Walking down the corridor, Mysteria was feeling more comfortable than she had in a long time. Finally, she had not only met somebody who accepted her magic but also somebody who gave her the feeling that he could really help her. Now, all she hoped for was that the rest of the Dark Flames would accept her as readily. Looking over at Thantor, she suddenly had the strong feeling that they would. Seeing her look, he gave her a smile and she smiled back, no words were needed......
Knight Errant followed by some of the others suddenly rushed past. "What's this all about?", Mysteria wondered. She turned to follow them when passing a door, she suddenly heard a soft clucking. "Do you have chickens in the keep?", she asked Thantor.
"None that I know of, let's take a look, shall we?"
Opening the door reveals a cute little chicken entangled in some clothes somehow managing to look offended. "Those, those are Aegis's clothes, aren't they?", Mysteria manages.
"I believe they are... strange."
"You'll have to get used to stranger things round me. So, this ... this is Aegis." shaking her head she carefully picks him up. "And I was already happy nothing stranger than just a few bluish torches happened. Just the thing I would do, turn unsuspecting people into chickens. Any idea what to do with him now?"
As Thantor doesn't have any idea either, they step back into the corridor. They stand there, still undecided about what to do with Aegis, Mysteria feeling awful about it but trying not to let it show.
The Order of the Dark Flame: Book 5. (story, no spam)
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Der-draigen
- Posts: 571
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: A nice place in New England
- Contact:
Der-draigen sat at the druid's bedside, passing her hand softly before the sleeping woman's face. She took up her chant again, almost inaudibly: "G'haur in-s'i'tou'li'eh, rhann'i-toth ghi'taur..."
Suddenly there was a presence in her mind.
Der-draigen Cham...
This was the same entity that had recognized her and reached for the stone, through the druid's body. This was the entity that had possessed her till just recently. It addressed her in that strange language, the one in which she spoke to dread wolves and pierced veils.
Don't be so surprised to see me. I may have left this frame, but I am bound to it still. I...hover about its life force.
Der-draigen smiled. "If you think anything surprises me, you need to do your research. I am far older and have been more places than you can possibly imagine."
The voice seemed bested for the moment. "Who are you?" Der-draigen asked.
I am a minion of the one called Argonton, great cleric of Moander.
This entity’s master, then, was the Shadow Master of whom the druid Gwalchmai had spoken.
"So you have not done this of your own design. I thought as much. There is a power here far greater than what I sense from you.”
That seemed to put the voice in a rage and it screamed, a high, brain-splitting screech that forced Der-draigen to close her eyes. But she did not break her concentration.
"What does Argonton want here?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
Silence.
Der-draigen smiled. "I am the traveler of darkness and shadow; I am the wielder of the foundation of nine hells; my cloak is rolled in blood and my boots soaked in tears; I dwell in ice and brimstone and my voice is heard among wolves and dragons; and I COMMAND…YOU…TO…ANSWER!”
There was another screech and Der-draigen was thrown physically backward. She rolled through the fall and stood upright. There was now a laughter in her mind, a laughter she had heard only a short time ago…
Der-draigen, you little upstart. What brought you to this place? Your prize is in danger here.
"I suppose you are Argonton,” she answered.
I have watched you, Der-draigen, Crooked One; I have seen your paths…and I know what you carry.
The talisman burned hot.
Your coming here is most…fortuitous. Yes, that is the word I will use.
”I do not answer to wraiths, cleric of Moander. I came here of my own volition, on my way elsewhere.”
Ah yes, friend of wolves, speaker of the ancient tongue; you are always on your way Elsewhere. And have you ever arrived at Elsewhere? Do you know why you seek that place, or what awaits you there?
Der-draigen paused. She knew the folly of matching wits with such a creature as this.
I would have you join me, bearer of the Stone of Rohais. I would have your power added to mine; I would have you as my ally, my general. You do not know yet how to command the full power of the gem you carry; I could teach you, I could show you how to use it, shape it, bend it to your will; and with it you would cover the world with the ashes of your passing! It would be yours, yours, yours to command! And your journey to Elsewhere…would be complete.
Der-draigen’s knees buckled; she sank heavily to the stone floor. She almost believed it.
"And you would do what,” she asked. "Sit back and watch I suppose, while I govern a realm you desire. You might be able to pull things off on these children who play here, but not…on…me.”
There was a shattering shriek as the presence retreated from Der-draigen’s mind. So be it, Argonton said, now distantly. One of us is going to be defeated here. If you think you can stand against me, I will enjoy your efforts immensely.
All was still. Der-draigen stood for a moment. It wanted the stone, that much was abundantly clear; the stone was probably the last thing it needed in order to gain the full power it wished to have. And if it was not defeated, it would never stop pursuing her.
Then she straightened, and leapt from the window.
She landed slowly and softly on the ground within the courtyard. She now knew where to go. She made her way back inside, and began her descent into the depths of the keep.
Suddenly there was a presence in her mind.
Der-draigen Cham...
This was the same entity that had recognized her and reached for the stone, through the druid's body. This was the entity that had possessed her till just recently. It addressed her in that strange language, the one in which she spoke to dread wolves and pierced veils.
Don't be so surprised to see me. I may have left this frame, but I am bound to it still. I...hover about its life force.
Der-draigen smiled. "If you think anything surprises me, you need to do your research. I am far older and have been more places than you can possibly imagine."
The voice seemed bested for the moment. "Who are you?" Der-draigen asked.
I am a minion of the one called Argonton, great cleric of Moander.
This entity’s master, then, was the Shadow Master of whom the druid Gwalchmai had spoken.
"So you have not done this of your own design. I thought as much. There is a power here far greater than what I sense from you.”
That seemed to put the voice in a rage and it screamed, a high, brain-splitting screech that forced Der-draigen to close her eyes. But she did not break her concentration.
"What does Argonton want here?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
Silence.
Der-draigen smiled. "I am the traveler of darkness and shadow; I am the wielder of the foundation of nine hells; my cloak is rolled in blood and my boots soaked in tears; I dwell in ice and brimstone and my voice is heard among wolves and dragons; and I COMMAND…YOU…TO…ANSWER!”
There was another screech and Der-draigen was thrown physically backward. She rolled through the fall and stood upright. There was now a laughter in her mind, a laughter she had heard only a short time ago…
Der-draigen, you little upstart. What brought you to this place? Your prize is in danger here.
"I suppose you are Argonton,” she answered.
I have watched you, Der-draigen, Crooked One; I have seen your paths…and I know what you carry.
The talisman burned hot.
Your coming here is most…fortuitous. Yes, that is the word I will use.
”I do not answer to wraiths, cleric of Moander. I came here of my own volition, on my way elsewhere.”
Ah yes, friend of wolves, speaker of the ancient tongue; you are always on your way Elsewhere. And have you ever arrived at Elsewhere? Do you know why you seek that place, or what awaits you there?
Der-draigen paused. She knew the folly of matching wits with such a creature as this.
I would have you join me, bearer of the Stone of Rohais. I would have your power added to mine; I would have you as my ally, my general. You do not know yet how to command the full power of the gem you carry; I could teach you, I could show you how to use it, shape it, bend it to your will; and with it you would cover the world with the ashes of your passing! It would be yours, yours, yours to command! And your journey to Elsewhere…would be complete.
Der-draigen’s knees buckled; she sank heavily to the stone floor. She almost believed it.
"And you would do what,” she asked. "Sit back and watch I suppose, while I govern a realm you desire. You might be able to pull things off on these children who play here, but not…on…me.”
There was a shattering shriek as the presence retreated from Der-draigen’s mind. So be it, Argonton said, now distantly. One of us is going to be defeated here. If you think you can stand against me, I will enjoy your efforts immensely.
All was still. Der-draigen stood for a moment. It wanted the stone, that much was abundantly clear; the stone was probably the last thing it needed in order to gain the full power it wished to have. And if it was not defeated, it would never stop pursuing her.
Then she straightened, and leapt from the window.
She landed slowly and softly on the ground within the courtyard. She now knew where to go. She made her way back inside, and began her descent into the depths of the keep.
"I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."
"So do all who live to see such times; but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."
"So do all who live to see such times; but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."
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Yshania
- Posts: 8572
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Some Girls Wander By Mistake
- Contact:
She felt a distant warmth on her cheek. Somewhere...from somewhere, Yshania became aware of a rabid conversation...one side of it made her feel alien, and vicious, and sad...the other half was distant and drowning...there was such power coming through her, she was deafened to the challenge. But she knew it was there, she felt the screams within her...she knew of this battle, of both parties reaching and pushing...threatening and wanting...challenging and refusing...she looked for the light, Thantor had left some of him with her, she raised the bastions and closed her mind.
She was cold. Very cold. She came to and reached for a blanket, before noticing the window was open. Rising, she looked from the window, just in time to see the halfling, Alreth, disappear around a corner. Intrigued she went to leave, finding the door sealed...worried, she donned her leather armour, and snatched up her scimitars...as an afterthought she pushed a pillow under her bed covers to appear that she was in her bed, and not raise any undue concerns just yet. She climbed out of the window and down the trellis...
She was cold. Very cold. She came to and reached for a blanket, before noticing the window was open. Rising, she looked from the window, just in time to see the halfling, Alreth, disappear around a corner. Intrigued she went to leave, finding the door sealed...worried, she donned her leather armour, and snatched up her scimitars...as an afterthought she pushed a pillow under her bed covers to appear that she was in her bed, and not raise any undue concerns just yet. She climbed out of the window and down the trellis...
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
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Der-draigen
- Posts: 571
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: A nice place in New England
- Contact:
Der-draigen made her way along damp stone passages, sloping ever downward, always feeling eyes on her...This part of the keep was older than the rest; she must have been in the Elven tunnels she had heard mentioned; though she couldn't completely remember how she had found them. She had been drawn in a direction...
She stopped. She sensed a presence nearby, several presences...She looked around. No sign of falling masonry. She flexed her hands.
Then she remembered. I suppose this is as good a time as any to release the door to the druid's room, she thought. If she wakes and finds herself locked in, she may panic...And if anyone has noticed it, it can be the Keep's own fault, for all the very walls have been acting oddly of late...
In a short burst of concentration Der-draigen removed the seal from the door. Then she continued on.
She stopped. She sensed a presence nearby, several presences...She looked around. No sign of falling masonry. She flexed her hands.
Then she remembered. I suppose this is as good a time as any to release the door to the druid's room, she thought. If she wakes and finds herself locked in, she may panic...And if anyone has noticed it, it can be the Keep's own fault, for all the very walls have been acting oddly of late...
In a short burst of concentration Der-draigen removed the seal from the door. Then she continued on.
"I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."
"So do all who live to see such times; but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."
"So do all who live to see such times; but that is not for them to decide. All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."
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Maharlika
- Posts: 5991
- Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Wanderlusting with my lampshade, like any decent k
- Contact:
Take it easy, panyero.
Finally Maharlika caught up with Farscape, now sitting on the floor somehow exhausted.
What gives, my friend? What's upsetting you this time? The Blade does not sense any undead, though I sense some remnants of evil, that is all.
Come, take some rest. It will do you good.
Let's go.
Finally Maharlika caught up with Farscape, now sitting on the floor somehow exhausted.
What gives, my friend? What's upsetting you this time? The Blade does not sense any undead, though I sense some remnants of evil, that is all.
Come, take some rest. It will do you good.
Let's go.
"There is no weakness in honest sorrow... only in succumbing to depression over what cannot be changed." --- Alaundo, BG2
Brother Scribe, Keeper of the Holy Scripts of COMM
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"yes, I suppose you are right, but I have to check something..."
Trying the door again, it opened easily and he looked in to see the sleeping form of the druid.
"Yes, I most definately need some sleep."
Still however, something bothered him.
Finding an empty room, he dropped himself down onto the bed and was asleep in a matter of minutes.
Trying the door again, it opened easily and he looked in to see the sleeping form of the druid.
"Yes, I most definately need some sleep."
Still however, something bothered him.
Finding an empty room, he dropped himself down onto the bed and was asleep in a matter of minutes.
The waves came crashing in like blindness.
So I just stood and listened.
So I just stood and listened.
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Yshania
- Posts: 8572
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Some Girls Wander By Mistake
- Contact:
Slipping in the recent fall of snow, she steadied herself by placing her hand against the solid stone wall of the keep. Curious...it appeared to be humming with energy...stone?...alive? she thought to herself...placing her hand on the cold frozen ground, she felt the same energy coursing through the earth in waves... Where had this new sensitivity come from? she wondered. Picking up her pace, she ran after Alreth...surprised at the speed at which she was moving.
Seeing Alreth disappear into a passage way, she followed...gripping the hilt of her off-hand scimitar. The air was thick and cloying in the tunnel, it was almost palpable. Alreth stopped in her tracks and appeared to sniff the air, Yshania dropped back into the shadows, her heart beating a loud tattoo. She was sure she would be picked up...something here was distantly aware of her presence, she sensed this, but for some reason it appeared distracted...though not complacent enough to ignore her. She was being watched, that was for sure...but it wasn't concerned with her just now...
Seeing Alreth disappear into a passage way, she followed...gripping the hilt of her off-hand scimitar. The air was thick and cloying in the tunnel, it was almost palpable. Alreth stopped in her tracks and appeared to sniff the air, Yshania dropped back into the shadows, her heart beating a loud tattoo. She was sure she would be picked up...something here was distantly aware of her presence, she sensed this, but for some reason it appeared distracted...though not complacent enough to ignore her. She was being watched, that was for sure...but it wasn't concerned with her just now...
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
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Gwalchmai
- Posts: 6252
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 11:00 am
- Location: This Quintessence of Dust
- Contact:
Gwalchmai’s dreams came in short vignettes. No color, except for splashes of lurid red. He was running from the keep, desperate to get away. Why would he run from Rai’ya’s benevolent edifice? A vine seemed to rise up, tripping him. He fell, and where the ground should have been hard, it was sludgy and sticky with an awful smell. The soil seemed to suck at his harms, his legs, his face. The vine, no, the tentacle burrowed between gritted teeth, gagging him….
“This place is mine!” A voice shouted so quietly that he feared his ears would burst. The voice sounded like someone was shaking a tin of nails. Rai’ya, distracted from the keep with the rebuilding of her kingdom, so bright and shiny, turned to find her way barred. She beat her fists against the transparent wall, her kingdom succumbing to decay behind her. Gwalchmai too, beat his fists against the barrier from the inside, but was trapped. He looked behind him, and saw the keep turn from a bright jewel to a dark stone.
A shadow played a tuneless lute, and a strong man danced with a woman. The man moved with the sound of nails in a tin - again. The woman looked like…. Alreth? No. Too tall, and her lips were frozen in a sneering smile. Between them lay Yshania; bright skin covered with a woven net that danced in a rainbow of colors. The dance seemed intricate, seductive, yet also like a test of strength, a battle. Yshania lay oblivious, or....not.
Gwalchmai sunk through his bed, through the floor, through the foundation of the keep. His body passing through the usually friendly environment of the earth, felt like each particle of stone was made of acid. Finally he saw the beast. Thousands of human bodies were caught in its putrid matrix, flesh sloughing off bone leaving ghastly, grizzled skulls, grinning their welcome to him. He felt revulsion as the beast embraced him, drawing him into its depths, suffocating him. Deeper, deeper, the pressure building, gasping for air, yet only breathing the rotting, fetid stench of the beast, he was drawn into it s center, its heart, where a black-green stone beat slowly.
Gwalchmai awoke gasping for breath to find Vivien sleeping beside him, her arm draped over his chest. He didn’t remember her coming into his room, but judging from the way she whimpered and murmered, she had obviously found sleeping without company difficult this night. Something feels creepy in the keep tonight, that is for sure, he thought and he was grateful for the company. He settled himself again and held his friend close.
“This place is mine!” A voice shouted so quietly that he feared his ears would burst. The voice sounded like someone was shaking a tin of nails. Rai’ya, distracted from the keep with the rebuilding of her kingdom, so bright and shiny, turned to find her way barred. She beat her fists against the transparent wall, her kingdom succumbing to decay behind her. Gwalchmai too, beat his fists against the barrier from the inside, but was trapped. He looked behind him, and saw the keep turn from a bright jewel to a dark stone.
A shadow played a tuneless lute, and a strong man danced with a woman. The man moved with the sound of nails in a tin - again. The woman looked like…. Alreth? No. Too tall, and her lips were frozen in a sneering smile. Between them lay Yshania; bright skin covered with a woven net that danced in a rainbow of colors. The dance seemed intricate, seductive, yet also like a test of strength, a battle. Yshania lay oblivious, or....not.
Gwalchmai sunk through his bed, through the floor, through the foundation of the keep. His body passing through the usually friendly environment of the earth, felt like each particle of stone was made of acid. Finally he saw the beast. Thousands of human bodies were caught in its putrid matrix, flesh sloughing off bone leaving ghastly, grizzled skulls, grinning their welcome to him. He felt revulsion as the beast embraced him, drawing him into its depths, suffocating him. Deeper, deeper, the pressure building, gasping for air, yet only breathing the rotting, fetid stench of the beast, he was drawn into it s center, its heart, where a black-green stone beat slowly.
Gwalchmai awoke gasping for breath to find Vivien sleeping beside him, her arm draped over his chest. He didn’t remember her coming into his room, but judging from the way she whimpered and murmered, she had obviously found sleeping without company difficult this night. Something feels creepy in the keep tonight, that is for sure, he thought and he was grateful for the company. He settled himself again and held his friend close.
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
Nippy sat in his meditative posture. His training as a Paladin made him realise the importance of staying calm and relaxed. Emotions in a fight could cause the most dangerous consequences. They would not only damage yourself, but your allies.
He was reminded of the time when he was controlled as a thrall by the evil Waverly and his staff of power. (OOC: Remember this?
) He had no control over himself. It was like a completely different side of him, like schizophrenia, he changed suddenly when that vile collar was wrapped around his neck....
When Nippy was young he was always in awe of the monks of his local temple. Though he was not Kara-Turian he was welcome in the services and the kindly order of the Hidden Lotus had welcomed him. He had no family, his father abandoned him and his mother died at birth. Maybe that was why he was devoted to the God Torm. God of loyalty and faithful service he had an underlying fear of betrayal and being like his father.
Everybody has their own foibles, Nippy's was his reliance on his size. He thought he could win anything by strength. As he became older he had developed physically. He was always large and well built but became bigger and stronger as his physical training became more physically demanding.
As usual with a monastery, everyone worked and shared duties. Nippy was entrusted to guard the sick ward of the monastery and during the night he heard a disturbance. He rushed in to see one of the patients clutching his throat while a black clad assailant held a bloody knife in his hands. The victim bled slowly and saw pleading in his eyes. He was crying as his life force rushed out of his jugular.
Nippy looked on in shock. He had only ever fought hand to hand and the scale of blood made his eyes open wide he was horrified by the sight of it. Slowly he recovered, the assassin was accosting his victim, searching for something.
Nippy crept up to the attacker and tried to apply a choke hold to the attacker. He easily threw Nippy and used his own force against him. Nippy landed flat on his back but rolled up onto his feet easily. He circled his opponent and the attacker looked on camly. No fear in his eyes, Nippy feinted a strike but turned the other way and came in from the other side.
The assassin was nowhere however, he had disappeared from Nippy's sight. He looked around, trying to find him, but he saw only the blackness of the night.
As his shoulders slumped he felt a crack on the back of his head and he slumped on the floor.
He was just able to see the black clad assassin reach down and smile a white toothed smile. Nippy felt a boot go into him and he fell unconcious.
Nippy drowsed and slowly recovered. He muttered in his sleep but slowly woke up. He stood up only to be faced by iron bars and an unfamiliar site of a cell.
"So you have woken up assassin?" Said a quiet voice. He had a hushed, but it was full of venom. Nippy heard a familiar voice. "It is not proven he attacked the Baron of the area! You have no right to throw blame around!"
"You say he is innocent!" The voice roared. "He was caught with the same weapon that killed the most beloved Baron, yet you still repute the obvious! He will die a traitors death, as others who have commited treason. He will hang at noon. Do what you will with him, prepare him for death, I do not care, but I will see him pay!"
A door slammed and slowly a figure appeared out of the dark. Nippy was stood facing the window, staring out at the starless night, a tear rolled down his cheek.
"Nippy, Nippy my son. Did you do it? Did you commit bloody murder?"
Nippy flashed around and roared defiance.
"I DID NO SUCH THING! How can you place the blame at my feet! You know I am faithful to the order!"
Nippy tried to think of the events of the night before but nothing came to his mind, except one thing, something of a shadow.
"It was.... It was something that stayed in the shadows, something that could hide from my view..."
"A stalker, my lord Torm, only something truly evil holds power over such vile creatures. I will be back soon, give me some time my son."
The sound of sandaled feet running became so distant, a door slammed and all was silent.
Nippy sat on his bed, he had nothing to do, there was nothing he could do...
The door opened again and the monastery's master came close.
"I have good news my son! Your revelation has persuaded them to give you time..."
He was interupted by a door opening. The man with the venemous voice appeared again, but Nippy could still not see him.
"I will let him find who killed the Baron, but he will have a geas placed on him. He may not come back to the monastery until the sender of the stalker has been killed..."
The man uttered a few words of power and a green orb of light hit Nippy square in the chest, there was so much force behind it that Nippy was thrown into the wall.
"Give him some provisions and a weapon, he will need them."
The door closed again and the cell was opened. Nippy was grabbed by unknown hands and carried to the front door of the monastery, he was thrown out and a bag landed on his chest.
He picked up the bag and began walking.
Nippy's state of calm was interupted by the sound of a door crashing open.
He settled again and began meditation again....
He was reminded of the time when he was controlled as a thrall by the evil Waverly and his staff of power. (OOC: Remember this?
) He had no control over himself. It was like a completely different side of him, like schizophrenia, he changed suddenly when that vile collar was wrapped around his neck....When Nippy was young he was always in awe of the monks of his local temple. Though he was not Kara-Turian he was welcome in the services and the kindly order of the Hidden Lotus had welcomed him. He had no family, his father abandoned him and his mother died at birth. Maybe that was why he was devoted to the God Torm. God of loyalty and faithful service he had an underlying fear of betrayal and being like his father.
Everybody has their own foibles, Nippy's was his reliance on his size. He thought he could win anything by strength. As he became older he had developed physically. He was always large and well built but became bigger and stronger as his physical training became more physically demanding.
As usual with a monastery, everyone worked and shared duties. Nippy was entrusted to guard the sick ward of the monastery and during the night he heard a disturbance. He rushed in to see one of the patients clutching his throat while a black clad assailant held a bloody knife in his hands. The victim bled slowly and saw pleading in his eyes. He was crying as his life force rushed out of his jugular.
Nippy looked on in shock. He had only ever fought hand to hand and the scale of blood made his eyes open wide he was horrified by the sight of it. Slowly he recovered, the assassin was accosting his victim, searching for something.
Nippy crept up to the attacker and tried to apply a choke hold to the attacker. He easily threw Nippy and used his own force against him. Nippy landed flat on his back but rolled up onto his feet easily. He circled his opponent and the attacker looked on camly. No fear in his eyes, Nippy feinted a strike but turned the other way and came in from the other side.
The assassin was nowhere however, he had disappeared from Nippy's sight. He looked around, trying to find him, but he saw only the blackness of the night.
As his shoulders slumped he felt a crack on the back of his head and he slumped on the floor.
He was just able to see the black clad assassin reach down and smile a white toothed smile. Nippy felt a boot go into him and he fell unconcious.
Nippy drowsed and slowly recovered. He muttered in his sleep but slowly woke up. He stood up only to be faced by iron bars and an unfamiliar site of a cell.
"So you have woken up assassin?" Said a quiet voice. He had a hushed, but it was full of venom. Nippy heard a familiar voice. "It is not proven he attacked the Baron of the area! You have no right to throw blame around!"
"You say he is innocent!" The voice roared. "He was caught with the same weapon that killed the most beloved Baron, yet you still repute the obvious! He will die a traitors death, as others who have commited treason. He will hang at noon. Do what you will with him, prepare him for death, I do not care, but I will see him pay!"
A door slammed and slowly a figure appeared out of the dark. Nippy was stood facing the window, staring out at the starless night, a tear rolled down his cheek.
"Nippy, Nippy my son. Did you do it? Did you commit bloody murder?"
Nippy flashed around and roared defiance.
"I DID NO SUCH THING! How can you place the blame at my feet! You know I am faithful to the order!"
Nippy tried to think of the events of the night before but nothing came to his mind, except one thing, something of a shadow.
"It was.... It was something that stayed in the shadows, something that could hide from my view..."
"A stalker, my lord Torm, only something truly evil holds power over such vile creatures. I will be back soon, give me some time my son."
The sound of sandaled feet running became so distant, a door slammed and all was silent.
Nippy sat on his bed, he had nothing to do, there was nothing he could do...
The door opened again and the monastery's master came close.
"I have good news my son! Your revelation has persuaded them to give you time..."
He was interupted by a door opening. The man with the venemous voice appeared again, but Nippy could still not see him.
"I will let him find who killed the Baron, but he will have a geas placed on him. He may not come back to the monastery until the sender of the stalker has been killed..."
The man uttered a few words of power and a green orb of light hit Nippy square in the chest, there was so much force behind it that Nippy was thrown into the wall.
"Give him some provisions and a weapon, he will need them."
The door closed again and the cell was opened. Nippy was grabbed by unknown hands and carried to the front door of the monastery, he was thrown out and a bag landed on his chest.
He picked up the bag and began walking.
Nippy's state of calm was interupted by the sound of a door crashing open.
He settled again and began meditation again....
Perverteer Paladin
As everybody appeared to have gone to bed and Thantor seemed to be quite tired too, Mysteria bid him good night and retired to her room. Once there, she put Aegis on the bed and sat down next to him.
"What shall I do with you now? There's nobody awake who could help you and I dare not try to do anything about it." She looked at him, feeling miserable.
*cluck-cluck* , he hops nearer, somehow giving her the impression that he is ready to take the risk to have her try.
"No, Aegis, no", she says sadly, "I cannot take the risk to blow you to smithereens, I would never forgive myself. Normally, nothing real bad happens if I don't want to, but sometimes everything goes wrong.", she shuddered. "Once I tried to help Fang because... Fang! I completely forgot him! And the tunnel!"
Snatching her quiver and bow, she picks up Aegis once more, though he seems not very pleased with this. "Sorry", she mutters, "but I really have to look after Fang."
Striding down the corridor, she soon reaches the dead end and Fang keeping guard. "Hey, Fang, sorry it took me so long. Guard this.", she says, putting Aegis down on the floor in front of Fang. "Don't let anything happen to him!"
Looking into some rooms, she soon finds what she needs and in a few minutes time, she has built up a pile of furniture in front of the tunnel, neatly closing it. Once finished, she gives her heap a satisfied look, nothing will come through there without make enough noise to wake the dead.
Turning back to Fang and Aegis, she scoops Aegis up once more, this time he seems to come more willingly, as if he were glad to get away from Fang. Carrying him to a couch in a nearby room, Fang on her heels, she puts him down on it. "Don't worry, this was the last time I moved you around like this for tonight."
Putting quiver and bow next to the couch, she lays down on it, cradling Aegis in her arm and Fang curling up on the ground beneath. "Now, if anything tries to break through my pile of furniture, we're close enough to hear", she explains. "I'll find somebody to get you back to normal first thing in the morning.", she promises Aegis before she goes to sleep.
"What shall I do with you now? There's nobody awake who could help you and I dare not try to do anything about it." She looked at him, feeling miserable.
*cluck-cluck* , he hops nearer, somehow giving her the impression that he is ready to take the risk to have her try.
"No, Aegis, no", she says sadly, "I cannot take the risk to blow you to smithereens, I would never forgive myself. Normally, nothing real bad happens if I don't want to, but sometimes everything goes wrong.", she shuddered. "Once I tried to help Fang because... Fang! I completely forgot him! And the tunnel!"
Snatching her quiver and bow, she picks up Aegis once more, though he seems not very pleased with this. "Sorry", she mutters, "but I really have to look after Fang."
Striding down the corridor, she soon reaches the dead end and Fang keeping guard. "Hey, Fang, sorry it took me so long. Guard this.", she says, putting Aegis down on the floor in front of Fang. "Don't let anything happen to him!"
Looking into some rooms, she soon finds what she needs and in a few minutes time, she has built up a pile of furniture in front of the tunnel, neatly closing it. Once finished, she gives her heap a satisfied look, nothing will come through there without make enough noise to wake the dead.
Turning back to Fang and Aegis, she scoops Aegis up once more, this time he seems to come more willingly, as if he were glad to get away from Fang. Carrying him to a couch in a nearby room, Fang on her heels, she puts him down on it. "Don't worry, this was the last time I moved you around like this for tonight."
Putting quiver and bow next to the couch, she lays down on it, cradling Aegis in her arm and Fang curling up on the ground beneath. "Now, if anything tries to break through my pile of furniture, we're close enough to hear", she explains. "I'll find somebody to get you back to normal first thing in the morning.", she promises Aegis before she goes to sleep.
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
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dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
Dragon Wench felt a presence next to her and looked up to find Simbul standing close by. She groaned inwardly, hoping that she could have continued to avoid the mage. However, as she looked at Simbul, there was an odd expression on her face... almost shy. "Dragon Wench... could I speak to you for a moment?" Intrigued, Dragon Wench replied, "Of course." The two women retired to a more private area of the room, then Dragon Wench waited for Simbul to speak. Simbul paused for a moment, looked down, then said quietly, "It's about Gwalchmai."
Alarmed, Dragon Wench asked quickly, "Is there something wrong? Has he become tainted?"
"No, no... nothing like that... " Simbul responded quickly. "It's just....
Dragon Wench was amazed, in spite of herself. What could it possibly be that would make Simbul so uncharacteristically reticent to speak? Did she not want Gwally to join the coming attack on the Shadow Master? She was so cutting to him, always singling him out for one... with a shock it came to her. Of course! It all made sense. A small grin came to Dragon Wench's lips, "He is cute, isn't he?"
With a smile, Simbul said, "Yes... he certainly is." For the second time in as many minutes, Dragon Wench was astonished. She had never seen Simbul smile before... she was actually quite attractive when she did so.
Simbul continued, "Thantor mentioned to me that you and Gwalchmai..." she hesitated. Dragon Wench laughed. "I always wondered if Thantor picked up on that. I should have known he would." Her face softened. "It's ok Simbul... I am with Jerren now." A wicked glint came into Simbul's eyes. "That wasn't really what I had in mind." The wicked look was now matched with a wicked smile. Dragon Wench was beginning to like this woman. "Oh... exactly what did you have in mind?" she asked conspiratorially.
Alarmed, Dragon Wench asked quickly, "Is there something wrong? Has he become tainted?"
"No, no... nothing like that... " Simbul responded quickly. "It's just....
Dragon Wench was amazed, in spite of herself. What could it possibly be that would make Simbul so uncharacteristically reticent to speak? Did she not want Gwally to join the coming attack on the Shadow Master? She was so cutting to him, always singling him out for one... with a shock it came to her. Of course! It all made sense. A small grin came to Dragon Wench's lips, "He is cute, isn't he?"
With a smile, Simbul said, "Yes... he certainly is." For the second time in as many minutes, Dragon Wench was astonished. She had never seen Simbul smile before... she was actually quite attractive when she did so.
Simbul continued, "Thantor mentioned to me that you and Gwalchmai..." she hesitated. Dragon Wench laughed. "I always wondered if Thantor picked up on that. I should have known he would." Her face softened. "It's ok Simbul... I am with Jerren now." A wicked glint came into Simbul's eyes. "That wasn't really what I had in mind." The wicked look was now matched with a wicked smile. Dragon Wench was beginning to like this woman. "Oh... exactly what did you have in mind?" she asked conspiratorially.
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dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
It was uncharacteristically cold in Gwalchmai's room, no doubt another manifestation of all the strange goings on. He was finding it difficult to stay warm, and so his sleep was uncharacteristically restless. Apparently, Vivien had returned back to her own room. As he turned over once again, he was aware of motion behind him. Silently reaching for his weapon, he slowly turned his head to see what was in his quarters. His eyes opened wide in shock. Simbul... in his sleeping chamber? How had she gotten through the locked door without a sound? She was floating, as usual, yet there was a faint glow around her and... she appeared to be asleep. She also wasn't wearing her usual black robes but instead was attired in a translucent nightgown. Gwally gulped. It was completely translucent, leaving nothing to the imagination. Thinking he was asleep, Gwally pinched himself hard on the leg. Ouch! No, he was definitely not dreaming. Simbul floated over to the bottom of his bed. As if by magic, the blankets and sheets peeled back, revealing his feet. Completely confused, Gwally laid perfectly still, pretending to be asleep. The sleepwalking (floating?) Simbul reached down and began to massage his feet. Fortunately, temperature was no longer an issue at this point.
Out of the corner of his eye, Gwally caught a sense of movement. Turning his head ever so slightly, he was aware .... by the bounty of Nature... it was Dragon Wench, Vivien, and Jenna. They were floating right through the door, not unlike the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future! As with Simbul, they also appeared to be sleeping. This must be a dream, he thought franticly -- how could this be happening? Dragon Wench floated up to the head of the bed and began to message his temples, while Jenna knelt by the side of the bed and began to massage his hand. He felt a silk material slide over his eyes... and then a warm lingering kiss on the palm of his hand. He shivered involuntarily as he felt his finger slide into a sensation that was warm and wet... the flick of a tongue at his feet.... a warm velvety breath in his ear. Gwally slowly allowed himself to relax. Dream or not, life was good.
Out of the corner of his eye, Gwally caught a sense of movement. Turning his head ever so slightly, he was aware .... by the bounty of Nature... it was Dragon Wench, Vivien, and Jenna. They were floating right through the door, not unlike the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future! As with Simbul, they also appeared to be sleeping. This must be a dream, he thought franticly -- how could this be happening? Dragon Wench floated up to the head of the bed and began to message his temples, while Jenna knelt by the side of the bed and began to massage his hand. He felt a silk material slide over his eyes... and then a warm lingering kiss on the palm of his hand. He shivered involuntarily as he felt his finger slide into a sensation that was warm and wet... the flick of a tongue at his feet.... a warm velvety breath in his ear. Gwally slowly allowed himself to relax. Dream or not, life was good.
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dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
As she moved out of the shadows into the moonlight, he could see the glistening sheen of her skin, the grace and intensity of her movement, the way the light followed the contours of her body. She moved slowly in a way that let him know she enjoyed him watching her... that she enjoyed the display. She reached up seductively and untied her hair, allowing it to fall around her shoulders and over her breasts. Her hands moved to her abdomen, flowing smoothly over the moist skin beaded with sweat, then curved suggestively over her hips. In a single reckless motion, he threw off the blankets, exposing the warm inner aspect of the bed. She gazed at him, her eyes luminous in the moonlight, thinking how beautiful he was - dark-skin, dark hair... taunt, restless, and lean. Her scent was fragrant and intoxicating as she mounted the bed, the rippling of sinew, muscle, and skin languorous and panther-like. Though he did not move, letting her come to him, he felt the rising and irresistible craving of the hunger inside him, the yearning of his flesh... the aching of his heart. She gently raked the inside of his thigh with her nails, as she said in a breathy whisper, "My lord....".
"My Wench..." His voice was husky, with a hint of a smile. In these past years, she had grown accustomed to living under a strict yoke of control, focused tightly in the present moment where it was harder for the overwhelming pain to reach her. Yet lately, with Jerren, she had hesitatingly allowed herself to release her discipline, to once again experience the simple pleasures of being in love.... of being alive. Now, in this moment, she allowed herself to loose the last vestiges of control, to abandon herself completely.... to let go. Suddenly his fingers were in her hair and he pulled her lips into his, insistently, almost roughly. Their bodies met in a shock of heat and need, with her on top of him. His kisses were deep and probing, his tongue moving in and out of her like ocean waves, until the rhythm of his mouth becomes the rhythm of her blood... of her body. Through a haze of intoxication, she is aware of his hands moving along the slight curve of her back, the gentle slope of her hips, the length of her thigh... knowing how much he wanted her. She feels him stir, rising warm and intimate against her thigh, his arousal echoing in his hands, in his heartbeat. But, she could also feel him holding back, not giving in to the swelling tide of ardor swirling between them. She shifts so she could see his face, concerned... but he only smiles. And she could tell, as his dark lashes close over his eyes, that he is only savoring every aspect of this delicious experience, the sensation of silk as her body moved against his, and she joins him in smiling, knowing that this was all going to unfold very... very slowly.
"My Wench..." His voice was husky, with a hint of a smile. In these past years, she had grown accustomed to living under a strict yoke of control, focused tightly in the present moment where it was harder for the overwhelming pain to reach her. Yet lately, with Jerren, she had hesitatingly allowed herself to release her discipline, to once again experience the simple pleasures of being in love.... of being alive. Now, in this moment, she allowed herself to loose the last vestiges of control, to abandon herself completely.... to let go. Suddenly his fingers were in her hair and he pulled her lips into his, insistently, almost roughly. Their bodies met in a shock of heat and need, with her on top of him. His kisses were deep and probing, his tongue moving in and out of her like ocean waves, until the rhythm of his mouth becomes the rhythm of her blood... of her body. Through a haze of intoxication, she is aware of his hands moving along the slight curve of her back, the gentle slope of her hips, the length of her thigh... knowing how much he wanted her. She feels him stir, rising warm and intimate against her thigh, his arousal echoing in his hands, in his heartbeat. But, she could also feel him holding back, not giving in to the swelling tide of ardor swirling between them. She shifts so she could see his face, concerned... but he only smiles. And she could tell, as his dark lashes close over his eyes, that he is only savoring every aspect of this delicious experience, the sensation of silk as her body moved against his, and she joins him in smiling, knowing that this was all going to unfold very... very slowly.
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T’lainya returned from the kitchen with a glass of wine and a small plate of food. She ate slowly thinking about the keep. She finished her wine and stared into the fireplace. The flames danced around and the priestess could almost see faces in the fire. One grew clear for a moment; it was the face of the pooka Ch’shhrr. He held up a small object to the priestess and then disappeared back into the flame. The priestess felt a chill run up her spine. The Seldarine sometimes used the fey as messengers, and she had no doubt as to the veracity of this sign. The object Ch’shhrr had shown her was a small handloom. That could only mean a threat to the weave itself. The priestess stayed staring into the fire thinking about the implications of her vision.
The priestess slipped into an uneasy reverie. She felt the faint evil from the keep scratching at her consciousness like the claws of rats on a wall. She opened her eyes suddenly and was not surprised to see herself still in front of the fire. Her spirits eyes looked around the keep. She saw the faint spirit forms of her comrades, new and old, shining through the stone walls of the keep. Some were resting, others were awake and roaming the area. Her spirit wondered who was stirring and why, but she could spare no energy for the thought. She looked farther and saw a dark wraithlike form reaching for her. She knew it to be a minor servant of the power that lurked in the keep. A gesture and a flash of searing white light and the wraith wailed, shriveling into nothingness. T’lainya wondered at the power she had used.
She looked farther yet, but no sign of the strain she should have been feeling. She finally began to see what she was seeking. The keep itself faded and the land became bare. T’lainya saw the earth itself twisted and swollen like a tumor. The evil that poured forth from below the earth was spreading. Tentacles of shadow crept along the ground wrapping around plants and rocks, trees and beasts alike. Fighting back the nausea she felt, T’lainya’s spirit looked harder. Her perceptions were sharp and clear, almost to the point of pain. She thought if she looked hard enough she could see Arvandor.
She concentrated on the area at hand and saw the weave. The grounds of the keep were built upon a reservoir of energy. The ground itself had stored some arcane power perhaps left over from some distant past, even from the time of creation. “That would explain the ease of my journey here.” The priestess thought wryly. The evil seemed to be feeding on this power, using it to grow and dominate, to insinuate itself into the fabric of the weave. T’lainya saw with a heavy heart that the center of evil was buried under the keep.
She knew she should go back to her body and made an effort to do so. It was difficult; she was being drawn elsewhere, with a pull she thought would tear her spirit in two. Then with a sudden clarity, T’lainya knew where she was trying to go, she sighed and pushed the thought away. She focused herself and with a rush she returned to her own body shocked to feel the tears streaming from her eyes. She rose and began to prepare for the future. She started making her preparations as she thought about how to explain what she had discovered to the others.
The priestess slipped into an uneasy reverie. She felt the faint evil from the keep scratching at her consciousness like the claws of rats on a wall. She opened her eyes suddenly and was not surprised to see herself still in front of the fire. Her spirits eyes looked around the keep. She saw the faint spirit forms of her comrades, new and old, shining through the stone walls of the keep. Some were resting, others were awake and roaming the area. Her spirit wondered who was stirring and why, but she could spare no energy for the thought. She looked farther and saw a dark wraithlike form reaching for her. She knew it to be a minor servant of the power that lurked in the keep. A gesture and a flash of searing white light and the wraith wailed, shriveling into nothingness. T’lainya wondered at the power she had used.
She looked farther yet, but no sign of the strain she should have been feeling. She finally began to see what she was seeking. The keep itself faded and the land became bare. T’lainya saw the earth itself twisted and swollen like a tumor. The evil that poured forth from below the earth was spreading. Tentacles of shadow crept along the ground wrapping around plants and rocks, trees and beasts alike. Fighting back the nausea she felt, T’lainya’s spirit looked harder. Her perceptions were sharp and clear, almost to the point of pain. She thought if she looked hard enough she could see Arvandor.
She concentrated on the area at hand and saw the weave. The grounds of the keep were built upon a reservoir of energy. The ground itself had stored some arcane power perhaps left over from some distant past, even from the time of creation. “That would explain the ease of my journey here.” The priestess thought wryly. The evil seemed to be feeding on this power, using it to grow and dominate, to insinuate itself into the fabric of the weave. T’lainya saw with a heavy heart that the center of evil was buried under the keep.
She knew she should go back to her body and made an effort to do so. It was difficult; she was being drawn elsewhere, with a pull she thought would tear her spirit in two. Then with a sudden clarity, T’lainya knew where she was trying to go, she sighed and pushed the thought away. She focused herself and with a rush she returned to her own body shocked to feel the tears streaming from her eyes. She rose and began to prepare for the future. She started making her preparations as she thought about how to explain what she had discovered to the others.
[url="http://www.gamebanshee.com"]GameBanshee[/url] Make your gaming scream!
"I have seen them/I have watched them all fall/I have been them/I have watched myself crawl"
"I will only complicate you/Trust in me and fall as well"
"Quiet time...no more whine"
"I have seen them/I have watched them all fall/I have been them/I have watched myself crawl"
"I will only complicate you/Trust in me and fall as well"
"Quiet time...no more whine"
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Yshania
- Posts: 8572
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Some Girls Wander By Mistake
- Contact:
The halfling looked her way, Alreth’s eyes seemed to bore into Yshania, catching her breath in her throat and almost stopping her heart. For a very long moment they stood this way. Then Yshania heard it…it appeared the halfling heard it…’come to me my precious’ it growled, low and long…Yshania’s skin began to crawl as if alive. It was all around, everywhere, sinister, demanding and …and… without a second thought as to whether the halfling might hear her, she turned and fled…scrambling and crying out of the tunnel…
She threw herself against the keep wall, trying to compose herself before entering…breathing hard, she scanned the way she had come…the halfling had not followed…what was her interest with the presence? It was here!! In the keep! And she could feel it now reaching for her…trying to pull her back, away from her friends…she threw up the bastions, silently thanking Thantor for his gift…this was a lingering nightmare…she was sure. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the doors of the keep and headed to the kitchen. She found it empty. Her whole situation started to feel surreal, moving around the table she emptied the abandoned glasses of wine and headed upstairs.
Passing T’lainya’s room, she heard activity inside, knocking politely on the door she let herself in. T’lainya looked up from her chest ‘Yshania!’ she exclaimed..
‘T’lainya!…there is something here!’
She threw herself against the keep wall, trying to compose herself before entering…breathing hard, she scanned the way she had come…the halfling had not followed…what was her interest with the presence? It was here!! In the keep! And she could feel it now reaching for her…trying to pull her back, away from her friends…she threw up the bastions, silently thanking Thantor for his gift…this was a lingering nightmare…she was sure. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the doors of the keep and headed to the kitchen. She found it empty. Her whole situation started to feel surreal, moving around the table she emptied the abandoned glasses of wine and headed upstairs.
Passing T’lainya’s room, she heard activity inside, knocking politely on the door she let herself in. T’lainya looked up from her chest ‘Yshania!’ she exclaimed..
‘T’lainya!…there is something here!’
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Aegis kicked around the small area, wearily eyeing Fang. As he made his way down one of the nearby halls, just exploring, he felt a strange tingling run through him. He took a step forward, but it was awkward and clumsy. his small body then tripped up, and fell to the ground. As he tried to balance himself, he noticed that his arm was no longer that of a chicken's wing, it had reverted back to that of his orignal form. It seemed that the magic that had been cast on him was begining to wear off, or there was some intervention. The transformation didn't last long, and soon he was his regular self. He looked up to ceiling, then propped himself up. He looked around, gaining his bearings. He knew he was in the lower keep, and that he had none of his gear with him.
He stood up, shivering slightly as the dank air blew across his naked form. He quietly made his way through the lower levels, leaving Fang behind. When he finally saw the light of a candle aheead, he knew he was back to the main level. He went into the light, doing little to cover himself, more concerned, and well past the age of modesty. He slowly picked his way through the keep, trying to find where his gear had been dropped, hoping he would not come across any of the other people in the keep.
He stood up, shivering slightly as the dank air blew across his naked form. He quietly made his way through the lower levels, leaving Fang behind. When he finally saw the light of a candle aheead, he knew he was back to the main level. He went into the light, doing little to cover himself, more concerned, and well past the age of modesty. He slowly picked his way through the keep, trying to find where his gear had been dropped, hoping he would not come across any of the other people in the keep.