Anne Ellis Xile

Transplanted Rigelian and her adventures in the Nexus world of RhyDin and
beyond.

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Anne Ellis Xile

Post by Anne »

Her mind swarmed. Shipments, Vincent, treasure, Azjah, blood speakers, Cheyenne, temple....

TOO MANY PROBLEMS

Before, she had to worry about making it through the day. One simple problem, SURVIVAL. It had become a lot more complicated.

She lay in the hold of Death Mage. The treasure chests and bags of cash giving her little comfort. As usual. Her head felt at home resting on the rough planks. Anne had enough treasure to last her over fifty years. Give or take a couple. It wasn't helping her mind though.

Then there was that Temple and Vincent. He'd never taken her to Algul Siento. What she wouldn't give for that simple log cabin right about now. This Temple issue was almost forcing her to take sides. And she wasn't liking it.

Neutral.

That's what she needed to be. Her last shipment had gone haywire too. Azjahs near-death experience, the bombing at the Palazzo, and the mishap with the shipment was taking its toll. Everything was a mess.

Blood speakers. She didn't understand them at first but now she did. They were trying to survive...in their own twisted way. Anne was what they called 'tainted'. Feh, a simple little dark blood never hurt. Her soul and heart had probably experienced worse.

Cheyenne...she hadn't been able to stay. For some reason she had felt compelled to leave. Bandaging up Chey, seeing that darkness within her...it had the oddest effect on Anne.

CONFOUNDED COMPLICATIONS

Tired. Exhausted. Worn down. Anne was about ready to take the gold and run. Live a life of smuggling once again. Screw all this RhyDin crap.
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Death Calls

Post by Anne »

The evening started out quite pleasant for Anne. Vincent was at the arena and she was quite happy to see him. The dueling aspect of her evening was quite enjoyable as well. She did quite well against Skyler and gave Vincent a casual duel as well. They talked a little while sparring, and Anne pretty much begged to go to Algul Siento.

When it came time to leave she felt an urge to go. And then the summon. During her time as a pirate, smuggler, an lieutenant she'd met a lot of people. Some had settled in RhyDin and the surrounding areas. Robyn in particular. She looked human enough, but while on their shipping days a link had been established. If Robyn was ever in trouble, in dire need, she'd use the link.

It was the second time in 10 years that the link had been used. Anne's mind and body got a refreshing course of the subtle pain, the simple call, and the beckon she couldn't ignore.

Unable to explain to Vincent she left, hoping to tell him later on. The trip to Algul Siento would have to wait.

---

Late.

Result?

Death.

#*@$

She investigated the cottage for clues. Robyn was dead on the floor, a simple cut to the neck had done the trick. Anne hadn't any idea to start. Better yet, in reality, she had too many suspicions. Tacked to a wall Anne found a note. Cursing to herself as she read the note. It mentioned something of the past coming to bite her in the rear. Though in much more colourful words.

Kneeling down by Robyn she decided to bury her in the backyard, just like she'd promised. She'd also have to keep a lower profile for now. She had two threats of death over her head at this point, and she still had a good 40 years left in her.

Time to bring out the cloak and hood.
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Post by Anne »

Skyler is a disgusting little...that forsaken...that pesky landlubber! Annes mind swarmed with more less-pleasant words to describe the young man. Perverted, cold, and an all around juvenile deliquent.

Anne had tried to keep a low profile. She was rusty. The evening went by easy enough, if Skyler had been absent it would have been even better. He made the crudest comments. Normally it wouldn't have bugged her, she had been with some of the worst pirates to roam the seven seas and more. However, there were times...

A bonus to the evening was Vincent. He came by and she was nothing but pleased to see him. Keeping their previous engagement, which had been called off on numerous occasions, the two headed to Algul Siento. They talked casually, about the temple, other things...nothing too important. Anne was more or less distracted by the numerous goings on. The threat at Robyns, the safety of the Palazzo and the next shipment. She needed somewhere to stay where she could lie low for a while.

Earlier in the evening she had told Vincent about Robyns murder. He had offered her to stay at the Temple. Reluctant as she was about staying there it was probably the safest place to stay at. He took her to the barracks, she assumed that was where he stayed, and she was given a room. It wasn't the most elaborate but it was comfortable.

Stripping down and putting on some simple night wear, all in white of course, she lay down in the bed. Tomorrow would be exceptionally busy.
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Service

Post by Anne »

Feeling much better, Anne wandered around the Temple. There was always a member with her, just to make sure she didn't do something inappropriate. After a couple of hours the 'escorts' started to leave her be. She knew her way around, the tour Alia Anor gave her was all she needed. The library was by far her favourite place. There were numerous books about everything. It was a place for her to spread out her scrolls, maps, and books from the smuggling days. Anne would work in silence and without fear of being watched. However, there was always that lingering feeling that something was wrong.

After a couple of hours in the temple Anne decided to go to the Death Mage. She looked at the loads of treasure she still had, Rhaine had performed some sort of magic to keep it safe. Anne knew it would not be stolen any time soon, but the possibility remained. She hired some trustworthy means of transportation and took all but two of the chests to the Palazzo. Earlier in the week she had requested a hidden safe under the floor-boards of her room. Placing the treasure there she came up with a brilliant idea. Anne put a good amount of cash in two bags and attached them to the ends of a rope. She slung the rope around her neck and attached the bags to her belt loops. Pulling the patched cloak around her she headed back to the docks.
---

"Anne! Anne! Look at me!" The smallest girl, Lisa, was playing the role of Anne in a game of pirates and captains.

Using her money, Anne had bought various supplies to build some small, but stable rafts. Renting a horse and extensive cart she had taken the supplies to the docks. On her way she called out all the kids in the neighbourhood. Many of them knew her and were excited to see what tricks she had up her sleeve. It saddened her to see that the boys wore nothing but rough pants and the girls wore only small dresses. Stopping at a little cove with slow, shallow water, she unloaded the materials. It was then she taught the kids how to build their own boats.

"ARRR! I shall cut you to ribbons!" Lisa yelled with enthusiasm.
"And I shall throw you in the brig!" David's reply was just as powerful.
"Walk the plank you scally-wag!"
"Eat slugs you mongrel!"
"ARRR!"
"YARRR!"

Laughing Anne helped out the last boy finish his boat. They were having so much fun. Sitting on the cart she had used Anne supervised. The parents either trusted her or just didn't care. Leaning back Anne called out to the kids. "20 minutes!"

A series of complaints followed but they continued the game. There were nine in total. David led the navy, which consisted of Nathan, Arnold and Kaden Seari. Lisa led the pirates, the total crew including Sierra and Tatyana Darmina as well as the twins Rutherford and Gabriella. It was a good show, and Anne enjoyed it. After the twenty minutes were up Anne handed each child twenty gold coins, five for them and fifteen for their parents. Packing up the small one-man rafts she dropped them off home.

Overall it was a very enjoyable evening, and Anne felt a lot better. Returning the horse and cart Anne made her way towards the temple. She had a delivery to make at four in the morning and sleep was a necessity.
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Post by Anne »

Wandering about the Temple had its benefits. Anne would see Vincent occasionally when he wasn't doing service on behalf of the temple. She would also see Alia Anor from time to time. The initiates were very kind to her and assisted her when in need. The Temple was beginning to take a hold on her...

NO! She couldn't join! She wouldn't join.

There were other matters at hand besides the Temple. Ariels Grand Opening for one. Anne had plenty of money and could probably find something formal to wear. She preferred however to make her own clothing. It was necessary to go and find some material.

---

Anne sat on the deck of the Death Mage and looked at the evening gown she had made. It had taken her a day and a half to make but it was worth it. It was a material somewhat like silk, the color forest green with silver threads running through it in circular patterns. It seemed to shimmer as she walked. It clung to her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves and figure. From the waist down it hung loosely, so that if she were to dance it would spread out slightly. The cap sleeve arms were covered by loose material. The neckline was modest, ending in a slight point a centimeter before the cleavage. She wore tan high-heel sandals that were just right for dancing in.

Looking approvingly at the work Anne put the dress away carefully. Afterwards she wandered the streets until arriving at run-down building. A pink neon sign flashed saying Pink Panther. Inside the music to the Pink Panther was blaring, as it always did during this hour. Entering she saw pink, red and white lights flashing on the dance floor. Four poles were also on the dance floor for strip-night, or for just regular dancing.

Anne never entered on a strip-night, last time she almost couldn't leave. It took a couple of punches, her pistol, and a couple of crude words to make the guys leave her alone. Heading to the bar she made her special concoction. It didn't take long for a stunning young man with blonde hair and icy blue eyes to ask her to dance. By the end of the evening Anne was exhausted and ready for a good nights rest.
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Post by Anne »

Looking over the shipment due to be delivered on the 30th, Anne made proper arrangments. Until then she had very few major shipments to make. Another e-mail caught Annes eye...RTM...Rhydin Tree Movers, hmm. For some reason they had gotten a hold of her address and needed her for two days.

---

Anne was exhausted. She had gotten less then five hours of sleep and had spent twelve hours solid of moving trees, potted plants, and walking up and down semi trucks. It paid pretty decent too. Walking back from the Tree Nursery, Anne decided to make a pit-stop at the Arena. Chugging down Skylers gatorade and relaxaxtion went will with Anne. Skyler was interesting enough, he placed a spider on her thigh and with a quick smack Anne had smeared the resulting goo on his shirt. She listened with pleasure as the pretty-boy screeched and tried to remove the stain.

It was a long day, and the warm bed in the Temple was welcome.
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Thank you

Post by Ariel Datrazanov »

Lt. Anne Xile,

Thank you for attending the Grand Opening of Ariel's Emporium.

I hope that when you have need of art or portraits, you will consider returning to the Emporium.

Again, thank you for your patronage,

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Sailing Wounds

Post by Anne »

Her walks around the Temple had become longer, and her services around RhyDin more frequent. The shipments were a lot smoother and everything seemed to be in a lull. Ariel's Emporium had been wonderful, and Anne wouldn't mind paying for a self-portrait. Or one of the smuggling days. After her shipment on Wednesday, Anne decided to take a little trip out to the seas. She sailed out, knowing well that a storm was brewing. After touring the many islands Anne decided to leave, a little too late.

It started slowly, the dark clouds creeping overhead, the tingle of lightning in the air. The storm hit her in a furry, with no one to shout to Anne yelled back at the thunder.

"LOUDER YA PITIFUL BOOM!"

Anne moved around the deck with falling ease of a slinky, keeping everything together. She saw the shore in the far distance, but there was no chance in out distancing the storm. Lightning struck the mast and the sail fell down crashing upon the boat. Acquainted with cuts and bruises due to sailing Anne quickly evaluate the situation. Swinging some ropes up high to what was left of the mast, Anne hitched them to the fallen sail. Running the ropes through a notch near the wheel Anne pulled the sail up, tying the rope up firmly. Grabbing the helm, she dare not use the motor in this weather, Anne steered the Death Mage back to shore. Not two hundred metres from dock then the sail did crash again, this time Anne's dodging skills failed.

Dragging a broken arm Anne docked the ship securely and walked towards the nearest Inn. Knowing too well that no doctor in his right mind would come out she forced the maid to make a rough sling. Placing the damaged arm in the tattered cloth Anne lay on the bed sleeping.

---

Awaking to the last glimmers of daylight, Anne sat up. She had not gotten much sleep as of late, and it appears to have taken its toll. Estimating it was around eight o' clock Anne got up. After taking a shower, broken arm and all, Anne paid for her keep and headed out. Who needs doctors when you can just use the dueling wards?
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Post by Anne »

Anne worked in Suite 4 at the Palazzo. She had move her belongings from the Temple and was sure she would not stay there again. It was nice, but it wouldn't be right to remain there. Her arm was now healed thanks to Rhaine and the dueling wards, however, Anne hadn't visited since. She was working on a small, independent project.

Whoever had killed Robyn was lying low, but Anne expected something soon. She had a list of possibilities but came up with two.

Commander Earl and Captain Shadem Black. Earl was a respectable *cough* member of the navy, Captain Shadem was a former friend, and captain, in the smuggling business. Earl wanted Robyns, Nathaniel's, and Anne's heads for piracy, smuggling, thievery and a number of other crimes. Black just wanted to get back at the three for foiling his plans. Both were capable and had incentive enough to track Anne all the way to RhyDin.

That and other minor shipments had kept Anne busy. The newest product on line, a small but very capable weapon, was in high demand. In fact, Anne had purchased one herself at a high discount. Armed with her regular pistol, the new trinket and her whip Anne went about town.
Last edited by Anne on Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Care for a Ride?

Post by Azjah von Drachen Walde »

I was going out to the stables to speak with Arturo about the two new foals that had arrived last week when I noticed Anne working from her rooms.

Pausing, I redirected my path toward Suite 4 and knocked on the door.

When she opened the door, "Welcome back Anne. Would you care to go with me for a ride?"

I wanted to talk with her about the changes at the Palazzo and the plant, but also did not wish to intrude on her space while she's living at the Palazzo once more.
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Daily Events

Post by Anne »

Anne had just arrived from a brief trip to the Isle and had begun working again when Azjah arrived. The request to ride with her surprised Anne but she didn't mind.

"Sure, just let me clean up real quick."

The ex-pirate swiftly put everything away and took it into a back room hiding it for future use. Expertly adorning the whip and regular pistol, leaving the new weapon in her room, Anne left the suite. The two made their way down to the stable and began discussing the changes at the Palazzo and the plant.

---

After their ride Anne decided to stop by the Isle once more, she knew Vinny in the Arch Mage Tournament and thought to cheer him on. A little ways into the final match with Mur, Skyler arrived. He noticed Anne's excitement in the way she cheered for Vincent and questioned why she didn't do the same for him. Without taking her eyes of the ring, Anne explained that whoever won this match received the title of Arch Mage. Anne made a point to keep the fact that she viewed Vinny has a close friend, secretive.

Anne stayed as long as she could, but unfortunately had to leave shortly after the second round. The smuggler believed Vinny would succeed in winning the third and final duel, but had work to do. Azjah would not be happy if Anne skipped out on a shipment to watch a match.
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Warnings in a Shady Ride

Post by Azjah von Drachen Walde »

Arturo had two horses saddled quickly, and giving me a leg up, it was easy enough to use the western tack for one handed riding. I led Anne down the tree lined lane at an easy trot.

'Anne, while you've been away, there've been some changes at the Palazzo, and I want you to be aware of where you are, and who is around you. I do not trust whomever is after me to avoid hurting those around me. In fact, they've already proven they have no compunction about killing innocents. That means you could wind up in the line of fire. There are extra security people around here and the plant. If you see anyone new or out of place, please report it immediately to Eoin Griogar, or one of his people. If you choose not to remain during this time, I certainly understand. Most people would not like the situation we find ourselves in at the moment."

I am not trying to scare her away, but given the gravity of the situation, I feel Anne should know just what she's facing by living on the Palazzo grounds.

We rode back after about an hour, returning the horses into Arturo's care.
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Post by Anne »

Anne frankly didn't care if there were threats over her head, and told Azjah so. She had been doomed to a death sentence since the day she was born and this was merely procedure. However, Anne did thank Azjah for her concern. Most of her staff had already moved of the Palazzo grounds for the time being and Anne understood why.
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Vincents Challenge

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Anne watched as much of Vincent's challenge as she could. He did very well, winning the tournament and then proceeding to the final match against Mur. She was watching the first duel, and then Trouble arrived. At least, that's what Anne called Skyler now. He came right up to her and soon noticed that she was wearing a skirt. Of course, he had to make a smart-aleck comment.

"Let me know if you need a shoe shine." Anne didn't want to know what was going through his head and told him so. "And it's a good thing too," he replied. Skyler was going to dig himself into a hole and Anne would be glad to bury him in it. Hence why she dubbed him Trouble.

Vincent finished the first duel strongly, but Anne grew a bit jumpy near the end of his second duel. She wanted him to win, not only because it would secure him as Arch Mage, but also because she had to leave for work. Despite her wishes it continued to the third duel. Disappointed she left and wished him luck in his third match.

Anne came back after the two-day shipment and eyed the post about Vincent receiving the title of Arch Mage. A smile spread upon Anne's lips and she went home to do some baking.

---

A letter arrived at the Temple with a package of a dozen cookies.

Hey Vincent;

I know this is belated and I apologize, but Congratulations on achieving Arch Mage! I watched as much of the match as I could and you preformed exceptional. I hope you can forgive me; I had to leave early due to some very unusual work hours. I may stop by the Temple some time to see you.
Enjoy,
Anne


The letter was sealed with blue wax, the imprint of an ancient coin used as a seal.
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Tears

Post by Anne »

Anne walked over to Nathaniels home and I sat down with his wife. She explained to her why she was there, what had happened and offered her comfort. Anne also was there to break the news to his three children. It would be a long journey for them.

The pain was still too close and Anne was once again near tears. She needed a distraction, and a visit to the arena was long overdue.

Anne walked in wearing jeans, a regular shirt, and solemn face, heading straight for the bar. She acquired an old dusty bottle, the label long faded away, and took a nice long drink. Artemus had apparently told his brother about her last drinking binge for he commented “You get drunk again Anne...and I'm not going to carry you out of here.”
Shakily she put the drink down and buried her hands in her face. Looking around the arena she found Vincent, leaving the bottle she sat beside him.

He offered her a warm smile “Evenin'”

She spoke quietly for once. “Evening. How ... how've you been?” It took great effort to control the emotions boiling within.

Vincent shrugged “I've been doing ok, despite the increase in people questioning me and my decisions.”

“If there's anything I can do to help...” With a slight frown he asked her only to keep faith in him. “I always will,” she answered softly.

An onslaught of memories came at her and she clasped her hands together to stop them from trembling. Anne needed to become numb, and so she shakily returned to the bar and drained the bottles contents. After finishing she went behind the bar and slid to the floor. Grabbing another drink she began to remove herself from the arena, emotionally and mentally. Klinton came and broke her reverie. “Hey Anne.” Replying softly she continued her binge. He peered over the counter and gave her what she wanted most, a distraction from recent events. “How would you feel about a small bit of freelance work? Nothing dangerous.”

”Freelance...what do you have in mind?” Her question was a quiet one, but it was there. Rhaine gave her a slight smile; Anne politely returned it with a solemn nod.

“I just need some things picked up for me. From the planet Kurnium.”

“When?” was her quiet response. It was at that time she heard Sylus speak in words the bit down to her heart.

“With each life a person takes.... they lose a bit of their soul...”

Wincing Anne pondered those words, isn’t that what she did? She had sent Nat to his death, and it was just like murder. Skyler lithely hopped over the counter and landed with a near-silent thud next to Anne. He knelt down and whispered quietly to the woman. “What are you doing down here?”

Anne was trying to focus on Klinton but as he spoke. “There is no pressure as far as time. Whenever your schedule is available. There is a diamond there that I would like to obtain.”

”Give me a day, I just returned from Rigel this afternoon.” Anne needed some time to recover, but perhaps this was the perfect opportunity.

Remembering Skyler she looked over and very softly whispered to him. “I'm ... drowning, hiding, recovering... deem it what you will.”

Klinton made a final request before leaving. “I will make sure you are compensated. Please, if we could keep it from Azjah, that would be most helpful.”

Skyler eased down beside her companionably. “What has happened? Did you get knocked up or something?”

Anne she buried her head in her arms and whispered softly. “No...somewhat...it...I..” she fumbled just letting the tears fall quietly.

He gave Anne a few consoling pat on the back. “There, there. Let it out. It's okay.” Trembling Anne moved closer to him seeking any comfort available at this point. He sat
there with his arm draped over her shoulders, sensing that his presence was a source of comfort, however minimal. “Take a load off Annie,” he whispered, “Take a load for
free. Take a load off, Annie, and ...and, and ...you put the load, put the load right on me.” The boy had a sweet singing voice, surprisingly.

Anne finished her cries silently and then whispered to herself, very quietly. “I'll never forgive myself.”

“What hideous sin have you committed, my dear?” Skyler leaned close to her ear to issue the question.

Klint looked again at Anne, he moved toward her, and spoke quietly. “Is everything okay?”

She buried her face in Skyler’s shirt and took a few deep breaths of his cologne. Softly she made her confession to him. “A death sentence ... could've stopped it.. he's gone...he's gone..” she faded out murmuring to herself.

Skyler's expression grew a bit stony, as the gravity of the situation Anne spoke of began to grow clear to him. “I'm sorry,” was all he said, watching those red locks with great concern, his arm holding on tight.

Taking a few deep breaths Anne sat up looking at Klinton. “Tell Azjah....I won't be at work tomorrow. She'll have her report before I leave for a break.”

Klinton nodded at her. “Absolutely...anything else I can do?

Wrapping her arms around herself and closing her eyes her voice dropped slightly. “No, thank you.” To no one in particular she murmured. “I...I should go.”

Klint shook his head, “You look a little shaken. Let me know if you need anything.”

”I just need a good nights sleep and some peace.”

“Are you staying at the Palazzo??”

“Not tonight I think.” She went over to Skyler and hugged him tightly whispering quietly in his ear. “Thank you.”

Skyler slowly, ponderously hugs her back, still clasping the ale mug in one hand. “You're welcome.” Anne made her way over to the exit; tonight she would go to the temple.

--

Walking into the temple Anne left a notice for Vincent.

Dear Vincent,

If you have the time I would like to speak with you about acquiring a vessel to travel to Kurnium. It would also be nice to see you again as we did not speak much last night. I will be staying at the Temple for a while, just ask one of the workers for me.

-Anne


She then requested a room to herself, for solitude and contemplation. Anne was not to be disturbed for any reason. Leaving explicit instructions that only Rhaine Dark Silver, Azjah von Drachen Walde, and Vincent could visit her she entered the room. Anne took off the sheets from the bed and spread them on the floor. It was just like being on sea, except for the lack of waves.
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