FOT6: Swelling the Ranks

It was with great joy in their hearts that the Keepers welcomed their brethren into their castle's keep, for robust is the courage of those that seek to restore the glory of their heartland. Despite her gaiety from these good tidings, Lorilynn The Wise was besieged with anxiety, for three did not a company of six make. She prayed fervently to the gods of her kin and the gods of her realm to deliver the seemingly impossible task of a second trinity of nobility, eager for redemption.

In time, another braveheart arrived from the Mountains of the West and the brackish waters of the Mor-folk. She was known throughout the lands as Lady Natalia of clans Wahmhoffen and Buergerston, originally mighty warriors of the north but come to settle the hillsides of the western frontier. As befitting the banner of her houses, the fair lady was bedecked in robes of navy and gold thread, and came equipped with Patronus, the wand of her ancestors, wrought of mountain ash, enclosing golden eagle feather. Lady Natalia was renown for her natural beauty, quick wit, and her mirthful laugh, which rang forth with the joyous peal of church bells. Of equal repute was Lady Natalia's skill as a healer and enchantress. Unlike the dark magics preferred by the gnome king, the power which she wielded flowed from her deep capacity for love, producing spells that lifted her comrades and beguiled her foes with her unique charm. It was said that her mere presence would stir hope and merriment in the hearts of all that beheld her. Certainly, similar feelings bathed the Keepers as they contemplated her part in the fate of the Steel Kingdom.

The fifth to swear fealty to this fine company hailed from the snow-filled reaches of the Twin Kingdoms. Hair the shade of glowing embers, eyes of emerald green, Lady Meghildr evoked images of the norse gods of her ancestral homeland. Warrior blood flowed through her veins, as she was descended from the famed houses of Ockenstrom and Helmendor, who fought to found and defend the great halls of the Northlands. She was dressed in the manner of her peoples, silver helm atop a single braided plait shifted to the right--a symbol of her status as noblewoman--gilded leaf earrings, and robes of deep violet, cinched by a high waisted belt. Attached to this belt was the legendary war hammer Muninn, or Memory in the new tongue. This fearsome weapon was aptly named thrice over. Once, for it was said to store the memories of all who wielded it beforehand, and the thoughts of its current master, who had but to hammer it against any surface for these thoughts to be revealed and stored. Twice for its blows would mark its victims forever with the crest of her house, an indelible keepsake of their conqueror. And thrice, for the manner it which it was wielded, which was unique and left a lasting impression. For it was said that Lady Meghildr would be so graceful in battle, that she would seem to dance, a dance borne of her ancestors, a dance of death. This was but one of the many dances which she used to express the contents of her heart, joy, sorrow, rage; dances that were spontaneous and awe-inspiring to those that bore witness. Although she wielded great power, Lady Meghildr was patient and kind, if prone to fits of sardonic humor. She was also determined, and this mettle would be sorely tested in the moons to follow.

After the first five had arrived to confront their fates, three moon-cycles passed without a final hero. In desperation, the Keepers sought council at the temple of Heinzel, the Goddess of Steel. In a vision of true-seeing, the High Priest foretold of a great warrior, hailing from mythical lands far to the north, where the true-hearted dwelled in peace and harmony under the sigil of the crimson maple. From this gentle and noble kingdom would the prophecy be fulfilled. The Keepers quailed at this message, for who would leave such an enchanted dwelling to intervene in the dark matters at hand? It was only faith that compelled Lorilynn to send her most trustworthy dove to fly north, beyond the known lands, to seek the one that would complete the circle of Six, and set the wheels of prophecy in motion...