Year (pending)
For several years after Storold Doesschla, also called the Protector of the Al'noth entered the Rift taking with him some of Layonara's greatest adventurers. Rumours persisted for some time of the demise of the expedition within the deep and dangerous dark places that are the Rift.
Over those years a few of the groups members suddenly appeared back in the world, returning quietly to their former roles without making much fuss or noise about where they had been or what had happened.
What they did speak of only served to heighten the mystery about the groups disappearance. When pressed as to the fate of the rest of the group those who had managed to return could only speak of horrors and trials beyond the realms of Layonara and none could say with any confidence that those still there were in fact alive.
Thus after two years of the notable absences many had given up hope they would return at all. By the time the third year had passed their names were barely upon the lips of any but the most ardent believers that they would one day return. One notable person with such hope was the Diet Member of Lor Angela Swann, whose partner the great Al'nothist Alantha Tsarran was still listed as one of those lost to the Pits on Storold's mad endeavour.
We say mad because the Lucindites declared his mission outside their approval and madness in its endeavours. But since when did a disagreement with the Lucindites ever stop Storold from doing anything?
But this has all changed in recent days as tremours rocked the range of mountains where the known entrance to the Rift outside Dalanthar lies. Residents of the city of Dalanthar raced out of their homes and businesses and lined the streets and surrounding lands to view the strange weather patterns that covered the mountain ranges. Lightning flickered in the depths of clouds tinged with all the colours of the rainbow.
As the lightning played over the multi hued clouds crowding over the mountains, the ground beneath them trembled and a wave of shimmering air swept down over the lands surrounding area. Those it touched felt their skin prickle and the hair rise on their bodies and many for the first time in their lives felt the delicate touch of Al'noth upon them.
As the Al'noth settled on the ground it ran in rivelets into the depths of the mountains, through paths and caverns long since having an absence of magic and filled them once more.
And when the display finally ended hours later many still watched and wondered at the events to suddenly find amongst them the long thought lost Storold, Protector of the Al'noth and those remaining companions who had survived the entire journey.
The mighty warrior Vrebel, also known as the Honoured Captain of Hilm, and famous for his role in the Wall of Iron in the Dragon wars in Hilm.
The skilled Elven Al'nothist Tralek, well known across the world for his willingness to aid any in the pursuit of all good things magical.
The Honoured Huntsmistress of Hilm, Jilseponie Kendall, also instrumental in the allied forces war against Shadrixkayls forces in Hilm prior to her departure from the realms of Layonara.
The famous Al'nothist Alantha Tsarran whose achievements in the world of Al'noth and her service to the surface races are well documented.
The dedicated Priestess Sala Stonehill, who, as Storold, has had her disagreements with the main body of the Faith but who has shown time and time again her loyalty to Lucinda and to the safekeeping of all she represents.
There were others that began the journey with them that did not make the entire journey and either returned by use of the stones to bind souls or else by long and arduous means via creatures of the Pits themselves.
Diet member Angela Swan, another whose deeds of service to her nation are held in great honour and esteem and also is amongst the most wealthy in all of Layonara.
The little known but highly skilled Al'nothist Xaltotun, at home in his native Belinara he has once again resumed his former life.
Also the well known crafter and powerful warrior, husband to Sala, Jake Stonehill. His stoic and generous personality well known to many in the world.
All of these names are suddenly on the lips again of everyone living in the region who witnessed the mysterious events that Storold was heard announcing heralded the return of Al'noth, once stolen by Drezneb from Layonara had finally been returned to its rightful place.
Few knew what to make of such announcements, many were too star struck by the appearance of such auspicious names within their city to recognise the import of Storolds announcement.
But word travels quickly, and in other regions of the world, the news of Storolds return and what he had achieved were spoken about, debated on, weighed and finally...measured.
