The Order of the Dark Flame: Book 5. (story, no spam)

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 1:44 pm

Gwalchmai awoke alone in his bed, the sheets tangled. His dreams had been disturbing, vacillating from dismal fear to incredible bliss. He got out of bed stiffly and looked out the window. The day had not yet dawned, though the eastern sky was slowly brightening. He scrubbed his face from the bowl, and dressed warmly. Gathering his pack, he made his way toward the kitchen for an early breakfast. But breakfast would wait, for he was distracted by Georgi’s open door. On a whim, he stepped in and looked out her window. From this side of the keep, he would have a clear view of the garden where Yshania was attacked, but darkness shrouded his view now. Turning, he bumped into the stand that held Georgi’s elven chainmail and sword. Again, a whim struck him, and he added her things to his pack.

Continuing down the hall he nearly ran over Jennabard, who came through a door suddenly. “Oh! Gwally… I… uh” she stammered.

“It’s okay, Jenna,” he soothed, though he was acutely embarrassed, and didn’t want to look her in the eye. Still, she seemed agitated.

“Gwally, I think Anika is gone!”

Gwalchmai thought for a moment, then said, “I’ll go check the stables for the horse she was using. You tell the others.”

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 2:06 pm

Having showered and changed, Yshania packed her bag with the essential items...and the one's she could not part from...and put on her leather armour. She had decided to go for a ride, but felt somewhat exposed now...though the dawning day may bring some respite from the surreality of the night's activities. She strapped on her scimitars and pulled on her cloak. As she left her room, she turned back and looked around...strangely she felt she would not be coming back...she closed the door.

Arriving at the stables, she nodded a bemused greeting to yet another stranger, who occupied one of the empty stalls.

She approached Pridwen and whispered her apologies for her extended absence...she was pleased to notice one of the others had ensured fresh hay and water for her horse. Pridwen snickered softly and nuzzled her shoulder.

Yshania, unusually, decided to saddle Pridwen, then taking the reins she lead her out into the courtyard...she cast a quick glance over her shoulder at the man in the empty stall, he was observing her silently...'what was going on at the keep?' she wondered, unable to fend of the creeping edges of fear and concern...she shivered.

GandalfgalTTV · Post by **GandalfgalTTV** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 2:13 pm

… walking back to the log he had left only a few hours before. Gatok now knew what should be done, yet doing it would not come easy.

***

Looking around, Mysteria ponders what to do next. Thinking about the recent events, she sighs, she really should try to get a grip on her magic. Motioning to Fang, she goes out of the keep, fully armed, and finds herself a nice flat stone. Yes, this would do nicely. Sending Fang some distance away, she squats down and places a few sticks on the stone. She had always been better at lighting fires than at putting them out, so she was going to try to light one now.

Gatok turned his eyes towards the keep, morning would not arrive for some time, for no sign of the sun’s early rays could be seen, and the keep made a truly marvellous sight at night. He saw a lone figure walking away from the keep, no not alone, a wolf followed several steps behind. Mysteria, for it could be no other. Had left the keep but it was a strange time to do so, and Gatok looked even closer now trying too figure out what was going on. The wolf moved away, apparently it was told to do so, for it was Fang and he would not leave Mysteria on it’s own accord. And as Mysteria sat down, Gatok heard a voice, he recognised the sound, although it was a barely audible whisper and slightly distorted. But he who has heard it’s call for so long, could still recognise it. “The time is now, join them, do not linger. But know this… ” So Gatok slowly made his way towards her.

Drawing upon the power that is always lingering around her, Mysteria lets the power built up, focusing upon the task. A fire, she imagines, a fire.. Finally, once she lets go of the energy, wonderful fireworks soar to the sky. Well, at least it had something to do with fire, she thinks, though not exactly the way she wanted it to happen. Sitting down trying to focus for another try, she hears footsteps behind her; turning around a friendly voice greets her.

Gatok: "A good evening to you, fair lady. Might I be so bold as to ask the name of the one responsible for that lovely display."

Mysteria: "Mysteria's the name, and who are you?", she jumps to her feet.

Gatok: "They call me Gatok. And I would offer you some advice, perhaps you should try something a bit less complicated than creating fire."

Gatok raised his hand and opening it a small flame burned in the centre of his palm.

Gatok: "Now instead of trying to create fire, try to remove it."

Mysteria: "I've tried it already, but I might always try again. Are you sure though I should try it with you holding that flame?"

Gatok: "Quite so."

Mysteria: "OK, here you go."

The flame should go out..., her energy crackles, then Gatok disappears in an area of absolute darkness. Stepping out of the darkness, the flame in his hand still burning, Gatok is greeted by Mysteria holding her bow, an arrow readied, Fang on her side. Gatok, somewhat startled at this sudden turn of events, takes comfort in the knowledge that experiencing her gift first hand has, as he had anticipated, provided him with knowledge that should help her control her powerful gift.

Mysteria: "Please, do not attempt to do anything further, I would hate it if I had to put an arrow through your eye." , she says in an not altogether unfriendly tone. "I am not yet paranoid, but I have learned not to trust strangers too fast, may they seem as friendly as you. Now, if you would please state your business so I can lower this arrow."

Gatok: "I do not yet know what my role will be, but a great friend of mine asked me to be here, it is wise, and it's guidance has never failed me, so here I am."

Mysteria:" A friend? Well, I am quite ready to believe you, but as I do not know your friend... "

Gatok: "You do not know him, yet he knows you, for you walk his path everyday. Too most it is known as Toril, but the Earth is what I call it, I have roamed his lands long before you were born and I will roam them long after you are gone. I am one of his champions, forever battling against those who would harm it. Helping those who need me."

Lowering her bow, Mysteria nodded.

Mysteria: "Alright, you have convinced me. I normally trust my instincts, and those tell me you mean no harm, though they might be wrong. Anyway, I'd better show you to our keep then, come on."

She gestures for him to follow her. Arriving at the keep, she calls out.

Mysteria: "We've got one more visitor."

'We' , she thought, I actually said 'we', not 'you'.

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 2:43 pm

Yshania stood before Pridwen, reins in her left hand and her right hand on the horse's muzzle. For the longest time she looked back at the keep...the night's shadows still lingered, in every crevice, climbing the walls, menacing, and threatening to tear apart the keep’s solidity…the place where she met such good friends was now tainted. And somewhere deep inside she felt the association, the very fabric of these friendships were being tested, being stretched and worn…there was too much doubt…too much fear…she so hoped they would pull through this together…

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 3:05 pm

Down at the stables, Gwalchmai saw Yshania astride Pridwen. She was lost in thought until he spoke to her, “Have you seen Anicka? Jenna thought she might have left.”

Yshania blinked and shook her head, snapping herself out of her reverie, “No, I’ve only seen that odd man in the stable.” She followed Gwalchmai into the stable.

Bloodstalker was involved in an intricate series of exercises that consisted of him standing on his head, waving his feet in the air, and shouting “Hoopa!” Often, the movements would result in fistfuls of straw being thrown into the air, not entirely on purpose.

“Has Anicka been in here?” Gwalchmai asked.

“Anicka…. Anicka….” Bloodstalker tapped his temple trying to place the name. “You mean the severe woman with the low voice who was carrying the helmet? Yes, she was here just a half hour ago, dressed in full armor. I asked if she needed help, but she said she was just going hunting. She took one of the horses and left.”

Gwalchmai thanked Bloodstalker and went back outside. The tracks in the new snow were difficult to decipher by torch light, and neither Yshania nor he were Rangers.

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 3:15 pm

Yshania watched miserably as Gwalchmai tried to make any sense of the tracks. Not for the first time, she felt useless...he was as concerned as she was by this frightening turn of events...this rush towards a destiny that neither of them had any control over...she stepped up to him and put her arms around him, resting her head against his shoulder. Silently he returned the hug. 'It is happening isn't it?' she asked shakily 'the weave...I feel it's fray'

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 3:22 pm

Aegis watched nippy loose a few more shafts towards the target before noticing Gwally exiting the keep. As he looked, he noticed the man moving with a bit of concern and worry. He patted Nippy on the shoulder, and made his way through the snow towards him, his lilth elven form barely sinking into the ankle deep snow.

"Good morn' to you Gwally." Aegis said, his voice crisp, like the air around them. Gwally turned to the elf, his hood drawn up tight, his breath steaming from his face in the brisk air. "Is something wrong?" aegis continued, seeing the look on the man's face. He then noticed Yshania, a few paces behind, the same concerned look on her face.

Obsidian · Post by **Obsidian** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 4:56 pm

The smells of frying meat and baking bread fill the keep. Sipping from a cup of light ale, Farscape continued to gleefully cook bacon, sausage eggs and bread.

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 5:15 pm

Nippy almost drooled at the smell. He didn't realise how hungry he was until his stomach almost carried him to the kitchen door.

He kicked the door open, ran around and gathered plates and expectantly waited for heaps of freid breakfast to land on his three plates he normally has for breakfast...

Der-draigen · Post by **Der-draigen** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 5:18 pm

Descending ever deeper into the subterranean gloom beneath the keep, Der-draigen was confused. She couldn't tell if it was morning or night. She also sensed that no one above, no one among the keep's inhabitants or visitors, had any idea either. Had dawn just broken or was the world still deep in slumber? She used the talisman around her neck to sense a very vast confusion in the kep above her. This may be to my advantage, she thought slyly as she continued on.

{OOC: Well, hey, if we're insisting on going ahead without getting our collective act together, may as well write the confusion into the storyline, hm?

}

Obsidian · Post by **Obsidian** » Wed Jan 30, 2002 8:33 pm

Slicing the fresh bread into large chunks and setting it on the plates, Farscape added onto the plates Scrambled eggs because he didn't feel like making anything else. Pulling the pan off the fire, the forked several pieces of bacon giving large portions the Nippy and himself.
Raising his glass he said to Nippy
"A toast to Orders new and old" Glasses clinking heavily, they both set upon their food.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 12:00 am

The cold, grey light of morning streamed into the room. Unaccountably shivering, Dragon Wench slipped to the window and closed the shutters, somewhat restoring the dark calm of night. Frowning, she wondered why the light had caused her to react in so negative a way. True..she had always enjoyed the nocturnal hours, but she had never experienced so strong an aversion to daylight. Puzzled, she made her way back to bed, and smiled at the figure sprawled within the covers.

"I have missed you," she whispered quietly.

In response, he held her near, breathing in her scent. After a moment, he looked at her....his eyes troubled.

"I still can't help but think I am in a dream......that I will wake up and find myself back in the void."

"You won't.....," she said softly

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 10:52 am

Nippy sat down with a glass of orange juice in hand, stuffed to the brim with a full fat fried breakfast. He thanked Fascape and spoke to him, asking him of his past...

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 1:09 pm

Yshania’s hug meant more to Gwalchmai at that moment than he could have imagined. “Yes, things are happening too quickly, we are not ready. But when would we ever truly be ready? I just wish I were more comfortable with the newcomers to the keep. So many arriving all at once, the strange things happening in the keep, nightmares and dreams, and now Anicka may be forcing our hand.” He made an exasperated sound.

As if on cue, Aegis ran up, asking if anything was wrong. Gwalchmai held the torch high and pointed at the ground, “We are trying to decipher these tracks. One of our number has left, and we need to find her. Perhaps you can help?” Gwalchmai looked expectantly at Aegis, but Aegis wasn’t paying attention. His eye was focused across the field.

“Who’s that?” Aegis asked, pointing at the figure of a woman running toward them.

Yshania squinted, “Is that Rai’ya?” Suddenly the running figure stopped, looked at her hands then fell to her knees. The three ran out to help her, Aegis arriving first.

“Milady,” he said, “What is the matter?”

Rai’ya thrust the symbols and tome into his hands, “Take these, quickly!” she said, then turned to Gwalchmai and Yshania, “I am becoming incorporeal. The Power no longer sustains me.” Even as she said this, they could see her hands begin to fade away. “You must remind the Power who loved it first!” She looked pleadingly into their eyes, “Perform the Dawn, Noontide, and Dusk rituals of Amaunator from the ramparts of the keep! Today! It may be our only hope!” Then she faded away completely, any other words lost to the whisperings of the wind.

Aegis looked at the symbols and tome in his hand, his eyes wide, “Are you guys often visited by ghosts around here?”

Gwalchmai ignored his question and stared for a long time at the spot where Rai’ya had been. Finally, he looked at Yshania, “Do you know the rituals of Amaunator?” She shook her head. “Hmmm. Neither do I.” Together they looked at Aegis.

“Hey, don’t look at me! I don’t know the rituals either.”

“Someone must be familiar with them!” Gwalchmai muttered. He put his hand on Aegis’ shoulder and looked him in the eye, “You said you wanted to help, right? Yshania and I need to try to track Anicka. Would you rouse the others in the keep and find who might know the Rituals of Amaunator? This is important!” Aegis nodded, his usual smile back on his face. “Good. Great! Try asking Bloodstalker first. I heard him talking about Cernd, and I think Cernd was the druid that was involved in clearing out an old temple of Amaunator in the Umar Hills. Maybe Bloodstalker was involved with that adventure.”

Gwalchmai and Yshania made their way back to the forest to try to follow Anicka's tracks, leaving Aegis to his task. Aegis ran across the frozen ground toward the stable. Drawing near, Aegis saw Bloodstaker just coming out and waved to him. He was just about to call, when his foot slipped in a mucky spot of ground that should not have been there. He fell, and was surprised to see the ground covered in a greenish slime. Before Aegis could pick himself up, the slime coalesced itself into the form of a great Slime Golem, blocking his way to the stable.

(ooc: Sorry Bloodstalker, I wasn't clear)

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 1:33 pm

Bloodstalker walked out of the stable, his mind preoccupied with the events of the past few days. There had been an influx of people in and out of the stables all morning, not strange in itself except for the early hour.

Looking up, he saw Aegis making his was towards the stable, seemingly trying to get his attention. Wondering what would be so wrong as to move the elf to such a pace, he made his way to meet him.

Suddenly, Bloodstalker saw something rise in front of Aegis. At the same time, he felt tyhe repugnant touch of dark sorcery. The air seemed to be alive with it suddenly. A sick knot of dread filled his stomach, as he braced himself against the too familiar tuggings on his system.

Looking closer, he recognized the creature as some kind of golem, the likes he had never seen before. As the creature coelasced, Bloodstalker Striker came immediatly to his hand. He knew golems well, and knew that different ones had different immunities. He idly wondered whether his blade would have any effect on the one before him.

The thought gave his mind pause, but did not shorten his step as he ran toward the scene. The events and frustrations of the past few days, the mention of the Shadow Master, rthe oppressive feel of magic around him, yes, Bloodstalker decided, it would do him good to vent his anger this day.

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 2:27 pm

Aegis pulled himself away from the creature. He was well versed in the lore of many lands and their dangers, but was left at a fork when he saw the slime golem rise up from the ground. In a fluid motion, his bow was in hand, and he was backing up. He reached back into his quiver, feeling around for the particualr set of arrows he kept. He found one quickly, and grasping it tightly, fitted it to his weapon. The dull red shaft was warm to the touch, burning with some inner magic. He looesed the arrow. It flew through the sky, leaving a burning trail of magical fire before embedding itself deeply into the golems abdomen. The golem seemed not to care, and it continued to lumber towards the elven ranger. Aegis noted, thankfully, that Bloddstalker was approaching the beast from behind, his sword drawn. The Ranger reached back, and withdrew two more arrows, and fitted them to the bow. He didn't like expending the few magical arrows his had this way, but felt he had no choice. HE raised his bow in front of him, the bow parrallel with the ground, and sent two more burning streaks through the air. this time, when the arrows his, the fire cought, and the creature let loose a terrible, hollow groan, but didn't cease to advance. The arrows though slowed the golem somewhat, the magical flame igniting upon the creatures toxic skin. Aegis pulled his last magical arrow from his quiver, and fitted it. He sent a silent prayer, both to Corellon, and to Mielikki, then trained the arrow on the creautres forehead. He let shaft go. Another burning streak lit up the area, and embedded itself with the golems thick head, but didn't fell it. Aegis cursed under his breath, and put his bow back across his back, and withdrew Sunfang, his sword from the time of the Seldarine. He dashed forward, a balanced attack plan in his mind, but it would only work if bloodstalker engaged the creature with him, and soon...

Mysteria · Post by **Mysteria** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 2:45 pm

Leading Gatok to the keep, Mysteria eyed him out of the corner of her eye. He was a sorcerer, and a fighter too, judging by the big axe he carried, but most importantly a sorcerer. They were alike, well not truly, there was nothing uncontrolled about his magic, but still she felt a strange kinship with him.

When they had first met, that feeling had almost made her go over to him and welcome him warmly, but then memory had slammed back. She had felt this way about two other people already, both sorcerers, and no good had come out of it. Somehow, she had a gift to meet the wrong people. The first one had tried to use her, pretending that he was trying to help her. The second, a woman, had been openly hostile, she had hurled a fireball at her almost immediately. "...to wipe out that dishonour to sorcery ...", as she had said.

Thus, Mysteria hadn't walked over to Gatok, but she had done his bidding. It had been useless to try to hide her magic, he had plainly seen her using magic, and besides, she hadn't any weapon at the ready. So, she had use her magic, hoping madly that it would give her the time to get her bow ready, and for once she had been lucky.

But hearing him talk, hearing him explain himself, she had felt that he was not like the other two sorcerers she had met. Now, walking on his side, that feeling only grew stronger. He had not tried to attack, and he had an aura of wisdom and power about him. He did not need to use her to gain power, he already had enough. She realized that she trusted him, bad experience or not.

Coming to the keep, she wondered if she should ask him to keep her magic secret, but then the rest of them had to get to know of it sooner or later. Perhaps she should tell them, but something still held her back, she still couldn't forget how negative most people reacted to it.

"They are not just any people", she scolded herself, "they are the Dark Flames.", she thought. Still, she hoped Thantor would be up soon and explain it to them for her, she was still a bit afraid that they would sent her away.

"And once they know, what then?", a small voice in her head asked. Yes, what then? They would start asking questions, questions she didn't want to answer as they were too personal, to close to her heart. They had to accept that, they just had to. Perhaps, one day, once she had some grip on her magic, she would be ready to talk. But not now, no not now. Except Thantor, and perhaps Gatok too, once she had decided she could truly trust him.

Thantor, she mused, she almost couldn't make the link between the man she had met here and the boy she had known. He had changed so much, achieved so much. Yes, she definitely and completely trusted him, she had the impression that she could talk to him about everything, without fear, without being ashamed.

Coming out of her thoughts, she noticed that they had reached the keep. A wonderful smell of breakfast came out of the kitchen, making her hungry. Smiling to Gatok, she invited him to follow her into the kitchen.

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 3:03 pm

Bloodstalker closed the distance rapidly, his eyes taking in the scene. He watch as Aegis fired arrow after arrow into the beast, and a small smile formed on his face as he saw the first flame ignite. The ranger had a quick mind, he decided.

reaching the creature ataabout the same time Aegis loosed his blade, he came in with a low sweeping stroke that was aimed to reach the upper leg of the beast. Watching as his blade sliced through and out of the golem, carrying a piece of leg with it.

Not slowing in the least, the golem swung an arm wildly at the attack from behind. Bloodstalker ducked under the blow, barely avoiding being knocked to the ground. The golem turned slighly, and Bloodstalker smiled. He could see the hesitation of the creature at being faced with two foes.

Bloodstalker stepped back, poised his blade, and waited to see what the Elvin Ranger would do...

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 3:27 pm

Nippy spurted orange juice from his mouth. A massive form had coaleced from the ground and it was attacking Aegis.

He smashed open the door to the kitchen to the courtyard and nearly took out Mysteria and an unknown in the process. He grabbed his quiver of arrows and his katana were already strapped to his back.

He shouted at Aegis,

"Catch, there should be some flame arrows inside."

He tossed the quiver to Aegis and the Elf deftly caught the arrow bag loosing all of the shafts from the confines of the bag. He slammed them into the ground and prepared a defence.

Nippy called out to Mysteria.

"Gather some of the others, it's a golem, these things are damn near impossible to destroy."

He turned his attention to the battlefield and drew his katana, the two blades becoming a whirr of orange and blue, fire and ice.

He called to Bloodstalker.

"Don't get in a confrontation with it, try to faint it and I will attack the rear. When it turns on me, you attack. We can't win in a pitched battle, lets use speed... Aegis, try to weaked it with the arrows, we'll need all the advanatages we can get..."

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Thu Jan 31, 2002 3:42 pm

Aegis skidded to a halt as he heard Nippy shout. He watched the quiver of arrows soar over to him, a small smile cracking his face. In a flash, he emptied the contents, sheathed his blade, unslung his bow, and already had found of the arrows Nippy had said would be in there. He glanced up, and saw Bloodstalker may a deft attack, and the golem not even become phased. Aegis hurried. He knelt down, found the rest of the arrows, on six with the flame enchantment on them, but it would have to do. The fact Nippy had any was amazing. Aegis dug five of them into the ground by his feet, stood, and loosed one towards the golem. It, unfortuneatly didn't catch, but it dug into the golems torso, enraging it more. When it turned towards the Ranger, Bloodstalker made another attack, again digging a piece of it off, but the golem reformed, and turned just as quickly as the first time. Aegis fitted another arrow, and trained it onto the golems chest, and fired again. Like before, a streak of flame tore the sky, and dug into the creature, this one catching. More flames erupted from the creature as the flame took. The golem was now a walking pyre, but didn't seem to care about that at all. Pretty soon, Aegis would be doing nothing but firing kindly at the thing.

He tore another arrow out of the ground, and again sent soaring towards the creature. He repeated that three more times. Once the final flame arrow had been loosed, and dug into the creature, Aegis had no more oppertunities to attack from afar. He could hear nippy inside the keep calling for assistence, and Bloodstalker was doing a marvelous job at keeping the creature from entering the close confines of the keep. Aegis threw his bow to the ground, unsheathed Sunfang again, and charged forth. Though he was an expert marksmen, and valiant fight, his skill with the blade was still something he wished to improve. He came in, leaping at the creature, his blade catching the glare of the morning sun. the sword seemed to catch fire in the one instant as it came down with tremdous force, slashing through the golems back. The sword cut through the flaming slime golem like butter, and came out just as easily, but as before, the creature didn't seem to pay much heed. This was a powerful golem, even by the standards of regular golems. He dodged left as the golem spun it's massive fist around. He narrowly dodged it, but saw a bit of the slime land on the trail of his cloak. He heard a fizzing noise, and realized at last what sort of slime golem this was. It was far more dangerous then he had at first anticipated, and kicked back into a roll, shouting to Bloodstalker to not let it touch him.