Asherons Call: High Queen Elysa Strathelar is Nigh!

High Queen Elysa Strathelar calls her people to the Thistledown Festival Stone.

Elysa looks out over the gathered crowd and clears her throat.

Elysa Strathelar says, "People of Dereth, I am High Queen Elysa Strathelar, and many of you wonder how I came by my title."

Elysa Strathelar says, "It was by the will of those that lived here on Dereth when we first broke free from the bonds of slavery beneath the jagged claws of the Olthoi."

Elysa clears her throat again to speak up over the gathered crowd.

Elysa pauses.

Elysa Strathelar says, "Since that time many have gathered in Monarchies that have come to symbolize the unity of our people here on Dereth."

Elysa Strathelar says, "I expect that many of you feel you owe me no allegiance, and truly you do not. I am the leader of those that would have me lead, and no more."

Elysa looks to Asheron, then back to the gathered crowd.

Elysa Strathelar says, "We were once subjects to the Olthoi. I, for one, will not see my people subjected to a rule that they deem unjust. We are not meant to be slaves, we are meant to be free people. "

Elysa Strathelar says, "People with free will and choices. "

Elysa Strathelar says, "To that end I have asked Asheron, a man whom many have slighted and misunderstood, to come and speak with me over the next month at these gathering stones."

Elysa Strathelar says, "These stones were once the heralds of the festival times for his people. He will now rededicate them to a new cause. The Isparian cause."

Elysa Strathelar says, "It is time that we claim this land as our new home. It is time for us to claim its name as well!"

Elysa Strathelar says, "So from this day forward, until the time when we and Asheron work together to bridge the distance between Dereth and Ispar, we shall be known as Derethians."

Asheron takes a few seconds and surveys the crowd.

Asheron bows his head.

Asheron says, "What Elysa says is true. You are a free people to whom I am indebted. "

Asheron says, "Without your aid even this small island of my world would not have been freed from the Olthoi. "

Asheron says, "But this has never been without its difficulties and tribulations--several of your first leaders fell in the early years as you struggled without my protection."

Asheron says, "Your strides against this foe have been remarkable, and you have adapted well to a world alien to your own."

Asheron says, "Your civilization has succeeded in thriving in this adversity, growing in number and laying claim to the land as your own."

Asheron says, "But when you needed me in turn, I have not always been here."

Asheron straightens his robe.

Asheron says, "This cost has weighed heavily upon my soul for many years. What is worse is that in the past when I needed you to further defend my home, you have been there for me."

Asheron says, "Specifically, when Ilservian returned you rose to fight him by my side. "

Asheron says, "That time is at an end."

Asheron says, "I have watched what the Virindi did to Martine and seen the horrors that can come about when you decipher our texts without proper guidance."

Asheron says, "Though our magics are more potent than you can harness, time can change everything and grant you the capacity to learn."

Asheron says, "This is that time. I will not stand idly by and see your civilization destroyed. Torn asunder from within or otherwise."

Asheron says, "You have made Dereth your home. So shall it be. And a time shall come that will be akin to a golden age for your people."

Asheron motions to the stone and sweeps his hands in a wide motion.

Asheron says, "This festival stone will now stand as a memory of the days when these lands became the lands of the Isparians!"

Martine arrives...

Martine's gaze falls upon Elysa.

Martine says, "Pretty lights and honey coated words. Smoke and mirrors make this magician all the more impressive."

Martine says, "Ah, my love. Why are you here? What has brought you to this place amongst the rabble, with the epitome of all I find wrong and unjust by your side?"

Elysa stares at the thing that was once Candeth Martine and glances at Asheron.

Elysa Strathelar says, "Martine. You are not welcome here. What you have done to these people cannot be forgiven...will not be forgiven."

Martine says, "Why do you say this to me, dearest? I have only joy in my heart for you."

Martine says, "My unfettered rage and desire to liquefy flesh is focused solely on the old man called Asheron."

Martine says, "Your flesh is too fine to mar...how could I live with myself if I ground your bones to paste? Of course I could rebuild them, but I'd be forced to live with that memory."

Asheron says, "Martine."

Asheron says, "I only wish to help you, I have never wished anything else from you. You are in pain. That much is obvious. Let me help you."

Martine smites Aelric mightily!

Martine obliterates Gotrunks!

Martine beats Accident to a lifeless pulp!

Martine beats Miyah to a lifeless pulp!

The thunder of Martine crushing Diazepam is followed by the deafening silence of death!

The thunder of Martine crushing Merubin is followed by the deafening silence of death!

Asheron says, "Elysa away! I will hold him here!"

Asheron says, "Martine, please listen to reason! I know you are still in there somewhere!"

Elysa shudders as Asheron's magic flows over her, sending her away.

Elysa Strathelar says, "I will not leave, Asheron! This monster tried to kill my son. I will see him slain where he stands!"

Martine issues a guttural laugh and a hum begins to grow from within him.

Martine says, "You stole her from me! You! And now you wish to make peace for what you have done?"

Martine says, "I will flay your flesh and study what makes you work, Old Man! But not here, not now."

Asheron looks about at the grim scene.

Asheron says, "Derethians, I am sorry that this has happened, but I will see it done. I will see Martine is made whole and that his madness brings you no more pain. I am sorry to have brought this upon you all."