Asheri Rising: Rune Aeterna 3

Thursday, January 20, 2005

Rune Aeterna 3

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=67)

Posted by Keiru Silver on 09-16-2001 12:31 PM

And a new chapter begins. Sorry I didn't close Chapter 2 on time, but it won't matter much, right?

I see a lot of good plot developments here. I'm not going to list them, because I'm afraid I'm going to forget one and someone is going to be unhappy. I'd list them all, because they're all good, though.

Keep up the good work.
__________________
Welcome to my world...

Posted by Keiru Silver on 09-16-2001 12:31 PM

Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-16-2001 06:49 PM

Rublicant was still recovering from the strain he had placed upon himself during the transport from the high seas to Noit, but he was up and about now. Adamas had acquired a lawyer for a small price and had found the two of them a home outside of Noit, between the city and the ruins. It had cost them nearly a fifth of their money, but they had plenty to spare in the chests that Rublicant had strained himself so hard to make sure they had brought along.

The two of them lost themselves in their studies for the rest of the day at the inn. Tommorrow they would acquire furnishings and such for their home, and likely attain a servant if they could find one. Rublicant had already sent a letter to his grandmother expressing his desire to have a relatively large amount of money transferred from the National Bank of Lunis to the Ganian National Registry.

They had made prigress with their terra magics, Adamas deciding he was choosing Air as his primary focus, and Rublicant deciding, both because of his bloodline and affinity, Spirit. They were still working on their skills long into the night until in an exhausted state, both of them fell asleep in the chairs they had been using all day.
__________________

"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."

Posted by Volsung on 09-17-2001 02:44 PM

beachs of fog

Volsung was alive. How he didn’t know. But being alive was enough for the moment. Then when he got up he knowist a rope tied to his waste. Upon further examination found that it was tied to so thing. So, Volsung followed that rope up the beach until he came upon Veritas. She was still unconscious, but she was breathing. Volsung quickly untied his sister and put the rope away. Then he carried her to a dry spot a few hundred yards from the beach. Volsung had lost his sling and his right arm was in a great deal of pain, but there was nothing he could do about it now so he just kept worked thought the pain, and before long had colleted enough wood to start a fire. The wood was wet and didn’t want to burn but Volsung using grass and some of the fabric from his shirt managed to start the fire in spite of the conditions. Next thing Volsung did was to walk the beach to see if any wreckage had washed up. Volsung picked up a lot of wood and a small crate of grain. The Crate was marked for the King of Akaros, but there was little change of it making it to destination now, so Volsung open it up started eating the grain, not having any pans to cook it in he ate it raw. Still all things considered, the grain was better than most of the Volsung had cooked in his life. Veritas soon woke up and before even saying a word to Volsung she started eating. Then after she had taken a pity good dent out of the crate of grain Veritas started talking. “Boy your lucky if I would have tied that rope to you I don’t know if you would have made it.”

“What do you mean? I woke up on the beach, we were tied together, and you were unconscious.”

“Your right but I would have never gotten you of shore if I haddn't attached that rope to you. You see I in the wind and the waves I had my best hold on to you, but it just wasn’t doing any good, and of course, you weren’t any help, being unconscious and all. Anyway, I tied a rope piece of wood from that wreckage and then I tied it to you and after that, I tied it to me. After that I managed to get us to shore then I unwrapped the wood and dragged you up the beach, then I think a walked a few steps and I think I passed out.”

“Wow, thanks you saved my life. Well why don’t rest for a little bit longer I’m going to see if anything else has washed up on the beach.” With that, Volsung got up and walked back to that beach.

Then Veritas yelled at Volsung "Now were even." Volsung just smilled and turn back to the beach.
Veritas curled up by the fire and fell a sleep. As Volsung Walked along the Beach his world kept getting smaller and smaller until Volsung could only see a few hundred yard in fount of his face and this sudden fog was getting thinker so Volsung gabbed the few thing that he could see headed back to camp. Volsung could not see the camp but he could still smell the smoke from the fire. So that was way he when, after about a half of stumbling throw the bush he finally arrived back to find his sister fast asleep without a care in the world.

This was quite the contrast from Volsung, who was worrying about how they were going to get out of this mess. These are his thoughts. “Well we could build a small boat but where do we set sail to I don’t know north from south in all of this fog. We could wait for help but no one stops at the end of Press Canal.” I guess that are best option for the time being it to stay put until this fog clears and then try to find out if were on Gania or Geryon. That is the question isn’t it if where on Gania we can walk back to Xellos or Gania, but if were on Geryon... I don’t even want to think about that it just makes life so much harder.” Then Volsung paused to throw some more wood on the fire, and then cured up. “Well time to sleep this is going to be a cold night with no blankets, no capes, or no tents Brr, I guess you do with what you have,” with that Volsung when to sleep.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Adamas Tribune on 09-17-2001 05:00 PM

It was amazing. Adamas spun the twin strands around each other, but they refused to touch. He himself had discovered the phenomenon yesterday, but only recently decided to show Rublicant.

"Look. No matter how hard I try, the Terra and Ki streams of electricity won't touch," he commented. Rublicant watched as a bolt of lightning streamed from one forefinger to the other hand's thumb, and another stream from the opposing hand did likewise.

Adamas let the streams cease to spark, and leaned back in his plush chair. "So, how goes your own progress?"

Rublicant smiled as he prepared to relate the amusing tale. "I don't know, my friend. I think I may have summoned a mouse yesterday."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but it could have been in my room already." He laughed, envisioning the 'spirit beast' running across his floor.

"Well, we all know how thieves hate mice..." Adamas said sharply. "Bound to come in handy, yes indeed."

"Shut up, Adamas."

He laughed. Mice indeed!
__________________
Pride without arrogance,
Independance without dishonor.

Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-17-2001 05:25 PM

Indigo hadn't liked the way he had seen the guard looking at Scarlet. Although he wasn't romantically involved with the princess, he felt as if the man would take advantage of her. As her personal guard, he did have carte blanche access to her chamber, belongings, etc...

Why am I doing this? Indigo asked himself. He had been following Scarlet (The Princess, he corrected himself) for a few days, and he had seen no obvious attempt on the guard's behalf to advance on her. But that didn't stop him from feeling uneasy. There was something wierd about him.

He watched as Scarlet stopped to approach a merchant, and her guard (Xarou, had he been called?) kept a step behind her. There was an exchange between the Princess (he doubted anyone here knew of her identity yet) and the merchant, and sure enough, Xarou stepped in between them and leveled his sword towards the merchant.

The details had not interested Indigo, but the manner in which Xarou had placed his hand on Scarlet's hip to push her aside was clearly not in haste, but deliberated. He scowled, pulled his scarf up over his face, and tightened the remaining screws of Salamander.

It was proving an interesting diversion. Salamander's firing pin, when Indigo had purchased it, was a bit loose. Tightened up, along with a lot of other maintenance (that should have been regularly performed by the merchant), the stopping power of the bullets had almost doubled. Indigo had broken a two by four in half with two well placed shots.

He wondered if it would pierce the armor of a certain guard. He sighted Xarou over the barrel and squeezed the trigger.

Indigo sighed, refilled all six chambers, and snapped the gun back together. Maybe he was overreacting. Maybe he was outright possessive to a fault. Maybe it was all in his head, and maybe Scarlet didn't want him around anyway.

Yeah right.

And maybe Xarou was a world class gentleman.

Indigo debated shooting him then and there. But, he wanted to attract Scarlet's attention alone, and while killing Xarou was definitely the most direct way to do it, there were certain legal repercussions.

So Indigo would wait until Xarou was sleeping, and then he would make an audience with Scarlet. She would probably be delighted to see him, although Xarou would not. But even Xarou had to sleep sometime.

Didn't he?
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!

Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-17-2001 11:51 PM

Indigo tightened all the various buckles of his outfit and holstered Salamander. He had purchased an all black outfit in Southdale, and wrapped a black scarf around his mouth so no one would see his face.

Tonight he would find out how Scarlet felt about him.

He walked on the sides of his feet to minimize the noise of his boots on the ground. He brushed some shrubs aside and hopped into the inner courtyard of the two story inn where Scarlet was staying. At least that cretin guard had the manners to get a separate room.

Indigo leapt up and grabbed the ledge where the gutter was attached, and pulled himself up. He had been sure to note where and how often the support beams were. Very carefully, he walked up the ledge to the rail and jumped over. He pulled back the curtains, and sure enough, it was her room.

He tried the latch, but it was fastened from the inside. How was he going to get in without scaring her? He stared at the lock mechanism. It reminded him of one of Salamander's internal parts. If it worked the same way...

Indigo slid a screwdriver into the side of the lock and pulled back. There was a quiet click. He removed the screwdriver and put it back into his tool kit. He took the file (for the grip of the gun) and jammed it between the lock and the door, and the clip popped open. Indigo stuffed the tool kit into his pocket and opened the door. He slipped inside and closed it behind him.

"Scarlet! Wake up, it's me, Indigo!" he whispered. The princess didn't move.

Indigo placed a hand on her shoulder to awaken her. It worked too well. She screamed.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Her eyes went wide, and she clapped her hands over her mouth in realization. "Indy!"

The moment was interrupted by knocking on the door. "It's me, Scarlet! What's going on in there? Open the door!" It was Xarou.

"Get under the covers!" Indigo complied. Scarlet jumped out of the bed and ran to the door. She opened the door and Xarou burst into the room, almost knocking her down in the process.

"What's going on? I heard a scream," Xarou demanded.

"I was having a bad dream, and I cried out in my sleep. That's all. I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Xarou let his sword down. "It's no trouble, really. Is there anything I can do to console your unease?"

You could leave, she thought. "No, Xarou, that's okay. Just get some sleep. We have a lot of travel tomorrow."

Xarou nodded, glanced oddly at the covers on the bed, smiled at Scarlet, and left the room. Scarlet let out a sigh of relief, and Indigo crawled out from under the sheets.

"Indy, what are you doing here?"

"Scarlet, I..." he hesitated. Maybe this was stupid. "I needed to talk to you. I know Xarou's your guard, but I don't think he has your best interests at heart."

"You came all this way and snuck into my room to tell me that?" she asked, inspecting the lock on the window door. "Nice work, by the way."

"Thanks. ...Actually, there was something else..." Indigo took her hand and pulled her close. "Ever since that first kiss, I've thought about you. I just wanted to know if you thought about me the same way."

"Oh, Indy... I do... but I have so much to do, so much to learn about ruling... I don't know if I need romance in my life right now. Not that I don't think about you all the time... but you know..."

"That doesn't sound like the Scarlet I know. I'm not telling you how to live your life, but I can't see you dressed in flowing gowns, attending formal dinners, and signing laws. I see you out roaming around, with your sword at your side!"

Scarlet looked past Indigo at her sword. She hadn't touched it since... when? Indigo was right. But her parents wouldn't approve...

"Indy, I don't want that life anymore. I don't want to wander around by myself."

Indigo let her hand drop and stepped back. "I'm sorry for coming here... I just had to see for myself, and ask you how you felt. But if that's the case, I'll leave."

"I don't want to wander by myself. I want to wander with you." Scarlet stepped into Indigo's embrace, and kissed him passionately. Indigo put his arms around her and drew her close.

"Thank you, Scarlet..."

It had been an absolutely amazing night for Scarlet, and now birds were chirping outside her window. She rolled over to see Indigo sleeping soundly.

"Indy... wake up! Xarou's going to be here any minute."

Indigo rolled over groggily. The night's activities had left him spent. "Not funny."

"It's not supposed to be! Go!"

There was a knock on the door. "Princess, it is I. Are you ready to depart?"

She gritted her teeth and shoved Indigo onto the floor. He sprang to his feet and grabbed his pants and shirt.

"Not yet, Xarou. I have to get dressed!" She figured the mental image of her any less than dressed would at least keep him quiet for a moment.

Indigo pulled on his clothes and dove out the balcony window, blowing a kiss to Scarlet as he did so. He leapt the balcony rail and avoided the other tenants as good as possible.

...He hesitated in mid stride. He had left Salamander in Scarlet's room...

Damn, he muttered.
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!

Posted by Keiru Silver on 09-18-2001 05:28 PM

What's up? You Asheri dwellers need something to react to?

They came in droves, from the Dark Wood. They were twisted creatures, small, dark figures. The ground was stained where they passed, and the plants they touched were stained with instant decay.

There were no two alike, all of them spindly and grotesque. They were not human, and early reports said that they were not intelligent creatures. The messenger had escaped barely with his life.

Lt. Colonel Sarrofey called Captain Rivell to his office in the barracks. "Captain, I realize that you are not here for combat against inhuman foes, but at this moment, the city of Dargent is preparing for an attack by a plague. A host of unearthly fiends are approaching the city, and will likely be here before sundown. Will the Nylinus reserves help us?"

Captain Rivell clenched his teeth. Perhaps the insertion would not be so easy...

"I don't have authorization for that. I'll have to talk to General... uh... my commanding officer." Rivell wasn't sure if disclosing the General's name was wise at this point. Luckily, Sarrofey didn't seem to notice.

"Do you want me to send a request to Fayre?"

Was Sarrofey dellusional? This presented a problem. If Fayre was alerted that there were forces present in New Dargent, there could be trouble.

"No, sir. I will take care of it personally. I am certain you do not have time to waste on such tasks," he said. He stood up and saluted. Lt. Colonel dismissed him.

Rivell had much to think about. This could make or break his mission. He decided to place the burden of decision where it belonged. With Antridyus.

If you are the kind of poster who writes out your posts in advance of posting them on the boards and this conflicts with what you have written already, notify me. I just want to jump start things.
__________________
Welcome to my world...

Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-18-2001 05:59 PM

Indigo hopped over the balcony and out of sight just as Xarou opened the door and walked through. Scarlet wheeled on him angrily.

“What are you doing?! I told you I was getting dressed!”

“I heard voices.,” he said calmly, looking at her, admiring the way the folds of the nightdress accented her curves without giving away too much about what was beneath. She frowned and turned away from him, but still felt his gaze on her.

“Was there someone in here with you?,” he asked in a mockingly curious voice. Scarlet’s heart began to race in panic. He couldn’t have possibly known about Indigo being here! Could he? Her eyes scanned the back of the room searching for anything that might tip off Xarou. She sighed in relief. There was nothing to-

Indigo’s gun was lying in plain sight on the nightstand.

Her heart pounded in her ears as she tried to casually walk over to it, hoping against hope that Xarou hadn’t seen it. She didn’t know he had seen it far before she had. He easily maneuvered around her and reached the gun before she did. He picked it up and studied it closely.

“Give that back!!,” she demanded reaching for Salamander. He kept it out of her reach. A part of him enjoyed seeing her press close to him, even if it wasn’t out of affection.

“I’ve never seen you carry a gun before. One might wonder where you got it in one night?,” he said, ignoring her frantic efforts to retrieve the pistol.

“What I carry is none of your concern!,” she said crossly, finally grabbing one end of the pistol. She prayed it wasn’t loaded. Xarou smiled down at her and relinquished his grip on the gun.

“Everything about you is my concern.,” he said brushing a piece of hair from her shoulder. Scarlet took a nervous step back.

“Please leave. I need to change now.,” she said trying to keep her voice steady. Xarou bowed to her.

“As you wish, Highness.” He then left the room with out further incident. Scarlet shivered even though the room itself was warm. There was something frighteningly familiar about him, but she couldn’t remember what. She wished Indigo was still with her. In her heart of hearts she knew he was right about Xarou. He did not have her best interests at heart. But she couldn’t concern herself with that now. She had to find a way to return Indigo’s gun to him without making Xarou aware of his presence.

If he wasn’t already.

She shivered again. Instinct warned her against turning to her parents for help. She didn’t know about her mother, but she knew her father didn’t care much for Indigo. Perhaps that was just fatherly protection. But it still made things awfully inconvenient.

She dressed quickly, feeling paranoid about leaving any part of her body bare for even a moment. She reasoned she was being silly. Xarou was her guard. He wouldn’t dare try to pull anything on her.

I’ve never seen such a fighting spirit from a woman before……a phantom voice floated from the recesses of her mind. Her entire body broke out in goosebumps as she struggled to remember where that memory came from. However, her efforts were in vain, and she forced herself not to think about it anymore as she shouldered her pack and met the entourage outside.

But it took hours before the goosebumps faded from the surface of her skin.

CUE: Indigo. Want your gun back you hentai?

__________________

"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 09-18-2001 06:15 PM

Linerin rested his hand on the shaft of his spear. He stood atop the Black Tower, looking out towards the north. He had just finished speaking with the seven, and he was wearied by their eerie voices and their strange noseless faces. His weariness was temporary, however. He had new orders, the kind he liked best, delivered by the Lady of the Night herself.

He was to accomplish what he had set out to do nearly fifty years ago. It had sent the world spinning into a great war, and the chaos that followed was reveled by all of the Sevron.

He turned back towards the staircase that spiraled down into the base of the Tower, and looked out once again towards the North. He knew he was surrounded by threats on all sides, but they seemed content to let Linerin sit by himself in the center of Lake Asheri and plot and plan in his stronghold.

But the time for plans was now past. The time for action had finally come.
__________________

"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."

Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-18-2001 06:33 PM

Rublicant and Adamas had made their house outside of Noit into a comfortable home. It was a small manor house, comprised of nearly 20 rooms. It was nothing compared to the Tribune or Al'Teyr Familial estates, but it was nothing to scoff at either.

Two full time servants had helped to make the home cozy as well. An older man, Revin, served as a cook and general manservant. His wife, Alma, served as a maid. Rublicant had supposed that they would be enough for their needs, but clearly told them to ask for more help if it was needed. He paid them a good wage, as well as allowing them to stay within the manor.

Rublicant made a strange discovery that night. Non elemental Terra Magics could be interwoven with Ki magics, where elemental Terra Magic could not. It changed the makeup of the Ki magic to reflect the sphere with wich it was influenced. Adamas commented that the ice created in conjunction with Spirit magic did not really chill the flesh, but chilled the very soul.

Rublicant theorized that with Terra Holy and Ki Fire, one could make flames flames that would not burn those pure of heart. Or vice versa with Shadow. He named this new process Conjunction.

Adamas and Rublicant spent much of the rest of the day practicing their Terra Magics, and when Revin cut himself cooking dinner, Rublicant took a time out to heal the man. Rublicant did manage, before Adamas' Eyes, to summon a pair of Doves, and Adamas clapped sarchastically before scaring them off with static electric bursts.

Adamas had so far been able to harness enough mana to launch a wrist sized bolt of lightning several meters, but the weaves were becoming harder for both of them, and without a teacher, they wondered how much progress they could make. But Rublicant and Adamas could not be stopped.

And, besides, the elders say that Ezra Al'Teyr only attended the Academy of Magic in Fayre to chase skirts anyway. And though far from the truth, Terra magic flowed strong through both of their veins.
__________________

"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 09-18-2001 07:08 PM

Gaireth followed Adamas and Rublicant to their new home. He could not tell why, but he was drawn to see what they were up to. Also The name Rublicant Al' Teyr was very familiar to Gaireth. He just couldn't place it.

The house was large, but Gaireth had seen larger. He could feel the two using Terra magic from outside the house. They were not very skilled at it, but they had potential. He was sure they knew he could use magic, but he knew that they didn't know he could use Shadow. That was all Gaireth could use.

Ghost had taught him all he knew, but he had found out so much more after Ghost's death. He had even discovered a way to cloak its use. That he had learned through his necklace. Sometimes the necklace seemed to be a living thing. It urged Gaireth to weild its power.

With a deep sigh Gaireth turned away from the house. He had more pressing business to attend to than goggling over two other magic users. He cursed himself for his weakness. It seemed to be getting worse.

He walked the darkened road towards the city of Noit. He had to catch a ship to the mainland. He had to find Mellin.

Up the road came a rider atop a large black gelding. Gaireth walked on as if nothing was there, but as it passed the horse reared and turned. The rider keeping perfect control. The rider was cloaked in a black riding cloak. In fact everything about this rider was black.

Then Garieth realized he could cast magic. Terra Magic. Shadow magic. Gaireth let his hand stray over his sword and knife. The man on the horse was much more powerful than Gaireth.

"Who are you?" Gaireth asked angrily.

A deep laugh immerged from the depths of the cloak. It was sinister in every sence of the word. It even made Gaireth shiver. "You know me, and I know you....Phantom," the deep voice ended with a laugh.

At hearing that named uttered he tore his sword out of its scabard and lunged at the figure. A piece of living shadow shot from the man and grabbed his sword from him. Another shot out and grabbed the knife from his belt also. A third arm of shadow clung to Gaireth's neck. Garieth had no time to react. It jhad all happened in a blink of an eye.

"HA! You think you can hurt me with that. I should kill you now, but I have more plans for you."

"Who are you?" Gaireth struggled over the lose of breath.

"Slowly the shadows in the hood of the cloak dissapated to reviele the face within.

Gaireth's heart stopped. Mellin.

__________________________________________________ ___________

Adamas and Rublicant sat in the large library of the house. They were working on their own magic when they both stopped and looked at each other.

"Do you feel that Adamas?" rublicant asked quickly.

"Yes. Its....Shadow magic, and a lot of it. Its coming from the road."

The two rushed to the window and looked out, but could not see anything in the darkness. As quickly as it had began the magic stopped. Then they both caught sight of a rider speeding away towards Noit. Their eyes scanned back to the place where they had seen the rider come from. On the ground they saw a huddled mass.

Without a word spoken the two of them ran out of the estate and towards the road. in a minute they reached the mass of tattered rags on the ground. It was most definitely a human, but it wa in bad shape. Int he pale moon light they could see dark wet blood covering the body. Rublicant being a doctor rushed to the form's side.

The form was still alive. It was breathing, but not well. He rolled the body over. He gasped and stood up.

"What is it?" Adamas asked.

"Its Gaireth."

The two looked at each other for a moment. "What should we do?" Rublicant asked to no one in particular.

"H-help me," Gaireth's broken form gasped. "I will pay you what ever you need...anything." His frail voice trailed off and he coughed up a large amount of blood.

Adamas and Rublicant just stared at each other.

CUE: Rublicant or Adamas. My life is in your hands...literally.
__________________
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 Aramus VanVehementi on 09-18-2001 09:43 PM

Halt, Restrategize, and Conquer

OOC: Hey Silver, sounds like a neat little monkeywrench you've thrown at me... Don't take that as a bad thing though because I can use it to my advantage. Thanks for the challenge.

IC: Antridyus scowelled as he crumpled his briefing freshly recieved from Rivell positioned in New Dargent.

To Marcus Antridyus
From Captain Rivell
Status to be reported as ordered Sir. Entirety of first contingent in place with no problems as expected. Men have completed 25-30% of the the planned fortifications. As VanVehementi wishes, we are prepared to recieve the remaining two contingents for this operation. At this point General, allow me to illustrate a complication. Dargent is to be the target of an invasion of yet to be determined threat. I suggest sending the seige troops prematurely, once more under the Nylinus Compact guise, as reinforcements. However, as you are my commandiing officer, I leave this at your discretion. I merely ask that you respond with great haste as the entire operation may be jeapordised if this problem isn't fixed soon.
End of status report,
Cpt. Rivell

"Is there a problem General?" Aramus looked up from his meal upon seeing the distraught actions of his new colleague, Marcus Antridyus.

"Yes my Count, I'm affraid there is a considerable problem!" Antridyus slammed his fist upon the grand mahogany table resulting in a mind numbing echo throughout the dining hall of VanVehementi Manor.

Aramus wasn't even stirred. He had spent too much time planning this operation to be uspet by a mere technicality. "Temper, temper," Aramus toyed with Antridyus, "those fists have better use than blemishing my dining table Marcus. Tell me the problem and I'll tell you how to make it go away."

"Aramus, I understand you're funding this coupe, however, this is a military oper-"

"You seem to not be understanding me Antridyus." Aramus rose slowly from his thrown like seat at the head of the table and glared at the General. "My patience is not a virtue that you should be testing. I will ask once more, what is the problem?"

Antridyus grew weary. He had never been interrupted before. There was something unnerving about Aramus' confidence. He clearly did not feel threatened by either the General's training or size. Aramus simply could stare with his deep eyes burning straight through Antridyus' uniform. The general took a moment to rethink his position before submitting, "I appologize my Count. Allow me to explain. An invasion of sorts, and may I add, not ours, is approaching Dargent as we speak. My commander on site has informed me that he will be needing reinforcements. To further complicate these matters, regardless of what action he takes, we run the risk of being found out by the Nylinus Council. I don't think I need to tell you what problems could arise if Fayre were to find a milita posing in its likeness!"

"Of course not General." Aramus briefly paused, calmly stroking the whiskers of his goatee. After but a moments contemplation, Aramus had arrived at his decision. "Here is what you will order your men to do." Count VanVehementi glared once more, letting Antridyus know that this was not a suggestion. "Send the remaining two 'Convention' contingents. In addition, send what you would deam an appropriate reinfocement battalion. Again, guise it in Nylinus Council uniforms. To keep our operation silent, order your commander to monitor all communication both in and out of New Dargent. He may tell the township that this is merely an action for their protection. We can't have spies helping any invasion, can we?" Aramus smiled with a sarcastic snear.

General Antridyus couldn't help but notice how similarly Rivell and Aramus thought. Of course, Count VanVehementi did attend the Magistrate Acadamy.

"I want your garuantee that there will be NO uncensored carrier pigeon traffic to or from Dargent until we are in the final stages of this operation. I know this is a monotnous task to ask of you but if we were to silence it all together, other powers may grow concerned, the Council included. We don't need them snooping around. At least not yet."

"Of course Aramus, I agree entirely. What of our two undercover contingents? "

"The 'Convention men' are to remain discrete unless circumstances become dire, in which case our time table will be pushed further ahead. I believe that is all we need to improvise upon now. I also believe that we have little time to spare. Mobilise your men NOW."

"Of course sir. My men will march before the sun rises. The Dargent commander shall have his orders."

"Thank you for your cooperation Marcus. You may be excused."

Antridyus promptly turned about and made his way out of the hall. He didn't like the lack of respect Aramus showed him, however, he did seem to know what he was doing. He would obey his financer for now but if he ever crossed his men or himself, the general would directly deal with Aramus.

Hours later....

"Captain Rivell, this message has come for you just now." Lt. Colonel Sarrofey delivered the message in person. Nervously, Rivell inspected the scroll and in a relief, found its wax seal intact and undisturbed.

"Thank you Lt. Colonel. If you do not require anything of me, may I request to be dissmissed Sir?

"Of course Captain. I will have you relieved of duty."

After sharing salutes, Captain Rivell made his way back to the barracks to review his orders. As he scanned his communique, a great stress was relieved. He imediately sprang to action. Each man resting in the bunker like building was sent on duty to satisfy his General's orders. By 4:00 in the morning all communications were monitered and all Nyliam troops were briefed. Captain Rivell was growing tired by this point, alas one last task had to be completed. He walk as quickly as his feet would still carry him as he made his way to Sarrofey.

"Sorry to disturb you at such an hour Sir, however, I have word from my commanding officer."

"Its no problem Captain, please brief me. I've been worried about this new threat."

"At once Sir! My orders are to support New Dargent by any and all means possible sir. Reinforcements are en route as we speak. We shall have to at least hold until they arrive. Also, I will require the service of some of your men to complete our perimeter safety. My men have been working on it in preparation for the convention, however, we were not expecting something like this to occur."

"Of course not. I will have a squadron of my strongest men begin fortifications right away! Is there anything else?"

"Yes Sir, I'm affraid I am ordered to monitor all communications to prevent any possible spies from relaying pertinent information."

"That is truly unfortunate. Surely this won't remain for long."

"We shall monitor only while we are threatened by these forces."

"What about the convention. Should we warn them off?"

"My orders indicate that the Council feels confident that we will be able to handle this situation. The convention is to remain on schedule. That is the end of my orders Sir."

"Thank you Captain. We shall teach these creatures to trifle with New Dargent!"

"Indeed we will sir."

Throughout the remaining hours of the night, Dargent's and Nyliam's troops painstakingly worked on the cities defenses. As the suns first rays broke the darkness of the horizon, the city was nearly impenetrable. Ironically however, little did Sarrofey know that after this meddling force was dealt with, the fortifications that he had helped build to protect his people would be used against them. All in good time.
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"

Posted by Adamas Tribune on 09-18-2001 10:10 PM

Adamas gritted his teeth. It was Gaireth, indeed. He didn't like the idea of this man being around the house, despite his claims of disinterest for the Tear.

"But still... Still I can't let him die. I'll help you carry him in." Adamas grabbed the crumpled figure under the arms, and Rublicant took his legs. They carried him to the main hall and laid him on a velvet bench.

"Ugh. He's bleeding on the carpet," Adamas said, considering it worthy to let his disdain be known.

Rublicant didn't say anything, instead continuing to inspect the body. "I could probably handle this, but go get me some warm water and bandages."

Adamas said nothing, and went to the storeroom to procure the items, all the while mulling around ideas on why Gaireth was even around...

Cue: Rublicant or Gaireth
__________________
Pride without arrogance,
Independance without dishonor.

Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-18-2001 11:19 PM

Rublicant sliced off Gaireth's shirt and loosened his breeches. He lifted the man gently and removed the shirt completely. Judging by the bruises, he had several broken ribs, by the blood, internal bleeding, by his breathing, a crushed larynx, and from the irregular heartbeat, a bruised jugular and cartoid, perhaps many other nessecary bloodways. Rublicant began with his conventional methods, as he wanted to stablize him as much as possible before he started conducing.

"Adamas! Where are those bandages?!!" Rublicant yelled. Alma rushed in with the water and bandages, followed closely by Adamas. Rublicant took the bandages and water and began applying compresses to the most affected areas.

"Take this and be ready to use it if you have to," Rublicant pulled his swordbelt loose and let the Angel's Tear drop to the floor, while pulling the thread from the weave needed to loose the ward from the Savallion. Adamas quickly retrieved the blade and grasped it firmly.

Rublicant started with Gaireth's heart. It had been irregular ever since Rublicant had been able to keep track of it. Weaving the threads of conduced energy into Gaireth's broken form was a challenge, but Rublicant felt he made a suitable test subject. The weave came together slowly, and then unexpectedly took the form of Gaireth's heart, and the beat steadied.

Tapping into his Terra magic instinctively as he had been training for the past few days, he next saught out the areas of Gaireth's body that had been infected by Shadow energy. His whole body was afflicted severely.

"Strange," Rublicant muttered to himself as he continued weaving conduced energy to reset and repair the broken ribs within Gaireth's chest.

"Alma! Cold water, lots of it! Adamas, draw as much mana and convert it to Holy mana then pass it to me," Rublicant did not know how easy, or hard, it would be to weave another person's Terra magic in with his own Ki magic, but he thought that this would be the best way to purify Gaireth of the Shadow taint.

Adamas linked to Rublicant and passed him a steady stream of Holy mana, which he linked into his Ki magics to begin slowly flushing every drop of water from Gaireth's body, replacing it with the buckets of water Alma was bringing in with her. The empty buckets began to fill with water, but it was a cloudy grey and smelled of sulfur. It took Alma several trips to the well and Rublicant and Adamas nearly an hour to complete this task. Rublicant only reatored his body to a normal state, he did not overfill his body with Holy essence. He had no idea what that might do, but he felt it would be just as bad as the Shadow magic, all in all.

"Get rid of this water very far away," Rublicant instructed as he pointed to the nearly ten buckets filled with the water that once composed nearly 90% of Gaireth's body, "and burn the buckets,"

Rublicant was soaked with sweat now, and had been for some time, but he thought that the only true way to become stronger was to push your own limits. Thus, he continued on, repairing Gaireth's arteries and veins that had ruptured and restructuring his voice box and throat.

Gaireth began to stir, but Rublicant reached across the couch to his medical supplies that he was able to save from the ship and purchase in Noit. He withdrew a syringe, a simple, but effective Balanian invention, and drew a good amount of morphine into the syringe, which he injected into Gaireth's wrist. He was sedated in no time.

Adamas watched Rublicant through his tired eyes with a sense of wonder. Even though he knew Rublicant did not like the man, he was doing everything he could do to make the man comfortable and allow him to recover. Like a true doctor. His Grandmother would be exceptionally proud of him if she knew of this. Adamas was not sure if Rublicant would care.

Rublicant finished by repairing the damage done to his internal organs. He had left this for last because it was the most delicate part of normal surgery, and thus, it must be the most delicate part of magical surgery. Slowly and carefully, Rublicant looked into Gaireth's abdomen. His intestines were bruised, but intact. His liver was bleeding slightly, and it was not so easily mended with fifteen minutes hard work. His stomach and pancreas had escaped damage, but his gall bladder had been all but destroyed. Rublicant laughed as he dissolved it into its base elements and deposited them into Gaireth's stomach, and then connected the gall passage from the liver directly to the passage between the stomach and the intestines.

"A little irony in your diet?" Rublicant chuckled.

Finally, an exhausted Rublicant stood over his paitent and connected a drop syringe to Gaireth's hand. It would keep him sedated for the rest of the night, and would allow his body to recover from the massive healing processes used on it.

"He'll wake up about ten in the morning, have a big breakfast waiting for him," Rublicant instructed Alma and looked to the clock. It was nearly three in the morning. Adamas dozed in an armchair, Alma and Revin simply stood astonished at what Rublicant had done. Then he turned back to Gaireth and conduced, setting up a field of warm air about him, and checking on everyhting that he had done earlier. The patient was fine, or as fine as could be expected.

Rublicant sat down in an armchair, sweaty, mentally and physically exhausted from nearly five hours of weaving and conducing. The last thing he did was weave a small glyph on both himself, Adamas, and Gaireth. If Gaireth moved from the couch, Rublicant and Adamas would be instantly awakened by a cold shiver up their spines. Comforted that the morphine would do its job, and keep Gaireth right where he was, Rublicant dozed off into a deep sleep.
__________________

"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."

Posted by Volsung on 09-19-2001 07:42 AM

The Cold and Night

Volsung woke up wet and shivering. The fog had left dew all over him, and it had soaked though his cloths and could he the water all over him. On the up side, the fire wasn’t out yet so Volsung gabbed a few pieces from the bottom of the pile. The fresh wood quickly brought new life to the dieing fire. Volsung decided that he should probably check the beach’s again to see if anything new washed up. It was then that he knowisted that the fog had clear off and one could see for miles a round. Volsung realizing this quickly came to a full sprite to the Beach. Then be reached the shore he could see across the water to the other side, but what shore was it?

“Well is that Gania or Geryon?” He said to himself as he started at the shore on the far side of the water. “This is no help at all. All this tells me is that there is land over there. I can’t even tell if I’m a continent or Island.” Volsung was now yelling out of anger. Then suddenly coming to his senses started to speak again in a much claimer tone. “Well I guess it’s a luck point anyway, because we can’t swim across this water, and with all the rocks and waves a small boat wouldn’t have a change out there.”

Volsung then turned his attention to the beach; much of the wreckage had washed up on the beach including a few bodies. Which of course Volsung took the time of burry properly. Still even with this Volsung colleted few crates of food, more wood that would be perfectly good as soon as it dried a bit, and the most surprising was box packed with straw that had a frying pan in it. Volsung dance for joy when he made the discovery, and there were many things of gold and sliver which Volsung colleted to, but he really didn’t know why because these things could do nothing to save his life here in the middle of nowhere. Still such things always some appeal “I think that Gold and Sliver cast a spell on all people regardless of who they are well I can’t worry about such thinks,” thought Volsung as drops all the gold to pick up some crates of food.

When Volsung returned to the camp Veritas was to still a sleep but Volsung thought that it was all for the better “If she was Awake she mite expect that her breakfast to be readily,” laughing at his own joke he put his new frying pan to work. First thing he did was to cook the rest of the grain in the crates that he found the day before. Next, he boiled some salt water until all that was left was the salt. This of course took that better part of the morning but Veritas show no sign of waking up and considering the way she ate yesterday. Then about noon, Veritas woke up to a four-course meal of salted grain. Of course, this is not how Volsung presented it. He told her that he had cooked the grain and seasoned it with a special season that he found on the beach. Veritas started eating even before Volsung was done explaining what it was that she was inhaling. And, even if it was, that haste in which she ate or just the fact that she didn’t care, but she never said a word against the meal. Then after about a half hour or so of eating, Volsung started talking to Veritas about what they would do. He quickly exampled that he didn’t have a clue where they were, and that had little chase of escaping from where they were.

“Well I guess should make torches so me don’t have to keep lighting new fires every time we stop, and then we should get a move on,” said Veritas who then wiped her face and got up and walked to the pile of wood which Volsung had colleted. Soon she had picked out six pieces of wood that would work then she wrapped each piece with cloth from Volsung Shirt. Volsung objected but he had no change of winning so he just gave up. Then after each of them had a torch and a crate of food tied to there backs they started out in what seemed to be east.

Then as nightfall drew near Volsung and Veritas Heard a sound witch sent chills down their spins. It was the sound of wolves. There howls were just east of where they were. So, they decided to get the hell out of there. Not being able to go south and not wanting to back track west circumstance send them north. They ran like the wind for a good hour only stopping for a second or two to catch their breath and then they would be off again. Both knowing that if they could avoid a fight their chances of surviving were a lot higher. Still in seemed that he the howls were all around them. The night was soon all around them and the moon was little more than a sliver and you could see thousands of stars in the sky. The wind itself seem that be caring the wolves because with every gust the howls only seemed to get louder. But the fight in the hearts of Volsung and Veritas kept them going until about midnight when they both fell down under a great maple tree.

“I can’t go on like this. We need to stop,” said Volsung as he laid on the ground trying to catch his breath.

“Your right, I can’t go on ether, less just climb this tree tie ourselves to the trunk and hope for the best,” said Veritas

“Sounds like a plain to me.” So Volsung and Veritas got up off of the ground and then Volsung helped Veritas into he tree. Next Veritas tied herself to the tree throw down a second rope down to Volsung to help him to climb up the tree. After getting into the Volsung tied himself to the tree and then went to sleep not knowing if he would like though the night and not caring either.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-19-2001 05:57 PM

A change of plans

“What?!” The king nodded, giving the recently delivered message one last glance.

“We have to sail to New Dargent immediately. There is friction that must be resolved.” Scarlet was confused.

“What’s going on?”

“New Dargent is having a steadily increasing problem with thieves, that they claim came from Gania. I’ve already made it quite clear that if any of our citizens were harmed there would be trouble.” He held up the message now crumpled in his right hand.

“It seems that none of our citizens have been harmed yet, but the officials in New Dargent are becoming less patient by the day. A diplomatic coupe would be in order.” He placed his left hand over her shoulder. “And besides, it’ll be a good lesson in politics for you.,” he said smiling. Scarlet smiled back in excitement. She was going to Asheri!

But what about Indy?

Her hand automatically reached for the gun she had holstered in her belt. She hadn’t seen Indigo since that morning and had no clue to where he might be. How was she going to let him know she was going to New Dargent? She furrowed her brow.

“Dammit, Indy……”

“What?”

“Oh!! Nothing!” She regressed back into silence, thinking about the situation at hand.

Well, he did follow me all the way from Noit, she thought. She reasoned that he may still be following her. It didn’t seem likely that he would suddenly disappear after last night……She blushed. Things went farther than she had anticipated. She thought she would feel regret for her haste, but surprisingly she didn’t. There wasn’t a word to describe how she felt. Being with Indigo only seemed natural to her.

She wondered if he felt the same way.

__________________

"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 09-19-2001 10:01 PM

Rublicant bolted upright. A beam of sunlight poked through an eastward facing window and had shone into his closed eyelids. The clock read nine in the morning, and Rublicant glanced up towards it as he rose and shook off the sleep. He felt less tired now, but decided he would not conduce today unless it was for healing, or absolutely nessecary. Terra magic was much less draining on the caster than Ki magic, or that's what Rublicant had expirienced so far. He walked towards the kitchen for breakfast.

Having finished a large meal, Rublicant bathed. He had dressed in a red robe with mottled blue spots upon it, wearing light breeches and a silk tunic beneath it. He passed Adamas in the hallway between the bath and the gallery where Gaireth had been treated. He checked the morphine drip, and refreshed thr resivoir. Rublicant sat down in the room and began to weave small practice Fire and Air excercises.

Nearly an hour later, as Rublicant had finished the Fire, Spirit and Air excercises, he rose to call for a glass of tea before he started his Shadow magic excercises. He looked towards his paitent, having called for his drink, and smiled. Gaireth stirred suddenly, and Rublicant felt the chill shiver streak up his spine as Gaireth sat up and leapt to his feet, assuming a defensive posture as well as nearly ripping the wire connecting the needle in his hand to the post holding it up. Adamas felt The chill streak as well, but he was busy dressing in his room.

Gaireth stumbled briefly, the morphine obviously doing its job, but composed himself as well as one can when they are put on maximum dose of morphine. Rublicant and Gaireth eyed each other carefully, until Rublicant extended a caring hand, the hand of a doctor. Gaireth dropped from his stance, and reluctantly let Rublicant approach him.

"Wha.. What happened?" Gaireth asked in a shaky voice, as a half dressed Adamas rushed into the room and Rublicant slipped his arm under Gaireth's and helped him sit in the chair Adamas had slept in.

"Hold on for a second," Rublicant slid the needle of the morphine drip out of Gaireth's hand and turned it off, "You were outside our house, you were attacked, Adamas and I recovered you, and I saved your life, to make a long story short," He trailed off and laughed softly, "You owe me two now," Rublicant was severe to Gaireth the way a parent is to a child when meaning to make a point.

Gaireth sat in his intoxicated state piecing together what had happened before he lost conciousness. Finally he spoke.

"Thank you..." It was the first time in a long time he had said that, and meant it.]

Cue: Gaireth or Adamas
__________________

"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."

Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-20-2001 04:22 PM

It was dark. Very dark. The clouds of the night sky had wrested control from the specter of the moon's pale light, and condemned the world to total darkness for the time being.

Indigo had no problems with this.

The docks were empty this late at night, all of the men having left for the taverns (or brothels)...

Indigo leapt from the dock to the side of the boat and clambered over. Scarlet was here, but he wasn't sure if she was expecting a stowaway.

No one else could know.
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!

Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-20-2001 09:14 PM

Indigo knocked on the door and dove around the corner. He stuck his head just far enough to see who opened the door, without disclosing his location in the shadows.

A man poked his head out.

Ha ha, Indigo thought. People are going to think the ship is haunted. He had been knocking on doors to find Scarlet's room for the past fifteen minutes.

When the door closed, he snuck to the next one down. These doors could use windows, he reasoned. He again ducked into the shadows. Scarlet's head poked out of the door, and she looked around confused.

Well, he had found the right room. He knocked on the door again after it had closed. Scarlet flung the door open.

"What?!" she gasped, and covered her mouth. She yanked Indigo into the room by his arm forcefully. "What are you doing here?" she asked in a hushed tone.

"I wanted to be with you. I got word that this ship contained a certain royal family. Are you going to Asheri?"

"Well, yes..."

"Then I'm coming with."

"Listen about two nights ago, Indy..."

"I... I came here to be with you... because I thought that if you went away, you'd think that I only came to your window for... you know. I didn't plan on going as far as we did... but there's something about you..."

"Indy..."

Cue Scarlet
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!

Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-20-2001 11:14 PM

Scarlet looked up at Indigo, who was now sleeping peacefully with his arms around her waist. If possible, tonight had been more incredible than the first. She smiled and pressed closer to him, appreciating his warmth and presence. A piece of his hair fell across his face.

He almost looks like a little boy when he’s asleep., she mused, brushing the piece of hair back behind his ear. He stirred and shifted in his sleep, bringing her deeper into the protective crook of his arms.

“I…..uh…oo…..,” he murmured, half asleep.

“Huh?…” He shifted again, curling his body around hers.

“I love you……” he murmured again before falling back into a deep slumber. Scarlet was momentarily surprised. It hadn’t been the first time a man had said he loved her. But it was the first time that she felt it in return. The emotion flowed through her body in a powerful surge.

“I love you too, Indigo.,” she whispered, kissing him softly. Her head came to rest over the left side of his chest. Over his heart. She felt she could listen to its strong, steady rhythm forever…….

She closed her eyes and was soon lulled to sleep, lying in the arms of her beloved, feeling the gentle rocking of the ship as it sailed on to a whole new world.

A world where she could be with Indigo……..forever…..

__________________

"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."

Posted by Volsung on 09-20-2001 11:44 PM

Temples and Circles

The sun rose to a cold and shivering Volsung, but he was alive. That alone was quite a bit in a tree with nothing to keep him warm. Then Volsung finally got up and the first thing that that he did before jumping down was to wake up Veritas who after being roused followed Volsung down the tree. When they got down to the base of the tree they were both surprised to see that the tree had bee partially up rooted. Moreover, the tree was covered in claw marks. Still even with all of this, Volsung and Veritas were alive, and the Wolves they heard the night before were nowhere to be seen. “I guess were lucky to be a live I’m sure glad we were tied to the tree, but still I don’t like being around this tree I think that we should take this opportunity to get away out of here."

“I think we should head north since that is the way we have been going, and if we get to that shore, then we mite be able to sail out of here.”

“Well let’s get out of here then.” With that, Volsung and Veritas gabbed all of their things and started walking. So, they walked for hours north as they could go still it seem as if they were on an old road, but they paid little attention to it. Then about noon, they came across seven great circles of Mounds, and at the center, there was an even greater temple. First thing that Volsung could make out was the temple but be couldn’t see in very well. However be could see a lot of detail in the mounds like, the oldest looking mounds were near the center temple, and the newer looking mounds were just outside the last ring. However, even these newer looking mounds looked as if they had been abandon for centuries. Still this was a hallow site to behold, Then Volsung and Veritas having little time for delays pressed on though the great rings, then about a half hour after entering first circle they came in to the center circles and the Great temple of Geryon. Volsung knew of no other thing that could be so grand. The walls were covered in gold, with jewels of every type adorning the walls. With great inscriptions which nether Volsung or Veritas could read. Still Volsung and Veritas couldn’t move the sheer beauty of this place was so overwhelming. Then a man in a black robe walked out of one of the accented building to the temple.

“Welcome you are the first to make it this far in a long time,” said the man in that robe in a friendly tone.

“Who are you? What is all of this? And why are you here?” Said Volsung surprised by the sudden intruder.

“So, many questions I will do my best to answer them, but first I must ask for payment.”

“Payment, PAYMENT! We don’t want anything,” Said Volsung angrily after hearing the request.

“But you do, you desire known age which could save your life. I think that black sword will do fine.”

“I like that sword, anyway I don’t know what you know about this place,” said Volsung.

“Of course not if you knew what I knew then you wouldn’t have to pay me for it.”

“That isn’t what I meant, I mean things like what are those circles and why are you here, whose kinds of things.”

“I see, well then I will give you a taste of my know age if that is what it takes. These circles were built by the kings of Gania. The mounds are the burial mounds of kings of Gania. They were built ages ago. On this site because it was there most sacorite place in all of Gania, you see royalty must stay above the normal people so this place was kept only for the royal family. Very few outside of the royal court have ever seen this place. As for me I was sent here at the age of twelve to maintain he temples until the day of the king may return.”

“Is that all you know because I’m sure we could have found that out in time.”

“I know, but if you wish to survive then I suggest you listen to me.” With that, Volsung pulled out his short black and handed to the man.

“I knew that survival had a high price, but I didn't imaged this.”

“Well I will tell you every thing in time, but its time to be getting into the building. Follow me. With that the Man in that black robes, lead the way in to a small building just south of the temple.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-22-2001 08:23 AM

Indigo sat on the side of the bed, pulling his boots on. Scarlet was already dressed. She didn't want to deal with anyone bursting into the room before she was fully clothed, least of all Xarou.

"I probably shouldn't be here when your guard comes knocking," Indigo said.

Scarlet nodded.

Indigo finished tying his boots and stood up. He kissed Scarlet and headed for the door. "I'll be around the ship today. Try not to recognize me, okay?"

Scarlet smiled. "I'll try."

Indigo pulled the door open and looked into the hallway. Shit! There's already people up! This was going to take some quick thinking.

Indigo swung the door halfway closed, then through it open again, looking at the hinges. He turned and faced Scarlet. He winked.

"Yes, your highness. That should take care of the problem. This is an older ship, and sometimes the doors stick. I humbly apologize for the inconvenience," he said loud enough for the passers by to hear.

Scarlet understood. "Yes, you may leave now. Thank you." She tried to hide a smile, and barely succeeded.

Indigo bowed and exited the room.

It would likely be another day until the ship docked in New Dargent. He should probably find a way to keep busy until then...
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!

Posted by Volsung on 09-22-2001 01:20 PM

choices

After Volsung and Veritas sat down, the Priest started talking again, “There has always been a guardian here since the coming of the wolves.”

“Where did the wolves come from and why don’t they come after you?” Said Volsung who was pulling out this journal to write for the first time in a long while.

“The Wolves, well that takes a little explaining. You see centuries ago someone had the idea for a city of magic; a place where the masters of Ki magic could come together and teach newly dedicated all that they know. Of course, the king saw this as a chance to create a city better than Akaros witch of course as you know was built by the Silverblades ages ago. This was going to be the pearl of Gania. A place of art and magic, a place where the imposable happens everyday and that is how it was for thirty grand years. In this time three quarters of all the Gran Adageros Savils, and Savillions in were made here. Of course, people who were not members of the royal family couldn’t be dedicated here on Geyron still after going to Noit or where ever they would come here to learn and to train. However, in all of this prosperity there were the magic guilds witch wanted to register every magic user in Gran Adageros. The way witch they planed to do this was by training dogs to sense Ki magic. However, these dogs became wild and hard to control and many got away. In the wilds of Geyron, they revered back to there wolf forms. Then on the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the city the wolves attacked. Each one with a coat of pitch-black fur and teeth whiter than pearls. Most of the population was wiped out in the first hour these people were the best and the brightest magic users of three generations, this set magic back centuries. Those who did get to the boats to flee never looked back, the constant sound of screaming was all the reminder that they needed of the horror behind them. When the survivors reach the main land, they were all called before the king. After hearing, the tale the king refused to believe the true so he sent his personal guard to check it out the island. They were never heard from again. Soon after words the king ordered the island abandoned.”

“Wow so those are the wolves we heard last night. But if the island was ordered abandoned then why are you here?” Said Veritas as she moved to look out the window.

“You see everything was ordered abandoned except the dedication site. He knew that the wolves couldn’t enter this place, and to answer your earlier question it’s because site is protected magic spells. These spells keep all animals out regardless of size. Still someone has to maintain the buildings around the temple. We wait for the return of the king.”

“So how come he doesn’t just troops up here to kill the wolves?” Said Volsung

“Simple, because every ship that try to land is meet by wolves. Do you know what kind of death toll a invasion like that would have?”

“So, how did you get here?” Said Veritas

“The same way you did I crashed on the shore. I was the only one to survive of my crew of twenty. Oh, I should tell you before I forget; there are a few others here. Maybe with you to we can finally rid this island of the Wolves.”

“What can we do I mean we have fought a few wolves, but we are talking hundreds of Wolves here.” Said Volsung jumping to his feet at this sudden turn of events.

“Well you can’t do much as you are but if you were to be dedicated then you could give us the help that we need.”

This was a thing witch neither Volsung or Veritas had ever really considered. Still it looked like they had little choice in the matter if they wanted to leave this Island alive. “We will consider it, but I have a question. Have you been dedicated?” Said Volsung

Then the priest pulled open his shirt, and on this right breast, there was the symbol of air. “I hope that answers your question. Anyways the longer you wait the longer you will be here. It’s your choice and take all the time you need just remember all that I told you.” With that, the priest got up and walked out leaving Volsung and Veritas there to talk about it.

“We always knew that we would have to make this decision sometime, but I always thought that we would make that decision on the road to Noit. Not on some island with nothing on it.” Said Volsung

“Well we have magic in our blood I don’t see any reason to fight it. I guess I always wanted to be able to practice magic. So, I’m going thought it.” Said Veritas almost trembling at prospect.

“Well what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and if you’re doing it then I’m with you.”

“That great then its decided we shall do it tomorrow. Now lets get some sleep.” With that Veritas called for the priest and then they told him there decision.

“I shall start preparation immediately, in the mean time I will show to your rooms. The dedication clothes shall be bought to you; and at the proper hour I will call for you two to come to the temple.” With that, he took Volsung and Veritas to there respective rooms and they were quickly asleep with only the thought of dedication on their minds.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-22-2001 04:13 PM

Spank the monkey!

OOC: These past two weeks have been utter crap for me guys, ....but *goes into 7o's/8o's rocker mode* "I'M BACK! I'M BACK in the saddle agaaaaiiin..." Anyone who can say what rock group that song belongs to gets a brownie. ^_^ Enjoy!

IC:

Smokey-ash blonde hair was twirled around a well-manicured, pink varnished finger. Grey-violet eyes peered up and down the bar, and red lips sipped a Friskey Whiskey, one of the tavern's specialties...

"humph!!" Alesshka sighed, crossed her arms over the bar, hunched over, and tucked her face inside her arms, with just her eyes peeking out.

Ferris, the bouncer, looked concerned at the barmaid, "What's the mattah, shugah? It's a great night, we got good business, and no one's drowned themselves stupid yet. What's there ta be glum about?"

Lesshka's always-leery eyes turned their watchful gaze to Ferris. They were dim with boredom. "Ferris, ........." She sighed once more. "I dunno, ....I guess--" and at this she laid her head down again, on its side, and looked away, "I was thinking about Tiger."

Ferris chuckled. He remembered well the girl who, spare on change, asked to work only on tips, shelter, meals, and free drinks, and would do any repair work and cleaning, no charge, for five months. That was two years ago.

"Wonderin if she'll evah drop by again?" Ferris walked over to Alesshka and tenderly tousled her mop of hair.

"I dunnooo...." Alesshka frowned. Another sigh. "I don't see why I'm even thinking about it, after two years..." She was the same age as Orocia. Bars weren't always friendly places, but Orocia would have none of that, and scared away any coldness with her charm for the few months she stayed at The Brass Monkey.

The bell rang as one of the doors opened. Lesshka didn't even bother to look at the customer. But Ferris did.

"Speaking of the devil...." Ferris said softly. Anything Alesshka heard was muffled under her hair. Ferris couldn't close his mouth and stood in happy surprise, then started laughing. "...look at who the wind brought in!!"

Lesshka could care less. It was probably one of Ferris' buddies. "What does he want to drink?"

Orocia, seeing that Ferris saw her, stepped quietly towards the bar and held her finger to her lips, "sshhhhhhhhhhh....." She gave a quick wink and flashed a deadly mischievous smile.

"Ohhhh... I'd say anything with rum in it!"

Alesshka instantly turned to the backbar, "One Chocolate Rum, comin' up!"

Orocia sat at the stool directly behind Alesshka, knees on the cushion and hands propping her up on the bar, leaning forward. "And while yer at it, Al, make me a Monkey Wrench and a Hurricane."

She almost dropped the shaker.

Alesshka quickly turned around to see if that voice matched the person she hoped it was. She was greeted with a shockingly cute kiss on the lips.

"OROCIA?!?" Al could only stand in shock nose to nose with Orocia, who stared back into her eyes with a huge grin while Ferris laughed his heart out.

"Hey, ya better hand that shaker over to me... I don't want you to drop it cuz I'm kinda thirsty!" Orocia charmingly winked and flashed another big grin.

Al didn't hear a single word and squeezed Orocia into a giant bear hug, nearly pulling her all the way over to the backbar. Orocia wasn't kidding about being thirsty and deftly caught the shaker, all the while having her breathing life squeezed out of her.

"OH MY GOODNESS I'VE MISSED YOU SO MUCH SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU BEEN HERE I'VE MISSED YOU I'VE MISSED YOU I'VE MISSED YOUUUUUUU!!!"

Orocia was tossed around the bar, her rump flashing its embroidery with quite a few drinkers noticing it. The whole tavern noticed the commotion, including the cook and the owner on the other side.

"What the hell?" said Roland, the cook.

"Looks like a fight..." JackLynn, the owner, looked for Ferris. "But all Ferris is doing is laughing..?? Guess I'll have to come over.."

"I'll go with you," Roland wondered what all the fuss was about. But he couldn't mistake the Tiger Lily from far away... And immediately ran over laughing.

"WHAT--?!?" JackLynn stared at her usally level-headed cook dashing towards the 'fight'. "What the hell's been everybody drinking?!?!?" JackLynn moved her way between the tables quickly towards the bar.

Roland welcomed Orocia with his aim on her butt: SLAP!

"MAN I'VE MISSED THAT ASS!!" and he grabbed the aforementioned ass and kissed it, while Orocia suffocated in embarrassment within Al's deathsqueeze. JackLynn finally got to the bar, and found herself struggling against tears as she caught sight of Orocia's aquamarine eyes smiling back at her from deep within Al's arms. Alesshka had a surprising amount of vitality within that thin frame of hers. JackLynn couldn't help herself and gave Orocia a second spanking.

"OWWWWWW!!!" Orocia finally wriggled herself free from Alesshka's arms, only to bump into Ferris' famous headlock. "Bless your soul, Jacky! I came here to say hello, NOT FOR A HAZING!!" Orocia kept her grip on the shaker as Ferris switched his grip around her so that her face, already red from embarrassment, would get even brighter with blood rushing down to her head, and her butt was now defenseless facing the other three. She beat on Ferris's butt with her fist and the shaker, but Ferris could barely feel a thing under his mass of muscles.

"Heeeeyyyy!! I didn't get a chance to spank the monkey!" Alesshka mockingly whined. Amid another wave of laughter among the friends she gave a hefty third spank to a sore rear.

"MY TURN!!!" Orocia's eyes grew wide with horror as Ferris raised his huge hand---

SMACK!

.......the sound echoed throughout the tavern.......

Poor Orocia wasn't sure how exactly she could enjoy her drink now with an ass as sore as hers.

"..uh, ..Orocia?" Ferris looked behind his shoulder down at her ebony hair. She was awfully quiet, considering the massive whoop-ass he just delivered to her booty. The other three peered cautiously at her from behind him. Ferris let go and let her fall to the ground. Thud.

"Ferris!" Roland gave a chiding look at his buddy.

"..wha?"

"..uuuuuhhhhhhh........" Orocia rolled face up, still holding on to her very much needed drink. Her face looked tired with pain. "Get me drunk, Jacky.... I'm in so much pain I'm not sure if I can even feel it any more..." Little tears of joy, despite the pain, hung at the corners of her eyes.

"You heard the Lily Flower, Al." JackLynn winked at Alesshka. The welcoming ceremony wasn't over yet. Ferris gingerly picked up Orocia and gently placed her on the stool she previously sat at.

SLAP! "Oww!!" Ferris covered the side of his face. Orocia looked up at him. "That HURT, you big oaf..," Orocia gave her trademark wink and charming smile as she opened up the shaker and guzzled down the cocktail. She could care less that it wasn't in a glass.

Roland looked over at her, " ...Ya suuuuure ya wanna get drunk tonight, Lily Flower, my girl?" He said it with a hint of what might come, but was quickly jabbed in the ribs by Jacky. "The Tiger can HANDLE herself, Roland.."

Orocia didn't notice the exchange between the two, as she went on to the Monkey Wrench that Al already had waiting for her.

"Yeah, guy, you wouldn't BELIEVE how thirsty you can get after bein' sober fer so long on a ship.." and with that, went on to her Hurricane. "It's not like they have bars on board, ya know? All they had was gin and whiskey... I like my drinks to have a little more flavor." She savored the fruity taste of the last drops of the Hurricane. "Start shakin' up a White Lily and a Black Devil for me, Al..."

OOC: my daddy was a bartender.. *cheeks glow red*
>hiccup!<

Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-22-2001 09:36 PM

RAP! RAP! RAP!

The knock came from her door. She groaned inwardly and opened the door, dreading who it might be. Naturally she thought it would be Xarou, but she was surprised to see a middle aged gentleman in deep violet robes standing there. When he saw her, he bowed deeply and addressed her.

“Highness, my name is Doctor Giovanni. I’ve been sent by your parents to start your training.” Scarlet studied his face.

“Don’t I know you from somewhere?”

“I believe so. I was the one who healed you when you were attacked by thieves.” Scarlet gasped in immediate recognition.

“Yes! I remember now!!” The doctor continued.

“I was traveling with your parents. They decided to follow you as you made your way to Noit.”

It makes sense., she thought as she pondered the situation at hand.

“What sort of training am I going to do?” He waved an elegant hand in the air.

“Nothing too strenuous. I’m here to teach you how to use the full force of your new powers. As a member of Gania’s royal family, your power will be considerably stronger than one who is not.” He turned and motioned for her to follow him. He moved quickly and she had to jog to keep up with him.

“Hey, can you slow down a bit?..” He scoffed at her and looked over his shoulder.

“For a lively, young woman you dwaddle like a turtle.,” he said rather coldly. Scarlet stopped and stood in shock.

“What?!” The doctor continued to walk at his outrageous pace, quickly leaving her behind.

“Hurry up!”

Scarlet furrowed her brow and ran after him muttering phrases of profanity, with many references to a fatherless child.

****************************

She collapsed onto her bed that night completely exhausted. But under the direction and bullying of Doctor Giovanni, she had learned to draw within herself and release the power bestowed upon her when she had become Dedicated.

All in all she had learned to levitate, summon bolts of lightning (one of which had “accidentally” struck the doctor in the chest. [Un]Fortunately, he had used his power of earth to heal himself and continue the lesson.) and grasp the basics of manipulating the flow of air molecules. However, the lesson had taken its toll, and she was left in an extremely weakened state.

A light knock came from her door.

Too tired to care, she murmured into her pillow.

“Come in………”

Indigo ducked quickly into the room, taking one last peek outside to make sure noone had seen him. Seeing noone, he breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Scarlet. A look of concern crossed his face.

“Scarlet? Are you okay?,” he asked sitting next to her. She nodded her head but otherwise made no other movement. He lightly brushed his hands across her arms and kissed the area between her shoulderblades. With a bit of effort and some help from Indigo she turned over on her back. He began to kiss her neck, but was stopped as she rolled over on her side.

“Not tonight Indy…..,” she murmured as the first thin veil of sleep separated her from the real world.

“Scarlet?…,” but her breathing pattern suggested that she had already fallen asleep.

Somewhat disappointed, he began to undress for bed, then after a moments deliberation undressed Scarlet as well and placed her in a nightgown that he found within the cabin. By this time she was sound asleep and near impossible to awaken. He climbed in the bed, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the forehead.

“Goodnight Scarlet.”

__________________

"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 09-22-2001 10:54 PM

OOC: Sorry it took so long Rublicant.

IC:

As those word came out of Gaireth's mouth he felt as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders. A burden he had been carrying for so long was now no longer there.

"I thank you very much. I know you could have left me die, and had every right to, but you didn't"

Rublicant just looked at his for a moment as if trying to determine if Gaireth's words rang with truth. "I am a doctor. That is my job."

Suddenly recognition slammed into Gaireth's head. "You are Rublicant Al' Teyr. You are a theives guild doctor. Now I know why you seem familiar."

"Yes. That is me. How are you feeling? does anything hurt?"

Now that Gaireth thought about it he did hurt. All over. "I feel as if I have been ripped to shreds and then sewn back together."

"In essence that is what has happened. We found you half unconscious on the road. You were bleeding very badly. We brought you here and I healed you as best i could. If you don't mind telling me, what exactly happend out there?"

"Yes, what did happen out there?" Adamas said as he walked into the room. He took a seat next to the bed and continued. "We both felt a huge amount of Shadow magic being worked. Was that you?"

Gaireth looked from Adamas to Rublicant. "Well, I guess I should start by telling you how I came to be here. You see I was following a man who stole something from me. His name is Mellin. Well after I left you two in Noit i followed you to this house. I can't say why, but I did. Anyway as I was leaving a ride approached me and it turned out it was Mellin, but not the Mellin I knew. No...he was changed. Like he was a whole new person. The shadow magic you felt came from him. I never sensed it in him before. He...he was one with the shadow. It was a living extension of his mind. That is how I got my wounds. He ripped me apart with shadows."

Rublicant looked at Adamas, but Adamas eemed horrified that someone could use that much magic at one time.

"I also fell like there is something missing from me."

"Oh, thats your gall bladder. I had to remove it," Rublicant replied.

"No. Something....something...." Then it hit him. He could not feel the magic. He frantically tried to harness the Shadow magic he was so familiar with, but he couldn't.

"My magic. Its gone."

"What do you mean, its gone?" Adamas asked snapping out of his horror.

"I mean it gone. I can't use it, I can't feel it. I can't even sence the magic within the two of you."

Now Rublicant and Adamas tried to feel the magic in Gaireth, but both could not.

"That chill I felt earlier. When first awoke. That must have been when it went away. I remember feeling it while I healed you, but now..."

"I felt the chill too," Adamas agreed.

"How could this happen?" Gaireth asked. "is this possible?"

"I don't know," Rublicant repied. "Well I guess it is possible, but I don't know how it happened. I'll have to do some research. Right now you need to eat and get some rest."

Gaireth slomped back heavily. Defeated. "Thats a good idea. Thanks again Doc. I do owe you twice over. And you also Adamas. Do you still need a body guard?"

CUE: Adamas or Rublicant. For your info, I have completely lost the use of magic. If you need more info about it message me.

__________________
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 09-23-2001 12:31 AM

One Tequila, two Tequila, three Tequila, ...floor.

Only moments before was Orocia's face bright red from embarrassment.

But now, her nose and cheeks were rosy for a very different reason:

"Uhh... Orocia?" Alesshka looked a bit concerned at her former fellow barmaid. As a bartender, she wielded a double~edged sword: she was responsible for giving her drinkers good service, but on the otherhand, responsible for just how much of that good service she gave. Basically, she had a moral duty to stop serving a drinker drinks if he was obviously drowned drunk. And Orocia was sinking beneath the waves.

"..what is it..???" Orocia whirled a shot glass around on the smooth surface of the bar with her finger, head laid down sideways staring at the dancing glass. She had a hilarious grin on her face.

"Orocia, ....." Alesshka usually didn't have a problem telling a drinker he'd reach his limit and to go home, but it seemed awkward to say such a thing to someone who knew how strong spirits could affect the body. "Orocia, don't you think you've had enough?"

Orocia stopped playing with the shot glass and raised her head up to look eye-to-eye at Al.
"No. Shake me a Mandeville..."

"Orocia, I really think you should stop--"

"Bless your heart, Alesshka, I know what you're tryin to do." Orocia stared Alesshka straight in the eye. She suddenly seemed seriously sober. She continued her serious tone, " And damn it, isn't it obvious I'm trying to drown myself in spirits?!? If you won't serve me, I'll serve myself!"

"I apologize, Orocia." Al didn't like the tone in Orocia's voice. But it was clearly obvious all she wanted to do was get drunk.

Orocia settled back down in a much calmer state. "Don't worry about me, Al..." Her voice trailed off in a slur... Alesshka wondered why JackLynn allowed Orocia to drink all she could, instead of limiting her to a couple of drinks, free of charge. She knew something was up, but couldn't quite place her finger on it. Jacky generously gave her employees free drinks and meals, but usually cared enough to keep the alcohol to a minimum. Maybe JackLynn had some other form of hazing brewing in her creative mind..

Meanwhile, Alesshka finished the Mandeville, stirring in the cola, and turned to Orocia, "Here ya go.."

She happily sipped it down, put the glass back down on the bar, laid her head down, and was out cold.

"Oh my goodness..." Al could only stare at the drool dribbling out of Orocia's mouth. "Ewww... don't tell me I gotta clean that up...."

JackLynn walked over to Al. "Yep, but after our entertainment." She couldn't hide the smirk on her face. Al looked slightly confused. "We don't have any bands playing tonight... what are you talking about?" Alesshka followed Jacky's eyes down towards Orocia.

"HA HA HAAA!! You're kiddin' me, right?"

"I'm dead serious, Al. Look at our audience..." JackLynn motioned towards the many sailors who, without a doubt, knew the gossip about a certain lady sailor. Al couldn't wait to see what devious plans Jacky had set for Orocia tonight.

Posted by Volsung on 09-23-2001 01:06 AM

Fire, Ice, and Fog

It was an early hour long before sunrise when there was a knock on Volsung door. It’s was a man that looked about 50 “I have the dedication robes for you Sir.” Said the man

“Thank you, what should I do after I’m dressed?”

“Don’t worry I will come back for you now I must go back to the preparations.” With that the man turn around and left. Volsung Quickly dressed and got ready.

Volsung decided to bring Vesta with him. “Little good it will do me, but I feel better,” when the man came back three hours later he had no problem with the sword or the sheath of Eros. Then after a quick inspection of Volsung the man lead him to the door of the Temple where Veritas, a woman, and the priest form the day earlier were all standing waiting for him.

“Your sister tells me that she is going first, is that right.” Said the priest

“Yes it is. Veritas are you sure that you want to do this with out any weapons.” Said Volsung as he looked at his sister preparing to do the most danger’s thing they had walked into yet.

“No, I have spent my whole life with my sword I think I must do this unarmed.” Said Veritas

“If that is the way you wish to do it then by all means go in.” With that, Veritas walked though the temple doors. As soon as she was, inside the doors shut with a thunder.

“So what can we expect?” Asked Volsung nervously waiting for his sister

“Well this temple is very special. It is said that the people who come out of his place are stronger people than other's who are dedicated at other sites, but that power comes at a high price. You see 1/3 of the people who go in don’t come out alive. That is the price of power, but it is price we must pay if we hope to get rid of the Wolves. Then there was a flash of light and Veritas was on the steps of the temple.

Volsung rush first to her side, “She’s died, She’s DIED. Do something to save her.” Yelled Volsung as tears started flow from his eyes.

“We can do nothing, she wasn’t strong enough to survive the test. Now its your turn.”

“My turn, you just told me that the strongest person I know wasn’t strong enough to survive the test and now you want me to. I don’t think so. I’m leaving.” With that Volsung gabbed Veritas lifeless body and started walking north to the sea.

“So you’re just going to die, I like a cowered alone running form your fears. I man that could die so many ways, but your not going to died in the fires of battle, or the Ice of old age, but in a fog of wolves witch will not remember or name or your deeds, but only how bad you tasted.” Said the priest in quick and shroud tone, showing only anger in eyes as the words pasted from his lips

“So what is it any better if I die in that Temple?” Volsung started walking again.

“No it isn’t but there is so much more here than there is out there.” Said the priest now letting some of his anger die off

Volsung stopped walking a set Veritas down, “Like what your battle! No thanks I think I will just die on my own.”

“Fine have it your way but it was fate that your sister was killed and there was nothing you could to stop it. And if you are fated to get magic then you will you can’t stop that ether.”

Volsung now started walking back to the temple “What are you saying I can’t control my final fate, that everything doesn’t matter because it has already been willed it to be.” Said Volsung with sad and anger face

“Yes and No fate is just a suggestion that shapes your life but at anytime you can cut that thread of suggestion by killing yourself. That is the nature of fate you have the free will to decide witch way it will be.”

Volsung paused then he started talking again. “Your right I do need to do this,” he said no more words as he walked though the temple doors and was hit by a flash of light.

“You have excepted the nature of your existence, and now you know that everything that happen to you is for a reason.” Volsung was in shock he couldn’t believe that all he had just been though was his test; he fell to the ground under the great pressure of the room. “Get up if you can and then you shall be dedicated.” Volsung pulled out his sword, and use it like a cane to force himself off the floor “I see fire in your heart, so now you shall have fire on you chest.” With that a great ball fire came down and hit Volsung branding his left beast with the mark of Fire.

Soon afterwards Volsung was thrown from the temple. He was burn and bruised, but alive, and at his side sat Veritas crying with the pieces Vesta.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Keiru Silver on 09-23-2001 02:55 PM

They were seekers. Seekers had not been seen for years in Asheri. They were summoned by Terra magic. Someone in New Dargent was using Terra magic...

The seekers beat against the city walls at night, and fled at dawn. They seemed harmless; this had certainly been the case during the time of the Great War.

The disillusionment of the people ended on the fourth day, when some seekers found an opening in the city walls. The slipped in under cover of night, and in the morning, a family was found dead.

"Shades..." Sarrofey said, inspecting the corpses. "I don't think these are the same creatures that first showed up all those years ago. The seekers then were pale slips of creatures that cowered at a humans glance. I don't recall them ever being gutsy enough to touch a human, or stick around in their presence. So we don't know if they were 'solid' creatures even then..."

One of the other inspectors pulled back a sheet. "Shades. I've never seen anything like this." He pulled the sheet back over the corpse. They had been drained of life. There were a few external wounds, lending to the fact that the seekers had solidified with the passing of time.

Sarrofey looked over at the small collection of books on the nightstand of the small house.

"Ancient Writings... Magic of Old Times... Unlocking the Forbidden Spheres... Teiro, have these burned. All of them."

"Shouldn't we see what the Curators of the Museum think?"

"My people will not die because of these practices. Burn them."

Teiro gathered the armful of books and stuffed them in a sack. These were not to be burned with the other refuse... not tonight.

"Captain Rivell. These may be of some interest to you. The seekers killed a family tonight. They were believed to be practicing Terra magic. This confirms it. Sarrofey ordered them burned." He dropped the sack at the Captain's feet. "I burned some other books I found so there were no suspicions. Sarrofey thinks these are gone. But they may be of use to you or Antridyus."

"That's General Antridyus to you. You've done well. You are dismissed."
__________________
Welcome to my world...

Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-23-2001 04:07 PM

OOC: This is a post for mature readers, do not read if you cannot tolerate any of any of the following: cold blooded murder, rape, or wanton violence.

Rublicant looked at Gaireth somewhat anylitically, and nodded, "Yes, if you would be willing, we could use someone to look out for us, especially one with your skills,"

Adamas agreed with Rublicant and showed it with an approving nod.

Gaireth nodded in acceptance, and Doctor Al'Teyr left Adamas and Gaireth to work out the niceites of the matter, as it was something that Adamas was much better at than he was.

Rublicant was in the mood to do something he was good at. It took a few hours to finish his excercizes for the day, and then Rublicant saddled a horse and rode out towards Noit. He left in secret, for this was one of his hidden excursions. He had taken only one while he had been in Adamas' company, and he did not think that Adamas would much approve. Gaireth probably wouldn't give a damn.

He rode through Noit and then out of one of the roads that led to country houses north of the city. There were many farmers all about Noit, and several fields actually lay adjacant to the companions' new home. Thinking about this, Rublicant's desires became more hungry, and he decided the next opproutunity he saw, he would take.

He had seen may opprutunities already, but he had passed them up in favor of finding something better. He had passed several that came to his mind now, the girl with the golden hair in the market, the volumptious redheaded Balanian outside the smithy, even the young, dirty waif. But now he had been searching for several hours, and his blood almost demanded the grotesque pleasures that he had so come to enjoy. He decided that the next opproutunity he came upon, he would sieze. Oh yes, he would sieze it.

Onward he rode, and as the sun began to blaze in the western horizion, Rublicant made out a pair of riders moving towards him from the north. They were likely either farmers needing supplies from the city, or travelers returning to the city from a friends or relatives home. As they grew closer to him, Rublicant made the two figures out.

There was a young man, about Rublicant's size, although of heavier build, with brown hair and eyes. There was also a young woman, who caught Rublicant's full attention after he has assessed the man. She was shorter than Rublicant, but that was almost gauranteed in a woman. She had sparkling blue eyes and flowing blonde hair. She was petite and pretty, but best of all, he could tell by her look that she was a virgin. She seemed to glow to Rublicant. He could feel his heart beating in his chest, but he kept his breathing at a low rate to stablize this. Then he saw the best part of it all. The marriage ribbons about his neck and her waist. It was too much to ask. It was perfect.

They approached Rublicant and dismounted his horse and tied it to a fencepost nearby the road. When they were nearly twenty feet away, the man hailed Rublicant, "How fares your travel, Traveler?"

Rublicant walked slowly and elegantly towards the pair, as they were still mounted, "My travel goes well, but I must admit I am a bit lost. Do you know the way to Noit?" Rublicant spoke clearly, but in anticipation his voice wavered sinisterly as he came within ten feet of the couple.

They eyed each other, as they could sense Rublicant's intentions were not all well, "Friend traveler, Noit is the way that you came from. How did you come to get turned around?"

Rublicant sneered as he realized that he had given himself away. Toying with the prey was half the fun. Nonetheless, it sparked a new thought in him. He had magic now, why not use it to fuel his sinister pleasures? As he began to laugh softly, they moved to quickly go around him. Rublicant turned swiftly as they began to move and the man fell from his horse, his head encased in a sheath of ice.

The woman screamed.

Rublicant chuckled, "What's your name? You know, he has about four to six minutes to live,"

She looked up at Rublicant with utter surprise, "You bastard! What do you want?"

"Your name first, my dear,"

"Sasha, my name is Sasha," She stammered through tears.

"Well, I have a proposition for you. Your new husband has little time to live, but I may be able to change that situation if you were to render me a service," Rublicant grinned with his evil grin.

"What! What do you want? Money? Food? Anything!!!"

"Well enough," Rublicant spoke calmly to the woman who was now trying to scrape the block off of her husband's struggling body with her nails, "Your husband has, let's say about three minutes of life left. If you can satisfy me within that time, I'll let him live. If not, well, you know the conclusion to that," Rublicant drew his small knife fron his sleeve, "And don't think of trying anything. You should see the one that scraped too much,"

The woman was in tears as she moved towards Rublicant on her knees, "No anything but that! We were just married!"

"Two and a half..." Rublicant simply muttered as he scraped the dirt from one of his fingernails.

The woman was upon him. She tore his breeches away and it began. Rublicant laughed with pleasure as his inner demons were fulfilled. The woman, Sasha, was good at it, even if she had never done it before, and Rublicant lay back to enjoy the girl exorcizing his twisted demons. Finally he was done, and the woman, who had ripped her own clothing in her haste, now sat upon the ground crying. It took five minutes...

"Let him live!!! You promised!!!"

"I said no such thing..." Rublicant was quick to reply with his sinister voice, "Plus, he was dead two minutes ago,"

"But.. but..." Sasha hurled herself at Rublicant, only to find herself engulfed in flames. Rublicant sidestepped carefelly, and she tore her burning clothing from her body. Rublicant cocked his head as he admired her cream colored flesh, and the fullness of her features. Not that he hadn't already enjoyed them, but he was an asthetic.

"Look at what you've done now. You've been left naked. Oh dear. You should really learn that a goodwife must never expose herself to another man."

This was too much for the young woman, and she rushed Rublicant once again, grasping for his throat. Rublicant whirled about, and she was left with a pair of deep cuts under each breast. Again, in fury, she rushed him. As she closed the distance, Rublicant braced himself for the impact, and when she was but a few feet away, he nullified all muscle-control nuerotransmitters within her body. She fell into his arms.

"Of course, I knew you'd see things my way," He lay her down and wiped the tears from her eyes, even as she uselessly struggled to move. She thrashed ever so lightly, "No, no, don't resist. Remember the last ten minutes of your life, they were the best of it,"

Hurt eyes looked up at him as he slapped her cheeks with his full force. He amplified the pain by increasing the transmitters to the pain resceptors. She attempted to scream. He drew the knife across her cheeks, and her eyes went wild with the pain. He slashed the arteries under her arms and gave her back control of her body.

"You bastard," came the raspy words over and over again. Slowly as she bled to death, the breaths came in shorter and shorter intervals. When she was finally dead, Rublicant gutted her and removed the liver and pancreas. He then moved to the man, to do the same, but the liver had been corrupted by heavy drinking, so he fed it to one of the horses.

Wrapping the organs in paper he had brought from the house, he set out cross-country towards the Ki magic beacon he had placed over their residence. His desires fulfilled, for awhile, he thought that he'd cook dinner tonight for his friend and his new companion, (hopefully thay had worked that all out by now) but of course, dinner would not be without his own special touches...

Cue: Adamas or Gaireth. If you two want to work out an agreement go ahead, otherwise, would anyone care for dinner??? *sinister smile*
__________________

"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."

Posted by Volsung on 09-23-2001 04:28 PM

The day after

Volsung woke up back in the room he had been it the night before with no memory of what had happened, but he knew that something had happened because his body hurt all over. “Its good to see you awake.” Said Veritas who was sitting in a chair next to the bed. “Do you remember anything that happen to you?”

“No I’m sorry to say, but god I’m sore. It fells like I’ve been though hell and back.” Said Volsung turning to look and Veritas

“That sounds about right, when you can out of the temple you were covered in burns and bruise’s. Muttering something about fate, after that we took back to this building. Then that woman who was with yesterday came in and healed you.”

“I sorry but I don’t even remember that, on a side note can you tell me what my dedication is, and what is that mark on your face?”

“Your dedication is fire, and mine is air. I don’t know why I have this scare on my face I came out of the temple with it, but the mark of air is on my left palm. I guess it just happen. That life.” Said Veritas

“Thanks, fire I guess I always thought of myself more as the water type, but what is done is done. One more question, have you started training yet?”

“No, I’m waiting for you.” With that, Volsung sat up in his bed.

“Boy that hurts, I think I will I will stay in bed today. But could I get some dinner.”

“Sure I will go get you some.” With that, Veritas walked out then the head priest came in.

“Good to see you awake. Do you remember anything about your time in the temple?” Said the Priest as he walked into the room, and then sat down in the chair that Veritas had been sitting in.

“No, I can’t say that I do, but I have a few questions for you. One, what is your name? Two, are you going to train me? Three, do you remember anything about your Dedication?” Asked Volsung

“In order my name is Met Eurus, I’m also dedicated in fire so I will tech you, and no I don’t remember any thing about it. I hope that will do because I'm not in the mode to answer any more questions. Your training starts to tomorrow so get some rest.” With that, the priest got up and walked out leaving Volsung alone with his thoughts. The minutes pasted slowly before Veritas finally return with his dinner.

“I know it’s not to much to look at but I think that you like it.”

“Why did you make it?”

“No, but I ate some earlier.”

“Well thanks for staying with me, and for bring me this fine, fine meal.” With that, Volsung ate his dinner and then went back to sleep dreaming of fire and battle.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-23-2001 06:09 PM

He noticed her right when she walked through the door. He definitely noticed her well-decorated, and well-spanked, ass. And he wasn't sure, but judging from the talk bubbling among the tables, this was her. The much talked about Tiger Lily. He finished his scotch and turned to Bobby. "What do you think?"

"I think it's her." Bobby laughed as she watched "her" drop another drink down the hatch. "Man, she drinks like a fish..."

"Tell, me Bob-o, what's so special about her anyway?" Aerin loosened up the collar of his Navy uniform.

"Well.. SHE'S a SAILOR. What else do I need to say? Have you heard of any other women sailors? Nooooo...." Bobby chuckled.

"Besides the obvious, Bob." He grabbed Bobby's brandy and finished it for him.

"Hey! Next drink is on you, bud." Bobby turned his view back to the subject. "Well, she's cute. And she's a freelance sailor, and I hear she's a good rope monkey, so next time she goes boat hopping you can bet a few crews will be searchin' her out. And she cut off some guy's hand with a machete 'cause he tried to grab the package. He's got a hook where that hand used to be..."

Aerin almost spit out the brandy,"You mean Charlie-boy? Ol' Chuck?!? He's at the table over there!" Aerin motioned to his left, three tables down. There he was, and there it was with a drumstick stuck in its end. The hook gleamed despite the grease and dim lighting.

Bobby nodded. "That happened at the docks in Corner two years ago. Oh shit... he knows she's here.. can't you see him looking at her? Damn, he's getting pissed now.." The two stared at One Hand Charlie as he finished gnawing at his chicken.

"ADMIRING THE SILVERWARE, boys?" he looked straight at them.

Bobby jumped, but Aerin laughed. "Yeah Chuck... tell me where I can get one just like it." This would prove the rumour.

"Just go up to that bitch at the bar...." Chuck's tone got a little ..sinister.

Aerin prodded further. "Who... Tiger Lily?" The talking in the tavern quieted down just slightly, as if to hear the response.

"You damn know well who she is. How about you try going up to her? Let's see how well you do, big boy." Chuck cleaned off his hook with a napkin.

"How about next time you treat a lady with respect. From what I hear, you deserved your punishment, Charlie." Laughter arose from the tables, getting the volume back up to what it was before.

Chuck didn't respond to that one. But he did take another look at Orocia. "Bitch..."

Bobby nudged Aerin. "You gonna try it?" Aerin looked back at his bud. "Nah.." Then looked at Orocia. "No point trying, anyways. She won't respond."

"Don't let what happened to Chuck scare you, Aerin--" Bobby's face was grabbed and turned towards Orocia. "DAMN. She's passed OUT. I see what you mean, buddy."

Aerin laughed at the barmaid staring at the drool pooling out from Orocia's mouth. "Out ain't the word. She can drink like a fish, but tonight she drowned."

OOC: And the brownie goes to... *drumroll* Gaireth! The correct answer was AEROSMITH !!! ^___^ *laughs* That was fun.

Posted by Adamas Tribune on 09-23-2001 09:36 PM

Something was wrong with the air tonight...

Adamas stood at the balcony of his spacious room and looked out over the twilight horizon. He had the whole house to himself tonight, with the exception of Gaireth. And he seemed to keep to himself.

Adamas had tired of creating little static bursts. The most he had ever tried to conduct was a thunderstorm, and that ended with half a week of blindness and some really bad tasting weeds.

He was all but certain he could do it right this time, but still he hesitated. After a brief mental debate on the sense of self satisfaction versus the risk of humiliation (and a hefty amount of pain), he snatched his cloak from the hook and his sword from its resting place at the foot of his bed.

He hurried down the hall. He wished to reach Noit before long. At the door, he stopped to clasp his cloak and fasten his sheath. Tonight was going to be a test.

He had a difficult time attracting theives tonight. It seemed that a red haired, scarred, cloaked, armed man was a less attractive target than a grey haired, unarmed nobleman. It seemed that bait was in order. He had made sure to come prepared.

He untied the pouch at his belt and opened it. He continued to walk the streets until he reached a darkened alley, and then stopped. Before leaving the well lit street, he intentionally dropped the pouch, its precious dralar contents spilling out. He feebly tried to collect it all, making sure to get the attention of the unsavory characters that he was sure were watching. Then he made his way down the alley.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hand it over, old man."

Adamas whipped around, raking his sword across the man's face. "Old man? You should respect my wisdom. And my blade."

The man covered his face, gritting his teeth with pain. "You bastard!"

More figures came out of the shadows. There weren't too keen on their brethren being attacked.

Adamas decided that it was time to stop holding back. If ever there was an occasion to use what he'd been practicing, now was it.

His sword began to glow with white-yellow energy. He lashed out at the nearest attacker, the sword creating a wound and the light agitating it. He dropped to the ground clutching his chest until the paralysis seized him. Adamas figured that if Ki and Terra magic wouldn't coalesce, he would use them separately. He fired a lightning bolt at another thief and knocking him flush against a wall. His head smacked against the concrete, and he slumped to the ground. There were two left, and the one left holding his bleeding face.

"Righteousness is my endeavor, and hell thy destination." He used Terra to ensnare the two theives and bind them, then cut off the link of magic so that only the constraint of static held them, then lashed out with Ki. Their eyes began to glow from behind, and the electric impulses slowly burned them out. Using the air currents, he slammed their heads together, effectively causing permanent blindness and removing them from the fight. I suppose that statement was a bit heady... Oh well. I doubt they care at this jucture.

Only the original thug remained.

"I will be watching these streets. I suggest that you tell whoever you work for that thievery is no longer a viable career." With that, Adamas thrust his blade into the thug's vest and ripped it open. Gold coins and various things poured out. Adamas kicked the man aside and examined the items. Finding nothing of value, he checked the other men's 'findings', except for the one he had shocked with the lightning bolt. Touching that body would yield an electrical shock still.

Finding a few small pendants and larger daggers, he carefully stowed them in his pack and departed the hall. He waved a hand over his shoulder. "This should suffice as payment for your lives." He had spared them death, but not pain. Unless the one he had cut across the chest died, he had not killed a single man.

One or more of the items found was likely to be a savil. He'd have to have ask Rublicant to check them out.

"Home so late?" Rublicant asked as Adamas hung his cloak by the door.

"Yourself as well. Look what I found." He tossed the pack onto the table where Rublicant was eating. "I'm too tired to relate the events of my trip to Noit. Tell me if any of those are useful."

Cue: Rublicant
__________________
Pride without arrogance,
Independance without dishonor.

Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 09-23-2001 11:03 PM

Rublicant examined the objects that Adamas had brought home as he was preparing to cook dinner. several of them had faint magical resonance on them from the magics that Adamas had worked upon the people that he obtained these objects from. One of them, however did have a bit of something different about it. Rublicant could not perfectly place it, and decided to wait until after dinner to inspect it more carefully.

Rublicant took his time carefully preparing the night's meal, and nearly an hour and a half later, the table was brimming with the tasty rolls of meat and cheese. Although Rublicant assured everyone what they were eating was very healthy and perfectly safe, he would not tell anyone what it was, quoting that it was one of his grandmother's secrets. Adamas, Gaireth, Revin, and even Alma all agreed that it was an excellent meal, but were all goading Rublicant somewhat because he would not tell them what the secret ingredients were.

After dinner, Rublicant retired to the study section of the library ans examined the ring that he had found amoungst the other things. After poking and prodding with all of his magical perceptions, he determined that this was a simple Savilar, capable of levitating things weighing roughly 2 kilos or less. He found Adamas enjoying a pipe of good Farai Tabac with Gaireth, and explained the ring and its use to him easily, before tossing the silver ring with its gold runes to Adamas. Rublicant sat doiwn and enjoyed a pipe as well, and then excused himself.

He bathed briefly, dressed in his silk nightrobes, and ran through a series of magical excercises before he went to sleep. As he drifted off to sleep, he thought, "Today had been a good day, not only for myself, but also for my friends,"

Cue: Whoever wants it
__________________

"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 09-23-2001 11:20 PM

By the time Scarlet awoke the next day Indigo had already left. She puzzled over the nightgown that she wore. She didn’t remember putting it on. Shrugging it off, she jumped out of bed and stretched. Despite yesterday’s rigorous lesson, a good night’s sleep had restored her energy.

Several sailors called to each other from outside her room. It was difficult to determine what they were saying however. She walked over to her door, just as Xarou burst through.

Scarlet began to stammer a fierce protest to his presence, but he only talked over her.

“Your parents wish to see you at once.,” he said as he turned and stalked out of the room. Scarlet gawked after him. He hadn’t even looked at her in his usual lustful manner. In fact, he seemed a little angry…..What was going on?

She dressed quickly and ran to her parent’s chambers. As she ran out onto the deck she noticed that they had arrived at a port. Were they already in New Dargent? The few people who milled about on the docks looked foreign to her. It was strangely quiet for such a large shipyard. She shivered as she made her way to where her parents waited for her. They stood around a table looking very grim.

“What’s going on? Are we in New Dargent?” Her father stepped forward.

“Yes we are. But we must leave at the next tide.”

“But why!? We just got here!,” Scarlet protested. The king began to pace the room in an agitated state.

“There’s been an invasion of sorts. They don’t know what type of creatures have invaded their city, but it’s extremely dangerous now and we must return to Gania immediately.” Scarlet listened with growing horror.

“But won’t they need help? Can’t we help them fight off the invaders?” He shook his head.

“There’s nothing we can do. We need to consider our own lives before we consider theirs.” The queen placed an arm around her daughter’s shoulder and gave her a hug.

“Don’t be disappointed. We’ll come back another time.” Scarlet nodded and turned to go back to her cabin. She called out after her.

“Doctor Giovanni is waiting for you to continue your lessons.” She cringed.

“Do I have to?,” she whined. The thought of suffering through another session with the doctor already made her feel tired. Her mother only looked at her sternly. Scarlet slunk out of their cabin feeling dejected. As she passed a dark crevice in the wall of the ship, a hand shot out and seized her by the elbow. She screamed.

“Shhhh!!!!! It’s me!,” Indigo hissed out at her. She glared at him.

“What is it with you and scaring me all the time?,” she shot back. He pulled her into the shadows with him.

“I’m sorry. It’s kinda hard to get your attention though. What’s going on? I heard the other sailors talking about leaving at the next tide.”

“There’s been an invasion in New Dargent so we have to leave.,” she replied. Indigo nodded.

“Anyway, I need to go. Doctor Giovanni is waiting for me.”

“Until tonight then?,” he inquired drawing her close. She kissed him lightly.

“Until tonight.”

The couple went their separate ways about the ship as if nothing had transpired. Scarlet to her lesson and Indigo to prowl about the ship looking busy.

But a pair of amber eyes had been watching, and putting pieces together. Xarou’s fist flew out and struck the wall, splintering the wood where it hit. Blood seeped from his knuckles and down the wall, leaving behind deep crimson tracks. He recognized the boy from Noit. And he knew that he had been with Scarlet for the past three days. He had kept a close eye on her cabin and just who went in and out of it. His first instinct was to inform the King and Queen of the stowaway, but a plan in which he could conveniently get rid of the blue-haired nuisance, and take Scarlet for himself in the process soon occupied his thoughts. If he brought the boy before the King and Queen, Scarlet would intervene on his behalf. But perhaps if the two showed up missing………He walked out onto the bough of the ship and studied the boy from a distance. He didn’t look much like a fighter. Getting rid of him would be easy. He continued to formulate and refine his plan until he was absolutely sure it was fool proof. And best of all he wouldn’t have long to wait to put it into action. If all went as he knew it would he and Scarlet would not be returning to Gania.

As for the boy….he would not live to see another day. Xarou smiled as he thought of all the ways he could punish him for touching Scarlet before he had. He would never forgive him for taking what was his.

Indigo looked at the guard out of the corner of his eye. Something didn’t settle right with him. Xarou had been too darned quiet for the past few days. He decided the next time he saw Scarlet he would tell her about it, even though she would more than likely laugh it off.

There was something else he wanted to ask her as well. But that meant she would have to make a life altering decision between him and her parents. He hoped it would be him.

Meanwhile, Scarlet entertained the thought of shooting several bolts of lightning at Dr. Giovanni’s head.

__________________

"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."

Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 09-24-2001 06:13 PM

A new dawn approaches.

Indeed, Tiero had done very well. A nefarious smirk overcame Captain Rivell as he sent one of the “Nylinus” regulated carriers into the mid-afternoon horizon. Antridyus would have timely word of this new addition to the Nylian Empire’s arsenal.

…meanwhile in Militus…

The base of operations for VanVehementi’s conquest had been busy these last few weeks. Days earlier another entourage of men dressed in Nylinus Compact uniforms had marched towards the threatened city of New Dargent. They would be arriving shortly enough. The city’s fortifications had been completed and the “Convention Stage” was ready to be carried out. All that remained was the smiting of the seekers, which still loomed about the New Dargent walls. Aramus VanVehementi could taste the power that he deemed so soon his. After this step in his operation, the main rush would be over and he would no longer bolt forward halfhazardly in his plans. Once he occupied a fortress city-state, he could spread his influence like a plague.

“All in good time” Aramus mused as his personal carriage wound through the streets of Militus. Count VanVehementi had been traveling for a considerable time now having left his Mansion in Nyliam days prior. At long last, it found rest in front of the Commandant Magistrate Office building, the very residence of Antridyus’ influence and the staging point of all Nyliam imperialist operations. The General promptly made his way through the large oak doors to greet his financer.

“I hope your travels have faired well Aramus.”

“But of course. All my praise to the wonders of Nyliam’s prowess for transit.” Antridyus couldn’t help but laugh. These were the highest spirits that the general had seen the Count in for quite some time. In fact, he believed Aramus to be giddy with childlike delight. Of course, he had much to look forward to.

“This way my Count. We have just received word from Captain Rivell in New Dargent. I’d brief you here but I have yet to read his communiqué.”

“Ahhh, excellent. I anticipate good news.” The pair made their way to General Antridyus’ office. It was here all military business took place. Everything from attack orders to ration requisitions made their way across the general’s desk.

As Aramus found his way into Antridyus’ chamber, he felt rather out of place. The Count was used to the luxuries of his haughty abode. Here he found strict minimalism in its purest state. If something didn’t have a sense of utility, it wouldn’t be found here. Every piece of parchment had been tucked neatly into organized folders and no object was out of place; everything Aramus could hope from his prized Nylian Empire’s armed forces…. Clean, efficient, and prepared.

Antridyus glanced ever so briefly at the message before interjecting, “I apologize Aramus. Aside from our initial meeting, you are new to Militus. Please, will you accept the honors?” Antridyus handed the folded paper to the Count. Though the general had been in terse regard of Aramus during their previous encounter, the scorns had been dismissed as VanVehementi was, in fact, doing a good job.

“Of course Marcus, and thank you!” Aramus promptly read the scroll.

To General Marcus Antridyus
From Captain Rivell

All fortifications are completed. New Dargent is now impregnable. We are ready to carry out the final convention stage. We anticipate their arrival any day now. The threat to the city has been determined. Seekers of the old war have been summoned by a family using the old Terra Magicks. Reasons are yet unknown but an investigation is currently underway. I am also pleased to inform you that the books that instructed this family as to the ways of Terra Magic are now in our possession; the city officials presume them destroyed as ordered. With your authorization we have selected our men of strongest will to begin tutelage in the arts of Terra Magic. Based upon what I learned at the academy we might be capable of producing “competent” magic users within a months time. Skills will need to be refined yet this practice has been dead for some time now so although they may be inexperienced, they will for the greater part be unrivalled. This concludes my status report Sir.
Regards,
Captain Rivell

Another all too rare smile graced Aramus as he shared the letter with General Antridyus.

“Marcus, give him the go-ahead with magic preparation. We would be a fool not to exploit this ancient avenue in our campaign.”

“Right away Aramus. Right away.”

A long caravan approached New Dargent. Much greater in size than the previous march, the approach was sounded once again throughout the city. As precaution, archers were summoned and guards were readied but all tension faded just as before when a watchman spied the Nylinus Compact banners. “It’s the convention!! Under escort of Consulate troops!! All is well, stand down. Our reinforcements have arrived.”

Rivell himself stood atop the walls above the main gate and watched as his men poured into the city peacefully. If he had been briefed correctly, with this many men at his disposal, New Dargent could be sacked with minimal fatalities. Lt. Colonel Sarrofey made his way to the wall and planted an age worn hand upon Rivell’s shoulder.

“So the convention begins tomorrow eh?”

“If my orders are correct, yes Sir.”

“Good thing. This city has seen its fair share of problems. Its about time some good came here. Our merchants are going to make a killing tomorrow!”

Rivell could hardly keep from choking. In a bizarre sense of irony, it would be quite the opposite of what Sarrofey was envisioning. Oh there would be killing alright, though the humanity within the Captain prayed for as little as possible. His orders were simple. Take the city and spare the taxpayers. An Emperor has no power without peasants to pay him tribute. Alas, Rivell managed to regain his shortly lost composure without Sarrofey noticing.

“Indeed they will Sir. I’m sure tomorrow will forever change New Dargent.”

“That pleases me to hear Captain. As you were.”

“Yes Sir.”

Sarrofey made his way off of the wall. Little did he know, his compassion for his people would not be forgotten by Rivell. As long as he didn’t resist the invasion, Captain Rivell, under Antridyus’ authority, would appoint him Regional governor of not only New Dargent, but the entire Lunis province. But much had to be done first. Alas, as Aramus himself had earlier thought… All in good time.

__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"

Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-24-2001 09:38 PM

"It's about Xarou. He probably knows I'm in here now, he certainly knows I'm on the ship. I think he wants you."

"Wants me for what?" Scarlet asked, already answering herself.

"For his own... pleasures. Listen, I don't want to see you hurt, especially this guy. That's why I have to ask you..."

Scarlet looked at him expectantly.

"Please come with me. I'm not staying on this ship. Something is wrong in New Dargent. There's trouble brewing, and I want to help. That's why I tried to Dedicate. For the adventure." He sighed. "But now that I've met you, I don't want to experience the adventures without you. I don't want to fight anywhere but your side, I don't want to see anything without you. I want to travel the world, but I want to do it with you."

Scarlet hugged Indigo tightly. "Indy... I want to be with you, too. But this means defying my parents and leaving! I only just met them, I don't want to lose them again... I need to think about this... Where will you be?"

"What?"

Scarlet stood up. "On the ship, when I reach a decision. Where will you be at?"

Indigo scratched his head. "Avoiding Xarou. Find him, and get as far away as possible without leaving the boat, and chances are, you'll find me." He smiled. He bent to kiss Scarlet, then exited the room.

Sinister eyes watched him go, and Xarou knew he could not wait to exact his plans.

Cue Scarlet
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!

Posted by Volsung on 09-25-2001 12:27 AM

Training Day1

As the red disk of the sun slowly pulled its way into the orange sky, someone started knocking on Volsung door. “Volsung its time to start training you have five minutes to get down to the court yard.” Volsung knew the voice was Met wanting to get his training started. Volsung was still very sore from the dedication, but he was looking forward to using his new powers. Still he wish that Met could put this off until the afternoon, but you can’t go against your master even if it wasn’t your idea to train with him in the first place. Volsung quickly dressed in his new green ropes that had been set out for him. Just as he was getting finished dressing, he reached over to the side of the bed to gab this sword to find that it was in pieces. Volsung started crying he always thought that his sword would last a lot longer than him, but there it was broken.

“Good bye old friend I will make sure that you get reforged, but you and I will never do battle together again.” Volsung wiped that tears from this eyes walked out unarm for the first time in his memory. Volsung walked quickly to the courtyard where Met was standing.

“Your late, but I will forgive it today. Just remember if you’re late, again I make you pay for it. I hate having to wait for people and I like to let people no it. Anyways, lets start your training. The first thing I want you to do is to heat up you ora, but not to quickly or I will have to call in that others again to heal your burns.” Met preceded to slowly heat up his ora, he could of course do this very quickly, but instead he did it slow so that Volsung wanted feel pressured to do it to quickly. Then it was Volsung turn, he moved even slower than Met had showed him, but even at this slow pace, there were burns on Volsung hands and face. “That is very good, I think you should know that this is one of the best defense’s that I can teach you, but you won’t be able to hold it for more than a few minute at you current skill leave. But we will work more on that later I want you to see a few more things to day before we spend too much time on any one technique. For this next trick, I want you to make a ball of fire in your hand. Your hand is already burned so feel free to hurt yourself as much as you want.” Once again, Met showed Volsung what he wanted him to do. Volsung quickly followed suit in making a fireball of this own. “Ok throw the ball and me Volsung.” Volsung not wanting to offend his new master throw the ball of fire at Met expecting something bad to happen. The fireball hit Met and was absorbed, and then his fireball and then the ball in his hand got even bigger. “That is called redirected it is take your enemies energy and using it for yourself. Now most of the time you can't redirect all the energy that hits you, but you can do move more the more with practice. Your turn, bring up your ora again. After Volsung had none as Met asked him to Met, throw the large fireball right at Volsung crest. Volsung managed to deflect most of the blast and even to redirect a little, but Met still managed burn a hole straight though Volsung new robes.

“That hurt like hell. Why did you do that for?” Said Volsung after he than fallen to the ground from the impact of the blast

“To show you what pain is and to give you something to work for Now get up I have one more trick for you to see, but you’re not going to do it today.” With the sky grew dark and all of the sudden the fire started raining from the heavens. Volsung stood up and forced his ora about him to protect him. “That is a good idea, but it won’t do you any good.” With that, the storm intensified. Volsung felt the change but this time he pushed back creating a small storm of this own on top of Met. Met was so surprised that even let his guard down long enough for Volsung to burn him a little, but it was short lived and Volsung soon was overcome and passed out. “That was a good first day kid, I think I’m going to have joy training you.” Said Met to the unconscious Volsung, and then he turned and called for the woman who had been training Veritas.

“What do you want I’m in middle of training,” Said the woman.

“Have Blake take your place I need you to heal my student.”

“Fine, I will be over in five minute.”

“Take your time I’m not in a hurry and he’s not in any mortal danger,” and so the minutes passed, Volsung knew that he was done training for the day, because his body was shot. Still Volsung knew that he had surprised Met today and that he planed to do it again some how.

“Hold still or I can’t heal you. Why couldn’t you just stay passed out?” said the Woman

“I will work on that. Hey Met, what are we going to work on tomorrow?” Asked Volsung trying not to smile at the still smoking Met

“Magic” with that he turned and walk back to the side temple laughing and saying, “he is going to be trouble I had better watch my back.” Volsung laughed as well and the man walked off. Then he thanked the woman for healing he and when back to his room to think about what he could do next.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Trago Hayle on 09-25-2001 03:32 PM

The Crimzadwire, a bit battered, but none worse for the wear, finally pulled into the harbor at Kenoblious. Trago stared out over the deck, reminiscing the events of the past few days. He put his hand on his ribs, recalling the recent noise made by his ribs. It wasn't pretty, as it reminded Trago of the noise a crow makes after hitting a sail and falling a good many feet to it's death on the deck. The strange events troubled him, but at least he soon would be washing his worries away in ale at one of the finest pubs in Kenoblious.

OOC: I'll be back... heh heh heh!
__________________
"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 09-25-2001 05:38 PM

Scarlet held her head in her hands as Indigo’s words swirled around in her mind.

“Dammit…,” she murmured. It wasn’t fair. A part of her was furious with Indigo for forcing this dilemma on her. She wanted to be with her parents but she wanted to be with him too. Her heart ached in her confusion. Which should she choose? Her newly found parents, or her newly found love? A tear slid down her cheek, leaving behind a glistening trail.

She closed her eyes and focused her energy on searching her heart for the answer. Then, it was no contest. Ever since their first kiss in The Frosted Glass, it had always been Indigo. It wasn’t that she loved her parents any less, but she hadn’t been raised to be a princess. She was used to her freedom of going where she pleased, whenever she pleased and not having some guard lurking behind her in the shadows. She shivered as she recalled more of Indigo’s words.

She had assumed that he only said those things because he was her lover and naturally, somewhat possessive. But what if Xarou did know that Indy was here with her? What if he did want her? But he wouldn’t dare!! Although she had reached the decision to be with Indigo, she was still the Princess of Gania. She crossed her arms over her chest. Her parents would be so worried about her. It would break their hearts to learn of her disappearance. But she was firm in her resolve to be with Indigo. She grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill and wrote a final letter to her parents. In it, she apologized and explained why she was leaving. Then, in a moment of haste, she promised that she would return one day.

She folded the letter and left it on top of her bed, then began to pack a few items that she would need in the future. A light knock came from her door.

“Come in!,” she called over her shoulder, before turning her attention back to packing her bag. She assumed it was Indigo and that he returned to question her about her decision.

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

Xarou stood in the now open doorway, watching Scarlet as she closed the flap over her pack, swung it over her shoulder and turned around. Her eyes widened in sudden horror, like a child who has just been caught in the act of some crime. He smiled at her and stepped forward, shutting the cabin door behind him.

“Where are you going? Didn’t your parents tell you that we were returning to Gania at the next tide?” Scarlet started to stammer a poor explanation, but he only continued to talk.

“It’s dangerous to be in New Dargent now. Especially a young girl like you at this time of night. Who knows what could be lurking in the shadows. Like thieves, or slave traders.,” he said with a knowing smile. “Didn’t you learn your lesson in Forestre? It’s a good thing I was there, or else the good Doctor may have never known you were ill.” She gasped in shock.

“It was you. You ordered those men to attack me!,” she cried accusingly. Xarou nodded as his smile grew.

“Yes. I traveled with your parents as a bodyguard and part time slave trader. Imagine what sort of price the Princess of Gania would fetch on the market. But,” he hesitated, “I didn’t know that you would have such lovely eyes.” Scarlet began to shake in fear. So it was true. Indigo had been right all along, and now he was on another part of the ship, far away from where she was. If Xarou took another step forward she would start screaming. But he never did. In fact he walked back toward the door and held it open for her.

“If you’re leaving, I think you should go now while it’s still dark. Your lover may tire of waiting for you and decide to leave on his own.,” he said mockingly. Scarlet’s mind reeled in shock and confusement. What was he doing? Why was he just letting her go? Especially after what he had just told her? Nevertheless, she ran past him and turned to face him after she was safely out of the cabin. She clutched her bag close to her body. He pointed past her.

“I believe the man you seek is in that general direction. You may want to find him before I do.,” he added ominously. She backed up slowly before turning and running in a blind panic with Xarou’s laughter still ringing in her ears. His words had been true and she ran into Indigo before she even saw him. She cried out in fear and wrestled with him before he managed to wrap his arms around her tightly and she realized it was him.

“Scarlet!! It’s me! What’s wrong? You’re trembling!” She began to cry as she tried to answer.

“Indy! We have to go now! Xarou knows about you…and I think he wants to kill you.,” she ended in a whisper. Indigo held her even tighter and kissed her forehead.

“Don’t say that. It’s not going to happen. The only way I’ll die is protecting you. I swear it.”

“Indy-“ He grabbed her by the hand and smiled down at her.

“Let’s go.” She nodded and squeezed his hand return. They jogged over to the bough of the ship.

“So you really are leaving.,” a voice drawled from behind them. Scarlet looked back over her shoulder and uttered a thin scream. Xarou’s silohette loomed over the deck like a warrior’s battle aura. Indigo stepped between him and Scarlet. Xarou laughed and started walking toward the lovers.

Scarlet scoured the deck for any sign of life. She was horrified to see there was noone. Where were the sailors? Surely someone could be watching from the Crow’s Nest?…….She looked and saw nothing. The only people on deck were her, Indigo, and Xarou. Did he plan this? Could he have drugged everyone aboard the ship so only the three of them would be awake? She didn’t put it past him.

“You may have had her for a time boy, but she belongs to me.” He suddenly dashed forward and seized Indigo by the throat, holding him high off the deck of the ship. Scarlet screamed and tore at his arm. He pushed her away and tightened his grip on Indigo.

“She’s mine…..” he whispered. Scarlet started to summon a bolt of lightning but stopped as she realized that if she struck Xarou, she would strike Indy too. Rage began to rise within her, filling her entire body with violent energy. She didn’t ask for any of this. She didn’t ask to be a princess. She didn’t ask Xarou to be infatuated with her. She clutched his wrist and began to squeeze, feeling the bones break beneath her grip. He shouted and dropped Indigo like a stone.

“I belong to him, not you! Even if you killed him, I would remind you everyday that he was my first. No matter how many times you take me, you’ll never change that!” The words struck him like an arrow. He glared at Scarlet and charged just as a flash of silver streaked across his field of vision. He stopped where he was and brought the tips of his fingers to his cheek. Blood flowed freely down his face from the wound inflicted there. Scarlet grabbed Indigo from around his waist and settled him over her shoulder. Whatever power was flowing through her was still present as the battle drew to a close.

“I’ll never belong to you.” Then she ran and jumped over the rail and onto the dock below, taking Indigo with her. His breathing was ragged from being choked, but otherwise he was okay.

Xarou only stood where he was and watched as Scarlet ran into the night. He smirked and wiped away the blood from his face. He hadn’t expected things to turn out this way, but maybe all wasn’t lost. He winced as his wrist began to throb. She had definitely broken it, but that could be easily healed by the ship’s doctor. He laughed. If she thought it was over, she was sorely mistaken. One way or another she would be his.

Scarlet stopped running as she approached an inn. Somehow she knew that Xarou wouldn’t pursue them. She set Indigo on his feet and helped him limp inside, where she purchased a room for the night. The clerk gave the strange woman’s companion a curious stare. Already glaring purple bruises were forming around his neck and his breath came in wheezing gasps. The clerk looked from Indigo to Scarlet questioningly.

“I told him if I ever caught him with another woman I’d kill him.,” she replied coolly. The clerk laughed and handed her the key to the room. Once inside she collapsed with Indigo on top of the bed and started to cry. He ran his hands through her hair.

“I love you, Scarlet.”

CUE: Indigo.

__________________

"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 09-25-2001 11:36 PM

I didn't mean for this to happen...

The pain was like a thousand needles shooting through your body all at once. Try to imagine that. For several minutes. That's what it feels like to die, I guess. Now, I lie completely still in my own bed, but it is no longer a bed, it is a prison. This bed which was given to me by death. Why she bacame interested in me, I cannot know, but I know now that she has known of me ever since our marvelous appearance within Noit. She stalked me, watching me, and considering. What she meant to do, only she knew. Why I went to The Behemoth that night, when I met her, and she told me so much, I can only assume that it was becasue of her powers. There she told me of her kind, and what, unbeknownst to me, I was to become.

My magic is lost to me. My Ki magic, at least, the rune that was emblazoned upon my hand has changed from its previous form to a crimson meshai, likely representing what I have become. She left me here, saying that she would not return, and that she was going into the sun in the morning. Like a fallen angel.

Is it wrong to think that she chose me because of my intellect? Or was it because of my, shall we say, tendancies? I shall never know. She left me as the sun was rising, and now, as I stand here this evening, I know not what to do. I fed last night, on three innocents. It was the most perfect thing, I cannot describe it. Imagine your most favorite pleasure, and then magnify the emotion and the bodily feeling by a hundred times, then you might come close to knowing what I have experienced. The feel of the crimson flowing over cold lips, and the sweet succor...

She left me only two things. A diary, of which I have not read,and now pen these words, and a large sword, something she said she took from her warder. The blade is massive, and I believe that the Xellians call it a nodachi, but it is longer than a normal blade, but still light and manueverable. This may be because of my new strength, but I cannot be sure.

Seeing now, is a pleasure in itself. The world seems different, more alive. Things seem to move, but don't. dead things seem alive, and those that are alive seem that much more animated. The change that has occurred to me is complete and irrevokable, unless I would choose to meet the fate of my Warder. Though, I must say, this is going to be a challange to explain all to my friend and companion, Adamas, and Gaireth as well.

My skin is pale now, and many of my veins are readily visible. This is less when I have recently fed, but is worse now. My nails are glassy and sharp to the touch, and my eye teeth have become pointed fangs, that I can lengthen at will. I must find food soon, for I must feed to survive. She told me that all blood carries the power with it, but only the blood of humans has the pleasures of life contained in essence.

Summoner Lord Rublicant Al'Teyr M.D., Vampire, Ex-Dedicated.

Rublicant rose from his bed after swiftly finishing his inscription in the book. It was bound in black leather and the pages were fine paper and smelled faintly of herbs used for the curing of dysentery. He dressed in a loose white shirt and black breeches, stowing his dagger in his sleeve sheath out of instinct. He had slept in the basement after Natalya had left him, and had just recently moved many of his possessions down into the one furnished area of the cellar. He moved up the stairs, to go into the living area of the house.

He had risen as the sun was setting. He instinctively knew that the sun was still about, and waited until it set until making his way upstairs. Now, the sun had been set for nearly thirty minutes, and he made his way to find Adamas and Gaireth. He found Adamas doing magical excercises in the parlor, The Angel's Tear belted to his side. Adamas smiled as he entered, and rublicant nodded and motioned for him to follow. Gaireth was harder to find, but was found outside whirling about in the gardens, practicing his swordsmanship. Rublicant motioned for him to follow as well, ans reluctantly, he did.

They made their way into the main living area, the grand parlor as it was called, and there Rublicant sat them down and explained the last evening to them. How Natalya had snuck in through Rublicant's window, how she had drank all of his blood from him, and fed him her blood from her neck, and how she told him that his blood was strong, stronger than most vampires, and that it would grow stronger with age, but as with all of her kind it was cursed. She told him she had chosen him because he would survive, whatever that meant. And finally, he told of her departure into the morning sun. He handed them a piece of paper, on which was written "A Tretise on Vampires, their nature, and their abilities"

Adamas looked stunned, Gaireth looked unsettled, but unfazed.

Rublicant excused himself politely. His friends know where he must be going. He had to feed.

Cue: Gaireth or Adamas

OOC: Rublicant is now a fledgling vampire. He has lost the abiulity to use Ki magic, and is uncertain as to wether he is able to use Terra Magic. He believes it possible, but is a bit frightened to try it out. He will return shortly after feeding to speak with you further, if you wish to write this into your posts.

Ta, R
__________________

"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 09-26-2001 03:08 PM

Gaireth watched Rublicant go. I truely was unfazed. I had dealt with these vampires before and on more than one occasion had killed them. He had found out that lobbing the head off and setting the corpse on fire was a good way.

He looked over at Adamas who looked like he was about to colapse. Gaireth hurried over to his side and caught him as he was going down. Adamas looked up.

"Don't worry friend, I have you. Please sit," he said as he led Adamas to a nearby seat.

Gaireth's strength had returned in full. Rublicant had been surprised at how fast he had recovered, but little did he know mediation was a wonderful healer.

"H-he is a vampire?" Adamas both stated and asked.

"Yes. Don't worry I don't believe will do anything to harm us."

"How can you take this so easily. I mean, I was told stories about vampires as a kid, but never really believed them."

"Well I have delt with their kind before. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to us. We are safe. I also think that Rublacant wouldn't try anthing on us. Well I'm going to bed. If you need anything from me I'll be in my room."

Adamas just stared at Gaireth as he walked away. "What is happening? Everything is going to hell in a hand basket," Adamas grumbled to himself.

Cue: Adamas or Rublicant
__________________
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 09-26-2001 03:24 PM

Training Day 2

The sun didn’t rise on this day, and the rain as coming down hard against Volsung window. Volsung was lying in his bed waiting for the knock on the door he knew was coming. It’s not like a little rain with stop Met training he thought to himself. Of course, he was right and quickly there after the knock came that Volsung was waiting. “Its time you have 5 minutes, I hope you do better than you did yesterday.” Volsung jumped out of bed and was dressed in under a minute not wishing to see the punishment that Met spoke of the day before. Then he headed out to the Courtyard and the rain. “Your early that’s good now you know, I had a 7 miles run ready for you if you were late today. Anyways on to today’s lesson. As you may or may not have noticed its raining, and I thought that this would good day to teach you about how to use your fire magic in the rain.”

Volsung just stood there dumbfounded for a minute not knowing what he was going to do. Then feeling a little braver he spoke up, “So what do you have in mind because I thought that rain put out fires.”

“Yes if we were dealing with normal fire you would be right but were not dealing with normal fire we are dealing Ki fire magic. That being said it does take a lot more out you when it’s raining, a good analogy would be a person that use’s water magic in a desert exspearncing a greater drain as well. So, we will start with something simple, I would like you to set your ora ablaze again like you did yesterday.” Volsung did as Met told him and was surprised by the fact that he was not only dry but there was no rain falling on him anymore. “That’s good work but as you’re doing it, but you won’t have the power to keep it up long. So, you must learn to fine tone your control like this.” With that, Met lit up his ora but instead of the whole thing, being ablaze only the area right above this head was. “You see by doing this you can conserve energy and you’re still doing the same job. It is also useful in battle when you only are fighting an enemy in one diction. Now you try it.” At first Volsung let all his whole ora grow cold and got drenched again, but when he relit it he was able cover his head. Still his control was lacking, and this ora faded in and out every few minutes. “That is very good now time for a test.

“What did you have in mind?” Asked Volsung never really liking tests

“We are going to stand here for the rest of the day.”

“May I ask why?” Said Volsung who could barely hold his ora ablaze for a few minutes yesterday with nothing pushing on it and now he had to stand do it all day in the rain.

“Because I said so and that is all you need to know,” with that, they stood in the rain for the rest of the day and about and hour into the night. In that time Volsung did lose his control two or three times, but for the most part he was able to keep this head dry all day. Then after it had gotten dark Met told Volsung to go in. Volsung didn’t ask any question because he was wore out from Met test, but after he gone inside he seen Met in the Courtyard still standing there holding back the rain.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-26-2001 08:48 PM

JackLynn hurriedly took an empty chair and pulled it up on the dancers' stage. She rushed to Ferris. "Hurry up, Big BOY!! I've got a show to put on!!"

He had Orocia over his shoulder, not exactly knowing what to do with her. "Whaddya tryin to pull on Tiger now, Jack?"

She let out her girly giggles. "You'll see!!" She thought, Oh, this will bring in so many more customers for a few more weeks.. heh heh heh.. She rushed back to the stage, "Put her right heeere!! Ha ha haaa!!" Jack pointed to the solitary chair, standing proud next to it. Already sailors were noticing what was going on.

"Aww, Jack, I don't like what's goin on..." Ferris moved toward the stage.

"SHUT UP!" JackLynn corrected herself. She was obviously a little overexcited. "I mean, she'll be OK. Don't worry Ferris. Besides, if anything happens, you can fix any problems, right big boy?"

Ferris sat Orocia gently on the chair. The last person he wanted to see get hurt was this sweet girl. "Yeah, of course. But why start something, Jack?" He gave a slightly scolding look to his boss.

"Ferris, trust me. This is gonna bring in money..." JackLynn began tying Orocia's hands behind the seat to the dancer's pole. She tried to do a handcuff hitch, like Orocia did to control unruly drinkers, but got frustrated in her haste. "Damn it!" She looked up to the sea of eyes watching her. She smiled back. "Hey, would of any of you boys know how to do a handcuff hitch? I've got the rope and the victim right here..."

Laughter rose up, and immediately volunteers raised their hands.

Aerin looked at Bobby, "I don't believe it... What are they gonna do?"
Bobby looked up at the dancers' stage, "Well, she used to work here... I guess they're pullin' another prank on her."

"She was a DANCER?!?"

"Well, she was a barmaid for a couple of months, before she went back to the seas. She was spare on change or something. Although there's gossip that she DID dance.. and that no one could ever tell if it was her on stage or not, even though she has tatoos.."

"How the hell do you know all this, Bob-o?" Aerin looked up as a young sailor tied handcuff hitches around Orocia's hands, and then around her feet, to the dancer's pole. He had a goofy grin on his face as his friends cheered him on. He tried to grab a boob, to have something more to brag about, but Jacky slapped away his hand before he even reached.

"You already have enough to brag about, babe!" She shooed the boy back to his fellow Jack Tars. Jacky grinned back at Orocia. "Heh heh.. I wonder how you'll feel in the morning, Orocia... HA HA HAAA!!!" Ferris could only stare in disbelief at his boss' giddiness. Roland, the cook, and Alesshka, the barmaid, both watched from their respective work areas. Jacky cleared her throat:

"GENTLEMEN!!" The men quieted down.

"..heh heh heh... Gentlemen, I have for you here, ....." she paused for dramatic effect, "the Tiger Lily!!"

The men stayed quiet. Jack wasn't exactly sure what was wrong. Finally, one voice spoke out, "What the hell did you slip in her drink?!?"

Another spoke, "Yeah, I hear it takes more than a couple of drinks to drown that woman!!"

JackLynn's face reddened slightly, partly out of embarrassment, more out of irritation. "For your information, dear Sir, you are exactly right. It DOES take more than a couple of drinks to get the Tiger drunk. Let's just say she drained out at least four bottles of rum outta my stores..."
JackLynn looked back at Orocia, whose dribble was getting wiped off the corner of her mouth by Ferris' thumb. She thought to herself, Well, the extra customers these next few weeks should pay off those four bottles...

Shocked expressions ungracefully danced across many of the men's faces.

" ..ahem, well.. Anyways, gentlemen..." Jacky got back to the matter at hand. "I have a proposition for you." And with this, JackLynn stuffed whip cream down Orocia's cleavage. She then held up a tiny cherry for all to see. "The man who can stuff his face down Miss Orocia Agua's breasts and come back with this cherry in his mouth after five seconds will get TWO DRALARS!!"

One of the previous outspoken voices shouted out in shock, "HOLY SHIT!!" The whole room continued in their state of disbelief and shock. Here was the famed lady sailor herself, helpless at the mouths of a whole room of men.. and worth two dralars for a lick.

"ah-ah-ahhhh!!" Jacky stopped an eager sailor as the rest began to crowd around for their chance. "It's gonna cost you five silvers for this once in a lifetime opportunity!"

A few grumbles could be heard as sailors short of change sat back down. The rest got in line.
"And no one gets a second chance till everyone's had their shot!!" Jack immediately pulled out a purse for the men to drop their coins in.

One by one, men had their chance, with the rest counting down from 5 as each tried their best to find that tiny cherry, but every time it would get lost somewhere, leaving a face full of whip cream on every man that tried. Some would grab and move around Orocia's breasts to see if they could move the cherry along, but to no avail. It was snug in the hollow of her breasts, moving away and further down from each attempt, making the next man's attempt more difficult than the last.

Aerin watched the spectacle, and was nudged again by his friend Bobby. "C'mon, man, try it! What have you got to lose?"

"Five silvers."

"Whatever! Here's two. If you get that cherry, I get 40 silvers back. Deal?"

"Why do you want me to do it?" Aerin blushed slightly.

"Because my luck has been down lately, and I think you might get it." Bobby winked back at his fellow seaman.

"Right..." Aerin got up, and just as he did, One Hand Charlie rose up from his seat. Both Aerin and Bobby looked at each other, as if both knew what Charlie might try to do.

"Heh, it's payback time, Lily Flower," Chuck eyed Orocia with sweet revenge.

Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 09-27-2001 02:39 PM

The second fall of Dargent

Excitement was in the air as the Great Convention began. Thousands of men, women, and children had flocked in innumerable masses to the central park of New Dargent where a collective of businessmen had assembled for what was rumored to be the greatest of all bazaars. Captain Rivell, standing on one of the far city walls, watched in amusement as the endless parades of citizens bustled about the park; their bright clothing turning the landscape into a vibrant work of visual art. Rivell had made certain that only his men would be standing guard along the city walls and patrolling the park. All of Sarrofey’s men had been given the day off of active duty so that they might too enjoy the sights and sounds of the convention. With this tactic in place, Rivell would be able to pinch what little resistance might be offered in between of both the center and border of the city. ‘There should be very little struggle’ thought the Captain. He simply sat on the edge of his wall and bided his time. He would wait until the afternoon sun had sapped the strength from those that would fight back. As Rivell reflected on the plans, he revisited one point over and over: take the city as quickly and mercifully as you can. If they see we merely want their loyalty we stand a better chance of retaining their services for the future. He looked up into the sky to see the sun arching its way to the other side of the horizon. The time to strike was rapidly approaching…

“Men, you constitute the first wave of our pressing advance from sovereign soil. By the time you reach Lunis, Captain Rivell will have sacked New Dargent. You will march to the fallen city and using its protective border as a staging point, you will wane the invasion from within. If your respective commanding officers feel your advance is threatened by your target city, fall back to New Dargent. It is our foothold on this entire operation. We shall not let it slip from our control!”

General Marcus Antridyus strode through the multiple lines of siege troops he and his fellow generals, Onuess and Bjorn, had hand picked for their loyalty to the Nylian Empire. In brief moments, he would send them marching in a great caravan from Militus to New Dargent where they would rest and then march onto the other cities of Lunis, all the while, Antridyus’ hidden forces still serving the Nylinus Compact in Nyliam would rebel and take Nyliam City and Militus in Count VanVehementi’s name. Fayre would fall soon after with the dissolution of the Council. The Nylian Empire would be reborn!

“My fellow Nylians, the time has come to take what is rightfully ours! March now and be proud. You are the chosen to spread the word and laws of our new Emperor, Aramus VanVehemti I. Fallout!!!”

With that, monstrous clouds of dust rose billowing into the Militus skyline as thousands of boots scuffled about in the loose soil of its dirt roads. The commotion of the troops simultaneous steps could be heard for miles around. Those that saw the caravan were either struck and frozen by fear (those loyal to the Nylinus Council) or sweltered in a joy of celebration (those that remained reminiscent of Nyliam’s former position on Asheri). Whatever the response of the people was, however, there would be no stopping the convoy as it exited the city walls of Militus and proceeded East towards Lunis and New Dargent.

Captain Johann Rivell had waited long enough. The time to strike was now. He walked in slow, measured paces as he made his way to the wall’s flare stores. With the simplest of nods to one of his men, gunners took position and aiming upwards, sent a torrent of brilliantly streaming lights into the sky. Upon seeing this, other gunners echoed the action and within seconds, not a Nylian soldier missed his/her signal.

The merchants and passerby’s that had been walking and laughing throughout the convention area froze at the sight of the luminance overhead. Before they even had a chance to notice the change in atmosphere, the convention men drew their hidden weapons and immediately began shouting orders of submission.

“Do not oppose us. Your efforts will be in vain. Surrender yourselves to the Nylian Empire and you will be provided for!”

Despite the promising words, few of Dargent’s citizens were prepared to be confronted by armed soldiers, and immediately attempted to flee. Panic spread where there had, only moments prior, been serenity and celebration. The mosaic of colors that Rivell had been watching seconds earlier had begun to vibrate in a fascinating ballet of movements. Some of which, he noted, were heading in the direction of his wall. The entirety of Sarrofey’s nearby forces made an attempt to arm themselves as they ran hastily for the armory. Unfortunately for the would be protectors of New Dargent, Rivell’s wall was in direct line of sight.

“Archers… LOOSE!”

Flickers of feathery light streamed through the air and found their marks. Half of the Lt. Colonels men fell in spite of their valiant and heroic efforts. The other half slipped inside of the bunker like building and slammed the door tightly behind them while Rivell’s archers reached behind their backs for fresh arrows.

OOC: Damn!!! I have to go to work. Please hold all posts involving the sanctity of New Dargent until I finish. If you can’t wait, that’s cool I just would really appreciate it!! Aramus-
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"

Posted by Indigo Grei on 09-29-2001 10:42 AM

Indigo woke the next morning, his bruises not healed, and his neck still in pain. Scarlet was still asleep.

He didn't really know what to do now. There wasn't really too much he could do to help out in Dargent.

He took out Salamander and began to toy with it to take his mind off of the pain. Scarlet stirred, but did not wake.

He thought about the events of the last month. Certainly, leaving Xellos, he had no idea he would end up next to a beautiful woman in an inn on some morning. He smiled. Well, he supposed that loving a princess had its disadvantages. No, that's not right. I loved her before I found out she was a princess...
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!

Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-29-2001 05:56 PM

Orocia drifted in and out and between unconciousness and limbo. All the while, she felt really good. Reaallly goooood. Inside she smiled within these good vibrations... mmmmmmm... yeaahhhhh... Although on the outside all you could see of her ecstasy was her drool.

Aerin quickly got in line. Hopefully he'd find the cherry so that ol' Chuck wouldn't have to. JackLynn smiled sweetly at him, "Hey cutie... Try her out for five silvers!" She winked. Aerin went ahead and dropped his coins in, but hesitated before Orocia. She is kinda cute..., he thought. His blushing must have been very noticable because Jack hurried him on with,"Goodness, Sir!! She's passed out!! It's not like she's gonna bite!!"

"Go ahead Aeriiiin!!" Bobby shouted out. "Dive right iiiiin!!!"

A couple of sailors started to chant,"Dive in, Dive in, Dive in, Dive in!"

Aerin loosened up his collar again, grinned off any former hesitation, and went for it.

"FIVE!!! ...FOUR!!!...THREE!!!...TWO!!!...ONE!!!!"

He pulled his head back out and gasped for air. No cherry. A groan of disappointment rang out among the men. Still no cherry! Would anyone get the two dralars? But the disappointment was cut off with silence. One Hand Charlie walked up to the stage.

The apprehension could be felt by all, as all wondered what he might do to Orocia, who was easy prey set on a silver plate right before him. She was unknowingly defenseless. There would have been no way otherwise for One Hand Charlie to get this close to Orocia unless she or he were exchanging unwelcome greetings or provoking a fight. Aerin watched him closely and stayed close by.

Of course, JackLynn was oblivious to this information and proceeded, "Five silvers, please!"
Ferris tensed up and readied himself to defend his friend.

Chuck dropped the coins in the purse. He looked down at Orocia. "Ya know wot? There's an easy way ta do this...."

RRRRI I I I I I I I I I I I P!!
He slit open the front ties that held Orocia's top together with his hook in one slash. Ferris nearly charged but was stopped by Jack, who hoped this turn of events would bring more curious customers.

"What da hell---?!? Jack, you've lost it!!"

"Hold on Ferris!! He hasn't done anything too bad yet!" Jack looked on. Aerin's hands balled up into angry fists.

Chuck continued on grabbing at Orocia and licking around for the cherry. Of course, he wouldn't find it because, by now, it had dropped down and found itself a hiding place in Orocia's belly button. Although no countdown was shouted aloud, JackLynn ever so sweetly notified Chuck that his time was up. "Nice try, Sir, but your five seconds are up! You can try again after we start a new line!"

"I ain't done with her yet..." Charlie wiped the cream off his face with his hook, and licked his hook clean. "She's the reason I have this hook..." Chuck's face slid into a sinister frown. "I'll show her how a woman ought ta please a man!!" And with that he raised his sharp hook and slashed at her.

Which definitely shocked the Tiger up.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" Orocia shrieked in furious pain. She couldn't see anything but pain, but a few seconds later saw the face of One Hand Charlie. She screamed again, but this time in rage, like a wild tiger chained against its free will. No words would form from her mouth, just raging screams. She tried to kick at him but felt only her tightly tied legs pulling from behind her. Immediately she was swamped with the sick feeling of defenselessness. She screamed again in indignation.

"LET ME OOOOOOOOOUUUUUUT!!!! AAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHH!!!" Her body lashed about furiously, trying to free itself. Chuck slashed again, knicking the edge of her jaw slightly. It would have been a mortal cut at the neck had she not ducked out of the way for Ferris to clobber him. JackLynn only stepped back in shock, with Roland rushing over to calm her down. Alesshka felt safe behind her bar and held her hands up to her mouth as if to stifle a scream. Aerin was the only person brave enough to go up to Orocia.

"HEY!! CALM DOWN!! I'M HERE TO HELP YOU!!" Aerin found himself yelling above the chaos.

All Orocia saw was the whip cream that was still on his face. "UGH!! GET AWAY FROM ME YOU BASTARD!" She so wished she was free to kick the shit out of him. Anybody with whip cream on their face, for that matter. She wanted revenge for being used and could care less who was the immediate victim. Meanwhile her exposed chest and face were bleeding. In one swipe One Hand Charlie left a jagged trail from her cheek down across her chest. The white cream on her chest turned pink around her wounds. She had already figured out what 'cute' contest had gone on beforehand.

"DAMN IT, WOMAN! LET ME HELP YOU!!" He stared deeply into Orocia's fiery, yet strangely calming, aqua eyes.

Every muscle in her body strained against her imprisonment. She was tense as Aerin expertly untied her in record time. Immediately she went for One Hand Charlie.

"That crazy bitch! She's bleeding and she wants to kick the crap out of that guy!" Aerin, along with everyone else, stared in amazement as she unbelievably pushed Ferris out of the way and stooped over Chuck, bloody breasts fully exposed.

"LIKE WHAT YOU SEE YOU SICK BASTAAAAAAAARRD!!!!" Before she finished the sentence she had already picked up and grabbed Chuck by the neck with one hand and clobbered him with a fury of punches with the other, pulling him by the neck and continually punching him as she dragged him towards the wall, then finally grabbed the back of his head and smashed his face, too many times to count, against the brick. When she was tired, she let him go and his body slumped to the floor. She stood over him like a tiger over its kill. Everyone else stood in awe.

Orocia's body shook with rage. She was afraid to move towards anyone else lest she should kill them. No one else deserved what Chuck got, the more reasonable side of her mind told herself. But the animal in her could've cared less. She struggled at restraint.

JackLynn could only sob in total shock at what she had allowed to happen. She hid herself in Roland's arms.

Aerin made his way through fallen chairs and knocked-over tables towards Orocia as the rest slowly moved away, instinctively wanting to get as far away as possible out of fear, but wanting to stay from pure curiosity at what the raging Tiger would do next.

She saw him moving towards her out of the corner of her eye, between locks of her black, wavy hair. Her voice was shaky, "...Stay away...."

"You're bleeding," Aerin continued towards her.

Orocia looked down at her breasts. It only now dawned at her that she was practically topless, and that a woman might feel uncomfortable in such a state. She slowly covered herself up, looking down and away from the eyes staring at her, feeling protected somewhat within her arms, blood running down on them. Suddenly she felt arms around her and quickly turned to face Aerin, her face in shock. Despite everything that would seem to prove otherwise, Aerin could see in her eyes that she was scared. But scared of what?

Posted by Orocia Agua on 09-29-2001 08:14 PM

She felt a little dizzy. Great... not what I needed tonight. But she wasn't scared of death.

She was scared of the man in front of her. What did he want?

"...unnnnh!--" she turned away and grasped her chest in pain. "Aww, shit.." She began to walk away. Sailors in her direction immediately got out of her way. She gave one last look at One Hand Charlie over her shoulder. I didn't mean to kill him... Another, different kind of pain stung her chest. Great, one more thing I don't need. Guilt.

"Wha--?!?" Aerin stood speechless and watched her walk away from him. But it came to him that all she needed was space, just for a few moments.

She continued walking back to where the chaos began, to the dancer's pole, towards her friends. She looked at JackLynn and held her gaze in her own eyes for a minute. No words were spoken but enough was said in that shared look:

How could you do this???...
...I'm so sorry...
I still love you, don't worry... just--

"uhh!!" Orocia grasped at the pole to steady herself. Despite her black attire, she was bleeding enough to make the red show through. She kicked the chair back up and slumped on it.

She looked sympathetically at her friend JackLynn, who was a ripe 28 years old. "..heh, you're such a businesswoman....uhhh..," her weak smile quickly flashed back into a grimace. "Jacky, babe, get me some twine or ribbon to tie my shirt up again. I can't go out like this."

"You can't go out, period." Aerin walked up to the stage and looked up at Orocia. Meanwhile, the crowd that was there only a few moments ago had dwindled down. One Hand Charlie's fellow tablemates had long been gone.

"I'm not one of your subordinates, officer. You can't tell me what to do." Orocia looked down at him with a smirk on her face, holding the front of her top together. Blood began to ooze out of her grip, between her fingers. Lieutenant Junior Grade Aerin Chevalier was taken aback at the defiance. His friend, Ensign Robert Goodwind could only smirk alongside with Orocia at Aerin, only a rank higher but already with a head big enough to pop at any challenge of his new authority.

Aerin paused. "...Why won't you let me help you?"

Orocia didn't respond, except with an uneasy look on her face. She closed her eyes, "Just get me a doctor..." She could feel herself slipping away.. Before she finally let go, she heard JackLynn..

"Quick! I'll pay for it! Please!"

....and she felt herself getting picked up by Ferris, and taken to one of the rooms on the other side of the tavern, and laid gently on a bed...

and knew Roland was standing next to Al, who was sitting at Orocia's side, petting her hair.

The last thing she remembered was wondering what she'd say to Captain Badias for being late in the morning.

OOC: yaaaay!! I finished!!! *happy dances*
of course, there's still more! ~_^

Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 09-30-2001 05:42 PM

“NOOOO!!!” The queen sank down to her knees and wept. Xarou only watched from his kneeled position on the floor as the king tried to comfort his wife while addressing him. It was the morning after Scarlet left with Indigo, but Xarou had bided his time before informing the king and queen of their daughter’s disappearance.

“Are you sure she was taken by force?”

“I’m quite sure your Majesty. Surely if she had left of her own will, she would have left a note or some other indication.,” he said as he brushed his fingers over the very note he had taken from Scarlet’s room the previous evening. He resisted the urge to smile. This was too easy. The king nodded and held his wife tighter as she continued to cry. Xarou laughed inside as he marveled how gullible they were.

“Sire, I know who took her.” He looked up sharply, his lavender eyes blazing with rage.

“Who?”

“The boy from Noit. He snuck aboard the ship and must’ve waited until we were docked to kidnap the princess. I recognized him when he broke my wrist and cut me across the face.” The king began to pace the room in a furious trance. He spun around to face Xarou, who lowered his head respectfully.

“Find her Xarou. Bring her and the boy back. I would prefer him to be brought back alive, but if you must kill him, then so be it.” He rose to face the king.

“As you wish, Majesty. I’ll sail back to New Dargent immediately.” He spun his cape as he walked out of the cabin. Dr. Giovanni, who had been watching the entire spectacle, approached the king. He hadn’t liked the hungry, eager look in Xarou’s eyes.

“Majesty, do you think it’s wise to send this man to find your daughter?”

“Why not?,” he replied, facing the doctor.

“Well, doesn’t it seem odd that only he knows what happened to the princess? If there were other witnesses who could agree to the events he described, then there would be no need for speculation.”

“What do you mean, Giovanni?” The doctor shrugged.

“Can you be absolutely sure of Xarou’s integrity?,” he asked as he walked slowly out of the cabin, leaving the royal pair to ponder over what he had said.

_______________________________________

Scarlet cried out in helplessness as Xarou mercilessly strangled Indigo. She watched in horror as Indigo’s struggles grew weaker and weaker, before they finally ceased forever. She screamed.

Xarou smiled and started walking toward her. She looked past him at Indigo’s lifeless body, paralyzed in terror and disbelief. He grabbed her by the wrist and flung her onto the bed-

(why was there a bed?..)

and pinned her beneath him.

(what is he going to do?)

She didn’t fully realize his intentions until he began to rip at her clothing, tearing it as if it were merely made out of paper. Several screams tore out of her as he started to shake her by the shoulders.

“INDYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! HELP ME INDY!!!!!”

“Scarlet!”

“NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!” She clawed at the form of Xarou looming over her. He continued to shake her but now his voice sounded different…..and he looked different too…..

“SCARLET!! WAKE UP!” Indigo held her by her shoulders, a little harder than necessary but Scarlet’s screams had terrified him. Her eyes flew open as she subconsciously struggled to familiarize herself with her surroundings. She clung to Indigo and sobbed. A knock came from the door.

“Are you alright in there?! I heard screaming.” Indigo opened the door and reassured the clerk that Scarlet had only screamed out in her sleep. The clerk, looking rather unnerved, nodded and left to attend the front desk. He figured the poor girl had only been frightened by the invasion of the creatures that were stalking the city. It was enough to frighten anyone.

Indigo returned to Scarlet’s side and kissed her neck in an attempt to calm her down. It seemed to work a little. She loosened her grip around his middle and kissed him back, but it was still painfully obvious she was extremely upset. He tried to think of something to say, but Scarlet spoke before he could.

“Indy, we need to get out of here as soon as possible.” Indigo didn’t have to wonder about the sense of urgency in her voice. He knew.

“You think Xarou will come back, don’t you?” His neck throbbed briefly in response. A chill ran up Scarlet’s spine.

“I know he will. Promise we’ll leave soon?,” she asked with a pleading look in her eyes. Indigo traced a finger down her face and nodded.

“I promise.”

“Thank you.”

CUE: Indigo. Where to?

[OOC] I tried to keep the status of New Dargent out of the post as much as I could. If it's still too much, let me know and I'll edit accordingly. ~.^v

__________________

"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."

Posted by Volsung on 09-30-2001 11:30 PM

Training Day: well I guess day 5

Volsung woke up in a daze, “What time is it? God I feel sore. Why are you two here, can’t a guy sleep in his own room anymore?”

Met stood up and walked out of the room leaving Veritas alone with Volsung. “You’ve been sleeping for three days. Met found you passed out on the steps, and then he brought you to your room. He said that he didn’t believe that you were in any danger, and that you were simple exhausted from your training, and so that is how you have been since.”

“I guess that seems right I always heard that ki magic takes its toll on the users body, but I never thought it would be this bad.” Volsung then sat up in his bed. “So what have I missed in the last few days?”

“Well have learned to summed storm clouds and can even make a few lighting bolts,” Said Veritas with a very proud exception on her face as she looked at Volsung.

“That’s great sister, well I better get back to my training before I fall to far behind you.”

“But I have so much more to tell you,” Said Veritas surprised at Volsung wanting to go back to training.

“I look forward to hearing about it later, but I have to go back to my training. You see that night I passed out I was watching Met for a little while after I came in, and while I watched I realized that I should be out there with him training, not in the dry house resting. So, even though I’m not 100% I need to show him that this means something to me, and then and only then will he show me my true power.” With that, Volsung gathered his things and went outside to train.

When he got outside it was a bright and sunny with a perfectly blue sky, and there was Met in the middle of the Courtyard much in the same way that he had been a few nights before. “I see you have come back for more.” Said Met as lit a fireball in his hand.

“Yep are you ready to start training me again,” Said Volsung as he lit his ora ablaze.

“You know it.”

“What’s Today’s lesson then.”

“Well, the lesson will go like this we are going to fight a little bit. To see what you have learned and to see how well you think on the fly, and do your best not to get hurt the healer is getting sick of seeing your face.” With that Met, throw the fireball right at Volsung. Volsung now having a feel for Met magic was able to absorb the flame and made an even larger one of his own. Volsung thought the fireball, but Met dodged it then he lit a circle of fire around Volsung. In responds to this Volsung tried absorbing he energy in the circle, but every time he would try Met would only increases the strength of the flames burning Volsung. Volsung seeing that he needed a little offence started throwing sword of fire at Met most of which missed their mark, but the ones that did find Met did a bit of damage. This so infuriated Met that set the whole Circle on fire and then made the flames ten feet tall. Volsung was surrounded by the fire, and was starting to get burned. Then Volsung had an idea, he put all of his energy in the base of his ora, and then he used the heat of the fire to lift himself out of the Blaze. Then when he was clear of the flames Volsung used his height advantage to rain down a new shower of fire swords on Met. This completely surprised Met because he didn’t expect the attack from above. In fact, he had all of his concentration on the circle of fire. This covered Met in cuts and burns. Met was so angry with this he hit Volsung his huge wall of black flame that Volsung had no hope of stopping. After the wave had pasted Volsung was left lying on the ground and burned all over.

“Well I think that its time for a break.” With that Met, helped Volsung up and the two walked back to the house. Both still smoking from the fight.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Elzyn Satariel on 10-03-2001 08:43 AM

There was no pain.

The searing singe that touched his retinae had become more akin to pleasure than discomfort. Such was the way for all Runewalkers. The causeways that connected the Realms were often turbulent, but, possessing the necessary feints, one could not only live through the experience, but thrive upon its destructive effects.

Elzyn had long trekked the inhospitable portals, but had never had an experience quite like the one that he'd just completed. Here he lay, splayed out spreadeagle, face down against white sand and hard earth, his crimson cloak draped over his motionless frame.

His eyes opened, lids grating against the dry surface beneath. It was night, that much was certain. One could never tell, though, and Elzyn had been privy to the eccentricities of a myriad of worlds that, appearing unremarkable, had turned many a potentially lethal charm upon his arrival. It seemed, as he lifted himself, that this realm was engendered of no such trickery. It would have pained him to learn otherwise. He had long sought this place.

Now standing his full span, he took a moment to make doubly sure he had prepared adequately. His sword, sheathed, hung in its unadorned scabbard. His supplies, an eclectic gathering of the spoils of other worlds, were secure in the pouch that was tied to his belt. His body, thankfully, was whole as well.

His personal affects managed, Elzyn surveyed his whereabouts. It was a desert, or he'd never been in one. The dunes and flats stretched on for miles in all directions. But, more than that, Elzyn could feel that his journey had been successful. He could feel the strange magics of this realm already traveling their unique circuits through his corporeal self. Little matter that the power he wielded was conversely aligned to this atmosphere. It would soon bend.

However, such adaptations were slow in evolution. He would have to be patient, and in knowing this, he knew that his quarry would be experiencing the same difficulty. The role of the hunter was one he was accustomed to playing, but he knew well what it was to be sought after. His prey would move carefully, but swiftly. There was little time to be lost, fully equipped or no.

South felt strongest to his instincts. He could nearly smell the bastard. Placing his hand upon the pommel of his blade, he started out, the wind cleaning his silver locks of the sand it had acquired. First walking, now running, Elzyn made toward the horizon. There was no time for fatigue.

Azaghel would not wait long to make himself known.

Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 10-03-2001 01:28 PM

The week had passed quickly for Rublicant. He spent most of his time testing the limits of his powers, hurling great rocks and running like the wind from one side of the island to the other. And then there was the blood, the red fount of lust and loive, like a exquisite crimson flow that nurtured life. Rublicant fed now without killing if he could, but at times the drive for blood was so great that the host's death was unstoppable.

However, Rublicant had taken to a loft in the city itself, so that he could be clost to those that would sustain him, and though he continued to be somewhat close to Adamas and friendly to Gaireth, he tended to stay away from them, as if his existance was something contagious.

He had discovered that all of his magics were lost to him. Terra magic as well as Ki magic, but it seemed not to trouble him. He reveled in his newfound abilities of telepathy and compulsion, even weak as they were.

He contemplated often the words that Natalya left him with, "Your blood is strong, now live, and be strong,"

But more often than not, he spent the nights becoming a more perfect being. Becoming a perfect vampire...

OOC: Got to go now, I'll come back later!
__________________

"It's strange, how some people see blood as a simple thing. but I know the truth. Blood is power..."

Posted by Volsung on 10-03-2001 02:46 PM

Training Day 6

Volsung came out of the side house covered in bandages, and limping, but he was smiling. “What are you so smiling about?” said Met and as he sat sitting in the courtyard smoking a pipe.

“I'm smiling because I can stand up today, and that is a lot more had I thought I would be able to do after my first fight with you. Anyways special planed for today.”

“Well nothing like yesterday, but I do have something in mind.” Met put out this pipe and emptied out he remaining contents, and put he pipe in the inside pocket of this red coat. “Yes I do have a one thing I would like to teach you, but first lets get working on your mind.”

“My mind?” Said Volsung question what his mind had to do with fighting.

“Yes your mind, and this way maybe it will be a little harder to kick your ass next time. Now follow me I’m going to show you something you haven’t seen yet.” With that, Met got up and started walking south.

Volsung had thought that he had put up a good fight, but at this point, he could believe that Met had been holding back. So, quickly Volsung followed Met to the South Temple. Inside there was a grand shrine of gold and ivory. Volsung had no words to describe the place he now found himself in. “What is this Place?” He found himself saying.

“This the meditation room of the Ganian Kings, it was said that when ever a king had a great decisions to make he would come here to focus his mind. I think you should know that you’re the first person besides myself to set foot in this place in more than 500 years.”

“Why is that?” asked Volsung

“Because no one would coming in here with out he kings blessing, and in 500 years I’m the only one to ever get it, or so they told me before I felt the royal court. Now come over here and sit down,” with that Volsung walk over to the place where Met had been standing and sat down. “Now I want you to relax and let the thoughts in to your mind.” Volsung and Met continued in much the same fashion for a several more hours until sunset came, and then Met stood up and started talking. “Volsung I want you to stay here tonight, and do not leave for any reason. I will come to get you when you’re ready.”

“What are you talking about?” Said Volsung, but Met did not respond and walked out of the Shrine. Leaving Volsung alone with his thoughts.

OCC: Sorry I haven't posted in a few days but I have had a few bigger things.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Nelcar on 10-04-2001 05:51 PM

Catching up...

OOC: As is usually the case, school ends up sucking more and more time away. I'm trying to catch up on all the reading (both in school and on the forums), though, admittedly, I've been doing a lot of scanning.

One more thing...

Rublicant, never again shall you write "Ta, R." You know exactly why...

If you do, I shall have to start calling your character "Rube" instead of "Rublicant."
__________________

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 10-04-2001 08:10 PM

Ruben massaged the scrape and bruises he had on his back as he woke up at 3 in the morning, a lady at both sides. The night's activities were enjoyably rough 'n' rowdy. If only Lily gal would've seen him. "Ha ha haa!!.." He stretched out wondering how she spent her time. "Poor gal... she needs some sex." Ruby couldn't help laughing at what he just said. It woke up his company.

"..mnnnn... what's so funny?" one asked, rubbing her eyes. The other stretched and yawned.

"oh, nothing..." Ruben stared into space for a few moments, enjoying his company. "It's three o'clock. We leave at four. You two should get going. And thank you for your time!" He grinned and admired the two as they lazily got up and dressed.

"...well, you weren't so bad y'self, blondie." He watched the two go. He sighed happily as he enjoyed his high. "This has been gooooood... aw hell yeah." He stretched one last time before getting dressed and heading towards the forecastle. He was surprised to not find Orocia dozing in her hammock, which was next to his.

"Hm. Must be havin' a good time. Hope she's not drunk when she gets aboard ship..." Ruby thought back to when he once was drunk on duty, and had to get the scratch from the cat... the cat o' nine tails. He didn't want to see that happen to Tiger, no matter how much he pushed her around.

He went up on deck to breathe in the nice, cold... mist. Noit just wouldn't be Noit without this mist, he thought, as he walked around and said his hellos to other sailors hanging about or coming back from town.

"Anyone seen Orocia?" The response was a sea of no's and shaking of heads.

"Hmph." Ruby wasn't really concerned, the Tiger could handle herself. But something was definitely up. Just then, a Navy officer walked aboard. Ruby eyed him with curiosity. "I haven't heard of any drafts or impoundments, lately..."

"No, I'm not here for that." Ensign Robert Goodwind spoke sternly.

"Then wot de hell are ye doin on dis lowly merchant ship, jack?" an older sailor asked.

"I'm here for Orocia's duffel." He had a grim look on his babyface. It was very unsettling.

"...what?.. What happened?" Ruby walked up closer to Bobby.

"I'll tell you while you walk me over there."

Ruby didn't exactly want a stranger, especially some Navy officer, walkin' about the sailors' sleeping quarters, but he saw his fellow seamen nodding their heads at him. He went ahead and led the officer back to the hammocks.

"I'll need to speak with your captain as well."

"Did you draft her?" Ruby spoke with a hint of anger in his voice. His facial expression matched his voice.

"No. She got into a brawl at a tavern--"

"Ha ha haaaa!!" Ruby laughed out at this bit of news,"I wouldn't expect any less of her! What, was she arrested or something? Poor gal's gonna get the whipping of her life come Blue Monday!"

Bobby paused for moment,"...she kind of already did."

Ruben stopped his laughter. "-uh--- did she get beat by the police? If that's the case, they'll get beat by ol' Captain Badias. He doesn't like anyone but himself disciplining his sailors--"

"No, she got hurt bad in a brawl. She killed the guy, but almost died herself from a cut he gave her."

Ruby stood speechless.

"And I need her duffel bag. She won't be leaving with you this morning." Robert kept his stern tone. He didn't want this to take any longer than necessary.

Rube stood silent for a moment, staring at the floor. He then walked over to Orocia's hammock and began packing all her stuff away without a word. But his face said it all.

"...I....wish I could see her again, before we go." He picked up her shell necklace and examined it. ".....how bad is she?" He intentionally did not want to have to look up at the officer. He wasn't sure if he could keep it together. He packed the necklace away, and picked up her kerchief.

"Well... she's alive."

Ruby looked down at Orocia's kerchief. He squeezed it tight before he let her go.

_________________________________
OOC: uhhhhh.... ^^ the "Rube" mentioned in this post has nothing to do with what was said in Nelcar's post.

Heh. ^^;; that was interesting, by the way.

Posted by Rublicant Al'Teyr on 10-04-2001 09:26 PM

Rublicant lifted himself into the air above Noit. Flight was a power that was hard to discover, very disconcerting, but very useful. It was the one power that reminded him more than any other that he had lost his humanity. He looked about the town, scanning for any human on which he might feed. He saw many candidates with his vampire eyes, even from hundreds of feet where he hovered in the air, but none of these suited him. Once again, he saw the girl with the golden hair, there was a man in his late fourties, stuporus with alcohol, and there were the many prostitutes that preyed on the young men coming to Noit to become dedicated. None of these humans were to his taste.

He floated to the west in a speed unknown to any mortal. Like a bolt of lightning, he was in Southdale, and then in Corner. The preternatural speed that he possessed was useful and practical for his feeding practices. He landed in Corner and took his blood form one of the wenches amoung the dock ward of the city, and then took to the air once again. He lifted himself to the north and East, and admired the great scluptures wiuthin the plazas of Akaros, where he fed again, this time on a young man looking for a bit of adventure. But he caught his death.

Rublicant lifted himself towards his home outside of Noit now, looking to see both Gaireth and Adamas. He was Glad that Gaireth was around to protect Adamas, even if he no longer needed the protection of the mortal. he floated down into the gardens and passed Alma unnoticed, as he slipped into the house.

He was looking for Adamas. He was looking for his only friend.

Cue: Adamas

__________________

"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 10-05-2001 06:28 PM

The Morning, er-- Afternoon -- , 3 days After...

It was almost 1:00 in the afternoon. Sunlight filled the room through a window that looked over the bed. She felt stiffness and tightness all over where she was cut last night. She lay there in a mixed state of comfort (for JackLynn had put her in a royal suite... which meant the bed was extra big and the sheets were extra soft and everything just hugged and enveloped you in its comfiness.. ooh..) and uncomfort. She tried not to notice the weird feeling on her chest and instead focus on how comfy the bed was.

Then she looked at the clock and saw what time it was.

She stared at the clock for a few seconds, to make sure it really was that time, then attempted to jump out bed.

A twisted expression of pain on her face beat her cry,"---AUUGHHH!!" The farthest she made it was sitting up. She now clutched her chest, grimacing, and slowly laid back down.

Aerin watched her, chin in hand, sitting at her side. She turned her head towards him.
What does he want?

"Hunky-dory?" He smiled.

Orocia looked up at him, frowning, "...okey-dokey." A killer headache began to throb somewhere in her head. "....unnnnnnhhhhh..." She groaned in resignation. Pain all over, and some arrogant Navy officer bugging her, and a hangover. Wonderful. She turned away from him.

"Ya know, a prairie oyster just might help that hangover..."

Orocia almost threw up at the thought of that disgusting concoction. She mumbled, "No, thank you.." But the thought of missing her ship popped immediately back into the front of her thoughts. She again attempted to jump out of bed, but was given the same results.

"You're not going ANYWHERE." Aerin stood over Orocia, his hands over her shoulders, pushing her back down. She grimaced, not just from the pain, but from feeling controlled by someone she barely knew.

"I missed my ship. They left me... I know Captain Badias is disappointed..." She felt bad and irresponsible.

"Don't worry, everything's taken care of. Besides, they left two days ago."

Orocia's eyes widened in surprise and puzzlement. "...uh,.... what?"

Aerin winked at her, "Bobby went aboard and brought back your duffel. It's over there in the corner."

"Oh... thank you," Orocia gazed at her duffel bag. She wondered if Ruby was the one who packed it up for her. That crazy boy... She smiled thinking about him but was immediately washed over with sadness, and felt a pang in her heart for not being able to say good bye to him. She sighed. "So... I've been out for three days?"

Aerin looked at her, chin still in hand, "Yep. A typical sleeping beauty." Orocia tried to disregard any hidden meaning behind that choice of words.

"But I didn't drink THAT much..." Orocia winced at the throbbing that pounded against her brain. "I can't believe I have a hangover despite being out for three days..."

"I don't think it's necessarily because of your alcohol consumption.. You nearly bled to death--" Aerin looked up, interrupted by the sound of footsteps as Bobby and Alesshka came walking in.

"And if it wasn't for these two, that probably would've happened," Alesshka smiled sweetly at Orocia.

"..uh!---" Orocia gazed speechlessy, looking at Bobby to Aerin and back again. Although Aerin was dressed down in an A-shirt and lounge pants, Bobby was in uniform. She looked at his uniform for....

There it was. The Medic Corps insignia. She smiled at Bobby. He seemed like a really sweet guy. Aerin, on the other hand... In her mind she rolled her eyes at Aerin.

"Wow, guys... I-- I don't know what to say."

Aerin chimed in," 'Thank You' might be a good start."

Bobby walked over, pulling a bag out from inside his jacket. "But before you say thank you, let us say thank you first..." He pulled out the two shiny dralars that JackLynn gave in appreciation to the two for helping her friend.

Orocia couldn't help but smile at the two, "So Aerin's shot at finding the cherry paid off in the end." But something nagged her. "Who found the cherry, anyways? Was it you, Aerin?"

Aerin blushed a little, mostly from those two deep eyes that looked at him. "No.."

This time Bobby chimed in,"Actually, it was nice and snug between your belly button and the waist of your pants. I didn't notice till I finished stitching you up. By the way, there's around 40 stitches on you, I think.. I lost count." Bobby smiled.

So that's why my chest feels so tight... Orocia hadn't noticed the stitches before. Another thought popped up in Orocia's mind," uh... how bad is it gonna scar?"

Aerin and Bobby looked at each other. Bobby spoke first," Well... it was pretty bad." He scratched the back of his head. "I guess you could go to a doctor who's dedicated, and maybe have him heal it up for you if ya wanted."

Orocia thought it over. "I'll see. I might just keep my new body mark." She grinned, "It adds character, and it'll definitely be good for conversation." She suddenly felt very tired, and her eyelids began to drop.

Both Aerin and Bobby noticed. Aerin stood up, "We should let you rest.."

Alesshka rushed over to Orocia to tuck her in and comfy her up one last time, before leaving back towards the bar, "Get better, Tiger!"

Bobby called out to Aerin before leaving, "Hey, we need to report to the commander in a few. Get prim and polished."

"Right." He paused before Orocia. She looked up at him, weary. "I owe you, don't I?" She wondered what exactly it'd be she would pay him in return.

He grinned at her question. "I guess... If you really want to pay me back, hunt me down when you get better and talk to me. I'll tell you what I want." He left the room to go to his own and get ready for inspection.

Orocia looked up at the ceiling before falling back into sleep and rest. At least her body rested; but her mind was busy wondering, What does he want?

Posted by Adamas Tribune on 10-05-2001 06:58 PM

"So you've returned..."

"How did you know?" Rublicant materialized out of the shadows behind Adamas.

Without leaving the balcony, or even turning to face Rublicant, he replied. "Shifts in the air told of your coming before you landed on the balcony." He stood leaning on the banister. "Where have you been?"

Sorry, Rublicant. I'll write more later tonight.
__________________
Pride without arrogance,
Independance without dishonor.

Posted by Volsung on 10-06-2001 01:20 AM

The night passed slowly and every hour that passed seemed like days. Volsung didn’t know what to do with himself the few troches that were lit were barely enough light for Volsung to see his hand in front of this face let alone look around at that Halo Hall that he found himself in. So, in what seemed as if it seventh or eighth hour after Met had let him Volsung finally let, his mind settle down Volsung started hears Voices all around him “Who are you?”

Some others asked, “What do you want?”

Still others asked, “Why are you here?”

In addition still more voices asked, “Where are you going?”

Volsung didn’t know what to say all of these voices coming at him from all sides asking so many questions, it was just to more for Volsung and he started weeping, slowly one tear drop after anther hit he floor, but in this rain of tears Volsung saw a man waking towards him. This Man was dressed in bright red shirt with a Gold Cape. The man didn’t speak a word as he walk towards Volsung he simple walk in his proud fashion. Volsung took one look him and he knew that this man would put fear into even the mightiest of men. His face was stern like iron, and strong as stone, with eyes of a deep shad of Green. Volsung could do nothing under the mighty man gaze. So, he stayed as he was, but as the man came closer and closer, Volsung tears stopped and slowly Volsung turn all of his attention on the man and the sound of these footsteps and the voices faded into the background. Then when the man was over Volsung he lowed his arm to help Volsung up, Volsung grabbed it and was pulled up by the man. “Thank you,” Said Volsung not knowing what else to say to the man.

“You’ve come a long way to see me here.”

“I didn't come here to see you I got ship wreaked on this island on my way to Akaros.”

“Nothing just happens, there is a reason for everything, and your reason for being here is to see me.”

“Your sure think a lot of yourself,” said Volsung in a rather smug manner.

“I have to be. Anyway, I’m not here to talk about me I’m here to talk about you. You see I have been given a message which I was told to deliver to you.”

“What kind of a message? And who gave you this message?”

“A Friend gave it to me, but that is not of your concern, I am here to tell to meet the Master of Ice in Ice Valley. He has been waiting for you for sometime.” Then the man turned around and waked away.

“Hey stop I have some questions for you?”

“Its not my job to answer questions, I’m just here to deliver a message.”

____(Flash of white)____________________________________________

Volsung woke up in the temple with Met sitting next to him smoking his pipe. “I think you found what you need too.”

“I guess so, but I have more questions now than when I came in here.”

“Well that’s a good thing, at least in my opinion because that desire to answer questions is what drives us to become more than we are. So, lets get back to work and see if we can find you some answers.” With that, Met got up and helped Volsung off the floor in much the same manner as the man had in Volsung dream.

“How very odd.” Remarked Volsung

“What?”

“Nothing, I just remembered something it doesn’t matter let get back to work I want to get out of here."

OCC: I'm very proud to say that this is my 30th post in the story forum.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Indigo Grei on 10-06-2001 12:03 PM

Indigo and Scarlet left the city under cover of night. Something was wrong in New Dargent, and Indigo was damned if he was going to let anything happen to Scarlet, so they decided to flee the city before it became a total lockdown.

There was still a bit of dirty business, though, as Scarlet and Indigo did bump into a few guards. Much as he hated to force it on her, he had Scarlet eliminate the guards, for Salamander was not a quiet weapon. Given the circumstance, she said she didn't much mind.

The lovers slipped south during the night to the port town of Callendar. The town was festive with light and dance, despite the hour. Of course, Callendar had no lower class, and almost no worries. They seemed blissfully unaware of the peril it was in.

Indigo and Scarlet checked into an inn, and after some grumbling about the price, carried the few belongings they had taken to their rooms. Indigo closed and locked the door. He took a step towards the bed and fell onto it, trying to ignore the weariness the trip had placed on him. Scarlet was laying on the bed, apparently exhausted.

He sat upright when he heard a noise on the balcony. Too tired to investigate, he rested his arm on Scarlet's midrif and pointed Salamander. The noise gew louder, and there was the sound of cracking wood, which convinced Indigo it might be wise to at least stand up. As soon as he was on two feet, there was a snap, and the window flew open. A man wearing tight black cloths leapt into the room.

"No one must know what is happening in Dargent. I'm terribly sorry, but you cannot be allowed to live, for the sake of the Nyliam Empire."

Indigo gasped. The Nyliam Empire? His history was a little shaky, but he was certain that the war ended years ago. "Is that what's going on in New Dargent? A coup?

"The dead require no answers!" He lunged at Indigo, drawing a thin dark blade. Indigo misfired Salamander as his arm was rising, catching the assassin in the legs. He sidestepped as the prone figure landed on the floor. Indigo hauled him to his feet and slammed him into the wall. Sometime (most likely when Salamander went off) during the conflict, Scarlet had awakened.

"It seems that only one of us can live, soldier." Indigo knocked the sword away, but fearing more hidden weapons, he threw the assassin to the floor. Pointing Salamander at the man's heart, he got a better idea. He discreetly rotated the chamber back the one that just fired so that the gun was empty. He pulled the trigger, and nothing happened. He put on a look of shock.

The assassin wasted no time. He leapt out the window, and Indigo followed to the windowsill. The assassin landed on the ground, and started running. He made it all the way across the courtyard before Indigo fired again, the bullet ripping through his chest.

"Why did you let him go before killing him," Scarlet asked, her arm around Indigo, staring out the window.

"I didn't want a dead body in the room. They draw suspicion."

Scarlet let out a weak laugh, and the two fell back into sleep. It was already early morn, and they had every intent to sleep the day away.
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!

Posted by Orocia Agua on 10-07-2001 12:38 AM

It had been some time since Orocia found herself landlocked in Noit, living in one of the rooms provided by her friend and again boss, JackLynn Tancrede, the owner of the tavern "The Brass Monkey." It was a time for Orocia to reset her bearings. It was easy for her to lose balance while walking, and she had already collected an impressive display of bruises from falling into tables, since she was so used to the steady, rhythmic swayings of a boat. Instead of her intimidating outfit of a bright red skimpy tank top, flashing her tattoos and everything else worthy of notice, elbow high work gloves, loose white capri pants and steel-toe boots, she was now dressed in one of Ferris' huge, cream colored, long-sleeved pull-over dress shirts and a rose wraparound apron dress, with red rose and green ivy embroidery; but as if to hold on to her sailing days she still wore her white kerchief every so often. As if to complete her new softer, more homely look, Orocia would be seen sitting on a stool in a corner, behind the bar, fast at work at one of her many masteries of the needlework arts: knitting a sweater for Al, crocheting a fisherman's afghan for one of the many poor, hardworking fishermen she'd see, maybe sewing up clothes for children, or embroidering dazzling scenes on robes, towels, underwear... Since Orocia wasn't exactly fit for the moment to be walking around tables as a waitress or mixing up cocktails and dealing with drunkards at the bar, JackLynn told her friend to rest.

Rest.

Ughh... That is something I can't do, for the life of me!!! Orocia sped up the pace of her crocheting to a furious blur of hands and flickers of light off of the metal hook. Already the blanket she was making was big enough to cover her lap. It was a lilac maze of shells and light blue lacey flowers and white blooming roses. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. Well, sort of.

Alesshka admired her friend's handiwork, head laid down on crossed arms over the bar. Orocia looked up at her friend and smiled.

"Orocia, are you really resting yourself?"

Orocia continued looking at Al, but her hands never stopped their work. She didn't need to look at her work to know what she was doing. She knew a blind woman who would create the most beautiful works, all with her hands. "Compared to hoisting sails and dealing with men on a daily basis, YES." She grinned at Al before looking back down at the steadily growing blanket.

Al sighed. "Whatever..." She smiled as she watched Orocia work. Even after nearly dying and now patched up with a gazillion stitches all over, the lady sailor couldn't sit around and do nothing. If she has to sit, she'll be doing something, for sure.

"Well, Lily girl, don't you miss the ocean?"

And at this Orocia stopped. She didn't look up. "...Yes. But sometimes, instead of controlling your life, you should let life control you and see what it wants you to learn."

Alesshka didn't expect such a deep, thoughtful answer like that. Something must be bugging Orocia, she thought. "...well... I was just thinking maybe you should finally get out of this tavern and go to the beach. Ya know, go for a midnight stroll or somethin'... admire the stars, the moon... maybe meet somebody." Al couldn't help but grin and laugh, "Just don't kill him this time."

Orocia winced at that last statement. She still felt guilty for killing the perv. Maybe that was why she wouldn't allow herself to rest; possibly, she was keeping herself busy to keep her mind off of thinking about the fact that she killed a man.

Al noticed the change in Orocia's demeanor. And Orocia noticed that Al noticed her. She didn't want Al to worry about her, so she said, "I guess I should take a walk..." It was enough for Al not to worry and to get back to wiping down the bar.

Posted by Volsung on 10-07-2001 02:44 PM

Volsung and Met walked back into the Courtyard in the middle of the night. “Well are you ready for a new game?” Asked Met

“What do you have in mind,” said Volsung ready to do about anything now that he was out in the open again.

“We are going to play a game of hide a seek. Now this is how it works as a user of fire magic you can feel heat and if you work of this skill, you can even sense people coming towards you. Mind you, it works best in the night or on cloudy days for obvious reasons. In any case, we will see what you can do tonight. I have asked one of the other to act as out rabbit, I will guide you the first time, and then you can try to find me. Ok?”

“Ok, lets get started.” Said Volsung, being happy to finally do something that didn’t look like it was going to kill him on the first try.

“Your sister said that she would play rabbit so try to find her.” At first Volsung started looking around to see if he could see hear but a quick whack on the back of the head put an end to that.

“Your not looking for her, you’re trying to sense where she is. Now close your eyes and let your mind find her.” Volsung did as he was told and started searching with his mind, last first he could only feel Met, but as mind started working on its new found power he could feel a great many thing like he knew that there were two people in the house and he knew that there were many animals outside of the circles. And, in all of this, he saw what he was looking for a lone person standing on the far side of the Grand temple.

“I see her,” Volsung said to Met.

“By all mean go to her and see if you’re right.” Volsung closed his eyes again; the landscape in his mind was very different from the real one. In all Volsung only seen a flat plan with no building or hills or even plants. Only spots of heat shaped like what ever the heat was coming from. Met later told Volsung that during the day and just after sunset that all one can see is heat, because the sun heats everything up, you can’t see anything clearly, like fog of heat covering everything.

“She’s on the move, but I think that I can cut her off.” Volsung ran over catch the unsuspecting Veritas as she moved along side the grand temple.

“Good work brother. I didn’t think that this would work when Met told me about it, but I see that I will have to be more clever in the future when I’m sneaking around.”

“Be as clever as you will I don’t think that it will help you all that much, but your more than welcome to try.”

“We will see brother.” With that, Veritas walked off leaving Volsung and Met alone.

“Now you have to find me,” Said Met.

“Why would it be all that hard to find you? Wouldn’t you give off more heat.”

“We will see. Now look at the house and count to 300.” Volsung did as he was told and counted to 300, and then started searching for Met. At first Volsung tried finding Met with his mind, but after ten minutes or so he gave up, and started searching with his eyes, which was equally frustrating because it was still very dark out and there was no moon.

“Where are you Met,” yelled Volsung.

“I’m right behind you,” said Met as stepped out of the shadows behind Volsung.

“How did you hind for me?” asked Volsung

“It is very simple, you see all I did was to expand my ora all about you, so that way the back ground heat was the same as mine: therefore couldn’t see any difference in the levels of heat. The thing you should have noticed is that you could not see as much as you did the first time. Still you did a very good job for he first time. Now lets get some sleep its almost dawn and we have a lot to do tomorrow.” With that Volsung and Met when into the house.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Volsung on 10-08-2001 11:20 PM

The Last day of training

Once again, it was after dark when Met woke Volsung up. “Time to get up. Tonight is your last night of training.”

“Really I thought this was going to go on for weeks,” Said Volsung surprised that Met would quite so soon.

“I have about to taught you everything that can to taught. The rest is up to you.”

“Well I guess I’d better get as much practice as I can then before you hang me out to dry.”

“Be careful what you say because we are going out after the wolves in two nights. So, you had better remember everything that I’ve taught you because this will be no cake walk, and you have a very good changes of dieing.”

“Well then lets get a move on. Its dark and I ready to have some fun, not to mention I don’t plan of dieing, and if this is the only way to stop that then I practices until dawn.”

“Well then I will not keep you waiting,” with that, Met lead Volsung out he door, then down the stairs, out the frond door, and into the courtyard. “To night you learn to use your fire into make items.”

“How do you mean,” asked Volsung.

“Well you can make a real sword of metal, but you can make a sword out of fire, and that sword do a hell of a lot of damage. In addition, you can make a lot more than just swords you can make sears, yoyos, and anything else that your mind can think of. Now let me show you what I mean.” Then he proceeded to make a large ax of fire, and then Met throw it at bolder a few feet away from him. When the ax hit the bolder there was a large flash of light, and then came a thick smoke and the smell as if someone was welding. When the smoke cleared they went up to look at the rock, and it had a scare two feet deep in the shape of an ax. “Not to bad for a old timer.” Volsung had no words. So, he walked over to anther Bolder then made a spear of fire in his hand much in the same way Met had just done, and then he launched the spear into the rock. This time there was even more sparks, smoke, and the smell was twice as bad. “Wow how the hell did you do that?”

“I learned from the best. What can I say?” Then Volsung and Met turned and looked the rock. “Well look at that, I blow the top off that rock a melted most of the rest pretty good for a newbie.”

“Well I don’t think you need any more practice. So, today when the sun rises and tomorrow will be our days off and then we go after the wolves.”

“Sounds good to me,” after that Volsung and Met Walked back to the house to sleep the rest of the night always.

__________________

"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

Posted by Elzyn Satariel on 10-09-2001 10:13 PM

Flit, flicker, dance and die...

The desert was just as it had been in the last realm. Dusty, arid flats interrupted by mountain-like dunes. It made for inconvenient travel, and Elzyn was growing impatient while in wait for his magic to align with this place. Recifar, sheathed and ready, hungered for the Archon blood it was forged to feed upon.

"Soft, my friend," Elzyn whispered to the sword, "Our quarry shall not long evade us."

Such interludes were useless, he realized. The sword was no more sentient than the sand that shifted beneath his feet, and it was as cold as the corpses that littered the ground all about.

The fire still burned in some portions of the camp. He had happened upon the nomads sometime earlier in the day, their bedouin lives suddenly ripped asunder by a power they could not have known. Weary from the endless tracts of the desert, Elzyn had elected to stay, sifting through those belongings that had not since become ash. The remains were sparse indeed.

Books, rations, the trinkets of children, all these things were without use to the Runewalker. All these shadows of vanquished life succeeded in providing was the echo of the past, memories of ruin.

The city crumbled into the sea, its inhabitants flaying themselves wildly in acts of obscene atricion. He saw, and knew what had to be done...

Elzyn shook his head violently. Such horrors were best left buried. Still, the brief exhuming of the past rendered his visceral senses with an unwelcome visitor, and it was nearly as if he could smell the rot that festered in the image he'd just extinguished. More likely that his dulled physical senses were detecting the lingering decay that surrounded him.

"Euggghh..."

Elzyn spun around. The moaning continued, a low, pitiful hum of suffering. He followed the sound directly, and soon found its source, although he might have wished his hearing would have chosen to fail him in leading him to this sight.

The young woman was scorched from head to toe, patches of blackened skin still clinging to the smoldered flesh that now made up her corporeal self. Somehow the flames had spared her, and condemned her to writhe, wavering through states of hellish consciousness until starvation or exposure chose to take her from where the fire had abandoned her.

Elzyn hovered over her, unable to draw his eyes away from the depravity of her state. Disturbing as it was to what was left of his human sensibilities, his interest was piqued by her duress. Without so much as a rustle of his cloak, Elzyn drew his blade. He placed its tip carefully over her wrecked body, positioning it over what remained of her sternum. Her surviving eye, lidless and discolored, focused on him.

Her plea was heard without words. "Worry not, my sweet. Salvation is nigh."

The blade plunged downward.

He sheathed the sword, turned away from the sight, and coninued the pursuit of his instincts. His path now veered east, to the sun.

"How fitting..."

The time now is 03:29 PM.

# posted by Staab : 12:57 PM

Comments: Post a Comment

<< Home

Asheri Rising

Thursday, January 20, 2005

Rune Aeterna 3

About Me

Links

Archives