Colin jumped a bit as the door chime rang clearly through his home built into the beautiful cavern. He looked up from oiling his armor at the dining table and the briefest moment of panic washed over him. (It's him. The man. Somehow he's found me. He's come to...) Colin took in a breath and tried to push the thoughts away. They had grown to almost overwhelm him once before and he didn't plan on letting that happen again.
He rose from the table and approached the door. 'Who is it?' Colin asked with a voice that he hoped didn't betray the fear in him.
It was a moment before the muffled reply came. 'It's me. Gilean.'
Colin's fear was quickly replaced by a mixture of nervousness and jealousy as he wiped his hands on a clean rag at his belt. Had Sanria told him? Did he know? He took a breath to steady himself and opened the door.
'Gilean,' Colin said with more surprise than he intended, 'please... come in.'
As Gilean slowly shuffled into the house it wasn't at all the demeanor Colin was expecting. He expected anger, accusations, maybe even a fight. After all, why else would Gilean be here if she hadn't told him? If he didn't know? Colin finally wrapped his head around it. He didn't know.
Gilean turned to look at Colin with an expression both humbled and filled with worry, bordering on desperation. 'Colin. I'm sorry if this is a bad time.
Colin caught Gilean's gaze and felt instant dread. 'Gilean. What is it? What's happened?'
'He... he took her. My cousin took her.'
In search for Justice - Part3
Offended as she seemed, she could have killed them with a flick of her finger like what she did to the thieves earlier in the day. She kept calm and continuedto explore the city, her stomach growled, knowing its time for a late lunch. Found her way to the Market Square she stood in the middle of the pavement searching for any places to dine while she sniffed a sweet scent from the bakery. "Would you like some of these freshly baked?" asked the baker.
She nodded and purchased them as she asked "Is there proper order in this town? Other than drunk enforcers and carefree cityguards".
The baker replied "They are not really useful anymore, only the Order keeps people safe from harms way now. Ever heard about Order of the Radiant Heart?"
"Never heard of them, are they strong enough to protect the innocents?"
The baker added "Yes, find one with checkered hearts, they look almost like the enforcers but with manners".
"Thank you, I will look for them, I do sense danger is coming to this town" as she left the bakery in search for the Knights.
She nodded and purchased them as she asked "Is there proper order in this town? Other than drunk enforcers and carefree cityguards".
The baker replied "They are not really useful anymore, only the Order keeps people safe from harms way now. Ever heard about Order of the Radiant Heart?"
"Never heard of them, are they strong enough to protect the innocents?"
The baker added "Yes, find one with checkered hearts, they look almost like the enforcers but with manners".
"Thank you, I will look for them, I do sense danger is coming to this town" as she left the bakery in search for the Knights.
Angered - Part2
Her eyes began to glow as fireflies spawning to surround the thieves, the aura around her soared with fire, the wind was filled with the power of her legacy, the legendary power of the Elves. With a flick of her finger, the thieves were burned into ashes without a trace.
Smiling as she looked off the cliff, grateful of her powers still intact, she believes it's time to search for her lost companions. Casting a great swirl of teleportation she ended up in Westbridge this time. She wandered around, scouting the place as civilians stared at her telling one another "A knight? But that sigil is.....".
A cityguard yelled from above the bridge "You there, halt".
She responded with "Have I done anything wrong?".
The cityguard was speechless and requested that his fellow guardsmen alerted their officers of her presense. The enforcer approached the scene and was not a very polite individual. He spouted words that not many could understand his intentions, she observed their movements, judging them to either be a friend or foe.
The enforcer asked "You, what is your name?"
With a calm voice she answered "Shandelzare Silkwood, what business do you have with me?".
At first glance the enforcer was behaving rudely, after a few moments she realized this enforcer is a little drunk and at lost for words thinking the appearance of an enforcer could scare someone like her. The enforcer replied rudely "Watch your step around Westbridge,there are a certain bunch of people who would like to have a taste of you" and laughed hysterically along with his cityguards while walking away.
Smiling as she looked off the cliff, grateful of her powers still intact, she believes it's time to search for her lost companions. Casting a great swirl of teleportation she ended up in Westbridge this time. She wandered around, scouting the place as civilians stared at her telling one another "A knight? But that sigil is.....".
A cityguard yelled from above the bridge "You there, halt".
She responded with "Have I done anything wrong?".
The cityguard was speechless and requested that his fellow guardsmen alerted their officers of her presense. The enforcer approached the scene and was not a very polite individual. He spouted words that not many could understand his intentions, she observed their movements, judging them to either be a friend or foe.
The enforcer asked "You, what is your name?"
With a calm voice she answered "Shandelzare Silkwood, what business do you have with me?".
At first glance the enforcer was behaving rudely, after a few moments she realized this enforcer is a little drunk and at lost for words thinking the appearance of an enforcer could scare someone like her. The enforcer replied rudely "Watch your step around Westbridge,there are a certain bunch of people who would like to have a taste of you" and laughed hysterically along with his cityguards while walking away.
Return of the Legacy - Part1
Elves, blessed with magic upon birth and pure beauty, irresistable to any who glaze upon them. The last she remembered was being a general in the Legion's army of the Tripower Empire. All was lost as she returned to the Forest of Song, the land has been destroyed beyond recognition not knowing how many years have passed. No sense of life remains and there were no further reason for her to remain in her origin. Still strong with her spells, it was easy to travel to different continents. Memories of the past continues to haunt her, when the army was annihilated by dark forces upon ambushed. Her comrades killed in the line of duty, the death screams of her soldiers and the lost of her fellow generals.
"Sven....Ezalor...Lina..Akasha...." the faces of her four commanders often appear in her dreams during a full moon not knowing the reason as she kept pondering on the issue "Is this a warning? Or something worse" because their whispers kept reminding her in sleep, "All is not lost, we see some who survived".
Awoken from the nightmare, staring far into the shining stars above the same words linger again "What is life to be now?". She closed her eyes and continued her slumber.
"Presense of the sun's heat was felt on her skin, along with footsteps and whispers were heard, she openned her eyes and before her stands a group of thieves trying to rob her belongings as she does possess fancy jewelry."
Staring at the thieves, she muttered "Leave with or without your lives?".
The thief replied "Leave with your belongings of course".
"Sven....Ezalor...Lina..Akasha...." the faces of her four commanders often appear in her dreams during a full moon not knowing the reason as she kept pondering on the issue "Is this a warning? Or something worse" because their whispers kept reminding her in sleep, "All is not lost, we see some who survived".
Awoken from the nightmare, staring far into the shining stars above the same words linger again "What is life to be now?". She closed her eyes and continued her slumber.
"Presense of the sun's heat was felt on her skin, along with footsteps and whispers were heard, she openned her eyes and before her stands a group of thieves trying to rob her belongings as she does possess fancy jewelry."
Staring at the thieves, she muttered "Leave with or without your lives?".
The thief replied "Leave with your belongings of course".
Things Hidden
Colin took a long moment, his brow furrowed, trying to get his brain to catch up to the completely unexpected information he was receiving. Colin knew Velentham. He remembered the Celestial being at his house before, even if he didn't clearly remember why Velentham had been there. It still gave him a slight headache to try to think about it, which Colin now knew was a sign that it was intertwined with Sanria.
Colin realized they were still standing in the foyer. 'Sorry, please, come, sit down.'
They entered the dining room and sat across the corner from one another. Gilean seemed to be having trouble looking at Colin and Colin felt a tinge of guilt as he thought it should probably be the other way around.
'I... I will need your help,' Gilean spoke with some difficulty, 'I don't yet know where he has taken her, but we're going to find her, and when we do... I know hes not going to let her go without a fight.'
Colin looked down at the table, his brow furrowed once more. Here was Gilean, sitting here asking for his help to get Sanria back. He knew how uncomfortable this must be for the priest. Even if Colin couldn't remember any of the history between himself and Sanria, Colin had grown to once again care for her since his return... care very, very much. They had even been intimate, which Gilean knew. Intimate recently, which Gilean did not know.
Here he was, faced with the prospect of helping to confront, and probably combat, a very powerful Celestial to save a woman he cared for. If they managed to survive he would then have to simply stand there and see her carried off by Gilean instead. Colin would be risking his life for another man's wife. But there was only one thing he could do. For deep down inside himself - in a place he tried to avoid because Gilean was his friend and the feeling as too difficult to face - Colin loved Sanria.
'Yes Gilean, of course. I'll help you in any way I can.'
Colin realized they were still standing in the foyer. 'Sorry, please, come, sit down.'
They entered the dining room and sat across the corner from one another. Gilean seemed to be having trouble looking at Colin and Colin felt a tinge of guilt as he thought it should probably be the other way around.
'I... I will need your help,' Gilean spoke with some difficulty, 'I don't yet know where he has taken her, but we're going to find her, and when we do... I know hes not going to let her go without a fight.'
Colin looked down at the table, his brow furrowed once more. Here was Gilean, sitting here asking for his help to get Sanria back. He knew how uncomfortable this must be for the priest. Even if Colin couldn't remember any of the history between himself and Sanria, Colin had grown to once again care for her since his return... care very, very much. They had even been intimate, which Gilean knew. Intimate recently, which Gilean did not know.
Here he was, faced with the prospect of helping to confront, and probably combat, a very powerful Celestial to save a woman he cared for. If they managed to survive he would then have to simply stand there and see her carried off by Gilean instead. Colin would be risking his life for another man's wife. But there was only one thing he could do. For deep down inside himself - in a place he tried to avoid because Gilean was his friend and the feeling as too difficult to face - Colin loved Sanria.
'Yes Gilean, of course. I'll help you in any way I can.'
Introductions
Sliver hesitated after showing the rose to Psycho. Further discussions on that particular enemy would have to wait. The rose wasn't the only issue of late. These days had been full of surprises, and one such surprise resided right outside the library. Meeting up with him in New Thalos had been a stroke of luck, and the discovery that was made was one of great importance as well.
Now that the time had come, Sliver hoped the decision to bring the man with her to this meeting had been the right one.
The bug bowed to her superior officer and introduced this new guest to him, not by name but by association and reason.
'Thisss man holdsss treasure I felt you shhhould sssee...' Sliver motioned for Wrack to come forward, watching him curiously.
Eyes on Wrack, Sliver continued 'He sseekss to join with usss... Hisss heritage issss... Interesssting... I am sssure you will agree...'
When Wrack approached, Sliver stepped back, leaving Wrack to show his own worth to the superior officer.
Now that the time had come, Sliver hoped the decision to bring the man with her to this meeting had been the right one.
The bug bowed to her superior officer and introduced this new guest to him, not by name but by association and reason.
'Thisss man holdsss treasure I felt you shhhould sssee...' Sliver motioned for Wrack to come forward, watching him curiously.
Eyes on Wrack, Sliver continued 'He sseekss to join with usss... Hisss heritage issss... Interesssting... I am sssure you will agree...'
When Wrack approached, Sliver stepped back, leaving Wrack to show his own worth to the superior officer.
A Fierce Battle - Part 2/2
The alarm brings a long a high ranking officer from the Order - a Grand Field Marshall. Along with him are three others freelancer swordsman. Without much interrogations and negotiations, the Grand Field Marshall withdraws his sword, bearing the insignia of the Order and a fierce battle took off in the busy street of Market Square.
With her swift moves and undead body, all hacks and slashes are deemed useless. Any wounds will take less than a second to heal. It is as though she is an undead. Seeing these irritating guards, the undead draws her sword and lets out a loud eerie scream!
Out of nowhere, appears 2 dark figures, even stronger looking than the undead. Upon chant, roots from the ground entangle the Grand Field Marshall, rendering his escape. Hoards of insects were summon to devour him alive as strong cleaves were seen hacking into his armor and cleaving his arm. A combination of coldfire engulfs the victim and within seconds, he drops dead by the final blow from the Lich.
The other swordsman fled the scene, knowing they are no match for these unholy beings. "Nothing can stop us to complete our task. Nothing at all...", says the sage-like dark figure, covered with a black robe with a sign of the Black Church.
With her swift moves and undead body, all hacks and slashes are deemed useless. Any wounds will take less than a second to heal. It is as though she is an undead. Seeing these irritating guards, the undead draws her sword and lets out a loud eerie scream!
Out of nowhere, appears 2 dark figures, even stronger looking than the undead. Upon chant, roots from the ground entangle the Grand Field Marshall, rendering his escape. Hoards of insects were summon to devour him alive as strong cleaves were seen hacking into his armor and cleaving his arm. A combination of coldfire engulfs the victim and within seconds, he drops dead by the final blow from the Lich.
The other swordsman fled the scene, knowing they are no match for these unholy beings. "Nothing can stop us to complete our task. Nothing at all...", says the sage-like dark figure, covered with a black robe with a sign of the Black Church.
A Fierce Battle - Part 1/2
A breeze of peaceful wind blows through Market Square. Traders seem to be busy trying to sell their wares to the locals. Guards were patrolling around town, making sure everything is in order. A couple of swordsmen were found lingering around the weapon shop. Everything seems fine on a perfect day.
In the corner of the street, stood a dark figure with black hood covering over her head. Unseen by the guards and the locals, this dark figure starts to wonder around, in search of something. With her red glowing eyes and evil aura, it is no surprise that the lower ranking guards could not detect her presence. It makes things easier for her to complete her task.
"HEY YOU!! STOP RIGHT THERE !!"
"YES, YOU IN THE BLACK HOOD! MOVE ANOTHER STEP AND I SHALL THRUST MY SPEAR THROUGH YOUR HEART!"
Ignoring the guard, the dark figure continues her journey. The guard advanced from behind and thrust his spear and it pierces through the dark figure. Lowering down her hood, she turns her head in an impossible 180 degree, looking coldly at the guard with long white fangs and a wicked smile. She moved towards the guard and bite him in the neck, sucking him dry.
This sounds the alarm and more guards are rushing to the rescue. But it was all too late...
In the corner of the street, stood a dark figure with black hood covering over her head. Unseen by the guards and the locals, this dark figure starts to wonder around, in search of something. With her red glowing eyes and evil aura, it is no surprise that the lower ranking guards could not detect her presence. It makes things easier for her to complete her task.
"HEY YOU!! STOP RIGHT THERE !!"
"YES, YOU IN THE BLACK HOOD! MOVE ANOTHER STEP AND I SHALL THRUST MY SPEAR THROUGH YOUR HEART!"
Ignoring the guard, the dark figure continues her journey. The guard advanced from behind and thrust his spear and it pierces through the dark figure. Lowering down her hood, she turns her head in an impossible 180 degree, looking coldly at the guard with long white fangs and a wicked smile. She moved towards the guard and bite him in the neck, sucking him dry.
This sounds the alarm and more guards are rushing to the rescue. But it was all too late...
Riptide
Sanria hated him more than she cared to admit. She hated him for taking her away, for making her feel helpless, for hurting Gilean, for ripping apart the tiny bit of family she was so desperately creating. More than all, she hated him for sinking his claws into her mind, working her body like a marionette, forcing a smile from her when all she wanted to do was see him gone. She could tell he had trouble keeping the tent from flickering away, and she knew this was the only saving grace that kept her from being swept up in the riptide that roiled in her mind. She knew Velentham didn't play fair, and knew from their past long gone that he would not stop until he had whatever it was he wanted. In this case, her mind, her heart, her affections. "Stop looking at me like that!"
She looked down. Part of her pitied him, the wild look that would come over his features reminded her of a cornered animal. When she had first seen him, he had been exactly what any woman wanted - charming, handsome, tall, caring, gentle, and kind. She *had* wanted him. Then she learned of his true nature - arrogant, hard, cruel, punishing, and proud. Now, with his being trapped in this realm, he was beyond even that. Velentham had crossed a line; he was literally insane, or fighting it at least. "I'm sorry..." she heard him say, but she didn't bother lifting her eyes. "It's a lot of effort, you know, keeping this place up." It wouldn't have to be if he'd just let her go home. "I'm talking to you." She looked up at him, focusing on the gaunt face and haunted silver eyes that grew intensely heated as they stared back at her. She lowered her gaze and heard his sigh.
She didn't know where they were. It was a place she'd certainly never been, but to have to expend so much magic, it had to be taxing. She couldn't speak, she couldn't do anything but endure. And endure she did - moments where he could force a smile onto her face, moments where he held her to him and she heard the leaping heart galloping in his chest, moments when he'd kiss her and she could do nothing. Her own heart grew heavy. She knew it would only be a matter of time before he would grow impatient and take her somewhere that he could completely dominate her mind. And when he did that, it wouldn't be long after that he would discover the secret she carried, and when he discovered that, she knew, he would likely destroy her.
She looked down. Part of her pitied him, the wild look that would come over his features reminded her of a cornered animal. When she had first seen him, he had been exactly what any woman wanted - charming, handsome, tall, caring, gentle, and kind. She *had* wanted him. Then she learned of his true nature - arrogant, hard, cruel, punishing, and proud. Now, with his being trapped in this realm, he was beyond even that. Velentham had crossed a line; he was literally insane, or fighting it at least. "I'm sorry..." she heard him say, but she didn't bother lifting her eyes. "It's a lot of effort, you know, keeping this place up." It wouldn't have to be if he'd just let her go home. "I'm talking to you." She looked up at him, focusing on the gaunt face and haunted silver eyes that grew intensely heated as they stared back at her. She lowered her gaze and heard his sigh.
She didn't know where they were. It was a place she'd certainly never been, but to have to expend so much magic, it had to be taxing. She couldn't speak, she couldn't do anything but endure. And endure she did - moments where he could force a smile onto her face, moments where he held her to him and she heard the leaping heart galloping in his chest, moments when he'd kiss her and she could do nothing. Her own heart grew heavy. She knew it would only be a matter of time before he would grow impatient and take her somewhere that he could completely dominate her mind. And when he did that, it wouldn't be long after that he would discover the secret she carried, and when he discovered that, she knew, he would likely destroy her.
Captive
She was so near, yet so far away. Velentham had to keep the magics going that kept them from being burned by the super-heated atmosphere around them. The hills of red sand beat against the edge of the bubble he had created, the bubble that kept him from being able to do much other than hold his prize. Though the look on her face, the damned look on her face, the pain and contempt! "Stop looking at me like that!" he finally barked, and she looked away. Damn Gilean for turning her against him. Damn that beast, Colin, too. Damn them all!
Velentham breathed heavily and clenched his eyes and set his jaw. It was only the bubble that was making him irritable - the expenditure of magicthat he had to keep going every moment. He had come off of a magic fight with the beggar, cast a very powerful silence spell on Sanria, had whisked them both away to a desert, and had to keep them alive until his cousin and any other had finally given up hope of locating them. Or at least slowed down the process.
"I'm sorry..." he said, and used more of his ability to create around them a tent. The sound of the sands died down only minutely. At least with an object he could imbue it with some of the magic in his body. And that done, he could have a precious few minutes with his quarry before he had to recharge the magic. "It's a lot of effort, you know, keeping this place up." He smiled. She kept her face turned away. Velentham's face grew cold. "I'm talking to you," he growled. She looked at him. He sighed.
He would have to use more magic, just to make this bearable. And so in the moments between recharging the magic tent, Velentham attempted to break into the mind of his captive. Most of the time she fought, which angered him, but the rest of the time he could manage to get a smile on her lips - even if her eyes betrayed her true outrage. That would go away in time. All in time.
Velentham sat on the ground and pulled her down to him. He held her head to his chest, breathing in her hair. In the moments he had before the tent needed him, he worked on Sanria's mind, coaxing her, soothing her, all while wearing himself down. It had been years since he had exerted so much effort. He managed to kiss her deeply before the tent flickered and he was forced to put his effort there and watch her pull away in disgust. Disgust. That would not do. All in time, he reminded himself, and again turned his attention to matters of their survival.
Velentham breathed heavily and clenched his eyes and set his jaw. It was only the bubble that was making him irritable - the expenditure of magicthat he had to keep going every moment. He had come off of a magic fight with the beggar, cast a very powerful silence spell on Sanria, had whisked them both away to a desert, and had to keep them alive until his cousin and any other had finally given up hope of locating them. Or at least slowed down the process.
"I'm sorry..." he said, and used more of his ability to create around them a tent. The sound of the sands died down only minutely. At least with an object he could imbue it with some of the magic in his body. And that done, he could have a precious few minutes with his quarry before he had to recharge the magic. "It's a lot of effort, you know, keeping this place up." He smiled. She kept her face turned away. Velentham's face grew cold. "I'm talking to you," he growled. She looked at him. He sighed.
He would have to use more magic, just to make this bearable. And so in the moments between recharging the magic tent, Velentham attempted to break into the mind of his captive. Most of the time she fought, which angered him, but the rest of the time he could manage to get a smile on her lips - even if her eyes betrayed her true outrage. That would go away in time. All in time.
Velentham sat on the ground and pulled her down to him. He held her head to his chest, breathing in her hair. In the moments he had before the tent needed him, he worked on Sanria's mind, coaxing her, soothing her, all while wearing himself down. It had been years since he had exerted so much effort. He managed to kiss her deeply before the tent flickered and he was forced to put his effort there and watch her pull away in disgust. Disgust. That would not do. All in time, he reminded himself, and again turned his attention to matters of their survival.
So it seems (3/3)
"No! It was this woman, she is a lich! She must have casted some sort of spell! I sense the evil in her was similar, look at this tattered cloak on the ground, she killed him"
The guard replied "Him? What was under that cloak? A goblin? A dwarf? A human?"
Stunned by the questions Serth answered "I'm.... not..very.......sure".
All of a sudden his throat was at loss for words. He tried to explain what happened, his memory remembers every bit of it but there is just no words coming out.
The second guard yelled "That woman is a lich! She's casting a spell on him!"
When he turned around and looked at her, eyes were glowing and her fangs grew longer, she began to be hostile and bite Serth in the arm. A sudden pause as Serth was trying to grasp the situation, he tried to stab the lich as she distanced herself from them, retreating towards the wall.
Shocking it may seem, this woman has the ability to hold onto walls as if she was a spider. She laughed and said "It's impossible to catch me, the church is watching your every step, no other god than Sephiroth reigns supreme."
Upon conjuring a dark midst she vanished into thin air with echoes of her evil laughter.
Staring blank in the air, the head guard said "We must report this, we need more men in Westbridge, there have been too many sights of this and we are too short-handed to deal with this matter".
As the guards take their leave, he stopped them "Wait! You are from the Order?"
The guards nodded.
"Please tell me, how is it possible for me to join your ranks?"
All the guards stared at him, whispering among themselves. The head guard said "Look for a man dressed with similar armor with us, he is often at the Temple of Life enjoying the scenary. Beware young one, your determination will be tested to the fullest".
The guard replied "Him? What was under that cloak? A goblin? A dwarf? A human?"
Stunned by the questions Serth answered "I'm.... not..very.......sure".
All of a sudden his throat was at loss for words. He tried to explain what happened, his memory remembers every bit of it but there is just no words coming out.
The second guard yelled "That woman is a lich! She's casting a spell on him!"
When he turned around and looked at her, eyes were glowing and her fangs grew longer, she began to be hostile and bite Serth in the arm. A sudden pause as Serth was trying to grasp the situation, he tried to stab the lich as she distanced herself from them, retreating towards the wall.
Shocking it may seem, this woman has the ability to hold onto walls as if she was a spider. She laughed and said "It's impossible to catch me, the church is watching your every step, no other god than Sephiroth reigns supreme."
Upon conjuring a dark midst she vanished into thin air with echoes of her evil laughter.
Staring blank in the air, the head guard said "We must report this, we need more men in Westbridge, there have been too many sights of this and we are too short-handed to deal with this matter".
As the guards take their leave, he stopped them "Wait! You are from the Order?"
The guards nodded.
"Please tell me, how is it possible for me to join your ranks?"
All the guards stared at him, whispering among themselves. The head guard said "Look for a man dressed with similar armor with us, he is often at the Temple of Life enjoying the scenary. Beware young one, your determination will be tested to the fullest".
Wandering Westbridge (2/3)
"Though observing the guard in armor from Radiant Heart is mumbling something to the evil being,a dagger was drawn and stabbed through the heart of this evil being but it didn't bleed."
The evil being covered in tattered cloak began to burn into ashes, he wondered what is this, a conjured demon of sorcery? It is a spell based on experience to be in possession of high level mages. As he began to think "it's best to back away and observe more" is when he accidentally kicked a bucket while withdrawing and he was spotted. The guard stared at him and said "You saw it?".
"Being stunned by the glowing eyes of the guard, he drawed his sword in his defense".
The guard swung his sword in desperation to behead Serth while he retaliated valiantly. They fought for a good few moments when the sounds of multiple armor and swords approaching. The guard tossed his sword aside and it evaporated, intending to flee the scene. He realized this is another part of sorcery and charged towards the guard, stabbed him in the ribs, the guard screamed and managed to free himself from Serth's attack. Pausing for a moment, the guard's back was facing Serth as he turned around and realized it was a woman with long silver hair......with fangs.
"You are a lich?" shocked as he saw her appreance could tame any wild man. Such beauty, yet such evil within her. The source of the evil he felt from that evil being is overwhelming within this woman.
She said "You will pay for this, I will burn your soul".
The guards approached the scene where Serth has captured the lich. The leader of the guard asked "You man, did you murder that man in the bar?" while prepared to draw his sword.
The evil being covered in tattered cloak began to burn into ashes, he wondered what is this, a conjured demon of sorcery? It is a spell based on experience to be in possession of high level mages. As he began to think "it's best to back away and observe more" is when he accidentally kicked a bucket while withdrawing and he was spotted. The guard stared at him and said "You saw it?".
"Being stunned by the glowing eyes of the guard, he drawed his sword in his defense".
The guard swung his sword in desperation to behead Serth while he retaliated valiantly. They fought for a good few moments when the sounds of multiple armor and swords approaching. The guard tossed his sword aside and it evaporated, intending to flee the scene. He realized this is another part of sorcery and charged towards the guard, stabbed him in the ribs, the guard screamed and managed to free himself from Serth's attack. Pausing for a moment, the guard's back was facing Serth as he turned around and realized it was a woman with long silver hair......with fangs.
"You are a lich?" shocked as he saw her appreance could tame any wild man. Such beauty, yet such evil within her. The source of the evil he felt from that evil being is overwhelming within this woman.
She said "You will pay for this, I will burn your soul".
The guards approached the scene where Serth has captured the lich. The leader of the guard asked "You man, did you murder that man in the bar?" while prepared to draw his sword.
A strider's return (1/3)
A sudden guilt was spreading within him like a disease. As destiny allowed Serth to wander the realm of humanity once again, putting behind the darkness of his past, now he suffers the battle against himself. Struggling in search of his own lost soul.
Upon Westbridge he wanders, as he ventures deeper he saw a bar and walked in for a booze. As he openned the doors, everyone ignored his presense, he walked straight to the bar-counter. He ordered a shot for his favourite Vodka, enjoyed it and noticed a dark presense sitting at the corner of the bar, mysterious as it is he sense great evil in that entity.
"Why is everyone not paying attention to such a presense? Is he the only one who notice?"
He continued to observe this evil being, highly suspicious as ever. After a moment it stood up from its corner and walked towards a drunkard who's figure seemed like the Mayor of Westbridge. The evil being stabbed the drunk without hesitation in the chest, watching the drunk fall to the ground bleeding to death in a crowded bar which none bothered.
"Suspicious.....extremely suspicious"
"This cannot be left unpunished"
He tailed this suspicious evil being throughout the Market Square and into a back alley. Suspicious as it seems, a medium build looking guard standing before this being. Without a second thought that "guard" in view is definately known as a member of the Radiant Heart.
Upon Westbridge he wanders, as he ventures deeper he saw a bar and walked in for a booze. As he openned the doors, everyone ignored his presense, he walked straight to the bar-counter. He ordered a shot for his favourite Vodka, enjoyed it and noticed a dark presense sitting at the corner of the bar, mysterious as it is he sense great evil in that entity.
"Why is everyone not paying attention to such a presense? Is he the only one who notice?"
He continued to observe this evil being, highly suspicious as ever. After a moment it stood up from its corner and walked towards a drunkard who's figure seemed like the Mayor of Westbridge. The evil being stabbed the drunk without hesitation in the chest, watching the drunk fall to the ground bleeding to death in a crowded bar which none bothered.
"Suspicious.....extremely suspicious"
"This cannot be left unpunished"
He tailed this suspicious evil being throughout the Market Square and into a back alley. Suspicious as it seems, a medium build looking guard standing before this being. Without a second thought that "guard" in view is definately known as a member of the Radiant Heart.
And then there was Zazza (Part II)
Khalid took this young drow under his wing. Taught him to harness the mystical ways within. He learned quick, quicker then he had himself learned. Khalid would teach him to bend his mind to preform such tasks. And as quickly has it was taught to the drow, it was mastered. There was something different about this drow. Khalid would bend is mind to focus the energy within him towards the spell. This drow would pull energy from everything around him. With such ease he would pull the most powerful of energies from nature. This amazed Khalid.
His apprentice was slowly becoming more powerful with the mystical ways then himself. He had spent years apon years studing. Trying to master all he could, yet this drow mastered such abilities without the time spent. Khalid ponder what else he could teach this man. What was left to teach him?
One night Khalid called this the drow to the tower. They talked until the moon fell from the sky. Before Khalid left for bed he put his hand apon the drows shoulders.
"Zazza, you have made me proud. You have learned everything I could possibly teach you. Your ways may differ from my own but they are what makes you. The citadel will always be your home. And you will always be part of us. You must step out into the world, use what you have learned here. I will always be here for you."
Zazza smiled and nodded. "You are my brother."
Khalid walked away. A tear dripped from his eye. This man had made him so proud. He was like a son to him.
His apprentice was slowly becoming more powerful with the mystical ways then himself. He had spent years apon years studing. Trying to master all he could, yet this drow mastered such abilities without the time spent. Khalid ponder what else he could teach this man. What was left to teach him?
One night Khalid called this the drow to the tower. They talked until the moon fell from the sky. Before Khalid left for bed he put his hand apon the drows shoulders.
"Zazza, you have made me proud. You have learned everything I could possibly teach you. Your ways may differ from my own but they are what makes you. The citadel will always be your home. And you will always be part of us. You must step out into the world, use what you have learned here. I will always be here for you."
Zazza smiled and nodded. "You are my brother."
Khalid walked away. A tear dripped from his eye. This man had made him so proud. He was like a son to him.
And then there was Zazza (Part I)
Khalid stood atop the tower looking down at the citadel. It had taken many of men and much coin to complete but well worth the investment. It was a long and crazy road to get to this point in life. Many mistakes were made but all leaving a valuable lesson learned.
The citadel was no longer just a house, it was a stronghold that stood high in Graveyards of Zozo City. Many of adventurers have passed through its doors. Some seeking food and shelter, some seeking knowledge but some, a select few came to find a place they could call home. The citadel had many teachers within it walls. And they taught those seeking to better their physical, mental and spiritual state.
Khalid couldnt stop thinking about this young drow who he found left for dead outside of the drow city. He had taken an immediate liking to this young drow. This drow had taken a liking to Khalid as well. Many a nights, the man would come to Khalid in the library. Seeking knowledge of the mystical ways. Khalid was a quiet and reserved man. This drow had awoken something live within him. His determination to learn and master what he learned brought much joy to Khalid.
The citadel was no longer just a house, it was a stronghold that stood high in Graveyards of Zozo City. Many of adventurers have passed through its doors. Some seeking food and shelter, some seeking knowledge but some, a select few came to find a place they could call home. The citadel had many teachers within it walls. And they taught those seeking to better their physical, mental and spiritual state.
Khalid couldnt stop thinking about this young drow who he found left for dead outside of the drow city. He had taken an immediate liking to this young drow. This drow had taken a liking to Khalid as well. Many a nights, the man would come to Khalid in the library. Seeking knowledge of the mystical ways. Khalid was a quiet and reserved man. This drow had awoken something live within him. His determination to learn and master what he learned brought much joy to Khalid.
One Enemy Shines
Such an eventful couple of days. Sliver had felt things a dutiful bug shouldn't have to feel, endure the stupidity of hatred, and discovered something from her clans history that was brought back home. All these emotions boiling inside caused the bug to really reflect on its feminine side, a side Sliver had long ago pushed to the side as a distraction, and well... A danger at times.
Back in New Thalos, Sliver roamed the museum of statues waiting for the messenger to arrive. It shouldn't be long. He would be curious, the messenger had simply been Sliver's way of giving time to sort out the odd storm that brewed in the bugs head. Things like the rose... Such a silly token. Who disappears and leaves a rose behind? What was that man thinking? Maybe he was just trying to get under the bug's 'skin'. But Sliver couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened in that encounter. Something was different about it? And then whispers of him leaving them from sources? By the Gods, could that mean that Sliver was right? There was hope in the man? Tingles of excitement trailed up the bugs back as the messenger arrived. Sliver read the simple words and uttered a transportation spell.
Upon arriving at the library Sliver quietly walked to Psycho. The rose previously frozen in time by the bug was taken out and displayed. Hiding true feelings that had not quite been explored, sliver speaks... Simple words, that held the weight of important decisions to come.
'There isss hope among the dead... One enemy shhhinesss...'
Back in New Thalos, Sliver roamed the museum of statues waiting for the messenger to arrive. It shouldn't be long. He would be curious, the messenger had simply been Sliver's way of giving time to sort out the odd storm that brewed in the bugs head. Things like the rose... Such a silly token. Who disappears and leaves a rose behind? What was that man thinking? Maybe he was just trying to get under the bug's 'skin'. But Sliver couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened in that encounter. Something was different about it? And then whispers of him leaving them from sources? By the Gods, could that mean that Sliver was right? There was hope in the man? Tingles of excitement trailed up the bugs back as the messenger arrived. Sliver read the simple words and uttered a transportation spell.
Upon arriving at the library Sliver quietly walked to Psycho. The rose previously frozen in time by the bug was taken out and displayed. Hiding true feelings that had not quite been explored, sliver speaks... Simple words, that held the weight of important decisions to come.
'There isss hope among the dead... One enemy shhhinesss...'
notes from girls
Psycho had just stepped foot in the Library of Athklata when the young girl approached him. Upon the sight of her he knew what she was, and who had sent her. Sliver had always had known his flavor of messenger. The girl was young fresh and pure As she breathed you could see her skin flush from the fresh blood pumping through her and into her now flushing face.
The sheer beauty of the girl could only mean that Sliver wanted something from him. What he would find in the letter would likely have a request that was above and beyond any simple matter. As Psycho took the message from the girl he saw indeed that the letter was bound with a thick wax bearing the bug's ring. Sliver's note was short and to the point. There was an important matter that his most trusted Knight needed his personal attention with. Usually Psycho assumed the patrol was in some mortal danger, but he was not entirely sure this time. Fighting, Killing, and the blood spilled in battle was so permanent in the lives of mortals. Psycho's eternal struggle had seen more blood and death than he would care to share with anyone in a lifetime. But he was happy to sacrifice his time to protect and serve his Order, he was even happy to bleed for them, but some business cost more than blood and sweat. He would have to see what Sliver wanted, she was his favorite and he was sure it would have to be good.
After the night was through he sent his reply to Sliver by means of the messenger girl. He sent her with a letter sealed with the stamp of his Penguin Invasion ring. When she left Psycho the flush from her face was gone, her face was colorless and there was a sweat was upon her brow.Psycho's response was even short than the initial message.
'I have returned to the library.'
The sheer beauty of the girl could only mean that Sliver wanted something from him. What he would find in the letter would likely have a request that was above and beyond any simple matter. As Psycho took the message from the girl he saw indeed that the letter was bound with a thick wax bearing the bug's ring. Sliver's note was short and to the point. There was an important matter that his most trusted Knight needed his personal attention with. Usually Psycho assumed the patrol was in some mortal danger, but he was not entirely sure this time. Fighting, Killing, and the blood spilled in battle was so permanent in the lives of mortals. Psycho's eternal struggle had seen more blood and death than he would care to share with anyone in a lifetime. But he was happy to sacrifice his time to protect and serve his Order, he was even happy to bleed for them, but some business cost more than blood and sweat. He would have to see what Sliver wanted, she was his favorite and he was sure it would have to be good.
After the night was through he sent his reply to Sliver by means of the messenger girl. He sent her with a letter sealed with the stamp of his Penguin Invasion ring. When she left Psycho the flush from her face was gone, her face was colorless and there was a sweat was upon her brow.Psycho's response was even short than the initial message.
'I have returned to the library.'
Led by a Light - Part 3
Brought back to the room by her voice, "I can not read these runess.. There iss another in the Order.." Their eyes met, and her mandibles were moving excitedly at the discovery of these texts, "He performss most of his studiess within our Order's most holy and hidden city.."
She paused, her face growing hesitant, "But none may know itss location outsside of the Order.." Wrack could see the line of questioning unfurling before him..
The chance to learn about his past, his present, and his future..
Wrack looked to the pages of his father's book, the inks written in a strong hand, a hand that may have belonged to the man he thought he knew..
This Order could be his only chance to know the truth, to repay a debt to the forces that strike fear into the hearts of the innocent.. This could be the answer he sought.
"I wish to join the Order. I wish to fight for justice against evil, and to gain the knowledge needed to protect the realms."
She smiled as she rose form her seat, closing the book and sliding it into the leather satchel. Extending her forelimb, she offered it back to Wrack.
He slid the familiar strap over his shoulder, but it had a different feeling now that he knew what lay within it.. It felt heavier.
"zoriadimm.. halasss.."
The shimmer he had seen before in the alley of New Thalos rippled before her, and the fabric of space and time opened like a curtain.. revealing a vast port city larger than any he had ever seen before..
"Come, let usss learn more together.."
She paused, her face growing hesitant, "But none may know itss location outsside of the Order.." Wrack could see the line of questioning unfurling before him..
The chance to learn about his past, his present, and his future..
Wrack looked to the pages of his father's book, the inks written in a strong hand, a hand that may have belonged to the man he thought he knew..
This Order could be his only chance to know the truth, to repay a debt to the forces that strike fear into the hearts of the innocent.. This could be the answer he sought.
"I wish to join the Order. I wish to fight for justice against evil, and to gain the knowledge needed to protect the realms."
She smiled as she rose form her seat, closing the book and sliding it into the leather satchel. Extending her forelimb, she offered it back to Wrack.
He slid the familiar strap over his shoulder, but it had a different feeling now that he knew what lay within it.. It felt heavier.
"zoriadimm.. halasss.."
The shimmer he had seen before in the alley of New Thalos rippled before her, and the fabric of space and time opened like a curtain.. revealing a vast port city larger than any he had ever seen before..
"Come, let usss learn more together.."
Led by a Light - Part 2
Wrack's thoughts became less jumbled, and sense started to be made, but he didn't quite grasp her point. "My father was a farmer in Beregost, I'll admit I don't know anything about this book.. It changes to many forms as I glance through its pages.. But I didn't even know it existed until the day he died."
"Curiousss.." she whispered, as she slid it between the pair of them, "If thiss iss what I think it isss.." She glanced up at the glowing light, which changed to flames of red.
As she began flipping through the pages quickly, Wrack saw the many notes of his father flip before him, followed by his own.. until empty pages..
Seeing nothing of note, he looked at her questioningly, but her gaze was focused on the pages. Looking back down, he began to see why.. The pages were slowly forming symbols he had never before seen.
"Asss I susspected.." she stopped the pages from turning and looked up at the ball of light, seeming to smile, "Thiss book once belonged to our Order.. It is written in our inkss.."
Wrack paused, his thoughts racing..
Who was his father?
Where did this book come from?
Did his father write these pages?
"Curiousss.." she whispered, as she slid it between the pair of them, "If thiss iss what I think it isss.." She glanced up at the glowing light, which changed to flames of red.
As she began flipping through the pages quickly, Wrack saw the many notes of his father flip before him, followed by his own.. until empty pages..
Seeing nothing of note, he looked at her questioningly, but her gaze was focused on the pages. Looking back down, he began to see why.. The pages were slowly forming symbols he had never before seen.
"Asss I susspected.." she stopped the pages from turning and looked up at the ball of light, seeming to smile, "Thiss book once belonged to our Order.. It is written in our inkss.."
Wrack paused, his thoughts racing..
Who was his father?
Where did this book come from?
Did his father write these pages?
Led by a Light - Part 1
The world spun, at least it felt like it spun.. Darkness surrounded everything, his vision, his body, his spirit.. Every fiber of his being felt as if it was being torn to shreds in anger and then replaced with the utmost care.
Until finally.. it all stopped, and Wrack stood in a large chamber, as if he'd been there all along.
In the center of the room was a polished black marble table, surrounded by stone chairs. Hovering above it all, was a soft white light, shining down upon his leather pack, with the book laying upon it, closed.
Sliver was already seated in one of the chairs, her forelimb extended, inviting him to sit. As he stepped the few yards to the table, his boots did not echo into the vast chamber..
Though he could see no walls, it seemed comfortable, and protected. He took the chair by its back and slid it easily from the table, as if weightless.. and took a seat across the table from the large insect who had led him here.
"Where are we?" he started, "And what do you know about my father?" His questions were disconnected, probably due to the traveling, but they were fair questions nonetheless.
"We are in a protected chamber of my Order.." she replied, "Your father however.."
She turned slightly, facing the book, as if the answer was more complex than before..
Until finally.. it all stopped, and Wrack stood in a large chamber, as if he'd been there all along.
In the center of the room was a polished black marble table, surrounded by stone chairs. Hovering above it all, was a soft white light, shining down upon his leather pack, with the book laying upon it, closed.
Sliver was already seated in one of the chairs, her forelimb extended, inviting him to sit. As he stepped the few yards to the table, his boots did not echo into the vast chamber..
Though he could see no walls, it seemed comfortable, and protected. He took the chair by its back and slid it easily from the table, as if weightless.. and took a seat across the table from the large insect who had led him here.
"Where are we?" he started, "And what do you know about my father?" His questions were disconnected, probably due to the traveling, but they were fair questions nonetheless.
"We are in a protected chamber of my Order.." she replied, "Your father however.."
She turned slightly, facing the book, as if the answer was more complex than before..
Westbridge 4/4
It was a shock, the Esper woke up from a horrible nightmare, he openned his eyes staring at at least ten people there laughing at him while he drips of his first cold sweat. His heart was pounding in fear having that nightmare and awakening in a foreign place.
"Where am I?" he asked, the people around him continued to laugh. "What do you want from me?" he continued, yet he was being laughed at again.
A voice from behind these people said out loud "Welcome to Westbridge". The men began to scatter and he was greeted by the inn guard Buba.
"Westbridge? How did I ended up here?" the Esper asked desperately.
According to the Inn's guests he was brought here on a hunter's caravan, they picked him up when they were passing by the area he lost his consciousness and he was out for seven days.
"What? Seven? You're lying!" he screamed.
A moment of silence occured as everyone stared at him, clueless towards his intentions as he is harmless. The Inn continued to be abuzz once again after the guests decided to continue to get drunk.
He walked outside to get some fresh air, as he walked out of the inns doors he saw a grand city, so much life and colors unlike the places he has been. Children running around saying they wish to be a part of the Order when they come of age, he asked the children "What order young ones?".
"Radiant Heart! They have been keeping us safe all this while." they replied.
"To whom must I speak to if I were to enquire?"
The children pointed towards the Arena "One was spotted there earlier, look for the one with checkered hearts"
"Where am I?" he asked, the people around him continued to laugh. "What do you want from me?" he continued, yet he was being laughed at again.
A voice from behind these people said out loud "Welcome to Westbridge". The men began to scatter and he was greeted by the inn guard Buba.
"Westbridge? How did I ended up here?" the Esper asked desperately.
According to the Inn's guests he was brought here on a hunter's caravan, they picked him up when they were passing by the area he lost his consciousness and he was out for seven days.
"What? Seven? You're lying!" he screamed.
A moment of silence occured as everyone stared at him, clueless towards his intentions as he is harmless. The Inn continued to be abuzz once again after the guests decided to continue to get drunk.
He walked outside to get some fresh air, as he walked out of the inns doors he saw a grand city, so much life and colors unlike the places he has been. Children running around saying they wish to be a part of the Order when they come of age, he asked the children "What order young ones?".
"Radiant Heart! They have been keeping us safe all this while." they replied.
"To whom must I speak to if I were to enquire?"
The children pointed towards the Arena "One was spotted there earlier, look for the one with checkered hearts"
Lost in Dreams 3/4
Whispers...whispers....whispers, a soft voice being heard, couldn't tell who, what or where, he began to lose his consciousness again.
This feeling....it's so tiring, the comfort.... the voices....too soothing wishing to remain there forever. "Roaming a mysterious area in black and white, the feeling is this isn't walking, its hovering. The area is cold, full of death, skeletons and swords, shields lie on the floor, without doubt it looked to be a battle, but from when? Was this in the past or a premonition of the future?".
"Going further, approaching a cliff. At the tip of the cliff, a castle is sighted in ruins, it has been abandoned for ages with no living soul in it".
"Standing on the castle gates, filled with the odor of rotten corpses, teleported into the throne room, it was all in ruins, a King's throne smeathered to pieces, teleported again into the castle vaults, it was emptied".
Chills went down his spine as he was aware of being watched. He turned around, nothing was there. The wind began to blow.
"A voice being heard along the corridors, weeping in sorrow. Approaching the voice gives intense chills down the spine, heart began to thump..thump...thump....".
That voice began to sound louder as the Esper walked towards the dungeons, he sense no life in the entire castle walls yet there is in front of him. A long-dark haired woman, dressed in tattered prisoner cloth, in chains facing the light above the ceiling weeping "it is the end". He stood behind this weeping woman and whispered with a low voice "Hello?". The weeping stopped, she looked down, away from that tiny hole of a light, began muttering in some gibberish dialect that was never heard before. She began to turn her head slowly, only no living being is able to do what she has, a full neck turn that would twist any head off its socket.
The woman hissed "You...shouldn't...be...alive..all..this..time".
Her face seemed familiar, the Esper could sworn they have met before. There were no skin to be found on her hands, only skeletons yet, not an undead. Her death glare saw through his soul and she leaped towards him in speed, with fangs and a loud scream.
This feeling....it's so tiring, the comfort.... the voices....too soothing wishing to remain there forever. "Roaming a mysterious area in black and white, the feeling is this isn't walking, its hovering. The area is cold, full of death, skeletons and swords, shields lie on the floor, without doubt it looked to be a battle, but from when? Was this in the past or a premonition of the future?".
"Going further, approaching a cliff. At the tip of the cliff, a castle is sighted in ruins, it has been abandoned for ages with no living soul in it".
"Standing on the castle gates, filled with the odor of rotten corpses, teleported into the throne room, it was all in ruins, a King's throne smeathered to pieces, teleported again into the castle vaults, it was emptied".
Chills went down his spine as he was aware of being watched. He turned around, nothing was there. The wind began to blow.
"A voice being heard along the corridors, weeping in sorrow. Approaching the voice gives intense chills down the spine, heart began to thump..thump...thump....".
That voice began to sound louder as the Esper walked towards the dungeons, he sense no life in the entire castle walls yet there is in front of him. A long-dark haired woman, dressed in tattered prisoner cloth, in chains facing the light above the ceiling weeping "it is the end". He stood behind this weeping woman and whispered with a low voice "Hello?". The weeping stopped, she looked down, away from that tiny hole of a light, began muttering in some gibberish dialect that was never heard before. She began to turn her head slowly, only no living being is able to do what she has, a full neck turn that would twist any head off its socket.
The woman hissed "You...shouldn't...be...alive..all..this..time".
Her face seemed familiar, the Esper could sworn they have met before. There were no skin to be found on her hands, only skeletons yet, not an undead. Her death glare saw through his soul and she leaped towards him in speed, with fangs and a loud scream.
Helplessness 2/4
Many were butchered, their goods stolen and he could only cast his healing spells. The thieves considered the Esper as a threat and began charging. "He thought he was going to die on that day" until a blade prevented it. It was the merchant leader yelling at the thieves "Not today! Run for your life young one, don't bother trying! They're gone." When he ran towards the forest he heard the merchant leader's scream stopped. He turned and realized the merchant was stabbed with six swords piercing his body and an axe on his skull.
Dark clouds began to develop along with loud thunders due to being on a mountain, rain began to pour as the Esper flees from the thieves, decending from the mountain-pass. He tried a few combat spells but was no master of it, the spells were dodged by the pursuers as he was helpless in defending himself. He tried to teleport away, but it takes too long to cast as he must be stationary to perform a spell.
His stepped onto an old log and got his leg stucked, with the mindset of "the thieves will catchup to me and rob me off my life" he forcibly pulled his leg out of the log, ending up with a bad wound on his left ankle. He was suprised as his rapid regeneration abilities seemed to be unable to work as it has never failed him before. Being temporarily crippled, the Esper tripped, fell into a foliage and hit his head on a rock. His vision began to grow dark and blurr. The thunder and rain, with the yelling of the thieves soon became an echo. Without realizing he lost his consciousness.
Dark clouds began to develop along with loud thunders due to being on a mountain, rain began to pour as the Esper flees from the thieves, decending from the mountain-pass. He tried a few combat spells but was no master of it, the spells were dodged by the pursuers as he was helpless in defending himself. He tried to teleport away, but it takes too long to cast as he must be stationary to perform a spell.
His stepped onto an old log and got his leg stucked, with the mindset of "the thieves will catchup to me and rob me off my life" he forcibly pulled his leg out of the log, ending up with a bad wound on his left ankle. He was suprised as his rapid regeneration abilities seemed to be unable to work as it has never failed him before. Being temporarily crippled, the Esper tripped, fell into a foliage and hit his head on a rock. His vision began to grow dark and blurr. The thunder and rain, with the yelling of the thieves soon became an echo. Without realizing he lost his consciousness.
Traverse 1/4
Being in existance for centuries, he has traveled the realm in silence. Witnessing the differences in the places he has explored, he prays to the gods for no innocent souls shall fall into the pits of hell. Travelling with a dark old cloak, this medium sized Esper looks no different than any human who has wandered the realm, the only difference is his long pale-white hair hidden inside the hood with grey eyes. At first glance, many may have the perception that this Esper is evil, looks can be deceiving. The night skies have been his friend due to the gifts of an Esper, enabling to see in the dark, detect surroundings for magic and regenerating their own wounds.
He is known as Shatehou, a wanderer of lost cause. Centuries have passed, not recalling his origin he ended up as he is without a family. Only to realize is the gifts he possesses, rapid healing faster than any spell exists to be muttered. As he was in the middle of his journey to nowhere, he has heared of many stories throughout the realm. The fact that one clan dares to stand up against the evils caught his attention, "Order of the Radiant Heart", thinking "they must have the guts".
Considered young for an Esper, he possesses the looks of a teenager. On dawn he was continuing his journey from a nameless village, following a group of merchants to the next town as the leader of the merchant grew fond of him at first glance, only to realize being ambushed in the middle of the mountain road. The group of merchants weren't heavily armed compared to the thieves.
He is known as Shatehou, a wanderer of lost cause. Centuries have passed, not recalling his origin he ended up as he is without a family. Only to realize is the gifts he possesses, rapid healing faster than any spell exists to be muttered. As he was in the middle of his journey to nowhere, he has heared of many stories throughout the realm. The fact that one clan dares to stand up against the evils caught his attention, "Order of the Radiant Heart", thinking "they must have the guts".
Considered young for an Esper, he possesses the looks of a teenager. On dawn he was continuing his journey from a nameless village, following a group of merchants to the next town as the leader of the merchant grew fond of him at first glance, only to realize being ambushed in the middle of the mountain road. The group of merchants weren't heavily armed compared to the thieves.
ghost of the future part 3
"The streets need protection, and a force strong enough to stand up to vector when they return. And I am sure they will come back with force. Vector is supported by the agents of evil, and during the invasion the attacks against the Radiant Heart had come most strongly, from The Order of Long Death, and Alsin. What puzzles me is that Alsin was been publicly championed by the Tripower for his efforts. Even though his efforts were ... killing members of my Order. If he is a member of the Tripower how can you say you will support us when you have no Armed force, and your Champion slaughters my Order?"
Psycho knew most of the answers before asking the questions but he wanted to hear how Ror would respond.
Ror took a moment to respond and simply said, "The Tripower does not control its citizens, they can be good or evil, and Alsin is no different. I heard that he was only defending himself from your people invading his house. And as for you support I take it you mean some kind of alliance between our forces?"
"The Order can not be allied with any who would allow the forces of evil to grow and flourish. But if the Tripower did train some capable of fighting, their effort against the Vectorians next time could prove a valuable asset."
The entire encounter had left Psycho wondering if the Tripower and the Keepers really had utilitarian purposes for Westbridge.
By the time Psycho had recounted all that had happened in the past month the bartender of the Crescent Star had closed up and brought Psycho a total of four bottles of icewine to drink. He was not quite drunk, but the wine clung to his breath as he spoke to the bartender.
"You are a good man, and a damn fine bartender. I apologize for keeping you away from your family and loved ones through the night."
"Family and loved ones! Ha! Today my friend you were the closest I got to any loved one."
Psycho dropped a satchel of platinum on the table with more coin than the bartender could easily lift.
"That is for you, and the key to the back room." The bartender threw Psycho a small key and said, "As long as I am working consider this bar you own."
Psycho took the key in hand, stood up, and returned to Athkatla.
Psycho knew most of the answers before asking the questions but he wanted to hear how Ror would respond.
Ror took a moment to respond and simply said, "The Tripower does not control its citizens, they can be good or evil, and Alsin is no different. I heard that he was only defending himself from your people invading his house. And as for you support I take it you mean some kind of alliance between our forces?"
"The Order can not be allied with any who would allow the forces of evil to grow and flourish. But if the Tripower did train some capable of fighting, their effort against the Vectorians next time could prove a valuable asset."
The entire encounter had left Psycho wondering if the Tripower and the Keepers really had utilitarian purposes for Westbridge.
By the time Psycho had recounted all that had happened in the past month the bartender of the Crescent Star had closed up and brought Psycho a total of four bottles of icewine to drink. He was not quite drunk, but the wine clung to his breath as he spoke to the bartender.
"You are a good man, and a damn fine bartender. I apologize for keeping you away from your family and loved ones through the night."
"Family and loved ones! Ha! Today my friend you were the closest I got to any loved one."
Psycho dropped a satchel of platinum on the table with more coin than the bartender could easily lift.
"That is for you, and the key to the back room." The bartender threw Psycho a small key and said, "As long as I am working consider this bar you own."
Psycho took the key in hand, stood up, and returned to Athkatla.
ghosts of the future part 2
Psycho located the Theater that Ror wanted to see. It was colorful and the building felt full of life even though there were no patrons inside. The many colored lights were controlled from a workbench covered with wires extending into the wall and up each light. The chairs were red velvet. Ror asked Psycho to wait in the seats for a bit while he checked out backstage. Ror spoke to the ticket counter and was allowed behind stage. After a bit the house lights dimmed and the curtains opened. Ror burst onto stage."Ladies and Gentlemen Boys and Girls, Citizens of all ages!"
The words were not important, the presentation and stage presence was incredible. This would be one of Tripowers major reconstructive efforts of Westbridge. Psycho felt if they were going to construct a school for citizen's primary education and a theater; A secondary school for advanced studies would also be appropriate. Psycho believe The public would benefit strongly from research quality labs, and that maybe the public labs could bolster private research.
Along with the trip to the theater there was still much business to discuss. It turns out that Ror had his sights on much more than just the school. Ror asked him how much he had really seen when Kefka exploded into shards. He had been looking for shards of Kefka's armor! It was not likely that anyone from within the Order had told Ror about their search for shards as well, and he certainly did not know of the pieces tucked away in any of the private labs.
Whatever the Tripower was up to Psycho had a feeling Vorcet had been working his magic with the Tripower behind a veil of secrets. Ror may or may not have had another agenda, either way Ror was not prepared to share the actual problem with the Order.
Ror spoke a bit more before Psycho decided to test the relationship between the two.
The words were not important, the presentation and stage presence was incredible. This would be one of Tripowers major reconstructive efforts of Westbridge. Psycho felt if they were going to construct a school for citizen's primary education and a theater; A secondary school for advanced studies would also be appropriate. Psycho believe The public would benefit strongly from research quality labs, and that maybe the public labs could bolster private research.
Along with the trip to the theater there was still much business to discuss. It turns out that Ror had his sights on much more than just the school. Ror asked him how much he had really seen when Kefka exploded into shards. He had been looking for shards of Kefka's armor! It was not likely that anyone from within the Order had told Ror about their search for shards as well, and he certainly did not know of the pieces tucked away in any of the private labs.
Whatever the Tripower was up to Psycho had a feeling Vorcet had been working his magic with the Tripower behind a veil of secrets. Ror may or may not have had another agenda, either way Ror was not prepared to share the actual problem with the Order.
Ror spoke a bit more before Psycho decided to test the relationship between the two.
ghost of the future
As the Morningstar was closing Psycho reflected upon a third ghost. The ghost of things yet to come. It had bee a little over a month ago that Psycho had been called upon by Ror. His final thoughts of the night had been his most troubling.
"I require assistance investigation some elements that we want to use for to the school house of Westbridge."
"A Theater in the Ruins of Tru should give us some ideas."
Psycho called upon a wizard of his Order to transport the two of them to Myth Drannor. From the Forrest Psycho lead the way through the Stormhorn mountains and up along the the village of Tru. Upon our arrival several Vectorian soldiers were noted on patrol. Had Vector been in Tru before they came or were they looking for Ror? Or even Psycho himself?! As they approached the patrol Ror elbowed Psycho.
"Will you please take care of them, we don't need Vector knowing we were here."
Psycho dispatched of the patrol quickly and without witness. The souls of the two men on patrol were not dark or clouded like the people he normally attacked; they were not pure hearted either. Killing did not bother Psycho unless it was someone he was close to. These soldiers were casualties of a war that still had steam yet to escape.
"I require assistance investigation some elements that we want to use for to the school house of Westbridge."
"A Theater in the Ruins of Tru should give us some ideas."
Psycho called upon a wizard of his Order to transport the two of them to Myth Drannor. From the Forrest Psycho lead the way through the Stormhorn mountains and up along the the village of Tru. Upon our arrival several Vectorian soldiers were noted on patrol. Had Vector been in Tru before they came or were they looking for Ror? Or even Psycho himself?! As they approached the patrol Ror elbowed Psycho.
"Will you please take care of them, we don't need Vector knowing we were here."
Psycho dispatched of the patrol quickly and without witness. The souls of the two men on patrol were not dark or clouded like the people he normally attacked; they were not pure hearted either. Killing did not bother Psycho unless it was someone he was close to. These soldiers were casualties of a war that still had steam yet to escape.
Ghosts of the Past
The mention of the name caused Orn's stomach to tighten and he could feel his face growing pale. He remembered the last time Velentham had taken his mother. He was so young yet he had instinctively called upon the creatures of the forest for aid. A brave squirrel had answered his young call, and paid with it's life. The snap of the small creatures neck and the terrible man who did it had haunted Orn's nightmares for years after the fact.
'No... Velentham?'
'Yes, but I'm going to find her, and I'm going to get her back,' Gilean said with as much conviction as the weary man could muster. 'But I know I can't do it alone. I came for another reason Orn. I came to ask for your help. My cousin is much stronger than I, and on top of that, I have led the life of a pacifist. I fully intend to fight for your mother but I fear I lack the ability to do that very effectively.'
Orn's stomach tightened some more. 'Oh... I...'
Gilean spoke calmly, still not quite looking at Orn. 'I know I shouldn't have to ask this of you and I wouldn't if I didn't feel it necessary. But I understand you have grown into quite the capable fighter and have even been honored with leadership in your clan. Overseeing the sect of the fighters at that.'
Orn sat there for a moment. This was his mother they were talking about. He should be jumping at the chance to intervene against the crazed man that had taken her yet he found himself hesitating. Yes, he had fought before, but it had always been with Reggie at his side. He felt like he could take on anything with his bear, but Reggie was gone and Orn had not yet faced the vulnerability that it left within him.
Orn finally forced himself to nod his head. 'Yes... yes, of course. I'll help you Gilean.'
'No... Velentham?'
'Yes, but I'm going to find her, and I'm going to get her back,' Gilean said with as much conviction as the weary man could muster. 'But I know I can't do it alone. I came for another reason Orn. I came to ask for your help. My cousin is much stronger than I, and on top of that, I have led the life of a pacifist. I fully intend to fight for your mother but I fear I lack the ability to do that very effectively.'
Orn's stomach tightened some more. 'Oh... I...'
Gilean spoke calmly, still not quite looking at Orn. 'I know I shouldn't have to ask this of you and I wouldn't if I didn't feel it necessary. But I understand you have grown into quite the capable fighter and have even been honored with leadership in your clan. Overseeing the sect of the fighters at that.'
Orn sat there for a moment. This was his mother they were talking about. He should be jumping at the chance to intervene against the crazed man that had taken her yet he found himself hesitating. Yes, he had fought before, but it had always been with Reggie at his side. He felt like he could take on anything with his bear, but Reggie was gone and Orn had not yet faced the vulnerability that it left within him.
Orn finally forced himself to nod his head. 'Yes... yes, of course. I'll help you Gilean.'
An Unexpected Visit
Orn sat in his chair, reading a book titled "The Qualities of a Great Leader" which he had found in the library of the castle. He found it to be rather dry reading, yet he forced himself to continue with it and try to absorb as much as he could from the tome. He was somewhat startled by a rapid knock at the door and rose to answer it.
He opened the door to discover a worn and disheveled Gilean standing there. 'Oh, hello Gilean. Is... everything alright?'
Gilean merely sighed and shook his head. 'May I come in?'
'Yes, of course, of course. Please.' Orn steped back and gestured to an empty chair. Gilean took the offered seat as Orn closed the door and returned to his own.
Gilean spoke in a worn tone, his eyes not quite meeting Orn's, 'I was hoping to speak to Mirin. Is she home?'
'Yes she is, but she's taking a nap right now. You know, those growing twins really sap her energy.'
Gilean closed his eyes and nodded, giving Orn the distinct impression he had, at least for the moment, completely forgotten his daughter was even pregnant. 'Yes, of course. I had just hoped to ask her to look in on Matinus and Nioma for me.'
Orn eyed his father-in-law/stepfather with concern. 'Gilean, what's happened? Is Mom ok?'
Gilean sat silently for a moment, his eyes cast down, before shaking his head. 'No, she's not. Velentham took her.'
He opened the door to discover a worn and disheveled Gilean standing there. 'Oh, hello Gilean. Is... everything alright?'
Gilean merely sighed and shook his head. 'May I come in?'
'Yes, of course, of course. Please.' Orn steped back and gestured to an empty chair. Gilean took the offered seat as Orn closed the door and returned to his own.
Gilean spoke in a worn tone, his eyes not quite meeting Orn's, 'I was hoping to speak to Mirin. Is she home?'
'Yes she is, but she's taking a nap right now. You know, those growing twins really sap her energy.'
Gilean closed his eyes and nodded, giving Orn the distinct impression he had, at least for the moment, completely forgotten his daughter was even pregnant. 'Yes, of course. I had just hoped to ask her to look in on Matinus and Nioma for me.'
Orn eyed his father-in-law/stepfather with concern. 'Gilean, what's happened? Is Mom ok?'
Gilean sat silently for a moment, his eyes cast down, before shaking his head. 'No, she's not. Velentham took her.'
ghost from the present
With The ghost from his past still in him mind Psycho contemplated the ghost of actions current. The drinks had flowed through Psycho the night through giving him time. Time to reflect upon the Ahdonis the ghost of the actions present, the black sheep. There had been a pass of time since the loss of a member. Ahdonis had an altercation with Mask, and a running history of problems with some of the other key members. Although it pained him to lose an active and able body that was willing to fight and die for the cause, group moral was of key importance.
The Courage of One can Change the Destiny of Many. These words that held the Order together and reminded him that it was not only his pleasure to groom his flock, but it was his duty. It was his responsibility to assure that not only where his members growing in their ability but that they were becoming reputable Knights in their own Light. He had fought for Ahdonis at the time of Ahdonis's dismissal from the Order, and had continued to support the lost soul. The world is a cold an lonely place. Would Psycho's past impact the current situation, or was Ahdonis too much of a disruptive force. The weaves of fate had sung its song in Psychos ears and with or without Ahdonis a great new day was quickly approaching.
The initial and secondary responses had come and not been well recieved but Ahdonis was persistent in his effort.
Please let me return Brother, I will show you how I have grown. I will not cause any more trouble and am sorry for my behavior. I am trying very hard, but things are difficult on my own without the Order.
These words echoed through Psycho, how many times he sought in his immortal life precisely the same thing, acceptance. He had felt the same kind of love for Sune since his conception. The pain of separation and the sting of life was something Psycho could hear in Ahdonis's words. Depending on the Order's decision, which would come from the laws set forth in the Code of Ethics, Ahdonis' may be sent into the wild, or may return under harsh restrictions. Psycho knew that he had lived under entirely different circumstances and in the end his resilience and suffering had made him a better person.
The Courage of One can Change the Destiny of Many. These words that held the Order together and reminded him that it was not only his pleasure to groom his flock, but it was his duty. It was his responsibility to assure that not only where his members growing in their ability but that they were becoming reputable Knights in their own Light. He had fought for Ahdonis at the time of Ahdonis's dismissal from the Order, and had continued to support the lost soul. The world is a cold an lonely place. Would Psycho's past impact the current situation, or was Ahdonis too much of a disruptive force. The weaves of fate had sung its song in Psychos ears and with or without Ahdonis a great new day was quickly approaching.
The initial and secondary responses had come and not been well recieved but Ahdonis was persistent in his effort.
Please let me return Brother, I will show you how I have grown. I will not cause any more trouble and am sorry for my behavior. I am trying very hard, but things are difficult on my own without the Order.
These words echoed through Psycho, how many times he sought in his immortal life precisely the same thing, acceptance. He had felt the same kind of love for Sune since his conception. The pain of separation and the sting of life was something Psycho could hear in Ahdonis's words. Depending on the Order's decision, which would come from the laws set forth in the Code of Ethics, Ahdonis' may be sent into the wild, or may return under harsh restrictions. Psycho knew that he had lived under entirely different circumstances and in the end his resilience and suffering had made him a better person.
Mom
I don't know what to think now. I walked in on my dad in the library. He was in the big chair, asleep. I got up because I could tell she wasn't home. I don't know how. At least dad was here, but Sanria isn't. I woke him up and his eyes looked bloody and red, kinda like he'd been crying. He said someone took her. But if someone can take an adult, can't they take away a kid? What if someone takes Nioma, or me? Maybe no one wants me anyway.
It's hard cause I just got used to having Sanria around like a real mom since my real mom loves her new family more than ours. Dad says the still loves us, but she never comes to visit me. I was thinking about calling Sanria mom... but she's not here and dad looks like he used to look before he married Sanria. Sad and lonely and mad and a little bit afraid. I guess I'm all those things, too, even though Nioma is here, and Mr. and Mrs. Bunny and my dog. Animals and little sisters aren't moms.
What if she never comes back? I mean, I already lived without a mom for a long time, even if Mirin was kinda like a mom. Big sisters aren't good moms either. I miss Sanria. If she were still here, dad would be happy and I'd be asleep already. She'd read me an adventure book. I wonder if she sees the moon like I see it? And the red one beside the regular one. Maybe I just don't get to have a mom ever.
It's hard cause I just got used to having Sanria around like a real mom since my real mom loves her new family more than ours. Dad says the still loves us, but she never comes to visit me. I was thinking about calling Sanria mom... but she's not here and dad looks like he used to look before he married Sanria. Sad and lonely and mad and a little bit afraid. I guess I'm all those things, too, even though Nioma is here, and Mr. and Mrs. Bunny and my dog. Animals and little sisters aren't moms.
What if she never comes back? I mean, I already lived without a mom for a long time, even if Mirin was kinda like a mom. Big sisters aren't good moms either. I miss Sanria. If she were still here, dad would be happy and I'd be asleep already. She'd read me an adventure book. I wonder if she sees the moon like I see it? And the red one beside the regular one. Maybe I just don't get to have a mom ever.
Fury and Realization
Gilean blasted down the old wooden door of Velentham's Heifong apartment with a blinding ray of white light, sending dry splinters flying in every direction. He charged through the rooms of the modest dwelling searching for Sanria. He knew it was foolish to expect for Velentham to have brought her here but Gilean had nothing else to go on. This was the only place he knew of that Velentham might have taken her but as the faint golden glow surrounding his body helped to illuminate one dingy corner after another he came to realize that his search was in vain.
Gilean exited onto Velentham's small balcony and sat heavily upon a small stone bench surrounded by crumpled cigarette butts. A wave of despair washed over him and the icy knot of dread in his gut tightened mercilessly. How could things have gone so wrong so quickly. A day just like any other. Helping those in need at the Temple of Lathander. A few moments of secluded meditation before leaving. Then arriving home to an empty house and a battered Thasmudyan in his front yard.
It was almost unbelievable. Gilean had taken every precaution to ensure Sanria would be safe from his delusional cousin. But somehow Velentham had used Thasmudyan to lure Sanria out and taken her. Damn Thasmudyan! How could he have been so naive? So stupid?
Gilean closed his eyes for a moment. No. It wasn't Thasmudyan's fault. Velentham was a celestial in full command of his abilities. He could influence people's thoughts and feelings... perhaps even someone as gifted as Thasmudyan. This wasn't time for placing blame. This was the time for finding and retrieving his wife.
He swallowed hard, trying to force down that icy ball in his gut. Gilean knew he couldn't do this alone. Yes, he was celestial, same as Velentham, but Gilean had been cast out by his people and stripped of most of his true nature, left with only limited command of the power within him. If he were to have any hope of finding Sanria and bringing her home safely, he would need all the help he could get.
The plain truth was, he was not the only one who cared for Sanria. For better or for worse, the were others who would not want to see her mistreated and as awkward as it may be, he was going to need their help. Gilean took a deep breath and stood from the bench, departing in a swirl of gold.
Gilean exited onto Velentham's small balcony and sat heavily upon a small stone bench surrounded by crumpled cigarette butts. A wave of despair washed over him and the icy knot of dread in his gut tightened mercilessly. How could things have gone so wrong so quickly. A day just like any other. Helping those in need at the Temple of Lathander. A few moments of secluded meditation before leaving. Then arriving home to an empty house and a battered Thasmudyan in his front yard.
It was almost unbelievable. Gilean had taken every precaution to ensure Sanria would be safe from his delusional cousin. But somehow Velentham had used Thasmudyan to lure Sanria out and taken her. Damn Thasmudyan! How could he have been so naive? So stupid?
Gilean closed his eyes for a moment. No. It wasn't Thasmudyan's fault. Velentham was a celestial in full command of his abilities. He could influence people's thoughts and feelings... perhaps even someone as gifted as Thasmudyan. This wasn't time for placing blame. This was the time for finding and retrieving his wife.
He swallowed hard, trying to force down that icy ball in his gut. Gilean knew he couldn't do this alone. Yes, he was celestial, same as Velentham, but Gilean had been cast out by his people and stripped of most of his true nature, left with only limited command of the power within him. If he were to have any hope of finding Sanria and bringing her home safely, he would need all the help he could get.
The plain truth was, he was not the only one who cared for Sanria. For better or for worse, the were others who would not want to see her mistreated and as awkward as it may be, he was going to need their help. Gilean took a deep breath and stood from the bench, departing in a swirl of gold.
Silver Eyes
She had tried. Sanria had tried to keep herself behind the ward, in the safety that Gilean had given her, but part of her still cared for Thasmudyan. He had come to warn her, a gesture most befitting his care and kindness. He told her that he had chosen against helping Velentham, and Sanria felt her heart soften. It was no mere feat to go against the coaxing that Celestials were capable of using. Then Velentham had shown up.
Sanria wasn't prepared for the sight, Velentham looked much more gaunt than he had looked before. His hair was a mess, his eyes glowing with a madness, and the only other time she had seen the same look of desperation on his face was when he had taken her away and forced himself upon her. She thought after that he would have left her alone. She thought after Velentham's fight with Colin so many years ago, he had forgotten her. His appearance, the face lined with hatred and desperation, proved otherwise. He had driven himself crazy.
So she tried. She tried to remind Thasmudyan of his obligations. Lyvinnia was still needing her father. And her calling out ended in disaster. She caused the hesitation on Thasmudyan's behalf, and Velentham had lashed out. All else was automatic. The ward forgotten in the hopes that if she got between the men the fight would end. Instead, Thasmudyan rushed forward, Velentham leapt over, and she was crushed in a vice-like grip with no hope of getting free.
It was not long after that Velentham's magic kept them suspended together in a bubble over a landscape boiling with fire and flame. He uttered a few words, and Sanria found herself unable to speak. Silence. Her eyes watered as the Celestial turned his gaze on her, his eyes burning silver, his gaunt face tight with a smile. "Don't cry, my love," he cooed, wiping her face with his free hand. "Soon this will all be but a distant memory and your pain will melt away."
Sanria felt the familiar tickle at the back of her mind and she knew in that instant that Velentham was already at work on her mind. The idea of escaping flashed in her mind, and the silver eyes narrowed for only a moment. "You will burn, love. And I can't have that." Tears rolled down her cheeks, kept liquid only by the bubble that surrounded them. Velentham pulled her close, kissing her mouth. Though she tried to pull back, she couldn't fight the grip that held her close. She could cast no spell. The stale cigarette smell in his hair was nearly all she could take, and he finally pulled back. With a smile, Velentham drifted their bubble closer to the fiery surface below, and Sanria knew she was utterly beyond help.
Sanria wasn't prepared for the sight, Velentham looked much more gaunt than he had looked before. His hair was a mess, his eyes glowing with a madness, and the only other time she had seen the same look of desperation on his face was when he had taken her away and forced himself upon her. She thought after that he would have left her alone. She thought after Velentham's fight with Colin so many years ago, he had forgotten her. His appearance, the face lined with hatred and desperation, proved otherwise. He had driven himself crazy.
So she tried. She tried to remind Thasmudyan of his obligations. Lyvinnia was still needing her father. And her calling out ended in disaster. She caused the hesitation on Thasmudyan's behalf, and Velentham had lashed out. All else was automatic. The ward forgotten in the hopes that if she got between the men the fight would end. Instead, Thasmudyan rushed forward, Velentham leapt over, and she was crushed in a vice-like grip with no hope of getting free.
It was not long after that Velentham's magic kept them suspended together in a bubble over a landscape boiling with fire and flame. He uttered a few words, and Sanria found herself unable to speak. Silence. Her eyes watered as the Celestial turned his gaze on her, his eyes burning silver, his gaunt face tight with a smile. "Don't cry, my love," he cooed, wiping her face with his free hand. "Soon this will all be but a distant memory and your pain will melt away."
Sanria felt the familiar tickle at the back of her mind and she knew in that instant that Velentham was already at work on her mind. The idea of escaping flashed in her mind, and the silver eyes narrowed for only a moment. "You will burn, love. And I can't have that." Tears rolled down her cheeks, kept liquid only by the bubble that surrounded them. Velentham pulled her close, kissing her mouth. Though she tried to pull back, she couldn't fight the grip that held her close. She could cast no spell. The stale cigarette smell in his hair was nearly all she could take, and he finally pulled back. With a smile, Velentham drifted their bubble closer to the fiery surface below, and Sanria knew she was utterly beyond help.
Straight Flush
"Do you still wish to persist, beggar?" Velentham stood, fully revealed in his celestial form. His wings bared, his silver eyes glowing, and his long sword at his side. "I gave my word, didn't I?" Thasmudyan said, and he rose, casting a shield about himself.
It was humorous, watching the pitiful man believe himself a worth foe, but it would only take a moment more. From the corner of his eye, Velentham watched Sanria growing more frantic. Only a moment more. "Stop! Thasmudyan, please!!! Velentham, please don't do this... Think of Lyvinnia! Please!!"
"Lyvinnia..." and the beggar turned toward Sanria.
Velentham began to chant the words of the same spell, this time intending fully release the power through the shield and into the very heart of the beggar. "You've got the damned things off now get back here!!!" Sanria screamed. And Velentham let the ball of energy fly.
The next sequence unfolded better than Velentham could have anticipated. The beggar's shield was barely enough to keep him from obliteration, but enough to get the man to charge. And when the beggar charged, Sanria fled the ward to stop him. Velentham vaulted himself into the air, gliding with ease over Thasmudyan's charge, and scooped Sanria into his arms.
Unadulterated and unbridled joy swept over Velentham's mind as he squeezed Sanria to him, overpowering her attempts to free herself. He grinned at Thasmudyan. "Good trade, beggar. And I thank you."
"Sanria!!"
"Have a good life."
With a single word, Velentham vanished with his prize in tow. Victory was his, and there would be nothing to take it away from him again.
It was humorous, watching the pitiful man believe himself a worth foe, but it would only take a moment more. From the corner of his eye, Velentham watched Sanria growing more frantic. Only a moment more. "Stop! Thasmudyan, please!!! Velentham, please don't do this... Think of Lyvinnia! Please!!"
"Lyvinnia..." and the beggar turned toward Sanria.
Velentham began to chant the words of the same spell, this time intending fully release the power through the shield and into the very heart of the beggar. "You've got the damned things off now get back here!!!" Sanria screamed. And Velentham let the ball of energy fly.
The next sequence unfolded better than Velentham could have anticipated. The beggar's shield was barely enough to keep him from obliteration, but enough to get the man to charge. And when the beggar charged, Sanria fled the ward to stop him. Velentham vaulted himself into the air, gliding with ease over Thasmudyan's charge, and scooped Sanria into his arms.
Unadulterated and unbridled joy swept over Velentham's mind as he squeezed Sanria to him, overpowering her attempts to free herself. He grinned at Thasmudyan. "Good trade, beggar. And I thank you."
"Sanria!!"
"Have a good life."
With a single word, Velentham vanished with his prize in tow. Victory was his, and there would be nothing to take it away from him again.
Four of a Kind
"Thasmudyan... no..." Sanria begged, and Velentham checked the bile that rose.
"You'll come out here and fight me?"
"He will kill you... he won't stop... please... don't offer this," Sanria begged. Velentham hated the way she clutched the beggar, but he had his goal. He would attain it.
"Answer the question, Velentham."
"I'll see to it that she won't touch Sanria."
"Thasmudyan! No!" Sanria raced to the front of the beggar, pleading with him.
"He is a Celestial, he is a wizard... he will kill you. Please..."
"Don't you see, Sanria? This is my chance to free you from all of this.. to atone for my mistakes," the beggar said.
Everything was falling into place, the stars aligning, the sounds of his own kind, singing to him in his mind. "I've answered my half, now make haste, beggar." He watched his woman hold Thasmudyan's hands up, showing him the bangles that held him captive. But the beggar had on his bravado, something Velentham had counted on. The beggar would do his best to show Sanria he was worthy. No sooner than the beggar stepped forward, did Velentham know he had what he wanted.
"Would be an awful lot more fun if you got rid of these first, you know," the beggar said, holding up his shackled wrists.
"Oh no, my friend. This must be quick, and who am I to make things harder by slowing them down with a magic flinging contest that I would win anyway?"
"Please!" Sanria said, pacing behind the ward.
"I never knew the Celestials to be cowards."
"Did you want to play, then?"
"Do you want the satisfaction of knowing you defeated me as I really am, or do you just want to kill a helpless human?"
"The lamb has teeth," Velentham said with a grin. "Very well."
The ancient spell Velentham used was one learned long ago, one his people had held in antiquity, one they used on their travels to slay evil of all kinds. It also had the ability to overpower many other types of magic. He summoned the spell, only partial strength, and in a flash of light, the shackles that held the beggar's magic in check were reduced to fragments and the beggar knocked onto his knees.
"You'll come out here and fight me?"
"He will kill you... he won't stop... please... don't offer this," Sanria begged. Velentham hated the way she clutched the beggar, but he had his goal. He would attain it.
"Answer the question, Velentham."
"I'll see to it that she won't touch Sanria."
"Thasmudyan! No!" Sanria raced to the front of the beggar, pleading with him.
"He is a Celestial, he is a wizard... he will kill you. Please..."
"Don't you see, Sanria? This is my chance to free you from all of this.. to atone for my mistakes," the beggar said.
Everything was falling into place, the stars aligning, the sounds of his own kind, singing to him in his mind. "I've answered my half, now make haste, beggar." He watched his woman hold Thasmudyan's hands up, showing him the bangles that held him captive. But the beggar had on his bravado, something Velentham had counted on. The beggar would do his best to show Sanria he was worthy. No sooner than the beggar stepped forward, did Velentham know he had what he wanted.
"Would be an awful lot more fun if you got rid of these first, you know," the beggar said, holding up his shackled wrists.
"Oh no, my friend. This must be quick, and who am I to make things harder by slowing them down with a magic flinging contest that I would win anyway?"
"Please!" Sanria said, pacing behind the ward.
"I never knew the Celestials to be cowards."
"Did you want to play, then?"
"Do you want the satisfaction of knowing you defeated me as I really am, or do you just want to kill a helpless human?"
"The lamb has teeth," Velentham said with a grin. "Very well."
The ancient spell Velentham used was one learned long ago, one his people had held in antiquity, one they used on their travels to slay evil of all kinds. It also had the ability to overpower many other types of magic. He summoned the spell, only partial strength, and in a flash of light, the shackles that held the beggar's magic in check were reduced to fragments and the beggar knocked onto his knees.
Full House
The idea that the beggar was able to call him out, to make him look bad in Sanria's eyes, was intolerable to Velentham and made him absolutely salivate with the desire to end Thasmudyan's life. Discretion, however, is the better part of valor, but that was difficult when his woman wouldn't tell the truth. When she said things such as, "I've never wanted you."
"Lies. If you didn't want me I wouldn't be here. You did at one time. Of your own free will."
"It doesn't matter. What matters is what she wants now. I'm willing to let her make that choice, though. You aren't," the beggar interrupted.
"She made her choice and they came and took her from me. I'm merely here to enforce the decision she made in the first place. Make her... keep her word."
"So what? Decisions change. She's chosen me before, too. Should I be holding her word to that?"
"If you weren't weak, perhaps you would."
The dark ichor of insanity crept back into the edges of Velentham's mind, only to be beaten back by an idea. He could see Sanria held some sort of affection for the beggar. Some desire to keep him safe. If he could get Thasmudyan to leave the safety of the ward, he could get Sanria to follow most certainly. He knew her mind from long ago. Knew she couldn't stop herself from helping the helpless. In that instant, the goal was in sight. "Why don't you come out here, beggar. Come meet with me on open ground. Here."
Velentham bent low, a genuflection that opened the space before him. He had felt the mind of Thasmudyan. Felt the wavering desires there. He knew the man could be coaxed. "Do you take me for a fool? You know that is no fair fight while I am so restrained," Thasmudyan said. Velentham looked to the shackles on the beggar's wrists. "I could always help you off with your arms and send you back to that filth you call a lifestream."
"As if you had the power to do that."
"Oh, but anyone does. Provided they take your life, so you said in our dis- cussion. You always come back. Like a cockroach. We can hit two birds with one stone, what do you say? I'll free you of your restraints, and get you out of my way. Better yet... I could help you find the little naked savage that sits out here waiting to see if you screw up."
"...Who?"
"How could you forget the dark-heart that mothered your own flesh and blood?"
"Maya's here? That's ...interesting, I suppose. But I have no need to find her."
"She has need to find you, beggar. Suffering seems to be one of her keenest desires, and to see you in the thick of it would suit her fine."
"She's here watching the cottage?" Sanria asked, and the sound of her voice was like a bell.
"She would have hurt you, but I won't let her. She simply wants to see someone suffer... and I'll gladly sacrifice the beggar for her needs and spare you the pain."
Sanria and the beggar conferred, and Velentham growled. To see the two of them speaking together sent his blood boiling. He could barely contain the ire when the beggar's voice was directed at him. "If I give you this fight you desire... Maya will leave Sanria alone?" And the clouds cleared, and the sun shone, and Velentham turned to the beggar with joy veiled only by the scowl on his face.
"Lies. If you didn't want me I wouldn't be here. You did at one time. Of your own free will."
"It doesn't matter. What matters is what she wants now. I'm willing to let her make that choice, though. You aren't," the beggar interrupted.
"She made her choice and they came and took her from me. I'm merely here to enforce the decision she made in the first place. Make her... keep her word."
"So what? Decisions change. She's chosen me before, too. Should I be holding her word to that?"
"If you weren't weak, perhaps you would."
The dark ichor of insanity crept back into the edges of Velentham's mind, only to be beaten back by an idea. He could see Sanria held some sort of affection for the beggar. Some desire to keep him safe. If he could get Thasmudyan to leave the safety of the ward, he could get Sanria to follow most certainly. He knew her mind from long ago. Knew she couldn't stop herself from helping the helpless. In that instant, the goal was in sight. "Why don't you come out here, beggar. Come meet with me on open ground. Here."
Velentham bent low, a genuflection that opened the space before him. He had felt the mind of Thasmudyan. Felt the wavering desires there. He knew the man could be coaxed. "Do you take me for a fool? You know that is no fair fight while I am so restrained," Thasmudyan said. Velentham looked to the shackles on the beggar's wrists. "I could always help you off with your arms and send you back to that filth you call a lifestream."
"As if you had the power to do that."
"Oh, but anyone does. Provided they take your life, so you said in our dis- cussion. You always come back. Like a cockroach. We can hit two birds with one stone, what do you say? I'll free you of your restraints, and get you out of my way. Better yet... I could help you find the little naked savage that sits out here waiting to see if you screw up."
"...Who?"
"How could you forget the dark-heart that mothered your own flesh and blood?"
"Maya's here? That's ...interesting, I suppose. But I have no need to find her."
"She has need to find you, beggar. Suffering seems to be one of her keenest desires, and to see you in the thick of it would suit her fine."
"She's here watching the cottage?" Sanria asked, and the sound of her voice was like a bell.
"She would have hurt you, but I won't let her. She simply wants to see someone suffer... and I'll gladly sacrifice the beggar for her needs and spare you the pain."
Sanria and the beggar conferred, and Velentham growled. To see the two of them speaking together sent his blood boiling. He could barely contain the ire when the beggar's voice was directed at him. "If I give you this fight you desire... Maya will leave Sanria alone?" And the clouds cleared, and the sun shone, and Velentham turned to the beggar with joy veiled only by the scowl on his face.
High Card
It was a sudden movement that caused Velentham to pause, to utter a spell of invisibility, to cloak himself and silence his rage. The beggar, and he was heading for the cottage. Velentham uttered a spell, lifting his feet into the air, and drifted along well behind Thasmudyan. He watched as the man went straight to the front door and knocked. He watched as the love of his life answered the door... and came outside.
Velentham drifted near enough to hear them, to hear the goddamned beggar stand there as though innocent, sharing with Sanria their plans. "He said that... he wanted revenge... on Gilean. He wanted me.. to carry it out," the beggar said.
"What did he say he wanted you to do?" Sanria returned.
"He wanted me to.. well, take Gilean to the Lifestream and 'accidentally' leave him there."
"And you didn't do it..." she said, and Velentham clenched his teeth as the beggar got into her good graces just as easily as butter melting on a hot griddle.
"...No."
They talked more, driving Velentham into a fever. He ran his hands through his hair, he drifted to and fro, she was so near. So close. If she would only come slightly away from that ward, he could just do what he wanted - take her away. He might not be able to flee the material plane with her, but he could take her to a place that they'd never look, he'd just have to get her away from the cottage. Away from the dopey bastard that stood talking to her and making himself more esteemed in her eyes. Velentham had enough.
His invisibility spell gone, his levitation dismissed, Velentham walked from the woods with a rage barely contained. "So here you are, beggar. Telling all our plans."
"So you are here, after all..." Thasmudyan said.
"Unlike you I never left. I don't cower from the things I want."
"And what do you have to say, beggar? I thought we were friends."
"I've decided that if I have to resort to deceit, trickery, and murder to get what I want, then perhaps that thing is not worth having."
"Truly a man after my own cousin. Perhaps that's why he has her and you don't?"
"If I have to deceive her to have her, then I don't really have her, do I?"
It was in that moment, all sanity Velentham had remaining drifted away. He had no thought of what his people might do to him. No thought of being banished from his own kind. The only thought Velentham had in his mind was the eradication of the beggar. Thasmudyan would die.
Velentham drifted near enough to hear them, to hear the goddamned beggar stand there as though innocent, sharing with Sanria their plans. "He said that... he wanted revenge... on Gilean. He wanted me.. to carry it out," the beggar said.
"What did he say he wanted you to do?" Sanria returned.
"He wanted me to.. well, take Gilean to the Lifestream and 'accidentally' leave him there."
"And you didn't do it..." she said, and Velentham clenched his teeth as the beggar got into her good graces just as easily as butter melting on a hot griddle.
"...No."
They talked more, driving Velentham into a fever. He ran his hands through his hair, he drifted to and fro, she was so near. So close. If she would only come slightly away from that ward, he could just do what he wanted - take her away. He might not be able to flee the material plane with her, but he could take her to a place that they'd never look, he'd just have to get her away from the cottage. Away from the dopey bastard that stood talking to her and making himself more esteemed in her eyes. Velentham had enough.
His invisibility spell gone, his levitation dismissed, Velentham walked from the woods with a rage barely contained. "So here you are, beggar. Telling all our plans."
"So you are here, after all..." Thasmudyan said.
"Unlike you I never left. I don't cower from the things I want."
"And what do you have to say, beggar? I thought we were friends."
"I've decided that if I have to resort to deceit, trickery, and murder to get what I want, then perhaps that thing is not worth having."
"Truly a man after my own cousin. Perhaps that's why he has her and you don't?"
"If I have to deceive her to have her, then I don't really have her, do I?"
It was in that moment, all sanity Velentham had remaining drifted away. He had no thought of what his people might do to him. No thought of being banished from his own kind. The only thought Velentham had in his mind was the eradication of the beggar. Thasmudyan would die.
Longing
Velentham stared at the cottage doggedly for days. He chain smoked his off-brand, Heifong cigarettes made of the cheapest tobacco. They couldn't harm his immortal lungs, it was a waste of money, but having the cigarette between his fingers like a friend was a comfort, albeit a small one. He watched his cousin exit the doors as cautious as a cat. Any comfort from his cigarette was lost at the sight of Gilean. Bile rose in Velentham's throat, reminding him of the bitter hatred that swirled about in his heart.
He walked back to the path, barely containing a growl. Where that goddamned beggar was, he didn't know. He was under the impression that he had thoroughly worked the mind of Thasmudyan to his aid - that the beggarly man would take Gilean to the lifestream, dispose of him and do Velentham's work, but it had been days and he'd seen no sign of the weakling healer.
The other side was the knowledge that the drow woman was lurking about in the woods. He knew she was there as certainly as he knew there was a pine to his left and right, but he said nothing more to her. She, too, had been a fixture in the trees, a figure desperate as he to get some sort of revenge. A fixture that he might have to finally turn back to... but if she hurt Sanria... if she did anything to endanger his woman...
Velentham growled and paced back to the cottage. He walked up to the door and reached out a hand. Before he could touch the wood a golden shimmer rippled, and Velentham let out a howling curse. Gilean had put a ward on the cottage... there was nothing he could do but wait, and Velentham hated waiting. He shot a ball of energy at the house with another howl of rage and drew in ragged breaths. Both of them - Gilean and Sanria - knew he was there, knew and had cast yet another ward to keep him at bay. A third howl erupted from Velentham's chest, causing a strand of golden blonde hair to slip from it's bind. His invisibility spell was gone, he would be visible to everyone, if only they'd look.
Velentham turned around and stared in Maya's direction, breathing heavily, his silver eyes aglow. If she wanted revenge, if she wanted to do what the beggar couldn't... who was he to say no?
His mind swirling, his madness growing like a black cancer, Velentham headed straight to the spot where the naked savage sat in the mistaken belief she was hidden...
He walked back to the path, barely containing a growl. Where that goddamned beggar was, he didn't know. He was under the impression that he had thoroughly worked the mind of Thasmudyan to his aid - that the beggarly man would take Gilean to the lifestream, dispose of him and do Velentham's work, but it had been days and he'd seen no sign of the weakling healer.
The other side was the knowledge that the drow woman was lurking about in the woods. He knew she was there as certainly as he knew there was a pine to his left and right, but he said nothing more to her. She, too, had been a fixture in the trees, a figure desperate as he to get some sort of revenge. A fixture that he might have to finally turn back to... but if she hurt Sanria... if she did anything to endanger his woman...
Velentham growled and paced back to the cottage. He walked up to the door and reached out a hand. Before he could touch the wood a golden shimmer rippled, and Velentham let out a howling curse. Gilean had put a ward on the cottage... there was nothing he could do but wait, and Velentham hated waiting. He shot a ball of energy at the house with another howl of rage and drew in ragged breaths. Both of them - Gilean and Sanria - knew he was there, knew and had cast yet another ward to keep him at bay. A third howl erupted from Velentham's chest, causing a strand of golden blonde hair to slip from it's bind. His invisibility spell was gone, he would be visible to everyone, if only they'd look.
Velentham turned around and stared in Maya's direction, breathing heavily, his silver eyes aglow. If she wanted revenge, if she wanted to do what the beggar couldn't... who was he to say no?
His mind swirling, his madness growing like a black cancer, Velentham headed straight to the spot where the naked savage sat in the mistaken belief she was hidden...
Interview with a Thri'Kreen - Part 3
"Run! We mussst flee!" she yelled, grabbing Wrack by the shoulder with a jerk.
Looking at her eyes, he could see no anger, but worry.. Worry for his safety.
They ran north, heading towards the gates.. But two streets along, the cloaked insect before him darted into an alley way on the right, between two buildings.
Just as he turned into the alleyway, Wrack peered back from where they came, and saw the small group of thugs running to catch up.
Stopping quickly a few yards in, she closed her eyes and spoke..
"zoriadimm.. halasss.."
The air flickered like a sheet of transparent silk, then began to slide apart, bending the light and tearing a hole to another city. But.. The city was different from the streets surrounding him.
"Go!" she shoved him through, and turned back to face the mouth of the alley.
Stumbling, Wrack fell through and landed on the dirt street of a darker town. Regaining his balance, he looked north to see a large tower of countless stories in the distance, and turned to see squat buildings and shops surrounding him.
Landing through the rift beside him, the insect landed beside Wrack.. and the ripples of air behind her sealed as if they never exited.
She turned to him, inspecting him and whispered the words, "candusima".. a wave of cold ran through is body, and his worked muscles felt as if he had just awoken from a good rest.
The black blood upon her copper face was drying as she stepped past him, and whispered to a door between the two nearby buildings that he hadn't noticed.
She opened the door slowly.. Holding it open and turning to look at Wrack..
"My name is Sssliver.. Please come inside.." she said as he walked towards the doorway, "I would very much like to ssspeak with you about your father.."
As he stepped into the darkness beyond the door, his flesh felt as if it was being pulled by a thousand hands into the shadows..
Looking at her eyes, he could see no anger, but worry.. Worry for his safety.
They ran north, heading towards the gates.. But two streets along, the cloaked insect before him darted into an alley way on the right, between two buildings.
Just as he turned into the alleyway, Wrack peered back from where they came, and saw the small group of thugs running to catch up.
Stopping quickly a few yards in, she closed her eyes and spoke..
"zoriadimm.. halasss.."
The air flickered like a sheet of transparent silk, then began to slide apart, bending the light and tearing a hole to another city. But.. The city was different from the streets surrounding him.
"Go!" she shoved him through, and turned back to face the mouth of the alley.
Stumbling, Wrack fell through and landed on the dirt street of a darker town. Regaining his balance, he looked north to see a large tower of countless stories in the distance, and turned to see squat buildings and shops surrounding him.
Landing through the rift beside him, the insect landed beside Wrack.. and the ripples of air behind her sealed as if they never exited.
She turned to him, inspecting him and whispered the words, "candusima".. a wave of cold ran through is body, and his worked muscles felt as if he had just awoken from a good rest.
The black blood upon her copper face was drying as she stepped past him, and whispered to a door between the two nearby buildings that he hadn't noticed.
She opened the door slowly.. Holding it open and turning to look at Wrack..
"My name is Sssliver.. Please come inside.." she said as he walked towards the doorway, "I would very much like to ssspeak with you about your father.."
As he stepped into the darkness beyond the door, his flesh felt as if it was being pulled by a thousand hands into the shadows..
Interview with a Thri'Kreen - Part 2
Turning his head to trace its source, he saw a large man with an unkempt beard tossing and catching another stone in his hand. A small group of dirty men gathering up around him, daggers and clubs in their belts.
"THERE's the FREAK!" he yelled, pointing his stone at her, readying a throw.
"Go crawl back to the desert with the rest of you bugs and snakes!"
Glancing back at her, she was regaining her composure, bringing up her sleeved arm to her face, black blood dripping slowly down it..
"You don't need to get hurt, kid.. Get outta here."
Getting quickly to his feet, Wrack watched another stone being thrown, and quickly wipped his pack in an arc, catching the stone mid-air and volleying it back at the small mob.. bouncing and rolling harmlessly at their feet.
Laughter filled the air as the mob grinned like wolves and began stepping forward.. Many bending down to grab stones or draw their weapons.
Time slowed, seconds became minutes.. his tongue grew dry..
"Suit yourself.. 'Hero.'" the leader of the mob said as he grew closer..
Drawing a shortsword from his belt and grinning.. Scanning the market, there were no guards in sight.
Wrack began backing up, his leather pack strap clutched tightly in his hands.. He watched as the bearded thug stalked forward, his blade glinting in the sun.
"kharandisss.. elosss," was all that could be heard before a blast of air exploded between the mob and the pair.
Shutting his eyes against the blast, Wrack felt dust swirl about him quickly and the whoosh of air as it blew past him. Opening his eyes a crack, he saw that it was no ordinary wind.. but an elemental of air, and it had slammed into the group of thugs-- knocking them all on their backs.
"THERE's the FREAK!" he yelled, pointing his stone at her, readying a throw.
"Go crawl back to the desert with the rest of you bugs and snakes!"
Glancing back at her, she was regaining her composure, bringing up her sleeved arm to her face, black blood dripping slowly down it..
"You don't need to get hurt, kid.. Get outta here."
Getting quickly to his feet, Wrack watched another stone being thrown, and quickly wipped his pack in an arc, catching the stone mid-air and volleying it back at the small mob.. bouncing and rolling harmlessly at their feet.
Laughter filled the air as the mob grinned like wolves and began stepping forward.. Many bending down to grab stones or draw their weapons.
Time slowed, seconds became minutes.. his tongue grew dry..
"Suit yourself.. 'Hero.'" the leader of the mob said as he grew closer..
Drawing a shortsword from his belt and grinning.. Scanning the market, there were no guards in sight.
Wrack began backing up, his leather pack strap clutched tightly in his hands.. He watched as the bearded thug stalked forward, his blade glinting in the sun.
"kharandisss.. elosss," was all that could be heard before a blast of air exploded between the mob and the pair.
Shutting his eyes against the blast, Wrack felt dust swirl about him quickly and the whoosh of air as it blew past him. Opening his eyes a crack, he saw that it was no ordinary wind.. but an elemental of air, and it had slammed into the group of thugs-- knocking them all on their backs.
Interview with a Thri'Kreen - Part 1
Landing hard on the ground, the wind knocked out of him, Wrack rolled on to his side to survey his surroundings..
His pack emptied onto the busy market streets of New Thalos, his waterskin, some dry rations, and.. his book lay at the feet of a tall figure in a large robe. The collision knocked the figure's hood down to reveal an insect-like face of copper skin with sharp lines, mandables, and eyes of black.
The figure eyed Wrack with fear, and quickly closed its robe, as if ashamed of what he might have seen.. But Wrack only inspected her inquisitively as he gathered his breath.. Leaving the figure standing with its hood down.
"I'm... sorry... I wasn't.. looking where.. I was going," he tried to breathe deeply, slowly returning his breathing to normal.
"The fault isss mine.. young human.." she spoke as she bent down, grasping the book carefully with enrobed forelimbs, her eyes flickered to it with interest, as if she recognized its gilded cover.
Wrack's jaw clenched with worry, his eyes watching his book with the eyes of a mother watching her infant being picked up by a stranger.
"Thisss book.. Who gave it to you?" she questioned, her mandables clicking lightly with some kind of excitement, extending her forelimb and handing it back to him.
"It belonged to my father," he replied, taking the book protectively as he slipped it into his pack, slinging it over his shoulder.
"Yess.. A ssscholar from Candlekeep.." she nodded slowly.
"Candlekeep.. ? No, my father was a farmer in.." the tightness of worry gone, he looked at her confused.
Mandibles still excited, she was about to speak again, then a hand-sized stone struck against her face, knocking her head back with a shriek.
His pack emptied onto the busy market streets of New Thalos, his waterskin, some dry rations, and.. his book lay at the feet of a tall figure in a large robe. The collision knocked the figure's hood down to reveal an insect-like face of copper skin with sharp lines, mandables, and eyes of black.
The figure eyed Wrack with fear, and quickly closed its robe, as if ashamed of what he might have seen.. But Wrack only inspected her inquisitively as he gathered his breath.. Leaving the figure standing with its hood down.
"I'm... sorry... I wasn't.. looking where.. I was going," he tried to breathe deeply, slowly returning his breathing to normal.
"The fault isss mine.. young human.." she spoke as she bent down, grasping the book carefully with enrobed forelimbs, her eyes flickered to it with interest, as if she recognized its gilded cover.
Wrack's jaw clenched with worry, his eyes watching his book with the eyes of a mother watching her infant being picked up by a stranger.
"Thisss book.. Who gave it to you?" she questioned, her mandables clicking lightly with some kind of excitement, extending her forelimb and handing it back to him.
"It belonged to my father," he replied, taking the book protectively as he slipped it into his pack, slinging it over his shoulder.
"Yess.. A ssscholar from Candlekeep.." she nodded slowly.
"Candlekeep.. ? No, my father was a farmer in.." the tightness of worry gone, he looked at her confused.
Mandibles still excited, she was about to speak again, then a hand-sized stone struck against her face, knocking her head back with a shriek.
A simple rose
Sliver reigned in its thoughts and settled back on the floor, looking around as Pheniox vanished. Damn. What was the matter? Letting a member of the Long Death go, the clan wouldn't forgive easily. But something was there. It couldn't be explained. Sliver reached down and picked up the rose, staring at it in confusion. Such a simple token and here Sliver was, getting all twisted up in various thoughts and emotions. Emotions? A hiss of frustrations escaped from the bug, odd eyes narrowing.
A soft whisper of magic covered the rose, preserving it in time as it was. Sliver stared at the object, deep in thought before rising to weary feet and heading out into the streets. A report must be made, regardless of the unknown thoughts that battled within the Thri'kreen. There was never a question of the report having to be made, but Sliver wondered about the outcome.
Curiosity. That's all it was, Sliver reasoned. Just a simple case of curiosity. That was something the bug experienced often enough wasn't it? Sliver wondered if a chance could be given... Stranger things had happened. Something about the man had struck a note in the soul of Sliver, something saying he could be something more...
One last look was given to the preserved rose still grasped gently in Sliver's hand before the Thri'kreen emptied its mind of thought and prepared to meet with Psycho.
A soft whisper of magic covered the rose, preserving it in time as it was. Sliver stared at the object, deep in thought before rising to weary feet and heading out into the streets. A report must be made, regardless of the unknown thoughts that battled within the Thri'kreen. There was never a question of the report having to be made, but Sliver wondered about the outcome.
Curiosity. That's all it was, Sliver reasoned. Just a simple case of curiosity. That was something the bug experienced often enough wasn't it? Sliver wondered if a chance could be given... Stranger things had happened. Something about the man had struck a note in the soul of Sliver, something saying he could be something more...
One last look was given to the preserved rose still grasped gently in Sliver's hand before the Thri'kreen emptied its mind of thought and prepared to meet with Psycho.
To love!
Pheniox had a few questions about himself how could I ever be with the love of my life being enemies? How could I make this right? There must be a way! And just like that I was gone. With the only thing left was a rose to my true love. Back in the Order of the Long Death I tore open the doors looking for Maezura the Harbringer. I found him sparring with Grendle the dummy. I could see Sweat across this elfs brow you could tell he has there for awhile awhile. But when Lord Pheniox entered he stopped at once. Looking at the gash of his mouth he knew he couldn't talk. Pheniox handed him a note that read:
I have found love outside of these walls and death does not excite me as it once did for so many years. I hereby Renounce my crown.
Maezura the elf nodded in approval spoke a few words that sounded like "good luck friend may the force be with you." With that I took my leave never looking back at the elf.
Moving to the next Lord of the Order I had to find Rahvin the Elkhunter. The brutual Platoon Commander of the Halforcs. I found him at the Pathosis Vault cutting his cave bear up and making steaks for food. Rahvin and I have never seen eye to eye. So I knew it would be a fight if I didn't say the right things. So I gathered my thoughts and burst into the room and Ventriloquated on myself so i could talk.
"I have found love in the enemy. The person who we are sworn to hate. I have tried to kill her but being with her for so long in the battle field facing eachother I couldn't help it but to have strong feelings for her.For i have truly fallen in Love and can't take it being without her for so long."
With that being said I've never felt so alone in this world. for Rahvin turned his back on me and left the room without saying a single thing. But i knew in my heart I would be free to seek my love to be with her for all eternity.
I have found love outside of these walls and death does not excite me as it once did for so many years. I hereby Renounce my crown.
Maezura the elf nodded in approval spoke a few words that sounded like "good luck friend may the force be with you." With that I took my leave never looking back at the elf.
Moving to the next Lord of the Order I had to find Rahvin the Elkhunter. The brutual Platoon Commander of the Halforcs. I found him at the Pathosis Vault cutting his cave bear up and making steaks for food. Rahvin and I have never seen eye to eye. So I knew it would be a fight if I didn't say the right things. So I gathered my thoughts and burst into the room and Ventriloquated on myself so i could talk.
"I have found love in the enemy. The person who we are sworn to hate. I have tried to kill her but being with her for so long in the battle field facing eachother I couldn't help it but to have strong feelings for her.For i have truly fallen in Love and can't take it being without her for so long."
With that being said I've never felt so alone in this world. for Rahvin turned his back on me and left the room without saying a single thing. But i knew in my heart I would be free to seek my love to be with her for all eternity.
To love or not to love?
It was to late the damage had been done. Pheniox knew he could never talk again. The whip had hit him right square in the face removing his chance to speak, a chance to beg for forgiveness, for he felt the pain and suffering of what he has done in the past. He thought for just a moment "what will i become?" Then the moment ended and he came back to reality. The being cursed. The whips went back into their sheathe to breathe light another day. Slowly the priest moved torwards me. I could not move. A look of defeat laid apon on the battle field. I wanted to tell this being the reason I came here. But I couldn't speak. I wanted to tell her my true feelings of love and romance and all of these things I didn't know. I've truly never been in love but with the enemy of heart how could this be!
Log: 14042013 - Ror and Zazza
OOC commentary: Just some chit-chat, but notice how Zazza nicely solves the problem of his fellow roleplayer forced to go AFK due to IRL. Yes, these things happen..
Pubs of the Realms
Directions to cafe's, inns, pubs, taverns and similar locations in alphabetical order. All directions from endpoints (EP) unless stated otherwise. For area directions from Market Square (MS) to endpoints, see this post.
Gangland
Haon Dor
Longsaddle
Miden'nir
North of Waterdeep (from Longsaddle EP)
Westbridge (from MS)
Gangland
- Vaprak's Tankard - 3e3sese5ses
Haon Dor
- The Prancing Pony - n2w2nu
Longsaddle
- The Gambling Golem - 2w
- The Gilded Horseshoe - w2nw4n2ws
- The Horn & Hoof - e6ne
- The Night Cloak - w2nw6nw
- The Rolling Wheel - w2nes
Miden'nir
- The Woodsman Inn - s3w
North of Waterdeep (from Longsaddle EP)
- A Small Hunting Lodge - w2nw8nw2nw3nw4nene
Westbridge (from MS)
- Comedy Lounge - 4s2w2sds2e
- Healing Wound Inn - 5ne
- Kate's Diner - 8s2en
- Market square coffee cafe - sw
- Market square pub - se
- Nisstyre's Tavern - 4s4e3sw
- Park Cafe - 12s2wn
- Phil's Bar - 6swden
- The Bar of Casino Nights - 4s2wse
- The PIT - 12s4e3sw
- Tony's Pizza Parlor - 4nes
- Yawning Portal Inn - 5n2en, 5n2e2n (dining room)
- Zalan's bar (defunct) - 7nw
Log: 13042013 - Ror and Zazza
OOC commentary: Roleplay between Ror and Zazza.It is part of a greater storyline that eventually ended up in the fridge as a few people involved disappeared. Such is the harsh reality of a roleplayer's life.
How to start roleplaying on Waterdeep MUD
If you've got your character and description done, it's time for some roleplay action! But where to find it?
Read chat notes
Are there any chat notes on the board that indicate people are currently seeking roleplay? If yes, approach those people by tell. If not, check the 'who' list.
Check the 'who' list
Anyone with a "R" in their bracket is live-roleplaying or seeking roleplay (some announce it on OOC only and do not post a note). Politely send a tell to people to ask whether they are interested in roleplaying with you.
Send a chat note
If current live-roleplayers have a private/non-open session, or there's nobody seeking roleplay or with a roleplayer (R) flag on at all, it's time write a chat note stating that you seek roleplay. Settle yourself at a location (for example: Phil's bar) and wait. Usually you want to quest in between, so make sure you mention that in your chat note.
Time to roleplay? Switch that flag on!
When you are about to roleplay or it has just started, switch the roleplay flag on by typing 'config roleplayer'.
If you never roleplayed before, you need to type the following:
That is all!
Read chat notes
Are there any chat notes on the board that indicate people are currently seeking roleplay? If yes, approach those people by tell. If not, check the 'who' list.
Check the 'who' list
Anyone with a "R" in their bracket is live-roleplaying or seeking roleplay (some announce it on OOC only and do not post a note). Politely send a tell to people to ask whether they are interested in roleplaying with you.
Send a chat note
If current live-roleplayers have a private/non-open session, or there's nobody seeking roleplay or with a roleplayer (R) flag on at all, it's time write a chat note stating that you seek roleplay. Settle yourself at a location (for example: Phil's bar) and wait. Usually you want to quest in between, so make sure you mention that in your chat note.
Time to roleplay? Switch that flag on!
When you are about to roleplay or it has just started, switch the roleplay flag on by typing 'config roleplayer'.
If you never roleplayed before, you need to type the following:
- wiznet (turns wiznet on)
- wiznet show (shows wiznet options)
- wiznet prefix (add a prefix before notifications)
- wiznet rp (switch on roleplayer notifications)
- roleplayers (join the roleplayers, this also auto-switches the flag on the first time)
That is all!
How to join a Clan
At one point, you might want to join a clan. You've perhaps seen other people who were members of one, perhaps you've heard them talk and roleplay about it, maybe you are simply looking for a group of like minded people who have the resources to further your position in the game. Whatever the reason, if you want to join a clan, you have to prepare.
How to join a clan .... in 5 steps:
Step 1 - Know your character
Your character is your basis. You need to know who your character is, what he/she does, acts, comes from etc. Having a description is a must. Most roleplayers have this pat down, but if you are still working on this, it might be interesting to read this and this.
Step 2 - Know your roleplay
A new character is like a new pair of shoes. They fit terribly. You need to wear and walk around with them for a while before they become more comfortable. The same goes for characters. Roleplaying with your character will help you work out some details and file down those rough edges you will find won't work. It will make your character come alive and you'll feel more confident roleplaying them if you have some experience. (Practice makes perfect.)
Step 3 - Know your clan of choice
Read the helpfiles on the clans and pick the one that you think fits your character best. Or roleplay with the clan's members to see what they're like. You need to figure out what they're about, what they're like and whether you'll enjoy hanging out with them. Often the helpfile also contains details that can help you out with writing your application!
Step 4 - Apply
Write an IC note where you introduce yourself and apply for membership of a clan. It should be clear as to why you want to join the clan, so explain your motivation for approaching them.
Step 5 - After application
When leadership is interested, they or other clan members will contact you for IC talks, roleplay. Eventually you will be interviewed and this will separate the well-prepared from those that are not. Interviews are usually with at least one leader present, often more, and possibly a few members. They will question you and in some cases also ask OOC questions since certain clans have alt restrictions. Eventually a decision will be made and you will hear whether you become part of the clan or not.
Last but not least, unless you dig betrayal, a clan is for life. So weigh your options down well before applying. Keep in mind that although well-fitted answers can patch up a sloppy first three steps during the interview, it does not patch up your future within that clan.
Good luck!
How to join a clan .... in 5 steps:
Step 1 - Know your character
Your character is your basis. You need to know who your character is, what he/she does, acts, comes from etc. Having a description is a must. Most roleplayers have this pat down, but if you are still working on this, it might be interesting to read this and this.
Step 2 - Know your roleplay
A new character is like a new pair of shoes. They fit terribly. You need to wear and walk around with them for a while before they become more comfortable. The same goes for characters. Roleplaying with your character will help you work out some details and file down those rough edges you will find won't work. It will make your character come alive and you'll feel more confident roleplaying them if you have some experience. (Practice makes perfect.)
Step 3 - Know your clan of choice
Read the helpfiles on the clans and pick the one that you think fits your character best. Or roleplay with the clan's members to see what they're like. You need to figure out what they're about, what they're like and whether you'll enjoy hanging out with them. Often the helpfile also contains details that can help you out with writing your application!
Step 4 - Apply
Write an IC note where you introduce yourself and apply for membership of a clan. It should be clear as to why you want to join the clan, so explain your motivation for approaching them.
Step 5 - After application
When leadership is interested, they or other clan members will contact you for IC talks, roleplay. Eventually you will be interviewed and this will separate the well-prepared from those that are not. Interviews are usually with at least one leader present, often more, and possibly a few members. They will question you and in some cases also ask OOC questions since certain clans have alt restrictions. Eventually a decision will be made and you will hear whether you become part of the clan or not.
Last but not least, unless you dig betrayal, a clan is for life. So weigh your options down well before applying. Keep in mind that although well-fitted answers can patch up a sloppy first three steps during the interview, it does not patch up your future within that clan.
Good luck!
Introduction by Flame - Part 3
His father's chest slowed, the flow of blood from his side had stopped, and his eyes stared emptily at the dark sky, the flames from the burning homes lighting the scene in lights of yellow an orange.
Wrack wrapped his arm around the body before him, clutching him close, burying his face in his chest.. the scent of the man who raised him, taught him, and loved him, mingled with the scent of smoke and blood..
Pulling himself back, he looked at his father, the pain had ended, the kobolds were gone, and his home was burning..
Glancing down, to his father's clutching hands, a bundle of dark cloth was wrapped around something with squared edges..
...
His eyes were lightly filling with tears once again at the thought of the eventsof the months passed as his booted feet trod silently upon the cobblestones leading from the ports to the central market of New Thalos.
Absent-mindedly rounding a small corner bordered by a tall stone wall, his eyes watching his feet, and not the street before him, he collided with an encloaked figure. His pack fell from his shoulder, its meager contents spilling onto the street before him, and he stumbled, glancing up..
Sharp angles made up the face hidden in the shadows beneath a hood, two protrusions growing from its forehead and the glint of surprised black eyes..
Wrack wrapped his arm around the body before him, clutching him close, burying his face in his chest.. the scent of the man who raised him, taught him, and loved him, mingled with the scent of smoke and blood..
Pulling himself back, he looked at his father, the pain had ended, the kobolds were gone, and his home was burning..
Glancing down, to his father's clutching hands, a bundle of dark cloth was wrapped around something with squared edges..
...
His eyes were lightly filling with tears once again at the thought of the eventsof the months passed as his booted feet trod silently upon the cobblestones leading from the ports to the central market of New Thalos.
Absent-mindedly rounding a small corner bordered by a tall stone wall, his eyes watching his feet, and not the street before him, he collided with an encloaked figure. His pack fell from his shoulder, its meager contents spilling onto the street before him, and he stumbled, glancing up..
Sharp angles made up the face hidden in the shadows beneath a hood, two protrusions growing from its forehead and the glint of surprised black eyes..
Introduction by Flame - Part 2
His feet moved quickly as he ran down the path, weaving around and even under ancient trees, whose immense roots showed the forest's age to be in the centuries of being undisturbed.
Trees began to thin and the path grew grassier as he neared the southeastern edge of the village and the smell of smoke and sound of shouts grew stronger.
Topping the small hill that marked the edge of Beregost, he was able to see the cause: a group of dog-snouted beasts walking on their hind legs, holding spears and swords were fleeing to the south as a group of militia chased them into the trees, and the smoke was rising in plumes from the four homes nearest him.. The smallest one was his own.
Dropping the rabbits, he sprinted towards his home, seeing the flames lick at the rooves, and noticing the bodies of these beasts and a few of his neighbors alike were strewn about on the matted grass. Some of the villagers stood bloodied, wearing makeshift bandages and tourniquets over their wounds, carrying pitchforks and rusted weapons that attics once held, their coughs muffled by the loud crackling of flames.
An older man, Mr. Cosley, his neighbour for the entirety of his sixteen year old life was on his knees, bent over someone familiar with a deep cut in his side, holding a blood-soaked bundle of fabric to the wound.. his once-white shirt torn and blackened by soot.. and a bloodied pitchfork at his side.. It was his father.
"Dad!" he yelled, collapsing beside Mr. Cosley, glancing at the pale face, sprayed with dried blood,
"Wh.. What.." the words stammered from his lips, as tears welled up in his eyes, his mind grasping to make sense.
His father's flesh was pale in the dimming light, failing to raise his head weakly, he rolled it over to look at his son.
"Kobolds.. They came.. From the south.." his throat was hoarse from the smoke, "I got one.. with the fork.. but he cut.. deep.."
Kobolds? Those were just stories to scare children!
The bundle of cloth on his wound was dripping into the grass into a growing pool.
"You can't die," sobs shook his body, his face trailed with tears.
"We all do.. son.. We.." a harsh cough brought up blood, halting his words.
Lifting an arm, Wrack wiped his face of tears and sat up..
Trees began to thin and the path grew grassier as he neared the southeastern edge of the village and the smell of smoke and sound of shouts grew stronger.
Topping the small hill that marked the edge of Beregost, he was able to see the cause: a group of dog-snouted beasts walking on their hind legs, holding spears and swords were fleeing to the south as a group of militia chased them into the trees, and the smoke was rising in plumes from the four homes nearest him.. The smallest one was his own.
Dropping the rabbits, he sprinted towards his home, seeing the flames lick at the rooves, and noticing the bodies of these beasts and a few of his neighbors alike were strewn about on the matted grass. Some of the villagers stood bloodied, wearing makeshift bandages and tourniquets over their wounds, carrying pitchforks and rusted weapons that attics once held, their coughs muffled by the loud crackling of flames.
An older man, Mr. Cosley, his neighbour for the entirety of his sixteen year old life was on his knees, bent over someone familiar with a deep cut in his side, holding a blood-soaked bundle of fabric to the wound.. his once-white shirt torn and blackened by soot.. and a bloodied pitchfork at his side.. It was his father.
"Dad!" he yelled, collapsing beside Mr. Cosley, glancing at the pale face, sprayed with dried blood,
"Wh.. What.." the words stammered from his lips, as tears welled up in his eyes, his mind grasping to make sense.
His father's flesh was pale in the dimming light, failing to raise his head weakly, he rolled it over to look at his son.
"Kobolds.. They came.. From the south.." his throat was hoarse from the smoke, "I got one.. with the fork.. but he cut.. deep.."
Kobolds? Those were just stories to scare children!
The bundle of cloth on his wound was dripping into the grass into a growing pool.
"You can't die," sobs shook his body, his face trailed with tears.
"We all do.. son.. We.." a harsh cough brought up blood, halting his words.
Lifting an arm, Wrack wiped his face of tears and sat up..
Twitching in time
Maya wove her way through the thick folliage climbing up the banks of the small brook just down from where the waterfall fell in a deafening roar, her eyes locked on the small cabbin in the distance. She made her way foward, her gaze never wavering as the gossimar webs that formed her garments left the thinest of trails in the mud behind her.
Maya was growing impatient, had she been able to just carry through on what had been decided this would have all ended by now, instead the pompus arrogant bastard had delivered her with a letter, telling her not to act?! She doubted it.
Maya was a patient woman, but her patience was running out. She would find out why she was still in this skin, she would find out why the whore was still in the cabbin, then she would deal with it herself. As maya was about to grab another small sapling and pull herself up to finally crest the bank she stopped, her nostrils flaring slightly as the faint odour of tobacco began to fill her nose. Her eyes narrowing, Maya scanned the area about her a smirk forming on her lips, "He is here then, now to find somewhere to sit, while I see what he is up to"
Maya was growing impatient, had she been able to just carry through on what had been decided this would have all ended by now, instead the pompus arrogant bastard had delivered her with a letter, telling her not to act?! She doubted it.
Maya was a patient woman, but her patience was running out. She would find out why she was still in this skin, she would find out why the whore was still in the cabbin, then she would deal with it herself. As maya was about to grab another small sapling and pull herself up to finally crest the bank she stopped, her nostrils flaring slightly as the faint odour of tobacco began to fill her nose. Her eyes narrowing, Maya scanned the area about her a smirk forming on her lips, "He is here then, now to find somewhere to sit, while I see what he is up to"
Introduction by Flame - Part 1
Entering New Thalos proper from the east, the sights and were welcome in comparison to the open seas. It was also nice to be on his own two feet again against firm ground. His stomach grumbled, for hunger or being unsettled at the thought of his rocking cabin, he could not tell.
Markets surrounded him with the clanging of blacksmith hammers, the weaving of looms, the shouting of bazaar hawkers, and the haggling of the potential buyers. It was all very eminiscent of Baldur's Gate if to a smaller scale, a place he had only briefly visited in his travels, but it was much cleaner here, and guards appeared to be more useful, as he peered at a man who stood against a wall, his eyes scanning the small crowds.
In the distance to the south west, wisps of smoke and shouting could be seen from somewhere far off as something large appeared to be burning, and the light waft of wood smoke filled his nose..
...
Cool air ran over Wrack's skin as he loped down a small bend in the well-worn path. Slung over his shoulder, the two rabbits would make a fine meal for him and his father tonight, perhaps a stew.. His mouth watered lightly at the thought of the meal.
Overhead, a canopy of large trees blocked out the sky, which was growing darker as dusk slid over the quiet forest of Beregost, and the smell of pine and cedar filled the air, with a hint of campfire off in the distance.
Light birdsong from the branches grew less frequent as the sun dipped lower.
A few deer in the distance could be seen grazing-- he would have to bring his bow next time-- until suddenly their heads looked up as a twig snapped under his foot. The small family of four, three doe and a buck, stared at him in unison, as he stopped dead in his tracks to watch them, surprised by his own misstep.
For only a few moments, they all stood motionless and watching each other, the deer clearly ready to bolt at the slightest movement. Suddenly, the deer all turned their heads northwest.. and a shout could be heard off in the distance.
The campfire smell was stronger now, Wrack smelled at the air and paused, holding his ear in the direction the deer were looking.. towards the village.. and another shout, louder this time, and a howl he did not recognize.
The deer bolted into the trees, disappearing quickly around thick trunks and into dense underbrush..
Something was wrong.
Markets surrounded him with the clanging of blacksmith hammers, the weaving of looms, the shouting of bazaar hawkers, and the haggling of the potential buyers. It was all very eminiscent of Baldur's Gate if to a smaller scale, a place he had only briefly visited in his travels, but it was much cleaner here, and guards appeared to be more useful, as he peered at a man who stood against a wall, his eyes scanning the small crowds.
In the distance to the south west, wisps of smoke and shouting could be seen from somewhere far off as something large appeared to be burning, and the light waft of wood smoke filled his nose..
...
Cool air ran over Wrack's skin as he loped down a small bend in the well-worn path. Slung over his shoulder, the two rabbits would make a fine meal for him and his father tonight, perhaps a stew.. His mouth watered lightly at the thought of the meal.
Overhead, a canopy of large trees blocked out the sky, which was growing darker as dusk slid over the quiet forest of Beregost, and the smell of pine and cedar filled the air, with a hint of campfire off in the distance.
Light birdsong from the branches grew less frequent as the sun dipped lower.
A few deer in the distance could be seen grazing-- he would have to bring his bow next time-- until suddenly their heads looked up as a twig snapped under his foot. The small family of four, three doe and a buck, stared at him in unison, as he stopped dead in his tracks to watch them, surprised by his own misstep.
For only a few moments, they all stood motionless and watching each other, the deer clearly ready to bolt at the slightest movement. Suddenly, the deer all turned their heads northwest.. and a shout could be heard off in the distance.
The campfire smell was stronger now, Wrack smelled at the air and paused, holding his ear in the direction the deer were looking.. towards the village.. and another shout, louder this time, and a howl he did not recognize.
The deer bolted into the trees, disappearing quickly around thick trunks and into dense underbrush..
Something was wrong.
Landing Ashore - Part 2
The young man wavered onto the deck, his stomach queasy from the ship that no longer rocked in the open seas. Grabbing at the railings where he could, he stepped down the gangplank to the New Thalos docks. The air was thick with salt and the fresh catches of fish of the lesser vessels, mingled with the exotic herbs, spices, and tobaccos of the larger trade ships.
At the end of the long dock, he could see the bald-headed Captain Drogol of the ship he was disembarking, The Maiden of Light. The captain finished his quick talk with the dockmaster, tipped his large-brimmed hat, turned on a heel, and walked towards the first inn in sight, an open door into a dark room with a worn and unreadable sign hanging over it.
Approaching the dockmaster, the young man held tightly at the sling pack over his shoulder, but was greeted by a wide smile.
"Good day! I am dockmaster Elbrim, what business brings you to New Thalos?"
"My name is Wrack.." the young man replied, his hands easing into calm, loosening his grip, "and I come seeking knowledge.."
The dockmaster scribbled words into a small notebook, paused, and peered up, "Knowledge, you say? What sort of knowledge?"
"I seek knowledge against the enemies of good in the realms."
Looking at Wrack's face, the dockmaster paused before writing, "That is a noble deed, young man. Where, might I ask, do you hail from?"
"A small village called Beregost, near to Candlekeep," his blue eyes glazed over lightly with a sheen of distant thought.
"Near Candlekeep.. my, you are far from home. I hope you find what you seek.. We could all do with more peace in these realms."
A few more words entered the dockmaster's book, he beamed another smile and turned, walking to meet the captain of another ship just arriving.
Turning to face the city, Wrack began his trek west..
At the end of the long dock, he could see the bald-headed Captain Drogol of the ship he was disembarking, The Maiden of Light. The captain finished his quick talk with the dockmaster, tipped his large-brimmed hat, turned on a heel, and walked towards the first inn in sight, an open door into a dark room with a worn and unreadable sign hanging over it.
Approaching the dockmaster, the young man held tightly at the sling pack over his shoulder, but was greeted by a wide smile.
"Good day! I am dockmaster Elbrim, what business brings you to New Thalos?"
"My name is Wrack.." the young man replied, his hands easing into calm, loosening his grip, "and I come seeking knowledge.."
The dockmaster scribbled words into a small notebook, paused, and peered up, "Knowledge, you say? What sort of knowledge?"
"I seek knowledge against the enemies of good in the realms."
Looking at Wrack's face, the dockmaster paused before writing, "That is a noble deed, young man. Where, might I ask, do you hail from?"
"A small village called Beregost, near to Candlekeep," his blue eyes glazed over lightly with a sheen of distant thought.
"Near Candlekeep.. my, you are far from home. I hope you find what you seek.. We could all do with more peace in these realms."
A few more words entered the dockmaster's book, he beamed another smile and turned, walking to meet the captain of another ship just arriving.
Turning to face the city, Wrack began his trek west..
Unexpected Visitor
Sliver removed its cloak, revealing its self to the the being before it. Heart and mind battled for position. Sliver knew who this was, what he was... and what his people had tried to do to her clan... But something the creature could not describe stopped the actions.
Cursing lightly, Sliver reigned its whips back in, tucking them away. The Thri-kreen cautiously moved over to the seemingly defeated man, looking down upon him as a war waged inside of it's head. A small growl came from the throat of the bug at the frustration the situation caused.
What about this man had Sliver so curious and unable to perform duties it knew should be done? Something tugged the bugs emotions and just wouldn't let Sliver do what the clan would demand it do with such an encounter with such a man. Reaching a hand down to the one before it, Sliver's mind and heart pushed forward, caressing and searching the fallen man's being, measuring his worth and seeking out the source of these odd feelings that prevented the the bug from finishing the man off.
Cursing lightly, Sliver reigned its whips back in, tucking them away. The Thri-kreen cautiously moved over to the seemingly defeated man, looking down upon him as a war waged inside of it's head. A small growl came from the throat of the bug at the frustration the situation caused.
What about this man had Sliver so curious and unable to perform duties it knew should be done? Something tugged the bugs emotions and just wouldn't let Sliver do what the clan would demand it do with such an encounter with such a man. Reaching a hand down to the one before it, Sliver's mind and heart pushed forward, caressing and searching the fallen man's being, measuring his worth and seeking out the source of these odd feelings that prevented the the bug from finishing the man off.
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