Somewhere in Qualinesti, in Krynn, a glass globe in a temple of Corellon Larethian shattered with a bang. Quinasta, the current high priest, looked over to the table, worriedly. Realizing what it was, he sighed heavily and picked up the golden flute that had been sitting by the globe, awaiting such a day. He left the temple, his heart heavy with the task he would have to perform, and soon arrived at the home of one of the greatest supporters of the temple. Sadly, he handed the flute to the elf that answered the door. The battle scarred warrior looked at the flute and his eyes uncharacteristically misted over.

"She may have found a better life than what she had been living, if she had been captured by the undead army." the priest said sympathetically, feeling the pain that the older elf felt as he now saw an elf, broken in grief.

"It is over. She is lost." he said, looking off into the distance. "Fare well, Selinara, and may you always find sweet water and light laughter."

*****

Once she got to town, she quickly forgot about getting new weapons. This town, actually within a kingdom, was larger than any that she had ever been in. She had thought that Sefira was large, as there were many roads, houses, and shops, but she had been unprepared for this. Living among the forest and at sea for so many years had sheltered her from the grandness of a large city. There had been people about, but they were few and they had all seemed to be taking their leisurely time about whatever tasks they may have been performing. Here, in this great kingdom, she saw bustling streets, as nobles hurried along their way in grand carriages and peasants rushed by with baskets full of goods. Great shops stood open, offering all kinds of wares and services such as fabric shops, bakeries, and even a bustling forge.

Wandering about the streets for awhile, taking in all of the sights, she eventually became thirsty and stopped at a small tavern, "The Laughing Raven", for a drink. The kindly innkeep, noticing that she was not of this town, informed her of the great festival that was going on.

"Ah, lass, there is a great festival going on in this kingdom here, the likes of which you've likely never seen."

he told her merrily, serving her a drink as he did so. "I'd suggest you head toward 'King's Green' if you want to join in the festivities. There is a great many games and the like over there." he told her, smiling at her.

"And where might I go to find this green?" Celine asked, debating on going over there. She had never seen the types of games that townsfolk played, although she had heard that they were different to the ones that her elven folk did. The innkeep, leading her outside of the inn, he pointed towards the large castle.

"Head towards the castle, lass, and you'll find it easily enough." he told her, waving and wishing her a good day as she headed off. Celine walked towards the castle, and was soon swept up by a large crowd of elves that appeared to be heading in the same direction also. They scarcely took notice of her as they merrily walked along,seemingly under the effects of too much wine, but she tagged along until they arrived at the green.

***

Soon, it was heading towards evening, and events were dying down some. Celine was watching a group of humans and halflings play at a dice game when a group of soldiers, appearing to be from the castle, approached the group. The commander, taking a scroll out of an official looking scroll case, began to read.

"The king is looking for brave adventurers to journey towards the kingdom of Minas to deliver a message. You will be paid 15 gold if you accept. All who decide to undertake this journey need to meet in front of the castle gates by twilight." he declared, then, rolling up the scroll, he and his fellows left, moving on to another group of festival-goers.

The rest of the group went back to their dice game, muttering about how only a fool would take up that offer. Celine, though, was considering it. She had become slightly bored in her short reprieve from actively adventuring. Although there were many dangers involved with any adventure, she did so love the adventure and risk of it. Her time on the Sea Serpent had made her feel like she was actually a part of something, and if adventuring was the only way that Celine could seemingly make up for the fact that she did not remember the first 100 years of her life, then she was going to do it.

Grinning now, feeling again as she did on the vessel on which she had earned the title "Swashbuckler of the Sea", she headed towards the castle. As she came upon the castle, she saw that another elf had apparently decided to take up the offer. He looked to be a grey elf, a kind of elf that she had heard about from the Kin'stara. She walked up and introduced herself.

"Hello, friend. I am called Celine Skyblade." she said, giving him a friendly smile. "Are you also here for the journey?"

"Yes." he said shortly, and then withdrew again into himself, his gaze seeming far off and distant. Celine sighed and shrugged. She supposed that not everyone was as open and friendly as she was.

Twilight began to fall, and no other takers on this adventure had shown up. As twilight fell completely, and night began to take over, a guard, presumedly from the castle, came out and beckoned them to follow him. As they entered the castle, Celine smiled. This was the beginning of another adventure, and she could hardly wait to start.

***
*The End of the Story Behind Celine Skyblade, High Elven Fighter/Swashbuckler*
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"The End"