Valeria's Adventures
Chapter 8 - Trials of Valor
1st of Mirtul, 1492 DR
Valeria observes the water elemental closely, attempting to discern its demeanor and what might positively influence it. Using her keen senses, she gathers several impressions. The elemental seems likely to respond favorably to someone who respects the natural world and its spirits. It appears to be a guardian, so it will most likely appreciate honesty and a noble purpose. Elementals often respect strength and determination, qualities that demonstrate one’s worthiness.
Armed with these insights, Valeria straightens her shoulders and prepares to address the elemental. "Well, you are quite the magnificent being, now aren't you!? I'm mesmerized by your flows and whirls! But I do ramble so... Great Water Spirit, I seek a legendary chalice so that we might restore the balance to these woods. Strange beasts have been spotted about, and unusual occurrences have been happening. And most recently, our villagers have been disappearing. My path leads across this mighty river, and I beg your leave to continue my journey."
The water elemental's form shimmers and shifts, exuding both power and serenity. It seems to understand and contemplate Valeria's words carefully before responding. A voice fills Valeria’s consciousness, reminiscent of water swirling over rocks at the base of a crashing waterfall, "Your words are sincere, and your purpose is noble. The balance of the forest is indeed threatened, and the Whispering Chalice holds the key to its restoration. I will allow you to cross, but first, you must prove your resolve." The elemental gestures towards the river, and a series of stepping stones rise from the water, leading to the opposite bank. "These stones will guide your path, but beware—the river's currents are strong, and the journey will test your balance and determination. Should you falter, the waters will sweep you away. Show me your worth, brave warrior."
Valeria nods, understanding the challenge before her. The stepping stones seem to pulse with a gentle glow, inviting her to take the first step. With a single bead of sweat on her brow, Valeria steps confidently onto the first stone, maintaining her balance with ease as the water swirls around her. The stone is steady beneath her feet, and she prepares to move to the next one.
As Valeria steps onto the second stone, her foot slips on the wet surface. The strong currents pull at her, causing her to wobble dangerously. She manages to catch herself just in time, her heavy armor pulling at her balance. Valeria straightens, and steps onto the third stone with more confidence. The stone holds firm beneath her feet, and she feels a surge of determination.
With a deep breath and a well balanced posture, Valeria leaps onto the fourth stone, her movements fluid and sure. The water roars around her, but she stands firm, unwavering in her resolve. She can feel the river's power beneath her feet, but she meets it with her own strength and grace. The elemental watches, its form appearing to ripple with approval. Valeria grins, "Hah! This river won't best me!"
As Valeria makes her move onto the fifth stone, her foot slips once more. The water's powerful currents tug at her, and she struggles to maintain her balance. Her arms windmill wildly, and she barely manages to steady herself. Sweat once again beading on her brow, Valeria makes the final leap from the last stone. Her movements are swift and precise, and she lands solidly on the opposite bank. The river's current roars behind her, but she stands triumphant and unshaken. "Hah! Made it!"
Overcome with a surge of triumph and joy, Valeria can't help but break into a celebratory dance. She spins and twirls, her armor clinking rhythmically as she moves. The sheer exhilaration of overcoming the challenge fills her with a contagious energy. "Yes! Huzzah! Take that, mighty river! Nothing can stop me!" She finishes her impromptu dance with a flourish, raising her sword high in the air.
The water elemental, witnessing her exuberant display, nods in approval. Its form shimmers with a soft, radiant glow. Once more, that watery voice pushes inside Valeria’s mind, "You have proven your worth, brave warrior. May your journey be blessed, and may you find the Whispering Chalice to help restore balance to these woods."
Valeria sheathes her sword, nodding toward the elemental, "Onwards then. There's a chalice to retrieve!" As Valeria continues along the path, the forest grows quieter and more daunting. The light filtering through the canopy takes on an otherworldly quality, casting eerie shadows on the ground. Suddenly, a chill runs down her spine, and the air grows colder. Out of the mist, a ghostly figure begins to materialize.
It is the specter of a fallen hero, his armor tattered and his face etched with the sorrow of a lost quest. His eyes, though indistinct, hold a deep wisdom tinged with sadness. "Greetings, brave warrior. I am the spirit of Sir Alden, a knight who once sought the Whispering Chalice, just as you do now. I failed the trials and paid the ultimate price, but my spirit lingers to guide those who follow this path." The ghostly figure stands with the remnants of his hands clasped in front of him, waiting for her response.
Valeria raises her gauntlet in greeting, "Well met, Sir Alden. I am Valeria of Colton. My condolences on your current condition. I pray to the gods your spirit will be released once the Whispering Chalice is retrieved and the balance is restored. What can you tell me of the trials ahead, so that I can better prepare for what's to come?"
Sir Alden's spectral form flickers slightly as he nods, a look of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Valeria. Your compassion and determination are commendable. The path ahead is fraught with perilous tests that will challenge both your mind and body. The next trial you will face is the enchanted grove, where your wisdom and respect for nature will be tested. Show reverence to the spirits and use your wits to navigate the challenge. I cannot tell you anything past that, as I did not conquer it."
The specter pauses, his form shimmering with a soft light. "Heed my words, Valeria. The forest is alive and watches your every move. Show it respect, and it may aid you in ways you do not expect. My failure was not in strength or courage, but in understanding the true nature of these trials." As the ghostly specter begins to fade, his form dissipating into the mist, he gives Valeria a wry smile. "And for the love of all that's holy, I hope you're not doomed to join me on this damned forest path. One dead hero is enough!"
Valeria feels a renewed sense of determination, bolstered by the advice and dark humor of the fallen hero. She sets her shoulders and continues down the path, ready to face the trial of the enchanted grove. The forest becomes denser and the air thicker with magic. The glowing runes on the path grow brighter, leading her towards a place of ancient power and mystery. The whispering leaves and the rustling of unseen creatures create an eerie yet invigorating atmosphere.
The light filtering through the canopy takes on a greenish hue, as Valeria finally reaches the edge of the enchanted grove. The grove is a circular clearing surrounded by towering trees that seem to reach for the sky. In the center of the clearing stands a stone altar, covered in intricate carvings of nature spirits and ancient symbols. The air is filled with the scent of blossoming flowers and the soft hum of magic. The ground around the altar is carpeted with vibrant green moss, and small, glowing orbs of light float gently through the air. The atmosphere is serene but charged with a sense of anticipation, as if the very grove itself is aware of Valeria's presence.
As the knight steps closer, she notices several ghostly figures milling around the grove. These spectral adventurers, clad in the tattered remnants of their gear, walk to and fro stuck in the grove, taking no note of Valeria. She believes that this place holds the final trial in her quest for the Whispering Chalice. She takes a moment to address them, her voice filled with determination and compassion. "My brothers and my sisters, I will do all I can to free you from your aimless questing. Know that I shall do my best, and my best is no small thing."
With a deep breath, she steps into the grove, ready to face whatever challenge awaits her. The ethereal glow of the bioluminescent flowers and floating orbs of light guide her path. As Valeria reaches the altar, the air around her hums. The carvings on the stone surface begin to glow, and a soft, melodic voice echoes through the grove. "Welcome, brave warrior. Proceed and be tested. Prove your worth to the forest or be held here forever in bondage."
The glowing carvings shift and change, forming a series of intricate symbols and patterns. Valeria realizes that she must solve a puzzle to prove her worth. The puzzle appears to consist of arranging the symbols in the correct order to complete the pattern on the altar. The symbols represent different elements of nature: earth, water, fire, and air. Valeria must use her knowledge and intuition to determine the correct sequence. As Valeria gets close to study the altar, she feels a piercing pain in her head. Her vision goes black. As her vision clears, she realizes that she is once again walking into the grove.
The grove still appears the same, the ghostly figures still mill about, but with one major difference. Valeria can see the altar in the middle of the grove, and now, upon it sits a chalice. Nothing else is amiss, and nothing now appears to be between her and the chalice. From where she is standing it is hard to tell what exactly is on the pedestal, but it looks like there may be something like an infinity knot on the chalice.
Valera moves away from the chalice to talk to the ghostly figures, as she does, she once again gets a piercing pain in her skull. Her vision goes dark and she finds herself at the edge of the glade once more. Again ... the scene is exactly the same - except where the chalice was upon the altar - there is now a figurine of a stag.
Valeria approaches the ghostly figures and asks them the same question she attempted to ask before. "Excuse me, are any of you able to offer assistance, guidance, or maybe even a hint?"
The ghostly knight looks at Valeria with an absent expression on his face, "We have waited long for someone like you, brave warrior. Many have come and failed, trapped in this eternal loop. The challenge you face is not just physical but also a test of understanding and perception. I wish I had prayed to my god for guidance when I still had the chance.”
The other specters remain silent. The stag on the pedestal awaits her.
Valeria approaches the altar slowly, looking at every detail. The stone figure slowly turns its head to look at her as she approaches. The stag's movements suggest it is not merely a statue but a sentient being or a manifestation of the forest's spirit. The form shimmers and says, "What do you seek, Knight?"
Valeria shakes her head to clear it, and answers, "I seek to restore the balance of the forest by finding the Whispering Chalice. This is my quest. But first I must pass these trials."
The figurine of the stag appears to grow slightly. "Truth or Lies?"
Valeria quickly answers. "Truth. I have no need for lies."
The image grows a bit more - and the color begins to change from stone to white. "Balance or Corruption?"
Valeria answers a bit more slowly, yet firmly, "Balance, for I already seek to restore it. I will fight corruption by any means necessary!"
The image grows more - and it changes from stone to flesh, with fur growing where smoothness once was. "Fear or Hate?"
Valeria ponders this question, taking her time,"These are two terrible choices. I would much prefer to choose love or care. But of your two evil choices I feel fear is the better choice. For in conquering fear one becomes courageous."
The image of the Silver Stag grows and solidifies fully formed. "Your answers are correct. Your heart is pure and your intentions are clear." From the center of its antlers, power flows. A chalice appears - the horns dip towards her, indicating that she should take it.
Valeria hesitates. "Before I take this, I have a question. Once I take this, will all the trapped spirits be set free? I feel for their plight and wish that they should be freed, for I have completed what they strove for."
The stag regards her. "The spirits will be free once you accept your destiny." Once again a piercing pain splits her skull. With her eyes closed, a vision appears.
It is that of the stag. Though its form is different. It is twisted - seething with unnatural energy. The scene changes. It is shackled - barely able to breath - the very earth around it rotting. The scene changes. The stag is free - the world is verdant and wild, with harmony evident in the vast interdependent web of nature. The scene changes again and there is war, death, the stag is stabbed and is bleeding out.
Valeria’s eyes open and the stag continues speaking. "Discord festers in the hearts of many. You are the chosen one. Blessed with strength and courage to bring peace to the world. You have seen many different paths that could happen. Soon, in Everlund a hunt will begin for a Silver Stag. It needs your protection from those who seek to harm it. Accept this quest, drink from the Chalice, and the spirits will be free."
Valeria reaches out and takes the chalice. "I accept this quest. I will protect the stag with my life, if needed." She takes a drink without looking or smelling what it might be. Faith in her destiny guides her.
"I will send you to those who may be able to aid you." With that, the stag bows. Once again a piercing pain shoots behind Valeria’s eyes. She falls to her knees, the chalice clutched tightly. She feels a WHOOSH of air and hears a very loud CRACK. Then her ass aches as it lands HARD on a desk in the middle of what looks like an interrogation. She sees a pacing gnome, a giant rat sitting by the door, a swirly eyed woman that appears to be highly annoyed, and a bedraggled angry scared human seated behind a desk. Valeria looks around in an attempt to make sense of where she is and notices a memo next to her elbow, addressed to a Corporal Thorne and dated the 16th of Mirtul.
16th of Mirtul, 1492 DR
Please note that this will be the final chapter in Valeria’s solo story for now. The next installment will shift to her adventures within the party. This new chapter will be released once all party members have caught up to the current timeline.