Artemus and Rhaine emerged in a large heavily-warded place, that resembled a very elaborate mage lab.... with lots of equipment known and unknown to young shifter, originating obviously in different worlds... Magical devices and complex things that somehow seemed to be associated with science of technology-oriented realms... He looked around curiously, probably realizing that he was admitted to a place vampiress would hardly show him in case it wasn't absolutely necessary... Black marble of the floor was radiating cold. Rhaine rushed to the shelves and chests, getting out all kinds of crystals, lenses, orbs and other magic-related rubbish, and setting up a strange structure on the black marble of the floor.
"What pushed you to seek getting the taint out as soon as possible?" Rhaine asked, working at the structure for the spell. The first spell of the day required only accuracy and precision, skill of a life mage.... this one would be even more straining... She hoped to have some time to recover. Pain was pulsating in her head since she helped Alais with her nightmares... slow, annoying pain... She re-scanned Artemus several times, altering the structure for him. One thing was dealing with a disciplined Eldarie necromancer, and taint from Daigotsu. Another was dealing with untamed nature of a shifter, and Daigotsu's taint altered from being used by Kinuye... Bloodspeaker mentalist. Vampiress sighed, and got a dagger she had brought with her from the Temple. Dagger that has witnessed many oaths and sacrifices...
Artemus looked at the dagger and paled. "What is that for?" he asked. Rhaine hardly had a chance to explain. She swallowed several pills of a strong analgetic... pain should not prevent her from finishing the spell, or Artemus would have problems much worse than the ones he had been having. She told the shifter that the dagger was definitely not for killing him, and pointed him to stand in one of foci points of the spell structure.
As Rhaine took her place in the spell structure, the first contour marked by crimson crystals started glowing. Obsidian dagger slashed Artemus' wrist, lighting up second contour. He didn't even flinch when the blade went across his wrist, he just watched her calmly. Rhaine slashed her own hand, her blood seemingly smoking in the shimmering light. Pale blue gems of bindrune visualized on her neck... and flared furiously. Nightmares entered young shifter's mind.... and pain tore into his entire being though the link.
"Wha...what is this?"
"Shut up... " speaking seemed tormentingly hard for Rhaine. The spell has taken her in... energy pulsating and swirling around her and the shifter. Pain was filling her... splashing in every corner of her mind... the structure was trying to get out of control with shifter nature rebelling against such a powerful intrusion. The taint was deeply rooted, and Kinuye' using it in the past has modified it to an extent... The spell was draining her, and pain distracting her, ruining her concentration, pushing precise modification away from the target... Artemus' grip on her hand was like iron...
When the madness finally ceased, Rhaine finalized the spell with fixation energy knot, and staggered out of the spell complex structure as the shifter has let her go. She was drained. As the glow in crystals faded, she collapsed on the cold marble floor, thin streak of blood in the corner of her mouth. She did not notice the shifter walking out of the spell contour as well, and lifting her up.
Quiet Return
Moderators: Alais d Nitesong, Ulysses
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
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- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
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Annaran and Dragon Sorcery
I had come from Matlal to the Arena to stand as Second with Tass for his Baronial defence against the lovely Kaja, who’d challenged him earlier. Xenograg was there, along with Rhaine. When Tass arrived, I summoned Morvinyon from oblivion and waited for the Challenge to begin. Imp was there to call it, and as always, he’s a very entertaining sort of creature.
Xeno greeted me with troubling news. It seems that Legend is back, she’d paid him a visit at the Dojo. My absence from I’ Taurn has not gone unnoticed it seems. I do hope Baphe comes back soon, I’d like to get Legend banished as quickly as possible.
Tass and Teleperien joined Xeno, Rhaine and I briefly before Imp called him to his ring. I rose and excused myself to go and stand outside his ring at attention during the duel. Dimitri was there, but until the match was concluded, I needed to remain where I was as Tass’ second.
The duel did not go as I would have liked, but Kaja dueled superiorly and Tass was ever gracious. We congratulated Kaja and wished her the best of success as the newest Baroness.
Tass has changed since the last time I’ve seen him. He’s got an inner fire that has not been evident until now. He is also armored tonight, something I have not seen him do in many years. More surprising however are the three blades he’s carrying. Blood I rather expected since he is wearing armor beneath the simple cloak he now wears.
We joined Teleperien and Xenograg at a table, and I invited Dimitri to join us. Xenograg poured us all Eldarie tea, which is rich and hot, providing a soothing sensation that it appeared Teleperien needed. There is still a fair amount of mistrust and thinly veiled hostility between Rhaine and Teleperien, which is too bad, but will need to be worked out between themselves.
I spent some time speaking with Dimitri. He looks better than the last time I’d seen him, and he tells me that he’s seeing Alia Anor again. That in fact, she has helped heal some of his wounds. Alia Anor had never shown healer tendencies, but if she can ease some of Dimitri’s suffering, this is a fine thing. He offered to set up a meeting between Alia Anor and myself, but I do not think my daughter will allow such a thing. I’ve asked him to give her time and not to push too hard too fast.
Rhaine once again retreated and sought a duel when Tass approached. For some reason Rhaine fears Tass above almost everything. And tonight, the look in Tass’ eyes suggests she has good reason to fear the dragon.
Tass spoke at some length with Teleperien. It seems the dwarves in her lands are seeking their own state, and a reduction in taxes. She is troubled deeply by this, but told Tass she’d not come to the Arena to discuss them.
Xeno poured the tea, and we sat and talked for some time. And Tass worked to keep the cloak about him to cover the armor. Teleperien must have recognized it when he put his arm around her, but she didn’t say anything.
Teleperien noted Tass’s inner fire, and the talk soon changed to one of war. The Queen excused herself and returned to Eldicor, while Tass’ attention shifted to Xenograg. Their mutual salutes were those of experienced warriors acknowledging one another and then Xeno departed with the Queen.
Tass’s words in parting were very soft, and I am not certain even Xenograg heard them. “May grace go with you, General, for I cannot see it will for me.”
I studied Tass long moments. He was deeply worried over the tear, and what he expects to come to pass. “Tass, you’ve brought out two blades I did not expect to see.”
He lifted a brow. “Two?”
I nodded at the twin scimitars. “Blood I did half expect.”
He softly said, “things are worse than I had hoped. The tear has been located.”
I could feel color flee from my face, “where?”
His smile was tight, “the one place which you cannot go on the Isle.”
I pondered that, he’d not told me anywhere was off limits, “You have not told me any place was off limits Tass.”
“No, but the place itself is a place which you cannot reach.” The fire in his eyes was one of determination and clarity of purpose.
“Where Tass?”
“The summit of The Pearl” he told me. I now understand why he says I cannot go there. When we’d come back from Riverbend, we’d stepped through the place he’d left his home from, and that was with his sorcery and my own that I survived the biting cold and desolation of that mountaintop.
I reminded him that he’d taken me there, and that I had survived, but he told me he would not risk me.
I studied him long moments. “I have things to prepare Tass, and the tear does affect me as well you know.”
He nodded, “Alais, the chamber must be finished, and quickly,” he lifted a finger to keep me from speaking, “and with this change, the House will not be sufficient protection.”
Warily, “What else is required?”
He sighed, “Less Annaran influence I fear…” his voice trailing off.
I was shocked. “This is not the way it was supposed to be Tass. The books are Annaran, and must be held by Annaran sorcery.”
He shook his head, “No, it wasn’t, but would you have the Annaran protection fail to prevent those who are Annaran?”
I pondered his words, he worries that the Annaran dead may come through that tear, and that Annaran sorcery would be needed to control them. That would mean Daemonbane coming back into play, and neither of us desires that.
“No, I would not, but the ties between my sorcery and the Isle’s is woven already Tass.”
He nodded again, “but the chamber is not made, and thus, is not tied to you.”
His meaning became clearer. If the chamber were protected by Annaran sorcery, it would be easier for the Annaran dead to reach the books, and loose the destructive powers of those books upon the world again. I summoned my staff from oblivion and silently regarded the old dragon. “The chamber will be ready.” And with that promise to my old friend, I departed the arena to return to Matlal.
Xeno greeted me with troubling news. It seems that Legend is back, she’d paid him a visit at the Dojo. My absence from I’ Taurn has not gone unnoticed it seems. I do hope Baphe comes back soon, I’d like to get Legend banished as quickly as possible.
Tass and Teleperien joined Xeno, Rhaine and I briefly before Imp called him to his ring. I rose and excused myself to go and stand outside his ring at attention during the duel. Dimitri was there, but until the match was concluded, I needed to remain where I was as Tass’ second.
The duel did not go as I would have liked, but Kaja dueled superiorly and Tass was ever gracious. We congratulated Kaja and wished her the best of success as the newest Baroness.
Tass has changed since the last time I’ve seen him. He’s got an inner fire that has not been evident until now. He is also armored tonight, something I have not seen him do in many years. More surprising however are the three blades he’s carrying. Blood I rather expected since he is wearing armor beneath the simple cloak he now wears.
We joined Teleperien and Xenograg at a table, and I invited Dimitri to join us. Xenograg poured us all Eldarie tea, which is rich and hot, providing a soothing sensation that it appeared Teleperien needed. There is still a fair amount of mistrust and thinly veiled hostility between Rhaine and Teleperien, which is too bad, but will need to be worked out between themselves.
I spent some time speaking with Dimitri. He looks better than the last time I’d seen him, and he tells me that he’s seeing Alia Anor again. That in fact, she has helped heal some of his wounds. Alia Anor had never shown healer tendencies, but if she can ease some of Dimitri’s suffering, this is a fine thing. He offered to set up a meeting between Alia Anor and myself, but I do not think my daughter will allow such a thing. I’ve asked him to give her time and not to push too hard too fast.
Rhaine once again retreated and sought a duel when Tass approached. For some reason Rhaine fears Tass above almost everything. And tonight, the look in Tass’ eyes suggests she has good reason to fear the dragon.
Tass spoke at some length with Teleperien. It seems the dwarves in her lands are seeking their own state, and a reduction in taxes. She is troubled deeply by this, but told Tass she’d not come to the Arena to discuss them.
Xeno poured the tea, and we sat and talked for some time. And Tass worked to keep the cloak about him to cover the armor. Teleperien must have recognized it when he put his arm around her, but she didn’t say anything.
Teleperien noted Tass’s inner fire, and the talk soon changed to one of war. The Queen excused herself and returned to Eldicor, while Tass’ attention shifted to Xenograg. Their mutual salutes were those of experienced warriors acknowledging one another and then Xeno departed with the Queen.
Tass’s words in parting were very soft, and I am not certain even Xenograg heard them. “May grace go with you, General, for I cannot see it will for me.”
I studied Tass long moments. He was deeply worried over the tear, and what he expects to come to pass. “Tass, you’ve brought out two blades I did not expect to see.”
He lifted a brow. “Two?”
I nodded at the twin scimitars. “Blood I did half expect.”
He softly said, “things are worse than I had hoped. The tear has been located.”
I could feel color flee from my face, “where?”
His smile was tight, “the one place which you cannot go on the Isle.”
I pondered that, he’d not told me anywhere was off limits, “You have not told me any place was off limits Tass.”
“No, but the place itself is a place which you cannot reach.” The fire in his eyes was one of determination and clarity of purpose.
“Where Tass?”
“The summit of The Pearl” he told me. I now understand why he says I cannot go there. When we’d come back from Riverbend, we’d stepped through the place he’d left his home from, and that was with his sorcery and my own that I survived the biting cold and desolation of that mountaintop.
I reminded him that he’d taken me there, and that I had survived, but he told me he would not risk me.
I studied him long moments. “I have things to prepare Tass, and the tear does affect me as well you know.”
He nodded, “Alais, the chamber must be finished, and quickly,” he lifted a finger to keep me from speaking, “and with this change, the House will not be sufficient protection.”
Warily, “What else is required?”
He sighed, “Less Annaran influence I fear…” his voice trailing off.
I was shocked. “This is not the way it was supposed to be Tass. The books are Annaran, and must be held by Annaran sorcery.”
He shook his head, “No, it wasn’t, but would you have the Annaran protection fail to prevent those who are Annaran?”
I pondered his words, he worries that the Annaran dead may come through that tear, and that Annaran sorcery would be needed to control them. That would mean Daemonbane coming back into play, and neither of us desires that.
“No, I would not, but the ties between my sorcery and the Isle’s is woven already Tass.”
He nodded again, “but the chamber is not made, and thus, is not tied to you.”
His meaning became clearer. If the chamber were protected by Annaran sorcery, it would be easier for the Annaran dead to reach the books, and loose the destructive powers of those books upon the world again. I summoned my staff from oblivion and silently regarded the old dragon. “The chamber will be ready.” And with that promise to my old friend, I departed the arena to return to Matlal.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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First Chamber
The first chamber is complete.
Two books are secretted away.
Next steps are begun.
Two books are secretted away.
Next steps are begun.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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Loss of the Elder
I'd met Tass upon the Twilight Isle, and in his eyes I saw something terrifying. The tear is widening, and there is true worry in my friends heart.
Added to that, there is the loss of his contact to the Elder, and this is probably the biggest concern of all.
Added to that, there is the loss of his contact to the Elder, and this is probably the biggest concern of all.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Alais d Nitesong
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Need for Biochemistry
The changes in the Annaran source of power were startling. Something was happening in the realm of the dead, and I was pondering Tass' words about my idea to return to Riverbend when Rhaine's thoughts touched my own.
She was puzzled why a Dragon would need or want the skills she posesses, and we spoke at length about any number of reasons Tass may desire her aid. She and Tass are not what one would call good friends, and her trepidation is natural given the entity seeking her assistance.
This whole thing is growing more troubling by the moment, and I hope when the time comes that my friend will choose our side, and not the side of a Baatorian, for when the tear gives way, there will be not only the dead to deal with amongst them.
I chose a few things from my laboratory and gave my silent home one last look as I stepped onto the gate rune to return to Matlal.
She was puzzled why a Dragon would need or want the skills she posesses, and we spoke at length about any number of reasons Tass may desire her aid. She and Tass are not what one would call good friends, and her trepidation is natural given the entity seeking her assistance.
This whole thing is growing more troubling by the moment, and I hope when the time comes that my friend will choose our side, and not the side of a Baatorian, for when the tear gives way, there will be not only the dead to deal with amongst them.
I chose a few things from my laboratory and gave my silent home one last look as I stepped onto the gate rune to return to Matlal.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Artemus Kurgen
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Irritated and mightily pissed off that he couldn't find a spell to undo his owm magic, Artemus paced the rooms that Rhaine had provided for him, he owed her much and yet she asked for nothing from him. This did not sit well with the leopard. He trusted her..called her friend, but this did not sit well with his character, no body was like this except holy priests and healers; not an asmodian nor a quasi-vampire.
" I need to vent..."::muttering to himself he returned to the lifeless valley where the Keep had once stood.
" Every damn being able to sense power levels in the aether will notice this." Bracing his feet, Artemus bent his legs to raise his center of gravity. Clutching his hands into fist he summoned up his power, raising it. " Ahhhhhhhhhh!" As his voice raised so did his power level. A wind began to emminate from him, blowing dust outward for yards. The sky above him began to darken and cloud over, traces of lightning flicking in the blue-black nimbus. "Ahhhhhhhh!!" Still his voice continued to raise as the ground beneath his feet began to crack and split. Sttreaks of electricity darted across his chest and circled around his legs and and up his arms.
"Ahhhhhhhhh!!!" Screaming now, his power blasted outward, the ground rippling around him like a stone dropped into a arill pond. He started to rise in the air as lighning rained down from the darkened and stormy looking sky. The pupils in his eyes started to vanish as he summoned up his fear, anger, and all of his sorrow. His voice boomed for miles, the sound of suffering given a singular voice. Then in one blinding flash of lighning it all stopped.
Panting, sweat dripping down his face, he looked below him, teh ground bubbled and uneven, cracks spread out almost the length of the valley looking like broken strands of a gian spider web. Directly be low his levitating form, the ground and impressed into a bowl shape, looking as though some large meteor had crashed down from the heavens. " Damn..that felt good...." His heart rate slowling, and his power dropping to normal, he vanished from the valley of Kurgen Keep his thoughts now more clearer than they had been in days.
((Cross posted in Kurgen Keep and Temple of Divine Light))
" I need to vent..."::muttering to himself he returned to the lifeless valley where the Keep had once stood.
" Every damn being able to sense power levels in the aether will notice this." Bracing his feet, Artemus bent his legs to raise his center of gravity. Clutching his hands into fist he summoned up his power, raising it. " Ahhhhhhhhhh!" As his voice raised so did his power level. A wind began to emminate from him, blowing dust outward for yards. The sky above him began to darken and cloud over, traces of lightning flicking in the blue-black nimbus. "Ahhhhhhhh!!" Still his voice continued to raise as the ground beneath his feet began to crack and split. Sttreaks of electricity darted across his chest and circled around his legs and and up his arms.
"Ahhhhhhhhh!!!" Screaming now, his power blasted outward, the ground rippling around him like a stone dropped into a arill pond. He started to rise in the air as lighning rained down from the darkened and stormy looking sky. The pupils in his eyes started to vanish as he summoned up his fear, anger, and all of his sorrow. His voice boomed for miles, the sound of suffering given a singular voice. Then in one blinding flash of lighning it all stopped.
Panting, sweat dripping down his face, he looked below him, teh ground bubbled and uneven, cracks spread out almost the length of the valley looking like broken strands of a gian spider web. Directly be low his levitating form, the ground and impressed into a bowl shape, looking as though some large meteor had crashed down from the heavens. " Damn..that felt good...." His heart rate slowling, and his power dropping to normal, he vanished from the valley of Kurgen Keep his thoughts now more clearer than they had been in days.
((Cross posted in Kurgen Keep and Temple of Divine Light))
Artemus Allonan Kurgen
Headmaster of Arcanum Academy
Proprietor of Dark Wolf and Leopard Jewelers.
Headmaster of Arcanum Academy
Proprietor of Dark Wolf and Leopard Jewelers.
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Alais d Nitesong
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Strong Disagreements
Creation of the chamber had taken a lot out of me, and it was in a state of exhaustion that I entered the Outback, with no intention of fighting, but only of keeping my fingers on the pulse of events in RhyDin for as long as I may. As I entered the Outback, I discovered Sylus sitting with Rhaine, and he was more than 3 sheets to the wind under the influence of alcohol. He looked at me with blood shot eyes and took a very long pull straight from the bottle. His greeting, attempted in Elven was nearly unrecognizable, and he took another long drink from the bottle he held.
Rhaine sighed, “I think that shifters are crazy, absolutely. I had to drag one out of intoxication yesterday Alais.”
I looked at Sylus and asked him why he was burying himself in this state of inebriation. He turned and poked Rhaine hard, “You dham struuurt, we crazzy.”
Rhaine’s gaze narrowed, he was pushing the vampire to her limits of tolerance, and I am completely lost in the rationale for this behavior. He raised the bottle to his lips again, and I gently rested my hand on the bottle to stop him. “Sylus, prithee, what is this about?”
“Unsterdanting…. a ….. cat.” He pulled the bottle away from me and downed the remainder of the whiskey.
Rhaine rose and headed to the bar for a cup of hot coffee, “Yeah, Art got damn drunk yesterday and as I’m his guardian devil…” her voice trailed off leaving the thought unfinished.
He hiccupped, “shoo neww hiii I getting dunk” (To know why, I’m getting drunk.)
I tried to keep my temper under control, “I do see this, and getting yourself falling down drunk will help you understand Artemus?” I simply shook my head and took my drink to my sofa, leaving Sylus at the bar to continue his stupidity.
He squinted at me after he’d fallen over the bar, setting down the bottle he now held. “I thins I knowsshh whlll Artmast got dunk.” As he pointed at Rhaine, “he fears that if he uses you, you’ll call upon him for some need you’ll have.” Then he looked pointedly at me, “The other reason, he cast the Keep from this world, but can’t bring it back by himself.”
I quirked a brow at him as he hiccupped again. “If Artemus cannot bring the Keep back himself, why does he not simply seek help from you? The two of you together to bring the Keep back into this realm.” Personally, I feel that if Artemus was foolish enough to use a spell that he couldn't reverse, he had no business using it in the first place, but those were the things Morrin had taught me decades ago.
Rhaine handed him a cup of hot coffee as he continued, “He’s the stronger sorcerer. I know the world of steel.”
Rhaine was pacing, “Fears I’d use him as a puppet. Shifter.” She had her voice laced with derision. She then turned toward me, “Do you think they could use a spell coil?”
“Aye, with the right help, I believe they could.”
Sylus was sobering up fairly quickly, “He thinks cuz he caused it, it is his problem and no one elses.”
I closed my eyes and shook my head, “Foolish notion your brother has.” I knew full well that this comment had been directed at me as well.
Sy’s voice grew bitter, “Tis a notion I’ve heard and seen others do,” giving me a very pointed look.
“Then you have witnessed foolishness.” I told him over the rim of the crystal snifter I held in my hands.
He took a seat at the bar rather than joining me, his look speaking volumes about what he was thinking.
“You don’t understand the difference” I told him at his expression.
“Thas because you deem it important to keep me out of the loop on such things, thinking that by shielding me, you will keep me from the reality of your problems.” Bitterness was evident in both his tone and his words.
“The books are my problem, and I have help. I have not chosen to go alone. I do know when to ask for help.” There are things that I cannot allow Sylus to be involved in, despite our feelings for one the other, but at the moment, he is unhappy with this choice I have made.
He gave me an angry look, “and how far has that help gotten you? The books you sought to lock away from the world, so you went to the dragons for ‘help’. Now the third book has gone rogue, Khirsah is missing, and Tass has no idea where to start looking. That is as far as my knowledge of your current problem goes. If there have been anything new, I don’t know of it.”
“I have not been in RhyDin to speak of the status Sylus. And yes, things have not gone as expected. It was not expected that Khirsah would become immersed within the book.” My patience was wearing thin with his anger, but I tried to keep a rein on how I felt.
“You said the books come from the primordial darkness, right? And Khirsah is that old, yes?” Anger flashed in his eyes as I answered yes to both questions. “You didn’t think that such power would reach out to that part of him?”
Now I was furious, I’d given a lot of thought into this before I’d consigned those books to the dragons. “What better guardians may there be? Yes, I knew that, and do believe it is still the safest way to ward them!”
“You thought the dragons were beyond the influence of such power?” He made it sound as though I had no brains in my head at all.
Fury rippled through me. “No, but I did not count on Khirsah taking the books head on, and neither did Tass.” I knew the books would work on the dragons, but I also knew the dragons would be the most immune to their power and their call. No one counted on the Elder being curious enough to be lured by the books so soon.
He took a sip of his coffee, “You don’t even know where to find it, do you?”
“Not precisely” I told him. Then, very calmly I told him “I’m seeking the Darkness tomorrow.”
“NOT… ON… YOUR OWN,” his voice was calm, but reinforced with an iron I seldom heard in his tone, and his look was glacial.
I met his cold gaze with one equally cold, “I must.”
“NO… you mustn’t, not alone anyway. Tass needs to go with you, he knows that darkness better than anyone else.”
I shook my head, “The Darkness did seek me earlier, I have contact with it through the Isl’es, and through the books. Tass must deal with the mountain and the tear.” My fingers clenched around the crystal snifter I held.
“What tear?” His amber eyes locked with mine. I did not respond. “WHAT tear?” His expression hardened even further as he walked toward my sofa at last.
“Please do have a seat my dear.” I told him. “There is a tear between Riverbend and The Pearl.”
He glowered at me, “And you think that contacting the darkness is more important than closing the tear?”
“I cannot go to the top of The Pearl Sylus. Tass must deal with that. Khirsah is changing the past, it is important that I find him before too much more changes.” I tried to remain patient, but the sensation of being treated as an imbecile that has not thought things through grated on my mind.
“If it is from Riverbend, then that means Annaran magic possibly made it,” he mused. But he is very wrong on that point, it is dragon sorcery that did not close properly that has resulted in the tear between the worlds. I shook my head and told him, “No, it was dragon sorcery that did not seal correctly when Tass and I departed. Tass should never have come to Riverbend, it is the land of the dead, and no place for the living.”
His frown deepened. “He wouldn’t have gone there if you you hadn’t doubted our faith in you. You ran, someone had to drag you out of your shell and smack some sense into you.”
I sighed, “it was so much more than just that Sylus. I did what I needed to do. There is much in my past you have not seen yet, and Riverbend is my home too. I did not ask Tass or anyone else to come for me, but accomplished is accomplished and now must be dealt with.”
He turned for the door, “The things we often need most are the things we never ask for.” With that he left, and never heard me say that it sounded to me like the pot was calling the kettle black.
Rhaine nor I fathom the minds of men, and must wonder how such irrational creatures survive in this world.
Rhaine sighed, “I think that shifters are crazy, absolutely. I had to drag one out of intoxication yesterday Alais.”
I looked at Sylus and asked him why he was burying himself in this state of inebriation. He turned and poked Rhaine hard, “You dham struuurt, we crazzy.”
Rhaine’s gaze narrowed, he was pushing the vampire to her limits of tolerance, and I am completely lost in the rationale for this behavior. He raised the bottle to his lips again, and I gently rested my hand on the bottle to stop him. “Sylus, prithee, what is this about?”
“Unsterdanting…. a ….. cat.” He pulled the bottle away from me and downed the remainder of the whiskey.
Rhaine rose and headed to the bar for a cup of hot coffee, “Yeah, Art got damn drunk yesterday and as I’m his guardian devil…” her voice trailed off leaving the thought unfinished.
He hiccupped, “shoo neww hiii I getting dunk” (To know why, I’m getting drunk.)
I tried to keep my temper under control, “I do see this, and getting yourself falling down drunk will help you understand Artemus?” I simply shook my head and took my drink to my sofa, leaving Sylus at the bar to continue his stupidity.
He squinted at me after he’d fallen over the bar, setting down the bottle he now held. “I thins I knowsshh whlll Artmast got dunk.” As he pointed at Rhaine, “he fears that if he uses you, you’ll call upon him for some need you’ll have.” Then he looked pointedly at me, “The other reason, he cast the Keep from this world, but can’t bring it back by himself.”
I quirked a brow at him as he hiccupped again. “If Artemus cannot bring the Keep back himself, why does he not simply seek help from you? The two of you together to bring the Keep back into this realm.” Personally, I feel that if Artemus was foolish enough to use a spell that he couldn't reverse, he had no business using it in the first place, but those were the things Morrin had taught me decades ago.
Rhaine handed him a cup of hot coffee as he continued, “He’s the stronger sorcerer. I know the world of steel.”
Rhaine was pacing, “Fears I’d use him as a puppet. Shifter.” She had her voice laced with derision. She then turned toward me, “Do you think they could use a spell coil?”
“Aye, with the right help, I believe they could.”
Sylus was sobering up fairly quickly, “He thinks cuz he caused it, it is his problem and no one elses.”
I closed my eyes and shook my head, “Foolish notion your brother has.” I knew full well that this comment had been directed at me as well.
Sy’s voice grew bitter, “Tis a notion I’ve heard and seen others do,” giving me a very pointed look.
“Then you have witnessed foolishness.” I told him over the rim of the crystal snifter I held in my hands.
He took a seat at the bar rather than joining me, his look speaking volumes about what he was thinking.
“You don’t understand the difference” I told him at his expression.
“Thas because you deem it important to keep me out of the loop on such things, thinking that by shielding me, you will keep me from the reality of your problems.” Bitterness was evident in both his tone and his words.
“The books are my problem, and I have help. I have not chosen to go alone. I do know when to ask for help.” There are things that I cannot allow Sylus to be involved in, despite our feelings for one the other, but at the moment, he is unhappy with this choice I have made.
He gave me an angry look, “and how far has that help gotten you? The books you sought to lock away from the world, so you went to the dragons for ‘help’. Now the third book has gone rogue, Khirsah is missing, and Tass has no idea where to start looking. That is as far as my knowledge of your current problem goes. If there have been anything new, I don’t know of it.”
“I have not been in RhyDin to speak of the status Sylus. And yes, things have not gone as expected. It was not expected that Khirsah would become immersed within the book.” My patience was wearing thin with his anger, but I tried to keep a rein on how I felt.
“You said the books come from the primordial darkness, right? And Khirsah is that old, yes?” Anger flashed in his eyes as I answered yes to both questions. “You didn’t think that such power would reach out to that part of him?”
Now I was furious, I’d given a lot of thought into this before I’d consigned those books to the dragons. “What better guardians may there be? Yes, I knew that, and do believe it is still the safest way to ward them!”
“You thought the dragons were beyond the influence of such power?” He made it sound as though I had no brains in my head at all.
Fury rippled through me. “No, but I did not count on Khirsah taking the books head on, and neither did Tass.” I knew the books would work on the dragons, but I also knew the dragons would be the most immune to their power and their call. No one counted on the Elder being curious enough to be lured by the books so soon.
He took a sip of his coffee, “You don’t even know where to find it, do you?”
“Not precisely” I told him. Then, very calmly I told him “I’m seeking the Darkness tomorrow.”
“NOT… ON… YOUR OWN,” his voice was calm, but reinforced with an iron I seldom heard in his tone, and his look was glacial.
I met his cold gaze with one equally cold, “I must.”
“NO… you mustn’t, not alone anyway. Tass needs to go with you, he knows that darkness better than anyone else.”
I shook my head, “The Darkness did seek me earlier, I have contact with it through the Isl’es, and through the books. Tass must deal with the mountain and the tear.” My fingers clenched around the crystal snifter I held.
“What tear?” His amber eyes locked with mine. I did not respond. “WHAT tear?” His expression hardened even further as he walked toward my sofa at last.
“Please do have a seat my dear.” I told him. “There is a tear between Riverbend and The Pearl.”
He glowered at me, “And you think that contacting the darkness is more important than closing the tear?”
“I cannot go to the top of The Pearl Sylus. Tass must deal with that. Khirsah is changing the past, it is important that I find him before too much more changes.” I tried to remain patient, but the sensation of being treated as an imbecile that has not thought things through grated on my mind.
“If it is from Riverbend, then that means Annaran magic possibly made it,” he mused. But he is very wrong on that point, it is dragon sorcery that did not close properly that has resulted in the tear between the worlds. I shook my head and told him, “No, it was dragon sorcery that did not seal correctly when Tass and I departed. Tass should never have come to Riverbend, it is the land of the dead, and no place for the living.”
His frown deepened. “He wouldn’t have gone there if you you hadn’t doubted our faith in you. You ran, someone had to drag you out of your shell and smack some sense into you.”
I sighed, “it was so much more than just that Sylus. I did what I needed to do. There is much in my past you have not seen yet, and Riverbend is my home too. I did not ask Tass or anyone else to come for me, but accomplished is accomplished and now must be dealt with.”
He turned for the door, “The things we often need most are the things we never ask for.” With that he left, and never heard me say that it sounded to me like the pot was calling the kettle black.
Rhaine nor I fathom the minds of men, and must wonder how such irrational creatures survive in this world.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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QueenTeleperien
- Adventurer
- Posts: 79
- Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2004 2:13 pm
Vision of Warning
Rain is falling and the castle is lit with candles and torches, chasing off the afternoon gloom. Teleperien is alone in her study enjoying a cup of tea. In front of her is scattered several missives and documents. That morning more talks with the small party from Ravenswing went better than Tele had hoped. When Borin solidly backed Tele the dwarves lessened in their stance. Dwarves drove hard bargains yet it looked a little more hopeful than a week ago.
However she had a time keeping her mind on the problems of the realm. Her attention wanders to the dueling arena a few nights back. She frowns to herself. Tass. She saw the armor under his simple cloak. She was not fooled for one minute by his attire. Tass is going to battle. She saw in him the fire of battle, the fire of his soul. It burned brightly and she knew it would not be quenched until he fulfilled his task. For a reason she could not fathom her heart was troubled by this. She felt the heaviness again.
Through the talk of others she had learned he had sought the aid of Rhaine.
“Why would he seek her help?” She says to herself. “Indeed she is skilled in many things, but what skill does she have that Tass does not have? What would she lend in battle?”
Tele sighs and takes another sip of the tea and stands and with tea cup in hand goes to the window as is her habit when her thoughts trouble her. The rain patters softly against the pane, making it difficult to see past the drops.
“Tass must know what he is about.” Tele mutters shaking her head. Suddenly a vision comes to her… as real as the rain falling outside. The tea cup falls from her hands and shatters on the slate floor. She cannot move or cry out.
A field heavily laden with the aftermath of battle; broken spears, scattered shields and swords lay with bodies strewn about. That is not what alarmed Tele, but there on the battlefield lay Tasslehofl Momus.. his body still, his pale face staring up to the heavens.
However she had a time keeping her mind on the problems of the realm. Her attention wanders to the dueling arena a few nights back. She frowns to herself. Tass. She saw the armor under his simple cloak. She was not fooled for one minute by his attire. Tass is going to battle. She saw in him the fire of battle, the fire of his soul. It burned brightly and she knew it would not be quenched until he fulfilled his task. For a reason she could not fathom her heart was troubled by this. She felt the heaviness again.
Through the talk of others she had learned he had sought the aid of Rhaine.
“Why would he seek her help?” She says to herself. “Indeed she is skilled in many things, but what skill does she have that Tass does not have? What would she lend in battle?”
Tele sighs and takes another sip of the tea and stands and with tea cup in hand goes to the window as is her habit when her thoughts trouble her. The rain patters softly against the pane, making it difficult to see past the drops.
“Tass must know what he is about.” Tele mutters shaking her head. Suddenly a vision comes to her… as real as the rain falling outside. The tea cup falls from her hands and shatters on the slate floor. She cannot move or cry out.
A field heavily laden with the aftermath of battle; broken spears, scattered shields and swords lay with bodies strewn about. That is not what alarmed Tele, but there on the battlefield lay Tasslehofl Momus.. his body still, his pale face staring up to the heavens.
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
- Contact:
Unreliable as Chaos itself
My evening was not yet over, despite the strong disagreement Sylus and I had already had, his brother arrived later, and after a duel, Artemus approached my sofa where I had been speaking with Dimitri Locheran.
Rhaine and I had discussed our notions for resolving the problem surrounding returning Kurgen Keep to this plane of existence, and we had a fairly sound plan roughed out how to accomplish bringing such a large inanimate object across the boundaries of the two planes.
“Hey, is it safe to join you?” Artemus queried.
He sat down with Dimitri and I, troubles written plainly in his features. He pulled up a chair warily, “What do you know about bringing inanimate objects over from the ethereal plane?”
“That they’re much easier than animate ones, that spell coils will work.” I told him.
He gave me a puzzled look. “Spell coils? How about bringing over …. Objects on a large scale?” He was clearly talking about the keep, but hedging. He did not know that I already knew from his brother what he’d done, and now sought to undo.
“How large?” I could not resist playing innocent with him.
“A building.” He retained an emotionless mask as he glanced between Rhaine and I. “How can I undo it’s banishment?”
Ah, there it was, his request for assistance to undo the spell he’d wrought. “You’re going to need the help of about 6 – 9 casters Artemus.”
I could see him wilt slightly at that news. “I see.” He said. “I can only think of … I can only come up with 3 others besides myself that I can ask to help.”
“Bringing it back will take a great deal of energy Artemus.”
“I understand that Alais, and I’m a few casters short.” It took a lot for Artemus to admit that.
I studied him long moments, letting the silence extend between us, “Casters are not the problem Artemus, getting them all here at the same time is.”
He began a count of who he would ask, “Brig, Rhaine, Myself, Eros,” He looked at me, “I can do that. The Keep is going no where, I’ve got time. I can get them gathered, I just need to assemble the team.”
“Don’t forget Sylus,” I reminded him. “It is his home too.”
He grunted at me, “No, his home is I’ Taurn, he left the Keep to me.”
I sighed, it was going to be an ugly night all the way around. “It is still his home Artemus.”
“Not to him it is not,” he spat at me.
“He will wish to help,” as I fought for patience with this arrogant sibling of Sy’s.
“If he asks, he can help, but I sent it away, it’s my obligation to bring it back.” He was petulant and it vexed me deeply.
“Don’t make him ask you Artemus, you need to ask him.” He was the foolish one to work a spell he could not reverse, and would have to seek assistance from others to undo it, but he didn’t believe he was responsible to ask his own brother for help? He believed Sylus needed to ask to bring back his own legacy? I was incensed by Artemus’ pompous words.
“Hell can freeze first, he already treats me as if I cannot take care of myself. I’ll not ask him to do something that will only deepen that point of view.”
Rhaine joined us about then. “Your older brother is just looking out for you, don’t tarnish his caring.” The fact that Sylus cared about Artemus did not surprise me, but Artemus took it as something less desirable. Artemus raved about some of the things Sylus has done in an effort to protect him, and he chafes at those actions, but when I told him “You are too hard upon him Artemus, you are always the cynic.” He became enraged.
“That cynicism is what has kept me alive so far, while he was out playing court in Kelvar I was traveling the world, learning it’s secrets, living on my own in places to make your skin crawl, he’s had the easy life.” His venom was more than I could take. I reached over and slapped him soundly across the face. “You have NO idea what that did to him.”
He became every bit the cold monster I believe him to be, “Never touch me again.”
I met his cold as death stare with one of equal measure, calling upon everything Morrin had given me, “don’t ever tell me again that your brother had life easy Artemus.” I would not hesitate to send this pompous ass into the beyond for making such threats to me.
“If he has inner demons, they are his own creation, nothing stopped him from leaving that city.” Artemus and I had reached a point of anger between us that could explode on the slightest wrong move by either one of us. Rhaine was the buffer that lowered the intensity of our mutual fury. “They should just scan each other’s memory and stop these idiotic assumptions,” she said to me.
I continued to glare at Artemus, “You are an ungrateful wretch with a brother that cares about you,” His behavior reminded me of a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, and if it were not for the fact that Kurgen Keep was Sy’s legacy too, I would have told Artemus to find his own way to undo his screw up.
Artemus gave me a cold eerie smile, “You have no idea of Sylus’ darker secrets. He had never been there for me before, why should I expect him to start now?" He rose with the grace of a cat. “Ask him about a vampire named Rayven, you’ll find a side of Sy you’ll wish to truly know of.” He departed in a swirl of raven feathers and black fire.
Rhaine looked at me in disgust that I too felt. “And I wouldn’t trust any of the two Alais, really. At least that’s my honest opinion. Unreliable as chaos itself”
I have to agree with her.
Rhaine and I had discussed our notions for resolving the problem surrounding returning Kurgen Keep to this plane of existence, and we had a fairly sound plan roughed out how to accomplish bringing such a large inanimate object across the boundaries of the two planes.
“Hey, is it safe to join you?” Artemus queried.
He sat down with Dimitri and I, troubles written plainly in his features. He pulled up a chair warily, “What do you know about bringing inanimate objects over from the ethereal plane?”
“That they’re much easier than animate ones, that spell coils will work.” I told him.
He gave me a puzzled look. “Spell coils? How about bringing over …. Objects on a large scale?” He was clearly talking about the keep, but hedging. He did not know that I already knew from his brother what he’d done, and now sought to undo.
“How large?” I could not resist playing innocent with him.
“A building.” He retained an emotionless mask as he glanced between Rhaine and I. “How can I undo it’s banishment?”
Ah, there it was, his request for assistance to undo the spell he’d wrought. “You’re going to need the help of about 6 – 9 casters Artemus.”
I could see him wilt slightly at that news. “I see.” He said. “I can only think of … I can only come up with 3 others besides myself that I can ask to help.”
“Bringing it back will take a great deal of energy Artemus.”
“I understand that Alais, and I’m a few casters short.” It took a lot for Artemus to admit that.
I studied him long moments, letting the silence extend between us, “Casters are not the problem Artemus, getting them all here at the same time is.”
He began a count of who he would ask, “Brig, Rhaine, Myself, Eros,” He looked at me, “I can do that. The Keep is going no where, I’ve got time. I can get them gathered, I just need to assemble the team.”
“Don’t forget Sylus,” I reminded him. “It is his home too.”
He grunted at me, “No, his home is I’ Taurn, he left the Keep to me.”
I sighed, it was going to be an ugly night all the way around. “It is still his home Artemus.”
“Not to him it is not,” he spat at me.
“He will wish to help,” as I fought for patience with this arrogant sibling of Sy’s.
“If he asks, he can help, but I sent it away, it’s my obligation to bring it back.” He was petulant and it vexed me deeply.
“Don’t make him ask you Artemus, you need to ask him.” He was the foolish one to work a spell he could not reverse, and would have to seek assistance from others to undo it, but he didn’t believe he was responsible to ask his own brother for help? He believed Sylus needed to ask to bring back his own legacy? I was incensed by Artemus’ pompous words.
“Hell can freeze first, he already treats me as if I cannot take care of myself. I’ll not ask him to do something that will only deepen that point of view.”
Rhaine joined us about then. “Your older brother is just looking out for you, don’t tarnish his caring.” The fact that Sylus cared about Artemus did not surprise me, but Artemus took it as something less desirable. Artemus raved about some of the things Sylus has done in an effort to protect him, and he chafes at those actions, but when I told him “You are too hard upon him Artemus, you are always the cynic.” He became enraged.
“That cynicism is what has kept me alive so far, while he was out playing court in Kelvar I was traveling the world, learning it’s secrets, living on my own in places to make your skin crawl, he’s had the easy life.” His venom was more than I could take. I reached over and slapped him soundly across the face. “You have NO idea what that did to him.”
He became every bit the cold monster I believe him to be, “Never touch me again.”
I met his cold as death stare with one of equal measure, calling upon everything Morrin had given me, “don’t ever tell me again that your brother had life easy Artemus.” I would not hesitate to send this pompous ass into the beyond for making such threats to me.
“If he has inner demons, they are his own creation, nothing stopped him from leaving that city.” Artemus and I had reached a point of anger between us that could explode on the slightest wrong move by either one of us. Rhaine was the buffer that lowered the intensity of our mutual fury. “They should just scan each other’s memory and stop these idiotic assumptions,” she said to me.
I continued to glare at Artemus, “You are an ungrateful wretch with a brother that cares about you,” His behavior reminded me of a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, and if it were not for the fact that Kurgen Keep was Sy’s legacy too, I would have told Artemus to find his own way to undo his screw up.
Artemus gave me a cold eerie smile, “You have no idea of Sylus’ darker secrets. He had never been there for me before, why should I expect him to start now?" He rose with the grace of a cat. “Ask him about a vampire named Rayven, you’ll find a side of Sy you’ll wish to truly know of.” He departed in a swirl of raven feathers and black fire.
Rhaine looked at me in disgust that I too felt. “And I wouldn’t trust any of the two Alais, really. At least that’s my honest opinion. Unreliable as chaos itself”
I have to agree with her.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
-
Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
- Contact:
Strange Evenings
My last night in RhyDin was very strange. It began with an apology from Artemus. First that he would apologize was strange, but the expression in his features was stranger still. Neither was in keeping with the man I've come to know.
Rhaine does not believe in either apologies nor people changing. There is something seriously amiss with Artemus' behaviors.
Then, Vincent. The Arch Mage was nearly ready to exchange blows with Artemus when I walked back into the outback, and when he saw me, he came running at me with a wild look in his eyes. I summoned my staff in case it would be needed, but he shoved a bouquet of flowers into my hands instead.
Vincent and I have not spoken much since he joined the Temple. I do not trust his actions nor his words since he made that choice, and now, out of the blue, he gives me flowers?
I did not see Sylus, though I had hoped I would, to tell him what had happened with my attempt to seek Khirsah. The morning would see my trip to Annara, and I returned to Matlal after a very strange evening indeed
Rhaine does not believe in either apologies nor people changing. There is something seriously amiss with Artemus' behaviors.
Then, Vincent. The Arch Mage was nearly ready to exchange blows with Artemus when I walked back into the outback, and when he saw me, he came running at me with a wild look in his eyes. I summoned my staff in case it would be needed, but he shoved a bouquet of flowers into my hands instead.
Vincent and I have not spoken much since he joined the Temple. I do not trust his actions nor his words since he made that choice, and now, out of the blue, he gives me flowers?
I did not see Sylus, though I had hoped I would, to tell him what had happened with my attempt to seek Khirsah. The morning would see my trip to Annara, and I returned to Matlal after a very strange evening indeed
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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Legendazona
- Adventurer
- Posts: 67
- Joined: Thu May 20, 2004 8:40 am
- Location: between worlds
More Attention Needed
Very interesting, Xenograg was only returning to RhyDin in the night, where was he going during the day?
The ghost had spoken to him briefly, not that she'd gotten a straight answer from Alais' old friend, but his actions were very curious.
The Eldarie was missing, the General was missing during the days.
This warrants more attention.
The ghost had spoken to him briefly, not that she'd gotten a straight answer from Alais' old friend, but his actions were very curious.
The Eldarie was missing, the General was missing during the days.
This warrants more attention.
Legendazona
Druid High Priestess
Murdered in Life
Druid High Priestess
Murdered in Life
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Legendazona
- Adventurer
- Posts: 67
- Joined: Thu May 20, 2004 8:40 am
- Location: between worlds
Hostages
Given that the General was behaving so mysteriously, and that Alais has not been seen at I' Taurn for weeks, there had to be a way to find out what was going on. Well, one way presented itself - with a cold smirk, she headed for Nitesong.
The second twin sat alone in his Rouwan, lost in thought. He'd grown up to look so much like Ulysses that had it been possible, the ghost would have been nauseated. She then went to the old caves that had once been her home, and the power center of the Druids of Nitesong. There she laid her trap for the second twin.
Satisfied that he could be held, she returned to Telemachus' Rouwan, taking the form and image of his sister, she lured him into the Druid caves on the pretense of showing him something of historical importance. The elf was encased in a Druid Sleep and the stone brought down around him to assure no prying eyes would find him.
With a cold smile, the ghost headed back to RhyDin in search of the General. This news would surprise him, maybe enough to get him to tell her where Alais was, or better yet, to get her back to RhyDin. She floated into the Arena to find the General speaking with the Eldar, Teleperien. She formed sufficiently to be seen and floated down beside the General, wrapping icy tendrils around him. He gritted his teeth, "Legendazona, release me."
She laughed, "you are displeased to see me here?" as she released him.
"Only your proximity," was his reply through chattering teeth.
The ghost regarded him a moment, "just what are you up to General, I do wonder."
He hugged himself in a vain attempt to warm, but it was the chill of death that had curled itself around him. She then sent a tendril of cold snaking around the staff held by the Eldar woman.
Xeno's words were clipped and cool, "Nothing that need concern you, Your Grace."
Teleperien's eyes narrowed as the staff blazed to life in her hands. "leave it."
With a hiss, the tendril retreated, and in a fit of ire, the ghost whipped the burning cold tendril across the cheek of the woman.
Xeno scowled, "Legendazona, are you just here to annoy us?"
"No General, not at all," she replied.
"State your purpose then!"
"I've come to ask you again, where is the one I seek?" The ghost's patience was wearing thin, and she knew she held a trump card.
"Beyond your reach, obviously. You will get no more from me tonight than before."
"Ah yes, ever the protective one."
"Loyal one," he corrected.
"I will find her, or a way to get her back here. It would be so much easier if you just told me." Purred the ghost.
"As if you could give me a reason to help you." Xeno thought he held all the aces, but he did not.
The ghost smiled, "But I can. The life of a half elven whelp." The Queen was growing quite furious as the ghost and the General exchanged words.
"Which one?" His words belied a wariness that had not been there previously.
The ghost floated toward the ceiling. "I have the other twin Xeno." And she faded from view, but she could not resist sliding a cold hand along his face as she left.
He sat down hard in his chair with a black scowl on his features.
Teleperien's voice lifted, "Hell has been released this eve."
"So it seems," he replied, "Now I have to go to Nitesong."
The Queen touched her cheek and reached for a salve as Xeno spoke briefly with Rhaine, and then departed the Arena to go on a vain search for Telemachus in Nitesong.
The second twin sat alone in his Rouwan, lost in thought. He'd grown up to look so much like Ulysses that had it been possible, the ghost would have been nauseated. She then went to the old caves that had once been her home, and the power center of the Druids of Nitesong. There she laid her trap for the second twin.
Satisfied that he could be held, she returned to Telemachus' Rouwan, taking the form and image of his sister, she lured him into the Druid caves on the pretense of showing him something of historical importance. The elf was encased in a Druid Sleep and the stone brought down around him to assure no prying eyes would find him.
With a cold smile, the ghost headed back to RhyDin in search of the General. This news would surprise him, maybe enough to get him to tell her where Alais was, or better yet, to get her back to RhyDin. She floated into the Arena to find the General speaking with the Eldar, Teleperien. She formed sufficiently to be seen and floated down beside the General, wrapping icy tendrils around him. He gritted his teeth, "Legendazona, release me."
She laughed, "you are displeased to see me here?" as she released him.
"Only your proximity," was his reply through chattering teeth.
The ghost regarded him a moment, "just what are you up to General, I do wonder."
He hugged himself in a vain attempt to warm, but it was the chill of death that had curled itself around him. She then sent a tendril of cold snaking around the staff held by the Eldar woman.
Xeno's words were clipped and cool, "Nothing that need concern you, Your Grace."
Teleperien's eyes narrowed as the staff blazed to life in her hands. "leave it."
With a hiss, the tendril retreated, and in a fit of ire, the ghost whipped the burning cold tendril across the cheek of the woman.
Xeno scowled, "Legendazona, are you just here to annoy us?"
"No General, not at all," she replied.
"State your purpose then!"
"I've come to ask you again, where is the one I seek?" The ghost's patience was wearing thin, and she knew she held a trump card.
"Beyond your reach, obviously. You will get no more from me tonight than before."
"Ah yes, ever the protective one."
"Loyal one," he corrected.
"I will find her, or a way to get her back here. It would be so much easier if you just told me." Purred the ghost.
"As if you could give me a reason to help you." Xeno thought he held all the aces, but he did not.
The ghost smiled, "But I can. The life of a half elven whelp." The Queen was growing quite furious as the ghost and the General exchanged words.
"Which one?" His words belied a wariness that had not been there previously.
The ghost floated toward the ceiling. "I have the other twin Xeno." And she faded from view, but she could not resist sliding a cold hand along his face as she left.
He sat down hard in his chair with a black scowl on his features.
Teleperien's voice lifted, "Hell has been released this eve."
"So it seems," he replied, "Now I have to go to Nitesong."
The Queen touched her cheek and reached for a salve as Xeno spoke briefly with Rhaine, and then departed the Arena to go on a vain search for Telemachus in Nitesong.
Legendazona
Druid High Priestess
Murdered in Life
Druid High Priestess
Murdered in Life
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Sylus Kurgen
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 691
- Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:56 am
- Location: His shop, or the Arena
Whispers in the dark...
~An evil seeks rebirth....~
Whispers in the shadows...
~The twice tainted will seek the light....~
Whispers in the void...
~The Annaran will vanish....~
The whispers came without end. Their ominous words filled his mind as he tossed and turned in his bed. A sense of forboding washed over his heart as dark visions flashed before his eyes. Faces he had never seen before but would come to know. A Cat-demoness, a Tiefling, and a faceless shadow that loomed above them all. It's identity veiled from his eyes but it's evil was great.
Whispers in the dark
~An evil seeks rebirth....~
Whispers in the shadow...
~The twice tainted will seek the light....~
Whispers in the void...
~The Annaran will vanish....~
"ALAIS!!!!" He came awake screaming her name. His heart beating a mile a minute in his chest. Something had happened to her...and one of those beings in his dream was responsible. Dressing as fast as he could Sylus threw on his cloak and sprinted out of I'Taurn. Jumping onto Stepper's back saddle forgotten he rode like hell itself was on his heels. He needed answers...and something in his heart told him Xeno or Teleperien may know a piece of this Hypnos sent puzzle. He would start with the closes...Xeno.
Digging his heels into Stepper's ribs he raced towards the Dojo.
~An evil seeks rebirth....~
Whispers in the shadows...
~The twice tainted will seek the light....~
Whispers in the void...
~The Annaran will vanish....~
The whispers came without end. Their ominous words filled his mind as he tossed and turned in his bed. A sense of forboding washed over his heart as dark visions flashed before his eyes. Faces he had never seen before but would come to know. A Cat-demoness, a Tiefling, and a faceless shadow that loomed above them all. It's identity veiled from his eyes but it's evil was great.
Whispers in the dark
~An evil seeks rebirth....~
Whispers in the shadow...
~The twice tainted will seek the light....~
Whispers in the void...
~The Annaran will vanish....~
"ALAIS!!!!" He came awake screaming her name. His heart beating a mile a minute in his chest. Something had happened to her...and one of those beings in his dream was responsible. Dressing as fast as he could Sylus threw on his cloak and sprinted out of I'Taurn. Jumping onto Stepper's back saddle forgotten he rode like hell itself was on his heels. He needed answers...and something in his heart told him Xeno or Teleperien may know a piece of this Hypnos sent puzzle. He would start with the closes...Xeno.
Digging his heels into Stepper's ribs he raced towards the Dojo.
~Wanderer of Redemption's Road~
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Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
- Contact:
Reflections in the Mirror
The mirror in her suite reflects a book.
Leather bound, the writing is Alais' hand. Her daily journal.
The water of the mirror ripples.
Leather bound, the writing is Alais' hand. Her daily journal.
The water of the mirror ripples.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
-
Alais d Nitesong
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 861
- Joined: Sat May 15, 2004 11:52 am
- Location: Matlal, Riverbend, I' Taurn or Nitesong, depending on time of year
- Contact:
The Mirror
The water in the mirror ripples, as though disturbed by a falling object.
The image of the book wavers and fades from sight in within the mirror, replaced by shadows moving within a stone keep. Thousands of shadowy forms move amidst the stone walls, and a single elven figure moves furtively through a stone mausoleum.
The stone effigies are the only thing that does not appear to be moving.
The water ripples slightly.
The image of the book wavers and fades from sight in within the mirror, replaced by shadows moving within a stone keep. Thousands of shadowy forms move amidst the stone walls, and a single elven figure moves furtively through a stone mausoleum.
The stone effigies are the only thing that does not appear to be moving.
The water ripples slightly.
Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe
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