Forgotten Realms:

Angels and Demons

Part LXII

So, the tale of the Challengers, at least this version came to a close. Others would take up the name, and some would become legends in their own right. For the first set, they returned to their lives, knowing that they had been part of something great. Each year, they did meet in Altamar, with Kirann and Raven waiting on them. They would commemorate and rejoice, to leave two days later, returning back to their duties.

Val went back to her ship and explored the seas and oceans of the world. She and her crew were thought to be pirates by many nations, and welcome heroes by many more. A result of the elixir she was given, was that the Half-Elf would outlive her crew, and their children. Eventually she would travel the land masses she had found, but always made it back for the yearly meetings.

Lorinda became one of the wisest and most powerful Arch Druids her order had ever seen. Through her travels, she had learned how to temper herself, and when to let her true nature show through. As such, she shepherded many students and druids through trying times, and gave counsel as wise as it was direct. She never felt far from her old friend, as she could almost see him in the corner of her eye every day. He also never forgot to answer her, when she called out his name.

Walton returned to his fort, glad to be home and around his family. He never adventured again, but was no slouch in training his people or defense of his fort. Known as a bear of a man, and a big softy to women and children, he lived a few decades longer than most humans did. Through it all, he developed a sense of humor about his travels and scars. He even began to tell curious people, that the reason he didn't adventure any more, was because he took an arrow to the knee.

Daggarth heard of the Challengers victory, carried months later by traders to Icewind Dale. He couldn't help but raise a few rounds to the group. Though not as close to them as he should have been, he would relish in their victory. He had learned from them how to be better than he had been before. Welcomed back into his tribe, he soon became their most cunning and strongest warrior. He was also the first one to spare an enemy, and refused to kill enemies that couldn't fight any longer. Though never a chief or leader, Daggarth became very respected by his people.

Lord Wallace returned to Altamar. There he was met with relief by his daughter, who had held the people together in his absence. So well did she do this, that he decided to let her continue ruling, with him becoming more of an advisor to her behind the scenes. Though without the stresses of ruling himself, he soon found it to be more stressful. Yet, with each day, his daughter made his decision a very wise one. She led well, and became very beloved by the people of Altamar.

The one thing he didn't disagree with, was having the freedom to travel again. He and Bruce would see the lands surrounding Altamar. From time to time, he would even meet with the leaders of the surrounding towns and cities, becoming a de facto ambassador. His face becoming almost as famous in Tyranfal as it was in Altamar. As well, he found reasons to drop in on the Sun Soul monk monastery frequently. Then there were the yearly visits from the Challengers that he tried not to miss.

Leilani spent time finding all the material to make her own Elixir of Immortality. She then hid the recipe, using her powers to make sure only those worthy could attain it. As she did, she felt divine magic intertwine with hers, and she smiled, knowing they were still with her. Then she returned to her home, a newly built tower on Kirann's school grounds.

There she went into his cabin, wondering if the magic was still active, and wasn't disappointed. As she walked into his home, his grand mansion was there. Including all the beings that inhabited it. Curiously though, the whole mansion was now built in the mountains, with crisp cool air all around. Grand evergreen trees reached to the sky, and she could see an epic peak that stabbed into the sky. She knew that is where Kirann would be, meditating.

Coming from the courtyard were the sounds of melodious music, and the Drow moved toward it. There she found being of all races, and animals of all type sitting in awe of Raven's playing. The bard gave her an acknowledging nod, while continuing to entertain those in audience. As she did, lightning and fire lit up the sky, producing brief images that went alongside the story she sang. Leilani had to admit, it was impressive.

As for Kirann and Raven, they were taken from the battlefield by Al, and led to the great forge of Moradin. Told by the angel that Gods deserved divine weapons, to which Kirann had to remind his old guardian, that he was a monk. However, he followed, as a whole new world was there to explore with his love, Raven.

The Dwarven God Moradin met the duo, light beaming in his eyes as the sound of a multitude of smiths echoed about. He led them to the great forge, and around it smiths of all varieties and styles worked away at their forges. Each a master of their craft, each making exquisite works of art, that just happened to be armor, arms and other useful things.

"I was told to ask for a special smith," Kirann said.

Moradin nodded proudly, "Biggest heart I be knowin' and as trusty as any Dwarf. You be wantin' Oohgie, and he's over here."

The Dwarven God led Kirann and Raven to a nine-foot-tall Ogre, pounding away on a massive forge. An innocent smile plastered across his face, one from having attained a dream and the peace that came with it. He turned quickly, but not out of fright, as Moradin called his name.

"Oohgie, ye be havin' more visitors requirin' your special skills," Moradin said. "Now, I leave you two, but stop by on the way out. Got some fine Dwarven Ale to be sharin' with ye."

"Hello friends," Oohgie let out an excited exclamation. "Oohgie, crafty-smith make amor for you?"

"Yes, a friend told us you make the best armor," Kirann said.

The Ogre seemed exceptionally happy, "Oohgie do his best! Oohgie make good armor for you!"

Around Faerun two new churches formed. Though these were different than other churches, and it wasn't just because of the story of the new gods. No, these churches didn't need physical locations, though some did. They traveled the continent, and instead of spreading the word, they spread deeds. The members of these churches brought healing to those in pain, warmth to those left out in the cold, and security to those abandoned. Orphanages opened across Faerun, sheltering generations left without parents, due to strife and war.

The churches showed an Aasimar and a Tiefling, side by side ending suffering of all those they met. Inside a grand story was told, and the one piece left for this tale to tell. One pane showed a grand battle outside a city, and the Aasimar man splitting in two. His love for the woman fighting alongside him, anchoring him to the world below. Split in two, part of him Ascended, and learned to control the power of the Gods, that were his to command. The panes continued to the last, where the two parts recombined.

Following the last pane of the story stood two statues. Clad in simple, but elegant armor and arms, were the figures of Kiran Licthus and Jessica Umbra. Beneath them were name plates, naming Kirann's domain over Righteous Battle and Divine Retribution. Under Jessica's was her domain under Inspirational Art and Wanderers. Scribes had collected all the legends and information they could, but the most important was the last line you read.

"If you seek us, look at one another. Those who fight for right, live for love and let compassion guide them; will find us by their side."

To the students at Kirann's school, their master returned. He taught many, changed most and took those in that needed guidance. None who came thought their teacher, or his exotic wife were anything but what they seemed. They surely were just two, very kind, very compassionate people. There was no way that their similar names to those newly raised Gods, was anything but circumstantial.

So, life went on, and so did a Drow sorceress and a Half-Elf rogue. That though was a story for another time. One that would begin in a tavern, with new heroes taking up arms for a grand adventure. This was the wondrous world of adventure, one full of danger and daring. This was a world of Dungeons and Dragons.