Sooo.. here's a portion of the log from the night Egan's Tomb was discovered. You'll probably notice (especially if you were there) it has been HEAVILY edited. We are just dang chatty and move around quite a bit, so in an effort to be somewhat brief (too late!) I chopped out quite a bit of movement and gabbing. There are also some corrections to spelling I made as well, just because it'd be prettier.

A less edited version is available if folks want it (its in a .doc format if that matters).

Today is Restday, day 30 of the month Lormesta in the year 5105. It is 19:00 by the elven time standard. It is currently late afternoon.

You say, "Looks as if it may be time to get started."

You say, "Before we do anything, though most of y'all know me.. for those who don't."

You say, "I'm Sylanae Charbonneau, and I'm the president of the Kaskara Zahar Society, who is hosting this."

You say, "Y'all can call me Syl."

You say, "You probably notice that many of us know one another, but please do not let that overwhelm you."

You say, "Many of us were part of the lovely, though now defunct, Amazon Tribe.. and well.. those ties go deep."

You say, "Anyway.. where was I."

You say, "Ah yes, let's continue quickly then."

You say, "I would like to thank you all for joining me today, it is gratifying to see women and men that find comfort and guidance in Leya's story, wisdom and strength."

You say, "As many of you have likely spent a fair amount of time in this Shrine, you are no doubt aware of the four aspects that are given prominence."

You say, "Strength. Mercy. Night. Day. These four philosophies are the backbone of wisdom from Leya that I use to guide me in my life."

You say, "They are key in many of the choices I make and are central to the simple ceremony I would like to now perform."

You say, "If you'd follow me to the West Niche."

[Shrine of Leya, West Niche]
This side of the building is bathed in vertigris shadow. Positioned within the niche is a grey marble figure of a young woman reclining against the bole of a tree. Her form is supple and her features possess a divine grace as fierce as it is sublime. Occasional reflections of light from the building's walls play across the statue, making it almost seem to breathe.
Obvious exits: north, northeast, east, southeast
Galenok, Nediva, Deavon, Danay, Tashalin, Antonette, Myrene, Laella, Laleena and Zanti followed.


You reach out and touch a statue.

(Sylanae carefully dusts off the area around the marble statue's feet, ensuring a clean place for her offerings.)

Sylanae smiles briefly as she waits for everyone to settle in.

You clear your throat.

(Sylanae waits a few moments more.)

You say, "Strength of arm, strength of character and strength of will. Our lady possesses and teaches of these in her story."

You open a lynx fur-lined cloak.

You remove a white crystal from in your fur-lined cloak.

You say, "A simple symbol of the strengths you embody."

Surely there are more interesting things to kiss than the crystal!

(Sylanae gently places the white crystal at the base of the marble statue's feet.)
You reach out and touch a statue.

You say, "Strength is nothing without mercy, for mercy guides its use. Those who can temper their strength with mercy are the stronger for it."

You remove some sovyn clove from in your fur-lined cloak.

You say, "The sovyn clove, with its great curative powers, I offer to you."

You say, "The act of healing, friend or foe.."

(Sylanae pauses meaningfully.)

You say, "..a symbol of the mercy you promote."

Surely there are more interesting things to kiss than the clove!

(Sylanae gently places the sovyn clove beside the white crystal at the base of the statue's feet.)

You say, "Night speaks of darkness, the darkness in our hearts and in the sadness that life inevitably brings."

You say, "It also speaks of nurturing and revitalization as our bodies and minds mend and rest."

You remove a moonflower from in your fur-lined cloak.

You say, "Of the night I offer this moonflower, whose beauty is most prominent beneath the moonlight."

You say, "A simple symbol of Night and the mystery and beauty it can bring."

Surely there are more interesting things to kiss than the moonflower!

(Sylanae gently places the moonflower next to the sovyn clove and crystal at the base of the statue's feet.)

You say, "In the Day life seems brighter and renewed. Day brings light and life. ."

You say, "It brings beginnings and joy, hope and spirit."

You sigh softly.

You remove a long-stalked sunflower from in your fur-lined cloak.

It smells like a long-stalked sunflower.

You say, "Of the day, I offer this sunflower, who's brilliant face is ever turning to the sun and its warmth."

You say, "A simple symbol of Day and the hope and life it brings."

Surely there are more interesting things to kiss than the sunflower!

(Sylanae gently places the sunflower next to her three previous offerings at the base of the statue's feet.)

You say, "These four humble tokens we offer to you, Leya, as we gather to celebrate you and one another. ."

You say, "May your blessings and wisdom guide us far into the future and see us through the troubled times ahead."

(Sylanae looks out at the gathered women and man, briefly meeting each one's eye.)

You say, "If it is your will, please join me in a quiet moment of personal prayer."

(Sylanae turns towards the marble statue.)

You kneel down.

You clasp your ivory dagger symbol and lift it from your chest as you raise your eyes to beseech your god for guidance.

(Sylanae closes her eyes.)

You murmur some prayers under your breath.

(Sylanae opens her eyes and gazes at the marble statue for a long moment.)

(Sylanae quietly rises to her feet.)

You stand back up.

You softly say, "When you are ready, please rejoin me in the main room for
refreshments."

[Shrine of Leya]
Light streams down into the circular building from an opening in the domed ceiling. Around the walls, niches at each point of the compass are filled with statuary. A marble altar with flaring edges, supported by two arching pedestal legs, stands against the far wall. In the room's center is a round, marble-edged pool. Drops of water fall from the dome's "eye" into the pool like tears.
Also here: Laella, Galenok, Lady Danay, Storyteller Morrin, Evesong, Zanti
Obvious exits: north, east, south, west, northwest, out

Morrin says, "Good evening."

Morrin blushes a nice shade of off-pink.

You softly exclaim, "Oh my word!"

Morrin beams happily at you!

Deavon says, "Greetings Morrin, been a long time."

You beam at Morrin.

Morrin says, "Very long time."

You softly say, "It has been an exceedingly long time."

Morrin says, "I have been in the Nations."

Morrin says, "Translating those documents."

Deavon grins.

Danay says, "Tis been five or so since you were here last I think Morrin."

Danay says, "Years that is."

Deavon nods to Danay.

Morrin says, "I think you are right."

Morrin nods to Danay.

Morrin says, "Sylanae."

You smile at Morrin.

Morrin says, "I have exciting news."

You softly ask, "Oh?"

Deavon raises an eyebrow in Morrin's direction.

Laleena looks thoughtfully at Morrin.

Morrin says, "I have finished translating these documents."

Danay beams happily at Morrin!

You fidget.

You softly exclaim, "Oh lovely!"

You softly ask, "What have you learned?"

Speaking quietly to Danay, Laleena says, "Er...which is she...tal..."

Morrin says, "I am sorry for interrupting your ceremony here."

Deavon says, "Do we get to know what you..."

Subarashi smiles at Morrin.

Deavon glances at you.

Deavon says, "Beat me to it."

Morrin asks, "If you would like I could read them to the group?"

Danay peers quizzically at Laleena.

You softly say, "Not at all.. we had finished and you are always welcome."

Deavon nods to Morrin.

You softly say, "Please do. We're on pins and needles I assure you."

You flash a wide grin.

Laleena quietly says, "Nevermind."

Morrin grins.

Deavon chuckles.

Morrin says, "I think it would be a good story for the Mercy niche."

Danay smiles at Morrin.

Deavon says, "Ah..."

Morrin asks, "So grab something to eat and let us move there if thats ok?"

Morrin attaches a tanik limb walking stick to her belt.

Subarashi shifts her weight.

Deavon grins at you.

Danay asks, "Lordy Syl, did you mug every baker in Solhaven?"

You stand back up.

Deavon nods to Danay.

Storyteller Morrin's group just went south.

[Shrine of Leya, South Niche]
The area within the alcove is almost completely overtaken by the sculpture it harbors. An ensemble of two figures, the monument bears a carved legend across its base that reads "Mercy". Appropriately, the soft illumination bathing the statuary promotes a meditative ambiance.
Also here: Subarashi, Oracel, Antonette, Tashalin, Nediva, Deavon, Laleena, Great Lady Myrene, Laella, Galenok, Lady Danay, Evesong, Storyteller Morrin
Obvious exits: north, northeast, northwest

Morrin sits down.

You sit down.

Morrin removes a very old battered leather journal from in her linen haversack.

Morrin removes a curved willow branch lyre wrapped with pale green ribbons from in her linen haversack.

Morrin says, "I think this story will help us finish the tale of Leya and where she went."

You beam at Morrin.

Morrin grins at you.

You softly say, "I have always wondered."

Danay exclaims, "I have been waiting to hear this for years!"

Danay flashes a wide grin.

As Morrin shifts into a comfortable position, balancing her journal on her lap, she strums with the other and the soft sound of a gently lilting tune begins.

You lean forward and rest your chin in your hand, a thoughtful expression on your face.

Deavon smiles at Morrin.

You see Storyteller Morrin Cairwyn the Bard.
She appears to be a Sylvankind.
She appears to be very young and shorter than average. She has almond-shaped hazel eyes and fair skin. She has long, braided honey-hued hair woven with carnelian silk ribbons. She has a heart-shaped face and an a bay laurel branch tattoo encircling her wrist.
She is in good shape.
She is holding a very old battered leather journal in her right hand and a curved willow branch lyre wrapped with pale green ribbons in her left hand.
She is wearing a tanik limb walking stick, a circlet of green and gold oak leaves, a hooded wheat-hued spidersilk cloak, an ecru linen haversack, a tear-shaped amber pendant hanging from a delicate faenor chain, a dark siena velvet tunic, a braided ivy vine girdle slung with a battered tin chalice, some supple brown leather leggings, and a pair of soft doeskin boots fastened with gold pinecone clasps.

Morrin says, "When Leya was done with her labors atop the crown of boulders, in what had once been a magical forest retreat created by her father, Kai, she sealed Egan's tomb and whispered a final goodbye. Standing before the altar, Soulingen in hand, she cast the sword angrily upon it. May you never tempt others with your seductive bloodlust again! ."

Morrin rubs a very old battered leather journal.

Morrin says, "Unbeknownst to her, the utterance acted as an incantation and forever bound the discarded weapon askew upon the black marble surface. Gathering up the dagger-sized sword given to her as a gift by the Halflings, she headed for the road that would take her away from this scene of sadness. Wandering the lands for many cycles of the moons, grief was her sole companion."

Morrin says, "Making her way to the forests of Ta Ardenai, where she could be closer to her mother's people, much of her time was spent in solitary travel. Kai kept a distant watch on his troubled daughter, knowing from his own sorrowful experience that she would have to find her own way to come to terms with the death of her beloved."

Morrin says, "Her days were often spent in quiet meditation and in keeping her skills as a warrior honed. While the thought of combat stirred her grief, she was too much her father's daughter to simply waste or ignore her inherent talents. Time passed slowly, as it often does when the soul is wounded, and though her physical strength was prime, her heart remained heavy. Leya had lost her sense of self."

The song's tempo changes to a quiet tune, with a slow measured beat.

Morrin says, "Sadness surrounded Leya like a cloak and gave her a measure of distance from those she had known in the past, as she visited those places where she had once been happy. Keeping to the shadows, she slipped among old friends unseen, watching searching for something to end her grieving."

Morrin says, "Some might say it was coincidence, and others believe it was her mother's inherited second sight that brought Leya to be walking the forested route between Ta Ardenai and Ta Loenthra one day. There she encountered a young woman in distress. Seeing someone else in pain pulled at Leya's heart and she could not bear to witness the misery, so she offered her aid."

Morrin says, "Leya asked for the woman's story and learned that the young woman was a sculptor's wife. In a sudden fit of bravery, the woman had seized a discarded shard of chalcedony and slain her abusive, brutal husband. Afterward, though she was shaken with fear and guilt over ending the life of someone that she had once loved, she had set out to turn herself in to the Captain of the Guard. Afraid no one would believe her, or worse yet, think it no crime to beat one s wife, the woman had fled town instead."

Morrin as she finishes the page, she looks around the room and smiles softly and then returns her attention to next page.

Morrin turns a page of her leather journal.

Morrin says, "No stranger to feeling aimless, lost, and guilt-ridden, Leya suggested the woman travel with her for a while before giving herself up to the Elven justice. Better to face a judge strong than defeated. As they wandered, Leya and the woman formed a deep and abiding friendship."

Morrin says, "During their time together, the young Arkati taught the elven woman many martial skills, including the art of crafting blades from found materials. Together, the mortal and Leya transformed the chalcedony shard weapon into a crude dagger, promising that it would never be used unjustly."

Morrin says, "Confident, no longer the little scared mouse she once had been, the woman returned to town and turned herself in a year and a day after the murder. By now, tales of the sculptor s cruelty had become widespread and many had expressed relief at his passing. ."

Morrin says, "In the face of such evidence from the townsfolk, the Captain of the Guard considered the matter justified and dismissed the outstanding charges against her."

Morrin says, "Leya stood at the back of the courtroom, watching her friend s ordeal, then moved to her side to celebrate the good news. For a split moment, that day at the tournament with Nelito came to mind, as did the reunion with her father."

Morrin says, "With that reminder of her tournament loss and all that came after, the last wisp of her grief finally disappeared, leaving a sense of inner peace and purpose in its place. Sadness at the thought of the estrangement from her father still remained. Leya knew that she had more work to do before she could resolve that part of her life."

The song builds slowly, the notes confidently rising and drifting out the niche.

Morrin says, "Together the two friends made their way to a local inn, and as they did, they passed a young half-elven girl clothed in tattered rags. She was being harshly berated and flailed by the inn's owner as she tended to the wash out in the alley."
.
Morrin says, "After the man went inside, the two women escorted the girl out of town, careful to put a good deal of distance between themselves and the inn. Making camp in the woods that night, Leya realized that they had acted without really thinking of the consequences, and now had to decide what to do about their new companion."

Morrin says, "The young girl was frightened and battered. Leya knew she could not just leave her to look after herself in that condition."
Morrin frowns.

Morrin says, "The poor girl."

Morrin says, "Pondering the choices before her, Leya came to the conclusion that the woman had been given into their care for a reason, and that she would do all that she could to help the woman heal."

Morrin says, "The two older women served as teachers and mentors to the girl. Learning the ways of combat, how to use a bow and sword, and how to fight hand-to-hand, the young prot g gained faith in herself and pride in her newfound strength. Each found solace in the others as they shared their painful pasts and realized their futures held much hope."

Morrin shifts her position, carefully turning to the next page in the battered journal.

Morrin says, "As had happened with the sculptor's wife, the bitterness and despair that had surrounded the young chore girl fell away during the passing weeks, and a confident young woman emerged. The three continued to travel together as companions and friends. ."

Morrin grins.

Morrin says, "Then one night, a frightened woman from one of the giantman clans stumbled into their camp. The woman was half-starved, and her appearance was disheveled from her wandering through the thick woods."

Morrin says, "The group took the woman into their care, feeding her and assuring her that she was safe. Just as Leya had done with the others, so she began her work with the newest member of their little tribe."

Morrin says, "This time though, she had the help of the other two, which made the teachings progress much more quickly. Together they traveled the elven lands, this odd group of women bound together by tragedy."

Morrin says, "After a few months, word of the small band and Leya's teachings had trickled out to others in the surrounding area. Women would approach them in every village and burg, each with a story more heart-rending than the next, and each were welcomed warmly. ."

Morrin grins.

Morrin asks, "Do you see a pattern?"

Morrin says, "With each instance of healing others, Leya s own heart mended. No act of kindness and mercy was too great or too small a request of the group."

Morrin says, "Intensely loyal to Leya and her teachings, the women had taken to calling themselves Amazons. Out of individual women in desperate straits had formed a strong sisterhood, developing their own culture and code for living. ."

Morrin says, "I see this comes full circle now."

Deavon whispers, "ROFL... what did you do? Whack a ton of pinatas?"

>editor's note: Hee! This cracked me up so I left it in. Sue me!

You quietly whisper to Deavon, " Hahah actually... yes!"

>editor's note: Hey, pinatas are an excellent source of goodies! One must always be prepared to use whatever items they have on hand. Plus I had fun killing them to get the treats out

Morrin says, "One night, as Leya proudly surveyed the gathering as they laughed around a bonfire, she realized that her work there was indeed finished. She had done all she could for the women, and it was time for them to stand on their own, to carry on without her guidance."

Morrin says, "He following morning, Leya gathered together her few belongings and announced her decision to the stunned group. It was time for her to leave them, so that she could finish what remained to be done within her self, and so the women could continue the work they had just begun. ."

Morrin sighs softly.

Morrin says, "Leya gestured to them all, standing proud and confident in a circle, and proclaimed that each was a leader worthy of respect. ."

Morrin says, "As sad as the women were at the parting, they understood why it was necessary. With a final farewell, Leya once again wandered down the path alone, disappearing within a circle of trees."

The music begins to swirl around you again, a quick bright beat that seems to brighten the area.

Morrin says, "Years turned into decades, and the Amazons continued on. Often some of the women would split away from the original group to take up residence in another part of the continent, where they would bring their teachings and training to those who came to them. The women usually crafted symbols to indicate their status as Amazons. ."

Morrin says, "Some groups favored ivory daggers or chalcedony shards, some crafted lapis lazuli teardrops, and others carved horses or owls out of snow white alabaster. Each sect or tribe had their own codes, culture, and way of governing, but all of them strove to remain true to what Leya had taught the original Amazons."

Morrin says, "I think the Amazons here did just that."

Morrin grins at you.

Subarashi smiles at Morrin.

Danay smiles at Morrin.

Deavon grins at Morrin.

You smile at Morrin.

You softly say, "We certainly tried."

You nod.

Danay raises an eyebrow.

Morrin says, "The site of the shrine that Leya built in Egan s honor remained a legend until a group of determined Amazons sought its location and rediscovered it, with Leya's blessing, in the year 5097."

Softly the song fades, drifting off on the gentle wind.

Deavon grins at Morrin.

Galenok smiles.

Danay ponders.

Subarashi gazes fondly at her surroundings.

Laleena smiles quietly to herself.

You softly say, "Ahh an adventure that was."

Morrin says, "A good ending I think."

Deavon says, "How sad, but at the time same time, how good that Leya found a way to mend her heart."

Evesong nods to Morrin.

Morrin nods to Deavon.

Deavon grins at you.

Laleena nods to Morrin.

You softly say, "It is good to know Leya found her way from grief."

Morrin says, "Indeed."

Danay says, "I also notice a pattern of Leya always heading off into some trees at the ends of the stories."

Danay chuckles.

Morrin grins at Deavon.

Morrin nods to Danay.

Oracel says, "Mebbe she was one o' them tree elfs."

Danay says, "She was half Ardenai."

Danay smiles at Oracel.

Morrin grins.

Morrin nods to Danay.

As Morrin leans to close her journal, her bookmark is blown away by a quick breeze, fluttering to the ground.

Morrin asks, "Oh?"

Morrin asks, "What is this?"

Deavon asks, "Thank you for sharing your research with us Morrin?"

Laleena raises an eyebrow.

Morrin frowns.

You blink.

Morrin feels along the sculpture carefully for a moment.

Laleena cocks her head at Morrin.

Danay cocks her head at Morrin.

Morrin says, "There is something here."

Deavon glances at Morrin.

Evesong raises an eyebrow in Morrin's direction.

Danay raises an eyebrow.

Laleena glances at a sculpture.

Evesong glances at a sculpture.

You cock your head at Morrin.

Morrin pulls the latch and suddenly the ground rumbles as a hidden staircase is revealed!

>editor's note: At this point I passed out from sheer shock, I hyperventilated and then died. There truly aren't words for how shocked, excited and awed I was that something of this nature was happening - particularly during an event I was hosting. I actually started to tear up and my hands were shaking because I was so overwhelmed. Luckily, I was still able to type somewhat coherently.

You squint at a sculpture.

Morrin points at an old stone staircase.

Danay blinks.

Evesong blinks.

Your jaw drops.

Deavon gasps.

Nediva blinks.

Laleena gets a blank look on her face.

Morrin peers quizzically at you.

Danay says, "Holy..."

Subarashi blinks.

Morrin asks, "Did you know of this?"

You softly say, "Oh my.."

Laleena tries to pull Danay to her feet, but she is too heavy.

Evesong gazes thoughtfully at the stone staircase.

Galenok says, "Uhm."

You softly say, "Err no.."

Deavon looks over at Morrin and shakes her head.

Morrin says, "Lead us Sister."

Nediva furrows her brow.

You nod.

Laleena glances at an old stone staircase.

You glance at an old stone staircase.

Subarashi says, "Goodness..."

Subarashi glances at an old stone staircase.

You gently take hold of Morrin's hand.

Morrin put a very old battered leather journal in her linen haversack.

Morrin put a curved willow branch lyre wrapped with pale green ribbons in her linen haversack.

Danay glances at an old stone staircase.

Oracel says, "Oy."

You softly exclaim, "An adventure!"

Nediva cocks her head and examines the stone staircase.

You beam!

Morrin beams happily at you!

Danay grins at you.

Deavon starts chuckling at you!

You softly ask, "Everyone ready?"

---

I cut it off here because at this point we're at 14 pages of 24 and people may get upset having to wait for this page to load as it is. I will post the remaining heavily edited version later.

- S

PS: This really was one of THE best things I've been a part of as a player & for Syl, even better than the original Leya Quest mostly because of it being released during our PRO event. To this day, when I think back to that night the thrill of it all is still there.

---

The sprite yells, "You're doomed, little worm, doomed!"