Not missing a chance, Eleni captures Maestran in her arms. "I cannot put into words how happy I am to be here. There is so much to tell. I think I am on the path He needs me to be on, and it is one that will affect everything." she says to her adoptive parent. Releasing the hug, she politely gestures for Maestran to lead, knowing her position at the temple and the significance it represented.

Following through the familiar halls brought back a few memories of growing up. Her first crush, her first heartbreak, and her first craving. Maestran helped her through all of it. Eleni hadn't realized it before; how much the High Priestess had actually done for her, and that it was done out of love rather than obligation.

Finally arriving in the room the Head Priestess used as her office, and entertaining space, the two darkwood doors opened to the familiar sight. The room hadn't really changed since Eleni had last been here. The desk sat off to the side, a simple desk with a few drawers and an ordinary wooden chair. The bulk of the room was a nice table made of some exotic wood, with three nice couches, all a nice ruby red. On the table was a veritable mountain of the treats Eleni craved, having even brought a few of her own. She walked over and placed hers next to the pile that was already there. She takes her seat after Maestran does, and after placing her shield and spear on a small table next to the couch. She finally noticed the Head Priestess had tea prepared for them. The slight aroma of honey told Eleni that hers had been sweetened as she liked. The little gestures of kindness and love were not lost on the paladin.

"Where to start? I guess the council meeting." she says more to herself, then starts in earnest "First, teleportation is for the birds. How can one's stomach flip and twist so much!? I nearly lost my breakfast and no one warned me it was going to be so awful. Still, seeing the large building made of blue vein marble was interesting to see. A lot of thought went into the design of the Council Building. I arrived after some of the others called, and we quickly got to business." She used her hands to create an image above the table that Maestran could see, depicting the building and meeting room they used.

"We were told more specifics about the sighting of Foreigners and given some supplies to help on our quest. The group was not all the same as now, but I thought everyone had traits or skills that would help. Let's see, first we have Archimander. He is still with us now. A bit eccentric, he is a Gnome who has a good head on his shoulders and knows a lot about alchemy. He's clearly very intelligent, and I think he will continue to be an asset to our group. Second, we had Dalitha. She was a bit older, and carried the wisdom that experience brings. She was a healer of sorts, and had a decent command over magic. She left after we rescued the ship, but we'll get to that in a bit. Third, we had Zefinulus, a goblin who ended up leaving before we got on our way to the ship. The fourth was the same, a human named Jolas. He was focused on completing the goal, but I don't think he was able to muster the courage to venture to the sea and potentially the Maelstrom. Fifth, we had an old friend of mine from the Mire, a crowfolk named Vharza. I told you about him before when I returned from that long bounty. That was the group we left for Ebonside with." she pauses to take a long drink of the sweet tea prepared for her. Noticing the other liquid mixed into her tea, she realizes she neglected to take care of that need yesterday. It probably explained why she was feeling all these emotions more severely. Setting down her cup after draining half, she continues.

"After another oh-so-pleasant teleportation trip, we found ourselves in Ebonside. We spend the night preparing and gathering what information the townsfolk had. Come the morning, we had lost Zefinulus and were sent a new companion from the guild. A goblin by the name of Boorgrub Pandilk the 7th. He's not a bad fighter, and dresses extravagantly. He has quickly proved himself charismatic and effective. From there, the group had a meeting with a retired hero, now innkeeper in Ebonside. He gifted us items he acquired during his younger years. I received that spear there, which seems to have some similar power to my underworldly blessings. We boarded the ship after that, all except Jolas. He said he lost his nerve and requested a replacement. Some of our group did not take it well, but I felt it was better to do before we got to the other ship. We got a replacement for him right away, Master Wizzlewick, a mousekin wizard. He's been helpful so far, and I am looking forward to seeing just how strong his magic gets."

"After, we set sail. It took a few hours to get out to the other ship. Boorgrub and I took advantage of the time to have a friendly sparring session. We went at it for a few minutes, and I eventually managed to prevail. It was not a flawless victory and I felt good afterwards knowing I had an ally who could compliment me if things got physical. We then got near the other ship. After investigating a bit, we used some magic and skill to jump across the ocean to the other ship. I think everyone thought I was crazy for doing that in my armor, but that was nothing compared to hauling Pastor Tran's lead ingots up the hill every week. Once over there, the group figured out how to break the curse of the Maelstrom that was holding the ship in an eternal squall. Once we rescued the remaining crew, we talked with them and ensured they were safe to bring back to the council. We had a wake for the sailors they lost at sea, and then started making our way to shore. We got their ship back into the harbor in Ebonside and brought them back to the inn we stayed at. The council met with us the next day."

"The weather turned for the worst, and we figured out it was the Maelstrom trying to undo the breach. Ebonside got decimated by the storm that hit it, though we were able to evacuate everyone. We cleared out a cave of some Sahuagin, and found one who was injured and not aggressive. We ended up having the town weather the storm in the cave and had the friendly Sahuagin, Mikasa, join us on the ship as we sailed south. Some research yielded that there is more at work to the Maelstrom, and we might be able to bring it down. After considering the gravity of what we were discussing, we decided to pursue the removal. We'll face whatever made the seal or whatever it is sealing."

"We arrived here shortly after. Coming here was my first priority." she explains, grabbing a Friggate and her drink.

In the hallowed chamber where Maestran presides, her demeanor exudes an aura of reverence and wisdom as she absorbs every nuance of your narrative with a discerning ear, reserving her response until the tale finds its conclusion. As the echoes of your words fade into the sacred stillness, she manifests a quiet contemplation, an ephemeral veil of introspection shrouding her countenance. The revelation you have unfurled before her transcends the boundaries of mere expectation, unfurling vistas of possibility previously uncharted.

With a solemn invocation to Apollo, the god of prophecy and enlightenment, Maestran initiates her response, her voice an incantation that reverberates with the weight of centuries-old wisdom.

"And are you steadfast in your conviction, certain that this revelation is not a mirage cast by the capricious whims of fate? Do these enigmatic strangers indeed hail from the fabled realms beyond the Maelstrom, harboring within their arrival the portent of unprecedented change?" Her words, measured and deliberate, resonate with the gravity of impending transformation, hinting at the seismic shifts poised to unfold across the tapestry of existence.

"I shall commune with Apollo," she continues, her gaze fixated upon the unseen horizon where destiny and divinity intertwine. "For in the sanctum of prophecy lies the beacon of truth, illuminating the path obscured by shadows of uncertainty. And what of your own god, the guardian of your journey? Have you sought counsel from the divine realm that guides your steps?"

Eleni considers her adoptive parent. Maestran's words made Eleni realize she really had not devoted enough time to the connection she shared with the underworld.

"I believe we are caught up in the churn, and that it is part of the gods plan to bring down the maelstrom. I am resolute in my faith and the teachings of Hades. Living life and transitioning to the afterlife are both a part of that. If some are being kept from a proper afterlife due to the Maelstrom, I have a duty to bring it down. Either way, I have a duty to see if it is interfering and I believe helping these strangers is the most efficient way to do so. I value traditions, but do not harbor an aversion to change."

"I do my daily prayers and will occasionally lean on religious teachings for guidance, but I think you mean like you are about to do with Apollo. Where you are able to engage with him whenever needed, I am more limited. The veil between the realm of the living and the underworld is not generally thin, so my communing requires either a recent or imminent passing. While it is not something I shy away from, it is not something that is convenient. I'll need to visit a mortuary or a convalescent house to try to reach through the realms." she says.

Maestran nods. "I think we can help. We have several in the infirmary here who are straddling the border, and I think their energy might be just what you need."

"I think that could work. And I could give whomever is currently caring for them a break while I get in tune with the Veil. As always, your foresight is exquisite." the young paladin explains.

"Perfect! I will head to the rooftop garden. Do you still remember the way?"

"I believe so. I'll ask one of the attendants if I get turned around. Thank you for all of your wisdom and guidance. It means more to me than you know." she says with a warm smile.

The older woman wraps Eleni in a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you, Eleni. I knew you would change the world. I didn't know how profoundly, of course. Go. I will meet you back here when you are done. We have more I would like to talk to you about." She walks you to the door, and after a kiss on both of your cheeks, she turns and moves off down the corridor towards the stairs up to the roof.

Eleni enjoys the moment of affection, and then makes her way to the infirmary. She shifts her focus to trying to get in touch with the underworld and her patron as she arrives. Once at the infirmary, she opens the door and steps inside.

Inside, there are several citizens in beds, in various states of illness. A few attendants nod to you as you enter, your face easily recognized here.

Kneeling next to an elderly man, you can see that he is in the late stages of sickness that so far has evaded the ministrations of the powerful clergy collected here in this temple.

An attendant informs you he is not expected to last the day, and has no family to be by his side, so they have just tried to keep him comfortable and pain-free while he awaits the end.

Eleni tends to the man, caring for him while ensuring his passing into the next life is painless and calm. She notes the lights nearby are dimmer, and not just due to consideration of the man. The Veil is thinner in anticipation of his passing. She readies herself for the end, and as his breath becomes labored and eventually ceases, she conducts the rites of death based on his faith. Once that sacred duty is complete, she kneels at the end of the bed and pushes her mind through the Veil, seeking guidance from Him.

In this sacred space, amid the fleeting grasp of mortal time, the Veil between worlds hangs delicately, as if beckoning souls to transcend the confines of flesh and traverse into the ethereal realm of the divine. It is a realm where the boundaries of perception blur, and the tangible meets the intangible in a dance of cosmic significance.

Here, within the hallowed confines of the throne room, towering columns of unforgiving black granite stand as silent sentinels, their stoic presence a testament to the solemnity of the domain. Braziers, ablaze with an eerie hue of pale blue flame, cast spectral shadows upon the expanse of a grey carpet, guiding the way to the majestic alabaster throne, the epicenter of sovereignty in the realm of the Dead.

Upon this seat of alabaster sits Hades, the venerable God of the Underworld, his countenance shrouded in an aura of enigmatic power. In his right hand, he clutches the bident, a symbol of his dominion over life's end. A helm, adorned with the solemnity of ages past, rests upon his brow, veiling his features from mortal gaze. Swathed in the simplicity of a toga, the olive hue of his skin exudes an otherworldly radiance, a testament to his divine essence.

As you step forward, the weight of mortal existence falling away with each measured stride, Hades acknowledges your presence with a nod steeped in the wisdom of epochs. His voice, resonant with the echoes of eternity, fills the chamber as he addresses you, "I am pleased by your presence, Child. Welcome to the heart of my domain. Pray, what brings you before me this day, Eleni?"

Eleni takes a kneeling position and bows her head in deference to the Lord of the Underworld. She did not expect the communion to be this real. Before she had only heard the words in her head, maybe a passing image that she chalked up to her imagination. Answering the question she was asked, she remained in her position. "Lord, I wish to receive guidance and clarity on my path forward. I know that we are not to know what the Fates have weaved, but I believe the path I am on could affect the gods themselves, and influence your domain. With the penetration of this powerful binding magic surrounding my continent, and the revelation it might be possible to remove it, I wanted to ensure this was according to your design and wishes." she says, pausing briefly before blurting out: "I also was hoping to know what is going on with me. As best I can tell, I have some undeath in me despite not having died. I share traits with vampires, and the resiliency of the departed returned. I am harmed by holy light and bolstered by the broiling darkness. What am I?" She says the last bit in a single breath, but remains in her position not daring to look up at Him.

In the hush of anticipation, a palpable weight settles around you, heralding the approach of a presence that commands reverence. Slowly, deliberately, the rhythmic cadence of booted footsteps draws near, echoing through the cavernous chamber. Your gaze remains respectfully lowered until a gentle hand lifts your chin, guiding your eyes to meet the solemn gaze of your God.

"Eleni, my child," His voice resonates with an otherworldly authority, each syllable infused with a timeless wisdom that transcends mortal comprehension. "I understand your bewilderment. Yet, know this: you are not adrift in the vast expanse of existence. You are my chosen, consecrated to stand against those who would dare defy my sovereignty."

As His words weave a tapestry of purpose around you, you feel the weight of divine intention settle upon your shoulders like a mantle. "I have bestowed upon you gifts akin to those you are destined to confront, that you may understand their ways and become a hunter in their midst. Though the path ahead may seem fraught with challenges, take solace in the assurance that I shall be your steadfast companion, guiding your steps and enfolding you in my embrace when your journey reaches its culmination."

With a reverence befitting the occasion, you rise to your feet, keenly aware of the vast disparity in stature between yourself and the deity who walks beside you. Together, you traverse through the ethereal realm, time becoming an ephemeral concept as you traverse dimensions both tangible and esoteric.

Arriving upon a balcony overlooking the sprawling panorama of the underworld, the tableau below unfolds in a symphony of spectral activity. On one side, the orchestrated ballet of souls in transit unfolds with meticulous precision, overseen by vigilant psychopomps carrying out their sacred duties. Yet, on the opposite horizon, a desolate expanse stretches forth, a haunting testament to the omnipresent shadow cast by the enigmatic force known as the Maelstrom.

"In your enlightenment, the shackles of silence are sundered," intones the God, his voice a solemn echo reverberating through the expanse. "Know this truth: the tome perused by your ally Boorgrub bears veracity, its pages inscribed with the immutable laws of existence. For the Maelstrom, born of the convergence of cosmic energies, has ensnared the very essence of divinity, cloaking our presence in obscurity."

As revelation unfurls like a sacred scroll before you, the magnitude of the task laid at your feet becomes abundantly clear. "I, the Guardian of the Departed in the realm of Ralan Gul, stand confined by the Maelstrom's grasp, relegated to a solitary domain bereft of the diverse tapestry of mortal worship that once adorned my omnipotence. Yet, hope flickers amidst the shadows, for the arrival of the Lady of Mirth heralds the dawn of opportunity."

Turning his gaze upon you, the God imparts a solemn mandate, a beacon of purpose amidst the tempest of uncertainty. "Eleni, I bestow upon you a sacred charge: to unravel the enigma of the Maelstrom, to shatter the bonds that ensnare countless souls within its relentless fury. Will you, with unwavering resolve, tread this arduous path that destiny has laid bare before you?"

Eleni hangs on every word He utters to her. It is not every day you find out you were blessed by him, to use the powers in the Veil itself to ensure its continued sanctity. To then be gifted a charge by your god, not through teachings or writings, nor through an oracle but rather from his own words to your ears. She struggles to maintain her composure, finally giving a minute shiver as she gives the only answer either of them would find acceptable. "Yes, my Lord. I will ensure the departed caught in the swirling chaos are given their just afterlife. You have my vow that I will do everything in my power to end this Maelstrom." she replies to the god.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:03, Tue 20 Feb.

In the resounding silence that follows your solemn pledge, a subtle nod of affirmation emanates from Hades, the veiled countenance of His helm concealing any discernible expression. Yet, within the depths of your being, you sense the subtle stirrings of divine approval, a flicker of warmth that transcends the cold steel of His visage.

"I have placed my trust in you, Eleni," His words resonate with an unwavering certainty, each syllable carrying the weight of ages past. "Your path was not one of happenstance, but a meticulously woven tapestry of fate. I have not elevated you, but rather illuminated the path already laid before you, a beacon amidst the darkness that shrouds our realm."

With a solemnity befitting the occasion, the God bestows upon you His final benediction, a harbinger of forthcoming aid amidst the trials that lie ahead. "Rest assured, aid shall soon be forthcoming. Farewell for now, Eleni. Let the echoes of our discourse linger within your heart, a steadfast reminder of the sacred duty that binds us."

Hades reaches towards your head, and as His divine touch graces your brow, a surge of ethereal energy courses through your being, propelling you through the swirling maelstrom of existence. Time and space warp and twist around you, a kaleidoscope of sensations that defy mortal comprehension until, at last, you find yourself anchored once more within the confines of your mortal vessel.

Every sinew screams in protest as you awaken from your celestial reverie, the toll of your communion with the divine etched upon your weary frame. Though mere moments may have passed in the realm of your God, here within the infirmary below the temple, the sands of time have shifted, marking the passage of more than an hour.

Yet, amidst the ache of muscles and the weariness of spirit, the memory of your encounter with the God of the Underworld lingers, a beacon of purpose amidst the tumult of uncertainty. With each labored breath, you steel yourself for the trials yet to come, for within the crucible of adversity lies the forge where destiny is wrought.

The world fades back into view and Eleni immediately shuts her eyes again to hold on to the fleeting feeling of the other world. Despite being in a large amount of pain, the emotional strain she felt made the physical distress seems trivial. Lord Hades had told her the most important information of her life, she finally had an answer as to what she was. She was made by Him. That knowledge would help her endure anything. He made her, and chose her for their task. She had to go tell Maestran!

Without any consideration for her screaming joints and aching body, she bolts from the infirmary to find her adoptive mother. Finding her in the chamber dedicated to Apollo, she realized barging in was probably not the polite thing to do. Seeing Maestran stand up and turn around with her warm smile, Eleni realized she wasn't intruding at all.

"It worked! I pierced the Veil and was able to connect to the Underworld, in His throne room!" she exclaimed with all of the excitement of a proposal to a prince, tears of joy in her eyes. "He told me a couple of things. He said we are on the right path in bringing the Storm down, and to continue. He also told me the knowledge I have been craving most, how I am what I am. He made me! He gave me the abilities of the gone not departed, so I could better carry out His will here. Thank you so much for helping me!" she continues, rushing at the head priestess and entombing her in a emotional hug.

The older woman returns the deep embrace, tears forming in her eyes as well. "Oh Eleni! I am so happy for you! I knew one day Hades would see fit to directly address you! It soothes my soul to hear you so joyous!"

Extricating herself from the hug, Maestran calls for some refreshments as she guides you back to her office. "I have news as well. It seems the gods are all under a supremely powerful geas in place since the creation of the Storm itself. Apollo revealed to me the truth of what you told me, and that the gods are unable to discuss the truth until a mortal discovers it for themselves. It seems most, if not all of the gods of Ralan Gul were once known all over the planet, but were restricted to be active and known only on the continent of the highest concentration of their followers. Other gods sprang up over time to fill the gaps, and the same happened on the other continents as well."

Reaching her office, she sits and gestures for you to do the same. "Eleni, I believe this is what you were set apart to do, and I suspect you were tapped because the undead is to be a major threat on your journey. That is why I asked for this to be brought here." Turning, she takes a fabric-wrapped bundle from a chest. She passes it to you and continues speaking as you unwrap it. "This is the Shield of the Stygian Crusader, a powerful artifact of Hades designed and purpose-built to help in your battle against the undead. It has been hidden for many years, but Apollo revealed to me that it was to be yours, to help you in your journey. The entire world, and the gods themselves, watch your progress with eager anticipation. I know you will do everything in your power to repair the great wrong that has splintered our world. And I could not be prouder of you as you go forth to change the world." In your hands is a glorious heavy steel shield bearing the holy symbol of Hades. You can feel powerful enchantments on it meant to make it both a weapon and a protective force against undead opponents.

"I also have this for you. You will face many trials, including fights for your very life. In times when you have respite, you can channel some of your righteous fury into this stone, and it will act as a reserve of strength in your fight. It is called the Jet of Holy Fury." She hands you a fist-sized gem, a smooth cabochon of jet, with what looks like rays of lighter quartz running through from center to the edges. You can feel the holy energy of the artifact you hold.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:57, Tue 27 Feb.

Eleni looks at the shield and the gemstone with awe. To be given a piece of His regalia and to be gifted a magical item of such potency was something she was unheard of. She takes the stone and tests its power. "This stone holds my divine power?" she says as she tries to push some of that destructive power of the Underworld into the gem. It flares a series of colors and settles on an weak ghostly green glow. "Apparently it has an affinity for Hades' color scheme." she says with a slight grin. She puts it into her haversack and puts her full attention to the shield.

Eleni knew a lot about this ward. It was made by her Lord for his envoys as they battled against those who broke the balance. It had a lot of fabled abilities, and an even more storied history. It has seen more souls returned to the underworld than nearly any other artifact. She reaches out and touches the relic, then takes firm hold. Flashes of her time past the Veil cause her breath to catch briefly, then she recovers. "Apollo thinks I should have this too? That means two of the divine are invested in my party's success. That cannot be a coincidence. I will use this gift to further their domains." she says as she places her previous shield in her haversack and straps the relic to her back.

The last words were not lost on the young paladin either. "I would never have gotten this far without your constant guidance, sage advice, and enlightened wisdom. My parents were not able to raise me, and for the longest time I thought that was something to be sad about. I now know it was actually a blessing, as it led me down the path to meet you. I will always consider you my mother, and I will carry out this divine tasking in a way that will make you proud." she says to Maestran.

"I know you will, my dear. But enough of destiny for now. I have a task for you if you are willing to undertake it. I you you know the Festival is coming up. Well, Old Grekson is exactly that, too old. He slipped and fell on the stone steps a few months ago, and we were able to heal the bone, but he is too frail and tires far too easily to go into the Labyrinth. We have been sending acolytes in for a few months, but with no luck. I wanted to see if you and your team might give it a try?"

Eleni doesn't hesitate for a moment. "Of course. Even if my group doesn't want to do it, I am more than willing to do it. I hope they will come, as I think most of them will be quite good at it. I'll ask them and see what they say, though I suspect they will be willing. If anything, it will be nice distraction from the world-changing quest we find ourselves undertaking. Speaking of them, I should probably start making my way back to them. It's been a while and I still have a shop or two to get to before they close. Don't worry, the festival will have fireworks this year." she says to Maestran.

"Oh, perfect! In fact, I believe a couple of them are coming up to the temple now. If you hustle, I bet you could meet them."

Eleni gives her adoptive mother a final hug before rushing towards her friends. It was always hard to leave but at least she was going with the knowledge she would be helping all of Ralan Gul.

This post is a summary of messages in another thread. For this passage, please reverence thread IC: Assignment from the Capital, messages #588 through #605.

---

Stepping back into the temple, you go to say a final farewell to your adoptive mother, only to find she has been called off to some important task within the leadership of the temple. This does not surprise you. If she is devoted to you first, she is devoted to her church second. Leaving a note, as is your common pattern with Maestran, you turn back and head out of the temple.

Eleni makes her way to the inn, stopping by a shop to condense some of her funds and get a few knick knacks for their upcoming event. She also takes the time to enjoy the various sights as she slowly progresses to the inn where the party was staying.

[Private to GM: I think this wraps up the thread, unless you have something else you want to do here.]