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

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Sun Jan 20, 2002 6:46 pm

T’lainya followed Yshania’s physical form, slowing down only to steady Thantor. The increased agitation that he and Yshania were feeling was having a detrimental effect on his coordination. He could maintain their separate intellects easily, only so long as he didn’t have to try any large amount of physical action. T’lainya stumbled over a cracked flagstone and muttered a curse. She regained her balance and called a warning over her shoulder to Thantor/Yshania. Yshanias body stopping suddenly drew her attention. The soulless form looked back at the keep, then on the ground. Yshania’s mind was racing wildly. She couldn’t imagine what her body was looking for.

Thantor interrupted her thoughts. “This is close to where the attack occurred.”

T’lainya found that odd, but she was glad to out of the keep proper. The place seemed different to her. The air was heavy with menace. The walls of the cellar had felt slimy to her and the air seemed noxious. It reminded her of crossing the Trollmoors, the smell of rotting vegetation and death. The holy symbol around her neck was still warm, warning her of evil. She crouched down to look at the earth of the garden. She put her hand out to test the soil and drew it back as if stung. She rose and looked at Thantor.

“The problem here might be larger than the attack on Yshania. Something is infesting this whole area, unfortunately, I don’t know what it is.”

Der-draigen · Post by **Der-draigen** » Sun Jan 20, 2002 7:49 pm

Only two wolves escaped the fight, and they were both on their speedy way to Der-g'ha'toth in the north. Der-draigen felt completely drained. She tried to make sense of what she had learned...Apparently someone or something had taken and enthralled some dread wolves. Those wolves were now beyond her reach but in fact they were still a minority. There were many that yet remained untainted...

She shook it all off. It would have to wait for now. Soon she would "speak" with Der-g'ha'toth and hopefully get some answers...In the meantime there was a more immediate concern.

She kept on her way downward, without incident, and began to relax. She would have to be calm enough to remain "in character" if she were seen by any of the keep's occupants or visitors...

The lower reaches of the keep were very nearly unbearable. Der-draigen felt she could barely move or breathe. That odd chuckle echoed again in her mind; but now it seemed closer...She smiled her cold smile, and her eyes gleamed hard and black in the darkness. It was a challenge to...whatever was here.

Der-draigen left the lower levels and made her way back up toward the outside of the keep.

She heard voices somewhere ahead, and went toward them.

“This is close to where the attack occurred," she heard a male voice saying. She slowed her pace.

“The problem here might be larger than the attack on Yshania," a musical female voice added after a moment. "Something is infesting this whole area, unfortunately, I don’t know what it is.”

Der-draigen stopped. She had approached quite near the speakers, unobserved. Something very odd was going on. Here was the ki master, and...an Elven...what, priestess? But something was very much amiss. There was a third person, a woman, kneeling on the ground, apparently searching frantically for something...She appeared lifeless somehow, hollow...It was creepy, even for Der-draigen. What have I gotten myself into??...

She sheepishly came nearer the three figures, cleared her throat, and awaited their response...

[ 01-20-2002: Message edited by: Der-draigen ]

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sun Jan 20, 2002 7:56 pm

Wondering why she had overheard Nippy informing Gwally that she was missing, Dragon Wench stretched and placed her wine glass to one side. Perhaps it was the confusion created by the arrival of so many guests, she mused to herself.
Her eyes roved around the room, and she realised that while she had been absorbed in her own thoughts at least one more stranger had arrrived in their midst. This one, a withdrawn man clad in leather, seemed perturbed by Mysteria, and she wondered why. There was an angst to his features, as though he were recollecting some deep pain.

Curious, she walked towards him and smiled, introducing herself. After exchanging a few pleasantries, in her typically direct manner, she suddenly looked straight at him.

"What brings you to the home of the Dark Flames?"

While she waited for him to gather his thoughts into a reply, she once again gazed around, and it occurred to her that both the elf and halfing had vanished. Slightly concerned, she puzzled over where they might be.

[ 01-20-2002: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Sun Jan 20, 2002 8:08 pm

Aegis, still sitting on the rampart of the keep, continued to gaze into the stars. The clouds had long since cleared, and a thin layer of white snow layered the ground, a truly wonderful site. He had sat unmoving for the past while, and was covered with the same thin layer. He wasn't cold, far from it. He beamed with some inside warmth. He reached into one of the folds of his cloak, searching for something. When his hands met the cool feeling of a hollowed out sea shell, he withdrew it. He pulled out an ornatly fashion ocarina. Four finely carved holes on the wide, blunt side of it, and a small place where he could place his lips and play the musical instrument. He did just that. HE placed the instrument to his lips, and began to play a meloudious song he had learned from a travelling bard along the road. The sound seemed to echo throughout the courtyard of the keep, and even into it a bit. It was a pleasant sound, and one that made Aegis relax completly. He remained sitting there, enjoying himself immensly.

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Sun Jan 20, 2002 9:09 pm

Blodstalker was somewhat taked aback by the suddeness of the question. Of course the lady who had introduced herself as Dragon Wench would be wondering why he was her.
He thought for a moment before answering. he didn't feel right to lie to her, dishonesty had never been his strong point, and he doubted he could pull it off effectivly. Still, there was much he didn't know about his situation, and was not completly at ease enough to fully explain his situation.

He decided it best to be truthful, but not necessarily state his whole situation. he still had no idea who these people were.

"I am headed north, and was thinking I might rest here awhile, and perhaps find someone who could tell me what the markings on this ring mean." He held up his hand, exposing the ring he had taken from the mage, the one who wore the same robes as his former captors.

as her gaze locked on the ring momentarily, he looked again around the room, which had emptied since his last inspection. Again he had that feeling of being led by some outside force, like he was a pawn in a scheme he did not understand, and put the suggestion to Dragon Wench.

"Does it seem odd to you that so many new faces would show up here at the same time?"

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sun Jan 20, 2002 10:01 pm

Intrigued, Dragon Wench examined the ring.

"I'm not sure I've ever seen anything like this before..." Even as she said it, her stomach lurched, there was something remotely familiar about the intricate patterns engraved within the ring....but for the moment she was unable to discern exactly why.......

"I think though....that we have one among us who may be able to help....." She thought of the haughty Simbul with reluctance; since the mage had arrived at the keep, she had avoided her as much as she had been able to.

Then she realised that the man had asked her a question.....

"Yes....I find it very strange....almost disquieting that we have had such a sudden influx of visitors.......this has never happened before.....and on top of it all there is something extremely wrong occuring here within the Keep...there is a presence.....and one of our number is missing," she said quietly, grave worry showing in her face.

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Sun Jan 20, 2002 10:26 pm

Dragon Wench's words only served to reinforce his own conviction that things were developing in ways that he did not comprehend, but were in all likelyhood being orchestrated by something.

Noticing the look of concern on her face as she mentoined her missing companion, Bloodstalker felt a moment of concern for this woman who had seemed willing to help if she could. he had never had much to speak of in the way of friends, but he knew waht it was like to lose something dear to oneself. Oh, how well he knew that feeling.

He spoke the words almost without thinking, but also without reservation.

"If there is any way I can be of assistance, you have but to ask. I had hoped to stay on for a few days anyway, and while I am at a loss as to what use I might be, The offer stands."

Bloodstalkers insides tightend again, unexpectedly, as he felt yet another all to familiar pang of power emminating from this place. His glance strayed unconsciously again to Mysteria, but this time it didn't seem to be emenating from her. The moment passed, and the pain was gone as quickly as it had come.

He remembered Dragon Wench's comment about another who may be able to help him.

"Whenever you have the time to spare", he commented as he put the ring back on his finger. " I hope I am not being forward, but if you could show me where I could clean up a little, and maybe have a meal, well, it's been a long trip, and I fear hasn't made me as presentable as I might be" he commented somewhat sheepishly.

Mysteria · Post by **Mysteria** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 1:56 am

Quietly observing the room, Mysteria couldn't help but wonder în what strange company she had come. A man walked in and suicided himself without drawing further comment. Nobody seemed to care if he woke up or not. Nippy stated that Dragon Wench was missing even though she was standing right in front of him. Aegis just walked away from Bloodstalker and Alreth had disappeared too. Furthermore, Yshania's body could walk in, empty the cupboards, and walk out again without anybody taking notice. This was really weird. {

} Looking around, she still saw Jerren and Dragon Wench but didn't want to move over to them, they seemed quite happy together. Nippy and Gwalchmai were occupied too, as were Maharlika and Farscape.

That left Bloodstalker, but he seemed to be strangely uneasy about her, so Mysteria was quite glad when Dragon Wench moved over to him for a little talk. Sitting down by the fire, she distantly listened to their conversation. She didn't like eavesdropping, but she couldn't help but overhear it.

"...one of our number is missing...", she heard Dragon Wench. Missing? This was the first Mysteria heard about somebody missing. Perhaps she could be of some assistance, she had tracked missing persons before, fang was quite good at following scents. After a moments hesitation, she joined Dragon Wench and Bloodstalker.

"Good evening to you.", she said to Bloodstalker, who didn't look like he enjoyed her barging into their conversation.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help overhear your conversation. Somebody is missing? Perhaps I could help finding her track?"

[ 01-21-2002: Message edited by: Mysteria ]

Maharlika · Post by **Maharlika** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 3:05 am

The coffee was great! Never tasted such a brew before. Even the bread and other foodstuff were much much different than what he used to eat, yet he loved every morsel of it. Was it because he was plain hungry?

He felt his stomach give another nudge of pain as it was overwhelmed with the sudden intake of sustenance to grind.

He didn't feel easy leaving Farscape behind. More so that as much as he wanted to communicate with the others and ask him his much needed questions, he knows very well that it would be pointless since there is the language barrier to contend with.

Then he unconsciously smacked his forehead...

...but of course!

Quickly he went back to the receiving chamber (bringing with him another mug and two small pieces of bread) where he left Farscape.

"Where is the other knight? Maharlika."

It was Farscape. He is conscious now.

GASPED!

He understood what the man has said! Deathstryke was absolutely right when it said that he can communicate with Farscape.

"Greetings, panyero (friend), I trust you are feeling well? Am glad that finally I have somebody who could understand me. Deathstryke rarely talks to me but it mentioned that we have some link and we can understand each other. How's the Mark?"

"Oh, you mean this?" Farscape rubbed the former blade wound, "just a light scar now, nothing more than just a knife-scrape it seems. No worry, I have worse scars than this, and they are not all that bad."

Maharlika's eager face upon seeing a new friend suddenly changed back into concern and confusion.

*Must I mention to him that it looks like not just a knife-scrape? Is he aware that the Mark looks like not just a scar?*

He wanted to ask more questions about his present whereabouts but at the moment he rather let Farscape rest a bit more. He gave him the other mug of coffee (actually the other mug was supposed to be his second helping of the excellent brew

).

"Here take this. Great coffee. Best that I have ever tasted. Try dipping the bread into it. I used to eat my bread that way back home during breakfast."

Home.

Maegenhelm.

Kathrina. Instinctively he reached for her locket hanging on his necklace.

Kathrina...

[ 01-21-2002: Message edited by: Maharlika ]

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 7:06 am

Her body stood and stared beyond the small party. With increasing skill, Yshania’s spirit followed Thantor’s line of sight to befall the subject of her mortal form’s sudden interest. A short pace away, there stood a halfling woman of whom the three of them had not previously encountered. Before any questions were raised, or any introductions made, the body of Yshania rose from her spot on the ground and hobbled towards the halfling. She stopped before her, and lowering her face close, she appeared to study the newcomer’s features with the open innocence of a child. The halfling became obviously uncomfortable, Yshania’s spirit cringed at her form’s open and unbidden inspection…but the party were somewhat relieved by the distraction. Then her form spoke, her voice a cracked whisper…

‘A pretty pretty!’ her hand slowly reached out…In a flash the halfling’s hand shot out and held Yshania’s tight, causing Thantor and T’lainya to blink at the speed in which she had moved ‘he likes a pretty pretty’ Yshania continued as she stared vacantly into the halfling’s face. Then her voice dropped to a menacing growl, deeper than her physical form should have been capable of ‘the power!! it is you! you have the power!!’ with those words, Yshania’s body collapsed to the ground, her eyes rolling.

‘I do not know what is going on here!’ the halfling whispered, visibly shaken ‘or even if I can help’ Der-draigen shuddered at the close call, her identity had very nearly been revealed by an idiot child…she introduced herself...

[ 01-21-2002: Message edited by: Yshania ]

Der-draigen · Post by **Der-draigen** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 8:14 am

"My name is Barrowden," Der-draigen said in a quavering voice. "Alreth Barrowden..."

But this is what was going on inside her head:

"GAUR H'ETH L'I'HIYY' A-GH S'I'TOU!! ORYYEH RIN-D'HA'R GIH'DYY'REH GAUR!!"

It was a command to silence, a command of great age and greater power, addressed to the form that now lay on the ground.

"I'm a stranger here," Der-draigen continued. "I sought shelter and protection from beasts who hunted me in the wild, and your gates were thankfully open. I...*swallow* assume you are also inhabitants of this Keep? Um...forgive my intrusion, but...I was told there was some trouble here? I came exploring on my own to try to find what it was, to see if I could offer my assistance as payment for your own." She glanced down at the prone form before her. "Looks like I've found it..."

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 8:43 am

He was taken quite offguard to be addessed by Mysteria. He had not noticed her approach, and that in itself made him more than a ltlle nervous. It seemed that many things seemed to be escaping his notice latley. Still, here she was, and he reaized that he had yet to answer her. he supposed that he was either looking like a complete idiot, or hostlie, neither of which he wished to be percieved as.

"Good evening to you as well, m'Lady", he spoke, hoping he didn't sound as much like the lame country bumkin he felt. His experience in situation that required the social graces was limited, so he could only hope he didn't make a complete fool of himself.

He decided to sieze the oppertunity. perhaps this was the chance to learn more of this woman.

" I have just offered my help to Dragon Wench myself, but as I have told her, I don't really know what assistance I can give. Since you seem to have experience in these things, perhaps I could offer that assistance to you. That is if our hostess here has no objections."

He turned to DW, finding himself hoping that she, in fact, had none. While this Mysteria unsettled him, he found himself rather curious about her. She seemed a good enough sort, and her offer of help had imppressed him. Besides, he thought dryly, he couldn't very well aleinate everyone here who caused him to feel uncomfortable, if that were the case, he would have to leave this entire situation.

Mysteria · Post by **Mysteria** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 8:55 am

"I gladly accept your offer, it's never a bad idea to have some help."

Turning to Dragon Wench, she asked "So, what do you know about this disapearance? Who are we looking for and where did it happen? Fang will have to pick up the scent where the missing one is supposed to have been last."

Quickly, Dragon Wench explained that the one missing was called Georgi and that Gwalchmai had found a dagger sticking out of a bedpost when he searched her room. "I think he still has it with him", she added.

"Perhaps we should take a look at it first and then go to Georgi's room to pick up her track.", Mysteria suggested, waiting for their suggestions.

{I just assume that DW has no objections against this, I can still edit if she has}

[ 01-21-2002: Message edited by: Mysteria ]

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 11:35 am

Dragon Wench nodded at both Mysteria and Bloodstalker, grateful for the offers of assistance.

*I will lead you to Georgi's room, and maybe we can, at some point, find Gwally, since he has the dagger."

As they travelled upstairs, she pointed out the shower to Bloodstalker, telling him he was welcome to use it whenever he wished. She also showed them some unoccupied rooms, but as she spoke, she had the strange feeling that their guests would not end up using them.

Obsidian · Post by **Obsidian** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 11:41 am

"Thank you for the food my friend, but I assure you it is merely a scrape...
WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!!!!"

*Note, you can all talk to Maharlika through me, I can act as a translator*

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 12:06 pm

Nippy heard a bellow from the room Farscape was in.

HE left Gwally reeling at the table after too many ales and ran out to the room.

"Whats the problem Farscape? Why in Torm's name are you shouting?"

He stood looking quizically at Farscape...

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 12:09 pm

Bloodstalker was content to follow the two women. It just felt good to be doing something, to have something occupying his mind. to keep the thoughts of his past at bay.

he noted the location of the shower, The spare rooms. He was struck by the size of this place. He wondered idly if there was a library on the grounds, reading had been his one true outlet in his lonliness, and the thought gave his some satisfaction.

Upon arriving at Georgi's room, he watched as Mysteria began to conduct her search. he found himself admiring her profeciancy. evidently she had spoken truely about her previous experience. he let his gaze trave to the wolf, Fang, she had called him, and marveled at the animal. His life had held little interaction with the common races, but he had long since learned and felt a great admiration for the creatures of the land. the fact that this one excepted Mysteria did much to calm any doubts he may have held about her.

Not knowing what else to do, he looked over at DW as Mysteria continued her investigations.

"How long has this one been missing?", he asked.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 12:40 pm

Frowning slightly, Dragon Wench considered Bloodstalker's question, and tried to remember when Georgi had dissapeared. This was difficult, she realised, because events in her own life had been so entirely chaotic of late.
Finally, sighing, she turned to speak to him.
" I think we first noticed she was absent shortly before you arrived, we had a huge battle with many undead....and a banshee...That also was when Yshania's soul became separated from her body. I am not certain if any of these events are connected......" she trailed off...

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 12:45 pm

T’lainya and Thantor gave each other worried glances. The voice that spoke through Yshania’s body was filled with power and hatred. The air grew still and only the sound of their breathing could be heard. T’lainya wondered what the entity thought the halfling woman had. ‘A pretty’ she thought to herself…a gem or piece of jewelry perhaps. T’lainya could see no such adornment on the one who named herself Alreth. Perhaps she hides a small gem for emergency funds. Such things weren’t uncommon in the Realms. Still that would hardly warrant the attention it had garnered. The priestess dismissed the thought and knelt beside Yshania’s body.

“Thantor, your assistance please. Have you any skills in healing?” she asked Alreth.

Thantor was checking Yshania’s pulse and breathing. T’lainya cast a detect evil spell. She saw a dark shadow surrounding Yshania’s body, yet not attached to it. She also saw the shadow coalesce around Alreth, snaking out a piece of itself like a tentacle only to fall back. The shadow then sank itself into the ground, like sludge trickling down a drain. She looked at Thantor and their eyes met for a long moment.

“Perhaps we should go back to the keep. Can you help me carry her?” Thantor fell silent, lost in his thoughts.

T’lainya turned to Alreth. “I am T’lainya, a priestess in the service of Corellon Larethian. Thank you for your offer of assistance.” The priestess smiled at Alreth, her green eyes steady. “Perhaps you would be kind enough to guard us as we carry our friend inside. With all the attacks lately, I think we are no longer safe anywhere in the area.”

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Mon Jan 21, 2002 12:56 pm

Bloodstalkers eyes widened at the mention of a Banshee. he wodered at the power that must have been used to dispatch such a creature....it chilled him a little.

Something stopped him in midthought....power, then it hit him. this room was different, felt differant somehow. He stepped quickly into the room...then it hit him. he felt nothing. Absolutly nothing. That was strange, comsidering the fact that this entire keep had been pressing on him since his arrival. residentual power, traces of magic, had tugged at his center from the time he came within sight of the keep. But here, nothing, no trace of the power that was present elsewhere. It was like a dead zone, drained of everything.

he considered. Perhaps it was not uncommon, he thought. there may be explanations, but he couldn't think of one at the moment. If this Georgi had any power, as he considered in all likleyhood probable, there should be something at least.

He became aware of DW staring at him. He turned to her, and posed a question.

"Is Georgi a mage?"

(if anyone wants me to edit this, I will

)