The Mechanics of Peace

Chapter 2 - The Gathering

by David "Lord Davidian", posted on April 17th, 2001

Prologue - Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 -
Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8

       A large crowd was already gathering before the small, simple podium. As the crowd grew, so did the level of murmurs and idle chat among the curious Kindred. Delvun Oakwood's eyes fluttered as he came to the realization that he had carelessly succumbed to the need for sleep! Half climbing, half leaping; Delvun nimbly descended the mighty and majestic oak tree he long ago claimed as his sanctuary. With all possible haste, he sprinted to where the crowd was gathering; not even allowing time to curse himself for being late.
Delvun held back the urge to fight the crowds for a better view of the podium and, instead, resigned himself to keeping a respectable distance. He knew from experience how cruel most of his fellow Kindred were about him being born without the innate attributes needed for the practice of magick which nearly all his Kindred had. The fact that Delvun was quite muscular for an Elf and that he utilized taboo 'below earth' metals in the crafting of his bow and longsword didn't help matters either. When you add to all this the fact that Delvun's mother died giving birth and that his father had been missing and presumed dead for nearly thirty-six cycles, you could easily conclude that his life had been more than unfair. You would be right. Nonetheless, with every hardship he had to endure, for every challenge he had to overcome, the vigilant Youngblood became that much more stronger and
self-reliant.

       After a few minutes, a hush swept over the now fully packed crowd as those who could see the podium caught sight of three Elders slowly making their way up the steps towards the podium proper; their heads slightly bowed and arms hidden in the openings of their wide sleeves. All three were covered from head to toe in rust-colored hooded robes held together with simple rope tied tightly about the waist; their faces hidden from view. The one in the middle was clearly Chief Elder Balrun because he wore the coveted Necklace of the Ages. The necklace was made from many rare colorful stones and was said to enhance its wearer's magick abilities.

       The Elders on either side of Chief Elder Balrun sat down at opposite ends of the podium proper; arms and faces still hidden from view. Meanwhile, Balrun slowly and with great care freed his arms and pulled back the hood of his robe, letting it cascade down around his delicate shoulders and exposing his pale, weathered face. He then motioned for all those gathered
before him to sit down where they were. Once all were seated with their legs crossed under them, he began to speak.

       "Greetings my Kindred brothers and sisters. May the blessings of Kyra be upon you." Balrun's voice was somber to match his expression and his hands were clasped firmly together as if in prayer.

       "And to you," came the unanimous reply.

       "Recent events have taken place which effect us all." Balrun paused briefly to look out among the crowd which was now hanging on his every word. Even with Delvun's keen hearing, he had to strain to hear what was being said. "I have received sad news just hours ago that the spirit of Copperville's Mayor, Lawrence Griskill, left his body during last eve's full moon."

       "A collective look of shock followed by that of sorrow formed on the faces of the hushed crowd, and for good reason. Not only was Mayor Griskill trusted and respected by the entire Elven tribe in Benlith Forrest, but he also happened to pass away during a full moon! It was believed by this particular Elven tribe that someone died during a full moon, their spirit became restless; unable to rest until whatever deeds were left undone are finished (similar to a ghost).

       "Fear not my Kindred brothers and sisters..." Balrun continued, hoping to wash away the sea of sorrow he witnessed before him "...for I have also received news that the acting Mayor wishes to meet with me to discuss an extension to the current peace treaty's deadline." With those reassuring words, the looks of sorrow slowly turned into looks of relief. Balrun then made his closing statements, "As I am expecting the acting Mayor very shortly, I must now bring this brief gathering to a close. I will schedule another such gathering once my meeting with the acting Mayor is concluded. Any questions you may have will be answered at that time. With your blessings and the blessing of Kyra, I now take my leave of you."

       The murmurs and idle chat that ended with the arrival of the three Elders now resumed as the crowd stood and slowly dispersed. Meanwhile, Balrun carefully and meticulously replaced the hood of his rope over his head and slid his arms back through the wide sleeves of his robe; then all three Elders left the podium exactly as they arrived. Delvun had many questions that would have to go unanswered; at least for now.