Ethanria Rise of the Immortals - Chapter 3 IC - Nature's Wrath

[Setsa]

It is troubling times in the world of Ethanria. The demon queen Deldranna, a demonic goddess, now lives in this world. The long abandoned fortess of Coregarde once again glows with evil demonic magics, the Maul of Corruption now crawling with legions of demons and the corrupted. The queen of Zarangar, the elvin sorceress Lithea, has been corrupted and the Dagger Woods are now under Deldranna's control, the creatures of the once peaceful forest now vile, deformed, and vicious.

The Isle of Tranquil Storms has seen thunder and lightning for the first time in over five thousand years. Elves and toroks from Stormvale have left the isle for the first time in centuries to seek help from the outside lands, their queen, the Blue Dragon Broodmother Taerazana, has jioned the rest of the Dragon Brood Hierarchy in the Sanctuary of Dragonwood Vale to asses the looming threat.

The eight Immortals had not been heard from for thousands of years until Edynol, the Immortal od Darkness, made himself known. The others are either in hiding or in exile, their identities hidden from everyone. Some serve as rulers, some as commoners, others wondering the world in self imposed exile. But the time has come for the Immortals to once again rise and save the world of Ethanria from eternal darkness.

After setting out from Knotstrim in Ethranar with Edynol on a mission to escort a supply train, Jai, Lucas, and a few other volunteers set out on what would be a life changing journey. After fighting a surprise battle outside Tresnia, all doubt of there being a great power in the Anthar Wastes controlling the Wastelanders was gone. After leaving Tresnia for Eversong, Edynol, Jinxed, Jai, and Lucas met Setsa, who after having taken Edynol prisoner became a close and powerful friend and ally.

When the treachery and corruption had been uncovered in Eversong and cleansed, the long isolated people of the great forest kingdom ventured outside its borders for the first time in two thousand years to wage war against the powerful Demage Kaldorn and rescue Anella Sareth-Ethran, Queen of Ethranar and love of Edynol. Durring the war, a disturbing new type of dragon was introduced to the world, dragons imbued and corrupted with demonic magic from birth. But in the face of this new and powerful threat, Jeraxustraz the Broodless, also known as Blackwing, revealed himself for the first time in a thousand years.

After a long, hard fought battle that they almost lost, Kaldorn was finally defeated and Deldranna's plan uncovered, that she plans to corrupt the Great Trees Teldrinel and Aedranel, thus bending the powers of world to her will. Now, the company of heroes are on a mission to find the other Immortals and put an end to Deldranna once and for all.

But that mission was put in jeopardy when a dark anomaly rose in the east between Seaspanse and Aedranar. The dark creature, which a demonic attempt to control raise and control dead spirits gone terribly awry, brought everyone's worst fears to life. Durring this battle, The Immortal of Light, Marius Rohll, who had been traveling with our heros under the guise of Jeredai, an elderly traveler and ale and gambling enthusiast, made himself known for the first time in over three thousand years.

Edynol eventually defeated the beast, but in doing he took the lives of Jai, a dear friend and companion, and several innocent soldiers to feed his powers before pulling the creature down into his domain of the Underworld. The after created a huge flood that decimated most of Telnia Aeron. But though they were victorious against the Shadow, a new threat was unleashed as millions of souls escaped from the underworld. And with Edynol around to control them, they are free to roam the world of the living and are heading west. So now, the group must split up, one lead by the powerful Druid Setsa, who has taken up Edynol's charge in his stead, the other by Marius, who is headed back west to warn the kingdoms of the approaching doom.

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It had now been nearly two full months since the island battle that killed some and caused the rest to split up and conquor their own group mission; yet all the while fighting as one clan in it's own right. Setsa had been quiet a good portion of the time as she now carried the burden of leading this group going to see the Green Broodmother. That along with the disappearance of Edynol and death of Jai hit her hard... Many nights she would spend in self meditation to help forget her once dragon love and focus on what was to come. No distractions, no mistakes....where they were heading would be very dangerous and she had to be on her toes and them some.

It was mid-afternoon when her feet left the ship's deck and took a moment to relish the feel of solid earth beneath them. The had officially landed in Aedranar and for the arch-druid elven, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of no more seasickness. The cursed waves rocking the ship made her swear on many occasions which was something not like her before. Thankfully those that chose to come with her made that leg of the journey far more pleasant than what it could have been.

Turning around once her land legs kicked back in; Setsa helped unload their supplies as well as her stallion mount that followed her from Eversong and Tankrou after finally convincing him there were trees outside he could climb on for a bit. With a simple lick of gratitude the storm panther bounded towards the forest of Tremal Knell to hunt. "We will camp here tonight as there may be others sent by allied nations joining us by the morning before we head to Teldrinal." Taking a breath her eyes grew softer, showing the Setsa that first joined the group in her homeland. "I wanted to take this time to thank everyone who decided to come with me to this land. We are always stronger together than ever apart. This, this means very much to me and please remember I owe you my deepest appreciation.... Now...I'm sure if a hunting party of 3-4 went out we just may be able to set this journey off better tomorrow with fully bellies and higher spirit. Any volenteers?" The elven asked as her red hair began to glow more brightly in it's bright colors and her smile grew wider across her lips.

[Drakkon]

Dread sighed as he looked over towards the forest of Tremal Knell. A nostalgic sense filled him as he stared out at the great forest. He heard Sesta speak, and looked over towards her. She spoke of a hunting party which fit just fine. He looked into her eyes, and gave her a silent message, something she caught on to much quicker then Alice had. "I shall go." With that, unsaid he took hold of his bow. Watching the forest and breathing in air he missed. So I am home without nothing more then a Dragon's blood. Not exactly what I aimed for. He thought as he lifted his backpack.

He longed for a hunt more then anything else. The hunts in Tremal Knell was something he enjoyed deeply, although he wished he could have had time to hunt else where. It was still something about the place of druids that he loved. Out of the rest of the group he rarely, if not never spoke to them much. A few hello's, or nods passing by but not much else. Although he could tell two people out of all of them that were of value here. Setsa. for her druid powers, and perhaps status. An obvious choice to see the Broodmother, and himself. Who knew these forests, and a few of its communes. Whatever the reason he savored every moment back in his home lands. The only regret was that Alice could not be here with him.

[Mr. Irish]

Aedranar was a very sparse place. Mother nature has really let herself go. However Aedranar lacks sufficiently in the industrial department.

One of Jonathan’s eyelids drearily lifted, followed by its reluctant neighbor. Sunlight spilled onto his eyes, burning into them like corrosive acid. It was not long before he noticed the battering ram in his head, knocking brutally at his skull. Slowly moving his hands up to hold his head, Jonathan shuffled his eyes from one direction to another. There was a large tree above him waving gently in the breeze. The last time he had slept under a tree in the open was when he had… Yeah. It had happened again. On his chest was a pretty girl who was the daughter of a man in charge of a caravan he had been tagging along with. She was happily sleeping with her arms around Jonathan. Irish gently pushed the girl off him before dragging his head up and clambering to his feet, the caravan was transporting all varieties of Schnapps to god knows where. That explained the war in his head. Jonathan slipped on his shirt and satchel before heading around the corner to the campfire that had been set up. There the caravan members were saddling up the horses once more, or eating breakfast around the now inactive campfire.

“Jonathan. Get you’re arse over here.” None other than the father of the girl Irish had slept with the night before was beckoning for him to come and sit around the dwindling fire. Jonathan tried to keep his poker face. It was not necessary; he was so tired that his face was dead still anyway. After ambling over he took a seat on a log opposite him, “Sleep well Irish?” he blurted out. Cracking a subtle grin, Jonathan raised his eyebrows and looked at him blankly as if to say, “Do I look like I slept well?” The man shook back his head and chuckled. “Well, you have got a bit of time before we are on the move aga-“
“I’m afraid ill have to be off.” Jonathan interrupted in his fluid irish accent. He got to his feet and went over to shake his hand. “I cant thank you enough lad. But as much as I would love to stay, I’ve got to find my friends.” The man raised his eyebrows and nodded in a saddened but accepting fashion, before raising his hand to meet Jonathan’s. “If you gotta go, you gotta go.” He said matter of factly. “Stay safe Jonathan, I don’t want to hear about you getting into fights no more.” He continued. Irish let out a little chuckle “Not something I can promise. You keep this caravan grand you hear?”, “Certainly will. Now get out of here you little bastard” The man replied affably. Jonathan chuckled as he let go his grip, picked up his satchel and headed back on his journey. He paused for a moment before turning his head. “Oh yes. I almost forgot. You’re daughter. Perhaps saddle her up a horse eh? Don’t think she will be doing too much walking.” Jonathan continued, leaving the extremely confused caravan leader behind.

“Rope. Where are you, you little bastard?”

[Mr. Scarlet]

A man had swept up behind a passerby, keeping tight to their back and holding a knife to his victim's throat. The unlucky one made no movement, lest he find himself the only witness to an untimely death. But what came from his mouth was not a plead for mercy, but something that would take the thug aback.

"I do not believe you truly understand the situation you are in, my good sir. It is within your best interest to turn around and walk away." The grizzled, late thirties man let out a snort at the statement, obviously believing it was a bluff.
"And wut 'r ye gunna do 'bout it son? One move and I cut yer throat like a tomato." To emphasize this, the man dug a little deeper into his target's neck, any more and it would likely draw blood.
"You have until the count of three before I do something you're going to regret. And believe me, that feeling will arrive more quickly then you will ever imagine. You have already soiled my clothing with your disgusting hands, something I would not tolerate if I was not in such a good mood already. In fact, that is the only reason why you are still standing, let alone receiving a warn."
"I've had enuff a yer blatherin' you basterd! I'm done with y-" The sentence had been cut off by the sound of flesh being punctured. A sickening sound of bone snapping away from the force, flesh giving away to the object that was thrusted inside. The knife fell to the ground and the man turned around to face his attacker.

"Now before the life drains from your eyes, see if you can whisper out the answer to my question. Of course you may very well not know the answer but I felt I should ask you anyway, since you seem to know the people around here enough to pick me out at a distance as...what did you call me? A 'rotten stinking foreigner' I think it was? I'm sorry, I went off on a tangent; back to my question: I heard there was a ship coming into port in the near future, or it may have already arrived, I have no idea. But what I want to know is- oh. Well, I guess my question will go unanswered for now. Thank you for your time."

And with that, Isaac turned away from the fresh corpse, brushing dirt off of the collar where he had been grabbed. The giant talon that was holding the man aloft removed itself, causing the street thug to hit the ground with a loud thud. And with a flap of its wings, the owner of the talon flew over shoulder of it's master.

"You were just a little too early, I wanted to try and get some information first. Or at least have some fun. Disemboweling would be considered extreme. Now clean yourself off. All that street urchin blood has colored you red."

[Edynol]

As Setsa and the others made camp and prepared their food, a party of orcs and elves approach silently, undetected even by Setsa. Suddenly, Rope gets a confused look as his bags and pocket get lighter, all the poisons he was carrying having been removed by magic. The group then surrounded Setsa and the others as their leader, an elf with pale white hair and light grey eyes approached them. "Greetings, travelers," he said, concentrating mostly on Setsa, his voice soft and soothing. "I am Delonathias Esènriäl of the Jáenëival Sacturïm." He then spared Rope a look. "All your poisons will be returned to you once you are deemed trustworthy."

He smiles as he holds a hand out to Setsa. "A fellow druid. You are well met in these troubling times, my sister. I apologize for the manner in which you are greeted. Tremal Knell is not as safe as it once was. The corruption from Còrrgül Moroth (Elvish for Maul of Corruption) has grown strong and has began to seep through our borders. It has been driving some to do violent acts such as mugging and even murder for no cause."

Delonathias then looked at Dread. "Dread Gain, my young hunter. I am surprised to see you back so soon. I am sorry you travels are cut short so soon. Never the less, it is good to have you back." He then addressed everybody. "You are all welcome in Tremal Knell, but until we can be sure you are all trustworthy, you will be guarded. No harm shall come to you as long as you obey our laws. I also must ask you your names and your purpose."

[Setsa]

Catching the message that Dread would hunt she gave him a nod that she understood. "Thank you....please do not be long as I don't want anyone to be harmed. Though I trust you fully to handle yourself as you know these lands far more than me." Softly patting his shoulder the elven then sat down near the fire. Staring at it to help herself unwind; she failed to sense the approaching elves and orc surrounding their group. When the white haired druid approached she couldn't help but eye him over somewhat. Trying to figure out what his true intent without bringing up any alarms of her prying mind.

After the elf's words...Setsa accepted the hand of Delonathias, shaking it firmly as she smiled to show they truly meant no harm. "I am Ambassador Setsa of Eversong; and we have no intent to cause any problems while we are here in Tremal Knell. As long as no problems arrise against us ofcourse. Our group had just came from the island battle with intent to see the Brood Mother while the other half of our group went back West to prepare for the arrising darkness. So as you surely can see, we don't have ample amounts of time to waste." Looking back at Dread she stood up a bit taller but not in a threatening manner. "Dread was so kind enough to volunteer to hunt... I trust that will still be allowed as we must eat well to restore our strength from the ship."

She didn't care for the idea of being guarded constantly until they proven themselves otherwise.... No, she couldn't blame them but it also didn't mean she had to like it much. The last thing she wanted was over sized babysitters who may or may not get in their way. Offering everyone to sit and take a rest she began to pour some prepared hot tea while sending a message to Dread which was indeed easy as the two did it often. "If they haven't said anything against it then by all means hunt... I'll keep as many of them here and distracted long as I can to give you some room."

[Drakkon]

With a single nod Dread moved quickly, and silently into the forest brush. Disappearing almost immediately from sight. His footfalls were silent, and only faint to the druids who too walked these woods as much as he. After a mile or so he paused to listen to the wildlife. Three graceful deer were just a dozen feet towards his right, as he took a hold of his bow a thought had occurred to him. In his youth it was the numbers of the hunting party that allowed them to carry a fallen deer back to their camp, and ward off the scavengers and wild hunters of the forest. He and Alice had always moved their camp towards the fallen prey, for when they went to hunt their camp came with them for it was hardly more then a fire. Not only did his current party have supplies and such to move, but the time it would take to get them to here would be too late.

The Blood-stalker lowered his bow as he heard another sound. Scavengers knew what he was, and were ready for him to kill his prey and attack him. Carrying the deer was out of the question at this point. Intelligent bastards.. He thought bitterly. The Scavengers were easily enough to ward off, but just the same their tactics would change and they would steal his prize during the fight instead of letting him kill a good portion of their pack. Numbers were important to them. If it wasn't the case Dread would hunt them as well, but no. Better to leave the pack alone and hunt softer prey. Something all hunters and scavengers of the forest let one another take in their territories.

Sighing he turned to the left, and walked. Finding a Hare's hole was simple enough in this land, and he was grateful that like rodents against inexperienced men no matter how many died they bred fast enough to keep their numbers up. Within an hour he had six, four in his right hand, carried by their tails, and two in his hare-bags. Special bags made to preserve hares. On his way back he remembered the druids and forced two more Hare's from their holes, snapping their necks quickly as too give them an easy death. As he approached the camp perhaps two and a half hours later he reminisced on how frustrated he and the other apprentices had gotten when they only caught one hare by this time. A short chuckle escaped him as he pictured how many more apprentices now were feeling the same way as they watched their masters collect plenty. Some things never change.

[Setsa]

Conversation around the camp fire was light, mostly this Delonthias wanting to know how the ship journey over went and if the island will survive after the battle which news seemed to be spreading about it more and more. Digging through the bags she brought out the stew pot and what roots and vegetables that the island were able to spare for them. Working up a good broth and hearty vegetables the smell least took her mind over the recovering stomach. If they were to go back west she just may ask the brood mother for help or learn a new skill in teleportation or something. Anything to not ride in a ship ever again! Their numbers were so few...some deciding to stay over to help restore the island others following Marius she was at least glad that Dread willingly decided to accompany her. A friendly face in this place certainly will help, upon seeing their dinner brought back the druid excused herself to help clean them out at the shore.

"Are there more out there of this ....party watching us? Anything good for us to keep in mind that may have caught your eye?"

Taking a knife she used for game and placing a bowl in between the two she made quick work to skin and cut the meat from the furry rabbit, straight into the wooden bowl until everything was done and it was nearly full. Hand touching Dread's shoulder with a smile of reassurance before returning to the campfire with the unexpected guests. Adding the meat into the pot it wasn't much longer before everyone was silent, eating their share until the pot was emptied clean.

Setsa was one of the first to lay down on her bedroll and sleep, well, appear to be sleeping with deep breathing, eyes closed softly, the works while her ears worked easily to hear the conversations of others.

"Are we really going to take them to the brood mother herself? You just said these lands are already troubled and we are to trust they aren't apart of this?"

Delonathias laid down in his own bedroll, staring up into the star filled night sky. "We need more Druids and their reasons are satisfactory for now... Tremall Knell needs to still be welcoming to those who seek to only do good..."

[Edynol]

As everyone made camp and brought back food, heavy footsteps could be heard approaching the camp. Janella started and gave a squeak and a gasp when a large troll entered. "Be calm, my friend," Delon said with a smile. "He is a friend and honored consort of the Broodmother." He then gesture to the large troll. "Friend Setsa, this is Kognar Barkskin, Adopted son of Elder Druid Korgath Barkskin, High General of Tremal Knell's Boundary Defense and Speaker of Tongues. Kognar is also a Speaker of Tongues, which is rare in these darker days." He then gestured to Setsa. "Brother Kognar, this is Setsa, ArchDruid of Eversong Vale and ambassador to the great Priestess, Queen Vellia Whispersong. She is a Seer, also rare in these days."

The large troll grinned as he offered a hand to Setsa. "Greetings, fellow druid," Kognar said, his voice deep and tone smooth. "We have received word of your coming. Though we expected your group to be...larger than it is. Tell me, where is the Immortal your were said to be traveling with? No doubt he was the source of the dark power we sensed a few weeks past. Caused many villages to be abandoned as everyone fled to the Great Tree for fear of something terrible coming. His presence would do well to ease their worries."