OOC commentary: The mob was taken over by an immortal who had some fun with it. And so, for the first time ever, Phil the barman roleplayed back! Stuff like this should happen more often.
Phil's Bar
Ror sat down in the warm chair against the wall in Phil's bar. He placed his ordered pizza on the table next to him and started reading his book, eating a slice every now and then. After a while Phil looked up from his glasses and glanced at Ror, saying 'Tough times, huh, bud?' Chewing on his pizza thoughtfully, Ror went 'Hm?' still focussed on his book. Phil nodded toward the book, still polishing glasses, asking, 'What are you reading there?' The barman put some glasses back and started wiping down the bar. Finally Ror looked up from the book at Phil, 'Ah, that'll be 'The Art Of War' by Tsun Tsun,' he answered. 'Whoa, ho! A friggin scholar in my bar.' Ror chuckled. 'I actually pay my tabs, if that helps... '
The barman let out a gruff chuckle and opened the ice chest behind the bar. 'So what do you think about this new Westbridge garbage? I gotta say, it's nice not having those purple armored bastards in here.' He started chipping off pieces of ice. Curious about the use of the terms 'new garbage', Ror asked about but agreed with the barman. Less purple bastards was always a good thing in the eyes of any TriPower officer. And Ror was no exception. 'You green, bud?' asked Phil, 'Those Vector bastards have been here for years. I almost forgot what the damned place looked like without that trash around.' Now Ror understood exactly what Phil had meant and he explained about his absence while the barman was wiping the sweat off his face due to the hard chipping labour he was performing.
'Need a hand?' asked Ror, but the response he got was one of laughs as Phil rolled up his sleeve and flexed his arm. 'You kiddin? I ain't a greenhorn here.' Ror disliked the display of muscle, as if it was the only requirement to be helpful, and so - to make a statement - he pointed with his finger at the block of ice and cast a lightning bolt to shatter it, saying 'Neither am I.' At first Phil raised his eyebrow, but after it sank in, the man finally grinned. 'Well alright then, range rover. You win.' Ror smirked and turned back to his book while Phil shut the ice chest, satisfied, and started cleaning up the ice fragments on the floor with a broom. Resuming the smalltalk, Phil said, 'So, war. Not to put to fine a point on it, but the war is over, brother.'
'For now,' said Ror trying to concentrate on his book again. Near the bar Phil was emptying the ice fragments into a trash can and nodding. 'Yeap. I s'pose your right there. Someone always wants someone elses' shit. That's for sure. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your reading. I know what it's like to have people talking non stop.' And with that last commented the barman looked out over the pretty empty bar with a smirk and a shrug. Life was as it was. And Ror could not disagree with that. 'Indeed. And we've not seen the last of Vector, I'm sure of it,' added Ror thoughtfully. 'I'll bet you're right,' replied Phil going back to cleaning his glasses. 'I wish I wasn't...' Behind the bar a grunt of agreement came.
The barman let out a gruff chuckle and opened the ice chest behind the bar. 'So what do you think about this new Westbridge garbage? I gotta say, it's nice not having those purple armored bastards in here.' He started chipping off pieces of ice. Curious about the use of the terms 'new garbage', Ror asked about but agreed with the barman. Less purple bastards was always a good thing in the eyes of any TriPower officer. And Ror was no exception. 'You green, bud?' asked Phil, 'Those Vector bastards have been here for years. I almost forgot what the damned place looked like without that trash around.' Now Ror understood exactly what Phil had meant and he explained about his absence while the barman was wiping the sweat off his face due to the hard chipping labour he was performing.
'Need a hand?' asked Ror, but the response he got was one of laughs as Phil rolled up his sleeve and flexed his arm. 'You kiddin? I ain't a greenhorn here.' Ror disliked the display of muscle, as if it was the only requirement to be helpful, and so - to make a statement - he pointed with his finger at the block of ice and cast a lightning bolt to shatter it, saying 'Neither am I.' At first Phil raised his eyebrow, but after it sank in, the man finally grinned. 'Well alright then, range rover. You win.' Ror smirked and turned back to his book while Phil shut the ice chest, satisfied, and started cleaning up the ice fragments on the floor with a broom. Resuming the smalltalk, Phil said, 'So, war. Not to put to fine a point on it, but the war is over, brother.'
'For now,' said Ror trying to concentrate on his book again. Near the bar Phil was emptying the ice fragments into a trash can and nodding. 'Yeap. I s'pose your right there. Someone always wants someone elses' shit. That's for sure. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your reading. I know what it's like to have people talking non stop.' And with that last commented the barman looked out over the pretty empty bar with a smirk and a shrug. Life was as it was. And Ror could not disagree with that. 'Indeed. And we've not seen the last of Vector, I'm sure of it,' added Ror thoughtfully. 'I'll bet you're right,' replied Phil going back to cleaning his glasses. 'I wish I wasn't...' Behind the bar a grunt of agreement came.
Is There Life on Mars
Sanria watched Colin sleep, his breath moving rhythmically in and out, his large chest rising and falling with the respirative effort, his body working of its own accord. She lay there, Orn's words echoing in her mind like a multi-bullet ricochet, "Where have you been? This invasion happened, and you were nowhere around." He was in pain, her son. His bear had died on the field and she was blamed. If she would have been there, she might have saved Reggie. "Where have you been?"
She hadn't planned on active battle. She had her children to think about and the rest of her clan. She had said from the start she wouldn't be involved, but it didn't matter to Orn. The truth was, the truth she couldn't bring herself to admit out loud, was that she had been in the arms of a very familiar new man. She was isolated from Westbridge, deep in the Druid's Grove, away from the carnage and slaughter and death. She was busy feeling the most unguilty sense of peace she'd felt in years while her son was battling a demented mad man and his furry companion was breathing his last. She was feeling a happiness she hadn't experienced in years while her fellow leaders were swinging swords in the name of justice. When she'd come back up for air, all there was to breathe in was the crushing atmosphere of guilt. "Where have you been?"
Orn had apologized to her when he saw the anguish that filled her features, but facing the uproar of emotion that poured from her son broke something deep inside Sanria. She knew his pain, she'd been intimate with it the first time Thasmudyan had died, and when she'd lost Throm. She knew it could make people say things they wouldn't otherwise- a wound exposed: unapologetic and raw. Orn's truth stung like a shower of salt, and Sanria saw what her son wanted far clearer than she had ever before. A mother who was stable, a mother who was with his father - a stable family, home, and clan. "Where have you been?"
She couldn't share with him the joy she'd experienced with Gilean. She could not share just how happy she'd been spending time with Gilean. Instead she would have to do what would help her son. She would fix the pain on Orn's face- anything to make that hurt, heartache, anger, anguish, and rage vanish. She would tell Thasmudyan there would not be a reconciliation. She would swallow the feelings she experienced with Gilean and banish them to the farthest reaches of her soul. She would sit then with a man who didn't remember her or their life together at all. A man who had hallucinations, who needed her to even stay asleep at night. A man with whom there may never be a full recovery. "Where have you been?"
Colin woke only slightly and gave a sleepy smile. "You're like a dream," he said, "appearing to me in the night. Will you be here tomorrow?" Sanria, her heart heavy, nodded her head 'yes.'
She hadn't planned on active battle. She had her children to think about and the rest of her clan. She had said from the start she wouldn't be involved, but it didn't matter to Orn. The truth was, the truth she couldn't bring herself to admit out loud, was that she had been in the arms of a very familiar new man. She was isolated from Westbridge, deep in the Druid's Grove, away from the carnage and slaughter and death. She was busy feeling the most unguilty sense of peace she'd felt in years while her son was battling a demented mad man and his furry companion was breathing his last. She was feeling a happiness she hadn't experienced in years while her fellow leaders were swinging swords in the name of justice. When she'd come back up for air, all there was to breathe in was the crushing atmosphere of guilt. "Where have you been?"
Orn had apologized to her when he saw the anguish that filled her features, but facing the uproar of emotion that poured from her son broke something deep inside Sanria. She knew his pain, she'd been intimate with it the first time Thasmudyan had died, and when she'd lost Throm. She knew it could make people say things they wouldn't otherwise- a wound exposed: unapologetic and raw. Orn's truth stung like a shower of salt, and Sanria saw what her son wanted far clearer than she had ever before. A mother who was stable, a mother who was with his father - a stable family, home, and clan. "Where have you been?"
She couldn't share with him the joy she'd experienced with Gilean. She could not share just how happy she'd been spending time with Gilean. Instead she would have to do what would help her son. She would fix the pain on Orn's face- anything to make that hurt, heartache, anger, anguish, and rage vanish. She would tell Thasmudyan there would not be a reconciliation. She would swallow the feelings she experienced with Gilean and banish them to the farthest reaches of her soul. She would sit then with a man who didn't remember her or their life together at all. A man who had hallucinations, who needed her to even stay asleep at night. A man with whom there may never be a full recovery. "Where have you been?"
Colin woke only slightly and gave a sleepy smile. "You're like a dream," he said, "appearing to me in the night. Will you be here tomorrow?" Sanria, her heart heavy, nodded her head 'yes.'
Aftermath (Part 2)
Vorcet gasped in a breath as he sat bolt upright off the floor. The vision already starting to fade. It wasnt a dream, the dead dont dream. Just enough remained to remind Vorcet of what he had been doing prior to the invasion.
Vorcet slowly stood up and walked to the window in the tower. The sun had travelled two hours in the sky since entering the tower after Kefka had breathed his last. The gates remained unmanned as the insurgents evaluated the damage to the city and began organizing themselves.
So much work was yet to be done with the city before Vorcet could return to his investigations. So many arrangements to be made. Vorcet openned a gate into the basement of Elbryan's house. He made his way upstairs to his room and his wardrobe. He pulled the bloodstained vectorian armor off and tossed it in the corner.
Vorcet had gotten a few strange looks at first as he waded into the combat directing his spells at vectorians but most simply seemed to understand. Vorcet had allowed himself to get too close to the front lines and his spells had attracted Kefkas personal attention. Only the prayers and spells of the priests had kept Vorcet standing through Kefka's onslaught. Every so often Vorcet would feel the rush of his magical powers returning only to catch a glimpse of a familiar halfling chanting arcane phrases in the crowd. Spells flew and weapons had flashed for what seemed an eternity. But in the end, the combined forces of the realm had ended the vectorian occupation.
Vorcet pulled a clean set clothes out of his wardrobe. Thankful for Elbryan's staff's diligence. He dressed slowly working out the stiff muscles and freshly healed wounds. It had been weeks since Vorcet had seen his own clothing, much less his own face. He stopped for a moment to inspect his appearance. Minus the blood and terribly uncomfortable vectorian armor, Vorcet felt almost human again, almost.
Taking a last glance in the mirror and muttering a quick prayer to Talos for letting him see another day, Vorcet opened another gate back to westbridge. The guard tower was still empty as he worked his way to the streets below. Vorcet wound his way through the crowd, taking in the damage that had been wrought by both sides of the conflict. Yes, it was indeed time to begin the healing of the town.
Vorcet slowly stood up and walked to the window in the tower. The sun had travelled two hours in the sky since entering the tower after Kefka had breathed his last. The gates remained unmanned as the insurgents evaluated the damage to the city and began organizing themselves.
So much work was yet to be done with the city before Vorcet could return to his investigations. So many arrangements to be made. Vorcet openned a gate into the basement of Elbryan's house. He made his way upstairs to his room and his wardrobe. He pulled the bloodstained vectorian armor off and tossed it in the corner.
Vorcet had gotten a few strange looks at first as he waded into the combat directing his spells at vectorians but most simply seemed to understand. Vorcet had allowed himself to get too close to the front lines and his spells had attracted Kefkas personal attention. Only the prayers and spells of the priests had kept Vorcet standing through Kefka's onslaught. Every so often Vorcet would feel the rush of his magical powers returning only to catch a glimpse of a familiar halfling chanting arcane phrases in the crowd. Spells flew and weapons had flashed for what seemed an eternity. But in the end, the combined forces of the realm had ended the vectorian occupation.
Vorcet pulled a clean set clothes out of his wardrobe. Thankful for Elbryan's staff's diligence. He dressed slowly working out the stiff muscles and freshly healed wounds. It had been weeks since Vorcet had seen his own clothing, much less his own face. He stopped for a moment to inspect his appearance. Minus the blood and terribly uncomfortable vectorian armor, Vorcet felt almost human again, almost.
Taking a last glance in the mirror and muttering a quick prayer to Talos for letting him see another day, Vorcet opened another gate back to westbridge. The guard tower was still empty as he worked his way to the streets below. Vorcet wound his way through the crowd, taking in the damage that had been wrought by both sides of the conflict. Yes, it was indeed time to begin the healing of the town.
A calling
Alsin sat in his office going over some old plans and the new plans for the remodeling of his home. There was a huge underground that he was hoping to change in the near future and was feeling rushed to get it done. As he sat there he heard a knock on his front door. Alsin looked over at Juke, his newly hired servant, and nodded to him as if directing him to answer the door. Juke nodded and rushed off to get the door. Within minutes Juke returned with a small Makou lab employee by his side. The employee began to speak. "Mr. Alsin, sir, your presence is requested back at the Tripower Tower by Ror. He requires your assistance on a project of some sort." Alsin nodded and let out a small grunt at the employee acknowledging his statement and then waved his hand to Juke signaling to escort the employee out of his office.
Alsin stood up and looked at the large painting above his desk, "what have you done my friend" he muttered to himself. He looked at the seal upon his cloak that he now bore, the seal of the Tripower Hero. After many minutes Alsin placed the hood of his cloak over his head and began his Journey to the Tripower Tower in search of Ror.
Alsin stood up and looked at the large painting above his desk, "what have you done my friend" he muttered to himself. He looked at the seal upon his cloak that he now bore, the seal of the Tripower Hero. After many minutes Alsin placed the hood of his cloak over his head and began his Journey to the Tripower Tower in search of Ror.
Aftermath (Part 3)
The general celebratory mood of the insurgents had faded over the course of the past 2 hours since Vorcet had excused himself to fix his body and return to his normal state of dress. THoughts had turned to the general destruction surrounding where the main portion of the fighting had happened in the center of the city. Fires still raged and people mourned over the deaths of loved ones lost in the fighting. The eyes of the residesnt of the city remained downcast, expecting yet another oppressor. It had been too long since true order had ruled in what was arguably the trade hub of the entire continent.
Vorcet waded through the masses of people and reached the central fountain in the middle of town. He hopped up on the edge and turned to face that poprtion of the crowd. He could see symbols from most of the organizations of the realms. Even the Black Church it seemed had had enough of the vectorian rule of this important trade hub of the realms. Vorcet took a breath and uttered a small spell to project his voice about him for all to hear.
"Citizens of Westbridge!" He called through the square as conversations fell to nothing and eyes turned to him on the fountain. Nervousness crept up Vorcet's spine as he continued. "It has been far too long since you have had your taste of freedom. Freedom to conduct business, freedom to leave the confines of your own city." Vorcet paused for a moment for dramatic effect. "Your own efforts in the conflict here today have helped tip the scales in your own favor and help to restore a bit of balance to the area. It may take time to realize it in full. I realize that it has been far too long under the thumb of the vectorian oppression to fully trust. But what is needed now is leadership. Leadership to help rebuild this once great city. Leadership to help enforce law." Vorcet stopped for a moment to let what he had said sink in. "I propose a council. A council of the liberators. To protect the interests of all within the borders of this great town. A council to prevent any one group from attempting to subjugate the masses and steal their livelyhoods. A balance to all of the forces that would lay claim to your home. This is mutually beneficial to all. It allows trade to flow freely through the town. Allows for the creation of jobs and the return of a standard of living to which you were once accustomed. To the Leaders of the clans of the realms, I call you forward, to discuss a joint control of westbridge. I am Vorcet of the Keepers of Balance, and I shall await word from all of you to discuss terms to make this happen. For the people! For Westbridge!"
Vorcet hopped down from the edge of the fountain and With hands in sleeves of robes walked south to check on the Bar south of the square and drown his nerves in a glass of whiskey or ten.
Vorcet waded through the masses of people and reached the central fountain in the middle of town. He hopped up on the edge and turned to face that poprtion of the crowd. He could see symbols from most of the organizations of the realms. Even the Black Church it seemed had had enough of the vectorian rule of this important trade hub of the realms. Vorcet took a breath and uttered a small spell to project his voice about him for all to hear.
"Citizens of Westbridge!" He called through the square as conversations fell to nothing and eyes turned to him on the fountain. Nervousness crept up Vorcet's spine as he continued. "It has been far too long since you have had your taste of freedom. Freedom to conduct business, freedom to leave the confines of your own city." Vorcet paused for a moment for dramatic effect. "Your own efforts in the conflict here today have helped tip the scales in your own favor and help to restore a bit of balance to the area. It may take time to realize it in full. I realize that it has been far too long under the thumb of the vectorian oppression to fully trust. But what is needed now is leadership. Leadership to help rebuild this once great city. Leadership to help enforce law." Vorcet stopped for a moment to let what he had said sink in. "I propose a council. A council of the liberators. To protect the interests of all within the borders of this great town. A council to prevent any one group from attempting to subjugate the masses and steal their livelyhoods. A balance to all of the forces that would lay claim to your home. This is mutually beneficial to all. It allows trade to flow freely through the town. Allows for the creation of jobs and the return of a standard of living to which you were once accustomed. To the Leaders of the clans of the realms, I call you forward, to discuss a joint control of westbridge. I am Vorcet of the Keepers of Balance, and I shall await word from all of you to discuss terms to make this happen. For the people! For Westbridge!"
Vorcet hopped down from the edge of the fountain and With hands in sleeves of robes walked south to check on the Bar south of the square and drown his nerves in a glass of whiskey or ten.
Bits and Pieces
The makou burners were switched off and four lab employees lifted a large package upon the long lab table. They folded back the cloth that wrapped it and revealed the inside to Ror. 'Excellent,' he said. Ror studied the scraps, pieces, flints and large remains of had once been Kefka's armour. 'I'm impressed that you were still able to salvage so much from the site.' One of the employees coughed, then said, 'Well sir, frankly we were lucky to find this. Most of it was gone.'
Ror nodded, picking up a shard of metal with a pair of tweezers and holding it against the light. 'I understand. We can assume that most of the suit was destroyed following the explosion,' Ror paused, 'However, the majority of the remains are not on this table. I'm sure they were cartwheeled off by locals or Radiant Heart troops.' He nudged another employee as he placed the shard back amongst the rest of the remains, and disposed of the tweezers.
'Go find me Alsin, I think I'll need his help on this one. As for the rest of you, commence the analysis of the parts. When you're done, I want a report. Once I've talked to Alsin, I'll try and see if I can contact the Radiant Heart.'
With that Ror walked off to the library, leaving the employees busy in the laboratory.
Ror nodded, picking up a shard of metal with a pair of tweezers and holding it against the light. 'I understand. We can assume that most of the suit was destroyed following the explosion,' Ror paused, 'However, the majority of the remains are not on this table. I'm sure they were cartwheeled off by locals or Radiant Heart troops.' He nudged another employee as he placed the shard back amongst the rest of the remains, and disposed of the tweezers.
'Go find me Alsin, I think I'll need his help on this one. As for the rest of you, commence the analysis of the parts. When you're done, I want a report. Once I've talked to Alsin, I'll try and see if I can contact the Radiant Heart.'
With that Ror walked off to the library, leaving the employees busy in the laboratory.
Westbridge Aftermath - Ror's Letter
Dear leaders of the Radiant Heart and Keepers of Balance,
My personal thanks for the liberation of Westbridge. It was - with lack of better words - complex for the treaty bound TriPower. I am quite joyed that I can once more walk through Westbridge at peace.
Unfortunately, when I look around I still see the damage done in the faces of the men and women of Westbridge. And this is something that grieves me.
I was wondering whether there were any plans to open a school and university for the return of education to the city? It would do the young children good. And additionally for those without family, of course a new orphanage. Or what about a theatre so culture and joy may once again bloom in Westbridge?
Now that the Vectorians are gone, I feel many institutions are needed to once more uplift the spirits of the people of Westbridge.
Patiently awaiting your answer.
Ror Surion
My personal thanks for the liberation of Westbridge. It was - with lack of better words - complex for the treaty bound TriPower. I am quite joyed that I can once more walk through Westbridge at peace.
Unfortunately, when I look around I still see the damage done in the faces of the men and women of Westbridge. And this is something that grieves me.
I was wondering whether there were any plans to open a school and university for the return of education to the city? It would do the young children good. And additionally for those without family, of course a new orphanage. Or what about a theatre so culture and joy may once again bloom in Westbridge?
Now that the Vectorians are gone, I feel many institutions are needed to once more uplift the spirits of the people of Westbridge.
Patiently awaiting your answer.
Ror Surion
The fall of General Buxbaum (Revelation 3 of 3)
Alsin examined the pet shop only to find that the only exit was where he had entered from. Alsin turned and peered out the window and saw General Buxbaum rushing towards the shop. Alsin shrugged and once again grasped his weapons. General Buxbaum kicked the door open and stepped into the shop his eye locked on Alsin. "There is no where to run, and Lord Kefka is dead. There is nothing to save you now." Alsin looked at the general, "If the Vectorian Lord is dead, there is no reason for us to fight. I'll give you a second chance, sheath your weapon and just let me go."
General Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and then lunged forward to attack. Alsin dodged the attack and was hessitant to fight back. The two fought for several minutes, but it was obvious Alsin was holding back. As the two circled General Buxbaum managed to catch Alsin slightly off guard and his blade caught Alsin on the side of his chest. The wound was slight, merely flesh this time, but enough proof for Alsin that only one of them would walk away from the fight. Alsin began to counter attack and General Buxbaum started to reel. The General had seen many battles but he had never encountered a combantant such as Alsin. Alsin pierced General Buxbaum's leg then sliced his left arm causing him to drop his weapon. Alsin kicked the General to the floor, and stood over him ready to deliver the final blow when out of the corner of his eye he could see a swarm of heroes rushing into the pet shop. Alsin stepped back, worried the mob of heroes would attack him, but to his surprise they began to assault General Buxbaum. Wounded and disarmed the General stood no chance and was killed quickly. His corpse was looted and left laying in a puddle of blood on the ground and the mob of heroes rushed off. Alsin sighed and sheathed his weapons. The walk home for Alsin seemed much longer this time, but his mind was filled with one thought, "Perhaps now, with Lord Kefka dead, there is a possibility of peace if I join the Tripower. Perhaps now is the time to approach Mason Stonehammer."
General Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and then lunged forward to attack. Alsin dodged the attack and was hessitant to fight back. The two fought for several minutes, but it was obvious Alsin was holding back. As the two circled General Buxbaum managed to catch Alsin slightly off guard and his blade caught Alsin on the side of his chest. The wound was slight, merely flesh this time, but enough proof for Alsin that only one of them would walk away from the fight. Alsin began to counter attack and General Buxbaum started to reel. The General had seen many battles but he had never encountered a combantant such as Alsin. Alsin pierced General Buxbaum's leg then sliced his left arm causing him to drop his weapon. Alsin kicked the General to the floor, and stood over him ready to deliver the final blow when out of the corner of his eye he could see a swarm of heroes rushing into the pet shop. Alsin stepped back, worried the mob of heroes would attack him, but to his surprise they began to assault General Buxbaum. Wounded and disarmed the General stood no chance and was killed quickly. His corpse was looted and left laying in a puddle of blood on the ground and the mob of heroes rushed off. Alsin sighed and sheathed his weapons. The walk home for Alsin seemed much longer this time, but his mind was filled with one thought, "Perhaps now, with Lord Kefka dead, there is a possibility of peace if I join the Tripower. Perhaps now is the time to approach Mason Stonehammer."
The fall of Lord Kefka (Revelation 2 of 3)
Alsin was surrounded with no where to go. A Vectorian Soldier knocked him to the ground. He rolled about the floor trying to regain his wits. Alsin managed to stand up while avoiding many strikes. He made a few swift movements with his blade killing a couple Vectorian soldiers before again being caught from a blindside and knocked to the ground. The situation seemed a bit helpless, he found himself in a sea of purple. Alsin again made his way to his feet but he stagged back from the blows that the Vectorian soldiers directed at him. Once again Alsin was knocked to the floor, and just as another Vectorian Soldier was about to strike a Radiant Heart Soldier appeared and deflected the blow.
Alsin looked around and realized he was at Market Square. The Radiant Heart army and several heroes were engaged in combat with Lord Kefka in the center of the square and around them were many more heroes and Radiant Heart soldiers attacking the little bit of the Vectorian Army that was left. Alsin stood up and just as he was about to sheath his weapons Lord Kefka's armor shot a powerful bolt of lightning toward him. Alsin dodged the bolt and decided to join the rest of the heroes in battle against Lord Kefka. It wasn't long before Lord Kefka fell to a vital strike delivered by a Radiant Heart General, the amount of heroes and soldiers combating him was astonishing, and watching him fall even more so. Alsin was relieved that the fighting was done, but the sight of all the fallen and the blood that filled the streets was all too familiar to him. He has seen such death and war before, but in the past it was his family, his kin, and his men that covered the streets. "I need to get out of this....." Alsin muttered to himself as he sheathed his weapons and started his walk to his house. As Alsin made his way past Festival square he could see Radiant Heart soldiers were finishing off what was left of the Vectorian guards. Alsin lifted his cloak over his head and made it a point to avoid the combat, yet in the distance he spotted General Buxbaum. Alsin turned the corner and made his way to the Pet Shop in an effort to stay hidden, but General Buxbaum spotted him in the distance and there were no more soldiers to fend him off.
Alsin looked around and realized he was at Market Square. The Radiant Heart army and several heroes were engaged in combat with Lord Kefka in the center of the square and around them were many more heroes and Radiant Heart soldiers attacking the little bit of the Vectorian Army that was left. Alsin stood up and just as he was about to sheath his weapons Lord Kefka's armor shot a powerful bolt of lightning toward him. Alsin dodged the bolt and decided to join the rest of the heroes in battle against Lord Kefka. It wasn't long before Lord Kefka fell to a vital strike delivered by a Radiant Heart General, the amount of heroes and soldiers combating him was astonishing, and watching him fall even more so. Alsin was relieved that the fighting was done, but the sight of all the fallen and the blood that filled the streets was all too familiar to him. He has seen such death and war before, but in the past it was his family, his kin, and his men that covered the streets. "I need to get out of this....." Alsin muttered to himself as he sheathed his weapons and started his walk to his house. As Alsin made his way past Festival square he could see Radiant Heart soldiers were finishing off what was left of the Vectorian guards. Alsin lifted his cloak over his head and made it a point to avoid the combat, yet in the distance he spotted General Buxbaum. Alsin turned the corner and made his way to the Pet Shop in an effort to stay hidden, but General Buxbaum spotted him in the distance and there were no more soldiers to fend him off.
Playing both sides (Revelation 1 of 3)
Alsin awoke to a thunderous noise outside his house. He stagged out of bed and opened his door to examine the noise. Soldiers were marching, two armies colliding outside his door. Alsin shook his head and muttered under his breath, More violence, hasn't this land seen enough wars.... As he was closing his door two soldiers wearing red and yellow garments yelled at him, "You there, we have come to end the Vectorian rule. Help us bring down the tyrrany that is upon us."
Alsin shook his head in disgust and began to shut his door when out of nowhere another soldier appeared, this one jamming his foot inside the doorway. Alsin stepped back and let the door swing open, his hand swiftly shifting to his weapons discretely. Alsin examined the soldier and noted his ensignia was that of an officer a general. The man began to speak, "I am general Buxbaum of the Radiant Heart Army, lend us your home. We have many wounded and could use an aid station." Alsin shrugged and quickly responded, "If will lend nothing and neither do I support your war. You soldiers have no place here so leave before I'm forced to make you regret your choice in coming here." Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and huffed, "So you're a Vectorian, and thus you shall die with the rest of the scum that lay dead in the streets." General Buxbaum reached for his sword but before he could even unsheath it, Alsin had slipped passed him into the entryway. Alsin quickly dispatched the two weaker footsoldiers lurking in his entryway and before their bodies could hit the floor Alsin turned around and kicked Buxbaum square in the ass. As General Buxbaum staggered forward regaining his balance Alsin spoke again, You have no place here, this is your last chance to leave peacefully. General Buxbaum turned towards Alsin and yelled "KILL HIM, HE IS VECTORIAN SCUM!"
Alsin turned and only had a few seconds to respond as several Radiant Heart soldiers began to rush towards him. Alsin drew them away from his home and into the streets and the bloodshed insued. Alsin laid waste to several Radiant Heart soldiers, but the sheer numbers were causing him to flee farther and farther into the center of the city. As he retreated he soon found himself amoungst Vectorian Soldiers who were helping him fend off and kill the Radiant Heart soldiers. In the distance, Alsin could see General Buxbaum had given chase to him and the General put down several Vectorian Soldiers with ease, he kept a keen eye on Alsin the entire time. Alsin took advantage of being surrounded by Vectorian Soldiers to fall out of combat. Alsin made his way to Festival Square, it seemed that Vector still held it firmly, but General Buxbaum and his army were advancing quickly. Alsin let out a sigh, knowing he'd be pressed to fight alongside Vector....or so he thought. In the distance the voice of Lord Kefka could be heard, "KILL THEM ALL, KILL EVERYBODY!", and with that single command the Vectorian Soldiers turned towards Alsin.........
Alsin shook his head in disgust and began to shut his door when out of nowhere another soldier appeared, this one jamming his foot inside the doorway. Alsin stepped back and let the door swing open, his hand swiftly shifting to his weapons discretely. Alsin examined the soldier and noted his ensignia was that of an officer a general. The man began to speak, "I am general Buxbaum of the Radiant Heart Army, lend us your home. We have many wounded and could use an aid station." Alsin shrugged and quickly responded, "If will lend nothing and neither do I support your war. You soldiers have no place here so leave before I'm forced to make you regret your choice in coming here." Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and huffed, "So you're a Vectorian, and thus you shall die with the rest of the scum that lay dead in the streets." General Buxbaum reached for his sword but before he could even unsheath it, Alsin had slipped passed him into the entryway. Alsin quickly dispatched the two weaker footsoldiers lurking in his entryway and before their bodies could hit the floor Alsin turned around and kicked Buxbaum square in the ass. As General Buxbaum staggered forward regaining his balance Alsin spoke again, You have no place here, this is your last chance to leave peacefully. General Buxbaum turned towards Alsin and yelled "KILL HIM, HE IS VECTORIAN SCUM!"
Alsin turned and only had a few seconds to respond as several Radiant Heart soldiers began to rush towards him. Alsin drew them away from his home and into the streets and the bloodshed insued. Alsin laid waste to several Radiant Heart soldiers, but the sheer numbers were causing him to flee farther and farther into the center of the city. As he retreated he soon found himself amoungst Vectorian Soldiers who were helping him fend off and kill the Radiant Heart soldiers. In the distance, Alsin could see General Buxbaum had given chase to him and the General put down several Vectorian Soldiers with ease, he kept a keen eye on Alsin the entire time. Alsin took advantage of being surrounded by Vectorian Soldiers to fall out of combat. Alsin made his way to Festival Square, it seemed that Vector still held it firmly, but General Buxbaum and his army were advancing quickly. Alsin let out a sigh, knowing he'd be pressed to fight alongside Vector....or so he thought. In the distance the voice of Lord Kefka could be heard, "KILL THEM ALL, KILL EVERYBODY!", and with that single command the Vectorian Soldiers turned towards Alsin.........
Log: 27012013 - Ror and Sliver
OOC commentary: Second attempt to roleplay with a PK'er at market square was with Sliver and went much better!
Log: 27012013 - Ror and Starla
OOC commentary: An attempt to roleplay with some of the PK'ers that hung out on Market Square at the time. This was with Starla.The start was lost during clean-up, but fortunately not that special.
Everything Changes (1-3)
Orn stood with a group of Radiant Heart reinforcement soldiers on the edge of the Hoan Dor forest. He gripped his battle staff nervously as he looked about at the soldiers around him. They all looked so calm, standing there chatting quietly with each other. Some talked about strategy, some technique, others, the night they spent before and the lady they spent it with. Orn felt Reggie's large head nudge his arm.
The bear spoke into his mind, 'Brother, relax. You must stay calm. You are using too much energy before the battle has even started.'
Orn looked into the eyes of the bear and saw deep caring there, where there was normally just joy and mischeif. Orn took a deep calming breath and nooded. Orn reached his mind out to the surrounding trees, listening to their ages old calm. The petty squabbles of men were like the buzzing of a passing fly to them and Orn gathered that serentiy within himself.
'You're right Reggie. We've been training for this for weeks. I am strong. I am ready. I told my Mom... my clan, I would help and that's what we're going to do. This is the right thing, for the people.'
Regggie nodded to Orn with a hint of a smile on his bear face. 'You are strong Orn and I am proud to be your brother. Even though you aren't a bear, you have the heart of one within you... Now when can we go kick these Vectorian intruders out of our territory?' Reggie bared his teeth in a grin.
Orn couldn't help but return the grin. 'We're just waiting for General Buxbaum to...' At that moment the booming voice of the General sounded from somewhere before them.
'Troops assemble! We're moving out! It's time to cleanse the city of these Vector swine!'
Orn took a deep breath and steadied himself as a cheer sounded from the soldiers around him. It was time.
The west gate was open for them when they arrived, thanks to the undercover work of Vorcet, yet the Vectorians were far from caught unaware. Troops from both sides swarmed the streets but Orn and Reggie were trained and ready. Orn would gave a command and Reggie would launch his massive bulk at a Vectorian, sending the soldier reeling toward Orn where he would find Orn's staff buried deep in his gut.
Orn was in awe of Reggie's ferocity in battle, yet the bear never once took his eye off the young man. No soldier could hardly get within two feet of Orn without catching a massive paw across the face or a mighty shove in the back. The pair felt unstoppable until they rounded the corner onto Market Square.
Orn had heard of Kefka before, but the man had seemed more like a myth than a real person. Like a story told to young children to keep them in line, yet here he was. Dressed like some kind of deranged clown and mounted upon a two legged mechanical monstrosity. Already, many of the liberation force were headed directly into the fray to face this greatest threat. Orn and Reggie looked at each other and no words needed pass between them. With a simple nod, they charged ahead.
The fight was tougher than anything Orn had envisioned during their training. Powerful beams of magic shot from Kefka's armor, and the mad clown fought toe to toe with the liberators despite it being one against many. However, Orn could see they were having an effect. Blood tricked from Kefka's mouth and his magitek armor staggered with blow after blow.
Just as Orn thought they were about to taste victory, something horrific happened. Kefka's armor shattered as a bolt of lightning struk down from the heavens upon him. The mad clown lifted into the air amongst a gathering of dark clouds. When they cleared, what came to rest before them could only be described as a god.
Orn looked to Reggie, dirty sweat dripping from his brow and already panting in exhaustion. The bear looked back and spoke into Orn's mind, 'Orn, go. When you said you would help, this isn't what you agreed to. I'll stay. I'll see this through.'
Orn shook his head without hesitation. 'No Reggie, we will both see this through.'
The pair turned to face the newly ascended Lord Kefka even as more brave souls joined the fray. The battle seemed to rage for an eternity and the atrocities were endless. Massive swarms of meteors fell from the sky upon the liberators and Orn saw lives simply sniffed out with but a flippant quip from Kefka.
Yet they persisted, all of them. This was the time. Orn pushed through his exhaustion, calling upon reserves he didn't even know he had until finally, miraculously there was a brilliant flash of light as the god Kefka exploded in a shower of magical fragments.
Orn dropped to his hands and knees in exhaustion, his chest heaving. 'Reggie... we did it.'
There was no reply.
Orn looked over to where he expected Reggie to be, where Reggie had always been since Orn was a small boy, right beside him, but the bear wasn't there.
'Reggie?'
Orn scanned the square and spotted a large smoking lump of fur about 20 yards away. He ran over, his exhaustion forgotten, and rolled the lump over, taking a large bear head into his hands. Tears streamed down Orn's cheeks as he looked upon the face of Reggie.
Orn looked about frantically. 'A priest! I need a priest here! Please!!!'
'Orn... brother...'
Orn looked into the fading eyes of the best friend he had ever known as tears clouded his vision and sobs hitched in his chest.
'It's ok... don't cry... we did it... we...'
Then Reggie was gone and Orn's life changed forever.
The bear spoke into his mind, 'Brother, relax. You must stay calm. You are using too much energy before the battle has even started.'
Orn looked into the eyes of the bear and saw deep caring there, where there was normally just joy and mischeif. Orn took a deep calming breath and nooded. Orn reached his mind out to the surrounding trees, listening to their ages old calm. The petty squabbles of men were like the buzzing of a passing fly to them and Orn gathered that serentiy within himself.
'You're right Reggie. We've been training for this for weeks. I am strong. I am ready. I told my Mom... my clan, I would help and that's what we're going to do. This is the right thing, for the people.'
Regggie nodded to Orn with a hint of a smile on his bear face. 'You are strong Orn and I am proud to be your brother. Even though you aren't a bear, you have the heart of one within you... Now when can we go kick these Vectorian intruders out of our territory?' Reggie bared his teeth in a grin.
Orn couldn't help but return the grin. 'We're just waiting for General Buxbaum to...' At that moment the booming voice of the General sounded from somewhere before them.
'Troops assemble! We're moving out! It's time to cleanse the city of these Vector swine!'
Orn took a deep breath and steadied himself as a cheer sounded from the soldiers around him. It was time.
The west gate was open for them when they arrived, thanks to the undercover work of Vorcet, yet the Vectorians were far from caught unaware. Troops from both sides swarmed the streets but Orn and Reggie were trained and ready. Orn would gave a command and Reggie would launch his massive bulk at a Vectorian, sending the soldier reeling toward Orn where he would find Orn's staff buried deep in his gut.
Orn was in awe of Reggie's ferocity in battle, yet the bear never once took his eye off the young man. No soldier could hardly get within two feet of Orn without catching a massive paw across the face or a mighty shove in the back. The pair felt unstoppable until they rounded the corner onto Market Square.
Orn had heard of Kefka before, but the man had seemed more like a myth than a real person. Like a story told to young children to keep them in line, yet here he was. Dressed like some kind of deranged clown and mounted upon a two legged mechanical monstrosity. Already, many of the liberation force were headed directly into the fray to face this greatest threat. Orn and Reggie looked at each other and no words needed pass between them. With a simple nod, they charged ahead.
The fight was tougher than anything Orn had envisioned during their training. Powerful beams of magic shot from Kefka's armor, and the mad clown fought toe to toe with the liberators despite it being one against many. However, Orn could see they were having an effect. Blood tricked from Kefka's mouth and his magitek armor staggered with blow after blow.
Just as Orn thought they were about to taste victory, something horrific happened. Kefka's armor shattered as a bolt of lightning struk down from the heavens upon him. The mad clown lifted into the air amongst a gathering of dark clouds. When they cleared, what came to rest before them could only be described as a god.
Orn looked to Reggie, dirty sweat dripping from his brow and already panting in exhaustion. The bear looked back and spoke into Orn's mind, 'Orn, go. When you said you would help, this isn't what you agreed to. I'll stay. I'll see this through.'
Orn shook his head without hesitation. 'No Reggie, we will both see this through.'
The pair turned to face the newly ascended Lord Kefka even as more brave souls joined the fray. The battle seemed to rage for an eternity and the atrocities were endless. Massive swarms of meteors fell from the sky upon the liberators and Orn saw lives simply sniffed out with but a flippant quip from Kefka.
Yet they persisted, all of them. This was the time. Orn pushed through his exhaustion, calling upon reserves he didn't even know he had until finally, miraculously there was a brilliant flash of light as the god Kefka exploded in a shower of magical fragments.
Orn dropped to his hands and knees in exhaustion, his chest heaving. 'Reggie... we did it.'
There was no reply.
Orn looked over to where he expected Reggie to be, where Reggie had always been since Orn was a small boy, right beside him, but the bear wasn't there.
'Reggie?'
Orn scanned the square and spotted a large smoking lump of fur about 20 yards away. He ran over, his exhaustion forgotten, and rolled the lump over, taking a large bear head into his hands. Tears streamed down Orn's cheeks as he looked upon the face of Reggie.
Orn looked about frantically. 'A priest! I need a priest here! Please!!!'
'Orn... brother...'
Orn looked into the fading eyes of the best friend he had ever known as tears clouded his vision and sobs hitched in his chest.
'It's ok... don't cry... we did it... we...'
Then Reggie was gone and Orn's life changed forever.
Psycho slays Kefka.
Psycho called to his troops to turn their focus on Kefka.Kefka was here in front of the mob calling out taunts and literally vaporizing the crowd around him from time to time. The mob had weakened him and his forces were all but bodies in the streets, yet Kefka continued to fight. When the Order bore down upon Kefka the main goal was to allow no escape. Even some of the people that had been attacking radiant heart members saw that Kefka was a shell of his former self, this was not a mad man but a flesh and blood human being just like them, and that guy was about to get killed in front of everyone.
Psycho knew it must be him to slay Lord Kefka here before the crowd of witnesses. Psycho reached out an landed the final killing blow to Kefka for himself. With the final slash dealt Kefka let loose a loud howl that was said to echo in the dark clouds. Kefka's Forces were no more. They vanished with the fading of the bright light that passed over the crowd with the slaying of their general. Order had been restored to the city of Westbridge and things could return to a simpler less oppressive time for the people of the cultural mecca. It would take a lot of time and effort to erase the pain that vector had carved into the faces and hearts of the people of Westbridge. But everyone could breathe a sigh of relief as things would get easier without the Vectorian force terrorizing the people of Westbridge.
Original's other team had not been successful in locating the Door that the scroll had detailed. They would now have to wait until the scroll had been fully translated before they might be able to understand how they might be able to Open the door. Maybe the Scroll might even tell them more of what lay beyond the door. They would return, next time with more muscle.
Psycho knew it must be him to slay Lord Kefka here before the crowd of witnesses. Psycho reached out an landed the final killing blow to Kefka for himself. With the final slash dealt Kefka let loose a loud howl that was said to echo in the dark clouds. Kefka's Forces were no more. They vanished with the fading of the bright light that passed over the crowd with the slaying of their general. Order had been restored to the city of Westbridge and things could return to a simpler less oppressive time for the people of the cultural mecca. It would take a lot of time and effort to erase the pain that vector had carved into the faces and hearts of the people of Westbridge. But everyone could breathe a sigh of relief as things would get easier without the Vectorian force terrorizing the people of Westbridge.
Original's other team had not been successful in locating the Door that the scroll had detailed. They would now have to wait until the scroll had been fully translated before they might be able to understand how they might be able to Open the door. Maybe the Scroll might even tell them more of what lay beyond the door. They would return, next time with more muscle.
Kefkabridge no more
Westbridge had a strong energy that hung in the air the days leading up to the Battle. The clan had banded together stronger than ever and had rallied at the hall to tell tales of adventure and debrief their fellow brother about what they had heard about the invading force. The Order was Not only going to to show up and Defend the free people of Westbridge they would lead the attack.
Psycho had indeed led his troops into battle when Invasion Day came. Zekai, Marlo Variable, Psycho , Crovax, Sliver, Kaster and Lynk all defended and pushed the Vectorian lines back. Original had led a second team of wizards, Galactus, Nydia, and Sangraal down below the city to investigate another finding. Vorcet's information to enter through the west was indeed valuable. As the masses clogged up the north gate and market square the Order entered through the west gate and began cleaning the South and East gates of all Vectorian reinforcements.
After 20 minutes The Order had racked up more Vectorian bodies than the streets could handle and the Vectorian forces were quickly overrun by the flood of Auxiliary Radiant Heart Members. The fighting left many dead on both sides, but the tides of war had turned in the favor of the invading force.
Psycho had indeed led his troops into battle when Invasion Day came. Zekai, Marlo Variable, Psycho , Crovax, Sliver, Kaster and Lynk all defended and pushed the Vectorian lines back. Original had led a second team of wizards, Galactus, Nydia, and Sangraal down below the city to investigate another finding. Vorcet's information to enter through the west was indeed valuable. As the masses clogged up the north gate and market square the Order entered through the west gate and began cleaning the South and East gates of all Vectorian reinforcements.
After 20 minutes The Order had racked up more Vectorian bodies than the streets could handle and the Vectorian forces were quickly overrun by the flood of Auxiliary Radiant Heart Members. The fighting left many dead on both sides, but the tides of war had turned in the favor of the invading force.
Aftermath
Vorcet Looked around at the carnage. The death and destruction that visited the city. It was worth it. He leaned down and closed the eyes of a defender and placed platinum coins over its eyes. Hopefully platinum would buy a better way accross the river than gold. Kefka had put up a fight, almost godlike in his power. Vorcet doubted that it would be the last anyone had seen of the lord of the vectorian lands. He may have been insane but he was far from stupid.
The ruins of the west gate of westbridge lay in the distance, a testament to Vorcets work there. There were several boddies on the wall with holes in their sides along that wall, along with the smoking ruin that was the gate mechanism. Liberators flooded the city, rounding up all of the remaining vectorian troops and killing them or restraining them.
Vorcet made his way to the western gate tower. No defenders were present due to his work. Vorcet sat in the middle of the floor and began to chant. He focussed on his likeness before the invasion and set the image in his mind. it was a clear picture due to his two centuries of life. When Vorcet let loose the power of his spell it slammed into his body beginning to return it to his origional shape.
Vorcet whimpered in pain as his bones snapped and re-shaped themselves as the spell ripped its way through his body. Blessed blackness closed over him as he slipped into unconciousness, still thrashing with the changes. The last thougt he had was for Talos to give him the strength he needed before he succumbed to the darkness and the dreams.
The ruins of the west gate of westbridge lay in the distance, a testament to Vorcets work there. There were several boddies on the wall with holes in their sides along that wall, along with the smoking ruin that was the gate mechanism. Liberators flooded the city, rounding up all of the remaining vectorian troops and killing them or restraining them.
Vorcet made his way to the western gate tower. No defenders were present due to his work. Vorcet sat in the middle of the floor and began to chant. He focussed on his likeness before the invasion and set the image in his mind. it was a clear picture due to his two centuries of life. When Vorcet let loose the power of his spell it slammed into his body beginning to return it to his origional shape.
Vorcet whimpered in pain as his bones snapped and re-shaped themselves as the spell ripped its way through his body. Blessed blackness closed over him as he slipped into unconciousness, still thrashing with the changes. The last thougt he had was for Talos to give him the strength he needed before he succumbed to the darkness and the dreams.
The Invasion of Westbridge
The reinforcement forces of Vector marched into Kefkaburg, or as Ror preferred it, Westbridge. Fairly quickly a suited Kefka took position on Market Square. The invading forces began their offensive not too long after that to liberate Westbridge once and for all of Vector.
In the streets beyond Market Square, Vectorian and Radiant Heart reinforcement troops were battling it out. The streets turned red and above the sound of battle the lunatic cackle of Kefka rose each time a life was ended by disintegration, Kefka was in joy, 'You're all dead anyway, better sooner than later, yes?' he cackled.
Ror observed the scene from a distance. Grinding his teeth, he was forced to watch but not to act. He had his orders, sour orders. He knew the official stance of the TriPower and this was not his fight... Stay away Ror.
Watching Kefka's every move and the familiar faces of various clans battle it out. Ror shook his head in disbelieve. He had heard the stories of Kefka's insanity, but even those were mild. Kefka's behaviour seemed unreal. Even the Long Death had more respect for the circle of life and death than this guy.
Waiting and watching was all Ror could do. And as time went by, it became harder to obey his orders. Frowning, he thought back to Alsin's words. That when the time came the leaders would show themselves and lead. This was not the time for thoughtless action. He refused to disobey previous orders, but Ror could not help but notice that he stood there alone.
'I'm a god! I'm all-powerful! Uwee-hee-hee...' yelled Kefka as he cast one gruesome spell after another. How many had died for those powers Kefka so greedily spilled today? wondered Ror.
The more Ror witnessed the more his mask of calm broke down, until eventually only anger fueled by internal rage was left. Ror's knuckles turned white from clenching down on the railing in front of him.
Then Kefka went down.
Ror had seen enough. He let go of the railing, turned and walked away. Behind him the metal railing distorted where his hands had been.
In the streets beyond Market Square, Vectorian and Radiant Heart reinforcement troops were battling it out. The streets turned red and above the sound of battle the lunatic cackle of Kefka rose each time a life was ended by disintegration, Kefka was in joy, 'You're all dead anyway, better sooner than later, yes?' he cackled.
Ror observed the scene from a distance. Grinding his teeth, he was forced to watch but not to act. He had his orders, sour orders. He knew the official stance of the TriPower and this was not his fight... Stay away Ror.
Watching Kefka's every move and the familiar faces of various clans battle it out. Ror shook his head in disbelieve. He had heard the stories of Kefka's insanity, but even those were mild. Kefka's behaviour seemed unreal. Even the Long Death had more respect for the circle of life and death than this guy.
Waiting and watching was all Ror could do. And as time went by, it became harder to obey his orders. Frowning, he thought back to Alsin's words. That when the time came the leaders would show themselves and lead. This was not the time for thoughtless action. He refused to disobey previous orders, but Ror could not help but notice that he stood there alone.
'I'm a god! I'm all-powerful! Uwee-hee-hee...' yelled Kefka as he cast one gruesome spell after another. How many had died for those powers Kefka so greedily spilled today? wondered Ror.
The more Ror witnessed the more his mask of calm broke down, until eventually only anger fueled by internal rage was left. Ror's knuckles turned white from clenching down on the railing in front of him.
Then Kefka went down.
Ror had seen enough. He let go of the railing, turned and walked away. Behind him the metal railing distorted where his hands had been.
Preparations
The night was dark, the cloudy sky blocking out even the two moons' light. Vorcet walked the wall checking in on the guards. The result of him having captured himself. He could just make out the outline of the corpse still hanging from a pike on the wall, a warning to other would be attackers.
Vorcet inspected the walls looking for weak points as this was now his charge. THe defense of the west wall, Vorcet was still unsure how that had fallen together so nicely. Vorcet stopped in one of the guard towers. The guards were up top watching for what apeared was an impending invasion.
Vorcet pulled a scrap of parchment from his armor and pulled a quil from an inkwell on the table. He thought for a moment and set quil to parchment and began laying out instructions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Whom it may concern:
Token forces on the other gates. Bring invasion force through the west. I will be waiting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vorcet whispered a short arcane phrase and a small imp apeared in front of him. "Bring this to a member of the Radiant Heart. I believe her name is SLiver. If Im not mistaken she will be hard to miss."
The imp slipped out the window and down the wall like a shadow, taking to the woods that pressed up against the west side of westbridge. Vorcet walked up the stairs to the roof of the tower to where two guards stood watching.
"Anything to report?" He asked the two guards that would soon find themselves the unfortunate recipients of daggers in the ribs. "Some movement but no sign of attack Is'Kal." One of the two replied. "Keep your eyes open. Their numbers have been increasing of late." Vorcet stated as he made his way back to the stairs on his way to ensure the proper operation of the gates.
Vorcet inspected the walls looking for weak points as this was now his charge. THe defense of the west wall, Vorcet was still unsure how that had fallen together so nicely. Vorcet stopped in one of the guard towers. The guards were up top watching for what apeared was an impending invasion.
Vorcet pulled a scrap of parchment from his armor and pulled a quil from an inkwell on the table. He thought for a moment and set quil to parchment and began laying out instructions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Whom it may concern:
Token forces on the other gates. Bring invasion force through the west. I will be waiting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vorcet whispered a short arcane phrase and a small imp apeared in front of him. "Bring this to a member of the Radiant Heart. I believe her name is SLiver. If Im not mistaken she will be hard to miss."
The imp slipped out the window and down the wall like a shadow, taking to the woods that pressed up against the west side of westbridge. Vorcet walked up the stairs to the roof of the tower to where two guards stood watching.
"Anything to report?" He asked the two guards that would soon find themselves the unfortunate recipients of daggers in the ribs. "Some movement but no sign of attack Is'Kal." One of the two replied. "Keep your eyes open. Their numbers have been increasing of late." Vorcet stated as he made his way back to the stairs on his way to ensure the proper operation of the gates.
Log: 25012013 - Ror and Alsin
OOC commentary: while newbie helping, Ror bumped into Alsin and roleplay sort of happened. For those with an interest in old factions, Alsin shares some history on the Emirc Dezinagro Syndicate.
There is an End
"Velentham?" Gilean asked, his face alarmed. "No. Sanria. We haven't heard anything from my cousin for so long now... let's not disrupt that."
"Then I'll seek him out," Sanria answered.
"Oh, Sanria, no. Look, ok, I can see. I just don't know how to get him to go along with it."
"Let him know I'll see him if he will agree to listen."
Sanria knew what it could mean, she knew that if Velentham were given the opportunity, he could wipe out her memories of this world and keep her with him. Still, she knew that with Thasmudyan powerless, no matter how frustrated it made her, he couldn't stand up to Maya. At least if she could convince Velentham to help Maya get home, she could bring Lyvinnia to a safe place to be raised with her sister and father - whether she was there or not.
With Gilean's promise secured and the future secured from unexpected births, Sanria set off to Ror's home. When she found him absent, she went up into the room that had been Nioma's and to keep busy, she dismantled the crib. It did not take long for Ror to appear.
She did not share with him any of the reasons for her leaving him - the reasons that were Orn, Colin, Thasmudyan, Velentham, and the danger that would be soon facing her. She merely admitted she was weak in matters of love and watched as he retracted his affections. She knew she had hurt him, but their parting had to be done, more than anything, for his own benefit. Better that he hurt over a short relationship than get entrenched in something deeper and be ruined for women that might come along later.
Sanria left the tree and appeared in the Keeper's castle. She quickly went to her office after leaving Nioma once again within Enmach's capable arms. She would tell Orn she had left Ror. She would tell him she was now alone. She would tell him about Velentham. And she would try to simply bury herself in the things she had been neglecting until the time came for her to uphold her end of the bargain to free Lyvinnia. It may cost her everything, but she would ensure that, no matter what, she would do something right.
"Then I'll seek him out," Sanria answered.
"Oh, Sanria, no. Look, ok, I can see. I just don't know how to get him to go along with it."
"Let him know I'll see him if he will agree to listen."
Sanria knew what it could mean, she knew that if Velentham were given the opportunity, he could wipe out her memories of this world and keep her with him. Still, she knew that with Thasmudyan powerless, no matter how frustrated it made her, he couldn't stand up to Maya. At least if she could convince Velentham to help Maya get home, she could bring Lyvinnia to a safe place to be raised with her sister and father - whether she was there or not.
With Gilean's promise secured and the future secured from unexpected births, Sanria set off to Ror's home. When she found him absent, she went up into the room that had been Nioma's and to keep busy, she dismantled the crib. It did not take long for Ror to appear.
She did not share with him any of the reasons for her leaving him - the reasons that were Orn, Colin, Thasmudyan, Velentham, and the danger that would be soon facing her. She merely admitted she was weak in matters of love and watched as he retracted his affections. She knew she had hurt him, but their parting had to be done, more than anything, for his own benefit. Better that he hurt over a short relationship than get entrenched in something deeper and be ruined for women that might come along later.
Sanria left the tree and appeared in the Keeper's castle. She quickly went to her office after leaving Nioma once again within Enmach's capable arms. She would tell Orn she had left Ror. She would tell him she was now alone. She would tell him about Velentham. And she would try to simply bury herself in the things she had been neglecting until the time came for her to uphold her end of the bargain to free Lyvinnia. It may cost her everything, but she would ensure that, no matter what, she would do something right.
Into the Blue
Sanria listened to Gilean and the other priest, Bertrand, talking while Nioma and Lyvinnia played. The two girls seemed delighted with one another, but on seeing them, the moment they touched, with a blue glow that spread like starlight, Sanria snatched Nioma into the air. It sent Lyvinnia into tears while Nioma thrashed about in Sanria's arms. She'd never seen anything like it, but she couldn't risk a toddler vanishing to a place she didn't know, and it certainly seemed that they were on the verge of taking off.
She allowed Nioma back to the ground, Sanria's eyes cautiously watching, and listened as Bertrand told them how abusive Maya truly was. Why she felt that this was any of her obligation, she didn't know. But before she had considered any other way, she had Bertrand promise to ask Maya if she could have the little girl. "I've asked for the girl," Bertrand said. "Maya always summons her, I've even left with the child once. The child is a puppet to that order, I wouldn't hold out on being granted the child."
"Sanria's home does have special protections on it I helped to place there," Gilean replied. "The child would be safe, if she is in danger ...so long as she didn't leave the house."
"Then take her, before the lass is dead."
"She'll kill her?" Sanria asked with alarm.
In that moment, she felt a great many things. One, in particular, was anger. Thasmudyan should be doing this, this was his mistake. He should be here, fighting for his daughter, not trying to make a life with her and Nioma. He should be solving this...
Lyvinnia vanished in a swirl of gray smoke, summoned, Bertrand reminded them, by Maya. Not long after, Maya walked into the temple, setting Sanria's stomach to ice. "Your bastards growing too it seems," Maya said. "Your idiot husband still playing happy father?"
"As a matter of fact, Colin and I are no longer together."
"So you've allowed the mooch back into your heart then, your home... or are you on to someone entirely new now?" Sanria did not miss a beat. There would be no way she would let Maya know about Ror. "No. No one new."
"So you have then, he is with you." Maya stared at Sanria, her eyes cunning, searching.
"Not entirely. No. After all, he is prone to vanishing which isn't conducive to any sort of relationship. I am, for all intents and purposes, a free agent at the moment."
"He's always done that to you though hasn't he dear.... yet here you sit with the oil of his loins."
The distaste Sanria felt for the woman before her was sickening and intense. She could not, however, let any of her inner feelings show through. It was a damning exercise, as when she requested Lyvinnia, Maya brought the girl forth from nowhere, grinding her boot into the girl. "What is it worth to you, to save this piece of rothe dropping Sanria?" "What do you wish?" Sanria asked, keeping herself from stepping forward. "Come to me with an offer, if its soon, We will negotiate... or you can send your man to fight for his pathetic mess. I doubt it though."
Both Maya and Lyvinnia vanished and Sanria let out her pent up breath. She was furious. She watched a parent abuse their child before her eyes and did nothing, but she knew if she had made a move, the girl would have suffered even more. Only when Bertrand had explained who Maya was, how she was stuck in the world, how they would need the help of a wizard if a bargain was going to be getting Maya back home, did it strike Sanria. A name she hadn't thought about in ages came back to her. "Gilean... what about Velentham..."
She allowed Nioma back to the ground, Sanria's eyes cautiously watching, and listened as Bertrand told them how abusive Maya truly was. Why she felt that this was any of her obligation, she didn't know. But before she had considered any other way, she had Bertrand promise to ask Maya if she could have the little girl. "I've asked for the girl," Bertrand said. "Maya always summons her, I've even left with the child once. The child is a puppet to that order, I wouldn't hold out on being granted the child."
"Sanria's home does have special protections on it I helped to place there," Gilean replied. "The child would be safe, if she is in danger ...so long as she didn't leave the house."
"Then take her, before the lass is dead."
"She'll kill her?" Sanria asked with alarm.
In that moment, she felt a great many things. One, in particular, was anger. Thasmudyan should be doing this, this was his mistake. He should be here, fighting for his daughter, not trying to make a life with her and Nioma. He should be solving this...
Lyvinnia vanished in a swirl of gray smoke, summoned, Bertrand reminded them, by Maya. Not long after, Maya walked into the temple, setting Sanria's stomach to ice. "Your bastards growing too it seems," Maya said. "Your idiot husband still playing happy father?"
"As a matter of fact, Colin and I are no longer together."
"So you've allowed the mooch back into your heart then, your home... or are you on to someone entirely new now?" Sanria did not miss a beat. There would be no way she would let Maya know about Ror. "No. No one new."
"So you have then, he is with you." Maya stared at Sanria, her eyes cunning, searching.
"Not entirely. No. After all, he is prone to vanishing which isn't conducive to any sort of relationship. I am, for all intents and purposes, a free agent at the moment."
"He's always done that to you though hasn't he dear.... yet here you sit with the oil of his loins."
The distaste Sanria felt for the woman before her was sickening and intense. She could not, however, let any of her inner feelings show through. It was a damning exercise, as when she requested Lyvinnia, Maya brought the girl forth from nowhere, grinding her boot into the girl. "What is it worth to you, to save this piece of rothe dropping Sanria?" "What do you wish?" Sanria asked, keeping herself from stepping forward. "Come to me with an offer, if its soon, We will negotiate... or you can send your man to fight for his pathetic mess. I doubt it though."
Both Maya and Lyvinnia vanished and Sanria let out her pent up breath. She was furious. She watched a parent abuse their child before her eyes and did nothing, but she knew if she had made a move, the girl would have suffered even more. Only when Bertrand had explained who Maya was, how she was stuck in the world, how they would need the help of a wizard if a bargain was going to be getting Maya back home, did it strike Sanria. A name she hadn't thought about in ages came back to her. "Gilean... what about Velentham..."
Library
The door of the library opened, and the figure of Ror entered. He quietly closed the door behind his back and walked past the rows of bookcases to his familiar wooden reading table. "Got lost?" inquired the familiar voice of the librarian behind him. Ror turned his head, his hand still resting on the chair before the table, and said, "Something like that."
The librarian chuckled and she studied Ror, her arms crossed, "So you're back, huh?" He cocked his head a bit to one side while giving that thought, then pulled the chair back and sat down. "I never left," he said. "Right. Gotcha." She paused, before asking, "On an entirely different topic, did your friend like his gift?" Ror moved some books from one pile to the next, bringing order to chaos, "Who? Alsin? Yes, he did. Thanks for that by the way." She nodded to herself before walking off, leaving Ror to himself and his books.
The sage motioned with his hand causing the selected book on his table to float up and open. With the minor flicks of his hand, he started to read.
The librarian chuckled and she studied Ror, her arms crossed, "So you're back, huh?" He cocked his head a bit to one side while giving that thought, then pulled the chair back and sat down. "I never left," he said. "Right. Gotcha." She paused, before asking, "On an entirely different topic, did your friend like his gift?" Ror moved some books from one pile to the next, bringing order to chaos, "Who? Alsin? Yes, he did. Thanks for that by the way." She nodded to herself before walking off, leaving Ror to himself and his books.
The sage motioned with his hand causing the selected book on his table to float up and open. With the minor flicks of his hand, he started to read.
Log: 21012013 - Ror and Sanria
OOC commentary: Like a soap bubble bursting, drama puts an end to things swiftly. The aftermath of this session was written down in the "Starlit" roleplay note. Ror needed to do some serious thinking at the end. Despite things not working out with Sanria, Ror did start taking books to other places for him to read, meaning she had at least some positive effect! And despite Sanria's opinion on the matter, he is not bitter. The end is a bit confusing, because Sanria talks about seeking out or not, while Ror discusses the roleplay variant of the OOC concept of not being on the deed list. (No access to the area.) Miscommunication ahoy! This session also shows near the end the one downside to being a leveler roleplaying: heroes tend to downsize abilities or opinions of levelers. Which is not always relevant nor fair.
Official Enquiry
Dear Leadership, dear all,
There is a man named Thasmudyan who claims to have been a TriPower general. I would like to have any official report, information or memories of his time serving the Kingdom. I am investigating both his claim as his accusations of misconduct by the TriPower. So the more information you can give me, the better.
Regards,
Ror
1st Class Research Officer
There is a man named Thasmudyan who claims to have been a TriPower general. I would like to have any official report, information or memories of his time serving the Kingdom. I am investigating both his claim as his accusations of misconduct by the TriPower. So the more information you can give me, the better.
Regards,
Ror
1st Class Research Officer
Starlit
It was night. Pushing the ivy curtain aside, Ror stepped on the balcony and walked over to the edge. He sat down on the railing and listened to the sounds of the forest at night. High above him in the heavens, the stars twinkled and no moon could be seen. Out of a pouch came an old pipe, prestuffed with a fine herb, and he placed the end of the pipe in his mouth while he lit the other. Gradually, rings of smoke rose above the balcony, diluting and disappearing as they ascended. Ror sighed and watched starlit Westbridge at the horizon. Tonight would be a night for some deep thinking.
Pressing Matters
Sanria sat in her office, staring out over the castle grounds to the north from the large window. From there she could see Star Mountain and the various trails that wound up its side and through it. Beyond was the ice cream parlor where, the day before, she had met with Orn and Ror. The moment when her only concerns were wishing Orn liked Ror better than he did. Now, in the span of a day, things had gone from relatively under control, to outright insane. But, what was new?
She had gone back to the cavern, slinking into the place in what she hoped was silence, but Thasmudyan had found her. They sat and talked for quite a while, and she was informed that having Ror help raise Nioma while Thasmudyan was there made him quite upset. He wanted a chance to be in Nioma's life... and hers. They spent time arguing, discussing, and...
And things that sent her packing to the castle in haste. Things that sent her to visit with Colin. She spent the evening talking to him, discussing the past and Emalia, their children, Orn and Leandra, the fact that Colin was going to be a grandfather and already was one. They spent time reminiscing and discussing, and...
And when Orn walked in to deliver his father a plate full of food in the morning and saw his mother and father together, Sanria had a hell of a time telling him it meant nothing. But she knew, then, as did Orn, that she could no longer be with Ror. She could barely stand her own self, her own weaknesses, but there was nothing more to be said. She had guaranteed herself a life alone.
She rose from her desk and had Enmach bring Nioma to her. She would ensure that there were no accidents. She would stop by the temple of Lathander and meet with Gilean. No more children. Then... she would stop by the tree and talk to Ror. She would have to end things... she couldn't drag another man through what she had already done to three others. At least she'd stop things before they went any further.
Sanria appeared at the temple and walked in to see not only Gilean, but another priest with a small girl at the hem of his robes. It was here that she and her daughter stumbled across the other side of her conversation with Thasmudyan. In front of her was Maya's daughter and Nioma's half-sister, Lyvinnia. Things had suddenly become far, far more complex.
She had gone back to the cavern, slinking into the place in what she hoped was silence, but Thasmudyan had found her. They sat and talked for quite a while, and she was informed that having Ror help raise Nioma while Thasmudyan was there made him quite upset. He wanted a chance to be in Nioma's life... and hers. They spent time arguing, discussing, and...
And things that sent her packing to the castle in haste. Things that sent her to visit with Colin. She spent the evening talking to him, discussing the past and Emalia, their children, Orn and Leandra, the fact that Colin was going to be a grandfather and already was one. They spent time reminiscing and discussing, and...
And when Orn walked in to deliver his father a plate full of food in the morning and saw his mother and father together, Sanria had a hell of a time telling him it meant nothing. But she knew, then, as did Orn, that she could no longer be with Ror. She could barely stand her own self, her own weaknesses, but there was nothing more to be said. She had guaranteed herself a life alone.
She rose from her desk and had Enmach bring Nioma to her. She would ensure that there were no accidents. She would stop by the temple of Lathander and meet with Gilean. No more children. Then... she would stop by the tree and talk to Ror. She would have to end things... she couldn't drag another man through what she had already done to three others. At least she'd stop things before they went any further.
Sanria appeared at the temple and walked in to see not only Gilean, but another priest with a small girl at the hem of his robes. It was here that she and her daughter stumbled across the other side of her conversation with Thasmudyan. In front of her was Maya's daughter and Nioma's half-sister, Lyvinnia. Things had suddenly become far, far more complex.
He Calls Himself Roar? (1-2)
Reggie stayed close to Orn as they walked toward the ice cream shop near the Keepers of Balance castle. He wasn't going to let anything happen to Orn. Besides, when meeting a strange male for the first time you had to look strong.
Roar. That's what Orn said this male's name was. Roar. Maybe he thought himself strong like a bear to have that name. Reggie could show him what strong was.
Reggie looked over to Orn as they neared the shop. He spoke to Orn through thought. 'This Roar is an intruder. A stranger coming into your father's territory.'
Orn looked to the bear, replying aloud, 'Reggie... Mom just wants me to meet him.'
'It's truth brother. And he is trying to take your father's mate. Your dad should show him who's stronger, make him leave.'
Orn sighed, 'You know... I almost wish he could but my dad's not well. He doesn't even remember us... or my mom.'
Reggie snorted in disgust. 'No matter. Your dad still claimed her as his mate. If he can't drive him off, maybe you should. Or I can.'
The bear looked over at Orn with a semblance of a grin, showing large teeth.
'No Reggie. Let's just meet him first. Maybe he can leave with words.'
'People and your words. Words are much weaker than actions.'
They arrived at the door and Reggie waited for Orn to open it.
'Reggie, maybe you should wait out here. You know my mom's not going to like you coming in.'
Reggie shook his large bear head, 'No Orn. I come with you. I want to meet this man who calls himself Roar.'
Orn gave a small sigh. 'Ok, but, just... behave yourself, ok?'
'Of course, I always do.' Reggie grinned again.
Reggie followed closely behing Orn into the ice cream shop. They had come in here many times before, Reggie especially liked the strawberry ice cream. Normally Reggie's note would immediately get to twitching but this time they were here for a very different reason. Reggie was focused.
He saw Orn's mother sitting at a table with an elf, eating ice cream. Reggie immediately felt his heart rate quicken and his hackles raise slightly. He had to focus to calm himself, he had promised Orn.
Reggie walked with Orn over to the table. While the people made their introductions, Reggie watched Roar intently. This one was large, for an elf, but they could still drive him off. Reggie was sure of it.
'This elf is no match for your father, Orn. Why is your mother even putting up with his advances?' Reggie thought to Orn.
Orn ignored Reggie, instead continuing to exchange meaningless words with his mother and the intruder. Reggie sat near the table, his stare unwavering from the elf.
Their conversation drifted to how Roar happened to meet Orn's mom. Sanria said that the elf was collecting herbs near her home.
'Right... more likely he smelled the scent of an unattended female and thought he could charge in and get his manhood wet.'
Orn ignored Reggie again, just shifting in his chair.
Then, the intruder, Roar, actually had the bravery to nudge Reggie. 'Reggie's his name?'
'Orn, if he touches me again he's going to lose the part that does. I can take care of this elf right now.'
Orn looked over to Reggie, giving a quick shake of his head before returning to the conversation.
'Fine... but he better not touch me again...'
The people talked some more. Roar claimed he had a bear too before. Reggie doubted it. Words were tricky but Reggie didn't smell any bear on this elf. Reggie only smelled books and dust and outsider. Reggie trusted his nose.
Orn got worried for a moment that Roar could hear Reggie but it turned out the elf couldn't. Reggie didn't care, he didn't need words to tell Roar he needed to go away.
The people seemed to talk forever, Roar trying to say he cared about Orn's dad and wanted him to get better. They talked about strange things like their feelings and love. Reggie grew very tired of all this talking. It wasn't making the intruder go away. Still he sat and stared at Roar.
Finally, Orn's mom got up and left. Reggie could smell she was angry. She should be, at what this intruder was doing. Then the elf left. Reggie looked at Orn.
'So, is he going to go away?'
'No... I don't think so Reggie. Things are all mixed up.'
Orn headed for the door and Reggie followed him, shaking his large head. 'You should have let me bite him.'
Roar. That's what Orn said this male's name was. Roar. Maybe he thought himself strong like a bear to have that name. Reggie could show him what strong was.
Reggie looked over to Orn as they neared the shop. He spoke to Orn through thought. 'This Roar is an intruder. A stranger coming into your father's territory.'
Orn looked to the bear, replying aloud, 'Reggie... Mom just wants me to meet him.'
'It's truth brother. And he is trying to take your father's mate. Your dad should show him who's stronger, make him leave.'
Orn sighed, 'You know... I almost wish he could but my dad's not well. He doesn't even remember us... or my mom.'
Reggie snorted in disgust. 'No matter. Your dad still claimed her as his mate. If he can't drive him off, maybe you should. Or I can.'
The bear looked over at Orn with a semblance of a grin, showing large teeth.
'No Reggie. Let's just meet him first. Maybe he can leave with words.'
'People and your words. Words are much weaker than actions.'
They arrived at the door and Reggie waited for Orn to open it.
'Reggie, maybe you should wait out here. You know my mom's not going to like you coming in.'
Reggie shook his large bear head, 'No Orn. I come with you. I want to meet this man who calls himself Roar.'
Orn gave a small sigh. 'Ok, but, just... behave yourself, ok?'
'Of course, I always do.' Reggie grinned again.
Reggie followed closely behing Orn into the ice cream shop. They had come in here many times before, Reggie especially liked the strawberry ice cream. Normally Reggie's note would immediately get to twitching but this time they were here for a very different reason. Reggie was focused.
He saw Orn's mother sitting at a table with an elf, eating ice cream. Reggie immediately felt his heart rate quicken and his hackles raise slightly. He had to focus to calm himself, he had promised Orn.
Reggie walked with Orn over to the table. While the people made their introductions, Reggie watched Roar intently. This one was large, for an elf, but they could still drive him off. Reggie was sure of it.
'This elf is no match for your father, Orn. Why is your mother even putting up with his advances?' Reggie thought to Orn.
Orn ignored Reggie, instead continuing to exchange meaningless words with his mother and the intruder. Reggie sat near the table, his stare unwavering from the elf.
Their conversation drifted to how Roar happened to meet Orn's mom. Sanria said that the elf was collecting herbs near her home.
'Right... more likely he smelled the scent of an unattended female and thought he could charge in and get his manhood wet.'
Orn ignored Reggie again, just shifting in his chair.
Then, the intruder, Roar, actually had the bravery to nudge Reggie. 'Reggie's his name?'
'Orn, if he touches me again he's going to lose the part that does. I can take care of this elf right now.'
Orn looked over to Reggie, giving a quick shake of his head before returning to the conversation.
'Fine... but he better not touch me again...'
The people talked some more. Roar claimed he had a bear too before. Reggie doubted it. Words were tricky but Reggie didn't smell any bear on this elf. Reggie only smelled books and dust and outsider. Reggie trusted his nose.
Orn got worried for a moment that Roar could hear Reggie but it turned out the elf couldn't. Reggie didn't care, he didn't need words to tell Roar he needed to go away.
The people seemed to talk forever, Roar trying to say he cared about Orn's dad and wanted him to get better. They talked about strange things like their feelings and love. Reggie grew very tired of all this talking. It wasn't making the intruder go away. Still he sat and stared at Roar.
Finally, Orn's mom got up and left. Reggie could smell she was angry. She should be, at what this intruder was doing. Then the elf left. Reggie looked at Orn.
'So, is he going to go away?'
'No... I don't think so Reggie. Things are all mixed up.'
Orn headed for the door and Reggie followed him, shaking his large head. 'You should have let me bite him.'
Deathscythe Hell
"Steady, steady," said Ror to himself as the skeleton of the Deathscythe Hell's hull very slowly turned and entered a large silo. They had just flown many miles in the dark, without light and Ror felt weary.
Fortunately the ship was still hardly a ship and besides the seat, everything was just a giant porthole without glass in front. As the 'ship' glided into the TriPower silo, the large doors behind it were closed and locked. Landing on the floor, Ror pulled the keys from the ignition and got up from the pilot's chair, keeping his balance on the metal beam before him. "Been a while I did that," he said to the engineer that had been accompanied him and basically stood a small piece of metal plating directly behind the chair. The man just nodded and replied, "We're taking her down now, sir." And indeed Ror could feel the downward movement as the platform descended into the deep by one of the largest elevators in the TriPower. "Very well," said Ror, "I'll leave the towing up to you." Ror disembarked and recalled.
He went looking for Astafas to share the news. The skeleton of the hull was there now: pieced together from seven parts ordered at different TriPower builders and outfitted with just a single drive and a single lift engine. The coming years hard work, lots of money and research would compelete the vessel, at least so Ror expected. Nonetheless, the first steps were taken to build a warship never seen before. One that would hopefully have the upper hand over Vector and would help the TriPower crush it in the future.
Fortunately the ship was still hardly a ship and besides the seat, everything was just a giant porthole without glass in front. As the 'ship' glided into the TriPower silo, the large doors behind it were closed and locked. Landing on the floor, Ror pulled the keys from the ignition and got up from the pilot's chair, keeping his balance on the metal beam before him. "Been a while I did that," he said to the engineer that had been accompanied him and basically stood a small piece of metal plating directly behind the chair. The man just nodded and replied, "We're taking her down now, sir." And indeed Ror could feel the downward movement as the platform descended into the deep by one of the largest elevators in the TriPower. "Very well," said Ror, "I'll leave the towing up to you." Ror disembarked and recalled.
He went looking for Astafas to share the news. The skeleton of the hull was there now: pieced together from seven parts ordered at different TriPower builders and outfitted with just a single drive and a single lift engine. The coming years hard work, lots of money and research would compelete the vessel, at least so Ror expected. Nonetheless, the first steps were taken to build a warship never seen before. One that would hopefully have the upper hand over Vector and would help the TriPower crush it in the future.
Visions of things to come (2)
It was over in but a couple of short minutes, but for Lotus if felt like a lifetime. Her fingers released the object and she collapsed to her knees on the floor, her body shaking and her eyes crying tears of blood which dripped to the dungeon floor unhindered.
Psycho gave no time for resting, wanting her vision while it was fresh. "Tell me," he said simply.Hatred filled the girls face for a moment before she looked up to Psycho and all anger drained away. She couldn't hate him. It was like hating a river for flowing. Stupid, to even think she could hate him for this. None of it was his fault, any more than it was hers.
Mournfully Lotus whispered her findings in broken sentences. "So much fighting... So many dead. All to change the ways... I can't... see..." Lotus bent her head in frustration as she tried to place things that didn't fit. "A big city... So familiar... Like its ours but not ours... We must work apart to win.. We must work together but separate...A victory for us... A look of frustation came over her features.She let out a whimper and looked up at the man. "That is your time. You must take it then. I saw stones, beautiful powerful stones of color... so beautiful... so full of energy... They were joined together somehow. Set in wood..."
Wiping the blood tears from her delicate cheeks Lotus quickly tried to stand, only to find her energy sapped. She collapsed back to the stone floor and looked up in panic. "You can't," she said urgently, her eyes widening, glowing a deep red. "You can't," she whispered again, pleading with him this time. "Too dangerous," she murmured, her eyes wandering to the scroll that lie next to her. Her fingers trailed over to it even as Psycho removed it from her reach. "No," she murmured quietly, sick of her own pleading, but unable to stop herself. "Please, you could..." Her voice faltered and she shook her head. She knew he understood, as well as she knew that it wouldn't stop him, even if she said for certainty that this was his end Psycho would go, he would do this thing, he would seek this quest out. She looked down at the stone floor, her fingers touching the pools of blood her tears had formed. She felt his absence even though she didn't hear him leave. Looking up to the place he had been, she saw a delicate glass goblet of deep red liquid, still warm, resting in wait for her to satisfy her hunger.
Psycho gave no time for resting, wanting her vision while it was fresh. "Tell me," he said simply.Hatred filled the girls face for a moment before she looked up to Psycho and all anger drained away. She couldn't hate him. It was like hating a river for flowing. Stupid, to even think she could hate him for this. None of it was his fault, any more than it was hers.
Mournfully Lotus whispered her findings in broken sentences. "So much fighting... So many dead. All to change the ways... I can't... see..." Lotus bent her head in frustration as she tried to place things that didn't fit. "A big city... So familiar... Like its ours but not ours... We must work apart to win.. We must work together but separate...A victory for us... A look of frustation came over her features.She let out a whimper and looked up at the man. "That is your time. You must take it then. I saw stones, beautiful powerful stones of color... so beautiful... so full of energy... They were joined together somehow. Set in wood..."
Wiping the blood tears from her delicate cheeks Lotus quickly tried to stand, only to find her energy sapped. She collapsed back to the stone floor and looked up in panic. "You can't," she said urgently, her eyes widening, glowing a deep red. "You can't," she whispered again, pleading with him this time. "Too dangerous," she murmured, her eyes wandering to the scroll that lie next to her. Her fingers trailed over to it even as Psycho removed it from her reach. "No," she murmured quietly, sick of her own pleading, but unable to stop herself. "Please, you could..." Her voice faltered and she shook her head. She knew he understood, as well as she knew that it wouldn't stop him, even if she said for certainty that this was his end Psycho would go, he would do this thing, he would seek this quest out. She looked down at the stone floor, her fingers touching the pools of blood her tears had formed. She felt his absence even though she didn't hear him leave. Looking up to the place he had been, she saw a delicate glass goblet of deep red liquid, still warm, resting in wait for her to satisfy her hunger.
Visions of things to come
Heaving an unnecessary sigh, Lotus looked to the wooden door. Soon, things would change. Some for the better, some for the worse, but change was inevitable, she knew. Feeling the footsteps more than hearing them, Lotus pushed her shoulders back. "Enter," she called, before the boy on the other side of the door could even knock. In walked a scrawny boy wearing the tunic of the Radiant Heart. He held up a letter with a shaking hand. Lotus could feel his unease. "M...m.. miss," the boy stuttered, not quite daring to raise his eyes to the woman who was surely no taller, and appeared no older than he was. Lotus felt a tug in her soul and her eyes dropped to the letter. Her eyes glowed a dull red as she quietly took the envelope. "Leave me..." Lotus murmured, never looking away from the letter. Waiting for the boy to leave and close the door, Lotus placed the letter carefully on the unused bed, and took a step back. She could ignore it. Say she never got it. Who would dare question her word? It wasn't possible. Ignoring it wouldn't change things much. This was her destiny as much as any vision had been. Her gift, that was her curse, as much as the man who had written this letter, all of it would come to be, one way or another. Lotus had long ago learned that ignoring the situation simply meant she had no control. She needed control. It helped things be okay.
Heaving a sigh with forced breath that she didn't require, Lotus stretched her hand out towards the letter. She knew the words by heart even before the letter was delivered. It wasn't the letter that was important, but what the letter required her to do... To see... To feel...
Leaving the letter unopened, she murmured words in frustration, opening a dark swirling door. With one look around the room, her eyes glowing a bright red and her fangs bared slightly, Lotus walked through the door, into a dungeon like room. A smile played on her lips as she realized where she was. She chuckled a bit and her shoulders relaxed. Turning about to the being she had come to see, Lotus nodded in appreciation. He had picked this spot for her. In memory of a few good moments she had had in her lifetime. Kind of him, in a way. In front of him lie a scroll and Lotus hissed at the sight of it."I can't," she whispered softly.The black flames surrounding Psycho flickered as he simply waited. He knew she would, that she could, despite the cost. It's the agreement they had and she wouldn't fail him.Pushing her shoulders back, Lotus closed the gap between herself and the odd scroll. Fangs bared, eyes glowing a deep red, she reached out to the object. Eyes flickered to Psycho in one last useless plea.
Her tiny fingers curled around the scroll and she fought back the waves of panic as a shot of pain rocked her body. A gasp escaped her lips. Blinding light filled her vision and her back arched wildly, almost breaking her small frame in half. "No!" she cried helplessly, tightening her hand around the edges of the object. Her senses assaulted she was thrown back in time and forward at the same time. Odd noises of despair filled the dungeon chamber as Psycho watched the childlike woman go through the unbelievable pain that was her curse.
Heaving a sigh with forced breath that she didn't require, Lotus stretched her hand out towards the letter. She knew the words by heart even before the letter was delivered. It wasn't the letter that was important, but what the letter required her to do... To see... To feel...
Leaving the letter unopened, she murmured words in frustration, opening a dark swirling door. With one look around the room, her eyes glowing a bright red and her fangs bared slightly, Lotus walked through the door, into a dungeon like room. A smile played on her lips as she realized where she was. She chuckled a bit and her shoulders relaxed. Turning about to the being she had come to see, Lotus nodded in appreciation. He had picked this spot for her. In memory of a few good moments she had had in her lifetime. Kind of him, in a way. In front of him lie a scroll and Lotus hissed at the sight of it."I can't," she whispered softly.The black flames surrounding Psycho flickered as he simply waited. He knew she would, that she could, despite the cost. It's the agreement they had and she wouldn't fail him.Pushing her shoulders back, Lotus closed the gap between herself and the odd scroll. Fangs bared, eyes glowing a deep red, she reached out to the object. Eyes flickered to Psycho in one last useless plea.
Her tiny fingers curled around the scroll and she fought back the waves of panic as a shot of pain rocked her body. A gasp escaped her lips. Blinding light filled her vision and her back arched wildly, almost breaking her small frame in half. "No!" she cried helplessly, tightening her hand around the edges of the object. Her senses assaulted she was thrown back in time and forward at the same time. Odd noises of despair filled the dungeon chamber as Psycho watched the childlike woman go through the unbelievable pain that was her curse.
Log: 19012013 - Ror and Orn
OOC commentary: Finally Ror and Orn meet! Well, that didn't go *THAT* bad did it? Interestingly, Ror seems to relate to the strider life. The Ice Cream Parlor as setting was a good pick considering what had to be discussed.
Shitstorm
Dear Diary,
So, okay. I think I might have done something pretty stupid, but I don't feel like it's entirely my fault. I mean, my mom is a bit of a tart who likes to get around, I can't control that. But when Orn came and told me that Dad was there in the castle with all those Rilmani and mom, and that mom was staying away from him in order to shack up with some other dude... I couldn't just sit by and not do anything.
I know Orn told me that I should stay away from him because it would hurt him, I kinda went to the castle anyway and once I saw him again... I couldn't help but hug him and want to see him with mom. I kinda told him everything... that he was married and that his wife was with some other dude and that he had to do something. He got a pretty bad headache after all that.
It just sucks that he doesn't remember anything and that mom is so infatuated with some new guy that she's not even trying to help him. Orn and Mirin are gonna have kids and dad, who really likes kids, isn't going to see theirs or mine and even know they are his grandkids.
I just feel like I should pack up and leave this stupid cavern to Thasmudyan - the other, other guy - and take Askari and our little family and just move to the far continent. I think once mom finds out and then Orn finds out, they're going to be pretty pissed off with me. That's the other thing I wish. I wish I could control my temper better.
I just want my kid to have grandparents that are together and love eachother. It's not too much to ask. Dad's back and he's better. Why can't my mom just get her shit together and be with him??
*A heavy scribble is seen here, pressed so hard the parchment pages are ripped.*
This is so stupid.
So, okay. I think I might have done something pretty stupid, but I don't feel like it's entirely my fault. I mean, my mom is a bit of a tart who likes to get around, I can't control that. But when Orn came and told me that Dad was there in the castle with all those Rilmani and mom, and that mom was staying away from him in order to shack up with some other dude... I couldn't just sit by and not do anything.
I know Orn told me that I should stay away from him because it would hurt him, I kinda went to the castle anyway and once I saw him again... I couldn't help but hug him and want to see him with mom. I kinda told him everything... that he was married and that his wife was with some other dude and that he had to do something. He got a pretty bad headache after all that.
It just sucks that he doesn't remember anything and that mom is so infatuated with some new guy that she's not even trying to help him. Orn and Mirin are gonna have kids and dad, who really likes kids, isn't going to see theirs or mine and even know they are his grandkids.
I just feel like I should pack up and leave this stupid cavern to Thasmudyan - the other, other guy - and take Askari and our little family and just move to the far continent. I think once mom finds out and then Orn finds out, they're going to be pretty pissed off with me. That's the other thing I wish. I wish I could control my temper better.
I just want my kid to have grandparents that are together and love eachother. It's not too much to ask. Dad's back and he's better. Why can't my mom just get her shit together and be with him??
*A heavy scribble is seen here, pressed so hard the parchment pages are ripped.*
This is so stupid.
Categories of Crimson
"Please, come in." Sanria gestured to the seat before her desk and the silver man took the proffered spot. "Thank you. I'll get right to it since the hour is late. We checked on your hus- Colin and we can only determine that the damage you've done by visiting him might not be permanent."
"Might not..."
"Without being able to go into his mind, we can only give our best estimate. However, we are advising you to stay clear of him. At this time it is best if he is able to let this go."
"This..." Sanria asked softly.
"Your relationship with him, or, lack thereof. Basically, Lady Sanria, he needs time to heal and how long that takes will depend on how much strain he's placed under."
"I'll stay away from him."
"Completely, m'lady."
"... completely."
"Good then. Ah, and your daughter, Nioma has endured a growth spurt. Do you have any knowledge of-"
"I know how it happens. It's a long story."
"Ah... well she is also well, though it threw Enmach off entirely. But, I can see you're tired. I'll take my leave."
The office was once more thrown into silence when Sanria reached out to Orn. She met him in the meeting room and gave him the news of his father. It pained her to see him so upset when he discovered he couldn't approach Colin even though he was right here in the castle, and it made him even more upset when she told him where she was staying. "You're staying with who?" "It's... well... it's a little complicated that one, he was just a friend but now he's a little more than a friend I guess. He's offered me a place to stay so I can be away from here and the cavern and the whole mess I'm creating in both places..."
"Wait Mom. But Dad's here, he's back... what are you talking about? You're staying with some man that's 'more than a friend'?"
"Orn... honey... I... your father and I aren't... we're..."
"What about Dad?"
"He doesn't remember me at all, Orn. And he never will. There's just too much past to bring back on your father. Far too much. He's finally free of all the baggage, all our past that held us down and was so heavy, he's free. I don't want to saddle him again with everything, especially now that he doesn't even remember it. He doesn't have to worry about Nioma, or any of that."
"Is it him who you want to be able to leave that behind... or you?"
"Orn... sweetheart... he's already left it behind... and me with it..."
"It seems like you're making this decision for him."
"Because your father is a stubborn man, Orn. If I let him have the choice, then I have no choice."
"Yeah... I guess he's not the only one."
She spent a bit longer, her discussion with Orn mainly centered on soothing him. Though he appeared much older, she still had to remind herself that he was young. And when he told her that he and Mirin were expecting, she had to remind herself he wasn't. It only pained her that Colin would never know he was a grandfather. It would have made him delighted.
After gathering her things together, ensuring Enmach knew were to find her if she was needed, Sanria and Nioma returned to the Ancient Tree. It was nearly dawn when she finally walked into the guest room and saw the little note laying on her bed. "You were not here when I returned from the library, so I left you this note instead. There is a gift for you on the third floor. I suspect you'll both like it. May it make for a pleasant stay. Kind regards and love, Ror"
Sanria laid the sleeping child on the bed and slipped through the house to the third floor. She opened the door of what was only the day prior a training room and revealed it had been entirely cleaned out. Sitting in the middle of the floor was a tiny chair meant for a child. Sanria's mouth fell open. Ror had not only thought of her, but her daughter, too. A small smile came to her tired face as she returned to her room and fell into an exhausted sleep.
"Might not..."
"Without being able to go into his mind, we can only give our best estimate. However, we are advising you to stay clear of him. At this time it is best if he is able to let this go."
"This..." Sanria asked softly.
"Your relationship with him, or, lack thereof. Basically, Lady Sanria, he needs time to heal and how long that takes will depend on how much strain he's placed under."
"I'll stay away from him."
"Completely, m'lady."
"... completely."
"Good then. Ah, and your daughter, Nioma has endured a growth spurt. Do you have any knowledge of-"
"I know how it happens. It's a long story."
"Ah... well she is also well, though it threw Enmach off entirely. But, I can see you're tired. I'll take my leave."
The office was once more thrown into silence when Sanria reached out to Orn. She met him in the meeting room and gave him the news of his father. It pained her to see him so upset when he discovered he couldn't approach Colin even though he was right here in the castle, and it made him even more upset when she told him where she was staying. "You're staying with who?" "It's... well... it's a little complicated that one, he was just a friend but now he's a little more than a friend I guess. He's offered me a place to stay so I can be away from here and the cavern and the whole mess I'm creating in both places..."
"Wait Mom. But Dad's here, he's back... what are you talking about? You're staying with some man that's 'more than a friend'?"
"Orn... honey... I... your father and I aren't... we're..."
"What about Dad?"
"He doesn't remember me at all, Orn. And he never will. There's just too much past to bring back on your father. Far too much. He's finally free of all the baggage, all our past that held us down and was so heavy, he's free. I don't want to saddle him again with everything, especially now that he doesn't even remember it. He doesn't have to worry about Nioma, or any of that."
"Is it him who you want to be able to leave that behind... or you?"
"Orn... sweetheart... he's already left it behind... and me with it..."
"It seems like you're making this decision for him."
"Because your father is a stubborn man, Orn. If I let him have the choice, then I have no choice."
"Yeah... I guess he's not the only one."
She spent a bit longer, her discussion with Orn mainly centered on soothing him. Though he appeared much older, she still had to remind herself that he was young. And when he told her that he and Mirin were expecting, she had to remind herself he wasn't. It only pained her that Colin would never know he was a grandfather. It would have made him delighted.
After gathering her things together, ensuring Enmach knew were to find her if she was needed, Sanria and Nioma returned to the Ancient Tree. It was nearly dawn when she finally walked into the guest room and saw the little note laying on her bed. "You were not here when I returned from the library, so I left you this note instead. There is a gift for you on the third floor. I suspect you'll both like it. May it make for a pleasant stay. Kind regards and love, Ror"
Sanria laid the sleeping child on the bed and slipped through the house to the third floor. She opened the door of what was only the day prior a training room and revealed it had been entirely cleaned out. Sitting in the middle of the floor was a tiny chair meant for a child. Sanria's mouth fell open. Ror had not only thought of her, but her daughter, too. A small smile came to her tired face as she returned to her room and fell into an exhausted sleep.
Log: 14012013 - Ror and Sanria
OOC commentary: Ror and Sanria again. One thing lead to another and she decides to live (rent a room officially) with Ror for a short period of time now that she has made up her mind about her marriage with Colin. Whatever feelings might have reared their head during this episode, will quickly meet their end in the near future at the hands of drama. Of course at this point he doesn't realize yet what lurks just over the horizon. All in all an amusing session!
Sorting Life
Sanria sat on the edge of the bed, staring at a painting of a waterfall which she didn't really see. She stared through it, her mind elsewhere, days prior, taking inventory. She had run into Colin and had tried to get away before he saw her, which failed. She had spent that night with him as a complete stranger. She left him the next day and had forgotten her pack in her haste and ended up there again. The third day she had bailed him out of jail after he went nuts in the Westbridge Inn. She took him to the castle and came clean with Fenlauch. She let herself be admonished by the large Rilmani for failing to keep her distance. She had to keep away from Colin. She had to keep away from the cavern. She had no place to go for the first time in a long time.
It wasn't her fault. It simply seemed to be the way the cards had been dealt to her. Try as she might to keep things in order, things simply kept toppling over. She had gone into the forest, letting the whisperings of the trees keep her company. It was no surprise that, given everything happening, she would run into Ror. The universe was conspiring and having a good laugh at her expense.
She spent her time chatting with Ror, sitting above a valley overlooking the city of Darrowmere. It seemed worlds away from Colin, Fenlauch, Thasmudyan, Leandra, Nioma... there was simply a peace. It was nice to have their meeting be nothing more than friendly chatting. Somehow they'd ended up laying side by side looking at the stars, then she'd ended up back at his house looking out over the forest where he'd kissed her and she'd kissed him. She could at least give herself credit for stopping things before they'd gotten even more confusing, but when he'd offered her a place to find her "love and peace," Sanria had balked, then considered. Ror said he would be off in the TriPower library, he would be out of the way, she'd have the place to herself. He had offered it for free, but to be certain things remained a business transaction, she had paid a month's worth of rent, then bid him goodnight.
So, Sanria found herself staring at the waterfall painting on the wall of the guest room she had rented, taking stock. She would have to talk to Orn so he knew where to find her, she would have to pick up Nioma and bring her back, she would make sure Enmach knew where to reach her as well for any and all of the correspondence that might come to her, and she would have to figure out why in the world she kept doing things like this to herself.
Sanria stood up with a sigh. Orn first. With a few words, she left the small sanctuary offered her in a swirl of magic. No sooner than she entered her office than one of the Rilmani dressed in all black swept in behind her. "Lady Sanria, I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's important. It's about Colin." It was definitely going to be a long night.
It wasn't her fault. It simply seemed to be the way the cards had been dealt to her. Try as she might to keep things in order, things simply kept toppling over. She had gone into the forest, letting the whisperings of the trees keep her company. It was no surprise that, given everything happening, she would run into Ror. The universe was conspiring and having a good laugh at her expense.
She spent her time chatting with Ror, sitting above a valley overlooking the city of Darrowmere. It seemed worlds away from Colin, Fenlauch, Thasmudyan, Leandra, Nioma... there was simply a peace. It was nice to have their meeting be nothing more than friendly chatting. Somehow they'd ended up laying side by side looking at the stars, then she'd ended up back at his house looking out over the forest where he'd kissed her and she'd kissed him. She could at least give herself credit for stopping things before they'd gotten even more confusing, but when he'd offered her a place to find her "love and peace," Sanria had balked, then considered. Ror said he would be off in the TriPower library, he would be out of the way, she'd have the place to herself. He had offered it for free, but to be certain things remained a business transaction, she had paid a month's worth of rent, then bid him goodnight.
So, Sanria found herself staring at the waterfall painting on the wall of the guest room she had rented, taking stock. She would have to talk to Orn so he knew where to find her, she would have to pick up Nioma and bring her back, she would make sure Enmach knew where to reach her as well for any and all of the correspondence that might come to her, and she would have to figure out why in the world she kept doing things like this to herself.
Sanria stood up with a sigh. Orn first. With a few words, she left the small sanctuary offered her in a swirl of magic. No sooner than she entered her office than one of the Rilmani dressed in all black swept in behind her. "Lady Sanria, I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's important. It's about Colin." It was definitely going to be a long night.
Finding The Scroll
Galactus Had been in the LIbraries of Athkatla scanning for documents that would predate the modern westbridge for nearly a month now. He was not usually capable of speech but what he lacked in communication his logic board more than made up for. Galactus was able to Read and process documents at a much faster pace than would ever be humanly possible. He was also proficient at languages as he scanned through hundreds and into the several thousands of documents the robot had found 14 scrolls about westbridge that predated modern reconnaissance. Of the 14 three were undecipherable by the Robot.
One of the three scrolls in particular was very interesting. It appeared to have a few scrawled sketches and its parchment seemed to glow. Galactus was not entirely in the dark about the translation. He could tell that it had been written with very large but extremely talented hands. And some of the words were familiar to language found at the temple upon the Rok. The few words he could read didn't sound good.
'... Evil... Ancient... Cetra... Artifact... '
Galactus knew he had completed his tasks and quickly packed up his findings in a secure bag and set off magically to find his master.
One of the three scrolls in particular was very interesting. It appeared to have a few scrawled sketches and its parchment seemed to glow. Galactus was not entirely in the dark about the translation. He could tell that it had been written with very large but extremely talented hands. And some of the words were familiar to language found at the temple upon the Rok. The few words he could read didn't sound good.
'... Evil... Ancient... Cetra... Artifact... '
Galactus knew he had completed his tasks and quickly packed up his findings in a secure bag and set off magically to find his master.
One is the...
Sanria sat with the flowers in her hands, inhaling as hard as she could, but this problem was beyond the reach of nature. What Fenlauch had told her in no uncertain terms, was that she no longer had a husband and her children no longer had a father. She felt there was nothing left for her but the hopeless and heartbroken sensation she felt and so, behind her mahogany desk, her face buried in flowers, she wept. Only once she felt the cocoon of strength, of cold, of armor wrap around her did she dare stand up.
She found Orn in his quarters and told him the news. When Orn looked at her saying, "So it's like they killed him. I don't have a Dad anymore," the tears stung, but did not fall. It was as though they couldn't. Orn assured her it wasn't her fault, but Sanria's mind ran. If only she hadn't pushed Colin. If only she had just stayed with him in the cavern. If only. Orn felt there was hope, why couldn't she? Orn felt that maybe the Rilmani had it wrong, they didn't know. But the truth was, when Fenlauch spoke, it was never with a missed step. Orn wanted to go to Colin once he'd healed, but the thought of seeing Colin with absolutely no recognition in his eyes was more than she could bear.
She called Leandra from the cavern and met her by the river. She had expected rage and blame from the girl, but what Sanria got was silence. Finally, Leandra looked up, her face paper-white. "I don't think I want to see you for a while." And Leandra walked away. Sanria wanted anything but that... anything but the cool indifference.
As Sanria sat by the bank of the river staring into the water, the cold sensation once again washed through her body. She would allow herself this moment to grieve. She would give herself this time to let the world stop spinning so fast. Then, she would get back to work. She looked at the ring on her finger and slipped it off, placing it in her pack. That world, the one contained in the amber leaves of her wedding band, was over. All that was left was the Keepers, and Nioma, and she'd be sure that the only time anything would happen to them would be over her stone cold body.
She found Orn in his quarters and told him the news. When Orn looked at her saying, "So it's like they killed him. I don't have a Dad anymore," the tears stung, but did not fall. It was as though they couldn't. Orn assured her it wasn't her fault, but Sanria's mind ran. If only she hadn't pushed Colin. If only she had just stayed with him in the cavern. If only. Orn felt there was hope, why couldn't she? Orn felt that maybe the Rilmani had it wrong, they didn't know. But the truth was, when Fenlauch spoke, it was never with a missed step. Orn wanted to go to Colin once he'd healed, but the thought of seeing Colin with absolutely no recognition in his eyes was more than she could bear.
She called Leandra from the cavern and met her by the river. She had expected rage and blame from the girl, but what Sanria got was silence. Finally, Leandra looked up, her face paper-white. "I don't think I want to see you for a while." And Leandra walked away. Sanria wanted anything but that... anything but the cool indifference.
As Sanria sat by the bank of the river staring into the water, the cold sensation once again washed through her body. She would allow herself this moment to grieve. She would give herself this time to let the world stop spinning so fast. Then, she would get back to work. She looked at the ring on her finger and slipped it off, placing it in her pack. That world, the one contained in the amber leaves of her wedding band, was over. All that was left was the Keepers, and Nioma, and she'd be sure that the only time anything would happen to them would be over her stone cold body.
Entity Aftermath
With another splash of water in his face Ror felt a lot more refreshed. Drinking and magic were a bad mix, but at least nothing bad had happened on the long term. Perhaps some image damage and funny remarks as his skin was saved by three women and an old goblin. That reminded him, he should say his thanks to them. Best start with the women first, he thought, let's see, what do they like? A little later Ror was collecting flowers in his garden. When he had enough, he went back inside and arranged bouquets in his kitchen. At the kitchen table he wrote thank you cards. After attaching the cards to the bouquets, he took two with them and transported the third by magic to Sanria. Magically recalling himself to the TriPower Tower, he was greeted by a grinning Captain of the Guard. Ignoring the man, Ror went to find his clanmates. After this he would drop by the library for ordering a copy of a book. He figured the old goblin would like that.
Disjointed Reality
It was dread that suddenly washed over Sanria when the glowing eyes settled in the chair across the desk. Fenlauch rarely came for simple chats. His conversations with Sanria were reserved for matters of gravity. And somehow, Sanria knew, this was serious. "Is he okay," she whispered.
"Yes. The proceedure was a success."
"Ah!" Sanria smiled, relieved. "Where is he?"
"That, is why I've come to speak with you."
"I... okay." Sanria settled herself, quelling the fire of excitement that had ignited moments before. "What's happened?"
"We've brought him back and he is staying in Westbridge until his mind is able to heal."
"But, you said it worked..."
"It did, but there were, casualties in his memories."
"Casualties..."
"Think of it like this," Fenlauch said, letting out an exhale. "His mind is full of certain holes, holes that will not fill in, but are currently as soft as a sponge. If he attempts to fill them in now, he could face a collapse. His mind has to... set... if you will."
"Holes..."
"Sanria, when your friend, Throm, placed Colin into the vat of Black Makou, Colin was in stasis, his thoughts on you and his children."
"Yes..."
"His memories of you merged with that substance. That was why you alone could calm him. So when we removed the ichor from him..."
"He forgot me."
Sanria leaned back in her chair. She didn't remember to breathe until her lungs began to burn. Only then did she look up at Fenlauch. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"Will he recover, I mean, I know you said holes but..." Fenlauch shook his head slowly. "You must let him mend and perhaps then you can get to know him over again, but no. Your past with him is gone in his mind. You are the holes."
"What... what about his children? Orn... Leandra..."
"He may have vague recollections of them... but not..."
There was nothing she could say. Sanria leaned back in her chair, unable to even see for all the tears clouding her vision. 'At least he's alive, at least he's alive, at least...' but Sanria found herself going numb. She sat up and smoothed her robes. "I'll have to speak to Orn."
"Sanria, perhaps you should take a little time to-"
"And I'll tell Leandra, then I'll get to work on helping Radiant Heart with Westbridge."
"Sanria..."
"Thank you, Fenlauch. Thank you for helping him."
Sanria watched as the huge man rose and bowed slowly. "I believe you should take time to let yourself understand and heal. I will not force you out of here, but be aware that your clan needs you to be strong and coherent."
"I am aware," she whispered.
"If you have any questions, please come to me."
"Thank you."
Without the huge presence in the room, Sanria felt her body crush. She leaned forward, taking in a breath to let out a deep sob, when a bouquet of flowers appeared on her desk with a card written in druid script: "Thanks for earlier. If you're busy and stressed, smell the flowers. Enjoy while they last!"
"Yes. The proceedure was a success."
"Ah!" Sanria smiled, relieved. "Where is he?"
"That, is why I've come to speak with you."
"I... okay." Sanria settled herself, quelling the fire of excitement that had ignited moments before. "What's happened?"
"We've brought him back and he is staying in Westbridge until his mind is able to heal."
"But, you said it worked..."
"It did, but there were, casualties in his memories."
"Casualties..."
"Think of it like this," Fenlauch said, letting out an exhale. "His mind is full of certain holes, holes that will not fill in, but are currently as soft as a sponge. If he attempts to fill them in now, he could face a collapse. His mind has to... set... if you will."
"Holes..."
"Sanria, when your friend, Throm, placed Colin into the vat of Black Makou, Colin was in stasis, his thoughts on you and his children."
"Yes..."
"His memories of you merged with that substance. That was why you alone could calm him. So when we removed the ichor from him..."
"He forgot me."
Sanria leaned back in her chair. She didn't remember to breathe until her lungs began to burn. Only then did she look up at Fenlauch. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"Will he recover, I mean, I know you said holes but..." Fenlauch shook his head slowly. "You must let him mend and perhaps then you can get to know him over again, but no. Your past with him is gone in his mind. You are the holes."
"What... what about his children? Orn... Leandra..."
"He may have vague recollections of them... but not..."
There was nothing she could say. Sanria leaned back in her chair, unable to even see for all the tears clouding her vision. 'At least he's alive, at least he's alive, at least...' but Sanria found herself going numb. She sat up and smoothed her robes. "I'll have to speak to Orn."
"Sanria, perhaps you should take a little time to-"
"And I'll tell Leandra, then I'll get to work on helping Radiant Heart with Westbridge."
"Sanria..."
"Thank you, Fenlauch. Thank you for helping him."
Sanria watched as the huge man rose and bowed slowly. "I believe you should take time to let yourself understand and heal. I will not force you out of here, but be aware that your clan needs you to be strong and coherent."
"I am aware," she whispered.
"If you have any questions, please come to me."
"Thank you."
Without the huge presence in the room, Sanria felt her body crush. She leaned forward, taking in a breath to let out a deep sob, when a bouquet of flowers appeared on her desk with a card written in druid script: "Thanks for earlier. If you're busy and stressed, smell the flowers. Enjoy while they last!"
Traggik Happenings (1-2)
"Sanria? Sanria, wake up."
Sanria sat up, realizing the daylight was streaming through the windows of her office. She had fallen asleep hunched over her desk, her face smashed on the pages of her herbal guide. She sat up and looked into the eyes of Enmach, who stared back with a raised eyebrow, waiting for some good reason. "I... just got busy..."
"I know better. Listen, I know you've had a lot going on and with your picnic being a failure-"
"Enmach, it was business, not a... picnic. So it wasn't a failure. Not only that, I'm still married to Colin, so it is officially classified as business. Nothing more."
"As you wish," Enmach answered cooly.
"Please, don't do that."
"Why were you reading the herbal?" Enmach asked, moving on.
"I was thinking of making myself some teas but I don't have everything."
"Perfect. I'll keep Nioma, you go out and do gathering."
Sanria found herself in the Elven Valley, lost in thought, until a man ran into her, nearly knocking her over and knocking himself down in the process. After profuse apologies, she discovered the man was himself searching for herbs. Desperately so. She looked at the drawings and smiled. At last, something she knew completely. "Ah, those are simple to find. The dandelion root can be fresh, as the chamomile. Rose hips are a little more difficult to come by, but I carry some on me at all times."
"You're perfect!"
"I'm sorry?"
"Why didn't I think of it! You can help me!"
"I... wh... well what did you need help with?" Sanria asked.
"A friend of mine is injured and needs some help. That is what the items are for."
After agreeing to help, Sanria found herself barely able to keep pace with the shadowy figure. Though being in Westbridge made her uncomfortable, she kept up until they reached a large home. "I found them!" the man crowed. "Ok, maybe I didn't find the herbs... but I found her..."
The man moved out of the way. There, in the same room, was a woman who appeared to be a priest, and on the floor being ministered, was Ror.
Sanria found herself staring at the elf, her mind uncomprehending. She did not know how, but after she had decided to avoid all further contact, here they were... albeit only one of the conscious. "Apparently earth magic rebounded on him. I've asked Alsin to get some herbs, but perhaps you have a better idea?" The voice of the woman brought her from her stupor.
"He offered to help cleanse a room of mine of a deathly aura," Alsin said.
"He was mid incantation when he collapsed."
"I was on the right track then perhaps," the woman said.
The only thing Sanria then found going through her mind was the audacity of a sage to attempt to remove an evil entity. Wizards work. Sorcerer's work, in fact. "You called on a sage to incant for you? How foolish could you be?!"
"I didn't ask him to do it, he just up and offered and off he went..."
"So foolish, Ror," Sanria sighed quietly.
Knowing that no others had been able to revive Ror, Sanria set to work making a tea from the herbs in her pack. She made introductions while she worked, learning Alsin's name as well as Casandra's. Once the tea had been made (amongst discussions on the nature of the problem when one tries to hire the wrong person for the job), Sanria held Ror's head in her lap. Carefully, she poured the tea down his throat while Casandra incanted a healing spell. It wasn't long before the entity Ror had swallowed forced its way out, leaving the elf vomiting and the room darkening. Quickly, Casandra cast a protection spell on the entire group. "Alsin, how long has this been in your home?" Casandra asked. "Ummm... maybe a century or two... I don't remember a time in this house when I didn't feel that aura in that room."
"Oooo.... did anyone get the number of that donkey cart?" Ror moaned.
"So you set him to work on a centuries old entity?" Sanria asked Alsin. It was infuriating to consider. "I didn't exactly set him to it," Alsin answered. "I told him not to try, I had wizards and other try their hand at it before. He insisted and as I said.....just started off on his own."
"Hey... is it Thursday already?"
Sanria looked at Ror with a smirk. "If you wanted to see me before Thursday, you should have just sent me a card, Ror."
"So you know him?" Alsin asked, and Sanria merely nodded. Why it seemed there was a collusion to have her and Ror meet, Sanria couldn't figure out. But after another several moments spent admonishing the elf, she left the house, whisking herself back to the castle. She would have to be more careful.
She had no sooner plopped down at her desk, when the hulking form of Fenlauch peered into her office. "Sanria, may I speak with you?"
Sanria sat up, realizing the daylight was streaming through the windows of her office. She had fallen asleep hunched over her desk, her face smashed on the pages of her herbal guide. She sat up and looked into the eyes of Enmach, who stared back with a raised eyebrow, waiting for some good reason. "I... just got busy..."
"I know better. Listen, I know you've had a lot going on and with your picnic being a failure-"
"Enmach, it was business, not a... picnic. So it wasn't a failure. Not only that, I'm still married to Colin, so it is officially classified as business. Nothing more."
"As you wish," Enmach answered cooly.
"Please, don't do that."
"Why were you reading the herbal?" Enmach asked, moving on.
"I was thinking of making myself some teas but I don't have everything."
"Perfect. I'll keep Nioma, you go out and do gathering."
Sanria found herself in the Elven Valley, lost in thought, until a man ran into her, nearly knocking her over and knocking himself down in the process. After profuse apologies, she discovered the man was himself searching for herbs. Desperately so. She looked at the drawings and smiled. At last, something she knew completely. "Ah, those are simple to find. The dandelion root can be fresh, as the chamomile. Rose hips are a little more difficult to come by, but I carry some on me at all times."
"You're perfect!"
"I'm sorry?"
"Why didn't I think of it! You can help me!"
"I... wh... well what did you need help with?" Sanria asked.
"A friend of mine is injured and needs some help. That is what the items are for."
After agreeing to help, Sanria found herself barely able to keep pace with the shadowy figure. Though being in Westbridge made her uncomfortable, she kept up until they reached a large home. "I found them!" the man crowed. "Ok, maybe I didn't find the herbs... but I found her..."
The man moved out of the way. There, in the same room, was a woman who appeared to be a priest, and on the floor being ministered, was Ror.
Sanria found herself staring at the elf, her mind uncomprehending. She did not know how, but after she had decided to avoid all further contact, here they were... albeit only one of the conscious. "Apparently earth magic rebounded on him. I've asked Alsin to get some herbs, but perhaps you have a better idea?" The voice of the woman brought her from her stupor.
"He offered to help cleanse a room of mine of a deathly aura," Alsin said.
"He was mid incantation when he collapsed."
"I was on the right track then perhaps," the woman said.
The only thing Sanria then found going through her mind was the audacity of a sage to attempt to remove an evil entity. Wizards work. Sorcerer's work, in fact. "You called on a sage to incant for you? How foolish could you be?!"
"I didn't ask him to do it, he just up and offered and off he went..."
"So foolish, Ror," Sanria sighed quietly.
Knowing that no others had been able to revive Ror, Sanria set to work making a tea from the herbs in her pack. She made introductions while she worked, learning Alsin's name as well as Casandra's. Once the tea had been made (amongst discussions on the nature of the problem when one tries to hire the wrong person for the job), Sanria held Ror's head in her lap. Carefully, she poured the tea down his throat while Casandra incanted a healing spell. It wasn't long before the entity Ror had swallowed forced its way out, leaving the elf vomiting and the room darkening. Quickly, Casandra cast a protection spell on the entire group. "Alsin, how long has this been in your home?" Casandra asked. "Ummm... maybe a century or two... I don't remember a time in this house when I didn't feel that aura in that room."
"Oooo.... did anyone get the number of that donkey cart?" Ror moaned.
"So you set him to work on a centuries old entity?" Sanria asked Alsin. It was infuriating to consider. "I didn't exactly set him to it," Alsin answered. "I told him not to try, I had wizards and other try their hand at it before. He insisted and as I said.....just started off on his own."
"Hey... is it Thursday already?"
Sanria looked at Ror with a smirk. "If you wanted to see me before Thursday, you should have just sent me a card, Ror."
"So you know him?" Alsin asked, and Sanria merely nodded. Why it seemed there was a collusion to have her and Ror meet, Sanria couldn't figure out. But after another several moments spent admonishing the elf, she left the house, whisking herself back to the castle. She would have to be more careful.
She had no sooner plopped down at her desk, when the hulking form of Fenlauch peered into her office. "Sanria, may I speak with you?"
Dousing Flames (1-2)
Sanria wandered back through the forest to the cavern, taking the time to think. She hoped that Thasmudyan was still awake so she could tell him what she had done: she had given him up to someone in TriPower. She had not only given him up to help *him* find answers, which was the nobler cause - but also to make Ror stop asking her questions. Better Ror think Thasmudyan knew a lot than to let on just how much she truly knew. The idea of what she had done made her sick, and as anticipated, Thasmudyan was not very pleased either. His face, normally a mask of calm, was open, blatantly upset and... afraid. At least he was willing to meet Ror, even if it didn't completely ease the shame Sanria felt.
They sat there in the library of the cavern for only a few silent moments when the conversation turned to Maya. Sanria gave herself little time to dwell on the feeling of pain she felt when Maya had come to the cavern so long before. With Thasmudyan absent and other things happening, she had been able to keep herself from dwelling on it at all. But it seemed it needed to be discussed. "Once all this is sorted out, and I hope it will be, you should go to her and try to work things out. You were quite attached to her, weren't you?"
"No," Thasmudyan answered after a pause. "What... did she say, anyways?"
"You two were going to be married. You'd been with her many times-"
"I never agreed to that."
"What do you mean?"
"I never agreed to marry her. And many times? It was one time. A moment of weakness, I'm ashamed to admit... Well, one time after we... I mean..."
The sting of the words caught Sanria by surprise. Of course anyone with any ability to count could determine that Thasmudyan had been with Maya after Sanria - Sanria was a house while Maya was not - but knowing it as a fact left Sanria aching. An ache that her newfound cool was quick to stitch up. "Well, things are the way they are. We won't make that mistake again, will we?"
"It seems that fate has conspired once again to keep us apart."
"I wouldn't blame it on fate."
"No, you wouldn't, I suppose. Oh well.. I didn't expect you would believe me, anyway."
"Believe you?" Sanria asked with patient incredulity. "I can obviously tell what happened, I don't think there's any way around that. There is evidence," she said, thinking of the girls. "I just... it doesn't matter anymore."
"But do you know why it happened?"
Sanria felt her heart grow heavy. She wanted to be told that he loved her, because if he loved her, it meant that he wasn't just out for a good lay. It would mean that he wasn't likely to do it again. It would mean that she could forgive him. Unfortunately, the answer of "Not exactly," was far from what she wished. "I didn't... I don't trust Maya. Getting involved with her in the first place, was a mistake." Her mistake, Sanria thought. She had introduced them... "If I'd just been honest with her... and told her there was someone else in my life... Perhaps she'd have just left us be and that'd be the end of that."
"So, why didn't you?"
"Because I don't think she would've. I thought that, if I refused her, she'd suspect, and her first suspect would be you. And she would come here, exactly like she did... and had she caught you without Colin here, thought you were going to 'steal me from her.'"
"So you were afraid..." Sanria said, more a statement than question. "You give her far too much credit and me far too little. Though, perhaps with all the times I called on you helplessly, you could see me as no more than helpless. I don't blame you, I suppose."
"As I said... it was a mistake."
"We've all made them," Sanria said, staring into the fire.
Still, though the words were spoken as simply as any, they were a strain. Certainly, Sanria had made her share of mistakes, she had made them for a long time. But, as she stood up to take her leave, she knew that at some point, the mistakes had to end. If that meant she had to cloister herself in the castle and deal only with the clan and the Rilmani, she would take that road to its end. "I'll stay out of your way, of course. If you have need of anything, you can call on me and I'll come," she said at the door.
"You don't have to, you know."
"Don't you think it's better that way?"
"No... I don't. But, I understand if you do."
"Why not?"
"Nothing that's happened.. has changed the fact that I still enjoy your company. You understand me like... well, like nobody else alive today does. I'd like it if we could still be friends, at least."
"Second time I've heard that phrase today... We can remain friends. Of course. It doesn't make the love part go away, but perhaps in time that, too, can shift."
"It'll have to, I suppose.."
"If we're to remain friends... yes."
They sat there in the library of the cavern for only a few silent moments when the conversation turned to Maya. Sanria gave herself little time to dwell on the feeling of pain she felt when Maya had come to the cavern so long before. With Thasmudyan absent and other things happening, she had been able to keep herself from dwelling on it at all. But it seemed it needed to be discussed. "Once all this is sorted out, and I hope it will be, you should go to her and try to work things out. You were quite attached to her, weren't you?"
"No," Thasmudyan answered after a pause. "What... did she say, anyways?"
"You two were going to be married. You'd been with her many times-"
"I never agreed to that."
"What do you mean?"
"I never agreed to marry her. And many times? It was one time. A moment of weakness, I'm ashamed to admit... Well, one time after we... I mean..."
The sting of the words caught Sanria by surprise. Of course anyone with any ability to count could determine that Thasmudyan had been with Maya after Sanria - Sanria was a house while Maya was not - but knowing it as a fact left Sanria aching. An ache that her newfound cool was quick to stitch up. "Well, things are the way they are. We won't make that mistake again, will we?"
"It seems that fate has conspired once again to keep us apart."
"I wouldn't blame it on fate."
"No, you wouldn't, I suppose. Oh well.. I didn't expect you would believe me, anyway."
"Believe you?" Sanria asked with patient incredulity. "I can obviously tell what happened, I don't think there's any way around that. There is evidence," she said, thinking of the girls. "I just... it doesn't matter anymore."
"But do you know why it happened?"
Sanria felt her heart grow heavy. She wanted to be told that he loved her, because if he loved her, it meant that he wasn't just out for a good lay. It would mean that he wasn't likely to do it again. It would mean that she could forgive him. Unfortunately, the answer of "Not exactly," was far from what she wished. "I didn't... I don't trust Maya. Getting involved with her in the first place, was a mistake." Her mistake, Sanria thought. She had introduced them... "If I'd just been honest with her... and told her there was someone else in my life... Perhaps she'd have just left us be and that'd be the end of that."
"So, why didn't you?"
"Because I don't think she would've. I thought that, if I refused her, she'd suspect, and her first suspect would be you. And she would come here, exactly like she did... and had she caught you without Colin here, thought you were going to 'steal me from her.'"
"So you were afraid..." Sanria said, more a statement than question. "You give her far too much credit and me far too little. Though, perhaps with all the times I called on you helplessly, you could see me as no more than helpless. I don't blame you, I suppose."
"As I said... it was a mistake."
"We've all made them," Sanria said, staring into the fire.
Still, though the words were spoken as simply as any, they were a strain. Certainly, Sanria had made her share of mistakes, she had made them for a long time. But, as she stood up to take her leave, she knew that at some point, the mistakes had to end. If that meant she had to cloister herself in the castle and deal only with the clan and the Rilmani, she would take that road to its end. "I'll stay out of your way, of course. If you have need of anything, you can call on me and I'll come," she said at the door.
"You don't have to, you know."
"Don't you think it's better that way?"
"No... I don't. But, I understand if you do."
"Why not?"
"Nothing that's happened.. has changed the fact that I still enjoy your company. You understand me like... well, like nobody else alive today does. I'd like it if we could still be friends, at least."
"Second time I've heard that phrase today... We can remain friends. Of course. It doesn't make the love part go away, but perhaps in time that, too, can shift."
"It'll have to, I suppose.."
"If we're to remain friends... yes."
Log: 08012013 - Ror and Alsin
OOC commentary: First time meeting Alsin. Interesting roleplay session that starts in Phil's bar and then gets gradually out of hand. Surprisingly, several other people (Rakasha, Casandra and Sanria) ended up getting involved, which was absolutely awesome. At this point in time, Ror spent his time in bars, drinking. Later on this changes and he spends most of the time in bars, reading.
Return (1-2)
Colin stood, his gray eyes staring into the mirror in his white-walled recovery room. He slid a razor carefully down his cheek, removing some more of the nearly two inch growth of beard from his face, and rinsed the razor in a basin of water before repeating the process again.
The past two days had been long and frustrating, full of questions that normally ended in something Colin didn't know the anwer to.
'How did you come to this place?'
'Fenlauch brought me.'
'How do you know Fenlauch?'
'I met him through the Keepers of Balance.'
'How did you come to know the Keepers?'
'I... I... don't know.'
The holes in his memory were painful, both emotionally and physically, but Amilach was not providing any answers. She had told him that it was better, for the time being, if he didn't try to push it. She said it would speed his recovery and help the pain to lessen more quickly. He was definitely interested in lessening the pain more quickly because every day so far had ended in splitting headaches.
Colin didn't know exactly what he had been through in order to remove the black makou which had become a part of him, and Amilach wasn't talking about that either. She simply said it was Rilmani knowledge for Rilmani only. At times, Colin felt like he had been strained through a sieve and then reassembled, only some of the pieces didn't make the reconstruction.
Colin finished shaving and wiped his face with a towel. He dressed himself in a plain cotton shirt and pants that Amilauch had left for him earlier. Somehow, his normal armor just didn't feel quite right for this occasion. He packed the rest of the meager possessions he had brought with him and sat on the bed to wait.
Today, he was going home.
It wasn't long before Fenlauch knocked on his door. Colin rose from the bed and quickly opened it to allow the golden man entry, followed closely by Amilach.
Fenlauch spied Colin's bag with a serene gaze. 'So, you are ready to return then?'
Colin gave a singular nod. 'Yes, thank you.'
Amilach and Fenlauch shared a hesitant glance and Colin could tell there was something amiss. He sat upon the bed with a small sigh. 'Ok, what is it?'
Fenlauch clasped his hands before him and looked upon Colin with the temperance of eons. 'Colin, I will be taking you back to the Prime Material, back to Westbridge, but I'm sorry, you cannot return to the cavern.'
Colin glanced to Amilach, who merely gazed upon the floor, before looking back to Fenlauch in confusion. 'Why not?'
'There is someone else living there now.'
Colin shrugged dismissively. 'Who, Thasmudyan? That's no problem, he has stayed there with me before. Believe me, the place is plenty big enough for the both of us.'
Fenlauch shook his head slowly. 'No Colin, there are several people living there. A family. I'm sorry but you can't return there right now. We have made arrangements for you at the Westbridge Inn.'
Colin rose from the bed, 'Fenlauch, the cavern is my home. None of this makes any sense.'
Amilach stepped forward, laying a soothing hand on Colin's shoulder. She looked at him with apologetic sympathy. 'Colin, please, listen to Fenlauch. This is what must be done. You still need time to heal. I beg you, don't push this. Just let the questions be unanswered, at least for now.'
Colin returned Amilach's gaze with a frown and was about to respond when Fenlauch extended his hand toward him.
'Colin, I feel our window opening, we must go now.'
There was only a moment's hesitation before Colin let out a defeated sign and simply nodded. He owed his freedom, his life, to these people. He had no choice but to follow them. Amilach gave him a brief embrace and he shouldered his pack, taking Fenlauch's hand.
'Alright then. I guess it's time to go.'
The past two days had been long and frustrating, full of questions that normally ended in something Colin didn't know the anwer to.
'How did you come to this place?'
'Fenlauch brought me.'
'How do you know Fenlauch?'
'I met him through the Keepers of Balance.'
'How did you come to know the Keepers?'
'I... I... don't know.'
The holes in his memory were painful, both emotionally and physically, but Amilach was not providing any answers. She had told him that it was better, for the time being, if he didn't try to push it. She said it would speed his recovery and help the pain to lessen more quickly. He was definitely interested in lessening the pain more quickly because every day so far had ended in splitting headaches.
Colin didn't know exactly what he had been through in order to remove the black makou which had become a part of him, and Amilach wasn't talking about that either. She simply said it was Rilmani knowledge for Rilmani only. At times, Colin felt like he had been strained through a sieve and then reassembled, only some of the pieces didn't make the reconstruction.
Colin finished shaving and wiped his face with a towel. He dressed himself in a plain cotton shirt and pants that Amilauch had left for him earlier. Somehow, his normal armor just didn't feel quite right for this occasion. He packed the rest of the meager possessions he had brought with him and sat on the bed to wait.
Today, he was going home.
It wasn't long before Fenlauch knocked on his door. Colin rose from the bed and quickly opened it to allow the golden man entry, followed closely by Amilach.
Fenlauch spied Colin's bag with a serene gaze. 'So, you are ready to return then?'
Colin gave a singular nod. 'Yes, thank you.'
Amilach and Fenlauch shared a hesitant glance and Colin could tell there was something amiss. He sat upon the bed with a small sigh. 'Ok, what is it?'
Fenlauch clasped his hands before him and looked upon Colin with the temperance of eons. 'Colin, I will be taking you back to the Prime Material, back to Westbridge, but I'm sorry, you cannot return to the cavern.'
Colin glanced to Amilach, who merely gazed upon the floor, before looking back to Fenlauch in confusion. 'Why not?'
'There is someone else living there now.'
Colin shrugged dismissively. 'Who, Thasmudyan? That's no problem, he has stayed there with me before. Believe me, the place is plenty big enough for the both of us.'
Fenlauch shook his head slowly. 'No Colin, there are several people living there. A family. I'm sorry but you can't return there right now. We have made arrangements for you at the Westbridge Inn.'
Colin rose from the bed, 'Fenlauch, the cavern is my home. None of this makes any sense.'
Amilach stepped forward, laying a soothing hand on Colin's shoulder. She looked at him with apologetic sympathy. 'Colin, please, listen to Fenlauch. This is what must be done. You still need time to heal. I beg you, don't push this. Just let the questions be unanswered, at least for now.'
Colin returned Amilach's gaze with a frown and was about to respond when Fenlauch extended his hand toward him.
'Colin, I feel our window opening, we must go now.'
There was only a moment's hesitation before Colin let out a defeated sign and simply nodded. He owed his freedom, his life, to these people. He had no choice but to follow them. Amilach gave him a brief embrace and he shouldered his pack, taking Fenlauch's hand.
'Alright then. I guess it's time to go.'
A Thanks
Humming to himself, Ror walked through the hallways of the TriPower Tower. As he reached the room of Rakasha, he knocked on the door to see if she was there. No response came, and so he assumed she was not there. He pushed against the door and to his pleasant surprise it swung open. He walked inside, spotted the desk and placed the bouquet of flowers on it. He read the card he had attached to it once more, and then nodded to himself. After leaving his flowery bouquet to say thanks for the help earlier, he walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. Humming, Ror resumed his way to Casandra's room, where he would deliver a bouquet of flowers as well. They had after all both done their best to help him.
A little card
It's blank at one side and at the other side says in druidic:
Thanks for earlier. If you're busy and stressed, smell the flowers. Enjoy while they last!
Thanks for earlier. If you're busy and stressed, smell the flowers. Enjoy while they last!
Cards, Picnics, and Skeletons (1-3)
The days had been consuming Sanria, bleeding from one into the other with no end in sight. Since she had "welcomed" Thasmudyan into her home, she chose to stay clear of it and keep Nioma with her at the castle. She knew Leandra wouldn't cause much trouble and so she buried her nose in books, trying not to think about Colin being gone, Orn wanting to fight, or the ex-lover she was harboring from an entire government. Still, regardless of how hard she tried, the real world was there with her, peering over her shoulder as she read, whispering in her ears that things were closing in over her and suggesting that she would soon drown in it.
Enmach entered, cooing to Nioma, who was growing steadily. Sanria felt a pang of jealousy. When Enmach held the little girl, her bright blue eyes were rapt with attention. "I wanted to have her see you today," Enmach said, her eyes still on Nioma. "You've been busy quite a lot, lately."
"I know. Unfortunately it can't be helped." Sanria ran a hand through her hair. "There's so much to do and-"
"There is so much waiting to do, you mean." Sanria let her hand drop to her thigh and gave a singular nod. "Correct."
"Perhaps you should go home, Sanria. Relax."
"I can't... go home."
"Ah, Sir Thasmudyan."
"Right."
"And you can't think of anything else to do than try not to worry while you worry?" Enmach said with a knowing smile.
"That's not really fair, you know."
Sanria reached out to take Nioma when a swirl of golden dust appeared on her hand. It sparkled, then briefly lit, and when it faded, a card was between her fingers. On the front was the TriPower insignia, on the back, a summons, 'You are cordially invited At Midnight.' "What in the nine..."
"It appears to be a summons," Enmach smirked.
"But, from whom? Who in TriPower could be sending me anything like this? Do you think they could know about him?"
"About..."
"Thasmudyan, what if they know I'm keeping him and this whole Westbridge thing could be-"
"It's in druidic script." Sanria looked at at Enmach as the woman gave a small smile. "You should go," she said.
"What do you know of this?"
"Nothing, I assure you. But who do you know in TriPower that uses such a language?" Sanria stared at Enmach as the woman stared back, waiting. It finally hit her. "Ror..." she whispered.
"I'll watch over Nioma and ensure she gets to bed on time-"
"But-"
"And you should seek out this elf and meet him."
"Enmach, I can't go, I have-"
"Nothing to do but wait. So please, for the health of yourself and my own sanity... go."
It was much later that Sanria walked through the Haon'Dor, her hands on the trunks of trees. The ancient beings guided her with quiet whispers, telling her which paths to take to reach Ror. She could hear the humor in their voices as they guided her to the darkest, most remote, most ancient place in the forest to reveal a very tanned elven man lit by unknown light with a picnic basket at his side.
No. The immediate voice in the back of Sanria's skull stepped up with authority, throttling the absolutely shocked and guiltily smitten part, sending it into a quiet submission. The immediate voice then reminded her, in no uncertain terms, that this was a business trip, and that there was something Ror wanted: Throm's information. Calm descended over her as she moved into the tiny space between the trees. "Sir Ror."
"Ah, milady, how good to see you again!"
"I received your card..."
"Indeed! I assume you had no trouble to find the way?"
"No. The trees speak."
"I knew you'd understand."
Sanria's mind was reeling. Why would he bring her out at midnight, in a secluded part of the wood to ask her about Throm, knowing she wouldn't tell him anything? What was his angle? "I'm certain you didn't ask me
here for a picnic, did you?"
"Well, a picnic all by yourself without friends is... very lonely you know... And I figured you might want to get out of everything as well, and just sit, chat, do nothing. And eat of course."
"I... I've been very busy lately," she replied, quite unconvincingly.
"Apple?"
Slowly, Sanria defrosted by degrees. The sound of the river was not far off, and in the moonlight, could be seen reflecting between the trunks of the ancient trees. She brought up the things troubling her, letting the nature that surrounded her lift her burdens as it always did. She found herself inquiring after his studies, recalling his involvement with the Research Division. "So... how is TriPower..." she asked carefully.
"Still there," Ror replied with a grin.
"So... there's nothing going on... that you're aware of that might not be so... good? Like... lifestream research on living subjects?"
"Go on, I am interested."
"So am I," she said in a whisper. "I've merely heard rumors, is all."
She suddenly found him sitting at her side, whispering back, "You whisper too much. Which rumors?"
'People didn't do this,' she thought. 'No one invites someone out on a roman- a picnic at midnight and discusses business, do they?' She cleared her throat and forced herself to stare out into the darkness. "Simply rumors that there are people in your governmental organization that do research on others for their personal gain. Those with the capability to control the lifestream."
"And...then you thought of me?"
"Given your line of work, yes." Sanria turned to face him, steeling herself against the face staring back at her. "Not implying anything, of course. Just that you might know if the rumors are true."
"I feel kind of... flattered," Ror said, smiling. "Thank you."
Of course he wouldn't know anything. He wasn't at the higher levels of TriPower... he studied books in libraries. She felt foolish. "I'm sorry. I believe I may have implied you knew more than you do."
"I told you before that there are things I know nothing about. And you might also recall I wanted to dig and research into a certain someone and his research."
And there it was. Sanria felt herself relax. She had been wrong about this picnic, and Enmach, too. She felt herself strengthen, she knew the reason would eventually come out, and it did. The basket of food - enough for two - was a ruse. It was time to get down business.
Sanria stood up and walked toward the trees. The moonlight sparkled on the river beyond, adding light to the darkness. "I simply can't do that. I'm sorry." She felt his hands on her shoulders and immediately stiffened.
"It's ok," he said.
"I am sorry. Truly." She turned to look up at him. "I know how frustrating it can be to see something you want right before you and not be able to get it. And I have the knowledge, at least part of it, you seek."
"It is ok. I did not invite you to discuss that, nor did I push for further information. But you must understand that if I am kept in the dark about such difficult things, I can not give answers in the future either."
"Throm is the past, my past. I'd prefer to keep him there."
"Well, Throm is also the Tripower's past, which makes it my past and present and future. And unfinished things from the past always come back sooner or later, whether you like it or not. I suspect - with so many problems in love and life - I do not..."
"You will simply have to discover your information some other way. I'm sorry."
Sanria walked to her pack and prepared to leave. She knew he couldn't be a friend to her when all he wanted was to know Throm's information. She knew where the lab was, knew what Throm had there, but still did not know everything, she was sure of it. One thing Throm had always left behind in a trail were secrets. She knew that each time she met with Ror, the need to know would be the reason, and each time would end in the same manner. She proposed they keep apart, a suggestion that was rejected by the elven man. "But clearly I called you here to have a picnic," Ror said.
"Alright. Then shall we finish our picnic?"
"I am contemplating whether that is the right thing to do. The question that I ask myself, if I am a friend to you, do I smile and play the game, avoiding that which is pretty much impossible to avoid... Or do I hurt you, so you may heal in time? Hurt now, or hurt later, that is the question..."
"If we can spare one another pain, then it would be best to be out with it."
"Fine, so be it. Who recruited Ror into the TriPower?" Ror asked, waiting quietly.
Sanria's mind screamed. Lies. From the moment she met him, lies. Ror had been hiding the facts. For what? Snippets of conversations flew into her mind, conversations held in private from long ago. Even Throm's own people did not trust him completely, and here was proof. Right before her face.
"Why would you pretend not to know of him?"
"I have my orders."
"I suppose you do. I thank you for being up front with me now."
"I disobeyed part of my orders, if Throm ever finds out..."
"Throm is dead," Sanria hissed. "Unless he wanted to get away from me so terribly that he faked the whole thing and had me take my own life in the process."
"You do not seem dead to me. So why would I lie?"
"They brought me back to life." Why was she telling him this? She heard him whisper from behind her, and she turned to face him. "If he is alive, you can take your orders right to him and ask him for his research yourself. I'll not set foot near his home, near his research, near his family-" Sanria fought to keep her emotions in check, but fresh betrayal, old wounds, and heartache allowed the tears to seep into her eyes. It was then she felt Ror's arms around her, shocking her out of her pain, sending her mind spinning again. This was not right. Not at all. She pulled back enough to look up at the elven face. "Please don't ask me."
"Lifestream research," Ror began, "done by people I am not aware of inside the Tripower. I need to learn about Throm. Because I need to know who can be trusted. If you want to stay out of it, give me a key and directions and I figure everything out for myself and I swear I will never ask or tell again."
"Then stop looking for Throm. Thasmudyan... was the subject."
Shame washed over Sanria as she walked away from Ror. How easily she had given up Thasmudyan. And why? To take the heat off of her own self? To get Thasmudyan out of her cavern? To help... She felt Ror's arm around her. He was still asking questions, though now about Thasmudyan, about his place in TriPower so many years ago. It incensed her. Ror was from the very same government that had passed through its doors not only the elf, but Thasmudyan and Throm. And Ror could not have known it, the way he answered the questions, the quirks of his mannerisms, the way he would pointedly let her bluster out her anger and as cool as you please continue his thoughts... he was so much like the man whose research he was chasing, like the man who had fallen into an abyss where Sanria could not follow. She had to get away and stay away. "Picnic next thursday?" Ror asked, after everything she had shouted at him. And the words were out before she knew they were coming: "Send me a card."
Enmach entered, cooing to Nioma, who was growing steadily. Sanria felt a pang of jealousy. When Enmach held the little girl, her bright blue eyes were rapt with attention. "I wanted to have her see you today," Enmach said, her eyes still on Nioma. "You've been busy quite a lot, lately."
"I know. Unfortunately it can't be helped." Sanria ran a hand through her hair. "There's so much to do and-"
"There is so much waiting to do, you mean." Sanria let her hand drop to her thigh and gave a singular nod. "Correct."
"Perhaps you should go home, Sanria. Relax."
"I can't... go home."
"Ah, Sir Thasmudyan."
"Right."
"And you can't think of anything else to do than try not to worry while you worry?" Enmach said with a knowing smile.
"That's not really fair, you know."
Sanria reached out to take Nioma when a swirl of golden dust appeared on her hand. It sparkled, then briefly lit, and when it faded, a card was between her fingers. On the front was the TriPower insignia, on the back, a summons, 'You are cordially invited At Midnight.' "What in the nine..."
"It appears to be a summons," Enmach smirked.
"But, from whom? Who in TriPower could be sending me anything like this? Do you think they could know about him?"
"About..."
"Thasmudyan, what if they know I'm keeping him and this whole Westbridge thing could be-"
"It's in druidic script." Sanria looked at at Enmach as the woman gave a small smile. "You should go," she said.
"What do you know of this?"
"Nothing, I assure you. But who do you know in TriPower that uses such a language?" Sanria stared at Enmach as the woman stared back, waiting. It finally hit her. "Ror..." she whispered.
"I'll watch over Nioma and ensure she gets to bed on time-"
"But-"
"And you should seek out this elf and meet him."
"Enmach, I can't go, I have-"
"Nothing to do but wait. So please, for the health of yourself and my own sanity... go."
It was much later that Sanria walked through the Haon'Dor, her hands on the trunks of trees. The ancient beings guided her with quiet whispers, telling her which paths to take to reach Ror. She could hear the humor in their voices as they guided her to the darkest, most remote, most ancient place in the forest to reveal a very tanned elven man lit by unknown light with a picnic basket at his side.
No. The immediate voice in the back of Sanria's skull stepped up with authority, throttling the absolutely shocked and guiltily smitten part, sending it into a quiet submission. The immediate voice then reminded her, in no uncertain terms, that this was a business trip, and that there was something Ror wanted: Throm's information. Calm descended over her as she moved into the tiny space between the trees. "Sir Ror."
"Ah, milady, how good to see you again!"
"I received your card..."
"Indeed! I assume you had no trouble to find the way?"
"No. The trees speak."
"I knew you'd understand."
Sanria's mind was reeling. Why would he bring her out at midnight, in a secluded part of the wood to ask her about Throm, knowing she wouldn't tell him anything? What was his angle? "I'm certain you didn't ask me
here for a picnic, did you?"
"Well, a picnic all by yourself without friends is... very lonely you know... And I figured you might want to get out of everything as well, and just sit, chat, do nothing. And eat of course."
"I... I've been very busy lately," she replied, quite unconvincingly.
"Apple?"
Slowly, Sanria defrosted by degrees. The sound of the river was not far off, and in the moonlight, could be seen reflecting between the trunks of the ancient trees. She brought up the things troubling her, letting the nature that surrounded her lift her burdens as it always did. She found herself inquiring after his studies, recalling his involvement with the Research Division. "So... how is TriPower..." she asked carefully.
"Still there," Ror replied with a grin.
"So... there's nothing going on... that you're aware of that might not be so... good? Like... lifestream research on living subjects?"
"Go on, I am interested."
"So am I," she said in a whisper. "I've merely heard rumors, is all."
She suddenly found him sitting at her side, whispering back, "You whisper too much. Which rumors?"
'People didn't do this,' she thought. 'No one invites someone out on a roman- a picnic at midnight and discusses business, do they?' She cleared her throat and forced herself to stare out into the darkness. "Simply rumors that there are people in your governmental organization that do research on others for their personal gain. Those with the capability to control the lifestream."
"And...then you thought of me?"
"Given your line of work, yes." Sanria turned to face him, steeling herself against the face staring back at her. "Not implying anything, of course. Just that you might know if the rumors are true."
"I feel kind of... flattered," Ror said, smiling. "Thank you."
Of course he wouldn't know anything. He wasn't at the higher levels of TriPower... he studied books in libraries. She felt foolish. "I'm sorry. I believe I may have implied you knew more than you do."
"I told you before that there are things I know nothing about. And you might also recall I wanted to dig and research into a certain someone and his research."
And there it was. Sanria felt herself relax. She had been wrong about this picnic, and Enmach, too. She felt herself strengthen, she knew the reason would eventually come out, and it did. The basket of food - enough for two - was a ruse. It was time to get down business.
Sanria stood up and walked toward the trees. The moonlight sparkled on the river beyond, adding light to the darkness. "I simply can't do that. I'm sorry." She felt his hands on her shoulders and immediately stiffened.
"It's ok," he said.
"I am sorry. Truly." She turned to look up at him. "I know how frustrating it can be to see something you want right before you and not be able to get it. And I have the knowledge, at least part of it, you seek."
"It is ok. I did not invite you to discuss that, nor did I push for further information. But you must understand that if I am kept in the dark about such difficult things, I can not give answers in the future either."
"Throm is the past, my past. I'd prefer to keep him there."
"Well, Throm is also the Tripower's past, which makes it my past and present and future. And unfinished things from the past always come back sooner or later, whether you like it or not. I suspect - with so many problems in love and life - I do not..."
"You will simply have to discover your information some other way. I'm sorry."
Sanria walked to her pack and prepared to leave. She knew he couldn't be a friend to her when all he wanted was to know Throm's information. She knew where the lab was, knew what Throm had there, but still did not know everything, she was sure of it. One thing Throm had always left behind in a trail were secrets. She knew that each time she met with Ror, the need to know would be the reason, and each time would end in the same manner. She proposed they keep apart, a suggestion that was rejected by the elven man. "But clearly I called you here to have a picnic," Ror said.
"Alright. Then shall we finish our picnic?"
"I am contemplating whether that is the right thing to do. The question that I ask myself, if I am a friend to you, do I smile and play the game, avoiding that which is pretty much impossible to avoid... Or do I hurt you, so you may heal in time? Hurt now, or hurt later, that is the question..."
"If we can spare one another pain, then it would be best to be out with it."
"Fine, so be it. Who recruited Ror into the TriPower?" Ror asked, waiting quietly.
Sanria's mind screamed. Lies. From the moment she met him, lies. Ror had been hiding the facts. For what? Snippets of conversations flew into her mind, conversations held in private from long ago. Even Throm's own people did not trust him completely, and here was proof. Right before her face.
"Why would you pretend not to know of him?"
"I have my orders."
"I suppose you do. I thank you for being up front with me now."
"I disobeyed part of my orders, if Throm ever finds out..."
"Throm is dead," Sanria hissed. "Unless he wanted to get away from me so terribly that he faked the whole thing and had me take my own life in the process."
"You do not seem dead to me. So why would I lie?"
"They brought me back to life." Why was she telling him this? She heard him whisper from behind her, and she turned to face him. "If he is alive, you can take your orders right to him and ask him for his research yourself. I'll not set foot near his home, near his research, near his family-" Sanria fought to keep her emotions in check, but fresh betrayal, old wounds, and heartache allowed the tears to seep into her eyes. It was then she felt Ror's arms around her, shocking her out of her pain, sending her mind spinning again. This was not right. Not at all. She pulled back enough to look up at the elven face. "Please don't ask me."
"Lifestream research," Ror began, "done by people I am not aware of inside the Tripower. I need to learn about Throm. Because I need to know who can be trusted. If you want to stay out of it, give me a key and directions and I figure everything out for myself and I swear I will never ask or tell again."
"Then stop looking for Throm. Thasmudyan... was the subject."
Shame washed over Sanria as she walked away from Ror. How easily she had given up Thasmudyan. And why? To take the heat off of her own self? To get Thasmudyan out of her cavern? To help... She felt Ror's arm around her. He was still asking questions, though now about Thasmudyan, about his place in TriPower so many years ago. It incensed her. Ror was from the very same government that had passed through its doors not only the elf, but Thasmudyan and Throm. And Ror could not have known it, the way he answered the questions, the quirks of his mannerisms, the way he would pointedly let her bluster out her anger and as cool as you please continue his thoughts... he was so much like the man whose research he was chasing, like the man who had fallen into an abyss where Sanria could not follow. She had to get away and stay away. "Picnic next thursday?" Ror asked, after everything she had shouted at him. And the words were out before she knew they were coming: "Send me a card."
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