"Are you sure?" She asked. "I followed him myself, for days, It was difficult, he covered his tracks well, but yes, I'm sure" the cloaked figure bowed their head. "Interesting, Very well, I'll see this used to our advantage immediately, Thank you Lydia" nodding she clasped her thin hands together and bowed toward the mercenary, taking her seat in the carved out rock in the dark cavern, lost in her thoughts as the mercenary departed.
What indeed a favour of the gods! how rare it was lately the scales tipped in her favour, any of their favours, the energy of hope and light filling the streets, The guard and watch doubled for so long that except for the rare taste of their calling, they've been forced to sit idle. Not now though, here was a surprise gift wrapped in a neat little parcel.
She had hoped she could find someone for the job of forming the new detailed list, a list constructed of every members name from janitor to Leader, of the Radiant Heart. As some miracle of fortune and tide in the turn of events, it has come to her attention that the person applying for the job was indeed a member of the Radiant Heart themselves. Oh the joy! *she scoffed* and immediately departed the dark cavern in which she resided deep in the guts of the city of Torregiano and made her way toward the City entrance of Westbridge, it seemed she had a few new affairs in that town, that pressed upon her attention personally.
Birth
It was a compulsion to breathe - it wasn't a choice, it was a command from the magic that flooded her bones, her fetid flesh, and ordered her to breathe. It wasn't into her lungs, the long decayed sacs, that the air was pulled into. It wasn't simply air that she pulled in - it was magic from the fabric of the weave itself. The command repeated again and again, cycling the weave, the magic, through her and the thunder of her soul thudded back into her bones, into her skull, and the pain - oh the aching pain like being split asunder, pulled apart - the pain of her past life rushed in to fill the void of her skull like the swirl of the tides. Memories were not held in a brain, memories were now in her bones, magic breath keeping them alive and burning burning burning like a fire pulsing. Every movement burned a memory, every breath burned a memory - brighter, brighter, brighter - until the brutality of her return to the living world forced Arlenia to scream. They were everywhere. The memories were everywhere.
Like... Cool
Leandra put a change of clothes into her bag and grabbed her short swords. She strode out of the house, knowing no one would stop her with as late as it was. No one would be up. No one would care. She slept near the house that night, and the next day, walked deeper into the Haon'Dor. Every swing of her sword cut down the plants in front of her and let her feel just a little bit better about leaving.
She hadn't been keeping track of how far into the woods she was, nor how long she'd been swinging her blade with little grunts of anger. But soon enough, a boy holding an orb of fire caught her attention. "Who are you?" he asked with a scowl.
The idiot. Leandra raised her hand, pointing at him. There was no way this snot was going to do something to her. "You'd better not," she said, and inwardly kicked herself. What a stupid little kid thing to say.
"Oh, you're just a little girl," the boy said, lowering his fire.
"Shut up. You don't look so big yourself," she snapped back.
Though they had never met, Askari (as she learned was his name) knew Orn because Mirin and Orn were a couple. A fact that they both found disgusting. They both found parents to be morons. They both felt they wanted to be left alone. They both seemed to think a lot alike.
Leandra looked at this boy with purplish-reddish-purplish-red skin and black hair and reddish-blackish eyes, his lean face that seemed very manly and very boyish all at once, his smell that seemed like forests and campfires, and found all of a sudden that she really liked him. Like... a lot.
Leandra went so far as to show him she could talk to some of the trees, and watched him look amazed and irritable all at the same time. Then, he offered to help her get really far away from her parents. And Leandra found herself liking him even more as he took her hand and walked with her through a black swirling vortex.
She hadn't been keeping track of how far into the woods she was, nor how long she'd been swinging her blade with little grunts of anger. But soon enough, a boy holding an orb of fire caught her attention. "Who are you?" he asked with a scowl.
The idiot. Leandra raised her hand, pointing at him. There was no way this snot was going to do something to her. "You'd better not," she said, and inwardly kicked herself. What a stupid little kid thing to say.
"Oh, you're just a little girl," the boy said, lowering his fire.
"Shut up. You don't look so big yourself," she snapped back.
Though they had never met, Askari (as she learned was his name) knew Orn because Mirin and Orn were a couple. A fact that they both found disgusting. They both found parents to be morons. They both felt they wanted to be left alone. They both seemed to think a lot alike.
Leandra looked at this boy with purplish-reddish-purplish-red skin and black hair and reddish-blackish eyes, his lean face that seemed very manly and very boyish all at once, his smell that seemed like forests and campfires, and found all of a sudden that she really liked him. Like... a lot.
Leandra went so far as to show him she could talk to some of the trees, and watched him look amazed and irritable all at the same time. Then, he offered to help her get really far away from her parents. And Leandra found herself liking him even more as he took her hand and walked with her through a black swirling vortex.
Alone
Askari sat on a fallen log deep within the forest. Alone. That's all he wanted to be. Alone.
He had a pile of sticks he had collected resting on the log beside him. He took the straightest one and pulled out his dagger, beginning to fashion an arrow. He had plenty of arrows but that wasn't really the point. With every flick of his dagger just a tiny bit of the seemingly endless well of anger and frustration within him was expended. Who knew how many arrows he would have to make, but just maybe with enough cuts of his dagger that well would run dry... maybe.
He didn't know why he was always so frustrated. Perhaps it was the circumstances of his conception, or his birth, or the fact that he was a product of a forced bond between his parents. His real parents, not Gilean who wanted to be not only his dad but also his buddy, his pal. Gods, he wished Gilean would just leave him alone. His real dad was an esper, hike himself. His dad was red too, like him. Askari didn't know why every time he saw Gilean the frustration and anger seemed to swell a bit higher within him. He didn't know that he was a product of a bond that ran deeper and more complex than he could ever understand and he carried part of that bond within him, along with all of the turbulence that came with it.
All he knew was that Gilean and his mom were stupid. They didn't understand anything. They didn't understand that his mom and real dad should be the ones together. They didn't understand that he just wanted to be left alone. He just wanted to be alone and make his arrows. After all, that's the reason why we came way out here into these woods where nobody would find him.
Suddenly there was a rustling in the brush, and it was getting closer. It startled Askari at first and he frowned. It was probably some stupid animal that he would have to scare off. But then he heard the distinct swish of a blade and small grunts of effort with each swing. It was no animal. Damnit, he thought, why is it so hard to be left alone. With a disgruntled huff his frown turned into a scowl. He put down his stick and dagger and silently conjured a ball of fire into his hand. He would scare off whoever it was so he could finally be in peace. Alone.
He had a pile of sticks he had collected resting on the log beside him. He took the straightest one and pulled out his dagger, beginning to fashion an arrow. He had plenty of arrows but that wasn't really the point. With every flick of his dagger just a tiny bit of the seemingly endless well of anger and frustration within him was expended. Who knew how many arrows he would have to make, but just maybe with enough cuts of his dagger that well would run dry... maybe.
He didn't know why he was always so frustrated. Perhaps it was the circumstances of his conception, or his birth, or the fact that he was a product of a forced bond between his parents. His real parents, not Gilean who wanted to be not only his dad but also his buddy, his pal. Gods, he wished Gilean would just leave him alone. His real dad was an esper, hike himself. His dad was red too, like him. Askari didn't know why every time he saw Gilean the frustration and anger seemed to swell a bit higher within him. He didn't know that he was a product of a bond that ran deeper and more complex than he could ever understand and he carried part of that bond within him, along with all of the turbulence that came with it.
All he knew was that Gilean and his mom were stupid. They didn't understand anything. They didn't understand that his mom and real dad should be the ones together. They didn't understand that he just wanted to be left alone. He just wanted to be alone and make his arrows. After all, that's the reason why we came way out here into these woods where nobody would find him.
Suddenly there was a rustling in the brush, and it was getting closer. It startled Askari at first and he frowned. It was probably some stupid animal that he would have to scare off. But then he heard the distinct swish of a blade and small grunts of effort with each swing. It was no animal. Damnit, he thought, why is it so hard to be left alone. With a disgruntled huff his frown turned into a scowl. He put down his stick and dagger and silently conjured a ball of fire into his hand. He would scare off whoever it was so he could finally be in peace. Alone.
Reports Made
Head bent in thought, Lynk hurried from the corridor of her clan's keep. What a mess. What a mess, and what a shame. She'd seen and done some things in her time, but wow.. what a mess and what a shame. Those poor people... Tortured like that. For seemingly nothing! Rounding the corner to the lounge she took a moment to stuffed her precious chatkcha in her boot and covered it thoughtfully. The new recruits always got nervous when she played with it. Some of them knew what that little weapon was capable of. A small shrug at the thought of that and her thoughts returned to the present. And the mess! She spied her target sitting by the fire and approached him. "Sir,the reports are true. I saw with my own eyes." Lynk suppressed the urge to flinch at the thought of what she had indeed seen with her own eyes. Or the aftermath of it at least. "The entire family sir, nailed to the floor. My sources say they thought he was one of ours. This was meant for us, Sir." The man waited patiently as Lynk paused for a second in consideration. "The fountain, there is less information about but the list. The name was on it, Sir..." Frustration flickered in the man's eyes as he gave a heavy sigh and nodded. "Alright then," he murmured. Lynk produced a piece of parchment and watched as the man put his signature on it a bit slowly. "Sssir..." Lynk said softly, her concern for the matters at hand letting her strange lisp show through. A small tick and a quick blink of her odd eyes and she regained control of herself again. He looked up and the two shared a moment of concerned silence. Lynk nodded to the man and took the signed request. "I'll make sure he gets it, Sir. Is there anything else I can do?" Lynk asked lightly. The man was already shaking his head before she finished her sentance. Lynk turned on her heels walked briskly out of the lounge. Where would he be at this time of the day? Where was he ever? Always here, but always gone... By the gods he was a strange one... But it was important she find him quickly for their next step.
What would happen? Who, or what... was doing this? To Lynk that had an obvious answer, and to many other in the Order of the Radiant Heart as well. Long Death. The only group capable of that particular kind of torture, to be sure. "They'll pay," Lynk vowed softly to the innocent family who died a needless death. "And I'll find the one who thought it was so funny to give a list like that!" Angirly Lynk snatched the chatkcha from her boot to stroke it's length as she stalked down the hallways looking for Psycho. The tanks would need preparation and he would the one to start it.
What would happen? Who, or what... was doing this? To Lynk that had an obvious answer, and to many other in the Order of the Radiant Heart as well. Long Death. The only group capable of that particular kind of torture, to be sure. "They'll pay," Lynk vowed softly to the innocent family who died a needless death. "And I'll find the one who thought it was so funny to give a list like that!" Angirly Lynk snatched the chatkcha from her boot to stroke it's length as she stalked down the hallways looking for Psycho. The tanks would need preparation and he would the one to start it.
Returning a Life
The hours had passed, the sun had finally relinquished its hold on the island, leaving it in the shadows cast by the dark ring of rocky mountains. With steps soft and silent, Banion passed through the quiet paths of the village, sticking to the shadows.
The sounds of goblins from the nearby tower carried on the wind, but it did not unnerve Banion in the least. He reached the graveyard and picked his way by the newly cresting moon's light to Arlenia's resting place. "Child, you will have your revenge. I can't live knowing you didn't. Then, you can rest."
It took a full two hours for Banion to move the earth over Arlenia's body. Sinking into the dark hole, he hoisted the decaying, skeletal remains over his shoulder, then onto the ground beside the grave. He hefted himself from the hole, sweat beading on his aging pate. He laid out the contents of his pack, and opened the tome. It had been many a long year since he had practiced his necromancy. He knew it would also be a risk, a ripple in the fabric of magic that would alert the dark wizards that he was, in fact, still alive. But Banion was driven, and by a calm madness, he started weaving his spell.
"By tenebris lux nocturna,
in utero mortis,
puero hoc tenebrarum nativitate,
eius obligaverit vita ad meam,
porta illam anima pennis doloris,
illi mentem profundissimum solitudo."
Banion cut deep into his forearm, spilling his blood onto Arlenia's putrid remains. He watched a red and sinister light form around her body and staggered back onto his rear as she took in a breath and screamed into the night a screech of abject terror that silenced even the goblin's usual raucous hoots. Banion breathed heavily, and slowly began to smile.
The sounds of goblins from the nearby tower carried on the wind, but it did not unnerve Banion in the least. He reached the graveyard and picked his way by the newly cresting moon's light to Arlenia's resting place. "Child, you will have your revenge. I can't live knowing you didn't. Then, you can rest."
It took a full two hours for Banion to move the earth over Arlenia's body. Sinking into the dark hole, he hoisted the decaying, skeletal remains over his shoulder, then onto the ground beside the grave. He hefted himself from the hole, sweat beading on his aging pate. He laid out the contents of his pack, and opened the tome. It had been many a long year since he had practiced his necromancy. He knew it would also be a risk, a ripple in the fabric of magic that would alert the dark wizards that he was, in fact, still alive. But Banion was driven, and by a calm madness, he started weaving his spell.
"By tenebris lux nocturna,
in utero mortis,
puero hoc tenebrarum nativitate,
eius obligaverit vita ad meam,
porta illam anima pennis doloris,
illi mentem profundissimum solitudo."
Banion cut deep into his forearm, spilling his blood onto Arlenia's putrid remains. He watched a red and sinister light form around her body and staggered back onto his rear as she took in a breath and screamed into the night a screech of abject terror that silenced even the goblin's usual raucous hoots. Banion breathed heavily, and slowly began to smile.
Readying the Ritual
Banion stared out of his small window, watching the children filled with dirt run about with wild and free abandon. He stared, his arms folded, as the parents spoke jovially with their fellow villagers. He felt the bile rise in his throat. He pulled the small flap down, sending the hut into darkness.
It had been... Banion didn't know how long it had been since the big gladiator had walked in with Arlenia's body in his arms, accompanied by the man in robes, her head resting on her stomach. He had nothing to say and there was nothing he could do but stare. What had occurred was only what Banion could consider an injustice in the worst degree. The big gladiator was a murderer, as was his friend. They had taken from the island a troubled woman, but an islander. And it burned a hole in Banion's heart.
Banion crossed to the table and lit a candle. He glanced about the hut, ensuring all windows were closed, his wood paneled door latched. He slowly moved the table out, its legs scraping on the floor with a hollow sound. Banion moved the candle down, his fingers caressing a long board, lifting it up. Beneath it lay a tome, wrapped in leather. With practiced ease, the man lifted the book and laid it with a thunk on the table. He tossed back the flaps of leather and laid bare the tome, "Raising the Dead and Ensuring Control."
Banion sighed as he hefted the book into his bag. He went to his small cabinet and pulled down various herbs, vials, as well as a few nefarious ingredients hidden away. He grabbed a ritual dagger from the rear of his cabinet and placed it all in his bag. He knew that Arlenia had been pained in life, he knew she would suffer even more in death - but he also knew once he placed the shambles of her spirit back into her carcass, she could go forth and gain her vindication. Then, if she chose, he could release her back into eternal slumber.
For now, he would have to wait. Banion blew out the candle, and in the dark of his hut, he whispered on a faint breath the spells that would bring Arlenia back into being. Tonight was the full moon. It would be done this evening, the right amount of time had passed, and Banion would be ready.
It had been... Banion didn't know how long it had been since the big gladiator had walked in with Arlenia's body in his arms, accompanied by the man in robes, her head resting on her stomach. He had nothing to say and there was nothing he could do but stare. What had occurred was only what Banion could consider an injustice in the worst degree. The big gladiator was a murderer, as was his friend. They had taken from the island a troubled woman, but an islander. And it burned a hole in Banion's heart.
Banion crossed to the table and lit a candle. He glanced about the hut, ensuring all windows were closed, his wood paneled door latched. He slowly moved the table out, its legs scraping on the floor with a hollow sound. Banion moved the candle down, his fingers caressing a long board, lifting it up. Beneath it lay a tome, wrapped in leather. With practiced ease, the man lifted the book and laid it with a thunk on the table. He tossed back the flaps of leather and laid bare the tome, "Raising the Dead and Ensuring Control."
Banion sighed as he hefted the book into his bag. He went to his small cabinet and pulled down various herbs, vials, as well as a few nefarious ingredients hidden away. He grabbed a ritual dagger from the rear of his cabinet and placed it all in his bag. He knew that Arlenia had been pained in life, he knew she would suffer even more in death - but he also knew once he placed the shambles of her spirit back into her carcass, she could go forth and gain her vindication. Then, if she chose, he could release her back into eternal slumber.
For now, he would have to wait. Banion blew out the candle, and in the dark of his hut, he whispered on a faint breath the spells that would bring Arlenia back into being. Tonight was the full moon. It would be done this evening, the right amount of time had passed, and Banion would be ready.
A missive in the times answered
Maya had made her way inside the busy Casino bar. Over crowded and nosiy places made her want to retch, they dragged down her soul like a scratching in the heart, it was something she detested, yet here was the place she had agreed to meet the person applying for the task of research assistant, recovering the names of the members of the Radiant heart was her top priority, her repulsion for her location would have to wait in the background, for now.
He arrived and waved to her. Maya must commend the editor or the westbridge times, he passed on the description she had left brilliantly, almost too brilliantly, maybe she'll keep an eye on the editor also. "greetings" he said to her.
"Well met, you must be the gentleman the editor mentioned, responding about the job?" she extended her thin hand to him and gave his own a firm shake. "Please join me" extending her hand outward gesturing to a nearby space at the end of the bar, Maya sits down, waiting for him to join her, when he does she continues.
"As you are likely aware, there will be some questions of course, to see your suitability for the task, Do you oppose such a notion?" Shaking his head the elven man responded "Not at all, I understand, please, ask your questions"
"We shall start with your name, and any renowned titles you may carry within any governments?"
"My name is Vladimar" he answered "I have no titles, and am affiliated with no governments, I'm my own man".
After a series of questions at which Maya listened to every answer intently, she revealed the payment to which Vladimar offered a big grin and said "Now your talking my speed, What's the job?"
Maya pondered for a moment, she had looked at the man closely, he wore nothing to indicate if his words spoke truth, and she knew nothing of the man to take him at face value, so grinning at him she smiled before saying quietly "We're getting ahead of ourselves Vladimar, the trial task first". After detailing to him what that would be, he assured her he could find the necromancer in question, he had her name after all, Xalyn De'lial.
After a few more words on how to approach her if he found the necromancer, Maya stood, inclined her head in a parting of dismissal and a shimmery space of air swallowed him up, and Vladimar dissapeared. "Good luck Tracker, The Realms will thank you" Maya threw back her head and cackled like an insane woman.
He arrived and waved to her. Maya must commend the editor or the westbridge times, he passed on the description she had left brilliantly, almost too brilliantly, maybe she'll keep an eye on the editor also. "greetings" he said to her.
"Well met, you must be the gentleman the editor mentioned, responding about the job?" she extended her thin hand to him and gave his own a firm shake. "Please join me" extending her hand outward gesturing to a nearby space at the end of the bar, Maya sits down, waiting for him to join her, when he does she continues.
"As you are likely aware, there will be some questions of course, to see your suitability for the task, Do you oppose such a notion?" Shaking his head the elven man responded "Not at all, I understand, please, ask your questions"
"We shall start with your name, and any renowned titles you may carry within any governments?"
"My name is Vladimar" he answered "I have no titles, and am affiliated with no governments, I'm my own man".
After a series of questions at which Maya listened to every answer intently, she revealed the payment to which Vladimar offered a big grin and said "Now your talking my speed, What's the job?"
Maya pondered for a moment, she had looked at the man closely, he wore nothing to indicate if his words spoke truth, and she knew nothing of the man to take him at face value, so grinning at him she smiled before saying quietly "We're getting ahead of ourselves Vladimar, the trial task first". After detailing to him what that would be, he assured her he could find the necromancer in question, he had her name after all, Xalyn De'lial.
After a few more words on how to approach her if he found the necromancer, Maya stood, inclined her head in a parting of dismissal and a shimmery space of air swallowed him up, and Vladimar dissapeared. "Good luck Tracker, The Realms will thank you" Maya threw back her head and cackled like an insane woman.
Diary: 3rd of Hammer
My own dad won't listen to me and says I shouldn't be so angry. Gods he's so blind! My mom doesn't want him and he tells me that I don't understand!
Fine. He says I can't live anyone else's life for them and can't protect anyone from themselves. Forget it then. Forget this stupid family. If my dad wants to stay here and get hurt then he can, but I won't! I'm leaving! I'm old enough to take care of myself, so I will.
Things won't ever be the same no matter what, so why should I keep waiting for them to change? If they want to be stupid and blind, so what!
I don't know where I will go - I'll probably have to find work or something to get a place to stay. Oh well. Anywhere is better than here.
Fine. He says I can't live anyone else's life for them and can't protect anyone from themselves. Forget it then. Forget this stupid family. If my dad wants to stay here and get hurt then he can, but I won't! I'm leaving! I'm old enough to take care of myself, so I will.
Things won't ever be the same no matter what, so why should I keep waiting for them to change? If they want to be stupid and blind, so what!
I don't know where I will go - I'll probably have to find work or something to get a place to stay. Oh well. Anywhere is better than here.
Collision
Sanria came back from the castle exhausted and grateful to see her own house. She had spend the day in meditations coupled with advising sessions with Enmach. She threw off her robe and stepped into her waterfall shower. Through magic the water diverted here was the perfect temperature. It ran down her face, neck, and body - easing hear pain and clearing her mind. Once finished, she wrapped herself in a fresh robe and headed to her bedroom.
Colin was there, waiting for her. Somehow, though they were "apart" they weren't "apart." Colin had slowly worked his way from the guest room back into Sanria's room - and she was so accustomed to seeing him there that the thought of forcing him out no longer crossed her mind. She told him she'd be staying until he was healed anyway, and Enmach had suggested not rushing that, so, to see him there wasn't troubling, but the look on his face was.
"Leandra is really, really upset," he began haltingly.
"About?"
"Us... everything... she wanted to move out. Me and her."
"I see."
"Do you think she got that from me?" he asked, avoiding her gaze.
"Got what from you?"
"Being so angry..."
"No. She's never truly seen you angry. Only one of our children has."
"And he hasn't been the same with me since," Colin replied quietly.
"Nothing has been the same since."
"Yeah... I think maybe you should talk to her."
"Yes. I don't know what good it will do, but alright."
The soothing affects of her shower gone, Sanria sighed and got up, padding down the stairs to Leandra's room. She expected a fire storm. With Leandra, lately, Sanria could never know. The girl was so full of angst and irritation with her... she knocked. No answer. She knocked again. Nothing. With dread creeping in, she opened the door to find an empty room and what appeared to be an open diary on the bed.
Sanria crossed the room and picked it up and as she read, her blood went cold.
Colin was there, waiting for her. Somehow, though they were "apart" they weren't "apart." Colin had slowly worked his way from the guest room back into Sanria's room - and she was so accustomed to seeing him there that the thought of forcing him out no longer crossed her mind. She told him she'd be staying until he was healed anyway, and Enmach had suggested not rushing that, so, to see him there wasn't troubling, but the look on his face was.
"Leandra is really, really upset," he began haltingly.
"About?"
"Us... everything... she wanted to move out. Me and her."
"I see."
"Do you think she got that from me?" he asked, avoiding her gaze.
"Got what from you?"
"Being so angry..."
"No. She's never truly seen you angry. Only one of our children has."
"And he hasn't been the same with me since," Colin replied quietly.
"Nothing has been the same since."
"Yeah... I think maybe you should talk to her."
"Yes. I don't know what good it will do, but alright."
The soothing affects of her shower gone, Sanria sighed and got up, padding down the stairs to Leandra's room. She expected a fire storm. With Leandra, lately, Sanria could never know. The girl was so full of angst and irritation with her... she knocked. No answer. She knocked again. Nothing. With dread creeping in, she opened the door to find an empty room and what appeared to be an open diary on the bed.
Sanria crossed the room and picked it up and as she read, her blood went cold.
Diary: 2nd of Hammer
I think my mom is stupid. There, I said it. So what. No one is gonna know because no one reads my diary. Even Orn and Reggie don't know I have one. She makes me want to scream.
I hate how she makes my dad upset - she doesn't think I know that she was messing around with that idiot Thasmudyan. I hate him too. He's always hanging around our house, except when he isn't hanging around our house and he's gone away. Then when he's gone my mom gets some stupid sad look in her eyes even though my dad is right there in front of her. I don't care how much he saved Orn's life.
I wish my dad would just tell her to get lost, we don't need her anyway. And Orn, too. He acts like he knows everything and it's just dumb. He runs around with his stupid bear and acts like my mom does.
My mom is going to have a baby by my dad while she's messing around with Thasmudyan. Yeah, it's my fault, I took her tea and hid it cause I know my dad can't keep his hands off of her but it didn't work like I thought it would. They still aren't back together and now we have to deal with some stupid baby in the house and I STILL don't have what I want.
Maybe me and my dad could move out. I'd take care of him and he could find someone else that wouldn't be such a... a... dipshit like my mom. Not that I want another mom. That's the last thing I need.
God. I. Hate. Her. Why can't she just be normal like other moms? Alright. I don't **hate** her, but she makes me so mad I want to just... I don't know. Now she leaves to do some "clan" thing and Orn is up her butt like she's the best thing. Yeah. Me and my dad should just move out. I think that would be the best. Then we could train together and we'd be fine.
I hate how she makes my dad upset - she doesn't think I know that she was messing around with that idiot Thasmudyan. I hate him too. He's always hanging around our house, except when he isn't hanging around our house and he's gone away. Then when he's gone my mom gets some stupid sad look in her eyes even though my dad is right there in front of her. I don't care how much he saved Orn's life.
I wish my dad would just tell her to get lost, we don't need her anyway. And Orn, too. He acts like he knows everything and it's just dumb. He runs around with his stupid bear and acts like my mom does.
My mom is going to have a baby by my dad while she's messing around with Thasmudyan. Yeah, it's my fault, I took her tea and hid it cause I know my dad can't keep his hands off of her but it didn't work like I thought it would. They still aren't back together and now we have to deal with some stupid baby in the house and I STILL don't have what I want.
Maybe me and my dad could move out. I'd take care of him and he could find someone else that wouldn't be such a... a... dipshit like my mom. Not that I want another mom. That's the last thing I need.
God. I. Hate. Her. Why can't she just be normal like other moms? Alright. I don't **hate** her, but she makes me so mad I want to just... I don't know. Now she leaves to do some "clan" thing and Orn is up her butt like she's the best thing. Yeah. Me and my dad should just move out. I think that would be the best. Then we could train together and we'd be fine.
Considerations
Sanria sat at her desk, looking at the two pieces of paper in her hand. One was from her own son, the other, from the orc Kronk. Of course, the vote to allow her son, Orn, into the clan was one in which she could not partake. Of course she would allow him with her - but his relationship to her would make her biased.
Laying Orn's note aside, she picked up the one written by Jayden for Kronk. It was sweet, she thought, how Jayden took the time to speak with the Orc and to help him. She thought back on Kronk, realizing just how much he wanted to have understanding. "Don't we all," she murmured aloud. A balance to help others give understanding and harmony. Having an Orc in the halls would certainly help the Keepers of Balance show that they were, in fact, willing to open their doors to any who wished to help spread the ideas of harmony through balance.
Sanria took out her pen and began to write a missive to the clan:
"Dear Keepers," she wrote, and with a smile and thoughts to the future, she continued on.
Laying Orn's note aside, she picked up the one written by Jayden for Kronk. It was sweet, she thought, how Jayden took the time to speak with the Orc and to help him. She thought back on Kronk, realizing just how much he wanted to have understanding. "Don't we all," she murmured aloud. A balance to help others give understanding and harmony. Having an Orc in the halls would certainly help the Keepers of Balance show that they were, in fact, willing to open their doors to any who wished to help spread the ideas of harmony through balance.
Sanria took out her pen and began to write a missive to the clan:
"Dear Keepers," she wrote, and with a smile and thoughts to the future, she continued on.
Kronk and the Keepers
"I Jayden Young have written this for Kronk Orcish Destroyer for he cannot write and has trouble with some words of our language." 'Kronk hails from nowhere, he rests when he can and he wishes for a balance in this world so a creature like himself can live in harmony with all others. Kronk is very well adversed in fighting and can protect others with no hesitation, he is one with a blade and could lead others from the front. He grows more every day in understanding others and learning common tongue. Not the brightest is Kronk but he grows with intelligence more and more, if you can accept this Orc as one of our own he says he will be deeply indebt to the cause and well being of the clan and members first and foremost.'
Kronk then took the paper and marked a circle on the paper for his signature he grunted and thanked Jayden. Jayden then placed the parchment into an envelope and placed it on Sanria's table. "What we do now?" Kronk asked.
"We wait....." replied Jayden
Kronk then took the paper and marked a circle on the paper for his signature he grunted and thanked Jayden. Jayden then placed the parchment into an envelope and placed it on Sanria's table. "What we do now?" Kronk asked.
"We wait....." replied Jayden
The Orc
Jayden turned and left the meditation chamber, adjusting his robes. Kronk was standing in the courtyard as Jayden emerged from the castle, little did Jayden know there was an Orc clad in full armor waiting for him. Jayden breathed deeply when he saw the Orc, not ever encountering one face to face before he was not expecting to see what he had. Wasting no time he advanced slowly but without hesitation to the Orc with a smile on his face, "Good day sir, I was told you would like to speak with me, maybe I could offer you some assistance?" Kronk tilted his head and spoke deeply "Kronk got told J help Kronk. Kronk get chased by all persons. People scared of Kronk, Kronk have no home to go to!"
"You will never be harmed here Kronk, this is a place of balance no one gets harmed here, we live in peace with one another." Kronk looked at Jayden and hung his head as he spoke "Kronk trust J, Sannnnia tell Kronk J good human, so Kronk trust you." his massive finger pointed right at Jayden. Jayden smiled and and asked "So you came here not knowing what here was, but somehow you ended up here, this is divine, I do believe you were brought here for a reason Kronk." The Orc looked at Jayden and shrugged "Kronk do not know. Kronk ran....ended up here." he waved his giant hand around the area "Yes and I believe you were sent here for a reason Kronk, I do not know what reason, but I believe it is a just one....I would like you to stick around for awhile, but....we have to clear it with everyone else, if I would help you write a letter addressed to everyone here would you be willing to do it?" Kronk looked around and then back at Jayden, eye to eye he spoke soft but firm "Yes....Kronk want to be part of balance..." With that Jayden walked Kronk into a room with a desk, ink and paper, here he began working a translation for Kronk to send out to the island.
"You will never be harmed here Kronk, this is a place of balance no one gets harmed here, we live in peace with one another." Kronk looked at Jayden and hung his head as he spoke "Kronk trust J, Sannnnia tell Kronk J good human, so Kronk trust you." his massive finger pointed right at Jayden. Jayden smiled and and asked "So you came here not knowing what here was, but somehow you ended up here, this is divine, I do believe you were brought here for a reason Kronk." The Orc looked at Jayden and shrugged "Kronk do not know. Kronk ran....ended up here." he waved his giant hand around the area "Yes and I believe you were sent here for a reason Kronk, I do not know what reason, but I believe it is a just one....I would like you to stick around for awhile, but....we have to clear it with everyone else, if I would help you write a letter addressed to everyone here would you be willing to do it?" Kronk looked around and then back at Jayden, eye to eye he spoke soft but firm "Yes....Kronk want to be part of balance..." With that Jayden walked Kronk into a room with a desk, ink and paper, here he began working a translation for Kronk to send out to the island.
Time
Pride. It was the single word that kept coming back to Sanria, thudding through her mind in time with her beating heart. Her son, her boy, her Orn was becoming a man. Certainly, he still had missteps - his excitement bubbling over like a child, words hastily said without thought when he was nervous, but in the setting sun of the day, she had watched her little boy negotiate with an orc in a free, clear, unabashed way. He had negotiated with the skill of a man...
Sanria had finally taken him to the castle. Taken him to meet the Rilmani and any member of the clan that would meet with him. Her heart warmed at the awe on his face - at once so young and so grown. She had been alive for so many years, years beyond her natural time, but never felt so aged as when Orn, big and gangly, jogged to the edge of the floating island with the exuberance of a lab- orador puppy. "Mirin and Reggie should see this!" Her heart tightened. Al- ready the sphere of his life was moving away from her shadow, gaining a light of its own. Though Emalia and Tarran had grown up, this was the first time she got to see it without guilt, but bent with the weight of loss.
They had entered the castle and met with Jayden and Sanria felt sorrow flitter like a bird behind the cage of her bones. Orn seemed to absorb the tenderness Jayden showed like a sponge. A fatherliness that Colin had obliterated when he had killed Arlenia. Jayden had sensed the sorrow from both of them, and Sanria knew, deep down, she had to get Colin better. She had to try to help Orn look at his own father the way he had looked at Jayden.
Sanria had taken Orn to her office when the yell interrupted their discussion, "Who in there!!!!! Let Kronk in!!!!!!!" Then, leading her son, Sanria stepped out of the castle and face to face with a hulking orc. Fear ripped through her at the sight of the sword and the armor, and her son, her boy, her Orn had stepped in front of -her-. Somehow, time had passed. Her mind swung like a pendulum - boy, man, boy, man. Then she watched with awe as Orn laid down his staff and somehow befriended the orc named Kronk. He had negotiated with the skill of a man.
Sanria had finally taken him to the castle. Taken him to meet the Rilmani and any member of the clan that would meet with him. Her heart warmed at the awe on his face - at once so young and so grown. She had been alive for so many years, years beyond her natural time, but never felt so aged as when Orn, big and gangly, jogged to the edge of the floating island with the exuberance of a lab- orador puppy. "Mirin and Reggie should see this!" Her heart tightened. Al- ready the sphere of his life was moving away from her shadow, gaining a light of its own. Though Emalia and Tarran had grown up, this was the first time she got to see it without guilt, but bent with the weight of loss.
They had entered the castle and met with Jayden and Sanria felt sorrow flitter like a bird behind the cage of her bones. Orn seemed to absorb the tenderness Jayden showed like a sponge. A fatherliness that Colin had obliterated when he had killed Arlenia. Jayden had sensed the sorrow from both of them, and Sanria knew, deep down, she had to get Colin better. She had to try to help Orn look at his own father the way he had looked at Jayden.
Sanria had taken Orn to her office when the yell interrupted their discussion, "Who in there!!!!! Let Kronk in!!!!!!!" Then, leading her son, Sanria stepped out of the castle and face to face with a hulking orc. Fear ripped through her at the sight of the sword and the armor, and her son, her boy, her Orn had stepped in front of -her-. Somehow, time had passed. Her mind swung like a pendulum - boy, man, boy, man. Then she watched with awe as Orn laid down his staff and somehow befriended the orc named Kronk. He had negotiated with the skill of a man.
Freedom Part II
He had searched the corpses, finding a set of keys on the elder of the two. A chest sat in the doorway, Kronk made his way over to it and thought about how to open the chest, his eyes drifted down to his hand where he held a set of keys. One by one Kronk tried all the keys, as he heard the click his large hand lifted the lid. Bone armor littered the chest "Kronk gear!" he mouthed. Once properly armored Kronk drew his skull endorned sword and made his way out of the mine. As he made his way to the surface Kronk's eyes squinted, he had no idea how long he had been in the mine, but from his eyes straining he thought it was quite a while. Kronk walked away from the mine trying to avoid the village, but as his luck had ran out a child saw him and started to scream.
Within minutes Kronk was trying to escape through the woods when two dwarfs came in from the side to attack. Kronk raised his sword and let out a bellow of a warcry, he dispatched the first with a flick of his arm the sword chopping deeply into his mid- section. As the dwarf dropped spilling blood all around him, he choked out "killl...himm!!" The second dwarf took a more cautious approach as he held his axe up, Kronk tilted into a fighting posture and angled his sword straight foward to point out his next enemy. The dwarf made the first move swinging the axe in an arc toward Kronk, Kronk shifted his sword and caught the axe, the weapons held firm. Kronk saw the opportunity and took it, he kicked his foot out and shattered the dwarf's knee, the dwarf went down screaming. Kronk could still hear the Dwarf screaming as he got closer to Westbridge, he passed through Westbridge and out of the west gate Kronk found himself in a woods he did not know, but he could not stop he was being hunted like an animal. The sun was blazing down as he poked his eyes upward seeing an extrordinary island. This island was floating, Kronk thought a moment and grinned, he removed a vial of liquid and drank it down quickly. Kronk floated up to the island and finally landed, he walked around for an hour or so when he found himself at a gate, he bellowed out "Who in there!!!!! Let Kronk in!!!!!!!" he proceeded to smash his fist into the gate wondering all the time where is Kronk?
Within minutes Kronk was trying to escape through the woods when two dwarfs came in from the side to attack. Kronk raised his sword and let out a bellow of a warcry, he dispatched the first with a flick of his arm the sword chopping deeply into his mid- section. As the dwarf dropped spilling blood all around him, he choked out "killl...himm!!" The second dwarf took a more cautious approach as he held his axe up, Kronk tilted into a fighting posture and angled his sword straight foward to point out his next enemy. The dwarf made the first move swinging the axe in an arc toward Kronk, Kronk shifted his sword and caught the axe, the weapons held firm. Kronk saw the opportunity and took it, he kicked his foot out and shattered the dwarf's knee, the dwarf went down screaming. Kronk could still hear the Dwarf screaming as he got closer to Westbridge, he passed through Westbridge and out of the west gate Kronk found himself in a woods he did not know, but he could not stop he was being hunted like an animal. The sun was blazing down as he poked his eyes upward seeing an extrordinary island. This island was floating, Kronk thought a moment and grinned, he removed a vial of liquid and drank it down quickly. Kronk floated up to the island and finally landed, he walked around for an hour or so when he found himself at a gate, he bellowed out "Who in there!!!!! Let Kronk in!!!!!!!" he proceeded to smash his fist into the gate wondering all the time where is Kronk?
Freedom
Kronk opened his eyes, stunned by what the Dwarfs did to him, he came here looking for a place to rest his head and they drugged him, just to lock him in a cage deep in an old mine shaft. "LET KRONK OUT!!!" the giant Orc bellowed, his calls fell on deaf ears for this was an abandoned mine. He leaned his head back against the steel cage and felt him self drifting back into slumber...... Startled by a noise Kronk rose quickly, his head hitting the metal cage, Kronk looked down to notice his armor was missing and as was his sword, looking around in the dark for the cause of the noise was pointless, for there was nothing around him. Kronk grabbed ahold of the bars on the cage and felt himself transition into a rage that turned his eyes red, his arms buldged and pulled in opposite directions, bending the metal with ease, he kept pulling untill he heard cracking from the structure that held him in, Kronk stopped and repositioned himself where he kicked out sending two of the bars flying ahead. Once out of the cage Kronk walked the mine for hours trying to find a way out, he stumbled upon and area that was lit by a fire. Kronk walked out into view where two dwarven guards sat slumbering he rushed the one to his left crashing into the Dwarf with all his weight, the bones shattered in the Dwarfs chest, allowing him one last breath before he passed on. Kepron awoke to a startling sound as he watched his fellow guard get crushed, hopping to his feet he grabbed his axe and charged after the beast. Kronk turned as the axe came down and grabbed it with one hand, he then smashed his other hand into the Dwarf's skull crushing it, Kepron dropped to the floor, Kronk was free.
A listing in the Westbridge Times
Help Wanted: We seek a "Research Assistant" for a series of investigations. The candidate should be prompt, self motivated, accurate in their reports and of a sound mind. (Previous citizens of institutions will not be accepted). Confidentiality is a must and the successful applicant will be well compensated financially, All interested parties should respond to this classified, by similar post within the times where a meeting will be determined and interviews commence.
All applications should be directed to, Company X.
All applications should be directed to, Company X.
A small backstep in Radiant Sorrow I
Maya sent the glass chalice she was holding hurtling to the wall, its crisp crystal shattering into thousands of tiny shards, littering the slate floor like glitter. She was glad she hadnt paid the idiot for that list, instead of getting names of the members of the Radiant Heart he had given her members of the earth guard, a small band of villagers from even smaller sectors of land, no wonder there had been no major uprising, they were nobdies, well to someone they were probably somebodies, but that was hardly a concern to her. This current set back however, was.
Tearing up the list in front of her in an abundance of rage, Maya signaled to the golems formed out of the rocks in her dark little cavern she cherrished so much away from the world, to take the pathetic wretch before her away, she would deal with this insolence as soon as she had recovered the delay that the incorrect list of names had caused.
Uttering the words she had been using so often of late, Maya vanished from the cavern and appeared in the familiar halls that her brethren used for their needs with the intent of setting out to find the halfling, it was obvious now, they had to recover the actual list of names themselves.
Winding her way through the halls, nodding at the occasional passerby, her cloak scraping along the ground behind her with a hiss, Maya eventually spotted the halfling, nodding in greeting she wasted no time getting to the point of the issue, they agreed to notify the order of this small transgression and set out to Westbridge to begin the search of the actual members of the Radiant Heart.
Tearing up the list in front of her in an abundance of rage, Maya signaled to the golems formed out of the rocks in her dark little cavern she cherrished so much away from the world, to take the pathetic wretch before her away, she would deal with this insolence as soon as she had recovered the delay that the incorrect list of names had caused.
Uttering the words she had been using so often of late, Maya vanished from the cavern and appeared in the familiar halls that her brethren used for their needs with the intent of setting out to find the halfling, it was obvious now, they had to recover the actual list of names themselves.
Winding her way through the halls, nodding at the occasional passerby, her cloak scraping along the ground behind her with a hiss, Maya eventually spotted the halfling, nodding in greeting she wasted no time getting to the point of the issue, they agreed to notify the order of this small transgression and set out to Westbridge to begin the search of the actual members of the Radiant Heart.
Bloody Sorrow from a RadiantHeart IV
The blood on her hands seemed to have changed the very colour of her flesh itself, she sat for only moments taking it all in before taking the wash bowl and placing it in the center of the room. She calmly washed her hands, her eyes draping over the four bodies nailed and butchered around her, They were being attacked heavily, in such a short ammount of time, and yet no retaliation, were they organising an army? building allies? Drying her hands on Narveens shirt, the remaining patch not soaked with her lifeforce, the woman left the small little home, the front door abandoned, wide open.
No sooner had she entered the dark, barely lamp lit street, she was bombarded with the thoughts of another, as soon as they had registered, she pictured the little impish smile of her halfling associate. "Finished up here, how about you?" He was asking.
Sending her own thoughts back along the telepathic link she shared with all her order, she replied "All done here, Check in on the others will you? it strikes me odd we've met no resistance, I'm going to go check into any rumours that might be lingering in the town... why they seem to be taking this personal affront lying down? perhaps they've moved on and death can slowly soak into the streets here, instead of their happy ray of hope."
The telepathic link severed, The woman uttered the words "candushiqahz" as grey mists swirl up around her feet, consuming her body, as the haze finally dissapated the street stood empty. Materialising instantly outside the Market square pub, she entered the building, and assended the stairs.
No sooner had she entered the dark, barely lamp lit street, she was bombarded with the thoughts of another, as soon as they had registered, she pictured the little impish smile of her halfling associate. "Finished up here, how about you?" He was asking.
Sending her own thoughts back along the telepathic link she shared with all her order, she replied "All done here, Check in on the others will you? it strikes me odd we've met no resistance, I'm going to go check into any rumours that might be lingering in the town... why they seem to be taking this personal affront lying down? perhaps they've moved on and death can slowly soak into the streets here, instead of their happy ray of hope."
The telepathic link severed, The woman uttered the words "candushiqahz" as grey mists swirl up around her feet, consuming her body, as the haze finally dissapated the street stood empty. Materialising instantly outside the Market square pub, she entered the building, and assended the stairs.
Advisors
Sanria closed the book and stared at the cover. She sighed heavily and reach- ed out with her mind, "Enmach? Could I speak with you?"
The silvery woman appeared in a moment and gave a small bow. "As you wish."
"Could I ask for your advice?"
"Regarding?"
Here, Sanria hesitated. With a deep breath, she told Enmach everything, and with a saintly patience, the silvery woman listened. At last, when the situa- tion had been relayed, Enmach nodded. "So you have balance when you are here, and chaos when you are at home. If you choose to stay here, you pull apart a family. If you choose to stay there, you are stifled. Why not bring your family here?"
"But... I don't think Colin would be okay. If I leave, he could very well hurt somebody, and I promised him that I wouldn't leave until he was healed."
"I see," Enmach replied thoughtfully. "Have you ever considered you worry too much? That if you weren't so wrapped up in speeding decisions along with regard to Colin, that he would... relax?"
Sanria leaned back with a frown. This consideration had, indeed, escaped her. "No," she replied, "but that doesn't make everything okay. He's scared in a way I've never seen before. Desperate, too. I try to avoid him, hoping that the distance will solve things, but it only-"
"Makes things worse. Tell me," Enmach began, "do you want to be with this other man?"
"We've said we're not marrying again if that's what you mean."
"And you're not interested in being with Colin any longer?"
"Not unless he gets that stuff out of him."
"And then?"
Sanria sighed deeply and ran a hand through her hair. "I don't know, truly. He killed someone who was sick. He knew he might. How do I let go of that?"
"Was it this, substance, that caused him to lose his mind?"
"Yes."
"Which would make him sick also as this other woman was?"
"Yes," Sanria answered with a whisper.
"Then, I expect you have deeper thinking to do regarding your motivations. If I could be bold, you don't seem to have a good reason for staying away other than you feel stifled, but if Colin is healed and you seek nothing from this other man..." Enmach paused as Sanria sank a bit into her chair. "It isn't the advice you wanted to hear, is it?"
Sanria looked up with a small smile. She shook her head slowly, unable to speak. "Then," Enmach said, "I will merely advise that you look deeply into yourself, choose with careful, thoughtful consideration, and make a choice that will enable you to continue your work here as a leader, and there as a family member. Provided you take your time, things will work out."
"Thank you," Sanria managed as Enmach vanished once more.
The silvery woman appeared in a moment and gave a small bow. "As you wish."
"Could I ask for your advice?"
"Regarding?"
Here, Sanria hesitated. With a deep breath, she told Enmach everything, and with a saintly patience, the silvery woman listened. At last, when the situa- tion had been relayed, Enmach nodded. "So you have balance when you are here, and chaos when you are at home. If you choose to stay here, you pull apart a family. If you choose to stay there, you are stifled. Why not bring your family here?"
"But... I don't think Colin would be okay. If I leave, he could very well hurt somebody, and I promised him that I wouldn't leave until he was healed."
"I see," Enmach replied thoughtfully. "Have you ever considered you worry too much? That if you weren't so wrapped up in speeding decisions along with regard to Colin, that he would... relax?"
Sanria leaned back with a frown. This consideration had, indeed, escaped her. "No," she replied, "but that doesn't make everything okay. He's scared in a way I've never seen before. Desperate, too. I try to avoid him, hoping that the distance will solve things, but it only-"
"Makes things worse. Tell me," Enmach began, "do you want to be with this other man?"
"We've said we're not marrying again if that's what you mean."
"And you're not interested in being with Colin any longer?"
"Not unless he gets that stuff out of him."
"And then?"
Sanria sighed deeply and ran a hand through her hair. "I don't know, truly. He killed someone who was sick. He knew he might. How do I let go of that?"
"Was it this, substance, that caused him to lose his mind?"
"Yes."
"Which would make him sick also as this other woman was?"
"Yes," Sanria answered with a whisper.
"Then, I expect you have deeper thinking to do regarding your motivations. If I could be bold, you don't seem to have a good reason for staying away other than you feel stifled, but if Colin is healed and you seek nothing from this other man..." Enmach paused as Sanria sank a bit into her chair. "It isn't the advice you wanted to hear, is it?"
Sanria looked up with a small smile. She shook her head slowly, unable to speak. "Then," Enmach said, "I will merely advise that you look deeply into yourself, choose with careful, thoughtful consideration, and make a choice that will enable you to continue your work here as a leader, and there as a family member. Provided you take your time, things will work out."
"Thank you," Sanria managed as Enmach vanished once more.
Seeking Balance
Sanria sat in her office and let out a long exhale. The Rilmani had been very gracious to put her up in such a nice place. All her books were here, as were some of theirs. New things to read, new agendas to discuss, but this day found her pensive. Her days had been spent here within the halls of the newly formed Keepers of Balance. She had conducted interviews and met wonderful new people. The troubles that clouded her thoughts were not here. They were at home.
In the span of a mere couple of weeks, Sanria had watched Thasmudyan attempt to heal Colin and nearly kill him. Consequently, in giving Colin CPR, she had lost the baby she was carrying. When Colin woke from his coma, he was devasta- ted, but not so much as when he found out she had gotten back together with Thasmudyan. Then... Thasmudyan had disappeared again. Without him there to anchor her decisions, Colin had grown intense in his pressure. It was as if a desperation had settled over him, and he had no plans in letting go.
Sanria had finally told Colin of her new venture with the Keepers of Balance, and it immediately sent him into waves of panic. "It's too much," and "Don't you think you should be here with your family?" and "You need to balance things here." She had anticipated such resistance, just not with the intensity that Colin had shown. She discussed the possibility of moving out, staying at the castle and sharing the custody of their children in that way, but the bristling of desperation she saw come over Colin's face stalled her from acting on it.
Now, Sanria sat in her office, letting out another sigh. This place was the only freedom she had to be herself, to devote some time to study, without the shadow of Colin following her. Though she told him she wasn't a prisoner in her home, it wasn't the truth.
Sanria got up and walked to her bookshelf, selecting "The Outlands: A retrospective," and returned to her desk. She opened it and began to read, putting a hand on her stomach. For, through being healed by Thasmudyan, Leandra misplacing her Pennyroyal tea, and pressured by Colin, things were almost back to where they had begun. If she didn't do something soon, Sanria also knew that she would be back there as well. She was trying to stick to her principles, but the pressure was growing too much to bear, and Sanria was beginning to cave.
In the span of a mere couple of weeks, Sanria had watched Thasmudyan attempt to heal Colin and nearly kill him. Consequently, in giving Colin CPR, she had lost the baby she was carrying. When Colin woke from his coma, he was devasta- ted, but not so much as when he found out she had gotten back together with Thasmudyan. Then... Thasmudyan had disappeared again. Without him there to anchor her decisions, Colin had grown intense in his pressure. It was as if a desperation had settled over him, and he had no plans in letting go.
Sanria had finally told Colin of her new venture with the Keepers of Balance, and it immediately sent him into waves of panic. "It's too much," and "Don't you think you should be here with your family?" and "You need to balance things here." She had anticipated such resistance, just not with the intensity that Colin had shown. She discussed the possibility of moving out, staying at the castle and sharing the custody of their children in that way, but the bristling of desperation she saw come over Colin's face stalled her from acting on it.
Now, Sanria sat in her office, letting out another sigh. This place was the only freedom she had to be herself, to devote some time to study, without the shadow of Colin following her. Though she told him she wasn't a prisoner in her home, it wasn't the truth.
Sanria got up and walked to her bookshelf, selecting "The Outlands: A retrospective," and returned to her desk. She opened it and began to read, putting a hand on her stomach. For, through being healed by Thasmudyan, Leandra misplacing her Pennyroyal tea, and pressured by Colin, things were almost back to where they had begun. If she didn't do something soon, Sanria also knew that she would be back there as well. She was trying to stick to her principles, but the pressure was growing too much to bear, and Sanria was beginning to cave.
Journey to The Island
*feeling vibration on the floor*
*feeling vibration on the floor*
Demosthenes realized that something is not right, he started to get up from his evening nap to check what he felt something since he has his disadvantage of not being able to hear. He has raised his awareness what was surround him.
He noticed something moving outside of window by mantle. Begans to walk over to investigate something that he had a glimpse what he saw through the window. Indeed, it was Vorcet, I invited him in and wondering why he showed up unexpected but brushed it off as Demosthenes was glad to see him since it has been a while and, also in hoping that Vorcet would explain what he is doing here.
"Sorry for showing up unannounced", said Vorcet. "No, no need to apologize, it is always good to see you, my old friend...what brings you in the town?"
"I have a news to tell you about our discovery, this woman, name Sanria who discovered something and we happened saw each other and she shared this to me and this person name Kineada" said Vorcet.
Demosthenes seems a bit dazed, "What is it? What are you talking about?"
"It is about balance that we both have looked for so long time", Vorcet took his time to breath, "I know its such a short notice, but if you please come with me to Hoan Dor forest and I will explain more on the way." Vorcet smiled, "You will be in for surprised. this is what we both have always hoped for."
Demosthenes paused, "Now, this is very short notice but I am willing to go with you." Demosthenes got everything packed up while wondering what he is in for. Both were ready to leave out the door and start the journey to our hope begins.
After a long journey, both has arrived at Hoan Dor Forest but Demosthenes noticed something that the light is a little off. Vorcet nudged Demosthenes and pointed upward, and Demosthenes looked up and his eyes widen and was in astonishment. Demosthenes said, "Is that a land mass floating up in the sky?"
"Indeed", nodded Vorcet, "We are here now, we have to go up there". Vorcet utters the words, 'yrl' as he casted on Demosthenes and his feet has begin to rise.
"Now, lets fly toward the 'floating island' as they called it for now", Vorcet grinned, "you'll meet two people that we were in this together"
Both flew off the ground toward to the island and landed on the island, and it opened Demosthenes's eyes and realized how beautiful the view was at the edge of the island. They begin to walk through the island.
Their journey has come to the end soon. Demosthenes cant help but wonder what he is in for as Vorcet mentioned that there are hopes for us.
"Look Demosthenes, they need you, and I think you would be a great fit for Keepers of Balance that I have been telling you about" said Vorcet. "You need to meet Sanria and Kineada and when you see them, tell them that I sent for you, and remember what I said all the details about the Keepers of Balance. It is a perfect opportunity for you that we both had hoped for" as Vorcet tried to encourage Demosthenes. Vorcet pointed at the path toward to the Castle, "this is where you will find your opportunity to be one of us."
Demosthenes nodded in agreement, "I will meet them and I hope this will be a good future for us" Demosthenes walked toward the path that points to the Castle.....
*feeling vibration on the floor*
Demosthenes realized that something is not right, he started to get up from his evening nap to check what he felt something since he has his disadvantage of not being able to hear. He has raised his awareness what was surround him.
He noticed something moving outside of window by mantle. Begans to walk over to investigate something that he had a glimpse what he saw through the window. Indeed, it was Vorcet, I invited him in and wondering why he showed up unexpected but brushed it off as Demosthenes was glad to see him since it has been a while and, also in hoping that Vorcet would explain what he is doing here.
"Sorry for showing up unannounced", said Vorcet. "No, no need to apologize, it is always good to see you, my old friend...what brings you in the town?"
"I have a news to tell you about our discovery, this woman, name Sanria who discovered something and we happened saw each other and she shared this to me and this person name Kineada" said Vorcet.
Demosthenes seems a bit dazed, "What is it? What are you talking about?"
"It is about balance that we both have looked for so long time", Vorcet took his time to breath, "I know its such a short notice, but if you please come with me to Hoan Dor forest and I will explain more on the way." Vorcet smiled, "You will be in for surprised. this is what we both have always hoped for."
Demosthenes paused, "Now, this is very short notice but I am willing to go with you." Demosthenes got everything packed up while wondering what he is in for. Both were ready to leave out the door and start the journey to our hope begins.
After a long journey, both has arrived at Hoan Dor Forest but Demosthenes noticed something that the light is a little off. Vorcet nudged Demosthenes and pointed upward, and Demosthenes looked up and his eyes widen and was in astonishment. Demosthenes said, "Is that a land mass floating up in the sky?"
"Indeed", nodded Vorcet, "We are here now, we have to go up there". Vorcet utters the words, 'yrl' as he casted on Demosthenes and his feet has begin to rise.
"Now, lets fly toward the 'floating island' as they called it for now", Vorcet grinned, "you'll meet two people that we were in this together"
Both flew off the ground toward to the island and landed on the island, and it opened Demosthenes's eyes and realized how beautiful the view was at the edge of the island. They begin to walk through the island.
Their journey has come to the end soon. Demosthenes cant help but wonder what he is in for as Vorcet mentioned that there are hopes for us.
"Look Demosthenes, they need you, and I think you would be a great fit for Keepers of Balance that I have been telling you about" said Vorcet. "You need to meet Sanria and Kineada and when you see them, tell them that I sent for you, and remember what I said all the details about the Keepers of Balance. It is a perfect opportunity for you that we both had hoped for" as Vorcet tried to encourage Demosthenes. Vorcet pointed at the path toward to the Castle, "this is where you will find your opportunity to be one of us."
Demosthenes nodded in agreement, "I will meet them and I hope this will be a good future for us" Demosthenes walked toward the path that points to the Castle.....
An Announcement, Of Sorts
With a grunt, Kineada wrenched his katana free of the corpse it had just laid to rest. Wrinkling his nose, he looked about for something to wipe the bloody remains of the foul creature just slain from the blade.
Powerful magicks had been consumed in order to accomplish killing the beast Tchazzar and her guardians, not to mention the foul Tielmon before that, but by his estimation it was an expenditure of energies well worth it. Besides, if...no...WHEN the Gods returned, he was fairly certain he could sweet-talk Sune into replacing some of the trinkets whose magic he had used up in order to defeat these creatures on his own. It was also the last time he intended to use magic as a crutch...it was time to re-develop his swordsman skills, hence, his desire to form the Order of the Sword within the larger scope of the Keepers of Balance.
After casting a dweomer on the giant corpses to preserve them, Kineada started rummaging through his bag for the various spell components he would need to teleport them all to his destination.
"We need to announce our presence," Sanria had said to him, or some wording to that affect. Of course, with all the work she and Vorcet were doing to prepare the Keeper's Hall, it fell upon Kineada to figure out some sort of suitable 'announcement' for the denizens of the Realms that the Keepers of Balance were now accepting into their fold beings of a like mind.
"Well, if this doesn't get their attention," Kineada muttered to himself, "I have no idea what will..."
Market Square was soon to have a few more inhabitants, albiet lifeless ones, courtesy of the Keepers of Balance.
Powerful magicks had been consumed in order to accomplish killing the beast Tchazzar and her guardians, not to mention the foul Tielmon before that, but by his estimation it was an expenditure of energies well worth it. Besides, if...no...WHEN the Gods returned, he was fairly certain he could sweet-talk Sune into replacing some of the trinkets whose magic he had used up in order to defeat these creatures on his own. It was also the last time he intended to use magic as a crutch...it was time to re-develop his swordsman skills, hence, his desire to form the Order of the Sword within the larger scope of the Keepers of Balance.
After casting a dweomer on the giant corpses to preserve them, Kineada started rummaging through his bag for the various spell components he would need to teleport them all to his destination.
"We need to announce our presence," Sanria had said to him, or some wording to that affect. Of course, with all the work she and Vorcet were doing to prepare the Keeper's Hall, it fell upon Kineada to figure out some sort of suitable 'announcement' for the denizens of the Realms that the Keepers of Balance were now accepting into their fold beings of a like mind.
"Well, if this doesn't get their attention," Kineada muttered to himself, "I have no idea what will..."
Market Square was soon to have a few more inhabitants, albiet lifeless ones, courtesy of the Keepers of Balance.
Bloody sorrow for a RadiantHeart III
The air in the small cabin grew cold and still, a stark contrast to the heat previously felt indoors. Narveen screamed and tried to run, coming to a screeching halt as Maya's calm quiet voice entered her head. "He is bleeding, one more step I'll cut his throat, and the throats of your children. I advise you to come back here please.. " Gerald thinking he could reason with the woman, encouraged Narveen to return, after all he negotiated with insane people every day, it was one of his biggest tasks as a Guard for the Radiant Heart. "It's ok Narveen, remember, the lady just wanted to leave a message, Thats a dear, Everything will be ok, if we just do as she asks". Gerald was frantically contemplating why he could not defy her, he was a guard, her just a small frail woman, she must be a sorcerer! "Now, as I suggested, Nail her to the floor please" Maya stated simply, not offering room for negotiation, His eyes burning, blinding him momentarily with his building tears, Gerald knelt down alongside his kneeling wife, who was now placing her hands and knees on the floor. "I'll do it as quickly as possible Narveen, just be strong and think of your children, of your loves and dreams, pray Narveen, it will be over soon, and the healers will aid you" He whispered desperately in her ear, Thinking of the children and what this mad woman had threatened, Gerald took hold of the spike, and with the offered mallet, drove the spike into the fleshy spot behind the back of Narveens knee, and into the wooden floor. She screamed, the scream was a strangling gurgle, almost a wail, it sounded like one of the horns coming from the ships out at sea. A piece of him died inside. Another nail was driven into his hands. After a pain staking few minutes, sobbing quietly, and broken, nailed like a disfigured statue, Narveen was pinned to the floor. Still another nail extended, he looked up questioningly. "Your turn Gerald. " The woman wasnt smiling, her eyes were also emotionless, she moved now to position her blade at Narveens throat, and waited as patiently as one could. "Oh the gods Please you dont have to do this... Please, What do you want? You can have everything we have, just please spare my family? " Digging the point of her blade in deep enough to draw blood on Narveens throat, Maya just waited, saying nothing else, as with as much willpower as possible, Gerald nailed his hand to the floor, before Maya finally drove the final three nails home herself. "I think this should be a family affair.... Wait here.. " A sneering chuckle of amusement "while I go and get the children. "
Bloody Sorrow from a RadiantHeart II
Maya stood looking down from the ledge that ran the walls of the building just below the roof, she had been sitting here for hours, her patience unwavering, the blood had stopped circulating through her legs hours ago but still she waited and would continue to wait for hours more yet. She pondered if these particular tasks were left for her because of her tolerence for flitting by time or if it was because of her abilities, she didn't know, if it meant she was allowed to have her freedom, her peace, her time as shehe chose it, mostly, then she didnt want to know. Maya enjoyed death, what it presented, what it meant to her and that was reward enough. It had been only 5 hours, since the guard her and her halfling friend disposed of had been found, leaving her somewhat dissapointed she couldnt see the reaction their masterpiece had caused, however she was sure in due time, she would. At that moment in her thought, a trumpet split the air as below her, foot soldiers began leaving the compound in formation heading in to town, opening the window with as much quiet as s he could muster Maya dissapeared from the buildings ledge inside the building itself. Here she would wait out the day in solace, for tonight, she would be doing one for herself, tonight she was going to savour the death she caused, harness that passion, she was going to continue with her work, and if that tattered group of do gooders didn't get the message a few hours ago, They will this time.
The light extinguished and the door closed, both Naveen and her husband leant briefly against the wall, smiling to one another, their kids soon to slumber from just being tucked in, they held hands and left the hall to retire into the living area. "Tea love? " he asked as she flopped bodily into the frayed chair and nodded, fixing her a cup he handed it to her, and went to make sure the cabbins small door was bolted over before they retired, as he approached the door, his own tea cup fell to the floor with a shatter, and he leant to the coat rack reaching for his sword to release it from his scabbard, but he never had the time to grab it, inside the door was a woman, her hair scraggly and brown, her barely covered skin pale in the moonlight and he was powerless to move. A blade appearing at his throat, held tightly in her hand, pressed to his throat, urging him back into the living room. "Who are you, and what do you want with us?" The husband asked as the woman stopped ushering him back. "Who I am does not matter, Who you are Gerald does, who you work for Gerald, does, all you need know is I'm here to leave a message" the woman hissed. "Now, take these here Gerald, thats a man, don't falter now Gerald, or I'm going to kill your wif e....... Good Man Gerald.. " Maya smiled and handed him 4 large mining cart rail spikes from her cloak pocket. "Now Gerald, instruct your wife to kneel down here please, your going to nail her to the floor.... "
The light extinguished and the door closed, both Naveen and her husband leant briefly against the wall, smiling to one another, their kids soon to slumber from just being tucked in, they held hands and left the hall to retire into the living area. "Tea love? " he asked as she flopped bodily into the frayed chair and nodded, fixing her a cup he handed it to her, and went to make sure the cabbins small door was bolted over before they retired, as he approached the door, his own tea cup fell to the floor with a shatter, and he leant to the coat rack reaching for his sword to release it from his scabbard, but he never had the time to grab it, inside the door was a woman, her hair scraggly and brown, her barely covered skin pale in the moonlight and he was powerless to move. A blade appearing at his throat, held tightly in her hand, pressed to his throat, urging him back into the living room. "Who are you, and what do you want with us?" The husband asked as the woman stopped ushering him back. "Who I am does not matter, Who you are Gerald does, who you work for Gerald, does, all you need know is I'm here to leave a message" the woman hissed. "Now, take these here Gerald, thats a man, don't falter now Gerald, or I'm going to kill your wif e....... Good Man Gerald.. " Maya smiled and handed him 4 large mining cart rail spikes from her cloak pocket. "Now Gerald, instruct your wife to kneel down here please, your going to nail her to the floor.... "
The Fountain runs Red
The day was warm, it was going to be unusually stiffling. If there was anything Abraxus hated more then anything it was feeling stifled. Ah the birds are singing, the paperboy is calling out his news, its a horrible sound.. A happy market place, laughing children, the world doing its thing in rotation. An ear splitting scream? No... I'm hearing things. No there it is again. That sound I can appreciate, cherrish, that sound is like a golden harp playing out its last serenade.. Perfect and beautiful. Before Abraxus even knew it, she was running, picking her way deftly through the chorus of astounded market goers, travelling the mere few hundred feet to her destination The commotion was endless, vendors were slamming closed doors and boxes on the wares, the towns Militia was flooding the area, and amid it all that scream, piercing, oblittering its way into all calm sensibilities. A woman clutched her head in her hands, her clothes dirty from the dust floating its way around the market place, and she was histerical, following her gaze and anguish Abraxus couldn't help but smile, there strung up against the fountain for the world to see a harsh glimmer in the light, as soon as the glare passed Abraxus was able to see, her heart stopping a moment pure appreciation at the devotion taken, was shredded chainmail, soaked in blood, the mutilated corpse of a Radiant Heart Guard, turning on her heel she exited the town center to return home, eagerly interested in what this might mean for her.
Bloody Sorrow from a RadiantHeart
Maya moved through the darkened streets with little noise, the occasional scratching of her cloak on the cobblestones not even irritating her companion, who was picking through the shadows beside her with a cunning smile. "How much further little demon? The sun approaches soon, and it brings with it the happyness and joy these vile pigs are spreading, it fouls my dark heart" The little head bobbed up and down slightly in front of her now as he turned sharply down an alleyway to his left, crossing through it and a few more turns they arrived on Arsenal street. "For all their whispers and guidance Maya, you need to relax, those gods should give you some insight? Eh? " with a scoffing chuckle, his dexterous fingers flicked in the air indicating for her to keep on the move. After about fifteen minutes of snaking turns and dusty streets, they had arrived at thier destination, instantly the pair seperated, the tall slender woman dissapearing to the left, lost in the shadows of the hedged fence. The little head kept walking foward, his face grew an apprehensive expression and his eyes began to water, as he ran, flailing and in a panic toward the two guards standing by the gate. "I need help, I need help, right away its my friend, she has been attacked! I could not move her! " The little man reached out a hand to the guards elbow. The guard seeming to be caught in the middle of a moral objection looked hastily toward the other guard, the second guards face mirroring his own. "Wait here Haverman, signal the platoon, when you can be relieved join me, I may need help with the woman, call the priests too, have someone on standby! " As the guard started off after the Halfling he finished "Hurry little man, let us reach your friend". As the two ran down the street a little way, when they rounded the corner into the nearby park, The guard hastened, for there indeed before him was a woman laying face first in the road. The guard bent down over her, a hand caustiously outstetched "Maa.... " The words were cut off as a river of blood flowed over the mans chainmail uniform to splatter on the woman below him, with a grunt the woman pushed the heavy body to roll off her and hit the road with a squelching thud. "Come on then Imitidoras, lets get on with leaving our message" and bowing down over the carcass of the RadiantHeart guard, the two set to work disembowling and re organising the guards limbs on his bloody corpse. The two dragged the disfigured corpse a few hundred feet, stringing it up over the shiny white marble of the fountain, with in moments, sinew and blood tainted the drinking water, the fleshy corpse dangling in the breeze.
Keepers Of Balance 2
Jayden waited in Westbridge for two days when the courier returned with a letter. Once read there was a smile forming on the old man's face, "Oh how you work in myseterious ways, thank you my Lord."
The next few days were spent walking around Westbridge reaquainting himself with the area as the place to meet was set in a bake shop. Jayden walked with haste down the street as he saw the lady in his dreams walking. Once caught up Jayden smiled and took a bow in front of Sanria. "Would you like to find a place to sit?" Sanria looked at Jayden, "If you wish m'lady." Sanria nodded and walked to the Coffee Cafe, Jayden followed a heavy burden lifting from his shoulders.
"I've not been here in ages it seems" Sanria spoke as Jayden pulled a chair from the table for her and motioned "Please ladies first." They both sat "So, I suppose as we wait for Annie to make her rounds, I should let you know that we have read your note and found it intriguing." Jayden's smile lifted slowly and kindly.
The talk lasted quite awhile as they discussed what brought them onto this path and how Jayden could help on this cause. Sanria asked him for a favor, to help out a man. Jayden took flight after their meeting to help the man.
Jayden met the man in a hut and from there proceeded to aid him where others would merely shrug him off and leave. As he left Jayden felt watched, just as he turned Sanria stood smileing "Welcome to our ranks, Sir Jayden. May you find these halls ever your home."
The next few days were spent walking around Westbridge reaquainting himself with the area as the place to meet was set in a bake shop. Jayden walked with haste down the street as he saw the lady in his dreams walking. Once caught up Jayden smiled and took a bow in front of Sanria. "Would you like to find a place to sit?" Sanria looked at Jayden, "If you wish m'lady." Sanria nodded and walked to the Coffee Cafe, Jayden followed a heavy burden lifting from his shoulders.
"I've not been here in ages it seems" Sanria spoke as Jayden pulled a chair from the table for her and motioned "Please ladies first." They both sat "So, I suppose as we wait for Annie to make her rounds, I should let you know that we have read your note and found it intriguing." Jayden's smile lifted slowly and kindly.
The talk lasted quite awhile as they discussed what brought them onto this path and how Jayden could help on this cause. Sanria asked him for a favor, to help out a man. Jayden took flight after their meeting to help the man.
Jayden met the man in a hut and from there proceeded to aid him where others would merely shrug him off and leave. As he left Jayden felt watched, just as he turned Sanria stood smileing "Welcome to our ranks, Sir Jayden. May you find these halls ever your home."
Keepers Of Balance
He sat at his table in silence, the candle burning dim. thoughts of things unknown at the time dwelling in Jayden's mind, "What are these thoughts, what is it you wish of me my savior?", Jayden asked aloud.
As Jayden layed to sleep in his bed as the candle died into darkness, thoughts still weighing heavily from earlier, he then drifted into deep slumber. Dreams of an order, a balance filled the void of sleep.
The sun came up just as Jayden woke, straight as a board he rose. "I understand my Lord, I will seek this out." Jayden dressed in his robes and left the cabin behind.
Westbridge was filled with people as Jayden passed asking all he could of his vision. Once his answers were filled he found the courier, placed a note freshly written in the boy's hands, "Make haste son, for this is an urgent matter, and thank you for helping in the Lords work." he spoke softly and he crossed his heart praying for the childs safe return.
"The Keepers of Balance....They fight for the same goals as I.... I must find them and ally myself with them for the Lord once again guides me to the light."
As Jayden layed to sleep in his bed as the candle died into darkness, thoughts still weighing heavily from earlier, he then drifted into deep slumber. Dreams of an order, a balance filled the void of sleep.
The sun came up just as Jayden woke, straight as a board he rose. "I understand my Lord, I will seek this out." Jayden dressed in his robes and left the cabin behind.
Westbridge was filled with people as Jayden passed asking all he could of his vision. Once his answers were filled he found the courier, placed a note freshly written in the boy's hands, "Make haste son, for this is an urgent matter, and thank you for helping in the Lords work." he spoke softly and he crossed his heart praying for the childs safe return.
"The Keepers of Balance....They fight for the same goals as I.... I must find them and ally myself with them for the Lord once again guides me to the light."
All Things Considered
The six beings reconvened in the large meeting room and sat at the table. Fenlauch seated himself at the head of the table and looked from Sanria, to Vorcet, to Kineada. "So, do you three feel you could aid us in our task?"
Sanria smiled broadly. To her, it was the beginning of a new mode of living, a new beginning that she could not have anticipated being placed before her. "Of course," she replied. Kineada leaned back in his seat with a smirk, his hands folded loosely over his lap. "I suppose a new adventure is in order." Vorcet gave a nod, reminiscent of a solder. "I admit I am beyond intrigued, and what you have shown me may very well help me understand even more of this realm."
"Then it is settled," Fenlauch replied with a nod. "Now, we will entrust the three of you to set to rights the imbalances within the realms. You will do it not for power, not for fame, but for the assurance that balance is the way to ensure a measure of peace and knowledge and, above all, truth. You'll need a name. Something for those of your realm to know you by."
Sanria looked toward the table in thought while Kineada merely shrugged, "Names aren't quite as important to me," he replied.
"I'm not certain what we should consider ourselves," said Sanria.
Vorcet leaned forward, his face concentrated, his gaze focused. "I believe we should call ourselves the Keepers of Balance."
"Simplicity I can appreciate," Kineada said with a nod.
"As can I," replied Fenlauch with a smile.
Sanria nodded as Fenlauch rose from the table. He looked at each of them. "Go forth and gather your fellow keepers. Let us stabilize this period of time, and every day into the future."
Sanria's eyes welled and her heart filled with pride. She finally had a new place to call home, and a way to bring others to a peace she had no doubt she would soon find.
Sanria smiled broadly. To her, it was the beginning of a new mode of living, a new beginning that she could not have anticipated being placed before her. "Of course," she replied. Kineada leaned back in his seat with a smirk, his hands folded loosely over his lap. "I suppose a new adventure is in order." Vorcet gave a nod, reminiscent of a solder. "I admit I am beyond intrigued, and what you have shown me may very well help me understand even more of this realm."
"Then it is settled," Fenlauch replied with a nod. "Now, we will entrust the three of you to set to rights the imbalances within the realms. You will do it not for power, not for fame, but for the assurance that balance is the way to ensure a measure of peace and knowledge and, above all, truth. You'll need a name. Something for those of your realm to know you by."
Sanria looked toward the table in thought while Kineada merely shrugged, "Names aren't quite as important to me," he replied.
"I'm not certain what we should consider ourselves," said Sanria.
Vorcet leaned forward, his face concentrated, his gaze focused. "I believe we should call ourselves the Keepers of Balance."
"Simplicity I can appreciate," Kineada said with a nod.
"As can I," replied Fenlauch with a smile.
Sanria nodded as Fenlauch rose from the table. He looked at each of them. "Go forth and gather your fellow keepers. Let us stabilize this period of time, and every day into the future."
Sanria's eyes welled and her heart filled with pride. She finally had a new place to call home, and a way to bring others to a peace she had no doubt she would soon find.
Books
After turning the last page, Ror closed the tome and put it on the pile on the right of him. He crossed the name out on the papyrus scoll before him and picked up a book from the pile on the left. "Magic: Technical Details on Lifeforce Manipulation," read Ror on the cover and he grunted. The theoretical ones on the topic of magic were always a bit on the dry side. Good writers were rare among wizards and the like. He placed the book in front of him on the TriPower crest, opened it and started to read.
How many books were left to go? He had no idea, but he knew that sooner or later, he would have read them all in this library and then training would be complete.
How many books were left to go? He had no idea, but he knew that sooner or later, he would have read them all in this library and then training would be complete.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)