a dark road shall guide us through even the darkest o' times.  We are the Daughters and Sons o' Kai, and we shall not waiver."

You nod.

Elaerina says, "Hope, I believe, be what Kai rediscovered as he watched the fleet legs o' his daughter Leya, who looked so much like his lost wife in so many ways, flying across the grass as she raced her rivals."

Sasanach just arrived.

Fiery sparks from the surface of Sasanach's white ora katar hiss as they fade in the nearby air.

Elaerina says, "Hope in youth, hope in strength, and hope in the continual renewal o' life, even in the shadow o' death."

Elaerina says, "'One flicker o' light burning at the end o' a dark road.' The lesson o' this Talisman is that despair be fleeting, but hope, as the sages say, be eternal."

Sasanach kneels down.

Elaerina recites:
    "Friendship:  The passage o' time cannot fade the memories o' those who have travelled at our sides."

Elaerina recites:
    "Engraved on our hearts are the names o' comrades, friends, brothers, sisters, mates, with whom we have shared our lives.  Elaerina shall never die, for her soul has touched countless others in its quiet journey through this world"

Elaerina says, "This Talisman tells us that our strength derives much o' its power and meaning from the relationships that we develop between each other."

Elaerina says, "Why do ye think Kai's song strengthens the group if nae tae specifically illustrate this point?  Next time ye join with a bard in the hunt, and Kai's song rings out loud and true, remember the Talisman o' Friendship."

Elaerina says, "And yet, that isna all.  When I first read this Talisman, I was more'n a wee bit surprised, and had tae make sure that everyone sees their name in it as I did.  And, o' course, they do."

Elaerina says, "For the last lesson o' the Talisman o' Friendship is that each individual truly matters."

Elaerina recites:
    "The Talisman o' Faith reads: Purity o' spirit cannot be measured by mortals, for that which they behold is truly only what their minds allow them to comprehend."

Laeyandra just arrived.

Laeyandra sits down.

Elaerina recites:
    "We are firm in our resolve, and do not fret over the judgements o' those who cannot fathom worlds beyond this.  Souls cannot be placed into boxes and marked with labels for the world to see.  Only he who possesses the spirit within himself shall ever know the truth."

Elaerina says, "Kai has deep faith in the strength o' mortals.  Not only did he marry one, he also fought side by side with mortals in the wars against Despana."

Laeyandra ponders.

Elaerina says, "Faith in Kai has also led tae some interestin' twists and turns o'er time, and I'd like tae relate a quick tale along that vein that many o' ye may not know."

Elaerina says, "Lord Morgiest Frostgiant, me mentor, is one o' the most ardent followers o' Kai these lands have e'er known."

Elaerina says, "The time came, many years ago, when Morgiest tired o' the constant battles o' these lands, and decided tae take time tae visit with his family far tae the north."

Elaerina says, "As he were sayin' his farewells tae us, Lord Kai appeared and charged him with one other duty; tae go into the human lands and bring honor and chivalry tae those who needed it there."

Elaerina says, "Despite that he truly wanted only a long vacation, Morgiest willingly took up this charge, and was gifted a Tear from Kai.  A symbol o' strength continuing - e'en though friendships be temporarily parted."

Elaerina says, "Morgiest returned tae us a year or so later, bringing with him a few strange new songs for his bagpipes, and stranger tales o' life in the human lands.  All then returned tae the 'normal' that be life around here."

Sylviana just arrived.

Elaerina says, "And then the Jantalarians invaded and Faith showed its strange hand."

Sylviana sits down.

Elaerina says, "For many o' the Jantalarians...the enemy...worshiped Kai."

Elaerina says, "Nae only that, but we were told that a knew Order had arisen in the Empire.  The Order o' the Tear."

Elaerina says, "What does that mean?  Gads, I dinna know.  Despite their faith, the Jantalarians were certainly still the enemy."

Elaerina chuckles.

Laeyandra grins.

Elaerina says, "What I do know is that while the Jantalarian cause were despicable, the rank and file Jantalarians seemed tae fight with valor and honor."

Elaerina says, "What I surmise is that Kai's request tae Morgiest sowed in the Jantalarians the seeds o' faith and honor that will form the common ground for true friendship with us in the future."

Elaerina shrugs.

Elaerina says, "I can but have Faith."

Iscikella smiles hopefully.

Elaerina says, "Faith in ourselves.  Faith in others.  'Twill provide the strength tae face the upcoming challenges if we but have it."

Laeyandra ponders.

Elaerina recites:
    "And finally, the Talisman o' Honor"

Elaerina recites:
    "Without honor in his heart, the mightiest o' warriors is but a mewling kitten when the world stands at the brink o' disaster."

Elaerina recites:
    "Honor, above all, do we cheriswh.  It is the glue that binds mortals to one another.  Without it we are merely frightened voices crying on in the darkness."

Elaerina says, "So, I'll conclude tonight's talk by answerin' the question I started with.  Why does this bardess follow Kai?  The key be in that last Talisman.  Kai's way, fer me, provides the glue that binds mortals tae one another."

Elaerina recites:
    "Learn ye well from Defeat and Despair
     Tae temper yer sword and yer words with care."

Elaerina recites:
    "Kai's Valor will keep yer purpose firm
     Though often the Faithless will wail and squirm."

Elaerina recites:
    "And when the path before ye doth darken
     Hope will shine bright if tae Friends ye do harken."

Elaerina recites:
    "Honor, at last, will yer life with Strength lead
     If tae these eight Talismans ye do pay heed."

Elaerina smiles.

Elaerina says, "That concludes the formal part o' me talk."

Sylviana smiles at Elaerina.

Grimlorn smiles at Elaerina.

Mitheirien beams happily at Elaerina!

You applaud Elaerina.

Elaerina smiles.

Laeyandra applauds.

Thaleles says, "Very nicely done."

You exclaim, "And a fine speech it was!"

Laeyandra nods.

Elaerina says, "Thankee, alol."

Elaerina says, "All, that is."

Sasanach applauds Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "Now we're supposed tae chat."

Aydan applauds.

Elaerina flashes a wide grin.

Elaerina says, "So let's do so."

Mitheirien giggles at Elaerina!

Nebekk grins.

Laeyandra grins.

You grin at Elaerina.

Elaerina asks, "Any questions, comments?"

Laeyandra ponders.

Elaerina removes a well-aged fiery gold cognac from in her jet brocade bodice.

Elaerina flashes a wide grin.

Elaerina winks at you.

Grimlorn chuckles.

Nebekk scratches his chin.

You chuckle at Elaerina.

You say, "Come now, surely some questions for Elaerina."

Elaerina says, "I'm gonna sit fer this part."

Elaerina nods.

Elaerina sits down.

Elaerina takes a drink from her fiery gold cognac.

You nod to Elaerina.

Laeyandra raises her hand.

Elaerina nods to Laeyandra.

Laeyandra blushes a nice shade of off-pink.

Speaking to Elaerina, Laeyandra asks, "Was there any one thing in yer life that led ye ta follow Kai? Other than logic and decidin' ta?"

Laeyandra cocks her head at Elaerina.

Elaerina rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Laeyandra asks, "Like a vision or somethin'?"

Elaerina says, "Well, seein' Kai stand there and speak tae Morgiest sealed the choice."

Laeyandra blinks.

You say, "That would be quite effective."

You chuckle at Elaerina.

Laeyandra asks, "So ye really saw him?"

Elaerina nods to Laeyandra.

Sylviana nods.

Elaerina says, "Aye."

Nebekk grins.

Laeyandra grins at Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "His statue in his shrine animated, and there he was."

Laeyandra says, "Ye very lucky."

Laeyandra nods to Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "Sorty like the Voln wrestling step, but without the bruises."

Elaerina nods to Laeyandra.

You grin at Elaerina.

Grimlorn says, "I still have an elbow that gives me gyp."

Elaerina says, "Aye, I am lucky."

Grimlorn grins.

You chuckle at Grimlorn.

Aydan raises his hand.

Elaerina nods to Aydan.

Aydan asks, "What are your thoughts as far as what is said about Kai having quite the ego?"

Elaerina flashes a wide grin.

Elaerina says, "I suspect he does."

Laeyandra grins at Aydan.

Mitheirien giggles.

Elaerina says, "But I dinna think that keeps him from training and betterin' himself constantly."

Aydan chuckles.

Grimlorn nods to Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "Nor does he act with ego first."

Sylviana nods to Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "He has always taken an active role in combating the dangers that face this world."

Aydan says, "Well, I suppose that has to be true, since those who tend to think they are the best see no need to continue training in case a better foe arises."

Sylviana nods to Aydan.

Elaerina nods to Aydan.

Elaerina says, "He has been beaten."

Elaerina says, "And that is one of the lessons...learn from defeat."

Grimlorn says, "They tend to be the idiots who die with surprised look son their faces."

You chuckle at Grimlorn.

Laeyandra grins at Grimlorn.

Elaerina says, "So, I think he must train a lot...if only hoping fer a rematch."

Laeyandra chuckles.

Elaerina grins at Grimlorn.

You raise your hand.

Elaerina nods to you.

You ask, "I always wondered, Elaerina, what is the general consensus of opinion amongst Kai's followers regarding the old tale of Kai's orb?"

You ask, "Do they think it real?"

You ask, "Or just myth?"

Grimlorn asks, "Kai's orb?"

Sylviana furrows her brow.

Elaerina says, "I believe it is real."

You nod to Grimlorn.

Grimlorn acts puzzled.

Elaerina says, "But I dinna know if 'tis a general concensus."

Grimlorn says, "What is it? if it's real."

You say, "I tend to believe it is real myself, but that's because I am rather partial to the idea of Lumnis advising him to do it."

Elaerina says, "The story says Kai placed his knowledge o' fightin the Ur-daemons in an orb."

Elaerina asks, "Did she?"

Grimlorn nods.

Elaerina cocks her head at you.

You say, "So the old legend goes."

Nebekk scratches his chin.

Elaerina says, "That would make some sense."

You say, "Or rather more... seconded his idea regarding it."

Laeyandra ponders.

You say, "Counseled him so to speak."

Elaerina says, "At any rate, and correct me if I'm wrong, this orb was hidden in a glacier."

You nod to Elaerina.

You say, "Aye, so the tale says."

Grimlorn raises his hand.

Elaerina says, "Above which this town arose."

Nebekk ponders.

Nebekk grins evilly.

Elaerina says, "And then word got out somehow...it was found."

Elaerina asks, "By miners or some such?"

Elaerina shrugs.

Laeyandra cocks her head at Elaerina.

Grimlorn asks, "Why conceal the knowledge?"

Aydan says, "Not needed, I'd say."

Elaerina says, "Urm, well it can be used for great evil by the wrong folks, prolly."

You say, "Mind if I take a stab at answering that, Elaerina."

Thaleles asks, "If it could destroy Ur-Daemons, what could it do to the rest of us?"

Elaerina nods to you.

Elaerina says, "Pleas do."

Sylviana nods to Thaleles.

You smile.

Elaerina nods to Thaleles.

You say, "The old legend says Kai placed the knowledge in an orb because there were those amongst the Arkati of Lornon who wished to use the knowledge to their own ends."

Grimlorn says, "I thought the last War for the Sword made it obvious how to do defeat them and vindicated Kai's values, teamwork."

You say, "Since Kai was the only Arkati to fight the Ur-Daemons hand-to-hand, he was the only one who knew how to do so."

You look at Grimlorn and shake your head.

You say, "Those were not Ur-Daemons."

Grimlorn nods.

You say, "Just lesser demons."

Elaerina says, "Jest little ones."

(Elaerina puts her fingers a few inches apart)

You say, "Ur-Daemons all but destroyed the Drakes themselves."

Grimlorn asks, "Same principle, larger scale maybe?"

Aydan says, "And if there was teamwork involved, the only side I saw it on was the Alliance side... but that's a different argument."

Sylviana smiles wryly.

Nebekk grins.

You say, "Mortals such as us could not stand against them."

You say, "But Kai figured the knowledge would be needed at some point."

You say, "So he put it in an orb."

Elaerina says, "Oh, how I hope he be wrong."

Grimlorn nods.

You say, "By doing so he erased it from his own memory."

You nod.

You say, "But the knowledge is there."

Laeyandra furrows her brow.

You say, "To be gleaned when needed."

Nebekk steeples his fingers in his lap, quietly observing his surroundings.

You say, "And the legend goes only a warrior pure of heart can retrieve the orb."

You smile.

Elaerina nods to you.

Aydan says, "If the Ur-daemons ever appeared again, I do not doubt the orb would as well."

Elaerina nods to Aydan.

Sylviana nods to Aydan.

You say, "I tend to agree, Aydan."

You nod.

Aydan says, "Going by that, I'd be real scared if it's suddenly found."

Aydan chuckles.

Elaerina grins.

Sylviana chuckles.

Laeyandra grins at Aydan.

Nebekk snickers.

You chuckle at Aydan.

You exclaim, "So would I!"

Nebekk says, "If only a warrior would be able to find it, I doubt it can be found by a few miners."

You say, "It hasn't been found really."

You say, "I mean it was seen."

Elaerina nods to you.

Nebekk says, "Ahh."

You say, "But not actually found."

Nebekk steeples his fingers in his lap, quietly observing his surroundings.

You say, "It's light was seen."

Nebekk ponders.

Laeyandra leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Nebekk grins evilly.

You say, "Bythe halflings who built the old IceMule Trace."

You say, "The destroyed city outside the North Gate."

You nod.

Elaerina nods.

You say, "And legend also says Marlu tried to retrieve it."

Elaerina says, "Tain't real safe tae have an artifact o' immeasurable power under yer town."

Mitheirien agrees with Elaerina.

Mitheirien shivers.

Sylviana nods to Elaerina.

Thaleles says, "Hence, the destroyed town."

Grimlorn says, "Someone has to guard it though."

You nod to Thaleles.

Elaerina nods to Thaleles.

You say, "It is... self-protected.  By magic imbued in it."

You say, "Whether Kai sought aid in doing that, none know."

You nod.

Grimlorn nods.

Thaleles says, "That's what made Marlu so angry, if I remember correctly."

You nod to Thaleles.

Elaerina nods to Thaleles.

Elaerina says, "Right persnickity."

You grin at Elaerina.

Sasanach giggles.

Nebekk says, "I heard from other sources that only Warriors and Paladins, perhaps Clerics, would be welcomed amongst his worship? What're your thoughts on that? Kinda as you said in the beginning, how people are surprised at a bardess, it would be felt the same if perhaps, a wizard or sorcerer followed Kai."

Elaerina smiles at Nebekk.

Sylviana furrows her brow.

Nebekk says, "As they may say in a tavern, Kai's a god fer the dumb brutes."

Elaerina says, "Well, I be nae such a bad hand at brawlin' meself."

Nebekk snickers.

Laeyandra grins at Elaerina.

Sylviana chuckles.

Sylviana smiles at Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "But only one o' Kai's talismans talk aboot strength."

Elaerina says, "The rest be quite cerebral."

Nebekk ponders.

Sylviana nods to Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "Well, 'cept Valor mayhap."

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.
The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

Grimlorn says, "I be a Paladin meself and I be appalling at brawling, that's why I carry a blade."

Laeyandra gazes heavenward.

Mitheirien rubs a crystal amulet.

Mitheirien rubs a crystal amulet.

Laeyandra grins at Grimlorn.

Mitheirien rubs a crystal amulet.

Elaerina says, "So I believe that all with a true warriors spirit, as outlined in the Talismans, be welcome tae kai."

Speaking to Grimlorn, Nebekk says, "Agreed. I rarely even have to touch my foes to win battles."

Nebekk snickers.

Elaerina smiles at Nebekk.

Nebekk nods to Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "And Kai's song is quite clearly sung by bards."

Sylviana smiles at Elaerina.

Sylviana nods to Elaerina.

Grimlorn says, "As long as you can stand yer ground wiht honour, Idon't think he'd turn ye away."

Nebekk says, "Gotcha! Jus' wanted to clear that unbased rumor."

Elaerina says, "And does absolutely help the spells o' sorcerers and such."

Aydan says, "Kai may enjoy wrestling, but he is not above the use of weapons. In fact, it is often tasked for those of the order of Voln to honor him by offering a weapon to him."

Elaerina nods to Nebekk.

Elaerina nods to Aydan.

Laeyandra ponders.

Aydan says, "Unarmed combat just may be what he prefers most himself."

Aydan shrugs.

Elaerina says, "Aye, actually methinks he prefers the clean lines o' a blade."

Aydan says, "Just as I prefer the use of a sword."

Laeyandra looks rather confused.

Great Lord Kabriel just arrived.

Elaerina smiles at Kabriel.

Sylviana smiles at Kabriel.

Kabriel smiles at Elaerina.

Thaleles says, "He did have a fairly famous sword, after all."

Grimlorn says, "Everyone has their favorites."

Elaerina nods to Thaleles.

Kabriel sits down.

Elaerina says, "Soulingen fer a while."

Kabriel leans on Sylviana.

Nebekk thrusts his gloved hand into the air while chanting a magic phrase under his breath.  A beam of umber light filled with dust particles shoots forcefully upwards from the silvery sigil on his glove.

Sylviana smiles at Kabriel.

Nebekk glances at some black linen casting gloves with silvery sigils and grins.

Sylviana flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.

Sylviana hugs Kabriel, who wraps her in a warm embrace.

Kabriel bows to you.

Aydan says, "Besides, ask any Lumnis follower what their true preferred weapon is."

You nod to Kabriel in greeting.

Aydan says, "Go ahead, ask."

Aydan grins.

Nebekk scoffs.

Elaerina says, "Wit."

Sasanach giggles.

You grin at Elaerina.

Laeyandra grins at Elaerina.

Elaerina cocks her head at Aydan.

Aydan says, "Close. I was going to say wisdom."

Elaerina nods to Aydan.

Nebekk snickers.

You nod to Aydan.

Grimlorn says, "Well the one I know swings a broadsword for all she's worth."

Nebekk scoffs.

Elaerina says, "Gotta admit, that be a tad lower on the Kai scale."

Elaerina grins at Aydan.

You say, "I sling spells myself."

You wink.

Aydan says, "No less potent though."

Elaerina nods to Aydan.

Elaerina says, "True."

Grimlorn nods to Aydan.

Nebekk says, "I was gonna say her weapon would be denying the truly worthwhile knowledge, but that's a debate for another time."

Nebekk snickers.

Nebekk grins evilly.

You chuckle at Nebekk.

Nebekk removes a spiral-carved blue carmiln runestaff from in his dusky runestaff harness.

Nebekk leans on his runestaff.

Aydan begins to twitch.

You ask, "Are there more questions or comments for Elaerina?"

Nebekk gazes heavenward.

Laeyandra rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Sylviana smiles at Laeyandra.

Speaking in broken common to Elaerina, Sasanach asks, "Can ye tell me what the granite tear stood fer?"

Nebekk says, "Nothin' on this side, 'cept that ya did a great job, Elaerina."

Nebekk smiles at Elaerina.

Elaerina smiles at Sasanach.

Sasanach peers quizzically at Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "I kin only surmise."

Elaerina says, "But twas a sad day fer us all."

Sasanach nods to Elaerina.

Grimlorn nods to Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "Morgiest gave nae promise he'd return ever."

Elaerina says, "We truly thought we were sayin' goodbye."

Elaerina says, "So, the tear."

Elaerina says, "Granite, well, that be the stuff the talismans be made o'."

Elaerina says, "And Morgiest, in more than a tiny part."

Elaerina grins.

You grin at Elaerina.

Kabriel grins.

Thaleles says, "And all of his furniture."

Elaerina grins at Thaleles.

Laeyandra grins.

You chuckle at Thaleles.

Kabriel says, "And his stomach fer drinkin' all that ale."

Elaerina nods.

Sylviana chuckles.

Sasanach giggles.

Elaerina whispers, "Thankee."

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

You ask, "No more questions?"

Laeyandra says, "Nae about Kai."

Laeyandra ducks her head.

Elaerina grins at Laeyandra.

You smile.

Nebekk says, "I've learned enough to properly honor the memory of my adopted giantman family. Thankyas."

Elaerina smiles at Nebekk.

Nebekk leans on his runestaff.

You say, "Well, if folks be ready then, I will wrap up this panel."

You say, "Please, for those who haven't yet receive a fest charm."

You say, "Stay and receive one."