Claire lay that night in a crushing embrace that held her close to Ruthivan's chest. He had been angry with her yet again, she'd cast a spell on him to bring the worst discomfort and refused to heal him. Still, he held her close to him and heard none of her protests.
She had sworn to get free of the bond that linked them together, swore to get free of him, and as swiftly as she'd breathed the words, he'd reminded her that she was trapped in the house. The ward that surrounded it, tailor tuned to her own frequencies, keeping her prisoner. 'It will be there until you learn your place,' he'd said. 'What does that mean?' she asked, unable to even pull away from him enough to look at him. 'As long as you have to ask, it will be there.'
What could she do? Claire was raising a brood with this... monster. She hated that she felt a clear resentment toward her children as well. They were half of him, her blood and his own were locked in them for eternity - mingled together to never be taken apart. If she did find a way out of this place, did she take them and hope to conquer the twisted racist message he'd hammered into them? Or leave them behind, lost causes to grow into xenophobic hatemongers like the man who was their father?
The final question... getting out of here. Her own father had given her to Ruthivan like cattle without concern over his angry tendencies. If he knew what Ruthivan had done, he would surely free her of the marriage... but she couldn't go tell him. Certainly, Ruthivan wouldn't let her. Unless... she tried to fake everything until he was satisfied in her compliance.
Claire closed her eyes and brought back one of the best memories she had - a picnic behind the cottage - Gilean's face when she brought out the chocolate covered strawberries. She let the warm feelings spread and when she opened her eyes in the darkness of the bedroom, she noticed a faint purple glow coming from her skin. She would hold the memories tightly, her flames would return, and Ruthivan would have to slowly release his grip. When he did, Claire would take her chance.
Situation Critical
Enmach sat across from Fenlauch. The gold-skinned being was clad in a loose tunic and breeches, his golden armor stowed neatly in the corner of the room. He stared at Enmach with a patient gaze, his hands folded over his lap. The room had a smell of rose petals and sandalwood from the incense that had long stopped burning. Enmach lowered her gaze, hoping Fenlauch would not immediately disapprove of her request.
Finally, he spoke, leaning forward as he did so. "Enmach, it needs be said that you have become too involved in Sanria's affairs."
"I am her advisor," she said quietly.
"I am aware," the baritone voice said, "but that does not mean she is permitted to call on us whenever the situation seems out of her hands."
"Fenlauch, a woman is in a very volatile relationship, it does have to do with balance."
Fenlauch gave a stare that caused Enmach to swallow and again lower her eyes. "It is personal, Enmach, and that is not why we are here."
"I know, but-"
"I am also aware of your involvement with Orn when he was seeking his mother some time ago." Enmach sank in her seat. "You deliberately circumvented our rules to aid him."
"Fenlauch, I merely-"
"Silence," Fenlauch said. The word was soft, but the power behind it was unmistakable. "You cannot keep pushing to aid them, Enmach. Your emotions have clouded your judgment. If you keep insisting on aiding them at every turn, rather than guiding them, I will have to send you home."
Enmach raised her head suddenly. "But Fenlauch, this woman is in dire need of help."
"Then guide Sanria to find help among the human beings and other assorted citizens of the realms. We are here to observe and push for overarching balance, not invest ourselves in minor affairs."
"Minor aff-"
"Enmach, you have your final warning. Advise, but disengage yourself from this matter. We have few of us as it is here, and there have been rumblings that things have been changing as far as the Gods are concerned. There are greater things we must be watchful over. Sanria will have to find help from another source. Do I make myself clear?"
Enmach stood and bowed her head in polite assent. "Yes, you have been perfectly clear."
"Good. I do not wish to hurt you, Enmach, but sometimes a keen reminder is needed to keep us on our paths."
"Yes, I understand."
"Is that all, then?"
"That is all." "Then be well, and please give Sanria my apologies when you
deliver the news."
Enmach turned and walked from Fenlauch's room. She held her head up, her expression neutral, as she walked down the halls of the castle. She shoved her emotions down as she walked to Sanria's office. It was for the greater good, she reminded herself, and with a still heavy heart, knocked lightly on the door.
Finally, he spoke, leaning forward as he did so. "Enmach, it needs be said that you have become too involved in Sanria's affairs."
"I am her advisor," she said quietly.
"I am aware," the baritone voice said, "but that does not mean she is permitted to call on us whenever the situation seems out of her hands."
"Fenlauch, a woman is in a very volatile relationship, it does have to do with balance."
Fenlauch gave a stare that caused Enmach to swallow and again lower her eyes. "It is personal, Enmach, and that is not why we are here."
"I know, but-"
"I am also aware of your involvement with Orn when he was seeking his mother some time ago." Enmach sank in her seat. "You deliberately circumvented our rules to aid him."
"Fenlauch, I merely-"
"Silence," Fenlauch said. The word was soft, but the power behind it was unmistakable. "You cannot keep pushing to aid them, Enmach. Your emotions have clouded your judgment. If you keep insisting on aiding them at every turn, rather than guiding them, I will have to send you home."
Enmach raised her head suddenly. "But Fenlauch, this woman is in dire need of help."
"Then guide Sanria to find help among the human beings and other assorted citizens of the realms. We are here to observe and push for overarching balance, not invest ourselves in minor affairs."
"Minor aff-"
"Enmach, you have your final warning. Advise, but disengage yourself from this matter. We have few of us as it is here, and there have been rumblings that things have been changing as far as the Gods are concerned. There are greater things we must be watchful over. Sanria will have to find help from another source. Do I make myself clear?"
Enmach stood and bowed her head in polite assent. "Yes, you have been perfectly clear."
"Good. I do not wish to hurt you, Enmach, but sometimes a keen reminder is needed to keep us on our paths."
"Yes, I understand."
"Is that all, then?"
"That is all." "Then be well, and please give Sanria my apologies when you
deliver the news."
Enmach turned and walked from Fenlauch's room. She held her head up, her expression neutral, as she walked down the halls of the castle. She shoved her emotions down as she walked to Sanria's office. It was for the greater good, she reminded herself, and with a still heavy heart, knocked lightly on the door.
Trussing Claire 2/2
He regretted it instantly when he saw the shock cross her features and the distrust flood her eyes. She closed her mouth, her jaw going tight, and tears rolled down her stoic face. It looked as though she was daring him to do it again, defiant.
Ruthivan held his breath for a moment then narrowed his eyes. "Get yourself together," he hissed, holding a finger in her face. "I knew you would do it," she whispered. "It was only a question of when." "Shut up," he spat. "You made me lash out, you and those humans, including the one that took our son." "Whatever we may have had, whatever might have been, it is gone. I will not rest until I have absolved myself of you." "Well," he said with a sneer, "you're going to have a long time to wait, Claire. You are bonded to me and belong with and to me. So straighten yourself up, or I'll straighten you myself."
He walked from the room, slamming the door behind him. He left the living room and paced in the woods beyond. He slammed his fist into a tree, crunching his bones and magically healing them. She made him so hateful and angry... it was her fault. In his mind, the realization that she would never love him filled his senses and drove him mad. He looked skyward and let out a howl of rage. It drifted through the woods to be absorbed by the trees that ruffled their leaves in repeated whispers to dissipate the pity and hate they were forced to absorb.
Ruthivan held his breath for a moment then narrowed his eyes. "Get yourself together," he hissed, holding a finger in her face. "I knew you would do it," she whispered. "It was only a question of when." "Shut up," he spat. "You made me lash out, you and those humans, including the one that took our son." "Whatever we may have had, whatever might have been, it is gone. I will not rest until I have absolved myself of you." "Well," he said with a sneer, "you're going to have a long time to wait, Claire. You are bonded to me and belong with and to me. So straighten yourself up, or I'll straighten you myself."
He walked from the room, slamming the door behind him. He left the living room and paced in the woods beyond. He slammed his fist into a tree, crunching his bones and magically healing them. She made him so hateful and angry... it was her fault. In his mind, the realization that she would never love him filled his senses and drove him mad. He looked skyward and let out a howl of rage. It drifted through the woods to be absorbed by the trees that ruffled their leaves in repeated whispers to dissipate the pity and hate they were forced to absorb.
Trussing Claire 1/2
Ruthivan walked into Celiara's room where all his children had gathered. Three faces looked back at him with an expression of worry. Celiara held Saren and Desmaren at her sides and Ruthivan gave a smile. These were his perfect gems, full blood Espers. He knelt down in front of them and put a hand on Celiara's knee. "I'm sorry you had to see that, children."
"Who were they, father?" Saren asked.
"Humans. They were here to cause trouble. You should always stay away from them."
"But Leanders hoomen," Desmaren said.
"Yes, and she caused trouble."
"But 'Skari loves, um, loves Leanders."
"Unfortunately. But they're gone now, so it's just the three of you until the new baby comes."
"Why is mother sad?" Saren asked quietly.
"Your mother is just... she's not sad."
"You maded her happy?" Desmaren smiled.
"I... will. I'll go do that right away."
Ruthivan stood up and left the children with a quick, "I love you." He walked into the bedroom to find Claire laying on the bed, sobbing. He set his jaw. "Claire, get up," he said, holding his voice in check. "You're making the children upset."
"How could you?" she sobbed as she sat up.
He walked to her side and snatched her to her feet, glaring into her face. He was tired of her self loathing and pity, tired of her never looking at him with any semblance of love, tired of her body with a complete lack of flames - no joy, tired of her moping about. She looked at him now with a glare of contempt, and he drew back and slapped her across the face.
"Who were they, father?" Saren asked.
"Humans. They were here to cause trouble. You should always stay away from them."
"But Leanders hoomen," Desmaren said.
"Yes, and she caused trouble."
"But 'Skari loves, um, loves Leanders."
"Unfortunately. But they're gone now, so it's just the three of you until the new baby comes."
"Why is mother sad?" Saren asked quietly.
"Your mother is just... she's not sad."
"You maded her happy?" Desmaren smiled.
"I... will. I'll go do that right away."
Ruthivan stood up and left the children with a quick, "I love you." He walked into the bedroom to find Claire laying on the bed, sobbing. He set his jaw. "Claire, get up," he said, holding his voice in check. "You're making the children upset."
"How could you?" she sobbed as she sat up.
He walked to her side and snatched her to her feet, glaring into her face. He was tired of her self loathing and pity, tired of her never looking at him with any semblance of love, tired of her body with a complete lack of flames - no joy, tired of her moping about. She looked at him now with a glare of contempt, and he drew back and slapped her across the face.
Come Alive
nnnnRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!
The makou light in Ror's office flickered. "What the... " said Ror and he nearly fell off his chair as the room rocked on its foundation.
Aneh! The thought flashed through Ror's mind and before he knew it, he was out of his chair and running down the hallway. He sensed mixed signals coming from his fiancee. There was a lot of emotion and fear.
He yelled to the guards to follow him as he ran past them.
It took forever to get to the lab.
Why was the lab so far away?
Was it always this far?
Skipping half the steps on the stairway, Ror rushed to the entrance of the laboratory. There was a lot of smoke, rubble and personnel yelling. "Evacuate and help these people, " commanded Ror before pushing himself through the small crowd of researchers towards Aneh, asking, "What happened? " And spotting the remains of an once sturdy lab door to the left of him, Ror put his arm around his fiancee in protection. Taking a deep breath, Aneh put her hand on his arm. "Well, I hope life happened... Look... "
"I see a destroyed laboratory, not to mentioned scared and wounded people... And the giant armour that... " Ror fell silent. In the center of the wrecked laboratory, was indeed the armour that... It moved! Its arm went up and the helmet down as if it was studying its own gauntlet.
It was alive.
He knew it. Aneh knew it.
For a split second he thought, it worked! Then there was a tsunami of thoughts and risk analysis.
This thing had blown up his laboratory. It could harm them...
Still, it was strange and fascinating to see an idea come alive, literally....
He felt a tugging motion on his sleeve, "I have to talk to... Him... Her... " said Aneh, "I think him... "
Despite warning to be cautious, Ror quickly found himself in between the armour and his fiancee, functioning as her living shield.
As they approached, the helmet slightly turned to follow them....
The makou light in Ror's office flickered. "What the... " said Ror and he nearly fell off his chair as the room rocked on its foundation.
Aneh! The thought flashed through Ror's mind and before he knew it, he was out of his chair and running down the hallway. He sensed mixed signals coming from his fiancee. There was a lot of emotion and fear.
He yelled to the guards to follow him as he ran past them.
It took forever to get to the lab.
Why was the lab so far away?
Was it always this far?
Skipping half the steps on the stairway, Ror rushed to the entrance of the laboratory. There was a lot of smoke, rubble and personnel yelling. "Evacuate and help these people, " commanded Ror before pushing himself through the small crowd of researchers towards Aneh, asking, "What happened? " And spotting the remains of an once sturdy lab door to the left of him, Ror put his arm around his fiancee in protection. Taking a deep breath, Aneh put her hand on his arm. "Well, I hope life happened... Look... "
"I see a destroyed laboratory, not to mentioned scared and wounded people... And the giant armour that... " Ror fell silent. In the center of the wrecked laboratory, was indeed the armour that... It moved! Its arm went up and the helmet down as if it was studying its own gauntlet.
It was alive.
He knew it. Aneh knew it.
For a split second he thought, it worked! Then there was a tsunami of thoughts and risk analysis.
This thing had blown up his laboratory. It could harm them...
Still, it was strange and fascinating to see an idea come alive, literally....
He felt a tugging motion on his sleeve, "I have to talk to... Him... Her... " said Aneh, "I think him... "
Despite warning to be cautious, Ror quickly found himself in between the armour and his fiancee, functioning as her living shield.
As they approached, the helmet slightly turned to follow them....
The Monks of Vectors
On a silent night, a couple weeks ago.. A strange incident took place in the in the heart of Vectorian City. Warewolfs of a distance forest come attacking the city, killing innocent traders, citizens, women, children and none was spared.
The Guards were immediately deployed and security measures were taken into serious consideration. The Government suspect that this is an act of some intruders trying to create havoc within the Empire.
The warewolves are sneaky and the Empire lost thousands of their valuable guards. Ambushes took place all around the city and the city itself is too big and it is impossible to cover every inch of the city.
Very soon, the Government was impatient and couldn't stand losing so many guards in just 2 weeks. The batallion will soon fall and the city will soon be vulnarable to outsider attack, if this continues. A barricade needs to be set up almost immediately but none was strong enough to gather and to put up the barrier to protect the city against these ambushes.
The Government has left with no choice but to summon their Monks to aid in the battle while some helps to set up the obelisk for the barriers. The Monks fought bravely with their swift agility and some uses their mental strength and physical capability to belp with the barrier. In just 36 hours, the barrier is fully erected, securing the entire city.
The citizens, farmers, traders now have a secure living within the Empire while the monks were dispatched in a journey to seek the reason behind this warewolves ambushes.
The Monks now serve full time within the Empire and with their swift agility, they are surely something to be feared....
The Guards were immediately deployed and security measures were taken into serious consideration. The Government suspect that this is an act of some intruders trying to create havoc within the Empire.
The warewolves are sneaky and the Empire lost thousands of their valuable guards. Ambushes took place all around the city and the city itself is too big and it is impossible to cover every inch of the city.
Very soon, the Government was impatient and couldn't stand losing so many guards in just 2 weeks. The batallion will soon fall and the city will soon be vulnarable to outsider attack, if this continues. A barricade needs to be set up almost immediately but none was strong enough to gather and to put up the barrier to protect the city against these ambushes.
The Government has left with no choice but to summon their Monks to aid in the battle while some helps to set up the obelisk for the barriers. The Monks fought bravely with their swift agility and some uses their mental strength and physical capability to belp with the barrier. In just 36 hours, the barrier is fully erected, securing the entire city.
The citizens, farmers, traders now have a secure living within the Empire while the monks were dispatched in a journey to seek the reason behind this warewolves ambushes.
The Monks now serve full time within the Empire and with their swift agility, they are surely something to be feared....
The Unthinkable
Sanria sat at her desk in the castle. Her familiar knot of wood in the top staring back at her. It had been several days since she'd been to "visit" Claire, her mind had been reeling. She knew Claire's story, she knew Claire had been dominated completely by the man she was with, and could only arrive at one conclusion to help her solve the problem. They'd have to get rid of Ruthivan... permanently.
Killing a being to free another, was that right? The voices crept into Sanria's mind. 'Is there not a severe imbalance in that relationship? Is it not your duty to help balance?' No. Sanria shook her head in consternation. She was no killer. She sighed deeply and dug into her mind for answers. If they couldn't kill him, and he could manage to travel the planes (meaning he would most certainly return to collect Claire), what other possibility was there?
A soft knock on the door revealed Enmach, who swooped into the room under her usual graces. "Greetings Sanria. I apologize that I have not been around as of late." Sanria waved her hand dismissively, and then the idea struck her like a thunderbolt from the skies. "Enmach... have I ever told you of my friend, Claire?" "Only that she was once the lover of your husband."
Sanria shifted uncomfortably in her chair, deciding now was not the time to let Enmach in on all the facts of her relationship. She told her of Claire's life, current and past. Finally, Sanria looked at Enmach and let out a sigh. "Is it possible," here she paused, knowing that once this thought was in the world, there was no taking it back, "that we can alter his memories just as your people altered Colin's?"
Enmach knitted her brows and looked to the desk. "You realize what you are proposing is kidnapping and forcing someone to our will?" "I know..." Sanria's voice dropped to a whisper. "But if she doesn't get help..." "Does she want help? Did you ask?" "I didn't have a chance. Though it is not difficult to see that she is in dire straits." Enmach sighed heavily. "I'll talk to Fenlauch." She looked at Sanria and Sanria could see the confusion in the silver eyes. "You realize what you are suggesting is the same thing that happened to you..." Sanria looked down and gave a singular nod. "I know," she breathed as a whisper of shame.
Killing a being to free another, was that right? The voices crept into Sanria's mind. 'Is there not a severe imbalance in that relationship? Is it not your duty to help balance?' No. Sanria shook her head in consternation. She was no killer. She sighed deeply and dug into her mind for answers. If they couldn't kill him, and he could manage to travel the planes (meaning he would most certainly return to collect Claire), what other possibility was there?
A soft knock on the door revealed Enmach, who swooped into the room under her usual graces. "Greetings Sanria. I apologize that I have not been around as of late." Sanria waved her hand dismissively, and then the idea struck her like a thunderbolt from the skies. "Enmach... have I ever told you of my friend, Claire?" "Only that she was once the lover of your husband."
Sanria shifted uncomfortably in her chair, deciding now was not the time to let Enmach in on all the facts of her relationship. She told her of Claire's life, current and past. Finally, Sanria looked at Enmach and let out a sigh. "Is it possible," here she paused, knowing that once this thought was in the world, there was no taking it back, "that we can alter his memories just as your people altered Colin's?"
Enmach knitted her brows and looked to the desk. "You realize what you are proposing is kidnapping and forcing someone to our will?" "I know..." Sanria's voice dropped to a whisper. "But if she doesn't get help..." "Does she want help? Did you ask?" "I didn't have a chance. Though it is not difficult to see that she is in dire straits." Enmach sighed heavily. "I'll talk to Fenlauch." She looked at Sanria and Sanria could see the confusion in the silver eyes. "You realize what you are suggesting is the same thing that happened to you..." Sanria looked down and gave a singular nod. "I know," she breathed as a whisper of shame.
Current Character Description - Vanyard
Standing here in front of you is a well built, incredibly good looking man, knuckles hardened like stones, and a body as if it was chiseled from steel plates. A huge white smile gleams as it attracts your attention. A true Warrior, A Dark Nights Watch-Men of the Father. A Brand to prove his Loyalty is displayed with pride on his chest as it represents strong group of wise Warriors always in the ready. He then winks at you, smiles and turning his head ever so quickly He disappears from you sight.
Current Character Description - Shatehou Chezaz
Standing before you is an Esper from ancient bloodlines. The tales of his past remains a mystery. Pale white hair and transparent grey eyes, this is no ordinary creature taking the form of humans. Skin as fair as elves, none can tell of his actual age. One who dislikes war, wanders the realm in a dark brown cloak posing as a peasant. Much of a mystery, his capability is often within the rumours. Death and sorrow is all he sees in his path as his journey continues, hoping he could make a difference.
Current Character Description - Khalid
He stands before you with the body of a handsome young man. Long black hair flows across his tanned face. His green eyes stare back at you. His eyes tell you that he is wise beyond his years, almost fearless. He carries a fearsome looking grin like it was painted on his face. His posture stands straight up, never slouching. His height is that of the average man.Black and red robes hide what muscle tone he has. Also covering what armor lies beneath it. His weapon is sheathed by his side. His hands look soft and clean as if he never wielded that sword a day in his life. Several magical orbs float around him, emitting vibrant colors. He talks quietly, never revealing more than needs to be discussed. Something about him almost seems mystical.
Current Character Description - Madic
A small dark-skinned dwarven figure stands before you, garbed in swirling robes of black, embroidered with purple designs alongs its trim. From beneath a hood, a pair of green eyes pierce through.
Upon closer inspection of his robes, it is the repetition of patterns of only a single letter.. "V"
Upon closer inspection of his robes, it is the repetition of patterns of only a single letter.. "V"
Current Character Description - Zekai
Standing before you is a large and powerful figure with gray blood stained skin coverd from the waist down in hand crafted leather, looking at you with his large brown eyes and pointed teeth has the feeling as if he is here for blood behind his firey eyes lays the desire to give it his all and will show it on the battlefield for he will never surrender and take no prisoners.
Current Character Description - Variable
A creature appearing to be more than flesh stands here. He barely has any skin and pitch black eyes. He has a chainmail over the rags that he wears. On his waist are an array of weapons ranging from simple daggers to a giant halberd. The bag he carries appears to be full of tattered old scrolls, and a few potions. The symbols on his armor appear to indicate a change in his stance between good and evil.
Current Character Description - Nydia
Hair the color of blueberries and cream blended together falls down to a thin set of shoulders. A pair of white wings, the tips somehow dyed the same color as the hair are folded against this kenku's back. Instead of a typical human nose, she has a flat sort of beak nose with two oval slits for breathing. Deep set blue eyes stare out at the world, perhaps a little too wide for the small set of Nydia's face. Light blue swirls of paint swirl outward from her eye and curve upward, with little stars drawn in the mix on one eye. The other eye is done in similar fashion, with black and grey paint. Her lips are full and painted with some sort of glossy substance that fades from purple on one side, to black on the other. Earrings fill up both ears, and she has another in the center of her lip, and snakebite labret piercings as well. She stands only five feet tall and has a wiry frame.
Current Character Description - Marlo
Standing in the shadows of the trees stands before a human of great skill and a loyal bear waiting for its next command, he has dark green eyes with a look of many battles, his weapon at ready with a all leather tunic and leather boots stained in blood of his fallen foes
Current Character Description - Kaster Bane
This Heucuva is a cold reminder of the dedication some go through even after death His skeleton shows through his armor and where a normal face man be is replaces with a broken skull empty eye sockets and missing nose. His jaw is reinforced and the strength of the magic that put this boned man together does indeed look strong. His empty eye sockets are empty because they do not have eyes but they do hold a burning light that pierces mortal souls. You better not pout and you better not cry. Because He knows if you are bad or good, so be good for goodness sake. He has a SoulBrand that marks him the possession of some magician. He seems bound to strict laws and codes that are beyond your access.
Current Character Description - Lotus
Wide baby blue eyes stare out from under long thick lashes. A pert little nose rests just above a set of thin lips that are a natural rosy red. This human girl appears to be quite young. She stands a mere four feet five and has tiny hands and slender shoulders to match her small size. Long black hair falls in soft curls down to this young humans knees. Currently her long tresses are pulled back from her face with two white lotus blossom clips which positioned right behind her ears. There is an innocence about this human female that cannot be denied but also a sadness that is evident to anyone who should pay attention.
the silent Monk
Vanyard, sits cross legged in his garden. Eyes closed with fingertips touching centering his chee. Will he speak? Course not!
Current Character Description - Zhengyi
The towering figure bares a faint semblance of a human, but unknown forces have mutated it. Tattered black robes cover the disgustingly thin frame, hiding the gaunt body from sight. Through the ragged strips of clothe, pieces of black chainmail can be seen providing protection. A deep black cowl drapes over the emaciated head with stringy white hair tumbling out in a tangled mess. Dry leather skin covers the face of the man, his features sunken back into his skull with misty white eyes bulging out of their sockets. Though it appears he really would be barely able to move due to his malnourished body, he does not seem to be limited to the confines of his body.
Current Character Description - Azriel
Here stands the figure of a man. Muscles protrude for his massive frame. Green eyes stare into your soul, making you feel uncomfortable. Black hair flows across his face. He is dressed in armor, fit for only the bravest and toughest of warriors. A giant battle axe rests across his back. He seems anxious and ready for battle, almost daring you to challenge him.
Current Character Description - Lynk
A pair of large rounded antennae arch almost gracefully out from the to of this woman's head, poking out from short choppy spiked hair of multiple colors. Smooth... skin looks odd and shiny, almost as if it were some type of metal or armor instead of skin, with the color being too perfectly uniform and tan to be real. Her features are little too hard, and orderly with wide eyes that are extra round, a nose that is too angled, a mouth that just... isn't right, seeming like it would never be able to move at all the way mouth should. The edges are a little puckered with ridges flowing back along her jaw line. Her ears are a little sunken in, with piercings all the way around them. He neck gives away more oddness with ridges in the skin on either side. Her hands are that of a normal human, but with hardened skin, and the same ridges as on her neck flow up the back of her hands, onto her wrist and arms, each ridge topped with a slight spike. The same pattern can be seen at her jointed knees, with the ridges and spikes flowing upward on her overly muscled legs. She lacks the back segment of the body that one would expect a normal Thri-kreen would have though she is obviously not anywhere close to being a simple human either. To make the majestic appearance complete a second and third set of arms can be seen folded into the body, almost unseen in the way they fit into the whole pattern of this woman's body.
Current Character Description - Galactus Melkien
A podrikev guilded in armor from the greatest creautres of the realms stands here in his 6'3" of glory his whips shining with the blue auro of the Dragon's Hoard. His eyes are a green and yellow tint unclouded by judgement of clouded thoughts. He is as he was a servent. His Outlook stands as ...
Current Character Description - Vladimar
Before you stands a mighty elf, mighty not only in his strength but in his natural attunement. His pointy ears and long features are common for his bloodline. He is clothed in furs and you have a strange feeling you may have seen him tracking you some other day in a forrest far from here. His weapons are wrapped in a red cloth that seems to fade through this plane of reality. His bags of treasure are not as well hidden because they bulge with loot from many of the finest creatures and salesmen. Because of his unrelenting spirit and skills he has chosen to represents the virtue of Courage. He uses it everyday and will pushyou to find your own.
Current Character Description - Kronk
Hollow Black eyes stare out of thin slits. The fierce eyes are accentuated by an ugly scar that mars the greenish brown skin down one side of the 7 foot tall Half-Orc's face. Course black hair is slicked back away from the forehead, falling down past his shoulders in stringy sections with beads carved from various bones sectioning off braids throughout. The creature's broad nose constantly flares out, giving him an ever present angry look, which isn't tempered by the visciously sharp and rather huge tusks that stick out from his mouth. His sharp teeth gleam white and one only wonders what such a creature does to keep those instruments quite that white. Huge muscular arms do nothing to take away from the pure intimidation that this half-orc oozes out of every pore of his being. Jet black tattoos swirl around his shoulders circling down his arms and chest in thin tendrils, seeming to mock the scars that they trail over. Huge hands sport hairy knuckles and thick fingernails that are black and almost claw like in nature. He keeps them cut short but pointed.
Current Character Description - Strega
The scholars will tell you 'Stregheria' is an old-world word for 'witchcraft.' Not wishing her name to be known, the outsider uses Strega as it appears harmless enough. As does she. Appearing to be yet another religious sorceress draped in long black robes, she is often seen sitting quietly, watching. Always watching while being watched by none.
She's not unfriendly, she engages in small talk with those she encounters but she keeps a feeling of distance between herself and others as if she must always have her shields up. She is a skilled witch with only one thing that truly matters to her, her Liege. He whose name she whispers away from the non believers.
Her face is often hidden behind her black cloak and if one were to look carefully and at the right moment, one might see numbers or symbols seemingly burned into her right hand, no explanation has ever been offered. She is fairly easy to pass over as her simple dress and quiet manner seem to offer no threat or wealth or particular worth.
This is how she wants it, this is how it is to be. For now. For Him.
She's not unfriendly, she engages in small talk with those she encounters but she keeps a feeling of distance between herself and others as if she must always have her shields up. She is a skilled witch with only one thing that truly matters to her, her Liege. He whose name she whispers away from the non believers.
Her face is often hidden behind her black cloak and if one were to look carefully and at the right moment, one might see numbers or symbols seemingly burned into her right hand, no explanation has ever been offered. She is fairly easy to pass over as her simple dress and quiet manner seem to offer no threat or wealth or particular worth.
This is how she wants it, this is how it is to be. For now. For Him.
Current Character Description - Sszdrin Ken'lyl
A man of little words, Sszdrin stands apart from most. Onyx skin sets his deep blue shirt off like a sapphire flame. Black breeches and boots adorn his legs and feet. On his back is a pitch black cloak, and when it is drawn about him, he blends with the shadows. His brilliant white hair is pulled back in a pony tail that ends at the middle of his back, and crystal blue eyes examine the world around him with cunning. He has a lean silhouette and sculpted face, not to mention a pair of deadly blades.
Current Character Description - Gruumsh One-Eye
This half-orc looks to be the broadest, strongest, meanest ever seen. His lower jaw has tusks protruding up over his lip, a spattering of hair grows at his chin, and bushy black eyebrows accent his heavy brow. If it weren't for the green-gray skin and the smell, this might almost appear to be a neanderthal. He wears ebony plate mail, long red robes, and carries a massive spear in one hand. In his other hand he holds what appear to be the shrunken heads of past victims, bound by the hair.
Current Character Description - Xalyn D'Lael
Pooling like shadows brought into creation from mist, Once rich, now decaying fabrics, torn and blood spattered cling to the agile body of an ebon skinned woman. White thick hair, pools down around the womans delicate facial features in an abundance. The womans Lavender eyes are cruel and calculating, only smiling in malicious contempt. The stench of death and decay hang thick in the air around the woman and if she notices its presence, she seems at home with it. Her movements add an air of haughtiness to her gestures, her body adorned with modern and ancient jewelery suggesting at one time she was a woman of considerable wealth.
Current Character Description - Quintus Marcius Philippus
An Elf male stands tall, skin bronzed from a life spent in the elements. Eyes inset slightly, their cerulean color contrasting against his dark skin. A gash curves from over his left eye down his neck and disappears under his armor, an enduring memory of yesteryear. He served as a Major in the army of Aglarond and retired to the Yuriwood following the peace with Thay. Markedly lean, each step he takes is deliberate and controlled. His armor is made of linen cloth, covered with hardened leather plates. He clutches a long, white oak staff with several large knots at top with both hands for balance and combat.
Current Character Description - Shen Ju Rong
This man stands at average height with his jet black hair very closely cropped to his head. His skin is the color of honey mocha, and his almond shaped eyes are distinctly green beneath their epicanthical folds. He wears a brown wushu suit, tied at the waist with a bright satin sash the color of the sea. On his shins are a pair of stocking socks in white that rise to his knees beneath his suit, wound with a thin strap of deep brown leather, the same that bind the arms of his suit - keeping them out of the way during battle. On his feet are a pair of black leather slip-on shoes, so light as to be of no encumberance whatsoever. His jaw square and well defined, he looks out on the world with a keen eye as well as a measure of cunning and calculation.
Wayward Son
Sanria knew what was about to happen before it happened, but she still could not keep Orn from exploding in front of Ruthivan. She had to at last lay a hearty slap on her son's face to break his focus. Ruthivan had turned himself into some raging demonic... thing, and Sanria knew that in that instant, he was going to turn his fury on Claire once all was said and done. If, she entertained, he didn't kill them first.
"You men and your idiotic posturing," she hissed at Orn once they had left the tent and were standing before it outside. "Did you once think of what you were doing to Claire as you were threatening the man she has to live with?! You don't even know the whole story and you're in there acting as if you can take him. As if he's never dealt with kid-napping her multiple times!"
"She shouldn't be living with that! You saw how he was with her! What more is there to the story?" Orn said.
"Orn, damn it. Did YOU think about the children? Did you see she has four and one on the way? Gods only know what he's in there doing to her because you worked him up!"
"But, I mean, he was terrible..."
"You've effectively made it so we will NEVER come back here without force."
"I was just. I mean if nobody stands up to him. Claire can't even speak up for herself."
They looked up just to hear Ruthivan's shouting from the opened door. Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu walked out- Leandra looking defiant, Askari looking cowed, and Heiyu as scared as a child could be, clinging to his father. "Are you guys okay?" Orn asked, and Leandra glared. She walked to Sanria.
"We need a place to live so I hope you have somewhere we can go because hot head over there got in a tangle with Mr. Asshole," she spat.
"Leandra... that guy. Come on. He's unbelievable."
"Shut up, Orn. You just got us kicked out of our house. Idiot."
"Why would you want to be anywhere around him? Do you know what he called Heiyu?"
"Of COURSE I know. But at least here we had a place away from you and your do-good self! We stayed out of his way and kept Heiyu out of the way too! But you couldn't just keep your stupid self home!"
Sanria let out a sigh and put a hand up, asking for peace. "I... Leandra, let's not fight. You, Askari, and Heiyu can live at the cottage. No one is there now."
"Someone has to stand up to him," Orn said. "Let him know he can't be like that... right? It's just not right."
"Yeah," Leandra snarked. "We all knew that. Sorry you were late to the party.
Sanria sent Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu to the cottage and walked over to Orn. Comforting him for a moment before they returned to the cavern. She knew he was only doing his best, they all were only trying to help. Now, the possibilities of what Claire was enduring made her feel sick to her stomach. That she'd have to tell Gilean made her feel even worse... She sighed deeply. There had to be a solution to Claire's situation. Sanria had finally seen for herself... the woman was in trouble.
"You men and your idiotic posturing," she hissed at Orn once they had left the tent and were standing before it outside. "Did you once think of what you were doing to Claire as you were threatening the man she has to live with?! You don't even know the whole story and you're in there acting as if you can take him. As if he's never dealt with kid-napping her multiple times!"
"She shouldn't be living with that! You saw how he was with her! What more is there to the story?" Orn said.
"Orn, damn it. Did YOU think about the children? Did you see she has four and one on the way? Gods only know what he's in there doing to her because you worked him up!"
"But, I mean, he was terrible..."
"You've effectively made it so we will NEVER come back here without force."
"I was just. I mean if nobody stands up to him. Claire can't even speak up for herself."
They looked up just to hear Ruthivan's shouting from the opened door. Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu walked out- Leandra looking defiant, Askari looking cowed, and Heiyu as scared as a child could be, clinging to his father. "Are you guys okay?" Orn asked, and Leandra glared. She walked to Sanria.
"We need a place to live so I hope you have somewhere we can go because hot head over there got in a tangle with Mr. Asshole," she spat.
"Leandra... that guy. Come on. He's unbelievable."
"Shut up, Orn. You just got us kicked out of our house. Idiot."
"Why would you want to be anywhere around him? Do you know what he called Heiyu?"
"Of COURSE I know. But at least here we had a place away from you and your do-good self! We stayed out of his way and kept Heiyu out of the way too! But you couldn't just keep your stupid self home!"
Sanria let out a sigh and put a hand up, asking for peace. "I... Leandra, let's not fight. You, Askari, and Heiyu can live at the cottage. No one is there now."
"Someone has to stand up to him," Orn said. "Let him know he can't be like that... right? It's just not right."
"Yeah," Leandra snarked. "We all knew that. Sorry you were late to the party.
Sanria sent Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu to the cottage and walked over to Orn. Comforting him for a moment before they returned to the cavern. She knew he was only doing his best, they all were only trying to help. Now, the possibilities of what Claire was enduring made her feel sick to her stomach. That she'd have to tell Gilean made her feel even worse... She sighed deeply. There had to be a solution to Claire's situation. Sanria had finally seen for herself... the woman was in trouble.
Expulsion (3/3)
Sanria found a way to take Orn out of the tent and Ruthivan, back to his esper form, wheeled on her. "Go get that human and your spawn. Now."
Obediently, Claire went and returned leading the small family behind her. Ruthivan approached and pointed a finger into Leandra's chest. "Get out, all of you, and don't come back."
"Dad, don't do that to her," Askari said, stepping forward. Ruthivan let forth a scathing slap. "GET OUT!" "Ruthivan," Claire said, rushing forward, gripping Ruthivan's arm. "Please, don't do this, stop, he is our son!"
Ruthivan gripped Claire's robes and snatched her to his face. "These are not pure, and I'll purge them from our presence." He shoved her away and stepped to the door as Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu filed past. "Please!! Ruthivan!! Stop!!" Claire sobbed openly. "GET OUT! And if you dare come back here, so help me, I will destroy you."
Once the three were gone, Ruthivan slammed the door behind them. He glared about the room and the other children fled his sight. He strode over and lifted Claire from the ground by her arm. "If you have anything to do with those misborn mongrels again, I'll have to take more drastic measures. Do you hear me, Claire?" He shook her, and she nodded, sobbing. "Now, get in the bedroom and clean yourself up for Gods sakes. You should be happy I've purged us of impurities. Stop your crying."
Claire stumbled into the bedroom, numb. She collapsed onto the bed and sobbed harder than she had ever before.
Obediently, Claire went and returned leading the small family behind her. Ruthivan approached and pointed a finger into Leandra's chest. "Get out, all of you, and don't come back."
"Dad, don't do that to her," Askari said, stepping forward. Ruthivan let forth a scathing slap. "GET OUT!" "Ruthivan," Claire said, rushing forward, gripping Ruthivan's arm. "Please, don't do this, stop, he is our son!"
Ruthivan gripped Claire's robes and snatched her to his face. "These are not pure, and I'll purge them from our presence." He shoved her away and stepped to the door as Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu filed past. "Please!! Ruthivan!! Stop!!" Claire sobbed openly. "GET OUT! And if you dare come back here, so help me, I will destroy you."
Once the three were gone, Ruthivan slammed the door behind them. He glared about the room and the other children fled his sight. He strode over and lifted Claire from the ground by her arm. "If you have anything to do with those misborn mongrels again, I'll have to take more drastic measures. Do you hear me, Claire?" He shook her, and she nodded, sobbing. "Now, get in the bedroom and clean yourself up for Gods sakes. You should be happy I've purged us of impurities. Stop your crying."
Claire stumbled into the bedroom, numb. She collapsed onto the bed and sobbed harder than she had ever before.
Expulsion (2/3)
Claire could sense Ruthivan's vibrations and knew that the situation was growing perilous. Still, there was nothing she could do. He gripped her arm and shook her, the first time he had ever put a hand on her. She had to admit to them she was under house arrest, that she wasn't allowed, like a child, wasn't allowed to have visitors. Still, Orn and Sanria weren't leaving, not fast enough.
Sanria seemed to get it, and Claire found a bit of relief. "I believe we've been asked to leave, so we should in order to not cause any trouble."
"Do as your mother bids, boy. You can take your sister and her mongrel with you."
"I'm sorry? What?" Orn asked.
No, not this... Claire felt frantic energy as she watched Ruthivan take a step toward Orn. "Your sister and her mongrel that she made with the boy that was intended to be my son. Do I need to speak slower for your comprehension?"
"Mongrel?"
Things were spinning and spiraling out of control and didn't stop until in a flash of light, Ruthivan was in his battle form. He looked like Ifrit, with slight differences, and was stooped into the living room being to tall for its space. Claire knew in a moment, Orn might have a battle to the death on his hands.
Claire found herself shoved roughly out of the way, shocked that Ruthivan had suddenly chosen to get physical. The fear went through her again and she found herself disgusted by her cowardice and the shame that sat on her features.
Sanria seemed to get it, and Claire found a bit of relief. "I believe we've been asked to leave, so we should in order to not cause any trouble."
"Do as your mother bids, boy. You can take your sister and her mongrel with you."
"I'm sorry? What?" Orn asked.
No, not this... Claire felt frantic energy as she watched Ruthivan take a step toward Orn. "Your sister and her mongrel that she made with the boy that was intended to be my son. Do I need to speak slower for your comprehension?"
"Mongrel?"
Things were spinning and spiraling out of control and didn't stop until in a flash of light, Ruthivan was in his battle form. He looked like Ifrit, with slight differences, and was stooped into the living room being to tall for its space. Claire knew in a moment, Orn might have a battle to the death on his hands.
Claire found herself shoved roughly out of the way, shocked that Ruthivan had suddenly chosen to get physical. The fear went through her again and she found herself disgusted by her cowardice and the shame that sat on her features.
Expulsion (1/3)
he boy was at it again. Heiyu this time had gone into the cups and glasses in the kitchen, gathered them all into his arms, and went squealing into the living room. As much as she wanted Askari or Leandra to take responsibility for the boy, she adored the time she got to spend with her grandson. It was only this small space of time, when Ruthivan took the other children to the esper camp to be with -their- grandparents. And since Ruthivan had made her a capitive in her own home with the wards, she had no where else to-
Claire stopped short. There, standing in her living room, was Sanria and Orn. It couldn't be. This was not a good thing, unexpected visitors when Ruthivan would be coming home... She would be a good hostess, she would say hello then send them on their way before Ruthivan came home.
They'd come to check on her. The fear went through her. There was no time for answering questions, no time for -
Before Claire could think of a way to get them to stop, to get them to leave, the front door opened and Ruthivan stood shocked, then evenly angered at the- "There are humans in here, Dad!!!" "Children, go out and play."
Claire looked down, her guts heavy with icy fear. "Claire, why are these people in my house?" he asked. "This is Leandra's mother and brother," she said, rounding the room to rest a hand on Ruthivan's arm. "Orn Stone. Nice to meet you Mr. Wolldon." The handshake was ignored, and Claire's fears grew by the moment. "Claire, did you not understand my desire to not have guests of this kind in my house?" "Ruthivan, it's only for a moment. They came to see Leandra and Heiyu and Askari. That's all."
"Leave."
Claire stopped short. There, standing in her living room, was Sanria and Orn. It couldn't be. This was not a good thing, unexpected visitors when Ruthivan would be coming home... She would be a good hostess, she would say hello then send them on their way before Ruthivan came home.
They'd come to check on her. The fear went through her. There was no time for answering questions, no time for -
Before Claire could think of a way to get them to stop, to get them to leave, the front door opened and Ruthivan stood shocked, then evenly angered at the- "There are humans in here, Dad!!!" "Children, go out and play."
Claire looked down, her guts heavy with icy fear. "Claire, why are these people in my house?" he asked. "This is Leandra's mother and brother," she said, rounding the room to rest a hand on Ruthivan's arm. "Orn Stone. Nice to meet you Mr. Wolldon." The handshake was ignored, and Claire's fears grew by the moment. "Claire, did you not understand my desire to not have guests of this kind in my house?" "Ruthivan, it's only for a moment. They came to see Leandra and Heiyu and Askari. That's all."
"Leave."
Discoveries in Seas of Emotion ( 2 of 2)
The plans were made to leave the next day. Gilean hadn't wanted Sanria to go with the chance she'd run into Ruthivan, and she had obliged, but changed her mind when Orn chose to come along. She watched Orn go back up the stairs to pack a bag of his own, and left Gilean and Sandorin to return her pack to the bedroom. She heard a soft shuffle and turned to see Matinus standing in the doorway.
"Hello dear one," she said with a smile. "Something you needed?" She looked at the boy's face and frowned ever so slightly. There was something wrong. "What is it?" she said with a voice of concern.
"My dad is guilty."
"Wh.. what? What do you mean?" She sat on the bed and patted the space beside her. "Come in, sit." Matinus entered and sat looking at his lap. "I don't know what he did,
but he's been feeling guilty about it."
"Well I'm sure it's nothing."
The boy looked up at her and Sanria could see fear and pain written on his features. "I don't want him to mess up and make us leave and make you leave us. I don't want to lose you as my mom."
"Matinus..." Sanria reached over, putting her arm around his shoulders. "I promise you, no matter what this is, I won't go anywhere. You're my son now and everyone here is your family." "It's just that my Dad and Colin are angry with each other a lot, and now my dad did something wrong and feels guilty. Like when you're trying not to get in trouble, and I don't know why."
"Well, it's your dad. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's nothing as bad as it seems."
"You promise you won't go anywhere or make us leave?"
"Oh, Matinus. I won't go anywhere. And you're staying right here for as long as it takes til you grow up and leave on your own."
"What if I don't want to go when I get older?"
Sanria chuckled and kissed Matinus on the top of the head. She felt a deep connection to the boy, as though he were a miniature Orn all over again. She squeezed him lightly. "Then you can live here just like Orn and Mirin. Now, stop being worried and go play."
She watched the lopsided and shy smile come onto Matinus's face and he walked out. Then, and only then, did Sanria's smile fade. Guilty for what?
"Hello dear one," she said with a smile. "Something you needed?" She looked at the boy's face and frowned ever so slightly. There was something wrong. "What is it?" she said with a voice of concern.
"My dad is guilty."
"Wh.. what? What do you mean?" She sat on the bed and patted the space beside her. "Come in, sit." Matinus entered and sat looking at his lap. "I don't know what he did,
but he's been feeling guilty about it."
"Well I'm sure it's nothing."
The boy looked up at her and Sanria could see fear and pain written on his features. "I don't want him to mess up and make us leave and make you leave us. I don't want to lose you as my mom."
"Matinus..." Sanria reached over, putting her arm around his shoulders. "I promise you, no matter what this is, I won't go anywhere. You're my son now and everyone here is your family." "It's just that my Dad and Colin are angry with each other a lot, and now my dad did something wrong and feels guilty. Like when you're trying not to get in trouble, and I don't know why."
"Well, it's your dad. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's nothing as bad as it seems."
"You promise you won't go anywhere or make us leave?"
"Oh, Matinus. I won't go anywhere. And you're staying right here for as long as it takes til you grow up and leave on your own."
"What if I don't want to go when I get older?"
Sanria chuckled and kissed Matinus on the top of the head. She felt a deep connection to the boy, as though he were a miniature Orn all over again. She squeezed him lightly. "Then you can live here just like Orn and Mirin. Now, stop being worried and go play."
She watched the lopsided and shy smile come onto Matinus's face and he walked out. Then, and only then, did Sanria's smile fade. Guilty for what?
Discoveries in Seas of Emotion ( 1 of 2 )
"Mom, you really shouldn't come. The guy is an asshole." Leandra was not known for holding back, and Sanria sighed.
"I'd like to see her for myself and possibly..."
"What?"
"Well, I know we haven't exactly talked since... since you left, but-"
"Gods mom, what did you do now. Or should I say, who?"
"Leandra, that's... nevermind. I'm back together with your father."
"Well that's great!"
"No... hang on..."
"What?"
"I'm with Gilean, too." Silence. Then:
"You're married to two guys?"
"Yes."
"Holy hells, mom. I mean... what is wrong with you?"
"Leandra, I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances, so if you
don't mind keeping your demeaning opinion to yourself-"
"Fine. Fine... I'm... glad you're at least kinda back with Dad."
"Thank you," Sanria telepathed. "When can I come to visit Claire?"
"Soon. Mr. Bitch takes their kids to visit the other Espers daily. You
need to come about noon. If he finds you there, he's probably going
to be in a mood."
"Thank you, Leandra. I love you."
"Yeah, I know."
Sanria broke the connection with her daughter and sighed. She still didn't know she had a brand new half brother, but that would be a discussion for another time. She got up and packed a few supplies in her pack. She would go to Claire, figure out how to get her out of her situation, and bring her back for Gilean. It would be as simple as that. She had nearly reached the door when Gilean appeared from the library.
He guessed immediately where she was going and why, and spent the next moments trying to convince her that it was not what he wanted. "But," she began, "don't you love Claire more than you love me? If you could be with her, wouldn't you?" "I do love Claire. I do care about what she's going through and I hate to see it. She doesn't deserve it. But to say I love her more than you?" Gilean shook his head. "That's not true, Sanria."
Sanria's heart skipped and she reached out, taking both Gilean and her baby son, Sandorin, into an embrace. As strange was it was, she had to admit to herself that she was deeply in love with Gilean, and though it was different than the deep love she had for Colin, the truth was that she felt her heart more entwined with the man in her arms now.
She pulled back just as Orn came down the stairs. "Oh, hey guys. You... going somewhere, Mom?"
"Ah, I don't think so now. I was just going to go visit Claire and Leandra. I was thinking of helping Claire if she wanted help."
"Oh. Well, is there something I can do to help?"
"I'd like to see her for myself and possibly..."
"What?"
"Well, I know we haven't exactly talked since... since you left, but-"
"Gods mom, what did you do now. Or should I say, who?"
"Leandra, that's... nevermind. I'm back together with your father."
"Well that's great!"
"No... hang on..."
"What?"
"I'm with Gilean, too." Silence. Then:
"You're married to two guys?"
"Yes."
"Holy hells, mom. I mean... what is wrong with you?"
"Leandra, I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances, so if you
don't mind keeping your demeaning opinion to yourself-"
"Fine. Fine... I'm... glad you're at least kinda back with Dad."
"Thank you," Sanria telepathed. "When can I come to visit Claire?"
"Soon. Mr. Bitch takes their kids to visit the other Espers daily. You
need to come about noon. If he finds you there, he's probably going
to be in a mood."
"Thank you, Leandra. I love you."
"Yeah, I know."
Sanria broke the connection with her daughter and sighed. She still didn't know she had a brand new half brother, but that would be a discussion for another time. She got up and packed a few supplies in her pack. She would go to Claire, figure out how to get her out of her situation, and bring her back for Gilean. It would be as simple as that. She had nearly reached the door when Gilean appeared from the library.
He guessed immediately where she was going and why, and spent the next moments trying to convince her that it was not what he wanted. "But," she began, "don't you love Claire more than you love me? If you could be with her, wouldn't you?" "I do love Claire. I do care about what she's going through and I hate to see it. She doesn't deserve it. But to say I love her more than you?" Gilean shook his head. "That's not true, Sanria."
Sanria's heart skipped and she reached out, taking both Gilean and her baby son, Sandorin, into an embrace. As strange was it was, she had to admit to herself that she was deeply in love with Gilean, and though it was different than the deep love she had for Colin, the truth was that she felt her heart more entwined with the man in her arms now.
She pulled back just as Orn came down the stairs. "Oh, hey guys. You... going somewhere, Mom?"
"Ah, I don't think so now. I was just going to go visit Claire and Leandra. I was thinking of helping Claire if she wanted help."
"Oh. Well, is there something I can do to help?"
A Mission Gone Wrong
Pika stood with daggers in hand. Each breath burned his chest as he drew it in, and nearly choked him as he exhaled. His heart thundered in his ears so loud it was hard to hear anything else. The clouded night cast a thick fog over the entire are, giving perfect cover for an escape, but he could go nowhere yet. Not without her...
Where was she? His sister had disappeared from his side shouting and demanding for him to keep going, she was coming. DAMN but he shouldn't have listened. Now where was she? He pressed along the edge of the building, listening as the Vectorian guards passed by and holding his breath, quietly praying that they could not hear his thundering heart. They were so close but he was in no condition to fight. He had no strength left. He fought against the pain of his breath, captured in his chest, and waited, eyes wide open.
Dark edges intruded on his vision and he had to let his breath out in a rush. He heard the guards stop walking and his grip tightened around his dagger. A lump in his throat formed. He was scared. His sister was gone, he was here alone, and two Vectorian guards? He was no match! WHY did they come to this place? So stupid and thoughtless! Vector ruled these parts as well they knew, and their parents had been well known for their hatred against the Vector. But they had heard their other sister was here. They had to know, they had to see.
But now it was all for nothing, he thought, as the guards moved towards his hidden corner. Now he was separated from both sisters, and he would never know the fate of either. His 16 years of life was about to come to an end and he was alone. He closed his eyes and braced his feet. He would not go down without a fight. He swung around the corner and swung his right arm out with deadly accuracy towards one of the guards. The guard stumbled back and the other slashed out his sword, nicking Pika along his side as he, himself, stumbled back. The guards opend their mouths to shout and before a word could come out, a bolt of lightning shot down from the clouded sky, zapping right through the center of one of the guards and jumping to the other.
Pika took no pause as he circled around, stabbing his daggers once, twice, three times into the back of the guard who was still standing. He paid no mind to the guard as he fell, instead scanning the area quickly for his sister. Surely it was her doing. A hand grabbed him from behind and without hesitation they were both running down an alley way, fleeing the city before more guards could overcome them. One more fight would be the end of both Pika and Tika. Fleeing was the only option for now. Their sister would have to wait. Perhapse they would need to find another way of discovering her location.
Where was she? His sister had disappeared from his side shouting and demanding for him to keep going, she was coming. DAMN but he shouldn't have listened. Now where was she? He pressed along the edge of the building, listening as the Vectorian guards passed by and holding his breath, quietly praying that they could not hear his thundering heart. They were so close but he was in no condition to fight. He had no strength left. He fought against the pain of his breath, captured in his chest, and waited, eyes wide open.
Dark edges intruded on his vision and he had to let his breath out in a rush. He heard the guards stop walking and his grip tightened around his dagger. A lump in his throat formed. He was scared. His sister was gone, he was here alone, and two Vectorian guards? He was no match! WHY did they come to this place? So stupid and thoughtless! Vector ruled these parts as well they knew, and their parents had been well known for their hatred against the Vector. But they had heard their other sister was here. They had to know, they had to see.
But now it was all for nothing, he thought, as the guards moved towards his hidden corner. Now he was separated from both sisters, and he would never know the fate of either. His 16 years of life was about to come to an end and he was alone. He closed his eyes and braced his feet. He would not go down without a fight. He swung around the corner and swung his right arm out with deadly accuracy towards one of the guards. The guard stumbled back and the other slashed out his sword, nicking Pika along his side as he, himself, stumbled back. The guards opend their mouths to shout and before a word could come out, a bolt of lightning shot down from the clouded sky, zapping right through the center of one of the guards and jumping to the other.
Pika took no pause as he circled around, stabbing his daggers once, twice, three times into the back of the guard who was still standing. He paid no mind to the guard as he fell, instead scanning the area quickly for his sister. Surely it was her doing. A hand grabbed him from behind and without hesitation they were both running down an alley way, fleeing the city before more guards could overcome them. One more fight would be the end of both Pika and Tika. Fleeing was the only option for now. Their sister would have to wait. Perhapse they would need to find another way of discovering her location.
Impossible Chances
Entering Market Square he could hear people talking about the airship that was hovering there, "At least other people could see it." he thought, before stopping to get a better look. He says to himself as others look up at the airship "at least now I know I'm not going crazy."
"I can't believe that you can win this airship!" a young lady says to his side. Tenchi stops for a moment, with a quizzical look, before getting the person's attention, "Excuse me, miss, what do you mean win this airship?" Looking shocked as though someone asked her what color the sky was she responds, "Haven't you heard? If you find the keys for this ship, it's yours, to keep forever! Talk about a dream ride!" Holding up one of the keys he found he responds with a question, "Do the keys look like this?" the young ladies eyes get wide, "Yes! You found one!" she exclaims, "I have been out looking for them, but I heard there are many of them, but only one key works." She explains "The one I found didn't work, I am SO upset about that." She stomps her foot and crosses her arms, clearly upset.
Figuring he didn't have a chance, he might as well try. Tenchi dismounts and walks up to the hatch of the airship holding the key in his hand. He puts the first key in the door and tries turning it, the lock doesn't budge. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out another key sliding it into the hatch, the lock again does not budge. Muttering to himself as he pulls a third key from his pocket, "What would I want with a pink airship anyway" he slides the key into the lock, "It's not like it won't be noticed from a mile away anyway." As the key turns with a soft click.
Standing there for a moment, stunned, he removes the key and pushes the hatch open. Cheering and crying alike can be heard all around as he climbs into the ship. A banner on the opposite side of the hatch read as follows.
Welcome winner! Congratulations on winning the best little airship money can buy. What's more? You get to drive this shiny new baby around town like a pretty little princess in her brand new porche.
"I can't believe that you can win this airship!" a young lady says to his side. Tenchi stops for a moment, with a quizzical look, before getting the person's attention, "Excuse me, miss, what do you mean win this airship?" Looking shocked as though someone asked her what color the sky was she responds, "Haven't you heard? If you find the keys for this ship, it's yours, to keep forever! Talk about a dream ride!" Holding up one of the keys he found he responds with a question, "Do the keys look like this?" the young ladies eyes get wide, "Yes! You found one!" she exclaims, "I have been out looking for them, but I heard there are many of them, but only one key works." She explains "The one I found didn't work, I am SO upset about that." She stomps her foot and crosses her arms, clearly upset.
Figuring he didn't have a chance, he might as well try. Tenchi dismounts and walks up to the hatch of the airship holding the key in his hand. He puts the first key in the door and tries turning it, the lock doesn't budge. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out another key sliding it into the hatch, the lock again does not budge. Muttering to himself as he pulls a third key from his pocket, "What would I want with a pink airship anyway" he slides the key into the lock, "It's not like it won't be noticed from a mile away anyway." As the key turns with a soft click.
Standing there for a moment, stunned, he removes the key and pushes the hatch open. Cheering and crying alike can be heard all around as he climbs into the ship. A banner on the opposite side of the hatch read as follows.
Welcome winner! Congratulations on winning the best little airship money can buy. What's more? You get to drive this shiny new baby around town like a pretty little princess in her brand new porche.
Trickery?
Tenchi had spent a great deal of time thinking, too much probably, he really needed to get his problem taken care of. He decided that before he went through with the process, he would take some time to wander the places he had been before, while he could.
With the assistance of Niliwine at the Keepers castle he befriended one of dragons that he cares for. Tenchi traveled to the various places of the realm: his favorite shops in Torregiano and to see how much progress they had made, New Thalos to catch up with his old teacher, and finally to Thalos to visit the library for its section on magical research to see if anyone had come across this affliction before.
Unsurprisingly no one had, Tenchi sighed and left the library. He wandered Old Thalos, making his way through the general populous, he noticed a splash of color on the ground. Odd, that no one seemed to take notice of colorful object that stood out like a sore thumb, "How could they not notice?" He asked himself, it was bright pink. Pausing to dismount he picks up the pink object, a key, he mounts the dragon companion, puzzled by this key that no one else could see.
Continuing down the path he notices another pink key, "Is someone playing a trick on me?" he thought. He again collects the second key, no one paying heed to what he is picking up. Puzzled Tenchi leaves Thalos, letting the dragon walk as he examines the keys. Finding himself feeling a bit cold, he stops the dragon and looks around, he finds himself in a dark forest, another pink key on the ground and another one a little farther down the path.
Feeling as if someone truly had been playing tricks on him, he decides to head back to the castle. He pats the dragon on the side and urges the dragon on, back up the path and back to the main road, making his way back to Westbridge. "Someone really must be playing a trick on me.", he thought, as he entered through the gates he could see there was a very pink airship off in the distance.
With the assistance of Niliwine at the Keepers castle he befriended one of dragons that he cares for. Tenchi traveled to the various places of the realm: his favorite shops in Torregiano and to see how much progress they had made, New Thalos to catch up with his old teacher, and finally to Thalos to visit the library for its section on magical research to see if anyone had come across this affliction before.
Unsurprisingly no one had, Tenchi sighed and left the library. He wandered Old Thalos, making his way through the general populous, he noticed a splash of color on the ground. Odd, that no one seemed to take notice of colorful object that stood out like a sore thumb, "How could they not notice?" He asked himself, it was bright pink. Pausing to dismount he picks up the pink object, a key, he mounts the dragon companion, puzzled by this key that no one else could see.
Continuing down the path he notices another pink key, "Is someone playing a trick on me?" he thought. He again collects the second key, no one paying heed to what he is picking up. Puzzled Tenchi leaves Thalos, letting the dragon walk as he examines the keys. Finding himself feeling a bit cold, he stops the dragon and looks around, he finds himself in a dark forest, another pink key on the ground and another one a little farther down the path.
Feeling as if someone truly had been playing tricks on him, he decides to head back to the castle. He pats the dragon on the side and urges the dragon on, back up the path and back to the main road, making his way back to Westbridge. "Someone really must be playing a trick on me.", he thought, as he entered through the gates he could see there was a very pink airship off in the distance.
Thinking the Impossible
As Sanria stared at the cottage, a low whistling could be heard. She turned to find Thasmudyan. She did not have the rush of emotion she used to have. It was simply like meeting an old friend - albeit one you were embarrassed to inform of your polyandry. Still, they spoke, Sanria noting the distinct absence of any questions about Nioma. He had truly let go of his daughter. She gave him a tour of the castle, inviting him to apply to the Keepers, and after a bite to eat, they said their goodbyes. Sanria checked her mental list. She could say truthfully that she was no longer in love with Thasmudyan, but she hoped that he would be part of the Keepers and remain her friend.
She returned to the cavern later that evening after finishing a bit of work. That night she spoke with Colin, determining that the two men were at odds. Colin spoke about how they should be together, and Sanria found herself thinking about the way Gilean looked at her. She had seen he and Claire together, she saw the concern on his face when she sat in the living room. She knew what it looked like when someone was holding back what they felt. She certainly thought she had seen it on Gilean's face.
Sanria offered Gilean the chance to leave, to not feel obligated to stay. The answer was a resounding no. Sanria frowned at the distress on Gilean's face and was confused. He said he loved her, wanted to be with her, that she was the mother of his children, and wanted her to want him. She felt guilty that she didn't want him to leave, but at the same time... at the same time she knew that somewhere inside of his mind, of his heart... she was his second choice.
The following day she sat at the kitchen table alone. She closed her eyes. "Leandra, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but, I truly need your help."
The flippant acid reply came back, "What do you want, mom?"
"I need you to tell me where I can find Claire."
She returned to the cavern later that evening after finishing a bit of work. That night she spoke with Colin, determining that the two men were at odds. Colin spoke about how they should be together, and Sanria found herself thinking about the way Gilean looked at her. She had seen he and Claire together, she saw the concern on his face when she sat in the living room. She knew what it looked like when someone was holding back what they felt. She certainly thought she had seen it on Gilean's face.
Sanria offered Gilean the chance to leave, to not feel obligated to stay. The answer was a resounding no. Sanria frowned at the distress on Gilean's face and was confused. He said he loved her, wanted to be with her, that she was the mother of his children, and wanted her to want him. She felt guilty that she didn't want him to leave, but at the same time... at the same time she knew that somewhere inside of his mind, of his heart... she was his second choice.
The following day she sat at the kitchen table alone. She closed her eyes. "Leandra, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but, I truly need your help."
The flippant acid reply came back, "What do you want, mom?"
"I need you to tell me where I can find Claire."
Turnabout (2 of 2)
Gilean's expression faltered. "No... you said something..."
"Sanria said she could see it. Something she saw when you and Claire were together." Colin shrugged dismissively. "If you don't believe me, why don't you ask Sanria yourself."
Gilean stood staring at Colin for another moment, fighting whether or not to accept what he had just been told. That is what Sanria had said, something about the way he looked at Claire. But no, that was over, Claire was gone and Sanria was his family now. He loved her, the kids loved her. Claire was gone.
Gilean's shoulders drooped a bit in defeat as he turned to leave the training room.
"Gilean!" Colin called sharply.
Gilean paused and half turned, looking over his shoulder at the decidedly intense glare of the large warrior.
"Sanria better be wrong about you and Claire. I better not be putting up with all of this if you would rather be with someone else. And you better not hurt Sanria. Because if you do..."
Gilean narrowed his eyes with a scowl and silently left the room.
"Sanria said she could see it. Something she saw when you and Claire were together." Colin shrugged dismissively. "If you don't believe me, why don't you ask Sanria yourself."
Gilean stood staring at Colin for another moment, fighting whether or not to accept what he had just been told. That is what Sanria had said, something about the way he looked at Claire. But no, that was over, Claire was gone and Sanria was his family now. He loved her, the kids loved her. Claire was gone.
Gilean's shoulders drooped a bit in defeat as he turned to leave the training room.
"Gilean!" Colin called sharply.
Gilean paused and half turned, looking over his shoulder at the decidedly intense glare of the large warrior.
"Sanria better be wrong about you and Claire. I better not be putting up with all of this if you would rather be with someone else. And you better not hurt Sanria. Because if you do..."
Gilean narrowed his eyes with a scowl and silently left the room.
Turnabout (1 of 2)
Gilean entered the upstairs training room to see Colin actively working over one of the dummies in the room with a practice blade. He took a moment to be sure the door was securely closed behind himself before turning toward the larger man with an accusing glare. "Just what are you doing?"
Colin barely spared Gilean a glance as he continued in his measured strikes. "I'm training, and I don't recall inviting you. However, if you'd like to take up a blade and spar..." Colin flashed Gilean a mocking grin.
"You know what I'm talking about. Sanria."
Colin paused in his strikes and let his arms drop, turning toward Gilean with a scowl of his own. "No, I don't know what you're talking about. Last I heard you seem to be getting everything you want so you're going to have to be a little more specific."
Gilean took a few steps toward Colin. "What did you say to her? She comes to me and starts talking about helping Claire, bringing her back, letting me be with her!"
"Well, maybe that would just be better. You could have your own family and I could have mine."
"How dare you suggest that to her," Gilean said, pointing his finger at Colin angrily, "My family is with Sanria. She's the mother of my children. Not just the babies, but Matinus and Nioma."
"I suggest you watch yourself," Colin retorted as he raised the dulled practice blade back in Gilean's direction. "Nioma's not even your child. I was going to raise her before you were even around. Just one more thing you have tried taking from me."
Gilean stood his ground for a moment, his eyes locked with Colin's and his jaw tense, before finally dropping his finger. "What did you say to her?"
"Do you want to know the funny thing," Colin scoffed with a small shrug, "I didn't say anything at all. That was all Sanria."
Colin barely spared Gilean a glance as he continued in his measured strikes. "I'm training, and I don't recall inviting you. However, if you'd like to take up a blade and spar..." Colin flashed Gilean a mocking grin.
"You know what I'm talking about. Sanria."
Colin paused in his strikes and let his arms drop, turning toward Gilean with a scowl of his own. "No, I don't know what you're talking about. Last I heard you seem to be getting everything you want so you're going to have to be a little more specific."
Gilean took a few steps toward Colin. "What did you say to her? She comes to me and starts talking about helping Claire, bringing her back, letting me be with her!"
"Well, maybe that would just be better. You could have your own family and I could have mine."
"How dare you suggest that to her," Gilean said, pointing his finger at Colin angrily, "My family is with Sanria. She's the mother of my children. Not just the babies, but Matinus and Nioma."
"I suggest you watch yourself," Colin retorted as he raised the dulled practice blade back in Gilean's direction. "Nioma's not even your child. I was going to raise her before you were even around. Just one more thing you have tried taking from me."
Gilean stood his ground for a moment, his eyes locked with Colin's and his jaw tense, before finally dropping his finger. "What did you say to her?"
"Do you want to know the funny thing," Colin scoffed with a small shrug, "I didn't say anything at all. That was all Sanria."
Will there be life?
Aneh looked down at her hands. She silently chided herself on paying more attention and placed her hands on her belly. The child within knew her limitations better than she did. She took some time to meditate and center herself before she rose from her quiet place within the Tripower Hall. One last push. That's what she had said. She would make it true. She had employed several tripower liches to aid in this process. She wanted no more chances.
Aneh sent a young recruit to gather her team members and made her way to the lab. She took some time to look down on the stones. She had so many feelings about these stones. They were so... odd, so full of life. But that seemed an impossibility. It was just magic, wasn't it? Was it her own wishful thinking that something deeper could be at play here? Maybe it was her out of control hormones that were playing tricks on her. Aneh's team started filtering in, taking up their positions and starting their work. The time was now, she knew, and she turned to her team.
'This is it, guys. After this we will go directly to the suit and we will start the final processes. Everyone will be working through until this is complete. I hope you all are well rested because no one leaves until we are done.' Aneh looked at each of her team members for any signs that they weren't in this for the long haul. Seeing none, she nodded and turned to the stones.
'Let's begin,' she said. Aneh filtered her magic through two of the stones, much like she had before. She closed her eyes and let the process overtake her, becoming one with the process and melding her magic and life force with the stones. When the stones duplicated, Aneh stepped back. She motioned for her team to move in, and watched, her eyes still glowing from the interaction with the materia, as the grand suit was rolled forward by several men. Tripower Wizards came forward, magic trinkets in hand and liches followed, one for every wizard. Aneh nodded quietly as she, alone took each stone and placed it in its proper setting within the suit. One in each knee joint, one at each shoulder, one where a human heart would be, and one, the original mastered stone, where a human brain would be. Six stones. There was one more setting at the back, and that was for the item that would bind this all together. Aneh nodded to a young wizard who brought a jet black object forward. It looked like a simple stone, but for weeks now, it had been infused with spells and magicks of the Tripower Wizards, more delicate and purposeful than the mechanical workings of the suit its self. Aneh watched carefully as it was placed in its setting and after a deep breath, she nodded.
Chanting began from liches and wizards alike, and Aneh stood directly in front of the suit, with her team fanned out behind. She watched the eyes of the suit, as if they were a real live mans, waiting for the being to 'wake'.
'The world is waiting for you,' Aneh whispered, a soft smile playing on her lips as her team frantically wove their spells. Aneh reached out to the stone that was where the heart should be. She allowed her magic to flow into the stone, her eyes glowing a bit more as the link was formed, visible magic and life essence flowing from one stone, to another, forming a complete link. Men stood by, closing up the suit as Aneh stepped back, breaking her connection to the flow, and allowing it to stand on its own.
'Come on, I know you're in there,' she whispered...
Aneh sent a young recruit to gather her team members and made her way to the lab. She took some time to look down on the stones. She had so many feelings about these stones. They were so... odd, so full of life. But that seemed an impossibility. It was just magic, wasn't it? Was it her own wishful thinking that something deeper could be at play here? Maybe it was her out of control hormones that were playing tricks on her. Aneh's team started filtering in, taking up their positions and starting their work. The time was now, she knew, and she turned to her team.
'This is it, guys. After this we will go directly to the suit and we will start the final processes. Everyone will be working through until this is complete. I hope you all are well rested because no one leaves until we are done.' Aneh looked at each of her team members for any signs that they weren't in this for the long haul. Seeing none, she nodded and turned to the stones.
'Let's begin,' she said. Aneh filtered her magic through two of the stones, much like she had before. She closed her eyes and let the process overtake her, becoming one with the process and melding her magic and life force with the stones. When the stones duplicated, Aneh stepped back. She motioned for her team to move in, and watched, her eyes still glowing from the interaction with the materia, as the grand suit was rolled forward by several men. Tripower Wizards came forward, magic trinkets in hand and liches followed, one for every wizard. Aneh nodded quietly as she, alone took each stone and placed it in its proper setting within the suit. One in each knee joint, one at each shoulder, one where a human heart would be, and one, the original mastered stone, where a human brain would be. Six stones. There was one more setting at the back, and that was for the item that would bind this all together. Aneh nodded to a young wizard who brought a jet black object forward. It looked like a simple stone, but for weeks now, it had been infused with spells and magicks of the Tripower Wizards, more delicate and purposeful than the mechanical workings of the suit its self. Aneh watched carefully as it was placed in its setting and after a deep breath, she nodded.
Chanting began from liches and wizards alike, and Aneh stood directly in front of the suit, with her team fanned out behind. She watched the eyes of the suit, as if they were a real live mans, waiting for the being to 'wake'.
'The world is waiting for you,' Aneh whispered, a soft smile playing on her lips as her team frantically wove their spells. Aneh reached out to the stone that was where the heart should be. She allowed her magic to flow into the stone, her eyes glowing a bit more as the link was formed, visible magic and life essence flowing from one stone, to another, forming a complete link. Men stood by, closing up the suit as Aneh stepped back, breaking her connection to the flow, and allowing it to stand on its own.
'Come on, I know you're in there,' she whispered...
Log: 18082013 - Ror and Aneh
OOC commentary: A piece of roleplay Ror and Aneh worked towards: the birth of the DAQ. Part of this roleplay was written about in RP notes, but not all of it.
Current Character Description - Sandorin Eosos
This newborn baby is named after his sadly departed uncle, the brave wizard scholar Sandorin Alhanar. This little boy appears to be in perfect health. His skin is a flawlessly smooth and radiant beige with a touch of pink on the cheeks. His wide eyes are a shade of brown so light as to almost appear golden yellow. This has to be one of the calmest babies ever observed, simply looking out upon the world around him with the reserved interest of an old sage. There is something special about this little one but what it may be is yet to be seen.
Current Character Description - Wrack Telshazz
Standing at average height is a young man whose face shows the pain of a troubled past. His brown hair is closely cropped and his eyes are a piercing blue, glinting with flecks of silver.
His strong hands hang at his sides, sliding subconsciously to the haft of the large two-handed axe often strapped to his back. With muscled shoulders and a powerful chest, his presence is not missed in a crowded room, or in the heat of a large battle.
Over his shoulder, he carries a pack of essentials.. of which, the corner of a small leather-bound book can be seen.
His strong hands hang at his sides, sliding subconsciously to the haft of the large two-handed axe often strapped to his back. With muscled shoulders and a powerful chest, his presence is not missed in a crowded room, or in the heat of a large battle.
Over his shoulder, he carries a pack of essentials.. of which, the corner of a small leather-bound book can be seen.
Current Character Description - Tsaroth Telshazz
A short, brown-haired beard covers this man's face. His face is often smiling over a bottle of wine with a hearty chuckle not far off. He wears a cloak of fine elven cloth, and a suit of well-forged platemail beneath. His hand is often wrapped around an oak staff, topped with a clear crystal. His hair is short to match his beard, and is neatly kept. His blue eyes glimmer with hope and joy, and his hands tell of many a dangerous adventure. He wears the emblem of a blue dragon upon his chest, rumor has it that he is one of the richest of the realms.
Current Character Description - Myn Kaze
The figure before you is clothed almost entirely in skin tight black leather. Every curve is outlined in exquisite perfection, her ample bosom straining precariously against her corseted top. You notice green almond eyes sparkling at you behind wispy black bangs which frame her face. The rest of her exceptionally long black hair is tied into a ponytail at the back of her head by an equally long scarlet ribbon. She flashes a somewhat mysterious, somewhat deadly grin and a slight tilt of the eyebrow indicates that she notices you noticing her. As she goes about her business she moves quickly but with absolute silence. A slight breeze drifts past and in a blink she is gone without a trace.
Current Character Description - Klaus
A figure stands before you, equipped with a staff of multi-colored glowing aura and none has ever seen what he is wearing. Glazing upon him would be your biggest regret as he shows no mercy. He roams the realm bearing the mark of The Magitek Army. Specialized in assasinations, he wanders alone, undetected.
Shen Ju Rong - Into the Realms
The spell happened so quickly Shen Ju Rong had no time to gather his thoughts before he was standing at the edge of a bustling town. It was a port, he saw the ships coming and going, and held his breath, the dragon forgotten. There was no wall of fog. Here... he could see as far as his eyes could fathom. He stared with his jaw hanging open and suddenly felt small. The chatter around him was not of his own people. A language he could not understand.
The people of New Thalos, for their part, stared openly at him. His skin was a dead giveaway, as were his strange clothes and his startling green eyes. In his country, it was common. Here, the various attributes that comprised Shen were so strange, so out of place, as to cause some to stop and look at him with blatant curiosity. Then he felt himself compelled to speak, to breathe words that were not his own. "Good day, where might I find lodging and a place to rent in order to train others?"
A gruff sailor stared at him. "Whas wrong wid ya? Speak like a elf."
"I assure you, I am no elf."
"Ya think? Ya muss think me stupid, too. Arsehole."
"Not at all."
"Find yer way at the inn. There ye can get food and maybe some clothes that don't make ya look like a inmate from the looney bin, yeah?"
Shen felt himself compelled to walk according to the man's directions. He had no idea what the sailor had said, he had no idea what he had said. He knew the dragon was in control and using him. This was going to be his lot for a long time coming.
In short order, he had a dojo and had trained three men in the ways of his teacher, Ran Bin Rui. They were able and once they knew all they needed, Shen sent them to their respective cities. "Teach, and amass monks so skilled they will follow you anywhere. Many should follow the path and the way."
"Yes, Sensei."
Shen heard the voice in the corner of his mind, nearly purring with delight. 'Well done. This will take time, but I am patient. Very patient.'
The people of New Thalos, for their part, stared openly at him. His skin was a dead giveaway, as were his strange clothes and his startling green eyes. In his country, it was common. Here, the various attributes that comprised Shen were so strange, so out of place, as to cause some to stop and look at him with blatant curiosity. Then he felt himself compelled to speak, to breathe words that were not his own. "Good day, where might I find lodging and a place to rent in order to train others?"
A gruff sailor stared at him. "Whas wrong wid ya? Speak like a elf."
"I assure you, I am no elf."
"Ya think? Ya muss think me stupid, too. Arsehole."
"Not at all."
"Find yer way at the inn. There ye can get food and maybe some clothes that don't make ya look like a inmate from the looney bin, yeah?"
Shen felt himself compelled to walk according to the man's directions. He had no idea what the sailor had said, he had no idea what he had said. He knew the dragon was in control and using him. This was going to be his lot for a long time coming.
In short order, he had a dojo and had trained three men in the ways of his teacher, Ran Bin Rui. They were able and once they knew all they needed, Shen sent them to their respective cities. "Teach, and amass monks so skilled they will follow you anywhere. Many should follow the path and the way."
"Yes, Sensei."
Shen heard the voice in the corner of his mind, nearly purring with delight. 'Well done. This will take time, but I am patient. Very patient.'
The Secrets of the Past Pt.I
Myn walked through the New Thalos market, picking up some more food. This was the third trip for groceries this week. Her little Harrison wasn't so little anymore and she swore her son was going to eat her out of house and home. Just as she was sniffing the end of a particularly ripe melon, something caught her eye.
There was a poster newly affixed to the wall of a nearby building:
LEARN THE SECRETS OF
SHOU LUNG
DEDICATED STUDENTS ONLY
SESSIONS STARTING DAILY
Myn stopped and stared as a chill ran up her spine. It had been a long time since she had given any thought to her birthplace. Memories came back against her will. Loving parents smiling down upon her in the same moment as they told her everywhere she couldn't go. The morning she left. The mist... the death...
The melon she was holding slipped from her hands and fell to the ground with the sound of a splitting skull. It was too much and Myn was running. Running from the memories. Running from the past. Running from the mist.
There was a poster newly affixed to the wall of a nearby building:
LEARN THE SECRETS OF
SHOU LUNG
DEDICATED STUDENTS ONLY
SESSIONS STARTING DAILY
Myn stopped and stared as a chill ran up her spine. It had been a long time since she had given any thought to her birthplace. Memories came back against her will. Loving parents smiling down upon her in the same moment as they told her everywhere she couldn't go. The morning she left. The mist... the death...
The melon she was holding slipped from her hands and fell to the ground with the sound of a splitting skull. It was too much and Myn was running. Running from the memories. Running from the past. Running from the mist.
Shen Ju Rong - In the Mists (2/2)
Shen Ju Rong scrambled to his feet, his breath heavy. He immediately went into a fighting stance, and the dragon rumbled out a deep laugh. 'Red dragon, red dragon,' Shen's mind raced, 'What do defeat a red dragon...' Shen rushed through the words to a spell and his fists burst with radiant purple energy. The dragon laughed again. "Please," it spoke, it's breath so foul as to nearly knock Shen to his knees. "Tell me you aren't planning a strike on me."
The dragon moved as quick as lightning around Shen, sweeping his massive tail so fast Shen had no time to react. He was on his back and the dragon's face was inches above his own. The saliva dripped from the jagged teeth and onto his neck. "You won't have time to think, boy. It is your fortune I have one meal thanks to your animal. It's been a long time since I've had meat. It's a rare but delectable treat I enjoy, thoroughly."
"What do you want?"
"Want? To feast on the number of your kind that live behind the wall. There aren't normally many who are foolish enough to come into the mists... those that do, perish."
Shen rolled from beneath the dragon's mouth and gagged. He wiped at the saliva that was stinging his skin and looked up into the red eyes. "I'll make a deal
with you, any deal you like."
"Propositions from boy mortals. Fool."
"If you help me find my way out of here... I'll ensure that you get food, meat."
"Human?"
Shen looked down for a moment. He could say what he wished. By the time he figured out how to defeat this creature, he wouldn't bring him back anything.
"Yes," Shen answered. "Human."
"And how do I know you will keep your word?"
"I..."
"Perhaps I will take part of your power to keep for my own, your knowledge."
"My teachings?"
"Yes. You will remember them when you return with your vast army of bodies for my consumption. Do we have a deal?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Die or agree. There is always a choice."
Shen glared at the dragon and nodded once, very curtly. He felt the weight of the dragon's thumb on the top of his head and a sudden tingle down his spine. He felt a pull, a twitch, and the dragon removed his claws and snapped his fingers. Shen began to bow and grovel... not of his own accord. "Perfect," the dragon hissed.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
"I have a puppet, fool. And you will stand by your side of the bargain. I will be sure of it. Treasure and meat until you drop in old age and I consume you."
"This isn't right!" Shen shouted.
"Never open your mind to one who is more brilliant than ever you will be."
The dragon moved as quick as lightning around Shen, sweeping his massive tail so fast Shen had no time to react. He was on his back and the dragon's face was inches above his own. The saliva dripped from the jagged teeth and onto his neck. "You won't have time to think, boy. It is your fortune I have one meal thanks to your animal. It's been a long time since I've had meat. It's a rare but delectable treat I enjoy, thoroughly."
"What do you want?"
"Want? To feast on the number of your kind that live behind the wall. There aren't normally many who are foolish enough to come into the mists... those that do, perish."
Shen rolled from beneath the dragon's mouth and gagged. He wiped at the saliva that was stinging his skin and looked up into the red eyes. "I'll make a deal
with you, any deal you like."
"Propositions from boy mortals. Fool."
"If you help me find my way out of here... I'll ensure that you get food, meat."
"Human?"
Shen looked down for a moment. He could say what he wished. By the time he figured out how to defeat this creature, he wouldn't bring him back anything.
"Yes," Shen answered. "Human."
"And how do I know you will keep your word?"
"I..."
"Perhaps I will take part of your power to keep for my own, your knowledge."
"My teachings?"
"Yes. You will remember them when you return with your vast army of bodies for my consumption. Do we have a deal?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Die or agree. There is always a choice."
Shen glared at the dragon and nodded once, very curtly. He felt the weight of the dragon's thumb on the top of his head and a sudden tingle down his spine. He felt a pull, a twitch, and the dragon removed his claws and snapped his fingers. Shen began to bow and grovel... not of his own accord. "Perfect," the dragon hissed.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
"I have a puppet, fool. And you will stand by your side of the bargain. I will be sure of it. Treasure and meat until you drop in old age and I consume you."
"This isn't right!" Shen shouted.
"Never open your mind to one who is more brilliant than ever you will be."
Shen Ju Rong - (1/2)
Shen Ju Rong could hear the sounds of the city behind him until the thick mists closed. Then, silence, heavy and oppressive crowded in around him. His horse whinnied quietly, then snorted, but the sounds were swallowed in the wet clouds around them. Shen pulled on the reins and halted. His confidence was gone. He turned in his saddle, the wet leather creaking, to look behind him. He could turn around if he dared, but he could see nothing and risked getting lost. There was nothing to fear, besides. Quiet was not a foe.
Shen turned back around then held his breath. It wasn't completely silent any longer. It started as a low growl that came from every direction, then a shuddering rumble and a flash of scales on their flank. Shen's horse sidestepped and let out a screaming neigh. A hot burst of air cut through the mists, and Shen's horse bolted. No amount of pulling stopped his animal, and the rattling undulation of the monster beside them kept easy pace.
They were at a full gallop when the beast flashed quickly in front of Shen, causing his horse to rear back with enough force to knock Shen to the ground. The horse raced left and vanished into the darkness. Shen felt a blast of hot breath at his ear. "Dross'noct. Shu dreckt meng el'enk." It's breath was rancid, its voice a polyglot cacophony of words. The creature was absorbed in the mists.
Shen dropped onto his back, catching his breath, sweat pouring from his body. He had to think. He had only a moment before the scream of his horse reached him and was abruptly silenced. Suddenly, the dead and mangled equine was dropped at his side with a sickening thud. Shen the found himself staring into a red eye the size of his torso.
These same eyes adorned the tops of many temples in the Imperial Capitol. Ice ran through Shen's body. The red dragon pulled back his lips into a sneer that revealed all his teeth. "Welcome to the mists," he hissed.
Shen turned back around then held his breath. It wasn't completely silent any longer. It started as a low growl that came from every direction, then a shuddering rumble and a flash of scales on their flank. Shen's horse sidestepped and let out a screaming neigh. A hot burst of air cut through the mists, and Shen's horse bolted. No amount of pulling stopped his animal, and the rattling undulation of the monster beside them kept easy pace.
They were at a full gallop when the beast flashed quickly in front of Shen, causing his horse to rear back with enough force to knock Shen to the ground. The horse raced left and vanished into the darkness. Shen felt a blast of hot breath at his ear. "Dross'noct. Shu dreckt meng el'enk." It's breath was rancid, its voice a polyglot cacophony of words. The creature was absorbed in the mists.
Shen dropped onto his back, catching his breath, sweat pouring from his body. He had to think. He had only a moment before the scream of his horse reached him and was abruptly silenced. Suddenly, the dead and mangled equine was dropped at his side with a sickening thud. Shen the found himself staring into a red eye the size of his torso.
These same eyes adorned the tops of many temples in the Imperial Capitol. Ice ran through Shen's body. The red dragon pulled back his lips into a sneer that revealed all his teeth. "Welcome to the mists," he hissed.
Deeper Confusion
Sanria had faithfully stayed clear of any intimate contact with Gilean for a week. He had healed her fully, consequently, she felt normal, but there was something amiss with the growing concern she felt coming from Gilean. He had even asked her more than once if she was ready to begin trying for another child. She politely put off answering, but felt more than a little pressured. More to the point, she had felt a bit uneasy at how Gilean had come up with any number of reasons for keeping her from spending any time with Colin. Even during the day, when she might go with Colin on a picnic, or something equally alone for the two of them. Gilean found a way to ensure that his plans came first.
The morning dawned and before Gilean left to bring them breakfast, she found herself with child... again. She knew of Gilean's lineage, she knew that he was also a follower of Lathander, and that those things paired meant he was interested in all things birth, renewal... children. She knew he had healed her, but things shouldn't have happened that fast... and when she asked, he assured her that sometimes things just happened that way. Being very fertile after the birth of a child was common. Still... he knew she was pregnant right away, as though he had looked for it, and when he found it, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, he was open to her going to spend time with Colin. Sanria put the thoughts out of her mind. No... he wouldn't have done something like that on purpose. Colin, when he found out, was not convinced... at all. She wouldn't let him think the thoughts that she held in the back of her mind. Gilean wouldn't have duped her. That wasn't the way he did things. He wasn't like that.
She went out of the cavern and took a walk. She meandered back to the cottage and stood staring at the door. So many thoughts raced through her mind. So much had happened here, Gilean's old home. She ran a hand through her hair and stared at the ground for a moment. Gilean wouldn't have done that... it was impossible.
The morning dawned and before Gilean left to bring them breakfast, she found herself with child... again. She knew of Gilean's lineage, she knew that he was also a follower of Lathander, and that those things paired meant he was interested in all things birth, renewal... children. She knew he had healed her, but things shouldn't have happened that fast... and when she asked, he assured her that sometimes things just happened that way. Being very fertile after the birth of a child was common. Still... he knew she was pregnant right away, as though he had looked for it, and when he found it, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, he was open to her going to spend time with Colin. Sanria put the thoughts out of her mind. No... he wouldn't have done something like that on purpose. Colin, when he found out, was not convinced... at all. She wouldn't let him think the thoughts that she held in the back of her mind. Gilean wouldn't have duped her. That wasn't the way he did things. He wasn't like that.
She went out of the cavern and took a walk. She meandered back to the cottage and stood staring at the door. So many thoughts raced through her mind. So much had happened here, Gilean's old home. She ran a hand through her hair and stared at the ground for a moment. Gilean wouldn't have done that... it was impossible.
Avoidance
"Sanria. The new pregnancy. I know what you did."
Gilean looked at Colin with momentary alarm before furrowing his own brow in anger. So Sanria had already told Colin of the new baby they had conceived that morning. But there was no way Colin could know he had aided the conception with his magic. After all, Sanria herself didn't know, and Gilean didn't plan on letting that little fact out to anyone. He leaned in closer to Colin, trying to keep their voices down. "Colin, I don't know what you are talking about but his is not the time or the place..."
"No Gilean! She told me herself. She said you knew that she would be most fertile after having Sandorin. You knew that and you kept her away from me until you could get her pregnant again herself. Admit it!"
Gilean alanced around again as a few of the visitors to the temple were starting look in their direction and whisper amongst themselves. Gilean grabbed Colin's arm and pulled him toward the door of the temple and outside. The big man allowed himself to go with minimal resistance until they were outside. He then shoved Gilean away into the outside wall of the temple, briefly knocking the breath from him.
"I know exactly what you're trying to do. You're trying to take her away from me. You think you can just keep her pregnant and having your children!? No, Gilean. It's not going to work. I'm not going to just let you have her."
Gilean took short breaths, trying to regain his composure. He stood up straight and looked back at Colin sternly. "The way I see it, you don't have a choice, do you. Maybe I should tell her about your little visit here? What do you think she would have to say about this? Hmm? Do you think she would feel our little arrangement is working? Maybe she'd just decide she's better off on her own."
Colin glared at Gilean, the big man's muscles twitching. He looked like he wanted nothing more than to punch Gilean right in the face and Gilean, for one, was glad that he hadn't indulged that desire. Colin spoke through clenched teeth. "I'm on to you Gilean. I'll play this little game because I love Sanria but she'll know eventually, too. And then, what do YOU think will happen?"
Gilean glared back at Colin until the gladiator spat on the ground and finally turned to stomp off. Gilean leaned back against the wall and wiped at the sweat which had beaded on his forehead. Perhaps what he'd done was wrong but things were finally going so well between he and Sanria. He just did what he had to do to keep their family strong. It was for the best. If Sanria ever did find out, he just hoped she could understand that.
Gilean looked at Colin with momentary alarm before furrowing his own brow in anger. So Sanria had already told Colin of the new baby they had conceived that morning. But there was no way Colin could know he had aided the conception with his magic. After all, Sanria herself didn't know, and Gilean didn't plan on letting that little fact out to anyone. He leaned in closer to Colin, trying to keep their voices down. "Colin, I don't know what you are talking about but his is not the time or the place..."
"No Gilean! She told me herself. She said you knew that she would be most fertile after having Sandorin. You knew that and you kept her away from me until you could get her pregnant again herself. Admit it!"
Gilean alanced around again as a few of the visitors to the temple were starting look in their direction and whisper amongst themselves. Gilean grabbed Colin's arm and pulled him toward the door of the temple and outside. The big man allowed himself to go with minimal resistance until they were outside. He then shoved Gilean away into the outside wall of the temple, briefly knocking the breath from him.
"I know exactly what you're trying to do. You're trying to take her away from me. You think you can just keep her pregnant and having your children!? No, Gilean. It's not going to work. I'm not going to just let you have her."
Gilean took short breaths, trying to regain his composure. He stood up straight and looked back at Colin sternly. "The way I see it, you don't have a choice, do you. Maybe I should tell her about your little visit here? What do you think she would have to say about this? Hmm? Do you think she would feel our little arrangement is working? Maybe she'd just decide she's better off on her own."
Colin glared at Gilean, the big man's muscles twitching. He looked like he wanted nothing more than to punch Gilean right in the face and Gilean, for one, was glad that he hadn't indulged that desire. Colin spoke through clenched teeth. "I'm on to you Gilean. I'll play this little game because I love Sanria but she'll know eventually, too. And then, what do YOU think will happen?"
Gilean glared back at Colin until the gladiator spat on the ground and finally turned to stomp off. Gilean leaned back against the wall and wiped at the sweat which had beaded on his forehead. Perhaps what he'd done was wrong but things were finally going so well between he and Sanria. He just did what he had to do to keep their family strong. It was for the best. If Sanria ever did find out, he just hoped she could understand that.
Confrontation
Colin stomped through the streets of Westbridge, his face full of deeply furrowed lines of anger. Sanria may be blind to what he knew Gilean's motivations to be but Colin was going to get the truth. He wanted to hear it straight from his 'friend's' mouth.
Colin stormed into the Temple of Lathander, scattering some of the small animals that lived there. He turned to the first priest he saw. "Where's Gilean?"
The elderly priest lifted a calming hand toward Colin and spoke in a soothing tone. "My son, you appear quite troubled. Father Eosos is helping another at the moment but I assure you I can help. Here, let me calm your mind first."
The priest reached his hand gently toward Colin's forehead and Colin had to restrain himself from smacking it away. Instead, he simply grabed the man's wrist with perhaps marginally more strength than was necessary. He looked upon the priest coolly. "I assure you, you cannot help me. I need to speak to Gilean. Immediately."
The priest's eyes widened in alarm and he backed away slowly. "A-alright then. No need to be so upset. I'll tell him you're here." The older man turned toward the back rooms of the temple, giving a worried look over his shoulder at Colin before disappearing through a doorway.
Colin paced back and forth with his arms folded across his chest while he waited. It was a few moments befoore Gilean emerged from the back, leading a woman and her small girl. Gilean gave a stern glance in Colin's direction before turning to the woman with a gentle smile. "She should be just fine now, but if the fever returns, please bring her back right away."
Gilean patted the little girl on the head and gave a brief farewell before turning and walking over to Colin, the kind smile immediately dropping from his face. "Colin, what is this? What are you doing here? You scared Father Levi, you know that?"
Colin pointed his finger into Gilean's face. "I know what you did, Gilean. Admit it."
Gilean gave a glance around and pushed Colin's hand down. "Colin, keep your voice down. What are you talking about?"
"Sanria. The new pregnancy. I know what you did."
Colin stormed into the Temple of Lathander, scattering some of the small animals that lived there. He turned to the first priest he saw. "Where's Gilean?"
The elderly priest lifted a calming hand toward Colin and spoke in a soothing tone. "My son, you appear quite troubled. Father Eosos is helping another at the moment but I assure you I can help. Here, let me calm your mind first."
The priest reached his hand gently toward Colin's forehead and Colin had to restrain himself from smacking it away. Instead, he simply grabed the man's wrist with perhaps marginally more strength than was necessary. He looked upon the priest coolly. "I assure you, you cannot help me. I need to speak to Gilean. Immediately."
The priest's eyes widened in alarm and he backed away slowly. "A-alright then. No need to be so upset. I'll tell him you're here." The older man turned toward the back rooms of the temple, giving a worried look over his shoulder at Colin before disappearing through a doorway.
Colin paced back and forth with his arms folded across his chest while he waited. It was a few moments befoore Gilean emerged from the back, leading a woman and her small girl. Gilean gave a stern glance in Colin's direction before turning to the woman with a gentle smile. "She should be just fine now, but if the fever returns, please bring her back right away."
Gilean patted the little girl on the head and gave a brief farewell before turning and walking over to Colin, the kind smile immediately dropping from his face. "Colin, what is this? What are you doing here? You scared Father Levi, you know that?"
Colin pointed his finger into Gilean's face. "I know what you did, Gilean. Admit it."
Gilean gave a glance around and pushed Colin's hand down. "Colin, keep your voice down. What are you talking about?"
"Sanria. The new pregnancy. I know what you did."
Conealing Tensions
This was to be her sixth child and Sanria had lost count in how many pregnancies. Gilean had chosen the name, Sandorin, which Sanria felt perfect. Her brother had been long dead now. He would have been delighted to have a little one named for him. She wondered what he'd think of all this.
They had sped up nature's processes as well, making her pregnancy go much faster than normal. Unlike the times when she'd slept with Thasmudyan, however, this time was thanks to Gilean's magic.
It was a strange day in that Sanria had the cavern to herself. Orn was at the castle, Mirin was off with the bubbly and excited twins, Colin had taken Nioma out to play, and Gilean was off with Matinus - bonding. She had been through having children before, so the sensation was not new. She felt the contractions and her water break, and knew she had a little time before things grew intense. She didn't want the family rushing back with worry. She reached out to Enmach.
A mere hour later, she was looking into the eyes of her son. He, too, seemed to take her in before falling asleep. He had only cried for a moment - the indignity of being nude - before going utterly calm. Enmach left congratulations in her wake, and Sanria was left with her son only moments before everyone came back.
Though happiness seemed to be the prevailing sentiment, Sanria could see the sorrow of Colin's face that she'd be spending more time with Gilean and Sandorin, and the hurt on Gilean's face that she hadn't called him to tend the birth. Then - something on both of their faces, buried under their joys and kindnesses - worry.
They had sped up nature's processes as well, making her pregnancy go much faster than normal. Unlike the times when she'd slept with Thasmudyan, however, this time was thanks to Gilean's magic.
It was a strange day in that Sanria had the cavern to herself. Orn was at the castle, Mirin was off with the bubbly and excited twins, Colin had taken Nioma out to play, and Gilean was off with Matinus - bonding. She had been through having children before, so the sensation was not new. She felt the contractions and her water break, and knew she had a little time before things grew intense. She didn't want the family rushing back with worry. She reached out to Enmach.
A mere hour later, she was looking into the eyes of her son. He, too, seemed to take her in before falling asleep. He had only cried for a moment - the indignity of being nude - before going utterly calm. Enmach left congratulations in her wake, and Sanria was left with her son only moments before everyone came back.
Though happiness seemed to be the prevailing sentiment, Sanria could see the sorrow of Colin's face that she'd be spending more time with Gilean and Sandorin, and the hurt on Gilean's face that she hadn't called him to tend the birth. Then - something on both of their faces, buried under their joys and kindnesses - worry.
Shen Ju Rong - The Exodus (3/3)
Shen's fists flew, the guard was no match. Shen's kicks, encased in energy shot forth as quick as darting koi from passing shadows. The guard hit the ground, his skin charred as well as his armor, and stared up at Shen. "Master Weiwu..." he whispered, and Shen bowed deeply.
"Ran Bin Rui. My teacher. Yes."
The guard got up, rubbing at his jaw. He gave a nod. "Open the gates."
"What? Duizhang, you know the rules..."
The Duizhang wheeled around, his eyes narrowed. "I gave my word, now open the gates."
Shen mounted his horse as the gates rumbled open. Nothing but fog could be seen as he nudged his horse into a walk. The energy around his feet and hands went out as the guards watched the young man move ahead. Slowly, in swirling eddies, the fog swallowed the young man and his horse.
"Ran Bin Rui. My teacher. Yes."
The guard got up, rubbing at his jaw. He gave a nod. "Open the gates."
"What? Duizhang, you know the rules..."
The Duizhang wheeled around, his eyes narrowed. "I gave my word, now open the gates."
Shen mounted his horse as the gates rumbled open. Nothing but fog could be seen as he nudged his horse into a walk. The energy around his feet and hands went out as the guards watched the young man move ahead. Slowly, in swirling eddies, the fog swallowed the young man and his horse.
Shen Ju Rong - The Exodus (2/3)
"What do you want?" Tan asked, wiping his hands on his pants. Unlike Shen Ju Rong, Tan was a skinny boy with fishmonger skills. He was not the growing warrior Shen was, but he was still fun to be around.
"We're going into the fog."
"What?! No way, no chance. You're out of your mind."
"Come on, you don't believe all the tales, do you?"
"That the great dragon lives in the fog and swallows up any lost in the mists? Yes."
Shen rolled his eyes. "Come on, Fishbait, there's no such thing."
"Stop calling me that, it's demeaning."
"I'm sorry, Princess Fishbait. Let's go."
"You're on your own, Shen. I've... got work to do."
"Coward," Shen said, punching Tan in the arm... perhaps a little too hard.
"Now you're really on your own. Hundan."
"Please?"
Tan turned and walked back to his father, leaving Shen standing in the road looking like a fool. No matter. He would go, he would personally defeat the fog and come back a hero.
It took him notime to rush back to the temple and put tack on his horse. He rode hard to reach the Dragonwall and the western gates. "Where do you think you're going?" the guards asked as he approached. The Emperor knew none entered or exited the fog, these guards were ceremonial. A show to the people of Shou Lung that all was as it was and ever would be. "Into the mists," Shen said, his chest out. The guards broke into hoots of laughter. "We will open the gates for a boy on a mission?"
One of the guards jumped down from his post and rolled his head on his shoulders. "Tell you what," he said. "If you can beat me, I'll let you leave and die in the mists. Sound fair?"
Shen leapt from his horse and lead it off to the side. He walked to face the guard, his expression determined. "Yes." More laughter. "Watch out Ying," one of the guards on the wall hooted. "He's a killer!"
Shen closed his eyes and drew in his breath. His mind slowed obediently and came into focus. Slowly, he extended one arm, his other back near his head, and lowered his body. He uttered a single word and his fists crackled suddenly with energy. His eyes glowed an electric blue as he stared at his opponent. He then spoke a single word that came out softly, but seemed to echo. "Da."
"We're going into the fog."
"What?! No way, no chance. You're out of your mind."
"Come on, you don't believe all the tales, do you?"
"That the great dragon lives in the fog and swallows up any lost in the mists? Yes."
Shen rolled his eyes. "Come on, Fishbait, there's no such thing."
"Stop calling me that, it's demeaning."
"I'm sorry, Princess Fishbait. Let's go."
"You're on your own, Shen. I've... got work to do."
"Coward," Shen said, punching Tan in the arm... perhaps a little too hard.
"Now you're really on your own. Hundan."
"Please?"
Tan turned and walked back to his father, leaving Shen standing in the road looking like a fool. No matter. He would go, he would personally defeat the fog and come back a hero.
It took him notime to rush back to the temple and put tack on his horse. He rode hard to reach the Dragonwall and the western gates. "Where do you think you're going?" the guards asked as he approached. The Emperor knew none entered or exited the fog, these guards were ceremonial. A show to the people of Shou Lung that all was as it was and ever would be. "Into the mists," Shen said, his chest out. The guards broke into hoots of laughter. "We will open the gates for a boy on a mission?"
One of the guards jumped down from his post and rolled his head on his shoulders. "Tell you what," he said. "If you can beat me, I'll let you leave and die in the mists. Sound fair?"
Shen leapt from his horse and lead it off to the side. He walked to face the guard, his expression determined. "Yes." More laughter. "Watch out Ying," one of the guards on the wall hooted. "He's a killer!"
Shen closed his eyes and drew in his breath. His mind slowed obediently and came into focus. Slowly, he extended one arm, his other back near his head, and lowered his body. He uttered a single word and his fists crackled suddenly with energy. His eyes glowed an electric blue as he stared at his opponent. He then spoke a single word that came out softly, but seemed to echo. "Da."
Shen Ju Rong - The Exodus (1/3)
The clouds parted and the suns warm rays filtered down over Shou Lung nation, but still, the enormous wall of fog that ringed the land remained. Even the living elders did not remember when the fog came, but the stories were that the Gods were angry with the people for growing too mighty. They had grown in the centuries that passed. Their culture was refined, their numbers mighty, their knowledge vast, but still, no matter how many prayers were given to the pantheon of ancients and Gods, no matter how much incense the people burned, the ring of fog remained, preventing any from seeing beyond the borders of the empire.
Shen Ju Rong sat on top of the temple on the hill, his preferred spot ever since his twelfth birthday when the caretaker chased him from the temple grounds. He had found the hidden stairwell and when he was up here, the view was breathtaking. He watched the people of the Imperial Capitol bustling about, their cows lowing with the loads they pulled. He was now twenty, strong, muscled, and continuing to learn his discipline. Still, his teacher, Ran Bin Rui said he was too willful, too much of a dreamer. Shen Ju Rong could admit this to himself. None had ventured beyond the Dragonwall and into the fog. They said to do so was death. Punishable by the Gods themselves. Shen Ju Rong did not believe them and never really had.
He slipped down from the temple roof and made his way through the streets before finding his friend Tan Meng. "Fishbait," Shen called, grinning as he walked up to the stall where Tan Meng worked along side his father.
"Shut up, I'm working."
"Come here for a minute, ask your father if he'll give you some time off." Tan Meng rolled his eyes. "Just ask!" Shen snarked.
"You are no longer a boy," Tan's father said with a stern frown. "But you may do as you wish if you do not care for your family."
"It's just a minute..."
"Go," Tan's father spat.
Shen Ju Rong sat on top of the temple on the hill, his preferred spot ever since his twelfth birthday when the caretaker chased him from the temple grounds. He had found the hidden stairwell and when he was up here, the view was breathtaking. He watched the people of the Imperial Capitol bustling about, their cows lowing with the loads they pulled. He was now twenty, strong, muscled, and continuing to learn his discipline. Still, his teacher, Ran Bin Rui said he was too willful, too much of a dreamer. Shen Ju Rong could admit this to himself. None had ventured beyond the Dragonwall and into the fog. They said to do so was death. Punishable by the Gods themselves. Shen Ju Rong did not believe them and never really had.
He slipped down from the temple roof and made his way through the streets before finding his friend Tan Meng. "Fishbait," Shen called, grinning as he walked up to the stall where Tan Meng worked along side his father.
"Shut up, I'm working."
"Come here for a minute, ask your father if he'll give you some time off." Tan Meng rolled his eyes. "Just ask!" Shen snarked.
"You are no longer a boy," Tan's father said with a stern frown. "But you may do as you wish if you do not care for your family."
"It's just a minute..."
"Go," Tan's father spat.
Sandorin
Matinus looked down at the little sleeping baby and scrunched up his face and tilted his head. Babies weren't exactly his favorites - Reggie and Regina were a little bit different because they were his niece and nephew - but Sandorin, this was his half-brother. He could feel a strange calm from the little baby in front of him, like he was a lot older than he was really.
Sandorin opened his eyes just a bit and looked up at Matinus. It was freaky. He looked down to see Nioma come in and lean her face against the bars of the crib. "He's little, huh?" she asked.
"Yeah, he'll get bigger though."
"Will we be able to play with him?"
Matinus shrugged. "Probably you will, but I don't know if
I'm going to play with him."
"Why not?" Nioma squeezed her face into the bars and danced about on one leg as she looked at her half-brother.
"I'm older than you are."
"So? Mister Bunny is older than me too, and he still plays with me."
"Mister Bunny is a rabbit, not a boy."
"Mister Bunny is a mister."
Matinus smirked and left the baby behind, walking through Sandorin's bedroom, through Nioma's, and back to his own. He could tell his dad was really excited about the little baby - his baby with Sanria - which made him a little sad. He didn't seem to love him or Nioma as much as he already loved Sandorin. He could feel his dad worrying, too, like jealously worrying.
Matinus had already talked to Colin about being so afraid he made Sanria tired, but there was something a little wrong and he couldn't really figure it out. Colin felt afraid and said he thought he was going to lose Sanria to his dad, his dad felt jealous and worried, and Sanria - he just felt this weird confusion. Then, Nioma, always excitable and strange with how she could see stuff that wasn't visible. Just the other day she said Sanria's belly was sparkling. Then Sandorin... the weirdest calm baby Matinus had ever seen.
He walked upstairs and went to Orn and Mirin, but they were busy with Reggie and Regina. They were busy with them a lot. He walked outside and sat by the stream. There was a strange uneasiness that was floating around. Something too weighty for a twelve-year-old boy to worry about.
Sandorin opened his eyes just a bit and looked up at Matinus. It was freaky. He looked down to see Nioma come in and lean her face against the bars of the crib. "He's little, huh?" she asked.
"Yeah, he'll get bigger though."
"Will we be able to play with him?"
Matinus shrugged. "Probably you will, but I don't know if
I'm going to play with him."
"Why not?" Nioma squeezed her face into the bars and danced about on one leg as she looked at her half-brother.
"I'm older than you are."
"So? Mister Bunny is older than me too, and he still plays with me."
"Mister Bunny is a rabbit, not a boy."
"Mister Bunny is a mister."
Matinus smirked and left the baby behind, walking through Sandorin's bedroom, through Nioma's, and back to his own. He could tell his dad was really excited about the little baby - his baby with Sanria - which made him a little sad. He didn't seem to love him or Nioma as much as he already loved Sandorin. He could feel his dad worrying, too, like jealously worrying.
Matinus had already talked to Colin about being so afraid he made Sanria tired, but there was something a little wrong and he couldn't really figure it out. Colin felt afraid and said he thought he was going to lose Sanria to his dad, his dad felt jealous and worried, and Sanria - he just felt this weird confusion. Then, Nioma, always excitable and strange with how she could see stuff that wasn't visible. Just the other day she said Sanria's belly was sparkling. Then Sandorin... the weirdest calm baby Matinus had ever seen.
He walked upstairs and went to Orn and Mirin, but they were busy with Reggie and Regina. They were busy with them a lot. He walked outside and sat by the stream. There was a strange uneasiness that was floating around. Something too weighty for a twelve-year-old boy to worry about.
the first step on a long path
Psycho had been in Athktla in the library speaking to Tsaroth about the book that Wrack had given him a few weeks before. The book had been harder to coax into translation that Psycho had previously believed. Even the robot which had translated so much before had no luck. Psycho had another idea but it would require more than magic or wisdom. It would require blood.
Psycho of course had tried blood, the book never stained or absorbed anything but ink. The pages stayed fresh and perfect. Psycho had even tried to rip out a page, but as he hypothesized the pages were not simply bound into the book. The book was an entity in and of itself. The parts of the book such as pages, bindings, and the cover did not make the book, the book had made the pieces to facilitate its being. The book was very much alive, and Psycho would no sooner harm the book than a fellow member of his brotherhood.
While Psycho was pondering how to use the book, he got a very interesting tell from a wizard
'I know you have much knowledge of the Moonshae Isles. I do, Perhaps we can be of some assistance to each other. I feel with some effort between us we can make progress into freeing the old gods.'
Psycho had indeed spent much time in the islands, but when Corleone called Psycho he had no idea how far down the rabbit hole they could really go. The weaver of Fate had plucked his cord and called him to further investigate the islands than he or any other had before.
Psycho of course had tried blood, the book never stained or absorbed anything but ink. The pages stayed fresh and perfect. Psycho had even tried to rip out a page, but as he hypothesized the pages were not simply bound into the book. The book was an entity in and of itself. The parts of the book such as pages, bindings, and the cover did not make the book, the book had made the pieces to facilitate its being. The book was very much alive, and Psycho would no sooner harm the book than a fellow member of his brotherhood.
While Psycho was pondering how to use the book, he got a very interesting tell from a wizard
'I know you have much knowledge of the Moonshae Isles. I do, Perhaps we can be of some assistance to each other. I feel with some effort between us we can make progress into freeing the old gods.'
Psycho had indeed spent much time in the islands, but when Corleone called Psycho he had no idea how far down the rabbit hole they could really go. The weaver of Fate had plucked his cord and called him to further investigate the islands than he or any other had before.
Flowers!!!!
Ahdonis stared across his flower garden. He was amazed, so much care had been put into this garden. To think this garden started because a lone red tulip was found growing in the most morbid of places he had come across. When he had returned from the adventure, he planted the most beautiful red tulip in a pot on the roof of the citadel. Everyone enjoyed the smell as well as the sight of the tulip. Then another day Kole, returned returned to the citadel with a beautiful white poppy plant. And another plant found its way potted and on the roof. And so a trend began. It got to the point that the majority of the roof was covered with potted plants. During the reconstruction of the citadel, it was decided that a flower garden would be added within it walls. It had teken months to find the best soil to allow these flowers to not only grow but to flourish. Ahdonis found himself spending hours everyday within the garden. It was his peaceful place. Not a weed could be found within it. Butterflies danced atop the flowers with such elegance.
Suddenly something caught the corner of his eye. It stood almost transluscent but its shape was a women. She was brushing her hands on the flowers as she took in all the smells. "Who goes there?" Ahdonis shouted puzzledly towards the miraged women. She turned and smiled, "I just came to enjoy your garden. Not many flower gardens exist with such beautiful flowers." Ahdonis smirked at the mirage, "Indeed, its the smell I think I enjoy the most." She smiles brightly, "I agree." Ahdonis smiles and asks, "I am Ahdonis. Do you have a name?" Bowing her head into the flower and taking in the smell she stares at ahdonis. "I am lliira." The name sounded familiar to Ahdonis but he wasnt sure why. "Nice to meet you, Lliira."
TO BE CONTINUED..........
Suddenly something caught the corner of his eye. It stood almost transluscent but its shape was a women. She was brushing her hands on the flowers as she took in all the smells. "Who goes there?" Ahdonis shouted puzzledly towards the miraged women. She turned and smiled, "I just came to enjoy your garden. Not many flower gardens exist with such beautiful flowers." Ahdonis smirked at the mirage, "Indeed, its the smell I think I enjoy the most." She smiles brightly, "I agree." Ahdonis smiles and asks, "I am Ahdonis. Do you have a name?" Bowing her head into the flower and taking in the smell she stares at ahdonis. "I am lliira." The name sounded familiar to Ahdonis but he wasnt sure why. "Nice to meet you, Lliira."
TO BE CONTINUED..........
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