Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Rune Aeterna 11
Rune Aeterna (http://www.asheri.com/forums/index.php)
- (http://www.asheri.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?forumid=15)
-- (http://www.asheri.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=289)
Posted by Keiru Emerald on 02-09-2002 02:12 PM
Eighty posts in an archive is enough.. keep writing people.. GO!!!
__________________
-You say you want a revolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
Posted by Keiru Emerald on 02-09-2002 02:13 PM
Eighty posts in an archive is enough.. keep writing people.. GO!!!
__________________
-You say you want a revolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 02-09-2002 02:30 PM
Reflections of the Past
When Nelcar awoke they went for a walk, though not out of eyeshot of their recovering companions. Til’Sylvanna had checked on Finrandel, but in his condition there was no change. Though he seemed to sleep peacefully, she could still feel the turmoil in his mind.
The moon was rising when they returned. They had spoken mostly of home, and of those they loved.
“Til’Silvannis use to follow Linfell and your brother around like a puppy,” she laughed when they were returning. “He wanted to be a hero just like them. They were so kind to him, and to me.” She sighed. It was always hard to talk about her twin without sorrow overwhelming her. She still missed him, even after almost five hundred years.
“He is very missed… both him and Til. Our brothers were very luminous souls.” Nelcar put a hand to the sward at his side.
“And Linfell, he is one of a kind. I could never have made it without him. I remember how persistent he was that I see you. He said that as my Prince, I could not refuse so simple a request. Especially since it was for my own good.” She took his hand in hers. “I was ever thankful that he was.”
He squeezed her hand and smiled. “I am as well. I didn’t know much more than that you were his much loved kinswomen, and burdened with sorrow. He was so in distress over Til’Silvannis’ loss, and much did he fear to lose you as well. The first time I saw you, standing among the tall trees clad all in white, silver as the moon and stars above, I knew why the Elwain had named you Evenstar. For in you has always been the light of the heavens.”
She smiled and leaned for ward to kiss him. He held her there for a long time enjoying the closeness of her. Though he worried for the health of their friends, the last few days of quiet solitude had been like a dream. The White Lady had been almost serene, and seemed to be recovering very well. She was more like herself, the light had returned to her eyes. She seemed able to go forward, and he knew that her resolve to do so was stronger now than ever before.
They returned to the grove hand in hand, preparing for another vigil over their healing friends.
CUE: Nelcar, Saeth, Finrandel
__________________
Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Carla Blanche on 02-09-2002 04:54 PM
“Huh?!,” was Carla’s bewildered cry when she learned of Tygan’s abandonment the previous evening. Both Palin and Lyght nodded in unison.
“Didn’t he say where he was going?” Both men shook their heads, again in unison. It was now Palin’s turn to question.
“He didn’t say anything to you when he left?” She shook her head then turned so they wouldn’t see the tears forming in her eyes. He had left without telling her, or stopping to say goodbye. She came to a sudden realization.
He must’ve left because of me…. She clutched her hands to her chest and fought to keep her emotions hidden. But why?…. She heard Lyght calling her name. Not wanting to let on that there was anything wrong, she put on a smile and turned back to Lyght and Palin.
“Well, I guess that’s that then! He must’ve had something he needed to do on his own.” She shrugged to emphasize her apparent nonchalance. Palin raised a speculative eyebrow, but held his tongue. He knew there was something going on that noone was talking about, but as long as it didn’t directly concern him, he didn’t care much.
“How do you guys feel about heading to Sungan?” Lyght thought a minute and nodded.
“Sure, I’d love to see it.” Palin turned to Carla who was gazing expressionless out the window.
“What about you Carla?……” No reply came from her.
“Carla?”
………….
“CARLA!”
“Eh?!..Oh!!! OWW!!” She snapped back to the conversation so suddenly that her feet tangled over themselves and she fell onto her elbows. Several small splinters rose from her skin at odd angles and she set about pulling them out, trying not to cry. This only brought back memories of when Tygan had removed the splinter from her arm the other day. She suddenly realized that she missed him.
“Do you want to go to Sungan?” Carla still hadn’t heard the question, but she nodded anyway, and excused herself to her room, tripping and crying all the way.
CUE: Lyght and Palin. Plan on joining us Cybele?
__________________
So what if I'm a girl?! I could kick your- Oh!! Ack!! Pardon me!!! CRASH!!!!!!!!!! BLAM!!! OWW!!! AAAAAAAAIIIIIEEE!!!!
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 02-09-2002 05:10 PM
OOC: Kane, I find it doubtful that a man and a normal wolf could kill 15 Fiero by themselves. If I were you, I'd read the Treatise on the Evisis Woods, and make sure the Keirus approve with what you do. And keep in mind that the Fiero aren't evil and uncivilized, though they appear to be. They're actually very kind-hearted and organized, despite their hatred for humans.
Just a little friendly advice, that's all.
IC: The Arboreal Prowler was thankful to have gotten out of Forestre alive. He hadn't stood a chance against those men, all by himself. He was lucky the constables arrived in time to break up the fight.
But it made him realize how much danger he was really in. Octavia's family wanted her back desperately, and so did her suitors. There must have been dozens of men and their cronies hunting him.
Although he could hold his own in a fight, he couldn't survive on onslaught of bounty hunters. The only way he could survive would be to hide out in the Evisis Woods, but he would have to stay there for years. And Ilona might slip further away with the passage of time. He needed to travel in the open, in order to find the rose.
He decided that he must find Tibaron. Tibaron was the only man who could help the Prowler survive the bounty hunters. The Prowler had found out that Tibaron was currently living in Gania, building his army back up. With conflict brewing in Asheri, mercenary armies would be in high demand.
If the Prowler could enlist the aide of Tibaron and his men, the bounty hunters wouldn't stand a chance. Tibaron was a champion fighter, and his men were very well-disciplined and trained. They had triumphed in several battles where they were outnumbered.
The Arboreal Prowler's thoughts were interrupted by a figure moving across the road. He brought his horse to a halt, and looked at the figure. The sun was low in the sky, and night would come soon.
It was a Fiero that had just crossed his path. The wolf stood in the road, glaring at the Prowler. The creature couldn't possibly be alone. Fiero NEVER traveled alone. The Prowler looked around, but couldn't see any others. A thick fog limited his vision. The Fiero started growling at him.
"Stand back," said the Prowler in the Fiero language, with a stern voice. The creature paused for a moment, then continued growling. Its eyes seemed to quiver a bit, and it was baring its teeth menacingly. The Prowler quickly drew an arrow and aimed at the beast's throat. He knew he wouldn't miss. "I said, stand back!" The creature still didn't budge. It was very muscular, and its teeth and claws were exceptionally sharp. The Prowler wondered if this was a Black Wolf. If it was, the Prowler would be in trouble. He knew now that they were hunting him.
"You are the Arboreal Prowler..." said the wolf, menacingly.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Keiru Emerald on 02-09-2002 05:21 PM
OOC: Aboreal's right.. A skilled human couldn't stand up to more than 3 fiero and hold his own.. he'd be lucky to escape with his life... with magic, perhaps a few more.. I'd say the most you and your wolf could kill together would be three... Please edit your post accordingly.. Thank you..
__________________
-You say you want a revolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
Posted by Bara Chinder on 02-09-2002 08:15 PM
A stranger finds the way.
Bara had sat for hours listening and learning from the priest. His early motivations had now given way to belief in the creator.
It is true that people need somthing to believe in and Baras long neglected sense of right and wrong seemed to need it too. The error of Baras ways was becoming more apparent and for a time the pain and lonliness was gone away. The priests ramblings and conversation all made so much sense. He saw the religion in a whole new light. It was not as constricting as he had led himself to believe.
"Enough!" shouted Bara at length. "I have been convinced my man. My old faith has found foothold in my soul again." He chuckled.
The priest looked at bara oddly. "All so fast?"
There was more at hand than the priest knew. What ever had made Bara fight the shadow had stuck in his mind. The creator was holding on to him. Bara felt warm.
As the priest made his way back out of the chapel room bara sat in a pew. He cleared his head and thought of what to do next. His thought travelled to the capallan trainer. Conchuir would be in town for a day or so more and Bara needed to get away. But what then. Conchuirs quest seemed a futile or at least not Baras concern. He sat and stared into space.
Presently the priest returned. "Any thoughts?"
Bara stirred. "What'll I do? I can't go on the way I was."
"No ones asking you to be a paladin. That said if you feel like devoting yourself theres dedication." the priest ventured.
"Pah. I'm no knight. Ill not go all the way to soulwood to chase somthing I can do myself. It all the same as training." He replied.
"Well then I guess its not for you then."
"I must go soon. There'll be people here for me soon. I cant stay long." Bara changed the subject, a new urgancy came across him.
"They have been here all ready, But they'll be back Bara." The priest offered.
"Then I'll be gone as soon as possible."
Soon after Bara was readying to go and saying his goodbyes to the priest.
__________________
If pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of congress.
Posted by Sen Kisai on 02-09-2002 10:48 PM
Another young and foolish adventurer....
Sen Kisai woke up and looked out the window, “Ahhh what a beautiful day…….DAY! Shit!” He hopped out of bed, glad that he had at least fallen asleep with his pants on, he didn’t want to waste any time. He put on his shirt and pulled on his boots then ran out the door.
……………….
He ran back in the door, “Damn it, my staff!” he looked around for it franticly, finally finding it propped up behind the open door. Grabbing it, he once again ran out the door.
He hurried down the stairs and aimed strait for the door that leads outside.
“Sen! Do you want some breakfast before you go?” called his mother.
“No time mother!” He bolted out the door, and sprint down the street, struggling with getting his pack on his back.
“Hey Sen!” he looked to see Leanne.
“Hey!” he continued his speedy pace down the street.
“Where are you going that you’re in such a hurry?”
“I leave today!” he shouted in happiness.
“What?!” she said in surprise, then sighed, “Dang…..” She watched him run down the street, disappointment in her eyes.
He burst into the inn, heading up the stairs, “Hey! Don’t run in here!” shouted the innkeep.
“Sorry!”
He got to the door he was seeking and began to knock on it calling to the man inside, “Master T’kall! Master T’kall!”
“I’m coming, relax boy.” The door opened and an elderly mage stood there, “Hello Sen.”
“I came to say goodbye!”
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Of course! Ever since I met you this is what I’ve wanted!” he could hardly hold back his feeling of joy, this was the best he had ever felt.
“Well,” T’kall said sternly, “This is no walk in the park, remember that.”
“O come on, stop being so stiff!” Sen hugged the elderly man, “When I return, I will be a great mage!”
“Then I wish you well.” Sen waved and ran out of the inn and continued until he had left the City of Ciwa.
T’kall watched him go, “May the tests be good to him, that boy has something special. I wish you luck Sen Kisai, I wish you luck.”
__________________
I may look weak, but you'd be amazed at how fast I can run!
Posted by Orocia Agua on 02-09-2002 11:20 PM
Raven
I always come out here to play. This is the best spot ever, in the whole city, and it's MINE! If I catch anyone on it, I'll beat 'em up! Unless they're nice. Then I play with them! I like to make sand angels and castles and scare the crabs and the birds! RAWR!! Ha ha!! Everyone's nice here, not like in Noit. In Noit it's always so misty and gray, but here in Sungan, it's sunny, and everyone's happy! Like Benji, the painter who's always on the beach.. He always gives me money so that I can go up to Mr. Galan's snack shop up on the boardwalk and get something yummy to eat and drink. And there's a boy next door to me who I play with, his name is John. He's fun, but I have to be careful cause last time me and him did something it got him in trouble and his mom and dad got mad at my mom and dad and they sort of got mad at me, but not really. Everyone tells me I'm adopted and it's so easy to tell, but I don't see why it's such a big deal? I mean, they're the best!! They're so nice! Mom makes the best cookies! And Dad? He's the funnest!! He picks me up real high and I get to pretend I'm a bird!! Not like Rose!! She's a bitch!
Oh yeah, I'm not supposed to say that.. that's one of the reasons John gets in trouble with me. I don't get it! It's just a word!! Everyone I know says it! I even heard my mom call John's mom a bitch! HA HA! But John's mom is nothing compared to Rose, ugh!
Anyways, my name's Raven. Bella told me that I got my name from some gypsy-ish girl who knew something about animal guide thingies.. how kick ass is that?! I have a gypsy name!! Anyways, the Raven is supposed to be one of the most powerful spirit guide animals or whatever you call them. Um, there's something else... it was on this note Bella gave me. She said to never lose it, because it was from someone who cared about me very much, that girl, she said. Why would a girl like me? I mess with them so much!! Ha ha ha!! Like this one girl just down the street, Daisy. I stuck bird poop in her hair!! HA HA HA!! Her mom was kind of mad with me, but her dad is cool! He thought it was funny and he laughed when Daisy was crying!! Ha ha! But I didn't mean to make her cry, ya know? I was just teasin'. Oh well. I don't get girls. They're weird sometimes.
Oh yeah, there's something about the Raven, like he's an omen of change, and that on the note Bella said the girl hoped that I would live up to it, and not end up like her or something, and that maybe I was an omen of change for her. I dunno. There's other stuff on there, I forget right now, but I know it's important. A lot of it sounds really cool too, creepy gypsy junk! Hee hee!
I've only been here for a month! I love it! I miss Leo though, he was my bestest friend ever. He got kicked out by Rose, stupid bitch! She said he was too old... She's stupid.
But anyways, I'm going back to play again. Maybe Daisy isn't mad at me anymore? She can throw better than John, so I'm going to see if I can play catch with her today..
And so that is what this little boy named Raven would say, if you were to trip across him at one point and catch him before he ran off laughing. Yes, trip. He's a mischievous one, don't let those innocent, enchanting two-toned eyes beguile you. But he hasn't got a drop of vice in him at all, no, he's the most sweethearted mischievous scamp you'll ever know. No matter what mean trick he plays on you, you can rest assured it was out of playful, lighthearted, carefree love. And he's the most gracious, as well. Poor kid hasn't known much of the "good" life, even though he manages to make the most dreary of situations seemingly that much more happy and liveable. Totally unspoiled. You'll make his day with just a few copper grans; you'll make his week if you just smile at one of his pranks.
Today was just another happy day for Raven, out on the sunny beaches of laid-back artsy Sungan.
He spotted a man down by the docks, staring out at the ocean, which was more than common in Sungan. Hee hee.. Maybe I can scare him?! This was one of Raven's favorite mischiefs, and one for which he was most known for already: he would run up, then, when he was close enough, sneak up really quietly, then-- "RRAAAWWRRRR!!!!" It made everyone jump, and Raven would run away laughing, finally collapsing under the shade of a palm tree from laughter.
And here he was, sneaking up on this guy, a little cub tiger on the prowl. But the man turned around! He totally caught Raven off by surprise! How'd he know I was sneaking up on him?! I was being my most quietest!
The two gazed at each other for an odd moment. Usually, Raven would just run away, laughing as always, a little disappointed that he wasn't able to pull off his prank, but..
"Raven! Hey, buddy! Is that you, Raven?"
No way.. His two-toned eyes glittered in the sunlight, one as dark as obsidian, the other clear as diamond. His sable hair danced lightly on the salty breeze, his clothes were a little too big but comfortable anyways. He looked like he belonged on the waves, with his skin kissed gently by the sun goddess herself and his body sculpted lean like a sailor's.
He blinked his eyes for a bit, not sure if this was really..."...Leo?"
His answer was a friendly laugh from the young man, deftly interrupted by a hearty pounce and tackle from Raven.
"Leo, no way! It's you! Ha ha ha ha haaa!! I thought I'd never see you ever again, never!!"
Cue: Leo
OOC: Leo, I put Raven and my trust in your hands. Of course, contact me for whatever reason, but for the most part I'm letting you surprise me. Take good care o' m'boy!
Oh, and I updated my profile for Raven.
Posted by Leo Saotome on 02-10-2002 10:17 AM
The Completion
"Come in, " The Master beckoned.
They heavy wooden door creaked open to allow the image of a man, black drabbed from head to toe. He tipped forward his billycock hat and smoothed a fold in his trenchcoat. He nodded politely to the master, as one would an equal, "Our preparations are completed, Master Saotome. What shall I do with your mechanics?"
"Well sir," Master Saotome began from his seat.. "What do you think? Shall we have them run home to Balanum to tell them why they've been away from their homes for five years? Use your brain, man.."
"Yes, sir. I shall have them executed at once."
"No, no, no... There would be too many bodies, too much fan fare to go by secretly. We've been lying to them for years. Their minds are mine to mold. All I need is to put weapons in their hands and direct them that Balanum has become the enemy. We'll have them strike from the west, creating a decoy while we circle around to the east, in the secrecy of the hills."
"Of course." the Master's assosciate bowed, turned about, and left.
Saotome grinned partially and opened his journal, taking one last look at one of the final entries.
_____________
We have been ahead of schedule. The mechs were completed a full month early, so now we have commenced our practice.
My head mechanic seems quite apt at the ground level demolition his mole is capable of. My associate, Sir Blanford, is accomplished with his tank's weapon, although it is a far cry from the sniping rifle his is accustomed to.
In my Golem, I am quite the terror. Although, on the first run, I managed to fire the flame cannon without opening the iris. The resulting explosion was minimal, as well as the damage to the left arm. However, this gave me an idea.
Instead of remedying this error in judgement on my part, however, I will use the minor design flaw to my advantage. In the case that my Golem be defeated, I will set the flame cannon to explode with the iris closed in one minute. I have left explosives strategically throughout the golem, to incinerate any invidaders to my beast of metal. Hopefully, the area outside the golem will be affected as well. According to my calculations, most of the mechanisms inside the golem will remain in tact
_____________
Master Saotome looked up from his journal and grinned. He rose from his desk, went to the door, and took a look down the hall. He caught the attention of the maid from earlier, and beckoned for her to join him in his office.
Closing the door, he turned about and smiled evilly..
"Tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day..."
OOC: In all actuality, I don't know if I'll be posting the attack tomorrow.
Writer's note: I made a mistake. The golem isn't fifteen full grown humans tall, it's five.
__________________
~Leo Saotome
Intelligent, soft-spoken, and aggreeable.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. -- George Bernard Shaw
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 02-10-2002 11:07 AM
Sudden death avoided
OOC: Also, the Fiero rarely travel in packs of more than ten or less than 4. When patrolling the Woods and the Wolf Trail for humans to kill, they usually travel in packs of 8-10. When hunting, they travel in smaller packs, sometimes only in pairs. If you want your character to survive an attack from an entire pack of Fiero, you'll probably have to be rescued by a troop of fighters (of fifteen or more men) or avert conflict by talking them down. Or just run away.
IC: The Arboreal Prowler did not let go of the arrow. If he killed this one, the other Black Wolves would quickly avenge it. Instead, he held the Fiero at bay.
Nine more wolves finally appeared through the fog and entered the road, surrounding the Prowler. He knew he was in grave danger, but he had no fear. The Fiero could sense fear. These wolves were all just as muscular and fierce-looking as the first. The Prowler had no doubt that these were the Black Wolves. He kept the hood of his cloak up, hiding his face. They had been hunting him, and if they knew who he was, he'd be dead within three seconds.
One of the Fiero approached him. He could tell that this was the leader, and guessed that it was the famous Halar. Its eyes quivered with anger, and it had a menacing grin on its face. Since it was in its humanoid state, it wore a loincloth.
The Prowler spoke to it in the Fiero language. "Stand back. I wish only to pass through here."
The leader chuckled. "So, the vile creature speaks our language," he said. He stopped chuckling and glared at the Prowler, somehow getting eye contact. "How lucky we are to have the Arboreal Prowler visit us this evening." The Black Wolves laughed.
"I'm not the Arboreal Prowler!" he snapped back. He had to try to convince these wolves that he was not the Prowler. "He's dead. I killed him in Forestre. Some pathetic fighter. There was a price on his head, so I killed him."
"Tell me, bounty hunter," started the wolf, keeping eye contact with the Prowler, "why you smell of him?"
"These are his clothes. They're very nice; finely crafted leather boots. Good thing we were the same size."
The leader of the wolves continued to glare at the Prowler. The sun continued to set in the sky. They stood there for what seemed like hours, looking into each other's eyes.
"Very well," said the wolf, finally. "The sun is still in the sky, so you may go freely." He stepped aside, and the rest of the wolves followed suit. The Arboreal Prowler, relieved, began to ride forward. Before he was out of sight, the wolf howled loudly at him, "But you have not fooled me, Arboreal Prowler!"
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Sen Kisai on 02-10-2002 01:31 PM
Sen Kisai arrived at the City of Akaros the following day. The beauty of a city over a lake always struck him breathless when he saw it.
“One step closer!” he entered the city, even though he had been here before he looked at the buildings and people as if they were new and amazing sights to him.
Sen was walking through the streets when suddenly his staff was taken from his hands. He saw a little kid holding it as if like a toy weapon.
"Hey give that back!" Sen reach to grab the staff but the kid kicked him in the shin, "Ahhh! Why you little bra.....Oww!" The kid jabbed Sen in the face with the staff.
Sen snatched his staff from the child, "I'll teach you too...." but the kid had already ran off. He put his hand up to his nose and found that his nose was bleeding.
"I can't believe I just got beat up by a 6 year old!"
He went into the closest inn to get a towel to stop the bleeding.
“Got into a fierce fight eh?” the barkeep grinned at him.
“Shut up!” his voice came out muffled by the towel. I should have taken some sort of battle training!
After the bleeding had stopped he turned to the barkeep, “Do you know where I can buy food supplies for my journey?”
The barkeep looked around the room, “Gosh, I don’t know, perhaps you could ask one of the people eating here……”
Sen shook with anger, “You….you don’t have to be some obnoxious about it! Gah, you just wait till I’m dedicated!”
The barkeep laughed, “Just hope your test doesn’t put you up against a six year old….”
“Wh..gr..yo…I….Graa!” He threw up his arms, “Fine! Give me enough rations for three days, and how much is a room?!”
“Now your talking business boy!”
*********************************************
Once that harassment was done with, Sen decided to view the city some more, though he wasn’t as happy as he was when he came in.
He went to the market, and viewed the items, none really held any interest too him.
“Hey mister!” It was that kid again.
Sen held on to his staff with a grip of steel, “What do you want?”
“Why don’t you use a sword? Like real adventurers?”
“Because I’m not a swordsman!”
“Well why not? I mean you can’t go around swinging that staff at ogres and fiero!”
“I don’t swing the staff, I just carry it in case.”
“In case of what?”
“In case I can’t use magic!”
“You’re a spell caster?”
“Not yet….”
“Then how can you cast magic?”
“I can’t yet!”
“Then why don’t you have a sword?”
“Gah! Go away kid!”
“You have anger problems, you know that?”
He tried to relax himself, “What do you want kid!”
“I was wondering, do you think I could take the dedication?”
“Your too young, it takes knowledge and skill.”
“What the hell are you talking about?! I fight better than you!”
“I’m not a warrior! Perhaps one day, if your not so annoying, you can take the test!”
“Hmph, grumpy wuss!” The kid disappeared off into the crowd.
Sen sighed, “I think I’ve had enough for one day.”
__________________
I may look weak, but you'd be amazed at how fast I can run!
Posted by Kane Tallon on 02-10-2002 03:05 PM
Kane walked away from the road, trough small patches of wood and huge plains. He knew it was a stupid idea, traveling from Forestre to Gania at night, in fact it was the stupidest act he had ever done. He was now jogging and up beside him his trusty companion, a wolf himself, but a strong one, who had accompanied Kane throughout almost his entire life.
A cry of fear tore through the air as they reached the intersection of the road and the wolf trail. Kane paused and looked at Fang, his companion, then eyed the direction of the scream. He stared running, and soon was incredibly fast, fast enough to keep up with his companion, a wolf. soon, he saw a figure in front of a large Fiero, he knew it was a female by the voice, and the figure. He strapped his fist claws tighter and called over to the Fiero.
"Hey, you big flee bag, attack someone who's a match for you!"
The Fiero shot around and glared at Kane angrily, for disturbing him on hunt. A second Fiero shot out from behind a bush, and growled horribly at Kane, the noise was so deep, it sounded as if it could crush granite. Kane looked at the female, and realized that every second he wasted on staring at the Fiero, was a countdown of the woman’s life. Kane nudged his companion with his knee, “Fang...you get the smaller one in the back...” Kane demanded tonelessly and glared into the eyes of the larger one, “What’ve we got to lose flee bag? Bring it on!”
Kane charged forward and pulled his samurai blade from the sheath tied around his back. It flashed as the moon shone on it, Kane brought it out in front of himself and set it horizontally, he stopped running as he reached two meters distance on the Fiero, then laughed menacingly. The Fiero growled disgusted and Kane’s partner dashed past him to attack the other Fiero. Kane flashed his glance at his own opponent and saw him flying towards him, fangs fledged and claws threatening to kill. Kane ducked but received a heavy blow by its left claw, Kane fell back holding his left arm, it was bitterly gashed at he could still move it, but just a little. "I just had that one healed properly, and you need to screw it all up again!? ARRRGH!" Kane raged and pushed himself up, then charged at the landing Fiero, pulled his right foot back and kicked it right in the ass, and caused it to fly on and hit the ground harshly. Kane didn't stop he ran to it, but it was already up again, "You oversized wolf..." Kane muttered and slashed down, he was too slow, the Fiero jumped him down in the stomach, and raised a claw, Kane turned his head up to Fiero and saw its claw tear down. The blood sprayed out of Kane's wound, a huge gash across his torso now. Kane gritted his teeth and kneed the Fiero in the stomach, sending it flying over him, it rolled over and shot back up, but just as Kane. Kane jumped at the Fiero, and shot his right fist claw towards its ribs, now the Fiero was too slow, and whined in pain as the claws dug through its chest. It dropped and howled. Kane staggered up and kicked it several times, letting off some of his hate and anger, soon he stopped and the Fiero's head was not long on its body anymore (sword).
The Fire Fang had attacked, was now dead too, Fang stood on its dead body triumphantly, then walked over to Kane. Kane patted Fang on the head, and strode towards the woman. He heaved her up gently "You're not safe yet...get out of this area, I'll be leaving then." Kane said and walked into the other direction, but miserably failed standing for long, he was badly injured and slumped over onto his knees squeezing his chest, the woman said something, but he didn't quite understand. He staggered back up with his left over strength and turned, waiting for her to repeat her words.
Cue: Merelania Hitoshinen
__________________
Look behind you,
over your shoulder,
yes,
there is a shadow,
you're right,
with a gleaming sword,
OH NO! It's approching you!
Posted by Merelania Hitoshinen on 02-10-2002 04:41 PM
A gained companion?
Merelania stood in bewilderment, watching the man and his wolf battle away with the fieros. She wished she could do something, but before she was given the chance, they had already beaten the two large wolf-like creatures.
The man struggled to stand and soon fell to the ground. She stepped closer to him, wanting to assist him and tugged her bag from her shoulder. She opened it and pulled out the vial of mint elixir and a long make-shift bandage of cloth. She helped him to sit on the ground and smiled softly. She sat him up and pulled his hands away from the wound, looking at it, and furrowed her brows slightly. She lifted his shirt off of him, seeing as it was mangled to shreds from the fiero's attack and wouldn't help her on him at all. She reached for her pack again, pulling out another vial of water and set it beside her, along with the mint elixir, and cloth. She then looked him over for any other wounds and began to work on the first. The blood had halted it's flow out of the wound, due to his shirt's absorbency and dried over the gash. She poured the water over the wound, the fluid rushing into it producing a slight sting, and wiped away the blood that sat in it. She then began to wrap the cloth around him tightly, to further stop the blood, and bandaged him up neatly, handing him back his shirt.
She packed the water and remaining cloth back into her pack and handed him the drink, demanding he take a sip of the elixir to refresh his energy. Then she smiled and helped him up, placing the vial back in her pack and began to speak.
She looks at him nervously, but kindly, not knowing what he will say to her for the and stares at him for a few moments before blurting out, "Thank you for saving me..."
He stands there for a few moments, silent and still, holding the bandage while standing up, the wolf quietly sitting at his side. Then he starts to speak, his voice deep and masculine, but doesn't say a word and just nods to her and turns around, beginning to walk away.
She frowns slightly and reaches down for her pack on the ground, picking it up and tossing it over her shoulder. She turns to walk away also, and pauses hesitantly. She then turns back to him and speaks.
"Excuse me again kind sir, but I wish to ask of you another favor...if it isn't too much..." she says to him, watching him stop and turn slightly towards her.
"What is it?" he asks persistently, looking at her now, the wolf sniffing at her heels.
"Would you like to be my companion? I hope it isn't much to ask, but I would be very happy if you could join me in my trip to Gania. It would make me feel much better not being alone and maybe you feel in need of someone too. I am very much in your debt and I'd also like to be able to repay you, for if we part now I may never see you again to repay you, and that would be unladylike of me not to do so."
He stood, constantly staring at her, and listening to her words. He thought for a few minutes, as she stood in a deep patience for his answer. She tapped her foot slightly, looking from the man to the wolf and smiled at the two of them, hoping for an agreement to be made.
He then spoke once more.
"I don't even know your name.." He mumbled, crossing his arms across his chest.
She clasped her hands over her mouth in shock. She had forgot to even introduce herself! She almost had the urge to knock herself in the head but didn't, seeing as she was in the presence of a man.
"I'm Merelania Hitoshinen, I've come from Evisis Woods and am on my way to Gania to seek out a temple for dedication." she explained briefly.
She briskly brushed back some of her hair from her face and looked at him.
"And who might you be, kind rescuer?" she questioned curiously.
Cue: Kane Tallon
__________________
~When we do things out of great love, rather than great expectation, more comes back to us than we could have ever imagined.~
~The desire to know is not necessarily wrong but remember that if you're not careful one mistake and you'll create monsters worse than imaginable.~
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 02-10-2002 05:51 PM
A friendly fight
OOC: Good job, Kane. Take it from me: you really don't want to do anything even resembling power-playing around here.
IC: The Arboreal Prowler reached Gania a couple of hours after the sun set. The stars were beginning to fill the sky, and he wished that he could get away from all these bounty hunters, and be among those bantam lights.
The streets were lit by street lamps, and he saw people walking around. He saw lots of men taking a stroll with their wives or lovers. He wondered why he had never done that while he had the chance.
He heard some commotion coming from a nearby alley. There were cheers, and some violent shouts. He dismounted Night Mare, and entered the alley to investigate.
There was a group of men throwing dice at a wall. At every throw, some men cheered, and others cursed wickedly. After each throw of the dice, two men would fight nearly to the death. The first man to fall unconscious lost. The roll of the dice determined whom would fight whom. There were several whores in the alley as well, whose function was probably to comfort the loser.
As the Prowler approached, a man took a dagger in his stomach. The blade was pulled out, and the man fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Blood flowed from the wound, and the Prowler wondered if the man would survive.
After the man was carried away by two of the whores, the rest of the people in the alley noticed the Prowler. The whores greeted him with flirtatious glances and smiles, while the men greeted him with bloodthirsty and greedy grins.
"Hey there, fella," shouted one of the men, in a hard, uneducated accent. "How'd you like ta fight fo some money?"
The Prowler smiled somewhat shyly, and said, "No thanks."
A large, muscular man stepped out of the crowd and said, "Aw, come on now. Ya 'fraid to fight?"
The Prowler had an inkling that this was the man he'd end up fighting. But he decided he'd do it. It would break the tedium of his journey. "Sure, I'm game."
The men all cheered, and the dice were rolled. The dice each had twelve sides. Sure enough, Prowler's number came up, and so was the muscular man's number. Everyone cheered again. They were anxious to see the man beat the snot out of the newcomer.
The Prowler chuckled and took off his cloak. "Let's see how long I can last against you, big fella."
The men all laughed, and one of them shouted, "Five seconds!" The Prowler laughed and cracked his knuckles. He could use a good beating.
He looked at the man he was about to feet. He was about seven feet tall, and had gigantic muscles all over his body. He could probably tear down a house with his bare hands. He stripped down naked, and the Prowler was ordered to do the same. The reason for this was to ensure no concealed weapons were used. This had failed in the last match, though.
The Prowler started the fight by lunging at the man. He threw several hard punches into the man's chest, but it didn't do anything. The man grabbed Prowler and put him in a bear hug. The Prowler pulled, trying to get free, and finally the man let go of him. Prowler started to fall back, and the man's fist roared through the air and hit Prowler in the face. His jaw bone cracked and blood began flowing into his mouth. He fell to the ground.
The man approached him to finish him off, but the Prowler got up and kicked him in the face. He wasn't used to doing this, and he almost pulled a leg muscle. He cracked the man's jaw, and they both fell to the ground.
The man got up and lifted the Prowler off the ground. He started pounding Prowler in the face, and the Prowler's mouth filled with blood, and he started feeling dizzy. The men let go, and Prowler fell to the ground.
The Prowler shakily started to get up, when he spotted a large, lead bar nearby. He spit out a mouthful of blood, and picked up the bar. He got up and whacked the man across the head with it. The men fell backward, and the Prowler continued hitting him with the bar until he was unconscious.
Everyone in the alley cheered. It was quite an entertaining fight. The large man was carried off by a couple of his friends, and the Prowler was congratulated and brought inside to the tavern. The men bought him as much beer as he could drink, and they had a great time.
But the Prowler suddenly realized he had left Ilona outside on the horse. He got up from his table and stumbled outside. Night Mare was still there, tied to a post, but Ilona was gone.
He fell to his knees and screamed.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Halar on 02-10-2002 06:15 PM
Marked for death
Halar looked around at the other Black Wolves. They had settled down near the Wolf Trail, and had built a fire. They had murdered a lone traveler that evening, and were now cooking her on the fire.
He stood and spoke to his companions. "The Arboreal Prowler once again slipped through our fingers today. I blame myself, of course. I should not have let him go. But he will return to these parts, and then he will be ours. I shall take great pleasure in crushing his puny skull!"
One of the female members of the troop pawed at his back playfully. "You're so strong, Halar! You could crush his whole body with one hand!"
Before Halar could respond, three young wolves approached the campfire. They looked frantic. "What is the matter, young ones?" he asked. "And who are you?"
"Halar, tonight we were patrolling the road, watching for travelers to kill!"
"Then come, rest by the fire," said Halar. "You are tired, no doubt."
"But, sir, some members of our pack were killed!"
"Killed?" Halar furrowed his brow, and his voice slipped into a low growl. "Who could have killed Fiero in these parts at night?"
"Two of the wolves in our pack seperated from the group, saying that they were going to find some rabbit to hunt. We let them go, but they were gone for hours! We went to look for them, and saw their bodies in the road! Someone had murdered them!"
"But who could done this?!" screamed Halar. He was furious about the loss of some of his comrades.
"A man named Kane was travelling on these roads, and we think he must have killed them!"
Halar bared his teeth and growled at the thought of a puny human being able to kill two Fiero. "He is marked for death, then. He will not live to see next week." He looked at the young wolves. "Go to the White Wolves! Tell them what you have told me! Make sure that the entire clan is alerted of Kane's crime! The Fiero will hunt him until he is dead! And from now on, make sure your pack always stays together. Now go!"
The three wolves ran off toward the Evisis Woods.
__________________
I am Halar. When you hear me howling, be afraid.
Posted by Cybele Ariadne on 02-10-2002 06:33 PM
Mistaken Identity
“Son of a bitch!!” she said as she stomped into her room.
She slammed the door behind her, as if she was in a rage.
“What the hell am I supposed to do now?? I cant finish this case if my main suspects is gone and I haven’t even questioned him yet.”
She stomped around the room hands behind her back.
“God! I am so pissed off!!” she yelled.
She turned around and kicked the wall, making a hole in it. She grabbed a chair and threw it across the room hitting the door. She finally stopped herself and sat herself on the floor.
“What an I supposed to do?” she said as she rocked back in forth, “I need to get out of here.”
She grabbed her cape, and got up. She opened the door, walked out, and was about to leave the inn when she heard a voice behind her. She ignored it, and kept on walking out the door.
She walked out onto the street, and was surprised to see many people about . She turned to her right and started walking down the street, bumping into a lot of people, and getting tripped where ever she walked. She heard a commotion down the road with a chase. The one being chassed was wearing a green cape, like her own, but she could not see the face due to so many people around. The person was coming straight at her and bumped into her on the way of escape.
“Somebody help!!” the person cried as it passed her.
The person dropped a dagger dripping with blood on the ground. She bent over to pick it up, but as soon as she did the police were feet away pointing at her.
“There she is!!” one of them said.
“O shit.” she said as she saw them coming to her.
She turned around, and began to run back. Bumping into people, and getting tripped as she tried to run.
“Get out of my way!!” she yelled pushing people aside.
“Don’t let her get away!!” one policeman said as they chased her.
She turned, and ran behind the inn and jumped into the trash to hide. The policemen followed and searched the trash but could not find her.
“Ok men lets try another inn. She could not have gotten far.” the leader said
The men soon got up started to left. She got up out of the trash, dusted herself off, and went trough the back door of the inn.
“How could they have been so stupid??” she asked herself, “I’m clearly not that person that obviously killed a man……..or woman. I at least need to talk to someone about this.”
She walked upstairs to the hall, and stopped in front of Lyght’s room. She opened the door, and walked in.
CUE: Lyght
__________________
i must know everything about everything!!
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 02-10-2002 09:57 PM
Despite his initial reaction to Ilona's disappearance, the Arboreal Prowler was not very depressed about it. He had already lost her before that when the demon took her soul. This seemed to only make it clear that she was gone.
After the Prowler won the fight in the alley, several of the whores indulged him in a long night of relentless fornication. Although he enjoyed it very much, nevertheless he it didn't make him happy. Only Ilona could truly please him.
Very early in the morning, at about 3:00, the Prowler finally left the room and walked out into the tavern. The other men from the alley were sitting at a very large table along one wall.
The one who had invited the Prowler to fight was the first to greet him. He stood up and shouted, "Thar's the fella! Come on over 'ere, ya bastard!" The men laughed joyfully. The one that greeted the Prowler was a tall, thin man with a scraggly beard. He had several teeth missing, and a couple of ugly scars on his face. His nose was crooked in more than one place, indicating that it had been broken several times. He wore brown, filthy pants (in fact, brown may not have been their original color) and a white, dirty, long-sleeved cotton shirt that was torn in one or two places. This man had either been really unlucky with those dice, or he had angered a lot of men in bars. But he was the kind of guy that, repulsive as his appearance was, he possessed the raw masculinity, rudeness, crudeness, humour, and charm that made women love him.
The Arboreal Prowler walked over to the table, and a chair which had been saved for him was now offered. After the long night, he was quite sore, and walked almost bow-legged. The scarred man laughed. "Had a rough night foppin' the clippies, eh? Ya lucky bastard, git this lad a beer!" A barmaid brought a frothy pint of brew. The man laughed. "Oi, Betty! I'll tell ye, ya bastard, this wench sure knows how to give her customers a good head!" Everyone at the table laughed uproariously, and the Prowler couldn't help but join in the merriment. The man, grinning and showing the gaps in his smile, yelled to the Prowler, "Well I'll be a whore's slapmonkey! I ain't e'en introduced meself yet! By me wench's arse!" He stood up and put his hand to his chest and put his chin up in the air, as if he was a prestigious senator. "My name is Dorter, and I am the respected leader of this respectable organization of rag-tag arseholes!" The men laughed, half proud of their immaturity. "And I came to be known by the name 'Dorter' when I fopped the King's 'dorter'!" Everyone once again laughed. One couldn't help but appreciate the distasteful pun. "Now, ya bastard, as unpleasant as it may be, we needs to know wot bodily function you were named far!" Laughter once again followed.
The Prowler stood up, and decided to use his Elven name. "My name is Rozun, and never have I met a more disgusting, distasteful, rude, crude bunch of assholes in my life!" He said it with a grin and ended with a laugh, and everyone at the table approved of the antic.
He couldn't help but love these guys. This was perhaps the most fun he had ever had. Maybe it was actually worth giving up Ilona.
OOC: For the first time, I'm writing a part of my story involving humor and rowdiness, instead of serious and tragic. The character Dorter is actually based on one of the guys I knew when I worked in a bowling alley. He was one of the mechanics, and on slow nights we'd hang out in the bar, earning our paychecks by sippin' drinks, watching Jerry Springer or the Playboy channel (after midnight when the manager wasn't there), and telling horribly disgusting jokes and real life stories about sex. God those were good times. Despite that he was the most disgusting man I'd ever met, I couldn't help but love the guy. He was really fun to be around. Back then, I was still qualifying to go on tour with the PBA, and I was bowling three leagues a week. Those were good times.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Keiru Silver on 02-10-2002 11:11 PM
What's happening to me?
The Seamus landed near Southdale, and the crew scattered from the ship, all except the captain. He had gone down to where the spawn was held in the lower levels of the ship. He had not yet returned.
Indigo and Scarlet stood outside the city walls with Adamas, talking with the remaining crew. Indigo was still slightly sick, whenever he recalled the men who had died in the fight, he got nauseated. He had seen men die before, in battle, but never such horrible deaths. Scarlet went through it, too, but she seemed to have either gotten over it, or blocked it out.
She shifted her pack to her other shoulder. "I wonder if he's okay. Should we go see?"
Indigo shook his head. "I don't want to. I mean... I know we should, but I don't know if I could handle it. I've never seen anything like that."
"Didn't you say you were fighting them when you had to run to the Seamus?"
Indigo turned away. He still hadn't told her about the magic he had used, or what it seemed to do to him. "Adamas did most of it. It was all I could do to carry you," he lied. He tried to forget about the magic. At least the dreams had ceased. Perhaps it was just airsickness. But that doesn't explain Scarlet's dreams... he thought. There was something to the dreams, but he couldn't figure it out. They hadn't happened in a while, so maybe it was better to forget about it.
The captain came staggering up to the deck, and scrambled down the plank. He looked at Adamas,Scarlet, and Indigo. "It's gone."
Adamas frowned, Indigo slumped against the wall, and Scarlet gasped. "What do you mean, gone?" she asked.
"The cage was totally destroyed. Ripped to pieces. Some of the metal was melted." The captain quickly moved away from the ship. "It's still in there, somewhere. I didn't see, it. If I had, I think I might not be here. As a matter of fact-"
An explosion rocked the ground, and part of the Seamus' hull burst into flames. A massive black claw drove though the hull, rending the ship to pieces. Instinctively, Indigo dropped his pack and unholstered Salamander. He aimed for the hole and waited. The air around Scarlet and Adamas crackled. The crewmen that hadn't fled drew their weapons. The captain yelled. "What've we done? We've damned all of Southdale!"
Indigo watched the hole. The fires seemed to rage on, and nothing happened. He lowered the barrel slightly. As he did, there was another explosion, and the monstrosity that owned the black claw lurged through the destroyed hull. It was impossibly big, twisted and black. It was not the same spawn that they had fought on the lower levels. This one was five times its size. Its eyeless black head stared at them before splitting three ways into a terrifying maw. Black ichor dripped from between the multiples rows of serrated teeth. Its many arms flailed wildly, and its thickly muscled legs stomped the ground. It let out an ear piercing screech, and hunched down. Its back was covered by a pair of putrid yellow boils. It screeched again, and began to twitch, clawing at itself. As the group outside the city watched in horror, the boils began to ooze a sickening pus, then burst. Spawn crawled out from its body, falling the ground covered in a thick slime. They began to move, freeing themselves of the slime, and standing upright.
"Creator's blood!" Indigo shouted. "They've got wings!" He fired every single bullet in the chamber towards the large shadowspawn, then slammed a new chamber in. Scarlet and Adamas looked at each other and nodded. The sky became dark, storm clouds congregating above the plain. Lightning crashed around the massive spawn that seemed to father the others. Its skin began to char horribly, the stench almost unbearable. Indigo watched as Scarlet stood with palms outward, clenching her teeth. She staggered, and dropped to one knee.
She's going to hurt herself like this... I can't just stand here and let her! Even with Adamas' help, there's no way they can defend against the little ones... he thought. He dropped his pack and Salamander to the ground and began to run forward. The many smaller spawn were taking to the air, dodging the lightning.
"Indigo, get back!" Scarlet screamed. "Let us handle this!"
Indigo shook his head. The secret would have to be shown. He closed his eyes, and shut out the screeches and stenches of the battle. There was only the hazy plain, and the ball of fire, burning in the air. He reached out for it, and took hold.
He opened his eyes. His body began to burn, and slowly, he felt the change. Fire wrapped itself around him, blocking Scarlet's view of him. He felt the heat, but no discomfort. This had to be part of the dream... he ran his hand through his hair casually. It was long, and when he pulled a strand in front of his eyes, it was blue. "Dolensirion..." he muttered. The fire died down, and he heard a gasp. Scarlet and Adamas stood, gaping. He smiled at them, and turned to face the battle. He spread his arms wide, and it was if time itself had slowed, except for himself.
"ASTALDOCRISTION!" he yelled, and the air shimmered, parting to reveal something outside of space, a blade hovering between worlds. "The Astaldocristion..." he said, taking the blade in his hands. The rift closed, and he stood before the shadowspawn horde again.
He lunged for the nearest spawn, a man sized winged horror...
To Scarlet, everything happened in an instant. Indigo was wrapped in flames, then a stranger appeared (but so familiar...) and took a sword from nowhere. He dashed about the plain, blindingly fast, slicing spawn to ribbons where ever he hestitated. In a matter of seconds, the spawn began to fall to the ground everywhere, the man moving so fast that Scarlet could scarely catch a glimpse.
Only the large spawn was left, but the man dodged its claw swipes easily. However, the blade he carried seemed not to affect it. Its hide must have been too thick, she thought. She watched as the stranger leapt up behind it, attempting to drive the sword into its misshapen head. But the lumbering beast's arm swung up and knocked him to the ground. Scarlet could only stare.
He looked like Indigo... All of his features were the same, but his hair, and his clothing were different. As the massive shadowspawn screeched, she thought that it was over. From the ground, the man was as good as dead. But instead of striking, it turned and fled, oversized legs carrying its malproportioned body off towards the desert.
Smoke curled from where the man lay on the ground, and Scarlet ran towards him. She summoned a bit of wind to dispel the smoke, revealing Indigo's unconscious body. She flung herself over him, tears falling to the scorched earth.
His breathing was ragged. His eyes opened partially.
"Scarlet..."
Cue: Scarlet. I'm damn near dead. I'll be okay with some rest after a few days, but I won't remember anything about Dolensirion or the Astaldocristion, unless prompted.
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Gtrock'mar Granite Maul on 02-11-2002 02:55 AM
The Battle in the Drifts
The beast brought a clawed paw down upon Gtrock'mar, missing by scant inches as the less than nimble ogre dove out of the way. He clambered to his feet, looking back at the gaping hole that now occupied the space in the crystalline snow where he one stood. Tightening the grip on Dul'rak Kith, he began rushing his large form at the even larger Troll Yeti. It again attempted to swat its prey, and Gtrock'mar was prepared. He ducked low, letting the furred appendage fly harmlessly over his head, and brought his weapon back to swing. The maul smashed solidly upon the creature's right kneecap, shattering it with a dull cracking noise. It fell to a knee, its roar lost in the increasingly howling winds. Gtrock'mar again brought the maul upon his assailant, striking it in the chest successfully, resulting in another uncomfortable sounding snap. The Troll Yeti responded by connecting finally with a well-placed backhand, sending Gtrock'mar off his feet into a large snow drift nearly ten yeards away. His body ached, but the soft, powdery snow prevented any major damage from the attack. As he regained his footing and his bearings, the snow-covered ogre watched as the Troll Yeti also stood up, barely favoring its damaged leg. The rapid healing process of a Troll Yeti was one of its most useful attributes, and for this reason it is commonly hunted by adventurers. Those adventurers soon find, however, that defeating a creature with such abilities is more difficult than one may think.
Gtrock'mar watched in horror as the Troll Yeti reached to the sky, wailing a battle cry before rushing its entire mass towards the comparably diminutive ogre. He clutched Dul'rak Kith, luckily at his side thank to the steel chain that connected him to his weapon, and stood ready, his yellow teeth gritted in an exciting mix of fear and exhilaration. His combat skills had not been tested such as this in many seasons. The beast came boldly, but Gtrock'mar was easily able to sidestep its charge, deflecting a poor blow off its flank. Spinning about, he caught a patch of ice hidden by the snows and fell to his feet, the maul again dropping to his side in the snow. The Troll Yeti came back quickly, hoping to finish is formidable prey off quickly. It brought one of its giant feet from the ground, inteding to crush the ogre where he lay. Gtrock'mar instinctively brought up his arms, catching the beast's limb as it came down upon him. Only the enchantment upon his magical gauntlet prevented his demise, and once again he gave thanks to his fallen companion, Segruhl. Heaving with all of the enchanted might he could muster, Gtrock'mar threw the creature back, and it landed with a thunderous roar, the powdery snow frantically escaping the area of impact. Gtrock'mar's field of vision all but disappeared as he stood again, striding forward to combat the beast. He too late heard it clambor to is feet next to him, and he once again found himself flying through the air. This time, however, he didn't land. Something was wrong, he was tumbling into what seemed to be white nothingness. He heard but the breaking of ice, the roaring of the wind, and the frustrated cry of the Troll Yeti as its prey seemingly escaped after he resisted the effort to be eaten.
Gtrock'mar tumbled for but minutes until his head struck a rock, and everything went dark.
Posted by Zander Kohen on 02-11-2002 03:39 AM
Within the days that Zander was staying at Alexandros' home, he spent most of his time with Tiffarah. He learned many details about her life and they grew much closer as a couple. During the night they would lay awake talking for hours before finally falling asleep, their bodies entwined as they breathed contentedly. During the day, Zander could be found sparring with Alex, who had been teaching him some of what he had learned from Velisei. He also spent much of his time in the Garden ward of the city with Tiffarah, where they would take long walks through the well kept parks.
Zander had proven to be a swift learner under Alex's tutelage. The bladecraft and highsorcery interested him so much, he would often stagger into the house from the back yard, exhausted from his excertions. Alex usually followed close behind, both of them laughing, though Zander somewhat weakly.
He had improved greatly as a swordsman, though he could never manage to win a sparring match against Alex and he expected he never would. There was still much Alex had yet to teach him. Whenever Alex would use some new technique or manuver, Zander would ask him to repeat it slowly for him to learn and Alex would do the same on the rare occasions that Zander did something he had not seen before. In this way, both improved their skill greatly, and slept much better for their wearyness when the day was done.
On a beautiful, sunny afternoon, Zander and Tiffarah lounged together beneath a large flowering tree in one of Balanum's many parks. The light blueish blossoms of the tree provided little shade, but it was no matter; the sun was warm and pleasant, not at all harsh.
There they lay, her head nestled into his shoulder, his arm gently stroking her own. He had taken a day away from Alex's teaching to rest with his beauty, as her name dubbed her. Little blue flower petals from the tree underwhich they lounged speckled the grass beneath them. They lazied away the day like this, talking of everything and nothing at all. Their minds were far away from the horrors of the rest of the world. Neither of the lovers realized the great peril that could befall Aeterna.
Certainly Zander had some clue of it, with his heightened senses. But with such subtle changes in the shadow and such great events in his own life, Zander took little heed.
He did, however, wonder when Caliph would be able to arrange for them an audience before the Council. Though he was enjoying Balanum very much, he was also growing more anxious to return home to Xellos. The more time he spent with Tiffarah, the more his mind wandered to marriage. If he returned home, he might be married with his parents present and at last, Tiffarah would be safe from the terrors in Asheri. He was so blinded by these dreams, he did not realize the evil had spread to Gania as well...
__________________
A true leader will realize, he is nothing without those who follow him.
Posted by Eloise Rane on 02-11-2002 05:22 AM
Going home wasn’t something Eloise looked forward to.
To be in her house was to see materialism at its finest, an attribute that embarrassed her on the deepest level. Her father was Han’sar Rane, a member of the Balanian Secretariat, and as an assistant to the Consul, he was well off, but of no reputable rank, although he and her mother took no objection to living as if he were. Everything from the furniture to the silverware was of the highest quality, and needless posessions packed the house.
Eloise arrived from the park, stepping quietly into the stately home. All was silent, and the lighting was dim, creating an eerily serene mood. Her long dark hair was piled on top of her head in an unruly mess, and her military style clothing full of sand and dirt, bearing her the impression of a bull in a china shop. She removed her boots and slowly trudged upstairs.
Her bedroom was located at the end of the hall, always forcing her to pass her father’s study. She stopped briefly in her tracks, listening for any indication he was inside. Silence. She continued walking and glanced in as she passed to discover she was mistaken. He sat sideways at his massive desk which was littered with records and correspondence, and leaning back in his chair, he was completely still and immensed in a document of some sort. He took no notice of Eloise, though she knew he was aware of her presence.
Her parents had been fiercely opposed to her fighting from day one. It was, in their opinion, dangerous, barbaric, and “unladylike”, as her mother used to say. In her younger years, when she used to come home from the park in her dirty and dishevelled state, the barbarianism was nowhere if not right in her house; her father yelled and screamed at her viciously, sometimes into the night.
By the Creator, she dreaded coming home in those days. Now, she longed for them.
Her father’s tormenting had no effect, and slowly his temper faded, finally dying out like a dwindling candle. Now, he barely acknowledged Eloise’s presence, and when he did, he showed her no emotion, no affection, as if made of stone. When he was yelling, at least he was still her father...
She washed herself, and dressed in a more presentable attire. Vanity certainly wasn’t the highest of her priorities; but she had a natural, raw beauty that seemed to embody her passion. Although her body was strong and athletic, it was far from masculine, and she could be haunting with a little effort on her part, though that wasn’t often. She put her hair up carelessly, to have it only a tad neater than it was before, and begrudgingly walked back to her father’s study a few doors down.
Probably the most distinguished room in their home, his study was as much a sanctum as an office. The walls were lined with a few exceptional rifles and several regal antique blades, ranging from small daggers to lustrous swords. He was a small collector of rare and priceless Balanian arms, and put a small fortune into the display that hung around him. There was a time when he used to twitch with apprehension if Eloise merely set foot in his shrine.
When she entered he now sat completely turned around in his chair, facing the rear wall with his back toward her, an even colder disposition than before. He was a handsome man, elegantly dressed as always, and held a quiet, authoritative presence.
“Where’s Mom?” She asked firmly, but politley.
No answer.
“Where’s-”
“In the kitchen,” he replied abruptly, not lifting an eye from his work. She didn’t even really care to know, it was just an attempt to fill the awkward emptiness.
Downstairs, her mother, Ianna, was busy at the counter apparently slicing some fruit, a glass of red Balanian wine sitting close by. She was once a a gentle woman, but over time had developed a drinking problem, and was never without a glass of wine in her hand. She usually dismissed Eloise as plainly as her father did.
She did, though, at least turn around at the sound of Eloise coming into the kitchen. Her eyes were glossy. She rarely got drunk, but tonight she had had too much, and Eloise knew this meant trouble.
“No bruises today?” she asked sarcastically. “No black eyes? How unfortunate; we have no company coming over tonight, and for once I might not have been ashamed to introduce my daughter to guests.”
Eloise felt a slight sting deep down inside from her mother’s remark, but kept a strong face and appeared to take no notice of the insult. When Ianna was drunk it was her intent to hurt her. Eloise knew this, and had long ago trained herself so as to not give her mother the satisfaction.
“I’m going out for the night.”
“Where? To see that god-awful Bree Yaren?” A sharper sting. Eloise simply turned and walked back upstairs, seemingly cool and collected. Ignoring her father in his study, she grabbed her pouch and a deep crimson cloak from her room.
She walked around the back of the house to where her favorite stallion, Rafael, was tethered, and took off to Yaren Tavern, desperate to get the hell away from there.
__________________
"I will not live by ordinary standards. I will not run with the pack. I will not be chained into a routine of living which is the same for others. I will not look to the ground and move along with the rest: so long as there are those mountaintops, those clouds, and limitless space." - D.W.
Posted by Cedric Renfield on 02-11-2002 11:43 AM
The pair had been travleing for several days now with little event. Only Cedric's hunting gave him any excitement. Both horse and donkey plodded on, neither seeming to tire and Sekirah was impressed with Cedric's mount.
Sekirah guessed that they would reach Miltus soon; he would have to concoct a story of how he came upon the Lunari horse. The starbred would catch mutch attention in that military city, and it would look even worse if anyone were to see his features. They would surely assume he was a spy and have him arrested straigh away.
"What story should I think up to get us through Miltus without being arrested?" asked Sekirah one evening over supper. He looked up at Cedric through the flames crackling between them.
"There is no story more effective than the truth," Cedric replied plainly. He continued to gnaw on the rabbit leg that Sekirah had roasted. He still wouldn't allow Cedric to cook for them.
"Are you crazy, old man?" Sekirah asked, more than a little astonished at what the priest had suggested. "They'll just think we're lying."
"They can't arrest you just because you're a lunari, riding a lunari horse," Cedric explained. "Besides you're traveling with a priest. If it makes you feel better, I'll don my robes before we reach the city. They'll need more evidence than just your race to arrest you."
"That would be just fine if the Saddle didn't mark it as a belonging of the Lunari military," said Sekirah.
"Then rid yourself of the saddle and ride bareback, it's not so bad as you might think," said Cedric who was riding bareback himself.
At last, Sekirah complied and the travelers bedded down for the night. The next day would bring them to Miltus and neither knew what might happen when they arrived there.
__________________
Life's too short to spend it couped up in a Church.
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 02-11-2002 01:14 PM
"Trust me..."
For most of the night, Til’Sylvanna had conscripted Nelcar to help her train in her martial art. She knew that she would have little time in the future to do so, and needed the distraction anyway. It was becoming harder and harder to keep from entering the dreams of her friends and healing them from there. Her head told her that she could, and that no harm would be done to them in the process… that they wouldn’t even have to know that she had done it. But, her honorable heart forbade such action. She knew that entering their unguarded minds was trespassing and betrayal of the worst kind.
An odd feeling of doom had begun to creep into her mind as they trained. Nelcar had never really taken up the ancient Elwain fighting style, but still proved a very apt partner. She was enjoying the exertion… except fro the twinge in the back of her mind. She could feel her old strength returning, her speed improving, and her accuracy becoming almost perfect. Valerian had taught her very well.
Suddenly, a bright blue light flooded her vision… filling her mind. She fell to the ground in pain. She clutched her head, trying to make sense of the Visions that assaulted her mind. A twisted, vile creature… The red star in the peripheral… and lightning all around. A bright blue fire burned and she realized whom it was she was seeing through. The Dolensirion… the Sleeper who had Awakened. She could feel the fire that would consume him…destroy him. She tried to reach out to him, as he had done for her. She tried to calm the raging fire, to shield him in her soft silver glow and protect him from the burning. Creator he was powerful! She could feel it welling in him, a power and passion with which she could never contend. It was a tiring struggle, but she felt the burning subside.
He was fading… a dim ember left after the raging inferno. She feared for his life, but knew that she could not save him… only that one who was his other half could do so.
She reached out with her mind and found the red star. She was exhausted, and frightened; but the strength of her will could not be broken. Til’Sylvanna saw her in her mind’s eye, kneeling beside the still form of the Dolensirion. She gently touched the flame haired woman’s mind.
“His is exhausted beyond my ability to help him. Only you can save him now. I know that you have in you the power to do so… your love can heal him. But you must follow me, trust me. I can take you to the secret part of him… the place where you can save him. But it will be costly, for all of us. If you doubt even a little, we will all be lost. Take my hand, Star of the East, and have faith. I am Eonna de le Sonse, Kentel de le Norte, and we are bound by Fate. Trust me and save his life.”
Nelcar could do nothing but sit by her and wait for her to come back from wherever it was she had gone in her dream. He knew that once again, he would be left to wait… but that she would return to him in time. At least he hoped so.
Cue: Scarlet
__________________
Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Sen Kisai on 02-11-2002 02:10 PM
Sen came down the stairs stretching his arms. He walked over to the barkeep and put his hand on the man’s shoulder.
“Sir, those are by far, the most uncomfortable beds I’ve ever slept on.”
The barkeep grinned, “Well lad, I like t’keep my customers rugged for the road!”
Sen couldn’t help but laugh at this, “You truly are a businessman! How about something to drink?”
“What would ye like?”
Sen waved his hand in a motion that said whatever, “You pick.”
“Alright then!” He grabbed a bottle out from under the table, “So, if I remember right, yer on yer way t’get dedicated?”
“Indeed, I am hoping to become a caster of spells.”
“Ahh,” he slid the drink over to Sen, “Well just hope the tests are good t’ya, would hate to see ye be cast.”
“Heh, yes….that would be very very bad.” He took a sip of the drink, but instantly spit it out, “gaaa,” he coughed some, “By the Creator! What the hell is in this stuff?”
The barkeep burst into laughter, “Ahhh, it is a special concoction of my own. Ye like?”
“It’s terrible!”
“Ahh yer just a weak drinker!”
Sen slid it back to the man, “How about some wine?”
The barkeep continued to laugh, “Sure boy, maybe from now on you’ll begin t’chose your own drinks?”
“Well when I’m here I will!” Sen grinned at the man.
“That was a true blow to my honor boy! I am the most trustworthy barkeep in all of Akaros!” They both began to laugh with this. “So, are ye heading out today?”
“Actually, I was thinking of sticking another day here, this city is amazing, plus what’s the hurry?”
“That’s the spirit boy, enjoy the journey while it lasts!”
*********************************************
He left the inn about an hour later, his chat with the barkeep had been quite enjoyable.
His first goal was to get a map and so he went to the market. Since the market was extremely large and crowded, asking for directions seemed like a good idea.
Sen went up to a stall with a man selling fish, “Hello Sir!”
“Ahhh, you come for fish, no?”
“Umm No, actually…”
“Ahhh, I know just the fish for you! This one here, biggest catch I’ve had! Looks good, no?”
“Sir, I just want to know…”
“How much? Ahhh for you…hmmm,” he scratched his chin, most likely he knew the price and just wanted to put on a show. “5 silver gran!”
“For a fish?”
“Wha? Too much? This is a beautiful catch!”
“Ya, but it’s only a fish….no no,” he was getting way off track, “Sir, could you just point me out to a stand that sells maps?”
“You no want fish?”
“Sorry, but afraid not.”
The man sighed, “Ok, the map stall is over there, but if you need fish you will come to me, no?”
Sen smiled, “Yes I’ll come to you if I need fish. Thank you.”
He went to the stall that the fish seller had pointed out, “Sir?”
The map seller didn’t turn, he was apparently busy with something.
“Sir? Hello?” Sen knocked on the counter trying to get the mans attention.
The man still didn’t turn.
“Sir!?”
“Ahh, hmm, what?” The man turned, he must have been at least 70 years old, “What is all the racket?”
“Hello, sir.”
“Hello hello, welcome to my map shop! What can I get for you?”
“Do you have a map of Gran Adageros?”
“mmmm yes I do!” he grabbed a map and handed it to Sen.
Sen looked at it, turning it several different angles.
“Is something wrong sir?”
“This isn’t Gran Adageros….”
“Of course it is!” The man grabbed the map out of Sen’s hands and looked it at, “Look! It says Asheri right here!!!………..oooo silly me, Asheri…Gran Adageros…they look so much alike!”
“Ok………” They look nothing a like!
“Here you go!”
Sen looked at this one and nodded, “How much?”
“Two silver!”
“Seems fair,” he handed the old man the money and left the shop.
“Ok, now to go to the library.” He spent the rest of the day there, reading historical scrolls on mages and wars. Every word made him more anxious for the journey ahead of him.
__________________
I may look weak, but you'd be amazed at how fast I can run!
Posted by Kane Tallon on 02-11-2002 03:04 PM
Merelania's words went into Kane’s brain, ~ Kind rescuer...usually I'm called Damn murderer, oh well ~ He instantly replied after the small thought, "I would do what almost every male would do, if he would see a beautiful woman in need of help, and I'm Kane...Kane Tallon." ~ besides, I had nothing better to do ~ he said, then thought to himself. "We shall leave now...don't tell me they howled when they attacked you!" Kane worried.
"They did, why?" Merelania said softly, smiling at Kane, but her smile soon turned into a slight worry, as Kane's eyes went wide.
"Oh Shit!" He shouted and grabbed Merelania by the arm, but gently, "Ok, let's just say this, they have a little kill list...and I'm most likely on it now. We need to go...now...fast, if you don't want to be eaten as dinner! Can you run fast?" Kane babbled and waited for a reply, unlikely for him, as he is not a man of many words.
"I can run, quite fast." She replied.
******************************
They finally reached Gania, it was now early morning, and the sun rose slowly. “The towers do look amazing...” Kane remarked and Merelania agreed. Kane stopped walking and stared up at the sky, it was clear and blue ~ I hope it stays like this ~ he thought to himself and lowered his head again, he searched the part of town with his eyes and immediately found an inn, the sign on top read “Arrows Head”. “Those people are such creative one’s...” he complained and smiled at Merelania, pointing over to the inn. They walked inside and Kane continued to walk, and went up to the counter. “Sir, a room please,” Kane paused and glanced over his shoulder, “Make it two!” He corrected and threw the money on the table, but only the price for one room.
“Ey, ya asked for two rooms! So I want the money for two!” The innkeeper complained. The only thing he received was an angry and hateful glare from Kane, “Boy, I’m tellin’ ya, pay or nay!”
“And I’m telling you...” Kane thumped his fist on the counter, the money jumped slightly, “I was just kidding, hehe, just wanted to know if the place was worth stayin’ “
“Aye lad, you’ll get far!” The innkeeper said as Kane handed the rest of the money to him, the innkeeper reacted quick and tossed him the keys, “ ‘Ave a nice stay!”
“I’ll hope so...” Kane turned and walked over to Merelania, he handed her the keys and turned to walk up the stairs. Merelania followed and then followed him into his room, “I could’ve paid for my room.” She concluded.
“I have enough money, I have a good job...” Kane replied and put his swords on the bed, then he thumped his fist claws on the floor, and finally he released the breast plate and the gauntlet, both drenched in a slight amount of his own blood. “What do you want to do now?” Kane asked.
“First of all, I’d say get a map, then drink and eat, and finally relax.” Merelania listed, and walked into her room. When she came out, Kane was already waiting downstairs, “What took you?” He asked and lowered his head again. Almost every pupil at the inn, stared at him, disgusted by the fact that he has a wolf. “What the hell are you all starin’ at!? He shouted and strode out of the inn. Merelania followed, “You get angry quite fast...” She stated.
“I just don’t like it when people group Fang as a beast. I just need to get a new shirt once you’ve done your little shopping list down.”
“Fine with me, let’s go.” Merelania demanded and walked into the market area with Kane. They stood in the middle of the market, and wondered where to go, most shops were just opening, but the streets were already full of people. “ You said you wanted a map, over there.” Kane pointed to a map stand. They walked towards the stand, and Fang walked close beside Kane, his silver/white fur shone as the sunlight dashed over it. A boy walked by and knocked Kane’s shoulder, Kane spun around and grabbed the boy by the arm, then jerked him back. “Oh why thank you! You found my money, deserves a prize....hmmm, better even, a tip...GO HOME.” Kane ordered the boy and snatched his money pouch back out of the boys hand.
“Quick reaction there, Kane” A voice called over. A female stood over on the foundation of a small statue. “Haven’t seen you in long! How come you never showed up again, oh right, your oh so important meeting!” the girl, hooded in a black cloak walked over to Kane and pulled her arm back, Kane knew what was coming but didn’t even seem to take any heed. The girls arm shot forward, and she slapped Kane square across the face. “Why!? How come you never came back then!” The girl demanded.
“Listen,” Kane put a hand to the girls cheek, her head was still in the cloak, but he could picture her beautiful face again, “I told you I would come back.” The girls threw herself around Kane and hugged him.
“Why didn’t you come back earlier?” She sobbed, “I missed you so much.”
“Don’t worry, I’m staying with you now.” Kane replied quietly.
“Where are you staying tonight?” The girl still hooded looked past Kane, a chill went down her spine, she shot a glare up at Kane.
“She’s a friend,” He smiled and the girl hugged him tighter again, “Ouch! That’s my wound. I’ll see you later then, Arrows Head...” He said, and the girl quickly ran into the side alleys.
“Who was that?” Merelania asked.
“A good friend...” He replied.
“Friend?” Merelania chuckled, “Let’s see what we can get at the map shop.”
Cue: Merelania, (You can enter the inn, but don't go any further, thanks)
__________________
Look behind you,
over your shoulder,
yes,
there is a shadow,
you're right,
with a gleaming sword,
OH NO! It's approching you!
Posted by Keiru Emerald on 02-11-2002 03:53 PM
Alexandros had just returned to his home from his small yard. Sweat glistened on his brow, and he took a towel from the bathroom before he took a glass of water from the kitchen. Orocia smiled up at him from her vantage point upon one of the couches in the living room, where she sat reading a book about steam power and the theories behind it. Zander had gone upstairs to use the shower, and Alex lounged with his glass of water in the living room, chatting with Orocia, until she lunged across the room to sit upon him and nip at his neck.
They sat for dome time until the water stopped upstairs, and Alex excused himself to go clean up. After his shower, he dressed in a loose pair of pants, and left his shirt unbuttoned as he poured a glass of wine punch he had made earlier in the day into a glass and returned downstairs. Tiffarah was preparing Dinner, with orocia's help, and He and Zander sat in thr Living Room and enjoyed the smells eminating from the kitchen, the berry wine punch that Alex had mixed earlier, and each other's company.
The dinner was just the two couples, as Arkiri and Keigo had been gone for most the day, and were not expected to return soon. It was a splendid mix of meat, potatos, and greens into a stew, as well as bread that Orocia had baked herself. After dinner, Zander and Alexandros stepped outside for a moment, as Alexandros enjoyed one of his Nylian Cigarillos. Orocia and Tiffarah seemed like they were doing something special anyways, and the two Holy Knights didn't want to interfere with their plans.
When they came back inside they were surprised to see the whole living room lit with candles with Alex's lute and Zander's flute sitting on one couch, and the women sitting on the other couch across from it. Alex shook his head, women were sometimes so foreward with what they wanted, but at other times were so confusing. The women were all but giggling as Zander took his flute and Alex flipped the leather strap of the lute over his shoulder.
They played for what seemed like hours, sometimes making up words, sometimes the women doing so, stopping for punch and short breaks, but playing for long hours. When they fifnshed, Zander's fingers were red and had several splinters from the wooden flute, and several of Alex's fingers had been cut open by the thin wire strings on his lute. It didn't matter though, to them. They made their way to theit women and the four of them simply sat and talked for another several hours.
Finally they both retired, Orocia and Alex to his bedroom, and Tif and Zander to theirs. The evening had been fun, relaxing, and overall, great, Alex thought as he lay in bed next to Orocia, who had already fallen asleep and was nuzzled gently upon his breast. He smiled down at her, kissed her brow, and laid back to let sleep take him for the evening.
__________________
-You say you want a revolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 02-11-2002 04:29 PM
Party's Over
When the Arboreal Prowler woke up, he was lying on the table and one of the whores was on top of him, with her hand down his pants.
He lifted his head to look around, but his head hurt too much. He had a killer hangover. He tried looking around again, and his vision was blurred, but he could make out that the other men in the party were asleep either on top of the large table, or in their chairs. The innkeeper had let them stay this way, as long as they didn't bother anyone.
He slipped away from the prostitute, and fell off the table. The floor, and a chair leg, broke his fall. He heard footsteps approaching him, and saw a tall figure standing over him.
He was lifted up by someone and carried through the tavern out to the street. He was roused when his head was dunked in a barrel of ice cold water.
When his head was pulled out of the water, he saw Tibaron standing nearby. It was one of Tibaron's men that was dunking the Prowler's head in the water.
He brushed the man off and leaned on the barrel, looking at Tibaron. "Tibaron," he said with a smile, "it's good to see you."
Tibaron wasn't smiling. "I'd say the same to you, if you didn't reak of booze and have a whore's hand down your pants."
The Prowler scoffed. "Well, her hand isn't in there right now!"
"Prowler, I've never seen you in such an indignified state. This isn't like you. I find it disgusting that you left Ilona out in the street to be kidnapped or murdered!"
The Prowler stopped smiling and shakily stepped toward Tibaron. "You mean... you mean..."
"Yes Prowler," Tibaron said, helping his friend stay on his feet. "We found Ilona last night. She's resting in a tavern nearby right now."
The Prowler fell into his friends arms, sobbing. "Oh, Tibaron, thank you, thank you, thank you..."
One of the men from the alley stepped out of the tavern. He had a look of fear on his face, and he was struggling to tuck in his shirt and look dignified. "Oh, sir! I can explain this! I wasn't drunk..."
"Spare me the excuse, Tander," said Tibaron sternly. "I can not have a drunk in my army. You're out."
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 02-11-2002 07:11 PM
“Indy!!” Scarlet stroked his face frantically trying to rouse him from his state of unconsciousness. Tears fell from her eyes and onto his cheek where they stood like shining diamonds.
“Please Indy…..wake up!” She buried her face in his chest and continued to weep until she felt a hand squeeze her shoulder. Adamas stood over the two lovers, examining Indigo closely.
“Scarlet, you won’t help him by crying over him. He’ll be alright, but he needs a healer.” From the faint corners of her mind, she thought she also heard the voice of the White Maiden, but it was distant and difficult to hear, and such was Scarlet’s pain for Indigo that she found herself ignoring the voice. She cradled her fallen lover in her arms and kissed him tenderly, then spoke to Adamas in an unfaltering voice.
“Please Adamas. Find a healer.” He nodded then set off in search of one of the Seamus’s healers. In the meantime, Scarlet just held Indigo close, struggling to keep him alive with her own life force. She reflected what she had seen just before the spawn was driven into the desert. The man had long blue hair and different clothing, but he had reminded Scarlet strongly of the man who now lay in her embrace.
Was it you who saved us all Indigo?
She gasped when she felt his hand gently squeeze her own and his beautiful blue eyes fall upon her.
“Indy……”
“I love you Scarlet…”
“I love you too..”
They stayed that way until Adamas returned with a healer who closed Indigo’s wounds and restored the rest of his physical health. He turned to Scarlet smiling.
“He’ll be fine now. He just needs a few days rest before he does any sort of activity. Is there anything else I can do for you.” Scarlet thought quickly, then said,
“Yes. Find a carrier pigeon for me. I need to send a message to my parents…”
CUE: Indigo or Adamas. In case you wish to post next, Scarlet has sent a carrier pigeon to the King and Queen of Gania, informing them of their whereabouts. Expect a royal caravan to arrive in 2-3 days.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Leo Saotome on 02-11-2002 08:16 PM
The Day
The little boy blinked his eyes for a bit, as if he wasn't sure the young man that stood before him was.. "Leo?"
Leo's answer was a friendly laugh, deftly interrupted by a hearty pounce and tackle from Raven.
"Leo, no way! It's you! Ha ha ha ha haaa!! I thought I'd never see you ever again, never!!"
Leo smiled and gave the little boy a tender and yet boyishly rough hug, and sat up, "Hey, Buddy. How'd you get here?" Leo had guessed the answer before he even asked. "No no, let me guess: " Leo didn't want to say it himself, "Everybody's on a field trip to Sungan! What are you doing away from the group?"
"Nonono! I was adopted! I like 'em."
Leo was chagrinned. He knew that was the answer, "I'm happy for ya, kid. It seems like you got here before I did. So, you want to show me around?"
"Sure! Just lemme show you my new folks first. Dad doesn't think you're real. Says you're, 'Too good to be true,' or one of those wierd things adults say when they think you're lying." Raven tugged on Leo's hand, and Leo rose, "C'mon! The house isn't far. It's right over there!" Raven pointed his home out. "Race ya!"
And so they raced to Raven's new home. Leo "let" Raven win. Raven stopped Leo before he knocked on the door.
"Shh! You wait here." The scamp sneakily opened the door, lifting up on the knob such that the hinges wouldn't betray his entrance. Leo saw the following incidents because Raven left the door open. A woman Leo guessed was Raven's mother stood with her back to the door. He noted her structure was not that of a woman that had bore children. Raven judged his distance from her and leaped, using the "RAWRR!!!" Leo had become fond of.
"Ee! Oh, hello Raven dear. How have you been?"
Raven took up a different character altogether. He immitated a character that was obviously rather familiar to the woman. "Well, I uh, conversated with the city designator on the structuration of the buildations in this fine districtal area. It looks good."
"Oh, Raven, you're such a scamp." she noticed Leo in the door, "And you left the door open again!" She left Raven and went to the door, "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not interested in buying anything today." She moved to closed the door, but Raven stopped her.
"That's Leo! He's the guy I told you about!" Leo bowed and smiled winningly, holding out his hand.
"Indeed, I am Leo. I certainly hope he has not spoken too highly of me. I'd hate to be inable to live up to the standards he has set for me." Apparently, Leo had learned how to win himself over to an adult without looking like a con-man. Raven's new mother took Leo's hand, and he lightly kissed her middle knuckle.
"Where are my manners? My name is Margarite Clavelle. Well.. Margarite Goverson. Hee hee!"
And so Leo found himself a dinner. Being the guest, he provided entertainment in the form of juggling, imitation, and sleight of hand. He amused the father, who happened to have a middle-management position in the government and was most obviously the character Raven had imitated earlier, by producing the man's wallet out of the sky. He also managed to produce two apples and an orange to juggle in a circus-like fashion.
At the end of it all, Leo sat with Raven, "We forgot to go see the town."
"Tomorrow?"
Raven's new father sat up.. "I'm sure Leo is busy in trying to get himself a home. Eh?"
"Please Leo? Please?" Leo didn't want to disappoint the boy- but he really did need to find a place to live, "Pleeeease?"
"I'll see what I can do." Leo smiled at Raven. He glanced outside.. "I suppose I should get going. It's getting late.."
"Oh, nonsense, m'boy," the father spoke up, "You can stay here tonight. Shorty won't mind if you sleep in his room. Will ya, boy?"
"I'm not short! I'm bigger than Alex Pfeister and Daisy, and you said girls grow up first, and Al is older than me." Raven was proud of himself.
And so Leo found himself lodging for the night.
__________________
~Leo Saotome
Intelligent, soft-spoken, and aggreeable.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. -- George Bernard Shaw
Posted by Palin Freeborn on 02-11-2002 08:47 PM
A premonition of heroism.........
It had a while since Tygan had left the inn for wherever. The others had no idea of his heading, but Palin had a feeling that Tygan might head back to Gania. They packed up and, with Lyght’s new halberd in tow, they set off for Gania. Carla, within a few minutes of entering Summer pass, became brave and decided to go look for Tygan herself.
“ I’ll ride Betty up ahead and see if I can catch up to him. I’ll come back before it gets dark if I don’t find anything. Farewell!”
Lyght raised his hand to protest, but it was too late. Carla had urged Betty into gallop and the ox took off at a moderate pace. She turned to wave goodbye, but the ox began to buck slightly. Carla turned and saw that part of her dress had been caught on the ox’s horn and was covering the creature’s eye. She held on for dear life as the ox ran faster and faster. Finally, a dreadful tearing sound pierced the air and Carla fell on her back, a slit opened in her skirt that ran all the way up her thigh. She stood up, brushed herself off and blushed profusely as she offered to help Lyght chase down the bovine.
They took off over the plains, running as fast as possible after the misdirected ox, leaving their things with Palin. Palin laughed aloud, then sat down to be alone with his thoughts. He still wondered about Cybele, who they had hopefully left behind in Xellos. He still didn’t trust her and he liked her sneaking about less. Carla still seemed to have some hidden agenda still, but he was beginning to trust her more as he watched her become more fond of Tygan (though he had not seen much). Lyght was still as ornery as ever, but he was still as trustworthy and pure as a child.
He sat like this for quite some time before he lolled off into sleep.
That’s when the dreams came.
The darkness consumed him once again. The shadows upon which the world of Aeterna was breaking enveloped all. And in the middle of the whirlwind of madness and chaos, he stood with his friends, weapons in hand. He knew it was only a dream, but the feelings of pain, sorrow, and death were all too real. But tonight, yes, tonight, he would stand against the darkness! He would fight back! He saw himself raise his sword and charge, his blade flashing in beams of light wherever it struck. His companions charged as well and struck, opening sheaths of light as they fought. Soon, however, the end looked bleak and they were fighting a losing battle. Tygan standing back to back with Carla, and they were fighting hand-in-hand. Lyght was striking hard and fast with his halberd, but he was faltering.
All of a sudden, the light grew brighter. The shadows where shrinking back and more figures were appearing. He recognized the Elwain, Til’Sylvanna and her guardians, Saeth and Nelcar. He also noticed, however, that Til’Sylvanna was staying awfully close to Nelcar………
More and more people, normal ones, not the shadow…..’things’, filed into the battle and fought bravely. The shadows retreated and they stood alone again, on a burnt landscape, the emptiness of nature deafeningly silent.
Palin awoke with a start, as he had many times in the past few days. It was nearing sunset as he sat up and Lyght was just returning with Carla and Betty. Lyght waved his hands excitedly as he approached, his voice loud and clear.
“……damn ox got a good way down towards Southdale before I caught her. We should get moving. Grab the gear Palin. Betty can carry the rest as a punishment.”
********************************************
It was another few good hours before they arrived at Gania. Night had spread it’s blanket over Gran Adageros and few men were out when they entered the city walls. They traveled to the inn of the Seventh Traveler and slept until morning, with little conversation since the plains outside of Gania. They awoke the next morning and decided to travel to Sungan by boat, with or without Tygan.
“He’s a big boy. He’ll take care of himself. Besides, I have a feeling we’ll see him again.” Palin said.
So they packed their belongings and boarded the Queen’s Fortune, a boat run by a Captain named Rumey Weklarn. And with a farewell wave, they left Gania for Akaros, the waves in the sea rocking gently beneath the boat.
Cue: Tygan
__________________
Being a hero is not some title to obtain or a term to be used lightly. It is a matter of essence and is reserved for those with only heart and soul guiding their actions.
Palin Freeborn
Posted by Tygan deParte on 02-11-2002 09:21 PM
Tygan awoke the next day, it was time to find a boat. He walked downstairs giving the barkeep a wave.
“Farewell my friend!” Tygan called.
“And you! Follow your heart boy, I’m sure she loves you!”
This made Tygan smile, hell his smile stretched across his face and would have gone further if it could. If she actually did love him………
He made his way to the docks, looking at all the boats. He asked a passing by sailor if the man knew of any boats going to Ioty.
“Aye! The Queen’s Fortune over there! Just ask for ol’ Captain Weklarn.”
Tygan walked over to the ship, “Hello!”
A man came over to the railing, “What do you need?”
“I’m looking for Captain Weklarn!”
“That’s me. You can call me Rumey!”
“Ok Cap…Rumey, I was wondering if I could get passage to Ioty.”
“You and everyone else lad, seems like there’s a big need to go to Ioty today!” He laughed, “Well it will cost you!”
Tygan pulled out some money, “Will this do?”
The man’s eyes sparkled, “That will more than do lad!”
And so Tygan had his ship. He got on board, it was a fairly large ship, many sailors running around preparing to sail off.
“I take it we’re leaving soon?”
“We’re leaving now!” he grinned, “You came just in time!”
“Well glad to hear I made it! Where will I be sleeping?”
“The quarters are down that way, third room on the right!”
Tygan walked to his room, he hadn’t been on a ship since coming to Corner from Sungan, though this one was much nicer.
He threw his stuff on the floor and plopped down into the bed, “Whew….I wonder where the other’s are…” though he was specifically thinking of a certain one.
Little did he know, that she was in the room next to his.
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Cybele Ariadne on 02-11-2002 09:58 PM
Ditched
“Ahhh!!” she screamed as she jumped out of bed.
A tiny mouse crawled on her bed behind her back.
“Oh.” she said with a sigh of relief, “Its you. Why did you try to scare me like that??”
The mouse made a tiny squeak.
“What? Who left??”
The mouse made a small squeak.
“Everyone!?” she asked “Damnit!! I knew they were all onto me!!”
She ran out the door and looked through all the rooms frantically but saw none. She went back to her room and gathered all he things.
“Well I need to leave anyways before the policemen come back to search he area again.” she said as she walked out the door, “Goodbye my little house mouse.”
She walked downstairs out the inn door and onto the street. She made a long whistle and her horse came up to her as if on command.
“Wow that was the first time I did that but you acted as if its my only call for you. I guess your very used to me huh?”
The horse nodded.
She look around for policemen and saw two down the street. She ducked behind the horse as she saw them.
“We must be very not noticeable when we get out of here ok?”
The horse nodded.
She slowly got onto the horse and the rode slowly out of town but when they reached the outskirts the galloped away fast.
They stopped at a small lake. She undressed and took a swim, while the horse had a drink.
“Now to figure out where they went.” she thought “Well Tygan seems stupid enough to go back to the scene of the crime so I shall start there.”
She got out and got dress. She made a whistle to her horse and it came to her. She got onto the horse and they galloped away towards Gania.
“I hope I make it there before anything foolish happens.”
__________________
i must know everything about everything!!
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 02-11-2002 10:16 PM
Recalling
"Prowler, I'm really disappointed in you. I thought you were a decent man, perhaps the best man in Gania. But then you go and do something like this, and demonstrate that you're nothing but a gambling, brawling drunk."
The Arboreal Prowler didn't know what to say. His best friend, talking like he was his father. "Look, Tibaron, you don't understand. I couldn't ask you to understand..."
"Understand what?!" Tibaron's eyes were lit with fury. "That after preaching about true love and virtue, you can go and do something like this? Understand what, Prowler?!"
"You could never understand what it's like to be the Arboreal Prowler!" he snapped back. There was silence in the room for a minute. They were alone in a room at an inn. Finally, the Prowler continued. "You knew me before I took my dedication test. You didn't know me afterwards. My great talent as a Ranger was a gift from the test. It was unexpected, as if the rules of the universe had been broken just for me. But after I was given this "gift", I was filled with inhuman urges. Absolutely raw animal instinct filled my body and conquered my mind. I truly became a prowler. I ran along the road for days, until I reached a small village surrounded by woods." The Prowler sat back in his chair, preparing to recall the whole tale of what happened that night.
You see, when I reached that town, something made me want to go into those woods. Something made me YEARN to enter those woods. I left the road and disappeared in the trees. I ran through the woods, climbing trees without the slightest difficulty, leaping from treetop to treetop.
Night came. My heart was filled with some darkness. I felt some great desire to do something dark and evil. To hunt. To prey on the townsfolk.
I drew near the town. There were still people walking in the streets, but not so many now that it was dark.
I entered the town and walked down the main road, looking about for my prey. Choosing the kill. My mind had lost control, and my animal instincts had taken over. Killer instinct. Two girls my age approached walking in the other direction. I was naked now, for I had torn off my pants while frolicking in the woods. I had thrown down my necklace in the same place. I was also rather lean and muscular from all the running I had been doing. So the two girls saw this naked, filthy, animal-like man walking toward them with hungry eyes.
"Oh, what a horrid creature!" cried one of them. They drew the attention of the constable across the street, who in turn saw me, the naked animal-boy.
"Hey, you there!" the constable yelled out. The girls hurried away, and before I knew what hit me, four constables had beaten me down with the hilts of their sabres and knocked me out, putting me under arrest.
I awoke in a cold, damp cell. I was still naked, and my head was in great pain. As I felt the back of my head, I found it was caked over with dried blood. I had forgotten speech, so I just snarled at the guard.
I laid there, feigning sleep, until the guard went into a room to do something, out of sight. I immediately jumped up and drove my hand against the steel bars that closed off the window. The metal crumpled and flew off of the opening, leaving a large whole in the stone wall. The adrenaline pumping through my veins had given me incredible strength, though I broke every bone in my hand. I scrambled out the hole and into the night, with the guard yelling after me. I was free. Free to stalk the night.
I ran out of town back to the woods, but lingered just outside town. I heard the cries of many men as they were roused from sleep by the constables. The town was forming a mob to find him and kill me. I dashed through the forest along the edge of town until I reached a large house, almost like a mansion. There was a large balcony on this side of the house, and it was on the outside of a girl's bedroom. I became excited as the girl entered the room. She was the one who had seen me on the street earlier that night. She was dressed in her sleeping gown, and came out onto the balcony for a breath of fresh air. I was hiding in a tree right next to the balcony.
The girl heard a few leaves rustle in the tree. At first her expression was one of alarm, then of joy. "Antony, is that you?" Her expression changed from joy to surprise, then fear when she heard heavy panting coming from the tree. Excitement had filled me almost completely. Finally, animal urge drove me from the tree and I jumped onto the balcony, tackling the girl and pinning her to the ground.
The girl was filled with terror as I hungrily tore away all that she wore. But she did not resist my advance. She was horrified, but hypnotized by some animal quality in her assailant. She was frozen. But while I was busy with this evil work, a servant ran into the bedroom and saw the horrible crime taking place on the balcony. The girl had not been screaming, but the servant began to. I looked up at the servant hatefully as he ran out to the balcony to help the girl. I jumped off of the girl. I grabbed the servant's throat and ripped it open with my bare hand. The wide-eyed servant fell to the ground, blood gushing out of the large hole in his throat, and soon was dead.
I returned to my deed for a minute, adrenaline pumping hard through my body, but was soon interupted by the cries of the mob in the street coming toward the house. They knew where I was and they were coming for me. I left the girl lying naked on the balcony, with my bloody handprints all over her, and disappeared into the forest.
"You see, Tibaron, I was taken over by some sort of evil instinct. Maybe it wasn't even evil, but just unaccepted by our society. Last night, I was filled with that same instinct, and I couldn't help but quench my thirst for blood, drink, and sex."
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Keiru Silver on 02-11-2002 11:24 PM
The spawn had taken up residence in Fayre. Plans for rebuilding the city had fallen by the wayside, and nothing could be done until General Dominic returned from the Empire.
The troops had fought valiantly, and managed to hold the Marquis Bridge. Teyr had set up seige towers for miles around the city. And the Shadowspawn clearly had no intention of heading through or around the woods to get to Kenoblious.
The elite guard was always at the forefront of battle, holding Nevyel in their General's stead. Chief among them was Grenn Rin'Vanere. When the commander fell in a battle on the bridge, Grenn had snatched up his sword and led the charge against the spawn.
That was two days ago.
Presently, Grenn was being recognized as the unofficial captain of the elite guard. In Victor's absence, the soldiers looked to him for inspiration. He was a typical lunari, tall and thin. His angular features were framed by cropped black hair. He fought with two swords, and practiced Terra magic whenever he found time. Ever since his first encounter with the spawn, he had tried desperately to learn magic, and he thought that a primary sphere in Holy would greatly aid him in battle.
However, Holy was the hardest sphere to learn...
OOC: Yep, that's right. Filler posting. It's practically spam. Aramus, get off your duff and write the post we RP'd!
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Lyght Smith on 02-12-2002 03:11 PM
God I Hate Sailing
Lyght had been a little nerves getting on a ship since he had very been one before and Betty even more so. Still Palin said that it was perfectly safe. Still this did little to sooth Lyght mind. “I don’t like this some people just weren’t made for ships and I think I maybe one of them.” Nonetheless, the Ship had left port and Lyght was already felling Seasick. Lyght stay by Betty for while who had been tied to the mast. Of course, the Ox seemed to be having far less problems then her owner. As Lyght sat on the deck of the Queen’s Fortune he watched the landscape of Gania slowly pass by.
About two hours had passed since they had left port When the Ship Entered Press Canal. On both sides of the ship, Lyght could see land. To the north were the Island of Geryon and the Dedication Temple. To the south was Gania, as Lyght had never seen it before. Cold and barren, with little plant lifeless, but few ever walk that far north thus very few see it unless they are sailing to Akaros. For a while Lyght stomach was feeling a little better, but after a while he started felling sick again so left Betty and the Deck for his bed which he hope would be a little better.
When Lyght got to bed he didn’t really feel any better, but not seeing the shore moving by helped his mind clam down. “By the Creator I really REALLY hate Boat and Sailing I would much rather take on a pack of wolves than do this. Oh well I’m here and I can’t leave the group now. I think I will just go to Sleep and hope I feel better when I wake up.” With that Lyght closed his eyes and went to sleep.”
Cue: any one who wants it.
__________________
I just can't help but fell greater powers are involed here.
Posted by Keiru Silver on 02-12-2002 05:16 PM
"So, something stirs." Salamander Armada stared at his mutton. Though he no longer craved sustenance, he usually looked forward to Gaxx's mutton. Today, however, his mind was elsewhere.
"Best not to act rashly." Gaxx craned his neck. "What's that, love?" he asked, apparently to no one. He looked at Salamander. "She says avatars should not meddle beyond what is needed."
It had been a great many years since Salamander Armada died, or perhaps only days. The passage of time in the spirit world was a shifty thing. However, for now time seemed to flow normally.
Salamander set aside his silverware. "Gaxx, do you ever wish you had not been chosen by the Creator to be an avatar?"
The man across the table stroked his beard. "My love tells me that what must be must be. Creator chose me, not other way around."
Salamander pondered this. Gaxx was not insane, really, but sometimes he seemed to speak in riddles, and Salamander wondered if the wind really spoke to him. It was not unlikely, as Gaxx of the Crags was the avatar of the air. In life, he was considered off kilter, but no one dared call him mad. He stared into his mutton again, as if the answers he was seeking would be found in the dish.
"Gaxx, I lived many different lifes while I lived in Asheri. I was a soldier, a general, and the diamond knight. Now, it seems that I may never rest. I do not wish for an end, I wish only to help those in need."
Gaxx stared at him with a level gaze that Salamander had not seen from the man's eyes before. Something contemplated greater meanings. The look on Gaxx's face was unreadable.
"I think you should help him."
Salamander gasped, and sat up in his chair. Gaxx had never spoken directly, without riddles or the guise of 'his love.' He knew of what, and whom, Salamander was speaking of, without his having to mention it.
"My love thinks so, too. She says if you don't... he'll burn himself to death."
Salamander nodded. He stood up to leave. It wasn't really a solid place, here, more like an ethereal guest dining room. The avatars did not often visit each other. Only because they knew each other in life did Gaxx and Salamander visit. And upon departing, Salamander would dispel the body he had occupied in life for his true form. The Avatar of Fire, burning dragon Salamander. There were few avatars left who cared for this world. And Salamander Armada was one of them.
"Perhaps, Gaxx... when it is his time, he will assume my place?"
Gaxx didn't seem to be listening. "Dolensirion..." he muttered. "No, friend, I think not. My love says his time is long in coming. Has ties to another. Creator will not break the bonds of love to make an avatar, no matter how powerful his soul is."
Salamander nodded. Someday, a new avatar would rise to take his place, and he would be allowed the bliss of ascension to be with the Creator. But for now, he was content to help those who needed it.
Gaxx stared at him, standing behind his chair, hands closed over the high back. He looked at the untouched plate of mutton. "Are you going to eat that?"
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Carla Blanche on 02-12-2002 05:33 PM
Carla had never felt so miserable in her entire life. Within the first five minutes of voyage she had rushed to the side of the ship where she spent the next half-hour losing the contents of her stomach before wobbling into her cabin and collapsing by the wastebasket. The next three hours were a living hell for her as the ship rocked and heaved, making her stomach heave with it.
Finally, after the ship seemed to level out Carla was able to stumble around the lower decks looking for either Lyght or Palin. She found Lyght to be in his room, apparently worse off than she was, so she searched for Palin. The ship lurched suddenly, making her lose balance and slam into the opposite wall. Then it began to resume its previous rocking motion unsettling Carla’s stomach once more. She groaned and clasped a hand over her mouth and fumbled her way to her cabin door. Panic mixed with her feelings of nausea as she realized that she had lost her door key. The sensation began to rise in her throat and she turned to make a mad dash to the upper levels of the ship. The hall was blessedly clear and there were no obstructions to get in her-
WHAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The door next to hers flew open suddenly as the occupant stepped out into the corridor, knocking Carla flat. She would’ve cried out if not for the desperate need to keep her mouth closed until she reached the upper deck. A man's voice came from behind the offensive door.
“Oh!! I’m sorry, I-“ Silence engulfed the corridor.
Carla looked up to see why the man had stopped, and felt her jaw drop through the bottom of the hull.
It was Tygan.
She soon realized the danger in gaping at him as the sensation began to rise again and snapped her jaws shut once more.
“C-C-Carla…”
Her situation suddenly became critical as the sensation could no longer able to be contained by mere willpower. Tygan stepped forward as Carla dashed past him and out onto the upper deck.
Oh Creator!! What’s HE doing here?! These thoughts were immediately pushed from her mind as she bent over the rail and succumbed to her seasickness.
CUE: Tygan. Carla's going to be extremely embarassed from nearly throwing up in front of you and she's still unsure of your attitude toward her so she'll avoid you and sneak back to her room.
__________________
So what if I'm a girl?! I could kick your- Oh!! Ack!! Pardon me!!! CRASH!!!!!!!!!! BLAM!!! OWW!!! AAAAAAAAIIIIIEEE!!!!
Posted by Cybele Ariadne on 02-12-2002 06:09 PM
Catching Up
They entered back into Gania and rode pass the port looking at a boat she saw a cow standing watching over the water.
“Wait……….Isn’t that the cow I meet from before??”
The horse turned around and looked a the ship. It gave a long nnnnaaa as it jumped up and down almost making her fall.
“Whoa !! Chill out. I suppose your right though if she’s here then everyone’s here. I guess now we get to go on a boat ride huh horse?”
The horse made a short naaa. Soon the boat made a long sound and started to sail away.
“Hurry before me miss our ride!!”
The horse jumped up and galloped as fast as she could down the plank before the boat left. The it jumped over the railing and onto the boat side.
“Hey!! What are you doing!?” yelled a man in front of her
“Teaching my horse how to jump boats. Were in the circus.” she said as she nodded
She got off her horse and tide her to the rail.
“And now to find Tygan.” she thought
She looked around tying to find Tygan in a crowed a merchants and tourist but saw none. She walked over to the other end of the boat pushing people aside. She stopped at a corner and turned to look what was over there. She still saw none.
“Guess its time to check the rooms.”
She walked inside a side door and down the halls passing by all of them after she looked in the small doors and saw none there. She soon stopped at a new door and looked in through the cracked door and saw a man laying on the bed. But it wasn’t Tygan it was some guy with brown hair and blue eyes staring at the ceiling. She slammed the door back and stomped down the hall.
“Why is he not here?? I must find him!!”
The guy in the room came out and looked around. He saw her and came up to her.
“Why were you spying on me.” he asked politely
“I’m sorry I was just looking for someone.”
“Who?”
“Someone you don’t know about.”
“Are you always this rude.”
“Are you always this nice. Its really unnatural.”
“Yes and I’m sorry its just my nature. I’m Geb. “ he said as he held out his hand “And you are?”
“I’m Cybele.” she said as she shook it
“Nice to meet you Cybele.” he said as he kissed her hand
She snatched it away and turned away from him. She was about to leave when he grabbed her arm and turned her around.
“Don’t ever turn away from me ok!?”
“Who are you yelling at??”
“You , You little dumbass!!”
She slapped him and waked away back towards the door she had came in with. She started to hear some music as she went out. She knew she had to look around.
__________________
i must know everything about everything!!
Posted by Shadowspawn on 02-12-2002 06:50 PM
It hurt me... it burned my skin... I hate it.
The light that causes pain. Sword that chars flesh. I hate it. I hate him.
This is new world. Not been here. Sometimes still hear Linerin's voice, but not so loud. Do as I please, now. Eat men, destroy cities. Linerin granted me power... I get stronger. Can stand daylight, because no have eyes. Not see anymore, but hear well. Sense things not see before. Other new things, too. I create more spawn. They follow me, not Linerin. Not know if part of plan, but I swallow new world in darkness.
Burning man will know my pain... I hate him.
The Shadowspawn fled west, to the desert. It shambled on for two days, tainted blood staining the ground, ruining the plant life wherever it stepped. Linerin had given it only two commands. Go to the new world, and destroy.
The spawn monster was bent on revenge. It seemed that more beasts were spawned from its body, and that they were a stronger generation. They had wings, and desired destruction more than anything.
It would be days before rumor would begin to spread of a flock of carrior eaters routing the Rous from their desert nests. The hRittir would flee the desert, and the ogres would retreat further into the surrounding mountains...
But for now, the spawn limped, bled, and waited for its wounds to heal.
__________________
"Hssss...grrrr....accccckkkk....shhhlllllllrrrrrrrr.......shhhhhhhaaaaaa.......dooooooooo........haaaaaaaaaa...."
Posted by Tygan deParte on 02-12-2002 07:12 PM
Tygan stood there, his hand out as if to grab a hold of something, but nothing was there. It took him a moment to fully comply with the fact that Carla had run off.
“Carla!” he shouted. He ran down the hall in the same direction she had gone, bringing him out onto the deck. His head turning wildly as he looked to find her. She’s not here!
He then saw Palin standing by the railing, looking off into the ocean, “Palin!”
Palin turned quickly, shocked by the voice he heard, there’s no way it could have been, “Tygan!”
“Palin, did you see Carla up here?!”
“Yes, why? She went back to her room.”
“Where is that?!”
“Is everything ok?”
“Just tell me! I need to talk to her!”
“Is that all you need?” He asked with a questioning look.
“You know me better than that!”
“Ok, I know, her room is second to the right.”
That’s right beside mine! “Thank you!” Tygan ran back down the hall stopping in front of Carla’s door.
“Carla!” there was no reply, “Carla, if you can hear me, please just listen to what I have to say.” He stopped for a moment to see if a reply would come, but none did. “I…I don’t know what happened in the room back in Xellos, whether it was me coming onto you, or a mutual feeling, but I’ve never felt more sure of myself than I did then. I’ve done a lot of thinking in the past few days, thinking about the group, thinking about our future, and most importantly, thinking about you. I know I shouldn’t have left, but…but perhaps it was for the best. I figured out my feelings, my feelings for you Carla……..I love you.” His voice was choked and his eyes watery, he rested his head on her door, “Carla…..”
He turned from the door and slid to the ground, resting his back against the door, and just sat there in his own mourning. He stayed there for a while, hoping that perhaps she would open the door and embrace him, or some other romantic notion to show that she felt the same way he did, but the door never opened. He would have stayed longer but a sailor came along.
“Hey chap, why you looking so gloom?”
Tygan looked up at the man and stood up, “N..nothing, is there something you need?”
“Well, me and the rest of the boys were wondering if you’d play some music, we noticed you had a lute. You know, some merry music, cheer up the crew.”
“Umm,” he didn’t want to leave Carla’s door, he didn’t want to lose her again, but he couldn’t just ignore the whole crew, plus perhaps she would come out and join the song and dancing, “Ok, I guess I could come.”
“Excellent! Let’s go! Party, Women, and Dancing here I come!” He gave Tygan a little punch to the shoulder and led him out onto the main deck. He stopped Tygan and pointed to a girl, “I’m hoping to get a dance with her.” Tygan looked and saw Cybele.
“Cybele? I wouldn’t put your hopes up.” I guess she is here with the others.
“She’s picky eh?”
“Well,” he wanted to say she was a pain in the ass but, “Yes, she is very picky.”
They went into the middle of the deck, “We got music boys!” The other gathered around, waiting for Tygan to start.
What to play! He tuned his lute and put his hands up to it, “Ok, here’s a good dance one, grab yourselves a partner or go solo, either way, I hope you all have fun.” His only real hope was that Carla would show up.
“What would the wandering poet sing?
A song of life and love.
What would the wandering poet sing?
Brave adventurers or a singing dove.
What would the wandering poet sing?
High mountains and flowing rivers.
What would the wandering poet sing?
Cold nights and winter shivers.
And the poet would keep on singing and singing,
Til our hearts were truly filled.
And the Poet would keep on singing and singing,
As long as the creator willed.
For this is the life of the poet my friend,
To sing of this world of ours.
For this is the life of the poet my friend,
To sing here under the stars.”
While the song continued, Palin looked around for someone to dance with. Where are all the girls at? He sighed when he noticed there was one one, and one he wasn't too fond of. Palin walked over to Cybele, “Would you like to dance?” I can’t believe I’m doing this! Hell, I don't trust her, or even like her, but I don’t want to look like someone who can’t get a girl to dance.
Cybele was about to yell “NO!” into his face, but decided that she might as well enjoy herself while everyone else is.
And so the sailors, the adventurers, and the other travelers, danced to Tygan’s songs.
*********************************************
After awhile it began to rain though, and the dancing stopped as everyone went for shelter into his or her rooms or into the hallways.
“Looks like this will be a harsh storm,” stated Captain Weklarn.
And he was right, the storm got stronger and stronger, the waves crashing up against the ship rocking it ferociously. They had to bring in Betty before she went berserk and broke the sails.
Lyght had come out to help with Betty, but he looked like hell, “Guys, where is Carla at?”
Tygan paused, “She was in her room, I’ll check on her.”
“No, I’ll go, this outside view is making me sick….” Lyght stumbled his way down the hall, knocking on Carla’s door. “Carla, you there?” he continued to knock on the door, but then opened it from fear. “Carla!”
“Tygan, she’s not here!”
“What!”
“Look!” exclaimed one of the sailors.
Tygan turned to see Carla running at them, “I’m coming, I had forgot my parasol!” But with this storm and her natural talent to get into trouble she slipped on the wet deck, “Ahhh!” The waves hit against the ship causing her to slide towards the side, which would lead her to the ocean.
“Carla!” Tygan bolted out of the hall, sprinting across the deck, he leapt, his hand catching Carla’s just in time. She was hanging over the side screaming.
“HEEELP!!”
“I got you Carla, I won’t let go!” He pulled her up with all his strength, and once she was up he held her close, for fear of losing her again.
“I will never let you come to danger Carla, never, I promise!” They quickly made their way back to the hall entrance, Tygan making sure Carla wouldn’t slip again.
“Lyght take her!” Lyght pulled her into the doorway, then reached for Tygan.
SMASH! A large wave broke against the hull of the ship causing Tygan to lose his footing.
“Ahhhh…” He slid across the deck, banging into the railing, but it did little to stop his movement, he was thrown right over it, off into the dark, wild ocean.
OOC: This is for my group, Carla needs to do a reply to this, so please wait for her to do so. Thanks =)
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Leo Saotome on 02-12-2002 08:52 PM
The Dream
(OOC: An angel, a band of elves, a destined legend, a renowned traveler, a troupe of unlikely heros, a princess, a sailing barmaid, and see what I've got? Two orphan boys with fifty grans, a sketch pad and a paintbrush between them. *chuckles* Not that I'm grudging anyone that.)
Also, a warning: this post contains semi-demi-quasi sexual content. If editing is requested, I'll oblige.
IC:
Leo sat up in a strange bed, looking about. He was familiar with his morning amnesia, but this time he was bewildered as to his circumstances. Where am I?he thought, And why don't I remember? He heard footsteps.
"Is that you, dear?" He heard himself say. Leo felt like he was only watching through his own eyes. He had no control..
"Yes, love.." a woman, or a young lady, about Leo's age, stepped in from the darkness, her face in the shadows. She wore a shirt that was too big for her, and Leo recognized it as his own. "I see you woke up again. You really must sleep all the way through the night."
"Mm." Leo could feel his facial muscles curl into a smile, "But I can't help it. I keep having dreams of that other night."
She moved into the bed next to and half Leo, her hand over his heart, cheek against his chest, and he slipped an arm about her waist. Leo ached to see her face, but his head wouldn't move. It just stayed looking up at the dark ceiling. His hand, however, moved to stroke her soft cheek.. "You don't mean the night when they-"
"Mm. No. The other night." Leo felt himself chuckle, "When you and I-"
"Hee hee! You were so- And when I- And I loved it when you- " Leo felt his left hand run down her delicate back, along her backbone across the shirt she had been wearing and past it. "Mmm.. I was right about artists." Leo felt her soft lips against Leo's neck, "You're so good with your hands, Leo.. " he felt his palm against the warm bare flesh of her backside, "Master of foreplay.." Leo felt her hand leave his chest and move to his waistband, "Deft lover..."
_____________
Leo sat bolt upright in his cot, breathless and sweating profusely.
_____________
(OOC: Another note: I've been trying to play Leo off as a ladies' man. Apparently, however, none of the PC's I've encountered took the bait, so I'm just "upping the ante" as it were.)
__________________
~Leo Saotome
Intelligent, soft-spoken, and aggreeable.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. -- George Bernard Shaw
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 02-12-2002 09:23 PM
An understanding
OOC: You should be fine, Leo. I've done worse than that. lol
IC: Tibaron and the Arboreal Prowler were sitting at the corner table in the tavern, facing each other. "How long has Ilona been like this?"
The Prowler looked down at his drink, closely examining the tiny bubbles in his beer. "Ever since the demon hypnotized us all."
"But we killed the demon..."
"No, Tibaron. It had already killed her." It hurt to talk about what had happened to Ilona, and he avoided Tibaron's gaze. He was afraid he might cry.
"What do you mean?"
The Prowler sat back in his chair, still eyeing the pint of beer. "When the demon hypnotized us, I found myself in the village, where I lived with Ilona sixteen - no, seventeen - years ago. I woke up in our hut, and walked outside. I saw Ilona, and she was... There were wolves attacking the village. In the light of the moon, I saw the figure of a wolf, running toward Ilona. She didn't resist. Instead, she walked toward it, as if sleepwalking."
"Or as if in a trance."
The Prowler looked at Tibaron. "Yes. I tried to reach her before the wolf did, but... I didn't run fast enough. I watched in horror as the wolf ripped her apart. That's when I snapped out of it, but Ilona..."
"She never snapped out of it." Tibaron got another confirming look from his friend. "So what are you going to do?"
"Tibaron, that night we took Ilona to that healer, you remember how I rode off alone, into the woods?"
"Yes."
"Well," continued the Prowler, "I rode as fast as I could to the cliffs overlooking the sea. I took a black rose, cut my hand and used the blood to stain the rose, and dropped it into the water." He paused for a moment, wondering if his friend would understand. "When I find that rose again by the seacoast, and it's colored red, Ilona will return to me."
They sat in silence for a while. Tibaron finally spoke. "I understand."
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Indigo Grei on 02-12-2002 11:03 PM
He had gotten over his limp with time, but some wounds don't heal. His left eye was still blind, and scarred shut. White scars criscrossed his body, and over some of them, hair refused to grow.
He stood at his full height, roughly six and half feet tall. He didn't falter for an instant at the news. Shadowspawn in the desert. The Fiero were being forced to take interest in the outside world again. After all this time.
It was all good that men hated Fiero, and vice versa, especially considering the things the Fiero knew. The Fiero knew what caused the calamity that befell Gran Adageros. But they'd sooner die than speak word of it. And they often had, or killed the inquirer.
But it was not the past that concerned Gahr of the Fiero. It was the present. The incident all those months ago had gotten him into quite a fight, but surviving the trial by fang and nail had earned him a reputation. And now, the boy (man?) responsible was back in Gania. Part of him was elated, and part of him maintained that he show some dignity.
"So, he has returned. He never did come back after dedication. I had all but given up hope that he made it. I wonder what news he brings."
"Sir, I don't understand," a younger wolf growled. "I thought that all men were enemies."
"Some men are good at heart. Too often we have killed without reason," Gahr said. Another wolf stood up next to him.
"You and your pack have always been soft! I'll not have this talk of 'kind-hearted' humans in my den," he sneered.
"It is because of Fiero like you that the men hate us!" a wolf yelled.
"You would be wise not to snarl at your elders!"
Gahr felt an arguement coming on. This happened during every clan meeting. He maintained that not all humans were evil, but there were few that agreed with him. And it always ended the same way. It would come just short of physical violence, and Gahr would usher his pack out before it happened.
"My pack leaves now. We will not hunt humans. And the one I speak of will have safe passage to Gania. Am I understood?" Gahr demanded. He held enough sway in the clan, dissident as he was, to invoke this particular order. Amidst much grumbling, the black and white wolves nodded in agreement.
Gahr left the semicircle on the heels of his pack. "Indigo Grei returns to us..."
__________________
Creator's hand... I'll burn everything to the ground if I'm not careful... what is this curse?
Posted by Caliph Wyrdwyrm on 02-13-2002 05:58 AM
Four women, bound in blood
Aloft, the rara avis…
The pigeon flew, thinking only one thing: home. But Caliph had entirely different designs for the bird: war. And maybe, one day, peace.
Elana, who had fled Fayre with Victor, would alight upon the pigeon soon. And she’d attempt to find him, but the audience with the emperor would keep her from him for a spell. But Caliph had patience. And it wasn’t as though he couldn’t use the time.
"General,
Will plead your case in front of the councils in Balanum. Please send back what aid you need, and why. I shall do my level best.
Caliph Wyrdwyrm"
And sealed in wax with the wyrdwyrm itself.
***********************
“Well, Caliph, I must say, you put away nearly a cask. It’s a wonder the guests didn’t notice.”
“Shut up, Rifkis. I don’t think Alexandros would have noticed Linerin Gheral himself – unless the man made a pass at Orocia.”
“Fair enough.” Rifkis wasn’t above joining Caliph in a drink, though, although he suspected that if he joined him in all of them he’d be under the table already. “So you see them together?”
Caliph nearly brought himself to a smile. “I don’t see why not. Even a Holy Knight can be expected to partake if the stars are right.”
“I wonder which one of them you speak of.”
Then Caliph did smile. “Yes, it is funny how that works out, isn’t it? Such coordination. Well, Rifkis, love’s a funny little beast… beast of burden.” She’d said that, working it into his vocabulary by brute force. He hadn’t said it for years. Things stick. He poured another drink.
Rifkis watched Caliph pour carefully. “Is it enough?”
“No.”
“So you still can’t bear to go out there?”
“No.”
“You just want me to stop talking, don’t you?”
“N… er… why don’t you just stop talking, now that I think of it, Rifkis.”
Rifkis almost chuckled, but thought better of it. “Perhaps I should take my leave for the night, then.”
“Talented. You’ll go far.”
Rifkis rose, and stopped short at the door. “I might, at that, Caliph. But you already have. Tell me, is it worth it?” And he shut the door behind him.
Caliph was able to walk up the stairs, and was now drunk enough to not even notice the bathroom as he passed, which was the intent. Rifkis would of course interrupt a darling of a hangover. But that was his job, bless him.
***********************
But he didn’t. Caliph wasn’t sure whether to be grateful, or upset. It was a whirlwind day, with tailors, barbers – all the little outcroppings of civilized living that one tends to neglect when one is living in the woods alone. But Caliph very well couldn’t afford to show up before the council in any of the rags he wore that still fit him. So instead he had to have inches trimmed from his formal wear. But not all of it. He suspected that the hired help might insist he put the weight back on.
Until Alara arrived, it was almost a pleasant day.
“Well, I take it you’ve settled in well.”
“Yes, thank you. I appreciate the loan of your…”
“They’re not on loan. I knew you were on your way, so I went to the trouble to retain them in your name. They’ll be with you as long as you see fit to keep them.”
“Ah, then many thanks. But why?”
Alara sat down across from him, crossing her legs delicately, like glass spindles. “Because I never aspired to run a house, Caliph. I’m sure in some districts, the servants are looked upon as a luxury – but without them, a building like this wouldn’t run. The landed gentry is expected to run a hotel and a tavern every time they have to entertain, and of course they really do have to entertain. It’s a bother I didn’t want to deal with.”
Caliph shook his head. “That still doesn’t explain why you helped me.”
“Because I wanted to, Caliph. Because I’ve felt just as guilty as you must have been feeling. Because I know mother would never have been able to see either of us after what we did. Because I want to be clean again someday.”
Caliph nodded. “But I don’t see either of us being clean very soon, little sister.”
She smiled small at him. “Well, you know what father used to say – long and hard is the path that to the tavern leads after your mother has been cooking.”
“‘And short is the stay in my bed you’ll have when you get home.’”
They laughed, and all the years slipped back for just a moment.
Then Alara sighed. “I suppose I should tell you what I came here for.”
“Probably.”
“As you know, mother had no brothers, so it has ended up that her family’s crest has fallen upon the two of us. You’re already installed into the Wyrdwyrm line. I came here to see her lineage entrusted to you as well.”
Caliph, now is no time to tell you, and I have no right to say this to my son, but sometimes you run out of years. But you shouldn’t take my house. It was never meant to be your father’s, and so it shouldn’t be yours. I know the right of blood. So I’m asking this of your heart.
Caliph shook his head. “No, Alara… you keep it. Mother’s deathbed wish. I intend to honor it.”
Alara nodded. “Well, then, we’ll meet again later.”
“Fare thee well.”
“You as well.” She leaned in, embraced him awkwardly, and walked away. Caliph sat there in silence, running over the words their mother had said, those years ago… and wondering if she had perhaps forseen more than her children would have thought.
Rifkis broke in. “Caliph, I think you’ll want to hear of this. Well, no, I don’t think you’ll want to. But I think it would be worse for me if I didn’t tell you.”
“What now?”
“The Seamus is overdue. It hasn’t returned yet.”
Caliph smoothed out his forehead with his hands, and propped his elbows on the table. “Has word been sent?”
“I’m not exactly in the know on this, Caliph. Should I inform the others?”
“No. Not until we know something. I won’t have the lot of them chasing phantoms in the shadows.”
“Very well.”
Caliph looked at the windows. They were shuttered. People in the surrounding homes weren’t quite sure if Wyrdwyrm Manor was reopened or not. But oldtime residents knew that the windows had always been like that. “It’s almost dark, Rifkis.”
“Going to bed, then?”
“Going out.”
Rifkis didn’t have anything to say to that.
“Send the servants out after they’ve finished up and go home for once, Rifkis, you’re working too much.”
“I shall see you in the morning, then.” And he left.
He hadn’t seen her go into the ground. He at least owed her this much.
***********************
Blood and water.
He had found her in the tub, hair done up, makeup applied with care, clothes folded neatly on the stool, wrists slit with measured lines – no hesitation cuts, clean marks. The water was filled with clouds of red training from her arms. Her face was white, no pulse, no hope. She had been there several hours before.
Water into wine.
And he had to leave her there, or stay beside her in the family plot, where he stood beside her now.
He laid the flowers upon her grave and said softly to himself an old Balanum rhyme:
Two young lovers, a’walking arm in arm
A slow, slow waltz, a dance of charm
Oh Mr. Conductor, don’t strike up the band
They’ll make their own music waltzing on the sand
Then he knelt beside the headstone and cried.
***********************
He returned to the house, which was dark, quiet. His eyes were still clouded over in soft, small swatches of unshed tears. He tossed his coat on the rack and headed for the bar in the downstairs study to pour himself something stiff to drink.
Had he been in better shape, he may have heard her breathing, or her footfalls, but he didn’t.
CUE: Raven Shar
__________________
They say confession is good for the soul. But what if you don't have one?
Posted by Raven Shar on 02-13-2002 02:41 PM
Homecomming....
Raven Shar drew her dagger slowly across his pretty white throat, dark crimson blood spilling out of him like a sticky river. The wealthy merchant’s son didn’t have time to cry out… he was dead before even he knew it. She released her hold on his slender frame, letting him fall quietly to the cold ally stones. Near him lay a bag of blue velvet. Within was quite a large sum of money, but that was not the reason this pretty and promising youth had died by her knife this evening. It was just a bonus. She licked the blood from her dagger and placed it back upon her person somewhere among the many others she always carried. She took from a pouch at her hip a long black feather and laid it upon the youth. Her mark.
She smiled as she vanished back into the night from which she had come. Another death, another draller she thought wryly as she made her silent way back to her home. Even those creatures of the night who may have noticed her passage quickly forgot. They knew it was not wise to remember the comings and goings of the Raven.
From the outside, her home looked like nothing more that one of many dilapidated old warehouses in that part of town. But, within was a mansion of lush luxury. Her home was one of the few things in the world to which she had any emotional attachments at all. It was her palace, and the night was her kingdom. She was a creature of darkness, and harbinger of death.
She grinned in spite of herself. Don’t I sound pathetically poetic she thought as she entered her castle. It was decorated lavishly in dark mahogany and gold. Rich black velvet curtains lined every window, and disturbing art lined her walls. Fanciful statues depicting images of rape and murder were assorted throughout the large house. All in all, it was a rather disturbing place, unsettling at the very best of times when she was not home to haunt it with her cold presence. She reveled in it… it was her masterpiece.
Entering her large sitting room and tossing her black cloak on the side couch, she found her manservant Jax waiting for her. Jax was short, only five and a half feet tall, with short graying hair, and a rotund figure. His most astounding feature was his eyes… or rather lack there of. Raven had taken them one time when he had lied to her. He had learned well.
“Ah, Jax. What news do you have for me this evening, my little pet?” she said in her softly mocking voice. Though he was the only person in the world for whom she held any kind of trust, even he was not spared her mocking and torture. She set aside her rapier and crossbow, taking a seat in a very comfortable chair as far from the fire as she could manage and still be in the room. Even in her own house, she did not like the light.
He smiled and turned to where he knew the sound of her voice to be coming from. “You sound as if you had a productive evening.”
“Oh, I did. That lovely brat of Ty’nall’s is rat food. I assume he paid the rest of the money he owes me?”
“Indeed.”
“Pity he did not pay it a week ago when it was due. Now he’ll have to pay for a funeral as well. Oh well. He’s learned not to think that I can be put off.”
“Yes he has. You’ve reminded him with your usual grace and mercy, Raven.”
She almost smiled. “Why Jax, is that sarcasm?”
“I learned from the best.”
“Flattery will only get you so far…” she began.
“Before it gets you killed.” He finished.
She laughed out loud and got up to pour her self a glass of brandy. She was in good spirits this night… until he uttered his next phrase.
“Wyrdwyrm is back in town. Sarna saw him today.”
She stopped dead, and turned toward him. Her dark green eyes glinted like ice and if Jax had had his eyes he may have cowered in terror at the sight of her.
“What?”
“He seems to have come back on business of some sort. He’s opened the Wyrdwyrm estate and there’s been a lot of coming and going around there lately.”
She stood motionless for some time, letting the shock of this news run through her. A cold hatred coursed through her blood… and a fire of revenge was rekindled.
Her sister’s husband… and he was back.
She went over and picked up the crossbow again, also her rapier. She headed toward the door, gathering her black cloak as she went. She strode out of the house like a furry… a cold and murderous fire burning in her eyes.
Tonight, he would die.
_____________________________________________
It was easy enough to enter the Wyrdwyrm manner without notice. The servants had all gone to bed, and the dark house was silent. She would sit there in the sitting room and await his return. She knew that he was not fond of daylight and would probably return with the dawn.
There was evidence of a party and it galled her almost to a mad rage to think of him happily enjoying company while her sister lay dead. Tonight he would pay….
After a long time, return he did, stumbling and seemingly exhausted. Raven smiled grimly. She had had time to calm down and think.
“Welcome home, Caliph. I’ve missed you.”
Before he could turn, she stood up behind him and drew a dagger. One quick blow to the back of his head with the pommel, and down he went in an unconscious mass upon the fine rug.
She stood over him, a mirthless smile upon her lips. “Let’s sit down and chat a bit, shall we… brother in law,” she said as she dragged him over to a chair and tied him to it.
“Tonight you shall answer for your crimes.”
She sat across from him and waited for him to wake up.
CUE: Caliph.
__________________
Quoth the Raven, "Never more."
Posted by Sen Kisai on 02-13-2002 03:51 PM
“Uhhhh,” Sen awoke, moaning in a tone that says, please just another 10 hours. He looked around him, his forehead wrinkling as he squinted around.
“My neck,” he put his hand up to his neck, but instead felt a thick paper. There was a scroll stuck to the side of his face, he pulled it off, “History of the Magi volume IV.”
“I must have fallen asleep in the library,” and he was right, he was sitting at a table in a large corridor in the library.
“I think I’ve had enough reading,” he began to put the scrolls back to where they were from. The library had been very helpful to his knowledge on magic, he had learned much about the elements and some of their different uses.
He walked towards the exit, “Did you find what you were looking for?” asked one of the scribes.
“Yes I did, thank you.” He nodded to the man and went outside. The light stung his eyes, causing him to shade them with his hand until he adapted to the light.
“That is the last time I sleep in a library!” his neck was still feeling stiff. It appeared to be around midday, it would be a good time to start his travels to Bargra.
Entering the inn, he gave a wave to in the innkeeper, “I’ll be heading out now, thanks for the hospitality.” He grinned.
“Hah! Your welcome boy, feel free to come back anytime.”
“I’ll think on it.” He went to his room, collected his things, and was out on the road in the hour.
“Ahh the fresh air of the road, keep a good pace and I’ll be dedicated in no time!”
The next few hours were uneventful and rather boring, he had only passed a handful of people and none had been in the mood to talk. However, he soon came upon a wagon, it appeared to be heading the same direction as he, but it was stopped, the merchant being held up by some highwayman.
“Hey!” Sen shouted. The man looked up, a vile look on his face, “Leave that merchant alone!”
The highwayman pushed the merchant aside and turned to Sen, “Ahhh so you wish to fight me eh?”
Damn my big mouth! Sen readied his staff and charged at the man, “GRAAA!” He swung wide, but the swing was knocked away and Sen was kicked to the ground.
“The hell kind of fighter are you boy?” He swung his sword down, but Sen rolled to the side, and then thrust his staff up into the man’s chin.
Both men got back into a ready stance, though both knew who would win this fight.
“Sure you want to continue boy?”
“I won’t let you harm innocents!” Sen charged once again, and again his attack was knocked away, however a blade came at him this time.
He twisted away from it, but was tripped in the process, finding himself flat on the ground once again, though without a staff this time.
“Well I gave you a chance.”
Sen just looked around quickly, trying to come up with some plan.
“Now you di…” The man fell to the ground, blood running down his back, the merchant standing where he was, grinning.
“Well he didn’t see that one coming!” he helped Sen stand up, “My name is Carl Monsey, and I thank you for offering that excellent distraction!”
“Umm, wouldn’t it be more common to say, thank you for the help?”
“Customarily yes, but in the end I would say your need for help was greater than mine.” He smiled.
Sen couldn’t think of a reply for that, he just laughed.
“Come on, I have some drink and food in my wagon, we can celebrate our good fortune, how about it?”
“Sure, why not!”
They got up into the wagon, the merchant pulled out some bottles of whiskey, “Here you go, I don’t have any mugs so just use the bottle.”
“I’m not much of a drinker.”
“Well you are now!” He slapped Sen on the back, “Say where are you headed?”
“Bargra.”
“Well I’ll be kicked by my uncles donkey, me too! Why don’t you just stick with me? I mean riding a wagon is much more relaxing than walking the whole way.”
“Umm,” he did have a point, “Ok, will give me someone to talk to as well.”
“And someone to drink with!”
The rest of the trip went by quickly, for it was full of drinking, most by the merchant, and full of conversation.
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I may look weak, but you'd be amazed at how fast I can run!
Posted by Cedric Renfield on 02-13-2002 04:09 PM
Cedric and Sekirah, the once unlikely companions, rode to the gates of Miltus the next afternoon and were stopped straight away by the guards there. Sekirah grew tense, anxiety creeping into his usually cool and collected mind.
'What's wrong with me?' he thought to himself as a guard took hold of his horses reins to prevent him from trying to escape. His unfeeling and unaffraid heart had softened since he had fought in Fayre. He had done many horrible things that he could be executed for, but here he was, nervous that he might be accused of an act that he had not done, spying on the Nylian Empire.
"Why do you wish to enter Miltus, Lunari?" one od the guards demanded with a twinge of prejudice. All of the guards were focused on Sekirah who hesitated, not finding the words to answer.
"We are traveling to the Sacred Grove," Cedric piped up and the guards turned to the old man as if they had noticed him for the first time. "He is acompanying me, for I am a priest who has long wished to see the grove and pray there." Cedric was now wearing his robes as he had promised Sekirah he would.
The guard, who appeared to be the ranking officer among them, eyed Sekirah suspiciously. He desprately tried to think of some reason to hold them, but he could find none. He feared that Sekirah might be a spy, and to let a spy go free would be suicide in Miltus, the military city of the Empire. At last he had an idea.
"Very well," he said. "You may pass, but allow one of my men to accompany you as well and see you safely to the Sacred grove..."
"Oh, that won't be..." Cedric started, but was cut off.
"He'll hold your weapons for you while you are within our country. You may have them back, should you run into any trouble along the way, but understand, this is for your safety as well as that of others around you." Cedric nodded his reluctant agreement to the terms and the guard called one of his men forth. "Leutenant Ewen! You will accompany this Priest to the Sacred grove, and wherever else they may go until they leave the Nylian Empire."
A burly guard stepped forward, glaring at Sekirah as though he were some filthy animal, come to spread disease throughout all Nyliam. He saluted the higher ranking guard with his sword. It was a heavy nylian blade, meant to be held in both hands, but Ewen held it easily with only one. He took Sekirah's lance from him and Cedric's bow as well.
With that, the pair were allowed to pass, Ewen keeping close to Sekirah. The group of guards at the gate watchied them go; confident they had squashed any chance Sekirah might have at spying on the Empire. They were sure Ewen would arrest him if Sekirah did anything suspicious; they weren't worried about the Priest.
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Life's too short to spend it couped up in a Church.
Posted by Carla Blanche on 02-13-2002 05:21 PM
The wave swallowed him with a roar that barely masked Carla’s scream.
“TYGAN!!!!!!” She broke away from the security of the doorway and ran to the rail. The wind howled and the waves smashed against the ship. She strained her eyes for any sign of Tygan among the cruel, unfeeling waves but there was none. Before her there suddenly appeared an enormous crest which flung itself with all its fury at the side of the ship, breaking the rail, and carrying Carla into the raging sea.
Her world suddenly changed from the violent purple clouds and swelling waves to a black swirling world of confusion. She was pulled toward every direction without knowing which was which. And yet, surprisingly during this turmoil, she was thinking of Tygan.
She was surprised to hear his voice from outside her door, so surprised that she was unable to reply for a moment, which turned into two and so on as she listened to him declare his love for her.
“I love you…”
It had left her speechless with shock, and perhaps fear. She tried to make herself say something, but nothing came. She didn’t know if she loved Tygan or not, but she cared about him and he only wished she could’ve told him so. He was the first person who had ever shown her any amount of genuine kindness. Soon after she heard him exchange conversation with someone else then both left.
And now he was dead.
Her head broke above the turbulent waves and she sputtered for air. Water crashed around her and she saw the ship in the distance. From here it looked like a toy boat rocking on top of the waves. There were several searchlights scouring the water, looking for the two unfortunates, but they were already too far away to attempt any rescue. Carla’s lungs began to burn as she inhaled seawater, her movements became weaker and weaker and she began to fall under the waves.
Before the black cloud veiled her vision, she lamented over the regret which she would now take with her to her grave.
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So what if I'm a girl?! I could kick your- Oh!! Ack!! Pardon me!!! CRASH!!!!!!!!!! BLAM!!! OWW!!! AAAAAAAAIIIIIEEE!!!!
Posted by Tygan deParte on 02-13-2002 06:39 PM
It had been a bit before Tygan went unconscious, though he had quickly given up on shouting for it only caused him to receive mouthfuls of salt water.
He had watched as the ship was lost from his sight, however, he didn’t get to witness Carla’s fall, so he did not know she was also in a similar situation as his.
‘Carla, I’m glad I could at least keep you alive……here I float, in this raging storm, yet all I can think of is you. Chances are I will die, yet I don’t feel panic, or even remorse, I died saving you, the one I love. I know I haven’t done everything perfect, I probably appeared to be like some kind of crazy man,’ he would have laughed but it probably would have caused him to choke on more water ‘well perhaps I am, but you, you are an angel, the best thing that ever came my way. If I had one last wish, it would be to tell you that, I love you, one last time.’
A few large waves crashed around him, sending him under over and over. He lost consciousness, left to float the ocean, in some vain hope that nature would be kind to him.
*********************************************
“Mrmmmm,” he opened his eyes, blinking them a few times, he touched his hands to his face, even went as far as pinching himself. Yep that deffinetly still hurts. Besides being covered with sand, a very uncomfortable feeling, but one that you hardly notice when you find out your still alive, he was fine.
“I’m…I’m alive!” He looked up to the sky, “I’M ALIVE!” Carla! He looked off into the ocean. Carla I will find you again, we will be together, even if you don’t love me, I will protect you forever!
He had a terrible dry mouth, the slimy kind you get after drinking to much salt water, but this did little to change his mood, he was alive!
He quickly brushed himself off. “Well, my clothes are officially,” he looked at his wet, ruined, and torn clothing, “they are officially ruined.” But hell, even this didn’t make him down, the fact that he could once again return to Carla made him happier than life. He just hoped that the ship made it.
“ummm, which way to go?” there was no sign of civilization around him, and there was an ocean to his back, so his choices were fairly small, left, right, or forward.
“Well I might as well follow the ocean, it’s bound to take you somewhere and plus, if the ship wrecked I may find some wreckage along shore.”
The further he walked the better he felt, not strength wise of course, walking in sand after washing up on shore was like walking in a swamp, but he felt better because he saw no wreckage. Everyone is ok! Or so he would have liked to think.
Up a ways he saw something, he began to run, afraid that it might be wreckage. It wasn’t wreckage though, it was pink, and had a human shape……CARLA!
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Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Carla Blanche on 02-13-2002 07:13 PM
The elements had been kind to Carla and left her stranded upon a beach running between Ioty and Bargra. She was faintly aware of the warm sand beneath her and the even warmer sun above her.
“Unnnngh…”
“CARLA!!”
No way……
Tygan rushed to her side and flipped her on her back, cradling her gently.
Oh no!!, he thought. She’s not breathing!! In his haste he didn’t notice the small but notable rise and fall of her chest. Carla of course, was still too out of it to make any protest. Tygan hesitated for a moment, trying to decide to use mouth to mouth or attempt to push the water out of her lungs. He blushed slightly at the thought of performing the latter so instead, he decided to try breathing into her mouth……..
Carla had been too weak to show some sign that she was fine, but her eyes flew open when Tygan put his mouth over hers.
“Mmmmph!!!” Her hands flew up to push him away but she found herself hesitating. Her reaction though had alerted Tygan and he now looked at her with a mix of relief, and a hint of sadness.
“Tygan…” She gazed up at him for a minute, then flung her arms around his neck and kissed him. They stayed like that for a few hours, just rejoicing in each other’s presence and thanking the Creator that they were unharmed.
CUE: Tygan. Now what? lol
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So what if I'm a girl?! I could kick your- Oh!! Ack!! Pardon me!!! CRASH!!!!!!!!!! BLAM!!! OWW!!! AAAAAAAAIIIIIEEE!!!!
Posted by Cybele Ariadne on 02-13-2002 10:03 PM
Lost at Heart
She stared at the waves as the stormed died wondering where the hell she was going to go now. She clinged to the rail and gripped it with anger. She felt as if she could rip it apart into two and toss the remains into sea. She paced around the same exact spot for a couple of minuets thinking of rapid thoughts for her next move.
“Where do I go from here??” she asked herself” When’s my next big case??”
She heard footsteps coming from behind her approaching her from her back. She turned around just in time to notice that Geb was coming to obviously bother her again.
“Excuse me miss but do you know where………Hey it’s you.”
“Yea………Its me and you damn well know it was!”
“Here you go again always being the bitch of the boat, and the reason I meet you was because??”
“Because you damn well would of liked me!”
“Oh yea you’re a real hottie….” he said with extreme sarcasm.
“Oh go to hell!!” she yelled back
She was almost beginning to cry over the fact that she was still lost but now stuck with this asshole of a guy. He was uncanny nice when he wanted to be and then a real bastard whenever he pleased. It was enough to make Cybele want to cut his throat.
“Look I am just out of here.” she said as she passed him on her way to the other side of the boat.
“Yea well you’ll see my point when you look into the mirror!!”
She decided to go talk to Lyght again since he became to be a really good person to talk to these days. She just didn’t know where to find him.
“Moo!” yelled betty
“Huh?” She said as she looked around for her “What is wrong B??”
“Mooooooooo.”
“You don’t know where he is either?? But wait how did you know I was looking for him?”
“Moooo!”
“Oh, so now you think your physic huh?? Well good luck with that one. I guess I’ll just check for him in his room.”
She turned around and headed inside the ship.
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i must know everything about everything!!
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 02-13-2002 11:14 PM
Awakenings...
In that odd place between awake and asleep, Til’Sylvanna could not reach the red star. She simply would not respond.
Perhaps I am wrong to interfere so much in the lives of humans whom I have never yet met. Perhaps I am not as strong as I thought I was. Or perhaps my intervention is not the will of the Creator she thought as she drifted away from the scene before her.
She saw the Dolensirion open his eyes a bit, and felt that he would live. Satisfied that there was nothing that she could do to help, she withdrew back into that gray with which she was becoming so familiar. From there she returned back to she body, and the waiting Nelcar.
She returned slowly, finding that he had gathered her into his arms. For a while she just sat thus, enjoying the feel of him holding her. But then it occurred to her that he might be concerned with her health.
Opening her eyes, she found herself lost in the depths of the ocean of his eyes. All his love, fear, hope, and sorrow was within them… So like my own,she thought. He smiled when she opened her eyes, and kissed her.
“I was worried,” He said simply.
“I know,” she replied closing her eyes again. She just wanted to be there with him.
On the edge of her mind she could feel Saeth waking and knew that soon after Finrandel would wake as well. Then it would be time to leave the sanctuary of this little grove and face the world once more. Face their fate once more.
She sighed. He ran gentle fingers through her fine silver hair, along her soft skin. She could feel his heart beating, and the soft flutter of his thoughts. In all the world there was no other place that she would rather be. In his arms she was safe, she was happy… and most of all she was in love.
“Is there anything that I can do for you,” he asked after a while. “I feel so lost with you sometimes. Though I have seen that place wherein you are fated to go, and though you have shared that part of your heart with me, still there is much that I can never understand. Though I have your heart, and you mine, I fear the day shall come when we shall be at odds. For, though our fates lie often side by side, they are not one and the same.”
“I know. But let us not think on such things now. Let us enjoy the rising of this day’s sun and be at peace. I feel that Saeth and Finrandel shall arise this day, and then we must go back…” her voice failed her for a moment. “Back to the city.
“Visions I have had… and I do not like what it is that I have seen. Much there is that confuses me. And more is there that strikes my soul in fear. But, by the grace of the Mother, we shall find what we seek in Gania.”
Her silver eyes glinted in the first rays of the golden morning. “I have a score to settle. There is yet one who must pay for what he did to me… for my torment by cold iron.”
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________
And so they went back to the sides of their fallen brethren, and lo they were awakening. Fair Finrandel spoke little, and but watched the rising of the sun. He would not yet be persuaded to take nourishment or water, but he was able to walk around a bit. Nelcar, being closer in companionship to him, walked a ways behind him to keep the yet haunted Elwain from harm.
Til’Sylvanna went once more to the side of Saeth Shen. His condition worried her most, and a dread was upon her heart. Still did he call her by the name of her long dead aunt. Still did he fight a battle that had long since past. She hoped that he would return to himself in time…
One last day the company of Elwain spent in the grove. Upon the rising of the stars, they would leave and return to the city of the humans.
Cue: Saeth, Finrandel, and Nelcar
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Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Eloise Rane on 02-14-2002 05:47 AM
The buzzing activity of the Yaren Tavern was a welcome change, and Eloise could care less how dingy it was. Once there, she quickly forgot her situation at home.
"You've been nursing that ale for an hour, El." Bree was drying glasses behind the counter.
"You would be too if you just saw my mother." Then she raised an eyebrow at Bree. "What's your hurry, anyhow? You're not still making up that money you lost.....?"
Bree smiled wryly. Last time she worked the night shift she started gambling with some men she couldn't handle, and lost more money than she had. Eloise arrived at just the right time and paid the remainder, probably the first time in her life her parents' wealth came in handy. If she hadn't shown up when she did, who knows what they would've done.
"I still can't believe you paid them." Bree muttered angrily under her breath. Eloise sighed and rolled her eyes. This was a non-ending argument with Bree; she should have known better than to bring up that night. “Bree-” she started.
"Especially you, Eloise, of all people. All those years fighting in the park - for what? Nothing?"
"In the ring it's strategic, it's sport. We have structured rules. It’s not just some reckless brawl." She didn't have a lot of experience testing her skills on the street. "I’m not a streetfighter. Besides, if we started anything here it would have just left them knowing where to find you later. It would have put your parents in danger, too."
At this they were quiet for a minute, then Bree changed the topic. "I heard the Seamus returned a few days ago. Apparently it’s headed for Gania now." In Balanum, there was an air of mystery surrounding its voyage.
First Fayre, now Gania? Hmmmm....... Eloise stared ahead into space. Passing the Seamus around from country to country with such courtesy was not an everyday custom for Balanum. Someone, or something, must have caught the attention of the Consul.
She snapped out of her gaze and looked back at Bree, who was again busy behind the counter. "Do you know who was on board?"
She shook her head. "About ten passengers, I think, but no one's sure who they were." She leaned over the counter discreetly as if to share a secret. " I did hear a rumour or two, though, about Holy Knights."
Eloise pondered for another moment. "I wonder if we're going to ally with the Lunari army? Or worse, if we're in danger of an attack like Fayre has just seen?" She looked nervously at Bree, who only shared her troubled face.
Something's going on, that's for sure....... Eloise took her first sip of ale.
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"I will not live by ordinary standards. I will not run with the pack. I will not be chained into a routine of living which is the same for others. I will not look to the ground and move along with the rest: so long as there are those mountaintops, those clouds, and limitless space." - D.W.
Posted by Raven Shar on 02-15-2002 05:39 AM
"If there was any mercy anywhere..."
Raven made sure that she had tied him up well, and searched him for any hidden weapons. She knew very well that he was an expert marksman and could kill her without a problem if he was armed. It had been a long time since he had seen her... since her long ago wedding. She doubted very much that he would see the girl he had once known in the woman before him.
After some time he roused, and looked up at her. He had a start for a moment, because she vaguely recalled the woman that he had married. But then he realized that the world was indeed real, and then the danger struck him, and the adrenalin took over any emotion.
"Ah... so the prodigal son awakens," she said giving him a cold and cheerless smile.
"Or slumbers still, while acting as awake. In case you haven't noticed, you're in my home."
"Actually, I had noticed. Do you even know who I am, Caliph Wyrdwyrm? I assure you that I, at least, have not forgotten you." Her dark green eyes burned. She was going to enjoy killing him.
"You were once a friend of this house, if I remember. Your family grieved you. It seems needlessly."
Her mocking smile faded quickly to be replaced by a cold hatred. "No, not needlessly. Angel died ten years ago. There is nothing left of her. He made sure of that."
"You're a shitty liar, you know. Angel's the only one who would have bothered to come. I just remember a time when Angel would have been a better person. Like when your parents left you here for me and Alara to baby-sit. I'd sing old rhymes while Lar made your lunch. I think I remember one. 'Twelve little pumpkins, they whither on the vine, one falls off, leaves the rest behind....'"
She stood up and slapped him as hard as she could. A thin line of blood trickled from his lip.
"Shut up!" She said venomously.
She began to pace the room. "You have no idea what you are talking about. You know nothing." She was silent for a long moment. He had stirred in her memories about which she had not thought for a very long time. Memories of a time when her life had been very different. Finally she said in hardly a whisper. "Those were very happy times for me... and I have never forgotten them. But you are wrong. Angel is dead. Anilon killed her... and any part of me that loved. That world betrayed me. Your world.
"I am not here to reminisce. I am here for retribution. You own me."
She leaned against the far wall, watching him. She had not realized how difficult it would be to see him after all these years. Though the years had not been all that kind to him, he was still much the same man that had been very kind to her when she had been a child. It was he who has first taught her how to shoot.
"I don't owe you. You yourself say Angel is no more."
"The blood is still on your hands. Do not pretend that it is not." She wanted this man to suffer... suffer until it broke him.
"Who are you to lecture me on bloodshed? Yes, my flesh is stained, my soul dark. But you revel in the sea of crimson and have flooded the light from your heart, your soul, your life." He paused, letting it sink in just a little. "And you broke her heart as much as I ever did."
"Ahh... but she did not die for me. She died for you." Ravens lips curled into a cruel smile. "You left her without hope... at least she thought I had simply died. As for the blood, tis true. But I care little for that. Many deserve to die. I give it to them. Morality has no place in my life any longer. I was innocent once... but that world betrayed me. So, as far as I am concerned, it can go to hell... and I shall send it there."
"Tall order for an insignificant thing." His cool eyes met hers, defiance in them.
"What, may I inquire, is it that you find so insignificant?" So far, she was enjoying this.
"You may inquire and I will instruct. You. Your purpose. You're a little bottom-feeder who kills here and there, just because one person hurt you. There's not a noble thought in you, there's not a care for anybody in whatever you call a heart. And when you die, and mark it you shall, nothing upon this whole world shall mark your passing except for a cry of joy."
"But mark as well, if you kill me here now, there will be somebody left to mourn."
She laughed. "Do you honestly think I give a damn what you think? If I die and no one mourns me, I could care less. And as for nobility, I say that it is a farce that cowards hide behind to make themselves feel better. And who would mourn you, Caliph? Hmmmm? Your little band of do-gooders? And if they knew all there is to know about you, what then? Would they think so well of you if they knew the truth? I know you... and you cannot hide the blood from me. You and I are very little different. I accept what I am, you run from it and pretend that you are clean. You can never be. Not ever. Even if you spend all of eternity making amends. It will not change what has passed, and you know it."
"Yes, well, all you are is shit, Angel. If you accept that, that's your cross to bear."
"Didn't you hear? Angel is dead. You may have the pleasure of calling me Raven. I have no crosses. Crosses are for the righteous. That I most certainly am not."
"I'll have the pleasure of calling you Angel. It seems to work better for me."
She smiled and walked slowly over to him until she stood above him. A fire burned in her eyes. "Tell me, brother dear, did you find redemption when you fled? I at least, saw them put her into the ground. Where were you?" She knew that this knife would hurt him far more than any other she carried. Raven sat once more in the chair across from him, watching him intently, eyes never leaving his pale face.
"I've got a better question for you. How quick are you on your feet?" Before she could respond, Caliph had lifted the chair off the ground with him and charged her, hitting her squarely, chest to chest, causing them both to tumble over to the floor.
Raven rolled off to one side, grabbing for her crossbow and a dagger as she did.
Caliph reared up on one side, and slammed his back down against the floor, breaking the chair and loosening the ropes.
She laughed when she had regained her footing, poised to strike. "What's the matter, love? Too much for you to be reminded of?"
She saw him move to rise.
"Ah, ah, ah... stop right there or you're dead." She had an arrow pointed right for his heart.
"What's one more death? Or two? And that's probably my least vulnerable spot." There was a fire in his eyes too, the fire of one who has nothing left to lose. He was tired, and sorrowed, and had no more patience left in him.
His words struck her for some odd reason , and for a moment she seemed very tired... and very young. She had not expected him to respond that way. She had expected him to deny his guilt. Instead, all he did was remind her of what had been lost.
"I loved her too, you know. I always regretted leaving her... " her green eyes came back into focus... "But you killed her damn you!!!" And she stood, walking slowly over to him. A tear fell from her eye. "Why? Why didn't you save her? Why didn't you love and protect her?"
He looked up at her. "She lost her will to live when she thought you died."
"LIER!!!!" Raven screamed as she fired her cross bow, hitting him in the shoulder. "That is NOT why!"
Caliph looked up at her and smiled a sick, demented smile. "It's the only thing that spares you now." His cloak spun in front of her face, and when it passed, she saw his pistol come from its folds. Her mouth didn't open before the bullet struck her leg.
She stumbled, grabbing for another dagger as she threw the one in her hand, missing him as he dove behind the couch.
"Then what spares you, Wyrdwyrm? What right do you have to live while she does not?"
"No right, Angel, no right whatsoever! But there's nothing I can do about it, just do as the Creator wills. And you killed Anilon because you loved him, you know."
Somehow his words were unraveling all the ideas with which she protected herself. She was confused... and tired. Then she screamed. "I hate him!!! It's all his fault!! Everything!"
"And why do you hate him, Angel? You hate him because you loved him and he betrayed you. So you betrayed the ones you loved. You betrayed your sisters, your mother, your father... and you betrayed yourself. You ARE Anilon now!"
The life she had built... was crumbling around her. She should not have come here.
"NOOooo!" And she stood, blind furry mixing with the tears flowing from her eyes. “Enough. I will not listen to any more of your lies! It's time you join her, like you should have done long ago. You should not have come back here, brother." And she waked toward him, not caring that he was armed and a far better shot than her in the dark. Even the searing pain in her leg could not stop her. She wanted him dead. Now.
"Eleven little pumpkins, withering on the vine, one fell off, left the other ones behind..."
She walked slower, the poisoned daggers in her hands shaking. "Stop... " Her voice shook too.
"Is it hide and seek again, then? I'll count to ten while you hide? Lar will probably be here in the morning. Maybe I could talk her into cooking -- you liked her bean soup, didn't you?
"Caliph, I said STOP!" She screamed... all his words like so many pieces of broken glass. She remembered how happy they had all been... so happy...
"So you can kill me, and not feel bad about it? Perhaps I should drop the gun, too, make it all so easy on you."
She had stopped moving forward, and stood just standing in the middle of the broken apart room. Watching him, face devoid of emotions. "Why," she whispered. "Why did it have to be this way?"
"Because the Creator wills. You want to know why I'm not dead yet, Angel? Why I still live, when I shouldn't -- oh, and I shouldn't, if there was any mercy anywhere I'd be dead. But they're not through with me yet, Angel. I haven't finished suffering yet."
She just stood there, watching him. Once upon a time... she had loved him like a brother... once upon a time she had believed in love. Looking into his eyes, she saw for the first time what real suffering was. There was nothing that she could do or say that could possibly be a greater pain than that which he inflicted upon himself. His eyes were a great deal like her own.
"Damn you, Angel! Damn you with all my heart! You have to do this on the first night I have to mourn my wife in her grave. You have to... not one moment between us, without someone getting in the damned way. I LOVED her! Loved her as much as any man could ever love. And I never got the chance to see her into the grave. Why in the Creator's name don't I deserve at least one night to mourn, Angel?"
"Because you loved," she said simply. "And love is hell."
He pulled the hammer back and leveled it at her. "Shut up."
"Go ahead. Kill me. Like I care. What do I actually have to live for? If it makes you feel better, do it. No one will mourn me, remember? I'm already dead." For a moment, she almost wished he would.
Caliph spat on the floor and crossed to the corner, never turning from her or lowering the weapon, pouring himself a drink unsteadily with one hand.
She just watched him. Somehow this had not gone at all as she had planned. And now, when she could easily have killed him, Raven found that she could not. For the first time since she had taken her new name, she could not kill a man.
He downed it all in a simple swig and looked at her steadily. "Well? Is there anything else, or have you done quite enough for one night?"
"Damn you. Damn you to hell." She turned to leave, walking very slowly and collecting her cast away daggers. As she neared the door, she turned. "Does it ever get any better? Did you find redemption out there?" Her eyes had lost their maddened fire. Now she looked much like the girl her had known... though sadder.
"It gets duller. Sometimes better." He looked at the puddle of blood she was trailing behind her. "And where exactly do you think you're going to be able to make it on that leg?"
She looked down at her blood on his pretty and highly valuable rug. "I know a guy. He'll fix it. Unless you have become a doctor since I last saw you." She grinned wryly, feeling, oddly enough, better than she had in a very long time.
"No." He leveled the gun at her again. But I'm going to have to insist that you shut that door and stay where you are."
Her smile fell. I should have known, she thought. I should have just killed the son of a bitch. People never change. To him she said in a tone of disgust, "Just shoot me, Caliph. Quit fucking with me and just shoot me if that's what you're going to do. If not, then let me go home. I don't intend to die from blood loss. How pathetic would that make me?"
"If you don't intend to die from blood loss then you're not going out that door. It's a fucking bleeding leg, and you want to walk to wherever the hell it is you came here from on it. If you think you'll make it, you're crazy. Sit down and close the door."
She sighed and did as he instructed, managing to hide her smile. "You always were bossy."
He picked up the liquor bottle and a box of matches and walked over to her.
"Your shoulder is pretty nasty too... I should take a look at it for you. I can't remember if that was one of my poisoned arrows." She laughed at the look on his face. "Just kidding."
He shook his head and handed her a strip of cloth. "If you feel the need to bite something, use this, not me." And he poured a draught of the bottle onto the wound.
"I've had worse. Just get it over with." She clenched her teeth against the pain she knew was coming. This was going to be hell...
He took a pair of tweezers and ran them over the match, then calmly reached them in and pulled on the bullet.
She tried not to, but a scream tore its way free from her mouth anyway.
He said nothing, just poured a little more alcohol in to sterilize the wound. "And they tell me there's no point in keeping this much liquor around."
She would have smiled, but at that moment a wave of dizziness washed over her. She had lost more blood than she had thought. She reached out to touch his arm, but blackness overtook her before she could say anything.
He bandaged the wound as best he could, but she was right, he was not doctor. He slung her over his shoulder and loaded her as best he could in the back of the horse-drawn cart that had been left in the stables, and headed for Alexandros's house.
Cue: Alex, and Caliph.
**Credit for this post also goes to Caliph. We wrote it together.**
__________________
Quoth the Raven, "Never more."
Posted by Cedric Renfield on 02-15-2002 12:22 PM
"Thank ye' for givin' me an excuse te git meself outta here," Ewen said turning to Sekirah, his stern features had melted away the moment they were out of the busy streets of Miltus. They now sat in a small alley where they could talk more privately, upon Ewen's suggestion.
When Ewen had ordered them into the alley, Sekirah assumed it was to beat him or some other horriffic thing. He was about to make a break for it, but a look from Ewen that showed he meant Sekirah no harm kept him from running. Instead, the ex-mercenary and priest dismounted and tied off their horse and donkey to a rail at the front of one of the many weapon shops that stood on nearly every block.
"I'm sorry about actin' so cruel back dere," Ewen continued.
Sekirah and Cedric were quite confused by Ewen's words. They had assumed he was just like the rest of the guards, but they were very wrong.
"No need to be sorry lad, but do explain to us why you suddenly changed your views of my lunari companion," Cedric said, still not sure he could trust the Nylian leutennant.
"Dis aint the place te be discussin' such tings," said Ewen, looking to the entrance of the alley cautiously. "You two c'n stay here, I'll be right back. I have te git some stuff from me barraks before we be on our way, after that, I'll explain everything."
With that, Ewen bounded out of the alley and the two travelers hid themselves as best they could in the nearly empty alley. They didn't have to wait long before the giant man returned to them carrying a tent and bedroll of his own along with his sword.
"Alright, let's be off!" Ewen exclaimed in a whisper and the three of them emerged from the alley, mounting their horses. Ewen took up his stern face once more and they made their way toward the northern gate of the city.
Heads turned and people stated at Sekirah as they went about their daily routine, but no one asked any questions with Ewen there. They faced no opposition on their way out of the city, even at the north gate where they were stopped briefly.
"I'm escortin' this priest to the Sacred Grove," Ewen told the guards at the North gate.
"We've already been allerted to the situation," one of them said. "Best of luck to you, and watch your back."
They were allowed to pass and before long they left the city far behind them. Only rollong plains dotted by patches of forest in front of them and the city of Miltus gowing smaller behind them. Ewen began his story...
__________________
Life's too short to spend it couped up in a Church.
Posted by Bara Chinder on 02-15-2002 07:42 PM
"I must leave, Im too restless to stay and as you say Im not safe to be around." Bara told the priest. "I'll head over town to a man I know. Hes leaving soon and I'll seek fellowship with him."
"Indeed Chinder, but if you ever need guidance p;ease return. Your welcome."
The priest watched Bara walk to the door. He was slightly worried for the man. He had a lot of bitterness and anger in him. He also had a price on his head.
The door closed and the priest returned to his duties.
Across the city a while later Bara strode into Conchuirs shop. There was no-one around as it was late and Conchuir had all but closed the shop for his journey. there were three horses left in the stable. One was clearly Conchuirs.
"You return!" The trainer shouted from the other side of the room. "I thought you would be gone now. There is a price on your head. Im not sure that I should talk to you."
"I have to get out of the city soon. I have been framed and you need help." Bara reasoned.
"This is true and I do need assistance on my journey. I also still think you are more than a scoundrel. But can I trust you." Conchuir replied.
"Im free. No-one else is."
The trainer smiled. "That'll have to do."
So the two packed and headed off early next morning.
They were watched by a figure in the dawn shadows.
The Killer would have killed Bara there but he had urgent business to attend.
"Rest assured Gypsy I will find you."
__________________
If pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of congress.
Posted by Cybele Ariadne on 02-15-2002 08:04 PM
Setting up the Plan
She walked down the main hall to Lyght’s room and opened the door a crack. There she saw Lyght weeping while holding a pink ribbon in his hand. He held it up against his head while he wept for Carla immensely. Tears came pouring from his eyes as he moaned loudly for her.
“How could he!? How could God take you away from me???” he yelled
He stared up at the ceiling and his tears still wouldn’t persist from falling from his eyes. The moaning was getting to much for me. She knew if he wouldn’t stop that she would maybe try something mean to shut him up.
“WHY????!” he yelled as he cried
“Enough!” she yelled to make him stop
“WHY????????? WHY??????????”
She couldn’t take it anymore. The sound of his voice was now ringing in his ears causing her to go insane.
She lifted up her hand and slapped him so hard he head flipped backwards.
“Oww! What was that for??”
“For not shutting up!”
“What do you mean??”
“What do you think I mean?? You sitting here crying over some girl that obviously isn’t your daughter.”
“Well I’m sorry its just that ever since…..”
“Ever since what? You said it now you have to explain it.”
“My family died.”
“Your whole family how??”
“ By wolves………..but lets not get to me lets talk about you problem.”
“Wait how did you know I had one??”
“I taught Betty all that I know.” He said as he gave me a wink
“Well basically I’m stuck because my case is just ruined.” she said, “ My suspect is gone and I have none so……I just want to know where to go next.”
“Well I don’t know where you want to go but you can always come with me to Akaros.”
“Oh that’s very nice thank you but I need to think about it first.”
“Alright take your time. In the mean time I’ll try to regroup my thoughts about Carla.”
She ran out the room just in time before Lyght started crying again, just as bad as he did before.
__________________
i must know everything about everything!!
Posted by Sen Kisai on 02-16-2002 01:35 PM
Sen hadn’t stayed long in Bargra, a single night at most, and had made quick travel to Sungan.
“Ahhhh Sungan!” he took a deep breath, “Ah, you can smell the sea!”
He entered the town: the art, the seamen, the boats, all of it like a wonder too him. He had never been past Akaros city until this journey, now he was at the south end of the continent!
“Only a matter of days now, then I will be a true dedicated!” he traveled around the city, everything inspiring him with awe. The market was full of clothing, art, jewelry, and anything else you can imagine. Some of the clothing caught his attention, but with a price like it had, it was probably best to wait.
“I should go find a ship for tomorrow so that I won’t have to worry about it later, best to be done with it.” Finding a ship wasn’t dreadfully hard, most ships stopped at Noit on their travels anyways.
The Sea Shiner, the name caught his attention, of course all of the boats had names, but he just liked this one.
“Hello!” he called to a sailor that was working on some ropes.
“Aye?”
“Would you by chance be heading to Noit anytime soon?”
“We set sail on the morrow.”
“Excellent, do you take passengers by chance?”
“Ye’ll need to talk to the captain on that one.”
“Well is he onboard?”
“Nay, he’s at the tavern down at the end of the docks.”
Sen bowed his head, “Thank you.”
Well, now to put on a good show for the captain. A good show was the last thing Sen needed to put on, the tavern that the sailor had sent him too was the rowdiest he had seen by far. There was singing, shouting, and by the looks of it, fighting.
“Come on capt! You can win it!” shouted someone in the crowd of men. Sen pushed his way through, getting pushed a few times as well, and saw that there were two men fighting in the middle of the room. One was a large sailor, dark skin, hairless head, and a couple scars. The other was a finely dressed man, around Sen’s size.
The large man grasped the smaller, pulling him into a crushing hold, however, the large man received the true blunt of the blow, the smaller man put his knee in the others crotch.
“How’d that feel chap?” He swung his fist into the larger man’s face, sending him to the ground.
Cheers roared around the bar, though a handful of men didn’t look as happy, probably the losers of the bet, they helped their large friend to his feet, calling him many inappropriate things on their way out.
Sen turned to the man beside him, “Do you know where the captain of the Sea Shiner is?”
“Ye just saw him! And a good fight it was!” Sen looked to the man who had won the fight, he was enjoying a couple drinks with his men on the new money they had won.
“That is the captain?”
“That’s right! Whew would I hate to get in a fight with that man!”
With a sigh of disappointment, Sen looked to the captain, maybe this wasn’t the best choice. But it was too late for going back now, the captain had turned and saw Sen looking his way.
“You looking to go a round as well?”
“Huh?”
“Fighting!”
“Uh..no, actually I was looking for a ship that is heading to Noit.”
“And you think mine will take you?”
“Well, you are heading that way no?”
“Yes, but you can’t come.”
“What?!”
“You have no guts, you’d just get in the way.”
“What do you mean I have no guts!? Your only in it for the money, why not just take the pay for the travel and let me come?”
“We don’t do it that way, we only take those who can be useful to the journey, you need to work your way with us!”
“Well I will!”
“Hah, don’t fool yourself kid!” he turned back to his drinking.
Sen, of course, was outraged, he walked up to the captain and grabbed his shoulder, turning him so they were face to face, “And what would get you to take me?”
The captain grinned, “How about a fight?”
“I…I can’t!”
“Ahh you see, no good!”
Sen had no clue why he was doing this, there were a ton of ships in the docks, but he wanted to get on this one no matter what!
“Fine,” he gave the captain a push, “Let’s go at it!”
“Alright…” The captain put his mug down slowly, then spun and threw his fist right into Sen’s face.
“Gah!” Sen fell back, his lip bleeding slightly. The captain came at him, swinging more blows to Sen’s stomach and face.
“Come on boy, fight back!”
Sen swung a punch, but it was block, another taking him in the eye. “RAAAA!” Sen charge and tackled the man, they wrestled on the ground, throwing punches at eachother. The crowd around them cheered and made bets.
This went on for another few minutes, before they both stopped. Sen was by far in worse shape, but he had made a few good blows to the captain.
“Well boy,” the captain said, he was breathing heavily, “I’d say you’ve earned yourself a place on the ship. Hell you’ve even earned yourself a drink!” He grinned and pulled Sen to his feet, “I’m Captain Farkmoore, you can call me Jim.”
The whole room was spinning for Sen, he almost fell again but the Jim kept him up, “I..uhhhh..I am Sen Kisai…” then it all went black.
__________________
I may look weak, but you'd be amazed at how fast I can run!
Posted by Palin Freeborn on 02-16-2002 03:05 PM
Lost at sea...............
Palin screamed in disbelief as he watched Tygan go over the edge of the boat, Carla in his grasp. Their cries were drowned out by the storm and few saw them go over. Deck hands rushed to secure the sails and the Captain was shouting orders from the helm. Palin ran haphazardly towards the edge, hoping that he would be able to catch them, butt he knew he was too late. He watched helplessly as Tygan's head sank beneath the waves.
No! Dammit, NO!
Palin dropped his equipment, grabbed a stray rope line and leapt, his dive taking him deep into the waves. Instantly, his body began to shiver and protest at the temperature of the surrounding water. But it didn't matter anymore. Only finding his friends mattered…………
It was becoming increasingly darker, though Palin was still able to see. Years of being a thief had adjusted his eyes to all manners of light, but he did not see a sign of Tygan or Carla anywhere. He swam hard in many directions, but he still found nothing.
No! I can't believe it! They're not dead! I will find them!
His thoughts were interrupted when he realized that he had been swimming without taking breaths. He swam to the surface and exhaled sharply when his head hit something hard. The bottom of the boat! He swam madly, his hands probing the belly of the ship for the edge. His sight was growing black and his lungs burned like fire.
I'm going to die……..
The rope at his waist tugged. He folded over the cord as he was pulled violently from under the boat and back to the surface. Palin inhaled loudly as his head broke free of the waves. Lyght was tugging with all his might at the rope, pulling Palin ever closer to the deck. Palin was breathing hard and he felt nearly dead, but through sheer will power he pulled himself the rest of the way to the bridge.
Lyght grabbed him by the neck of his shirt and almost threw him on board the ship. Palin landed lightly on his feet and Cybele tried to force him down onto his back. Palin fought back weakly when she tried to give him mouth-to-mouth and he stood slowly, walking over to his equipment. The rain pelted them harshly, but Palin gathered his weapon and satchel and started to walk back to the decks below. Lyght tried to help him along, but Palin shrugged him off.
"I'll be fine. I'm a quick healer and I'm much more resilient than I look." Palin looked back out to sea and a few tears rolled down his cheeks.
"Goodbye, friends. May we meet in the afterlife……I'm sorry………"
*********************************************
Palin shrugged his pack off and threw himself on the bed. He was very tired, but he was sure that he would get no sleep tonight. Too many things were running through his mind. Images of Tygan and Carla's fall still haunted his memory, clear as day. Lyght had ran off to his room, Cybele following shortly after. He shifted uncomfortably, tears still streaking his face, when he heard a small voice.
"Get off my legs, you pig bastard!"
Palin sat up quickly, his sword drawn in an instant. He looked about for the speaker, but he saw no one. He lit the lamp, which was somewhat difficult because of the boat's rocking, and checked the room once again. Lying on his bed, in a dark corner, were two small mouse-fur covered human-creatures.
"Brownies……….." He grumbled. The taller brownie stood and dusted off his legs (which still remained dirty) and spoke, his small spear waving about.
"Damn daikini! I'll teach you to sit on Gamri, Lord of the Evisis Brownies!" The other brownie jumped to his feet, anger showing in his small features.
"Lord of the brownies? You are more a lord of fleas than anything else."
"Shut up, Rool! Or I'll stab you in your ass!" Palin winced at an all too familiar memory, then became somber again as he remembered Tygan's playful teasings.
"What the hell are you two doing in my bed?" The brownies looked up at him and began waving their spears again.
"That is none of your business." The larger brownie, Gamri, said.
Palin eyed them suspiciously. "Stow-aways."
He grabbed them by their spears and took them to the door, tossing them out into the hallway. The brownies protested, insulted, and threatened him, but they did nothing. Palin closed the door and went to bed, his thoughts still on his friends.
*********************************************
They reached Ioty the following morning. The ship docked and the passengers exited. Palin, Lyght, and Cybele disembarked, a silent agreement amongst them. They had not spoken of the incident and were not likely to in the future. The trio turned and as a group, said a quiet farewell towards the sea. Palin stifled tears of remorse and sadness.
"Goodbye…………."
They turned and walked away, Betty in tow. Little did they know, however, that two small brownies were coming along for the ride in Betty's saddlebags.
"We'll teach that stupid daikini bastard…….."
Cue: Lyght or Cybele. I'm leaving the group, so do whatever, but we'll see each other again. Trust me. And the brownies come with me..............
__________________
Being a hero is not some title to obtain or a term to be used lightly. It is a matter of essence and is reserved for those with only heart and soul guiding their actions.
Palin Freeborn
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 02-16-2002 06:54 PM
A messenger burst in upon the King’s meeting with the chancellor interrupting the conversation between the two.
“Sire! There’s a message from your daughter!,” he exclaimed between gasps. The King’s eyes lit up and he crossed the room quickly.
“What?! From who??” The messenger thrust the bit of parchment that had been retrieved from the pigeon into the King’s hand. He read it with growing excitement.
“Does my wife know of this?”
“No Sire. You are the first to know.” Eremon truly smiled for the first time since Scarlet’s disappearance. He rushed to his desk and wrote a reply as well as instructions for the messenger. He handed him the two papers and said,
“Send this back with the same pigeon, then ready a caravan for my daughter and her companions.” The messenger bowed and turned to comply with the King’s wishes.
********(Much later that evening)
Indigo had been taken to a quiet inn so that he would be able to recover from the incident that morning. Scarlet stayed with him, pondering over the spawn and what had happened to Indigo.
She heard a faint tapping coming from her window and looked over to see the pigeon she had sent earlier with a new message tied around its foot. She ran to the window and brought the delicate white bird into the room and removed the note that was attached to its leg.
My Dearest Daughter-
I have dispatched a caravan to bring both you and Xarou to the castle. It should arrive by tomorrow. Your mother and I await your return with great anticipation.
Your Father
Scarlet reread it just to make sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her. Xarou? She distinctly remembered when she had sent the pigeon telling her parents of the incidents that had occurred with him. Did they not receive it? That was the only explanation she could think of. Sighing she returned to Indigo’s side and kissed his brow. He had only woken up a few times but for the most part he remained asleep. Once or twice Scarlet had felt the comfort of the White Maiden and allowed herself to be calmed by it. She couldn’t stop thinking of what she had seen when the Spawn escaped from the Seamus. Could Indigo have been that man….Dolensirion? She shivered with a small amount of lust at the thought of Indigo and Dolensirion being the same man.
The sun had long sunk below the horizon and the stars were now twinkling like the distant jewels of the heavens. Scarlet reflected on her adventures after she left home. Her life had changed greatly in less than a year. It amazed her how much had happened in such a short amount of time. It also made her heart throb in anguish and regret. On one hand she wished she had heeded Reika’s advice and stayed, yet on the other she knew if she hadn’t left she never would’ve met Indigo…….
She nearly jumped as Indigo’s voice penetrated her thoughts.
“Scarlet?” She ran to the side of the bed and crouched by him.
“I’m here. What is it Indy?” He groaned and struggled to sit up.
“What happened?…” Scarlet opened her mouth to tell him, but hesitated. He looked so tired….. She decided to wait to explain what she saw.
“I promise I’ll tell you later. Tomorrow, we’ll be going back to Gania. My father sent a caravan…” Indigo nodded weakly and sank back against the pillows. After a moment Scarlet undressed and slid in beside him, curling her arms gently around his waist. He rested his right hand on her back and stroked her face tenderly with his left.
Scarlet listened to his heartbeat and began to doze, wondering of what tomorrow would bring when the caravan would bring her back home.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Ja'shar An'dune on 02-17-2002 12:04 AM
The Thoughts of a Prince...
Linfell, High Prince of the Elwain, was in near despair. He walked alone in the favored garden of his beloved cousin Til’Sylvanna, hoping that being in this place where they had spent so many pleasant afternoons would bring him some measure of peace. It did not.
His father would not see him… the borders were closed… and a shadow was growing in the west. And now, when he most would have sought out the council of Nelcar, he too was gone. With him had gone Saeth Shen, one of the few people Linfell would have confided in. Now he was left alone with his thoughts, dark as they had become.
He sighed and sat beneath the great birch tree that grew in the center of the Garden. This place seemed so empty without Til here to tend it. Though she had never been very social in nature, to him she had been ever a wonderful companion. He had always found her tend to sleep during the day and be awake at night a bit odd, but then, she was the Moon Maiden after all. He had given her that name long ago… when Til’Silvannis had yet lived. The three of them had been very happy. More like the very best of friends than relatives.
But, even for the Elwain time passes. The world changes, people change. Which brought him to his present situation. Ja’Shar. He knew that the Killian’shar had always been quiet, but very loyal. Linfell had never thought ill of him. In fact, he had always quite liked Ja’Shar. Now he was not so sure. His father was growing increasingly worse… never venturing out among the people anymore. Many had expressed great concern to Linfell, but all he could do was offer his confidence in his father’s healing at the capable hands of Ja’Shar.
He was also worried about Talisaryan, his uncle. Since his daughter had left, the noble Elwain had lost his fire. Linfell knew that he was feeling very alone. With both his wife and son now resting in the arms of the Creator, Til’Sylvanna was all the elf had. Linfell had spent quite a good deal of time with his uncle during the last few days, but they both knew the root of their sorrow. Gone were those who brought joy to their lives.
Long did the Prince sit within the protecting arms of that garden… and much did he contemplate. He knew that something had to be done. His kind heart told him that he much act soon, for a shadow was growing in the world, and the peaceful Elwain could not hope to escape it forever.
Perhaps Nelcar, Saeth, and Til’Sylvanna had the right idea. Perhaps he too should seek out those of good in the Human lands. It would be a matter upon which he still must think. There was still much in the Tenelwain that had to be set right.
And he would start with his father.
__________________
Beware the winds of change, for they spare noone.
Posted by Nasvil Braithwaite on 02-17-2002 10:14 AM
Business as usual?
Nasvil Braithwaite stood looking at the road for a while. The gypsy was gone all holy. Somthing he hadn't counted on. "Should have killed him when I had a chance." This was a mess and no doubt. Damn opium. It was making a mess of his judgement these days.
Oh well work to do.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
That day he had been to see the mayor of the town. there was an intrest in this city. As it was on such a direct route from Endaroth to Balanum. It was also central in Farai. The spawn were coming, so He would have to work fast. However Lord Linerin had other plans for them so unless they drifted into Parvini hisa work was valid. Lord Gheral would be glad with his work. This time he would be welcome to the shadow, he had trained hard for so long, now he was to be called to the servile, he knew it. He had little desire for much else. This task had been entrusted to him.
The mayor had started to warm to Nasvils ways and soon might start to trust him. Such a sheep. All the farai were sheep, to be led to the slaughter. A few politicians around might make sevron but the rest could die and suffer. With work the mayor could be a puppet.
Lord gheral would be pleased.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currently he lay in a dark den, a long pipe in his hand and some lost soul of a nomad girl lying practically naked beside him. Around him people were staggering to couches and smoking. In his haze he saw things. The girl tried to tale the pipe, he smacked her in her face, she whimpered but stayed at his side. He saw Chinder for a second and he welled up with loathing. He'd messed up there. Damn, he thought, and took another deep pull to kill the embarassment.
__________________
Who needs friends when you have this?
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 02-17-2002 11:27 AM
Farewell
The Arboreal Prowler had been staying in Gania for several days now, but he had to leave. In the morning, he went out to the stable by the tavern and saddled Night Mare. Tibaron had accompanied him outside.
"So, I guess this is it, Prowler."
The Prowler looked at him, reluctant to leave. "Are you sure you can't come with me?"
"Sorry, Prowler. I have to stay here and finish rebuilding my army. I have to get back into the game."
The Prowler sighed. "Yeah, the game." He reached out to shake Tibaron's hand. "Take care, Tibby."
"God, please don't call me that." He shook his hand. "You watch out for yourself. It's what you've always done best." He looked down the street, out of town, and toward the horizon. "You're a Ranger, Prowler. You're not bound by society to stay in one place, and you answer to no one. You are a free man, free to travel, and free to live. You were born to ride. I wish I could come with you."
The Prowler let go of Tibaron's hand and mounted Night Mare. Tibaron helped Ilona onto the horse, and watched the Prowler slowly ride down the street, out of town, and toward the horizon.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Sen Kisai on 02-17-2002 02:35 PM
Sen swung over the deck, holding onto the rope, the sails turning to catch the wind. He let go and landed on the deck with fair skill.
“I think I’m getting the hang of this ship stuff.” He grinned, it was fun he had to admit. He tied the rope and looked around for his next task. Ahhh, the fresh air of the sea truly does a man well.
“Sen!” Jim called to him. Crap, hope I didn’t do anything wrong!
“Coming!” Sen ran up to where the captain was, he had quickly gained good feet for the sea, and didn’t have to stumble around like when he first got on, “What do you need?”
“Just wanted to tell you, your doing a good job, wish I could get you to stay onboard.” He grinned.
“Heh well I can see why you do this, it sure is fun.” Sen smiled, he looked off into the vast sea. If he had been a simpler man, he would have jumped at the chance to stay out here on the sea.
“So, I’ve been meaning to ask you, why are you going to Noit?”
“Dedication of course!”
“Dedication eh?” he frowned, “Who needs that mumbo jumbo magic stuff,” he pulled out a pistol, “I trust this here more than anything else.”
“What is that?”
“You mean you’ve never seen one? They call it a gun, it was made in Balanum.”
“A gun?”
“Ya, you aim and shoot.” He demonstrated by aiming at a candle across the ship, he fired and the bullet shot the flame off the candle, “It is simple as that.” He spun the gun on his finger before putting it back in its holster, “So, tell me, what are you hoping to become dedicated in?”
“Well, I’m hoping for fire.”
“Fire eh? Well maybe you wouldn’t be a great sailor.”
They both laughed, “I don’t think I could stay on the sea, I want to do great things.”
“For good or bad? Fire is a powerful element.”
Sen paused and looked Jim in the eye, “I know it is, I will use it for good. I want to be able to help the people of Gran Adageros.”
He received a strong slap to the back, “Well glad to hear it, now get back to work!” He laughed and gave Sen a shove, “Oh, also, I know some people in Noit, maybe I can hook you up with a good place to stay.”
Sen nodded, “Thank you.”
The rest of the trip went great, Sen was having the time of his life, he especially enjoyed spending time in the Crow’s Nest. The ship pulled up to Noit, a very beautiful island, to think a temple of such great power was here.
“It looks so peaceful,” Sen could see the people doing their daily chores in the town.
“It is, it’s a pity that so many people come here because of the temple, and not all of them are good.” Jim had that twinkle in his eye that said he believed that the simple beautiful things in life should be protected. He was right, a place such as this being turned into an attraction for all the adventurers of the world, good and bad, it made Sen almost felt as if he was tainting this place by coming here for the powers of magic.
He caught sight of them temple, “That is where I’ll be going soon……”
“Don’t worry about it boy, I’m sure you’ll do a fine job. Now follow me, I’ll take you to the inn I know, closest one to the temple!” You could tell he was proud of the kind of contacts he had.
Jim led Sen to the far side of Noit, the side close to the temple, “This is the place!” It was an amazingly nice inn, Sen wondered how a man like Jim, who fought in bars, was able to make contacts at a place like this.
They went inside, “Wait here,” Jim walked to the counter and leaned towards the man, talking to him in a low tone.
Sen picked up a few words, “…..owe me…….debt……vouch……” Jim walked back over to Sen.
“So what’s the word?” By the look on his face, Sen knew he wasn’t getting a room.
“Well…..” he looked to the floor, “Well,” he grinned, “I got you the nicest room in the place, your sleeping like the nobles tonight!”
Sen’s face lit up, “Really?”
“Well no, but it is still a nice room.”
“Bah!” Sen punched him in the shoulder.
“Haha, lighten up boy, it’s free, you can’t do much better than that.”
The room ended out being fairly nice, reminded Sen of his own back in Ciwa. The thought of his home however made him frown, how long would it be before he got back there?
“Well, I need to get back to the ship to make sure the boys aren’t causing trouble.”
“I think you mean, get back to the ship so you can cause trouble.”
“Hah, it’s all the same. Well good luck boy, I’ll be around for two days, let me know how it all ends out.”
“Will do.”
__________________
I may look weak, but you'd be amazed at how fast I can run!
Posted by Merelania Hitoshinen on 02-17-2002 03:10 PM
Merelania stood chuckling in the center of the crowded street of people. She looked around, at all the shops and stepped up to the map booth's counter. The map seller peeked over at her and grinned.
"What would you like there, young lass? I've got a map or few for a curious lass like yourself.." he questioned in a deep and interested tone. His face was wrinkled from age and he had a grey wiry beard, and also had different colored eyes, one of a pale blue and the other dark green.
Merelania looked at the groups of different maps after staring at the man for a few moments, the maps pertaining to Asheri or Gran Adageros, and other separate continents and regions.
She pointed out a map of Gran Adageros to the old man and he reached over to it, plucking it out of it's hold and handing it to the girl. She looked it over and nodded in agreement that this was the map she wished to choose.
"Alright, I'll take it!" she said as she smiled at the man
and reaching into a pouch attached to her hip and threw a few pieces of gold up onto his counter, a few more then needed, sticking the map in her pack.
The man just nodded and answered, "Thank ye, young maiden, may your journeys be safe and adventurous as your spirit t'is." "And to you too, kind sir, may your business prosper with many customers." She smiled and waved her hand but paused slightly, stepping back over to the counter. "Excuse me sir, but could you tell me the fastest way to get to Noit from here?" The old man grinned once more and nodded his head, "Of course, are you looking to be dedicated?" he questioned absently. Merelania nodded and waited with patience for his answer. "Well, the fastest way to get to Noit from Gania, hmm...you could go to the docks north of here, and take a ship around the continent." he answered kindly. "Thank you, sir. You've been a wonderful help to me!" she said as she tossed another gold coin upon the counter and walked away.
She walked over to another stall, filled with fruits and nourriture galore. She bought a few different foods for the voyage and walked back to the inn to meet with Kane.
She smiled and started to speak pulling him over to the counter and sitting down on a stool, "I'm all set, I've got a plan to go north and catch a boat at the docks up there," she says as she points to the spot on the map above Gania, "..It won't take very long, and I'm sure we can make it before the ship leaves."
He stared at her for a few moments and answered, "All right...we leaving now then?" She nodded to him and slung the pack back over her shoulder after putting the map back in it, "If you're ready?" she said and strolled out the door.
They walked off to the north, following an old abandoned trail, toward the dock seen on the map the old map seller had given her and following the man's directions. They followed the map's path, watching for any subsequent trouble. The trail led through brambles, trees, and an abundance of bushes though the girl, man, and wolf traveled on, not having any trouble whatsoever.
They soon reached their destination and stared out into the ocean at the ship that sat in the water beside the docks for a few moments before Merelania turned to Kane and Fang.
"Well, I guess this is where we start...Bon voyage!" she stated as she tossed her pack over her shoulder and turned towards the ship, her smile excited and courageous, as she walked over to the dock and stepped onto the boarding plank, waving for them to hurry up, for the ship was about to set sail as soon as it could..
Cue: Kane Tallon
__________________
~When we do things out of great love, rather than great expectation, more comes back to us than we could have ever imagined.~
~The desire to know is not necessarily wrong but remember that if you're not careful one mistake and you'll create monsters worse than imaginable.~
Posted by Kaori Aurora on 02-17-2002 05:05 PM
Getting lost
OOC:
Sorry Leo and Na Pali, I didn't have Internet access because my computer screwed up... really appreciate you guys writing me into the story...
This post would have taken place just after we arrived in Sungan, and show what happens to Kaori whilst Leo was wandering and bumping into Raven...
Oh also, Kaori had a horse in her possession, so... just say that in the journey from Bargra to Sungan, the horse was used as a packhorse...
IC:
After arriving in Sungan, Kaori settled the group into a dockside inn called The Mermaid's Cove that though was not the cleanest inn, has a reputation of keeping their patrons in line. Na Pali went with the pack mule and Kaori's horse to the inn's stable to make sure that they were looked after properly and Leo left to sightsee.
Having seen to their things being safely put into their rooms, and making sure that the innkeeper understood the consequences of anything happening to their belongings, Kaori left to do some sightseeing herself.
Walking through the rapidly scattering crowds of the streets of Sungan, Kaori squinted at the rays of the setting sun glinting off the surface of the sea. Most of the respectable people of the city were hurrying home to dinner, but like most other dockside quarters, the coming night was going to see more activity then when the sun was up. Keeping a closer grip on her staff, Kaori walked along the streets towards the harbor where ships headed to all parts of the world were tied up.
With the tide coming in, many ships were making last minute loading of cargo before setting off on their journeys to Xellos and Corner of Gania or even the port cities of Asheri. But Kaori wasn't looking for any of these ships; she had a closer destination in mind.
Spying a self-important looking figure that she assumed to be the harbormaster, Kaori made her way to the man and asked in the most polite way, "Excuse me, harbor master?"
The man turned around, and though short of stature - even shorter than Kaori - he managed to look down his nose at her, "Yes?"
Kaori kept her voice neutral and her eyes cast slightly down, "A curious wanderer would like to know which ship she could take to carry her to Noit, the City of Mists."
The harbormaster barked a laugh, "City of Mists?! It's no mist, it's fog, don't see why people put fancy names to everything, it's just plain white fog!"
Kaori chose to ignore the harbormaster's comment, and he finally said, pointing to a beautiful white, three-masked ship tied up in the harbor, "The Beauty will be the one you're looking for. It's the soonest one you can take that would allow passengers, but it sails in three days. You might not want to book passage until tomorrow though, the crew don't like doing business after the sun set..." The harbormaster ran his eyes along Kaori's body, "unless it's the night-time business, if you get what I mean..."
Kaori again ignored his comments; the only way to react to his leering would be to hit him, but harbor masters are not without power, and she did not want anymore trouble than it was worth, "Thank you for the advice."
Turning to leave, Kaori saw that night was fast approaching and that in the twilight gloom, everything looked slightly different to when she was walking there. Choosing a direction that she guessed would lead her back to the Mermaid's Cove, Kaori set off determinedly up the street.
It did not take her long to get really really lost... and in the middle of the red light district...
Kaori did not realise just where she was until she happened to look up at one of the buildings lining the street and saw silhouette of two people in the window of what she guessed must be a bedroom.
"Oh great!" Kaori groaned, quickly looking away, "Where have I taken myself this time?"
With the impending gloom, more and more people where populating the streets of the red light district, and more than one of them gave Kaori appraising looks as they walked passed.
Kaori held her staff in clear view to warn off anyone with any ideas as she tried to navigate her way through the maze of streets; she was not a stranger to the concept of sexual pleasures nor was she embarrassed by the thought of such acts, though she is lacking in actual experience of them but the red light district was not the kind of place she would prefer to learn about them...
__________________
'Tis strange - but true, for truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.'
~ Lord Byron
NightBane
Kodoku no U
Her View
Posted by Raven Shar on 02-17-2002 07:26 PM
Jax sat in the sitting room of Raven’s lavish home and waited. Though he could not count the hours by the sun, for he could not see, he had developed an inner clock. He knew that the sun had risen, noon had come and gone, and the sun would soon sink below the Balanum skyline. Still him mistress had not come home.
Something had gone wrong. That was the only possible answer. Raven was a meticulous person by nature, often spending weeks studying a single target. However, she had planned Wyrdwyrm’s death long ago. She had awaited it, savored it, and welcomed its coming like a normal person would have the birth of a child. As cold and cruel as she was, there was no living person that Raven hated more than her late sister’s husband. Jax knew very little about her, but that much he knew at lest. It should not have taken her this long to exact her revenge.
Raven was cruel. There was not an ounce of kindness or compassion in her. Most of the time he hated her with a burning passion. It was she who had taken his eyes. But, at least with her he knew where he stood, and in a manner was safe. She took good care of him. He had a place to sleep, good food to eat, and had the safety that working for her brought.
If she did not return within the next day, something would have to be done. It would not be long before that carrion thought she was dead and started looking around to take her place in the hierarchy of the underworld.
__________________
Quoth the Raven, "Never more."
Posted by Cybele Ariadne on 02-17-2002 08:15 PM
Hard to Forget
Lyght, Betty, and she walked off the plank together into Ioty. It looked big with wonderful people all didn’t look poor not very rich. We walked through the city with its fairly good inns and nice people. We walked out of the other side of town to head to Akaros. We walked down the long rode ahead and Lyght had already started to cry again. He also looked as if something was on his mind.
“Ah……….so many memories.” Lyght said
“Ok…….your scarring me. You just sounded like an old man. Even though you look a little….old.”
“Huh? What did you just say??”
“Nothing……”
The started to walk for a little bit more until she heard him chuckle.
“Remember the time that Tygan was chased by my Betty," he said as he petted her, "Yea, he learned his lesson.”
She shook her head at this remark and had to reply to it. She placed her arm in front of him and stopped him from walking further.
“First of all, Betty is just a cow. Second of all, don’t use that just to make yourself happy.”
Tears started to run from his eyes. Betty made a huff after her remark.
“ I’m sorry, I just didn’t want you to see me like that.”
“Its too late for that Lyght. I’ve already seen that from the boat ride here.”
“Really?? I never noticed.”
She stared at him with a large glare. She cant believe that he didn’t give her any attention but acted like he wanted her to be ok.
“Carla……….how I loved that girl.”
“Carla was a liar and a cheat you must remember that and forget about her!!”
“Like you wasn’t also?”
She looked down.
“I had a purpose. I don’t know if she did or not.”
“She probably did.”
“We’ll I’m sorry then…….”
“Uh huh……Palin is a nice man don’t you think?”
“I don’t really have much feeling for him. I have nothing for or against him.”
“Yea……..he always seems to laugh doesn’t he??”
“Will you please shut up!? I’d rather watch nature than hear you talk about the people in our past. The sooner we stop talking about them the soon we’ll forget.”
“Alright! Just remember to think before you speak to me that way ok Cybele?”
“Yea……..same thing for yourself .” she mumbled as they were on their way again
CUE:Lyght
__________________
i must know everything about everything!!
Posted by Raven Shar on 02-18-2002 01:40 PM
At the house of Alexandros...
Caliph stopped the carriage in front of Alexandros's house. The sun was starting to come up over the horizon, and so he wanted to hurry. He picked up Raven gently, and went up the steps, knocking at the door while trying to huddle under his cloak.
Alexandros stumbled out of bed, doing his best not to awaken Orocia, and made his way to the door. As he opened the door, Caliph saw a mostly naked Alexandros, clad only in a pair of Lunari Silk bed pants, and Alex saw what seemed, through the early morning haze, to be a bleeding, bedraggled Caliph carrying a woman in one arm.
"Alexandros... I'm afraid I must call upon your help. And I'm afraid I don't have the time to explain everything right now. Please, take a look at her."
Raven was very pale beneath her light tan, did not move, and her breath came very softly.
Alexandros took the woman from his arms and looked upon his friend, "You're hurt as well, come into the kitchen,"
"Please, tend to her first. It's an obligation I have to my wife." He stepped in and followed Alexandros.
He led Caliph through the dark living space and laid the woman upon the table, knocking the candlesticks to the floor in the process. Alex left the room then for a short moment, returning with several small bottles, clean white cloth, and his syringe.
Alex drew a good amount of one of the clear liquids into the syringe and looked at Caliph. "She's not in pain, though," and he jammed the needle into Caliph's shoulder, just a bit closer to the heart than the wound itself. Caliph's eyes widened for just a moment, and then he seemed to recede a little, his eyes growing dull as he tried to watch over the two of them.
Alex then turned his attention to the woman upon the table. Her wound was not terribly serious, but she appeared to have lost a bit of blood, and her breathing was more than a bit shallow.
"Is the bullet still in the wound?" Alex asked while he poured the extremely aromatic alcohol onto a rag.
"N, no... I pulled it out. I sterilized everything first... bourbon and matches,” Caliph said quietly.
"Bourbon, eh?" Alex smirked a bit and began to bind the wound with the strips of cloth after wiping the wound down with the alcohol. He then took a bit of brownish liquid into the syringe and injected it into the woman's arm.
"I'm not a healer, you know... it was the opposite of a weapon of oppo... oppo... opportunity."
Alexandros shook his head. He wished that he was a healer as well.
Raven stirred a little, but remained unconscious.
Alex looked about, taking more strips of cloth and binding the wound further. He was a self-taught medic, for most purposes... He turned to Caliph and spoke "Light the lamps if you can, please,"
Caliph nodded, finding the matches still in his pocket, and ploddingly lit the lamps one by one.
He turned back to the woman and looked up and down her body for other wounds. While feeling about, he pricked himself several times on concealed daggers, needles and even a spike of a hairpin, as it seemed. he took all of the weapons and casually threw them out the window into his back yard.
Caliph looked worriedly at Alexandros. "Some of those are poisoned."
Alexandros shrugged. "Caliph, come here..."
He did as he was told, walking towards Alexandros, near as to a sleepwalker, or perhaps a phantom...
"I'm no Life weaver, but I think I may be able to help her with my magics," He shook his head, "But I'll need to borrow some of your... life..."
He nodded, simply. He still had debts to pay, it seemed. "Yes, of course... there's just one thing I have to tell you first, Alexandros..."
Alex looked up at him and simply replied, glibly, for the situation, "Speak now or forever hold your peace,"
"The Seamus... Rifkis told me yesterday that the Seamus hasn't returned, and hasn't made contact with anybody. I thought... you deserved to know." He paused seeing the look on Alex’s face. “I'm sorry. But... there's no other time for it, is there?"
Alex gritted his teeth. Bad news was not what he needed right now.
A white glow began to emanate from Caliph's wound, and Alex did not respond. He chanted softly in a strange tongue and whirled his hands about in strange somatic gestures. The glow became stronger, and began to overbear the light of the lamps, when the ball of energy leapt from caliph's chest and into the woman.
Raven cried out... her slender body convulsing.
The glow diminished for a moment within the woman's breast, and then the light leapt, not so bright as before, back to Caliph.
Caliph was beginning to slip... the sleepless night, the morphine, the lost blood, and the grief... he doubled over now, grabbing the edge of the table for support.
Alexandros, having sensed the woman's aura before she was even conscious, wove a sheath of Ice about her hands and froze the sheath to the surface of the table, while he moved to grab more bandages for the new wound upon the woman's shoulder. He then bound the wound upon her shoulder, and then picked up the neglected Caliph and carried him into the living area. Alex bound both of his wounds quickly, and tied the bandages off tightly to stop the flow of blood.
Raven's dark green eyes opened for a moment, confusion whirling in their hazy depths. Panic tried to grip her for a moment, but she fought it down. She couldn't seem to be able to think clearly, and found that she could not move either. The woman closed her eyes once more, feeling cold and in pain.
Alex then returned to the woman, and injected another healthy dose of the brown drugs into her arm. They would keep her incapacitated until the early afternoon, as far as Alex could remember...
There was someone bending over her, but she could not make out whom. Where was she? What was going on? She could not seem to focus. But, yet was full of energy. To a person use to being in control of all situations in which she finds herself, this particular prediciment was maddening to Raven.
A memory tried to break free from haze of her mind, something about the pale figure in the distance. Who? Why? For a moment she decided just to listen, hoping they would not notice that she was awake.
Caliph barely noticed as Alex bound his wounds, as he felt further and further away from himself while the morphine took it's toll, and the world turned to gray... he forced himself through it, bringing himself back to lucid, nearly screaming as the pain returned to his conscious thought, and then settling there alongside it...
Releasing the bonds of ice and weaving less visible ones of air, he lifted the woman off of the table and brought her into his living space as well. setting her on a couch across from caliph, he went to his friend’s side.
"Is she Sevron? Servile? What has she done to have an aura as dark as mine own once was?"
"She's... she's the sister to my dead wife. She's a murderess, an assassin... she was defiled on her marriage bed." He was only remembering in bits and pieces, unable to string them together in a sensible order. "She came to kill me last night... I used to watch over her while our parents were in meetings... I shot her... she enjoyed hurting others as her husband hurt her..."
Raven could hear the conversation. Caliph? Was that him? What was the strange warmth in her body... It was all so confusing. To hear him use such words to describer her tore her between grief and amusement. Angel, whom she had thought long dead, wanted to tell him that she was sorry. She wanted to make amends for all the aweful things that Raven had done. Angel wanted to have a family and a life again. Raven, however laughed. She found him pathetic. Yes, she did enjoy hurting others. Quite a great deal, actually.
Alexandros raised a hand to his friend's chest and patted him softly, "More drugs, or are you numb enough,"
Caliph shook his head, in small, smooth, arcs... "You'd probably kill me with too much more..."
Alexandros nodded in belief. He turned to the woman, and hoped that he hadn't given her too much.
It was then that a short dizzy spell came over Alexandros, he stumbled slightly and caught himself on the table. He passed it off as the effects of the drain on him, but it really shouldn't have weakened him that much, especially with none of his own energy used in the weave
.
Raven tried and found that she could open her eyes... and found her self in a strange place. Looking around she saw Caliph across the room from her, another man next to him. She was sick of listening and needed to do something to shut the Angel thoughts out of her head. "Where are we," she asked quietly.
Caliph's head fell to one side, and he saw Raven for the first time in good light... every inch of her, it was apparent who her sister was. And yet, there was something different... something far more worn and tattered about her. He tried to answer Raven, but he felt the gray coming back.
Seeing Caliph falter, she tried to lean forward... but could not. "Caliph?" Looking daggers at the other man. "What did you do to him?" Angel was worried about him. He did not look well. It was odd for her to feel so protective of the man she had, only hours earlier, tried to kill. But then, Angel had always liked him very much.
Alex produced a beam of thin light from his hand as he moved towards her, and he spoke softly, "I am Revered Sir Alexandros Fatali, and you will be safe while you are under my roof."
He shined the light into her eyes as the Balan doctors had so many times to him, though he had no idea what he was looking for.
She shied from the light. "Stop that, you're hurting my eyes."
Nodding as to seem as if he had accomplished something, he took a seat on the last couch and unfolded a blanket over himself.
"I gave him some drugs for the pain. I gave you some too. It's not so bad, is it?"
"No I am not in pain." she said in an acidic tone. She was a little, but would never admit it. Her shoulder ached... she hadn't hurt her shoulder, had she? She couldn't remember. Like it or not, she was at his mercy. "Except for the fact that I can't move!"
"You're too dangerous for me to allow to move. However, he'll sleep peacefully. Unlike you. You'll be wide-awake with nowhere to go. However, I must say that I hold nothing against you, other than the fact that you wounded my friend and companion."
She grinned maliciously... but in quickly faded. "If I'd had my way, he'd have been dead. However... I may have made a bit of a mistake in thinking him ill prepared." Raven tried to calm herself and think. There had to be a way out of this mess. The last place in the entire world she wanted to be was in the hands of a Holy Knight. They were not exactly the kind of folks that she really got along with, her being a killer and all.
Caliph strained once more and the gray turned to color once more. "He's one of us, Angel... he's just found redemption along the way." And then he started to backslide a little.
Alex held back a laugh at Caliph's calling the woman "angel".
She shot the stranger a glare. "What do you find so funny?"
She looked at her brother in law, an odd pain in her eyes. The tone of her voice changed, and she seemed like a different person entirely. "No one is like me. There is no redemption for the things that I have done. Not anywhere. I am a plague upon society. There is no redemption for me. I do not deserve it"
Alex stood for a moment and looked calmly towards the woman, she swore for but a moment she could see a white glow from the inside of his skull, and what seemed to be ethereal wings behind him, folded about the couch. He smiled, "I’d rather you not be killing my friend," he laughed again and smiled, "And you'll be taken directly to the Guard as soon as I see it fit,"
The Guard... Caliph had feared that. But he had to trust in Alexandros for now, didn't he... he registered no protest, although he knew Alexandros would notice his reaction to the phrase.
Her eyes grew wide and grew cold again... then she smiled a hopeless smile. "A Holy Knight. How wonderful." She turned her head to Caliph. "I would have rather you'd had the balls to just kill me yourself, actually. That would have been more fitting. But at least you don't have to dirty your hands this way. No more blood to torment poor, sweet, innocent Caliph. I'm sure my Sarahlee would have thanked you for taking such good care of her baby sister." Angel’s tear fell, and she could not move to hide it.
"Yes, a Holy Knight. I used to hunt things very similar to you, before I became what I am today, but bigger, meaner, spikier," Alex cocked his head a bit, then blushed, remembering Orocia upstairs, "and definitely uglier,"
For the first time since Alexandros had administered the morphine, Caliph spoke clearly, and plainly, and with purpose. "Sarahlee wouldn't be able to forgive me for that, Angel... when we meet again."
Everything was falling apart... and she was powerless to stop it. She sighed. Oh well, she did not deserve mercy. She had never shown any. These were Angel’s thoughts. Raven seemed to be losing this battle for the time being.
"Forgive you for what? Not killing me when you had the chance?" As hopeless as she had always felt, when actually faced with death, Raven found that she did not really want to die.
He rolled his head back, looking to the ceiling. "All she wanted was for you to be alive. I'd die before I saw you dead, or I could never face the life after this."
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I never meant to hurt anyone I loved. Not you, and never her. Never her." She was quiet, trying to gain control of her whirling thoughts. She seemed torn, confused. Two sides of her were warring, and she did not know which one she really wanted to win. She had run as far away from the ones she had loved for this vary reason. She had once been an innocent, and a loving person. Seeing Caliph seemed to have awakened that part of her, his words of her happy childhood had calmed the madness of her life. He had called her Angel, and so she had once been. It pained her to see him so grief stricken.
Alexandros resigned from the conversation, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. He hadn't thought to take Caliph's guns, but he hoped that Caliph would pass out soon enough.
Once Caliph was out, he and Zander would take the woman to the Guard, and then she would likely be imprisoned or executed. One way or another, Alex mused, Justice would be served, and for once, it would not be by his own hand. For some strange reason, Alex felt warm thinking about that. He never wanted to have to kill another man again.
Raven found that five years of hatred and pain no longer burned within her. Just sorrow. She wished she could make it right for him. But now she would never have the chance. She knew the Holy Knight would do his duty and take her to the Guard. He would probably even receive the huge bounty on her head. For him , this would be a story with a happy ending. For her, it was just the end. Caliph had been right, no one would mourn her. Yesterday she had not cared. Today, that thought almost broke her.
Caliph shifted slightly, covering himself with the cloak, as his pistol, unloaded, fell to the floor. Caliph forgot to care, and soon, it went black for him.
Caliph had been her big brother... he had protected her from the world. The only thing that he could not save her from had been herself or the man who was suppose to have loved her.
"Caliph?" She said looking over at him. The thought of being alone with the Holy Knight scared her.
It was then that Alexandros rechecked the weave, and went upstairs to awaken Zander. They had a job to do, and a creed to uphold.
When Caliph did not awaken, and the Holy Knight had left, she bowed her head. For the first time in five years she cried.
Cue: Alex, Caliph, Zander, and Orocia.
**Credit for this post goes also to Alex and Caliph.**
__________________
Quoth the Raven, "Never more."
Posted by Sen Kisai on 02-18-2002 04:08 PM
The Test.....
The night had gone by peacefully, Sen now stood in front of the dedication temple. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a second to try and calm himself, he had never been so tense in his life.
“Here it goes, my life’s destiny will be chosen in this temple, a mage, or a grave.”
The mist covered the area, giving it a gloomy feel. He walked slowly through the door of the temple, the doors closing loudly behind him, “Ahhh!” he jumped, breathing quickly, “I need to calm down!”
He walked in further, he had no idea where he was going, the inside was pitch black.
“Halt!” commanded a voice.
He jumped again, “Hello?”
“Welcome Sen Kisai.”
“Who are you?” Sen was suddenly surrounded in light and warmth, a fire had risen up beside him.
“Use the fire, feel its power.”
“How?”
“Concentrate, control it.”
Sen looked into the fire, and put his hands in front of him, he tried to picture the fire changing, but nothing happened.
“CONCENTRATE!”
Sen closed his eyes tightly, clearing his mind, then opened them again, he put his full force into the fire…..and it moved. The fire got taller, then became wider, he lifted his hand and the fire lifted off the ground. It felt so simple, so easy, the fire moved at his will, the fire was his will.
He place it back and it returned to its normal stasis.
“Good.”
“How did I do that?”
“You put your will into it, you shall one day understand Sen Kisai.”
“But, who are you?”
A short distance away another light appeared, there was an old man standing beside a fire, “I am your test!” The man thrust his hand into the fire, and pulled out a flaming ball. He tossed it at Sen with only a small movement of his wrist.
“Ahhh!” Sen threw his hands up in front of him and closed his eyes, but nothing hit him. He opened his eyes to see a wall of fire guarding him, his wall of fire!
The old man sent more flaming spheres at Sen, all were absorbed by the flaming wall. However, Sen could feel the power being drained from him.
“Excellent, however, a spell with great power should not be held up for long, use your powers wisely, rather than hold it, bring it when you need it.”
Sen lowered the wall and waited. Both men stared into eachother’s eyes, waiting for the next move.
The old man took a strange stance and pushed his hands forward, sending his fire at Sen in a spire of flame. Up came the wall just in time to absorb the attack.
“You are doing better than expected, but how long can you last?”
“Why not find out?” It was time to make an attack of his own, Sen swung his hands forward repeatedly, sending small bolts of fire with each swing.
The elderly man blocked each one with small flaming walls, and simply dodged the last one.
“Ah my boy, concentrate!”
Sen grinned, the bolt the old man had dodged stopped, held in the air by Sen’s mind. While the old man prepared his next attack, the bolt sped into his back.
And he was gone….
“Where did you go!?” Sen looked around, but everything was dark outside the circles of light.
“Remember,” the voice came from all around him, “Concentrate, control your power, don’t let it control you. If you remember this lesson, you will become great.”
Sen vowed to himself that he would remember, but as with all other adventurers, the temple had different plans. He walked out of the temple, out of the darkness. A man was standing nearby and Sen just had to tell his story.
“Sir, you won’t believe what just happened to me!”
“Hmmm?”
“I,” he paused, “I….I don’t remember.” He looked back to the temple, “I don’t remember…..” Sitting down on a stone near the temple he put his hands on his lap, “I don’t remember.”
That is when he saw it, upon his hand was a mark, resembling a flame.
__________________
I may look weak, but you'd be amazed at how fast I can run!
Posted by Volsung on 02-18-2002 11:12 PM
Almost to Asheri
OCC: Ok, I know its been a long ass time since I posted but it took me a lot of time of get up the nerve to write this thing. In any case There is only so much you can do when you are on a ship sailing from Gran Adageros Oh well It is done and I hope you all like
IC: The ship had now been out to sea for a little over two weeks. In that Time Sayomara had taken, spend a great many hours teaching Volsung, Veritas, and John how to use Terrain Magic. Of course, Nascent condoned the whole thing, being a Mage nonetheless the other three continued to practice under Sayomara guidance. Veritas and John started learning Water while Volsung and put most of his interest in body magic. None of them were very good but they were starting learn the weaves to the very simple spells.
With only a few days left before getting to Asheri Volsung, Veritas, Sayomara, John, and Nascent had all gathered in Veritas Cabin since it was the most private area in the ship. Volsung started the Conversion, “We are all here because we are all going to Asheri, but besides that I’m trying to figure out exactly is going on so, I will Start. About a mouth ago I was coming out of the wilderness of northern Akaros when my Fine guild Ollis got word that He was wanted for Killing me. This later turned out just to be ploy to get me to the King Akaros without anyone noticing me. Then I was with King he told me that would be going to Asheri and gave me a letter.” About this, time Volsung Pull out he letter from a pocket inside his shirt. “The Letter ordered myself and Veritas to go to Nyliam and gather information about there operations. I am support to go to land north of the port City of Pontifar from there I will travel though all of Nyliam to and Learn all I can. The Letter also Orders Veritas to take the Secunda Falia and sail along the cost and learn all she can that way.” When Volsung stopped, the Group sat silent for a few minutes then Veritas spoke up.
“I to received a letter From the King of Gania, but my was delivered, but he royal currier. My Letter said more or less, what yours said, but mine also told me to wait for you to come, and make sure that the Crew was really to be out to sea for a long time. But My main question is about our Friends here.”
“Don’t worry young Lady you will get your answers, but I would like to hear from our other friends before I give my own account,” Said Sayomara.
“I can live with that. I think Nascent should be it next,” Said Volsung Speaking up from beside Sayomara.
“Fine that is the way you wish to play it, then so be it, but my story is very simple and to the point. About three mouths ago I was sent back to Gran Adageros to continue my investigation into the theft of Artifacts from Asheri. Unfortunately, the trail has gone cool of late. So, I made really to leave back to Asheri but my boat never showed up. After about two weeks, I decide that I should find my own way home. I did some checking and I found out that Volsung and Veritas had both been Made Royal Guards of Gania, and that Veritas had been given I a Royal ship. After hearing about this, I went to the King of Gania Himself and explained my situation. He seem to think about it for a little bit and told me I could if I but I would have to meet Volsung and Veritas in Noit, and that I would be at there disposal for as long as they needed. I said yes and that is how I can to be on this ship. The true be told I didn’t know why the hell you guys were going to Asheri until now.” After Nascent finished Speaking, he got up and walked out of the room.
“Well that explains why you are here about what about you John?” Asked Volsung
“Well the king told me what you two were doing and ordered me to go with Nascent to Noit to see if he had any alternate motives, and to find out why he wanted to go to Asheri.”
“So what did you find out John?” Asked Veritas
“Well I really think he is telling the true but I don’t know we are almost to Asheri and I still really haven’t found out all that much about him.”
“Well thanks for coming I think we are going to need all the help we can get. Well Sayomara, that leaves you. Do you wish to talk now?” Asked Volsung
“Yes, I guess it is about time I tell you two what is going on but what I tell is only for Veritas and Volsung, no one else is meant to hear this.”
“John I hate ask…”
“Don’t worry Volsung I am a member of the royal Guard of Gania and I have been asked to leave a room more times then I care to remember and rarely have someone been so kind about.” With that, John got up and walked out. As soon as the door was shut, Sayomara began to speak again.
“I am about 500 years old and over those years I have know a great many people, but I have only had one true love.” Sayomara paused for a few seconds to let Volsung, Veritas figure it out, and soon as he seen understanding pass across their faces he continued. “You are my Great, great, great, great, great grandchildren.”
“Why didn’t you just tell me when we meet?” Asked Volsung
“ Well, I guess I really wanted to tell you both at the same time. I cut my ties with the Family a long time ago, but I still watch over a great many of them. It hard to explain.”
“Its ok Sayomara, I believe you.”
“Thanks you Veritas, So what are our plans for when we get to Asheri?”
“I think when we get in sight of land myself and Nascent will fly into Nyliam, Veritas I think that you should take John with you while sail along the cost, and I don’t know about Sayomara.”
“Do not worry about me. I will go with you and Nascent for while before I turn east to Farai.”
Well now, that this is all settle let get some sleep. We will be in Asheri very soon.”
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Trago Hayle on 02-19-2002 02:32 PM
Trago’s luck seemed to be steadily going downhill ever since Laegre fell to the ocean’s watery grave but weeks ago. The storm and the attack had damaged much of the Crimzadwire, and though it was one of the worthiest sea vessels a captain could hope for, it nonetheless cost Trago nearly an arm and a leg to repair. Those of the crew not loyal to Trago had abandoned the penniless merchant, for a sufficient pay did not seem to be in the near future. The majority, however, trusted and respected their captain, and stayed with him. Brock was one of them, along with Boy. The crew had called him Boy until they could remember enough to call him by his real name, Charles, but by then Boy had stuck. He proved a decent deckhand, good enough to earn his keep, which seemed more than men twice his size could eat.
They had been docked in Southdale for a the past few days, surviving simply on the kindness of an old friend of Trago’s, Cheeker Freck. Cheeker had at one time been a merchant with a penchant for cheating people of their gold, and Trago had once saved his life. Cheeker then on the spot repented and took up innkeeping. He now owned The Bearded Lizard, a fair sized tavern directly in the middle of the business district of Southdale, and has lived a clean, incarceration-free life. Trago had given in to Cheeker’s demands that he and his crew stay at The Bearded Lizard until he could find cheap enough cargo to sail with. His pride, however, was causing him much grief on this burden he was causing Cheeker. His men had already started two fights, in one breaking a table. While it was cheap enough wood, men were starting to steer clear of The Bearded Lizard as long as the “Cursed Captain,” as Trago had overheard his nickname, had left Southdale.
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"You need it, and I got it, so it seems the price may be a bit steep this time. Say, five times as much? Of course that's preposterous, that's why I said it. I knew you'd see it my way. It's been a pleasure doing business with you!"
Posted by Eloise Rane on 02-19-2002 04:19 PM
Eureka
The Tavern had emptied out, so they closed earlier than usual. It was an uneventful night. Eloise helped Bree clean up the place, then went outside where Rafael was standing, patiently awaiting her. It was late into the night, but still earlier than Eloise would have liked to have left, and she didn't feel like going home yet. If she could call it home.
There was a calm breeze in the air, and the roads were completely naked, creating a quiet peacefulness Balanum rarely had. It was kind of odd, actually, but she decided to enjoy it.
She mounted Rafael, and aimlessly wandered the endless bare streets of the city for a while. It was a foolish thing to do alone at that time of night, but she felt strangely safe. Rafaels’ hooves echoed infinitely down the road with every trot. After not long she was well out of sight of the Tavern, and in the opposite direction of the way home. She stopped for a moment and looked around curiously, not recognizing where she was. Then she saw a house in the distance down the road ahead, the only one within sight that was lighted inside. When she came upon it she realized it was a small, run-down church, and she squinted to make out the faded words atop the double doors. Ja'Zuriel. This was the church she was baptized in twenty years ago, and she had not seen it since. It was old, and in very poor shape; she had heard some years ago that they closed it down. But one of the doors was propped open, and there was a dim yellow light eminating from inside. Something compelled her to go in. She dismounted Rafael. The doors surmounted three wooden steps, which creaked heavily as she entered. The outside didn't do the interior justice. The floor and pews were of beautifully crafted wood, and a majestic altar stood atop a platfrom at at the rear end of the room. The rusted lamps along the walls flickered gently.
"Hello?" Eloise called, shattering the silence, which was slowly restored as her call went unanswered.
She took a seat in one of the first pews, leaning back and closing her eyes, resting in the tranquility for the most part. Then her mind gradually wandered to other things. Her parents, mostly, and the the incidents with them earlier that night. A slight wave of guilt swept over her. It was never her intention to defy them, or hurt them. But she was so different than they were, her ideals, her values, her take on life......all she ever did was be true to those things. But was it selfish? .......No. They were ashamed of her, embarassed, why? She was never a bad child. She never got into trouble. She had never even used her fighting to physically hurt someone. But fighting served as an output for her energy, that burned like a fire inside her. It was more than just a hobby. It was therapeutic. But they never understood that. Nonetheless, she still felt bad. Both knew, though, she was never going to change. How much longer would it be like this between them? The rest of her life? She opened her eyes then.
And what of the rest of her life?
Her mind went blank. She was a person who made the most of the present, and never thought of the future. But she now realized her life had become as monotonous as her parents’. Every day she fought, and the rest of her time was spent with Bree. But it had been like this for years now. It had become routine, something she hated. Although she loved that park, the thought of her spending the rest of her days confined to it not only seemed ridiculous, but a waste of her life, passion, and whatever skill she'd aquired. Especially now, when there was conflict in the World. She thought of her parents again. She tainted them, and they tainted her. She didn't want to feel guilty about that anymore. She wanted to be free to be herself. There had to be other things out there for her.
She pondered this over a few times, then made a decision, and qucikly got up and left with haste into the night.
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"I will not live by ordinary standards. I will not run with the pack. I will not be chained into a routine of living which is the same for others. I will not look to the ground and move along with the rest: so long as there are those mountaintops, those clouds, and limitless space." - D.W.
Posted by Palin Freeborn on 02-19-2002 06:57 PM
The Greatest Swordsman in the world....
Palin waved dismissively, gesturing to Lyght and Cybele that he had no interest in their company at the moment. Lyght left the room and walked down the stairs to the first floor of the inn, grumbling to himself.
Cybele stood a moment longer, concern apparent in her eyes. Palin kept his back turned, intent on staring out at the sea from his window. Cybele turned away and huffed angrily at being ignored.
"I'll teach him to ignore me..........." She quite literally stomped off down the hall. Palin sighed and made a conscious effort to pull himself away from the window.
"Too much was lost dwelling in the past, M'boy....." Palin smiled at the memory of his father and his tendancy to always cheer him up when he was down. Maybe I'll have a few drinks. That will calm me down........
He walked down the stairs and across the street to the local tavern, the Wyvern's Tankard. He slipped in the door silently, in true thief-like fashion, and found a seat near the dark corner at the back of the bar.
He ordered solemnly and ducked his head in thought. He did not move when a patron sharply poked his back. Several other dirty men were behind him, the smell of heavy liquor on their breath.
"May I help you, gentlemen?" Palin sipped more from his tankard. The patron slapped him lightly on the back of the head. Palin grimaced more.
"You're in my sheat, boy! Ged da hell oudda my sheat!" The patron's drunken slur was thick and Palin considered killing him when the patron hit him harder on the back of the head.
Keep your cool, Palin. It would be unfair to............
A ringing noise sounded as the patron pulled a knife free of it's sheath and held it threateningly at Palin's back. One of the drunkards behind him spoke menacingly.
"Kill him, Jorl........"
"I shaid, ged da hell oudda my........." Palin dropped down quickly and kicked the chair legs from beneath him. The piece of furniture popped up and into the Jorl's stomache. Palin spun, grabbing a wet towel from the bartender's hand.
He swung the towel up and wrapped it around one of the drunkard's wrists, which held a knife that had narrowly missed Palin's cheek. Palin kicked the man's knee in and grabbed the spinning knife from the air, throwing it at another drunkard's thigh.
The other men, the ones who were not as drunk, drew their swords. Palin smiled slightly, his memory of Tygan helping him regain some of his good humor.
How many did you get, Palin?
Palin drew his sword, his motion quick as lightning. The drunkards stepped back, looking slightly intimidated, but the liquor kicked in and they charged at him, radiating false bravado.
Palin slashed and parried defiantly, injuring the men and knocking them to the ground. Palin's smile beamed as he felt Tygan's spirit guiding his actions.
How many did you get, Palin? I think I beat you........better get more, buddy!
Palin fought quickly, thinking to himself that it was a good thing that he had build up his endurance by swimming consistantly weeks before.
Palin grabbed a nearby attacker and hit him with a pint mug. He laughed and threw the man out the front window.
"Let's take this outside, eh boys?" He leapt outside and turned to face the large mob that exited from the Tavern. His hand flexed on the hilt of his sword and he stood defiantly against the sunset, his hair blowing in the wind.
He laughed out loud and charged the hoarde of drunken men and women, a war cry escaping his throat!
"For Tylania and deParte!"
Cue: Anybody who wants it from our group can take it.
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Being a hero is not some title to obtain or a term to be used lightly. It is a matter of essence and is reserved for those with only heart and soul guiding their actions.
Palin Freeborn
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 02-19-2002 11:41 PM
In the Realm of Dreams
Til’Sylvanna was mounted, Valerians steed being used to carry their things. This was not how she had wanted to be. But, this was an argument that she had lost. Saeth, still believing her to be her dead aunt, the Queen, would not allow her to walk. Though both he and Finrandel should be mounted and not her, she did not really have a choice in the matter. Nelcar simply smiled and jested by bowing and calling her “Your Grace.” Til’Sylvanna had smiled at that. Even he, as quiet and scholarly as he was, could be a rogue when it suited him.
They had an evening’s walk to Gania, and spent it beneath the stars that she loved so well. It would be a new moon that night, and so the world was draped in shadows. Nelcar sang quietly, Saeth walked a bit a head of them, and silent Finrandel led Valerian’s horse at the rear. The procession of elves passed with hardly a whisper. Only the woodland creatures marked their silvery passage.
All during the day, the White Lady had been filled with a quiet sorrow… though one that she knew was not her own. Knowing that they would be long upon the road to the city, she decided to venture out into the Dreaming and find the one who had touched her with their sorrow. She left behind the waking world and sought out the grayness that was her second home.
That was beginning to concern her just a little. More and more often she slipped into this realm, and stayed longer amounts of time. Here she could do anything… be anywhere… see anyone. The power of this place coursed through her, filled her with light and energy. This was the power of the primordial world, and she alone could harness it. She pulled herself from these wicked thoughts, ashamed of herself. She had ought to be more careful, or she could become forever lost to this place, a member of the waking world no more. She often wondered what would happen if she were to be hurt here. Would it carry over into waking? Could she die? She did not know… and truthfully did not wish to know.
Sitting in the grayness, she focused all her energy upon the source of the sorrow… and found it. Palin… the child of man whom she had met. He was very sad, burdened with loss. She went to him, and found that he was beset by foes! Gathering her strength, she surrounded him in her bright silver glow. Though she did not realize it, for she had meant only to fill him with confidence and strength, this aura was visible to those of the waking world. His foes fled before him on terror. He seemed confused by this.
She tried to touch his mind, to tell him that it was she, but found that she could not. This surprised her. Thus far, she had been able to communicate with all whom she had attempted. Perhaps she was not as strong as she had thought… or perhaps she could not reach all people. Regardless, she tried to impart a sense of consolement upon Palin, as she has done when they had traveled together. Though she could not speak to him, that much at least she could do.
Pleased that she had aided, she returned to the grayness… tired by her outpouring of energy. Long she thought, and finally decided to try something new. She envisioned a garden… her garden back home in Hethilin. All her will she bent upon it, here in the mist between the worlds. And lo, it came into being. Tall oak and ash trees, sweet flowers, cool streams… all were here, just as she imagined them. She laughed and roamed within the woodland paradise that she had recreated. This was her Soul Home… the place where in her heart dwelt always and most. It was here that she had first met Nelcar, heard him sing, and had come to love him. She wanted nothing more than to be here in the place she loved most.
After a while, having rested from her labors, she began to feel a bit lonely. At home she had had Val ever at her side. Now, there was no one… no one who could join her here. Then a thought struck her; she would find the red star and ask her to come here! She would talk with her, and share with her this place that was her home. She would finally know the woman with whom her fate was bound.
Reaching out with all the power of her Elwain mind, she sought out the red star in her dreams…
Cue: Scarlet
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Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Indigo Grei on 02-20-2002 12:10 AM
Indigo awoke for the moment and stared up at the ceiling. It was unfamiliar, but the room was warm and comfortable. He tried to sit up, and found that it no longer pained him to do so.
"Indy!" Scarlet cried, almost fighting not to throw her arms around him. "You're awake... you've been asleep for days! How do you feel?"
Indigo smiled, then the smile faded. "What happened to me?" he asked.
*some time later*
Indigo stretched. The healers had done a good job. He grimaced at the thought of someone taking over his consciousness, then put it aside. He was himself (But for how long?) again. He wrapped his arms around Scarlet.
"I'm glad you're okay, Scarlet."
"Me? You were the one fighting the Shadowspawn by yourself. I'm glad you aren't..." The thought of Indigo dying made her choke back a sob, and she buried her face in his chest. "Promise me... promise you won't do it again..."
"I promise." Indigo meant it, but deep down, he wasn't sure he could stop it from happening. But he would try his hardest to keep it from coming again. Surely there wasn't danger enough in the palace to merit it's use? He closed his eyes and held Scarlet close. Something flickered at the edges of his vision, but when he opened his eyes or turned his head, it stayed just out of view. A flame... it was a part of him now. He pushed it violently from his thoughts and concentrated on feeling Scarlet's smooth skin under his fingers.
"Scarlet..."
She looked up at him, smiling at the promise. "Indigo... let's go home."
Cue Scarlet
__________________
Creator's hand... I'll burn everything to the ground if I'm not careful... what is this curse?
Posted by Kaori Aurora on 02-20-2002 10:11 AM
A festival!
OOC:
Na Pali, I wanted to ask before but I forgot... your magic, the blue fire, what is it under? Is it Ki or Terra? Because it does not seem to be under Terra, but it doesn't seem that you are a Dedicated either...
Also, with this entry, I mention festivals being frequent occurrences in Sungan; I hope that's okay. It's just that with all the descriptions of all the cities in nation of Akaros, nothing was mentioned of any festival or special events that occur.
IC:
Ever since she found herself lost in the red light district, Kaori was very aware of the sexual energy that was present everywhere; like the smell of incense pouring from every open window and door, inviting people into the colorfully adorned building, the throbbing energy was practically floating in the air, and Kaori couldn't deny that it was getting into her veins.
I need to get out of here, Kaori thought to herself, this atmosphere is getting to me...
Rounding another corner, Kaori found herself in what must be the center of the red light district. In the center of a huge square where many streets seems to lead to, a huge platform was raised, adorned with great bolts of silk, and all around the platform and the surrounding stores, where people walking, dancing, laughing.
Kaori guessed that it was one of the many festivals that was said to occur in Sungan, the night was filled with heady fragrances, and both men and woman were out enjoying the dance and music, which emitted from the bunch of musicians seated at the foot of the platform. It was like a big party, with food stands lining the edge of the square.
As Kaori wandered through the festival and the stores, she discovered that this festival was more sensually oriented than any of the festivals that she's been to or heard of, she guessed that it was due to location of the festival. Stores sold incense that would induce pleasures of the mind, and many products sold were for the use of enhancing one's beauty or sexuality, and along the edge of the square, pleasure houses draped red and pink ribbons the blew in the soft breeze. The whole festival celebrated pleasure and the beauty of life, and at the center of it all was the stage at the center of the square.
Kaori had turned her eyes away from the stage at first, thinking that the dance would be very erotic and vulgar, but curiosity had turned her head, and she found herself staring at true beauty.
On the stage, women wearing thin material that hinted at bare flesh underneath were dancing, and the dance reminded Kaori of flower blossoms blowing in the wind. The stage had four pillars lined around the circular circumference and from the top of these pillars; pink, white and red semi-transparent material formed a canopy above the dancers. The dancers twirled and spun, slowly at first, then faster to reach a climax before returning to a slower speed. Around the stage, many people were sitting on mats or were dancing to the music themselves. Finding herself an unoccupied mat, Kaori put down her staff and her cloak, it would seem that on the nights of festivals, belongings were safe from thieves if left on mats, as many mats had belongings left on them but no owner beside them.
Kaori herself was going to sit on the mat when in the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of a person in black. This was unusual in itself, since everyone else was wearing bright colored clothing, even she was wearing a yellow shift that she had changed into upon arriving at Sungan, but what had caught Kaori's attention was the familiar way the figure bore itself.
Craning her neck, Kaori tried to peer through the crowd to where people were dancing to the music, the direction where she last saw the figure. Leaving her cloak and staff on the mat, Kaori wandered towards the dance area.
People were swirling in circles around the each other, regardless of whether they know each other or not, some of them Kaori suspected them as one of the pleasure girls out looking for a nice time, but others were just normal people enjoying the more sensual side of life for a night. Seeing that the slightly familiar figure was no where to be seen, Kaori turned around to head back to the mat to enjoy watching the rest of the dance performance, when suddenly a man grabbed her by the waist and spun her around into a dance.
__________________
'Tis strange - but true, for truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.'
~ Lord Byron
NightBane
Kodoku no U
Her View
Posted by Palin Freeborn on 02-20-2002 10:45 AM
Palin leapt into the fray, his sword ringing lightly as he fought against the mob from the tavern. They swung at him from all sides, but narrowly missed him. The thought of Tygan and Carla increased his skill in battle and he slew most who came after him.
He laughed loudly and lost himself in the thrill of the battle, his sword striking quickly upon flesh and injuring the patrons. He was not tiring and his movements were increasingly fast, though he was beset by many foes.
But all of a sudden, his body began to glow silver. He felt a rush of energy consume his body and the patrons of the tavern fled in horror as his aura began to expand. Palin looked at his hand, confusion apparent on his face.
"What the hell?"
A wave of exhaustion engulfed his mind. He swayed in place and nearly feel to one knee. A voice, a whisper, was sounding in his head. Palin searched about for the source of this magic, but could see none. He concentrated and resisted as best he could.
His strength of will overpowered the voice and destroyed whatever contact it held with him. The strength returned to his body and he exhaled. Palin broke into a smile and sheathed his sword, glad that the fight had helped him get past Tygan's death for the time being.
"I wonder what the hell that voice was.......it's a good thing I'm not easily persuaded..........." He thought out loud as he grabbed pouches of gold from the injured patrons. He re-entered the tavern and gave the pouches to the bartender.
"That should pay for the damages." The bartender stared in disbelief as he started to clean up the mess.
********************************************
The brownies exited Palin's satchel and climbed up to the top of a dresser by the door. Gamri turned to Rool and gave instructions.
"When that daikini enters through that door, throw whatever you have at him. We aim for the eyes! I'll teach him to disrespect the Brownies of Evisis!"
Footsteps could be heard down the hall and the brownies prepared themselves. Someone entered through the door and the brownies struck. Gamri's spear flew through the air and missed the human's head.
But Rool, in all of his genius, threw a small satchel he carried. The satchel hit the human in the face and burst, spraying Dust of Broken Hearts everywhere.
Cybele sneezed profusely and rubbed her eyes.
"Dammit! What the hell............?" Gamri turned and slapped Rool.
"Stupid bastard! That was the Dust of Broken Heart! You hit the wrong human!" Palin entered shortly after and spotted the brownies.
"You! What are you doing here? Did you......?" Rool threw the last of his satchel into Palin's face, again spilling the fairy dust everywhere. Palin shut his eyes and cursed profusely.
When he opened them, however, Cybele stood before him, smiling broadly. Through some power, a force he could explain, Palin siezed Cybele and kissed her tightly. They held each other close as the brownies ran from the room, giggling all the way.
The bartender walked past the doorway, and jumped when he saw the two young people in the room.
"I'm sorry you two.......I'll just leave, then.........." He closed the door behind him, leaving the two spellbound adventurers alone inside.
Cue: Cybele and then Lyght
__________________
Being a hero is not some title to obtain or a term to be used lightly. It is a matter of essence and is reserved for those with only heart and soul guiding their actions.
Palin Freeborn
Posted by Merelania Hitoshinen on 02-20-2002 11:21 AM
Merelania followed the boarding plank and stepped onto the ship's deck. Kane and his wolf had decided to join her finally, after her waving for a few minutes to get them to hurry on up onto the ship, before the ship left without them. They stood beside her and gazed around the ship, looking for something to do as she looked around for the captain. Kane walked toward the front deck and sat down, looking back at the abandoned trail towards Gania, sighing in a saddened but mysterious tone. Fang roamed the deck, sniffing the wooden planks as any canine would do. Merelania saw Kane sitting alone but decided not to bother him, thinking that it was very unsuitable for a woman to intrude on a man's private thoughts and left it at that.
She walked into the galley, where she found most of the crew. They all sat at small tables, firmly placed into the floor for the rocking of the ship would cause them to tip over. A large broad shouldered man stepped up to her as she looked around, and she stopped to look at him for a moment.
"Who you be, lass? And what ye be doin' on me ship without a ticket or a cargo pass?" he lifted a brow, while looking the girl up and down mighty well, and nodding.
Merelania stood her ground and spoke clearly. "I would like to bid a ride on this lovely ship of yours, and seeing as the map keeper and my companion, have both chose your ship's route to be the fastest to arrive in Noit, I would like to ask for your permission to come along. I know this is an immediate decision on your part and that you can obviously refuse at no loss of your own. But I ask of thee to spare a ride for us, just as long as we get to Noit. We will work alongside the crew if you wish or if you wish for money, I will pay any fee."
The captain stood staring at the girl and slapped a hand onto her shoulder, a wide grin appearing on his face. "Well said lass, I say very well said. Ye may ride on my ship, yet ye don't need to work 'longside if ye wish not to, but it would be appreciative and make sure yer companions keep out of the business of me crew, or we'll be shippin' ye off." Merelania nodded and hugged the man suprisingly, for how disgustingly he was dressed and smelled, but it seemed she did not care. She would be in Noit sooner then she thought!
The man pushed her off gently, not wanting to look all mushy in front of his crew. "Thank you very much, sir! I'll keep my companions out of trouble for you!" she said as she smiled at him. The captain held out his hand, which she immediately shook, introducing himself. "The name's Blake, but ye can call me Captain Blake, aye?" Merelania nodded agreeably and spoke, "My name is Merelania Hitoshinen, my companion is Kane Tallon, and his wolf is Fang." She nodded as she named them off and then ran out the door to go meet up with Kane.
Merelania walked out to the front deck and sat down next to Kane. "Guess what?" she exclaimed, "We get to ride along with this ship! We'll be in Noit in no time at all!" she smiled, her voice excited and enthusiastic. He looked over at her, hiding his frown with a soft smile and nodded, "I'm glad..." was all he said as he turned back to the disappearing shore. She patted him on his shoulder and got up, walking over to Fang. She pat his head while he sniffed the planks and smiled. "Now don't you get into any trouble, Fang. We don't want to get thrown overboard now, do we?" she told the wolf. He just ignored her and kept walking along the deck curiously.
She decided it was time for a break. They had traveled from Gania to the ship in only a day through the treacherous forest and she was exhausted. She walked back into the galley to find a few sailors not on duty, playing cards.
As soon as she walked in, they looked away from their cards and towards her. She smiled and they turned away, continuing to play. She walked over to their table curiously, to see who was winning, talking with them a while, and watching them before growing tired.
She walked up to the cook and asked for a drink, which she so readily received, and asked where she could rest for a little while. The cook pointed out a small hall and informed her to go all the way to the end room. She obeyed, finished her drink, and walked to the end of the hall, finding a small room with a coupleof beds in it and sprawled out on one, immediately falling asleep once her head touched the uncomfortable pillow..
Cue: Kane Tallon
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~When we do things out of great love, rather than great expectation, more comes back to us than we could have ever imagined.~
~The desire to know is not necessarily wrong but remember that if you're not careful one mistake and you'll create monsters worse than imaginable.~
Posted by Kane Tallon on 02-20-2002 02:36 PM
Day 1 on the ship to Noit.
Kane pushed himself back up and walked to the edge of the ship. The breeze gently swayed his hair and clothing back. Kane looked out at the ocean, and grinned. The grin vanished as he thought of the girl back in Gania, "AHHH, I need to get my mind off that!" He shouted and jumped back from the edge, "Fang..." He whispered and snipped his fingers. Fang came running up behind a corner, then abruptly stopped and lowered his body ready to pounce. Kane grinned and braced, "GO!" He shouted and Fang dashed at him. Kane spun and dodged the pounce of his companion. Fang landed and hopped once, then turned around and dashed at Kane again, now Fang pounced at middle height. Kane flanked himself down backwards and lay flat on the floor with his back. Fang reached the ideal position. Kane kicked his leg up and leveled it to Fang's stomach he stopped right before hitting it. "Try again...some other time. Fang landed behind him and walked to the nearest wall, sat down, and watched Kane.
Kane jumped back up and glanced over to his weapons, well guarded now. Then Kane looked up at the sky, its clouds passing by, he readied a martial arts stance and kicked into the air. He left his foot in the air and spun to hit it down. His foot bumped loudly onto the wooden floor, he then thrust his fist out, a double right/left combo. He stopped then jumped back, landed, then rolled off backwards. He pushed his hands to the floor and shot them out with full force, he went shooting up, his right leg out straight as if to uppercut kick someone. He landed and spun around, thrusting his arm out straight. He didn't pause, but jumped forward with his left knee out. As he landed he rolled off, this time to the right, he jumped up and kicked his right leg out, to the "place" in the air that he just kicked at before. A sharp sounds whistled whilst he was combo kicking into the air. He stopped then jumped, spun 360°, shot his foot out, landed, and pulled his right foot back. He dashed it out and smacked it to the left, then he brought his leg back up and snacked it the way, as if someone was caught in it. He hopped then crashed down on his knee, the leg that snacked back before. He grinned and stood back up, "...Yes..." He said and cracked his knuckles, a man appeared behind him.
"Impressing, Kane, you've come far." The man said, Kane turned and replied.
"I will exceed them..." He returned, then walked off.
"Yes...you will boy..." The man muttered to himself.
"Yes..." Kane replied unexpectedly, walking over to his weapons and picking them up. He entered past the kitchen and snatched a glass of water, then walked to his room. He opened the door and Fang dashed past him and sat near the box which was on the other side of the room. Kane thumped his fist claws to the floor, and leaned his swords against the wall. He smiled after setting off his weapons. "Let's go back on deck." Fang stood up and followed Kane.
Kane sat at the top of the ship, staring at the sky. His eyes, deep, soulless, merciless depths of horror, pain, and death. He stared and stared, without expression. A crow flew above the ship, then down towards Kane. "A crow...at sea..." he said as the crow landed on his shoulder. "Go...I shall return some...day." The crow lifted again, and flew away. Kane frowned and stared out at the sea now.
Cue: Merelania Hitoshinen
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Look behind you,
over your shoulder,
yes,
there is a shadow,
you're right,
with a gleaming sword,
OH NO! It's approching you!
Posted by Sen Kisai on 02-20-2002 05:54 PM
Sen walked into his room at the inn, he sat down in a chair and placed a candle on the table in front of him.
“Time to see what I can do.” He was still a little upset about not remembering what happened in the temple, though he had learned from the man he met outside that everyone forgets what happens. I wonder what actually occurs in there, do you just walk in, sit down, and someone puts a tattoo on you, or is there some amazing challenge of powers?
He held his hand out towards the candle, and searched for his inner spirit, concentrating on the task ahead of him. Come on, come on…..
The flame began to move, he made it grow and caused it to turn different shapes. It works! I can control fire!
At that moment there was a knock on the door, causing Sen to lose his concentration. I’ll have to work on that, can’t have my spells ruined by things as minimal as a knock on a door.
He got up and opened the door, “Ahh, it is good to see you boy,” came an elderly voice.
“Master T’kall!” Sen’s jaw dropped. What is he doing here?
“You look surprised to see me,” he grinned.
“I....I am, what are you doing here?”
“Ah, some business called me this way, but while here I figured I might as well check in on you,” he looked at Sen’s hand and saw the mark, “So, you became a caster of fire?”
“Yes! I want to show you this!” Sen ran over to the candle, concentrating once again. The flame lifted into the air, taking multiple shapes, getting large and smaller. Sen place it back and beamed a smile to T’kall.
“Ah, you are a quick learner my boy, just like I knew you would be,” he looked at the candle, “Though, you don’t need a flame to use your spells.”
“I don’t?”
“No, the power is in you, having flames present does make the power easier, but they are not needed. Concentrate and try to make flames of your own.”
Sen nodded, he once again went into a deep concentration, pulling the powers out of him, however, instead of making his own flame, the candle’s fire was once again used as the source. Sen let it go and sighed, “It didn’t work….”
“True, but it will come, you can’t expect to be skilled in only a day.” He smiled and walked over to Sen, grabbing his arm, “You’ve had enough, why don’t you serve me to some drinks?”
“Sure, I’d love a drink,” Sen began to follow him, “Wait…me serve you?”
“Hah, I am your elder boy, of course! Think of it….as payment for my guidance,” he gave an elderly grin, and they went down into the main room.
They spent a few hours there, Sen talked about his journey, though he left out the part about the six year old giving him a bloody nose.
“Well Sen, I must be going, I enjoyed learning about your adventures, and I expect you to tell me many more next time we meet.” He got up from his seat.
“You can count on it, I hope to do great things.”
“And I am sure you will, my fellow caster.”
That comment made Sen burst with joy, to be called ‘fellow caster.’ He was truly a mage now, and in time his abilities would be great.
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I may look weak, but you'd be amazed at how fast I can run!
The time now is 01:12 PM.
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