Cousins in Counsel

[SilentInfinity]

Cousins in Counsel: A Discussion of Magical Proportions.


OOC:

Greetings. This thread is closed to all save myself, Heron and Aspen. We three will be portraying the Gods of Magic in counsel and discussion during a Night of the Eye. I invite you to read our play and enjoy our witty banter.

To Heron and Aspen: Thank you for accepting to participate in this with me. I appreciate and welcome your talents in all their aspects. With the two of you here, we can only expect good things.

IC:

Where there is darkness, there is no light. An impenetrable cloud of gloom and shadow strengthens and lengthens into endless black. That is the heart of night.

That night is lit by a thousand billion stars, the brightest of which circle the realm of Krynn as the heavenly bodies of many of the world’s gods. Night is torn by twinkling gems of starlight and brilliance, but they pale before the bathing glow of the Silver Moon.

It and its red cousin pour their favor upon the world of Krynn. The third cousin, a void upon the night sky, hides within the shadows, drinking deep of starlight. Still, Solinari’s silver moon remains as bright and warm as the patron deity of good magic himself.

It had been one year and half that since They had last met for discussion. It seemed longer. The return to Krynn was a joyous event yet troubled. For while the gods return was momentous, many sad events plagued those first few days. The Age of Mortals this era was called and one of their own, Solinari’s own father, was now mortal following the removal of the treacherous queen. Once devoted followers were disillusioned. Many people found anger in the gods expectance, especially the elder elves embittered by their losses. Each of the cousins had their work cut out for them, including the matter of the Tower of Wayreth.

It was back in the hands of the Mages of High Sorcery now. The Conclave had reconvened and Justarius’s daughter, Jenna, sat as Highmage. The Orders were returning to prestige and study. And tonight was the night when all the mages would rejoice as one. Tonight the three moons of Krynn were full, two amazingly bright. Solinari’s silver orb was first, followed by the crimson iris that was Lunitari, and met last by the dark pupil of Nuitari’s unseen moon.

The Night of the Eye was here and the gods of magic would convene in the weaving, coalescing force of that magical night while their followers celebrate below. The meeting spot was far above the world, a realm of arcane origins. White bands of light and motes of red danced in a space of perpetual darkness.

First a floor of cobblestone, ancient rock and earth rose up from nothingness to his feet. Next grew a singular, circular wall about the space. Three thrones appeared at the center of the dimly lit room. One throne was marble white and veined with gold. The next was made of bloodstone and ruby. The last was solid shadow with accents of ivory bone. None existed in the center of the room, instead forming three points around it.

A man of flawless pale complexion, silvery shoulder-length hair and simple gray-blue eyes stood before the marble throne. His robes were simple cotton and silver-white. He marveled at the size the room portrayed, dreamed up long ago by his first student. The shadows along the wall and the light within the center of the room were a charming illusion for the Hall of Mages. This replica would suffice for their discussion.

Solinari, son of Paladine and Mishakal, lord of the white moon and patron to the mages of the white robed order of high sorcery sat in his chair, an ashen staff topped with a golden dragon’s claw in hand.

Here he waited for his cousins to arrive. There was much to discuss.

[Heron]

If Death was a song, then Nuitari is its lead line. The Ungod laughed at this thought. He shook his head as he closed the tome that he was studying. The maggots of Krynn were poetic to say the least.
Nuitari walked from his chamber in the Tower of Istar. His thoughts were focused on this one night, the Night of the Eye. Tonight was important. His cousins would question his progress. He hated them for that. Nosy buggers they were. He muttered imprecations at the air.
He stopped at the entrance to the God’s Eye chamber. Sighing, he entered. The God’s Eye was a device that allowed Nuitari to scry the planes of existence. Tonight he would use it to project his spirit in place of his physical self. This was a precaution, as he trusted no one these days.
He reached into the large silver bowl, muttering an incantation as he stirred the placid water. Far away, an image shimmered upon his throne. Tonight he took the shape of an emaciated dwarf, his eyes crimson and his flesh white as snow. He did not provide any hair, so his pale flesh was smooth and hairless as a newborn babe. Smiling he stood, said, “ Are we well-met, Cousin?”

[SilentInfinity]

The ageless man of white magic stood as his cousin’s words filled the chamber with echoes. Solinari bowed his head to the dwarf and smiled a faint smile, “We are well-met this night.”

He tapped his staff upon the floor, causing the stones to ripple like water. The ripple flowed outward to the wall where it ended in a brief flash of light. Solinari hoped that would catch the attention of tardy Lunitari.

Once more, Solinari took his seat in one fluid action, looking more like the throne rose to meet him then he lowered to find it.

[Aspen]

Just as the flash of light faded to darkness the third cousin entered the chamber. Lunitari glided to her seat. Her red velvet robes billowing out behind her. "I hope you have not been waiting long for me dear cousins." The Red Sorceress took her seat apon her crimson throne. Her long brown hair falling over her shoulders. She first nodded her greeting to Solinari than with a large grin, to Nuitari. "I see you have dressed in your best for our little gathering dear Nightreaver." Before he can answer she turns her attention back to Solinari. "I assume we can forgo the pleasentries and get on with the matters at hand?"

[SilentInfinity]

A grin flashed across the porcelain face of Solinari. He nodded to Lunitari, “Yes far too long. I had forgotten how endearing our cousin was.” He looked again upon the dark dwarf and simply shook his head. “Too long for too much has passed. We have all been busy gathering our mages to us and reestablishing our influence. Much is left to do. Let them celebrate tonight, however, as we talk.”

His left hand dipped his ashen staff and a faint glow emanated from the dragon’s claw. Within the ring of the thrones, an image of the Tower of Wayreth appeared, floating in a cloud of fog. Solinari’s eyes grew sad as they studied the destruction the sorcerers had wrecked upon the magical citadel. “The Tower is back in our light and in the hands of our trusted, although I suspect it will be some time before all repairs are finished. Your Mistress,” the lord of good magic glanced to Lunitari, “will lead the Orders well, back to its rightful place of respect.”

[Heron]

Nuitari, irritated, twirled his finger. "All very well, cousin," he said, " but the problem still remains." He glanced at each of his cousins, suddenly wary. He would not be tricked. "If we are to succeed, we must kill the sorcerers. Now." He sat back on his throne, sinking into its inky depths.

[Aspen]

"Oh, why yes of course. After all: nothing instills respect for an order better in the eyes of mortals than mass murder." Lunitari mutters as she sits back in her seat.

[SilentInfinity]

Solinari, honoring the mortal tradition, blinked his eyes. He watched the throne of shadows and darkness admit their king. He saw the crimson lady, mocking their cousin and trying to disarm the severity of the topic.

“The sorcerers are a danger to Krynn and our orders. If they were to organize, then it would come to war. I may show restraint now but their behaviors are not promising. They do not understand the damage they do,” he sighed outwardly and lifted his staff his up. The image of the Tower remained.

“For example, look to the Thorn Knights who have spurned Nuitari since Takhisis’s decision to raise a mage order of her own. Even without her they have found power in sorcery. I understand you find intrigue in their independence and creativity, cousin,” and at this he turned again to Lunitari, moving only his head instead of shifting his entire body.

Solinari’s voice grew stronger, “However, if they take that freedom too far it could mean disaster for Krynn. We have all seen what comes of such folly.”

[Heron]

Nuitari nodded. “I agree, cousin,” he said. Nuitari paused, overcome by a thought. A smile appeared on his face. “The Thorn Knights are a problem. Ever since that fool Justarius failed, they have been a problem,” he said. His smile turned to a frown as he turned to Lunitari. “Pray his daughter is more successful.”

[Aspen]

"Jenna is a smart woman. I have no doudt that she learned from her fathers fiasco." Lunitari replies without much concern.

[SilentInfinity]

Ah, Nuitari rarely gave Lunitari the credit she was due. That mattered not at the moment though. Solinari smiled gently. “Yes, failure is not something to dwell upon. If you learn from mistakes then there is nothing to fear.”

He looked to the dwarf who sat beside him. Gently, he continued, “For example, betrayal and lies to the Orders at large provoke many lessons of failure. Luckily, such mages often learn new humility and see their ways of wrongdoing, working quickly to make amends.”

The white patron nodded and turned his gaze upon the image of the damaged tower that lingered nearby. “How is Dalamar doing, by the way?” His eyes jumped back to the dark mage of secrets and treachery.

[Heron]

Nuitari scowled, said, "Dalamar has secured himself a place in the Tower of Wayreth." Leaning foward, he stabbed at the image. It wavered for a moment, then settled. "I expected nothingless from him. He will bear watching no doubt, but he still has a use."

Nuitari hated this game. It was tiresome. He settled back into the throne. His false eyes on the others. He smiled. "Tell us Solinari. How has the year and one-half gone for you?"

[SilentInfinity]

“The tower bothering you?” the god asked, waving a hand to dismiss the image. He sighed and laid his staff across his lap. “It hurts me too to see such pain inflicted upon it. But returning to the discussion… Dalamar’s lot has always been a difficult one. Sometimes, I wonder what he thinks of the minotaur nation taking control of his once homeland. I hope he finds some peace, soon.”

“Which reminds me,” Solinari continued, “of Dalamar’s visit to the another once Highmage. Palin is doing well as mayor of Solace. He is the happiest he’s been in a long time and when I haven’t been busy with matters of the Orders, I’ve check in on him and his family.”

“Not that I have had much time. Answering your question, Nuitari, the year and half has gone well. I have spoken often with once mages of white, those that have and have not yet returned to white robes. A few, unfortunately, have turned to sorcery in our absence. Disillusionment can only be suspected. I believe they will see the wisdom in coming back to the Orders, however. The young that have never known us until now are a different matter. Those sorcerers are independent, chaotic and rash like their control of magic.” He paused.

The lord of the silver moon symbolizes the epitome of magic turned to good. He is rapture when magic courses through the body to save life, to preserve right. The underdog is rescued by his followers. The people of Krynn are protected by the magic of the white order.

Solinari’s eyes flashed with light. “We will not allow these sorcerers to do to Krynn what they have done to Wayreth. History must not repeat itself.”

[Aspen]

Lunitari through her head back and laughed. The sweet sound filled the chamber. "You are both being mellow dramatic. The sorcerers are like childern with a toy sword, hitting everything in site. Let them mature. See what is to come before you wrip the toy from the childs hands and beat them with it." Before eather of her cousins could respond, Lunitari stood and glided to the center of the chamber where the image of the Tower had once been. As she stretched out her hand, the image reappeared. With gentle hands, the Goddess of Nutral magic rebuilt the tower, placing each fallen stone back to it's rightful home. Like a child playing with a set of building blocks, Lunitari smiled when she was through.

[SilentInfinity]

“A toy sword?” Solinari mused, briefly glancing to Nuitari, before he stood from his seat. He watched Lunitari play with the tower illusion. “No toy sword rips life from the world, feeds it into the soul of a child, and expels energy in a form of fire or lightning. The problem is that the sorcerers will mature and if their ideals and beliefs do not change, their control over Krynn’s primordial magic will grow stronger.”

“You are correct, they are simply swinging their might at random,” the white patron said softly. “Already those chance hits have come to our doors,” he lifted a hand and gestured to the tower Lunitari had just finished repairing. Truthfully, Solinari was happy to see her smile with creative satisfaction. “But in time, they will turn to us directly.”

Solinari and his order were masters of divination and abjuration. He chose that moment to exemplify such by dismissing Lunitari’s illusion. The Tower was gone but an empty field of dirt remained. “We’ve built and rebuilt before my cousins. If we let the sorcerers grow without guidance the consequences will be dire. I am not saying that we need to eradicate them forcefully,” Solinari looked to the dwarf, “and I am not saying they should be denied magic completely,” he glanced to the red lady, “for we must use diplomacy and our collective ability to convince the sorcerers of their folly.”

“I have asked all my followers to speak at length with any sorcerer they come upon and try to teach them of sorcery’s dangers. Fixing the Tower will be easy compared to this venture but even easier than repairing Krynn if we let sorcerers go on unchecked.”

[Heron]

Nuitari laughed, said, “The times have changed.” He shimmered. He reappeared next to his cousins. “Shaud and the others taught this to us.”

He stretched out his hand. An image of war formed in place of the dirt. “No matter how long the sorcerers live. They will never control it,” he said.

He clenched his hand into a fist. The image erupted into death and destruction. “The power of wild sorcery is the blood of Chaos. It will never be controlled,” he looked into the eyes of his cousins.

“This night, I have decreed that the Black Robes will kill all sorcerers that are encountered.” Smiling, he returned to his seat.

[Aspen]

Lunitari shook her head and looked at Solinari, " So this is what it has come to. We must destroy those that does not follow our rules?" The red lady turned stroled to the outer area of the chamber, her robes flowing out behind her. "I will have nothing to do with such things. I wash my hands of it."

[SilentInfinity]

Solinari’s initial reaction was one of surprise, then shock, followed by fear tinged with anger. This was not a unified trio. Nuitari loved to cause trouble and stir the emotions while Lunitari’s mark of independence and creativity gave her interest in the sorcerers. There was hope even when the world was stolen away; there was hope now.

“Despite our differences we must work together,” Solinari glided a few paces towards the Red Eye. “We three are also wizards of high sorcery. Here in this place we will discuss and even disagree as how to best protect and serve magic. We will not, however, come to blows and fight as if were uncivilized fools. All our followers can do this, so shall we.”

“Yes, those that do not follow our rules are branded as renegades and those renegades who defy us must perish,” he bowed his head to Lunitari. “Also then,” silver eyes went to dark Nuitari, “we cannot kill every renegade we come upon. Reassuring words and shows of power can convince those sorcerers of the ability they gain in our light. Would we waste such magnificent potential?”

The unseen moon’s lord desired power, power in secrets and darkness, and many sorcerers could promise Nuitari that if they turned. Lunitari herself respected the sorcerers potential. They each had common interests and a common love: magic.

The white patron gestured to the three thrones. “Let us continue this counsel from our seats where we may speak our thoughts and opinions knowing they will be heard.”

Intrigue came to Solinari, not in his words but in this matter. Lunitari was often the balancing factor in the magical gods’ equation. At their return to the world Solinari and Nuitari had shared common opinions but it seemed time was having quick affect on the cousins.

[Aspen]

Lunitari sighed. "There is wisdom in your words Solinari." Reluctantly she took her seat between her cousins. It was not very often that she was not cought in the middle of their desputes. To be on the oppisite end of the scales was a new experiance for her. Something she was not enjoying.

[Heron]

Nuitari nodded. He watched Lunitari seat herself at the throne. He thought for a moment before he continued. "You speak true, Solinari.” He smiled. “The sorcerer's problem will end in time.”

He reached into his robes and pulled forth a branch of an Ash tree. He pointed it towards the center of the room. An image of a spectral tree formed in the chamber. Its roots seeping down into the floor. "We have other matters to discuss," he said, standing. He watched his cousins. The next part will be risky. Possibly alerting his cousins to his plans. “The balance of the spheres of our world is in disaray. If the pedullum does not slow...,” he looked into the eyes of his cousins.

“This night, we must decide on a course of action that will bring the spheres back into balance.” Frowning, he returned to his seat.

[SilentInfinity]

Wisdom? Truth? He spoke with need and care, a need to bring the world back to the gods and care for the Orders and their magic. Solinari, like his followers, valued magic first and foremost. Hopefully, his cousins were still on the same line.

Instantly he was back in his seat gazing at the illusionary tree. The pendulum swung to and fro, like an oak in a summer storm. A breeze was cooling and calming but the winds that stirred Krynn now were turning in a new direction.

“Since Chaos came to Krynn’s shores there has been injury upon the flesh of the world. Like an untreated wound it has festered and grown infected. Sorcery is simply a minor side effect of the disease. The people are divided and nations have suffered under oppressive rule. Chaos warriors and daemons still move over Ansalon,” his silver blue eyes leveled with the faux orbs of the dwarf. “More importantly, the heavens have grown darker as two constellations have left: one for death and another in exile.”

Solinari sat up and shrugged his shoulders back. “Present your matter and guide it as you will, Black Hand.”

[Heron]

Solinari sat up and shrugged his shoulders back. “Present your matter and guide it as you will, Black Hand.”


Nuitari stood, closed his eyes, said, "I am a god who walks alone and when I’m walking a dark etheral path or strolling through the abyss...when the balance begins to change, I sometimes feel a little strange....a little anxious when I am alone...."

The ungod opened his eyes, walked up to the spectral tree. He reached foward, placed his hand upon its misty trunk and continued to speak. "Fear of the change, fear of the imbalance. I have a constant fear that something untorrid is always near. I have a concern that something dire is near."

The tree changed between the Dark Moons' hand, twisting and weaving as a future took shape. He muttered to Solinari. "Have you spied your future dear cousin and have you felt your place in the Dome shrink when you’re searching for the truth? " he said as he removed his hand. Nuitari stood back and looked up.

"Sometimes you’re scared to take a look at the future of Krynn. Why? I tell you why..." He pointed to the tree as he glanced at Lunitari. "For when we turn around, Neutrailty is always near....

[Aspen]

The edges of Lunitari's lips curled into only a slight smile. "Yes, Nuitari, Neutrailty is aways there, but it always has been. It is no different that the pure white light that plagues you, mocks you when you feel your power start to grow." She turned her gaze to Solinari, "And the darkest shadow that lingers, that will not disolve in your presents." With a great sigh, Lunitari placed he elbow apon the arm of her throne and her cheak in her hand. " Neutral is the balance. Darkness nore Light is domineering the other. I am sorry if this discomforts you my dear cousins, but I see no problem with the current arrangment."

[SilentInfinity]

Solinari said nothing, did nothing as Nuitari wove his suffocating blanket of darkness and shadow. He let the Black Hand speak of fear and paranoia, his own immortal frailties, until the corpse’s breath stopped. Lunitari, the red maiden danced through the strands of Nuitari’s weaving, drawing up a veil of crimson mockery and feigned annoyance. The silver lord remained silent as she coolly reveled in the pleasure provided by the universal acceptance of the balance, symbolized by her father. The delight she cloaked with whispers and minor tantrums always had a way of showing itself.

If it had not been a Night of the Eye one might have thought Solinari waxing as his thin lips became a crescent of a smile. He bowed his head first to his dark cousin, his opposite if you must, and then next to the lady of the trio, their balancing counterpart. “Dear Nuitari, you are plagued by trickery and deception. Your followers epitomize it and you spread it. That is the heart of your magic and one I do not question beats stronger now than it did before the days of Istar. What few would mention,” Solinari said, an eyebrow raising, “is that your most clever trick is not misinformation, but rather withholding information. Whatever moral or ethical values you hold, or throw away, do not trouble me. We are bound as all mages of high sorcery are: by our magic.”

“Lunitari,” he wet his lips, not because it was necessary but because it gave pause, “you are much the same. All that we, our family of gods and godlings, or mortals might say of you is true. Your magic rests in the balance of all things. Finding the precious center of the day and night, your efforts seep into the designs of myself, Nuitari, or we both. But not all are so easily placated. Inaction may haunt your steps, but those steps throw shadows with the first rays of dawn or echo in dark alleyways at dusk. Curiosity and creativity are two bedfellows I’m certain you would never turn away and that has given you courage and an Ace in your doings upon the world of Krynn. It does not worry me that you appreciate the sorcerers’ mindset and efforts, nor do I fear your presence in the future.”

Solinari glanced to the dwarf and shook his head slightly. “I am fine with our arrangement in the heavens, in the world, in the Orders, in the tower, and with our people, the followers of our teachings.” He sighed to belabor such issues but it seemed only necessary.

“Imagine though to be left alone, sweet lady of the red moon,” his silver eyes grew bigger as he spoke and his lips drooped as they waned, “Imagine to sit within the night sky and find yourself in the company of nothing but The Balance. Gilean is there now and I do not believe this is a proper state of the universe. The consequences of our return to this world are what trouble my divinations. Not neutrality. Not darkness. Not either of you.”

There was an echo in the illusionary Hall, resonating out into the space between the Vale, the Dome, and the Abyss…

“For I am a wizard of high sorcery, a patron of magic, first and foremost. All other things come after.”

[Aspen]

Lunitari didn't let it show but the though of being alone struck a cord in her. Though Gilean took great pleasure in observing mortals as she did, he didn't not interact with then as a norm. She on the other hand enjoyed the presence of others and had taken great pleasure in sharing a glass of elven wine with a sellect few of her followers. Even the company of her cousins brought joy to her heart, not that she would ever let Nuitari know this.

[Heron]

“For I am a wizard of high sorcery, a patron of magic, first and foremost. All other things come after.”

"That is true dear cousin," Nuitari said, as he turned to face the image the tree had taken. It was an image of The of Creation. Exact in detail, down to the two missing constellations. " I too am a patron of magic...." My magic, first and foremost...cousins... he thought to himself. He stood quietly, staring at the image.

[SilentInfinity]

“Gilean is a figure of balance, knowledge, and learning. Still I fear for his lone place in the heavens,” Solinari said, gesturing to the starry night image. “Chaos worked his will upon Krynn before he disappeared and what has happened since has been greatly out of our influence. I suggest we change that.”

“Besides the matter of sorcery, what other projects or matters do you have planned, on your mind? The activity of our Orders must be increased.” The white mage looked from Nuitari to Lunitari and then back to the Devouring Dark.

[Heron]

"“Besides the matter of sorcery, what other projects or matters do you have planned, on your mind?" Solinari said.

The ungod turned his attention to his quicksilver cousin. He stared silently. Pursing his lips as he put his thoughts in order. "My plans are simple, Cousin. The sorcerers aside, I am working on the effects the loss of our two parents has and will have upon Krynn." he said.

Nuitari felt preturbed. His cousin was known to plume the depths of Zivlyn and scry upon the universe at his lesiure. Could he know what I plan? Does he even have a suspicion? he thought, as he turned to look at Lunitari.

"Tell us, Cousin, what part does neutrality plan to play in the upcoming future? Does it not bother Gilean that the pantheon is out of balance?" Nuitari said with a hiss.

[Aspen]

Lunitari raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. "Is he conserned?" She shrugged her shoulders, "Maybe. Will he take any action? Unless it is apsolutly nessisary, he will observe, and that is all." Leaning forward in her seat, Lunitari glared at Nuitari. "The balance may be heavy to the center of the scales but it is still balanced.... unless someone has plans to tip them?"

[Heron]

"The balance may be heavy to the center of the scales but it is still balanced.... unless someone has plans to tip them?"

Nuitaris's eyes narrowed to slits. "Do I understand you correctly, Cousin? Do I detect no concern for the paradigm of creation? Does not our creators plans, as held by Gilean, no longer matter to the Lords of the Grey?" He jabbed a finger in the direction of the Red Jewel of the Heavens.

"If any has plans it seems the Lords of the Grey are plotting them!" He said, his voice soft as the dyings breath.

[Aspen]

Lunitari through her head back and laughed. She had little idea what her dark cousin was up to, but he was up to something. Nuitari only ever pointed fingers at others if he was trying to keep them from looking behind his back. Destract and polm: just like an old parlor trick.
Leaning back in her seat, the Veiled madian through her legs over one of the arms of her throne and reached out her hand to take the glass of fine elven wine that appeared infront of her.
After a sip she smiled at Nuitari, "You know that we do not plot. We observe. So what do you hide behind you back, dear cousin? hmm. A stoolen cookie perhaps, or a bobble from Mothers bag of tricks? What do you have up your sleave Nightreaver?"

[Heron]

"You know that we do not plot. We observe. So what do you hide behind you back, dear cousin? hmm. A stolen cookie perhaps, or a babble from Mothers bag of tricks? What do you have up your sleave Nightreaver?"

Nuitari stood sraight, slowly smiling. The wine glass began to creak as it froze in place. "Ah yes, observation. That is the key. Is it not?" The Dark Moon slowly approached Lunitari, his pale skin turning black as night with each step.

"You set back and observed while Beldyn destroyed our faiths and we were forced to punish our charges. You observed while The Father of All and Nothing raged across creation," he said coming up short of Lunitaris throne. "You observed while The Dark Mother stole the world, and our charges now scorn us," he looked into the magenta eyes of the Red Woman.

"And now you merely observe while good and evil wither away with infighting and backstabbing," Nuitari clinched his fists.

"Since Time has ended and turned back on itself, The Balance has swung between all three, forbidden to rest too long on either paradigm. And here you are, again, stewards of the Highs will and the balance sits, settling in concordance," he raised a hand.

" An you call me a trickster, a plotter, deciever of the witless and enemy of the ignorant? "

[SilentInfinity]

“No, I believe that was me,” Solinari chuckled. “We all have our methods of manipulation for countless plans, but the difference rests in the purpose of our work. Good, evil, and neutrality all have their desires. Thus, the pendulum swings as if we were passing it between one another. Once not so long ago the pendulum lingered in a semblance of good.”

The Ivory Disk cleared his throat, once more for emphasis, “And as we saw then, it led to ruin. A mountain changed an island’s mind. Now, the pendulum has lost its swing and the inertia, the energy has gone out of the motion. Balance does not mean stagnation.” He looked to Nuitari and gestured him away from their cousin, towards his seat or to its side.

“That is part of my worry. Now, since you are both dancing not so cleverly around the subject of this topic I will assume to take a further step and tell you of a plan that I have. And I hope all of you will share…” Like whitewater over the falls, Solinari stepped down from his throne, his ivory robes twirling as he turned. A faint mist, a fog similar to that of Wayreth Forest, rose from the center of the floor and rolled out into the shadows.

A pale yellow light permeated the mist, growing greener as Solinari opened his hands into the Hall. He whispered words of the magius tongue and smiled. As if from the green earth, Solinari brought five separate images to life in the fog, each a vision into the past (or was it the future?) of the Towers of High Sorcery: Daltigoth, Losarcum, Palanthas, Istar, and Wayreth.

“To impress our presence and influence upon Krynn once again, five Towers of High Sorcery will rise above legend.”

[Aspen]

Lunitari promptly stood and dropped the frozen wine glass to the chamber floor. It drops below the surface and dissaprears leaving only tiny ripples in it's wake. She glided over the images of the beloved towers. Circling each one, the Vailed Madian inspected and pondered. Could this be what the orders needed? The towers had been a symbol of prestige on Krynn. So much had happened since then. Could reserecting these structures solve the problems faced by their followers? Maybe. One think she was sure, it couldn't hurt to try.
After she had inspected all five images, Lunitari let her gaze fall on Solinari. She could hardly hide her excitement. "What an iterest proposal you have brought to the table dear cousin." Turning around to face Nuitari, Lunitari's face lost all expretion, all signs of the excitment she felt for such a project. "And what does our dark third think of such an undertaking?"

[Heron]

"And what does our dark third think of such an undertaking?"

Nuitari bowed his head as he set done upon the onyx throne. “I think you are mad, that is what I think,” he said.

Nuitari looked at Lunitari. “You failed to answer my question,” he said, “but no matter.”

A breeze began to blow. Nuitari tapped his chin. “I admit the plan has a certain charm. However, it is doomed to fail,” Nuitari said.

Nuitari smiled. He was happy. “Solamnia is on the march. Sargas is at war and Silvanesti suffers. Does this not bother you?” he asked. Nuitari looked at his cousins. “And of Taladas?” Nuitari said.

[SilentInfinity]

Solinari petted his lips with his right hand, immediately ending the wind that had struck up in the Hall. The fog and its solid images remained. A white eye to the world of Krynn, his gaze left the Towers and went to the dark eye.

“Failure? Do not condemn something before it has had a chance, dear Nuitari. When you look to the future of the Orders, tell me what you see; that is, if you can find yourself a scrying pool to use,” Solinari said, his voice whimsical. He smiled as his brow lifted as if the patron of white magic was questioning himself on something.

He glided near the black throne, the mists rolling over his robe. “We are not here to police the world and its people. The various cultures add a necessary diversity if you will?” Solinari nodded in Lunitari’s direction. “Much of the current state of Ansalon, and Taladas, concerns me. You need not worry yourself, Nuitari, to pretend to have such care. Although, I expect Sargonnas, the Minotaur King, does indeed trouble you with his growing influence. There is much we can do to help our followers help others, some more than others. However, we are not speaking of those purposes and plans, but rather this one.”

There was a grave look to his face but a faint laughter in his throat, his smile straightening into a more serious expression of amusement. “Continuing with the topic at hand, I believe the repairs of Wayreth should come first, following with the earnest quest to return the Tower at Nightlund to Palanthas. Back at the fabled Bright Horizon, that Tower can be repaired though I doubt it will leave behind the legend of Doom Spire. We will have to encourage an expedition by some of our followers to the tower. A shame Dalamar cannot come; I expect this matter will trouble him.”

Solinari submerged his arms into the mists as if he were feeling about, searching for something. His next words carried a strange power in their simple syllables. “I expect Daltigoth can come back to us easily, but Losarcum within Goodlund and Istar will not.”

[Heron]

Nuitari was no longer happy. It could be said he was so far from happy that anger wouldnt know him. However, it did not show. He still wore a smirk on his face.

"Doomspire? Remove it? No I think not," the Ungod said. "It serves its purpose in Nightlund. Unlike you I am concerned by both Kiri-jolith and Sargas." Nuitari flicked his wrist and the fog whirled about the towers. "With the Tower in Nightlund our followers have a better perspective to monitor Solamnia."

The Dark Moon was not pleased. Unlike Solinari, he trusted no one in these times. Especially Lunitari. Her laconic view of the world only furthered his paranoia. No matter. He would prevail in his plans.

"And how do you prepose that we raise Losarcum, Cousin? It is a blasted ruin and now under the influence of others. As is Istar. Lost to the murky depths and in the provience of my Sister," he said.

Back in Istar, the true form of Nuitari seethed with anger. In his busrt of outrage he killed a rat by altering the pressure within its body with that outside the Tower. It imploded nicely. "My cousin does quicksilver proud..."

[SilentInfinity]

Solinari smiled.

“I agree with your suggestion,” the white eye said without much reproach. The White Eye was the silver disk that hung over the world of Krynn; its glow touched everything, piercing the darkness. Even the murky depths of the ocean knew the touch of Solinari, just ask the sea elves.

“The doom spire can remain there, symbolizing a new beginning, as this post-war-of-souls era has ushered a new beginning for Nightlund. With proper repair and magical attention the Lore Spire can rise into the sunlit skies. Its position as a vigilant watcher will be well appreciated by our cousin,” he smiled brighter as he bowed his head to Lunitari, “as I’m sure it will be by Gilean.”

“As for Losarcum…we are patrons of magic and our followers are more zealous than even we. What great power has risen before shall be done again. There are secrets still in the Tower of Wayreth and magic enough to aid our endeavors,” Solinari spoke gently. He brought his hands out of the midst, holding a few faded tomes, their bindings cracking and the leather peeling. Holding them tight to his chest, the white mage floated back to his chair and sat.

“Losarcum will stand again. Istar’s tower also. Your sister will have to relinquish her grasp about its damaged stone. I hope she has not attempted to access the mighty artifacts that the Kingpriest locked away there so long ago.” He looked to Lunitari, nodding with amusement, and then to Nuitari, still nodding with much humor.

He placed the librams of magic in his lap and rested his folded hands upon them. “An important aspect for you both. Should we organize teams made up of members of each order for each tower’s inspection or maybe have different orders take up the responsibility? I’m interested to hear your opinions,” the silver son stated, lifting a brow in question.

[Heron]

Nuitari threw back his head and laughed. He did this for several moments before he brought himself under control. "And who shall inform my sister of this? Me? I think not," he replied his body quivering with amusement. " I have no desire to quarrel with Zeboim at the moment.

Nuitari leaned foward. "However, since you seem compelled to go through with this folly in the name of magic, I am obliged to offer my assistance. But only with the other three towers."

Gesturing with his hands he muttered the spidery words of magic," Mi him, can de lach, mi him, min en tow. Nuitari!"

A sound not unlike the cries of the damned filled the chamber. As the lamenations rose in fervor a shape took form in the midst of the chamber. It looked much like a ship of the sea but it was completly sealed and encircled by a band of elemental matter. Its hull glistened in the false light of the chamber. The lines of the vessel were as natural as the shark of the seas and hinted at grace unmatched in the mortal world.

The Dark Man fell back into his throne, exhausted by the summoning. He looked loveingly at the ship. With a quick smile he gestured at the floating vessel, "I give you a stormship, so that our followers can conserve their energies, hire bodyguards and servants and still manage to traverse the mortal sphere quickly."


In the Tower of Istar, The Dark Man fumed. To misdirect Solinari from his plans he was forced to summon a resource that he rather not have revealed. No matter at least with the stormship, he could keep tabs on Solinari and Lunitari's chosen.

With a smile he summoned a Visage to remove the many dead or dying rats in the chamber of the Gods Eye.

[Aspen]

Lunitari took her seat and gazed at the ship her dark cousin had offered. How very generous of him, and how very out of charcter for him to be so giving to a project that he is set against. He was up to something, but what?
A plan started to hatch in her very creative mind. "The idea of sending our followers to such sites has it's maret but why should they go when we could inspect them ourselves. Oh, it's been so long since we three had an outing together. We can see first hand what is what and then we can proseed from there."

[Heron]

"The idea of sending our followers to such sites has it's maret but why should they go when we could inspect them ourselves.

"Simple, really. We can not intefere too directly, lest we tip our hand and anger our breathren," he replied.

"Besides, the offering of the ship is the extent of my help. Take it or leave off, matters not to me," he muttered as he adjusted the sleeves of his robe.

[SilentInfinity]

“I do believe a public appearance at Wayreth would be fruitful. Such a visit inspires our followers and gives them faith that we care for their efforts,” Solinari interjected. “As for your ship, I thank you for the offer. It will lead us well into your sister’s domain. Considering your desire to remain absent from this plan, Lunitari and I will leave you to your own machinations. She and I can speak with Zeboim before we venture below. I’m sure she’s been keeping an eye on the area and may be able to provide us with some useful information. I’d not like to slip into her realm unannounced. I’m positive she would find that most disrespectful.” He looked to Lunitari as he posed this idea, smiling and nodding like an excited neonate. A glance went to Nuitari then, “Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Also, as Coryn will be venturing towards Daltigoth and Jenna to Nightlund, I’ll ask Dalamar to accompany us to the Ruins and the sunken Tower. I’m sure he would appreciate the chance to visit the limits of Silvanesti and those ancient places of legend. Remember Lorac’s Test at Istar?” Solinari chimed, thinking fondly on the Elf King’s youth.

Solinari leaned back in his marbled throne, letting his fingers trace the runes of the old books in his lap. “Coryn’s charms and personality will ease the negotiations she makes in Daltigoth. Jenna’s knowledge of Palanthas and previous experience at the Tower will serve her well in Nightlund and its tower once she arrives. While if there proves to be items of note under the waters, Dalamar’s knowledge will be useful,” the white patron smiled again. “It is a shame Dalamar’s faith in us, even his patron,” Solinari gestured to the dwarf, “has been shattered. I hope we can restore it. His passion for magic is not one we should ignore for the obsession grows in him and infractions to his faith could be dangerous.”

Silver eyes bore through the illusionary avatar of Nuitari, a piercing gaze if ever Solinari had one.

[Aspen]

Luntari sighed, "Well if we must sent them then we must, but I do agree that taking such precutions as speaking with Zeboim is wise. Don't you agree Nuitari?" Before her dark cousin could answer she continued. "I think such a expodition will be good for Dalamar. Such a shame to have lost him. He will be hard to win back. Very stuborn," Lunitari laughed, "must have something to do with his patron."

[Heron]

Nuitari sighed. His cousin was being obtuse. No matter, all was not lost. Rising from his chair, Nuitari walked up to Solinari. “You forget yourself cousin. You forget your place in things. You forget your role,” he said with deep sorrow.

Nuitari raised his hand, said, “Allow me to remind you. You bring light to the night but that night is my domain for those who seek its caress.”

Nuitari opened his palm. Upon it an orb of darkness rested. “I see all within my domain cousin. Behold what do you see,” Nuitari said. In the midst of the darkness, a shape took form. It was a man with pale skin and black hair. His eyes were the color of grave dirt and his lips rose petals.

“Since last we have spoke many things have changed. Our fate is no longer certain. Our followers are too few. And that, my cousin, is something I can not abide,” Nuitari said. He shivered. “Chemosh is moving his khas pieces and I am uncertain to his motives. This distress’s me,” he said. The Dark Moon paused to gather his thoughts.

“Need I say that our wizards number less than two dozen? And that Chemosh’s star far outshines our own in the heavens?” He looked hard into Solinari’s eyes.

“Zeboim moves her own khas pieces. She must be supported. For she seeks to defeat our common enemy.” He then turned to Lunitari. “And you dear cousin mock the situation. Thankfully, I am not you. I will not sit by and allow our followers to die through appeasement,” Nuitari said.

“For any of this to move forward, we must be united in resolve and in purpose. However, that is not the case here. I do stand with you in support of the Conclave and High Sorcery, but let it be said, I do not stand with you on the matter of the towers.” He closed his hand into a fist. Nuitari looked at Lunitari and Solinari.

“Zeboim plans to counter Chemosh. Sargas is engaged with Mishakal over the Elves. Kiri-jolith is rebuilding Solamnia and the others are lost in their endless desolation. Chemosh however, has a new toy. A fearsome toy at his disposal. I think you know of her. She is called Mina. He continued with out stopping.

“Zeboim asked for my support. I consented. I told her of Istar. She is there now, learning what she can. And in return, she granted me a boon that I have yet to claim. So I ask you one final time, leave off from Istar. We no longer have claim over it. We lost that claim when we lost the battle with Beldinas,” Nutari said.

[Aspen]

"What?!" Lunitari screamed. She pushed herself out of the throne sending it sliding back to the outer area of the chamber. "You gifted Istar to your sister! It was not only yours to give, Nuitari. It and it's secrets belong to all three of us. You had no right to do so, dark feined." The veiled maidan tryed to calm herself. It was very rare that she ever lost her temper. After a moment, Lunitari turned from her cousin. To look at him only brought forth more rage. "And you would have let us send our followers into her depths knowing full well that Zeboim would have taken their presents as an attack by us." She turned back to face her cousin's. Her face had lost all expretion, not even a laugh line remained. "You claim to care for the orders, well I say you don't. You only care for your own neck and not your followers. You speak with concern for the balance well I say you are only concerned that it does not tip your way. You have taken an iterest in this war your dark brothern have going on and in doing so have turned your back on what we three have created. Shame on you Nuitari."

[Heron]

"How dare you make such an accusation?" Nuitari seethed with anger. “I gave nothing to my sister, cousin! I merely made mention of its existence,” he said.

Nuitari hated this but it had to be done. "As I have mentioned before Lunitari, Istar was no longer ours to claim. It was left lying beneath the waves in its watery grave, free for the taking," The Ungod stepped away from Solinari and moved closer to Lunitari.

"As to the fate of our followers, if that was true, then why did I warn you to stay away from Istar?" The Dark Moon pondered the situation. He had to calm himself before things got out of hand.

"And as for my followers, who are you to say such a thing? At least I will not abandon them to the cancer that is wild sorcery. Unlike you who stand back fascinated by its allure as our followers are consumed," he said with true venom in his voice.

"As to The Balance, it is our watch and warrant to be concerned with it. Your lack of concern for its continued existence is distrubing, cousin," Nuitari walked away and set down. He was calm once again.

[Aspen]

Lunitari grew tired of the fight. She smiled and laughed at Nuitari. "Oh my dearest dark one, is that what you think I've done? Abandonned my followers? Left them out in the cold while I entertain these sorcerors? I am not some child who discards her old toys in favour of the latest gnomen trinket. I have not turned my back on them. If I had, would I be here? Would I care what has become of our tower in Istar?"
The red madien had had enough of this banter. Nothing was getting acomplished and she was starting to think that the Celibration of Night of the Eye at the Wayreth tower would be a much more pleasent place to be. She turned and faced Solitari. "And what about you Beacon? Do you share Nightreaver's fears and accusation?"

[Heron]

error in posting!

[Heron]

Nuitari glanced at Solinari, said, "Enough. I, as you do, grow tired of this argument. I have other matters to attend to this night."

The Dark Moon stood up and walked over to Lunitari. "Forgive me cousin, for I have made a mistake. I should have never questioned your insight on the mortal sphere," he said. He gave her a slight bow.

He paused, adjusting the sleeves of his black velvet robes. "I have reconsidered my position on sending a Black Robe on this mission. The stormship I have summoned for this occasion is a willful beast and requires a strong hand to sail it. So, therefore, I choose Khair de-Din to be its captain," he said.

He whispers the words of magic for a summoning spell. A yellow tinged mist begins to rise from the floor. It slowly coalesces into a hulking shape. As the spell ends, a smell like the open tomb pervades the chamber. "I give you Khair de-Din, my devout pupil," Nuitari said.

As the mist parts, a minotaur draped in ominous black folds came forth. The huge minotaur bows, says, "Masters I am at your service."

[Aspen]

Lunitari bowed in return. "Thank you. Then the expedition may begin as planned.
"But as for tonight: our followers celebrate at Wayreth and I for one will be joining them. Come my cousins: Sulitari, I'm sure that the white robes would feel comfort having you near and Nuitari, you have spent fare to long hiding yourself away. Tomorow we can make plans for the future of the Orders but for tonight... well let us stand amongst our devoted. What say you?"

[SilentInfinity]

Little had been achieved but much had been discussed.

"Yes," Solinari grinned, "Let us pay a visit in our way. Our faithful followers deserve some encouragement from our eye's night."

He gestured to the minotaur and to his cousins, "Good night, we mages."

Fog enveloped the false Hall and all fell back to arcane stuff and energy. They were gone, but only from here. They were still with the world, now and forever.

Or so they hoped.

[Heron]

edited by poster