The room was dark except for the one Candle that Elbryan was using to read. He was deeply involved in an interesting tome he had acquired in a recent trip up Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun's tower to eradicate some demons that seemed to be troubling the roof. The Book was called "Devious Invention's" and was a quite interesting tome dealing with the components necessary in the construction of certain magical devices.
Elbryan could feel the magical energy building in the room as the portal opened and his personal spy Vorcet stepped out of the portal with a frown on his face. Elbryan placed his worn leather bookmark in the book and careful closed it being careful not to damage the pages before looking up at Vorcet and waiting for his report.
Vorcet repeated the conversation between the girl and Grobnak as best he could, making sure to point out her obvious interest and easy acceptance of the filth that Grobnak spewed. Finally Vorcet got to describing this new recruit among the Jenovese. A young slender girl with wavy brown hair and brown eyes with a light bordering on white complexion. When Vorcet finished Elbryan sat back in his chair with a thoughtful look on his face. He knew the girl Vorcet spoke of. He had just brought her into the Guardians not more than two weeks ago. Though Vorcet had no need of that knowledge, and Elbryan had learned long ago to spread knowledge out among his fellow worshippers of Kossuth so as not to create havoc within his church, especially with the Variety of followers Kossuth had.
Elbryan mulled over the possibilities for a while forgetting that Vorcet was still standing there awaiting a response. "Thank you Vorcet. That will be all." Elbryan said as he realized Vorcet was still there. "And Vorcet... Get some sleep. You look like death." Elbryan added remembering how long Vorcet had been in the field. Vorcet simply nodded his understanding and the portal opened again and Vorcet stepped through as the gate closed.
Alone again in his mansion, Elbryan thought for a moment before summoning a small flame in his hand and speaking into it. "Hellstrom, I need you at once." And not waiting for an answer the flame withered away to nothingness once more.
Eyes in the Woods
Vorcet sighed at his new assignment sitting here cloaked in the shadows, watching the Jenovese actions. He had been directed to keep his eye on the most deluded of the lot, a being by the name of Grobnak. Vorcet knew Grobnak quiet well from his days within the church of the Storm Lord Talos. For the third day running he was sitting there in the branches of a tree standing, watching, waiting, for something to report to Elbryan.
As the fog rolled in for the night in this blasted forest, Vorcet heard footsteps under the branches where he was hiding. Bending the weave to his will he floated to the ground and glided several inches above the ground after the figure. He took mental notes as he followed. By the way the figure moved he could tell that it was a female, he would have to wait until she stopped to get a good look at her face, for she certainly did not belong in this camp of fools.
The walk from Vorcet's hiding spot and the small group of Jenovese was a short one and it was not long before The girl ran into Grobnak himself. Vorcet slipped silently through the camp to get a better look at the girl. Standing several feet behind Grobnak, Vorcet memorized every detail of the girls face, her build, her clothes, everything. The whole time taking in everything that passed between the two.
Then the girl parted ways from Grobnak there was a new determined look on her face, one that Vorcet did not like at all.
As the fog rolled in for the night in this blasted forest, Vorcet heard footsteps under the branches where he was hiding. Bending the weave to his will he floated to the ground and glided several inches above the ground after the figure. He took mental notes as he followed. By the way the figure moved he could tell that it was a female, he would have to wait until she stopped to get a good look at her face, for she certainly did not belong in this camp of fools.
The walk from Vorcet's hiding spot and the small group of Jenovese was a short one and it was not long before The girl ran into Grobnak himself. Vorcet slipped silently through the camp to get a better look at the girl. Standing several feet behind Grobnak, Vorcet memorized every detail of the girls face, her build, her clothes, everything. The whole time taking in everything that passed between the two.
Then the girl parted ways from Grobnak there was a new determined look on her face, one that Vorcet did not like at all.
Dawn in the Afternoon
Emalia had slept soundly in her room, her sleep aided by dreams of the day prior. The dawn had already come and gone when she woke up, the time having passed well into the afternoon. It appeared no one had missed her as she slept - for not only was her family quiet, but the rest of the realms that requested aid seemed hushed.
Emalia rose from her bed, the crisp Uktar air having entered her quarters, and rushed to don her robe and boots. There was no mirror in her room - she had no need of things that would cause vanity. She pulled a brush from her pack and combed through her tangles. Certain of the scrolls she carried with her, Emalia set off to explore the realms around her. 'Perhaps,' she thought, 'I can surprise Hellstrom.'
The streets were oddly quiet as she left Westbridge and headed deep into the forest. Her footfalls seemed to be announced by the plethora of pine needles and dead leaves that crunched beneath her boots. Before long, however, she found herself in a grove much darker than all the rest. Fog rolled along the ground and in the center of the area, a giant black tree jutted from the ground.
Common sense told Emalia that she should turn around, but the idea of finding a completely new place that perhaps even Hellstrom didn't know about spurred her onward. Briars and nettles threatened to entangle her feet and the more care she took to be wary of them, the less she paid attention to the things around her, until a voice hissed out, "Greetings, Faithless."
Emalia locked eyes with what might have been the most horrible being she'd ever seen. In a moment, she was left staring at the top of his head, and simple as it seemed, found herself among those called the Jenovese, and one, in particular, named 'Grobnak'.
Curiously, she had no fear of the vision before her. Being that she had respect for all creatures, Emalia took Grobnak for what he was, and listened to what he had to say. The interesting turn, was that as she listened, it made sense. The Rok, The Rebirth, The Apprentice, and most of all... Balance.
She had learned that Cyric was evil through her mishaps with the tomes. She now found that a worse foe threatened life beyond her own: Ao, madness, evil, and the perpetual return of the Rok. The Apprentice would bring back the balance, he would bring about the return of a world with no Ragnarok in the sky, and Emalia could help.
To help bring about Balance, Emalia would join the Jenovese. She would spread the word. She would tell the world. She would be certain that her grandchildren's grandchildren would never have to live under the threat of the Rok again. She had a purpose beyond even what she had imagined. Her path, full of fateful coincidences, had once again led her to yet another reason. Emalia, for yet another time, felt as though she were truly an adult.
Emalia rose from her bed, the crisp Uktar air having entered her quarters, and rushed to don her robe and boots. There was no mirror in her room - she had no need of things that would cause vanity. She pulled a brush from her pack and combed through her tangles. Certain of the scrolls she carried with her, Emalia set off to explore the realms around her. 'Perhaps,' she thought, 'I can surprise Hellstrom.'
The streets were oddly quiet as she left Westbridge and headed deep into the forest. Her footfalls seemed to be announced by the plethora of pine needles and dead leaves that crunched beneath her boots. Before long, however, she found herself in a grove much darker than all the rest. Fog rolled along the ground and in the center of the area, a giant black tree jutted from the ground.
Common sense told Emalia that she should turn around, but the idea of finding a completely new place that perhaps even Hellstrom didn't know about spurred her onward. Briars and nettles threatened to entangle her feet and the more care she took to be wary of them, the less she paid attention to the things around her, until a voice hissed out, "Greetings, Faithless."
Emalia locked eyes with what might have been the most horrible being she'd ever seen. In a moment, she was left staring at the top of his head, and simple as it seemed, found herself among those called the Jenovese, and one, in particular, named 'Grobnak'.
Curiously, she had no fear of the vision before her. Being that she had respect for all creatures, Emalia took Grobnak for what he was, and listened to what he had to say. The interesting turn, was that as she listened, it made sense. The Rok, The Rebirth, The Apprentice, and most of all... Balance.
She had learned that Cyric was evil through her mishaps with the tomes. She now found that a worse foe threatened life beyond her own: Ao, madness, evil, and the perpetual return of the Rok. The Apprentice would bring back the balance, he would bring about the return of a world with no Ragnarok in the sky, and Emalia could help.
To help bring about Balance, Emalia would join the Jenovese. She would spread the word. She would tell the world. She would be certain that her grandchildren's grandchildren would never have to live under the threat of the Rok again. She had a purpose beyond even what she had imagined. Her path, full of fateful coincidences, had once again led her to yet another reason. Emalia, for yet another time, felt as though she were truly an adult.
Thoughts of a Priestess
Colin bounced around in the most hyperactive state Emalia had ever seen him. The two met in Market Square amidst the bustle of midday. "I made some lunch! Do you have any plans?" It was simple to see by the expression on his face that his first attempt had ended in success.
Emalia walked with Colin to the Crossroads Inn. In the den, they sat on the couch, eating Colin's stew. Indeed, he had put forth his best effort and created something incredible. They ate in an amiable silence before Colin's sigh caught Emalia's attention. Something wasn't right.
It took a lot of cajoling, but Colin eventually had to come out and admit that despite his earlier claims, he was in love. Emalia looked down to her hands. It had to end here. There was no way she would give the wrong impression, or lead a friend on.
There is a feeling to describe what it is like to be faced with letting someone down. Some say it feels like a weight, others say it feels like suffocation. For Emalia, it was apprehension that wrapped about her chest and constricted like a boa... weight and suffocation rolled into one. She still wanted Colin as a friend, but she was not about to make him suffer seeing her if it caused him pain.
She watched as Colin's jaw rippled with tension and felt there was a way she could help. Emalia walked over and placed her hands on Colin's bulging shoulders and sent through them a wave of calm... apparently not enough. He jerked from her as if stricken and the memory of a jolt to Elbryan crossed her mind. 'Not again...' she thought. 'I swear if I've hurt him, I'll never heal another being again.'
The hesitation that Colin expressed worried Emalia, but he insisted it was only that it was her touching him. With the unrequited love on his mind, the touch was the last thing he had expected. Shaken still, she left Colin sitting in the parlor and headed to the garden by the clan hall.
At least there she could sit with her thoughts disturbed only by Fizz and his antics.
So it was that Emalia sat amidst the flowers attempting to figure out her feelings. Always with the feelings, so much so, that there were times she wished she could rid herself of them. She would be a perfect healer if she could do what she was intended to do. The problem was that now, she was thinking about things that were not conducive to concentration - and her frustration was building.
She dropped her head onto her knees when she heard the door shut. After her talk with Colin, here was Hellstrom. It was almost too much for her to bear. She let out an involuntary groan and plopped her head back onto her knees. She just needed to come right out and say it, come right out, and tell him what she was feeling. Always the feelings.
The words came out in a stammering rush. Pauses were interspersed with sighs, and sighs were sprinkled with a fine dusting of confusion. This definitely was not normal. When Hellstrom lifted her chin and admitted similar things were occurring with him it was like pent up flood had finally been freed - even if the moments after were a bit strange.
They walked side by side for a while, simply speaking of the woods and the ancient trees. Hellstrom made good on his promise of a lesson, pointing out the way moss grew on the east side of the trees, and the appropriate berries to eat, and when he wrapped his arm around her it was like an electric shock raced through her.
She leaned nearer to him as they walked on, her unbidden smile safe from his eyes by a bowed head.
The time flew past with conversation, Colin's stew, and a glass of lemonade from Port Llast. Night settled in upon them when Emalia noticed the peculiar absence of Hellstrom's bear. The absence, made humorous, by the fact that Hellstrom hadn't asked the bear to stay behind... he'd done so of his own accord - pulling thoughts from Hellstrom's mind. The "damn bear" sent Emalia into a small fit of laughter and blushing gratefully covered by the artistry of night's dark canvas.
As the sun rose, Emalia parted company right in the place her whole day had begun. Her thoughts were everywhere - deny the feelings she felt or pursue them? Friendship with Colin or spare him the pain? And the final question that wrested the rouge from her cheeks – why was she having such a hard time believing that her touch caused Colin no pain? What was the link...
Emalia walked with Colin to the Crossroads Inn. In the den, they sat on the couch, eating Colin's stew. Indeed, he had put forth his best effort and created something incredible. They ate in an amiable silence before Colin's sigh caught Emalia's attention. Something wasn't right.
It took a lot of cajoling, but Colin eventually had to come out and admit that despite his earlier claims, he was in love. Emalia looked down to her hands. It had to end here. There was no way she would give the wrong impression, or lead a friend on.
There is a feeling to describe what it is like to be faced with letting someone down. Some say it feels like a weight, others say it feels like suffocation. For Emalia, it was apprehension that wrapped about her chest and constricted like a boa... weight and suffocation rolled into one. She still wanted Colin as a friend, but she was not about to make him suffer seeing her if it caused him pain.
She watched as Colin's jaw rippled with tension and felt there was a way she could help. Emalia walked over and placed her hands on Colin's bulging shoulders and sent through them a wave of calm... apparently not enough. He jerked from her as if stricken and the memory of a jolt to Elbryan crossed her mind. 'Not again...' she thought. 'I swear if I've hurt him, I'll never heal another being again.'
The hesitation that Colin expressed worried Emalia, but he insisted it was only that it was her touching him. With the unrequited love on his mind, the touch was the last thing he had expected. Shaken still, she left Colin sitting in the parlor and headed to the garden by the clan hall.
At least there she could sit with her thoughts disturbed only by Fizz and his antics.
So it was that Emalia sat amidst the flowers attempting to figure out her feelings. Always with the feelings, so much so, that there were times she wished she could rid herself of them. She would be a perfect healer if she could do what she was intended to do. The problem was that now, she was thinking about things that were not conducive to concentration - and her frustration was building.
She dropped her head onto her knees when she heard the door shut. After her talk with Colin, here was Hellstrom. It was almost too much for her to bear. She let out an involuntary groan and plopped her head back onto her knees. She just needed to come right out and say it, come right out, and tell him what she was feeling. Always the feelings.
The words came out in a stammering rush. Pauses were interspersed with sighs, and sighs were sprinkled with a fine dusting of confusion. This definitely was not normal. When Hellstrom lifted her chin and admitted similar things were occurring with him it was like pent up flood had finally been freed - even if the moments after were a bit strange.
They walked side by side for a while, simply speaking of the woods and the ancient trees. Hellstrom made good on his promise of a lesson, pointing out the way moss grew on the east side of the trees, and the appropriate berries to eat, and when he wrapped his arm around her it was like an electric shock raced through her.
She leaned nearer to him as they walked on, her unbidden smile safe from his eyes by a bowed head.
The time flew past with conversation, Colin's stew, and a glass of lemonade from Port Llast. Night settled in upon them when Emalia noticed the peculiar absence of Hellstrom's bear. The absence, made humorous, by the fact that Hellstrom hadn't asked the bear to stay behind... he'd done so of his own accord - pulling thoughts from Hellstrom's mind. The "damn bear" sent Emalia into a small fit of laughter and blushing gratefully covered by the artistry of night's dark canvas.
As the sun rose, Emalia parted company right in the place her whole day had begun. Her thoughts were everywhere - deny the feelings she felt or pursue them? Friendship with Colin or spare him the pain? And the final question that wrested the rouge from her cheeks – why was she having such a hard time believing that her touch caused Colin no pain? What was the link...
Mutual Attraction
The clan hall was quiet as Hellstrom walked through on his way to the garden in the sanctuary. "Everyone must be off enjoying themselves." Hellstrom mused to himself. Hellstrom opened the door to the garden and slipped though and swiftly closed the door behind him before turning to see Emalia sitting in the garden with her head on her knees. Hellstrom jumped at the sight not expecting to have found here in this place. "Am I intruding Emalia?" Hellstrom asked cautiously. "No.... not at all. I’ve just been... thinking. That’s all." Emalia responded with a slight smile on her face. "Do you have a moment?" Emalia asked abruptly. Hellstrom after a failed attempt at a joke sat back and said "Of course I have a moment. What do you need?"
"Im just going to come out and say it Hellstrom, I am truly sorry if it makes no sense." Emalia said as she looked at her hands folded on her lap. Hellstrom looked on with a look of confusion and worry on his face not know what was coming. "Ever since the sunrise... I've... I've been thinking about you and I can't stop." Emalia began. "I don't know why... but I... ah... I have feelings for you somehow. It wasn't supposed to happen, and I don't know why it did... but... I guess you know now." She hastily added. Emalia breathed out heavily as she looked down at her hands again.
Hellstrom reached across and gently lifted Emalia's face up to face his as he said "I came back here today to say much the same thing Emalia."
"You... y... you did?" Emalia asked with a look of confusion on her face.
After some more talk they decide to go for a walk in the woods north of Westbridge. Making good on the promise of a lesson in woodland survival, Hellstrom passed the first bit of time chatting about the forest and some small things he had learned about it.
Deep in the woods The two finally stop for a bit after collecting some berries and some more small talk. Emalia pulls out some Stew in a small container and offers it to Hellstrom who had not eaten anything but his own fire cooked squirrel for several days. Hellstrom gratefully accepted and they sat and talked for some time more about Hellstrom, and about Emalia's past. A couple more hours passed and as the last hours of the day were drawing close the two headed back to Westbridge to part ways for the day.
"Until next time," Hellstrom said as he squeezed and let go of Emalia's hand "Until next time," Emalia agreed as she bowed and transported herself back to the Guardians Sanctuary. "Hopefully soon," Hellstrom whispered as he looked at the spot where Emalia had been.
"Im just going to come out and say it Hellstrom, I am truly sorry if it makes no sense." Emalia said as she looked at her hands folded on her lap. Hellstrom looked on with a look of confusion and worry on his face not know what was coming. "Ever since the sunrise... I've... I've been thinking about you and I can't stop." Emalia began. "I don't know why... but I... ah... I have feelings for you somehow. It wasn't supposed to happen, and I don't know why it did... but... I guess you know now." She hastily added. Emalia breathed out heavily as she looked down at her hands again.
Hellstrom reached across and gently lifted Emalia's face up to face his as he said "I came back here today to say much the same thing Emalia."
"You... y... you did?" Emalia asked with a look of confusion on her face.
After some more talk they decide to go for a walk in the woods north of Westbridge. Making good on the promise of a lesson in woodland survival, Hellstrom passed the first bit of time chatting about the forest and some small things he had learned about it.
Deep in the woods The two finally stop for a bit after collecting some berries and some more small talk. Emalia pulls out some Stew in a small container and offers it to Hellstrom who had not eaten anything but his own fire cooked squirrel for several days. Hellstrom gratefully accepted and they sat and talked for some time more about Hellstrom, and about Emalia's past. A couple more hours passed and as the last hours of the day were drawing close the two headed back to Westbridge to part ways for the day.
"Until next time," Hellstrom said as he squeezed and let go of Emalia's hand "Until next time," Emalia agreed as she bowed and transported herself back to the Guardians Sanctuary. "Hopefully soon," Hellstrom whispered as he looked at the spot where Emalia had been.
Lonely Thoughts
"Stupid... how could I be so stupid." Colin thought to himself as he sat in the empty parlor room of the Crossroad's Tavern moments after Emalia had left. "At this rate she is never going to want to be around me. It would be so easy to just..." Colin's thoughts cut short there as if running headlong into an impenetrable barrier. "I just have to be happy with what I have, no matter how hard it might be. But her touch..."
Here his thoughts continued unbridled. Oh yes, her touch. The warmth, the soothing calm, the longing it stirred within him, and the tinge of pain that came along with it. But she could not know. No matter what, she could not know. He will be her friend and do his best to forget her words that are destined to repeat themselves over and over in the back of his mind: "Besides. If things don't happen with Hellstrom... who knows what the future could hold."
Here his thoughts continued unbridled. Oh yes, her touch. The warmth, the soothing calm, the longing it stirred within him, and the tinge of pain that came along with it. But she could not know. No matter what, she could not know. He will be her friend and do his best to forget her words that are destined to repeat themselves over and over in the back of his mind: "Besides. If things don't happen with Hellstrom... who knows what the future could hold."
Nature's Comfort
"A Klutz!" Hellstrom mutters to himself as he walks out of the clan Coffee shop. He could hear the owner giggling about something as he walked away but he didn’t quite catch what was said. Taking the portal to the city of Torregianno, Hellstrom headed west out of the city and into the forests south of the city of Vector. He ran a good portion of the way and his bear had elected to stay behind, but Hellstrom knew he would eventually catch up. "Seriously, what fool fumbles with his weapon like a first year novice!" Hellstrom thought to himself angrily as he looked down at his long handled woodsman axe strapped to his waist.
Hellstrom worried about the upcoming trip he was supposed to take Emalia on in the forest. If a couple of minutes in the coffee shop could turn him into a fumbling fool, what was a full day or more in the forest going to do to him? He was supposed to teach her how to survive in the forest, but he couldn’t even manage to hold on to his weapon around her much less speak a straight sentence. "I need to do something about this..." Hellstrom muttered to himself. "But what....."
Some time later in a clearing after working the practice combat maneuvers his elven trainers had ingrained into him and taking a dip in a nearby pool to clean off, Hellstrom felt a little better. With his confidence restored, and feeling a little bit more calm, he headed back to the Guardians sanctuary. "Ill talk to her about it." Hellstrom thinks aloud to himself. "That’s what I will do."
Hellstrom worried about the upcoming trip he was supposed to take Emalia on in the forest. If a couple of minutes in the coffee shop could turn him into a fumbling fool, what was a full day or more in the forest going to do to him? He was supposed to teach her how to survive in the forest, but he couldn’t even manage to hold on to his weapon around her much less speak a straight sentence. "I need to do something about this..." Hellstrom muttered to himself. "But what....."
Some time later in a clearing after working the practice combat maneuvers his elven trainers had ingrained into him and taking a dip in a nearby pool to clean off, Hellstrom felt a little better. With his confidence restored, and feeling a little bit more calm, he headed back to the Guardians sanctuary. "Ill talk to her about it." Hellstrom thinks aloud to himself. "That’s what I will do."
Eyelight Twinkle
Emalia wore a coy smile on her face as she strolled through the city. Her thoughts were not on where she was going, but on the sunrise, and the way the light played on Hellstrom's eyes. Odd that she would remember the sparkle. It was as if the stars had come down to sit right before her and she had been given the best of both worlds... sunrise, and night, all in one.
The smile faded as she stopped in Market Square, biting her lip. What was she thinking? Her trip wasn't about Hellstrom, it was about clearing her mind, being by herself, choosing her life's path - the one of being alone. At the very least she could call on Colin to tell him about her night. He had wanted to hear her report when she returned, and in short order, she linked to him mentally and steered him to Market Square.
Colin recommended a nice, relaxing place where they could speak, and it came as a small, hidden surprise when he lead her to the park in Westbridge. All around them were couples in various stages of necking, kissing, holding hands, and hugging. They were a goodly distance from all the others, and sitting a friendly distance from one another as Emalia began raving about the starlight.
Stars turned into sunrise turned into Hellstrom. In a simple breath, she spoke a sentence worthy of any woman in a fairy tale, "We watched the most gorgeous sunrise."
Colin's expression went unnoticed, but the sentiment wasn't. "Hmmm.. I thought you were making a private trip." "It was going to be... and until I woke, it was." "See... I thought it might be a good idea to have someone accompany you. Advise you against sleeping on the cliff edge and so forth."
Colin's tiny grin relaxed Emalia, and it wasn't until Colin spoke next that she realized something. "I must admit I was rather lonely without you. Nobody to share my chicken with."
Emalia deftly changed the subject. As the sun set, Colin offered to walk her home. His face fell as she declined the offer, opting instead for the instantaneous magic granted by having clan membership.
After she waved to Colin for a final time, Emalia arrived in the Guardian's hall. She felt relieved as she made her way to the Swiss Miss, but as she entered the cafe, the familiar green cloak greeted her. Though he wasn't large and muscular, she felt some sort of pull to Hellstrom; quite contrary to her idea of leaving behind the love business in trade for the life of a celibate healer.
They only made minimal conversation and Emalia had barely time to turn away before the clatter of Hellstrom's axe hitting the floor turned her back. "Everything alright?" "I'm fine. I'm... just a klutz is all." "A klutz..."
Hellstrom nodded, and Emalia stood there for a moment. How could someone sent to hunt cats, someone who lived in the forests for so long, in fact, someone who was to teach her the ways of the woods, be clumsy? She, however, wouldn't deny him dignity - though she couldn't help but make a remark in jest, "I can perhaps teach you how to hold onto your axe... perhaps when you teach me about woodland safety."
It rather seemed the blushing was mutual as the two parted. Emalia to her quest, Hellstrom to spend time given to him by Elbryan to have a "break". She turned to the Swiss Miss to say goodbye, and the knowing smirk the woman held on her face said it all. "Oh, no no. It's not like that." "Please," the Miss replied. "I've seen it hundreds of times. You can't think I'm that blind." "Well, no, I... I don't think you are, m'lady." The Miss waved her hand. "Drop the m'lady." "Well, alright. But it's not what you think." "Then what is it?"
Emalia stared at the Swiss Miss, apparently long enough to warrant a smarting slap to her cheek. "Wake up. Go kill the pixie, girl." "Oh... sorry... I'm... I'm sorry."
The Miss had a point, and as Emalia cast a spell of relocation, she was wondering... What *is* it?
The smile faded as she stopped in Market Square, biting her lip. What was she thinking? Her trip wasn't about Hellstrom, it was about clearing her mind, being by herself, choosing her life's path - the one of being alone. At the very least she could call on Colin to tell him about her night. He had wanted to hear her report when she returned, and in short order, she linked to him mentally and steered him to Market Square.
Colin recommended a nice, relaxing place where they could speak, and it came as a small, hidden surprise when he lead her to the park in Westbridge. All around them were couples in various stages of necking, kissing, holding hands, and hugging. They were a goodly distance from all the others, and sitting a friendly distance from one another as Emalia began raving about the starlight.
Stars turned into sunrise turned into Hellstrom. In a simple breath, she spoke a sentence worthy of any woman in a fairy tale, "We watched the most gorgeous sunrise."
Colin's expression went unnoticed, but the sentiment wasn't. "Hmmm.. I thought you were making a private trip." "It was going to be... and until I woke, it was." "See... I thought it might be a good idea to have someone accompany you. Advise you against sleeping on the cliff edge and so forth."
Colin's tiny grin relaxed Emalia, and it wasn't until Colin spoke next that she realized something. "I must admit I was rather lonely without you. Nobody to share my chicken with."
Emalia deftly changed the subject. As the sun set, Colin offered to walk her home. His face fell as she declined the offer, opting instead for the instantaneous magic granted by having clan membership.
After she waved to Colin for a final time, Emalia arrived in the Guardian's hall. She felt relieved as she made her way to the Swiss Miss, but as she entered the cafe, the familiar green cloak greeted her. Though he wasn't large and muscular, she felt some sort of pull to Hellstrom; quite contrary to her idea of leaving behind the love business in trade for the life of a celibate healer.
They only made minimal conversation and Emalia had barely time to turn away before the clatter of Hellstrom's axe hitting the floor turned her back. "Everything alright?" "I'm fine. I'm... just a klutz is all." "A klutz..."
Hellstrom nodded, and Emalia stood there for a moment. How could someone sent to hunt cats, someone who lived in the forests for so long, in fact, someone who was to teach her the ways of the woods, be clumsy? She, however, wouldn't deny him dignity - though she couldn't help but make a remark in jest, "I can perhaps teach you how to hold onto your axe... perhaps when you teach me about woodland safety."
It rather seemed the blushing was mutual as the two parted. Emalia to her quest, Hellstrom to spend time given to him by Elbryan to have a "break". She turned to the Swiss Miss to say goodbye, and the knowing smirk the woman held on her face said it all. "Oh, no no. It's not like that." "Please," the Miss replied. "I've seen it hundreds of times. You can't think I'm that blind." "Well, no, I... I don't think you are, m'lady." The Miss waved her hand. "Drop the m'lady." "Well, alright. But it's not what you think." "Then what is it?"
Emalia stared at the Swiss Miss, apparently long enough to warrant a smarting slap to her cheek. "Wake up. Go kill the pixie, girl." "Oh... sorry... I'm... I'm sorry."
The Miss had a point, and as Emalia cast a spell of relocation, she was wondering... What *is* it?
Rest and Relaxation
The setting sun over the mountains was dazzling as Hellstrom watched the rays of light shift to all of the varying hues of red. This was the same spot that Hellstrom had found Emalia asleep the night before. Now he understood the draw. The sunset here was amazing. His thoughts had been confused and clouded all day since his and Emalia's talk after she had awoken to find herself not where she had fallen asleep. She had sat with him for a long while with her shoulder touching his.
Hellstrom was grateful for the time Elbryan gave him to sort this out for himself. The dealings with Lharka Therru and other pressing matters had left Hellstrom little time to think of anything else much less matters of the heart.
Normally the quiet noises of the forest would settle Hellstrom's mind, but this day it was not the case. His mind should be on the dealings with the Talosian woman, but again not the case. Instead his mind kept returning to the sunrise he had shared with Emalia.
Finally some time later after the sun had set, Hellstrom went back to the tree he had rested against while watching over Emalia. He sat down and slipped into the dreamless sleep like state that was the only rest he ever allowed himself the whole while analyzing that morning.
Hellstrom was grateful for the time Elbryan gave him to sort this out for himself. The dealings with Lharka Therru and other pressing matters had left Hellstrom little time to think of anything else much less matters of the heart.
Normally the quiet noises of the forest would settle Hellstrom's mind, but this day it was not the case. His mind should be on the dealings with the Talosian woman, but again not the case. Instead his mind kept returning to the sunrise he had shared with Emalia.
Finally some time later after the sun had set, Hellstrom went back to the tree he had rested against while watching over Emalia. He sat down and slipped into the dreamless sleep like state that was the only rest he ever allowed himself the whole while analyzing that morning.
Meetings
Elbryan sat leaning back in his chair at his desk as Hellstrom finished his tale of his encounter with the Talosian woman Violent. "She said to tell you that she is glad you are well and that she knows about how Lharka was rescued." Hellstrom said distractedly his cheeks slightly flushed. "She also accused you of killing one of their priests." Hellstrom finished off.
Elbryan sat back and thought this new information over for a few minutes while he watched the gears in Hellstrom's head turn furiously. "Something has got you frazzled Hellstrom." Elbryan stated politely. Hellstrom looked up from his hands and started to stutter something about a girl but Elbryan laughed and stopped him mid sentence. "It's Ok Hellstrom, I will look into Violent's issues, she is still angry with me about scrambling her brains no doubt." Elbryan said with a chuckle. "Now go take some time off and deal with your.... issues." Elbryan finishes. Hellstrom stands up and starts to stammer some objection, but Elbryan just waves his hand in a gesture of dismissal and Hellstrom nods his head with a look of gratitude on his face and leaves the office.
With a smirk on his face Elbryan thinks to himself as he listens to Hellstrom's footsteps going down the stairs, "He's gone and gotten himself involved with some girl." And then as the footsteps fade away his thoughts turn to the Talosian woman and her accusations. "Somehow I knew I was not to be rid of her after the dealings we have had." Elbryan muses to himself. Elbryan relaxes for a few more minutes then stands up to put on his armor and grab his sword belt as he heads out the door. "I suppose I should find out what lunacy Violent has for me today."
Elbryan sat back and thought this new information over for a few minutes while he watched the gears in Hellstrom's head turn furiously. "Something has got you frazzled Hellstrom." Elbryan stated politely. Hellstrom looked up from his hands and started to stutter something about a girl but Elbryan laughed and stopped him mid sentence. "It's Ok Hellstrom, I will look into Violent's issues, she is still angry with me about scrambling her brains no doubt." Elbryan said with a chuckle. "Now go take some time off and deal with your.... issues." Elbryan finishes. Hellstrom stands up and starts to stammer some objection, but Elbryan just waves his hand in a gesture of dismissal and Hellstrom nods his head with a look of gratitude on his face and leaves the office.
With a smirk on his face Elbryan thinks to himself as he listens to Hellstrom's footsteps going down the stairs, "He's gone and gotten himself involved with some girl." And then as the footsteps fade away his thoughts turn to the Talosian woman and her accusations. "Somehow I knew I was not to be rid of her after the dealings we have had." Elbryan muses to himself. Elbryan relaxes for a few more minutes then stands up to put on his armor and grab his sword belt as he heads out the door. "I suppose I should find out what lunacy Violent has for me today."
Waking
Shock. It's really the only way one can describe waking up in a place that one doesn't remember. That, and fear. Emalia woke from her sleep beneath the stars to find herself not on the overlook where she had fallen asleep - but in a bed of moss nearby. Her immediate thought was she had done something in her sleep that she didn't remember. She then realized that she must have been moved.
Emalia slowly sat up and noticed a forest green cloak had been thrown over her. Would, that she could have claimed she knew the owner, but she didn't. "Hello?" she called.
"Good morn Emalia."
Hellstrom. Emalia smiled, deeply relieved that it was a fellow clansman that had shifted her while she slept. Sanria rose and walked to the tree where Hellstrom sat, seating herself against the same arboreal being, shoulder to shoulder with him. With the appearance of a wild cat in the area, Hellstrom felt obligated to watch over her as she slept. A fact she found quite curious. Of all the woods in the realms, of all the trees, of all the cliffs... he happened upon her.
Emalia found it easy to chat with Hellstrom, and when coupled with the sunrise over the eastern horizon, her morning was completely free of any troubles or burdens. It was wonderful.
After the promise of a lesson in, what Emalia would later regard as Forest Safety 101, Hellstrom escorted her back to Westbridge. As they parted, she could have sworn she caught the faintest hint of rose on his cheeks - a sight that sent her thinking about him for quite a while.
Emalia slowly sat up and noticed a forest green cloak had been thrown over her. Would, that she could have claimed she knew the owner, but she didn't. "Hello?" she called.
"Good morn Emalia."
Hellstrom. Emalia smiled, deeply relieved that it was a fellow clansman that had shifted her while she slept. Sanria rose and walked to the tree where Hellstrom sat, seating herself against the same arboreal being, shoulder to shoulder with him. With the appearance of a wild cat in the area, Hellstrom felt obligated to watch over her as she slept. A fact she found quite curious. Of all the woods in the realms, of all the trees, of all the cliffs... he happened upon her.
Emalia found it easy to chat with Hellstrom, and when coupled with the sunrise over the eastern horizon, her morning was completely free of any troubles or burdens. It was wonderful.
After the promise of a lesson in, what Emalia would later regard as Forest Safety 101, Hellstrom escorted her back to Westbridge. As they parted, she could have sworn she caught the faintest hint of rose on his cheeks - a sight that sent her thinking about him for quite a while.
A Mission Diverted
The woods were silent as Hellstrom stalked through the night darkened forest. His bear a mile or so to the east had seen nothing of the cat they were tracking either. The farmer had said it headed in this direction, though Hellstrom always had trouble tracking the cats of this forest. Far too elusive for a human to track. However, Hellstrom had told the farmer over the corpses of his dead livestock that he would do what he could to ensure it did not happen again. So here he was in the middle of the forest, in the middle of the night, and tracking a cat that could kill him quickly if caught off guard.
Hellstrom sighs to himself as he starts off again into the wood. The cold of the forest floor felt good under his bare feet as he stalked through the trunks of the old trees. Up ahead he could see a opening in the woods evident by the amount of light coming in through the trees.
As he silently steps around the trunk of the last tree he notices a form sitting with her legs dangling over the edge of a cliff in the mountainside. It was decidedly female and he could smell the faint traces of a familiarly scented soap. She lay down on the grass and closed her eyes. Hellstrom recognized the face from the edge of the wood. This was Emalia, the young girl that had just gained admission to the Guardians.
Hellstrom watched a few minutes as the young girl lay in the grass sleeping. He could not just leave her here with that cat roaming the wilderness in this area. Hellstrom waited patiently in the shadows until he was sure Emalia was fast asleep until he crept up to her side and lifted her to carry her away from the possibility of a long fall and lay her in a bed of moss not far from the forest edge. He carefully unfastened his cloak and laid it over Emalia to keep her warm. With this done he silently crept back to the edge of the wood and sat down at the base of a wide oak tree and let himself slip into the half sleeping half still aware state of those trained by the elves, while watching Emalia sleep.
"She is really quite beautiful." Hellstrom thinks to himself as he drifts off listening for the sounds of the cat in the wood.
Hellstrom sighs to himself as he starts off again into the wood. The cold of the forest floor felt good under his bare feet as he stalked through the trunks of the old trees. Up ahead he could see a opening in the woods evident by the amount of light coming in through the trees.
As he silently steps around the trunk of the last tree he notices a form sitting with her legs dangling over the edge of a cliff in the mountainside. It was decidedly female and he could smell the faint traces of a familiarly scented soap. She lay down on the grass and closed her eyes. Hellstrom recognized the face from the edge of the wood. This was Emalia, the young girl that had just gained admission to the Guardians.
Hellstrom watched a few minutes as the young girl lay in the grass sleeping. He could not just leave her here with that cat roaming the wilderness in this area. Hellstrom waited patiently in the shadows until he was sure Emalia was fast asleep until he crept up to her side and lifted her to carry her away from the possibility of a long fall and lay her in a bed of moss not far from the forest edge. He carefully unfastened his cloak and laid it over Emalia to keep her warm. With this done he silently crept back to the edge of the wood and sat down at the base of a wide oak tree and let himself slip into the half sleeping half still aware state of those trained by the elves, while watching Emalia sleep.
"She is really quite beautiful." Hellstrom thinks to himself as he drifts off listening for the sounds of the cat in the wood.
Stars
The valley sprawled for what seemed like miles, full of trees and waves of grass that shimmered and bent in the wind. Emalia sat down at the very edge of the overlook, unafraid to allow her feet to dangle over the edge. To the west, the sun laboriously eased itself into the crook of the mountain. Eventually, the rays of the sun could be seen and the bright blue of the daylight sky turned purple, then faded to dark. The eyes of the sky burst forth in all their glory, and Emalia was there to see it.
Crickets sang in chorus as Emalia lay there, her head on one of her arms, while the other rested at her side. All in all, it had been a good evening. She and Colin had enjoyed chicken at the Crossroads Inn - courtesy of her magic. The fire was warm, the parlor was cozy, and the conversation was nice. Most pleasing was Colin's choice to begin again. Now, Emalia could be comfortable with him.
How long she would remain here, Emalia wasn't certain - but the fresh air, the whisper of nature, the twinkle of the stars - reminded her of long ago. Back then, the only one that needed her was her mother, and she felt connected to none but her. Now, however, seeing the people of the realms - her mind had been changed. There were so many people that needed help. So many. But here the song of the night relaxed her and not even realizing it... Emalia fell asleep.
Crickets sang in chorus as Emalia lay there, her head on one of her arms, while the other rested at her side. All in all, it had been a good evening. She and Colin had enjoyed chicken at the Crossroads Inn - courtesy of her magic. The fire was warm, the parlor was cozy, and the conversation was nice. Most pleasing was Colin's choice to begin again. Now, Emalia could be comfortable with him.
How long she would remain here, Emalia wasn't certain - but the fresh air, the whisper of nature, the twinkle of the stars - reminded her of long ago. Back then, the only one that needed her was her mother, and she felt connected to none but her. Now, however, seeing the people of the realms - her mind had been changed. There were so many people that needed help. So many. But here the song of the night relaxed her and not even realizing it... Emalia fell asleep.
Thoughts Waxing Random
Emalia made herself content in the herb garden by laying amidst the pots and fragrant scents that wafted on the slight breeze. She took in a deep breath and let it out in a quick sigh, wondering briefly if the breath would actually reach the sky before it was completely dissipated. She really felt like a child when she spoke anymore. Not in control of herself, really, but not out of control.
Who honestly needed to have someone to be with when one had an entire family with which to spend their lives? She saw what love had done to her mother, she saw, too, that the lack of it didn't necessary spell the end of the world. Elbryan and Jayden seemed absolutely fine, as did Hellstrom.
"Why do I feel like something is still missing, then?" Fizz trotted up, sniffling her with his soft nose, the stiff little whiskers on his chin tickling her even as the hot breath (which smelled curiously like timothy and carrot), moisted her skin. "What more do I need, Fizz, outside of you, healing, and the Guardians?"
She sat up, patting her pet on his broad cheek. Her thoughts then swayed to Hellstrom and the idea of sleeping beneath the stars. She truly was homesick, though she'd not admit such a thing to anyone. The stars and sleeping beneath them - watching the occasional star arc through the midnight sky - wondering where it was off to in such a hurry. She'd spent so many warm nights beneath the sky with nothing but herself, her thoughts, and hopes that her mother would get better...how life could change.
"Ah, Fizz. Perhaps we should take a journey home and forget the woes-" A sudden thought struck her. She was home. The Cavern was no longer her place, but her mother's... and father's. Slowly, she looked at Fizz. With a sad smile, she patted him again - got up - and left for the confines of her small room. Once there, she lay in the bed, simply thinking.
Who honestly needed to have someone to be with when one had an entire family with which to spend their lives? She saw what love had done to her mother, she saw, too, that the lack of it didn't necessary spell the end of the world. Elbryan and Jayden seemed absolutely fine, as did Hellstrom.
"Why do I feel like something is still missing, then?" Fizz trotted up, sniffling her with his soft nose, the stiff little whiskers on his chin tickling her even as the hot breath (which smelled curiously like timothy and carrot), moisted her skin. "What more do I need, Fizz, outside of you, healing, and the Guardians?"
She sat up, patting her pet on his broad cheek. Her thoughts then swayed to Hellstrom and the idea of sleeping beneath the stars. She truly was homesick, though she'd not admit such a thing to anyone. The stars and sleeping beneath them - watching the occasional star arc through the midnight sky - wondering where it was off to in such a hurry. She'd spent so many warm nights beneath the sky with nothing but herself, her thoughts, and hopes that her mother would get better...how life could change.
"Ah, Fizz. Perhaps we should take a journey home and forget the woes-" A sudden thought struck her. She was home. The Cavern was no longer her place, but her mother's... and father's. Slowly, she looked at Fizz. With a sad smile, she patted him again - got up - and left for the confines of her small room. Once there, she lay in the bed, simply thinking.
Khyron to the Rescue. Hi-Ho Your Wildest Fantasy Awaaayyy!
There were books everywhere, a few neat stacks but mostly haphazard piles littering the floor. Khyron stood in the center of the room surveying the mess, idly wondering what manner of creature left his study in such a state; fully aware that he himself was to blame. The books were largely historical volumes dating back as far as the time of Nethril, and further. Khyron let out a sigh at the daunting task of organizing the texts before beginning to do just that.
As he began placing the books in new piles, based on time period, he became aware of a sense of worry abruptly disturbing his thoughts. Despite being an experienced wizard, Khyron was not superstitious as a rule and deemed the feeling illogical and continued to organize his study. Suddenly he stopped, something wasn't right. The feeling was unusual; it felt as though he were experiencing someone else's worry. Khyron gasped as realization set in, it was some form of telepathy; Dorian was in danger. He dropped the books he had been holding beginning to chant even before they hit the floor. Gray mists swirled up as he finished the incantation and vanished from the study.
Reappearing on the shore of Willow Lake, Khyron immediately felt Dorian's presence. Khyron looked around; nothing seemed to disturb the tranquility that always seemed to reign here. No, that wasn't true; although it looked tranquil a sense of evil tainted the air. He forced himself to calm down and surveyed the scene again, the grass was wet under the tree Dorian often sat under and was slightly matted down in the direction of the lake. Running quickly to the shore he looked into the lake and spotted Dorian. Again, nothing strange could be seen but yet there was something there, pulling Dorian deeper into the lake. She did not appear to be struggling, and it was impossible to tell whether she was conscious or not. The presence seemed powerful, but it was difficult to be sure. A levitation spell came to mind, although afraid it wouldn't be powerful enough Khyron decided to try it. To his surprise, and relief, the presence did not fight back, simply letting go and vanishing. He pulled Dorian from the lake and laid her gently on the grass a short distance from the bank. She was unconscious and, surprisingly, was breathing fine.
Although Dorian did not appear to be injured, Khyron was no healer and couldn't be sure. Picking her up again he frowned in the direction of lake, watching the serene waters for a moment before returning to the main hall to take Dorian to the healer.
As he began placing the books in new piles, based on time period, he became aware of a sense of worry abruptly disturbing his thoughts. Despite being an experienced wizard, Khyron was not superstitious as a rule and deemed the feeling illogical and continued to organize his study. Suddenly he stopped, something wasn't right. The feeling was unusual; it felt as though he were experiencing someone else's worry. Khyron gasped as realization set in, it was some form of telepathy; Dorian was in danger. He dropped the books he had been holding beginning to chant even before they hit the floor. Gray mists swirled up as he finished the incantation and vanished from the study.
Reappearing on the shore of Willow Lake, Khyron immediately felt Dorian's presence. Khyron looked around; nothing seemed to disturb the tranquility that always seemed to reign here. No, that wasn't true; although it looked tranquil a sense of evil tainted the air. He forced himself to calm down and surveyed the scene again, the grass was wet under the tree Dorian often sat under and was slightly matted down in the direction of the lake. Running quickly to the shore he looked into the lake and spotted Dorian. Again, nothing strange could be seen but yet there was something there, pulling Dorian deeper into the lake. She did not appear to be struggling, and it was impossible to tell whether she was conscious or not. The presence seemed powerful, but it was difficult to be sure. A levitation spell came to mind, although afraid it wouldn't be powerful enough Khyron decided to try it. To his surprise, and relief, the presence did not fight back, simply letting go and vanishing. He pulled Dorian from the lake and laid her gently on the grass a short distance from the bank. She was unconscious and, surprisingly, was breathing fine.
Although Dorian did not appear to be injured, Khyron was no healer and couldn't be sure. Picking her up again he frowned in the direction of lake, watching the serene waters for a moment before returning to the main hall to take Dorian to the healer.
I'm Worried About You
Dorian sits on the banks of Willow Lake watching the birds flit. As she sits she contemplates what she has heard. Slowly the waters of the lake expand, crest the banks and then reach toward the tree and the esper that sits beneath it. Silently, slowly, the waters grab the esper and pull her into their depths. As that happens Dorian calls out to Keldon . . . "Keep hidden. Don't trust them . . .Keep safe!"
Youth
Emalia's white satin comforter enveloped her as she lay on it, staring at the ceiling of her room. "I couldn't have thought I'd get them all. It was impossible." Even after grabbing all of the flyers - Jayden knew.
Emalia sighed wearily and rolled onto her stomach, letting her arm dangle off the side of her bed. She stared down at her hand, watching the blood fill her fingers and the gentle pulse that rocked her hand. Her mind wandered to her inexplicable rudeness toward her mother. Even she didn't know what had gotten into her.
Jayden had prayed to his Goddess, Mishikal, and they had both set off to Sanria. Seeing her mother again hurt her so deeply. Though Sanria had looked a little better, she still wore the ragged robes and all Emalia wished to do was rush to her mother's side, but the sting of embarrassment held her suspended and the familiar sensation of calm flooded her.
Emalia knew Jayden wanted to help, and indeed, it seemed he and her mother hit it off quite well. Again, she felt a bit left out as the two elders conversed. It also appeared that each time she opened her mouth, she was rude. She couldn't understand after all her kindness toward everyone else, the person she loved the most she was the most angry with - and the man she never knew who might hold all her answers, she didn't want to see.
Emalia sighed wearily and rolled onto her stomach, letting her arm dangle off the side of her bed. She stared down at her hand, watching the blood fill her fingers and the gentle pulse that rocked her hand. Her mind wandered to her inexplicable rudeness toward her mother. Even she didn't know what had gotten into her.
Jayden had prayed to his Goddess, Mishikal, and they had both set off to Sanria. Seeing her mother again hurt her so deeply. Though Sanria had looked a little better, she still wore the ragged robes and all Emalia wished to do was rush to her mother's side, but the sting of embarrassment held her suspended and the familiar sensation of calm flooded her.
Emalia knew Jayden wanted to help, and indeed, it seemed he and her mother hit it off quite well. Again, she felt a bit left out as the two elders conversed. It also appeared that each time she opened her mouth, she was rude. She couldn't understand after all her kindness toward everyone else, the person she loved the most she was the most angry with - and the man she never knew who might hold all her answers, she didn't want to see.
Trials
Emalia stared at the flyer with her mouth hanging open. She honestly didn't think the day could have gotten any worse, but it just did.
"Have You Seen Me? Gone from home around three weeks ago, Emalia Haverland still hasn't returned. She is around 5'7" with very long brown hair and is usually dressed in white. She is of a rather pale complexion, slender, and has brown eyes. If seen, please tell her that her mother is seeking her desperately. If this is Emalia, please, come home!"
Now that she focused her eyes, she could see hundreds of the papers on the sides of stalls, buildings, even littering the ground. The calm coming from her now nearly dropped her to her knees with weariness. She didn't really know what was inside her that made her this way, it just was and always was. If she was worried, anxious, angry, fearful, she suddenly found herself calm, and after it subsided, she tried her best to hide the fact that she was just exhausted. There was no one to ask except her father, and she couldn't seek him out. She was just too afraid, and too proud. Now this.
Emalia took a deep breath, collecting herself enough to rip the flyer from the wall. She went along the street, gathering all the flyers she could, hoping no one in her clan had seen them, no one that she knew had seen them, no one had seen them. Her hands were full when she reached a busier part of Market Square. "Hey, you Emalia?"
"Yes?" "Your mom is looking for you." "Ah, yes. Many thanks." "Hey, aren't you that girl?" "Yes... I know. Many thanks." "Oh! You know your mom is looking for you, judging from the pile of papers in your hands." "Yes, Many thanks."
If there was a better way of mortification, Emalia didn't know of it. She had given up reading the tomes of Cyric - luckily Hellstrom had explained to her the danger of the Cyrinishad before she had actually gotten to it. She hated to think that she would have been lost to her entire Guardian family and it shamed her deeply to think of how close she came. Then she ran into some man with a whip who spoke of shadows, slavery, Shar, and high blood - accusing her of being weak and weak minded for choosing not to endure whatever trials he thought testament to strength. Then there was Colin, who not only scared her with his enormity, but scared her more with his casual joking bride comment - which she really didn't see as much of a joke as she saw him quite a bit more frequently.
All this in one day...
Emalia collected all the parchments she could find as she took a last look up and down the streets of Westbridge. She hoped that everything was found and in her possession when she vanished to her room. The parchments rained down as Emalia threw them to the floor. She threw herself on the bed and for the first time she had known herself to - she cried. She at long last fell asleep, hoping this might be the last time she had to feel confusion, and that no one would ever know she had.
"Have You Seen Me? Gone from home around three weeks ago, Emalia Haverland still hasn't returned. She is around 5'7" with very long brown hair and is usually dressed in white. She is of a rather pale complexion, slender, and has brown eyes. If seen, please tell her that her mother is seeking her desperately. If this is Emalia, please, come home!"
Now that she focused her eyes, she could see hundreds of the papers on the sides of stalls, buildings, even littering the ground. The calm coming from her now nearly dropped her to her knees with weariness. She didn't really know what was inside her that made her this way, it just was and always was. If she was worried, anxious, angry, fearful, she suddenly found herself calm, and after it subsided, she tried her best to hide the fact that she was just exhausted. There was no one to ask except her father, and she couldn't seek him out. She was just too afraid, and too proud. Now this.
Emalia took a deep breath, collecting herself enough to rip the flyer from the wall. She went along the street, gathering all the flyers she could, hoping no one in her clan had seen them, no one that she knew had seen them, no one had seen them. Her hands were full when she reached a busier part of Market Square. "Hey, you Emalia?"
"Yes?" "Your mom is looking for you." "Ah, yes. Many thanks." "Hey, aren't you that girl?" "Yes... I know. Many thanks." "Oh! You know your mom is looking for you, judging from the pile of papers in your hands." "Yes, Many thanks."
If there was a better way of mortification, Emalia didn't know of it. She had given up reading the tomes of Cyric - luckily Hellstrom had explained to her the danger of the Cyrinishad before she had actually gotten to it. She hated to think that she would have been lost to her entire Guardian family and it shamed her deeply to think of how close she came. Then she ran into some man with a whip who spoke of shadows, slavery, Shar, and high blood - accusing her of being weak and weak minded for choosing not to endure whatever trials he thought testament to strength. Then there was Colin, who not only scared her with his enormity, but scared her more with his casual joking bride comment - which she really didn't see as much of a joke as she saw him quite a bit more frequently.
All this in one day...
Emalia collected all the parchments she could find as she took a last look up and down the streets of Westbridge. She hoped that everything was found and in her possession when she vanished to her room. The parchments rained down as Emalia threw them to the floor. She threw herself on the bed and for the first time she had known herself to - she cried. She at long last fell asleep, hoping this might be the last time she had to feel confusion, and that no one would ever know she had.
Home
Emalia sat in the middle of the herb garden, smelling each of the plants that grew around her. Only days before she had been with no one but herself, the idle chit-chat of strangers, and her books. Today, she was a Crimson Guardian. She took in a deep breath and smiled to herself while she looked over the insignia she wore. It seemed like a dream.
Fizz trotted up to her, nudging her shoulder with a nickering whinny, snapping Emalia from her reverie. "Oh my newest friend, what is it you desire?" A snort tickled Emalia's cheek as she was again nudged. "A carrot. Coming right up." Emalia rose to her feet, chanting a quick line for a quick treat. She smiled deeply as Fizz tossed the carrot into the air, only to chomp down on it and hop away like a colt.
Emalia felt automatically at home, marginally concerned that she had still not heard from her family, save her Uncle Sandorin, who had vanished again from her life. She sat again in the herbs, her mind drifting from her travel to Westbridge, to her journey into the Guardians, then to the events of the day. Immediately, a frown crossed her features.
Emalia knew she was born with abilities different from many. Her mother made sure she knew it - when she wasn't talking to herself - but Emalia wasn't quite sure what they were. She had harmed Elbryan with a simple spell, but couldn't place a finger on why or even how. Holding back a few tears, Emalia bit her lip, her pride stinging as she thought of exactly how she felt like such a failure. She'd harmed someone...
A deep neigh wrested her from her thoughts and a sense of calm flooded her. Fizz stared at her with deep brown eyes - already she could feel a connection with him. "Another?" She stood again, repeating her earlier incantation, and shook her head with a grin as Fizz repeated his.
In the quiet of the gardens, Emalia centered herself deciding that the silence would allow her to read. Certain that Fizz was finally contented, she slipped another violet-bound tome from her pack. By any sense she was a quick reader, it only taking her a day to pour through the thick volumes. She began in again reading through Cyric's past, pushing all her thoughts of home, family, and failure to the side. The texts flowed with detail, almost vividly leaping from the page. Emalia was so mesmerized that even Fizz's insistent nudges did nothing to rouse her.
Fizz trotted up to her, nudging her shoulder with a nickering whinny, snapping Emalia from her reverie. "Oh my newest friend, what is it you desire?" A snort tickled Emalia's cheek as she was again nudged. "A carrot. Coming right up." Emalia rose to her feet, chanting a quick line for a quick treat. She smiled deeply as Fizz tossed the carrot into the air, only to chomp down on it and hop away like a colt.
Emalia felt automatically at home, marginally concerned that she had still not heard from her family, save her Uncle Sandorin, who had vanished again from her life. She sat again in the herbs, her mind drifting from her travel to Westbridge, to her journey into the Guardians, then to the events of the day. Immediately, a frown crossed her features.
Emalia knew she was born with abilities different from many. Her mother made sure she knew it - when she wasn't talking to herself - but Emalia wasn't quite sure what they were. She had harmed Elbryan with a simple spell, but couldn't place a finger on why or even how. Holding back a few tears, Emalia bit her lip, her pride stinging as she thought of exactly how she felt like such a failure. She'd harmed someone...
A deep neigh wrested her from her thoughts and a sense of calm flooded her. Fizz stared at her with deep brown eyes - already she could feel a connection with him. "Another?" She stood again, repeating her earlier incantation, and shook her head with a grin as Fizz repeated his.
In the quiet of the gardens, Emalia centered herself deciding that the silence would allow her to read. Certain that Fizz was finally contented, she slipped another violet-bound tome from her pack. By any sense she was a quick reader, it only taking her a day to pour through the thick volumes. She began in again reading through Cyric's past, pushing all her thoughts of home, family, and failure to the side. The texts flowed with detail, almost vividly leaping from the page. Emalia was so mesmerized that even Fizz's insistent nudges did nothing to rouse her.
Seeking Emalia
Sanria let out a long, deep sigh. She had now been in Westbridge for two days, and no one had seen Emalia. She was sure to leave a small note for Thasmudyan, letting him know where she had gone. There was not going to be a repeat in the disappearing act again. She had begged him, in fact, simply to stay home and let her handle it, to allow her to search for their daughter while he stayed safe in the cavern. It was harder than she imagined it would be.
She had stopped in to get a cup of coffee when she met Koniev. Though she had intended to drink her caffeine while she walked, Sanria ended up sitting and listening to the young man's tale. She couldn't imagine what Koniev had endured, any more than she could imagine all that Sandorin had endured, and toward the end of the conversation, she had discovered exactly how she had made Emalia feel... overlooked and unimportant.
Sanria decided to take Koniev's suggestion and post a bulletin in the middle of Market Square, and to the sides of all the buildings she could. Hastily, she scrawled out a missive and rushed to the paperboy. "I need to see your boss. Where is he?" It shocked her to see the boy recoil from her, clutching the papers to his chest. "Take it easy, lady... I don't have coin." "What?" "Quit begging." "Begging?" "I know your type, you can't have a free paper, and you can't have my money." "No no, I'm looking for my daughter."
The paperboy eyed her for a moment, relaxing only slightly. "Does she look like you?" "A little," Sanria nodded, "yes." "Does she need a change of clothes just as bad?" Sanria stood up, glancing to the ground in shock. "Never mind... t-thank you."
The paperboy merely shrugged, falling right back into his sales pitch, though still clutching the papers to his chest, as Sanria wandered away. Before, she might have asked Catrina for help, but having been so long gone, nothing seemed the same.
It was a quick walk to the pub, the one place she felt none would stare at her for her dingy clothing, and even faster to find an empty table near the corner. Amidst the din of drunkards, Sanria began the task of making flyers-hundreds of them.
She had stopped in to get a cup of coffee when she met Koniev. Though she had intended to drink her caffeine while she walked, Sanria ended up sitting and listening to the young man's tale. She couldn't imagine what Koniev had endured, any more than she could imagine all that Sandorin had endured, and toward the end of the conversation, she had discovered exactly how she had made Emalia feel... overlooked and unimportant.
Sanria decided to take Koniev's suggestion and post a bulletin in the middle of Market Square, and to the sides of all the buildings she could. Hastily, she scrawled out a missive and rushed to the paperboy. "I need to see your boss. Where is he?" It shocked her to see the boy recoil from her, clutching the papers to his chest. "Take it easy, lady... I don't have coin." "What?" "Quit begging." "Begging?" "I know your type, you can't have a free paper, and you can't have my money." "No no, I'm looking for my daughter."
The paperboy eyed her for a moment, relaxing only slightly. "Does she look like you?" "A little," Sanria nodded, "yes." "Does she need a change of clothes just as bad?" Sanria stood up, glancing to the ground in shock. "Never mind... t-thank you."
The paperboy merely shrugged, falling right back into his sales pitch, though still clutching the papers to his chest, as Sanria wandered away. Before, she might have asked Catrina for help, but having been so long gone, nothing seemed the same.
It was a quick walk to the pub, the one place she felt none would stare at her for her dingy clothing, and even faster to find an empty table near the corner. Amidst the din of drunkards, Sanria began the task of making flyers-hundreds of them.
Tones
Emalia had been in Westbridge for about a week. She had sat in Market Square, she had seen the people go by. She had talked to a few of them, and even come to be smitten by one. Still, her mother was not coming for her, nor her father. "They must really be content in order not even to miss me, she thought. Perhaps I'm just being selfish though. Perhaps I really should just go home and check on them and be certain that everything is ok."
Emalia stared at the fountain in Market Square, watching the spray spatter down into the water below. The sun's rays caught each drop, lighting the droplets in a gem-like brilliance. Maybe she would wait, just a few more moments.
Emalia leaned back on the bench, her eyes shifting from the water to her pack. It had grown heavier with the books given her by Sangraal. She slid one of the leather covered, violet books from the pack and ran a hand over the cover. "'Volume One.' This God must really be an egotist if he needs six volumes."
No one warned her of the power of the books. All she knew, is that once she started reading - she couldn't stop.
Emalia stared at the fountain in Market Square, watching the spray spatter down into the water below. The sun's rays caught each drop, lighting the droplets in a gem-like brilliance. Maybe she would wait, just a few more moments.
Emalia leaned back on the bench, her eyes shifting from the water to her pack. It had grown heavier with the books given her by Sangraal. She slid one of the leather covered, violet books from the pack and ran a hand over the cover. "'Volume One.' This God must really be an egotist if he needs six volumes."
No one warned her of the power of the books. All she knew, is that once she started reading - she couldn't stop.
Emalia's Call
Emalia sat down on the bench in Market Square with a huff. What in the hell just happened? It wasn't possible that a man who had been proclaimed dead, who had sent her mother into fits of crazies, suddenly rose from the dead and started walking again, was it?
The man came in the house like he owned it. Well, he said he lived there and was to see Sanria, his wife. Emalia was face to face with a stranger, but eventually, she could feel from him a deep sense of honesty. She knew he was telling the truth.
When her mother saw him... it was confirmed. Rarely had her mother ever come out of her ramblings, and suddenly, like a miracle - Sanria was healed. Suddenly, Emalia - the girl who had cared for her mother for most of her own life – was a ghost against the black night. Nothing.
She should be happy, but knowing her mother didn't need her anymore and knowing her position was usurped by a man she didn't even know (not to mention seeing her mother actually in the arms of any male figure), made her a little jealous.
Her mom talked to her briefly after Thasmudyan had gone to bathe. Isn't it wonderful? she had asked. "Aren't you happy? she had asked. It's your father! You finally get to meet him. I'm so excited!" she had said. But no matter what Sanria asked or said, Emalia had only nodded and put on a happy face. What right had she to place sadness on such an unbelievable, incredible, miraculous event?
Neither of them noticed as she slipped out of the cavern. Dressed in her white robe and cloak, she rather stood out against the black, brown, and green of the forest. She had not been to Westbridge very often and she really didn't believe the stories about it being such a terrible place. Her hope was that she would find someone that would need her as her mother once did. Surely, someone would appreciate a young healer, wouldn't they?
Scanning the bustling square, she let out a sigh and waited.
The man came in the house like he owned it. Well, he said he lived there and was to see Sanria, his wife. Emalia was face to face with a stranger, but eventually, she could feel from him a deep sense of honesty. She knew he was telling the truth.
When her mother saw him... it was confirmed. Rarely had her mother ever come out of her ramblings, and suddenly, like a miracle - Sanria was healed. Suddenly, Emalia - the girl who had cared for her mother for most of her own life – was a ghost against the black night. Nothing.
She should be happy, but knowing her mother didn't need her anymore and knowing her position was usurped by a man she didn't even know (not to mention seeing her mother actually in the arms of any male figure), made her a little jealous.
Her mom talked to her briefly after Thasmudyan had gone to bathe. Isn't it wonderful? she had asked. "Aren't you happy? she had asked. It's your father! You finally get to meet him. I'm so excited!" she had said. But no matter what Sanria asked or said, Emalia had only nodded and put on a happy face. What right had she to place sadness on such an unbelievable, incredible, miraculous event?
Neither of them noticed as she slipped out of the cavern. Dressed in her white robe and cloak, she rather stood out against the black, brown, and green of the forest. She had not been to Westbridge very often and she really didn't believe the stories about it being such a terrible place. Her hope was that she would find someone that would need her as her mother once did. Surely, someone would appreciate a young healer, wouldn't they?
Scanning the bustling square, she let out a sigh and waited.
A Fistful of Memories
17 years.
Truly... 17 years.
Sanria stared at the wood grain of the kitchen table, wondering where time had gone. It had effectively swallowed her up, chewed her into pulp with exquisite masticating movements, spat her onto the ground, and left her with children and a brother... but no husband.
Tarran had grown into a strapping, handsome, and clever young man. She had watched him from boyhood growing into a man that would have made Havok proud. He could swindle a deal (evidenced by the many times he was able to get whatever he wanted from Emalia), and wield a sword. Sanria could see much of Havok in him, and she hung her head.
Sighing she pushed up from the table. It was finally a moment of clarity for her. One of so few that she had anymore. 'Too bad Sandorin isn't here," she thought. She thought of Emalia, who Sanria knew was nearby in the observatory. Sweet Emalia who never knew her father only for what she was, his contribution to her life, and stories that Sanria spilled over and over again. Undoubtedly, Emalia would be sitting in the marble throne, humming in tune with the crystals, and looking out over the land. Truthfully, Sandorin had raised her more than Sanria. Poor child of an unfit mother.
17 years.
“Oh Thasmudyan. My life and soul for yours... my life and soul for yours.” Sanria trailed off and headed to the library. The ancient floor was now showing the beginnings of a groove - a circular track worn by Sanria's feet. She could already feel the other world calling her - the chaos that filled her mind and caused her to go 'crazy'. As she began to step into the room, she heard the voice that sounded like the tinkling of tiny bells.
"Mother?" Emalia tapped her shoulder lightly, and when Sanria turned to her, she could see the look of joy on her daughter's face.
"It's you now."
"Yes my little love. It is me, for now."
"I've missed talking to you, you know."
"Sweet dear, I've missed so much. Each time I come out of my stupor, you've turned into more of a woman."
"Oh. Mother. I... well, Tarran said to give his love if you were yourself."
"My little boy... oh tell me if he's well..."
"He is. He misses you, too."
Sanria paused for a moment, staring down at the ground. She had missed so much of her son's life, and truly, she had harbored deep pain for causing him the loss of two "Oh Emalia... if only you knew what it was like. If only you could have seen your father, too. A beautiful man, kind, gentle, and full of such a light... and the energy..."
"Oh mother... please," Emalia pleaded, her hands gripped Sanria's arm a little tighter as her eyes filled up with tears. "Please don't go again..." her voice trailed off into a whisper. "He had so much energy. They never found his head. They never found it." Sanria pulled from her daughter, her eyes glazed over once more. She entered the library, wringing her hands as she walked in her circle, talking to herself again. "If I wouldn't have walked that way, he would have never gone for me. They would never have found him. He would be here with me, protecting me, loving me, loving me. But I don't deserve that. No no no. I don't..."
Emalia hung her head and a single tear slid down her cheek. She then shook her head and sighed, walking to the kitchen to make tea and wait for her uncle to come home.
Truly... 17 years.
Sanria stared at the wood grain of the kitchen table, wondering where time had gone. It had effectively swallowed her up, chewed her into pulp with exquisite masticating movements, spat her onto the ground, and left her with children and a brother... but no husband.
Tarran had grown into a strapping, handsome, and clever young man. She had watched him from boyhood growing into a man that would have made Havok proud. He could swindle a deal (evidenced by the many times he was able to get whatever he wanted from Emalia), and wield a sword. Sanria could see much of Havok in him, and she hung her head.
Sighing she pushed up from the table. It was finally a moment of clarity for her. One of so few that she had anymore. 'Too bad Sandorin isn't here," she thought. She thought of Emalia, who Sanria knew was nearby in the observatory. Sweet Emalia who never knew her father only for what she was, his contribution to her life, and stories that Sanria spilled over and over again. Undoubtedly, Emalia would be sitting in the marble throne, humming in tune with the crystals, and looking out over the land. Truthfully, Sandorin had raised her more than Sanria. Poor child of an unfit mother.
17 years.
“Oh Thasmudyan. My life and soul for yours... my life and soul for yours.” Sanria trailed off and headed to the library. The ancient floor was now showing the beginnings of a groove - a circular track worn by Sanria's feet. She could already feel the other world calling her - the chaos that filled her mind and caused her to go 'crazy'. As she began to step into the room, she heard the voice that sounded like the tinkling of tiny bells.
"Mother?" Emalia tapped her shoulder lightly, and when Sanria turned to her, she could see the look of joy on her daughter's face.
"It's you now."
"Yes my little love. It is me, for now."
"I've missed talking to you, you know."
"Sweet dear, I've missed so much. Each time I come out of my stupor, you've turned into more of a woman."
"Oh. Mother. I... well, Tarran said to give his love if you were yourself."
"My little boy... oh tell me if he's well..."
"He is. He misses you, too."
Sanria paused for a moment, staring down at the ground. She had missed so much of her son's life, and truly, she had harbored deep pain for causing him the loss of two "Oh Emalia... if only you knew what it was like. If only you could have seen your father, too. A beautiful man, kind, gentle, and full of such a light... and the energy..."
"Oh mother... please," Emalia pleaded, her hands gripped Sanria's arm a little tighter as her eyes filled up with tears. "Please don't go again..." her voice trailed off into a whisper. "He had so much energy. They never found his head. They never found it." Sanria pulled from her daughter, her eyes glazed over once more. She entered the library, wringing her hands as she walked in her circle, talking to herself again. "If I wouldn't have walked that way, he would have never gone for me. They would never have found him. He would be here with me, protecting me, loving me, loving me. But I don't deserve that. No no no. I don't..."
Emalia hung her head and a single tear slid down her cheek. She then shook her head and sighed, walking to the kitchen to make tea and wait for her uncle to come home.
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