A new order of business.
The air in the chamber was stifling, she did not notice it. Robed in thick dark fabrics, she continued to sit calmly at the ornate desk and continue reading the giant tome laid open before her. The sunlight was fading, she had a meeting with Gruumsh. Finally, after months of perseverance she would finally speak with someone in the order. She did not contemplate for a moment about the consequences if it didn't work out as she had intended, she was too elated over the notion that she might finally be able to be among them, to fulfil her passion for her art, and learn new techniques and theories from those with more experience. Her time had come. She collected another cloak from a peg on the back of the barely there wooden door, and fastened it on top of her other already swathed thick garments, and headed out the door, letting it bang closed with a few more tumbling wooden panels, and dissipated into the early evening. She heard him coming, oh he was stealthy, to most there probably would have only been a fraction of noise, but to Xalyn's acute hearing, her heightened senses, she had a moment to prepare herself, cast her final cantrip before he arrived. She was ready and composed when he entered the very quiet, practically desolate, Nisstyres Tavern in Westbridge. Sitting together deep in conversation for many hours, Xalyn explained how she had previously arrived to the surface, how long she had studied necromancy, what she had in mind to offer, and learn from the order, She knew they would have been watching her over the past weeks and after many hours, she stood, and shook his hand, as he left, she dissipated into thin air, leaving the tavern as empty as she had found it. She liked that place. Xalyn had been welcomed, she hoped beyond hope, it stayed that way.
Log: 23012013 - Ror and Alsin
OOC commentary: Short and sweet. This is a wrap-up of the event at Alsin's garden. The roleplay note "Entity aftermath" speaks of ordering a copy of a book for Alsin. This short session shows Ror delivering the book as gift.
A Shady encounter ( 2/3 )
Confident her shields of warding would endure this conversation with what she had now identified as a shade, Maya calmed immensly however she kept her guard constantly up. ' I'd shake your hand... But' she dared to mock, indicated by her slight sni by the shade, she continued any way 'My is Maya Do'Urden, now do tell shade, Why do you follow them? ' The shades eyes grew bright and it said in a slightly mocking tone, 'Oh so polite you are'. With a mocking smile, Maya said 'I'd give you the whole introduction but I feel it would be Lost on you. ' 'They are treacherous. A blight to be eliminated, and worse, they have something that belongs to my daughter'. 'Ah, you parent the beast Maya sawid simply, her hands folding neatly in her lap, as she sits upon the edge of the craters lip. The shades eyes flare again and his form coalesces into a more menacing appearing shadow of smoky of smoky blackness. ' Beast! She is no beast! She is beautiful. ' Maya says in a somewhat satisfied tone ' I don't doubt it. ' for atleast now she knew the lengths this thing would go to, for that woman her companions claim, could destroy the world ' I speak of her nature. Don't mistake me, I judge not, I simply state things as they are. You want the amulet then? ' She asked, raising her eyebrow in question toward the shade who only dissipates once more and resumes his bobbing. 'You would do well to watch your choice of words, woman. And yes, the necklace belongs to her. ' It said after a time. Then it asked, 'Where is it? ' 'You know where it is. ' she said The shades eyes flared again in irritation. ' Then why would I ask? ' Maya smiled faintly again once more, her eyes narrowing to barely visible slits. In idle response the shade circled about closer to Maya once more, seeming to test the boundaries of his closeness. Maya was again, not for the first time in this encounter, entirely sure she was safe. Maya once more, seeming to test the boundaries of his closeness. Maya was again, not for the first time in this encounter, entirely sure she was safe.
Dutiful Disposition
Gilean stood upon a quiet pier on the edge of New Thalos. He glanced around and didn't see anyone else in the surrounding area of abandoned warehouses. Content that nobody saw him, he pulled a small but heavy steel box from within the folds of his robes. He slid open the sturdy latch and lifted the lid. Within, lay the necklace. It wasn't quite as pristine as the one Claire had been tasked with hiding away, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Each of its many beads held the smallest sparkle of inner light.
The necklace held a strange attraction for Gilean. It was almost as if there were an unknown connection to something greater than this plane of existance. When he and Claire had visited that plane to retrieve Kaliadra and Sanria everything felt so familiar. Then, when Velentham had touched him, it was like the impenetrable clouds of his past had started to part. His past was still mainly a mystery but Glean could now remember feelings...impressions. He felt a strange kinship with Velentham. He felt that there was much more to his life than his youthful years could account for. He also felt a conviction and a defiance, but he knew not against what. This necklace seemed to whisper im his mind that it could help him... reconnect him.
Gilean realized with a bit of a start that he had been staring into the box for much longer than he intended. Content that its contents were indeed in their place he clapped the lid shut, ignoring the small tinge of regret that tugged upon his heart. He slid the latch closed and wrapped his hands about the box. He closed his eyes, whispering a devout prayer to Lathander. In response to his calling, a white light flared brightly from between his fingers and he knew his ward of locking was in place. With a nod of satisfaction Gilean tucked the box back within the folds of his robes.
He took a final look around and, satisfied that he was still alone, invoked a much simpler favor. His feet rose from the ground in response and Gilean lifted his gaze towards the subtle curve of the horizon. With the conviction of his duty driving him forward, he set off in flight over the vast expanse of the Sea of Swords to dispose of his charge.
The necklace held a strange attraction for Gilean. It was almost as if there were an unknown connection to something greater than this plane of existance. When he and Claire had visited that plane to retrieve Kaliadra and Sanria everything felt so familiar. Then, when Velentham had touched him, it was like the impenetrable clouds of his past had started to part. His past was still mainly a mystery but Glean could now remember feelings...impressions. He felt a strange kinship with Velentham. He felt that there was much more to his life than his youthful years could account for. He also felt a conviction and a defiance, but he knew not against what. This necklace seemed to whisper im his mind that it could help him... reconnect him.
Gilean realized with a bit of a start that he had been staring into the box for much longer than he intended. Content that its contents were indeed in their place he clapped the lid shut, ignoring the small tinge of regret that tugged upon his heart. He slid the latch closed and wrapped his hands about the box. He closed his eyes, whispering a devout prayer to Lathander. In response to his calling, a white light flared brightly from between his fingers and he knew his ward of locking was in place. With a nod of satisfaction Gilean tucked the box back within the folds of his robes.
He took a final look around and, satisfied that he was still alone, invoked a much simpler favor. His feet rose from the ground in response and Gilean lifted his gaze towards the subtle curve of the horizon. With the conviction of his duty driving him forward, he set off in flight over the vast expanse of the Sea of Swords to dispose of his charge.
Having Tea
"I knew you'd stay for tea," Karen, the help, said, her grin broad.
"I forgot my pack," Sanria said. Still, Throm simply looked weak. "Are you alright? You don't look quite your old self just yet."
"I am alright indeed. Feels good to be...myself again. Looking and feeling are to separate things. I'd rather look like hell and feel better than the opposite."
Karen, the help, held out a cup of tea, already poured, for Sanria. "Well, drink up the both of you. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen." Karen, the help, seemed to nearly skip out of the room.
Throm looked too cold to Sanria. "Do you need to be closer to the fire?"
"I somehow think I could lie upon the coals and it wouldn't do the trick. Ever had those days?" Even with her coaxing, Throm wouldn't get up. Sanria did the one thing she had learned to do well in the past few months. She levitated Throm over to the fire, surprised by how light the man was. She set him on the floor before the fire and seated herself at his side.
"Come. Drink your tea or I can't leave."
Karen, the help, called from around the corner, "There's a whole pot."
Sanria finished her tea with a tinge of regret. "Well, if you'd like for me to drink the pot, I shall. Otherwise, I'll let you warm up by your lonesome. Or with Karen..."
"I wouldn't be opposed to you drinking the pot, I shall not I think," Throm said.
Before Sanria could even formulate a response, Karen, the help, whirled in from the kitchen, pot in hand, refilling both cups. A grin was perpetually on her face, and Sanria knew the woman was scheming. Still, she would have to end the visit at some point...no matter how accommodating and like his old self Throm was behaving. "Hang about infinitely if you will," he said, and Sanria's girlish heart soared.
They spoke more about his situation, Lithanus, the tea... it all seemed so right. As though the man Sanria found herself beside was the one she had met many years ago, and the green glow that came from his eyes was even more proof. Could she dare hope... Sanria looked down, her cup finished. "I think I've finished all my tea," she whispered, trying to avoid another refill.
"Would you like me to call for Karen?"
"Do we need more tea?" In a flash, Sanria's cup was full.
"There will be no empty cups in this house."
"I appreciate the tea and the conversation," Sanria said, finally getting up to leave.
"As do I. I can't tell you how relieved I am you stopped by."
"Relieved?"
"Things left unsaid and all that. I'm just glad we were able to have tea."
"Indeed. I suppose if we're speaking of things left unsaid, I should tell you the rest of what hasn't been said, then I can leave with a clear conscious?"
"I can't speak for your conscious but I would imagine it to be the truth yes."
Sanria leaned to Throm's ear. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to tell him how madly in love with him she was, just how long she had been, just how happy she was that he seemed like his old self, just how elated that at long last they could be together - the sky was the limit... but she chose instead to employ his own methods. She would not rush this. She would not ruin what she had waited so long to have. She would savor every moment with this old Throm. Getting to know him all over again. She whispered simply, "The tea was exquisite."
Sanria left the manor without even knowing how she got home. After so much doubt, she knew... at long last... she had her Throm.
"I forgot my pack," Sanria said. Still, Throm simply looked weak. "Are you alright? You don't look quite your old self just yet."
"I am alright indeed. Feels good to be...myself again. Looking and feeling are to separate things. I'd rather look like hell and feel better than the opposite."
Karen, the help, held out a cup of tea, already poured, for Sanria. "Well, drink up the both of you. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen." Karen, the help, seemed to nearly skip out of the room.
Throm looked too cold to Sanria. "Do you need to be closer to the fire?"
"I somehow think I could lie upon the coals and it wouldn't do the trick. Ever had those days?" Even with her coaxing, Throm wouldn't get up. Sanria did the one thing she had learned to do well in the past few months. She levitated Throm over to the fire, surprised by how light the man was. She set him on the floor before the fire and seated herself at his side.
"Come. Drink your tea or I can't leave."
Karen, the help, called from around the corner, "There's a whole pot."
Sanria finished her tea with a tinge of regret. "Well, if you'd like for me to drink the pot, I shall. Otherwise, I'll let you warm up by your lonesome. Or with Karen..."
"I wouldn't be opposed to you drinking the pot, I shall not I think," Throm said.
Before Sanria could even formulate a response, Karen, the help, whirled in from the kitchen, pot in hand, refilling both cups. A grin was perpetually on her face, and Sanria knew the woman was scheming. Still, she would have to end the visit at some point...no matter how accommodating and like his old self Throm was behaving. "Hang about infinitely if you will," he said, and Sanria's girlish heart soared.
They spoke more about his situation, Lithanus, the tea... it all seemed so right. As though the man Sanria found herself beside was the one she had met many years ago, and the green glow that came from his eyes was even more proof. Could she dare hope... Sanria looked down, her cup finished. "I think I've finished all my tea," she whispered, trying to avoid another refill.
"Would you like me to call for Karen?"
"Do we need more tea?" In a flash, Sanria's cup was full.
"There will be no empty cups in this house."
"I appreciate the tea and the conversation," Sanria said, finally getting up to leave.
"As do I. I can't tell you how relieved I am you stopped by."
"Relieved?"
"Things left unsaid and all that. I'm just glad we were able to have tea."
"Indeed. I suppose if we're speaking of things left unsaid, I should tell you the rest of what hasn't been said, then I can leave with a clear conscious?"
"I can't speak for your conscious but I would imagine it to be the truth yes."
Sanria leaned to Throm's ear. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to tell him how madly in love with him she was, just how long she had been, just how happy she was that he seemed like his old self, just how elated that at long last they could be together - the sky was the limit... but she chose instead to employ his own methods. She would not rush this. She would not ruin what she had waited so long to have. She would savor every moment with this old Throm. Getting to know him all over again. She whispered simply, "The tea was exquisite."
Sanria left the manor without even knowing how she got home. After so much doubt, she knew... at long last... she had her Throm.
Warm Greetings
Sanria walked up to the gates of the manor with a tiny sigh. She would go in, tell Throm she had decided to stay and would leave. There could be nothing simpler. But it wasn't at all simple. she'd have to look at his projection again, endure the rather uncaring nonchalance, remember just how much she wished he was the way he was when she first met him. It was too much. Sanria turned to go when a voice rang out across the grounds, "Lady Sanria? Is that you? Let me get the gate!"
Karen, the help, came to the gate with a broad smile and opened it. "Oh it's so good to see you! You'll stay for tea. Sir uth Bannon is weak, but he is managing and it will be nice." The woman led Sanria to the doors. "Sergi said he'd probably need a wheelchair to get around, and I told him, not a chance. Isn't that something?"
"Indeed. I wouldn't have thought Sergi the type."
"Me either! And here's the master now."
"A guest?" Throm asked from beneath his hood.
"Indeed. Lady Sanria no less," Karen, the help, said matter-of-factly.
Sanria couldn't believe her eyes. There was no projection. What sat before her was the flesh and blood Throm she knew - though all wrapped up in a thick cloak and looking more like a lump than the upstanding man she knew. It didn't matter. Her heart skipped a beat in her chest. 'He doesn't love you,' she had to remind herself. 'Those days are so long gone.'
Sanria gave her decision with as little emotion as she could manage, but still the faint glimmer of green eyes kept tripping her up inside. He asked about Colin, he asked about Orn, he asked her so many questions - why? She answered them, but this Throm clearly was not the detached soul that had been haunting about recently. She had to get out of there - before her hopes were raised. "Good to see you whole again," she managed. It sounded foolish.
As she walked long the grounds, Sanria thought over so much, but her thoughts traveled along the far-stretching continuum that was time to the last time she'd seen those green eyes really look at her. She reached up to grab the pack over her shoulder, a smile on her face, and noticed for the first time her pack wasn't there. She'd left it behind. She'd have to go back. She smiled at her folly and turned around to go back to the manor.
Karen, the help, came to the gate with a broad smile and opened it. "Oh it's so good to see you! You'll stay for tea. Sir uth Bannon is weak, but he is managing and it will be nice." The woman led Sanria to the doors. "Sergi said he'd probably need a wheelchair to get around, and I told him, not a chance. Isn't that something?"
"Indeed. I wouldn't have thought Sergi the type."
"Me either! And here's the master now."
"A guest?" Throm asked from beneath his hood.
"Indeed. Lady Sanria no less," Karen, the help, said matter-of-factly.
Sanria couldn't believe her eyes. There was no projection. What sat before her was the flesh and blood Throm she knew - though all wrapped up in a thick cloak and looking more like a lump than the upstanding man she knew. It didn't matter. Her heart skipped a beat in her chest. 'He doesn't love you,' she had to remind herself. 'Those days are so long gone.'
Sanria gave her decision with as little emotion as she could manage, but still the faint glimmer of green eyes kept tripping her up inside. He asked about Colin, he asked about Orn, he asked her so many questions - why? She answered them, but this Throm clearly was not the detached soul that had been haunting about recently. She had to get out of there - before her hopes were raised. "Good to see you whole again," she managed. It sounded foolish.
As she walked long the grounds, Sanria thought over so much, but her thoughts traveled along the far-stretching continuum that was time to the last time she'd seen those green eyes really look at her. She reached up to grab the pack over her shoulder, a smile on her face, and noticed for the first time her pack wasn't there. She'd left it behind. She'd have to go back. She smiled at her folly and turned around to go back to the manor.
Arrangements for Living and Life
Sanria walked out into the herb garden, smiling as she caught sight of Orn and Colin sitting on a blanket. Orn was growing so quickly it seemed. He sat up on his own attempting to eat the grass as best he knew how. The boy was so innocent to everything going on around him. She finally sat down on one of the flagstones and looked to Colin. "I was thinking I could talk to Arlenia and maybe get her to agree to letting you come around to see your child."
"Why do you feel you need to do that?" Colin asked with a small frown.
"Because you aren't."
"I did Sanria," Colin said. "You know I don't take fatherhood lightly. I talked to her, let her know I wanted to be a part of this child's life. She didn't want that. And, I think it would be harder on her if I were."
It wasn't much of a surprise that Colin disagreed with Sanria getting involved, but still she felt that something had to be done. The current arrangement was certainly causing her even more confusion than she had before. "Colin... if it were Arlenia wanting to stay with you regardless of your feelings toward her or the situation the two of you are in, what would you say to her?"
"Just what I did say to her. That I can't be with her like that because I don't feel the love for her that she does for me and... that I love someone else."
Sanria cleared her throat. Hoping Colin would hear his own words. "Exactly," she said quietly.
"Do you love someone else?" Colin asked. The question caught in Sanria's chest, wrenching her heart. The vision of a smoky projection shimmered into her mind and she looked to Colin with her sorrow etched onto her face.
"He doesn't love me."
"He doesn't?"
"No... he doesn't," Sanria whispered.
"It's not easy being Arlenia."
The statement struck Sanria. She was waiting on a man that didn't love her, while a man was waiting on her to love him, while a woman was waiting on him to love her. A train of broken hearts. She couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the foolish nature of hearts and those who contained them. The easy situation would be to let Colin have Orn and go back to Velentham. In time, she'd forget her pain and forget everything else. "Sanria, you can't do that. Why do you have to leave?"
"Because I'm not a good Arlenia."
Colin put Orn into Sanria's hands and she could barely stop herself from crying at just how the little boy smiled at seeing her. She couldn't leave him. She would just have to endure. Colin would stay in the house but in his own room, they would be there for Orn- neither of them seeking out a relationship, neither of them worrying what would come next. 'One day at a time,' Sanria thought as she laid Orn in his crib. 'One day at a time.'
"Why do you feel you need to do that?" Colin asked with a small frown.
"Because you aren't."
"I did Sanria," Colin said. "You know I don't take fatherhood lightly. I talked to her, let her know I wanted to be a part of this child's life. She didn't want that. And, I think it would be harder on her if I were."
It wasn't much of a surprise that Colin disagreed with Sanria getting involved, but still she felt that something had to be done. The current arrangement was certainly causing her even more confusion than she had before. "Colin... if it were Arlenia wanting to stay with you regardless of your feelings toward her or the situation the two of you are in, what would you say to her?"
"Just what I did say to her. That I can't be with her like that because I don't feel the love for her that she does for me and... that I love someone else."
Sanria cleared her throat. Hoping Colin would hear his own words. "Exactly," she said quietly.
"Do you love someone else?" Colin asked. The question caught in Sanria's chest, wrenching her heart. The vision of a smoky projection shimmered into her mind and she looked to Colin with her sorrow etched onto her face.
"He doesn't love me."
"He doesn't?"
"No... he doesn't," Sanria whispered.
"It's not easy being Arlenia."
The statement struck Sanria. She was waiting on a man that didn't love her, while a man was waiting on her to love him, while a woman was waiting on him to love her. A train of broken hearts. She couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the foolish nature of hearts and those who contained them. The easy situation would be to let Colin have Orn and go back to Velentham. In time, she'd forget her pain and forget everything else. "Sanria, you can't do that. Why do you have to leave?"
"Because I'm not a good Arlenia."
Colin put Orn into Sanria's hands and she could barely stop herself from crying at just how the little boy smiled at seeing her. She couldn't leave him. She would just have to endure. Colin would stay in the house but in his own room, they would be there for Orn- neither of them seeking out a relationship, neither of them worrying what would come next. 'One day at a time,' Sanria thought as she laid Orn in his crib. 'One day at a time.'
Rough Water
Sanria sat under the tree in her garden with Orn in her arms. The baby squirmed and she finally put him down. He wrinkled his nose at the sensation of grass on his legs and as he swatted the grass, Sanria began to cry. The argument she had just finished with Colin was the worst they'd ever had. All she wanted was for him to let her take Orn with her back to Velentham's home. Colin wouldn't hear of it.
Every accusation that Sanria could think to hurl, she did. Bringing up his infidelity, his other family, his selfishness - but the truth was that by the time she threw him out of the house and retreated to the garden - she already felt terrible. Colin was a good father, a devoted father. He may have cheated on her and gotten another woman pregnant, but wasn't it all Sanria had wanted? For Co- lin to move on to someone else and leave her free?
Sanria let out a long sigh. She knew that Colin had no where to go. She knew, too, that he had just had a hell of an experience when he sought out Throm. Her rational mind seemed to speak to her - the cavern was the only home the man had. She wiped her face and lifted Orn to her arms as she stood. She called out to Colin and invited him back.
They passed the rest day speaking very little about the vicious argument over who would parent Orn. Only once the baby was finally in bed did Sanria and Colin talk. The death of their second child finally seemed to hit Sanria, and Colin held her as she cried. They talked about their misfortune, and prospect of being alone after years of always having someone. The conversation rounded once again to Sanria wanting to take Orn away, but this time there wasn't an argument. In fact, as the night turned into morning, they had become friends again the best way they knew how.
Every accusation that Sanria could think to hurl, she did. Bringing up his infidelity, his other family, his selfishness - but the truth was that by the time she threw him out of the house and retreated to the garden - she already felt terrible. Colin was a good father, a devoted father. He may have cheated on her and gotten another woman pregnant, but wasn't it all Sanria had wanted? For Co- lin to move on to someone else and leave her free?
Sanria let out a long sigh. She knew that Colin had no where to go. She knew, too, that he had just had a hell of an experience when he sought out Throm. Her rational mind seemed to speak to her - the cavern was the only home the man had. She wiped her face and lifted Orn to her arms as she stood. She called out to Colin and invited him back.
They passed the rest day speaking very little about the vicious argument over who would parent Orn. Only once the baby was finally in bed did Sanria and Colin talk. The death of their second child finally seemed to hit Sanria, and Colin held her as she cried. They talked about their misfortune, and prospect of being alone after years of always having someone. The conversation rounded once again to Sanria wanting to take Orn away, but this time there wasn't an argument. In fact, as the night turned into morning, they had become friends again the best way they knew how.
Psycho by the Falls (1-2)
The trip to Myth Drannor swirled into Claire's mind. 'I was very concerned with how you were able to slaughter so many of those demons without a second thought. It made me ques- tion so very much.' Claire looked to the table.
'Actually I only killed the ones that attacked us,' Psycho re- plied. 'There were many demons that paid no mind to us and we left them without the hungry aggressive demons.'
'You are right. Of course. I didn't consider it in that light... I feel much better about it.'
'Am I to believe you are a pacifist?' Psycho asked.
Claire lowered her eyes, this would probably be the moment he told her that the Radiant Heart didn't have a place for a pacifist. That she would have to look elsewhere for a home, but before anything could be said, a voice spoke from beside them, What is going on here?
Claire glanced over to see a Vectorian Enforcer staring down at their table. She reached over, slowly picking up her mask and slipped it onto her face. 'We are simply enjoying a cafe.'
'Nothing but friendly chatting,' Claire joined.
"I mean, why are there espers on my watch in Kefkaberg?"
Claire's heart thundered in her chest. Psycho leaned over in a quick whisper, 'If you wish to keep your pacifistic ways I suggest we leave.'
Claire stood up and nodded. 'Forgive us.'
'You are out of your league here officer, we will leave quietly.'
Before the Enforcer could say anything more, Claire followed Psycho out of the cafe. They walked through the western gates of the city and through the forests until the sound of a waterfall reached Claire's ears. She looked up as they stopped and smiled. They were before Sanria's home. 'This will be a more pleasant place to continue,' Psycho said.
'You have come to a familiar place,' Claire said as she took her mask off and lowered her cowl. 'Would you like to see something more wonderful?'
'Every day,' Psycho replied, and Claire took his hand in her own and pulled him around the waterfalls and into the Crystal Cavern. 'Amazing. I have come to that water fall for many many years. Never before have I seen inside of it'
'We can go back to the falls outside if you wish... I simply wanted to share this with you,' Claire said.
Claire watched as Psycho took in the crystals, his aura casting a slight red tint. At last they walked back outside and sat on the boulders. Psycho put a hand on hers. 'Claire ... please tell me the truth ... Why are there so many questions surrounding you... particularly with people following you and the involvement of The Long Death?'
'I... don't know,' Claire replied, and it was the truth. 'I promise you, I have had no contact or involvement with Long Death... I can't understand why Lithanus would have either... he seemed like a very nice young man.'
'I believe you,' Psycho replied.
'He needed help, and I offered what I could,' Claire looked into Psycho's eyes, hoping her explanation was enough, she had no other proof to give. 'I had no idea he was...'
Psycho put a finger to her lips, halting her speech. 'Let's talk about where you would see yourself in the coming future'
'I had hoped to see myself making a difference in the lives of the citizens of this place,' Claire said. They all seem so... Dejected... forlorn... They really need hope.'
'When we first spoke your focus was towards finding a place that fit to build family and support.'
'Indeed. I still seek that,' Claire said with a nod.
'I am one of the final barriers between your acceptance,' Psycho said. 'I want to make sure that my judgment is not clouded by emotion'
Claire did not place the pieces together. She only heard in her mind that she had done something wrong. 'If I've upset you, please... Tell me and I'll do my utmost to rectify it.'
'You have done very well, and it is not emotion from your actions. You have been a fine example of strength and virtue so far.'
'Then... what are your emotions stemming from?' Claire asked.
'Perhaps I said too much even at my mention of feelings for you. Not well thought out feelings of course.'
Claire could have been lifted to the very heavens on the slightest of winds in that very moment. Another esper, one so strong and bold, had feelings for her. 'I have made it a point not to make an advance, because I want to get to know you before the connection I feel to you influences any deci- sions I have to make.'
'I understand completely,' Claire said with a smile. 'In fact, it makes me admire you all the more.'
'Thank you for clearing up my questions with Lithanus and for showing me a new wonder to one of my favorite places.'
They stood and Psycho kissed her hand. He gave her a few lavender orchids. 'They're beautiful...' Claire said.
'They reminded me of you.' Psycho continued, 'I have not discounted your application even as a pacifist. Just know a quest will be more difficult for me to construct.'
'I look forward to it,' Claire replied.
Psycho vanished and Claire stood there by the falls, her cheeks on fire, her mind a blur, and a smile frozen to her face.
'Actually I only killed the ones that attacked us,' Psycho re- plied. 'There were many demons that paid no mind to us and we left them without the hungry aggressive demons.'
'You are right. Of course. I didn't consider it in that light... I feel much better about it.'
'Am I to believe you are a pacifist?' Psycho asked.
Claire lowered her eyes, this would probably be the moment he told her that the Radiant Heart didn't have a place for a pacifist. That she would have to look elsewhere for a home, but before anything could be said, a voice spoke from beside them, What is going on here?
Claire glanced over to see a Vectorian Enforcer staring down at their table. She reached over, slowly picking up her mask and slipped it onto her face. 'We are simply enjoying a cafe.'
'Nothing but friendly chatting,' Claire joined.
"I mean, why are there espers on my watch in Kefkaberg?"
Claire's heart thundered in her chest. Psycho leaned over in a quick whisper, 'If you wish to keep your pacifistic ways I suggest we leave.'
Claire stood up and nodded. 'Forgive us.'
'You are out of your league here officer, we will leave quietly.'
Before the Enforcer could say anything more, Claire followed Psycho out of the cafe. They walked through the western gates of the city and through the forests until the sound of a waterfall reached Claire's ears. She looked up as they stopped and smiled. They were before Sanria's home. 'This will be a more pleasant place to continue,' Psycho said.
'You have come to a familiar place,' Claire said as she took her mask off and lowered her cowl. 'Would you like to see something more wonderful?'
'Every day,' Psycho replied, and Claire took his hand in her own and pulled him around the waterfalls and into the Crystal Cavern. 'Amazing. I have come to that water fall for many many years. Never before have I seen inside of it'
'We can go back to the falls outside if you wish... I simply wanted to share this with you,' Claire said.
Claire watched as Psycho took in the crystals, his aura casting a slight red tint. At last they walked back outside and sat on the boulders. Psycho put a hand on hers. 'Claire ... please tell me the truth ... Why are there so many questions surrounding you... particularly with people following you and the involvement of The Long Death?'
'I... don't know,' Claire replied, and it was the truth. 'I promise you, I have had no contact or involvement with Long Death... I can't understand why Lithanus would have either... he seemed like a very nice young man.'
'I believe you,' Psycho replied.
'He needed help, and I offered what I could,' Claire looked into Psycho's eyes, hoping her explanation was enough, she had no other proof to give. 'I had no idea he was...'
Psycho put a finger to her lips, halting her speech. 'Let's talk about where you would see yourself in the coming future'
'I had hoped to see myself making a difference in the lives of the citizens of this place,' Claire said. They all seem so... Dejected... forlorn... They really need hope.'
'When we first spoke your focus was towards finding a place that fit to build family and support.'
'Indeed. I still seek that,' Claire said with a nod.
'I am one of the final barriers between your acceptance,' Psycho said. 'I want to make sure that my judgment is not clouded by emotion'
Claire did not place the pieces together. She only heard in her mind that she had done something wrong. 'If I've upset you, please... Tell me and I'll do my utmost to rectify it.'
'You have done very well, and it is not emotion from your actions. You have been a fine example of strength and virtue so far.'
'Then... what are your emotions stemming from?' Claire asked.
'Perhaps I said too much even at my mention of feelings for you. Not well thought out feelings of course.'
Claire could have been lifted to the very heavens on the slightest of winds in that very moment. Another esper, one so strong and bold, had feelings for her. 'I have made it a point not to make an advance, because I want to get to know you before the connection I feel to you influences any deci- sions I have to make.'
'I understand completely,' Claire said with a smile. 'In fact, it makes me admire you all the more.'
'Thank you for clearing up my questions with Lithanus and for showing me a new wonder to one of my favorite places.'
They stood and Psycho kissed her hand. He gave her a few lavender orchids. 'They're beautiful...' Claire said.
'They reminded me of you.' Psycho continued, 'I have not discounted your application even as a pacifist. Just know a quest will be more difficult for me to construct.'
'I look forward to it,' Claire replied.
Psycho vanished and Claire stood there by the falls, her cheeks on fire, her mind a blur, and a smile frozen to her face.
Questioned Motives
Claire walked into her inn room. She had managed to make ends meet by the charity given her from healings, but she was beginning to run low on money. If she didn't find more work that paid better soon, she was going to find herself back on the eastern continent. She sat on the bed with the Westbridge Post when a voice entered her thoughts, "Are you there Miss Lavender?"
Claire met with Psycho at Annie's, her mask and cowl up to keep her identity from any Vectorian patrolling the area. It thrilled her to see him again, she couldn't help but admire the esper for his brazen display of his own self. The meeting, however, was not to wax poetic, but to discuss Lithanus. Psycho had heard that he was in league with The Long Death, a fact that Claire found utterly astonishing.
'How do you know these men and their intentions?' Psycho asked.
'Lithanus we met as he ran into the temple of Lathander. He had a friend he had lost, the lady we went to locate in Myth Drannor. We offered to help him find her, and eventually we did. Outside of that, we know little of him. He had planned to go back to his homeland, but I've not seen him in many days now.' Claire removed her mask.
'So you have no relation with the party other than coinci- dence?' Psycho asked.
Claire knew how it must look - she had applied for admission into Radiant Heart and offered help to Lithanus who happened to be linked up with a woman named Maya of The Long Death - the sworn opposition of everything she wanted to be part of. Lithanus apparently had more than a case of homesickness, but of loose-lip-ness. Why he would impart all their doings to a woman who believed that death was a positive thing was be- yond her. And now, it looked as if she was in league with him all along. It frustrated Claire.
'Is there anything wrong?' Psycho asked. 'Something has seemed amiss since our first encounter. I am drawn to you and tru- ly wish to help you.'
Speak now, her mind pushed, or forever hold your peace...
Claire met with Psycho at Annie's, her mask and cowl up to keep her identity from any Vectorian patrolling the area. It thrilled her to see him again, she couldn't help but admire the esper for his brazen display of his own self. The meeting, however, was not to wax poetic, but to discuss Lithanus. Psycho had heard that he was in league with The Long Death, a fact that Claire found utterly astonishing.
'How do you know these men and their intentions?' Psycho asked.
'Lithanus we met as he ran into the temple of Lathander. He had a friend he had lost, the lady we went to locate in Myth Drannor. We offered to help him find her, and eventually we did. Outside of that, we know little of him. He had planned to go back to his homeland, but I've not seen him in many days now.' Claire removed her mask.
'So you have no relation with the party other than coinci- dence?' Psycho asked.
Claire knew how it must look - she had applied for admission into Radiant Heart and offered help to Lithanus who happened to be linked up with a woman named Maya of The Long Death - the sworn opposition of everything she wanted to be part of. Lithanus apparently had more than a case of homesickness, but of loose-lip-ness. Why he would impart all their doings to a woman who believed that death was a positive thing was be- yond her. And now, it looked as if she was in league with him all along. It frustrated Claire.
'Is there anything wrong?' Psycho asked. 'Something has seemed amiss since our first encounter. I am drawn to you and tru- ly wish to help you.'
Speak now, her mind pushed, or forever hold your peace...
White Wolf of Solitude
An elven woman appears in a dusty room in Myth Drannor. Dark circles hang beneath her crystalline blue eyes. She walks to the bed and lifts a diary into her hands. She flips through some of the pages and suddenly bursts into tears. She finally lifts a quill from the bed and sits down, she pens:
I killed Lady Sanria's child. I was mad, certainly, but I must deal with crushing reality of what I have done. I do not believe I shall be able to handle it. The necklace is out of my hands, but only after opening holes in reality and somehow enabling others to do the same. I do not know what multiplicity I have permitted to come into being, but certainly the runed wizard is right - I will be at the end of every consequence to come of it. I do not believe I shall be able to handle it. Sir Colin had murder in his eyes when he held me up. He shook me so hard, but I deserved it. I would not have fought back had he chosen to slay me. I would give my life over and over again for the one I took. I can only think of one way to endure my shame and my solitude. I will use my lycanthropy. I know in time, it will become my nature and I will lose myself - but that is the price I am asking of myself. I will be nothing more than an animal. In time, none of this will matter.
The elven woman sighs and pens a quick letter to two people. She closes her eyes and they vanish from her hands, traveling by magic to those intended to receive them. She utters a few words and shimmers into a very large white wolf with crystal blue eyes. The wolf, the size of a small pony, takes a look around the room. She lifts her voice in a long, solitary howl and heads off into the Myth Drannor forests beyond.
I killed Lady Sanria's child. I was mad, certainly, but I must deal with crushing reality of what I have done. I do not believe I shall be able to handle it. The necklace is out of my hands, but only after opening holes in reality and somehow enabling others to do the same. I do not know what multiplicity I have permitted to come into being, but certainly the runed wizard is right - I will be at the end of every consequence to come of it. I do not believe I shall be able to handle it. Sir Colin had murder in his eyes when he held me up. He shook me so hard, but I deserved it. I would not have fought back had he chosen to slay me. I would give my life over and over again for the one I took. I can only think of one way to endure my shame and my solitude. I will use my lycanthropy. I know in time, it will become my nature and I will lose myself - but that is the price I am asking of myself. I will be nothing more than an animal. In time, none of this will matter.
The elven woman sighs and pens a quick letter to two people. She closes her eyes and they vanish from her hands, traveling by magic to those intended to receive them. She utters a few words and shimmers into a very large white wolf with crystal blue eyes. The wolf, the size of a small pony, takes a look around the room. She lifts her voice in a long, solitary howl and heads off into the Myth Drannor forests beyond.
At the Park
Claire drifted on the magical currents faster than even the speed of light. She thought as she swirled on the eddies and vortices of the need to go far away. Given that they had gone to search for Kaliadra on the Eastern Continent, she did not feel it was a good choice to hide the necklace there.
She sped west until she joined with the makou tunnel and found her energy bolstered. Like lightning, inspiration struck and she found herself racing over the bridge into Heifong III. In a blast of dazzling purple light she appeared in the park. One of the bums laying on the grass gave an involuntary squeal of terror and jumped up, running as quickly as his drunken legs would carry him.
The otherwise deserted park was silent except for the scurry of rat feet as they rattled the garbage on the ground. Claire walked over to a stunted tree, taking care to look around herself before kneeling. From her pack she pulled a small locking casket. She took from it her mother's locket with a frown and slipped inside the necklace Kaliadra had used to traverse the planes.
Closing the box, she locked it and laid it on the ground. She tapped in to the lifestream of the planet, asking it to aid her. She placed her hands on the box and pushed. Willingly, the ground accepted the box, absorbing it. In her mind's eye, Claire watched the roots of the gnarled tree take the necklace into its grasp and tuck it beneath itself.
'May you never be found.'
Claire rose and looked around once more. Secure that no one saw her, Claire once more traveled the magical currents along the freeway out of the city and back into the makou tunnel she found herself back in the city of Westbridge in no time.
She sped west until she joined with the makou tunnel and found her energy bolstered. Like lightning, inspiration struck and she found herself racing over the bridge into Heifong III. In a blast of dazzling purple light she appeared in the park. One of the bums laying on the grass gave an involuntary squeal of terror and jumped up, running as quickly as his drunken legs would carry him.
The otherwise deserted park was silent except for the scurry of rat feet as they rattled the garbage on the ground. Claire walked over to a stunted tree, taking care to look around herself before kneeling. From her pack she pulled a small locking casket. She took from it her mother's locket with a frown and slipped inside the necklace Kaliadra had used to traverse the planes.
Closing the box, she locked it and laid it on the ground. She tapped in to the lifestream of the planet, asking it to aid her. She placed her hands on the box and pushed. Willingly, the ground accepted the box, absorbing it. In her mind's eye, Claire watched the roots of the gnarled tree take the necklace into its grasp and tuck it beneath itself.
'May you never be found.'
Claire rose and looked around once more. Secure that no one saw her, Claire once more traveled the magical currents along the freeway out of the city and back into the makou tunnel she found herself back in the city of Westbridge in no time.
One Last Task
Claire appeared in the room only moments after Gilean, his gold dust still fading around him. "Welcome back." The projection appeared at the dais with a bow. "I appreciate your success. On such short notice you both were...well...life savers."
'On the contrary... her life was very well safe.'
"We were able to bring them both back," Gilean said. "Though Sanria was quite unwilling to do so."
'She did not want to return, that is the truth.'
"I thought that might be the case," Throm acknowledged.
They spoke on Remus' methods for getting Sanria to return, a thing that, to Claire's relief, Throm did not request. 'She was not in danger, you realize,' Claire said. 'In fact, were it me alone, I might have left her there given her home situation.'
"Danger takes many forms Miss Claire," Throm said. "Not all of them sinister and ugly."
'If danger clothes itself as peace and balance and harmony, we should all be so lucky.'
"But those are the worst dangers of all."
"A trap of honey can still be a trap," Gilean said. Claire did not agree, but there was no need to continue. As Gilean said, it was done.
Claire still held the necklace and it troubled her to think that handing such a powerful artifact over would leave both in the hands of a single individual - and one connected to someone willing to kill to get his way - intended or not. 'We have retrieved the necklace though I would assume that you would perhaps wish it taken away and hidden?'
"You both have already done so much already," Throm began. "If I could ask you for just this I would be even more grateful."
'Should he take yours as well and hide it?' Claire suggested, nodding in Gilean's direction. 'If we separate then none will know.'
"Perhaps it is best for us all... even her," Throm said, "if one of you were to hide the second necklace."
Gilean took the necklace from the spot where it suddenly appeared. "I hadn't really seen it before," Gilean said. "It is quite beautiful."
'Better not to even commit it to memory in such a way.'
"Memory..." Claire looked up at Throm. He wore thoughful expression. She couldn't have known that somewhere in the city, a different projection was having a different discussion, a different feeling. He smiled a little and continued, "Thank you once again. Can I provide any assistance in your tasks?"
'I think not. Best that no others know where we take these.'
"Travel in safety is all I ask. Protect yourselves first, necklace second if need be."
Claire smiled. After time in the realms with her face be- hind a mask and a cowl over her head, 'I believe I know how to manage that.'
"I shall see you soon?" Gilean asked her.
'Perhaps,' Claire said with a smile and vanished in a blaze of purple light.
'On the contrary... her life was very well safe.'
"We were able to bring them both back," Gilean said. "Though Sanria was quite unwilling to do so."
'She did not want to return, that is the truth.'
"I thought that might be the case," Throm acknowledged.
They spoke on Remus' methods for getting Sanria to return, a thing that, to Claire's relief, Throm did not request. 'She was not in danger, you realize,' Claire said. 'In fact, were it me alone, I might have left her there given her home situation.'
"Danger takes many forms Miss Claire," Throm said. "Not all of them sinister and ugly."
'If danger clothes itself as peace and balance and harmony, we should all be so lucky.'
"But those are the worst dangers of all."
"A trap of honey can still be a trap," Gilean said. Claire did not agree, but there was no need to continue. As Gilean said, it was done.
Claire still held the necklace and it troubled her to think that handing such a powerful artifact over would leave both in the hands of a single individual - and one connected to someone willing to kill to get his way - intended or not. 'We have retrieved the necklace though I would assume that you would perhaps wish it taken away and hidden?'
"You both have already done so much already," Throm began. "If I could ask you for just this I would be even more grateful."
'Should he take yours as well and hide it?' Claire suggested, nodding in Gilean's direction. 'If we separate then none will know.'
"Perhaps it is best for us all... even her," Throm said, "if one of you were to hide the second necklace."
Gilean took the necklace from the spot where it suddenly appeared. "I hadn't really seen it before," Gilean said. "It is quite beautiful."
'Better not to even commit it to memory in such a way.'
"Memory..." Claire looked up at Throm. He wore thoughful expression. She couldn't have known that somewhere in the city, a different projection was having a different discussion, a different feeling. He smiled a little and continued, "Thank you once again. Can I provide any assistance in your tasks?"
'I think not. Best that no others know where we take these.'
"Travel in safety is all I ask. Protect yourselves first, necklace second if need be."
Claire smiled. After time in the realms with her face be- hind a mask and a cowl over her head, 'I believe I know how to manage that.'
"I shall see you soon?" Gilean asked her.
'Perhaps,' Claire said with a smile and vanished in a blaze of purple light.
Return from the Plane
Sanria floated Colin into the bedroom and finally released her spell, dropping him onto the bed. She walked to the other side and lay there looking over at him as he twitched constantly in his sleep. She couldn't know what he was seeing in his fitful dream. She couldn't figure out why she couldn't just love him. If she could have managed that, then she'd be happy. Things would be right. Unfortunately, they weren't. They wouldn't be... for whatever the reason... she and Colin were finished.
He woke and locked his eyes on hers. "Kaliadra, is she... is she okay?"
"I believe she is fine," Sanria said, still laying there looking at him.
"Throm... is..."
"He's fine as well. You apparently went in there and killed his couch before pass- ing out."
She watched as he struggled with this, oblivious to what he had done. He hadn't even been aware of his reaction. "I can't live like this."
"You can," was all Sanria could say in response. He'd have to. She frowned as the next topic of thought crossed her mind. "Colin... I want to take Orn back with me. The place I came from was beautiful."
"Is that where the rose came from?"
Sanria had forgotten the rose that still lay on the table. He had noticed. "Yes. Everything there is like that - beautiful."
"You can't take him from me."
"Colin, if he were raised there he would never hurt, never want for anything - he'd be at perfect peace and perfect balance. When you're there," she said, slipp- ing into her own recollections, "you forget... everything."
"Then take me. Let's all go."
"But, what about your other child?"
"She already plans on raising it alone. Take me to this place."
Sanria looked at Colin, his eyes at once pained and desperate. She didn't know what else to say - did she take him to the place where velentham was and live more of her life with Colin? Did she take him and remain separate? Would it matter if he were there or not? "You can't take him from me," Colin said again.
"Why?" Sanria asked.
"He's my son."
The sigh she let escape her was long. Sanria patted Colin on the shoulder. "Fin- ish getting your rest. I'll stay in the guest rooms."
"No, I'll go - "
"Please. You have my word I'll go nowhere until we've figured this out. I won't take Orn anywhere right now."
"Thank you," Colin said, his eyes grateful and tormented. Sanria rose from the bed and walked from the room. She went to the kitchen and picked up the rose and with a sigh, headed to the guest bedroom to sleep off her own weariness.
He woke and locked his eyes on hers. "Kaliadra, is she... is she okay?"
"I believe she is fine," Sanria said, still laying there looking at him.
"Throm... is..."
"He's fine as well. You apparently went in there and killed his couch before pass- ing out."
She watched as he struggled with this, oblivious to what he had done. He hadn't even been aware of his reaction. "I can't live like this."
"You can," was all Sanria could say in response. He'd have to. She frowned as the next topic of thought crossed her mind. "Colin... I want to take Orn back with me. The place I came from was beautiful."
"Is that where the rose came from?"
Sanria had forgotten the rose that still lay on the table. He had noticed. "Yes. Everything there is like that - beautiful."
"You can't take him from me."
"Colin, if he were raised there he would never hurt, never want for anything - he'd be at perfect peace and perfect balance. When you're there," she said, slipp- ing into her own recollections, "you forget... everything."
"Then take me. Let's all go."
"But, what about your other child?"
"She already plans on raising it alone. Take me to this place."
Sanria looked at Colin, his eyes at once pained and desperate. She didn't know what else to say - did she take him to the place where velentham was and live more of her life with Colin? Did she take him and remain separate? Would it matter if he were there or not? "You can't take him from me," Colin said again.
"Why?" Sanria asked.
"He's my son."
The sigh she let escape her was long. Sanria patted Colin on the shoulder. "Fin- ish getting your rest. I'll stay in the guest rooms."
"No, I'll go - "
"Please. You have my word I'll go nowhere until we've figured this out. I won't take Orn anywhere right now."
"Thank you," Colin said, his eyes grateful and tormented. Sanria rose from the bed and walked from the room. She went to the kitchen and picked up the rose and with a sigh, headed to the guest bedroom to sleep off her own weariness.
Prime Material
Sanria floated Colin into the bedroom and finally released her spell, dropping him onto the bed. She walked to the other side and lay there looking over at him as he twitched constantly in his sleep. She couldn't know what he was seeing in his fitful dream. She couldn't figure out why she couldn't just love him. If she could have managed that, then she'd be happy. Things would be right. Unfortunately, they weren't. They wouldn't be... for whatever the reason... she and Colin were finished.
He woke and locked his eyes on hers. "Kaliadra, is she... is she okay?"
"I believe she is fine," Sanria said, still laying there looking at him.
"Throm... is..."
"He's fine as well. You apparently went in there and killed his couch before pass- ing out."
She watched as he struggled with this, oblivious to what he had done. He hadn't even been aware of his reaction. "I can't live like this."
"You can," was all Sanria could say in response. He'd have to. She frowned as the next topic of thought crossed her mind. "Colin... I want to take Orn back with me. The place I came from was beautiful."
"Is that where the rose came from?"
Sanria had forgotten the rose that still lay on the table. He had noticed. "Yes. Everything there is like that - beautiful."
"You can't take him from me."
"Colin, if he were raised there he would never hurt, never want for anything - he'd be at perfect peace and perfect balance. When you're there," she said, slipp- ing into her own recollections, "you forget... everything."
"Then take me. Let's all go."
"But, what about your other child?"
"She already plans on raising it alone. Take me to this place."
Sanria looked at Colin, his eyes at once pained and desperate. She didn't know what else to say - did she take him to the place where velentham was and live more of her life with Colin? Did she take him and remain separate? Would it matter if he were there or not? "You can't take him from me," Colin said again.
"Why?" Sanria asked.
"He's my son."
The sigh she let escape her was long. Sanria patted Colin on the shoulder. "Fin- ish getting your rest. I'll stay in the guest rooms."
"No, I'll go - "
"Please. You have my word I'll go nowhere until we've figured this out. I won't take Orn anywhere right now."
"Thank you," Colin said, his eyes grateful and tormented. Sanria rose from the bed and walked from the room. She went to the kitchen and picked up the rose and with a sigh, headed to the guest bedroom to sleep off her own weariness.
He woke and locked his eyes on hers. "Kaliadra, is she... is she okay?"
"I believe she is fine," Sanria said, still laying there looking at him.
"Throm... is..."
"He's fine as well. You apparently went in there and killed his couch before pass- ing out."
She watched as he struggled with this, oblivious to what he had done. He hadn't even been aware of his reaction. "I can't live like this."
"You can," was all Sanria could say in response. He'd have to. She frowned as the next topic of thought crossed her mind. "Colin... I want to take Orn back with me. The place I came from was beautiful."
"Is that where the rose came from?"
Sanria had forgotten the rose that still lay on the table. He had noticed. "Yes. Everything there is like that - beautiful."
"You can't take him from me."
"Colin, if he were raised there he would never hurt, never want for anything - he'd be at perfect peace and perfect balance. When you're there," she said, slipp- ing into her own recollections, "you forget... everything."
"Then take me. Let's all go."
"But, what about your other child?"
"She already plans on raising it alone. Take me to this place."
Sanria looked at Colin, his eyes at once pained and desperate. She didn't know what else to say - did she take him to the place where velentham was and live more of her life with Colin? Did she take him and remain separate? Would it matter if he were there or not? "You can't take him from me," Colin said again.
"Why?" Sanria asked.
"He's my son."
The sigh she let escape her was long. Sanria patted Colin on the shoulder. "Fin- ish getting your rest. I'll stay in the guest rooms."
"No, I'll go - "
"Please. You have my word I'll go nowhere until we've figured this out. I won't take Orn anywhere right now."
"Thank you," Colin said, his eyes grateful and tormented. Sanria rose from the bed and walked from the room. She went to the kitchen and picked up the rose and with a sigh, headed to the guest bedroom to sleep off her own weariness.
Collecting Colin (1-2)
Sanria walked slowly from the kitchen, holding Orn to her chest. The baby boy squirmed surprisingly little, as though he knew something major had happened. He contented himself in listening to his mother's heartbeat as she carried him upstairs. Sanria sat down in the rocking chair in Orn's room. While the motion put the full-bellied baby to sleep, it lulled Sanria's mind back to all the events that had transpired. Once again her tears wetted Orn's hair. Tears for everything.
She didn't know how long she'd been sitting there, soaking Orn's head as she rocked slowly back and forth, over and over. It just came as a surprise when Throm's voice entered her thoughts, "I seem to have acquired some of your property at my home." The necklace?
"Proper...Colin."
Sanria got up and put a spell over Orn to keep him sleeping for a much longer period of time. She wove her spell and ended up in Throm's living room. The couch lay shattered on the floor, beside Colin who also lay on the floor out cold. Above it all stood the smoky projection of Throm. "Hell... I didn't know he was coming. I'm sorry."
"I'm not worried about that. I'm just going to have one hell of a time trying to carry him to his room is all."
"I'll transport him back to the cavern. He's none of your concern, anyhow."
"Are you certain that's the safest idea?" Throm asked.
"I don't believe he'd hurt me or Orn."
"Neither do I to be frank. But he seems pretty worked up."
"Well, it was bound to happen whether he slept with that girl or not," Sanria said with surprisingly little emotion.
She knew that it would have eventually happened. No one can stay in a loveless relationship and even the most faithful in those circumstances could falter. Sanria sat down beside Colin and moved some of his disheveled hair from his face. "He doesn't see just how much that girl loves him and how she could give him so much more than I can." Sanria stood again.
"Between a rock and a hard place it seems. Though you're not blaming him I would hope. Things have been just as...confusing for him I suppose."
"I cannot change what he did, but it is not solely my reason for leaving." San- ria paused. She looked at Throm, her eyes narrowed. "Why am I telling you all this, you don't care."
"You're right," Throm said, motioning to the room. "He just crashed in here, nearly killed Kaliadra and I'm not the least bit curious."
If he was curious, then Sanria would let him have it. What did *she* care?
"You're curious?" Sanria began. "I didn't love him, I couldn't. I tried and I couldn't. Still he kept with me and couldn't see how unhappy I was. And I wouldn't let myself... leave."
"Blind rage, blind love. Perhaps I shall craft a set of glasses?" Throm said.
Sanria let out a sigh and put a hand to her eyes, pressing on them. The pain somehow brought her back to the present. "Oh Throm, please..." With a sigh she dropped her hand and looked plainly at the projection before her. "He finally slept with Arlenia. Got her pregnant, and it's now... the end of Colin and I. I told him what Kaliadra did and..."
"Perhaps you two just need a cool down?"
"No. This is it, Throm," Sanria looked down at Colin, speaking softly. "I stayed in the marriage but I can't do it any longer."
"I guess you'll have to become that cat lady after all," Throm said with a small smile, and the memory of a long gone conversation drifted back into Sanria's mind - she would be the cat lady, Throm would be the cat...
"He wasn't the one I loved..." She stared at the projection for a long moment. Things had changed so much. Before her heart had the chance to react, she looked down to Colin. "Anyway."
"I'm sorry to hear about your child. Again and so soon. Not fair," Throm said.
"... yes. Things happen for a reason, however. In this instance..." Sanria couldn't finish the sentiment. How could she have relief with the fact that she wasn't carrying Colin's child anymore? Shame washed over her for a moment.
"Even the terrible things I suppose," Throm said.
"I'll get him back to the cavern. I'm sorry he broke your couch. I'll get you a new one. And new doors... apparently."
Throm offered to keep Colin at the manor, an idea Sanria felt was foolish. Were Colin to wake up in Throm's home, who was to say what he'd do. She would take him home. "I don't believe this is your problem," Sanria said. Then, a thought occured to her. "Why did you bring me back to this? Remus told me you hired him to bring me... not the necklace." She watched Throm as he uncharacteristically looked about his room, as though thinking.
"If life were as easy as running from your problems, we'd all be the happier for it."
"To teach me a lesson?" Incomprehensible.
"No. I will be teaching no more lessons," Throm said.
"The truth is simply..." Throm paused. "You were taken against your will...I protested in the only way I knew how."
"I just wish Remus would have listened to me." Sanria said it more as a commentary, not expecting any answer. Certainly not expecting:
"And that is why I sent him and not someone else. Someone who would have listened might have faltered in their task."
Sanria didn't know what to think. Why would he want someone not to listen to her? "I didn't want to come back here, Throm. And...," Sanria paused to look down at Colin. "Had I not he might still be okay. Better him think me lost than..."
"I somehow doubt that greatly."
"All I have right now is Orn. I told Remus I'd stay here two weeks so he wouldn't kill Colin." Sanria looked to Throm. "At the end of that time, I'll be contacting those two priests you sent. I think Orn and I might be happier where I was when I was found."
"If you were meant to reside away from the Prime Material, you would have been created there," Throm said with a matter-of-fact tone. It stopped her for a moment - certainly he wasn't telling her no. Why did it matter to him what she did?
"I don't believe it should concern you... outside of you making available my ability to go back if I choose. I was promised that choice," she finally said.
"You are right it's not. And you shall have the choice, I'll see to it myself if need be."
"Thank you."
With another apology for Colin's distruction, Sanria took her leave. She thought briefly for a moment of her cat lady status - she would need a cat... then shook her head. That was a long time ago. Beside that, if she were returning to Velentham with Orn, she wouldn't be alone ever again.
She didn't know how long she'd been sitting there, soaking Orn's head as she rocked slowly back and forth, over and over. It just came as a surprise when Throm's voice entered her thoughts, "I seem to have acquired some of your property at my home." The necklace?
"Proper...Colin."
Sanria got up and put a spell over Orn to keep him sleeping for a much longer period of time. She wove her spell and ended up in Throm's living room. The couch lay shattered on the floor, beside Colin who also lay on the floor out cold. Above it all stood the smoky projection of Throm. "Hell... I didn't know he was coming. I'm sorry."
"I'm not worried about that. I'm just going to have one hell of a time trying to carry him to his room is all."
"I'll transport him back to the cavern. He's none of your concern, anyhow."
"Are you certain that's the safest idea?" Throm asked.
"I don't believe he'd hurt me or Orn."
"Neither do I to be frank. But he seems pretty worked up."
"Well, it was bound to happen whether he slept with that girl or not," Sanria said with surprisingly little emotion.
She knew that it would have eventually happened. No one can stay in a loveless relationship and even the most faithful in those circumstances could falter. Sanria sat down beside Colin and moved some of his disheveled hair from his face. "He doesn't see just how much that girl loves him and how she could give him so much more than I can." Sanria stood again.
"Between a rock and a hard place it seems. Though you're not blaming him I would hope. Things have been just as...confusing for him I suppose."
"I cannot change what he did, but it is not solely my reason for leaving." San- ria paused. She looked at Throm, her eyes narrowed. "Why am I telling you all this, you don't care."
"You're right," Throm said, motioning to the room. "He just crashed in here, nearly killed Kaliadra and I'm not the least bit curious."
If he was curious, then Sanria would let him have it. What did *she* care?
"You're curious?" Sanria began. "I didn't love him, I couldn't. I tried and I couldn't. Still he kept with me and couldn't see how unhappy I was. And I wouldn't let myself... leave."
"Blind rage, blind love. Perhaps I shall craft a set of glasses?" Throm said.
Sanria let out a sigh and put a hand to her eyes, pressing on them. The pain somehow brought her back to the present. "Oh Throm, please..." With a sigh she dropped her hand and looked plainly at the projection before her. "He finally slept with Arlenia. Got her pregnant, and it's now... the end of Colin and I. I told him what Kaliadra did and..."
"Perhaps you two just need a cool down?"
"No. This is it, Throm," Sanria looked down at Colin, speaking softly. "I stayed in the marriage but I can't do it any longer."
"I guess you'll have to become that cat lady after all," Throm said with a small smile, and the memory of a long gone conversation drifted back into Sanria's mind - she would be the cat lady, Throm would be the cat...
"He wasn't the one I loved..." She stared at the projection for a long moment. Things had changed so much. Before her heart had the chance to react, she looked down to Colin. "Anyway."
"I'm sorry to hear about your child. Again and so soon. Not fair," Throm said.
"... yes. Things happen for a reason, however. In this instance..." Sanria couldn't finish the sentiment. How could she have relief with the fact that she wasn't carrying Colin's child anymore? Shame washed over her for a moment.
"Even the terrible things I suppose," Throm said.
"I'll get him back to the cavern. I'm sorry he broke your couch. I'll get you a new one. And new doors... apparently."
Throm offered to keep Colin at the manor, an idea Sanria felt was foolish. Were Colin to wake up in Throm's home, who was to say what he'd do. She would take him home. "I don't believe this is your problem," Sanria said. Then, a thought occured to her. "Why did you bring me back to this? Remus told me you hired him to bring me... not the necklace." She watched Throm as he uncharacteristically looked about his room, as though thinking.
"If life were as easy as running from your problems, we'd all be the happier for it."
"To teach me a lesson?" Incomprehensible.
"No. I will be teaching no more lessons," Throm said.
"The truth is simply..." Throm paused. "You were taken against your will...I protested in the only way I knew how."
"I just wish Remus would have listened to me." Sanria said it more as a commentary, not expecting any answer. Certainly not expecting:
"And that is why I sent him and not someone else. Someone who would have listened might have faltered in their task."
Sanria didn't know what to think. Why would he want someone not to listen to her? "I didn't want to come back here, Throm. And...," Sanria paused to look down at Colin. "Had I not he might still be okay. Better him think me lost than..."
"I somehow doubt that greatly."
"All I have right now is Orn. I told Remus I'd stay here two weeks so he wouldn't kill Colin." Sanria looked to Throm. "At the end of that time, I'll be contacting those two priests you sent. I think Orn and I might be happier where I was when I was found."
"If you were meant to reside away from the Prime Material, you would have been created there," Throm said with a matter-of-fact tone. It stopped her for a moment - certainly he wasn't telling her no. Why did it matter to him what she did?
"I don't believe it should concern you... outside of you making available my ability to go back if I choose. I was promised that choice," she finally said.
"You are right it's not. And you shall have the choice, I'll see to it myself if need be."
"Thank you."
With another apology for Colin's distruction, Sanria took her leave. She thought briefly for a moment of her cat lady status - she would need a cat... then shook her head. That was a long time ago. Beside that, if she were returning to Velentham with Orn, she wouldn't be alone ever again.
Broken
"You will have your family, Colin... but it won't be with me."
Sanria's words seared in Colin's mind. It was all crumbling... everything. Just when he had attained his dream it was falling apart. But then, had the dream ever been real? Or was it always just a dream? He had only wanted them to be happy and together as a family. But she had never truly been happy, not for more than moments at a time. Colin hadn't wanted to see that, but deep down, he knew.
"It's all just cruel." he lamented through his pained tears.
"... cruel? I just happen to lose my child and she just happens to give you one... I think that is fate pointing the clear path." Sanria said quietly.
Colin couldn't believe that. He refused to believe it. He knew what it was supposed to be. Him, Sanria, Orn, and their unborn child together, happily. It was ingrained so deeply within him but now it was all gone. Their unborn baby dead, the wrong woman pregnant, and Sanria done with the whole thing. He had lost it all.
Colin could feel the ice cold rage building within him, fueled even more by his grief and guilt, but he could no longer care. He was lost and hurt more than he thought possible. He would get answers. He knew the root of all of this pain. Throm. It was always Throm. He was happy before Throm. He was normal before Throm. As his vision began to narrow in darkness, he stormed from the kitchen and out of Sanria's home. Colin knew where he had to go.
Colin remembered nothing of his trip to the uth Bannon mannor, fueled the whole way by a frigid rage. He barely remembered crashing through the front doors, sending them flying into the walls on either side. Throm was there before him in the living room. He stood there, like the living embodiment of everything wrong in Colin's life. Throm tried to talk to Colin but it was all meaningless in his darkened rage. Colin knew nothing but pain and anger and he wanted it to end.
"Take it away. Take it all away. I can't live like this!" Release... death... something. "Do it!!!"
Colin tried to grab Throm but couldn't. A couch was thrown, crashing into the mantle. It wasn't enough. The rage was consuming Colin but he was powerless to stop it. He had lost too much.
"It's gone... it's all gone."
"You have a son. Another child on the way. I beg to differ, now come."
But Throm was wrong. The sorrow in Colin's soul was overwhelming and the icy anger seemed the only thing keeping him from being crushed by its weight. "The child... is dead. Kaliadra killed it." Colin's rage flared anew, pushing aside the sorrow. "Kaliadra!" He would find her. He would have his revenge.
In the darkened haze, Kalidra was there. She was no illusion. Colin grabbed her and lifted her up as if she were a doll. She would pay for what she had cost him. But she was crying. Her tears cut through the frozen rancor consuming Colin's entire being. It made him pause. From somewhere, Throm's voice registered, "No need to torment the woman Colin. If you're going to kill her just go and be done with it. Fair is fair and you'll probably feel better anyhow."
Throm. It wasn't Kaliadra who had ruined his life. It was Throm. Always Throm. Kaliadra was discarded, and the last thing Colin dimly remembered was turning to Throm. The cold darkenss within him extinguished all else. There was only rage, aggression, and murderous intent. Then, nothing.
Sanria's words seared in Colin's mind. It was all crumbling... everything. Just when he had attained his dream it was falling apart. But then, had the dream ever been real? Or was it always just a dream? He had only wanted them to be happy and together as a family. But she had never truly been happy, not for more than moments at a time. Colin hadn't wanted to see that, but deep down, he knew.
"It's all just cruel." he lamented through his pained tears.
"... cruel? I just happen to lose my child and she just happens to give you one... I think that is fate pointing the clear path." Sanria said quietly.
Colin couldn't believe that. He refused to believe it. He knew what it was supposed to be. Him, Sanria, Orn, and their unborn child together, happily. It was ingrained so deeply within him but now it was all gone. Their unborn baby dead, the wrong woman pregnant, and Sanria done with the whole thing. He had lost it all.
Colin could feel the ice cold rage building within him, fueled even more by his grief and guilt, but he could no longer care. He was lost and hurt more than he thought possible. He would get answers. He knew the root of all of this pain. Throm. It was always Throm. He was happy before Throm. He was normal before Throm. As his vision began to narrow in darkness, he stormed from the kitchen and out of Sanria's home. Colin knew where he had to go.
Colin remembered nothing of his trip to the uth Bannon mannor, fueled the whole way by a frigid rage. He barely remembered crashing through the front doors, sending them flying into the walls on either side. Throm was there before him in the living room. He stood there, like the living embodiment of everything wrong in Colin's life. Throm tried to talk to Colin but it was all meaningless in his darkened rage. Colin knew nothing but pain and anger and he wanted it to end.
"Take it away. Take it all away. I can't live like this!" Release... death... something. "Do it!!!"
Colin tried to grab Throm but couldn't. A couch was thrown, crashing into the mantle. It wasn't enough. The rage was consuming Colin but he was powerless to stop it. He had lost too much.
"It's gone... it's all gone."
"You have a son. Another child on the way. I beg to differ, now come."
But Throm was wrong. The sorrow in Colin's soul was overwhelming and the icy anger seemed the only thing keeping him from being crushed by its weight. "The child... is dead. Kaliadra killed it." Colin's rage flared anew, pushing aside the sorrow. "Kaliadra!" He would find her. He would have his revenge.
In the darkened haze, Kalidra was there. She was no illusion. Colin grabbed her and lifted her up as if she were a doll. She would pay for what she had cost him. But she was crying. Her tears cut through the frozen rancor consuming Colin's entire being. It made him pause. From somewhere, Throm's voice registered, "No need to torment the woman Colin. If you're going to kill her just go and be done with it. Fair is fair and you'll probably feel better anyhow."
Throm. It wasn't Kaliadra who had ruined his life. It was Throm. Always Throm. Kaliadra was discarded, and the last thing Colin dimly remembered was turning to Throm. The cold darkenss within him extinguished all else. There was only rage, aggression, and murderous intent. Then, nothing.
Alone Again
Sanria walked into the cavern and closed the door behind her. The familiar smell of home surrounded her, the sound of the fountain, the shafts of sunlight that magically shown down from the ceiling. She looked down to the fountain as though to steady herself and called loudly, "Colin!" From the corner of her eye she saw him appear from the dining room and rush to her, clutching her to him in a hug. She returned it with a mere tenth of the enthusiasm. Any other person would have been delighted to have gotten home, but for Sanria it was all the more of a test- ament to the fact that she was once again back in her cage. That, and any other normal person would have been returning to love - the one thing in the relation- ship that seemed to elude Sanria.
They walked in the kitchen and sitting in a wooden high chair was a baby that wasn't quite as small as he had been when she'd left. Orn already looked the part of a one-year-old, his blonde hair sticking up even more since it had grown. He kicked his legs and bounced in his chair at the sight of his mother, warming San- ria's heart. The picked the boy up and held him to her and the tears came. Tears for missing him, not wanting to come home, for losing yet another child. That - she still had to tell Colin, and with no other way, she stared down at Orn's rosy cheeks as she said, "The other child is no more."
Sanria could hear Colin expel a rush of air. "I'm sorry. This had to happen again..." he whispered.
"Well, it is done," she said quietly. "It cannot be changed." It would just have to be a pain she learned to deal with like all the rest. A task to be managed.
"How were things here?"
"Difficult. With you gone I found it hard to control my emotions at times. Orn helped me though." Of course Sanria knew that Colin had trouble any time she wasn't around. But it did not end there. "There's something else. Arlenia stayed around. She came to visit me, and, well... We were intimate." The revelation tripped Sanria up for a moment, but then another, "The first time I did not intend... she wouldn't stop... and I lost control of myself..."
"There was more than once..." she said in an exhale.
"Sanria, she... she's pregnant. From that first time."
If Sanria could have been smothered under the weight of emotion, it would have happened then. She had not at all expected how bitter the news would make her feel. She had wanted Colin and Arlenia to get together at one time, but she hadn't expected that the girl from the Dark Continent would come to her home while she was absent and end up bedding Colin. "Well..." she began quietly, "I suppose that settles that... I can't blame you, I've not really been a wife to you."
"I never meant for it to happen. I swear Sanria."
"You will have your family, Colin... but it won't be with me. I'm certain she will be very good to you."
"All I wanted was to have your family... for us all to be happy," Colin said through tears. "But you weren't... were you? I couldn't make you happy."
"No... you couldn't..."
"I wish I could.... I so wish I could."
She watched Colin, her own self struggling with how dejected she felt. She hadn't wanted to be with Colin, but she hadn't wanted to feel as worthless as she felt now, staring across the table at him crying. "This isn't what it was supposed to be," Colin said angrily. "It was supposed to be us, our family! Not her, not this!"
"Did you ever think it wasn't?" Sanria asked quietly.
"How long could you have dealt with my unhappiness? Would you have even done this if I were happy? I think you knew, deep inside, you knew."
"I don't know. No. It would have never happened. It should have never happened. It's supposed to be us. US!"
Colin slammed his fist down onto the table and immediately Sanria's thoughts went to Orn. "Colin... don't frighten Orn." Colin rose from the table, sending the chair clattering to the floor. Sanria immediately lifted the startled boy into her arms and watched as Colin knocked into the table as he charged from the room.
They walked in the kitchen and sitting in a wooden high chair was a baby that wasn't quite as small as he had been when she'd left. Orn already looked the part of a one-year-old, his blonde hair sticking up even more since it had grown. He kicked his legs and bounced in his chair at the sight of his mother, warming San- ria's heart. The picked the boy up and held him to her and the tears came. Tears for missing him, not wanting to come home, for losing yet another child. That - she still had to tell Colin, and with no other way, she stared down at Orn's rosy cheeks as she said, "The other child is no more."
Sanria could hear Colin expel a rush of air. "I'm sorry. This had to happen again..." he whispered.
"Well, it is done," she said quietly. "It cannot be changed." It would just have to be a pain she learned to deal with like all the rest. A task to be managed.
"How were things here?"
"Difficult. With you gone I found it hard to control my emotions at times. Orn helped me though." Of course Sanria knew that Colin had trouble any time she wasn't around. But it did not end there. "There's something else. Arlenia stayed around. She came to visit me, and, well... We were intimate." The revelation tripped Sanria up for a moment, but then another, "The first time I did not intend... she wouldn't stop... and I lost control of myself..."
"There was more than once..." she said in an exhale.
"Sanria, she... she's pregnant. From that first time."
If Sanria could have been smothered under the weight of emotion, it would have happened then. She had not at all expected how bitter the news would make her feel. She had wanted Colin and Arlenia to get together at one time, but she hadn't expected that the girl from the Dark Continent would come to her home while she was absent and end up bedding Colin. "Well..." she began quietly, "I suppose that settles that... I can't blame you, I've not really been a wife to you."
"I never meant for it to happen. I swear Sanria."
"You will have your family, Colin... but it won't be with me. I'm certain she will be very good to you."
"All I wanted was to have your family... for us all to be happy," Colin said through tears. "But you weren't... were you? I couldn't make you happy."
"No... you couldn't..."
"I wish I could.... I so wish I could."
She watched Colin, her own self struggling with how dejected she felt. She hadn't wanted to be with Colin, but she hadn't wanted to feel as worthless as she felt now, staring across the table at him crying. "This isn't what it was supposed to be," Colin said angrily. "It was supposed to be us, our family! Not her, not this!"
"Did you ever think it wasn't?" Sanria asked quietly.
"How long could you have dealt with my unhappiness? Would you have even done this if I were happy? I think you knew, deep inside, you knew."
"I don't know. No. It would have never happened. It should have never happened. It's supposed to be us. US!"
Colin slammed his fist down onto the table and immediately Sanria's thoughts went to Orn. "Colin... don't frighten Orn." Colin rose from the table, sending the chair clattering to the floor. Sanria immediately lifted the startled boy into her arms and watched as Colin knocked into the table as he charged from the room.
A Shady encounter (1/3)
The lip of the crater where Maya suddenly materialised, dropped sharply into a steep incline, the whole surround littered with rubble, making the return journey back up seem more of a hassle then descending seemed worth. The air around her was thick wi An ethereal voice filled her ears and she turned, hiding her surprise as a somewhat transparent figure hovered before her. You are new it said. Maya tried to seem confident and offered a small smile up to the incorporeal form and said quietly You, I've seen. The entity bobbed about her, the only real visible aspect to the creature, were the twin orbs of red, dimly in the light. That same ethereal voice again rasping What is your name and who are you? Maya's heart rate quickened, her breath started to quicken, in a willed attempt to calm herself she placed her feet together, in the attempt to appear almost regal, the only hint betraying her unease is the expression in her eyes. I'm just a woman, a speaker of the gods. She shivered uncomfortably left with the feeling eyes were roaming over her, she presumed they were when she heard the low and faint chuckle. Gods?... How silly. it said. The others I know, Why are you here? Silly as they may be, they exist... But we dont really want to discuss them, do we shade? she asked, trying to sound confident. How about a question for a question? I believe its my turn. The incorporeal form floated so close to her she felt her very blood chill, her organs and veins turning to ice, the pain was excruciating, she had no choice through her total immobilisation to listen to its next words Oh? Your turn? it was even closer now, Maya pondered if this was where she was going to die, and couldn't determine if she was disapointed or not.
Faprak Versus the Double Date
Sitting idly within the stronghold Vrakk bounced the action figure sized Vaprak up and down on the arm of the couch. Emitting action sounds as he mocked punches with the pint sized fists of the still bloody doll. Stretching his arms with a yawn he begins to glance around. Noticing a small tattered notice hanging from a near by bulletin board. Jumping to his feet he snatches the notice attempting to sound out the contents of the notice "fuuuu--rrr goo--deee tii-mmee ccseeee Ooohhh-grrrrrr tWww---innnns." Vrakk blinks suddenly, looking to the figure with shock "You hear dat Faprak? Twins!"
Bouncing up and down gleefully Vrakk storms out of the room, running hastily out of the stronghold and into the streets with an eager forward lean. High in hand is his trusty Vaprak doll, flying above. Reaching the door of the address listed upon the page Vrakk spits into his free hand, pushing his matted hair backwards making absolutely no difference in his appearance. He holds the Faprak doll out in front of him, "Vrakk look good rite?" he forces the doll to rock back and forth as if nodding in agreement. Seeming pleased Vrakk begins to pound wildly on the door "Laddddiiiess.... weee heeeereee.." he cackles lowly as he continues to pound. On the oversized door.
As the door swings open his jaw drops, standing behind two half ogre women nearly identical in size and appearance. Eyes offset, both looking in different directions. The curves of an oversized lumpy potato filling cheaply woven dresses in the worst of ways. The first girl smiles, what remaining teeth she has snaggled and crooked, yellowed from years of abuse. Vrakk gasps, "Yowzaa! Hotties like described Faprak!" The doll forced again to rock back and forth, simulating an agreeing nod. The two ogres stomp ungracefully out the door. Vrakk leans over, whispering to his doll "Vrakk gets hot one, faprak takes one for team." Followed by a giggle he joins hands with the two much taller females and begins to walk down the street.
Dinner was mostly devoured, the one of the women forcing what remains of a near raw full roast into her mouth as the other picks her teeth with what appears to be the a rib bone. Vrakk smiles attentively, leaning forward on his elbows, hands on his cheeks as he watches the woman devour the disgusting meal. The doll placed in a sitting position beside him mimicking Vrakks own stance. "So ladieees.. we go back to you place.. Faprak shows you wrestling moves?" Vrakk says grinning. The first of the two ogres standing up, pushing the table and Vrakk back a few inches before picking the smaller half orc up and throwing him over her shoulder. "Wait! Not forget Faprak!" The second grabbing the doll as they trek back down the road.
-----------------------------The Following Day---------------------------------------
Vrakk begins putting on the tattered remains of what appears to be the trousers obviously torn from his body the previous night. Franticly searching the ground about for his trusted friend. From the corner of his eye, wedged between two snoring hideous ogre women he sees the leg of the Vaprak doll silently screaming for assistance. Vrakk tries to withdraw the doll gently from its captivity. Having no luck with this he places his foot onto the bare hairy stomach of one of the women, providing just enough leverage for him to un-wedge the doll from its imprisonment. In doing so Vrakk stumbles back a few steps, then falls to his backside, holding the doll up to eye level he speaks, "Faprak have to much fun!" Stuffing the doll into his pocket he bounces towards the door, headed on to his next adventure.
Bouncing up and down gleefully Vrakk storms out of the room, running hastily out of the stronghold and into the streets with an eager forward lean. High in hand is his trusty Vaprak doll, flying above. Reaching the door of the address listed upon the page Vrakk spits into his free hand, pushing his matted hair backwards making absolutely no difference in his appearance. He holds the Faprak doll out in front of him, "Vrakk look good rite?" he forces the doll to rock back and forth as if nodding in agreement. Seeming pleased Vrakk begins to pound wildly on the door "Laddddiiiess.... weee heeeereee.." he cackles lowly as he continues to pound. On the oversized door.
As the door swings open his jaw drops, standing behind two half ogre women nearly identical in size and appearance. Eyes offset, both looking in different directions. The curves of an oversized lumpy potato filling cheaply woven dresses in the worst of ways. The first girl smiles, what remaining teeth she has snaggled and crooked, yellowed from years of abuse. Vrakk gasps, "Yowzaa! Hotties like described Faprak!" The doll forced again to rock back and forth, simulating an agreeing nod. The two ogres stomp ungracefully out the door. Vrakk leans over, whispering to his doll "Vrakk gets hot one, faprak takes one for team." Followed by a giggle he joins hands with the two much taller females and begins to walk down the street.
Dinner was mostly devoured, the one of the women forcing what remains of a near raw full roast into her mouth as the other picks her teeth with what appears to be the a rib bone. Vrakk smiles attentively, leaning forward on his elbows, hands on his cheeks as he watches the woman devour the disgusting meal. The doll placed in a sitting position beside him mimicking Vrakks own stance. "So ladieees.. we go back to you place.. Faprak shows you wrestling moves?" Vrakk says grinning. The first of the two ogres standing up, pushing the table and Vrakk back a few inches before picking the smaller half orc up and throwing him over her shoulder. "Wait! Not forget Faprak!" The second grabbing the doll as they trek back down the road.
-----------------------------The Following Day---------------------------------------
Vrakk begins putting on the tattered remains of what appears to be the trousers obviously torn from his body the previous night. Franticly searching the ground about for his trusted friend. From the corner of his eye, wedged between two snoring hideous ogre women he sees the leg of the Vaprak doll silently screaming for assistance. Vrakk tries to withdraw the doll gently from its captivity. Having no luck with this he places his foot onto the bare hairy stomach of one of the women, providing just enough leverage for him to un-wedge the doll from its imprisonment. In doing so Vrakk stumbles back a few steps, then falls to his backside, holding the doll up to eye level he speaks, "Faprak have to much fun!" Stuffing the doll into his pocket he bounces towards the door, headed on to his next adventure.
Fresh Cargo (2/2)
After the freighter settled, a hatch opened and a small detachment of Vectorian soldiers had poured out. They were looking up at the hovering Ravenwing, shouting things Quintus couldn't (and frankly didn't want to) hear. He turned on the ship's loudspeaker and made his standard announcement:
"This vessel's cargo will be peacefully surrendered. Once your cargo has been safely disembarked, your vessel will be fixed for a nominal fee."
Quintus' statment resulted in even more angered shouting, followed by the captain using several rude gestures in the direction of the Ravenwing. Quintus smirked, knowing the futility of the Vectorian protestations. The first of several small Hoard fleet ships had began to arrive, unloading guards to ensure the transfer of cargo. Quintus monitored the process, laughing as one of the Vectorians began to fight with a couple guards. A dwarven wizard slowly levitated out of the Hoard ship, raised his hand and rained meteors down on the difficult soldier. He fell to the ground, mortally wounded and would die soon, if not aided. The other Vectorians took the opportunity to scatter away from the approaching detachment.The wizard returned to his ship with a wave toward the Ravenwing.
Quintus stepped away from the helm and inspected the configuration of the engines. "What happened here?" he asked, not expecting much of an answer. He opened the door to the aft drive engine bay and saw that his engine was nearly destroyed. Bolts were everywhere, twisted metal banding was strewn about and fuel was trickling down to the deck below. In his final push to catch the Vectorian freighter, the Thri'kreens had removed the safety throttler and in the process the engine had suffered a fate similar to that of the Vectorian lift engines. He sighed deeply and turned back to the helm. "At least we got them. As much cargo as they have, I can easily pay for a new engine. I'll have to tow back to Zozo, though." He noticed the Thri'kreens were apprehensive to approach him. "I am not upset with either of you. You did what you had to do. The objective was simple and we survived. You will be rewarded for your work here today." Quintus approached the helm and opened a small compartment where he kept small sacks of coin for bribing various blockades and trade representatives. He tossed two sacks to each Thri'kreen, each sack valuing around 100 platinum. They opened the sacks and immediately took to the air, swaying back and forth with joy.
"Remember what you saw here today. Work for me again and there will be ten times that amount if we can keep doing this. We've received an extremely large contract that demands large amounts of weapons, armor, food, water and more. Even better if we can take it from the Vectorians while doing so."
"This vessel's cargo will be peacefully surrendered. Once your cargo has been safely disembarked, your vessel will be fixed for a nominal fee."
Quintus' statment resulted in even more angered shouting, followed by the captain using several rude gestures in the direction of the Ravenwing. Quintus smirked, knowing the futility of the Vectorian protestations. The first of several small Hoard fleet ships had began to arrive, unloading guards to ensure the transfer of cargo. Quintus monitored the process, laughing as one of the Vectorians began to fight with a couple guards. A dwarven wizard slowly levitated out of the Hoard ship, raised his hand and rained meteors down on the difficult soldier. He fell to the ground, mortally wounded and would die soon, if not aided. The other Vectorians took the opportunity to scatter away from the approaching detachment.The wizard returned to his ship with a wave toward the Ravenwing.
Quintus stepped away from the helm and inspected the configuration of the engines. "What happened here?" he asked, not expecting much of an answer. He opened the door to the aft drive engine bay and saw that his engine was nearly destroyed. Bolts were everywhere, twisted metal banding was strewn about and fuel was trickling down to the deck below. In his final push to catch the Vectorian freighter, the Thri'kreens had removed the safety throttler and in the process the engine had suffered a fate similar to that of the Vectorian lift engines. He sighed deeply and turned back to the helm. "At least we got them. As much cargo as they have, I can easily pay for a new engine. I'll have to tow back to Zozo, though." He noticed the Thri'kreens were apprehensive to approach him. "I am not upset with either of you. You did what you had to do. The objective was simple and we survived. You will be rewarded for your work here today." Quintus approached the helm and opened a small compartment where he kept small sacks of coin for bribing various blockades and trade representatives. He tossed two sacks to each Thri'kreen, each sack valuing around 100 platinum. They opened the sacks and immediately took to the air, swaying back and forth with joy.
"Remember what you saw here today. Work for me again and there will be ten times that amount if we can keep doing this. We've received an extremely large contract that demands large amounts of weapons, armor, food, water and more. Even better if we can take it from the Vectorians while doing so."
Fresh Cargo (1/2)
"FASTER!"
Quintus knew he could overtake the cargo ship he was pursuing. The Ravenwing was smaller and faster. It wasn't behaving correctly; someone wasn't keeping up with their duties, he thought. "I said FASTER!" he bellowed at his navigator, a young female Thri'kreen. Her bug eyes widened and she leapt from her seat, flying to the rear of the ship. She began working with her brother (whom had already received his verbal lashing) tweaking the engines. "Can't get more than 79%, sir! We just can't!" came a shout, which infuriated Quintus further. He lurched the ship hard to port and then back on course. The Thri'kreen were thrown toward the side of the ship but took to the air to stabilize. Quintus needn't yell again.
The Vectorian airship was beginning to fade in the distance. He wasn't sure where it was headed just yet; it had been hopping the trade routes without stopping for some time. He couldn't engage the Munchausen engine to try and head them off. The only chance of taking the ship was to disable a lift engine, forcing it to land in unfamiliar territory. Just as he was about to cut off the chase
VVVVOOOOOMMMMMMMM
the engines had roared to life! The Thri'kreen siblings began cheering at the back of the ship. Quintus tightened his grip on the helm and trained his attention on the small dot of a ship on the horizon. It began to grow in size quite rapidly; the airship was readying a course correction and slowing down. It had descended slightly, moving just above the canopy of a forest. This would make disabling the lift engine a bit trickier. Poorly aimed shots into the forest would not only endanger inhabitants but create a blowback of dirt, plants and who-knows-what that Quintus would fly right through. Still he pressed on, coming up hard on the Vectorian freighter. They had noticed him now and had thrown their engines on full in an attempt to evade him. Quintus howeled in delight "The fools! Do you see this? Do you see what they're doing?!" he shouted to no one in particular, even though the Thri'keen had once again taken his side at the front of the ship.
The freighter ascended higher and Quintus throttled back, shifting to line up with the starboard set of lift engines. The bigger, slower ship's hull groaned as the Vectorian captain furiously tried to keep his ship centered in front of the Ravenwing. Quintus easily matched the maneuver and shouted at the male Thri'kreen "LET LOOSE ON MY COMMAND!" as he began to gain confidence in his victory. The Thri'kreen clicked a few times in response. Quintus made a final maneuver and whispered "Drop 'em to their knees." The cannons on the Ravenwing roared, two of the three blasts hitting their intended target. The third sailed wide, causing minor damage to the freighter's hull. Smoke began billowing out of the impacted lift engine and Quintus backed off the Ravenwing slowly, waiting for his prey to fall to the ground. He keyed his ship's radio twice and pinged once, letting the fleet know he required assistance at his current location. The second starboard lift engine suddenly sparked and caught fire, unable to keep up with the demand. The ship listed starboard and began to descent quickly as the captain throttled back his port lift engines to compensate. Quintus held his breath and eventually let slip a sigh of relief as the freighter cleared the canopy of the forest and began a rough landing in an open field.
Quintus knew he could overtake the cargo ship he was pursuing. The Ravenwing was smaller and faster. It wasn't behaving correctly; someone wasn't keeping up with their duties, he thought. "I said FASTER!" he bellowed at his navigator, a young female Thri'kreen. Her bug eyes widened and she leapt from her seat, flying to the rear of the ship. She began working with her brother (whom had already received his verbal lashing) tweaking the engines. "Can't get more than 79%, sir! We just can't!" came a shout, which infuriated Quintus further. He lurched the ship hard to port and then back on course. The Thri'kreen were thrown toward the side of the ship but took to the air to stabilize. Quintus needn't yell again.
The Vectorian airship was beginning to fade in the distance. He wasn't sure where it was headed just yet; it had been hopping the trade routes without stopping for some time. He couldn't engage the Munchausen engine to try and head them off. The only chance of taking the ship was to disable a lift engine, forcing it to land in unfamiliar territory. Just as he was about to cut off the chase
VVVVOOOOOMMMMMMMM
the engines had roared to life! The Thri'kreen siblings began cheering at the back of the ship. Quintus tightened his grip on the helm and trained his attention on the small dot of a ship on the horizon. It began to grow in size quite rapidly; the airship was readying a course correction and slowing down. It had descended slightly, moving just above the canopy of a forest. This would make disabling the lift engine a bit trickier. Poorly aimed shots into the forest would not only endanger inhabitants but create a blowback of dirt, plants and who-knows-what that Quintus would fly right through. Still he pressed on, coming up hard on the Vectorian freighter. They had noticed him now and had thrown their engines on full in an attempt to evade him. Quintus howeled in delight "The fools! Do you see this? Do you see what they're doing?!" he shouted to no one in particular, even though the Thri'keen had once again taken his side at the front of the ship.
The freighter ascended higher and Quintus throttled back, shifting to line up with the starboard set of lift engines. The bigger, slower ship's hull groaned as the Vectorian captain furiously tried to keep his ship centered in front of the Ravenwing. Quintus easily matched the maneuver and shouted at the male Thri'kreen "LET LOOSE ON MY COMMAND!" as he began to gain confidence in his victory. The Thri'kreen clicked a few times in response. Quintus made a final maneuver and whispered "Drop 'em to their knees." The cannons on the Ravenwing roared, two of the three blasts hitting their intended target. The third sailed wide, causing minor damage to the freighter's hull. Smoke began billowing out of the impacted lift engine and Quintus backed off the Ravenwing slowly, waiting for his prey to fall to the ground. He keyed his ship's radio twice and pinged once, letting the fleet know he required assistance at his current location. The second starboard lift engine suddenly sparked and caught fire, unable to keep up with the demand. The ship listed starboard and began to descent quickly as the captain throttled back his port lift engines to compensate. Quintus held his breath and eventually let slip a sigh of relief as the freighter cleared the canopy of the forest and began a rough landing in an open field.
Winds of Change
His incorporeal form standing unseen at the Eastern Gate of Kefkaburg, Throm watched on as the last of The Tripower Eastern Blockade marched eastward back towards the capitol city of Torregiano. This had never been The Tripower's fight nor would it ever be. Vector wasn't worth even keeping an eye on any more. And so the eye of the Kingdom was turning elsewhere for the moment. At a whim Throm willed his mind into a coexisting yet equally unseen form that stood at the base of the fountain within the city's Market Square. It was busy today and the citizens of the city bustled around and quite literally through him as they went on about their business. At first glance one might judge the scene to be just another day in the life of a major trade hub. But Throm could smell the odor of the malcontents, he could feel the white hot rays of anger in the air itself. Not a week ago, a high ranking officer of Vector was found murdered in his room. Rumors of espers defying Vector by providing aid to those in need ran rampant among the people, bolstering courage. A bombing of some sort had taken out Festival Square not a week ago. More rumors that someone was amassing a vast quantity of arms and supplies trickled through even the even deeper channels of the city's underground networks. Even this morning, bodies belonging to a Vectorian patrol had been found nailed to the walls of Shar's Church. 'Yes,' Throm thought, 'the winds of change are more than beginning to blow. Westbridge will do fine for itself if they band together and stay the course.' Once again Throm's surroundings changed as he phased out of reality his two ethereal duplicates, returning to a third. As the familiar walls of his office within the Tripower Tower returned, Throm couldn't help but privately wonder what was to become of the small city in the end. 'Time will tell.' he thought as he dismissed the subject from his mind for the last time.
A Final Journal Entry
Reality. The whole thing really blows if you ask me. But when it hits, it hits hard and usually hurts like hell. And it sucker punched me this week harder than the one I received the week prior, but I won't get into that here. It seems as though the general vote is that I'm not much good in the field. Worst thing is I can't say that I can even argue my case. Though Gilean the Lathander groupie, and Claire the spider esper tried to build a case for me. In the end though they brought up a solid point. If it is that the only place I can be properly trained in the only thing I am destined to be good at, there's only one place to go.
I'm not sure what kind of welcome I'll be getting in the western wonderland. Everything I've heard about my people indicates that they are a reserved, inclusive sort. Great, just great. But in the end I won't know until I give it a go. Plus, if I have to sit out another outing I might end up going nuttier than that most give me credit for. I think this'll be the last entry in this for a while. I'm leaving the journal along with most of my possessions. Figure it'll be better to travel light, and gods know how long I'll be away.
In the end though Claire and Gilean mentioned they would be doing their best to help with the Kaliadra issue. I still feel like my timing couldn't be worse on this one. But Sanria brought up a good point, in my abilities to defend myself. Stings to hear it, and I find myself crying into my pillow late at night (okay kiddin about the last part), but she's right all the same. Unless I want to move out to Shadowdale and become an apprentice basket weaver or a towel boy over at The House of Fetish, I'll need to man up and do something about it. Well until next I dust this thing off.
I'm not sure what kind of welcome I'll be getting in the western wonderland. Everything I've heard about my people indicates that they are a reserved, inclusive sort. Great, just great. But in the end I won't know until I give it a go. Plus, if I have to sit out another outing I might end up going nuttier than that most give me credit for. I think this'll be the last entry in this for a while. I'm leaving the journal along with most of my possessions. Figure it'll be better to travel light, and gods know how long I'll be away.
In the end though Claire and Gilean mentioned they would be doing their best to help with the Kaliadra issue. I still feel like my timing couldn't be worse on this one. But Sanria brought up a good point, in my abilities to defend myself. Stings to hear it, and I find myself crying into my pillow late at night (okay kiddin about the last part), but she's right all the same. Unless I want to move out to Shadowdale and become an apprentice basket weaver or a towel boy over at The House of Fetish, I'll need to man up and do something about it. Well until next I dust this thing off.
An interesting lead
This time Psycho and his little group were onto something. There was a large buzz
in the city of Westbridge, a town he never accepted as Kefkaburg. Today was a new
horror delivered unto the good people of the world. Psycho watched as a Vectorian
patrol of guards shook down some of the local businesses. The Apothecary was not
safe from the strong arming. The old man had at once been a strong and dangerous
target for this pretty shakedown. "Come on old man you dont need to give your skin
but we'll take it if you don't give us enough." Psycho had heard enough. The small
group quietly stepped inside the Apothecary and closed the door to the streets.
The money that was reclaimed from the patrol was taken as were the soldiers themselves. But unlike the money the soldiers were not returned to where they had come. Each of the soldiers lifeless bodies was taken and Nailed up in the church of Shar. The nails that held them were long and pierced both armor and flesh through and through. But the patrol was just the tip of the iceberg of what was in store for the day. The old man had information for Psycho that was far more disturbing than any mortal squibble. The man had information about two important items and a book that would help to utilize them. The real danger to the planet was something that flows through each of us. Makou and Black energy were about to get a lot more volatile.
The money that was reclaimed from the patrol was taken as were the soldiers themselves. But unlike the money the soldiers were not returned to where they had come. Each of the soldiers lifeless bodies was taken and Nailed up in the church of Shar. The nails that held them were long and pierced both armor and flesh through and through. But the patrol was just the tip of the iceberg of what was in store for the day. The old man had information for Psycho that was far more disturbing than any mortal squibble. The man had information about two important items and a book that would help to utilize them. The real danger to the planet was something that flows through each of us. Makou and Black energy were about to get a lot more volatile.
K.M.D.R.
Imitidoras couldnt help but giggle at his good fortune. In the time since the old church had been disbanded he had been having a bit of fun going from town to town and feeding upon whomever he wanted. Of course, his undead state also gave him a few fetishes, fetishes that he had been indulging in, in the most macabre manner. Yet, in the past few months he had begun to grow bored with his immortality. It was just dumb luck that Serpiente had clanked his way back into his life.
Ah, now there was a creature that Imitidoras could not stand. He had never understood why the leadership took it in. Always with the ROGER, 10-4, BEEP BEEP and so on, how it had driven him crazy.
Yet now, realizing that Serpiente could be his pet priest, well that was something that suited Imitidorass needs just fine. In a world void of a family for protection, having a creature throwing heals your way could be quite useful.
And so what was disjointed chaos has now become a team of abomination. And the pair worked this way for quite awhile, destroying everything that came within their path. Imitidoras pulling the strings, and Serpiente an unknowing patsy.
Then one day, deciding to murder some New Thalos guards, the duo started marching, they made it past the Crossroads when Serpientes keen optical scanners identified a person or thing in the far distance, crawling, trying to get to a city, possibly for help.
Imitidoras, seeing the possibility to indulge in his disgusting sense of fun decided to scout it out, while Serpiente scanned from the rear.
He moved in ever so slowly, and saw something that made his little undead heart flutter. What appeared to be a heavily scarred and bloody emaciated human, trying to claw his way to New Thalos and ultimately life.
Ah cooed the lich. What do we have here, poor little traveler trying to eek the strength to survive? Well well well, let little Imitidoras give you a hand. And with that the devilish lich put out his hand, fully intending to end this miserable creatures life.
The man, seeing the offering of help, also lifted his hand and then GRIPPED IMITIDORAS WRIST WITH A DEATH GRIP. The lich squeaked out a scream of surpise as he watched the dying man stand up, cast off the burnt flesh that was so coyly taped to him and stand up to reveal what he truly was, a Heucuva. With a dry laugh, the undead creature RIPPED OFF IMITIDORAS ARM AND SCREAMED TO THEKY S, BLOODY
BLOODY LIMB IN HAND.
What he actually screamed, Imitidoras could not say, because he was too busy lying on the ground, holding the stump that once held in place his arm. The last thing he remembered was Serpiente clanking up and intoning in his monotone amplifier, THREAT IDENTIFIED: ZERATUL.
And with that terrifying image, he went unconscious.
Ah, now there was a creature that Imitidoras could not stand. He had never understood why the leadership took it in. Always with the ROGER, 10-4, BEEP BEEP and so on, how it had driven him crazy.
Yet now, realizing that Serpiente could be his pet priest, well that was something that suited Imitidorass needs just fine. In a world void of a family for protection, having a creature throwing heals your way could be quite useful.
And so what was disjointed chaos has now become a team of abomination. And the pair worked this way for quite awhile, destroying everything that came within their path. Imitidoras pulling the strings, and Serpiente an unknowing patsy.
Then one day, deciding to murder some New Thalos guards, the duo started marching, they made it past the Crossroads when Serpientes keen optical scanners identified a person or thing in the far distance, crawling, trying to get to a city, possibly for help.
Imitidoras, seeing the possibility to indulge in his disgusting sense of fun decided to scout it out, while Serpiente scanned from the rear.
He moved in ever so slowly, and saw something that made his little undead heart flutter. What appeared to be a heavily scarred and bloody emaciated human, trying to claw his way to New Thalos and ultimately life.
Ah cooed the lich. What do we have here, poor little traveler trying to eek the strength to survive? Well well well, let little Imitidoras give you a hand. And with that the devilish lich put out his hand, fully intending to end this miserable creatures life.
The man, seeing the offering of help, also lifted his hand and then GRIPPED IMITIDORAS WRIST WITH A DEATH GRIP. The lich squeaked out a scream of surpise as he watched the dying man stand up, cast off the burnt flesh that was so coyly taped to him and stand up to reveal what he truly was, a Heucuva. With a dry laugh, the undead creature RIPPED OFF IMITIDORAS ARM AND SCREAMED TO THEKY S, BLOODY
BLOODY LIMB IN HAND.
What he actually screamed, Imitidoras could not say, because he was too busy lying on the ground, holding the stump that once held in place his arm. The last thing he remembered was Serpiente clanking up and intoning in his monotone amplifier, THREAT IDENTIFIED: ZERATUL.
And with that terrifying image, he went unconscious.
Causation
KILL. DESTROY. MURDER. RAPE.
These were the tenants that Serpiente lived by, while he adhered to the laws of Cyric. These were the simple mandates that were programmed into his mind by the Churchs leadership. Unfortuantly, unlike sentient beings, who are able to forget mandates and start anew, Serpiente was not reprogrammed. This has led to a significant backlash in his archaic CPU and meager kobold mind.
Thus, in the years since the crash of the old churchs, Serpiente had been wandering aimlessly, carrying out his mandates as he saw fit, with a reckless abandon that saw the deaths of mothers, fathers, children, brothers and sisters. The joy of the kill would satiate his desire for the family he had lost, but only momentarily. Then the backlash from his confusion would deepen into an all-consuming rage.
One day he wandered into a small sleepy hamlet, complete with thatched huts, a small school and a beautiful stream running through the middle. His mind smiled at the thought of all the lives he would ruin this day. He prepared himself and entered,,, yet there was no one in the town,,,upon further inspection he found bodies everywhere, bodies with pierced necks and pale sickly white skin.
Serpiente was combat engineered and knew this enemy well. A lich had beaten him. He loaded the programs necessary to destroy this enemy and proceeded with caution.
When he entered the church he saw one of the most macabre scenes his optical scanners had ever witnessed. Pieces of the priests and clergymen hung from the walls like makeshift banners, bones were used as decorations and it even appeared someone had been using the eyeballs for a game of marbles. Most horrible of all was the tell-tale signs of recent necrophilism.
In the middle of all this carnage sat a lone figure, legs crossed, patiently looking at Serpiente. As Serpiente approached his recognition software started to cross-reference the facial features of the figure. Small, lithe, maybe 3 feet tall, pale skin, and always that grin. Imitidoras.
Joy. Happiness. Two emotions that rarely flash through his CPU and brain are finally recognized. Yes, someone from the old family, someone who could relate. Imitidoras also recognizing his old comrade in arms was immediately taken aback. Finally, someone to ruin lives with.
KILL. DESTROY. MURDER. RAPE.
These were the tenants that Serpiente lived by, while he adhered to the laws of Cyric. These were the simple mandates that were programmed into his mind by the Churchs leadership. Unfortuantly, unlike sentient beings, who are able to forget mandates and start anew, Serpiente was not reprogrammed. This has led to a significant backlash in his archaic CPU and meager kobold mind.
Thus, in the years since the crash of the old churchs, Serpiente had been wandering aimlessly, carrying out his mandates as he saw fit, with a reckless abandon that saw the deaths of mothers, fathers, children, brothers and sisters. The joy of the kill would satiate his desire for the family he had lost, but only momentarily. Then the backlash from his confusion would deepen into an all-consuming rage.
One day he wandered into a small sleepy hamlet, complete with thatched huts, a small school and a beautiful stream running through the middle. His mind smiled at the thought of all the lives he would ruin this day. He prepared himself and entered,,, yet there was no one in the town,,,upon further inspection he found bodies everywhere, bodies with pierced necks and pale sickly white skin.
Serpiente was combat engineered and knew this enemy well. A lich had beaten him. He loaded the programs necessary to destroy this enemy and proceeded with caution.
When he entered the church he saw one of the most macabre scenes his optical scanners had ever witnessed. Pieces of the priests and clergymen hung from the walls like makeshift banners, bones were used as decorations and it even appeared someone had been using the eyeballs for a game of marbles. Most horrible of all was the tell-tale signs of recent necrophilism.
In the middle of all this carnage sat a lone figure, legs crossed, patiently looking at Serpiente. As Serpiente approached his recognition software started to cross-reference the facial features of the figure. Small, lithe, maybe 3 feet tall, pale skin, and always that grin. Imitidoras.
Joy. Happiness. Two emotions that rarely flash through his CPU and brain are finally recognized. Yes, someone from the old family, someone who could relate. Imitidoras also recognizing his old comrade in arms was immediately taken aback. Finally, someone to ruin lives with.
KILL. DESTROY. MURDER. RAPE.
diary of a mad man in prison pt.4
Months become days. Days become Hours. Hours become minutes.
Minutes become seconds. Seconds become a shear fact of life that I'm
stuck in this shit hole forever nothing to do accept scribble the time
I have left on a small piece of paper. Trying to figure out whom I
am. Not having any luck just having the soul of the once dead person
with me. Haunting me in my sleep. I have a make shit flower bed in
here but after all it's not what I choose I'm getting rusty with my
swords. As I lay to waste in this after life I call hell. Will I get
out I have no clue but to wait. As I write this only seconds go on.
Not minute's as I'd hope. Just seconds sitting here waiting to die
being fed only cookies to keep me alive. At least this bitch named
Sara made good cookies or else I'd hate myself forever. She gives me
a good sugar high too. Oh how I love Sara you complete me I say as I
fall into a deep slumber which is only seconds. How long have I been
in here for I ask myself. After all the sentence is one hundred
years. One hundred years is just a lifetime for some human maybe but
for the bastard elf it's just the dawn of a new day. One hundred
years for a bastard elf like Crovax is like one hundred hours for him.
He's not getting rusty out there living among the start of a civil war
among the masses. A lot will die surely and we will have the capitol
of tripower to thank for finally standing up to the vectorian retards.
But then it goes back to asking myself who I am and what am I fighting
for? What is my name? I be who!?!?!? Who I am I! My release was an
uncommon one no one came. No one cheered when I was released out into
the night to go along and mingle with them . The Bastard wasn't even
there to laugh at my misfortune. However there will be a price on his
head now. Someone will get him maybe not me. Perhaps another
assassin just as skilled as me, trying to figure out his place in the
world. I may still not know who I am. But as long as I'm breathing
good will never purge out evil. It will always be lurking in the
shadows ready to attack when you least expect it!
This is what I send to you Crovax. WAR is on between you and I. For I may not know who I am but I do know one thing you will not survive on your own.
This is what I send to you Crovax. WAR is on between you and I. For I may not know who I am but I do know one thing you will not survive on your own.
diary of a mad man pt. 3
When the preparations were ready to find and kill the fallen angel
into Crovax's palace were set in motion he only needed one thing a
magical carpet that could whisk him away to his prey. He searched
long and hard, then found it for the time to strike. But when my spy
returned to me to tell me that Crovax had been hidden away in
training and couldn't be bothered at all it was the perfect time.
Crovax would be all-alone. His mentors gone and his brother
Tsabicaran was in a meeting with others trying to get them as his
patrons of the order. With the carpet he moved quickly to the fallen
angel. She would be dead in a matter of minutes. One by one the
meteors hit her barely phasing her. He pressed on deathly aware that
the BASTARD must die to his blade tonight! Finally after what seemed
to be hours but only minutes she was dead! He quickly moved to the
next target. With one slick move the meteors hit harder then before
and he was dead. Into the building he went. Walking slowly not
making a sound. Shaking with fear and excitement of what Crovax would
do if he saw him first. Then he saw him The bastard elf himself he
was tall in the picture in his belt pouch he had drawn of him. But it
was correct he was indeed tall and slim but muscular. This would be
an easy match for I had faith on my side! He will be dead by me! One
by one the rocks hit Crovax causing him to drop the joint in which he
smoked on the ground. Quickly Rosso without loosing concentration of
the spell picked it up and knew it was a gift from the gods. He went
on powering down the elf with no giving up. All Crovax could do is
watch as he lay there in shock as the illusionist continued to attack
his poor frail body. As the final hours passed for Crovax, he gave a
girlish scream to try to alert someone of his death but no one came.
I waited what seemed like forever to find the next person to slay but
no one came. So I moved out with his corpse in hand so I can cast as
my own and trapped his soul inside of it. Hours upon hours passed
when the deed was surely done. Being brought to the temple of life
was the corpse of Crovax where his final resting spot would be. But
there in his eyes he seen the bastard elf lying there in the coffin
getting up ferociously surviving the beat down of his life. Crovax
yelled into the streets "That guy right there tried to kill me! Lock
him up in the brig so he will never get out!" Malar attending the
funeral quickly grabbed me and through me into this cell I now call
home.
diary of a mad man in prison pt.2
Then one day I saw a note the new clans were forming an alliance and HE was there my archrival I could never forget that face. The face of an ill beat bastard child of a half orc and an elf. Only to make an elf by some magic he was born just an elf not an orc how that was possible was beyond me. But I hated him so much the fear of the kill would not be the same till he lay slain in my arms as I take his soul as my own. I've taking many of lives but never this one. He would be my greatest feat. I knew he must die for me to remember whom I was it had to be certain he knew. But he was ranked high among the clergy of the radiant heart even higher then he was before. I had to stalk my enemy carefully follow his steps to Phils bar where he sat with Dryden drinking tea thinking they were safe. Watching as Serenity penciled away the notes from what was becoming of the new dawn. A dawn of no evil surely this isn't possible as long as the wizard with out a name is alive and kicking! He then followed Crovax to smugglers haven where the lonely human tried talking since to the bastard. Learning Crovax's every move was my main goal! He must be slain and now! The voices will never stop in my head until I know! I know! I must know who I am and I stand for! Arrrgggg!
diary of a mad man in prison part 1
The bells went off in my head like a warning siren guiding a person to a bomb shed. I must flee. I must get out now but where was I, how was I going to go? My church had failed me. My church had failed me how the fuck did the church of Strife fail thee Rosso Aposso! How is it possible for such an awesome god to just give in. To fail under pressure of a new cause, of a new hope. What was the hope I thought to myself study in the life of death? Isn't that what the followers of Cyric did? Kill people for the lust, for the joy, for the real god Cyric? That is what I had thought all along. Could the research of the death be just a church in disguise for the followers to go to when the One had left them all alone. Of course not! Cyric had failed me for the last time
Upon muttering those words a great beam of light came from the sky came down and knocked Rosso out cold. When he awoke he was in the billets of the long death campground. Maezura was studying the affects the blow had on my skull by putting tokens and different ointments on him trying to see what the adverse affects were. I woke with a start when he started to desecrate on my face! Seeing what that would do sure enough woke me right up. But I was dazed and confused I had no idea where I was or who I thought I knew. I learned to walk again learn to fight, learn to summon great powerful swarms of rocks stronger then I ever could have before. But I did not know whom I was just that I was some powerful wizard. I had these items of clothes on. I didn't know who I was. So I labeled them with people I've seen in the past just the people I could only remember in the wizard training area while I was learning to cast.
Upon muttering those words a great beam of light came from the sky came down and knocked Rosso out cold. When he awoke he was in the billets of the long death campground. Maezura was studying the affects the blow had on my skull by putting tokens and different ointments on him trying to see what the adverse affects were. I woke with a start when he started to desecrate on my face! Seeing what that would do sure enough woke me right up. But I was dazed and confused I had no idea where I was or who I thought I knew. I learned to walk again learn to fight, learn to summon great powerful swarms of rocks stronger then I ever could have before. But I did not know whom I was just that I was some powerful wizard. I had these items of clothes on. I didn't know who I was. So I labeled them with people I've seen in the past just the people I could only remember in the wizard training area while I was learning to cast.
Getting Started.
Relic nodded, "Worth your while, trust me. Everything is going through a third party, I'm simply the procurer, for both sides. You produce the supplies, they produce the money, I'm the middle man." Leaning back in his chair in turn, he allowed his words to be a bit louder, "There will need to be some initial trust, of course. They will need at least the first shipment before they can pay, but you need only place that trust in me."
"I have no reason not to trust you. How are the shipments to be made?"
"We will provide the transportation and the locations for pickup and delivery. As always, we will need to be discrete with this so-" Tim lifted a hand to stop his words, and replace them with his own. "Relic, how long have we been in business? You needn't worry about discovery."
Relic nodded, satisfied. "That's why I came to you. Unfortunately, I have other's I need to visit as well. Scrolls and wands are barely scratching the surface."
"Of course, my friend. I-" A look of recognition came across Tim's face in mid-sentence. "Oh dear, you're going to Torregiano, aren't you?"
Relic smirked in agreement, "I most certainly am. In the morning." He pushed his chair back, standing up, "You can't talk me out of it."
Tim stood up as well, a look of exasperation on his face. "Just don't kill the kid. He was never in the right state of mind to begin, now he's paranoid to the point of being delusional."
Relic laughed, "As long as he can still get me what I want. And I don't expect that's changed." he smiled and extended his hand. Tim sighed and reached across the table, a receipt of their deal. Relic smiled and lifted his hood, "A pleasure doing business, old friend."
"As always, Relic."
At that, Relic turned and left the office, a few seconds later the main entrance to the shop could be heard. Tim sat back down and refilled his glass. He pushed the original scroll he had been writing on off to the side and pulled out a blank parchment. There was work to be done, and lots of it.
"I have no reason not to trust you. How are the shipments to be made?"
"We will provide the transportation and the locations for pickup and delivery. As always, we will need to be discrete with this so-" Tim lifted a hand to stop his words, and replace them with his own. "Relic, how long have we been in business? You needn't worry about discovery."
Relic nodded, satisfied. "That's why I came to you. Unfortunately, I have other's I need to visit as well. Scrolls and wands are barely scratching the surface."
"Of course, my friend. I-" A look of recognition came across Tim's face in mid-sentence. "Oh dear, you're going to Torregiano, aren't you?"
Relic smirked in agreement, "I most certainly am. In the morning." He pushed his chair back, standing up, "You can't talk me out of it."
Tim stood up as well, a look of exasperation on his face. "Just don't kill the kid. He was never in the right state of mind to begin, now he's paranoid to the point of being delusional."
Relic laughed, "As long as he can still get me what I want. And I don't expect that's changed." he smiled and extended his hand. Tim sighed and reached across the table, a receipt of their deal. Relic smiled and lifted his hood, "A pleasure doing business, old friend."
"As always, Relic."
At that, Relic turned and left the office, a few seconds later the main entrance to the shop could be heard. Tim sat back down and refilled his glass. He pushed the original scroll he had been writing on off to the side and pulled out a blank parchment. There was work to be done, and lots of it.
Getting Started.
"Sir, there's someone here to see you."
The old wizard looked up from a scroll he was scribbling on and looked over his rectangular glasses at the boy in his doorway. He was a good boy, though a bit dense at times. Pushing a lock of his wispy, unkempt white hair out of his face he scowled in response. "Don't you know what time it is, boy? We're closed, tell him to come back tomorrow! And don't bother me again! I may be old, but I still have to work for a living." At that, the old man dropped his head, returning to his work. He lifted a hand and waived the boy off. "Shoo now."
"S-Sorry, sir", the boy stammered. "H-He told me to tell you, 'Y-You'd look better if you'd just keep the damn mask on. ' Sir."
The old man looked up immediately, dropping his quill on the parchment, causing some of the ink to splash over his words. "Did he now..." he replied. "Well this is unexpected indeed. Come," meekly pushing himself out of his chair, he raised a hand towards the doorway that the young boy was still standing in, "We musn't keep him waiting."
The boy nodded and turned around, walking through the door only slightly ahead of his master. The two left the small office, walking into the store that lay beyond. Only a single lantern on the counter was illuminated, casting it's faint light on the many bookshelves lining the walls. The shadows from the scrolls which inhabited them stretched back into the darkness of the shop. Standing in the doorway was an uncharacteristically muscular Dark Elf, wearing a long, black cloak, its hood down and still dripping from the rain outside.
After only a moment's pause, the old wizard threw his hands in the air and walked towards the elf. "Relic!!" He exclaimed loudly, startling his store hand into a slight jump.
Chuckling, Relic extended his arms and embraced the old man. "Tim, it's good to see you." The two patted each other's shoulder as they pulled apart. "Still old, I see."
Tim threw a hand up in the air, "Pah! Still as pleasant as ever." He turned around towards the kid still standing near the office door. "Boy, fetch us some water." Tim motioned Relic with a hand over his shoulder,
"Come, let's get out of this drafty doorway."
Relic obliged and followed the man into his office. Tim walked around the table and sat down in his seat, motioning to the chair opposite him indicating his guest to take it. "Sit, sit."
As he took the chair, Tim's store hand walked in the room with two glasses and a pitcher of water. He set them on the table between the two men then scuttled back out of the room, knocking a glass over in his haste. "Grow a pair!" Tim yelled at his back as he picked the glass up, scowling all the while.
Relic chuckled his amusement, "You always had a way with them, didn't you?"
Tim rolled his eyes and filled the two glasses, "They come dumber each time. Hopeless twits." He handed one glass to Relic and lifted the other in cheers, to which Relic returned the gesture. Setting his glass down,
Tim looked up and smiled. "It is good to see you my dear friend. It has been a long time."
Nodding in agreement Relic responded, "Indeed it has. I regret that this isn't merely a visit without purpose."
Tim looked at the Drow scrupulously. "No, I don't suppose you've ever been much the time to stop by and chat about the weather, have you?" He shook his head at his own query and took another sip of water. "What business brings you here, then?"
"Certainly you know of the state of things in this disaster of a city," Tim scoffed in response. "Too well." Relic nodded. "I can't divulge all that I know, the wrong ears could hear the right information." Relic leaned in slightly. "However, what you need to know is that there's money to be made. And in no short supply."
Tim raised an eyebrow, "Go on..."
"I need supplies. A lot... Of supplies. Scrolls, wands, staves, enchantments. Of all sorts too, curative, destructive, creation." Relic lowered his voice, "Enough for an army, and I need it delivered to one."
Tim leaned back in his chair, glancing at the door to his office, still closed tightly. "And the payment?"
The old wizard looked up from a scroll he was scribbling on and looked over his rectangular glasses at the boy in his doorway. He was a good boy, though a bit dense at times. Pushing a lock of his wispy, unkempt white hair out of his face he scowled in response. "Don't you know what time it is, boy? We're closed, tell him to come back tomorrow! And don't bother me again! I may be old, but I still have to work for a living." At that, the old man dropped his head, returning to his work. He lifted a hand and waived the boy off. "Shoo now."
"S-Sorry, sir", the boy stammered. "H-He told me to tell you, 'Y-You'd look better if you'd just keep the damn mask on. ' Sir."
The old man looked up immediately, dropping his quill on the parchment, causing some of the ink to splash over his words. "Did he now..." he replied. "Well this is unexpected indeed. Come," meekly pushing himself out of his chair, he raised a hand towards the doorway that the young boy was still standing in, "We musn't keep him waiting."
The boy nodded and turned around, walking through the door only slightly ahead of his master. The two left the small office, walking into the store that lay beyond. Only a single lantern on the counter was illuminated, casting it's faint light on the many bookshelves lining the walls. The shadows from the scrolls which inhabited them stretched back into the darkness of the shop. Standing in the doorway was an uncharacteristically muscular Dark Elf, wearing a long, black cloak, its hood down and still dripping from the rain outside.
After only a moment's pause, the old wizard threw his hands in the air and walked towards the elf. "Relic!!" He exclaimed loudly, startling his store hand into a slight jump.
Chuckling, Relic extended his arms and embraced the old man. "Tim, it's good to see you." The two patted each other's shoulder as they pulled apart. "Still old, I see."
Tim threw a hand up in the air, "Pah! Still as pleasant as ever." He turned around towards the kid still standing near the office door. "Boy, fetch us some water." Tim motioned Relic with a hand over his shoulder,
"Come, let's get out of this drafty doorway."
Relic obliged and followed the man into his office. Tim walked around the table and sat down in his seat, motioning to the chair opposite him indicating his guest to take it. "Sit, sit."
As he took the chair, Tim's store hand walked in the room with two glasses and a pitcher of water. He set them on the table between the two men then scuttled back out of the room, knocking a glass over in his haste. "Grow a pair!" Tim yelled at his back as he picked the glass up, scowling all the while.
Relic chuckled his amusement, "You always had a way with them, didn't you?"
Tim rolled his eyes and filled the two glasses, "They come dumber each time. Hopeless twits." He handed one glass to Relic and lifted the other in cheers, to which Relic returned the gesture. Setting his glass down,
Tim looked up and smiled. "It is good to see you my dear friend. It has been a long time."
Nodding in agreement Relic responded, "Indeed it has. I regret that this isn't merely a visit without purpose."
Tim looked at the Drow scrupulously. "No, I don't suppose you've ever been much the time to stop by and chat about the weather, have you?" He shook his head at his own query and took another sip of water. "What business brings you here, then?"
"Certainly you know of the state of things in this disaster of a city," Tim scoffed in response. "Too well." Relic nodded. "I can't divulge all that I know, the wrong ears could hear the right information." Relic leaned in slightly. "However, what you need to know is that there's money to be made. And in no short supply."
Tim raised an eyebrow, "Go on..."
"I need supplies. A lot... Of supplies. Scrolls, wands, staves, enchantments. Of all sorts too, curative, destructive, creation." Relic lowered his voice, "Enough for an army, and I need it delivered to one."
Tim leaned back in his chair, glancing at the door to his office, still closed tightly. "And the payment?"
Cleanup Crew
Two thralls dressed head to toe in magenta swept their brooms along the cobbled streets. Most of the wreckage had been cleared away and the strange words that had taunted the citizens of of the city had not long been paved over. "Did you hear that something was found out of all this?" One of the thralls said to the other who shook his head. "Yeah some guy named Vorcet managed to pull something out of this clusterfuck. A few of the local legends went at it as well." The second thrall shrugged and continued his sweeping. "So was it anything decent?" The first thrall kicked aside a broken chunk of sidewalk and shook his head. "Time will tell, time will tell."
Smitten
Foot traffic had been extremely slow in Festival Square today. In part Tony supposed due to the purple armored goons than ran loose in his city. In part probably due to the fact that Westbridge housed only tightwads and rejects these days. He called out in frustration at a passing family, "Youa All Worthless Pansy Bit-". Thunder rumbled not far above cutting his sales pitch short. Great, he thought, now I get to stand out here like a moron in the rain. Within the square necks craned up in unison as dark clouds coalesced directly above them. The thunder continued to rumble, growing louder and louder as red flashes appeared from within the soupy mass. The dim flashes from above grew to blinding flashes of scarlet raining down upon the small square below. Again and again they struck without prejudice. Tony leapt out of the way just in time to avoid being struck. The family he had called out to wasn't as lucky as one of the bolts blew them in opposing directions. As quickly as it had begun the carnage ended, leaving only wreckage, the sounds of sobbing, and burning words written in an ancient dialect that had been burned into the very streets of the city.
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