Editing Announcements - 2012/07 - Soulless Sisters (section)

== Release Fiction ==
{{Turbine 2008
 |  Link = http://ac.turbine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=724-july-2012-release-fiction&catid=86-2012&Itemid=68
 | Title = Release Fiction
 |  Text = The four sisters were busily going over their rituals, seeing if they could improve the effects of their healings, when they heard the sound of sand blowing against their tent.  Lady Kiara looked up from her work quizzically, “Why does it sound like the beginnings of a sandstorm outside, when we’re set up in Cragstone?”

At that thought, the other sisters rose from the table, and everyone peered out the front flap to see what was going on.  Just outside the tent stood a single A’nekshay, clothed in the manner of her people.  She stood out mostly because the A’nekshay had never been seen outside of the deserts of Dereth.

“May I come in?” asked the woman.

“Of course, of course!” said Lady Dan'eel, sweeping the tent flap aside.  The other sisters formed a loose half-circle around the inside of their tent, which also allowed them to place themselves between the new arrival and their research notes, just in case there was a problem.  Dan’eel continued, in a rather practiced tone, “Greetings, I am known as Lady Dan'eel Trianna.  I am a researcher...”

“I know who you all are.  It is why I have ventured here,” interrupted the A’nekshay, brushing her way into the tent in a swirl of sand.  Though considerably shorter than the four Empyreans, she seemed entirely unmoved by the four looming sisters. “I have come here to assist you in your research.”

Lady Dan’eel brightened slightly, and then said, “Beautiful! If you know why we’re here, then you know we need more materials to continue our rituals.  You’ll find the Alb’arean Ore in the area...” Dan’eel trailed off at a withering look from her older sister Mashal.

With a slight smile and a nod to Mashal, the visitor continued, “I am called Popkin of the Gate.  I have heard of your actions to use the rituals of the Lost Sisters to aid those who have succumbed to the Book of Eibhil.  I also take it that, with your continued researches, that you do not have much information on the sisters, nor their powers?”

Slightly abashed by the summary, Lady Sherath said, “You are correct.  We were able to find fragments of the ritual, and then use tests devised by the Lyceum to discern the properties of the materials called for.  From there, we have filled in as many of the blanks as possible in order to make a functioning ritual.  Unfortunately, at this point the effects of the ritual are temporary.”

“I see,” said Popkin, “So, you have a hope in the Lost Sisters and their powers and rituals, but very little actual information.  I see now why my Masters have sent me to you.”

“And why have you been sent to us?” asked Lady Kiara, “And by who?”

“To the first question, I am a researcher.  I specialize in tracking down ancient lore.  To my people, I have been organizing the research into our own past, before the Sand Kings enslaved us.  In this case, I believe I can help you and my people at the same time.  These Lost Sisters which you have gleaned your rituals from; they are also mentioned in the histories I have been researching.  I understand that your need to keep these rituals running somewhat prohibits your ability to venture far and wide for more information.”

“That would be correct,” interjected Lady Sherath.

“Well then, while you focus on the rituals, I’ll focus on the history.  Perhaps, with more information, we can ‘learn what there is to learn’ about these Lost Sisters and you’ll find what you need to perfect the efforts you are trying to achieve.”

“And to the second question?” asked Lady Kiara.

“My Masters sent me to aid you, because they wish you to succeed.  They believe you have a chance to undo a great evil, not only for those whom are withering to the effects of their use of the Book, but perhaps even for she whom has been most victimized by the Book itself.”

“You still have not answered who your ‘Masters’ are, Lady Popkin,” said Lady Kiara, now getting slightly irritated by the evasiveness of Popkin’s answers.

With a smile, Popkin answered, “Why, I thought that had become obvious, young Empyreans.  My Masters sent me to you because they have never forgotten your kind... or your potential.  My Masters are the Deru.”
}}

[[Category:Event Announcements]]