DAWN

[Monkee 7369]

 

 

Perhaps to any other man the sunny day would have come as a blessing. A bitter cold had set in over the past few weeks, one that delayed the beginning of the farmer’s harvest and one that kept restless children inside. However, to Vytrek Tundrak, days such as these struck him profoundly. It was a simple, predictable thing, the patterns of weather, but it was in that pattern that he found great meaning. Was it the circumstances, or was he always a dreamer? Likely both, but he had enough matters to dwell on already, there was no place for another.

 

Rise, fall, rise, fall. He had seen this process only once, but the cyclical nature of Fenn was something of an oft-told story, each variation changing the last, yet preserving the heart of the truth. There was truly no question as to whether the Mali’fenn would rise again, but would it last? That was likely a question each restorer faced: no doubt each said ‘yes’ as well. Vytrek never thought of himself as a great man, nor a leader of others, always preferring the role of a necessary helper, but in the absence of any family to take such a mantle in the future, the prospect grew more and more likely. He tried to reject this notion each time it arose, which was frequent, but even as his desires turned against it, a deeper feeling within him, that of duty, compelled him to find his people again and restore Fenn.

 

It was easier said than done, of course, but he at least had a place to start. Almaris was an unfamiliar land, but there must be some remnants of the Mali’fenn, he reckoned. Whether they resided within larger nations, or lived as some small holdout in the wilds, Vytrek would scour the continent for his people, unceasing until he had been reunited with them. However, after months of travel, what he found chilled him to the core. Some had risen to decent positions and lived normal lives, primarily in places like Sutica and Elvenesse, but the majority, although they still numbered few, lived as outsiders, having no true home and submitting to other races. Many lived destitute, many more were looked down upon, all had been severed from the traditional ways of the Mali’fenn. 

 

Despite the position of many of his people, Vytrek lost heart in his cause. Most lived poor lives, yes, but what better could he offer them in his current position? He was but a single elf who held no lands and had no money. All he had was the hope that something good would occur, but he had no idea, and no means, of how to bring about this better future. Once again, he returned to the wilds, defeated and without a clear path forward. He felt that these events were a sign to him: to lead his people was not his place. A quiet, still life was unsuited for him, but he could adjust. Maybe in time he would learn to put aside his dreams and appreciate what he had.

 

It had only been weeks since he had made his decision, but word of his emergence had evidently spread. On a visit to Elvenesse to purchase some tools, Vytrek was approached by a handful of Mali’fenn - his brother Aldred and the eccentric Arevthor Tathvir among them. For a short time they reminisced on the past, the days that they remembered, talks that Vytrek was both eager and reluctant to have. Vytrek was grateful for old, familiar faces to return, yet he silently wished for them to leave, for he knew what was in store for him.

 

“You know it as well as I do. Our people are lost without a leader. You always had a good head on your shoulders, and should we work together, I’m sure we could make a settlement further north,” said Arevthor as the conversation, predictably, turned to the revival of Fenn.

 

“And why am I the only one capable? Our numbers have been whittled down, but there are still enough of us left to where some sort of town could have been made before my return. Have I come back to a people without will? Is this dream of mine, a home of our own, held by me alone?” Vytrek retorted, hardly convinced of the idea. It was a path that would lead to the same cycle the Mali’fenn had always undergone, he thought. He wanted no part in perpetuating it.

 

“You looked over the masses of us, aye, but you saw only the surface. Our people have learned of your return, and it’s filled them with an energy I haven’t seen for… years. You have become a spark of hope. Even now, the old bloodlines have begun to reform, and new ones are springing up. We are still few, but we have begun to gather again. A silent many await your call, for they see you as their true leader,” so said Arevthor, the man brimming with his own odd excitement, a gleam of sorts in his eye.

 

“This is not your dream alone, brother. It is something held dear by all of our people. I had a hand in destroying it, so it too is my desire to see it rise again. I am not alone in this sentiment. Just as I wish to aid you, so too are there many who will serve you well. Do not think this burden is one you must carry alone, for we are all here to aid you,” said Aldred, his once-mad voice carrying a more reassuring, confident tone.

 

Vytrek sat in thought for a few long moments, but gave no great speech in response. He would reserve his words for paper. “A moment, if you will,” he asked those in the room. They departed wordlessly, allowing him to grab a nearby quill and piece of parchment, and he took to writing. He was not a penman by heart, nor by trade, yet as he wrote, he felt a certain enjoyment for, if not the task itself, at least this specific occasion.

 

Upon wings and clutched within hands, a missive is spread throughout the realm of Almaris - open to the eyes of all.

 

“My kin -

Progeny of Wyrvun, Guardians of Fin’hesin, Elves of Snow. Since the shattering of Tahu’lareh, you have waited; suffering, struggling, and in solitude, our people have looked to the horizon for a dawn that has never come. And so we have toiled in the darkness, bound by the will of others and far from the lands we call our home. In foreign realms and among foreign peoples, we have made our houses. The stubborn among us have taken to the wilderness, and there carved lives from wood and rock. But, mark my words, this is no living; it is merely survival. Though wounds have healed, we remain hollow, for we are a people without a place to call our own. What do your neighbors know of the quietude of blanketed snow, pierced only by the tongues of quenters before a roaring fire? What do they know of the Ivae’fenn and its glories - the metallic dins of the proud at play on a frosted morn? What do they know of Elven strength? The world is not a safe place for children of Malin; picked apart and scattered to the winds, it is less so for Elves of Snow. But you know this already. In the dark, you grow restless.

 

And so, I declare this long night to be over. I bring the dawn.

 

I hereby declare the Third Fennic Bloodline Summit and call upon the Archons to discuss the reunification of the Snow Elven people. Tundrak and Drakon, Sylric and Atmorice, Tathvir and Stolt’aroloth, Belechirr and Araaloq shall convene under ancient banners pulled from neglected crates or stitched anew. There, we will settle this best last hope for Snow Elvenkind, or condemn our people to an eternal vagrancy.

 

Signed,

Vytrek Tundrak”

 

[[This meeting will be held at 3pm EST on Thursday 6/3/2021 at the North Hub. Spectators are encouraged to attend!]]

[SwampRump 171]

The Eccentric Arevthor Tathvir flashes a sly grin, a gleam crossing his eyes as he reads the missive.  "It's about time you listen to us!" Arev cries, clapping his hands together as he stands alongside both Vytrek and Aldred.

[Nectorist 12869]

"You are doing a good thing here, Vytrek. Save our people as I could not," says Aldred, proudly standing beside his brother!

[Mewliet 452]

Valerica Tathvir gave a pleased grunt before she went about, gathering her people to attend the summit. 

[Isvinity 729]

How long have they been haunted by the plague of loss? It seeks them out in the havens of their dreams wearing the faces of the unjustly departed. It is time for change; it is time to rise from their rack and ruin and begin anew. The air snaps around a rattling window as the Vigilant mulls over the missive, her chest swelling with pride.

[Synasthima 58]

Elaerys folds the missive, quietly gathering her things in preparation for the great event.

[King_Kunuk 3022]

Maehrir Dovian glares as the message was delivered "Such 'ata trash.... why has this been sent to Haelun'or of all places?"

[DragonofTaters 920]

A well worn boot, leather cracked and marred by many steps taken over rough terrain, sailed through the air. It headed over the heads of Vytrek and Aldred. There was only one that boot would strike, and strike it did. Right in Arevthor’s back. Accompanied by a gruff yet familiar shout. “You still owe me a lesson Uncle! You don’t get to return and remake our people without holding true to your word!” A niece would have her reckoning... @Trekwars

[MunaZaldrizoti 8037]

Aenora Araaloq readies herself and her bloodline for this historic gathering, knowing the future was fast approaching the mali'fenn.

[LuneAria 169]

Talesii Araaloq reads the missive several times, her eyes silver storms as she scorns her street-life alone in Talon's. Determined to find the 'fenn father who fled her, she grasps for her scimitar and dons her cloak. Her anger fades to that ever-present melancholy somewhere along the long journey north. 

[Fekr 424]

On the far East of Almaris storms brewed over the waters, a quick onset of winds, thunder and rough waves sunk any ships transiting nearby. South-East of The Grand Kingdom of Urguan, near small sandstone ruins; wooden planks & scattered supplies littered the beaches, in the midst of it all were the bodies of many dead sailors, cold and lifeless except for one:

 

Washing up on the beach not long ago, Akkar  slowly awoke covered in sea weed & sand, rolling himself over onto his back he slowly gained conciousness bit-by-bit, the sun was shining a firey' flare of heat down on the Fenn' as the birds flew overhead singing as if welcoming him back with a song. Laughing to himself a little he'd comment: "All that excessive swimming in the past really served well in preparing me for this odd situation..." Continuing to laugh in his disbelief.

 

He lay facing the sky, slowly coming to his senses, however his peace would be short-lived as countless birds had already began descending upon the dead, picking them clean of their flesh. Akkar was not excluded from their attacks, finding himself upright and fighting his first battle on Almaris soil against the evil flying rats of the South-East beaches, easily routing the enemy forces with his bare hands.

 

He'd noticed an enclosed missive had fallen onto the fine-sands: most likely previously-carried by one of the many birds that had just a moment ago besieged him. Opening and reading the written contents signed by his brother Vyrtrek, he would conclusively say: "Victories are as sort-lived as ever. It is no coincidence this letter made its way to me and it is by Wyrvuns own will that this was dropped at my feet." he'd state to the vast ocean air. Adding: "It seems I will spend no time in finding my next destination, for the deep-cold remembers and guides me forward... I do wonder how my brother is fairing in these troubled times." The Fenn' walked off the beach, tripping over himself as his legs slowly ajusted to steady-lands once again.

 

[Criala 729]

Estellise Tathvir tilted her head, reading over the missive as Valerica handed it to her. A slight head tilt, turquoise scanning it over. Slowly, she nodded her head in approval. A mixture of emotions washed over her. Uncertainty, relief, before it settled on hope. This would be a good fresh start for all the 'fenn people. Her son would be able to experience his 'fenn side in person now.

 

"So, this is what Arevthor does instead of visiting his family."

 

The tone of her voice was teasing, full of jest. That tone soon died down, replaced with a hopeful thoughtfulness.

 

"I'm interested to see what Vytrek does. I've faith in him." 

[JJosey 1481]

Sarya Elathana squinted as she read the missive, a trace of gleam embellishing her icy blue hues.
"We think that faith and freedom must be our guiding lights because they reveal the truth. Ahernan, Vytrek, this time it's your turn to carry that light, - guide us back home." The elfess whispers underneath her breath, a pleased smile plastered across her lips.

[AudTheOdd 243]

Mira Sylric looks over the piece of paper in her gauntleted hand, her pale blue gaze reading over the words over and over, almost in disbelief. After reading it a few more times over, sure it's not a dream anymore, she tugs at her companion Orris' shoulder, eagerly showing him the paper. "Orris look! It's finally happenin'!" The small 'fenn would say. Her excitement more than she'd ever had in years.

 

( @NLThomas )

[NLThomas 1225]

8 minutes ago, AudTheOdd said:

Mira Sylric looks over the piece of paper in her gauntleted hand, her pale blue gaze reading over the words over and over, almost in disbelief. After reading it a few more times over, sure it's not a dream anymore, she tugs at her companion Orris' shoulder, eagerly showing him the paper. "Orris look! It's finally happenin'!" The small 'fenn would say. Her excitement more than she'd ever had in years.

 

( @NLThomas )

Orris Vallei'onn sits up fast from sleeping underneath the tree, hand immediately moving to the dagger at his side out of reflex being woken up so abruptly "Wha- oh..." he mutters and lets go of the dagger. Lifting his hand up to take the letter and read over it "ah this sounds wonderful. We have been out in the wild for long now and could use a proper bed" He said with a light smile towards Mira.