Zeroth Velkyrr The Hill Dwarf

The New Alliance

A couple of days passed since the shared dream that left Zeroth and his companions with more questions than answers. The looming presence of the Godswar had cast a shadow over their routine, turning their training sessions into critical preparation for the unknown challenges ahead. Zeroth, finding solace in the early morning peace, was alone in the training room, practicing with his axe, which seemed to grow increasingly restless, flames licking its edges with an intensity that mirrored his determination. The peace was abruptly shattered when Ardric burst into the room, his usual calm demeanor replaced by an urgency that immediately caught Zeroth's attention. Tingle, Varic, and Thalamar were right on his heels, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Zeroth halted his practice, the flames on his axe dimming as he turned to face them. "What's going on?" he asked, sensing the gravity of the situation. Ardric took a moment to catch his breath before speaking. "Someone named Mira contacted me in a dream. She's a cleric, a champion like us, representing her deity Cerebrus. She suggested we meet up in Alderbrook for a potential alliance," Ardric explained, his words a mix of skepticism and hope. Zeroth's grip on his axe tightened, the idea of establishing alliances with other champions sparking a strategic interest. "An alliance could be beneficial, given what we're up against. But can we trust her? Contacting through a dream seems... unconventional."
Thalamar stepped forward, adjusting his robes. "Mira's deity, Cerebrus, is known for their dominion over minds and secrets. It's not surprising she would use a dream to reach out. While we must proceed with caution, this could be an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our position before the Godswar truly begins." Varic, ever the skeptic, crossed his arms. "I agree with Thalamar. Caution is key, but we shouldn't dismiss this outright. Her telepathic abilities alone could offer us a strategic advantage. And if she's seeking an alliance, it means she's also looking for ways to navigate the Godswar successfully." Tingle, buzzing with his usual energy, nodded enthusiastically. "Tingle thinks meeting could be exciting! New friends, new magic, and maybe new gadgets to discover!" His optimism, as always, brought a lighter mood to the conversation. Zeroth considered their points, weighing the potential risks against the benefits. "Alright, we'll meet with Mira in Alderbrook. But we stay vigilant, prepared for any trickery. Ardric, can you respond to her? Let her know we'll accept her invitation." Ardric nodded, a determined glint in his eye. "I'll try and reach out to her through prayer. If it works, I'll let her know we're interested in meeting."
As the group dispersed to continue their preparations, the thought of allying with Mira and possibly other champions brought a new dimension to their strategy. Zeroth felt the weight of leadership on his shoulders, knowing that every decision from here on out could tip the scales in the Godswar. Zeroth rolled his shoulders as he faced Thalamar's training dummies once again, his axe igniting with its usual flames that trailed up his arms. "Let's work through some of this stress." Zeroth thought to himself as he began to spar with the dummy once more. Later, as Zeroth sighed and dabbed at the sweat pooling on his neck and face, he saw Tingle lead Ardric and Varic back into the training room, waving at Zeroth as they entered. "Zeroth! Tingle has gotten the airship ready for our flight to Alderbrook. Usually, it'd take us two days but with Tingle's airship, we can get there in almost a day." Varic, nodding in agreement, said, "And while we were preparing, you were here getting sweaty with Thalamar's training dummies." Zeroth shook his head and chuckled. "Yeah, I'll go get cleaned up and get my things together. I'll meet y'all on the ship in half an hour at most." Zeroth gave his companions a quick nod and made his way out of the training room, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming journey and the potential alliance with Mira. As he prepared himself for the trip, the excitement of riding Tingle's airship again mixed with a sense of urgency over their mission.
Back in the training room, Tingle was practically bouncing on his heels, eager to show off the improvements he'd made to the airship. "You won't believe how much smoother the ride is now! Tingle has outdone himself, if I do say so," he boasted, his enthusiasm infectious. Ardric smiled, appreciating Tingle's genius and the advantage their swift transportation provided. "This will give us more time to prepare for our meeting with Mira. It's crucial we present a united front and understand her intentions." Varic, while still wary of the quick ascent into the skies, acknowledged the strategic benefit. "As long as it gets us there without turning my stomach inside out, I'm all for it." The group gathered their gear and made their way to the airship. As they ascended into the night sky, the landscape below swiftly transformed into a tapestry of shadows and moonlit vistas. The journey through the night was smoother, as Tingle promised, and the companions found themselves marveling at the speed and efficiency of their travel.
Arriving in Alderbrook by the afternoon, the group was greeted by the familiar bustle of the town. The sight of the Silvercrest mountains in the distance, with Luminara's temple still fresh in their minds, served as a reminder of the divine stakes they were playing for. That morning, Ardric shared news of Mira's latest communication. "She reached out to me again last night, confirming she'll be at Elara's shop. It seems she's as eager for this meeting as we are." The group shared a look of determination, understanding the significance of the upcoming encounter. Zeroth, feeling a sense of leadership, addressed his friends, "Let's make sure we're prepared for anything. Mira might be an ally, but we need to stay alert. We'll head to Elara's shop and see what this alliance might hold for us." As they made their way through Alderbrook towards Elara's shop, each member was lost in their thoughts, pondering the possibilities that lay ahead. The meeting with Mira would not only test their diplomatic skills but also shape the path they would take in the Godswar. The group found Elara's shop easily and Zeroth led everyone in with a quick knock before he entered. Zeroth heard Elara's unique voice inquiring from behind the counter as they entered. "Zeroth? Is that you?"
"It's all of us, Elara. How's it been?" Zeroth asked as he led his companions into the cozy shop. Elara raised a brow and responded, "Better than you lot, I'd suppose. You know, with the Godswar and all." "Oh," Varic interjected, "so you know about that already? I'm assuming there's a connection with you and this Mira we're supposed to meet?" Elara motioned the group to a room connected to the rear of her shop and said, "She's right in there and she has friends. She used to come into my shop all the time but as kind as she is, watch what you think around her, she reads minds on occasion now." Zeroth gulped and nodded in thanks as he walked into the room, Tingle, Ardric, and Varic in tow. As Zeroth and his companions entered the room, a palpable tension filled the air, mingled with a sense of anticipation. The room seemed small to Zeroth with so many individuals now inside. Mira was the first to greet them, standing with a grace that belied her powerful telepathic abilities. "Welcome," she began, her voice calm and serene, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts she navigated effortlessly. Zeroth noticed her long white hair framed her face like a silken cascade, and her emerald green eyes shimmered with an ethereal light. Dressed in light green robes that seemed to blend with the natural magic she commanded, she exuded a tranquility that immediately put the room at ease.