Thakk had been following the signs for days, by his judgement he had been wandering around the frozen tundra for close to a week. He was currently in the Galena Mountains, along the area of Bloodstone Pass not far from the city itself. From his vantage point in the low mountains he could just see the city to the north, across the River Pelauvir. However, that was not his destination, the stars had guided him to Damara and he was close to his unknown goal. Unsure as he was as to what he would find Thakk was well prepared for almost anything and his natural resilience to the cold had certainly served him well as temperatures dipped into well below freezing. The mountain proper loomed to the south, unclimbable at this point and Thakk looked east and west for a way to continue.

To the west was more mountains. Snow covered, sunken valleys and high ridges which dipped into the river before continuing towards the north-west. It would be rough travel if he were to head west and if he continued that way then once he had climbed the mountains he would be in Vaasa, the neighbouring nation he had heard tales of still being wild and untamed. It was unlikely his destination lies in another nation, across the mountains and many miles to the west. It was here in Damara, somewhere along this mountain range that he had been guided. The stars had proved accurate but even the sky had its limits, now it was up to Thakk and his own exploration to find the exact purpose to his travels.

An arctic wolf was to the east, distant and almost hidden among the light snow falling from the sky. The wolf had been following him for days, Thakk was positive it was the same wolf, even though the creature never approached it was always on the edge of his vision standing on some distant hill or deep within pine forests. Currently it sat on a small outcropping of rock facing Thakk directly and as Thakk met its eyes the wolf stood and walked away and over the rocky rise, looking back only briefly before disappearing from view. The wolf had never been violent, and it had never been accompanied by any other wolves, both points unusual for the natural predators. Which meant this wolf was possibly unnatural, perhaps it warranted further investigation.

Thakk had been walking alone for a long time. He had found a rock that seemed lonely too, and carried it for a while. It seemed, however, that he walked too fast and too far for the rock's liking. They parted ways after a couple of days, and Thakk continued on his own. The goliath had long legs, but he didn't think he walked that fast.

While some nights were harsh, with terrible blizzards of snow and hail, and Thakk couldn't do anything but sit still in a makeshift shelter, others were beautiful. He could look up at the stars and talk with them. Sometimes he would lie on his back for so long and time moved so differently that he could actually see the constellations shift in the sky above. He made observations and calculations too, aligning the stones and strings that he had attached to his one arm and body, according to the changes he could perceive.

His other arm was long gone; bitten off by the most terrible creature in the world. Thakk didn't know if the monster had eaten it or spit it out. Maybe it didn't like the taste of goliath? He hoped so. Sometimes it felt like the arm was still there, though. It even hurt or itched. And sometimes he felt extra scared, although there was no particular reason to, really. And he kept his eyes on the sky above, just to make sure it wasn't there. The Dragon.

He was not afraid of the wolf, however. It was a beautiful creature and one that he had seen many times in his dreams, or more precisely: he had been one, many times in his dream. Taking animal form was something the members of his order did, but it wasn't an art Thakk had really mastered yet. He was still fairly young. Nevertheless, there was no doubt in his mind any longer; the wolf wanted him to follow. So he would. The stars themselves could have sent this guide to lead his way. He would go where they led.

The wolf remained at the same distance from Thakk as they travelled. It was sometimes almost obscured by the drifting snow but Thakk always managed to keep on its tail. The wolf did not stop and lead Thakk along an icy ridge for what seemed many miles and it was the better part of a few hours when the sun started to fall below the mountain ranges to the west. In the last hour of light, the wolf slowed and waited, without looking back it turned and seemed to walk into the side of the mountain.

Following the wolf to the location Thakk was observant enough to see a thick grey woollen cloth was covering the mouth of a cave. It was excellent camouflage and without knowing the cave was there it would be very difficult to spot if just passing by. High as it was in the mountains hiding the mouth of the cave was probably unnecessary and it wouldn't have deterred predators which relied on other senses, it was strange that such effort had been taken to hide from potential eyes.

Pulling back the sheet and stepping in Thakk did not see the wolf, instead a pale elven women wearing only the barest of furs to maintain modesty was crouched with her back to him over a campfire she was lighting the middle of the cave. Long white hair in a multitude of small braids fell down her back to her hips. From the flickering light of the fire tattoos made of thick lines ran the length of her limbs and down the center of her back.

She turned and sat cross legged on the floor across from the fire. Her face now in the light Thakk could see the thick tattoo from her back seemed to go over her scalp under her hair and split at her forehead to fall down over both eyes and finish at the corners of her mouth.

"Come, Stardancer. Sit." She said simply, her voice was light and barely more than a whisper.

Thakk stopped in front of the mouth of the cave for a few moments. He could feel some heat coming from within, and faint flickering light. He looked up at the darkening sky one more time, seeing the bright Pommel of Jassa's Dagger already blazing. Then he stepped through the thick cloth to see the elf woman within. He noticed the tatoos on her skin, sort of mirroring the mottling on his own skin and the pattern he had outlined on his clothes.

He smiled when she called him Stardancer. It was a play on the name he had given as nothing more than a child, when he had been seen dancing on top of large stones under the sky. His kin had not understood that he had not actually been dancing on top of the big stones; he had been dancing under the stars. In reality, Thakk was more a Stardancer than a Stonedancer, but the old name had stuck, and couldn't be changed. A name was a name.

"Thank you." Thakk's voice was deep, but not sinister. His mother's tongue was that of the giants, but he spoke the languges of human, elves and the codex of his druidic order too. His thoughts weren't really patterned in any tongue at all. Sometimes it felt like everything he said was translated from some other symbolic language that could not be spoken or written, only thought. He respectfully did as he was told and sat down. The flames from the fire changed his dark gray skin from cold rock to a warmer hue.

He looked at her, ready to listen.

The elf did not blink as she spoke, her two ice blue eyes studied Thakk, appraising him. She drew a pinch of dust from a pouch by her side and tossed it into the flames. The fire changed to burn with a blue/white light. The walls and ceiling of the cave began the glow, the pale light illuminating ore and gems in the cavern. The night-time sky is revealed, stars, planets and constellations in the cave mirroring the world outside. After a time, it was as if the two druids were alone under the night sky in silence and warmth.

The elf raised a hand to her chest, "Zelinia of da Astral Grove. My Grove is whad has call you do us." She appeared to have trouble with the common tongue so switched to Druidic, "Many have been called before you to help the Grove. Many have gone but none have returned. The Grove now requires your assistance."

Zelinia's eyes had not left Thakk, "A creature has stolen from us." Her eyes flare in a starry light as her tattoos light up. Thakk can now see they are not a single line but an intricate script of tiny druidic runes so fine and dense as to appear a thick solid line when not alight. Points on the tattoo flare and fade and fine blue lines begin linking them, the constellation of the Dragon.

"The Quartz Star, a relic used by our Grove to commune with the skies. She has taken it. She hides. Deep in the mountain in her frozen lair." There is a sadness in the elf’s soft voice, "I have seen many fallen stars since the relic was taken. Our Grove is weak. Much more and it will lose all power." She smiled sadly, "You may be the last to try, Stardancer."

She watched Thakk, two starry eyes unblinking in their judgement. Waiting.

Zelinia. A beautiful name. Was she the head of their order? Thakk didn't know. She was an elder and worthy of his utmost respect and reverence for sure. Even so, what she said disturbed him terribly. This entire grove was weakened; on the verge of destruction. The Astral Grove. The Quartz Star. Was there anything more important in the world?

Thakk gave a single nod then turned his head askew when he spoke. She had not asked him if he would go. Nor would he answer. The stars had guided him here. It was his destiny. If he would succeed or not, however, could be entirely up to himself. "Do we know who or what she is? A creature of ice and frost, surely, but what is her nature?"

Thakk thought long and hard, his voice came like the slow push of a boulder against the ground. "I would face her alone if I have to. Today, or as soon as I can get there. But I am young in our order." He held up his empty hand, and looked at it as if it revealed his lack of power. "Would it not be foolish to go aginst her without the right tools; experience, weapons, allies?"

The stars and lines across her body faded and Zelinia nodded, "She is young. Full of greed and hubris. It is the nature of her being to covert and destroy. The death of the creature is not required. Only the Quartz Star." She shifts in her seated position, a rare movement from the elf, "It is the human settlers she torments mostly. Our Grove is no longer of interest to her. When the Star is returned I can protect the Grove from any further assault. She will leave us be and her attentions will fall elsewhere."

She waited patiently and unmoving as Thakk coalesced his thoughts. She watched him as he spoke and once he was finished she replied, "You will need all those things and more. That you have come proves your experience. The humans are likely allies in this fight. The closest settlement is Barrow's Edge. The fastest way there is through our Grove."

"You are welcome in our Grove." Zelinia continued, "You can gain entry from a hidden cave higher in the mountain."

She smiled, "Opening the way will prove your wisdom."

She waited, again watching.

The word had not been spoken. Thakk had asked, but Zelinia had been rather vague. Either she didn't know exactly what this creature was, or she knew that it was exactly the thing the goliath feared more than anything; the sort of creature that had already mauled him so brutally. A dragon. Would the word itself cause him to abandon his task? Was it better to confirm or deny it, so he'd know what he would be facing? In any case, Thakk didn't push the subject further.

He gave another nod. "I will do it. I will not fail." Maybe it was the goliath in him talking. His kin were always competing to establish who was the strongest, or the fastest, or the best hunter. Was his desire to succeed in such a quest just the same; victory proving that he was the best? He hoped that it wasn't; that he was driven by a truly good motivation. Or was the heart of the matter that even the most altruistic person in the end acted out of some ulterior motive; even if it was just to feel good about yourself?

The sun was setting outside, if not down already, but now that he knew where he was going, Thakk was eager to continue on his way. If Zelinia advised him to await until morning, he would. Otherwise, the goliath would thank her for her hospitality and continue his quest immediately. He was going through the Grove to find this Barrow's Edge. Thakk had barely seen humans before. This would be interesting.

Zelinia nodded as Thakk agreed, only once as if an acknowledgement. She didn't appear to have any doubt of his acceptance.

The flames of the fire continued to burn in blue, above the pair the sky still shone on the cave ceiling. Zelinia picked herbs from a second pouch and tossed them into the flames.

A burst of white light blinded Thakk. Lost in his blindness Thakk inhaled a heady aroma which sent his mind soaring. He felt a sudden heart stopping vertigo as he felt himself rise rapidly and as he did his vision cleared. He was standing among the stars and in front of him was Zelinia, her tattoos glowing in astral radiance.  She pointed to him; three stars connected in a line forming her arm. Thakk looked down at himself, his stellular form mirrored the elf’s. Stars connected by lines of celestial power, his legs, his chest, his arms. His arms. The phantom pains were gone from his missing arm and instead of the blue/white of the stars on either of their bodies his missing arm was joined by bright silver stars that reflected light more than they shined.

Zelinia spoke but it was more of a thought in Thakk's mind. Think it and you may travel. Far to find answers.

Her form reached out and ran a star at the end of her arms along the reflecting stars of Thakk's missing arm. Thakk felt caution and curiosity from her.

And then she was gone, Thakk remained alone in the starry sky. Looking down he saw mountains, plains and rivers; a dozen miles below him. A miniature diorama. A playground.

Thakk found it odd how star-Thakk still had both his arms. He gave a half-smile as he moved the missing limb, and watched the silver stars move. The entire sensation reminded him of dreams of flying, which he presumed many creatures had. Maybe not birds? Those were some of the best dreams, weren't they?

Think it and travel?

Now alone in the sky, the goliath tried to orient himself to where he actually was and see if he found any recognizable landmarks? Was he right above the cave and the grove and the mountains, or had they already moved miles and miles across distant realms? Could he find the human town, Barrow's Edge? Could he locate this creature that had attacked the Astral Grove and the human settlements?

He tried to think about moving to these places.

From Thakk's position in the sky he could determine that he was likely above the cave where he was sitting with Zelinia. The geography of the area looked about what would be expected although specific details were too distant to make out.

As he thought of Barrow's Edge his vision shifted and he was suddenly and immediately standing in the middle of a small hamlet. He was at a crossroads in the center of a village, it was evening and night sky was above him. To the north was a two-storey stone building with lanterns lit out the front, a sign hung from the front of the building above double doors; 'Barrow's Edge Inn'. There were buildings further down which were lost in the night’s darkness. Buildings were in darkness along the remaining streets of the crossroads, a few humans wandered the streets with lanterns. They passed by Thakk without recognition.

Looking further out Thakk could see the hamlet was surrounded by mountains to the south and east, the southern mountains wound around to the west in the distance. Judging his position from the stars he was about two days travel south-east from the cave where he had sat with Zelinia.

It seemed only a handful of seconds he was standing in Barrow's Edge and when he shifted his thoughts again to focus on the creature his vision darkened and he awoke back in the cave, rested and alert. The morning sun had risen, and light was shining through the gaps in the cloth door. The fire had burned out and Zelinia had gone. It seemed Barrow's Edge was to the south-east, the same direction as he would need to go to enter to Grove the elf had spoken about in invitation.

There were many more houses in the human hamlet than Thakk had thought. That there existed vast cities that were several orders of magnitude larger, was not something he had even considered. He looked at the humans and when one of them passed closely, Thakk raised his hand in greeting without any reaction. He was happy to see that most of the people didn't look too dangerous, although he had heard humans could be quite deadly.

When he woke up, Thakk didn't spend too much time looking for Zelinia. She had told him and showed him everything he needed to know and surely had other matters to attend to. He knew where to go and only ate a simple breakfast before moving on. The goliath walked with a quarterstaff in his hand; a gnarly old piece of wood that really wasn't very suitable for hitting anyone with, but was useful for testing treacherous ice or just balance oneself while walking.

He fastened his backpack with an extra leather strap across his chest and pulled his hood up, while making his way towards the Astral Grove.

The journey to the hidden cave mentioned by Zelinia was uneventful and the weather had actually improved during the morning. The path to the south-east was fairly flat, yet high in the mountain and Thakk travelled for around five hours before he saw a green tree bright on a distant ridge. It was after midday when he arrived at the peak which held the tree. The tree sat above a wide arched entrance to a cave. Approaching the cave Thakk stood in the entrance.

Please continue in the PROLOGUE - Sothri & Thakk thread.