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Lady Raven Jggidorrry Anima Spuds The Philosopher |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 30 2013, 01:12 AM (1,576 Views) | |
| Tasha the Gypsy | Sep 30 2013, 01:12 AM Post #1 |
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Reema sat on a small boulder high on the mountainside. She often came to the grazing lands to calm herself down after having another argument with Gand, the elder of Ranae. Reema was not a member of the small mountain village of Ranae, but she spent much of her time there since it was one of the only villages with grazing lands so high in the mountains. As Reema sat on the rock, she watched four or five graceful unicorns slowly wander over the field of grass below her, each looking for the best spot to graze on the sweet grass of the mountains. She was seated so far away form them that she could only distinguish them by their blue horns, which shone out like sapphires against the dark green of the grass. After a short time, Reema tired of watching the unicorns, and took out her favorite stiletto. She began to sharpen it, watching as the light from the fading sun glinted off the blade and the three small red stones set in the hilt of the slim dagger.
Edited by Tasha the Gypsy, Oct 4 2013, 01:34 PM.
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| The Inkweaver | Mar 8 2014, 11:11 PM Post #61 |
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Laurel watched the whole demonstration with keen interest. The stories were indeed true--and now this andefelde would help her! "Do you have any idea on how she's gone missing?" The being asked. Laurel shook her head. "We awoke this morning and she was gone. I can only assume it was sometime during the night. We found her footprints leading out of the hut, but all traces of her disappear in the grass just outside the village." At the mention of grass, Laurel felt the green Treestone around her neck begin to glow. A quick glance at the andefelde told her that he had noticed it too--but his expression was one of understanding, not suspicion. Laurel looked into his eyes. "Who are you?" she asked suddenly. "And what do you know of this Stone?" |
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| Amaurea | Mar 13 2014, 12:29 AM Post #62 |
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Andolla
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Noting the urgency withing the young Elven girl's voice, both when regarding her friend, and the stone, Kail'tor decided transparency was the best option. Besides, she currently held one of the stones herself, and he did not think she seemed like the type to steel it. His fingers firmly rapped around the object in the satchel and finally, rather deliberately he pulled it free and held it out to her. Uncurling his fingers, the Centaur revealed a large, deep black stone. It's sides were polished to mirror perfection and a heavy chain clasped it securely. I am Kail'tor, a messenger from the And'whill, and bearer of the earthstone. He allowed Laural to examine the stone if she so desired, while he pondered on what she'd said about her friend's disappearance. From what he could gather, the missing girl had simply vanished into the air, either upwards, or, even so, away. The term seemed strange to other languages. To him and his kind, it meant the movement from one place to another, with the destination being nonadjacent to the starting point. Rare, unless certain magics were involved. But to truly understand the cause, Kail'tor figured the best course of action would be to investigate the area of disappearance. Figuring it safe for now, the Centaur placed the heavy stone around his neck and let it lay against his chest. It felt good to have the magic item touching him again. Such things shouldn't be kept hidden or secret. He smiled slightly as he addressed Laural. I felt your stone's presence quite strongly when I woke. I'm curious as to how you came by it, but for now, please stand back, and we'll find your friend. After waiting on the girl to heed his request, the Centaur unfolded his front legs, planting them firmly on the ground before him, and thrust his bulk upright with his hind legs. After a momentary wobbling, the creature stood to his full potential, easily 9 ft, possibly a little more. Turning his head toward the village, Kail'tor paused, suddenly realizing how his size, now made truly known, and in such close proximity, might startle people. Clearing his throat, he looked at those around him, attempting to seem disarming, but that didn't always work out for him. What ever the case, Laural's friend was still missing, and Kail'tor felt a strange magical connection between this elf, the vanishing of her friend, and even himself. Perhaps this problem was simpler than everyone thought. But only one thing would make that clear. I think we should investigate the place your friend vanished from. Our meeting was no accident. Perhaps.... the stones might have a role to play here, perhaps not. The Centaur looked over at Moraenor then Laural, with a questioning gaze. He needed them to lead him to the origin of the problem. |
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Mar 13 2014, 07:49 PM Post #63 |
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Laurel stared in awe at the gem in her hand. It glittered from within with the same strange light as her green gem! And Kail'tor had called it an Earthstone; did that mean he heard voices from the ground and the rocks, just as she heard voices from the trees? She handed it back to Kail'tor as he said, I think we should investigate the place your friend vanished from. Our meeting was no accident. Perhaps.... the stones might have a role to play here, perhaps not. Laurel nodded numbly. It's this way, she said. Together, they went out to the edge of the village, where Renata's small light, footprints were visible in the soft soil. Laurel crouched down and involuntarily grabbed the green gemstone with one hand, while spreading the other over the grass. In her mind's eye, she could see Renata's passage over the ground, to a place about twenty feet outside the town-- Then nothing. Not even a hint of struggle, or some sign that Renata took off running in another direction. She was simply there, and then she wasn't. But there was something else. Laurel sensed another presence from the grass. She glanced at Kail'tor, in possession of his gem once more. Do you feel that? she asked. If their stones worked in the same way, he'd be able to feel the residue of Renata's presence in the same way she did, through the soil. There was someone else standing just over there. She pointed to an area just beyond where Renata's footprints disappeared. Once again, there was ample evidence that a person had stood there--but nothing to indicate who they were or where they had gone. A chill ran down Laurel's spine. Do.... do you think this other person has taken my friend Renata? Why? Where has she gone? Tears sprang into her eyes as Laurel's chest began to ache with anxiety and sorrow. How can we ever hope to find her again? |
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| Amaurea | Mar 31 2014, 08:48 PM Post #64 |
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Andolla
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Kail'tor followed the elven people to where they thought Laural's friend had vanished. He used the term vanished lightly. For a moment, he stood by the faint, but evident footprints of the young girl, pawing the ground lightly over one of them. Closing his eyes and lowering his head, the creature attempted to form an image of the missing girl in his mind. His success only proved in telling him that Renata was human. "Odd..." Thought Kaiil'tor, recalling the separation between elves and the race of men. It was a long lasting barrier. Though, realizing how distressed Laural seemed over her friend, put all questions in the Centuar's mind to rest. Looking over at Laural, and the place she'd indicated, he walked over to where this other person might have stood. Sure enough, he found that, after resting his front hoof within the soil there, another faint image flashed into his mind, but more so, an almost electrical sensation. He heard voices alright, cackling laughing voices, hot and alive. Shaking his head with an almost animal-like huff, Kail'tor once more settled his eyes on Laural, allowing their serious gaze to pass over Moraenor first. Reaching out his large hand, he rested it on the elven girl's shoulder, with a gentility that belied his true strength. If someone did take her, they used a stone, like ours, to do it. For a brief moment he paused, making sure his abilities would allow him to find the girl. He never wanted to give people false hope. Often, that was worse than no hope at all. And, in some ways, it makes finding her easier. You see, these stones- He said, lifting the earthstone from his chest with the other hand- Have a connection with each other. A practiced wielder of one of them, can, with concentration, find the others. Removing his hand from Laural's shoulder and looking upward, he paused once more and then frowned. It takes time though, and more information. He said solemnly. But, one of the abilities the stones possess, is the power to transport someone from one instance of the stone's element, to another... He thought about how best to explain this, though, thankfully, he figured the elves understood fairly well. Looking once more at the ground, another image came flashing to his, a memory of the night before. Fire- he'd seen a small fire, near this very spot, he'd wager. It wasn't a sure bet, but he could at least try to locate the stone associated with fire, or, better still, any magical disturbance it may have caused recently, and near by. He chose his words carefully, intending to back up his claims without ensuring success. If one of these magical rifts was used in your friend's disappearance, I .... might be able to track it. It wouldn't lead us to her, but it will lead us to her exit point, at least. He looked to the elder elf, as if asking for permission to attempt. The Centuar's eyes were grave however, showing his uncertainty that this the correct solution to the problem. But Kail'tor figured that, if it didn't work, and not source of rifting magic was found, they could just try another course of action. Edited by Amaurea, Mar 31 2014, 08:51 PM.
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Mar 31 2014, 09:43 PM Post #65 |
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Laurel's spirits soared as Kail'tor spoke. Here were the answers she had been searching for! She placed a hand over the Treestone. As he described, she could sense a body of water, the essence of the wind--and the echo of the stones that now spoke to Kail'tor. She smiled somewhat. She could find Renata--she was so close! Laurel glanced at Moraenor with shining eyes. Moraenor nodded wordlessly to her. Laurel looked up at the strong, gentle andefelde. Please, if it is at all possible to make this portal you speak of, then do it! she said boldly. Edited by The Inkweaver, Mar 31 2014, 10:53 PM.
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| Amaurea | Apr 5 2014, 01:45 AM Post #66 |
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Andolla
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Very well. The creature said as he drew his large two-handed weapon. Turning the gleaming blade around, he planted it's tip firmly in the soil at his feet. The metal still glinted crimson in some places, a testament to last night's battle with the griffin.With firm hands gripping the hilt, and head bowed low, Kail'tor closed his eyes and paused for a moment, focusing on the magical energies about them. Locating the Treestone was easy. It bled with living energy as vigorously as his own, but it was also nearer. The Firestone proved to be somewhat close as well, but, Renata was a different story. With precision, the Firestone's magic spun far off into the space between them and their destination. Who ever had used such power was certainly good at it. The path lay before Kail'tor plainly, and for that, the Centaur was grateful. With a low rhythmic voice he spoke softly, as if in question to the very earth on which they stood. The stone about his neck suddenly pulsed with an amber light and the blood stains upon the creature's sward faded, swallowed up in yet another glow of white brilliance. Before him, the earth opened up, falling away, as if into an endless abyss. As the dirt crumbled around the ever growing pit, within the darkness, shapes began to come into focus. Soon the darkened color changed to clear blue, with small, puffy, white objects meandering across. Trees also lined the rim of the hole, inverted like a pool's reflection of the very forest they all stood in. But unlike a mirror of water, there were no ripples, and the scene looked slightly different. Another place, similar, but not identical, peered up at them from the earth. The portal Laural had wished for now stood open before them, ready to be entered. It's clear now. Your friend has been taken by one who holds the Firestone. The Centaur said, opening his eyes and looking at the two. Earth portals are somewhat different. You should go through head first. Climbing out is safer than jumping in, especially sense this is your first try. He indicated how, though the portal was below them, it pointed upward toward it's destination. Often, this change in direction, proved disorienting. The Centaur had seen many a brave man plunge into an earth portal, only to fall on their face on the other side. This is where your friend exited the fire rift. With any luck, she'll be close by. Though, I suppose that depends on how long she's been away. He paused for a moment, thinking of their next course of action. Looking at Laural briefly, he added slowly. It may be dangerous to go alone. I do not know where this portal has opened. All I know is that this is where your friend ended up. Keeping a firm hold on the sward's hilt, Kail'tor looked upward, as if something else had caught his attention. Rune glided slowly toward them and found rest on a near by rock. He eyed the gathering suspiciously before flitting up to his master's shoulder. I could go with you, if you wish. Or, Rune could accompany you. He said, indicating the hawk upon his shoulder. He's a good tracker and a loyal companion. Edited by Amaurea, Apr 5 2014, 01:54 AM.
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Apr 5 2014, 04:21 PM Post #67 |
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Laurel stared in awe at the Earth-portal. With her Treestone she had felt the displacement of every blade of grass. She wondered what the other end of the portal might look like. It had been many hours since Renata's disappearance--was she accompanied by someone through the portal, as well? Would they still be nearby? How much longer would she be searching through this new place. Kail'tor spoke again. I could go with you, if you wish. Or, Rune could accompany you. He said, indicating the hawk upon his shoulder. He's a good tracker and a loyal companion. Laurel locked eyes with the hawk. She felt a bolstering of confidence in the andefelde's generous offer. Moraenor stepped forward. Laurel, I could go with you-- She held up a hand to stop him. No; Renae needs protection. From whom? Moraenor asked, drawing back in confusion. Laurel was gripping her Treestone, which was filling her mind with alarm and apprehension--though the source remained unclear. I do not know, Moraenor, but this much is certain: whatever is coming, this village will need your protection, she looked up at Kail'tor. Both of you. I will accept your offer of the hawk to find my friend. Perhaps we might find a way to return here when we are reunited. She returned her gaze on the portal below. I am ready. Rune lifted from Kail'tor's shoulder and plunged into the portal with a cry. Slowly and carefully, Laurel followed, headfirst as Kail'tor instructed. As soon as her boots vanished below the surface, the grass closed over them, and Laurel was gone. |
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| Amaurea | Apr 6 2014, 04:21 PM Post #68 |
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Andolla
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At Laural's acceptance of the Hawk, Kail'tor looked at the creature and spoke a string of words to it, before allowing him to fly off. Silently, the Centaur stood, watching both enter the portal carefully. Once Laural was gone, Kail'tor removed his blade from the ground, and the portal slowly filled in with earth once more, leaving a ring of barren earth behind. Quickly, he placed his sword on his back, momentarily forgetting the wound on his arm. Flinching and grunting in pain, Kail'tor dropped both hands to his sides and eyed the wrapped appendage with disdain. He hated being injured or weakened in any form. But there wasn't anything to be done about it. Shaking his head, the creature looked over at the elder Elf and nodded reassuringly, holding the Earthstone in his hand. Don't worry. Because it was the Earthstone which transported Laural, I can easily keep track of her, especially sense she holds another stone of magic. He felt some tension though, at the girl's last words, and peered around cautiously. Settling on the next course of action, he let the Earthstone drop against his chest again and cast his eyes toward the village, a searching gleam in them. Laural's friend went through alone, which means the one who holds the Firestone is still here. I feel it. The stone is close bye. Perhaps we should find them. They should know exactly where they sent Renata, and where Laural is right now. Pausing, he suddenly realized once more, how different he looked from the others around him. Of course, the matter of appearance didn't bother him, but he was certain, it would bother other people. These towns folk were simple and his presence might cause them to stress. Though, given the matter at hand, the lives of two people depended on a little discomfort. Besides, the danger Laural had spoken off, Kail'tor felt it too, vague and dark. Though he could not put his hoof on it, he had learned not to doubt the word of someone, no matter their appearance of standing. Maybe the Firestone's holder was more malicious than he first thought. He doubted the threat was the dark archer and her griffin. During the light of day, they'd not dare show themselves, and if they did, they would make easy targets. This was much bigger, and perhaps linked to the warning in the stars. Edited by Amaurea, Apr 6 2014, 04:24 PM.
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Apr 7 2014, 01:06 AM Post #69 |
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Moraenor glanced back toward Renae, whose residents seemed to have forgotten about the odd pair of extraterrestrial strangers in their midst. He shouldered his bow. Thinking of Renata reminded him of her father, Jeroham. He wondered if time ran differently here than it did on Murinda; had Jeroham or Athelron noticed their absence, or would they return (if they discovered a method of returning) at exactly the moment at which they left? The sliver-haired Elf shook his head; who would have ever expected Moraenor, First Lieutenant of the Andarian Royal Guard, to be pondering methods of off-world travel--much less on a different world than the one he normally occupied? How was such travel possible? What magic brought them here? He watched Kail'tor warily. The large being had been nothing but gentle and gracious since he first stumbled into Renae, but there was still something that prevented him from trusting the andefelde completely--and it had nothing to do with his size. Somehow Moraenor felt that, since indeed Kail'tor seemed to be a soldier like himself, he would not be very forthcoming with his past, or the nature of this world, which seemed very secluded. Moraenor wondered how big Terrarum actually was. Just how far away were the two women who were supposed to be under his care and protection? Very well, he said to Kail'tor. Where shall we start? He pointed to a wide thicket of trees with plenty of shadows nearby. That seems like a likely place for someone to hide. From the cliffs above the two soldiers, Credna watched. She had felt the sensation in her Firestone when the Earthstone had activated, and she had seen the maiden and the hawk enter it. Being an Earth-portal, she knew it could not possibly reach exactly the same point as her Fire-portal of the night before, but would the two companions at least be close? Credna dimly wondered if her little stunt had accomplished its purpose. The soldiers were dispersing now. At this distance, she could not tell if they were searching for their compatriots or for her, but Credna knew how to keep herself hidden. She removed the Firestone from around her neck and placed it in a pouch at her waist. Having done this, all that remained was to watch and see what might happen next. |
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| Amaurea | Apr 27 2014, 04:34 PM Post #70 |
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Andolla
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The Centaur nodded in agreement to the elf and turned his searching eyes toward the thicket of trees. Thankfully night still lingered off in the distance, and his eyes were keen. But the stone also played a role in finding their missing magic user, and it pointed in a different direction. Kail'tor focused on it mentally, still keeping his eyes on the treeline for any movement. Nearly at an exact location he lost the connection with the Firestone and the trail went cold. For a moment the creature creased his brow in annoyance. The firestone felt so close, as if it were right on top of them, and then nothing. Perhaps that really was where the stone resided presently. Knowing the Elf's eyes were sharper than his own, Kail'tor turned to Moraenor, and spoke cautiously. Let us inter the thicket as if we were searching, but let us also keep our eyes the mountains. I feel that is where the firestone was just before I lost it's presence. Perhaps they wouldn't find their target, but it would be a start. Even still, perhaps the target might reveal themselves if they didn't think others were looking for them. Glancing around, Kail'tor paced slowly into the thicket of trees, ever casting cautious side ways glances toward the rising cliffs. |
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Apr 28 2014, 03:04 PM Post #71 |
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Moraenor wondered at the large being's suspicious nature. Just how reliable were these "magic stones" anyway? The only magic he knew of was the rumored Dark Magic--and that never ended well. Did Athelron have any inkling that the necklace he sent to Laurel would place her in such peril? He cast a glance up in the mountains, where Kail'tor indicated, but he saw nothing. Something in his intuition kept tugging him toward the thicket, as if the ones he sought were there, just beyond his perception, waiting for him to find them. Moraenor stopped by a tree; was it his imagination, or did he actually see faint traces of a boot print down at its base? Moraenor bent closer to inspect. It was not a boot print... but it still made the pointed tips of his ears tingle with heightened alertness. It was a paw print as big as his hand. Moraenor stood quickly. Kail'tor, he asked, Did you happen to observe our battle with the strange wolves earlier? I must ask you something: are such creatures common to this area? |
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| Amaurea | Apr 28 2014, 05:14 PM Post #72 |
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Andolla
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I've seen wolves before... The Centaur replied, turning his eyes toward the Elf. He let his gaze drop to the ground where Moraenor had stooped and pondered for a moment. But the ones you fought in the field were larger, and more feral than most. Once again he peered up through the treetops, toward the cliffs. Their missing stone holder had probably fled the scene, and now the Elven man drew his attention back to the strange struggle earlier the day before. It was another sign of the warning he'd seen, another piece of the puzzle. He put his hand on the trunk of a tree for a moment, closing his eyes in a pondering manner. There were laws about these things once. Invisible barriers instilled deep within the fabric of this world. He looked directly at Moraenor. I've never seen anything attack a unicorn, much less a beast of the field. He looked down at his bandaged arm and furrowed his brow, muttering almost to himself. And I suppose the Drow are active again. For decades the dark skinned elven people had lived among themselves, largely ignoring the greater world and, subsequently, being largely ignored by it. They weren't innately evil as a race, but their hearts were easily by the love of darker things. Kail'tor wasn't comfortable with the thought of them relieving themselves at large, especially sense such things could easily be noted as an omen. Also, the wolves' odd behavior continued to settle in the back of his mind. The division between creatures and races was starting to collapse, and whereas some might see it as a change for the better, Kail'tor knew darkness had a way of twisting such changes for it's own gains. If they feel bold enough to attack pure creatures like yesterday, they may find enough hubris to attack a village. Edited by Amaurea, Apr 28 2014, 09:11 PM.
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | May 24 2014, 04:24 PM Post #73 |
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Moraenor whirled around as a sharp gasp reached his ear. A hooded figure carrying a milk-white staff stepped out from behind a tree. Tara? Moraenor frowned in confusion. What are you doing here? The woman cast a furtive glance at Kail'tor as she threw her hood back. I saw her... the human, your friend... I saw her disappear last night. I don't know where she went, but-- she stopped and looked around. Where is the other, the Elf-maiden with the Treestone? Moraenor fought to keep his frustration in check. Kail'tor sent her in pursuit of our friend--the one you saw. Tell me more about that: did you see the one who took her away? Perhaps that will help us figure out where she went. Tara blinked. You mean you sent Laurel away with no particular idea where she had to go? Moraenor suddenly realized that Tara had a white gem embedded in her staff that looked an awful lot like the green one Laurel had, which she had called the Treestone. How could we have any particular idea? Kail'tor said she would follow Renata's location. But there's no way he could have known that, either, Tara snorted. She directed her attention to the centaur. You had better hope she is equipped with whatever she needs to defend herself wherever she lands. I am surprised you didn't take into account that a Stone of a different element will naturally have a different exit point. Only two Stones whose bearers work in conjunction will reach the same point. But that is beside the point now; we have other matters to discuss.... such as the impending invasion of Renae? What more can you tell me of that, Star-Gazer? |
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| Amaurea | May 28 2014, 11:46 PM Post #74 |
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Andolla
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Kail'tor started at the sound and jerked his head toward the newcomer. Initially he thought she was lost, but when Moraenor exclaimed her name and they continued talking, the Centaur figured they knew each other. More so, the elven man seemed surprised to see her. How then did she suddenly appear. The creature's sharper eyes were instantly drawn to her stone and for a moment he peered at it, sensing it's high magic. His own, heavy stone quavered against his chest such that he wasn't really aware of the conversation until directly mentioned. A puzzled look placed itself on Kail'tor's face. He tilted his head and peered at both elven people. Moraenor hadn't seemed apposed to the idea of Laural venturing into the Earth portal. Indeed, the Centaur would have gladly gone had the elven girl not requested he stay here. He sighed and looked down at the ground and the paw prints once more. Elves... They were like abstract poetry. No one understood them but themselves. Wishing to speak up and defend himself, Kail'tor figured that hearing both elves out was the best option. He stood now, facing the two of them, looking down at them patiently, without a word. Then the woman asked her question and the Centaur spoke, tempered stress carefully held back from his tone. I believe the young elven girl to be capable of many challenges. I watched her fight, quite strongly against several large wolves yesterday. I commend who ever oversaw her upbringing. Pausing, he considered educating the woman about the connection each stone had to the other, however, he'd been asked a question. Best answer it. As for the attack on this town, that was a detail shared to me by Laural herself. Before you arrived, Moraenor and I were discussing the wolves' strange behavior. I'm not certain, but they may have a role to play in this. Though, something much larger and powerful could, quite possibly be the threat she spoke of as well. I don't have all the answers. Kail'tor said solemnly and reached to grasp the hilt of his long sword. But I do have the power to protect those that need it. |
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Jun 2 2014, 12:07 AM Post #75 |
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High up in the cliffs above the forest, Credna heard the whole conversation, thanks to the marvelous acoustics of the rocks. A chill ran down her spine. Wolves? Here? Her eyes scanned the menacing peaks frantically. The Seer never told her about wolves. How would she withstand a creature she had never laid eyes on? Credna, fearing for her safety, picked her way along the concealed ridge. She had fulfilled her duty; surely the Seer would bring her away in the same manner he had sent her, and not leave her to face an unknown enemy. Meanwhile, in the woods below, Moraenor had turned his whole attention to Tara. I see you have one of those Stones everyone seems so keen on, he remarked; the use of magic was always frowned upon in the Andarian army. He was a man of weapons and battle, ill-suited for matters of diplomacy or strategy. He knew how to follow orders and use hand-crafted weapons to defeat an enemy, not the unseen forces that were so often used for evil or came to no good. Tell me, what is going on here? Laurel is my ward, I was commanded to guard her with my life... an order I cannot very well obey if I don't know where the blazes she is! Were you the one who brought us here? Your elder, Gand, certainly had very little to say on the matter. Tara sighed. All in good time, Sir Moraenor; I have been--informed, she pronounced the word with trepidation; her source was rarely wrong, but might he be mistaken in this instance? that there is a greater role for your friends to play in the great danger that threatens all of Terrarum. Truly, I don't know any more about the matter of the Stones than you do. I only know that at night, the moon and stars have voices, and they were never clearer or louder than they have been since you and the maiden appeared. Kail'tor, she addressed the centaur suddenly, using his name for the first time. You are looking much better than the last time we spoke. You have mentioned many times that there is a danger coming. I had told you that I knew a bit more of the situation than what the earth could tell you--and then the Griffon attacked. She looked around her. Since we are in no immediate danger, perhaps we might sit down and hear what each other has to say? |
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| Amaurea | Jun 11 2014, 01:09 AM Post #76 |
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Andolla
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Perhaps, if the woman wasn't too busy worrying in her own mind, she might hear a strange, almost crying sound from beyond the next outcropping of rock. Perhaps, even still, if Credna conquered her fear and peered over the next outcropping of rock, she might see a large creature, adorned with black shining feathers. The Griffin held all the marks of an injured beast. The sword slash across it's chest, as well as the other marks inflicted upon it by the Centaru were all too visible. Looking up at the woman with large yellow eyes, the creature opened it's beak and lifted it's head, letting out a mournful pathetic cry before flopping it's massive feathery bulk back on the dusty ground. Flinching a little, in an exaggerated manner, Thell extended his left, sword slashed wing, and let it drop to the ground like a limp tulip. The creature's unblinking eyes were pitiful, begging for some kind of aid. Kail'tor's head snapped toward the woman as she spoke of the voices she heard, and their amplification when the elven strangers appeared in this land. Suddenly, her responses seemed illusive and almost deceitful. His eyes narrowed on the glinting stone balanced atop her staff and he went rigid. And then you left. He said, tensely. His left, bandaged arm flinched, almost subconsciously, drawing his attention to it. Briefly, he was thankful. Something almost savage had stirred in his mind when he'd listened to the woman and looked at her stone. Perhaps it was a thin strand of envy. He couldn't tell. What ever it had been, the Centaur figured it best to avoid the thought. After a sigh, Kail'tor cleared his throat and addressed the questions given him. As Moraenor pointed out, the wolves in the field were acting strangely. Appearances of ancient evils are starting to become visible again. The earth trembles. Putting a large right hand over the earth stone, Kail'tor shook his head, holding the stone up. These are instruments of magic, and powerful ones at that. They will have a profound role in the outcome of this age. I don't have many details, but I do know that we must protect the good in this world more fervently than ever before. He felt a strange shift suddenly. Looking up, the Centaur noticed the sun making it's downwardly journey to the other side of the planet. The ground quavered under him, but he was sure, no one else could feel it. Dropping the stone to his chest, he looked down at the woman and the elf. This town is a good place to start. The drow, and her companion who attacked us last night are sure to be back. If we're lucky, she didn't bring friends. He didn't want to wait on a response from them, espically from Reema. Moraenor had trusted him, and for that he was grateful. Kail'tor would much rather converse with the elf than anyone else here, right now. Giving a side ways glance at them, he slowly picked his way out of the thicket of trees and toward the village. The notion of what the towns folk would think of a massive Centaur approaching the town gate, faded quickly from Kail'tor's mind. This night, he could feel, would be a very long one. Soon, A voice slipped from under the darkened hood. Shadows stretched themselves long upon the valley below, and just as the word was spoken, soon those shadows would be long enough to travel upon. soon those shadows would cover the whole countryside. Karn'Orgall stood atop a gnarled crag, good eye glued to a spyglass. The tight muscled, 6'4 Drow collapsed the telescope and handed it off to another officer, obviously impatient to start the battle. Those 70 or so equally impatient Drow stood behind him, their glinting obsidian armor protected from the sun's harsh light by the cold shroud of the cliff face. In just a few more hours this awful tension could brake and they could leave another town in cinders, joining those that had fallen before. Edited by Amaurea, Jul 7 2014, 04:24 PM.
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Jul 8 2014, 02:43 PM Post #77 |
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Moraenor followed the two back into Renae. From the way the two beings shared glances, he sensed a sort of history between them. But he put that out of his mind in favor of other matters. Tara, he murmured, What is a Drow? Reema winced; the Stones could detect falsehood, and her Moonstone sent a jolt down the shaft of her staff at the use of her pseudonym. All will be revealed in its time, she reassured no one but herself, since the matter occurred in her thoughts. She glanced at the centaur; could he hear the thoughts, through their connection because of the Stones? Reema shook her head; Moraenor had asked a question. They do not have Drow among the Elvenkind on your world? Moraenor shrugged. As a soldier and a refugee, I never had much cause to consort with beings outside my own race. You say Drow are much like Elves, then? Reema nodded. As dark as the Fae are fair, it is said. They are creatures of pure evil, bred for dark things, thriving in shadow. Moraenor nodded. There is a creature nearly like that on Murinda. The Hiromorn, with claws and features of a wolf, but standing upright like an elf. Under the influence of-- he caught himself at the memory of Gwynnaloreth, --of someone very powerful in the Dark Arts, they acquired the power of speech and the ability to wield weapons, and became instruments of... of the dark. Reema studied the elf intently. She wondered what about this "dark One" could have disturbed him so--but she knew better than to press the matter. All would be revealed in its time. Drow are more like Elves than beasts, she explained, and they are very skilled in battle. We folk of Renae could use a soldier to help us plan for the defense of our town. Moraenor signaled his acceptance with a nod. I will do my best to help in any way I can. In the cliffs of the valley, Credna still remained. Had the Seer forgotten about her? She knew she had no fear of Drow, for with her Firestone she could summon such light as to leave no shadow for them to cling to. But if they were to overtake the sanctuary of Renae.... The young firemaiden began to realize that perhaps the young girl with the hair of flame had not been the sole objective of her mission after all. She carefully positioned herself within sight of the town. Let the Drow come. She would be ready to defend and aid these ones. |
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| Tasha the Gypsy | Jul 14 2014, 04:37 PM Post #78 |
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Annabella glanced up from the full bucket of water she had just drawn from the well. She watched as the group of strangers re-entered the town, this time accompanied by a hulking creature. Her brilliant blue eyes widened, and her face turned even more pale than its normal light cream color. She had heard of centaurs before; they were very common in the legends and myth told to young children of Renae, but she never thought they were real. She backed slowly away from the edge of the well, leaving her bucket behind as she turned and quickly darted towards the house of Gand. "Elder Gand, elder Gand!" She called, almost hammering on the door, "Come see th--" She began, but fell forward into the arms of the elder as the door opened more quickly than she was expecting. "Bella, what's wrong?" Gand asked, setting the young woman back on her feet. Bella wordlessly pointed towards the group that was just inside the gates, "Look; a centaur..." She breathed as a delighted expression began spreading across her face. The initial shock was beginning to wear off, and she suddenly realized that she was looking at a creature she had never thought she would know outside of the tales she had been told when she was little. Gand had a more serious expression as he took her hand and began to head towards the magnificent centaur. "Let us see what he wants then, shall we?" he asked, seeing that Bella would like nothing better than to get closer, though she was too shy to go by herself. Edited by Tasha the Gypsy, Jul 14 2014, 04:39 PM.
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| Amaurea | Jul 18 2014, 11:14 PM Post #79 |
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Andolla
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Thel, the griffin, seeing that his plea for help had been so rudely ignored, got up the motivation to search for the object of his recently conjured disdain. Prowling around the rocks like a silent hunter, the large creature almost seemed fluid as he stalked Credna. For such a large beast, he was surprisingly silent, even though most of the time he was too lazy to care. Obviously I'edra, his Drow companion wasn't too far behind. If she was, Thel didn't much mind. Perhaps she'd be pleased with him if he caught the stone holder for her. Maybe she'd even give him something to eat, or a day off, or even a chance to attack those little wagons he saw on the road from time to time...but he doubted it. Kail'tor, followed closely by the woman, Reema, and the distinguished elf Moraenor, paced through the village without so much as a glance to either side of him. His vivid eyes had settled upon someone he sensed was the leader of this small town. He didn't want to waste time, especially with introductions and formalities. You, The Centuar spoke to Gand with urgency behind his already compelling voice. If you are the guardian of this village, know this. A vicious attack is coming as sure as nightfall. I highly suggest setting up defenses and getting those unable to defend themselves, to safety. He spared a glance at the sky and shook his head. Time was abandoning them too quickly. If only he'd of payed attention sooner, rather than arguing about portals with some young human. Kail'tor almost snorted at the thought. Perhaps he might have had more time to prepare. As it stood, the situation lingered over them like a threatening black cloud. We don't have much time. Anyone who can wield a weapon should. I'm certain you've heard of Drow before.... but I'm not sure you've ever seen one of them. He paused and frowned. The earth lurched under his hooves.... or several. It had been a long time sense he knew something so clearly. The attack was imminent. Turning swiftly, Kail'tor's years as a military commander started to push back to the surface. Take your women and children to safety, and those of you who can, defend your home! He bellowed, drawing his two handed long sword with a reverberating metallic ring. Turning swiftly to Moraenor Kail'tor addressed the elf. Drow are quick, and some like to slip in while battle rages. I sense the warrior in you. Your experience will prove invaluable. He spoke with respect, almost like addressing an equal, which, to a Centaur, was truly a great honor. Extending his arm outward, Kail'tor indicated the low, but very helpful wall which embraced the town, perhaps to keep out wolves and the like. It would be their best line of defense. He suddenly flinched and gripped the magical stone around his neck. Begrudgingly he looked over to Reema and peered down at her. You should feel that. You know, as well as I that it takes something truly dark to bring a race like the Drow together under a common banner. The antithesis of what you are. Be cautious. It took a special person to wield the stone Reema carried. But Kail'tor felt something of an opposing nature drawing near. The woman would certainly feel it also, forces fighting, clashing right in front of her, invisible to anyone else, but all too real to the both of them. The planet couldn't rotate too quickly for Karn. As the true shade of night draped over him, the Drow commander threw back his hood and smiled grimly, observing his men. before him, a soldier pored a line of dark black powder before a row of tense archers. The stage was being set. Act 1 was about to begin. Karn'Orgall turned in a flurry of black robes and glinting metallic armor. The smile faded into an impassive flat line and he gazed hard at the little town, just now experiencing the fingertips of night's shadow. Let it rain fire. Fire ripped between the shaded Drow and his archers. In unison fifty arrows lit ablaze and in unison fifty bow strings twanged, announcing the arrival of their intended projectiles. The stars fell on Renae, and after that, another volley of flaming projectiles, then a third. But it was all just a distraction. As the Centaur said, the other Drow followed night's hand and darted across the plains, hardly seen, hardly heard- until they reached the wall. |
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"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares" | |
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| The Inkweaver | Jul 19 2014, 01:58 AM Post #80 |
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Credna swept back in alarm as the flames blazed out. Her Firestone crackled, pulling her toward the flames. Heat radiated from the stone and enveloped her body. Like an ashen ember, Credna spread her cloak and yielded herself to the movement of the wind. Flapping the edges of her cloak like the wings of a bat, Credna focused the wave of heat from her body to overwhelm that of the burning arrows. One by one, the shafts disintegrated into ash and the flames died where they struck. There would be no burning of Renae tonight. Encouraged, Credna rose on the gust of wind and flew on tongues of fire till she settled on a mountain peak nearer to the town to see what the Drow or the defenders would do next. Down in the town (minutes before the first strike of arrows fell), Moraenor oversaw the readiness of the people. He nodded to Gand respectfully, as if to apologize for his earlier rudeness and recognize his authority over the people. He turned back to the motley assortment of farmers and craftsmen that populated Renae. They held pitchforks, staves, spears—only about half of them were armed with any sort of projectile weapons, such as slings, arrows, and javelins. Drow were fast, Kail’tor had warned. They would need to impede their progress as quickly as possible, for as long as possible. Let those with spears and pitchforks ready themselves at the wall, he ordered. Archers, if there are any sturdy roofs in the town, climb upon these so that you will be able to make the longest shot possible. Those with slings may stand among the rest, who will be their shield. Let anything flat—tables, doors, whatever you can find—be set up as a barricade in front of the slingers. Those of you who do not have the skill to fight may work at keeping the archers and the slingers supplied with ammunition. Kail’tor, Tara and I will be in charge of an offensive strike if the Drow withstand this onslaught. Moraenor hesitated, then nodded to confirm he had finished. He could not think of anything further to say—but would the plans he had already made be enough? Tara stepped forward, the bright-white stone embedded in her staff crackling with energy. I know there are those among you with knowledge of magic, she said. Let any spell-workers come forward and offer their abilities—no matter how insignificant they may seem. Remember the ancient saying, ‘A pebble may yet stem the tide of an ocean.’ Every small part helps! The Elf and the woman waited side by side for several tense minutes. Tentatively, a voice came from the back of the crowd. I can make objects light and then heavy again, a man called. Moraenor kept his face passive, but inside, he grimaced; what good was a spell like that, unless the Drow were attempting to change money or barter goods? Tara was unfazed. You, sir, shall be posted near the front of the town. When you see the arrows leave the bows, make them light, so that their flight will be far and swift. When they reach the enemy, make them heavy again, that the decline of their stroke will inflict the most damage. It is good, my friends! Who else has something that could help us? |
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