Zedd Witlock -- Guests and Intruders<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=96676.msg4283703#msg4283703">Quote from: Elf on 20-02-2011, 18:58:30</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Stepping forward himself Feldor takes the out stretched hand clasping it in a firm but friendly hand shake. “Well met, Zedd Witlock. Feldor Kelmaric.” Releasing Zedd’s hand he steps back and sets down leaning against the great tree. “I’m glad you were able to get free of the node. I’m not certain I could have gotten you free. I’m impressed with strength a lesser man would have been consumed by the node’s energies. Assuming you’re here for the same reason I am I shouldn’t surprised the average person wouldn’t be called upon for whatever task is set before us. Do you have any idea what that task is? I was simply told to come to this clearing. Of course you can join me I would not have suggested it otherwise.”<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Zedd gave Feldor's arm a few solid pumps, then released the Elf's hand and glanced back to the center of the clearing, an involuntary shiver running down his spine. He could still feel the sheer power of the node, but thankfully the sensation was dwindling to little more than memory now. He couldn't imagine being linked to such force for any extended period of time; a lucky man would only be driven insane.<br/><br/>"That makes two of us,<em>amigo</em>. To be honest, I was a little worried myself. Good thing I didn't channel the whole thing," he said, considering Feldor's next question. "<em>Si</em>, I think maybe we are on a similar path. I'm afraid I don't know exactly what the task will be, but..." '<em>De Pale Mon and him horse...road ta salvation...'</em>"I have a feeling whatever it is, it's not just local. It's going to be much bigger...much worse...than anything we might expect." '<em>De Keepers not de only ones callin'...powerful lions...treach'rous serpents...</em>' Zedd's voice fell lower as he spoke, and he leaned in a bit closer to Feldor. "And I don't think we were the only ones summoned, either," he said, almost in a whisper.<br/><br/>He stepped back and shoved his hands into his pockets with a shrug, giving the Elf a chance to absorb his words. He didn't really want to tell anyone of his encounter with the roadside prophet, at least not until he better understood the old man's words, but Feldor at least seemed reasonably trustworthy. Well, as much as one could be after being acquainted for only a few minutes. Zedd supposed it was Feldor's tiger that engendered his trust; the beast was clearly more intelligent than its mundane counterparts, and Zedd refused to believe that such a noble-seeming creature would willingly serve an evil master. He glanced around to see if the great cat had returned yet with their new guest, but was once again greeted with the sight of only the empty clearing.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=96676.msg4283703#msg4283703">Quote from: Elf on 20-02-2011, 18:58:30</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Remaining silent for a moment Feldor’s eyes lose their focus as he ponders some distant thoughts. Looking up at Zedd with a new determination in his eyes he says, “Zedd, you seem to have a natural affinity for the magics of this world, but lack training. If you wish and time permits I would be honored to teach you what I can.”<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>At Feldor's offer, Zedd felt himself turn red for a few brief moments. Lacked training, did he? Years of magical theory and practice, relentless drills by countless tutors and teachers throughout his childhood, the harsh cruelty of some of their lessons enough to give even a Drow pause, and he lacked training? A cold reply was forming in his mind, and would have escaped his mouth if the memory of the node's grasp weren't still so fresh in his thoughts. Considering that Feldor had just seen him get knocked onto his ass by the power of the ley lines, Zedd realized the Elf's offer was in fact exceedingly generous. A bolt of shame shot through him at his initial reaction, mingled with gratitude that he'd managed to stop his foolish pride from making an ass out of himself any further.<br/><br/>"That would be most welcome, Feldor. And appreciated. I would be honored to learn whatever you may teach--" Zedd's words were cut off by the sound of tromping boots and jangling armor from behind them. He noticed Feldor's expression, now fixed on the newcomer approaching from Zedd's back, and turned to see a huge, cloaked beast of a man stomping through the wildflowers of the clearing. He carried a massive spear in one hand, and his cloak, which looked too heavy to billow in even the hardest winds, seemed to hang from his frame like a funereal curtain. The occasional flash of dull bronze or brass glinted beneath the cape on his left arm; some sort of shield, likely. Aside from the single greave and the leg gauntlets, the man appeared otherwise un-armored. Just the sight of him was enough to make Zedd's skin crawl.<br/><br/>Zedd gritted his teeth a little as the man reached them and then proceeded to launch into a long-winded and convoluted tirade, from which Zedd could only glean three facts: his name was Talos Vern, a servant of Hades; he was clearly exceedingly arrogant; and he seemed to have absolutely no respect for anyone or anything that crossed his path. For a moment, Zedd considered taking umbrage at the man's crass attitude toward both him and the Lady Artemis, but dismissed his ire; whatever their purpose in the clearing, he was certain the gods had not sent them to argue over whose deity was better, and he had no desire to engage in ridiculous arguments or childish name-calling. Besides, though Talos seemed to be a powerful and capable warrior, he also appeared to be a witless buffoon with the brains of a horse-cake. If this was what Hades had chosen for a champion, perhaps this quest would not be so terrible, after all.<br/><br/>Just as he was about to offer the rude man a welcome -- just because Talos was an asshole was no reason to imitate him, after all -- Feldor's tiger returned to his side, and the crackling of a few dry twigs alerted them to the newest arrival nearby. Zedd looked all around, finally spotting a small face peeking out from behind one of the mammoth trees. He raised one hand in greeting and gave a wave, and wore what he hoped was a friendly smile with no trace of his recent annoyance.<br/><br/>"Hello, over there! Welcome. Please, won't you join us?"