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| Oblation; Part 1: Scorwitch | |
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| Topic Started: Feb 6 2012, 12:03 AM (474 Views) | |
| Volksgeist | Feb 24 2012, 12:10 AM Post #31 |
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"The Child they had was not a child of Scorwitch. It was one of our own. They were preparing its baptismal rights in the way of the old gods." Edon spoke quietly, as if what she was saying was a secret that had been guarded for centuries with a thick mystique surrounding it. "Witchknife in hand, the witches make small slices on their pointer fingers. Using their own blood, they anoint the child with ancient symbols so that they might learn quickly, be steadfast in their spiritual strength, and so that the magic of the old gods might live within them. Do you know how old I am, Darieal?" The girl looked at Darieal with her cool gray eyes. She looked down at the witch blade and then back up at Darieal. "I am nearly half a century old. Children are not born to witches very often, and when they are they are sickly and small. When they are anointed through the ancient rituals, they are made strong with magics far beyond your imagination. A side effect, more or less, is that we age much more slowly than humans do in a bodily manner. Our minds are vast and ever-learning, but our bodies are simply frail husks for our spirits. That babe I carried was the one my mother sought to anoint with the sisters, and it was your fellow Templar who disturbed the ritual. When they came after them, my mother guarded the twins, and while one of them was caught almost instantly, the other was able to flee far enough and hide the babe within the brushes near a cavern sacred to us. It was there that I found it and witnessed what I did. Your Templars raped the witches you burned, Darieal. I watched as the sisters were raped first, their clothes torn from them, the vestments of the old gods thrown as rags into the mud. Then, they turned on my mother, and I watched as they raped her as well. Spoils of war, to them, a Holy War that does not exist. I kept the babe quiet and hid as well. I was in the rushes when you burned my mother and the other witches, but they saw it not as an end, but a new beginning. Once free of our material shells, witches can are able to take other forms, Darieal. You merely provided them with an escape from the mortal coil. We are bound to not seek such escapes ourselves, or suffer the same end as the high god of old. Then I found you. The babe was unbaptized, and I planned to do it myself at the grave of the sisters and my mother, and yet you were there. So, instead, I followed you. You might be a good man, Darieal, but, you belong to a religion that is as young as a babe and as stupid as a mule, with the instincts of a lustful and wrathful animal. And the Mistmen, the ones in league with your 'God of Ghosts' as they call him, took perhaps the last witch child to be born within this wood, and to where I do not know. No one does, no one has but one man, and as I said he is presumed dead. So now, scold me Darieal." |
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| Flynn The Rambler | Feb 24 2012, 01:13 AM Post #32 |
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I Get things Done, by being Big and being Bad.
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Darieal paused and looked down at Edon. He was mad. The things she was saying were wrong, wrong to be done of a templar, and wrong in general. The thought that the other Templars raped the women, continued to burn in his mind. It was not something that was allowed. It was not something that was right. He turned and looked off into the wood. His large fists clenched with rage, he took off his helm and threw it in frustration, down at the ground. He then let out a sigh, and picked it back up. He cleaned it off, and replaced it on his head. He just stood there, breathing for a moment. He let his anger pass, allowing himself to think clearly. He then turned and looked back at the "child" and spoke to her in a calm tone. I apologize for that outburst. The thought of that, angers me... deeply.. He paused and let out another sigh. I have heard of such... atrocities being committed. I have just recently returned from the Orient. Hunting down those that would commit such crimes, and returning their souls to the gods. I never knew this about your kind. I find it odd, and wrong at the same time. Though I find what they did worse. He shook his head and kicked into the ground a little. Why are you telling me this then witch? Why share such things? Are they not secrets... and what makes you think I am a good man? How can you tell I am not any different from the others? He paced back and forth. He was getting angry again. Though his curiosity was really starting to tug at him, he wanted to know more about the witches, but now he was fearful and very sad at what he had heard transpired. |
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| Volksgeist | Feb 24 2012, 01:31 AM Post #33 |
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Edon watched Darieal's outburst with cool eyes. When he apologized and sighed, she nodded that it was okay, perhaps even that she agreed with the sentiment. She listened quietly while Darieal explained his returning from the Orient and how he had hunted The Tainted, the Templars who broke their oaths and were exiled. When he spoke of it feeling odd and wrong, Edon nodded in agreement. Then he began to ask questions. She waited patiently for him to question and then watched as he paced for a short while. Then, she responded: "You are a good man, Darieal, because I watched as my mother spoke to you. You were the one to set into motion the prophecy we have handed down for hundreds of years about the resurgence of our old gods. She told you that they were given the babe to sacrifice because she knew that she must die and that the sisters must die for it to be set into motion. Without their deaths, Darieal, you and I would not have come together. I can tell you are a good man because she spoke to you. Not you your captain, and not to the others, but to you. I can see your fervor for your calling, but one day, your belief in your gods will be shaken. You will be the first to see the old gods rise, and I shall be by your side. I did not know it was my destiny, but I have accepted it. It is yours as well. The prophecy is vague, and there is not time that it covers specifically, but it has begun. In my eyes, you are a good man. The old gods will bring a rightness long lost back to Peleras, but for now, we must bide our time as the prophecy slowly unravels. Darieal, I wish to accompany you wherever you go. I appear as a child and I know how to hold my tongue, but I am a witch and I have powers that most do not. Perhaps I can help you if you need help, teach you more of the witches and our clans and our customs. After all, for all I know, I am perhaps the last of my clan, perhaps the last of all of the witches. And the babe, perhaps he will show up again some day. He is of witch blood too, after all, and there are inherent properties that serve to save us in dire need. Regardless, I think the time has come to return. Need you any more answers?" Edon waited patiently for his reply. |
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| Flynn The Rambler | Feb 24 2012, 04:38 PM Post #34 |
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I Get things Done, by being Big and being Bad.
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Darieal listend to Edon, he had walked over and taken a seat on the large rock near by. He nodded and payed attention to her words. He removed his helm, and placed a hand on his chin. He then ran a hand though his hair, he was confused and it showed. He coughed a little bit to clear his throat, then waited for her to finish speaking, a small smile came across his lips. So, a Templar, and a 100 year old witch child... following your gods destiny? Sounds like a wives tale. He shook his head and chuckled to himself. He then stood and looked down at her. If I thought this was all real, how would you even be able to stay with me? I am a templar and in their eyes you are an orphan. Also, what makes you think I would want you to follow Edon? After all you are tearing down all I believe in. Heh, its quite the odd situation. He shook his head and walked over towards her, despite his size he never used it to loom over her or act larger than her. He crossed his arms and waited to see what she had to say.
Edited by Flynn The Rambler, Feb 24 2012, 04:39 PM.
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| Volksgeist | Feb 24 2012, 04:44 PM Post #35 |
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Edon looked up at Darieal. "Half a century, I am but forty eight years. And yes, it does, but all Wive's Tales are grounded in truth. If you were to realize that what I speak is true, you could leave on your own and take me with you. And I do not know that you want me to follow, but I do know that it is what is supposed to be. Whether your take me with you is one thing, whether I follow you is another. I mean not to tear your beliefs, but rather to uncloud them. And, all life is odd Darieal, especially in the times to come." |
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| Flynn The Rambler | Feb 24 2012, 04:52 PM Post #36 |
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I Get things Done, by being Big and being Bad.
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Darieal stood and looked at Edon, he shook his head. He was confused, he wanted to get to the truth behind this, but he was afraid of leaving the Templars. He had no idea as what he should do. He only knew the life of a Templar, he feared the thought of becoming a.... Tainted. He paced for a few seconds, then looked back at her. Well, I make no decisions here, let us head to ScorWitch, either way, we need to head back there... You wish me to carry you? He kneeled down in case she rather not walk on the hard ground in bare feet. |
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| Volksgeist | Feb 24 2012, 04:58 PM Post #37 |
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Edon chuckled and replied: "No. I will walk." The search for Scorwitch was not a long one. The thinly worn path led to a junction with another path, a path that was well-used by hunters from Scorwitch and other surrounding villages. The followed the hunting path for what seemed like perhaps an hour or two, and finally the crawling smoke of the village of Scorwitch was visible on the horizon. When they were almost to the point of entry, Edon stopped and looked at Darieal. "I will remain within the brush. You go speak to your commander. Come get me when you wish to leave. I advise you not to stay. If you do, the other Templars intend to use you to find the bones of the witches and desecrate the grave. I have seen it. Hurry now." Edon darted into the bushes. Moments after entering Scorwitch, Darieal was called into the tent of the commander. The Captain of the Templars was alone within the tent, and when Darieal entered, he rose from his seat: "What happened last night, Darieal? We thought you might have died" |
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| Flynn The Rambler | Feb 24 2012, 05:06 PM Post #38 |
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I Get things Done, by being Big and being Bad.
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Darieal nodded at Edon, he wanted to ask more questions, but he let it go. He was so confused, torn between his belief and his curiosity. His foundation of the Templars was also quite shaken. He shook his head and continued into town, he walked into his commanders tent. Darieal at first wanted to tell him everything, but... he caught himself. A Thick fog rolled into the woods, some wolves chased me into a cave where i held out for the night. Once dawn came I moved back out, once I could see the paths. He stood there with his hands behind his back. He waited for the questions that were sure to come, he also wondered if they would ask where the grave was... the thought of them Wanting to desecrate a grave... made his blood boil. |
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| Volksgeist | Feb 24 2012, 05:46 PM Post #39 |
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"Ah, yes. Surely it is nice to see you well and in one piece then. Well, as you know, Darieal, are business is almost done here. However, it seems that you are needed in The City of Four as promptly as possible. They intend to have a tourney soon, as it seems Titus the Valorous, the last of the original Four Thrones, passed away but a short time ago. With the influx of people from all over Peleras, no doubt people will be vying to get into the High Temple and pray to the High Pantheon for honor in battle and safe travels when they return home. That is where you come in, Darieal. You are from The City of Four, and though you belong to one of the smaller High Temples, they have requested that we send our most apt Templar to help guard it. I have chosen you. After your performance yestereve, I can scarcely count anyone as trustworthy and loyal to the Templars as you. Therefore, I wish for you to depart as soon as possible. Gather your things and ride on your own to The City. It will be quicker if you go on your own by way of Shadefall." The Captain clapped a hand on Darieal's shoulder. "Do not worry about leaving us, Darieal. We will remain only a few days longer to search for more of those heretics within the brush. Then, we too shall return to The City to show our allegiance to the Four Thrones. Now, go and ride swiftly." The Captain escorted Darieal out of his tent and pointed him toward the tent where Darieal had been staying by himself. All that was left was to gather his things and take care of any business he felt he had left. |
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| Flynn The Rambler | Feb 24 2012, 09:20 PM Post #40 |
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I Get things Done, by being Big and being Bad.
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Darieal looked at the captain, nodded and gave him a smile. Inside he was wracked with turmoil. He was someone how held the Templar values high, and lying to the captain hurt him. He did not deserve the honor of guarding the temple. Thank you Captain He said quickly. He made his way over to his tent and began to gather all of his things. He didnt have much, but they were all important. He made his was toward his horse, then once it was saddled he mounted it and rode back over to the bush where Edon had hid. He waited for her, contemplating the thought of just simply leaving her behind. |
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| Volksgeist | Feb 24 2012, 10:34 PM Post #41 |
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Edon came out of the bushes and hopped onto the horse. She was dressed now, not unlike a young boy. She was wearing earthen-colored trousers, a black tunic, a leather belt, and a black cloak. There was a small scabbard on the belt but the bottom had been cut off, leaving it no more than a loop in which to shove a knife. She had precariously slipped the Witchknife through the loop and it hung on her hip limply, humming and glowing as usual. She muttered something about stealing the clothes from behind the home of an inhabitant of Scorwitch and then urged Darieal on. They would ride all through the night and would soon reach Shadefall. From Shadefall, they would move through Ashwick into the Cinderpeak Mountains and to the Crescent Gate. Once there, they would have some kinks to work out. Darieal was filled with a sense of foreboding, as if his life were now taken hostage to play a part in some great and dark play. However, it seemed only time would tell if the prophecy was true. End of Part 1! You gained 3 Stat EXP. You gained 3 Skill EXP. A new thread will be made for you shortly! Edited by Volksgeist, Feb 24 2012, 10:38 PM.
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