Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Rune Aeterna 9
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=224)
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-25-2002 10:20 PM
Ready to go? Let's have it!
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-25-2002 10:22 PM
Alright, time for a new chapter. Let's kick off the Darkening!
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Shadowspawn on 01-25-2002 10:30 PM
We tried to attack a man town last night... go north from Black tower, not south. Come across plain to where loud noises are... venture close to city...
Men call it Balanum... we approach, and after a bit men come out on town walls. We see big flashes, then go flying... not sure what happen... no men die that night, but many of us... the fire hits the ground and gets big, slams us around, chars flesh and scale... we like heat, but not this kind...
Not attack that city anymore... nurse hatred until Linerin says go back, then tear down walls, kill and eat men...
Next time we go south... no come back to Black Tower afterwards... Linerin says go to where big tree is... never seen before, but he say it less dangerous to us than Balanum...
He also tell us beware of man in white... Linerin not speak his name, get very angry when mention, curse him and hate him... not know why... we not care...
We eat all men. No care what they wear. Red taste same as white...
We not feed last night... get very hungry...
__________________
"Hssss...grrrr....accccckkkk....shhhlllllllrrrrrrrr.......shhhhhhhaaaaaa.......dooooooooo........haaaaaaaaaa...."
Posted by Orocia Agua on 01-25-2002 11:13 PM
"What's in the bag?"
Caliph was actually outside the inn, waiting for Orocia.
He immediately noticed the bag, and her unusually rushed steps,"Whatcha got there?"
"A bag."
He noticed her slightly troubled look, and began to worry a little himself. "Who gave it to you?"
"An old man." She walked inside and headed straight for a discreet corner, and Caliph followed.
"An old man?"
"Yes. He offered to cook me up a 'real mean mutton', too." Orocia had set the large bag on the table and a loud, crisp metallic clanking was followed by smaller, quick clinkings.
"No way... No damn way.." Orocia paused at the bag, eyes wide and frowning at it in disbelief. Immediately she loosened the drawstring and out slid her brother's twin butterfly swords, along with a well-crafted pair of criss-crossed scabbards that were to be worn on the back, and four dralar mels fell out and rolled to a stop on the swords. There were six more dralars in the bag.
Caliph stayed quiet, studying Orocia's reaction. It seemed she recognized the weapons. But he waited for her to say something.
Instead, Orocia put the swords in their scabbards and put on the leather piece. She took all the money and put it in her pouch, and noticed a short note inside the bag.
Orocia,
A little carrier pigeon told me of an adventure you were on, and I thought I'd send him back to you with these.
Good Luck,
Laurana
She passed the note to Caliph. "Madam Al'Teyr? How does she know about our travels?"
"According to her, 'a little birdie told her'. And that little birdie happens to be a very strange old man." Orocia gathered the drawstring bag and headed back out to the front of the inn, with a frown showing her deep thought on the situation at hand.
"Is he to be trusted?" Caliph brought his hood up to shield his sensitive face to the sun.
"I'm honestly not sure. But the only person who could of had these swords was Laurana. I'm keeping an eye out for the man." She looked up at Caliph,"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a magnet for trouble."
"Like our odds were any better?"
Orocia smiled, but the worry could still be seen in her eyes. She was beginning to find the odds and circumstances a bit humorous, and then she remembered the child Caliph had introduced to the group, with her odd little mission.
"You seem to have a knack for kids. That Elana was definitely something else."
Caliph laughed. "And so do you. You seem to be handling Arkiri quite well. I can only wonder how you would do with kids of your-" Caliph stopped his sentence short but not short enough. He nearly forgot that Orocia indeed had a child out in the world somewhere.
Orocia looked down for a minute, a small smile on her lips. "Don't beat yourself over it, Caliph. It was just a small mistake.." She looked back up and turned her face to him, giving a reassuring smile, that looked a little sad. But Caliph couldn't be sure what mistake she was referring to.... his, or hers?
Just then a young man walked up to them, asking for which way Zander had went. The young man had no idea they were connected with Zander, and the pair had no idea he was the man who was just recently hunting down Tiffarah.
"Sorry we're not sure which way he went," Orocia answered. "He came from Teyr though, so he likely continued south to Fayre." Already they found themselves being tested, and the journey had not yet begun. At least lying was easy.
As he thanked them and galloped down the road on his horse, Caliph nodded his head and gestured for Orocia to lead the way towards the stables, to begin their trip to meet with the others up in Teyr.
CUE: Caliph, Zander .. My character's up to par now, so feel free to start at Teyr or whatever.
OOC: If the more seasoned Keirus recognized a certain description of a certain hermit, then know that I've received permission from Keiru Emerald to use him. But, please feel free to give pointers on how he acts, what he does, etc.
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-26-2002 12:10 AM
As Indigo:
"Are you Indigo?"
Indigo stared at the young girl. He had never seen her before. He scratched his head. "Yeah, that's me."
"My name is Elana. I have a message for you, from Caliph Wyrdwyrm..."
After Elana delivered her message, she and Indigo went to see General Dominic. It pained Indigo to leave Scarlet alone, but it was apparent that he would have to.
Indigo explained the situation to Victor...
"By boat? Are they mad?"
"Sir, I'm not sure what to do. I have to be here for Scarlet. But she wants to go home when she recovers. She's in no shape to go on a dangerous journey like this. But... Alexandros isn't in any condition to go in my stead. And I want to help."
"Indigo, you can't help everyone all the time. However, I have an idea that will benefit everyone, I believe. It will require a lot of faith that Balanum trusts us. If not, then we are already doomed, and it matters not. Caliph must succeed. But there is no reason we can't send word ahead of time, and perhaps make his job easier."
"I'm not sure what you mean, sir." Indigo sat forward.
Victor stood up, and turned from Indigo. After a moment, he faced him again. "We're going to ask to borrow the Seamus."
Indigo almost fell over from his chair. The legendary airship, the Seamus... it was one of his fondest wishes to ride on it someday. Somehow, he hoped it would have been under different circumstances. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to enjoy it. "The Seamus... will Balanum let us use it, do you think?"
"I'm not sure. If they do, that's a sign that they're at least willing to listen to us. That bodes well. If they deny us use of it for our purposes... I hate to use her like this..."
"What? Who?"
"Balanum wishes to be on good terms with Gania. If they denied us use of the airship, it would not go over well with the king and queen to find out that their daughter was not aided in her trip home. Scarlet is our bargaining chip in this game. I'm sorry."
Indigo wasn't sure what to feel. However, it wasn't his decision anymore.
"I will send carrier pigeons to Balanum right away. Prepare for good news. I will send three of our healers with you on the ship, to ensure your and Scarlet's health. If Alexandros is in any shape to go, alert him."
"He's not. He still hasn't moved. At least not to my knowledge."
"Then prepare your things. Tell Scarlet she's going home."
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Bara Chinder on 01-26-2002 07:06 AM
Arriving at parvini.
Bara Chinder force marched himself to his wills end but after a day he was nearing parvini there was more people around travelling to the small sattelite villages of the city. He was now comfortable to walk along the road. The killer would hardly strike in such an area.
The gates of parvini were up ahead. There was a strong guard presence outside. A few people and carriges waited outside. Bara strode up to the que. At the front a fat man was talking to the guards.
There was a small insignificant man with a cart next to him.
"Whats all this about?" asked Bara, "some sort check in?"
"This is road to Endaroth, they check out everyone on this road, to keep the city safe."
"Why? Somthing wrong with Endaroth now?" he enquired.
"What? You dont know. Theres bad stuff down there, evil, know what i mean, very few people escaped. I recon theyll come here next, and..........Where are you from?" the man trailed suspiciously.
"Im from up near rysand, dont worry I just have been away in the wild for a while-"
"Nomad , eh? Well I aint got owt worth robbin and-"
Bara became impatient, "Im not evil or a thief, so curb your tounge, unless your wantin kickin in it?"
"NO, no...Im fiine.. that is I didnt... look I...I..I'll Call the gaurds if you come near-"
"To hell!" said bara and walked on.
Just now his eye caught on a man. Tall thin grey wide brimmed hat, it was the killer on the road.
The man looked around and spotted bara. He squinted but turned away. Bara suspected he would not risk anything in front of the guards.
He ducked to the other side of a coach and watched the killer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The killer had seen Bara.
"He saw me and recognised me. If he says anything he could jepoardise the whole..... I could use him? No I'll just follow and kill him. Simple as that." he thought.
He looked around again, Bara was gone from his view.
The mans brain was squirming like a toad in your hand.
"I'll wait inside the gates"
"You sir, whats your business in parvini?"
The killer shook himself.
"Yes soldier Im here to visit my brother"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bara saw the man walk in the gate. A few miniutes later he was at the gate.
"Your business sir?"
"Im a huntsman I have brought these polder rabbits to fit for curing. I figured on a better price in parvini."
"Tribesman from the north?"
"Yes." Replied Bara flatly.
"We will be watching you. And we will take one each."
the guard leered at the rabbits "a good meal for tonight" he thought.
After handing over two valuable rabbit carcasses Bara was alowed through. He walked towards the market square. Unaware that the killer was along following the ride.
Given the chance this man would ensure your family would all die. Bad man.
__________________
If pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of congress.
Posted by Linerin Gheral on 01-26-2002 10:57 AM
From the top of the Black Tower, Linerin looked out to the southwest. A small smile passed across his lips as he turned to Ragash, and patted the Veri on the shoulder.
"This is all working out the way we had planned," He spoke in his commanding, cold voice, "Be sure that none of the cities under the control of the Nylian Aramus come under any harm. It will make him a more compliant 'ally',"
Ragash nodded to the master, and made his way down the stairs. Linerin fingered the stone that hung about his neck, and looked above to the apparatus that focused the power of the Sphere Stones into the Ray of Destruction.
"Four are mine, and I shall not fail this time..."
The wind caught his blonde hair in a gust, and he laughed hearily as he made his way down the stairs, towards his scrying chamber. He wanted to see what his holier then thou offspring was up to...
OOC: For reference, Linerin is in possession of the Shadow, Fire, Air and Water Stones. For defined locations of the remaining stones, PM Keiru Emerald.
__________________
As the Mistress of the Night wills it...
Posted by Tygan deParte on 01-26-2002 01:21 PM
On the way to adventure.....
"Ah, how nice it is to have a horse!" Tygan rode the horse he had bought before leaving Corner. "Now the horse gets dirty rather than my clothes." He grinned, "and thank god to that, was hard enough to clean these last time."
The weather had been nice most of the trip, though there wasn't much to see, it was exciting to be on a different land though.
He came up on a town, by the looks of it a lumber town. "This must be the fabled lumber town of Forestre, which means those woods are Evisis!" He stared at the tree line in awe, these are the woods that hold Elves, Fiero, and god knows what else. This is where I will find adventure!
He didn't spend long in Forestre, picking up a few more supplies to last him till Gania, if he made it there that is. As well he stopped at a tavern for a quick drink and meal. At most it was two hours before he set out again, traveling the roads in search for adventure, and adventure he would find!
*********************************************
Two men sat at a corner table in a tavern at Forestre, drinking and boasting of their last brigand acts. When their eyes fell upon a young man in blue and white clothing, with matching weapons.
"Jyfe!" the one man punched his friend, who was drooling over a barmaid. "Isn't that him?"
"Him? Him who?"
"The boy! The one boss wants dead!"
Jyfe looked over to the bar, rubbing his eyes to clear his vision. "It is!"
"Should we kill him now?"
Jyfe looked around. To many people. Ahhh, but this boy will be ours. "No, not yet. We will follow him a ways, get him at Gania."
"Hehe, he doesn't know what is coming to him!" They both burst into laughter.
"I can just imagine the pay we will get for this!"
*********************************************
And so when Tygan left Forestre, little did he know, that two men, planning his death, were also leaving. If only he knew, how much happier he'd be to know that a fight was coming his way!
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Keiru Ruby on 01-26-2002 04:40 PM
Scarlet was looking for Alex. Indigo had left to see General Dominic after he had received some note from Caliph. He hadn’t discussed the contents with her and it was doubtful it would have fully registered with her anyway. She felt she was in a dream when she was awake, and the tranquility of her dreams no longer brought her any comfort. She wanted to see Alex.
After making several inquiries to his whereabouts, she finally found him motionless inside a Cathedral. Concerned, she lightly touched his shoulder and called his name.
For the first time in several days, he awoke.
CUE: Alex
__________________
"Words are powerless to express one's feelings, and sometimes they become a silver knife."
Posted by Keiru Emerald on 01-26-2002 05:33 PM
OOC: As Alex
IC:
"Alex.....?"
It was Scarlet. He knew that she had come near, even if he could not see her. He could feel her.
Alex did not stir at the mention of his name, but rather in a scratchy voice simply replied, "Scarlet?", though he remained face down on the cold stone floor of the cathederal.
She kneeled next to him and rolled him onto his back. "Are you alright?"
His body was cold to the touch, and rough, like weathered rock. Scarlet looked into his open eyes with concern, but it almost seemed as if Alex wasn't even there. As his lips moved, they cracked, and blood ran from the tiny cracks in his lips to flow down his chin. If he could feel pain, he would.
He whsipered, "I'll be alright, I just need this time,"
Fighting the pain she felt in seeing her friend reduced to such a state she swallowed the lumps rising in her throat and whispered, "I'm returning to Gania."
If Alex could have nodded, he would have, but in his state he was forced to speak. The taste of iron in his mouth would have been overwhelming if he could taste it, and he would be choking if he could feel it. But he could not. He wished that he could see Scarlet, to read the expressions on her face, to be able to better comfort her, but she was there, and he was not.
Once again, in a gurgling voice he spoke, spattering blood from his mouth , onto the floor, and onto Scarlet's tunic, "Do as you must. The Creator shall watch over you wherever you go, trust in Her, and trust in yourself, and know if you ever need me, the service of Revered Sir Alexandros Fatali are yours... M'lady"
"Alex......I wanted to thank you...for saving my life and I'm sorry.."
Scarlet looked away from Alex's twisted form. His hair was a tangled mess, not the long silky ash blonde it usually was, but a black matted form of tangled blood and hair. His body was no better, with his arms bent at strange angles and blood flaking off of his torn pants and bare chest. He looked like he had been through Hell and come back.
"Sorry?" there was a long pause from the motionless Holy Knight, and Scarlet could have sworn later that the Meshai under his eye flared alight for just a moment, For what?"
Scarlet said nothing, for she still refused to allow herself to believe the fate her sister had chosen. She continued instead. She stared towards the ceiling of the cathederal.
"I'll come back to see you before I leave."
She turned back to his body and wiped the blood from his mouth with the corner of her tunic, "I'll miss you, Alex. Be safe."
She rose from her crouched position and left the Cathedral before her emotions could overwhelm her. It wasn't true! Reika was still in Gania and would be the first to welcome her home.
As moments passed, Alex felt her walking from the Cathederal, and then he was still as stone once again, his glazed eyes staring up at the arched ceiling of the cathederal, his body still as the unyeilding cliffs of Mount Karavon, and as cold as the tiled floor.
__________________
-You say you want a revolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
Posted by Orocia Agua on 01-26-2002 06:02 PM
Ports of Akaros
Lieutenant Commander Aguas had been in an awful mood since he woke up at four in the morning. He had to overlook guard duty until he was relieved, hopefully, by the start of the first dog watch at four in the afternoon. He was praying that he'd be relieved by the end of the forenoon watch.
Akaros had ordered its ports to be under high security, level 2. It followed after Gania passed a law banning entry of all Asherian ships.
Many in the government were annoyed at this, especially the Counselor of Defense. Why couldn't Gania just beef up security at the ports? And if the civilian officials inside Akaros were annoyed, imagine how the high brass felt, especially the admirals of the Royal Navy. Military ports not previously open to merchant ships would now be open to accomadate for the doubling of traffic. And pity the naval military police: not only were they guarding the military ports, but now also the civilian ports as well. The Navy was shouldering most of the work: the Royal Guard was requested to send just a few squadrons of MP's to help the civilian police stand guard at every city, the largest unit standing guard at the capital.
Many were bewildered that the King of Gania would order such a thing, considering the disappearances of his two daughters, the Princesses Scarlet and Reika. These troubling occurrences were happening on Asheri, an entirely different continent! Many were accusing Gania of being overly concerned, and argued that Gania should reconsider its port closings for the welfare of its Princesses. Heightened security at Gania's ports would suffice for the daughters' safe return to Gania, and port closings would only cause delay. If the daughters were to return, Akaros would gladly escort them to Gania, but it would be easier for all if Gania's ports were open. The closing of Gania's ports was definitely an annoyance to the Kingdom of Akaros.
However, talk of tightened security at Akaros' ports was already bubbling well before Gania passed its ordinance. The conflict in Asheri was not to be taken lightly, but it was the sentiment among Akarians that it shouldn't affect the normal day-to-day goings of their Kingdom, either, which explained their annoyance at Gania. But the King and Queen of Akaros expressed their sympathies to the Royal Family of Gania, and out of respect for the mutual trust the two Kingdoms had for each other, the order for heightened security was given immediately when news of Gania's port closings reached Akaros.
Noit is the major military and civilian port of Akaros, and the ports of Noit are mostly joint-use except for a few restricted areas. The main reason that Noit is Akaros' major military and civilian port is that because of the huge constant influx of people wanting to be dedicated, the majority of ships coming to Akaros stop by there, and the government deemed it necessary to establish a military installation at Noit to help keep order. Therefore, the Noit Naval Station is the largest Naval installation on Akaros and also the main base of operations for the Akarian Royal Navy, aside from the capital.
Which only meant Lt Comdr Aguas was having a hell of a time overlooking his station of duty. At least his friend Aerin was there to calm him down.
"Ugh.. I want orders for me to be stationed at the Evod North Canal or Bay of Stars station now..." Rio said as he started his lunch break.. which was at 10:00AM.
"Personally, I'd prefer Sungan. I'd like to be toasting my butt on Tahr Beach right about now.."
Rio paid no heed and held his weary head in his hands, looking down at his small lunch. He didn't get to eat breakfast. He was not in a good mood at all.
Aerin acknowledged this. "Well, hopefully we'll be relieved of duty in two hours."
"I've learned not to keep my hopes up, Aerin."
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Aerin was reminded that he still needed to talk, heart-to-heart, to Rio about his possible sister Orocia, wherever she may be. Didn't she tell him she was going to Asheri with some man who was helping her? That meant she might be caught up in the conflict. Strangely though, Rio seemed to want to forget her and pretend she wasn't around, and just not deal with it. Rio was known to be cool, calm, and confident, and extrememly cold when he was mad -- the man's icy stare was his trademark-- but Aerin couldn't believe Rio could be cold and uncaring about his own sister. No, that just couldn't be right. But today was not the day to bring this up to Rio. And tomorrow probably wasn't going to be a good day, either. Or the day after. Aerin hoped that he'd be able to talk earnestly to Rio before anything bad happened to Orocia.
For reference to Gania's port closings, please see Archives, Ch 6, pg 7, post by Scarlet Rosenblade
My bad for not posting something like this any earlier.
And big props go out to Volsung for his Geography and Lore on Gran Adageros! *applause* I kept your hard work in mind when writing this! Awesome job, Volsung!
Posted by Palin Freeborn on 01-26-2002 06:02 PM
Without a hint of the past........
It was several hours after dawn before Palin awoke. He still had no recollection of the events of the past few days and was no closer to remembering anything. The sleep had done nothing but heal a few of his wounds and supplement his hunger.
But he was feeling refreshed, and not so weak as he had the night before. He joined Dierdre and Ash by the fire and slowly ate an apple. No one spoke, though the birds in the nearby trees were quite loud. He finished his apple before anyone spoke.
"Palin....there's something we need to tell you." Dierdre looked up, her lip trembling. "We...we need to head home. We had things, important things, to take care of when you sent for us." She looked back at Ash and closed her eyes.
Palin didn't look up, chin between his knees. He poked the dying fire and sighed.
"You don't have to lie to me." His tone was somber. Ash and Dierdre locked eyes; he knew what was coming.
"If you want to leave, I'll understand. If I was you, I wouldn't want to be around me either. I'm in something big, and even I don't know what it is." He sneezed softly.
Dierdre started to weep, her head buried in Ash's shoulder. Even Ash's eyes began to water, hinting at a weakness in the man's large, hairy frame. Palin stood slowly and stretched, then started to gather his gear.
"If I can figure out what's going on, I'll find you and tell you. If not, then assume I'm dead." And without another word, he walked away, deeper into the wood.
Ash began to tremble. He stood up and stared at Palin as he left.
"Goodbye, kid......" Then he gave a long roar of grief, as they had just turned away their best friend and sent him off to die alone.
********************************************
For a long time he wandered into the wood, his eyes cold and hard. No thought entered his mind, except to walk. He had no destination, no place to go. So he wandered.
It was dark before he decided to stop. His wounds were aching again and his back muscles were complaining. He tossed his pack down in front of him and made to sit, but tripped and fell sideways onto his back. And at that same moment, an arrow shot past him and slammed into a tree, missing his head by inches.
His breath caught in his throat and him shuffled on his back behind a large, thick tree. His cover was effective, but it was the only tree for a few feet. And the archer, whoever it was, would probably hit him before he made it.
(Think, Palin, think! Alright, it has to an elf-kind, for only they could be this accurate in the dark. It can't be much further than a spear's throw and I have a feeling it's not alone.), he thought.
A soft, melodious female voice began speaking and the hail of arrows stopped. Two distinctly male voices responded in elven and they sounded furious. Palin wasn't sure what to do and, as far as he could tell, a decision concerning whether he live or dies would be reached very soon........
Cue: Til'sylvanna, Saeth, or Nelcar
__________________
Being a hero is not some title to obtain or a term to be used lightly. It is a matter of essence and is reserved for those with only heart and soul guiding their actions.
Palin Freeborn
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-26-2002 10:27 PM
As Indigo:
General Dominic and Indigo strode down the main street of Fayre. Matters of the war had died down. There had been no attacks in recent days, and although Aramus support was far from waning, there had been little mobilization of his troops.
"Well, Indigo, I have good news. A representative from Balanum has sent word. It arrived just a few hours ago. That's why I called you here."
"What did it say? Are they going to listen to us?" Indigo inquired anxiously.
"The Seamus is on it's way. Pigeons are much faster than the airship, so it won't be here until sundown." He paused. "Have you spoken to Alexandros?"
"He hasn't moved. He doesn't seem to want medical attention either. I think... we should leave him be. They say the same thing happened to Tsion after a battle with Stromguard. He was out for a week. I don't know if this is on the same level. I've never imagined really intense healing. Creator knows I'm thankful, though. I wish I could help."
"I see Scarlet is feeling better."
"Huh?" Indigo looked up to see Scarlet waking towards them.
"I'll leave you alone. I'd notify you when the airship arrives..." He stopped to smile. "But I think you'll see it coming. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Indigo Grei. If all goes well, we'll meet after the war. I'll be in Fayre, either as a hero, or a monument." Victor laughed.
"I'm sure you'll be okay. You have a following of men who would do anything for you. That's admirable." He shook Victor's hand. "I must be off. Good luck in all that you do, General." With that, he ran towards Scarlet.
Sundown approached quickly. Indigo walked the city walls with Scarlet, who, although bandaged, managed to walk with little support.
"That must be it!" Indigo yelled, leaning over the city wall, an expression of wonder on his face.
"You have the look of a young boy who just got a new toy, Indy... it's so cute..." Scarlet smiled at him. "But come down from the wall before you fall!"
Indigo jumped back from the rail. The ship approached steadily... but something was wrong... On the ground near the lake, something black was growing...
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-26-2002 11:15 PM
Indigo flew towards the nearest parapet. He grabbed a soldier and pulled him aside.
"What is that?"
The young man peered off towards the shoreline. "Shades! Blood and ashes, someone get General Dominic!" He rang the bell as loud as he could, and sentries marched up to the north wall of the city.
Indigo returned to Scarlet. In the sky, the Seamus steadily approached.
"I think they're Shadowspawn. There have been tales about them from Synerin, and even from Balanum. I don't mean to abandon Fayre, but we can't stay here any longer!"
He helped Scarlet down the stairs on the inside of the city walls. General Dominic was on his way up, flanked by a pair of elite guards.
"Indigo! Bad news! The Seamus can't land inside the city! It's too large!"
Indigo's mind raced. This was very bad. "What should I do?"
Victor thought for a moment. "Come here." Indigo stepped forward, and the General whispered something in his ear. Indigo recoiled in shock.
"That's impossible! Can we do that?"
"We have to. I'm sorry to put this to you, but we can't let them get to the city. Please, I understand you aren't one of my soldiers, but please comply.
"Scarlet's in no condition to run! I can't do it!"
"What, Indy?"
Indigo shook his head violently. "He wants us to meet the Seamus outside the city walls. But he's not sure we'll make it before the spawn arrive. I can't make you run that far."
"Indy..."
"I won't do it! I'm not going to force her to run!" he shouted angrily.
Victor's patience waned. "That's your only hope! ...So be it! You would force her weather the seige with us!"
"Indigo, I can go." She stared at him with pleading eyes. "I don't want to leave at a time like this, but... I want to see home again... I don't want to see death inside this city."
Indigo nodded sadly, and turned to Victor. "I guess... we'll go."
"Look! The ship approaches already! By the time you get to the fields outside the city, they should be waiting! Go now!"
Indigo let Scarlet go down the stairs first. Once they reached the ground, he took her hand and ran with her to the gate. The gate was opened enough for them to slip out, and then it was shut behind them.
Indigo gasped. "No! How could they be so close already?!" The Shadowspawn had travelled impossibly fast. He looked back towards the parapet. He saw Victor barking orders left and right.
At this rate... The Shadowspawn would overtake the airship before they reached it. He grabbed Scarlet's hand and pulled her forward. She ran awkwardly, her wound beginning to bleed through the bandages.
"Indigo!" She cried out as she stumbled. Indigo skidded to a stop.
The Seamus, which was floating above the ground, began to manuever itself around to face north. Indigo's heart sank. If they left now...
If they leave, there's no way we'll make it back to the city walls! But I won't leave Scarlet! But if the ship waits, they'll be overrun!
Without thinking, Indigo did the most heroic thing he could think of. He ran back to Scarlet, picked her up, and started to run. Indigo wasn't heavily built, and although slender, she was quite the burden. It was cumbersome, but Indigo would have borne much worse to save his love.
Victor watched from atop the wall. "I've sent them to their doom... He'll never make it, not like that..." He peered down from his perch. The city gates were opening. A lone figure ran as fast as he could, long grey coat flapping out behind him, long red hair tied back in a ponytail...
Adamas overtook Indigo easily. Indigo gasped in shock, and almost stopped in place when the man stepped into the air, flying above the ground.
He ran on, watching as the air began to crackle with electricity. Adamas let out a mighty blast, sending the Shadowspawn flying left and right. But no matter how many he destroyed, more took their place. It was one man against an army.
The spawn surged forward where Adamas could not hold them back, and began to leap towards the airship. They clung to the hull, and it protest, it began to rise into the air. Despair began to take Indigo. He couldn't get there in time, not carrying Scarlet as he was. He grunted, and nearly dropped Scarlet. She made no sound, she had blacked out.
He was a few yards from the rope ladder when he realized his folly. Even if they made it in time, how would he get Scarlet up the ladder? He turned his attention to the spawn. Setting Scarlet down, he turned upon them in furious anger.
Where is it? Somewhere in here, there must be something! I can't have failed so utterly as to be totally overlooked... It won't end like this... I won't let it!
Indigo looked around, and saw nothing. They sky was cloudy and grey, and all around him, eternity stretched out. The air was heavy, and shapes moved, things almost invisible.
Then he saw it. Right in front of him, it appeared. A small flickering flame. He reached out for it... A gift. In the time of greatest need, he had been given a gift. From the earth itself, the flame became a pillar of fire...
The Shadowspawn crowded around, and Adamas screamed in vain for Indigo to get Scarlet and flee. But Indigo was all but surrounded. One of the hideous beasts clawed its way towards Scarlet's prone form.
"Get away from her, vile thing!"
And then it came. From his hands, burning bright, the flame. It scorched the beast, turned it to ash on the spot. Indigo waved his arms, the pillar of fire moving at his command. He destroyed them, cut through their ranks. He felt an amazing surge of power. He couldn't stop. Though more always came, he felt no sign of weakening. He kept the flame going, feeding it with his anger...
Adamas saw from above what was going on. Fueled by emotion and need, Indigo had reached a level of Terra magic. However, his goal had not become salvation of his love, but destruction of his foe. It was time for Adamas to interact, and end this.
Summoning all of his energy, he created a weave that entangled Indigo and Scarlet in a whirlwind. Indigo's fire went out, and the lovers were swept away, up into the air. Adamas followed, pushing them higher, until they were on the deck of the Seamus. He collapsed next to them, exhausted...
So it came to be that the Seamus departed Fayre with three unconscious passengers, and headed north, to Synarin. There were more riders to be accounted for...
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Linerin Gheral on 01-27-2002 12:24 AM
Linerin sat upon the comfortable pillowed chair within the scrying chamber. The city of Fayre, the capitol of the country that he so vehemently cursed, was circled by his gutteral, animalistic minions. Not only that, but Araka was there. He might just be able to kill two birds with one stone in this situation.
A naked servile woman, her mind all but destroyed by Linerin's magics, waved a fan towards him as he shifted his position in the large chair, and called out for Ragash.
Linerin's voice carried as only his can throught the Black Tower, and ragash appeared in the scrying chamber only moments later.
"Yes Milord? How may I serve you," The Veri bowed deeply, his large stature dwarfing Linerin.
"Take a hundred of the Legion of Hate to the city to direct the assult. Gather the other of the Seven as well. The only ones that shouldn't go are Fenix and Kaliva. Assign a guard of men to each Vex, and a guerd of Vexes to each of you. With as many spawn as we have, this Dominic shouldn't pose a problem. Destroy the city, tear down the tree, and get what we seek. it is unfortunate that it will take so much effort to do so," Linerin sipped a glass of deep red wine from a table at his side, and set the glass back where it had come from.
"Certainly Linerin," Ragash replied, "I shall depart with the legion and the others of the Seven within the hour,"
Linerin nodded, and gestured for Ragash to be on his way. Left to his own devices once again, he focused on the one man laying on the floor of the cathederal. The large crystal then focused out and gave him a most plesant view of all of Fayre surrounded by a dark swarm, and the wyrmlings sent from Endroth closing in on the city.
OOC: Victor, and anyone else in the city of Fayre, I would say you have about an hour until wyrmlings start bombarding the city, and three hours until the gates come down, after which you'll have a hell of a battle on your hands. Linerin wishes to raze the city and destroy the Chora tree, for certain reasons, beknownst to members of the old boards. I'm assuming your forces are extremely outnumbered, demoralized and generally unwilling to fight, lest it would be to get away from the city. So what will it be? Fight and die, or flee and perhaps live?
__________________
As the Mistress of the Night wills it...
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-27-2002 01:09 AM
Zander revealed as little to Keigo as possible about the motives of their journey. He only told the boy that they were headed to Balanum on official business.
Keigo offered his service and Zander decided to ask Caliph and the others about it the next morning.
"I really don't have a problem with it," Zander had said. "But the others I'm traveling with right now might."
"Fine by me," Keigo said and the three of them retired to their rooms, Zander taking a quick detour downstairs to inform Tiffarah of the boy.
She had been waiting for them and was quite upset that he hadn't held Keigo downstairs until she had arrived.
"I'm sorry, but it was a spurr of the moment thing," Zander said. "I'll make it up to you some how." He winked at her and lead her upstairs, where they separated into their own rooms.
*******
The next morning, the seven of them, Zander, Tiffarah, Arkiri, Keigo, Caliph, Rifkis and Orocia met in the Rusty Nail. They took two tables in a quiet corner of the tavern and set them up together so they could all talk about what would happen next.
Zander introduced Keigo to the Caliph and the others, explaining how he traveled Asheri alone and was ahppy to have some company especially since he had heard rumors of dark creatures roaming the lands and attacking travelers in great numbers.
"The only thing I'm concerned about is crossing the lake," Caliph said when Zander told him about Keigo's desire to accompany them. "If he wants to come along, that's his choice, just make sure he doesn't get in the way. Looks like you might have another kid to take care of, Orocia."
Arkiri and Keigo both looked offended.
"I can very well take care of myself," Keigo said. "Don't worry, I won't get in the way."
With that, the seven collected their belongings and set out for Synerin. Zander estimated that they'd make it there before nightfall.
OOC: this takes place the morning before Inigo's heroic escapade in Fayre.
Cue: Keigo, Caliph, Orocia, Indigo or Scarlet. Caliph and friends go no farther than Synerin, k?
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Sekirah Partam on 01-27-2002 03:08 AM
Sekirah had arrived in Fayre the day before and asked around about Zander, but the only holy knight anyone knew of had been lying in the cathedral for several days. No doubt Zander had not come south at all. Either the woman who had told him so had been lying or she truly had no idea, like she had claimed.
Either way, it no longer mattered. The only thing concerning Sekirah now was the hoard of shadowspawn, as he had heard people calling them, approaching the city at an alarming rate. Even after a large blaze from near the grand airship, the Seamus, had taken out a significant amount of their ranks, thevast majority still pressed on towards the city's walls.
Standing on one of the walls at that moment, Sekirah could see the mass of them advancing. They looked like a thick blanket of twisted creatures, enveloping the landscape in their darkness. Many of them flew; giant worms with bat-like wings that spat fireballs at the cities walls.
Soon, archers were posted along the city's walls to take out as many of the flying creatures as possible. As the creatures drew nearer, more archers began to fall than the spawn that they were aiming at.
He watched as one man rushed to help a comerad who had been injured by a near-miss blast of flame. In the city, people were running about in a panic striken state. As he stood watching, Sekirah began to ralize that the real evil wasn't the people around him, (they weren't as selfish and cruel as he'd thought) it was the shadowspawn and whever the hell had sent them. He should be hating them, not the people who were struggling to survive.
He also saw that he reflected the very things he thought he had hated about the rest of the world. He had become cruel and selfish, caring about nothing but himself. Sekirah promised himself he would change that. Somehow, he would learn how to live selflessly.
A fireball impacted the wall, very near to Sekirah, jolting him back into reality. He looked around to see very few archers left on the walls and giant worms swarming over head, raining fire into the city below.
Sekirah made a spur of the moment decision, seeing that the mass of shadowspawn below would break through the gates very soon. He rushed down from he city wall and sprinted toward the inn where he was staying to collect his weapons. If he was going to die that night, it would be protecting the people living in that city; his first, and perhaps his last selfless act.
__________________
Faith involves hating what you are, sinful.
Posted by Keigo on 01-27-2002 06:23 AM
Keigo cocks his head down as they walk alond the dusty road "Duck!" Keigo ducks, as the rest of the group did not realise he puts his hand up trying to save a person next to him, the arrow pierces his hand, he only squints then pulls it out. Blood drips down the wound and hits the floor leaving a little stain of blood "See, i can take care of myself..." he grins over to Caliph.
"You ok!?" Zander frights and looks at the hole in Keigos hand
"Heh, thats nothing, im...fine!" Keigo presses his right hand onto his left.
"I doubt thats gonna help...." Zander hits the words at Keigo.
"... ... ..." Keigo stares at Zander then looks down at his tiny pouch on his belt, he pulls out a blood stained bandage and wraps it onto the wound. "It'll be fine..." Keigo mutters at the group and continues to walk, "But..." Keigo runs toward the nearest bush and stabs into it with full force, his sword glimmers with red crimson blood as he pulls it out "...damn bandit! be careful, there might be more, i've "met" these guys before." He curses and walks back to the road he turns his head another arrow flies towards them but Keigo swipes at it with his sword, it hits the ground and sticks there"I just polished it yesterday night...what a shame. But we better hurry, they always send two scouters as soon as they realise the enemy they get the whole group..." Keigo doesn't stop, he starts walking down the road a lot faster. He looks at the sky, something big passes over them "...what?" Keigo says
"Seamus, it's heading south." Zander says as he follows it with his eyes.
The sun slowly sets and the sky turns orange, thin clouds form on the horizon as they approach the next city, Synarin. The streets bustle with people from all over the place. Textiles and carpet stands are built up on the market place. As people walk by they smile at the group and oddly stare at Keigo, as blood keeps on running out of the wound and hit the floor. Lanterns are set on, giving the houses a slight color change to a warm and happy setting. The group walks farther into town...
... "Where should we go now?" Zander says to Caliph
They discuss for a few minutes...
Cue: Zander, Caliph, Oricia
__________________
Anarchy,
Chaos,
Confusion,
Oh My...
-Simon Stark
Posted by Bara Chinder on 01-27-2002 09:17 AM
Parvini was a busy city at the moment. There seemed to be a lot of people moving south. the market was busy too people were buying like mad.
On the west side of the market square Bara found a meat curers and got a decent price for the remainders of his rabbits. This business taken care of it was time for him to get one thing he had been looking forward to for the last two days . A drink.
His decision was to go to a more out of the way inn. Firstly because others of his kind, farai nomads, would more likely be found there and secondly these were the places where fast money jobs could be found. When Bara was in cities he would do these nixers, easy money and no consequences. He be gone back into the wild before the trouble came.
Presently he found a back street inn called "the bastard boar." Walking in the door he immediatly recognised the template of this kind of place. Dark, dingy room with a bar at one side and number of undiserables sitting at tablesaround the room. There was a very large man sitting by the stairs. Some sort of porter. A few heads turned as Bara strode in.
He strode up to the counter and nodded to the barman.
"Somthing strong," he said.
"I got just the thing," replied the barman and poured a glass of some tar-like rum.
Bara had commenced drinking when he heard the door open and close. He didnt look around. just supped heat into his body.
Someone tapped him on the shoulder, bara looked up.
A tall nomad stood infront beside him.
"Whats a coward doing in here men?" he shouted back into the room, Bara noticed the barman strolling over and reaching for a long wooden hammer.
There was a guffaw of laughter from a table in the corner. Bara remembered the tatoo on his face. It brought back painful memories, the shame. Being held down and branded.
"WELL? Are you gonna walk out or get beaten out." the nomad shouted, the porter stood up.
"Neither," Bara said quietly.
"Smart little girl are...umph!"
The man wheezed as Bara drew his fist back from his ribs. Then started to double over, Bara caught him in mid fall. Lifting the mans head bara squarly smacked his forhead in the mans nose and caught him a glancing punch as he fell.
Two of his compatriots rose and ran over waving weapons. The smaller one collapsed backwards as Baras staff struck his temple knocking him senseless.
The other waved a scimitar towards his head Bara leaned his head back as he brought the staff squarly into his kneecap. The nomads leg collapsed under him and bara pulled out his knife. The blade was inches from his face about the same as the scimitar hit the floor.
Chinder flashed the knife across theface of the man.
Blood ran out of the wound.
"You wanna die?"
"NO, no dont kill me!" the man screeched
"Cry bitch! Whos the coward now." Bara slit the other side for good measure. The porter was returning from throwing one of the others out.
The nomad on the ground was shaking like a leaf.
Bara let go and sat up on his stool. The porter looked at him.
"You think you can just sit back up there?" asked the barman.
"Cant see why not." Bara replied.
"I'll tell you wh-,"
"I'll be needing a room tonight. Got one?"
The barman was taken aback by this response, he looked at the porter.
"Any more trouble and Grub here will put you out. In a big way."
Bara glanced at the large man, there was a groan from the floor,
"k,"
Grub continued removing the trouble makers, it was clear the barman was watching Bara.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Killer watched bara from the shadows in the corner.
"Maybe we could use this one. Maybe he does not have to die yet."
The Killer stood and walked out. Bara had not noticed him at all.
One of the nomads had recognised a tribal tatoo on Baras shoulder and had remained seated through the whole affair. However now was not a good time to approach him.
__________________
If pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of congress.
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-27-2002 11:00 AM
This can't be. To have retaken Fayre, only to have it destroyed before me... What do they want? They can't be merely seeking to antagonize us. They're looking for something. See the way the look left and right, past the men attacking them? Something drives them. General Victor Dominic swung his curved blade back and forth, severing several strange black parts from their previous masses. The city gates had come down half an hour ago, and the spawn poured into the city. He wasn't sure which were worse, the feral ones on the ground, or the flying ones in the sky.
"Indigo, you have no idea how lucky you are..." he muttered. Victor was one of the few people who could fight and think at the same time, without being possessed of the battle rage that seeemed to take most men.
"Thirty second division, fall back! Cover the evacuation of the civilian district!" he shouted. He had placed heavy emphasis on protecting the residents of Fayre, even so far as to assign the Elite Guard to their escape. "Twenty fourth! Head for the barracks!"
Oh, that Ezra Al'Teyr was here now. We need some grand miracle now. Even Salamander may have had some great plan... Victor lamented. He took a slash to the arm before turning in wrath to the wretch that dealt the blow, and removing it's head with a vicious stroke.
"Archers! Come down from the wall! Head for-" He stopped midsentence. In strange fashion, the larger spawn began to bite and claw at the base of the Chora Tree. "What in the Creator's name are they doing?"
A creature bit through bark and fell back, writhing in agony. Brilliant white sap leaked from the tree trunk.
Faced with a tough decision, Victor's mind reeled. The creatures were driven to tear down the tree. But why? If they succeeded in their errand, then what? Should he direct his men to protect the tree at any cost? Or should he and his army flee, leaving the spawn to finish their task unhindered?
He continued to fight as he thought. They were horribly outnumbered. In the end, defending the tree would be futile, and their lives forfeit. He almost choked on his own words. "All divisions, fall back! Retreat to..." Nevyel was the closest city, and the easiest to attack from, beyond the bridge. However, the idea of being stuck between the Spawn and VanVehementi's army didn't appeal... However, it seemed there was no other option. "Retreat to Nevyel!"
It was time for a talk with the Emperor.
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Tygan deParte on 01-27-2002 11:08 AM
From beast to man.......the great loss.
After leaving Forestre he quickly traveled to the wolf trail, arriving there as the sun was going down. He sat there, watching the sun fall out of sight. Now is my time!
Riding his horse along the wolf trail at night, Tygan looked around. Come on, where are the wolves? “Where are the wolves???” He laughed to himself, anyone else would be pissing themselves at the notion of being alone on the wolf trail at night, and I’m here looking for them!
“Hello! Is anyone out there!” he shouted, “I probably shouldn’t have done that.” But then came the sound he was hoping for, he turned to see a single beast running at him. Leaping off his horse Tygan drew his blades and awaited the charge, expecting the battle to be done with the first jabs. The charge hit its mark, knocking Tygan back at least ten feet, and leaving him as dazed as drunk who has just been hit a fierce blow, or in the case of the drunk, attacked by an invisible fiend, or a wall in simple terms.
Even though both his blades had been thrust into the beast it seemed hardly injured, and simply began another charge. This time Tygan knew the strength of such as charge. He quickly rolled to the side as the beast was practically on top of him, and swung his rapier low, completely removing the Fiero’s foot.
“Aha, it appears that you have tripped over my blade.” I won! *Thwak!* Tygan was once again knocked, dazed, onto the ground, having taken a fist to the head from the beast. Too dazed to fight he awaited the final blow. I’m too young to die, I haven’t even won a fight! The blow never came though, when he opened his eyes the beast was dead on the ground, its blood surrounding it.
“Aha! I really won, I won the fight. YE……” His attention was taken by more growls, slowly turning toward the woods. “O boy….” At least a dozen more Fiero were charging at him from the woods.
Lifting his sword and pointing it at the beasts, “Aha, you there beasts! You have….have…” looking at the odds, and at how hard that single one was, “ummm you have scared me away! Aha!” With a full sprint he jumped onto his horse, continuing a full gallop once on top.
“I’m going to die! I’m going to die! I’m going to die!” He looked back and noticed the wolves slowing their chase, “I’m going to liv…..ahhhh.” Once again he found himself on the ground. An ugly Fiero was on top of him raising its hand for a strike. With a swift thrust from his left, his dagger found its way directly into the beast’s neck, killing it before it could even start the swing.
“….ouch,” then he remembered. The wolves had once again continued their chase, getting quite close, and his horse, well it never stopped running. “Damn steed!”
“Well at least I have won two fights,” he grinned at his stupidity for coming here to fight Fiero. He took another glimpse at the road behind him, there was no way he could outrun them. Turning to the wolves he gave a salute, and then gave a charge of his own, “Graaaaaaaaaa….” It was shortly lived, to his surprise the wolves stopped and ran off.
“ummm….Aha, my power is too much for ugly beast type things such as yourselves!” grinning in victory he raised his arms like one who just won a tournament.
“Yaaaaa, Yaaaaa.”
“You there!”
“ahhhh,” looking around in amazement, Tygan turned to find around five dozen armed men behind him.
“uhhh, ummm, me?” he said in a low child like voice, as if he had been mistaken for someone else.
“Are you crazy?”
“Well, umm, I don’t….” looking at the wolf corpses, and back to the woods, “Well, ya I probably am.”
The man burst into bellows of laughter. “I like you boy, but come quick, we must get out of these woods before they bring more of their devilish friends.”
*********************************************
Little did Tygan know, that the two men from the Forestre tavern were among this group of men.
"Hah, if only he knew we were the real danger! Right Jyfe?" Jyfe only replied with a nod, his gaze was back at the trail where they picked up the boy. One item caught his eye. A blue hat, with 2 white feathers.
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Keiru Emerald on 01-27-2002 12:10 PM
The cold stone, unyielding, untouched by the passage of time, was the Revered Sir Alexandros Fatali. But he felt them coming. He had felt them moving south, he had felt them breaking the gates, and he had felt them entering the cathederal. The creatures simply stood about him, not willing to get too close to Alexandros lest it be a trap, and there were none of the Legion of Hate close enough to compel them to do so. They simply stood and watched.
It was too soon, Alex knew that Velisei's secretive plans were to wait longer while he learned what he would be able to do with the power he had been given. The Creator had forbade interaction with Asheri for the time being, but Velisei had decided to defy Her in order to help. He did not see the purpose of being idle, not helping those that he cared so much for. So he had take the Fatali's spirit and brought it here, imbued it with a portion of his own power, and begun to train him.
The past four days had been spent in one of the Heavens, training his holy magic abilites with Aeternals, and learning of the gift that Velisei had bestowed upon him. It weighed hard upon his soul that everyone seemed to know who his father was, this 'Prince of Lies', but nobody would tell him. He had trained in the arts of aerial combat with the Aeternals as well, and he was nowhere near finished. But if he was not to return to his body now, he could spend the rest of his life training with them.
The body flared to life in a flash of brilliant light, and Alex rose from the ground as a man possessed, for most certainly, any of those who know Alex would not recognize him in his current state, for he had been imbued with the powers of heaven for his own self sacrifices, and to protect Aeterna by the will of Heaven. He was at least a foot taller than he usually was, An earthtoned robe covered all of his body, and projecting from his back were three pairs of crystalline wings. His eyes and Mehasi upon his face glowed a bright white from the darkness within the cowl, and the Meshai upon his left hand coalesed into a glassy blue shield of the same form. The Redeemer, which had been leaning against the altar, was in Alexandros's hand, but seemed larger and was no longer steel, but crafted of a transparent glowing blue glass. His revolvers were not to be seen.
He spoke with a voice that seemed to eminate from all about, "Begone spawn of darkness!" and he swung his sword in an upward crecent, releasing stored mana reserves and sending a white shockwave from the altar to the damaged doors, blowing shadowspawn out of the cathederal and the doors off of their hinges. He exited into the street, where he saw the chaos that encompassed the city.
He took to flight, his wings moving too slowly to actually be propelling him, rather simply seeming to float back and forth. But Alex's speed in the air was that of the wyrmlings or better, and within minutes he was chasing the beasts about the skies of the city, dispatching them with his charged holy sword. The refugees, as the fled the city, would tell tales of the lone angel that faught so valiantly against the evil that was destroying the fair city of Fayre.
Alex dispatched five of the flying creatures before he noticed that the ground battle was progressing into a retreat. Flying lower to the ground as to survey where his help would be most needed, he scanned the area precisely. It was then that he saw Victor battling what seemed a horde of the creatures himself, protecting a family that was backed into a corner. Many of Alex's friends of the Elite Guard lay dead about him, and Alex swooped down to help the general Victor.
"By the Creator, leave Victor ALONE!"
Alex fell like a rock from the sky, driving his blade into the largest of the creatures that assailed Victor. With another wide swoop of thr Reedemer, while deflecting a maw of razor sharp teeth with the ethereal shield, he released the shreds of Holy magic that ran across the ground as shock waves, blowing the creatures back.
"Are you alright, Victor?", Vic was actonished. He had never actually dreamed what an Angel would look like, and never had he thought he would see one, so long as he lived, at least.
"ye..Yes, I'm fine..." Victor re-composed himself.
"Take the men and women out of the city, Victor. I know you can do it..." Alex's voice came from all about, penetrating the battle cries with it's fury.
"Al, Alex?" Victor looked into the hood, the voice was so familiar, but the light from the eyes made it impossible to make out the facial features of the Heavenly Servant.
"GO!" And Alex took to the skies once again.
He knew that Indigo and Scarlet were no longer there, he didn't know how, but he could just feel it. He knew. All of Victors troops faught valiantly that day, though tired, and demoralized, they faught for the lives of the common citizens. More than half of them lost their lives in the act, but less than a hundred of Fayre's population fell to the shadow. Alex accompanied the army and citizens on their retreat, as he had reverted to his normal state, but was still cowled inside of a robe that was now far too large for him, as to hide the fact that he was the one on the floor of the cathederal. He saw Victor up ahead, binding his own wounds with strips of cloth. He hadn't been wounded badly, thanks to Alex's help, but one of his legs had been bitten, and had required magical poison neutralization.
Alex sighed with his own wounds. They were painful now. He did not feel them in his angelic state, but rather felt for each wound he acquired, a higher sense of serving the Creator, and the people of Aeterna. Now all he felt was dried blood, pain, and soreness. But his faith did not waver. He traveled onward with the men and women of Fayre.
For two days he traveled with them, and finally, as Nevyel came into sight, he turned north on foot. when he was out of sight, he again changed and made a speedy line towards Balanum. He had to find someplace to once again rest, so he could complete his trainings. And he had more questions for the Aeternals, and for the Archangel Velisei.
__________________
-You say you want a revolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
Posted by TheTraveler on 01-27-2002 04:40 PM
Revenge..
Diocletion followed the band of demons.. vampires.. on a journy across Gran Adagros with the sea to their left.. not knowing where they were or what their destinaion was to be. At day they found caves.. which somehow they always knew where one was.. and by night they ran with lightning speed.. rarely tiring. Finally on the fifth or sixth day of traveling they reached a large grey, aged castle which they approached and walked into. Just the feeling he had when he walked into the gates stood his hairs at end but he was sure this was his place.. to strike..
He walked down a corridor and entered a thin hallway that lead to a small door that was only the size of a small shield.. The leader of the bunch opened the door and squeezed his body through and one by one everyone followed.. ending up in a small room with a carpet. One of them pulled up the carpet and al of them worked at pulling up the wood boards to reveal a metal door. The leader then pulled it up and one by one the vampires jumped down a 25 feet drop which i cleared with no trouble and the trap door shot to reveal true darkness.. The feel of it was not right.. the smell of it sicked him and the feeling in his stomach.. told him that he should never have came.. Maybe it was the heaven's telling him something but he didn't know.
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-27-2002 05:32 PM
Add one makes four...
“Silence,” said Saeth of the Esiai’desh’mirain, great among the children of the forest. He held up a slender hand, sword drawn before him. His keen senses told him that before them lie and intruder of some kind. He cast a glance at Nelcar who read the Elwain’s thoughts, drawing his bow, and knocking an arrow.
Til’Sylvanna closed her silver eyes and sought to See who lie before the party of silent Elwain. A man… pained of spirit, she could feel, and much sorrowed. He made a great deal of noise as he crashed through the peace of the Wood. Nelcar fired, Saeth charging forward to engage the foe.
“No,” she said with great urgency, “he who lay before us is in need, not meaning harm! Please, hold your arms!” She rushed forward, heedless of the warnings of her warders.
She ran through the wood, arriving as the stranger crashed to the ground
"Lady Evenstar, stand aside. You need not watch whilst I dispatch of this filth," Saeth stood above the human, El'Desh'Ketai poised for a strike through the human's chest.
"NO," she cried taking hold of his strong arm. "Please, I beg you, we mustn’t! He has harmed us none, surely he deserves not death?" there was a plea in her bright silver eyes. "We must not spill blood so easily... least we become consumed by it, and by the evil which it begets"
Nelcar stood looking only at the prone human. If he made even a single move toward the Lady, his life would be forfeit. He would see no harm come to her…ever.
Saeth studied the young maiden intently through his stoic guise. He lowered his blade to rest on the human's throat, and spoke in his deep elven, "Why is it that you would have us spare this human? Out of compassion? They have shown our kind none. Even the one known as the Prowler, who has roamed our homeland for so long has never done anything to benefit our race. I say we dispose of him and be done with it. You will soon learn that humans of all kinds are not to be trusted." Saeth turned to Nelcar, who trained his bow on the human as well. There was a fury in his eyes, a fury that Saeth had long ago mastered and replaced with impeccable calm.
She held Saeth in her silver eyes for a long time, pondering closely her words. "No," she said softly after a long time, looking at the human man who in return watched her in fear. He seemed to realize his life rested in her hands. He managed a weak smile, Nelcar’s ensuing frown whipping it from his face.
"That I cannot believe. I must believe that there are those of good in the world, else what do we fight for? If we slay one who is innocent, then we are no better than those servants of the Night whom we hunt. What you say, however, makes sense, for we do not love the shadow of the Wood. He has long been one whose terror should have been quailed by us, ere his bloodshed continued. Let him speak, and explain himself."
Saeth shook his head and raised his blade to his chest, "M'Lady Evenstar, if you wish to spare this human, it shall be so, but if he makes one hostile move towards either of my wards, his life shall be forfeit,"
Nelcar watched the two of them and wondered about the maiden’s courage. Few indeed would gain say one such of the Esiai’desh’mirain. He could not hide his amusement to see her facing he who dwarfed her in size, fighting prowess, and age.
"It is your choice, Lady... but choose wisely, for you life may be in his hands. I cannot always be watching over you,"
She awarded the Elwain with a winning smile. "Thank you, for that is more than fair. You are honorable indeed. I can speak with him, for well do I know the common tongue."
Saeth shot a defiant look at the Human, then stooped low and spoke in broken common, "I, Saeth, of Esiai’desh’mirain. You live by Lady Evenstar. Be grateful," He then helped the human to his feet and dusted him off like a sort of caring father.
Til'Sylvanna turned to the human. " What brings thee, child of Man, into our Wood? Speak well, for thy life hangs in the Balance."
Palin looked up, his face covered in dirt and mud. "I mean you no harm. I've stumbled into this part of the wood, with no heading of my own."
Saeth shook his head, not fully understanding what the man had said. Til’Sylvanna translated.
"From whence doest thou come, and unto where art thou headed?" She stood at some distance, watching him closely. Though the others had weapons drawn, still she did not. She avoided such actions at all costs.
"My name is Palin Freeborn,' He said, brushing the hair from his eyes, "And I come from Gania. I'm heading south, I suppose, and I'm not quite sure why. I've been injured in the past couple of days and I can't remember my purpose."
Saeth calmly walked about the area, collecting the man's dropped weapons and tucking them into his own belt. He then held out a hand to the man and in a harsh tone, "Give, Navan*" (weapons)
:
She made as if to go to him, to heal him. Turning to Saeth she asked, "do you think it safe? He is in great need of healing."
Palin, understanding few words of elven, was hesitant. But the elf's gesturing was easy enough to read. He pulled out his boot knife and dropped in on the ground, along with his sword.
"A wounded human is less dangerous than a healthy one. I say leave him as he is until we might discern his true intents," Saeth spoke in Elven
Palin looked at the two of them, unable to catch the topic of conversation.
Til'Sylvanna looked a bit troubled at the though of letting the man suffer, but heeded her warden's words. After all, he knew far more of the human world than did she. To the man she said in common "Thou shalt come with us, and under our watch. We shall see thee out of the Wood, at which time thy weapons shall be returned unto thee."
Saeth also spoke to the man, after rummaging through his pack for a moment, "Here, food. Food bring strength,” He handed Palin a cake of nuts, bread and fruits, all bound by the magical honey of the Elwain bees.
The other elf-man stood behind him, arrow knocked and ready to fire. Palin glanced at him nervously, and then made a conscious effort to regain his composure. He took the food delicately and began to eat.
Nelcar put away his bow after Til’Sylvanna motioned for him to do so. As he lowered his bow and returned the arrow to his quiver, gave a look to Saeth, confident that the Elwain's blade was fast enough o prevent any harm from coming to the Lady though he had a great deal more faith in human kind than did Saeth, a stranger was a stranger.
Til'Sylvanna turned to Saeth. "Thank you. I trust your judgment, but my heart tells me that this man is of good intention."
Palin stood slowly, hands clasped behind upper back. His gesture, he hoped, would not provoke any attacks.
"We have a long way to go yet before we reach the eves of the forest, do we not?" she asked of Saeth in elven. I feel that we must make haste, we will soon be perused."
Saeth nodded, and turned to look about, "This is not a good night. There is a foul wind, and I fear that you are all too correct, M’Lady. The shadow has risen from the darkness, and it hunts us now, but fear not, I know of forgotten passages through the wood that none else save of my order travel,"
She turned her intense silver eyes upon the man who called himself Palin, holding him in them. He felt her searching him, looking for something. A warm shiver crawled up his back. She stood motionless, opening herself to what lie within him. He seemed to her, in her minds eye, a figure of pale white light. He was untainted by the Darkness, though confusion lay heavy upon him. She slumped a little, not realizing how much that would take of her. Nelcar caught her, worry in his deep blue eyes. "I'm alright," she said with a wry smile. "I should be more careful next time".
Something was happening and the elven woman was making a quick decision. He was sure that it did not concern him, but he was still quite worried.
Saeth turned to the man, and then made a decision he would later regret. He spoke his broken common, "Shadow follows. You fight if come."
Palin nodded to the Elwain, and Saeth returned to the man his weapons, "You betray we, I kill you,"
Nelcar was surprised by the compassion Saeth had shown, but he also could sense the impending shades bearing down on them, and knew that another blade was another blade, whether human or Elwain.
A spark of remembrance touched Palin's mind. There was something about the shadows that concerned him, something that continued to gnaw at his mind. But he could not remember.
Saeth took another honey cake from his pack, broke it in half and ate his half. The other half he offered to Palin, "need eat?"
To Saeth she said, "he is hurt, he will ride my mount. We may travel faster that way, for men cannot match the speed of our kin in the forest."
Saeth nodded as palin took the other half of the cake and devoured it hungrily. The cakes did not sustain humans as they did elves. He motioned for Nelcar to scout ahead a bit, and He and Til’Sylvanna helped the wounded human onto the elven steed.
A look of pain crossed her fair face as she looked at Valerians steed. "Niasha will come, though I will suffer none to ride him."
Saeth again nodded, and a flash of pain crossed his face. He quickly regained his composure, but he was certain that lady Evenstar had seen his weakness. And, though she had, she said nothing, but placed a cool hand upon his, nothing but the utmost respect in her eyes.
The day passed into evening, and evening into night. The party made great speed, such that even the servents of the Night could not follow. At long last, Til'Sylvanna called a halt, sensing the exhaustion in the man. Saeth urged her that they should go further, but his pleas were to no avail.
"I will not kill this man by negligence. We must stop."
Palin gestured nonchalantly. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. My wounds will heal quickly enough. Continue if you must, I'll just try to stay awake."
Til’Sylvanna turned to the man, "perhaps, but I will not risk hurt for my steed. She is not use to a mount as heavy as thee."
Palin couldn't keep awake, though, and soon passed out.
She walked to the man's side, and placed a slender hand upon his brow. Closing her eyes, she reached deep into herself for the light she knew was there. Slowly she drew from herself and put her peace and strength into the man. It was long work, for he had much suffering of mind and body. Finally, satisfied he would heal, she opened her silver eyes. She fell to one knee a deep dizziness befalling her.
Nelcar and Saeth put the man into the tent they had prepared, leaving him for the night. No harm could come to him, but neither would they allow him too near their Lady.
"I will take the watch tonight." Til’Sylvanna said softly as they returned. “You two get some sleep." She avoided their questioning eyes.
"No. I shall watch. That is my place, M’Lady. You have expended too much of your energies already. You are my responsibility now. Sleep now, and I shall watch over the all of you. By my word, as well, no harm shall come to the human on my watch,"
She sighed, shaking her head, long silver/white hair hiding her face. "I can't sleep... I am afraid I'll..." she could not finish.
"Then we'll both stay awake. For it is not in my nature to rest lest I believe it to be safe," Saeth shook his long black hair, "We are far from safe,"
She sighed once more and looked into his eyes. "As long as there is evil yet free to harm those of good, never shall we be safe… I only wish one night... one night without dreams... without Visions. I am very tired, and I fear it shall become worse before it becomes better."
Saeth did not reply, but rather climbed into a tree nearby, and sat Aedeshai across his lap. Fylorn'El'Desh'Meive glinted in the moonlight, and was the only indication of Saeth in the darkness.
She watched him go, a smile hidden behind her hair. "I want to thank you," she said. "I never did do that. For everything, I want to thank you, Saeth Shen. You bring honor to your father's name."
Saeth did not reply, but the maiden had warmed his heart, and that warmth kept his mind sharp through the night. He had been awake for three days straight, but his dedication to his wards and his distrust in the human were so great that another night without rest was a small price to pay. He sat silently in a tree for the duration of the night.
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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 Keiru Ruby on 01-27-2002 05:44 PM
A scream tore from Scarlet as she bolted upright in the unfamiliar bed. Reika! It had been Reika leading the Shadowspawn. They had overcome her and Indigo and…..
She hunkered down and trembled as already the details of the nightmare had begun to fade.
Indigo….
She looked around suddenly, not seeing him anywhere. She was in a comfortably sized room with muted white walls, and a blue carpeted floor. To the right of the bed was a small table with two chairs and beyond them was a door that couldn’t have been more than four feet high. It took her a moment to realize that she and Indigo must have made it safely to the Seamus. But how….? All she remembered was running. She gently bit her lower lip and hugged her knees. It was a childish habit of hers, but she didn’t notice. She felt very small and very frightened. Her voice was soft and full of tears.
“Indigo…?”
One tear slid down her cheek.
“Indigo?..”
Another followed in quick succession.
“Indigo!!”
She was now sobbing and calling out for her beloved who seemed unable to hear her voice and was unaware of her distress. She pulled the covers over her head and continued to cry into her knees until she felt a hand run across her back. As she turned her tear streaked face upward, the linen sheets fell off to reveal Indigo standing over her. She reached up to him and he scooped her into his arms and held her tightly.
Scarlet felt relief quickly replace her fear and loneliness, and she cried on his shoulder for a long, long time.
OOC: Just so you know Indy, Scarlet's going to be treating you like her security blanket for a while. She's sort of mentally regressed into a child for the time being.
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"Words are powerless to express one's feelings, and sometimes they become a silver knife."
Posted by Tygan deParte on 01-27-2002 06:03 PM
Tygan sat in a large and very nice mansion in Gania. Whoever had saved him was definitely doing well cash wise.
“That was a little too close,” he said to himself. He combed back his hair with his hand, but stopped midway. No! Where…..NO! “My hat!” he cried out.
Damn them! Damn them Fiero! I’ll bet some ugly wolf is running around with my hat on! Frolicking through the woods showing it off to all his friends! How could I have lost my hat!
“Enjoying yourself?” It was the leader of the group which had saved him. He was of normal height, about the same as Tygan, though he was much broader.
“I lost my hat…..” Tygan was looking at the floor in shame.
The man laughed, “Well at least you didn’t lose your life!”
“True….”
“My boss wishes to see you, that is why I came.”
“Your boss? See me? I don’t know anyone around here.”
“We’ll see,” this was the last thing he said. He led Tygan out of the room and down the hall to a large door, most likely the owner’s private study.
He opened the door for Tygan and waited outside.
“You sure he wants to talk to me?”
There was no reply.
“Sheesh, fine, I’m going in. Don’t need to get a grumpy on me!”
The study had to be one of the most amazing rooms Tygan had ever been in. The walls were lined with books of all sizes and topics, there were statues of famous figures all around the room, and in the middle was a finely crafted wooden table with a man sitting at it.
“Greetings Tygan deParte, or should I say, Tygan Parte? Nice little change to the name.”
“How did you…..” The man turned towards Tygan. “No! It can’t be!”
*********************************************
Tygan awoke in a cell, most likely under the mansion. He found himself chained beside a skeleton. Not exactly a pleasant place.
“It can’t be him! He’d never!” But it was, no matter how much Tygan wanted to deny it, it was.
“I have to escape!”
“QUIET!”
Tygan looked up to see a large man in black standing at the cell entrance, the keys at his side and an axe in his hand.
“Me?”
“No, the skeleton beside you! Now SHUT UP!” The man walked away from the cell and over to the wall of the outside room. He soon returned carrying Tygan’s weapons. “These are some nice blades you got here!”
“Give them to me and I’ll show you how nice they really are!”
“O, is that so?” The man threw the weapons back to where he had gotten them and entrered the cell.
Damn I shouldn’t have talked!
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Alexandros Fatali on 01-27-2002 06:27 PM
Alexandros flew to the north at breakneck speed, covering more ground than he would have thought possible. He passed over Lake Luna and long since passed into Farai, looking more like a comet in the night sky than an angel. His wings glowed a bright blue at such speed, and he knew that he was closing on the great airship by the disturbances in the currents of the air. However, it was still minutes before he could make out the great lanterns burning on the bow and stern of the ship, and another ten before he could make out the great form of the balloon that supported in the air by a series of cables and metal beams, a wooden hulled ship.
Alexandros slowed his approach, and made his way alongside the ship. Already, many men were looking off the starboard side of the vessel at him, and as he closed in, they seemed awestruck as to what was happening to them. They drew no weapons, for of all the people of Asheri, the Balans are perhaps the most faithful, and all of them knew him for what he was before he even landed upon the starboard bow of the ship. Aparrently his arrival had brought most of the people on board the ship to the deck, for He could see Adamas looking towards him, with less disbelief tham most of the others, and Indigo beside him, with his jaw dropped wide open. Scarlet stood behind him and to his side, peering over indigo's shoulder at the unrecognizable form of Alexandros.
As always, while in the heavenly form, when Alexandros spoke, it seemed to boom from all directions at once, "I seek sanctuary on your ship, might you grant such to a weary traveler?" Alexandros' wings gently flapped back and forth as he hovered over the deck. He knew the proper Balan custom not to set foot on a ship lest given permission.
The captain stepped foreward and made a simple declaration, "You are granted permission to board the Seamus. I, as captain of this ship, shall see that you are given the best quarters on board,"
"That is unnessecary. I only wish sanctuary. I have traveled far and faught hard to get here, and I seek only rest," Alexandros declared as he folded his six wings onto his back and walked towards the Captain, "Thank you,"
There was a brilliant flash of light, and the form that had been Alexandros reverted to his normal state. He had been standing before he had changed, but as a human, the burden on his body was too great, and he fell to the deck. The Redeemer, having reverted back to steel, clattered to the deck, and there was a rough thump as one of Alex's revolvers fell from the holster on his belt. His hair was still matted with blood and the robe was far too large for him, but now it was unmistakable to Indigo and Scarlet, as well as Adamas, that this was Alex.
Scarlet ran to his motionless form to prove to herself that the angel had really been Alex. Indigo ran after her and kneeled beside her peering at the broken form of Alexandros. Adamas walked calmly towards the Holy Knight and called out for the healers that were accompaning Scarlet. They rushed to Him and began to check him out, but other than relatively minor battle wounds sustained in Fayre, and the large scar in his stomach, there was nothing wrong other than sheer exhaustion.
Alex managed a smile at the two lovers, "I need to ask you a favor, Indigo.. Scarlet... I need you to watch over me while I take my reverie," He paused for a moment, and could feel the pull on his soul by Velisei, "It shouldn't be too long, Velisei said less than two weeks... Time works differently there than it does here..."
Scarlet blinked in confusion. Who was Velisei? She pushed those thoughts aside and quickly agreed as Alex began to regress into his catatonic state. Alex reached out towards Indigo, and manage to grip his hand with a limp shake before he fell into his catatonia once again. His eyes remained focused on the tow lovers until they seemed empty, as if he were not even there.
Adamas and Indigo helped move Alex to a small room within the Seamus that was dedicated for praying and meditation. a bed was set up and the nurses cleaned up the Holy Knight, all the while asking what was wrong with him. The only answers that Indigo and Scarlet had were pure speculation, but they both spoke their hopes aloud.
They both told the nurses and the ship's crew the same thing. "Alexandros has been through worse. He came out of it once, he'll come out of it again..."
__________________
May the Creator shield you and light your path...
Posted by Ja'shar An'dune on 01-28-2002 10:45 AM
Through the looking glass...
As he stepped through the portal mirror, the Killian’shar* Ja’Shar shivered with the chill that contact with Shadow magic always caused. He found himself, as always, in a great reception hall. The hall was made entirely of obsidian, high vaulted ceilings lost in the great darkness beyond. Blue flame torches lined the pillared walls, illuminating the hall with their eerie glow. At the fore of the room, upon a raised dais, was a great black carved chair. Lounging in it… was the sevron Rekia. She was dressed all in shiny black leather, playing with a long, barbed whip.
“Well, well, well… look whom we have here,” she said with a poisonous smile, “If it isn’t our little Elwain puppy Stormshadow.” She laughed as he shot her a look of venomous daggers and complete disdain for one who he obviously felt so far beneath him. “By the look on your pretty face, I’d say that you have bad news. Tisk, tisk, the Master will not be pleased.”
He smiled a smile of pure viciousness. “Perhaps. And you? Did you succeed?” He laughed to himself as she sputtered in anger and stormed out of the hall.
Ja’Shar, known among the servants of the Night as Lord Stormshadow, crossed the large room and went out onto a great open balcony. His master was waiting for him. The Killian’shar of the Elwain walked swiftly to him and dropped to one knee, head bowed.
“I was not expecting you for some time yet, Stormshadow. Have you come to deliver that fro which I asked you?”
“No, my Lord. She has escaped.”
“And how did you allow that to happen,” Linerin said in a deceptively mild tone.
“I did not think…” Ja’Shar did not receive the opportunity to finish his excuse, for a great pain ripped through his body sending him sprawling across the balcony. He lay upon the cold obsidian floor, unmoving.
“Did you think that I would not know?” Linerin said with a chilling laugh. “What would you say if I told you that somehow that had gotten past my Vex?” He enjoyed the look of dismay upon the face of his prone servant.
The dark Master turned his back to his up until now, flawless servant. Looking out into his night, he smiled a cold, mirthless smile.
“I will not destroy you this time, Stormshadow. However, I do have a new mission for you. One at which you shall not fail. You will take this,” and he tossed Ja’Shar a vile of oily gray liquid, “and slip it to the Elwain King. Convince him that he must make war upon Gaina, before that do so to him. Also, you shall find every last cenacaiison and destroy it.”
Ja’Shar had risen and was once more bowing before his dark Master. When it was clear that his Master was done with him, he made to depart.
“Stormshadow,” Linerin said over his shoulder, “do not fail me this time. I will not be so kind again.”
* Translation: “Wise councilor”, or “High Vizier”
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Beware the winds of change, for they spare noone.
Posted by Keigo on 01-28-2002 10:54 AM
Keigo turned to Zander and said, “I’ll be back in a while; I have something I need to do.”
“Wait, don’t go running off on your own now,” Zander yelled after him, but he had already disappeared into the crowd.
He walked up to a gang of 5 thieves that he had met before upon visiting Synerin. Two were burly thugs, imposing figures to most men, obviously not native to Farai. The other three were scrawny looking, but Keigo knew they were faster than they looked. Still he felt confident he could handle them. He stood toe to toe with the largest man, most likely to be their leader.
The man looked down at Keigo. “Whadda ya want kid?” he demanded.
“Just that pendant,” Keigo replied calmly, pointing to the pendant around the thief’s neck.
He was pushed away by one of the more scrawny men. “Haven’t I seen you before you little sc…”
“How bout a bet?” Keigo cut him off. “If I lose the bet, you… uh… can have the girls I came with. But if I win, I get the pendant.” Keigo had no intention of losing this bet.
"Boy, who taught you th......no, Gerrad Noth Jucken!? Why you dirty little!" The big one jumped at Keigo but was thrust back by a dire uppercut.
“Now, bet or not?” Keigo hissed at the thief.
The thief laughed. “I’ll bet you that you can't beat Thurrusor in a fight. Hey Thur, we’ve got a challenger for ya!” The thief yelled. A large, hunch-backed man stepped out of the shadows.
“Follow me boy!” one of the thieves demanded.
“Stop calling me ‘boy’, you know who I am, idiot!” Keigo snapped back at him. The thief didn’t aswer, just lead him to a small arena. He stepped into the arena, he on one side and Turrusor on the other.
“You know how this goes, if you beat Thur, you get the pendant, if you lose, you show us to the girls,” one thief said lustfully.
“I guess I just beat him up, just don’t kill him, heh,” Keigo joked and walked out into toward the center of the arena, reading the man’s stance on the other side. He was strong, but clumsy, Keigo could tell.
The man charged, but Keigo easily sidestepped. As the man passed, Keigo brought his fist down hard on the back of his head, and he fell to the ground, out cold.
“You’ll have to do better than that,” Keigo chuckled, “Now, the pendant?”
The thief with the pendant growled. “Not unless you take it off my lifeless body! Get him boys!”
The other four thieves leaped at Keigo. He raised his fists and lunged at the nearest two, hitting them squarely in the face; they fell like rocks. ‘Two down, two to go,’ Keigo thought to himself.
The next two attempted to tag team him, but Keigo was faster. He grasped the collar of one of their garments and threw him into the other man, knocking them both to the ground.
Finally, the thief with the pendant came at him, whirling his sword. Keigo threw himself to the ground, bringing his leg up between the man’s legs, racking him in the nuts. ‘That’s what you get for not playing fair,’ he thought. The thief’s sword fell to the ground and Keigo finished him off with a blow to his skull, knocking him out.
He glanced around him at the unconscious men then turned back to the pendant, taking it from the thief’s body. He stood to leave the arena.
“You dumb ass,” Orocia’s voice came from the entrance of the arena.
PS: The last post by me, was deleted by me. it made no sense, was unlogical, and sucked anyway...all my fault, had no time, and i apologize to the people that were annoyed by it...
__________________
Anarchy,
Chaos,
Confusion,
Oh My...
-Simon Stark
Posted by Sekirah Partam on 01-28-2002 12:50 PM
Sekirah had been tending to his wounds after reaching Nevyel along with General Dominic's troops and a large group of civilians that retreated from the still smoking city of Fayre.
He had fought long and hard along side many of Dominic's men to allow for as many civilians to escape as possible. His lance had taken many shadowspawn, but in the end, they were forced to retreat along with the people of Fayre.
While Sekirah was dressing his wounds, he saw the man, covered in dried blood, talking to Dominic, then he transformed and flew off to the north like a comet. Sekirah could swear he looked like an Angel.
He decided he would follow the Angel north. Likely he would run into either him or Zander on his way, he hoped.
A man came up to him who had been fighting at his side.
"You didn't have to stay and fight you, you know," the soldier said.
Sekirah nodded. "I felt it was what I had to do; to make up for everything..." he trailed off. The soldier had several bad wounds, but stood strong, not complaining in the least. "Here, let me have a look at those."
He worked his healing magic on the man who thanked him profusely. He felt more satisfaction from this one selfless deed than he ever had from all the men he had killed for money. It was a different satisfaction; peaceful, not lustful like it had been before.
"If you would like, I can introduce you to the general," the soldier offered when Sekirah had finished treating his wounds.
Sekirah declined and explained that he was in a hurry to be heading north.
"At least let us loan you a horse then," the soldier said, clearly insistant on thanking the man somehow.
"Now that I could use, my own was lost in the battle," he replied.
The soldier nodded and dissappeared into the mass of soldiers and civilians, wounded and weary from travel. Sekirah spent his time waiting by helping several others who were wounded severely. By the time the soldier came back with his horse, he was exhausted, but he felt a great sense of accomplishment. For once, he felt his life was worth something.
Sekirah, thanked the man again and set off at once on his new steed. He decided to head directly north around lake Luna, avoiding Fayre. The next City he would see would be Synarin.
OOC: Sekirah will reach Synarin a few days after Zander, Caliph and the others have already left.
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Faith involves hating what you are, sinful.
Posted by Tygan deParte on 01-28-2002 01:16 PM
Tygan looked out of his cell to the guard in black, “I’m going to get him, I swear it!” He moaned, his body still in pain from the beating he took.
“How could it have been him? Why did he do this?” He thought back to his meeting the other day.
*********************************************
“Greetings Tygan deParte, or should I say, Tygan Parte? Nice little change to the name.”
“How did you…..” The man turned towards Tygan. “No! It can’t be!”
“Ah, but it is!”
“Father, how could you?” Tygan stared at his father in sadness, he looked as he remembered, the large frame of a knight, he still had a mustache, though his hair was graying with age.
“It wasn’t hard, I simply faked my death.”
“I didn’t mean how did you disappear! I meant how could you turn your back and leave on your family?! Mother died because of you!”
“Ah, the wench, it does her well! It wasn’t hard, I had a coward son and an ungrateful wife! The chance for a real fortune was the only inspiration I needed!”
“You are Kyron Parte, you are not a brigand, you are a knight!”
“Fool! I no longer go by that name, you would learn well to know that being good gets you nowhere! I am now known as the infamous Jek Aureus, but you can just call me Jek, being former family and all.
“I won’t believe it, this is unlawful!”
Jek sighed, “I was hoping you would join me son.”
To be with his father again was a long time dream, but not in this way, “No! I won’t become a criminal! Father, come away from this, you don’t need this, you are a knight!”
“I am not your father! Not anymore. It appears you don’t wish to join me, then so be it.” He snapped his fingers and a group of his brigands came in, taking hold of Tygan.
“Don’t do this father……” Tygan pleaded.
“Farewell Tygan, enjoy your stay in my house.” He grinned, “Take him to the dungeon, perhaps some time down there will give him a change of heart.”
*********************************************
“And so here I am, sitting in my father’s dungeon, or should I say Jek’s dungeon!” He spit at the new name his father took.
“I will avenge what he did to my mother, he must be stopped! I just wish there was another way……” He looked around the cell. No windows, no metal objects, gah! There isn’t anything down he………his eyes fell upon the skeleton, or more precisely, some of the skeleton’s smaller bones.
He snapped off one of the smaller bones and began the long and tedious lock picking. “Come on you damn lock, just open.” *Click* “Yes!” He quickly unlocked the other chains, now for the door.
He attempted to picklock the door, but that wasn’t working, he couldn’t get the right angle. His eyes then fell on the guard who was sleeping by the cell door. Tygan smiled, that meant trouble.
He walked over so that he was right behind the guard, “WAKE UP!!!!”
“Ahhhh!” The guard fell out of his chair, but quickly recomposed himself, “Why you little scum!” He stopped and noticed the boy was free from his chains, “Hmmmm, I think I’m going to have to kill you this time!” He grinned.
The guard pulled out his key and opened the door, he stormed in with his axe in hand.
“You can either let me go the easy way, or the hard way.”
“Is that so? I think I’ll just kill you.” He side swung his axe, but he was slow. Tygan ducked under the swing, then came up with a knee into the man’s groin.
“Wrong answer.” Tygan ran out of the cell, closing and locking the door behind him. Then he went to the wall and got his weapons.
“Grrr, let me out!”
“Ah, I would, but as you can see I have my weapons now…..it is for your own safety that I keep you in there, god knows I’d hate to see you get hurt, your such a nice chap.” He winked and bowed to the guard, then bowed to the skeleton. “Farewell!”
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-28-2002 02:11 PM
"Kindred fire..."
Til’Sylvanna walked from where she had left Saeth in his tree, and joined Nelcar at the fire he had built. He was making a meal of some broth and herbs, as well as some of the fresh vegetation they had come across. He had been oddly quiet since they had added the human to their party, and she wondered what was on his mind. He seemed distracted.
She came and settled down beside him, a sigh escaping her. “You are quiet,” she said kindly, watching him tend the stew.
‘No more than is my wont, my Lady. I worry for the cenacaiison, that is all.” He looked at her, something unsaid in his beautiful eyes.
She regarded him for a moment longer, but decided against pressing the issue. He had a right to his private thoughts. She turned her quicksilver eyes to the stars above, drinking in their light like nourishment. A deep stillness was falling upon her, and she was tired. The day had been long, and the preceding night longer. It was still so hard for her to grasp the concept that Valerian was gone, and thoughts of him brought on a mixture of hate and sorrow. She missed him so much, but would avenge him. By the Creator’s grace, she would avenge him.
“Will you sing for me,” she asked quietly, still looking at the stars.
Nelcar turned his gaze upon her, trying to feel what was vexing her so. It is not fair that one so lovely should be so sad, he thought. To her he said, “If that is your wish, my Lady. What would you hear?”
“I would hear you call me by the name given to me by my father. We are far from Tenelwain, my title means little here. I would think that we are friends, you and I, and that such formality did not stand between us.”
“I would hear of peace, and of an end to sorrow.” Her eyes caught the pale starlight and held it, and therein Nelcar could see tears unshed.
He shook his head. “Such songs I do not know, my… Til’Sylvanna. Of peace, I can sing unto you, however.”
And so he did… in a voice as strong and sweet as the breath of the night wind. She closed her eyes, becoming one with his voice and beautiful words. The cadence of his song carried her far afield and stilled her sorrow, if only for a little while. As he sang, he did bring her a kind of peace, something she had long missed. After a long time he quit his song, and let the silence hold them in its embrace.
"Such small things that I might give to you and to whomever may lend an ear and a restless heart."
Til'Sylvanna was quiet for a long time... still bound by the power of his song. Finally she smiled and sighed. "I now know why Linfell loves you so. You have a power with words... a beauty if soul that is rare in this late age." She closed her eyes again and lay her head upon his strong shoulder... an act of intimacy she seldom shared. Rare was the person who had gained her confidence close enough to see her, let alone for her to seek their companionship.
Feeling her head upon his shoulder made him think deeply. Certainly, something strange had happened, for both head and heart told him once again that such meeting was more than circumstance. Her moonlit beauty held him transfixed, but he continued to direct his thoughts towards the dangers that had befallen them the day before. Certainly, there was a power about her. He could feel it, but he, despite his wisdom and concern, could not pierce the veil that she had, cloaked about her soul. He thought to ask her then about it was it might be that they sought, but decided to wait. His heart stayed his mouth, hoping that this statuesque moment would last a bit longer until they were forced to, once more, set out.
" I have never properly thanked you," she said quietly, "for coming to my aid as you did. You risked a great deal, and for that I am ever in your debt. I cannot but think that some greater power is at work in this meeting, for only that morning you had been much in my thoughts. Of all who so often tried to relieve me of my self imposed exile, you touched me most deeply. Your love for Linfell, who I too love so dearly, and the bittersweet sorrow of your song... Of all I have known, only you have ever known a pain like to that which I suffer. While others sought to bring me back into the day, to be as they wished, only you saw the peace I found in my night." She paused,” why?" she asked softly.
"Perhaps lady, perhaps because we share a kindred fire, a longing that would consume all of Hethilin, were we to stay. And perhaps because you are widow to a brother, and such a loss you may understand as well as I, for I too have lost a brother. These things may bring our hearts close, but this moment, it is entirely different and something beyond my power to understand. "
He stood for a moment and made his way to the fire. She could tell he felt uneasy. "I must ask you first, did you love Valerian?"
She regarded him for a long moment before answering. "Love him? Of course. He was my constant companion, my champion, and strength when I had none left for myself. When I wished only to join Til'Silvannis in death, he alone gave me the will to live." She watched the Elwain closely. "But if you mean to ask if I was in love with him, then my answer would be no. I have never known the love of another. I do not deserve such." Til'Sylvanna was confused by the turmoil she felt in Nelcar, and feared she had done some thing to upset him, and also what her love for the Guardian had to do with anything. Still, she sat and but waited for him to unburden himself.
"Til’Sylvanna, we will contend with one another, and not always will we be loving. But I feel that we shall both profit from one another's wisdom. I am happy that we, by circumstance or something more, walk together. More will we share with one another, but we must soon away. The man who now travels with us, he must lead us now, for he too seems to have found us when most we were at need.” He smiled softly, for he knew that he might have offended and wished to apologize. He then took her hand, and they stood.
As he took her hand, her bright silver eyes widened in shock. She shook, and went pale as moonlight. She swooned and fell into his arms. "I... I..." she stammered as he carried her to sit near the fire 'I Saw... what you felt... your brother... the world of men... your fear and hope. Oh Nelcar" she shook and held him tight. She looked up into his depthless azure eyes, silver shining in hers. Tears stood in them, though they did not fall. "That has never happened before. I have contact with few enough, but never like this. What can it all mean?"
"Perhaps you know, perhaps not, but I must now tell you, for your safety, not the least, is jeopardized. I fear that you are being sought by dangerous things. I know that you can dream, I can feel it deeply within me, and I must now think that, perhaps such power in you is being sought out." He held her there, unmoving, yet his thoughts ran faster than the beat of his heart. Such a soft perfection was she.
"Why should the servants of the Darkness seek me,” she asked in quiet confusion, “for I am but the least of the Elwain? What you say is true, for I have my mother's gift of Sight, but what care they for that? I know I have to find the red star... but more than that, even I have not seen." She laid her head upon his chest, still clinging to him. "Why?"
CUE: Nelcar, Saeth, or Palin. Remember, all may still be pursued by the Shadow.
__________________
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 Keiru Silver on 01-28-2002 03:09 PM
"Yes, fine. Lend him one of the horses. I have other matters to attend to," Victor said, waving off the soldier. Some stranger had stayed in the city and helped fight the spawn, but that was of little concern to him, at least at the moment.
Time willing, he'd have properly thanked him. Time willing, actually, he'd have prepared for battle, instead of attempting (and failing) to weather a siege.
But time was in short supply these days. He had made a hasty decision during the heat of battle, but one that held true even when reason returned. If Aramus VanVehementi was to wage war on Lunis while the Shadowspawn were present, there would be nothing to stop him. But he would gain only a bruised and battered land. If General Dominic was to ally himself with the empire, or Creator forbid, surrender, there was a chance his men would live.
It is better to live under the roof of your enemy than die without peace, he thought.
Cue: Aramus, or whoever wishes to act in his stead. Keiru Emerald, will you contact him and ask whether he wishes to pursue his endeavors?
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Indigo Grei on 01-28-2002 04:59 PM
"It is time... for Dolensirion to return home..."
Who are you?
"Awaken... Dolensirion..."
What's going on? What is this place??
"The one they call Dolensirion must return..."
Who is Dolensirion? What does he have to do with me??
"You must bring Dolensirion home... the Astaldocristion is in danger..."
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-28-2002 11:07 PM
The Seamus landed just south of Synarin, bringing foul tidings to the inhabitants. News of Fayre's demise was not good, even though Fayre was well within Lunis' borders.
It was after sundown when the ship arrived, and Indigo was in no mood to get out of bed. When the messenger arrived at the door, Indigo waved him off and put his arm around Scarlet's waist, then drifted back into sleep.
If anyone knew why the ship was there, it was their intended passengers. Caliph and the others saw the landing of their ride, and left the inn to board.
Caliph looked up to the prow. "Caliph Wyrdwyrm, requestion permission to board. It seems our company has expanded slightly. Does this present a problem?"
The captain shook his head. "My ship can hold more men that you can stir up in one night. Welcome aboard. I understand we are to deposit you in Balanum proper? Well, we have quite a welcome prepared. These aren't the best of times, but there's no reason we can't enjoy a hearty meal."
Caliph nodded, and turned to signal the rest of the group. Orocia, Rikfis, Zander, Tiffarah, Arkiri, and Keigo. What a crew they must have looked, he mused...
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 01-29-2002 12:03 AM
In darkness I lurk once more.
A familiar scene had been set. Thick tufts of pipe smoke lingered dancing through the pungent atmosphere of a darkened chamber. Innumerable volumes of lore and histories had been stacked methodically creating a sarcophagus of knowledge and scholastics. Entombed within its pages and bindings was a madman bent on comprehension. Aramus had been at study for days trying to sift through the large quantities of reports that had been streaming into his chambers and brought forefront to his attention.
- reports of shadow forces in Eastern Farai -
- countless demon troops retake Fayre -
- city suspects impending invasion -
- all troops on alert -
The list was long. Scroll after scroll had been blackened with the thickest layers of Nylian ink, scratched hastily in the cryptic Nylian script. Field report upon field report of Linerin's dark army. How am I to inspire loyalty when my subjects are pillaged and decimated? A grim expression had befallen the once jovial ruler. For an extended period of time, Aramus had become a gleeful individual. As he watched his empire grow he felt the shadows of his past fade. He was starting a new life, one where he was in control - a notion he took great pride in.
As the Emperor sorted through his documents further there came a knock at the door. "Aramus, you've not eaten in nearly two days. I beseech you friend, come to your senses and I'm sure you'll find the kitchen's specialty to be to your liking."
"Ahh, yes. It seems I have reverted to a lifestyle not long ago forgotten."
Aramus rose slowly from his chair leaving the imprint of his backside clearly defined in the soft leather cushions. It was as though a ghost had taken up roost to keep the seat warm for its master's imminent return. Although he was no longer physically in the comfort of his favorite throne like perch, his mind was doomed to linger behind as he sought his nourishment.
After a scant plate of dinner, Aramus retreated into his dark seclusion once more with little more than a word uttered in passing. Before taking his vigilant post within the towers of documents, he peered through a slit in his black velvet drapes. His pupils widened to allow the faintly remaining twilight to seep into his conscious. The town was abuzz with productivity. The merchants had all but left the plaza of New Dargent but the night life had just begun. Ale spilt in keeps throughout the city as those not so burdened indulged in the good life. Aramus reached for that light as he gazed outward yet, despite his strongest efforts, he was pulled by some unseen and all too compelling force to return to his desk. There he would remain until his eyes could absorb no more of such a cruel reality. Aramus' perfect world was crumbling beneath his feet. I must seek Linerin if I am to end this madness. Sacking is one thing but obliteration is entirely another.
Perhaps it was his lack of sleep or just an overburdened mind, but his last act before slumber overtook him was to scroll his thoughts onto nearby parchment. Oddly enough, far away in the Black tower, Linerin received his message. He focused the powers of his scrying orb to view the inked scratches upon Aramus' paper. In plain (but messy) Nylian script it read:
Linerin, where are you. I need to seek your council. It is imperative I see you soon. I cannot justify…
The message had ended but Linerin had seen all he needed to. Regardless of Linerin's reaction, however, Aramus would sleep until late into the next day.
CUE: Linerin
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"
Posted by Keiru Silver on 01-29-2002 07:32 PM
"Is our cargo prepared?" Victor demanded. The pasty faced soldier's expression was grim. He nodded.
"It injured the two hunters on the way, but we managed to cage it. I hope this isn't going to be a regular custom. A lot of people got hurt."
"It can't be helped. I'm doing this to prevent loss of life, not loss of dignity." He stared at the metal cage. There were airholes, yes, but the General did not know if it breathed air, or something fouler.
One shadowspawn had tarried in Fayre, and while picking through the rubble, it was found trapped under a fallen branch of the Chora. It was captured quickly, but not without a fight.
And it was of far less concern that the Chora Tree's condition. There wasn't much left of the city at all. The tree had been torn apart at the trunk. While the roots were strong, the shimmering boughs had crashed to the ground. The parks where children once played with wan abandon were covered in severed greenery, and under that, blood. Man and spawn had battled to the gruesome death where hours earlier, children had been merry.
What little was left of the museum had been totally destroyed as well, with the trunk splitting it down the middle. At least nothing was lost, for all had been taken following the raid by the Empire's troops. However, the men were demoralized at it's loss. The spawn had retreated for the time being, but with the city walls decimated, there was little hope for defending against another attack.
The only solace the men had was to poke and prod the captured beast through the holes. It was not an wholly enjoyable diversion, but Victor had mandated that the beast was not to be killed. And with the tone of his voice these days, no one dared to disobey.
Something had transformed him in that battle. His eyes sharpened, and he began to see battle for what it really was. War was not about thinking, strategies, or battleplans. War was about killing and death. For whatever reason, be it to expand one's influence, or dominate another people, the means was always death of the opposing force.
But no more. Victor was travelling west, to New Dargent. The empire had taken the city three months previously, and made no further move. He sought audience with the Emperor himself, or at least, his Generals. He would speak with no one else.
The letter he had already written, to be sent to Nyliam Proper.
I journey to the forefront of your empire to speak with you. I bring a gift.
General Victor Dominic
It was short, but effective. In the time it took for him to become General and when the council was sundered, he had not been granted a seal of office. As the wax began to set on the letter, he wondered what proof of office he could give. In moments, the wax would harden, and he would have to reseal the letter. He grabbed his sword and pressed the hilt onto the letter as best he could center it.
It was a crude outline of a very small portion of the engraving on the hilt. But that particular section looked like a lion from a certain angle. Victor smiled at the coincidence.
He had not smiled in a long time.
__________________
Welcome to my world...
Posted by Volsung on 01-29-2002 07:36 PM
OCC: I'm glad you liked my work Orocia. And I really like what you are doing with the Akaros Royal fleet. In any case sorry about this taking so long enjoy.
IC: Volsung Rolled over to see the Sun high in the sky, “Damn it I slept in.” Volsung said to himself as he quickly dusted himself off and checked himself over to make sure that no one had stolen anything in the night. After Volsung satisfied that, he still had all his belongings Volsung took to the sky once more. Volsung didn’t fly quite as fast and he had the day before, mainly because he was still very sore. Nonetheless, Volsung still moved as if he was on a mission. After only a hour Volsung started running into heavy winds which forced him to the down, but even this didn’t stop Volsung completely he only charged his oara and continued walking. Volsung was very comfortable inside this Oara, but being dedicated in fire meant rarely having to worry about being cold. Still the cold was taking it toll on Volsung, and with every passing hour, Volsung felt the Cold creeping in. “I guess I should have paced myself a little more, then I wouldn’t be so cold. Still I can’t change it now, and I’m not going to turn back now, not when I’m this close.” Volsung continued talking like that for two or three more hours. Until the Cold became too much for him and as a last resort Volsung pulled out the Sword of Fire. “Please Volsund don’t make me do anything foolish.” With that Volsung poured what energy, he had left into the sword, and for a while, Volsung moved forward unhampered by the Strom. Still as time passed Volsung could feel the cold moving in on him again, and the colder Volsung became the slower, he moved until the he cold was too much and he stopped completely. Volsung could now feel the wind on his face and ice sickles started growing now from his hair and eyebrows. Then the wind stopped, and all became clear.
Volsung could now see that it was well after dark and that the stars were high in the sky. Volsung was still very weak but without the wind to binder, him Volsung could start moving forward again. Volsung walked for what seemed like days, because Volsung didn’t feel like he was moving at all. All he could see was white in all directions. If not for his footprints, the world wouldn’t change at all. Nonetheless, Volsung kept going and going and going, and it was about sunrise when Volsung caught site of what looked like a house, but it was made out of ice. At this point Volsung didn’t care if it was friend or foe He could see smoke coming from what looked like chimney and that meant a fire.
“Must get to the fire, I must get to the fire.” Volsung said crying, but his teardrops didn’t freeze, in fact, they ran down side of his face unhampered. Volsung didn’t really know what to think only that he was getting warmer, but didn’t remember ever going to the house. Then there was an old man with blue hat and a Scimitar it his side walking into the room.
“I hope you are feeling better. When I pulled you out of that blizzard, you were unconscious and very cold. I did all that I could but I am cretin that you are going to make it.” Then the Man got up and walked out of the room with no expiation.
After the man walked, out Volsung decided to pass the time by looking around, the house looked like was made of wood, and the roof looked like it was made of straw. Yet, it far warmer than any house should be considering the conditions, but Volsung’s mind quickly wondered to the subject of the man. “Is this one who has been sent me the message at Geryon, and is he the gypsies talk about. I most know I’m on the verge of madness.” With that Volsung tried to sit, but when he did he could feel that his body was covered with burns. “Ahh.” Volsung screamed as he fell back down to the bed. Then the man walked back down, “I don’t think I will try that again anytime soon.
After hearing Volsung scream the Man came walking back to the room, “You really shouldn’t try to move, you’re covered with burns.” Then the Man paused for a bit, “Well I guess you would like to know who I am. Well Volsung Vesper, I am Sayomara of Rysend. I was abandoned as baby and raised by a polar bear. I was one the hero’s of the war between Farai and the combined Forces of Nyliam and Balanum. Of course that was about 385 years ago and there aren’t to many people who are still around from back then.”
The Volsung responded with and tad bit of shock, “385 years old that’s impossible unless you so kind of undead monster.”
“No I’m quite alive you see.” With the Sayomara pulled out a small knife and pricked the end of his finger. “You see blood, but betting you would like to know why I’m over 400 years old. You see I was cursed by my first master. The man hated the fact that I was stronger than he was so he cursed me with long life. You see I can’t die of natural causes; I can’t even take my own life. The fact is I can only die in battle, but with every year I get a little slower and less power or At least that was the way I was going. You see I never even got near the last war because I was afraid that I was to week to help anyone anymore so after the war and the Banning of Terra magic. I was about to end it all and Fly into the Black tower and End all, but then I heard of this place, and that terra Magic had very been practiced here, and so I came as soon as I could. After Coming to Gran Adageros I traveled I even meet you once as young lad right after you came you the Islands of the Burning crescent.”
“Why don’t I remember you then?” Asked Volsung in a shape tongue
“Well First you were young and I don’t think you would remember everyone you meet from back then, and I have made it a point to check up on you from time to time over the years, but flowed a lot of People from that Asherien Colony of your.”
“Why what would you have to gain?”
“Nothing really but I’m old man and I have done much. So from time to time, I like to watch others and see what help I can give. I was very tempted to help you on that night outside of Gania when you ran into the wolves, but I do say to handle that Very well.”
“Thank you I think. But I still don’t understand what you want with me now?”
“I’m going home to Asheri, but Asheri was become very dangerous in the last few mouths. I have tried to learn as much as I could, but getting solid information form Asheri is very hard.”
“Tell me about it, but you still didn’t answer my question.”
1. “I guess I didn’t,” with that, Sayomara stood up and walked out. As he cleared the Doorway Volsung could hear him say, “Try not to move kid, and get some rest we will be leaving for Sungan in a week.
***************
A week past quickly with Sayomara coming in every few hour to talk and change Volsung bandages, Sayomara didn’t seem to care about letting Volsung know that he had been keeping an eye, but he never did explain what he wanted with Volsung. In any case at the end of the seventh day Volsung was healed enough to fly once more. “Do you have all of your things Sayomara?”
“I learned a long time ago to travel light, and this place will still be here when we get back or in other words yes.” With that, the two stepped out the door. After walking a few steps, Volsung looked back and could now see why the house was so warm. It was covered with ice and snow yet there was normal house on the inside. Sayomara later explained to Volsung that Ice in one of the best insulators known to man, but at that moment Volsung could only think about how impress he was with this old man. He had been following him for mouths and yet he had not suspected anything, he lived where few others could live, not to mention the fact that he was over 400 years old. So when Volsung turned around he was ready to trust the old he didn’t know way he just did. And it was this thought that was in Volsung head when the pair took flight. It was still before dawn, but Sayomara knew which the direction to fly better than Volsung. The air was perfectly calm without even a light breeze. “Yes this is far better traveling conditions than what I had to deal with the first time I walked into this wretched place.” Volsung thought to himself as the pair cut though the Morning air with ease making Great time, but Volsung had to stop from time to time because after a while his wounds would begin to burn again. Volsung always felt bad about having to stop due to pain his, but Sayomara would just say, “Time is not that pressing yet, and I would have to carry you the rest of the way.” Nonetheless, Volsung tried limit himself to twenty or thirty minutes per stop. After the first day Volsung and Sayomara, had made it to Evod North. They made camp right besides the cannel, the pair didn’t hear any ships during the night, but it was uncommon for ships to brave The North at night.
The Next Morning Volsung woke up feeling very sore and very unhappy, but Sayomara wanted to make it to Sungan today. So the two took flight once again, but Volsung could barely fly above ten feet high, so the pair was forced to walk. Volsung and Sayomara moved quickly and a rarely had to stop, for the walking was far easier on Volsung body than trying to use his magic. “How are you doing kid,” asked Sayomara in are fairly caring voice.
“I’m fine, but thanks for asking.” They continued to walk until nightfall when they were about a half a days walk from Sungan. “I think it best if we walk into the city tomorrow. As not to attract any extra attention.”
“Good Idea, but the true be told I didn’t plan to flying again anyway you still need time to heal, and it will it won’t take near as long if you don’t use your magic any more. I really shouldn’t have pushed you out so fast, but I just couldn’t stand idle for anther day I had waited for three mouths for you to come and when you did you almost died. The truth is I had hoped to get going as soon as you showed up at my house, but as you were, I just couldn’t be done. Still I do not think that we are so late that there is nothing that we can do. In any case lets us walk as fast as our legs will carry you.”
“Fine by me. I think I would much prefer walking to flying for the time being. It doesn’t hurt while as much.” So, the Pair set out again and while Volsung moved a little slower than he had the day before, on a whole the day was uneventful, until the men caught sight of Sungan.
“Thank the Creator, I’m almost none with my tour of Gran Adageros, and while I have written quite a bit I think I will. Enjoy having two weeks to gather my thoughts.”
“You assume other thing won’t take your thoughts in that time. I mean you still haven’t opened that Letter from the king.”
Volsung suddenly froze. Volsung didn’t think the old man knew about the letter and he didn’t intend to tell him either, but somehow he knew. Then Volsung spoke again is a soft Voice, “You shouldn’t know about that.”
“Your right, but this is not the time or the place to talk about it. We can talk about his more when we get out to sea.” The two now quickly walked towards the pier. When they got there Volsung asked one of the dock hands if he had Seen the Veritas Ship, and the man directed then to the North piers where he thought he had seen ship matching Volsung description of the Secunda Falia. It wasn’t very long when they could site of her.
“She Quite a ship and Part of the Royal fleet of Gania you know,” Said Volsung with a lot of pride
“Yes she is, but now is not the time for looking we really need to set sail.”
“Your right,” and so the long March from Icy valley to Sungan ended for Volsung and Sayomara.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-29-2002 11:32 PM
"Peace, child of man..."
Just as Nelcar was about to answer Til’Sylvanna’s pained question, a cry came from the tent. She rose quickly and made for where the human Palin lay in a troubled sleep, the magic of the moment broken, lost.
“Wait, please, let me…” Nelcar began.
“No,” she interrupted softly, kindly, but in a voice which broke no argument. He was for the moment reminded of the noble she was. “As I am your charge, so then is he mine. I will be well, do not fear. He cannot harm me.” With that she walked away, missing Nelcar’s raised eyebrow.
As he watched her go, waist long silver/white hair blowing in the cool evening breeze, he could not help but feel a sense of loss. He felt a pang of jealousy for the human whose cry had broken their wonderful moment, who had stolen, even for the briefest moment, the fair maiden’s attention. He shook his head… such feelings were totally new unto him, and he wondered what they foretold.
Til'Sylvanna entered the tent to see what had caused the sleeping man such distress. He lay in a tangle of blankets upon her cot... thrashing as if some horror held him. She crossed the small distance that lay between them and sat at his side. She placed a cool comforting hand upon his brow, hoping to bring him peace.
His eyes were closed tightly and he clasped at the hand at his forehead, his sleep disrupted. He sat up quickly and raised a hand, as if to strike the elven maiden.
She was startled by his quick movement, but did not withdraw. She looked to him, ice in her gaze. He felt a great strength in her... a power well hidden. She uttered a few words in the liquid elven tongue and he felt all his aggression drain out of him.
Realizing his place, he withdrew his arm and turned, his face a depiction of pure shame.
"I'm...forgive me...I don't know what came over me." He shook his head, thinking that he must have imagined the force and power he had seen in her quicksilver eyes. She seemed only an elf maid to him how… but surely…
"Peace, child of men," she said quietly, she fire in her eyes dying, "I come only to see how thee slept. Thou art haunted by shadows that much I can feel. I am not an agent of the enemy, far from. I mean thee no harm, nor do my companions. Know only that they are very protective of me, and weary of thy kind with good reason. Little love do the Elwain have for the children of men."
"But I am not like others of my kind. If they only give me time, they will understand. By the way, I never did thank you for saving me. I owe you my life. Thank you."
She smiled kindly, "Thou art very welcome, Palin of the troubled dream. To be most honest, I will tell thee that thou art the very first of thy kindred I have ever met. Nelcar has been among humans before, but this is my first exodus from my beloved Evisis. "
"Evisis? Is that an elven city? Please, tell me of it! I'm so curious to know. Could you describe them to me?" He had settled back down to sleep, her very presence alone seeming to comfort him.
Once more she smiled, and it lit her face like the coming of dawn after the darkest night. “That I shall be most pleased to do. The Evisis is not a city, but the name we give for the wood that hath been our home for many long ages of the world. Tall stand her great trees, home to all the creatures of nature, the fiero who watch and guard our borders from those who would disparage our beautiful home…” She spoke of her home for a long while, lulling the exhausted man into a peaceful sleep as he listened. She smiled, and brushed a lock of errant hair from his brow. “Sleep well, Palin of an unremembered errand. May the light of the Creator’s silver stars ever shine for thee in thy time of need.”
With that she left to walk in the moonlight, alone. She had much about which to think.
__________________
Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Indigo Grei on 01-29-2002 11:53 PM
Scarlet had been acting strangely since they had gotten aboard the Seamus, but this was definitely wierd.
"I'm gonna stay in bed. Stay with me."
"Scarlet, don't you want to meet with Caliph? I believe your friend Orocia is on board, as well."
"I guess..."
She should have been ecstatic to see her friend again, but all she could manage was an 'I guess.' Indigo kissed her cheek lightly, then headed for the door. "Whenever you're ready. We'll be about."
He closed the door behind him. He wanted desperately to confide in someone, but Scarlet, recently, seemed self absorbed, and usually clung to him wherever he went. Almost... childlike...
The dreams were coming with more force. In last night's dream (or was it a vision?), the voice had demanded that Dolensirion return home immediately. Which was not strange in itself (for these dreams, anyhow), but it was followed with We need you here. Was it trying to tell him he was Dolensirion? And what was the Astaldocristion? There were too many questions. For a moment, there had been a flash of sight, of a wooded area, and four people together. The details were impossible to see or remember, but one was female, with white hair.
"Dolensirion... Astaldocristion... what do they mean? ...Who am I?" he muttered under his breath, his hand still on the doorknob.
"We oft ask ourselves such questions, and the answers are not always pleasant. We meet again, Indigo."
Indigo looked up at the pale faced man. "Well met, Caliph. ...I was just lamenting. Pay no heed. How are things going for you?"
Cue: Caliph
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!
Posted by Aramus VanVehementi on 01-30-2002 12:13 AM
"Aramus, a new letter has arrived."
"That's all I need, Gregorynn, another field report. Has there been any sign of Linerin?"
"No sir, as of yet there has been no sign of the dark lord. But you may be interested to know that I do not hold a field report."
Aramus' gaze left its previous post, fixed upon his now decreasing pile of documents, and strayed upward to meet that of Gregorynn's visage. Gregorynn could not help but notice the dark and loose bags which had formed all about his master's eyes. A lost soul was trapped wandering aimlessly within a well worn shell that was Aramus. A soul which, though once proud, was now begging for release. His sudden voice broke Gregorynn's now established stare.
"Well, don't make me guess old friend, what is it that you hold?"
"Of course Aramus. This letter has been sealed with a crest we have never seen before. It resembles a lion but the details are not clear. We suspect it may be from the resistance."
"Is it safe?"
"By all means, your magi have tested it for poison. It's clean."
"Well then, I could certainly use a break from this..." Aramus gestured with his hands to the quantiful array of parchments cluttering his study.
Gregorynn took his cue and promptly handed the document to the emperor. Aramus examined the seal. Indeed, he had never seen such a crest in all of his extended, pre-imperial travels. His curiousity consumed him as he broke the seal and read the script. He had seen much of this in the past several months. The inkings were in regal Lunari proper. This is, in fact, from the resistance
I journey to the forefront of your empire to speak with you. I bring a gift.
General Victor Dominic
Gregorynn, whom had been pearing over the emperor's shoulder, quickly interjected as he saw Aramus' brow fold with interest. "I take it you would like me to send word to Antridyus that you will not be meeting him in Nyliam City as scheduled?"
"Very sharp Gregorynn. I happen to wish just that." The budget could wait. Aside from the threat of shadow spawn, the Nylian Empire was secure and impregnable. He wished nothing more than to grant this General Dominic his audience. If nothing else, perhaps the sheer amusement of the rendez vous would at least leave Aramus in higher spirits. All of his pride set aside, however, there was something enthralling about this rogue's tenacious defiance of Aramus' campaign. He had been hopelessly outnumbered yet he remained in the frontlines unflinchingly standing against the empire's will. The thought became more intriguing as the emperor paused.
"As a matter of fact, I very much look forward to meeting this man."
__________________
"Unlike my fool of a father, I don't just talk of ambition... I realize it!"
Posted by Caliph Wyrdwyrm on 01-30-2002 01:17 AM
OOC: Since, between work and an outage last night, I was unable to post, I'm going to play a little fast and loose with the time here, and jump between the two posts concerning him. Also, I'm starting work on the requested treatise on Balanum by going over the old archives. Anybody that has anything about Balanum they have previously established/ want in, get ahold of me.
IC: Caliph and his haggard group boarded the Seamus, and the ship slowly worked its way up into the sky.
The other members, glad of the chance to be with old friends, to just be off the road, or to see such a ship for the first time, stepped forward nearly intoxicated by their new environment. Caliph, however, stayed at the entryway, facing the Captain, unsure of what would come.
The Captain, as obviously uneasy as Caliph, spoke first, with words that stopped most of them short. "I must ask that you turn over your weapons, please."
The rest of them turned to Caliph, to see his reaction. But Caliph, nearly always stonefaced, looked stunned, but also thrilled. "It will be my honor, Captain." And both of them were passed from him, to the Captain, to a lieutenant that was in waiting. Then the two bowed their heads to each other and went their ways.
Caliph nodded at Orocia as she watched him walk back. "An old custom. A member of an established house shouldn't bear arms on a ship -- it says he doesn't trust the crew to protect him." He smiled more than usual, although it seemed natural on his weathered face. "You go ahead and settle in. I'm going to find Indigo; I smell his work behind this."
**********************************
"Well, Indigo, I must admit -- these past few days have been quite a turn, although I can't yet tell if it's for ill or for good. But it must have been something particularly special, Indigo, if it means so much to you that you would tell me it means nothing."
Indigo regarded Caliph for a moment, and then sighed. "It's a matter of dreams, Caliph."
He nodded, and matched the sigh. "Perhaps a vision, perhaps nothing more than sleeping hours making light of darkness. But I'm afraid I won't be of much help to you there. We have no less than two holy knights in our company now. Perhaps you should consult with them. But I see you walking much of this path on your own -- it's your way, sometimes."
Indigo thought on this for a moment. "You said you think things might actually be getting better?"
Caliph's right hand had drifted to it's customary place, near his holster, now empty. Awkwardly he noticed it and clasped his hands behind his back. "My father..." Oh, and there was a man for the moment, may he rest. "...my father, a man of war, had a saying. 'If fate kisses you twice, she plans to bed you that evening.' And here you cross my path again. Admittedly, it's dark. But for the first time a while, I have hope."
Indigo was about to respond, but Scarlet finally, obligingly, followed Indigo to where Caliph was.
"Scarlet... it's been a while. I'm sorry our reunion could not be in better circumstance." He felt guilty for speaking of hope to Indigo, now -- for Scarlet was more than half as pale as he.
__________________
They say confession is good for the soul. But what if you don't have one?
Posted by Lyght Smith on 01-30-2002 01:24 AM
I am Lyght and She is Betty do you understand
Lyght stood with Betty over the Grave of this family, “I will have revenge for what they done to you, But I am not strong enough yet. So I must leave you for the time being until I can defeat these wolves.” Then Lyght knelled down, said a prayer, and left the Tombstones.
Lyght lend Betty along by a rope but the true was that Betty would have followed Lyght rope or no rope. Lyght decided that he would head for Forestre, since he still needed a few things like a sleeping bag, some rations, and a water bottle.
When Lyght and Betty came into the city it was just like he remembered it, but somehow it seem different knowing that his wife would never see in the city again. “I wish Carol was here Betty,” And the ox gave out a moo in agreement. After spending most of the day buying supplies Lyght decide that it would be best to head to Gania next to see what he could learn there. So, the pair set out a little before nightfall and didn’t really get very far, but that wasn’t really the point. Lyght wanted to get started sleeping out door since he had seldom done it in his life, Lyght even tried to make a fire it never lit by Lyght felt like he deeded to do such things.
The night was warm and Lyght didn’t feel like unroll his new sleeping bag just yet so he laid against Betty and the two fell a sleep side by side think about all they had lost.
__________________
I just can't help but fell greater are involed here.
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-30-2002 02:19 AM
The Red Star
Having left the Evisis not far behind, Til’Sylvanna was still able to find a proper grove of elder trees within which to sit. Soft moonlight bathed her in its silver glow, and was reflected from her equally bright silver eyes. She had been sitting in that cross-legged position for a vary long time, three hours or better, yet she did not tire of watching the night’s sky. She had reevaluated a great deal of the past few days’ events, and had come to a sense of peace about them. And she had come to terms with herself.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, preparing for a great out pouring of power. I do not even know if I can do this, she though, but I must try. I must have faith in the grace of the Creator, she who has charged me with this mission, this Vision. I must have faith.
Til’Sylvanna, called the Evenstar, opened her mind to the night. She left behind her corporeal self and sought to walk the realm of dreams. In the vision of her mind, she sought the red star: that force which had become bound to her, Seen in every dream for many long months. She drifted through the gray mist she had come to realize was the substance of dreams, that which could become anything. The next moment she was standing in an unlit room, moonlight streaming in through a window illuminating a sleeping figure; a woman with bright crimson hair.
She walked over to the sleeping woman, feeling elation swell within her. She had found the red star! But something gave her pause… reaching out with her mind; she could feel the deep sorrow swirling with denial that burned within the sleeping woman. It hurt… and it was sadness made into human form. Til’Sylvanna crossed the room of her Dream, and knelt beside the sleeping woman. She took the fire haired woman’s hand into her own. She closed her eyes… and felt for the light within her. She gathered it and fed it to the sleeping woman, the sense of peace and strength, of healing and hope that was the heart of Til’Sylvanna and the source of her Elwain power. For what seemed like a long time she knelt thus, lending her healing to the broken soul of the red star, forging a bond that had been fated long before she had realized what it was she Saw.
Feeling that she had done all that she could, and not give too much of herself, becoming forever Lost, she released the woman’s hand and rose to her feet. She leaned over and kissed the sleeping dreamer upon her brow. “May the peace of the Creator shield you in your time of sorrow. We shall soon meet, and you will remember this: Eonna de le Sonse, ketanel de le Norte.” By this shall you know me.”
Til’Sylvanna felt a tug upon her senses, a warning telling her that her time was growing short and her strength waning fast. With a final look at the red star, she departed.
When she finally made her way back to her now cold from, she felt exhausted. However, she was happier than she had been in a very long time. She stood, stretching her aching and cold muscles, and made her way back to the camp. She looked up at the stars once more, and smiled.
__________________
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 Zander Kohen on 01-30-2002 05:41 AM
The enormous airship amazed Zander. It was a technological wonder of the likes he had never seen before. 'Those Balanians never cease to amaze me,' He thought. Now he found himself surrounded by those Balanians.
The Seamus was a smooth running machine, both the crew and the ship itself. Men hurried about the ship making sure everything ran perfectly. What Zander was interested in, however, was Alexandros. He felt his presence aboard the Seamus and asked one of the crew where he was.
"He's in the room we use for prayer, but he won't move," the man said. "He seems dead."
"Could you direct me to him?" Zander asked, not yet knowing his way around this soaring ship.
The young man lead Zander below deck and down a corridor to the small room where Alex lay. Zander entered the room and the crewman left him to return to his business.
Zander looked at the man lying on the bed that had been moved into the already cramped area. He was much older than Zander, his appearance told Zander he had seen many years of traveling and fighting, but the meshai shined brightly on his face. Absentmindedly, Zander brought his hand up to his face and ran his finger along the scar running through his own meshai.
For some time, Zander knelt by the other Holy Knight in prayer for him. Zander felt a connection to him, like a brother through their faith and the silver rune on each of their faces and hands.
When he finally stood and left the room, he decided to find Tiffarah. He hadn't spent very much time with her since they had left Helilal; too much excitement with Keigo and the group splitting up into separate inns. Zander felt as though he was neglecting the girl, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
He tracked her down to her quarters that she had been given for her stay on the Seamus. It was a fine room; quite a bit more comfortable than the inns they had been staying in and beautifully decorated. The Balanian government usually asved this ship for more important people than he, Zander was sure.
"Well, you're getting the excitement you asked for," Zander teased.
"And I'm enjoying every minute of it," She said, smiling back. "I never got the chance to thank you back in Helilal. Not only did you invite me on this adventure, but you saved my life, twice, and you paid off my debt to Sekirah. How can I ever repay you?"
"Don't worry about it, with me, helping someone out is payment enough," Zander replied and took a step closer to her. "My life is worth living when I can make someone else's more enjoyable."
Tiffarah's face turned crimson as her whole body burned at his words. She knew it was true of anyone for Zander, (he truly enjoyed helping others out) but she caught the undertones directed towards her specifically. 'Why am I acting like a little girl about this?' she wondered.
Zander caught her uneasyness and decided not to go any further, for now. But the silence was starting to get to him.
"So, what will you do once we reach Balanum?" he asked. "The world is now very dangerous for a girl, looking for excitement."
"The world had always been dangerous," she replied. "I won't be worried about it as long as I'm with you."
Now Zander's face turned crimson as Tiffarah drew nearer to him. She was looking deep into his eyes with her own emerald green jewels and Zander returned her gaze. They were only a foot or two apart.
"You'd protect me from anything, right?" she breathed.
"From all the evils in the world, if necessary," Zander said. "Without hesitation."
They leaned in to bring their lips together. Tiffarah raised her hand to Zander's cheek, her thumb over his scar. As their lips brushed, Zander felt the surge of emotion from both of their hearts and kissed her more passionately then drew back and smiled.
"There you are!" Arkiri exclaimed, barging through the door without knocking, ruining the moment. She shot Tiffarah a look of contempt and Zander could tell, her eyes were as green as Tiffarah's with jealousy. She turned back to Zander, "I've been looking for you everywhere! Keigo's teasing me about being a bad shot!"
Zander rolled his eyes, "Ignore him, you'll get better with time." Zander still hadn't told her how Keigo had used her, Orocia and Tiffarah in his bet. Orocia had told Zander and Caliph about it, but they had decided it would be better if Tiffarah and Arkiri didn't know. They had given Keigo an ultimatum though, telling him to behave himself, especially once they reached Balanum, or they'd leave him for good.
"How much time?" she demanded. "I want to be able to prove Keigo wrong!"
"Then practice once we get done in Balanum. Like anything else, archery takes patience and dedication."
"Fine..." She said, and stormed out of the room, leaving the two of them alone again. But the damage had been done, there was an awkward air about them now and Zander returned to his room a few minutes later, giving her only a small peck on the lips as he went. It wasn't long before he was sleeping comfortably in his designated bed, the sound of the Airship's engines the only noise, humming softly.
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Keigo on 01-30-2002 07:29 AM
Keigo walked to the small table on the other side of the room, and picked up a small silver pendant from it. It made Keigo squint as the light reflected off it and hit his eye. He moved it a little farther down, away from the light and stared at it, for about 2 minutes. He put it down and walked back to the bed, he took off his breast plate, but not his gauntlet. "Ahhh, finally, cool air." He said as he threw it down on the bed, he sat down and clenched his hands over his face, thoughts crossed his mind "I shouldn't have done that...it's only a stupid pendant!" He slid his hands down his face and reslised that the wound, the hole in his hand, was still untended, "But there's something special about that pendant, not only the engraved wolf, but its aura..." he spoke as he slumped over onto the bed, legs still in a sitting position. He put his hands on his face "Ack, no use! i won't sleep anyway." He got up from the bed and walked to the door, on his way he grabbed the pendant and stuck it in his pocket.
As he walked through the ship he slides his right hand into his pocket, again he realised his wound, but he felt the smooth hilt of his black bladed dagger in the double coated sheath, one out of metal one made of leather, and a sigh of relief crossed his lips. "That's a dangerous weapon, glad didn't give it away, i don't want anyone being harmed because of me..." He mumbled as he walked around the corner, he whacked his hand onto his forehead "I'm an idiot! they probably just want me to make another mistake so they can rid of me...I think I'll ask em all if they want me to leave, and if so....I will!" He bloated at himself as a figure stroad towards him, but he wasn't sure who it was, because he just caught a quick glance as he looked up.
Cue: Zander, Caliph, Oricia, or Indigo
__________________
Anarchy,
Chaos,
Confusion,
Oh My...
-Simon Stark
Posted by Keiru Ruby on 01-30-2002 12:10 PM
The Dream.....A shared Fate?
“Scarlet, where are you?”
Reika’s voice carried through the trees, making Scarlet giggle softly in response. She was coming to bring her inside to go bed, but she had other plans. Darting behind a tall birch, she watched her older sister approach the woods, her expression deeply concerned. Scarlet grinned. Earlier that day Reika had scolded her for not practicing her swordsmanship so Scarlet decided to hide out until she became worried and had to come find her. Then for a few minutes she would understand that the universe was a cold and lonely place without her little sister.
Never taking an eye off her sister, she backed away further into the woods, wishing to draw out her punishment for Reika. An idea came to her. What if Reika spent all night looking for Scarlet out in the woods only to come back and find her sleeping peacefully in bed? It was perfect. Grinning impishly, Scarlet turned and plunged deeper into the woods so that she could out flank her sister. She was six years old at the time and just recently left in the care of her elder sister.
After several minutes, she began to curve back in what she believed was the right direction. Several more minutes passed and the woods were becoming less familiar and more wild looking. Scarlet stopped and looked around like a frightened deer. She should be at the house right now…..Where was she…? The atmosphere changed just then, and she was no longer trying to hoodwink her sister. Her heart was pounding as adrenaline surged in a potentially deadly amount through her veins. She was a grown woman now, fleeing from the terror that used to be her sister.
Suddenly a ripping pain tore through her and looked down to see a gaping hole in her stomach. It seemed to laugh and jeer at her like a bloody mouth as she stumbled through the dense foliage. Reika’s voice hissed all around her.
Scarleeeeeeeeeeet… Where are yooouuu…? Time to die Scarleeeeet….
Scarlet wheezed as blood flowed down her legs like a sick warm syrup. From behind her she could hear the sounds of Reika cutting through the undergrowth with her katana like some ominous jungle savage.
Reika!! Please stop!!!
I can smell your blood Scarleeeeet…… Mmmm…….. it smells so sweet…
She tripped over an upraised root and fell helplessly to the uncaring earth. Now she could only watch in muted horror as the demon posing as Reika parted through the trees. Her eyes were black and lack-luster, with no emotion or soul. She held the point of her blade to Scarlet’s throat.
Time to die….
A brilliant silvery light erupted suddenly from over Reika’s shoulder, making her cower in its radiance. She growled and hissed at the apparation, but it was of no use. Defeated, she fled into the shadows. Scarlet watched her leave with great sadness and sense of emptiness.
Reika!…..
The silver light now surrounded her. It was warm and comforting….. Scarlet whimpered like a small child, almost afraid to be in the light. It was then she felt a hand close around hers and she looked into the face of what surely must have been the goddess of the moon. Her features were delicate and pale, and her shimmering eyes told of deep empathy. Scarlet felt a bond with this woman, in that they shared the same pain.
Who are you?
A whisper floated over her like a serene song. Eonna de le Sonse, ketanel de le Norte. Scarlet sensed a sudden urgency within the woman and she began to fade.
Eonna de le Sonse, ketanel de le Norte…….
By this you shall know me…..
Scarlet watched her fade with a sense of peace and gratitude. At last, her wounds had begun to heal.
In her sleep she murmured, “Eonna de le Sonse, ketanel de le Norte.”
By this you shall know me…
__________________
"Words are powerless to express one's feelings, and sometimes they become a silver knife."
Posted by Sekirah Partam on 01-30-2002 01:40 PM
The horse heaved beneath him as Sekirah turned northeast towards Synarin. He had been riding day and night on this fine steed; through the fields and along the shores of lake Luna, stopping briefly for refreshment.
He guessed that the terrible beasts would not have stayed long in Fayre and he had no desire to meet them again. He had no idea what direction they had gone or where they might be now, but he rode as though they were at his back all the same.
By the middle of the next day he had reached Synarin and heard of a holy knight and several others boarding the Seamus and heading north. Sekirah decided he would stay in Synarin that night since Zander and the angel he had seen were likely too far ahead of him for it to make much difference and he needed some rest before returning to his travels. The way he had come from had been much more rough than the designated road.
He decided he would enjoy his time in Synerin while he was still there and head out in the morning, northward, not really sure where he would find Zander or the angel, or even if he would find them at all.
__________________
Faith involves hating what you are, sinful.
Posted by Bara Chinder on 01-30-2002 02:35 PM
Two strangers
Bara sat at the counter for about two hours drinking and pondering. The barman was no longer any use as company due to tha fact that rather than talk to bara he was eying him nervously. And so there he was minding his own business when someone sat beside him.
"I saw what you did to my the others that was impressive. But you cost me some business."
"And? Do you wwant to start the same?" Bara said sluring slightly.
"No no. They were fools. But you should know what that mark carries. Then I seldom see anyone of your tribe with the croisbui. And they rarly can fight like that."
"Shut up! its not your place To talk about that." Bara snapped turning to see the man.
He was stout and fair haired. Clearly a horseman from his clothing. He wore a few plaits rount the front of his hair which fell to just below his cheek bones. He also had a clear tatoo on his face. That of a horse raiser.
"Horseman, why are you talking to me?" asked Chinder.
"Because you seem to be a man I'd like to get to know. You come in here, I can't tell what you are. Maggoty dirty, like a man out in the rough, a ranger maybe? But no, not one of us, in parvini. Too far from your home land. Then the croisbui. The boys didnt like that one. It explained why you were alone. But fighting like that. against three good fighters too. I wonder, more than meets the eye. Im Conchuir. Horse raiser and career. I have lived here for a while. Had a business but im up out of here. All this talk of darkness and shadow."
"You'll forgive me if I dont explain. But I dont really want to. I travel since I was expelled looking for work, somthing to do, maybe some where to settle. I practice and i fight when I have to. Is there a reason why you are bothering me?"
"Maybe I want to leave but I could do with a companion. On my travels. Its dangerous out there."
"Not intrested."
"Our tribes need to know about the troubles around here. Forwarned forearmed etc."
"No they'd leave me, so I'll leave them."
"I dont believe that. You wear yourself too proudly. Listen My shop is on the west quarter its easy to find, the small horse stalls among the big fish. Call in if..when you change your mind." Conchuir concluded "I'll see you around."
"Maybe." said bara after hed left.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shortly before bara retired a man walked into the bar. Bara was in a haze now. The man walked up to Bara.
"Read this when you can. I have alot of money for you if you can do jobs for me. But you must keep quiet about it." said the stranger.
In his drunken stupor he recognised somthing about him but could not place it.
"W-wait...yoush...." the man was gone.
Grub ushered Bara to his room. He was still holding the note tightly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the man in the bar.
I need a good fighter who can keep hidden. At least fifteen dralars per job. You may have to kill, but you have the honour of working for a lord of note. If you work well this could become a steady employent.
an intrest.
OOC: I need a reply to PM I sent Keiru Emerald.
I also have to ask a few questions about a few things before this story progresses.
__________________
If pro is the opposite of con, then progress is the opposite of congress.
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-30-2002 03:51 PM
The Fiero
Halar pounced on the rabbit, tearing its head off. He then proceeded to eat it. His mate, Carlea, watched in disgust. "I'm sick of rodents," she howled. "I want human meat!"
Halar continued to eat his prey. "There aren't many travelers around here this time of year."
Carlea looked around, making sure no one was hunting them. She sniffed the air, and found no human scent. "There is anxious talk in the Clan," she howled softly. "They say he will return soon."
"That is a lie," Halar barked back. "Just a rumour. He was killed in that stupid Temple." He laughed. "After evading us for twenty years, being so sly and wise in how he moved in the woods, he goes wandering into a Temple and gets killed. Ha!" He spit out one of the rabbit's eyeballs. He ate the other one. He was addicted to how an eyeball bursts when you bite down on it.
"Some say he was seen leaving the Temple," she replied. She looked toward the east, and glared as if looking the Prowler straight in the face. "He will come. The Temple calls him."
Halar finished eating the rabbit, and they both frolicked off into the woods, pouncing on each other. They were a young couple, and had only been married for a year. They finally ran off to rejoin their pack.
__________________
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 Volsung on 01-30-2002 08:00 PM
Volsung and Sayomara walked up the bridge onto the ship where Veritas was waiting for Volsung. “Brother it’s so good to see you.” With that, she ran up to him and gave Volsung a Big hug. “I have missed you so much while I was out to sea, I have quite I bit to tell you but I think we should get underway First,” said Veritas
“Sounds good to me, oh before I forget, this is Sayomara. I met him in Ice Valley, but I will tell you that Story once we are on the open sea,” said Volsung with a bit of grin.
“It is pleasure to meet you Miss Veritas,” said Sayomara as he bowed in respect.
“Good now that we all know each other I think it’s time to get underway. Don’t you think Sister,” said Volsung.
“Of course, I will have one of the hands show you two to your rooms, in the mean time I will get the Secunda Falia underway.” The men nodded and followed the shipman that Veritas had quickly talked too. As they walked, Volsung thought about how much Veritas had changed Her hair was lighter, her skin darker, and she seemed to be more confidant about running her ship. In any case, Volsung was lead back to the room where he had stayed on the Trip from Gania to Ioty.
“Home sweat home. Just like I remember it except of course the bed is made.” Volsung took the time to get out of his robes and into his shirt and pants. Volsung wasn’t really found of them, but it was better something happening to these rags than having something happen to his nice robes made from Ciwan silk. As Volsung dressed, he could feel the ship turning to port and then to starboard. “I wonder way we are turning so much. I guess I better go up and find out.” So, Volsung finished buttoning his shirt and when back up to the deck. When Volsung got on Deck, he could see that there was while a bit of traffic on the water. Volsung looked around for Veritas for a while until he found her standing on a platform towards the back of the ship. “What is going on Veritas?”
“There has been while a bit of traffic in the bay lately because a lots of ships have been coming here from Asheri. Add to that Gania has an embargo against Asherien vessels they are all coming Akaros. The Akaros Navy is sending all the ships they can up Evod North to Ioty, but more ships come everyday and very few are leaving. The Akaros Navy is doing all they can, but this is becoming a big problem.”
“Can we help?” Asked Volsung forgetting for moment that he really didn’t have time for his sort of time.
“I talked to some People in the Akaros Navy and they said one ship really wouldn’t make much of a deferent’s. In any case we have to make a quick stop in Noit.”
“Noit, What do you have to do there.” I need to pick up a few people.
Regaining his sense of urgent that had carried him from Bargra to Ice Valley in two Volsung spoke, “Since when I though we would decide where we were going when we meet up again.”
“We did, but I received orders from the King a few days after I got here telling me that I was to pick up two people in Noit.”
“Do you know who we are picking up or why?” Asked Volsung
“No, but we have to go…can we talk about his later It going to take about a day to get to Noit anyway. I’m really busy right now.”
“Yes, yes I will be with Sayomara, whenever you can get away.” With that, Volsung turned around and went to the port side to look at the ships on the bay. In all this years living in Corner and the Island of the Burning Crescent, he had never seen such a concentration of ship in one place. Then Volsung turn away. Sayomara had been right other things were starting to come into his mind. This trip to Noit, Veritas letter, and whom they had to pick up, Not to mention things like his family, Vesta, Why Sayomara was helping them and so on. “So much to think about and so much time. This is going to be a really long trip. Oh well. I better check up on Sayomara and see how he is settling in.
__________________
"Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Posted by Orocia Agua on 01-30-2002 08:47 PM
catching up
OOC:
just a quickie note here, I'll post a catch-up post when the group was still in Synarin. I'll try not to make it too huge. But I won't be able to post till Sunday, I've got teachers to hunt down and bitch at tomorrow, more crap to send out (hopefully not overnight delivery..), and business competitions on Friday and Saturday!
So feel free to write, but try not to leave me too far behind, will ya? ~_^
Love y'all!
*::~:*Orocia
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-30-2002 10:09 PM
"The Sleeper has finally Awakened"
They were headed for Gaina. Til’Sylvanna, upon appearing at dawn cold, exhausted, and barely able to stand, had told them that she has found enlightenment as to their destination. Though Nelcar questioned her as to how she had some to be in such a wretched state, she would only smile in response. Palin once more was given her mare to ride, while she road upon Valerian’s gray stallion because of her great fatigue.
Around the noon hour, Til’Sylvanna broke the peaceful silence in which they had been traveling. “Saeth,” she said with a wry grin, “I am going to be walking the Dream for a while.” She only smiled at his confused glance. “I was wondering if you would be so Kind as to catch me should I over estimate myself and make a fool of myself by falling from the saddle?”
He nodded stoically, eyes never leaving the trail before them.
She closed her eyes and let herself drift into that realm of half sleep. The waking world faded about her, and once more she found herself surrounded by the gray mist that was the stuff of dreams. For a long while she simply was, neither seeking nor finding anything. All about her she could feel the dreams of a thousand sleepers swirl, close enough that she could have touched them. She could have taken those dreams, she knew, and made them hers. What power is here! she thought to herself in awe. That I could know anything I wished simply by entering the dreams of others. But, power she did not wish. Her kind had no desire for power over anyone. Her heart urned only for peace, and for solitude.
She opened her mind and prayed to the Creator… Prayed for guidance, for direction that she might do the Great Mother’s will. She would have faith, in the will which guided her, and in herself. For what seemed like an eternity she waited thus, lost within the dream. But, softly she felt a tug upon her consciousness. A direction in which to seek.
She found herself looking upon a human man, young though still into manhood. He stood upon the deck of a ship unlike any which she had ever seen. He was fair to look upon, and a grace seemed to lay about him. His aura was a deep blue, powerful and strong. And there was something very, eerily, familiar about him. Something that touched upon the very edge of her perception but remained elusive. Great Mother of All! she thought in elation as the portent fell upon her. Could it be that the Old texts had spoken truly? She made as if to touch him, but decided better of it. Instead she bent all her will to reach out to his mind.
“Seekest ye thy soul’s true Home, through shadows of the Past.
Know thy strength, thy power, heart, and find thy kin at last.
The hidden Path, long since lost, shall open at thy command.
Heal with love the Shattered Stone, and thence the broken land.”
She released her hold upon him, reeling from the great power that it had taken to touch him in the waking world. Exhausted, she slowly made her way back to her form.
Just before fatigue rendered her unconscious, she said to Nelcar and Saeth,
“The Sleeper has finally Awakened.” And with that sleep took her.
Cue: whoever
__________________
Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Indigo Grei on 01-30-2002 11:01 PM
Indigo's thoughts had been divided between two subjects during his stay on the Seamus, neither of them pleasant. The first, and arguably most pressing, was Scarlet's condition. When she did get out of bed, she clung to him as if he were going on a journey from which he would not return. Although, it seemed to him, it wasn't really him she was holding on to. She would have held to anything. Maybe she was just looking for something to ensure that her world wasn't slipping away.
And of course, Indigo would be there for her. But I miss the old Scarlet. Independent, willfull... ...Strong... he thought. Recently, she seemed so pale and... delicate. But he would stand by her, or do whatever it took to cure her of whatever possessed her.
The second issue, was of course, the dreams. The captain kept some books in his quarters in case his passengers got bored, but none of them had anything to do with Dolensirion or the Astaldocristion. None of the crew seemed to know either, although they perhaps told him that to get him out of their way.
He stood on the foremost rail of the ship currently, mulling over such things. He thought to himself that it might be the prow. Was that right? Interesting, the thoughts that come unbidden, he mused.
"Indigo!" He heard Scarlet call his name. Not the pale, shaky Scarlet of recent days... but the strong Scarlet. The Scarlet he met in Gania, courted in Noit, and loved everywhere after. He spun around to face her.
She was as lovely as ever. Her red hair streaming out behind her in the wind and her eyes sparkled. She flew into his arms, the pain of her wound (both mental and physical) seemingly gone.
"Indigo... I saw Caliph on the way here. He told me what's been happening the last few days... I'm so sorry..."
He held her head to his chest and ran his fingers through her hair. "It's okay... It's not your fault. Everything's going to be fine."
"Will it really? What's happening to this world?"
"It will, Scarlet. It might get worse before it happens, but this world will be okay again. And we'll always be together, no matter what happens."
Scarlet squeezed his waist tightly. "Thank you, Indy... I needed to hear that. From you." She looked up into his eyes. "...Indy. I've been having dreams... I think they're important. Something is happening that's bigger than us..."
"Dreams? Of what? Tell me, did you see a silver haired lady and three men?"
Scarlet gasped. "Well, kind of! There was a silver haired elf lady, but no one else. Did you have dreams, too?"
"Yes. But I haven't seen much of anything. It's just this voice... a sweet voice, calling Dolensirion home. Something about an Astaldocristion. The voice called me Dolensirion. Does that sound familiar?"
Scarlet stepped back from Indigo and moved to his side to peer over the prow. "No, there weren't any names... but the voice, yes, was so sweet. And it was more like I heard and understood, but the words were different. The words flowed more easily, an entirely different tongue. But not... foreign."
Indigo trembled involuntarily, but not from the chill winds at this altitude. He turned to face Scarlet, who was staring down as the ground.
"It was the same way with me."
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!
Posted by Keiru Emerald on 01-30-2002 11:39 PM
Selivenron
The Redeemer's glassy blue blade glittered in the lamplight of the cabin where Alexandros lie in reverie. Zander had been in every day for so long as he had been on board, and though Alexandros could not speak to him, the feeling of a presence near his body gave him comfort, even though he did not know the person, he knew that he could trust his brethern. Orocia had come in as well, she had sat and spoken to him, and though her words were lost to him, he sensed a deep seated sadness within her. She had also brushed his hair, which honestly felt quite strange to someone not in their body.
The lamplight was beating down on Alexandros, and he felt the heat of the engines pulsing up through the floor to warm is body as he slept, even though he was not even there. It was an odd feeling, being able to see your hands, and knowing they're not really your hands, but merely the spiritual representation of your hands. Being able to feel things that you can't see, and other such things. He could feel those that were close to his body, if he really concentrated, but more often than not, Averil and Merkyl had him busy at practicing his bladecraft, as they called it, and their high sorcery, as they called Holy magic.
He had been gone from the realscape, as Velesei had called Aeterna, for little more than a week, but he had spent several months here on the otherworld known as Selivenron. Velesei had tried to explain something about how the time flowed differently, but Alexandros did not completely understand. Alex had also learned much of the heavenly toungue, and was attempting to not use Asherean Commonspeech at all while around his heavenly teachers. They told him that he would be home in less than four days now, but the seventeen hours of training a day and the nights of restless sleep on Selivenron were wearing on him. He knew that it was all for the benifit of Asheri and for his friends, but sleeping in the spidery webs that the Aeternals slept in was completely foreign to him, and though he did not need to eat, he felt quite hungry at times.
However, his skills had improved signifigantly. He had been trained in the art of bladecraft by one of the eldest Aeternals, Averil, and was being taught high sorcery by both Merkyl and Velesei, when the Archangel had time to spare. But in his free time, Alex longed to return to his friends, and to meet this other of his brethern. Averil had taught him much of his brethern of long past, and revealed many long lost secrets to him that he could pass to others of his kind. So it was in high spirits that he took on the last few days of his training, though he knew he would sleep on Selivenron at least two more weeks.
Cue: Zander, or Orocia. When one of you enter the cabin, two days from now, Alexandros will awaken..
__________________
-You say you want a revolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution, Well you know, We all want to change the world
Posted by Linerin Gheral on 01-31-2002 12:21 AM
Linerin had sent word by courier to arrange a meeting with Aramus as soon as possible. Many of the Shadowspawn had also returned to the Tower as well, and were being kept on the Island the othes had made their way towards Endroth, to wait in the Hollow Crags near the waygate there. Aramus was turning out to be a bit of a pain. He wanted the assults by Shadows to stop, did he?
Then The Mistress's wishes would have to be served elsewhere first. Somewhere that would be far enough away that word would not reach Aramus for weeks, if not months... He turned his sights to a far off place, the place from which his most favorite recent concubine had come. The Kingdom of Gania... and the Kingdom of Akaros...
Cue: Aramus
__________________
As the Mistress of the Night wills it...
Posted by Keigo on 01-31-2002 03:02 AM
After Keigo had turned around the corner, he bumped into the person, who shoved him into the wall as hard as possible. Keigo held the back of his head for a moment and thought "They really dislike me here...." Then Keigo strode down the hallways again he reached the end and started to hear voices in his head, voices who hissed at him ~Tu ameek avaat slaan~ "Ahhh, what is this!?" Keigo slumped to the floor and held his head, his wound started bleeding again and as well his many scars tore open and squirted blood. "Help, someone! Help, nyyaaaaaahhhh!" Keigo squinted and fell flat on the floor, he rolled and pressed his hands on several wounds.
The voices in his head got louder, and more fierce ~Tu ameek avaat slaan, Tu amet Ukon Khor~ "Why isn't anyone helping me!? ahhhhhh!" Keigo screamed out in pain but he could hear nothing but the voices, and the blood dripping on the floor.
__________________
Anarchy,
Chaos,
Confusion,
Oh My...
-Simon Stark
Posted by Palin Freeborn on 01-31-2002 07:07 AM
New meetings........
Palin looked up from staring at the ground. He saw Til'sylvanna topple over into Nelcar's arms, her exhaustion apparent. She looked and muttered something to the Elwain, then fell unconcious. Palin ran up to meet them.
"What the hell happened? Is she okay?" The elven men looked up. Saeth made as if to speak, but he could not find the common tongue. Nelcar turned again to Til'sylvanna, and spoke hesitantly.
"She will be fine, human...." Nelcar's tone, however, implied that something about her was getting worse.
"Well, what did she say before she fell asleep?" Palin searched both of them for any hint of an answer, but their faces remained placid.
"Nothing that concerns thee." Nelcar brushed him of with a waving gesture. Palin stepped back impulsively. He looked towards Gania, then up to see the position of the sun.
"When she wakes, then, we will set out for Gania. We will be there by nightfall."
*********************************************
Til'sylvanna took over an hour to wake. She stood slowly and asked for food. Nelcar provided her with more of the elven honeycakes. She ate slowly, but started to move towards Gania in slow step. Saeth was farther ahead, scouting for any trouble. Nelcar gathered the equipment and they set off for the port city. Palin caught up with Til'sylvanna and made to answer a question, but before he could speak, the elf maiden flashed her eyes at him and smiled.
"I might tell you someday, when the time comes." Palin smiled back and shrugged, his eyes fixing on the faraway visage of Castle Gania.
*********************************************
It was nearing dusk when they arrived in Gania. Palin nearly laughed, remembering his last visit here. Nelcar and Saeth stayed close to the elf maiden, shielding her from the crowds. Palin turned to them.
"I guess this is where we break company. Thank, M'lady, for being so merciful. Saeth, Nelcar....," He nodded, "I have a feeling we'll all meet again. Yes, very soon. Good journey!" And with that, he turned and walked away, before the elves could say a word. He would see them again and next time, it would be on more friendly terms......
Something jarred his thoughts. A man had come running out of a building, straight into him. The both fell over on the ground. The other man looked up at some burly people that ran out of the house after him.
"Ha!" he said, wildly swinging a rapier, "You're lucky I'm hungry! I want to eat before I knock every one of you out!" He started to run down the street. The burly men looked accusingly at Palin, then charged him. Palin jumped up and ran after the Man with the Rapier. They chased each other up and down the back alleys of Gania. Palin finally caught up to the other man at a dead end.
"Who the hell are you?" The other man drew his sword.
"My name is Tygan DeParte. Say, could you give me a hand with these guys? There are a lot of them, it would just take me longer to get rid of them." They turned as the men rounded the corner, smiling because they had trapped their prey.
__________________
Being a hero is not some title to obtain or a term to be used lightly. It is a matter of essence and is reserved for those with only heart and soul guiding their actions.
Palin Freeborn
Posted by Tygan deParte on 01-31-2002 09:55 AM
Tygan finds himself beside an unknown warrior, but it truly didn’t matter who this man was, he was here to help and that’s all that counted. With natural luck and talent they found themselves trapped in an alley with near a dozen brigands blocking them in.
“Well met warrior, might you be up for a little fight?” He smiled at Palin.
How could I end out in such a bad position! He thought back to the events that led him here.
*********************************************
He had been trying to sneak out of his father’s mansion, he had hoped to get out quietly, but some of the brigands wanted to die so it didn’t work out that way, poor saps.
“You there! STOP!”
Tygan turned, quickly parrying an attack made at him. A very clumsy attack, if the situation were different I’d never wish to kill this man.
The battle was over before it even had a chance to start, the brigand was dead at Tygan’s feet, and Tygan was already running down the halls once again. More footsteps! Need to hide!
He quickly snuck into a door to his right and rested his back against it once it was closed.
“Jyfe! Isn’t that the boy?” Tygan’s eyes widened, there were 2 men sitting in this room. “Well it appears he has escaped Jyfe, I’ll have to teach him a lesson!” The man charged at Tygan, though found himself with 2 blades in his guy. Tygan removed his weapons and looked to his second adversary.
“That man was a fool, he had no patience,” said Jyfe, “You see boy, you need to hold back, learn how your fights, if you charge in like that, you are bound to die. It would do you well to learn this.”
“I take it you will do better?”
“We’ll see,” he walked up to Tygan with his sword drawn, “You should always hold back attacks, let your enemy tire before you do.” He swung his sword at Tygan’s head.
“Ahhh” Tygan barely deflected the swing.
“Never lose your concentration, you won’t last long if you continue what just happened.”
They continued fighting, rapier and dagger holding back the broad sword of this man. Who is this man! He is too good! If more men enter this room I am done for!
“Don’t think about other things in battle!” He thrust his sword forward; Tygan dodged to the right, but lost his balance.
Jyfe stood about Tygan, his blade to pointed at his neck. “If you take your mind of the battle, it will only cause you to make more mistakes.” He put his sword away and helped Tygan to his feet. “However, you fight well boy.”
“Who are you? Why didn’t you kill me?” I lost to this man and he is a brigand of my father, why would he not kill me!
“I am called Jyfe. I didn’t kill you because you have talent.”
“That’s it? Many warriors who have talent die every day!”
“True, but I have high hopes for you boy, that and I’m not a blood thirsty killer like my comrades here.”
“High hopes?”
“Yes, I think you may end out doing some great things and I would hate to be the one to ruin a bright future. Now you better get out of here before they find you with me!”
“Th…Thank you, Jyfe. I am Tygan deParte and I am ever in your debt.” He bowed to Jyfe and made his way to the door, slightly opening it to get a view of the hall. All clear!
“You owe me nothing boy. All I want if that you make use of your life.”
“I will!” He opened the door full and began to walk out.
“O, and boy,” Tygan turned, “You dropped this.” Jyfe pulled Tygan’s hat out of his pack and tossed it to the boy.
“My hat! Thank you! Thank you!” MY HAT!!! YES!!!
With that as a final note to this meeting, Tygan left the room and ran the halls once more.
“The exit, I’m home free!” He looked back into the house. I will be back for you father, I promise!
“Get him!” Tygan saw tons of men running at him.
“O hell,” he threw the door open and ran out into the streets, bumping into a man on the way out. The man that now stood beside him.
*********************************************
“Well sir, you seem like a man of good sport, therefore I have a proposition for you. Lets see who gets the most kills!” He grinned at Palin and charged into the horde of men.
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Zander Kohen on 01-31-2002 11:15 AM
It had been several days since Zander had been alone in Tiffarah's cabin with her and his heart still leaped when he remembered their kiss. Since then, Arkiri had been careful not to let them have any time alone. She felt like Tiffarah was stepping on her toes; Zander was hers.
"How can I feel like this?" Zander thought aloud in his own room aboard the Seamus, the only place where he could escape Arkiri. "I thought the only woman I could ever love had ben my wife, yet..."
He didn't know what to think anymore. Was it really love, or was it just some heat of the moment kiss that might never happen again? He wasn't sure, but he didn't want to get his hopes up, or more importantly, get Tiffarah's hopes up, only to come crashing down with pain and embarrassment. He decided he should apologize to her for his behavior and not let it go anywhere beyond where it already had.
His thoughts were interrupted by a yell in the hall, it was Arkiri's voice. She was calling for help and Zander practically flew out the door to see what was the matter.
When he looked down the corridore, he saw Arkiri kneeling next to Keigo, desperately trying to dress several wounds that were creating a small pool of blood on the floor. When Arkiri saw him, she looked as though she was about to cry.
"Do something Zander!!" she screamed. There was a look of pain and urgency on her face.
"I'll find a healer and be back as soon as I can!" he yelled back. Arkiri nodded and turned back to cleaning and dressing his wounds as best she could. Zander turned and broke into a jog while he searched for anyone aboard who might be a healer.
When he returned with a short, middleaged, Balanian man, there was already a small crowd around Keigo. Among them were a blue haired boy and firey red headed girl about Zander's age, along with Caliph and a couple crewmembers.
Zander lead the healer to Keigo where he examined the boy and Arkiri's bandages.
"Did you bandage him girl?" He asked Arkiri. She nodded and smiled, a hint of crimson came to her cheeks. "Very well done," he said and went about his work.
As he finished up, the crowd dissipated, leaving Caliph, the young couple, Arkiri and Zander standing there watching the healer go about his work. Once he was done, he stood and turned towards Zander.
"He'll be fine. Most of them are old wounds that reopened, though for what reason, I don't really understand," he said. "He should get some rest till we reach Balanum, though."
Zander thanked the man who then turned and left them. Keigo was still unconscious and Zander figured they should probably take him into his room.
Before he had the chance, Caliph spoke up. "I have a couple friends here you might like to meet," he said, gesturing toward the couple. "This is Indigo." Zander shook his hand. "And this is Scarlet." He repeated the gesture. "Indigo and Scarlet, this is Zander."
"Not many have the pleasure of knowing two Holy Knights," Indigo said. Zander could tell he had something else on his mind. "Hopefully Alex will be awake to see you off in Balanum."
Zander nodded. "I've been going to see him every day, and it puzzles me. He almost seems to be in two places at once, like his body is here but his spirit is elsewhere, yet he isn't dead," Zander said. "I would like to have the chance to ask him about it."
"Shouldn't we get him out of here?" Arkiri asked, bringing them back to the matter at hand.
"Yeah, I'll get him," Zander said, and bent down taking the boy in his arms and lifting him easily. "He's got a lot of blood on him; he'll need to be cleaned up."
Arkiri immediately volunteered for the task and they excused themselves from Indigo, Scarlet and Caliph. Zander brought Keigo into his room and lay him on his bed once Arkiri had removed the sheets, so she could get him cleaned up.
She immediately busied herself with the task and Zander left her, thankful she finally had something else to occupy her time with. Now she wouldn't be following him around anymore. The only thing left for Zander to do was to find Tiffarah and apologize.
Cue: Keigo, Orocia, Indigo, Scarlet or Caliph. Orocia, I'll let you have the pleasure of waking our heavenbound Holy Knight.
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Palin Freeborn on 01-31-2002 11:52 AM
A spectacular duel!
Tygan and Palin charged the brigands, swords drawn. The group of men barely had time to draw their own weapons before the swashbuckling pair was upon them. Tygan went in low, slicing at the knees of two men and wounding a third on the inside of his thigh.
Tygan laughed aloud. "Is that the best you can do?"
Palin, meanwhile, had taken to knocking out the men with the hilt of his sword. Palin laughed as well.
"I've done better!" They became a blur of motion. Tygan was slashing 'T's all over the men's clothing, while Palin was busy kicking alley junk into the men and fighting.
"I never did catch your name! Who are you?" The sound of metal on metal reverberated through the alleyway.
"My name is Palin Freeborn. Who are you? And why are the men after you?" A blade sliced by Tygan's head, splitting the fabric of the shirt on his shoulder. Tygan's eyes flared and he went into a mad fury, moving ever faster with his sword.
"You bastards! That was my favorite shirt!!!!!!!" Tygan leapt and swung, slicing a deep cut on the nearest brigand's chest. He landed and swung low, cutting at another man's shins, and pulled up to finish the last remaining brigand with kick to the face. Tygan started kicking the man who cut his shirt, but stopped after a few seconds. He wiped his face and sniffed.
"How many did you get?" He said, slightly out of breath.
Palin took a quick count.
"Six." Tygan looked up.
"Looks like I win this one!" They both smiled.
"Well, looks like I'm gonna have to stick with you until I win. So why were those men after you?" Tygan shook his head.
"It's a long story......." And with that, they walked away from the wounded men and off to a tailor's shop while Tygan recounted his tale.
Cue:Tygan
__________________
Being a hero is not some title to obtain or a term to be used lightly. It is a matter of essence and is reserved for those with only heart and soul guiding their actions.
Palin Freeborn
Posted by Keigo on 01-31-2002 01:15 PM
Keigo felt a soft pillow under his head, something he hadn't felt for years. A smooth cloth crossed over the scars under his left eye. He felt wet and damp clothing on his body, and smelt blood. He heard footsteps as the cloth lifted from the scar, and he turned his head in order to look in that direction. His gaze, still weary could only make out a rough outline of a smaller, slim body, not a man, he thought, the figure turned and looked at him.
"You feeling a bit better?"
"what happened..." Keigo wheezed.
"You broke down in the hall way and your wounds tore open...did you scratch them!?" the soft voice demanded
"No..." Keigo answered, tonelessly.
The figure walked back over to Keigo and sat down on the corner of the bed. Keigo's eyes were now better again and he could make out who it was, Arkiri. Her hand reached for the deep scar across his torso, it was more a gash then. Keigo lifted his hand and caught Arkiris, lifting it back up.
"It'll heal..." Keigo said and gently pushed her hand back.
"You're so stubborn!" Arkiri frowned and looked into Keigos eyes. "Tell me, how many men did you kill, what did you do to get these scars?"
"Many..." Keigo said and looked away. "You don't have a bad shot,...don't worry, you will get better, patience is the key...patience and practice, i know how you feel, but don't give up!"
Arkiri stared at Keigo, she smiled and got up.
"Why did you worry about me when i was out in the hallway?" Keigo asked and and sat up slightly using his elbows as crutches. Arkiri turned around and looked at him, she walked back to the bed and sat down on the corner, turning her head so she could see Keigo.
Cue: Zander
__________________
Anarchy,
Chaos,
Confusion,
Oh My...
-Simon Stark
Posted by Arboreal Prowler on 01-31-2002 01:39 PM
Return to the Temple
The Arboreal Prowler arrived in Forestre, accompanied by Tibaron and his men. The five of them got a room at a tavern.
The Prowler and Tibaron sat down at the corner table. Ever since they had gotten back together in Helilal, the Prowler seemed different. His voice was different, it had a darker tone. His eyes looked empty.
"So," said Tibaron, sipping a beer, "do you think the Holy Sword is still there?"
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't," he replied. Tibaron hadn't seen the Shadow Sword.
"Where's the Shadow Sword?" he asked.
The Arboreal Prowler looked up at Tibaron. "A friend is keeping it safe for me."
Tibaron knew something was not right. But he had no choice. He had to help retrieve the Holy Sword. It was the only way they would be able to kill Krol.
"We leave for the Evisis Woods first thing in the morning," said the Prowler. "Be ready."
Cue: Halar
__________________
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 01-31-2002 01:42 PM
Zander stood on the deck for a moment just looking at her. Tiffarah was standing at the edge of the deck, leaning on the railing and watching the world pass slowly by beneath them. Her hair was blowing in the wind as she stood there, thinking about the man that stood behind her, though she didn't know he was there.
He felt the emotion welling up inside him as he gazed at her and almost opted not to apologize at all; just hold her in his arms. He fought off this urge and told himself that apologizing was the right thing for him to do.
Stepping forward hesitantly, Zander made his presense known to her. She turned to face him a lovely smile spreading across her face, making Zander forget completely what he had come there to say.
"Zander, do you need anything?" she asked expectantly. Her eyes caught his in their own kind of sweet embrace.
For a moment he didn't say anything to her, trying to remember what he had wanted to say while looking into her eyes was near impossible. Suddenly it came back to him and he averted his eyes, choosing to look out over the land far below.
"I wanted to say that I'm sorry," he began. "Sorry for the way I acted the other day in your room. I shouldn't have done that. I don't even know why I did. Maybe it was just the passion in the air, but I shouldn't have kissed you." Tiffarah now wore a confused look on her face.
"You kissed me?" She asked. "I was the one who kissed you, if anyone should be apologizing, it's me! But I'm not sorry about it at all, and you shouldn't be either!" she exclaimed.
Zander reluctantly turned to face her, only to soon feel her lips pressed into his. He could feel his heart in his throat as she kissed him and he wrapped his arms around her tenderly. Her slender body pressed into his own as she broke the kiss to lean her head on his shoulder.
"You'll learn that I always get what I want," she said. Several of the crew members had stopped briefly to have a look at the budding lovers. "I want you," now no more than a whisper.
__________________
Ask, seek, knock...
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-31-2002 01:50 PM
The Glass Rose Trap
The human city of Gania was unlike anything that Til’Sylvanna had ever imagined. Great many pillared masons lined the busy streets, venders paddled their wears, and women engaged in the oldest of professions. And the noise! The sound of a thousand people talking at once! Her senses were all but overwhelmed by it all. Despite it, all the strangeness, the smells, the people, and the crowds, she was more excited than she had ever been. She was in a human city.
Nelcar and Saeth kept close to her side, doing the best they could to keep people from coming too near her. The latter of the two seeming very unhappy to be in this human city, and wishing he were back in his homeland Wood.
Though she had not wished to part with young Palin, she knew that his way was his to choose. And, she felt sure that they would meet again, just as he had said. She had given him a small silver ribbon from her hair as a token of her friendship, telling him that elvengifts had a way of becoming very useful, though they may not seen so at first. He had but to call upon her in his need and she would hear, no matter how great the distance.
All of the afternoon they wandered the city, each turn revealing some new wonder to the Elwain. Though Til’Sylvanna had read all the books she could find on humans and their cities, nothing could have prepared her for the reality of human life. Though she was greatly enjoying herself, she felt an oddness… a warning that pricked upon the edge of her perception. She chose to ignore it, believing it to be no more than the prospect of so strange a place.
She had stopped at the booth of a glass vender, marveling at the clever likeness to a white rose he had fashioned. Nelcar and Saeth stood off to the side no more than five or six feet, inspecting the quality of leather goods in the next booth. Suddenly, a great shadow fell upon her… and she knew no more…
A moment later, the elvenmen came to the glassworker, coldness in their eyes.
“Where is the fair maid who here stood looking at thy wears?” Asked Nelcar knowing more of the Common tongue that Saeth. “She of the long silver hair and of the Elwain?”
The vender looked at them in confusion. “I have seen no such maid, good sirs. So rarely do we see elves, I know I would remember one if I saw her. Sorry.” Saeth pulled out his sword, the blade at the man’s exposed chest. “Tell we, or die,” he hissed.
“Hay now,” said an armored man seeing the commotion, “what’s all this? I will not have foreigners drawing blades on good citizens of this city!” He glared at the elves, hand upon his own blade. “Put that weapon away, elf, or I’ll throw you in prison for disturbing the peace!”
Nelcar translated. “We will not find her if we are detained, Saeth Shen. I am sure that she must be close by…” At least I hope so, he thought seeing Saeth reluctantly nod and put away his sword. With a final icy glare, they moved on. Looking for their missing maiden. As they moved away, the vender smiled a cold smile and nodded to the guard.
As the sun was setting… they still had found no trace of her. However, as the moon began to rise, a scream tore through their minds, as did Palin… her scream... a world away, Sacrlet and Indigo heard it too.
Cue: Saeth, Nelcar, Palin... Scarlet, and Indy
__________________
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 Finrandel on 01-31-2002 02:04 PM
Finrandel watched as Saeth had loosed his sword upon the merchant, and he barely heard the tongue of his homeland as Nelcar spoke. He, however, did not notice at all the disppearance of Til'Sylvanna.
Since the trio of Elves had entered Gania, Finrandel had felt their presence. He immediately sought them out, abondoning the caravan he had been travelling with previous to Gania. He watched the three explore the human world as if for the first time, or so it seemed to Finrandel. But it was as he had looked away to take up a better view that Til'Sylvanna disappeared, and he felt her presence no longer. With Nish'Talle A'diran he was adept, but not adept enough to perceive the maiden any longer. He decided to reveal himself.
As Nelcar and Saeth discussed what to do, a figure approached them. Obviously human, but with strange, delicate features and short, golden hair. His manner of dress was also strange for a human. It was distinctly Elven.
"Greetings," spoke the stranger in common tongue, hoping one of the pair could understand him. Finrandel himself had only recently become comfortable with the language. "I wish to help you. Come with me." Seeing the doubt in the pair's eyes, he added quietly in Elven, "Please."
__________________
"I am Finrandel, son of Linoldan and Eswenore, child of the Evening Sky, and wielder of ancient powers given to my kind from the Gods themselves. I suggest you think twice before drawing your blade."
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 01-31-2002 04:34 PM
Caged...
Til’Sylvanna could not fathom how long she had been in this dark hell. Days, years? She did not know. How could everything have gone so horribly wrong, she wondered through a haze of pain. Her hands were bound above her in thick, course hemp rope, they had learned that much at least. When her captors had tried to bind her in iron manacles she has screamed and fought until they removed them. They had not realized that cold iron was death to her kind. Angry red welts still showed their mistake.
She did not know where she was, only that she had awoken in a lavishly decorated room, alone. Try as she might, she had fond no means by which to escape, all doors locked against her. Some time later a man, richly dressed and fair to look upon had come in, escorted by two armed guards. She had tried to bend him to her will, but one of his men had slapped her.
“I would not do that were I you,” he had said in mocking laughter, gray eyes dancing with mirth. “Your elven witchcraft will not work here. I know better.” He took a seat near her. “I am Dorian, and you are mine now. I saw you enter the city with your pretty friends, and decided that a man would pay a very great sum for an elven lady as fair as you are.” He reached out and touched her hair, his man putting a dagger to her as she had tried to flinch away. “I know just such a man, though it will take him some time to gather the agreed upon funds. You, my lovely little gem, are going to make me a very wealthy man.”
She had tried to fight then, needing no more that her body as a weapon. She had slammed her palm into the small of the first armored man’s back, transferring a bit of her essence as she did so, felling him. She leapt up, tumbling around the second man and out the still open door. There she had met one man who had not foreseen her rapid flurry of blows, and she rendering him unconscious. Running down the first hallway she found, she ran into a squadron of ten men or so. Even as skilled in the ancient Elwain martial arts as she was, she could not hope to get past them all. Still, she did her best, wounding three before they managed to subdue her.
Dorian awaited them to bring her to him in his lounge. He smiled coldly, “A fire cat, I see. Well, we’ll just have to cage you till your new Master comes to collect you.” To his men he said, “Take her below, and see how the dainty little gem likes it in the dark.”
That had been when they had tried to chain her… even the memory of the excruciating pain sent chills down her spine. After that she had fallen into a dark unconsciousness.
Gathering what waning strength remained to her, she reached out with her mind.
“Help me, please…” she called out to the minds of those she could touch. A wave of pain all but obliterated her mind, and she fell once more into nothingness.
Cue: Nelcar, Saeth, Palin, Tygen, and Finrodel.
__________________
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 Ja'shar An'dune on 01-31-2002 05:36 PM
Preparing for War...
“Though you have presented me with all of these very compelling reasons, still I am lathe to act. WE have not made war for millennia uncounted, and long have we had peace with all peoples. Yet, my heart misgives, for I cannot deny that the children of men make war first. I will not believe that we can remain safe here in our bastion of strength forever. Someday they will remember our power of old, and they will seek that which has been Lost. And, though we seek not dominion over any, still they will not trust to our nature. For dominion they do seek.” The king of the Elwain sat upon his oak throne, light of the sun hardly reaching him.
Linfell sat by the window, no emotion showing upon his usually kind face. All morning he ha listened to the sound of Ja’Shar and his father banter war. All morning he had grown more and more despondent. As he looked out over the beautiful utopia that was Hethilin, he pondered the events that had led to this day’s dark discussion.
It had all begun a few days ago when his father had become ill. Ja’Shar was ever at his father’s side and tending him. That in and of itself was not troubling. He had been the loyal Killian’shar for a very long time… since even before Linfell’s millennia of life. But, of late a shadow had fallen over the Prince’s heart. Perhaps it had always been there and Linfell had just never realized it.
Regardless, the Killian’shar had far more of the King’s ear than was usual. Beignor rarely turned to his son anymore, and ignored him even when he did speak. That was horribly uncharacteristic of his beloved father, and Linfell could not shake hold of the dread, which had taken hold of his heart.
The King began to cough. “Please, Ja’Shar, bring me my elixir.”
Linfell turned to his father, nothing but the utmost concern in his deep green eyes. “My Lord, will you not allow a healer to tend to you? Surly you should be well by now.”
The King paused and turned a cold gaze upon his son. “Do you imply that Lord An’Dune is failing in his service to me?”
“No, certainly not, my Lord, but surly you can see the reason in…”
“I will not listen to this ill talk from my own son. Do you think, mayhap, that I have grown weak? I assure that I have not.”
Linfell drew back, his face the picture of shock and pain. “No, my Lord father, never,” he said quietly.
Ja’Shar smiled darkly to himself. To the King he said, “My beloved King, surly the Prince was only concerned for your health. Here is your drought, to ease your cough.” He moved to the King’s side, handing him a silver goblet full of wine and a few more drops of Linerin’s potion.
“Ah, much thanks, my friend. You have been much support, even though my SON had not,” said the King giving Linfell a dark look.
That was the straw which broke him. Linfell quickly and angrily went out of the hall, sorrow engraved upon his fair face. Worse still, the two who were closest to his heard were lost to him far beyond the Hethilin.
As he left Ja’Shar smiled a chilling smile.
************************************************** ************************************************** *****
By the end of the day, the King had signed a writ giving all governance of the army of the Elwain unto Ja’Shar. He immediately ordered that the borders of the forest be closed to all incoming and outgoing persons. Any Nanelwain* were to be killed on sight without exception. The Feiro were to be advised of the Elwain's intentions. They were invited to join the Elwain, should they wish, buy were not to hinder then if that was their intention
The Elves were preparing for war.
* Literally: not of elven blood
__________________
Beware the winds of change, for they spare noone.
Posted by Scarlet Rosenblade on 01-31-2002 05:50 PM
Scarlet felt the cry reverberate throughout her body like a shockwave. Something was horribly wrong. Beside her, Indigo stopped suddenly as if he too, felt it.
“It’s her Indy. Something’s wrong.” She sensed another feeling coming over her….It was eerily familiar. The feeling of being trapped, like a prisoner. For the first time in months she thought back to her time in captivity under Xarou. A shiver teased up her spine. Indigo looked at her strangely.
“I want to help her Indy….but I don’t know how…” She closed her eyes and concentrated on sending one clear thought to the elven maiden with silver eyes.
Don’t give up! There’s always a way out! Please don’t give up hope!…
She fell to her knees and prayed that the woman with whom she seemed to share so much with would be safe. Indigo held her gently, and he too, prayed for the safety of the elf maiden.
__________________
"When one forgets to put the emotions that overflow in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion."
Posted by Tygan deParte on 01-31-2002 08:26 PM
Tygan stretched, he had been with Palin in the Seventh Traveler for a good hour at least, talking about stories and adventures.
“Man I can’t believe that ruffian type fellow cut my shirt,” he had come to this topic occasionally, complaining about how much his clothing meant.
“It’s just a shirt, we can buy another one.” Palin rolled his eyes at the topic. It’s just a shirt, what is with this guy?
“It isn’t just a shirt! It is my shirt damn it!” He went to take another swig of his ale but found it empty. “Want me to get us more to drink?”
“Of course!”
“What do you want?”
“The hardest stuff they have!”
Tygan went over to the bar, leaning against the counter, “Hey Tapster, I’ll take two of the hardest in the house!” He looked to his left just in time to watch some shabby looking man fall to the ground, passed out from over drinking. “Ummm, actually one water and one of the hardest.”
He returned to the table and handed Palin the ale. Tygan took a swig of his water, “Good stuff eh?”
Palin looked at his oddly, and took a sniff, “You sure this is ale, smells like something I stepped in when coming into town,” he grinned, but not wanting to look like a wuss, seeing that his companion was drinking it in large gulps, he took a very hearty sized drink. “My god!” He spit it out, “How can you drink this stuff!”
“Ah, it’s not too bad.” Tygan grinned, “You just need to have a strong stomach for the stuff.”
Palin gave another look to his mug, but just pushed it aside, “So what do you want to do about your father? Perhaps we should pay him a visit?”
This thought had never occurred to Tygan, he wasn’t sure he wanted another encounter such as the last, “It will be dangerous.”
“All the better!”
“Your right! I can’t just run away!”
*********************************************
They walked up to the door of the mansion of Tygan’s father. Tygan knocked on the door and stood back a little.
A large, well armed, man opened the door, “What do you want?”
“Well sir, we were wondering if we could talk with the mas….” To Tygan’s surprise Palin walked in front of him and punched the man in the face.
“Forget formalities, lets just rough the place up!”
“Fair enough, want to take another count?” He pulled out his weapons.
“You won’t win this time,” Palin unsheathed his weapon and they both charged into the house.
__________________
Can't say you'll lose if you never try.
Can't say you won if you happen to die.
Posted by Halar on 01-31-2002 08:37 PM
He has arrived
Edited by Keiru Silver on 1-31-2002 10:47 PM CST
Please ensure, Halar, that you read all previous posts in the future. There is no way the Prowler could have entered the forest. Unless you are planning to write about his corpse, please edit this post.
quote:
Originally posted by Ja'shar An'dune
By the end of the day, the King had signed a writ giving all governance of the army of the Elwain unto Ja’Shar. He immediately ordered that the borders of the forest be closed to all incoming and outgoing persons. Any Nanelwain* were to be killed on sight without exception. The Feiro were to be advised of the Elwain's intentions. They were invited to join the Elwain, should they wish, but were not to hinder then if that was their intention.
The Elves were preparing for war.
* Literally: not of elven blood
[/B]
__________________
I am Halar. When you hear me howling, be afraid.
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 02-01-2002 12:32 AM
Innocence Lost...
She had no concept of the passage of time, only of agony. A fire burned where cruel iron had touched her delicate skin, and she could feel the side of her face swelling from the blow she had received when she had tried to will the human to free her. All her body ached.
Her hands were tied above her, rope fastened to the stonewall by an iron ring. She knew that it was iron, she had learned the hard way. Her captors thought her reaction to the stuff amusing, and they had taken turns touching her with bands of iron until she had passed out from the pain. Dorian has reprimanded them; explaining that she must still be pretty or her value would go down. It was the fairness of the prize that mattered to the client, so they had better remember it. Every new scratch would be met with the loss of one of their fingers.
In her darkness she had felt the touch of the red star… it had to have been. The light of the fiery woman was all she had to hold on to, and in her misery it sustained her. Another dark blue light joined her, and with the strength of the two she was able to keep from going mad.
She could reach out and touch the four walls of her prison, and there were no windows of any kind, save for a vent that let in precious little fresh air. It would not be long before true panic set in. Never in her life had she been confined in any way. The homes of the Elwain are built with great windows and breezeways.
Never had a night passed when she had been unable to look out at the heavens for peace. Moonlight, starlight, those things were as nourishment to her. Too long absent from them, and she would surely die.
A guard came in to bring her food, at which she did not even look.
“What’s a matter, pretty? Not good enough for the likes of you?” He was burly and unwashed. The very smell of him was enough to gag her. She turned her burning silver eyes upon him and spoke in the tongue of the Elwain,” No camma doelsayd ne asnol’cevbae. Hel’ona de partana.”*
“Speak real talk, not that foreign gibberish. What did you say?” He was becoming angry. When she did not answer, he pulled her by the hair and yelled into her face. “WHAT DID YOU SAY?!?!”
Still she defied him. Now a cold gleam came into his dark eyes. “Fine, have it your way. We have ways of making sure you’re not so high and mighty… oh yes, you won’t be too good for long!” He advanced upon her, unbuckling his belt. “The Boss don’t know if you’re pure or not, so he’ll never even know.”
Til’Sylvanna’s eyes widened in horror. “No,” she whispered in Elwain and in pure panic, “merciful Mother, nooooo.”
He grinned as he shoved her down and took a dirty rag from his pocket, shoving it into her mouth. Tears streamed from her eyes and her soul wailed.
When he was done, she could only lay there. She didn’t even have the will left to cry.
CUE: Nelcar, Saeth, Finrandel, Palin, Scarlet, and Indigo. She won’t last long like this… hurry….
*By the name of my father, I shall see you fall. Your days are numbered.”
__________________
Alone? We are never alone, so long as the stars yet shine in the Heavens, Darkness can never harm the true of heart.
Posted by Indigo Grei on 02-01-2002 12:56 AM
It rains on the days when angels fall. This was one of those days. It was also the first time a dream seized Indigo in his waking hours.
He heard her scream, and saw her laying on the ground. Her breath was ragged, and although he wasn't sure what had happened, he was sure it was bad. Very bad. In order for a dream to occur in the middle of the day...
He reached out experimentally. He recoiled before he even touched her. Was it even his hand? He stared at it. Through the dream he saw. Blue hair fell on the sides of his vision. Long, and straight. Ignoring this new oddity, he reached out to her.
She trembled at his touch (This wasn't a dream!). Peace, Evenstar... (What? Was he talking?) It is too late to save you from this fate, but not to save you from this prison. (These words weren't in common, either!) It is I, Dolensirion. Take my strength. He placed his (Dolensirion's?) hand on her forehead. She was burning up. A violet blue light emanated from the small space between them. (What was happening?) Evenstar... there is much to be done. Be no longer delayed in this hall of filth. With that, he touched the bonds of metal and they fell away, turning to dusty chalk on the ground.
"Be free..."
"Indigo?"
He shook his head violently, coming to his senses. "Scarlet... we have to talk. In private. Now."
Cue: Scarlet
__________________
Who are you? Who is Dolensirion?! What's happening to me?!?!
Posted by Til'Sylvanna Evenstar on 02-01-2002 01:14 AM
Saphire Savior...
She drifted in the gray mist… the Realm of Dreams. But this time, she had no control over where it was she was bound. She was so tired, and in the dark recesses of her mind, she was in unbearable pain. Til’Sylvanna was lost.
Out of the mist there came a form… and it drew closer. She did not look up to see who it was, she could feel him. “Awww, poor little Til. You look so pitiful. You should have let me kill you last time. At least you would have died with your self-respect. Now look at you. Pathetic.” The mockingly kind voice belonged to Til’Silvannis.
She felt his soft and cold hand tilt her chin up to meet his gaze. He was smiling. “The question, that you must ask your self, little sister, is whether or not I am really here. Am I nothing more than a figment of your soul deep guilt manifested in your dreams? Perhaps, the souls of the departed come here to haunt those who yet live. Or maybe I am even a servant of the Shadow, resurrected to torment you. Any way you look at it, I like to see you suffering. Where are your little friends now? Did they abandon you…” He smiled when he saw the stricken look on her face.
“I think they have. And where is your Goddess? Has she not also left you here to die? Pity. Give up. Die. Open your arms to the oblivion of the Shadow. Leave behind the folly of life and follow me… I can show you true peace. The peace that only nothingness can give you…”
His voice was so soft… and warm. Her beloved brother. Surely it would be easier… just to let go, to give in… She had nothing left for which to live… not even her soul…
But an even softer voice said within her soul, “It is I, Dolensirion. Take my strength. Evenstar... there is much to be done. Be no longer delayed in this hall of filth” A warmth and peace settled over her. The power and strength of that voice was all that held her to this living world, and she could go on.
“No,” she whispered through her bloodstained lips to the specter of her twin. “All life is holy, and She has not forsaken me. Nor have those I love. Even now they give me strength beyond any which the Shadow has to harm. I will not go, though it is the easier path. Be gone and haunt me no longer, shadow, for I shall not heed your words.”
She held the glow in her heart and went into it. There she could be safe because He had saved her. They would come… she had faith.
She awoke from her dark dream, his power still burning in her. True to his word, she was free, her bonds broken. She got up weakly, but managed to stand and began the long task of finding the way to freedom. And through it all, she was not alone... not now or evermore.
__________________
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 Sekirah Partam on 02-01-2002 01:18 AM
Sekirah woke that morning with a throbbing headache and rolled over, pulling the covers over his head. Half way over, he was stopped by the feeling of a naked woman next to him.
His eyes flew open, ignoring the pain in his head from doing so. The woman next to him was an attractive barmaid, more than a few years older than he. He rolled back over and tried to remember what had happened the night before. The last thing he could recolect was drinking, a lot. After that the night was all a blur.
He should have been used to this, he had often slept with a strange woman after getting drunk, but rarely was she this attractive and he usually wished he hadn't been drunk so he could have enjoyed it. Now he didn't feel like that at all. He wished he had never done it, he felt like he had wronged the woman somehow. He felt guilt.
For the first time since his parents and siblings had died, he truly felt guilty. Not just guilty for the night before, but for every night he had spent this way. For all the lives he had taken to profit himself. It all came flooding back to him as he lay there, only amplifying his headache.
Hangovers were familiar to Sekirah and he knew exactly what to do about them. If he had wanted to, he could have simply drawn some mana and woven it into a simple enchantment to relieve the pain until the effects had passed, but this time, he felt like he deserved the pain. He decided he'd grin and bear it.
Rising from he bed as silently as possible, he soon found it wasn't necessary, the woman was out like a light. 'Must be really tired...' he thought, then immediately scolded himself for it. Living righteously was going to be much more difficult than he had thought. It seemed like he was saturated in the filth of his previous life. He needed some kind of spiritual cleansing, but where could he find it?
Clothing himself while he tried to think though the mind numbing pain, Sekirah remembered a place in Nyliam where he might find what he was looking for. It was the only holyplace he knew of and he only remembered it because it was close to the Daggerwood where he had worked for a fairly wealthy thief once before who had need of Sekirah's talents. It was called the Sacred Grove and many a traveler had lost his purse, along with his life, on the way to visit there, but Sekirah was confident he could make the journey with little effort.
As he collected his belongings and left the inn, the woman still sleeping soundly in his bed, Sekirah decided that he would head for the Sacred Grove, stopping only if he met Zander or the angelic man along the way. He left Synarin, the sun already high over his head, making his head ache all the more, but he had renewed determination. He wouldn't spend another night like he had the last.
__________________
Faith involves hating what you are, sinful.
Posted by Nelcar on 02-01-2002 01:59 AM
Nelcar's plans....
OOC: Attention Til'Syvanna, Saeth, and Finrendal (sp?). I just wanted you to know that, should whomever posts next decide to return to Evisis, Nelcar will not come along. He has his own concerns, suffice to say, and he will not bear to return to the Wood.
You may be able to notice that Nelar does not look highly upon the bond between Saeth and Til'Sylvanna, perhaps because of jealousy, perhaps not.
I'm also making this decision because, sadly enough, I cannot committ to keeping up with such an expedient story because of matters at school.
If, indeed, Nelcar should be separated from you all, he will give Til'Sylvanna a small silver harpstring and press that she keep it with her always. He will offer no explanation why.
Thank you for roleplaying my character for me.
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Tend to the litany,
and bare it with your wisdom.
Then, with wisdom more, bear it,
and litigate that which has now become your Law.
Posted by Finrandel on 02-01-2002 02:08 AM
The spoken Elven from a human figure had surprised the two Elwain, enough for them to agree to follow this man blindly through Gania. He took them to a small inn, up to the second floor, and into a two-room lodging. The two blades the man wore at his sides were tossed upon the bed, and the door was shut after the elves entered within. Finrandel turned about, releasing the enchantment over his form. His hair grew longer, his features more defined, his body less thick, his ears pointier. The pair were even more taken aback then before, until Saeth finally spoke.
"Nish'talle A'diron. You studied?" His look of concern became relaxed as he realized he was in the presence of an elf, and his elven tongue flourished speaking his native language.
Finrandel nodded. "Yes, with my... my mother." He took a quick breath for a moment. "I am Finrandel, son of Linoldan and Eswenore. I am glad to see kin walking about the world outside. I have not seen an Elven face in many decades." He bowed low, gracefully respecting his brethren.
Nelcar placed a hand upon Finrandel's shoulder, freeing him of any more similar gestures. "I am Nelcar, and the warrior with me is Saeth Shan of the Esiai'desh'mirain." Once more Finrandel bowed at hearing this title. "We thank you for your concern, but we have pressing matters..."
"The third?" interrupted Finrandel.
"Yes, Til'Sylvanna Evenstar. She has disappeared and we need to find her."
Saeth spoke up at this, remembering his own use of Nish'talle A'diron. "I can attempt to find her." He looked deep within himself, and soon felt the elfmaiden's presence. "Come with me. I can know now where to find her."
Finrandel spoke quickly. "Good, we shall make haste. But first, I must warn you. There are many humans with a strong distast for our kind. I suggest you clothe yourselfs more appropriately, if possible. I have a few extra jerkins that may fit Nelcar, possible Saeth, thoguh it would be tight. I can cloak myself." Finrandel stepped to his closet and tossed each a set of clothes. Put on the hats and keep you eyes low. Stay near shadow. Now let's go."
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"I am Finrandel, son of Linoldan and Eswenore, child of the Evening Sky, and wielder of ancient powers given to my kind from the Gods themselves. I suggest you think twice before drawing your blade."
Posted by Saeth Shen on 02-01-2002 02:12 AM
Saeth's wrists were reddened from the burning that Til'Sylvanna had suffered. It was one of the oldest ways in which Nish'talle A'diran could be worked, and it was one fo the few ways in which Saeth knew how to use it. The bonding of a ward to a warder, as it was. Through him, she could draw strength, and through her, he could draw strength. They could feel each other's pains, and sense each other's locations. He looked down at his wrists, and shook his head slowly.
"There is no time," Saeth rubbed his wrists gently as the Elwain language poured from his lips. Even the three and a half milennia he had lived had not prepared him for this pain. He could not imagine how it felt to Til.
Finrandel looked up at Saeth, and Nelcar stopped speaking of his lengthy divinations. Nelcar made to speak again, and Finrandel held up his hand.
"She's your ward, isn't she?" Finrandel spoke softly, and sadly.
Saeth nodded, "I can lead us to her. But I sense that she is in great danger, as well as being guarded,"
Nelcar looked somewhat obliviously towards Finrandel, who nodded slowly.
Saeth made a motion to be followed, and the two did so.
The three Elwain wandered the streets of Gania for nearly an hour before Saeth had designated a single, large house as Til'Sylvanna's location. There were a pair of men with polearms standing guard at the door, and the home appeared for all intents, normal, as if it were some sort of wealthy merchant's home.
Saeth unsheathed El'desh'Ketai, and Nelcar and Finrandel readied their longbows. Saeth made a quick motion, and the three sprung from the alleyway where they had been hiding, the younger Elwain loosing their arrows, and Saeth running foreward as he felt several burning sensations upon his arms. One of the men was pierced by an arrow between the plates of his gorget and breastplate, and fell to the ground, the other was unharmed as the arrow from the youthful Elwain deflected off of his gleaming armor. Saeth let out a small cry and leapt through the air, burying the blade of his sword into the helmet of the human, crushing his helm like a tin can and rendering him unconcious.
He kicked the door of the home off of its hinges as he felt another great danger through his link, and Finrandel let out his magics, "coincidentally" causing an armored man rushing down the staircase to trip, flinging himself over the banister and sending him faltering to the ground. A loud crunch indicated that he had broken his arm, and the Elwain ran onwards, leaving the man to his pain, and leading them towards Saeth's ward's salvation.
Through hallway after hallway they passed, the house seemed impossibly larger on the inside than on the outside, but it was the way with the narrow hallwayed human buildings. Saeth came to a doorway that did not open, and after burying El'Desh'Ketai in the door, he grabbed the hilt and burst the door off of its hinges with a well placed kick. A man sat at a desk inside, and as he looked up, Finrandel, who had silently snuck about the room from the adjoining room, buried a short parrying dagger in his throat.
Saeth could sense Til through one of these walls, but as sure as it was, they were solid walls, Saeth began to despair slightly, as he felt Til's Heartbeat elevate to an abnormal level for one that would be being held captive. saeth focused on her, and he felt her heartbeat drop off, and that she felt... broken... Saeth wailed in anger and began to destroy all of the humans possessions in his fit of rage. Finrandel ran to stop the elder Elwain but as he did, Nelcar cried out, as he had found a small book in one of the bookcases that caused one of the floorpanels to drop down, forming a ramp. they silently ran, all three, with no further command nessecary.
A human whom looked quite satisfied with himself was walking down the hall that the ramp had led them to, under the earth by a small bit. He caught a pair of arrows in his unarmored chest, and Saeth's blade cut across his abdomen, severing the muscle and causing his stinking human innards to drop out onto the ground. they proceeded for a long distance down this small, dank hallway, until they came to a pair of doors.
Saeth, hesitating no longer, and knowing which door Til'Sylvanna Evenstar, the White Lady of the Elwain, and his ward was behind, cried out, "Be back M'lady, I am here!" and he burst the door from its bolted lock with a well placed shoulder ram, and a little unbeknowst help from a Finrandel who did not wish the elder Elwain to injure himself in the attempt.
Light poured into the room, and the White lady was once again in the presence of her brethern. Nelcar helped her to her feet, and strangely, she was not bound. But the marks that burned Saeth were also present upon her body, and she faltered slightly as they fled the filthy human buildings. Eventually she faltered to the point that Saeth took to carrying her over his rugged shoulder, drawing upon his own reserves of energy.
They made their way from the Human dwelling in short order, and began their swift flight from the evil of human civilization, at least, that's how Saeth saw it.
"We should return to Evisis," Were his only words as he and the other Elwain made their way towards the city gates, with Saeth at their head.
Cue: my Elwain companions...
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By the honor of my Father, the love of my Mother, and the pride of the Esiai'desh'mirain, you shall not harm my charge...
Posted by Lyght Smith on 02-01-2002 02:24 AM
In the last few days, Lyght and Betty had been traveling with the road. Lyght had decided to head north to the Water Tabernacle. He didn’t know what to expect there, but he it seemed as good of place as any to start searching for answers on how to deal with the wolves. After Lyght and Betty pasted wolf travel they headed Northwest to the Water Tabernacle.
When they were in site of the Tabernacle Lyght stopped and just looked for a little bit. The Main structure sat on the top of a pond in front of five water falls, one directly behind the structure, and three on the right side and one on the Left, giving visitors the impression of water falling off a crescent moon. The Main structure had no foundations that could be seen but stayed perfectly level and still. The Building itself looks like it was made of purple marble with little porches coming out from all sides. There were also many balconies most of which faced the Waterfalls. The overall structure was round and circular with pillars running across the front, there was a hole cut in the center structure with a pair of large towers rising up through opening to almost to the same height as the waterfalls. As Lyght and Betty walked down to the Tabernacle, they could see a walkway that also seemed to be floating on the water between grounds at the edge of the pond to the Tabernacle. “Well Betty I think this looks like a good place to learn about the what it takes, to take on the wolves. With that, the pair stepped on the walkway into the tabernacle.
When they got about half across a man flew out of one of the balconies to greet them. “Welcome Friend to the Water Tabernacle, what to you wish here, to better understand Water, to hide from the world, or just to clam your soul?”
“I am Lyght Smith I come here to better understand the element of water, and for rest. Can you help me?”
“Yes we can, Please follow me. I do have one question for you .Do you plan to room with this Ox?”
“Betty isn’t just a ox she’s my friend, and where I go she goes.” Then he laid his hand on Betty and gently rubbed her back.
“Well I guess we can find a place for you two, but it maybe a while.”
“That’s ok we will just look around in the mean time.” With that, the man flew back up to where he had come from and left Lyght and Betty to finish walking into the Tabernacle.
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I just can't help but fell greater are involed here.
The time now is 03:32 PM.
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