Sapphire:Sessions:20190601

Jax disappears into the shadows.

Intrinsius senses a "tingle" that an "important/weird" event is coming, and his services will be needed.

Shawna suddenly feels that "a person who rides in the arms of Delsa" needs her help imminently; two people are approaching that will be of benefit to the group's quest. Shawna abruptly stands and tells the group that they need to ride immediately into the forest north-northwest of Levin.

The young man flees through the darkness, wary though there is as yet no sign of pursuit. In the distance, something glows magically, and he quietly works his way toward the light.

With his royal kinfolk getting on his case, and feeling picked on more than usual, on impulse the ellyl flies away. After a time he notices that the mana level is high, and he catches sight of a young man moving through the forest toward something glowing. Staying several yards back and above the young man, the ellyl trails him.

Out of the corner of one eye, the young man notices a small bird following him. The ellyl, knowing he's been seen, circles off to the left.

Both of them see a fine net of shining threads suspended between two oak trees. Standing below is a tall, handsome human male wearing wizard's robes and a cocked leather cap. His arms are spread wide. Arrayed behind him in a line are five large cats -- tigers. The wizard is speaking in an unknown language. The ellyl gains altitude, and the young man sneaks toward one of the cats.

The wizard stops speaking, lowers his hands, and says in grandiose tones, "That'll work. He will appreciate me coming to aid him and his mission!" He continues on in this vein for some time. A black swirl forms and cirles his right hand.

Abruptly all the normal night sounds cease. The young man freezes in place. The ellyl hears in the ultra registers a melodic sound; he resists its lulling effect. He guesses that it's a spell to quiet animals.

From the wizard's right hand emerges mist that spreads quickly over a large area. The ellyl flies above the mist which reaches 30' high.

The wizard speaks again. "Why are you intruding on me in my task?" The young man moves forward. "My name is Kieran. I'm just looking for a place to go to. I don't know what happened. Who are you?" The wizard announces, "I am Alfrid the Magnificent! [The ellyl mutters inaudibly, "Suuure you are."] I wish to assist the Lord of Chaos!" Kieran: "I'm sorry, I can't help you." Alfrid, sardonically: "That's too sad." Kieran: "Why is that?" [The ellyl thinks, "Run, you fool!"]

One of the cats has been sniffing at Kieran and evidently likes his scent. Kieran senses that the animal doesn't like Alfrid. Kieran commands the tiger to "rush Alfrid the Magnificent" and as the tiger bounds forward, Kieran turns to run. "Coward," mutters the ellyl and flies down behind the tiger.

Kieran tries to run through the mist, which is apparently only a yard thick, but touching it causes him unbearable electrical pain. Looking around wildly, he sees no way out except the net, which he suddenly realizes is a portal, now twelve yards away from him.

Alfrid stands staring at the approaching tiger and ellyl. With his left hand Alfrid slaps at the tiger's head and misses. The tiger swipes its paw and strikes Alfrid. The ellyl bounces off of Alfrid's head, casting Death Touch. Alfrid staggers and falls.

Kieran stops just before he would have entered the portal. The ellyl alights on the tiger's back as the beast rips out Alfrid's throat. Proudly, the tiger 'smiles' at Kieran and trots docilely over to him. Kieran reaches out and pets the tiger, then asks the tiny winged humanoid, "What are you?" "Ellylon." Kieran: "You're not what I expected." Ellyl: "That's what dad said." Kieran: "Why are you following me?" Ellyl: "I was coming to the light. I'm the sovereign of the local lands, by the way."

The ellyl looks suddenly around. "At least three large beasts are approaching. Bear-cats. Others as well. And I hear wings. It's time to leave." Kieran: "I'm following you." The tiger with the ellyl on its back passes into the portal. Kieran beckons to another tiger to follow him, then goes through.