Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Drindin 03-06-05, 01:57 AM	Krissy steps out of the school, her supplies in a back which she can barely lift. "Damnit... if only I could actually get near a horse... either way, I trust my crew shall be here and ready to set off soon... maybe one of them will be able to take my pack for me..."
Lord Tarran 03-06-05, 09:57 PM	I think not Krissy. It is a good idea for you to learn how to back a pack. The young today are too weak because they don't carry their own things anymore. Kherule laughs. The dragon-in-disguise appears as he did when he arrived at the school. His eyes are blue, hinting at the flames within, his hair is blond, his skin is fair. He wears red full plate, designed to look like dragon scales. He emanates power of the sorcerous lot. But, I could teach you to control your sorcerous gift in order to carry the pack. Not now though. Tonight, when we camp.
Drindin 03-07-05, 01:12 AM	Krissy looks up at him. "Yes, well, the youth of today aren't usually half-ghost, now, are they?"
Khaira 03-07-05, 07:15 PM	As Kherule and Krissy conversed in front of the gates of the school, Khaira was astride her roc, Swiftwing as she and her faithful companion neared the school. A longing look entered her eyes as she saw the rising spires of the school come into view; at one point and time, it may have been a welcome sight, but now it was a place full of empty memories... It was here that she had met Drindin, here where she had met Gene, here where she had met Agudo...but now it was time to move on. Pulling the reigns, Swiftwing and Khaira descended into a deep dive, the roc rending the air with a shrill cry that, oddly enough, seemed to contain a hint of remorse... "I know, my dear...I know. Soon, we shall be gone..." As Khaira eased Swiftwing into a gental coast onto the ground, Khaira then noticed the two figures standing upon the ground, seemingly ready for a journey. A long one from the looks of it...As she dismounted, she nodded to the two. "Greetings to the both of you. Looks like you're bound for a journey somewhere. Say...aren't you Krissy? You're a relation to Drindin, aren't you?"
Drindin 03-07-05, 10:35 PM	Krissy looks up, and smiles. "I am. I am his niece, Krissy. He has called me... it is time for his return."
Khaira 03-07-05, 10:44 PM	As Drindin spoke those words, the life seemed to rush out of her eyes for a moment. And, for a moment, her mind rushed back to the beginning of her career as an instructor here...she recalled that Drindin that had been, a long time ago, a person whom had shown her thoughtfully kind words and actions when she had felt most alone. Drindin was also the person who got banished from school for raising of the dead to defend the school... For a long, several moments, the passionate, fiery bardess stood there in contemplative reminscience. Finally, she nodded to Krissy, her eyes quirking up quizzically. "Yes, I remember your uncle quite well. He is one of my...fonder memories here. Who do you have going with you...just you two?"
Lord Tarran 03-07-05, 11:00 PM	I am currently her only protector, yes Khaira. Kherule smiled, though he was somber. Yes, I know who you are. You are more than slightly famous, and I learned your face while year. My name is Kherule. I'm the... might as well come out and say it. I'm the professor who happens to be a great red wyrm, teaching sorcery. Could you tell me more about the man we go to bring back?
Drindin 03-08-05, 02:52 PM	Krissy looked about. "I am expecting a few more... I'll give them some time to show up, but if they do not, then we shall proceed." She looked about. "I fear that on our journey, we need to cross through the battle fields that hide so many dark memories for those of the school, and for those that were once of Hillsfar. Though I cannot recall the name, I know that the battlefield will be haunted... by possibly both benevolent and malevolent spirits of the nether..."
Khaira 03-10-05, 01:33 PM	Khaira smiled enchantingly, and bowed. "I see, then, that my reputation has preceded me. Hopefully not *all* of my reputation, though." Khaira smiles and winks to Kherule, though he can only guess what exactly she could be referring to. Her eyes, though, were quickly drawn to Krissy's words, particular when she mentioned Hillsfar. A grim nod accompanied Krissy's dark words. "Hillsfar? Indeed...many memories lie in dormant wait there. I'd hoped to put such a place far from my mind, my dear...wrought with dangers and memories, both of which could be detrimental to one's mental health..." For a moment, it seemed that Khaira would decline passing through Hillsfar, but then her distant eyes seemed to cause her grim expression to quirk upwards into a pleasant smile. "...but for your uncle, I'd cross them a thousand times over."
turalisj 03-10-05, 06:29 PM	(deleted)
Drindin 03-10-05, 10:17 PM	Krissy. "You do not know? Some time ago, my uncle was pulled along the journey of the river of Death. There he had stayed, restless though he was, his spirit known for showing up from time to time, once manifesting itself in a form that only the lady Kulideb could see..." "But now, he calls to ME from the other side. I, his niece, am to be the one to herald his return to life."
Khaira 03-11-05, 01:01 PM	Khaira smiled at the mysterious elf that formed up from her own shadow. What these people knew was only what she desired to tell them; what they knew already wasn't the half of it... "You know me, you say? Ah, yes, I am sure you know much of my reputation..." Khaira trailed off, leaving the last part of the sentence unsaid. Let them finish that as they would. She turned to Krissy, then, putting the rambling, know-it-all elf out of her mind. "Do we wait for additional persons to accompany you? Where shall be our first destination?"
Drindin 03-11-05, 09:20 PM	"There is one more..." Suddenly, the sniffing of a down hearted older boy come from about the corner. A gangly, yellow skinned adolescent peeks his head around a corner, his eyes big and black all across, with rather disturbing looking teeth. "Ghul." The boy comes around the corner, his shirt long and baggy. "He is to be our guide to my uncles grave. Lead the way, ghul. We will be heading to hillsfar first?" The boy simply nods, and heads out infront of the group, occasionaly alternating from walking straight back, to walking hunched over using his hands as well, but without slowing down. Krissy follows, and makes sure the others follow the strange child as well.
turalisj 03-11-05, 10:20 PM	(yet another deletion)
Lord Tarran 03-12-05, 12:49 AM	Krissy, the psion, though a moron, does have a point. There are faster ways to get where we need to go. If we could get into the forest, I could take my true form and fly us to where the ghul is taking us. If you don't want to I understand, but the three sitting on my wing wouldn't be a problem. He looks somber, his eyes flaring red. Can either of you tell me the history of what is going on? I've probably been alive longer than the entire passing of the events, but I'm not familiar with local happenings.
Drindin 03-15-05, 06:13 PM	Krissy nods. "Some time ago, my uncle, Master Drindin, died. He, for a time, remained as a ghost, and as a vision that only one could see whose name shall remain unmentioned. "Recently, however, I have been suffering from a falling sickness, that I soon realized was actually his goddess, Wee-Jas, sending me a vision of him. He has been calling to me from the other side, and it is decidedly his time to return to the earth." Krissy looked about. "Yes, we could... but there is a reason we must remain earthborne. There is some one on the journey there that means to contact us, but inorder for him to do so, we must remain on the ground, where he patrols. "However, this does not mean that I will keep those of you who wish to take to the sky from doing so, but I prefer that you keep within sight of me. That way, I can summon you back to the earth in the occurence that Ghul and I need you your assistance."
turalisj 03-15-05, 08:15 PM	(deletion #3)
Pipers Youth 03-15-05, 08:30 PM	Respen rode into the the grassy fields outside of Agudo's School of Light and Magic. As he came over a hill overlooking the school from his vantage point, a high wind picked up tousling his light brown hair over his shoulders. The sun gleamed against his chain mail, and that of his mounted steed. Every day Respen took some time out of the day to take his horse out and run it to release some pent up energy. Also to scout the area for any hostile forces, or weary travelers. As he finished over the hill the horse reared, yawing and screaming. He regaining his leverage of the horse shortly and then spotted the great winged roc soaring through the air above him and descend a short distance away. Kicking to a gallop he soon was not twenty paces away from the group. And a group of some which he recognized. The familiar face of Kherule, a great wyrm who taught sorcery at the School. Although Respen never saw him in his true form he still recognized him by his red full plate armor. And beside him with her travelers pack over her shoulder was the small girl Krissy, a peculiar half-ghost who was a student. The other faces however he didn't recognize. "A good morning to thee my Lords!" Respen cupped his hands and shouted, his resonating voice reaching the others ears easily. As Respen dismounted, his graceful actions barely disturbing even a grain of sand. Once closer his physical features became clearer. He was a young elven man with a muscular build and strong arms. His long light brown hair was tousled by the wind, and his sky blue eyes piercing. Respen bowed to the group instead of his regular crisp military salutes he was fond of using. Respens eyes quickly drifted to were the roc now was. Beside the feathered beast stood the majestic, shapely figure of a young elven women with long red hair and of the fairest face he had ever seen. He gave a warm smile, and remembering his manners knelt on one knee, his hand extended. "My Lady."
Drindin 03-15-05, 09:07 PM	Krissy looks at Braegen. "Stand Cleric, and mount your horse once more. We have a long ways to go..." Spying the holy symbol, both her and the ghul cringe a bit. "And... please, no offense intended, put that away..."
Lord Tarran 03-15-05, 09:19 PM	Whether or not the cleric remounts, Kherule introduces himself to Respen, leaving out the small bit about him being a red dragon. He then turns back to Krissy, as his wings extend from his back. My eyesight and hearing are good enough that while in the air that for me it will seem as if I was still on the ground. I'll keep in contact through magic though, so you won't miss the company. He winks. Being cooped up in the school for a few months makes my need to fly greater. Call me down if you need me physically, otherwise I'll just stay in touch. In a single wingbeat, he's entered the air. He does not shed his humanoid form, though his wings are the same size as if he had taken his dragon form. After a few impressive aerial acrobatics, the dragon-in-disguise makes several complicated hand gestures, as an image of him appears on the ground, among the group. The image says, as it echoes into everyone's heads. Hello again.
Khaira 03-16-05, 08:48 PM	Khaira tensed as she heard the galloping of footsteps behind her, and Swiftwing, behind her straightened up, its fierce, piercing eyes watching, rather ravenously, the elven knight with every coming step. Then, in the blink of an eye, her swords were unsheathed. As she turned about to face the galloping elf in shining armor, her formerly warm, compassionate expression melted away, revealing a hardened, expressionless reality of the graceful and beautiful bardess. There seemed to be certain rage that flowed within and throughout Khaira now, and her eyes, cold, hard and steady, were even more formidable than the Roc's. "It could only be Keldorn... As the knight shouted out, and the horse came careening even closer, Khaira didn't move an inch. She didn't even move. In fact, her gaze seemed to be even more intense and enraged, and her muscles tensed even tighter. Tense like a cobra's...ready to strike to kill. As the knight dismounted, her eyes remained locked on Respen's figure and his actions, even as he approached. It seemed to everyone else that her right arm, holding the glowing red long sword, seemed to move almost imperceptibly forward....She still did not speak. He gave a warm smile, and remembering his manners knelt on one knee, his hand extended. "My Lady." As the Knight of Tyr bowed, Khaira's gaze remained locked on him for a moment. She didn't move. She didn't look. Compared to a dragon, Kharia was a monster now, capable of complete destruction and anarchy. Finally, her sword arm eased back into a steady position, both arms lowering as she stabbed both blades into the ground. Her enraged expression seemed to melt away in a moment, her warm, emerald eyes looking - though still with a remnant of coldness in them - upon the Knight. Perhaps this was not a pawn of Keldorn's after all... Holding out an exquisitely hand, seemingly sculpted and preserved from the beginning of time, a melodic voice, a voice blessed by the very first angels, surrounded the Knight's pervaded the Knight's presence. "Arise, sir Knight, and be at peace.. This is no courtroom, where such etiquette is needed. What need have you?" Khaira still watched Respen when - and if - he stood up. When he did her eyes, those emerald orbs - were they forged by the first faeries of the world - seemed to regard the Knight with a sense of ... pleasantry.
Pipers Youth 03-16-05, 10:23 PM	Respen heart felt like exploding out of his chest, as if he would fall dead there and keel over. Still he held is knee firm in the ground as the bardess examined him. As her grim expression faded and she held out her hand, he took it in his own and held in close to feel the soft skin for a moment and lightly kiss the top of it. "Arise, sir Knight, and be at peace.. This is no courtroom, where such etiquette is needed. What need have you?" Gently I released her hand and rose as she bade me to do so. When our eyes connected this time however, there was no hateful rage, or bitterness, but a scense of pleasantry. I returned that in ten fold smiling back as our essences seemed to entwine. "True my Lady, but in the presence of someone so beautiful how could I not? As for my needs, it depends on what you speak. The stale air of the school as ushered me to sunlight. And I took it as an opportunity to ride my horse, where I came upon you. Surly you can understand for you are also am elf,and we require certain.... provisions." Respen was suddenly disturbed by the voice of a small girl pleaded him for her and her counterparts welfare. A perplexed look came upon Respen's face as he reached down and touched the symbol of what all his moral and codes where based upon. The foundation of his very life, and the life of his people and the former temple. The Symbol of his Lord Tyr. Turning to the girl Respen answered sternly. "I am sorry, did I misinterpret you? This is the representation of all that is good and right and true. It is the channel through which the Just God blesses with me a portion of his power. Why does it disturb you so, my lady?"
Drindin 03-17-05, 12:19 AM	"Yes... and for us, his Holy Light is a force that threatens to tear our very beings into two... for we are not like you... We are born with a bizzare inflicition that neither of us, and none of you, will ever fully understand. There will come a time soon when we may need that, but now is not the time." She held her hands up as though shielding her eyes from the sun, or perhaps pushing against a powerful wall... or maybe both. She turns away. "Now please, we must be going... there's a long treck before us, and I will tire before long. Let us go."
Khaira 03-18-05, 02:10 PM	"True my Lady, but in the presence of someone so beautiful how could I not? As for my needs, it depends on what you speak. The stale air of the school as ushered me to sunlight. And I took it as an opportunity to ride my horse, where I came upon you. Surly you can understand for you are also am elf,and we require certain.... provisions." At the Knight's words, particularly of his comparison to herself as an elf, she smiled mysteriously. If only he knew just how apart from an elf she was...When she spoke her voice, like her smile, was equally mysterious and vague. "I am of no breed of elf that you have ever met before, sir Knight. Some would say that one such as I am not even worthy of the gracious, blessed title of 'elf'. Indeed, even one such as I would have to agree with such a comparison." Khaira let those words sink in for a moment before continuing. "...And now that you can clearly see that we are no brigands nor ne'er-do-gooders - though, again, some would disagree - we can go our own separate ways. We've got a long journey ahead, and I am fairly certain that your duties at the school hold you quite constrained." At the mention of the school, Khaira's voice seems somewhat...enbittered. It lost its pleasant, musical quality, instead taking a tonal quality of negative experiences and, perhaps, sadness. Behind her, Swiftwing made a peculiar sound that sounded something like a combination of a pitiful moan and a confiding voice. Moving to the Roc, Khaira smiled as the Roc lowered its head. Gently, her hand lifted to stroke the soft feathers of her mount and companion. Softly, she spoke to Swiftwing, seeming to be oblivious the rest of the group. "Yes...I know, my sweet. Renegades, the both of us, kindred spirits entwined in the tightening serpent of fate, both without connections nor homelands to return to... Worry not, soon we shall both have our own place to return to. I have need of your eyes now...if it pleases you, take to the azure skies, and keep me informed of what moves below." As soon as she finished speaking, Swiftwing lowered it's beak, seeming to caress the bardess' face and shoulder and then, extending it's strong, muscled wings, lifted from the ground, seeking out the strongest jets of air as it let out a resounding cry of triumph as it soared above and past the moving party members. Returning to where the Knight was standing, Khaira retrieved both her swords from where they were embedded into the ground, and placed them once again into their sheaths. Then, bowing eloquently, Khaira exchanged a common elven greeting to the elf. "Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle*. Until we meet again, sir Knight." Turning, then, Khaira moved away from the elven knight, moving gracefully, on impressionless footsteps as she followed Krissy and the Ghul on their journey to seek and bring back Drindin to the mortal realms. *May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back
Solmund 03-18-05, 04:46 PM	deleted.
Drindin 03-18-05, 09:40 PM	Krissy begins to march foreward, shortly behind the ghul, not waiting for the others to follow.
Lord Tarran 03-19-05, 02:06 PM	The illusion of Kherule runs to catch up with Krissy and Ghul, while the shadow of the real Kherule's wing passes over the entire party. Looking up, anyone looking would be unable to see the dragon, the sun blocking out his image, but the shadow on the ground is not unclear. The shadow dances around the ground, the dragon obviously enjoying flying through the open sky. Back on the ground, Kherule's human form asks, What should I be looking out for Krissy? Anyone, or anything, that we should be particulary worried about? The illusion flashes slightly, as a real blanket appears in his hands. He ((Drin willing)) puts it around Krissy's shoulders. You looked cold. He says dismissively.
Pipers Youth 03-19-05, 02:51 PM	Respen listened curiously as this women explained that she didn't deserve such a title as an elf with a mysterious almost sly smile. Always quick not to judge Respen almost interjected, but let her gone on to speak of his probable duties that held him pressed at the school and that they were to go their respectable separate ways. He noticed her tone had shifted to a displeased and disappointing voice when she began about Agudo's School. How could one not smile when they heard the title, another symbolization of what is just and right. But, perhaps she had a bad standing with the school or some unknown past. This even more intrigued him, a most unusual feeling. As the bardess dismissed her great roc she finally bid him a farewell with an old elven saying. "Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle*. Until we meet again, sir Knight." He silently mouthed the words to himself and she turned to leave,"May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back. Respen shouted inside himself to go and take this new adventure that lay before him. To perhaps find companionship on this new road. True, his duties did keep him restrained but maybe the Headmaster and Keldorn would understand why he had taken a leave of absence. For now all he wanted to do was feel the wind on his face and ride free on the journey ahead of him! Now he could set out for what his purpose was, to invoke justice in the name of his Lord Tyr! As he saw the party venture farther away from him, he turned to look back at the majestic shining School and then back at his steed. In a last second decision Respen made a dash for his horse. Once inside the saddle he ushered the horse to turn and follow the party. Without hesitation he soon made his way right beside Khaira, reaching down his hand he offered," It maybe a long journey ahead, and I would be honored and delighted if you rode with me. Smiling he corrected her last statment."Tae os var shi kael eil si shaeji ol os shas." *May our paths be green and the breeze on our backs*
turalisj 03-19-05, 03:15 PM	(final deletion)
Drindin 03-21-05, 09:35 AM	((FYI, Tural: The knight is on a horse, and was offering a lift to someone else. You can't suspened freedom of destiny: You have to put ((if [Character X] is willing)) some where in your post. This is not my rule. This is part of the boards Code of Conduct)) Krissy smirked as the blanket was draped over her shoulders. "I'm always cold, mr. Dragon." Though on the outside she didn't show it, she quite enjoyed the attention from the teacher.
Khaira 03-21-05, 09:58 PM	As Khaira's steps carried further down the path, and away from the elven knight, she threw back her fiery red hair, breathing in the crisp air. It felt again to be on the road once again, after having fingers pointed and voices screaming at her concerning innocence or lack, thereof, and consequences of the two opinions of her state of morality. Now, here, in this place on the road, she was in her prime. She was free; free from constraining hands, free from pointed blades at her throat and back, free from whatever etiquette officials dictated, free from any kind of committment... That bardess' thoughts were then interrupted by the mad galloping of hooves. What was it now? Turning, she brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes to see the elven knight, Respen Braegen, come charging up, and reigning in the horse to a slow trot. "It maybe a long journey ahead, and I would be honored and delighted if you rode with me." Khaira shrugged nonchalantly. Her very tanned face and prying eyes, giving yet even more mysterious in return, seemed proof to the knight that she had travelled many roads. Her voice, too, was nonchalant, seemingly unworried about the length of the road nor the loneliness that accompanied it. "I've travelled many roads longer and more grueling than this one ought to be, Master Knight, and I shall no doubt travel many more that are equally long and grueling. I have dealt with loneliness many-a-time before but, even so, I am never alone." Nodding her head up to the sky, Khaira motioned to flying Roc overhead. Smiling slyly, Khaira turned her calm and mystifying gaze back to Respen. For all appearances, it seemed that she would deny the knight the pleasure of her accompaniment. Then, however, she spoke again to the Knight in a softer, more pleasurable tone. Indeed, even her voice seemed to carry a musical melody about it that seemed to linger mesmerizingly in the air, before dropping away, leaving the senses longing for more. "Then again, one does not generally see one another of one's race - at least, for outward appearances - on the road very often. Gladly, I shall ride with thee, Lord Respen." Then, her soft, supple hands, somehow hardened by battle, yet sill retaining their soft, caressing touch, grasped the knight's hand, lifting herself easily up into the saddle. At his last statement, Khaira had to pause for a moment before being able to translate his words. While she spoke the dialect of elvish that had made itself a part of her as she travelled upon the road, this man was raised in a proper setting where proper respect and etiquette meant your promotion or demotion, and had learned elvish by the rules and by the book. She, on the other hand, had no time for the rules of the elves, nor had she any desire to live by them. Leaning close, her ruby-red hair hanging into the knight's ear, Khaira whispered softly to him, her voice itself almost intoxicating. "Heruamin Braegen, amin estela ta nauva anlema*." Leaning back then, the bardess seemed to be content letting the other elf take those words as he would... * My Lord Braegen, I hope it will be a long journey.
Drindin 03-21-05, 10:40 PM	Indeed, the journey to the bloodied battle fields of New Hillsfar was long. By the time they finally reached there, Krissy was weakened, panting and tired, cold sweat dripping from her forehead, but the ghul was fine. The ghul scampered toward Krissy, looking down at her. "Miss Trunin? Y'okay?" He slightly hissed. Krissy pointed off into the distance, where a fine mist began to swirl as though pouring forth from the Ether. Stepping out of the mist stood three Dire Tigers, with riders bearing suits of armour that bore a tiger-claw symbol, and brandishing various swords, axes, and clubs. Each rider wore a kilt, and the lead rider, with his long red hair, and his great long sword, looked down at Krissy with a nod, and bowed respectfuly to Braegen. "Brother knight." The transparent figure said in the airy tones of a ghost. The ghul helped Krissy up (who, by the way, is still wearing the blanket offered her by the draconic teacher). "I am Reginald, and we are the Tiger Knights. What brings you too our haunt?"
Lord Tarran 03-22-05, 06:10 PM	Mere travelers, friend knights, The illusory Kherule steps forward from the group, placing himself between the warriors and the 'undead' children. Kherule, in the sky unseen, changes the illusion ever so slightly to brighten and make more clear the red dragon armor, and create a symbol of Bahamut on the chest. My group and I are escorting this young lady, motioning to Krissy, and her brother home. A cruel sorceror with a grudge against her family kidnapped the children, and after saving them from a most gruesome fate, myself, Cari and Richard, he motions to Khaira and Respen. In their heads, the bard and the cleric feel that Kherule is lying on purpose. He obviously doesn't trust these men. decided to bring the youngsters home. We were joined along the way by a psionic fellow, but he has been missing for some time. Kherule, the real one, has taken the time to make himself disappear from the sky into an invisibility spell. He lowers himself to the ground, staying just out of the tigers' noses' range, and the human's eyes. Something about these men, for whatever reason, causes the dragon to be untrusting.
Drindin 03-22-05, 07:08 PM	Reginald holds himself proudly, and looks towards Krissy. "Hm... your lies are not welcome, sir. For I know her uncle... indeed, her uncle had joined us in the Ether at one point, and had his hand in this war, I've no doubt... and he now resides in the obsidian tower some ways from here..."
Pipers Youth 03-22-05, 10:52 PM	Throughout most of the journey to Hillsfar the two had got aquatinted with each other on a more personal level. Although he still could not help but blush whenever he thought back to whenever Khaira had first climbed onto the horse. Without a doubt the fiery haired bardeess was beautiful and in her presence the knight would shift uncomfortably in his saddle. He did enjoy the women's company, and hoped the journey would indeed be a long one. She, on the other hand, had no time for the rules of the elves, nor had she any desire to live by them. Leaning close, her ruby-red hair hanging into the knight's ear, Khaira whispered softly to him, her voice itself almost intoxicating. "Heruamin Braegen, amin estela ta nauva anlema*." Leaning back then, the bardess seemed to be content letting the other elf take those words as he would... * My Lord Braegen, I hope it will be a long journey. As more time passed however the party came to a halt as a strange mist appeared out in the distance. This was odd to Respen, as he had been scouting the area for some time above his high position and didn't remember seeing any mist. From it came the strange forms of men mounted on enormous tigers, brandishing swords and other weapons.The first to step up was Kherule who was cautious in knowing thier intentions. He created a false description of us to them, but apparently Krissy knew these men and they dismissed him. Still sensing potential danger Respen turned and warned Khaira. " Cyr sol sai tia shar, thys saesi tardi palaes eindaer Tia Jhadia." His steed was immediately disturbed and spooked by the sudden appearance of the giant mammals and thrashed and fought back to throw it's passengers and sprint away. Respen was fairly experienced enough and managed to control the fight and give his steed a temporary reprieve. Through the confusion one of the men hailed Respen as a fellow knight, although he didn't recognize the symbol on their chest he still shouted once again in his strong resonating voice. "Well, met yourself good men. I see you know of the quest we are upon, I was just about to ask a similar question of you. Perhaps we may trade tales, do you wish to go first? And tell us what is this haunt you speak of." Respen was curious to know abouy this haunt, but had a guess that these were once men. And knowing Krissy as a half ghost, it could be quite probable. *Hold tight to my waist, for there maybe danger ahead My Lady*
Lord Tarran 03-22-05, 10:54 PM	The illusion doesn't glance backwards to Krissy, but in her head, the girl hears 'Can we trust them?' with the feeling that her next thought would tell the dragon the answer. Kherule, the real one, sits and waits, keeping an eye on Reginald.
Drindin 03-23-05, 12:19 AM	"We are the tiger knights. This is where our ashes lay scattered... this battle field..." It becomes immedeatly apparent that these knights are infact ghosts, each of them a wispy image of what they once were in life. "And I lead them! Here, we constantly patrol, warding off evil for all eternity, though all we seek is rest! I stay here for but one reason, and my men here for me. I fell in love with an elf named Elvina in life, and I wish I could have only felt her hair once... I want to rest, but only if I can feel her hair will I allow myself to do so..." Krissy stands. "Can you reveal to us the location of my uncles tomb?" "Under one condition. Bring me a lock of Elvina's hair, wether it be a few strands from her brush, or a wrapped and true lock of her hair from her head, and I will do so. Otherwise, you must find it yourself."
Khaira 03-24-05, 12:53 AM	After the long, grueling and, for her, somewhat interesting ride, they finally came to a halt ... and, no less, before the legendary Tiger Knights. At the sight of them, a surge of memories assautled the bardess' very being. It was here, at the Battle of Hillsfar, that her own, personal fight had begun...it had all started with one person...one single person from her past... I was running, running for what seemed like ever and ever...left and right, enemies from the fanatical army of Messianica charged at me and, left and right, these enemies fell. It was only then, after I'd nearly run over him myself, did I see the head of the snake. I'd met him before, when I had initially met Agudo; he was a traitor, a spineless worm. As the rage boiled up over, I drew my swords and approached Savael... After the longest battle, I was bested by Savael, but not Savael alone. Savael, along with Gene's assistance in further enraging me, was able to strike me down, with what should have been a killing blow... It was here that I had to make my final decision...I vowed myself to Kulideb, and assisted the renegage, Kheldar, thereby (according to fanatical zealots such as Keldorn) forsaking my friendship to Agudo, and resulting in a grand trial against I, the vagabond and traitor of the Army of Light, of which Agudo was the Commander...ironic that I, of all people, would sacrifice my own life and blood, placing myself in danger's way for one who may not have deserved it...[/COLOR] After what seemed like a long moments pause, Khaira dismounted, her auburn colored hair blowing wildly in the wind as she approached the Tiger Knights - or, rather, the remants of what they once were - causing her to appear strangely...wild, savage. Still caught up in the memories of what once was, Khaira's emerald green eyes were distant, caught up in the fog of reminscience. Stopping only several feet in front of the Tiger Knights, Khaira bowed eloquently. "Reginald and his brave band of Tiger Knights...aye, I heard tell of the gallant battles that you fought with your fellow men, Lord Reginald. I heard, too, of the giving sacrifice that you gave in battle to protect your comrades..." Khaira trailed off; they all had made their own sacrifices. She had made her own sacrifice - her very freedom, reputation, and the friendship of Agudo to grant Kheldar freedom - as they had all made their own sacrifices. Kulideb became trapped as the Lady of Hillsfar, Agudo's soul was captured by Kheldar in a great battle... "We have each made our sacrifices, Lord Knight. Yet, for your sacrifice of blood, sweat, and servitude, you deserve to be granted rest from what has become your curse to patrol these lands alone and forsaken. To grant your much deserved rest, Lord Knights, I would go and obtain a lock of Elvina's hair, that the your cycle of life may be completed."
Lord Tarran 03-24-05, 08:35 PM	Still unsettled, the dragon-in disguise took back to the skies, making his prescence known as he punches through the mist. Quickly, he explodes far into the sky, but the red of his scales was still easily seen. On the ground, the illusion spoke. It appears knights that I can trust you. He chuckles slightly, as the symbol of Bahamut, never actually there, disappeared. Because I have pledged to Krissy, I also must help to find this Elvina's hair. Tell us, where may we find it? Kherule is still uneasy though. He looks about the sky, sensing something upon him, some flyer nearby, but he can't place it. Maybe his mind is just playing tricks on him in this badland.
Drindin 03-25-05, 02:15 AM	Reginald smiled. "It is nice to see that there is still goodness in the hearts of people." Krissy stood, and looked to them. "I am weak... I cannot go further. I will stay here, with Kherule, the Ghul, and tiger knights. You others... I will rely on you to return to fetch a lock of her hair, as it can be found at her quarters, in the school. But be warned, darkness fast approaches, and there are things in the woods that may wish ill of you."
Pipers Youth 03-26-05, 09:55 PM	I listened intently as the Tiger Knights allowed a trade with us in terms of parlay. A lock of hair from a woman named Elvina, who resided in Agudo's School. The name seemed familiar in some way, but I couldn't place the truth behind it. Then there was a shift in weight as Khaira dismounted and approached with the elegant grace of a true lady. She seemed to be deep in thought and I concluded that somehow in one way or another that she was connected to these lost souls. Respen soon after dismounted under the great shadow that Kherule casts and walked beside the Lady Khaira, as the two were assigned to this journey. Standing before the Tiger Knights Respen also bowed, but with a flourish in it to show proper respect. "If we retrieve this boon that you desire, will you be true to your word Sir Reginald, and tell us the location of Drindin's grave?"
Drindin 03-28-05, 12:07 PM	Reginald looks at Respen. "I am bound to this earth by my word... it is impossible for me not to."
Khaira 03-28-05, 08:39 PM	Khaira walked closer to Reginald, until she was face to incorporeal face with the the former flesh-and-blood knight. She paused for a moment and then, even though she was not an inductee of the Knightly order, she crisply saluted the Tiger Knight leader in military fashion, and then bent down on one knee before the spectre of Reginald. "On my life itself, Captain Reginald, I shall not return until I hold in my hands a lock of Elvina's hair." As she stood, all sense of cheer and happiness was gone from the bardess' face. In place was a look of pure, grim determination, a look of iron will, the look of one that would not be swayed. Bowing again, she began to walk away, but then turning to look once more at Reginald, she spoke again, her voice seemingly expressionless, flat, and empty; but still, her voice held the tone of the swearing of an oath. "You shall be free, Knights; upon my own life, I swear it. Too much blood, horror, and strife has this war, and you brave ones, seen." Then, her hands positioned comfortably near the hilts of her blades, she began to briskly walk past the gathered group, past Respen and his horse, and past that, even, beginning to walk down the path that would lead her back to the school. It seemed she didn't care if any accompanied her or not; she was simply going, with a look of grim determination etched upon her fair features. Looking up, she frowned; this would be much easier with Swiftwing's aid... "In this coming darkness, I know not if he has gone a-hunting but..." As she whistled sharply, the high tone of her whistle rose biddingly into the air...
Lord Tarran 03-28-05, 10:27 PM	Kherule circles lazily in the sky high above, as his illusion below sits with the Tiger Knights, Ghul, and Krissy. Well, I have no intention of sitting here and awaiting Khaira and Respen's return idlely. What say you, Krissy? Should I begin those promised lessons while we have the time?
Drindin 03-28-05, 10:55 PM	Krissy smiles in a very unusual fasion for one so young. "But of course, milord." She looks at the Ghul. "You, stay here, and watch." She then looks at the tiger knights. "And you... keep your oath." She looks to Kherule, holding out her hand. "Now, let us go somewhere more private to practice, so that I may concentrate better."
Solmund 03-29-05, 12:44 AM	Two eyes, unseen and unnoticed, observe the group.
Lord Tarran 04-01-05, 01:15 PM	The illusion takes Krissy hand, walking with her to a nearby trickling stream, still in sight of the others, but far enough away to speak without being over heard, and to not have to hear the others. Kherule, in the sky, changes back to a human form, soaringn back into the illusion's place to be truly next to the ghost girl. He speaks as he sits, facing the stream. From the moment I met you I knew of your potential. But, I am curious to know how much control you have over your power? Based on the lesser power of mortal wizards, what is your most powerful 'spell'? Just as a point of reference.
Pipers Youth 04-01-05, 09:54 PM	Khaira walked closer to Reginald, until she was face to incorporeal face with the the former flesh-and-blood knight. She paused for a moment and then, even though she was not an inductee of the Knightly order, she crisply saluted the Tiger Knight leader in military fashion, and then bent down on one knee before the spectre of Reginald. Always vigilant in his observations Respen watched as Khaira, with no military background or experience in any knightly orders saluted the Tiger Knight Reginald. She knew the true meaning of respect, in which Respen's grew larger for his new traveling companion. The oath had been sealed, and now it was time to uphold it. As the bardess took leave Respen stepped forward and drew his longsword, the weapon of his Lord Tyr. "Then it is settled, but heed my warning Reginald. If we return and you do not uphold your part of the bargain I will seek vengeance upon what is left of you. It is my duty to punish the guilty, right the wrong, and always be true and just to my actions. If need be I will personally see that your twisted soul that is bound to this earth never leaves to Warrior's Rest." With that said Respen sheathed his weapon and headed for Justiciar, his loyal steed. Swinging his leg over the saddle and pulling himself up he was just in time to see Khaira call her animal companion will a shrill whistle that seemed to peirce the sky.
Khaira 04-01-05, 10:23 PM	As she stood there for a long moment, Khaira began to turn away; they had come a long distance, and she would not have been surprised if some form of communication barrier, created by the souls of the dead, were preventing Swiftwing from coming to her side once again. As the Roc came out of a grouping of clouds, it let out a shrill, though excited, cry and, finally, came to land with a thud, creating a cloud of dust where it lands. Khaira, wasting no time, walked over to her mount and, barely using any climbing tools, was astride Swiftwing. Her gaze, then, turned cold and hard to eye Respen astride his horse. Her speech, too, was colder than when they had first met and even more chilling, if this were even possible. "I do not appreciate the last of the words that you spoke to Reginald. I worked with these people, bled with these people, nearly died with these people in a foolish, arrogant war that ..." Khaira paused, her next words heavily laden with anger and resentment...and sarcasm. "...His Greatness Agudo waged on people who once lived here. His Further Greatness Keldorn also joined in the foolish massacre. Do you know how many people died? How many still live with the memories of the horrors that took place that day? Do you, O Honorable Knight!?" Angrily, infuriated, Khaira pointed a finger where Reginald and his company still stood. "Those people lived, breathed, fought...DIED!...for Agudo and Keldorn. Do you realize that!? They died for a pointless, stupid war, a means of which was only to make His Greatness look better in the eyes of the public. Do you know what reward they received for such sacrifice?" Khaira practically leaped off of Swiftwing's back, causing the Roc to look at her in surprise, and then look to Respen (and his mount) with equal anger. Any person who so infuriated his partner was not a trustworthy one... In moments, Khaira was to the Justiciar, her enraged, gleaming emerald green eyes seeming to stare directly through Respen's soul. Her voice, now, was softly spoken, though no less angered. A perfectly maintained, pearl white hand shot up to take hold of Respen's shirt, and her eyes, previously gleaming, seemed to be blinding with rage. With a free hand, she pointed again at Reginald and his company, spittle flying from her mouth at the rage she was feeling. "THAT is the reward that they received from His Greatness Agudo and ignorant Keldorn! They have been forgotten, deserted, abandoned! Nobody cares for THEM because of people like YOU!" Khaira turned to look at the knights gathered, turning back to Respen again, a forceful hand coming close to pulling him down off his horse while her other free hand jabbed a finger into his chest. "And thanks to people like YOU, Sir Respen Braegen, they remain trapped here! Thanks to apathetic, uncaring, egotistical people like YOU, Respen Braegen, they have become merely another statistic! Thanks to people like YOU, Respen Braegen, who care nothing for people and only for status, popularity, and war, nobody remembers the sacrifices that they made nor lifts a finger to help them! Yet, when it comes time to think of their punishment, who is the first to offer their services? YOU!" Khaira's free hand then balled into a fist and struck Respen in the nose, her next words ringing in his ears. "And I swear to every God, Goddess, quasi deity, semi deity, avatar, demon and devil that is listening, Sir Respen Braegen, if you do a THING - even THINK of doing a single thing - to deny them their rightful rest, I will ensure that your life becomes a living hell, and that you get no rest, either!" Shoving him roughly, she turned around and stormed back to her mount, mounting as quickly as she had dismounted. She picks up the reins, then, shooting a venomous gaze at the mounted knight, her words like poisoned darts into Respen's soul. "You had me fooled, you poor excuse of a knight. I thought you were better than all the rest of them; clearly, you have proved me wrong. I'll be watching you, Respen Braegen, you spineless cod of a knight!" Looking to the skies, then, Khaira's voice seemed to resonate with unstoppable rage. "Swiftwing! Let us take leave of this dishonorable, poor company!" With a powerful leap and a strong uplift of the wings, Swiftwing was soon in the air, carrying Khaira with it back towards Agudo's school...
Drindin 04-02-05, 02:44 AM	Something shivered in its unhallowed rest at the shrieks of Kharia, as the red sun set behind the horizon. The shifter feels uneasy... and soon he sees why... Rising from the ground, creatures wearing the tattered black garbs of a soilder rise as though mist from the earth. Several take their unhallowed march to the skys, towards Kharia and her Roc, Swiftwing. Three of the turn to the ranger, and begin to march towards them, their enrage eyes white with the mists of their unlife, their drawn, skeletal faces slightly revealing the woods behind them. The remaining four turn their attention to Respen, as his war horse, though brave, begins to rear in the presence of these unhallowed creatures. Wraiths born of hatred. Wraiths, born of the dead. Their march begins at sun down. Meanwhile, back at the base-camp... Krissy softly smirks, and is about to answer the question when the ghul breaks out in panicked crys, and hollow roars of undead lions rips across the plains. Krissy looks a slight bit startled. "What in the hells..." She murmurs, running back. The ground quakes uneasily for a moment, as the earth regurgitates its dead, as hordes of skeletons spit out of the ground. The Tiger Knight Ghosts are already combating hordes of unearthly wraiths, their silent crys unheard. But off in the distance, rises what appears to be a towering cloud of mist. Krissy seems to focus on it, her mouth slightly open. "That's not cloud-pillar... that's.... that's.... I don't know what it is, but never before have I seen so many faces of the fallen in one place before..."
Lord Tarran 04-02-05, 08:40 PM	In a great show of power, the dragon explodes out of his human form into his draconic one, putting his tail and body in between Krissy and any oncoming undead beasts. Flame roars from his mouth as skeletons foolishly approach him, as his voice yells into the head of Krissy. Get onto my back! Quickly! I can protect you and Ghul better from these creatures if I can get us into the air. The Tiger Knights will be fine on their own, but you are under my charge, and our guide is as well. Before the big baddies arrive Krissy. Quickly!
Drindin 04-02-05, 10:51 PM	Some of the skeletons are incinerated, others simply crumple. Krissy nods, and pulls herself onto the dragons back. She reaches her hand down to the ghul. "Quickly! No time to waste!" The ghul hesitates for a moment, before grabbing her hand and pulling himself up, swiftly. Kherule now can see that the pillar-clouds are made of thousands of faces that appear as though screaming, but make no noise... As well, he is suddenly surrounded by skeletons, which seem to try and hack at him with their swords.
Lord Tarran 04-02-05, 11:13 PM	Kherule laughs internally at the pathetic skeletons, crushing several of them as he sweeps around into the sky. He sees the beast, and believes it to be a Caller in the Darkness. He curses under his breath about not remembering anymore about the creature but its name, but decided it best not to have to find out unless absolutely neccessary. Wheeling around in the sky, but careful to keep the youngsters on his back, the dragon quickly casts a simple spell to strap the children to his back, and to prevent any falling off if he barrel rolls. In the same breath he begins a evil warding spell, that engulfs the area around the children, allowing him to work unhindered. Like a crimson streak, he swoops down at the dark maddening screaming faces, letting loose a gouge of fire from his maw, and letting a gouge of lightning loose from his claws. I guess we will have to put your lessons off for a bit, won't we Krissy? He says ruefully.
Solmund 04-02-05, 11:15 PM	"need some help?" A shifter says, deactivating his ring of invisibility. He fires off four arrows at the skeletons, which burst in a dome of disruptive force. "you people really need to learn how to handle undead." he says as he throws two flasks at the incoming creatures, destroying a few more.
Drindin 04-03-05, 01:00 AM	"need some help?" A shifter says, deactivating his ring of invisibility. He fires off four arrows at the skeletons, which burst in a dome of disruptive force. "you people really need to learn how to handle undead." he says as he throws two flasks at the incoming creatures, destroying a few more. ((Um... solmund has two wraiths to concern himself with at the moment...))
Pipers Youth 04-03-05, 02:47 PM	Respen could only ruefully watched as Khaira came to him and denounced the sad truth that he had feared. She was tied to these men, in a war foretold to him by Keldorn one day at the school, the march to Messicana. Now he wore a saddened expression as he was torn from his war horse to the ground and berated by Khaira. Those beautiful emerald orbs now burned with a fury, that he had fueled with his foolishness in trying to please his just lord. Khaira's free hand then balled into a fist and struck Respen in the nose, her next words ringing in his ears. "And I swear to every God, Goddess, quasi deity, semi deity, avatar, demon and devil that is listening, Sir Respen Braegen, if you do a THING - even THINK of doing a single thing - to deny them their rightful rest, I will ensure that your life becomes a living hell, and that you get no rest, either!" Her anger had brimmed to it's edge, and Respen had been served his punishment. Blood trickled from his nose, but he not bothered to wipe it, as he wore it as a brand of shame. Respen tried to speak and call for her, but nothing came out as the bardess left him there. Then turning around Respen prepared for the ultimate insult, that snuffed out the last bit of integrity he held. "You had me fooled, you poor excuse of a knight. I thought you were better than all the rest of them; clearly, you have proved me wrong. I'll be watching you, Respen Braegen, you spineless cod of a knight!" A single salty tear ran down his cheek that he wasn't aware of until he tasted it on his tongue. Something happened then, Justiciar reared as a clear sign of danger coming. Then the footfall's came, as well as the familiar moaning, but Respen only laid there as a shell of his former self in shock. As the footsteps came closer a voice range clear in his head, muffling out all other thoughts. The sound of his Lord Tyr was calling to him, to stand and fight. This was the voice that gave him hope and told him he could triumph over any obstacles that were laden before him. Yes, he would deal with this later. Respen now stood up drawing his long sword to face his enemy, the wretched undead. Wiping away the blood and tears from his face he focused on his weapon. Drawing energies from his war domain he soon was in perfect sync with his favored weapon of his Lord. The knight's sky blue eyes now pierced into his enemies, as he took up a charge toward the shambling warriors. With Tyrs battle song on his lips he swung his sword at the nearest of them, cleaning slicing into it's ribcage and continuing right through. As it fell and crumbled to the ground one of it's counterparts charged in with a spear aimed at the knights belly. Respen quickly dodged though and pulled out his holy symbol from his pouch and held it out towards the creature calling out a word. A brilliant light burst from the bowls of the creature that poured through it's eye sockets and devoured the undead, sending it to the ground in ashes. Now he turned to face the other two.
Khaira 04-03-05, 03:14 PM	As Khaira began to take to the skies on the back of Swiftwing and return to Agudo's school, she felt the rise rage increasing with her. Damn that knight for his blasphemous actions! She would... It was then that the unearthly screams from below assaulted her being. She looked down to see multiple undead creatures soaring up to rip the very life from her that coursed through her body. Her rage mounting anew, she lifted her hand, shouting down to the creatures. "Return from whence you came, foul abominations of life! Go to your rest!" She pointed a hand at the rising (skeletons, zombies, ghouls, ghosts?????), a roar of pure rage and anger. The rising moonlight shined on a ring on her hand, and at that particular moment, a large cloud of purple sparks flew from the ring, striking three of the creatures in mid air. Loud, unearthly shrieks were heard, then, as the three abominations burned and, meanwhile, the remaining four charged at Khaira and her Roc, screaming unearthly screams of death and eternal unlife.
Drindin 04-03-05, 03:41 PM	Wraiths born of hatred. Wraiths, born of the dead. Their march begins at sun down. OOC: I thought it was a good enough clue...
Drindin 04-07-05, 01:24 AM	The creatures that were struck disintegrate, the others on the other hand... they keep marching forward.
Khaira 04-07-05, 02:45 PM	As the bright streams of light struck the undead creatures, she became somewhat relieved as she watched that matter, which held the abominations together, fall away to nothingness. She was dismayed, however, as she watched the remaining four creatures continue to increase speed as they progressed against her. "Damn. They don't take a hint, do they!?" Uttering a string of curses in elvish, Khaira then drew the two swords at her side, just as two of those wraiths reached Swiftwing, latching on to the poor roc's body. In only a matter of moments, both Khaira and the Roc were plummeting to the ground. "I guess its time for Plan B!" Her swords, quickly, flashing down, Khaira watched in satisfaction as two more wraiths dissintegrated into nothingness. She had lost sight of the other two, which was even more of an unfortunate predicament to be in, especially since she felt Swiftwing already slowing down as a result of the numbing cold. In the next moment, a feral roar of pain erupted from the comely bardess' mouth as yet another wraith latched itself onto her arm...
Drindin 04-08-05, 07:17 PM	The faces remain silent, though their tormented forms warp as the fires strike them.
Pipers Youth 04-10-05, 07:45 PM	Respen's heart worked twice as hard as he continued to dodge and parry the endless onslaught of blows from the wraiths as they flanked him from both sides. He did not falter however but waiting for his time to strike. Then just as the knight was coming hard upright to cleave his victim, a shower of violet sparks shot from somewhere in the sky distracting him. That distraction almost cost him dearly as one of the undead came in fast, stabbing him in the side where there was a crevice in his chain mail. Respen just managed to turn the weapon around before it could slip deeper into his tender flesh. Fresh waves of pain rolled over him as he used it as a catalyst to fuel his rage. Turning the weapon around fully, he sent it flying disarming the wraith and shifted his wait suddenly to crush it's midsection. It fell in a heap just as the second took up the charge, hacking and slashing widely, providing several openings for Respens eager long sword. It too soon fell to his vengeance. Staggering back he clutched his wound and grinned in satisfaction. Now wondering where had that magical blast had come from, when he remembered Khaira! Looking up Respens eyes widened at the sight of Khaira drawing swords and battling fiends whilst riding on the roc that was now plummeting fast to the earth. To worsen matters one of the wraiths had taken hold of the Lady. He could only watch helplessly as they continued the downward spiral towards disaster. "No, I still have my longbow." Running with all of his might to his war steed he soon reached it. Grabbing his bow from Justiciar he knocked an arrow and took aim at the clearest shot while speaking a silent prayer to his Just Lord. Respen opened his eyes, steadied, and let loose, hoping his shot would score true.
Lord Tarran 04-10-05, 08:33 PM	Swinging around in the air on a dime, the dragon paused momentarily in the air to charge again at the caller. Bringing his powerful claws together beneath his body, the dragon slashes at the Caller as he passes it. He slams the beast with his tail as he passes it, before swinging around again to let loose a massive blast of fire. However, the fire had a strange purple tone to it, as if something extra to destroy the undead beast.
Khaira 04-11-05, 01:38 PM	As the faithful pair of companions continued to plummet straight towards the fast approaching earth, Khaira struggled with the wraith that clung to her arm. Screaming, relentless fury sounded in her ear from the wraith. Eventually, one of her swords fell from her hand as one of her arms went numb. Damn! She felt the warmth begin receding from her chest, as well. Looking down, Khaira noticed that they were not far from the ground; if she did not do something soon, they both would be pancakes soon! Suddenly, out of nowhere, an arrow shrieked by her, striking the wraith that had its strong grasp around her. While it didn't kill the abominable creature, it did distract it. Looking to Swiftwing, she uttered a phrase in Elvish, as her legs tensed. "Rima ten'ta*!" Looking to the wraith, she noticed that it was beginning, once again, to prepare for another attack on Swiftwing, Kharia growled. Looking down, she noticed her sword continued twirling down towards the ground. Looking to the wraith again, she shouted again. "I think not, creature of the darkness!" With those words, Khaira leapt at the oncoming wraith, her sword leading. In a moment, impaled wraith and Khaira were both swirling towards the ground, both fighting for an edge, while Swiftwing soared up into the air. *Run for it!
Drindin 04-12-05, 08:44 PM	The screeching pillar is destroyed, and the wraiths waver for a moment, and disappear... Kharia and the others injured by them, discover their injuries completely gone.... something strange is most certainly occuring... Krissy looks down. "Hey! What is that!" She calls out, pointing at an orange portal in the woods. Kharia and Respen also see this strange portal. It's too small for either of them to pass through, but a house cat could easily make. As soon as it appeared, it disappeared as well...
Khaira 04-12-05, 11:31 PM	... Kharia and the others injured by them, discover their injuries completely gone As Khaira was tumbling to the ground, her auburn-colored hair flying over her head as the wind rushed by her calm body, she continued to struggle with the accursed wraith. Shrieking, forever and ever when all of a sudden...it was gone. Almost instantly, the warmth returned to her body. Amazed, but still perplexed, Khaira looked to the ground. While she had survived the wraith, the ground would still be her death! Closing her eyes, Khaira began to sing; it was a haunting melody, that seemed to stretch across time, spirits, and lives themselves. "Falling, swirling, twirling, mortality crashes to the ground. Death, carnage, destruction, It surrounds us all around. Yet through it all, the golden flames, The Phoneix rising once again, Shall spread its dust-hued wings, And life will slow down its beating tempo.... As Khaira continued to sing those words, a shimmering, fiery aura seemed to grow and pulsate around the bardess. Finally, when she reached the end of the song, it almost seemed that ethereal, fiery wings had grown from her body. Feeling the rush of the wind come to a pause, Khaira opened her eyes, her eyes catching the fading, orange glow of ... a portal? In the woods? When she finally lightly touched down on the ground, creating only a small cloud of dust, Khaira's gaze was still locked on the woods, where the portal once was. What was it? "Respen! Did you see that?"
Lord Tarran 04-13-05, 06:24 PM	Kherule smiled as his blast of disruption fire was enough to but the pillar down, though suprised to see the other beasts go with them. Concerned, the dragon flew higher into the air, to avoid any troubles. Then Kherule looked back at his passengers, to check them for wounds. Discovering none, he spoke, Do you wish for me to fly in closer to that portal phenomenon? Or should we go back to the knights? I'm worried in both directions.
Drindin 04-14-05, 01:00 AM	Krissy shakes her head. "No... I would return to the knights, it's safer... I'm sure they faired fine, all things considered..."
Pipers Youth 04-17-05, 02:40 PM	Respen saw as the arrow pierced the wraith, but what shocked him was no blinding radiance came forth afterward. What had I done not do deserve this Respen thought? Has my even handed Lord forsaken me? No, never would this happen. I have endured in the path of righteousness and stern defense of the law, following this paternal philosophical order. Does this mean..... I must take the next step? The clerics thoughts were halted as a feminine voice filled his ears. A song it 'twas, a beautiful yet sorrow filled song that demanded his attention. Turning Respen caught the sight of Lady Khaira, falling in a slow decent towards the ground, a shimmering, fiery aura, enveloping her until her light feet touched the earth. Then those delicate eye lids fluttered open reviling two emerald orbs as she called. "Respen! Did you see that?" "Yes, my lady, I did! It was very beautiful, the magic's you surround yourself with can astonish any man."
Lord Tarran 04-17-05, 09:37 PM	Krissy shakes her head. "No... I would return to the knights, it's safer... I'm sure they faired fine, all things considered..." As you wish, was the dragon's response as he wheeled in the air, flying towards the tiger knights. He spies them, or where they should be, long before they spot him. Thinking of his own safety, as well as that of his riders, the red quickly throws an illusion around himself to allow him to look like a gold. He lands.
Drindin 04-18-05, 04:11 PM	The tiger knights stand still, quite fine. "All of you have passed your first test... but we still need that lock of hair, afore your second can be taken." Krissy looks at them, perplexed. "Test? You mean this horrifying experience was not but a test!?" The knights simply nod.
Khaira 04-19-05, 09:18 PM	"Yes, my lady, I did! It was very beautiful, the magic's you surround yourself with can astonish any man." As Respen spoke those words, Khaira realized whom exactly it was that she was talking to; a stupid, ignorant knight, who didn't now his backend front his head. Indeed, the latter must be stuck deep in the former for him not to have seen the great portal! Looking at Respen with a look that conveyed the pure incompetence she now saw in him, she spoke to him as if she were speaking to a incomprehending child. "I do hope that all knights are not as perceptive as you, otherwise we are surely doomed. The orange portal? Don't tell me you didn't see it! Did you not notice the sudden disappearance of the wraiths?" Continuing to hold his gaze, she pointed up to the sky where Swiftwing was now soaring down from. "Wraiths...the creatures that were attacking you and me'n Swiftwing. They're gone. The orange portal..." Khaira trailed off, looking at Respen with a look of utter contempt and mounting anger. "Blessed Gods Above! How could you NOT have seen it, you dolt! You call yourself a cleric? Your more like a ... a ... initiate!" Shaking her head in disbelief, she looked to where Swiftwing landed behind her, making her way over to the roc, where she gracefully mounted and looked to Respen, her voice mocking. "If you still possess the wits and the intelligence to ride your damned horse, Initiate, we still have to go to the school and collect a lock of hair from Elvina. That is, if you haven't forgotten that part of the mission, too. Swiftwing, let's get out of here before his brainlessness rubs off on me, too!" With but a word, Khaira and Swiftwing were still up in the air, the pair heading towards Agudo's school again
Lord Tarran 04-26-05, 09:47 PM	Kherule grits his massive teeth, making an audible grating sound, as he learns that his battle was already known of by his supposed allies. How can we trust you, then? You know of our enemies movements, so how are you not them?
Pipers Youth 04-26-05, 09:57 PM	His jaw hung slake as once again the bardesss berated him with curses. The nerve of this debauching woman! She must be put in her place, Respen told himself. If he was to travel with this woman alone boundaries must be set, and who better than the male. If it was to be a battle of wits, so be it. Such things he would just not tolerate as a respected leader of the temple of Tyr. Flushed with bitter anger, Respen put his bow away and shambled up his horse. Kicking the horse's flanks hard, it broke into a steady run after Lady Khaira and her roc. When camp was set at night they would have a talk. "And a talk that might be!"
Drindin 04-28-05, 12:32 AM	The ghosts smile. "Hardly your enemy... all will make sense in time. That was the first of three tests, the second is to find the hair... the third shall be revealed to you come it's time." Is all they say. Krissy grimaces. "Trust one of my uncles to make something so complicated to simply guard his resting place... or perhaps it is because he wanted to make sure I was ready, or that those I've chosen were strong enough?"
Drindin 04-28-05, 06:01 PM	Kharia and Respen will seeing nothing hostile as of yet, and the night has only just begun. Though the test (which they don't know about) is over, there can still be (and are!) dangers lurking in this thick wood..
Khaira 05-07-05, 12:30 AM	The great shape of Swiftwing could be seen sillouhetted against the sparse clouds that now covered the stars and, at times, the giant bird of prey. Atop the mount, Khaira sat, her keen eyes surveying the area around her as they made their way back to the school. Back to the source of the pain. Back to her imprisonment. Back where this had all started, so long ago...back where she had, at one time, been on good terms with Agudo. Would that still be the case? What about Keldorn? Would he attempt to restrain her or, worse yet, attempt an attack on her? He would be the one foolish enough to start hopeless battles, after all. The future was too unpredictable; it held too many variables that could potentially have an effect on the outcome. One thing was certain, however; the knight journeying with her was dangerous. He was, after all, a friend of Keldorn's and, so, could be easily persuaded to perceive the bardess as an enemy... Leaning close to Swiftwing, Khaira's eyes picked out the sillouhette of the horse and the troublesome knight that it carried, Respen Braegen against the soft light of the moon. Leaning closer yet to Swiftwing, her cheek pressed against the soft feathers of her closest companion, the bardess whispered. "Keener than mine your eyes are, my friend; watch our companion down below. Danger may strike at any moment, and foolish enough would he be to face that danger in the name of justice, or so he says. Battle he looks for, and worries me it does whom he would bring that battle to. Keldorn an ally of is he..." Straightening up, Khaira once again regarded the knight down below, her brow creasing with worry. Knights and political fighters of justice always worried her; they were often blind to anything that was not black and white. Respen Braegen caused her much worry...
Drindin 05-10-05, 12:17 AM	For the most part, the trip to the school is uneventful, until they actually reach it. Standing outside is a figure robed in black, very slightly transparent, and in his hands, a brush. Elvina's brush, to be more precise, recently used and bearing her hair. He stands, arms crossed like an egyptian pharo, hand held like a cane, but his head bowed like a benedictine monks.
Khaira 05-12-05, 12:29 AM	As the enraged bardess flew through the air on the journey back to the school, she became thankful for the wind that was rushing in her face, cooling the heated anger that had risen from the erupted wildfire that was her passion. Every now and then, she looked back to Respen, not bothering to slow Swiftwing's pace; let the damned knight run his steed dead if he wanted to! She didn't care. Surprisingly, however - and much to her dismay - the knight kept pace and, eventually, they were within sight of the school. As Khaira began the steady descent that would land both of them on the ground, her eyes narrowed in on the man standing in front of the school and, more speifically, on the brush that he held. What was this? Another trick of some kind? As Swiftwing landed, sending up a small cloud of dust from the impact, she nodded solemnly to the man who now held the brush, remaining seated, elevated on Swiftwing's back above the height of the man. "Greetings, stranger; what have you there? Should my memory serve me correctly, that is Elvina's brush. What're you about?" Khaira's muscles tensed, her hands feeling at Swiftwing's side for the magical bow that hung idly there. This man would either give the brush up without need of persuasion or she would have to initiate "diplomatic action". Some called her diplomatic action crude and rude intimidation but if it achieved the desired end, who cared what one called it?
Drindin 05-13-05, 01:15 AM	The creature looks up, revealing the disturbing lack of any visible material body. "Taaaake it.... from.... my hand....." He whispers.
Lord Tarran 05-17-05, 07:01 PM	The ghosts smile. "Hardly your enemy... all will make sense in time. That was the first of three tests, the second is to find the hair... the third shall be revealed to you come it's time." Grand, just grand, Kherule whispers through his massive fangs. Then I suppose you aren't fooled by this illusion are you? Krissy grimaces. "Trust one of my uncles to make something so complicated to simply guard his resting place... or perhaps it is because he wanted to make sure I was ready, or that those I've chosen were strong enough?" We are quite strong, Krissy, worry not.
Drindin 05-21-05, 11:32 PM	Smiling slightly, the murmur. "Not at all. But we have never been ones to judge a book by it's cover."
Pipers Youth 05-22-05, 01:33 PM	As the duo reached the school, Respen couldn't help but marvel once again at the magnificent site of the structure. Made with the superior craftsmanship of the dwarves, and the unique, intricate style of the elves, it stood as a beacon of hope, in a realm seethed with peril, and danger. It was a safehaven for the restless and weary travelers that seeked shelter. Khaira settled her winged mount down to the ground, the knight likewise did to find the bardess in conversation at the front gates with someone. Respen's eyes narrowed as he found the sight of the Khiara's restlessness, as a shady mage of some sorts stood at the front gates holding in his hands a hair brush, a brush with the locks of one's hair entangled within. If his suspicion proved correct, than that would be the hair of the elven maiden Elvina. "Yes, please do inquire your business with that item you have sir." "Taaaake it.... from.... my hand....." He whispers. A palpable sense of wrong flitted across Respen's heart as the man looked up reveling no material body beneath his black robes. This familiar sense came to him when in the presence of evil. The knight held out his hand in front of Khaira to stop any approach, and his handsome features took on a hard tone, as he said, "Lady Khaira, be ready to guard yourself for I smell a trap."
Lord Tarran 05-22-05, 02:38 PM	"Not at all. But we have never been ones to judge a book by it's cover." Then there is no reason for me to retain false premises. A wave of a claw and the illusion falls away, revealing the giant red for what he truly was.
Khaira 05-22-05, 10:12 PM	As Khaira regarded the man from atop Swiftwing's back, she noted the knight, Respen Braegen also dismounting and moving to stand in his defensive position in front of the bardess. Assuring that her blades were still sheathed and ready at her side, she leapt off Swiftwing's back whilst the Roc beheld the man holding Elvina's brush in an unblinking gaze. As she began to walk up to the man in order to confront him, however, Respen interecepted her and, in the stereotypical manner of the Brotherhood of Knights, warned her that it was a trap. Smiling a daring, dangerous, and quite mischevious smile, the bardess shrugged to Respen. Leaning close to the Knight, she winked at him, and then, her elegant voice wisping into his ear, she whispered words to him that only he could hear. "If it is a trap, my bold companion, then I shall spring it..." Her hand, soft and gentle, wrapped around the knight's hand, drawing it down to his side. Drawing her gaze away from the knight, she once again smiled, looking to the old, decrepit man still holding the brush. Her long sword was out, then, throbbing with a dull red tone, even as she moved to the man. "I'm afraid you have no need of that..." Her hands then, as quick as a cobra, honed to alarming speed from her past experiences on the street when her hands needed to be quick, reached out and grasped hold of the brush while, all the while, her long sword was held at a ready position....
Drindin 05-23-05, 02:51 AM	His one free hand reached out and clasped the long sword, then a third arm grabbed her wrist, simply holding it, not trying to harm her. "No. Your heart bears only chaos, there is no semblance of law... try again." A force seems to slowly cause Kharia to drift back, and be next to the knight once more, the third arm disappearing, the other two returning to their regular position.
Khaira 05-25-05, 08:22 PM	As one hand grasped her long sword, the bardess prepared to offer a rebuttal to the man's statement. It was only then, though, as the third hand grasped her wrist and she felt herself sliding back that she just glared at him. Drawing her other sword, Khaira once again stepped forward. "No. Your heart bears only chaos, there is no semblance of law... try again." A venomous, growing rage that would have seemed to sear the very spirit out of any other person now glared, in all its full power, at the man before her. Her words were oddly flat, toneless; those that knew her best, however, knew that this was the tone Khaira took when she was furious. Truly furious. "Chaos or law, it makes no difference at this moment in time, old man. You preach to know so well the heart of another whom you know not at all. Appearances can be deceiving, as the old adage goes." Her foots carried her, then steadily, slowly, surely towards the old man, not slowing and not halting until her breath vented hot and heavy upon the old man's face. "I will have the brush, and I will have the brush now. If I must peel the brush from your cold, dead fingers, so be it..." Even as she spoke these words, her long sword began to glow an angry, red hot.
Drindin 05-25-05, 10:26 PM	The being simply didn't respond, and kharia felt herself drifting back once more, completely unable to approach the being. ((Tip: If chaos doesn't work, what are your alternatives?))
Khaira 05-31-05, 01:25 AM	((Tip: If chaos doesn't work, what are your alternatives?)) ((yah, I know, but Khaira's a stubborn, bull-headed, insistent you-know-what)) The bardess was ready to strike and, indeed, her sword began to move forward. Suddenly, however, she discovered that she was thrusting thin air and that, once again, she was standing at the side of Respen. She was ready to charge but then, it seemed, a light dawned as Khaira seemed to reach an epiphany. Stiffly, reluctantly, she turned to the knight now at her side once again. Pointing to the freakish man with one of her swords, she smiled disarmingly, a smile full of kindness and good intentions, though her very words seemed to speak otherwise... "Well, holy one, go and get the brush; apparently, he desires only a pure heart. Your the only goody-two shoes I see 'round here. Go get it so we can go back already!" She jabbed the knight, none too gently, in the side with the hilt of one of her swords. "Go on, Holy Boy, times a-wastin'!"
Pipers Youth 05-31-05, 09:08 PM	Respen Bragean sighed, interested but not surprised as the fiery haired bardess continued to fail to get the brush. He had the impression from the start that she wasn't exactly the lawful type, but now he could clearly see that. He awaiting patiently until she was finally spent, and came to him. And when she did he was surprised to see the smile played upon her face and was in mid sentence of encouragement when something hard jabbed his hip. "Well, holy one, go and get the brush; apparently, he desires only a pure heart. Your the only goody-two shoes I see 'round here. Go get it so we can go back already!" She jabbed the knight, none too gently, in the side with the hilt of one of her swords. "Go on, Holy Boy, times a-wastin'!" His jaw snapped shut as Respen Braegan spun around facing Khiara. His blue eyes wild with barely contained fury he opened his mouth once more, but he found nothing came out. Instead he found his eyes darting over the ample curves of her strong body. He stuttered once more feeling hot blood rush to his face, and instead of yelling he turned. Calmly he walked over to where the man was holding out the brush still, and reached for it.
Drindin 05-31-05, 11:56 PM	Respen feels himself suddenly whipped back, as though he were wearing a harness tied to a truck, and it jerked away. "Your heart is regal, and harsh. There is too much order, and no freedom to move. Try again." ((Heheh. Don't know if you've figured it out yet...))
Khaira 06-03-05, 12:32 AM	As Respen, too, was shoved back, Khaira looked to the Knight and smiled. "Oh? What's this? Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes is too goody." The bardess smirked and chuckled; it should have been a jovial, good-natured chuckle but, in the light of the current situation, it was really quite enraging. "....and we still have to get the brush." Khaira's mind journeyed back to a story she had once read about an angel who had to join with a demon, both of whom had to pool their powers to defeat a greater threat than the both of them. They had created a balance by pooling their polar opposite methodologies. Turning, Khaira regarded Respen, her brows creased as she thought of how best to accomplish this. Finally, her hand rested on his shoulder, and she smiled. Surprisingly, when she next opened her mouth, Respen may indeed have trouble comprehending her next words. "Come, my companion. Let us go get the brush; I fear that our talents must be pooled to retrieve this item." Had Khaira really made a kind statement, without any form of an insult lying in dormant wait within it? For all appearances, indeed, it had been so. As the lithe, wild-haired bardess began to start forward, she looked ,back to Respen, teasingly. Her voice, too, seemed teasingly succulent, sweet, almost as tempting as a succubus...
Pipers Youth 06-13-05, 03:24 PM	Respen gave off a small growl of frustration as he too was pushed back by an invisible force. Was it not law that was required to complete this task? As he searched for the questions he sought, he heard the oncoming sarcasm from his female companion, then something unexpected. A soft, delicate hand came to rest on his shoulder. "Come, my companion. Let us go get the brush; I fear that our talents must be pooled to retrieve this item." Respen turned to regard Khaira with his brow raised in skepticism. Maybe it was his turn for a healthily bit of sarcasm. But, that smile, it was sincere, wholehearted. Was he right to judge from the beginning? Respen found himself returning a warm smile of his own as the bardess continued forward. "Lead on Lady." Respen said following behind the bardess
Khaira 06-22-05, 04:16 PM	With Respen walking by her side, Khaira and the knight both walked up to the brush. As she was close to the old man once again, Khaira's hand reached for the brush as she gave a sideways glance to Respen. "Together, this time..." Were there underlying connotations in her words? Together? Her eyes seemed to twinkle mischieviously, teasingly, but only a moment later, she looked to the brush and the old man again, waiting for Respen's hands to grasp the brush with hers.
Drindin 06-28-05, 01:23 AM	((Sorry piper, but I don't have time to wait... I have to leave in a few weeks, and I want to get this rolling before I have to! I know in my heart you'd oblige to grasping the brush, so...)) Respen also reaches foreward taking hold of the brush. There is a burst of purplish light, and soon the two questers find themselves back with Krissy and the rest. Krissy looks up at the great red, with a smile, as the other two appear. The ghost Reginald gently takes the brush in his hand, and falls too his knees, real tears streaming down his face... and then something strange happens... something no one expected at all... The tears solidified, and the brush begins too glow... reginald looks on, slightly confused. "Wha... what's happening?" The other tiger knights gasp, and look down at their pale hands... which are materializing, and regaining their regular colour! Regiald notices this happening as well... and soon the glow brightens, and in yet another flash, Reginald is whole and alive once more! A great roaring comes from behind them, and their tigers are also alive and breathing. Reginald casts his head and long red hair to the sky, and lets out a joyous, triumphant yell. "I AM ALIVE!" He hollors with great elatement. He looks to the Krissy, who is simply smirking smugly. "Did... did you know?" She chuckles. "Of course. I gathered together a small group of clerics from the classes before we left, and put a rune of life on the comb. I used a tiny bit of my necromantic knowledge to cause it to return any ghosts within a hundred yards back into living, breathing creatures... of course, I got some help from some of my... connections. They didn't like the idea, but I eventually... convinced them." She explained, examining her nails. Reginald smiled brightly, and embraced her in a magnificent bear hug. "You loveable dear! How can I ever repay you?" She looked at him. "Open the gate. I know you still can." He looked at her increduously, before smiling. "Oh! That gate! Yes, of course..." He holds out his hand, and a rip opens in the sky. He looks on grimly. "Your next test lies through there... I think you'll know more about it than I. It will be, of course, a... familiar face beyond there." Krissy nodded.
Khaira 07-08-05, 01:22 AM	As Khaira grasped the brush with Respen simultaneously and the bright light sprung forth, she cursed softly to herself. Swiftwing was still back at that damned school, and it would take nearly a day before her mount and companion could make it back to her. That meant she'd have to go by foot for now. Looking around her, her emerald green eyes narrowed as she realized, much to her surprise, the Knights that had fallen during the Messianica War were now flesh and blood, breathing specimens. Somehow, they had made the journey from their prison in between planes back to the Material Plane. It didn't make sense to her, since she had only assumed that physical bodies were required to breathe life back into such a long dead being. He holds out his hand, and a rip opens in the sky. He looks on grimly. "Your next test lies through there... I think you'll know more about it than I. It will be, of course, a... familiar face beyond there." Krissy nodded. Must they always discuss this in a damned committee?! She wanted to get going, not stand and debate what marching order they should go in! Exasperated, tense, and eager to move forward, Khaira moved forward, her wild, red hair pointing every which way, seeming to be proof of the bardess' patience. "Come on then; let's go!"
Lord Tarran 07-08-05, 09:35 PM	Kherule makes a purring rumble in his chest, and looks down at his compatriots. Hop on those who need to fly, and that rift through we shall go. Something was still bothering Kherule though. That same uneasiness he felt in the skies, even after defeating the undead, still haunted his ancient mind. His reason and intellect could not puzzle out this feeling, nor could his heart. Maybe there would be answers on the other side of the portal.
Drindin 07-09-05, 12:36 AM	As they step through the portal,they are faced with a dark land of eternal night. Krissy seems unmoved, despite the inherent... unnatural feeling this place bears. Around a giaganitic obsidian cathedral, is a forest of black-trunked, blue-leafed trees. Krissy steps foreward, and merely waits. The Knights, on the other hand, simply ride off in the opposite direction of the portal.
Khaira 07-09-05, 01:32 AM	(I'll be controlling Respen for a time, at least until Piper gets back and is able to post again.) Khaira As Khaira stepped forward with the rest of her companions, transported into this strange, dark world, she couldn't help but feel a cold tremor move down her spine. This place was dark, eerie, and more than a little un-natural. "What place is this, Krissy? Have the Gods of Toril abandoned it to its death? I feel a dark foreboding, a lack of life or joy..." Khaira's eyes seemed magnetically drawn to the giant monolith of obsidian, standing erect directly in front of the small group. "...and I assume therein lies our next test?" Respen Respen followed the red-haired temptress through the dark portal of negativity. It was the bane, it seemed, of all that Tyr watched over that was good and true and just. His thoughts were everywhere else at that moment as he passed through the portal, and especially on that of Khaira. She was such a strange, chaotic entity; she was rude, conceited, and downright demeaning most of the time. Back at the school, though, she had been kind and thoughtful...or so it seemed. Was that, then, another sly trick of hers, to only appear caring in order to get what she desired? Or had that been a true, genuine feeling? His mind was jerked to the present when his eyes took in the sight of this new area. It was, indeed, as Khaira had stated, deserted by the Gods of Toril. What fate had befallen this horrid place? If besieged again by unfeeling entities of unlife, would he be able to form the proper connection with his god in order to draw forth the positive energy needed to dispatch such demons? A hand caressed the symbolic rune that represented Tyr, and his purpose in life as he regarded the obsidian spire. "The Great Lord Tyr will protect us if we remain true, just, and unyielding to the forces of evil that run rampant here."
Lord Tarran 07-09-05, 01:51 AM	Kherule had also entered the portal, finding that his bulk was a bit much, a changing his size to something a little less massive, his human form. Hearing the radical and biggoted thoughts of the cleric, the dragon sneers in disgust. There is no evil here, Respen, merely a great deal of negative energy, the energy of death. Lord Tyr mayl protect you, but I would worry more about protecting one's self in this place of death. He glances at Krissy. What do we do next?
Drindin 07-10-05, 12:39 AM	Krissy doesn't respond, but she apparent doesn't need too.... For a familiar face appears next to her, looking down... a tall gaunt man, with hollow eyes, and an unnaturaly wide grin, with a tall thin brain protruding from his head. His thin, naked, and androgenous form looks them over. "Next, you must see, you must answer me these riddles three! Though, it is not well known, that the Brain Man is Drindin's own. Created me, my father has, to protect his crypt, should he come to pass. I wandered for a time alone, for Wee-Jas had not yet spelled that deathly tone. But now I have come back in time, and now I speak to you in rhyme! "Now these riddles I shall ask, before I let you pass!" "First Riddle: One that rests inside a pod The one of us not I Place the ball before you shoot A snack that’s sometimes high Not who or what, where, when or how A bee could name me now. "Second Riddle: Concise spice. Not a dot. Lead with speed. Jot a thought. "Final Riddle: Giants are slain and then they’re bound Pushed and shoved and then they’re drowned Thin and flat fruit of the slaughter Lets the maker walk on water." "give your answers!"
Drindin 07-31-05, 11:36 PM	The brain man looks about. "The riddles are easy, yet do they make thee queezy?"
Drindin 08-03-05, 02:09 AM	Krissy smirks at the first riddle. "Dear man, you make this too easy." She states, quietly. "One of us inside a pod: Simple, a Pea. The one of us not I: Is it you? Place the ball before you shoot: A tee. A snack that's sometimes high: This one got me, but I figured it must be Tea, after I found out the rest. Not who what where when and how? What about why? A bee could spell me now: a spelling B! Pea you tee tea why! Putty!" The brain my grins. "You must be Drindin's neice. He warned me you were clever."
Drindin 08-09-05, 04:37 AM	"Second Riddle: Concise spice. Not a dot. Lead with speed. Jot a thought. Krissy Smirks. "To easy, these are all one thing... a dash. A dash of spice, a small line, or a 'dash', To dash, or to move quickly... To dash down a thought! The answer: dash! "Final Riddle: Giants are slain and then they’re bound Pushed and shoved and then they’re drowned Thin and flat fruit of the slaughter Lets the maker walk on water." "give your answers!" Krissy sighs. "You disappointed me with your last one, it was far to easy... Giants are felled, simple. Trees. Pushed and shoved, pushed into place, thin and flat, made into a steady board. It's a Raft." The brain man grins toothily, and fades from view, his voice echoing "Correct..."
Drindin 08-16-05, 02:40 PM	Krissy looks up at the obsidian structure. "Welcome, my friends, to the Trunin Crypt... shall we proceed? Drindin lies within, awaiting us." She steps foreward into the darkened woods, waiting for the others to follow...
Khaira 08-18-05, 07:10 PM	"Welcome, my friends, to the Trunin Crypt... shall we proceed? Drindin lies within, awaiting us." Drindin...The same person who captivated my attention so very long ago. The same person who preached balance, life and death. Drindin...whom I have hoped to see since he was banished... A thousand thoughts coursed through Khaira's mind simultaneously. Drindin was inside and soon, he would come back among the living. Was this not the very sole purpose of her coming on this journey? Even as she realized that it was, though, a painful thought caused her to grimace momentarily; what if, in dying, his memory of her had been erased? What then? For once, Khaira could not move nor could she speak. The fear and pain so clearly read in her eyes seemed to be the very thing that held her in place. Softly, she murmured to herself, in a near inaudible, shaken voice. "What would be worse: knowing that he has forgotten me or not knowing?" She knew the answer to that question, undoubtedly, before the question had even surfaced. It was with renewed vigor that Khaira strode bravely down the path into the Crypt of Drindin
Pipers Youth 08-18-05, 10:04 PM	The Trunin Crypt... It seemed just ealier today Respen set out on this new, thrilling journey, for it to only end here. Was this truly it? Would the spirit of Krissy's uncle be resurrected here? Who really was this Drindin, and what was he like in the land of the living? The elf had to ask himself these questions, as he crossed his arms over his strong chest, deep blue orbs peering into this mysterious place. This place was so familiar to him. The scent of grave soil flowing through his nostrils, the negative aura that clung to his heart like some deep mist, that no wind could part. Yes, the memory of the orcs attacking the temple of Tyr. They came like a plague, and ransacked the temple, spilling elf blood on their murderous rampage. Not only had they killed his dear friends and loved ones, but they had desecrated the temple, the only home Respen has ever known. He had sought revenge, and slew every pig-faced orc that he could find. Though this did little to quell the rage, as he buried his kin in a graveyard much like this. Respen cradling his holy symbol, like a newborn babe as he dawned on these emotions. He must continue this quest, for himself, and his companions...Khaira. Khaira? This mystifying, beautiful woman, which he knew so little about. How did this drifting traveler, bring such fire into him? Was it her alluring charm, or curiosity? This woman he could never read. One minute she would be a fiery she-devil, and the next, a compassionate soul. "Ed' i'ear ar' elenea." Respen said shacking his head, and walking into the crypt. By the Sea and the Stars
Drindin 08-20-05, 08:16 PM	((Just waiting on Tarran, then... I'll give it till tuesday, then I'm posting the next part...))
Drindin 08-25-05, 11:42 PM	The woods are rather unextraordinary. Krissy leads them on a long path... "This crypt wasn't always like this..." She states. "Not until the war..." The twisted trees reach upwards, blotting out what little light comes from the globe in the sky. The trees seem to watch them, the branches trying to pull and tug at the robes as they pass.
Khaira 09-06-05, 12:03 AM	Khaira moved through the forest of deformed trees that seemed, by there very nature, to be alive and spiteful of the sentient, living forces that now moved through its depths. She felt the arms of the more than sentient trees grasping at her clothes, her swords, the arrows in her quiver...and everything she possessed. They were troubled trees, forms of nature perverted by the very nature of what lie ahead. They were angered, it seemed, by the events that had transpired. She continued to move forward, however, whispering softly to the vengeful trees, passing reassurances on to the spirits that inhabited them. She was suddenly aware of Krissy speaking to them, then, and explaining that it was the fault of the war that had caused this area to turn like this. "You mean the Messianica War, don't you? Or, rather, Agudo's War?"
Drindin 09-06-05, 09:00 PM	Krissy nods. "These trees are twisted and chaotic... the trunins are a family of order and vanity. Our own goddess has vanity in her profile... she commands only the best from her followers. This... this is ugly, horrifying... certainly not approvable by the vain lady..." Krissy looks around. "The atrocities in the war.... the same ones that created the restless wraiths... gave birth to these wrathful trees."
Khaira 10-24-05, 02:44 PM	OOC Igor, is it alive? Is it alive? Live, little monster of a thread! End OOC
Drindin 10-25-05, 06:04 PM	((So much for encouraging characterization... Oh well! Back to my old methods!)) The Crypt loomed over them like some dark behemoth, terrifying... yet there was an odd beauty about the obsidian columns that supported the great monolith. Krissy approached the doors, and held her arms out. "In the name of our ancestors, Thine shall open..." The doors slowly slid open with a sound like two concrete slabs rubbing against each other. Krissy walked through the archway, her pace quickening as she saw the recently sealed tomb... on the top, a carved effigy of the dark robed figure, holding his longsword upon his chest. Krissy broke into a run, and fell to her knees before the tomb, and feebly tried to move the heavy top off of it. She looked back to the others. "Assist me!'
Khaira 10-27-05, 01:19 AM	Khaira, too, ran up to the tomb, her red hair flying freely and wildly behind her. Reaching the tomb finally, she struggled to assist Krissy in lifting the tomb.
Pipers Youth 10-30-05, 09:54 PM	Throughout the silent walk through the graveyard, the knight had an uneasy feeling about him. And why not? We were after all in a resting place for spirits, he thought, a tense hand on the hilt of his sword. Boots skidded in gravel as the group came to a stop, and above them looming, like some great shadow was a stone crypt. The carved obsidian statues, marking that the person resting here must of been of some great importance in his lifetime. The first to react was the pale faced girl Krissy, who immediately spoke the words that by means of some unknown magic opened the great doors, spilling forth years of collected dust in the process. The companions rushed in, and Respen followed, much to his disliking. A wave of dreadful despair washed over him, as he entered the tome. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. His clerical powers allowed him powers to link his psych to the auras surrounding him, but he was unprepared for this. Respen thought his heart would threaten to burst from him chest, but then the moment quickly passed, leaving him to stare up at the carving of a dark clad robed figure holding a sword. Krissy was screaming something, and Khaira and her both were at the base of tome, trying to unjar the stone lid off! By Tyr's left hand, what were they thinking! The knight ran over,hands making warding signs in the air as he shouted "No!" At the beginning of this journey Respen knew that they were to resurrect Krissy dead uncle, but something was just not right about this place.
Khaira 10-30-05, 11:37 PM	As Khaira struggled with the tomb, right alongside Krissy, she idly recalled the events that had brought her to this point. A long time ago, she had met Drindin at Agudo's School. There, he had met her after one of her bardic classes, and had whisked her away to dinner. He had impressed her that day. They had spoken of death and dying, among many other things. That had been their first meeting, in fact, and only a few weeks later, Drindin had defended the school and its students ... and consequently been exiled from the school by Agudo. Her comely face hardened in a grim expression, and she threw back her red hair, seeming suddenly tense. Damn Agudo! He had always spouted law, order, and acceptance, but could never seem to walk that very path. When Krissy had come to the school, asking for help in ressurecting Drindin, Khaira had to go. Even if she died, in this very room, at least it would be dying for Drindin. Drindin whom, she'd come to realize, she loved... "Curse the Gods for these unfortunate times they have given me..." It was then that the "holy" knight - the damned foolish knight! - decided that he felt a need to desecrate the good thing they were doing here by spouting his foolish need to protect everyone here. Growling, a feral sound emanating from her throat, Khaira whirled around, her red hair flying wildly and her emerald green eyes ablaze. It was all she could do to avoid running the fool through with her swords! Stepping forward, Khaira pointed at Respen, her voice seeming to echo on the stone about the room. Her voice itself was as sharp as a thousand little blades, and about as deadly. "You! How dare you bring dishonor to this place and the one held within it; have some respect for those who have passed on! We have come here with an intention of ressurecting a loved one and, should you have such a problem with it, there is the exit! Of course there is one other option..." Khaira glowered at the knight with all the fury of the gods. He was going to interfere with their plans now, at the end point in their journey? Not if she had anything to do with it! In an instant, Khaira's long sword was out, and pointing in Respen's direction. "If you are so eager to be Lord Righteous today, you can do that ... from the other side!"
Drindin 11-04-05, 06:47 PM	With Khaira's help, the tomb slid open easily. There resting seemingly peaceful was the body of Drindin, the old Holy Symbol still tightly clutched in his hands, his skin paler than usual, a more formal set of dark robes covering his resting form. Krissy eagerly looked back. "It's time! We must do it now! There is little time left!" She prayed to her dark goddess that the ressurection would work...
Drindin 11-25-05, 09:06 PM	With Khaira's help, the tomb slid open easily. There resting seemingly peaceful was the body of Drindin, the old Holy Symbol still tightly clutched in his hands, his skin paler than usual, a more formal set of dark robes covering his resting form. Krissy eagerly looked back. "It's time! We must do it now! There is little time left!" She prayed to her dark goddess that the ressurection would work... *Chirp..... chirp....*
Khaira 11-28-05, 02:36 PM	Khaira turned her attention away from Respen momentarily to regard the pale, lifeless body of Drindin. He seemed so peaceful, perfect, and eloquent. She thought that the dark robes he wore seemed to almost accent the paleness of his body. Khaira turned, then, to Krissy, who had begun her spell. Softly, she also prayed to Tymora that luck, today, would be with them and that Drindin would be brought back to life once again. Slowly, a soft, warm hand reached down to take hold of Drindin's lifeless hand. Softly, almost reassuringly, she held that cold hand in her own, despite logic yelling at her to get away. Softly, her musical voice reached down, into the tomb where Drindin lay. "Drindin ... come back to me ... to us ... please."
Drindin 11-29-05, 04:35 PM	Khaira turned her attention away from Respen momentarily to regard the pale, lifeless body of Drindin. He seemed so peaceful, perfect, and eloquent. She thought that the dark robes he wore seemed to almost accent the paleness of his body. Khaira turned, then, to Krissy, who had begun her spell. Softly, she also prayed to Tymora that luck, today, would be with them and that Drindin would be brought back to life once again. Slowly, a soft, warm hand reached down to take hold of Drindin's lifeless hand. Softly, almost reassuringly, she held that cold hand in her own, despite logic yelling at her to get away. Softly, her musical voice reached down, into the tomb where Drindin lay. "Drindin ... come back to me ... to us ... please." Drindin's form suddenly jolted, and he coughed. A flash of purple light filled the room, momentairily blinding those looking on. Krissy, for some reason had a look of horror on her face as drindin sat up, shaking his head groggily. His body felt warm to the touch, yet something was wrong... something didn't seem quite right.
Khaira 12-06-05, 11:48 AM	As the purple light flashed forth, Khaira stumbled backwards, her hand losing its grasp on Drindin's own now-warm appendages. She shielded her eyes, yelling out at the sudden light. "What the hell?! What's happening?" Standing up slowly, cautiously, looking about the room. There ... Drindin was moving. Did it work? Was it finally ovr? Hesitation and apprehension marked Khaira's features as her gaze travelled from the seemingly alive Drindin to the horrified Krissy. Worry was stamped in her emerald green eyes. "Krissy? Krissy, are you well?" Khaira turned to Drindin, unsure of what she should do or say. For the moment, she was speechless, unable to formulate anything to say. At last, though, she was able to phrase her thoughts. "Drindin? Drindin ... are you with us? Is ... Is it well?"
Drindin 12-07-05, 01:50 AM	As the purple light flashed forth, Khaira stumbled backwards, her hand losing its grasp on Drindin's own now-warm appendages. She shielded her eyes, yelling out at the sudden light. "What the hell?! What's happening?" Standing up slowly, cautiously, looking about the room. There ... Drindin was moving. Did it work? Was it finally ovr? Hesitation and apprehension marked Khaira's features as her gaze travelled from the seemingly alive Drindin to the horrified Krissy. Worry was stamped in her emerald green eyes. "Krissy? Krissy, are you well?" Khaira turned to Drindin, unsure of what she should do or say. For the moment, she was speechless, unable to formulate anything to say. At last, though, she was able to phrase her thoughts. "Drindin? Drindin ... are you with us? Is ... Is it well?" Krissy covered her mouth, worry lines forming on her forehead and she furrowed his brow. "By wee-jas... I'm so sorry uncle... I forgot! I'm so sorry..." She lets out a muffled sob, as she hunkers over. Drindin looked around... then to Krissy... "Krissy... how could you have forgotten!" He feels around in his mouth with his tounge, then curses... for the first time revealing slightly elongated canines. Not quite as pronouced as a vampires... and he is undoubtably alive... but he's clearly not quite human. "You were supposed to take me back to the material and perform the ressurection..." He looks over at krissys young, now crying form. He sighs, and picks up her frail body. He closes his eyes a moment, and a portal leading home opens. "We must go, now Khaira... I will explain what has happened on the way back."