Having dabbled in many forms of employment, something continued to draw Shylana to the darkness that was quick covering the lands of Krynn. She knew of this fabled Queen of darkness from some of her "jobs". Often she found herself surrounded by a presence of peace in the night. The dark did not frighten her as it did some. She had done for herself over these past years of travel, or so she thought. Little did she know that without the watchful eye of an interested party she would have starved. While sitting in the inn close to her original home, she overheard a conversation among some locals. They were speaking of her grandfather. She moved closer to better hear and came to find out that her mother had attempted to find her father, and in the process incurred the wrath of her grandfather. Somehow in his addled old age and desperateness to remain popular in their rural community he had murdered his daughter and was searching for the elf that had gotten her with child some years ago. Shylana stuck to the shadows and followed the men. One of them eventually went to her old home. The old man still lived in the same place after all these years she thought. For days she waited until he struck out on his search. He traveled all the way to Kalaman, where indeed he found the elf. Shylana was watching. Always watching and waiting. Her father was peddling his wine amongst other things on the docks there. She smiled to herself at the chance to see him again. Just as she was getting set to make herself known to him, her grandfather came strolling around the corner heading straight for her father. Apparently her father had not recognized the man intent as he was on earning some coin to provide for himself. The old farmer strode right up to him , Shy saw a flash of steel from under the man's cloak and just as he was about to plunge the weapon home, she jumped from the shadows and threw herself at his back, clawing and beating him about the head, not wanting to swing her blade in town. The man slumped unconscious at her feet. She looked up startled and saw her father staring at her then begin to grin somewhat. Together they picked up the old man and dragged him into an abandoned building. Little did they know, they were followed. A hooded figure stood away from them as they rested as moment getting their bearings. Shy looked at her father and saw the emptiness in his eyes. The love for her was there but the pain of never having gone back to her mother and now not having that chance was plainly visible. Before they could speak the figures stepped forward facing Shy. It beckoned her closer. She was not afraid of this being but felt an odd sense of protection coming from it. She stood and walked over, avoiding the still motionless body of her grandfather.
"For your wish to come true you must come with me." As the being spoke it pointed to her and her grandfather. Not to her father. Looking back at her father, she knew he would miss her for a while and she would think of him often as well, but the need within her heart pounded stronger and she turned away from him nodding her affirmation to the being. At once they were gone, leaving the broken elf behind. Shy awoke in what looked like a temple. Her grandfathers body lay in the center of a huge glowing red glyph surrounded by clerics. Suddenly she fell to her knees and slammed her eyes closed to shut out the forceful images.
"I know what you seek." The voice from the darkness called. "I can grant you this wish if you are willing to pay the price my dear child."
A picture entered her mind. It was her grandfather standing over her mothers broken and battered body. Then another of him slapping the face of a small child in Haven. The child of a dragonarmy officer. "So you see my dear, both of us can accomplish our wants ... if you are capable enough of doing a small task. I will return the light to your father's bleak eyes, if you take the light from his."
At this moment her grandfather began to stir. He moaned rubbing his blood matted hair and cast accusing eyes at his unwanted bloodline. He spat a tooth onto the temple floor and began to rise to his knees. The image of him over her mother flashed again before her eyes and in one continuous motion she leaned over pulling the farmer's tool from her back, swung it over her head and around. The old man never made it to his feet as his head was quickly removed from his shoulders.
"You can never see your father again. Trust that your wishes have been met as have mine. I reward those that remain loyal to me half-elf."
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Shylana's workings brought her into contact with the DragonArmies in more way than one. Of this she learned many things. The discension amongst them, and the ability to wield a sword and shield. Though she was small and dexterous , wearing the necessary armor for battle caused her to lose some her movement capabilities, thus the need for a shield. She visited the temple where her grandfather was slain on a daily basis. In the city of Neraka , where she also met with the Empress for her orders. On one of these days she was accompanied by a recent acquaintance. One that had surprisingly enough become a friend... and more. As she knelt praying to her Goddess, a vision came to her. It was the image of a man and a woman surrounded by many children. Children that looked a lot like her when she was younger. As she peered closer she realized that the man and woman were her parents.
The Queen had kept her promise indeed. Not only had she returned the light to her father's eyes, but she had returned his reason for living. Their love for each other was apparent as they frolicked happily with their children.
"I show you this as I know what it meant to you and you have been ever loyal spreading your devotion to others worthy. You are still unable to return however, your power has grown my child and with this comes reward as you serve me well. This is part of my gift to you. The other, you will learn in time as you battle those that would come against me. I beseech you to feel my will and bring it forth unto the lands. Your wish has been granted. Now is the time for you to do my bidding."
With this, the vision was gone. Shylana remained there for sometime breathing slowly, then suddenly threw her hands up to the ceiling and tossed her head back shouting in her elven tongue.
"El ye salmayaa!!"
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Characters:
A'ryndil Astia'mar ~ Archmagus of the Veiled Maiden
Alexy Reynn ~ Cleric of the Fisher King
Shylana Ishtareel ~ Faithful of Her Dark Majesty
Byrd Song ~ The blind voice of Nature