<a class="postlink" href="http://www.iphonedip.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Mountain-Castle-Wallpaper.png">[ img ]</a><br/><br/><br/>The air around the High Temple of Solace was warm with the arrival of Summer time.  Birds flew through the musky air with ease, calling to each other in vigorous chirps.  Below the birds, a forest of verdant and lush foliage stretched for a mile on all sides, ending in a beautiful, golden beach where the calm tide rolled onto the sand in a clumsy tumble.  In the center of this isle, a single mountain rose, bearing a temple like no other.  Although not a mortal soul had ever made it's way there, the halls and columns were immaculate and shiny, made of only the finest metals.  It was at the top of this temple, in a building known as the Rotunda, where the titan Aclan slept.  Besides him stood his 'son' Crane.<br/><br/>"Father," Crane spoke.  "Why have you summoned me here?"  The giant stone statue in the center of the Rotunda quivered, it's grey eyes turning pale blue.<br/>"Son.  For over a century this world has grown in peace, without war.  My beloved Alune have built spiraling towers and  large cities, while my newest creations, the Feral as they are called, have single handedly turned a barren canyon to a network of tunnels and villages.  The wounds of the Shattering are finally closing, but I fear..." Aclan's voice trailed off.<br/>"What father?" spoke Crane.  "What do you fear?  I shall stop it!"  Crane looked at his father's statue, a mere sprite that the titan used to converse with his son.<br/>"There is another race," Aclan spoke.  "They are brutal, and merciless.  Almost impossible to destroy.  Son, there are not of my creation, but of hers."  At this, the air in the room seemed to grow hotter, the lights seemed to dim, and all outside noise faded.  "She's found a way back, and these... monsters are protecting her entrance."  Crane stood open-mouthed.  He had not thought this possible, as he believed that his father truly was the one true creator and no one could defy him.<br/>"Son I must ask you to complete the single most important task known to this world.  Find, and destroy the source of these creations.  The Alune worship you, but the Feral worship me.  The two are close to war and in addition to your primary objective you must defuse the growing hate between the two.  You cannot do this alone, I have foreseen it."<br/>"Father," Crane began.  "Who is it you wish to accompany me?" Aclan's statue was silent.<br/>"It is for you to decide son.  This is your quest.  Do not fail."  The statue's eyes returned to their regular color signaling the end of their conversation.<br/><br/>Crane sped through the air, zipping across the ocean  with ease.  In the world there were only two known cities, and Crane figured his best bet would've been Aluhar, the city of the Alune.  Taking on the form of an elder Alune, he surged forward, covering miles in seconds.  Within five minutes of flight he landed.  Perching himself upon a tree he surveyed the town.<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="http://www.places-to-visit.us/files/images/Carcassonne,_a_medieval_city_of_FRANCE_.png">[ img ]</a><br/><br/>For a mere two hundred year old city, which had also seen the horrors of the Shattering, the Alune had done wonders.  Strutting into town, Crane whipped a brown hood over his head, to conceal his true nature.  Crane made his way into the nearest Tavern, eyeing it's residents.  Sure, there were ample warriors, but they would draw too much attention to him, and he did not want that.  He needed someone quick someone able... But where could such a person be?