(Eden Blackthorn)
Elea felt better about herself since Donnan told her about the meeting between him, Reynald and Sir Aaron the night before the trial. The guilt was slowly lifting, but her fear of making the wrong decision still weighed heavily. This day, she stood in front of Britage's headstone, talking to him as she always did in private. She told him of her small joys and triumphs as well as her problems. "So... now, all we have left to do is save Janort from Iuz, get me another majordomo and figure out who has been setting all of us up for the last year or more."
She sighed softly and sank to her knees. "Is that all?" She asked sarcastically. Elea looked up and around, not seeing anything. "Britage... I never knew how much I needed you. Your presence always made me feel safe. There are days that I can't bear the thought of you being gone... But you are." A few errant tears dripped down her face as she bowed her head, eyes closed. She willed herself to feel him, his presence - to remember the one time he cupped her cheek. For a moment, she could feel him, sense him, smell him. It was so strong it made her look up, startled. "Britage...?" She whispered to the air. But the sense of him was gone, leaving her feeling empty and alone again.
She did go into Midmeadow with Donnan to speak to Alagorn about accepting the majordomo position in the Tower once Be'ornhelm and Bretonius moved to Greyhawk. He was surprised and pleased and accepted the offer fairly quickly. He was an older gentleman and he would look forward to spending the rest of his time taking care of the Tower and its Mistress. They made arrangements for Alagorn to move into the Tower and begin training under Be'ornhelm on how to care for the Tower and hints on how to deal with the Tower's tempermental Mistress.
Reynald and Sharlynn came to see her a couple of times in the Tower. They knew that she would not return to Furyondi until Donnan could. They fretted over her, saying that she did not seem well and, of course, her mother stated firmly that she did not look good in black. Elea was fine, physically. She was spending a lot of time practicing her fighting style with Goldenmane in preparation for their eventual rescue of Donnan's father, Janort.
In truth, Elea was still feeling lost and unsure of herself. She was letting events take her where they wished, instead of actively seeking her own course. Vaguely, she knew that she would need to eventually travel to Onnwall to either take up the thrown or to appoint another ruler in her stead. But, she would not think of such things at this time. She buried herself in the study of magic, song and weapons.
Tranthor Lore did pop in unexpectedly, causing a bit of a stir within the Tower and those living on the grounds. He refused to speak of his contract from Sir Aaron against Morena's family, but the rumors of series of sudden, tragic accidents, causing the death of four members of her family had reached as far away as the Tower. In an effort to distract Tranthor from that bloody task, Donnan made a serious request of his half brother: Scout out the Bandit Kingdoms.
Donnan wanted to be sure where Iuz was really keeping Janort. Everyone was sure that Iuz had heard of Donnan's dishonor and banishment and knew that the only thing he had left was to save his father. And of course, a trap had to be prepared. Iuz would glory in the capturing of Janort's son - dishonored or not.
Tranthor agreed and set out for the Bandit Kingdoms immediately. He would send word by via magic or via carrier pigeon. This was, of course, assuming that he was able to send out any messages at all. He traded code words with Donnan alone and set out on this task. All within the tower hoped that he would succeed and succeed quickly.
He was not disappointed. Within a day, two more legions of Iuz soldiers were sent to Stoink on short notice, causing a lot of grumbling within the ranks. Tranthor listened carefully to that grumbling and received the information that he was looking for. With that, he had 'Golin, Collin and Ratan' continue their activities in a 'stealthy' manner and he headed back to Midmeadow on the fastest horse he could lay his hands on.
Continue on to: 25. Surgical Strike: A Night of Miracles