Epic Tale: The Journeys of Healingrayne

[Healingrayne]

(Please jump in on this story at anytime, as I would love to make it grow with diversity!)
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“Twenty-two seasons have passed since my arrival in Fayspires. Twenty-two seasons since I lost all knowledge of my origins.”

As she sat on the shore of Winters Deep with her dear friend Softnovick, Healingrayne vented her frustrations of her mist-shrouded beginnings on Norrath.

“Twenty-two seasons of study under the great elves of Fayspires and twenty-two seasons of making friends and finding adventure… always returning to Fayspires and the comfort of Tessarina’s home. We’ve been friends for almost all of those seasons, Softnovick. Tell me, do you think I will ever know of my beginnings?” asked Healingrayne.

“I don’t know…” Softnovick replied softly. “What I do know,” she carefully added “Is that every season on the anniversary of your arrival at Fayspires, your mind is clouded with these thoughts and you become distant for weeks.”

Feeling the sorrow of her best friend, Softnovick continued to express her concerns.

“Heal, there is something very special about you. All the elves in your guild have told you that since day one. Do you not believe in the fate of Tunare?” questioned Softnovick.

“I know and I do believe” replied Healingrayne with a sigh.

“Then, please, for the sake of your sanity, have faith in that belief. I know that Tunare has a special calling for you and I believe with all of my heart that is why things are as they are at present. If it is meant for you to know your origins, they will be revealed to you at the proper time.”

Silence fell over the two friends while they soaked in the late afternoon sun as it descended over the lake toward Tethelin. The two girls loved to watch the sun set from this spot as the colors of the evening were always so vivid and the scenery always picturesque. The sky was filled with deep red clouds that kissed the icy waters, and the green of the grass was breathtaking with the small multicolored flowers that dotted the shoreline.

Easing the long silence, Healingrayne finally whispered, “You’re right, Softnovick”.

Feeling sorrow for her friend, Softnovick reached out her hand and Healingrayne grabbed it strongly.

With a new sense of self about her, Healingrayne declared, “Today is a new day, my friend, and Fayspires is my home. When the time is right, I will know of my special purpose and I will carry it out with all of my heart and all of my strength.”

“Softnovick,” Healingrayne continued, “Tunare has truly blessed me with your friendship. How often is it that an Erudite Wizard would be willing to travel so far from home to help a little elfling? I am grateful every day for your friendship and grateful that you have been my companion for adventure since we first met nineteen seasons ago.”

Blushing, but touched, Softnovick replied, “How could I resist a short cleric trying so hard to survive battle with a banded kingsnake?”

The girls laughed as they stood up and stretched.

[Healingrayne]

Tessarina paced the floor anxiously, contemplating the task she must ask Healingrayne to complete. Realizing it would not be easy, and more than likely fatal, disturbed her greatly. She sought solace in her prayers to Tunare, though with her clouded mind, both eluded her. She continued to pace mindlessly as she recounted the events of that morning.

Earlier that day, the High Priestess requested presence with Tessarina. It was during that meeting that Tessarina learned of the treacherous quest she must employ Healingrayne to complete.

“As a student of healing and wishing to take the Oath of Nife, Healingrayne must prove herself” said the priestess. “I have sought in my prayers an appropriate task, and this was my answer from Tunare.” She continued. “Fear not, Tessarina. I know you have grown fond of the orphan, but it is now time to place her back into the hands of Tunare and allow her destiny to unfold.”

Tessarina had known this day would come since the high priestess charged her with seeking out and caring for a ship-wrecked orphan who would appear along the shores of Freeport. Funny how the High Priestess’ visions always seems to be so precise. What she hadn’t known was how much she would grow to love her. As she continued to pace nervously, she realized that she was exhausted from the anguish coursing through her body. Seeking peace from her troubled thoughts, she laid down to rest.

[Healingrayne]

Sunset became dusk as the friends stood by the shore still giggling. Healingrayne tipped her head to one side as she became suddenly quiet. She glanced around cautiously as she became acutely aware that something was wrong. Healingrayne glanced back toward Softnovick and motioned to her chuckling friend to be quiet.

"Did you hear that?" whispered Healingrayne as adrenaline charged through her body.

Again she heard it. A low, insidious sound; like that of an angry orc. The hideous rumbling seemed to be very close. Healingrayne moved slowly toward Softnovick.

"It may be a drunken orc that wandered too far from it's clan. I'm sure we can take it on - if we can find it."

Hearing that, Softnovick burst into a fit of laughter.

"Shhh!" stressed Healingrayne "LISTEN!"

Softnovick was laughing so hard now that tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"Drunken orc?" Softnovick choked as her words struggled past her laughter.

Seeing nothing around them, Healingrayne began to feel awkward and she turned toward her hysterical friend and stared at her blankly.

"My friend," panted Softnovick as she tried to regain her breath "That was no drunken orc, mearly a reminder that the hour grows late and that I am a bit hungry."

Blushing and totally embarrassed Healingrayne replied, "I knew you were hungry but I just wanted to see if I could keep you on your toes."

Softnovick threw her arm around her friend's short shoulder and said, "Heal, if there's one thing that you never were good at, it's lying to me. Let's go get something to eat."

Without another word, they headed back toward the city and to Tessarina's kitchen.

[Healingrayne]

Tessarina stirred from her restless sleep when she heard sounds coming from the kitchen. Dread settled into the pit of her stomach as she realized that Healingrayne and her best friend had come home for dinner. Now, as instructed by the High Priestess, she must send Healingrayne off at once for Forkwatch.

Tess placed her hands behind her head and stared blankly at the celing as she listened mindlessly to the girls' chatter about past adventures and how they were looking forward to new ones. "Well," said Tessarina to herself, "You certainly have the adventure of a lifetime coming your way - and sooner thatn you are expecting it."

With that, Tessarina gathered her wits and her robe about her then strode to the kitchen with determination in her step.

[Elindar]

Elindar came bursting in to Tessarina's kitchen and said; "what's cooking Tess?"

Tessarina blushed, she had always felt shy around the musician she had grown up with. She had always yearned to be a bard herself in her youth, though she regretfully lacked the talent. Instruments and song had always come naturally to the Governor's son. However, she did find him easy on her eyes and decided to confide in the elf that she had befriended as an elfling younger than Healingrayne.

"That is tough Tess, I know that you have a hard time sending others through their trials, take heart however, I have glanced upon this Healingrayne and she seems to hold a steadfast devotion to Tunare and the others hold her in high esteem, if anyone can prevail it will certainly be this one."

Tess threw her arms around the astonished bard, who returned the embrace patting her gently on her back.

"Be strong Tess, for Healing shall carry her fate admirably, now I have further business with Mackleeric who I understand is in yonder chamber."

Tess smiled softly and nodded.

Elindar slapped her gently once more and whisked past her.

Tess drew in a deep breath...

[Healingrayne]

“Mmmmm. This is great! Heal, I don’t know where you get it, but you always come up with the best food combinations!” said Softnovick.

The girls were sitting at the table feasting on a meal of nuts and berries mixed with granola and drenched in cream.

“Eh, I don’t know. It’s just what looks good together, really. I see food; I put it together; I eat it… it’s that simple” came Healingrayne’s reply.

Healingrayne glanced up at Tessarina, who was standing in the doorway. “Are you hungry? There’s plenty here to go around.” Healingrayne directed her comment to Tessarina. “I know Elindar flew through her a few minutes ago, maybe he would like something to eat?” Although she wasn’t sure why, Healingrayne noted an air of concern about Tessarina and began to feel a little uneasy.

Tessarina shook her head, indicating that she was not hungry.

“Tessarina?” inquired Healingrayne, “Something is amiss, what is it?”<br>
Sighing deeply, Tess took the seat across from Healingrayne. “You always have been an intuitive one, Heal, haven’t you?”<br>
“Something concerns you, Tess, I can feel it. Please, tell me what it is.” requested Healingrayne.

Tess glanced over at Softnovick and back to Healingrayne.

“Perhaps I should seek out Elindar to see if he is hungry.” said Softnovick, looking for a way to escape what seemed would be an important family matter.

“Please stay” Tessarina said quietly “This involves both of you.”<br>
The girls turned to each other with worried expressions on their faces. “I don’t know where to begin” started Tessarina “but, please, do not interrupt until I am finished or until I pose a question to one of you.”<br>
Realizing the seriousness this conversation would hold, Softnovick pulled her chair around the table next to Healingrayne so she could face Tessarina.

“I was summoned to the High Priestess this morning” continued Tessarina coolly. “Many things were discussed between us, but the most important and relevant issue was your future.” Tessarina directed her statement to both girls.

“Before I continue, I want to say to you Softnovick that I know you will protest what is to be said. Please know and understand that it is in the best interest of all parties involved.” The girls looked to each other again, the concern on their faces growing deeper.

“As you both know, The High Priestess has been seeking Tunare day and night for an appropriate task to employ to Healingrayne that she might prove herself worthy to take the Oath of Nife.” The girls nodded their heads in agreement.

“Well, the High Priestess has received her answer and Healingrayne, the first part of your quest begins with a foot journey to Forkwatch.” A broad smile crept across Healingrayne’s face. The adventures she had been on recently were of the purpose to help other, younger elves develop their skills. All the while she had been thirsting for an adventure of her own - to sharpen her own skills and to define a deeper purpose. This quest seemed to be just the opportunity she was seeking.

“You will begin your journey with one companion.” Continued Tessarina. The girls looked at each other excitedly now – The distress of the situation forgotten completely. Seeing this, Tess quickly interjected, “Do not get too excited yet, as Softnovick will not be that companion.”<br>
“What?!” exclaimed Softnovick and Healingrayne in unison.

“Please” Tess cut them off before they could continue their argument. “I know this seems to come at an inconvenient time, but Softnovick, it has been requested by your guild master, that you return to Highbourne immediately as they have a great need for you now.” Tessarina could see the tears welling in Softnovick’s eyes as the reality of the situation began to set in. “I know this will be hard for you, Soft, but you know it is a request you can not ignore. And you both know that Tunare has reasons for things that seem out of balance to us.”<br>
“Who am I to travel with?” asked Healingrayne as a crystal tear fell from her eye onto the table.

Although her heart was wrenching, Tessarina continued calmly. “Softnovick’s brother has business in Forkwatch and has a need to travel through Fayspires first. He is on his way from Klick Anon as we speak.”<br>
So many things went through Healingrayne’s mind as she listened to Tess. She had met Hardnovick only in stories told by Softnovick and was anxious to meet him in person, but this is not how she had envisioned the encounter.

Noting that Tess had remained silent for a time, Healingrayne asked, “Is Hardnovick aware that this is to be a foot quest and why is this a foot quest anyway?”

“Yes, he is aware that this is a foot quest and he is aware of why it must be so. Heal, the quest you must undergo once you arrive in Forkwatch will require you to have reached your thirtieth season and will be difficult to undertake even then. The purpose of the foot quest is time. Time will allow you to grow, mature, and sharpen your skills before your arrival and before you start out on your quest.”<br>
Softnovick gripped Healingrayne’s hand tightly and turned to her. “I am deeply saddened that I can not be your companion on this quest, but there is no other that I would trust more deeply than my brother. Be assured that your journey will be safer with him as he has a keen eye for all things evil and a confidence about him to make quick decisions. I have often thought him more an elf, than an erudite.”<br>
Before her friend could respond, Softnovick hugged her tightly and said in a tight whisper “I must go now and make preparations to return home.”<br>
Healingrayne kissed Softnovick on the cheek and released her from the hug. “Please return before you leave.”<br>
Knowing deep down that she could not return prior to her departure lest sorrow sway her from her destination, she looked long around the room and spoke softly. "Healingrayne, you are a High Elf Cleric of unknown origins, and still you are destined for greatness. Remember this, you are my best friend and I will expect to hear from you on every occasion possible as I want to be able to add to the Bards' tales and will not be content to just listen to them. Know that I will seek out Tunare for your safety every day. Please tell my brother that I miss him." With that, Softnovick turned from her friend and left.