Excellent! I'd judge that one of the best-written origin stories I've read. The Dark Watcher bait-and-switch was a nice bit of misdirection. 
I guess the foreshadowing about the new apprentice makes sense now. *heh*
Thank you for taking the time to read it, and your nice comments! A side note: everything that Talaria said was supposed to be in italics to show Ariana was only hearing the words in her head, but the cut and paste didn't keep the italics 
When I first planned Lady Mystic prior to the release of I12, she was going to be a pure psy/mental blaster. However, upon the issue's release, I changed my mind at the last minute and made her an elect/mental blaster, so I threw in the hint about being an apprentice of a Croatoa witch to cover that
FYI - Formatting like font faces and colors are specific to your word processor. If you paste here, all you'll get is the plain text.
It's easy to add formatting to your posting here, but you need to learn UBB code.
A simple example:
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>
this is italic
this is bold
[c0l0r:red] this is red [/c0l0r]
</pre><hr />
Will look like this on the forum:
this is italic
this is bold
this is red
Note that I cheated on the code example - I had to use zeroes instead of o's on the color example because the code block went ahead and interpreted the color code instead of displaying it. Doing it for real, you would go ahead and spell out the word "color" correctly.
I agree. Very nice origin story--well thought out and presented.
Lady Mystic
Ariana wrapped the Tarot deck in a silk cloth and placed it in an ornate wooden box, then sighed. Glancing at her mostly empty appointment book, she considered the recent sharp decline in the number of clients looking for her services. As a psychic of some ability, Ariana had steadily built up fame for extremely accurate predictions in occult circles as Ariana the Mystic. At the urgings of her long-time friend Milly who worked at Pandoras Box in Talos Island, Ariana had started giving readings at the store. Soon her appointment book was overflowing with bookings as word spread about the accuracy of her predictions at least until the kidnappings began. Ariana sighed again. One would think with the recent spate of the so-called fortune teller kidnappings business would be better than ever due to a lack of competition! Instead, just the opposite had happened people seemed to be avoiding anyone known to be in the fortune telling business. Even some of her regular clients were laying low. No wonder, thought Ariana. Just two nights ago another fortune teller, this one calling herself Lady Rose, had been rescued by one of Paragon Citys heroes and started making the talk show circuit with horrific and unbelievable tales about her alleged ordeal. When the talk show host hinted that book and movie deals were in the making Ariana had muttered, Stupid media, and turned off the television in disgust.
The little bell on the shop door jingled and roused Ariana from her thoughts. She looked up to see her friend Milly entering the store. Ariana smiled and asked, How was lunch?
Oh, the usual Im getting really tired of sushi, but I just cant help craving some every time I see one of those aliens fly by the shop, replied Milly. She sat a bag down on the counter. Here, I brought you some. Peering more closely at the psychic, Milly stated, Ari, you dont look so hot another bad night?
Well, thanks, Ariana replied. Then she said, I didnt sleep much last night.
Milly sighed sympathically. Is it the dreams again?
Ariana nodded, and her expression darkened. Right before the kidnappings began the young psychic had started having disturbingly vivid dreams haunted by long, dimly lit tunnels, dark hooded figures, a woman frozen in crystal and over everything else, a looming, growing darkness that seemed to be getting closer and closer, swallowing all in its path. Ariana knew that change was coming, but a more precise meaning of the dream continued to elude her.
Sensing her friends mood, to change the subject Milly asked, Did we have any customers while I was out?
Several university students came in and browsed through the scroll section but didnt buy anything, and that witch from Salamanca whos been coming in every few days for this or that showed up asking about an order she placed, Ariana replied. I told her you were at lunch and she said shed come back tomorrow. Ariana shrugged. At one point, she looked at me oddly and said something about having a new apprentice soon. The psychic didnt mention the strange feeling the witchs words had caused, like knowing a storm was getting ready to break but being powerless against it. Oh, and I had a walk-in for a card reading.
Milly chuckled and asked, The run-of-the-mill Will I marry a rich male, female, or huge type?
Ariana laughed and replied, No, this poor little lady had lost her cat, Mr. Snuffles. She said Mr. Snuffles snuck out earlier today when she opened her door. While she was talking, I got a strong feeling that when she got home Mr. Snuffles would be right there on the doorstep waiting for her. When I told her this she thanked me, paid, and rushed out. Ariana sighed. She seemed very sweet but very sad. Just then, a thought occurred to Ariana. Hey, didnt I hear you say you recently got a swanky new outfit? she asked.
Yes, I did! said Milly. It was personally designed by Serge himself at ICON, where Billy works.
How did you afford that, girl? exclaimed Ariana.
Milly replied, Its so funny its a dress specially commissioned by a hero whod recently made a killing at Wentworths. Billy said that when it was done and she came in to pick it up, she looked at it and told Serge right to his face that it wasnt revealing enough and asked what he could do about it!
Ariana gasped. Both Serges pride in his personal creations and his temper were legendary. What did he do? she asked.
Milly laughed. Well, Billy said that without batting an eye he took it back from her, held it up, and ripped the front open down to the waist! He then handed it back to her and asked, Is this revealing enough for you?
Ohhh, breathed Ariana. Then what happened?
Well, the prima donna threw down the dress and stormed out literally, she controls storms and Serge picked it up. Billy was standing nearby, and Serge looked over at him and said, Billy, isnt Milly a size four? And Billy said, Yes and Serge said, Shes always admired my work. Let me see what I can do to fix this. I cant wait to wear it somewhere. Maybe everyone will think Im a hero!
Ariana laughed, then smiled mysteriously. Well, I have a feeling that you are going to be wearing it very soon.
Milly raised her eyebrows. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the phone rang. Milly answered, Pandoras Box, Talos Island Billy, hello! Hows your day going at ICON? Milly listened for a bit, then glanced over at Ariana in surprise. Sure, Id love to, but I have to work until nine tonight ok, that sounds good. Ill see you then!
Milly hung up the phone and turned to Ariana with wide eyes. Now I see why they call you Ariana the Mystic! she exclaimed. That was Billy. He called to see if I would like to go dancing at Pocket D tonight! Did you foresee that?
Ariana laughed. Maybe I should be maintaining my air of mystery, but thats just for the customers. Nah, he called while you were at lunch.
Milly grabbed an aroma therapy sachet off the counter and threw it at Ariana. Oh, you air of mystery, hmph! Ariana deftly caught the sachet and tossed it right back at Milly, who missed it and had to bend over to retrieve it from the floor behind the counter. Just then, a thought occurred to Ariana.
I know why dont you let me stay and close up tonight so you can get an early start? Ariana suggested, and then teased, You know you can never look too good for Billy!
Pfft, replied Milly. Billy wouldnt care if I showed up in rags or nothing at all. You know at his job at ICON all he sees all day long are those new scantily clad heroettes running around all over the place. The way they dress today would make Wonder Woman blush.
A bit modest in our old age, are we? Ariana laughed. Or jealous?
Modest? Never! And who are you calling old? Milly laughed. Im only in my twenties, and I plan to stay looking like this until my nineties at least. Arianas friend struck a mock model pose and added smugly, And with this to look at, I dont think I need to worry about Billy straying any time soon. Ariana had to admit that Milly was an attractive woman. It was no surprise that Milly was constantly fending off the attentions of various patrons of Pandoras Box. Milly had dated more than her share of men, but it wasnt until Billy came along that the headstrong young woman had really finally felt like settling down with someone. But, Ariana thought, the names Milly Billy it sounded like something out of a childrens book!
Are you sure you dont mind staying late and closing up shop tonight? I mean, with that Fortune Teller Kidnapper on the loose and all, Milly asked.
No, thats fine, Ariana replied. Im glad to help. Its only for a couple of hours, and its not that far of a walk to the Green Line from here. Business has been slow lately. Maybe Ill get a few more clients.
Milly laughed. If word gets out, maybe the Paragon Humane Society will come calling. I can see it now Ariana the Mystic, Finder of Lost Pets!
The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, and at 7:00pm Milly left to get ready for her date. Ariana wandered around the store, straightening books and items on shelves, and glanced at the clock from time to time. The store seemed strangely quiet. Oddly enough, no customers entered to disturb the stillness, and as the minutes seemed to drag by an uneasy feeling began to overcome the psychic. She looked around the store. Nothing appeared to be wrong, yet things seemed somehow different, out of place. The silence was like a heavy weight, a pressure that kept increasing, yearning for release. The very shadows in the store took on a slightly menacing quality, and Ariana turned up the lighting and tried to shake off her unusual sense of disquiet. Suddenly, the bell on the door jingled, and Ariana jumped. A figure in a dark wide-brimmed hat and long gray trench coat walked into the store. The persons face was covered with a deep red scarf. The opening of the door or the tinkling of the bell seemed to somehow normalize things. The traffic noise from outside resumed, and everything was suddenly the way it was supposed to be. The strange feelings from before seemed very vague now, as if nothing had ever occurred. Ariana smiled at the newcomer to the occult shop and said, Hello! May I help you?
The figure removed his hat and sat it on the counter and unwound his scarf from his face, revealing himself to be a man who appeared to be in his late fifties or early sixties. He bowed slightly and said in a kindly voice, I seek the one they call Ariana the Mystic. Would that be you, my dear?
Ariana answered, Yes, thats me. What can I do for you?
My name is Lucion. I need the help of a skilled psychic to find something something which Ive lost, stated the man. You come highly recommended by a friend.
A vision of the woman with the missing cat from earlier came into Arianas mind. Maybe this was one of her friends, but still, it was very late. Ariana glanced at the clock. It was five minutes to 9:00pm, almost closing time. Im sorry, Mr. Lucion, but I dont think I can help you this evening. We close in five minutes. I have some openings tomorrow however if you would like to come back for a reading.
Just Lucion, replied the man, and then, Child, I fear this is a very urgent matter that cannot wait. His voice dropped a bit lower and took on a soothing, mesmerizing tone. You have time for me.
I have time for you, breathed Ariana. Then she blinked. Yes, I will try and see what I can do to help. Come over to my table.
The man followed Ariana to her reading table. Before she sat down, she asked, Would you like me to take your jacket, Mr. umm, Lucion?
No, thank you, the man replied. The chill outside I feel more comfortable leaving it on. Ariana frowned slightly. Chill? At this time of year? As if reading her thoughts, the man chuckled and said, You young people do not feel the cold like your elders do. I must seem very odd to you.
Oh no, not at all, Ariana demurred. Something was strange about this Lucion and this entire encounter, but there was nothing she could put her finger on, just a vague sense of something not right. She sat down and gestured at the seat across the table, and Lucion sat down. Ariana smiled across the table and said, So, tell me, Lucion, what is it that youve lost?
My wife, Lucion replied. She died a long time ago.
Oh! said Ariana. I see. She smiled kindly and said, Are you wishing to try and contact her? Im very sorry for your loss, but I dont think Im the person that can help you.
Oh, but you can, Lucion stated. She needs your body, you see, to live again. His voice turned deeper, stronger. It will be a great honor for your body to house the soul of my wife!
The man raised his arm and gestured and began murmuring under his breath. Realizing that he was casting a spell, Ariana jumped out of the chair and tried to run to the door. But her limbs seemed so heavy, and the room began to go dark. The last thing she heard was, A great honor for you indeed, my lady mystic.
Ariana slowly returned to consciousness to find herself lying on a flat, cold surface. The ceiling was so high that it was lost in flickering shadows. An invisible force held her in place, but she was able to turn her head slightly to hear a familiar voice say, Good, the mystic is awake. Let us begin.
The speaker walked into Arianas view. It was the man from the shop, Lucion, but he had changed. He appeared younger and more vital. Gone was the dark trenchcoat, replaced by a green and gold robe patterned in intricate designs. A large headdress crowned his head, making him seem much taller than before.
As Lucion approached the stone platform where Ariana lay two more robed figures moved into view. Dressed in dark brown robes with hoods that completely hid their faces, the two flanked the mage on either side and stood waiting. Lucion gestured, and one of the robed figures removed a slim rune-covered box from the folds of its robe. The figure unfastened the catch on the box and opened the lid. Inside on a bed of red silk rested a small gleaming sliver that looked like an oversided thorn? Lucion reached in and carefully removed the thorn from its box. Holding it reverently, he smiled down at Ariana, and the psychic didnt need any power to see the hint of madness in his eyes.
The blood of our ancient enemy is strong in this one, stated Lucion. And as the blood so shall be the power!
Fear rose in Ariana, but she forced it down and asked, Whats going to happen to me?
Its a very simple process, really, replied Lucion. This spirit thorn will be inserted into your body, directly into your heart. This great gift will allow my beloved Talaria to enter your body and claim it as her own. The mad mage reached out to lightly stroke Arianas dark hair, and she jerked her head away. Lucion sighed. Sadly, this will leave your soul no place to reside save the spirit world. However, your sacrifice is but a little thing compared to the greatness we will achieve once my Talaria is returned to me.
But why me? Ariana cried. Why did you pick me for this this horror! I dont understand!
Oh, my dear, dont you know? You possess a great untapped potential! replied Lucion. My wife was a very powerful mystic when she was alive, yes, one of the most powerful psychics the world had ever known! The evil mage threw back his head and laughed. It has been a very long time since the world has known such power, but soon she will return to her rightful place at my side and through you her power will live again!
No, please let me go! You dont want to do this! Ariana pleaded. But Lucion stepped back from the platform and proclaimed, I have waited long enough for this day. Begin the ritual for cleansing this vessel!
The two robed figures moved around the platform until all three mages formed a triangle with Ariana in the middle. In unison, they began to chant, and a sickly green glow rose from the sides of the platform and suffused everything. Slowly, Ariana began to rise off the table until she was floating vertically in midair, trapped in bands of power that swelled and ebbed in time with the vile mages chanting. Ariana struggled and screamed, but it was no use. The force that rose around her pressed in tighter and tighter, but suddenly something else started to happen deep inside the psychic. Ariana felt something within her reach up, up, up somewhere from the depths of her very being. For a moment, in the midst of agony and terror, somehow a sense of calm washed over the psychic as pure, untainted raw force welled up inside. Then like a dam breaking, the power surged through Ariana and exploded into the room. Lucion and the robed figures screamed and clutched their heads in agony before collapsing to the floor. Sharp pain shot through Arianas head as well, and the room began to spin as the psychic fell back down to the stone dais and sank into unconsiousness.
Ariana.
Ariana, wake up.
Ariana WAKE UP NOW!
Ariana opened her eyes and looked around the room. Her captors were still on the floor, felled by something, some power, that had come from her? She unsteadily slid off the stone platform that had held her prone body and tried to stand. It was then she again heard the voice in her head.
Ariana come, hurry. We do not have much time.
Ariana looked around the room. Near the stone dais on which she had lain she spied a pedestal covered in ornately carved glowing symbols. Moving closer, Ariana saw that a perfect geometric crystal rested on a stand atop the pedestal. The surface of the small crystal was inscribed with numerous magic runes, and a single point of violet light shone at the crystal's heart. Ariana felt a strong urge to pick up the crystal, and after a moments hesitation, she reached out did so. A comforting warmth suffused her hand and then her body, and for a moment Ariana felt a profound peace. Then the voice spoke again in the psychics head, and Ariana realized it was somehow coming from the crystal.
Now you must flee before you are discovered. Go through the doorway on the right side of the room.
Without question Ariana turned right and carefully made her way over the rubble which littered the floor and walked over to the doorway. Looking through, Ariana saw a hallway lit by flickering torches stretching into the distance.
Ariana, hurry they will soon be coming for you!
The fear of being recaptured galvanized Ariana into action. Silently thanking her unknown benefactor, she began running down the hall, the glowing crystal clutched in her right hand. And then the voice came again.
Up ahead the passage splits. Go left. At the next intersection, turn left again. Hurry!
Ariana ran as fast as she could. Just as the voice had said, she came to a split in the corridor, and without looking plunged into the left passage. Reaching the intersection still running, her breath coming in short gasps, she tried turning left but her momentum caused her to slide and crash into the stone wall of the next corridor. Ariana bit back a scream as pain tore through her right arm and she fought to keep her grip on the crystal. Again the voice urged her onward. Holding her arm with her left hand, the psychic continued to run forward until she came to a dead end? Ariana stopped in disbelief near the end of the corridor. A huge circular stone sculpture sat at the end of the hall, but there seemed to be nowhere else to go. Before she could react the voice returned.
Do not despair. Speak these words, Novartum teriatha Talaria.
The psychic repeated, Novartum teriatha Talaria. Nothing happened. What almost seemed like a sigh emanated from the crystal.
Do not be afraid. I have to do this so you can focus your new power.
As Ariana watched, the crystal started to glow more brightly, and a violet shimmer suddenly flickered up her right arm. As it passed the area Ariana had careened into the wall the pain began to ease and then went away completely. The light continued to move across her shoulder and came to rest directly over her heart. A tingling began on Arianas skin, and she felt a stab of fear. But almost immediately the tingling and the shimmer faded. Ariana looked down at her chest to see a faintly glowing tattoo in shades of violet and purple where the light had been.
Now, say the words again, Novartum teriatha Talaria!
The voice seemed faint, weaker. Once again, Ariana intoned, Novartum teriatha Talaria! This time, the air in the center of the stone sculpture started to shimmer, and Ariana realized she was standing at a mystical portal. Then the psychic heard voices raised in anger from back the way she had come.
Quickly, step through the portal. They are almost upon us!
Ariana took a deep breath and then did as she was bid. As she entered the shimmering gate, she suddenly felt a sense of becoming pure light, formless and weightless. For a split second, it seemed to Ariana that she existed in a world of pure energy, timeless and eternal. But just as quickly as the sensation came, it passed and the psychic found herself standing with her back to another portal. The portals shimmer softly faded and then disappeared, leaving Ariana in almost total darkness. Only the glow of the crystal and the answering faint glow of her new tattoo lit the gloom, but it was just enough to chase away the dark.
We will be safe here for the moment. You will need some light. Reach over to your left and touch the globe you see there.
Ariana looked and saw a crystal globe suspended in an tarnished silver stand. As soon as she touched it a soft white glow began to emit from the globe and illuminate the room. Ariana looked around to see she stood it what appeared to be a mages workroom long abandoned to time. A thick layer of dust covered everything, and what appeared to be chunks of the ceiling were scattered here and there on the floor. In some places, the ceiling had crashed into what had once been furniture, leaving whatever had been there before an unrecognizable heap. A huge cracked silver mirror stood against one wall at an angle, the frame broken in places.
Again, Ariana heard what seemed like a sigh in her head, and the voice spoke again.
I sense most of the protection spells on this chamber have failed. Ah, well, nothing lasts forever. We should be safe from pursuit for the moment at least. Let us get what we need here and leave.
Wait, now, replied Ariana. Im grateful for your help but who are you? Why are you helping me?
I am Talaria, the wife of the mage you know as Lucion. My husband was once a great man, a wonderful man. Now, I fear he has lost his reason and is beyond all help. To recapture past glory he would inflict great evil upon the world, and this is not the man I once knew. When I tried to help him to see the error of his ways and implored him to stay in the world of spirit he refused to listen. As soon as his soul resided in flesh stolen from the living he imprisoned me is this soul stone. Here I have waited, knowing that one day you would come and be the instrument of my salvation from this prison.
Arianas mind reeled. She thought, You are Talaria? He wanted to give you my body so you could live again! How could you pass that up?
Child, as tempting as it might be, I now know my day is done. I led a full life in a time and a world much different from the one you live in now. The voice took on a wistful feel. Magic was glorious in that day! It flowed and shimmered like sparking water in the very air around you, if you but had the sight to see it. We Orenbegans were as gods then, delighting in our power and might. So to were our sworn enemies, the people of Mu. To save ourselves from the Mu, my people fell and succumbed to a much greater darkness. Would that we had laid down our arms and allowed the Mu to slay us each and every one instead! The spirits of my people now reside in these ruins awaiting the day where they can live again though the demonic magic of the spirit thorns. Only a very few of us realize that this cannot be allowed to happen.
For a bit the soul of Talaria fell silent, as if carefully choosing her next words. Then she spoke.
You are a descendant of the Mu, and the blood of your Mu ancestors is very strong in you. However, you are also descended from my people as well. It is your destiny to take up arms in this ancient fight, and to be the salvation of the Orenbegans even if they do not ask for it. This is what I have foreseen. The danger to you is very great because the Orenbegans now know of your power and will stop at nothing to possess both it and you.
As much as Ariana wanted to deny Talarias words, in her heart she knew them to be true. As foretold by her dreams, the psychic knew that her world as she had known it was about to change forever, and that a new existence loomed in the future. What awaited her was a life of trials and hardships abounding in strife, but also hopefully a life inspired with meaning and purpose the life if a true hero. Sensing her acceptance, Talaria continued.
I will give you what tools I can to aid you in your struggles. The spiral glyph on your chest is one such tool. It was my symbol when I was alive. It will help you focus your power, especially in the beginning as you are learning how to use it.
Ariana lifted her shirt and inspected the glyph more closely. It glowed faintly, and the psychic realized that staring at it long enough the viewer would get a sense that the glyph was slowly moving in a spiral pattern inward toward the center.
Now, look for a chest bound in gold and covered in runes.
Ariana tore her eyes from the glowing spiral glyph on her chest and looked around the room. After a short time she found what she was looking for. A chest like the one Talaria described sat undisturbed near one of the collapsed worktables. Unlike the rest of the room, the chest was free of the dust that cloaked everything else. Carved runes on the chest faintly glowed, and the gold bands holding the chest together sparkled.
It will open only to you, Ariana. It has been waiting here for you through the ages.
Ariana touched the chest. The runes flared briefly, and faded to nothing as the spells protecting the chest faded. Looking inside, Ariana saw several items an ornate dark wand, a golden tiara set with a single amethyst, a belt made what appeared to be the same gold metal as the tiara, two books, a scroll, and some small leather bags.
Take up the belt first.
Ariana did as she was told and pulled out the belt. Crafted with small intricately linked squares of solid gold, the center of the belt had what appeared to be an empty setting for a stone the same size as the soul stone which imprisoned the long-dead mage.
This is a belt I crafted for you when I yet lived. A hint of pride. My husband spoke truly I was indeed a powerful psychic in my day, and extremely skilled in the mystic arts. Lucion was always a bit jealous! Shortly before we brought our doom upon ourselves, I had seen glimpses of its coming. In my visions, I saw you as you are today, right here. There was much I did not understand at the time about what was to come, but I did know that the power of our Mu enemies your power would be the key to unraveling the curse that was to claim my people and enslave our souls.
Ariana paused for a moment then thought, Was it you that saved me back there?
No, that was your own untapped power, Ariana. You used your power to overcome Lucion and his followers while I was trapped in my stone. It was your strength that saved you.
Why did it happen then? Ariana asked.
That I cannot answer, child. It may have been that your fear helped you access your power in such an uncontrolled fashion. Or for all we know, somewhere in the world a mad scientist could have been tampering with the delicate weave that connects all things, which in turn awakened your power. Whatever the case, know that all things happen for a reason, they happen when they are supposed to happen, and sometimes, the gods may not even know the workings of fate and destiny. Now, as you may have surmised, this belt will hold my soul stone. Place the stone in the setting on the belt, and put the belt around your waist.
When Ariana touched the stone to the belt, it briefly glowed more brightly, and then melded into the belt. She put the belt around her waist. It fit perfectly.
Even after my soul is freed from this soul stone, it will still be a powerful artifact. In time you will come to know how it can be used. For now, understand that it will be used to store some of the items in the trunk until you need them. To retrieve what is stored in the stone, simply envision the item you know is held in the stone and will it to come to you. You will learn later how to store items in the stone. Now, take out the wand.
Ariana reached into the chest again and pulled out the wand. It was cold to the touch.
This is my Blackwand, a weapon I crafted when I still walked the land of the living. It is a formidable weapon that channels the power of the Netherworld against your foes. It is bound to you through the glyph on your chest and will respond only to your will. I will store it in the soul stone for you. Now, the tiara.
The Blackwand disappeared from Arianas grasp, and she reached into the chest and pulled out the tiara. It was exquisite. The amethyst that adorned it was faceted with an experts touch. Holding the tiara conjured up feelings of joy and happiness, and the psychic knew she was feeling emotions once felt by Talaria in days long gone.
This tiara was my husbands wedding gift to me. Among other things, it offers some protection against attacks of a psychic nature. Put it on and we will continue.
Ariana placed the tiara on her head. Feeling just a bit silly, she regarded herself in the cracked silver mirror. I look like the winner of a beauty pagent! she thought.
With a touch of asperity Talaria thought back, At least you look like a winner! Now, in the leather bags you will find some precious gems. You will need funds to stay ahead of the Orenbegans and ultimately free them. Trade them for the currency of your day. Get the bags and then take the book.
Ariana reached in and touched the bags, and each one disappeared, taken into the soul stone by Talaria. She then reached down and picked up the first book on the stack. It was bound in dark blue leather and adorned with intricate silver runes.
This is one of my spell books. It contains some of the spells I found most useful.
Ariana regarded the book and thought, But Im not a mage.
Not yet, but you will be! Now, of note is a spell which creates a mystic axe formed of pure divine power. This weapon is particularly effective against ghosts and undead. Orenbegans especially hate that spell now! Was that a chuckle? It will take time for you to master what you will find in there, but there are those in the world that will be able to help you. Now, get the last book.
Ariana reached in and pulled out the other book. Smaller than the first and plainly bound, at once Ariana sensed strong feelings associated with it.
This is my journal. Any being hates to think that after he or she is gone, nothing of them will remain behind. A spell from the spell book will allow you to read the dead language of my people and see the world as it once was. The experiences I had and the knowledge I once learned in life will now be yours. For example, you will learn how I discovered my own psychic abilities, and how I learned to use them. This should help you master your own psychic powers. You will learn more things about soul stones such as how to store things in the stone and and how to free my soul when it is time. And you will discover much about your Mu and Orenbegan ancestors that the world has long forgotten. May the wisdoms I gained while living my life help to enrich yours, dear Ariana.
Ariana looked into the chest. All that remained was the scroll. Ariana reached for it, but Talaria spoke again.
Leave the scroll. It is for my husband one last attempt to make him see reason and help our people without the need for violence. Now it is time for us to leave. I will use the last of my stored power to send you to safety and mask our actions from my people. It will be some time before I have the strength to speak again. Once you are free from Orenbega find the mystic called Azuria. She will offer you protection and guidance. As soon as I am able, I will speak with you again. And when you have the knowledge and the power, I will ask you to free my soul.
Wait. I dont know what to say, Ariana murmered. Your help, these gifts they are priceless. How can ever thank you and repay you?
By freeing my people. Remember us as we once were. Share what knowledge you deem is safe to share, and keep secret that which you judge should best remain untold. Safeguard your people from the mistakes we made, and keep them from ever succumbing to a fate similar to ours through pride and folly.
I will do my best, Ariana vowed.
I know you will. Remember, I have foreseen it. Now hold on, and get ready for the ride of your life!
One journey ends, and another begins .