"Cryptic prophecies and a ritual to heal Eternium--Valnuary

You read what is written on a personal journal:
"Cryptic prophecies and a ritual to heal Eternium--Valnuary 581", By Chardrin Djinnai (Page 1)
Greetings,
After discovering that the space allotted within a news post is very
similar to that alloted on one page of a journal, I have opted to
attempt posting this to the news again...in multiple parts. This log is
missing a section in the middle where we were searching the realms for
clues...a period that I was not able to accurately note since we were
all over everywhere. Further, I took the liberty to remove extraneous
vial sipping, camel snorting, market calling..et cetera. Otherwise, it
is chronological. I have, in a few instances, broken the flow to include
short visual descriptions of people invovled. Anyway, I hope you find
this informative.

With purrs of sincerity,
Chardrin Djinnai

***Location***
Placid pond in the Dryad Garden.
A deep spring must feed the pond directly below, for the milky blue
water boils happily. The movement of the water from the deep depths has
attracted a half-dozen monstrous trout, which swim lazily in the turbid
currents, waiting for their next meal. A small moth accidentally lands
on the surface of the pond, and in a blaze of speed, the trout all
converge in a frenzy of motion as they fight over the minuscule insect.
Overhead, the grey limestone of the bluff looms like a stone umbrella,
adding to the deep shadows of the pool. The chill from the water has
cooled the air considerably, and the grotto overhang helps contain the
cold and keep it from being warmed by the sun. Tiny droplets of moisture
have condensed on the walls of the grotto, twinkling in the reflected
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light off the water. A kelp plant waves in the currents. An ivory lily
bobs at the surface of a small pond of crystal-clear water, marking the
placement of a shrine to Kastalia. A giant white lily sits atop a
vibrant green lilypad. The Old Man of the River stands here, relying
heavily on his staff for support. A cowled figure leans heavily upon an
ornate pair of metal crutches. The Red Dragon Awan's imposing form
looms. You see exits leading north, south, and down.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "Greetings, dear Awan."

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "Greetings." You bow
respectfully to Zaphar, the Old Man of the River.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River bows respectfully to you.

***description of cowled figure***
Slouched over metal supports, this concealed figure is of a contorted
build. Salient bones jut forth from within the heavy layers of fabric
that envelope a slight frame. Bulging, amphibious eyes gleam with a
wizened gaze from within a deep hood. Gripping their slender handles in
a tight embrace, the figure's gnarled form leans heavily on a pair of
ornate crutches, the burnished metal engraved with the intricate
depiction of a blooming water lily. A cowled figure looks to be
crushingly strong.
He weighs about 134 pounds.
He is loyal to Kastalia.
You see nothing in it.

You bow respectfully to a cowled figure.

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Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "I... I am unsure, truly, what to
say."

With a quiet rush of wind, Bastionne glides in from the ether.

A cowled figure smirks.

Penwize clasps his hands before himself and performs a simple,
respectful bow.

Comprehension flashes across Zaphar, the Old Man of the River's face.

A cowled figure says, "Fear not, devoted of Nature. I come only as a
messenger, travelling from within the great mists in hopes of preparing
you for the inevitable."

You say with a low purring accent, "The inevitable?"

A cowled figure smirks at you.

You say with a low purring accent, "What is to occur?"

Penwize smiles softly.

A gateway of light blazes into existence before your  eyes.

A cowled figure says, "Hear you not the great prophecy?"

Aodfionn arrives from the ether.

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A cowled figure says, "You have no reason to trust me, nor do you have
reason to believe me, however..."

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "Afraid most prophecies get
called great these days."

You say with a low purring accent, "Personally, I have not. I slept for
a very long time."

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora mutters, "Nor t. ..de...and..."

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "I admit to some trouble
discerning which are truly great and which are merely exaggerated."

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says to a cowled figure, "To
which do you refer?"

A cowled figure says, "Indeed. Many are full of falsities and slander.
Many take the sacred art of prophecy, and desecrate it..."

With a loud expulsion of air, the portal collapses upon itself and
disappears.

You say with a low purring accent, "Would you be so kind as to enlighten
us concerning this profecy?"

You cough softly.

You say with a low purring accent, "Prophecy even."

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A cowled figure says, "The great voice of the earth fell on deaf ears?
Such a pity."

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says to a cowled figure, "Likely not
deaf so much as confused."

A cowled figure smirks.

A cowled figure says, "Then, do allow me to explain..."

A cowled figure says, "I swear to you, on the waters of Eternity, that
you may trust my words..."

Awan brightens.

You tilt your head and listen intently.

The robe surrounding the figure falls, and sinks into the water below.

Aodfionn frowns slightly, his gaze shifting to Awan for a moment before
her affixes his eyes on the cowled figure.

***description of uncowled Zanb'hu***
Slouched over metal supports, this youthful Tethysi possesses a slight,
contorted build. Attenuated flesh pulls taut over salient bones, his
pale complexion awash with an azure shimmer; the fragile skin is eerily
translucent, revealing prominent veins within. Bulging, amphibious eyes
gleam with a wizened gaze, dominating his masculine countenance. Rich
garments of heavy satin don his hunched frame, vibrant swathes of fabric
wrapping tightly about his limbs in coruscating patterns of colour.
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Gripping their slender handles in a tight embrace, his gnarled form
leans heavily on a pair of ornate crutches, the burnished metal engraved
with the intricate depiction of a blooming water lily.
Zamb'hu looks to be crushingly strong.

Comprehension flashes across Zaphar, the Old Man of the River's face.

Awan furrows her brow.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River lowers his head respectfully before
Zamb'hu.

Zamb'hu smiles softly at Zaphar, the Old Man of the River.

Zamb'hu says, "Unfortunately... I do fear that there is little time to
explain..."

Zamb'hu carefully shifts his weight.

Zamb'hu says, "The great prophecy that echoed throughout the lands..
I... am not privy to what it means in its entirety, however when such
matters are thrown about so carelessly it suggests that perhaps it is
not something to take lightly."

Zamb'hu says, "You are... confused as to the meaning? Did you hear it,
entirely?"

You say with a low purring accent, "I did not, I am sorry to say."

Zamb'hu frowns slightly.
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Aodfionn nods his head at Zamb'hu.

Oaken Hand, Aodfionn Kuka'ilimoku, Ithmian Squire says, "May I ask if
you know of the "birth right" that was mentioned?"

Zamb'hu says, "I can only theorise... However, the very fact that it
mentions the current indicates to me that the Lady is being referenced.
This is, with
Her loyalty lying within your home, to be considered  your domain."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River nods his head at Zamb'hu.

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "Zambu'hu the Lady - Lady
Kastalia?"

Zamb'hu says, "The daughter of the mighty Ocean Lord and the luminous
Trisagia, Kastalia is the Lady of the River."

Zamb'hu says, "Recognised as the undivided ternion, Kastalia is the
Hydra of the Torrent, the Phantom of the Vapour, and the Seer of the
Vortex. This only brushes upon the surface, Awan. There is, of course,
much to be learned about the watery Queen."

Zamb'hu says, "I am honoured to be linked to Her as I am, and so too are
the Fluvadha'thi."

Zamb'hu smiles softly.

Awan inclines her head politely at Zaphar, the Old Man of the River.
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Zamb'hu smiles softly, turning his gaze elsewhere.

Zamb'hu says, "I... Yes."

You say with a low purring accent, "The Fluvadha'thi?"

Zamb'hu smiles softly at you.

Zamb'hu says, "All in good time, devotee of Nature. I swear to you."

A splash of water startles you as the grinning face of a dryad bobs up
from the water near you.

Zamb'hu says, "I have been lucky, I must admit."

Zamb'hu says, "Since She left the realms of the mundane to explore the
very depths of our realms, I have been gaining knowledge on Her."

Zamb'hu says, "It has been... tough, to say the least. She is a complex
Goddess..."

Zamb'hu smirks.

Zamb'hu says, "The great prophecy that floated through the firmament, I
do believe that this references the great Lady."

Zamb'hu says, "I am not one to dance in the public eye, and as such I do
expect you to keep this encounter private..."

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You say with a low purring accent, "As you wish."

Zamb'hu says, "However, should it involve Her... I believe it of great
importance. It is the only reason I stand before you."

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "Do you think She returns to
this realm? Or something else?"

Aodfionn nods solemnly before grunting quietly. Zamb'hu furrows his
brow, deep in thought.

Zamb'hu says, "I think... rather, something else."

Awan frowns worriedly.

Zamb'hu says, "Such events have never been so publicly voiced, and it
is...unnerving, to say the least."

Zamb'hu says, "I am not privy to the meaning of the prophecy... and I am
certainly in no position to explore all of the options."

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "Explore all of the
options? What do you mean by that?"

Zamb'hu says, "Did... did one of you record the prophecy? Perhaps we
could review it?"

Aodfionn nods his head emphatically.

Oaken Hand, Aodfionn Kuka'ilimoku, Ithmian Squire says, "I did."
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Zamb'hu tilts his head and listens intently to Aodfionn.

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "If it's what you're
referring to.... "Let the great truths unfold, hidden beneath shattered
glass - none shall be spared from the impending sacrifice. Melancholy
runs deep within the sacred current! Woe to those who ignore the great
birthright, lest their world become forsaken to the core!""

Oaken Hand, Aodfionn Kuka'ilimoku, Ithmian Squire says, "Let the great
truths unfold, hidden beneath shattered glass - none shall be spared
from the impending sacrifice. Melancholy runs deep within the sacred
current! Woe to those who ignore the great birthright, lest their world
become forsaken to the
core!""."

Aodfionn sticks his tongue out and says, "Ack."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River nods his head slowly.

Aodfionn ponders the situation.

Oaken Hand, Aodfionn Kuka'ilimoku, Ithmian Squire says, "What was the
first part?"

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "Hidden...hidden beneath
shattered glass..."

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "What might the great truths
be?"
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Oaken Hand, Aodfionn Kuka'ilimoku, Ithmian Squire says, "Twinned
revelations."

Aodfionn grunts noncommittally.

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "It was prefaced with "Lo,
the twinned revelations unite!" but I imagine that was just
introduction."

Awan snorts disbelievingly.

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "If they're twins, shouldn't
there be two?"

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River exclaims, "Twinned? If it is 'twinned'
then surely there... yes, exactly!"

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River creases his brow in  a frown.

You say with a low purring accent, "Shattered glass...ice?"

Oaken Hand, Aodfionn Kuka'ilimoku, Ithmian Squire says, "Meaning, we
have only heard one half of this."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "If I were sceptical of you,
Zamb'hu...I would believe you a mercenary of Lord Twilight."

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "Or, there were two revelations
before, and now this is the newly united version."
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Zamb'hu's eyes sparkle with amusement at Zaphar, the Old Man of the
River.

Zamb'hu says, "I do not scream of prophecies, dear Zaphar. I merely...
question them."

Awan blows twin spurts of fire out of her nostrils in apparent
irritation.

With an eerie flicker, the hunched form of Zamb'hu wavers upon the
incorporeal.

Zamb'hu winces, his eyes closing for a brief moment.

Zamb'hu says, "My ability to remain with you is quickly fading..."

Zamb'hu creases his brow in a frown.

Penwize tilts his head curiously.

You say with a low purring accent, "Is there something we can do to help
you maintain your form, Zamb'hu?"

Zamb'hu says, "Please, you must hurry... If the prophecy links to the
Lady in even the most remote of ways, then it must be deciphered. If you
need to speak with me, then -."

With a deafening roar, the slender frame of Zamb'hu rapidly dissolves
into glistening droplets of water which quickly descend into the pool
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below.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River blinks.

Aodfionn creases his brow in a frown.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "What a useless creature..."

Penwize looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Aodfionn grunts noncommittally.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.

Awan's lips twitch with amusement.

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "He was uncomfortably
cryptic."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "Shattered glass..."

Oaken Hand, Aodfionn Kuka'ilimoku, Ithmian Squire says, "He smells of
deceit."

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "Hmm, I  don't think so."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "He... what an odd term..."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "Regardless, if there is even a
semblance of truth in his words then I am inclined to investigate this
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odd situation."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "He did seem decidedly
determined not to divulge, at the very least."

Oaken Hand, Aodfionn Kuka'ilimoku, Ithmian Squire says to Zaphar, the
Old Man of the River, "What can we do to help you, Sir?"

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "Bar making this less
confusing... I..."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River frowns, rubbing his eyes in
frustration.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "Right. Shattered glass...
Melancholy..."

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "Sounds cold."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "Cold?"

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River creases his brow in  a frown.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "The only aspect of it that makes
any sense is... odd, at best."

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "Why do we even think this is
about the Lady? Just the part about currents?"
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Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "The mentioning of the current,
in particular..."

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "I know of only two Divine who
possess a 'sacred' current. Either the God of Death or... my Lady."

Awan furrows her brow.

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "And what could the 'great
birthright' be?"


Zaphar, the Old Man of the River creases his brow in  a frown.

Awan gives a pained sigh.

Zaphar, the Old Man of the River says, "I presume it relates to taking
claim to what is rightfully theirs..."

Penwize tilts his head curiously.

Champion Penwize Baker, the Relentless says, "Whose?"

Aodfionn looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Awan shakes her head.

Anachaine Ambassador Awan Komhora says, "I can't make anything out of
it."
***continued in part 2***