Silently they crept upon the sleeping two. Silently they drew their weapons and with quick actions the knives were upon our travelers. The trap was sprung. Within second of the silent advance the two travelers arose with hidden traps of their own. A poison dart hit one of the assailants from someplace in the dark, another was bound helpless in an entanglement. Daehan had been right, there had been people following us since we first step foot on the Eastern Highway.
There had been more than we had expected. We assumed there would be two maybe three assassins. With one convulsing as the poison raced through his system and one stuck pulling at the vines twixt his legs, we were now standing face to face with three very different creatures. Sensing just how ugly the situation could get quickly Psycho drew up his sword and ran it through the entangled fool.
The three that were left were not creatures you would find around the realms. Each one was unique and dangerous in its own way. A small imp or large sprite like creature was pulsating with magical energy, glowing an iridescent blue hovered behind the others. There was a tall mix of kenku and hecuva. His feathers smelt of rotting flesh and his speed was unmatched by anything his size. And there was the apparent leader of the group hidden in Robes of Ancients. All that shown of him in the dark was his eyes. Eyes which were not eyes. Eyes that projected images rather than received them.
'Let's take them now.' exclaimed the little blue creature vibrating with excitement.
'This will stand as a warning to you, and formal notice of troubles that will follow if you continue your search.' The robed figure telepathically communicated, completely ignoring the little beasts request for our blood.
Daehan looked at me for an answer of what to do. I removed our flank by cutting the small distance between us. Aside from actions my ability to speak was stricken dead silent. The robed one was silencing my voice and Daehan's most likely as well. The rotting bird darted around the room and grabbed the Ball of Energy retreating behind his master.
'Heed this warning well for you will not get another.' The words seemed to come from the figure. But there was no longer anyone but the two travelers and two bodies left. There had been no names no purpose accept that we turn back now.
A Passion Rekindled
Something was terribly wrong.
Kitiara could feel it in the air.
The Sunites, normally a boisterously verbose group of cheerfulness had become mute as of late. Smiles had become strained, worry was evident in the passing faces and their dear leader, Lady Dorian, had taken ill for several days with the healer. And a cool whisper had breezed through the clan halls of a lost Sunite that must not be found.
A cold unwelcomed wind blew thru Kit's hair as she stealthly approached the lake. Frightening determination etched on her face. Even before she hit the crest of the hill she knew there was something unnatural in Lady Dorian's sanctuary.
Cresting the hill Kitiara let out a cry of anguish as she saw the damage done. The lake was a sickly color with dead fish scattered about. The grass and moss circling the lake also took on a gross tint. Who would do such a malevolent thing to such a beautiful place? And why hit such a secluded unimportant place if they meant harm? Kitiara allowed the questions to meander through her mind for a minute before calming herself. First things first, she needed clues.
Kit smiled evily as she stalked down to the lake. She would find out what happened and who was responsible. And then the fun would begin.
Kitiara could feel it in the air.
The Sunites, normally a boisterously verbose group of cheerfulness had become mute as of late. Smiles had become strained, worry was evident in the passing faces and their dear leader, Lady Dorian, had taken ill for several days with the healer. And a cool whisper had breezed through the clan halls of a lost Sunite that must not be found.
A cold unwelcomed wind blew thru Kit's hair as she stealthly approached the lake. Frightening determination etched on her face. Even before she hit the crest of the hill she knew there was something unnatural in Lady Dorian's sanctuary.
Cresting the hill Kitiara let out a cry of anguish as she saw the damage done. The lake was a sickly color with dead fish scattered about. The grass and moss circling the lake also took on a gross tint. Who would do such a malevolent thing to such a beautiful place? And why hit such a secluded unimportant place if they meant harm? Kitiara allowed the questions to meander through her mind for a minute before calming herself. First things first, she needed clues.
Kit smiled evily as she stalked down to the lake. She would find out what happened and who was responsible. And then the fun would begin.
Unwanted Want
Emalia stared at the road ahead at the same time she listened to the heavy footsteps beside her. She and Colin had been walking in silence from the time they left camp early in the morning. Apparently, Nephesh had heard nothing of the group discussion in the early dawn hour, so for the boy it was most rational to send the "bodyguard". After all her begging and pleading with Nephesh not to speak to Hellstrom about being Jihad - the one source she never thought would talk had sung like a blue jay in the spring.
The only reason she hadn't dragged the entire party to Luskan was the fact that Nephesh, being halfling, was despised by the Luskan people. Colin, too was for bringing everyone - until Nephesh suggested he alone accompany Emalia.
Colin broke the silence with a statement that inwardly sent Emalia into a burst of flame: "I get the feeling you're upset with me." Had she more of her mother in her, she might have flown into a rage but her own calm stepped in to soothe her throughout their walk. She had explained to him her thoughts on Hellstrom and why she cared, when the full impact of what was being said struck her. She wanted Hellstrom to look at her with love in his eyes - just as Colin wanted from her.
Though her heart was not truly with him, Emalia made a choice as the gates of Luskan finally came into sight. Colin had done everything a truly devoted lover would do, where Hellstrom had run away. She linked her arm with Colin's massive one - determining that this was the right thing to do. She would think with her head and let her heart follow.
"Ay mate, friend er foe?" A pair of massive guards stepped out into the center of the road, one of whom thrust a rather meaty palm in the center of Colin's chest. Emalia glanced over, taking in Colin's look of irritation at having the man's hand on his person. She reached up, gently placing a hand on the guard's arm.
"Friend."
"We ain't privy to friends here."
"We come to buy."
"Aye, that's what all of 'em come to do. Start trouble and you'll be slapped in a cell and
forgotten about faster than a full on Hammer blizzard."
"'Cept Her."
"Yea. Lil' miss might be a treat for those starvin' thieves."
"Might be a treat anyway. Don't worry miss, we'll *try* to stop 'em."
Emalia's immediate reaction was to turn to Colin. Upon his face flashed a look of anger. Before Emalia's eyes, his own seemed to darken as a menacing look burdened his features. "You don't need to concern yourself, she's taken care of. Let us pass. Shouldn't you be looking out for trouble?"
"Colin... let's just go."
"Listen to the girlie, ay? N' watch yer back."
"Let's go..."
Already versed in the troubles that Colin could cause, Emalia let him past the snickering guards without looking back. Past the gate, the city laid out before them. From where they stood, hundreds of ship masts stood reaching to the sky, and like ants, the sailors moved among them with boxes and other assorted goods bound for either Luskan itself, or the world beyond. Everything about the town seemed dirty, in the sense that every one of the citizens carted around bags of coin along with a weapon in open defiance of anyone getting near them, or scuttled about with shifting eyes and their dark cloaks wrapped around them and their goods tightly.
Colin and Emalia walked into the streets and for once, Emalia didn't mind how close Colin was to her, nor the glowering gazes he gave to the many men that dared to grin her way. The true trouble, however was not knowing at all where to go. There was, however, one place where - when she thought about it, would probably be able to answer any question she had. Towering above the city, a tall black building loomed. Shaped almost like a wicked tree of many branches, or a hand with too many fingers, it offered a deep sense of foreboding - as well as the possibility for knowledge beyond that of any simple sailor.
Luskan's roads seemed purposefully built to thwart even the best cartographer, and both Emalia and Colin found themselves growing rather impatient. Lady Luck, however, seemed to beam an approving smile upon them when Emalia heard the word, "Apprentice." Quickly, she wheeled about and saw two black-hooded figures walking along the street, animatedly discussing between them something in regards to her God.
Before Colin could act to stop her, she rushed up to the men, her face much brighter than it had been for hours. "Excuse me, you mentioned the Apprentice?"
The men turned to her, their faces barely visible beneath their hoods. The only indication of any sort of physical markings was the curious numbers that were burned on the backs of their hands.
"What do you want, girl?"
"I'm seeking out a temple and hope you might be able to tell me where it is."
"What makes you believe we would share any knowledge with you?"
"I, too, serve the Apprentice."
Both men glanced at one another and Emalia could barely feel in the air the silent laughter that passed between them. They looked back at her with scrutinizing gazes before even continuing. "You aren't from around here, are you girl?"
"No. I've traveled a long way and am seeking the Temple of Light."
A guarded hiss escaped from one of the men's lips, which seemed to rouse Colin into protectionmode. Emalia quietly held up a hand and stepped closer. "Please. Can you tell me where it is?"
"You truly are foolish girl. For your sake, we hope you have not come too far. What you are looking for will not be found here."
"It won't be in Luskan, but in the mountains."
"Idiocy. You will die there, that much is certain. I will only bother to repeat myself once. What you are looking for will not be found here."
"Then... where?"
The man bearing the numeral "752" on his hand scowled beneath his hood and took the smallest step toward Emalia. It could have been several people for all she knew, as the force was staggering as it shoved her backward. "May Sephiroth guide you on your quest, foolish ones." "And learn you this - eavesdrop upon us again and you'll find yourself sorely in need of assistance."
The men walked off, their conversation renewed in hushed voices. Emalia turned to Colin with tears in her eyes. Everything was for naught. The temple she traveled so far and so long to reach was just as distant as when she started her trip. Only know, she had no clue where to go.
Colin wrapped his arms around her as she let out a disappointed sob. There was nothing here but gawking eyes, rude people, and broken dreams. The only thing they could do, was head back to camp and inform the others.
The only reason she hadn't dragged the entire party to Luskan was the fact that Nephesh, being halfling, was despised by the Luskan people. Colin, too was for bringing everyone - until Nephesh suggested he alone accompany Emalia.
Colin broke the silence with a statement that inwardly sent Emalia into a burst of flame: "I get the feeling you're upset with me." Had she more of her mother in her, she might have flown into a rage but her own calm stepped in to soothe her throughout their walk. She had explained to him her thoughts on Hellstrom and why she cared, when the full impact of what was being said struck her. She wanted Hellstrom to look at her with love in his eyes - just as Colin wanted from her.
Though her heart was not truly with him, Emalia made a choice as the gates of Luskan finally came into sight. Colin had done everything a truly devoted lover would do, where Hellstrom had run away. She linked her arm with Colin's massive one - determining that this was the right thing to do. She would think with her head and let her heart follow.
"Ay mate, friend er foe?" A pair of massive guards stepped out into the center of the road, one of whom thrust a rather meaty palm in the center of Colin's chest. Emalia glanced over, taking in Colin's look of irritation at having the man's hand on his person. She reached up, gently placing a hand on the guard's arm.
"Friend."
"We ain't privy to friends here."
"We come to buy."
"Aye, that's what all of 'em come to do. Start trouble and you'll be slapped in a cell and
forgotten about faster than a full on Hammer blizzard."
"'Cept Her."
"Yea. Lil' miss might be a treat for those starvin' thieves."
"Might be a treat anyway. Don't worry miss, we'll *try* to stop 'em."
Emalia's immediate reaction was to turn to Colin. Upon his face flashed a look of anger. Before Emalia's eyes, his own seemed to darken as a menacing look burdened his features. "You don't need to concern yourself, she's taken care of. Let us pass. Shouldn't you be looking out for trouble?"
"Colin... let's just go."
"Listen to the girlie, ay? N' watch yer back."
"Let's go..."
Already versed in the troubles that Colin could cause, Emalia let him past the snickering guards without looking back. Past the gate, the city laid out before them. From where they stood, hundreds of ship masts stood reaching to the sky, and like ants, the sailors moved among them with boxes and other assorted goods bound for either Luskan itself, or the world beyond. Everything about the town seemed dirty, in the sense that every one of the citizens carted around bags of coin along with a weapon in open defiance of anyone getting near them, or scuttled about with shifting eyes and their dark cloaks wrapped around them and their goods tightly.
Colin and Emalia walked into the streets and for once, Emalia didn't mind how close Colin was to her, nor the glowering gazes he gave to the many men that dared to grin her way. The true trouble, however was not knowing at all where to go. There was, however, one place where - when she thought about it, would probably be able to answer any question she had. Towering above the city, a tall black building loomed. Shaped almost like a wicked tree of many branches, or a hand with too many fingers, it offered a deep sense of foreboding - as well as the possibility for knowledge beyond that of any simple sailor.
Luskan's roads seemed purposefully built to thwart even the best cartographer, and both Emalia and Colin found themselves growing rather impatient. Lady Luck, however, seemed to beam an approving smile upon them when Emalia heard the word, "Apprentice." Quickly, she wheeled about and saw two black-hooded figures walking along the street, animatedly discussing between them something in regards to her God.
Before Colin could act to stop her, she rushed up to the men, her face much brighter than it had been for hours. "Excuse me, you mentioned the Apprentice?"
The men turned to her, their faces barely visible beneath their hoods. The only indication of any sort of physical markings was the curious numbers that were burned on the backs of their hands.
"What do you want, girl?"
"I'm seeking out a temple and hope you might be able to tell me where it is."
"What makes you believe we would share any knowledge with you?"
"I, too, serve the Apprentice."
Both men glanced at one another and Emalia could barely feel in the air the silent laughter that passed between them. They looked back at her with scrutinizing gazes before even continuing. "You aren't from around here, are you girl?"
"No. I've traveled a long way and am seeking the Temple of Light."
A guarded hiss escaped from one of the men's lips, which seemed to rouse Colin into protectionmode. Emalia quietly held up a hand and stepped closer. "Please. Can you tell me where it is?"
"You truly are foolish girl. For your sake, we hope you have not come too far. What you are looking for will not be found here."
"It won't be in Luskan, but in the mountains."
"Idiocy. You will die there, that much is certain. I will only bother to repeat myself once. What you are looking for will not be found here."
"Then... where?"
The man bearing the numeral "752" on his hand scowled beneath his hood and took the smallest step toward Emalia. It could have been several people for all she knew, as the force was staggering as it shoved her backward. "May Sephiroth guide you on your quest, foolish ones." "And learn you this - eavesdrop upon us again and you'll find yourself sorely in need of assistance."
The men walked off, their conversation renewed in hushed voices. Emalia turned to Colin with tears in her eyes. Everything was for naught. The temple she traveled so far and so long to reach was just as distant as when she started her trip. Only know, she had no clue where to go.
Colin wrapped his arms around her as she let out a disappointed sob. There was nothing here but gawking eyes, rude people, and broken dreams. The only thing they could do, was head back to camp and inform the others.
Forest of Good and Evil: Grounds for Intrigue
It had been almost 2 weeks since his time at Willow Lake and the time had come to set off for the Forrest of the Phoenix. Psycho returned to Willow Lake before setting off. A tingle of malevolence and greed was still in the air. After gathering samples of the soil and recalling some of his soulmatic energy he made leave for the Forest of Good and Evil.
Psycho knew that the forest held many secrets and dangers, some without name and decided company of high caliber would be the best course of action. There has been talk of a rogue strider named Daehan. He held interest in The Lady Sune, my all consuming reason for being. He was quiet willing to lend a hand, and an able sword. We made for the Eastern Highway and traveled for what may have been a week and a half. The high sun during the month of Mirtul was left behind as we came to the Thunder Peaks and entered Storm Horns Mnt.
'The Forrest is not far now' Daehan informed me. As these words escaped Daehan's lips I got the feeling we should look around.
'Someone has been here ... Someone with the same energy from the lake' I said
Indeed someone had been there. There were whisps of long dark hair and a symbol of The Crimson Guardians. It must have been Emalia ... she must know more about what happened that she had let on. Was it desire for the sword ... or could I been seeing what I want to see. Some kind of answer.
We took lodge In Proskur, A well guarded town at the base of the forest. We would need a bit of final preparation before actually enter the forest and thought it best to rest.
Psycho knew that the forest held many secrets and dangers, some without name and decided company of high caliber would be the best course of action. There has been talk of a rogue strider named Daehan. He held interest in The Lady Sune, my all consuming reason for being. He was quiet willing to lend a hand, and an able sword. We made for the Eastern Highway and traveled for what may have been a week and a half. The high sun during the month of Mirtul was left behind as we came to the Thunder Peaks and entered Storm Horns Mnt.
'The Forrest is not far now' Daehan informed me. As these words escaped Daehan's lips I got the feeling we should look around.
'Someone has been here ... Someone with the same energy from the lake' I said
Indeed someone had been there. There were whisps of long dark hair and a symbol of The Crimson Guardians. It must have been Emalia ... she must know more about what happened that she had let on. Was it desire for the sword ... or could I been seeing what I want to see. Some kind of answer.
We took lodge In Proskur, A well guarded town at the base of the forest. We would need a bit of final preparation before actually enter the forest and thought it best to rest.
Bittersweets
The sunset sunk below the horizon, leaving behind deepening purple and gray. Sanria looked up to the dome of her observatory, noting the twinkling stars that were just beginning to wink to life. The tears were simply falling from her face now. With no one to hide it from, her grief wet her cheeks, her neck, and her robe.
Days before she had spent with Throm. Her sorrow did not stem at all from that. Indeed, she had been overjoyed to sit with him in the observatory, to eat with him, to admit that she was actually falling in love with him. They had a moonlit walk where they talked for hours, and sitting in his mansion drinking tea and cuddling was something that Sanria hadn't experienced in a long, long while.
The sun was up before she had even left his house - and she was almost tempted to stay in the guest room. Out of decency, however, she resigned to walk home no matter how fatigued she was. The smile she had plastered on her face never left, even though in the back of her mind, she waiting for something to go wrong. Inevitably, there was always something. No one was perfect. No one.She had gone home and slept for hours and found herself the next day sitting on a boulder beside the falls. The sun was arcing well past its zenith, but it still shed warmth and light through the trees and onto Sanria's face. She thought of the green eyes and found herself looking into a pair of them - but not the ones she expected. The brown clothed stranger had a certain ease about him that Sanria felt kindred to, as though she had known it long ago. He was soft spoken, even though neither of them had much to say. Out for a stroll was the traveler's reasoning - and it was as good as any.
Sanria parted with him and began walking behind the falls and into the cavern, when the distinct sense of being trailed caused her to turn around. She was in time to see the man take out a long staff and tap the hull of one of her ships. As she spoke to him, things became clearer until before she knew it, everything was painfully obvious. All she wanted to do, was prove to herself that this man was Ozymandias. "Do you remember a man named Thasmudyan? White clothing? Carver?"
"I met someone like that recently. He had set out on quite a long journey, I understand."
So Thasmudyan was indeed about. It wasn't that Sanria wished him dead, but when he was dead, things were much easier to deal with.
"Not long ago, near the place you call "Waterdeep". He mentioned you a few times." And now Sanria felt the full crushing blow of this chance meeting. He was alive, and right in the same place she had been.
She didn't want to ask, but she did... she had to know. "What did he say about me?"
"That you deserved better, mostly."
"Such a selfish, foolish thing to say." Sanria felt herself spiraling and took her leave of the man she hadn't seen since sparring with him in the cavern. This man had saved her life, and as she had found through the course of their conversation, had saved Emalia's too. But oh...
Sanria made her way into her house, her body sliding against the walls as she walked the stairs all the way to the observatory. She screamed, she ripped ivy from the walls and threw the leaves upon the floor like ejected butterflies. She slammed herself into the throne that sat in the center of the room and sobbed until she felt she couldn't sob any more. Finally, she got up, and walked to the window where, despite her best efforts, the salt-water tears continued pouring down her face.
She knew now where Emalia was. And she knew now where she was. Her husband was no longer hers. He belonged to a past now that was not to be recovered. She was alone in her home, but now that the door had finally, in her eyes, been closed - she realized she was not completely left in a void. As her tears rolled, she thought of a pair of green eyes and on some level it comforted her to know that he, too, might be watching the same colors bleed from the sky.
Days before she had spent with Throm. Her sorrow did not stem at all from that. Indeed, she had been overjoyed to sit with him in the observatory, to eat with him, to admit that she was actually falling in love with him. They had a moonlit walk where they talked for hours, and sitting in his mansion drinking tea and cuddling was something that Sanria hadn't experienced in a long, long while.
The sun was up before she had even left his house - and she was almost tempted to stay in the guest room. Out of decency, however, she resigned to walk home no matter how fatigued she was. The smile she had plastered on her face never left, even though in the back of her mind, she waiting for something to go wrong. Inevitably, there was always something. No one was perfect. No one.She had gone home and slept for hours and found herself the next day sitting on a boulder beside the falls. The sun was arcing well past its zenith, but it still shed warmth and light through the trees and onto Sanria's face. She thought of the green eyes and found herself looking into a pair of them - but not the ones she expected. The brown clothed stranger had a certain ease about him that Sanria felt kindred to, as though she had known it long ago. He was soft spoken, even though neither of them had much to say. Out for a stroll was the traveler's reasoning - and it was as good as any.
Sanria parted with him and began walking behind the falls and into the cavern, when the distinct sense of being trailed caused her to turn around. She was in time to see the man take out a long staff and tap the hull of one of her ships. As she spoke to him, things became clearer until before she knew it, everything was painfully obvious. All she wanted to do, was prove to herself that this man was Ozymandias. "Do you remember a man named Thasmudyan? White clothing? Carver?"
"I met someone like that recently. He had set out on quite a long journey, I understand."
So Thasmudyan was indeed about. It wasn't that Sanria wished him dead, but when he was dead, things were much easier to deal with.
"Not long ago, near the place you call "Waterdeep". He mentioned you a few times." And now Sanria felt the full crushing blow of this chance meeting. He was alive, and right in the same place she had been.
She didn't want to ask, but she did... she had to know. "What did he say about me?"
"That you deserved better, mostly."
"Such a selfish, foolish thing to say." Sanria felt herself spiraling and took her leave of the man she hadn't seen since sparring with him in the cavern. This man had saved her life, and as she had found through the course of their conversation, had saved Emalia's too. But oh...
Sanria made her way into her house, her body sliding against the walls as she walked the stairs all the way to the observatory. She screamed, she ripped ivy from the walls and threw the leaves upon the floor like ejected butterflies. She slammed herself into the throne that sat in the center of the room and sobbed until she felt she couldn't sob any more. Finally, she got up, and walked to the window where, despite her best efforts, the salt-water tears continued pouring down her face.
She knew now where Emalia was. And she knew now where she was. Her husband was no longer hers. He belonged to a past now that was not to be recovered. She was alone in her home, but now that the door had finally, in her eyes, been closed - she realized she was not completely left in a void. As her tears rolled, she thought of a pair of green eyes and on some level it comforted her to know that he, too, might be watching the same colors bleed from the sky.
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