…As a Bishop, his magical battle skills are weak against most of his opponents, but his sword flashes brilliantly before it strikes with each blow and after the fatal one landed, the Bloody Queen lay at his feet. Dendrobates ensures those he came to the aid of are safe - The power given him to heal regenerates those who have fought bravely over the past several hours. Once order has been restored, he wipes the blade clean of his trusted Valhalla sword until it glistens in the sunlight. He turns to the group, bows to them graciously and bids them all a fond farewell…without another word; he breaks the seal of an Escape Scroll encompassing him in shards of white light and in a moments time, he finds himself in the town of Aden.
He looks around as people bustle about…not knowing a soul, but his white Robe of Avadon attracts a few people who know his skills and kindly ask for his assistance. As always, he smiles and casts several spells which enhance one’s abilities. Wind Walk to make them run faster, Shield to help protect them, Might to make them stronger, Mental Aegis to protect against magic, Focus to ensure strong blows of a weapon, Regeneration to bring back health quicker, and a handful of others depending on profession.
He walks to the base of the stairs which lead to the place of Holiness and there he stands for a moment, contemplating his decision. Slowly, he makes his way up the many stairs and with each step, pride and a sense of accomplishment overtakes him. All of the battles, the many he has kept alive and from harm…and while the few who have fallen under his guard always weigh heavy on his heart, he knows he has always done everything in his power to keep those around him alive…including self sacrifice. He is a man of healing and resurrection – a profession he never once regretted and always held dear to his heart…after all, it is his heart which guided him down this path. The architecture of the grand entrance of the church always amazed him and the sense of pride always renewed whenever he walked through the vestibule. As he walks toward High Priest Orven, he takes time to bow and acknowledge those who have taught him his many skills. Standing in front of the one most holy in this place; he bows and then kneels before him. The Bishop keeps his head low and begins to speak, “Forgive me my father for my faults. Though I have dedicated my life to protecting those around me, I have at times failed to do so. Please relieve the burden on my soul of those I could not save, but so desperately desired to. I ask for this forgiveness on the Oath of the Test of the Healer.”
The High Priest steps down from his place of rite, places a hand to Dendrobates shoulder and softly says, “My son, I have known you for many years. I know not a better soul to have chosen this profession and faith. Your desire and will to help and serve those around you are matched by no other. Unlike many who have passed through these halls, you do not seek fame or fortune with this profession. You unwillingly give of yourself and at many times with complete disregard of your own safety. You truly put others before you and I could not be more proud to welcome you into His house. Your burdens are free my son.”
Dendrobates stands, looks to his mentor but is without words as he embraces him with the fellowship of the robe. He smiles, turns and proudly walks down the hall and back to the bustle of the townsfolk. He takes one final look around and then heads to the gatekeeper where his pays his destination fee and finds himself standing at the entrance to Anghel Waterfall. He walks his way to the top and crosses the walk bridge, finds a nice place to sit to peacefully take in the scenery - letting his mind wander to special times. The smile on his face slowly disappears as the realization of what will become sets in. The glisten in his eyes fades while his heart pounds. The heavy sigh seems to echo through the valley as he convinces himself that what he is doing is right - and with that, he summons them.
One by one, those he summoned have begun to show up: Urage, Apity, Sungmoo, Tannis, Mormagil, Tybalt, Nightlife, Sydneymoon, Rubee, Phedre, and the list goes on. They happily greet one another and discuss why they were summoned here, but no one knows nor do they see their friend. It’s quite a site really. A large crowd has assembled - everyone the Bishop has fought proudly with and calls his friends have come. Some are casually talking amongst themselves, some taking part in friendly combat while others just seem to be taking in the sights – it’s quite a beautiful place.
Once all have arrived, Dendrobates stands, brushed off his robes and appears through the tall brush with a brilliance of Requiem shimmering above him catching everyone’s attention. A silence falls as the echoes fade leaving the sound of the falls to fill the air. A smile comes to his face as his eyes try to make contact with everyone present before he begins to speak.
In his common greeting he says with a strong voice, “Hey folks! I know you all have many things to do; quests to fulfill, creatures to slay in our efforts to rid Aden of evil, shops to setup and the like. And with that said, I truly appreciate everyone making the journey out here. I know it is distant from any town, but I chose a secluded area to be away from all others. Besides, this place is special to me and wanted to share it with everyone.” As he briefly paused, several of those who came have worked their way toward the front which causes him to stumble on his words. Before him are his truest friends: Dendria, Isis, Trisha, Elanari, Brigantia, and Lily…one in the same, but all truly unique. He quickly composes himself and begins again. “Some of you I have known since almost the beginning. Some of you I have only known but a few moons ago. What you have in common has always been my gratitude for allowing me the opportunity to know and share battle with you. There isn’t a person here I wouldn’t sacrifice myself for if need be and it weighs heavy on me when I seemingly fail at my tasks to heal during battle. Healing is my profession and skill. I couldn’t ask for better friends who have allowed me to grow those skills with them. Some of you have pulled me all over this land while my skills were still being learned and refined, but you didn’t care. Any heal is better than no heal you would say. I saw things someone of my skill level never should have, but in the end, it made me who I am today and my skills are second to none thanks to the training you all put the through.”
He has tried to fend off looking her way while talking, but it becomes futile as his eyes meet hers. The moment he does, Lily comes to his side with tears running down her fair Elven skin. She knows what’s to come and wants to stand next to him when he announces it to everyone else. She is aware of the inner struggles he has and feared for this day, praying it would never come. Dendrobates wipes the tears from her face, she closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and puts her hand in his and holds on tight. As they begin to focus on the task he came to do, they find themselves surrounded by their friends. Before Den can utter a word, Urage breaks the silence in his gruff Dwarven voice, “Ya know my friend, the Plando’s are going to be disappointed. Why, no skewered frog meat for them to feast on!” Phalloidian says, “And what about the Ant Queen? First she loses Scion and now you? Oh, I fear for all who enter her nest from this day forth!” “And who’s going to tease me with every heal?” exclaims Nightlife. Soon, instead of a sorrowful goodbye, stories are told and laughter fills the air. Before too long, groups are made and hunts begin. Each one blessed with the buffs of a Bishop.
Once the others have left, Dendrobates is left with his companions. “Brig.” As he takes the Dark Elf’s hands and kisses each cheek, “Even though our time together was brief, my spirit soared with your words and company.”
As he looks to Trisha she begins to cast spells on him. When she finishes, he takes her hand and twirls her around. “Mmmm, my Tiny Dancer. Your song will live in my heart and sung in my head and from my lips. You have become a fine Prophet and our many journeys together have been nothing less than wonderful. I am very proud and honored to be a member of the cloth with you. I have watched you grow to who you are now from the very beginning. I will always cherish you.”
“Isis my sweet and fellow healer.” As he takes both of her hands. “How many times have you had to save me from death? I don’t know what I would have done without you. You are one of the best companions anyone could have. Quick with a heal, a caring heart, but don’t mess with anyone close to you.” He says with a smile and a wink. And as he holds her in his arms he whispers, “I hold you very dear and close to my heart like no other Human can with a Dark Elf.”
“**** you, Den!” She says with a broken smile. “Dark Elves aren’t supposed to cry!”
“And hey now, take it easy on the strays. the kennel is almost full.” Den says with a coy smile. As she pulls him in for one more hug he says, “If I were a stray, I would have no choice but to be taken in by you, because you did. And take care of everyone for me, okay?”
After wiping some tears, he turns to Dendria, “My little Den and by far the cutest dwarf in all of Aden. You too, I’ve seen from the beginning and can’t believe how quickly you have grown in your skills. It seems like just yesterday we were in the Mithril Mines. I remember how nervous you were taking on monsters well above your abilities, but you kept trust in me and in one night, I saw you grow six levels. That was probably my proudest moment. Watching you grow not just in skill, but confidence and personality. You are well on your way to being one of the best scavvy’s around. I know my friend Mavic is a bit enamored by you, so please look out for him for me, okay?”
Dendria jumps up into his arms for a big hug and says, “You know I will Papa Den. And thank you for everything. I am who I am because of you. Had you not shown the confidence you saw in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. That day in the Mithril Mines will always be my fondest memory.” With a hug and a kiss, “I love you Papa Den!”
With a beaming smile, “I love you too, little Den.”
The others step back while he walks up to the Silver Ranger who has been his companion from the beginning, takes her hands and draws her close. She reluctantly steps toward him; places her head on his shoulder and her arms around his neck. Holding her close and feeling her heart pounding and her tears against his neck. “And you Lily, have captured me from the very beginning. I never knew love could be spoken between two without ever saying a word. I never knew someone could touch my heart without ever reaching for it or change my life without ever knowing it. You and I were drawn together and meant to be. I could never leave you, it is not something I’m allowed to do.” Lily looks up to him and he kisses away the tears on her cheeks. As he gazes into her tear soaked green eyes and kisses her lips softly, “I am not leaving you. Whisper my name on the wind and I will be there for you. And you know I will see you again. Perhaps not here, but I will see you again…
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Dendrobates wearily walked into the Church of Giran and fell to his knees, the sound of his Spirit’s Staff hitting the marble floor echoed through the high ceilings hushing those inside. Emotionally and physically expired, he knelt there lifeless, motionless - blankly staring up at an artist’s impression of God. Like a tug of war, the priests and magistrates wanted to comfort their long time friend, but knew their place would not allow them.
Dendrobates, a once fearless and fabled Bishop, now a slumped mass on the church floor. His Blue Wolf clothing worn and dingy, the Spirit Stone in his staff dimmed like a flame flittering to stay alive, hands dirty and blood stained. The exhausted blank expression is nothing what people are used to seeing leaving them to only guess at what has transpired.
Minutes turned into hours and hours into days as the once highly praised Bishop now seemed without life. People passed by and while some ignored him, others looked and shook their heads in disbelief or shame. Whispers could be heard, but to the Bishop they were just sounds. Rumors floated about as gossip is always easy to be had. Some said he struck someone dead without cause while others said he idly let some die. But prior to the Ascent – the transition between worlds – a test takes place to prove one’s ability to make the transition, and it was here he took himself over others in need.
Two days passed with the Bishop kneeling in the center of the church, the only movement noticeable was the occasional blink of his eyes. Even his shallow breaths were barely noticeable. The bustle of the day could be heard from outside with several people inside learning new skills and accepting quests. Whispers swirled as time went on but a sudden silence overtook the church when a bright light emanated from the ceiling where the Bishop stared. For the first time in days, Dendrobates’ attention was taken anew as he looked to the light and straightened himself - before him stood an angel. All inside stared, many never seeing an angel before and those who have wondered why one would appear for this Bishop. What made him special when he obviously faltered while others stayed true? A crowd from outside also gathered just inside the entrance. People stood in awe, others touched by the mere presence.
As the light dimmed, an angel in the form of a Dark Elven Shillien Saint stood before him. She picked up his Spirit’s Staff renewing the glow of the Spirit Gem perched on top of the twisted wood which made up the staff. She looked down at him and softly said, “Rise my son for I am Shilandria, your guardian and guide.”
Dendrobates gingerly gets to his feet and stands before the angel dressed in Robe’s of Majesty, something he once aspired to wear. Shilandria offers his staff back to him and upon his acceptance, she bows the formal bow of the Dark Elf race which is reciprocated by the Bishop. After which the angel begins to speak once more, “I have been sent down this day with a message from God. You are to find your worth. A test of the cloth. Though I cannot interfere, I can guide. I will be watching and will appear only when your time is dire and needs direction.” Shilandria bowed and turned to leave when Dendrobates spoke.
“And that is all?” Replied the Bishop and staring at Shilandria in disbelief. “Do you know that on these feeble bones that which I stand I have been walking the streets alone? He nears Shilandria and whispers near her ear, “My sins have been etched in stone and I have no place to hide.” He moves back, his voice rose in ire as people around gasped in disbelief that someone would talk to a being of holiness with such tone. Dendrobates continues as he slowly circles Shilandria, “I was unshakable in what I did believe, but feel so breakable like I have been deceived. My heart keeps telling me this is not the place to be. I am not invincible, so I want you to leave.”
Shilandria calmly responds, “Do you not understand, my son? You are being given a second chance not to be taken lightly. A privilege granted to only a select few. I would choose your words carefully. I would consider where you have been, where you might go, where you could go.”
But Dendrobates pays no attention, “I’ve taken your words and I’ve tried them on. Tell me my guardian, why I am so afraid? I remember my yesterdays when things were black and white. I never thought I could get so confused on what was wrong and right. I am not unbreakable with armor on my skin. It is not unthinkable, but I could be fooled again. You steal another minute from my life - a little breath from my air, and do you really care?” Dendrobates falls to his knees once again, “I’ve fallen down on my knees and even though my life is choking, all my words are spoken like a stolen prayer. In his final words, he collapses to the floor and a whisper of hope escapes his lips, “Save me Shilandria…”
Shilandria kneels next to the lifeless body of the Bishop, places her hands on him and looks to the sky, closes her eyes in prayer and in a bright moment, they were both gone.
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- To be Continued -