The snow blew about as Talathel made his way up the mountainside. How long had been climbing? What was even the name of the peak? He could not remember. He had only known the climb.
He looked down. He certainly was not dressed for a mountain climb. He wore the same clothes he had worn in Baldur's Gate. He was an adventurer, yes, but he had been smarter than this. He shrugged, and pressed on, using his staff to check for footing.
Talathel pushed on, not knowing his destination, until he came across a cave. He was weary from the climb, and decided that he needed to rest. Rest would allow him to clear his head, to remember his purpose.
The cave was not very large, but it would give him some reprieve from the elements at least. He pulled out some tinder and flint from his bundle and started a small fire. The fire had only been going a moment when he heard, "Talathel, do you mind if I join you?"
A man was standing at the front of the cave. He was plainly dressed. He had long, brown hair. Talathel heard himself saying, "Yes" before he could figure out who the man was.
"You seem troubled, elf."
"I cannot remember why I am on this mountain. Or who you are."
"You know who I am."
"Sorry stranger, I do not."
"Stranger?" The man gave out a laugh. "If you hadn't spent all your time in the Old Order at the bottom of a mug of ale, you'd recognize me at once."
"Kaleal?"
"The same."
"I have found you! After all these years!"
"I can not be found."
"But..."
"There is no time. I am weakened, but come with a message. In a realm that borders this one, an orange orc has assumed power. There are dark days ahead."
"And we must fight him?"
"Do not interrupt, mortal. These dark days may be made light, but only by seeking adventure once more."
"I was on one..."
"You have done nothing in months."
"True."
"The orange orc may be beyond your reach, but you adventurers can be a light in your own realm. Do not give up your searching for glory within Faerun."
"I will do what I can, O Glorious Kalaen. You say you are weakened? What can I do to aid you, and bring you back to our realm?"
"The answers you seek are not yours to know. Not yet. But, I implore you, go forth and be a light in dark times."
With that, the god faded away, and Talathel was alone once more in the cave. The elf blinked rapidly and shook his head. When his eyes refocused, he was outside of the elven camp.
"Oi! Darvin!" The half-elf turned.
"I'm coming with you. I speak elvish, you may recall. Let's go on an adventure."
