Thursday, January 20, 2005
Rune Aeterna 2
Rune Aeterna (http://www.asheri.com/forums/index.php)
- (http://www.asheri.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?forumid=13)
-- (http://www.asheri.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=44)
Posted by Keiru Silver on 09-01-2001 11:46 AM
You'll see how the topic merging works if you check out the archive section...
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-01-2001 04:48 PM
Adamas and Rublicant stood together in Rublicant's library, within the Al'Teyr family estate. They both looked towards a bundle sitting atop one of ther many tables within the expansive space.
It had taken them a while to get to the estate. Rublicant had to tend to several members of his guild who were wounded during his absence, using his magic for the first time to aid in healing. That took several hours. Adamas checked in with his entourage, and met briefly with the magistrate once again. Within five hours altogether, they were on the way from Dargent to Rublicant's estate.
They were greeted happily by Rublicant's grandmother, Laurana, who entertained them for some time by telling them a lengthy story about her husband and the destruction of Fayre. (certain parts of this story unbeknownst to most people she left out for the sake of Ezra's reputation). However, she soon mentioned that one of Rublicant's "servants" had left a package for him, and that it had been left for him in his study.
He had asked a servant to place the package in the library.
And now they stood before it, waiting to unveil it and look upon it for the first time.
Rublicant carefully unwrapped the cloth from the blade and held it in his left hand.
It was exactly as Rublicant had said, a crystalline sword, nearly four feet long, and sparkling as if it were diamond. The Angel's Tear shone like a blessing sent to the two companions. Rublicant handed the blade to Adamas, who admired it for a short while, and then the two retired to Rublicant's personal section within the basement of the manor, and set to figuring out exactly how to harness its abilities.
__________________
"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."
Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 09-02-2001 08:29 PM
It had been a long seminar with the generals. Count Aramus VanVehementi let out a sigh of relief to see the approach of his luxurious homestead within the confines of Nyliam City. He had long missed the comfort of his chambers and the fragrant smells of his wife, Mirrielle. Aramus could envision her radiance while he began to massage his temple as his head sway from side to side with a hypnotic movement induced by the carriage wheels navigating their way in and out of the street's many crater like imperfections.
"Ahhh, home at last. If you would be so kind as to transport my belongings within my residence, you may in return keep the contents of this purse." Aramus tossed a bag of coins to the coachmen. Upon catching his prize and pearing within the pouch he began to salivate with greed.
"Of course my Count! I shall bring your possesions with great haste." As the coachman took to his duties, Aramus rolled his eyes in an appathetic glaze.
'If only the Generals had been so easy to buy out. Perhaps my plans would have already been set into action.' Aramus retired this, what would be the last serious thought that he would conjure this day. Indeed, he had, in fact, been succesfull with his negotiations. He had contacted three generals, which under the direct funding of Aramus, would follow his orders without question. However, rather than being relieved by the foreshadowing of his ambitions, he was left with nothing but stress. The loyalty of the generals and what militia they would hand pick to begin Count VanVehementi's coupe, would cost him over half of his family's vast fortune, and for but half a years contract. Rather than relaxation, these next weeks would be filled with much paperwork and study as the advanced procedureal plans were finalized.
Yet, even with his now pounding headache and concern for the upcoming operation, all was wiped away as he crossed the threshold of his massive estate. It was the one comfort his bastarrd father had left him and a comfort that he relished in great content.
Aramus began his trek through the foyer; his steps echoing with every press of the heel, as he ventured towards the stairwell. He made no effort to pear at the tappestries upon which many a family portrait had been depicted. As far as Aramus was concerned, his long deceased family could be hung in place of the billowing art works. All that trully mattered to him now was seeing his one love and wife Mirrielle. He swore he could hear his heart echo within the ongoing corridor as he neared his bedroom doors.
Aramus halted just outside of the chamber, taking the moment in. What would he say? After an awkard pause, he decided that he would be inspired by the moment and opted rather to skip the forethought. As he burst to the door with almost childlike enthusiasm he could feel his heart swell with emotion. The towering french doors swung with ease despite their hulking size. The slit of light was small at first but soon grew to be an almost blinding sight. The last rays of the Nyliam sunset shown upon a silloheted figure... "Gregoryn??"
A single bead of sweat rolled from the servants brow as he gazed nervously into his master's eyes. He swallowed and nearly choked as he began to speak. "Good evening Master Aramus. Has all gone well with your appointments?"
The count paused within the awkward nature of the situation before answering, "Indeed Gregoryn. All has progressed well. I anticipate a favorable outcome to my inuendos." Aramus couldn't break his stare. His servants commonly roamed the entire estate to carry out their numerous duties and chores, but what possible business could Gregoryn have had in his bedroom?
Mirrielle, also somewhat taken back by the moment, picked herself off of the bed -upon which sheets and quilts had been strewn halfhazzardly- and made her way to greet her husband. "Good evening my love. I'm so happy to see your return!"
The strange bewildered grimace upon Aramus' face soon faded he responded with the laying of an affectionate kiss upon Mirrielle's hand. After gazing into her eyes for a moment, Aramus found comfort and shed his darkest suspicions. He politely smiled, wished his wife and Gregoryn a good evening and retired to his library for furter study. After leaving his room and his wife's presence, his mind once more began to race. His military plans would have to be put on hold. This was a matter he wished to get to the bottom of immeadiately. If he was to find Mirrielle guilty of the acts that played out in his imagination, she would pay forfit in the most gruesome of ways.
Aramus made his way to his favorite thinking chair and began to setup a surveilance program in his mind. "Mirrielle my love, let us now see how much you truly love me. If you're not up to such a challenge, then I shall see to it that you might plead your case with your maker!!"
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"
Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-02-2001 08:47 PM
Adamas and Rublicant were tired. They had used most of the moonlight hours learning to link with each other, first allowing Adamas to conduct, then Rublicant. That had taken them a long time in and of itself.
Then, with Rublicant's unpracticed knowledge of Savils, they had to go about harnessing the abilities of The Angel's Tear. That took the pair another two hours, as they first tried to channel the magic through it, then simply having it in their possession, until they finally discovered that the director must focus the power of the other member(s) of the symphony through the blade. The harmonic resonance of the symphony's Savillion-increased energy allows for the increase in the energy of the Conductor as well. Or at least, that's what Rublicant deternined.
With morning rapidly approaching, Adamas and Rublicant had accomplished little, and much. Althougfh they had not really done anything, they had harnessed the abilities of the savillion, as well as learned much of the powers granted to them by the process of dedication. The ablities granted to them were beginning to become more innate for simple tasks. No longer did they send out for drink if it was not nessecary. Rublicant had become good at creating glasses made of ice filled with water, and his wine was getting better, by Adamas's opinion. They no longer needed to walk across the room to retrieve books from the table that they had set most of Rublicant's Magical Theory books upon, as Adamas could easily weave currents of air and bring them to his hand. The seeral times they had wounded themselves, no matter how slightly, during the evening, Rublicant insisted on healing, even if it was but a touch of frostbite to himself from slowing the molecules in the air too quickly, or a minor electrical shock that Adamas had recieved while harnessing the static electricity of the air itself. He was getting better and faster at healing, but Adamas did still think that he needed to work on lessening the pain of the process.
Unbeknownst to him, that was part of Rublicant's fun in the process.
The two retired as the sun was rising, sending each other off with an icy glass of wine that was brought to their hands from the edge of the balcony, some forty feet away. Adamas and Rublicant were becoming not only more skilled with their more basic magics, but also having fun, and becoming more than companions, but good friends...
__________________
"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."
Posted by Volsung on 09-02-2001 11:28 PM
Volsung and Veritas Vesper
The night had pasted slowly for Veritas who had almost naded off a few times during her shift but the knowing of the thieves and other poetical threats kept her awake most of the night. Then about an hour before dawn, she finally lost the battle with sleep. Luckily, Volsung woke up about five minute after she had fallen a sleep. Volsung knowing how tired his sister was, let her sleep until after sunrise, but Volsung didn’t like this pass. The problem in this view was that you could be ambushed in almost any spot in the pass with all of the caves and turns and such and then they would be going into he wolf country where his book said that if you were seen by any wolf that you would kill on site. Thus making this a two-day journey in witch, they would have to spend a night at the edge of Madain's pass. Just about that time, Veritas woke up again. “Damn it I fell a sleep!”
“That’s ok I woke up about an hour ago and I checked all our stuff, and its still here so don’t worry about it,” said Volsung who was now just making breakfast.
“When do we set out?”
“After Breakfast, its still pretty early, and we only want to get to the end of the pass today.”
“I would feel better if we got there early, that way we can find a good place to hide before night fall.”
“Fine but first lets eat breakfast that way we don’t have to stop for lunch,” said Volsung who was now just finishing with breakfast.”
“Fine, fine I will eat but only because you’re my brother,” with that Veritas pulled herself out of bed and then she walked over to where Volsung was cooking. Soon she had all that Volsung had made for her and then took some of Volsung meal. After they were both full, Volsung and Veritas started walking north towards Forestre. Both Volsung and Veritas were in better sprits than ether had been in days, but that soon changed. Veritas was the first to see the bodies. As best they could tell someone or thing had attacked a group travelers in pass, and all of there posetions had been taken off of them but all the bodies were left and they fell. Volsung was the first to speak “Who could do such a thing?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t think that we should spend to much time around here,” said Veritas who didn’t like being around the site of a ambush.
“I just want to write down as much as I can about these people and that way we can do some asking around when we get to Forestre. Give me ten minutes, Ok,” Said Volsung who was trying to get as much detail as he could.
“Fine Ten minutes then we need to more on this is not a go spot to stand for more than a few minutes,” with that, Veritas pulled out her sword and did her best to keep a eye out in all dictions.
After Ten minute had pass there was no sign of the people who had attack this group. “Ok, its time to go I don’t like the smell of this place, and it seems like these people was well armed, how very odd.”
“Well what makes you think that?” said Veritas who now took a quick break to look at the bodies.
“There are a lot of empty Sheaths, and there are a few dagger and swords that the attacker missed then they clean out all of the other goods.”
“Your right, this just makes me wonder who or what attacked. Because whatever it was they must of had far greater numbers to kill so many so well armed, even with the element of surprise.”
“I know lets get a move on,” said Volsung who hated leaving all of those people behind, but he knew that if they didn’t leave they would more than likely meet the same fate. So, they set out and always watching he huge pillars, and caves on ether side of the road for any sign of life. Every now and then there would be a stray rock fall unto the path from some high up cliff, but still no other signs were seen as they walked. About two hours before night fall Veritas started to hear voices behind her, but Volsung heard nothing. Then unexpected Veritas spoke up. “If we stay here tonight we are going to die. We must go all the way to Forestre tonight.”
“I think to are right, as the day has gotten longer I have seen shadows moving around us. I believe they are waiting for us to stop for the night.”
“Then it is settled we go all the way to Forestre tonight,” said Veritas who was losing up her sword and dagger.
“Keep a move on but now we run the risk of being trapped on both side if we should run in to any wolfs that are out scouting for people like us.”
“We can worry about that if we run into wolfs right now all I know is that we need to get in to the clearing were at least we can fight on a level plain.” And so they kept marching out of the pass and moving north. Then about a mile out of the mouth of the Madain pass a group of ten thieves approached them from all sides. “Give up now and we may let you leave with your lives.”
“We give up nothing,” said Volsung prowd and authoritative voice.
“Fine have it your way,” then the thieves attacked from all sides. Volsung and Veritas pulled out there swords and daggers. The both of witch had been of little use until now.
Soon Volsung and Veritas had killed five of the ten thieves but Volsung and taken a blow to his right arm and was no longer able to hold any thing with it. So, he was forst to put his sword aside, because he had never truly mastered swordsmanship with his left hand. Therefore fought on with only the Dagger in his left hand, Veritas Had faired a little better She had only as small cut on her head, but despite there wounds both Veritas and Volsung fought on. After they had killed two more, the thieves turned tail and headed back to the pass. Then Volsung sat down tried from the fight and dizzy from blood lose. “Let me put a bandage on that for you,” said Veritas who after putting the bandage on Volsung was looking at the bodies for any signs of who they were.
“Thank you Veritas, I think we must get a move on I bet they are just going back to get some friends.”
“Your right, but give me a minute here,” with that she started looking thought he pockets of the thieves, and what she fond amazed her. In seems that the leader had some sought of Ring in his pocket. Witch seemed to glow after its owner had been killed almost as if it was trying to get someone attention. Moreover, when Veritas took it and put it on her finger it glowed even brighter than before then for no reason it stopped. “It must be some sort of light for people in very dark spots. I imagine that this could be quite useful for exploring caves.”
“I'm sure your right, but we need to get a move on.” Soon Veritas finish checking the bodies for anything of use, and found a great many little things like knives, rings, pentads and golden bracelets of all shapes and sizes. All of witch was more than likely stolen, but what is the crime in steeling off the body of a thief, Veritas thought to herself.
Then out of the Blue Volsung spoke up, “You know this may sound odd but these thieves are dressed a lot like those people we found in the pass. Do you think that there could be more than one group of thieve working in this area.”
“A far better question is how are thieve in that middle of nowhere growing in power so quickly?” Witch of curse they both knew the answer too. “It must be the black market, and that also explains this ring.”
“Well now that we have that figured out we must get a move on or do you plan on waiting for them, that way maybe you can ask some question.” Despite his sarcasum, Volsung was very interested in what was going on. But he knew that on this night it was better to thinks of ones own neck then who is controlling he black market on magic goods.
“Very well,” and they both started to walk north again, but soon they ran in to more problems. “Its seems that you were right to fear wolves even this far south,” said Veritas to Volsung in a voice just over a whisper. They soon saw that it was just two wolfs who looked like they were be drawn on by the smell of blood, and soon they caught sight of Volsung and Veritas. Attacking at once Veritas Barely had time to pull her sword from its sheath. Volsung still not being able to use his right arm was forst to fight with his dagger in his left hand. At first, each of the wolf attacked but Volsung with a lot of fight in him managed to wound one of the wolves on its left side. Now it was Veritas who took the greater wound this time. One of the wolves, the one with the white tail tobe exact bit right into her left leg right below the knee. This proved to be a fatal mistake by the wolf who was quickly beheaded, but he wound had done its damage. The other wolf seeing that he was now alone quickly turned back to the direction in which be had come. Quickly now seeing that she was hurt Veritas warped her leg, as she had none for Volsung earlier. Then with the help of Volsung she got up and lending on her younger brother for support they started walking again. That is how they made it the rest of the way to Forestre. When they got into Forestre the first thing they did was to find an inn. “Do you have any rooms tonight?” Said Volsung
“Why yes we do, and would you like me to call a doctor for you two?” said that desk clerk who was surprised at the site of the bloodily family.
“Yes would you, and if you would led us to are rooms I really think that we need to lay down for a while,” said Volsung who was himself almost really to pass out himself, hold up the now unconches Veritas.
“If that is what you want I will show you to your room. And then I will call the Doctor here, unless you wish to go him later.”
“No, you can tell him to come here.” With that the Clerk shown Volsung and Veritas their room, and Volsung soon heard the clerk calling for the doctor. That was the last thing he remembered before he passed out.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-03-2001 10:31 PM
Indigo stared down into the cylinder. The salesman jerked the item away from the offender and scowled.
"You dense, boy? Damn fool, starin' into the barrel of a Balanum rifle..." he shook his head.
Indigo stared. "A rifle? What's that?"
"You ever seen a cannon on a boat, boy? Imagine if it were small enough to hold. That's what this is." He pointed to the cylinder. "Bullets go in here." He moved his finger to the long barrel Indigo had examined. "They come out here. Just squeeze the trigger." He handed it to Indigo.
Indigo took it, pointed with it, and squeezed the trigger.
"Damn, boy, you're lucky it was unloaded. You could have shot someone. Pay attention this time."
"How much is it?"
"I'm not sure you're fit to hold it, and I don't really want to sell it to you. You might hurt yourself. There's only a few of these, and I want to keep it for a customer who will know how to use it."
"Give me a cannonball." Indigo plunked down a silver gran.
"It's a bullet, you dimwit. You shoot anyone, it's your own fault. I'll tell the law you stole it." He begrudingly handed Indigo a bullet.
He flipped the barrel down so the cylinder was exposed. He pushed the bullet into the topmost hole and snapped the barrel back into place. His wandering eyes found an unfortunate bird perched on a rooftop about a mile away. Indigo pointed.
"Har har! You couldn't shoot your own foot!"
BANG!
The bird fell to the ground.
"How much is this?" Indigo smiled.
"360 grans."
"That's not that bad."
"And your glaive."
"What?" Indigo grimaced. The glaive was something he didn't really excel at, and it wasn't really an heirloom... Oh well, he figured. It's not like I'm ever going to get much for it anyway. "What about... ...bullets?"
The vendor grabbed the gun and snapped down the barrel. "See the cylinder? You can reload one by one, or..." He pulled it out and placed a fully loaded cylinder on the base. "...All at once. I'll give you two cylinders, and two boxes of bullets. And the gun, of course. Even has a plate to engrave something. What a deal, huh?"
If Indigo wasn't trying to catch the ship before it left, he would have haggled some more for a better price, but he liked what he saw, and the boat would leave without him, so he handed over the glaive (hesistantly), took the gun, and headed for the docks.
He had an inkling that in two days, he'd be playing with fire.
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!
Posted by Volsung on 09-04-2001 12:03 AM
Volsung and Veritas Vesper
It’s was almost noon Before Volsung woke up. The first thing he saw was a doctor healing his sister with what he guessed was earth magic. “How is she doc?”
“She will be fine, but she will have to stay off that leg for at lest a day,” said the Doctor who had just turned his attention to Volsung. “Now lets see what I can do for you.” With that, he put his hands on Volsung right arm and soon after Volsung could move his finger again. “I’m sorry but that is all that I can do for you. You see healing your Sister took most of my power and now I must go home and rest. Here is sling for your arm and you should regain full use of it in two or three weeks.” With that, the Doctor left. Volsung Decide that he would stay by his sister until she woke up.
“I’m sure that she would do the same for me’” he said to himself. Then picked up his sword with his left hand and started working with it, “Well it looks like theirs never been a better time for me to learn swordsmanship with my left hand.” And so he stayed in the room sometimes working with his sword, other times reading his books and sometimes he just sat and watched his sister. Then about an hour after Lunch Veritas woke up.
“Were am I and what happen after we got into Forestre?”
Volsung walked over to his sister and hugged her with his one good arm. “This is a inn just inside of Forestre. You passed out right after we got into town.” Then Volsung called to the Desk Clerk “could you have someone bring us some food. Witch the Desk clerk did in a rather speedy fashion. Soon both were eat some sort of corn bread, but despite its looks it very filling. “Well how are you feeling?”
“Well in truth better than you look,” said Veritas who was now looking just like new.
“Well you can’t leave this bed for at least two days. Do you understand?” said Volsung who knew very well if he had told Veritas that she only needed to stay off her leg for a day she would already be trying to walk out the door.
“Yes I understand. Are you going to be staying here or are you going out?” Said Veritas who was not happy at all to be limited to a bed for two days.
“Yes I’m going to see if I can get some information.”
“Be careful, that are a lot of trouble makers around here.”
“I know, I think last night will leave its marks for a long time.” With that, Volsung walked out the door. After leaving, the inn Volsung found his way into the market. So, that he wouldn’t stand out in the crowd Volsung had left his sword back at the inn. Its not as if I can use it anyway, he thought to himself. Soon Volsung had found a few venders who looked suspicious. But in this he saw nothing that could tell him, who had been at the heart of the Black Market. Volsung Knew that when he and Veritas got to Gania there would be even more selling, but still Volsung wished to learn about the operation in Madains Pass. Then about and hour after he had gotten to the Market Volsung saw an hRittir working at one of the shops he had eyed earlier, Volsung knew that hRittir will tell you about anything for the right price. So, Volsung decided to keep an eye this hRittir until he was alone. Therefore, Volsung stood at distances and watched the hRittir for hour after hour. Then about two hours before sunset the shop closed up and the hRittir headed off on his own. Quick as he could Volsung followed the hRittir and soon there after Volsung caught up with him.
“What do you what? I know you have been watching me all day,” said the hRittir.
“Yes I have, and the reason that I have been watching you is because I want some information.”
“Ok, about what I know a great many things. And a far greater question is what do you have to pay me?”
“Name you price I will tell you if I can afford it.”
“Fine, I would like that Dagger in your Bout. It looks like it is of a very high quality.”
“I will give it too you if you have the information I need. Tell me about he Black Market of Magic goods.”
“Well if I had know what you wanted to know I would have asked for more, but a deal is a deal. Anyways Where to start well that best place is where the stuff is coming in. You see the hRittir are bringing a great deal of he goods that are unloaded form ships south of South Dale. From the unloading spots in the south the hRittir bring the goods to a station just outside of he city where they are spit into two bunchs. Some go to the East and the rest got North. I don’t know about that ones that go east, but the ones that go north come up though Madains pass where thieves take them from that transport group. If they refuse, they are killed. The Thieves live is Ogres caves witch are paid with part of the haul. Part of this deal is for complete protection in the Pass. Then after they get out of the pass the goods come into the hands of venders here in Forestre and they are the ones who get Items north to Gania.”
“Well is that all you know?” Said Volsung you had wished to know a little more.
“No I know more, but that is all will tell you.”
“Thanks, for all of your help.”
“If you must know I will give you this. There are many place in Gran Adageros where the goods come in but I don’t think you will ever find them all.” With that, Volsung handed the hRittir his Dagger. Then the hRittir walked into the night.
“So the Ogres are apart of this too. Well I knew that this was big, but how big is it.” Volsung said to himself. Then turn around and walked back to the inn. When Volsung got back to the inn he first sat down at a table in front of the Clerks desk and processed to write down all in witch the hRittir had told him. After writing all he knew about the matter down. Volsung walked to the room, lied down, and fell asleep.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Adamas Tribune on 09-04-2001 12:31 PM
Adamas tiptoed out of the spacious home. He didn't want Rublicant to know of his doings, much less his servants. Adamas wasn't sure if they were prone to gossip, but no need for the risk.
The storm clouds gathered overhead, which brought a smile to Adamas' face. He raised his arms skyward.
For many moments, nothing happened, then he began to feel a tingling in his arms. He decided to wait a little longer before going all out. He jogged a short distance from the house, taking care to stay in the shadows.
It was near midnight now, and Adamas had been waiting for the right weather conditions ever since he had been dedicated. Now that a stormfront was moving over New Dargent, he had finally found the opportunity he was looking for.
Checking to see how many lights were still on in the house, and was pleased to see that no more than two were still on, and only in the sentryhouse.
He raised his arms, and the tingling began again. The sensation engulfed his body quickly after, unfamiliar but comforting. The clouds began to flash ominously. Adamas wasn't sure if it was heat lightning, or if he was causing the light.
He focused on a nearby tree which seemed unnecessary to the landscape. Nothing happened, but the sensation dulled a bit. Perhaps he wasn't concentrating hard enough. He pressed his energy against his palms from inside, or at least that was what it felt like. His hands began to glow, and he forced his arms out, his palms perpendicular with the ground, his fingers slightly curved.
Lightning struck the tree, a thin bolt really, but powerful enough to light the topmost branches on fire. Adamas, unsatisfied with the result, changed his approach. Instead of calling down lightning, he would channel it through himself.
CRASH!
The sky split with light, and Adamas was certain his eyes had been burned out. Things went shockingly dark, but he head an explosion ringing in his ears. He wasn't sure if it was the lightning or the tree, but it was the last thing he remembered...
...Before waking up in a bed in Rublicant's house.
"Ca....u...er...e?"
"Huh?" Adamas muttered. "Augh! I can't see!" He sat bolt upright, and felt a pair of arms force him down to the bed.
"Can you hear me?"
"Rublicant?"
"I don't know why you struck yourself with lightning, but there are better ways to test your magic." Rublicant was calm, despite the situation Adamas was in. Of course, he wasn't blind.
"I can't see. I tried to channel lightning through myself. What happened to the tree?" His curiosity prevailed through his injury.
"That was a tree? Creator's Hand, Adamas, all we found was a smoldering hole in the ground about 12 feet wide." He shook his head. "Anyway, wipe that smile off your face. You're going to be without sight for a day or two. Here. Smoke this."
Adamas fumbled around, and Rublicant handed him a small, rolled up piece of paper. Adamas inhaled slowly.
"Blecch! Rublicant, what is this garbage? It tastes like cow droppings!"
"Well, if it tasted any better, no one would drink wine. It's kind of a panacea. It should help your eyes."
"Well, panacea or no, it smells horrible." Adamas reluctantly puffed again. He gagged. "I guess I'll get used to it. It's not addictive, is it?"
"No."
"Good. As soon as I can see again, I'm going to kick your ass for making something this nasty..."
__________________
Pride without arrogance,
Independance without dishonor.
Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-04-2001 07:03 PM
Rublicant good-heartedly laughed as he left Adamas' room. He turned down a long corridor and walked out of the manor to the crater that Adamas had created outside of the gardens.
The Angel's Tear hung at his belt. To all of his servants it appeared that the young master had picked up a new trinket, possibly something from Gran Adageros. Rublicant looked into the crater and shook his head sadly.
He then grasped the hilt of the sword with his left hand, the glove that was covering the hand had the two outside fingers cut off so that he could use the Savillion without showing off his rune of dedication. He turned his other hand upwards, and began to draw upon the Ki. In a well thought out process, that he and Adamas had determined in the previous days, he drew his ki through the Savillion, and it acted as an amplifier. He felt the ki energy welling up inside of him, remembering something that his grandfather had written in the margins of one of Rublicant's magic theory books.
"Draw until you feel as if you will explode, until you feel your eyes burning and your skin beginning to burn, then release, for maximum effect. Note: this procedure may cause some harm referred to as 'mana burn' to your body. pay no attention..."
Of course, this referred to terra magic, but Rublicant knew that many of the most basic theories of magic applied to both Ki and Terra magic. He hoped this was one of them...
He felt as if his body was swelling. Fortunately, he did not feel his eyes burning or his skin beginning to burn, but rather he felt strangely bloated, filled with his own power. And he focused, and released.
The area about the crater suddenly went chill, and a mist slipped up into a spire like shape, and then, with a deafening crack, suddenly solidified into a spire of ice, nearly 20 feet high. Rublicant smiled.
He had to go back now, to take care of Adamas. But he did not want to risk healing the wounds magically on his friend. He was not that good yet. Plus, the conventional methods would do, he hoped...
__________________
"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."
Posted by Nelcar on 09-04-2001 09:04 PM
The Cenacaiison
Deep within Hethilin, there was a vale hidden beneath a bower. The bower was leafy, and large and crooked leaves, emerald green, sheltered the small place beneath the Great Wood that was Evisis. The foliage without was not too thick, and small things, nice things, could scurry to and from the small vale beneath the bower. Certainly, there was just reason to scurry, for, dividing the vale, there was a small stream that trickled comfortably, and along the stream, peniweh bushes (1) grew deep upon the banks. There, these nice things could find cold water and ample, sweet fruit, and there they were happy. And, perhaps they came, if not out of hunger and thirst, only to enjoy the beauty hidden about the vale. Certainly, the beauty was not an ancient beauty, nor a well tended beauty but, rather, something natural and something to be revered.
Indeed, the vale was bright. The sun shone far above, first piercing the high canopy, and then the low canopy, bathing the floor beneath the bower in its magnificant light. Thereupon the floor, a bed of grass had been laid, and amongst the bed, proud wildflowers grew and scented the air above them. But certainly, the sun alone, despite its magesty, did not illuminate this vale, for within this vale there grew the Cenacaiison. Each blade, golden and like a small sword, reflected the light cast upon it, and gleaming, sent it shooting elsewhere. Only in Hethilin would this fern grow, and therein, still only in few places.
Here Nelcar carefully and with reverence took from the ground the Cenacaiison to carry with him. Now, it too would seek the sun elsewhere.
1. Very much like the mulberry, but with bitter seeds. Still, many creatures choose to consume these fruits, although more satisfying meals are likely to be found elsewhere.
__________________
Tend to the litany,
and bare it with your wisdom.
Then, with wisdom more, bear it,
and litigate that which has now become your Law.
Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-04-2001 10:30 PM
Orocia had only gotten four or so hours of sleep after last night's dancing. She remembered Scarlet having a good time with the sailors, and smiled for her as she looked on at the endless horizon.
She had the morning watch today. Not exactly a welcome chore after a night of partying, since the watch was from 4:00 to 8:00 in the morning, but Orocia didn't mind. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and again gazed at the shimmering, moon-lighted waves. The moon was setting.... It was Orocia's favorite watch, because it allowed her four hours of precious time to contemplate about whatever, with the sparkling stars, falling moonset and shining sunrise to inspire her.
She let her feet dangle from the crow's nest she sat in, a good 60-ish feet above deck. Her cheek rested in her hand, with her elbow propped up and her other arm snuggling the railing. She felt lonely.
So many people around me and yet I feel so alone...
Her heart ached, and this time the whisperings of the sea couldn't soothe her hurt.
This was the other, more personal reason she liked the morning watch: she could cry. A single solitary tear slid down her cheek, leaving a moonlit trail behind it. Orocia hated even thinking about anyone seeing her cry. She didn't want anyone to see her when she felt weak. She quickly wiped her cheeks with the back of her arm as more followed.
Tears of joy and tears of physical pain she did not mind showing, but tears, as a painful emotion, was the last thing on this world she would reveal to anyone, even beating her secret white tiger tatoo that no one even knew about. She had to be strong for her boys. All of them.
The good ol' boys... She smiled thinking about every single one of them. She remembered the young recruit she "volunteered" last night during the storm, and her promise to cook a tasty treat for him. He was barely 14, and she almost 20, but she still felt like a mother to them all. Then a single man walked upon her mind: her brother.
"Rio...."
The sun's crown peaked over the waves, and pink light drew itself a line upon the horizon, slowly widening itself upwards through the violet sky. Her thoughts were cut short by the striking of seven bells by one of the ship's boys (as in a child under 13 years, despite Orocia's habit of calling any man a boy). Three and a half hours had passed, meaning it was 7:30 in the morning. A chill crept through the air as a light fog set in.
"Ahoy up there!!"
Orocia looked down to see Blonde Ruby.
"Oi! It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey!!" he shouted up to her.
Orocia couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh. "Well, I don't think I have to worry about that!!" Rue laughed along with her: he was the brother she never seemed to have.
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-04-2001 10:37 PM
Scarlet stood on the bough of the ship staring out at the expansive sea. The salty wind played through her hair, making it ripple like the waves below. Although the storm had caused no real damage to the ship, it had blown the Magnolia off course by several days. But that had been three days ago and now preparations were being made to dock in Noit the following morning. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and leaned against the rail. While a part of her was anxious to obtain Dedication, another part asked why she was in such a hurry. After all, she still had no idea of what she was to do with the rest of her life. She sighed.
“Believe it or not, you’re not making the ship go any faster by leaning against the rail like that.,” a voice said from her left. Scarlet glanced at her from the corner of her eye and smiled. Another part of her was reluctant to leave her new friend. For the past three days Orocia (also known as Tiger Lily she soon found out) had taught her the basics of sailing; the vocabulary (Starboard is right and port is left, she repeated in her mind) how to rig a sail, and various other tasks.
“Are we still landing in Noit tomorrow?,” she asked, not taking her eyes off the ocean.
“As far as I know. I still don’t understand why you want to become Dedicated.”
“To be perfectly honest, I don’t either. But it’s something I’ve always known I had to do.” Orocia nodded. The conversation died as the two women gazed toward the eastern horizon. Eventually Orocia had to leave to attend to her duties, but Scarlet remained at the bough until the sky had turned a deep violet and several stars appeared to pin it up where it belonged.
She then returned to her cabin and began to prepare for the next day.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-04-2001 11:11 PM
It was several hours after he had used The Angel's Tear in the gardens before the after effects of what he had done hit him. He began to feel cold, and then dizzy. Rublicant moved quickly to his bedroom, knowing what the symptoms were, and lay down in his bed to rest.
He awoke nearly ten hours later, in the very early morning. He rose from his bed, donned a green and purple robe that had been in the master bedroom wardrobe since his grandfather's time, buckled the Angel's Tear on his belt, and strode towards Adamas' room.
Adamas seemed better. He was of course, sleeping, but the Leathla leaves that he had been smoking were half used up. A good sign, if he was to recover quickly. Rublicant crushed some more leaves and rolled up several more cigarettes, rolling one of good Farai tobacco for himself.
He stepped outside onto the balcony of Adamas' room and looked out at the new pond that he and Adamas had created in his garden. Rublicant was very pleased. He touched the Savillion lightly and created an icy glass of water that he plucked out of the air as it finished forming. He finished his cigarette and padded it out on the sole of his sandal. As he walked back through the room, Adamas stirred, but did not awake.
Rublicant lost himself deep in thought as he waited for his servants to prepare his breakfast. They were quick about it, or as quick as one can be, and by the time that he had finished his meal, Rublicant had decided that he wanted to do something more with his magic. Not more as in something large, not more as in something good or evil, unless serving one's own interests is evil, but something entirely illegal. Something he would have to move to Gran Adageros for some time, perhaps the rest of his life, or live his life in hiding here in Asheri, to do. He was not entirely certain on the idea, he was sure he wanted to do something more, but he was not sure if he was choosing the right path.
He would have to speak to Adamas about this. Rublicant had crossed the lines of legality long ago, and Adamas seemed content to never worry about his position as Ambassador ever again, so why not?
Rublicant smiled as he passed the painting of Ezra hung upon one of the hallway intersections within the manor. He grinned, and laughed selfishly.
__________________
"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."
Posted by Volsung on 09-04-2001 11:35 PM
Volsung and Veritas Vesper
Volsung was up early again, and was in his room working on his swordsmanship. Then about an hour after he gotten up he headed out to do some work. He left a message at the desk for the clerk to give to his sister when she woke up before he came. After about two hours, Volsung came back to the inn, paid his bill, and then when up to the room to find that Veritas was up and in a Crabby mood. Thinking that she had been left behind for a second day she started talking in a very anger manner “Well where have you been?”
“I’ve working on a way to get us to Gania,” Volsung said.
“Well how are we going to get out of here?” Now think better of her brother, because was at lest getting he out of the room.
“We are going to travel with a group of merchants going to Gania.”
“That’s well and go but I can’t walk let.”
“Your right I’m going to carry you all the way.” Feeling that this was a good time to add a little humor.
“I didn’t know you cared so much about me, and with only one arm too.”
“Well I don’t carry that much, but I did get one of the Merchants that we are traveling with to give up his horse so that you could ride it.” With that, Volsung helped Veritas out of bed. Then helped her to the horse that was tied up out front, then the Clerk came out and Helped Veritas on to the horse, because Volsung couldn’t. Then Volsung grabbed the reins and started leading the horse on to where convoy was starting to head out. “Hello when are you all heading out?”
“This is the last part of our group, and were heading out now,” said the last group leader.
“Well let’s get a move on then, I’m not going to sit here all day,” said Veritas who was already getting sick of riding her horse, but she had really liked riding even as a child.
“We need to move fast or we could get trapped in Wolves Trail Alone.” With that, the man told the group to set out. This group had no carts because they were the last group out. The group of 15 people, four horses, and five dogs started walking north. About an hour, after starting out Volsung group had caught up with main group with had all the carts and many of the older people. This was a very large caravan witch would go north or south once a week depending where they were. Some of the merchants were buying some were selling and some did both and when they traveled, they switch jobs this way always having goods to sell and money to buy. The leader of this Group was a named Glaucus. A good man who may sure that the only cheating happening, happens to the customers.
“Hello Volsung, this must be your sister. It's a pleasure to meet you.”
“Well it’s a pleasure to met you as well, and thank you for the horse.”
“Oh, not necessary. When your brother came up to me and asked about joining are Caravan, I thought less of it. But when he also asked for a horse for his sister I knew a couldn’t leave any poor crippled woman behind.” Luck was with Glaucus on this day, because Veritas had killed other men for less, even though at the time it was the truth. After many hours of riding and walking the Caravan decided to camp for the night, Veritas and Volsung were even given their own tent courtesy of Glaucus. After setting in for the Volsung and Veritas talked.
“Well what you think of my transportation?” Said Volsung who was feeling quite proud of him self.
“You did good little brother, and because of you I plain to try to walk a little tomorrow morning. Just to see if I can before we get to Gania. How is your arm feeling?”
“Its getting better, but it still hurts to move it to much. I’m just happy that I can hold a Dagger in my left hand or I might not be here right now (Talking about the wolf attack two nights before).”
“If you’re lucky I’ll he on my feet tomorrow so that I can watch your back.”
“Thanks, have I told you lately how lucky I am to have you around.”
“No, but am always glad to hear it.” With that both when to bed proud of how they had handled there injurers over that past few days.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Nelcar on 09-05-2001 01:37 PM
The Cenacaiison
Carefully, Nelcar wrapped the fern's delicate, threadthin roots in a moist, red cloth. Upon the cloth, he began to pack the soil in which the plant had laid, burying the ruddy hews beneath. Taking yet another cloth from the small sack tied about his waist, he, once again, wrapped the roots, now already hidden beneath the red cloth and the soil. This cloth, however, was not moist, and it smelled of cinnamon, and it was thicker than the last.
After he secured the last cloth with a bit of small twine, he took the Golden Feather, the Cenacaiison, to the small stream and, stooping upon one knee, gently doused the wrappings in the cold waters.
"Now, take here the sun, that it will shower you with strength and good fortune. Blessed is thy ancestry, as are all the Sularion," said Nelcar as he removed the fern from the stream and placed it beneath a sunbeam that had pierced the bower.
He knew that great care would be required if the plant were to be kept alive, for long was the journey east through Hethilin to his father's home. The night before, he had decided that he would speak with Oloth once more before he left. He wished for his father's advice, but also, he knew in his heart that wished to see his mother again.
There, upon the streambed, he sat for a long while, silently watching the light of the sun flicker wildly about the fern's golden leaves. A soft wind would sometimes find its way within and dance about the Cenacaiison, throwing radient needles in all directions. Every so often, another Golden Feather would catch a single, radient needle and send it, yet again, on its way. And so it was that the light was shared within the bower.
Finally, Nelcar stood, and flexing, tightened the cords along the sides of his well worn breeches. He had wanted to fashion a new pair earlier in the year, but he was not given the oppurtunity, and now he was out of time. Thankfully, they were still stout and hearty, and they would serve him well for many more miles.
Again he looked to the Cenacaiison, seeing now that the ray had gone, obscured by the clouds.
"Now, I shall stay here no longer. Take with you what sun was given and now away with me. To my father Oloth, and to my mother. Alare, soon to see you again." Taking the fern into his arms, he left the bower, and, listening to the stream, made his way through the leafy wall and into Hethilin.
Far beneath the tallest limbs, under the dark canopy, Nelcar made his way, shaded and cool. The breeze had not failed. And, it was cooler than it had been before when in the vale. He had not thought that it would rain today, but perhaps he was mistaken. Certainly, he had not expected to see clouds after such a cheerful morning. Nevertheless, he would remain dry despite the weather if he stayed beneath the trees. And, if that became impossible, he had a gray cloak, but he never looked forward to wearing it. He walked carefully and slower than he would have liked, though nothing touched the fern, save his own arms. High above, he could hear a soft sound. Indeed, he had been wrong about the weather. Rain was fallling.
__________________
Tend to the litany,
and bare it with your wisdom.
Then, with wisdom more, bear it,
and litigate that which has now become your Law.
Posted by Trago Hayle on 09-05-2001 06:02 PM
Trago took in the sights and smells of Pontifar, anxious to finish his business here and raise anchor. The bazaar was not far from the docks, for the citizens of Pontifar were afraid of strange merchants and sailors wandering throughout their fair city. A simple pickup, and he would be able to set sail before midday.
Men of all kinds of shapes, sizes, and especially smells wandered the area. Trago fit into the melting pot quite nicely, and he smiled and he strolled into the large opening that was the bazaar. Tents were strewn haphazardly about the area, and merchants displayed their various wares with vigor. A person could barely take a step without being harassed by some merchant. Usually, Trago feigned interest when walking past some of the more energetic traders, but today he had no patience. He pushed past the crowd to a small red and blue tent and walked inside to find just a stool and short, fat pirate looking impatient.
"Well it's aboot time, ya mangy tubrunner!" The pirate reached into his shirt to pull a small pouch into view. "This's yer rock, now gimme my money."
Trago looked at the pirate dubiously. "Let me see it. I trust ya like I trust a mage to bring helpful wind. Open the pouch."
"Arrgh, ye mind's decievin' ye! It's in here, or I ain't Captain Alouicious McWhirr!!"
The dubious look on Trago's face became one of anger. He reached toward his blade as he spoke again to the pirate. "Now, McWhirr. Open that pouch now. I've no patience for yer games, I know ya too well." The cutlass came easily from its sheath, freshly polished and ready to downsize any opponent. McWhirr dropped his pouch in amazement, the fake glass rock inside shattering.
"Where did ye ever find that weapon, boy? Does ye know what ye gots in yer paw there?" Trago blanked for a moment, completely taken aback by the pirate's change.
"The ship, I found it in the ship. The Crimzadwire's her name, and a right beautiful ship she be, now that I've patched her up a bit. This was lying down in the old captain's chambers, along with an awful stench." Trago chuckled as he regained his composure. "What, is this part of that foolish ghost tale I was told?"
"No tale it is, but the simple truth!! They says that the old pirate that weilded that blade and rode that ship was a madman, and even death won't keep him from taking her back for long. Here," McWhirr reached again into his shirt and pulled forth a small blue crystal, "take yer rock, and leave me be. I'll have no more dealin's with ye. Now scram!!" McWhirr dropped from his stool, picking it up to help usher Trago to the opening. "Git, boy! Git!"
Trago avoided the stool and left, thinking to himself about the old man. He was crazy, that much was certain. Dengar was going to pay extra for making such a big deal about obtaining this gem, forcing Trago to deal with such folk. He hated dealing with McWhirr, but at least he would be able to leave port quickly, before the fishing and whaling boats would come in. And then it would be just a couple weeks to Kenoblious, where Trago would get paid and he and his men could celebrate for a day or two. Trago loved the few times when he and his men would take over an inn, drinking and harassing the barmaids all the night long. Yes, just a couple weeks.
__________________
"You need it, and I got it, so it seems the price may be a bit steep this time. Say, five times as much? Of course that's preposterous, that's why I said it. I knew you'd see it my way. It's been a pleasure doing business with you!"
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-05-2001 09:49 PM
The Magnolia sailed into the tiny port located on the western end of Noit. Thin cries of the seagulls pierced through the thin veil of sleep that shrouded Scarlet and were followed by a quick series of raps to her cabin door. Orocia’s voice called out from behind the door.
“Wake up! We’re in Noit!” Scarlet mumbled and dragged herself out of bed. She swung her feet over the side of the sizeable cot and rubbed her eyes. She donned the outfit she had laid out the night before, grabbed her pack and shuffled out the door onto the deck. A light gray mist floated around the ship and settled over the deep green water. She shivered. So this was Noit. It certainly held a mysterious air about it. The ship shuddered as it brushed against the dock and came to a stand still. Scarlet saw Orocia standing by the mast and hurried over to her.
“Orocia, what time is it?,” she asked ending in a yawn.
“It’s a little past eleven.,” she answered looking up. “Creepy isn’t it? It’s misty like this all the time.” Scarlet nodded in agreement.
“Anyway, we’ll be ready to unboard in about ten minutes. You may want to get out of here before everyone wakes up and it gets crowded on the deck.”
“But-,” Scarlet started.
“What?”
“Well, I just wanted to thank you for making this the best part of my trip. I won’t forget you.” Orocia was a little taken aback by her words. She’d never had any real female friends before. Before she could react, Scarlet gave her a brief but firm hug.
“I hope to see you again one day.” Then she jumped over the side on the ship to the dock below and swiftly made her way into the City of the Mist.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-05-2001 09:52 PM
The sky was blue, the shore was gone, the clouds were thin.
Indigo had spent most of the morning picking off large birds from the prow. While he had initially intended to save most of his bullets, but since talking with the sailors aboard the ship, decided otherwise. It seemed that most merchants seemed to have a few boxes lying around, and finding that ammo would not be in short supply, he resigned to practicing his aim.
The bird on the rooftop in Corner had been, of course, beginner's luck, and since then he'd hit only two birds. One of them he hadn't been aiming for. But a midshipman had congratulated him, so he kept quiet and nodded solemnly.
He tried to take the gun apart and see how it worked, but he could only find two screws that came out, and all that accomplished was the handle grips falling off, so he carefully replaced them and tightened the screws.
The boat docked in Noit that night. Indigo couldn't wait for tomorrow, so he headed for the edge of town.
He hadn't counted on the fog, however, and the testing site wasn't visible. So he returned to the inner city to find an inn. It took a while, and since rooms were hard to come by, it was rather steep. The innkeeper knew it was either his room or the street.
Indigo couldn't help feeling cheated paying 4 silver for a room, but sleeping on the street in a city known for people trying to make a life for themselves... some choosing less than friendly methods. So he paid for the room. He had only 210 Gran left. The gun, the boat ride, and now the inn. Oh well, he sighed, it beat having nothing.
Tomorrow was an important day.
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!
Posted by Adamas Tribune on 09-05-2001 10:42 PM
Adamas took the knife in his right hand and stared at it. There was no turning back. He had sensed some deep interest in Rublicant to go to Gran Adageros. He wished to go, but not as Adamas. Adamas had lived his life already.
"From this day forward..." He pulled the knife through his hair...
He sat cross legged in a circle of candles. He set his severed ponytail in front of him and took a bowl near his left knee. It contained a viscous red fluid. Adamas set the bowl in front of him and placed both hands in it. After a moment, he ran his hands through his hair, staining it dark red. It was not the illusion of youth he desired so much as the reality of rebirth.
He removed the remainder of the braid and colored his hair to the tips, which now fell to his shoulders. After he had worked the solution into his hair thoroughly, he retied it into a shorter, thicker ponytail. He wiped his hands on a rag so as not to disturb his pristine black kimono.
A message had been sent to the council. They would not be happy with his sudden departure, but he had told them not to pursue him. He mused the coucil must have fainted dead away upon hearing the news...
He stood and put away the bowl and rag, and put out the candles. He looked into the mirror above the washbasin. Red trickled down the side of his face. It wasn't dye...
In his bid to leave the former life behind, he had abandoned his old, respected appearance. Perhaps the magic had driven him slightly mad...
But around his left eye was a jagged cut, packed with dirt to prevent total healing. The scar represented the future, a future filled with adventure.
__________________
Pride without arrogance,
Independance without dishonor.
Posted by Volsung on 09-05-2001 10:54 PM
Volsung and Veritas Vesper
“Wolves, Wolves,” yelled one of the scouts, who was now running as fast as he could, to prevent everyone from being slaughtered in their beds. Volsung woke at the first cry of wolves. He moved quickly to wake Veritas and Glaucus who in turn also started to wake up everyone else. Soon Veritas came to say a few words to Volsung “I’m Fine you little devil I could have walk all of yesterday if me live though this I’m going to beat you like very before.”
In less than a minute after that first warning the whole group was awake and armed. “I thought that they wouldn’t attack a group this size.” Said Glaucus who had taken a position in the front with Veritas, Volsung stayed back to help protect the elderly, because of this arm and the fact that few other care about what happen to older people. With him stood ten men of 50 or more who were not looking the best, but they said they had Been though many fight like this in there younger days. Volsung playing it safe had both this sword and his dagger, but he still started with the dagger. Only about five minute after the first warning, the Wolves started coming. Many men died and Wolves died in those first few minute, but these trader had traveled this road many time and it was mandatory for everyone to be able to handle a sword or dagger. Still even with that, the wolves were too many to count in the Dark. Soon even Volsung group had been seeing action. Each of the old men had taken a wolf and Even Volsung had taken two down him self, but he wolves kept coming. Soon Volsung stood with only five men. The wolves you see had separated the large traveling Group into about nine smaller groups. But they the Men kept fighting very giving up, Know that giving up only meet being a meal for a pack of hugger wolves. Then Volsung made a move I started yelling and the different groups to try to get as many people together as he could. That way the wolves would have to try hard to break up the groups again. Soon the Nine groups had been joined in to two large groups. Then Glaucus following Volsung example started trying to break the wolves’ lines. Volsung lead the other smaller groups, knowing that in battle people need to be inspired, so Volsung put his dagger away and took out his sword. Now using his sword Vesta and he held her high in the air for everyone to see, and in the heat of battle it no longer matter witch hand he used. Then he brought it down it a bolt of lighting and started cutting though the lines of Wolves. Every man even the old one started fight as if they were gods, they could do no wrong. Until Glaucus broke though the wolves, soon after that all of Wolves that had been after Glaucus group turned their attention to Volsung and his Group. Slower and Slower now they moved forward until there were at stop and then the Wolves started taking off men one at a time. Slowly making every other man work twice as hard just to hold back the wolves. Volsung saw that the wolves were saving him for last. Volsung knew that he had to move quickly or the Wolves would have him in a matter of minutes, but now couldn’t think of anything he was simply drawing a blank. Lucky for Volsung, Veritas had a plan. So, she had asked every man if they would go with her to try to save her Brother and there friends. These men seeing he bravery of this woman knew that they would have to fight or forever be less than a Woman. They started taking out the Wolves cutting a line right though them. Volsung regaining his composer, and gave out a loud call and changed the wolves once move this time he was not going to be denied, and fought twice and hard and he had before, and his men followed him and they too fought twice as hard. With this last push, the wolves started retreating, and Volsung Veritas came together in the Middle of where the wolves had just been.
“That’s good work brother,” said Veritas who was her self quite the hero.
“Your Sister is right, if it was not for you getting everyone back together none of us would have made it out of there,” said Glaucus who was now bleeding.
“Thank you but I just did what I thought was right.” With that Volsung looked down and seen, that he was still holding his sword.
“Well its almost dawn now so I don’t think that we see them again tonight. But we need to get start building some pyres. Glaucus Knowing that many of his people need medical attention told much of his people to get started going to Gania “so that they don’t die on the battle Field.” The rest including Volsung and Veritas stayed behind to burn the bodies of the Wolves and the men who had died. They all worked very fast gathering wood and piling the bodies up. One pile in honor for the men who had die in the night and anther for the wolves who had fought bravely, so they were given a place of respect as well.
“Why are you putting the wolves in a pile with respect?” Asked Volsung who was helping move the bodies of the men who had fallen
“Two reasons, first is even though they tried to kill us they fought for what they thought was right and that is very rare now a days. Second is we do for are enemies as we wish they would do for us.” With that the last wolves and men were put on there pyres and then Glaucus lit the pyre and slowly the fames covered all the bodies, and as the pyre burned the men could hear howling in the distances. With the call of wolves in the air once more the sun came up and Volsung and Veritas started walk to Gania again with all of their now friends.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 09-06-2001 12:19 AM
Requiem of Humanity
Darkness A hazy gloom filled Aramus’ personal chambers. Large, ominous billowing clouds of tobacco long spent hung lazily within the cold atmosphere of the Count’s study. There he pondered many a conundrum that had been perplexing him since he discovered his wife, Mirrielle, in Gregoryn’s company… in his bedroom no less.
“How can this be?” Aramus sat deeply within the folds of his black leather thinking chair. A glaze like no other had formed over his distant and distracted eyes. He was no stranger to long and deep periods of meditation, however, this state was far different, far darker, and moreover, far more disturbing of a trance than any had ever feared discovering him in. Aramus was dead to the world leaving only a hollow and torment stricken shell where he once sat. It was here where he had remained for the past two days, lost in a nightmare that he couldn’t - no - refused to wake from. He needed the pain. It was his prime motivation. Almost all of his life’s accomplishments had been achieved to belittle the memory of his hated father. Deeds that he might throw in his long past Count's metaphorical face, all the while smirking a sinister and defiant sneer.
Mirrielle, his one and only love, and Gregoryn, a humble and loyal servant, more importantly the only soul Aramus would dare bestow the title of “friend” upon. Of all people, why these, so close and dear to his miserable existence?
Darkness
*Knock knock*
There was no reaching Count VanVehementi on this night. Fortunately for his malnourished stomach, however, his only friend was quite a bit more persistent than that. After a second set of audible rapping against the large oak door, Gregoryn bit his lip and forced the lumber giant away from its closed, resting position and entered the study without the bidding of his friend and master.
“My Count, this evening’s dinner is prepared to serve. Will you not come and partake of its bounty?”
Aramus remained unaffected by his servants attempt at stirring. He remained inert within the comforting madness that had so entirely consumed him two days prior. Not even a muscle twitched as Gregoryn drew towards his numbed feet.
“Master, can you hear me?” A genuine look of concern graced Gregoryn’s face as he knelt face to face with his friend, not that Aramus was either capable or willing to perceive it.
Silence
“Master Aramus, please my count, come to your senses. Your body cannot withstand another evening’s fast!” Gregoryn grew more assertive, firmly clenching the Counts shoulders and jostling his vacant form about.
At that, the seemingly undefeatable will of the darkness collapsed as the clouded haze that had concealed the focus of Aramus’ eyes melted away into a glare of most malevolent intent. His deep brown eyes burnt with visceral fury as though a demon straight from the depths of hell was reaching through them, directly towards Gregoryn. Upon noticing the dark revival of his master, Gregoryn hastily stepped back nearly tripping over the black bear skin rug that lay dormant behind him.
“Master, I beseech you, your dinner is prepared and waiting for you in the dining hall. The pale of hunger resides in your skin my friend, please, if not for yourself than for Mirrielle,” Gregoryn’s eyes danced around the room in a stressed and worried frenzy as he continued “please, join her for supper.” With the conclusion of his task, Gregoryn wasted no time in retreating from the study. Aramus noted the calamity as the heavy oak door slammed behind his fleeing servant.
“Odd, very odd.” Aramus contemplated. It was very unlike his best servant to make any amount of noise, let alone in his master’s presence. He was obviously very nervous. Gregoryn was not a nervous man. He had seen his master deeply within contemplation innumerable times before. Something was bothering him and relevantly so, something foul was afoot within the VanVehementi Estate.
A few brief moments later, Aramus emerged from his solace within his chambers and made his way into the light of the dining hall where he was met by Mirrielle. She rose upon her husbands entrance within the room and displayed for him her quaint and charming smile. Ironic, it was that same smile that had entranced him before, yet now it only brought him pain - and he loved every minute of it. This pain, he would use to fuel his ambitions.
“Please my dear, won’t you sit? Your soup is cooling as we stand.” Mirrielle found her seat at the table and glanced at Aramus, inviting him to follow suite. Just then a fluke of behavioral nature occurred. Though it lasted for only a split second, Aramus noted a change in Mirrielle’s smile. Granted, a subtle change it was, but the Count had been preparing himself for two days time to perceive such discrepancies. For that brief moment, Mirrielle’s innocent and captivating countenance had changed to mirror his own sinister personality. Something foul was afoot.
“Darling, you don’t seem well. Please my Aramus, please eat and nourish yourself back to health.” Mirrielle’s tone did not have the same light melody that used to thrill Aramus’ ears. It seemed hurried and distracted, in anticipation of some unseen future. Little did Aramus know that it was not just Mirrielle that was gazing intently upon him. Two unseen eyes waiting within the massive window curtains bore into the back of his head.
The Count sat for a moment, attempting to grasp all of what clues had been laid out before him. Frustratingly so, however, none of the pieces would fit together in his sleep deprived mind. ‘For another time’ he thought as he bent over to swill a spoonful of his evening’s soup. Nothing could have prepared him for the sudden outburst.
Gregoryn leapt with cat like speed towards his master. Before Aramus could place his bearings upon the situation, Gregoryn had a iron clad fist wrapped around his hand, still clenching a now spilt soup spoon. Aramus’ eyes glared… so this is how it was to be. Before he could make further semblance of the circumstances, Gregoryn spoke hurriedly.
“Master, I can’t let this happen!!! There is something you shou-“
“Gregoryn, what in the Creator’s name are you doing??” Mirrielle stood promptly, toppling her heavy chair to the ground with an ear piercing clatter.
“Master, your soup is poisoned. I saw it done with my own eyes. Mirrielle-“ Countess VanVehementi interrupted again in a stressed and anxious voice.
“My dear, you can’t seriously believe-“ This time it was Aramus interrupting.
“Gregoryn, is this truth that you speak? Are you accusing my wife of a insidious conspiracy?”
“My Count, this action has long been in planning. You’re wife lusts both after your Estate and myself.”
“You conniving little bastard! How dare you accuse me of such things!!”
“SILENCE” Aramus’ dominating voice echoed for what seemed an eternity in the open and cavernous dining hall. After the reverberations ceased, the Count rose calmly out of his seat and quietly walked towards Mirrielle with his half spilled bowl of soup. “My Countess, I am quite sure that our cooks spent a great deal of time on this delicious soup. Won’t you join me in its consumption?”
Mirrielle looked at her husband nervously as he spoke once more. “Only….. you go first.”
Mirrielle glanced pitifully about the room between Aramus and Gregoryn, whom now stood next to her husband. After a moments awkward pause and much more darting of the eyes, Mirrielle spoke unto Gregoryn in a defeated tone.
“You were a lousy bedmate anyway!”
“ENOUGH WENCH! You have disgraced me and the VanVehementi name! You ungrateful wretch, you know not the repercussions of you foolish actions. You leave me no choice. I shall show you what it is to be an enemy of Count Aramus VanVehementi!!”
Without warning Aramus lunged at his adulterous wife, grasping her firmly by the exposed throat as he slammed her into the table. In a fluid motion, he released his Kris from its sheath upon his belt and swiftly gouged Mirrielles soft blue eyes from their sockets. “That is so your cursed eyes may no longer wander!” Wasting no time, Aramus relocated his choking hand in effort to open his wifes mouth as tears of blood poured down her face. Just seconds later, Mirrielles tongue hit the floor with a dull thud. “That is so your wretched mouth may never tell me lies again!” As a fountain of blood poured forth from her gurgling mouth, Aramus decided now was the time for his final blow to answer the insult which she had caused him. As Mirrielle’s strength dwindled with her arms flailing wildly about, Aramus stepped forward forcing the entire blade of his signature Kris to hide within her heart. “And that, my love, is for the love you never truly gave me!”
A few blood bubbles sputtered out of Mirrielle’s mouth in what Aramus could only guess was a final insult, before her body went limp and collapsed in a crimson pool on the floor of the VanVehementi dining hall. However, Aramus’ lack of motion was only an illusion. Mere seconds after Mirrielle had drawn her last breath, the infuriated Count turned on his servant and “friend”. Before Gregoryn knew Aramus was upon him a silver flicker danced across his line of sight follow by a deep red spray. Another dull thud sounded within the hall as Gregoryn caught glimpse of his severed hand lying sprawled upon the floor. Gregoryn shrieked in horror as the moment caught up with him. Just then Aramus’ hand clasped around his mouth.
“Silence Gregoryn and relax. The true friendship you have displayed this evening has prompted me to spare your life. However, let this,” Aramus glanced down upon Gregoryn’s bloody stump as he continued “be a reminder to you. Never hide anything from me again!”
With that, Count Aramus VanVehementi turned about and made his way to his bedroom where he would sleep a dreamless slumber and wake to the musing that loyalty is a hard lesson to learn.
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"
Posted by Gaireth Synphell on 09-06-2001 04:47 PM
OOC: Sorry for the lag in my posting, but I have been trying to get sleep and unreal is too great a temptation.
IC:
The sound of the ocean diminished as Gaireth walked deeper into the forest, but it was soon replaced by the great myriad of sound of the jungle. Birds of every size and shape called and flew above his head. Also Gaireth passed a group of shreeking monkies far above in the tree tops. And the plants in and upon themselves were breath taking. For many minutes Gaireth stopped to stare at a large plant that seemed to be consuming a small monky.
"I must be on my guard," he whispered to himself.
As he walked on he kept his eyes out for any dangers. This was quite easy seeing as he had always done these things. He passed within 5 feet a large spotted cat feeding on what looked like a deer, and the cat didn't even twitch a whisker.
On and on he walked and with no sign of human life Gaireth started to wonder if he would ever get off this island. Suddnely the trees gave way to a small clearing. The short grass looked as if it had been recently cut and in the center of the clearing was a table set for dinner.
With caution Gaireth strode up to the table and began to gorge his empty belly. He ate until he felt as if he would burst and then looked up from the table. All around him stood dark humanoid shapes. They seemed to be made of shadows. Gaireth cursed himself for being ambused.
The dark forms began to close. With a quick motion Gaireth kicked off one of the table legs sending the dishes crashing to the soft earth. He hefted the leg like a club and waited for the forms to get closer.
He swung at the first shadow to get within his reach and the thing seemed to blur, but then it was back strong as ever. He swung again, but to no avail. The things kept closing in. He grunted in disbelief, but fought on. One of the things lashed out with a shadowed claw and caught Gaireth on the shoulder. His arm immediatly went numb. He now kicked and punched, but nothing happened. Then above the forest sounds rose the definite scream of a female voice.
---------------------------------------------------------
Phantom's meditative stated shattered. He gasped for breath and began to kick and punch wildly. When his sense finally returned he realived where he was. All around him pieces of furniture lay battered and torn apart. Phantom slumped to the group drained. His hands were bleeding profusely. Without thinking he tore strips of cloth from a destroyed chair and wrapped his hands.
"What is happening to me?" he uttered to the empty room. He had dreamt, or more correctly he had had a nightmare. "Thats impossible. I have never dreamt while meditating."
With great effort he pulled himself off the floor and went to the kitchen he boiled a kettle of water and then cleaned out his wounds and properly dressed them. His hands were very badly cut. Wood and metal is not very forgiving, he thought cynicly to himself.
When he was finished he changed his clothes and went to the front room. The same room he had met with Mellin in. MELLIN! his mind screamed. Mellin had stolen from him. From Phantom. He had to get to Gran Adageros. But then the memory of his dream flooded back to him. He had been on his way to Gran Adageros in his dream. His nightmare. For the first time since Phantom was a boy known as Gaireth, Phantom felt apprehention.
"Damn you," he yelled at himself. "You are Phantom. You are the night it self. The Shadow personified. You are fear." He finished speaking in a hissed whisper.
He had things to do. He had to set up a ship to take him to Gran Adageros. He went back to the front room and pulled a peace of parchment out of a small desk drawer. He picked up the quill from the ink well and began to write to the thieves guild master.
Byron
I need a ship to take me to Gran Adageros. As soon as possible. I hope you can comply, because I would hate to see little Gretta get hurt. Send a message back with the specifics.
Phantom
He folded the letter and sealed it with his own wax symbol. A grim reaper.
He donned his cloak and strode out into the night. He walked with purpose and when he reached a street in the dock district he held the letter up and turned around. He knew this spot was being watched and could pick out fifteen men hidding in the shadows. Amatuers, he thought bitterly. He placed the latter on the ground and walked off. All had to do was wait.
__________________
There are two kinds of people in the city. Those that walk in the light and those who creep through the shadows. Both fear my name...Phantom
Posted by Volsung on 09-06-2001 10:42 PM
Gania
Volsung Came into Gania with his name on everyone’s lips. The people that Glaucus had sent ahead to get some medical attention and starting telling everyone around them the story of the battle and of the hero named Volsung the man with only one arm who had saved that group. So, when Volsung and the rest of the Group came into Gania they were meet by a huge crowd. Many were merchants, some were homeless, and the rest were spectators who had left their jobs in the middle of the day to see what was going on, and had been swept up by the ever-growing crowd. You see this had been the first group of merchants to make the run with some many survivors in a long time, or at lest that was the word on the street. Volsung and Veritas seeing the big crowd ask Glaucus to take credit for the battle, but he Said, “You have earned a little fame son,” speaking to Volsung.
So, Volsung with Veritas at his said, when into the crowd talk to everyone. Trying to keep people from stealing their things. Soon the Crowd was all about them and demanding that Volsung Lead the Warriors of the king into the Evisis woods to kill all of the Wolves. Now this was not something that Volsung wished to do. It was now time again time to work on a battle plan. He thought of pulling out his sword and cut his way though the crowd, it did have its own appeal. But he decided that giving a speech of some sorts would be the best way of getting out of this crowd. So, Volsung because speak in the Loud commanding Voice in witch he had spoke the night before. “People of Gania I am so happy to See you all here today, to celebrate My Victory over the Wolves.” With that, a loud cheer came up but Volsung Was quick to quite the crowd again. “But I am not here today to celebrate this battle, the true is that I have business which needs me now, and so I ask you all to go back to your lives, I just did what I had too.” Then crowd was puzzled by the lack of cheer in Volsung voice and so it started to break up. But the crowd didn’t stop talking, but now they talk of the “business” this great man was on. Volsung very happy achieving his goal of getting the crowd out of his way was now free to look around the city. With that, Volsung and Veritas said here goods byes to Glaucus and his group.
Volsung knew what his next move was and to book passage one of the Ships in Gania’s port. Because the port was about day off, most of the shipping companies had offices in Gania itself; generally, these offices were in the better parts of town, because most of these companies were owned by the rich merchants of the city. Many of the wealthier owners even made their homes in these same buildings. Soon Volsung had found the “The Seven Sails Shipping Company” one of the best known of all the shipping company in Gran Adageros. Volsung had seen their ships in Corner and in South Dale. The for the most part they now only sailed the safe routs but they still did a special order now and then to sail from Gania to Ioty. Volsung Walked into the huge gray granite office with pillar of purple and white granite. This was the nicest office that Volsung had seen in his life. Volsung who was ah quickly regained his senses and walked up to the Black desk. “I would like to know about he ships going to Ioty.” Volsung said to the woman at the desk.
“You want my husband, give me a minute.” With that the woman rushed into the back and after about a minute she came back. “Go into the very last room on your right.”
With that, Volsung and Veritas walked to the last room on the right. In side there was a man looking over a bunch of files. “Comes in,” said the Man at he desk “I hear that you won’t to know about sailing to Ioty.”
“That’s right, are there any ships leaving soon?” said Volsung.
“Well yes and no. You see it hard to get crews for these voyages. You two are from the Island of Burning Crescent. So, if you have any exspearnse working on a ship then I will let you be part of the crew for one dralar Gran for both of you. That’s 25 silver each.”
Knowing that this was a good deal Volsung wanted to take it, but He decide that he should learn a little about what they wound be doing first. “So, what will be our jobs?”
“You will be working for Captain Orcus as part of his crew, and far as the jobs that you do that is up to him, you see he’s the only captain I have willing to take this trip. One last note I should tough in. The Ship is called the Windsword and you will be leaving in one week from today.”
“Well I think we will take the job. Thank you” With that Volsung and Veritas walked out of the office.
“Ok, what do you what to do for a week,” said Veritas who wasn’t happy with the idea of just sitting around for seven days.
“I plain on going to Xellos, if you like you can go with me.” Said Volsung who was working out the Plan in his head, you see One day to travel there, one day in Xellos, one day to travel back, and then we have Ones travel north to the docks. And three days to spare.”
“Well it beats the hell of staying in the city. I don’t know about you but I know don't like to spend more than a few day in the city. I mean yes they are grand and yes they are alive with actively and yes they have lots of people, but those are also the things I know like about cities.”
“We will stay here in Gania tonight and move out tomorrow.” With that Volsung and Veritas when in search of an inn for the night.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 09-07-2001 12:48 PM
In a swirl of air and feathers, the carrier pigeon landed upon its intended roost and let out a taxed squelch. The sound carried quickly from the terrace in the chilled evening air. One of the nearby men turned his head from the surrounding party that was underway, in response to the guttural interjection. Upon noting the newly arrived message attached to the birds leg, he promptly excused himself from the conversation in which he had been engaged, to approach the bird which now perched grooming itself. For such a large man, he walked with unusual grace, leaving the indulgent masses behind him. His highly polished boots made not a sound as they carried his form to the carrier stand. With a gentle “cooing” the white and gray messenger hopped from its rest and onto the mans arm, allowing him to collect the scroll. After replacing the bird to its perch he promptly unrolled the message and read its address. Conveniently enough, it was intended for his eyes.
To be delivered to General Marcus Antridyus
May this note find you in readiness. I’m pushing up our schedule. You are hereby instructed to begin the operation. Brief Onuess and Bjorn about the following contents upon your reception of this communiqué. Orders to follow:
Send the first contingent immediately and prepare the two auxiliary units for dispatch. I demand the discussed fortifications in place within the week. Upon arrival of the first contingent, send me the ascertained recon via carrier pigeon. The sooner we place our men and I receive the specs I require, the smoother this stage will progress.
You have your orders General.
Regards,
Count VanVehementi
Marcus glanced up from the scroll in a calm and stately manner as he scanned the room for his comrades. Marcus sighted his men in midstrides towards him. All three of the generals had been anticipating their orders. Their conversation had ceased the moment Marcus left to retrieve the scroll; they had merely been waiting until he finished reading to make their way to him. As they drew near, Marcus rolled the parchment and stowed it within his military coat.
“Gentlemen, we have our orders. Gather the men. They move tomorrow.”
Devious smiles graced their faces as the triumvirate made their way from the terrace back into the gala. Their evening of Imperialist banter would have to wait for another time. Tomorrow the first regiment of their troops would march.
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"
Posted by Trago Hayle on 09-07-2001 06:11 PM
The merchant captain of The Crimzadwire made his way back to his ship quickly, all the while pondering McWhirr’s unforeseen reaction to seeing the cutlass. So lost in his thoughts was Trago that he didn’t see the massive figure in his way until it was almost too late.
“You’s best watch yerself!” the figure spoke as he placed his hand on Trago’s chest, preventing the collision. Trago, very startled, looked up to see his Master Deckhand, Targuul Brockner beaming before him, all 400 pounds of the eight foot bullman joyed to see his captain. The demi-oxen was as simple as their kind usually was, but he was a cheerful bull that Trago was always glad to see.
“Thanks, Brock. Where’s Laegre at?” Trago glanced up at his ship, searching for the first mate. “We need to go talk to the portmaster about leaving now.”
"Don‘t worry, Cap'n! Us'n boys did talk to da portmaster arready, an' 'e says we's can leave right away, if'n we feel da urge." The half-bull was elated to deliver such comforting news to Trago, and his grin lengthened to almost reach his well-polished horns. Trago couldn’t help but smile back. “Laegre’s up on da big mast, getting’ ‘er all ready to go.”
“Well then, Brock, let’s get out of here before any problems arise. We‘re lucky to get in and out so fast without a hitch.”
__________________________________________________
The Crimzadwire was far out to sea by nightfall, the stars in the sky illuminating for Trago a simple path away from Pontifar. The sea was crystal blue, a perfect mirror of the heavens above. That night passed quietly, as did the next few days. The men went about their work with vigor, the clean sea air filling their lungs with energy. The food stores were plentiful, enough for some to even disappear without a trace. Trago allowed this, figuring some of the hands wanted a brief snack every now and then, but he was curious as to why they didn’t ask him. It was known that Trago was very kind to his crew.
On the fifth evening, just after dusk, Trago found his answer. Rather, Brock found it in the guise of a young lad no more than 14 years of age. Trago carried the boy by his shirt collar to the stern of the deck after sending Brock to wake Laegre. The lad squirmed in Trago’s grip, almost escaping. After a few more moments of near futile effort, the boy resigned to has fate and stared Trago in the eye, his deep brown orbs meeting the gaze of the weathered sailor’s own blueish green.
“What do you want, old man?” The boy spat his words sharply in Trago’s face, almost insultingly. Trago laughed, knowing the boy had nowhere to go. They were far out at sea, and swimming to any shore would be tiringly useless.
“What do I want? That’s a good question, boy. I have things you may want, such as yer freedom and yer life. Now what do I want in return for all of that? Let’s see.” Trago turned to Laegre, who moments before had walked up behind the pair. “Laegre, what sort of work needs to be done on this here vessel?”
The first mate, a hairy fellow of no small stature, grinned a toothy smile. “Well, me captain, it seems that the deck gets a might bit salty at times, and you know the problem with the old captain’s quarters…”
Trago flinched at the thought of the cabin. “Aye, the only real legacy that old pirate left behind! I couldn’t let the boy get into there.”
Suddenly, the boy spoke up, his eagerness overcoming his pride. “I’ll do it! I’ll take whatever job you have! I wanna be a pirate like you!”
By this time, half the crew had been drawn by the scene, and at this point, laughter arose like a wave in the middle of a tremendous storm. Soon, the laughter was almost deafening. Trago, his eyes tearing, looked the boy in the eyes once again. “Son, we’re not pirates. We’re simple sailors, we don’t steal from other ships at all!” The boy’s face turned to disappointment, then quickly back to the stoic maw Trago first saw. He spoke quickly, hoping to avoid another outburst. “But if you still want to sign on with us, I’m sure I can find room other than the Pirate’s Pit. We won’t be stopping until we reach Kenoblious, ya got then to decide. Until then, yer pullin’ yer share.”
__________________
"You need it, and I got it, so it seems the price may be a bit steep this time. Say, five times as much? Of course that's preposterous, that's why I said it. I knew you'd see it my way. It's been a pleasure doing business with you!"
Posted by Volsung on 09-07-2001 11:15 PM
Lighting
Volsung and Veritas Woke up early to avoid as the large groups of people who were always moving between Gania and Xellos. Before orange disk of the sun had pasted above the horizon they had checked out of their inn and were on the road, but even at this hour, there were people on the road. Some were traders, some looked like businessmen, and others just looked like traveler. Still barely five minutes would go by without out seeing someone. Even with all of this traffic Volsung mind was on the Battle, and why he wasn’t died.
“Why aren’t I Died?” Volsung said in a cold a bitter voice.
“Because you save your own life and the Lives of many around you including me,” Said Veritas who was shocked at Volsung question.
“I have very been a leader, and then I do something like that what came over me.”
“You rose to the occasion, what is wrong with that.”
“I guess your right but I didn’t know I could do anything like that”
“Well I bet there are a lot of things that you don’t know that you can do.” With that, Volsung didn’t say anther word for the rest of the day. The day pasted quickly and soon the Sun was setting and Xellos was just a few miles off. Soon after sunset Volsung Started speaking again.
“You know lets camp out here tonight.”
“Why is that?” Said Veritas who was suspired at his sudden speech by her brother.
“I just want to camp outside of the city, we are going to be in the city all day tomorrow. Anyway, I want to watch the Lighting. It is said that they are lighting storms almost every night, but it only rains once in every tenth night. And the Drolstorms causes lighting of all different colors it is quite the site to see, or so I’ve been told.”
“Well if that is what you want we will camp out here tonight.” With that, Volsung and Veritas left the main path and found a good campground, and even lit a fire. Volsung and Veritas stayed up all night watching the lighting.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-07-2001 11:59 PM
Rublicant had all the preperations mad to travel to Gran Adageros months ago, before he had even planned the larceny surrounding the Angel's Tear. Now, he and Adamas were on boadr a ship sailing from Dargent to Kenoblius, and then onward to Southdale. They stood on the deck of the ship.
"So how much of the magic have you been able to harness?" asked Adamas, still weary, but inquisitive of Rublicant's attempts to use Terra magic for the first time, conciously.
"A tiny bit... No more than lighting a candle..." Rublicant wispered to Adamas. All precautions were being taken so that nobody would find out about this little endavour, and Rublicant had brought with him two full chests of books and writings on terra magic, and a chest full of gold mels so that the two of them could buy a residence and live comfortably for some time.
Rublicant's Grandmother was sad to see the pair of friends leave, but she was glad that they wrere leaving to the new land of "Adventure". She had bid them farewell, and they had boarded the ship, the Seraphim, nearly three hours later. The ship was relatively cheap, comfortable, and roomy, Rublicant and Adamas agreed.
She was now almost arrived at Kenoblious, and the pair was getting ready to depart for a short while to see if they could find anyone capable of providing protection for the two aspiring mages. Rublicant did not think it was needed, bur Adamas had insisted, and after a bit of discussion, Rublicant had agreed to the idea.
Thus, as they watched the moon soar across the sky, the Seraphim sailed towards Kenoblious, now dimly visible on the horizion. Rublicant retired to work more with his magics while they were still at sea, and Adamas remained on deck, admiring the stars and sky.
__________________
"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."
Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-08-2001 07:03 PM
Orocia looked on as Scarlet disappeared in the city's mists.
She didn't feel as lonely anymore, despite Scarlet leaving. Then she laughed at herself for feeling so depressed four days ago. "Bless my heart, I can't figure out why I feel the way I do sometimes..."
Actually, those sad emotions were honest and true down to the very last tear, but Orocia had a bad habit of trying to lie about them to herself. She didn't like dwelling in the darker side of her soul...
Just then, Captain Badias walked over to her side.
"She's a strong lass der, eh?"
"Yeah, a little naive, but she'll make it through." A hint of laughter could be heard in Orocia's voice.
"Just like you were when you first came aberd dis ship, Lily Flower!" Orocia looked lovingly at the Captain. He was a father figure to her. Not the best example of a dad, but he had his high points to counteract the not-so-high ones.
"Well, I learn fast. She's a little stubborn though." Orocia chuckled. But she wanted to change the subject: she didn't want to feel sad over Scarlet leaving. "How long are we staying in Noit?"
The captain blushed slightly,"...err, jest about enough fer teh boys to have their fun..."
Orocia blushed slightly too. "....Oh." She knew what he meant by fun. She began to wonder what'd she do during... uh.. She decided to think about that when the time came.
"I'm really sorry, Lily Flower, but a Captain's got to keep his sailors happy..."
Orocia laughed out loud, "I completely understand, sir! The only problem is to find something for ME to do..."
"Uhhh.... " the Captain tried, but, "Lily Flower, dear, I'm a man, and a sea-goin' man at that. I just wouldn't know what things a decent lady like you would like teh do!" At this, the Captain let out a hearty guffaw, and said, walking away,"You'll find something, Tiger!"
Orocia sighed. She looked up at the crow's nest, high atop the mast she was leaning on.
"I guess I'll just volunteer myself for the afternoon watch.." She wasn't too pleased to waste four hours of time, but, at least it'd be far up away from the commotion that'd be happening down below...
Posted by Gaireth Synphell on 09-08-2001 08:09 PM
Phantom stuffed the last of his few belongings into his small black bag. All he needed was a change of clothes and the weapons at his hip. He picked up he letter that Byron had sent back to him and read it through once more.
Lord Phantom
A ship named the Seraphim will be coming from Dargent to Kenoblious tonight. It is then bound for Southdale. You are the only person boarding here. I hope this is acceptable.
Byron
Byron had done well. Phantom was glad the man had done as he was told. So picking up his bag and looking around once more to make sure everything was in place he strode out into the night.
The clear night air was cool, but not cold. With trained measured steps Phantom walked through to Kenoblious to the docks. The ship would wait for him no matter what. Byron would have made sure of that. Phantom chuckled to himself. It was amazing how well something could be gotten, by using people's fears against them.
As Phantom approached the docks he picked out the ship instantly. It was the only ship that was ready to launch at such a late hour. He strode down the dock, and was greeted by the captain as he reached the gang plank. About the deck were the ships crew. They eyed Phantom with a hint of fear. There was also a pair of men talking by the bow. One had a sword that looked to be made of crystal. Phantom disregaurded them all.
"Ah you must be our passenger Lord," he said with a bit of nervousness. "Welcome to the Seraphim. Whatever you need I will try my best to get it for you."
He must know who I am, Phantom thaught to himself. "I will have a cabin to myself and no one will disturb me unless I ask," he said coldly.
"As you say Lord Phantom." As the captain said his name Phantom's sword shot out ofits scabard and came to rest under the man's chin. A speck of blood was beginning to take shape where the blade met with the flesh.
"You will never call me by that name again. Your crew will also not call me that. I am only Lord to you. Do you understand?"
There was complete silence. Everyone on deck had ceased moving and talking. All stared at the sight of the captain and Phantom. Some of the crew fingered daggers and baldes at their hips, but stopped as Phantom's cold eyes looked about the deck.
"Y-yes, Lord."
Phantom returned his sword to its scabard and the captain heaved a sigh of relief. He turned and Phantom followed him to his cabin. Phantom shut and bolted the door. He took out a wetstone and began to sharpen his sword and his long knife. As he did this he thought of all the ways he would make Mellin pray for death.
__________________
There are two kinds of people in the city. Those that walk in the light and those who creep through the shadows. Both fear my name...Phantom
Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-08-2001 11:29 PM
Rockin' the boat..
The Tiger was enjoying being lazy and napping in the cozy crow's nest. She had brought her favorite hand-made pillows with her just in case she'd "accidentally" fall asleep. Sleep was one of her favorite past-times. Most definitely. She smiled and yawned a ferocious yawn typical of any feline predator. A four hour nap would be great...
..........
...actually, an eight-hour nap was even better. She had slept through the first and second dog watches as well. Not like being on watch was of any importance when the ship was docked. It was now 8:00, and Orocia hadn't even noticed. She was still sound asleep. The rocking motions of the ship made her feel like a child in a mother's arms.... until the rocking motions got a little harder... Orocia woke up almost feeling sick at the heavy rocking. It was exaggerated even more all the way at the top of the mast. "What on Aeterna is happening???" Orocia looked down at deck. She didn't see any lights on. Then again, she couldn't see a thing. She looked around her to see if maybe there were just rocky waves, but realized it was no use. She couldn't see any farther than her hand. Tonight the mist was especially thick.
"Damn mist."
The Tiger roared a final yawn as she prawled out of the crow's nest and onto the bosun's chair, and slowly dropped herself down to deck. She looked at the final sliver of sun over the horizon toward the west. The mist created a beautiful halo of pinks and oranges. Beautiful scenerey, but she could care less. She was bored.
She decided to prawl around ship. She didn't want to go into town by herself, but didn't mind if she needed to. But she stopped at the gangway when she noticed ladies coming aboard.
"Floozies..." She blushed slightly as a two of them eyed her with curious glances. She saw Rueben leaning against a bulkhead in the corner of her eye and walked over to him. He was admiring the entertainment...
"Eyeing the bounty, eh?" she smiled.
Ruby looked back at her, inadvertently checking her out as well, since he was still in "inspection mode." He never really noticed before how greatly endowed she was....
"Rueben?" Orocia blushed again after seeing where his eyes had wandered.
"OH! Sorry!! I'm kinda in the mood here, Orocia.. Didn't mean to look at you like that.."
Rueben laughed it off, but Orocia looked away and laughed nervously to hide her embarrassment. When Orocia looked away her eyes met with the two floozies who were previously looking at her. She smiled nervously at them, then decided now was a good time to leave.
"I'm guessing you'll be busy tonight, Rube?"
"Ohhhh ho-ho-ho yeaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!.... ha ha ha ha ha!!" Rueben eyed the two floozies Orocia had just smiled at and thought nasty thoughts of what he'd do to them. They both smiled at him.
Orocia thought back to the violent rocking of the boat that waked her up. "Since when have they been coming up on ship?"
"Since 6:00. But more have been coming in since 7:30" He made biting motions to the two floozies, who giggled in return.
"Wow!! So that's where all that rocking came from!!" Orocia stood in disbelief. She was a member of the horniest crew in all of Aeterna.
Ruby was getting slightly impatient with waiting. "Orocia, I can barely stand it any longer... Junior wants some fuuuuun!!" Ruby looked at Orocia playfully with pleading eyes.
"Go have your fun then, you horny son of a gun..." Orocia proceeded down towards the gangplank chuckling.
"Yep... from whence I came, I will create another..." Ruby laughed. "But wait! What about you? I tried finding a manwhore but they're just not as common as the ladies...." Ruby continued to laugh.
Orocia sighed. "I'll find some fun..." But just then the two floozies stopped her.
"Hey! Cute outfit you got on!! Was that blondie you was talkin' to any good?" one asked.
"I bet he liked your outfit.. kinda kinky if ya ask me.." the other giggled.
Orocia tried not to blush, and didn't know how to respond, except with, "I wasn't with him... I'm part of the crew."
They both looked at her in disbelief. The first one replied,"Well, that's a nice way of putting it!" She laughed. "How much do you get paid to stay with them on the ship?"
The other was almost shocked, "Don't you get tired after a while? from having to fuck all of them??
At this Orocia was slightly offended. But she understood where they were coming from. Female sailors were about as common as manwhores.
Orocia didn't want to extend the conversation, and Ruby's impatient waiting, any longer, so she just said, "...I've learned how to deal with them," and hurried off down the wharf.
Ruby smiled naughtily, and bid them towards the gun deck as the two floozies proceeded with their job.
Posted by Volsung on 09-09-2001 07:08 PM
Weapons
The lighting storm had been worth watching, but nether Volsung or Veritas had gotten much sleep. Still at the Crack of Dawn Volsung was up and making breakfast. This morning Volsung was making eggs that he had picked up in Gania and was saving for this meal. Volsung Made scrabbled eggs because he didn’t have bread or he would have made sunny side up. Veritas waking up at the smell of the cooking eggs was completely surprise with the breakfast. Veritas wasted no time getting out of bed and start eating Breakfast. “This is great, thank you for this great breakfast.”
“Your well come, I thought you would like a change of pace.” With Volsung started eating.
“So what is the plan for today?”
“I think after breakfast we will go into town, I’m going to see if I can get anther dagger to replace the one I sold in Forestre. I think that you may wish to do the same. It never hurts to have a backup that people don’t expect. After that some food and any other equipment that we might need. Then I think we might explorer the Atol Mountains. I have heard some strange stories about those mountains.”
“Ok, sounds like a plan to me.” With that Volsung and Veritas started walking into Xellos, but before long they ran into problems it seems that the story of the Green caped man and his Sister had passed all the way to Xellos. Everyway that Volsung and Veritas turn they were asked questions, “Are you the one who is going to wipe out the Wolves” or “Can you lead an expedition into the old ruins.” Of course Volsung denied being the person, they were asking about, but the truth was he had no plans to do these things anyway. Soon the questions became more frequent and a question by one person would spark ten questions by the people around them. It quickly became more than Volsung and Veritas could take. Just then, a man looking very wealthy came riding though the crowd and then asked Volsung and Veritas if they wanted a ride. Which of course they happily accepted.
The man said that his name was Dave and that be owned the Cities biggest weapons sellers, and he had heard of Volsung and Veritas and wanted to meet them in person. It seem that one of his mans hobby was to collect and trade for the weapons of fames warriors. Soon the cart came to a grand market place. The market stretched for more than a mile and it was on both sides of the street. There was every different type of weapon that a person could think of long swords, Daggers, maces, ax’s, spears, cross bows, long Bows, and even a gun. On and on it when every stand dealing in one thing and very few did the same thing walking though the market was like looking at a museum of the weapons of the world. At the end of the Market, there was a large mansion with many smaller houses surrounding it. Some were weapons storehouse others were guest were guess houses, and there was even a very large house for the Slaves to live in. But Dave didn’t bring them to his mansion to look at the architecture. He wanted to make a deal. “What do I have to give you to get that sword and Dagger of yours?”
Now Volsung was very torn he knew that he could may a very good deal with this man but he also didn’t want to give up the sword that his grandfather had made for him. So, he decided to listen to what Dave had to say. “I will give you and five weapons in my market besides the rare ones that are marked.”
“Can I look though your market first and see if theirs anything catches my eye.”
“Fine by me.” Said Dave who moving to lead them though the market. Veritas stayed behind at the house because her leg was bother her. Volsung and Dave started though the market again. Soon they came to the Long Swords. Volsung picked up many swords with his left hand but found none that he was comfortable with, after the longs swords he tried many other weapons but after every stand he pulled out Vesta and he knew that there was no other like her. Then about half way down the line Volsung found a pinch black short sword. Volsung knew that this was a Savils. He didn’t know how but he could feel a power coming from this short Sword. Dave not seeing the value in the weapon, and only seeing that it was a very ugly weapon not having any jewelry and being dark and night. Witch normally means that the sword isn’t made out of Iron. Dave gave up the sword for Volsung Dagger. Volsung knowing how much his sword meant to the owner also asked for a pair of boat that had knives in the soul of each bout. Volsung knew that this would be of little value in a fight but he though that it was a good thing to have just incase. Volsung found many other thing he was very suspicion of but he decide that none were worth giving up the Sword of heath, it had done its job very well even if Volsung had almost lost a arm.
“Well if you don’t want any thing else I guess I will settle for your dagger, but stay the night in my mansion maybe you will change your mind by morning.” Volsung agreed and the two men walked back.
When they got to the mansion Volsung and Veritas were both given there own rooms. Volsung being very tired from the day fell asleep holding his sword on his chest.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-09-2001 08:26 PM
Despite its gloomy surroundings, Noit was a fairly active city. There weren’t as many merchants here than in Gania or Southdale, but there were enough to harass anyone who wandered down the street. One in particular seemed intent on selling Scarlet a map of the ruins. He was a short, pudgy man with a bright red face and piggy eyes.
“Hello there! Are you going to attempt the Dedication? Would you like a map? Only ten grans lady. A good, fair price just for you.” Scarlet didn’t even acknowledge him as she walked by his stand. He wasn’t shaken so easily.
“Come on! I have the best maps in the city! For you only seven grans!!” She walked on until she felt him tap her shoulder. She whirled around angrily.
“I don’t want your damned-!!” she stopped in mid sentence and she swore she felt her jaw hit the pavement. Her eyes widened and her body froze up like a rabbit caught in a thunderstorm. It couldn’t be. It just couldn’t be! But it was. There was no mistaking his blue hair, and his deep blue eyes.
It was the boy from the tavern in Gania.
She could only stand there in shock. But she noticed that he looked a little flustered as well. What was he doing here? Had he followed her all this way? That was the only possible explanation she could think of. Anger rose up suddenly and she furrowed her brow. She had just about enough of this.
“Um…are you-“ he started.
“What are you doing here? Are you some sort of stalker!!?.” She yelled. The boy looked offended.
“No!! What makes you think I’m stalking you?! Why shouldn’t I believe you’re stalking me!?,” he yelled back. Several people gave the quarreling duo curious glances.
“Why would I follow you!? I don’t even know you! And besides, I got here first!”
“Well, you had no problem in kissing me!” Scarlet turned bright red as the memory of that night came flooding back. She regained control and turned away from him.
“Don’t think I kissed you because I wanted to. I don’t know why you’re here and frankly, I don’t care. Just leave me alone and quit following me!!”
“I’m here to get Dedicated!,” he said hotly. Scarlet turned again in surprise.
“What?!”
“Yeah! So don’t flatter yourself by thinking I was stalking you.,” he replied snappishly. Scarlet fumed.
“Well what was I supposed to think?! I’m here to get Dedicated too.” After a moment’s silence she added, “And I’m sorry for yelling at you.” He looked down and blushed a little, feeling a little sorry for what he had said.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry too. I guess it did look like I was following you.” He thought a moment and added, “My name’s Indigo. Indigo Grei. What’s yours?” Distantly, his mind rejoiced at seeing her again.
“Scarlet Rosenblade.,” she answered extending a hand hesitantly. He took it and shook. She felt a slight fluttering in her stomach when his hand touched hers.
“What element do you plan on becoming Dedicated in?,” he asked trying to extend the conversation. He had never imagined in his wildest dreams that he would see her again. And now that he at least knew her name, he wanted to get to know her a little more, although a part of him wondered why he cared at all.
“I hope to get Air or Water. But I guess it really doesn’t matter. I just want to pass the test. What about you?,” she asked giving him a small smile.
“Air or fire. Then after I’m Dedicated I want to explore Asheri.” Scarlet laughed.
“Well, you’re confident. I wish you luck in the test.” She stopped momentarily with a sudden realization. Two people couldn’t test at the same time. Which one of them was going to go first? Indigo seemed to have read her thoughts because he asked;
“Did you want to go first?” She thought about it and shook her head.
“No. I need all the time I can get to think about what I’ll do after. You can go first. But after the test, come find me so I’ll know that it’s my turn.” Indigo nodded.
“Are you going to go right away?,” she asked with a small amount of hope he wouldn’t. Like Indigo felt toward her, she felt a slight pull of attraction toward him.
“No, I’m going to go first thing in the morning.” Scarlet concealed the rush of joy she felt. He was staying for at least a day. She nodded and turned to leave. Indigo called after her.
“Hey wait! Where will you be staying? I need to know so I can find you after I’m done.” Scarlet looked over her shoulder.
“I haven’t found a hotel yet. But I think it’ll be easier if we stay in the same inn.” Indigo raised an eyebrow and Scarlet felt a blush spread rapidly over her face.
“I didn’t mean it like that!!!,” she said punching him in the shoulder. He laughed and held up his hands.
“Take it easy! I wasn’t even thinking about that. You need to get your mind out of the gutter.” Scarlet’s eyes narrowed into threatening slits and she turned around in a huff and she walked away. He laughed again.
“I’m just teasing!,” he said catching up with her. “I know what you meant. And you’re right, it will be easier.” She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and smiled inwardly. It occurred to her that she felt comfortable around him, even though he was almost a complete stranger. After walking for several minutes without speaking, Indigo broke the silence. He had to know something. Maybe it would change nothing or everything, but he had to know.
“Um..Scarlet?”
“Hmm?”
“Why did you kiss me?” For what felt like the hundredth time that day, Scarlet blushed. She explained to him what happened that night with Damion and how she had wanted to avoid any confrontation. He nodded after she finished.
“That makes sense.” He wasn’t sure, but he thought he felt a slight sting of disappointment. Scarlet changed the subject by pointing to a small building to their right.
“That looks decent. And it’s as close to the testing grounds as we can get.” Indigo looked at her questioningly.
“How do you know so much about the city?” Scarlet held up the map that she had purchased in Gania a million years ago, or at least that’s how long ago it seemed to her.
“With this. It has a Progress Marker.,” she replied smiling.
“Oh.” He struggled to think of something else to say as the pair entered the inn. The clerk behind the counter smiled at both of them as they approached the counter.
“One room? We have a lovely suite on the second floor.,” he said giving Indigo a wink. Scarlet blushed yet again and heatedly denied any sort of relationship between her and Indigo. She slapped some Grans on the counter.
“Don’t get any ideas. I want a room for the night. For myself.,” she added ominously. The clerk flustered and apologized. Scarlet snatched the key out of his hands and stood by the stairs until Indigo came over. He looked slightly embarrassed as well.
“Sorry about that. I guess we shouldn’t have come in together.”
“Why? It wasn’t your fault. Let’s just forget about it.,” she muttered going up the stairs. “In case I don’t see you before tomorrow, good luck.” Before he could stop himself, Indigo called after her.
“Um….I was wondering if you wanted to something later. Of course if you don’t, I understand!,” he added hurriedly. Scarlet thought for a moment and answered with a laugh.
“Sure Indy.” He frowned.
“Don’t call me Indy.”
“Why not?,” she asked smiling.
“Just……don’t.” Scarlet smirked down at him and replied.
“Whatever Indy. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Then she bolted up the stairs before he could protest. Indigo sighed, but smiled at the same time. He supposed he could put up with her calling him Indy. He wondered if he would’ve let anyone else do so.
CUE: Indigo. Your turn boyo. ^_^
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-09-2001 09:48 PM
There was a tremendous jolt to the Seraphim, and both Adamas and Rublicant lost their footing within their chambers. The boat had sailed directly into what the Captain had referred to as "The Hatred of Leviathan". In otherwords, he had sailed directly into a hurricane.
The first three days of their journey from Kenoblious went smoothly, Adamas' vision was now completely back to normal, and Rublicant and Adamas were becoming much more familiar with their abilities, at least in situational forms. Rublicant was also beginning to harness more mana from the earth and had begun drawing through The Angel's Tear. Mana had a much different feeling to it than the energy from the spirit realm. Mana was hot and furious, whereas the energy from the spirit realm was flowing and cool to the feel. Rublicant and Adamas soon ran into trouble, however. On the fourth day they encountered several storms, and now, on the fifth, this.
There was another tremendous crash and the whole of the boat shifted as it crested an enourmous wave. There was a large crack in the wall of their room as first Rublicant, then Adamas were slammed into the flimsy wooden wall. Then the boat shifted suddenly to the other direction, but Adamas had had enough. He froze the air about himself and managed to grab Rublicant as well. The boat shifted completely and then another crackling noise came as the wall that they had just smashed into splintered and a man dressed in all black came lithely sliding through their room. He came into Adamas' field and stopped. Although he seemed uncurious, a small facial expression made it seem as if he were grateful for the small convienience of not having to use his dexterity to avoid being thrown about as Adamas and Rublicant had been earlier.
Rublicant opened himself and conduced enough energy th smooth out he and Adamas' bruises & scrapes, and the man seemed not to notice or care as the bumps and scrapes faded away.
Then came a huge cracking noise, and several screams from the deck. The ceiling of their cabin was wrought asunder and boards and debris became stilled within Adamas' air barrier.
"She's coming apart!!!" Screamed one of the younger sailors.
Adamas and Rublicant looked at each other and in a frantic action, Rublicant unsheathed The Angel's Tear and held it aloft above his head.
"Link with me!" He screamed to be heard over the tearing wind and the crackels of constant lightning.
The other man scrambled out of Adamas' protective field, and back into his room. Rublicant and Adamas began to draw upon as much of their energy as they could. The other man sprung back into the room, and sensing what the men were doing, and feeling that the field of protection had dropped, did the best he could to steady all three of them in the torrential downpour that surrounded them. The lightning flashed and struck no more than thirty yards away from the trio, smashing the mizzenmast of the ship into pieces of wooden shrapnel. Rublicant and Adamas seemed deep in concentration, drawing upon the gift of their dedication ands directing it through the Tear. Phantom, although he was known to Adamas and Rublicant as only the soul that was allowing them to focus on their works, seemed the center of a pool of calmness and rationality within a sea of fury.
Another bolt of lightning flashed and a spray of water showered the trio. Faintly in the distance, an cry was heard.
"Abandon ship!! We're going down!!" It was the captain.
Rublicant opened hgis eyes and concentrated on his desired effect. He had learned of the Terra magic form of these types of magic in his collegate years, and now was struggling to remember all that was nessecary for weaving the desired effect. Adamas seemed anxious, from the resonance in the energy he was passing to Rublicant. Rublicant was anxious himself, but was possessed of a feeling of unnatural calm as well. A strange coctail of emotions, just like the strange pool of the three within the crew's chaos.
There was a trememndou roar as The Angel's Tear flared with a blinding white light, and a tremendous bolt of lightning seemed to annihiliate the three of them. The ship was utterly destroyed, blown to pieces, and the three of them winked out of existance.
For but a second
And then, out of a misty, but clear, sky, A tremendous bolt of lightning shredded through the night sky, and deposited three soaked, singed and extremely fatigued individuals in a small plaza of sorts. Three people and three chests stood ringed by a circle of people who had gathered about the trio. Rublicant sheathed the Tear, stumbled a bit, tried to speak, studdered, and collapsed.
"Where are we?" Adamas had the sense to ask.
"The city of mists, Noit," replied a voice from the crowd.
Cue: Gaireth or Adamas. Phantom, up for a few companions??
OOC: Rublicant will be out of comission for a few days to a week, from the stress of conducing, and from improperly weaving the teleportation effect...
__________________
"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."
Posted by Gaireth Synphell on 09-10-2001 07:23 PM
Phantom looked around him and his gaze finally fell to his two unlikely companions. They stood in a small square amidst people buslting about. He could still feel the charge of the magic that had brought them here. They were the same men who he had seen on board the Seraphim. One had a crystal sword at his hip. Phantom could almost feel the power pulsing off of the sword. Both looked as if they were high class citizens.
Phantom thought back to the events that had transpired. The storm had hit suddenly and though he tried his best to keep his footing in the rocking ship he lost it and was hurled into the cabin of the two men before him. They seemed to be just as startled as he was, but there was something about them. They had a calm that came close to his. He couldn't say why he had helped them. Perhaps it was that calm that drew him to them. Or perhaps it was the thought that he would be able to escape by using them. He couldn't quite say. Perhaps it was a bit of both.
The two were talking softly as they picked themselves off the ground and then one stepped towards him with his hand out-stretched. He was the older of the two and seemed to be a political figure. Phantom could tell by the way he held himself. He spoke with the same political voice Phantom had heard from many others...pleading for their lives.
"Hello good sir. My friend I and I would like to thank you for your assistance on the ship." Phantom looked at his hand, turned, and began to walk away. The men hurrued to catch up to him. "I am Adamas Tribune, and this is Rubicant Al' Teyr. What might your name by sir?"
"That is none of your business. If you are looking for thanks for getting me here, well you may die before you get it. Now I have business I must attend to."
The two men looked dumbfounded at Phantom's response. The other man, Rublicant, stepped forward and said softly, "I heard what the captain called you on the ship. I have heard of you. We could use your help. You are Phantom."
At hearing that name Phantom turned like lightning and with a quick slash of his long knife, he cut the belt from Rublicant's waist and pulled it away with the other. Ryblicant tried to grab it from him, but with a deft foot Phantom sent him sprawling on the ground.
"I have killed men for things far lesser than that." Phantom could feel the power in the sword more keenly now that he held it. "Now I know you two can use magic, but if I am not mistaken this kind of magic is outlawed in Asheri," he said shaking the sword.
"P-please. I meant no offence," he hissed. His eyes never left the sword. Rublicant opened his mouth to speak, but Phantom went on over him.
"You will answer my questions." Rublicant's mouth snapped shut and he nodded his head slowly. "First off what are you two high class dolts doing with a magic wrought sword?"
They both hesitated, but Rublicant responded. "It is a savillion. It is called Angel's tear. We hope to learn the magic of the Terra with its help. That is why we came to Gran Adageros. We needed to do that here where Terra magic is not illegal."
Phantom hesitated for a moment. He pondered what they had just said. "So why would you need me?" he asked warrily.
"Even two such as we need protecting," Adamas said. "Especially when we have a artifact of such power in our possesion. We would be willing to pay you well. We also may be able to help you with your business."
Phanto stood there looking at them for long moments. He was in Noit. Mellin was probably in the South Dale area. He pulled a map he had seen of Gran Adageros from his mind. Noit and South Dale were not near each other and by the time he could get there Mellin could be anywhere. He could use these two to help him. They looked wealthy enough. He tossed the sword down at Rublicant's feet and he grabbed it as soon as it was within reach.
"You may join me if you want, but you will pay me. You will also not refer to me as Phantom unless I say so. You can call me Gaireth. You can mke your plans, but you will tell of them before you act. I personally don't much care if either of you die, but I need you as much as you need me. If I feel I must leave you then I may do so. We will talk of payment later. Do you agree with my rules or do I walk away from you now?"
CUE: Adamas or Rublicant. What do you say.....Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moon light?
__________________
There are two kinds of people in the city. Those that walk in the light and those who creep through the shadows. Both fear my name...Phantom
Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-10-2001 10:42 PM
A dark cloud gathered in Linerin's mind. Not that his mind was not usually filled with dark clouds, but this one was darker than most. He lounged upon a oversized sofa within the black tower, several sevron women near him, their minds anihilliated so that they obeyed his every command.
In the last battle of the great war, three of the seven* were slain, and tonight, at midnight, they would be finally resurrected. He was waiting their arrival. They were not so great in the Dark Lord's eyes as himself, but they had a gift that he would not have until his first death.
He had preperations to make... The seven would be with him once again...
Rublicant looked about with his tired and weary body. Weaving his belt back together and a simple ward about the Tear were easy, even without hand movements, but drawing on the power made him so nauseated that he nearly wretched. He looked to Adamas, with his tired eyes, and then looked to Phantom.
"I could kill you before you could even draw your sword, " He decalred in a sinister voice. Adamas nodded. Gaireth did not seem phased, but he knew the man's words to be true.
Adamas stepped foreward towards Phantom before Rublicant could stop him. Adamas pointed towards the man, and towards the sky. He could already feel Rublicant linked to him, ready to supply him with extra power if it were nessecary. They were ready, even if Rublicant didn't look it.
"We will consider your offer, but time will be nessecary for me to think about the repurcussions of this action," Gaireth did not know if Rublicant spoke of their teleportation here or of their joining together, or both. With that the two stepped away by a few steps and Adamas wove a shield about them so that no sound escaped.
Cue: Adamas. Rublicant doesn't trust him, and thinks he's dangerous, both to us and to our goals. He'd rather solve the conflict without magic or violence, concidering his curent state. It's your call, Rublicant will go along with anything you decide, he's too tired to debate.
*The seven refers to the seven Veri.
__________________
"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."
Posted by Volsung on 09-11-2001 12:38 AM
Lordar
The sun rose on the wet lawns of the mansion. Volsung hating to break habit was up as well but could do little more than walk around and wait until his breakfast was done. His bothered Volsung he had become quite use to making the meal for his sister and himself. Still it wasn’t bad having someone cook for you once in a while. Then Volsung realized that he had gone to sleep with his sword on his chest, but when he woke up it was gone. He quickly ran back to his room where his Sword was. After look for ten minutes it was nowhere to be found, but the Short black sword he had found the day before was where he had left it and So were his new boats as well. Soon he got completely dressed and was just about to find Dave and to make his explain what was going on when Veritas walked in.
“Its good to see you awake. You gave us quite the scare when you didn’t wake up yesterday.”
“Yesterday? Yesterday I went to the markets with that backstabber Dave YESTERDAY.”
“No you slept all day yesterday and all night last night. I think the lack of sleep finally got a hold on you.”
“I guess I do feel more rested than I have been in Days but what happen to my sword Vesta.
“I have it right here,” Pulling the sword from her belt.
Volsung didn’t know what to think. He only knew that he had his sword back. “The rest will figure its self out.” He thought to himself as he walked out of the Room with Veritas lending. Soon, they came to large gold and Silver Dinning Hall with all kinds of animals on the wall from dear to wolves, and many other large and impressive trophies.
“Come in my friends, I have been expecting you,” said Dave who was already at the table eating.
“Thank you,” Said Volsung and Veritas as they sat down as the table soon salves brought cup full of fresh milk and plates of meat.
“So what are your plains for today?” Asked Dave who was in the middle of chewing a piece of steak that had just been brought out for him.
“Well I don’t think I’m fit to Travel today, so if its ok with you could I and my sister, stay one more night here?” Said Volsung trying not to imposes on his already overly kind host.
“That’s fine, I love having guess. So, what were you going to do today before you decided to stay here with me?”
“Well I thought about exploring he Atol Mountains.”
“Wow your one Brave, to go into Lordar territory.”
“What is the Heck is that?” Said Volsung surprised by the sudden display of emotion.
“You have never heard of a Lordar? Well they are terrible things. They have the body of a dear and a torso and head like a lion. They have shorter legs than a normal dear does but they are still as fast as the wind. The loins torso has arms much like the arms of a man, but they are covered with fur. Instead of hands, they have large claws for ripping apart there prey. They have the head of a Loin with ears so keen that they can hear a mouse walking the in a Field from over a mile off. And when they come at you it sound like a banshee screeming in the night telling you that your time is up. There only weaknesses are the facts that they have no sense of smell and they only have average vision. Personally, I have only seen one once many years ago. I was in the Mountains meeting with a man that said he had a very rare sword. He said that he had found it in a cave on the far side of the Mountains. It was a sword made solely of crystal. I was just about to estrange for it when his Lordar, came right after the seller, but I ducked into the bushes, and I never saw that sword or the seller again, and let me tell you about his sword it was something special. Not to mention worth a lot I mean I was going to get his thing for that black sword that you picked out the other day. No offense, but this thing was worth a lot more.” He kept on like this for hours and hours, which was fine by Volsung who didn’t plain on leaving anyway.
Soon Volsung stood up starting to fall a sleep “I’m sorry but I should be going back to bed now. Thank you for the meal and I with see you tomorrow.” With that, Volsung pushed his chair out and walked back to his room were he quickly fell asleep dreaming of Lordar.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 09-12-2001 03:58 PM
It was a warm and slightly windy day in New Dargent. The gentle breezes caused banners and flags to flap and wave in their presence. Nobility and peasantry alike freely roamed the city’s streets and through its massive park (a standing reminder of the Great War) in the basking comfort of the noonday sun. Alas, the serenity of peaceful New Dargent was about to be halted.
Just then, the guards on the wall sounded the general alarm and sent flares brightly streaming into the sky. All people, both young and old flocked like manipulated puppets to the city’s main gate in order to see what was approaching. The object was small at first as it waned in the shimmering distance. However, as some miniscule amount of time had passed, the mass came into focus as not one object, but a quite numerable group of men. Over their heads flew the banner of the Nylinus Compact. Soldiers, fully armored - marching calmly and steadily towards the main gate. The guards along the city wall knew naught of what was to come. As such they made haste for preparations detail. Archers where summoned en masse as the nearby barrack’s armory was depleted of its arsenal to outfit all of the border guards with the appropriate weaponry.
As the entirety of Dargent’s militia drew into position the air grew still and stagnant. A tension that hadn’t been felt in some fifty years was taking its toll in stressing forms on the militia and citizens alike. Many families had fled the gate after seeing the marching company, to seek asylum in their homes throughout New Dargent. The Nylinus Compact troops were a mere hundred yards from the gate when the contingent halted audibly with a final and well trained synchronous stomp. Departing their company and proceeding further to the gate were two distinguished officers, most likely the commanders of the battalion. The commander of the New Dargent Resident Militia (NDRM) knew this act from his military academy days. If he had recalled correctly, this was to be the delivery of the Conditions of War.
“Archers ready! Hold until my command!” The shout sent the remaining civilians running for shelter.
NDRM commander, Lt. Colonel Sarrofey, made his way through the gate with a solid lump in his throat, to approach the two oncoming officers. He had hoped he would never witness this event. “Wasn’t the Great War enough?” he thought to himself as he nervously strode the dirt road.
Strangely though, as Sarrofey neared the two soldiers, they halted dead in their tracks, once more stomping loudly with their last step and promptly snapped a crisp salute towards the New Dargent commander. After Sarrofey had ceased his confused hesitation and returned salute, the highest officer stepped forward confidently and handed him a sealed parchment. He began to rethink his position, ‘This is no attack…’
“Sir, Captain Rivell reporting for duty. Here are my orders sir!” Rivell and his companion stood sharply at attention. Sarrofey couldn’t help but notice how disciplined these soldiers were.
After reading Captain Rivells issued commands, Sarrofey caught himself wiping sweat from his brow in relief. He promptly turned around to face his men.
“Archers stand down! All militia not previously on duty are now released. Send the criers. All concerned Dargent citizens are to gather in the plaza in one hour. Debriefing to follow. Dismissed.” He then turned back to face the Nylinus Compact commanders. “Thank you captain, your men shall have use of our barracks. I’ll show you were you may find them. Mobilize your company.”
“Yes sir!” Captain Rivell saluted once more. “Companyyyy March!”
What guards remained on active duty would never forget the day that a long line of soldiers marched peacefully into New Dargent.
As the sun had just moved past its peak in the sky, the majority of Dargent’s inhabitants had made their way within the central plaza in the Dargent Memorial Park. The criers, having summoned them there, had proclaimed that there was to be an important announcement just an hour earlier. The loud murmur of gathered people could be heard all throughout New Dargent. Voices consumed voices in an unintelligible garble of sounds as the township awaited their speaker. As if on cue, Lt. Colonel Sarrofey promptly made his way to a podium, which had been prepared. The crowd fell silent as he addressed them.
“Citizens of New Dargent, I come before you today to inform you that a massive convention is to be held in our city. The soldiers that beckoned our gates earlier this afternoon have been graciously dispatched by the Nylinus Council to keep the peace in our fair Dargent. These men you saw today are here for your protection. Reports of thieves in our area have reached the ears of the council and they wish only for our safety. With such a large population of people on their way here, the council felt that it might prove too tempting for these thieves to increase in number, hence the soldiers that stand behind me.”
The crowd felt relieved as they gazed unto a strapping young company of soldiers, outfit in clean and crisp Nylinus Compact uniforms. There were no doubts that the council had sent their elite. Sarrofey continued.
“The council also wishes to apologize for any fear that they may have inspired in you. They realize that it was going to be somewhat intimidating just having them march here as they did. Unfortunately, the decision to send them was one made very recently and the convention is set to begin in just one week. The council needed them here immediately. At any rate, these fine young men will be stationed on nearly every corner of the city so if you are in need of their service, do not hesitate to ask. I believe I have stated everything that needs to be said so, in closing, I thank you for your time and hereby dismiss you. Thank you for your concern.”
The crowd took little time to disperse. Many citizens in New Dargent were merchants and to them, a convention meant a great source of income. Much would have to be prepared in little time if sales were to be good. When night finally arrived and the council’s soldiers were in place, Dargent’s peasantry slept dreaming of the possibilities that the convention would bring. Meanwhile, however, outside of the New Dargent Barracks, Captain Rivell sat laughing to himself as he released a carrier pigeon into the night sky.
“My, my, my….. General Antridyus was right. This was to be an easy insertion.”
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"
Posted by Adamas Tribune on 09-12-2001 05:31 PM
"I don't like it. This man is obviously of shady character, and he clearly has his eyes on the Tear. I say we walk away right now. We're in Noit, we should have no trouble finding whatever we need. But whatever we do, we don't have enough spare cash to pay for an escort. All the money I have is what was on my person when we, ah, teleported. Despite what I said earlier, I doubt we need any help navigating this place. My contacts here would still be willing to help me with whatever we need, ambassador or not."
"I lack the strength to argue, Adamas... Let us go," Rublicant said hesitantly.
Adamas degenerated the weave of sound and approached Gaireth.
"I'm going to say in the plainest sense that I don't care for your foul humour and disrespectful attitude. We lack the funds to pay you, but also the necessitude for a personal guard. I am well known here, as the previous ambassador, and it may be in your interests to accompany us without pay if you so desire, but make no ill advised moves should thoughts of theft cross your mind." No emotion crossed the phantom's face, but he was clearly thinking about what Adamas had said.
Adamas helped Rublicant to his feet and headed for a more hospitable location. He did not turn to see Gaireth's reaction, but he assumed a decision had been made.
Rublicant spoke softly. "Shades, you handled that well. You let your interests be known without totally offending him."
Adamas smiled. "It was part of my job, remember?"
Cue: Gaireth, I have strong financial ties here. Rublicant, let's get you to an inn.
__________________
Pride without arrogance,
Independance without dishonor.
Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-12-2001 05:52 PM
Indigo sat in the dark. The people who watched him enter the testing room probably thought him dead.
He thought it supremely unfair. The test hadn't been carried out. He had been branded a Silverblade without a test. He stared darkly at the mark on his hand. It wasn't fair.
He sat cross legged and stared at the door. Pretty soon, people would come and push the doors open to retrieve the body for burial. Hopefully, before then, he would have some answers. He felt the dark silence comforting, and it allowed him to think about things calmly.
At first, he had thought the Cast mark on his hand was part of the test, but after about a half hour, he began to dispair. He wondered what Scarlet would say.
Scarlet...
She was beautiful, but he wondered if thoughts of her had distracted him, causing the failure. No, he shook his head. He couldn't blame anyone but himself.
But what had he done so wrong? He was secure in who he was, he felt that he was a good person with strong character, and he had no thoughts of using magic for personal gain.
He sat in silence, and emptied his head of thoughts. Maybe this wasn't a failure at all. He reasoned that if he had any call in it, he was going to train all out in the use of the handcannon. He'd then get on a ship and show those sea vultures who was boss!
He laughed. It wasn't so bad, really. He just had recieved a gift that was unexpected. When family gives you something on your birthday that you weren't expecting or even wanting, what do you do? You thank them gratefully and make the best of it. Why should this be any different? It wasn't like Silverblades were discriminated against. In fact, some of them were well respected, even above the Dedicated!
Indigo stood up and grabbed his backpack. He slung it over his shoulders and fastened the holster of the handcannon, which he had named Salamander, after the famous war hero.
He pushed on the doors, and they swung open. Most of the people sighed in relief that he had not perished. Scarlet was at the front of the crowd. She gave him a tight hug, then drew back, almost embarrassed.
"Well? What happened?"
Indigo held out his hand. "Not magic. Cast."
"I'm so sorry, Indy..."
He hugged her. "Don't be. I'm not ashamed of this. It's just a different gift that I was expecting. I'm going to do the best I can with it." He paused. "Did you call me Indy again?"
"Yeah."
"Well, don't!"
Scarlet smiled. She really liked him. "I have a test to take, Indy. Wish me luck," she said, waving as she ran up the stairs to the main doors.
"Good luck! And don't call me Indy!"
Cue: Scarlet. Good luck!
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-12-2001 05:56 PM
She was hurled into a black void, beyond space and time. There was an overwhelming feeling of Nothingness, and yet there was an undeniably hard edge to that Nothingness. Scarlet screamed, as her mind reeled in a state of confusion and horror that bordered on the edge of insanity. The silence was deafening, even as she was thrown past large masses that she could sense more than she could see. She screamed again to break the silence, feeling the cords in her neck stand out in her efforts, but no sound issued forth. Only the black quiet could be heard as it pressed close, crushing her with its devastating weight. She felt her mind buckling under the pressure. There had to be something here in this chaos, anything to-
She lifted her hands to her face, though she couldn’t see them. Sand trickled between her fingers into a small mound in front of her. How did she get here? A calmness came over her as she fell to her knees, and played with the sand, letting it trickle between her fingers. She didn’t care. Only the sand mattered. The sand was the only real thing in this eternity. Several minutes (or was it years?) passed before she was aware of music being played. She lifted her head. A figure approached her playing a small wooden flute. The darkness had been broken as well and Scarlet could now see the musician. The player was a young girl, no more than thirteen. Her eyes were closed as she played the last notes of an achingly beautiful melody. Shimmering strands of her pale hair danced in a wind that she couldn’t feel. As the last note faded away, her eyes opened and pierced into Scarlet’s mind. A beautiful, yet cruel looking smile crossed her face.
“Why are you here alone? Don’t you have any friends?,” she asked. Scarlet started to answer, but blinked in confusion. Friends? Did she have any friends? The girl crept closer to her. She couldn’t even remember how she had gotten here. The girl was now directly in front of her. She pointed to the ring that Scarlet wore.
“Do you have a lover?” Scarlet looked at the ring. Did she? She couldn’t remember. Who gave me this ring?, she thought desperately. But nothing came. There was a swirling fog in her mind, isolating her from anything familiar.
“If you love someone and they go away, that makes you sad. Isn’t it better to be alone then?,” she questioned again, now smiling eagerly. “What about your parents? They left you didn’t they?”
Scarlet’s heart lurched. The subject of her parents always struck a sensitive chord hidden deep within her heart. She had only vague memories of them; her mother’s crimson hair and her father’s laugh. Tears stood in her eyes. One day, her parents had just disappeared, and only Reika was left to care for her. Whenever she would inquire about them, she would evade the question or change the subject all together. Eventually, Scarlet quit asking about them and assumed they had died in some sort of accident. She had always hoped they were still alive, but soon she stopped hoping as well. It only made the pain of losing them worse. Although she had never admitted it out loud, the soul reason she set off to become Dedicated was so she might use her powers to find out what had happened to her mother and father.
The girl drew herself up to her full height and stared down at her mockingly.
“There is no value in memories. All with life were born to die.” She raised her flute to her lips once more and smiled again. “But you know that, don’t you? That’s why you came here. You have no direction. You came to lose your life, your memories, identity,….everything.” She began to play a terrible haunting melody that split Scarlet’s mind in two. Memories began to fade into smoky hazes before disappearing all together. She grabbed the sides of her head and screamed. But a strange lucidity was overtaking her, making her submit to the power of the flute. She fell to her hands and knees.
No! It’s not true!! I came here to start my life! I came for everything!, she screamed in her mind. Her eyes flew open and she concentrated on the form of the girl before her. A single glimmering memory hung in her mind, and she held onto it with all of her might.
DEDICATION!
She noticed a look of surprise come over the girl, quickly followed by anger. She began play a different melody now, one that sent electricity flowing through Scarlet’s body and made her hair stand on end. She felt the memory start to slip way, but still she held on to it. Soon, she started to remember everything else she had forgotten only a few minutes before. The music that the flute put forth was causing her physical pain, but she smiled anyway. She remembered what she had come for and she felt her strength gathering inside of her. And for the first time she spoke out loud in a firm, unyielding voice.
“I am Scarlet Rosenblade! I came here for EVERYTHING!!” The words seemed to physically strike the girl, for she dropped her flute and hunkered over. She glared at Scarlet, who now stood assertively.
“Damn you!,” she yelled, drawing in shaky breaths of air. But what pain Scarlet had inflicted seemed to only effect her for a moment. She rose to her feet and copied Scarlet’s stance. She smiled again now as power began to radiate around her.
“You’re strong. But on the shore of the River of Lost Memories, I am undefeatable.” A hazy yellow aura began to form around the girl, growing stronger and deeper in color every second. Tremendous power ignited the air, making it suffocating. Scarlet only had a fraction of a second to flash out her katana before the girl attacked.
“RAIDEN FURUI!!!!!!!!!!”
A blinding flash of lightning struck Scarlet in the chest and sent her flying across the bank and into an invisible obstruction. She fell roughly to the ground and gritted her teeth as the remaining sparks of the bolt burned her skin. Musical laughter floated around her, making the pain that much worse.
“I am Lethe. Guardian of this river. It’s nice to meet you Scarlet Rosenblade. I welcome you to your grave!” Another surge of lightning seared across her body, but she didn’t scream. She knew if she did, she would die.
“Doesn’t it hurt? Why don’t you cry out then? Wouldn’t you like me to stop?,” she laughed as she started to gather more energy. It was a high, merciless sound that bit into Scarlet’s mind. Her brow knitted in sudden fury. That laugh. That damned laugh! It sparked a tiny flame within her mind’s eye that started to grow into an uncontrollable, hellish blaze. With great effort she stood to face her opponent once more. Lethe stopped laughing but continued to smile with a hint of a sneer. Scarlet held her katana out at its length and laughed huskily.
“That’s it? Some Guardian. I thought you’d have more power than that.” Lethe stopped smiling and skewed her face into a silent snarl. Scarlet laughed again. Louder this time.
“I’ve dealt with perverts more dangerous than you!,” she spat. Something was stirring inside of her like a raging storm. A voice floated up from the back of her mind. It reminded her of a father giving advice.
This is your storm. Use it.
“RAIDEN FURUI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Again, Scarlet was enveloped in a bolt of lightning, but this time it was different. Instead of crippling her, it flowed naturally through her veins, and into her katana which she now brandished high above her head. Her eyes began to glow with a brilliant purple light as power even stronger than that of her attacker’s surged through every pore. Words formed in her mind and came rushing out of her mouth as she swung the pulsating blade at Lethe.
“BANRAI MEIMEI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” A deafening crack resounded across the entire void as the air split and then rushed back to fill the recently vacated area. Lethe screamed in agony and crumpled to the ground. Violent purple sparks formed a net over her entire body. Scarlet stood over her panting. Energy continued to flow through and around her, but not nearly as strongly as it had been only moments before. Her voice rumbled like distant thunder.
“All with life were born to love. That is why there is life!,” she roared. No response came from the defeated girl, but immediately the atmosphere changed and a great cloud of fog suddenly swept between her and Lethe, making everything disappear in a swirl of grey. Scarlet felt the sensation of falling and……
…….Bright daylight filled the air, making her eyes throb dully for a moment.
She was standing on a sandy shore next to the ocean. What was she doing here? The memory of her venturing into the testing grounds resurfaced quickly. But she had just gotten here. Had it all been a dream with Lethe and the River of Lost Memories?
“Who?….” Already the memory of the battle had faded. All that remained clearly for a moment longer was the ghost of a beautiful melody that lingered on the salty wind before being lost forever.
“What happened?…” she whispered, rubbing the side of her head. It ached dully. Looking down at her feet, she spied an object jutting out of the sand. She reached down to pick it up, but forgot about it immediately as her eyes crossed over the back of her left hand.
There clearly for her to see was the symbol of Air.
Her heart beat wildly. She had passed. How?, she wondered. I can’t remember any of it. Just then the wind blew across the surface of the beach and over the object buried there. A high, sweet sounding note issued from it, attracting Scarlet’s attention once more. She pulled it out of the sand and gazed on it. It was a little wooden flute. For the briefest of moments the memory of the test shone clearly in her mind, but flickered out once more, before she was conscious of it. She turned it over in her hands and saw an inscription on the back.
“There is a blazing light coming closer….
Soon the battle will start..”
“Lethe…….,” she whispered, reading the flowing script. As she did so, it crumbled away into a fine powder, and was carried away on the wind. She looked to the sky curiously. With her new powers, she sensed a drastic change in the atmosphere.
“Something’s coming….,” she whispered.
As she spoke, she sensed the presence of several people behind her. Turning, she saw that a small entourage had arrived. Her mouth opened in surprise as her eyes fell on the two central figures.
No more than ten feet away, the King and Queen of Gania stood smiling at the young girl. Scarlet studied them intently. The king was tall and muscular with ebony black hair and lavender eyes. The queen was of average height for a woman. Her deep crimson hair fluttered gracefully in the wind and her solemn grey eyes stared at Scarlet with pride.
Her hair looks just like mine., she thought wondrously. A sudden realization came to her then and she gasped in shock. Her heart began to race. But why? How? No answers came, but she knew. The blood in her veins resonated in recognition, even after all these years. She stepped forward hesitantly.
“Mother…?,” she whispered. Tears welled up in the queen’s eyes and she nodded. Scarlet looked to the king questioningly. He nodded as well and walked toward her, opening his arms out wide. She cried and ran into them, feeling them close around her in a tight hug.
“W-w-why?,” she sobbed. “I thought you were dead..” His voice quavered.
“We wanted to protect your future.,” he whispered softly. “Can you ever forgive us?” Scarlet nodded against his shoulder and continued to cry for a long, long time.
At last, she had everything.
OOC: Heh heh heh...I think it's time to edit my profile, ne?
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Gaireth Synphell on 09-12-2001 07:26 PM
Gaireth looked at the two men walking away form him and let out a curt laugh, though there was no humor in it. "You think I want that thing," he said pointing at the sword. "I don't need that thing any more than I need a broken leg. I have my own powers that sustain me. I suppose then that this is "goodbye", but beware. I will not be so pleseant if we meet again Rublicant Al' Teyr and Adamas Tribune."
Gaireth said all of this with the same icy tone that could have frozen the sun if it was close enough. As he finished he turned and walked away. He had business to attend to.
CUE: Either Rublicant or Adamas. If yee have anything else to say, yee best be sayin it now.
__________________
There are two kinds of people in the city. Those that walk in the light and those who creep through the shadows. Both fear my name...Phantom
Posted by Volsung on 09-12-2001 11:46 PM
Back to Gania
Volsung woke up at dawn to find that all his things were still in his room. To his great relief he started getting dressed. Soon later wards Volsung was heading to the dinning hall. When he got there, he was surprised to see that the food was on the table and that Dave was sitting at the head of the table. “Come in my friend, I thought that you wound be leaving early so I had the salves start early cooking breakfast so that you could get back to Gania today. When I hear you coming I sent a salve upstairs to wake up your sister.”
“Thanks you, you have been so kind to us. I wish that I could do more for you,” Said Volsung as he was sitting down at the dinning table.
“You have already given me one of your treasures. I will let you leave only giving up that.” Just then, Veritas walked in.
“Hello gentlemen, I see you started with out me. Well I guess I will just have to do my best to catch up.”
“If that is the way you wish to do things then I can’t stop you, but it was never my intention to offend you,” said Dave felling sorry for not being more considerate.
“Its ok, and thank you for being so kind to so,” Said Veritas. After that Veritas sat down and they all started eating. Soon both Volsung and Veritas were full and it was time to go.
“Well I can tell you both wish to get going so I won’t hold you here with sad good byes. My cart is outside the door to take you out of the city.” With that, Dave got up and walked out of the dinning room. Volsung and Veritas got up and walked out he door and to the cart waiting out front. Which they quickly got into and it took then out of the city in 15 minutes. After they were out of the city, the cart drooped them off and they started walking back to Gania. The Road was twice as busy as it had been when Volsung and Veritas had walked to Xellos, they didn’t let it bother them. They walked and talked for hour after hour until sunset, when they were just out side of Gania. Soon afterwards, they had set up camp, and Volsung started working on dinner. Dave had given them fresh meat and spices before they had left Xellos.
“Well by this time tomorrow we will be getting ready to set sail,” said Volsung who putting the finishing touch’s on dinner.
“Yep, I can’t wait to be on a open seas again.”
“I know it’s going to be great.” Then Volsung voice fell to little more than a whisper. “I think a have found something magical.”
“What?” Yelled Veritas not realizing that Volsung was not trying to attracted attention.
“Quite,” then Volsung pulled out his black sword. “This I think has some magic it.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because when I picked it up it fell like some sort of energy was following through me. It hard to explain.” Then Volsung put the sword away.
“Well what are you going to do with it?”
“Going to figure out how to use it,” With that Volsung handed Veritas her dinner. “Now eat your dinner.” They both ate their meals quickly and then went to sleep; it had been anther long day and tomorrow looked like it wouldn’t be any different.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-13-2001 09:26 PM
After some time had passed, Scarlet was introduced to the rest of the entourage that had accompanied her parents. They were mostly bodyguards, but a few were nobles and close family friends. They were all introduced by title and bowed to Scarlet as they were called.
“Scarlet, these are the nobles and loyal friends of Gania.,” her mother said softly. “You will learn their names later, as I’m sure right now you would like to ask a few questions.” Scarlet floundered for a minute. This was all happening so fast! Within a span of a half an hour, she had been Dedicated, and reunited with her parents. She stopped as the meaning of their titles finally sank in. If they were the King and Queen…..then she…..she was…
“I’m a princess?…,” she whispered feeling suddenly dizzy. Her mother answered.
“Not just a princess, the princess of Gania. The soul heir to the throne.” Scarlet struggled against the impending faint and continued her questioning.
“But what about Reika? Since she’s older than me, then wouldn’t she…..?” This time, her father answered shaking his head.
“No. Only those of the royal family who are Dedicated may ascend to rule. Reika partially failed her test, and became a Silverblade. Therefore, since you are Dedicated, and the only child left, it is your right to inherit the kingdom.” She furrowed her brow. There was still something about this that didn’t make any sense.
“I still don’t understand. If I was going to inherit the throne, then why was I never told? I don’t know anything about ruling a country! What if I don’t even want to take the throne?!” She paused. “And why did you leave me? That’s what I really want to know. Why…?,” she whispered softly. Her father looked down at her sadly.
“We felt it would be best for you. After Reika had failed her test, she tried to kill herself because she felt that she had disappointed us. We didn’t want the same to happen to you in case you should fail as well. So after several days of thought, we agreed that you should be taken to the outside and raised. By then Reika had recovered and agreed to look after you until the day you decided to take your turn. She realized that becoming a Silverblade was her destiny, so she could train you for whatever you might face in the testing grounds. We left you in her care so that if you failed, you would have a chance at a normal life afterwards. Please understand that we’ve always loved you…” Tears fell from his eyes onto the sand below. “We wanted to protect you. Please forgive us.” Scarlet was speechless. So that was why they had left. They had only wanted her to have the best chance possible in case she had failed. She understood completely where they were coming from.
“We understand if this is too much for you. But there is noone else who can rule after we’re gone. Will you at least consider it?” Scarlet thought deeply. If there was noone who could take the throne after her, then what would happen to her country? But could she possibly rule Gania? An arm wrapped around her shoulder and she looked up into her father’s face. He smiled down at her.
“You must have confidence. You will be taught everything you need to know.” Scarlet smiled back.
“I’ll do my best.” She pulled away and started to run down the beach. He called after her.
“Where are you going?!”
“I have to tell Indy!!!”
The King and Queen turned to each other and gave identical puzzled stares, then turned back to watch their daughter’s hurried progress down the beach toward the city.
**************************************************
There was a small crowd gathered around the doors that lead to the testing grounds. Scarlet was momentarily puzzled by how she was transported out of the temple, but regained her original train of thought as she spied Indigo near the doors, looking extremely anxious.
“Indy!!!!”
Several people turned to see the girl dash across the clearing and into the arms of the young man that had come out of the temple prior to her.
“Scarlet!! What happened?! How did you get out of the temple?!!”
“I don’t know! But look Indy!! I’m Dedicated in Air!,” she cried holding her hand up for him to see. He smiled and hugged her tightly.
“Congratulations!” Scarlet pulled him of to the side of the crowd as a few people within the group clapped and more whistled and gave cat calls to the couple.
“That’s not all Indy-“
“Don’t call me Indy!” She smiled.
“Shush! You know you like it!” Indigo fumed silently as she continued.
“I found my parents too! They came right after I found out I was Dedicated.”
“What? How!?” Scarlet explained to him the events that occurred on the beach and her new title. After she finished, he looked at her in utter amazement.
“Then you’re…..?” She nodded. Indigo shook his head and chuckled a little.
“Wow, I’m almost afraid to even touch you now.” Scarlet blushed and her heart gave a little lurch. True there was nothing between her and Indigo, but there was just something about him that left her wanting more of him. But she hid her budding feelings under a mask of indifference and crossed her arms.
“I don’t see why. I’m still the same person, you know.,” she said punching his arm. He deftly grabbed her by the wrist, and pulled her close. She gasped in surprise.
“Indy!-“ Her heart was racing. They were so close that all she had to do was lean forward slightly and she would kiss him. Suddenly, she was aware that she wanted to kiss him. And before she could stop herself, she leaned forward and-
“Scarlet!”
She tripped over her feet in surprise and fell into Indigo who in turn was caught off balance and went sprawling on the ground, taking Scarlet with him. He caught her as gently as he could and blushed as he became aware of her position on top of him. He noted how light she was, and the fullness of her…..…body…..He blushed even deeper and starting stammering out an apology. She lifted herself off of him by her hands and turned to see her parents standing there looking slightly embarrassed themselves.
“Um…..uh..” She sat up in Indigo’s lap and struggled to say something, but she too was now very aware of……uh….him. The blush that adorned her face very nearly matched her hair. All four of them froze in their positions for several moments before anyone spoke. It was her mother broke the awkward silence.
“Who is this charming young man?,” she said smiling at the guilty looking pair. Scarlet rose to her feet and helped Indigo off the ground.
“This is Indigo Grei of the Silverblades. He’s been very kind to look after me while I’ve been in Noit.” He bowed toward the King and Queen, then as a second thought, bowed to Scarlet. Her mother stepped forward and took his arm, but her father only raised an eyebrow at him and wondered just how he had “looked after” his daughter.
“I’m charmed.,” she said smiling warmly. “We give you our deepest gratitude for watching over Scarlet.” Indigo blushed again and looked at the ground. She released his arm and rejoined her husband, who was still giving him a leery eye. He well remembered how he had been when he was that young. He too thanked Indigo and turned to Scarlet.
“We must leave soon. You have to start lessons immediately, and you must be presented to the Council.,” he said in a business like tone that was very much unlike his voice from earlier that day. She got a feeling that he didn’t care for Indy very much……
“I’ll just get my things from the inn.,” she said softly, still a bit embarrassed from……well…you know…..and a little heartbroken for having to leave so soon. She beckoned Indigo to come with her, and no objections came. But as soon as they had cleared the area, the king motioned to a bodyguard hidden within the trees. He was a tall, well-built young man with ebony black hair and deep amber eyes. He kneeled before the king, letting his crimson cape spill around his feet.
“Majesty?”
“Keep an eye on her while she’s at the inn. And escort her back to the ship when she’s ready.” The guard nodded and disappeared into the foliage once more. The Queen looked sharply at her husband.
“Now really dear, is that necessary?” He looked down at her and smiled.
“Probably not, but I remember when I was that age.”
“I remember too.,” she answered poking him in the side. He let out a hearty laugh.
“Come. Let’s go wait for her to come back.”
***************************(Back to Indy and Scarlet)
They both walked in silence, not sure of how to break the ice. Scarlet was thinking of how to say goodbye, and Indigo was thinking of how to apologize. They started at the same time.
“Indy, I just want to say-“
“Scarlet, I just want to say-“
They simultaneously looked at each other, blushed, and looked away again. And so they continued on until they reached the front of the inn. The clerk gave the both of them a curious glance as they climbed the stairs to the second floor, but put them out of his mind. It was a little early in the day, “But youth knows no boundaries.,” he mused.
Indigo stayed out in the hall while Scarlet packed the last of her belongings that she had taken with her. She felt a bit sad now that it was all over. Despite having to deal with all the lechers and perverts, it had been a good trip. After all, she met Indy……..She sighed. She would miss him.
“Scarlet, are you okay?,” Indigo asked from the hallway.
“Yeah…I’ll just be a minute.,” she called over her shoulder. After regaining some composure, she shouldered her pack, walked out of the room and locked the door behind her. She stood there facing the door for a minute before she spoke.
“You know it’s funny. I never expected to meet anyone like you. And I don’t think I ever will again.”
Indigo rested his hand on her shoulder, and she turned to face him. He placed his other hand under her chin and tilted it up slightly so she was looking directly into his eyes.
“I’ll never forget you.,” he whispered. He then kissed her for the first, and they both prayed it wouldn’t be, the last time. It was several minutes before they parted, and then they both just held each other.
“Indy?”
“Yes?”
“If you ever come by Gania again….will you come visit me?”
“Yes.”
They walked back onto the street and both were surprised when the guard approached them.
“Highness, I’m here to escort you back to the ship. I trust you’ve said your good byes?,” he said flashing his eyes toward Indigo. Scarlet could’ve swore that they looked threatening. She nodded.
“Let’s go then.” He spun around, neatly wrapping her under his cape. They walked a few feet before she turned and looked at Indigo one last time. He raised his hand in a small wave, and she raised hers in return wondering if she’d ever see him again.
OOC: I SWEAR I'll come back and edit this later.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Volsung on 09-14-2001 12:27 AM
Volsung had waked up about 3 hours before sunrise to start training. The first thing he did was to take his right arm out of he sling. Now after about two weeks fight with the wolfs, it had started to get its moment back, but it was still not at 100%. After putting his arm back into the sling, he pulled out his new black sword. It glistened in the moonlight as it came out of its sheath. As soon as Volsung grabbed it, he could feel the power in it. Volsung had very studied magic but something in him knew what this was. Volsung started training it as if this was a normal sword, then he realized that this is no normal sword. Soon as that thought crossed Volsung mind the sword became to act differently and when Volsung pointed it at a rock and a black bolt of lighting shot out of the end of the sword and spit the rock right in two.
This display had caused a little more noise than he wanted to make and so Volsung quickly pull his sword back in its sheath. When he walked back to camp, and got started working on breakfast. Soon after wards even though it wasn’t dawn yet Veritas was up and eating. “We need to get to the port today.”
“I know the ship leaves tomorrow. Do you remember the name of the ship?” Said Volsung who had just finishing his breakfast.
“It was called the Windsword. Do you know what time we set sail?”
“When all the cargo is there, imagine so we need to get a move on.”
“Your right.” With that, Volsung and Veritas picked up all their goods and set out. They plotted a path a round the city to save time and soon were on the grassy road that headed north to the port of Gania. Few people even knew about this road let alone traveled it. It wasn’t much better than the wilderness outside of Gania. Nonetheless, it was a road and it was leading them to their destination. The day went quickly climbing over trees and walking around the ten-foot wide holes in the road. Just as the sun was starting to set in the west Volsung and Veritas reached the docks. In little to no time they found the Windsword packed and ready to go, but there was no one to be seen so Volsung and Veritas went a board the ship found he empty sleeping quarters and went to sleep not giving a second thought to why there was no one around.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-14-2001 09:14 PM
"Who's that girl? ..¿Quien es esa chica?"
Orocia was dressed in her more formal wear, as a sailor should wear when coming to port. It was an all-black sailor's uniform, with a white collar and white decorative rope sewn onto the ends of the arms and pant legs. But it had one special decoration on the rear of her pants for all to see: an embroidered fiery red and white tiger with a cool blue lily entwined around its paws.
It is said that tigers and blue lilies do not exist... but neither did lady sailors, before Orocia came along. At least, besides legends, none were thought to exist. The sailors she befriended on her very first ship, at a still-a-girl-but-is-starting-to-look-grown 15 years of age, were instantly reminded of a fabled lady sailor who cared for all but punished hard, like a good mother would, and still looks upon "her boys" to this day: it is said when the wind whistles through the lines, when there was no wind before, it is her spirit bringing luck for the ship's journey. Other legends say she was turned into a mermaid who cared for the souls of dead sailors in the seas. All the variations of the legend reminded the men of the fierce and ferocious, steadfast determination in young Orocia's eyes as she strived to prove she was just as capable of pulling her weight as any man, while at the same time, turning any insult into fuel for her fire, and always responding with compassion no matter how bad she was treated. And that's why they call her Tiger Lily: the red tiger represents her fierce ferocity; the blue lily represents her calm kindness; both tigers and blue lilies are extremely rare, if they even exist; and although they seem to contrast, they actually complement each other.
Receiving this new name and respect was the highest honor Orocia felt she ever could receive, and she vowed to dedicate herself to the seas in honor of her brothers who raised her. At first, other crews didn't believe the stories of the girl sailor... but in a few years, as Orocia moved on to other ships, her fame began to grow ever so slightly in the gossip in the shipyards.
As she walked past the merchants (who stared ...all of them) and towards the taverns, pubs, bars, restaurants, and inns, with well-lighted signs to attract your attention, she felt more eyes staring at her with each step, but some of the stares weren't so much out of curiosity but more of recognition, particularly of the embroidery on her rump...
"Who's that girl?"
"I think it's that lady sailor we've heard about..."
"I thought it was just an old legend!!"
"No, ...she's the real thing."
"I don't believe it!"
"I almost can't either... but that's a Tiger Lily I see..."
Orocia overheard these comments as she looked for a good waterhole to drink up from. She couldn't help but smile. She wondered if she'd be reunited with any old shipmates, as she found and walked into the old tavern she'd always visit at Noit: "The Brass Monkey."
A cute giggle came up from her and a broad grin reached from ear to ear as the sweet smells of good liquor got her thirsty..
*::~::*::~::*::~::*::~::*::~::*::~::*::~::*::~::*: :~::*
OOC: yeah, I'm a Madonna fan ^_^!! 
Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-15-2001 12:57 AM
Rublicant was resting comfortably in his bed. Adamas sat nearby, manipulating the static electricity in the air, but he was not doing it with his conducing abilities, he had learned, from the advice Rublicant could offer between his comatose periods, and from the books in the chests that Rublicant had brought with them, how to draw power form the earth.
Mana..
Terra Magic..
Rublicant stirred, and rolled over in bed. Adamas smiled, and went back to producing small electric shocks between himself and the bedpost, nearly a meter. That seemed like a great accomplishment at the time..
It would seem immensely small in the weeks to come..
__________________
"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-15-2001 10:53 PM
The plot thickens....
Once again Scarlet stood at the bough, only this time she faced the west and stared into a dazzlingly beautiful sunset. For the past day, she’d been practicing her new powers, first manipulating the air molecules to levitate very small objects, then casting tiny sparks across the room. It was a small accomplishment, but an accomplishment none the less. Once, she had attempted to levitate herself, but was rewarded with failure and a monstrous headache.
She saw movement out of the corner of her eye and turned her head slightly to see the guard that had escorted her aboard the ship that afternoon. She smiled shyly at him and he nodded in return, crossing his arms over his chest.
“You don’t have to watch over me all the time you know.,” she called to him. He walked over to where she stood. His cape fluttered in the breeze, giving Scarlet the eerie sense of déjà vu.
“My sworn duty is to protect you at all times.,” he replied. His voice, though soft, was deep and commanding. It was the sort of voice you wouldn’t dare disobey. She looked up into his face and found herself at a loss for words. His deep amber eyes seemed to draw her in like a vacuum and hold her there for a moment until some silent command released her. Slightly unnerved, she directed her attention back to the ocean. Meanwhile, he returned to his original position by the mast and studied Scarlet from his vantage point. A ghost of a smile crossed his lips as he watched her hair, ignited by the sun’s last rays, dance in the wind and caress her shoulders. He wondered what it would be like to runs his hands through that magnificent tress, as another guard approached him from the right.
“Xarou…”
“What is it?,” he asked not taking his eyes off Scarlet.
“Wouldn’t you like to rest now? You’ve been on duty all day.” He shook his head.
“No.,” he said with firm resolve. The other guard, following his gaze, looked at Scarlet, then back at Xarou.
“She’s a looker, huh? I don’t blame you for wanting to stay. I have a feeling this job is going to have some definite perks from now on.,” he said with a wink before returning below deck to resume his duties there.
Xarou smiled. Yes, things were looking up. He had been sorely disappointed from his failure in Forestre, but now he would have all the time he needed to plan things right this time.
She stretched fully, giving him ample opportunity to study the curves of her waist and the swell of her breast. Although he made no obvious outward sign of any arousal, his heart pounded and a few beads of perspiration beaded his forehead in response. At that moment he made a vow that he wouldn’t fail again.
She would be his.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Volsung on 09-16-2001 11:14 AM
the Sea
Volsung woke up to the site of thirty sailor’s looking directly at him. “What are you two doing here?” Said one of the better-dressed men in the front of the crowd.
“We’ve here to work! Where were you boys when we got here last night?” Said Volsung feeling very anger about being treated so harshly.
“Were the ones asking questions here. Anyways the captain wants to see you. So, get out of bed it morning,” with that, Volsung and Veritas were taken to the captain’s quarters.
“Well you two must be Volsung and Veritas. I heard you were coming but I thought that you would have been here 3 or 4 days ago. In any case, you’re here now so I’ll tell you what you will be doing. First I’m the only one who gets to were a cape a round here so take your capes off, you can have them back when we get to Ioty. Next Volsung you look like you can see fairly well, so I’m pulling you up in the crows nest, we run in 18 hour shifts on this ship so get going.” With that, he bolted out the door and headed for the crows nest. Then Captain Orcus turned his attention to Veritas “Now you being a women and all I think I will put you to work sewing the sails.” Veritas was two inches from slapping Captain Orcus when Volsung came up from behind her, gabbed her arm, and pulled her out of the room.
“We need to get to Ioty, so please don’t hurt the captain,” said Volsung as soon as the captain’s door was shut.
“Fine but your helping, it not like they will really need you till we set sail any way.” Therefore, Volsung agreed to help Veritas in the interest of peace. A few to the sails were on the deck but most of the rips in the sails had to taken care of from the air. So, Volsung tied Veritas to a rope and then lowered her to the place where she needed to sew. After what seemed like days, Volsung and Veritas finish their work. Then Captain Orcus came up out of his quarters and told the crew that it’s time to set sail.
“I’m here to tell you boys that now that are sails be fixed that its time to shove off.” Soon the ship was full of active. Within ten minute of the captain’s word, the anchor was up and the moors were off the docks.
The wind wasn’t strong, but it was out of the west so they were moving in the right direction, and it was still a fine looking day to set sail. The Windsword was a fine ship and need little wind to move faster that most other ship in a strong wind. With two main sails and five smaller ones. The Windsword could move in almost no wind. The body of the ship had been made out pine cut from the Evisis woods. To prevent warping if had been sealed with whale fat, all of which made it one of the finest ships of its day. It had to be for the trip it was taking. Few other ships even made it past the Press Canal. A point where the Drolstorm when it is very active would crush a ships on the cost of Gania or the Island of Geryon. Other ships are broken apart at sea and were never heard from again. Still even with all this risk, there were people who wished to have things sent directly to Ioty, and there were a few captains brave enough to make the run.
It was about an hour before the Windsword reached the Press Canal; where Captain Orcus ordered that two of the smaller sails be taken down to reduce speed. This gave Captain Orcus more maneuverability, but as the ship got closer to the ocean the winds started to pick up and the waves were becoming bigger and bigger, Captain Orcus seeing the risk of staying in the Canal, ordered the all sails be brought up and then be put into the wind. Soon the ship was moving at double the speed, and was now cutting thought the waves, but turning the ship had become quite a chore. Soon there was lighting all about them, and thunder would shake the ship with ever bolt. The sky was as black as midnight and with every bolt of lighting, the water would light up like the fires of Hell. The wind howled like a thousand wolves under a full moon. The sailors were being thrown from side to side as if drag dolls. Volsung up in the crow’s nest had to take his bad arm out of the sling to hold on for dear life. Many of the other sailor’s had tied themselves to the ship this proved to be a fatal mistake. Because about a half hour after the storm had start the Windsword had just cleared Press Canal when a great wave at least 40 feet high hit the ship both Volsung and Veritas were thrown from the ship and into the water. The ship itself was thrown against the rocks never to be seen again.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
The time now is 03:28 PM.
Copyright © Jelsoft Enterprises Limited 2000.
