Legends of Belariath
Felicia Faerune
Helping the Moon
The depth of night is slowly receding before the onslaught of the coming sun. Its rays pushing back the inky blackness shrouding the country side. A small yawn is heard as the light creeps over a sleeping face. Mumbling about wanting more sleep the body under the covers rolls over to keep the sun out of her eyes. As the beams of the sun slowly continue their relentless journey casting more and more of there light into the room through the open window the sleeping cat woman is forced to get out of bed.
Standing up her blue hair cascades down her back, her sapphire eyes sparkling like crystals cut from the purest mines in Belariath. Her skin a fair tan color that looks to be as soft as velvet to the touch. Her large, pert, voluptuous breasts topped by fawn colored nipples that are very sensitive to the touch. Though there is not much fur on her body the fur that she does have she takes very good care of, grooming it and making sure that it is free from any tangles of knots. Her muscles rippling under her skin like liquid metal, as she stands up next to the bed. Stretching her arms and legs she groggily moves towards the large wardrobe containing the clothes that belong to her and Braids. Sighing sadly as she looks down at the ground worried about where Braids is. 'Why does she never leave notes?' she thinks to herself as she slips into the black leather body suit that she found in her father's castle. Pulling her armor over her head and strapping her sword around her waist she sticks her dagger in the belt as she flings her crossbow and pack over her shoulder. Walking quietly down stairs she makes sure that her armor doesn't clink with each step. Thankfully the leather muffled any of the sounds that her chain mail would have made. Making her way to the kitchen the tall cat woman quickly assembled all the necessary items that she would need for a journey. Packing it all into her pack she took out a piece of parchment and a quill and ink. Setting the quill to paper she quickly began to write. 'To Lemina, Miyuka, Kosceve, and Braids. I am sorry but there is something that I need to do alone. I am sure that you have heard me wake up in the night at times screaming. Well I have been having visions and I know what I must do to make them stop. Braids, my love, I know that you are not here right now but I'm sure that one of our slaves will give you this letter if you get back before me. I am terribly sorry that I must leave, but don't worry when I come back I will be able to help you Braids in your role as the Pale Moon Champion. My eternal love to all of you, Felicia.'
Rolling back up the parchment she sets it on the kitchen table so that some one would see it. Opening the door to the cabin slowly she slipped out into the dawning light of morning before closing the door behind her with a small click as the lock slid into place. Sighing the beautiful cat woman brakes into a run towards the line of trees on the edge of the clearing that the house stood in, heading north. Springing into the trees she lithely jumps from branch to branch her muscles coiling and then uncoiling as she lands and then flings herself towards the next branch.
After only about two hours of traveling Felicia smiles as she sees the line of mountains loom over her. Jumping on the ground and landing with only the smallest of sounds she gives a smirk as she sees the ring of stones that she made a few weeks ago still intact, since anyone rarely comes up this close to the mountains. Sitting down before the ring of stones she quickly and quietly has a peaceful breakfast before jumping back into the trees heading to the very base of the mountains.
As she travels towards the mountains she begins to think back over the events of the past couple of weeks. The dreams that have been coming to her for the past few weeks, how they would every so often get clearer and clearer until last night when she finally saw the meaning of them. The dreams were to tell her that she was the chosen one to help the Pale Moon Champion and that she would need to come to Moravia and pass a set of trials to prove that she was the chosen one. By noon she had reached the pass between the two largest mountains. Sitting down to rest and have a few strips of salted meat, she spots a small caravan farther up the road already moving through the pass. Smiling she quickly puts her food back into the pack before running after the caravan. Ducking behind bushes every so often, to make sure that she is not seen she closes her eyes and makes the leather body suit flow up over her head and become a facemask. As she slowly makes her way up to the caravan and grins when she sees that the lead cart has a broken wheel. Thinking to herself 'This is my chance' the cunning cat woman quickly works her way up to the rear wagon and takes a peek under the cloth. Frowning as she sees that the caravan is only carrying kegs of ale she slowly puts the cloth back down before slipping away from the convoy and continuing on her journey.
Slowing her pace as night approaches she waits for a while as her eyes adjust to the deepening darkness. As her vision becomes acute again she bounds down the path not wanting to be found by any of the creatures that stalk the pass at night. As the full moon rises she ducks into a small cave in the side of the path. Knowing its probably not the smartest thing to do she knows that its better than sleeping out in the open under a full moon. Unrolling her sleeping pallet Felicia gives a sigh of both longing and sorrow. Remembering that the last time she went on a trip she had to face many hardships to attain her goal. But no matter how elusive it proved to be she knew deep within her self that she must complete her journey, no matter what.
Lying down on the pallet after having a measly dinner of bread, cheese, and some more salted meat Felicia drifts into a deep yet troubled sleep. She was dreaming that there were many cackling voices all around her wondering what the best way to rape her was. She was screaming as loud as she could in her mind but her body wouldn't wake up. As the voices began to get closer she flings herself bolt upright, waking up from the dream. The only problem is that she is face to face with about twenty goblins all standing around her leering happily. As she reaches for her sword she finds that the goblins had already taken it off while she slept. Snarling at them and standing up to her full height she stands nearly two feet taller than the biggest of the stinky creatures. Snarling again as they stand around her still grinning she finally notices that all of them are armed and armored quite well for a ragtag group of goblins. As she contemplates where they got their gear one of the smaller goblins near the back of the cave whispers to another goblin with a large ornamental helm. Realizing that he is the leader she tries to listen to the conversation but unfortunately they weren't speaking common. Nodding in satisfaction the leader barks off some orders that the goblins follow with astonishing speed. Prodded forward by the sharp swords Felicia growls as she is pushed forward farther into the cave, the goblin's not even bothering to tie her up. Nearing the back of the cave Felicia sees light around the next corner. As they get closer to the light her eyes slowly adjust till she can see that the goblins have lead her to an immense cavern lit by a giant fire in the center which almost three hundred goblins are sitting around. As she looks around at all the goblins the blue eyed cat woman is startled as she ears a fantastic roar from the back of the hall passed a closed curtain, the sound followed quickly by another one. Looking around she sees all the goblins chattering excitedly in their guttural language a feral look in their eyes. Turning back to look at the curtains she sees them fly aside as a barely breathing body of a woman is carried out by two goblin shamans. As another roar echo's through the cavern the goblins around Felicia begin shoving her towards the curtains at the end of the hall. As they stand right before the curtains all of the goblins that were around her disperse leaving only the three carrying her weapons and armor. Flinging open the curtains the largest minotaur she has ever seen steps out from behind the curtain. Looking down at Felicia he bellows in common 'IS THIS CAT SLUT ALL YOU COULD FIND FOR ME YOU WORTHLESS WRETCHES?' Muttering as the goblins cower in fright the sixteen foot tall minotaur picks up Felicia and brings her back behind the curtains, the goblins carrying her weapons and armor quickly deposit her belongings inside of the antechamber. Looking around as she is held another minotaur appears in her field of vision, just as large as the first. 'Well it looks like all we get is a cat whore, she'll probably be so loose we can both fit in her cunt at once without making her feel a thing.' The first minotaur said as the other one chortled with laughter 'But it doesn't matter were going to fuck you till you die you nasty slut!' said the second minotaur. As the two minotaurs throw off their loincloths Felicia feels her mouth water as she sees the immense size of their cocks. Besides being the largest minotaurs she has ever seen they also seemed to posses abnormally long and thick members even by minotaur standards. Setting her down in a large chair Felicia smiles happily as her cunt begins to get wetter and wetter. Closing her eyes for a moment the black leather body suit slowly flows across her body till it is nothing more than a thin belt at her waist. Her breasts free of the tight leather prison at last bounce for a moment before returning to their perfect orb shape. 'Mmmmmm you both look so biiiiiiig!' says Felicia practically moaning out the last part. ' 'Please fuck my tight cunt and ass at the same time!' she screams her body quivering with lust as she spreads her legs wide apart so that the two minotaurs can see how tight she is. Shocked at how willing, wet, and tight she is the minotaurs just stand there for a minute dumbfounded as their cocks turn hard as stone. It was Felicia's turn to be shocked now as she stares at the massive size the members have become, fully two feet long and a foot around, she could feel that she was going to love getting taken in both holes by those giant dicks. 'Oh please hurry and fuck me now I'm so horny I want it so bad, I want to be filled with your cocks till I burst!' she yells frantically her arousal increasing by the second. Not needing to be asked twice the first minotaur quickly picks up her nubile body underneath her arms and thrusts his giant member into her twat all the way up to the hilt, ramming into her womb. As she looked down she could see his cock distending her abdomen, as the second minotaur rammed into her tight ass with not a single drop of lubrication. As her body just begins to register the pain searing in her ass and cunt, her body shudders in pleasure and pain as the biggest orgasm she has ever had rips through her body. Lips curling back as they snarl the minotaurs begin to pound into her with a one-two motion back and forth, as one pounds in the other pulls out, making the moaning cat woman scream in pleasure. Having never been taken by cocks this big before she never knew how heavenly it felt until now, her cunt soaked with her sweet nectar the juices dripping down onto the cocks of both the minotaurs, her nipples aching painfully to be pulled on and abused. Knowing that the goblins actually got them a good toy this time the minotaurs, begin to slam into her throbbing holes even faster as the first one grabs her breasts roughly and gives her nipples a harsh pull almost feeling like they would be ripped from her breasts. Eyes glazing over in ecstasy, her second orgasm slams through her body making her writhe in their powerful grips. The muscles of her cunt and ass jerking and spasming around the monster members of the minotaurs, milking them for their cum that she so desperately craves. Her nipples getting even harder from the assault on her breasts. Grunting lowly the minotaurs cocks stiffen before shooting hot creamy spunk deeply into her body, more than she has ever had filling her orifices. Not caring if they've already cum once the minotaurs continue to thrust into her already stretched cunt in ass. Screaming in delight as the cum shoots deep into her body, the horny cat girl loves that their still going even if they may fuck her to death, at the moment she didn't care what they did to her just as long as they didn't stop. As her body soars higher into the rush of pleasure she forgets all traces of everything else as her slutty side is in complete control now. Pounding her self downwards to meet the giant members stretching her wider than she has been Felicia begins to cum again, and again, and again. Her cunt constantly flowing with juices, coating the minotaurs cocks in her sweet fluid. Howling as her body clenches around their cocks the minotaurs groan and spray their jets of jism deep into her holes before all three of them collapse onto the ground exhausted. The cocks of the minotaur's slowly returning to their normal size but staying still inside of her body.
For five days the three of them fucked almost ceaselessly although the minotaurs were wanting to rape her the horny cat woman made it very difficult as she really wanted to be fucked hard and taken roughly. Of course the minotaurs were more than happy to oblige. On the sixth night Felicia quietly got up from pretending to be sleeping and quickly put her weapons and armor before leaving a little note behind telling the minotaurs where they could find her if they ever wanted to fuck her some more. Slipping out of the cave the quite sated Felicia continues on her journey north toward Moravia.
Clearing the pass by morning she smiles as she sees a group of trees growing close together. Running towards them the elated Felicia hops up into the lowest branch of a large pine tree. Climbing higher she slowly looks around as she reaches the top branch. To the north she sees a small clearing about a hundred leagues or so away. Smiling she knows that will be her next real stop on her trip. Jumping down to a lower branch she starts to jump from tree to tree her limber body catching on to each branch in turn before releasing it and sailing through the air to the next branch.
After two days of uneventful traveling a tired Felicia slumps into an inn called 'The Drunken Horse' sitting down tiredly at a table she quickly hails down a bar wench and get an order of ale and a room. Lying back in her chair against the wall she closes her eyes for a moment before her ale and the key to her room is brought to her. Opening her eyes and leaning up as she hears some one approaching. Grinning as she gets a good look at the bar wench she lets her eyes roam over her supple form admiring her curves. As the woman sits Felicia's drink down on the table, the naughty cat woman gives the wench's cunt a squeeze. Looking up she sees a smile on the woman's face as she mouth's 'I'll come to your room later' Grinning happily Felicia quickly downs her ale before running upstairs to her room.
Waiting for a few hours the aroused cat woman takes the edge off of waiting by absentmindedly stroking her cunt and breasts. A little after midnight the door opens and the lovely bar wench saunters into the room. Grinning as she gets up and out of bed, making her way slowly towards the other woman her hips swaying seductively as her nipples harden faster and faster. Grabbing the server and pulling her up close she presses her lips forcefully against the waitress's, Felicia's tongue slipping into her mouth. Surprisingly the woman is very responsive as she tries to rip off her serving uniform as if she is just as desperate for another woman as Felicia is. Chuckling Felicia extends her sharp nails and gladly obliging, cuts the dress clean off. As the woman's shapely body comes into full view Felicia steps back to gaze over her prize of the evening, licking her lips as she notices how damp the woman's crotch is. 'And what is your name, sweet one?' says Felicia with a sultry tone in her voice. ' 'Marien' says the barmaid before she clasps her lips onto Felicia's and jabs her tongue into the cat woman's mouth, her body quivering with want. Smiling inwardly to herself Felicia gladly wraps her arms around the shorter woman and returns the kiss with a fiery passion that burns through her body. Making their way slowly to the bed, Felicia gently pushes Marien down on top of it 'Spread your legs so that I may taste you.' Says Felicia in a perfectly calm voice, not betraying her inner wants and needs. Nodding happily Marien quickly strokes her hands up and down her thighs before spreading her legs and giving Felicia a perfect view of her secret place. Licking her lips the aroused cat woman happily sets to work her rough tongue slowly licking across Marien's thighs, only barely touching her outer sex lips before lifting her head and proceeding down the other leg. Groaning with lust as she is teased Marien's breathing becomes deeper as she gently tweaks her hardened nipples. 'Enough with teasing' Thinks Felicia as the scent of Marien's cunt draws her too it. Setting the bottom of her tongue on the outside of her sex the experienced cat woman slowly pushes her tongue into Marien's body. As the tongue enters her body Marien gives a sharp pull on her nipples, causing the twin peaks to go red in protest to the harsh treatment. Pulling out suddenly Felicia looks down in bewilderment. Regaining her senses she looks to Marien's face and locks eyes with her as she had been looking at the cat woman since she stopped. 'You're a virgin?' asks Felicia in a voice filled with hope and longing. Marien only gives a little nod as she lowers her eyes 'if you don't want me I'll leave.' She says in a timid soft voice that would melt the coldest barbarian's heart. Felicia can feel her own heart melt in sympathy'well maybe not in sympathy but a greatly renewed lust at least. 'Oh no don't leave, begin a virgin makes me want you all the more.' Says Felicia as she grabs Marien and pushes her back down on the bed, her hair hanging down from her head to tickle Marien's nose before she kisses her much deeper than last time.
Grateful the shaking human clasps her arms around Felicia's back as she holds her on kissing Felicia back with a ferocity the cat woman had only seen in one other person. As their nipples press together Felicia lets one of her hands trail down Marien's stomach toward the place where her heat is coming from as the other holds them tightly together. Beginning to moan again Marien slowly goes limp in the cat woman's arms as she opens herself fully to Felicia, her nipples hard as stones as the teats rub against each other. Grinning as she puts one finger into Marien's dripping snatch she slowly begins to insert a second finger only to find she can't because of how tight Marien is. Shivering as their nipples press together, Marien opens her legs as wide as she can to let the fingers in but winces as Felicia tries to put a second finger in. Smiling as she breaks the kiss Felicia gently gives each of Marien's nipples a slow suckle before proceeding down to her pussy. Leaning in she closes her eyes as she breaths in her scent, the smell intoxicatingly beautiful causing the cat woman to loose all semblance of control that she had left. All of a sudden she starts to pump her finger into Marien's cunt as fast as she can, her tongue flicking over her clit. Groaning in pleasure as her cunt ripples around the cat woman's fingers Marien gently strokes her hardened nipples as she gasps I pleasure at the rough tongue running over her clit.
Kneeling between her legs Felicia closes her eyes for a moment as her clit begins to throb before growing to become a very thick eight inch cock. Looking down at Marien with a grin as she rubs the head of her cock against her twat. 'I think your wet enough for your first time, don't worry I'll take it slow.' She says with an evil smirk on her face. As Marien's eyes go wide at the size of Felicia's member she lays back hearing Felicia's calming tone of voice but not seeing her evil grin. Spreading her legs as wide as they will go, the horny cat woman pounds her meat all the way into the virgin's love tunnel. Looking down at her cunt it takes a moment before Marien realizes what has happened, but as pain floods her brain she throws her head back in a scream as she tries to push Felicia away. Sneering down at the woman under her Felicia easily holds her in place as she pulls out and slams her prick deep into the virgin cunt, tearing her hymen open as the tight channel squeezes her cock. 'Oooohhhh, so tight I love taking virgins!' says Felicia as she pounds into Marien's cunt. Thrashing about underneath the cat woman Marien feels her body becoming accustomed to the girth of Felicia's member. As she starts to enjoy it more and more Marien's twat explodes with the force of her orgasm, her juices gushing all over the bed. Grunting with each thrust as their hips pound together, Felicia feels her own orgasm fast approaching the tight pussy milking her large member.
Moaning constantly under the assault of her once virgin cunt by the cat girl, Marien bangs her hips up to meet the thrusts of the rampant Felicia. Eyes rolling back a bit as she is overcome by the pleasure of taking this woman's virginity, the cat woman gives one more final thrust the head of her cock ramming into her womb as great thick ropes of cum shoot into her hot center. Screaming in ecstasy as Felicia fills her womb with cum another orgasm much larger than the first washes over the nearly unconscious bar wench. Giving Marien a few final thrusts before pulling out the still ready cat woman frowns as she sees that Marien has fallen asleep. Sighing she closes her eyes and lets the member become her clit once again before she kneels between Marien's legs and licks her love tunnel clean of all their juices. Drawing the blankets over the two of them Felicia snuffs the candle before falling asleep.
Waking up early the next morning Felicia leaves ten meherials for the woman who gave her such a good time last night. Softly padding down the stairs after putting on her gear. Eating a hearty and surprisingly good breakfast from the kitchen Felicia sets out on her way once again, still heading to the north. Traveling for two more days the anxious cat woman starts to get bored, having been traveling through the same type of terrain now for a while. Sighing as she jumps down from the trees and onto firm ground Felicia sets about looking for fire wood wondering how much longer it will be before she reaches Moravia. Cocking her head as her ears perk up on the top of her head, straining to hear another one of the noises that she thought she heard she grips her sword and jumps to the side just in time to smash and arrow from the air. Twirling around as another arrow streaks towards her. Ducking just in time as the arrow sails over her head the cat girl plunges her blade into the forest far enough to reach just before one of her attacker's necks.
'Don't move!' She snarls 'Come out nice and easy so that I can see who you are!' yells Felicia as she strains her ears to listen for any other sounds. Felicia's eyes widen in shock, as she sees not a small goblin as she expected but a quite lovely Dark Elf. Giving Felicia a snide smirk the dark elf turns and says something in a low whisper to someone behind her. As Felicia's eyes dart from side to side she sees nine more dark elves step out from the trees around them. Smiling at Felicia the dark elf leader speaks in common 'Who are you that dares to trespass in the land of Moravia?' It was Felicia's turn to smile now as she spoke not in common as the dark elf most likely thought she would, but in the language of the dark elves. 'I am Felicia Faerune daughter of the first Pale Moon Champion and betrothed to the current Pale Moon Champion.' Eyes widening in surprise the dark elves grip their swords tighter wary of this strange cat person who could speak their language. 'And what is your business here in Moravia?' Asked the first elf this time in their language. 'I come seeking the rues.' Felicia says bluntly 'I am the one who will help the Pale Moon Champion rise to her full power!' 'And what proof do you have of your heritage?' said the first dark elf. 'I have my father's sword.' Says Felicia turning it around so the hilt faced towards the female dark elf. 'Take a look for yourself.' Grabbing the hilt of the sword the dark elven female brings the jet-black blade up to her face as she inspects it. Shaking her head in disbelief she hands the sword back to Felicia 'That is the sword of the original Pale Moon Champion.' She says with a bowed head 'Come this way Miss Faerune, we will take you to the castle where the runes are kept.' Smiling Felicia accepts her sword before sheathing it in a fluid motion and following the first dark elf.
Walking for another four hours the party reaches a small stone house sitting in the middle of the clearing. 'That's the castle?' Felicia says with a scoff 'No this is not the castle, merely the way to it.' Says the female dark elf. Knocking on the door in a rhythmic pattern it swings open after the last tap on its worn surface with a protesting creak. Following them into the hut the door slams shut behind them with a bang as a series of intricate looking locks slide into the stone walls on all sides. As the last lock slides into place the floor begins to rumble as a large staircase appears in the middle of the floor leading down into a black tunnel. 'Are we actually going down that thing?' asks Felicia incredulously. Nodding the dark elves begin to descend the stairs rapidly, not waiting for Felicia. Sighing the confused cat woman matches pace with them and follows them down into the deep darkness.
As her eyes adjust to the dark she sees a small pinprick of light about five hundred feet away down the perfectly straight tunnel. As they walk down the tunnel to the light at the end the dark elf in the lead makes a sharp turn to the right. Wondering why they aren't going down towards the light she decides to not ask any questions and just follow them wherever they are leading her. Walking for another thirty minutes the eleven people come to a narrow winding stairs case that descends into inky blackness. Gulping Felicia follows the dark elves down the stairs lower and lower.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs Felicia gives a gasp of astonishment as the largest castle she has ever seen looms over her. The black obsidian walls gleaming slightly in the light coming from a giant orb hanging from the ceiling. Fully nine hundred feet tall at the topmost spire, the intricate stone work like nothing she had seen before. Awed beyond all comprehension Felicia stands there staring at the castle until one of the dark elves nudges her along. Following her group absentmindedly she doesn't notice the plethora of dark elves looking out at her from many windows from the houses that comprise the small town around the castle. Drawing up to the main gates of the castle the portcullis flies up with an amazing speed as if it was pulled up with magic. As they pass through the gate Felicia notices that the workmanship of the stone is much finer than any other dark elven stone building. 'This wasn't built by dark elves was it?' asks Felicia inquiringly. 'No it wasn't it was made by a group of renegade dwarves that wanted to embrace the cruelty of our race.' The female dark elf says with fire in her eyes. Nodding Felicia follows the group deeper into the castle.
Coming to a stop in front of a gigantic set of doors made from a black metal that Felicia had never seen before. Waiting for a few minutes the large doors swing open and the party ventures through the imposing aperture. Walking through what seems to be a curtain of darkness the party comes to a halt in the side of a perfectly smooth, circular chamber. The walls the same jet-black obsidian as the rest of the castle except that these walls glow with the same faint blue aura that Felicia's sword glows with. Wondering why this is Felicia is pushed toward a large podium in the middle of the room where an ancient dark elf sits. Though the elf only appears to be about sixty winters old by human standards Felicia knows that for an elf to look like that they must have lived for centuries beyond reckoning. Looking at each other for many long, tense, silent minutes the dark elf averts his gaze from Felicia. 'What is it that you have come seeking young one?' asks the old dark elf in a surprisingly sweet voice considering his age. 'I have come seeking the runes that where used to aid the original Pale Moon Champion.' Answers Felicia promptly. 'Well then as you can see you have come to the right place for I am the one that helped the original Pale Moon Champion, whom I have been told was also your father. And that you killed him and his entire regiment of soldiers down in Limdara.' Says the dark elf his head bowed the entire time as he spoke. Surprised that the dark elf knew this she answers quite candidly. 'Then you should also know that I enjoyed slaughtering them all and my father as well. But enough about the past you know what I am seeking.' 'Yes I know what you are searching for but I also know that you must first past a series of trials to be granted the runes. And that if you fail them your life is forfeit, no matter how much Braids loves you, she cannot stop what is the law of the trials.' Says the wizened dark elf. Felicia nods knowing perfectly well what she must go through in order to obtain the runes. 'I understand perfectly well what I must do, but I think it is pointless for me to take the Trial of Knowledge since I have all of my father's memories.' Says Felicia with a smile of self assurance. Grinning as well the wrinkled dark elf answers her in kind. 'Very true Felicia but that just means the other trials will have to be harder.' 'Of course I expected that they would be. Don't worry I know I'm ready.' Felicia answers with an arrogant tone of voice. Smiling the dark elf stands up and walks with a striding grace across the floor to a door that Felicia had not noticed earlier. Beckoning for her to follow the dark elf steps through the doorway and disappears into a small tunnel. Following quickly Felicia closes the door behind her and runs after the old dark elf.
Catching up with the old dark elf, who was moving with surprising speed for his age, Felicia quickly matches her pace to his and follows him in silence. Walking through a maze of twisting and turning corridors, the two finally arrive at a large circular room similar to the first one they entered. In the center of the room stands a large pedestal with a small black leather pouch sitting on top of it. Lifting his arm the dark elf points with a single skeletal finger that looks to have almost no flesh on it. 'There are the Runes that you seek Felicia, made of a metal from the moon, sent by Lucia herself to be forged, into the form they are in now, so that they may aid her champions.' Says the dark elf with an air of reverence. Nodding Felicia feels as if the air of the room itself weighs down on her very soul. A silence so thick as if to be malleable clings to every surface of the room deadening all sound that may be there. All of this seems to emanate from the small bag in the middle of the room, as if there was a great evil stored inside of it. Looking deep into her self Felicia wonders for the first time if she wants to truly be anywhere near these runes. Snarling at herself on the inside she tosses away such a thought and clears her mind for the trials to come. 'What must I endure old one to claim the runes as my own and use them to help Braids?' asks Felicia inquiringly. 'First you must understand that the runes do not tell the future, they merely provide an overall view and what should be done to reach a certain outcome. Second you must be willing to face the horrors of your past, present, and future, for you may see many disturbing images when you consult the runes. Lastly you must be willing to accept what they tell you and not let the possible future affect your judgement.' Answers the old dark elf with a bowed head. 'I understand.' Says Felicia. A few minutes go by with neither of them saying a word the oppressive silence growing thicker as if it was robbing them of their words and using them to gain in strength. 'When do I start with the challenges?' asks Felicia quietly. 'Soon, be patient young one.' answers the dark elf.
After waiting for another hour the dark elf lifts his head and looks across the hall to a door on the other side. 'It is time.' He says in a hushed voice that Felicia barely manages to hear. 'Time for the trials?' asks Felicia in a tentative, yet hushed voice like that of the old elf's. Nodding the dark elf points with the nearly skeletal fingers towards the other side of the room, through which many robed and hooded figures are passing, making their way around the outside of the room. Staring at them with a quizzical look wondering why so many people are needed to perform a series of trials. Waiting patiently as instructed Felicia watches the robed figures, which she guesses are clerics, finish filing in. The last one striding up to the pedestal and gently setting a pair of gloved hands on each side of the small leather bag. A beam of pale blue light streaks down from the ceiling. As the beam hits the pedestal the bag flashes with a horrendously brilliant, pale blue light. As the light fades the bag is left glowing as if pulsing from the inside. 'Felicia Faerune come forward.' Says the hooded figure at the podium the voice booming and loud, echoing throughout the chamber. Surprised and still a bit stunned Felicia walks towards the center of the room slowly, her footfalls not making a single sound in the chamber. As she nears the pedestal the cat woman feels hundreds of pairs of eyes staring at her, every ones attention focused on her actions. 'As you have been told you must undergo a series of trials that you must pass before you take the runes. The first shall be the Trial of Combat, where you will fight one of our most seasoned warriors to the death. Second we will prod your mind with magic and determine how much your mind can take. Lastly we will prod your body in much the same way as we did your mind to determine how much punishment it can take.' Says the figure at the pedestal with the same voice. Nodding Felicia looks up at the robed figure and tries to see its face, but there is not enough light. 'I understand what I must do, and am not afraid to do so.' Says Felicia in a confident voice. 'As you wish.' Says the robed figure stepping down from the pedestal and returning to the door.
As the robed dark elf returns to his place in the circle all of the clerics begin to chant in low sonorous tones, the sound echoing and reverberating through the hall. As they chant a mist begins to coalesce on the other side of the room from Felicia. Staring at the mist as it forms Felicia draws her sword, the ruby in the pommel burning brighter than ever; the blue aura flaring with a greater intensity than she had ever seen before. As the mist begins to come to together in a roughly humanoid shape Felicia lays a hand on her armor activating the enchantments stored within the mithril. As she removes her hand from her crossbow after activating the enchantments in that as well the mist fully forms into a towering magical golem. Ten feet tall the golem's large hands look like they could crush Felicia in two with out exerting much energy at all. Gulping a bit Felicia grips the hilt of her sword in her left hand and raises her right; yellow energy forming into a ball there before it steaks towards the golem. Raising one of its giant hands the bolt slams into it harmlessly not even leaving a small scorch mark. 'Uh oh.' Thinks Felicia 'I guess when they said combat they meant hand to hand.' Jumping out of the way as the golem's mighty fist swings down the agile cat woman turns before flinging her knife at the golem. As the blade hits its mark Felicia's eyes widen in shock as the dagger sinks into the golem's arm. 'I guess its not going to be that hard after all' she thinks to herself as the golem charges at her. Leveling her crossbow Felicia launches a bolt towards the constructs head. With a dull thud the bolt hits home, impaling itself between the golem's eyes. Acting as if the bolt in its head was just a pinprick the creation continues its mad charge towards the cat woman. Deciding to take this thing down once and for all Felicia grips her sword tighter in her hands and runs at the golem. Meeting in the middle of the room Felicia jumps up and lands on the golem's head. Not wasting a second Felicia screams as she jams her sword downward into the head of the golem. Not at all fazed by the magical sword sticking into its head the golem shakes Felicia off and throws her across the room. Skidding to a stop on the other side of the room Felicia groggily stands up and looks at the golem charging towards her once more. Then a though pops into her head. Grinning she begins to draw the yellow energy once again into her right hand. Taking careful aim at her sword sticking into the golem's head Felicia lets fly with the energy bolt, the yellow ball streaking towards the golem. Not stopping in its charge the yellow energy bolt hits the sword dead on, the energy being conducted through the sword, past the golem's magical defenses, and into its body. As the energy bolt courses through the body of the golem its reckless charge stops as it stands there seemingly dumbfounded. As Felicia watches, the golem swells in size before exploding in a cloud of mist.
Breathing heavily Felicia looks around at the circle of clerics as she grabs her sword, dagger, and bolt off of the ground. Turning towards the cleric that had spoken to her she wonders when the next trial will begin. As she opens her mouth to ask the question, an image of her standing over the dead body of Braids fills her mind. The cat woman's hands stained with the blood from her fiancé’s slit throat. Screaming in anguish a small part of her mind yells out. 'THIS IS THE TRIAL!' Shaking Felicia quickly stands up and shakes the image from her mind, only to have it replaced with an image of her torturing Braids slowly to death on a rack. Falling to the floor and sobbing the bombarded cat woman slowly pushes the image out of her mind. Shivering she stands up on shaky legs once more and looks around at the clerics. As her eyes come to rest on the one that she talked to she sees a flash of red under the hood. For a split second she wonders what the flash was before a third image fills her mind's eye.
Felicia sees herself grinning, standing over the horrifically mutilated corpses of every one she had ever felt attached too. As she stands there grinning madly she picks up the still struggling body of Braids. Laughing maniacally she proceeds to nearly cut off each of Braids' limbs before healing them back together again. Screaming 'IT'S NOT TRUE!' she collapses to the floor as she rids her head of the vision. Curling up into a ball, she lays there shivering as the cleric walks over, grabs her shoulder, and picks her up 'You passed that trial Felicia, you only have to endure one more.' The cleric says in a soft voice that Felicia can barely hear over her sniffling. As she stands there, and dries her tears she feels a warmth spread over her body. As she looks around for the source of the heat the temperature increases rapidly making her sweat profusely. Confused at this change in temperature she looks around and wonders why none of the clerics are feeling it, then she realizes that this must be the final trial. As she closes her eyes she sniffs the air and gets the scent of something burning. Opening her eyes she looks at her arm and sees the fur there beginning to curl over and blacken.
An eye opening even wider, Felicia screams in shock and pain as all the fur on her body ignites sending a wave of intense heat and pain washing through her. Dropping to the floor the struggling cat woman rolls around trying in vain to put out the fire rushing over her body. As the flame begins to char her skin she closes her eyes again and huddles up in a ball trying think how this could happen. Slowly she looses feeling in her extremities as the fire consumes her body. Weeping in her mind, as her eyes have been burned shut already, she wonders how she will ever be able to return to Braids if she survives this. Then another thought pops into her head; maybe this flame wasn't real but that the clerics were just manipulating her mind to make it seem real. Immediately as the thought crosses her mind feeling returns to her body and the heat vanishes instantly. Opening her eyes she looks down to see that she is perfectly fine. Jumping up in surprise she grins and looks around, only one question in her mind 'Did I pass it?' she asks hurriedly. As all the clerics nod all at once, the first one she talked to steps forward and places his cold, clammy hands on her shoulders. 'There is only one more test that you must pass Felicia, and that test is to see if the runes, and Lucia will accept you.' Nodding Felicia looks over her shoulder at the pedestal and knows what she must do.
Turning away from the lead cleric she slowly steps up to the pedestal and places her hands on either side of the bag. With out the slightest sign of fear she slowly opens the bag and reaches her hand in. Closing her eyes she feels the runes with her hand knowing that she must find a specific one to prove herself to Lucia. Concentrating harder she feels a slight tingling as her fingers touch a new rune. Grabbing the smooth metal in her hand she lifts the square that the rune is imprinted on out of the bag. Holding it up high above her head she stares at the blank piece of metal. Turning it over she sees that the other side is blank as well. Fearing that she has chosen wrong Felicia moves to put the rune back in the pouch. As she does so a blinding flash once again lights the room up and a warmth flows through Felicia's body. When the light disperses Felicia is no where to be seen.
Looking around all Felicia can see is a pale blue mist against white space. Wondering if this is what it is like to die the blue mist comes together to form the shape of a very beautiful woman. Starring at her Felicia slowly walks towards the figure with out realizing what she was doing. As Felicia nears the figure she sees that it has a patch over one eye. Looking up at the figure Felicia is a bit shocked when it embraces her with a loving grip. Releasing her and holding her at arm length the figure speaks in a sweet, silken voice. 'I am Lucia and I wish to congratulate you on choosing the correct rune. The rune that you choose was the rune of the Unknowable, which represents me. I am very proud of you my child; you will be marked from now on as one who has been touched by a goddess. Take the runes and use them to help Braids in whatever she chooses to do. Know that I will be watching over both of you always.' Hugging Felicia one last time she breaks up into the blue mist and vanishes. Still looking surprised Felicia turns around to see that she is back in the circular room in the castle. Smiling she puts the rune back into the bag, grips it, and holds it up high. 'I've done it.' she says softly to herself.
As she fastens the bag of runes securely to her belt the old dark elf steps forward with a smile. 'You are truly your father's daughter.' He says before handing her a small mirror. 'Lucia also seems to think you are special too.' He adds as she takes the mirror and looks at herself in it. On her forehead she sees a small crescent moon, the color exactly like that of the moon except with a very small tinge of light blue. 'The symbol on your forehead will change with the phases of the moon, it proves your link with Lucia much like Braids red eye.' Says the first cleric with a soft voice very different from the one he used before. Nodding Felicia turns to the older dark elf and follows him away from the room of clerics. Thinking to herself about how things are going to change she grins as she just seems to know that everything will be looking up from now on. As she comes up into the daylight once more from the small stone cottage Felicia looks down to the south and knows that her connection with Braids is all the more stronger now. Grinning at this thought and the prospect of seeing Braids again after almost a month, the happy cat woman bounds off back towards the Lonely Inn and the town of Nanthalion.