Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Rune Aeterna 7
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=167)
Posted by Keiru Silver on 12-13-2001 04:21 PM
Good work! Let's keep it up!
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Keiru Silver on 12-13-2001 04:21 PM
Good work! Let's keep it up!
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Linerin Gheral on 12-14-2001 07:21 PM
The words of his master still rung in his ears as he slipped through the shadows.
I believe the elder Princess may be of some use to us. I trust that you’ll be able to sway her to our side.
He smiled to himself and entered a Shadow Portal that would take him to Gania. His master had left him to his own devices, which of course was what he preferred. After all, as the Lord of Lust he usually had no trouble in obtaining what he desired.
Nearby was a mansion that housed any one member of The Seven whenever they were in Gania. Once inside, Gravan would prepare himself for his mission, to seduce and conquer Gania’s eldest Princess.
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As the Mistress of the Night wills it...
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 12-14-2001 11:31 PM
Reika leaned over the marble rail to peer down at the festivities below. She sighed heavily and with great reluctance descended the stairwell. The party was in honor of the Queen’s birthday. There was a time when she had enjoyed lavish parties such as these. Back before she had attempted her Dedication….Back then she had always been the center of attention as the heir to the throne of Gania. She furrowed her brow slightly at the memory and hastily pushed her bitter thoughts aside.
Masking her darker feelings with a gay front, she mingled through crowds of noblemen, many of whom she had shared a bed with over the years whenever their wives were absent.
Her heart sighed. No matter how she tried memories of the time before her failure crept into her mind, and seemed to cast a dark shadow over the party. Excusing herself from the group of ladies she had been conversing with, she made a beeline for the powder room. They were all glad to see her go. She had no knowledge of it at that time, but her years of promiscuity had earned her a multitude of enemies among the noblewomen of the court.
The powder room was miraculously empty when she entered it. Moving quickly, she darted inside one of the alcoves and drew the curtain. Sinking down onto the small couch she fought to keep herself under control, but failed miserably. She couldn’t fight the darkness in her heart, which seemed to envelop her mind in a black torrent of suppressed rage. It just wasn’t fair. It-
A trio of women had entered the room and stood about the mirrors gabbing away about the estimated expense of the party, the hideousness of Lady Boncheli’s dress, and who seemed to fancy who, in which one girl chirped her belief that the Lady Vladmin and the Lord Freid were having a secret love affair. All the ladies stopped to giggle at this and Reika found herself falling into a stupor when the girl continued.
“That is if Reika hasn’t already claimed him in that department.” The women laughed lightly at this, as if it were an old joke. Reika felt her blood pulsing hotly in her temples as adrenaline coursed through her veins in a powerful surge. Fortunately the women moved onto another subject, giving Reika time to calm herself, but their next topic of choice would be another arrow in her heart.
“What news of Scarlet? Have they found her yet?”
“Not yet. I hope they do so soon.”
“I heard that she became Dedicated so now she’s the heir to the throne!” One of the women laughed, then replied.
“Thank the Creator that she didn’t turn out to be a failure like her sister.”
“Oh listen!! They’re playing a waltz! Let’s go!” All three women exited the room quickly, leaving Reika alone again with her thoughts.
Scarlet……
Try as she might she couldn’t deny that she was jealous of her younger sister. It was Scarlet who passed the Dedication. It was Scarlet causing the big fuss. Reika stood up suddenly and walked to the doorway of the room, ignoring her dizziness as blood rushed from her head. Faintly she heard a group of the palace soldiers talking…
“I think Scarlet’s more attractive than her sister. Besides, you know she hasn’t been to every bed in court.” The men chuckled and Reika stepped back in shock. Why was everyone suddenly praising Scarlet and criticizing her? A tear fell from her eye as the answer bit viciously into her mind.
Because Scarlet’s better than you. She’s Dedicated and you’re not. Everyone loves her and despises you. And she knows it too. I bet she ran away for the attention-
No! She was kidnapped!
Then why didn’t she use her powers to escape? Why has it taken so long?
A tiny, red-hot flame began to grow inside of Reika. That must be it. Without thinking she raked her nails across the velvet paneling, leaving behind deep gouges of torn fabric.
"Damn you Scarlet….."
A low chuckle came from behind her. She spun around to face a young man with light sandy hair and azure eyes that glittered like crystals. His perfect mouth was drawn into a small, controlled smile. Reika couldn’t help but think of how much she’d like to stare up into those eyes, and kiss that perfect mouth.
“Who are you?” The youth bowed as he answered in a soft, soothing voice.
“Highness, my name is Gravan. Forgive me, I saw you enter here and followed you before I gave it thought.” Her knees trembled slightly. His voice seemed to caress her like lover’s hands.
“I-it’s quite alright. I came here to cool down.”
“I see then that it has not done you justice.” He placed the back of his hand on her cheek. “You’re still flushed.” Capturing her in his gaze, he let his hand drop down to her shoulder. Somewhere, she felt what little resistance she had creeping away.
“What are you doing here?” she whispered. Gravan brought his mouth tantalizingly close to hers.
“I came to see you, Reika.” He now stared deeply into her eyes, down into her soul and began to cast his spell over her. “Unlike those fools out there, I and my master see your true worth. You are by far superior to the girl you call your sister. What has she done that is so deserving of praise? She’s run away from her responsibilities, leaving you behind to comfort your grieving parents who don’t care about you anyway.” Tears were now running down her face.
“No…..they do love me…”
"Then why do they only speak of Scarlet? Everyone cares for Scarlet, but not for you. All except the Master. Join him, join me…and we will crush those who cannot see your worth.” He ended in a kiss that overwhelmed any rational thought she had, making her vulnerable. Which was right where he wanted her. He knew her hatred and jealousy would harden her heart.
“Come with me Reika….”
“Yes…”
Moving gently, he led her back into the curtained alcove where along with taking the pleasures her body had to offer, he took her soul and transformed her into a Sevron, a slave of the dark who would now serve Linerin and Gravan.
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"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Volsung on 12-15-2001 02:23 AM
After leaving the main road, Volsung and Ollis took to the air to speed there way to Akaros. As they flew Volsung and Ollis talked, “Volsung why are you doing this?”
“Because I owe you one and I always repays my debts. To, my sister, to Met, and now to you. On the edge of that desert, you could have left me behind, as any rational person would have. So this is my way of thanking you.”
“Wow that very kind of you.”
“I do what I can, I just don’t think that you should be punished for the actions of some anger bear. If anything they should hunt him down.”
Ollis laughed even though he didn’t much feel like laughing. Still he knew that Volsung was doing all that he could. “This is a very odd person. I guess that is way I got stuck with him.” He thought, then Volsung Began to talk again.
“Hey Ollis think I finally have a name for the sword of fire.”
“Really what is it, No let me guess. The Elis, no the Akar, oh way I have it the Rutuli.”
Volsung had a big smile on his face when he started talking again, “Nope but all good guesses. No, I think I will name it for my Great grand father who was said to be a terran water magic user. Therefore, in honor of him I shall call it the Volund. He is also the one I’m named for so I think it is fitting.”
“It sounds very noble. I hope my great grand children remember my name.”
“I’m sure that they will. I mean I would remember the greatest guild in all of Akaros, but that is just me. But I’m bit of a odd ball.”
“You say so, In any case we are getting close to Lake Akar, and we should take to the ground until after dark.”
“Sound good to me.” With Volsung and Ollis landed and started walking south. After about two hours, the sunset but Volsung and Ollis kept walking because there was still a half moon out and one should never under estimate the Siliverblades. So, with the cover of night and cloak Volsung and Ollis make it to the bank of Lake Akar.
“So what do we do now?” Asked Ollis looking at Volsung hoping he knew what he was doing.
“We wait, we wait.” Said Volsung as he sat down, leaded against a rock, and closed his eyes.
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"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Caliph Wyrdwyrm on 12-15-2001 07:11 AM
Arrival
OOC: Because somebody has to do this.
The pair arrived in Hellial just in time to find the nightfall. Caliph threw his hood back and looked upwards to the heavens, seemingly reinvigorated by the blackness of the sky.
Orocia rode beside him, silently, as they passed through the outskirts of the city. Caliph said simply, "Wait," dismounted, and ran inside for a moment. Not more than a few minutes later did he come out, remount, and continue off.
"Well, there's good news, and there's bad news. The good news is that this should be a safe place to stay at least the night. I also now know what inn has the best dinner rolls, although I assure you I wasn't exactly awaiting the revelation with bated breath. In any case, I'm not sure if we should stay in the same inn." Caliph paused there.
Shouldn't stay in the same inn? The question rang out in his mind. Was that really how paranoid he'd become these days... He'd been hiding too long, he though. Perhaps it was time to roll the dice a little.
"On second thought... it's probably better if we kept close, in case something happens. Rumors tell of troops moving this way, although the tellers can never decide if they are part of the Nylian Empire or to the resistance. In either case, I don't know if it matters."
He wasn't impressed by the Nylian Empire and their ambitions... hated them. But Balanum would resist them. And he did not trust Balanum. He was neutral for the first time in his life. It didn't impress him any.
"Oh, and who appointed you the decision maker?" Orocia asked him. "You couldn't even decide what city to head to."
"True enough. You're neither bound or obliged." He drew a deep breath. "But I would appreciate it if you'd trust our lodging arrangements to me."
She looked him over, trying to see if she could figure out something to clue her in to what he was. Nothing. "Alright. For now."
"Fair's fair." And there they stopped. "Please, hitch the horses hear while I go find our rooms. After that, meet me in the tavern on the ground floor, and I'll buy your dinner and we can have that conversation you talked of."
Caliph hopped off his horse, slung his sack over his shoulders, and went inside.
Cue: Orocia, of course. Sorry if I'm still not very good with subbing in for your character -- it's not what I'm used to.
Also, Indigo, Alexandros, and Victor -- if any of you could contact me and let me know about the movement into Hellial I'll be much obliged.
__________________
They say confession is good for the soul. But what if you don't have one?
Posted by Orocia Agua on 12-16-2001 02:36 AM
"Let's Chat..."
As Orocia took care of the horses she wondered on one of Caliph's statements for awhile:
"I'm not sure if we should stay in the same inn."
Yeesh. Don't tell me he's on the run, too. Orocia laughed, thinking, Sounds like something I would've said.. She almost wanted to tell him of the bounty on her head, but she knew better. He could be a bounty hunter himself... Although Orocia really wasn't worried about it. At least it gave her something to do, even better there was a war in the background. She was almost beginning to think of it as a game. Perhaps she was thinking of this as something to take her mind off of more disturbing matters..
Back in the tavern, Orocia chose her words wisely. The meals were decent, an average fare of meat and potatos, with some good beer on the side.
"So how's the cash?"
Caliph furrowed his brow a little,"I just spent my last."
Orocia looked at him,"I've still got plenty. Feel free to take what you need whenever, with good reason anyways. And if we need more, I can earn some pretty quick..." Orocia thought in the back of her mind of the possibility of visiting a strip bar. The exposure of her body caused her no discomfort at all... it's just a birthday suit, and besides, she had to do much worse since a child..
Caliph looked up from his meal, finishing a bite,"So, how about our little conversation? 'Who are you, and what do you want to do?,' as you suggested.."
Orocia smiled as she took a drink and looked back at Caliph through the bottom of her mug of beer. "Alright..." But she paused and looked down before continuing; trying to censor her life story was proving difficult.
Finally Orocia looked up, and she told her story:
"I'm originally from Southdale, although I remember being told I was born in Synarin. People say I'm the daughter of Gypsies but I don't give it much thought." Orocia paused,"...Maybe I should, now that I'm in Asheri...??" Now she stopped, staring over Caliph's shoulder but looking with her mind's eye. She spoke again as the memories of her brief life played out in her mind, naming them as they came up in their proper order. But she tried to keep the details to a minimum.
"My parents owned a cutlery and crystal/glassware shop. Must be why I like knives so much..." She smiled, remembering the few happy childhood memories she had, when she still had a family. The smile faded when she looked up, sorrow in her eyes as she sighed. "But when I was 9 my brother and I were kidnapped and sold off to a sadistic, perverted rich man in Corner, who was about 26 years old at the time." Her face constricted just slightly in disgust. "We were stuck with the bastard for two years..."
Orocia paused for awhile. Should I say it?....all of it?
She looked at Caliph square in the eye for a moment, but looked down to avoid his eyes and the volume of her voice dropped considerably. "He.. made me do things." She continued to struggle with how exactly she should say it. "I... he.. arrghh.." She looked to her left, again avoiding Caliph's look, in frustration at her inability to overcome the pain of the memories. He took away her childhood, he ripped it from her, no matter her tears and her whimpers or even screams, he ripped it out without a care.....that precious innocence.
Yet amazingly she held back the tears. And she spoke now with a more calm, but mocking tone,"I was his little doll to play with..." She stopped and again her face showed her disgust,"He made me do whatever he wanted because if I didn't he'd hurt me and my brother... in his own perverted way, and either way he loved it. It was either live the torture or be punished by something worse. I can't even remember the number of nobles and merchants I've killed, I was only 9... and ..." she stopped. That was enough. She didn't want to start remembering everything else....
She let out a big sigh, which was really the release of all the sobs she held tight in the prison of her lungs, and it was evident because her body shook slightly as if she sobbed. She turned her eyes back to Caliph.
"We managed to escape two years later. We ran back to Southdale, but our parents were gone. No one knew where they went..." Now Orocia seemed a little more comfortable, albeit melancholy, and she rested her chin in her left hand as she poked at her food with a fork in her right. "So we lived off the streets of Southdale and Corner. Those are tough cities, no one really cares for anything except money there. But anyways... Rio took to oddjobs, shoe shining, window cleaning, whatever small job he could take for money, but me..."
Orocia smiled, but it seemed bitter, almost mocking,"I did what I knew best: prostitution and assassination and everything inbetween." She stopped to eat a bite of baked potato.
"I even have a kid. Had him when I was 14, and I don't have the damndest idea where he could be or who his father is. I could care less about the father.. But my son, I called him Raven. I'm not even sure if he still has that name. He'd be six now..."
Orocia trailed off into a silent pause, reflecting. She wondered what he looked like.
"Well, since I was a prostitute and assassin to the rich, and quickly gained loyal customers, my brother and I were often able to have lavish stays in mansions and eat delicious eight-course meals. But Rio caught on soon, and we had an awful fight. Awful. The argument got physical, Rio with deep gashes and me with black bruise marks - actually, we both had gotten all sorts of punches, hits, throws, shoves, objects smashed on and thrown at and pushed into.." She stared blankly into space,"He left me, he was 19 and I was 15. Anyways, the fight made me rethink my life. And thank the Great Mother that he didn't know about my kid."
Orocia continued on, telling about the friendly sailors who, surprisingly, knew plenty about childbearing from many past experiences on that unforgettable day in the gun decks. She kept them in her thoughts, and next time the crew was at port, she asked to be a part of their family. They agreed, expecting her to be just the cook. But Orocia would soon prove how good she could hold her own with the boys on deck.
She stayed with her new family for two years. She left for land to work at a tavern called The Brass Monkey for some time, then went back to the seas as a freelance sailor where she earned the name "the Tiger Lily." She wondered to herself if Caliph knew any of the shipyard gossip about her...
She took a sip of beer and ate a few leftover bites of her meal.
Caliph asked,"How'd you get involved with Scarlet?"
Orocia smiled,"I met her on a ship to Noit. Where my old tavern The Brass Monkey just happens to be. I got into a scuffle there with an old enemy of mine, and I ended up staying a little longer than expected. I met a noble-turned-vampire named Rublicant Al'Teyr...."
Again Orocia paused. She had almost forgotten about the strange crystal pendant that hung around her neck. The key she placed somewhere safe in a pouch from her belt.
Should I mention the bounty?...
Orocia went on with how she ended up staying with Rublicant the Vampire for a short time, until Alexandros Fatali ended up killing him at a dinner party where, amazingly, she met Scarlet again, who seemed a little more than forgetful. Just to see that her friend was okay, she went along with Alexandros and then Indigo and Caliph, but also just to get away from the insanity of the previous weeks.. Oh yeah, she almost forgot, because it still didn't seem real to her: she was now the heiress to the Al'Teyr estate. Crazy....
"And now I'm here with you. That's basically my whole life." Minus the huge-ass bounty on my head..., Orocia thought. She didn't even know how much it was.. But enough of that crew were rich with booty from their side jobs as pirates, and enough wanted her dead, and who wouldn't want to kill the famed Tiger Lily? It'd be bragging rights for the next 30 years...
Orocia's cheeks were lightly blushed from the beer, but she was still mentally alert. Her tolerance for alcoholic drinks was quite high. "How about you, Caliph?"
"Hold on... you didn't say what reason you had to be here with me right now, or what you wanted to do for the near future?"
Orocia's face narrowed into an agitated look. "Yeah... sorry." She thought on it. "Well... I think my past is catching up to me, and it's like the fable of the turtle and the hare. I got caught sleeping, dreaming, really...and now I'm trying to get back in front of my past and put it behind me. Or face it.. but I haven't the slightest idea how.. It looks like I'm gonna have to kill it like everything else. Or..." Her eyes looked to the side. She was obviously worried. And being hunted by bounty hunters was only part of it. Everything was spinning out of control. She was even beginning to wonder how much she had longer to live...
No. Not without a fight.
"I just want peace. And I really don't know how I'm gonna get it..." She looked down in silence. Bounty hunters on her ass, her brother she hadn't seen in five years, a child out in the world, parents she wished she could run into the arms of, the scars of a dark childhood she had yet to reconcile with or even be able to accept and put behind her. All this put aside as she played around as a sailor, finding a too-short peace on the ocean. Why now? Why did she have to deal with the pain now? And now it was so complicated... so much more complicated. She was an heiress.. she was even running away from that. She didn't want death, even though that seemed the only answer for peace... She didn't want to care anymore... but....... The silence became one of acknowledgement between the two.
Finally Orocia sighed,"I'm hoping your story is a little better?" She smiled, like she always did when she wanted to forget something bad.
CUE: Caliph.
edited 12-21: a tiny edit, but still important! ^_^
..and hopefully I'll be able to post something before the Christmas Poltergeist fully takes over me.. *grin* Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Krazy Kwanzaa to all!!
Posted by Leo Saotome on 12-16-2001 10:08 AM
The Parting or The Other Girl
(This part is built on alot of assumed freedoms. See below after reading.)
"Leo! Wake up! Land! Leo! Land! Get up!" came the unwelcomed wake-up call, followed by much pounding on the door and a great clamour. "Git yer sorry arse offa that cot and get in gear!" Leo didn't need to see a face to know his adversary. It was Arna. He lit the lamp with a match, and was mid-way through dressing when the door flew open.
Thankfully, Leo atleast had his pants on when Arna grabbed his wrist and hauled him up the stairs, Leo all the while struggling to pull his favorite shirt, one technicolored formerly white half-tunic over his head. He protested at the rough treatment once on deck and fully dressed.
"Waitaminute! What's up? Why do I need to hurry so? And where's my bag?!"
"No, I'm not gonna waitaminute, the sun is up, you have no business in why you need to get offa this ship, and here's your Creator-damned bag!" She thrust Leo's heavy pack into his arms, and positively glared at him. Leo, with a look of shocked look of astonishment engraved on his visage, was speechless. She set about escorting him off the ship in silence.
They got a ways before she stopped them and broke the silence.. "Sorry. Look, I've got alot of business to attend to, word just came from the Southern Continent that the first moves have been made, and the moon is not in the right phase for me, ifyouknowwhatImean."
Leo only nodded. "Oh. Ah.. Arna? What is in those crates? And when will I see you again?"
Arna sighed, "Remember the Asherian records and the weapons used in the Great War?"
Leo's dumbfounded look assured her he didn't.
"Nevermind. I've told you too much already. And, chances are, you won't see me again." She shook her head, and reached deep into the pockets of her morning coat, "Here, take this. Now that you've got something of mine, I'll hunt you down to the ends of Aeterna for it. Consider this a head start." She produced a pendant on a silver chain, and dropped it into Leo's empty palm. The pendant itself had a silvery appearance, shapped like a sun with a bright red ruby-like crystal in its center. Leo slipped it into his pocket, and nodded. She added, "See you again, Leo."
"Er.. thank you. Until we meet again, because fare wells are too long, and goodbyes much too trite." Leo chuckled, and walked the remaining distance to the city.
Bargra was rather quaint, an average-sized city with a quite average population-shops, tailors, inns, pubs, even the occaisional dance house here and there. He turned down with of the less well-kept streets and found himself in the red-light district. Sounds of ecstacy and pain, real and imagined, taunted Leo as he walked along, sighing. I wish I said good bye. I wish...
As he walked along, Leo realized he needed a companion or so to Sungan. Can't possibly defend myself against some kind of seige.. at least, not alone. Taking a second turn, Leo found himself infront of a bar, and sounds of a fight from within. He went in side, thinking, Good a place as any, I guess.*
Here inside, Leo found various candidates, tall, short, staut, lanky, burly, even slightly effeminate men, and each had a weapon that fit his appearance. None were paying him any mind, however, as they all were standing about in a ring around someone or a pair of someones, with the bartender busying himself in a search for something, real or imaginary.
"Ah.. hello? Hello! Anyone here on their way to Sungan?" No response. "HELLO!?" Perhaps it was the loud playing of a piano (by the previously mentioned slightly effeminate man, whom Leo would see later and was named, "Niles Tuomas," and one of two twins), but there was still no response. Leo shook his head, a bad habit for him now, and left the bar quite soundlessly, and very un-noticed. Or so, he thought.
A loud bang erupted from the bar, followed by a procession of men. Apparently, the bar tender had found what he was searching for- a Balan rifle, and fired at the ceiling in hopes of quelling the quarrel. He succeeded in doing so, as well as knocking himself out. As Leo walked before a window, some inner sense encouraged him to stop. He was right, and without a second's notice, the window gave way to a flying body, which landed quite voluntarily on two feet before Leo.
Leo backed away, and looked at his proposed assailant. She stood an average height, around Arna's, with a medium (and nicely rounded, Leo noted, prehaps around his own age) build. Her hair reached just past her shoulders and seemed a bit roughed up. At her side was a part-way thick staff with a dragon's designs inlaid in brass releif along its edges, and it was the only thing quite remarkable about her. Leo couldn't have pointed her out from a crowd if his life depended upon it. Questioning blue eyes met Leo's own.
"So. You're headed for Sungan?" the figure requested.
(Cue: Kaori Aurora. If you don't like the meeting, it can always be changed, and if it's too fast, I'll delete it and hold onto it..)
*I never saw a description for Barga, so I just made it a generic one.
(Keirus: If you don't like the possible contents of the crates, it can always be changed to something less dramatic--say, an elixer to fight Peach War in Forstre's trees.)
__________________
~Leo Saotome
Intelligent, soft-spoken, and aggreeable.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. -- George Bernard Shaw
Posted by Kaori Aurora on 12-16-2001 01:03 PM
Entering Bargra
OOC: This section is just slightly before I go flying at Leo...^-^;; explaination of why I was flying in the air anyway...
Kaori sped up her horse, as nightfall approached the countryside near Bargra. The beauty of the landscape between Akaros and Bargra had captivated the city-bred Kaori and had delayed her travels more than she had thought. Now she was still in the outlying country instead of in the city as she had planned.
Upon approaching the city gates, Kaori was met with the disheartening sight of the massive wooden gates closed. Certainly they would not lock people out of the city at night? But Kaori couldn't be sure because news has spread that there was conflict at present in Asheri, which resulted in tightened security of all ships coming into and out of Akaros. It was even heard that Gania has ceased all trade with Asheri. Could it be that Akaros has followed Gania's lead and not just tightened security but have closed off the ports? But be that as it may, it still doesn't explain why the city would be closed off to the local people.
With that thought in mind, Kaori approached the gates that towered abover her, and gathering her courage, hammered loudly on the door with her staff.
After the rumbling of the echo of her staff connecting upon the gate's wooden surface had faded, a small peep hole in the stone wall next to the gate opened and a pair of eyes peered out at Kaori.
"What be your business?" The sound of the man's voice was muffled by the wall between them.
"I am on my way to Sungan." Kaori told the guard, she guessed that no further explaination was needed, all the routes to Sungan must pass Sungan, and any traveller who does not wish to spend the night in the wilderness would come to Bargra to stay the night. The eyes disappeared as the peep hole was closed up, and after a little while, the sound of a bolt being slid back alerted Kaori's attention Kaori to the woodened door embedded in the larger city gates. A guard, most likely the one whom Kaori was talking to just moments ago, stood in the doorway holding a lantern. Kaori entered the gate and passed the guard who closed the door behind her.
Maybe the closed city gates are just normal precaution afterall, and have nothing to do with the upheaval in Asheri. Kaori thought, After all, I got in pretty easily.
Kaori shivered and wrapped her cloak more securely around her. Night-time always brought a chill to the air of any city that was close to the sea, and Bargra was no different. Nudging her horse into a walk, Kaori set off to find an inn to stay for the night.
Of all dumb luck, Kaori thought to herself, as she was jostled again in the crowded bar, I have to choose the rowdiest bar in the whole of Bargra!
True, The Hammer - as the inn was called - was cheaper than most, and the food much better than she would have thought from a harbour-side bar, but the company was to be desired. Sailors who have just landed, and travellers of disputable reputation seem to all flock to this bar, and they were either meancing and shut themselves to a corner to brood, or were overly-friendly, as Kaori watched the poor serving-girls get pawed at.
Just as she was about get up from her seat to retire to her room up on the second floor of the bar, an overly drunk foreman, by the look and smell of him, lost his balance and bumped into her. Sending her crashing against the table.
The slow deterioration of her patience was near snapping as she pushed at the man that had stumbled into her. He was trying to gain his balance by leaning against her, at the same time putting his hands pretty much everywhere he wasn't supposed to. With Kaori's push, the man had overbalanced again and had stumbled into the table behind him, but he seemed quicker to regain his balance this time.
The man squinted his eyes at Kaori as he tried to gain focus on the person who had pushed him. "Why did you do that for?" His words slurred, and he stumbled a few steps towards Kaori. It seems that his sight returned to him as he neared Kaori, as his eyes lit up as he looked Kaori up and down. Obviously, he had forgottened what had just happened, "Well, well, well, what do we have here? A maiden traveller?"
__________________
'Tis strange - but true, for truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.'
~ Lord Byron
NightBane
Kodoku no U
Her View
Posted by Kaori Aurora on 12-16-2001 01:28 PM
Scruffle/Meeting Leo
A few of the other patrons of the bar looked over at the two with interest. Kaori just glared at the man, she knew that she shouldn't have pushed the man and put attention to herself, especially in places like these. Now it seems that she have gotten herself into a bit of trouble.
"Are you looking for adventure, maiden?" The man stumbled a few more steps towards her, "I can show you some adventure you know." He leered at her, and the men around the bar cheered him on. Kaori knewed that she would get no help here.
She brought her staff infront of herself in a guarding position, she could only hope that it would be enought to discourage the man. The man looked at the staff and smiled, "It seems the little maiden wants to play rough." He put his fists up, "I would never decline a maiden's requests."
Kaori groaned inwardly, she really didn't want to fight, and looking at the baulky-looking man, she didn't want to lose either. She glanced around her for some way out, but people had gathered into a ring around them, cutting off any exit. She looked back at the man just in time to see him advancing towards her.
Kaori stepped away from the man's groping hands, and tried to bring her staff down on the man's head. The man dodged the hastily aimed swing, and stepped back, he seemed to realise that she meant business. This doesn't seem to discourage him though, as he tried to rush at her again, to break past her guard.
Kaori could not slip away fast enough this time, and the man's weight drove her backwards, her staff pinned against her body. She was slammed against one of the supporting columns of the bar, and the air rushed out of her body.
"Now, now, game's over." The man's breath stunk of alcohol, as he pressed his body against Kaori's, his hands groping at her. "Just drop that pretty stick of yours, and I'll be lenient on you."
The crowd was going wild by now, and Kaori's head spun with the impact of her head smacking on the wooden column behind her. The man was trying to kiss her now, and she was twisting her head away from his unshaven face. Knowing of only one thing to do, she brought her knee up hard, smashing the man between the legs. As he doubled over, Kaori brought her staff up and smashed it in his face. The man went flying back, landing solidly on one of the wooden tables. The blow doesn't seem to hard enough though, as he was still conscious and was trying to get up off the table, Kaori could see that the man was very angry now. Kaori put herself on guard again.
Suddenly a loud explosion erupted from the direction of the bar, everyone turned to stare at the inn/bar owner, who wielded in his arm a rifle, and was shouting, "That's enough!"
At just that moment, Kaori saw in her peripheral vision, a form rushing towards her. She put her arms up to ward herself, thinking at the same time, Crap! Before something smashed at her, sending her flying, straight out the window.
The wind was knocked out of her the second time that night, when she landed in the street outside the bar. Lifting up her head off the ground - which was an effort in itself, since the world seem to be rocking around and an awful banging sound resounded through her head - to see the face of a man peering at her. His features were blurred to her unfocused eyes, but she recognised him as one of the men in the bar that she had glimpsed at during the fight. He had been shouting something, but it was only now that she registered what it was that he had asked.
"So. You're headed for Sungan?" Kaori croaked out, before she passed out.
Cue: I would think the bartender/owner, would throw out the man that was causing all the trouble. And would allow Leo to take Kaori back into the bar and into her room so she could rest.
OOC: I would be without internet access for the next five days, so my next post would be a bit delayed...
__________________
'Tis strange - but true, for truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.'
~ Lord Byron
NightBane
Kodoku no U
Her View
Posted by Caliph Wyrdwyrm on 12-16-2001 04:48 PM
He shook his head. "If I were in Balanum this evening, by morning you would find me in a shallow grave."
Just because it's written, doesn't make it so... Yes, there was no way to be sure they'd make good on the writ. But it was probably just as well not to chance it, he thought.
"I was the son of a... Colonel, when my mother gave birth, later General, and now buried in an unmarked grave with several other men. Or so I have been told. I never found it, although I once spent weeks looking. He has a proper headstone beside my mother -- she was claimed by grief, and bloody hell to what those doctors say." He paused here. Enough blood to stain the blackest cloth... "My sister lives, I'm told. It disappoints me. Last time we saw each other I put a bullet through her."
Orocia's eyes widened. "You're... you can't be serious."
But he moved right on. "I lived a sheltered childhood. Illness kept and keeps me from the sun. Instead, I studied history, learned marksmanship at my father's side. It was always known that I couldn't be a soldier, with my condition -- but I studied for it anyways, until my father died. Then, I resolved to do my part to stop the wars. I entered the civil service, as a diplomat. A leading light, they called me. Untill the leadership was sacked, a price put on my head, and I fled."
He supressed a smile at her puzzled look. "Yes, there's a price on my head, too. Do you think it matches yours? We can compare them some other time." And then he rolled on.
"There were prices on other things, too -- my father's manor, the heirlooms, money stored and saved for generations. I had seen the winds blowing and salted most of it away. Yet I've kept working all these years, as a gunsmith, and here and there I've used my house as an inn."
And here he paused. And to what end do you bring a tale?
"I went south. I smelled war. It's in the Wyrdwyrm clan as sure as flesh and bone. Along the way I met Indigo. You know the rest." And now the question... where from here?
"I want to return home, and walk the streets free. I'd like to see a sunrise, or a sunset, or even the noon sun. Just any sun. But I don't see that happening. So, failing that... I think I'd just like to find some way to be clean again. Because I'm not. Everywhere in that story where things are left off, there are pauper's graves and makeshift tombs. And... I'd repent of it, but I know I'll do it again."
Cue: Take a guess. Suprise me, if you will... oh, oh, Orocia.
__________________
They say confession is good for the soul. But what if you don't have one?
Posted by Mavi Denn on 12-16-2001 10:24 PM
Feeling the hairs on the back of her neck rise up straight, Mavi took in her breath sharply, searching the woods surrounding them cautiously. Such acts alerted Keyra, who was behind her.
"Mavi? What is wrong dear?"
"Uh...somebody or something is watching us."
"Watching us?" Keyra let out a hearty chuckle before continuing. "Dear, dear, dear. No one has been able to survive on this isle longer than I. I should know if somebody else is living here."
Mavi nodded and continued foraging amongst the bushes for the ripe, juicy berries. Her leg had pretty much healed completely, only giving her grief when she tensed too much or if she touched the gash.
However, even though she put up the facade of disregard, Mavi couldn't help but feel as if something was watching them from somewhere. She walked up to Kans who was in front of her, seemingly unfazed by anything.
"Kans," She wispered, "do you feel as though something is watching us?"
Kans nodded slightly, as if not to alarm the creature or human watching them.
Something's not right...The birds aren't singing. I just noticed that...
The fact alarmed her; birds usually sing unless they sense danger.
"Kans," Mavi whispered again,"Have you noticed that the birds stopped singing?"
"Yes. They haven't been singing since we came out of Keyra's hut."
"I don't know if i want to believe this, but do you think that maybe Keyra isn't what we think she is?"
Kans shrugged, but fear was written on his expressions. Grandually, they meandered off the path and snuck up behind Keyra, who was still picking the berries. They stayed behind her, ducking behind plants and rocks when she swayed her head too far to the side.
Mavi and Kansivan continued their painstaking progress behind the portly old woman. As they did, Kans accidentaly broke a stick under his foot and the snap seemed as though somebody shot off a cannon in the thick silence. Keyra whirled around and bared her torch like a sword, fear and determination etched in her wrinkely face. They were only a bit astonished at her quick actions for being so old.
Keyra bared her teeth and waved the torch menesingly in front of her, then let her face relax.
When Mavi and Kans felt as if it was OK to emerge, Keyra's eyes flashed red, which startled the children into a yelp of fear.
Keyra's eyes began to glow a brighter red. Suddenly, she spoke in a voice so familiar to Mavi...
"Yes Mavi. I DID tell you to come to this isle. I'm that mysterious voice beconing you to come here."
"Why? WHY?"
Keyra didn't answer as her eyes flashed a brilliant red glow, blinding the children for a moment before returning to normal. Normal, ha.
Keyra suddenly changed into the shadowed monster that was creeping up on them, the very same creature that wounded her. But how come it healed it? How come it gave them hostpitality?
Somethings STILL not right here...
__________________
God Bless America
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 12-16-2001 10:39 PM
Scarlet and Indigo were left alone in the tent while the others prepared for an attack. She noticed he was unusually quiet and crossed over to where he sat. He never looked up as she neared him.
“Scarlet?”
“What is it?”
“I want you to leave.” She stood there disgesting the bluntness of his words, then began to stammer a protest, but he cut her off speaking louder.
“The battlefield is no place for a woman. I swore that as your lover I would protect you. I want you to take a horse and go to Helilal and wait for me.”
A tense silence filled the tent, making Indigo look up to where Scarlet stood. He saw tears falling from her cheeks onto the ground below. Standing now, he wrapped his arms around her stiff form.
“Scarlet-“ She cut him off, her voice filled with suppressed anger.
“How dare you…”
“Wha-“ Before he could finish she pulled away from his embrace and slapped him. He stared at her in shock as the smack resounded through the tent.
“So is it only men who can protect the ones they love?!!” Her voice grew louder as fury washed over her. “Are women considered to be so useless that they’re not allowed to defend their lovers!? Don’t be an ass Indigo! I’m not leaving you!!” The color rose in her cheeks and despite the situation, Indigo found himself thinking how beautiful she was. She was quiet now as her sobs choked her off.
“Indy…let me stay with you..I swear I’ll protect you.” Acting completely opposite now than she had only moments before, she staggered into his arms, clinging to the vest he wore.
“No matter what you say….I’m never leaving your side.”
CUE: Indigo. I dare you to try to talk her out of it now.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Na Pali Wind on 12-17-2001 11:26 PM
Vangrea Falls
The morning was brisk and clear as Na Pali walked outside. The falls behind her small farmhouse nestled at the base of the cliffs between the falls and the lake that it formed continued its endless stream of water. Her father was out on the lake in his canoe, fishing pole in hand, hook in the water. She smiled and took in a deep breath of the fresh air. Birds sung lightly in the trees surrounding the modest farmhouse.
What could be better than THIS?
She walked from the front porch onto the path that led to the right towards the grazing pasture, where her brother Jonna let the horses and cows walk free in the expanse of dewed grass and fresh flowers. The season was late summer in her parts and the flowers were in full bloom. She rounded the corner just before reaching the gate to the pasture and entered instead through the stable gate. She walked in and unhooked the rake and bucket and began to clean the stalls. She was half-way through the disgusting job when her mother Stenna called for her. She sighed and leaned the rake and bucket against the stables wall and walked up to the front porch, where her mother stood.
"Na Pali, I need for you to run an errand fer me."
Na Pali nodded and waited for her mother to continue.
"I need for you to go to Sungan west of here to deliver some of the fish your father caught to the nobleman Kennon. Can you do that for me?"
Na Pali nodded diligently. It wasn't every day that she got to go to places other than a few miles from the ranch. Her mother Kania hustled her inside and helped Na Pali to pack for her journey.
OOOO! Mother? Can I bring father's sword with me?"
Her mother seemed shocked, Na Pali only being 15.
"Listen Na Pali-"
Na Pali broke in just as Kania began to explain why she shouldn't bring the blade. The blade was a beautifull and masterfully crafted sword. The hilt was gold studded with jewels of rare quality, the sheath made of rich leather sewn together by sturdy thread. The sheath was decorated by jewels and precious stones that lined the brown leather. The sheath was fastened to a person's body by way of a thick leather belt studded with beads of silver. The blade was given to her father in which to pay a debt of a financially failing nobleman who desperatly wanted the delectible fish. The blade was previously a gift to that nobleman by way of the king of Akaros. The sword was said to be enchanted and blessed by some magical being.
"PLEEAASE Mother???" Na Pali begged.
"Pali NO."
Being obsinant, Na Pali lunged for the blade being displayed on the wall. She removed it quickly from the sheath before her mother could do a thing about it. Waving it around expertly, she nearly beheaded a statue of the late Kerionn Wind. She whirled it around as if she had been practicing for her entire life.
Kania was more than amazed.
"Uh...oh dear. Well...I'm going to have to speak with your father about this but..."
Kania sighed and made way for the door only a few feet away. As if on cue, Pali's father, Kerionn walked in the door brandishing three large Vangrea Trout. Kania was taken aback for a moment before regaining composure and telling the whole story about the blade.
Her father watched as Na Pali whirled the blade with the expertise of a professional practicing for more than 15 years.
"How did you learn to weild that blade so well, not practicing at all?"
"Father; I practiced when I finished with the chores I was required to do. It came on quickly."
Kerionn nodded and thought for a moment.
"Fine. You may take the blade but if you lose it..."
Kerionn left a long pause as an emphasis on his last statement.
Na Pali nodded with great pleasure and hooked to the belt around her thin waist and hefted the pack on her back.
Before walking out the door, Na Pali hugged her parents goodbye and walked down the path.
__________________
Love is an ocean as deep as the sky;
We gotta keep our arms open, or we are never gonna fly.
Posted by Na Pali Wind on 12-19-2001 10:58 PM
The Journey Begins
As Na Pali walked down the gravel road, the blue fire that she kept secret from her parents flickered and sparked at the tip of her fingers and curled down to her palm, gathering there in a ball then suddenly being dowsed in a puff of greenish smoke. She continued to do that to amuse herself along the lonely gravel road.
Suddenly the lonely and serene silence of the road was broken with a loud pistol shot. The endless plains and the distant forest seemed to come alive with the shot; flocks of birds emerged from their grassy hidaways and several deer seemed to soar over the grassy plains.
Na Pali stood stock still at the sound, the blue fire sparked to life at her finger tips.
From behind her, she heard the monotonous clomp of heavy boots...
__________________
Love is an ocean as deep as the sky;
We gotta keep our arms open, or we are never gonna fly.
Posted by Alexandros Fatali on 12-20-2001 04:39 PM
Alex stood amoung the Lunari Elite Guards, the small unit of the best of the best Lunari men. Almost all of them were dedicated, and Alex felt a bit out of place having been made an honorary member by Victor. The men stood all around him, looking toward him like he was some sort of leader. The men seemed to respect him, and as he checked his pistoils again, one of the younger men came over to him. A small group of men had just left the grouped men to try to negotiate with the Nylians. The younger man, his name was Lars, asked Alex to bless them all. Alex had them all drop to one knee, and said a lengthy prayer for the whole of their force.
It almost seemed like they were engulfed within the next few moments. The Nylians came, and spikes and flame sprung up where there had been none before. Of course, they had all known of the trap, but it seemed to be working more effectively than it should have been. Then, escaping from the death of the trap,a torrent of men rushed at the elites, who stood at the forefront of the Lunari.
Alex lost sight of all of his friends he had just made in mere seconds. He slashed out ahead of him, deflecting an incoming blow, and pulled Indra and blasted one of the men ahead of him. He spun about, catching a cut in the left arm. The flow of blood was a welcome sensation in battle, and the warmth on his arm made Alex ever more concious of the pain he was already in. He blasted twice, dropping two more Nylians, and then brough the Redeemer down on another man's sword. the blade of the smaller sword snapped, and Alex punched the man in the face. He whirled about, catching a man in the face with Indra's barrels, and knocking him to the ground. A clang on the Redeemer brought him back to the battle, and Alex was cut twice upon his right arm while dispatching the new oponnent. Alex continued through the battle, holstering his pistols and fighting on with the Redeemer in both hands. He killed several men, and recieved several more wounds. Blood began to saok though his clothes, and the battle was thinning out. He plunged the Redeemer into another Nylians body and took but a moment to rest.
*THUNK*
Alex dropped to the ground like a rock. Something had hit him in the lower back, hard. The pain surged throught his body as a myriad of sparkling motes blinded his vision. He rolled over to see a Nylian wearing black armor standing over him with a maul. He reached for the Redeemer, but it had fallen too far away from where he lay, so he pulled Ramuh from it's holster and blasted the man twice. He staggered slightly, then went down. He pulled Indra as well, and attempted to rise. It was shaky to start, and the pain in his lower back was overwhelming. He fell down several times before he was able to best his body into complying with the mind's wishes. He rose to stand, and saw that there were few men still around him, and that the battle had moved nearly fifty feet to his right. He grabbed the Redeemer and holstered Indra, and painfully ran towards the battle. He coughed blood as he ran.
Not a good sign, Alex thought...
He clashed with two men at once, and as he did, he realized he was moving sluggishly. He trapped the blade of one of the men in the quillons of the Redeemer, and fired the last rounds of Ramuh into the other man. Holstering his firearm, he twisted the Redeemer as hard as he could and tore the man's blade from his grip. He dilivered a swift kick to his stomach, and the man fell to the ground. He stabbed the man quickly and ran farther into the battle. He faught valiantly again for some time, dispatching several more foes, and with every new wound recieved, becoming more numbed to the danger his body was in. Blood ran from his mouth as he spun about, using the Redeemer like a giant cleaver. He noticed again that the fighting was moving.
Alex whirled about to face the battle, he caught a glimpse of a Nylian woman in rusting armor directly in fron of him, but it did not register to Alex's numbed mind what was happening until it was too late. There was a spike of pain in his stomach. It felt as if someone had plunged a hot metal spike hrough him. It burded, and the warm flood of blood that issued forth from the wound was an unwelcome sensation to any man.. He looked down and saw the blade that pierced his stomach. It was a thick Nylian blade, and as the woman pulled it free, she twisted it and put a foot in Alex's gut, forcing him to the ground. He writhed in pain for a moment, reaching towards the woman.
"O..Orocia?!" The thoughts of that girl blinded him for several moments before he saw the woman clearly again.
Alex looked towards the woman as she walked towards the battle once again. He shakily, slowly raised a hand, and a ball of energy flashed for a brilliant moment, as streak of light emitted from Alex's hand. The bolt of Holy power struck the woman, and burned a hole through her chest. She dropped to the ground like a sack of oats. Alex looked about, and saw that the battle was indeed moving amoung the flames and spikes once again. Away from him. He sighed roughly and coughed up a large amount of blood.
Alex layed his head silently on the ground, grasping his wounded stomach. He made the best of the situation, and wrapped his coat as tightly around him as possible, while trying to make himself comfortable. He knew what was happening He was cold. He was weak. He was dying. He looked to the sky, and said a silent prayer. He couldn't die today... He still had too much to do... He still had so much to say...
Cue: Scarlet, Indigo, Victor, or Adamas. Alex's is a tough little sukka, but he won't last much more than another couple of hours without magical medical attention.
__________________
May the Creator shield you and light your path...
Posted by Victor Dominic on 12-20-2001 05:02 PM
The battle raged on for hours, each sides resources slowly depleting, until about sundown, when the bedraggled men of both sides retreated to their camps. The losses had been heavy on both sides, but the greater victory belonged to the Lunari renegades.
Victor Dominic met with his generals to confirm their standing. Several hundred men had died, but in the scope of what was likely to have happened without the trap, he felt grateful.
He scheduled a heartfelt, but hasty burial ceremony for the dead. He assured that proper funerals would be given, should the Lunari (as they seemed to have adopted the name) Army regain power.
It also seemed that magic had played an important role during the battle. It was impossible to discern whether the magic exploding all over the battlefield was Terra or Ki. It was also impossible to tell from which side the magic was emanating, but Victor was not naive enough to believe that the Nylian soldiers hadn't been using it.
Victor took the time to relax after the meeting. He had sustained minor wounds during the battle, nothing incapacitating. It seemed that even while he was fighting, his mind was busy formulating a plan... And with the plan both complete and implemented, Victor ordered the troops to rest.
__________________
You'd be better off turning a blind eye to your enemy and keeping your good one on politics. Enemies can't stab you in the back.
Posted by Na Pali Wind on 12-20-2001 06:58 PM
The man
Clenching her teeth, Pali stood in the center of the narrow dirt roadway, the grass swaying lightly in the breeze, the sun sitting in the center of its gracefull arch. All seemed well except for a certain clomp of heavy boots on the roadway behind her. Her right hand was open, fire sparking to life like little candle flames of blue on her fingertips and then floating down to her palm like little rivers of blue fire that gathered into a pool in her palm.
The clomping of the boots stopped suddenly only just a few steps away. Na Pali smelt the fould alcoholic breath floating to her nostrils on the breeze; Pali grimaced but held her ground.
"Who is behind me?"
When there was no answer, Na Pali turned her head and looked at the figure threw her periphreal vision and only saw a portly frame.
Slowly, Na Pali turned around fully and took a look at the large man behind her, his clothing tattered and worn, hair long and unkept. Taking a whiff of him could kill a fly: he smelt as if he had been rolling in cow manure, or eating it she could not tell. The man had a beard long and brown, dirty and untrimmed. Slowly his mouth curved into a menacing and disgusting smile, for his teeth were rotting and several were missing. His clothing was far from wonderful: leather pants worn and rotted, boots of thick leather with soles of metal. He wore a shirt of flannel and a vest of old leather, in his right hand was a scimitar, curved and deadly.
"You intend to rob me sir?"
The man simply nodded, his mouth curving even more so into a devious smile.
Laughing, Na Pali brought up her hand that sparked and flashed of blue flame. Bringing the fire to full glory, her hand appeared to be on fire, glowing magnifisantly. In her left hand she brandished her father's sword.
"Now fight me." The man quivered and shook his head, thinking differently about challenging a girl with two weapons.
Smiling deviously, Na Pali made her first mistake. She turned around and made her way down the road again.
Suddenly, the fat man stabbed her in the back with his scimitar....
__________________
Love is an ocean as deep as the sky;
We gotta keep our arms open, or we are never gonna fly.
Posted by Na Pali Wind on 12-20-2001 07:30 PM
Gasping for breath, the pain shot up her back with a full surge. Na Pali's knees buckled and she fell to the ground.
"You..." Gasping for more breath she could not speak anymore words. From behind her, the man laughed and put his hand on her shoulder, lifting her up so that he could hit her again.
Remembering suddenly the healing power that she had, she concentrated on the magic, drawing her attention from the pain seering up her back. Suddenly from behind, the man gasped in shock and released his grip. Stepping back, he watched as the deep wound in her back healed up and ceased to exist. Turning, Na Pali faced her attacker.
"You want to attack me now?" With that, she hurled blue flame at the man and watched as the blue rivers of fire entered the man's body and killed him almost instantly. Na Pali frowned. She hated to kill people.
Continuing down the path, Pali sighed, feeling unmeasurably guilty.
"Why is it that I always feel so terrible after killing a man?"
Sighing, she continued down the path to Sungan.
The path that she traveled on was not mentioned on the maps of Akaros but they were well used by her and her family, being that they travel to two of the main cities that her father tades to.
Glancing at the map she had in her hand, she noted that Bargra was much closer of a destination so she took the path to her right towards Bargra.
After several days of traveling, she came into the gates of Bargra. Walking through the gates she heard men and women talking about a bar fight that had to be pretty amazing; a woman flying out of a window, several men included in such a riot of activity.
When she reached the bar (which she didn't know that coincidentaly was the same one that Kaori literally flew from) and payed for a room to board up in for a night.
When talking to the owner of the inn/bar, she couldn't help but ask what happened a few nights ago.
"Well, nothin outta the ordinry'; just a bar f'ght. A girl was gettin hit on by some guy and she tried to d'fend herself...got in a mighty bit of trouble."
Nodding, she retired to her room.
(CUE: Leo? Kaori? Whoever. I'm just joinin' in the fun!)
__________________
Love is an ocean as deep as the sky;
We gotta keep our arms open, or we are never gonna fly.
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 12-20-2001 11:20 PM
Scarlet had done well in staying out of the thick of battle. From a vantage point in a tree, she was able to pick off Nylian soldiers with small bolts of lightning that left them dazed and disorientated. However, with very little training, even small bolts left her weary after a short time. From the corner of her eye, she saw Indigo firing Salamander at an enemy soldier, but he did not see a second soldier advancing upon him, his sword brandished high.
Allowing no time for thought she concentrated on manipulating the air molecules surrounding the soldier in order to drastically slow his progress toward her beloved. Fortunately, this gave Indigo time to finish off the first soldier, then turn his attention to the sluggish second. Scarlet breathed a sigh of relief which quickly turned into a gasp of horror as she watched Alex fall to the ground only a few yards away from the tree. Not wasting any time she leapt to the bloody ground below and rushed to his side. By the time she reached him he was unconscious, but she could tell he was still alive. The battle raged on fifty feet away, filling Scarlet with urgency to remove Alex from the field. Grasping him under both arms and relying solely on the rush of strength she felt at the moment she drug him across the matted grass, slick with the blood of the fallen. The closer she got to the tree, the heavier Alex seemed to become until the cords stood out in her neck and she fairly screamed with effort.
At last she reached the shelter of the towering branches and lay Alex among its roots. Grimacing, she examined his wounds and tore at her clothing for makeshift bandages. His eyes gazed up at her lazily and smiled. Scarlet wasn’t sure if he even recognized her or not. He laughed huskily, then began to cough up blood which splattered the remainder of Scarlet’s tunic with bright red dots. She bit her lip and continued to treat his wounds as best she could. The battle had moved a little closer, but not to where it would be a threat.
As she tore again at her tunic, a hand grasped her by the shoulder and flung her to the ground. She looked up to see a Nylian soldier towering above her. She kicked up with her right foot, hoping to catch him in the groin, but he caught her shin and with a surprising amount of grace flipped her over so that she lay face first in the grass. A fraction of a second later he pulled her up by her braid and hurled her against the tree with such force that the breath was knocked out of her and she slumped to the ground, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. A sinister laugh fell on her ears as the soldier forced himself on her, driven by the sounds of battle and the prettiness of the girl in front him. She wheezed heavily as she tried to scream. The man’s hands were everywhere, clawing at her tunic, then savagely groping her breasts, then moving down to her breeches. Her struggling grew weaker as the effects of the Ki magic began to take its toll and her body, rendering her defenseless. The soldier now held both her wrists with one of his massive hands. Scarlet began to plead with him, but was rewarded with a brutal slap that made her eyes water in pain.
“A soldier has removed his armor for you. You should show him a good time!” He said mockingly as he pulled at the waist of her breeches.
A gunshot resounded from very close by as the bullet caught the man in the head and he fell next to Scarlet, dead on impact. She rolled her head in the direction from where the bullet originated and was surprised to see Alexandros propped up on one elbow holding the smoking Indra.
“Alex…….” He smiled at her, then collapsed onto his side and trembled as pain wracked his body.
Then the world faded to black.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Volsung on 12-21-2001 03:41 PM
Volsung and Ollis sat on the bank of the lake in the darkness. From there position they could see the torches lining the bridges: these torches were lit every night to guild travels that failed to get to the city by day. In the water they could see that lanterns on the boats as they traveled down Akaros watery streets. In the sky, there was still a half moon witch reflected white light off the water and which in turn bathed the city in light. “It is white a site to see.” Said Volsung and watched the city.
“Yes it is but how are we going to get there?” Asked Ollis as sat behind Volsung watching the city.
Volsung didn’t say anything, but instead focused back on the city. “It was very well lit, but it had to be or people would be falling in the water during the night otherwise.” Volsung thought to himself. And from that observation, he figured it out. He now knew the best way into the city. He had noticed that there were several small docks lining the outside of the city for the merchants and residents to tie their boats up at night. Volsung had also noticed that most of the dock weren’t lit as such would be the perfect place to enter the city. The only complication would be the moonlight. It was bright enough so that they could be seen from a mile off on the water. Still if they could wait until after moon set, it would work. Volsung leaned over to talk to Ollis, but he had fallen sleep while Volsung had been making his plan. Volsung gabbed his staff and used it to pull himself up. Getting up slowly as to not attract any attention Volsung stretched his leg even though this hurt much more than it use to. Still he was glad to have the blood flowing through they again. When started pocking Ollis with his staff.
“I don’t want to do chores mommy.” Said Ollis not realize who it was pocking him.
“I’m not your mommy, so wake up I have a plan.”
“Fine, fine I’m up. But do you have any pancake for me?” Said Ollis as he rubbed the dust from his eyes.
Volsung stair at Ollis for a moment and then start talking “First of all no I do not have any pancakes second. Here’s my plan, we will fly into the city just above the water and not to fast not to disturbed the surface, but we will have to wait until after moonset or we will be seen.”
Ollis had a look of surprise and sleepiness on his face, but Volsung could tell he liked the plan. “I mean who wouldn’t,” He thought as he looked at the moon to try to figure out how much time they would have. To get into the city, but Volsung had very been very good at such things so the best that he could come up with was about 2 hours. Because moonset should be around 5 a.m. and if the sunrises around 7 then two hours would be right. Or so Volsung thought. As a matter of fact they were going to have around three hours because the moon was going to set at 4 am and sunrise was at seven, but not all that bad.
Volsung waited on the shoreline waiting for the prefect moment. Because he had also started noticing several guards that made there pass every fifteen minutes or so. It all a matter of timing, so Volsung watched and watched to see find the prefect time. Then about five in the morning he found it. The moon had been down for an hour and the guard had just passed by the dock.
So, Volsung leaned over to tell Ollis that it was time to move, but he had fallen a sleep again. “Boy if this guy sleeps easy even when his neck is on the line, Oh Well,” with that Volsung gabbed Ollis and started shaking him until he woke up.
“What, what I not a sleep I was just resting my eyes.”
“It time. We go now or we start run because I don’t think we will have a anther chase like this.” Of course after hearing something like that: how anyone at peace?
“I’m with you,” and with that they both started flying very slowly just above the surface of the water.
OCC: Sorry to say but this whole christmas thing is going to keep me busy for the next few weeks so I problely won't be posting much
Sorry
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Zander Kohen on 12-21-2001 04:39 PM
The End of the Beginning
OOC: Haven't posted in a while. I'm gonna have to read up on the latest events. Hopefully I'm not rusty.
IC: It had been a week since Zander and Arkiri had landed in Balanum. The road since had been hard and tiring. Both were exhausted from the journey. Zander had more than a few new scars on his face and legs from an encounter with a small band of robbers between Miltus and Nyliam. Thankfully Arkiri had the good sense to conceal herself in a small alcove between two large slabs of granite. Only after Zander had badly wounded two of the thieves and sent the other three running, (the wounded staggering behind) did she emerge.
Arkiri had decided she would rather accompany Zander on his quest to become a Holy Knight than stay behind in Balanum with no means of fending for herself. Zander was more than happy to have her company and they had set off immediately after restocking their provisions. Once again, they were alone on the road, but this time, they were in an unfamiliar land.
Along with food and other necessities, Zander had bought a map of Asheri so he could navigate the roads to Nyliam and then venture off to climb the mountain. The map had proven itself invaluable when they got lost between Balanum and Miltus. Zander had seen a rather large caravan coming toward them and feared they might be robbers, so he decided to cut north a few miles before returning to the road. Without the map, he might have wound up in Filiam.
When the duo had entered Nyliam, Zander had thought it wise to purchase some form of self-protection for Arkiri. After the event with the robbers, he didn’t want to risk her being defenseless should he fall in combat. He quickly found a shop that’s owner was skilled in weapon-craft and bought her a fine bow with a quiver full of arrows. The weapon would require much practice, but it would serve her well. If she became moderately accurate, she could take down attackers from a relatively safe distance.
Now the pair approached the top of Mt. Nyliam’s highest peak and indeed the highest peak in all Asheri. They had left Malach in a stable in Nyliam, taking only what they needed in small packs with them. The air was thin and sent a chill down Zander’s spine as the cold penetrated his light cloak that he had purchased for the climb. He could see his breath. It came in short gasps as he neared the large Church sitting upon the peak.
‘Who in their right mind would build a church at the top of a mountain?’ Zander thought, his hands on his knees, holding him up. He reminded himself that it was the Creator’s own hand that had put the chapel on that mountain; that the journey was part of the test for some.
Arkiri was on her hands and knees beside him, having almost collapsed from exhaustion. He reached down and with much effort lifted her to her feet.
“Let’s make it to the church, you can rest in there,” Zander said. She just nodded and the two staggered through the patches of snow to the large doors of the chapel and pushed them open.
Once they were both inside, he closed the doors behind him and led Arkiri through the crystalline hall toward the rows of seats before the altar. The church smelled strongly of incense, but it was very warm in contrast to the temperature outside.
He sat Arkiri down on one of the padded glass benches and wrapped her in the only blanket they had brought with them. Once she regained her senses he apologized for even bringing her along.
“I really should have left you in Nyliam to look after Malach,” Zander said.
“Are you kidding?” She asked; a weak smile spreading across her face. “I wouldn’t have missed this if you had paid me. You need someone to cheer you on.”
“You can cheer me on in your dreams,” He said. “What you need right now is sleep.” He didn’t quite have the heart to tell her that he might not be living when she woke up. He very well knew the consequences of failure. He would rather she was sleeping when he took the test.
Arkiri nodded and laid herself down on the bench to rest. Within a few minutes, she was sleeping soundly, her breath coming evenly. Before she woke up, Zander would either be dead, or he would have the silver Meshai below his right eye and on the palm of his left hand.
Zander stepped forward to the altar and knelt before it in prayer. He took a few moments to thank the Creator for bringing him safely this far and humbly asked Her blessing in the test ahead. He thanked her again and rose to his feet.
He made his way around to the back of the altar where an open doorway stood, the virtues of a Holy Knight engraved above it. Courage, Faith and Temperance; those were the virtues he would have tested and failure was death. It all began as soon as he stepped through the doorway.
There was a flash of light, then the sensation of being sucked through space…
Courage.
He found himself on the road to Forestre. He was on his way there to meet with some friends. It was just after dark and to his horror he realized he was standing right on the wolf trail.
Without warning several wolves leaped out of the tall grass and surrounded him. They began snapping and biting at him. He drew his sword and as if on cue, the pack sprung at him.
He caught one of them with his blade, slashing it deeply across its face. It yelped and drew back; Zander was sure it was out of the fight. But the rest of the pack was still more than a threat.
One of the wolves leaped onto his back and sunk its teeth into the back of Zander’s neck. Zander desperately threw him off, feeling the tearing of muscles and tendons as the wolf’s teeth were forcefully removed. Another wolf had attached itself to Zander’s right leg and Zander could feel it trying to pull him off balance and force him to the ground. Still another attempted to latch onto his left arm but only got a mouth full of metal from Zander’s armor.
Zander’s sword cleaved through the wolf gnawing on his leg, but the damage had been done and Zander saw more than felt the ugly wound on his leg. It was bleeding profusely, but there was nothing he could do about it at the moment.
He brought the pommel of his sword down squarely on the head of the wolf that was attempting to puncture his armor. It slumped to the ground; knocked out.
The first wave was over and Zander had lived through it, but there were several more wolves and he was loosing blood fast. He was at the breaking point, ready to take the same fate as his wife had. He was ready to lay down his sword and let them kill him, but instead, he lifted it again. He knew his fate was in the Creator’s hands, and if he was to die, he wouldn’t go without a fight.
Another flash of light, and that sensation of being sucked through space…
Faith.
Zander was standing at the edge of a wide chasm. All he knew was that it was imperative that he get to the other side. There was no bridge or other feasible way across that he could see and in both directions along the edge of the cliff he saw the same.
Zander peered over the edge, thinking he might be able to climb down and back up the other side, but found that the bottom of the ravine disappeared into darkness. He could think of no other way of getting across.
He thought to himself for several minutes. Mentally scolding himself for not being able to think up a way across. Then it came to him.
‘Step out in faith…’ He thought to himself. ‘…And it will be granted to you.’
He knew that if the Creator let him die, it was Her will. If she wanted him to cross that chasm, she’d make it possible.
Tentatively, Zander stepped over the ledge. He began to drop and he almost felt he had made a mistake when his fall was stopped abruptly in midair. He felt a shock of pain through his legs upon impact and it took him a moment before he fully regained his balance.
Looking down, he saw nothing. It appeared as though he was floating in the air, but whatever was below him felt very solid. He didn’t waste time questioning it. Whatever it was, the Creator had put it there for just this purpose. As soon as his hand touched the opposite wall of the Chasm to climb up the few feet to the top, his surroundings disappeared.
A flash of light and again he felt like he was being sucked through space…
Temperance.
He knelt in the Evisis woods. In a small clearing ahead of him was a small pond. The sunlight barely made its way through the thick foliage of the trees above him, but the clearing was flooded in brilliant sunlight.
Beside the water was a small pile of clothing and in the waster was a very beautiful elf woman. She was looking straight into Zander’s eyes and beckoning him to join her. The thought of actually doing so excited him very much.
Zander had always had an obsession with elves since he was a boy and his father had taken him into the Evisis woods to hunt and they had seen a young and beautiful elf girl. Since then, He had seen a few half elves in Gania, Forestre and occasionally Xellos. He had been completely in awe of their beauty.
Now, one was beckoning him to come and bathe with her. It was almost too tempting. He wanted to join her and could see almost no reason why he shouldn’t. He had nowhere to be and nothing to do. Why not indulge in this beautiful elf that was offering herself to him.
A pang in his conscience made him hesitate. He knew there was something wrong with it. He would just be giving into his own lusts. It would be meaningless and he would be using her.
Still, she obviously wouldn’t mind. She wanted him to come to her. She was just a few yards away and Zander could so easily just give in to the temptation and join her.
He weighed the two sides for a few long moments. He desperately wanted to join her, but he knew it wasn’t right. She wanted him, but it was purely lustful.
At long last, Zander tore himself away from her gaze and walked in the opposite direction of the pond in the clearing. Feeling a slight regret that he had done so, but also a whole-hearted feeling that he had done the right thing.
A last flash of light and that feeling came of being sucked through space, but this time he reached the destination and his foot landed on the other side of the door in the chapel. He stepped all the way through and felt a burning sensation on his face and his left hand.
He pulled off his glove to see the silver Meshai of a Holy Knight shining in the candlelight. He had succeeded and he was now among the few Revered Holy Knights. His name had become Revered Sir Zander Kohen, the 1,314th Holy Knight to ever serve the Creator.
He passed back through the doorway, which he could now pass freely, and knelt in front of the altar in prayer for several hours. He thanked the Creator for the gift She had so graciously given him by protecting him on his journey and guiding him in the test. He remembered each part of the test now, but also remembered that he had no idea that he was being tested during the actual event. He also subconsciously knew that there were eight others in the world like him, who had passed the test. He knew their names, and he also knew generally where they were in the world.
A sense of hope filled him and he pinpointed it to the benches behind him where Arkiri was beginning to stir. He turned to her and her eyes shot open as she saw the Meshai under his right eye.
“You did it!” She exclaimed. “You’re a Holy Knight!” She jumped up and ran over to embrace him.
Zander enveloped her in his arms, holding her close to him. He could tell that she was very proud of him, not to mention glad that they could finally depart from the mountain.
“Yes, I did,” Zander, said, smiling. “The question is; where do I go from here?”
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Orocia Agua on 12-22-2001 01:07 AM
Well, that was interesting.
Orocia's eyes were wide in shock. How did news about my bounty spread so quickly? And Caliph's story didn't do much to brighten her spirits, either.
Caliph gave Orocia a funny look which made her realize she was gaping at him, and immediately she regained her composure and laughed, picking up her beer and chugging the rest down.
"Wow... looks like we're both killers.. and bounty heads, too!" Orocia smiled and shook her head in disbelief at meeting someone actually in a somewhat similar situation as her.
"Yeah," Caliph smirked. But he looked ready to hit the hay. "I'm feeling a little tired. So I'm heading back to the room. What about you?"
Orocia slouched back in her seat,"I'm gonna take a little stroll around this town, maybe take a look at the weapons shops and see what kind of knives they got.."
Caliph furrowed his brow in disapproval,"You sure about that?"
"I can handle myself. Really, you should worry about anyone who tries to start trouble with me.. Luckily, I'm in a good mood... because lately I've had the urge to skin off someone's face.. But I don't think I'll be doing that now." Orocia grinned impishly.
"Alright... What about tomorrow?"
"What about tomorrow?" Orocia flashed a smile. "If ya want, you could treat me to target practice and we could speak out any ideas for plans then?"
Caliph looked at Orocia for moment, and small smile crept on his face,"Target practice? I guess, if I feel like it.." He shrugged as he turned around and headed to the rooms. "...Come back alive, you hear?"
"I will." Orocia watched him leave through the bottom of her beer mug and realized she was thirsty. She almost ordered a "Brass Monkey" but realized with a pang of sadness she wasn't at her old bar..
Orocia gathered her thoughts. So the news about my bounty has rooted itself nicely in Asheri already.. Hmm. Must be a nice price. She checked to make sure she still had her weapons on her. She looked at the crystal pendant that hung around her neck. The blackish-red thunderstorm with its white hot and violet lightning inside it seemed to be raging on more fiercely than usual. She wondered what it could really do for her.. or if it would do anything at all. She also wondered about the possibility of Caliph actually being a bounty hunter and making up the whole damn story to trick her into trusting him so that he could get close enough to catch her. It didn't seem likely, but she knew of crazier things. Her trust truly had to be earned. She sighed, got up, and went out into the chilly night for her walk.
Cue: Kishraak or Kahlan, if you're interested, you've got yerself an open target. But don't hurt me without messaging me about it first.
Caliph, don't do anything "tomorrow" yet, unless ya really want to.. whatever floats your boat.
Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 12-22-2001 03:34 AM
Fayre Regained
"General Sir, it was a trap. Nearly the entire battalion has fallen!!"
Onuess stared blankly in shock. He hadn't expected such news upon this day. He had sent out one of his proudest contingents to deal with the rebel forces due east of the city. He had assured himself of victory.
"How could this have happened?"
"They fight with tactics like we have never seen before Sir. Suffice it to say, those that have returned from the battle are significantly shaken up. Morale is at an all time low. We need to rally the men."
"All in good time Corpral. First things first. How many of our men survived?"
"Its hard to say Sir. Many of them have returned mortally injured. There's no telling how many will be with us tomorrow. If I had to estimate, I'd say we suffered 90% fatalities."
"BY THE CREATOR!!! That leaves us with one tenth of our standing forces. I can't believe this. That unit was massive!!"
"I know Sir. That is why the men are so disturbed and why we must address them."
"You're among these men every day. Do you think they will maintain the will to fight amidst these tragic times or will they lose their nerve if faced with such peril?"
"Once more, General Onuess, its very hard to tell. Currently, however, I fear our men have been gravely outshined in battle. My instincts tell me they may cower in the presence of this well trained rebel force."
"Damn it all to hell!! This is exactly what the Emperor will not wish to hear...." Onuess paused once more worriedly into thin air. If any more men died he would surely pay forfeit with his life. His mind quickly darted to thoughts of General Bjorn. Perhaps he had already met his fate. That would not be the road for him!
"Issue orders to gather all men to the center plaza. We march tonight. We will head west and fall back to New Dargent as was our original contingency plan. In the meantime, have the magi secure us a "back door" for when we return. Make sure it is well hidden. I can't afford to storm Fayre again only to find our easy way in has been fixed. Do you follow?"
"I believe so Sir, I will dispatch them immediately."
"Dismissed Corpral."
Later that evening under cover of darkness. The Nylian flags were lowered and the remaining Imperial forces marched collectively out of the east gate of Fayre. They had a long sojourn to New Dargent ahead of them and the trip would be made with their metaphorical tail between their legs. For the entire trip, General Onuess would curse the unknown name (Victor Dominic) of the rebellions leader. He would see to their reunion. He vowed that his future memory of it would be soiled in blood.
CUE: Victor Dominic and Alexandros Fatali. You have control of Fayre once more. Nice posting!
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"
Posted by Linerin Gheral on 12-22-2001 10:51 PM
Linerin looked out across the vast lake, narrowing his eyes as he did so. He had received news of the Nylian Army’s defeat by the rebel army located outside of Fayre. It seemed that he would have to take matters into his own hands.
But that would come later. Gravan had returned from his mission in Gania with a souvenir of his conquest. Linerin smiled as he spied the lovely young woman clinging to Gravan’s side.
“Master, may I introduce the elder Princess of Gania, Reika.” Reika smiled and knelt to the floor. Her voice was like smooth velvet.
“Master….please allow me to serve you in every way…..” He lifted her chin and admired the fullness of her body.
“Very well. You may serve me in my chambers, then we’ll discuss the rebel encampment in Fayre…….”
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As the Mistress of the Night wills it...
Posted by Akalah Shei on 12-23-2001 01:48 AM
Death
OOC: This is my last post cuz i'm gonna lose my internet because i got in trouble so i'm just going to let my character die....
IC:
Akalah slept under the ledge on the shoreline for many days, the lyre and Sivan sitting next to her. The days and nights seemed to float by as she watched the waves drift lazily on the shore.
Akalah heaved a sigh.
"Sivan? Whats going to happen now? There's no way that I can leave because I don't know where I am."
Sivan seemed to understand her sadness and feeling of hopelessness. The lyre was oddly silent leaning against the cool, wet stone and dirt lined with roots. The shoreline was a endless sea of sand that stretched in a long golden ribbon towards both horizons. On the south horizon giant unscalable cliffs blockaded her escape and the northward sea stretched forever.
"Sivan. Its time to leave this place and find hope. I'm sick of catching and eating crabs."
Sivan seemed to understand and gingerly picked up the lyre and brought it to her.
Although the lyre had healed most of the pain of the broken leg, Akalah still had a deffinite limp in her otherwise gracefull gait.
It was midday as the band of two (not really including the lyre) made their way down the golden ribbon of sand, the sun spreading her firery heat upon the small group.
As time progressed and the sun began to dip below the horizon of sand behind them, Akalah spotted a small, lonely house on the decreasing cliffs. as they neared the small shack, the cliffs were now only small hills from the shoreline.
Suddenly, the feeling of being watched made the hairs on the back of Akalah's neck rise up. As the feeling increased, Sivan became restless and began to whine. As the tention and fear began to rise, a lone figure stepped forth from the shadows and produced a gun.
As Akalah turned to run, the figure shot her in the leg and she fell to the ground.
Looking up, she saw the sharp teeth of a vampire glistening in the failing light......
OOC: sorry if that was a lil too much of a cliff hanger or whatever but i really need to get off before my parents get mad at me........BYE!
__________________
Keep your Friends near,
and your enemies nearer
Posted by Kaori Aurora on 12-23-2001 09:52 AM
The day after
OOC: Sorry Leo, I'm going to have to use your character a bit in this post...
IC:
Kaori woke up to find herself in her bed in the inn/bar, The Hammer. Sunlight was filtering through the gap between the windowpanes in her room. Her head pounding, Kaori tried to recall the events that might have caused the pain that vibrated through her body.
She must have made some sort of sound whilst waking, because Kaori suddenly sensed movement from the corner of the room near the door that was still in the shadows. Turning her head and catching a glimpse of the figure reclining in one of the chairs, with his legs propped on another chair, Kaori was suddenly reminded of the fight that had taken place between her and a drunken man. Kaori tried to sit up but ended up falling back into bed gasping, as pain lanced through her torso. The man reclining in the seat near the door got up and approached the bed.
"You're awake I see." As the figure approached the bed, sunlight slowly revealed the face of the man she saw just after flying out of the front window of The Hammer. With lightly tanned skin, blue eyes and dark blonde hair, Kaori first guessed that the man must be a sailor or someone who works at sea. But upon closer inspection, Kaori saw that the man was not much more than a teenager, a few years younger than her at least though his height might say otherwise, and his skin did not have the roughness to it that is a sign of working in salty air for a long period of time. "Who are you?" Again pain flashed along her torso and she grimaced.
"Steady there." The guy sat on the edge of the bed, "I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of calling a physician to look at you whilst you were unconscious. She says that apart from the hit on the head, and quite some bruises all over, you've also cracked your rib, most likely when you flew out of the window."
Kaori made a face as she recalled the full extent of the fight, especially when the man slammed her against the wooden column. "How's the man?"
The guy chuckled as he replied, "I think after he threw you out the window, the bartender decided to do the same with him, because he landed in a heap on the ground next to you not too long after. I don't know what happened to him after that though, since I had to help carry you back into the inn and into your room. Oh by the way," The guy extended his hand to Kaori, "my name's Leo Satome."
Kaori clasped Leo's hand, "Kaori Aurora." Pain made Kaori drop her hand back on the bed, "Oh man, how long am I going to be like this?"
"Well the healer said that you would feel the most sore today, but that apart from your cracked rib, you should feel fine after a couple of days rest." Leo picked up a small bottle of dark liquid, which he handed to Kaori, "The physician said to rub this onto the bruises and it would help to disperse the bruises."
Kaori unstopped the bottle to discover that the liquid content inside smelled strongly of herbs. "Thanks."
Leo waved her gratitude aside, "No worries, if I don't make sure you are fit and running in a few days, whom am I going to travel to Sungan with?" At Kaori's blank look, it was obvious that she has forgotten the last thing she had said before she fainted. Leo reminded her that he was looking for a traveling companion to Sungan. Kaori was delighted to hear the news, although she liked the journey that she has taken by herself so far, the scuffle the night before had taught her that maybe a male companion would not be such a bad idea.
OOC: Oh Na Pali, please be a bit patient, so far I'm still writing on the day after the fight, whilst you arrived in Bargra a few days after the fight. So give me a few posts to catch up to where/when you are.
Cue: Leo
__________________
'Tis strange - but true, for truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.'
~ Lord Byron
NightBane
Kodoku no U
Her View
Posted by Na Pali Wind on 12-27-2001 06:24 PM
dead internet...
OOC: currently, my good computer is having problems with its internet that is really weird...anyway, i'm stuck on this old computer from the 80's and it has poor internet capabilities and really no html...dangit!!
IC:
After getting situated in her small room in the inn, Na Pali ventured down into the bar area. As she walked down the stairs and entered the main room that was packed with drunken patrons, Na Pali felt out of place. She was in nice clothing whilst most others smelled of dung and dankness.
As she strided over to the counter, she felt the eyes of lustfull drunken men bore into her. The feeling left Na Pali only a bit flustered as she slid on a bar stool.
"What cin i getcha missy?"
"A small wine would be ok."
"You look a bit young kid. But hey, no laws, right?"
Na Pali just shrugged and nodded as the bartender slid her a goblet half full with a deep red liquid. Sipping it, she enjoyed being allowed to drink it underage. If her parents discovered this, she would be in trouble for sure.
Suddenly, she felt a hand slide onto her shoulder.
"Scuse me miss...."
Na Pali smelt the rank sent of beer on his breath and gagged silently. The man was so drunk that he could barely speak a full sentance, much less stand up straight. Na Pali turned slowly and saw a large, burly unshaven man. Suddenly, the man toppled to the floor, out cold.
Astonished slightly, Na Pali turned to face the bar as the man's buddies walked up to her...
__________________
Love is an ocean as deep as the sky;
We gotta keep our arms open, or we are never gonna fly.
Posted by Na Pali Wind on 12-29-2001 05:20 AM
ANOTHER bar fight?
Sighing, Na Pali leaned against the bar and tried to seem unfazed by their large stature and watched them approach.
Silence spread across the noisy bar area and the once noisy room seemed too astonished to utter anymore words. Apparently, these men were renowned for their fighting skills and often gloated about the amount of men they killed pitylessly.
Glancing down at their drunken friend, just now coming out of unconsiousness, they growled.
"What'd ya do ta our fwend?"
The man's voice was slurred and he was most likely illiterate.
"Nothing."
Even with her attempts to remain calm, Na Pali felt the fear and hatred rise and her voice squeeked a bit, adding to the satisfaction of the three men standing before her.
As the standoff continued, the silence was broken by a nervous cough in the background. With the silence broken, one of the men behind the one talking to her drew his sword; a rust blade poorly maintained, dried blood stained the once brightly shinging metal. The hilt was worn and the leather was rotting. Glancing at it, she felt her heart rise into her throat.
Suddenly, amidst her fear, the memory of her blue fire arose and took charge of her thoughts; a smug smirk spread across her face to the momentary astonishment of the three men before her.
"What? Ya tink ya cin take us?"
Shrugging, Na Pali raised her right hand and allowed them to see the blue sparks flicker on her fingertips.
"Whoa missay...Ya got some blue fire."
The room filled with the Ooos and Ahhhs of the crowd and curious whispers flooded the room and it seemed to buzz with the sound of gossip.
Putting out the fire, Na Pali offered the men some water to help sober them up, or a breath mint but the men seemed unscathed by her weapon.
"Ya dun scare us"
"You don't say."
The fire roared to life on her finger and formed a ball in her palm. Unfortunatly, the fire only killed and didn't spare anyone; she didn't want to kill three men, the guilt would haunt her.
Slowly, she inched away from the drunken men and meandered towards the stairs.
The men were much too drunk to notice her small movements, but eventually, by the time she reached the end of the bar, the farthest man on the left noticed that she had moved.
"Hey...waita minute. Ya moved."
Smirking, Na Pali could barely hold back the laughter at the drunken antics the men put on.
Moving a bit more swiftly, Na Pali made it to the stairs before the men could react.
"I think you three had a bit too much ale!" Na Pali yelled from the middle stair.
The crowd roared with mocking laughter which provoked the three men into blinded anger, thrashing their sharp swords in the air.
Safely up in her room, Na Pali wished she hadn't picked such a place.
Too many drunkards; Blech.
OOC: I got my good computer back! tell me when your up-to-date Kaori 
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Love is an ocean as deep as the sky;
We gotta keep our arms open, or we are never gonna fly.
Posted by Orocia Agua on 12-30-2001 04:40 AM
Orocia.
...
Rio was stock still. His face... it almost seemed dead of expression. Was he even breathing?
Orocia...?
Could it really be you? ...After five years?
That heart toughened with scars... it stopped beating at the sound of that name.
Aerin was equally shocked, but at his dear friend's expression. He wasn't expecting anything like this. He didn't know what to say, what to do.. He cringed back slightly but his face stayed paralyzed with shock.
Rio felt himself finally breath. It was a shaky, weak breath, creeping through his teeth, cold. He quickly turned his face away, towards the ocean, his hand covering his mouth as if to make sure he kept his breath lest he suffocate.
But just seconds later he regained his calm composure, looking down at the waves below, the tense air that seemed to have enveloped him immediately disintegrated. He exhaled fiercely as he frowned in thought and disbelief, his hand now cradling his forehead as he struggled to take it all in.
Another breath in, another deep sigh, this one much more stable, and he was cool, calm, collected Rio again, but obviously concerned and thinking. His brow was slightly knotted still as he thought, or tried to, about a girl named Orocia. Or perhaps he should say woman? He leaned back on his arms behind him, legs over the edge of the boardwalk, staring at the ocean as was his habit.
Finally, he spoke. This whole time Aerin had no idea what Rio was going to do. He was more than relieved to see his friend be able to maintain his trademark composure.
"There's not many girls named Orocia."
Aerin stayed quiet for a bit, hands in his pockets, just staring at the back of Rio's head of black hair. A quaint breeze rolled by and helped to ease any leftover tensions away.
"Yeah.." What the hell else could he say?
Another moment of thoughtful silence. Really it wasn't thoughtful, but it was one of those silences that lingered on the words that were said before it.
Rio kept on looking at the ocean, the high sun's light dancing on the waves. "What did she look like?"
Aerin smiled, although still exerted some solemn respect to the moment. "Good. Real good."
Rio turned slowly around to look at Aerin, and Aerin was glad to see that Rio was actually smiling.
"If you see her again, don't touch her. Not until I know for sure whether or not she's my sister, no matter how good she looks." A sly grin spread on Rio's face.
Aerin laughed out loud, although a little nervously. "Too late for that, guy..."
"You horny bastard.."
"No! Not like that! Really! I'll tell you all about her--"
"I don't wanna know how good she is, Aerin, I don't really want to think about my possible sister like that-"
"I'M SERIOUS! If you'd just let me fucking explain!"
"You're serious about how good she is? Great, thanks for the mental images, Aerin, of you and my sister banging around.." Although Rio was joking, in the back of his mind the anger and disappointment he had for his sister and the things she did were digging down to the soft core of his heart against the hope and sadness from hearing her name again. It was bittersweet, more bitter than sweet. The memories from that heartbreaking fight flooded him. And here he was looking at the waves, thinking he was successful in making himself forget. He felt really guilty for leaving her. He felt guilty for hitting her. He felt guilty for not letting her explain, for not really caring to understand..
"Rio, damn you, you love to fuck my words around!" Aerin felt his face get a little hot from embarrassment. If she was his sister..
Rio chuckled lightly, his eyes closed. He could see and feel the warm sun through his lids as a bright red. It was a beautiful day. On the surface he knew he was just trying to forget it all again, get past it. But deep inside he felt his heart leap at the chance, the hope, to make things finally right again.
Some bells began to toll, calling for their sailors to come back to work. Rio picked himself up and didn't care to fix his uniform. "...Tell me about her later. I'm not gonna worry myself on it. Maybe Orocia isn't such a rare name after all, ya know?" He casually walked ahead of Aerin, seemingly undisturbed by the news, never looking back.
Aerin continued to study his friend, making sure he was alright and really back to normal. "..Yeah." He wanted to say so much more, to tell him the situation she was in, but he decided it was best to leave it at this for now.
Posted by Mavi Denn on 12-31-2001 04:50 AM
whats happening?...
Confused, Mavi felt as though everything was getting out of order...like something was still wrong.
Keyra was no longer a short, portly old woman but something far more hideous.
This is more like a bad dream...
Deep in thought, Mavi noticed little of what was happening around her.
Suddenly, an ear-peircing screech came from beside her, Kans was being dragged on the ground by the once-Keyra thing.
KANSIVAN!!!
Mavi sprinted after Kans, who was being dragged along the ground by his ankles, he stomach to the ground.
Scratching and grappling for anything that would slow his swift progress, Kans grabbed hold of a sappling, which unfortunatly snapped in half by the sheer force of his grip and the speed at which he was going.
Mavi knew it would be hopeless to run after him, for he was being dragged far faster than she could run.
The trail...
Following the scratch marks and the long trail of unearth dirt and debris, Mavi managed to follow it to a partially hidden cove along the shore.
Cramming her small body into the crack which was the opening, she could just imagine the pain of being dragged over the sharp rocks.
KANSIVAN!!! Mavi's voice echoed of the rock walls of the ever widening cavern.
A faint groan emanated from a tiny crack only visible by the light that escaped from it. Easing her way into the crack in the rock wall, she peered inside a small roomed lit by torches which lined the wall.
This reminds me of the fairy tale...Hans and Grettle
In far corner, Mavi saw the limp form of Kansivan and the shadowy figure of the once-Keyra creature.
"Now my little boy. Your just going to sit tight there until I get back. I'm going child hunting!"
With that, The creature lifted a torch from its pedestal on the rock face and made its way toward the crack, from which Mavi made a hasty escape. Hiding in a small alcove out of view, Mavi waited for the creature to pass before she krept into the cave again.
Picking her steps carefully, Mavi silently moved to the almost dead form of Kans, curled up, gagged and tied up.
"Psst. Kans. Wake up!"
When Kans didn't move, Mavi became worried, but the worst thing was the sound of the creature returning.
Carefully, Mavi lowered herself in one of the large jars in a corner, making sure that it was in the back and empty.
As soon as the lid plopped on, The creature entered through the crack and grunted angrily.
"That li'l girl isn't here. She must have escaped."
Her mind racing, Mavi tried to think of what was so wrong with this situation.
This isn't real.
"Wait! This IS a dream!
Mavi attempted everthing she could think of that would wake her up, when the idea came to her.
OOC: I know this is sort of "twilight zonish" but i'm running out of ideas and i'm going off the top of my head...
__________________
God Bless America
Posted by Mavi Denn on 12-31-2001 04:53 AM
Enough is Enough
OOC: Ok, enough is enough. This story is getting weirder and weirder...i'm going to start over now and make Mavi's story a lot better than this. Its too...out of the ordinary. (once I think of the story of course...)
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God Bless America
Posted by Orocia Agua on 01-01-2002 05:22 AM
Just some character development.. nothing important
OOC: Hey Mavi, I was liking your story! I was thinking it was just a neat take on a dedication test or something..? Don't know what a little kid would do with magic powers but it'd sure be interesting!
IC:
Orocia found herself walking into the red-light district of town. To those not instructed it would have looked like just another of the rougher bar-and-tavern districts. But there were enough pretty (and pretty enough to the drunken eye) women, and men beautifully and not so beautifully disguised as women, and even gigolos lurking around bars, dark alleyways, and corners; the furniture that could be seen through the few open windows were more plush, but more broken in and worn out as well. There was a mix of smoke and perfume and alcohol and skin in the air.. the incense of sin, one could say. These were the signs that Orocia naturally and instantly picked up on.
She leaned her back against a post full of signs and advertisements. Although smoking wasn't a habit of hers, the smell in the air gave her a small craving. Just for something to do, anyways. It'd help relax her, because already her mind was going back again.
There were rough times sometimes, especially in the beginning. Thank goodness they were few and far between, but when they happened Orocia found herself walking the streets of the lower classes of Corner and Southdale. She'd find plenty of customers.. obviously, when life sucks, you need something to take your mind away from reality. And usually, it was either or all of the following: booze, gambling, drugs, or sex. And when life sucks, people tend to hold more grudges. So Orocia had plenty of people to please and kill. Later on, she found herself walking the rough streets more often to bring her back to reality. Although her loyal customers of the upper class paid her with plenty of pocket change and fine things and meals and housing, she knew that at any time she could find herself again on those rough streets: and she wisely established her presence in all the dark shadows in every neighborhood of those two towns. People knew her by just her presence, she was a shadow, not the flashy ray of light she was as a sailor. People didn't really know who she was until they met her (be it by bed or knife), but nonetheless her presence was powerful. Only her loyal rich customers knew her by name.
She was about to slide down the post to sit on the ground but a smooth voice stopped her.
"Sorry, Special, this is my side of town."
She looked to her right to see a pair of pants. She looked up to see a young man. He was beautiful.
"I'm not working the streets tonight, baby. Don't worry." Orocia smiled at him. He was really cute. "Would ya happen to have a smoke?" Orocia knew he would. Any smart street courtesan would have the goods to make their clientele happy.
"Yeah," he pulled out a cigarette and lighted it up for her. "You don't look like you're from these parts, Special." He joined her and casually draped his arm over her shoulders.
Wow, he's really good.. Orocia thought. He's already working his charm on me.. Orocia found herself unable to resist the attention.
He sat there silently, offering his companionship until he saw interested customers.
"So how long have you been doing this?"
"Oh, 3 years, I'd say.."
"How old are you?" Orocia gawked at him, and wasn't shy about it at all, mostly since it was his job to please. He was gorgeous: bright auburn hair, dark honey eyes, and his voice... His muscles were nicely toned, it suited his just slightly tall stature well.
"22." He pulled out a cigarette for himself.
"Did you do anything before?" Orocia cuddled herself up to him for warmth against the chill in the air. He responded by pulling her inside his long jacket and petting her hair.
"Yeah, would you believe I was in the military?"
Orocia stayed quiet, looking at the small glow at the end of her cigarette.
"Heh, there's a reason why it's 'don't ask, don't tell,' Cherry.."
Orocia leaned her head on his shoulder, looking up at him. "People have dark secrets."
"..Yeah." He scanned the area again.
"When'd you get out?"
"Eh, when I was 19. Dropped out of the Academy. I didn't know what the hell I wanted to do with my life anyway." He took a big puff of his cigarette and amused Orocia by puffing out a series of O's.
She felt a little sorry for him. But he seemed more than able to handle himself. "Is there anything you want to do?"
He stayed quiet, smoking. "...I kinda don't care right now."
She said nothing for a moment. Her heart felt heavy for him. It wasn't pity, just sadness. Softly, she said,"Give yourself some time.." She touched his face and moved it to look back at her.
He had a funny expression on his face as he looked back at her. "Time? Whatever. I can die tomorrow for all I care." He smiled and laughed a little. "You sure are friendly. Why do you even care?"
Orocia nudged her head on his shoulder again. "I don't know. I'm a softy like that, I guess."
"I like it. Funny, you don't even know my name."
"I don't care to."
"But I thought you cared?"
Orocia laughed out loud. "Oh, shut up!" She looked back into his eyes for a moment. But he spoke first.
"You know, your eyes.. they're really sad." He felt it wrong to ask why.
Orocia continued to look up at him. "I was about to say the same for you."
"Hm." They faced each other still. "Well, don't worry about me, Sugar. I'll find my way someday, if you're really worried about that."
Orocia sat up and hugged her knees, still in his jacket, looking forward out into the night. "Let's hope we don't die before that happens." She smushed her cigarette down into the dirt infront of her.
He looked down at her curiously for a moment, then shook her hair affectionately. "Wish I could know ya better, darling, you seem like a real sweet thing..."
She looked at him through the corner of her eyes and smiled mischievously. "Do you see many women?"
He was looking into space, smoking, smiling a bit,"..Not as much as I'd like. I swing both ways, but as you can imagine not too many ladies come strolling down the street like the gentlemen do." He added a soft, suggestive squeeze to his one-armed embrace.
She thought on it. He was really cute. And he'd enjoy it more than usual, poor guy. She leaned back on the post again, and pulled his cigarette away from his mouth.
He grinned slowly,"...Is that a yes?"
She moved in between his legs and leaned against his chest facing him, cuddling up again,"No, it's a 'Wish I could'.. "
"What ya got to hold ya back, Special? You got a man?"
"No, ..not really." She drew little shapes on his chest as she laid her head on his shoulder again.
He lowered his tone,"So what's the problem?" He moved his hands under her shirt and she didn't stop him.
"It's a long story... and I'm too lazy to cut it short." By now he was unbuttoning her shirt and kissing her, but never on the lips. The experienced courtesan knew how heartwrenching a passionate kiss could feel, with no real love behind it. It's usually a rookie's first mistake. You could go all the way and not feel any sort of intimacy, but never, ever find yourself locked in a passionate kiss, unless you could handle feeling intimate with someone while knowing it wasn't real affection. The majority of people can't.
Somehow the two found themselves standing up, her pushed up against the post. He stopped for a moment, his mouth to her ear and whispered,"You sure?" A part of her wanted to go on, not just for her but a little service for him as well, but she knew she had to get back to reality. She dropped two dralars in his hand and buttoned her shirt back up. He was more than surprised.
Orocia grinned up to him, "You should try out the nicer neighborhoods. I'm sure there's plenty of disgruntled housewives looking for fun.." She kissed him on the cheek,"Get yourself some new clothes, fix yourself up real good. Once they see you walking around with no particular place to go, they'll start talking and get interested and they'll pass you around like a dirty secret." She winked at him. "And they'll treat you real good. Women especially, they'll just baby a hunk like you!"
He just looked down at her for a long moment, into her eyes. "You're a fallen angel, aren't you?" He bent down to kiss her, on the lips... but she turned her face away.
"You're smarter than that. Don't you know the courtesan's curse? Once you kiss someone you're chained to them." She lightly pushed him away from her and stepped to the side.
But before she said goodbye, she noticed a particular ad on the post she had just walked from: a notice for the bounty on her head. Her eyes stayed glued to it till she finished reading, and then for a little longer to make sure it was for real. He just stood there looking at her with curiosity.
"You a bounty hunter?"
"No.." Orocia reread the price on her head one more time,"...but hell, for 1,000 dralar I'd give it a shot." She turned to face him and smiled,"Even an old lady would pull out a gun for that price. How about you?"
He had his hands in his coat pockets and was toeing the ground,"...Not interested."
Orocia grinned back at him, took one good last look of him, then walked up and kissed him on the cheek again,"Take care, and goodbye." She walked off back to the inn. She didn't want to freak Caliph out by staying out too late.
He watched as she left, and scanned the area again for any other customers, but tonight didn't seem like it'd bring in any more cash. Not like he wasn't just now well provided for... He looked at the notice again, and noticed that the girl he was with and the woman described in the notice had striking similarities. "Some coincidence." But he didn't think any more on it and instead felt blessed by what he felt was a fallen angel.
Cue: if ya want to, Caliph. If you do, Orocia might seem a little depressed/quiet/distant/deep in thought, but of course she'll try to hide it or play it off.
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-02-2002 01:23 PM
OOC: Seems slow around here... Hopefully things'll pick up.
IC: The arrow screamed through the air; swiftly and smoothly, it embedded itself in the soft wood of a rotting tree stump. It had missed it's mark; Arkiri was aiming for a knotch in the tree 5 feet to the left of the long dead stump.
"You're still overcompensating," said, chuckling lightly. He was standing a few feet away, watching her as he had watched one of his good friends train so many times when he was younger. He knew some of the finer points of marksmanship, though he had never taken up a bow or firearm himself.
"You won't be gigglin' when I miss something and hit you!" she snapped. She was downright furious at herself. Not only had she made very little progress with her training since she and Zander had made their way down Mt. Nyliam, but she still hadn't once hit anything she'd aimed for.
Five days from Mt. Nyliam, Zander had suggested that she choose another trade, but that had only feuled the fires of her resolve. She wouldn't training until she was as good a marksman as Zander was a swordsman. However, her resolve hadn't improved her shot in the least.
On top of all this she was getting rather annoyed with Zander's sudden babbling about some other Holy Knight who was in trouble. 'What the hell does he care?' she thought. 'He's so wrapped up in his own world, he doesn't pay attention to me!'
Outright childish is what she was. But Zander knew better than to defend himself when she started snapping at him. He thanked the Creator that he had grown up with so many females around him. He had his mother, his friends in the town of Xellos, and the young girl that had helped his mother with odd jobs around the house, and taking care of him. She was four years older than him and for most of his younger years he had dreamt ofbeing with her, but she eventually married a rich young noble in Gania and his nieve and childish deams had gone along with her.
Zander wondered, 'Could Arkiri feel like that towards me?' It wouldn't have surprised him, but he brushed it off, not thinking it important at the moment. What was important to him was getting to this Holy Knight before it was too late. He could feel the life dwindling in the man's body, even from so far away. The feeling hadn't been so strong from Nyliam, but now, between Farai and Toyr, he could feel it more clearly.
*******
That evening, sitting next to the campfire, Arkiri'sfrustration melted away as they remenisced on all the things they had seen and done already. But as Arkiri's frustration subsided, Zander became more and
more on edge.
There had been something more tugging at his mind since he became a Holy Knight. He had sensed it coming from west of the area they were camping in that night. It was a dark, cold feeling that gave him goosebumps even sitting so close to the fire. At first, Zander had thought the darkness and the other Holy Knight's peril might be connected, but now he could tell they weren't. Still, the velvety black sky above him, along with the feeling of such darkness and evil growing inside him was making him long to be on the road again as soon as possible.
Arkiri had been traveling with him long enough with his new abilities as a Holy Knight to know that something was bugging him, but Zander didn't want to tell her about the darkness he was feeling; not just yet. Zander was relieved that she didn't press him about it, though he could tell she wanted to know.
After stuffing their faces with rolls and a rabbit Arkiri had accidentally hit with another off-mark arrow, (she'd cried when she found out she had killed it), the two banked the fire and curled up in their respective bed-rolls.
'Only two more days to Helial,' Zander thought. 'Then we make our way to Fayre and begin searching for this fallen Knight.'
Cue: Orocia or Caliph. You know what's coming, just remember that Arkiri's gonna be a little brat towards Orocia.
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Bara Chinder on 01-02-2002 10:11 PM
A new road
Bara turned his back on his home land.
The pangs of guilt and pain came over him again but he seldom now paid any attention to them. it was high time to move on. The urge to find somthing to occupy himself had become overbareing.
"Time to go.." he said flatly to no one in particular.
He glanced to the north at the hollow crags, he had decided to set off south untill he was passed the city of parvini, joining the road to synarin outside the city limits. He did not like the country that far south but wanted to stay clear of parvini as he was not fond of the city.
Decided so. He set off due south keeping close enough to the loose farm land of the nomads but not close enough to risk meeting many. There was less chance of meeting pack creatures there. All to aware of how alone he was. he did not often take off on long journeys but it was high time to go and he had no real destination.
The land was sparse as far as he could see. Not much cover. Hed have to make a long distance before nightfall. he had food for maybe three days and knew that this was more than enough. No meat that he would take care of when he set up for the night.
He worked his way south over low hills and through rough fields untill dusk sank. On a light supper of flat bread, cheese and a familiar root vegtable, found in one more modern field, he set out traps and sat down to asses his options.
"Into Lunis....I could find some intresting stuff there a lot happening there as I Hear. But the people are so Pompous and gaudy. And the magic too." Then he could go along the border and cross the river into Nyliam. He did not know much about that Place, only that there seemed to be some conflict with lunis. Maybe Lunis was a better idea.
" soft country," he thought.
A rustle and catlike screech told him that there would be meat for lunch tomorrow.
"Sorry girl." he said as he stood ove the lowland cat caught in the snare.
*THUR*
These creatures were easy to kill and skin and would get three good meals if you used them properly. his dagger had cut the things throught out and he slashed the way down the belly and let the guts spill out.
They would be left to the insects and birds.
Before long he had the cat cut up and grilling over the camp fire. The camp its self was a field corner one of the few walled areas you would find in this area. The wall served to cover two sides he could curl up in the corner and look into the field. A handy spot to set down.
when the cat was cooked he layed sections out in thick paper and put them in his backsack, safe from small carnivores the fire was dying so he commited himself to sleep.
Bara awoke to the distant shouting of a few harvesting root farmers. eager to avoid any confrontation before the road he hurridly packed away the few impliments he had used grabbed his staff and set off on the other side of the wall. keeping low so as not to be discovered too soon. The fire and remains would be found, but noone would know who would have been here.
He was maybe half way to the parvini area by mid afternoon and apart from a short confrontation with a large boarlike creature, a redtusk, he had met nothing of intrest. As the plainar area gave way to geography he felt a little relief. A small stream which flowed off towards soulwood gave good drinking and cleaning water. "More cover." he thought. he was still not feeling that social. He would press on till into starlight tonight.
As he walked on towards the south he wondered how he would get on would he come back? Would he be able to? What would he find? Do?...He gripped his staff, Feeling the rough carvings on it.
"one way to find out"
OOC:*thur* is the best thing i could think of to describe the noise of a hefty knife stroke.
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If pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of congress.
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 01-04-2002 12:11 AM
A shadowy figure darted lightly through the trees toward the campsite, avoiding bright patches of moonlight. Nearby soldiers felt a slight chill in the air as it passed them by, but otherwise detected nothing unusual. It paused just inside the tree line and began to take on a form. Soon a young woman, who appeared to be badly injured staggered out from the dense foliage and collapsed to the ground nearby the makeshift hospital. Not long after, a pair of patrolling guards attracted by the noise rushed to her side and examined her wounds, brushing her long black hair out of the way. One of the guards, a newly enlisted private, cradled her as gently as he could in his arms.
She must have run into the Nylian patrol…, he thought with some amount of anger. Although the battle had been over for some time the casualties continued to pour in. But still, what kind of monster could harm such a beautiful girl? He shook her in an attempt to rouse her from her semi-conscious state. It seemed to work as she stirred and stared up at him with her misty grey eyes.
“Please help me………I’m looking for my sister…..” She gasped and and fell unconscious again, slumping against the young man’s breastplate. He turned and snapped at the second man behind him.
“Don’t just stand there!! Go get a medic! Quickly!!”
*******************(the next morning)
Scarlet slowly opened her eyes and winced at the early morning sunlight. She jumped out of the bedroll quickly, donning a pair of breeches and a tunic as she did so. It had been custom for her to visit Alex in the hospital for the past few days. He had been badly injured and even though healers had been able to keep him alive, they couldn’t bring him out of his coma. The groans of injured men and women greeted her as she pushed back the flap from the tent. She noticed a newly filled cot in the corner, but didn’t stop to look at its occupant. At the moment she was more concerned with Alex’s welfare. She was disappointed to find him in the same state. Nearby, the newcomer stirred and moaned, attracting the attention of a healer. Scarlet could hear the girl mumbling something about her sister and turned to leave the tent.
“Sister….Scarlet…I have to find her..”
She wheeled suddenly and stared at the hunkered figure of the healer, leaning over the cot. Now she noticed the raven black hair, but it couldn’t be. It just couldn’t be.
But it was.
“Reika!”
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"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-04-2002 06:05 PM
The Dedication
The young orphan boy, nicknamed Arboreal Prowler, walked up to the temple and was brought inside. He was there to take his test of Dedication. He did not wonder whether he would become a magic user, or a swordsman, or simply an artisan destined to lead a perfectly normal, dull life. He did not really care. He didn't know why he came here. Something seemed to draw him there.
He soon found himself in a place without light. There was black, empty space all about him. He feared at first that he had been dropped into some horrible chasm, a bottomless pit, and that he would never see the light of day ever again.
Then he saw two images. To his left was a beautiful elven girl. She had golden hair that flowed almost to her feet, which were bare under her dress. She wore a lacy, silk, white gown that fell about to her ankles and was being blown by some wind that he could not feel. Her eyes were large, but somehow fit her face, as if they weren't at all big. As he looked into her eyes, a fire glowed red, deep from within them. The flames pierced him to the soul, reached into the very depths of his heart and pulled forth all the emotion that had been building up his entire life, sixteen years. As her eyes pulled this emotion forward, he suddenly began to sob uncontrollably. He felt incredibly drawn to her, for in only a few seconds she had reached into his soul and made him feel things he'd never felt. He finally grieved for Ashakiri, the demi-wolf that raised him. He had never grieved for her before now. He suddenly longed to see the village where he was born, for he did not remember it. He had never thought about it until now. And suddenly, he wanted to feel the warm embrace of a loving girl. This elven girl brought all of this emotion out of him, and he loved her deeply for that. He had only known her for a few moments, and he was in love with her on a spiritual leve. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
To his right was a beautiful redwood tree. Its leaves were the richest, most beautiful green, and there were millions of them. He saw it, and almost forgot about the elven girl. As he looked at the tree, all of his natural instincts inside him were revealed. He suddenly felt very close to nature. He felt like a wild animal instead of a man. He wanted only to climb the tree, to swim in the rivers and streams, to hunt in the woods...
...to prowl in the shadows at night.
This last thought frightened him. It seemed to carry some dark purpose in it. But he felt very drawn to the tree. He wanted to live in the woods for the rest of his life, leaping through the trees and hunting stag.
He was equally drawn to the breathtaking, beautiful elven girl, as he was to the tree. He knew now that he was meant to make a choice. But how could he choose between an incredible love with the elven girl, one that could fulfill him and make him eternally happy, and the love for nature, where he could roam free from judgment of humans, run as the wolves do through the woods?
Then a revelation came to him. He should not have to choose. MAN AND NATURE SHOULD BE ONE. Man should leave his buildings and his wars, and return to the forest to live as natural beings, as animals.
He took the two images and combined them.
He then found himself in a beautifully decorated room, facing an old, wise-looking mage. "You have passed your test young one."
"Am I to be a mage, or a fighter?" the boy asked.
The Mage paused, then said, "Neither, my son. You have a very unique fate." The mage raised his hand and took the boy's forearm in it. For such an aged man, he had an amazingly strong, firm grip. He held onto the arm for what seemed like an eternity. When he finally released it, there was a large, fine tattoo on it. But it was not one of the symbols that is normally received. It was a magnificent, black wolf's face, and a great tree in the background. "You, my son, are already very close with nature, though you have been away from it for several years. Though you will not admit it, you are still incredibly drawn to the forest, and long to return. You have within you an incredible power that allies yourself with nature. From this day forth, you shall be one with nature. You will have the ability to travel through the woods with great ease, and you will be able to hide yourself among the trees so that nobody could possibly spot you. You will be forever safe in the shadows of the forest, of the trees. You will also acquire very good skill with bladed weapons, and become a great marksman with a long bow. Use your abilities wisely, my son."
The boy stood there for several moments in wonder, still trying to process this unbelievable information he had just received. His head was bowed, but when he looked up, the mage was gone. The room darkened, and he saw something, he didn't know what it was, but it filled him with great fear. He ran from the temple, not stopping to look back once. He kept running for what seemed like years...
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Linerin Gheral on 01-05-2002 02:53 PM
Linerin gazed out toward the southeast. Toward Fayre. A smile crossed his lips and he turned to take his seat in the center of the room. Shortly after, Gravan appeared and addressed him.
“Lord, where is Reika? I’ve searched for her yet she is not here.”
“Patience Gravan. I’ve sent her on a mission.”
“So soon? But Master…” Linerin’s eyes narrowed threatningly and his tone became harsh.
“It is my decision alone Gravan. You will do well to remember that. She is ready and more than eager to go.” He smiled once more. “She should be near the Lunari camp by now…..”
__________________
As the Mistress of the Night wills it...
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 01-05-2002 02:55 PM
“S-Scarlet..?” Reika’s eyes flickered to her face and studied her intently.
“It’s me Reika….What are you doing here and how did you find me?” Scarlet winced as she looked upon her sister’s scrapes and bruises.
“I came to Asheri…asked about you and Xarou….followed you…” She began to succumb once more to exhaustion, and Scarlet let her go. Turning to the healer she inquired to her appearance in the camp.
“A pair of guards found her late last night and brought her into the tent. She kept calling your name.”
“Then why didn’t you come and get me?!”, she demanded, glaring at the young man.
“I didn’t realize she meant you until you came over just now. I apologize Highness.” Scarlet bit her lip and looked down at Reika, grasping her hand as she did so. She gasped suddenly and fairly flung it down over Reika’s waist.
“What’s wrong?!” Scarlet began to shiver as she stood from her seat at Reika’s side.
“Her hands…..they’re like ice…..like a corpse..” The healer looked at her strangely, but said nothing. A pregnant pause settled over both of them, only to be broken by a series of whimpers from Reika. Fueled by the concern welling up within her, Scarlet seized a chair and pulled it so that she could sit by her sister’s side.
“What happened to her?”
“As far as we can tell, she must have crossed paths with the Nylian patrol. Her wounds suggest she was ambushed, probably hit from behind.” Scarlet bowed her head to hide her anger, but it couldn’t keep it out of her voice.
“I’ll never forgive them for what they’ve done…….Never…..” She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up into the sympathetic face of the healer.
“Highness, my name is Ruadan. Please allow me to be of any assistance to you and your sister.” Scarlet smiled and turned her attention back to Reika.
“Will she be alright?”
“It’s hard to say. The best thing for her now is rest.” She sighed and slumped against the back of the chair.
“I won’t leave her side until she’s well again.”
“Highness…”
“She’s my sister…..it’s the least I can do.”
“I understand.” Ruadan nodded then left the two women to attend to other patients. A tear rolled down Scarlet’s face and she found herself reaching for her sister’s hand again….
“I’m so sorry Reika……This is all my fault…” Thoughts of guilt began to torment her, making her weep in response. From under the thick veil of her lashes, Reika watched Scarlet’s internal agony and fought to keep herself from smiling.
What a fool….., she thought with a high amount of amusement. And now to have some fun….
She began to thrash and moan, immediately bringing Scarlet out of her tears. Her hand linked with her sister’s and held it tight.
“Reika! Reika, wake up! Please!!” She was now aware of an eerie sensation enveloping her body from the inside out. It was like being plunged into an icy river and slowly dissolving….Her head swam and her vision became blurry. She felt as if her soul was being drained……
Reika gripped Scarlet’s hand fiercely like a predator would its prey. Her eyes reflected an intense hunger and she fed off her own sister’s energy. She noticed her eyes were rolling up into the back of her head and she seemed to be going into convulsions. Reika was tempted to simply drain her completely and leave nothing behind but a shriveled husk that was her body.
But that wouldn’t be any fun….,she thought with grim jollity. So she tore her hand away from Scarlet’s and let her drop to the ground in a dead faint.
As Scarlet fell into blackness she faintly heard the sound of cruel laughter overhead.
Reika…?
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-05-2002 03:12 PM
"Why are we going to Fayre anyway? Isn't that the front line of the war?" Arkiri asked Zander while packing up her bed-roll. She was irritated at his preoccupation with the Holy Knight that Zander said he could feel was in peril.
"I know, I said I didn't want to get involved in the war, and I won't if I can help it," he replied, strapping his sword to his back and checking to be sure it could be drawn quickly and smoothly. "But I may not have the luxury of a choice."
The pair was now only a day's journey from Helial and from there they would travel to Fayre where Zander could feel the faint presence of a Holy Knight. Something more troubled him though. He was nervous now about an evil that was moving in the south, and it seemed to be very close indeed to the Holy Knight that he sought. This now troubled him far more than the great darkness he had felt in the direction that he and Arkiri had come, for that one was still and unchanging. It wasn't as pressing or threatoning as this new darkness, though they seemed to have the same source.
Zander decided that he could not decipher this riddel with the little information he had and would be forced to do little more than speculate till he reached Farai. With this in mind, he turned his thoughts away from the puzzle and instead on the girl who was mounting Malach.
"I'm sorry I've been so distant since I've taken up this new quest of sorts, it's really not fair to you, but this is something I feel I have to do. This man's life is in danger, and as a fellow Holy Knight, you might consider him my brother."
Arkiri nodded, but said nothing. She understood, in a way she always had, but she was too stubborn and selfish to see it. Suddenly, she felt guilty for her childish desires and for all the trouble she must be to him. 'Damn you Zander, why do you always have to make me feel so guilty?' she thought.
"Am I too much trouble, Zander?" She asked at last. "Would you rather I leave you when we reach Helial?"
Zander chuckled, making her feel even more like an idiot than she already did.
"What in all Aeterna gave you that idea?" Zander questioned her almost jokingly. Then his voice became serious and soothing, "You know that I would have gone mad without you to keep me company. You're no trouble at all, Arkiri. I honestly enjoy having you around."
She knew he was telling the truth. He had never lied to her before and his tone made her even more certain that he wasn't just trying to make her feel better. But she could tell that it wasn't in any way a romantic gesture either. She couldn't figure out why, but that dissappointed her.
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-05-2002 07:28 PM
The Prowler
Soon he came to a small town. It was surrounded mostly by thick forest. He knew he should keep heading for Gania, but something made him want to go into those woods. Something made him YEARN to enter those woods. He left the road and disappeared in the trees. He ran through the woods, climbing trees without the slightest difficulty, leaping from treetop to treetop.
Night came. The boy's heart was filled with some darkness. He felt some great desire to do something dark and evil. To hunt. To prey on the townsfolk.
He drew near the town. There were still people walking in the streets, but not so many now that it was dark. "They are afraid of the dark," he said under his breath, with an evil chuckle. "It is because of me. They fear the dark because it brings me."
He entered the town and walked down the main road, looking about for his prey. Choosing the kill. His mind had lost control, and his animal instincts had taken over. Killer instinct. Two girls his age approached walking in the other direction. He was naked now, for he had torn off his pants while frolicking in the woods. He had thrown down the necklace in the same place. He was also rather lean and muscular from all the running he had been doing. So the two girls saw this naked, filthy, animal-like man walking toward them with hungry eyes.
"Oh, what a horrid creature!" cried one of them. They drew the attention of the constable across the street, who in turn saw the naked animal-boy.
"Hey, you there!" the constable yelled out. The girls hurried away, and before he knew what hit him, four constables had beaten him down with the hilts of their sabres and knocked him out, putting him under arrest.
The boy awoke in a cold, damp cell. He was still naked, and his head was in great pain. As he felt the back of his head, he found it was caked over with dried blood. He had forgotten speech, so he just snarled at the guard.
He laid there, feigning sleep, until the guard went into a room to do something, out of sight of the prisoner. The boy immediately jumped up and drove his hand against the steel bars that closed off the window. The metal crumpled and flew off of the opening, leaving a large whole in the stone wall. The adrenaline pumping through his veins had given him incredible strength, though he broke every bone in his hand. He scrambled out the hole and into the night, with the guard yelling after him. He was free. Free to stalk the night.
He ran out of town back to the woods, but lingered just outside town. He heard the cries of many men as they were roused from sleep by the constables. The town was forming a mob to find him and kill him. He dashed through the forest along the edge of town until he reached a large house, almost like a mansion. There was a large balcony on this side of the house, and it was on the outside of a girl's bedroom. He become excited as the girl entered the room. She was the one who had seen him on the street earlier that night. She was dressed in her sleeping gown, and came out onto the balcony for a breath of fresh air. He was hiding in a tree right next to the balcony.
The girl heard a few leaves rustle in the tree. At first her expression was one of alarm, then of joy. "Antony, is that you?" Her expression changed from joy to surprise, then fear when she heard heavy panting coming from the tree. Excitement had filled the boy almost completely. Finally, animal urge drove him from the tree and he jumped onto the balcony, tackling the girl and pinning her to the ground.
The girl was filled with terror as the boy hungrily tore away all that she wore. But she did not resist the boy's advance. She was horrified, but hypnotized by some animal quality in her assailant. She was frozen. But while he was busy with this evil work, a servant ran into the bedroom and saw the horrible crime taking place on the balcony. The girl had not been screaming, but the servant began to. The boy looked up at the servant hatefully as he ran out to the balcony to help the girl. The boy jumped off of the girl. He grabbed the servant's throat and ripped it open with his bare hand. The wide-eyed servant fell to the ground, blood gushing out of the large hole in his throat, and soon was dead.
The boy returned to his deed for a minute, adrenaline pumping hard through his body, but was soon interupted by the cries of the mob in the street coming toward the house. They knew where he was and they were coming for him. He left the girl lying naked on the balcony, with his bloody handprints all over her, and disappeared into the forest. The girl, though horrified at the crime that had just been committed against her, watched disappointedly as the boy fled.
The boy ran as fast as he could. He was still filled with adrenaline, but not excitement. He was running for his life now. He sat, curled up, under a tree, breathing hard. He couldn't believe what he had just done. What had come over him? Animal instincts?
He found his pants, and the necklace, and put them back on. The mob was drawing near, and he hid in the shadows under a tree. He watched them all arive. There were at the least 50 men. They all stopped running. They all had either torches, pitchforks, swords or spears. They must be stopping to regroup, he thought. There was much talking among the constables and the trackers that had come along, and finally one of the constables yelled, "He went this way!" and they all ran off. Once they were gone, the boy walked out in the clearing where they had stood. They couldn't see him. The shadows were all that had been needed for him to hide. He ran through the forest and back to the road.
He ran all the way to Gania. He rested for one night and went on to the Avisis Woods. He arrived in the woods at night, and he could sense that the Fiero were hunting him. He had not seen them, but he knew they were after him. They didn't find him, though. He was now more skilled in the woods than they were.
At around midnight, he walked through a line of bushes and found himself standing in front of a large pool of water. There was a waterfall feeding it. It was under that waterfall that it happened...
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-05-2002 11:18 PM
Deadly Midnight Ride
That was sixteen years ago. What happened in that town had been heard all over Gran Adageros, how a boy went into a town without any clothes on, covered in filth, and raped a girl and killed a man with his bare hands. The news did not die down for quite a while. When the Arboreal Prowler started gaining reputation and infamy, the incident was attributed to him without further ado.
Octavia was now 16, and more beautiful than any other girl her age that she knew of. Her blond hair fell well below her waste; only her bangs fell in front of her long ears. She was an elf, it's true. Her parents had been killed by a highwayman when she was an infant, and she was adopted by a fabulously wealthy family. They were eccentric, so did not mind taking in an elven child as their own.
She and her best friend, Ophelia, who sat next to her in the coach, were traveling to the Evisis Woods to visit Octavia's biological family - mostly cousins.
"Oh, Ophelia, how wonderful it will be to see my cousins again! They are such delightful people! It's a shame that they can't live together with humans."
"It is silly," remarked Ophelia, who was almost as gorgeous as Octavia, "that we all can't simply get along and live in peace."
They were nearing the Evisis Woods, and the road was very bumpy. No doubt, an excitable boy their age would have taken great pleasure in seeing the girls bounce up and down at each bump in the road. But they were alone in the coach. Ophelia looked out the window just before they entered the forest.
She gasped. "Oh my! The sun is setting! It is almost nightfall!"
"And what is the matter," asked Octavia, "are you afraid of the dark?"
"Well of course I am!" Ophelia giggled. "For someone who was born in these woods, you know surprisingly little about them! The demi-wolves that live here kill anyone who crosses Wolf Trail at night!" She leaned forward and yelled out to their head Man at Arms, who was seated next to the driver. "Alden! Should we be going into the Evisis Woods at night? It's too dangerous for my liking!"
"I know, my young madam," he answered, "but our horses are swift! We shall be in the village in no time, and any wolves that pursue us will be left in the dust."
This should have comforted the girls, but it didn't. A shadow seemed to fall over the coach. Their moods darkened for a moment, until Ophelia forced cheerfulness. "You know, the wolves aren't all that dwell in this forest."
"What else is there," asked Octavia, curiously.
"They say there is a man that prowls through the woods, looking for young flesh!"
"A man!" Octavia giggled at the mention of a man. "Well, my young flesh might not be taken!" They both giggled. She was referring to how she was betrothed to a young man, the son of an aristocrat. His name was Camiero. Her father had considered his suit the most persuading. Suitors had come from all over Aeterna to ask Octavia's hand in marriage. One of the suitors wound up taking Ophelia's hand, instead.
Suddenly the coach halted. They had been in the Woods for at least half an hour, and it was now pitch black outside. The girls were very afraid now, and there was a feeling of dread in the air. "What is the matter now? Why are we stopped?" Ophelia asked the Man at Arms. Her voice trembled a little.
"Well, it's the strangest thing," he answered. "I know these trails very well, and I know this road should turn north. But instead it turns south. It's... it's as if the road has been changed suddenly." They stood there, still for several minutes while the driver and the Man at Arms thought things through.
Octavia and Ophelia were deathly afraid now. "Oh, how I wish we were already in the village!" cried Octavia, thinking of her delightful cousins playing and frolicking, care-free. The girls could not help but look out the windows of the coach. They could see almost nothing outside but the cold shadows of the trees, black shapes against a black emptiness, it seemed. Octavia could have sworn she saw dark shapes moving in the woods. She started every time she saw it. She was filled with dread. The forest seemed to be closing in around them, swallowing them whole, unleashing on them a terror never before seen.
Suddenly the Man at Arms jumped, startled. Then his arms began to tremble as he grabbed the hilt of his sword. "Oh God! Oh dear God!" he exclaimed, terrified. "They're here! Five... no six... no seven! Oh God, they're evil!"
Indeed, there were seven black wolves standing in the road in front of the party. There was at least a dozen more all around the coach. The girls screamed. The several armed guards around the coach trembled with fear, absolutely terrified.
The wolves attacked. They pounced on the guards, on the Man at Arms, tearing at their flesh, ripping into their bodies with savage, sharp fangs and claws. In a matter of seconds, the men were all dead. The wolves began to circle the coach, their eyes glowing red, snarling. The two girls in the coach were trembling with fear, clutching each other's hands tightly, not knowing what else to do. They were both sweating profusely, and Octavia had wet herself.
Then the wolves made the move. They jumped on the coach, and they tore at the sides and the roof with their claws and teeth, ripping the whole coach apart with frightening speed. What light work they would make of a young girl! Now nothing stood between the girls and their certain death. They attacked Ophelia, sinking their hard, sharp teeth into her delicate, soft body. Octavia began to run from the scene, but stopped. She didn't want to leave her best friend. But all she could do was stand there, frozen with fear, and watch as her friend was torn limb from limb, blood splashing from her body and staining her beautiful white dress. The wolves savagely ripped her to pieces until her blood and flesh were all over the stagecoach. They did this amazingly fast, as well.
Octavia screamed and ran from the road as fast as she could, sobbing and crying with not only grief but terror, for she could hear the wolves pursuing her and gaining on her. She dreaded the creatures. But she knew and was terrified by how she would be killed and ripped apart savagely by the wolves in just a few moments, and her blood would stain the trees all around. She ran blindly through the dark woods, and could almost feel the wolves' breath on her legs, about to catch her and tear her to pieces. She fell on the ground, out of breath, and screamed out a strange name that she had never heard before. She didn't know where it came from, but it seemed to ring through the air. Right as the wolves caught up to her, she felt two hands grab her under the shoulders and lift her up into the trees. The sound of the wolves howling quickly faded away as she was rapidly carried through the trees. She fainted.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 01-06-2002 02:24 AM
“She’s coming around! Scarlet, can you hear me?”
Reika’s voice pierced through the inky blackness, washing over Scarlet like a cold bath. Her eyes cracked open into tiny slits to reveal her sister looming over her field of vision.
Wait a minute…..this isn’t right…
With the help of Reika and the on-duty healer she was able to sit up in the cot. It was in fact the same cot that she had been using only a few hours before.
“Aren’t you supposed to be here?,” she asked her, with a humored smirk that was returned with an equal amount of amusement. Her head throbbed, causing her to groan and clutch her screaming temples. “What happened? Why aren’t you hurt?”
“I’m not sure what happened, Scarlet. All I know is that I began to feel like I was being torn apart, and then you grabbed my hand….and suddenly it stopped….I could feel your strength. I think you used your power to heal me….” Scarlet looked up in amazement.
My power healed her? Why couldn’t I ever heal anyone before…?
Images started flickering through her mind like dancing candles. When Kaliva had attacked her and Indigo her wound had healed up almost immediately after. And then, the morning following the Nylian attack, there hadn’t been a scratch on her body. But that had been for herself…..So why was she able to heal Reika?….
Because I wanted to help her more than anything at that moment…..
She looked into her face, fighting tears as they swam to her eyes. Reika had risked her life to come and find her….. Without warning she found herself flinging her arms around her neck and sobbing into her raven hair. She felt her arms close around her shoulders, ignoring the icy sensation they left on her skin.
Why is she so cold?…….
“I’ve missed you too Scarlet. Tell me everything that’s happened. I haven’t seen Xarou anywhere. Did something happen to him? What about the boy that kidnapped you?” Calming herself, Scarlet explained the entire series of events and circumstances that had occurred since her departure from their home until the time of their arrival in the Lunari Army. Reika listened with intently, storing information that might prove to be vital later on. She mainly listened for names of those who would be important to the resistance. A smirk crossed her face as Scarlet told about her time with Indigo.
“So….my little sister is a woman now?” Scarlet blushed and bowed her head, avoiding her sister’s knowing stare. Giggles erupted from her as she felt the burning sensation spread down her body. Reika smiled mischievously and leaned in close to whisper in her ear.
“So is he any good?” Scarlet blinked in surprise then began to giggle again as she nodded.
“Very.” Reika leaned back in the chair, casually draping one arm over the back.
“So where is this Indigo?” As if on cue, his voice called out from outside the tent.
“Scarlet! Where are you?!” Grinning, she answered.
“I’m in here Indigo!” The flap of the tent pulled back to reveal her lover, looking immediately concerned when he saw her lying in the cot.
“Scarlet what happened? Are you alright?!” Her face became very grave and solemn as tears threatened.
“No Indigo……The healers don’t think I’ll survive the day. I just want you to know, that even in death, I’ll always love you.” Indigo’s eyes widened in shock, causing both Scarlet and Reika to break up in laughter. His face contorted into an expression of distinct unamusement as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“That’s not funny Scarlet.” He continued to sulk even as Scarlet wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek. Instead he shot a look of curiosity toward Reika, who was eyeing him every bit as inquisitively.
“New friend?” Scarlet straightened herself from her sitting position, tossing her hair over one shoulder.
“Indigo, this is my sister Reika. She came all the way here from Gania to find me. I already explained to her what happened with Xarou.” She continued to recite her story, including the incident earlier that morning to Indigo who seemed to take it in stride. If he had learned anything during his time with Scarlet, it was that anything was possible.
“You may want to inform General Dominic about your sister, Scarlet. That way he can at least send word to your parents that both of you are safe. And also you can get your own tent.,” he added, addressing Reika. Scarlet swung her legs out over the edge of the cot and rose shakily to her feet.
“Good idea Indigo. At least then we can also clear your name. They must still think you’re a criminal.” He shook his head and wrapped an arm low around her waist to steady her.
“Will you be alright?” She nodded, but leaned into him for support anyway.
Reika noted the gesture, and smiled. This was revealing itself to be a golden opportunity. Not only was she on the way to meeting the head of the Lunari Army but she had found a way to torture Scarlet…
…So Indigo…..after being with a little girl how would you feel with big sister?…
The three made their way to Victor’s tent, the two lovers completely unaware of the impending evil trailing behind them.
CUE: Victor or Indigo
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Kaori Aurora on 01-06-2002 11:22 AM
A very mundane day
OOC: Leo, I knew you were supposed to write a section about making some money, so I'll let you fill in the gap between the time...this would be considered two days after I woke up from the bar fight I had...
IC:
After two days of rest, well, apart from keeping Leo company as he sketch for people in the market, Kaori felt much better than when she first woke up after the bar fight. True, her ribs still throb a bit when she moves, but at least no longer does she get dizzy spells from the mild concussion that she had.
Wandering the stalls around the marketplace had become a habit for Kaori whenever Leo was immersed in his sketching, and today was no different. The sun was warm, and the milling of the crowd made the atmosphere even warmer. Being a seaport helped to blow off some of the stuffiness, but Kaori - used to milder weather of the northern cities - was sweating in her clothes. ~I need some new clothes, preferably something lighter. ~
Kaori looked into her purse to see how much money she had, her parents had made sure that she had enough money to see her through the journey to the temple and some more. But Kaori knew that after her dedication test, she would need to find some kind of job to bring in some money.
Choosing a summer dress, a pair of pants and a light shirt from one of the stores that was near the port, Kaori paid for the purchases and carried her package back to Leo's stand.
Seeing that the man was currently occupied with doing a sketch for a client, Kaori decided to go back to the inn to change before she suffocated in the thick clothes she had worn from Ioty.
Back in the inn, Kaori decided to wear the pants and shirt; seeing the kind of company that was down in the common room, if Kaori wore anything remotely feminine, she might have to fight again, and she was definitely in no condition to do that.
Whilst still in her room, Kaori heard some loud commotion from downstairs, but the sounds were muffled, and Kaori gave it no more thought. It wasn't until she heard running footsteps up the stairs towards the rooms on the second floor that Kaori's curiosity was stirred. But by the time she stuck her head out of her room door, all she saw was one of the nearby doors slam close with a bang.
Shrugging to herself that she missed whatever it was, Kaori closed the door behind her as she stepped out onto the corridor outside her door. Since it was nearing late afternoon, Leo might nearly be finished with the day's work, and Kaori did promise that she would meet back up with him when he closes up.
Going down the inn's stairs, Kaori saw some very disgruntled men sheathing their swords at the demands made by the innkeeper. It would seem that Kaori had just missed another fight. ~Thank the goddess for that! ~ Kaori thought as she exited the bar and into the streets.
OOC: I know, I know, this post seems very very mundane, but I just wanted to bring Na Pali into the story and get things moving again.
Cue: Leo, Leo, Leo... and Na Pali, we could probably meet when Leo and I come back to the inn for dinner or something like that...
__________________
'Tis strange - but true, for truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.'
~ Lord Byron
NightBane
Kodoku no U
Her View
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-07-2002 12:57 AM
The Lunari plains that Zander and Arkiri had been traversing for two days were finally broken by the sight of the large city of Helilal in the distance before them. The city was fairly small in comparison to Nyliam which was easily seven times Helilal's size, and was belittled by the seemingly endless plains surrounding it. Only the Enchanted forest to it's south and the Hollow Crags to the east lent any hint at Helilal's actual size.
Zander didn't much care for large cities lately. Since he became a Holy Knight, the Meshai on his face had drawn much attention from onlookers. The new publicity was especially evident in large cities where people would notice the silver mark and ask him to bless them or inquire his advice on spiritual matters.
He had once thought of trying to cover the Meshai up somehow, but thought better of it when he realized the respect it brought him from military officials, making his travel much easier. He also knew it would do him no good for a magi to find him practicing terra magic and have him arrested, not knowing he was a Holy Knight. Though it would be a simple situation to get out of, the time it might cost him didn't seem worth the effort. He would just have to endure the publicity that came along with it.
"We'll stay at an inn tonight then head out in the morning," Zander said, looking up at Arkiri who was seated in her usual place; on Malach's back. "There's little we need and I would like to get to Fayre as soon as possible; I don't know how long this other Holy Knight can hold out."
It seemed to Zander that the Knight had been in the same condition for quite some time, but the cold, dark, evil presence could still be felt in his vicinity. Light and dark in such close confines would eventually collide. With the Holy Knight in such a weakened condition, Zander feared that the darkness would prevail.
"You always want to be on the road. You're in such a rush to get to some guy who's supposed to be a wreck and in such life threatening condition, but he's been like that for so long!" Arkiri protested. "Isn't it possible that your feelings could be wrong? Can't we just take a break for a day or two? Besides, my butt hurts."
Zander tried his best to stifle the laugh caused by her last statement, but failed miserably and broke out in a torrent of light hearted laughter. It was a much welcomed sensation that, even if only for a few short moments, suppressed the cold darkness he had been feeling.
"Arkiri, I understand how you feel," Zander managed once his laughter had subsided. "even if my feeling is wrong, there will be plenty of time to take a break in Fayre once we find out, and if your butt hurts, by all means walk and give both your backside and Malach's a break." He felt like he was almost convincing himself as much as her; he had rested very little since he had left Gania more than three months prior.
Arkiri just glared back playfully, but thought that there was no shaking his resolve. She turned back to the city, growing ever closer, and stubbornly remained on Malach's back.
As the duo made their way into the city, their appearance, along with Zander's Meshai, did indeed attract many stares and workers took a pause from what they were doing to have a look at them.
Zander was relieved when they finally reached the inn, which was small and run down, but at least the beds were comfortable. It was also inexpensive, Zander's primary reason for choosing it over the more expensive lodging. He wasn't running low on cash, but he also had no means of earning money either, and he had no idea when he would be able to find a means of earning any.
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Bara Chinder on 01-07-2002 06:12 PM
OOC:I made a gross mis-calculation in my last post, Bara chinder is not half way to parvini at all. not after one day. sorry.
IC: Bara had been travelling due south for three days now and the land had gotten a good deal rougher. The partial agricultural land had given way to tough country side. Inspite of his tough ways and wild skills he knew he would soon long for a few creature comforts. Like a wash or somthing flavoured to eat.
It had been a long eventless drawn-out day. He was trying to stay far enough from the mountains and far enough from the road for this part. Then he would go in to the road, but for now the hard passage.
The weather was cold. Bara was well wrapped but the cold penetrated. He had a strange dream the night before. He was standing on a hilltop and two groups of people armed and wearing diffrent colours both shouting at him to come down, but fighting each other at the same time, he some how knew which ever side he fought with would be victorious. he had jumped down and joined one side but some outside force came across the field. Which side he joined he did not know but as the force poured down, he could see his side fall he awoke as a sword sped towards his head.
It had startled him. He had felt recently that there was somthing he had to find...somthing to do...somthing he had to do. Now he was sure of it, he had some part to play. The dream had scared him. But the curiosity and urgent need to leave were more imposing.
A shout. Bara looked ahead. Maybe he was too close to the mountains afterall. Two mountain men were running towards him. Mountain men were only men for want of a better definition they were a kind of half man half somthing. They were semi-civilised and were very agressive when it came to territory or food or humans for that matter.
He tightened his grip on his staff, he might not have to kill if he was lucky. The mountain men stopped a few meters short and started to shout and wave at him. They were feral creatures and were not good fighters as a rule, but they were very strong. He stood tall and stared one in the eyes. It roared and charged holding a blunt sword over its head. Bara stepped aside and brought the downward end of his staff up hard into the beasts jaw. It reeled as it dropped its sword mid swing, bara was already well out of the way of the sword, its head flipped its head back and turned to face as a second blow hit it hard in the chest then flipped the other end into its face again. It fell on its back, Bara remembered the other one too late, a swipe narrowly missed his head nipping his back as it fell. A smack from the staff hit it in the temple, a small splatter of blood flew out of the side of its head, it staggered. "fuck this," he said his dagger flashed out with his now free hand and he ripped through the gap between its ribs it screamed he turned and struck the dazed other ones head hard it collaped.
Bara surveyed the two creatures. one wasnt getting up any time soon the other one although bleeding profusly from its wound was rising slowly. Bara decided his work was done he turned and ran.
No point in hanging around to see if its mates were on their way. He decided to run longer to get some space between them and head for the road.
A change of plan. Yes. On to Parvini he did not want to see there again but had no choice.
Ok here we go
__________________
If pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of congress.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-07-2002 10:10 PM
Rescued by a ranger
When Octavia came to, she was lying on soft ground. She stood up, shakily, and looked around. It was still night, and she was surrounded by trees. She had been lying on a bed of soft leaves. Her dress was quite dirty from running through the forest, and falling in the dirt. She could still feel the moisture from when she wet herself. Then she realized her face was wet. She had been roused from sleep by someone splashing water on her face. In front of her was a beautiful pool of water, fed by a tall waterfall. The sound was magnificent as the water flowed over the great rocks on top and splashed into the cool water below. She was completely alone. Her rescuer was nowhere to be seen. Then she remembered what had happened. The image of Ophelia being torn apart returned to her mind. She sat back down on the bed of leaves and started crying.
After about a minute, she heard something hit the ground by the pool of water. She looked up, tears still streaming down her cheeks. A tall man was kneeling by the water. He was wearing a cloak, black as night, and the hood was up, masking his face. He drank some water from the pool and stood up. As he walked toward her, she still couldn't see his face. It was too dark, and the hood was too dark. She could, however, see what he wore underneath: black pants and a black, sleeveless shirt, with a gold chain that was mostly concealed under his shirt. She tried to say something to him, but was speechless. When he was standing in front of her he finally spoke, but she still couldn't see his face very clearly.
"The wolves are far off," he said in a low, calm voice, "but they are still hunting. Take off your clothes."
Octavia gasped. "I beg your pardon!"
"Take off your clothes. You stink of urine. Too easy of a trail for the wolves to pick up. Take off your clothes and bathe in the water."
"Okay," she said as she began to undress. As she did so, the man moved back into the woods. "Wait! What should I do if the wolves come back?!" But he was already gone. She took her dirty clothes off and waded into the pool. She went to the waterfall and bathed.
She must have lost track of time, for she was still bathing when the man returned. He looked at her, but for some reason she felt no need to cover herself. Realizing she had lost track of time, she went back to the shore. The man was making a fire. Within a very short time, he already had a blazing fire going. To her surprise, he picked her dress off the ground and threw it in the fire.
"Hey! What are you doing?" she yelled, almost forgetting that she owed this man her life.
"Burning your clothes. Otherwise the smell will attract the wolves." He seemed almost to be mocking her.
"So am I to run around naked from now on?"
"You will wear this from now on," he answered. He drew his cloak back, revealing a sword and two very large knives. He brought forth a bundle of cloth tied together with string. He unraveled the bundle, showing it was a modest, green, short dress. It looked like elven attire. "This was with the luggage on your coach." Octavia took the dress, and was amazed that this man was brave enough to go visit that horrid scene, where the wolves doubtlessly were still prowling.
She sat by the fire until she was dry enough to put on the elven dress. The man sat across from her. "Who are you?" she said at last.
He paused. "I am a ranger."
"What is your name, though?" she clarified.
"No one knows my name.”
"What are you going to do to me?" she asked. She was unsure of this man’s intentions.
"You are dry now. Put on the dress," he replied. Octavia repeated her question. "We must leave NOW. Put on the dress." Octavia stood up and got dressed. She noticed he had also burned her slippers.
"What shall I wear on my feet?" she asked.
"Nothing. The slippers made you run slow." He stood up and kicked dirt on to the fire, putting it out.
"I was travelling to see my cousins in one of the elven villages. Will you take me there?" she requested.
"I am not taking you to see your cousins," he replied. "You are wealthy. Is this true?" She nodded her head in reply. "Good." He began walking away from the pool and gestured for her to follow. She considered running away from this man, for she did not imagine that he had good intentions. But she knew that if she tried to get away on her own, she would get lost and be killed by either the wolves or this man.
She followed him reluctantly. He had drawn one of his large knives. They walked on through the forest for quite a while without stopping. Octavia decided to break the silence. She chose an awkward conversation topic, as well.
"Did you wish to make love to me under that waterfall?" He stopped walking, and she almost ran right into him. He looked at her with an expression that she could not read; puzzled, looking at her like she was someone he knew long ago. "Did you wish to ravage me?"
"Rape is very unfulfilling," he answered.
"Have you done that before?" she asked. He gave no answer. "You must have raped a girl before, if you know what it's like. Did you rape a..." Her last question was stopped short when he spun around and put the large knife up to her throat. The steel of the blade was cold.
"That's one. You don't want to reach two," he said, calmly. He turned back around and started walking again.
Neither of them said another word for over two hours. They finally came to a clearing in the woods, next to a stream. There was a large black horse standing there, a magnificent creature. The Arboreal Prowler walked up to it and drew a parchment out of one of the bags the horse was carrying. He walked over to Octavia.
"Give me your hand," he commanded. He took her hand, brought up his knife and slit her finger deeply.
"OW! What are you doing?!" He threateningly raised the knife to her throat, and she stopped complaining. He proceeded to write out a letter using her blood. It was a ransom note. He forced her to put on the proper address. He placed the letter in his cloak without sealing it, and tied Octavia’s hands together. He mounted his horse after placing her on it, and they rode off through the forest.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Victor Dominic on 01-08-2002 11:15 PM
Fayre hadn't been taken, it had been surrendered. Expecting a full battle, the troops had marched in full gear. They arrived to an unoccupied city.
Victor Dominic had formed a company of friends that he kept very close. Indigo and Scarlet; he felt oddly drawn to them. Despite the fact that the war was of no concern to Gania, (not yet, anyway) the princess and her lover had remained to help the dejected troops. Alexandros Fatali; the Holy Knight. Even wounded, the soldiers looked up to him as a hero. And Adamas Tribune, ex-ambassador; who had exceptional, equal skill with the sword and the pen.
Magic was becoming a more frequent occurence, though it seemed borne of necessity. When there was time to study magic, it was almost always used to heal...
Victor, secure in his capital, began to plan for the future of Lunis...
Sorry I've been gone so long... I'm back on track now.
__________________
You'd be better off turning a blind eye to your enemy and keeping your good one on politics. Enemies can't stab you in the back.
Posted by Leo Saotome on 01-09-2002 07:04 PM
The Marketplace
(OOC: Gah. Sorry, I've never got enough time to write during holidays.. Naturally, this will take place before Kaori's post.)
He woke to the smell of breakfast in his room, Food. Baby blue eyes fluttered open and searched the room, SweetCreatorHallelujah the matrons made potatoes and eggs, yes! He made a move for the table, and it faded from view. Leo was back laying on the on the bed, eyes closed, as he woke from the dream within a dream. The memories flooded back, and he sat aright in bed.
His stomach lurched, and Leo rose from the too-comfortable bed.. "I need food..." He reached over and grabbed one of the more clean shirts in his bag, replacing it for the technicolored one, which was tossed back into the bag, "And money..."
Leo slipped out the door and half-way down the stairs to spot the barkeep/inkeeper, "Got any real food in this place?"
"Sorry kid, no dice. Gotta go halfway 'cross the city or down to the marketplace if you want anything but nuts."
"Marketplace?"
"Yeah. S'where the peddlers are. Make a fortune." The innkeeper muttered something about swindlers..
Leo spotted an overturned table, small in size and slightly broken from the previous night. He was struck with an idea..
"Hey.. you gonna keep that mangled table? I could take it off your hands.."
"Yeah, sure. Fifty gran, an' I'll throw in those two mishapen chairs." He gestured to two chairs in the corner. Leo tossed him five silver gran, and slipped back up the stairs. He knocked briefly on the door before poking his head in Kaori's door, "I'm going down to the marketplace. Care to follow?"
A grunt from Kaori confirmed this as she rose from the bed. Leo slipped his head back out of the door and shut it behind him. He looked over to the innkeeper, who had come up to the second floor, "May I borrow a cart, as well?"
"Yeah, sure. Just make sure it comes back, or Septima'll have your hides."
"Septima?"
"Septima Nelek. She's the best damn carter I've ever had. An' smart, too, for a Kulb." Somewhere, that name sounded familiar to Leo..
"Oh yeah.. she have a brother?"
"Just one!? She's got six older siblings and three beneath her! An' she won't ever shut up about 'em! Oh Creator... Them's some busy oxen."
"Oh. Does she have one named Tavey?"
"Naturally. They're: Prima, Segundo, Tertius, Quarta, Quint, Sixtus, Septima, Octavius (or Tavey, if you prefer), Nona and Decius, in that order. And I know everything about 'em! Not that I want to.."
Leo shook his head, "I'll never remember that. Would you have Septima please load the cart while I grab my things and wait for Kaori?" At the innkeeper's nod, Leo retreated to his room and set about returning his art supplies to their proper place in his bag.
Downstairs, Leo saw the awake Kaori, and descended the stairs upon the banister quite gracefully. He noted the Kulb woman as well, who looked at him oddly. She wore next to nothing -a tattered shirt and uniform skirt- but the allure of seeing skin was quite lost on her, as there was none to be seen- only scraggly oxen fur. Leo noted as well she had a more than muscular frame, quite capable of pulling the heavy cart.
"Always wanted to do that! Well, let's go make some money."
The trip to the marketplace was quite uneventful. Leo had found the remains of anything that might be remotely called food in his bag as walked along, the last of which being jerky and cram fashioned into a biscuit-like shape. He offered some to Kaori, who promptly declined.
"I've already had a proper breakfast, thanks."
When they arrived, he found an empty area, quite prime too, and set about displaying his broken furniture with the help of Septima. Kaori, wisely, did only light lifting. After all was unloaded, Septima wordlessly returned to The Hammer with the cart.
Leo swiftly went about making some last minute adjustments to his mangled furniture and proudly displayed a backless chair infront of his new table, which was formerly round, but now looked as though one drew a small chord across the circle and cut out everything on the smaller side. This effect gave it a flat side large enough for one person to sit at. Leo placed the second mangled chair, one missing a leg such that it leaned back when one sat in it, behind the table. He gave Kaori a smile.
"Care to be my first customer?"
"Customer? You're selling broken furniture?"
"Not broken! Functional. With one end of the table flat, an artist -such as myself- can sit and draw, completely unhindered by bothersome round edges! And! for those less artistically inclined, one can save space and push it up against a wall!" Leo was proud of himself.
"Why not just buy a square table?" Kaori returned.
"Square table!" Leo was taken aback, or acted so, "Dearie, square tables are so not fung shui." By now, this market-side commercial had gained a bit of an audience. Leo hammed it up a bit, "Besides, square tables have four sharp edges, not two like my table. That's twice as many edges you can bump into and have a tragic accident with." A lady in the crowd actually gasped.
One of the market-goers piped up, "What about those chairs?" Leo grinned at the ill-dressed man, and comfortably slipped an arm about his shoulder.
"My dear sir, these two have been designed by me with two ideals in mind for either." Leo gestured to the backless chair, "That is for models to sit without being hindered by the rotational encumberance of the back. The other," Leo pointed to the other seat, "Is for the artist in mind. He may sit there and draw with his work on his lap such that he has no need to bend over to it."
"Ohhh... how much do you want for them?" the villager responded.
"Sorry, not for sale. Couldn't possibly part with them. Not just yet. I could, however, demonstrate its other uses! Care to have a seat while I sketch your flattering visage?"
"Um... sure." The villager stammered out.
"A small matter of ten gran, in that case." Leo smiled winningly.
"Five."
"Five? I'm no hack, sir." Leo brandished his "Cast" marked hand, "Ten."
"Seven?"
"Nine."
"Um... Eight?"
"Sold! But I'm very insulted.. Have a seat right there and strike a pose." Leo grinned briefly at Kaori, who pulled him aside a moment.
"You didn't tell me you took the Dedication."
"Minor detail. You never asked."
"I suppose you're right. What happened?" She requested.
"I don't remember, really. Apparently I didn't die-"
"How comforting." Kaori responded with a hint of sarcasm, "I think I'll go shopping. See you later." With that, she turned and walked off.
Leo couldn't help but call after her, "Don't get into anymore fights! I'm not sure even after all this I could afford a second healer's bill!"
Kaori came and went afew times during his progress. Leo had quite afew customers that day, one of whom Leo recognized as the piano player from one of the previous nights. He introduced himself.
"Make a good haul, sir?" A thin man standing over the seated Leo requested as he was counting his earnings.
This man, Leo noticed, struck him as odd from the first sight. He stood around five feet in height, and had a thin, waif-like frame. Thin, uncalloused fingers suggested nimble but unburdened fingers. His ensemble was mostly in greens and browns, and had a long deep brown scarf wrapped about his head. It concealed a good majority of his alabaster hair, which was in itself quite fair and long, in addition to his ears.
"Why, naturally. These nice people are so willing to have me sketch their profiles and even pay for my scribblings. Would you be a customer as well?"
The man placed a singular silver gran on the table, "Surely you don't think me any less vain than these natives? I am Niles. Niles Toumas. And what will be the indistinguishable signature on my sketch?"
"Natives? You speak as if you are not of this nation. I am Leo Saotome." Leo took the coin and added it to his wallet.
"Indeed I do." Niles unwrapped the scarf about his skull and deposited it on the table. "You might say I belong to the nation of Gania, but t'would be more correct to say I belong to the people of Evisis. Shall I pose now?" He moved his head to one side, and Leo noted the tell-tale pointed elfin (or elven, for flavour) ears.
Leo looked at his sketch pad, "One last paper and I'll need a new one. Didn't think I'd run out so quickly. What are you doing in Bargra, and so far from home?"
"I cannot say, it is not my liberty." he responded, and was quiet for a while. The remaining conversation was uneventful and trite, unworthy of being repeated here.
Leo carefully removed the last page from his sketchbook and slid it across the table. "Here you are. Hmm," Leo thought, "As I am out of paper, and my poor hand is tired, would you care to purchase some artistic furniture?"
"Ha, ha.. no, thank you. But I saw you earlier. Quite an eloquent peddler." Toumas joked.
"Niles is quite a.. strange name, for a Seleru."
"True. But that's what it is. Atleast in your language. I'm sure Dolenwethion would be less convenient than Niles. Come to think of it, I know of someone here that would enjoy your broken furniture." Niles smiled politely. "And I will take it off your hands for, say, one hundred gran?"
"Why.. ah.. sure!" Leo gratefully took the payment. Niles went about hiring a carter, this one with a horse instead, and Leo assisted him in loading his burden.
He was standing in the middle of the road, purse filled, when Kaori approached him, this time in different clothing. It was not as feminine as before, and Leo felt mildly disappointed in the back of his mind. He shrugged it off.
"Well. I really cleaned up. You have, too, apparently." Leo chuckled.
"Er.. yeah."
"Hey, I've got some money now. Care to have a proper dinner? If you're not game, it's fine with me. I haven't had a real meal in what seems like ages."
She only nodded, and accompanied Leo back to The Hammer.
(Cue: Kaori or Na Pali. Sorry about the long delay..)
__________________
~Leo Saotome
Intelligent, soft-spoken, and aggreeable.
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. -- George Bernard Shaw
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-09-2002 09:12 PM
Okay, Arboreal, I generally don't allow people to do what you did with your Dedication. I'll allow it on the basis that it's creative (and on my failure to catch it sooner). But please post in your profile what you've done.
Oh, and you can remove the profile for your character is a youth. It's a tad confusing, and unnecessary. Just make sure you update the profile for your adult chara.
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-10-2002 08:15 PM
The Arboreal Prowler
OOC: Sorry about that, Silver. I was going to ask about it in the character questions section, but I didn't know how long it might take for the question to be answered. I don't know much about how active you guys are here. Gotta get used to it.
I wouldn't even have done the Dedication in the first place, but I wanted Arboreal to be good with his machetes so that he's a warrior, not just a cowardly ghost.
I must have forgot to put this in my character profile. I'll do that as soon as I can. BTW, the reason I did the Dedication so soon/quickly was because there wasn't much to tell about Arboreal until he became the cool forest-master guy that he is now. Didn't mean to be defiant.
IC: That night Octavia's kidnapper stopped riding and they set up camp by a stream. The man kept Octavia tied up so she wouldn't get away. She didn't scream for help. She knew it would only attract the wolves. It seemed everything was a precaution to avoid the wolves. It was almost annoying. But she understood the need for concern: she feared the creatures more than any murderer after seeing what they did to Ophelia.
When darkness fell, the man cut with his knife the thick ropes that bound Octavia's wrists. She wouldn't try to escape now. He had already set a fire, and it was burning brilliantly. What a wonder how he wasn't afraid the fire would attract wolves. But it was a mystery to Octavia.
The man cooked a bird that he had shot earlier in the day. It was delicious, but Octavia was only allowed a small amount. She was not angry at the man. She was intrigued by him, for he was so cold toward her, and showed no interest in her body. Most criminals would have abused her several times by now. He seemed so aloof toward women. But she was nevertheless afraid of him. He was aloof, so would probably not think twice about killing her.
She finally gathered the courage to talk. She wanted to learn more about this man. "What is your name?" she asked. The man just snorted and continued eating. Octavia repeated the question.
"You want to know my name?" he replied. "I've kidnapped you. If I tell you my name, I'll be arrested and executed after selling you to your parents."
"That's a cold way of putting it," she said. "Like I'm contraband."
"Well you are contraband. You are stolen goods that I will profit off of." He stood up. "You want to know my name? You want to know who I am? I will tell you. I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves and carried by the wind to your ears. I am the Arboreal Prowler."
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-12-2002 09:22 AM
The Courier
At the break of dawn, when the first rays of sunlight started to peek through the treetops, they mounted and rode off through the forest.
Octavia didn't like this man. But for some reason she was drawn to him. She could tell there was more to him than a violent, outcast criminal. When he saw her bathing under the waterfall, he had a strange look in his eyes. When she asked him if he had been attracted to her at all in that moment, he had the same strange look in his eyes. But it wasn't just that. There was something about him. Perhaps she remembered him from a dream. That's what it felt like.
The Arboreal Prowler had his mind in several places at once. First, he needed to meet with his most trusted courier, Raturo. He would deliver the ransom note. Then the Arboreal Prowler would keep the girl in the forest until the ransom was paid. Second, he wondered who this girl was. She was an elf, but she lived with humans. There was something very strange about her. He was reminded of what happened 16 years ago under the waterfall...
They heard the sound of a horse riding in their direction. The Arboreal Prowler stopped riding. The sound wasn't an echo. He was now carrying a beautifully crafted elven bow slung over his shoulder, and now he brought it out and knocked an arrow, aiming toward the sound of the horse. Octavia sat still, not making a noise. She wondered if this was another criminal, or someone that had come to rescue her.
Finally a rider, clad in a green cloak and brown pants, appeared on horseback. He came to a halt. "Don't shoot!" he yelled.
"Raturo," answered the Arboreal Prowler, "are you ready?" He put away his weapon.
"Yes," the man replied. "I can leave immediately. Do you have the note?" The Arboreal Prowler dismounted and brought him the note. Raturo dismounted as well.
"Here it is. It's important that her family receives it as soon as possible. But first," he turned to the girl, "I have to hunt. It would be a great help if you'd keep on eye on her while I'm gone."
"No problem," he answered. "We'll be right here when you get back."
"Thanks." The Arboreal Prowler walked off with his bow in his hands again. Raturo turned to the girl and walked over to her. He had a thin, blond beard, and crooked, yellow teeth. His nose was bent a little. It must have been broken several times. He carried a dagger in a sheath on his belt. Octavia already disliked this man. She wished the Arboreal Prowler was still there. She felt safe with him. This man scared her.
"Well, you are a pretty one! What's your name?" he asked her with a menacing grin.
"Octavia," she answered, almost under her breath.
"Why don't you get off that horse, and I'll make a fire. It's getting kind of cold out here. You'll be a lot more comfortable." Octavia reluctantly, and warily, dismounted. Raturo helped her get off. This man did seem very friendly.
True to his word, he made a fire. Octavia lied down next to it. Raturo had a wide grin on his face. "I'll go get some more wood for the fire," he said. He stood up and walked off into the woods. Octavia was very comfortable by the fire. She felt like she was back at home, sitting in the den with her family, warm by the fireplace while the snow fell outside. She began to fall asleep.
She was roused from sleep abruptly, and found that Raturo was on top of her. "Help!" she cried. But no one could hear her. The man pulled her clothes off, and she struggled to keep her legs closed. "Help!" Raturo brought out the dagger and put it to her throat.
"After I'm done with you, I'm going to kill him," he said, breathing heavily. After a struggle, Raturo finally got Octavia's legs open. But his success only lasted a few seconds. He suddenly grunted and arched his back. He fell to the ground and started crawling away. One of the Arboreal Prowler's knives was sticking out of his back.
The Arboreal Prowler walked up to him. "You double-crossing son of a bitch." Raturo stood up and drew his dagger. He lunged at the Arboreal Prowler. The Arboreal Prowler drew his remaining machete and dodged the man's attack. After a short fight, he drove the machete deep into Raturo's stomach. Raturo fell to the ground, coughing and gasping for breath. He climbed back to his feet and started to run away, though he was barely able to walk. The Arboreal Prowler drew his bow and knocked an arrow. Raturo was already about a hundred yards away. He aimed and fired. The arrow shot through the forest, and Raturo fell to the ground.
He walked over to the body. The arrow had shot Raturo right through the neck. He pulled the arrow and his two machetes out of the body and walked back to the fire. Octavia was sitting, curled up, by the fire. He picked her clothes up off the ground and brought them over to her. He kneeled down next to her and said, "I'm sorry I left you alone with him." She was crying and shaking violently. He embraced her, trying to comfort her. She put her head on his shoulder and kept crying. She felt safe now that he was there.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-12-2002 03:36 PM
In love with a ranger
The Arboreal Prowler was leaning against a tree, looking off into the woods. All he saw was darkness. Everything was black. The only sound he heard was the waterfall roaring behind him. They had returned to the waterfall, and set camp. He didn't know if he wanted to do this anymore. He wasn't a kid now. His thoughts were interrupted by Octavia's voice.
"Thanks for the boots," she said with a weak voice. She was quite shaken up by what had happened that day. She had been raped, and saw a man get killed.
"Courtesy of Raturo," he answered quietly, and walked over to the fire. He sat down next to her. "I'm really sorry about what happened today. He betrayed me."
"You really do care, don't you?" she asked, and looked over at him. His eyes were fixed on the fire. "Who was that man?"
"Raturo was my courier for 10 years. He's the only man I ever trusted. If I kidnapped someone, he'd deliver the ransom note. If I planned on robbing a caravan, he'd scout the roads for merchants. He was an excellent partner, but he betrayed me today."
The two of them sat there in silence for an hour or so. Octavia believed she was falling in love with this man. He wasn't a cold-blooded killer. He wasn't just a criminal. He seemed to be a man of chivalry. He wasn't her captor; he was her savior.
The Arboreal Prowler didn't know what he thought anymore. He stood up and walked to the other side of the fire, and sat down. He looked at her, and she looked back. He studied her face for a long time. Her face was so familiar.
Finally he said, "You're free to leave now. I don't want to put you through any more of this. I'll take you out of the forest tomorrow."
Octavia knew she should be happy about this, but she wasn't. "I don't want to go," she finally said.
"What?" He was confused.
"I don't want to go," she repeated. "I believe I'm falling in love with you." He frowned and stood up.
"You're not," he answered. "You're too young to know what love is." He walked over to the tree he had been leaning against earlier. Octavia followed.
"Don't you have any feelings for me?" she asked softly.
"No," he answered sharply. "I could never love you. Don't be foolish." They stood in silence for a few minutes. "There's only one girl I could ever love. I assume you've heard the story about how I raped a girl 16 years ago, in a small town near the woods?"
"Yes," she said softly. She remembered how the story used to frighten her. The thought of a man that leaped onto girls' balconies and raped them in the middle of the night had always scared her.
"The story's true. I don't know why I did it. It was as if I turned into an animal. Well, after that night, I went to the Evisis Woods and wandered around. Around midnight, I came to this waterfall." He looked over at the waterfall. "Standing in the light of the moon, as if it were her own spotlight, was a beautiful elven girl. She was bathing under the waterfall. She was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. We looked at each other, and we had already fallen in love. Something we saw in each other's eyes, I guess. We made love under the waterfall, and the next morning she introduced me to her family, who lived in a village in the Evisis Woods. We were married soon after that." He paused. "But the wolves remembered me. I had escaped them years earlier, and they wanted me. They found out I was in the village, and they destroyed it. I was the only survivor, being able to hide so well in the woods. She was killed."
"I'm sorry," Octavia said.
"I could never love anyone else again. Ever." They stood there for a few minutes. Octavia finally walked away from him.
She took off her boots and the dress, and walked out to the waterfall to bathe. The Arboreal Prowler turned to watch her. Seeing her bathe under the waterfall, he realized it.
The elven girl.
The waterfall.
The full moon at midnight.
He walked over to the edge of the water and took off his clothes. He went into the water and came up behind Octavia. "Ilona," he whispered into her ear. She looked up, startled. She knew he was calling her by that name. And she recognized it. "Ilona died sixteen years ago."
"And I'm sixteen years old," she finished his thought.
"When the wolves were chasing you, that word you screamed out was my name." They both knew the truth now. They made love under the waterfall.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-13-2002 07:13 AM
Tiffarah
OOC: Trying to actually finish this post for the third time now. I'll be introducing a new character and you can find her profile with mine.
IC: Rudely yanked from his dreams by the sound of the busy city streets outside, Zander sat up in bed and gazed toward the window to see that it was still dark. However he knew he would not be getting any more sleep and dressed himself instead.
He crept across the hall to the room where upon peeking inside he found Arkiri to be asleep. The girl could sleep through a behemoth stampede, if there was such a thing. For a moment he debated whether he should wake her but thought it best to let her sleep in the end and decided to take a walk on his own.
It had been long since he had any time to himself and even longer since he had taken the chance to have a closer look at any of the cities he'd visited. Now he would take the time to think and to explore.
He stepped out into the crisp morning air. It was still at least an hour before the sky would shouw any signs of light, Zander guessed, but the air was not uncomfortable; more refreshing. He was dressed only in a shirt, pants and his boots, yet he was not cold.
As he walked, he watched the people rushing in and out of buildings and dissappearing into dark alleys only to reappear a few moments later. He wondered what could keep them so busy at such an early hour. In truth, they were simply busying themselves with the same things anyone else would at any other time of the day, they just started earlier.
The only light came from a few soft and flickering lanterns skattered here and there around the street. There was just enough light to see by, but Zander was quite grateful to find that no one could make out the Meshai on his face unless they came close enough. The lanterns offered little or no light into the dark recesses of the alleys that divided one block from the next.
Zander counted several taverns and a few shabby inns like the one he and Arkiri were staying in. There were also several different shops and one caught his eye. It was a trinket shop and Zander thought he might stop by there later to get something for Arkiri.
'Maybe that will get her off my back about all the traveling we've been doing,' he thought. He didn't want her to stop pestering him so much because he wanted to be on the road as it was because he was afraid she might actually convince him to take a break for a while.
There was nothing Zander wanted more than to stay in Helilal for a few days and take a rest. The urgency he had felt to get to this other Holy Knight had all but left him and he had begun to wonder if he had just been overreacting all along. Still he tried to convince himself that the darkness he felt coming from the other Holy Knight's vicinity might become the cause of that Knight's death. One thing he knew, his resolve was faltering and he found it hard to keep convincing himself.
Abruptly his thoughts were interrupted by a cold and evil feeling in his gut. Zander knew it wasn't the same as the one he felt eminating from Fayre; it wasn't as strong, or as dark. It was much closer though. It seemed to be coming from an alley way ahead of him and to the right. It was nearly a block away, but Zander closed the distance quickly and stealthly.
Before he turned the corner to face the evil, he stopped to listen. He heard muffled cries and attempts at screams only to be cholked off by a strong hand over the victim's mouth, it was a female voice. He knew exactly what was happening as he heard the sound of clothing being ripped apart. The girl was being raped.
Not wasting a second Zander turned the corner, only to be faced with darkness. He couldn't see a thing, but he knew the attacker could see him. He also felt that the man knew he was there, for the maliscious lust that Zander felt coming from him changed to hatred and fear. Fear, Zander guessed, of being caught.
He heard the attacker grunt in pain suddenly and quickly calculated where the man was standing. Zander sprung into the air and landed deftly behindthe attacker who's silouette Zander could now clearly see.
Zander tried with all his might to hold back the new strength he had been given since he became a Holy Knight but when his fist came in contact with the attacker's face, he felt the man's nose break with a loud snap. The blow sent the man to the ground where he lay. Zander knew he was not dead, but he wouldn't be coming to any time soon.
"You alright?" he asked the girl.
"Yeah, I think so," she said shakily. "They're a little harder to fend off when it's dark and they have a knife to you're throat."
"You mean this happens often?" Zander asked, surprised. He felt a little funny talking to someone he couldn't even see.
"Oh, yes," the girl replied. "This kind of thing happens fairly regularly when you work at a bar. Get a bunch of drunk guys together and..."
"Have any of them succeded?" he hoped her answer wouldn't be yes.
"No, most of them are too dumb or too drunk, and I can usually fight off the others, but it's quite another thing when you can't see the one who'd attacking you," She explained. "I guess I'm lucky you came along."
"I don't think luck had anything to do with it," Zander said. "Where did that knife go?"
"He took it away from my throat when you showed up so he could take care of you. I think he dropped it when I kicked him though." The lilt in her voice told Zander where exactly she kicked the man. It wasn't any wonder that he had dropped the knife.
Both Zander and the girl dropped to their hands and knees to search for the knife. After bumping into each other and feeling around on the ground for a minute or two, the girl finally found the knife.
"Got it!" She exclaimed. It was a small boot knife, as Zander would later find out.
"Good, we don't need him coming to and already having a weapon in hand," Zander said. "Come on into the light so I can see if he hurt you."
"Umm... That won't be necessary; I'm not hurt," She replied. "And I can't go out there anyway."
Zander remembered the sound of her clothes tearing and scolded himself for being such an idiot.
"Here, take this for now," he offered and pulled his shirt over his head. He threw it in the direction of her voice.
"What about you?" She asked.
"It would be much better if I were roaming the streets topless than you, right?"
She giggled and said, "People are going to assume things about us, you know?"
"Let them think what they want. I'll just escort you home where you can get something to wear and I can get my shirt back." Zander stepped out into the light, now wearing only his pants and his boots.
"Alright," the girl said, stepping out into the light. Zander's shirt covered her from her shoulders to nearly her knees. "I'll take you to my place th..."
She didn't even get the chance to finish her sentence when she saw Zander's Meshai. As close as she was to him she could make it out clearly.
Zander realized what had stopped her in midsentence and hoped she wouldn't become uptight with him because of it. To his relief, after her initial shock, she became casual again.
"So you're the Holy Knight everyone's been talking about?" she asked; Zander nodded. "Well that explains a lot. At least I don't have to worry about doing you any favors for helping me out."
"No, you don't," Zander knew what kind of favors she was speaking of. "Aiding a beautiful girl is favor enough."
And she was beautiful. Now that Zander could see her, he noted her long dark hair, green eyes and slender yet shapely body. It wasn't any wonder that the man wanted to take advantage of her.
"Follow me," She said, blushing from his last statement.
*******
A few minutes later, Zander followed the girl into one of the taverns he had passed earlier. As they stepped through the door, they were greeted by several whistles and cat calls. Obviously they thought that the girl was taking him up to her room for quite a different reason.
He followed her upp a set of stairs at the back of the bar and into her room at the top of the landing. It was small, but more than enough for one person. She had her bed on the far side from the door, with a dresser beside it on the right wall. The only other furnature was a table and chair on the left corner nearest to Zander.
She began rumaging through her dresser for something to wear and asked, "So what's your name Sir Knight?" She giggled at the thought of having a shirtless knight in her room.
"Formally it's Revered Sir Zander Kohen, but unless you've got a stick up your ass, just call me Zander."
"Ahh, the knight uses profanity," she joked as she pulled a skirt and loose short sleeved shirt out of her drawer.
"At times," he admitted. "And what is your name?"
"I'm Tiffarah, and you need to turn around."
"Oh, of course!" he said, blushing. "Your name, It means beauty."
"Yes, it does!" she said, shocked that he knew. "It's elvish, few people know that, especially around here."
"Well, I'm not from here," he said with his back to her; she couldn't help but stop her changing to gaze upon the muscles rippleing across his back. "And I've always had a fascination with elves."
"Apparently so did my parents," she lied.
"It doesn't fit you to tell a lie," he said. "Better just to not say it at all."
"I guess I'll have to remember that," she said. "Is that a trait of a holy knight?"
"It is, I can sense anything evil or impure," he answered simply.
"I'll have to remember that too," she said playfully. "You can turn back around now."
Zander turned back around and Tiffarah reluctantly threw him his shirt back. "So, why exactly do you live in a room above a tavern?"
"Because it's the only place that would take me in and give me a job when I moved here three years ago," she explained, brushing her hair behind her ear with one hand. Zander noticed that they were pointed.
"Where'd you move from?" he asked. "Somewhere else in Lunis?"
"No, all the way from Gania, Forstre to be exact." She looked like it was a past with both fond and painful memories.
"I was under the impression that only Lunari had pointed ears."
She laughed, "You really don't miss a thing do you? I have pointed ears because I'm half elf. My father was just some ordinary guy who was wandering in the Evisis woods one day when he met my mother. As far as I know, it was a one night stand; call it curiosity. But my mother got pregnant and when I was born, she took me to Forestre and dropped me there in the middle of town out of shame for her affair with a human."
"That explains your ears, but why did you move to Helilal?"
"Well, I was adopted by a family in Forestre who were willing to 'adopt' me, but they treated me more like an animal than a child. I wasn't allowed to eat with them or play with their children. The only whing they did was send me to school where I was tourmented by all the other children with all their prejudices. By the time I was fourteen I was thinking about killing myself and having it over with. I didn't think my life was worth living."
"But obviously you're still alive."
"Oh, I'm so glad you can see that," she laughed. "Yes, I am, thanks to a man who was part of a shipping crew that would take the lumber that Forestre produced to all of Gania and even overseas to Asheri. I had been curious about his travels and he had been curious about my ears as well. He told me that he had seen ears like mine here in Lunis where pointed ears weren't ridiculed like they were in Gania. So I made a plan to move to Lunis and a year later I carried it out. I stowed away with Caravans and stole the money I needed for passage to Asheri. The rest was easy.
"I didn't move to Helilal at first. I tried to find a job in Teyr but no one would take me. Then I made my way to Helilal, stopping to work in small villages on the way, doing whatever they would let me. Then when I finally made it here, I met the owner of this tavern and he offered me a job that would pay for my lodging and a bit of my own money. I've been living here ever since. Free from the hell I went through in Gania."
"People can be very cruel, but most people in Asheri are pretty tolerant. It's rare to see someone here who has any racial prejudice," Zander said.
"Yeah, that's all good, but since I've moved here my life has felt pretty empty you know?" she said. "It's not really hot or cold. I don't have any friends really, I just go through my life, exactly the same each day. The only real excitement I get is the assholes that try and rape me. The only reason that's exciting is cuz I can kick their ass for it before they even get the chance." She laughed, but it was an empty laugh, not any real joy about it.
They were both seated on the edge of her bed now; they had moved there while she was talking. Zander put his arm around her for comfort.
"You know, you're the only person I've talked to about this stuff," she said in realization. "You're just so easy to talk to."
Zander chuckled, "Well, be that as it may you sound like someone who's been needing to say that for a long time."
She nodded, "I don't really know what I want anymore, I just know I don't want to keep going on like this." She sounded like him.
"I've been feeling the same way. Why don't we try and change things? You could come along with me; it's sure a lot more exciting than this."
"And what about you?" Tiffarah asked. "What is it that you want to change?"
"I just want to take a break from traveling for a day or two," Zander replied.
"Well, it'll take me a couple days before I'd be readt to go anywhere anyway. Why not? I'll Go with you, just give me a day or two to take care of some business."
"Alright," It's settled then. "At least now I'll have someone else to help me argue with Arkiri."
"Arkiri?"
"A companion I've been traveling with since before I left Corner. She's 14 and as I understand it, her story isn't too different from yours, except for the whole elf part. You two should get along just fine."
Cue: Orocia or Caliph, I'll take a whack at it myself if you guys don't, we all don't want that 
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-13-2002 03:28 PM
The Tavern
They lay in the grass for hours, in a warm embrace. The Arboreal Prowler gazed up at the sky as he ran his fingers through Octavia's blonde hair. Her face was buried in his chest. She was sound asleep. For the first time in sixteen years, he was happy. And he vowed that he would protect Octavia like he should have protected Ilona. He would never lose her again. He would die before that happened. He woke her up in the last hour before dawn.
"Octavia," he said, "it's time to leave."
Her eyes crept open. "Where are we going?"
"We must leave the forest. They will be looking for you here. We're going to Gania." They got dressed, put out the fire, and rode off into the darkness of the woods.
They left the forest as dawn broke. They weren't as safe now, and they both knew it. They rode very fast; Octavia's hair was blowing in the wind, and her lover's black cloak was all around her. The sun had not yet risen, and the morning was a very dark blue; she felt like a princess eloping with a valiant prince. It seemed like a fairy tale.
They reached Gania before nightfall. The streets were filled with merchants, and people returning home. The two of them found a tavern and walked inside. Most of the tables were filled with men drinking and playing cards. There was hardly an empty place at the bar.
"Don't call me by my real name," the Arboreal Prowler whispered to Octavia. "The elves call me Rozun. It's easier than saying the Arboreal Prowler, and much safer than saying my real name."
"Okay," she replied. "And don't call me Octavia. Call me by my real name: Ilona." He nodded and went to find the innkeeper. There was a room for two people available.
The main area was surrounded by a wooden balcony, with stairs leading up to it. The rooms were up there. They went upstairs to their room, and Ilona immediately got undressed and jumped into bed. "Are you coming to bed, Rozun?"
"No," he answered, "not yet. I'm going to talk to some of the patrons and see if anyone's looking for you." He left the room and went downstairs. Sitting at the bar, he found out that there was a reward for Octavia's safe rescue, and a price on the Arboreal Prowler's head. A very large price. "Her family really is wealthy."
The next morning, Ilona woke up alone in the bed. Rozun was not in the room. She wrapped some of the bed sheets around her self and walked out of the room and onto the balcony. She scanned the tavern, but Rozun was nowhere to be seen. But she did hear a man talking loudly with the innkeeper.
"I'm sorry, sir," said the innkeeper, "but I'm an innkeeper, not a constable."
"Listen pal, there's a VERY generous reward if you can tell us where they are." The man wore green, baggy breeches, a green silk tunic, and a long purple cape. "They were spotted on the road to Gania yesterday, and this is one of the most popular taverns in the city. They must be here!" Ilona had already recognized the man.
It was Camiero. He had twenty armed men with him. They were looking for her.
She quickly went back into the room and locked the door. She put her dress on and stood by the door, waiting to hear her fiance leave the tavern. But they never left.
She finally opened the door and left the room, going downstairs and into the tavern. Camiero looked up at her as she descended, then smiled. "Octavia!" he exclaimed, relieved, and ran to her. The armed men ran to her as well, as if they were protecting her from some danger. "We've been looking all over for you!" He drew his sword. "So, where is he? Where's this monster that kidnapped you?"
"He didn't kidnap me," she replied. "He rescued me. Wolves attacked us, and he saved me."
He smiled. "Well, then, I guess we'll need to give him a reward. I'll make sure he is compensated for his troubles; for saving the woman I love. But now, we must return home. We will be married soon." He took her hand and started to walk toward the door, but she resisted. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"I don't want to go back home," she answered.
"Well, I... guess we could go to my estate and have the wedding there."
"No," she said. "I can't marry you."
The smile left Camiero's face. "Why not?"
Ilona hesitated, then, "Because I've fallen in love with the man who rescued me. I'm sorry."
Camiero's expression was one of disbelief. "But... that's impossible. You love me."
"No, Camiero. I don't. I'm sorry."
Camiero turned away for a moment, then brought his fist around and hit her hard in the face. She screamed and fell to the floor. "YOU SLUT! You know, they warned me to stay away from you. But I thought better of you. I thought you were different. But now I find out you're nothing but a foolish, impulsive, elven slut!" Ilona was crying on the floor. "You will die! You'll die like the dog you are!" He raised his sword in the air, preparing to strike her head off.
"Move that sword one inch, and you're dead where you stand!" Camiero stopped and turned to where the voice was coming from. Rozun was standing in the doorway of the tavern with his elven bow in his hands, aiming at Camiero. The hood of his cloak was hiding his face. But two men, who were standing by the doors, brought their swords up to Rozun's neck.
"You let go of that arrow, and you're a dead man," Camiero said coldly. He turned to Ilona. "Looks like your hero can't save you this time, girl." He raised his sword again, poised to strike, but this time an arrow flew past him, grazing his neck. He looked up. All around the balcony, several of them armed with long bows, were at least forty rangers. Camiero's men were outnumbered two to one.
"I may be an outcast," said Rozun, "but I do have friends. Now drop your swords." All of Camiero's men, including the ones by the doors, promptly dropped their swords. But Camiero held on to his weapon.
"I will not let you take my wife," Camiero said calmly. "You'll have to kill me first."
"You're not married yet," replied Rozun. Camiero ran at him with his sword. Rozun quickly drew a sword, which Ilona had not seen before, and they began a heated sword fight. Both the rangers and Camiero's men ran to help their leaders, and a large battle raged in the tavern. Swords flashed through the air, arrows whizzed by all over the place. Rozun and Camiero were on top of a large table, fighting.
In the end, ten rangers were all that were left from the battle, with Rozun and Camiero still fighting. But the rest of Camiero's men, looking for Ilona in a nearby tavern, had heard the melee and came to assist their comrades. There were twenty of them. But before they could attack the rangers, they saw Camiero run his sword through Rozun. Rozun fell off the table and lay on the floor, gasping for breath. Camiero jumped off the table and put his sword to Rozun's throat.
"Now, you will die!" He was about to finish him off, but he stumbled backward and fell onto the table. An arrow had been shot through his neck. Rozun turned to see Ilona standing near the bar, with a long bow in her hands. She fainted.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-13-2002 05:06 PM
OOC: Sorry bout the double post but I'm bored today and I'm in a creative mood.
IC: Zander parted with Tiffarah at the bar, promising to come back when her shift was over. He hurried back to the inn. The sun was shining brightly on the eastern horizon now and Zander hoped Arkiri wasn't already awake.
When he returned to the inn, he found that his fears had come true as Arkiri was pacing in the lobby and turned to confront him the moment he walked through the door.
"Where have you been!?" she demanded. "I've been up for a half hour now worried to death that you'd gone and gotten yourself killed."
"Now that's a bit of an overreaction isn't it?" He asked, trying t lighten up her mood to no avail. "I went out for a walk early thismorning to get some time to myself, that's all." She looked offended.
"You should have taken me! Maybe I need some time to think and take in the sights too!" she exclaimed.
Zander laughed, "Generally the idea of having time alone means you don't have someone with you."
Arkiri folded her arms across her chest and set her jaw. She couldn't argue with him anymore but she would at least show him how she felt.
"Besides, it became dangerous," Zander said making her cock her eyebrow. "I had to come to the aid of a girl who was being attacked."
"Oh, great..." she said sarcasticly. "I suppose she'll be joining us too then." She was just messing with him, she didn't really think he'd invite someone else along, especially some pathetic girl that couldn't even defend herself.
"Actually, yes, she is," Zander said. "Don't worry, you two should get along fine. We'll have to stay in town for a day or two while she straightens out some business she has here. I guess you'll be getting that rest you wanted after all."
Arkiri's jaw looked as though it had unhinged itself, her mouth was gaping so wide. "You've gotta be kidding me!"
"I'm not."
"I thought you wanted to be on the road thismorning. I thought you said it was urgent!"
"And you're suddenly eager to get back to it. Admit it, we both need a break," he said. "Don't worry about her, she'll be great, she just needs to find some excitement."
"Excitement? With us?" Arkiri asked. "Oh yeah traveling by foot for days on end is really exiting..."
"Where we're going, we'll likely see plenty of excitement," he assured her.
She sighed, giving up. "Obviously there's no changing your mind, but I doubt I'll get along with her."
"Well, not with that attitude you won't," he said. "Come on, give her a chance. Her name is Tiffarah."
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 01-13-2002 05:55 PM
A knock came from the door rousing Victor from his sleeping position over the table in the middle of the room. Scarlet's voice called through the door.
"General? Are you there? There's someone who I think you should meet."
"Come in Scarlet.", he answered, absentmindedly fixing his appearance. He mentally cursed himself for falling asleep while pouring over the maps that constantly littered his chambers. His reading glasses hung unnoticed at an odd angle over the bridge of his nose.
Scarlet entered, followed by a very attractive young woman with lengthy black hair and grey eyes that swirled like a storm. Victor was momentarily awe-struck by her appearance and nearly plowed into the map-covered table. She certainly caught his attention. Scarlet smirked at him and made a gesture to bring his attention to his glasses. Victor looked at her confused for a moment, then realized the peculiar position of the frames. Quickly pulling them off, he turned his attention back to the two women.
"Yes, Scarlet?"
"Sir, this is my sister, Reika. She came to Asheri to find me and had the misfortune to run into the Nylians." Reika stared deeply into Victor's eyes before dropping into a small courtsey.
"I'm honored to meet the man responsible for the defeat of the Nylians.", she said in an admiring voice. Victor smiled despite himself, then immediately reverted to his usual stoic self.
"Well, it's only a temporary victory. We still have New Dargent to worry about." Reika nodded solemnly and looked back up into his eyes. He was aware of his heart pounding in his ears. She broke into a sunny smile as he wondered why he felt so peculiar.
"If anyone can defeat the Nylian army, I'm confident it's you." She took a tentative step toward him, continuing to hold him in her gaze.
"Anyway...", Scarlet interrupted, "Would it be possible to get seperate sleeping quarters for Reika, Sir?" Victor blinked suddenly, as if coming out of a trance. He nodded and answered.
"Yes. I'll see to it right away." Both women thanked him then left, Reika pausing to look back at him over her shoulders. Whenever he met her eyes, she would smile shyly then face forward again. As the door closed behind them, Victor shook his head and murmured to himself.
"Great, now I have two princesses to look after...."
CUE: Victor, if you want it. You may have some more questions.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-14-2002 03:26 PM
The Arboreal Prowler found himself lying in bed in the room they had rented. Their was bandaging where he had been wounded. Ilona was kneeling by the bed, with tears filling her eyes. A doctor was standing by the door.
"You're very lucky," remarked the doctor. "The blade missed your stomach and just went right through you. A couple days rest and you'll be good as new." The doctor left the room.
"Guess I'm not a very good swordsman," said Rozun with a smile.
"No, Camiero is... or was, the reigning champion in fencing in Gania. He'd beat most of his opponents in less than 10 seconds." She smiled, and a tear ran down her face and disappeared under her chin. The smile left her face quickly. "What are we going to do, Rozun?"
"You can't come with me on my travels. We'll have to buy a home here, where you can stay."
"No, I can't live here. My family will send more men to bring me back, so I can marry another rich man. Probably one of my cousins." There was a look of fear on her face. She didn't want to be in an arranged marriage. She just wanted to stay with Rozun. "You could teach me to fight. I can come with you."
Rozun thought about it for a few minutes. "It'd be very dangerous, at least at first. But I guess we could stay away from the Evisis Woods for a while." He lifted his hand up and wiped a tear from Ilona's cheek. "Don't cry."
"I thought you were going to die." Tears streamed down her cheeks now. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too." He gently pulled her to him and kissed her.
The Captains of the Rangers of the Eka Woods, the Tonday Desert, and the Desert of Niklew walked into the room. "Good morning Rozun."
"Good morning, my friends," replied Rozun, in as solemn a voice as possible. "How many men did you lose?"
"We lost fifteen rangers from the Desert of Niklew, nine from the Tonday Desert, and 6 from the Eka Woods." They all bowed their heads briefly.
"I thank you for your sacrifices, gentlemen. You are true allies."
"Rozun," answered the Captain of the Eka Woods, "you have risked your life in the past to save ours."
"And now you have repayed your debts; some paid more than others. Once again, thank you."
The three men bowed and left the room. "Rangers are noble men," Ilona said, almost under her breath.
"Sometimes more noble than the bravest knights." He held her close, and they fell asleep in each other's arms.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Caliph Wyrdwyrm on 01-15-2002 04:41 AM
OOC: My appologies. A mild concussion, among many of life's little inconveniences, waylaid me a little. I'm back, now.
IC: Zander heard a quiet voice from the corner of the lobby. "That is one thing I have noticed about holy knights. They seem to be fond of groups." Caliph was rolling a toothpick around idly, speaking around it with a practiced skill. "It took some effort to find you. Of course, it didn't help that I was looking for quite another knight altogether."
Zander and Arkiri both looked at the man in the shadows. He was tall, slender, and pale -- deathly pale, really, with skin white as talcum and rough as slate. He wore a simple cloak and a knapsack sat at his feet. His hands were clasped in front of him, and he was arched against the wall.
Zander spoke first. "Well, perhaps you'd let us know who you are, seeing as you know so much about us."
Caliph nodded. "I am Caliph Wyrdwyrm, not so much a vagabond as I am lost."
"Wyrdwyrm... of the General's house?"
Another nod. "His oldest child. I was a favoured son."
"Which I'm sure you can explain the way you seem to live your life these days." This time, Arkiri, still bitter, spoke.
And this time he smiled back. "Frugal living well-suits a man who's greatest worth is as another man's funeral oration. And that's all I really am at leave to let slip for now."
Arkiri's tempers flared just a little. "You've got a lot of nerve, you know..."
"Arkiri, give the man a chance."
Caliph hoisted his sack and slung it over his shoulders. "Cheer yourselves. I've had word of Alexandros today. He is alive, and part of the legion that stands watch over Fayre tonight. Now, come. The barkeep's promised me that he'd open up his good vintage for us."
And then the door swung open and Orocia stepped in. "Caliph, there's a holy knight somewhere in town. I've heard people..."
Caliph just waved his hand at Zander. "Yes, Orocia, his name is Zander, and he stands before you. But Alex is well, I assure you. Now, could we damn well stop trying to skyline our little party here? I want my visitor to have to put in some effort to find me when he arrives this evening." And Caliph headed off into the inn proper.
CUE: Orocia and/or Zander.
__________________
They say confession is good for the soul. But what if you don't have one?
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-15-2002 09:05 AM
A Business Proposition
Tibaron walked into the tavern. He had just arrived in Forestre, and he heard the Arboreal Prowler was there. He walked up to the innkeeper.
"Hey buddy," he said, "can I get a beer?"
"Sure thing, pal." The innkeeper poured a pint from the keg, and handed it to him.
"Thanks." He looked around the tavern. There were lots of travelers there, drinking and playing cards. A few of them were doubtlessly highwaymen. He spotted a man sitting in the corner, leaning back in his chair with his feet up on the table. He was wearing a black cloak, and black pants. Tibaron turned to the man next to him at the bar. "Who's that man over there in the corner?"
"Oh," the patron frowned. "That's the Arboreal Prowler. They says he's a vampire he is. Sucks people's blood he does. Pure evil he is. You should stay away from that man, damn right."
"Really." Tibaron walked over to a man sitting at a table near the Arboreal Prowler. "Excuse me, sir," he said, "but do you know who that man is over there?"
"Oh, God," he answered. "That's the Arboreal Prowler. He's not just a highwayman. He's a bloodthirsty pirate. He mercilessly kills anyone he sees on the road. Better stay away from that guy, pal."
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." He walked over to the Arboreal Prowler. Tibaron was wearing black pants, a dark grey tunic, and a black cape. He had a couple of gold chains hanging from his neck, and an ornate sword on his belt. He sat down at the Arboreal Prowler's table. "Excuse me," he said.
"Who the Hell are you," said the Arboreal Prowler in a dark voice. Tibaron couldn't see his face. It was shaded too much by his hood.
"I've been looking for a man named the Arboreal Prowler for five months," he answered. "I hear you're the man who killed Camiero." He put his hand on the hilt of his sword, and the Arboreal Prowler jerked his head up and snapped his fingers. Tibaron suddenly felt a steel blade being held up to his throat. "Whoa, just a minute," he said, looking at the blade out of the corner of his eye. "I was just taking my sword off."
The blade was removed from his throat. He looked up and saw a beautiful elven girl putting away a dagger. "I'll repeat my question," said the Arboreal Prowler. "Who the Hell are you?"
"Prowler, it's me. Tibaron!"
The Arboreal Prowler sat still for a moment, then drew back his hood, showing a smiling face. "Tibaron! What are you doing here? I haven't seen you in 16 years!"
"So you're a vampire now, eh?" Tibaron put his sword on the table and kicked back in his chair.
"Unfortunately, I'm not here for just a happy reunion."
The Arboreal Prowler stopped smiling and sat back in his chair. "Continue."
"I have a business proposition I think you may find very lucrative."
"I'm listening," said the Arboreal Prowler, gesturing for Ilona to sit down next to him.
"Well," he continued, "for the past 16 years I've become a very reputable mercenary, my friend. I've made a career out of killing men for money - and killing monsters. So, I've recently learned of a very powerful creature, of some sort, that makes its home deep within one of the Dedication temples. For several centuries, it's gathered huge amounts of treasure from killing intruders... and even murdering kings."
"What kind of creature is this?" asked the Arboreal Prowler.
"I'm told that it's over a hundred feet in length and breathes fire. Its skin is bright red, like a demon, and it has horns like one. In fact, some people say it actually is a demon. It can walk on four legs, or on two. I've heard that it can crush ten men in its claws as easily as a man might crush a soup cracker. It has a long, powerful tale, covered with spikes, and flames are constantly rising up around it. It's a thing of pure evil, but it holds more treasure than you've ever even dreamed of."
The Arboreal Prowler looked at Tibaron for a minute, deep in thought. "Why do you need me?"
"Because," answered Tibaron, leaning forward, "the Temple in question is located at the very heart of the Evisis Woods."
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-15-2002 12:37 PM
Race to the Temple
That night, Ilona found the Arboreal Prowler in their room, sharpening his sword on a wet rock. He had taken the sword from Camiero. It's blade was made of very strong steel, and the hilt was gold, decorated with small diamonds and rubies. It was probably worth a great deal of money.
"What are you doing?" she asked him.
"What is it look like, Ilona? I'm preparing for battle." He continued to sharpen the blade.
"You're not actually going to do this, are you? That thing will kill all of you! If hundreds of adventurers before you weren't able to defeat it, what makes you think you can?"
"Because, we're us."
Ilona scoffed. "Typical men." She sat down on the bed. "Am I coming with you?"
"If you like," he said. "It'll be extremely dangerous, much more risky than anything we've done in the past year."
"Well, if you're going to die, I want to be there with you."
"Thanks, I'm touched." Ilona punched him hard in the shoulder. "Ow! Hey, make yourself useful, and tell Tibaron that we accept his offer."
"Yes, master," she said with a sarcastic smile, and left the room.
The next morning, the Arboreal Prowler and Ilona met Tibaron in the tavern. Ilona was carrying a beautiful, silver longsword and a long bow, plus two small daggers. Tibaron had a steel claymore with a five-foot blade in a scabbard on his back, and a large steel shield. He also wore some light steel plates on his arms and chest. "Are you two ready to leave? We have a long day ahead of us." They went outside, and found a hundred mounted soldiers waiting.
Ilona was speechless. "Well, Tibaron," said the Arboreal Prowler, "I have to give it to you. You are well prepared."
"These are my men, Prowler," he replied. "They've worked for me for about five years."
"I'm surprised you're willing to share the treasure with so many men," he said.
"Prowler, that monster has so much treasure that we won't be able to carry even half of it out with all these men."
"I hope you're right," replied the Arboreal Prowler.
They rode out of Forestre and went straight for the Evisis Woods. Fortunately, the Arboreal Prowler knew a road that went almost all the way to that Temple. He had seen the Temple many times from the safety of the trees, but never dared to go very near it. He never had reason to.
There was a lot of talk among the soldiers that they could easily get lost in the forest, and fall prey to the demi-wolves. Tibaron cleared up these fears by reminding them that the Arboreal Prowler was their guide. However, the truth was that he couldn't possibly protect this many men from the wolves. They had to reach the Temple before nightfall, or they would have to battle them.
The sun had almost set, and they still hadn't arrived at the Temple. "Prowler, are we almost there? We can beat the wolves, but I'd rather not have to."
"Don't be so sure you can beat them, Tibaron," answered the Arboreal Prowler. "You should never underestimate them. Just ask Ilona."
"I'd rather not talk about that," she said.
The sun set before they reached the Temple. They had left the road, and were almost to the Temple. The men were very nervous.
Then they attacked. Wolves came from everywhere, it seemed, and though they were able to fight the creatures, they were soon overwhelmed. The men started dropping like flies.
"Run for your lives!" screamed the Arboreal Prowler. "It's the only way you'll survive!" Everyone who was still alive went up to a full gallop. They were all being chased closely by the wolves. The Arboreal Prowler, seeing the wolves attack Ilona, although she killed several of them, lifted her up and put her on his horse. "At least I can protect you!" Screams of horror filled the air as men were slaughtered by the wolves.
Finally, they reached a very large clearing in the woods. The Temple stood right before them. They raced to reach it. The Arboreal looked behind him, and saw that a huge army of wolves were chasing them. There must have been at least a thousand of them. But they stopped and turned around when the adventurers reached the Temple. The wolves were afraid of this place.
The Arboreal Prowler, Ilona, and Tibaron had all survived, along with about thirty of the men. Ilona's sword was dripping with blood, and she was scratched up quite a bit. It made him feel proud of her - a warrior.
They all dismounted and walked inside the Temple.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-15-2002 05:31 PM
The Spider's Lair
It was dark, and they couldn't see anything. Many of the men lit torches that they were carrying. Once they had light, they looked around them. They were in an ornate antechamber, with intricate artwork and jewelry decorating it. Everything was dusty, though.
"This is a place of death," said the Arboreal Prowler, in a dark voice. "Traveling in the woods, I have often heard screams erupting from these halls. They would end in sounds of combat, then silence. Blood-curdling terror fills this horrible monument. If any of you fear death, continue down these halls. If any of you fear anything worse than death, turn back now. Return to the wolves. We may be on the threshold between this world and... Something of untold power and evil lies in this place."
There was a very large corridor in front of them. They walked in. The ground was very damp. Despite all the torches they were carrying, it was still very dark. They could hardly see anything.
What they could see was that the wall was covered in spider webs, but they didn't see any spiders. It was as if they came in, built their webs, and were killed or scared away by something.
The silence in the corridor was deafening. They could all hear each other's hearts beating rapidly, and their feet splashing in puddles on the floor. The Arboreal Prowler wasn't afraid, but he didn't feel to great.
"Where is that water coming from?" Something wet was dripping on them from above.
The Arboreal Prowler stopped walking. Everyone else followed suit. "That's impossible. There's at least 50 feet of rock over our heads." Using the light of a torch, he looked closely at his arm. "This is blood! What could..." He was interrupted by one of the men screaming.
"I'm stuck! Help!" Everyone turned to see that the man was caught in the spider webs. They were about to assist him, but they heard a loud clicking sound, and two arms, or what looked like arms, grabbed him and pulled him up. Everyone looked up to see a gigantic spider devouring the man! Hearing a sudden flourish of clicking sounds, they frantically looked up and down the corridor, and saw man-eating spiders everywhere, each at least the size of five men!
"Don't fear them! Remember your training! We can defeat them!" yelled Tibaron.
The men all drew swords and spears and formed a defensive formation; Ilona and the Arboreal Prowler started firing arrows at the creatures. Tibaron walked out alone, wielding his huge sword menacingly. The spiders went after him first, and he fought them off bravely, slicing his blade through them swiftly, while the Arboreal Prowler and Ilona shot arrows at the creatures' eyes. The spiders started attacking the rest of the men. There seemed to be an endless supply of spiders in this place.
Ilona ran out of arrows quickly. She dropped the bow and reached for her sword, but in that instant a spider grabbed her and pulled her away. She screamed, and the Arboreal Prowler turned to see her. As the spider reached the wall of the corridor, it prepared to eat her. The Arboreal Prowler knocked an arrow, aimed, and fired. The spider dropped Ilona. The arrow had gone straight through its head. Ilona drew her sword and ran back to him. They were now both out of arrows, so joined the soldiers' formation. Tibaron, being attacked more aggressively now, slowly made his way back to the group as well.
After what seemed like an eternity, the corridor was silent. They had finally killed all of the creatures. Five of the soldiers had been slain. "Good work, men," said Tibaron. "You have all fought well. Now let's move on."
After Ilona and the Arboreal Prowler had collected all their arrows from the dead bodies, they continued down the corridor.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-16-2002 01:00 PM
The Bridge
After walking for a while, they came to the end of the corridor. They now faced what seemed to be a bottomless pit; at least, they couldn't see the bottom. There was a very narrow bridge, about half as wide as a man's foot. The pit was too wide to use a rope to cross.
"Well, men," said Tibaron, "looks like there's only one way across. I'll go first."
Most of the men protested. "It's impossible to cross that thing!"
"Yeah! It's too narrow!"
"Nonsense!" yelled Tibaron. "If you'd like to return to the wolves, you are quite welcome!" The men stopped complaining. "Okay," he continued. "We'll have to go single file, obviously. Prowler and I will go first. Then everyone else can follow in whatever order they wish."
Tibaron stepped out onto the bridge and, using his long sword as a balance, started walking slowly across. The bridge was about two-hundred meters long. The Arboreal Prowler looked at Ilona, who was standing right next to him. "Okay, Ilona, follow right behind me."
"I can't," she whispered. "I can't cross that bridge." She didn't look at him, but just stared fearfully at the pit, shaking her head nervously. "I just know I'll fall."
"Okay," he said, after thinking for a moment. "I'll carry you."
"No, Rozun, you'll fall! I'll tip off your balance!"
"It's okay, Ilona. I won't fall. C'mon." He picked her up and stepped onto the bridge. She didn't struggle against him to be independent. She didn't want to make him fall. He started walking across slowly, teetering a little to and fro. Ilona was trying not to cry from fear. "Jees," he said as he took small, slow steps, "you've been killing men for over a year now, and you're still afraid of heights." Ilona didn't answer him.
They heard a scream from behind them, and it almost threw off the Arboreal Prowler's balance. One of the men behind them had fallen off the bridge. "Tibaron!" he yelled. "I think you just lost a man!"
They were halfway across, with Tibaron a little bit in front of them, when they heard a loud hissing noise. "What was that?" said Ilona in a shaky voice.
"I don't know, I can't see much of anything right now with you in my arms," the Arboreal Prowler replied. "What do you see?"
"Well, I don't see... Oh my God! Rozun!" She slapped her hand up to her mouth. It almost threw off his balance.
"What is it?" Ilona was about to answer, but she didn't have to. His question was answered when he saw a very large serpent's head come rising fast out from below the bridge, and was soon high above their heads, hissing furiously. "Oh!" The serpent's head flew at him, snapping at the air just behind him, missing him only by an inch. He almost fell. He glanced at the creature. It's neck must have been miles long, for he could see it stretching from the head and into the pit, farther down than they could see. He could only imagine how large the creature's body was.
Tibaron was now aware of the creature, and yelled orders to keep his men calm. "Don't be afraid of it! Just keep walking! Don't fight it! It'll throw off your balance!" Screams kept interrupting him as the men fell into the pit. Some were captured and devoured by the monster. "Keep moving!"
Eventually, the Arboreal Prowler reached the end of the bridge. He quickly set Ilona on her feet and they ran to the opening leading to the next corridor. They stopped to wait for the other men. Looking back, they were shocked by how few men were left. When all the men were across, there were only twelve left. "How are we going to get out of here?" asked Ilona.
"Let's worry about how we're going to make it to where this monster is." The Arboreal Prowler, Ilona, Tibaron, and the fifteen men that were still alive continued down the corridor out of the serpent's reach.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Linerin Gheral on 01-16-2002 03:18 PM
Shadows crept along the stone floor of the Black Tower as the thin fragmented moon inched its way through the sky above. Finally, just as the tip of the crescent reached the western mountains, one of the shadows entered through a portal in the center of the chamber. Linerin turned and embraced the woman who now stood there.
“What news Reika?”
“Master, the Lunari Army has resettled in Fayre, and I’m not sure, but they may be planning to retake New Dargent.” This did not surprise him in the least.
“That’s to be expected. And what of their general? Have you gotten close to him?”
“No, Master. I’ve only seen him once. His name is Victor Dominic…..,” she paused then added in a lustful manner. “He is quite handsome…” Linerin narrowed his eyes, but said nothing in regard to her statement. Instead he smiled and took her by the hand.
“I have something to give you that I would like you to give the officers of the Lunari Army in return…”
__________________
As the Mistress of the Night wills it...
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 01-16-2002 09:29 PM
Scarlet had just attached the letter to the pigeon’s leg when Reika came through the tent flap. Immediately seeing the snowy white feathers she inquired about the letter clutched tightly between its feet. The pigeon had become noticeably uneasy when Reika drew near.
“It’s a letter to mom and dad to let them know we’re safe. I could kick myself for not thinking to send a pigeon sooner. Would you like to write them something as well?,” she asked holding out a piece of parchment and a quill.
“No…..thank you. I’m sure you’ve done enough.,” she replied quietly, eyeing the pigeon. It trembled and backed away from her gaze. Looking back up and Scarlet then casting one more glance to the terrified animal she left the tent. Confused over the pigeon’s change in behavior, Scarlet gently stroked its feathers until it stopped shaking and began to coo softly once more.
Outside the tent, she released the pigeon high in the air and watched it until it became a bright spot over the line of trees. Indigo appeared at her side and followed her gaze.
“You sent the pigeon?”
“Uh-huh. I think the poor thing was afraid of Reika!,” she said laughing. Indigo smiled and put an arm around her shoulder.
“Anyway, Adamas sent me to come find you.”
“Oh no!! I promised I’d meet him half an hour ago!” Tearing herself from Indigo’s arms, she started running in the opposite direction toward Fayre. Indigo smiled as he watched her go, then looked back in the direction that the pigeon had flown. For some reason, it made him feel uneasy. Shrugging it off he casually strolled off after Scarlet, whistling as he went.
Meanwhile, the shadowy figure of a woman crouched high in the branches of a tree looking skyward. From far away her sensitive ears picked up the sound of flapping wings. Grinning, she waited until the white body of the pigeon appeared overhead, then shot an arm out to catch the unsuspecting animal. She sank her steely claws into its soft flesh, spilling bright red beads of blood over the glossy white feathers. The helpless creature was rendered immobile by fear as she sank her teeth into the meat of its neck and tore of its head. Blood gushed from the dark red circle where its head used to be as Reika swallowed it whole, then began to devour its remains.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-17-2002 12:25 PM
The Chamber
This corridor was somewhat smaller than the last. There obviously weren't any man-eating spiders there. By the light of the torch, they couldn't see any webs on the walls. Instead, there were weapon racks full of steel swords, axes, maces, halberds, spears, pikes, morningstars, and just about anything that could kill someone.
"Weapon racks in a temple. Interesting," said Tibaron under his breath. Ilona saw a small chest on the floor.
"What's that?" she asked, pointing at it.
"I don't know," said Tibaron. "Probably something valuable." He picked it up. It was covered with dust and cobwebs. He tried opening it, but it was locked. "Here." He grabbed a large warhammer off the wall, and slammed it into the chest. The chest shattered, but its contents remained intact. "It's a book," he said. He picked it up off the floor and brushed off the dust. Its pages were made of pure gold, and the cover was made of platinum, decorated with large, rare gems. It was written in Elven. "Well I'll be. It's the Book of the Creator!"
This book had been written by a great Elven scribe thousands of years ago. It was said to be the most poetic thing ever written, and was priceless. It had been missing for centuries.
"There's only one existing copy of it!" said Ilona.
"And we just found it!" Tibaron put the book into a bag one of the men was carrying. "That book is a priceless treasure on its own! I wonder what else we'll find?"
"Death," answered the Arboreal Prowler quickly. His morbid statement wiped the smile off Tibaron's face. They continued walking.
Further down the corridor, there were skeletons hanging from the walls. Many of them had armor hanging on to their bones, and weapons in their hands. Tibaron recognized the seals on many of their shields.
"These are Ganian lords and kings," he remarked. "There must be hundreds of them! How long has this creature been here?"
They continued walking down the corridor. Several of the men looted the skeletons for their weapons or armor. Most of it was either very strong steel or gold.
After a minute or two, a rattling sound came from behind them. One of the men screamed. Everyone turned to look, and saw that one of the skeletons had climbed off the wall and sliced the man's head off! They drew their weapons, and quickly the creature to pieces.
They were filled with horror as the rest of the skeletons started climbing off the walls, weapons drawn. Tibaron had kept the warhammer he used to open the chest. He now hit one of the skeletons with it. The creature was thrown against the wall, and shattered. "Forget your blades! Bash them!"
The men all grabbed maces, morningstars, and warhammers of the nearest weapon racks and started smashing the skeletons. They fought fiercely, but there were hundreds of them. The men started dying.
"We have to get out of here! Starting moving down the hall, and stick together!" screamed Tibaron. They all started advancing down the hall, and the Arboreal Prowler, after crushing a skeleton with a morningstar he had grabbed, heard Ilona scream. He turned quickly, and saw a skeleton pulling its sword out of her body. Another skeleton drove its ax into her stomach.
"Ilona!" he screamed. He ran over to her and crushed the two skeletons. Ilona fell to the ground, coughing. "Oh, God!" He lifted her up, and put her on his shoulder.
"Rozun," she whimpered. Losing men fast, the group started advancing more quickly. They reached a large antechamber and entered. To their dismay, there were hundreds of skeletal warriors waiting inside.
"We're surrounded!" exclaimed Tibaron. The skeletons closed in on them, but were interrupted by a loud bang on the wall. The skeletons fled from the room. "What's going on?"
The adventurers were now alone in the antechamber. They looked around. The chamber must have been as big as a castle, and it was filled with treasure. Everywhere they looked, there were piles of gold coins, jewelry, crowns, silver jewels, rare gems, and mythical weapons. The men shouted out with joy.
"We're rich!"
"We're kings!"
"We're GODS!"
"Look at it all! There must be billions... no trillions of grans!"
"We can buy ourselves a country!"
What caught Tibaron's eye was a golden rack standing against one of the walls. It held six swords. The first had a bright red blade, with a hilt made of ruby. A sword of fire. The second had a blade of pure, brilliant silver, and a hilt made of diamond. A sword of ice or water. The third had a steel blade and a plain hilt. A sword of earth. The fourth looked much like the second. A sword of air. The fifth was made of the purest gold, and decorated with the rarest gems. A holy sword. The last one had an ebony-black steel blade, and a golden hilt decorated with rare black diamonds. A shadow sword.
"Those swords are what I came for," he said, looking at the swords hungrily.
The Arboreal Prowler wasn't happy at all. He laid Ilona on the ground. "Ilona, how do you feel?" Fear and anxiety was running across his face.
"I can hardly breathe."
He removed her shirt and looked at her wounds. She was stabbed through the chest, perhaps through the heart, and there was a large opening in her stomach from the ax. Tibaron looked at it, as well. "Prowler, she's gone," he said, with a regretful tone.
"She needs an Elven healer," he answered, not looking at Tibaron.
"She won't make it out of here..."
"She might. We have to leave quickly..." He was interrupted by a deep voice.
"MY CHILDREN," it said, "WELCOME HOME." They all looked in the direction that the voice was coming from.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-17-2002 06:29 PM
The Darkness
They turned to see a man, dressed in black clothes and a dark red cape. He came out of the wall, as if he'd walked through it. Perhaps he did. His face had a tanned complexion, and his eyes were black with red pupils. His hair was black and wild. They could tell he was very muscular.
The man walked forward and reached out his hand. Five glass balls appeared out of nowhere, and he started spinning them in his hands, slowly, with one balanced in the center of the other four. He spun them slowly, and smoothly. The light reflected off each one in a steady rhythm.
"MY CHILD," he said. Each person there thought he was speaking to him. "YOU ARE AFRAID. DO NOT FEAR, MY CHILD. YOU HAVE BEEN WANDERING IN THE LIGHT FOR AN ETERNITY. YOU ARE LOST, AND I HAVE FOUND YOU. YOU HAVE FOUND ME." Each person watched the glass balls spinning faster and faster in his hand. Even Ilona was watching intently. The man's voice was calm, deep, and soothing. "COME OUT OF THE LIGHT, MY CHILD. COME TO ME. COME INTO THE DARKNESS. IT IS WANT YOU HAVE ALWAYS SEARCHED FOR. IT IS WHAT YOU NEED. IT IS ALL THAT YOU NEED. IT IS EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO BE. COME, COME INTO THE DARKNESS, MY CHILD. IT IS WARM. WRAP YOURSELF IN IT. IT IS A WARM BLANKET THAT WILL LET YOU SLEEP. IT WILL LET YOU LIVE IN YOUR DREAMS FOREVER. EVERYTHING YOU HAVE IMAGINED IN YOUR LIFE WILL BE TRUE. COME, COME, COME INTO THE DARKNESS. THE DARKNESS WAITS FOR YOU. IT HAS ALWAYS WAITED FOR YOU. COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME INTO THE DARKNESS MY CHILD. COME TO ME, AND I WILL TAKE YOU TO THE DARKNESS, TO EVERY PLACE YOU HAVE EVER DREAMED OF GOING."
The Arboreal Prowler sat up in bed. He was in a small cottage. He got out of the bed, and walked outside. The sun was brighter than it had ever been before. The grass was greener. All around him were little elven children, running around, laughing, playing childish games. Elven women were contently doing chores, hanging clothes on the line to dry. Elven men leaving to go hunting.
He heard his name called out. Not Rozun, not Arboreal Prowler. His real name. He hadn't heard it in so long. The name rushed into his ears and climbed into his heart, warming his entire body. He looked around, and everyone was smiling and waving to him. Everyone knew him, and he knew them. He recognized them all. This was his family.
He saw who had called his name. It was the sweetest voice he had ever heard. A chorus of angels could not match the melodious chord of that voice. He turned to see his beautiful wife running to him, the wind blowing through her long, blonde hair, and her dress flowing all around her, it seemed, like a white cloud. She looked like an angel. He opened his arms and held her close. It felt wonderful to hold her in his arms, to feel her heart beating again. He brought her inside the cottage and they made love.
Tibaron rose from bed. He was in a strange house he had never seen before. He went to the window and looked out. He was in Gania, and streets below were filled with people. But he realized he wasn't in a tavern. He looked over at the bed, and there was a woman lying in it. She had rich, dark hair, and was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He had only been with one woman in his life, and she had died years ago from the plague. He wondered who this was in his bed.
He climbed back into bed, and gently woke her up. She was his wife. She kissed him and said good morning, with a bright smile. He had never seen such a wonderful smile. It made him feel happier than he had ever felt in his life.
When they went downstairs for breakfast, one of his servants had already made breakfast for the children. Wait, the children? There were six of them. They all rose from their seats, and politely bid him good morning. They had been raised well, and all loved their father very much and were very well behaved.
He used to be a wealthy mercenary. Now he truly was rich.
Ilona sat up in bed. She was in a very familiar cottage. There was a man lying next to her. She couldn't see his face. They had just made love.
She got out of bed and, without getting dressed, walked outside. Night had fallen, and there was a full moon. She heard a wolf howling. There was an uproar in the village. All the people, elven people, were running around. The men were arming themselves with bows and running off.
She calmly walked down the road, where she saw wolves fighting with the men of the village. The men were being slaughtered. The wolves ripped at their throats, and tore them apart.
She saw a black wolf walk through the melee, and stood facing her. She looked into its glowing red eyes. Something made her want to go to it. She began to walk toward it. It started running toward her. She opened her arms as she walked, offering herself to it.
The Arboreal Prowler woke up. He was alone in the bed. He got up and walked out of the cottage. Night had fallen, and he heard wolves howling and men screaming, and the sounds of battle.
He looked to where the sounds were coming from. He saw an elven girl, naked, walking toward one of the wolves. The wolf was running to her. He was filled with dread as he realized it was his wife. He ran to her, trying to catch her before the wolf did.
He ran as fast as he could.
She seemed miles away.
The wolf ran furiously.
She was calmly walking toward it.
His heart ached.
He was breathing hard.
She seemed to be getting farther away.
Farther away.
The wolf ran hard.
Her hair flowed behind her.
She was offering herself to it.
He ran harder.
She was getting further away.
The wolf was very near.
It snarled.
It bared its teeth. The moonlight reflected off them.
He ran harder.
The wolf was furious.
Relentless.
It was hopeless.
"COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME, COME INTO THE DARKNESS. COME, COME, COME, COME, COME..."
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 01-17-2002 09:09 PM
Scarlet trudged toward the room that she and Indigo shared, feeling exhaustion slowly overwhelming her. If she thought that training under Giovanni had been difficult, it was nothing compared to what Adamas had put her through.
“So I’m thirty minutes late…..,” she muttered reproachfully under her breath. The lesson had begun with Scarlet being forced to scrub the outside balcony of Adamas’s room for her tardiness, occasionally being prodded by a small bolt of lightning if her progress was slow. Two hours later, he inspected her work and finding it to be satisfactory, lectured her as they made their way into an empty training ground.
“I’m the one who keeps people waiting, Scarlet. You will do well to remember that despite my demeanor, I’m not a very patient man.” Scarlet knew better than to mouth off or even try to defend herself. She was in no mood to spend the rest of the evening doing chores for Adamas. The rest of the lesson had been very enlightening for Scarlet, but due to the nature of her magic and the consequences of having to scrub marble for several hours, she was unable to continue after an hour of summoning lightning and manipulating air molecules.
Finally, she reached her room, and was surprised to find the door unlocked, and even more surprised to see a meal set out on the table. Smiling, she looked around expecting to see Indigo, but saw noone.
“Who…?”
Her question was answered as Reika appeared behind her in the hallway.
“I was wondering when you’d be back. I made dinner for you.,” she said smiling cheerfully.
“Thank you Reika! Would you like some as well?” A strange, tight smile replaced the one she had been wearing previously. It seemed almost unnatural.
“Oh…..that’s okay. You help yourself. I already ate.” She chuckled softly after this last statement, making Scarlet look at her oddly.
“Reika…are you feeling well. You seem a little strange lately.” She shook her head and smiled fully once more.
“I’m fine Scarlet. The one who obviously isn’t doing well is you. Eat and get some rest.” Defeated, Scarlet embraced her sister, desperately trying to ignore the icy feel of her skin.
Why is she always so cold?
“Goodnight Reika.”
“Pleasant dreams Scarlet.”
Closing the door behind her, Reika sauntered down the hallway, contemplating her next course of action. She had received a special gift directly from Linerin to pass on to those who would lie with her. And she knew the first man she wanted to give it to.
Victor….
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"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-18-2002 08:52 AM
The Demon
The Arboreal Prowler raced to reach Ilona before the wolf did. As if by some miracle, he reached Ilona first. He drew his sword, jumped in front of Ilona, and sliced the blade straight through the wolf. It fell to the ground. So did Ilona.
He looked around. Everyone in the chamber was shaking their heads wearily as if they had just woken up. Ilona was lying on the ground, unconscious. She had somehow gotten to her feet and had been walking toward the evil man, who was now hunched over, wounded.
The man began to hiss and snarl, and a brilliant light flashed all around him. Right before their eyes, the man grew to immense proportions, and transformed to some beast.
It was hundreds of feet long. Its body was covered not with skin, but with black scales. It had large wings that now draped over its body like a cloak. Its tail accounted for nearly half of its length. It had four legs, which were all large and muscular, each with a powerful claw on the end. It had a long, thin face. The snout made up most of its head, and it had hundreds of large, sharp teeth. It was shaped much like one of the dragons that are told of in fairy tales, but this creature was not a dragon. It was pure evil.
It was a demon.
It slammed one of its claws into the ground. All the men scattered. The Arboreal Prowler picked up Ilona and brought her to a corner where she might be safe. The chamber was extremely large, so it could move freely. The men tried to escape it, but it easily chased them down. It smashed two men under one of its claws, and whacked three others with its claw, throwing them hundreds of feet away and breaking every bone in their bodies.
Tibaron went to the golden rack and grabbed the sword of fire. He ran up to the demon, dodging the fire it was now breathing out of its mouth. He drove the sword of fire into the demon's leg. The sword trembled violently, and an explosion erupted from where the sword had struck. Tibaron was thrown across the chamber by the explosion, and knocked unconscious.
Now the Arboreal Prowler ran to the sword rack. Tibaron had made a mistake. He took the sword of ice off the rack, and turned to see the demon facing him. Furious, the demon arched its neck and shot a fireball out of its mouth.
The fireball struck the Arboreal Prowler, and he was thrust back against the wall. But he wasn't on fire. The sword had protected him. He stood back up, and the demon continued to spit fireballs at him. They now had no effect on him.
The Arboreal Prowler raised the sword, ran forward, dropped his arm, and launched the sword of ice at the demon. It flew through the air, and the demon wasn't able to avoid it.
The sword pierced into the demon's chest. It howled pitifully, and a light flashed from the wound. The demon's flesh started turning white, and it spread from the wound. Within seconds, the demon was frozen solid.
The Arboreal Prowler sighed with relief. He got the shadow sword off the rack, and walked up to the demon. Its body was frozen, but its eyes followed him, watching in horror. The sword flashed through the air, and struck the demon's frozen leg.
The blade made a gaping hole, and its entire body started to crack. Finally, the demon's body shattered. It was defeated.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-18-2002 05:01 PM
The Rose
The Arboreal Prowler raced through the meadow on his horse. His head was bowed low.
Night was approaching. He could see the sun setting ahead of him. He rode on toward it, as if trying to catch it.
He reached a great cliff. He dismounted and walked to the edge of it. He looked down and saw the water far below him. It foamed as it crashed against the rocks.
The sun was falling fast. The darkness was taking over the sky. Looking up, he could see stars appearing in the east.
The wolf's body was a dark figure against the starlight.
Ilona's body was illumined by the starlight.
She walked into the starlight.
Offering herself to the light.
The wolf ran harder.
Ilona walked on.
The wolf pounced...
The Arboreal Prowler looked away, and took a black rose out of the pocket of his cloak. He stepped to the edge of the cliff, and drew one of his machetes. He closed his hand around the blade, and drew it out. It sliced open the flesh on his hand. He dripped blood onto the rose, and sheathed the machete.
The rose fell from his hand, over the cliff. It fell gently, gracefully, into the water and disappeared among the rocks.
He turned away and mounted the horse. Without looking back, he rode away into the night.
__________________
I am the reason you are afraid of the dark. I am the reason you fear venturing into the forest alone. It is my name that is whispered by the leaves in the middle of the night and carried by the wind to your ears.
I am the Arboreal Prowler.
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 01-18-2002 10:22 PM
The song floated over the silent courtyard and into Victor’s room. Tilting his head, he strained to hear the echoing phrase, but the song was as tantalizing as it was beautiful. Forgetting his studies for the moment, the young general crossed the room and peered out of his window into the moonlit courtyard below. He saw a young woman sitting by the edge of the enormous fountain there. Her long black hair blew gently over her shoulders, revealing a beautifully muscled back exposed by the low cut of her gown.
Reika?
Before reason set in, Victor descended the stairs of the military housing to the first floor, then out into the spacious yard. He could hear the song more clearly now. It was an eerie, haunting melody that flowed smoothly from her lips. It rolled over him like a sweet scent, drawing him nearer to where she sat with her back toward him. He was close enough now that the tips of her hair cupped and caressed his face like soft, tiny hands. His voice was a gentle whisper.
“Reika?”
The song ended and she turned to face him. There was no expression of surprise on her face. It was if she had been expecting him all along. He didn’t know if that excited him or made him uneasy.
“Good evening, Sir,” she said bowing her head in respect. Once again, Victor felt a small swell of his ego. She was a natural flatterer.
“What are you doing out so late? Can’t you sleep?” Reika fell silent for a moment, then turned to gaze at the moon.
“I wonder if they are able to see the moon in Gania.”
“Your parents?” She nodded and looked back down at the ground. There was a pregnant pause. Catching on, Victor continued.
“You miss them don’t you?”
“Very much. I know they’re worried about Scarlet and me.” He noticed that she was leaning in close and that she was crying. Unsure of what to do, he hesitantly placed his hand on her shoulder and found himself in an awkward position as she pressed close to him and buried her face in his chest. After a moment, she began to stroke his arms with her fingertips.
“You’re so strong Victor….So much stronger than me…” He had no idea what she was trying to imply, but he couldn’t deny that he felt a small amount of sensual pleasure with her touch. However, he also felt a sense of bewilderment. He honestly had no idea what to do with a beautiful girl in his arms. In all his years of military training, nothing could have prepared him for this. She seemed to have sensed his hesitation, for she halted as well.
“I apologize for my rashness. I’m usually not this forward, but there’s something about you….” She brushed her lips against the perpetual stubble on his chin and placed the palms of her hands against his chest. It came as a shock to suddenly feel cold air where warm flesh had just been. Victor was now standing a little ways off from the fountain looking somewhat flustered.
“I’m sorry Reika, but this isn’t right. I barely know you, and you are a princess.” He added in a lower voice, “Goodnight,” then returned indoors to his chambers, leaving an extremely frustrated and angry Reika by the fountain.
“Damn it to hell!!,” she hissed furiously. She had been so close. Rising from her position at the fountain she stalked off in the direction of a small alleyway. She almost ran into the sentry that had been stationed before she saw him. Giving her a lecherous glance he questioned her.
“Are you lost, Miss?” Smiling at the opportunity which now presented itself, she pressed purposefully by his side and gave his arm a small squeeze.
“Would you be so kind as to show me to the nearest bed chamber?,” she asked in a steamy whisper. His response was quick and eager as he rushed to his quarters, pulling Reika behind him.
That night as she lay next to the man who had so foolishly submitted to her charms, the temptress smiled as Linerin’s gift began to ravage the body of her first victim. Her thoughts drifted back to the evening's earlier conquest.
You can't resist me forever, Victor...I'll be back for you..
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Volsung on 01-19-2002 07:08 PM
OCC: boy its been I while since I posted Oh well I'm back at school and read to go back to work. One more thing Arboreal Prowler you are doing a damn good job, keep up the good work.
IC: Volsung and Ollis flew quickly over the water. Doing there best to stay with the wind as not to disturb the water more than they had too. Nonetheless, there were small ripples as they flow. Volsung did his best to keep this glow to a minimum to that end used a deep blue color that almost looked black, but Volsung with all of this practice could not make black flames. When the men reached dock, they slowly rouse up and looked around to see if any of the guards were around. Then after seeing that there was none they came up and onto the street. “Ok now what do we do?” Asked Ollis as his feet came to rest on the planks of the dock.
“Well I think we can fly from roof top to roof top until we get to the palace.”
“No that won’t work at all, first there are guards on many of the root tops as look outs so hopping on the roofs would cause a bit of trouble. Second it is a lot easier to be seen flying though the air than anywhere else.”
“Well what do you think that we should do then?”
“Well if you would think about it you would know that there should be all kind of secret entrances and exits for the Royal family. Royalty always likes to have a way out. Also as member of the Air guild I know where our secret entrance is.”
“Why didn’t you say anything about this before?”
“Because I thought that you had a better plan than just jumping from rooftop to rooftop.”
“Fine, I guess I can live with that, so how do we get to this secret entrance of yours.”
“Well its very simple and we won’t get caught. I assure you.”
Volsung starting to feel very out of place after all he thought that he had a plan and he had put a lot of effort into his plan and then it doesn't work. Still he wanted to help Ollis, and for the first time in days, he was becoming useful again. “What is this great plan that you have?”
“I’m going to make a air bubble around myself and you. And we are going to walk under water.”
Volsung didn’t know what to say so he just let his jaw drag on the ground for affect. Ollis started walking turns the water before Volsung could pull himself together and say a compete sentence. Then he started smiling “You know that you a quite crazy?”
“Maybe, maybe not, in any case we should get going.” With that the two stopped talking Ollis made his bubble and they went into the water. The pair sank to the bottom of the cannel very slowly in the air bubble. The ground was all mud but Volsung quickly dried up the mud using his ora. “Don’t waste the effort we have a long ways to go and not a lot of time, so just put up with the mud and walk with me. Volsung nodded once again and they started walking. At the bottom of the cannel they could see the wooden pillars that the city was built on, but a great many weren’t looking so hot.
“It a good thing most people never see this or no one would live in this city.” Volsung thought to himself as he tried to pass the time slugging though the mud. After what seemed like hours, they came to a stonewall with an opening in its near side.
“This is it. This is one of the kings back doors, and our bet to getting in the palace unnoticed.”
“Can I ask how on earth you know about this? I mean this isn’t the kind of thing they just tell any one, and you don’t seem like the type to waste time underwater exploring.”
“Like I said it a air guild entrance not to mention that I’m the best guide in all of Akaros and that is all you need to know.” Ollis pause as the started accenting again then after a few minutes spoke once more, “Now there will be a few guard just beyond the gate. So I will try care of them.”
Volsung Smiled again “Of course. Is there anything you need from me?”
“Nope. After that I will lead the way to the throne room.” Volsung Nodded again and the two surface inside of the castle, and as Ollis had said there were 5 guards on duty, but guessing from there reaction they weren’t expecting any one on that night. And with a blinding flash of light, the guards were out. After seeing the guards, all on the ground Ollis came onto the stones and started walking towards the throne room.
“This way is very poorly guarded don’t you think Ollis?” Volsung said as his feet touched the ground.
“Yes it is.” But as Ollis spoke, he did not look at Volsung in fact he had barely looked at Volsung since they had gotten into the castle. Still there was little time to think about that now because they were fast approaching a very well lit room.
“Come Volsung you are welcome here.” Said a voice in the approaching room
Volsung turn to Ollis and Asked “who is that.”
“That is the reason why we are here if I was betting man,” at that moment they came into the back of the Throne room. Then Ollis walked around to the front of the man who was sitting in the throne and started speaking. “My lord I am here as I was asked to be.
“You have none good work, and you are free to go.” Said the man
“Thank you lord,” then Ollis bowed low and walked out of the Throne room.
After Ollis was gone, the man started speaking again, “Well you are Volsung Vesper of the Royal Guard of Gania. It is good to finally see you. You were expected over a mouth ago, but that there is nothing we can do about that now.” Then the Man stood up and only now did Volsung see his beautiful blue and red robes, fine red leather boots, and his sliver crown. Then Volsung knew that he was speaking to the King of Akaros. “I bet you have figured out who I am, but you still don’t know what in the world is going on.” Volsung nodded and the King continued, “I received two letters from King Eremon of Gania delivered by the Grand Courier. One was dressed to me explaining how he has become very concerned about the situation in Asheri, and that he is ordering you and your sister to Go to Asheri and find out what is going on. Second letter is addressed to you so I did not open it.” Then the King got up, pulled a letter out of his pocket, and handed it to Volsung. Volsung was about to open it when the King stopped him. “King Eremon asked that you not open that letter until you are out to sea and on your way to Asheri. I do not know the reason, but I trust the King of Gania.” Volsung stared at the envelope from a moment Looking at the penmanship, and the Wax seal on the outside. Then Volsung spoke up.
“Lord I bag your pardon, but why wasn’t I just called here? I mean would that been much simpler”
“That is a very good question and the truth is that we couldn’t let your mission come into general knowledge so I called for to capture of your guide by my royal guard, but I also told the guilds that if he should make contact then they should sent him here if he wished not to be punished. I think Ollis started to figure it out but he knew better than to tell you his mind.”
“This still seems like a lot of trouble just to deliver a letter,” said Volsung now turning to look at the door.
“There is a enemy out there which we do not understand, but I know he has spies everywhere.” The king pauses and then sat back down. “I can see that want to get going so will not keep you here any longer with idle talk. Before you go remember this tell no one that you are going to Asheri, tell no one of the letter, and most importantly do not, DO NOT open that letter until you are on the seas. These are extreme actions because they have to be above all do not forget that. I wish you luck.” With that, the king stood up and walked out of the throne leaving Volsung with his thoughts.
“Well this is a interesting twist on things, but I must go I have sworn myself to the king of Gania so there is no debating this. Veritas is just going to love this.” Volsung paused to think and then spoke aloud, “Could someone help me get out of here?”
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"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-19-2002 10:23 PM
A journey begins...
Til’Sylvanna woke from her dream with a start, sitting upright in bed, and placing her head in her slender hands. The pale moonlight filtered through the trees into her bedroom bathing her in its soft silver glow. Beads of sweat rolled down her pale face, her heart raced, and her long silver/white hair was tangled. She took a beep breath to steady her chaotic thoughts and regain her composure. She turned her silver eyes to the moon above, basking in its soft light.
Every night for the last two weeks, she thought, I have had the same dream. I can no longer deny the strength of this Vision. I can no longer sit idly and wait for these events to pass. Yet, the meaning still eludes me. She lay back upon her silk pillow, recalling the myriad of images that had plagued her.
Two crescent moons, one facing the other, and two stars in between the two, one red and one as white as ice. The view of her perception closed in upon the stars and they changed. No longer did they look like stars, but two blades entwined with roses. One of them what white, the other red… the red one merged with a blue glow, while later the white one was swallowed by the darkness.
Once more the images shifted. There was a great field… and thousands of tiny ants swarming about it… moving closer she could see that the tiny forms were not ants, but men… it was a battle. Lightning came from the sky… crimson covered the once green earth… darkness crept from behind the horizon, threatening to engulf them all. Was she the only one who could see it? Why could the combatants not see their danger did not come from one another, but from an evil they could not fight with swords? How could she warn them?
There was the Wolf Trail… and a waterfall… two figures lay in a lovers embrace… Where did they fit into all of this?
Next she found herself aboard a ship… where was she going? A young man sat at an oddly shaped table in the market district drawing … who was he and what did her have to do with her? A pretty young woman with an ornately carved staff… fighting for her life… where?
The battlefield again… this time empty of fighting men… though there was a dark black fog creeping along the ground… It continued to creep, growing larger and larger… spreading until the darkness seemed to consume the world. She couldn’t breath… Then the screaming began. The sound of a million voices in anguish… as if the entire world were dying…
Til’Sylvanna shivered. It was no use; she could not hope to sleep any more that night, though it was yet many hours until dawn turned her silver world into gold. She rose silently, donning her white silk robe and walked out onto her balcony. Looking out over the village, she sighed. All the world is at peace in this hour, she thought. Would that I could make it always so. Her silver eyes reflected the moon’s pale light, making them seem to glow. She was achingly beautiful, this maiden, tall and lithe as were all her folk. Long silver/white hair fell in soft waves down to the small of her back. Her long pointed ears were unadorned by jewel or hoop. Silver eyes shone out of her perfectly sculpted face, though there was sadness in them so deep as to reach the very heart of the world.
The elf maiden tilted her head slightly to one side, sensing him more than hearing him.
“What are you doing up at so early an hour, Valerian,” she asked of the tall elven man who walked out to join her. He was garbed in the manner of an elven warrior, light elven armor of a dark blue dyed leather studded in silver. A beautifully crafted long sword hung at his side. His long blonde hair was braided, and his light green eyes watched her closely.
“I could ask you the same thing, my Lady,” he said quietly, “though I already know the answer. I heard you rise and wished to see if there was aught that I could.” He came to stand near her at the balcony ledge, looking down upon the sleeping elven village.
She smiled. “Ever my Guardian, Valerian? Do you not sleep? Surely even a great warrior like you needs rest and can do so when no harm could possibly befall me? Am I so difficult a ward that you are driven to such extremes?”
“No,” he said, “ but I know you. You have not slept an entire night in more than a fortnight.” He turned him intense jade eyes upon her. “Visions, again?”
“Yes,” she said in little more than a whisper and sighed. “I have made up my mind. I mean to leave on the morrow.”
“Where will you go?”
“Where ever my feet take me… and where my heart leads me. The shadow is coming, Val. I have Seen it. The Humans are at war… or soon shall be.”
“What care we for the concerns of Human folk. They have nothing to do with us,” he said matter-of-factly.
“It is more that that… Whatever is behind this war is a force of great Darkness. They are but pawns to its greater designs. We may be safe in our serene Wood for now, but for how long? I believe that this Vision is a warning… and one that I can no longer ignore.” She turned her odd eyes upon him, all the weight of her beauty falling upon him. “I cannot sit by and watch it happen. What kind of a Lady would allow her people to suffer if she could stop it before trouble began? Not I. My Lord father will understand… he has to. I love our people too much to stay… to sit by and let them be swallowed Darkness. The Humans must be warned. I have seen other things… people who I think can help, who I must find. Symbols whose meanings elude me, but perhaps the road will bring me the answers I seek.”
She looked out over the scene below her, and then closed her eyes savoring that quiet moment. Tall trees all green and silver in the moonlight, the white paved walkways and orderly gardens of her home. The sweet smell of wildflowers drifted upon the wind, overwhelming her senses. She breathed deeply and faced him once more, tears glinting in her quicksilver eyes. “I have to go, Valerian… if for no other reason than that I will go mad if I have to live like this much longer. I cannot sleep without having these dreams… and even in waking I cannot forget the screams. It has never been like this before. I can find no peace until I have solved this riddle.”
“When do we leave,” he asked.
“Just before dawn… tonight.”
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Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Alexandros Fatali on 01-20-2002 11:16 AM
"Wha? What?!" Alex cried out as he bolted upright. A stab of pain in his abdomen forced him back down, as well as making him remember the batle in which he was so horribly wounded.
A pair of nurses, smiling at him, came towards Alexandros, and explained what had happened to him, and that he had been in a coma for nearly a month. Alex sighed as he slowly layed back down, and began to contemplate what he should do next. As well as piecing together all that had happened to him..
OOC: I'll post again tonight...
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May the Creator shield you and light your path...
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-20-2002 11:32 AM
OOC:Sorry bout the crappy post, but I'm in a hurry thismornin'.
IC:Zander paused suddenly as the others followed Caliph into the Inn proper where he had promised them a drink while they wait for his mysterious guest. A feeling had come to him, replacing the one that told him the other Holy Knight, who he knew now as Alexandros, was in grave condition. This new feeling gave him great comfort, more so than Caliph's words, but the feeling proved him right. Zander could tell that Alex was improving and the urgency to reach Fayre all but left him.
Zander continued to follow the others and sat to drink mildly while Caliph explained, and waited.
Cue: Caliph or Orocia
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Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Keiru Ruby on 01-20-2002 02:56 PM
OOC: Posting as Scarlet.
IC:
It had been three days since Reika’s ill-fated attempt to seduce Victor. She wasn’t foolish enough to try again, especially so soon after the initial rejection so she turned to any man who would be willing to spend a night with her, giving them the deadly virus that Linerin had bestowed on her. So far three footmen and one officer had succumbed to her charms and she was constantly on the lookout for any more victims.
But for now she contented herself sparring with Scarlet.
Pathetic, she thought as Scarlet made a lunge for her with her katana.
Damn! She’s improved so much since I last fought her.
Scarlet stood facing opposite of Reika, panting from her exertions. She had done nothing but stand there and block Scarlet’s sword. She felt a small amount of annoyance that her elder sister could remain so calm.
“Come on Reika. Are you actually going to fight me?” Her lavender eyes locked with her sister’s grey ones. She felt a small twinge of fear in her stomach. Reika looked like she actually wanted to kill her.
Her attack came suddenly and more brutally than Scarlet could have prepared for. In a split second not only had Reika disarmed her, but left her lying flat on the grass with the point of her katana pressed into the hollow of her neck. The homicidal look in her eyes never left and continued to paralyze Scarlet in their gaze. She felt herself fearing for her life from her own sister.
“Reika…?” There was a tense silence, and Scarlet felt the blade trembling in her sister’s hands, as if she was struggling to keep from pushing it through the soft flesh of her neck. After several minutes, the blade retreated and Reika extended her hand to help Scarlet up, but she never spoke or looked at her.
“Reika? What’s wrong?” Reika stared at her coldly, then turned and walked away leaving a bewildered Scarlet behind.
She couldn’t help but feel that Reika had been disappointed that she didn’t kill her…
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"Words are powerless to express one's feelings, and sometimes they become a silver knife."
Posted by Orocia Agua on 01-20-2002 06:06 PM
A slight bit of disappointment seemed to tug at Orocia's heart.
She tried not to let her disappointment affect her judgement of this new Holy Knight, but it wasn't just that she was disappointed that he wasn't Alexandros. So many things were troubling her.. all combining into one question she now really started asking herself:"Can I and will I ever set things straight in my life?"
But Orocia quickly pushed aside these feelings that had recently began to haunt her again and in the next second put on on a friendly smile. She followed the group in. She still had a bit of a blush on her face, but even she wasn't sure if that was from earlier that night or from the chill of the night air she had just come in from.
She wondered if her face, for a second before she smiled, showed any inkling of her sad feelings. Orocia was a master at the poker face and an even better master at "forgetting" things that hurt her; but as she had been learning ever since that fateful first night with the vampire Rublicant, things left unfinished will stay unfinished, and broken things don't magically fix themselves.
Her hair was a little out of place and she fixed it while walking behind them, pushing these private thoughts away like misplaced strands of hair as she settled herself down into a more proper mood to meet and greet this Holy Knight and his young companion. She was looking downwards, deep in her thoughts, for the few seconds it took to walk into the inn proper, but when she looked up for a seat to sit at, she caught the suspicious glance of the girl.
Mischievously, Orocia winked and grinned back at her like the Devil himself, wondering what kind of reaction she would get. There's always time to play with people's minds.. Already Orocia was in a better mood at thinking of how to screw up this little girl. Not in a mean way, of course, just to push her around. The girl gave a mean look back at Orocia. Orocia in turn gave a genuinely surprised look back and chuckled lightly to herself. Fiesty one, is she? Better keep your mouth shut if you don't want to make a fool of yourself, little girl.. Again, Orocia had no mean intentions towards the girl, she was just being devilishly playful.
Playful like your own personal demons, now, right Orocia? Orocia quickly nipped this vicious, straggling thought at the bud.
The party went to a table: Orocia sat to Caliph's right, and Zander was to her right, and for now that meant Orocia was sitting in front of the girl. Orocia smiled again at the girl, who gave another "tough girl" look back. For a second Orocia mused she might have looked like that once back when she was the girl's age. The girl looked like she was in her early teens. She hoped the girl hadn't or wouldn't go through anything like the hell she herself lived through at that age.
Wanting to warm up the atmosphere, Orocia picked up her glass with her left hand and sipped a little at her drink, and helped start small talk while they waited for this "visitor."
"Just to be slightly proper, my name is Orocia." She was careful to omit her last name; she wondered if Caliph had done the same thing... or not. "And you are Zander.." she got an affirmative nod and a smile from him, "and you are...?" She directed the question to the girl.
"Arkiri." Her response was brief and had a swift tone indicating she didn't want to go any further. Orocia smiled warmly at Arkiri. "Lovely name. And how old are you?"
"Why do you care?"
Zander shot a harsh glance at Arkiri,"Could you show some manners?!"
But Orocia laughed out loud, hooking her right arm lazily over the back of her chair, leaning back, and digging her right heel in the edge of her seat as she got more comfortable, "..Because it's the nice thing to do. Unless you don't want me to? I can be very cold and mean to you, if that's how you like to be treated?" Orocia narrowed her eyes and gave an almost wicked grin at Arkiri to show she wasn't kidding.
Caliph gave Orocia a concerned look but Orocia gave an assuring look and shake of the head back as if saying she wasn't starting any real trouble. Arkiri stayed silent and glared at her. Orocia turned back to Zander, the mischievous tone inescapable from her voice, "And she's been your company?!"
Zander smiled,"She's usually a little nicer..."
Orocia countered,"Yeah, 'a little', you sure got that right." Zander laughed, maybe a little nervously, but he was glad for the friendly mood, even if Arkiri was being stubborn for not joining in. Caliph was mostly quiet, waiting for the "visitor" for the most part, but seemed a slight bit more congenial. A small chuckle escaped Orocia's lips as she saw Arkiri's scowled face,"I'm just teasing you, Arkiri. No hard feelings. At least from me, anyways." Orocia flashed another wink at Arkiri, who kept her frown.
Orocia took a thoughtful sip from her drink before asking her next question, this time to Caliph. She was just as out of the know as Zander and Arkiri were about what was going on in Caliph's head.
"So... who's our visitor?"
Cue: Caliph, and/or Zander
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-20-2002 06:51 PM
Leavetaking...
She was dressed for long travel. Comfortable dark blue leather sandals laced up to her knees where they met her loose gray silk pants. A dark blue bodice only draws attention to her fine curves, its long daggered sleeves pulled back to expose arms as pale as the very light of the moon, and a heavy floor length white silk cloak worked with intricate designs if the heavens lay upon her shapely shoulders. Her long silver/white hair was pulled back into a braid and bound with a blue leather cord. Two intricately worked silver long daggers hung in their sheaths at her sides; she then slung her long bow on her back and picked up her quiver of silver arrows.
Til’Sylvanna, white Lady of the Elves, Moon Maiden, and Evenstar, sighed and walked out of her home with a feeling of quiet sadness. She had never been beyond the eves of the Wood, and now she was unsure if she would be returning. My father will understand, she thought as she walked along the Garden Path toward the main path out of the village where she would meet her Guardian. He has seen this coming for some time; he knows that this must be done. Visions killed my mother; I will not be a victim of the same fate.
Valerian was waiting for her at the road, arrayed as well for a long journey. He has saddled their horses, hers of the purest white, his of a dark gray.
“Only as far as Bargra,” she said in a quiet voice as they began. “You can only escort me that far. The rest I must do on my own. I must.” He was silent for some time before responding as they mounted their steeds and began their journey.
“Why.”
“I have never been outside the Wood, Val, though I have seen it in a thousand dreams. I will face danger… I will meet unfriendly people. These things I must deal with, not have you to fix them for me. I see it as training for the battle that may lie ahead. For whatever honor you bear me, you must accept this of me. I beg of you.” She looked at him with a plea in her silver eyes.
“As you wish… though I do not approve. I must ask you to reconsider. You do not know what it is like out there…” he said quietly.
“Then pray that I learn, my Guardian, pray that I learn.”
The first rays of golden morning had not yet visited the world, which was well for her. She did not notice a tall elven man watching her go.
“May the Creator guide your steps, my beloved daughter,” whispered Talisaryan, High Lord of the Elves. “Your fate is your own, though I cannot help but be sorrowed. The world beyond our peaceful Wood is harsh; I hope that you are strong. Let your love and faith be your guide and you shall never fail… I love you.”
*********************************************
Many days passed for the elven travelers without event. Even the Wolf Trail was strangely void of travelers. The companions spoke little that day, stopping only as the sun set over the land. They had made good time and would likely make it to the port at Xellos the next day, two at the most.
Til’Sylvanna sang softly as Val built a fire, a song her mother had taught her long ago. It was a sad tune, as were most of those her kin sang of the Elder Days. She watched the setting sun, thinking about one she had lost long ago…
“Even after all this time, still you will not give yourself peace, my Lady,” said Valerian coming to sit beside her. He could read little in her expressionless countenance, though there was a sorrow in her eyes that he did not think he would live to see abolished. “I will not ask you to forgive yourself for what was an accident… I have done so a thousand times to no avail. Permit a humble servant to out speak himself and mention that you are being foolish. You take on that which is not yours to bear,” he said kindly.
“It is mine… do not presume to take it from me,” she said coldly. The elven maid looked at him, an apology in her quicksilver eyes. “You and my much loved Father have told me so many times, but your words cannot remove the void in my heart, nor can they give me back my brother. Let it be, Val, and know that someday I may forgive… though I cannot see that day being any soon.
“But, sad things aside, I think that we have made excellent time, don’t you?” She was hoping he would take the hint and leave well enough alone. He did.
“That we have, Lady. The road is quiet. May I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Why Bargra,” Valerian asked.
“Why not,” she said with a smile.
That smile will be the death of me, he thought to himself. It is the smile men have always been willing to die for… and to kill for. She is so innocent of the evil in the world, of the evil within people. There are those who will seek to destroy her for that…and for the knowledge she carries within her. Facing all of that, she orders me not to stand with her, and I can do nothing but as she asks. If she only knew how much her wish pains me…how much…
“What is it, Val?” Til’Sylvanna asked with mild concern, turning her attention to him.
“Nothing, my Lady, just thinking to myself. I’ll take first watch, you get some sleep. I suppose that you will want to travel before dawn, so you had better rest now. I’ll wake you in a few hours.”
She looked up at the stars, finding solace in their pure white light. “Yes, I suppose I should get some sleep, not that it will do me much good. Perhaps now that I am on my way I will have at least one night of peace. Good-night, my friend, wake me if there is any trouble.” With that she walked over to her tent to sleep.
Valerian, First Warden of the Evisis Wood watched her go, his green eyes glowing in the early evening starlight.
“I hope so too, my Lady,” he said softly. He began to softly hum the song that she had been singing, eyes to the stars for which she was named. “I really do hope you find the peace you seek.”
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Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Caliph Wyrdwyrm on 01-21-2002 12:02 AM
Caliph had been scanning the tavern the whole time, and paused for a moment to look at Orocia while beginning his answer. "We're probably going to have to move on, soon -- tonight's going to determine our direction of travel. I've taken more than enough risk staying this long, and if I've miscalculated I'm probably going to pay with my life. So you might want to become a little chummier with our newfound friends."
He cleared his throat, not bothering to wait for his words to settle with them enough to provoke a response. "But, assuming I've done right, I'd like to ask the two of you to join her and I in the next part of the journey. Eventually, we'd like to meet up with some portion of the resistance, although that's in the long term. Right now, we're being hunted."
Akiri slipped into Caliph's little diatribe. "Oh, sure, let's join up with people who don't plan on living that long. There's the excitement you asked for, Zander!"
Caliph shrugged and took a sip of his drink. "You'll do well not to interupt me again. But, to answer your question in a roundabout way, Orocia -- he's been following me for the better part of the day. And he carries on him the official seal of Balanum. So I'd like to talk to him. But I'm sure he'd like to kill me. And I have a feeling he'll take care to break up our conversation." Caliph unholstered his pistol and placed it in his lap. "But he won't dare to draw a weapon inside here, at least not a gun. Bystanders. Balanum couldn't stand the response these days. But I, on the other hand, have no need of such caution. Not that I'll shoot unless I h..." Caliph bowed his head slightly. "And there's the man now."
He stood, gun in hand, masked by his cloak, as he made his way for the bar. The other man had exactly five seconds to see Caliph before he was upon him. They recognized each other, you could tell -- but the man made no reach for a weapon of any kind. No move to defend himself at all, except to plead, and to hand Caliph a letter. The two of them returned to the table, although Caliph took neither his eyes or his weapon off him for a second.
"Orocia, Zander, Akiri, meet Rifkis Thrawn. I wish I'd known it was him. I wouldn't have worried quite as much."
Rifkis looked at the three of them, pained. "Master Wyrdwyrm, I assure you, if I had come here to kill you, I would have at least tried at some point."
Caliph nodded. "Fair enough." He handed Orocia a small change purse. "Something I managed to rustle up. Go ahead and pay our bill and meet me in my room. I don't really care to have him tell his story down here. People may be listening. Zander, Akiri, one of you come with me, one of you stay with Orocia until she leaves. It helps break up the group, less conspicuous that way." And he headed for the exit.
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They say confession is good for the soul. But what if you don't have one?
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-21-2002 01:44 AM
Zander found Arkiri's reaction towards Orocia mildly humerous and imagined she'd likely act the same way towards Tiffarah. Still he thought it better to keep the two separated as much as possible and sent Arkiri with Caliph.
Caliph was a dark and mysterious man, but Zander could sense little reason why he couldn't trust him. He knew Orocia and Caliph weren't telling him the whole truth, but everyone has something to hide.
Zander had sensed the presence of shadow magic being used in the tavern and that had affirmed his decision to send Arkiri with Caliph. He had yet to have a chance to get back to his room and retrieve a weapon of any sort. He decided to leave whatever was happening between the other patrons alone. He was interested in finding out what Rifkis' story was and how it might effect how Zander plotted the next leg of his journey.
After Arkiri, Rifkis and Caliph had left them, Zander followed Orocia up to pay their bill.
"Sorry about Arkiri, she's just bitter because I didn't take her with me thismorning," Zander explained as they made their way passed the other tables. "She's a bit posessive."
"Not a problem at all," Orocia grinned mischieviously. "She's quite an entertaining distraction. How do you put up with her for so long though?"
"She's not that bad when we're alone," Zander said, eyeing a few patrons that had weapons out in plain sight. 'They were the ones that were using the shadow magic,' he thought. Again he forced himself to stay out of it, he would be of little use one way or the other without anything to defend himself except his relatively low level skills in Holy Magic.
"I see," Orocia said knowingly and Zander guessed that she had assumed Arkiri felt affectionately towards him. It probably wasn't far from the truth, so he let her think what she would of it.
Cue: Orocia or Caliph... Arboreal?
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Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Caliph Wyrdwyrm on 01-21-2002 03:34 AM
Akiri took up the front, Caliph the rear, Rifkis the untrusted one between them. Caliph laid no hand on Rifkis, but the gun was ever there. They slipped past the brawl that was developing. Caliph had not so much as a staff on him to join a melee with, and he didn't really feel like shooting everybody he'd have to to walk away from something like that.
Akiri was the first to speak, to Rifkis no less. "Next time you want to sneak up on somebody, you could be a little less obvious."
Rifkis didn't speak, Caliph did. "I don't think he wanted to sneak up on anybody, Akiri. Certainly not me. He wanted me to find him."
Rifkis tacked on gracelessly, "Yes. Although I'm really no fitter to wear this garb than Master Wyrdwyrm."
"Master?" Akiri huffed. "You sound like some sort of wretched little servant. I thought you wanted him dead."
Caliph nearly took the gun off Rifkis at this point. "Now, Akiri, let's hardly encourage him in that direction."
"We sought him for many years, yes... he was a traitor. But now we've been betrayed in other ways, too. And sometimes one must throw in with ones enemies in order to survive a greater enemy."
"Well, Rifkis, I'm told you survived a night with my sister. You must have some very good survival skills. And some embarassing scars."
Rifkis flushed red. "Your sister is in hiding right now. Before she fled she managed to secure the Wyrdwyrm estate. You should find it abandoned upon your arrival."
"And what makes you think I'm going?"
"Because we need you, Caliph. Because I know that in your heart you hate the Lunarin Empire as much as I do. And because you've longed to return victorious to Balanum for a long time now."
Akirki looked at both of them. "What's this all about?"
"Insurrection." Caliph spoke for the both of them. "Or so Rifkis says. Very clever. The government is in shambles. The government that will instate itself in several days will be friendly to the emporer."
Akiri's smart comments vanished like dust in the wind. "Oh."
Caliph unlocked the room and ushered them both inside. After just a few moments, he saw Orocia and Zander down the long hall they just traversed. He left the door slightly ajar for them and kept watch on it and Rifkis.
The door opened, and the two stepped inside. "Well, here's how it stands." And he told them what he had told Akiri.
CUE: Orocia, Zander.
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They say confession is good for the soul. But what if you don't have one?
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-21-2002 01:21 PM
Zander felt the presence of shadow magic growing from the floor below and the racket of the brawl. At one point the walls shook from the intensity of the battle and Zander wondered if he had made the right decision by leaving the situation to straighten itself out. But he knew he wouldn't last long down there and he had no idea what the skill of his new companions was.
Zander listened as intently as possible to Caliph as he explained to Orocia and Zander what he had told Arkiri earlier.
"Why do you need us?" Zander asked once Caliph had finished. "Surely you involved us for some reason or another. Or was it simply because you thought I might be this Alexandros?"
Cue:Orocia or Caliph
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Ask, seek, knock...
The time now is 03:31 PM.
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