Searching for Something Lost
Solonund wandered many of the planes. Sigil was at the center of the Outlands, so he had visited most of the cities there already. He wanted somewhere new.
He first visited the Outer Planes.
He was facinated by Limbo. He felt comforted by the changing realities for a time, but his fears kept him from enjoying it for long. Thoughts of Drizzt, Shun, Katla, Anaiys, and his son quickly made his time in limbo a nightmare.
He visited Mechanus, and kept his visit short. Any plane that relied on perfect calculation was dangerous.
He completely avoided the Nine hells and the Abyss.
His visit to Pandemonium was also short. He did not want to go insane there.
He wanted to avoid most of the other hellish and heavenly planes, but many of them he visited shortly anyway.
The elemental planes were intersting, but he tired of them quickly.
Solonund then made his way to the Transitive Planes.
The plane of Shadow made him sick.
The ghosts on the Etheral plane made him more afraid of his past.
He preferred the Astral Plane. Something itched inside his being, an itch of familiarity. As he flew and floated through it, it was like he had been there before, and spent many years there. He felt like a large part of him was still there, but he could not fathom why.
The only thing about the Astral Plane he hated was having to avoid the archwizard Blazerthai's fortress. Blazerthai had a bad habit of enslaving whomever he met with a geas. Solonund knew to avoid him at all cost.
He took everything in. The more he wandered, the more at peace he felt, but he was lonely. Three years passed before he was able to bring himself to look for Anaiys.
**********
He searched for Anaiys' ship, a modified Elven Arrowing called the Nandaro, for two years until he finally found it. Anaiys had become a Helm Pilot. She was one of three pilots on the ship.
Although he hoped to renew their relationship, She acted coldly towards him. It broke his heart.
Anaiys' parents, Kuile and Khemir, were happy to have Solonund join them. The ship scout had decided to retire, and they were in need of a Horizon Walker.
Anaiys was not very happy at first. She was still angry, but she refused to let her own anger keep her from not allowing Solonund to see his son.
"This is your son, Thelan." She said introducing the small boy. Thelan, this is your daddy. He came a long way to be with you."
"To be with both of you. I love you Anaiys."
Anaiys looked at Solonund in shock. He had never told her that he loved her before.
"You are just saying that."
"Anaiys, would I have suffered and searched for YOU for five years if I did not mean it. I love Thelan, of course, he is my son. I wanted to see him, but it was you I was searching for you, not just him."
"Fine, but don't be an ass or I will have mother throw you off."
Thelan was squealing with delight," I got my daddy! My daddy came for me!"
" I hope you do not mind," Khemir said as Solonund embraced his son," We are on our way back to Perianth for routine repairs and to pick up our next load of herbs and sapling trees for Grey Space. I am certain you will like our planet. It is simply beautiful."
"Yes, it is," Kuile added," just don't get involved in the petty politics. That is why we decided to become merchants. "
"Oh daddy, it is so green. It has lots of trees and pretty lakes. Maybe mama will let me go hunting this time. If you are with me I am sure she will not mind."
"I think you are a little young to be hunting just yet. But we could go camping, if your mother approves."
Anaiys simply gave them a rude smirk.
"We will see, Thelan."
**********
Solonund continued to travel on the Nandaro for several years. Often, he had time to wander some of the planets they made regular runs to. He enjoyed knowing that the gods he worshipped, especially Meilikki, were not confined to the love of the people on one planet alone.
As Thelan grew older, it was quickly evident that he showed his father's interest in becoming a ranger. Anaiys was not very happy with his choice, but she respected it.
Solonund's relationship with his wife became closer, but they had serious problems.
Solonund felt like he could do anything for Anaiys. She was much more patient than she had been earlier in their relationship. He suspected becoming a mother had mellowed her. Unfortunately, it also hardened her in ways that hurt Solonund. She was a shell of her perky old self. No matter how many times he tried, Solonund could not get his happy Anaiys back.
Anaiys tried to be more cheerful. She loved Solonund and she knew how much Solonund really loved her. But since Thelan had come along, Solonund had become boring in Anaiys' eyes. She wanted the flirtatious, sometimes crazy Solonund back. He had mellowed, becoming the model, patient, father to their son.
Kulie noticed the way the two were acting and suggested that they needed to take a holiday alone together. She knew the stresses that a young couple always went through. She hoped her daughter and son-in-law could work things out.
Kulie decided she would take matters into her own hands.
"I have arranged for you two to spend a year's vacation, just the two of you. If you two can not stop sulking over each other by the time it is over, then I would suggest you end this relationship. I can not stand to see two youngsters I love dearly to be so miserable."
"Mother!"
"Don't 'mother' me, Anaiys. You both need this for your sanity, and I will not take no for an answer."
"Where are we going?" Solonund asked.
" Evermeet. I thought Solonund could use some time on his home Plane. And you Anaiys have babbled on to me behind your husband's back how much you wanted to go to his home plane. Now is your chance. "
"I have never been to Evermeet myself. It would be good to see what it is like." Solonund replied.
"Good, we dock there in three days. You both be ready. My cousins from House Nightstar in Leuthilspar will be waiting for you. They have a cabin near Corellon's Grove that is perfect for the two of you."
Solonund smiled," I am looking forward to it."
**********
The year with each other did wonders for the couple.
During the year, Solonund and Anaiys took the time to really know each other. They took a hard look at themselves and why they were together. Anaiys' smiles and energy returned. Solonund regained his sense of adventure.
All too soon it seemed, their vacation was up.
Thelan was happy to see his parents getting along so well. He hoped to show his parents how well he had learned what his father had taught him.
Solonund looked on with interest as Thelan fired his bow.
"Son, your mother and I have news for you. You are going to have a little sister or brother in a year's time."
"Father, that is so wonderful! Have you told Grandfather and Grandmother?"
"Not yet, "Solonund started to say as Thelan dashed off.
Thelan made the good news known to Kulie and Khemir before Solonund and Anaiys had the chance.
Kulie and Khemir were very happy to have the ones they loved getting along so well. The new grandchild was just an added bonus.
"Father," Thelan asked," Have you though about what we are going to do for my thirteenth birthday?"
"Have a big party of course, with wine included. I think you are old enough now to have a little wine. Just be careful not to get drunk. I don't need you falling overboard."
"Alright father." Thelan said as he laughed.
The birthday party came to celebrate the happiest time in Solonund's life. His son was slowly becoming a man.
He only wished that happy time could have lasted longer.
**********
A month after Thelan's party, the unthinkable happened.
"What is that?" Khemir said as he looked through the spy glass.
Solonund quickly took the telescope from Khemir's eye and looked.
"Another ship is coming towards us, but it is hard to make out what kind of ship it is. Better to stay on the safe side and steer clear of it."
The helmsman changed course, but the other ship matched the change.
"It's following us."
"Can you see any markings on it, Solonund ?"
"No…, wait! By the Gods! It is a deathspider! It has been modified in some way! That is why I didn't recognize it!"
"All hands to defend the ship! We are being pursued by pirates! Dump the cargo if necessary!" Khemir shouted.
The deathspider clamped its spider like legs around the edge of the hull. The spider ship then reached out to feed on the arrowing, providing its passengers with a gangplank onto the ship.
The Nandaro wailed and screamed as the deathspider crew spilled out onto its deck.
Solonund had expected the crew of the death spider to consist of Drow, but this crew had elves of several races onboard, and some Orc as well.
"Thelan, grab who you can and head for the lifeboats."
"But father,"
"No buts, get going before they capture you."
The pirates were looting all of the spices and saplings they could from the ship. They were knocking out the crew members of the Nandaro and taking them aboard the death spider.
Solonund first called upon Solaris for help then whipped out his Katana and furiously slashed any pirate that got near him.
"Solonund," Anaiys cried out, "The ship is lost! Get Thelan and get aboard the lifeboat!"
"Isn't Thelan with you?"
Solonund's answer came when he saw Thelan firing an arrow at a sun elf pirate. The boy did not see the Orc come up behind him. The Orc clubbed Thelan on the head, slung the boy over his sholder and ran for the deathspider. Solaris tried to distract the Orc, but the Orc just batted the hawk around.
Anaiyas screamed and headed after their son. One of the pirates shot an arrow through Anaiys. Shoulder. She fell face forward as the Nandaro lurched.
Solaris screeched and clawed and fought the retreating pirates until he was knocked unconscious.
"Return Solaris," Solonund said.
The death spider released the Nandaro and quickly made its escape.
Solonund grabbed onto Anaiys and headed for the lifeboat.
The lifeboats headed away as the Nandaro slowly folded in on itself and burst into flames.
Solonund had never felt so helpless.
The survivors reached the safety of Perinath with the help of Solonund's talisman. Out of the crew only a scant few survived. Kulie and Khemir were dead, Thelan was missing and Anaiys was hanging on by a slim thread.
The arrow that had pierced Anaiys' shoulder was tipped with poison. By the time the survivors could get help, the poison had worked its way through her body. She woke from her fevered sleep only once.
"Solonund, find our son. Please save Thelan. I love you." She said with her dying breath.
**********
Solonund spent the next three years wandering the planes for any clue where Thelan could have been taken.
Every lead he found ran cold.
Few of the people he asked had ever heard of a Drow ship that had a crew of non-Drow aboard.
One very haggard woman in the Hive section of Sigil said that she had been enslaved by a similar ship. She mentioned that she escaped a Demi-Plane that was ruled primarily by the evil god Ghaunadaur, but she had no idea where it was.
As time wore on, Solonund quit looking. He thought that no matter how much he searched, he would never see his son again.
He wandered the planes to help him work through his despair.
While floating through the Astral plane, he saw a portal of vibrant purple hue. He had seen that portal many times before, but he dared not go through it, because he knew exactly where it lead.
This time however, because of his sorrow, he decided he must go, to Arborea. The sickening feeling hit him as he endured the swirling light.
He felt himself falling faster towards the top layer of Arborea, Arvandor, the home of the Elven gods.
As he fell faster, he felt sure that he would die before he hit the lush forest. That would be well and fine with Solonund. The last twenty years of life were a gift. He should have died going down that Drow slide. He fell unconscious long before he hit the ground.
He was not quite sure what broke his fall or why he was alive at all. He woke resting against a tree. Someone had bandaged his wounds. He thought that he must surely be dead. To prove the point he bit his own thumb. When the blood welled up in his palm, he was dismayed. He was not dead after all.
"There was no need to do that, Solonund. All you would have needed was ask. You are very much alive."
Solonund looked up at the Elven male who walked to him. The Elf had silver hair and fair skin. He wore a green tunic and brown breeches. A cape that seemed to made of green leaves graced his shoulders. He carried a fine bow and a quiver of arrows.
"Solonund, do you know who I am?"
Solonund simply stared and shook his head.
"Why do you want to die?"
"I am alone. My mother was stolen from me. My true father hated me. The man I called father was too short lived. I harmed the heart of the one I called brother and I can not face him. My wife was murdered. My son was stolen from me. I am abandoned. I am cursed. I just wanted to go to a place I knew would be home. Yet, why I knew it was home, I can not say."
The silver haired elf just smiled and shook his head. "You are not abandoned. I never abandoned you. I made sure you received that amulet, so you could live."
"You gave the amulet to the Annui elder?"
"No, I gave it to his Elven ancestor. Most of his ancestors were human, but one was an elf. I made sure you would receive it. In time, you will understand what it truly represents."
"Who are you?"
"Your god-father, for whom your mother named you."
. Solonund gasped,"Solonor Thelandira!"
"Of course. You are where you set out to come to, but you are not dead. Corellon agrees with me that you should yet live. You have much yet to acomplish. Do not get a big head about your fate The road to godhood is rocky and dangerous, with many pitfalls."
"To godhood?"
"Never mind that for now. I wanted to bring some to you who wish to see you. Perhaps if you talk to them, you can go and finish your task. As I said, you have much to do, god-son."
From behind Solonor two females walked to Solonund. The females he recognized immediately.
"Son, you are looking well," Willwaren said to Solonund, "I was not entirely stolen, I have watched over you from the moment I died. I am always with you, although, sometimes I regret being too motherly, causing you to feel perverted. I see you have finally become more of an adult. You never stopped being a child, even when your body had gone far past that stage. It is not your fault, so do not dwell on it. Remember this, it is alright to be afraid, but you must face your fears before you can find yourself. I learned that the difficult way as well."
"It is so good to see you again, my love," Anaiys said calmly," You were right. I did rush things too much. I am glad to see you again."
Anaiys embraced her husband. She knew she would not have the chance again for a very long time.
Solonund held her and cried. He had wanted to hold her for so long. He did not want to let go, but Solonund knew that he could not stay here, and they could not bid him to.
"Solonund, before you go, there is one more here who wants to speak to you on an urgent manner. Go to the crystal tower that resembles a moonbeam. He awaits you. " Solonor said plainly.
Solonund did as his god-father bade him. He walked into the tower and saw Corellon Larethian sitting on a couch. He was not in armor, but rather dressed casually. It made Solonund feel more comfortable.
"Ah, Pilin'Solor, called Solonund Brasher. You are here. Good. You are concerned about one of my chosen. As yet you are still mortal, you can help her. Katla Wisteria is her name. She adores her childhood friend, Iasa. Iasa, unfortunately is proving to be a distraction. He means no harm, but it will harm both of them in the long run. It may lead to both of their deaths, and I can not allow my beloved Katla to die too early. Her heart, belongs only to me. I admire her, but, as a mortal, she can not gain her potential by that alone. She is very dear to my heart, but until she ascends, I must be patient. I want you to keep an eye on her for me, Pilin'Solor."
"As for the one you call brother, listen to this, " Corellon said as he held a horn up so Solonund could put his ear to it.
From the horn, he could hear voices upon voices. They were praising Drizzt. Drizzt had become a hero.
"That is good," Solonund said as he gave Corellon back the horn, " I have worried about him."
"I have watched his progress as well," Corellon replied, "Many of the hopes of redeeming the Drow race depend largely on him. He knows this. In a way, he has always known. You need not trouble your heart over him any longer. As Solonor has shown you, you need not be fettered by doubt. You are becoming, slowly, what you once were. Again, you will come home, here when your task is done."
"What task is that?"
" The gods are in grave danger. Not only the gods here in Arvandor, but all of the goodly gods in the heavens. It will be more terrible than even I can fathom. But one reprieve has been given to us, a warning, so that we may be able to prepare for what is to come."
"A warning?"
" Yes, Pilin'Solor, a warning from Ao herself. I did not understand it myself at first. It became clear much later. She said, Those who have thirsted for blood, and warred for eons over what was both their right, shall find a pause in their warring. During the pause, they shall turn their eyes outward, to seek and destroy all that is in their opposite position. To them it is a contest, a killing contest, to aid them when their war renews. She meant the demon races, of that I am positive. If the war between the nine hells and the abyss ever comes to a pause, the demons will attack. It will plunge entire universes into utter darkness. To counter this, we must regain the strongest of the ones who were lost to us. This way is difficult, but it must be done. Do you understand, Pilin'Solor"
"I think so. Lost gods must return to their places to prevent the demons from destroying heaven. "
"Exactly, we need gods anew and renewed. Some we must even raise from the dead. The latter a most difficult task, because to regain their godhood, they must become mortal."
"So I am to help the once dead, mortal gods ascend to their rightful place"
"Including yourself, Pilin'Solor"
Solonund suddenly noticed that Corellon was not calling him Solonund. Being called Pilin'Solor seemed so natural, that Solonund did not realize that Corellon was not using the name, Solonund.
Corellon raised his hand to touch Solonund's forehead, "Now, sleep, when you awaken, you will be where you need to be. You will remember nothing of our meeting when you wake. Be well Pilin'Solor. When you see me again, you will have ascended."
As Solonund slept, he dreamed of Mooshie's grove. A lady in green stood watching over him. Next to her was a young Montolio DeBrouche.
"You have done well son, It is time for you to stay home a season and rest."
"Thank you, goddess-son for your faith. I will watch over you while you are here, in spirit at least," She said as both she and Montolio faded into nothing. They led Solonund into the run down dwelling that had once been Mooshie's house. Once there, he made sure the fireplace was still useable and lit a fire with the scraps of wood he found.
**********
Notes:
Helm Pilot- The wizard that guides and powers the spelljammer ship.
Horizon Walker- a scout or ranger who has travelled through and knows many types of environments.
Arrowing- An Elven spelljammer ship. A living ship grown from a sentient, leafy tree.
Deathspider- a Drow spelljammer ship.
Solonund wandered many of the planes. Sigil was at the center of the Outlands, so he had visited most of the cities there already. He wanted somewhere new.
He first visited the Outer Planes.
He was facinated by Limbo. He felt comforted by the changing realities for a time, but his fears kept him from enjoying it for long. Thoughts of Drizzt, Shun, Katla, Anaiys, and his son quickly made his time in limbo a nightmare.
He visited Mechanus, and kept his visit short. Any plane that relied on perfect calculation was dangerous.
He completely avoided the Nine hells and the Abyss.
His visit to Pandemonium was also short. He did not want to go insane there.
He wanted to avoid most of the other hellish and heavenly planes, but many of them he visited shortly anyway.
The elemental planes were intersting, but he tired of them quickly.
Solonund then made his way to the Transitive Planes.
The plane of Shadow made him sick.
The ghosts on the Etheral plane made him more afraid of his past.
He preferred the Astral Plane. Something itched inside his being, an itch of familiarity. As he flew and floated through it, it was like he had been there before, and spent many years there. He felt like a large part of him was still there, but he could not fathom why.
The only thing about the Astral Plane he hated was having to avoid the archwizard Blazerthai's fortress. Blazerthai had a bad habit of enslaving whomever he met with a geas. Solonund knew to avoid him at all cost.
He took everything in. The more he wandered, the more at peace he felt, but he was lonely. Three years passed before he was able to bring himself to look for Anaiys.
**********
He searched for Anaiys' ship, a modified Elven Arrowing called the Nandaro, for two years until he finally found it. Anaiys had become a Helm Pilot. She was one of three pilots on the ship.
Although he hoped to renew their relationship, She acted coldly towards him. It broke his heart.
Anaiys' parents, Kuile and Khemir, were happy to have Solonund join them. The ship scout had decided to retire, and they were in need of a Horizon Walker.
Anaiys was not very happy at first. She was still angry, but she refused to let her own anger keep her from not allowing Solonund to see his son.
"This is your son, Thelan." She said introducing the small boy. Thelan, this is your daddy. He came a long way to be with you."
"To be with both of you. I love you Anaiys."
Anaiys looked at Solonund in shock. He had never told her that he loved her before.
"You are just saying that."
"Anaiys, would I have suffered and searched for YOU for five years if I did not mean it. I love Thelan, of course, he is my son. I wanted to see him, but it was you I was searching for you, not just him."
"Fine, but don't be an ass or I will have mother throw you off."
Thelan was squealing with delight," I got my daddy! My daddy came for me!"
" I hope you do not mind," Khemir said as Solonund embraced his son," We are on our way back to Perianth for routine repairs and to pick up our next load of herbs and sapling trees for Grey Space. I am certain you will like our planet. It is simply beautiful."
"Yes, it is," Kuile added," just don't get involved in the petty politics. That is why we decided to become merchants. "
"Oh daddy, it is so green. It has lots of trees and pretty lakes. Maybe mama will let me go hunting this time. If you are with me I am sure she will not mind."
"I think you are a little young to be hunting just yet. But we could go camping, if your mother approves."
Anaiys simply gave them a rude smirk.
"We will see, Thelan."
**********
Solonund continued to travel on the Nandaro for several years. Often, he had time to wander some of the planets they made regular runs to. He enjoyed knowing that the gods he worshipped, especially Meilikki, were not confined to the love of the people on one planet alone.
As Thelan grew older, it was quickly evident that he showed his father's interest in becoming a ranger. Anaiys was not very happy with his choice, but she respected it.
Solonund's relationship with his wife became closer, but they had serious problems.
Solonund felt like he could do anything for Anaiys. She was much more patient than she had been earlier in their relationship. He suspected becoming a mother had mellowed her. Unfortunately, it also hardened her in ways that hurt Solonund. She was a shell of her perky old self. No matter how many times he tried, Solonund could not get his happy Anaiys back.
Anaiys tried to be more cheerful. She loved Solonund and she knew how much Solonund really loved her. But since Thelan had come along, Solonund had become boring in Anaiys' eyes. She wanted the flirtatious, sometimes crazy Solonund back. He had mellowed, becoming the model, patient, father to their son.
Kulie noticed the way the two were acting and suggested that they needed to take a holiday alone together. She knew the stresses that a young couple always went through. She hoped her daughter and son-in-law could work things out.
Kulie decided she would take matters into her own hands.
"I have arranged for you two to spend a year's vacation, just the two of you. If you two can not stop sulking over each other by the time it is over, then I would suggest you end this relationship. I can not stand to see two youngsters I love dearly to be so miserable."
"Mother!"
"Don't 'mother' me, Anaiys. You both need this for your sanity, and I will not take no for an answer."
"Where are we going?" Solonund asked.
" Evermeet. I thought Solonund could use some time on his home Plane. And you Anaiys have babbled on to me behind your husband's back how much you wanted to go to his home plane. Now is your chance. "
"I have never been to Evermeet myself. It would be good to see what it is like." Solonund replied.
"Good, we dock there in three days. You both be ready. My cousins from House Nightstar in Leuthilspar will be waiting for you. They have a cabin near Corellon's Grove that is perfect for the two of you."
Solonund smiled," I am looking forward to it."
**********
The year with each other did wonders for the couple.
During the year, Solonund and Anaiys took the time to really know each other. They took a hard look at themselves and why they were together. Anaiys' smiles and energy returned. Solonund regained his sense of adventure.
All too soon it seemed, their vacation was up.
Thelan was happy to see his parents getting along so well. He hoped to show his parents how well he had learned what his father had taught him.
Solonund looked on with interest as Thelan fired his bow.
"Son, your mother and I have news for you. You are going to have a little sister or brother in a year's time."
"Father, that is so wonderful! Have you told Grandfather and Grandmother?"
"Not yet, "Solonund started to say as Thelan dashed off.
Thelan made the good news known to Kulie and Khemir before Solonund and Anaiys had the chance.
Kulie and Khemir were very happy to have the ones they loved getting along so well. The new grandchild was just an added bonus.
"Father," Thelan asked," Have you though about what we are going to do for my thirteenth birthday?"
"Have a big party of course, with wine included. I think you are old enough now to have a little wine. Just be careful not to get drunk. I don't need you falling overboard."
"Alright father." Thelan said as he laughed.
The birthday party came to celebrate the happiest time in Solonund's life. His son was slowly becoming a man.
He only wished that happy time could have lasted longer.
**********
A month after Thelan's party, the unthinkable happened.
"What is that?" Khemir said as he looked through the spy glass.
Solonund quickly took the telescope from Khemir's eye and looked.
"Another ship is coming towards us, but it is hard to make out what kind of ship it is. Better to stay on the safe side and steer clear of it."
The helmsman changed course, but the other ship matched the change.
"It's following us."
"Can you see any markings on it, Solonund ?"
"No…, wait! By the Gods! It is a deathspider! It has been modified in some way! That is why I didn't recognize it!"
"All hands to defend the ship! We are being pursued by pirates! Dump the cargo if necessary!" Khemir shouted.
The deathspider clamped its spider like legs around the edge of the hull. The spider ship then reached out to feed on the arrowing, providing its passengers with a gangplank onto the ship.
The Nandaro wailed and screamed as the deathspider crew spilled out onto its deck.
Solonund had expected the crew of the death spider to consist of Drow, but this crew had elves of several races onboard, and some Orc as well.
"Thelan, grab who you can and head for the lifeboats."
"But father,"
"No buts, get going before they capture you."
The pirates were looting all of the spices and saplings they could from the ship. They were knocking out the crew members of the Nandaro and taking them aboard the death spider.
Solonund first called upon Solaris for help then whipped out his Katana and furiously slashed any pirate that got near him.
"Solonund," Anaiys cried out, "The ship is lost! Get Thelan and get aboard the lifeboat!"
"Isn't Thelan with you?"
Solonund's answer came when he saw Thelan firing an arrow at a sun elf pirate. The boy did not see the Orc come up behind him. The Orc clubbed Thelan on the head, slung the boy over his sholder and ran for the deathspider. Solaris tried to distract the Orc, but the Orc just batted the hawk around.
Anaiyas screamed and headed after their son. One of the pirates shot an arrow through Anaiys. Shoulder. She fell face forward as the Nandaro lurched.
Solaris screeched and clawed and fought the retreating pirates until he was knocked unconscious.
"Return Solaris," Solonund said.
The death spider released the Nandaro and quickly made its escape.
Solonund grabbed onto Anaiys and headed for the lifeboat.
The lifeboats headed away as the Nandaro slowly folded in on itself and burst into flames.
Solonund had never felt so helpless.
The survivors reached the safety of Perinath with the help of Solonund's talisman. Out of the crew only a scant few survived. Kulie and Khemir were dead, Thelan was missing and Anaiys was hanging on by a slim thread.
The arrow that had pierced Anaiys' shoulder was tipped with poison. By the time the survivors could get help, the poison had worked its way through her body. She woke from her fevered sleep only once.
"Solonund, find our son. Please save Thelan. I love you." She said with her dying breath.
**********
Solonund spent the next three years wandering the planes for any clue where Thelan could have been taken.
Every lead he found ran cold.
Few of the people he asked had ever heard of a Drow ship that had a crew of non-Drow aboard.
One very haggard woman in the Hive section of Sigil said that she had been enslaved by a similar ship. She mentioned that she escaped a Demi-Plane that was ruled primarily by the evil god Ghaunadaur, but she had no idea where it was.
As time wore on, Solonund quit looking. He thought that no matter how much he searched, he would never see his son again.
He wandered the planes to help him work through his despair.
While floating through the Astral plane, he saw a portal of vibrant purple hue. He had seen that portal many times before, but he dared not go through it, because he knew exactly where it lead.
This time however, because of his sorrow, he decided he must go, to Arborea. The sickening feeling hit him as he endured the swirling light.
He felt himself falling faster towards the top layer of Arborea, Arvandor, the home of the Elven gods.
As he fell faster, he felt sure that he would die before he hit the lush forest. That would be well and fine with Solonund. The last twenty years of life were a gift. He should have died going down that Drow slide. He fell unconscious long before he hit the ground.
He was not quite sure what broke his fall or why he was alive at all. He woke resting against a tree. Someone had bandaged his wounds. He thought that he must surely be dead. To prove the point he bit his own thumb. When the blood welled up in his palm, he was dismayed. He was not dead after all.
"There was no need to do that, Solonund. All you would have needed was ask. You are very much alive."
Solonund looked up at the Elven male who walked to him. The Elf had silver hair and fair skin. He wore a green tunic and brown breeches. A cape that seemed to made of green leaves graced his shoulders. He carried a fine bow and a quiver of arrows.
"Solonund, do you know who I am?"
Solonund simply stared and shook his head.
"Why do you want to die?"
"I am alone. My mother was stolen from me. My true father hated me. The man I called father was too short lived. I harmed the heart of the one I called brother and I can not face him. My wife was murdered. My son was stolen from me. I am abandoned. I am cursed. I just wanted to go to a place I knew would be home. Yet, why I knew it was home, I can not say."
The silver haired elf just smiled and shook his head. "You are not abandoned. I never abandoned you. I made sure you received that amulet, so you could live."
"You gave the amulet to the Annui elder?"
"No, I gave it to his Elven ancestor. Most of his ancestors were human, but one was an elf. I made sure you would receive it. In time, you will understand what it truly represents."
"Who are you?"
"Your god-father, for whom your mother named you."
. Solonund gasped,"Solonor Thelandira!"
"Of course. You are where you set out to come to, but you are not dead. Corellon agrees with me that you should yet live. You have much yet to acomplish. Do not get a big head about your fate The road to godhood is rocky and dangerous, with many pitfalls."
"To godhood?"
"Never mind that for now. I wanted to bring some to you who wish to see you. Perhaps if you talk to them, you can go and finish your task. As I said, you have much to do, god-son."
From behind Solonor two females walked to Solonund. The females he recognized immediately.
"Son, you are looking well," Willwaren said to Solonund, "I was not entirely stolen, I have watched over you from the moment I died. I am always with you, although, sometimes I regret being too motherly, causing you to feel perverted. I see you have finally become more of an adult. You never stopped being a child, even when your body had gone far past that stage. It is not your fault, so do not dwell on it. Remember this, it is alright to be afraid, but you must face your fears before you can find yourself. I learned that the difficult way as well."
"It is so good to see you again, my love," Anaiys said calmly," You were right. I did rush things too much. I am glad to see you again."
Anaiys embraced her husband. She knew she would not have the chance again for a very long time.
Solonund held her and cried. He had wanted to hold her for so long. He did not want to let go, but Solonund knew that he could not stay here, and they could not bid him to.
"Solonund, before you go, there is one more here who wants to speak to you on an urgent manner. Go to the crystal tower that resembles a moonbeam. He awaits you. " Solonor said plainly.
Solonund did as his god-father bade him. He walked into the tower and saw Corellon Larethian sitting on a couch. He was not in armor, but rather dressed casually. It made Solonund feel more comfortable.
"Ah, Pilin'Solor, called Solonund Brasher. You are here. Good. You are concerned about one of my chosen. As yet you are still mortal, you can help her. Katla Wisteria is her name. She adores her childhood friend, Iasa. Iasa, unfortunately is proving to be a distraction. He means no harm, but it will harm both of them in the long run. It may lead to both of their deaths, and I can not allow my beloved Katla to die too early. Her heart, belongs only to me. I admire her, but, as a mortal, she can not gain her potential by that alone. She is very dear to my heart, but until she ascends, I must be patient. I want you to keep an eye on her for me, Pilin'Solor."
"As for the one you call brother, listen to this, " Corellon said as he held a horn up so Solonund could put his ear to it.
From the horn, he could hear voices upon voices. They were praising Drizzt. Drizzt had become a hero.
"That is good," Solonund said as he gave Corellon back the horn, " I have worried about him."
"I have watched his progress as well," Corellon replied, "Many of the hopes of redeeming the Drow race depend largely on him. He knows this. In a way, he has always known. You need not trouble your heart over him any longer. As Solonor has shown you, you need not be fettered by doubt. You are becoming, slowly, what you once were. Again, you will come home, here when your task is done."
"What task is that?"
" The gods are in grave danger. Not only the gods here in Arvandor, but all of the goodly gods in the heavens. It will be more terrible than even I can fathom. But one reprieve has been given to us, a warning, so that we may be able to prepare for what is to come."
"A warning?"
" Yes, Pilin'Solor, a warning from Ao herself. I did not understand it myself at first. It became clear much later. She said, Those who have thirsted for blood, and warred for eons over what was both their right, shall find a pause in their warring. During the pause, they shall turn their eyes outward, to seek and destroy all that is in their opposite position. To them it is a contest, a killing contest, to aid them when their war renews. She meant the demon races, of that I am positive. If the war between the nine hells and the abyss ever comes to a pause, the demons will attack. It will plunge entire universes into utter darkness. To counter this, we must regain the strongest of the ones who were lost to us. This way is difficult, but it must be done. Do you understand, Pilin'Solor"
"I think so. Lost gods must return to their places to prevent the demons from destroying heaven. "
"Exactly, we need gods anew and renewed. Some we must even raise from the dead. The latter a most difficult task, because to regain their godhood, they must become mortal."
"So I am to help the once dead, mortal gods ascend to their rightful place"
"Including yourself, Pilin'Solor"
Solonund suddenly noticed that Corellon was not calling him Solonund. Being called Pilin'Solor seemed so natural, that Solonund did not realize that Corellon was not using the name, Solonund.
Corellon raised his hand to touch Solonund's forehead, "Now, sleep, when you awaken, you will be where you need to be. You will remember nothing of our meeting when you wake. Be well Pilin'Solor. When you see me again, you will have ascended."
As Solonund slept, he dreamed of Mooshie's grove. A lady in green stood watching over him. Next to her was a young Montolio DeBrouche.
"You have done well son, It is time for you to stay home a season and rest."
"Thank you, goddess-son for your faith. I will watch over you while you are here, in spirit at least," She said as both she and Montolio faded into nothing. They led Solonund into the run down dwelling that had once been Mooshie's house. Once there, he made sure the fireplace was still useable and lit a fire with the scraps of wood he found.
**********
Notes:
Helm Pilot- The wizard that guides and powers the spelljammer ship.
Horizon Walker- a scout or ranger who has travelled through and knows many types of environments.
Arrowing- An Elven spelljammer ship. A living ship grown from a sentient, leafy tree.
Deathspider- a Drow spelljammer ship.