Author: Lanandena; May 2003
Lanadena has been with us for a long time, beginning at a rather early level. Through many years of wisdom and level-headedness she eventually rose to the title of Laird (guild leader).
Lanadena is a MacLear
meditating on recent events, Lanadena's head fills with images of other Clan MacLear spiritual leaders. The first powerful High Shamaness that Lanadena knew was Jalia Wolfsdottir.
Jalia was schooled in the ancient art of alchemy. Polar bear skins, zombie skins and other items of nature assisted in her craft. Lanadena had not tasted her potions, but knew they were reputed to have been concocted with care and precision. Jalia was always ready for a dance or two if the proper occasion arose.
The second High Shaman that Lanadena knew was Graack. When Lanadena met Graack, he was younger than she... it was as if someone had cast a slumber spell upon Lanadena and when she awoke, everyone she knew had gotten older. Graack had aged several hands when he was given the title of High Shaman. The spirits spoke to him and troubled him. Though not as light-hearted as Jalia, he could dispense wisdom and read the runes
After Graack was spirited away, Clan MacLear was without a High Shaman for many moons. Lanadena was then given the title of High Shamaness and invited into the High Council of Tormod. She tried to take care of spiritual and physical matters regarding the her family. Many nights she found herself in talks, offering advice to her brethren. On hunts she found herself providing blessings and healing poultices. On joyful occasions she found herself offering food. As a spiritual leader, Lanadena felt it was appropriate to know the languages of Norrath so she could read journal entries in lost crypts and converse with those that wished to contact her family yet did not know the native Barbarian tongue.
Lanadena's breathing returns to normal. Standing and walking across her quarters, Lanadena pours crystal clear water from The Nest into her wash basin. Looking into the water, Lanadena sees her reflection. Gone is the raven hair with a lock of grey. Now her hair is a warm dark brown with no hint of grey at all. It is as if she has gotten younger... only her eyes belie her age. Lanadena is unsure what caused such a transformation in her. Her silver eyes look at her family and Norrath as though seeing them for the first time.
When the MacLears viking'd to Midgard of Percival, Lanadena was named Steward and given the authority to act on behalf of Clan MacLear's Chief. Lanadena kept in contact with her Brothers and Sisters that made the journey to Midgard. All seemed to be prospering and doing well. Radu, who had once courted the Teir'Dal with poems and flowers, returned to Norrath from time to time but was different. The druid of Tunare was now older, with grey and silver hair.
Tormod had spent much of his time in the MacLear castle and had not been seen by many. When he next showed himself to the MacLears, his beard, which had once been light brown, with some grey, had turned. His hair, once light brown, had also gone grey as well. Always a handsome man, Tormod seemed even more handsome.
Touching her fingers, lightly, to the water, her image shimmered. Replaced was the image of Tormod MacLear, her Laird. On their last meeting, he transferred the mantle of authority to her. Souly, who was the only wolf Lanadena knew to transform himself into a druid, was witness to the event. The fishing village in Western Karanas, where Lanadena's father had perished, was a fitting place for such an event. This man that she saw, Tormod, had loved her like a father. Past and present came together for a moment. Her father's spirit was on one side of her, Tormod standing in front of her, and Souly standing to her other side. The McMannus' clan, whose livelihood was built on her father's blood, watched solemnly what transpired that day. It was then, that Lanadena finally took a surname.
Lanadena is a MacLear.