Desert Voyage by Dark Just Fell

As Keladryn eventually opened his eyes, he found himself in the vast, desolate beauty of the Spire Sands, located within the Dune of Serakar. The scorching sun beat down mercilessly, but he felt invigorated, almost reborn. Confusion washed over him as he tried to piece together how he had arrived in this strange landscape. Gone were his familiar armor and weapons; instead, he wore a simple yet practical desert outfit, the fabric light and breathable against the oppressive heat. The only thing that remained constant was the sand charm, nestled against his chest and pulsating with a soft, warm glow.

Looking around, he found himself surrounded by a seemingly endless sea of dunes, their undulating forms shifting in the breeze like waves frozen in time. The air was thick with the scent of sun-baked earth, and the horizon shimmered like a mirage. Disoriented, he squinted into the distance, where the sharp spikes of the Spire Sea rose abruptly from the ground, creating a jagged skyline that seemed to beckon him forward. An inexplicable urge surged within him, a call from the desert that drew him toward a specific point on the horizon. Without fully understanding why, he began to walk, the sand shifting beneath his feet as he ventured deeper into this arid realm.

After what felt like miles of trudging through the golden sands, Keladryn reached a towering dune, its peak calling to him like a beacon. He climbed with determination, each step becoming easier as he felt the pull of something significant waiting for him at the top. As he finally crested the dune, a stunning sight met his eyes: a large, strange boat, its sails billowing high above, stark against the barren backdrop of the desert. The vessel seemed out of place, a relic of the sea stranded amid the sand, and yet it radiated a sense of purpose.

An irresistible urge surged through him, compelling him to approach the boat. As he stepped onto the deck and neared the command wheel, a familiar presence emerged from the swirling sands: Cannabrix, the Green Sage. Though a hint of fear crept into Keladryn’s heart, he found reassurance in the sage's calm demeanor. Cannabrix's emerald scales shimmered in the desert light as he spoke, his voice a soothing balm to Keladryn's anxiety. "You are safe here, my young warrior. I have felt the presence of you and your companions, and I have come to offer my guidance in your quest."

The sage explained that the sacred smoke that had enveloped their camp was a gift meant to enhance their visions, helping them find clarity in their paths ahead. Cannabrix's eyes glimmered with ancient wisdom as he shifted the conversation to the sand charm given to Keladryn. With a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, Keladryn began to describe the charm's capabilities and the frustration that had plagued him since receiving it. He shared how he had struggled to understand its power, feeling somewhat envious of his companions who appeared to have received more straightforward gifts.

With a knowing nod, Cannabrix explained the origin of the charm and its latent potential. "This charm is imbued with ancient magic, crafted by the Lumindors themselves. It allows its wielder to control the sands, bending them to their will. But heed my words: true mastery comes from within. You must find your inner strength and focus it to unlock the charm's full potential."

As Cannabrix's form began to dissolve into a swirling mist, he urged Keladryn to seek that strength within himself. "Embrace the call of the desert and remember who you are." he intoned, his voice growing fainter. “ Let it guide your hands.” were his final words before he vanished entirely, leaving Keladryn alone on the deck of the boat, the desert stretching infinitely around him.

With determination igniting his spirit, Keladryn closed his eyes and took a deep breath, channeling his energy into the charm. As he focused, he felt a warm current flow through him, connecting him to the sands beneath his feet. Slowly, he began to visualize the grains of sand moving at his command. To his amazement, the sands began to shift, rising and swirling into a dance of his own making. With practice, he learned to levitate the sand and direct its movement with precision.

Overjoyed by his newfound control, Keladryn set about steering the boat using the sands. With the winds of the desert in his favor and his charm guiding him, he maneuvered the vessel effortlessly across the Spire Sea, the golden sands swirling in intricate patterns around him. His heart raced with exhilaration as he navigated the desert expanse, feeling a profound sense of achievement. The sun began to set, casting a brilliant glow over the dunes, and he felt as though he were flying, the boundaries of his reality expanding with every wave of sand he commanded.

As he approached Sunridge, the capital city of Suncrown, a radiant light began to emanate from the city, growing brighter until it enveloped him completely, blinding him with its brilliance. The light was overwhelming, and before he could grasp what was happening, it swallowed him whole.

In an instant, Keladryn jolted awake, finding himself back in the settlement where his comrades were stirring from their dreams. As he blinked against the fading remnants of his vision, he saw some of his companions awakening around him, their faces filled with the same wonder he felt. Moments later, Maevyn returned from his own search for food, animatedly recounting the dreams and visions bestowed upon them by Cannabrix.

As the Order of Eldoria gathered to share their experiences, they realized that the Green Sage had indeed gifted them each with valuable insights to aid their quest. With the dawn of a new day breaking over the horizon, the heroes prepared to continue their adventure toward Yolm, knowing that the Faeloria gate awaited them just beyond the dense and daunting Thorn Forest.

19-04-24 - 2 Jam Improv

Improv//Jam Band from Longueuil, QC