• In the stillness of the night, the city of Liyth rests. With the season of Sleep still upon them, snow blankets the town. Within its walls the people breathe deep and calm as they slumber. No sound. No light. No movement. Just the tranquility of dreams and the peace of night. However, in the darker side of town, a hooded figure lurks in the ally beside the Umbra Tavern. Pacing with a furious stride. Who knows what shady business one such as this figure would be up to at such a late hour. Only close observation could tell. Thrice the figure knocks on a hidden door. The door creeps open, a slight greeting is exchanged, and the figure enters. The door quietly closes behind it. If one were to focus one's gaze on the sign that was posted on the inside of the door, before it closed, one would read the name Merithia the Seeress. I doubt, however, that one was observant enough to do so. If one were to put one's ear to the door, one might hear a conversation ensue.

    ...

    ...

    ...

    One should hurry before the conversation ends...



    "Across the Great Valley

    Where magical creatures dwell

    The Fëre sisters mourn

    And from what I can tell

    No man, nor beast,

    Nor banshees that yell

    Can halt the chaos

    Of their pending spell", A young looking woman utters to the shadows.




    "I am well aware that the Fere sisters are indeed angry with me. I know what I have done, but what you are saying is they haven't cast the spell yet. So, is there some hope?", a hooded figure asks the blind Seeress as it steps closer.




    Merithia takes a deep breath and lowers her head. A bright green light starts to gleam in her lap. It seems to be emanating from her face. The hooded figure doesn't seemed alarmed at all. In all truth, the figure seemed a little impatient. Merithia begins to rock side to side, softly humming what sounds like a lullaby. Her deep auburn hair sways with her movements, brushing her knees. The twinkling sound of her many beads that hung from her neck make a musical addition to her humming. Within moments her eerie chanting comes to a cease. The brilliant green light starts to diminish. As she begins to look up at the hooded figure with her milky blue eyes, a faint green glow fades from her irises.



    "The answer you seek

    With your question dies

    From the plan you plot

    You will not rise

    Any knowledge you hunt

    No matter how wise

    Will lead you to

    Your eminent demise"




    "I see.", the hooded figure pauses in thought before continuing, "Thank you for your time."




    Merithia bows her head slightly, then gestures toward the door. The hooded figure glides silently towards and out the door. Once outside again, the figure moves quickly past the tavern and up the cobblestone street toward the castle. About halfway there the figure takes a sharp turn and enters another ally. There the figure drops to its knees and begins to weep. The silence of the night is broken.