“Who are you? How do you know of the Morning Star?” Lolindir replied in a serious tone. The Stranger looked somewhat satisfied with his reaction, but how one could tell the expression from behind a mask, who could say? It looked as if the stranger was about to speak, but he saw Lolindir look towards the Sorceress of Denmar. "Pay her no mind, let us instead talk."
He quickly turned to look at the crimson stranger again. “What business have you with Vala the Morning Star? What business do you have with me?” The eyes behind the mask seemed to glow a bit, as if he was smiling. "Now there's an interesting word.....business. Yes it is business that brings me to you, and it is you, and consequently your lover, that I wish to do it with. But come, these halls have eyes and ears that are too annoying for me to waste time on. Perhaps you would feel more at ease in your own home. " The stranger then waved his hand, as if drawing a curtain, then, the world changed.
It looked and felt as if the two hadn't moved at all, yet the scenery swirled with colors and motion, until not even a moment later, they were standing in Lolindir's study. "There we are, now......you know what." The stranger said with a pause looking about. "You must think me incredibly rude, coming into your house uninvited, come lets away to a place that is owned by no one, therefore none can be offended." Then, the Stranger did as before and the world changed again.
This time, they were on top of a cloud. Not a particularly large cloud, but big enough. It was high in the sky, looking over the land. what land was uncertain. Suddenly, columns and awnings morphed out of the cloud and formed a sort of half circle room around the two, the front opening leaving a breath taking view. A table then materialized with four chairs. The table and chairs both looked to be made out of a white wood of unknown origin.
"There we are," The Stranger said. "Much better. Now, down to business." He sat down across from Lolindir, hands in a pyramid. He motioned for Lolindir to sit. "Now, Master Fefalas, I know a lot about you. I know you bear the Star Rune and were banished from your homeland and condemned to the Land of Mages where you could be properly contained. I know, you've found a somewhat life in this land, but you always feel.....distant. You have friends and colleagues but you do not feel like you belong. In fact, you have never had that feeling, even with....No, especially with the Elves. But.....you have found something, in Vala Nonda, a Chooser of the Dead. To which I give my blessings onto, it's beautiful."
The Stranger then shifted in his seat. "Unfortunately, your relationship might not survive the coming days. You see......I am very familiar with Vala's kind. I actually know his forebear personally. Though, he and Vala's kin are not of this world, nor am I. Vala is alone here. And, in this world, few die. Even when they should, it seems a force here keeps death balanced. Which is why Vala has such a prominent personality and kind heart, he can afford to. But, in the comings days, war will be upon this world. War like none have ever seen. Lines will be drawn, sides will be taken and blood of all colors and creeds spilled. Vala will change. Slowly at first, he will get frustrated at the senseless death, then sadness, then, he will become tired. It always happens. And the war will go on and on and on and on and on for generations. No stop in sight......unless. Unless his heart is shielded. I can do this for you for a price. Or...with your help, I can perhaps end the war in few days. All I need......with your permission....
Have access to the Star Rune. Not take it, of course, just grant me but access to it, limit the number of times, if you wish. I need your strength to stop this, together we can save both Vala and this world.....and to you, there is no difference is there?" The Stranger then stood and appeared behind Lolindir.
"Or I could do a more direct favor for you.....such as, I don't know. Help you gain revenge. The Elven Elders that banished you still yet live. As do their spawn. In fact......the Princess is out and about right now, playing in the fields and dreaming of true love. She feels so alone, even though she is surrounded by love. Think of me as a tool. I have no thing within as a heart or morality, I am not mortal or of this world. Whatever you desire, I can give it you. Revenge, Immortality, Divinity, Peace, Knowledge, offspring of your own. I can make it happen. Just help me stop a war and give me access to the Star Rune, even if it only be once. I believe it's a good deal."
He then faced him fully. "What do you say, is it a deal? You don't have to answer now, but I'll need an anwser soon." The Stranger extended a hand to Lolindir.