Harry Potter: Vel'ilstaer: Stormraven 34

I own none of these characters, nor do I own Harry Potter.

Vel'ilstaer had never thought he'd find a method of travel that he'd hate more than a portkey. The feeling of being stripped down to molecules and reassembled again, accompanied by a violent lurching and hurling sensation and finally pain. Vel let out a pained whimper, the release of vocalised pain, it was perceived as a growl.

From Keyleth's vantage point, she watched, Evelyn landed with a spin; tripped over her feet and landed with a hand hitting her son between the legs. The groan of pain, that narrowly masked the whimper of the collision.

Elsewhere Pike groaned "What in the name of Sarenrae, happened?"

"We overloaded the planeshift spell. Then as it happened, Pike activated another in order to get us here. As a result...the party has split up."

Keyleth acknowledged Percy's comment. Looking around with her were Vel, Eve, Percy, Pike and Vex "Where are the others?"

(Dean)

Dean and Yazzyr, let out a breath of relief. Dean had taken the pair of them on the most direct route to a port, before plying Kryn sympathisers with coin, and the Master-Apprentice duo were sailing to Tal'Dorei.

"Master, what sort of man is your friend?"

Dean smiled "He is a simple man, longs for a family. Rather quick witted, extremely powerful and durable like nothing else. He has little like for politics, deceit and questing for immortality like most Wizards. However, when he's teaching, he is extremely dedicated. He could comfortably teach people upto five years his senior, three years his junior and his own age and have us on an acceptable academic standard. His theoretical teaching is lacking, you won't learn who, what, where, when, why and how a spell was created but he will give examples based on his experiences and how said spell saved his life and or got him out of a situation."

"Not a theoretical teacher, mostly practical…"

Dean patted her on the shoulder "Don't worry about not bringing back copious amounts of spells for your peers; you've been given to me as my apprentice as you have potential. I still have more to teach you in terms of illusions, transmutation, enchantment and divination. I can teach you evocation, alteration, abjuration, necromancy and evocation but Harry is far better at evocation, abjuration and alteration. We don't teach necromancy due to personal experiences. If you pay attention you'll learn more than mere magic. Anything else?"

"No master."

"Get some rest. Sunlight is a bastard for you, I'm not blind, it's going to be a long trip. I'll teach you a few of my own alternative skills, maybe even a few Kryn-only skills."

With that Dean, laid his pack down, pulled out a device known as a 'sleep-sack' and fell asleep.

Dean woke to find himself laying in the antechamber "Pluton…" He turned and sitting on a chair built for a much larger entity sat the Raven Queen.

"My Lady."

"My Champion…I apologise for disturbing you so. I know your mission, you have done well so far. Keep following your sacred path, these are your rewards...the Realm Slicer and the Planeshift spell. Realm Slicer will use one of your spells allocated to you by me in order to be used; it can also be keyed to a particular spell. All you need to do is picture the person you're trying to find; a bit like locate object, but rather locate person."

Dean nodded, took the objects and found himself drifting out of the realm. The rest of his night was peaceful.

Vazzyr couldn't sleep. However, due to them being in isolated quarters, they were undisturbed so she opened up her grimoire, fished out her wand and she began to idly trace patterns for spells classed as 'privacy' spells. Some were rather useful such as the muffatilo spell, one that distorted a conversation from inclined ears. Another called 'silencio' this one seemed to be the most apt for combat; she knew that the majority of the known spells required verbal components and if the spell could stop that...it's a game changer. "This might be a spell that I should get to be familiar with."

Her Teacher let out a very deep snore "Sorry teacher, but, you snoring is the best way for me to practise." She focused, letting the feeling of the spell enter her consciousness, she pointed her wand and murmured "Silencio!" Almost immediately the loud snoring stopped. She flicked through the pages, turned her attention to the door and with five failed attempts, she managed to create a barrier sealing them in.

With that she fell asleep.

(Vax et al.)

Vax was the only member of his part of the group to remain on his feet. Scanlan and Grog were prone on the floor; there was the unmistakable sound of a branch breaking, Vax stepped to one side, as Neville fell out of the tree.

The Rogue looked at the Paladin "I get the feeling that happens, more than you'd care to admit."

Neville rolled his eyes "Yup. Be warned I'm liable to smite Pixies with a vengeance; little bastards suspended me on a chandelier, after hoisting me up by my ears."

Vax smirked "With ears like that, you could pass for an elf-blood."

"But that guise is ruined the moment I move. I have a bad sense of balance; anyway what actually happened?"

"Yeah Vax, you and Scanlan have the best idea of what happened due to you being rather smart Vax and Scanlan, you use magic."

Scanlan shrugged and smiled impishly "I have no idea. I know many spells and secrets, Grog, but I don't know that."

(Dean and Vazzyr)

Dean locked eyes with his apprentice when he woke, and couldn't wake her. He snorted and cancelled the silencing spell on himself "She's good...a little obvious but, that's, expected. However the fact that she's experimenting with silencing charms."

The Warlock Wizard nodded, Vel'ilstaer would be amazing and horrible for Vazzyr but what the Bright Queen wanted she'd receive. "Honestly, Vazzyr has so much potential she can and will go far."

"Teacher, you didn't have that sword or scroll when we went to bed last night."

"My...Patron. She has been pleased with my service and my teaching of you; thus she rewarded me. The only reason…Vel'ilstaer won't be at Whitestone as we predicted. However, clues and magical residue of his location will be at Whitestone; these will get us to him but not necessarily getting back."

"Where would you say he's gone?"

"Anywhere and will probably pick a fight with the locals, be prepared for magical combat and feeling like a baby; don't worry, there'll be things you can assist us with but for combat…"

"Keep out of the way. Anything I should know?"

"You're squishier than you think. Don't try and keep up with us in a fight, I'm trained and you're not. Oh and everyone is bricking themselves in a fight."

Dean nodded a genuine smile on his face "You're catching on quick. That's why you've been offered this opportunity. Now we've got at least three days to work on a few spells."

Vazzyr's grin warmed his heart. "What are we starting with?"

Dean paused "We're starting with a staple, it's called a Stunning Spell. It works akin to the 'Sleep' spell aside from the fact it knocks the opponent backwards and in essence paralysing them. A well practised user of the spell can use it to stun an entire room."

Vazzyr's eyes widened "That sounds incredible! Let's begin!"

(Syngorn)

"Syldor, you have a visitor. It's Lord Celinder, shall I…" Syldor looked up from the financial records of the house and peered at his wife. If you compared Vax and Syldor side-by-side, aside from the evident human blood in the former; the duo could have passed as twins.

"I shall meet him personally. My thanks, my love." Standing up, Syldor grabbed a faded full length-black duster. It was not a common or even accepted type of garment amongst Elven society; but that particular duster with its faded leather patchwork and worn nature, it was the coat that he had met Elaina in, and the same Elaina who had given him his first children.

He strode down the stairs to see his old friend standing with a firm hand on his youngest child "My Lord."

"Ambassador. I come with news, first your daughter; I came across your daughter and my youngest having what could be best described as a 'school-yard brawl'. My son says your daughter caused it and your daughter says the opposite."

Syldor nodded "I shall enquire and inform you later this evening. Velora will be in attendance to give a proper apology, because, regardless of who starts or provokes you Velora, violence is never an acceptable outcome."

"But, Vax and Vex…"

"Are not members of Elvish Society; they had their chance and they chose to leave. Thus, you should remember that even though they have your blood they're not your family." Syldor interrupted in a tone that stated 'this conversation ends here.' "I believe you have something to say to the Commander."

Pouting slightly, eliciting a wry grin from the armoured elf, Velora turned to Celinder "Lord Celinder, I apologise for punching your son."

Cylinder smiled "I thank you for your apology. I shall pass it onto my son, but, I think he would take it better coming from your own mouth. Being an Ambassador's daughter, it is a taxing position I can understand because of the repercussions. Now, I believe you have homework due for tomorrow morn."

Getting the subtle message of dismissal and headed to her rooms. "What is it Celinder? You did not come all this way with Velora to inform me of her actions; you would have come over for luncheon."

"I've had reports, seven actually, from my closest non-commissioned officers in the Verdant Guard; there have been reportings of a disjointed group of people most notable four of elven blood, two are confirmed to be Vax'ildan and Vex'ahlia."

Syldor stopped "So, they've arrived in the Feywilds. No doubt…"

"To ask for aid from Syngorn for help with the Dragon Problem. I agree. Are you ready?"

"To see them? As well as I can be, I saw them nought a few years back; and they seemed to be flourishing. I cannot say that I am welcoming their influence on Velora."

"I think it might be a good idea for Vex'ahlia and Vax'ildan to meet Velora, for all of us." Devana said quietly once the door closed.

Syldor looked at his wife "Truly? Even after…"

"You cared for their mother, perhaps not loved her, but you cared enough for her to carry your children. Syldor, I strongly suggest this."

Syldor paused "Of course...you're right. Velora, we need to, head to Lord Celinder, you have an apology to give."

(Keyleth et Al.)

Quickly checking no-one was too badly injured "Nothing broken, just pride." Vel had replied cheekily, still looking slightly unfocused and fighting to keep his voice coherent, the group began to head out.

Vex'ahlia was on point, Trinket was out sniffing the air; they were trying to find Vax and Scanlan. With those two out in front with Vax being the closest links the pair had.

With a sneeze and a huff, Trinket turned and began lumbar off. Vex, didn't think to turn before bolting after her pet. "Vex!" "Aunt!" Percy and Vel called, looked at one another before nodding and launched themselves into a lung bursting run after the duo.

Keyleth, Eve and Pike sighed "Vel'ilstaer really has no hope…Vex is just as impulsive and reckless with her actions whenever Vax is in danger." The Ashari Headmaster-in-waiting commented with a slightly exaggerated sigh.

Eve smiled "And it's that impulsiveness, maybe the stubbornness is what drew me to your son. I've the blood of a red dragon in my veins; that does not release me from my own destructive pyromaniac tendencies sometimes it exacerbates them. Like draws to like, Vel, he I hope will be able to protect me from myself. In return I will try and curb his impulsive tendencies."

Pike giggled "We, Vox Machina, will assist you. We lost him once and we shan't again. Even if it means tying him up with rope and Grog has to carry him."

"Something I believe Grog will be happy to do." Keyleth countered

"Grog's happy to do almost everything. As long as it can be explained." Eve summarised.

By now Vex and Trinket were roughly 80ft ahead of them, with Vel and Percy, 50 or so and in between the lead of the party, the chasers and the main body of the party a shimmering purple and black portal appeared. "VEL!" Eve shouted as she projected three crimson bolts of fire.

(Dean and Vazzyr)

The training made the days seem to blur by. Outside of their training they worked on the decks, Vazzyr found herself entranced by the powder monkeys and those wielding the ballistae.

Dean on the other hand had quickly endeared himself to the Captain and the Bo'sun, and with his prodigious skill in illusions had managed to coast the ship undetected through the waters; avoiding the few pirates that patrolled the coast.

The moment they had disembarked, they had camped in a nearby forest. Dean unsheathed his new sword, wrapped the planeshift scroll around it, and concentrated. The blade began to glow a deep purple with black specks streaking across it "Realm Slicer! Planeshift! Vel'ilstaer Vassar!"

Reality cracked and peeled open like a stone breaking a mirror, it slowly peeled away revealing a tranquil scene and as he stepped through, things went off kilter.