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Posted by Avatar Scriptkeeper on 04-17-2002 07:10 PM: Asheri Chapter 15
Things are starting to move again!
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Welcome to my world...
Posted by Avatar Scriptkeeper on 04-17-2002 07:10 PM: Gran Adageros Chapter 15
Keep going, folks.
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Welcome to my world...
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 04-18-2002 12:23 AM:
OOC: Warning! If you have trouble with reading about rape and savage violence, stop here and do not continue. Otherwise don't come crying to me if your eyes are burned out of their sockets.
Reika was in a fine temper that evening. She had wished to harm Scarlet with more than with just mere words and yet she had been driven back by her sister’s will. She dug her steely nails into her palms, oblivious to the pain. Xarou noticed the aura of black that seemed to radiate from her very pores.
“What is it?” Reika furrowed her brow in annoyance but ignored him otherwise. She concentrated instead on the matter at hand. For the past week she had been unable to enter Scarlet’s dreams due to the white Elwain’s protection. But now that she had been cursed….. Her crimson lips pulled back into a smile, like a hawk about to seize its prey. She stood without saying a word and began to weave a portal.
Angered at being ignored and seeing that she was leaving for parts unknown, Xarou wove his fingers through her ebony hair and yanked back a little harder than necessary, causing her to lose her concentration.
“Where are you going?” His voice hissed in her ear. Reika growled and raked her nails across his face, burying them in his grey flesh. The result was instantaneous and he released her immediately, yelling in pain.
“You’re not my guardian. I’ll be back before dawn.” Her voice was calm despite the recent show of violence. Then like a flash she darted into the finished portal and vanished.
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Bres tossed and turned in his bed, his mind occupied with thoughts of Scarlet. She had been gone for nearly a year and he had nearly lost hope in ever seeing her again. Tears he shed only in the privacy of his room fell onto his pillow as memories of spending time with Scarlet played through a reel in his head.
He almost didn’t hear the tapping at his window.
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Scarlet was unreachable. The shock and pain of her recent encounter with Reika had been too much for her to handle. She now lay asleep, her physical body in a state of rest, but her mind still reeling. She was unaware of anything happening around her when she was awake….but in dreams….
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Bres looked toward the window as the tapping came again, slow and deliberate. He unsheathed the knife he kept under his pillow and cautiously opened the latch to the shutters.
“Who-“ Only one syllable made it past his lips before the knife clattered to the floor and Scarlet stepped through the window.
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In Scarlet’s dream she saw the man rise from his bed, a knife in his hand. Recognizing him immediately she called out to him, but he seemed unable to hear. She watched as he opened the window and screamed when Reika appeared.
Bres! Don’t!
As hard as she tried to make him listen her attempts were futile. She was dreaming now, watching as real life events unfolded before her. Their conversation floated to her ears and she could only watch silently.
“Scarlet! What are you doing-“ Bres’s words were cut off as Scarlet’s fingers pressed against his mouth. They were cold to the touch.
“I did it Bres. I made it to Noit and became Dedicated in Air. But that’s not what I’ve come back for, my love..” Her voice flowed like smooth velvet, and her eyes held his with a sense of longing. “I came back for you Bres. I didn’t realize until much later just how much I was in love with you… Please forgive me…”
Bres’s thoughts came in confusing swarms. What was Scarlet doing here? Why had she snuck into his room? Why- Her mouth pushed against his, ending all rational thought. Her embrace was warm and inviting and her body pressed purposefully into his.
“Bres…..I saved myself for you. All these months I’ve waited.. Please don’t make me wait any longer..” Her tongue slid easily over his, catching him in another deep embrace.
“Scarlet…” Blood began to pulse hotly in his veins making him feel dizzy with arousal. His hands ran down her back of their own accord, grabbing her under her rear and pulling her up sharply against him. He thought he heard a faint moan escape her. Before he was even aware of it she had pushed him back onto the bed, straddling his waist. She was wearing a thin gown with a low cut front and ties over the bust. Bres began to question why she had come to his window so scantily clad, when the gown came off with a rustle and slithered, forgotten, to the floor. Overcome with desire, he rolled her over and began to explore every inch of her body with his hands, mouth and teeth.
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NO!! BRES!! Scarlet screamed into a vacuum as she looked on helplessly, unable to escape the sight of her childhood friend interacting in sexual foreplay with her sister, believing it to be her.
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Bres was in ecstasy. He allowed himself to be pinned beneath Scarlet once more as both prepared themselves for what was to come next. Moving with deliberation she mounted him and began to move in a slow steady rhthym, feigning inexperience. A considerable amount of time had passed before she noticed Bres’s movements becoming quicker and more urgent. His climax came soon after and she accepted it readily, smiling as she anticipated the next course of action.
“So this is what you’re up to.” Xarou’s voice pierced her thoughts like an ice pick. Dropping the glamour Reika turned to look at the uninvited guest over her shoulder.
“What do you want Xarou? Can’t you see I’m busy?” Her voice was business like and filled with exasperation. Xarou smiled.
“I just want to join the fun.”
Bres was horrified to see Scarlet change into Reika before his very eyes. He tried to scream but nothing more than a strangled whimper escaped his lips. It was enough however to attract Reika’s attention once more. Her eyes clouded with sadistic pleasure before she drove her hands through the fleshy part of his shoulders, pinning him to the bed. He found his voice as pain lit through his entire upper body and screamed. Reika laughed.
“You’re lucky I let you think I was Scarlet. She would never have given you a second thought as a lover.” Bres continued to scream as Reika lowered her head and sank her teeth into his throat. His screams became mixed with an odd gurgling sound before ceasing forever. Licking her crimson teeth Reika listened to the hurried approach of Bres’s sister.
“Bres!! What’s going-“ The horror of the scene in front of her shocked Caitlin into silence as slowly the images of gore began to register in her mind. She hitched in a breath to scream, but not before Xarou had crossed the room and threw her to the floor by her hair. He hadn’t taken the time to disguise his true form, making Caitlin scream despite her lack of air. His mouth curled into a grotesque smile as he ripped the night dress from her body and forced himself on her with animal like ferocity.
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Scarlet felt her heart stop as she watched Xarou brutally rape Caitlin with Reika looking absolutely bored over the dead body of Bres in the background. She had stopped trying to scream a long time ago, but no matter how she tried she couldn’t turn away or escape back to the real world. She felt her mind begin to buckle……
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Caitlin sobbed hoarsely as Xarou withdrew from her nearly an hour later and motioned for Reika. She sauntered to his side and kicked the crying girl in the stomach, temporarily stifling her cries.
“What should we do with her?” Reika’s response came immediately as she pressed her foot down on the soft flesh of Caitlin’s neck, pushing her entire weight on it until she heard the satisfying crunch. Xarou smiled appreciatively at Reika, taking time to study her nude form. His desire came back all at once and before long the two were repeating their sinful acts with one another on the still damp, blood soaked sheets.
Before Scarlet was released back to the sanctuary of wakefulness her eyes met Reika’s and she heard her voice whisper in her head.
Keep one eye open for me…..
CUE: Anyone. Scarlet's finally cracked. When she's not staring off into space she'll have the screaming meemies.
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"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Volsung on 04-18-2002 10:36 AM: a black wave and a faithful Meeting
OCC: I know this isn't prefect but I"m in a bit of a hurry right now I'll promise to fix it later V
IC:When Volsung woke up he found Nascent was sitting by a tree reading his journal. “Its about time you wake up. You have sleeping for the better part of the day, but I guess that’s what happens when you stay up all night.” Then Nascent closed the Journal and through it back to Volsung, “You know it quite a thing you found, I mean these air ships don’t sound like something that should be messed with.”
“There not, and Nether am I. I don’t like it when read my books with out asking me first.” When Volsung gabbed this jounal and then pulled himself up off the ground."
“You know we really should be going.” Said Nascent speaking in an odd tone suddenly looking to the east.
“And why is that?” Nascent pointed east to the far side of the road. When Volsung turn all he could see is shadow spawn in the form of a big black wave covering all that they touched. After looking for about two secounds Volsung spoke up again, “You know I think your right.” And with that, the two men gabbed their things and took to the Air not caring that it was still daylight. “We need this information to get to Gania. So I think for now it would be served to fly away then to fight here.”
“I know I don’t really wish to die today and while I know we would put up a good fight I don't think we are any match for that.” And with that the pair flew west at their best speed.
Night followed quickly and Volsung and Nascent decide that it would be best to get as far away from the spawn as they could. Then about four in morning they came to out skirts of Nyliam Proper.
The city was look like a fortress with mountains on three sides and the Nyliam River on the other. “I have never seen a city like this before.” Said Volsung, “It’s beautiful like dimoand in the rough and yet it still seems like part of the mountains.”
“Yes it is the largest city in all of Asheri. It a market and a place for thought or at least thoughts about who’s in charge.” The men stared at the city, for a few moment thinking how impressed they were with it. Then Nascent spoke up again, “I think that we should find a place to stay tonight.”
“Yes, yes I don’t much feel like sleeping outside on the grass when we could be sleeping in there.” Then the Men walked across the river and into the city. The men walked for about a half hour until they came to a tavern all the Emperor Prize the place also bosted few rooms on it heavely stared sign. So, not seeing any other Places Volsung and Nascent when inside. The bartender was more than happy to let two men in since he had been dealing with sailors for the last week and they has scared out all his regulars. After getting the key to the room Nascent when up to their room but Volsung decided to sit down and have a bit of Ale. It was about this time Volsung noticed a black haired woman sitting in the corner with a long sword at her side. Across the table from her sat a man in black robe. When Volsung seen this he almost spit out his Ale, “That Veritas! WHAT IN AETERNA IS SHE DOING HERE?” Volsung thought to himself, for a few seconds he didn't know what to do, but after collecting his thoughts Volsung got up, and walked over to table when he thought he saw Veritas.
John was the first to see him since Veritas had her back turned back to room, but John just smiled and kept this mouth shut. After a few moments, Volsung was right behind her. Then Volsung put his hand on Veritas shoulder. Before Volsung could move, Veritas had pulled out her sword and had it pointing at Volsung. “Hello,” said Volsung is scared fashion.
As soon as Veritas heard Volsung voice and looked at his face she dropped her sword and gave her brother a big hug. “Volsung you know better than to sneak up on me like that.” Volsung smiled, “What are you doing here and where is Nascent and Sayomara?”
“Well Sayomara went off on this own, and Nascent already went up to our room. If may ask what are you two doing here?”
“Well our ship ran into a bad storm and we had to coming into port here to get repairs. The ship should be ready to head out in about two days.”
At here this Volsung lowered his voice to a whisper, “Is there anywhere we can talk in private about something.” When Veritas and John got up, with Volsung following and they walked out of the room, leaving the money for their drinks on table.
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"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Bara Chinder on 04-18-2002 06:02 PM:
It was now raining, lightly. The group were working their way slowly north looking for a settlement. The first Laimh dearag the men came across were in transit. A convoy of carts and men on foot.
The laimh dearag were not often seen using horses unless they are work horses, so a large contingent were walking.
Conchuir came up with the Idea that Bara would skate back while the others rode up to talk to the nomads.
The caravaan was mostly carrying goods, probably crops and meats towards Rysend or further to the city of fools. A lot of women and children were in wagons too. At various points along the caravan there were slim muscular warriors a small few taking wide patrols on horses. There was also a peculiar thing on the roof of a hard covered wagon there was a few warriors with bows. The bows were larger than normal and seemed strung tight. As the riders approached a mounted warrior broke off.
He called the men to halt. "What buisness have you?" The guard asked, a nervous challenge in his voice. Conchuir spoke up.
"We are on an errand. We have to raise the muster."
The warrior tilted his head and looked at conchuir suspiciously.
"What have we to muster for? Are we being invaded?" He probed.
"Brother if you have seen no foriegn beast you must have your eyes closed." Porbably a bad choice of words but Conchuir could see the guard leaning towards mockage in the near future.
"SEEN NONE? We are heading for rysend as our Farm lands were infested with them. We had to take harvest and wait till we have strength and knowledge to kill the wingid bastards." He snapped.
"Well now you see why we must muster. May we speak with the chief of this clan?" Conchuir asked.
"You can if you can find out who he is. Our family leader was killed along with his sons by the monsters. We are trying to settle the sucessor. However in the stead of the chief our Holyman , taliesen has agreed to guide us." The Guard was probably being as helpful at the time.
"My sympathies and those of our clans go to you." Conchuir reacted with diplomacy, a grunt from the other two confirmed his sweeping statements.
"I will fetch Taliesin" With that the warrior rode off.
Soon he returned with the Holyman. He regarded them casually.
"Whats this talk of a muster? Who are you all? " the man grilled them.
"Well I am conchuir this is Enda and Aodhna we are all braves of our clans. We travel north to ask The laimh to join us against the shadowspawn. We have little time. What do you say?" Conchuir did not mix his words this time.
"My..we have little strength to give, but would pay dearly to see the horrors killed. We do know that Rysend is swelling with Laimh at the moment. The head of ou tribe is there. Strange things are happening in the city of fools. Rysend is the place to go if you wish to join our tribe." The priest had seen the sense straight away.
Ever the politician Conchuir asked, "Will we have your support?"
"If you can pulit off we will help." The ambiguity of the statement was apparent but it was better than nothing. "Is he with you?"
"Yes and he is anxious to move on." Concuir turned to meet the priests line of point and saw Bara trotting a bit behind. "We must rush to Rysend"
"Then we will meet you there." The priest aknowledged him and waved as the men rode away. They met up with an emotionally wracked Bara and spurred on.
They were In Rysend early the next afternoon.
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Were gonna break ya, its gone on for too long.
Gonna punish you for the things that youve done- Capdown
Posted by Saeth Shen on 04-18-2002 06:58 PM: 
Let him be my strength and my weakness, my greeting and my parting prayer. My Vision, and my blindness, my Joy and my sharp grief. Please… let him be my sad death… or my sure resurrection.”
Til had been by the side of her warder for two days now, seemingly unmoving, not eating, nor sleeping. Her gaze simply fell upon the wounded Elwain, and her mind counted the breaths that he took, as if any one could be the last. Carefully, she watched the depth of his breath, and felt for any more of a spark of life through her bond with her faithful servant. No, he was more than a servant. He was a friend, and a love.
She Felt herself slipping deeper and deeper into the dark well of nothingness that was her life without him. IN all her long years, she had never been more alone than she was as she sat silently at his side.
He was her soul... and it was too late for her to tell him... too late. For all the great power that was in her soul, she could not bring back the one in all the world that is that she needed most. For all her great power, she was helpless. She held his hand, and she counted his breaths.
Just as that thought passed through her mind, the spark flared brightly for a moment through the bond, and the warder took breath deeper than since his wounding. His eyes fluttered rapidly, and his back arched awkwardly. His heart pounded, she felt it through the bond, and it felt for a moment as if it were about to burst.
"Saeth!" She stood, clutching his hand, hope for a moment rekindled in her darkening heart.
His eyes burst open, and he was momentarily blinded by even the dim light of the room. His name rang within his ears as if it were being called out by a ringing bell. The tears which had been her only company during the long hours fell upon his face, rain of her love.
His voice was hoarse, and he spoke softly between quick breaths, small drops of blood spattering from his mouth upon the sheets of the bed, and the white of Til'Sylvanna's dress, "Til? What happened? I.... I remember...."
"Shhhh...." She put a cold finger to his lips. "don't talk. You are weak, and that you live still is a very near thing." He could feel the torrent of her emotions. All the deep and dark despair at the thought of losing him, her love, and her unabashed relief that he had awakened. She spoke softly, Leaning over to hold him in her arms. Well... with the right one at least. The Left she kept at her side, afraid that the darkness that grew there would too soon be known to him.
"Rest... brave one. You have passed a very soar trial, and but for the mercy of the Creator, you would not here yet live."
She could not keep the trembling from her voice. She wanted to hold him close and never let him go. She wanted to tell him all the secrets of her heart. She wanted to see him smile and for him to make the world well again... But... but he was not ready. Perhaps he never would be. That sad thought held her, as all sad thoughts seemed to do of late. Everything a spark of light came into her soul, it was just as quickly snuffed out.
Saeth squinted as she came into focus. She was terrible and beautiful all at once. She had flung herself upon his chest, and with no small amount of effort, he wrapped his arms about her.
All she wanted to do was let him hold her. She would not leave him... not ever. Not thought all the armies of the Shadow should descent upon them. Still she would stay.
"Oh Saeth..." she choked back the sob, "I prayed... all the long hours I have prayed and done nothing else."
Through the bond, the strange surge of emotions flooded Saeth's mind. Love was there, but unlike any love Saeth had ever felt through the bond. There was a coldness, and anger, wrath even. But most of all, relief.
"I have never left your side... for fear that you would leave mine. I... I..." her tears fell softly on his chest."
Saeth raised his head just a bit to kiss the crown of Til's hair, "Til, To die for you, would be the greatest honor, but to live for you, is greater,"
She could not speak, but only hold him close. A painful smile broke across his lips as she seemed to freeze for a moment, her muscles all tightening at once. But, in a moment, she simply went slack, and lay there with him, centuries of experience with the bond allowed him to read her much better than she would ever be able to read him
Words could never be enough. Everything could never be enough.
A look of terror knitted upon her brow. "Saeth?"
He knew he was in much pain from the numbness in his body, but the pain of his body could not match the pain in his lady's heart. His mind diverted from the thought by the sound of her voice, he replied lightly, "Yes, milady?"
“What is wrong?" She searched his face for any hint of his feelings.
"There are strange feelings in your heart, milady," Saeth winced in pain for a moment as he shifted in the bed, "Something is dreadfully wrong. But there is another light as well," Saeth shook his head, "There is far from nothing wrong with me, but I can see that there is more hurt in you,"
She laid her silver haired head on his chest. She could not meet him true seeing eyes. She said nothing for a long time. At last she said softly,
"The light... the light is my love... love for..." she could not finish. Even though she had been this chance to tell him how she really felt, the words failed her. "The darkness... "
Saeth's eyes widened slowly, but She shuttered violently. "The darkness is that which I have no more strength to fight. Since that fell thing touched me... " she finally looked up at him, nothingness and despair in her dull gray eyes. "I cannot find the hope to fight as I once did. All the time I have sat here beside you, I could not find hope. My life is you... and that I now have... but as for the future..." a tear fell and she laid her head down once more. 'There is no use. The Humans are too stupid to fight... and I am too tired to continue. I want to go Home."
Saeth ran his long fingers slowly and painfully through Til's silky hair. For a long time, he was silent, rubbing at her shoulders and neck as she spoke. She was so fragile. She did need him. Saeth believed that he may know this new light.. But he was uncertain.. He had never felt anything like this, without Til. In her self pity she felt a warmth... a light that only came from one place... She felt his love. Or was it only... duty? She did not know, and was afraid to ask... She had too much to bear already.
"I am sorry... I have let you down. I... I..."
Saeth again kissed the crown of her head, "It is I that have let you down, Til.. I understand that you feel responsible for what happened to me, but do not," He kissed her again, and grimaced in pain as he pulled her up his chest so their faces were mere inches apart, "Til, everything I do, I do for you. As your guardian, as your friend, and as your..," Saeth trailed off, pulling Til down towards him in an embrace.
She pulled away, holding him in her eyes. They were an odd color... darker than before..."Your what?" There was a plea in those eyes... and he know that her life hung in the balance of his answer.
"Tell me...."
Saeth sighed... Women always did this...
He shook his head slowly, and his neck popped a couple of times.
She looked away. "never mind."
Seeing no other viable solution, he gently grasped her by the sides of her head and kissed her. She was surprised, but she did not fight him as she had Ezra. She kissed him back, falling lightly back onto his chest, and Saeth let out a painful grunt, but held the kiss. Til's hands caressed his face, one warm, the other cold, and his fingers ran through her hair, holding her in the small of her back.
Tears ran down her face... of joy or sorrow she did not know. "I... I love you." she whispered. "I thought I would die if I lost you... I... "
Saeth did not know words for the moment.. He simply held Til as she cried, and soon, his own tears joined hers. Tears of joy and happiness mingled as she looked down upon him, and in that moment, he felt happier than he had ever been. And by the expression on Til's face, she knew it... She had smiled, her first in days, and had kissed him gently.
He kissed her back again, caressing her face as she lay lightly atop him, he pulled away softly, with a great warmth in his eyes, "Til?"
"Yes?" Her eyes found his, looking deep into his soul.
His voice was softer than the nandi that covered Til'Sylvanna's breast, "Everything I do, I do for you. As your guardian, as your friend, and as your lover..."
She leaned down to kiss him, and this time she did not stop.
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You shall not harm my charge...
Posted by Sekirah Partam on 04-19-2002 01:56 AM:
The waves thrashed the sides of Ewen's ship. The sails had long since been taken in but one of the masts had already snapped and dissappeared into the waves and the main mast was threatening to do the same. The ship was bobbing around and being thrashed about like a feather in the wind and much like the feather, given time, the ship would eventually fall below the waves that breached it's sides never to be seen again.
Sekirah crashed through the door to his cabin as the ship was hurled violently to one side. He had been helping to secure anything on deck that hadn't been thrown overboard by the storm.
"Cedric!" Ye yelled to his companion. "Can't you do something!?"
The older man unsteadily got up from his knees where he had been praying for their safety. A look of hopelessness was upon his face as his eyes met Sekirah's.
"I'm afraid not," Cedric said, almost yelling himself to be heard over the tempest raging about them. "I am no where near that advanced in learning my magic."
Shaking his head, Sekirah left the cabin and ran, if you could call it that, back out on deck. He was slammed into the wall on his way there as the ship was thrown, suddenly, the other way.
When he made it out onto the deck, he was just in time to see a monstrous wave that snapped the main mast like a toothpickass it rolled the entire ship all the way over. When the deck once again faced up, if you could tell which way was up in such chaos, there was no one left on the deck and the ship was taking on water from a large rupture in it's hull, as the main mast had slammed into the ship when it was rolled over.
Sekirah came to his senses after being tossed about for a few moments and he found himself several feet under the water that was being tossed from side to side above him. He struggled to reach the surface and atleast get a fair gulp of air, but soon found it futile and his lungs began to burn.
Only one thing came to his mind: He had to transform into some kind of sea creature that could breathe under water. He had never done it before, so he decided he would only change a few necessary things instead of a complete transforming completely into a fish.
Ignoring the growing desperation in his lungs, sekirah drew mana into his body. Meticulously, he formed gills on his neck and he began to breathe easily. He changed his skin into scales and elongated his toes and fingers, webbing forming between them and his boots formed to him to become part of his webbed feet. He cut off the flow of mana to his body just as he finished the transformations he wanted, being satisfied with the results.
Dispite the alterations to his body, swimming was still exceptionally difficult. He mooved more where the water wanted him to go than where he wanted. Unfortunately, the water was pulling him farther away from the ship, and his comerades.
Slowly, Sekirah began to make his way to the surface when something above him and to his right caught his eye. It was a flash of a bright reddish orange color that seemed all too familiar to him. When he looked closer, straining his eyes through the dark, murkey water, he could see the shape of someone at the surface, trying to keep their head above the waves.
As hard as he could, Sekirah swam toward the figure. As he sluggishly got closer to the person, he realized that he recognized her. It was the girl he'd met in Noit, Amanda! Desprately, he brought himself up under her as she slipped beneath the surface and he forced her back up to the life giving air.
When his own head broke the surface, and she saw him, Amanda screamed at the sight. He looked little like anything human with the scales covering his face and wet silver hair hanging down in tight locks, giving him the appearance of a wild, humanoid piranha.
Sekirah tried to speak, but found that he couldn't with his gills. He also felt his gills becoming dry in the harsh air, so he lowered himself enough that they were under water. Amanda was struggling wildly against him, but he could tell that she was tired, and she soon gave up when she found that his grip wasn't going to let up, and he hadn't done anything to harm her.
The storm had, by now, slowed. Sekirah guessed that it had pretty well blown itself out. The waves that were once thrashing about like Amanda had been under Sekirah's grip, hadturned into nothing but monsterous, rolling swells. Like Amanda, the storm had finally grown tired of it's relentless struggle.
Amanda stared into Sekirah's eyes, unsure of whether she should trust him, but finding that she had no choice. She seemed to see in his eyes that he had no will to hurt her.
"Are you trying to help me?" she asked, not sure if he could actually understand her. Sekirah nodded.
Nothing more was said between the two that night. For a long while, Sekirah just held her there, keeping her head above the surface until he saw a large barrel floating with the top half of it above the water since it was only partially full. Sekirah motioned towards it and the two of them swam there. Using the barrel as support, Amanda slept as comfortably as possible while Sekirah stayed up and kept watch over her. When she woke, he would be human again.
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Guilt, the merceless hunter.
Posted by Eric VanDrison on 04-19-2002 12:02 PM:
"You think we'll find adventure here?"" Gavin asked as he, Reana and Eric approached the Taren forest. They had circled the forest for a day trying to find a break in the thick underbrush that sufficiantly blocked most anything from entering the forest.
"Of course we will!" Reana said with a smirk. "And there's bound to be men who've gotten lost in there and died of not so natural causes; we can find and sell any weaponry they might have."
"But isn't there a danger that we'll get lost too?" Gavin asked.
"That's part of the adventure in it!" Eric said, unsheathing his cutlas. "And you never know what might jump out of that underbrush at you."
Gavin looked particularly frightened by this remark. "Can't we at least wait till after we eat some lunch?" he begged.
"No!" Eric and Reana exclaimed in union. Shutting him up, they trudged forward and into the forest, darkness surrounding them like a cool blanket. The canopy of the Taren forest allowed only a few harsh shafts of light to pierce through. It was a wonder that the dense underbrush got enough light to survive.
For quite some time, the trail never split, but lead them back and forth upon itself so they were making little headway into the forest for all of the walking they had done. Gavin was getting rather impatient with all of it and you could see it by the way he hung behind Eric and Reana, slightly. At last, his face lit up when he saw a large, wild, apple tree growing on the far side of a short wall of brush.
None of them had eaten anything since early that day and it was already late afternoon. Gavin's stomach spurred him on as he cut through the brush with his sword, swinging it wildly to get through and rush toward the apple tree.
Unknown to him, Eric and Reana were yelling at him to stop and come back. Neither of them dared leave the trail, for they both had heard stories about what happened to anyone that strayed from the path in the Taren forest. Before Gavin even had time to bite into the apple, he dissappeared abruptly, the apple falling to the ground.
"Shit!" Eric exclaimed. "Where'd he go?"
"Probably somewhere else in the forest," she replied, her revolver in her hand. "He won't last long if we don't find him soon."
*********
Gavin, hand still raised to his mouth, found himself in a small clearing in another part of the forest. Dispite the considerable amount of light that shined in this place, his surroundings were far from pleasant. There were several rotting bodies of men and women all around him in various stages of decomposition. More frightening than that, some of them were moving...
__________________
Life is what you make it
Posted by Kaileigh Laeory on 04-19-2002 02:06 PM: The pirate Discovery
The midday sun burned heavily upon Reed and Kai. The tall waves of heat rose like rivers of steam from the burning golden sand. Little dots, mottled in the waves moved north in a group, With two more following them. The pirates were on the move, as were Kai and Reed.
Movement was slow and tedious, with little to look at. It was all just an empty expanse of yellow sand, glistening in the bright sun, unaffected by clouds.
"How far away from them are we you reckon?"Inquired Kai, wiping the sweat from her brow.
"Well...I have no way of knowing. They are rather small in the distance. A mile maybe?"
Kai groaned and slumped over in defeat. She stood upright however and continued on. Reed looked at her and smiled a bit at her comical way of representing her discomfort and chuckled a bit. Kai looked at him with an expression demanding a reason to his laugh.
"Its nothing." said Reed in reply to her look.
Kai shrugged and knew he had a reason to laugh at her, but she could really care less. Reed, all sweaty, looked rather funny himself. His skin, which was once a light tan, was heavily burnt and his shirt was soaked with perspiration.
I hate deserts. I'm never going to comply with anything like this again. I have never longed to be aboard a ship in my entire life
By evening, the merciless sun dipped in submission below the horizon, conceding rule of the sky to the silvery moon.
"Ahhh. Sweet relief from that bloody sun!" Cried out Kai as she fell to the ground, the sand still warm. Her eyes stared upwards and smiled at the cool breeze that washed over her dirty body. Reed did the same.
"We should, however, make good time in the cool of the evening and catch up with the pirates." Said Reed, his voice soft in relaxation.
Kai nodded but did nothing, she didn't feel like going anywhere. Her legs were sore from the day of traveling and her body enjoyed laying down on the job.
Reed didn't move either, he remained still, staring at the solitary ivory globe that was doing her nightwatch.
Finally they rose for the night travel to reach the pirates...
__________________
We tell lies
when we are afraid, afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us.
But everytime we tell a lie...the thing we fear grows stronger. Life is all about risks and it requires you to jump.
Don't be a person who has to look back and wonder what they would have, or could have had...
Posted by Tygan deParte on 04-19-2002 04:42 PM:
Tygan entered the room and tossed his new clothes onto his bed, and placed his weapons against the wall.
“Carla?” He called quietly. There was no reply, but the bathroom door was open and he could hear her humming a little tune. Oh good she must be done, can’t wait to clean myself off, specially before these cuts get any infections.
He walked to the bathroom door then quickly spun around, “Oh!” He said in surprise.
“Ahh!” Carla yelped in surprise as well, she stumbled back and fell into the tub of water, “Ohhhh!” she said in frustration, “I had just dried off too!”
“Um..err..sorry,” he had been expecting her to be clothed. Behind him he could hear her getting out of the water and drying off again, then putting on some clothes. While she was doing this he stared at nothing in particular back in the room, embarrassed about what he had done.
Her arms slipped around him in a hug, he winced in pain, but shoved those feelings aside. Turning to her he was somewhat relieved that she was clothed and returned the hug, “I love you.”
She smiled and then released the hug, “You better hurry before the water gets too cold!”
He laughed, “If it’s not cold already.” He kissed her then grabbed his new clothes off the bed and went into the bathroom.
*******************************************
A while later he walked out of the door. His wounds had been tended too and he was dressed in his new clothing. Carla looked up from the book she was reading, likely the book had been left by the last guest of the room. Tygan spun around as if on show, “How do I look?”
“You look great!” She wasn’t lying either, though she was amazed he had given up his hat.
“Thanks,” he grinned, “Maybe we should pick you up some new clothes sometime as well, your dress is looking a little worse for wear.”
She giggled, “Well falling into an ocean and jumping out windows will do that to a dress, I never expected wild adventures when I ran away!”
“Hah, I hoped for great adventures, but this was far beyond what I imagined.” I also never imagined I’d find my father, or find out he was not my actual father.
Carla fell back onto her bed, resting her head on the pillow, “uuuhh, I’m soooo tired!”
He gave a small laugh, “Well it has been a long day, maybe we should get some sleep.”
Carla was asleep minutes later. Tygan took a bit longer, lost in his own thoughts, but soon he drifted asleep as well, but not before looking over to Carla’s bed and thanking the creator for giving him such a wonderful love.
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you've won, if you happen to die.
---------------------------------
Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus.
Let us rejoice then, while we are young.
---------------------------------
To die is to sleep, only you forgot to turn on your alarm.
Posted by Coran on 04-19-2002 08:55 PM: Friends
“Coran,” Said Xar Lazily resting on the ground, “Do you remember when you told me to steal that nobleman’s money pouch when we were young”.
“Yeah,” Coran said with a smile,” But Instead of the pouch you grabbed a notable smaller lump between his legs”.
“Or the time you got that lady to believe that you were a messenger from the royal courts collecting taxes and she gave them to you,” Snickered Xar.
“What A nice young man,” Coran said mockingly. As he pulled of his black robe. Revealing his leather amour and his knife in its sheath around his forearm.
“What are you doing,” ask Xar?
“Taking off me robe, its hot out”.
“That’s not like you showing your true colors in public”.
“No one out here. Out of all the years we’ve been coming here I haven’t seen one person to see or hear us,” Coran Said With a smile on his face.
“I always did love the view from here,” Xar said from the top of a hill overlooking the city.
“Hey did you happen to bring you daggers,” Said Coran.
“No,” Said Xar, “I dint think I’d be working today”.
“You wont be,” Coran said with a glint in his eye. As he walked closer to Xar. Who seemed to be getting somewhat nervous?
“How did you know it was me that told the guards,” murmured Xar.
“That’s not important now,” Coran said with a sneer.
“I needed the reward,” Said Xar “I know that you’ve always been a good friend to me and I-I-“
“Shouldn’t of have traded in a friend for money,” Said Coran.
“Yeah,” Said Xar, “I needed the money Coran, Not all of us are as talented as you…”
“Flattery will not save you,” Chuckled Coran. He unsheathed a sword out of his cane. And stepped right next Xar.
I know I messed up,” said Xar.
“Your right,” Said Coran, “ Sorry I have to cut the good byes short but I have a dinner date”. And with one swoop of his sword he cut a deep gash trough Xars neck.
Posted by Coran on 04-19-2002 10:15 PM: part 2 (Friends)
“At Least I didn’t get dirty,” said Coran, to himself. Coran cleaned his blade on the corpse of Xar. Then he walked over to his beautiful robes a put them back and began the walk back to Helila.
As he reached the city he felt more at home. He’d never been one for the outdoors, which was Xars favorite.
“Looks like Ill never have to go out there any more,” He said happily. As he looked back at the hill before he went into the inn he stayed at. He went up to his room and he took of his dirty shoes before entering the room.
The room was immaculate, everything had its place and everything was in it place. Every room had its own large fireplace. There were paintings from every major artist. The Four-post bed was fit for a king. The bathroom actually had its own bathtub. There were several wardrobes with hundreds of cloths, of every style and color.
He quickly took a bath. When he was finished he dressed himself in a wonderful robe of lavender. He retrieved a fresh pair of boots from one of the wardrobes and put them on. He then grabbed his Cane and left.
Coran walked up to a door and began to knock.
“Aw, Mister Toa,” Said the butler, “We’ve been waiting for you”.
“Oh, Forgive my tardiness, I was in a meeting. I tried to cut it short, Said Coran with a laugh. The butler showed him into the dinning room, where a lovely young lady was sitting.
“Such a beautiful girl should never eat alone,” Said Coran with a smile.
“That smile will be the end of me, ray,” Miss Pross said.
“Hopefully,” Said Coran under his breathe.
“Please sit,” She said. So he sat down. ”Well I sorry but the chief has burnt the boar that was going to be or dinner. But he should have something else ready shortly.
“How about something else, the inn i am staying at has the best chief that I know of. Would you rather go there,” Said Coran.
“Dudley Fetch my bags,” She said with a snap, “i am going to eat out tonight”.
As they strolled down the street Coran saw some homeless people and stop to give them money. As the began to walk down the street again Miss Pross turned to look at Coran and said
“That was kind of you”.
“I do it all the time its just feels like something that I have to do, its like I don’t even have a choice about it. It really starts to affect my living habits though.
Finally they stopped, but not at the Inn that Coran had gone to earlier. This one was run down and shabby.
“Here its is. I know it isn’t much but I call it home,” He said, “Come on lets go inside and eat”.
They found a sit next to the fireplace.
“Ill Go and get a waitress,” Coran said. He went over to the bar and talked to the bar maid for a while they seemed to exchange something but she paid no attention. Then he came back over the table.
“The cook is sick so maybe we can just go back to your house for dinner,” He asked with that smile on his face.
“Alright,” she said sheepishly, “But can we sit here and talk for a while.
“Of course,”he said as he sat down sliding his cane under the table, “ Two drinks please,” So what does your father do”?
“ I am not sure, something for the royal courts,” she said unknowingly.
“He must make a bit,” he said. As his cane slowly moved toward her purse.
“Yeah,” She said, “but I bet you would have a little bit of money if you didn’t just give it away”. She looked Deep in her eyes and he looked back still moving the cane to her purse. Then suddenly the bar maid brought the beers.
“Drink up,” he said.
“Ummm,” She murmured.
“Drink it real fast,”
She downed that cup so quickly.
“Wow, That’s the fastest Ive seen any drink any thing,” He shouted. There was a few applause from behind the bar.
“That wasn’t so bad,” She said, “but my head feels a little light”. He took the purse with his cane and stuffed it in his robe when she when to the restroom.
Shortly after that he walked her home and they walk up to her door way.
“actually after that drink I am not to hungry,” he said.” I have A few more meeting tommorow, so I need my sleep.
“Ok, if that’s what you want,” She said.
“No actually what I want is a kiss from you,” He said with that same smile.
“You just had to ask,” She said right before she kissed him.
Posted by Volsung on 04-20-2002 02:42 PM: 
Back to Gania for Veritas and John
OCC: continuation from last post. So, if you don't know what is going on I suggest you look back
IC: Volsung, Veritas, and John made it back to there room. “So, Volsung does this have any thing to do with our mission?” Asked Veritas as they all sat down is the room.
“It is, a few days ago Nascent and I were traveling with a band gypsies. After talking to the leader of the group for a while he told us about heavy guarded base. When I went to investigate, and this is what I found,” then Volsung took off his pack and pulled out his Journal. Volsung quickly turned to a picture that he had drawn of the airship. “That’s what I saw it was a ship of some sort, but it can fly it also puts off a lot of heat as well but I don’t know from what. In any case I think you, and John should turn back and head to Gania with this and all the other information we have found this far and tell the King.”
“Do you really think that is a good Idea I mean we were ordered to survey all of Nyliam.” Said John speaking up for the first time since they had gotten back to the room.
“I think the King really should know about this. In any case I plan to stay behind with Nascent and finish our mission, then I will come back Gania myself,” Said Volsung.
“Are you sure that Wise I don’t really trust Nascent all that much,” said Veritas speaking with concern in her voice.
“Don’t worry about me. I can handle myself, and when I’m done I’m sure I can find my way back safe and sound. Now if its ok I’m going to leave this with you two, and tomorrow we can all go back to the Secunda Falia, and get her ready for your trip back to Gania.” With that, Volsung got up out of his chair, and walked to the door. After spending, a few moments to unlock the many locks Volsung let himself out and when down to his room.
*********(The Next Day)***************************************
Volsung has up early the next morning. Gathering all his things up, and waiting for the others to wake up, about an hour after Volsung had waken up Nascent decided to roll out of bed. “What are you doing up so early?” He said rubbing his eyes.
“We have plans for today, and I’m making sure that we are ready,” said Volsung as continued to short though his things.
“And what would those plans be?”
“We are going to help restock the Secunda Filia,” as soon as Volsung said this Nascent face turned white.
After a moment of silence Nascent found his way back to words, “Are you saying that you ran into Veritas last night, and you just let me come up here and sleep?”
“Well John was there too, but in a word. Yes, now get your things together they should be coming by soon.”
The rest of the day was a lot more orderly with Nascent meeting up with Veritas and John. Then a second estrange of information. After which they all went out to get supplies for the ship. When the day was all said and done the Secunda Filia was completely repaired and restocked for the trip back to Gania.
Night can and the group decided to stay on the ship the night and thus most of the night was spent talking about the last three mouths and all they had seen and heard.
When day came, so did the crew, and before very long The Secunda Filia was ready for the long voyage home. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us Volsung?” Asked Veritas once more
“Yes, I’m sure. I’m still willing to bet that there is a lot more for me to see and do here, don’t worry sister I have Nascent here with me so I am sure that we will be fine.” Then Volsung gave his sister a hug and then Volsung and Nascent walked off the ship.
As they walked a way Volsung could hear Veritas giving orders to rise the sail and prepare to leave port, but Volsung didn’t look back this was the third time that he would be leaving his sister. But this time he really didn’t know if he would be seeing her again, so Volsung just looked away from the ship hoping to hind the tears in his eyes. Then After a bit Volsung spoke up, “Nascent I believe I have seen all I want to see of this city for now, maybe I will be back again someday but for now I think we should be on our way to Hillslay.”
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Coran on 04-20-2002 07:26 PM:
It’s was a beautiful morning. Coran woke up; cot dressed and began his daily walk. It was a busy afternoon. The plaza was filed with who seemed to have their pockets lined with gold. So Coran went strait to work. After several successes he noticed this very young mage.
“Why not, he might have something interesting,” He said to himself.
So he slowly made his way to the mage and brushed up against him. As took a large pouch from him.
“Oh, excuse me,” said Coran with his smile, “I haven’t seen you around he before, new around here?”
“Hey, yes, I am,” Said the mage.
“Well I am Coran, This is my native city. Do you need a place to say? I know of a great in.”
“Actually, yes. My name is Sacron.”
“Good, Good. Are you finished here then,” Said Coran, “ Follow me”.
They Began to walk and Coran gave tid bits of history with his charm that he often does. “And that’s the weapons shop, but you don’t seem like the person who’d go need a place like that,” He said knowingly.
“I guess its plan to see that I am not a fighter”.
“Nor a thief,” He said hopefully, “Cause if you are… We don’t take kindly to thieves around or anyone who’s trying to cause trouble”.
“Oh, you wont have to worry about me I am nothing but a humble mage”.
“I see, you won’t have to zap me,” he said with a fake chuckle, “well here it is. Blades and Stars is the name.”
“I have some other business to attend to. So if you’ll excuse me, I must be going,” Said Coran.
“Would you like to have a drink with me tonight?” Said Sacron.
“Sure,” he said as he walked away “meet you here tonight”.
So after a prosperous day Coran came back to the inn where he left Sacron. He proceeded to go change his clothing and see what his profits were. He received quite a bit of gold and in the pouch he obtained form Sacron was some gold and a ring with an inscription on it. After that he met Sacron downstairs at a table close to the fire. Sacron was pale and a little shaken.
“What’s the matter with you?”
“I’ve lost an item that belongs to my master.”
“Did you loose it or was it stolen?”
“Stolen I think.”
“When do you think it was taken,” He said with acting as though he cared, “Last night while you were here?”
“No I must have been while I was at the market,” He said knowingly, “It was one of my masters Savilars.”
“A what?” Coran said
“A Savilar, A magical item. It has powers but I don’t know what there are cause I was told to leave it in the pouch and deliver it to Mr. Pross at his house in Helila.”
“Oh, I know Mr. Pross,” Said Coran With a smile.
“Really, do you think that you could take me to see if need be?”
“Yes, of course. I have many friends I could see if they know anything about this," He said what seemed to be Caring tone, "Do you remember anything suspicious."
"Well, Nothing really. I was bumped around all day. Then I met you and you took me here."
"Not much to go on but ill do what I can," Coran said.
Coran then got up and talk to the bar maid, who got a mug and filled and brought it to Sacron. As Coran left the inn.
"That Coran sure is a nice fella, aint he," Said the bar maid.
"Sure is," He said.
"He really is a god sent! He's helped so many of us common folk out of hard times. I think he should really be king over something, he should".
"Do all you people feel this way about Coran?"
"Sure do," she said with an honest tongue.
Then she walk back to behind the bar. As Sacron drank his beer beside the fire and the time passed causing him to wonder about Coran. He sat wondering what his master would say and if Coran would be fine out there talking with the type that would have information like that. Hes sat not for much longer when Coran came back.
"Sorry," he said "I couldn’t find any one who anything, useless saps."
"I better be sending a message to my master, "He said, "I he will still want me ass his apprentice anymore."
So Sacron sent a magical message to his master telling him all that happen. Several minutes later his master sent one back that read:
My dear apprentice, Sacron,
I do bid you good luck looking for the Savilar. But as you most likely won't find it please don’t return. I have had it with your complete ignorant ways. If you however do find it I shall consider taking you back.
And since I am now looking for a new Apprentice, if you happen to find a suitable replacement please send a message to me.
Thanks for you service,
Photifar
"Well there goes my shot at greatness," He said with a lost tone. "All because some one is to lazy for a job."
"Well theirs no jobs in this town," he said defensively.
"Sorry. More beers please!"
When the Bar maid came with the beers came Coran threw a small bag of coins on the serving platter.
"I am sorry to ask but iam interested in the apprenticeship with you master," Said Coran reluctantly.
"I'll set the meeting up for you, how about tomorrow right here at the inn at about Two o'clock?" He said sadly " you’ve helped me so much I would be glad to help you this little."
"Thanks, I think I would like to get plenty of rest for that though. I am off to bed."
"Good night, Coran," Said Sacron deeply.
"See you tomorrow," he said with a smirk.
Posted by Sayomara on 04-21-2002 04:16 AM: meeting in the woods
Sayomara flew over Soulwood for the third time in as many days, “Where in the hell is that Tribe. I know they used to live around here somewhere but I can’t find any sign of life now there. Why do people have to go back to nature I give anything for nice house in the middle of the clearing right about now?” Sayomara thought to himself, but after a second think about that he decide that the ground rout might be the only way to find the Lot’Miti, and Melios Tribes, but Sayomara also knew that this also increased the chance of running into Shadow Shawn, but that was a risk he was going to have to take.
Once Sayomara was on the ground, he put up his guard and proceeded slowly. All around him, he could be animals walking around. Sayomara didn’t much care for the Soulwood, but if his plans were going to work, he was going to have to get use to being in places he didn’t really like. It was about this time Sayomara finally found the cabin that belonged to the Stoneknuckles family. “Thank the Creator, this must be the house of Hrodgar Stoneknuckles. Its said he knows these woods better than any other man alive, and I could really use a person like that right about now.” Sayomara thought to himself. As Sayomara approached the house, he slowed down and when he was about hundred feet, away he stopped and called out, “I am here to see Hrodgar StoneKnuckles, I am Sayomara Waverruner and Ice Master. I come here to your home to disused a matter of great importance.” Sayomara got no reply, but from woods came a bear that seemed to be drawn to Sayomara. Just went Sayomara was about to put a wall of ice between himself and the bear something very strange happen. The bear turned into a Huge Man.
“What do you want here?” Asked the Man
“As I said I am here to see Hrodgar Stoneknuckles. Are you he?”
The man thought for a moment, “Hrodgar is not here right now, he is out in the woods hunting and I do not know when he will be back. What do you need him for?”
“I was hoping to ask for his help in finding the elder’s of the Lot’Miti, and the Melios Tribes in this area.”
“I can help you with that, if you wish,” said the man.
“Thank you, and yes I will take your help I really don’t know this part of Farai very well. By the way what is your name son?” Asked Sayomara
“I am Elyas Stoneknuckles son of Hrodgar Stoneknuckles. Now if you give me moment I must leave a message for my parents so they know what I am doing.” With that, Elyas turned into a bear again and ran into the woods leaving Sayomara behind at the house.
Sayomara didn’t really know what to think of the whole turn of events, sure, he had heard the stories, but seeing someone turn into a bear is quite a thing. After a few minute the bear/Elyas returned. “Ok, we can go now. I think we will set off to find some the Melios Elders first since a seen a large group of them a few days ago on the main road to the south of here.”
“Sound good to me, lead on.” With that, the two men walked into the woods heading south.
__________________
I have seen much in my day, but nothing as bad as this.
Posted by Farin Tarkin on 04-21-2002 12:07 PM: Insane killer
OOC: Warning: Very violent post.
Farin Tarkin sat nervously at a table in the corner of the tavern. His hand was shaking so violently that he had trouble drinking his beer. It kept spilling over the rim of the mug.
He looked around at the other people in the tavern. He noticed that each one had a tattoo of an eye on his forearm. He froze; they were all working for the Dark Circle of the Eye. They were there to kill him. Even the bartender was after him. He didn't scream or seem to be startled; he had to act calm.
Ever since he killed the Dark Assassin, they had been after him. They were all closing in on him, cutting off his air, bringing the blade closer to his throat. But he was on to them. They wouldn't take him out so easily. He couldn't let them.
They would kill him the same way he had killed the Dark Assassin. The method was called "Death by a myriad of swords". The victim was stripped nude and strapped tightly to a table. Then, every thirty seconds, a sword was used to cut a tendon. Gradually, every tendon in the victim's body was severed, causing the entire muscle to curl up. There was nothing more painful. A good assassin could keep the victim alive through the whole process. Tarkin had always been a good assassin.
He had murdered most of the Dark Circle before they had a chance to get him. They hadn't fooled him.
His eyes were blood shot. He hadn't had any drugs in months. He kept swatting at invisible bugs on his arms.
Farin watched a woman at the bar; she was tall, slender, and sensual. The perfect temptress. She would seduce him, then murder him in his bed. He had to stop her.
When the woman walked out of the tavern, Farin followed her. After a minute or two, she realized he was following her, but there were no constables in sight. She started to run, and Farin chased her. He tackled her and dragged her into an alley.
He held a knife to her throat so she couldn't scream; she would die if she made a noise. He gagged her and ripped off her clothes with the knife, then raped her.
When he was done, he pushed her up against the wall. There was a hammer and nails nearby. He drove the nails through her wrists and ankles, pinning her to the wall. Then, using one of his katanas, he performed the "Death by a myriad of swords", keeping her alive through the whole process. The last night of her life was also the longest.
Posted by Bara Chinder on 04-21-2002 06:46 PM:
As The group approached Rysend Bara started to feel sick with nerves. Familiar sights of the city where he grew up popped up everywhere. The river falls that came from the crags and flowed by the east end of the site. The tall tower of stone that stood in the middle of the city for years. The Old area where all the stone houses of the settled were. They were all in full view.
Waves of nausea wracked him in sync with the sharp pains up the back from all the riding he had been doing. He halted his horse and hopped out of the saddle only making a few steps before doubling over and vomiting violently. Conchuir was first to pull up. He chuckled and asked Bara if he was all right. He got no reply save another wretch from the laimh dearag man.
Baras head was a mess. Flashing memories of his brothers screams as he fell under the hooves, the damning roars of his father, his mothers long horrible wails as she mourned her dead son. Bara had always been the underachiever, the thorn in his fathers side. He had conceived never returning to his tribe but now a more noble cause had brought him back to face his shame.
He reached up to his face and felt the scars of the crois bui. The brand of a coward that had been forced upon him as a cruel and unjust punishment. Hatred welled up in his heart, untargeted disgust. He spat bitter acid onto the dirt. He remembered the people shouting at him. Only because his father was a brave and had named bara a coward.
What do I care what happens to them. They cast me out to face anything on my own. I should leave them to the mercy of the spawn.
His head spun. Memories of the times he spent with his mother. Those were the times he missed. He had wept the hardest to see that she had lost faith in him. Her face when he turned to her to plead for reason with his father. She had not been able to look him in the eye. She could not listen to him as he pleaded to be heard. He had been let down by the most important person to him. His father could burn at that stage.
They dont deserve what im doing for them.
He spat again and stood up. He walked over to the horse to grab a canteen to wash his mouth out. As he reached for the horses saddle Something seemed to punch through the fog of bitterness. Something the priest in Parvini had said.
“Do not give contempt to those who have wronged you. Unless they serve the shadow they are of the same good as you. And contempt is the weapon of the dark lady herself.”
It then came clear why he was on this quest. Why he was allowing himself to be caught up in this. Why he was coming back to rysend. He had finally found his greater cause. The creator herself willed him on. He felt a warmth come over him. He knew not what the next few days would hold, but he had her light behind him. He needed no more.
Bara mounted up again. Conchuir looked at him like he had six heads.
“you alright?”
Bara nodded and spurred on.
__________________
Were gonna break ya, its gone on for too long.
Gonna punish you for the things that youve done- Capdown
Posted by Tyr Aulnay on 04-21-2002 07:34 PM:
Tyr turned to the sea and stared at it for a few minuets. Suddenly a mischievous smile came across her face.
“On this ship, Morgan, We have a few… challenges.”
“What type of challenges?”
“Just tiny little games that test your ability, that’s all.”
“Ok…Do I have to compete in these games?”
“Of course you all are new, suckers.. I mean mates do.”
A small laugh came from the group of pirates behind her. She turned to them with a mean eye. Most of the pirates then went back to their work. She turned back to Morgan and started to walk around him.
Now lets see… What’s really hard and yet will make him look foolish.
“Got it!”
“Got what?”
“Oh nothing… Nothing..”
She stopped circling him and pointed at Charles. With her hand she motioned him to come to her. Instructions she whispered into his ear, and she then pushed him away. Charles ran quickly down the deck to the Captains door. He knocked on it loudly twice.
“Arg! Who be that!?”
“Its Morgan sir!” said Charles in a squeaky voice.
“Arg! Never disturb my quarters! Never!”
“O yes. I’m very sorry sir.”
Charles ran away from the door and back to his daily work. The signal was give from many men down to Tyr who was ready to begin. She pulled out a fake map from inside her shirt and handed it to Morgan.
“I need this to be taken to the Captain, but I’m way… to busy to give it to him myself. Could you do it for me.” She said with an evil smile
“Um… I guess there’s no harm in that.” he said as he took the map.
Morgan picked himself up and dusted himself off very neatly. Tyr walked away and began to boss people around. A few of the pirates began to laugh and she gave those evil eyes. They would shut up automatically and got back to work. Morgan walked down the deck to the Captains door. He stood in front of it and placed his hand on the wood. Taking a deep breath he knocked on the door.
“Arg! Who it be now!?”
“Its.. Morgan sir…”
“What!? What do you want!?”
“I.. have a map sir…”
“A map?? Well come in, come in. But don’t let in the light!”
Morgan quickly came into the room closing the door as fast as he can.
“Now where be that map ye said ye had.”
Morgan tossed the map unto the captain’s desk. The Captain grabbed it and looked at it carefully.
“Grrr…. Morgan… ya know what this is?”
“No sir what is it?”
“It’s a fake!!”
Morgan ran out the room and unto the deck.
“Tyr!”
Tyr could hear the Captain calling from the other end of the ship. She ran to him as if something was wrong. Although she knew what had happened she still needed to act as if she cared. She paused at the door and then quickly opened it.
“What’s wrong sir?”
“Morgan! Get that Morgan! That slimy fool!”
“Yes sir!”
She closed the door behind her. With an evil grin she made her announcement.
“You heard the Captain. I want all hands to bring Morgan back to me dead or alive.”
__________________
Come friends who plough the sea, truce to navigation take another station, lets vary piracee with a lil birglary!
Posted by Zander Kohen on 04-21-2002 09:08 PM:
OOC: Sorry about the long ass post, but I didn't want to break it up. Have fun Aramus!
IC: The shadows lengthened as the sun sank low, close to the horizon, behind the trio, on their way back to Balanum. They had already been traveling for a good two days and it was nearing evening on the third when Zander and Alex both stopped. Tiffarah took a couple more steps before stopping to look back at them.
"What's wrong?" She asked. "We still have a couple hours before dark, we don't have to stop already."
"It's not that," Alex replied. "Something's coming. Something very dark."
"Whatever it is, it seems to be coming from slightly northwest," Zander pointed out and Alex nodded his agreement.
Tiffarah turned to face the direction they had been traveling, the direction that whatever this thing was, was supposed to be coming from. She was the first to see them, with her skilled, half-elven eyes. At first they looked like a low flying dark cloud with a dark shadow that moved unnaturally beneath it, but as they came ever closer, she began to see they were many thousand separate creatures, making up the large mass.
They flowed across the Nylian plains like a massive, unstoppable river. The grass they passed over withered as they went, as though it were cringing in fear and disgust at the twisted bodies of the shadow spawn.
As the beasts drew dangerously close, Zander and Alex saw that they would only be able to get off one or two spells before they were upon them.
Before Zander had even begun to draw mana Alex was already executing his first spell. Two great beams of holy light burst from his palms and hit a few of the spawn squarely. This sent them to the ground writhing in pain until they finally stopped moving all together. Several others were badly burnt where the pure light had hit them, and the hoard as a whole slowed, unsure of the three travelers a few hundred yards before them.
When Zander was ready, he released the mana in the form of great flames proceeding from his mouth. They alighted on the ground before the spawn in a long wall that stopped the creatures at the front in their tracks. The three travelers were forced to dive out of the way as a large fireball flew at them from a winged spawn.
Many more followed, but were all decidedly pitiful attempts, as they created large craters several yards away from the trio. Zander watched as the spawn at the back of the pack pushed forward, eager to join the fray. They pushed the ones at the front forward into Zander's flames that, strangely enough, didn't singe the ground in the least. As the spawn were forced into the blaze, they collapsed in agony.
"This is insanity," Tiffarah screamed at the two knights. "We'll never be able to take them all!"
"What else are we supposed to do?" Zander asked, beginning to draw again. "We can't run. We're too far from Miltus to make it before they caught us. We have to fight."
Alex began picking off the winged creatures with short, concentrated bursts of Holy lightning. The bolts seemed to incapacitate the spawn from the inside out, frying any sort of brain that they might have.
"We can't keep up this magic attack for long, Zander," Alex warned. "We'll both become to tired to fight."
"Excellent point," Zander said and used the mana he'd been drawing to enchant he and his comrades with a holy resonance that would give them greater speed and deal holy damage with their every blow.
The wall of holy flames was beginning to dissipate when the two Holy Knights drew their weapons. Alex drew the crystalline blade of the redeemer and electricity danced about its length as he charged it with holy lightning. Zander followed suit and unsheathed his two katanas. The crescent-like swords made a satisfying sound as he drew them from their scabbards and he set them ablaze by charging them with holy fire.
Tiffarah had just enough time to strap her tiger’s claws to her hands, before the shadow spawn came pouring through Zander’s barrier, which had diminished significantly. The flames still scorched the creatures as they passed through it, but it no longer rendered them lifeless as it had before. Soon it would have no affect on them at all, and it had only harmed a small portion of the spawn. Their numbers were far too great.
The three of them raised their weapons and charged into the horde, not sure if they would live to escape them. Zander lost sight of Alex as the melee began, but he kept close to Tiffarah. His flaming blades were a blur as spawn after spawn fell only to have twice as many take their place. Large fireballs rained down from above, scorching the spawn around them. One landed dangerously close to Tiffarah and she screamed as heat blisters began to appear on her left arm that had been too close to the flames.
Seeing his lover in agony, Zander turned his attention skyward to the beast that had hurled the fireball at her. He sprung into the air, some 20 feet and drew his blade across its belly, gutting it. Spawn entrails, ablaze with holy fire from Zander’s katanas, rained down upon the creatures below, scorching many of them.
When Zander landed, he brought his katanas out to his side, cleaving two of the spawn nearly in half. He looked over to Tiffarah, who was struggling against several shadow spawn. She looked to be weakening severely as the creatures beat upon her. Blood and sweat covered her body, soaking through her clothing; no small percentage of it was her own.
Meanwhile, not far away, Alex was dealing a flurry of blows from his redeemer along with bursts of magical energy. Many spawn lay at his feet, but he, too, had sustained several wounds from the beasts and was beginning to tire. There were still far too many spawn and the three warriors had only taken but a small number.
Alexandros knew he was outnumbered terribly, and his mortal form was weakening. Reaching inside of himself, he drew upon the portion of the power that Velesei had vested into his body. He fought now not for himself, but for Orocia, and the hope that he would see her once again, and smell her hair, and feel her gentle breath. In a outward blast of force and white light, he was the Aeternal Alejihandro. Raising himself into the air, Alex rained down bolts of the white lightning from his fingertips, rending the earth apart where the strokes touched the ground, and blasting the dark creatures away from where he once stood. He had to find Zander and Tiffarah. They had neither his power or his wisdom, and if they died, it would be by his neglect. He rose into the air to attempt to scrye for his companions location.
Zander rushed to aid his lover as she fell to the ground. In his fury, he decapitated one of the spawn surrounding Tiffarah. Memories of the brutal murder of his deceased wife by the fiero were filling his head as each of the spawn near Tiffarah fell to his blade. He didn’t even realize that he had been drawing mana and before he knew it a powerful pulse of holy energy radiated from his body. So concentrated he was upon protecting his lover that he ignored the blood spilling from two large gashes upon his chest and leg.
The pulse threw the spawn back a few yards and the pure holy energy of it killed several of them. If the creatures could fear, they were learning to fear Zander and Alex. But the great number gave them arrogance and they charged once more.
Before any of their number had a chance to near Zander and Tiffarah, they quickly backed away again seeing something over their heads. Zander looked up to see what repelled them and saw Alex in his Aeternal form, his six wings glowing a bright blue as he descended to them. If it weren’t for Zander sensing that it was the same man through their bond as holy knights, he wouldn’t have recognized him.
The much larger, and intimidating, angel hoisted them up into his arms. With them firmly in his grasp, he sped off, dodging several aerial-spawn as he went, in the direction of Balanum, to the northeast.
__________________
A true leader will realize that he is nothing without the loyalty of those that follow him.
Posted by Freya Devi on 04-21-2002 09:29 PM:
Morning came and Freya woke up with the sun.
Morning dew…
She grabbed two vials out of her bag and placed them under a flower beside her head. Noah was sitting on a nearby rock eating berries.
“Do you know if those are poisonous or not?”
“Some are poisonous?”
She got up and closed her vials. Walking over the Noah she looked in his hand.
“Yep those are poisonous.”
Noah spat then out and gripped his throat.
“Don’t worry you only ate a few right?”
“Yes.”
“Well alright then.”
She took out the vile of dew and handed it to Noah.
“What’s this?”
“Its just water. Drink it. It will help with the poison.”
Noah took the little bit of dew in the vile and handed it back to her. She tossed it to the ground breaking the glass.
“What did you do that for?”
“I don’t need poison in my vials. Grab your things. I think its best we moved on.”
Freya grabbed her pouch and put all the flowers she had gathered that night in another bag. She picked up her staff and read to herself the first word.
Honeysuckle…
“Healing, food, ointment, perfume.”
“Huh, what was that?”
“Oh nothing just reviewing what I use things for.”
Noah picked up his sword from the ground and placed it at his side.
“Ready to go their Noah?”
“Yep lets hit it.”
They got back on the road and walked at a steady pace. The thought of something behind her started to trouble Freya. She began to start running again. Noah ran as fast as he could trailing behind her. Soon the forest started to disappear and the land became dry. She stopped cause she was thirsty. Noah came in from behind breathing heavily.
“Where… are… we..?”
“I don’t know. I lost track back there.”
“So were lost?”
“Probably not.”
As the sun began to set the red and orange started to reflect in the land area that was in front of them. It was a canyon.
__________________
Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thime.....She was a true love of mine...
Posted by Cybele Ariadne on 04-21-2002 10:29 PM:
The horse raced away from the waterfall at great speed. Cybele holding on to her was barely keeping her balance. The rode back onto the road leaving dust trailing at their feet.
Please slow down.. Please slow down…
“Shhh.. Its ok now..”
The horse began to slow down and then to a full stop. Cybele sat up straight and looked back at what she had left behind.
If only he knew the truth…
She turned the horse back in the direction to Akaros.
But he won’t it too late now..
The horse began to gallop away through the woods to Akaros. Flashes of Azures face flew through her mind.
What will happen to him? Will he live?
“You shouldn’t care. Just let him go.”
Passing by trees and animals she looked on the horse and noticed the chipmunk sitting on the horse hanging on to Cybele. Cybele immediately stopped the horse and got off. She picked off the chipmunk and held it in her hand.
“What are you doing here?”
“You still owe me payment.”
“I do? For what?”
“I gave you that information didn’t I?”
“Oh yea… I’ very sorry I’m just thinking of some things.”
“Yea yea yea… Just try not to let that get to you. It probably wouldn’t have worked out anyway.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Well your not exactly the nicest girl a guy could ever meet you know.”
“So you’re say a guy can’t look on the inside of me and see how nice I can be?”
“Um… I really don’t think so lady.”
“Sorry to burst your bubble.”
“Yea… Its ok… Here, take these as payment.”
She picked some acorns from the ground and gave them to the chipmunk.
“Thanks this should be enough for the next season.”
“Your welcome. It was nice meeting you chipmunk. Hope we meet again when I came around here.”
“Likewise. Lady.”
Cybele placed the chipmunk on the ground and got unto the horse.
“Lets go…”
The horse raced fast to town.
*************************************
The sun soon began to set at the city. Streets were busy and Cybele rode into town noticing none of it. She stopped at the first inn she saw. Didn’t really matter how bad it was she just needed time to think. She walked into the inn and stopped in front of the bar.
“What will it be?”
Wait…. Shouldn’t I keep going?
“A room.”
She tossed a bag of coins on the bar and walked upstairs.
__________________
Posted by Adaiva Kilsan on 04-22-2002 02:04 PM: The meeting...and the truce
The canyon was wide and long, and traveled as far as the eye could see. This is what Adaiva gazed at that morning. The sun was rising slowly from the horizon, blanketing the sun-dried landscape that stretched for miles around her. The rusty shades of the immense walls of the canyon seemed to reflect and grow more radient as the sun floated higher.
"Thats a long drop." Remarked Sidd as he peered over the edge, his feet dangerously close to the crumbling edge.
"What out! You could fall in and die."
"Well yeah. If I did fall in there and survived, wouldn't that be a miracle!" Sidd replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Adaiva curled her lip and a growl eminated from her throat. She gripped her satchel that bumped gently at her side. Her eyes scanned around for any vegetation for her potions and salves. Her eyes met up with a bush ladened with deep purple berries.
Perfect! These are great for poisons!
Adaiva walked over to the bush and picked off the ripe berries, bursting with poisonous flavor. The berries are new discovery to her so she named them Poisonberry. She never did have a flare for the creative.
packing a vial full of the violet fruit, she opened another one. By the time the berries were completely picked from the bush, Adaiva had filled three vials and two pouches with the deadly vegetation. For every poison there is an antidote of course. The leaves on the bush were immune to the deadly effects, so she plucked the bush of its leaves and placed them in a pouch for safe keeping. By late morning, her small satchel was brimming with the purple berries in vials, and pouches holding deadly, and life giving products.
Sidd watched her peculiar actions as she hastily picked the berries, as if golden and valuable.
"What do you use those berries for? If you can eat them, bring 'em over here! I'm hungry!"
"Fool! These are poisonous! Unless of course you wish to die this very morning."
Sidd blinked and thought of this, then shrugged and nibbled on some bread, gazing at the spectacle of the canyon.
Ah. This is the life. I can only imagine how many people died here though. And whats up with Adaiva? She seems...more morbid than she usually is. Hmph. Oh well. The canyon is beautiful.
Sidd glanced at his map and discovered its name.
"This would be the Thole Canyon." Sidd stated, feeling proud of his discovery.
Adaiva snuck a peek at the egotistical boy and spat on the ground, grinding the berries in a bowl.
Sidd chuckled at Adaiva's lack of personality and her violent tendencies. He leaned back on his elbows and gazed out, the sun hanging high in the sky.
"It looks about midday." Said Sidd.
"So?"
Sidd shrugged.
"Hey, whats that?" Asked Adaiva, peering over to the other side of the canyon. Indeed, the answer was self explainitory. Two figures moved towards them. When they reached the other side of the canyon, they yelled their hellos.
"Good eve to you! I would be called Noah, this, my companion, is Freya. Who might you two be?"
"I would be Sidd, this is Adaiva."
"Great! Good day to you! How, if I may ask this, would you get across this expanse?"
Sidd glanced side to side and barely made out a faint outline of what appeared to be a bridge. He pointed and The one called Noah nodded, pointed to Freya, who nodded also. He raised a hand and made his way to the bridge, Freya trailing him.
In a few minutes, the two travelers approached Adaiva and Sidd, who stood up and inspect the others.
Freya noted imediatly the apothecary's satchel, brimming with deadly contents. She scoffed silently and faked a smile, not trusting her.
"We would be going to Bargra, are you heading to Sungan?" Inquired Freya.
"Yeah, probably." Answered Sidd, shieling his eyes from the sun.
"Very well then. We shall be leaving now. The creator bless you!"
Adaiva thought and piped up.
"How about I return? I forgot a few things there, including more food. I was a fool when I left."
Sidd coughed to show his agreement with the 'fool' part of her statement.
Adaiva clenched her fist and looked prepared to throw a punch at Sidd, who couldn't help but laugh.
Freya grinned maliciously but hid it behind a hand, making it appear she was wiping her lips.
"Very well, you may join us. Shall we shake on it? That you shall not harm us, and we not you?"
Adaiva thought for a moment before accepting his offer, shaking on the deal.
"Hmph. I guess I should go too!" Said Sidd, who shook his hand after Adaiva.
With that, the truce was formed and The group was heading to Bargra.
__________________
Solus dilectio optime supero comtemno...
(only love conquers hate)
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift"
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Posted by Noah Lantier on 04-22-2002 10:56 PM: 
Noah sat at the edge of a plateau, idly blowing dust gently from his palm over the cliff and onto the wind. He liked it when it was quiet, despite his need for comfort from Freya, who had saved his life on more than one occasion already. Even his fear of heights seemed to be distant. The events at Sungan had done a great deal to rattle his nerve and self-confidence, though he felt stronger because of it. The wounds had healed, but the mental anguish would not, at least not for a while.
And then came the two travelers, Adaiva and Sidd. Noah had the unfortunate pleasure of revealing to them the fate of the small town. Few survivors were left and Adaiva became slightly aggitated when she learned what had happened. Sidd, however, was much calmer in his disposition and he began to scribble notes furiously in his journal at the end of Noah's tale.
Noah heard a boot scuff on the ground behind him, but he didn't turn. He could almost sense Freya's collective energies resonating from behind him. She was upbeat and helpful and a genuine good person. Noah was almost surprised that he was taking a liking to her.
"You okay? You've been up here for a while." She said, sitting beside him. She didn't look down and Noah guessed she had a fear of heights as well.
"I'm fine. Just a little shaken still from what happened in Sungan." The sun was setting, turning the horizon a golden-scarlet-colored sea. Freya searched through her pouch without looking, her hand pulling forth a small purple flower.
"Sniff this. It'll relax you." Noah turned her away politely. He wanted to think about it. It was disturbing, but a reality.
"No thank you. Some things need to be confronted." Freya nodded. She changed the subject after a few minutes of silence.
"I don't trust her." Noah looked up quickly, surprised by Freya's change of tense.
"Adaiva?"
"Yes." Noah mused for a second.
"Neither do I. It's something about her that disturbs me." Freya shivered as the sun sunk below the horizon. Noah gathered her in his arms and held her gently.
"We'll just have to keep an eye on her, then." He said, adding his final thought. They sat for a long while in the blooming dark, until it became too dark and cold. Then they traveled back to camp, where Adaiva and Sidd were awaiting.
Cue: Preferably Freya. Then Sidd, as he hasn't posted yet. Sorry for making you guys wait! ^_^
__________________
"Ah, for the thrill of travel!
How I wish I could wander where ever my heart wished,
with a sword in hand, my life in a pack upon my back, and a fair wind to speed me along on my journey.
To see things I have never seen and do things I will never do again.
The life of adventures is for me!"
-"Wanderlust" by Ashton Banker
Posted by Morgan Reamal on 04-22-2002 11:23 PM:
Morgan ran for deal life. The entire crew of the ship was chasing him. Unfortunately, there were crew members in front of him as well. Morgan drew his sword quickly and grabbed a mast rope, cutting the line as he grappled with it. The rope severed neatly and the reel dropped, pulling Morgan off his feet into the air above the deck.
Tyr drew her sword and screamed violent orders to attack him. The crew began to crawl up the rope ladders, swinging at him from both sides with long scimitars. The ugly, smelly men laughed as they attacked him, leaving him swinging in mid-air. Morgan swung upside-down and hooked his feet around the rope, leaving him dangling by his ankles. He drew his bow and fired.
The arrow flew straight and caught one of the pirates by the shirt, pulling him off the rope ladder. Tyr cursed violently, but she was smiling in amusement. Morgan drew and fired at her instead. The missile flew straight and pinned her robes to the floor. Morgan stifled the bow and dropped hands-free, grabbing another rope.
His hands burned with the friction and he hissed as one of the blades scored on his upped arm, leaving a feeble cut. Morgan swung down and ran-off on deck, level, drawing his sword. He approached Tyr and held the sword to her throat. The woman threw herself backwards and drew her own sword as she rolled to her feet.
"Come on, Morgan. Try me........." She said, grinning. She struck. Morgan reeled back and swung lightly, deflecting the bow. The crew members stood back, watching. Tyr drove in a faux blow and pulled inside Morgan's gaurd as he deflected it. She drove her elbow hard into his stomache, leaving him gasping.
Morgan dropped to his knees and panted. Tyr stood over him, both hands on the pommel of her sword, blade at his neck.
"Should I kill him boys?" The men nodded in agreement. Morgan looked up and tackled her, using fierce animal tactics instead of technique. Tr cried in surprise and dropped on her back. When she looked up, Morgan had his bow drawn, the missle aimed for her head.
"Call them off." He said, his voice implying that he seriously meant to kill her. Tyr waved them off and stood, grinning. She held out her hand in a gesture of respect. Morgan lowered the bow and considered shaking her hand, but instead shouldered the bow and walked away silently, attending to his former work. Tyr smiled brightly.
"We're gonna have some fun with this kid............"
Cue: Tyr
__________________
Sailing, sailing....over the mounting waves.................
Posted by Emperor Aramus VanVehementi on 04-23-2002 01:18 AM: Wartorn Militus
Carriage wheels turned noisily, entering and exiting large holes of upturned roadways. The city of Militus had seen combat- recently so. Emperor VanVehementi pulled the draperies within his cabin to inspect the cause of his jostled travels. A countenance of content quality quickly faded to that of a distraught concern as the visage of blood spattered buildings pierced his eyes through the parted strips of black cloth. His city was in great disrepair. A quick glance upwards found him staring at the proud Nylian banners hanging at half mast.
"Gregorynn, halt the carriage!" The whinny of finely trained Nylian ponies quickly answered his plea as the dark vessel slowly rumbled to rest stirring a small cloud of dust. Aramus crept out of his confines to be greeted by an eerie sight. All around him lay the battered bodies of his beloved soldiers and the vile spawn alike. As he circled himself to gain a panoramic experience of all that surrounded him he found workers and wounded soldiers carrying the deceased upon stretchers to be identified. The spawn were thrown atop of each other in large funeral piles to be burnt for disposal.
A small girl then exited her house carrying a small finely crafted doll to comfort her in a cold and violent world. As her polite brown eyes crossed the path of Aramus she swiftly burst into shouting.
"The Emperor has come to put the wrong things right. Long live VanVehementi!" The young Nylian broke into running, careening about the bodies repeating her chant. Workers stopped in their duties to view the source of the commotion. In what seemed like mere seconds a small crowd had amassed all about Aramus.
"Great Emperor. Your simple presence brings us comfort. Please tell us what you wish of us!"
Aramus didn't know what to say. Gregorynn had now reached his side and offered only a look of confusion. 'It is situations like this I must be an EMPEROR' thought Aramus. He needn't survey the landscape any further to note what had happened. The spawn had been let loose to attack his Empire. Though casualties were suffered, the day belonged to Militus and its brave inhabitants. He thought it prudent to address this point first and foremost. His people were in need of comfort.
"My dear fellow Nylians. I stand before you in this time of outrage and infamy. The forces of darkness have descended upon our most undeserving of children and their respective families. It is in this time, however, that we must observe introspective and meditative minds. From the clouds of these vile hordes, here strikes us the silver lining. We, as the proud children of the Nylian Empire, do here still stand and draw breath. This is standing proof that our strong and vibrant cities will fall to no foe, regardless of race or creed. It is our birthright to live under our banner and bring order to the uncivilized. So, it is with this breath that we do draw that we shall mourn the loss of our loved ones and use their immortal memory and the honor they have brought us through their sacrifice to smite the parties responsible for this outrage. By this insult, war has been declared upon our Empire. It is with your support that I shall teach these fools that if it is war they wish to wage, our sovereignty has made for a poor choosing of an adversary. We will teach the unholy wielders of the shadow the true definition of WAR! We will do so with the finest of our soldiers and the most brilliant of our innovations. In reparations for this accosting, thanks due in part to your new cousins of what is now the Lunis state of the Nylian Empire, there shall be no taxation of this province until Militus has been restored to its former glory. Work fast and hard my fellow Nylians. The road is hard ahead but the Empire is unflinching in the presence of evil. We shall persevere, we shall overcome, and we shall conquer! The putrid smell of these streets will soon be cleansed of the spawns presence and replaced with the heavenly scent of TRIUMPH… GLORY TO THE EMPIRE!"
Shouts and applause built to an immediate wash of sound that filled the city and drew more citizenry to the scene. Aramus remained for a short while to shake hands and kiss babies, the standard imagery of any good leader of rhetoric past. After several tearful scenes with the mournful widows of Militus, Aramus made his way into his carriage to meet with Antridyus. The Emperor now had even more hatred within his heart and a new target to direct it at. 'Linerin, your life will pay the forfeit of the peace for this insult.' Aramus' teeth ground loudly enough for him to overhear during his less than smooth ride to the military office district.
"Emperor VanVehementi, it is most comforting to see your safe arrival in Militus. I am indeed pleased as well to see you Gregorynn. You are eternally vigilant in the keeping of our Emperor. We shouldn't stay here long. I've arranged for a full battalion of battle ready soldiers to provide escort to the Aeronaval yards."
"Marcus, you never cease to amaze me with your competence. Let us depart now."
Gregorynn held the door to the carriage as Aramus and General Antridyus made their way to the plush leather seating inside. Once settled, they began their journey to the top secret military instillation due east.
"My last report stipulated the prototype phase was nearing completion. How goes your progress?" inquired VanVehementi.
"The Hermes prototype reached its fruition as of a day ago. Our men have delayed its maiden test flight in anticipation of your arrival."
"This news is most pleasing to me. I do wish I could increase the funding pool to Project Valkyrie, alas with the sudden attack on Militus, we don't have that kind of capital. It is only through the new installments of Lunari taxation brackets that we will be able to endure this scenario. We can ill afford another attack of this kind. We must begin construction of the full ships pending the success of the Hermes I."
"Such plans are already underway. All data from this test flight will determine the specifications for the battleships. I hear the students from your alma matter are drawing near the end of their weaponry assignments. Soon we will build the single most destructive air born weapons ever to hover above Asherian soil."
"Excellent. Keep the men on alternating shifts to ensure 24 hour work coverage. When one team sleeps, I wish another to begin work with a team ready to relieve them and so on."
"All has been taken care of Aramus. How do you think we completed the Hermes so quickly?"
"It would appear I am pondering too much."
"Indeed, it's a days travel to the yards."
"Until the morrow then… glory to the Empire."
OOC: oohhhhh the spawn are goin' down baby! Aramus is gonna open up some whoop ass now! LOL __________________
Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it.
Posted by Kaileigh Laeory on 04-23-2002 02:19 PM: Desert's Illusion
The night was silent and still. although the sun had dipped down below the horizon,the air was still dry and warm as the sand gave up its heat to the air. Thus, the evening air hung around a comfortable 75 degrees, until midnight, when it dips to a frigid 50.
The going was slow and tedious, with only rolling sand dunes and high cliffs of wind worn sandstone as they approached the mountains north of their location. The high peaks rose majestically in the barren landscape, rather out of place in the sandy stretches of nothingness.
"Where are they?" Asked Kai, brushing the sand off her clothing, and shaking the seemingly endless supply of the stuff out of her hair.
Reed just shrugged, also quite curious of where they are.
"Maybe they headed west...or east. To say the truth, I have no idea! I lost them as we lagged behind in the midday. It turned out the two figures that I headed us towards were nothing but a clump of barren trees and cactus!"
Kai looked at Reed and narrowed her eyes, but softened her expression as she realized she fell for the same trick. They had been following nothing! Their goal had slipped away in the heat of the desert, or maybe the pirates never exsisted...or perhaps the first pirates they found were all that was left, or they gave false directions. There were so many possibilities to figure out what was going on.
They were following a mirage.
"Well I say we continue on to the mountains ahead, they will bring some safety and maybe the pirates, if they exsist, are there as well. Its our best bet, since we can't go back without starving to death." Said Reed.
Kai shrugged as they continued towards the mountains, the steep rocky peaks growing in size in their approach.
__________________
We tell lies
when we are afraid, afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us.
But everytime we tell a lie...the thing we fear grows stronger. Life is all about risks and it requires you to jump.
Don't be a person who has to look back and wonder what they would have, or could have had...
Posted by Sekirah Partam on 04-23-2002 02:59 PM:
Amanda woke, finding Sekirah asleep at her side. It had been two days worth of drifting on the open ocean since the shipwreck and they hadn’t seen any other survivors. They had both lost hope of finding anyone else from the ship.
As her eyes grew accustom to the bright sunlight, she surveyed her surroundings. She expected to find nothing more than the same endless expanse of lightly rolling swells that had been their company the last forty-eight hours. She remembered how she had vocalized her thoughts to Sekirah the day before when she told him she didn’t think they would live to see land again.
To her surprise, that morning she did see land. Off in the distance to the north, she saw a string of islands. The keg they had been holding onto was slowly drifting toward the small islands. Amanda guessed that they wouldn’t reach the islands till midday at this rate. She was impatient.
Not so gently kicking Sekirah, to wake him up, she pointed toward the islands. “Sekirah! Wake up! I see something! Tell me it’s not just my eyes playing tricks on me.”
Groggily, Sekirah lifted his head off of the barrel. “What? There’s nothing worth looking at out here, why don’t you just go back to sleep?”
“No! By the Creator Sekirah, look over there!” She demanded, giving him a rough smack to the back of his head. He gave her a rather annoyed look, but complied.
He, too, saw the islands and any thoughts of sleep immediately left him. Desperately hungry, and thirsty, Sekirah started to swim quickly toward the Islands, that were still far in the distance.
“Hey! Wait!” Amanda screamed. “You’ll never make it all the way there!” Sekirah ignored her and kept on swimming. Shaking her head at his foolishness, Amanda also left the keg behind her and followed him, at a somewhat slower pace.
Before long, Sekirah grew tired, but the Islands were much closer. Nimbly, he turned himself onto his back and floated there; an exhausted Amanda soon joined him. Her brightly colored hair was made a darker red/orange by the salt water and it clung together in messy locks. Her breath came in deep gulps and Sekirah took a moment to help her float properly before resuming his position, on his back.
“You think we can make it into the shore on the next try?” Amanda asked between breaths. Her chest heaved and Sekirah forced himself to look away, as her soaked clothing clung to her breasts.
“We should make it to where the swells start to become waves, and those should take us into shore more quickly,” He reasoned. “We’ll have to be well rested before we attempt to ride the waves into shore though.” With that, he rolled back over and took up a steady stroke once more; once again, Amanda followed, but kept up much more easily this time.
A few yards before the white-capped waves began to form out of the swells, the two rested once more. This time neither of them said a word; they just lay there, the sun beating down on their bodies, for many minutes.
“Are you ready?” Sekirah asked, breaking the silence at last.
“As I’ll ever be,” Amanda replied. Both of them turned again toward the islands and, within a few moments, found themselves being propelled toward the shore by a powerful wave.
They both had a difficult time keeping their heads above water and the thorough thrashing they received was reminiscent of the storm that tossed the ship about only three nights prior. At last, exhausted beyond measure, the pair washed up on the sand of one, small, Island. ‘And that was the easy part,’ thought Sekirah. Laying there in the sand, the tide gently licking their bodies, they both fell asleep, they wouldn’t wake again until late that afternoon.
__________________
Guilt, the merceless hunter.
Posted by Bara Chinder on 04-23-2002 03:21 PM: In Rysend
The four companions rode into the settlements centre. Settlement was the perfect word for Rysend. There were a group of buildings in the east, near the river which rolled from the river falls. The centre of the city was a few large trade halls, used for the indoor markets, the great feasts and the largest was the meeting hall. Above the meeting hall was the watch tower. It had stood a tall and fierce watch for decades and had been used to call out alarums when necessary.
All this was surrounded by wood houses, marquis, and caravans. Dotted with shops and other more permanent buildings. Away to the east again stood the tall shape of the river falls. An Immense cliff reaching hundreds of feet into the crags , from which cascaded a huge imposing waterfall. It crashed down cleaving deep into the rock below. The falls projected it roar for miles around and passed its noise over the city.
The four halted in a small square. Where to go next was the first order of business. Conchuir came up with the best idea.
“We may be here for more than a day and in a city such as this there must be a good Inn.”
There was a certain turning up of noses at the thought of soft living from the sleebhfir but the nomad group decided to accept the idea. The search didn’t go on long and the men found an inn. Most importantly it had a reputation according to Bara for being an inconspicuous kind of place where no questions were asked and an undesirable such as himself could stay. They settled into a particularly hidden corner of the stone building. Bara could take his hood down and not worry so he settled into some serious drinking. The men spent the next while trying to figure out a strategy.
“Well Bara who do we ask? Where do we go? C’mon this is your bit.” Conchuir goaded.
Bara in probably the best form then any of the group had seen him thought visibly. He had been drinking some obscure Adagerian liqueur and was getting quite well on.
“Weeel, there is a tradition round here. We have large meetings in the greant hall. During the weeks run, running up to Bealtaine festival everyone brings any important news or business to the meeting, so we can talk about it before the freedom of the summer. It is largly monser…. cermonk ..CERIMONIOUS,” Some other drinkers glanced over at his momentarily raised voice, “but some bring up important things still in front of the chiefs. That’s the best bet.” He belched quietly and said no more for a minute.
This was clearly the best route and not much else was said on the subject for fear that Bara would change his mind.
The meetings Bara referred were derived in an old tradition of airing grievances in front of the clan and chief. The aim was to clear all the winters problems and arguments of all the clan before the summer considered to be a sweet and calm time.
The group now had a medium and a pitch. Now all they needed was good luck
__________________
Were gonna break ya, its gone on for too long.
Gonna punish you for the things that youve done- Capdown
Posted by Keiru Sapphire on 04-23-2002 04:32 PM:
OOC: As Til'Sylvanna
His dreams were not pleasant, that much she could tell even without the bond between them. Til’Sylvanna brushed a raven black lock of Saeth’s soft hair from his brow with her cold left hand, and looked into his sleeping face for a long time.
He loved her. Truly. She had kissed him for some time before concern for his health had prompted her to accept propriety once more. What had driven her to be so forward in the first place was still a mystery to her, but she did not care. Saeth returned her love… that was all that mattered to the elven lady.
Nelcar had abandoned her… though she still loved him. His fire… his passion... his song which had warmed her heart all those years ago when she had found little in life about which to be happy. He would always hold her heart.
Saeth would never leave; less death took him from her. Her sorrow… he understood so well… her fate that was his as well… He was honor incarnate, kindness, and strength. He was slow to warmth, but when he did it was like the very light of her sun. He was her soul.
Was it possible to love two men with all that you were, and not love one any less for loving the other?
She sighed. She did love them both. For now, however, Saeth was the only thing in her mind. Nelcar had gone… seeking some other fate. That was his choice, and she could not change his stars. But he would always be a part of her, and a part that brought her joy.
Saeth cried out in his sleep, and she turned her wandering attention back to him. She nestled at his side, and leaned over to whisper soft words of love into his long and delicately pointed ears to calm his shadowed dreams. She was still not well enough herself to ward them properly, a malady which frustrated her greatly. She was also unable to ward the dreams of Scarlet, which concerned her even more. She could feel the tempest of the human woman’s emotions from here… and Til’Sylvanna was not comforted by what she felt. Still, for now it was out of her hands. The Dolensirion would have to protect her because the Elwain could not.
Til’Sylvanna laid her head on his softly rising and falling chest and listened to Saeth’s heart. She was still so glad that he had awakened, for she had nearly given up hope… and she could not face the thought of life without him. But, she thought, he was a warrior of the eldest line. He would face the very Lady of Shadow herself to protect her, and she knew it.
But, she thought with a smile, she would also protect him. There were foes that could not be felled by sword alone, and many that haunted the realm of Dreams that was her domain alone. She would be his Warder too, for they were one and the same, two souls that fate had brought together as one. Their fates were wound together, indivisible from one another. She rejected all the Visions of a sad and shadowed future for the two of them, for she would not rest until she could present him to her father as her love, her Chosen. She would not allow the darkness fated for them to come to pass… she had too much to live for now…
Her left arm began to burn like fire. She held back a cry, not wishing to wake Saeth who lay there beside her. The pain brought tears to her eyes, and she curled up into a ball of agony. Darkness seemed to envelope her, and despair unending. Who did she think she was? She was nothing, and had no power at all to change Fate. Shadow would cover all the world, and she was completely powerless to stop it. Saeth would die with her… and all their friends too. She was but a pawn, and would lead all those foolish enough to follow her into darkness and death. There was nothing that she could do… nothing that she had ever been able to do. It had all been in vain. All was lost… lost…lost…
Til’Sylvanna clutched her head and writhed in her inner and outer agony. The pain in her arm spread to her shoulder, and would one day reach even unto her heart, she could feel it. But even that did not match the anguish of her soul. She tried to rage against the darkness which tried so effortlessly to consume what light remained in her. She tired to hold on to her dreams of peace… of watching Scarlet and Indigo’s grandchildren grow some day, playing alongside her own… Saeth at ease walking with her in her garden in Hethilin… dreams of a world that did not suffer under the burden of the Shadow… But, one by one these sweet dreams were consumed by the darkness that the Veri had wrought in her. Her magic could not stand against such power, for she was a delicate soul and never very strong to begin with. With Saeth and Scarlet wounded, and the Dolensirion too concerned for the Princess, Til’Sylvanna had none of the strength that those people could have lended her. She was alone… and she did not think that this was a battle that she could win alone…
You are not alone. Nor shall you ever again be. I am with you… always.
The voice of Saeth Shen in her mind broke the hold that the Shadow had upon her. She felt the darkness and the pain receding in the face of his absolute love and devotion. She opened her graying eyes to find him holding her close, his gray eyes deep pools of all his love. He traced the line of her tears down her face, whipping away the tears, and tilted her chin up, kissing her softly.
“You are not alone, Til’Sylvanna, my Lady, my love. Whatever it is that you suffer, I shall be here to aid you, and fight that battle with you as I can. Do not forsake hope, for I am with you. Now and ever, I am with you.”
She could not speak, only burry her head in his chest and let him hold her. Just being with his chased away all of the darkness that bound her. He was her salvation. He was her soul.
__________________
I speak of dreams;
Which are the children of an idle brain.
Begot of nothing but vain fantasy;
Which is as thin a substance as the air;
And more inconstant than the wind.
-W.S.
Posted by Palin Freeborn on 04-23-2002 07:07 PM: Plush and perfect, for the time being........
Palin sat, half-naked, upon his back, lying in one of the plush beds in Castle Rosenblade. Palin was almost surprised at the quality of life in here and wondered why he had heard tales of Princess Scarlet spending more time adventuring that staying at such a comfortable home. Reina entered moments later, her clothes clean. She plopped down beside him and curled up next to him.
"It's amazing, you know." She said, her lips brushing his ear. "That we would meet each other in such horrible conditions and then be so close days later. But it's not all that strange. I really do love you." Palin kissed her lightly and held her close.
"As I love you." She smiled. They sat in silence for minutes before a knock came at the door. Palin stood and pulled a shirt on, taking precautions to look presentable. The castle had provided him with a slightly better looking wardrobe for the time being, but Palin rather preferred his old adventuring shirt. He opened the door.
"Please come, sir. Dinner is waiting." The stiff looking servant turned and walked briskly down the hallway, moving from room to room. Palin dressed in his better clothes and was stunned to see Reina, who had changed, come out of the other room minutes later looking somehow more beautiful than before. Pslin's jaw dropped as he viewed her, from the top of her straight, ruby-red hair to the hem of her green evening gown.
"Interesting change. You look beautiful." She beamed and they walked hand-in-hand to the Dining hall. Palin wondered silently if the ever-reclusive Elwain and Til'sylvanna would be dining as well.
"I guess we'll find out what's going on after all."
Cue: Anyone.
__________________
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.
Posted by Indigo Grei on 04-24-2002 05:10 PM:
"You must be Indigo. I've heard whispers of you around the castle. Any of them true?"
Indigo smiled faintly. "I hope not. I wish not, but some of them probably are. You must be Palin Freeborn."
"Yeah. So, will the Princess and the Elwain Lady be joining us?"
"I don't believe so. At least, Scarlet won't. I don't know about Til'Sylvanna. But I doubt it."
Palin and Reina sat down at the table directly across from Indigo. Til'Sylvanna had mentioned the name Palin in passing once, but Indigo wasn't sure why he was here, or how important he was. Perhaps he, too, had a great role in the world's future.
"One of the rumors is that you can control fire, even though you're cast. Is that true?"
"That rumor is true-" he hesitated, unsure whether to use the word 'unfortunately' or not. "Ah... yes. It's not something I understand, but there it is." He put out the candles at the table to show them, then re lit them without even a motion beyond his glance.
"IS it true about you and the princess? How about that rumor?" Reina asked.
"Scarlet and I are..." Indigo blushed, unable to deny the rumor. He only hoped it hadn't reached the King's ears. "I don't think I can answer that."
"You already have," Reina said. Palin smiled.
Indigo picked at his steak, an expensive cut of meat topped with a thick red sauce. Palin took a bite of his own. "This is excellent. The princess is missing out."
Indigo sighed. She was indeed. She had been in her room constantly for the last two days, not eating or sleeping. Sometimes Indigo would come in and run his hands through her hair, and she would turn away, the creases in her clothing showing that she had not moved for a long time. He had seen her like this before, once. The shock of what her sister had become finally caught up with her again, and this time, she hadn't been able to shake it off.
"Princess Scarlet isn't well. She has a lot on her mind." It wasn't a lie, but it was a huge understatement.
"And Til'Sylvanna?" Palin inquired.
"I don't know. Even I'm not privy to the doings of the Elwain. But given the events two days ago..." he shook his head. "I honestly don't know."
He looked up across the table. "Palin, I feel a strong sense of justice in you, and I think I can confide in you. The truth is, some of the less pleasant rumors are true. I am the one called the Dolensirion. Sometimes, I am not myself, and yet, the world's destiny weighs heavily on my shoulders." Palin had stopped eating and put down his fork, Indigo noticed. "...I'm sorry, Sir Freeborn. I don't mean to burden you with my own worry. Please forgive me." He turned to the steward. "I think I'll take this to my room. I'll bring the dishes down tomorrow morning."
The steward frowned. "If the master wishes, I can heat it up whenever you desire. Please don't hesitate to ask."
Indigo kept to himself that he could heat it up without anyone's help. "I'm no one's master. Please don't call me that."
"As you wish, Sir." The steward and Palin both nodded as Indigo left.
"That's a lot for one person to handle, the destiny of the world, you know?" Palin said.
Reina nodded silently. __________________
Is this a curse, or destiny? This fire could consume us all...
Posted by Bara Chinder on 04-25-2002 03:11 PM:
Around midday the next day the four emissaries made their way up to the great hall in the centre of Rysend. The hall itself was very large, but it was dwarfed by the watchtower above it. In the centre of the square, which was occupied for the most part by the hall, was a tall statue.
The statue was of a slim and some what old man. He stood tall and proud though. He wore a peculiar hat and indeed had a look of a wizard from children’s stories. The likeness was an unusual in a place like Rysend Conchuir guessed that it was a figure of some note and pressed Bara for information.
“He’s some sorcerer who came and saved Rysend during an invasion from the city of fools. I don’t know his name. I’ve heard too many to know. I used sit round here and watch things pass. The statue is a big part of my memories of boyhood…” Bara trailed off.
Conchuir had noticed a more melancholy Bara so he let the subject drop.
As the four stood in front of the hall they were confronted with a growing stream of people shuffling into the hall.
The hooded figure of Bara pushed Conchuir lightly towards the door, as much to say you first. The other two strolled after him. Bara followed up behind.
As the group entered the hall they were stunned to see the sheer volume of people in the hall. The Hall seemed to be a lot bigger on the inside. This was of course not true but for the two sleebhfir it was a strange sight to behold. For the most part it was a plain hall with a few banners hanging around and a large throne and raised table at the top of the room.
At the table there were a few braves and clan chiefs seated. In the throne was the head of the clan. A Tall regal man with long black hair tied back in a thick braid. Bara did not recognise him and assumed that there may have been a change in leadership. Bara pointed Conchuir towards the table at the top of the hall. Conchuir set off to register the men to speak.
When Conchuir returned they settled to wait until they were called to aire. The day passed with silly little cases along with one or two more serious suites. After a few hours of this the name of “Conchuir the capallan,“ came up. The three men stepped forward. Realising his duty Bara slowly stepped out behind them.
While the noise of the crowd died down Bara scanned the Table. On the extreme left he saw a man who he recognised. A hollow sell of that he was Bara still recognised him. He shook violently now and again never really sitting still at all.
A shell of a man…..Bara only just recognised his father.
Conchuir took a deep breath and spoke aloud….
__________________
Were gonna break ya, its gone on for too long.
Gonna punish you for the things that youve done- Capdown
Posted by Keiru Sapphire on 04-25-2002 04:04 PM: Til'Sylvanna Shadowbound
“Til’Sylvanna?” Came the soft voice of Finrandel from the doorway. “They wish to know if you shall be joining them for dinner this evening.”
“You should go, Til.” Said Saeth from where he rested in his bed. The Lady, much to him amusement, would not allow him out of either bed or her sight for any reason. So, for the time being, he sat in bed while she sat quietly by the westward facing window. “You are an honored guest here, and you have neglected your friends for long enough. I am healing well, and will survive a few moments without you safely, I promise.” He smiled, hoping the lightness in his voice would rouse her from the gloom that sat heavily upon her. He looked to Finrandel and shrugged. Neither knew what, exactly, to do about their brooding Lady.
“No. I do not wish to go… not yet anyway. I…” She had not turned to face them, but Saeth could feel the wave of tension wash over her. She absently rubbed the brand on her left arm. He narrowed his eyes, watching her closely.
“Til’Sylvanna,” he said softly, painfully rising from the bed to limp over to her side. “You cannot hide from the world forever. I wish that you could, or better that I could whisk you safely back home to the Evisis where we belong. However, you have set this path, and I fear that it is too late to go back now. Have we suffered so much only to refuse to face it now?” There was infinite compassion and love in his voice, for he felt the turmoil within her. He knew that she had not rested long in the days since the battle… and that her own wounds where only now healing. Worse still was the shadow that lay upon her heart and mind, and the deep fear about which she would not speak, not even to him.
She turned from the rising moon, bathed in the silver of its soft light. She looked awful. Her eyes had turned an odd shade of dark gray, and her silver/white hair did not shine. No smile graced her face, and there were dark circles where none had ever been before. She had dressed in a simple gown of dark gray that the Queen had sent, since her own things had burned in the fire the Veri had set in her room.
“I will not go. Let the humans care for themselves for now, I am no babysitter.” There was bitterness and ice in her once soft and kind voice. “The Dolensirion will seek me out when he is ready, I will not chase after him and force him into a fate he cannot handle. He will stand or fall on his own; nothing that I do or say will change that. As for the other, there is nothing that I can tell Palin without first knowing where Indigo Grei stands. If he denies his fate, then I will not burden the boy with a destiny that he cannot fulfill. If the Dolensirion denies his fate, then we will leave here as soon as you are well and never return. We will weather this storm as the Elwain always have, or fall as is our Fate. I am tired of being responsible for the moving of this Vision. Let them decide, and I shall wait.” She turned to look back out the window.
Saeth shook his head. “These are not the words of the Lady I serve. The Til’Sylvanna that I have come to love would never say such things. You once said that you loved these children… that you would care for them and guide them. That is your part to play in all of this, as declared by the Creator Herself! Why do you go back on all that you once held so dear? What is this darkness in you that devoids you of love and hope? Tell me, or give me a foe to fight, because this battle of dark emotion is not one that I can fight for you, my Lady, nor one from which I can protect you. Listen to your words… you are not yourself.” His words were kind, but firm. He found it odd to be taking a position that was normally hers. Defending humans was not his wont, but she had shown him the value of these few… and he could not reconcile the elwain he loved for the shadow bound woman before him.
She would not look at him, or respond. In his mind she said, ”I love you, Saeth, but do not presume that that gives you the right to dictate my fate back to me. You do not live with the nightmares that I do… the Visions of what shall pass. This is my decision. You shall either abide by it, or not. As you wish.”
He held back the very angry retort that formed itself in his heart. Instead he closed his eyes and put a hand on her shoulder. Deeply her drew upon the power of the bond betwixt them… and long he searched for the true heart of Til’Sylvanna Shadowbound. He felt for the light that was her true soul, the laughter and love he had felt from her only the day before. Somehow he had to break the wall of darkness that kept that happy and hopeful person from him. He had too… or her was going to lose her forever.
__________________
I speak of dreams;
Which are the children of an idle brain.
Begot of nothing but vain fantasy;
Which is as thin a substance as the air;
And more inconstant than the wind.
-W.S.
Posted by Eric VanDrison on 04-25-2002 04:34 PM:
The zombies surrounded him as Gavin unsheathed his short-sword. Menacingly, the rotting bodies began to close in on him. He found it futile to fight, for even if he decapitated one or two, they still came at him, headless.
His screams of agony filled the Taren forest. The first of the walking dead to reach him tore into his gut and ripped his entrails out. Before he blacked out, the last thing he saw was his own organs lying on the still damp grass, blood staining the lush green blades.
--------------------------------------------------
Halfway across the forest, Eric and Reana faintly heard Gavin’s scream, even as it was cut short. They gave each other a look as though to agree that they would probably never see their friend again.
“We wanted adventure, it looks like we’ll get it,” Eric said, Reana didn’t answer.
The two of them continued down the trail, careful not to cut through the underbrush. As they rounded a corner, they saw that a new trail branched off to the right. It didn’t look any more promising than the one they were already on. There was nothing about the two trails that was strikingly different in any way.
“What’s it gonna be?” Reana asked. “Split up?”
“I’m thinking we’d better stay together,” Eric replied. “We can always try this one for a while and see if it gets us anywhere.”
So, they both turned down the new path, hoping to find it more fruitful than the last. They didn’t have to wait long. They soon found themselves in a small clearing with a few fruit trees in the center and a small, clear pool nearby. The ground was speckled with wild flowers of bright yellows, pinks, reds and purples. Songs of finches and other small birds filled the air around them and almost made them forget the terrifying scream they’d heard only a few minutes before.
Eric’s stomach rumbled in hunger as he saw the plump fruits, weighing down the branches of the large apple trees. He was much more cautious after seeing, and hearing, what had happened to Gavin when he had been too anxious for a bite of such fruit.
Slowly, Eric approached one of the trees, while Reana stayed behind, still thoroughly examining her surroundings for anything she might consider suspicious. Nothing looked odd to him about the tree, except that it’s apples were abnormally large. They looked as though they would burst from their skin, so enormous they were. Hesitating a bit, Eric reached out to pick one of the apples only to quickly draw his hand away when a small creature peeked out from behind a nearby leaf.
Upon closer inspection, Eric saw that it was almost human in appearance, only far smaller; two or three inches tall at most. Its body seemed to glow in a bright green color and it was completely nude. Ever cautiously, he lifted his hand again, this time lust below the leaf that the little creature was perched, with his palm open. To his surprise, it unfolded two pairs of gossamer wings and lightly flew onto his palm. It was, Eric decided, definitely female and had a delicate body. It’s hair hung loosely and unkempt. She seemed to examine him, too, for a time, but Eric sensed it was in the same way that a wild animal would examine a new thing before deciding whether it was dangerous or not. However human this creature appeared, it didn’t seem to have intelligence beyond that of most other woodland animals.
Before long, she seemed to decide that he was of no harm to her, for she curled up in his palm to go to sleep. Eric looked at the thing in amusement for a moment, then used his free hand to pick one of the large apples and took a juicy bite.
To his wonder, the apple was extremely delicious and he let the juices flow down his throat, reveling in the taste. He also found that it didn’t take long for his hunger to disappear completely and he felt completely nourished; he’d only had a few bites of the apple. Eric looked at the fruit curiously, then, back at the creature asleep in his hand.
“What’d you find?” Reana asked, only half interested. Her eyes widened at the sight of the apple, and she ignored what he held in his other hand.
“Two marvels, already,” Eric replied. “Here, have a few bites.” He handed her the apple.
Greedily, she obliged and took a large bite. The effect on her was the same and she smiled in pleasure. “These are great! I’m going to put a couple in our packs.”
Eric nodded. “I’m beginning to like this adventure thing.”
“Just be careful you don’t end up like Gavin,” Reana warned.
Eric’s face sunk as he thought of his friend and what might have happened to him. His eye caught on the creature in his right hand, reminding him that she was even there.
“Have a look at this,” Eric said, carefully moving his hand into Reana’s view. “The little thing was in the tree near the apple.”
“It’s a fairy, Eric,” Reana explained when she saw the creature. “They inhabit this forest and play tricks on people that wander off the trails; that’s what happened to Gavin.”
“You mean something like her killed him?” Eric asked looking at the helpless fairly in his palm.
“No, of course not, but something else, wherever he reappeared, did,” She said. “She wouldn’t do anything to us unless we wandered off the trail. Mainly because that’s about all fairies know how to do; play tricks, eat and sleep.”
“Well, she’s kind of cute, maybe she’d be worth keeping around,” Eric hoped.
“I don’t know why, except for the purposes of your own ogling over her, but I don’t see any harm in it. She seems to like you anyway,” Reana replied.
Eric smiled as the little fairy woke, stretching her arms as she yawned. She sat on her knees and looked up into Eric’s face, expectantly. He decided he needed to figure out where he could put her; he couldn’t carry her in his hand all the time. The breast pocket of his shirt would have to do, he guessed.
Lifting his hand up to the pocket, he held it open with the other. The fairy looked down at the pocket, then up at Eric inquisitively. He laughed and tilted his hand a bit to encourage her. Daintily, she climbed down into his pocket, her head reappearing at the top a moment later. Eric could swear that she wore a bright smile, but he could barely make it out on her tiny face.
__________________
Life is what you make it
Posted by Avatar Worldmaker on 04-26-2002 06:54 PM:
And so it came to pass that Alejihandro the Aeternal swept his fell companions to the north away from the plain where the black flowed like an ocean, and he sped them to the north, to the forest known to him as Til'Sinivar, but known to the men of Aeterna as the Sacred Grove. He deposited them there, and his fury was great. His eyes lay upon his dearest friend, Zander Kohen, and his wounds were great. He had extended himself far beyond his power, and was exhausted to the point of death. His lightening love, Tiffarah Half-Elwain fared no better, her wounds being greater than his own, and they had both long since passed into the world of half death.
Thus Alejihandro layed his loving hands upon each of them, and lifted his voice to song, and it was heard throughout the sylvis, carried by the trees themselves as the song was so sweet. Vesting his power into his words, he assured that neither of those he held so dear would pass on to the heavens, as he bound them to the earth. Tired he was when later he rose from his song, and flexed his great wings about him, shaking off the weariness that assailed him now, his only thoughts were of the one he now knew as Lilivath. Her sweetness occupied his mind, not leaving room for anything else. So great was his fire for her that he burned the ground about his feet as he rose once again to the sky, and took his path east.
She filled him like a great philter consumed. His thought was of her and her safety, but her location was unknown to him, and though his heart would not betray him, Alejihandro was unsure as to whether or not she was still even alive. Thoughts began creeping into his mind, and corrupting, until he was filled with a bitter rage fro those that would do harm to the ones that he held so dear. Thus he made his path towards Da'mansul, known to men as the Black Tower, and his flight was swift and fierce.
The Chosen knew of his coming, and made haste to prepare for the assault of one such as an Aeternal, ordering his two utmost commanders, Fenix and Kaliva, to await him. Deep within Da'mansul, the Chosen sat in his innermost sanctum, and he was afraid. His cohorts, however, unbeknownst of the danger they were to face, made their way to intercept the Aeternal Alejihandro.
The obsidian of the isle of Da'mansul came into the eyes of Alejihandro quickly, and he pressed through the ranks of the Sha'van quickly, slaying many, and instilling great fear into others so that they fled so far as they could away from the wrath of the mighty creature that had befallen them. He pressed foreword, ignoring his many wounds, as well as the great tiredness of his journey, and the great loss of Lilivath and his Companions. He soon thereafter to the great iron gate of Da'mansul, and called out to any that could hear, "Hear me, Sha'van! You shall no longer plague the lands of this gift with your dark stench! I have come to lay down that which I have to keep the love and life of the world safe from the darkness of the Sha'van, and the corruption of the Sevron! Hear me!"
The Chosen heard him from far above, in the deep recesses of the tower, and the voice frightened him, for there was power in it that few could match.
His commanders, Lord Fenix and Lady Kaliva heard it as well, and issued forth from the gates in a great stream of Shav'anel, and the Aeternal stood his ground, and the earth shook about him as he slew the creatures that came at him. The sky was filled with light as beams of the purest white smote the earth at the base of Da'mansul, and crushed the hoardes of Sha'vanel beneath their holy power. The Aeternal Alejihandro looked up then, and before him stood the two most terrible of all of the Sha'vanel he had seen. Dark and black was the woman, terrible in both power and beauty. The man was gaunt and haughty, and unsheathed a greatsword of proportions that no man should ever face. And thus began the battle of the Gates of Da'mansul.
For hours the three battled their deadly dance, the ground shaking and pounding as fire and sulfur rained from the sky, and rays of light creaked through the black clouds of gas that filled the air. From so far away as Balaketh, Balanum, to the man's tongue, the luminosity of the fire and the light could be seen in the sky. After hours of battle, Alejihandro, fatigued beyond all bounds, made a last effort, and tapping into reserves of power unbeknownst to him, he hurled his mighty blade at the Dark Commander Fenix, and he fell finally to the great blade, fire consuming his body as the blue crystal of the sword pierced his heart. Alejihandro threw his hands skyward, and called out to the Creator of all that is for his victory, and a black dagger pierced his breast, as the chief assassin of the Sha'van, Kaliva Darkstone, smote him in his hour of greatest triumph. All the while the Chosen sat within his tower, and he feared.
Alejihandro looked down to his breast, and a small twist in his lips surprised his would be assassin, as he pulled the blade from his own chest and plunged it unsuspectingly into hers. Shocked by this reversal of fate, the Dark Lady took flight back into the tower, and issued another sortie of Sha'vanel to finish the Light Without Death.
Now Alejihandro was grievously wounded, and beyond his own reserves of strength, but the thought of Lilivath filled him again with great love, but also with grief and pain. Spreading his crystalline facets, he rose into the air as a feather on a breeze, and smote the ground once more with his wrath, rending the ground in a great crevasse, and the rushing waves of the waters about the isle destroyed the host that had issued forth.
Now he knew that he was unprepared for the unmatched strength of Da'mansul, and Alejihandro made his retreat. He turned to the west, and though the Chosen was no longer afraid for his own safety, he was afraid, for this was the White Star, and one that must not live, if he were to make his way with Aeterna. As the Aeternal returned to Til'Sinivar to lay in his death like state, the Chosen gathered his chief assassins about him, including Kaliva Darkstone, and though she was weak, she and her entourage were to find this creature and slay him, and they began their preparations.
The Aeternal fared no better as he made his way back to Til'Sinivar, and as he landed in the grove where he had deposited his companions, blood flowed freely from his wounds. He had stayed far too long this way, and more than two days had passed since his change. His wounds were great, and he was unsure as to whether his mortal form would withstand the grievances he had placed upon it. With a quick glance to the rising sun, he prayed for his safety and the safety of Lilivath and his compatriots before him. He leaned over and kissed each of them once on the brow, leaving the last of his power as he was to them, and suddenly his inner fire was gone, and he was Alexandros Fatali once more. His crippled form fell to the ground silently, and he was cold as stone, and his blood did not bleed, but slowly oozed, as if gelatinous. His heart did not beat, and his eyes glazed over as in the dead.
Zander rose from the earth, and found his love and his grace both with him, but there was a great hurt done to his friend, and he knew not what. That which he did ascertain was that it had been two days since they had escaped the black sea of Sha'van, and that his dear friend Alexandros had fallen to many more wounds than he had sustained in the battle with the black sea. So he took council within himself and with his love, Tiffarah Half-Elwain, attempting to determine that which had happened.
Cue: Zander
__________________
We all want to change the world...
Posted by Caliph Wyrdwyrm on 04-27-2002 03:44 AM:
Caliph had fled on a boat to Pontifar in disguise, with his sister and advisor spiriting the remains of the Asheri council away into the Soulwood. He was on his way to see the Emporer of Nylium, to strike a bargain with the devil of sorts. He had been on the road for several days, when he saw a bright blue glow overhead, streaking across the sky with great speed as it descended into the forest nearby... the Sacred Grove.
Caliph did not greatly feel like entering such a place -- his soul, as it was, had no place on hallowed ground. And it was a diversion he could ill afford. All in all, it was not a wise move for him to divert course.
Not believing in wise moves as a matter of course, Caliph made his way towards the woods.
***************************
In any other grove, in any other darkness such as this, he would have drawn his pistol at the ready, but not here. He didn't think it would be appreciated by the flora and the fauna. Besides, it was not so dark as one would expect, although the light that spread through this forest did not seem to burn after the fashion of the sun's rays. Nor did it share the same cast, seeming of a purer white than any light he had before seen.
He had sat to take a break, a little bit of preserved meat from his pack and perhaps some pipeweed, when he saw the blue light once more pass into the grove, landing in the same spot as before. It was a ways ahed, but not so far that he could not jog there, even with his pack. He stood up, his pause forgotten, and he started off for the spot in the grove.
When he made it there, he was wheezing... he had not run so far, or with such speed, in many years. It took him many moments to realize who sat before him... Zander. And beside him, the bloodied form of Alexandros.
Yes, indeed, this detour would waylay him greatly.
OOC: And once more I return... if either Zander or Alexandros objects to this, just void it. If not, it's good to be back.
__________________
The last temptation, is the greatest treason
To do the right thing, for the wrong reason.
--T.S. Eliot
Posted by Leo Saotome on 04-27-2002 06:17 PM: The Visitor
The dreams of the tormented are strange things; nearly strange as the drugged. Blind men dream vivid dreams of days past and future. This too was the case with one bastard child, blinded by the very sea that he loved so dearly. The purple and green clouds of time and dreamscape passed easily over Leo's fingers,leaving their cold touch to run icliy through his veins. Bright baby blue eyes opened-no, seemed to open, and Leo saw or seemed to see for the first time in a week. The mists were thick, and cold here, and he had never dreamt as vividly as he was now. The shadowy patches of the mists, however were growing more and more sparse, as if he approached a great light burning somewhere within the mists. The boy's ethereal hand went over his eyes as it seemed to grow bright, and he called into the light, or rather whispered to himself, "What is happening to me?!"
A male voice, powerful yet soft, answered his whisper, and the mists parted to reveal the portrait of an angel flying through the air, "Alexandros Fatali, the White Star, Chosen of the Holy Light,"
Leo scrutinized the portrait as it came into view, then looked beyond it as if someone were presenting it, "..What about him? He isn't me; I may be an orphan but I'm no angel.."
The portrait faded away, and was replaced by another stunning representation of a young man wreathed in flame, "The Dolensirion, Blue Star, Chosen of the Flame,” The boy grew silent as he looked on, taking in the details of this as well. Leo thought this one's look un-natural, as if it weren't his given form. Once again, the portrait faded, leaving the image of a woman, holding a long, curved blade. Inside of her eyes was a great emptiness, and even her pose seemed to hint at some great pain, "Scarlet Rosenblade, Princess of Gania, the Red Star, Chosen of the Clouds and Sky,”
The voice was soothing and frightening at the same time... Leo felt its power and he thought it oppressive. He called out into the light, "Why are you showing me this?" He felt irrationably angry, "I know none of these people; they are not my own.”
Another portrait flashed and it was he, as he lay asleep, his friends watching over him, "Leo Saotome, the Blind Artist, Chosen of the Water,”
Leo was stricken silent as he even took in the image of himself.. He thought over them and looked on, the torment in his mind ceasing for the moment. Words would not find Leo, and he would have spoken any that came to his mind. He only looked on through bleary blue eyes.
His own portrait faded away for but a moment, and was replaced by a light hearted looking young man, rapier in hand, sliding across a rope as an arrow passed just behind him, "Palin Freeborn, the Blade of the Free People, Champion of Stone,"
Leo would have scratched his head if he felt the power to move. But this image to he took to his mind, and Leo thought this Palin character might make a trusting friend. Mentally, he began placing the portraits in their respective places on the Terra Magic grid, and knew there were three spaces remaining.
Again the portrait faded and was replaced with another. This was another young man, free hearted and light of tongue, seeming part of the same picture that had portrayed the Chosen of the Stone, he also slid from a rope while brandishing a blade, "Tygan De'Parte, Of the Magic Blood, Champion Sanguine,"
Leo scrutinized this portrait too; Leo judged he had the look of someone free and someone that knew he was loved. He placed this one's image on the cicle as well, and it did indeed seem like a part of the the previous champion's portrait. The picture dissolved, and was replaced yet again, by a portrait of the same Elwain beauty, but portrayed in a certain duality, on one side she shone like a radiant star, and on the other she was corrupt and blackened. A Elwain man stood in the center of the picture, seeming to try to bind the two together, "Til'Sylvanna, the Evenstar, or Shadowbound. Champion of the Soul, or harbringer of the doom of all that is,"
Leo was shocked. This one too he knew, but he considered the darker side longer than its lighter. He simply could not reconsile the thought of her duality, and his only words were, "My muse..." Then the picture dissapeared and the form of a man, clad in green and blue robes walked into his vision. His eyes were filled with years of insight and wisdom, and his ears clearly marked him as one of the Lunari. Leo blinked, "Another invader of my dreams? You're the second.. or the third?" He stepped forward to the man clad in green, "And what phophecy do you bring to me, sir?"
The form shook his head, "I bring you no prophecy. I simply bring you these images, and a message. make you way to Castle Rosenblade in Gania as soon as you can. You will meet with some of those I have shown you there. All will become clear in time,"
And the boy nodded, "I suppose then it's good my caretakers are on their way there. And.. Sir? What of the White Lady of the Elves? How fares she?"
The figure extended his hand, and within was contained a small figure of marble, black shot through with purple vein. It was a representation of a man standing in the wind, his hair blowing out behind him, and his cape fluttering gently, "The White Lady does not fare well. You must seek her quickly, and then you must find he," Ezra placed the figurine into Leo's hands gently, "This will be the one you seek, the Lord of Sha'van, the doom of our world, if he has his way, Linerin Gheral, the Chosen of the Shade"
The boy stood awhile in silence, contemplating this figurine, his face unsure. When he looked up again, his youthfully handsome face was set in determination, "I will find him and his self-prophecied fate will not be fulfilled."
Ezra smiled gently, "So be it, my child. Make haste to Gania, lest you arrive too late.. May the Creator pass with you," With that, Leo awakened with a great pounding in his heart, reaching under his pillow, he felt something... hard, and pulling it forth, it was nothing other than the figurine of the Dark Lord...
*Credit for this post goes to .. Avatar Worldmaker?
__________________
~Leo Saotome
Quiet, soft-spoken, agreeable
My own suspicion is that the universe is not only stranger than we suppose,
but stranger than we can suppose. -- John Haldane
Posted by Cybele Ariadne on 04-27-2002 07:33 PM:
The bright morning sun shone on her face. Cybele sat up straight in her bed looking out the nearby window. She hadn’t slept all night but seemed undisturbed by that fact. She somewhat felt responsible for what had happened. If she had kept herself from being caught Azure might not have been thrown into this.
“I should have been more careful… Azure might not be alive now… I’ll probably never see him again..”
A bird flew silently onto the windowsill and started to sing a song.
Lovely be as sweet as thee then true love will never come to ye…
“There is some truth in that.”
“Huh? What? You heard me?”
“Yes, You have just described my love life in a sentence.” she said with a disappointed face
“Oh… We’ll I didn’t mean to ok?”
“Yea… Fine.. Sure..”
“You sound like your having some troubles.”
No shit.
“Yea… So? Why should you care about them?”
“I don’t know.. Maybe if you tell me about it, then I can decide if I should care or not.”
“Alright then fine..”
Cybele told everything about her past adventure. This started to annoy the bird for not only did she tell about Azure, she mentioned about Palin, Tygan, Lyght, Krane and Carla. This took hours. As the bird began to leave her in the middle of the story, Cybele stops and looks back out the window.
“Why did you stop?”
“I was tired of talking to someone who doesn’t want to listen.”
“Wow… You know your animals huh? Well I would suggest that you calm your attitude.”
“But that’s it the attitude is my personality. It always has been.”
“Oh come on. That cant be all that’s inside you.”
She looked down at the floor wondering what she would really be like without the attitude. She the turned to the bird with tears forming into her eyes.
I may not know who I really am.…
“Do you think I can become a nicer person?”
“Sure you can, takes a lot of practice though.”
You need to do this in order to find yourself…
“Alright I’ll do it. I will work as hard as I can.”
“Alright! You go do that..”
“Where would I start though? What place must I go to truly find myself?”
“Um…. How about… Home?”
“That’s it! That you very much for your help. I must go immediately!”
Cybele grabbed her things very quickly and went to the window to whistle to her horse. She then ran straight to the door.
“Wait that doesn’t mean you have to go…”
She walked out the room and closed the door, not listening to a word the bird said.
“now…”
__________________
Posted by Keiru Opal on 04-27-2002 07:34 PM:
OOC: As Zander
IC: “Friend, we are indeed glad to see you,” Zander said, gritting his teeth through the agonizing pain in his chest. He tried to smile at Caliph, but failed given the weight of their situation.
“What the hell happened to you?” Caliph asked, still catching his breath from his brief jog.
“Hell indeed…” Zander trailed off. “Shadow spawn, thousands of them. They flooded upon us about three days from Militus. My guess is, they attacked the city after we fled, but as you can see, we barely got out with our lives.” Zander cringed in pain and put his hand to his chest. When he took it away, it was covered in blood.
“Let me dress that for you,” Caliph said, moving to take off his pack.
“No, her first,” Zander gestured toward Tiffarah. “She’s worse off than I am.”
“What about Alex?” Caliph inquired. “Is he…?”
“No, he still lives,” explained Zander. “He’s not breathing and his heart no longer beats, but he’s still alive. Many of his wounds were not there when he brought us here. I’m not sure how he got them, but there is great turmoil in the shadow, I can only guess that he was the cause.”
“If he was, then you’ve got to get out of here; they’ll be looking for him,” Caliph said. “You’re not going anywhere till I dress your wounds, all three of you. Hopefully we can find a healer somewhere on our way to Nyliam.”
“Nyliam?” Zander cocked an eyebrow. “Why are you headed there?”
“You haven’t heard?” Caliph asked and Zander responded with a weak shake of his head. “Balanum fell to Master Saotome. I, along with the council, had to flee. I’m on my way to meet with the Emperor; see if I can strike a deal.”
“I see,” Zander said. “Well, we’re going to need a place for Alex to hole up after we find a healer.”
Caliph just nodded and went about dressing each of their wounds carefully. Zander soon had his chest wrapped in bandages and his leg as well. He looked over at Tiffarah; a good part of her body was covered with bandages.
Leaning over her, Zander whispered in her ear, “I love you. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you as well as I should. I’ve failed you.” A tear streamed down his face, and settled on the scar running through his Meshai.
“No,” she managed to say softly. “You haven’t failed me at all. Without you, I wouldn’t be here right now. You fought your hardest and that’s all that matters to me. I love you, too.”
They both smiled sweetly at each other, only to have the moment broken as Caliph said, “We have to find some way to carry him.”
“I have some rope in my pack,” Zander offered. “If the Creator would allow us, we can find three, thin, straight logs and lash them together using the rope. We can use a blanket and secure it to the three logs. We’d be able to pull it behind us.”
“Might just work,” Caliph said. “I’ll go see what I can find.”
By the time the sun had set, the carrier had been built. Zander and Caliph hoisted Alex’s lifeless body onto their contraption. Zander was beginning to get used to the aching pain throughout his body and was finding his strength again.
“I’ll go ahead and carry him,” Zander said.
“You sure you’re well enough to?” Caliph asked.
“I may be wounded, but I still have the gifts that the Creator bestowed upon me,” Zander answered, leaving no room for argument. With that, the four of them left the Sacred Grove; Tiffarah leaning on Zander for support as they limped along, slowly.
__________________
A fire from within can be seen from without.
Posted by Ryudo Wolfe on 04-27-2002 08:43 PM: The journey begins
Ryudo rolled his head back, wincing as his neck cracked, “Damn I hate falling a sleep in trees.” He looked down at a house that was about 100 yards from where he was, there were no lights lit inside, “Good they didn’t come while I was a sleep, I really need to find better jobs.”
He hopped down out of the tree and put on his breastplate and left vambracer. Most people thought it odd that he only wore one plate vambracer, but he only needed one. Two would limit his movement, being right handed, and since his left side was normally facing his enemy the plate was therefore used as shielding.
About the time he got his armor on and his sword back on his waist, he heard the sound he had been waiting for. When he looked to the house two people were entering, a scoundrel of a man and a girl he was dragging with him, the girl appeared to be in her late teens.
“Well, looks like it’s time to work,” Ryudo swiftly, but silently, jogged up to the house, stopping in front of the door so that he could hear what was happening inside.
“Come on beautiful, take those clothes off for me! I’d hate to rip ‘em,” the man laughed cruelly, his voice was deep and rough. Sounds like your average scumbag.
“No!….” She managed to cry out with a voice that was high pitched and cracked from hours of crying and fear.
“Have it your way! I prefer to be rough!” Ryudo could hear the ripping of clothes. I hate sick bastards. He lifted up his hand and knocked on the door a few times, “Who the hell could that be!?” Ryudo heard the man push the girl to the floor then stomp to the door, throwing it open with all his might, “What do you want?”
“Well you see, it’s not really what I want, it’s more of what the law wants. There’s this new law that all beautiful girls must be returned to their fathers and well, while I was up in the woods spying on your house, I happened to notice that you had such a girl, so if you hand her over to me I can relieve you of the trouble of taking her back yourself.”
“New law?…The hell are you talking about? You were hired to rescue her weren’t you?! I told them no attempts to save her! Now I will kill you and the girl!” He swung his fist at Ryudo, but Ryudo brought up his left arm to block it, “Ahhhhh!” The man moved back a step, holding his injured hand with his other, “You son of a bitch!”
“Yes….it does hurt to punch steel,” then Ryudo backhanded the man across the head with his left arm knocking him unconscious, “And I’ll bet that hurt even more.” Ryudo walked over the body and into the house.
The girl was shivering in a corner, her shirt had been ripped off and was lying across the room and her skirt was torn up the side. All in all she was revealing far more than was appropriate. Ryudo pulled a cover off the bed that was in the cabin and walked over to the girl, wrapping it around her.
“N…o….” she cried in a stifled voice.
“It’s alright, I’m here to take you home, can you walk?” she nodded slowly. On the outside Ryudo appeared calm, but on the inside he was in turmoil. I hope that man gives me a reason to kill him…… the girl’s eyes widened, and footsteps came from behind. Ryudo unsheathed his sword while spinning around and brought it right up into the charging man’s gut.
“Gh…a…” blood trickled from the man’s mouth and soaked his clothes; Ryudo pulled the sword out and the man crumpled to the ground.
The girl was now shaking even more than before. Great just what I need, I hope she snaps out of this soon. “Let’s go,” she didn’t move, she just continued to stare at the body. Ryudo lifted her up into his arms, she gave a slight yelp but didn’t fight it, then he carried her out of the house and back to his camp.
When they got to the camp he set her against the tree then went to his bag and pulled out one of his extra shirts, tossing it to her, “Put that on, I’m sure you don’t want to go into town waving your chest around.” She gave a shocked and somewhat angered look to him due to the remark. Stupid idiot! Damn my mouth! He turned around while she put the shirt on.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“I was hired by your father to rescue you and return you. Seeing as the rescue has been done, all that is left is to return you,” he strapped his bags to his horse. He hated riding horses, but he figured he might need one depending on what kind of shape the girl would be in.
“What is your name?”
“Ryudo, Ryudo Wolfe.”
*****************************************
One Week later-
“So, you’ll do it?” asked the merchant.
“Ya, I’ll do it, but why me?” Ryudo could have cared less why the merchant chose him, but he always asked that question. Even if he didn’t like the answer this man was paying him enough that he’d get over it.
“First, I hear your one of the best, and second, I hear you have a past time as a sailor. Those two facts make you perfect for the job.”
“Fair enough, when does the ship sail?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Ok, well I’ll be on it.”
“I’m counting on you to make sure the ship stays safe! If pirates attack you’re the only one skilled enough to fight them.”
“Ok, I get the point, if ship is in danger, I save it.” Pirates? What a fool, the chance of running into pirates is about a thousand to one.
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The oceans, the lakes, the seas. The waves, the surf, the dolphins. The sword, the armor, the battle. The strength, the earth, the energy. I am a sailor, I am a warrior, I am a mage.
Posted by Sayomara on 04-27-2002 11:13 PM: Carlanus Silverfinger
OCC: This is from the prospective of Carlanus Silverfinger, and thing Post happened right after Sayomara Left Carlanus house.
IC: Carlanus had moved over to his sketch board, “How on Aeterna I’m I suppose to build a Earthquake Machine? I mean I have heard of some crazy things but all and all I really don’t know if I can do this.” Then Carlanus picked up his pensile, “But I guess I have to try don’t I.” With that he when to work, drawing designs trying to come up with something that could bring down the Black tower, but as the night went on Carlanus went from one design to anther crumpling up this drawing’s and everything he would hit a wall, and start working on anther.
*_______________________________________
The first rays of light shined though the window on to Jacks eyes, Jack rolled to get his eyes out of the light, but by doing he put pressure on he ribs, “Ouch, that really hurts he said out loud.
After a few minutes and the pain subsided and Jack managed to pull himself upright, when he did this Jack could now see Carlanus asleep on his sketch board, “I wonder what he was working on all night. It must be something big, because the only time I personally fall asleep on my Sketch board is when I’m working on something big.” With that, Jack pulled himself up off the couch that he had been put on and started walking over to see what Carlanus was working on.
When Jack was about half way to Carlanus Jack came to a crumpled up piece of paper, “Let see what he is working on.” He picked up the paper off the floor oh course it hurt quite a bit, but as soon as he uncrumpled it a smile came to his pain stricken to his face. “A Earthquake Machine, sounds like a project worthy of my talents.” Then Jack walked over to Carlanus and tapped him on the shoulder.
Carlanus slowly turned around to see who was tapping on this shoulder, when Carlanus could seen who was behind him then he took a second to think about what he would say, when he was ready he spoke up, “It good to see you awake kid. I didn’t know if you were going to make it, but it looks like you are going to be ok. I do have a question. Where did you get that airship I have never seen anything like it?”
“I build it, yep me Jack Gildern. In any case I’m like to hear a little about this Earthquake Machine you are working on.”
“Sure why not, an old Friend of mine came by asking about it last night, the truth is I ready don’t know how to build this thing, but I gave him my word that I would do my best.”
Jack thought for a moment then spoke up, “Well if you will let me help I already have a bunch of Ideas on how to make this work.”
“Sure kid why not.” Then Carlanus got up, “Why don’t you sit down here and show me what you have in mind.”
*_______________________________________
Since that day two weeks have pasted and Carlanus and Jack have spent every day working on the Earthquake Machine in the hopes of helping Sayomara.
__________________
I have seen much in my day, but nothing as bad as this.
Posted by Tyr Aulnay on 04-28-2002 04:02 PM:
Tyr looked back at Mogan as he walked away with a sudden interest in him. Although she forced the whole crew upon him he still managed to survive. Part of her took to consideration that she had let him live. The other half was shocked by it still. She couldn’t of let the crew know this for it would ruin her respect from them. She moved back up and down the deck monitoring the crew and their work. She didn’t see Morgan but once after the fight and that was on the side of the ship leaning over the rail. He starred at the water as if he was thinking of deep though. She dared not try to disturb him. She heard footsteps behind her and moved her hand to her musket. As soon as the footsteps were close enough, she turned pointing the gun at Charles forehead.
“Whoa, whoa, its only me.”
She places the gun back at her side.
“Hm… What are you doing? Nothing I would guess.”
“Yes. Nothing.”
“Well then get you ass over there and work!”
“But I’m tired and I’ve done enough teaching the boys how to fight properly.”
“But that was two years ago…”
“So?”
“Look you I’ve had it up to here with your laziness. If your not going to do anything well I’ll just send ya overboard.”
“Morgan’s got to you hasn’t he?”
This surprised her, she didn’t think anyone would realize this. The pirates of this ship were way t stupid to do anything besides what they regularly do.
“What are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about. If ya really didn’t care for him you would have just straight out and killed him.”
“Not true. He could be of good use to this crew.’
“But you don’t know a thing about him.”
“So?”
“Ship ho!” called John from the crows nest
“What? Where!” yelled Tyr
Tyr ran to the side of the ship looking across the water for any ship near by.
“Damnit John where is it!”
“On the other side, the other side!”
She straight across and looked to see a merchant ship. She pulled her telescope from her side and looked at the ship. Inside it had silks and more money.
Time for a raid.
“Everyone get ready!”
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Come friends who plough the sea, truce to navigation take another station, lets vary piracee with a lil birglary!
Posted by Ryudo Wolfe on 04-28-2002 05:06 PM:
Ryudo walked along the docks looking for the ship that belonged to the merchant whom had hired him. He was wearing his armor but had brought along his old sailing clothes for when he worked on the ship.
“Ryudo?” Ryudo looked up to see a large bearded man standing at the side of a ship.
“Ya, I’m Ryudo.”
“Good, this here’s your ship then. You’re not planning on wearing that the whole trip are you?” He was talking about Ryudo’s armor.
“No sir, only if we get in danger.”
“Good, you’d be about as useful as a drunk dog dressed like that on my ship, you’d fall off with the first sign of a good wind!” He gave out a bellow of laughter then walked back onto his deck calling for Ryudo to come on up.
The ship set sail about an hour later and Ryudo had been shown to his bunk so that he could change into some proper sailing clothes. He put on his loose white pants and light brown vest, he thought about going bare chest but decided it wasn’t nice enough of a day for that. Part of his job was to help the crew and that is what he did. He took on all the tasks the other did, setting the sails, sitting in the crows nest, etc.
After about four hours of sailing Ryudo was sitting up in the crow’s nest soaking in some sun. He had successfully gone this long without pissing off too many of the sailors, there had been one incident where he made a remark about one of the sailors habits which had started a fight, but it had been only a short skirmish.
“This is the most useless job I think I have ever had. Oh well, at least it pays well,” he stretched his arms and looked around the surrounding sea. “Always the same, still noth…..” To the northeast he saw a ship that wasn’t dreadfully far off. He picked up the telescope and put it up to his right eye. The first thing he saw was an attractive lass with purple hair pointing at his ship, then when he moved his sight up to the mast he saw their flag. The flag was a mix of black and red, looking somewhat like a bleeding ruby.
“Pirates!” He called out. When the crew heard this they went wild with motion, many of them looked over the side at the coming ship, a few were petrified with fear. Great, I bet these men haven’t fought off anything except maybe a few hangovers.
“Pull the sails to full! We will try to outrun them!” The captained shouted out. He threw orders all around the ship.
A few of the men ran towards the sail that was under Ryudo but he waved them off, “Get the other one, I got this one.” They nodded and hurried off.
Ryudo quickly tied the ropes around his legs. I hope I calculated the length right or this is going to hurt like hell. “Ahhhhh!” He dived out of the crows nests flying strait towards the deck and pulling the sail with him. The ropes pulled tightly on his legs as he reached their maximum length and after a small recoil he just hung there, about a fists distance away from the deck. Damn that was close. He untied the rope and dropped himself to the ground, then ran up to the captain.
“Think we will outrun them?” He asked.
“In truth…..no….their ship is built for speed, ours is built for carrying cargo,” the captain looked saddened. It must be hard to know that the crew and ship under your guidance is getting overrun.
“Looks like we will be fight then……”
“Aye, that is your job lad, most of these sailors are piss poor fighters, they will only get cut down if they try.”
“Then I shall prepare for battle,” Ryudo went back to his bunk and put on his normal clothes and armor, then walked back up to the deck and joined the rest of the sailors at the side of the ship, watching the pirates approach.
“So much for a thousand to one,” he muttered.
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The oceans, the lakes, the seas. The waves, the surf, the dolphins. The sword, the armor, the battle. The strength, the earth, the energy. I am a sailor, I am a warrior, I am a mage.
Posted by Sayomara on 04-29-2002 12:17 AM: 
Things are starting to come together
Sayomara and Elyas cut though the woods with great speed with Sayomara flying, and Elyas running his bear form. Elyas could easily run faster then Sayomara could fly though the trees, but since Elyas was the only one who knew, the way so only went as fast as Sayomara would go.
The days pasted quickly with Sayomara seeing Elyas change between bear and human form many times, normally when Elyas would come back to him human form he and Sayomara would walk side by side, giving Sayomara a chance to rest his power, because many times after hours of flight Sayomara would find himself covered with Frost.
On there third day heading south, they came to a small village in the middle of the woods, Elyas Explained that this was the home of the Oakrunner Clan, a group of great warriors who believe that people are strongest when they are at one with nature.
As the two men approached the a man looking about 50 came out of one of the main huts, wearing little more then he had to, “Who goes there?”
“It is I Sayomara Waverunner and Ice master, and this is Elyas StoneKnuckles son of Hrodgar StoneKnuckles. We come here to ask for your help to fight with us in the coming days. I Sayomara am calling a grand Counsel of all the Tribes and Clans in Farai. The Meeting will in be in Parvini as soon as all the Tribes are there. Will you come?” When Sayomara was done talking he walked up to the man with arms up and his hands open.
The man received Sayomara gester and then spoke “My clan will come to your Grand Counsel and hear what you have to say.”
“I’m glad to hear it and if there are any others near here would you pass the word about the Grand Counsel,” said Sayomara as stepped back.
“I will do that, but will you stay at least for the night with my clan,” Asked the man as he walked back to the door of the hut.
“I’m sorry but there are still a great many people I need to see. By the way what is your name?” Ask Sayomara as he turned to Leave.
“I’m Aeveris, I look forward to seeing you in Parvini.”
“As do I.” With that Elyas turned back into a bear and Sayomara took Flight, and headed into the woods.
*________________________________
The days that followed were filled with many similar encounters, with Great Mages like VegEnas Kaiyon, Thinious Delmond, and many others that had come to Soulwood during the time of the Terrain Magic ban. Many knew of Sayomara personally, others had hear of him, And all were happy to come to Sayomara counsel, to hear what Sayomara had to say about the coming of the shadow.
Then on the ninth day since Sayomara had run into Elyas they found what they were looking for, The Milios Tribe. Sayomara had offended heard of the great gathering the clans of the Mellos tribe, but he had never seen it. Few outsiders had but there it was all the same. So, Sayomara know how that time was not something he had a lot of started walking in to gathering with Elyas close behind. As the two men entered, all the music seemed to quiet down and Sayomara and Elyas could hear whispering all around them. “Do you know what you doing?” Asked Elyas thy got closer to the center of the Great Gathering
“I sure hope so otherwise this could be a long night.”
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I have seen much in my day, but nothing as bad as this.
Posted by Finrandel on 04-29-2002 01:49 PM:
The lone elf walked the corridors to the dining room, pondering in his mind the situation he had witnessed. Everything seemed to make complete sense now... Nelcar's leaving, the looks shared by Saeth and Til'Sylvanna, and the extra time they spent alone together. The two were in love, that much was obvious. The acts that Finrandel could only assume had been committed must have been what drove Nelcar away. The poor young elf had his heart broken. It could only be imagined what he would do.
"Dilora'eswanthe*," murmured Finrandel. His pace quickened, and his brow furrowed. He turned from his intended path and returned to his room to gather his belongings.
The humans never even noticed the silent elf departing the castle, thanks in part to the abilities Finrandel possessed.
---------------
*In the tongue of man, this translates to "double-hearted."
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"The path that we have chosen is fraught with peril. Few have the courage or strength of will to follow."
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 04-29-2002 02:19 PM: A lesson in history... One man's choice...
OOC: This takes place just before Fin's leaving
Finrandel of the Evening Sky knocked softly upon the door of the rooms belonging to Indigo Grei. For some time there was no answer, but he could feel the power of magic which burned within the lad, and so knew that he was within.
“Indigo Grei, it is Finrandel of the Elwain. May I speak with you?” He waited patiently.
The youth came to the door and opened it, ushering the elf into his rooms. Finrandel watched the lad closely. He seemed to have lost some weight, obviously from not having eaten well of late. The Elwain did not begrudge the human his worries. Til’Sylvanna had placed a great weight upon him, and now she was in dire health. He had been in to see her earlier that day, but knew that, like the Lady, the maladies of the Princess where those of the mind and spirit, not of the body.
“What brings you here at this hour?” Indigo asked politely. He could not, however, keep the exhaustion from his voice. “Is the Evenstar still not feeling well? And how is her Warder?”
Finrandel took a deep breath and sat in a comfortable chair nearest to the fire, while Indigo lay on his bed looking up at the ceiling.
“The Lady…” he was not sure what he wished to say. He had come here to ask the lad’s help, but he was not sure that he wished to place one more care upon Indigo’s young shoulders. Still, he had little other recourse. “The Lady is physically well enough, but it is not her physical condition which worries me. The Esiai’desh’mirain heals, but it will still be some days before he will be well enough to be up and about once more. He is strong, and I think he now has reason enough to take better care of himself...” Finrandel trailed off, watching the flames dance in the fireplace.
Indigo raised an eyebrow at the elf’s comment, but did not press him further for the meaning behind his allusion. He waited for the usually very quiet elf to continue, for it was very obvious that he had more on his mind. Finally, knowing that the Elwain could ponder for hours before speaking, he decided to broach the subject himself.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but it’s clear to me that you didn’t come here just to report the health of the Lady and her Guardian. Even I can see that you are troubled, and I’m assuming that you’re here because it has something to do with me.” Indigo met the clear blue eyes of the elf, and Finrandel measured him for some time before he spoke.
“To understand the events in which you now find yourself entwined, young human, you must first begin to understand the Elwain, and most of all the Evenstar. Even I do not know all that there is to know, only having my own knowledge and supplements from Nelcar to go by. In fact, I am fairly sure that Saeth Shen would be very, very angry with me if he knew that I was telling you these things. Still, I feel that I have little choice. The Lady thinks you are the key, and so I will arm you with what weapons of knowledge that I have.” The quiet elf sighed very sadly. “And… because I have no one else to turn to. I am in fear for her spirit… and I do not know how else to help the Lady. I promised Nelcar I would watch over her for him, and that is a vow I mean to keep, but there are things which will soon take me from here.” There was total honesty in the clear blue eyes of the elf, and a finality as well. It was to look of one who suffers much in silence for his companions, and for the things that he knows.
Indigo sat up and faced the elf, both intrigued and hesitant. Finally, he was going to get some answers, but what else? Sometimes knowledge came with greater burden than ignorance.
“I suppose that we must begin at close to the beginning of this mess as I can reason. The Queen, and why Saeth Shen is less than an advocate of humans. Over a thousand years ago, just before I was born, there was a great darkness in the land. A Necromancer of great and dire power threatened to destroy the land, but for the united strength of the young Ganian King and the Elwain. Together, our peoples bested the dark one, and peace there was once more in the world. The Queen, beautiful beyond measure and much loved by our folk, went herself to war, and at her side were her two Guardians; Saeth Shen, ranger of the Esiai’desh’mirain, and Valerian, First Warden of the Armies of the Elwain. Our good King remained in Hethilin to keep guard over our folk and his young son.
“Great was the friendship between our folk and the Ganians then, for a wonderful friendship there was betwixt the human King and our lovely Queen. That friendship lasted all the days of his short human life. When at last, as must come to pass for your kind, his days were at an end, he sent word to his life long friend, the Queen, requesting that she be there as they lit his pyre. She could not refuse him his last wish, and so the three set out for Gania. All of the Elwain mourned the loss of that king, for he was as bright a human soul as the world had ever seen.
“The Queen and her Warders remained as guests of the ageing Queen of Gania, for there was friendship between the two women as well. Our good Lady gave strength to the mourning human Queen, and vows of friendship that would be binding so long as the sun and moon passed in the sky. But, at last, it was time for the Elwain to return Home to our kin and loved ones.”
The Elf sighed sadly, and Indigo could see that this was not a tale that ended happily.
“The three made good time coming Home, and reached the eves of the Evisis in four days’ ride. But, unbeknownst to them, the descendant of the Necromancer waited for his revenge against the Elves who had meddled in the affairs of humans. His men beset the three there in the woods… still a day from the city of the Elwain where they would be safe. Though they fought bravely, three are no match for fifteen, even be they the greatest of the Salurion. The humans had dark mages in their numbers, and such magics our kind is ill suited to fight. The Queen, despite all that Saeth and Valerian could do to protect her, was mortally wounded, and died soon after they reached Hethilin. Saeth himself was hurt so badly by a magical wound that he too nearly died. Valerian, the older of the two Guardians, had managed, despite his hurts, to get the three of them back to the city, but it was too late. Our Lady Queen died in the arms of her King, at peace and with those she loved. Linfell, Prince of the Elwain, was no more than 57 at the time.”
Finrandel met the eyes of Indigo, tears shining despite all the centuries that had passed since the death of the beloved Queen. “The Warders lived, though their Ward did not, and this was great shame to them both. Though the King pardoned them, I do not think that either one of them forgave themselves for outliving her. They felt that they should have died, for such is the power of the Bond between Warder and Ward. Saeth begged for death, pleading upon the justice of the King that he should die for his failure to protect the Queen. The King refused. Whether because he did forgive the Guardian truly, or to punish him with a life of guilt and dishonor, I do not know. Perhaps a bit of both. Saeth rejoined the Esiai’desh’mirain and was seldom seen again in the city. He served the Prince loyally, as if to pay for letting his mother fall. Valerian, broken and sad, continued to serve the House of Dol’Allymar as First Warden.
“A hundred years passed and a cause for joy was finally had for the Royal House of the Elwain. Born to the brother of the King were twin children, a boy and a girl. Few are the children of the Elwain, for we are a slow people to reproduce, and smaller still after the magical plague which took many from us too soon. Twins are rare indeed, only occurring once in five millennia or so. They were given the names Til’Silvannis- Silver Sun Fire, and Til’Sylvanna- Silver Star Fire. Immediately they were loved by all, for they broke the mourning pall which had long lain over the house of the King and his kin. Lord Talisaryan and his Lady wife Lira loved their children with all of their hearts, and King Beingor became like a second father to the beloved twins. He could always be found in their company playing with them and his own son as if he too were a child once more.
“That was a happy time for the Elwain. Though we yet missed our Queen, we no longer mourned her passing. New life had come into the world and reminded us that there was a cycle to life, death and renewal.
“I did not know the twins well, for they were of the Royal Salurion House, and I was not. They were as different as the sun and moon, the twin children of Lord Talisaryan. He was golden and bright, quick to laugh and jest, athletic and bardic by nature. She was quiet and pale as moonlight, slow to friendships but lasting in love, kind to all and possessing of an ancient grace. The two were never apart. It was sometimes said in good humor that they were really one soul that the Creator had mistakenly put into two bodies. Everyone loved them, and it was perhaps because they were loved so much that they were so highly protected. The Prince was ever with them, and Nelcar’s brother as well. It seemed that the Elwain as a folk silently promised themselves that they would never let any harm come to these children, for they were touched by light, special, and beloved.
“Valerian, upon the birth of the Twins, took them as his Wards. Lord Talisaryan acquiesced to the former Guardian’s wishes because he had always trusted the elf, and knew that he would never let any harm come to his children. The King seemed not to mind, despite the fact that Valerian had failed to protect his wife.
“But, it would not be long before the House of Dol’Allymar lost another of its beloved women. The Lady Lira, wife of Lord Talisaryan, was a Seer. Her line was one that had always been blessed with the Sight, though it had been many millennia since the gift had appeared. He daughter was very like to her in nature, for the Lady was very quiet, almost a ghost. She was pale and fair, though she rarely smiled. She was a soul burdened by what she saw, that much I do know. It became rumored that she was growing ill, though it was a malady of the spirit that we had no power to cure. Even her beloved Chosen had no way of healing her, for she suffered too greatly under the weight of her Vision. One night she called for her ten year old daughter to be brought to her. All that night the two were alone and in deep conversation. When the first rays of the dawn came, word reached the Lord that his wife had chosen to quit her life, too burdened was she under the weight of what she had seen. For days the only word the child Til’Sylvanna would speak was…” and at this point Finrandel looked Indigo in the eyes and held him, “Dolensirion. In the old speech it means ‘Spirit of Power that Sleeps’ She would not elaborate and it was assumed that what her mother had told her before her passing was for the child alone.”
Indigo was not sure how he felt. So it was true… Til’Sylvanna’s mother had died because of him. Great. Just another weight on his shoulders.
“I do not know what it is that the Lady Lira told her daughter, but I know that that Vision holds still. Til’Sylvanna has been all of her life bound to the Fate that you now carry. She has had no choice. If you fear for what you are, or even what you may become, do not think that you are alone in this fear. She has Seen, and I do not think that any of us can even begin to perceive the weight that must be on her. She feels that it rests upon her to protect you, to guide you, and aid you. This is not a fate that she chose either. 742 years she has lived with the knowledge that she would find you… that she would show you and those destined to accompany you the Path, and…” He did not finish. The rest he could not speak. He had promised the Lady that he would not tell what she had told him. That secret of her Vision she kept even from Saeth and Nelcar, who loved her. That was why she had told him, because his heart was not bound to hers as theirs were.
“There is so much that you do not know, and much yet that I should tell you, but have not the heart to do so. It is not an easy path that you must walk, Indigo Grei, and I am sorry that such times are upon us that you must do so. Do not think that the Elwain are not sympathetic to your plight, I assure you that we are. But be sympathetic to ours as well; bound to you is she whom we love most, our Evenstar. If we loose her, we lose the last of her line and a great light will be forever gone from the world. She and Linfell are the last of the Dol’Allymar, and she is the last of her mother’s kin. You have a great gift, though you may not see it as such now. You have to power to heal the rift between our two kindreds, you and the Lady together. You have the power, with your love for your Princess, to bring that which can deliver us from the Shadow back into the world. You have the power to choose. That is more than she was ever given. Ponder well my words, for more lives than your own hang in the balance.” The elf spoke with quite passion and conviction.
Indigo was quiet for some time, letting Finrandel’s words sink in when the elf continued his narrative.
“The years passed for us all, and soon the Lord was more like his old self. After all, he still had two young children to care for. Til’Sylvanna never did outgrow her reserved nature, and was more often seen by moonlight than sun. It was her beauty and her celestial nature which earned her the name Evenstar- given to her by her cousin, the Prince. Soon all called her that. Her brother was always getting himself into mischief, often by the suggestion of Linfell and Nelcar’s older brother. For a century the twins grew and matured, becoming wonderful people in their own rights.
“Valerian had taken to training the two in the art of weaponry, knowing that such skills were essential for a well rounded education. They took to that just as quickly as they took to everything else. Both became fine archers, and practitioners of the ancient Elwain martial arts. Til’Silvannis showed great promise as a strong practitioner of Nish’talle A’diran, and his sister was known to be a Seer like her mother before her.
“One day, in the spring of their 176th year the two were playing at rapier training. It was the one martial weapon at which she was more skilled than he, and she was enjoying his frustration. Valerian stood nearby, watching the twins at their mock combat. What exactly happened, I do not know, only that it was an accident and fault of no one. Til’Sylvanna pierced him… a blow that killed him. There in the bright sunlight, red blood staining her white shirt, her twin brother, the other half of her soul died in her arms. No healer could be gotten in time, and even the Bond held with Valerian was not enough to save the boy."
He was quite for some time, images of that day flooding his mind as if it were only yesterday. He sighed and continued.
“She has never been the same since. I remember that they had to carry her away, so great was her anguish. I remember that all the Elwain gathered at the pyre of Til’Silvannis, but she did not come. Nor was she seen for over a hundred years. For a century she did not leave her father’s house, nor even her room. She became like one living dead, for a great part of her spirit had fled with the passing of her twin. She blamed herself and not even the love of her cousin Linfell could break the spell grief held over her heart. Her father built for her a great manor of the purest white stone, fashioned by the most skilled of all the craftsmen of the Elwain. A great wall of rose quartz he had raised, carved in fanciful and breathtakingly beautiful designs. A garden was there planted, in hopes that she could find peace in the nurturing of growing things. Upon its completion she moved there to live alone, but for the silent protection of Valerian.
“The years passed and we began to lose hope that our Evenstar would ever come back to us. She was lost in her guilt and grief, and none seemed to have the power to find her. Even her own father went back to his duties of assisting his brother in the running of the kingdom, leaving his beloved daughter to her self- imposed exile. But, time heals most wounds. She could be seen sometimes walking only by the light of the moon, seemingly lost to her own thoughts. Still, that she had, after almost two hundred and sixty years finally left her tomblike existence was a good sign. She began to allow the Prince to come and see her, even permitting him to bring the younger brother of his dear friend to see her. Nelcar came to sing for the Evenstar, and I think that he was very much responsible for bringing her out of her mourning.
“And so it was that she came back into the light after almost four hundred years lost. She was still very much inclined to introversion, but would more often stray out amongst her kindred while the light of day yet shone. She took to assisting her uncle the King in matters of Lore, and became his trusted Sooth Sayer, for it was well known that she was prone to Visions like her mother had been before her. Though she sill preferred the moon and stars to sun and day, at least she had begun to live once more.
“There is little more to tell regarding the Lady. Only that the Visions of her youth plague her still. She has never forgotten the words of her mother, nor the death of her twin. Now, she has awakened to her ability as a Dream Walker, something of which I have never heard. In this Realm of Dreams she is far more powerful than she is here in the Waking World, or so Nelcar has told me. It is also for this power that the agents of the Shadow seek her… and seek, I think, to use her.
“I now come to the true heart of the matter, Dolensirion, for do not think that I have bored you with this very long tale in vain.” Quietly Finrandel began to pace the room, obviously upset by the matter he was about to discuss. “Something vile has befallen her, and your own Lady too, I fear. Though I saw no mark upon your Princess, my Lady is branded with the mark of Shadow. She is not like herself, fell are her words and faded is her beauty. Her kindness has turned to ice, and even to Saeth whom she professes to love she is harsh. I am at a loss.” He turned to face the human, a look of helplessness on his kind face. “Help me help her. She awaits your decision… that much I know. You and the Princess, red star of the Evenstar’s dreams were able to bring her back from darkness once. When she was taken, imprisoned. Help her now, I beg you. I will do all that I can for your ladylove, that much I vow, but if we cannot shake the shadow from the heart of Til’Sylvanna, I fear that it will not matter. Only she knows what it is that she had Seen.”
“You must choose your fate, Dolensirion, Spirit of Fire, Indigo Grei. Stand and fight, accept your destiny, or reject it. We have run out of time.”
The elf stood before him, no judgment in his eyes. He had to choose, and no matter what that choice, at least this one elf would not damn him for it. That was something at least.
It was time to choose.
CUE: Everyone else.
(Sorry this is so long… but my DSL is down and I have to get this stuff in when I can. *grin.* __________________
Darkness- a heart that knows not love.
Despair- a soul that knows love, and still dwells in Darkness.
Posted by Indigo Grei on 04-29-2002 05:02 PM:
"I have made my decision, Finrandel. But since you have shared much with me, I wish for you to hear about my past. It is... short, I suppose, compared to that of the Elwain, but if you do not object, perhaps it will help you and the other Elwain understand men better."
Finrandel nodded, secretly wishing that the decision was favorable.
"I came into this world on a farm outside of Xellos. It's not a big place, but it's always busy. I was raised on that farm, and we usually lived pretty well. There were long winters, and droughts, of course, but my family has never known much hardship. I decided that farming wasn't for me, so I left home about a year ago to see the world. I met many people on my journey, and did many things. I bonded with a Fiero. I helped heal an ogre's son. I have bartered with h'Rittir, and fought alongside Holy Knights. I've come to love the princess, Scarlet. But I've also faced other men on the battlefield, and been besieged by the shadowspawn. I've seen cities destroyed, and witnessed the betrayal of those who trust. I have been cast down, and lifted up. Denied magic, and granted it. I have seen the best and worst of this world. I have walked with the Elwain, and been dismissed by the same." Indigo sighed. "Perhaps that was why I was chosen, or perhaps it is because I was chosen that I've lived so. But either way, my love for the best of this world will not allow me to sit by and watch it die. I wish I could deny that I have a greater power, and say that I am just a man, but I cannot. However, I believe that this power is the key to the world's salvation. I will not let the world die. I will fight."
Finrandel nodded.
Indigo stood up, a firm determination in his stance, fire in his eyes. "I will not abandon those I love to the shadow over this world." He clenched his fists, and the fire that burned his eyes began to envelop his body.
This is it! The Dolensirion is not another being, it is a fire that burns inside, the desire to protect, to fight, to love! For Scarlet, for Til'Sylvanna, and for every one of my friends, and those I have met, I will fight, and destroy the shadow!"
Yes! Finally, you understand! The red dragon appeared in Indigo's mind, towering over him. This power you have is a gift, but it is not through my power alone that the fire burns so.
You are... the dragon... No... Indigo's eyes widened. You are the avatar, Salamander Armada!
I am. But I can help you no more. The power is no longer mine, but yours. Soon, I shall ascend to the creator's side, and you, along with the champions, will hold the power of the avatars. The time has come for the power to return to the living. The shadow has gained power as well, and I fear he has knowledge of the En'Druziel.
If he finds it, can we still defeat him?
Have faith in your power, and that of the champions, and you can do anything. Go now. Your love is one of those who must fight, and she needs you.
Indigo nodded.
Finrandel watched as the fire ceased to burn around Indigo. The fire in his eyes was still there, and he looked at the Elwain. "Finrandel of the Elwain, take heart. Both of the women will live long lives of happiness. Today is not for them to sway from those paths. I will see to it." With that, he walked from the room, a look of determination on his face.
He walked to Scarlet's room. The guards stood aside, their faces downcast. He looked at them. "Now is not the time to be defeated. Stand firm, and all will be well." Indigo brimmed with optimism, and felt deep down, that he had the power to make it so. He pushed open the door to Scarlet's bedchamber. She was still laying on the bed in the fetal position, eyes wide open and dry. He sat down next to her. His emotions wavered briefly.
Now what? he asked himself.
Show her how much you love her. Remember how you felt when she first kissed you?
