After making the terrible journey back through the Grove, I magically transported myself back to the Tower of High Sorcery at Wayreth. Walking quietly through the long corridors, so that I would not call attention to myself at these late hours, I entered my bed chamber and sat down in the chair by the tall window with a sigh. Night passed without my recognition. I stared lifeless-like out of the tower window, gazing up at the two moons, and the third that was unseen to my own eyes. But I knew it was there... Nuitari, that is. I wondered if Raistlin was able to see the black moon on that evening... I wondered if he had already taken over Fistandantilus. Then, a new thought occured to me. How long before it was Dalamar who may be able to see Nuitari. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I focused my attention away from that black space- not empty- to Solinari, the bright, white moon, biggest of the threemoons in the dark sky. I suddenly felt weary and I closed my eyes. I prayed to Solinari... and to Paladine, to give me strength for whatever awaited me within the next few weeks or months. The night dwindled away, and yet, I still gained no sleep or rest. Par-Salian called for me the next morning for my morning studies, bt did not keep me too long. I suppose he saw my weariness. I knew he did not know anything about my promise to Dalamar. Par-Salian was a wise man; but willingly ignorant at times. And this was one of those times... he did not WANT to believe that Raistlin was trying to accomplish an almost impossible task. Unable to focus on my studies any longer, I cast my book aside and waited for sunset.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dalamar was waiting for me at the Tower door this time, and for this I was glad. The journey through the Grove weakened me greatly (the hideous voices were louder and more taunting this time, recognizing their visitor) but this time, I was able to hide my fear. Without so much of a word, Dalamar gestured for me to follow him up int the accursed tower. I pulled my robes tighter around me...even though I knew they would be no help against the unnatural coldness within the tower. Dalamar led me to the same room as the night before. Thankfully, the gardians were no where in sight. I assumed Dalamar must have told them to keep their distance. I sat down across form Dalamar, and it was many a moment before either of us spoke. "Dalamar, I've been thinking about this all last night," I started. "A lot good that will help," mocked the dark elf. I scowled at the comment and continued. "Even if- okay, so we both KNOW- that the kender Tasslehoff has entered the time portal with the cleric and Caramon Majere. But how can we be so sure that he will alter time? As I recall, the only reason why Fistandantilus was destroed in the Dwarven Gate wars is that a gnome interfered with some device. What are the odds that this kender will find the same exact gnome? The chances of Raistlin dying are--" "Just as likely as Raistlin survinving," Dalamar cut in. He smirked as I raised my left eyebrow. "Explain yourself." "You obviously haven't thought hard enough last night," Dalamar said, waving his hand in the air, as if shooing off a fly. "Do you know what kind of device the gnome activated?" Before I could open my mouth, Dalamar answered himself. "It was a time travel device!" "And here we are, still at the fork in the road. Which way are you headed, Dalamar?" Dalamar clicked his tongue. "The odds that this kender will meet this gnome is very likely. How do you think he got there in the first place?" "Okay, so let's say the kender actually does meet this gome. The same device would be activated, wouldn't it? It will still interfere with Raistlin's magic..." "Only this time, he'll survive. He'll make it through the portal." "I still think that your theory is very unlikely to happen-" "Because you are as big a fool as Par-Salian is," I resented this comment, but ignored it and continued, "BUT I will do whatever you want just in case. I admit, the chances of Raistlin surviving IS greater now that Tasslehoff is there." Dalamar nooded curtly. "I know how hard it must be to go through with this, Dalamar... Raistlin was your mentor, after all." "He was nothing more than any other mage I have met," Dalamar sneered. Only I knew he was lying. Raistlin wasn't anything like any mage Dalamar had met. He saw the unconvinced look in my eyes and turned away. So maybe the dark elf did have some warm feelings deep inside him, even if he did try to cover them up.
I recieved a brief letter from Dalamar this morning during my studies. (Have you noticed that I always seem to be called or interupted while I study? It's rather annoying, really)
Come to the Tower of High Socery in Palanthas as soon as you can. -Dalamar
That was it. I didn't know what Dalamar wanted, but I repeatedly thought to myself that it had better be important, for him to take me away from my studies. I reached for my staff and magically transported myself to the Shoikan Grove, the cursed forest which gaurds the Tower. I shuddered as I stood before it. 'Curse Dlamar!' I thought. 'Why won't he allow anyone to magically transport themselves into the tower? I highly doubt any other mages would wish to visit that Tower' A shiver ran down my spine as I stepped into the Grove. Immediately, I was surrounded by darkness. With a muttered word, my staff lit up (I usually do not use my staff, but for this particular trip, the staff made me feel much more secured) I gasped as I looked at the ground and saw fleshless hands reach for me out of the ground. I covered my fear with a snarl at them and hoped my face looked expressionless. The undead hands, sensing Dalamar's charm that protected me, hung back, unsure of what to do. I took a deep breath and hurried through the Grove as fast as I could. I could feel the coldness press around me, and their hissed words, crying over my warm blood and flesh. I shivered again and hurried on. I cannot recall the rest of my journey through the Grove. All I know is that it felt like ages. Then, there was the Tower itself. I looked up and goosebumps covreed my flesh. I knew what protected the tower. Raistlin's gardians. Hideous creatures. I stood by the front entrance, debating on what I should do when Dalamar appeared at my side. I breathed a sigh of relief, at least now I wouldn't have to travel to his labratory on my own. But I hated myself for looking so weak. Dalamar said nothing, and I scowled at him, knowing what he was thinking. "I didn't think that your gaurdians would know that you were expecting me. Being a White Robe..." Dalamar cut me off by raising his hand. "That does not matter now. Come" The ice in his voice made me raise an eyebrow curiosly at him, but all the same, I could feel the goosebumps on my arms again. I wanted to ask what he wanted me to visit, but at the moment, A gardian came to lead the way with a lantern. (Why I couldn't use my staff was beyond my knowledge. I suppose they did not like the idea of a Whit Robe using magic in their Master's tower.) We climbed the stairs in silence, finally coming to Dalamar's room. "You may leave," he said the the gardian. "And make sure no one disturbs us," he added as the creature turned to leave. I stood uneasily near the doorway. "Sit down," Dalamar said, gesturing to a chair. I sat and drew back my hood, which I had put up when I entered the Tower. "I do hope this is important, Dlamar," I began with a crooked grin. "You do realize that you have called me away from my studies." "Believe me, Vanya, this will be worth your precious time." he answered, returning the grin, but I did not like the way he emphasized "precious" Too much time with his Shalafi, if you ask me. "I want to discuss what happened at the Conclave meeting." I groaned. "Dalamar, I'd rather we put that all behind..." Dalamar snarled. "Do not be a fool like Par-Salian!" he hissed at me. "Par-salian is very wise, do not call him--" "He is a fool, and you know that as well as I do!" Dalamar snapped. I fell silent. Yes, this I knew, but I did not wish to admit it. I stared into Dalamar's eyes and sighed. "Yes, yes. I have come to realize this." I said finally. "He is a fool to underestimate Raist-- your Shalafi," I said, unable to speak the mage's name. "You were right, he fears him, but not enough. I have always feared his growing power, but it wasn't until you discussed his plan that I truely knew what fear meant." Dalamar made no remark, and I continued to speak. "So it's true... Raistlin" I shuddered at the name, "has gone back in time to become a god... he will face the Dark Queen herself." My tone was flat. Dalamar nodded. We sat in silence for many moment, then I remembered something. "You are forgetting, Dalamar, that even if Raistlin does kill Fistandantilus, everything in history will still repeat itself. Raistlin will live his life as Fistandantilus, studying his works. He will lieave before the Cataclysm strikes, no doubt, and go foward in time to where the portal was located next... with the dwarves. There, he will have an army to fight in the Dwarfgate Wars." Dalamar's eyes widened. "Ah, you have seen this flaw then, Vanya." "Yes, and so I assume you do remember what happened at the Dwarfgate War." "Fistandantilus was destroyed." "Exactly." Dalamar's eyes were filled with amusement. "Yes, I have seen this as well. Only, there is one that you should know." "What's that?" "When Caramon and the cleric were sent back in time, they toook along an extra traveler." "Who would that be, Dalamar?" "Tasslehoff, the kender" I gasped. "But kender are forbiddon to travel back in time! hey were created by accident, and therefore are able to change history." Dalamar nodded. I held my head, it was suddenly aching really badly. "Why did you call me here, Dalamar? There is nothing we can do. Unless you expect me to travel back in time to stop him, which I would flat out refuse..." "Of course not! I know you wouldn't be able to stop Raistlin!" Dalamar snarled with slight mockery. "He will be Fistandantilus, he will have strength. No, you cannot take him on... however, if my Shalafi is sucessful, then he will go through the Portal to challenge the Dark Queen. After torments unknown to mortals, he will lure her out here, where Raistlin will be the stronger of the two. And I shall be here waiting." "You cannot be serious!" I cried, my eyes growing with fear. "Even if you do manage to kill Raistlin, there is still the matter of the Dark Queen." "She's weak in this world, Vanya. We defeated her once before, and she's weaker." I sat in silence and stared out of the window. Night was settling in. I shuddered at the thought of travelling through the Grove at this time. Then, thoughts of Raistlin returned. Would he really be sucessful? Dalamar stood and walked to my seat, resting a hand on my shoulder. He looked into my eyes, and I saw something that I hadn't seen in him for many many years, since our childhood, in fact. Compassion. "Vanya, will you help me?" he asked softly. "We can destroy them together, you are much more stronger than I am." I sighed again and sat for a few moments. I removed Dalamar's hand from my shoulder and held it with my own hand. "I will do what I can, Dalamar." I said finally. Dalamar grinned sincerly. "I knew you would. You've never let medown before, Vanya." "Yes, well, even I have my weak spots, Dalamar." I said, turning away from his gaze. Dalamar released himself from my grasp. I blinked. "I- oh, I did not mean to say that," I muttered, growing red. I stood up quickly. "I better leave, before it gets any darker." I pulled my white hood back over my head and walked to the door, lighting my staff (I didn not want an escort) Dalamar called out before I disappeared. "Come back tomorrow at sunset, A'maelamin." I turned with a small gasp, but Dalamar had already disappeared. I left the tower quickly, doing my best to ignore the gardians. Had I heard correctly? If I had, Dalamar called me something he hasn't for years... A'maelamin... Elvish for "my beloved" As I entered the Grove, I turned back to gaze at the Tower, pulling my robes clser around me from the un-natural coldness. Then, I turned and walked away, thinking about what Dalamar had told me.
(Dalamar and I were not a childhood couple. Just very close friends, but others teased us for it, and Dalamar would call me A'maelamin for fun. It wasn't until I found out that Dalamar passed the Test 5 years after I had that I realized that I might have liked him more than a friend.)
Par-Salian thought that it would be a good idea for me to start recording my days in this journal he gave me. Personally, I think it will be a waste of time, but I dare not argue with the Wise One. Well, Par-Salian says that when I reflect back in this journal years, even months from now, I will see the improvement I make in my magic studies. Oh well, we'll just have to see. Perhaps if I record new spells I learn and ones that I make up, this book will become the most powerful, important book here at the Tower of High Sorcery in Wayreth. In that case, I'd better start a proper introduction. My name is Vanya, which is Elven for "fair". I suppose most of you are wondering what an Elf is doing in the Tower of High Sorcery. It's simple. Many years ago, I took the test here on Wayreth and passed. I am now one of the White Robes, along with the Great Par-Salian himself. I do believe that's enough for now. On to the important tasks:
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I was in the middle of my studies when Par-Salian sent for me from his labratory. "Vanya, I want you to inform the whole Conclave. You are all to report to the Hall of the Mages." "Yes, Great One." "There will be four visitors at the meeting," he continued. "Caramon Majere, Tasslehoff Burrfoot, Bupu the gully dwarf, and Lady Crysania." "Caramon Majere and Tasslehoff Burrfoot...heros of the lance?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, the very same." "And Caramon would be... Raistlin's twin brother," I said, and a slight shiver ran down my spine. Par-Salian nodded. I quickly left the labratory, drawing up my hood as I left to call the rest of the Conclave.
Not long after, the Conclave (including myself) was seated in the Hall of Mages. I alwyas disliked the Hall of Mages, it is such an uncheery room. It's very cold in there. Soon, the four guests were brought in. The woman, who I assumed must be Lady Crysania, was dressed in white robes and lay unconcious on the floor. A cleric of Paladine, Par-Salian had told me earlier. The gully dwarf (who, I might add, smelled hideous. It was very hard for me to keep a straight face, thank goodness for the hood) clung to Caramon Majere for dear life. Caramon immediately gestured to Lady Crysania. "We came hoping you would be able to help her," he said to the Great One. I knew what the answer would be. No one of the COnclave, including Par-salian himself, does not posses the power to heal Crysania, who had most unfortunately ran into an encounter with Lord Soth, a death knight. Yet, Paladine heard Lady Crysania's last prayer before the death knight attacked, and he sent her soul to dwell in his realms. The poor kender was shivering at the mere memory. And kender are afraid of nothing. When Tasslehoff mentioned Raistlin Majere, Par-salian grew a bit angry. I don't blame him too much, I know I certainly fear Raistlin. The mage who grows stronger and stronger in magic, but weaker in body. Just then, a voice cut into my thoughts. "You are a fool, Great One" I turned my head to dark figure emerging from the shadows. Dalamar. Dalamar is a dark elf, cast out of our homeland. Yet, I always had a deep repect for him. Dalamar risked his life to spy on Raistlin Majere for the Conclave. I breathed a sigh of releaf when I saw him enter the chamber. I cauhgt his eye for a brief moment, and he quickly turned away to face par-Salian once again. I flushed and focused my attention on Par-Salian. "He wants to become a god," I heard Dalamar tell him. Par- Salian sighed. uh-oh... he underestimated Raistlin. Sometimes, he can be so blind... Dalamar teared open his robes (very hard for me not to gasp, I found myself flushing furiously, once again; thank goodness for the hood) Five marks were on Dalamar's chest... the marks of Raistlin's hand. So, Majere knows then... about Dalamar spying. I grew worried as the two began to argue about Raistlin's urge for power. I secretly agreed with Dalamar. I had encountered Raistlin Majere before, and I'd never want to again. Dalamar's eyes turned cold, and I shuddered, remembering the same look in Majere's eyes. It was hard to imagine that this was the same elf I had grown up with... I was shocked to learn that Dalamar wanted to return to Raistlin. But not that shocked. I knew Dalamar would do anything to study with one as powerful as Raistlin, and now, he is... as his apprentice. Dalamar told us of Raistlin's plans. Of him returning back in time just before the Cataclysm to destroy the greatest mage of all time; Fistandantilus. Then, Raistlin will study the works of him... and then on to the Abyss, to challenge the Dark Queen herself. Of course, this is impossible. Does Raistlin not know that if he goes back in time, all will happen as it has in the past?? He canot change history. Time will continue, even if he kills Fistandantilus, Raistlin will die at the Dwarvengate war.
~*~*~*~
After the meeting, I ran up to Dalamar. "There is no way that I can stop you, is there?" I asked. Dalamar laughed bitterly. "I've been waiting for this opportunity my whole life," he finally answered. I nodded grimly. "It will be... quiet...without you around," I said. There was silence for a few moments. Then, Dalamar said, "I will give you a charm to enter within the forest and towerof high sorcery of palanthas. Dalamar leaned in and pressed his lips against my forehead. I shuddered as prickles covereed my body. "I will send word," he said shortly, and left.
