Charas-Project
Off-Topic => Archive => RP Board => Topic started by: Dragonium on October 21, 2006, 06:15:55 PM
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The Western Lands have grown quiet of late.
People used to fear the Western Lands. They were a place where nobody had ventured before. All the maps, even the most accurate, showed blank space where there was clearly a vast continent. The eye could see nothing of the land. There had supposedly been sightings of people, but these were only rumours. Nobody went in or out. For centuries it was shrouded in mystery.
And then one evening, creatures arrived from the west. They were beasts which no eye had ever seen. Dark, winged things, some said. Most who set eye on them were killed, many more cut down as they fled. Several innocents were captured and taken away. And then, as quickly as they had come, the creatures left, flying away to the west.
All accounts of what had happened were destroyed, and the public were told that nothing serious had happened, that a group of bandits had started a fight. The cover-up was perfect. Nobody suspected a thing, and the Inas Kingdom, the largest royal power in the world, was calm once again.
But where there is ignorance, there grows curiousity.
And eventually the King of Inas decided that he could wait no longer for answers from his prophets and researchers and astrologers. He used his power and his influence to create a contest; the Pathwalker Contest.
The rules were simple: the bravest men and women in the Kingdom who volunteered to take part would be taken to the Western Lands. There, they would have however long was necessary to explore the continent and produce a map. Whoever's map showed the most detail would be the winner. The prize was simple; the King, in person, would present the winner with the one item which they desired. It was a lucrative contest indeed.
But many people feared the mystery of the Western Lands. It was anyone's guess as to who would apply.
~~~~~
The last RP died because it only appealed to a few people. But every community needs a few good RPs, so let's make an effort to get this underway. The usual rules apply. No Godmode, fantasy/medieval setting. Good grammar would be nice, as it cleans up the thread. Grammar is its own reward. All fantasy races (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Drow etc.) are allowed. Anyone can join, so hop on the bandwagon.
EDIT: Just to specify in more detail, the setting means no "modern" or futuristic weapons are available. Which means no firearms, lasers etc. However, technology that could still be called "medieval" is in - so crossbows are okay, firearms aren't. Sorry.
~~~~~
Name: Alziel
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Height: 5'11
Race: Half-Elf
Class: Bandit
Personality: Mature, usually calm, works well to support a team.
Weapons/Gear: Uses a longbow primarily, and carries a shortsword and shield for close range work. Wears leather and cloth armour for movement.
Appearance: Long brown hair and green eyes. Appears youthful, but also has an air of experience. Clothing is mostly brown or green. Carries his longbow over his right shoulder, with his sword and shield on his belt.
Bio: As a child, Alziel was an outsider, shunned for his habit of offending or hurting the feelings of others. While most people would have grown sad at this understanding, Alziel accepted it as another part of his personality. His main outlet for any feelings he had would be to go into the forest near his home and explore, learning to recognise the signs of nature. Soon finding that his attitude tended to isolated him from friends and family, he joined the Wood Hawks, a small group of travelling bandits. The group gained notoriety in the Inas Kingdom, and when a number of people were killed by a mysterious number of winged creatures, it was covered up, and the blame was laid on the Wood Hawks. Alziel continued to live as part of the group; these were his friends now, who accepted him, and he knew that he did not need anyone else.
~~~~~
A breeze blew through Ganam.
This breeze found its way everywhere; into the cloaks of the merchants, into every open door and window, around every corner and down every chimney. As it came to a main street which was now deserted, since trade had finished for the evening, it rustled a fine piece of parchment attached to the wall by a nail.
Two men surveyed this parchment. After a second's reading, both men decided that it was the same advertisement that they had seen in the previous three towns. Alziel turned to his companion, who stayed hidden in the shadow of the building.
"They're advertising it well, aren't they", Alziel muttered. "Soon every fool'll be wanting to join in. All this for a map of some continent that nobody ever goes to".
The other man licked his lips. "I like the sound of that prize, though", he said. "Just think, anything at all. We could get rich. We could all live happily without ever needing to steal or hunt or kill ever again".
"You're right, Leyland", Alziel replied, laying a hand on the other man's shoulder. With his free hand he pulled his hood down further. Both men were hooded similarly. "But that's not what I'm thinking".
Alziel paused, letting old bitterness seethe again.
"We never killed anyone, did we? But the Kingdom said we did, and now we can't come into town at all. Everyone hates us".
He paused, as the forbidden words came.
"I think we should enter that contest".
Leyland recoiled. "You know that place is evil", he spat. "No good'll come of going over there. Draw up a map. That's all. Do you really think the King will give whatever you want, just for drawing a map? No, there's more to it than that. I can tell these things".
He stopped. Both men were quiet.
"And anyway", Leyland added, "It says to register at the King's castle. I doubt we'd get within a mile of that place without being aimed at. All the guards know us. We'd never be able to join".
"It's worth it", Alziel murmured. The breeze blew again. "If it stops people hating us, it's worth it".
Leyland was quiet as he studied Alziel's face.
"Alziel, we've known each other for six years. I don't doubt your determination. But I'll say two things. First, the poster says there are two days remaining, and you'll have to be fit and ready to go within that time. And second, it says only one person from each group is allowed to go to the Western Lands. Do you think you can do it on your own?"
"I can", Alziel said, "And I will".
"Two days", Leyland finished. "You'll need rest. Come on, we'll go back. Tomorrow we can get you ready. Maybe you can turn our lives around for us".
With those words, the two men turned and left the town.
-
An expensively dressed man walked jauntily along a worn forest path, a sack of rolled up papers over his shoulder. He seemed untroubled by the long shadows and sharp turns of the road.
"A pampered one" Shell whispered to the tiny tree frog in his hand. It looked up at him, almost curiously, and then dived into the deepest pocket in shell's ancient leather coat.
"You're looking for food again?" Shell sighed. "Well those crumbs are the last I have, friend. That is unless this fellow is as well off as he looks."
The rich looking man stopped for a second, and looked up at the steep rock face beside him. Seeing nothing, he continued along the path..
And Shell chose that moment to spring down from his hiding place within the rock and strike the man over the head. One hit was all that was needed, Shell's worn staff knocking the unfortunate unconsious. Checking for a pulse and finding one, Shell then seized the man's travel bag, and opened it.
Nothing.
Shell cried out in disappointment. The man must have been forewarned about muggers to have not brought a single unit of gold. "Where are you lady, when I need your luck the most?" He screamed at the overcast skies.
The wind rustled the trees above angrily and the sack with the papers spilled it's contents, a rolled up parchment coming to rest at Shell's filthy boot. After looking at it for a second, he picked it up and read it. The frog hopped from his pocket and nto his sholder to get a look at this new object.
"I see" He mused. "So I must work for a living now? Well I trust in your judgement, my lady."
And following the directions given on the parchment, he began to make his way towards the castle of the king.
***
Shell
Race: either human or half human, his mother was never sure of the father. Possibly half elvish
Gender: Male
Age: about thirty
Weapons: Currently, an old wooden staff which may have been embued with magical protection, for it is incredibly strong. Shell dislikes killing, although he has done it before, and prefers to knock his opponents unconsious.
History: Not much of historical note has happened in Shell's past, but the story of his life would still make an entertaining read. At a young age his poor mother sold him to sailing merchants, where he worked hard and was treated poorly. However the ship was attacked by pirates and he became a slave of the powerful captain. During this time he learned to fight from other slave boys, and he also found a tiny tree frog, which hopped aboard the boat whilst it was docking next to a tropical port. It has remained with him since, outliving normal frogs which has given Shell reason to believe that there is something enchanted about it.
Years later his ownership changed again as the pirate ship was sunk by one of the kings ships and Shell was rescued. For a time Shell was in the employment of the king as a squire, but his life has taught him nothing but dishonesty and he began to steal. He was thrown into jail. Upon being released from this jail he left the city and has been doing odd jobs and mugging ever since.
Shell believes that there is a force known as the lady of luck who aids him in making his decisions.
-
Name: Bowen
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Height: 5'10
Race: Human
Class: Ranger
Personality: Slightly inmature, energetic, slightly bloodlustic and chaotic at times.
Chaotic Neutral; Believes in balance between good and evil but slightly turns more to the evil side.
Weapons/Gear: Has a shortbow and a two-handed sword. Wears mostly leather and a mail shoulderpad on the right shoulder and mail around his left arm.
Appearance: Halflong brown hair which barely reaches the shoulders. Has brown eyes. Aging is notable, but not by much. Has brown clothes with metal on the mail parts. Carries his shortbow to his right side and quiver to his left. Has his two-handed sword sword attached to his back with leather, easy to holster in and out.
Bio: [Not added, pieces of Bowen's life and past will be given throughout the RP.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'The castle, the glorious castle. The home of our king, our lord. Bah, how I hate this place,' Bowen mumbles. 'Ah well, I want that damn quest to be mine. I want that damn reward.'
Up ahead, down the road Bowen is walking, is the entrance of the courtyard. Five guards around the main gate, probably more in the guardhouse.
'So many guards, the king must be expecting trouble to come towards this quest. Not like that wasn't expected. Everyone would want that reward, the most vile scum of the outbacks of this kingdom will be coming here for the quest.'
Down the road, pasting the old market area. Silence. A raven's call in the tree nearby, an old cart and horse in the nearby distance. As he nearers the main gate, the sound of the clinging of the armor of the guards can be heard. Their voices, their coughs and sneezes. A quick look around, the area is like a ghost town. No human in the area. People are afraid, afraid of the customers the quest draws. They don't dare to stay outside anymore for all too long. The people it draws... mercenaries, bandits, crooks, murderers and perhaps worse. The silence of a town like this is dreadfull, painfull almost. Just a few more steps, just a few more yards, almost there, just need to keep walking on.
-
Alziel stayed in the ditch.
He was lucky to have found this here, out of sight of the guards and not far from the entrance of the castle. Leyland had known where it was, and had said his goodbyes a few hundred yards ago, before retiring to the cover of the trees. Alziel had been handed his bow, arrows, sword, shield, provisions... He was as equipped as he needed to be.
He had drawn maps before. A large empty continent like the Western Lands would be no problem.
A man in armour carrying a large sword walked by on the road towards the castle. This man would be one of the competitors. It appeared that he could fight, but whether he could draw up a decent map would be anyone's guess.
There was another speck on the horizon, on the same road. There was only a short time left, and the number of competitors would surely pick up soon enough.
Seeing an opportunity to blend in with the armoured man, Alziel stepped out of the ditch and into the road. Most people knew who the Wood Hawks were and what they looked like, but Alziel could hope that this man would not recognise him.
Perhaps he would be lucky today.
Alziel too began walking down the road towards the castle.
-
Silence, on the road. But wait, what's that? Something moving? Footsteps? Ah who cares. It doesn't matter. Bowen nearers the guards, lets a cough loose to let them know he's coming and stops when a guard approaches him.
'What's your business here, sir?' the guard questions him. A sharp look into his eyes followed by a friendly face.
'The quest. I'm here for the quest to the Western Lands.'
'Ah, yes. Follow me, sir.' The guard stands ease, turns around and walks towards the gate. Bowen follows him, staying around 5 yards behind the guard.
'Frederick, open the gate and escort Mr...'
'Bowen, just call me Bowen,' he interupts.
'Mr. Bowen. Escort Mr. Bowen to the main hall. Here's here for the quest. Come back when Mr. Bowen has entered the main hall.'
'Sure thing,' Frederick says. He's notably younger then the other guards, he must be new to the job too.
'Please step to the gate Mr. Bowen,' the first guard says.
Bowen steps through the gate and follows Frederick through the courtyard towards the main hall.
-
--------------------------------
Name: Anyan Leddwick
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Height: 1.84 meters
Race: Human
Class: Knight
Personality: Cold, silent, careless, tends to remain quiet at battle. He believes in justice and punishments, and that, though you are not punished in this life you'll be punish in he afterlife. Although he believes that evil deeds must be punished and he must carry out a punishment upon those who put the balance to the evil side.
Weapons/Gear: A dark cloack, but has a light armor below, his sword, Leddwick's Viper, is a powerful, yet light edge, which is barnished in poison. He acknowledges a little bit about magic.
Appearance: Red, long hair and red eyes. Has a scar over the right eye, which is covered by his hair. Cold look. (check attachment)
Bio: He was born at the Inas Kingdom. At a very young age (20) he became a knight under the orders of the King. He and his father were sent to the Western Continent to find out about this dark creatures, but his father convinced the King to let Anyan stay. As his father did not return, Anyan tried to find out what really happened. Convinced that the King lied, and seeking revenge for his father, Anyan trained and became a strong knight. As he retired from the army at a very young age (22) he trained himself by traveling. Now he has returned to the Kingdom and will seek funds, and the adventure at the Western Continent is perfect for his wishes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyan passed through the gate, with a tired look on his face.
He walked slowly towards the Castle's Gate, as he saw a papire on the wall.
"So, it is true..." thought Anyan: "They are sending people to the West again..."
No one recognized Anyan. His scar, his cold looks, they were very different than what he used to be at the past. And he was happy about this, of course. He had cursed the King and the knights who follow him since his father's death. No one dared to tell him the truth.
Anyan had no money on his pocket, so he decided to go to the West.
He got near the guards at the Castle and said: "I want business. I'll go to the West".
A guard said: "Follow me" as he showed him the way to the Castle's Main Hall. Anyan knew the way perfectly, as the remains of his past memories assaulted him.
He saw more people gathering at the hall, there were plenty of them.
"At least I won't be fighting alone" thought Anyan.
"Wait here, the King himself will speak to all of you, when all the others arrive" said the guard, as he left.
-
Shell had noticed the towns he passed become larger and better kept on his way to the city, and the areas of countryside between them shorter. By the time he reached the city of the king, Regallis, the rising sun played across a sea of architecture, as if the towns had merged into one another and become a living, breathing animal, peppered with shanty huts below towering white stoned buildings. Here the rich lived, and the poor as well, each bustling about their buisiness as ants might gather about an anthill. 'The great city Regallis' was, after all, a home for the ignorant, as any other town.
Shell has cautiously approached the city by a side entrance, where the people busied themselves with their morning activities, but as he strolled towards the main roads the initially relentless noise began to diminish.
"Odd, this area is usually the busiest" Shell murmured, half to himself and half to the frog on his shoulder. "I wonder..."
A lone horse drawn cart clattered across the imaculately cobbled road and drew Shell's attention to the road leading to the castle, where a large gathering of people stood. As he walked briskly towards them he picked out Dwarves, humans, and even sprites, people from all over the country. All carried weapons; most looked rugged, dirty, some eyeing the competition with distaste and others sharpening their blades. "No wonder the townsfolk have kept clear" he remarked under his breath. "this lot would sell their mothers for a good meal."
-
Name: Montclair "Monty" Simonson
Age: 25
Race: Human mostly, but with notciably elven blood
Appearance
A slender man, average in height, with black hair, shoulder length, usually tied behind his head. Charismatic an agreeable in nature, mostly friendly and benevolent, but not without a capitalist streak
History: A native of the Kings capital, Monty has worked independantly as a mercenarie to the highest ranking nobles. No Job is below him, allthough some are better off contracted to more desperate competitors for a slight markup.
Profit driven, Monty sees him self as the perfect candidate for the posted mission. Family stories of the old times have always feuled Montys Curiosity about the west.
A recent job gone slightly bad has tainted montys rweputation among the more underhanded of the nobles. This is even more reason for monty to embark on some "Out of town work"
Monty rides a quarterhorse,Esquire, and keeps bags of misc. items and tools in saddlebags. Also Carries a light crossbow, ample bolts, a hatchet on his belt, and a Halbred-esque walking stick (with a machete like blade protruding from the upper stalk).
His clothes are bland and utilitarian. Under his travel robes, thick leather hide padding keeps him safe.
____________________________________
Whilst untieing his Horse from a bulletin post, monty couldnt help but notice the postings about the kings mission
"Holy lords, esquire. The registry date is already upon me. Time flies when youre avoiding, well....everybody"
Taking a glance around, and seeing the vagrants and un-desirables around the town this day:
"That would explain the out-of-towners as well. Id best Get myself registered soon, and take a looksy at the competition"
Mounting his Stted, Monty galloped down the road out of the town market, toward the castle. Fastening esquire to the posts outside the inner gates, monty noticed the bandit like entourage approaching the gates behind him.
"Seems my timing is good. Id hate to be stuck behind the likes of that"
Pulling his travel cloak over to hide his wepons on his belt from the confiscation-happy guards, monty approaches the younger guard at the door, a fellow he had met before on occasion. His older brother was a mercenary whom Monty had seen killed in action...this is something monty did not desire to bring up with the young guard, allthough the guard knew the story well.
Exchanging nods, the young guards counterpart, an older man, in the palace security uniform adresses monty
"Ahh.....its good to see a local hunter chasing this Bounty. I had hoped one would enroll."
"Thanks, cheif...good to have some support" Glancing over his shoulder at the gaggle behind him he returned his gaze to the older guard "Looks like one may need it, in a competition like this"
"Proceed to the main hall, Bounty Hunter...what was your name?"
Before Monty could answer, the younger guard spoke up
"His name is Monty. And he has no support from me..bounty hunters...if it werent for such a disreputable trade, much of my family would still be alive today. The contestants here make me wretch"
An akward moment of silence followed, and the older guard motioned for Monty to proceed inward, as he let out an uncomfortable murmur
"The other contestants are waiting in the Main Chambers....the King will be ready to make his address in due time"
Upon entry Monty couldnt help but think about how ignorant the young guard was for drawing such a conclusion before even seeking anothers perspective on his brothers death, but the discredited his criticism....."Death can make ones mind run askew....I must keep that in mind......."
Looking up at the Chambermaids Walking about the Palace, dirty thoughts crossed montys mind...."Death, and.....Ladies."
Monty knew as well as his peers did, that his main weakness was now, and always will be, the fairer sex.
Approaching the Chamber entrance, Monty thought out loud "Lets hope that the contest involves some variet of female contestants."
An with that, Monty resided near the exit of the Chambers, surveying the other entrants gathered about the Castle
-
Alziel stayed out of sight.
He had watched the steady train of people arriving, and it seemed to be ending. There had been quite a few entrants, but nowhere near as many as Alziel might have expected, given there was such a lucrative reward. Apparently some people still feared the Western Lands.
The cover-up of the winged creatures had been perfect, and nobody suspected a thing, but there was a frightful mystery about that empty land...
Alziel had to take his chances. He shouldered his quiver, the clacking of arrow shafts reassuring him, and stepped into the road.
The guards moved as soon as they saw him. There were two on gate duty, and another man behind them, who Alziel assumed to be their chief. He glowered as Alziel came near. The two guards raised their swords.
"No bandit scum is allowed within these walls", called the chief, "Especially murderers like you".
Alziel cursed quietly. The guards did recognise him after all.
"The assembly is closing. No more are permitted to go inside. Go home, bandit".
"And why should I do that", replied Alziel with a forced smirk, "When I could go away to a far-away land and get myself killed in style? Surely you'd rather I did, than stand out here accosting the three of you?"
The chief was silent. Then he nodded.
"I bet you a hundred Gold you don't last an hour before you get dragged back here half-dead", he spat. He laughed momentarily, but his joke was lost.
"Two hundred", Alziel replied jovially. The chief nodded and laughed. Then he gestured to the two guards.
"Let him in", he murmured, so that the watchman in the tower above would not hear him.
Alziel was allowed to pass. He wandered into the main hall where a large group of potential winners was gathered. Up ahead, at the helm of the room, was the throne which would be occupied by the King in a few minutes' time. He took to the shadows at the back of the throng and thought back to the guard chief.
That was one bet he hoped he would lose.
-
In one of the corners, on a bench, is Bowen. Staring at the floor in front of him. Not thinking or wanting to think. Just staring and waiting. Waiting for it all to happen, waiting for the quests that would chance his live. He didn't care for how many came to join him, after all, they were just nameless faces. One by one they gathered in the main hall, like he did before. Staring, and waiting. All there is to do now.
-
Anyan stood at a wall, watching how the hall was getting full of mercenaries, mages and such. The King's arrival would be in short time.
Anyan stood and noticed a guard entering the room.
"Someone has to watch all of this scum..." whispered the guard.
Anyan approached him and said: "Watch your mouth here Klerr... someone might hear you..."
Klerr watched Anyan closely. "Oh my..." said Klerr, as he became pale.
"I remember you, and I know you remember me... You won't open your mouth to say my name, you know it will be the last thing you'll ever do, my 'friend'..." said Anyan.
"You're suppossed... You should be... dead..." said Klerr in a very low voice, as he walked away from Anyan. Surely he hoped that Anyan wouldn't pull any move inside the Castle. And he was right.
Still, Anyan smiled, as he had reached one objective: to let know an "old friend" that he wasn't dead, and was back.
-
After a short wait, and good stretch of people watching, Monty couldnt help but notice an odd interaction betyween two men about thirty paces away. One, with long red hair, stood talking to the other with his back turned. The other, being a Guard, standing slightly beside the other, enough of his face visible to notice the general expression.
As the Red haired Knightly man whispered a few words in the Guard's Ear, the guard's face turned stak white, as if to have seen a ghost.
A slight change in position, let Monty have a glimpse at the Red Haired Knights Face, which had in it, a vengefull looking reddish eye, shifting coldly in the chamber light.The other eye, covered by a lock of red hair.
"He looks familiar...If I were at a bounty center, Id feel compelled to beseech the name behind that man." Monty thought to himself
"It could benifit me to try and ally with one such as him. He has in his eye, that One would not want as an enemy. The bounty will likely only go to one, if any, but it would benifit me to make allies, venturing into a land such as this."
With a nonchalant stretch, Monty stolled a bit closer to the red haired man, also scanning the room for anyone else that would be worthy of keeping note of.
"By the likes of the miscreints gathered here, One could fetch a fourtune in Headhunting alone....If the bounty for the Kings expidition were not so tempting...."Monty thought to himself....
"I wonder if there will be any kind of funding for equipment....I wonder, is there a bandit trying to rob my horse right now...not that he would have any luck...a steed as stubborn as that listens to only one.....God this is wasting my youth. Ill be grey haired before this king gets on with the formalities here"
Looking around once more, Monty sets eyes on a Ranger, with Shoulder Lenght Brown Hair, staring Blankly at the ground ahead of him....Monty wondered what thoughts, or lack of, would make a grown man stare so blankly at the ground for such a period of time....."Either a prodigy, or a mongoloid" Monty muttered to himself
-
(I assume we can have more than one character. I won't have more than two in any case.)
Gazing lazily at the rabble in the huge marble hall was a young, human sized sprite. Her pale pink hair fell delicately about her shoulders and a long dagger rested at her side. Not that she had much use for it, Liara mused, as she absent mindedly open and closed her hand, allowing small fire spells to dance across her skin. She sat up and stretched her long insect like wings, concious of the quickly filling area. Soon there would be little room to move.
Finally, she stopped looking around and settled her eyes upon one individual. A fairly handsome man with a bow; he looked well travelled and able to take care of himself. The Sprite had no intention of braving the harsh uncharted lands on her own- not when her unageing beauty could secure her a travelling companion to do the work for her. She smiled and made her way fearlessly through the unruly crowds towards Alziel.
***
Liara
Race: Sprite, human sized (I don't know much about the actual definition of a sprite, it may even be an undead thing or whatever. I've always used them like faeries, very magical beings that come in many sizes but are all humanoids. They are gifted mages and can naturally fly.)
Age: 6
Gender: Female
Weapons: Dagger, also learned in fire, ice and thunder magic.
History: Sprites are born and grow to adulthood in a single year, and then do not age after that. They do not naturally die but can be killed by hand fairly easily because they do not heal as easily as humans and their cuts can bleed much longer. Therefore Liara, though 6, is mature if not experienced. She left her family and relished adventure, often having an easy ride due to her feminine charm. Her reasons for wanting to win the competition are unknown.
-
Anyan noticed a a man with long, black hair tied up, who was standing closely to him. "Could him just overhead what I said to Klerr?" thought Anyan. "No, impossible, unless he's related to elves, but he does not seem like one... I must take care, though" thought Anyan, while he stared to the big courtyard through a window. It reminded him of old times, when he used to train with Klerr and others to become Knights of the King's Order. Only him had reached a position in the Order.
After waiting for a little while, Anyan stared at the crowd. He noticed a Ranger with an enormous sword. "Must be skilled, I guess. He looks to be focusing" though Anyan for himself, while closing his eyes and smiling a bit. As he was watching the crowd, he noticed a Sprite. He had forgotten the last time when he had stared to such beautiful being. As he stared to the Sprite, he said to himself "Delliah..."
(this is a flashback, just to be sure that there will be no confusion)
His girlfriend, Delliah, had perished after some bandits had ambushed both her and Anyan. Although he had defeated the fiends, both of them were badly wounded, especially Anyan. In order to save his life, Delliah (who was a powerful priestess) sacrificed her life to the gods to save him. Anyan rembered when he ripped one of the fiend's cloack, and he noticed a royal mark at the shoulder. And when Anyan watched the man's face, hew saw a familiar look. "Klerr..." he whispered at that time, while the man, scared to death, stabbed him chest, missing his heart by little.
(flashback's over, back to reality)
These memories, painful, terrible, always haunted Anyan. His eyes had gotten a sadful look, and when he noticed, Anyan decided to stop thionking about his past. "Tides will turn to my side in time..." he thought.
-
MOnty, out of his peripheral vision, noticed that he was Detected by the Red haired Knight.'If I dont introduce myself now, I will have a harder time doing so without hostility in the future"
Upon making eye contact, Monty gives a Coy smirk, and addressed Anyan....
"Not to worry, friend.....if the damsel isnt elven, or human, I am genuinely disinterested....but judging by your smitten look, a beauty such as that brings back to mind other beauties.
....thou wouldst seem to be a competent advesary....
Do not worry, I hear not your chat with the guard, allthough Im sure it was noteworthy. Im not, however, one to pry."Extending a Hand forward in gesture, monty continues"If one hopes to get at chance at the prize, one has to at least ally with the competition in the early stages......My name is Montclair, of this FIne Kingdom....Might I make your aquaintance, sir......."
Monty knows at this time, Anyan will become either friend or foe. (Allthough eventually, everyone in this room will become foe, if the prize is within reach)
-
Anyan stared at Monty, with his cold look. "It's best to make friends instead of foes amongst this crew" he thought, so he answered: "The name's Anyan. 'Tis an interesting contest I guess, as the unknown summons fear amongst the ignorant ones. Lets us face our fiends together, for now" he said, with his quiet voice. "But watch your back if you dare to betray me" he thought for himself. "When will this bloody King arrive?" he asked, whispering.
-
"Well met anyan.....'tis not in my benifit to betray an ally.....As for the king, if theres one thing I know about my "dear Leader" (allthough I think of him more as a cowardly tyrant between you and I, sending mercenaries and such to do the work that his Army is more than capable of) Its that hes Eating mutton, And drinking in Excess before Making his presence. And mark my words, he will stand far out of the range of Scent, as his breath will surely reak of Bourbon and the perfumes of underage chambermaids"
-
Alziel hung back, listening to the conversation between the two men standing a few feet from him. He had established their names - Montclair and Anyan - and had a fair idea of whether they would be a threat.
The competition would be fierce, certainly.
As Alziel continued to eavesdrop, the great door where the competitors had entered was slammed shut. A hush fell over the room as a guard spoke.
"The gates have closed. No more entrants will be permitted. The King shall make his address in a few minutes' time. After that, there shall be a feast laid on for all of you" - a murmur of approval washed over the room - "And then lodgings will be prepared. There will be five of you to each room. The facilities will be appropriate for this many".
More people nodded in agreement. A dwarf standing near to Alziel laughed loudly and swung his axe about his head, so that a number of people shuffled away from him. The guard looked about to leave, before turning again.
"Tomorrow, the selected candidates will leave by ship".
There was a sudden confusion. Selected candidates? That had to have been a mistake. There were no conditions for selection. The people who appeared at the castle would go to the Western Lands. Alziel thought to call out, before a number of people did it for him.
"We shall hold a draw", called the guard, "And from the hundred or so of you here, thirty names will be selected. These thirty will be provided with adequate mapping equipment and travel to the Western Isles by ship, where you will each"--
His voice was quickly drowned out by angry shouts. There had been nothing said about this. Only a few people would be permitted to go. Most of the people here today would have to return home disappointed.
Alziel sighed, and as he did so, he caught the eye of a sprite standing a short distance across the room from him. Not knowing what else to do, he nodded, and she smiled back. Before either of them could move a number of guards carrying quills and parchment surged forward and took the names of everyone in the room. A list was quickly completed, and whisked away for names to be drawn after the feast.
Alziel sighed again. It seemed his luck would have to continue for a little while longer yet.
-
"No doubt the nobility here will pull strings to have me deported from this town, after the last job"
Monty thinks back and recalls the events of his last job.
It was rigged from the get go. A select few of the Nobles in town, had comissioned out a series of murders to out of town mercenaries, and set evidence to frame another Noble, who happened to oppose the others veiw on economic growth and ethics.
When Monty was put on the Job, his abilities were underestimated. His Job was to Find the Killer, or at least Whomever was responsible.
Or at least, whom the Nobles led one to believe was responsible.
But Monty was better than that. Not only did he Uncover the evidence, but found the bounty hunters, and sadistically interrogated them into divulging the information.
Monty, being the Capitalist he was, Let the jurisdiction imprison the innocent nobel, collecting the Reward. And the systemattically proceeded to blackmail ever nobel involved in the conspiracy.
The Inncoent Nobel was made an accomplice to Montys actions. But before the full extent of the Plan the two had made was carried out, the Noble was mysteriously assasinated in prison. At this point, Monty made a modest living off of the blackmails, and small bounties. At that rate, he could retire In Fifteen years.
But then again, If he were to win the Kings prize, he could retire wealthy, and Immediatly.
Turning to Anyan....."These things are always rigged. While we eat, Scholars, Nobels and Advisors will hand pick. If ye be using an Alias, Anyan, Id suggest using a well known one. The feast..... will surely be good.....best to feed up"
When the Gurad Took Montys name, He specified that he would be requiring room for his horse, and if not his horse, an arrangment for boarding would be needed.
Turning his head over his Shoulder Monty spotted another listening in
To Alziel, Monty Spoke "Be you Friend or Foe, I ask you not to peer in on my business. Listen as an Equal. I have nothing to Hide...."
Turning around monty continues "My name is Montclair, Most efficient Bounty Hunter and Mercenary in the Kingdom......What is your Name, oh less than subtle audience of one?"
-
Anyan smiled when the guard reached him. The guard was Klerr.
"Mark my words Klerr... Anyan Falastor Leddwick. Send my name to your King, he will be more than willing to send me to the West".
Klerr smiled, as he reamained pale, but said: "I don't know how you did it, but I swear that if you shall return from the west, I shall duel you to death".
"That will not be possible..." said Anyan, as he scratched Klerr's hand slightly with his sword. "This is the Viper's bite. Remember it when you go to bed. My revenge against you is fulfilled" whispered Anyan.
Klerr didn't understand Anyan's words, as he wrote his name on te list. Anyan noticed a notation at his name's saide, which was (It is him, Lodrd. We must send him).
Turning towards Monty and Alziel, Anyan said: "This will surely be a hard task. I think that, for now, we should remain toghether. What is your name (to Alziel), you, who was listening my conversation all along?"
-
"So, lots?" remarked Liara offhandedly. "Sounds cheap to me. Doesn't having more competetors mean more chance of getting a good map?"
Alziel sighed. "The equipment is expensive. They'll decide who's most likely to succeed and then rig the draws."
Liara made an exagerated O with her mouth, in way of an answer, and then sat down on the floor next to him with her wings folded around her. She beckoned Alziel to follow suit, and he reluctantly crouched beside her.
"So" began Liara with a serious smile. "What's your name?"
-
My Name, Dear Sprite, is Montclair. Bounty HUnter Extrordinaire, of this very City. Allthough, If it werent for this expidition, the locals of power would surely find a way to deport me. But this is better left as a campfire tale. But may I ask, young one, why thou would ask my name without having the courtesy to first divulge yours? certainly now is the time for gracities, as in due time, we shall almost all inevitable compete for the Bounty, and rest assured, there is only ONE bounty."
-
Liara turned and smiled at Montclaire. "I wasn't adressing you, but as you're so courteous I'll answer. I'm Liara."
-
Alziel replied his name, gesturing slightly to the others as he did so. He could think of little to say in reply, but Liara continued.
"I wonder why they need a map, anyway", she mused. "Nobody ever goes that far West. No ships come and go. Nobody is likely to go there any time soon".
"The King wants answers", Alziel mumbled. For a moment, he was not aware he had said this aloud. But Liara heard him and looked on in curiousity.
It had occured to Alziel that nobody knew about the creatures from the West any more. The king wanted answers, knowledge of what those things were and the land which they came from.
Nobody knew or cared. All they wanted was the reward.
But Liara seemed different somehow. It probably did not matter to her whether she won or lost.
Alziel had seen that look before. A person searching for knowledge rather than power or any reward.
"It's probably an insurance policy", Alziel said finally. "It's not likely anything unusual will happen out there, but if it does it would be much simpler for the King to cover up thirty missing people than a hundred. Most of the people here will be well known to someone. It will be awkward if anything happens".
Liara frowned.
"Not that it will", Alziel added hastily. He stood up. The floor was not comfortable.
There was a dull murmur from the crowd as conversation died down. The King had come to his throne.
Alziel watched. "This should be entertaining", he muttered.
-
Anyan had listened closely to Alziel. After he had finnished talking, Anyan said: "I believe that the King is searching to win something for himself. Having a map will give him information about undiscovered lands, so he will have knowledge on the terrain, in order to occupy it. Besides, he knows that there is something odd at those lands, and that many will die, that's why he chose to bring mercenaries, thieves and "unwanted people". Like that, he'll kill two birds with a single arrow".
Anyan sat on the floor and sighed. "Those who go, are wanted dead", he whispered. He saw Klerr walking inside a room, quite dizzy. That made him smile.
-
Watching the mailcious smile on Anyans face, Monty decided to put his 2 cents in....
"I dont think the king wants the map to occupy the west, so much as he wants it to find out if its even WORTH occupying.
His reasoning would be two fold.
One, to asses the danger envolved in the potential of occupation, and two, to find out if there is in fact, anything worth conquering.
If it turns out that its a 'savage land of winged beasts', then theres not much use for a map, aside from strategically placing outposts and strongholds to prevent invasion, if in fact any hostile forces do Exist.
If I get there, and find there are nothing but leaderless savages, living in golden cities...this king wont get a map from me.
For all we know, it could be a paradice though, full of beautifull maidens, and fields of smoking-herb, just as quickly as it could be the most baron inhospitable place on the earth.
One thing I know for sure, the Old man can only sit on the thron in silence like that for so long before somebody kets arrested for telling the king to hurry up and get to it" Montys tone had hushed to a loud whisper......
A rowdy from the farther side of the room piped up,in impatience
"OI! 'URRY UP AND GET TO IT, WE AINT GOT ALL DAY"
A slight commotion, albeit hushed broke out as the nearest guard motioned for silence from the ruffian with the business end of a halbred.
-
Bowen stands up, not far away fromt he group who's been speaking so loudly about what those lands may be. He slowly starts to walk into the direction and gives a sharp look at Monty. Noticing this, Monty looks at Bowen. The look changes into that of a smile as he stands next to the group.
"These lands can better have gorgeous maiden," Bowen says cheerfully. "The name's Bowen, btw."
Monty looks a bit confused at Bowen. "Friend or foe?"
"From the way I started a conversation I thought it was kinda clear. Friend, of course."
Monty's confused look chances into a smile. "The name is ..."
"Monty," Bowen interrupts him. "You were talking loudly enough to have the West hear you mate. No worries, everyone around here was too busy with their own conversations."
"I said silence!" The guard shouts. Apperently the ruffian has make quite an uprise with two of his friends. "You either be silent or you leave now!" The guard shouts fiercly.
-
with a quick and hushed whisper in Bowens Direction, Monty give a quick address...
"Ye must have sharp ears if ye hear my hushed whispers above this dinn...well met, Friend."
-
Alziel stared at Monty discreetly enough that he would not notice. This man had spoken so openly about the winged beasts from the West. Yet this was information that only the King and a few of his closest comrades had access to. It was peculiar. How could he have known?
Eventually Alziel thought aloud.
"Those of us who are selected", he said to the group, "Will probably not see each other once we ground in the West. It is a large place. Most people will fan out and cover the area. A few will team up to help each other for an agreed reward. Then again, many people will choose to go it alone".
He left his point unmade. He did not trust Monty, or his supplies of impossible information.
Come to think of it, there were few here he would trust in a thousand years.
"Ladies and Gentlemen", the King boomed suddenly from his throne. Silence fell. "I will not make a long speech, because I am sure that most of you will want to enjoy the feast" - many people nodded or laughed - "But I shall say this; I wish for a map of the Western Lands. A complete, detailed map. You have come here of your own accord, and now fate shall select those whom are wished to be put forward. A contest of champions, certainly. You will need strength, and cunning, and intelligence, if you wish to win".
There was silence and thought.
"Seventy of you will be going home. Thirty of you will be going to the Western Lands. One of you will emerge a hero".
The King clapped his hands together, the doors swung open, and a great feast table was brought in by a troop of twenty kitchen staff. Many people scattered to avoid this. It was set down in the middle of the room, and more staff appeared and layed the table with cloth and fine silverware. A hundred chairs were swiftly brought in.
"Everyone take to a seat", the King laughed. Platters of rich food were brought in and layed about. Many people went to seats and sat down, taking meat and vegetables and sauces and guzzling them greedily. This would be the best meal some of them had had in years.
Alziel wandered to a seat at the end of the table, but Liara pulled his sleeve and he sat down by her in confusion. All the seats were soon filled. Alziel took a plate, and serving girls came round and filled the goblets with wine (Though the appearance of fifty buxom young ladies was more pleasing to many men than the free alcohol).
Food was quickly taken, and more was brought in.
The King stood up and clapped his hands together again. "Let the feast begin".
-
Monty was suddenly in his element. Food, Ladies, Drinks, and a local audience to shoot his soon to be mildly drunken mouth about the rumors of this quest...
As the feast began, the crowd was loud....Loud enough to drown out hopes of hear any conversation taking place more than 10 feet away.
"This" monty thought "Will suit me just fine. Much Distraction."
Monty scanned his eyes about the room, cataloging his surroundings.
His eyes were drawn to a group of Nobels, many of whom were hostile toward monty, and also, were casting sideways glances in his direction.
Monty couldnt help but get the feeling that the Nobles would not only see to it that Monty was selected for the quest, but also, selected not to finish the quest...they would surely do all in their powers to ensure a saboteur to montys progress. As one of the Nobles made a glance, monty reciprocated the eye contact. And a Gaze was returned...and a small staring contest ensued. The Nobel Smiled, maliciously at Monty, and Monty returned the smile, as he shook his head in disapproval.
*****************************
Blackmail was a beautifull thing. Remarkable, in its profitibility.
The Secret society of Noblemen among the kingdom, Known as the "sages of the veil" Had much to hide.
The society was not all that well kept of a secret however, as most of the kingdom was aware of their existance, allthough many assumed them to be nothing more than a philanthropic group of old rich men, with nothing better to do than conduct theatrical rituals of worship to false gods.
Monty, However Knew better.
Montys ancestors, were high standing members of the Sages of the Veil. His Grandfather was born a bastard child, and as such, was not eligible for the sages, allthough his half brother was. The two often told secret stories of what transpired in the Sage meetings....And as such, when on his death Bed, Montys grandfather, also a reputable mercenary and his dearest relative, imparted the location of a series of documents to Monty. Documents of a few testimonials of survivors of an ancient Halocaust, Involving a series of attack from the west.
These documents were part of the Blackmail that monty induced upon the Sages of the Veil.These documents also happened to hold some very usefull information about the quest at hand. One of which being a Map, of a city, that was supposedly in the west. The directions to the city were not known.....But the City itself, now said to be in ruins, was rumored to have a sewer system, with passages leading into a Vault, Housing "The greatest of all treasures, kept watch of by nil but the wind"
Monty had made Written transcriptions to use as fodder for the blackmail.
The stipulations of the argeement, were as such:
Monty was put on the top of the list for Union Mercenary Jobs. This meant he got the most High profile jobs, with the most lucrative payout.
The Nobles also were intended to subsidise montys work and living costs, provide housing, and tax exemption. After Fifteen years, A lump sum of 250 thousand Gold was to be payed out.
And the Documents would be returned, Until then, all was kept secret.
But monty made copies. Fearing deceit on the Nobels Part, Monty imparted transcriptions to another, anonymous party, to ensure that an assasination attempt was not made on monty to prevent an information leak.
Upon obtaining knoledge of this, the Sages of the Veil, needless to say, were not impressed.
If monty were assasinated, the Information would be leaked surely.
But if he dies of Natural causes....or a convienient accident......
A new blackmailer would soon emerge, and be dealt with much more efficiently that Monty had been.
************************************
Monty shook his finger in the air at the Glaring Noble, as if to say "I wouldnt do that if I were you"
And he mouthed the words "I HAVE IT WITH ME"
(Which was a lie...the transcriptions were with him, along with a set of copies, which could be sold to the highest bidding adventurer on the quest, if the going got rough.
A Buxom wench passed by, and Monty broke his gaze, Pulling the wench in close by the upper thigh, after guzzling a pint of Ale...
"Hows about bringing me another, oh stunning maiden"
-
Shell sat silently next to a group of loud, obnoxious mercenaries. They did not worry him in the least, for he had in the past been exposed to far worse scum. To avoid confrontation he could appear to be concentrating on his food, and yet let his mind and gaze wander along the table. Most of the contestants were tearing through their meals like ravenous wolves, and in fact a few resembled such.
There were a few at the table who did not, however, seem to fit. The man some distance away sitting next to the lovely Sprite; another, well spoken man, closer to Shell's position, chatting to another two who were listening intently: These people seemed to have an aura about them, an air that they truly belonged in the competition. Shell had no doubt that the lady would be kind to them in the lots.
Then shell's mind returned to needs closer to home: There was food on the table and he hadn't eaten for a good while. Consious of the brutal company at the table, he selected a few small items of food and dropped them into his pocket where the frog resided. Generally none of this meal would have been edible to a frog, but Shell had seen this one eat almost anything small enough to fit into it's mouth. Only then did he pile up his own plate and get to work.
-
'You don't like the food?' Bowen wonders to Shell, he shakes a bit and looks at Bowen.
'No, no. It's good. I was just, drifiting away with my mind.'
'Heh, we all have that sometimes. Best is too just let it go and enjoy a splendid meal like this one.' Bowen snickers and eats the last piece of meat of his chicken bone.
'I'll make you a bet,' Bowen says.
'Huh? Spill it.'
'I bet for that chicken leg you got there that I can hit that big fat dwarf's nose who's sitting at the end of the table there with this bone.'
Shell scans down the end of the table, to see a big, muscled dwarf with a red beard and red hair sitting somewhere at the end. The dwarf is munching down the food like it was a race, or a private war against it. Even from this point, Shell could see the pieces of food that got stuck into the dwarf's giant beard.
'No way,' he says confident. 'You can't make it.'
'So the bet is on?'
'What do I get if I miss?'
'Hmmm... how about... my...,' he looks at his plate and glass. 'My wine?'
'Ah, sure. It's just food anyways. Try it.'
Bowen looks at the dwarf at the end and holds the piece of bone thightly in his right hand, he pulls his arm back, strechtes it and aims at the nose. With a swift throw, the piece of bone goes flying over the table.
-
Monty is startled as a Bone flies past his face, and hits the nose of the ill-dispositioned Dwarf Beside him.
He looks down the table, and sees a snickering Bowen.
"ugggh.....I should have figured something stupid like this would happen with this lot of company."
The Dwarf Stands up in a rage beside Monty, Yelling profanities, Demmanding to know who did it.
Discreetly, Monty Draws a piece of Rope from his cloak, with weighted bearings fastened to the ends......a means of enforcing complacency.
Im not letting this go to the dogs, monty thought.....If nothing else, Id like to not have this feast intterupted by a berzerker Dwarf. I hope his friends dont take it wrong if I have to Aid in restraining it.
-
Anyan stared the whole scene of the mad dwarf getting up and attacking Monty. "It's an oportunity to show myself" he thought, so, he jumped before the dwarf, and said: "Why must you be so angry? Perhaps it was an accident. Let us not fight for now, we should eat". The dwarf stared to Anyan, right into his red eyes, and said: "Ye ain't going to stop me. I'll crush ya, freak!"
The dwarf punched Anyan's stomach, throwing him down to the floor. "Now I'm mad" thought Anyan, as he got up, jumped fastly and kicked the dwarf's face. The dwarf started to insult Anyan, and tried to draw his axe, but the young man was faster and drew his sword.
"Sit down, or I'll turn you into an even smaller being!" said Anyan, with authority in his voice. The dwarf, seeing himself defeated, looked into the ground and sat down, furious. The guards were amazed, and the King, who had not recognized Anyan, was indeed impressed. "That is the kind of bravery, strenght and speed we need! Bravo, young man!" Anyan smiled, made a reverence, and sat down, quietly, next to Monty. "I guess I'll have this chicken leg" he said, and started to eat, silent, while some mercenaries were whispering about his skills.
-
Alziel shook his head. A selection of these fools, the cream of the crop, would be his opponents, provided he made it through the selection. They would fight hard and be determined, as all fools were. They would be difficult to defeat.
He looked around the table. All the men here seemed almost certain that they would be selected. Alziel looked across to Anyan, who had pacified the dwarf much to the King's pleasure. This man, now he had earned a royal favour, would be almost certain to be drawn and selected to go.
The system was corrupt, as Monty had said.
But frankly, Alziel decided, there were no two ways about it. This was a contest he had to win.
-
Shell glanced up at Bowen, who was beaming from ear to ear. Shell took the chicken leg and tossed it to him. "Nice one. Where'd you learn to throw like that?"
***
Liara didn't need to eat as much as the others- she picked at her food, eating mainly the fruit that was on offer. The king was clearly anxious to impress, the table spilling over with something for every race. In particular, she noticed, a rare plant, Ornat, glistening a brilliant yellow; a favourite food of the sprites and something she hadn't tasted in a couple of years. She took it and held it for a while, but decided that she wasn't hungry and stored it in her pack. Who knew when a food as renowned for healing as the ornat would come in handy over the next week or so?
-
Alziel spotted Liara slipping the plant into her pack, and realised that he had not eaten himself. The feast was well underway. He took a few rashers of fine bacon - cooked to crispy wonderful perfection - and sat eating quietly for some minutes. Once the bacon was gone he took a steak from a platter and sat eating that.
This was an opportunity for free meat, without having to hunt for it for two hours first. Alziel wondered what provisions would be supplied for those going West. They would certainly not be as good as this.
He took what he could eat, and after he was satisfied he sat quietly in his chair, sipping his free wine and observing the rest of the feast.
He caught Liara watching him. Not knowing what to say under the circumstances, he smiled, and she smiled back. Then she looked away, and so did he.
A few minutes passed as the rest of the food was eaten, and then more servants came in carrying an exotic array of desserts fit for every race and profession in the room. Alziel found himself taking an agreeable serving of apple pie.
"They're certainly pulling out all the stops, aren't they?", he said to Liara through mouthfuls of pie. She nodded and smiled.
Alziel was aware of his appearance. He quickly swept off the crumbs which had fallen onto his jacket and laughed.
He knew that there was a chance he might not be selected; but if this was the case, he hoped Liara would go through.
-
Around the room, Monty observed the goings on of the few present that he had made aquaintance with...watched as people shoved various perishable items into their pockets andf bags.
'Food like that will keep for a few days fine, but who knows the floura and fauna of where were going....' Monty mused to Himself...
After a few moments of casually strutting about the dining table, monty bagan shoving foodstuffs into various pouches hooked onto his person
several handfulls of various nuts, he would need protein.....
Buns into his pack....a stale bun is like mothers milk when one is famished
Cured Meats, and dried fruits. The king had stocked plaenty of these Items. Most of the people present tended to skip these, as there were fresh meats and stews in abundance....The king obviously intended for the keen witted to stock up before the departure.
"Perhaps this is a test" monty mused to himself as he noted that the feast's attendants were keeping a very analytical eye on who was taking what from the plates
Monty pocketed a couple sets of cutlery, steak knives, spoons, 2 forks....chopsticks could be used as darts if modified when in a bind.
The feast was nearing an end it seemed. The chaotic ramblings of the feasters was begining to simmer to a mild din, as a feast tends to do.
Monty was proud that he had not over-ate...he would not allow himself to become sedated by a full stomach. Knowing the ways the king operated, there could be a suprise areana battle, or for all he knew, the itinerary could change, and the selected could be ushered to the Boats within the Hour. This king was renowned for pulling suprises, as could be seen by the announcment to only bring a select few.....Monty put some Vegetables into a feed Bag, andpolitely requested to a guard to bring the small feed bag outside for his quarterhorse tied outside the Gate.
At first the guard was taken aback by the request, but was more than please when another, tiny bag, holding a not-so-tiny tip was slipped into the guards hand.
Montclair then retired to the side of the dining hall to flirt with a female Elven, a rouge cleric by appearance, who had been subtly making eyes through his stocking of non-perishables.
-
'Used to play quite a bit of baseball in my younger days,' Bowen said proudfull, almost cocky.
'But alas, those days ended and I grew up. Still miss the days where we could just relax as children and play. But hey, that's what we have pubs for now.' Bowen smiles, 'Pubs and females.'
-
Anyan ate peacefully, thinking for himself. Meanwhile, he was watching how some man started to save a little bit of food. He observed a few pieces of bread. "They'll waste... but still, I'll before sleeping" he thought, so he took a few pieces, without anyone noticing. He had saved plenty of food on his bag (just a bag made of the skin of a bear he killed), since he was used to travel long distances.
He started to graduate his companions. First, Monty, at his side, a cheerful and educated man, but who must have great skills. Then, there was Bowen, he had not spoken too much with him, but he was sure that he was a formidable warrior. Then, there was Alziel, with his bandit looks. "Surely, he's a candidate for winning this contest" he thought. Then, the beautiful fairy, Liara, she reminded him of Delliah, but he was sure that she was deadly, with those daggers she was hiding. And Shell, with that staff, surely didn't seem like an oponent, but Anyan was sure that he had to be quite strong to participate in this contest only armed with a staff. Or would he be a fool instead?
Anyan just decided to think this back later, as he stared to the hall, and saw Klerr, his old friend, enter into his bedroom quite dizzy.
He stared at his sword, Leddwick's Viper, and thought: "I told you to remember me when you go to bed.." as he smiled.
-
(Hope it´s not too late to join)
Name: Ragnar Lodbroke
Gender: Male
Age: 34
Height: 5'11
Race: Human
Class: Spy
Personality: Silent until you get to know him, smart. Has a hard time trusting people.
Weapons/Gear: Light crossbow for distance attacks. He wields two short swords in close combat. Also, he has a light leather vest under his coat.
Appearance: Blue eyes and short black hair. He always wears a hat, because he is sligthly bald. He is very experienced, as the look of his face confirms. He wears mainly a long coat, that seems to change color according to his wishes. He keeps his swords and crossbow (As well as some tools) under it.
Bio: He grew in a small village, (Though nobody has been able to know where). His parents died of a Plague when he was 10, and he had to live alone since then. Ragnar has been on his own since then. Having to survive, he learned to shoot a crossbow to hunt, but when he was 15 he entered the King´s Army. His commander, seeing he wasn´t fit to be a mere soldier, made him enter the Spy squad, where he learned the arts of picking locks and dissapearing.
Ragnar had retired a year before this story, and decided to go back into action when he heard about this expedition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ragnar watched everyone at the feast, staying back and trying not to get noticed. He quickly learned the names of pretty much every warrior, thanks to his precious good ears.
Anyan sure looked dangerous, with his posoned sword. Monty didn´t seem so bad himself. And that Alziel.....
"Yes" Ragnar thought. "This will be interesting, though I will have to be very careful. A little diplomacy here, a good shot there, and I´m in!!!"
-
Alziel too noticed the other contestants slipping spare morsels of food into their pockets and bags. He doubted this was allowed in the contest rules, but since everyone seemed to be doing it he thought it might probably be a good idea to follow suit. He opened his tunic, now free of crumbs, and slipped in a few large pieces of pie crust. They were nothing - not even the lightest snack - but they could come in handy.
He wondered what animals would be living in the Western Isles. Those who were selected could not live on their provisions forever. They would have to hunt. He looked around the room. Few were equipped for travelling, more for battle. A battleaxe or a sword was a terrible hunting weapon.
Still, if he was selected, he would be one with experience. He had his bow, and arrows, and Leyland's favourite hunting knife tucked into a leather sheath in his tunic. He could hunt.
His skills would be useful to others. If he made the selection he expected to be asked for help by more than one person.
Still, he could choose his friends. And his enemies.
The feast was drawing to a close. A list of names was called and these people were told which room they would be staying the night in. Alziel sighed, sat lightly in his chair and waited for his name to be called.
-
As the names were called out for the rooms, Shell leant over to Bowen.
"We will be picked for the quest" he said. "That much is obvious. So will the Sprite and the man next to her, and also that man over there.."
"He's called Monty." Bowen interrupted. "How do you know we'll get picked?"
"You can tell that the lady shines upon them." Shell smiled. "Have you ever wondered whether things happen for a reason?"
Bowen looked doubtful.
"I'll make you a bet now." Shell continued. "That you, myself, the sprite, the man next to her, Monty, and..." Shell looked around the room. "The man who subdued that dwarf you angered, will all be amongst the chosen."
Bowen smiled. "What do you wager?"
Shell was thoughtful. "A favour" he replied at last. "If I win, you owe me one. If you win, I owe you. A favour is far more powerful than material goods."
Bowen nodded. "You're on."
-
"Bowen. You're in room five."
"Hmm, ok. If you're right, then we'll meet again Shell. I bid thy farewell till then," he says as he stands up.
"I'm sure we'll meet again. Till then."
He turns around and follow the guard who's waiting at room five.
"This is it," he thinks. "The trials start, I must make it. I must for her."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was a cold winter night, earlier of this year. The moon was lost in endless clouds. Only a star or two were able to break through the darkness and shine a light upon the world. A wolf howling in the night, a bird flapping through the air, perhaps an owl. It didn't matter. It was silent, silent as every dark night. But that would change soon. A horse running through this dark forest, the hooves clatering on the ground.. The man on top shouting to the beast that it should go faster. Bowen.
"It's not to late!" he shouts through the darkness. "I will save you, Rhiannón! I will save you!"
-
A guard enters the room and yells: "Mr Leddwick! Who is Mr Leddwick?"
Anyan smiled and replied to the guard by rising his hand. The guard said to him: "You are in room number seven, let me show you the way". Anyan followed the guard, although he knew the way. They passed near the room where Klerr had gone to sleep. Anyan saw a guard getting out of that room. "Klerr, you bloody sleepy head... I can't get him up" he told to another guard. "Let him be, he has plenty of work for tomorrow" said the other. Anyan went to his room, but he didn't sleep form the beginning. He went to the big courtyard in front of him. Suddenly, a young lady approached him.
"Anyan...?" she asked. Anyan smiled to the young lady and said: "Klediah... it's been a while."
Klediah was Delliah's young sister.
"I've been so worried about you. It's been hard, without you and my sis taking care of me..." she said.
"I had to go, I was being pursued, and your sister had..." Anyan silenced. He realized he was about to cry, so he stopped talking. After a short pause, he continued.
"If I had gotten close to you, it would have been dangerous for you. I just wanted to protect you... but I am not that strong. The best thing I could do was leave..."
K
lediah smiled to Anyan. Her brown hair was shining under the stars, she certainly was beautiful. Suddenly, she put her hands into her dresse's pocket, and got something out. A necklace, adorned with two golden serpents. "You gave this to my sister... I found it at a furniture a few days ago... I guessed you wanted it back" she said, at the verge of crying. Anyan remembered that necklace. He had given it to Delliah as a commitment gift. They were going to marry, but they had not told anyone, and they never could.
Anyan stared at Klediah and said: "Keep it... it was a present of mine to Delliah. I want you to keep it, just to remember her, as well as me. You've grown into a fine woman, Klediah... but I fear this is the last time we'll see each other..." Klediah cried and hugged Anyan. "Please don't go big bro!" she said, bursting into tears.
"I have to go Klediah... please promise me you'll marry with a handsome man" said Anyan, as he smiled. Klediah smiled back and kissed Anyan's cheek. "I bid you farewell... brother" she said, as she left to the Castle's Temple. She was a priestess.
As he went back to his room, Anyan couldn't stand up. He dropped himself to the floor. And he cried after a long time.
-
The annoucing guard, knowing monty from around town, and disliking him as such, Shouted loudly from a Mere 2 feet away...
"MONTCLAIR!......MONTYCLAIR!"
Monty unimpressed, gave the guard a small shove to the shoulder....
"Dont be an ***"
"Youre in Room six"
"Yeah.....I sure am....." monty snatched the keys and proceeded outside to check on his horse.
-
"Shell Darren. Room 61."
Shell made sure the frog was safely in his pocket and then walked towards the guard. Everything about this room calling exercise reeked of prisoner concentration, and Shell hated it. But if it was his destiny to be in the king's castle at that moment, then how could he complain?
"Liara. Room 44"
Liara stood and winked at Alziel before walking confidently to her room. For the first time all eyes in the hall were upon her, and she relished the attention, unfurling her beautiful wings, pale pink, matching her hair, which she brushed out of her eyes with a delicate finger before disappearing through hall door. Her assigned guard looked newly recruited and fairly embarassed by the sprite, mumbling "This way please" and moving off whilst peering at his feet.
'Well I've enjoyed myself' Liara though to herself. 'If I don't get picked, I'm not going to be upset.'
The corridor was not carpeted, for the king has many guards around at all times and their boots would ruin any floor covering within weeks. Instead, as much as possible, marble was laid out underfoot like a long mirror, reflecting the white magical lights set into the ceiling. For a moment Liara was reminded that sprite slaves may have been used originally to produce this phenomenon, but she didn't let it pray on her mind. The guard unlocked her room and sheepishly gave her the key, and she entered and collapsed on her simple small bed- it was no hotel room, but the king had many people to house. She wanted to think about the quest ahead, but her mind was more focused on a certain competetor.
-
Alziel stayed where he stood as the names of the contestants were called out and they were led away to their rooms. Eventually the room began to empty, and only a few more contestants remained.
The guard with the clipboard breezed in again. He stood for a few minutes peering at his room plans, before his face screwed up and he shook his head.
"I am sorry, it seems that someone has made an error. There are not enough rooms to house all of you, some of you will have to share a room", he muttered. Then he stood still peering at his notes for a few minutes as the contestants grew restless.
A dwarf standing near to Alziel sighed and rolled his eyes. He coughed noisily as if he wished to speak, but he was ignored.
"Alziel Her'shal", the guard said finally, "You are in Room 45".
Alziel moved to follow the guard, and then stopped. The room next to Liara's.
"Are you sure?", he asked the guard. "Are there no other rooms?"
"No", the guard replied irritably. It had been a long day. There had been many contestants wishing to choose their rooms. They were lucky they got a room at all. The plan to fit five people into each room had been abandoned, and the tiny guest rooms were filled instead.
Alziel followed. The guard was already whisking away down a long corridor of white marble where magical light danced. He attempted to keep up, and eventually found his room. The key was thrust into his hand and he opened the door, surveying the room as he did so.
It was a small room, nowhere near is big as the rooms the castle staff would be staying in. There was a bed, a cupboard, and nothing else. The bed was of a state which even Alziel was disappointed with, despite his familiarity with sleeping rough and rarely having a bed at all.
He took to the bed and sat down at the end of it. He hoped he was ready, if he was selected. He had his bow, his favourite weapon, and a decent supply of arrows. He had abandoned his close ranged weapons, the sword and shield being too heavy and annoying to be carried on his belt on such a journey. He had Leyland's hunting knife if he had to defend himself up close.
There was a chance he would be returning home disappointed to his usual life tomorrow. He tried not to think about it.
He lay down for the night, leaving his bow and arrows by the side of the bed, and tried to focus his thoughts on something else. Even though he tried to avoid it, he found his thoughts drifting to the sprite in the next room.
-
Anyan couldn't sleep. He was thinking about all that he had to leave behind just to seek revenge against the King and his lies.
He turned over and over again, and decided to take a walk again. He liked to walk without being noticed, by still took Leddwick's Viper with him. He oculd see Alziel going to his room, following a guard. Anyan somehow knew that Alziel was strong, he had a keen sense for this. Anyan, then, sat in the middle of the courtyard, staring at the stars. He then drew his sword out and stared to its edge.
"In time, you will go were you belong..." he thought, silently, as he put it back. He just sat there, staring at the stars.
-
Monty, after feeding his horse outside of the palace, decided it was in his good intrest to stop by his house, for some extra supplies...
There he picked up an array of small bags, and placed them into larger bags.....something fell out of one of them as monty shifted them about.
Picking up a small gemstone with his fingers, and holding it close to his eye, it gave a sparkle, and with that monty threw it with force at the floor beside him, about ten feet away. At which point a cloud of thick white smoke puffed up from where the stone had hit....
"Theyre still good....heh" monty thought to himself.
Monty empties the stolen cutlery from his pockets, threw them into a bucket, full of other pieces of apparently stolen or swindled bits of steel.
Monty used these to get melted down into bolt heads, and throwing blades.....
Monty then grabbed some long padding with large pockets designed to strap to his legs and belt.....Into the pockets he stuffed as many bolts as he could fit on his person.
He grabbed an extra hunting knife, a compas, a sexton, a length of rope, that was soon fastened to his belt. A scarf, and pair of snow goggles.
He crammed his pack to about 1/2 capacity, and jotted down a quick not on a piece of parchment....and a nail.
Monty left his small modest, but utilitarian house, and mountd his steed again to the castle. It was now late at night, and soon the curfew would be in effect. Before he approached the palace, he dismounted in front of the manor of one of the Nobles he had been extorting.
Monty had been chewing a wad of tobacco and grape leaves in his mouth, which he spit on the pristine white door. He slapped the Parchment onto the spittle, to adhere the note to the door.....
"BE A PEACH AND WATER MY PLANTS. SHOULD MY HORSE BE TIED IN FRONT OF THE PALACE THIS TIME TOMORROW, BE A PEACH AND BOARD HIM.....I HAVE THE DOCUMENTS WITH A VERY "GOOD FRIEND"
WHO IS VERY "SHY"...DONT LET ME DOWN, GOOD BUDDY"
Monty dismounted, tied his steed infront of the palcace once more, as the horsse grazed and drank water from the moat. Monty Entered the Palace, after flashing his room key, and proceeded towards his room, down the long corridor....About halfway down the corridor, He could hear voices in one of the rooms..
Monty was lucky....His elven lineage was pronounced enough to give him hearing a cat would envy....But his Appearance barely let on to this. He could pass as a slender Man, and for most of his life, Had done just that.
Monty leaned his ear in closer to the door to see what he could hear.....
-
"So, it´s room 12. hope it´s clean at least." Ragnar thought. "It wasn´t hard to remain unnoticed, among all this people, but tomorrow i´m going to have to do something interesting to be allowed on board."
He entered the room and closed the door behind him. Then, he made a small list of equipment. He had everything, from food (Some special rations, which were enough for three months. Of course, Ragnar wasn´t going to touch them unless it was absolutely necesary). He had enough bolts to kill an army of Goblins, as well as the equipment to produce new ones, if needed. his armor looked old and dirty, but he knew it was resistent. Some incomplete maps of the Western Lands (That he had managed to obtain in secret) completed his gear. "Mmmm. Half of everything that appears on this maps will be wrong or inaccurate" Ragnar whispered to himself. "But that only means that the other half will help me to find my way there. Ié seen enough false documents to know what is true or don´t".
He stood up and went to the window. His small room was located in the second floor of a tower of the Castle. "Ok. It´s tme to pay that Klerr fellow a visit" Ragnar said, as he climbed down the tower after getting out through the window.
He knew the exact location of the guards rooms, and it wasn´t long before he found Klerr´s. He entered (Always unnoticed, through a window, of course), and, hoping to give his "friend" a surprise, he took out one of his swords. But when he got close to the bed....
Ragnar watched silently. Klerr´s skin had a blue color, sure sign of death of drowning. "But he couldn´t have drowned, since there is no water here. the only thing that produces such color is poison" Ragnar thought. as he closed to the corpse, he saw that the skin was returnig quickly to its normal color. In a matter of minutes, Klerr would look like someone who had a "natural" death. "Well, at least the one who did it saved me the job. But I wanted to be the one who killed him. For once, someone was faster (And smarter, I must say) than me."
Ragnar heard steps. It wasn´t convenient for him to be found at that hour of the night, next to a just dead guard. So Ragnar had to be fast. He quickly took a piece of clay he had with him, and used it to make a mold of a certain key, that Klerr had in a chain around his neck. After doing that, he simply went out the window and climbed down to the courtyard.
there he saw one of the contestants, a knight, who seemed really sad that night. For some reason, Ragnar felt like he had to talk to him "Yes. It´s time to drop the "invissible" thing" Ragnar said to himself, as he walked towards the knightley man "If i don´t show up, they probably will throw me otu of this castle tomorrow. and I can´t have that happen"
-
(Note: My bro gave me permission of using his char in this conversation. It's true, ask him :p.)
Anyan stared at the short man approaching him. His long cloack and old face reminded him of old times.
"Ragnar? Heh, you haven't changed a bit..." said Anyan.
Ragnar stared at him and said: "Ah! Why it isn't you, brat! You are the one who's changed Anyan!"
Anyan smiled to his old friend Ragnar, who he had met while traveling around the world, at a short period while leaving Inas Kingdom.
"It's been a while Ragnar... what are you doing here?" said Anyan, whispering so thast the guards wouldn't hear.
"I'd ask the same you fool! What's with you? I know what you did. The Viper's Bite is recognizable for one who has fought at your side. If the King gets an expertise in weapons, they'll know it was you who killed that good-for-nothing Klerr!" said Ragnar, a bit nervous, but still talking low.
Anyan said, quietly: "You are just mad because I got him first. He is guilty of Delliah's desease..."
"And Beowulf's dissappear!" said Ragnar, as he continued: "Because of Klerr pretending to be sick, my son Beowulf had to go to the West instead of him! I was expecting him to pay. Still you made him suffer quite much".
"Indeed" said Anyan: "...what's that on your neck? That couldn't be Klerr's..."
"Key to secret files?" said Ragnar, laughing: "Why, it seems you have forgotten about my skills! Although I wanted to get him, you saved me the job of fighting in the middle of the night. Quite smart of you to just scratch him with the Viper".
Anyan looked at the floor, then to his friend and said: "You still haven't answered me why are you really here... you know why I'm here..."
Ragnar laughed and said: "That, my friend, is my business only..."
-
The voices coming from room 71 in wich monty was eavesdropping, were having a hushed conversation...
"Klerr is already dead...poisoned, it would seem"
"Already? Who knows?"
"Well, I would assume, only the two of us, as of now. Unless someone has broken into his room and found his worthless, atrophied corpse"
"Who did it?....I mean, we knew it was going to happen, but who actually did it?"
"Id bet it was that brooding red haired knight.....the one with the scar......Alzoil, was it?"
"No....not even close.....Anyan"
"I figured it would either me him, or that rangar...."
"Why did they want klerr dead, anyhow?"
"Who even cares? Klerr was a bastard anyhow."
A silence
"So the list is made then...we have our operatives."
"Yeah. All the preparations have been made....Our men have the Maps, and have been given pocketwatches...so as to know when to finish the job....."
"I dont understand.....If there are so many undesirables, why wouldnt we just put them on a single boat, and cannon ball it once its over the horizon?"
"Erm.....Id assume that its becausedespite being enemies of the state, they are all quite skilled trackers and mappers....If we use their abilities, and test their loyalties, it would better determine if and when they should be disposed of......we cant very well kill somebody off in haste. They could be of great use....with persuasion, they could be manipulated into siding with the kingdom"
"I think wed be better to just sink the ship...
Wake that sleeping elf on the cot up, we need him to get ready.
Hes slept for a couple of hours. Thats all he needs...
Weve got to get him debriefed...."
After a slight sound of shifting, and a scattered dinn:
:"Why must you wake me now? I was dreaming...Surely the boats havent left yet.....Its midninght....." A third voice...
(If this voice was indeed an elven, montys breathing would be heard surely)
"Quit comlaining. Weve got to get you breifed..The list has been updated. Klerr, the guard, was killed"
"You mean, Klerr, the doppleganger......"
"Whatever, elf dont be a-"
"-Im not an elf, Im a half orc."
"Either way, heres the list.... weve etched a copy of the map to the inside of your plate mail....."
"Klerr.....who did it? Who took the bait?"
"It was the red haired one....Alziel. We saw that Rangar slink into the room....assumably to also kill Klerr but
at this point, He is of no relavence to your list...."
Another long silence....
Monty could hear that the voices were now whispering....He was liekly detected. Half orcs hearing was decent....not as much as Montys, but close enough.
Monty slunk down the hall towards his own quarters
-
"Hey, you!"
The voice, quiet as it was, startled Liara, who went to the door and listened. "Who is it?"
"You're Liara, right?"
"That's me. Who are you?"
The voice stopped for a moment, then said "I'm friendly. You don't know me. Can I come in?"
Liara was quite aware of the dangers of letting the softly spoken individual into her room, but decided to do so anyway. Alziel was next door and she was sure that he could be counted on to help if she was in trouble. And Liara wasn't so helpless herself.
The creature scuttled through the door- it was male, and looked like some sort of imp or the like. Whatever it was, it wore the emblem of the king, so it worked in the castle.
"Greetings. I have some information for you."
"Really?" replied Liara, with amusement in her voice. "You aren't going to tell me your name then?"
"My name isn't important. I came to tell you that your name is not on the list."
"Mm?" Liara had a feeling she knew what he meant, but looked confused anyway.
"The list of competetors for this voyage, it is finished, and you are not a part of it. I must be honest with you, my motives are entirely selfish. I am in a position to change the names on the list, so that you are included."
Liara thought for a moment. So the lots were staged, as others had suspected. But she still very much wanted to be on the boat in the morning.
"Why me? Why are you offering this to me?"
"You are a Sprite" the imp said pointedly. "I need your help."
The imp rolled up his royal worker's shirt, revealing a black scar. The wound ran across the entirity of his back and Liara recognised it at once- a scratch by a poisonous plant, a Moniona.
the scratches it left, grew and slowly disabled the victim. The imp should have been treated months ago.
"I was promised treatment by ther king's men" the imp explained. "However I have grown to realise that they do not truly care. They continually push back the day of my treatment so that their human soldiers may be healed. I know that your kind can heal these wounds with their abilities. If you help me, I will add your name to the list of competetors."
Liara would have helped the imp anyway; A death from that sort of wound is something she wouldn't have wished on anyone. She carefully placed her delicate hands on the imp's back and drew upon her energy, finding the poison and removing it. The process took at least an hour, but at last she was confident that the wound would heal of it's own accord.
"It'll be fine now, or at least it certainly won't get any worse. You just need rest" Liara assured. The imp was clearly pleased.
"I take you at your word. Even now it does not feel as sickly as it did. And now I shall fulfill my part of the deal."
With that the creature disappeared out of the door, leaving Liara tired and feeling slightly nausious. To perform any magic leaves one drained, and the spell she had just performed was particularly taxing. Nevertheless, as she sank into her bed she was quietly content that she had done what was required, and deserved to take part in the competition far more than the individual her name would replace.
-
Originally posted by plightofthepureblood
"Id bet it was that brooding red haired knight.....the one with the scar......Alzoil, was it?"
"Yeah....close.....Alziel"
OOC: No, that's Anyan. Please edit your post, as it helps to clean things up. You can check my first post for Alziel's description.
BIC:
Alziel sat upright.
He had not had much time to get to sleep, and it was hard enough without the voices from outside. He debated with himself whether or not to go and check.
He had stealth on his side. Without being complacent, he doubted that anyone could match his skills.
Except for Ragnar; from the way he looked, he had skills as well.
Finally he decided to investigate. He strode from the bed to the doorway, opened the door a crack, and peered out. The corridor was empty, but one of the doors was open. The voices seemed to be coming from there.
He walked as softly as he could down the corridor to the open door and waited by the door frame. There was silence and hushed speech. Alziel strained to catch some detail of the conversation; he had elven blood, a small amount of it, and it should have helped his case. But it did not. His hearing was human, his ears were human shape, and he was not able to pick up many words.
There was a shuffling from inside the room, and Alziel stopped and contemplated running back to his room. He had forgotten his bow. He would be heard if he tried to flee quickly. Either way was awkward.
He turned to examine his chances, and saw Monty peering out from behind a marble pillar. He had apparently been listening too, but had been caught short and taken to a hiding place. He hissed something about a contestant cheating, that the contest was unfair, but the noise of footsteps in the room came nearer. Alziel stopped still as a shadow appeared behind it. Whoever was inside would surely see him.
As the man in the room came closer, another voice from within, the second man, called out a few words, and the man behind the door turned to face him, closing the door as he did so.
Silence. Alziel sighed and walked into the middle of the corridor.
"What was that about?", he asked.
Monty said something about a contestant cheating, that he already had the maps inside his armour. He looked genuinely annoyed, and worried.
Alziel smiled ruefully. He did not have to be told in more detail; he already knew that these maps were incorrect. There were no existing maps. That was the point of the contest. Soon that contestant, if he was drawn, would be sent to the Western Lands, and would hand in a false map a few months later.
Still, Alziel would have to keep an eye open. He walked back to Room 45, passing Liara's room on the way. Her door was open a crack, and after peering in to make sure everything was as it should be, he closed it. Then he returned to his own room.
-
OOC: Sorry dude......post edited
BIC:
As alziel strolled back to his room, monty reflected on Alziels expression upon hearing of the engraved map....."He seemed to think it was a facre, the existance of an accurate map." Monty thought to himself.....
'An Accrute map, is a frace though.' Monty thought in addition, reflecting on the fragmented scematics of his blackmail loot.
No directions. No landscape reference. just a set of directions, in case the tracker had happened to stumble upon this 'city' of the west.
'I will have to share my documentation with another, if Im ever going to make anysense.'
Often the thought of the maps discredit crossed montys mind. But if it had no merit, then surely the society of nobels would not have gone to such lengths to protect the secrecy of the document.
'Maybee its not even a map, so much as another piece of information disguised as such...much of the script of it it illegible to me....unfamilliar gylphs....not even resembling the cultures of the known races....Alziel I trust before others....and the sprite....allthough she seems to be busy fending off the man-folk. Had she not that repulsive set of insect wings, I surely would show them how to treat a lady......but sprites.....ugh........"
Monty then debated on wether or not he should disturb Alzeil to discuss the documents. Monty did, after all, have a facsimile with him, tucked away discreetly'
There will be time tomorrow.....Or on the boat...it will be safer to discuss this then.
-
Anyan and Ragnar kept talking for a while, and then, them both decided to take separate roads for now, to leave suspicion out of their backs. Anyan went to his room, slowly. He sunk into his bed, and fell asleep while watching the ceiling. He had to rest, tomorrow would be a harsh day...
-
(hopfully, I'm not ruining this, Drag, by joining in.... :D)
Name: Saine
Race: Human/Incubus
Alignment: Neutral
Class: Wanderer
*Updates later*
---------------------------------
Saine sat back slowly. He watched the fire burn slowly behind the grate, and his eyes slowly drifted to the sword propped against the wall. He felt no remorse for his actions. He had deserved to go to the West, and the fool who had replaced him in the roster had not. Thus, Saine had removed him.
Of course, the woman lying next to him knew nothing of this. She breathed peacefully, unaware of the murderous nature of the man sitting on the bed next to her. She was so easy to seduce, Saine thought. A drink of rum and a low-grade hex had done the trick this time. She was attractive, yes, but even she did not fulfill Saine's appetite.
He rose from the sheets, a sudden wave of annoyance splashing through his mind. Saine dressed himself again, left a few coins on the bedside table, and collected his provisions. He hated the room already, and the woman no longer appealed to him. He opened the door with a frown and left her behind.
Saine walked out of the inn without a word, and turned toward the bay. Guards walked by occasionally, patrolling the streets. Some looked at Saine, most simply ignored him. One came close to Saine, and heard the man thinking 'Damn warriors, think they're so mighty....' Saine sighed. These people would never understand.
He looked up and down the street. No one watching.... Saine slinked into a side alley and looked down its length. He saw several barrels stacked along the wall and loped towards them surreptitiously. He climbed on top of them, feeling the hard edges indent his skin. Pain flushed through him slowly... much better....
Saine drifted to sleep, unconcerned with the beggar stirring at his presence.
-
OOC: No problem.
The RP is now full. No more people. Thank you all for your co-operation. :D
BIC:
Alziel fell back into the pillows and sighed. The events of the day had made him weary, sapped his strength.
He had not slept for five minutes when he was awake again. Something worried him. He could not tell what it was. There he lay for a good half hour before he understood.
Liara's door had been closed when he left the room. She had not left. But when he returned, it was open.
He sat upright and slid off the bed, reaching into his tunic for his hunting knife. It would serve now as good as ever. Three steps from the door, he reached out and opened it silently.
The corridor was dark now, the magical lights having been extinguished. Alziel padded the short distance to the next door quietly, his decent night-sight serving him well, and as he reached Liara's door he opened it quietly and slid in.
The room was dark, and there was no light from the window. He took a step towards the bed, then two. There was someone in here besides Alziel and Liara, and he would do his best to find them...
There were footsteps behind the door and Alziel turned. He held his breath for a few moments until he was sure the footsteps had gone.
He could try to explain his situation, but being caught in a lady's room after dark would be tricky to explain...
"Liara", he whispered. "Liara".
She stirred. Tired, apparently. Waking her might be a bad idea.
After surveying the room, Alziel turned and went back to his own quarters.
-
Liara opened one eye. She was half certain that someone had spoken to her; but perhaps it was nothing. Troubled sleep. The chances were that it was merely a sound she had heard hours ago, like a deep dream that remains vivid until the moment you wake.
There was no clock of any sort in the room, but the window pane was beginning to sucumb to the first glimpse of the rising sun, the minimal wooden features of the room softening slightly, the shadows growing shorter. It could still have been fairly early, the sun at that time of year was no real indication of daybreak- But Liara knew she would not be able to fall asleep again.
She rose and realised that the majority of the energy lost during her healing spell had been replaced, testament to the fact that she had had some rest at least- Then she knocked lightly on the wall of her room that was shared by Alziel's. It was not enough to wake him, but she had a feeling that the serious man would already be ready and preparing himself for the day ahead. And she wanted to know whether it was his voice that she had heard during the night.
-
Alziel sighed and adjusted the light leather sheath across his chest. He had heard the dull knock upon the wall; sensing that it might have been an accident on Liara's part, but doubted that this was the case.
He covered himself with the complementary robe and walked across the room to pick up his bow and a single arrow, nocking it to the string and lifting the bow in one fluid motion. Still as fast as ever. He would need that speed if he was selected.
The draw would be in a few hours. He had ample time to prepare.
A maid came in with a clean tunic and placed it at the foot of the bed. As soon as she had gone he slipped it on. It was comfortable - a welcome bit of luxury - but something inside it was not as tender...
As he ruffled it a piece of parchment fell out. Alziel recognised the scrawl as Leyland's.
If you get selected go west. Most sensible people will go east. Don't tell anyone about this note. Good luck. L.
Alziel smiled. Leyland was helping him. But now something preyed on his mind. What did Leyland mean, "most sensible people"? And why would he suggest Alziel went in the other direction?
Eventually he put the note away, put the knife in its sheath, sat on the bed and put the bow and quiver down beside him. He had a few hours to go, and until then, he could wait.
Silently his thoughts drifted back to Liara in the next room.
-
Monty awoke stiff, with the sun peering in through the window just enough to reflect into his Cornea...The bed was soft, but unfamiliar.
Monty oft prefered to sleep on gravel, as opposed to a soft bed that was not his own. This was one of the luxuries Monty had grown accustomed to.....His own Bed, or at the least, his own Bedroll....
"If the placididty of me sleep is my only trouble this day, it will truly be a good one." MOnty thought to himself....
He lay in Bed for a moment before arising, reflecting on the conversation he had heard the evening before....
"So one of the High ups has decided to add some 'controlls' to this experiment...."
Monty arose, still wearing his cotton underclothing, and proceeded to re-apply his various pouches, bucklingthem one after another....then donning his padded leather tunic, and today he would show his arms and equipment, rather than coverit with travel cloaks, and scarves...His cloak was fastened about his neck, in the fasion of a cape, and scarf was tied and wrapped around his forearm, under which, he kept his documents, which he intened to share with Alziel pending his acceptance to the expidition...
"I cant believe I thought of showing him last night...mustve been the drinks....I dont know if hes even been chosen as of yet....allthough Im sure he will be"
Montys finely honed ears could pick up dull murmurs, indicating that others were begining to shamble their way out of bed....But by this time, monty had his provisions prepared.
He thought for a moment, about the look on the face of the Nobel whose door he had marred with chewing tobacco and a condescending note.....A smirk came across Montys now stubbly Chin, as he fastened the last clamp on his Gaitors....
Taking one last look around the room, Monty decided it would be wise to gather in the main Chambers before the Rest of the Crowd could block his way to the front ranks of the crowd.
"Big day today..."
As Monty Passed Bowens room, He gave a loud kick to the base of the door, with a friendly shout...."Bowen....Wakey wakey......Today is the Big day......COme, friend, get some breakfast, time is golden this day!"
Monty proceeded away down the hall, leering at the door of the room which the last evenings events transpired as he passed.
-
Ragnar woke up, after a bad dream. He dreamed about a dark, horrible prison, but he didn´t remember why he was there.
"Damn!!!" Ragnar said to himself "The last time I had a dream like this, I was undercover in an enemy´s castle. The next day, I was caught and thrown in prison, because someone had seen me doing something suspicius". After sayig that, Ragnar became very quiet. "Maybe I´m just thinking things, seeing enemies were there is only shadows.However, I better follow my gut here. it´s time to contact the Daggers....."
The Shadow Daggers was a thief´s Guild, founded by Ragnar and some of his friends after Ragnar´s retirement. The Guild was very powerful, being the main secret organization, with contacts even on the King´s Spy force. And Ragar was one of the Maste´rs of that Guild.
It was still dark, and Ragnar had time. He went silently out of the castle and into the town, to a tavern. There he met an old friend of him, "Black Dog". He looked like a filthy old man, in his ragged lothes. He was i that tavern every night, drinking, although nobody knew were he got the money for it. However, Ragnar knew not to judge a book by its cover. Though Dog was a filthy drunk, he was the Chief of the Guild in the Kingdom´s Capital, and he was a very skilled man.
"Dog!!!! you old scoundrel!!!" Ragnar said.
Black dog turned and saw him, and his look changed.
"Master!!!" Black Dog said. "What brings you here?".
"The Shadow Daggers, of course. I have to give a look to mi guild every now and then, you know!!!" Ragnar answered in a very low voice.
"Well, everything is going alright. Griffin just found a new bussines, we are spying noblemen, looking for secrets, and later we blackmail them for silence" Black Dog was a little drunk, and was raising his voice.
"SHHH!! You are too loud, damn it!!" Ragnar said. "I know you guys are good with bussines, and that is why I gave you the authority in that field after I founded the Guild. But now I have special orders for you".
Black Dog came closer to Ragnar. "Of course, Master. Of course. What do you need?"
"Mainly two things: First, have this mold. I want a copy of this key made right now. It opens a secret file of this Kingdom, its the number 534. We have a men working there, right?" Ragnar waited for an answer.
"Yes, I have someone doing bussines there. He can get the files for you this very night. It will be easy"
"Ok, then do it. the second thing, I believe someone is overlooking my operation, and I don´t like it. I want you to find what you can, and give me the info. I need it for tomorrow´s afternoon, at least"
Black Dog looked at his boss, worried "Tomorrow... Can´t I have a little more time?"
Ragnar answered quickly "No. I need it for tomorrow. Remember the Mark!!!" He said while pointing to a hidden place in black Dog´s chest "Remember that nobody, including me, can ever try to betray the Guild without suffering horrible consecuences" [Sorry if I mispelled here] Black Dog became pale, and looked at his Master´s expression. "Don´t worry, Master" Black Dog said, in such a low voice that Ragnar almost didn´t hear. "Your orders will be acomplished as you wish. You will have my report tomorrow, as soon as I can"
Ragnar looked at him with piety, and seeing that Dog was notgoing to betray him, he said: "Don´t worry. you are a good man, and a valuable element of the Guild. When come back of my journey, we´ll have a few drinks together. Until that day, goodbye!!!"
Ragnar quickly left the Tavern, as the day seemed to close in. He was in the castle within the blink of an eye, without nobody seeing him. He had only two hours of sleep, but he looked like he had sleep for days. "Well, I´m not going to sleep" Ragnar said as he secretly entered his room. "I´d better take my stuff and go down to the Main chambers".
So he did. He entered the main chambers, seeing that he was the second contestant there. The other man.... he looked kind of noble. Ragnar remembered his name from the feast.... it was Monty.
"Well, I´m not the only one who gets up with the sun, huh?!" Ragnar said. "Good morning!!!"
As Monty turned back to talk to him, Ragnar saw that he looked like a man who knows more than he should. "Yes." Ragnar thought "I need to have an honest conversation with him right now. He could be very helpful"
-
Anyan woke up as the sun touched his face with it's light. He thought that his past day had been perfect, so he got out of the room with a good mood, as he walked towards the Main Chamber of the Castle.
Anyan saw how some guards, looking surprised, were taking Klerr's body out of his room. A man, who seemed to be a doctor, was talking to an important-looking guard (probably a leutenant) and was telling him: "This man has died from a heart-attack, justa natural death. No poison or drowning simptoms were found..."
Anyan though for himself: "They're not investigating, it seems... I wonder if when the King gets it..." but he stopped thinking about that and kept walking.
"The Main Chaber..." whispered Anyan to himself. He was in it. He saw Ragnar talking to Monty. "Heh... you already started to look for allies..." he thought. Anyan decided not to start the day by chatting, he just stood against the wall and waited for the rest of the contestants to arrive.
-
"With as much on the line, as there is in a competition like this, one would be a fool to not awaken early....despite the draws being rigged, rest assured, friend, the early Bird gets the worm, as it were."
Monty lookk with intense scrutiny into the eyes of Rangar trying to make a guess as to his motives...
'a friend, for now...but he bears the presence of a guilded theif...'
Theives guilds were always a source of Bane for Monty...For any Freelance Bounty HUnter really....or guilded Bounty HUnter....(Which was rare to find. Bounty hunters in these parts usually stayed freelance as opposed to joining a Union, and oft operated through employment and contracting halls
"So, friend, Tell me your name again....I did not catch it.....And tell me a story...of your vocation" Monty's eyes were unrelenting in their gaze, despite monty observing Anyan entering the room...
-
OOC: Drace, post. You're getting behind the storyline.
BIC:
Alziel waited at the back of the room.
The Main Chamber was slowly filling. More than half of the competitors were now here, and only a few remained. Alziel had observed that Liara had not yet arrived, and the same was true for Bowen and a number of other members.
The guard swept in from outside the room. Morning was in full swing, and he looked to the sky outside before speaking.
"We have encountered a problem with transportation. The draw will be earlier than usual. It will commence in roughly ten minutes. Please wait until then". Then the guard was gone again.
Alziel cursed. Ten minutes. That would not give the contestants who were not here much time to prepare. The guard was gone now, but his voice could still be heard echoing up the dormitory corridor, repeating the message. Nobody could fail to hear that.
All of the contestants would be on time, but they were still cutting it fine. That was not the quality for a winner.
Glances were cast around the room, suspicion for the other potential winners, and Alziel made sure Leyland's note was securely in his pocket.
-
Liara burst into the room, beaming widely at the congregation in the hall. "I'm not late am I?"
"No" replied a guard curtly. "Not all of the contestants have arrived yet."
The sprite made her way towards Alziel. He had begun to wonder at her tendancy to seek him out and keep his company wherever he was, but this was not nesicarilly a sign of weakness. Some people just need a constant to rely on.
"Hey" She said breathless. Clearly she had sprinted to the hall. "It's amazing, I got ready so early and yet I'm always still late."
At that moment the doors swung open and Shell entered, looking very much as though he had spent the night in his jacket without any thought to changing or washing. In contrast to Liara, he walked with an air of a man in no hurry, strolling across the hall with his hands in his pockets. "Bowen's late" He remarked to no-one in particular. Then he sat down with his back to a marble pillar and closed his eyes.
-
"Ragnar Lodbroke is my name. And about my profession... I started out as a soldier, and I moved on from there. Now my specialty is information. Getting info... That´s what I do."
Ragnar closed in and in a very low voice tone said "You know a thing or two about the strange things that happened last night. I believe that we have similar objectives, and we can probably win big time if we stick together"
Monty looked at Ragnar, and when he was about to answer, about three or four of the contestants entered the room.
"We should talk later, when there are no strange ears hearing our talk" Ragnar said. "until that moment comes, you can count on me, is you need any service".
Ragnar walked away from Monty, and closed to Anyan
"My dear friend, there is a good chance that we are discovered before time. Try to keep a low profile"
-
Anyan stared at Ragnar and said: "I'm keeping it low, I've done enough ruckus I think..."
Ragnar stared at Anyan a bit nervous. He couldn't believe how "this brat is so careless", as he used to say to him.
Anyan was watching the room, as it filled with the contestants. There was Monty, at the right time. Alziel was there too, with the beautiful Liara next to him. There was Shell. Only Bowen wasn't there, from the ones he had gotten any knowledge of.
"What will be next...?" thought Anyan. He had heard the guard. Ten minutes. He wondered what was the next move...
-
Saine strode into the main chamber slowly, his black cloak swirling about his ankles. He had snuck into the room reserved for the man he had killed during the night, going through several back doors and through the kitchens to avoid the other contestants. He kept his face placid, but stood with an eased arrogance, showing his confidence but at the same time appearing unconcerned with the outcome.
People watched him enter for a moment, but turned back to their own business after a moment. To them, Saine was just another hopeful contestant, like all of them. Saine stroked his chin stubble, and slowly began to wander through the maze created by the small clusters of people, chatting quietly. Some were making alliances, others feigning friendship, seeking information on their opponents instead.
As Saine continued through the crowds, he noticed something unusual. Of all the hardened warriors and criminals, there was but one woman. She was talking to another man quietly, and he responded quietly, trying not to let others overhear their conversation. Saine drifted slowly towards them.
Saine slowly closed the distance between them. Casually, he strode up to them. The man was a well-sized man, with lean muscles and a strong build, but Saine still stood a good three inches above him.
"Good morning, my friends. Exciting day, isn't it?"
-
"Most of these people will have no hope of managing to live if they are selected", Alziel remarked. Liara nodded, scanning the room as well.
They had nearly all arrived; after a quick count, Alziel had listed 96 people, and every so often one other person would enter the room. Bowen was late, but he would be here.
"I wonder what animals and plants are there?", Liara mused. Alziel nodded and thought.
"I expect there will be a few things we have not seen before. I can hunt, I expect I am the one of the only men in here who can hunt fluently". He looked around the room at the other contestants. Most seemed to be hunters or warriors. "Can you hunt at all?"
Alziel already knew the answer. He had seen Liara at the feast, taking the usual Sprite food and avoiding the meat with great displeasure.
He did not wait for a reply. Liara sighed and shook her head.
Something did not seem right here, that Liara, if she was selected and Alziel was not, would have to fend for herself out there. She was strong, Alziel did not doubt that, but there were some men in here - Alziel noticed that the tall man, Saine, kept moving his eyes back to rest on Liara - yes, some men in here would only take advantage.
He had heard Saine introduce himself earlier to another man in the room, and had overheard. Something about him did not seem right, not correct...
"I'll tell you what", Alziel said to Liara, and his and Saine's eyes met across the room, "If we both get selected, I can look after you. But when we get there, we go west from where the ship lands. Agreed?"
Liara frowned. "Why west?".
Alziel stopped and thought of a reply quickly. "I was thinking that maybe it would be a good direction to go in. Since we don't know the best direction to go, we should just select one at random and hope for the best".
Liara seemed skeptical for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
"Do we have a bargain?"
Liara stood and seemed to be weighing up her options. Alziel stood back and waited for a reply.
-
Liara leaned back on her heels and stared forward. Then she spoke. "This isn't just for me" she said. "I think this'll be harder than any of us think. You can hunt, but who beside me could, say, heal an injury?"
She looked up at Alziel. She knew that he was concerned for her, which both frustrated and pleased her at the same time.
"It's a deal" she said, "but for one condition. When we return victorious, you get the reward. All of it."
-
Ragnar was in the right place at the right time. Most of the contestants didn´t know him, so he was able to walk from group to roup, overhearing details of pretty much everyone's conversations.
"Well, this is a good set of idiots" He thought, as he overheard a small group of warriors discussing the amount of booze they could drink "Anyone of that group that gets selected will end up drunk on the boat, and will probably get into a fight with the crew, or worst. The best that culd happen to any of them is falling of the ship, before we get to the Western Lands."
As he was thinking tht, he passed by that Alziel fellow, who was talking to a beatiful sprite.
Ragnar couldn´t help to look at her. She resembled a certain someone Ragnar knew some years ago. Ragnar smiled, as he heard that short dialogue between Alziel and the fairie (Whose name was Liara, he learned from the talk)
"See, this is different" Ragnar thought "If ANYONE of the people who stand in this room today get back n one piece, it will prbaby be them. Maybe I should follow them, who knows, I might need them."
Alziel looked at him, and Ragnar noticed that he had been discovered. "Well, at least he doesn´t look mad" Ragnar thought.
Alziel kept looking at him, so Ragnar decided to leave.
"No one should never interrupt a young couple" Ragnar said to himself. "I´d better go talk to Anyan. That kid is a pain, but he is my best ally"
-
Monty was eager to get a move on.
At this point, he wanted, mopre than anything else for the draw to be underway.
With or without absent members.
-
Monty was probably right, And Shell would probably agree. In fact, Bowen could have been the man Saine killed. You never know.
-
At this Point, Monty would just as soon Bowen were dead.
Less competition to wait for.
OOC: Im thinking drace has forgotten about us.
-
Alziel frowned. Liara insisted upon him having the prize even if it would be her that won. Certainly, he wanted the prize, nay, needed it, but Liara would deserve it more...
"You have your reasons", he said finally, defeated. "I don't know why you refuse a prize, or why you have entered this competition, but all I know is you'll need protection".
Liara nodded and resigned herself to watching the room.
"Has anyone seen Bowen?", a guard called. The draw would begin momentarily.
A dwarf with a black beard slammed his fist into his palm and shouted to start the draw without him. People were understandably anxious to be selected. Many were confident that they would be chosen, and that they would win. Alziel was also becoming irritated at the delay.
-
The door creaked open and half the hall swung around to witness Bowen. "Sorry about that" he grinned. "I had something to take care of."
(From now on, just assume that Bowen is there along with the rest of the nameless competetors. If Drace comes back, the spotlight can return to Bowen again.)
-
"Excellent", the King called from the throne at the front of the room. Everyone turned. Nobody had seen him come in, accompanied by two assistants, but there he sat. One assistant stood at either side of him, each with one hand on the King's shoulder.
"I will now draw names". The Hall fell silent. The King closed his eyes momentarily, and began running his finger up and down the list of names which he held in his hand. After a second, he stopped, opened his eyes, and read off the name he pointed to.
"Grothin the Forth", he called. The dwarf with the black beard raised his arms and cheered loudly. A guard came down and he was escorted out of the room and to the gates of the castle.
Alziel watched the King as another name was read out. It was done slowly, apparently to build up tension. This time a tall rangy man called Mulcroft was escorted away. After a moment Alziel spotted something.
Though the King's assistant on the left was facing forwards, his eyes were down on the paper. Whenever the King's finger reached a certain name, the assistant gave a tiny squeeze, the finger stopped, and the name was called out.
Another name was called.
Alziel sighed. It would take quite some time for all the thirty names to be called. The draw would stop being fixed soon, and would become random. If Alziel had not managed to secure a place by now, he would have to wait until all the "desirables" were chosen and the draw became fair.
Either way, the draw was now underway.
-
In the aniticipation, eyes scattered about the room....
Monty kept his eyes directed to Alziel....hoping to make eye contact.
"I need alziel with me...i need to show my information no another....and after last nights events, I trust his opinon more than others...." Monty thought to himself.....
Alziels eyes met monty's and on this contact, Monty signaled that he would need to conferr with him afterward. He did this using a well known form of facial expressions and hand gestures, that was adapted from the drow sign languages of ancient times. Monty quite hoped Alziel was knowledgeable in this form of communication...
The king slowly scrolled through the names...
MORTIMER FALLSCREST
A half elf to Montys left let out a light cheer.....
Turning to to Mortimer, monty gave some slight words : Congrats...but to cheer is vain, unless your prize is in sight.
-
The King was drawing names, one after another. After waiting a while, the King stopped his finger over a name. He became a bit pale, and swallowed a bit of saliva, as he said: "Anyan... Leddwick".
Anyan stood up, smiling, and staring to the King, right into his eyes. He moved his lips slowly, resembling the words "I shall return..." and moved towards the Gate. On the way, he stared to Monty and whispered "I'll see you later".
Walking further, he could sense Ragnar's look. Ragnar sure looked a bit angry at him, because of his careless attitude. Anyan told him: "You take too much care for me, old man!"
"But you're nothing but trouble, brat!" answered Ragnar, nervously, but laughing at the same time.
Anyan watched the King again. He was smiling. Anyan could bet his life, swearing that the King was sure that he would die at the adventure. But Anyan sensed the need to survive, first than winning the contest.
"Now it's time to be brave... for you Dehllia..."though Anyan, as he went to the Gates, accompanied by a guard.
At the Gates, the other contestants were waiting. Anyan watched Grothin, the Forth, as the dwarf spitted on the ground.
The dwarf stared at Anyan and said, with a weird voice (he was drunk): "You there! Red haired idiot! You are the one that hurt my cousin at the feast! Not now, but ya'll be payin'!!!"
Anyan didn't reply nothing for a moment, but,since the dwarf was starting to be annoying, Anyan replied, in a quiet and yet harsh voice: "Listen to me, if you don't hold your tongue, I'll cut it off. And you will have to eat it for breakfast".
The dwarf decided to not reply. Anyan knew that he would have trouble with him on the future. The only thing left to do was to wait for the other contestants to come.
-
Montclair watched the dramatic demonstration that took place after Anyan was called.
"Friend he may be, but discreet he is not." Monty thought out loud.
His thoughts were broken by the Kings deep voice...
"Montclair Simonson..." the king leered down at Montclair and gave a patronizing wink. A wink which Monty forwarded to a Nobleman standing to the kings far left....
Monty Gave a nod to the group as he walked by the front of the pack, to the area of the elected. He took a stand next to anyan....
"Best to stay out of the center of activities if there is to be any chance of an onobstructed way to the end of this journey." Monty discreetly whispered to Anyan.
The Dwarf gave a sneer to Monty, when anyans gaze was turned away to Accept the message...A sneer with which monty rebuted with a smile and flirtatious wink....
"Do you think me pretty Grothin? Or do ye just stare alot?"
Monty encouraged the feud, despite his remark to Anyan.
"Pick no quarrel with my friends and youll pick no Quarrel with me, stupid Dwarf."
-
"Baerius of Cavebech," the king called.
Saine stood from his bench and crossed to the guard waiting to escort him across the hall. The bastard had paid a hefty bribe to be entered into this, with money he had stolen from Saine, and Saine had repaid him with a slow death and a stolen identity. The noblemen's death went unnoticed, as Saine had written a notice of vacation for the incompetent man.
Saine could sense the raised eyebrows of the man standing by the woman. The man could tell something was out of place, but it was impossible for him to know exactly what that 'something' was. Saine would retain his stolen identity for the sake of appearance, at least until they reached the West.
Saine reached the others gathered by the gate. Several nodded quietly, acknowledging him but not actually welcoming him to the group. Saine smirked slightly. Given time, he could identify every person in this hall, having a copy of the list of entries hidden safely inside his robes, but not now. For now, he was Baerius of Cavebech, noblemen inferior, not Saine, half-human drifter.
It would serve him to well to stay that way... for now.
-
"Ragnar Lodbroke"
Ragnar proceeded to the next room, escored by the guard.
When he entered, he took a quick look to the people inside the room.
He had to pretend to be calmed when he saw the Dwarf. "So, Gronthin is his name... this fellow is going to get some of us killed"
Ragnar thought.
He had seen Gronthin talking with others outside, discusing about booze.
Ragnar closed to Monty and Anyan and whispered (So low that only them heard): "I can´t believe they let this dumb dwarf in... Mark my words, he´ll probably get us in troubles. Big troubles"
-
Alziel sighed. Roughly twenty names had been called out, all characters whom Alziel had not seen before, and there were not many places remaining.
He looked at Liara, still intently watching the King reading from his list. He hoped she got in, because she certainly deserved it.
The King looked at the next name on his list, and frowned.
"Alziel Her'Shal". He stuttered over his words as he read the name. Alziel Her'Shal, a member of the Wood Hawks. They had been the group of bandits framed for the murders in town... Fortunately only a few people knew the real reason for the deaths, and they would say nothing.
The King tried to think of an excuse to say this was a mistake, before finally deciding that he may as well put this man through.
Alziel sighed in relief. He was through to the contest. But this was only the first stage; there were far greater challenges ahead...
As he was lead away by the guard, he was aware of the envious stares of those not selected, and of Liara watching him leave from the other side of the hall.
-
Anyan stared to Monty and whispered: "You have a point there, still I have no more need to become the center of attention... Let us wait until all the contestants arrive." Then, he turned to Ragnar and said, as he laughed: "It seems you're in ol' man, heh I hope you can be as useful as before, and that age doesn't affect you".
-
One by one the names were called out. Shell was selected and strolled over to the waiting area using his staff as a walking aid- not out of need but of habit. He didn't know any of the people in the group, but knew that his time would come soon enough.
Finally a familiar face entered the waiting area as Bowen appeared and nodded to Shell. "So far you've been right. I'm impressed, looks like I might owe you one."
***
Liara, on the other hand, was still in the hall, which was filling with the restless frustration of the individuals left behind. Places were running out, and although Liara had been assured a place she was beginning to fear that the imp had not held up his end of the deal. She was pleased, however, that Alziel had got through.
An advisor beside the king, a lean man who might have once been a soldier, frowned and the king took longer than usual to decide. The man recieved a note and read it carefully, seemingly weighing up the options. Finally he folded the note corner to corner and placed it in the pocket of his royal jacket, and moments later the King chose and read out the name. "Liara Sprite".
-
Alziel stopped outside the door and waited. He had taken a swift count of the people in the room, and has realised that as Liara, Shell and Bowen entered, there were twenty-eight people here. Two more lucky contestants, and then the draw would be over. The thirty selected would be going to the Western Lands, the unlucky ones would be going home disappointed.
A name was called. A tall drow with white hair walked through into the waiting area and sat down with a slight smirk.
Everyone whom Alziel had spoken to previously was here.
"And...", came the call. The talking in the waiting room died down to silence, so that everyone could hear. The main hall was silent, a charged silence where every man held his breath. One in there would be going through. The King took longer to decide, building up tension.
"Cefan of Flintbay!"
A dwarf with a brown beard smiled widely, and walked through the glares of the unlucky ones to the door. He excused himself and passed through into the room politely and silently.
There was an array of groans and sighs from the room. The guards moved together and shut the door so that the waiting room was silent.
Glances flicked around the room.
"Well, there we go", Liara said at last. "It's up to us now".
A few people nodded. Most were silent.
Alziel waited. Many people would need his hunting skills to survive, and unless he got any offers, he would have to observe for a point to strike a bargain...
-
Anyan was cooling down his mood. After facing the King and joking with his good friend Ragnar, Anyan was more chilled out than before, just standing against a wall and watching the blue sky.
"It's beautiful..." he said: "... but it's going to rain badly. Shameful, really..."
He just stood, waiting to see how the others would react with each other.
-
Monty Waited, observing.....waiting.
When would the boats leave?
How long would the Voyage be?
Did anyone else have information on documants, or have possession of items that would shed information on this sure to be arduous voyage.
Time could not pass quickly enough. Now that the decision was afinalized, Monty thirsted for action. He was putting his "game-face" on, and he could see others doing the same. The time for mirth was over...And the time for the beginning of the rest of their lives had begun.
-
"I'm getting impatient" said Anyan. Ragnar noticed Anyan's impatience, so he talked to him (again my bro gave me permission): "Don't be so reckless brat! They'll tell us what's happening sooner or later. I guess we be traveling by ship."
Anyan suddenly opened his eyes wide. Ragnar stared at him with a funny look on his face: "Oh, I forgot you hate ships, brat..."
Anyan did hate the sea...
"You know I get dizzy easily, old man..." said Anyan, a still with a surprisingly calm voice: "I'll be sick in no time!"
Ragnar laughed loudly and said: "You better not piss in your pants!" Anyan smiled and said: "You better not loose your hat, you wouldn't want that to happen, would you?"
Them both laughed a bit.
Anyan noticed Liara coming. He couldn't believe how did the beautiful sprite remind him of Delliah.
"So, she got selected... I'd like top see her skills, those daggers look dreadful..." he though.
-
Liara ran up and hugged Alziel, surprising him a little. "We both made it through!"
"That probably means that we have skills they need" he commented as she took her arms from around him and leant against a wall. The room was considerably smaller than the great hall and a little darker, reflecting perhaps that impressing the chosen contestants were no longer priority. Most of the contestants had watched her display and were now listening to the conversation.
"Maybe" Liara replied. This notion was a likely one, but it upset her a little because it meant that she hadn't been initially selected because of a lack of skill. Or maybe it was something else? As she looked around the room at the shady characters, each with a detailed story behind their impartial masks, she wondered whether it was something in the contestant's histories that had secured their places in the tournament. Either way, her illegal entry was a spanner in the works.
-
Monty stood staright and errect, making his presence known to the rest of the room, and spoke loudly, addressing the focus of all present.
"So...here we all are..
Gathered for what could be the most significant event in recent history.
All in the same boat, in the proverbial sense.
Weve all been hand picked.
We knew there was no Draw. There was no random factor.
Something about this mission has been hidden from us, my new found peers.
Its obvious we were chosen for a reson.I dont believe it was 'skill' allthough Im sure many of us are quite adept in our vocations.
We are all in competition, in some manner, or another.
But I cant help but think that was the intent.
Friends, our lives are not valued in the conventional sense.
The kingdom see us to be disposable.
It would be wise for us to eliminate the possibility of a hidden enemy before engaging eachother in a competitive Nature.
Why have we been chosen?
Is there a common thread to outrhistorys?
My name is Montclair Simonson.
I know a few of yours.
I am a bounty hunter from this fine kingdom, my grandfather the Bastard son of the noble elite.
I have been in the bad books of the nobels as of late.
I am Guilty of the crime of Blackmailing a group of templars among the noblemen.
I ask you all.....to divulge the information you can, that can help us seed out the real advisary here, before a new advisary known as "The western lands" arises to cloud our sights.
Speak now friends...information is our most effective tool."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: if anyone need to take small liberties with my character for the sake of progressing the storyline, feel free, as long as it dosent affect my character's relations with others.
If your unsure, the pm me.
-
"The King wants information", Alziel said to the room as Montclair finished.
The various men watched him speak. Liara followed his words with extra intent.
"The way I see it, nobody has ever been to the Western Lands before. There is no cover up there, no secret, it's a fact. We know nothing". He eyed Monty, referring to the knowledge of the winged creatures which nobody else knew about. Almost everyone in this room believed it had been a band of murderers who caused all those deaths...
"And the King wants to know about the land there. What there is, what resources. The best way to get the lay of an area and find out about it is to take a map of the landscape. So he picked the best of us, so to speak, to go and draw a map for him. I personally think it's curiousity he's fulfilling more than ambition".
He finished. Monty nodded.
"Now then, to business. Monty is right. We all want to win, but we should at least stick together for the first few days out there. We don't know what hostility we might face, though I very much doubt there are any people there..."
But there were things there, he thought darkly to himself. Winged things.
Winged things which could kill.
-
"Ahh...The map."
Monty retorted.
"A complete map would be much more usefull to him, than the fragmented ones the Kings Nobelmen Posses"
Much of the room looks a bit puzzled
"My blackmailing was in regards to this very subject.
I came to have knowledge of a man whom had obtained an ancient map, in possesion of the Noble Templars.
I have my doubt to the accuracies of such a relic...but rest assured...such a relic exists....
And other documentation.
I have heard tales from my Father, as a lad.
As I mentioned, I am the decendant of a bastard child of the nobel elite.
What, as a child, I perceived to be bedtime stories, meant to scare me into behaving, I later came to learn more details of the stories.
My fathers have been passing down this story...
One of Dark creatures in the western lands.
Demonic perhaps. But dark creatures of flight.
They kill from the skies....with exacting precision. Many were said to have been taken away to the west.
Very few survivors remained, and much of the land agreed never to speak of it. It was covered up. The secrets held tight by the templars.
They could be only stories....this i will aknowledge.
As for the Fragmented map I have seen, it is, very fragmented. It has no reference point. Its a map of a ruined city, from what I can gather. It had been written in a system I have never seen or heard of.
I have not the documentation with my person. It is heavily Guarded.
But these stories. I can not discredit them. And if I mean to survive this endeavour, I will require that my peers share some of my lore.
Im sure the king knows not of the documents....but rest assured, the templars do. And they pull many strings in this nation.
And I understand many will not believe me. But If this is indeed a legitimate danger in our futures, it would be wise to devise some travelling strategies.
-
"Hmmph." A voice, presumably of a male, echoed throughout the room. "You truly think you have the skills to survive in the West?"
From the shadows, a glint of light flashed, then quickly disappeared as the doors opened, and a male swordsman stepped into the room.
"My name is Sir Broadsword. I have been assigned to your group to...keep tabs on you. I am in His Royal Highness' service, and rest assured that anything that you do will be reported back to him." The knight who called himself Broadsword stood about 6 feet tall, and was almost fully dressed in a silvery-blue armor - only his head, with its fiery red hair and battle-scars, was unprotected. He wore an orange cape around his waist, and similar but smaller pieces on his shoulderpads. A massive sword, about the length of a man, was sheated on his back, with a smaller longsword around his waist.
"We have sent mercenaries of all sorts to the West, in an attempt to colonize it. So far, only two have returned - myself, and a petty thief who came back so traumatized that we cannot extract any useful information from him. The King has chosen the best of you from the ones who signed up, but if you feel that you are not ready... you have one last chance to leave."
-------
Sir Broadsword
Age: 36
About 6'1, ~250 lbs
Tanned and scarred skin
Fire-red hair, wild and unkempt, reddish stubble and mustache
Wearing full plate armor, silver-blue, wearing an orange cape around waist and orange cloth down to his elbows hangs from his shoulderpads
Carries a massive sword
Born and raised a noble, young Cassis Alsris aspired to become a priest. However, when those plans fell through, he turned to the art of fighting instead, becoming a well-respected knight of the Kingdom. Though he is fiercely faithful to the King, the nobles of Inas question his mental capacity - despite his greater-than-average knowledge, he is prone to having uncontrollable fits of anger, which have spread rumors of possession or mental illness around the aristocrats.
-
Monty's tounge had gotten him into trouble.
"hopefully he reports to the king only and not the templars"
Monty though to himself.
"Sir broadsword....I need not the likes of you watching over my back.
How do you plan on keeping tabs and reporting back, when we are an ocean away?
Seems to me, Its all fair game over there."
Monty was suddenly feeling a bit hostile, but bit his tounge to keep his composure
-
Broadsword looked disdainly at Monty. "Do you really think it will be just your group traveling? Where will you get provisions? Who will carry your equipment? What will protect you from the predators during the night? Such a thought is suicide!" He took a map that he was carrying, and placed it on a table in the center of the room.
"Along with the 30 of you, a regiment of about 200 soldiers and associated servants and merchants will be traveling to the West. While your group penetrates into the interior, we will set up a permanent fort where we land - the King is very interested at what kind of resources the West holds, and wishes to be the first man to claim it."
Broadsword stepped onto the table, and raised his voice.
"SILENCE!" He explained what he had just said again, and added, "Be warned: though our fort will be officially be a colony of the Kingdom of Inas, myself and two other noblemen will have absolute authority in the West - we can do anything we like, up to and including killing any one of you, for any reason. We will NOT tolerate dissent." He got off of the table, and looked around. "Any questions?"
-
Monty looked at the map on the table with scrutiny...
And slowly after, with acceptance....a smile peered across his face, and quickly dissapeared, as monty glanced up to meet eyes with Broadsword.
"This... map. What others are there? This is....unexpected."
-ooc-
EDIT:missed part...adding on
-bic-
an
This did not bode well for monty. This could very well be his excecution. 'who were the Nobels' MOnty wondered....
Monty let out a slight laugh, however nervous it may be
"Im screwed" monty whispered to himself.
"I wonder what azeil thinks about this..."Monty ponders to himself silently, looking over to studyy alzeils expression.
Monty was at this point,was almost certain he would be killed if he went to the western lands. But he was positive that if he backed out now, he would be killed before He got a chance to spread word.
-
Saine moved into the inner circle of hopeful warriors and examined the map on the table.
"Interesting..." he muttered to himself.
He smirked. That would be about where my father was from, he thought, as he viewed more of the map. There were small markings, irregularities in the landscape, that would certainly be what he referred to as the City of the Damned. Buildings, ruins, hidden strongholds...
Saine did not know the Western lands first-hand. His father had raped his mother when she had somehow found her way there, and she never even told him that much. But legends had compelled him to find out more... and old men proved to know much more than cut-throat mercenaries. He knew, perhaps more than the rest, what kinds of demons and beasts lay in wait for them in this new continent.
Sir Broadsword, another nobleman, and presumably as arrogant as most were, talked loudly over the quiet muttering as various hopefuls asked questions about provisions, transport, arrangements for the boats, and the like. Saine listened quietly as he continued to scan the map, absorbing information.
Montclair was right: knowledge was certainly their weapon of choice in this endeavour. However, Saine had no intentions of letting the weaker ones know any of his. Perhaps a select few who proved stronger than the rest he would tell of his history, both his and that of his stolen identity, but for now, it was a matter of determining those few from the rest.
-
Ragnar heard silently to Alziel and Monty. When Monty ended his speech, Ragnar almost continued, adding some data of his knowledge. But Sir broadsword was faster than him
"I´m lucky. If the knight wasn´t so fast, I would´ve talked, and if the King came to know about it, it would be certainly death for me". Ragnar then closed to Anyan and lowly said to him: "The stories about the winged creatures are true. I, as the King´s Master Spy, worked on the cover up. Spread the voice, but make sure that Broadsword doesn´t realize".
Ragnar didn´t like the turn of the situation. He knew that the King would send people along with them to the West, but he hoped they would be just a bunch of easily-bribed sailors, a few soldiers, and maybe a spy or two along the group.
Now he knew that almost no one could be trusted. Monty indeed was trustable, but he was in deep ****. Ragnar decided to help him if he could. From the others, only Anyan, Alziel, and maybe the fairie could be friends. The rest of the company was more darker and anonymous than Ragnar liked. All of a sudden, that drunk dwarf seemed to be the less of the problems.
"What am I doing?!?!" Ragnar thought. "I have a map in front of me, and I´m worrying about things I can´t fix right now"
Ragnar closed to the table and looked to the map.
"Well, despite my age, I have the memory of a kid." Ragnar looked at the map and quickly memorized it, while he copied it into a small paper.
"It´s pretty much like the maps I already had. there goes months of work!!! Had I known about it, I wouldn´t had wasted my time".
Monty looked anxious. Ragnar closed and said:
"There is no point in worrying now, for the damage is already done. I know you said the truth, and I´ll help you if I can. try to stay low for now, we´ll think of a way to deal with this later".
Ragnar looked at Sir Broadsword. He had lied. Indeed, only a few came back from the West expeditions, but ther were three and no two. Ragnar smiled, for he knew the reason Sir Broadsword had for lying. "It´s not the time to talk about it, I´ll warn Broadsword at the right time"
-
Anyan remembered Broadsword form old times. A master at swordfighting, he had thought Anyan some of his skills. He couldn't help to smile as he remembered his opld master's teachings and harsh trainings.
Anyan had a dark thought in his mind. "If I have to achieve my goal... I'll have to fight Broadsword..."
The only person Anyan really feared to fight was Broadword, not even the King. But now the tides had turned against him. Hopefully, his scars had let him pass unknown to Broadsword's sight, but his coverup would open up sooner or later.
So, he said to Monty: "I'll help you if I can, trust both me and that old guy there (staring towards Ragnar)".
Anyan stepped forward and said: "I only know what most of us know about the Western lands: nothing... But in order to win this contest we must prevail against any danger."
"Even water?!" screamed Ragnar, joking with him. Anyan smiled and laughed quietly, while replying: "Yes... even water. So, Sir Broadsword is it?" he said, trying to keep his coverup, although Broadsword would probably know who Anyan was and was playing dumb for now: "When are we leaving?"
-
OOC: Alright, Warxe is in. But please, no more people.
BIC:
Alziel frowned. Now he was angry.
This had been a contest which anyone could win. And now here was this nobleman, ruining it all, taking the glory for himself...
"Let me tell you something", Alziel called. Broadsword stopped his speech after a moment and looked up idly. "It seems that everyone here now knows about those winged creatures. And you probably believed that it was a group of bandits who killed all those people. Well I am from that group of bandits, and I daresay that the King, and everyone associated with him, has told more lies than truth over these years".
There was murmured speech. Broadsword glared at him.
"And furthermore, sir, we all came here to win, and if you think that you can just stroll in here and turn this into a military campaign, you are very much mistaken".
The outraged speech grew louder. Liara nudged him.
"I will say no more. But as you are watching us, I am watching you. And believe me", Alziel said, rolling his bow off his shoulder and into his hand, "I am not afraid to kill you in a heartbeat".
Broadsword spat and laughed as though the threat had been a joke. Alziel scowled and looked around the room to see who could be trusted. There was Monty, Anyan, Ragnar, Liara, Shell, Saine... even Saine would do for now.
Alziel drifted around the room, ensuring that Broadsword paid no attention to him. Broadsword stood in the centre of the room, describing a number of plans to Cefan the dwarf. One by one he went to each person he believed he could trust, and asked them to follow him.
Once he was a decent distance away from the centre of the room, where he would definetely not be heard by Broadsword or anyone standing by him, he began to speak.
"Now, I am sure that none of you are happy about this"
There was mumbled agreement.
"And the way I see it, if Broadsword and his friends succeed in their ambitions, we will be walking into death and there will not be a prize. If whatever is out there does not kill us, his recklessness will".
Silence.
"I will get to the point".
Monty, Anyan, Ragnar, Liara, Shell, Saine. All listened to what Alziel had to say.
"There is no ship in Inas that can safely transport that many men. There will be two ships, one large one with soldiers and one small one with the thirty of us"
He made his point.
"I need your help. I am going to make sure that the ship with the soldiers never reaches the Western Lands"
-
Broadsword stepped back into the room.
"The ships will be leaving in approximately 3 hours. Go to the docks and get your tickets - tell the woman there that I sent you -and be ready to leave at noon. Don't be late." He started to walk out, but once again turned to them.
"The seven of you are on thin ice - among you are murderers, thieves, and a former pupil of mine," gesturing toward Anyan. "However, you possess the most fighting skill among the chosen ones, so you will be given Officer rank within the colony - each of you will have better rations and rooms than the soldiers or other chosen ones, and you will also have a degree of autonomy within the fort. However, be warned that the same rules apply to you as the others - perhaps more so." He laughed, and walked out.
-
Monty gave an accepting nod to Anyan, and then to Rangar....
"I will go ready my Steed for the voyage..."
Monty adressed his peers quietly...
This did not bode well, but at this point, to carry on with the voyage was Monty's only option. At least in the west, Monty would surely have the eyes of his new peers watching his back to some extent.
Monty swifly and silentlly sauntered out of the room and made his way to the streets out front of the castle
*********************
*********************
Monty flashed his ticket to the ships porter, and handed the reigns of his quarterhorse to another seamen before imparting some instructions to the care of his steed.
Monty had come to the boats before the other contestants, early enough to stand on the starboard side of the ships deck and watch the other boat slowly fill with a gaggle of Merchants, Soldiers and their Ilk.
Monty rested his elbows on the edge of the bulkhead, and gazed down into the water...there would be time to report to his quarters later.
The arrival of sir Broadsword would surely mean Monty would have to alter his mannerisms, and mute his speech...speaking openly was not an option...
Monty was lost in the flickering lights of the afternoon sun making its way into the High-tide waters of the Port.
"I need another to hold my papers, lest I get killed...."
Monty whispered to himself as he thought about the copies that were hidden in his horses saddlebags, between a flase wall of leather....
"That map of Broadswords....And the Map of Mine.... If others may hold such clues...."
-
OOC: Just to point out Warxe, there are 30 people selected, not 7. The other 23 are just NPCs, as it were. Just so you know.
BIC:
"I do not think that this will work", Alziel sighed.
Leyland shook his head. He was standing under the awning of a merchant's stall near to the port, with his hood up closely so that nobody could see his face. In his outstretched hand was a handful of peculiar arrows.
"I made these just this morning", he grumbled. "See, the tips are dipped in Calafas Oil, something which Sprites use for their lanterns on occasion, or so I hear. When you set it on fire, it burns slowly with a white glow and makes a hissing noise. Trust me, it will work".
Leyland had a point. The soldiers on the large ship which had just come into port would still be troubled by the childhood stories about monsters from the West. The boat journey would take overnight, and for any unsuspecting soldier to see peculiar hissing lights whizzing about in the dead of night would result in pure terror.
"People will know about Calafas Oil. They will know it is only someone playing tricks"
"Trust me", Leyland hissed, "Nobody knows about this. I have asked merchants from all over the world, and I have only managed to get this from Sprites. All I get from other merchants are blank looks. Are there any Sprites aboard?"
"Only Liara", Alziel said in thought, "And she will not tell anyone"
Alziel sighed, took the arrows and put them in his quiver. Leyland moved away.
"You should go", he said through his hood. "Good luck, Alziel".
Alziel nodded and walked away to the ship. As he boarded, he ran through the details of his plan in his head.
-
Liara was wandering around the main deck as the contestants arrived. A morning breeze blew and people bustled to and fro, loading supplies and busying themselves with small tasks that should only have taken half as many workers to do. This was a trait common in the general human populace, she had noticed.
Liara was interested in the rest of the people that she had not socialised with at the dinner; and spotting the brooding figure of Monty, she made her way over to him.
"This is kinda different to how it was sold, isn't it" She started, leaping into the conversation as she always did when speaking to a stranger. Anything to avoid uncomfortable introductions.
-
So, it's murder on the high seas, is it? Saine thought slowly, carefully. The man had caught his attention, and Saine had listened to him. It was indeed a hindrance to have 200 soldiers breathing down their necks.
The man who had made the plan came up the gangplank. Saine wandered over slowly to intercept. He was still carrying the facade of being a nobleman, and strode with an arrogant stiffness in his stance. He had had no heavy luggage on him, and did not much care where his quarters were. This ship seemed a bit too small for the thirty of them and everything they brought with them.
"Good morning, traveller. Alziel, isn't it?" Saine had finally made his way to the man. He offered his hand to shake. "If you have a moment, I would like to discuss.... strategy." Saine raised his eyebrows just enough for Alziel to notice and draw out what he was really talking about. "I think I may be a great asset to your party."
-
With a light but solemn chuckle....
"That it is, fair sprite...Im afraid I let my mouth move faster than the situation allowed for back there..."
Despite Liaras efforts, an akward silence still ensued...
Monty spit a toothpick into the water below the staboard hull, to try and break the odd calm.
"Liara, isn't it? The sprite that has so many of my fellow cotestants smitten...
We have not spoke despite our sharing of company..."
Liara let out a relieved smirk...
"Yes. Liara.
And you, are Montclair. Or Monty."
"Well met. Montclair I am. Id offer you more of an introduction, dear, but Im afraid after that bombshell from the that goon at the palace has left me a touch Unnerved. My mid is unsettled, and I know not what to say. To be at a loss for words is rare for myself."
Monty then pulled a fresh toothpick from his pocket, and placed it clenched in between his teeth as he returned his gaze to the waters below.
"And what twist of fate has brought you to share a path with one as myself, Liara?"
-
OOC: To Drag - Yeah, I know, but since the seven PCs are the most important, I just addressed them like that.
BIC:
Broadsword wandered around the docks, yelling at soldiers and intimidating shopkeepers into giving them free rations - typical noble fare. He still didn't understand why the King had sent him on this effort - he was regarded as the kingdom's finest Knight, and would much rather prefer staying by his liege's side than going on some meaningless voyage. It was obvious that this would end badly - but Broadsword could care less. He was in this for the prestige, the wealth, and, of course, the artifacts said to exist within the West - amulets and bracelets said to give the wearers supernatural abilities
His musings were broken by "Excuse me, Sir Broadsword!", said by a soldier who had came running up to him.
"What? What is it?" Broadsword snapped.
"Pardon my intrusion, but there's a problem. Some of the soldiers scheduled have... not shown up."
"Cowardly bastards. How many?"
"Only about 10, sir. The Chancellor has recruited extras to replace those, and assures you that the deserters will be found and punished."
"Excellent." Though angered at the news, Broadsword always enjoyed torture. "And what of Lords Thenwasth and Harley?"
"They are waiting in the luxury liner, which is fully prepared for departure, sir."
"Very good. You are dismissed."
The soldier ran off. Broadsword was mostly pleased with the news - ignoring a few minor hiccups relating to his "officers", everything was proceeding as planned. He kept walking, thinking more of the power that he could gain in the West.
-
OOC: Okay, I guess I didn't understand your post properly. :)
Also, Emerates, if there are any problems with me controlling Saine for this post, tell me and I'll edit.
BIC:
Alziel took Saine's hand and shook it.
"Well", he began, unnerved slightly by Saine's eagerness to help, "I am having some difficulty coming up with a plan, but I have a few things in my bag that should at least make the soldiers' night a board their ship an interesting, if not terrifying one". He smiled, and somehow Saine understood.
There was something peculiar about Saine, Alziel mused. It was obvious that he was using a false name, but Alziel's ears had served him well, and he had extracted sufficient information to have a decent conversation.
"We need all the people we can get", he said, "But you and I will certainly not be enough to prevent all those soldiers reaching the shore... And we cannot fight them".
Saine nodded and seemed to be thinking hard about something.
"And if there is nothing we can do, I will at least not be denied the glory of sticking an arrow in Broadsword's arrogant neck".
Alziel looked over to the port, where Broadsword was strutting around barking orders at the assembled sailors.
"They are using a different ship", Saine pointed out. "And I doubt Broadsword would wish to have the displeasure of sharing a ship with we thieves and murderers". The two of them shared their ill-fated joke for a few moments, before the discussion was serious again.
"So Broadsword and his soldiers are on the large ship while we are on this one", Alziel reiterated. "Interesting".
Both of them knew what their point was, but it was Saine who said it.
"Remove Broadsword and stop the soldiers. Two birds with one stone".
-
Before Liara could answer the question, the two were interrupted by the gravelly yell of the arrogant Nobelman, Sir Broadsword, Harassing a merchant into giving up some wares for the voyage.
" I have always avoid dealings with that man...even when offered Jobs throught the agency with lucrative payoff... He is simply an undesirable character. He takes pleasure in the pain of others...for the sake of the pain. He is not driven by profit. A man like that has grown up a spoiled
child. He knows not the value of the money he takes..."
-
Anyan arrived to the decks. It was a beautiful morning, it had rained at night, and rainbows could be seen far away.
But Anyan seemed troubled... not only was he recognized by his old master, but he seemed to be given some kind of position by him. He didn't want it, Broadsword had put him into trouble amongst that crew, full of criminals and murderees.
But the thing that troubled Anyan even more was the fact that he would travel by sea, being very seasick, thing that Ragnar used to laugh at.
"Where could that old man be...?" thought Anyan as he got closer to the little ship. "It will crack under slight rain... They gave us the worse garbage-ship in the bloody Kingdom" he thought again.
Anyan headed towards the ship, and saw Alziel and Saine talking. He heard most of the conversation and fell free to go and talk to them.
" 'Remove Broadsword'? I bet you are thinking about suicide, my friend" said Anyan, with his always quiet and almost whispering voice: "I swear I've seen that man take down archers before they could shoot an arrow to anywhere, and marksmen have fallen faster, than the speed that the bolts take when they leave the crossbow..."
Alziel and Saine watched Anyan surprised. Such respect towards other warrior was odd in this careless young man.
"If you wish to take down Broadsword, you will need a lot of support, his skills are almost unmatchable, but if we cooperate, anything can be possible. I don't think he has a high steem for me, only for being an old student of his, a lot of lies had been coming and going about my family around the Kingdom, and being as stubborn and faithful in the King as he is, he must have believed all or most of them..." said Anyan again, in a very low voice, so that the guards wouldn't hear.
"I'm waiting for an old friend of mine... perhaps you know him, he's Ragnar. A very skilled old man really, and very useful. I think you (looking at Alziel) and him have very similar skills, and will become very useful... I'm going to take my things inside this ship, we will talk later" he said as he left. Anyan was only carrying a bag, with some supplies and rations he ahd gotten from the feast.
"Old man... hurry up!" thought Anyan as he got inside the ship.
-
Alziel frowned. "I mean no disrespect", he said coldly to Anyan, "But I have been using my bow since I was four years old, taught by my father, one of the best archers in the world, practicing for four hours per day, every day".
Anyan watched, slightly unimpressed. Clearly he did not mean to insult Alziel's skills, but he was also sure that his brother was as good. As any good sibling would have been.
"I have been living in the forests north of here for a long time now, and I can track and hunt. I daresay not even Broadsword, if he is as skilled as you say he is, could avoid one of my arrows".
He decided he was appearing too complacent.
"What I mean to say is, I wil certainly need help, but I am more than capable of doing the job myself".
"We'll see later", Saine replied, rolling his eyes.
-
"Please, sir! I mean you no disrespect, but I cannot give my wares to you for free!" the merchant pleaded.
Broadsword grabbed the man's collar and lifted him by it. "Listen, street scum, your survival depends on this mission. If we don't kill those creatures in the West, we're all doomed."
"But sir... I don't know what creatures you're talking about..."
Of course. The cover story, though known as a fake among the aristocracy, was still believed by the lower classes.
"Hmmph. Just forget what I said, and give me some bread. I'll even give you some money for it." Broadsword took a satchel hanging from his waist, and threw a few gold coins at the merchant. He motioned to a few soldiers standing nearby, who came and took most of the bread in the shop. The merchant grabbed a wooden spear and pointed it at Broadsword.
"I've been robbed far too many times by you nobles. It's time for payback."
Broadsword laughed at the man, and drew the sword on his back - a 5-foot blade, shimmering gold in the light, and a wooden hilt encrusted with jewels, connected by a red metallic piece with the crest of the Kingdom of Inas carved into it. With a single vertical slash, the man was cleaved in two, and with another, the spear was reduced to splinters - all of this in a single second. Broadsword sheathed his weapon, took the last of the bread, and kept walking.
-
"I don't know much about Sir Broadsword" admitted Liara. "I'm following my feet here. But I can already tell he won't be the best company..."
Liara and Monty then stood transfixed as Broadsword's debate began. When he delivered his fatal blow, the sprite gasped and instinctively began to run towards the scene. Monty, as quick as lightning, caught Liara's arm and held her back.
"You see now, don't you." Monty said quietly. "We'll all get our revenge soon enough, but this is not the time nor the place."
Liara nodded and held her silence. This was a very different world that she had entered.
-
Alziel watched Broadsword and the merchant. As Liara gasped and was held back by Monty, he stepped forward to stand at Liara's side.
"You watch", he uttered, "He'll keep on like this. I'll have him dead before we make ground".
For the first time since Alziel and Liara had met, a touch of worry crossed her face.
"You saw what he just did", she said quietly. "He'll only do the same to you". She stared into his eyes until he was forced to turn away, and looked over to where Saine was standing near the rear of the ship.
"There are people on this ship who will help. Broadsword is liable to get us all in trouble, just for his own fun and glory. Saine will help, I'll bet, and Monty probably will too".
Liara frowned at him. As a sprite she would be against thoughtless killing, even that of someone as loathsome as Broadsword. Still, it had to be done.
"If he lives, we all die. And if he dies, we all live. Besides, you've already seen him kill an innocent man, and he will have done it many times in the past. An eye for an eye, don't you think?"
She was silent.
"I'm telling you, someone has to do it. Anyone on this ship could want to do it, and everyone bar you probably does. And if it comes to that, I'd very much like the honour of doing it myself".
-
"I have no objection to your logic, Alziel..."
Monty solemnly added, tranfixed by the situation, he noticed his firm grasp on Liaras arm was tighter than it was meant to nbe, and released
"But it would be a foolish thing to kill him, without trying to get his documents. The Maps...His entourage will surely hide those documents, if he dies before we can get them.....
....I tell you this" monty hushed into a low whisper
"I have a map...Like his, but differnt....Fragmented. And I think there are others....
I will help every step of the way, but I say, we must get his information. As i said before, its our most powerfull weapon here"
-
Liara was visibly unsettled by the sudden turn of events.
"I won't help you harm him" she assured. "He's no western unknown creature, he's a human from our world."
Alziel nodded slowly. "I understand if you won't help. But in that case I would ask you to stay out of trouble. We can manage on our own."
"No, I want to help" Liara hurriedly corrected him. "I can't help you kill him but I could get those documents for you." She spread her wings. "I'm the only one here that can fly. It looks like you're going to need some aid getting from ship to ship."
-
Given a few seconds to ponder this monty was impressed by liaras plans...
"aye"
Concurred Monty.
"Liara is a fair sprite to set eyes on too. A man as pig headed as Broadsword would surely have a weakness for the fairer sex....
.....and fairer race...
Her Charm could help this run ever so smoothly. We would have to strike before He realized what Liara had done...act quickly....or risk Liaras safety"
-
"We will be risking Liara's safety anyway", Alziel said. "Broadsword may suspect something, and he will certainly not be gentle, if you get my meaning. Liara, I am not stopping you from helping, but surely there could be a safer way for you to help".
Liara frowned. "Just because I am no big strong man, that does not mean I should be always kept safely out of danger". Alziel shook his head and pulled her back.
"I'll tell you what", he began softly, "You can try. But I will be watching with my bow ready. If anything happens, call out. Use your daggers if you have to. Anyone who tries anything, even Broadsword, will be wise to leave you alone, unless he wishes as arrow to be slotted into him".
He turned to Monty.
"I do not know why you want those maps. They are fragmented, like you said, and I am willing to bet they are either incorrect or severely outdated. Still, I will help you. But then you have to help me".
Monty nodded. He knew perfectly well what Alziel meant.
"Now then", Alziel said, taking his bow in hand, as Liara stretched out her wings into the sunlight, "To business".
-
Monty sheathed a few crossbow bolts into the clasp of his wrist bracer for easy acess, and loosened the sheath of the crossbow itself, to ready his projectiles. In his left hand, he held now three throwing knives, with wich Monty was capable of near surgical precision from within 30 yeards.
"I will aid with all that I have in me friend....for this man surely intends my death anyhow."
-
"Wait" cautioned Liara, "we can't do this yet. The chances are Broadsword has the documents on him anyway. We'll have to wait until the boats set sail at least, and I can try and snatch them under cover of night. I don't fancy walking up now and asking for them."
-
Saine had slid in behind the others quietly, and listened patiently to their plans forming.
"How do you propose to keep the look-outs from spotting Liara flying to the other ship?" Saine asked quietly.
The others turned, slightly surprised, but seemed relieved when they saw it was him. No one seemed to have an answer.
"Anyways, now is neither the time nor the place to be discussing these things. Later, perhaps after dark, when we will have more room to breath." Saine paused for a moment to view the others' expressions. "We must say no more until we have a more private setting. For now, we are simply a few contestants trying to form an alliance, not conspirators."
Alziel nodded.
"Makes sense," Montclair said quietly.
"Later, then," Saine said. "In the meantime, let's discuss the West. What do you know?"
-
"yes yes....lets not be hasty.
The ship leaves in about fifteen minutes anyhow.
He will have a hard time hearing us from our own quarters...
And that is precicely where I will be going. The galley will surely have watfull eyes and sensitive ears.
I invite you all to my Quarters, to discuss.
I can shopw a transcript of my documents as well."
-
(Sorry, when I wrote my post Plight had not posted yet)
"Wait, I have to tell you a thing or two before you get inside" A voice called.
Hearing a familiar voice, Saine, Liara and Alziel turned back, thinking that an enemy had heard them.
But, luckily for them, it was only Ragnar, who had been listening silently for a while, as he always did. He had remained unnoticed because he had changed some of his clothes (He had saved the long coat, and was wearing sailor clothes) and changed his hat for a red handkerchief around his head. he looked like an old sailor, and somehow he seemed to have the experience of one. He had decided to change some clothes in the Castle, because he wanted to remain as hidden as possible, while one of his men gave him the precious report.
"Wait, mates. Wait" Ragnar said, as he saw Monty pull out his throwing knives. Seeing who it was, the three adventurers felt calmed. ragnar kept speaking, in such a low voice that only them could hear:
"You probably are thinking "For haw long has this man been hearing us?" Well, I´ll answer: Enough. I heard the whole plan and I agree completely, but, as Liara says, this is not yet the time.
The map is the less important document, since broadsword's map matches a map I have, and that I will share with all of the contestants. But we still need the other documents, because they have critical information about the West. Now, I have some "friends" working in town. they tried to get those papers for me last night, but they had already been taken by that.... scumbag who has the gut of calling himself a Knight. I just found out, since one of my friends brought a report to me."
"Is that the reason for the disguise?" Saine asked.
Seeing that he was getting his audience tired, Ragnar decided to get it over with quick:
"Yes it was. My friend wanted privacy, you know!!!
but I'll get to the point: I like your plan (And had thought something pretty much like it).
I will help you, and here are my sugestions:
- First, wait the most you can before the attack. If possible, I would wait 'till we were close to the Western lands.
- Second, We have to assume that some of our enemies might survive. So we must make it look like an accident.
- Third, Alziel, your bow will have to do its work. If Broadsword survives, he'll have our heads for sure."
Alziel looked at him, while he thought about Ragnar's proposal. While looking at his face, Ragnar knew that Alziel was enjoying the idea of shooting Broadsword through the neck.
Saine smiled but said nothing, while Liara and Monty looked surprised.
"Oh, and about the soldier's ship, I have a way to send it to the bottom of the ocean. Don't worry, it has already been taken care of. Just ask me later, and I'll tell you".
After telling them that, Ragnar moved into the ship, followed by some of the workers (Which seemed kind out of their element by the way) who were carrying some food cages into the boat.
Ragnar saw anyan on the deck and greeted him: "Hey, brat!!!!
are you enjoying the smell of the sea, and feeling the waves as they move our ship?"
Anyan looked at him with a mix of anger and sickness, and answered....
-
"Shut up old man..." said Anyan, almost dropping his breakfast from his mouth. He truly hated the sea because of his sickness.
Ragnar stared to his friend and told him: "I'm taking care of things here, join the others, I asume that ye'll be wanting to hear their plans!!!"
Anyan watched Ragnar, looking a bit pale, and answered: "I know what they plan..." said, whispering, so that no one could hear him: "... but you know what do I think about my master. He is too strong and is well guarded..."
Ragnar sighed and said: "Do what you want, but ye won't be workin' alone brat!! Go check the team!"
Anyan looked at his friend, who was leaving, followed by a bunch of dirty looking sailor. "More members of the Guild... you never change old man" thought Anyan.
Anyan went to where Alziel, Monty, Saine and Liara had met, and could listen to a little conversation they where having about the plan.
Anyan saw Alziel and said: "Sorry to interrupt again, friends. I didn't mean to be harsh before, I bet your skills match this adventure Alziel. What I meant to say was..." Anyan lowered his voice, so that only the ones gathering there could listen: "... Broadswords technique goes beyond a big sword and a muscle head, he is a bloody genius on the battlefield, and you need to be properly prepared to beat him. I could hold him a little bit, I'm lucky for having this by my side" Anyan pointed his sword, the Leddwick's Viper: "...in case you haven't noticed, it's poisonus, and it's poison has no known cure at the Kingdom... many people would want this, even the King..."
Anyan walked a bit and said to Alziel, Saine, Liara and Monty: "Broadswrod knows this, since he was my master at swordfighting, so he'll watch out a bit form me... one scratch form this edge and he is dead. But truly..." Anyan's look became dark and hopeless: "... I stadn little chances of even touching a finger of his. But if I hold him a bit... you might have a shot..." now he had stared at Alziel again.
Anyan watched towards the ship and whispered: "I hate the sea... my stomach is weak at the constant waving... I get seasick... I'll be in my room, trying to sleep a bit..."
Anyan got into the ship feeling dizzy, but a bit entusiastic. He had a good group of supporters, and taking Broadsword down could help him to get closer to the King easier when he went back from the West...
To at last avenge his father...
-
Alziel had heard enough. There were enough people to ensure the plan could be carried out well enough, and he certainly did not doubt that it could be done. He decided to make his point short.
"Broadsword is only one man. And even if he is as truly strong as you say he is, any man can be overwhelmed, and any man can be killed. Still, we should be cautious".
He looked around, and noticed Liara.
"Liara", he began softly, "I do not wish to alarm you, but Broadsword is hardly likely to be kind if he catches you stealing his papers, and I very much believe that he will treat you the same way as he treats any other foe he comes up against".
He left the point unmade. Liara knew what he meant.
"And finally", Alziel finished, "I have my own plan, at least a very simple one". He nodded to his arrow quiver, where a handful of arrows with different coloured flight-feathers protruded. "I cannot explain it, but you will see tonight".
He finished and walked to the side of the ship to look over the sea. He had never been good with sea journeys; sea-sickness ran in the family. And he certainly hoped a touch of nausea would not trouble his aim.
-
Shell wandered onto the ship and looked around.
"You were almost late" a worker warned. "We set sail soon."
"Almost" replied Shell. He strolled onto the deck and made his way to the figurehead, where he sat and enjoyed the sunshine.
-
"It's done, Master" A sailor whispered.
"Don't call me master here, you idiot! someone might hear us!" Ragnar answered "Now go, and dissapear as quickly as possible, someone's coming."
The sailor, who had very keen senses, had realized that a person was aproaching, just as his Master. Quickly turned and left, almost as if he was invisible.
Ragnar stayed to see who it was: It was one of the contestants. He was a dirty - looking man, dressed in ragged clothes, who had a psicotic glance in his only eye (The other one was replaced by a horrible scar). Ragnar had heard his name at the castle: Jhonas the Black. He was a renown killer, from the style that Ragnar disliked: Crazy and violent, hard to control. Sure, Ragnar had killers in his guild (And never hesitated on using them) but they were "good" kids, always ready to hear their Master. But killers like this Jhonnas.... They were only treatable when they were so drunk they couldn't move
"Hey, ol' man!!! Lemme through!!!!" Jhonas yelled.
Ragnar stared at him and moved aside so that he could pass.
"Drunk already?" Ragnar thought "I'll probably have to talk to Alziel and the guys about this fellow, if we survive the fight against Broadsword. That reminds me... I have to tell Anyan about my "gift". Better look for him now..."
Ragnar went to deck and saw Alziel looking at the waves, thinking.
"Hey, Alziel!! How are the waves treating you?" Ragnar said, while closing to Alziel...
-
Anyan sat on his bed, inside the crew room. He thought he was going to pass out form the nausea, but still he stood awake, thinking, thinking about a lot of things.
He drew out the Viper, his beloved sword and started to remember...
To remember the day his father told him the true story about the sword. An enormous viper, gigantic, was attacking his family´s Castle hundreds of years ago. A Leddwick Lord took this sword and stabbed the monster's eye after climbing over it's head. The sword, barnished on the poisonus blood of the huge viper could never be cleaned. That is why it never rusted and it still remains as poisonus as a viper's poison; the blood could never be cleaned.
Anyan then, remembered how the sword was passed to him by his father Angol, the day Anyan became a Knight of Inas. A few weeks after that event, his father was sent to the West along with one hundred man. No one returned from that mission; only a man who seemed to be psychotic.
After that, Anyan stopped thinking about that for a minute.
"I better take a walk..." he thought instead, he was feeling very sick and he felt that he had to move.
He went to the deck and walked a little bit. He noticed Broadsword on the dock, still screaming at some sailors. And he saw Liara, as beautiful as ever. There was Shell, just entering the ship. Bowen was sitting next to the ship's Main Stick. He could not see Saine anywhere, and he noticed his old friend Ragnar going to talk to Alziel.
"I bet the old man is looking for me..." he thought, but he decided to stay in his place, staring at the waves.
-
OOC: Sorry for the delay guys, I was real busy with some stuff.
BIC:
Alziel turned as Ragnar approached.
"I am fine for the moment", he replied in an attempt to be jovial, "But we shall have to see later". He smiled, and Ragnar returned the smile. There was an awkward moment, before Alziel noticed the crossbow beneath Ragnar's coat.
"Say", he pointed out, gesturing to the weapon, "Can you use that?"
Ragnar nodded, evidently confident of his skill. Alziel could empathise here, there was common ground between them. After a moment's quiet thought, he made his bargain.
"I could do with your help later on", Alziel said. "It's afternoon already". He looked around, making sure nobody was watching or listening in. "Come up to the deck two hours after dark. I shall explain then".
Alziel turned and walked to the other people who were in on his plan; Monty, Liara, Anyan, Saine. He told each of them to meet him on the deck at the same time, and once he had passed on the information he retired to a seat by the edge of the ship.
The plan had been made, he thought to himself, and two hours after dark, it would be the time to put that plan into action.
-
OOC: That's okay, let's keep this rockin' an' rollin'!!
BIC:
Night had fallen again, and the ship was about to set sail. Alziel had told the contestants to meet him at the deck during the night.
Anyan sure was nervous. His seasickness had gone worse and he barely could stand up. He feared that he would have to fight Broadsword on that shape...
The deck... it was so dark that Anyan could barely see. The sound of the waves filled the night, which was as silent as grave.
"No one arrived yet..." thought Anyan, as he sat on the floor.
He stared at the moon above, which shined beautiful on the dark sky, which still looked beautiful, covered with stars.
Anyan's thoughts drifted towards his beloved memories of Dehllia. He remembered the night in which he propossed marriage to her in secret.
After a short while, Anyan decided to be more careful. Hard times would come and he had to focus on the mission.
-
Anyan jumped as a hand touched his shoulder and his hand went to is sword- luckily he stopped himself in time. It was a slightly startled looking Liara.
"Sorry" he said. "It's better not to surprise me in the middle of the night."
"That's okay" assured Liara. "Are you okay? You look a little off colour."
-
Ragnar waked up after taking a short nap in his room.
"I'm late!!! Damn nap, I always sleep when I should wake up"
He quickly left the crew's room and went to the deck, to meet the other conspirators.
"Well, I'm the first it seems, these days." Ragnar said.
"No you're not, old man..." A voice answered.
Ragnar looked down, only to see Anyan sitting on the floor. Though Anyan still looked sick, he somehow seemed to be feeling a little better.
"Ah, It's you kid!!" Ragnar said. After saying that, Ragnar lowered his voice tone and continued whispering, so low that only Anyan could hear him:
"I have some "red dragons" smuggled in here. They are bombs capable of blowing up an entire castle. I think we are going to see fireworks pretty soon. I can't wait to see Alziel's face when I explain!!"
-
Anyan was surprised by Ragnar's sayings. He ahd broughts his deadly red dragons with him...
Ragnar noticed Liara, and said to his friend, I'll stick around here... I'll wait until Alziel arrives to show up. See you later kids!"
and he dissappeared.
Anyan, then turned to Liara: "Heh, my friend is somehow funny... I am fine by the way. The sea does not just suit me at all... I've been seasick since I was a kid..."
Anyan stared at Liara's face. She was even more beautiful under the shining moon. He smiled and said: "Heh, you remind me of someone who was very beloved to me. It's funny how time tricks us sometimes, right?"
Liara nodded silently. She knew that Anyan's memories tended to assault him sometimes, she had seen him focus alone a few times.
"The time has come and everybody's late... except for us two and the old man of course..." said Anyan, as Liara laughed when he said "old man". "I wonder what is going to happen next..." he said.
-
Alziel climbed the stairs to the deck.
There was a smattering of people here, he decided, but not enough to carry out any kind of plan with. It was dark, and the other ship was silent. Broadsword was on that ship, as were all those soldiers.
Still, they could wait and hope.
Alziel greeted the others.
"I cannot show you my part of the plan yet", he sighed, "But I hope that once we are all here, we can think of something. Perhaps someone will have had an idea".
He looked at Liara. She appeared determined; ready for whatever she had to do.
This would be a time to do something.
He thought to Broadsword, and the arrows in his quiver. Even if he was hurt, or worse, in the process, he would do his best to ensure the two met at some point.
-
Monty Awaited, with the rest of the group gathered, in silence, quietly scanning the expressions of those around him.
"If the mood here tonight is any indication of the mood of the rest of our trip, this will be a foreboding Journey indeed"
Monty twirled a pair of throwing knives in his hand, admiring their gleam in the reflecting light....
Monty couldnt help but think of the history he had with these knives. For years, he had relied on them. They were far more accurate, in his hands, than many hunters bows were, in their own abilities.
The Incantations helped too. They had been imbued with a magic that increased thier velcity to pierce steel in many cases, and return to him, much like a boomerang.
In the course of his life, he had only lost one, of his five knives, and had no intentions of losing any more.
-
"Alziel" Liara said, as if only just noticing him. "What if no-one else turns up? Should we continue anyway?
The ships had left dock and were speeding silently away from the place where he contestants called home- the twinkling lights from shore fading to sky black. Now the slight wind chilled the group on the deck, as they all turned towards Alziel for an answer, a course of action.
In that moment of time, whether or not they would admit it, they all turned towards their leader.
-
Alziel frowned. He hated this sort of attention. He had always been one to follow orders and follow them well. Leyland and the others in the group would always lead. Now it was his turn.
"I have a feeling Saine will be here soon", Alziel said quietly, feeling himself flush slightly at the attentive stares coming his way. "But there is no time to lose, the journey is underway. Basically, the plan we have so far is simple. Many of the soldiers will not have volunteered to go to the West. They will still be swayed by the childhood stories they were told about those lands. So, we must give them a scare tonight. If we do this well, I bet none of those soldiers will want to leave their ship at the end of the journey. Especially if Broadsword is out of the way".
He looked across to the large ship sailing beside the smaller one.
"We have no way of boarding that ship, so all our actions will have to be taken from here. Speaking of which, we should begin".
He had seen a guard appear on the deck of the large ship and look around. Fortunately there was enough darkness to prevent him from seeing the people assembled on the smaller ship.
Alziel reached for his quiver and took out one of the arrows dipped in Calafas Oil. It had fermented slightly, so that a sweet smell rose. Everyone except Liara sniffed and wondered what the smell was. Liara smiled, and muttered "Calafas Oil" under her breath. So the Sprites were the only ones who knew about this.
Alziel reached for the book of matches he had stolen earlier. He took one match, struck it and lit the oil, so that a small white glow sprang up and a hissing noise came from the flame. He notched the arrow to his bowstring, still glowing, and taking aim, launched it a distance across the deck of the large ship.
The guard cried out and recoiled as the light flew in front of him. Two more guards appeared on deck. The first guard turned, stumbled, muttered something about ghosts. Alziel lit another and took aim, this time aiming to hit. The arrow struck the guard
in the side as he ran, the light extinguished. He stumbled over the railing and fell into the sea.
Panic broke out within the two remaining guards. They had witnessed a pair of hissing lights fly past, one of them killing a fellow guard. Both ran for the cover of the stairs down below deck, but Alziel was faster, and one of the men was brought down - he too tripped and fell over the railing into the sea. the third guard cried out, panicked, and ran down the stairs at full speed. The sound of shouting and rushed storytelling could be heard below the deck.
Alziel smiled ruefully. Both men had fallen into the sea, so there was no risk of the cause of their deaths being discovered. Soon the entire ship would be filled with the story of the supernatural lights which killed men.
Alziel, meanwhile, sighed and turned to Liara, who looked him hard in the eye. "I'm sorry", he mumbled, before turning to the others.
"So it is underway. All of you, if you have a plan of your own, you should put it into effect soon. We have them scared". He smiled, and loped back away from the group to watch what the others would do.
-
Monty had been lost inn thought and when the ruckus broke out, He couldnt help but realize he was underprepared.
Monty was never much of a swimmer, but holding his knives in hand, Monty knelt dow n below visual range of the other ship, with his head peering just slightly over the edge of the Bulkhead.
Taking a knive in hand, monty took aim at a guard to the ships ster, who was standing out of visual range of the other shipstaff...and close enough to the edge to fall over with a sudden shock.
*****************************************************
The knife cut the air, with a very dulol blue glow, from both the moonlight, and the incantation set upon it.
It started out with a wobble, but quickly corrected itself mid air, and altered its trajectory only slightly, to veer towards the guards neck..
*****************************************************
The guard hit the water hard, but the shouting and commotion of the other guards dwarfed it in sound. It was unlikely that anyone would hear the spalsh over the ocean swells, and commotion...,.
"That should clear an entry position onto the ship'
Monty took a precise aim at the door to the Ships Quarters, to await an oncoming broadword, and hopefully catch him unaware.
With his hood now drawn, monty was barely visible in the night air, to even his peers, let alone a homonid on the other ship,...even one with keen eyes.
-
Broadsword was reading a book in his quarters when he heard the commotion. The guards were all yelling about men overboard.
"Damn it." he muttered. Either those soldiers were idiots, or... this was a trap. He knew too well that nearly everyone on this godforsaken mission would profit from his own demise - and the slaying of a soldier would create a situation in which he would be vulnerable to a sniper's arrow. He had been victim to this kind of attack before - but he had learned from his mistake.
"You, wench. Come here." he called to a red-haired maiden.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Go outside, and get two of the soldiers to come into my quarters to give me a report."
"Of course, my lord." She opened the door, and stepped out - only to be instantly slain by a small glowing object. Just as he expected.
-
*OCC: My bro didn't post, I'll tell him to do so later, for now he'll let me have a bit of control over Ragnar*
Ragnar stood in the dark as the attack begun. "Too often... ah what the hell..." he though, as he went inside the little ship's quarters. There was a dirty sailor in there.
"Report..." said Ragnar. The sailor looked at him and said: "Everything's set up sir. All you have to do is give us the order..."
Ragnar looked at his guild agent. "Good job, release the 'dragons', matey!" said Ragnar. The agent smiled and, with a bit of magic, made a green light come out of his hand. Suddenly, two sailor jumped into the sea and swam fastly towards a small boat.
An explosion.
The sea shined under this bright light of destruction, as the large ship engulfed itself in red flames from below.
Ragnar went to the deck, armed with his crossbow. "Where are you brat...?" he thought.
--------------------------
Anyan was on the deck, before the explosion went off. He saw as Alziel took down the men.
"I'd best start acting like a man..." said Anyan. he jumped into the sea, and swam towards the large ship. He climbed through a rope that was hanging, and the stood on the large ship's deck. He saw Alziel going into the sea, so he would be on the large ship soon.
But then... an explotion. "The red dragons already?! Stupid old man!" thought Anyan. The fire had caught the ship from below, so it would burn slowly.
"This is magic fire... it can only be extinguished by magic water... It burns slowly, allowing... fights to take place for example!" thought Anyan. "That old man always calculates everything..."
Anyan saw a dead woman on the floor. "That was Alziel's doing..." he thought. There was a door before him.
"The Viper is ready... I bet you are over there... Master..." thought Anyan. He certainly was afraid, after a long time ago...
But he would not run away.
Suddenly a guard appeared behind him. With a fast move, Anyan drew the Viper and plunged it into the guard's stomach.
The guard didn't even scream, dying at the instant.
Anyan had a fierce look in his cold, red eyes, which were shining even brighter with the fire coming slowly from below.
Broadsword should come out in a second... or would Anyan maje him come?
He didn't think twice. "If I die, I'll die as a brave man! For you Dehllia!" screamed Anyan, as he kicked the door, and found his master holding his sword, as he had expected him all along...
-
Broadsword smiled at Anyan. "Good to see you." he remarked. "How have you been?"
"You... why?" Anyan stammered.
"You were always my most promising student, Anyan. You had the potential to become the greatest Knight in the land... but you were always a bit too rebellious." A glint of something in his eye seemed to suggest that he was saddened by speaking those words. "I will not ask you to join me or anything foolish like that - I know that your heart is set on defeating me. So, if you have anything to ask of me, do it now - for I will not hold back once you are ready."
-
"Master..." said Anyan: "Why do you follow the King? You know he is a tirant... You know what he did to my family and why..."
When he said this, Anyan stared to his sword, the Viper. "I acknowledged from good sources that the King always desired this sword... He didn't hesitate to send my father,the only knight who could ever match you, to the West, to die. Master... I wish not to fight you, but I must do it. The King must be stopped. And If you won't change your mind..." as he said this, he held tightly the Viper:" ... then I'll risk my life fighting you, Master!"
After speaking, Anyan stepped forward once, waiting for an attack, or a response from his Master. He was ready to fight.
-
Broadsword once again looked saddened at his former pupil. "I do not support the actions of the King of late. The cover story of the attack from the West was... not needed."
"Then... why? Why do you still follow him?"
"... ...I won't lie to you, Anyan. I enjoy being a noble. I enjoy using the power that the King has given to me - the power to do nearly anything I want. I will... tolerate the actions of the King for this power." He went into a battle stance. "Words are no longer needed. Ready yourself, Anyan!" With that, Broadsword swung his massive blade, striking the ground and creating large cracks in the floor.
-
MOnty watched it all transpire from his own ship. His dagger had sitten an innocent servant girl...Montys Aim was surgical....His actions, however, was too hasty...The glowing dagger flitted swiftly back to Montys Leather Gloved hand
A light flood of guilt washed over him, but he choked it back, Upon seeing anyan conversing with an unseen figure, that monty assumed to be broadsword.....
"SNAP!" Monty thought out loud.
"Had anyan drawn him outside, I could have got a damaging shot in"
Monty continued to watch from his post, in hopes of seizing another shot...
-
Liara grabbed the rail of the deck as the larger ship was racked with red explosions. Everyone was taking their seperate actions- many swam toward the ship, Monty and Alziel staying back and attacking from afar.
"They've set the ship alight!" Alziel shouted. "We needed to get those documents!"
"There's still time!" Liara replied. She spread her wings and took to the unpredictable skies, moving towards the ship. Alziel and Monty both shifted their gaze to the deck of the bigger ship, aware that the sprite was painfully visible in the night sky. If they allowed an archer to get a shot at her, neither of them would have forgiven themselves.
-
A frantic guard spotted liara from afar, through a haze of smoke arising from the bellows of the ship....
A quick glint cut the night skies, and with that, the guard had fallen.
"Damn whoever summoned these flames. This was not a good idea.
This was pure stupidity. The documents, and our allies could all sink to the depths with the ship"
Monty readied his crossbow, and a handfull of bolts. Allthough his knives were potent weapons, they were not fast enough for the chaos that was about to unfold.
-
OOC: Look, I appreciate that this is everyone's RP and the storyline is open to anyone. But that's no reason why the plot we already have has to change to something completely different every other post.
BIC:
Alziel cursed. This had been a covert operation, performed in the dead of night in pure secrecy. And now it had become a siege. Warriors, all of them the same. Where there had been pride, there was now foolishness.
He frowned and took aim as another guard appeared on deck, spotted Liara and cranked his crossbow. He fell before he had finished loading his weapon. Alziel looked to his right. It was fine for Monty, he had enchanted knives, unlimited ammunition. Soon Alziel would run out of arrows, and then he would be unable to protect Liara...
An idea came to him. He put his bow on his shoulder and ran down the stairs.
"Everyone", he said to the remaining contestants. "The large ship is now under siege. We are removing the soldiers and Broadsword from the contest, permanently". A cheer went up, but Alziel shouted over them. "-- The large ship is ablaze --". Another cheer. " ...But we need you all to swim over there and help. No soldiers should be left after tonight. If they live, we are all finished".
He turned and ran up the stairs, followed by the remaining contestants. Each and every one of them made a dive over the railing and into the sea, swimming to the large cruiser. Sounds of battle quickly ensued.
Alziel looked up, scanning the sky. Finally he spotted Liara, wings glittering against the night sky. A moment later two guards arrived on deck. Alziel took aim and brought down one, and the second was run through by Cefan of Flintbay, the brown-bearded dwarf who had been the last to be selected.
Alziel sighed. Liara would be across soon. Torn between a ranged offensive and close protection, he made a snap decision and took a step onto the railing. As he did so, a guard spotted him and took aim with his own bow. The first arrow missed Alziel by a good five yards. Monty brought the guard down before he could fire a second.
"I'm going over", Alziel said to Monty. "Cover Liara. If I come under fire, do your best to help". He turned, making sure that his hunting knife was safe. After a second, he stepped off the rail and hit the water.
It was icy cold, and for the first few moments he did not notice it as he checked his bow. Fortunately it was still intact; he still had the knife, and his quiver was also fine. Then the cold hit him and swam as quickly as he could to the other side.
As he touched the wood of the cruiser, a rope ladder fell. Alziel looked up through the hair plastered to his forehead and saw Liara smiling down at him.
He climbed as quickly as he could and waved back to Monty that he was fine. A guard ran past yelling, before Grothin the Forth caught up with him on the deck and brought him down with a warrior's cheer.
Alziel frowned and notched an arrow to his bowstring, proceeding down the stairs slowly with a nod to Liara. He was supposed to be covering her until she reached Broadsword's documents, he knew. But the documents were in Broadsword's room. And apparently, from the sounds of battle up ahead, so was Broadsword.
He smiled ruefully so that Liara would not see. The hunt had begun.
-
Anyan dodged Broadsword's attack. He knew that the massive knight would be careful of the Viper's bite, since it's poison could kill him.
Anyan jumped outside the room, while the battle had already started and there was a lot of confusion. The other contestants had boarded the ship and had started to fight against the guards. Broadsword followed, letting his massive sword fall hard into the floor.
The steels kept hitting each other, as they oculdn't hurt each other. But Anyan was overwhelmed by Broasword. Althought his time outside the kingdom had turned him into a strong man, Anyan couldn't match his master.
After a few minutes, Broadsword had turned the tides towards him. After stopping Anyan's attack, Broadsword punched the young man in his stomach, throwing him away by many steps.
Anyan got up, only to dodge a slash of Broadsword's edge. Still he was slightly cutted on the left arm.
"Gah...! You haven't changed Master..." said Anyan, surprisingly calm: "But I've learned new tricks while I was out..."
A light came from Anyan's hand, as a smallish fireball formed. Anyan's knowledge on magic was minimal, but enough to turn his sword on fire and turn it into an even more dangerous weapon.
Anyan charged again with the Viper on flames against his old master.
*OCC: I hope I didn't control too much your character Warxe...*
-
Monty Was throwing and accepting Daggers at a fast but calculated rate.
The ship was now nearly vacant, as the mass of his companions were taking part in the seige...
"With Alzeil gone, it would seem as I have to lead the defensive on our own ship....."
Liara gave an accepting, and encourging nod, and with a swift excecution of maeuvers, the crossbow was hilted, and Monty had produced his shortblade, and filled his knuckles of his free hand with 3 throwing daggers.
"I swear, If i Find out who summoned these flames in such haste, Ill throttle them senseless...after we make it out alive"
Monty Shouted at Alzeil who was still in earshot
"Wed bes salvage some valuables from that ship. It houses out provisions..."
-
(Plight... Liara's on the ship with Alziel XD)
Liara was glad to have Alziel by her side- the blazing ship was an unsettling place. The cries of warriors was equal in volume to the screams of the slain- a terrible situation for a sprite to be in. However, Liara had known what she was getting into by volunteering. She was determined to be of use.
Guards were pouring out of the exits now, Monty taking down some, his mark a sudden death that had no apparent cause- a flash of metal, then a bleeding at the neck that started spontaneously and saved Liara and Alziel several times. Alziel was also an efficient killer, and it seemed that his desire to get the job done was overpowering his courtesy to Liara.
The two made their way across the vessel and neared the place where Anyan had entered the ship. At that moment several guards ran up to them and reared their weapons- too many to take down. These men were cowards, afraid it seemed to attack even with their numerical advantage, but they advanced slowly and menacingly. Alziel swore and moved in front of Liara as one of Monty's knifes cut a swathe through the men. "Is there anything you can do?" Alziel asked the sprite, backing her away from the enemy.
"Maybe" she answered. "Close your eyes!"
The last thing he wanted to do was close his eyes; But he had to trust her. He did so and felt a rush of warmth at his back- and his eyelids could not mask the brilliant yellow glow. He opened them slowly and it was if the night sky had lit up- a blinding flash had rivalled the stars and the men were stabbing wildly or groping for the side rail, one arm across their temporarily useless eyes.
-
OOC: ugh...
Draggys last post confused me.
Sorry. Ill edit
EDIT: done.
Monty adverted his eyes from the blinding glare from the other ship...
Waves leapt up, in the increasingly turbulent water, quelling much of the other ships blaze, but undoutedly, at this point she would still sink.
"If Braod sword were crippled...and taken Captive..."
An Instant plan arose in Montys mind....
But it would mean distracting anyan from a killing Blow.
And leaving the ship for a spell....
***********************************
-
*Sorry, fellas. haven't been able to enter in some time*
Ragnar sighed... "Damn!! I'm an old fool!! I should've waited more!! Those damned things were supposed to take more time before they blow up!!! that's what I get from buying second - hand stuff!!!"
Ragnar had went up to the deck... "They'll probably blame it on me tomorrow... But what the hell!!! Those soldiers and the other nobles would have become a problem in the West... Better to finish them now" Ragnar thought. From his place, he could see everything on the enemy ship, so he started using his crossbow.
"Ok, ok. Who will it be?"
Ragnar watched the enemy ship, looking for a target.
Soon, he found one. It was one of the nobles (Not Broadsword) who was trying to organize the soldiers to combat the fire (As well as the contestants) "No, my friend, I don't think so" Ragnar whispered. the knight had his armor, but no helmet. the attack had probably started when he had just started taking his clothes of to go to sleep.
Ragnar aimed, waited for a while, and shot. The bolt left the crossbow without a noise, and it flew on the dark night.
The shot was acurrate, as the bolt hit the knight on the face, over the right eye. The knight didn't even scream (Which proved to everyone he was dead), and fell to the ground.
"The confussion is fine, but I don't understand why those damned things blew up so early, they were supposed to take two hours!!!" Ragnar cursed, and thought "Well, the fire seems to be going as planned. the ship will sink, but at this rate it will hold out until dawn." While thinking that, he reloaded and shot again: Another guard, (An officer) fell to the ground, screaming and grabbing his stomach.
"Damn!! Now, we won't be able to gather supplies, as I wanted!!! That was the damned reason I asked for slow - burning bombs!!!"
"Were could the brat be?!?!" Ragnar thought....
-
Anyan was nervous. Although he had used the only magic he knew (in order to place the Viper on flames to gain an extra attack), the fight against Broadsword was far from being won.
Anyan fell to the floor over and over again. His wounded arm didn't allow him to move as swiftly as before. Broadswoard was undamaged.
A guard approached Anyan form the behind, but he was taken out by a bolt. Anyan saw Ragnar from afar, as his friend was shooting towards other guards.
Anyan stood and attacked his master. After throwing a few slashed (which were easily rejected), he managed to punch him in the stomach. He hoped that Broadsword was hurt.
-
Broadsword reeled from the unexpected punch, leaving him vulnerable for only a moment. Anyan took this chance, and with a single movement, lodged his Viper into his former master's shoulder.
"...shoulder?" Brodsword mumbled. "Why not just finish me off...?" Already, the blood was draining from his face. "I see. Well... you win, Anyan. Congratulations." Broadsword fumbled with the satchel on his waist, and eventually pulled out a cross-shaped pendant. He gripped it tightly, as his remaining life was snuffed out by the toxin, and he collapsed to the ground in a lifeless heap.
-
The blinding light sent by Liara came right at the time Broadsword was falling on the floor. The blood was puring from the man's shoulder, fastly. Anyan watched his former master die...
"Master... our loyalties may have been different, but you were and will remain the strongest of all..." he thought. He stood, a bit weakened form his wound. The cofusion created by Liara's light had made everyone go dizzy. Anyan was even dizzier, because of his wound and his sickness.
"Could Liara get the documents...?" thought anyan, as he killed a guard approaching him.
He hurried towards Broadsword's room, trying to find Liara or Alziel, and retrieve the documents.
The sun was about to rise, and the ship wouldn't last longer...
-
Alziel leant against the wall by the doorframe. Steadily he drew a single arrow and notched it to his bowstring, and once he was composed he turned and stepped into the room, bow raised.
Seeing the swordsman standing tall over the fallen man, he took aim. He could shoot before the surviving swordsman could get near him. Especially since he was injured. There was a spot at the neck which was vulnerable, and it was this that he aimed for...
"Alziel", the swordsman said, "Stop".
Alziel stopped. Things came into focus.
The fallen warrior on the ground was not Anyan, as Alziel expected it would be; instead, it was Broadsword.
Alziel's heart sank. He had been too slow, and he had missed his chance. He took the arrow from his bowstring and threw it to the ground, and slumped on his haunches against the wall and swore. After a moment, Liara sat down beside him.
"Damn", he spat, "Looks like I didn't get to take my shot after all".
He expected Liara to be angry at him; he had virtually abandoned her out there, preferring to go ahead and find Broadsword for his own means. He had meant to protect her, but his purpose had been forgotten and bloodlust had got in the way. Her magic had been all that had saved her.
But instead, she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Never mind", she said softly, "At least we tried. You were only too late because you were trying to help me".
She had a point, he decided. He looked up and saw Anyan standing there. The two of them stared at each other for a moment.
"Thank you", Alziel said finally, "At least the contest can go ahead now".
Alziel thought about what he had just said, and as he understood, his heart sank again. Now that the contest went ahead, there could only be one winner. Which meant that out of the thirty people here, at the end there would probably only be one survivor.
Finally he stood up and looked around the room. "Liara, we should try to find those documents", he said quietly, "And quickly. This ship will probably not hold together much longer".
He caught Anyan's eye again. The man with the poison blade. And at some point, Alziel may well have to eliminate him from the competition. Unless, of course, he was eliminated first.
-
Shell sat on his bed listening to the muffled sounds of battle going on above. He was in a split decision as to whether to go and join in, but eventually decided that there was no point. Events would take care of themselves. He went back to sleep.
***
Liara stood and went to the fallen warrior. He was still, his body appearing powerful even now; the heavy armour he had bourne had done him no good it seemed.
Knowing of the cruelty of Sir Broadsword didn't stop Liara from feeling a sense of immense regret at his defeat. She felt that though his body was unconsious he was still fighting for the tiny remainder of his life as the poison finished it's deadly work. No way for a warrior to go.
It took all of her strength to refrain from attempting to heal the man- the poison was apparently untreatable but she didn't know how many Sprites had tried. But despite these desperate feelings she felt an immense relief- that Alziel had not struck the killing blow. Revenge can do terrible things to a man, she thought, glancing at Anyan.
"There's no time for this" Anyan urged hurriedly. "You have to help me find these documents!"
-
the dawn was about to come, and there was no sign of the others.
Ragnar had been watching the ship for a while, without being able to see anything.
Finally, he was able to see Anyan and the others, as well as the final moments of the duel against Broadsword.
In that moment, Ragnar knew that the soldiers on the ship represented no further danger.
"Ok, let's go to get our comrades!!! The enemy can no longer hurt us!!!" One of the contestants yelled.
Hearing that, Ragnar yelled back "Make sure that we are with the wind when we get close, or we could set our ship on fire as well!!!!"
"Aye aye!!" He answered.
Ragnar didn't know a thing about navigating a ship. Luckily, some of the contestants had experience in the area (Probably because of previous acts of piracy, Ragnar thought).
"how can i help?" Ragnar asked.
Seeing that his help was not needed nor wanted, ragnar reloaded his crossbow and sat in a spot, waiting for things tp unfold.
"Let's hope they get out in time...... Stupid slow - action bombs!!!!" Ragnar thought.
Well, at least Broadsword was gone. that was one less problem.
-
A few soldiers ran into Broadsword's quarters, spears at the ready.
"You are hereby under arrest for High Treason! Come quietly, or we will be forced to use lethal force!" one of the soldiers said. He shoved his spear forward, nearly at Alziel's neck.
"Uh... he's dead." one of the soldiers commented. "It's pretty much everyone for themselves."
"Silence!" the lead soldier yelled. "We are still under the orders of the King, and we will e-" The soldier's spiel was cut off by a spearhead forcing itself through his chest; the younger soldier had apparently committed this act. The last soldier, horrified, ran out.
"Didn't agree with this mission anyways." the young soldier commented. "You guys should take what you can and get outta here - probably won't be long until we're in what's-his-face's locker." The soldier, still calm, stepped out onto the deck, where he was immediately sniped by one of Monty's magic knives.
-
Anyan stared at Liara. Her look of pity taht the sprite had given to him made him feel small.
"I... have my reasons to do what I'm doing..." he said, with a sad thone in his voice. "I don't know why am I explaining myself to you... there's no time for this... I'm sorry, I'll speak later on."
He turned around and started to search desperetly inside the quarters.
"I'm looking for some papers... where did he put them...?!" Anyan thought.
-
Liara knelt beside Sir Broadsword again. She wasn't just thinking, she was looking- a near invincible man, there would be nowhere safer for the papers than on his person.
"You think they're in his armour or something?"
A lick of flame showed itself through a crack in the wooden floor- the area below was ablaze and the ship was beginning to sink.
-
Anyan's eyes opened wide. How could he be so stupid?
He took Broadsword's armor off the dead body of his master (not before saying a short prayer) and began to search franticly.
"Here are some papers!" He said: "They are... the documents allright. Liara, you are faster than me... Take them. Let us scape!"
As he gave the documents to the sprite, Anyan started to run towards the deck. His left shoulder was hurting like the flames of Hell itself. He stared to both Alziel and Liara, who were running with him. "Hurry up! It won't take longer, this fire won't stop, not even for water!" he screamed, as he threw himself into the raging water.
His armor was light, luckily, that's why he could swim back.
The battle was over, as the remaining contestants started to swim back to the smallish ship.
-
Alziel sighed as the sunlight broke over the horizon.
It was morning at last. Everyone had returned, and had been celebrating their success for some hours. He looked across the side of the ship, to where there should have been a ship full of soldiers. But before morning came it had crumbled into nothing and sunk into the sea. There were no survivors.
Alziel Her'Shal sat alone on the deck. An hour passed as he stared out to sea.
At around two hours after sunrise, a broad green line appeared on the edge of view. The Western Lands had appeared at last, and only the contestants were there to bear witness. Liara came up the steps and sat down on Alziel's bench.
"Well there it is", she said quietly.
Alziel nodded, not quite knowing what to say.
"I'm going to protect you once we get there", he said calmly. "In fact we should all help each other. But that won't happen, there are too many likely heroes and glory-hunters on this ship. My guess is most will go off alone. Some might travel in groups of two or three, but they'll become enemies once the prize is in sight".
That was true. It would happen to everyone. There was no doubt about that.
He looked across to Liara, and she smiled at him.
"Only about an hour to go. This will be interesting", she said happily. Alziel nodded. It certainly would.
For a moment, he thought he saw a dark speck on the shore of the Western Lands, too small to mark out detail. Then it was gone, and did not appear again.
-
Ragnar woke up, after a short nap.
He went up to the deck, only to see the western lands in the horizon.
"Well, I guess we are here" Ragnar said, closing to Alziel and Liara, who were sitting down talking.
They both looked at him. Ragnar knew they had some regrets towards him because of the dragons, but Ragnar had not talked about it. "I never apologized for the miswork of my bombs, and I guess I should do it. I'm sorry, those damned things went off before time. I promise to be more careful from now on."
-
Shell strolled onto the deck and smiled at the rapidly approaching land mass. Then he nodded to Alziel, Liara and Ragnar. "Morning."
The wind was slightly chilly but that was not it's most noticeable feature- it tasted like change. The mysterious sands of the western coasts swirled about a draft of something magical.
Shell walked to his usual spot at the stern of the ship and allowed the frog to hop out of his pocket onto the damp deck, fresh from morning spray as the eager boat made it's final lap towards it's goal.
As the frog lifted it's tiny head and shot it's tongue out to taste the air, Shell noticed another who could feel the strangeness of the east blowing wind. The sprite was distracted, turning to smile and talk to her companion every now and then before turning half confused, half enthusiastic, towards the western lands. She could tell it as well; this place was more than just a continent.
-
Anyan woke up, after sleeping too much. He had healed the slight wund on his left shoulder with some herbs he had saved, but he had no more. "I have to be more careful..." he thought.
He was more dizzy than before. He recalled getting up the ship after the assault, run, all wet and sweat, before Ragnar, saying "you idiot!" to him and passing out.
He was very pale, and was begging to the gods to reach the West at last. To step into land and stop feeling sick.
He reached the deck, and found Alziel, Liara, Shell and Ragnar talking with each other. He sat beside them and said: "I bet this will be very interesting..."
-
(Back from the dead!!!!!
-Emerates)
Saine climbed the stairs to the deck. Alziel and several others were huddled near the stern, talking and looking ahead. Saine followed their looks, and understood their excitement. The West lay on the horizon, growing steadily closer.
Saine closed the distance to the stern with his usual swift stride.
"Good morning, my fellows. I'm glad to see everyone survived our late-night battle," he said with a broad smile.
Alziel looked slightly bemused. "Our battle? I don't recall you showing up for the fight, Saine."
"I was working behind the scenes, places you couldn't. How do you think you were able to board the ship in the first place, hm?" Saine looked from Alziel to Liara, then to the other men. None answered. "Because I killed the lookouts before you went over."
"How could you get to the other ship, though? You don't have wings like I do," Liara said.
"In due time, I'll explain my history more fully. For now, you just need to know that I inherited certain abilities from my father. That's how I made it to the other ship." Saine did not expect this to impress anyone: it did not. Alziel looked quite the opposite. "The point is, I did my part, just like I said. It may not have been in your original plan, but it was an effective deviation."
Alziel looked at Saine for a moment. "Alright," he nodded slowly.
"Good," Saine replied. "So, I have been meaning to ask you since we departed from the harbor, if I may accompany you on your journeys through the West?" Alziel looked slightly surprised. "I have not met any of the other contestants, and I find most of them.... unsavory. So, I was wondering if I may join you." Alziel considered a moment, then said....
-
Anyan got up and left the party when Saine approached. There was something wrong about that man. What kind of skills had allowed him to enter the ship before them?
Anyan noticed Ragnar staring at him. He also thought of this as something weird. And what truly troubled Anyan was the fact that his friend hadn't noticed this either, or he had noticed and hadn't spoken a word of it.
Anyway, this trip was becoming something way more complicated than just writing a map. They had sank a ship full of guards and nobles, and now they were on their way towards the unknown...
What would become of this?
-
"Alright", Alziel said. He thought for a moment, before adding, "On the condition that we go West as soon as we get to solid ground. Agreed?".
Saine nodded, apparently not suspicious of Alziel's motives for this instruction.
"We can use as many people as we can find", he mused, "But I doubt we'll get more than a few. Everyone else will either go off alone or split into small groups, but like I've said those groups will end up killing each other once the prize is in sight. We're in for a long trip. Making of map of this entire continent, getting all the landmarks and features... that could take weeks, months even".
Liara frowned, considering this, before interrupting as politely as could ever have been possible.
"Excuse me", she said quietly, raising a hand, "How will we survive for that long without provisions?"
"We'll hunt", Alziel replied sharply. "Well, I will. And anyone else who would like to try their hand".
He looked over to Shell, standing watching the sea rising and falling against the side of the ship. Alziel had been a man able to survive for a long time, and he could recognise the same ability in others. Shell might be a useful ally.
"Shell", he called, getting the man's attention, "Are you in?"
He did not wait for a reply. Instead, he stood and looked towards the steadily growing green line on the horizon. It was empty now, but he was almost certain that it would not seem so innocent once they were there.
Who knows, he thought darkly, the stories about that place told to scare small children might well turn out to be true.
-
A faint shout for help came peering over the starboard hull of the ship..
the sound was of Monty's voice.
He was hanging, by his cloak, over the ships bow, unable to hoist himself up, and looking terribly embaraased.
"Little help?
Alziel?
Liara?...
Anyan?
Old guy?
dammit. Ive been stuck here for nearly 3 hours.Embarrasing. At this rate, Ill be left on the hull for bait."
-
Shell turned and scrutinized Alziel's expression. "I can hunt. But the fact that we're enemies disturbs me slightly. I don't see it as my fate to be struck down by a teammate."
Alzioel nodded slowly. It was a soul destroying thing, to work alongside those who would eventually turn against him. The only person he could trust was Liara- who had promised to let him take the prize. But could he even trust her word? He glanced to the sprite who was wandering across the deck, seemingly in search of something.
Liara reached the rail and peered down. Upon finally spotting Monty, she smiled and offered a hand. "Are you okay?"
-
"Im afraid towards the end of the commotion, I was nearly tossed overboards by an ocean swell" Monty shouted to liara :But my god, ye have the voice of an angel to these salinated ears right now, dear sprite. Perhaps you could help a fellow out?"
-
Sprite wings are not strong- they do not need to be for sprites themselves are very light. This means that they cannot carry other people with them when they fly. Liara had to look for another solution and found one in the various docking ropes that cluttered the deckside. Finding one, she flung it over.
"You've been out here for hours!" she called, surprised, as he groped for the rope with one hand. "Are you sure you're alright? It's very cold outside on the sea, even without the ocean spray."
-
Anyan was surprised, as he was walking, by the odd sight of Liara throwing a rope from the side of the ship. He was even more surprised, as he saw Monty climbing up, shaking and aparently, cold.
"I was wondering where had you gone!" said Anyan, still a bit dizzy from his sickness, but still finding the situation a bit hilarious, even for such a serious young man: "I believe we are lucky to have lady Liara here with us... no one could really hear your cries for help... if you said anything."
Both men and Liara laughed at the ridicoulous situation.
Anyan helped Monty to get up, still laughing a bit, and said: "Next time we will need to have ropes ready, right my friend?"
-
Ragnar fet surprised, as he saw monty being pulled up by Liara, with a rope.
"So, that's were he was!!! I thought he was still sleeping...."
Ragnar said, as he closed to Monty, Liara and Anyan.
"Well, I talked to one of the sailors. we should be reaching the West in no time. Maybe we should think about what are we going to say when we come back. I don't really know, but I doubt that the King will let any of us alive if he learns about Broadsword and the ship."
Alziel closed while Ragnar talked, and seemed to be very serious when he finished.
"There he comes!!! I hope he has forgiven me!!!! Cursed bombs!!" Ragnar thought, as he waited for anyone to reply.
-
Monty was cold, and his outer layers were thoughouly soaked. He was not shaking, which indicated some degree of dryness, despite his obvious discomfort.
Monty was not amused. He thought back repeatedly to the summoning of the flaming beasts from below, and knew it to be sorcery cast in haste, and irresponsibility.
"With the supply ship out of comission, we are at a severe loss. Rations, Equipment, manpower...
...trading goods, information, MY DAMNED HORSE."
Monty looked not himself. His eyes were dark in anger, as he glared suspiciously at rangar...
"Old man...."
Monty took an agressive step in his direction
"Would you know anything, of the display of recklessness regarding those summoned beasts last night?
Because I think you do."
Monty was furious. He had since thrown his wet cloak aside
and had a fistfull of throwing knives at the ready
"not only was this an attack on braodsword, but surely an attack on our own 'allies', if you ask me. Kill the enemy, and sabotage the competition..."
-
OOC-Its distressed gamemaker again, Im willing to bet.
-
Ragnar looked back at Monty. Thoguh he looked amusing, wet and cold, Ragnar knew that he could not take him lightly. It was time to confess, and try to fix the matter.
"Yes. I was responsible for those "beasts" (Though they were bombs, not beasts)." Seeing that Monty's expression was far from pacific, Ragnar pulled out one of his swords quickly.
"I do not wish to fight you, and I feel sorry about your horse. those damned things blew up to early!! I had planned to take out as many supplies and things as possible from that ship. I had a good reason to do it!!!!"
"And what might that be?" Monty said, as he pointed a knive against Ragnar's neck.
"This" Ragnar answered. With his free hand, he took out of his clothes the report that his spy had given him before leaving port.
"Broadsword had planned to have us killed the second we got to the West. He knew that many people on this ship know more than necessary, and he never intended us to live. The other two nobles were his allies, there was not a way we were going to get out of that. I thought we needed to take care of them, as soon as possible, and I chose to help Alziel and the guys to do it. I made mistakes, but I'm willing to repair them."
Ragnar gave the document to Monty, took two steps back and pulled out his other sword. "As I said, I don't wish to fight. I offer you my services, and to help you get the reward at any price since I do not care about that, I have other reasons for going to the West. If you still want to fight, I won't run. Here I am!!!!"
Ragnar took a defensive stance, and waited for Monty to reply.
-
"very well old man. I'll take what youve given me, for the sake of the benifit of the doubt, but dont think for a minute that I dont have my eyes one you...
Beasts, Bombs. Its all sorcery to me.The only "natural" Magic is that of the pureblood elves, and spites. All else is parlour sorcery and alchemy.
We arent enemies, Old man.
Not yet."
Monty sheathed his daggers, and ran his hand through a mass of tangled, salt water hair wich limply splattered down around his cheecks anyhow.
Monty was generally irritated.
It could have very well been the cloak induced Keale Haul, or simply that Monty was frustrated at seeing land before the others whilst being unable to notify the crew. It could be the loss of provisons, or all of these.
Monty, suddenly remembered the documents rolled into his bracer, and funbled to remove the armor housing them, and carefully removed and unpacked his map of the "Lost ruins" of the west.
The Parchment was wet. But still slightly legible. The backup copies had gone under with His horse. As with most of Monty's backup provisions.
All monty had on him now was his crossbow, some bolts that managed to have not been lost at sea, his throwing daggers, and a shortblade.
"What then is our marching order when we embark on the shores?"
Monty asked, looking up from his parchment, wet-plastered onto the ships deck.
-
Alziel stood up from the bench, and decided that this was a good time to speak.
"Those of you coming with me", he began, "We will go west as soon as we arrive. I have a feeling most people will go east". He remembered Leyland's letter, and attempted to think of a story quickly. "Because they will have daylight on their side if they go that way. They will be able to cover more ground in the first day".
Monty looked at him suspiciously.
"However, I do not recommend that we rush to cover ground, at least not for the first day or two. We ought to focus on survival, making a camp and gathering food and supplies, while we examine our environment. It should serve us well in the long run".
"And what about the contest", Monty said idly, "Why would we want to allow the other contestants a head-start on us?"
Alziel had no answer, and decided he was beaten. After a brief pause he spoke the immortal words; "Trust me".
Monty sighed and fell silent.
"That's just what I think", he sighed, and sat down again to watch what would happen as Liara smiled encouragement his way.
-
Shell sat apart from the others now, deep in thought. He took an old coin from his coat.
"Let's allow her to decide, shall we?" he mumbled to the frog. Then he threw the coin into the air and allowed it to hit the deck. The heavy coin bounced only twice before coming to rest against the rail. The side up was an ingraved image of an owl.
"So be it. My fate lies to the west."
-
(Dragonium, maybe I missed something, but weren't we coming FROM the East? to go to the East, the others would have to go back into the sea!!! Sorry if I misunderstood)
"Ok, I'm glad." Ragnar put his swords back to their places.. Hidden on his clothes.
Looking at Monty, he knew that he was probably still mad at him... But it didn't seem like Monty was going to make a move against Ragnar anytime soon. "Well... I hope he doesn't try anything. He has guts, i like the kid..." Ragnar thought.
He was so concentrated in his thoughts, that he almost missed Alziel's speech.
Being an old spy, Ragnar had a lot of experience with lies. Alziel's "daylight" story wasn't a very good one (At least for Ragnar). However, Ragnar agreed in the idea of going west, and to go slow in the beggining to gather supplies and terrain knowledge.
The last words gave Ragnar a hint... "Trust me"... Alziel knew something. "Well... It's his problem. It's probably a good idea to let him be. there's probably some kind of danger out there that he wants to avoid. As long as I can avoid it with them, there's no need of sticking my old nose...." Ragnar thought.
He looked at Anyan and said "Well, brat... how do you feel? How about a meal before landing?"
-
Anyan's face was completely bleak, and he was about to throw up his last food. As he stared at Ragnar he said: "Shut up old man... I don't want to know anything about food..."
Anyan had heard Alziel's speech, and he would follow him, it was already decided. But he still was troubled. The group would stare to each other's backs, since they all wanted the reward. Even Anyan needed to get the chance of winning, it was his plan from the very beginning, in order to have the chance of getting the King.
Alziel, Liara, Monty (who would remain peaceful for now, but Anyan knew that he was angry at Ragnar, and any mistake from the old man would cause them to fight), Shell...
But two people troubled Anyan: his old friend, Ragnar, and the misterious Saine. Ragnar hedn't told Anyan (and wouldn't tell) what was his true reason for traveling. And Saine was a man of skills unknown.
Anyan wasn't in the mood for a joke right at the moment, so he approached the group and said: "Very well, I'll go west with you people... but I believe that danger awaits us. We will need to be careful."
-
OOC: I'm sorry, my directions are screwed. Geography never was my strong subject.
To everyone: When referring to the directions of travel, when I say west I mean south, and when I say east I mean north. As Red XIII rightly showed. Thanks man, you saved us a lot of confusion later. :D
BIC:
Alziel sighed. His excuse had not been entirely convincing. And the unrest within the group troubled him.
Still, Shell was on his side. Shell seemed to have skill, talent for surviving. Though how well he'd hold up out there was anyone's guess.
That could be said for all of them.
He stood and looked out to the Western Lands, and noticed something. On the coast, the grass was lush and green. But roughly ten feet it the green began to change to yellow, and as they grew closer it was plain to see that away from the coast, the grass which stretched away into the plains of the Western Lands was dead and yellowed.
"That's odd", he said aloud. Liara nodded.
Soon everyone on the deck was looking out to the dead plain and the emptiness beyond it.
Alziel thought he saw the dark speck again out of the corner of his eye, stood on the coast, but again it was too small to make out detail and nobody else seemed to have seen it. And again, as he turned to look at it it was gone.
-
"Strange, isn't it?" Saine muttered sideways to Alziel. "Thousands of unexplored acres and it seems like there's nothing to map here anymore."
Alziel said nothing for a long time. For a moment, he seemed distracted from the coast itself, trying to focus on a specific feature. However, there were no features to speak of on the coast. It seemed like there was only grass and dead grass, and the sky beyond.
Saine lowered his voice. "I feel I can trust you, Alziel, so I am going to tell you this in confidence." Saine paused for a moment, trying to make sure he had Alziel's attention again. "That bland coast is not all there is to this country. Trust me, some of the stories you've heard are in fact true. I know. I spent years in the Northern Wastes collecting artifacts and knowledge, things I could use for survival here," he motioned towards the horizon rushing towards them. "I probably have a more intimate understanding of this place than the rest of the contestants."
Alziel seemed to consider the information for a moment. "You know a lot of stories and myths, but that does not mean you have any real knowledge of this place." Alziel turned his gaze towards Saine. "You cannot base this endeavour around a bunch of myths. That'll be dangerous for everyone, if you're still coming with us."
Saine nodded and sighed. "I see your point. However, I have faith. I have met people who have returned from the West, old and young, and have heard their stories. Some stories I trust, others, I don't. After that, I spent a decade sorting the facts from the myths by recovering many things from the North." Saine turned so Alziel could see his entire profile. Saine said with a stern look, "Running on stories won't be as dangerous as what we find there."
Alziel nodded. "For now, I am going to go prepare for our landing. Goodday, Alziel." Saine peeled away from the railing and went below deck to his quarters.
-
"My horse is gone, the idiot old man sank our supplies, and all I see is wasteland...surely this will be taxing"
Monty looked studiously away from the group over the aft of the ship as it creeped towards the coastline. Monty looked to the Northeast, and then to the southwest, and surveyed the countless arcres of waste.
"I would follow alziel if its permissable," Monty asked, giving an inquisitive nod "But at times I shall scout to the flanks, and in our rear and fore-path. When we dock that is..."
Monty turned a half step around to see the Last of the ships deck hands, the few that were not killed in the last evenings battle, untieing the lifeboats, and getting ready to transport the crew to shore.
Monty looked to the bow of the ship....A horizon of sea, now rocking less, revealed to Montys eyes a small watercraft of some kind..Too far away to discren, even with sharp eyes...
"Look Behind us....in the water.....is that....."
Monty trailed off and back in..."No no.....it IS.....its another boat to our aft"
-
The group whirled and faced the direction of Monty's gaze. Shell rested his staff on the deck with a wooden thud and looked quietly interested.
"Your eyes may be sharper than mine;" Shell said. "What do you see?"
Liara instinctively moved towards Alziel, who looked troubled. Had something followed the contestants out to sea?
-
Ragnar closed the side of the ship, to have a better look at the object.
"Nay, it is indeed a ship, Shell. It is very clear."
Ragnar pulled out a small telescope from one of his pockets, and looked at the strange ship with it.
"Where did you get that thing?" Anyan asked.
"I always have a couple of this with me. My job requires me to be able to see my enemies closer." Ragnar answered while looking at the ship.
"Do you see anything?" Liara said.
Before answering, Ragnar looked for a while at the ship's deck.
Then, he tried to look at the mainmast to see if it had any flag.
"Well, I have a good new: the ship's flag doesn't belong to the Kingdom. But the bad new is that it doesn't belong to any other country I know." Ragnar knew there was something odd about the ship... He looked once again... the ragged sails, the deck....
the deck was completely deserted...... and the ship's hull was slightly damaged and it had a few seaweeds attached, as if the ship had come from the bottom of the ocean...
"I see no sailors, nor soldiers. It looks almost as a ghost ship..."
After saying that, Ragnar passed the telescope to Alziel.
"Here, my old eyes are far from perfect. you see, maybe you will be able to see something more. Who knows!!! Maybe I'm just seeing illusions..."
-
"What the hell...?" thought Anyan. Things had gone stranger now, a ship had come out of nowhere, as if it was a ghost.
"I guess we have to make it faster to the shore..." said Anyan. The others stared at him as he continued.
"That ship, as we know from what Ragnar said, seems deserted, but it is an old trick to ambush someone, mostly used by pìrates... I learned that while I was training at the Knight Academy at the Kingdom of Inas..." after taking a short breath (he still was sick) he continued: "But still, the way it appeared is quite misterious... and they could have supplies... if they're human..."
Ragnar laughed a bit and said: "Don't tell me ya believe that's a ghost ship, brat! That's a tale for ol' people like myself!"
Anyan answered: "No, I didn't say that..." still he didn't really know what was on that ship. "Maybe we should try to get to the shore and see if they chase us..." he said, and awaited for the others to answer.
-
OOC: Sorry for the delay guys. Coursework officially sucks.
BIC:
Alziel took the telescope from Ragnar and looked out to where the strange ship was.
It was deserted, at least by appearance. There were no signs that anyone had been up on deck in the past few days, for the wood was dry and had no footprints on it. There were a number of holes in the hull, where water flowed in, and yet it did not sink. And there, on the mast which seemed to be crooked as though half-broken, was a flag which Alziel did not recognise.
He thought back to his childhood. He had once been given a book about ships by an uncle, and it had fascinated him for weeks before he grew bored of the same illustrations. Yet there was something about this vessel which did not match any of those pictures.
A gust of wind blew across the sea, and the ragged sails did not fill. After a moment the ship rolled and veered away to the right slightly.
"It's drifting", he said finally. "No pirates would allow themselves to drift so widely off course. I doubt it's following us".
He took another look at the ship, as one of the holes filled with water and it rolled over onto its side slightly, so that half of the hull was exposed in the air like a leaping whale. That too, was full of holes.
"Maybe", the thought aloud, piecing the clues together slowly, "Maybe it was a pirate ship at one point. But... Well, it looks to me, that that ship is completely deserted. Nobody could make a journey in a vessel that badly damaged".
"Then why would it appear to come out of nowhere and follow us?", Anyan asked. He was determined for his point to be correct.
Alziel sighed. "I cannot pretend to know. But at the moment, we have other things to think about. For example, how we will survive once we get there, and--".
He was intererrupted, as a crack of old, rotten wood erupted through the air, and the hull of the strange ship broke open. It collapsed onto the sea and sank under the surface.
As it became nothing but an array of splintered planks which slowly capsized and sank, it was obvious that the ship was completely empty.
Alziel cursed. This was becoming too strange for his liking.
-
Anyan was a bit surprised when the ship sunk. "I was wrong... luckily..." he thought. "One less thing to worry about, right?" he said, "Maybe we should think about the shore, we are getting closer."
As he said that, Anyan got a little knife out of his pocket, and said: "I can hunt a little bit too, I have lived on my own for a while. Of course I won't use this (pointing at the Viper), since I don't want to poison the food. That's why I always keep this little knife with me."
Staring towards the shore, Anyan couldn't help to ask in a low voice, for himself... "What sunk that ship...?"
-
Ragnar heard only a bit of Anyan's whisper, but he understood the question.
"Don't worry. that ship sanked because it was badly damaged in a combat or a storm, and had no crew to repair it or guide it" Ragnar said. "It's strange to see a ship with the whole crew gone, but I've heard it happened before. anyways, there is nothing we can do about that ship and the poor souls who were on it. We should get going, we need to get down to bussines!!!"
Ragnar said, as he looked to the Western lands, which were getting closer by the minute.
-
The ship stern shook slighly as it nudged the soft sand below. Shell winced. "Shallow beach?"
"We'll have to weigh anchor here" agreed Alziel. A nearby crewman nodded and went to relay orders.
The crewmen that were left were a strange bunch- those who didn't wish to reach the western land out of fear had all rebelled and been killed in the great fight at sea. Some of those left remained out of fear of the contestants, and obeyed their orders unquestioningly, whilst others had come for the adventure and therefore had relished the freedom granted to them by Broadsword's death. Either way, the ship was now under the contestant's command. Little influence from the king could be felt here.
"I guess you'll have to swim then?" Liara commented. "I don't think we have a rowing boat."
"The small boats were on the supply ship" Monty stuttered slightly, chilled still by his ordeal despite the unobscured rays of sunshine that illuminated the deck. "We can swim if needed but the water is cold."
-
As this discussion was being had, another few crewmen came up on deck, carrying a stack of paper-wrapped bundles. One was handed out to each person on the deck.
Alziel unwrapped his bundle immediately, and scanned its contents. There was a decent-sized piece of parchment, a pointed stick of charcoal for drawing with, a compass, and a number of other assorted implements which Alziel knew nothing about.
After a moment of puzzlement, he knew what this was.
"This is the equipment we need for the map-drawing", he said aloud to the group. "Now we have everything we need for the contest, it seems. Except for provisions, that is".
He looked to Anyan, who had drawn a small knife. Apparently he thought he could hunt. Alziel wondered to himself. He doubted that anyone here could match his skill in hunting, that was his department, but he could observe Anyan later. It would certainly help to have as many skilled hunters around as possible.
"We should go ashore, as soon as possible", he said to Liara, once he had wandered away from the rest of the people on deck. He rolled up his bundle in the paper and put in in his quiver, alongside his remaining arrows. Soon he would have to fletch some more, he thought solemnly.
Still, once they were on solid ground, there would be plenty of time for that.
A set of wooden stairs had been dropped down over the side of the ship, leading down to a spot of wet sand which was above sea level. Nodding to Liara, Alziel stepped over the threshold, walked down the stairs and set foot in the West for the first time.
It had begun.
-
"Maybe some could swim towards the shore and make a small boat, I can see some trees over there, we could make wood of them..." said Anyan, while staring towards the land.
Anyan was a bit excited. He was about to step into an unknown land, afterall.
"Please, let us reach land ofr ther god's sake... my stomach is killing me..." said the young man, smiling a bit.
-
"Well, it's time to make this ol' bones work a little..."
Ragnar said, as he went below deck, to his quarters.
A crewman (The same one who talked to Ragnar the night of the battle) aproached and asked in low voice "What shall we do, Master?"
Ragnar smiled. He had been waiting for his minion to come for new instructions for a while. Ragnar answered in his low tone, so that only the sailor could listen...
"Ok. these are my orders. I know that most of the crew are under my service, and that this ship is pretty much mine. I'm going ashore to perform a scouting mission, and to find that "cure" we so desperately need. In the proper time I will let some of the other adventurers in my... story. You will not let the ship leave unless I, Alziel, Liara or Anyan have returned. you won't believe the word of any person who claims we are all dead. Did you understand?"
"Yes, Master. you can trust me, I will serve the guild well. What if they come back with proof of your death and no cure?"
Ragnar thought for a second before answering: "Then leave. If I or my companions can't do it, it means we are lost and that our efforts are in vane. The Kingdom will have to be saved in some other way. If I die, I will give my ring to someone worthy, who will carry it here to prove it. You will depart then. Oh, I almost forgot. If possible, wait for ALL of the contestants. Don't leave anyone behind".
"Everything will be done as you wish, Master. I wish you luck."
After giving his orders, Ragnar took his things and went back up to deck, where things were almost prepared to allow a succesfull disembarking.
-
Anyan got down the ship, finally feeling better, thanking the gods for having reached land at last.
Standing quietly, Anyan was worried about Ragnar not getting down the ship. "What's that old man scheming now?" he thought.
He sat near a tree. Surely the adventure had begun. But his mind was drifting again...
--------flashback--------
He remembered the day when he learned about his father's death. He was walking inside the castle and located an open door, and two man talking. One was saying to the other: "... and so, the message sent from the West is clear. It was a brutal ambush, and Angol Leddwick is dead."
The other man answered: "And the sword? He had it with him, right?"
"No" said the first man. "Klerr learned that his son Anyan has it. If the King doesn't get that sword, his power won't be absolute..."
"You mean our power heh..." said the other, while they laughed.
Anyan knew that the King wanted the Viper, it's power was surely attractive for anyone.
-------flashback over----
Anyan nodded his head side to side. He wanted to forget a little bit.
"So, are we hunting?" he asked to Alziel.
-
Liara flittered above the surface of the water, coming to rest at the narrow strip of land where the contestants were gathering. There was a freshness in the atmousphere now that reeked of new beginnings. Suddenly, everyone had a job to do, and they were not prepared for that fact- there was a huge uncharted continent to explore and no-where in particular to start.
Shell dragged his heavy boots through the shallows. The sand was browner tanned here, and a few of the rockpool creatures he observed were ones he did not recognise. The frog leapt from his pocket to the salty water with a splash, indifferent to the abnormal swiming conditions, and stalked the tiny aquatic creatures. Shell strode on, his eyes scanning the horizon. There was hunting to be done, then. Not everyone would be as lucky in the bountifulness of their prey as his amphibious friend.
Somewhere, in the distance, he heard a muffled howl. Alziel immediately picked up on it as well, facing the low forest that penetrated the beach.
That'd be a good place to start.
-
Alziel had heard the howl, and instinctively walked forward a few paces to get to solid ground, so that he might get a better view of the horizon.
This place seemed to be one endless plain, and there was no sign of life on it. If there were any forests, or rivers, or lakes, or mountains, they were certainly off beyond the horizon.
As he took another pace, he stumbled and fell to his knees. Liara flittered over to where he was and knelt down next to him with a concerned expression.
"Are you alright?", she asked quietly. Alziel nodded vigorously and stood up, looking behind him. Liara did so too.
In the ground, where Alziel had tripped, were two fairly deep gashes in the earth, as though some mighty sword or farming tool had been swung down to make them. Both studied them for a moment, as Anyan and the others also came up.
Certainly, the cleanness and accuracy of the gashes made them seem man-made; there was no rough edge to the marks, nor was there any scattered earth around them, but all the same, there was something much more natural about them...
The howl had told him there may be animals around somewhere, but he hoped they were not predatory.
Alziel placed his hand down by the marks and measured. They were much longer than his hand, about a foot long, and there was only an inch or two between them. They were almost perfectly parallel.
He sighed as something came to him.
"When we make camp tonight", he said, "We should be careful. Though these plains are empty now, and we should be safe, when night falls we will need to take extra care. I have spent a lot of time in the woods, studying the marks of animals". He paused and looked around at the intent faces, Liara concentrating especially.
"These look like claw marks", he said.
He looked again to the foot-long gashes, and back to the crowd.
"And whatever made them is a predator".
-
Saine walked down the plank and splashed into the knee-deep salt water.
In his hand, he carried a short spear with three short spikes forming a triangle at the end. Across his waste, his scabbard clung tightly to his clothes, with the weight of his sword hanging off his right thigh. On his back, his satchel hung. Out the top stuck three blades on the right side, his true weapon of choice: the Manifest, a claw with sharp three-foot blades and a spiked gauntlet running up to the elbow.
Saine tread to the shore. He was used to crossing rivers much colder and swifter than the swell of the sea, but he had only ridden a boat a handful of times. His vision still rocked slowly up and down, as if he were still on the ship, and it took him a few moments to orient himself again.
A small group had clustered around something. As Saine walked closer, he saw Alziel rise from the middle. Some people had puzzled looks on their faces, and some even looked fearful. Alziel made his way out of the crowd, and Liara matched his stride as he moved away. Saine covered the distance between them and turned to walk with them.
"I'm guessing that was something important, to draw a crowd," Saine said quietly.
"Yes. It appears this place is not as desolate as first meets the eye," Alziel said. "Those were claw marks of a predatorial beast."
"I've seen beasts of all shapes and sizes. If you need a second opinion, I'll take a look at it." Saine's mind quickly went through an inventory of information collected from his years in the North.
"I'm sure it wasn't influenced by men. It looks too... natural." Alziel continued to look forward as he spoke.
"Hm... I'll look at it still, and we can discuss it later. For now, there's still a lot to do. I'm going to scout out that way-" Saine pointed along the Northern coast, "-and our group can meet back here in, about, two hours. Agreed?"
Alziel nodded. Saine smiled and said, "Alright. See you when I return." With that, he broke off and continued down the beach, leaving tracks in the dry sand.
-
"Allright, let's be careful while camping... I'll stand guard, I can't sleep too well lately..." said Anyan. Had he found his father's murderers? What lied beyond those misterious lands?
"Anyway..." he continued: "Do we have something to use as a shelter for tonight? We could search for something while we hunt, although I'll probably be in the way since Alziel and Shell seem to acknoledge that art better than me. Or does someone have something that they could use as a tent or something?"
-
OOC: Sorry, long post. :D
BIC:
Alziel cursed quietly. They had not even thought about shelters, not for a moment. The dead grass and the emptiness made it seem that this place was a harsh landscape. Might the weather be the same?
He looked up at the sky. It was almost completely covered with dark cloud, and the space which was not hidden was grey. It looked very much like rain. The sun could not be seen anywhere.
"It looks like it might rain", Alziel said, puzzled, "But the ground is hard and dry. There hasn't been any rain for a while, I expect".
Anyan nodded. "Then either it will not rain, or we can expect heavy rain soon", he said. Alziel nodded.
"Well, I am sure we can establish some form of shelter", he replied. "If only there were some trees, we could gather wood and hunt at the same time, but I see no forest anywhere". He looked around at the empty expanse of plain. In fact, he could not see any animal or bird life anywhere, let alone plant life. The whole place seemed to have died.
After a moment scanning the horizon, he pointed out something on the horizon, a tiny speck, the same dull yellow colour as the grass. "What do you suppose that is?", he said. Anyan shook his head.
After a moment, Alziel sighed. "We can investigate it tomorrow. For the moment, we need to get a fire going, and get enough food for everyone in our party". He gestured to Shell. "Shell, we'll need your help in hunting. Anyan, you can come too. I have a feeling we'll need the three of us just to find anything".
He looked out of the corner of his eye to the marks on the ground. Perhaps whatever animal had made them would not return, but maybe...
He looked to Liara. "Liara, if you are not interested in coming hunting with us, which I completely understand, could you at least organise our existing group? We need someone to get the remaining provisions off the ship and sort out a campsite with whatever we can find. I might have seen a few canvas sheets in the hold somewhere".
He nodded to her, and without waiting for a reply, turned to the others and took his bow in hand. "We can't go far today", he said, "And I don't know how quickly it goes dark here. If we can't find anything, so be it. Let's just try not to get ourselves killed just yet, eh?".
He laughed lightly. Shell and Anyan did not laugh.
Alziel turned to Liara again and lowered his voice so that the others would not hear. "If we're not back before nightfall, make sure the camp is protected before you send people out. We don't want to get separated and lost. I have a feeling we'll be coming back with nothing, but just in case...".
Shell nudged Alziel on the shoulder with his staff. "Should we go? We don't want to lose the light, however much of it we get".
Alziel nodded and gripped his bow, with one last look to Liara. She wouldn't let anything happen.
Not, Alziel hoped as he, Shell and Anyan set off south, that anything would happen...
-
Liara looked blankly after Alziel for a second, and then at the mob of contestants. The task was daunting to say the least. But she breathed in heavily and suddenly she was in her element. She flew gently onto a tall rock, and, balanced there, adressed her rowdy audience.
"Guys" She called. "Alziel's hunting with a couple of others, they're gonna get some food for us all. But it looks like it's gonna rain."
The contestants glanced up at the overcast skies and started mumbling.
"We need to get to the highest ground we can find" Liara continued. "Then I'll conjur us up a fire and we can eat something. I'm starving."
She wasn't, but this created a general wave of agreement. Good. Now to get them on her side completely.
"I'll fly and try to find some high ground, but we don't know what made those claw marks. I need the strongest of the contestants to make a protective group and keep anything dangerous off our camp."
-
Saine threw the spear into the water again. The butt stood up about a foot out of the water, quivered for a moment, and stay still in the water. He waded out to it, up to his waist in cold water, and retrieved the spear. On the end, the jerking body of a fish was dripping blood and water.
Saine waded back to the shore. His legs were cold, as he had been in and out of water for the past ten minutes. The lack of sustained sunlight did not help. Occasionally, the world would light up slightly, as the sun passed through a whole in the cloud cover, but otherwise the world was a lit by a bleak gray.
It had taken Saine a half-hour to find this spot. However, he thought it well worth the walk. He would have food, and would be able to further obtain the trust of his companions as he came back with almost a dozen fish to share. Also, he enjoyed the solitude: being stuck on a ship full of people he did not know for a week had worn him out.
Saine came back to the sand and made his way to the grass. He pulled the now-still fish from the spear and dropped it with the rest of his catch. "I think I've been cold for long enough...." he muttered. Saine snapped his fingers, and a small black flame appeared. He held it by his toes, then slowly worked his way up his legs. The slow-burning flame quickly dried the water from his body.
Saine pulled his boots back on. He stood, then redressed himself with the rest of his equipment. He bundled the fish together, wrapped them, and slung them over his back next to his pack. He slowly made his way back to the ship, enjoying the quiet for a change.
-
Alziel, Shell and Anyan wolked south for a while, trying to hunt something for dinner. The night was about to fall down, and Anyan was starting to get annoyed by that, although Alziel and Shell looked calm. They were more skilled than him at hunting.
Alziel looked to the ground a bit, trying to search for footsteps, and Shell did the same. Anyan drew his knife and stared towards the horizon. He surely didn't have their skills, but still he'd do his best as always.
Suddenly, a close bush moved, Anyan noticed it. "Hey, something moved over there." he whispered to Alziel, who got up, as Shell.
"What could it be...? It seems awfully big..." said Anyan, holding his knife, but giving a glimpse to his Viper. "Let us hope that we are the humnters and not the pray..."
-
Ragnar helped to get the things out of the ship.
He went continously from the ship to the beach and from the beach to the ship carrying several things with the sailors.
After a while, Ragnar stopped and sat down.
"Where could that brat be!!! Alziel and Shell seem to be missing too..." Ragnar thought. He saw Liara, who was going around, discussing with that drunken dwarf that Ragnar hated about "a camp". The dwarf seemed to be upseting her in some way...
Ragnar called her: "Liara!! Do you know were the brat is?"
Liara turned, seeming disturbed by the question. When she saw Ragnar, she smiled: Everyone knew Ragnar had a good friendship with Anyan.
"He went hunting with Alziel and Shell. They should be back before sundown" Liara said.
"And was is that thing about a camp?"
"Alziel asked me to make a camp, to rest for tonight. I'm looking for a higuer place to place it" Liara was getting tired of the questioning, and was about to leave.
Ragnar got up and closed to her, and whispered in his special tone: "Ok. Listen, I'll help you. And a little piece of advice. We should keep what's left of liquor inside the ship. We don't want some of this guys getting drunk, ya know!" Ragnar looked at the dwarf as he said that. The dwarf was waiting impatiently, but didn't realize what Ragnar had done.
Ragnar continued, in the same tone: "First thing, I'll get this fellow of your back, please allow me". Then, Ragnar started to talk to the dwarf, distracting him and allowing Liara to continue looking for the right place...
-
Alziel sighed and looked around. Walking along the plains with only an empty horizon to focus on he had glazed over, and had not noticed the bush, a few dozen paces to the right.
His eyes were tired. That was always his excuse for making a mistake. His eyes were tired.
The three of them strode over to investigate. It was a fairly large bush, roughly shoulder height on each of the three men. It was like no bush either of them had ever seen before. The foliage was a very dark grey colour, almost black. If it could be called foliage; where there should have been leaves, there were spines, tiny frail black buds, and more spines.
As they approached, the bush gave a quick twitch, and was still again. Alziel notched an arrow to his bow and took aim at the centre of the bristling thing. Anyan already had his sword ready. Shell raised his staff.
"What do you suppose?", Shell hissed sideways to Alziel.
"I have no idea", Alziel replied.
The bush moved suddenly, and Alziel let his arrow loose. It thundered into the centre of the bush, and a small grey creature tumbled out, ran a few paces, and fell to the ground. It lay there in a heap of grey fur for a few seconds, breathing hard, until it finally lay still.
Alziel approached and examined it. It was a small animal, very similar in appearance to a deer, except that it was smaller and had grey fur. Its face was decidedly more pointed, and though the teeth in its open mouth showed that it was a herbivore, there were also a pair of sharp canines in there too. Probably for fighting back, Alziel expected.
After all three of them had examined the deer-like creature for a moment, Alziel bent down, lifted it up, and slung it over his shoulder. It was heavier than he expected, and he took a moment or two to get used to the weight. Once he had recovered he smiled at Shell and Anyan.
"Well, we have some food", he beamed. "I doubt this'll go very far, but the contestants who decided not to join our group can go and fend for themselves. I'm fairly sure most of them have already left anyway".
He stopped and looked around the empty plain. There were no more bushes in sight, nor any animals. The plain was completely flat. Shell spoke what Alziel was thinking.
"Where do you suppose it came from?", he asked quietly, resting his staff on his shoulder. "I don't see any more anywhere".
"No", Alziel said flatly. "Shall we go back?"
Shell nodded. "We at least know that there are animals we can hunt here, and we have a small amount of food. Besides, it's getting darker by the minute. We ought to return to camp".
Alziel nodded. "Right", he confirmed. The three of them turned, and set off back the way they had come towards camp, Alziel with the deer creature slung over his shoulder.
The plains were empty once again.
-
Shell was thinking intensely about the appearance of the creature over Alziel's shoulder- an odd herbivore with so little vegitation around. He stopped, a thought suddenly occuring to him, and then raised his staff, striking the ground.
The tortured, cracked land was yet strong, but gave way easily before Shell's staff, the detailed glyphs on the side of the weapon - a language unknown to Shell himself - glinting suddenly despite the overcast skies. Then Shell picked out the piece of ground that had come loose, observed by his two bemused companions.
Underneath the ground was a strange growth, vegitation of some sort, white roots. With no leaves on the surface it did not draw it's energy from the sun- perhaps some power within the earth? But however it existed there was no denying that it was there.
"I see. This is what we've been given" Shell muttered. Then he turned to his companions. "The body can't last on meat all the time. It's a fair bet that the animals here have been feeding on these underground plants, so that's what we'll do."
"How do you know the plants are edible?" Alziel reasoned. "These creatures could have very different metabolisms to our own."
"I haven't been let down yet" Shell replied, "so you might just have to trust me. You don't have to eat them if you're worried."
Shell pulled up the whole root system- the plant was fairly large. "This food won't last though" he stated. "Depending on how many have stayed, we might be left hungry.
-
Alziel carried on walking with the thing over his shoulder. It was indeed odd that it seemed to be eating underground plants instead of the grass which was so readily available - though it was dry - and it made Alziel think.
"Why would it be using the bush?", he wondered aloud.
Shell looked bemused, and so Alziel explained.
"Its fur is only thin, and those spines on the bush were sharp. Surely it would have been easier for it to eat out in the open without fear of being hurt".
"I do not know", said Shell simply. "This place is very strange, but fortune will carry us through".
Alziel nodded. After a moment of walking, Anyan spoke. "Perhaps it was sheltering", he said, his face screwed up in thought, "But from what? Rain?"
Alziel shook his head this time, for he knew why the creature had been sheltering within the prickly confines of the bush. He looked to Anyan in reply. "Predators, I expect", he said calmly.
-
"Well, that's it." Ragnar watched as Liara created fire from nowhere with her magic.
After looking for a while, Liara had found a small terrain elevation, just slightly higuer than the rest of the ground. However, it was enoughly tall to provide a good view to the nearby terrains.
The camp was near the beach and the ship, and regretably didn't offer much protection. But it was the better place around.
Ragnar sat in the southern part of the camp, watching the horizon with his telescope. "I hope that the brat and the others come back soon. the sun is going down faster than expected."
Somehow Ragnar felt unsafe. He let down the telescope and prepared his crossbow, as well as his swords.
His senses told him that danger was near.
Too near for Ragnar's taste....
Ragnar took the telescope and looked into the horizon again, this time with his weapons ready.
-
The sun was going down fast, as darkness was approaching. Anyan was troubled, things were strange. That deer looking creature... it was odd.
But the camp was close, and they would organize themselves.
Anyan could notice Ragnar staring towards the horizon, with his telescope, and his swords ready.
"I bet something's going to happen..." said Anyan to Alziel. "The old man there won't draw his swords out for nothing... I'll stand guard as I said, I'm not hungry right now, but if you could send me a little piece of... let's call it deer, I'll be thankful."
So he separated from Alziel and Shell, who were taking the beast to cook it.
-
Liara looked up and smiled at Alziel, relieved. They had been gone quite a while, and the land was strange- had the three gone missing, she would have been fairly lost.
Shell climbed to the camp and laid down the large plant.
"You can eat this if you want to remain a vegitarian" he commented, "but it'd be easier for everyone if you started eating meat."
The sprite nodded, as Alziel reached the fire and laid down the deer creature.
-
"The night is above us, old man..." said Anyan, with a tired tone in his voice. "What the hell are you thinking?"
Ragnar answered nothing and he remained strangely quiet.
Since he would get no response form his friend, Anyan stood and stared towards the horizon. "What is going on...?" he thought: "The sky is dark and it seems it'll rain, but there's no actual sign of raining... there's no thunder, or flash..."
The oddities were mizing alltogether. The strange deer creature, the dark colour of the sky...
"I'm getting troubled for no reason at all, that's not like me..." thought Anyan again.
"Dehllia, give me strenght..." he muttered.
-
"So, you are nervous as well. Something is about to happen, and I don't know what it is. I have no reason for believing that, I'm just following my gut." Ragnar stood up, and looked to the horizon again with his scope...
"What is that? It seems to be headed this way...
It looks like a storm, but it could be a group of birds"
Ragnar felt scared, as he remembered the winged creatures.
He suddenly felt ahte for every flying creature in the world.
"Well, if they come.... I'll shoot'em of the sky!!!" Ragnar thought. Ragnar took his crossbow and said: "Come, Anyan. We should go to eat, and tell Alziel about the "storm""
The two adventurers stood up, and walked towards the rest of the group.
-
Anyan agreed with Ragnar, but said: "Old man, you go and tell them, I'll stay and see what happens. I have to make sure that that's a storm. We'll need Alziel's keen senses, or maybe Liara's. Hurry up!"
Ragnar went to the camp, fastly to meet the group.
"This may be it..." muttered Anyan. He took a close look to the dark sky and the strange cloud. It was coming fast towards the camp...
"What the bloody hell...?" he thought, as he drew the Viper. "That's what that creature was running from... I'll catch up with the old man, I guess!" said Anyan, as he started heading in a slow run towards the camp.
-
OOC: Sorry guys. Big delay. Meh.
BIC:
Alziel had seen the peculiar cloud, and broke into a run as Anyan did the same. The fact that it had appeared seemingly from nowhere unnerved him. The fact that it was the only cloud in the grey, empty sky worried him more.
As he hurried towards the camp, spotting Liara not too far away turn to look at him with worried eyes, his foot slipped into the claw marks in the ruined earth, and he fell hard to the ground.
He lay there for a few moments, with his eyes closed, on the ground, so cold and dry as to be downright uncomfortable. He quickly became aware that the babble of the assembled people a hundred yards ahead of him had become louder, and had risen to worry and confusion. Alziel hauled himself up, rolled over, and looked up to the sky.
The sky was black. The cloud, which before had been small, had now grown, expanded, filled the whole sky. It was an unholy gloom, a darkness which was completely silent.
It was like night-time, but there was no moon or stars. Just darkness above.
The people fell silent. Alziel stood up and walked to the camp, to stand by Liara's side. She waited by the fire, looking up to the sky, now appearing truly afraid. The fire crackled. It was only a small, slow burn, nothing more than a small-scale flicker of flame. It gave off no warmth, and next to no light.
Alziel sighed. If this was not nightfall, it was doing a good impression.
The bustle of the camp, as the remaining people wandered about talking to others or sorting supplies. Alziel settled down, took some of the kindling which had been taken from the ship, and set about trying to build up a decent fire.
An hour passed in calm.
Then the sky cracked open, a single bolt of lightning flashed across the cloud, and the storm arrived.
The camp descended into chaos; people scattered, dashing to save their provisions, trying to reach the shelter which had not been built. The sky was blanketed with lightning, thunder exploded overhead like a bomb.
Alziel turned, and a long way away, just across the horizon, saw a shape with wings move against the sky. Then it swooped down to ground level, and was gone.
-
OOC: Nevermind, let's keep it up.
BIC:
"Alziel! Did you see that?!" said Anyan, screaming, because of the harshness of the storm.
"Indeed I saw that!" answered Alziel with another scream.
A winged creature had appeared out of nowhere... Now it all was becoming strange. The wind was blowing making a loud sound, and the voice of angry thunders, singing songs of destruction could be heard from miles away, as the rain started to pour as blood from a wound.
It was dark now and almost nothing could be seen, as it seemed like night time.
Anyan stood quietly, looking towards the sky. Suddenly, a flash showed the strange figure of a winged creature, above.
A huge warrior with a spear was standing next to Anyan, watching the image, which seemed enormous because of the constant flashing, as it suddenly dissappeared.
A scream in the darkness.
That was all that Anyan heard, ad the huge warrior beside him had suddenly vanished. The rain kept puring fast, and the chaos in the camp was making most of the contestants go nervous.
"Settle down people!" screamed Anyan: "I believe one of us is missing! Gather around, everybody, do not loose sight of each other!"
It was pointless. No one heard him. Suddnly, Anyan saw something on the ground. A shape. A body.
It was the warrior next to him. He was dead, and his spear was broken. He seemed to be scratched at the chest, and lots of blood was coming out of the deep wound.
Anyan started to watch all of the possible sides. Above, to the right, to the left...
"Alziel! Ragnar! Shell! Liara! Montclair! Come here if you hear me! We must gather and get away from here! If we stay we are dead!" he screamed. He only had felt this fear when he had fought Broadsword.
He had the Viper on his hand, and his red eyes were watching everywhere, seeking for an enemy that was apparently invisible...
-
"Here I am, Brat!"
Ragnar closed to Anyan. "You were lucky, the creature came down just behind you, I tried to warn you but the storm..."
Anyan understood and said: "Can you see it? Shoot it down!"
Ragnar looked into the unmerciful sky, trying to see somehing in that chaos.
"I think I see it. Take this!"
Ragnar tried to fire his crossbow, but the wire (that was supposed to fire the bolt) broke down.
"Damned rain!! I knew I had forgotten something! Come, we shouldn't be on the open like this!"
Anyan followed ragnar, who entered a partially - built tent. There they were protected from the rain, but not from the creature.
There was a single adventurer in the tent.
"Hey, fella, can we hide here?" Ragnar asked.
The adventurer (Who happened to be the Dwarf Ragnar disliked) agreed (It was obvious to both Ragnar and Anyan that the dwarf didn't want to be alone in that mess).
Ragnar took a golden wire out of his backpack (Which was dry, thanks to some protective magic) and changed the broken wire from his crossbow.
"There! The old wire broke down because it was an ordinary wire, uncapable of withstanding rain. I got this wire just the day before we left, and I forgot to change it. I'm really dumb when I want to!" Ragnar finished his job, and looked to his now improved cossbow. "Well, it's just like any ordinary crossbow, except that now it resists water!!"
"Are you going out to shoot this thing down?!" the dwarf asked, both surprised and scared.
Ragnar looked at the dwarf and smiled.
"You must truly be crazy. I'm not dumb enough to go out there and make myself a target. It's almost impossible to aim out there, and hitting the target is out of discussion. I'll get that creature, but I'll get it when I have the advantage."
"What's the plan, then?" the dwarf asked.
"The plan, the plan" Ragnar muttered as he thought about the situation.
"There is no way to make an acurrate decission in this situation. This tent has the advantage of being almost invissible in the rain, but it doesn't grant that much of a protection. I think we should stay here for now, but ready to run like hell in any second." As Ragnar said the last part, he reloaded his crossbow, and put on his backpack. After doing that, Ragnar sat on his knees. and waited, looking at the rain outside the tent.
-
Liara stared, eyes wide, at the horrible downpour around her. A curtain of black, dripping upon her hair, stinging her eyes.
She caught glimpses, shadows of creatures, and heard nothing but screams of terror. She slipped in a muddy pool and fell, clawing at the ground in a desperate attempt to regain her footing.
***
Shell sprinted through the rain, looking left and right for danger. He held his staff and it helped him to move through the storm; the winds were picking up. The frog attempted to climb out of his slippery pocket but Shell shielded it from the rain. It was not pleasant. Then he caught sight of a tent, a tiny thing confronting the huge void that was the sky.
He brushed aside the leather entrance and found Ragnar, Anyan, and the disgruntled dwarf.
"I'm here" he stated. "What's the plan?"
***
Liara gasped and stood, stumbling forward a few steps. The storm had brought with it a terrible, terrible feeling, which gripped her mind with a madness, an unknown fear. She was unable to see, unable to breathe.
At last she had suffered enough. the cries were growing distant- had she moved away from the camp; or had they all abandoned her? She threw up her hands and closed her eyes. She screamed and instinct took over, a huge pillar of magical flame rising from her body, ascending into the sky and widening to scorch the earth. Anything to repel the blackness...
Alziel spun round to face the sudden eruption of light and noise coming from the right of the camp. The blast of flame was a contrast to the darkness around. Was this another attack? But then he remembered the sprite. She had gone missing.
The explosion swirled around Liara, burning more and more fiercely, until her energy was completely spent, and then, almost as quickly as it had begun, it faded, the darkness in the sky parted above her to reveal a glimplse of sunlight. Then she walked a few steps on the scorched circle of earth around her before her legs failed her and she fell into Alziel's arms.
"Liara" He said quietly. "It's alright. We need to get out of here."
-
A huge pillar of fire rose on a certain place, close to the tent were Anyan, Ragnar, Shell and the dwarf were.
The dark sky suddenly let a sunshine come forth, as the thunders began to silent their voices.
"Let's head out with caution" said Anyan, as Ragnar and Shell went out of the tent. The dwarf remained inside.
Anyan went ahead, as he saw Liara in Alziel's arms. Suddenly, a harsh flashback came into his mind. He could see himself holding Delliah in his arms, as she was completely pale.
But he woke up from his flashback and asked Alziel: "Is she allright?"
"Yes, she used too much energy though..." said Alziel.
"Good..." said Anyan, relieved. "We might as welll get out of here, they have seem to be calming down... what is the plan?"
-
Saine felt a chill crawl up his spine as darkness enveloped the sky.
Thunder exploded everywhere above. Only moments ago, the sky had been a light gray haze. Now, it was darker than any night he had ever known, even those of the strongest tempest of the Northern winters. The rain came next. Saine put his hood up and scowled as the water drenched him to the bone in scarce few minutes. He could hardly see, and the mud forming on the ground did not help his walking.
Several minutes went by as he trudged on towards the camp. Was he even heading towards the camp anymore? The fire had died, and there were no tents to silhouette themselves against the sky.
A sudden pain in Saine's back knocked the wind from his lungs and sent him spiraling thru the air. As he spun, he caught a glimpse of a long tail and cruelly curved bat-like wings above him. He spun more, the world turning over and over again, until the ground rose unmercilessly to meet him. Stars exploded in his eyes. His body could not take the pain, and shut down. There was no creeping darkness of unconsiousness; it was too dark to tell at all. Saine's eyes closed lazily as he passed out.
-
Though the storm seemed to be slowly stopping, Ragnar knew that danger was not away yet. A cold feeling behind his neck told him that they were not safe.
"Alziel, do you see anything?" Ragnar said.
"I think so, what's that thing there?" Alziel pointed his finger to a flying creature far away, that seemed to be closing to the group.
It was impossible to see the creature in detail due to the storm, but it seemed to be about the size of a man.
The group froze for a second after seeing the creature. There it was, the unspeakable demons that everyone had heard of.
In that moment, the creature rose higher in the air, and it charged against the group at an incredible speed like a falcon or an eagle.
"Look! It's coming this way!!!" Ragnar yelled "Fire!"
Alziel dropped Liara for a second and took his bow, while Ragnar prepared his crossbow.
Both men fired at almost the same time.
The creature suddenly stopped, giving a horrible cry that chiled everyone; but it didn't fall to the ground.
The "demon" simply flew higher in the air, dissapearing from everyone's sight as suddenly as it had appeared.
"Did we hit it?" Ragnar asked....
-
Alziel bit his lip as he watched the winged thing soar away into cloud. It unnerved him. It had killed one man already, and yet nobody in the camp had seen what it looked like. That frightened Alziel more than it should have done; an enemy that he could not identify was one thing, an enemy that he could not see was another.
Then the thing was gone, and instead of abating, the cloud seemed to press further down. The rain became heavier.
Alziel looked down at Liara. She seemed exhausted, and it would take a few hours for her energy to come back. Magic was a burden as well as a gift, he thought darkly.
Another ray of sunlight flashed through the clouds, but was suppressed again and the rain grew even heavier. Through that crack in the cloud, Alziel saw a dark shape hovering.
"It's waiting above the clouds", he said aloud. Shell had come to his side, who nodded and gripped his staff tightly. The creature had ceased its attack, but it was still staying out of sight. Alziel wondered to himself. Was it preparing to retreat? Or could it be waiting for the camp to become calm before continuing to attack?
He sighed. It did not matter. His bowstring had survived the rain; Leyland had made it, and he had always been a brilliant maker of archer's equipment. Alziel raised his bow to the sky, and where he supposed the creature would be. It was an animal, and he could hunt animals. Another flash of lightning. A clap of thunder. Alziel aimed, and took his shot.
As the bow left the string and he followed its progress, there was a scream from somewhere behind him, back towards the centre of the camp. The makeshift tent had been torn to shreds, and there was nobody inside where there should have been. Shell turned and ran to the scene, leaving Alziel and the exhausted Liara watching for the creature.
Alziel lowered his bow and looked to where the creature should have been. His heart sank; though it was still only a dark shape beyond the cloud, it was still there. A thought came to him; he wondered if Ragnar could reach it with his crossbow. He turned and looked around to see where the old man could have got to. Probably examining the tent.
Something came to him. The creature had not moved, so how could it have attacked the tent? Unless...
He frowned. Unless there was more than one. By the looks of things, there were two of them, but the second had hidden itself well, there was no sign of it. "I should tell the others", he muttered to himself.
He looked up to the sky. The creature had gone. A sudden fear struck him, a fear that he could not explain. He turned, and moved to run towards the camp, but stopped again. He could not leave Liara where she lay, especially if there were two things out there somewhere. He ran back to her, knelt down, and moved to pick her up.
Something flashed out of the darkness and collided with Alziel's side, winding him and knocking him a full five feet backwards. Unable to cry out for breathlessness, he attempted to pull himself up, but before he could reach his feet the thing collided with him again. He caught a glimpse of a bat-like wing, and outstretched claws the size of scythe-blades.
The thing descended upon him, desperate to finish off its prey. Alziel strained to look at the creature, but his eyes failed him, and everything became dark.
-
"Alziel!" screamed Anyan, as he ran towards the creature, with his swword ready to get barnished in blood again.
Anyan attacked the ebast from behind, but ti dodged his attack quickly and moved right in from of him.
Such a horrifyng being... bat like wings, scythe like claws, a completely black skin and yellow bright eyes, in it's demoniacal face.
"What are you...?" thought Anyan, surprised for a minute. The beast flew towards Anyan, screaming loudly, with a horrible screech. Two times did Anyan reject the scythe atatck with his blade, but he could not make no cut to the creature.
It flew high, as it stared to Anyan, with a hungry look in it's eyes. Liara was on a side, fainted, as Alziel was. Anyan knew he needed both her magic and his arrows. And where was Ragnar?
His skills in magic were little, but yet he trusted himself to it.
"I only know three spells.. to turn my blade into fire... no, in this rain it won't work... The other one is unusable as well... I entrust myself to you..." thought Anyan, desperate, as the creature kept attacking from above. He was at disadvantage and at this rate he would surely be slaughtered.
Anyan, then, muttered something for himself. A bright light came from his hand, as a little ball of energy formed. Suddenly, it exploded, and everything was light now, yet nothing could be seen. The beast fell to the ground as it was blinded for a little while.
Taking advantage of the moment, Anyan plunged his sword in the creature's chest. He ahd killed it. Or not? The creature screeched again, as it rose. Anyan couldn't believe what he was witnessing, as the creature took the sword out of it's chest. Anyan picked his sword up fastly. But then he felt a deep pain in his stomach. A claw was plunged right in his stomach, as blood started to pour.
Anyan fell to the ground, covering the wound with his hand. He felt he was about to pass out.
"The others... need me." he muttered. The beast looked at him. It seemed to understand what he was saying.
"The others... need... me!" screamed Anyan, as he rose on his feet. "My life won't be... wasted... not yet... it's deep, yet it's not a deadly wound. Let us have a nice fight, beast!"
"You brave fool... I killed someone who looked exactly like you... maybe it was a relative..." Anyan heard those words. Those words had come from the beast...
"That's all I wanted to hear... now I can kill you without remorse! For the sake of revenge!" said Anyan. He was completely out of himself. Wounded, he ran towards the beast. But he wasn't strong enough, he was loosing strenght. He fell to the ground, and his eyes closed.
He had fainted, yet he was still breathing. The beast came forth, as it wanted to finish him off, then Alziel, who still hadn't awakened, and also Liara.
Things were complicated at that rate.
-
Ragnar reloaded his crossbow while Alziel looked for one of the beasts. When the beast charged again against Alziel, it passed right on the side of Ragnar, throwing him to the ground.
Luckily, Ragnar didn't hit the ground hard, and he got up seconds later practically unharmed.
But those seconds were vital.... By the time Ragnar got up, the creature was getting closer to Anyan, to finish him off.
Ragnar didn't have time to lift his crossbow, so he drawed his short swords, one in each hand, and yelled to the creature: "You are not done with me yet!"
The creature stopped and looked at Ragnar. It didn't seem impressed, and Ragnar knew he didn't stand a chance in melee combat.
"Another prey? Me and my partner shall eat well tonight." The creature advanced towards Ragnar very slowly, without trying to guard against Ragnar's weapons.
"Who are you?!" Ragnar asked.
The creature did not respond, instead it kept walking towards him. Then the creature gave a short charge forward and tried to attack Ragnar. A slight jump to the side saved Ragnar from the attack, but he knew that the creature was playing with him and that he wasn't going to be able to dodge the next attack.
In that moment, Ragnar noticed the wound in the creature's chest. It was the Viper!!!! Also, the creature seemed to be somehow weaker than before. That gave Ragnar an idea.
"Take this!" Ragnar charged against the creature, that didn't expect his prey to react in such a way.
The demon dodged the attack, and tried to attack Ragnar with his claws, but the attack was slower that before, and Ragnar easily dodged it and charged again. That repeated two or three times, and every time the cerature seemed to be weaker.
"What..'s happen..ing..." the demon stopped, its look didn't seem dangerous anymore. It tried to get away by flying, but it didn't had enough strenght left. Its eyes were like a broken glass, as the demon fell to the ground, killed by the poison of the Viper.
"Yes!! Just as expected!! These damned things are fairly resistant!" Ragnar said.
He put back his swords, and run to get his crossbow.
The storm went down to a light rain after the death of the creature, almost as if it was the creature the one who summoned the thunders and wind. Nothing could be heard or seen from the other creature or the rest of the adventurers, and the camp (Well, what was left from it after the storm) seemed deserted.
Ragnar took a quick look at the group: Alziel had a small bump in his head, but he was going to be fine. So was Liara. But about Anyan... that was another problem. Ragnar put a bandage on the wound as best as he could (Which wasn't very good), as well as juice from a fruit that helped preventing infections, but he knew that if Liara didn't wake up in the proper time, Anyan could....
Ragnar nodded his head, and sat down next to Anyan, with his crossbow prepared. He stood guard, waiting for any of his companions to wake up.
-
Anyan opened his eyes a little bit, only to find Ragnar beside him. Then, his eyes closed, as he drifted in a dream.
"Anyan..." a voice called.
"What... who is it..." he muttered, as his eyes opened again.
He found a woman in front of him. She was beautiful. She was tall, had brown hair falling softly, and her blue eyes were shining like diamonds.
"De..lliah?" said Anyan.
Delliah smiled at him, and said: "Long time no see Anyan..."
"Am I dead?" he asked. He felt silly.
Delliah's face turned sad, as she said: "No my dear... you'll live..."
"Why are you before me, Delliah?" asked Anyan again. He was happy to see the woman he loved in front of him, after so much time.
Delliah was happy as well, as she started to talk: "I am here because I wanted to... I wanted to see you. Anyan, please, yo must stop this stupid vengeance... you'll kill yourself..."
Anyan stared at Delliah into her eyes. "I can't!" he said: "I already begun this task... I have killed Delliah... Klerr, Master Broadsword... I must avenge my father... I know the gods will carry their punishment when the time comes... but what about me?"
"You are not a god Anyan!" said Delliah, crying.
"I know I am not... but I have killed. I do regret it, but I believe I have no salvation now... tell me the truth, do you think that, after all I've done, I'll be forgiven?"
Delliah looked down. Then she looked back to Anyan and replied, after a short silence: "I do not know that... I do not know how the gods think... but I know that I love you Anyan. Please... for me..."
"Sorry Delliah. My hands are filled with blood, and I have no choice but to finish what I started. I am sorry... I still love you, and miss you too much..." said Anyan. He wasn't used to it, but he was crying...
Delliah cried, and then said: "Do as you want... but please think... and live Anyan... don't waste your youth..."
Delliah left in a haze of light, and Anyan gained conciousness again.
Ragnar was there, and the rain was stopping.
"Hey there brat!" said Ragnar, as cheerful as always: "You seemed to have some dream huh?"
Anyan smiled and said: "I... dreamt of angels..." as he got back to sleep.
-
*An hour before*
Shell scanned the camp area with a hand shielding his eyes and found no-one. Where had they all gone?
At that moment the creatures renewed their attack. Shell looked back to see Liara and Alziel on the ground, and immediately began to sprint back to his comrades. But he was not fast enough- he could only watch Anyan as he fought the demon, plunging his blade into it and then reeling with surprise as it countered.
Then the creature was advancing upon the wounded Anyan. Shell gripped his staff. The ground was slush but he had to make it in time to prevent an unnecesary death. His boots were not made for running...
Suddenly the second winged creature swooped down upon the hapless Shell and rose him into the air, it's claws clutching his jacket. Shell swore at his lack of foresight- of course there had been two!
The creature was a terrible thing to behold, and the stench about it was unimaginable. Not the stench of death but the stench of darkness itself, a metallic reek that chilled Shell to his bones. And then, he heard words form in his head, and he knew immediately that this was the creature's way of talking to him.
"We must feed" the words formed. "We will feast."
Shell realised that there was little chance of him surviving. Far below, the second creature had been defeated. This was his chance to save another innocent life. His took the frog from his pocket and hurled it towards his injured companions. He had seen the frog survive rediculously high falls and the ground was soft...
"May the lady guide you to along your future path" He whispered.
And then Shell was carried off into the distance to destinations unknown, His silhouette fading into the greyscale clouds.
***
The frog landed with a plop into a puddle. It crawled out, confused, and then with a small croak hopped onto Ragnar's boot.
-
The rain stopped.
Alziel sensed a presence leaning over him. He braced himself. He had apparently come back to consciousness, but he could keep his eyes closed and play dead for the moment, just in case...
"Alziel", said the voice. It was Ragnar.
Alziel opened his eyes and sat up sharply. Ragnar looked about to speak, to make certain that his comrade was alright, but Alziel held up a hand to silence him.
"What did it look like?", Alziel spat.
Ragnar sighed. "Evil", he replied simply.
Alziel nodded. He had expected nothing less. Still, there was no point staying here sat in the dirt when there was business to be done. It would be morning soon. There was already a hint of sunlight creeping across the plains some way towards the horizon.
He moved to stand up, but as he did so pain shot from his ribs down his left side, and he gasped and fell back to the earth again. Ragnar bent over him. "Are you alright?", the old man asked.
Alziel had never been one to admit defeat, or admit that he was in pain. He lay there silent, keeping his pride with him. "I'll be fine", he sighed.
Ragnar frowned.
"It's nothing", Alziel said sheepishly, "That... thing... hit me pretty hard. But I'll get it back. Where'd it go?".
"Oh", Ragnar said, looking around, "It flapped about a bit, swooped around here, then went onto Anyan's sword and died while it was trying to make its escape".
Alziel nodded. This he had to see. He pulled himself up to sitting position, managed to stand uneasily. The thing was huddled in a heap some distance away. Alziel walked stiffly towards it, taking twice as long as he should have done. Damn it, he thought to himself, they'd be moving out tomorrow and he'd be a burden to himself and to the group if he could barely move.
He reached the creature, and surveyed its appearance. Even in his mind he refused to comment on it. It was like Ragnar said. Evil.
And lying a few yards away from it was Liara. She was still out for the count, and rightly so. Magic like hers would wear anyone out. He looked down at her for the moment. Why, she looked almost peaceful. The floor was no place for her to be sleeping. He hobbled over to her, knelt down gingerly, and picked her up, though it hurt his ribs from the exertion.
He'd have a fine bruise tomorrow, he thought with a chuckle. He wondered if Liara could fix him up at all. When she was awake, of course.
He carried her back to the remains of the campfire, still glowing definatly though it had been all but extinguished. There was a blanket there which had somehow escaped the rain, and he set Liara down on that, and turned to walk back out to the plains and look out over them. Still flat and empty. That was good. The emptiness no longer worried him.
The cloud cleared. Morning broke. Alziel looked around the camp and now something did not seem right to him. It was as though someone was missing.
-
Ragnar closed to Alziel. "What do you think about the brat? He seems to be somehow fine."
"We can only hope he'll be fine" Alziel answered.
Ragnar looked around. something was wrong. Some of the adventurers were coming back, after running away last night.
Everyone was accounted for, including the dead (three in total, they were found by the wandering adventurers close to the camp, here and there), but still something was missing. Or maybe it was that strange feeling in Ragnar's foot.
"What could this be?" Ragnar said as he sat down and took his boot of. There, he found a small frog. "Well well, what do we have here? The storm (And probably the demons) scared you, huh?"
Ragnar was used to all kind of creatures, but the never liked frogs. However, there was something about that one....
The frog looked at Ragnar. Somehow, Ragnar felt like it was talking to him. The message was "Take me with you".
"What a strange little animal... Have I seen you before?" Ragnar then remembered. "Of course! I saw you with Shell!!!" That was the missing part!!! What could've happened to Shell?!?!
Turning to Alziel, who was looking over Liara and Anyan nearby, Ragnar asked: "Did you see Shell?"
Alziel tried to remember... He was still a bit confused from his blackout. "The last time I saw him... He was near me. What could've happened?"
Ragnar sighed: "I saw him with this frog. He would never let it go on its own. I have a dark feeling about this."
Turning to the frog, Ragnar whispered: "Don't worry, little one... You are safe with me. At least 'till we found yer friend again!"
The frog looked at Ragnar in a way that made him have worst premonitions than before. Ragnar slipped the frog into his front pocket, next to his handkerchief "So you are not cold" Ragnar whispered to the frog.
-
The rain had stopped pouring, as the creatures left. After this happened, Ragnar and Alziel had gathered the remaining adventurers near Liara and Anyan, who were both fainted.
Suddenly, Anyan coffed, and spitted blood. His eyes opened up, as he regained conciousness. His wound was far from being healed, but he felt better as he woke up.
"Old... man... Alziel..." he called.
Both Ragnar and Alziel closed to him.
"Is Liara... allright?" he asked.
"Yes, she is. She'll be waking up soon. Try to rest." said Alziel.
"That's good, I'm fine, I guess, although it hurts a little bit..." He tried to sit, but he couldn't. He recalled the last time he was so badly hurt.
"Sorry, I was careless again..." he said. He felt defenseless after a long time. He had emt another being he could fear... those demons.
He stared into the sky. It seemed so quiet...
-
(Sorry, guys. Long post :D )
Saine coughed. The left side of his face lay in a mud puddle, and the sour taste of dirt and water laced his mouth.
He sat up slowly. The pain in his back was not helpful, as he leveled himself out on shaky arms. He looked around slowly, feeling the bones in his neck crack as he rotated his head.
There was not much to see. The sand was wet, there were small pools of water here and there, and the grass was slick and shiny in the crimson sunrise. The only evidence that Saine had been attacked at all was himself and the small crater he had left.
After almost a half-hour of sitting there, Saine rose slowly. His head swam as his head adjusted to the new position, and his back crackled like a burning log as he straightened. There were probably a dozen fractures in his bones now, but no breaks that he could feel. Lucky me, Saine thought. His pack had broken his fall, but the fish had disappeared. Perhaps the beast had only smelled his catch and had snatched them up? Or maybe it was just a small reward from its strike.
Saine had trouble orienting himself. Which way had he come from? Then, as though on cue, he heard the sounds of people talking off to the south. Saine walked further along the beach, his old way found again.
Another ten minutes and his fellow contestants were in sight. He walked to the outskirts of the encampment and looked around again. Tents were strewn everywhere, people looked about warily, and so much tension was in the air it was almost tangible. Saine spotted his new-found companions and walked over to them carefully.
"What's the damage?" He asked as he looked down over Alziel's shoulder.
"Where were you last night?" he asked suspiciously. Saine sighed wearily.
"It's obvious you, and most others, don't trust me, Alziel." Alziel looked taken aback at this, but Saine continued. "That's fine. This game does not require you to do so. Although you may find it in your better interests to at least make the attempt." Saine laced his words with just a hint of contempt. Alziel looked back to the sprite lain out on a blanket. Apparently, this conversation was not going as he had expected. "As to where I was, I was lying face-down in a puddle of mud. Just like this place, I was attacked by whatever it was. If you want proof, I can show you my back where it slammed me with its tail," Saine said drily.
Alziel looked at him sharply. "No, there's no need for that. I just find it odd that in both instances of battle, you're nowhere to be found."
Saine did not smile. "I avoid fighting wherever possible. I explained my part in the last battle. This time, it was just that I was caught alone in the wrong place." Saine looked slowly around the other people nearby. The old man looked at him for a moment with a strange look, then turned away again to talk to Anyan.
Quite obvious you don't trust me, Saine thought to himself. That was a shame. Saine had changed a lot since the last time he had gone travelling, but there was still the dangerous look of a man who had seen too many things in his eyes. The more experienced travellers could see this, and Saine knew they could. They were the more cautious ones, choosing their words more carefully while Saine was around, testing his reactions. The old man had done so several times on the ship.
I can play this mind games as well. Better than you know, I'm sure. Saine sat down slowly, feeling his spine crack again.
"We may be having our differences right now, Alziel, but we still need a plan." Saine looked over at Alziel. Alziel remained focused on Liara, however, who was just beginning to stir. "You said we go north, but those things came from the north, as far as I can tell. So, I think you may want to reconsider before setting out."
-
OOC: Sorry, dude. I was sleepy back there XD. Fixed it!
Ragnar heard the talk between Alziel and Saine. He felt unsure about the way to take.
He understood Saine's words, but somehow he felt like the north was the best way to go. "Well, I have no way to make a good decission right now. Let's let them take their own conclussions, it's better to follow the tide for the time being." Ragnar thought.
Some of the contestants had already gathered their things and departed in several directions, but most of them (Around 14 -15 without counting our heroes) were still on the camp, still scared by the late events.
-
OOC: Red, that's Saine, not Shell. :D
Alziel frowned as soon as Saine uttered his final words. "We are going north", he spat, almost with the same forced contempt Saine spoke with.
Saine frowned in reply, and the two spent another minute of two in awkward silence, studying each other. This was a battle of wills which he would not lose, Alziel decided. Saine refused to give an inch, that was clear. But nevertheless Alziel had vowed to follow Leyland's instruction and go north.
He still did not understand exactly why Leyland would give such advice. Saine was right; those creatures had apparently come from the north - but Leyland was a trusted friend, who had always given good advice...
Alziel turned away. Something about Saine's gaze was unnerving, and that was all Alziel needed at the moment. He stood up, swung his satchel onto his shoulder, and made to walk away. As he did so, he turned, and looked Saine in the eye again.
"I am going north", he said quietly, so that only Saine would hear, "And I am taking the group with me. If you do not wish to accompany us, you can leave on your own". He smiled a thin, patronising smile, and strode off to speak to Liara.
-
Liara was numb. All she could see was mist, cloud in front of her open eyes, an obscurring veil. Then, slowly, her sight returned, the world seperating into colours; the grey mist retreating into the sky. Then she could make out Alziel's face, and then suddenly the noise hit. A breeze was whistling through the camp, people bustled about, busying themselves with packing the camp up or cooking breakfast. The wind had brought a chill and the half masked sun did little to ease the cold.
Liara smiled at Alziel and was a little alarmed at how difficult it was to move. She felt no pain- no physical wounds had been suffered, but she had no energy.
And worst of all, she felt completely unable to use magic. Flashes of her terrified outbust reminded her why this was so. She wouldn't recover for a while- and this might be ill news for any wounded.
"How long have I been out?"
-
Ragnar couldn't hear the answer Alziel gave to Saine. however, the look at Saine's face told him what he needed to know. "So, North it is!" Ragnar thought.
Ragnar watched as Alziel closed to Liara, who had just awakened.
Ragnar closed too, hoping to ask her for help with Anyan. But when he got close, he realized that she wasn't going to be able to do magic, at least without some rest. "Damn! Right when the brat needs it! well, he will have to heal the old-fashioned way" He thought.
Ragnar closed and and heard Liara's question, so he answered "Not too long, you fainted last night and it's only midday now. You sure had a good nap!"
Liara smiled slightly, and Ragnar continued "How do you feel? Can you move?"
-
"I... can move a little" she replied. "Listen, is anyone injured?"
Ragnar nodded. "I know you won't be able to use your magic for a while."
Liara nodded, taking the fruit from her pack. It was the rare sprite favourite and clearly kept good for a long time. She broke off a piece with some difficulty. "Share this around. We don't know what toxins those creatures had. This might help clear anything up."
Ragnar bent to take the piece from her hand- she was still lying on the floor. "Thankyou."
-
Ragnar gave the fruit to Anyan, as he said: "Now, eat this and rest. You're a real pain, brat!", and he left towards the other adventurers.
Although his talking was the same, it was clear that Ragnar was worried about his friend. Anyan knew that.
"Thanks, geezer, I'll keep in mind being a lot more than a pain on the future!" said Anyan.
Ragnar laughed, and answered: "Allrighty brat! But next time, me or Liara won't be probably around to save you next time. I gotta give this (he showed another piece of the fruit) to some wounded ones. We'll talk later!"
"Liara..?" asked Anyan.
"Yeah, she gave me that fruit that will help ya. You're very lucky, brat!" answered Ragnar again, as he left, hurried.
After eating the fruit, he started to feel a little better. The wound was deep, but the blood had stopped pouring, after Ragnar's care, and Liara's fruit really helped him out.
At least he could talk clearly.
He looked towards Liara, and said: "Thank you for saving my life. I guarantee that I'll put this life you saved under your service. In other words, I owe you one."
-
Alziel strode past Ragnar while he was in mid-conversation. Morning was here, nearly fully set in, and they had to be moving. There was a continent to be mapped, and which had to be done before all the other contestants. Most had already left and begun. They'd need to be going soon, or they'd miss their chance.
He picked up his pack and reached in for his provisions. He'd need something in his stomach. There'd be a long walk ahead, and...
He cursed. The pack was devoid of food. Someone had taken his provisions. Probably one of the contestants who had already left. Damn.
He walked over to where Ragnar and Liara were still talking. "Excuse me", he said, interrupting the conversation, "Do either of you have any more food?"
Liara reached into one of her pouches, and she too realised that all of her food had been used up. Ragnar nodded gravely. He too had no more food left. After a few minutes of traversing the camp quizzing the people about, he came to the conclusion that there was no more food available in the camp.
He cursed and sat down. Eventually the morning chatter died down, and people settled down to breakfast, before realising that there was no breakfast to be had. Something had to be done.
Alziel took to one of the logs by the campfire and stood upon it. All eyes fell on him. He cleared his throat.
"We have no more food", he said, nerves clutching at his throat. "And we need to move out at some point. I suggest that you all gather up your things. We will be leaving shortly". He stepped down from the log. He had said his piece. Nevertheless it would be difficult getting everyone to co-operate. A group of this size would not be easy to manage, especially on a long walk north with little food...
He wondered if tonight those beasts would come back again. Hopefully not. He would try harder to protect Liara tonight. He had promised himself that he would do so, and it was important. The group had to go. The beasts had to be fought off. This would be life for a while.
A joke Leyland had told him once about a walking buffet came to mind, but he suppressed his laughter.
-
Seeing that his friend was holding out fine, Ragnar went here and there around the camp, giving the fruit to the wounded. There weren't many, and except for Anyan, Alziel and one or two more, the reasons of their wounds had nothing to do with the demons. Most of the wounded had gotten hurt while trying to escape the creatures, due to falls in most cases.
Ragnar got angry and yelled a warrior, who was drunk the night of the attack and, during the storm, stabbed another adventurer mistaking him for a demon (Luckily, the adventurer in question had a good armor, as well as the resistance of a bull). The warrior tried to take his knive out, but Ragnar was faster and took one of his swords, and pointed it against the throat of the warrior. The warrior surrendered, and left to another part of the camp.
After he finished with that, Ragnar (Still angry) closed to Alziel (Who had seen the scene).
"Can you believe that guy?! We're lucky he is going south. I'm telling ya, he could've stabbed me or you last night, and in the confussion we wouldn't have been able to defend ourselves. Can you picture it?!?! to escape from a Demon and fall against a drunken idiot!!"
Alziel laughed and looked at Ragnar, but before he said anything Ragnar continued.
"By the way, Alziel, what's the plan now? I suggest we chase the people who stole our supplies..."
Alziel stopped laughing, and answered...
-
"How about we move out?" asked Anyan quickly. Alziel, Liara and Ragnar looked at him surprised. He was still lying on the floor, but he was much better than a few minutes ago. Liara's fruit truly was wonderful.
"I guess I can't move quite yet... but still there's the chance of hunting something, right?" he asked Alziel. Anyan trusted Alziel's hunting skills much more than his own.
Anyan's true worry was if the beasts would return... in that case they should be ready.
"If I get the chance of standing up, I will. We should search for a cave or something in case of that those things returned. We mustn't give them the chance of attacking from above... ugh!" suddenly, Anyan's stomach ached. He wasn't fully recovered.
"I gues I can't play the tough man right now huh?" he said. He wasn't joking, he was mad at himself.
Anyan stared to the sky a little bit. "I'll... try to rest more." he said, he laid back and closed his eyes, to sleep a little bit.
-
Ragnar remembered something suddenly.
"Sorry, Alziel. We'll talk later."
Ragnar started running towards the beach, thinking "The ship! I must get to the ship!"
After a long run (That seemed short in Ragnar's scared head) Ragnar got to the beach where the ship was.
Luckily, the ship was still there. After a short talk with his sailor Ragnar saw that the ship was never in danger.
Though, some of the creatures had tried to attack it.
"You should keep the ship here. The creatures seem unable to attack it for some reason." Ragnar said to the sailor.
"Yes sir. good luck on your journey." The sailor answered.
After doing that, Ragnar headed back to the camp, (Running too) to tell his friends the good news.
-
Anyan was back in his sleep. An yet another dream staretd to trouble him.
Delliah, dressed in white clothes again, appeared on a prairy full of grass. She seemed sad and as if she was crying due to real suffering.
"Anyan... welcome back..." she said, with her sweet, yet sadenned voice.
"Something is wrong..." he said. "Delliah... this is all an illusion. A dream of mine... is it?" Anyan was troubled about this late dreams.
Delliah got closer to him. She hugged him slowly, and kissed him.
Anyan had forgotten such purity, such love, mixed in only an action.
"You tell me... was that an illusion...?" asked Delliah.
Anyan cried of emotion... But then jumped to reality.
"Why do you appear in my dreams...? First you told me to stop my vengeance... Now...?"
Delliah stopped her momentary smile.
"Anyan... I spoke to the gods... And they have a mission for you."
Anyan was shocked about this. A mission? From the gods?
"How... how is this possible..?" he asked.
Delliah seemed troubled again, as she sterted to walk awya form Anyan.
"They told me to tell you this: 'Memories are recalled as couples are formed. Where your emptiness lies... What you feel as incomplete, there lies your struggle. A mirror shall form infront of you...'... Please Anyan... Understand this... and be safe. This is for you..."
Delliah started to speak slowly and gently. She rose over her feet, as a shining light came out of her hands and sorrounded Anyan completely. Suddenly, he felt refreshed and stronger.
"That sprite's fruit surely helped you out, if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be able to cast this healing spell in you, you would have been in a much weaker shape... Look out for her Anyan, she seems nice... Farewell, I shall not come in your dreams again... Oh! And make sure you walk north now..." Delliah stared to Anyan with her eyes filled with tears, as she faded away.
"DELLIAH!!!!!" screamed Anyan, as he woke up in sweat and stood quickly.
"Am I... standing..?" he muttered. Everybody at the campe was surprised by his unnatural healing. Saine, Alziel and Liara stared at him surprised, with their eyes wide open. Even the sprite couldn't believe such a healing.
Anyan's face showed something that not many could see until that day: he was happy, and not smiling for vengeance. He was truly happy.
He realized his overjoy, so, he became serious again in a blink of an eye. Anyan, then walked towards Alziel and Liara.
"I swear, I shall explain this matter later... I have a heartbeat... we should really be heading towards the north. I will explain it all in time, I swear... But thena gain... which will be the plan...?" he said. He never had talked so quickly.
-
Liara had little time to wonder about Anyan's sudden recovery; she caught her breath and suddenly put her hands on her knees. After a few seconds of slow breathing she stood up again. She had forgotton how weak she was, and had reserved the fruit, allowing herself none. She turned to Alziel.
"Well? Are we heading out?"
-
Ragnar got to camp just in time to see Anyan's recovery.
"Mmmm... How strange. There is something here I can't see through... Well, life has such misteries anyways!" Ragnar thought.
He closed to the group and heard Liara's question.
"I agree with Liara! That's the spirit, that's how young people should think!" Ragnar said "Just give me five minutes to rest my ol' bones, I come from a long run."
"Right, I noticed you were missing. Were did you go?" Alziel asked.
Ragnar sat down before answering. He did so, still hesitated from his run. "Well, I honestly got scared. I remembered the attack from last night, and feared that a similar thing could've happened to the ship."
The group stared at Ragnar with a glimpse of worry in the eyes. The ship!!! They had forgoten about the ship!! Ragnar smiled, and continued...
"Don't worry, the ship and its crew are ok. There is some kind of spell in that beach, the cratures don't seem to be able to get close. We shouldn't worry about the ship going anywere without us, I already took care of that" (Ragnar blinked an eye to the group) "But I don't know if it will last. We must get this job over with, and return to the ship."
Ragnar took some bread and beer out of his pack... It was the last of his rations and had somehow survived the thiefs.
"Let's eat this to celebrate Anyan's recovery. We can go after we finish eating". Ragnar divided the bread in even parts, and shared it with his companions. "Sorry, I'm keeping the beer for me!" Ragnar said laughing.....
Everyone in the group laughed.... For the first time since they had boarded the ship.
-
Alziel nodded. "Aye. We have hardly any food left, but we may as well eat what we have, instead of constantly stopping to rest. We have a long walk ahead of us. We need to cover some ground".
Liara seemed to stop in thought. Alziel watched her thinking, studying her appearance, before she spoke. "This is a mapping contest", she said, though it was obvious that she was not interested in the contest in the least. "So how will we be mapping while we move?".
It was a fair point. They all had the same mapping equipment, but few of them had actually planned how they were going to go about producing their map.
"Well", Alziel said, caught off guard, "I've spent a while living in woodland, so I can remember how far we've travelled, and the surroundings, and make up something from that. That way I can travel all day and just work for an hour or so every evening to get down what I've seen during the day".
He had to admit, it was not a very good plan.
"Does that sound alright to you?"
Liara nodded. "Then that's what I'll do", Alziel finished. He smiled, so did Liara, and then the two of them broke into laughter.
He caught sight of something over Liara's shoulder, off over the plains towards the north. Just on the edge of view was a pale section if discolouration against the lifeless sky. It was large; very large. In fact it was so large that as Alziel stared at it, and liara turned to do the same, it was obvious what it was.
"It's a mountain", Alziel mumbled. He was amazed that he had not seen it earlier.
"We didn't see it", Liara said with a frown, voicing Alziel's thoughts. "I wonder if we'll be able to see the lay of the land better if we get closer to it?".
"Maybe", Alziel said. He turned and looked at the state of the camp. People were lazily strolling about, packing their things and eating whatever they had left. They'd have to hunt again tonight, with more people to gather food this time.
Liara knew what he was thinking again. "Animals live on mountains, don't they?", she muttered in his ear.
He nodded. "Let's get our things together. You and I can lead the group. We have a destination".
He smiled, and she smiled back. The two stared at each other for a moment before Liara broke away to fetch her knapsack.
-
"We are heading towards that mountain...?" said Anyan. He was totally back to normality. He had repaired his light black leather armor, and had put it back on. The Viper, resting on the sheath was ready for another fight.
He stared towards that dark looking mountain ahead. There was something odd about it...
Anyan was sure that his services would be less needed in the wilderness than Alziel's, although he had lived in the wild. Alziel seemed more experienced.
Anyan stared to Ragnar and said : "Good thing we're going now. I can't stand this place anymore... Darn, I need a true rematch with one of those things..."
Ragnar stared to his friend: "You're crazy, brat... You're crazy."
-
There was an air of newfound confidence and freshness about the contestants now that had never been present before: on the boat they saw each other as enemies, but since the attack they had become allies. Now they walked towards the promise of the mountain in the shield of their companion's presence, a simple and easy task to take their minds off of the horrors that they had experienced just days before.
Liara was thinking about Shell. He hadn't seemed particularly special or interesting, but he had disappeared during the battle. Had he deserted them? Not without his frog, certainly. And the frog still sat happily in Ragnar's pocket. She felt a pang of guilt that she had not even tried to get to know him, when the chances were that he was already dead.
She stretched her fragile wings, which picked up the breeze. Her whole body was stiff from lying unconsious. She knew that the party's morale would only last as long as their food supply.
-
Alziel sighed as he looked out over the plains.
There was an emptiness about it, still. The plains, as he saw them, were completely flat, apart from the single visible mountain. There was hardly any wind at all. No obstacle to break up the emptiness; just a stillness of yellowed grass.
It unnerved him. The silence. The emptiness.
Even if it was an unwelcoming mountain, it would be more comforting to him than this.
Still, he was the leader of the group now. He'd have to take them where he thought was best. Surviving was more important than winning at the moment.
He strode to the centre of the camp, and called for attention.
"Everyone", he said loudly, "Get your things and start walking north. No exceptions. We're leaving. Now".
He walked back to leae the camp, and passed Liara with her wings spread as he did so. Despite her obvious tiredness from the previous night, Alziel could see, as she watched him pass, a twinkle of admiration in her eye.
-
Anyan left Ragnar's company, as he stared towards the mountain again. He felt a bit tired yet...
He drew off his sword, and went some steps outside the camp, towards north. It was time to let his knowledge in formations due to his past as a knight come out.
"Allright people, I guess we all know that Alziel is the head for now. We need to be sharp this days! The attack on last night was nothing compared to what we can do with our forces alltogether! Grab all the necessary equipment: food, weapons, armor, etc. Leave behind what you don't need!"
The contestants listened to him. Some saw him with a bit of fear, because of his looks, but some respected him, for having killed Broadsword.
He caught the look of Ragnar. He smiled and muttered something like "stop showing off, brat heh".
Anyan looked at the floor, then to the mountain again. It surely looked big.
Suddenly something came to his mind...
"Will I find... my father in this lands?" he thought. That sudden idea left him thinking a little bit. He just stepped back and swinged his sword twice in the air, then he saved it in it's sheat.
"Delliah, enlighten me on this journey through dreadful lands..." he muttered, as he sat patiently, waiting for the others to go.
-
The group was eager to move on and so they did without delay; a few people carrying tents that had been hastily packed, the others moving ahead, scouting for a path, for food, and for danger. Liara walked slowly and so Alziel walked with her, amidst the tent carriers and those with minor injuries.
The ground was cracked and flat, but there were small ridges every now and then which Anyan was using to gain a better view of the land. Every now and then Anyan would shout things back to Alziel, who would nod and retreat into thought. Some of the other contestants were also spying out the area, but Liara spotted parchment in their hands and she suspected that they did not trust Alziel's mapping skills over their own.
-
Alziel got to a ridge, and Ragnar followed him.
"That mountain... How strange we didn't see it before." Ragnar said.
Alziel nodded. "We must've been really distacted back there."
Ragnar took out one of his telescopes and explored the area. "Well, it's not too far. Let's hope we can have some cover once we get there."
Ragnar handed the telescope to Alziel "Take it. I brought two or three just in case I broke one. Since you are doing all the mapping, I think it will come in handy!"
-
"It's rather obvious he is attracted to you," Saine said from slightly behind Liara. Alziel was coming to the apex of another of the land's ridges, giving Saine a moment to talk to Liara in private. His opening statement had caught her off guard, surprised her.
"Excuse me?" she asked. It was not the usual agitated tone people used with the response. More of a serious question than a voiced annoyance.
"Alziel. It's obvious he finds you attractive, as most sane men would and do, and desires companionship with you. Even if he doesn't know it yet." Saine looked down at her. When she wasn't flying about on her wings, she stood only to his shoulders. Her sharp features looked up at him, studying.
"I doubt it," she said flatly.
"I'm sorry, you must think me conceited, coming and saying things like this." Saine's expression softened, and he smiled slightly, his cold blue eyes starting to shine. "However, I noticed that small moment you two had back at camp. I think the feelings go both ways."
Liara looked at the ground as they walked. "I've never even talked to you before. This is a bit... awkward."
"The word 'awkward' follows me everywhere I go. It's normal. And if you hadn't noticed the small dispute I started with Alziel, my social skills are inept at best." Saine's smile deepened, became less contrived. "Let's start over, or for the first time, as it were. My name is Saine, and I must say it is a pleasure to meet you, my dear sprite."
Liara looked up again. Her smile returned. "Liara." Saine produced his hand, which she took to shake. He gripped her hand firmly but not harshly, and shook up and down twice before releasing.
"I hope to be able to talk to you later, Liara. However, I have an apology to make. If you'll excuse me..." Saine bowed his head as low as he could while walking, then broke away to Liara's right to pursue Alziel over the ridge.
"Alziel!" he called down. He was several meters ahead, so Saine jogged forward a few paces.
"What is it?" Alziel's gaze was hard, obviously not too pleased to see his comrade, and his voice came out flat.
"I would just like to apologize for earlier. This is the first group I've ever travelled with, and I am not used to following anyone's instincts but my own." Saine paused for a moment, before continuing. "So, I apologize for the argument earlier and for acting so.... cold. From now on, I'll give my advice in a more courteous manner."
Alziel seemed to consider this for a moment before answering. "Fine. But now, I should get back to viewing the landscape."
"If you would like, I could lend you a hand in the cartographry. I have made art in the past, and I could help refine the details of your map if you are interested in allowing me to lend a hand."
Alziel answered....
-
(Meanwhile...)
Anyan walked forth, before the whole group, looking forward through Ragnar's scoop.
"We still have to walk lost through this plain..." he said to himself. Suddenly, he noticed something towards the mountain. It was a flag... A flag with the writing of a rampaging lion.
"The... Inas Symbol! That was... the previous expedition sent here!" Anyan thought, as he walked back towards the group.
He noticed Saine and Alziel talking, so he went towards them.
"Alziel, I saw a flag with the Inas Kingdom symbol, no mistake about that... we should check the camp..." he said.
He was curious about the camp, but he was worried about something else... His father should be there...
-
Ragnar saw the flag.
"What could this be? Maybe it was one of the King's expeditions...." Ragnar thought.
The group kept walking, but everyone seemed impressed (And, in some cases, worried) about it.
Ragnar walked forth, and passed his finger over the crossbow.
"Mmmm... Let's hope this ol' crossbow can rest for a while."
-
Liara let her feet leave the ground as a breeze drifted her upwards. It was good to fly again after all that time.
She looked over at the camp. It was a large, well built one, but showed obvious signs of battle. The creatures had been here, perhaps? Not recently at least.
The wooden stakes in the ground provided some protection in the form of a wall, and the gate was up, but there was still a large hole in the defense, pocketed with claw marks. The group made their way towards this, on the lookout for danger.
"Do you think it's occupied? I didn't see anyone" she asked, landing lightly beside Alziel.
-
(OOC casual reinsertion of character)
"I see nobody, but first glances are oft deceiving" Monty solemnly retorted
-
OOC: Yay! Good to have you back bro. Now, sorry for not posting recently, let's get back into the swing of things.
BIC:
Alziel stretched out and surveyed the landscape. The plains were almost flat, though the frequency of the little ridges and depressions increased away from the coast, and when he stood up as tall as he could, he could see a wide area. The mountain, though large, seemed to be drawing closer, and he guessed that they may even reach it by nightfall if they were not sidetracked.
He had decided to accept Saine's offer. He still did not trust the mysterious man, but he could learn to, surely. Anyone with mapping talent would be handy. Saine might even be able to hunt.
Still, they had discovered an old camp out on the plains, and it would take time to investigate. He surveyed the ruined tents and the flag still proudly flying.
Liara landed silently by his side, and as she stood against the sunshine and Alziel turned to look at her, he was struck with how beautiful she looked in the light. The wings which he had dismissed as ugly insect wings were shining, gossamer things with intricate patterns, and her hair was lustrous, and kept falling over her face, leading her to giggle and brush it back. As she stepped towards him she seemed to glow.
"Do you think it's occupied? I didn't see anyone", she said to him, but her voice had a different edge on it, as though she was attempting not to let any emotion show in her voice. Alziel had watched men lie, and he could tell when someone was hiding something. He decided to say nothing.
He caught sight of Saine watching them.
"I don't think so", Alziel said, slightly wary. "I'm sure if there was anyone here they'd have left a long time ago. Look at those stakes, the wood is rotten. And those claw marks... No, there's nobody here".
He finished and surveyed the scene. It didn't sit right with him. He had a bad feeling, and he would have very much liked to leave now, but the group had stopped moving.
He looked for some signs of people having escaped the camp. It had been a long time since he had tracked people; normally animals were his quarry. He didn't doubt that Shell could interpret any signs he found... But where the hell was Shell, anyway?
He turned to Liara. "Let's let everyone take a break for ten minutes or so. Then we'll have to move. Are you alright?"
She nodded, and Alziel admired her. She was holding up remarkably well on this trip.
-
Anyan detected Monty after a long while. He approached the man, and said: "Nice to have you around. It seems we will be resting for ten minutes..."
"Why, it is unfortunate, the crew does not seem to be tired at all..." Monty answered.
"Indeed..." said Anyan. He knew Monty wished to have his horse in a moment such as this.
Anyan walked towards the front. He was impatient, and wanted to see the camp in that precise moment.
He turned towards Alziel and Liara, he was going to ask them about the terrain characteristics, they were obvously more experienced in that matter than him... He then saw Alziel's look over Liara.
He realized something, as he remembered his last dream...
"Memories are recalled as couples are formed. Where your emptiness lies... What you feel as incomplete, there lies your struggle. A mirror shall form infront of you..."
That was the god's message Delliah had told him...
Also, Anyan remembered how Liara recalled him of Delliah the first time he saw her.
What Anyan realized was that the mirror formed infront of him... it was Alziel and Liara...
"It seems... my struggle lies with them after all..." he thought.
He stood silent for a moment, then left. He needed to a be a bit less careless from now on...
-
The group reached the camp and Liara ran her finger along the wooden wall, even in this dangerous time instinctively remembering her soft Sprite skin and vulnerability to splinters. Then they reached the hole in the wall.
Ragnar really was a man without fear. He strode into the camp and Alziel followed, Monty and Anyan drawing their weapons and entering with them. Liara stepped over the dirt threashold, but at first did not register what she saw inside the walls... She was struck by a warm feeling in her body, like blood circulating in defrosting hands.
Her magic was returning.
-
Monty was irrate, and agitated.
He had not swallowed a decent morsel in a couple of days, and the pangs hit hard. He was, however, too unnerved to eat.
The innicdences with the winged beast and ominous signs had him on edge...without the protection of his cloak, he was left with a constant feel of insecurity and vulnerablility...the survival instinct had replace his previous pompus nature.
His documents were gone...and the crew of derilicts and mercinaries were left on this forsaken land to fend for themselves, and at best, find salvation through the impossible.
Liara strectched her fingers, and smiled a little, through a cold wet face. Monty assumed some of her magics were returning to her.
And Rangar....the arrogant old man whom had criplled them so, with his blasts in the ship skirmish walked confident. Monty blamed him for his cold state, and when it was benificial to him, monty would have his blood on a small throwing knife...even if not a blood tainted with death, monty would be sure to have a revenge on him.
Monty was unnerved. Everything about this place had a saturation of The vile. Monty had never believed in Good or Evil, but shades in between. But one irributable incarnate he had encountered in the past, was the Vile. Pestilence, Diease, Rape, and the like....all Vile.
And monty Could feel it sokaing into his skinn, chapping his feet within his boots. He had not been warm, or dry for days.
"I think, we need a decisive plan. Something more tangible than a DIrection to walk....."
-
Saine had to bow his head as he walked through the hole in the wall. Rotted wood lay on the ground, and creaked as his boots came down on it.
The encampment was well-made, with the usual military feel to it. Someone from the kingdom had been here before. Saine recalled memories of several late nights in bars and taverns when he had listened to the half-drunken tales of soldiers who had told tales of their comrades going to unknown parts and not returning... Perhaps this was where they had met their demise.
Saine looked back through the hole at the landscape behind them. They had gained altitude, and he could see further than before. The sea was still in sight, the blue the only color besides the dead-like grass and the sky. The ridge the camp was built on was still low, and Saine estimated they had only risen about 50 feet from the ocean up to this point. For the distance travelled, the elevation made sense. However, the way it rose did not.
It looked as though the ground had folded and bent closer, causing the ridges. Usually, the ground rose steadily, a very gradual slope. This continent was truly strange.
Saine spotted Alziel and Liara talking. He watched Alziel's gaze, his expression, the way his eyes did not leave Liara as she approached him. Alziel's eyes darted towards Saine for a brief moment. Saine nodded, then turned back into the camp. He had been right, at least about one thing.
Saine walked further in. He looked at the nearest building, spotted Ragnar, and ambled toward him. His thoughts were torn between the landscape and Alziel and Liara. For a moment, he felt jealousy toward Alziel, but decided against harboring them any longer than that. It never would have worked anyways. I am dark and she is light. My affections would have only torn her apart.
"You are Ragnar, correct?" Saine said as he reached the old man. Ragnar was squatting low, examining a dark patch of burnt earth. He looked up at Saine, his haggard features passive.
"Aye. Saine, isn't it?" The old man rose to meet Saine's eye level. Saine still stood at least 3 inches over the imposing old man's head.
"Yes. I get the feeling you know a lot about geography...?" Saine left the word with a slight implication of questioning in his words. "You undoubtedly have more experience than most of us. I was hoping you might be able to help me something about this land." The old man's eyebrows raised slightly. Saine knew Ragnar did not trust him, but he could at least try to build a genial relationship with the man. Perhaps it could ease tensions a bit, later on, to have at least had a conversation with him.
Saine began to explain his observations of the ridges to Ragnar...
-
"Such a stench..." said Anyan. Monty was beside him as they entered through the hole.
The Viper was ready, and so was the young former knight, as he was more aware of the dark beast's strenght.
Anyan detected Alziel and Liara together, and Saine talking to Ragnar. "Surely you'll hold out fine old man..." he thought, as he walked towards a tent. It was totally wrecked, and a horrible stench came out of there.
"Hold back, I'll go first..." said Anyan to Monty, who silently nodded his head.
As he entered the tent, Anyan found aout something...
A corpse. It seemed to have rotten through the years, as it was a victim of an attack. It was dressed in a black armor, although, the armor's material allowed it to shine. And there was a spear beside the body.
The spear was totally made of metal, a part painted in total black, and the edge was platinum, and a little shape of a snake was written on it.
"That's..." muttered Anyan. Monty heard him.
"That's... the Python Spear... that is my father's..." muttered Anyan again, with his voice even more quiet as before.
He knelt beside his father's body, who seemed to have fought to the end. But he did not cry, he was silent all along.
His father was dead, now for sure...
But Anyan detected something on his father's hand. Something Monty did not notice. A little paper. It was a note.
Anyan grabbed it and saved it. He would read it later on. For now, he would just take his father's spear and pray...
-
Ragnar heard Saine with attention. He had thought before that Saine must've had some skills, but Ragnar realized that he had underestimated him.
"My my... He could be a great ally.." Ragnar thought.
When Saine finished telling him about the ridge's details, Ragnar answered: "Well, I know some geography, but you match me. Indeed, I had seen some of the things you described, but meny others were out of my sight."
"I think we adventurers should help each other for the time being. Don't you think?"
Before Saine could answer, a horse's cry was heard from the distance.
Monty, who was around, turned to look, and his eyes met Ragnar's
"Hey, Was that a horse?" Ragnar asked.... How could've a horse have survived whatever disaster came on hte camp?
-
A weird sound interrupted Anyan's prayer. "It is just a horse..." he muttered. He looked behind him, and Monty was distracted by that sound, so Anyan took out the note.
He started to read:
"To the blood of my blood, Anyan:
I write this letter in the darkest of circumstances, hoping that it will someday reach your hand. It's been months since I last saw your eyes, and Delliah's... Is she allright? I am hoping to finally give you both the blessing, she seems like a fine woman.
I must tell you the truth... we are sorrounded. I have not seen the enemy, but my senses tell me that we are being watched. Do not worry, us Leddwicks have always been fine knights through all of the Inas history!
I have learned something that will surprise you, and I have to tell you this. You must flee from Inas. I have found out that his Majesty has betrayed our legacy...
I know there's a conspiracy here to kill me... and my spear is ready, but what they are searching for, they will never find it. I gave it to you Anyan, and that is the Vi..."
The note ended there.
Anyan, then, saved it in his pocket, with a sad look in his eyes.
Those last words were clearer than water...
"All of this... all of this suffering... just to get your drity hands on a sword...!!!" Anyan screamed, with tears filling his red eyes, full of wrath: "I do not care about how mighty is the Leddwick's Viper... I would never kill for it... your Majesty... I swear I will not rest until I pierce your heart with this steel of mine!"
Anyan didn't care if Monty, Alziel, Ragnar or anyone could hear him. He was too angered.
With grief, and after saving his sword in it's sheath, Anyan took his father's corpse outside, and taking a broken shield on the ground, he started to dig a hole to bury him.
-
Liara walked over to Anyan, but knew better than to put her hand on his shoulder, her natural instinct in such situations. She saw him burying the body and knew that it had been someone he had been close to. That was enough.
In this silent, foreboding landscape, the man with the weight of a thousand upon his shoulders dug and Liara stood beside him, her mere presence supporting him more than the power of words ever could have.
***
Alziel walked cautiously towards the sound of the horse. One of the contestants that had abandoned the group, perhaps? Surely no horse could have survived out here...
-
OCC: had to edit because I mispelt some words xD
After finishing his father's burial, Anyan said a short prayer while kneeling. And stood. He noticed Liara standing beside him, and the sprite was speechless. Anyan understood her intention, and he smiled a little.
"Thak you..." he said to Liara, with his always low voice, almost like a whisper: "He was... my father." Anyan was sadenned, although he already had known that the posibility that his father was dead was high. He wanted to at least see his body.
Liara's silence helped Anyan. He knew she was supporting him, but yet she did not want to speak senseless words.
"Now... I must focus..." thought Anyan, as he stood still for a little while. Suddenly he realized something... something written in his father's note...
"We are sorrounded..." muttered Anyan. Liara stared at him and said: "What?"
"My father left me a note..." he said: "It said they were sorrounded..."
Anyan soon became aware.
"Gather everyone... I beileve we are going to be ambushed..." said Anyan to Liara quickly. He had the Python, his father's spear in his hand. It was about to break, although it was made of metal.
"For one last time, you will serve my blood..." thought Anyan.
-
Ragnar tried to follow the sound of the horse...
"Where could it be?" Raqgnar thought. Suddenly, something moved inside Ragnar's pocket..... it was Shell's frog
"So, it's you, little one..." Ragnar said to the frog "What's going on?"
The frog looked back and Ragnar, and its look said one thing: "Stay with the group. Danger"
"What, shouldn't I follow the horse? If I caught it, I could fix a past mistake...." Ragnar said
The frog's look said: "Death. Only death if you follow..."
"So that's it, little one..." Ragnar said in a very low voice and thought "Sorry, Monty, you'll have to wait...."
Ragnar stood and prepared his crossbow and his swords, as he walked towards Anyan and Liara, who had started to gather the group.
Ragnar said to the frog "Stay inside, little one, and hope we can get out of this one too"
The frog looked at Ragnar, and suddenly Ragnar felt relieved.
"Yes, we'll get out of this one.. And I'll find the cure!!!" Ragnar said to himself.
-
"He's talking to a frog...?" thought Anyan. He still didn't care about that matter, "Perhaps he is so old that he is going crazy..." thought Anyan again.
Now, things were starting to turn bad again. A dark cloud started to appear above the sky...
Anyan had the Python, his father's spear on his hand. "It will break at the first fight... but I shall take one of them with it!" was the thought inside Anyan's head.
"They will be here shortly! They have seen us!" screamed Anyan towards Alziel...
-
Alziel turned to look at Anyan, now some hundred yards away. Damn. He had been following the sound of the horse, though it was nowhere to be seen, and he must have been focused for too long. The mountain was still a long way off to his right, the camp behind him, and ahead, emptiness.
The atmosphere in the ruined camp seemed to have changed. There was movement, Anyan calling out to Ragnar, who was fitting bolts to his crossbow.
"Bugger", Alziel muttered, before smiling slightly. That was what Leyland said when there was a problem. "What's going on?", he called to Anyan.
Anyan did not reply. The sound of the horse came again, this time seeming to be more to the right than it had seemed before. There was a silence, and then a scurry of tiny thuds. Footsteps.
Alziel suddenly had a horrible feeling that the winged creatures weren't the only danger on this continent. Why, they probably weren't even at the top of the food chain.
A moment later Anyan appeared to turn and point to something over to Alziel's right, and Alziel turned to look; an arrow with black feathered flights collided into the ground near his feet, causing a plume of scattered earth; a smattering of cloaked and bow-armed men came running from the right, all the while lining up their bowshots; and without thinking, instinct taking control, Alziel set off at a desperate sprint, arrows scattering dangerously close to him, towards the relative safety of the camp.
-
"The cloud is above us now..." thought Anyan. He hear Alziel replying something, but he did not understand. When he was about to scream back at Alziel, an arrow hit the ground quickly.
"Take cover eevryone!" screamed Anyan to the others. Everyone took cover behind a big stone, but they had no shields close.
The enemy was armed with bows, and it seemed they were sorrounded, as Anyan said. Was there a way out of there?
-
Liara ran across the dirt floor, trying not to trip on the pieces of stone paving scattered almost randomly throughout the camp. The hole in the wall was now guarded by Anyan, Saine, Ragnar and Monty- But Alziel was still out there. Without a moment's thought she sped past them, and before they could react, opened her wings and flew towards Alziel.
Alziel was running as fast as he could, but the mysterious warriors were good shots even at range. An arrow whistled past his ear- and suddenly he realised that he wouldn't be able to reach the camp in time. He would have to stand and fight.
He swirled round and got a good look at his attackers, at the same time notching an arrow to his bow. Time slowed as it always does when one has made a decision; his perception was increased. Dust swirled around his feet, his travelling clothes were dirty around his lean frame. He hadn't even thought about the state of his clothes... The clouds were gathering menacingly.
But he was in for a surprise. As he faced the attackers, their gaze left him and flew to the sky, and they raised their bows and shot. Alziel twisted round to see Liara flying furiously towards him, arrows whistling past her, glanced by a spell of protection. Then she flung her hands forward and a lightning bolt left the dark skies, striking an armour clad warrior off of his horse to lie smoking on the windswept mound. Another next to him was also killed instantly.
...But an arrow found it's mark. As she neared him, a projectile broke free of the magical shield, struck Liara's shoulder and went in deep. She tumbled out of the air towards Alziel and rolled on the ground, crying out. The warriors had clearly been distracted by their fallen comrades, and Alziel took that moment to run to the sprite.
"Liara, what!?"
But she stood, breathing heavily. The bleeding from her shoulder was a very pale blue, he noticed.
"Alziel..."
"Liara, get out of here!" the man shouted.
"Not without you" she smiled grimly. Alziel was about to object but realised that there was no time anyway. They turned to face the warriors outlined by the darkening sky, just as a new wave of arrows flew towards the two contestants and was deflected by Liara's magic.
-
"The... mirror" thought Anyan. As he saw Liara and Alziel in danger, he suddenly remembered the ambush that he and Delliah had suffered a few years ago... and it finished tragically.
"I won't let it happen!!!" screamed Anyan, surprising his companions. He grabbed the Python strongly and ran towards Alziel and Liara.
He launched a fierce scream, as he jumped forward and threw the spear towards a flying archer. The spear pierced the beast's chest, and it fell to the ground.
"I won't fall for it twice, thought Anyan, as he ran quickly, drew the Viper, and decapitated the beast. The other creatures aimed at him with their bows...
"Darn, thought Anyan, but a sudden bolt came out of nowhere and distracted the beasts. Liara was wounded, but she still was holding off. Anyan ran towards Alziel and Liara.
"Get her off here, I'll get Ragnar Saine and Monty to get these things down... When she is safe, return, but take care..." said Anyan quickly.
The Python was broken, so Anyan needed the Viper now, and he drew it.
"I'll make a flashlight to distract them... it'll blind the beasts for a few seconds... use them to get Liara safety, please..." said Anyabn to Alziel, as he got out of cover. Anyan focused and repeated his light spell. A little light came out of his hand, and it became bright, as sunshine, blinding the beasts for a while...
Anyan took cover behind a rock, but he wasn't sure about Alziel and Liara. He could not see them...
-
(OOC: Big post, fellas. sorry)
BIC:
As Anyan threw the Python, a bolt flew through the sky, and found its way into an archer's armor.
"I hope ye liked that!" Ragnar yelled at the enemy "There's plenty more from where that came from!"
Ragnar had hoped to lure the enemy towards the camp group, to allow his friends to escape. Also, since they were well covered, they stood a better chance against the arrows.
Seeing that the enemy wasn't falling for it, Ragnar talked to Monty and Saine.
"Look, I know I screwed back in the boat. But now I'm in mi right mind. We need to get out of here and go to help!"
Both of them looked as if he was crazy (And, Ragnar thought, he probably was). Ragnar continued.
"I know we are safer here. But if we don't help them and they are taken out, the enemy will easily kill us in this hole, and we won't be able to defend. I'm going out!"
Ragnar quickly reloaded his crossbow, and looked at Monty before going out. He had not answered... and neither did Saine.
Ragnar run out of the hole, towards his friends, and shot his crossbow again. He hit a warrior's armor, giving him/her a partial wound "Damn!!! It's impossible to run and shoot properly!" Ragnar thought. Suddenly, he remembered Monty..... Ragnar didn't know if it was a good idea to turn his back on him.
"Let's hope he is greater than our problems. What a situation! I surely need some eyes in the back of my neck right now!" Ragnar thought as he closed further to the group.
Some enemies shot him, but they were disorganized and blinded for the moment, and they missed.
Ragnar got to Alziel and Liara...
"Liara, can you at least walk?!?! Come!!! It's our chance, go behind that rock!" Ragnar said, as he pointed the rock that Anyan used for cover.
It was big enough for they, and provided some good cover (At least until they culd think of a way to get out of that problem).
An arrow took away Ragnar's hat, leaving his bald head exposed.
"Why, you little ****!!!" Ragnar yelled "Take this!!"
Ragnar took a rock and threw it to the archer, that was pretty close.The stone didn't hurt him much, but threw him to the ground.
The group started running towards the rock, both Alziel and Ragnar helped Liara.
Suddenly, an arrow flew and hit Ragnar in the upper right part of the skull, luckily it was a slight scratch, but it started to bleed a lot.
"Damn it!!!!!" Ragnar yelled "These bloody archers!!!"
-
Liara threw Anyan a dirty look. "I'm a contestant as much as you. I'll fight alongside you. This injury isn't a terrible one, I can heal it..."
"You're still recovering your magic" warned Alziel, breathing heavily as arrows hit the rock they were sheltering behind. "If you continue to use it you could faint again, and then you won't be of use to anyone."
Liara nodded and drew her knife. It had been a gift, and at the time she had envisioned herself fighting with it. The reality of battle was quite different- it is not as easy to kill a man as you might think. But after killing those warriors with her magic...
She had killed them instinctively, but now she thought about it, they were the first lives Liara had taken. She began to feel sick.
This jumble of thoughts and emotions were interrupted by Anyan. "This rock isn't safe. Now we're all together we should get back to the walls. The others can help us there."
Alziel nodded. "We'll have to fight our way there. Break cover suddenly and take them by surprise."
-
Anyan smiled at Liara. He was happy to see that she wasn't as hurt as he thought. Though, he wanted them to be safe. His dream had totally taken control of him...
Listening to Alziel's order, Anyan said: "Good idea... I'll throw my light flash once more... I don't have much magical skills. When it blows up, close your eyes, then we charge... allright?"
Everyone nodded, Anyan whispered a few words, as a light came from his hand and blowed.
The shine was rough and it blinded the enemy. Anyan screamed: "Charge!!!!" and he got up, wielding the Viper, running towards the enemy...
-
Alziel sighed. He had grown careless again, and now Liara was among the injured. He needed to learn.
It came to him then, that though he had been pretending to be the leader of this brigade, he was barely the right material for such a task. Still, there were other things to think about.
He turned to Anyan, but Anyan had gone. Alziel cursed and looked out over the top - he could see Anyan charging towards the enemy in a blaze of steel, but before he could see whether his companion was alright arrows came again, and he fell back to his position crouched against the rock.
"We'll get them in a second", he panted, "They're human, we can take them". He took his bow and notched an arrow to the string, and moved himself so that he could stand up sharply and fire towards the enemy before being hit himself; but as he moved, Liara placed her hand on his arm and held him back.
He looked at her, and she smiled weakly. Blood loss. He cursed. Sprites were too fragile to be out here. This was no place for anything that wasn't completely evil.
"I have to help Anyan", he said quietly to her, "And you have to stay here and lie still. You'll be alright. Trust me".
He sighed as he finished. Trust him indeed. The words were sour.
She pulled at his sleeve again, preventing him from preparing his attack. "Don't go", she said quietly, "Stay here".
He sighed, thought hard for a moment, and finally nodded.
-
Saine looked through the hole again. Arrows were being to converge on a single rock. Anyan had charged into the source of the maelstrom, disappearing behind a dilapidated structure. Monty stood on the other side of the hole.
Saine decided that inaction was not an option. If they survived, how would that look to the others? Cowardice. Immediate results were needed.
"Use your knives, provide a distraction. Try and draw some of their fire," Saine said sharply, doing his best to sound authoritative. "I'm going to flank them." Monty looked slightly stunned, and just a little sick; he probably did not think much of Saine or his plan. "There's not much time left. After they figure their vantage point won't work, they'll send in infantry to take them out. Do not let that happen, Monty."
Monty nodded in resignation. "This isn't a very well-developed plan, my friend."
"It's the only one we've got at the moment. If ever you're going to trust me, now would be a good time," Saine said, no longer a sharp tone but imploring quietly. "Let's do this." Monty nodded again.
Monty and Saine traded positions, darting across the hole in the wall simultaneously. Monty set himself up for the best position, and began throwing one knive after another as they returned to his, creating a cycle and drawing some archers away from the small group huddled behind the rock.
Meanwhile, Saine was sprinting along the wall, making sure to stay out of sight of the crumbling parts. As soon as Monty was out of sight, Saine disappeared in a flash of purple-black flame.
He reappeared at the crest of a large hill. Below, armored archers and other warriors were firing away on their bows, while others were mounting up on horses, long cruel spears in their hands, about to make the frontal he had predicted. Hopefully, Monty could handle some of them.
Saine saw a small boulder and moved silently over to it. There, he put his sack down gently, and withdrew the Manifest. He slid his arm slowly into the gauntlet, the leather straps slowly tightening around his flesh. Instantly, he began to feel colder as the half-cursed weapon began to pull at his life force.
A neccessary sacrifice, he thought in grim acceptance. He had paid a price for the weapon once before; hopefully, this time would not be the same as that time. He glanced around the rock. The archers were divided into two parts; about one third firing at the hole in the wall, the others firing at the rock. The cavalry would reach the rest of the group in only moments now.
Saine drew his sword and stood slowly. His breathing was slightly harder, his heart rate starting to climb. Quickly! he thought.
Drawing his darker magics, Saine's weapons began to burn the purple-black flames he had come to love and hate. When they burned as hot as they could, he charged, propelled by unseen forces, a straight shot into the larger of the two groups.
Earth exploded as Saine struck, a small nova of the dark flames engulfing most of the enemies, others thrown by the explosion. Saine was straining now; that had been a very taxing assault, and there were still plenty of enemies left to fight. Plus, he had surely been detected by the other archers by now.
"Come," he said quietly, and prepared for another strike.
-
Liara was suddenly distracted by a huge tremor in the magical aura of the area. She glanced painfully round the rock to witness another warrior- too far away to make out properly- fighting away the attackers. She shivered as she felt the dark energies lending the man strength. Who or what was he?
She was brought back to reality by Alziel's hand on her good shoulder. He was staying out of the fight for her, she knew. But she didn't want him to stay for her own protection... she just didn't want him to get hurt. Somewhow she thought that her magic would be able to protect him if his life was threatened, just as he must have been thinking he had to protect her. The resulting feeling between the two was that they were safe in each other's presence.
Liara closed her eyes, trying to forget the battle, and clenched her hand around the arrow, easing it out of her shoulder. This would increase the bleeding, but it was the only way she could heal herself.
"Alziel... Have you got a rag or something?"
Alziel stopped firing at the enemy and crouched down, looking slightly ocnfused. Her voice had been faint. Then he realised what she had said. Her own clothing would be no good to stop the bleeding. He tore a piece of his jacket off and handed it to her.
"I'm always the one who causes problems" she murmured.
-
"Damn, damn..." Ragnar was hiding behind the rock, took a handkerchief and put it around his wound.
"How could I be so careless!!!" Ragnar thought... "I should've looked back to make sure that the others were behind him. Now, all I have been able to do is trap my friends behind this dirty, almost useless rock"
Ragnar was truly furious. He had dropped his crossbow right before he jumped to the rock, now all he could do was throw rocks. He was so angry that he didn't even realize of the earth shaking, and of Saine's supernatural charge.
The frog put his head out of the hole. Ragnar looked at it and felt somehow relieved. "Well, at least they are alive" He thought. Ragnar's cold blood had returned, as he answered to the frog "Get back inside, little one. We are in deep troubles"
Then, Ragnar looked at Liara. She was growing weaker by the minute, and he didn't have much to help her with....
The frog looked at Liara, and then to Ragnar. The look somehow said "The fruit. Use the fruit."
"The fruit? You mean the one she gave me? It's used up" Ragnar said in low voice.
The frog looked back at Ragnar, the look said "No!!!"
Ragnar understood, and answered to the frog "Ok, little one. Go back in the pocket and be careful, now"
So Ragnar looked into the pocket in which he had saved the fruit before... And by miracle he found a little piece!!!! It looked like it was still good. "How in the world could he know?" Ragnar thought.
"Liara... Take this. I found a small piece of the fruit you gave us the other day."
Liara took the fruit without asking..... Ragnar took out his swords and talked to Alziel
"Well, if they come here I'm ready. I may be old and weak, but I'll do what I can..."
-
(OCC: sorry, long post xD)
BIC:
After throwing his light and blinding the enemy, Anyan charged fastly, by himself. As the enemies were kneeling on the floor, Anyan decapitated them (there were 3 of them before him), but the effect lasted for a little while.
"Most of them are man... why are they alongside the beasts?" thought Anyan, as he faced some warriors. They weren't too skilled, so they kept falling before Anyan, but still they were many, and the young knight soon became overwhelmed by the enemie's quantity.
Soon, Anyan was sorrounded against a wall, with no way of escape, against 15 enemies.
"So... this will be my end. Let it be with glory!" thought Anyan. He was ready to die, with his calm, cold reddish eyes, staring to the enemy, which was about to charge him to death.
But suddenly, an explosion... and some flames and screams of pain.
The 15 man sorrounding Anyan dispersed after the sound, and ran towards a man, who was stainding on the wall.
"Saine...?" said Anyan, as he saw the misterious man stand with a sword on his hand.
"Cowards! Face me!" screamed Anyan towards the leaving enemies. They seemed to be out of their minds... as if they had no control over themselves. They did not listen to Anyan, and charged against the position of Saine.
"Darn... then, have a little bit of this!" thought Anyan. He picked up an arrow on the floor and threw it to a light armoured man, who instantly died.
Anyan ran fastly behind the remaining 14 warriors, and slashed two of them quickly. Anyan's armor was light, so it allowed him to run fast. But he would not kill them all without getting killed.
"Saine!!! Run!!! Monty, Ragnar, Alziel! Shoot them down!" screamed Anyan, desperatly.
Suddenly, four of the men turned against Anyan, and charged.
"It seems that I get to have fun afterall..." he said, as he fought them. They weren't too strong, but the fpur of them combined were slowing Anyan down. Unless Saine fled from that wall...
One enemy fell dead, as the Viper pierced his neck... another one perished after getting himself stabbed on the chest, and another one fled after Anyan cut his hand... he would die by the poison later.
But the last one was harder to defeat. He was wielding two daggers, and kept moving fastly. He managed to hurt Anyan sometimes by jumping to his sides and slashing his arms, but none of the wounds was too deep.
Finally, Anyan took him out. He cursed because of his careless attitude again, and went towards the position of Saine.
-
Saine had come to alight on the high wall of a crumbling stone building. Most of the remaining enemies came towards him; some went back for Anyan. The archers were distracted, confused; what was left of their compliment was trying to split its attention between four different targets.
All the while, Monty's flying knives were wounding men, cutting arms, glancing off armor and helms, even hitting a man in the eye, killing him instantly. He looked down at the approaching warriors.
Again, he charged his energies. The Manifest was tight against his arm, almost cutting off the blood to right hand. He embraced that pain, drew more energy from it. Then, he shot down into the midst of the enemy again.
Speed was essential; on the first strike, he brought the burning claws clean through the torso of one man, severing his legs from the rest of him. The dark flames began to engulf his body, their only purpose fulfilled. Another man screamed as Saine cut down on his extended arms, the stubs cauterized and then swallowed again by the flames. Saine felt his heart accelerating more; speed was essential.
He darted between two warriors, his reflexes augmented by the Manifest. He plunged the sword into one and the claws into the other, twisted, then pulled out and moved to the next without a second of hesitation or remorse. Speed, Saine.
"Anyan!" he called hoarsely from the crowd. "Help!" He had speed and magic, but he could not survive these numbers alone, even with the dark weapon on his arm.
Another man burst into flames as Saine released concentrated bursts of flame. He was being surrounded, he noticed. He quickly apparated to the outside of the group, leaving those in the middle with confused looks. He saw Anyan rushing up the hill, the Viper in his hand. They would make this a two-sided fight, and give Alziel and the others a chance to survive.
-
"Anyan! Help!" Saine's scream reached Anyan, who, with the little wounds from the dagger-weaponed enemy- had grown a bit slower. Still, Anyan forced himself over the hill, Viper in hand, and blood all over his face...
"Let us make this a nice fight! We will give the other the chance of running away!" screamed Anyan, as he stabbed a warrior with the Viper in the back.
Saine smiled, holding the Manifest and the claws, seeing that Anyan had arrived.
The fight would be lighter now... but suddenly, out of nowhere, and when there was no true sign of it (although clouds had appeared surprisingly before) it started to rain...
-
"What?!?!"
Ragnar saw the way Saine and Anyan fought
"Damn! and I standing here doing nothing!"
Ragnar left the safety of the rock very slowly, using his stealth skills to remain unnoticed. The archers were confused, and most of them had forgotten about the three or four fools trapped behind the rock.
Ragnar got to the crossbow and grabbed it.
Suddenly, two swordmen saw him, and started to run towards him.
Ragnar's crossbow was unloaded, and it was impossible to make it on time.
Ragnar let down the crossbow and took his blades, knowing that he was a dead man.
The taller swordmen was faster, he got to Ragnar in no time and swinged his blade at Ragnar's neck.
Ragnar stopped his blade by using his left arm blade, and stabbed the enemy's stomach with his right blade.
As always, Ragnar was accurate. His blade between two joints of the warrior's armor, hurting him badly.
The warrior screamed, and fell to the floor, taking Ragnar's blade with him.
The shorter swordman was closer now "That's it. I'm dead" Ragnar thought. In that moment, an arrow flew from the rock, and hit the swordman in the heart, right through the armor.
Ragnar looked at the rock... It was Alziel, who, seeing the old man in troubles, had helped him.
Ragnar nodded to thank him, took his crossbow, but when he went to get his sword, he noticed that the swordman was still alive.
"He has not much time left...." Ragnar thought. "What do I do?"
Ragnar took the warrior's helmet of.
The warrior was a young blond man, with blue eyes and pointy ears. Everything pointed to the Elven race. The elven swordman had a small bleeding wound on the forehead, possibly caused by a stone.
"An Elf?!?! What's an Elf doing here?" Ragnar said.
The Elf looked At Ragnar with disgust, and tried to say something.
Instead, he vomited some blood and expired.
Ragnar looked at his enemy with compassion, and right in that moment a few arrows started to fly his way, missing badly. "What happened to their acurracy?" Ragnar thought while smiling.
Ragnar took his blade out of the dead warrior and saved it in its sheat, along with the other; but when he took his crossbow, an arrow fell right next to his foot.
"Damn! It looks like they are improving... I'll have to cover myself the ol' school way"
Ragnar started to carry the dead Elf on his back, and walked towards the rock.
"What are you doing!?!?" Alziel asked once Ragnar was hidden again.
"It's a good way to cover. Look" Ragnar answered, while showing Alziel the swordman's back.
The Elf's back was covered in arrows, originally meant for Ragnar.
-
Alziel smiled and nodded. It was good to see that Ragnar, even in such a dire situation as this, still had his sense of humour.
He sighed and sank back against the rock. He was running short of arrows; if they survived this battle, he'd have to liberate some from the archers.
He turned to Liara. She sat turning the fragment of fruit from Ragnar in her fingers of one, staring at it, while with her other hand she tried futilely to stop the blood flow with the rag. It didn't seem to be working; and since she didn't have her magic completely restored yet, she wouldn't be able to heal herself. For once, Alziel didn't have any ideas. If he could bind it, certainly it might help, but he wasn't sure...
There was a battle cry from Anyan's direction out of Alziel's view, and the sound of clattering steel. Ragnar rolled his eyes and charged away out of sight, leaving Alziel with Liara behind the rock.
"I'm sorry", she said weakly. Alziel frowned. "If it wasn't for me being here getting in your way, you'd be... fine...". She trailed off, winced, and held her shoulder more tightly. Alziel leaned across and put a hand on her shoulder, to help her to keep the pressure on it, and he felt that she was becoming cold.
He wondered if she could walk any reasonable distance. The camp was only a hundred yards or so away, and the gap in the wall wouldn't let more than one enemy in at a time. They could shelter in one of the huts while Alziel attempted to treat Liara.
Certainly, he'd treated wounds like this before. Once he'd been gored by a boar while hunting with Leyland, and he'd had to bind it, and it had come out fine. But this was different, Liara was more delicate. That was if they could even get to the encampment on time without being cut down.
Still, it was worth a try. He shouldered his bow, and stood up as tall as he could without being aimed at. He looked down to Liara, and without having to ask, she knew what he was planning. She started to stand up, but he knelt and supported her until they were both relatively ready.
"I don't know", she sighed, "If I can... do this...".
"I'm with you", he reassured her softly. He turned to see Monty aiming a knife through the hole in the wall. "Monty", he called, "We'll need some help, don't let them get a decent shot at us". Monty nodded.
With a collective deep breath, the two of them set off over the chaotic battlefield.
-
Liara had seen doubt in Alziels eyes when he picked her up- doubt that the pair would make it to the wall- but the truth is that the moment he picked her up, she felt safe. Monty was providing exceptionally good cover- and Alziel wouldn't have dropped her, she knew, even had he been struck by an arrow.
Not that she was going to let that happen.She noted that Alziel had picked her up awkwardly as he hadn't wanted to aggrevate her wound or harm her thin wings- she couldn't help but smile at his thoughtfulness even now- but more importantly, she was held in his arms in such a way that she could look back past him to the archers. The ones that weren't under atack by Alziel, Ragnar or the one with dark energy were lining up their shots, only to be struck down by Monty, but there were still arrows leaving the powerful bows. She knew that if she saw an arrow on course, she might have enough energy and fast enough reactions to ward it away in time...
And then, completely to her surprise, she felt a small ripple of discomfort in her subconsious, just powerful enough to notice. Liara knew immediately that something that could harness magic had entered the battlefield. Something hostile.
There was another sprite nearby.
-
Ragnar heard Anyan screaming, and hurried put of the rock.
The battle was continuing, but luckily there were no more enemies in sight.
Ragnar took cover, by kneeling down, and loaded his crossbow.
Shot after shot, Ragnar tried to take out enemy leaders, to disorganize them.
However, the elven enemy.........
"What could this warriors have to do with the winged creatures?"
Ragnar thought.
"Elves normally use Magic... Could this warriors be helped by such a force?"
Ragnar went back behind the rock, and saw Alziel taking Liara to the camp.
"Well done!!" Ragnar yelled. "Alziel!!! I'll cover you from here!!"
Then Ragnar took cover, in a specific part of the rock that was out of the enemy's line of fire, as well as Monty's.
Ragnar kept reloading and shooting.
-
"They just keep coming!" screamed Anyan, as he killed another warrior.
"We must withdraw Saine! Let us meet the others!"
Saine nodded back to Anyan, and both men started to run towards Alziel. Anyan detected a horde of warriors coming form a hill, screaming and charging.
Suddenly, he started to run fast. But his wounds had started to bother... Anyan realized that eh ahd not taken care of the scratches and he was loosing blood. He didn't care, he just kep running.
He saw Alziel, and screamed: "Run awa...!!!" and suddenly, a huge ball of fire fell beside him, making an explosion and throwing him several feet away. It didn't hit him hard, but it still surprised him. After picking up the Viper, he searched for his attacker...
He saw the shadow of a sprite behind the dust...
"Liara...?" he said. He ahd mistaken the enemy with Liara.
A thunder came from the sprite's hands, hitting Anyan hard and throwing him against the floor again...
"They must be fed..." said the sprite, as she started to walk towards Anyan. The young man stood no his feet and charged, as if he wss possesed, but the sprite threw him away by just opening her right hand and waving ittowards the right.
"You... are a fine psychic..." muttered Anyan. The enemy sprite started to get close to him. After she was close to him, their eyes met.
The sprite stared to Anyan's eyes. Her eyes were completly white, as if she was dead.
Suddenly, she smiled: "Red eyes...? The sign of a Resurrector... A high price to pay for a high treasure to obtain, right?" she said.
Anyan opened his eyes wide... how did she know that...? He didn't realized that he was paralized against a wall and the sprite had staretd to cast a thunder, which was tarting to come out of her hand...
-
When the sprite was blown off of her feet by a sudden intense gust of wind. She cursed, her blood red hair falling menacingly over her eyes as she shot a glance to her attacker, the sprite dissapearing into the fort, carried by a man. The seconds she had lost would pay a heavy price. Anyan had broken free of her telekinetic hold and was rushing towards her. She took to the skies , her black wings spreading either side of her like a bat's.
"You shouldn't have come, resurrector" she spat, twisting the now heavy rain into daggers of hail. Anyan prepared to dodge the spell and attack.
"Brat!"
The yell belonged to Ragnar. He was shooting from behind a rock near the wall entrance.
"Brat, get over here! We have your back!"
-
As Anyan retreated to the ruined fort, Ragnar looked at the situation.
Saine didn't seem to have any problems, and the charging enemies were away.
The only one who seemed to have a troubled position was Anyan.
Ragnar reloaded his crossbow, pointed towards the sprite, and waited.
"She has Telechinesis and can stop my shot, but only if she see it coming!" Ragnar thought
Shooting girls in the back wasn't normaly like Ragnar at all, but that was a desperate situation.
The sprite hadn't even seen Ragnar, who shot when the time was right.
The bolt hit the enemy fairie right under the left wing, in the middle of the back.
A horrible "crack" sound was heard, and the fairie fell to the ground yelling.
She fell about 40 meters away from our heroes.
"Yes! A direct shot! that sound... Her back must be broken!" Ragnar thought.
But he had not expected what came later.
In her last seconds, the fairie scramed and cast several spells.
Thunders, strange light rays and a scary green fog appeared in the place where she fell. Luckily, the enemies who wee going through there didn't seem to like the effect.
Ragnar started to retreat to the fort, knowing that he had been seen.
Suddenly, a fireball came out of the fog, and blew up against the rock that Ragnar had used as a hiding spot.
The rock blew up, throwing small stones around.
"Puf! Lucky me... I got outta that rock in the right ti..." Ragnar thougt, right before a rock hit him in the head.
Ragnar fell to the ground unconcious.
-
Saine looked around quickly. Archers still continued to fire at Alziel, until he finally made it to the wall with Liara on his back. Monty was continuing his cycle of throw-and-receive. Anyan was heading along the wall back to the hole, where the group could make their escape. And the old man..... was lying by a small crater.
Saine heard more enemies approaching, reinforcements for the battle. For the moment, he was safe, unless the dark elf had survived Ragnar's bolt.
The Manifest was really starting to leech away at Saine's stamina, so he pulled the claw/gauntlet off, but not without difficulty. The weapon was almost an entity itself, trying to adhere to the wielder and absorb their life force. It slid off, and Saine viewed his hand. It was a slight shade of purple, and a bit swollen from the constricted blood flow. However, he was breathing easier already, and his heart was starting to slow.
Saine then rushed over to Ragnar, trying to stay out of sight of the archers. "Hey, Ragnar," he said as he shook the old man's shoulder. "Ragnar, wake up!" He shook harder, but the old man did not stir. Saine checked his pulse; he was still alive.
He looked back up the hill to see the first of the reinforcements coming over the crest. "Damnit..." he muttered. He took Ragnar, hefted him bodily over his shoulder, and vanished.
He appeared next to the others on the outside of the wall. Alziel turned in surprise, his bow ready to fire. Upon seeing it was Saine, he lowered his bow, but the surprise remained affixed to his face.
"That first explosion..." he said quietly.
"Yes."
"That means....?"
"Later." Saine lowered Ragnar to the ground, exhaling heavily as he did so. The battle had taken its toll, and he was almost exhausted. Despite his rescue of the elder man, the others still looked at Saine as though they were seeing something strange and slightly frightening for the first time.
Saine felt like an outsider at that moment. They all knew, or thought they knew, his true nature now. They would see him as an evil now, dangerous. Perhaps too dangerous to travel with. But that was not the case, and he had to convince them of that, later.
"Look, we have to get out of here if we want to survive. How about we worry about that first?" Saine asked indignantly. Still, he could see there was no trust for him at the moment.
-
Anyan ran through the hole, to meet up with his companions. He catched Saine speaking, and he agreed.
"We should do that, Sain is right. We mustn't think about trusting or not trusting, we must take care of ourselves while we can... Let us get moving!" he said.
Everyone nodded... but where would they be heading?
The mountain, perhaps...
There were caves there and they seemed safe... but yet dark.
Would they be deep? Anyan didn't know...
Still he said: "We should head for the mountain through another way..." he was worriedm still... And he would have to confess what a Resurrector was...
-
The rain pattered against the dark sprite's pale face, dirt churning to mud around the startingly beautiful features. She opened her expressionless eyes and her hand clenched into a fist.
-
"Well said, brat!!"
Everyone turned, and saw Ragnar, who had sitted after waking up.
"Are you okay?!" Liara asked.
"Aye. Don't worry, my head is hurting a little bit, but no worse than when I have one or two cups over my usual" Ragnar said, trying to smile. none of the group laughed.
He seemed in pain, though.
However, the wound wasn't bad, and it was going to heal without any more trouble.
Ragnar stood up. It took him two seconds to focus again, since he was still a bit dizzy. But then he walked as usual, and got out of the camp.
"Where are you going?!?!" Anyan asked.
"Don't worry." Ragnar answered. He went about two meters away from the hole in the wall, and came back bringing a ragged piece of cloth.
"It's my hat. Do you think I'm going to go around showing ya all my bald head?" Ragnar asked.
Then, he started to fix the ragged hat, leaving the job of choosing the way to Alziel and the others.
While Ragnar fxed the hat, he remembered Shell's frog.
"Hey, little one, are you?"
The frog croaked, inside Ragnar's pocket. Ragnar smiled, seeing that the frog was fine.
"Well, at least we got out of this one, huh?"
The look of the frog said: "Barely".
Ragnar started thinking, as he fixed the ruined hat..... About the misterious enemies, about Saine's strange poweres (Which had really impressed the old man. Ragnar wanted to have Saine as a friend more than ever), and about his mission.
"Prince.... I will have to tell them soon" Ragnar muttered.
-
Now that she was resting, Liara's wound had begun to stop bleeding. Alziel had bound it well, but she was still weak. And the appearence of that sprite had shaken her.
But for now she had other questions.
"Saine..." she said, softly from where she was lying. "that was you? I felt terrible energies coming from you... What happened out there?"
-
Saine heard Liara's question and walked over to her. He knelt down beside her and looked her straight in the eye.
"Do you want a simple answer or an elaborate one?" he asked quietly, but not unpleasantly.
"Well.... the truth would be my first choice..." Liara answered.
"Alright." Saine sat the rest of the way down beside her, and sighed. He was still shaking slightly from the draining battle they had just come from. "First, I want you to know that despite my... skills, I am still the same man you had been talking to earlier today. The only that has changed is that you now know one more thing about me."
Liara nodded, but said nothing. Saine continued. "Yes, those energies you felt were mine, and yes, they are dark powers. But they were given to me by default, not by my choice...." Saine went on to explain about his father's Incubi heritage, how his mother had been raped by him, and why he was now here in the Western lands.
"...so, I inherited them from my father's blood, and learned to wield and control them over time. They may be less acceptable means of magic than yours, but I do not use them out of malice. Unfortunately for this time, there were no other options left." The whole time Saine was speaking, Liara did not interrupt or show concern or fright. She listened quietly, accepting Saine's explanation without question. Saine felt relief at this, and silently thanked her for allowing him to confide in her.
Alziel's voice came loud and clear to the group. "We've had a few minutes' rest, but it's time for us to leave."
"Can you walk?" Saine asked Liara.
"I think so."
"Well, how about you take it easy for a while, alright? I'll carry your things until you're doing better. Now, come on." Saine helped Liara to steady herself against the wall, then bent down and took up her things with his.
-
Anyan heard Saine's explanation with attention, remaining quiet. He wasn't the only one with his business in the West. He ahd already found his father, and his note was a proof against the King...
That would prove the complot against his family... but yet, the King had to die by his hand...
"Shall we go, then...?" said Anyan. "The enemy will certainly be pursuing us now... we must be quick."
He decided to silence his position now. How would that sprite know that he was a Resurrector...?
-
OOC: Sorry again. Much work, little time.
BIC:
Alziel stood and stretched. Certainly, they had stayed long enough for everyone to feel slightly rested and more able to go about walking back on the path towards the mountain, but the battle had taken a lot out of the lot of them; especially, Alziel noticed, Saine.
But then, there was a lot of tension in the air. People seemed to have plenty of secrets. He had heard the majority of Saine's speech, putting his eavesdropping abilities to use again, and everything had become strange; in some capacity, it made a lot of sense, and no sense at all at the same time.
Still, there were other things to think about. He picked up a handful of arrows which were scattered about, dropped them into his quiver, and waited for everyone else to be ready to leave.
He tried hard to disguise the pangs of jealously and mistrust he felt as he watched Saine escort Liara back outside.
-
Nobody had seen Monty Since shortly before the battle had began.
In this new land full of paranoia and distraction, Monty was liberal with his attempts to stray from the group to scout.
But This time Monty had not returned.
***********************************
Some 200 Yeards away from the main battle, in the wake, Monty Lay severly wounded.
One of the Winged Demons had Grabbed him within his talons, presumable either to take him away, or drop him from a height.
In the Struggle of liftoff, Monty had managed to plunge a dagger into the Underbelly of the creature, bringing Monty and the Demon fluttering intertwined to the ground.
Monty lay on the ground with his collarbone crushes from the grip of the talons. When he regained conciousness after the fall, Monty had little strength...but enough to painfully lift his head enough to see that the demon had pulled itself away a short distance, and died.
There monty lay.
"Surely My time is nigh.....this trip.....in vain....."
Monty, however, knew it would be hours, if not days before he succumbed to this pain...he could not scream, as his cest was too badly wounded. He could not move, as his collar was broken...
The grass he lay in was long....
And it did not take long for vermin to find him....Monty feared he would be eaten alive by the rats...
And soon enough, a lone buzzard circled above him.
"Liara....I dont think even her Magic can save me....Im going to die here. It would take More than one sprite and a hell of a lot of food and rest to overcome this wound."
Monty Layed motionless, chest erratically heaving, waiting for either a long death, or a mercifull swipe to the neck.
Hope was now lost to him.
OOC: Ive been falling behind. Unmotivated.
Im Either killing off monty (And working in a new character if possible) or giving myself an opportunity to develop....Injury...Neardeath....
Im grasping.....
-
"Thankyou" Liara said quietly to Saine. She alone perhaps knew the drain that his attack had had upon him. The drain of magical strength as well as physical endurance. He was shrugging this off to help her. Normally she might have seeked out Alziel who would have treated her similarly, but at that moment she was too tired to choose her knight. Too tired to even notice that yet another member of the group was missing...
-
Anyan stared towards the group. Everyone seemed a bit dissapointed... and Monty wasn't there.
His dreams and his unfulfilled seek for revenge was teh only thing that kept Anyan standing up. He was a man who lacked of true words... but he had to cheer them up.
Ragnar was still cheerful (he could not change that, luckily), but Alziel and Saine kept feeling jealous with each other (that was obvious, anyone could see it), and Liara was feeling weaker, not only in a phisical, yet a mental way. Besides, Monty was missing, possibly dead...
How would they cross a mountain with that spirits...?
"I have to do something... darn!" he thought. Although it didn't seem like that, he hated giving big speeches.
"People, I know... everyone is enduring a huge sacrifice here... But are we really suppossed to die here...? I don't know about you people, but, no matter how many of us die here I will stand. I don't know if you will... but you must. You accepted this challenge... this challenge to come to the unknown in order to get a prize... something that you need. Perhaps for someone, perhaps not. But don't give up to that people! We all seek for a personal prize... but in order to reach that goal, we must work together! To do that, we will have to stand up, and fight with our souls. And if we get wounded, we keep fighting! No one will take our dreams and our future away. We owe ourselves that!"
Anyan felt something inside him... like a burning fire coming out of himself, as he spoke those words.
He stood before his silent companions, as he took the Viper out of it's sheath:
"This sword..." he said: "... is my only family legacy. It is my only true reminder of my father's memory, besides his body, which I had to bury some hours ago... for his emmory, I will live as long as I can. I shall promise here to get myself alive out of here, along with all of you. And I swear to stay true to that promise. Will you people promise with me...?"
Anyan waited for the others to reply.
-
Ragnar was feeling bad.
"So, now Monty is missing" Ragnar thought. "If he dies, it will be my fault."
The frog looked at him, and said "Cheer up"
Ragnar almost jumped out of his seat "You can TALK?!?!"
The frog looked at Ragnar and blinked an eye, but it didn't say anything more.
Ragnar recovered his cold blood. He knew that the frog had spoken. That could mean many things "Including insanity" Ragnar thought.
"Who are you?" Ragnar asked in a very low voice.
"you'll find out soon" the frog answered.
Ragnar tried to keep talking, but the frog didn't say anything more.
The frog looked at Ragnar in a particular way, and Ragnar realized he had to stop asking.
Ragnar turned to Liara and asked: "Hey, I don't want to sound strange.... but have you ever seen a talking animal?"
-
(OOC: Hey um....If monty ends up dying, can i introduce a new character? Im posting her as opposed to a PM to see if anyone else minds, aside than our great RP host here......)
-
(I doubt Stu would mind. You're a great addition to this rp, it'd be a shame for you to stop.)
Liara looked at Ragnar intently. She could barely walk and had lost a lot of blood... The skies were foreboding and there was little hope for the group. No-one's spirits were high, one more person was missing... Her head was swimming. And Ragnar had asked the question with utter sencerity.
She couldn't help herself. She began to laugh, and then she was crying. And she couldn't stop. Saine looked at her mystified and suddenly the whole group was standing, watching the sprite bawl, kneeling in the recently churned mud. She shed silver tears until she had spent the rest of her meager energy and then hung her head, turning from Alziel's pitying gaze.
"I shouldn't have come" she sighed. "We're all going to die out here."
-
Monty looked up, and watched the buzzards circle overhead against the pale, pasty, grey skies. He felt the nibbling on his leather gloves grow in intensity to a gnawing, and the as the tiny yellow teeth broke through the gloves, pain had finished registering with Monty. His body felt warm, and cold at the same time. but the pain was not registering any longer.
Monty could tell that in this state, He had about an Hour left.
He could hear in the distance the faint sound of sobbing.
One vulture turned to two. And after two, another, and another. And then the cawing of crows. Then, a giant towering eclipse of the pale grey skies fell before his eyes. It Swaydyes, and in the breezes Monty could tell that it was not a giant but a humanid creature riding a steed of some sort.
In the silhouette, monty could tell that the figure was now dismounting.....
A voice, as if to be miles away, coming to him in reverse echo danced into his ears. It was a strong voice, but a feminine one, and as the dark tower leaned in close to his he smelled the scent of sandalwood.....
"A fool to come to these lands.....Had you the strength to return to your allies, Id send warning with you...."
Monty could hear the faceless silhouette fumbling with a hilt
"But stranger....brave.....foolish, whathave-y'e.....I Shant allow you to suffer your last minutes without honor... with vermin feasting on your last nerves...."
Monty Could hear a murrmered prayer to a God he knows not of, and made peace with his own maker....Thankfull to know that his end would come....
The image of the obstructed pale skies subsided and soon, Monty could feel none at all, but for the blue skies of his youth.
-
OCC: (I agree with Moose, you've been doing quite great gemini =D)
BIC:
"We will not die here!" said Anyan to Liara.
He seemed mad, but he wasn't. He was sad and gfelt sorry for the sprite.
"I agree at a certain point that we shouldn't have come, but as I sad before, we had our reasons, we took the risk and now it is too late to just run away, Liara!"
Anyan wasn't good at cheering too much, but he was hoping to make Liara understand the situation: they could, either try to keep going, go back and try to return safety, or die at the foot of the mountain...
"I have knightly blood running inside me... I cannot let myself die sitting, instead of sying as a brave man... I do not have a deathwish, both you and I know why am I living..."
After saying that, Anyan swallowed saliva, and closed his eyes.
"I pity... that mine is a life for revenge. Still I wish to live, I sense I have a purpose... besides I cannot allow myself to die, until I carry out my true duties as a man. As a knight. You are a very skilled wizard Liara, you mustn't allow yourself to fall like this...!"
Feeling possesed by his words, Anyan couldn't help himself from letting a few tears to come out of his eyes. Liara didn't seem to cheer up, and the party was stopped. It was obvious that Liara was a member who had gained respect and love from the others, from her kindness.
Time was running out, and the party had to leave before it was too dark, to seek refuge...
"You have reached all of us Liara..." said Anyan. He detected Saine's and Alziel's looks upon him.
He knew about their feelings about the sprite, but he wouldn't mind at that time.
"You made me possible to remember someone I loved. You even saved my life from certain death a few days ago, knowing why do I live for. That fruit, I never forgot about that. And you have done great things for all of us... I guess that we are thankful. At least I am. And I will not allow you to die here. My sword will be your guardian, I assure you..." Anyan hoped that his words could wake up a slight hope in Liara...
-
OOC:
I guess Il introduce my new d00d then....And hop Dragonium is kosher with it
Name: Abell
GENDER: Female
Race: A Half Demon/Elven
Age : Young looking. Seems to be about 21
Class: Ranger
Appearance
GENERAL:
Abell Has an athletic frame. Her features are delicate in some respects, and rugged in many others. Her skin is A deep tan brown, Eyes yellow, And hair White, Short, and erratic.... Often wears Face paint as camoflauge
She stands just shy of six foot....A result of her Demonic Lineage
Her garb is Dark green and brown, and she wears a thick hand woven robe...Her Short hair often held back with a headband
Two small stub of horns protrude from her hairline, obviously regularily filed down
MISC:
Abell rides a horse like animal, that appears to be a cross bree of an ostrich and some sort of Reptile...Not No much a load bearing creature as a means of Travel.
HISTORY:
Abell is a 'native' of the western lands, but a outcast of scoiety. She was abandoned as a child and was cared for by a hermit ranger who was "raised by wilderness"
Aside from this Abell does not divulge information about her past unles it is necessary.
Abell, allthough eloquent in her speech, often seems uncomortable, or frustrated expressing certain sentiments....She speaks primarily the native tounge to the west...(Foreign to the party) but also knows a rudimentary form of the eastern lands common tounges
As well as a handfull of others, as a result of a small library her hermit Tutor kept in thier possesion.
But speech with people of the East is strained and difficult for her
-
OOC: That's great Gemini. You're an exceptional RPer. Anything's fine by me as long as it's not a complete change of direction for the RP. If ever I'm not here for any reason then you're all okay without me. But anyway, I'm going to do my best to get off my arse and post more regularly. :D
BIC:
Alziel could feel the unease within the group. There were disagreements. There were mumbles and hushed conversation. Night was drawing near, and now that they were away from the coast and had come inland, they had almost certainly been spotted.
Even now, he could feel eyes watching him. They were being tracked. At least from afar.
He had known since they landed, but had said nothing. He had come to grow used to being watched from his time in the forest with the other Wood Hawks; there was always a fox looking out for its prey, a bird of prey circling in the air. It was a feeling one grew used to.
But now, this was different. The group would move soon, and night was coming. Leyland's joke about a walking buffet came back to him, but it was no longer funny.
It was then that he saw something a distance away, a crumpled blackness lying on the grass. He strode off silently to investigate. As he drew nearer, it was plain what it was; there was a tangle of leather, the shine of claws. It was one of the winged things which had attacked them earlier, and it seemed to have been dead for a while.
He called to Anyan, who came over, as well as Ragnar, Saine and Liara who followed behind. Anyan took one look at it, and nodded.
"It's one of those things. It's probably one that we didn't manage to kill when they attacked us earlier. It must have finally died of its wounds". He seemed confident of this, Alziel decided. He hated correcting people, but now it was necessary.
"No", he said simply, gesturing to the mangled carcass. "It has no visible blade or arrow wounds".
He looked at the dead thing, and decided to say what worryied him, ever since they had arrived.
"It looks almost as though it's been... eaten. Something killed it and tried to eat it, but it must have either been distracted, or eaten its fill, and left". He looked around the assembled people. Anyan and Ragnar looked on with the same stern, thoughtful expression; Saine was frowning; Liara only weak, tired, quiet.
"Alziel, what does this mean?", Saine asked finally. Alziel decided to give a straight answer for once. "It means that these winged things are not the top predator around here. I, personally, doubt that they're even close to the top of the food chain. We've been fortunate that nothing more deadly has shown its face yet, but even so, we should move with caution". He shouldered his bow. "Come. We should leave and get closer to the mountain. We'll be safer camping in the foothills of the mountain than out on the plains".
He walked to where Liara stood and leaned over close to her ear. "I'll stay with you tonight", he said quietly. "You need to be looked after. I won't go running away from you, no matter what happens. I promise".
The group slowly began to move, Alziel and Liara at the front of it. Alziel tried to think properly, but something about the presence of Liara, more vulnerable and in need of protection than ever, clouded his thought.
-
Abell had been tracking the group of foreigners from afar. Elven Ears were keen, but Demonic ears were almost moreso...
Some words Abell could understand...Key nouns and verbs...but much of the syntax was foreign. She had studied the Foreign Common tounge only from a book And as such Had to listen closely to ensure that the time was right to make an approach.
In the distance, Abell watched the group poke at the carcass of one of the great winged beasts she had come to call "Kh'ala-ad" or translated into the foreigners tounge "The Soaring Death".
She had watched swarms of the devor entire herds of large game, but she herself walked unharmed, on account of her Demon blood.
Allthough she was never attacked, she did by no means consider them an ally. She had never provoked them either...Her presence would bring the newcomers no more security then her absence.
What troubled her more was the words she understood from what seemed to be their leader. "Eaten"
The Only Beast capable of bringing down these beast were the Great Illithyd Plains beasts.
Posessing great psionic abilities, they simply fragment a creatures mind into a waking paralysis and devour them while still living...they are scarcely found, but evidence of one present is surely cause for alarm....
Now, without a doubt, Abell knew she would have to Arrange a confrontation with the group.
"For me to approach them could be foolish. I Would be wise to lure them to me..............."
She proceeded to light a small campfire and make ease, in hopes of being approached
-
Liara suddenely felt a lurch of her stomach that wasn't hunger. She grabbed Alziel's arm.
"Alziel, we're not alone."
-
"Indeed we're not alone..." muttered Anyan. He ahd seen a little fire rise from nowhere, so he worried a little bit. Could the enemy be following them...?
"Alziel, we should check that out..." said Anyan, pointing towards the campfire. He drew the Viper, and he watched over to seek for Ragnar. They'd need his bolts... And Saine was a good hand to hand fighter...
"Let me and Saine make a forntal approach, we can handle good in a hand to hand combat..." said Anyan. His habitual coldness was back, after some time.
"Alziel, you and Ragnar shoot the enemy form behind, and Liara should try to launch a bit of her magic... though we will see if it's a hostile being before..." said Anyan.
Although the West had welcomed them quite rudely, theer could be someone who wasn't hostile.
"Could it be Monty...?" thought Anyan.
-
OOC: Ok, that was dumb. Fixed
BIC:
"Why light a fire? The weather here is hot, and we are in a dangerous place. only a fool would light fire to be discovered"
Ragnar said.
In that moment, a thought hit Ragnar suddenly "What if they WANT to be discovered?"
Ragnar faced the group, that was getting ready to move forward, and said:
"Wait, it could be a trap. If we walk straight in it, we'll probably won't tell the story." Ragnar looked at Alziel "Only people with good hiding abylities could aproach the fire without being spotted. Let me go"
Alziel didn't want to split the group in the middle of the night, since he didn't want to leave Liara.
"Don't worry. I can go and come back quickly. I promise I'll stay alive... I have a mission to acomplish"
Anyan looked at Ragnar "A mission...?"
"Later, brat!" Ragnar answered. "Wait here and take cover!"
Ragnar started to close to the fire. Normal humans would be blinded for objects out of the fire's light, but Ragnar knew he wasn't dealing with regular humans. Ragnar stayed away from the fire, and saw a single person.
It had human/elven form, though something was odd. Ragnar couldn't tell if it was a man nor woman, due to the distance.
But he was able to see it was alone.
"Only one?.... this MUST be a trap" Ragnar thought.
Ragnar moved around the fire, watching from the distance, looking for enemies hidden in darkness, close to the fire.
He was surprised, since he hadn't found anything.
Ragnar was preparing to move deeper into the fire, when he heard the camper talk with a very feminine voice. That didn't surprise Ragnar. What did surprise him was the fact that it was talking to him.
"Stranger... Shak'tal....." She called, stopped for a second, and seemed to remember "Finished looking for traps? It's safe, come here"
The woman talked slowly, as if she was talking in a foreign language. "She must be a native" Ragnar thought.
Since he had been spotted, there was no more point in hiding.
Ragnar could go back for help, or close and talk to the stranger.
He took the second option.
Taking his crossbow, he closed and sat close to the elvenish woman and said "Well, hello. I'm Ragnar the Dangerous" Ragnar blinked an eye and smiled. The woman didn't seem to care. "Could you tell me who are you and why did you want me to find you?"
-
Abell Kept as calm as she could, but was in fact quite excited over the idea of meeting one from a land as fabled as the east...
"My name..."
Abell paused as if to search her mind for the words "Abell"
"I am not alone. I have.....riding animal.... in forest.....eating...."
Abell took out of her boot one of Montys daggers she had removed from the carcass and handed it to Rangar gingerly.....
"Was this man friend of yours?"
-
(Meanwhile...)
Anyan decided to stay put and calm. Ragnar wouldn't take long to come back to the group, he was too experienced to die like a fool...
So, he decided to focus in something else... the dead creature... It seemed as if it was eaten, Alziel was right. So that meant that there was something else roaming at those lands...
Something else worried him, something he had noticed in the last battle.
The eyes of the human fighters and the sprite that attacked him... they were plain white, as if they were dead.
Besides, the sprite, the dark sprite, she knew of his deepest secret... she knew he was a Resurrector...
"When things are more calm, I'll explain to them..." thought Anyan, as he rested.
-
Saine watched quietly. His mind was split in a dozen different directions at the moment.... The fire, the beast, Liara, the level of trust the group had for him...
Saine felt his heart jump slightly in surprise as he saw Raganar's shape become a silhouette against the fire in the distance. Either he had just been forced into a trap, or the other figure in the ring of light was not a foe. Certainly not an ally yet, Saine thought darkly.
He sidled over to Alziel and Liara quietly. Anyan kept his gaze fixed on Ragnar; it was obvious at that point that the two men had some connection to each other.
"I've been to some very strange and dangerous places, but these lands... I think we may need to adapt, if we wish to survive."
Alziel nodded. They conversed in low voices the next few minutes, half their attention in the conversation and the other half on Ragnar.
-
Rangar Gestured a nod of approval only slightly masking an inquisitive eye at the prospect of Monty's existance
"...I have seen you all....he travel with you...."
An uncomfortable silence deafened even the crackling fire
" He left.... Very.... honorable...to kill a Kh'ala-ad takes much....skill"
Rangar gave her a puzzled look....And pursed his lips to try and mimic the word Abell had just uttered
"The winged demons here... they are Kh'ala-ad. That is their name.
And reason for me following you. You all are lost. And you all are prey for Kh'ala-ad...If prey for Kh'ala-ad wanders here, the Kh'ala-ad......" Abelle paused as if trying to remember an appropriate word "Hive......." Abelle stil wasn't sure if it was the proper word but continued none the less "The hive wake up....And more come....and then the Illithyd will return"
Abell had begun raising her tone, and abruptly sped off into a language far from Rangars knowledge....
After remembering that she was no longer speaking in a familiar tounge to the Man, she, in frustration itereated "Your friend all watching us. They think I see them not. They safe at this fire. I burn Special Wood and Kh'ala-ad stay away....tell them to come"
-
Ragnar felt worried. He had understood Abell's speech, and what he had understood had proven his worst presumptions.
First, Monty was dead (Either by her or a Kh'ala'had (for Ragnar "Kalahad")).
Second, there was something far worst than those creatures going around, and the adventurers were atracting them somehow.
Ragnar watched Abell as she told him to go look for his group.
Could she be trusted?
"Well... I could trust her and tell my mates to come to this camp..... Or I could go away." Ragnar thought "But the creatures will probably hunt us and destroy us during the night. I guess I'll have to trust her"
"Ok, I'll tell them to come. I'll just ask you to stay in sight, at least for a while. i don't mean to be rude, but we've had some problems, it's would be foolish to trust completely a stranger on the first meet."
Abell nodded. She seemed to understand the meaning of Ragnar's words, rather than the words themselves.
Ragnar quickly returned to the group and said
"It's only one, an elvenish woman called Abell. Listen, she is burning some strange wood that seems to keep the Winged creatures away. I've looked around the camp, there is no one hiding." Ragnar stop to take a small breath, and continued "She wants to have a few words with us, and I think we should trust her for a while. We could really use her help, after all she knows this lands. You decide what to do, I'll follow you."
Everyone in the group looked at Ragnar... doubting.
A decission had to be made
-
Liara stood up gingerly, disturbing Alziel's arm which had been around her, although neither of them had noticed, and felt the cool night breeze toutch her face. The sky was a beautiful one tonight, she decided, and it had taken away some of the fear that had gripped her during the day. Her wound had stopped bleeding and she was able to spare some magical energy to heal it.
"We haven't got a plan and we're going no-where" she said. "I want to trust her."
-
Alziel sighed. Liara seemed sure about this, and he had become confident by now that what she was sure of was the better path. But the arrival of this woman seemed to be too convenient, too sudden after the attack and the by-now-obvious loss of Monty...
They were out of earshot from this woman. Alziel spoke.
"I don't know", he said finally. "She doesn't look trustworthy. Look at her, she's too... shifty. You must all be able to tell she's hiding something from us".
"She has knowledge", Saine murmured. "No disrespect to you, Alziel, but if we use this woman we are much less likely to run into trouble".
Alziel looked at Saine, and then to Liara. She was looking at him with a solemn, resigned look, as though what Saine had said summed up what she felt.
Alziel fought for words, and after a moment came to a decision.
"Alright, we'll let her come with us, but on two conditions. Firstly, she tells us exactly - exactly - what she thinks our destination should be, if she knows this place better. After all, this is a contest. We have to get some mapping done eventually. But I think for a while, we should find the safest place we can and set up camp there. This woman, if she's trustworthy, can take us there".
Everyone was silent and thoughtful. Saine raised his head. "And second?"
"And second", Alziel said, "I want her hands tied. If we can trust her, then no harm done, but if not, then I'd rather she wasn't able to demonstrate how much she means to harm us".
He stood silently and waited for a response.
-
"I second that too..." said Anyan.
"She must know the terrain better than us... we can only base ourselves with the eastern knowledge... We've lost people here... the rest of the contestants have gone by their own. Beisdes, Monty is dead, and Shell dissappeared... possibly dead too." he said.
He held the Viper by the hilt and said: "I'll keep my eyes on her..."
-
Liara could see the sense in Alziel's plan, but it had some obvious flaws. On the offchance that this woman wanted to hep them purely out of good will binding her hands was the very worst thing the group could do, turning a willing ally into a captive. But then, Liara was learning that goodwill wasn't generally cause for motivation out in the world. Everyone wanted something.
"What... do you think she wants?"
Everyone turned to Liara again.
"If she says she can protect us then she doesn't want our protection... What else can a group like ours do for her? She obviously wants something.
Alziel pondered this question.
"We should ask her what she wants before we tie her up or anything" reasoned Liara. "I don't want to be taking innocent captives. We're better than that."
-
Anyan rethought what he said. Was it really necessary to tie the unknown elvish woman up?
Maybe, but maybe not, as Liara said, they were better than that...
Still he wasn't sure about to trust her... so he would be extra careful, for once. He would watch over her, with the Viper in hand as well.
"I'll try to talk to her... I'll see what she wants. Worry not, I can take good care of myself..." he said. Anyan walked towards Abell's position, slowly. He didn't know if the others were following him, still he wouldn't care, he wanted to make sure that Abell could be trusted.
He reached Abell's position, letting her see him.
Anyan was a bit shocked on the inside, by the looks of the tall woman, still he was as cold as ever.
He smiled a little bit, as he kept his left hand on the Viper's hilt (the sword was inside it's sheath) and said: "So, you met with my friend Ragnar there... my name is Anyan, and the group is coming along... but first I need some answers..."
Abell stared at him, like studying Anyan and searching for a hostile move. Of course, she noticed his left hand over the sword, but she noticed that he would not draw it for no reason...
"You say you can protect us from those winged things..." said Anyan.
"Kh'ala-ad" said Abell, smiling, and pointing to the sky: "They are very strong... Not too good to face them."
"Tell me about it..." said Anyan with a low voice. He then remembered what was he talking about, and said: "If you can survive those 'Khalad' or whatever how you call them... then why would you need us...?"
-
Liara silently walked up behind Anyan, smiling at Abell and listening to the conversation. Anyan was a fine warrior, but she wasn't sure how well he'd handle diplomacy. He tended to speak with his sword.
-
Abelle smirked in the light of the compfire, and let a slight chuckle out to herself....
"My birth mother was half demon blood. The Kh'ala-ad no attack me unless Abell provoke them. abelle not stupid, Abelle not provoke. The Kh'ala-ad not cannibal....."
Abell blew into a silent whistle hung around her neck, a gesture almost indectable to those around her, and stood up
"But you all are their food. Living or dead, it no matter. Most of rest of you who landed in Waterships are dead at the talon of Kh'ala-ad. But most of them go other direction from you. You, wandered into my home. these feilds....this mountain....
I am......what you call...ranger..... If the Kh'ala-ad are drawn here, then another beast come, to hunt the Kh'ala-ad and anything else with smart brain. That mean Abelle....Kh'ala-ad.....You, if any live long."
A lean, toned beast emerged from the trees near the fire, and stooped low beside abelle, greeting her with a friendly brush of the head.
"I can show you a town...it hidden, but not far. It small town. A hamlet. But there you can buy maps, and provisons...it town of gnomes....but one there, he speak your tounge fluent..."
Abelle could see the mistrust in the eyes of her conservator
"Look, if you no believe me, i will give you directions....but you mst leave overworld. The Kh'ala-ad and the Illithyd.....I must protect these fields, and life inside of it. If you are here, it not safe. I mean you no harm, but if you dont leave, you just bring the plight to a new place. If you underground, the Kh'ala-ad follow you not. I want not your treasures, I want safe. I will take you to the village, Gromland, if you wish....or i will simply point out way to you....but if I point out way, I must follow. and if I follow and you stray, I will not be kind."
-
OOC: Just out of interest Gem, is it Abell or Abelle?
Alziel frowned. It was indeed a difficult decision; Liara was right that this woman - Abell, she called herself, though he was skeptical if what she said about herself was true - should not be needlessly taken captive... But then again, he was sure that this woman could do them some harm if she wanted to.
He thought about what she had said, that most of the other contestants that had gone in other directions had been killed, and he managed to hide the smile that came to him as he thought of Leyland's note. Leyland had done his homework, had obviously asked in town for any rumours regarding the Western Lands, and had calculated the safest path for Alziel to take.
Still, there was business to be done.
He extended his hand and muttered "Alziel" to Abell. She did not take his hand; instead she looked at him strangely before smiling. "Not custom in these lands", she said quietly.
"Just out of interest", Alziel said thoughtfully to Abell, who listened intently, "You speak of these Kalahad things and whatever an Illithyd is, but surely there are more predators in these lands?"
"Oh, yes", Abell replied quickly, nodding profusely as she did so, "But many of them very... what is word in your tongue... scarce? Rare? Many not live around here, this close to sea. Many prefer rocky ground. Mountains have many beasts. Abell has not seen all of them yet".
Alziel nodded. He had gambled back at home, and he could tell when a person was lying. All signs seemed to point to Abell telling the truth.
There was silence as everyone thought. Saine mumbled "gnomes" thoughtfully under his breath, and there was silence again.
After a moment, Abell looked Alziel in the eye and asked him the one question he hoped she would not.
"You trust me, Alziel?".
He recoiled and tried quickly to think of something else to say to change the subject, but Liara nudged his arm and he was cornered.
"Not yet", he said apprehensively. "Nothing personal, but I don't normally trust people I meet right away".
Abell nodded. "I understand. Will you let me come with you?"
Alziel sighed and looked around the group. All eyes were on him. Liara was smiling encouragingly.
"If everyone else agrees, then all right", he said at last. "We have no reason to distrust you, yet". He thought. "But if you wouldn't mind, Abell", he added, "I'd rather you walked at the front of the group. I'd like to keep my eye on you, at least until we get to know each other".
Abell nodded again, and repeated, "I understand".
Alziel sighed in relief and waited for anyone else who wished to speak to say their piece.
-
Anyan smiled a bit and said: "Tch... fine. I'll trust you until you prove me wrong, and I have a good eye for traitors."
Abell stared to Anyan with a look full of respect, but also smiled back.
Anyan wasn't too worried. But he would keep an eye on her.
"And that village... Gromland... is teh people going to welcome us...? Or are they foreign haters or something?"
Although he was used to the sword talk, Anyan's education allowed to speak before killing sometimes.
He waited for Abell's response.
-
OOC: Gem, if you have any complaints if I kinda answer to speed this up a bit, just tell me and I'll edit it.
BIC: ...
"The gnomes are not... outside people. They cannot tell strangers from my people," Abell answered Anyan.
Saine was in a kind of silent awe towards the strange woman, Abell.
He had heard her brief history, of her mother's bloodline... Even before that, though, he could tell she was unique. She had that look in her eyes, a kind of glint caught by the fire, much like the one in his... demon's eyes. To add to his awe, he found her somewhat attractive.
He recovered quickly, though, and could vaguely sense that Abell could see what he was thinking. She glanced at him once, between Alziel's and Anyan's introductions, somewhat knowing. Hmm...
When Abell had finished talking, Saine stepped forward slightly, a motion to show the others, 'My turn to talk.'
"Saine, wanderer of the Northern lands and son of the Western world. A pleasure to meet you, Abell." He bowed slightly as he spoke; he had not used the Court Proper speech in quite some years, but now seemed as good a time as any. He straightened again. "The others talk of trust, how you must earn it. However, trust goes both ways. Thus, I will strive to earn your trust as well. I believe that would be fair." He smiled kindly down at her as he spoke. She smiled back, more out of geniality than anything else.
"I am glad to meet you, Saine," she replied.
-
"Well, you already know my name."
Ragnar said to Abell.
"I'm old, rough and not used to nice words. Though, I agree with Saine. I'll try to show you I can be trusted. Oh, and I have a good eye for traitors too."
Ragnar turned to Anyan and said: "By the way, brat, you gave me a strange look the other day.... What are you up to?"
Anyan looked at Ragnar surprised. When he saw that the old man was joking, he laughed, along with the rest of the group.
After the joke, Ragnar sat down close to the fire, and waited as he watched the rest of the group talk. He felt that Abell could be trusted for the moment, and he felt curious about her.
However, Ragnar had learnt in his life that curiosity had to be satisfied little by little, and that long questionings rarely turned to have good results. Being so, Ragnar decided to ask Abell things about her and the West... when the time was right.
-
Abell, mounted on her beast-steed, whom she had apperantly named Moopo rode slowly on her steed so as to stay within earshot of the group
"You must all forgive my bad....words. My study of your language is from book. When we meet Gromland cheif, he will tell you, in better tounge, the details of this land."
The march went on into the night skies that seemed to merge with the horizon
"This land...the west....and people...."Abell seemed again to be searching for words "Upright beings dont walk the daylight here. Most stay in Underdarks. On account of the Flying Demons...And the Illithyd"
And uncomfortable silence fell on the group and the young sprite choked slightly over the beginning of the question
"Abell, what are....Illithyd? If you dont mind"
"Illithyd are to many a legend here. But some have seen them. They called 'mindflayers' in other tounges. In legend, they Humanid beast. walk upright.....But here.....they not. They walk with body like a bear, but as big as house of Man. And their heads inside of body.....Where neck is, there many tentacles....And they get inside of preys minds....and eat souls. they lick you with mental tounges, and they slowly take over your being, or they make you near dead, and eat you living."
Abell could tell that this conversation was bringing unease to the group, so she decided only to divulge information when asked.
Still weary to speak, Abell informed the group that Gromland was in the mountain looming to the groups 12'o'clock, and that it was an hours trek away.
OOC: Abell. Sorry, I was writing a letter to my sister, whos name is Adelle....cognitive mix-up. Also, When we get to Gromland, If its allright, Id like to Play the Gnome leaders character....nothing pivotal, but its essential to the development of abelles character, if its allright.
-
Mindflayers...?
Anyan soon became interested in the Illithyds.
He soon remembered an old paper, from Delliah's writings and studies from the Temple of the Gods.
"The Illithyds..." would Delliah say to Anyan, while they were looking at those books: "... are horrible beings whom are told to read and control minds, with psychic abilities. They are really ancient creatures, really wise, and they are supossedly extint..."
Anyan then understood something that had been troubling him all along...
The dark sprite's dead-like eyes... those men they had to fight along with the winged creatures... could they be under some mind control...?
The group had walked a long road, and they were reaching the mountain.
Abell was ahead, riding that strange creature which accompanied her. Beside her was Ragnar, perhaps asking stuff about the terrain, always cheerful.
Behid them, Liara, walking slowly and calm, with Alziel beside her. Saine was at the right of them, watching them over. Anyan was on the back, but he would walk to the front and to the back again, searching for hostile signs.
Also, he was thinking about the connection between the Illithyds and the warriors. He would ask Abell later on about that, he wanted to settle down a little bit.
Too many things had happened suddenly.
-
Liara was still thinking of how to speak to Abell. The sprite's confidence arose from her beauty- it sounded shallow to her even as she thought it- but she found it more difficult to interact with women who didn't find her attractive.
Liara lifted her small, sprite crafted boot out of the dirt again and felt her ankle burn. She wasn't accustomed to walking great distances either, although this was something she would never complain about. she knew Alziel had held doubts about her suitability for the contest. She had been enough of a hindrance already.
Eventually, Liara quickened her pace and leveled with Abell's creature. She had to get on friendly terms with the woman if she was going to travel for any period of time with her.
"Are there more people like you here?" she asked, "or just gnomes?"
-
"In this land, there few like me. There Elves....And there Demonic Races....but two rarely mix"
Liara felt akward at the response
"I outcast, but not on bad terms with many here" Abell continued "I am....Trader? Many fear overworld travel here. I run letters and spices and jewels here, twice a year, between Gromland, and 3 other town, All bordering Underdark Caves. It good Pay. Lucrative. But Abell misses having friend with her"
-
Liara felt even more awkward at that last remark, but felt that the woman was expecting her to respond. She was confident that she already knew the answer.
"...what happened to your friend?"
-
"My friend was my Master. A human Man Raised me, and taught me the ways of the land. He was what you call hermit. But also he very powerful Psionic Mage"
Abell turned to meet eyes with Liara
"Illithyds Kill him 3 years ago. His Name Huxley. Huxley was good man."
-
The mountain was in front of the group now, as they had reached their destination while speaking.
Anyan stared to the enormous mountain over and over, and wondered about what Abell had told them before...
"I can show you a town...it hidden, but not far. It small town. A hamlet. But there you can buy maps, and provisons...it town of gnomes....but one there, he speak your tounge fluent..." had Abell said before...
There, Anyan could buy a map. He hadn't forgotten about the task...
How could he pay for a map...? He had no money. Selling the Leddwick's Viper was totally out of discussion for him...
He remembered his little hunting dagger, which he had saved with him.
It was a bit expensive, since it was given to him by his former Master, Broadsword, when Anyan became a Knight...
"It's small but useful. Even though it may not be a really strong weapon, it's metal is really precious, and can be of use sometimes..." said Broadsword at those past days...
Anyan would exchange the dagger for a map... But still he needed to be sure of how rare that metal was.
Suddenly, Anyan heard Liara's and Abell's talk. Abell had lost her Master as well. Anyan soon remembered the fight against the almost invincible Broadsword...
How Anyan was almost beaten, but yet could manage to hurt his former Master, who died posoned by the Viper.
Though Broadsword had become blind of power, and had sold his soul to the King, Anyan still felt sorry for him. And also sad, for having to kill him...
He didn't agree with Broadswrod, but still, respected him as his Master, as a wiseman and as a genious on the battlefield.
He didn't want to enter that conversation, he only stood still and asked Abell...
"So... now which path are we taking? I don't see a cavern right here..."
-
"Before I tell you, There thing you should know.
Your Daggers....Cloaks...even forks and spoons... All made of foreign metal. Let not the Gnomes undersell you. You have treasures to them.
And gnome ruthless barterers.
I will bring you to door, and introduce you to the gate keepers. Then I must tend to beast. I will join with you later, before you decide your path, and then I will leave you. Cheif of Gromland very friendly, but very eccentric."
Abell shuffled in a fold of her cloak, and dropped three glowing throwing daggers, and a handfull of Cutlery from the east. And a wet, matted piece of parchment. All of Montys Provisons that Abell could fit in her cloak.
"Abell find this on another like you. Abell see him travel with you. Abell was going to sell it, but feels bad. You take this, and buy provisons. Medicine."
OOC: I swear, Im nopt trying to dominate the RP. Abell just has alot going on right now.
-
Liara felt a sharp pang of sadness strike her as she realised who's items these had been. Aside form her outburst shortly after his disappearance, she had tried to forget Monty as soon as possible and move away from the battlefield and that terrible fort. But he had been a good man, and had spoken with kindness- on the boat and in the fort battle he had fought to protect her.
Her mind wandered back to a chilly morning aboard a boat, where a drowned rat of a man had been clinging to the side. Then she had laughed a little and helped him up. His eyes... had been so full of untold secrets. Secrets that would now never be told.
"So he really is dead..." she sat down on the ground and stared back at the horizon mournfully. Alziel crouched beside her.
"Could we have saved him?"
-
"He could not live. They Clawed him....He lay in suffer. He killed the Kh'ala-ad that wounded him. And I found him waiting to die. I hastened hisdeparture...
there is more. But Abell dont burden you with it until after you meet gromland cheif.
Abell use psionic on him. Abell see his eyes, and mind. This why Abell help you. Abell explain later"
-
"There was nothing we could do..." said Anyan. He understood Liara's pain and sadness... as he had lost too much in his life. Though, he had learned how to struggle against those losses.
Or so Anyan thought...
"Monty died as a warrior, with honor... truly a pity, it is." he said. Nor he didn't want to speak much.
Though Monty had an unfinished fight with his old friend Ragnar, Anyan had learned to consider Montclair as a friend, and partner in arms.
"He left all of him at that fortress and made it possible for us to survive. I'll remember him with pride." said Anyan.
He caught the eye of Ragnar. Anyan knew that the old man wanted to repair the loss of Monty's horse, but it was not possible...
"If we don't move on, we won't be able to keep going. Monty was a good companion, and I know he wouldn't want us to be like this. Let's go into that town..." said Anyan finally.
He had mourned too many people, yet another one had fallen.
"If I was there... perhaps the Soul Exchange would have worked.. no, it only works under a special circumstance... I would have received 'The Call'..." thought Anyan.
-
Saine evaluated the circumstances as they walked.
The word 'gnomes' rolled over in his mind. Generally speaking, the gnomes and dwarves he had encountered in his travels had been short. If these people lived underground... it could be a bit uncomfortable for humans and taller people. Accomodations may be there, but would there be room for the whole group? How often did different races interact with each other? If they corresponded and mingled regularly, there would surely be at least one place for them to stay comfortably. If they were isolated, their stay may become much more crowded.
Saine watched as Abell handed the late Monty's items to Anyan and said something about selling them. Saine walked toward Anyan slowly and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Excuse me Anyan, but I was wondering if I may have one of Monty's daggers? As a momento." Anyan considered for a moment, then handed Saine one of the daggers.
"If it helps you remember, I suppose," he said. Saine nodded his thanks and examined the dagger, before sliding it into his belt.
Abell dismounted her beast-steed and the group continued again on the path up the mountain. About ten minutes later, they arrived at the crest of a small valley leading down to a massive iron door. Gromland, Saine thought to himself.
-
"Gromlands gate sealed to those who not on business. But I said before, I trade with Gromland. You are Guest with me. I will introduce you to guards, and they will bring you to Gromland." Abell informed
Anyan gave a confused look Abell's way and couldnt help but ask
"Arent we at Gromland?"
"Gromland name of Village. Gromland name of Cheif. Gnome customs......unorthodox"
Abell dismounted and approached the gates. She Gave a loud knock with a fist bearing a large bulky silver ring, that sounded like an arropw deflected from a fortified steel door.
A tiny slot slid open in the door and a pair of Beaty eyes peered out, glistening black in the moonlight.
"Braca burgo brikabrack! Po pappa mikki Brac?"
The voice sounded frustrated and suspicious, not to mention it sounded like those little eyes could not properly see.
"Grompa Lanland. Sikah Brac" Abell calmly retorted. the voice on the other end gave an assessing grunt.
Turning around abell rolled her eyes to the group and let out a sigh.
"Gate keeper here is old. His memory not good. He ask Gromland for entry...we all wait for permisson to enter. Tunnel system here many twists. Maze like. We will wait for a while"
The group seemed anxious. Gnomes in a land as far off as this could be liike nothing they had ever encountered. The society was sure to be different....And quarters out of the ordinary. Abell began to tighten the Saddlery on her Lizard-esque steed.
After a few moments of silence Abell pointed upward to a pillar of white smoke rising up into the air from an unseen crevass. The smokes spire Was freshly lit, as the initial waft still hung low in the air, dispersing.
"They burn Wormwood here. This so that Kh'ala-ad no come near when doors open. We will be granted acess. I will speak to guard again, and run errand. I will return to you Within Hour. By then gromland will have spoke to you."
The group looked uneasy and all seemed to nearly jump when the door gave a loud clank. The bolt unlatched and peered open only a few inches. A voice barked from inside "GRUMPA KRAMP! GRUMPA KRAMP!"
Abell shooed the others inside And gave some switft orders to the doorman in his native tounge. He then, with a quick hand that could only be seen in the fleeting moonlight motioned for them to follow. A dim light shone from within the tunnels which seemed about Five feet in Height. As he Rushed down the tunnerls, His shape could be seen, And he appeared Bald,Shiny and roughly 3 feet tall. The tunnels were warm, and smelled of sweet smoke, and cured meats.
It was not what the group was used to, but it was shelter.
As the group entered, Abell Shouted after the group "Follow him with haste." And with that the door clanked shut, as a releif doorman rushed up the tunnel to take post, rubbing into all of the group as he passed.
-
"So, here we are..." thought Anyan, as he and the rest started to follow the gnomish guard.
The tunnels, with the smoke-like odor were getting bigger and bigger, as some home-like holes could be seen, with lights inside of them.
Soon, they reached a huge estructure...
A 3 meter aproximetly door was before the group, which stood still, as the little gnome guard stood beside it and screamed something in an unknown language that the group didn't understand at all...
Suddenly, the door started to open, and three more guards appeared, weaponed with spears (they looked almost too long for the wearers).
One of the guards gave Alziel and the others the sign of following in, and so they did...
Anyan felt uneasy, and kept staring to his sides, as expecting a trap.
After walking a bit, they reached a large hall, with candles on the wall, as they lit the room, gicing a beautiful sight to the ones witnessing the majestuosity of the room.
One of the guards gave the group another sign with the fingers, telling them to stay put, and so the group did.
"So, we're finally here..." whispered Anyan. "What will this gnome leader want from us...?" Meanwhile, the group had some guards acompanying them.
-
OOC: J_master... Please dont interject on the RP if you arent a member already.
-
OOC: Yeah... besides that's got nothing to do with what is going on with the story... :S
-
OOC: Agreed. J_master, please delete your post.
Also...
Gromland Gatekeeper
brikabrack!
Lol, made me laugh xD. Anyway...
BIC:
"I don't like this", Alziel said quietly so that the gnomes would not hear (Not that it mattered, they wouldn't understand him anyway). He gripped his bow more tightly and looked across to Liara, who was similarly walking with extreme caution. The cavern floor was anything but level, and there were some places where the ceiling would drop down suddenly, and everyone but the gnomes would have to duck.
After a moment the group came to a halt. One of the guards had apparently signalled for them to stop, and had disappeared into an adjoining cavern. The group was strangely silent.
Saine broke the silence. "Maybe it takes time", he said quietly. No-one replied.
Alziel was aware, in the silence, of the sound of talking from a long way away, and though it was quiet, he could hear the sound of furtive speech, by the sound of it from a large group.
"Sounds busy", he commented quietly. "Abell said there was a marketplace here, didn't she?". Liara nodded. "Maybe that ought to be our first destination. After all, we've all but run out of food and water, we'll need some medical supplies if we're going to go any further, we need weapons and ammunition, and we ought to look at the existing maps. Maybe these gnomes already have complete maps. That'd be an easy contest for us all".
Saine interjected. "Abell didn't say that the gnomes had maps of the entire continent. For all we know the maps may only be of this small area. Abell probably hasn't seen the whole continent yet". He finished and signalled that he had said his piece.
"Well", Liara said cheerily, "We should be able to rest and stock up all the same. It'll be fun to get back to comfort".
Alziel had to agree. At that moment, the guard returned around the corner with his face set determinedly and a hastily folded scrap of dusty parchment in his hand.
-
MEANWHILE:
Abell, mounted on her riding beast, covered a large expanse of moonlit terrain in a very short time. Downhill from the Entrance to gromland, Abell could have made this trek with her eyes closed. For the amount of trading Abell had conducted with Gromland, and the lucrative profits she gained, it would likely sting gromland to know that their wares they payed generously for were simply supplied a twenty minute walk from the entrance of their town. Not that it mattered, the gnomes rarely left the towship anyhow, the security of their underdark trading town was the hub of their culture.
The hollowed out oak tree drew ever nearer, at the base of the hill.
The moon lit the expanse of the valley and the wispy clouds that hung in the skies hung pale lit and low.
A cold chill hung in the air, and abell halted. Something was wrong.
At first, it seemed like just bats. But they were bigger. Soon it was apperant that the Kh'ala-ad. At first abell tried to convince herself that all was ordinary. The Easterners were safe in the Gnomes grotto.
But then, in the meadows she could see the Flitting Kh'ala-ad in the distance were travelling in packs. Entire Murders of Kh'ala-ad Flew in formation. And seemed to be doing battle. And then in the light of the nearly full moon, Abell saw it. Her jaw dropped, and she realized that the entire scenario was playing out in her home meadow. A spire of smoke rose, and flittering of orange. Her House was ablaze, she could tell, and instinctually she grabbed the reigns tighter, to embark home and try to ward off the Attacking Kh'ala-ad.
A gutteral growl pierced the night sky. Not a Call of the Kh'ala-ad. Loud, like a battle horn. And then another from another direction. And another. Soon it was apperant that in every direction, there was a murder of Kh'ala-ad, and a matching battlecry. The Call of the
Illithyd.
There sounded to be at least 6 of them. And about 40 Kh'ala-ad battling each one. Wormwood smoke spires rose in the skies, but they were possibly in vain, if the Kh'ala-ad were in controll. Their minds would belong to the Illithyd, and quick-fixes like wormwood would not suffice.
Abell choked back emotion, and turned, forsaking her treasures, and her home to return to gromland to seek shelter. Not many local beasts could strike fear into Abell. Not even the Kh'ala-ad. But this many Illithyd was unheard of. Something was happening.
BACK IN GROMLAND:
Suddenly, from through the underdarks narrow tunnels, a loud knocking reverberated and echoed through the halls. It was slightly Unnerving to the group, but from the sounds of it it was all taken care of. Gnome business.
The guard returned to the group and in horribly broken english, struggled with the words..."Chief Busy. You visit Market. Drink. Food there. For you. Gromland call you when ready."
-
OOC: I posted just after Gemini, as a result, it had little to do with the history. Fixed.
BIC:
Ragnar nodded to the guard's words, and felt relieved. They were finally getting some supplies.
Then, Ragnar started to remember he knew about the gnomes.
Since the gnomes lived underground, they probably didn't have much knowledge of the surface.
In his travels and missions, Ragnar had rarely met gnomes. However, he knew that gnomes where in many ways like dwarfs (though they were really different once you got to know them well).
"They probably don't know much about the surface.... But I bet my hat they know every small cave in this continent!" Ragnar thought. "I'll ask them for cave maps.... and surface locations of caves, as well as the tunnel networks. It's better to know the dark than the light."
The group advanced through the tunnel and got to a wide cave, that seemed to be the main market.
"Well well.... What do we have here?" Ragnar asked.
-
OOC: You know Gem, as I read your last post, I was listening to Eraser by Hypocrisy, and I really don't think there could ever have been a more fitting song. xD
BIC:
Alziel let a grin come to his face. They had come into a wide and long cavern, which was packed with gnomes bustling about, and had canvas stalls set up on either side of it. It led down a good two-hundred feet or so, before there was another large doorway which probably led away to a civilian area. There were thick wooden rafters holding the ceiling up, and these had torches attached to them, so that the marketplace was completely lit.
There was the noise of many people talking, though Alziel understood none of the words. Evidently there were hardly any gnomes who spoke the humans' tongue. Alziel turned and surveyed the group.
They needed to decide who would be doing what, so they knew where to find each other. Ragnar was already intent on finding maps, and Alziel expected that Saine would very much like to survey the stalls to see what was on offer. He personally would like to find some food for Liara to help her get her strength back, and he needed provisions for himself to boot.
He thought of two problems.
Firstly, that they only had their own equipment, and the few things that Abell had given them from Monty to sell. They had no hard currency. Supposing the gnomes were not interested in Monty's meager possessions, they'd be stranded without supplies.
Secondly, Alziel thought with a quiet curse, that gnomes would have no need for ranged weapons when they spent all their time underground. He'd have to be incredibly fortunate to find a stall stocking arrows.
He caught sight of one stall towards the middle of the marketplace which was a doorway set into the stone wall of the cavern, covered by a cloth curtain. An attendant nearby drew back the curtain to go inside, and Alziel saw from the arrangement inside that it was some kind of Inn.
He pointed it out to the group. "We'll split up and survey the marketplace. Buy whatever you need, though you may well need to trade something of your own for it. I doubt that we'll be needed by the Chief any time soon, so we can take some time to shop and rest. In an hour's time we'll meet at that Inn, regroup, and discuss what to do next. Agreed?"
There was quiet agreement. Everyone seemed more eager to explore the marketplace than to discuss strategy.
-
Liara hugged Alziel warmly, surprising him a little.
"That's the first time I've seen you smile for ages" she enthused. "What are we buying?"
"Supplies, I suppose. Food, and arrows if I can find any."
At that moment a gnome tugged at Liara's coat. She span around, but it was clearly only trying to catch her attention. It pointed to the ornate knife at her belt, and began producing battered coins from a leather pouch at it's waist.
"I'm not sure I want to sell this" she said to Alziel, "if I can help it. But I don't really use it, so I will part with it if I have to."
Alziel nodded. He was astonished at how eagerly the gnome had offered it's coins. He didn't know the currency, but it looked like a fair amount.
Alziel mused for a few seconds, and then revealed one of Monty's knives. The gnome's enthusiasm increased, and it began shaking the coins in from of him.
"Of course- Abell is a trader. She knew what she was talking about when she told us to sell things. These people are obviously very eager to buy."
Liara nodded and started wishing that she'd brought more on the journey. Then she caught the attention of the gnome and created a fist with her delicate hand, biting her bottom lip as she concentrated for a moment, and then opened it slowly to reveal a small pearl like orb, which radiated a gentle white light.
By now a small group of gnomes had closed in on the couple, assesing the various items they were holding out. The gathering viewed the magic with suspicion, but one stocky individual nodded, smiling and handing over some coins. The amount wasn't as much as had been offered for the daggers, but it had taken little energy to create, so Liara took the coins and handed over the little shine ball.
"I don't want to sell them short" Liara muttered to Alziel. "The thing won't stay shining forever, but I don't know how to tell them."
"I wouldn't worry" Alziel replied, running his hand through his bag for un-needed items. "It looks like they value our weapons more, anyway."
-
Anyan saw Alziel and Liara, and remembered happy times of him and Delliah. He was happy for them...
He soon became focused in business, as he found a market, full of maps and weaponry. A business for adventurers of course...
Anyan enterded tha place, quietly, and stood by the ocunter, where an old looking gnome was sharping a little axe.
The gnome would ask Anyan something that he would not understand, but it had to be something like "what do you want?"
Anyan got his knife out of his black belt and put it on the counter... Then he pointed at it with his finger and moved his fingers, showing that he wanetd something in return of it.
Alziel and Liara stared at Anyan. Of course, Liara was worried, because of that she had known Anyan as someone who prefered the way of the sword.
The Gnome was about to give Anyan a little bag... of course, Anyan was going to ask for a map...
But suddenly, the gnome stared to Anyan's eyes, and noticed the red colour...
"Re... Recipikilapkt!!" it screamed. Anyan opened his eyes wide, surprised by the sudden scream, as the gnome started to walk franticly around the shop. It gave Anyan a map, some herbs, which looked to be medicinal, and showed Anyan that the maps were only for subterrains and only the part of the West that the group had already explored...
The gnome took the hunting dagger, and hung it right in front of the shop, as if he was proud of it, and kept talking to other gnomes. Anyan caught the word "recipikilapkt" a few times...
The gnome gave Anyan a weird smile and then shook hands with him.
What could that word mean...? The gnome had reacted so kindly only after watching Anyan's red eyes. Then, he understood.
"They know what a Resurrector is..." he whispered for himself. He then realized that he had spoken loud. He hoped no one heard...
-
After a bit of rushed frantic Conversation, Abell was let back into the town. She didnt bother Explaining anything to the doorkeep, but instead bloted through the maze of apssages, and pushed her way past any obstructions.
Within a few moments, She was interrupting Cheif Gromland, and adressed him in Abells Mother tounge, the common language of the western lands.
She explained the March of the Illithyds, and her home burning, and that only a few miles away, a war had broken out fought between great demons in the valley.
The two came to the conclusion that it had something to do with the Humans that landed on the continent, but nothing could be said for sure until the motivations of their voyage was known.
Abell was frantic. Her home burning, and herself helpless. The overworld here was too dangerous. Her meadow was gone. She would have to seek out another life. And was temporarily at best, resigned to taking refuge in the underdark.
***************************************************
Amidst the din of the marketplace and buffet, a light commotion broke out among a crowd of gnomes.
A tall slender lizard's head, with a neck like a horses and a beak like a turtle. Abells Riding beast Walked non-chalantly among the crowd, sampling foodstuffs from the tables, as stressed merchants tried to scold it away, no matter how vain it may be.
However, past the marketplace's bustle, another frenzy was brewing, allthough hard to detect. Gnome messengers darted back and forth, strategizing, and organizing, relaying messages. Something was occuring outside of the Towns Hull....
All would be apperant soon enough. Most of the group was too busy renourishing and bartering to pay much heed to the far away commotion.
-
Saine looked down at a burly old gnome. He mused for a moment, realizing he was over twice the gnome's height. After a moment, the gnome looked up, mildly surprised by Saine's new face and above-average height.
The gnome said something rapidly, along the lines of 'can I get you something?', Saine assumed. Saine knew the people would not understand the values of coins from the East, but he produced several silver coins nonetheless. He showed five of the coins to the gnome and the gnome stared at them for a moment, before saying something else.
"I wish we could understand each other, my friend. Alas, I do not speak your language." Saine said genially.
"You... East?" the partisan managed. Saine nodded, a little surprised the proprieter could speak his language. The gnome nodded again. "Is silvra?"
"Yes, silver." Saine offered the coins to the gnome. "Weigh them? Scale?" Saine made a motion like a balance scale with his hands, hoping the gnome would understand. Then he noticed the large brass scale on the counter a few feet away and pointed to it. "Silvra in scale, weigh for worth, value." Saine tested words slowly, allowing the gnome to grasp them. Then he placed the coins in the scale and motioned for him to come over.
He weighed the rest of his silver coins in, about half a 'stone', as the gnome called it (stonkta in his language), proving that their weighing system was different from the East. After the silver, Saine weighed his gold coins, and traded the precious-metal coins for the Western currency. His comment about adapting he had made to Alziel earlier came back to him.
"Thank you," Saine said slowly, and bowed at the waist to the gnome to show his appreciation. "Now, I need some supplies. Goods," he said as he pointed around the gnome's stand. "Food, water, buskin."
The gnome nodded again as Saine made motions with his hand toward his mouth. In a primitive way, they had managed to break down the language barrier. Ten minutes later, Saine walked away with a pound of food, two buskins of water, and nice sum of Western currency in his satchel.
His immediate errands complete, Saine walked about the market looking at other wares, before noticing that things were starting to become hectic farther down the cavern. He watched as more of the gnomish soldiers began to walk briskly towards a large building, presumably the town center. Something was happening.
-
Anyan saw as some gnomes were franticly running around, armed.
He felt uneasy about this, but that made the other gnomes stop giving him that odd attention he had gained from his reddish eyes.
"So... the gnomes seem to be unseasy for something..." said Anyan to Alziel and Liara. "Shall we meet up with the others...?" he kept saying this, as organizing the little map inside a little bag where he had the medicines and food that the gnome had given to him...
Something told Anyan that everything was being too odd...
Abell had told him that the gnomes were tricky mercants, but he ahd gotten away easily with his dagger... because of him being a resurrector...? Who really knew...
-
Ragnar went back and forth around the market, looking at the supplies.
He had not taken much of Monty's gear, but he knew he had some interesting thing to trade.
Ragnar stared at a food store, and chose a couple of things.
Some gnomes seemed to know some of the Dwarven dialect, language that was familiar to Ragnar.
When the gnome asked Ragnar for pay, ragnar took a few broken cristals out of his backpack. They were replacement lens for his telescope, that had broken by accident in one of the fights.
The gnome almost jumped to the ceiling when he saw the cristals.
Glass was almost impossible to find in caverns, since its prime matter (That is, sand) could not be found in mountains. Those broken glasses that meant nothing to Ragnar must've looked like gold to the gnome.
The gnome gave Ragnar the food and doubled the water ration that the old man had asked for.
then Ragnar asked in the dwarf's tongue "Grunta-Arsek-Bushautruluk?" ("Do you have any strange items?")
The gnome looked at Ragnar (Smiling while hearing Ragnar's bad pronunciation) and took him to the back of the store.
There, the gnome offered to Ragnar two kind of items: Ten strange black balls, that blew up on impact damaging an enemy group, and an old map, that had all the undergroun laberinths in the continent as well as the surrounding surface territory.
Ragnar bought both items, for half of his remaining glass.
Then, he gave a good look on the map.
It would be easy for a good mapper to draw on the blank spots and complete the map.
"well well... Let's see what Alziel has to say about this" Ragnar said. Then, he went out to look for his friends.
-
"Looks like you'll have to make your own arrows" Liara sighed, after a fruitless search. "They sold some metals you could use. They won't be perfect."
"They'll have to do" agreed Alziel. Battles would become more difficult without long range support from Monty and himself. The group would have to be more careful. Nevertheless, they had found plenty of food and water. Gnomes ate a lot of tubers; unsurprising for an underground culture.
Anyan walked up to the two.
"So... the gnomes seem to be unseasy for something... Shall we meet up with the others...?"
Liara looked around. Indeed, the gnomes seemed agitated, particularly the military. "We don't know them. Are you sure they're not always like this?" she reasoned.
"I'd rather not take the chance" Anyan breathed. "If it's nothing we can shop again later."
Alziel nodded. "You could be right. Let's find the others."
-
"Hey, people!" Ragnar hailed.
Alziel and Liara turned around.
"It's good to find you, something's going on, don't you think?"
"Yes, the gnomes seem to be uneasy for some reason" Liara answered.
"I'm not sure what's happening, but I'm sure we don't have nothing to do with it." Ragnar said.
"How are you so sure?" Alziel asked.
"Simple. If it was us, they could've just caught us separately while we were picking up stuff. However, they seem to be letting us be." Ragnar stopped to look at a group of guards run towards the tunnel they had come form.
"Besides, they have let us practically alone with the traders. We are unknown to them, they should be more careful. Think about it, would you let a bunch of strangers run around your town without at least watching them?"
Alziel nodded. it was strange, why would the gnomes leave them like that?
A sudden thought hit Ragnar's mind. A reason for the gnomes to do things like that.
"Alziel, we should look for the others inmediatly. If the gnomes are so nervous, it must be that something or someone is threatening them. And, since we are at their town, it's probably threatening us." Ragnar said quickly, while he opened his pack to look for bolts.
Ragnar found only one case with 10 bolts. "Psh... Lucky I have the tools and the materials to make more.... But I'm going to need time!!!" Ragnar thought. "Damn! I should've made some bolts before!!"
-
"Allright old man... where could Saine be?" said Anyan. He looked around, but Saine wasn't there.
"I'll search for him quickly. Hold on here..." he said, as he wandered off to look for Saine.
But he did not find Saine... he saw Abell, rushing towards a big building. "Possibly Gromland's house..." he thought.
Anyan saw a window, so he walked smoothly and took a peek inside... as he saw Abell talking to an odd looking gnome (possibly Gromland).
She seemed shocked, and nervous.
"What could have happened...?" thought Anyan again, as he walked away from the window.
Suddenly, two gnome guards appeared behind Anyan. They pointed at him with their spears and started to say things that he could not understand.
Anyan understood that he was under arrest, so he rose his hands- he didn't kill for sport, and knew he shouldn't have taken a peek through that window.
The guards saw Anyan's eyes...
Anyan remembered a word...
"Eeeeh... Recipikilapkt! I... am..." he said as he pointed his eyes with his fingers.
The guards were surprised, as they walked away from Anyan... but still they did not hesitate...
They pointed with their spears to him and spoke between them in the almost unspeakable language that they had...
They walked towards Anyan, with a bit of respect in theyr look, and pointed the front door to him.
Anyan walked towards it... and the guards escorted him inside, as they entered the room where Abell and Gromland were...
"So... we meet again..." said Anyan, quietly, as he entered the room escorted by the guards, as Abell gave him a surprised gaze.
-
Gromland, looked abells way, and in their native tounge asked her if she knew this man...and in the same tounges, foreign to Anyan, She confirmed that he was one of the party she brought into the walls.
"Outlander..." Said Gromland "I can see by your eyes that you have latent magics...But know this. It may impress the merchants here...but I am not amused."
Abell gave a scrutinizing eye and the realization came to her
"You....are awakener?Or some close to it? I tell now by your eyes."
"White magics are no use to us now" Gromland added "The Illithyds destroy the mind before the pysical body dies. And to ressurect one against A Kh'ala-ad, just gives it more prey to devour and take away to god knows where. Im not sure what your magic is, but your eyes are rank with it.I Dont especially like the color red, when used in fabric patterns. Makes me angry.And all the tradition that...well..nevermind this.. Listen traveller....It would be appreciated if your party joined us now. It seems your landing had disturbed something. Or perhaps its the climate.
And to keep this village safe I need to know all the information Possible. And while you are out there, it is ABSOLUTLEY imperative that you not step on a Crack in the floor. And Return Bearing A roasted Tuber..."
Anyan looked bewildered at Gromland for a moment, wondering what sort of sentiment resided in Gromlands last two points.
"GO NOW MAN. TIME IS WASTING!" Gromland barked. slightly shoked and bewildered, Anyan Proceeded to find the others as he faintly recalled Abells Warning about the eccentricities of The gnomes.....Gromland surely would take the cake.
-
"Indeed I will... but it seems you do not understand the naturality of a Resurrector afterall..." said Anyan before leaving.
He now had understood.
Gnomes knew that there was a magic capable of resurrecting someon, but they didn't know how it worked...
And WHEN it worked...
Anyan rushed outside the building, hurrying to find the others.
He would have to make his talk afterall.
He caught Saine, walking around some markets.
"Come with me! No time to explain, something's happening!" said Anyan, as Saine looked at him with a surprised look, and followed.
Soon, Anyan found Alziel, Liara and Ragnar, who were waiting for him.
"Brat, where the hell were you?!" said Ragnar.
Anyan breathed a bit, from the hurry.
"Well, it seems that something bnig is happening, I went to that enormous building in the middle of the village, and met Gromland under some... uncomfortable circumstances... for me heh. He wants us to go and meet him NOW" he said, quickly, almost without breathing.
"He is kind of.., excentric, as Abell said... he said something about 'not stepping on a crack in the floor. And return bearing a roasted tuber...', a bit odd."
Anyan stared to the others, with a worried look.
"Let's go! It seems they need our assistance. Gromland said that our landing could have disturbed something..." finished Anyan, as he kept breathing fast, from the running.
-
Liara looked bewildered as she ran. "Are you okay, Anyan?"
Anyan drew more air into his lungs and nooded affirmaive. Then he pulled a large tuber out of his satchel and thrust it in front of Liara.
"Roast! Excentric!" He swerved to avoid a crack in the ground.
Liara glanced over at Alziel, who returned her puzzled look. Then she conjured up a fire as she ran and did her best to roast the large potato like object before she reached Gromland.
-
The Group arrived, Huffing and puffing, tired from the frantic run.
In Gromalnds Meeting room, Upon their arrival, Gromland muttered something to Abell in the Gnome tounge and proceeded to curl his head downward and cover his eyes with balled hands.
Abell rolled her eyes and shook her head..
"Cheif Gromland wants to know if you brought tuber" Abell questioned the group in embarassment.
Liara Presented the still steaming Tuber to Abell. At which point she turned, and kneeled into Gromlands ear, and affirmed the gifts presence.
As if nothing strange at all had happened, Gromland stood straight, and turned to address the group.
Even though he wore burlap, he still gave an air of regency as he strode toward the group
Gromland: You come from the west....this is correct?
Anyan: Yes sire
Gromland: And your purpose here is what?
Alziel: We are a group of mercenaries, Commisioned by the Patriarchal King of the west to chart and map the western lands, for the benifit of the King.
Gromland: Mercenairies in your land are that loyal to your king to just pack up and leave for his bidding?
As gromland said this he was face to face with Liara, scooping the tuber from her possession, and giving it a deep savory inhale of the steam coming forth from the tuber.
Alziel: We have been offered a fine reward, Cheif Gromland.
Gromland: Yes yes..... But you came here knowing of the Kh'ala-ad?
Rangar: Actually, The Kh'ala-ad were nameless to us until we met Abell. In all my Years, none have spoke of them, unless as a bedtime story to scare children. A select few heard tell of them, and legend that they had ravaged the east many generations back...but it was thought to be a myth
Gromland: So you all say you were misinformed when coming here.
What about the templars in the East? Was there not a sect devoted to communication with the Kh'ala-ad? There is a sect of Human templars in the Overworld kingdom on the Far north of this continent that keeps in touch with the templars of the West. Your king did not send a representative of the Nobel Templars? And you have no documentation? No Kittens? Where are your sparkling yarns?
The group looked at eachother trying to make proper sense of this
Gromland: So you've all been lied to. This we know.
Abell: When I left you, Abell go outside, and see war. The Kh'ala-ad are at war, and the land is ravages. It few miles away right now, but door must not be opened. Abell is home in Underdark now. You all trapped underground. Only way out is death by Kh'ala-ad, or to brave the Underdark trade routes. What you all do now, that overworld is blocked?
Illithyd roam outworld. More than Abell even thought existed.
There something connecting your arriving to this. Abell sense it. Not think that you all are to Blame....but there is more to this.
-
Liara shook her head. "No, that doesn't make sense! We've been here for days, and we never saw more than two of them at a time!"
"We have seen warriors though" Alziel commented. "Men in black armour. And a sprite as well. Do you know who they were?"
-
Gromland furled his brow....
"Men....In this part of the land.... Your guess is as good as mine, m'dear. Dark armor, you say? Could be from one of the Human colonies of the underdark, or a neighboring city, or a white knight, dipped in black paint, or....Hmmph"
Abell looked grimly into the eyes of liara
"It true. They Battling with Mindflayers. There 40 Kh'ala-ad per Flayer. And Abell hear about 6 flayers. Something waking the Hive up.They not Mobilize like this in history ever. Not since The Kh'ala-ad Go to the west to bring back the Seed Humans."
-
"Seed Humans?" Ragnar said. "I've never heard something like that before. What do you mean?"
Gromland looked at Ragnar, and answered....
-
"Either your continent is stupid and cant find an earthworm with a shovel, or someone has kept significant history away from your people." Gromland snorted to Rangar "Generations ago, When the beasts 'ravaged' your land, not all of the victims were killed. I myself am not sure why, but the Kh'ala-ad brought some back. My best guess would be to farm foodsources. The Elves are too elusive for the Kh'ala-ad and Demonic Blood is bitter. Im not sure if this is why though. For all I know it could have been for the sake of Pantry Buscuits?"
Rangar gave a puzzled look to gromland "Pantry Buscuits?"
Gromland furled his brow And looked with disdainon Rangar.
"WE ARE NOT HERE TO DISCUSS POLITICS!"
Gromland paused for a long while as if he had something else to say. Thr group waited with anitcipation, but no such statement came. Abell attempted to Break the Silence. "This is-"But at that instance, Gromland Interjected....
"The people of this Town are evacuating in the morning. The tunnels we will take are much too small for you all to pass into. But this is not the first time this has happened to us. We will hide in our grottos, untill the battle has passed into other territories. The Kh'ala-ad can not enter here....But the Illithyd's can manipulate us, this close to the overworld. And If they were to do that, they would use us as bait for more Kh'ala-ad."Gromland took a deepbreath and contiunued "Gromland will give you maps of the Underdark, that lead to Other cities, In more populated parts of this land. The Journey will be long, but there are tunnels you can take. Trade routes... If you have intrest in buying supplies, Id advise you do so tonight. I dont particularily enjoy Eating Meat"
Rangar tried to ask a question "Grom-" at which point he was interupted "I SAID I DONT ENJOY IT SIR." And with that Gromland retired into a small passageway, while yelling from down the narrow tunnel "There are quarters prepared for you in the Lowest Norther Corridor." And with that Gromland was gone
-
"Illithyds..." whispered Anyan, thinking out loud.
They would have to run into the dangerous underworld in order to not get into the claws of the mighty Illithyds... and theyr confrontation with the winged demons.
"I'll go to our quarters" said Anyan. "I'd prefer to be alone for a little while, I have to speak to all of you later on..."
With this words, Anyan left to the lowest northern corridor, and found himself in a room, a bit smallish, but it had been prepared for them.
"Can a simple trip to draw a map for a tyrant change a man thi much...?" he thought, as he sat on a wood-made bed. It was far from being cozy, but still, it was better than sleeping in the floor, as he had for the last weeks. Not to mention the sea trip, and his sea-sickness...
"Darn it... so many people have died, yet no call has been made to me... when tha call comes... will I be able to...?" he thought.
He remembered what Delliah had told him in his sleep, with sadness. He had to realize that a mirror was forming in front of him...
Anyan took his head between his hands.
"When the time comes, it comes... until then I'll have to use my blade un til I'm teared apart..." he thought again. He sat, quiet, and started to look at his items, while waiting for the others...
-
Ragnar found a small spot near the market, and said to the others "you go on for a while, I need to rest a little bit".
Knowing that the old man wanted to think rather than rest, Alziel and the others quickly left him, after telling him their meeting point.
Ragnar sat to rest, and to think about gromland's words. He had heard about people dissapearing, but with time everyone in the spy team thought that the "dissapeared" had died and taken to be devoured, not taken alive.
"That's what I get from not listening to the reports." Ragnar thought. "Well, We'll probably have a long trip in the underdark ahead of us, and i'm glad."
Ragnar liked dark places. He had a really good night sight, and his stealthy movement allowed him to be really subtle.
"Let's hope that the other people around here anre easier to understand than gromland......" Ragnar thought, before smiling while remembering the particular way of the gnome to answer questions.
"Truly, a different culture, completely different than Dwarven culture. I have much to learn around here."
The gnome's evacuation was already taking place, and it was much faster than everyone imegined. That could mean two things: Either the gnomes were really talented, or the danger was very close.
-
"Ohh, this isn't going to be fun."
Liara was sat on the low bed of Alziel's quarters creating flashes of light in front of her hands whilst he sorted though his pack, taking note of what the group had and how long they could live off of it. The flickering lantern light of the underground room bounced off of the earth walls and made the sprite feel uneasy.
"Hmm?" Alziel asked whilst examining an arrowhead. It had come loose from one of his arrows and gotten lost in his bag- once useless, his sudden arrow shortage meant that any broken pieces would be re-used.
"The tunnels" she explained. "I'm used to open spaces. The market was okay but I have a bad feeling about this. I should be able to light our way with magic, since we don't have as good eyesight as the gnomes in darkness... but I can barely stretch my wings down here. I know humans get claustrophobic sometimes, but you have no idea how it is to be able to fly and then have a permanent roof over your head."
-
Abell couldn't help but feel an emptiness inside of her. Her home was being ravaged by a war, and she was helpless, locked behind steel doors, in a land without sun. She could see well in the dark at short range, but long range she was not accustomed to. She had only spent a few days at a time in the underdark, and she was never more than 4 hours from the city of gromland.
She walked robotic, thorough the marketplace, its tents dismantled, and most of the wares now spread on blankets on the ground, illuminated by flickering torchlight.
The gnomes used the marketplace as more than a means of economic stimulation...it was the hub of their culture.
Abell continued her sojourn through the market, absently buying wares...All she had at her disposal for inventory was a dull shortblade
All of her best weapons were in her cobin, which was burning to the ground.
Strangley the underdark was warm and musty. She sold her burlap cloak to a merchant whom had owed her a favor, and with the profits bought a bage of flares. She Sold her Dull blade and a few gold she had for a new, sharp dagger (better for close quarters) and a durable leather sling. She at least already had in her possesion a sachet of dried meat and berries...She took a discarded length of rope from a vacant tent...And with a bolt of canvass she fasioned an item bag. There was many small treasures in the underdark, and the fact remined that she made her living as a trader.
Her provisons were bare to her standards...And her morale low..
She picked a remote corner of the market and leaned her back against a wall. She was not even aware when silent tears begun streaming down her face, nor was she aware when she, in exaustion, slid to the gound.
In her life she had cried only one other time, and was desperatly ashamed of showing emotion. It was weakness. And now she sit on the ground in a gnome grotto with strangers as her entire life lie in ashes a few miles away.
With her new dagger, she cut an inch long slice into her own right arm, running parallel to one other scar....the one she had given herself the last time she had broken down. And then she put the dagger away. This was a custom her master had taught her. It cleansed the soul.
-
Alziel sighed. "I don't know what to suggest", he said quietly, "After all, we can't go outside, but all the same, we can't stay down here for very long". He looked around the room. Ragnar had left a few moments ago, and had left his pack behind. The map he had found of the tunnels in this cavern was sticking out of the top. Alziel reached out and took it.
After a moment he closed it and put it back. "Well, all the caverns we know about are marked, and there are a few hidden passageways, but nothing we could use to escape. We can either wait this out down here, or we can go out of the entrance we came into and try to go around the "battle". Whatever is going on up there I don't know". He sighed and shook his head.
The curtain that made a door to the room drew back and a gnome wearing a helmet that didn't fit him swaggered in. He was carrying something wrapped in a cloth which was as long as his arm. The gnome walked directly up to Alziel, and in one movement, thrust the object into his hand, and took out a piece of parchment which he proceeded to read with great difficulty.
"Chief... says... take... this...", he said in broken speech. Alziel unfurled the cloth. Inside were four arrows, though they were unlike any arrows Alziel had seen before. They were longer, the shafts had a slight bend in the middle, and the heads, he noticed with interest, were curved slightly, with the back edge being serrated and the point being very sharp. The gnome continued.
"It is..." - he struggled with the next word - "arrow. Four arrow. Made... by... Overworld... merch... merchant. Very... special. Sharp. Dead...ly. Have... strong... poison". Alziel had already noticed a faint, sweet aroma coming from each arrowhead. "Heads are... fangs... come... from swamp... beast. North of Gromland. Sharp... fangs. Chief says... you will need".
The gnome finished, appearing to be exhausted by the effort, and strode out of the room again. Alziel examined the arrows. They were certainly interesting. Perhaps he'd have time to put them to use later. He smiled and slid them into his quiver, and as he did so, caught sight of Liara looking at him admirably.
"What's wrong?", he asked. She shook her head. "Nothing".
There was silence. "See, you were right", Liara said eventually, "There are other creatures here besides what Abell knows. Maybe we'll see some more on our journey".
Alziel nodded thoughtfully.
"And maybe", she said, feigning a thoughtful voice, "We'll meet the flying mind-altering swamp beast with arrowheads for fangs".
Both of them spontaneously broke into laughter.
-
Another dream...
Anyan had put himself on bed in his quarters, and took a nap. He needed to sleep. He tried not to, in this days, since his dream had brought him bad memories...
He couldn't help it, and he fell asleep.
He dreamt about walking through a forest, holding Delliah with his hands. They were smiling, laughing, joking... other times, indeed.
Suddenly, an arrow would strike the ground, and hooded men would attack Anyan. Wielding a bronze sword (he had not got the Viper at that day), he started to fight, while Delliah supported him with magic, behind him. He had to protect Delliah. She had to live.
Suddenly, he cut one of the man's hood. The man was Klerr... suddenly, Anyan's sight became a bit strange... blurry...
He found himself pulling a dagger out of his chest. Bleeding. Then, he fell to the ground, listening to a voice: "Anyan! Hold on!..." Then, everything was dark...
Suddenly, a brilliant white light sorrounded him, as he heard a voice, sweet, beautiful...: "Anyan Falastor Leddwick... You have been given a chance... a chance to live. Your eyes, your brown eyes, shall change their colour, and you shall receive a new pair of eyes... a Resurrector's eyes..."
The light faded. Anyan woke up, on the ground... touched his chest, only to find a scar. The scar of a dagger. His right eye had a scar as well, from the battle.
"Delliah...?" said Anyan. He found a body beside him. It was Delliah... Anyan had always remembered Delliah's red eyes... They were different now...
After this scene, Anyan screamed "Delliah!!!" loud, as he woke up.
Another dream of memories...
-
Ragnar went back to the group.
He took his bag, and sat next to Liara and Alziel.
"Listen, I'm ready to leave" Ragnar said, as he took out some tools. "I don't know if you know, but I seem to be really wealthy down here"
Alziel and Liara looked at Ragnar astonished.
Ragnar started to make bolts out of some parts he had bought before.
"Yes. The gnomes like glass very much, and since it's a rare element down here, they like it even more than gold. I have some, from broken/old lenses of my scopes. I haven't spent all. If you need anything and don't have trade material, just ask me. I think we should spend it all down here, it will be useless anyways by the time we go back to the surface"
Alziel and Liara nodded, and Ragnar kept working on his bolts.
Then, a scream was heard.
"Hey, that was the brat!!!" Ragnar said. "What is going on?!?!"
-
Liara was mystified.
"What would gnomes do with broken glass anyway?"
-
(OCC: Sorry, long post, gonna let this part of my character's story clear now... allrighto? :D)
BIC:
"Perhaps they make new lenses with glass, who knows..." said Anyan as he entered the room. He knew his scream was heard by Ragnar.
"Don't worry old man... same dreams as before, remember? And speak of the devil, I have to talk to all of you... too bad that Saine isn't here." he said.
Liara, Alziel and even Ragnar gave Anyan a puzzled look.
"Do you people remember how the dark sprite lifted me with her psionic powers, and said that I had the eyes of a Resurrector...?" he said.
The three of them nodded, while waiting him to keep talking.
"Well... that is true. There is a story behind this, and many things to explain..." said Anyan.
Ragnar, Alziel and Liara were speechless. Anyan possesed the power of resurrection...
"I had a girlfriend, about two years ago, I was 21 back then. Her name... you all hear it, was Delliah, she was a powerful priestess.
I rember her kindnes... her strenght... but also her eyes. Those shining, red eyes. Now tell me, which normal human has red eyes?" said Anyan. He talked with his usual, cold languange, almost as low as a whisper.
Liara stared at him and said: "A resurrector, I guess..." she said.
"Indeed..." said Anyan. "But do you all know how a resurrection spell works? Or how does one get it?"
"I guess that the answer is no, right?" said Ragnar. He stared at his young friend, with a look that wasn't Ragnar's usual cheeful look. He was now studying the situation.
Anyan didn't answer. He took off his cloack and armor, showing his chest, full of scars.
"One day, as I said, two years ago, I had already learned about my father's dissappearence... I was walking with Delliah through the forest. She was trying to cheer me, and heh... she was achieving it. Suddenly, we were ambushed. Totally outnumbered. I had a sword, and I fought against the men, they were hooded. Suddenly, I discovered an old friend, Klerr, the ambusher's... were the King's crew. This part, you already know it Ragnar." he said.
Then, Anyan started to search through his scars, and pointed one, a specially coloured one, on his chest.
"This scar, was made by Klerr. It missed the heart by little. But it was enough... I was killed by this scar..." said Anyan, with a naturality that could scare a nigromant...
"Impossibble..." said Liara again. Alziel stared at her, then to Anyan. "So, you'r etelling me you were revived..." said Alziel.
"Yes..." answered Anyan. "Only to find my loved one dead, at my side. The reviving spell... it is called Soul Exchange. There is no way to trick the forces of death, to bring someone to life again, only a nigromant can almost achieve that, but that magic harms the soul, and makes the resurrected one become an undead. The Soul Exchange is... basically that. The caster exchanges his soul for the soul of the loved one."
After saying this. Anyan's look was changed. Alziel, Liara and Ragnar could tell. His cold look was changed by a sad pattern on his eyes.
"Delliah died... to save my life. I was dead, and she gave me a new life. But also... the Soul Exchange makes the resurrected one gain the Soul Exchange spell. That is marked in the eyes, the red eyes... The Resurrector's eyes..." he said.
There was a small silence, which was broken by Anyan again.
"Before you call me an egoist or anything... I couldn't revive either Monty and my father. In order to cast the spell I must recieve... some kind of sign. I don't know what that sign is, but it named a 'Call'. After that Call, I can choose to either make the spell, or not do it... but they say that every Resurrector has casted the spell..." he said, then caught a bit of breath, and started again: "That is my secret... I am sorry for keeping it to you... but I had to. I couldn't trust all of you until now..."
The silence was unbearavle. Anyan put back his armor and cloack, as he waited for a reaction.
-
Alziel frowned and kept silent. He had no idea what to say on this issue. It was strange how this had all happened at once. Monty, Abell, now this. Certainly things were being revealed on this continent.
There was an awkward silence. Anyan sighed and shuffled off back to his quarters, leaving Ragnar, Liara and Alziel alone in the room.
"Of course I knew already", Ragnar said solemnly. "I said nothing because I didn't feel that Anyan would want me to speak before he was ready".
Liara nodded. "We understand", she replied quietly. Ragnar nodded, and he too exited the room.
Liara was now looking expectantly at Alziel. He shrugged his shoulders. "What?".
"You're thinking", she commented, "You're thinking of a plan, I'd guess".
He nodded. "Well, I was going to gather everyone together before I said anything". The others must have heard him, since slowly all of the group entered the room. Anyan was the last to come in. Liara nudged Alziel's arm and smiled at him.
"Well", he said, clearing his throat, "I've been thinking. This "battle" is going on to the north of here. But Ragnar, I borrowed your map, and to the west of this town is some kind of small forest. I say we ought to skirt around the town, go west far enough to avoid the conflict, and decide where to go from there".
"What's our destination?", Saine asked.
"Well", Alziel continued, "This map is only partially complete. There are a lot of gaps. I've noticed this large one here" - he gestured to the map - "Which is northwest of this town. We should go there and try to fill in the blanks, per sé".
Saine nodded, and for the first time since they had set off from the coast, said "Good plan".
"There's just one problem", Alziel said, lowering his tone. "Abell is our guide, and she insisted that we should absolutely not leave this town until the danger has passed. The way I see it, that may take some time, which we don't have. We need to convince her to help us".
"Won't be easy", Saine murmured.
"Last chance to buy any supplies", Alziel said to the group. "Me and Liara will go to see if we can find Abell nearby. The rest of you have until we return to do what you need".
He sighed, pulled gently on Liara's sleeve to beckon her to follow him, and the two of them left the Inn.
-
Abell Watched, with puffy eyes the gnomes skittering about.
She did not want to stay in the underdark. This was foreign land to her. It was cramped and musty.
She had nowhere to go, except for back to her quarters.
"I will not stay underground for long.....But I cant exit through these doors....they are sealed now until the battle is over..."Abell thought to herself "But If I can get through the lair, I can exit to the southwest of the town...But...If the beast wakes up..."
Abell shuddered at the thought
She cleared her mind, and stood up...and slowly, and heavily footed, stumbled wearily back to the sleeping quarters...
-
"Old man, I'll be leaving to see if I can get more stuff. I guess that I have some things I can sell..." said Anyan to Ragnar as walking outside the quarters.
He felt confused, but a bit relieved of saying that to the others.
He saw something...
"Abell...?" he said. He could see the tall elvish woman walking to her quarters.
"Abell!" he called. She saw him.
"Both Alziel and Liara are looking for you... Is something wrong...?" said Anyan.
He could see Abell's sad look.
-
"Nothing is wrong. Abell is...sick. Thick underdark air. Hurt Eyes...
Let us go talk to the others, if they are look for Abell"
Abell motioned for the two men to join her in finding the other to conference about a plan to escape the underdark
"Abell has much to discuss. Abell knows a way out of here, that will help avoid the battle....The bugbear Lair....."
And with that abell kept walking
-
Liara walked out of Abell's quarters shaking her head. "I thought she said she slept here, but she isn't right now."
"Where then?" Alziel sighed. "I have no idea what she does in her free time."
"I get the feeling she wouldn't spend too long underground usually" mused the sprite. "she's used ot the outdoors. She'll be in the market where the ceilings are highest."
-
"Bugbear lair...? We'll talk about it back in the quarters..." said Anyan, as they went to Abell's quarters.
There, they found Alziel and Liara.
"I found her as I went to the market... she wants to talk to us abotu a route of escape..." said Anyan.
They stared to Abell, and waited for her answer.
-
"Abell not know what path you want to take. Can go through the underdark to far inland trade cities. It shortcut.
Or, We go through another tunnel to take us to the surface. Exit is away from battlegrounds, but we must travel through Bugbear Den to get to exit.
Abell not know if she welcome to travel with you all, but Abell has her home in ruin now. And I think you may need a.....translator?
If you are looking to map the land for your secret keeping king, you will want to go to trade cities eventually. But we can get there from overworld. It just a longer trip...And Danger from Illithyd And Ka-ala'd there. But Only Dwarves and Gnome comforatable in tunnels. Abell would just as soon leave with you."
Abell looked down, sheepishly at her muddied boots.
"And if we travel outworld, Abell can keep her Beast with her. Not have to find stables."
-
Liara sighed. Now they had to make an incredibly important choice.
"The overworld route is more dangerous in every way, right? The Bugbear lair or whatever, and then the creatures above. But... Will we achieve anything staying with these gnomes?"
-
Ragnar started thinking about the possible route. He seemed to be the only one who liked the tunnels.
"Damn! If we continue to go underground, we'll lose all the morale we have left. But the surface way is more dangerous." Ragnar thought.
So, Ragnar decided to speak:
"Well, both ways are dangerous anyways, and we'll probably make a bad choice. In that case, we should probably get going now."
"Yes, but where?" Anyan answered.
"It's not really important, since every way we take seems to be dangerous now" Ragnar said. "But we have to make a quick decission in order for that decission to be effective."
In that moment, Shell's frog jumped out of the old man's pocket.
"Hey, little one, come here" Ragnar said.
The frog moved, but not towards Ragnar.
Instead, it jumped through the room, towarsds one of the tunnels.
"Well well, it seems to want to go that way" Ragnar said.
"That tunnel goes to the surface"
Everyone looked at Ragnar as if he was crazy. He didn't seem to notice, he moved forward and raised the frog from the ground.
"I think I'd rather follow the frog on this one." Ragnar said.
"What, follow an animal?" Anyan answered.
"Why not?" Ragnar said laughing "He seems to be the only one who knows where it wants to go."
-
OOC: XD I know I put you in charge of the frog, but can you stop making it speak? I'd rather it hop in the direction it wants to go or something. Thanks :p
-
OOC: No problem, the "talking frog" thing is getting annoying.
I'll keep it quiet from now on, except for some ocasional "Ribbit" XD.
Sorry it took so long, I edited the post. I couldn't think on anything better, so I did what Moose said.
Sorry if I messed up, I'll be more careful on what I post from now on.
-
OCC: It got edited, so, let's keep moving on! Garh (?)
BIC:
"So... you want to follow an animal...?" said Anyan again to his friend. He thought Ragnar had gone mad because of his age and the hard situation.
"But wait... it is wise to follow an animal's sense of instinct sometimes..." he said again. "I'd go to the surface, and be extra careful..." said Anyan to the others.
-
"The surface sounds better for me too" agreed Liara, "but we're definately taking a risk. What about you, Alziel?"
OOC: Oops, It's Stu, he hasn't posted in ages. I'll nag him, hold on.
-
OOC: Rofl, consider me nagged. xD
BIC:
Alziel frowned again. "I say we go for the surface".
Everyone seemed to be looking at him with more scrutiny now. They expected a good reason why.
"Because", he sighed, knowing the questions would come anyway, "The danger out there is one we can face. I've already outlined my plan. We go west to get as far away from the town as we need to avoid this battle, and then we go northwest to investigate the blank spot on the map".
Saine interjected. "I don't like the sound of this 'blank spot'", he said, shaking his head. "If it's not mapped it's bound to be dangerous. Am I right?"
"You may well be"
"Well then, are you sure it's the best idea?"
"Alright Saine, if you'd prefer to stay down here on your own with the gnomes..."
"I didn't say that"
The two of them stood frowning at each other for a few quiet moments, before Liara waved her hands in front of Alziel's face to break his glare.
"Anyway", he continued, "We can fight. We've fought those flying things off before". Saine muttered something about there being casualties every time the group fought them. Alziel carried on regardless. "We can fight them off again. We're all well-enough armed. Besides, the blank spot isn't far. If we set off at first light tomorrow and walk at a fair pace we could get there in the early evening. Then we could camp and keep a tight watch to prevent attack".
He rolled up the dusty sleeves of his overshirt and raised his arms above his head in a stretch. "It'd be better for all of us to get outdoors again", he added. There was a quiet murmur of agreement.
"So", he put finally, putting his hands in his pockets and giving a thin, patronising smile to Saine, "What does everyone think?"
-
"Let's go" nodded Liara. "Better than sitting here, anyway."
She felt refreshed and ready to takle challenges again. Her magical energy was also fully restored for the first time since the initial attack of the winged creatures- It improved her mood and stabilised her emotions as well as enabling her to become more effective in battles.
She got up and instinctively knew that the tunnel was not wide enough for her to spread her wings. Yes, the world above sounded good right now.
-
"Red eyes isn't a sign of better sight..." said Anyan: "I prefer to be able to see where I'm walking to... so, let's go up!"
He felt better now, after letting the group know about his status, and being honest. Also, Liara's cheerful voice was an inspiration for anyone listening to her. It was so much different than her being sad...
The time to return to the surface had come... and time to draw over that blank space in the map...
-
Abell nodded.
"it best if we go out. Abell not like to eat roots. Abell is half demon, and needs meat...tubers only half fill appetite...
But what of the bugbears? They not smart....But we will either have to sneak past them, or fight head on. If we fight, we may get spoils. They hoarde treasure in Den...If we get taken off guard sneaking through, they will have advantage over us..."
Abell Got into her sleeping bag on a straw pad, preparing for a nights sleep.
"Gnomes will all be gone in a few hours..."
-
Anyan nodded back. But something bugged him. He liked the idea of getting spoils... but he knew that many were lost after some tme.
Monty was dead and Shell was missing for weeks, presumed dead of course. If they headed a fight against the bugbears, there could be more casualties...
"It may be best to sneak... those beasts could be dangerous and we don't want to leave anyone behind... shall we head out? If what Abell says is true, then this place will be dangerous afterall..." he said, as he held a bag on his shoulder, with his items inside.
-
Abell let out a tired yawn, and in a half asleep voice stated
"If you fear casualties, then we'd be best to travel in the early morning....We can cut their throats in their sleep. Begbears sleep like the dead and their hearing is Bad like....like One with bad hearing.
Filthy bugbears....Underdark predators...bullys...."
A few of the group looked Abells way with slight suprise
"Filthy vermin best to be killed. "
-
"Good." Ragnar thought.
"Ok, people, in my experience it's bad to awake a predator. But it's worst if it wakes and finds you on its lair." Ragnar said. "we should look to their numbers, the less they are, the better chance we have of ambushing them succesfully. My advice is to keep our blades ready."
-
Alziel nodded, and remembered that he still had Leyland's hutning knife tucked into his jacket. He drew it with a flourish, marvelling at the work Leyland had put into sharpening it. It was a sizeable knife; perfect for the close range work they'd have to do down here. He didn't want to waste his remaining arrows.
"Agreed", he said, making a falsely heroic pose. "Let's go".
-
The rest of the group stared at Alziel and nodded. They were heading up afterall, but they had to pass through the bugbears first.
It was the afternoon, and Abell had said it was better to travel at the early morning, but they needed to leave at that moment, the gnomes had gone very uneasy.
"So Abell... which way?" said Anyan. He wanted to keep going as fast as possible, he felt that danger was getting closer.
-
OOC: Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that everyone has to go through the bugbear lair in order to get outside.
BIC: Liara sighed. "What's the point of this ambush, Alziel? We can't carry treasure anyway. Our bags are full of food and water."
-
OCC: Ye were right Moose, my mistake. Edited already! :p
BIC:
Anyan's question was interrupted by Liara. She had a point there...
"Maybe... we can carry light things along." said Anyan. "Besides, ambushing them first will take them out before they become a fret to us. Right?"
-
"I suppose so" she mused.
The tunnel went deeper before it would go upwards, giving the illusion that the party was getting themselves further lost. Liara's magical lights and a few flares lit the path, but never truly penetrated the inky darkness just steps ahead- and a musty smell was present, a constant reminder that much the underground was disused and could be hiding secrets.
Abell, though, was a constant; she always knew the way and Liara, although sensing a pain that Abell bore, grew quietly appreciative of her guidance. She was the only thing between them and weeks of being lost in this oppressive place.
-
Alziel shook his heas as he walked. He had had enough of the dull, musty caverns that never seemed to end. He longed to get outside and to the surface where he could breath freely and see where he was going. These caverns dd not suit him. He needed air and sunlight.
He kept a tight grip on the hunting knife just in case. The caverns had widened, and although he doubted that they would be attacked down here, he'd seen enough ambushes to know to be wary.
"This tunnel doesn't end", he muttered to himself.
Saine came up level with him. "These gnomes only have short legs, so I have no idea how they manage to walk the length of these tunnels".
Alziel laughed as Saine picked up his pace and moved ahead. Certainly, there was a limited level of trust between the two of them, but Alziel had to admit he liked Saine's style.
-
Anyan kept walking behind the group, on the back. He was a bit tired, but still, he would walk anyway.
The tunnels didn't seem to end, and the group was getting nervous about it.
"Darn it..." he thought.
The dark tunnels made his eyes uncomfortable, but Liara would make her light spells time after time, and Anyan appreciated it.
Ragnar kept walking at the middle of the group, behind Liara. The old man would check the frog on his pocket often.
Also, Saine and Alziel were on the front, behind Abell who guided the group through the dark.
"When will we reach the bugbears...?" asked Anyan to himself. "Or will the bugbears reach us first...?"
-
***
Shell picked himself out of the mud and stumbled forward another step, his matted, filthy hair now falling over two pearly white eyes. His breath came to him in ragged gasps, but he raced through the forest nonetheless, tearing after a target he only vaguely remembered.
The skies swirled grey like a veil of smoke over the evening, and the howls of beasts pierced the overworld.
-
Ragnar walked, with his blades prepared. The tunnel seemed to go on forever, and the darkness was thick.
Even though Ragnar had a good sight in darkness, he had troubles seeing ahead.
"Mmmm... I'd better use my ears. They're far better than my old eyes" Ragnar thought.
In that moment, Abell told the group to stop, and she started to talk in a low voice with Saine and Alziel.
"What's going on?" Liara said in a low voice.
"Shhh" Ragnar said in a lower tone while taking a finger to his mouth. "I couldn't see anything, but I heard a noise. I bet she heard it too. Don't worry, it may be nothing."
In that moment, Abell gave them a sign, and the group continued moving forward.
"False alarm, probably....." Ragnar whispered to Liara.
Liara nodded and kept walking.
-
Frowning, Alziel unrolled the map. He had taken it from Ragnar's bag again.
The level of quiet chatter rose again, and everyone seemed to relax somewhat. They were covering distance, though it seemed to be only a short amount, and perhaps they'd soon be at the surface.
He wasn't worried about the Bugbears. He'd hunted large animals before. He'd do it again.
What worried him was the symbols and markings on the map surrounding the blank space they were aiming for. There were trees drawn, and patches of water, and small drawings of reeds, and the word "Svarn" scrawled close to them.
"Abell", he said, not taking his eyes off the map, "What does 'Svarn mean?"
"Swamp", Abell replied cheerfully.
Alziel sighed. Just as he suspected. The Gnome earlier had spoken of large dangerous creatures living in the swamps, and he expected that their journey into the blank spot would be hindered somehow.
"Swamps are dangerous", Abell said from the front of the group. "We should be thankful we are avoiding them, no?"
Alziel sighed and realised that nobody had informed Abell of their destination yet.
-
The group had stopped in the dark. Anyan soon felt something inside him. "My magic is back... jeh, I missed it." he thought.
The tunnel was dark, so he focused and drew the Viper from it's sheeth. After a few words said in a whisper, the Viper's edge bursted into flames, as it had done weeks ago, in the fight against Broadsword.
"A nice torch" he said, as he kept hearing the others talk, while litting the cave a bit.
-
Liara wandered across to where Anyan was walking.
"You look better" she smiled. "How're you feeling?"
-
Anyan smiled back. He was comfortable, his eyes were bothering him, but still he was fine...
"I'm allright. And you do seem better as well, these little time of relax has thankfully brought your smile back to us..." he said.
He was happy about Liara's more cheerful state of mind. Besides his confessions about his position had given him more confidence with the group.
"Still, these tunnels don't suit me. I'd prefer a plain, or even a forest, but I'm not used to this kind of place..." he said, still with his weirdly seen smile.
He wondered inside were would Abell take them.
-
Abell turned to the group and whispered "We not far off now. When you feel the tunnel begin to...." Abell struggled for the word she was looking for, and motioned downward with her hand
"Descend?" Liara added
"Yes" Abell agreed "When tunnel Descends, we must be silent...you will smell it...bugbears foul stench...If we are quiet we may sneak past...But if they wake up...we can not retreat...we must push through...they will call out to others in nearby dens, and we will be lunch. We mustn't speak any more untill in safety. Follow the breeze, if your eyes fail."
The group looked uneasy.
Soon enough, the tunnels altiude began to drop...cold air wisped by, giving the impression that the outerworld was near, and with the cold air came the stench of old death...enough to make a strong stomach wretch...Abell led, in front, with her lizard steed beside her...for a creatur so bulky, it seemed to move with gracefull silence...Abell watched its ear-flaps twitching. It could safely be assumed that the creature had superior hearing to her...wich was impressive, given the half-elven hearing of Abell.
Before long the tunnel opened into darkness, and the air grew humid, and the death smell slightly more putrid...
the sound of many large creatures breathing in slumber seemed to drown out the sound of ones own thought....
Abell tiptoed through the sleeping near-giants, as her lizard creature Seemed to skitter off, clinging to the rock walls with impecable silence, much like an insect would....It was definatly impressive to those unfamiliar with the sight...but now was a very precarious time to be overwhelmed with the abilities of a Reptile.
The Dull glow of the flaming swords' light was all that Illuminated the room...Large heaving masses of flesh could be seen slowly rising and dropping, And occasionally the glint of the flame off of a steel axe or broadsword could be made out...
*******************************
"My gods" Abell thought to herself
"If these adventurers wern't with me I could silently kill all of these vermin. Foul accursed bugbears"
One of the few races detested by Abell, the bugbears were often her prey when hunting for treasures to sell
"But The light is too dim, and there are too many here for me to move with stealth. Had I been proffient enough in their own language, I may have been abel to create a strategy....
If one happens to wake up though...I shall drink the blood of the foul beasts...I prey that my new companions fare well in close combat. The dwarf would serve well here...but a sprite would surely have trouble in these evirons."
****************************
Abells frustration was pushed back
-
Alziel held his breath and stepped as lightly as he could past one of the sleeping creatures. He could move quietly, nigh on silently, but he could not match Abell's silence.
Here and there one of the great heaving beasts would stir or grumble in its sleep; it was not enough to wake the others, but Alziel tightened his grip on Leyland's hunting knife nevertheless.
The chamber's opening was within sight, but it appeared to be a great distance away, and there were still many more of the beasts to pass by. He observed a few of the creatures as he passed. They vaguely resembled bears, but they were much larger and more muscular, twice the size of any bear Alziel had ever seen, and their fur was a darker, duller brown. Their faces were flat and ugly, and the two bottom canines jutted upwards above the lips, so that each creature seemed to be perpetually snarling.
Alziel caught sight of Liara fluttering behind him; she was walking, but using just the slightest wingbeats to lighten her step. He admired her grace; even in a place like this, she still maintained her beauty. He would have sighed, but at the last moment thought against it and kept his silence.
"Let's hope everyone is silent until we reach the exit", he thought to himself, crossing his fingers for luck.
-
Ragnar walked silently, through the room.
"Well... Let´s hope everyone stays quiet" he thought.
He passed right next to one of the creatures, and observed it.
"It looks big... and hard to kill. Damn monsters!"
Suddenly, Ragnar felt glad to have his blades with him.
In that moment, the creature closer to Alziel made a strange noise and moved.
For a second the group didn't breathe. Alziel prepared his knive...
the creature made a groaning sound, turned around and kept sleeping.
Alziel and his companions looked at each other, and kept moving as silent as they could.
-
Liara realised that she would be of little use in the cave. If one bugbear awoke it would have to be killed instantly- an assassination that Monty might have specialised in... she tried not to think about that. Alziel would do it, or Anyan might have the speed. But as soon as one of the creatures was able to let out a cry or roar, the entire cavern would become a heaving death trap. Magic, noise and light, was not an option.
She felt her dagger at her side, still unused in combat. The rays of light refracted through the falling dust promised an exit, so close now she could almost feel the envigorating warmth. As long as no-one did anything stupid...
-
Anyan moved as silently as he could, the exit was at hand...
"In the name of the Gods... we have to move quick..." he thought.
Suddenly, another groan, and the group froze again. A bugbear, next to Anyan, began to move. It was awaking...
Quickly, Anyan drew the Viper, and made a slight cut through the beast's throat. It didn't even scream, and fell softly to the floor. Thought the cut was slight, the poison acted fast, and the beast would have a peaceful death.
Anyan stared to his partners and whispered: "Let's keep moving..."
-
Abells eyes darted back to meet anyan. If Abell had heard the noise from such a distance, then it was already too loud. In the darkness that pale yellow glow of Abells light sensitive eyes looked annoyed.
In the faint silhouette of the caves opening, Abell's animal cohort could be seen in a blur of darkened motion, falling from the cieling above, and twisting catlike in midair, landing silently....Silently it darted out of the corridor after giving a twist of the head in oberservation.
Abell the reached the mouth of the cave where she quietly motioned the others to make haste...the darkness of the caves were begining to hone her senses and tweak the latent demonic abilities she usually tried hard to keep at bay in the presence of others...She turned her head sharply to the right and gave a quick nod to her steed.
"When the last one leaves the cave mouth...I will hunt..." Abell thought to herself... "Then nobody will be stuck in the path..." Abell continued internally, silently mouthing the equivalent words in her native tounge..
He teeth were clenced, and the yellow glow of her eyes intensified slightly...She had zeroed in on the largest bugbear, presumably the alpha male through the dark...And her postured stooped low, like that of a stelthy hunter, as opposed to the tiptoeing tresspasser..
With her hands she motioned the group toward the grottos mouth and into the stone corridor that eventually would lead after many spires and twists, ouside...
"The quicker they are out...the quicker the thirst will abate"
-
Ragnar moved quickly to get out of the cave. He didn´t like the bugbears, and he had noticed something strange about Abell.....
After leaving the cave, Ragnar saved one of his blades and prepared his crossbow, leaving the other sword in the ground next to him.
"If anything tries to leave....... I'll show them!" Ragnar thought, while taking a covered position close to the cave entrance.
-
Abell's beast flitted across the walls, spider like and cat-like at the same time...Soon it was hidden in the ceilings shadows, and the last of the group was into the corridor....Abell gave a whisper to Rangar's ear...
"Nothing is to enter, and nothing is to leave...Until I give word." Abells eyes suddenly flashed a phospourescent yellow and darted into the Den...The group Looked uneasily at eachother, And the came the faint sound of a slice.....And another....Barely audible....Rangar tried to peer in to see what was happening, when a loud, falcon like cry echoed throughout the tunnels....It was deafening to say the least.....A flash of bright blue light shot from the den, and in the ear-ringing aftermath, a few minutes of clattering and growls ensued. The cave was dark again and things were seemingly silent once again.....
The silence was broken by the faint sound of trickling liquids....
A gutteral, bubbled cough was heard, and silence again reigned in the unseen battle of sounds.
-
"What in the god's name...?!" whispered Anyan as he saw Abell enter the darkness by herself.
Something told him that she was better off alone... but still, he stood next to Ragnar, and if something went wrong, then he'd hurry up, with his blade lit in flames...
-
Liara had felt the tension in Abell's voice but had not expected such a sudden change of character. She sounded almost bloodthirsty, one with no true allies when in the heat of battle. The sprite was unable to appreciate the cool night air and endless skies whilst she watched, as confused as the others, huddling to Alziel for warmth and some level of assurance. This new ally was certainly not all she had initially seemed.
-
For the first time, Alziel allowed Liara to huddle close to him without pulling away. He had come to appreciate that she needed protection; from enemies, and now, it appeared, from allies.
He had never really trusted Abell, she had always seemed too suspicious, and now she was showing her true colours, it seemed.
Dusk had fallen. Alziel pulled his overcoat around Liara's shoulder to protect her from the wind.
-
"She's taking too long..." thought Anyan, with his Viper still flaming in his hand.
Ragnar gave him a quick stare, as if he knew what he was thinking. Alziel and Liara were outside, and their heads seemed to be off to somewhere. And Saine was just standing still...
Anyan said nothing. Although Abell's change had been scary to some, he wasn't too surprised. He almost expected something like that to happen.
"Darn it... I'm going in, she's taking too long!" he said, as he hurried up into the Den.
The Viper was in flames, but nothing could really be seen. Suddenly, Anyan stepped into a wwide being, which was lying on the ground...
"A... bugbear..." he whispered, as he could see the beast, clearly dead.
No sound could be heard, not even the snoring of the beasts...
"Abell...?" said Anyan, in an almost whispering voice.
-
Saine stood ahead of the group, looking back at the rest. Alziel and Liara, Ragnar and Anyan, and the darkness beyond the mouth of the cave.
Anyan started into the mouth of the cave. You fool! Saine thought reflexively. If Anyan went back into the beasts' lair.... Anyan stopped abruptly, barely within the threshold of the cave. Saine noticed the slightly green hue of something beyond, like dirty mud. Not the color of the gravel in the tunnels below. Anyan whispered something into the cave, but after that, there was no sound at all.
Saine twitched slightly as he felt the cold breeze against his back. Suddenly, he came out of the spell the scene had quietly cast on him. The others were watching, waiting, as Saine was, but now he could think as well...
At first, Saine had wanted to stay as far below ground as possible. Ever since the gates of the Gnomish city had been ruined, Saine had been feeling something pulling quietly at the back of his mind, making him more tense and irratible. Thus, he had said little during their planning decisions, knowing he may sow further distrust between himself and the others. He still sensed their tension and apprehension towards him, although it had dimished somewhat in the chaos that had ensued in the previous day.
As they had moved further down and away from the city, thing in the back of his mind had gradually faded away. Saine strongly suspected that this had been the mind control Abell had said the Ithyllid could use on its victims. He wondered vaguely if he should share this experience with them...
Rocks started to shift under and clatter beyond the darkness of the cave, snapping Saine's attention back to the moment. His hand drifted unconcsiously to his sword. He hoped to see Abell come out, but something still made him wary.
-
"Where could she be...?" thought Anyan, quickly, as he went a bit deeper into the cave. More bodies from bugbears could be seen, bleeding, sliced.
"Abell...?" he kept whispering. Where was she?
Suddenly, Anyan felt something, a noise...
Out of nowhere, a rampant bugbear attacked. Moving quickly, Anyan stabbed the creature's stomach, and lit it in flames, since the Viper was still under the flaming spell... The creature fell on the ground, instantly killed.
"Darn it! Where are you?!" thought Anyan again. He was worried, but started to move slowly towards the exit.
-
Suddenly, out of the caves darkness, a severed head was whipped out of the grotto's mouth as it thumped agains the wall traversing.
A jingle of coins rattled and Abells voice was heard growling, but clearly more controlled than it was beforwe.
"The last kill.....was.....mine"
Abells Head peered out of the darkness and at the others, all with a look of shock. Abell realized her actions would be offensive to those unacustomed with demonic instinct. He head hovered about 4 feet higher than usual, and then the rest of her body emerged, mounted on her steed.
"There are treasures, and weapons for the taking inside" Abell stepped off her mount, and wiped the blood off the blade.
-
Anyan couldn't help but to ask himself what had happened in there... Abell's change had been significant. Could that be dangerous on the future?
All Anyan knew is that he would keep an eye on her from now on.
The fire on his blade had faded, and now he would enter without having to fear anything. Abell had killed all of the bugbears in her
"My weapon of choice... the Viper of course. But I might as well find something to protect me a little better..." he thought for himself, as he entered the cavern again, were Abell had told them to go.
Anyan stared to the treasure...
Mostly, there were pieces of broken weapons and unusable armors. But there was a small, round bronze shield, which Anyan surely would need.
"The light edge of my Viper combined with the little defense this shield can give me... 'tis good.." he thought again, as he took the shield. Then, Anyan took little shining stones, that looked to be diamonds. His pockets were empty, and he needed something valuable.
He needed nothing more, so he headed out of the cave.
The night was dark, yet beautiful, with the sky filled of shining stars...
Anyan searched inside his bag, and found what he was looking for... paintings.
He took a black, a red and a green painting, and started to paint the shield. He used to paint when he was a kid, and his family used to paint their weapons with the symbol of the Leddwick Family: The snake.
The shield was finished: All painted in black, with a light red line sorrounding it, and two snakes, their eyes painted in red, in the center of it. A nice piece of art it was.
Anyan put the shield on the ground, and whispered: "Well... this is all of my magic energy for now... I'll lit the flame again..." As he set the Viper's blade into fire again. He put the sword close to the shield, as the paint started to dry out quick.
It had been a long time since he had painted again...
-
Ragnar started looking around the cave.
"Darn... Only gold...." Ragnar thought.
Though it was atractive, gold had proven to be a third-class treasure during Ragnar's life.
Magic objects and gems were better.
After taking a few diamonds and emeralds, Ragnar noticed something.
A strange shine.... a little deeper in the cave.
Ragnar went to see, and found it.
In the floor, next to an armored corpse, lied a shiny dagger.
It was long for a dagger, and a bit curved. It had dwarven runes in it, and it looked very sharp.
When Ragnar took it, he accidentaly hit the corpse's shoulder.
The knive cut right through it, even though the corpse was wearing a ringmail (Rusty and damaged, yes, but still a ringmail).
"Well, is this a good blade!!!" Ragnar thought. "I recognize this work. This knive comes from the North dwarves. How did it end up here?. I wonder...."
While saving the knive close to his blades, Ragnar returned to his companions.
"Well, people, I'm done here. I'll wait for you, but I guess we shouldn't dwell around here for long. we should go when ready".
Ragnar closed to the entrance, and sat behind a hidden spot, with his crossbow ready.
"The knive..... It probably came from the East!" Ragnar thought.
-
Liara was still a little worried about Abell, but she followed the other's example and re-entered the cave, if only to see the bugbears up close. Their blood was everywhere- the cuts were clean but the huge creature's hearts were incredibly powerful and the mess was quite visible even in the poor light.
The sprite created a small white light in her hands, softly reflecting off of the rugged dark stone walls of the cave. She peered towards the treasure, and spotted exactly what she was looking for- a humanoid corpse with a rotten leather arrow quiver. The bow was snapped in two by bugbear jaws but she leapt lightly over one of Abell's victims, a brooding silhouette that still exuded power, and dragged away the quiver, melting the rusted lock with her palm and taking out several arrows. They were in good condition- the quiver had done it's job.
She made her way over to where Alziel was standing. "Don't say I never give you anything" she smiled.
-
Alziel laughed as he saw Liara's gift. "Thank you", he smiled, taking the arrows and slipping them into his own quiver. It was good to know that he had Liara looking out for him here.
"Alziel", someone called from behind, "Come and look at this". Alziel turned. Behind them, sillhouetted against the setting sun, was Saine, stood at the top of a hill that faced the cave entrance. He was gesturing out over the top of the hill, out into the direction that Alziel knew would be northwest - the direction they would be travelling later. Alziel put an arm around Liara, and the two of them walked to the top of the hill.
"Think you ought to see", Saine mumbled. Alziel looked out, and frowned. Over the hill, as far as he could see, was a thick forest of dead trees and swampland.
"Yes Saine", Alziel said quietly, "That is where we are going tonight". Saine raised his eyebrows and sighed. "You're in charge", he muttered, rolling his eyes, and walking away to the cave entrance to wait for the others.
"We'll have to be careful tonight if that's where we're going", Alziel said calmly. "I'm lucky I have you watching my back, eh?"
Both of them laughed.
Ragnar looked up to the top of the hill from the cave entrance, and seeing the two youngsters laughing together at the top of the hill, he smiled.
-
Abell stood in the corridor alone as the others rummaged for goods...
Her chest heaved with deep controlled breaths, as she murmured a prayer.
"They dont know..." She thought
"The bloodlust of the demonic...I must seem a monster not to be trusted" Her body regained its compsure slowly, and her eyes returned to their origonal state
"And the bugbears...goblins in any form...I must remember my training, or they will see me as the enemy...must retain my composure."
Abelll dismounted and leaned wearily and lethargically against the corridors wall, looking toward the corridors exit, to the twilight skies faintly illuminating and refreshing her being.
When her racial enemies were present, the demonic instinct usually took over. Only once had she ever lost sight of her allies in this state, and that was a mistake she had vowed never to make again.
"Bugbears, goblins...vile filth" she mouthed
The group hadn't inquired to her past, her present, or her purposes, and Abell being wise with age, had learned not to volunteer it unless necessary...
She looked into the cave a saw a light....a beautifull light, the likes of which she had never seen before, eminating from liaras magic...
She lost herself in its glow, and its very presence calmed her with more efficiency than any of her training ever had...there was something about it that placated her...almost put her into a trance
Not almost, completely. Utterly mesmerized...speechless, and relaxed. As long as this light glowed, abell was lost in pleasant dreams inside herself...She could not move, nor would she want to.
Had she cognition, She surly would have exhuberantly questioned the nature of the sprites magic. Abell had only ever encountered dark sprites in the past, and their magic had never so much as caught her intrests
-
OOC: sorry, guys. Long post. I'm telling some more about Ragnar's story. Oh, and I asked Kin permission to use his char.... He said it was ok.
BIC:
Ragnar saw Alziel and Liara and smiled....
That scene had brought him memories.... from a lost past. And his long-gone wife.
Then, Ragnar started to think about his mission.... And his expression changed. He looked sad.
"My son.... Could it be possible? Could he be sick from the Psionics? I'm going to talk to Abell about this... Once I understand whatever she says" Ragnar thought.
Ragnar's thoughts went back to the East for a while, as he rembered the past.....
"When I was in the King's elite spy service..... as the Boss" Ragnar thougt.
Ragnar remembered everything. His son, one of the best young knights of the country.
The "Western attack" incident... the cover-up that Ragnar was a part of.....
The expedition sent to to investigate.......
And his son... marching towards the west, in exchange for a coward who pretended to be sick. And that coward was....
"Klerr...." Ragnar said with grief.
"Klerr?!?!" Anyan said in response.
He had been drying the paint of his shield, and had heard the old man. Now he looked surprised from hearing that name again.
"Yes. Klerr." Ragnar answered. "Because of him, my son had to come here"
Looking at Anyan's face, Ragnar continued.
"Don't worry, he came back. Only that sick. He only whispered nonsense." Ragnar said sadly.
"But how?" Anyan asked.
"No one knows..... But he came back though. One day he appeared at the beach mumbling, and then he passed out. He hasn't talked ever since. He was hidden by the King's order in a castle. My men kidnapped him before we came here. He is the reason I'm here."
"What do you mean?" Anyan said.
"He got sick here, in the West. That means that his cure must be here. To cure my son, that is why I came!" When Ragnar finished the last sentence, a flash went through his eyes.
He was determined to do anything to find that cure.
-
OOC: He's lying XD There was a gun involved :p
BIC:
"So that's what happened to Beowulf..." said Anyan in his usual tone. He became silent. Yes, when he used to be a knight, he had been a companion of arms with Beowulf, who introduced Anyan to his father.
Anyan remembered when he traveled, after abandoning his knightly position, when he met back Ragnar.
The shield was now dried up, and teh sword's flame had left, so Anyan took it up, as the light of the moon reflected on it, beautiful.
"I'll be sure to help you out old man, we run through paths that will take us against the King... I'm sure that you know what I'm talking about..." said Anyan. The trip hadn't made him forget his promise to kill the King.
Anyan and Ragnar became silent for the next seconds, until strangely, Anyan broke the silence.
"Klerr already payed for his crimes... The price of a scratch was more than enough..." said Anyan staring to the Viper's edge: "Then again... this lands, so strange... there must be a cure for Beowulf..." then he stood up and walked.
He wasn't too good at cheering people up.
There was Abell, standing alone, in the dark, silent. Anyan had felt identified with Abell from the beginning, he didn't know why.
But something in her loneliness reminded him of himself.
-
Alziel looked around the company gathered. Everyone seemed to be quiet and thoughtful, caught in a moment of reflection. He hated to break the silence - he had always enjoyed a quiet moment to himself - but progress had to be made.
"Alright everyone", he called loud enough for everyone to hear. The assembled group turned to look at him. "We need to move soon. It's dusk. I've scanned the swampland down there and I can see a clearing a little distance into the swamp which looks clear and secure enough to set up camp. There might be a fog tonight, so we need to get comfortable and safe before nightfall or we'll get lost. Is everyone alright with our plan?"
There was a collective nod and mutter of approval.
"Let's go, people", he called, and turned. Liara caught his arm and smiled at him.
"You're getting more confident", she said with a smile.
"I believe I am", he replied. Both laughed.
The group began to move, walking over the hill at the exit of the Bugbear lair and heading towards the swamp where they would spend the night.
As he looked over the swamp as they descended the slope towards it, Alziel thought he saw a human-sized figure dash among the trees a long way into the swamp, but after a moment he smiled, looked at Liara walking next to him, and dismissed whatever it was as a trick of the light.
-
"I'll have a look out for those creatures" Liara murmured, before stretching her wings and taking to the sky. A few from the group glanced up for a second, but most of them knew that the sprite had been dying to fly properly for days.
Liara tasted the darkening air. Above ground, the shield of confidence that surrounded the group was gone- she could once again feel the brooding presence that stalked the continent. But she was getting used to ignoring that.
When a sprite is kept indoors, they build up a feeling similar to having one's legs stuck in a box- nothing felt more restrictive to Liara than losing the full use of her wings. Now she did a barrel roll in mid flight, for a moment forgetting her strange surroundings and feeling at home in the sky.
The battle was clearly far away from the group now, because Liara couldn't see any of the winged creatures, although the gathering night might have had something to do with the poor visibility. She was a little dissapointed that she wasn't able to see the mindflayers either, as they had sparked her curiosity- but then she reminded herself that the group was bound to come face to face with one, and much sooner than they would have liked.
The cold air made her shiver a little. She cut her aerial display short and spiraled towards earth, alighting next to Alziel again. The sky wasn't the only comfort on this continent.
-
Anyan felt pleased for a little while. Watching Liara fly reminded him of dreams he ahd when he was little... how he and other kids would wish to fly.
How would that feel? Still, he wouldn't ask, Liara was close to Alziel, and he knew well that it was impolite to interrupt a couple... or a future one, as he suspected.
Anyan went to the front a little bit, to see if there was danger before them, or something, though his sight wasn't the best around.
He stood still a little bit as the group kept walking towards him.
The dusk.. it was beautiful. The sky was turning reddish as the sun sunk, giving the night the time to fill the sky with the shining stars, though some had started to appear.
Anyan watched the sun sink for a while. He knew he'd have little times to enjoy himself with such beauties...
-
OOC: Hope nobody minds if I move things on a little.
BIC:
Alziel sighed. The group had reached the swamp around half an hour ago, and after the brief trek his boots were already full of mud.
It was a grim place; there were trees in great numbers, certainly, but nigh on all of them were dead or choked on water to the point of appearing that way. The floor space was almost completely covered with mud, all except for the raised space of solid ground they were heading towards, and the occasional log that had fallen into the mud. There were no birds or animals to be heard. Everything seemed terribly still.
Dusk was nearing its end, and soon night would fall. Alziel stumbled; this terrain was extreme even with his experience, and he picked his way through the deepest muddy spots and leaned against a tree, letting the rest of the group catch up.
Liara flittered down (She had been flying for the most part to avoid sinking in the mud) and landed gently on a nearby log. "Hard going", she panted. Alziel nodded. "We're nearly there".
Saine stumbled by - here he seemed less graceful and noble - and leaned against a tree opposite Alziel. "Are you sure this is the best way?", he grumbled.
"Completely", Alziel replied. "The solid part we're aiming for is just beyond this next part of the swamp. It's large enough to set up camp there".
"Sure it's safe?", Saine quizzed. He looked around suddenly, as though someone or something dangerous might hear him.
"We'll hear anything coming from a mile away. It's too quiet".
"You're correct there".
Alziel frowned. He would rather his leadership was not doubted at this point. They'd have to make camp soon, and any tension in the camp was sure to make things awkward.
Besides, it was too late to turn back.
-
Abell was familiar with the highground and had made camp there before.
It was tactically sound, but had an unsettling presence and was renowned for its history of bloodshed.
Abell Knew that at the camp she would have to attempt to explain her actions at the bugbear cave. She was certain that these people knew nil of the thirsts of the Demonic races. Or the Code of the Sect of rangers she had been adopted into.
She would try though.
After hours of riding atop her steed, Abell dismounted, and walked with the others in the swamp. She did not want to seem "holier than thou" with the pending discussion of humility
-
Anyan catched up with the group. Walking slowly, he was still energetic, and could keep going. When he was a night, there had been a mission towards a swamp.
After walking a little bit, they reached the solid part Alziel was talking about. Although it was nothing nice, it was better than sleeping in the mud.
Anyan sat on the floor, and said: "It would not be smart to start a fire, right? We want no conflicts, and some unfriendly creatures might notice us..."
-
"I don't know", Alziel said thoughtfully. "We need the warmth. It's going to get very cold here tonight".
He looked around. Night had fallen completely now. It was dark, cold, and indeed a fog was beginning to roll in.
"I can't see any sign of life around here anyway. If there is anything, I expect a fire would frighten it off".
Anyan did not look convinced. Alziel frowned. "We're having a fire", he snapped, "And that's final".
-
OOC:
NOOOOOOOOOOO
I just lost such a huge post *criiies* it was a good one too. I spent ages on it.
I will try and recreate it:
BIC:
Liara frowned. "Any hunting creatures that live here will be used to killing in the dark right? So hiding in the shadows won't really help."
The sprite wandered over to a flatish rock and took off her ornate red boot. Like the rest of her clothes it was made for beauty rather than practicality, but still served remarkably well, the material reaching almost up to her knees and keeping out all water, mud and small rocks.
Well, almost all. She tipped the boot upside down to see a tiny pebble tumble out of it. It had been rubbing against her sensitive skin for hours and had left a painful red mark, but she had stubbornly waited until the party stopped before removing it. She was doing everything in her power to not be a nuisance to the rest of them.
Her efforts had paid off, though- At the beginning of the journey, Liara had seen doubt in people's eyes when they looked at her- doubt that she was ready for such a challenge. Now she was the only person unsure that she deserved her place in the competition.
The sprite gazed around at the party. These men... Were they still competitors? Many of them had personal reasons for wanting to visit the west, but in the end, if the ultimate prize really was offered, would they remain allies or go for the gold?
Liara was glad now more than ever that she had made that promise to Alziel back in the palace; that he could keep the prize, and that she would recieve nothing. In the end, that was the only thing ensuring their alliance, whilst the rest of the party remained sleeping, but potentially dangerous, rivals.
For a moment Liara thought that she felt a familiar presence in the swamp.
Monty?
No. Another competetor. But then it was gone, and her train of thought was disturbed by the piling of logs as Ragnar prepared for the fire.
-
OOC:
Damn, I hate it when that happens. =[
Oh, by the way, Happy 30th Page Everyone! :w00t:
BIC:
Alziel sat down next to Liara and smiled. "Another night, eh?"
She smiled. "Yeah, sure is. Hopefully there won't be any trouble".
Alziel nodded, and took his bow off his shoulder to place it on the ground against his foot. Hopefully Liara would be right and there wouldn't be any trouble. As he did so, he noticed Liara reaching into her boot to take out another stone, and he leaned across to her, taking the boot from her as she did so.
"Look at this", he said to her, "If you take a lace" - he took a lace from one of his own boots which were already laced as much as was possible - "And thread it through the top of the boot" - he did so, weaving it around the top of Liara's finer footwear - "It stays tight and stones don't get in".
Liara smiled. "That's clever, where'd you learn that?"
"Leyland showed me back home. He taught me a lot".
"Yeah, you've mentioned Leyland. Who is he?"
Alziel sighed. "He's just a friend. The best friend I've ever had really. I don't make friends easily, but Leyland and I just met in the woods one day while I was out hunting for food and he was looking for a wealthy traveller to rob, and we got talking. He allowed me into the Wood Hawks. He gave me his hunting knife to keep me safe out here".
"That's a kind gesture", she said softly. Alziel sensed that she meant to say something more, but did not.
The fire crackled and a spark turned into a growing flicker of flame, and Ragnar stood up sharply and cheered. Liara laughed and broke into applause, and Alziel, laughing at Liara's amusement, did the same.
After a moment, he heard something crack, probably a stick, a long way out into the swamp to the north. His laughter died and he stared into the darkness to see what it was?
"What's the matter?", Liara asked. Alziel started, peered into the forest, and turned back to Liara.
"Nothing".
Liara smiled, caught hold of his hand, and the two of them sat quite comfortably on the log together, watching the fire.
-
"This place good for camp" Abell addressed interrupting a long silence on her own behalf.
"Fire is safe here. We see anything coming for miles. High top of hill here"
Abell removed a satchel and some binded posts from one of her saddlebags and proceeded to set up tent.
"In your land...In the east land, with the cowardly king...is there demon races? Do you know any of them? Tell me of your land."
The group looked around sheepishly as if to try and figure where to start
" Why are you all here? You are... Car...carto- cartographers? Map making? Where are you all going to?"
-
"Well... I only want money, that's for sure..." said Anyan. He didn't trust too much Abell right now. She had known about his position as a Resurrector, because she happened to stay with the group as he confessed that, but he would not speak of his revenge with her...
"I've been off by myself for more than... two years now, and my pocket is empty. I don't want to live in only one place..." he said as he layed on the floor.
-
Saine rolled a small log from its resting place by the fire and sat down, bringing his sheath up so the hilt rested on his shoulder. He only half-listened as the others told Abell of their intentions in the west. Something kept distracting him throughout their trek in the swamp lands.
He stared off beyond the circle of light cast by the fire, trying to find the source. Occasionally, he had heard very distant thoughts elsewhere in the marsh, too vague to make sense of, but disconcerting nonetheless. Saine tried to focus his mental energies and hone his telepathy in on the unknown source....
"What about you?" Saine's eyes snapped open suddenly, his concentration broken. Someone had asked him a question. "Hm?" was all he could think to say.
"What you are doing in the West?" Abell's strangely accented voice asked again. Saine looked across the fire at her.
"Well... it's a complicated story. Several reasons, I suppose. To satisfy my curiosity, find the origins of this-" Saine motioned to the claws protruding from his bag- "and, mainly, to track down my biological father." Abell looked at him intently, though a bit confused.
"You are from the Eastlands, though," she said.
"When we first met, I called myself a 'son of the West'. I was born north of Inas, but was concieved here." Saine paused, considering his next choice of words. He sighed resignedly, and continued. "My father was an Incubus." Saine saw something glint in Abell's eyes, but it disappeared too quickly for analysis. He tried to read her thoughts, but her mind remained silent. I need to practice those skills more, he thought quietly to himself. "If I win the money, that's an added bonus, though I don't much need wealth. And if my maps of this land become widely used, I suppose the fame will satisfy my ego to some degree." Ragnar smirked at the wry humor.
Saine nodded, then looked down, signaling the end of his speach. He then tried again to locate the shadow they seemed to have. "I'll take watch tonight," he said suddenly.
The others looked at him, puzzling over the offer. Saine offered his explanations. "Abell went hunting, which will take its toll, Ragnar's old, no offense, Alziel needs to stay sharp for tomorrow, and I don't trust this place. I feel the need to offer something to the group."
Alziel nodded. "Alright," was all he said.
-
The stars kept shining bright in the sky. The group had began to talk about the task and their final goals, and Saine had made a revelation...
"Son of an Incubus..." he had said. Anyan, of course, had always been thaught the way to fight demons and creatures of the dark, such as Incubus, at the Order of Inas.
He had swore his life to fight darkness and it's minions. But he was a companion of arms of Saine... at least that's how Anyan thought of him.
"It doesn't matter, I am a Knight of my own Order now since I left Inas... and Saine hasn't shown me anything to not trust him. If he ever makes a false move, of course I'll engage him... but then again I don't think that's possible" he thought, as he kept laying on the floor, staring into the stars.
The last time he had seen such a clear and beautiful night sky, it had been many days ago, at the Inas Castle. That night he had met Klediah back. And he smiled at that memory.
Then, Anyan got up and said: "I'll have my watch as well, Saine could use some help".
Anyan walked towards Saine, and said nothing. He sat on a big stone, staring towards nowhere, and thought about people.
Delliah, Klediah, Klerr, the master Broadsword, the King, Monty, Shell...
Shell?
"Saine..." said Anyan. "Do yuo know what happened to Shell? I didn't see him since the first attack..."
-
OOC: Long post.
BIC:
"Shell was taken", Alziel said suddenly. Everyone seemed to be somewhat surprised, and Alziel realised after a moment how loudly he had spoken.
There was an awkward pause. Saine raised an eyebrow, and Abell looked on Alziel with great interest.
"Those creatures took him when the camp was attacked. We'll keep looking for him along the way... but I think it is clear to everyone that we will almost certainly not find him alive". He sighed. Shell had been a good, kind man, and the truth hurt.
More awkward silence. Everyone seemed to be caught in a moment of mourning. Even Ragnar stopped cheerily tending to the fire and stared into the sky. Alziel frowned.
There were two sharp cracks a long way into the swamp, closer than the last time but still a long way off; at least Alziel thought he had heard them, but there was no change in any of the people's faces or positions, and it was obvious that nobody else had heard the sound. He stood up sharply and stretched.
A strange feeling had come over him. He had become strangely tired and weak, and yet he knew that he was perfectly alright. He told himself inside his head that he was fine that it was just the effect of the long walk and the smoke from the fire - but there was a peculiar feeling that he could not shake off.
More sound, this time a faint rustling for a few seconds. Nobody else heard it. He peered into the darkness but saw nothing, and after a moment put his hands over his face and tried to shake the feeling again.
"Are you alright?", Liara asked him, staring into his face.
Alziel stood up and stretched again. "I'm going for a walk. I need some time to think, and I ought to see if there is a clean path for tomorrow". Everyone within earshot looked at him worriedly. He picked up his bow and put it over his shoulder, swung his bag onto his other shoulder, and made to leave the camp.
"I'll be back within the hour. I won't go far, and I'll see the fire to find my way back. Keep it burning, Ragnar".
Ragnar nodded but said nothing.
As Alziel made to leave again, Saine, Abell, Liara and Anyan all stood up and were about to offer to accompany him, but he raised a hand and silenced them.
"I'm going alone", he said simply.
Liara suddenly looked very worried. Saine shook his head, and muttered "Alziel...". Alziel bit his lip to avoid admonishing the pair of them for caring. Finally he set off without a word and left the camp into the darkness.
"What do we do? Do we follow him?", Liara asked quietly. Abell began to quietly speak about the dangers in the swamp at night. Anyan looked on silently. Ragnar carried on tending to the fire.
Saine shook his head. "It's his decision. He says he'll be back within the hour, so he will. We should all stay here and let him do what he needs".
Outside the camp, Alziel continued walking. The mud did not bother him, nor did the encroaching darkness or the shallow cuts he recieved to his arms and face from the sharp twigs that jutted into his path.
Inside his mind, he hoped to the Gods that the others would obey his wishes and not follow him.
-
The figure expelled shallow breaths, nearly invisible wrapped in his cloak of darkness. The low branches of the tree above him scratched his face a little, but he ignored them, as he did the wound on his forehead where he had tripped and hit against a mud embedded rock hours before. Now he swayed gently to and fro, listening intently. There were people he knew here, but they were no allies. They had betrayed him and they would serve as his prey.
One of them had left the group. His skill at walking silently served no use in this shadow house of breking twigs and rustling trees. The dark figure moved from his hiding place.
-
Abell had felt unsettled.
Alziel left the group, confident of his skills and absorbed in thought. This she would not have questioned, if he was native to these lands, but abell feared that what was the hoot of an owl in his ears could very well be the alerting whisper of a creature that would see him as prey.
Something of Ill fortune was in the air, and she was unsure of wether or not her paranoia wass founded or not. She did not want to doubt Alziels abilities, but she did not want to betray her own instinct.
Abell looked at liara. Abell since meeting the sprite had begun to doubt her survival chances less, and after seeing her magic at work and realizing the true alignment of her skills.
"Sprite..." Abell quietly barked "The Man, Alziel....I fear there is Danger for him...
I dont want to follow. To a warrior it is insult after requesting solace..."
Abell paused
"How high can you fly with those wings?"
-
Liara nodded and smiled. I feel something odd too. The trees are pretty thin... I should be able to find him. I really hope you're wrong about this though...
The sprite fluttered upwards into the bitter air. The moon was almost full but partially obscured behind the grey black cloud so commonplace in the western skies. Below her she saw the clearing, skillfully spotted by Alziel, and then a carpet of dying flora, choking in mud that was at places knee deep or worse. The swamp was larger than she had suspected- the day's hike that had gone on for what seemed like forever had only brought them through the outskirts. Ahead, trees were thicker, darker, and closer together.
She carefully scanned the immediate area below her for movement.
-
Abell watched as the moonlight caught the sprites wings from so high up in the air.
Everything about this sprite was beginning to intrigue abell. She had never before seen a sprite not of the Dark. Not in the west. Not even heard of their existance.
Abell tried to choke back her wonder to watch for signs from the sprite.
-
"There's something wrong..." said Anyan to himself. Liara had left to seek for Alziel, and Abell was watching her fly.
"That idiot! He'll only get himself into trouble!" he thought, looking calm.
Ragnar was letting the fire burn, and Saine was just standing there, watching towards were Alziel had gone to.
Anyan had an odd feeling...
The same feeling he ahd when they were sorrounded...
Anyan took his shield and drew the Viper, as he said: "I have a strange feeling, I better be prepared..."
Ragnar gave him a funny look. "You're rushing too much, brat..." he said, laughing a bit. But still, Ragnar was holding his sword in his belt...
Anyan stood still, sword and shield in hand...
"There can be no peaceful night in this bloody lands..." he thought.
-
"Nope. We can have a nice night aoround here, but only if we stay in a protected place, such as the underground, jeje" Ragnar answered.
"The fire is alright now. It's not too cold nor windy, and it will hold for hours." Ragnar took his crossbow, and prepared it. He also took one of the explosive balls and put it in his pocket. While doing so, he found the frog.
Ragnar took it out, and looked at it.
The frog was stone still, as if it was asleep, but however it was alive and well.
"Could it be the cold?" Ragnar thought. "No! This frog is strange, and something is going on..... We better be prepared."
Ragnar put the frog back into his pocket, and prepared his weapons. He looked to Anyan and said:
"Ok brat. We'll be in troubles again too soon, I'm afraid. Young people don't know how to rest for a day!!"
Ragnar started to look into the darkness outside the camp.... but his eyes had goten used to the firelight.
"Ok, it seems like I'll have to look into the dark for a while" Ragnar thought.
-
Alziel continued walking. Every so often he glanced behind him to check that he was moving in a straight line from the fire, and he had seen the sillhouetted figures of the others watching for him... But he supposed that he was a long way off, for they showed no sign that they could see him.
Thank the Gods they hadn't decided to follow him.
The bizarre feeling inside his head had intensified somewhat since leaving the camp, and by now had risen to a dull ache that numbed his thoughts. He paid no heed to the feeling and carried on.
The darkness had grown now, and the trees were closer together. Some even had leaves on them, though they were dark, spiny things, black and shiny rather than green. Once or twice they grazed against him and he felt their needles. The swamp was hostile.
Without knowing or caring why, he broke into a run. He had mastered running quietly. He tore through the forest, being whipped and scorned by the trees, until he feet collided with a log and he tripped, landing hard on his right arm.
Pain seared through his fingertips, and he bit his lip to keep silent until it bled. He was almost completely unable to move the hand now, but his mind wandered as he focused on it, and soon the pain in his hand and lip subsided.
He stood again shakily, hearing more rustling and cracking from further into the forest as he did so, and without any thought set off towards the source of the sound as fast as he could safely go.
His thoughts dulled, and he could remember little else.
At some point he must have looked back, and he observed that he could no longer see the fire.
-
Abell watches as liaras condfident hovering flutter turned to a scuttleing searching sentry.
Abell motioned for her beast and silenced the group with a finger to her mouth.
"For the gods favor, frail sprite...give me a sign" Abell though to herself
-
Liara suddenly spotted something. A disturbance in the foliage, someway away. She squinted and thought that she could make out her companion- he must have gotten careless, and he was flat on the floor, but there were no further signs that he'd been attacked. After a while the figure picked himelf up and continued walking.
Liara continued watching until she was sure that it was Alziel. Then she turned and nodded to Abell, before speeding off to keep a better watch on Alziel's strange venture. She wasn't sure what to think, but she was fairly sure that he was in danger.
***
The figure heard Alziel's approach. He gripped his warped staff tightly and continued walking, reaching into his pocket and drawing out a single, polished, black stone, and immediately feeling his energy begin to slip away into it's deathly cold surface. He did not remember why Alziel was his prey tonight, but the battle, he was sure, would make things become clear.
It was time to sort things out.
-
Anyan saw Liara's odd behaviour from above...
He understood she had found Alziel, and probably, he was in danger. "She's going... alone?!" he said, almost whispering.
He did not think twice, Anyan saved the Viper, took a piece of wood, a little bit of linen from inside his bag (it used to be a broken and old cape), and lit it with the fire from the camp (while Ragnar gave him an odd look).
"I'm going...!" he said, leaving the old man, Abell and Saine behind him, running with the torch on his right hand and his shield on his left, putting the shield in front of him, to not cut himself with the wood.
Anyan's sprint was fast, but still he could see Liara from above, as she was diving down.
"The mirror... the mirror..."
A voice started to speak in his head...
"Delliah...?" asked Anyan to himself. It was Delliah's voice...
Anyan kept remembering those dreams from far beyond...
Suddenly, Anyan could see a lighted path in the forest. As if someone had thrown a brilliant liquid on the ground. Something told Anyan that he had to follow that path.
As he started to walk through that path, the brilliant light on it kept dissappearing behind him.
Anyan then, felt something... a noise. "I have to go silently now..." he thought, as he lit off the torch by blowing the fire quickly, and drew the Viper.
He kept walking slowly, as he kept approaching Alziel's position...
-
Anyans Shoulder was gripped firmly by Abell.
He drew his sword, Not aware that it was a friend, but sudden had a rush of numbness run through his blade arm, as Abell pinched a pressure point benteather her index finger.
"Do not follow a worrior when he request solace" Anyan knew know that he was not in Danger but was annoyed none the less
"But Alziel is likely in danger. Dont tell me that you arent worried..."
A bit of a pause ensued before he continued...
"Or ARE you, woman? For All we know this could be some plot on your behalf."
Abell drew her lips closely to his ear and whispered sharply
"Abell has not plot except to find new home. Abell knows Honor, and thinks somewhere in your young head that you do too. I will keep sentry with you here.
We will watch the sprite and listen...If Alziel is inside danger we will aid him. But if he is not, It would be insult to follow him. The air is Ill tonight, I know. But to Have another stray off alone is foolish."
Anyan bit his lip in contempt and reluctant agreeance.
"Now...Put out your flame. We would be seen miles off" Abell added
-
The figure emerged from the trees where previously there had been darkness. Alziel broke from his reverie and stopped dead.
The figure stood a short distance away at the other side of the small clearing where Alziel had come to a halt. There was very little light, but Alziel could tell that it was the figure of a man. He strained to see across the clearing, and could only pick out a few features.
There was a mud-clogged brown coat that hung like a shroud to the figure's feet. A pair of boots, similarly choked with grime. A staff that had been warped into a twisted, gnarled thing, perhaps by heat or some foul magic.
The figure strode forward. A face.
Alziel's heart missed a beat. Ten or so feet away, Shell stood silently.
Alziel walked forwards to greet Shell again. Had it not been for the fog that clouded his conscious thought, he might have guessed that something was wrong. Shell had once carried his staff as a comfort and much as a method of defence; now it was a weapon, and it was gripped so tightly that his grimy knuckles were white.
"Shell", Alziel murmured, his speech slurred slightly. "Good to see you a--"
He was cut off. Something in the forest behind cracked, and Alziel turned and cursed under his breath. It would likely be one of the others rushing to the rescue yet again. It was an annoying habit. Alziel smirked slightly and turned back to where Shell stood.
The staff connected with his side before he could focus his vision. It knocked him sideways, and he fell upon his damaged arm, yelping before the numbness in his head spread and smothered the pain.
He drew Leyland's hunting knife clumsily, and waved it futilely in front of him as the thing that might have been Shell came forward.
-
From where Abell and Anyan stood, Nothing could be seen.
OOC: Figured Id add that. Let draggy have this sweetness
-
Liara was caught in a sudden breeze, making her lose her balance in the air and break her watch. When she recovered and found Alziel again, something was clearly wrong.
***
Shell swung the staff with precision and inhuman strength, the stone biting into his hand and the blow throwing Alziel off of the ground and into the air, the hapless man's back coming into contact with a rotten tree trunk and sending chips of wood floating to the ground. Alziel stood shakily and focused. This thing was attacking him. Be it Shell or an imposter, his warrior instinct was kicking in. He looked for flaws in his enemy's technique.
The next staff blow met Leyland's knife, and Alziel felt a jolt of pain run up his arm. The power was unlike any enemy he'd sparred with, but the technique was still Shell's, a fighting style more tailored to surprise attacks than sustained battle. And Shell's breath was coming in ragged bursts. Whatever possessed the man, he was burning up energy like a furnace.
-
Abell watched the skies as Liara Flight drifted suddenly in a breeze. When she regained her compsure, suspended in Mid air, Abell could tell Something had caught her attention.
Anyan And abell watched in anticipation, and suddenly A crack Of Wood Filled the Air some distance away.
Abell, Whistled for her steed and Signaled Anyan to Move toward the Noise while She took the Flank.
"And keep quiet. Stay Unseen" Abell Barked before Mounting and Darting off into the night, Nearly silently on her Reptillian.
-
"Indeed" whispered Anyan into Abells ear. He took the Viper out, and started to walk slowly towards the crack...
He was worried, but still kept calm as always. He would never allow himself to shake.
-
Abells Reptilian Stted Wove in and out of the Trees, rarely touching the swampy ground. Instead It launched itself from low lying Branches, and seemed to almost Float through the air in bounds, while Abell Crouched low on its back as the beasts reptile skinned, ostrich like wings Shielded her from the scratching Branches.
The Duo Turned Sharply, and Allthough Abells eyes were covered, She could feel the Beast had found a Vantage point after Clumbing what felt to be a thick and tall tree.
From Some thirty Feet up, Abell watched the ground, as the two Figures, one Alzeil and the other unknown to her Fought with Knives and staffs, One on one below.
This was a honorus battle. It was not her place to Interfere. Her code of Ethics Forbid it. So She watched from her sentry...Abell would not act unless the Odds against her comorade were Tilted to the unfavorable. If Alzeil were to Die in this battle, it was to be his chioce. He requested the Solace, and Had entered a fair Battle. And She would be sure to bring him back to the others, wether he be living or dead in the end.
Abell wanted to know where the sprite was, but was too focused to avert her gaze. Hopefully Liara had seen abell take post And would make her way to a more defensive positon, near Abell. With luck anf fortune Between Liaras Magic and Abells Reptillian Stallion they would be able to Bring an Injured Alziel back to camp safely
-
Panting, Alziel stepped from Shell's path and moved behind him. Shell's attack was relentless, and he seemed to be able to read Alziel's movements. The feeling of numbness dulled his reactions, and Shell took advantage of his every mistake.
He raised the knife, and despite the impression that it had become much heavier, and despite the pain in his injured hand, swung it towards Shell. Shell reacted almost immediately, raising his twisted staff and sending the blade flying from Alziel's hand to land in the mud.
Unarmed, Alziel knew he could not hope to be victorious.
Shell came forward again, relentlessly swinging. The staff connected with Alziel's side again, and this time he felt his ribs splinter from the blow. He gasped and stumbled back to land on the muddy ground. Fire seared across his side and he became short of breath.
The numbness inside his mind was almost complete. He could not think, or make sense of what was happening. One thought managed to break through to him; the thought that he would not last much longer in this state.
-
Abell watched the unarming Blow with unwavering attention.
With breath held, She snapped a branch from a nearby tree limb and lobbed it in the direction opposite from her standpoint, in hope it would distract long enough for Alzeil to arm himself again...even though it meant possibly giving her own positon away. Alzeils foe seemed to be under some form of influence and may just be concentrating on whats near...
And then another possible Hope entered her mind.... "recipilikapt"
-
Shell ignored the branch as it flew to Alziel's feet, and rasied his staff again. Alziel rolled out of harm's path this time, and Shell cried as the weapon hit mud. He had to stop to catch his breath. The stone's effect was taking it's toll.
-
"Where does that crack come from..." asked Anyan to himself, not noticing the duel close to him. He just kept sorrounding the place in silence, as he reached the crack...
Suddenly, he slipped, and fell to the ground. The land was slippery, so Anyan started to turn around and around, until he fell into the floor, having a sight of what was going on at last:
"Shell...?!" asked Anyan to himself, as he saw the man with the huge staff almost hitting Alziel, who rolled to prevent the hit.
Anyan stood up. He wanted to help. But he couldn't... it was a matter of warriors before anything, before any mission he had.
Anyan then felt something behind his head... his sight became blurry. He touched the back of his head...
Blood...? Yes, it was. Anyan saw a rock next to him, barnished in it... it was a slight cut behind his head, not enough to kill him, but enough to leave out for a while.
What could he do? How could he help Alziel without putting himself in the middle of a duel...?
The shield... bronze- made, and barnished with the colours of his family, painted by himself.
"I have to aim good... I will not help in a fair battle... but Alziel has no weapon for now..." he thought. As he took the shield, spinned fast and threw it towards Alziel's position.
The shield fell next to the mud, really close to Alziel, making a loud noise.
Anyan smiled, and dropped to the floor, falling unconscious.
-
OOC: Kin, That made no sense. Im in the treetops. You were lost in the mud, the knife was dropped really close to alzeil.
No sense man.
-
OCC: DAMN! It's been long since I misread so BADLY. Can't explain what I read :p
Edit'd, sorry mates, hope this is better...
-
OOC: I don't know...... Maybe you want to use the frog. If you don't, leave it and I'll take it back XD.
BIC
Ragnar watched the horizon......He had gained better sight in darkness.
Suddenly, a strange feeling hit Ragnar.
"Saine" Ragnar said.
Saine looked his way.
"Something's going on" Ragnar started to get into the forest.
"I'm going to look for the others. No one will see me in this darkness. stay in camp, will ya?"
Without expecting any answer, Ragnar entered the forest.
The darkness was terribly thick..... but Ragnar's sight and hearing was good. Ragnar moved slowly and stealthy. Not even the trees knew he was there.
Ragnar tried to follow Anyan's tracks. But he had never done that, so he quickly lost track. Right when he was about to turn around, Ragnar heard a noise.
"What's that?" He thought, and the noise repeated.
Ragnar slowly aproached the noise, that was getting clearer as he got close. It was an axeman-like noise at first, but as he got closer, Ragnar realized that the noises were hits. Someone was hitting a piece of wood against something... Or another someone.
Ragnar stepped on a small branch, that made a loud sound.
He cursed quietly, and staye mortally still without breathing, trying to see if someone had heard him.
Ragnar was so concentrated that he didn't realize when the frog got out of his clothes, and started to jump towards the noise....
-
Alziel reeled. Shell's attacks were growing more and more desperate, but no less aggressive.
He could act upon reflex and instinct, roll and jump out of the way, but he was collecting more and more injuries. There was no pain, and he could not summon the conscious though to ask why. The fingers of his right hand were bruised, probably broken. The ribs of his left side were similarly ruined, and he struggled to breathe. Every so often he would earn another strike from Shell's relentless attack.
He stumbled back again, taking Shell's attack in his right hand, oblivious to the pain and the damage it would cause him. He no longer felt the effects for more than a few second; whatever it was that affected his mind dulled his senses.
Something shimmered in the mud, and Alziel stopped to think with difficulty what it could be. As he finally decided that it was Anyan's shield, Shell had come in close, and made another terrifying swing which Alziel barely avoided. He stooped to pick up the shield, and raised it clumsily in front of him.
Shell stopped as he saw Alziel raise the shield. He too was growing tired from the battle, though much more slowly than Alziel. After a second to catch his breath, he came forward again. He made another attack, which Alziel took in his left hand this time, feeling the pain across his palm, and managed to get in close under Shell's guard.
Shell, frustrated, attempted to beat off Alziel with the staff, who caught a weak, tired hold of the weapon, and, for the time being, both fought wearily for it in the centre of the clearing.
Finally, Shell managed to wrench the weapon back, and, in doing so, struck Alziel hard again in his left side.
Alziel cried out and fell hard into the mud. A red curtain was swimming before his eyes, and the pain was immense. This time, the numbness of thought did not block it out. He felt nauseous, and breathless, and there was the tang of blood in his throat. He lay back, no longer strong enough to support himself. Shell came forward and stood over him, without moving.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone moving from the trees, coming to his rescue, but in the dark he could not see who.
He could no longer think. He gave up in his fight for consciousness.
His last thought was of Liara.
-
Abell Clung to a branch as her beast jerked out from underneath her, And watched arms folded over a limb, as her reptilian steed darted from their vantage to the space that the attacker was occupying. With talons unsheathed, the beast tore a substancial chunk of flesh from Shells shoulders, and was then pinned down by the beasts weight as it proceeded to make sharp pecking attacks at shells head....which were dodged by swift movements on shells behalf.
Abell was suddenly very concerned. Her steed was trained only to attack the vile. Abominations against nature. It only would attack without direction from abell if it were truly a creature of vile origin. This was not an ordinary foe, and Alzeil was unfairly matched. Abells eyes could not see this, which suprised her slightly.
With a heave of the arms and a fierce cry, shells body heaved the attacking reptile off of his body. A feat that should not have been doable with the musscle damage from the talons. Abell dangled high in the tree....to high to safely jump down, and the reptile, before it could be mortally wounded, skittered back into the trees opposite of Abells Vantage.
Abell could see the underbrush rustling. There were others around. And possibly noy Anyan or the sprite.
"Why would he wander off out of sorts....if not to be answering the call of a summons to fair battle" Abell wondered to herself.
The reptile was shreiking in the trees, calling for aid, and alarming other intruders. From one direction it came, followed by a flutter of Brush and the another shreik from another direction.
Alzeil, however, lay bruised and injured on the ground, struggling to breathe.
This was a precarious situation indeed.
"Who is this attacker. Alzeil seemed to be familiar with its body." Abell wondered to herself out loud.
-
Saine's ears twitched as he heard a cry of pain permeate the relative silence of the swamps. Then, the marsh fell silent again. Only a moment later, squawking sounds came from the thick of the trees, again interrupting the eery quiet. Finally, silence descended again. Saine noticed for the first time that the crickets had fallen silent.
He stood, looking in the direction of the sounds. As he tried to discern their origin, Saine felt that presence again. It was faint, but... it was there. However, there was nothing to be done about it. Someone had to stay by the camp. The others' things were here, and the swamp would prove a traitor to them somehow. With a resigned sigh and a sinking feeling in his stomach, Saine sat back down on the log, staring blankly at the foliage beyond the fire.
What the hell was that all about? he thought disconcertedly.
-
OCC: Sorry, long post :p
Anyan's eyes opened with a cry of pain...
"Wha..." said Anyan, standing with difficulties...
He could barely stay on his feet. He cursed himself for his clumsy moves, which led his head against that rock.
His sight was blurry, and his steps ackward. Anyan walked through a single road, as if he was drunk. Suddenly, the bushes before him started to move.
"That's no effect of the wound..." he thought. His head hurt and he could see almost no thing, but he managed to draw the Viper without cutting himself.
Anyan walked towards that bush, not realizing that he was actually sorrounding the place were the duel between Shell and Alziel was happening.
Inside the bush, two voices came out.
"He's almost done... let's get him..." said one voice.
Anyan wanted to hear no more, he entered the bush almost triping to see who it was.
Two men, dressed in black hoods, with bows and short swords were in there.
"The resurrector...!" said one.
Anyan asked no question, and with difficulties, he stabbed one of them in the stomach. Then he engaged the other one.
Since he could not stand too good, Anyan couldn't give a single cut to the man, who was almost laughing at him. Tripping, and falling over and over, beside the trees, Anyan had serious difficulties.
"Time to end this..." said the man, as he got the bow out. Anyan screamed in a moment of desperation and charged with all of his strenght.
The man was dead now, Anyan had stabbed his chest. Byut he could not prevent the man's arrow from leaving the bow.
Luckily, the arrow hit Anyan's leg only, so it was not mortal, but he cursed again.
"What now...?!" he said. Another arrow came from behind and hit his other leg.
The man Anyan had stabbed in the stomach managed to survive a little bit before the poison took care of him.
Anyan took both arrows from his legs. He could still walk, but felt too ridicoulous...
"DARN IT!" he screamed. He didn't mind about himself, he started to walk (as he could, holding himself from the trees) towards Alziel's position again.
"Liara, were are you..." he thought, in desperation.
-
Everything had happened so quickly, and a bewildered Liara found herself at the battle scene completely unaware of her surroundings. A badly injured man had staggered to his feet and was battling against Abell's steed- When did they arrive? Liara had been flying forward so frantically that she hadn't noticed. And who was the man? A terrible aura came off of him, but his appearance... Was it Shell?
The sprite span round and spotted Alziel on the ground. He looked dead.
The swamp was alive with activity suddenly. Shell swung the staff at Abell's steed, which responded with a slash of it's talons. Abell moved towards the battlefield, now a circular clearing due to the violent battle which had uprooted and split dead trees, and Anyan appeared at the other end, shocked at the scene before him and swaying from side to side. He looked injured.
Liara ran past the fight and knelt at Alziel's body. He was alive- her previous confusion had clouded her judgement. She glanced around wildly at Abell and Anyan, who appeared to be standing and gawking.
"Help me!" She cried. "Anyan! Alziel's injured! I need some time to heal him or he might not make it!"
Anyan nodded and turned towards Shell as he flung the creature aside and roared at the newcomers. All of them had to die.
-
Ragnar heard Liara's call clearly.
"Damn!! this is no time to be sitting in the dark!" He thought.
Ragnar got up and runned towards the battlefield.
When he got to the clearing, he realized a dreadful fact.
He has left all the bolts of his crossbow in the camp. He only had one shot!
"Oh, S***!!!" Ragnar yelled without realizing "My ammo!!!"
"Old man?!?! What are you doing here?!?!" Anyan said, while preparing his sword.
"I'm trying to get you kids out of trouble..... but I seem to be in problems myself!" Ragnar answered, while taking up his crossbow.
Ragnar fired against the attacker (Without even taking a second to try to know what/who it was), with acurracy like always.
But Shell jumped back, and the bolt passed by and hit a tree.
Shell seemed surprised by the number of enemies, and hesitated.
"Damn!! This isn't my night!" Ragnar thought.
He runned towards Liara, only to find her on her knees... with a really bad hurt Alziel.
"Oh, boy......." Ragnar thought. He left the crossbow next to them, and took out his blades. Then, he spoke to Liara "I don't want to die here, but that's what will happen if I go against that thing. Cure Alziel! then, we'll see what we do."
Ragnar looked back.
The creature was attacking Anyan again with the staff...... And Anyan was defending himself as he could.
-
"I cannot... hurt him..." thought Anyan.
Shell charged against him over and over, as Liara tried to heal Alziel and Ragnar was beside her. Abell's steed tried to attack again, but was thorwn back by Shell's overwhelming strenght.
Anyan had drawn the Viper and had rejected Shell's staff as he could- falling over and over, barely standing.
Suddenly, Anyan spotted his shield on the ground... Alziel couldn't use it too much.
Anyan tried to get close to it, receiving Shell's berserk attacks with his sword, with a nice technique for being this injured. Anyan tripped again, and fell beside his shield. Shell attacked...
But Anyan picked the shield fast and stopped Shell again, throwing him back with it. Shell couldn't stand well also, because of his wounds in his talons, and the fight was desperate.
The Viper's edge could kill any man with just a slice... but Shell... he wasn't himself.
"I have to know what is happening to you..." thought Anyan, as he saved the viper on his sheath...
Liara was attempting to heal Alziel, but she was a witness of this action, and she couldn't help to be surprised...
Anyan put his hands up, with his shield on the leaft one. Now he was fighting Shell, only trying to knock him down... but suddenly, his wound on the back of the head started to bother again... and his legs weren't the same- thanks to those black-hooded archers.
Shell wasn't himself, he was acting like almost an animal...
But suddenly, he was tired too.
The staff hit the bronke shield again, but this time, Anyan answered, magaging to hit Shell's chest with a brutal front attack with the shield...
Both men fell on the ground, one due to the attack, the other, because of his wounds.
Anyan felt his eyes failing to him... but he couldn't die. Not now. But he could barely stand...
-
Shell writhed in the dirt and tried to get up. Anyan was so close, close enough to kill. He had to die.
At that moment, a tiny creature hopped onto Shell's leg. Beautiful, leaf green. It's delicate Throat throbbed in a puzzled sort of way. Shell tried to crush it, but stayed his hand and dropped the stone to the ground.
With the last of his energy, he began to cry.
-
Anyan knelt beside shell, holding his shield tightly. He was a bit blinded by the battle...
He had to stand up... to fight.
His legs weren't answering too good... but he stood, almost falling again, but he stood.
His enemy, although he was not wanted as that, was before him, kneeling. Because of the pain? He didn't mind. Anyan took his shield with both hands, and rose it over his head.
He would strike Shell with it and make him fall unconscious...
Then, Anyan had a clear sight of Shell's face...
He was crying...
And over his legs, there was a frog... a frog that Ragnar had in his care until that moment...
Anyan knelt, letting his shield fall. He was dropping his guard. But he felt that Shell was himself... he didn't know, perhaps he was taking an unnecessary risk...
But he just knelt, silent, and paralyzed from the pain...
-
Alziel wondered for a moment where he was.
He opened his eyes, and there was a white ceiling above him. It was so strange to him that he sat up sharply, and looked around him. It was a large building, of grand architecture. There were four walls of white marble, held up by similar white pillars, and all its surfaces were covered in ornate carvings, of beautiful women and horses.
He was sat upon a slab of black marble, which was surrounded by white flowers. He looked around himself confusedly for a moment, before noticing the man sat next to him.
"Hello there Alziel", Leyland said with a smirk.
Leyland was a handsome rogue on the rare occasions that he removed his hood. He was older than Alziel, and his looks were much more weathered, but still he was charming. His eyes were brown, almond-shaped, surrounded by tiny wrinkles, and he had a long, straight nose that had been broken in a few bar fights. His hair was a dark blonde and he had a layer of stubble on his square chin.
Alziel smiled. It was good to see his friend again.
"I must say you've got yourself into a bit of a mess, Alziel", he smiled. "Not your fault though. That is some power good old Shell's got himself. Got my old hunting knife to keep you company though, eh?"
Alziel reached into his coat and realised he had lost the knife.
"I see", Leyland said. He was still smiling. "Oh well. Never liked that one anyway".
There was a gentle breeze, and Alziel could hear gentle song from a long way away. Leyland leaned forward and nudged his arm.
"Hold on Alziel", he said softly. "It's not your time yet. Nor is it Shell's".
Alziel felt himself being lifted, the room began to swim, and before he could look twice at Leyland he was awake. The pain in his ribs was unbearable, and after one look at Shell, who now stood crying in the centre of the clearing, his frog in his hand.
Alziel considered Leyland's final words as he fell back into unconsciousness.
-
Alziel opened his eyes for a couple of seconds and then closed them again, but it was all Liara needed. She hugged him in the way only a sprite could hug, without disturbing a single broken bone and still conveying all the warmth and relief that had welled up inside her.
"You're gonna be okay" she smiled sadly. "Don't ever do that again, okay?"
As Shell cried his last tear and fell asleep, exhausted from whatever magic he had weilded, the other party members cautiously approached the clearing. Liara was still healing Alziel and Anyan lay, energy spent but glory intact.
"We can't move any of them" Ragnar stated. He began to make a new fire. "We'll wait for them to wake up. Then we'll see what happens."
-
Anyan layed on the ground... tired. He saw as Liara hugged Alziel, and as Shell fell asleep. He was glad...
"Gather my shield old man..." he said to Ragnar, who listened to him, and grabbed the shield.
"Damnit brat, you're always gettin' in trouble!" he said, cheerfully.
Anyan smiled back, and said: "Try to call Abell, and let her bring her steed... it will be of help..." Then, he fell unconsius. He was too tired.
-
Ragnar didn't have to go look for Abell.
She appeared at the clearing, after going down the treetop she was in.
"Abell!!"
Ragnar pointed to the wounded and said "We can't move them. We need to make a new camp here, and wait for them to be a litte better. I have to go look for some things we need."
Abell nodded, and Ragnar knew she had understood everything.
Ragnar quickly went back to the camp.
"What happened?" Saine said when he saw Ragnar come.
"More problems, someone attacked Alziel and Anyan and they are injured. Nothing Liara acn't fix, though" Ragnar answered while taking his pack and reloading his crossbow.
After that he made a small pause, and took Liara's pack.
"I'm taking some things there, to help Liara cure them. when I get there, I'll send someone. It's not a good idea to be alone in a night like this."
-
Saine sighed as he heard Ragnar's explanations. Alziel, attacked. He shook his head, his silent prophecy coming to pass all too quickly.
"Ragnar." The old man turned around as Saine called his name. "I have a bit faster way back to the new camp. Help me gather up our companions' things." Ragnar nodded, understanding as he remembered Saine's sudden appearance during their last battle.
After the two had situated themselves with the others' articles, Saine took a lit piece of wood in one hand and Ragnar's arm in the other and vanished.
They reappeared at the edge of the clearing where the others were staying. Abell and Liara threw quick glances at them, then eased slightly as they saw it was Saine and Ragnar. The two men trudged slowly towards them, moving slowly with the burden of all the others' things.
Saine noticed someone else lying on the ground, asleep. He was too old to be Alziel, and his hair didn't match Anyan's red hair. Then Saine noticed the small black stone lying on the ground next to the man. It glinted in the moonlight, and as Saine passed closer, he could feel something enigmatically malignant in its essence. That is a manifestation of evil, he thought grimly.
They placed their load half-way between Anyan and Alziel, and Saine gave the torch to Ragnar. "Go get some firewood, Ragnar. I have something I want to see." Ragnar nodded again, then disappeared into the brush to find usable branches for their fire.
Saine approached the man and the stone slowly. As he reached them, he knelt down, staring intently at the polished black sphere. Something overwhelmingly powerful emanated from it, hitting Saine in wave upon wave of dark pulses.
Saine felt himself dulled slightly as he reached for it...
-
Shell suddely yelled as if in pain, opening his eyes for a second and reaching out. Saine jumped back but the man immediately fell back to sleep.
Liara tore her attention from Alziel for a second to glance over at Saine.
"Shell's new power feels familiar. I've felt it on you at times. You have any idea what's wrong with him?"
-
Abell Dressed her steed to carry Alzeils Body to a safer, more tactically sound position.
Abell herad Saines proclomation and her eyes were immediatly drawn to the stone.
"Do you all know this man?" Abell questioned, looking to the nearly liifeless body of Shell
-
"Yes!!!" Ragnar said with surprise, as he let the branches he had gathered fall to the ground "Shell!!!!! What could've happened to him?!"
Then, Ragnar noticed the frog......
"How smart of you... You knew that shell liked that frog, and that he would stop when seeing it" Liara said.
Ragnar smiled
"Hahaha, no, Liara. the frog went for himself. I don't know how it got outta my pocket, and I think that it will remain a mistery."
"Well, we'll have to wait 'till Shell wakes up.If you can, cure Alziel and Anyan quick, Liara. We might need them. But please don't use too much energy."
Liara nodded, while Ragnar kneeled down and took the logs.
Everyone stayed silent for a while.
A few minutes later... the new fire was ready. but something was bugging Ragnar...... so he looked to Saine and said:
"By the way....... We DID take care of the fire in the old camp, did we?"
-
Alziel faded in and out of consciousness. Time passed, and though for some parts he was awake, he did not move or open his eyes. Segments of speech came to him.
He heard Ragnar talking from a short distance away, but the words were distorted, as though he was listening from the end of a tunnel.
Later, after another fit of unconsciousness, he heard Liara talking close by. He wanted to sit up and see her, but his shattered body refused him.
"How is he?", a voice said from close by. Alziel decided it was Saine.
He could now feel her presence a short distance above him. She was kneeling by his side and looking down on him, yet even if he had wanted to open his eyes he could not.
"Well", she began, slowly. She was hesitant and quiet, and it was clear that she was holding back tears. "The fingers on his right hand are broken, and we need to keep them bound. He has a few bruises".
She stopped. Alziel could feel her move her face in closer to his.
"And?", Saine said, cold as ever.
Liara was silent for a moment. "His ribs are ruined", she said. Her voice trembled. "It's a nasty injury".
"Can you fix it?"
"I don't know. If it's just a few broken ribs, I might be able to help him heal, but it's really up to him to work hard and get better". She stopped, and when she spoke again her voice was trembling and higher-pitched.
"If it's worse...".
She trailed off, and Alziel knew what she meant. There was a silence, but Liara's presence stayed above his. After a moment he felt a few hot drops land on his face, and he knew that she was crying for him.
A second presence came forward, Saine's. "Come on now", he said quietly. First his, and then Liara's presences, both left him to lie alone in the dirt.
He could hear Liara's sobs drifting away, and as he tried to hear more, desperately clinging on to thought, his stomach lurched and everything became numb again.
-
The days that followed were testiment to Alziel and the effect he had had on everyone. No-one even mentioned leaving the man behind.
Day and night the swamp tried to move in on the party- small creatures that kept Ragnar, Saine and Abell busy. Liara devoted her attention to Alziel, and Anyan healed himself well, until he began to join the parties that gathered good wood for the fire.
But as time passed, and no edible creatures appeared, it became obvious that if Alziel did not recover soon, the party's food supply would become dangerously low.
One evening, Anyan awoke to check on Alziel (Liara had been persuaded to get some rest) and noticed an empty patch of grass where Shell had lain. The black stone, however, was still sitting on the ground, where no-one had dared disturb it.
"Old man! Saine! Wake up!"
"What?" Ragnar murmered sleepily.
Anyan looked over at Liara. She was best left to rest.
"Shell's gone missing. We can find him on our own."
OOC: Oops, a bit more character control than I should have had, here. I hope you don't mind >.>
-
OCC: Nevermind, it's not like you had Anyan dressed in pink clothes or something XD Moving on :p
BIC:
Ragnar stared to Anyan with a puzzled look... What could have happened?
And that black stone... it attrackted men somehow...
Anyan's head was now sorrounded by a white bandana, due to his wound on his head, but his both legs had healed good.
His bronza shield had endured nicely Shell's attacks, so Anyan had began using it.
"We should search for him... Abell is here and she can check on Liara. But we should walk slowly, and be silent..."
Anyan knew about things... but tracking someone wasn't one of them. Though, he knew that the swamp's ground was soft... so he searched for some footprints.
Anyan saw foot shaped images on the ground, heading towards the forest.
"It's probably a trap..." he thought. "I'll go on the head, Ragnar, follow me, and Saine, stay on the tail... let's go inside there..." said Anyan.
There was something terribly wrong...
-
"Bad idea..." Ragnar said "But it's the only thing we can do now. Be careful everyone!"
Liara and Abell nodded, seeing the group get into the swamp.
Ragnar took his gear (With plenty of bolts this time) and followed the group.
The air was still.... And Ragnar tried to follow the tracks.
Soon, they lost the trail.
"It's impossible, let's get back" Ragnar said. the others looked at him.............
-
Alziel awoke.
The group had done their work on him. His shirt had been removed, and he was now wrapped in a tight bandage around his torso. His right hand was similarly bound, and in a sling across his shoulder. He was surprised that he was now more comfortable; Liara's healing magic had not yet made him well, he could tell from the medical equipment wrapped around him, but it had so far been enough to numb the pain slightly.
He sat up painfully and looked around. It seemed that the group had left the camp, all but Liara, who was sleeping soundly some distance away, and Abell, sat opposite the fire staring into the darkness. She must have sensed Alziel's awaking, for she turned, stood, and approached as soon as he saw her.
"You are awake", she pointed out. "Good". Abell knelt next to him for a moment, staring closely into his face, and seemingly troubled.
"Tell me", she said after a moment, "Why did you go off into the dark?"
"I don't know", he said simply. He did not want to go into detail about the bizarre feeling that had clouded his mind before, which had now abated. Even so, he knew Abell suspected something.
"How is she", he said, gesturing with his head to Liara.
"She is... tired. She has been working hard. To heal you".
"I see". He sighed. Liara had tired herself out trying to get him back to health. He was touched, and at the same time felt guilty.
"You should rest", Abell said simply. She stood, and walked away to the other side of the fire again.
Alziel thought to sit up and wait for the group to return so that he could greet them, but eventually the effort of sitting upright wore him out, and thus he lay down and went back to sleep.
-
Shell stood alone in the darkness, trying to think. His head was beginning to clear, but all was not well- as if a forest had stood in his mind, been stricken by a blinding fog, and now, as the fog dissapated, the damage could be seen all too well. The frog looked at him worriedly.
Surely he could not go back to the others now. He only just remembered them- faces, companions. Not enemies. The nagging feeling at the back of his brain still told him otherwise, of course. He had lain, broken, in the mud, as the group spared his life and discussed his condition. Through concentration he had started to silence the dark call he had been subjected to, but it had been replaced by something far more terrible.
Guilt had led him away from the camp and into the deeper parts of the swamp. He could already hear some others trying to follow him- they were getting close. But he did not deserve their kindness. He had made up his mind- his destiny laid at the bottom of the marsh. Only once he had taken his own life would he not have to face the terrible injuries he had inflicted upon his friends, or hear the mindflayer calling him back into service.
Shell took a step towards the edge, his expertise assuring him that the water was deep. Reeds would drag him under.
He placed the frog on the ground, a lifetime of believing in fate beginning to return to his memory. If he did not jump now, he would not be able to bring himself to do so at all.
***
Anyan was about to agree with Ragnar, when he thought he spotted something in between the trees.
"Wait! I think I can see him!"
-
"Wait! I think I can see him!" said Anyan to Ragnar, as he spotted a shade through the trees.
Before the old man could answer, Anyan rushed as always, through the marsh, with his shield ready, yet the Viper inside the sheath.
The marshes were deeper now, as they had reached the very center of it...
Anyan went through some trees, and found Shell, standing next to a cliff, staring at the bottom.
"Shell...? What do you expect to do...?" said Anyan, a bit agitated from the run, but overall worried.
Shell stared back at him. Then he stared to the edge again, and said: "I'm sorry..."
Anyan understood what Shell intended to do.
"I do not certainly know what happened to you. But I, not only I, but the group knows that you weren't yourself..."
Shell stared to the edge again, and said no reply. Anyan rethought his words, and the seconds were vital...
"A warrior's way to die lies not in this kind..." said Anyan: "You, as I, are a warrior of pride, honour and strenght. You showed not only me, but the entire group that yuo are indeed someone whose strenght is enormous, and that you are lion hearted. Do not waste yourself ilke this. If you feel that you have made a mistake, then fix it, by fighting at our side, and showing us your true spirit..."
Anyan knew not what else to say. He could only wait for Shell's answer...
-
Abell continued staring into the darkness beyond the treeline. Her beast had gone out to scout for Vegetation that was suitable for delicate stomached Humans to eat.
Abell was too proud to admit that she too had a hand in Mendin ng Alzeils wounds.
As she stared into the darkness, her mind wandered back to the days Prior.
Abells home was gone. The books she had grown up reading were gone. The books she had yet to decipher...they too were gone. By now her meadow was a smouldering waste. And through this she couldnt help but think more was going on than had seemed.
Ill magics were appearing in areas that normally horboured no such witchcraft. This black stone. And the Rise of the Illithyds. The Khal-ah-ad at war, swarming in numbers she had never witnessed or even heard of.
Dark sprites, and undead. These visitors were surely not her enemy..however, there were apparently others that took a seperate path. It was not likely that they had all perished. Some would be cunning enough to survive.
And the Commisioner of her allies quest. The King that kept the truth from his subjects.
Abell knew there was a force pulling the group in a direction. And Abell knew where that direction would take them. Straight into the bustling city of merchants, Mages and theives guilds. She would not think the name of the town, or the sect of templars that wait there...for they would then see her location and comorades.
If it was not the city itself, it was surely close enough to pose great danger.
However, Abell was certain that somebody there was respoonsible for the wars raging her land. Disturbing the Peace of nature. Throwing off the balances of life she had sworn to protect.
Abell had turned her back on almost all of the way of the people of her Father, the Demonic Nobel that she was not to name...And had sworn to serve nature...And rid her home of the vile. Now her home was gone. These people were her home...
At least until she had a chance to avenge her home.
-
Shell glanced back at Ragnar, and his eyes revealed a sad truth- Shell was lost and afraid. In life he had relied on fate to bring him to success, but somewhere on the continent he had seen something to convince him to abandon hope. Suicide was the only path he could decide for himself. He needed guidance.
"Shell, help us. We need your help."
Shell turned to face Anyan. "Do you know what you're fighting? I doubt it."
Anyan looked grave. "I know that whatever it is, I owe it to my memories to fight it to the end."
Shell shook his head. By this time Saine and Ragnar had arrived.
"Stop this nonsense, Shell" Saine scowled. "I doubt you came to this continent seeking death."
"I don't want to have to look after the frog again" added Ragnar. "He belongs with you. You belong with us."
The group said nothing as they made their way back to camp, Shell in their midst. It wasn't his time to die, he'd known that really. It was clear, though, that he wouldn't be giving details of his experiences for a long time to come. He sat on a half rotten log as if nothing had happened and closed his eyes to try and get some sleep.
-
Anyan sat near his things, next to a tree, where he lyed, silently. What had happened to Shell? Something had pushed him to that choice, and that something should be dreadful...
"Do you know what you're fighting? I doubt it..." that question sorrounded Anyan's head for a little bit. He didn't care about who to face, until he had to face the King.
Anyan shook his head. He felt a bit cold... perhapst it was stress due to the last events. He stood awake for a little bit, but finally slept soundly.
-
Ragnar looked at Shell.... He was asleep and quiet.
Something bad had hapened to him... and he looked strangely similar to certain out-of-control wizards Ragnar had encountered during his work as a spy.
And his attack.... he didn't seem like himself.
Ragnar hoped it would be ok from the time on, and he sat down close to the fire and Alziel.
Then, Ragnar said the same thing he always told to his badly wounded friends:
"Hey, Alziel, you look like a million gold coins!!! nice to see ya up!"
Alziel laughed, and aswered........
-
Alziel smirked. Ragnar was cheery as ever.
He immediately caught sight of the man sleeping just over Shell's shoulder. Shell. Alziel sighed and tried to think of a course of action. After a moment he looked to Ragnar again.
"Ragnar", he said hoarsely, for his throat had become tight and dry, "When Shell is awake, and... coherent... could you ask him to come and talk to me?"
Ragnar nodded. "Can do. As for you, you should get some more rest. We need our leader on his feet".
Alziel smirked, though he doubted that with the way he was healing, he'd be back to health any time soon. Speaking of which. He looked past Ragnar again, to where Liara lay, still sleeping soundly.
Alziel smiled, and lay back again, falling into sleep almost instantly.
-
The night passed on quietly, as a breeze in a hot summer day, and the ackward group slept soundly after a long time.
The sun, shining brightly above a surprisingly clear blue sky, let one of it's beams of light hit Anyan's eyes, waking him up. The rest was asleep, so he got up and looked at the sky. "So beautiful..." he whispered, staring at the sun, with dreamy eyes. He took the bandana out of his head, it didn't hurt anymore, so he decided to wear it out. "It looked ridicoulous anyway..." he thought for himself.
After a while, he sat, near the burnt out wood. Would they finally leave if Alziel was better?
Of course they would.
But they had to go past that swamp. But something else bothered Anyan... that stone... that black stone.
What to do with it...?
-
Liara Stretched her legs and took a walk around the camp. The time was passing slowly.
The party members had entered an uneasy truce with fate, leaving the stone resting where it was and being quite happy to leave Alziel to the job of questioning Shell. Now Shell had woken up, and had crouched next to Alziel, talking to him. The others waited with an odd anticipation for the outcome. Would Shell say something that would change the direction of the journey? Did he have bad news, or helpful information? Where had he been all this time, and what had happened to him?
Shell walked uneasily towards the resting man, sticking his warped staff into the soil before approaching. He had never been good with words, particularly when it was vital to use them carefully.
"Good morning."
-
OOC: Post. Hope you don't mind me using Shell a bit, Jim. =]
Alziel smiled.
"Morning Shell", he said quietly. He sat up painfully, for his side was still injured and so tender that moving was awkward. He surveyed the camp. It was very much the same as it had been last night, but there was an air of tension now. It was as though everyone expected something to happen.
"Good to see you're alright", Shell said awkwardly. He smiled from the irony of it. He began as if to apologise profusely, but Alziel laughed and cut him off.
"Don't worry about it", Alziel smirked, "It wasn't you who did this".
Shell sighed and stared mournfully at the ground for a moment. "Why did you go into the forest?", he asked at last.
Alziel decided to answer honestly. "I don't know. Quite possibly for the same reason you attacked me". Both Alziel and Shell looked around nervously. It appeared that nobody had heard.
There was silence. Both men surveyed each other. Shell suddenly moved, and took something out of his coat.
"I found this. It's yours I think". He handed Leyland's hunting knife back to Alziel, who took it gingerly (moving his good hand disturbed his injured one, which hurt sufficiently to restrict his movement). He smiled at the gesture.
There was more silence. Finally the two men nodded silently to each other, and Shell turned and walked away to the other side of the camp.
Even if it was awkward to have him there, it was good to have Shell back.
-
It was a beautiful morning indeed. Anyan had walked a bit to end waking up, and then he was walking back at the camp.
There, he saw an ackward scene:
Both Alziel and Shell were talking, but they seemed to be more silent than anything.
Then, after a little while, Shell got up and went to the other side of the camp, sitting alone.
Anyan did not want to speak to him right now... there were too many things he wanted to ask Shell, but now wasn't the right moment.
He just went to his bag and sat there, waiting for the others to move.
-
Liara took slow, exhausted steps towards Alziel and sat down, closing her eyes.
"I'm glad that's over with. Did he say anything?"
-
Alziel shook his head. "Nothing unusual", he said softly. Liara was worried about him, that much was clear. He adjusted his position so that he could sit up level with her.
"I'll be better soon", he said with a smile. Liara smiled back.
After a moment, Alziel lay down to go back to sleep. He was already exhausted by the effort of sitting up and talking, and though he was too tired to think correctly, he was sure Liara stayed by his side until he fell back into sleep again.
-
Anyan saw Liara, sitting by Alziel, and staying beside him, and smiled. He felt happy for those two... Shell was on the other side of the camp.
What was this feeling Anyan had inside?
He rembered that fatidic night, in which he followed Alziel into the woods and had to fight a berserk Shell...
He remembered a brilliant light, enlighting the opath to were Alziel was... like some kind of...
"Sign...?" Anyan asked himself. There were things he begun to understand.
"No way... understanding the gods is not my job..." he thought, as he layed back at the tree, stopping his casual smile: "There were lots of people at that battlefield... Alziel, Shell, Abell, Liara and Ragnar... they all could have been in danger.. besides those men in black could have hurt any of them..."
Suddenly it came to him...
He had to warn the others.. they were being followed afterall...
-
OOC: Sorry for the delay. Computer a splode. Literally.
BIC:
Alziel sat up on his haunches and stretched. The pain in his side had gone, but it was still tender, and there was only some stiffness in his fingers.
Morning had broken. There was a layer of dew on the ground. The rest of the camp seemed to be still asleep, and there was almost absolute silence.
Alziel decided to test his strength. He sat up first, and then stood up as carefully as he could, feeling the stiffness. Finally he was upright, and he stood on his feet for the first time, relishing in his freedom. He took a few shaky steps around the camp, walking past the sleeping Shell.
Everyone was still asleep, and so Alziel eventually tired of his freedom, and sat down next to Liara to watch her sleep.
-
Liara opened her eyes a little. Morning had broken and the group would have been up and walking for an hour by now had everyone been normal, but the weeks Alziel had been resting had allowed everyone to relax.
"Hey" she smiled, taking Alziel by surprise, as he had been gazing around the camp and hadn't noticed her wake. "You're feeling better then."
-
Anyan woke up again. A beam of light entered his eyeball, as a new day had begun. He detected Alziel sitting next to Liara, but he didn't want to interrupt them now. It would be impolite of him.
But it came to him again. Those hooded men... he hadn't talked about them since the incident, because of him recovering from his wounds (though quite fast), and taking care of hunting without Alziel.
He got his bag up, his shield on his left hand, and put his belt on again, with his sword, the Viper on it's sheath. There was no time to waste.
"Alziel..." he said, getting close to him. He felt so bad for interrupting them, but it was important: "... we have to go. We are being followed. I know this since the day that..." he made a pause, took a deep breath, and started again: "... the day in which Shell came back to us. There were two hooded man hidden, I killed them both but that doesn't mean that they were the only ones..."
-
"Hmm?"
Liara gave Anyan a quizzical, but concerned look. "You got attacked? Why didn't you say anything?"
-
Ragnar got up.
He saw Liara, Alziel and Anyan talking, he quickly greeted them, and went into the forest to look for some water.
Ragnar silently followed a small and hidden path that he had discovered in the last few days, towards a small water current he had found.
As he moved closer, the forest turned quiet.
Ragnar didn't have a great knowledge of the forest, but he knew that silence wasn't a good sign.
Ragnar stayed quiet, waiting to see something.....
The noise in the forest came back, and Ragnar felt better.
But he didn't go forward, instead he went back to the camp as quickly as he could.
"There's something on the forest. I don't know what, but we need to be careful"
He said to the others after getting to the camp.
-
Anyan was about to answer to Liara, but he got interrupted by Ragnar. "There's something in the forest, we need to be careful..." he said.
Anyan opened his eyes wide. How could he have been so careless?
"Liara, I'm sorry... I was badly wounded on my head that day, and after that I had to recover and help hunting... it is my mistake, I'm not used to slip details such as this. That is why we must withdraw from this place quickly..." he said, with a worried thone in his almost whispering voice.
What Ragnar had said worried him... they had to be fast.
-
OOC: My apologies to everyone for the delay. I'm in the middle of my GCSE exams at the moment, which have been taking up all my time, and I've had to get a new computer since my old one basically exploded.
BIC:
"You're right", Alziel sighed at last. He had come to terms with the fact that the swamps were not a safe place, and he had had the impression that they were being watched since they arrived. He straightened up and looked at the sky. It would soon be dawn; he was tired, for the dull ache (Which had been lessening over time) in his side and right hand had kept him awake - but move they must.
"Alright everyone", Alziel said with a look of feigned authority. "We're moving. We will go northwest. When we reach the blank spot on the map, we will draw it up, and we will leave to wherever Abell recommends". He fell silent again.
"Well done", Liara said with a smile.
Alziel smiled back.
~~~~~
Somewhere northwest, deep into the swamp, something moved. Something large. It was not an Illythid, or one of the winged demon beasts.
But it was dangerous.
-
OOC: Stu, I completely forgot to post in your place XD Sorry. It's probably best that you did it anyway though.
There was a collective rise in spirits as Alziel took the weight of decision of the group's shoulders. Camp was packed up quickly- no-one wanted to stay in the swamp. The group congregated around the map, deciding exactly which direction to take- then Liara hovered in the sky, looking for a path, and then the party was finally off again.
Shell strode a little behind the others, thinking to himself.
-
The group had started moving northwest, and the swamp would be left fater walking to where Alziel pointed them too.
The spirits were higher now: not only Alziel had recovered, but Shell had returned, when everybody thought he was dead.
On the front, Abell was searching for safe passages, with ragnar close to her, helping to seek for anything that could harm the group.
Saine stood behind them, very wary, looking to the sides often, but silent. Behind him, Liara and Alziel walked together, silently, but sometimes speaking in a low voice.
Anyan was behind them, holding his shield with his left hand, and walking slowly. Behind him, Shell was thoughtful to himself, and silent, with his staff in the right hand and the weird frog on the other one.
Often, some noises could be heard, then the group would stop to see if it was safe, but nothing serious happened. The trip was peaceful and nothing seemed to truly worry the party.
-
Suddenly, Ragnar heard something.
He watched in the direction of the noise, and saw something move inside a bush.
"Hey, Abell" Ragnar pointed towards the bush "What's that?"
-
OOC: Damn it. I refuse to let this RP die just because of the small matter of me forgetting to post.
BIC:
Alziel turned, as alert as he could be in the suffocating swamp darkness. Even though dawn would break in a matter of brief hours, it was still black as night. Alziel wondered for a moment whether he was losing his eyesight; after all, he never normally had trouble with the dark.
"What is it?", Ragnar hissed again, fingers curling around his crossbow for comfort.
Alziel shook his head and drew the hunting knife carefully. The fingers of his right hand were painfully stiff, and so gingerly he moved forwards toward the bush, creeping inch by inch until he was level with it.
He turned to the group for reassurance. All looked on intently - Ragnar had raised his crossbow and taken aim over Alziel's shoulder in case the offending party should jump out and attack; Liara had her hands together and her face set in an expression of worry; and Saine looked on in what appeared to be a mixture of interest and amusement.
Alziel raised the blade and pulled back one of the branches of the bush.
The black shape within screeched as its cover was broken. It was small, about the size of a cat, but it had wings, two feet with curved talons, a head with staring beady eyes and a cruel, curved beak that looked made to tear through carrion. It leapt into the air at Alziel's face, still screeching like a thing possessed. It scratched at his face for a moment, causing Alziel to stumble backwards, trip, and fall in the mud, and in a flurry of black feathers, the thing took off out of the swamp, still screeching madly.
Alziel lay there for a moment, feeling the warm trickle down his face. His luck had been terrible lately. Finally he sat up. "Crow", he said simply, "Not like any crow I've seen before, but definetely a crow".
He spat into the mud, cursed quietly, before standing up, and taking back his position, to walk by Liara's side.
~~~~~
The thing heard the screeching too. Off northwest, it turned as the hollow sound drifted like mist over the swamp. It listened to the cry, felt the vibrations, and focused itself.
Where the birds went, they were silent. And when the birds were not silent, prey was near.
It swayed for a moment, a giant hulking sillhouette against the moon. The light glittered off its oily scales, curled around the points of fangs which held a venom unimaginable to most.
It had been four weeks since its last meal. Then, it had taken one of the demon beasts, snatched it from the sky and gorged itself until it was satisfied. Before that it had ventured out into the outer swamp, and laid in wait for an Illythid to come near. It had slain that too, for not even those great beasts could endure the fatal venom; the Mindflayers' psionics brought no harm to the beast, for it was a wise old thing, and it had come to learn to control its own mind.
It was hungry now, and it flicked its reptilian tongue about, tasting the air. The prey was coming from the southeast, and soon it would arrive. It hissed softly to itself, and slipped in among the trees to lie in wait.
This prey would not escape. It would be a most satisfying meal.
-
OOC: so THAT was happening XD well, let's move on, c'mon people!
BIC:
"Even crows are strange..." said Anyan to himself.
The walk was long... Abell kept showing the group passages away from rocks and the group followed, trusting her.
There was something in the air that was changing... Anyan felt it within him. Something wasn't allright.
Things were peaceful... too peaceful. Anyan remembered the hooded men, and how he had missed days before making the group move from the camp.
Anyan was worried about that detail... Shouldn't the enemy be following them from close? Hadn't they lost too much time healing Alziel?
Or was there something else..? Something perhaps bigger?
That question kept coming back and forth over Anyan's head, and he was getting worried about this.
-
The group made good progress through the swamp; the mud was becoming less thick and the trees healthier. As they walked they began to realise that the swamp was being left behind and a forest lay around them; easier to tread than the soggy grave they had come from but far more vast, with trees stretching on either side of the group as far as the eyes could see. The ground was finally beginning to rise too; small hills and bumps turned the foliage below Liara as she flew into a rippling carpet of greens.
It was also a veil, though, for the sprite couldn't see a single creature or potential danger through the mass of leaves; and on land the party was stifled under a permanent shadow.
Shell had been talking to Abell and discovering her part in the journey. Now he was trying to make use of her knowledge.
"You've never been into these parts before? I... think I travelled through them whilst affected. I don't remember much. Do any creatures enter your lands from the direction of the forest?"
Liara knew that Abell had little no information on the blank spot, but she hoped the guide would lend him her ears anyway: Shell couldn't stop wondering about what he'd seen when he'd been away. He remembered emotions but the facts were hazy, like a word on the tip of your tongue, and it frustrated him hugely. He was hoping that something might jog his memory.
One thing that made up for Shell's emotional strife was his prowess as a hunter which had returned fully; he supplied much of the party's food using a quick eye and some skill at deciding which meats and plants were good to eat.
Liara wandered over to Anyan.
"Hey" she smiled. "What's bothering you?"
-
OOC: Agreed with Kinslayer. Come on people, let's get this thing going again. Needs more jiggawatts.
It's actually been down to me having GCSE exams for the past weeks, so being unable to sit down and think properly. But they're done now, so let's get going.
BIC:
Alziel frowned and blinked. He had a slight headache, and it would be most welcome when they could get out of the forest and get to a nearby town, where he could rest. His experience days earlier when something had sapped his consciousness and drawn him into the swamp, and the recovery period thereafter, had drained him, physically and mentally.
He could see that something was bothering Anyan, and Alziel had the same feeling. Since leaving camp, their journey had been far too uneventful. It was abnormally quiet and still among the trees. Alziel sighed and focused his vision on the moon up ahead.
At that moment, as Alziel gazed into the pale orb, something, a long way off, moved in front of it.
He stopped for a moment in surprise, and watched for where the moon had previously been. The thing between them was a long way away, which meant that it had to be large. It hung there for a moment, and although Alziel could not see it, he felt it.
"What's the matter", Liara whispered in his ear, distracting him from his stare. He thought hurriedly for an excuse, before shaking his head, smiling at Liara and continuing to walk by her side.
~~~~~
The thing dropped back from its full height and hissed softly to itself. In that moment when it had risen and stared into the darkness, it had felt a connection; there were a few of them coming, and one of them had seen the thing rise - and in that moment, although there was a long stretch of darkness between them, their eyes had met.
It hissed again. It had been foolish to come this far out of the swamp - for as soon as the prey had left the swamp, the thing had no advantage. It could not dart about in between these trees; it could not slow its prey down in the mud before striking. They were not completely out of the swamp yet, and even if they did not get lost or take a wrong turn, it would be time to attack before then.
It flicked out its reptile tongue another time, tasting the air for any differences. The prey was closer, not close enough for them to spot the thing in the dark, but close enough that they would be here soon.
It stood up again on its hindquarters, and the moonlight briefly illuminated the curve of its talons, the glitter of its eyes, the muscles of its hind feet.
With a final quiet hiss, it began to move in.
-
"What's bothering you?"
Such a sweet voice had stopped Anyan's sinking into his own thougts. He had learned to trust his partners in the group, and he knew he could talk.
"Isn't it... too peaceful?" he said.
Liara looked at his with her eyes wide open. "What do you mean?"
"Well... we lost time, and we should be followed by the enemy. You all know why... Perhaps there is something else, something that keeps them from following us..."
Anyan's voice tone went dark. He was doubtful about the group's safety, and he had his right hand ready, holding the Viper, while the blade rested in it's sheath.
-
The sprite glanced from right to left. Anyan's mood had affected her own- he was right. The atmosphere was tainted with foreboding.
Everyone in the group was still far too used to working on their own, Liara realised. Anyan and Alziel both looked uneasy, but neither of them had decided to communicate their worries to the others. She decided to make the first step.
"Guys, do you think we're being followed?"
Shell sniffed the air and allowed himself a grim smile. "More like hunted."
-
Alziel nodded grimly to Shell. He had been thinking too... This space which they had entered would roughly fit the shape of the blank space on the map. "You know", he mumbled to Shell, though his realisation stuck in his throat, "Maybe there's a reason nobody has had time to draw this place on a map".
The group had come to a complete halt now, and the assembled members now stood in a circle, glancing warily about with their weapons drawn.
"Maybe...", Liara began. She was cut off by a sound that sent shivers down the spine of every person there.
It was a faint whisper, a hiss, that drifted in on the wind from seemingly a long distance away. There were no words, but it swirled upon the wind and sounded almost as though it was spoken in some ancient language. Then the imaginary words faded into deadly silence.
"Do you ever think", Alziel muttered to Shell, a grim smile coming to his lips, "Has there ever been an occasion when you have a feeling the weapons you trust your life in will be useless against the enemy you're about to fight?".
Shell nodded, glancing about warily. "Completely".
"This is one of those times, isn't it?", Alziel replied. It was a grim realisation, but one shared by everyone present.
Alziel sighed. This was not going to be a happy scenario.
~~~~~
The thing had moved in. On all fours it could move almost silently, despite its size. It could smell prey, and it followed its senses...
It could see from a distance a congregation of people stood in a clearing, though their vision was not as sharp and they could not see it. It hissed softly to itself, and thought. They had weapons, though they would be useless against its scales, but all the same their swords and arrows would be a hassle.
It waited, still as a stone, hissing softly, for the prey's guard to lower, and the perfect moment to arise.
-
What Alziel said made Anyan feel uneasy...
The weapones... useless? Perhaps he was relying on the Viper too much. The group's mood had changed. Anyan saw his map, with that blank spot there... Alziel was right.
"Perhaps no one drew it..." said Anyan with a dark tone in his voice: "... because no one lived to ddraw it..."
He had a horrible feeling... but he would be ready to face the enemy.
-
Liara placed her hands together and then pulled them apart, creating a string of fire between them. She had showed time and time again that her usage of magic was limited, but she was always getting better and her healing spells on Alziel hadn't exhausted her completely. Maybe magic would be more effective against the beast, whatever it was?
OOC: Where is everyone? Seriously, if RedXIII returns we might be able to continue but It'd be far better if we had some help from Emerates and Gemini as well >.>
-
OOC: Red XII will return, I'll tell him that this is on again XD it's my fault from forgetting :p
BIC:
Liara placed the fire beteen the party to talk. Ragnar sat near a tree, staring silently to the sides. The old man surely knew how to keep an eye...
Anyan kept feeling uneasy.
"So... which way are we taking? This place... I'm not used to feel this way, but there is something wrong here..."
For the first time, Anyan's voice trembled. He had always kept his same thone, even when facing Broadsword... but this time it was different.
-
OOC: Hey, glad to be back people! Let's keep it going!
BIC:
Ragnar was worried....... He had been followed many times during his missions....... And he had learned one thing.....
"If you lower your guard for a second, you're dead!"
While thinking that, Ragnar tried to concentrate and look out for the enemy.
Then, Ragnar saw something....
The shape of a flying creature that passed quickly by the moon.
"Damn! So there you are......" Ragnar thought.
"Be careful everyone!" Ragnar said loudly. "Something is flying this way.... It looks big, I don't think we can hurt it with our weapons....."
The group looked, but saw nothing.
"No, don't try to see. It's trying to stay away from the moon now, I think it knows I saw it." Ragnar said. "Damn!! It looked like one of those dragons from the ancient stories......"
Ragnar then remembered the bombs he had bought in the underground town.
Could they help?
"Ok, for the first time I've got nothing to say. Any ideas people?"
-
OOC: I'm pretty sure, from Stu's description, that it can't fly, but whatever, it's good to see you back :p
Shell walked forward. "Well, it knows we're listening now" he stated. "It's as silent as the grave out there. This is more intelligent that other beasts we've encountered."
"Just... don't let your guard down... for a second" Ragnar stressed.
Without warning, the wall of foliage beside them gave way and a truly monstrous creature emerged.
-
OOC: Correct. And good to have you back.
BIC:
As the monstrous thing emerged, the group scattered. Alziel turned, stumbled backwards, and fell over in the mud, drawing his bow and notching an arrow to his string. Before he could take aim, he found Shell seizing his arm and pulling him to is feet, and both made a retreat to stand facing the beast a safe distance away.
It was an enormous thing, about the size of a large house. In shape, it indeed resembled a dragon; a gigantic lizard, four strong legs, an arched back, a long tail with a few sharp spikes along its length, and a head with a vicious mouth, a short snout and two twisted horns at its head. But that was where the similarity ended, for it had no wings, and there was no sign of any fire-breathing ability. Its scales were black and green, and covered in oil, and they appeared to cover its whole body, so no spot was left unprotected.
It hesitated, and pounced forward like a giant lion, stretching out with its front feet to land some distance from Alziel and Shell. Alziel took the opportunity, and as the beast turned to look around for other targets, he steadied his arrow, and let it go.
It struck the beast in the neck, some way below its head, but where it should have been a fatal shot, the arrow only glanced off and fell in the mud. The beast turned in an instant, quick as a flash, and roared in frustration - a deafening sound like a hundred trumpets - and Alziel saw that its fangs were the same as the ones on the arrows the gnome at the village had given him, and they dripped with some vile poison that glistened black in the moonlight.
Which meant that there was a problem. For Anyan. If this was a beast which thrived on using venom, then a venomous blade would likely have no effect.
"We need to get to Anyan", Alziel whispered to Shell, "Before he tries to attack this thing". Shell nodded.
As suddenly as they could, Alziel and Shell began to move to Anyan's position. The beast moved too, closing in for an attack.
-
Anyan drew his sword quickly and put himself in a guard position. He had never seen a creature such as that... almost resembling a dragon, but with no wings. He saw how Alziel's arrow struck it's neck, with no effect...
What to do?
Anyan started to watch the thing closely, searching for a weak point... but there seemed to be no place uncovered by those scales.
Anyan had no sight of both Abell and Saine... He catched Alziel and Shell running towards him...
But Liara and Ragnar? He couldn't see them as well... he was alone.
He catched his shield strongly, put it before his body and attempted to charge - seeking the creature's legs.
-
OOC: Jejeje, I guess I'm kinda rusty.... But I know just how to fix it without editing!
BIC:
In the second the beast made its appearance, Ragnar grabbed Liara from an arm and jumped with her to the muddy ground, waiting for the burning breath of (what he thought) was a dragon.
But then, Ragnar realized that the beast had no wings, and that some strange liquid came out of its mouth.
He didn't like that liquid. It looked too much like that thingy he used to drop in the King's enemies food.
"Damn! I must be getting really old......" Ragnar thought. The moon shining against the scales had somehow confused the old man, who thought the creature was a dragon.
"What are you doing?!?!" Liara said. She didn't understand what Ragnar had done.
"Sorry, but if it was a dragon, you would've thankful now!" Ragnar answered while kneeling.
He saw Alziel's arrow bounce, and thought "Mmmmm armored huh...."
Then, Ragnar had an idea:
"Alziel! Aim for the eyes, or the mouth!! No monster, no matter how strong is protected there!"
Ragnar lifted his crossbow, took aim and shot to the howling creature, that was aproaching Anyan, Shell and Alziel.
But.....
"clic-clack"
"WHAT?!?! THIS DAMNED THING!!! IT'S JAMMED!!!" Ragnar yelled.
The mechanism of the crossbow had mud in it, and it had to be cleaned before it could work again.
Liara got up, next to Ragnar. She looked fine, though she was covered in mud.
And the beast kept aproaching the group.......
-
(OOC: What's going on? :S Perhaps PMing the ones who're missing? EMERAAATES GEMINIIII PLEEEASE XD)
BIC:
"AIM TO THE EYES!!!" Ragnar's screams sounded through all the battlefield.
Anyan heard th old man's words, as he was rushing to the beast's legs. The Viper's edge was made of mythril silver... it should be strong enough...
He was wrong.
After dodging an attack from the head, Anyan stroke the beast's left leg with it's blade... but it bounced against the strong scales, making no wound. The blade wasn't broken because of luck...
Anyan looked surprised, as the beast roared and looked at him, with hungry eyes...
-
Suddenly, the beast's head was obscurred by an explosion of flame. It reeled back and screamed again, as Liara walked forward slowly, holding an arm out and her hair billowing back slighly. It was strong magic for a young Sprite, and Liara knew she wouldn't be able to keep it up for long. As the flame continued to attack the creature, Liara's eyes darted to Alziel, her expression asking the question "what now?"
Shell ran towards the others. "It moves fast for a creature of it's size. It will be difficult to hit it in the eyes, even for an accomplished archer such as Alziel. And we aren't the sort to use long range weapons anyway, are we?
Anyan started as he realised Shell was talking to him. "What should we do?"
"We might only be able to draw it's attacks away from the people who can do it harm. There's always the possibility that it's underbelly is less armoured, though..."
The creature writhed, trying to free itself of the flames, and lashed out at Shell and Anyan with it's tail. Shell grabbed his staff tightly and met the blow with one of his own devastating smashes, his staff miraculously staying in one piece and deflecting the creature's attack. It screamed again and Shell clutched his arm.
"How'd you do that?" Anyan asked, amazed. "That should've crushed you!"
"I'm a survivor" Shell murmered. "I can take quite a few hits before I go down. I've no real skill at combat though... You're going to have to do the stabbing."
"Right" Anyan nodded. "You're my shield. I'll try and get a wound on his belly"
Anyan drew one of his lesser swords. "A poison creature... Looks like the viper's no use here. I just hope this works."
-
OOC: Jim, get your arse on MSN.
BIC:
Alziel moved back and observed the creature. It still stumbled about, screeching as the flames licked over its face and burned the air. There was a different smell in the air, a tang of burning acid. The beast was panting, and its poison breath caught fire from Liara's magical flames, and that choking acid smell spread throughout the forest.
Alziel made another few shots, hoping for a lucky arrow to strike a vital point, with no success. Anyan had slowly but tactically moved closer, ready to attempt to attack the creature's belly. It would be a risky maneuver, and Alziel doubted whether a creature of that size would go down from a single attack, but it was their best option currently.
Liara's spell faltered for a moment, and the beast saw its opportunity. Infuriated still, it lunged forward, seeing the sprite as its target. Alziel was faster, and he too lunged to where Liara stood, frozen to the spot. As the beast reached out with dripping fangs, Alziel caught hold of Liara's hand, feeling the tingle of magic there, and pulled her back. The beast fell forward, scattering mud, and looked ready to strike, before a bolt from Ragnar bounced off its shoulder and it pulled back.
Shell came forward, seeing an opportunity, and sruck the thing hard on one of its rear legs, sending it screeching again, before turning to busy itself with its new target.
Alziel looked over to Ragnar and winked. Ragnar noticed his gesture, smiled, gave a saluting gesture, and continued to load his crossbow.
"Alziel", Liara whispered in his ear, breaking him out of his thoughts, "Do you have those arrows?"
Alziel nodded. "I don't think they'll work, but...". He drew one of the poison arrows, seeing the head that he knew was made from the fang of one of these very creatures.
"Worth a try", Liara smiled.
Both turned, Alziel taking aim with one of the poison arrows, and Liara reading a new assault of magic.
-
Having saved the Viper and using a smaller blade (it was a small sword, only used in some trainings and quick assaults), Anyan tried to get under the creature, as Shell absorbed it's tail's impacts, and Alziel, Liara and Ragnar attacked form a distance.
The beast had armor everywhere... and there was noticiable spot...
Shell kept hitting over and over again with his mighty staff, which surprisingly stood in one piece...
Anyan quickly moved under the beast, and noticed that indeed, the creature's belly had less armour.
A fast slash form his blade made the creature scream in pain... but suddenly, it stood in it's back legs, and fell on it's forward legs strongly.
The cut seemed deep, yet it seemed to be a scratch for the beast.
The blood, mixed with poison, started to drop as a disgusting rain on the floor - having Anyan moved from the place, fearing to be poisoned...
"The belly!!!" screamed Anyan: "Indeed, the point is at the belly!"
-
The thing that hit Liara most was not the sheer size of the creature but how many years it carried behind it's eyes. It was ancient, battle hardened.
Had it ever encountered a group like the contestants before? Perhaps not. These were the people who had succeeded by working together when others struck out on their own and perished. The monster was alone against a group that actually cared about each other. The sprite had a feeling that not many of those had travelled in the western lands for a long time.
The fire spell had worked to a fashion, but she was running out of energy. She glanced around and couldn't see any wounded, but she was still reserved. The last thing she wanted was to be out of power when there were people to be healed again.
Within seconds of these thoughts the creature charged Liara. Alziel began to run to her aid but was not fast enough- though the sprite, luckily, was. She threw out her arms and the creature glanced against a green, dazzling magical barrier, screeching. Liara was still flung backwards by the force.
"Liara!"
Anyan made to run to her but Shell pulled him back. "She's okay. Alziel's there. We have a job to do."
-
Alziel took aim. The beast would not stop moving, and it was hard enough to find a viable target as it was. He doubted that the poison arrows would work more and more as time passed; after all why would a creature be vulnerable to its own venom?
He breathed hard, letting his aim settle, and waited for an opening.
~~~~~
The beast turned again. It knew that it had been wounded, but the cut was not deep enough yet, and afterall it was a determined old thing. It kept moving, not giving opportunities to either of the two little men running around its feet, the one with the sword or the one with the stick.
The one with the sword, it decided, would be a more worthwhile target. That one was the dangerous one, the one who could inflict pain, as slight as that pain was. Time was on its side, the beast decided; they would all get tired before they managed to do any real damage. It had been in battles before, with the other creatures of the west, and it had recovered from wounds that should have killed any lesser creature.
Be that as it may, they were a hassle. The beast was hungry, and it doubted that it would find a meal as satisfying as this one for a long time.
As quickly as it could, it turned, swinging its tail about the clearing. The one with the sword had managed to escape, just about, and the one with the stick was able to stop the attack. They had daring, and strength, but they would go down soon.
The beast waited for its moment. Soon enough, one of them would make a mistake.
-
Ragnar was thinking fast, thinking what to do......
The crossbow was working again (Thoguh he had to clean it), but it had no effect.
"Well.... Here goes nothing...." Ragnar thought.
He took one of the ten small black bombs he had traded for glass in the Gnomes town "It feels like a century has passed dince then.." Ragnar thought while smiling.
He prepared, and waited for a chance.
The creature had tried to attack Anyan, but was deflected by Shell.
After bouncing from that assault, it went straight against the old man, as if it tried to distract the group.
Ragnar did not hesitate, as if he was expecting that, and threw the bomb right to the beast face.
The bomb's explosion wasn't really big, but the beast felt like a boulder had hit its head.
It squeeled, and stood again in its back legs.
Ragnar jumped back and screamed "Alziel, this is your chance! Take your shot!"
-
Anyan stood back, as the bomb exploded...
"Old man... always with your bloody tricks" he thought. Suddenly, the beast stood on it's back legs again, as if a bit confused from the big explosion... Anyan did not hesitate.
Quick, efficient, he ran as if he was possesed, jumped forth, and stabbed deep inside the beast's belly...
This time, the wound was bigger... and the beast screamed louder. Anyan retired the small sword quicly, since the blood was poisonus and could be acid.
But that attempt of being careful caused Anyan to be left in an open position...
"Watch it you fool!" screamed Shell form a distance.
As Anyan realized, a waving from the beast's big tale stroke his chest, and threw him several meters away.
The light armour had saved him from loosing counciousness, but next time, he needed to be more careful.
Anyan stood, proud, and suddenly screamed at the creature:
"Fiend!!! Is this all you have got?!"
-
Liara stood and began drawing her energy together again, willing a small dark cloud to begin to appear in the sky. This was the spell that had gone wrong before- she needed to prove to herself that she could do it now.
Shell ducked and ran from the creature, smiling wryly for the first time in a long time. This had been a chance to be of use to the group and he felt that he had succeeded. He made his way towards where Anyan had landed and was yelling triumphantly.
"That's a wound" Shell stated. "It's bleeding everywhere. It's bound to lose it's strength soon."
-
OOC: Happy birthday to the creator of this RP!!! Have a good one Draggy!
BIC:
"Perhaps..." said Anyan to Shell: "...or perhaps it will grow angrier and fight until the very end..."
Shell looked at Anyan back. Surely the young knight had his pride, but he never underestimated his enemy.
A small dark cloud appeared in the sky, casted by Liara. Aparently, the spell wasn't ready yet, but it seemed Liara's magic had some effect in the beast.
The beast seemed a bit confused from the wound, yet it was clearly angry...
Anyan closed to it smoothly, avoiding the beast's eyes. A final blow had to be given...