Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 shatteredtower Jun 18, 2003 15:31:49	The Avowed are a close-knit and mysterious group of sorcerers, only recently arrived in the city. They accept only sorcerers into their ranks, and seem to have a general distrust of mages and clerics. Thier rituals and beliefs are centered around an enigmatic orb, the origins - and exact nature - of which are unknown. So far, they have displayed no active agression, although their zealous nature would undoubtedly make them fierce adversaries. The Avowed are covered in ornate tattoos and magical symbols, most notably a pattern of runes across the right side of the face. The actual pattern varies, and each member's tattoos seems to be unique to him or her. They are only a small organization at present, and seem to have little interest in power or politics. What their actual goals are, only the sorcerers know. The Avowed have the entrance to their headquarters -which are in the old catacombs beneath the city - hidden in the cemetary, in the western part of the city. The fact that it's a good distance from the mage guild is almost certainly not coincidence. Inside, the cabal's lair is quite remarkable - ornate glyphs cover the walls, and racks of candles provide illumination. Only those both capable of finding the place and willing to risk the Cabal's wrath could enter uninvited... (This is the first Avowed thread to appear on these boards, hence the number in the title. The previous thread appears here.)
#2 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 12:58:12	[From Public Graveyard] *she appears in the Shae's and Kywyn's old room* .oO(I'm here Verinal)
#3 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 13:03:37	Anaya appears, but not, as expected, in NaShae and Kywyn's room. Looking around, she sees the Orb, the council table, and Verinal. I see that you put your absence to productive use. That is good. Perhaps I have underestimated you. Perhaps Castrois is an exceptional teacher. Or, perhaps this is a much easier task for one who has been reborn into a new shape, and you haven't accomplished that much after all. Let's see. Resume your normal form now.
#4 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 13:18:26	*she bows her head and turns back into the wolf form, all of her belongings mold in with her body*
#5 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 13:33:05	As Anaya's form shifts, Verinal gestures and three fiery bolts shoot out from his hand, slamming into her, filling the room with the smell of burning dog hair. This is but a portion of my power - you'd be dead otherwise. Right now, I am merely making a point. Your life is mine to do with as I please, for I was the one who gave it back to you. You fail to appreciate that, however, so perhaps it is time to provide another example. Choose, then, who is to die in your stead? Kywyn or NaShae, who were charged with guarding you? Dakarai? No, not him - you would still end up dead by the hands of his parents if they felt you had a hand in it. Your mentor? He has lived a long, rich life already... [Ooc: Anaya takes 31 hp damage, leaving her with 5hp.]
#6 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 13:52:25	*she yelps as the fiery balls hit her, nearly knocking the wind out of her lungs as she falls to the floor* *she gathers her strength and gets back up* How do I make a decision like that? Castrois is not only my teacher, but my father as well. He raised me ever since my father left. *tears fall down her cheek..not from the burning pain of the attack, but from having to choose which of her friends..her family...* Shae is Dak's mother and Kywyn is his father..I can't break up a family like that. *she lowers her head, tears streaming down her cheek* I am the one who left. I am the one who took the risk..they had nothing to do with it. *she lifts her head* If I am to choose than I choose myself. If that is my punishment for what I did then so be it. *she closes her eyes and prepares herself, tears running down her cheek*
#7 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 13:58:10	Verinal gazes at her steadily, as though appraising her in some way. You recognize, then, that your life belongs to me, to do with as I see fit? To direct as I will? That your comings and goings are my decision, not yours?
#8 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 22:08:04	*she nods* I do.
#9 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 22:35:43	Verinal looks at her for a moment that seems to last an eternity. Very well. Cross my will again, and there will be blood of my choosing on your... paws. As it is, you owe I'min and Atara a debt. Tiriestel has been stolen, and Atara was forced to go after him with inadequate aid. The girl she took is now dead. You were brought back, at least in part, due to your usefulness to them, and instead you betrayed their trust. Repeatedly.
#10 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 22:49:59	*she nods* I understand..
#11 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 22:59:33	Go then. Do not leave the Avowed complex in any but elf form unless you can do so in complete discretion. And, do not think that I am unaware of your foolish decision to tell your mentor of us. He glares at Anaya through narrowed eyes.
#12 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 23:18:26	*she lowers her head and nods and leaves the council chambers and goes to Shae and Kywyn's old room, laying down on the bed* *she stares at the wall, tears begin to stream down* .oO(What am I doing...I have let Shae and Kywyn down...How can I pay a debt back to them...what could I possibly do?) *she closes her eyes and tries to clear her mind to help her think..once she does the pain from the burns course her body, making any position uncomfortable* *after a while of adjusting positions, trying to make herself comfortable and the constent tears she eventually falls asleep*
#13 zombiegleemax Jul 27, 2003 19:04:31	*she wakes in the morning and tries to get up. A burning sensation courses her body as she sits up* *she closes her eyes and changes into her elf form and opens her eys again, breathing in a deep breath as her arm grazes her ribs slightly causing it to ripple in pain* *she slowly removes her clothes to expose the areas where the burns are and chants, waving her hands over the burns healing some of the more major ones* (Cast cure moderate: healed 8hp) *she chants again a waves her hands over the burns again, sending energies into the wounds as they heal* (cast Cure Lightx2: 13 total) *the wounds slowly heal completely and she dresses, grabs her cloak and bag, raising the hood of the cloak to hide her features* .oO(Ascarer) To Public Graveyard
#14 kywyn Aug 03, 2003 16:20:02	[From Elsewhere] Comforted by the familiar sight of the peaceful graveyard, Kywyn steps past the stones on the path deeper into the site. Behind a particularly deep shadow, he melds into th egloom and disappears. "I'min-aesi jari," he falls through into the void for a moment. Reappearing in his room, he glances around quickly before heading down the hall to the main chambers. He knocks on the door and leaves the note on th edesk where Verinal is sure to see it. V, Summary report of involvement in jackal-led war: joined under cartographer cover army moved throgh spellcraft to the Jackal camp set up at healer's camp with Andir, he mentioned something about the possibility of Demmionites was asked to aid in a scouting mission along with Andir scouted ahead to provide sketches of river when we spotted two red dragons flying toward the camp later, one dragon was seen slaying a pari of orcs a man in strange armor spoke to the dragon and it seemed to listen to him our party was met by Jackal force led by Lord M at this point, we were assaulted by unseen foes the group split, the knights remained behind to delay the attackers while Lord M was accompanied by the scouting party to warn the main force in the chaos, Lord M appeared to have been slain or at least missing in action the scouting party managed to get back to the main group, but it was already devastated fought off strange creatures which could share their pain, they were harassing some surviving knights we gathered survivors and headed towards a dwelling known to one of the scouts, Darkar, avoiding detection by the two dragons which came close on one occassion after reaching the destination and resting, set off with Darkar to warn the Silver Sword Guild who were defending the upper pass came across a large force of orcs and men but managed to sneak past them on foot continued on to warn the guild guild came up with plan to hold the advancing force through enchantment while we snuck past continued back to previous resting place and then onward to a trading post and finally back to the city Lord M found to be injured but alive everyone involved held for questioning for a time at the palace (though you probably know this last point) Objectives: - Watch Andir: He did not appear to act in any way that would be harmful to the Avowed, you no doubt have him back within your vision since we returned to the city. His mention of Demmionites is strnge, and it could relate to the surprise third party involved in the war, but tht is just speculation. - Lord M: Outward appearance suggests he was caught off guard by the attack of the dragons and unknown group. Any hidden objectives he had in the venture remain unclear to me. I expect you will contact me if you need specific details I can provide. --- On an unrelated note, There is a woman I know who is in need of funds for her sister's ressurection in the next two days. I realize it is not your concern, but she is a highly skilled swordswoman who would be in your debt if you could somehow provide the rest of the money needed. Perhaps a deal could be struck? --- Also, Atara has returned, but our son remains with her parents. There are divinations to indicate something in the city is after him. Atara has the details, but is there any direction you can grant us? - I'min Not wanting to leave NaShae alone too long, Kywyn hurries back to his room and through the shadow gat back to the grveyard. He continues off into the street. [To Elsewhere] --- [OoC: Sorry, not posting from home at the moment. If Verinal wanted to talk to Kywyn right away, I'll edit it in.]
#15 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 12:35:14	[FONT=century gothic]*appear in their room, which seems a little out of kilter from when they last left it* *an odd smell of burnt dog hair, not yet dissipated, wrinkles Shae's nose, causing her to sneeze* *rubbing at her nose, she calls out* .oO(Verinal? May we speak with you?? I have a request, if it is in your power.) *she pauses* .oO(And what is the smell in here?? What happened??)[/FONT]
#16 kywyn Aug 08, 2003 21:41:37	Kywyn glances over thier desk, setting a few things straight and brushing off any gathering dust. It is cool and shaded in thier secret cell, and he appreciates the atmosphere. Although it has been a while since they had stayed here, it remained a sort of sanctuary in Kywyn's mind. Leaning against the wall near Nashae, Kywyn listens to the hidden conversation.
#17 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 22:02:20	Verinal Your four-legged friend required discipline. What is your request?
#18 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 22:24:31	[FONT=century gothic]*frowns, utterly confused* .oO(Punishment?? That made my room smell bad??) *shakes her head* .oO(Nevermind. I have a request. My mother is sick, something caused by a spell she was working on. I managed to convince her to let me copy her notes. Could you, or someone else here more suited to the task, look over them and see if you can find what caused the illness??)[/FONT]
#19 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 22:35:29	After a long pause, Verinal replies. Verinal Seregwath is interested. Bring the notes to the council room.
#20 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 22:44:16	*smiles slightly and heads out of the room* *walks to the council chamber, remembering that this was the same person who didn't think it was good for her to be let in, who wasn't convinced that she was good for the group* *knocking on the door, she steps into the room* *nods once to Verinal, taking out he notes* Greetings. *turns to Seregwath* Thank you for looking at them. *she hands over the notes*
#21 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 22:50:39	Seregwath takes the notes, looks at them, and without raising his head asks, "Can you describe your mother's illness? Why does she believe it was magically-induced?"
#22 kywyn Aug 08, 2003 22:51:46	Following her down the hall, Kywyn waits quietly behind NaShae as the notes are passed over.
#23 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 22:54:25	*shakes her head* I'm not sure why, but she was certain. And she knows a lot more about this kind of research than I do. *thinks* She was weak and tired. Like a very old person would. Even the simplest of activies made her tired. And she isn't old enough to be acting like that.
#24 kywyn Aug 09, 2003 0:59:49	Listening to NaShae elaborate on the condition, Kywyn feels a little helpless as he has no information to contribute. In the hallway of the compound, he runs his gloved fingers across the stone wall, leaving them cooler than before. He places his hand on NaShae's upper back, hoping to show his support. It is her mother they were talking about, after all. The thought makes him ponder about his own parents for a moment, and his kid brother who was somewhere within these catacombs doing whatever they had him doing. Kywyn had made piece with all of them, and they were no longer within his sphere to reach. Now Kywyn focused on the family he could reach. He watches NaShae, her silver mane flowing back like molten metal poured from some heatless forge. He could sense she carries a guilt for Alissa, a burder he wishes he could lift. But he understands they had to see this through first. Right hand. The side of the bodyguard, from which he could draw his blade freely. He notices it's his right hand touching NaShae's back, the one which has seen the extension of his dark touch come forth. He feels as if he wants to send the spectral hand out to reach into her and ease her precious heart. Kywyn's face betrays a hint of a frown contemplating that the only way his powers could ease a heart was to stop it completely. Not meaning to distract NaShae, Kywyn lowers his hand away, but takes a step closer to stand behind her.
#25 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 1:12:18	*reaches behind her and takes Kywyn's hand* *shuffling back, into him, she pulls the hand in front of her and kisses his palm* .oO(Thank you for the thought, beloved.) *turns just enough to smile softly at him* *feeling more calm and at peace when they're touching, she coaxes his arm to wrap around her stomach, leaning back into him*
#26 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 5:35:22	"Hmph." Seregwath glances over the notes. "Not much help... I'll look these over and see what I can. It's that clumsy book magic, of course. But... intriguing." He abruptly stands and leaves the room.
#27 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 7:52:20	*nods* Thank you. *turns to Verinal* Thank you. May we go, or is there something you wanted from us?
#28 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 8:43:54	Verinal gazes at NaShae and Kywyn. "I am disappointed that you returned without Tiriestel. However, it seems you have quite a lot to concern yourselves with. You should be aware, though, that your four legged friend has been telling more people about us. Thus her punishment."
#29 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 9:22:38	*nods* As are we, however, it's practical that he be far away while we try to root the threat. If we have any indication that they are headed in his direction, we may be able to get their first. I doubt many from Garic's know the way to Ennorath. *eyes widen slightly, then narrow when she hears the news about Anaya* *a fine tremor courses through her and voice turns cold* After my warning, she still did it?? Again?? *carefully controlled rage, pulses in her, as ideas of killing Anaya run through her head* Is she an idiot? *shakes her head* Where is she?? Someone with that little sense, who knows that much about us, can't be left alive while there's a threat to my son somewhere around.
#30 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 10:42:02	Verinal's eyebrows go up. "I made it quite clear to her that her life is forfeit if she errs again. Or, possibly, the life of her mentor.... Regardless, before you vent your frustrations on the wolf, consider that this unnamed threat is most likely formidable, and throwing the wolf in its path could buy you valuable time. It is never wise to discard a tool when it might still be useful."
#31 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 10:48:53	*stares at Verinal for a moment, then closes her eyes, breathing deeply to calm herself enough to understand what Verinal has told her* *still angry, she nods* You're right. We can control exactly what she knows so she has nothing of importance to tell should she not be able to shut her mouth again. *sighs and shakes her head* It really would be simpler if I killed her now. *slumps back into Kywyn* We'll see what information we can get about this threat from Natala, once she is finished with her immediate business. Do you know anything that would help get us started??
#32 kywyn Aug 09, 2003 20:32:08	When the talk turns to Dakarai, Kywyn recalls the tarot card reading at Natala's shop before he left for the war. "The last time we went to see Natala, she gave a deck of tarot for Dakarai to play with. He was frightened becasue Mon'Qui..." Kywyn catches himself refering to the imaginary pet as a person but passes it off with his favorite saying that "everything is subjective." "... Mon'Qui said their was treachery involved. The card showed an ugly looking man," he stops and closes his eyes to recall the image, "With three swords, two on the ground. Other men are walking away in the backgroundof the card." Kywyn looks to NaShae, his tone is almost that of a parent reminiscencing a rose-colored tale about his child's past, "I told him not to be afraid of the picture but to think about the image."
#33 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 20:41:44	*looks to Kywyn, a small frown creasing her forehead* *squeezes his hand, gently in support* *frown grows deeper* Treachery?? Someone who knows him?? *eyes narrow again as her mind races with possibilities* Then it could be Anaya who has something to do with this. Or...Or... anyone else who knows us. *sighs* She's just the only one who's shown any penchant for betrayal.
#34 kywyn Aug 09, 2003 20:45:21	Kywyn gently drags NaShae a bit closer, "It could be... though I don't see how right now." "I know the cards can get you thinking, but I'm not sure if the message is a good lead."
#35 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 20:54:05	*being just that bit closer to Kywyn, helps clear her head* *sighs, then nods slowly* We'll have to see what else we can find out. .oO(Thank you, beloved. I... I'm just so upset at her right now.) *leans into Kywyn, lightly rubbing his arm with her free hand in an attempt to calm herself* Maybe Natala can give us something more this time.
#36 kywyn Aug 09, 2003 20:58:32	"I know," he thinks, "I thought better of her when we first talked, but she has her problems too. I hope we can resolve them, that she understands finally, but there are other things to worry about now." "Natala would be a good source of information... Do you think she would be helping Hermy and Aria with Alissa's situation?"
#37 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 21:03:37	.oO(I hope so too. But I don't have a lot of faith that she does understand and won't do it again. That could be our son she starts babbling about....to the very people we're trying to protect him from.) *nods* She likely is. She was with Hermy when we were at the Temple talking to him. He trusts her to help him with that. Right now, though, I'm not sure that would be the best place for us. Especially if Aria is there.
#38 kywyn Aug 09, 2003 21:07:02	"That's right, she was," Kywyn remembers, "So she'll probably continue to do so." "No, maybe not... Though if we come up with more coins, we'll need to deliver them there. Perhaps we could stay out of her way but still do what we need to do."
#39 zombiegleemax Aug 09, 2003 21:10:54	*nods* That was my thought, as well. *sighs softly and looks to Verinal, who, for a moment, she'd forgotten was there* Once Natala has that matter settled, we can talk to her about what the threat might be. *blinks* Oh! I had almost forgotten. Is the teacher still expecting me for lessons?? Or are those put off for now??
#40 zombiegleemax Aug 10, 2003 11:13:24	In his dryest tone yet, Verinal replies to NaShae: "Don't you think you have quite enough to do as it is?"
#41 zombiegleemax Aug 10, 2003 11:37:23	*laughs suddenly* More than enough. But that's never been much a of a concern before. *shakes her head* But I wasn't asking to continue. I was just making sure there wasn't that to consider as well. *sighs to herself* Thank you for seeing us now. If there is nothing else....
#42 zombiegleemax Aug 10, 2003 11:42:15	With a negligent wave of his hand, Verinal dismisses NaShae and Kywyn. "I'll want to discuss your report with you further, I'min, but it can wait."
#43 zombiegleemax Aug 10, 2003 11:51:38	*turns and walks back to their room, sneezing again when they walk in* *shakes her head, the stress of all the current worries irritated by the smell and odd ill feeling she's getting in the room* Anaya needs her own room. *sneezes a few more times as she brushes wolf hair from her and Kywyn's bed* *rubs her nose, as her eyes start to tear* *shaking her head, she takes Kywyn's hand again and disappears into the shadows* [to Elsewhere]
#44 kywyn Aug 19, 2003 13:34:25	The spring sky casts a feeling of peaceful lethargy through the muggy air as NaShae and Kywyn walk. For a few moments, a vagrant wind guides the pair through the streets and into the public cemetery. Kywyn takes off his cloak and folds it over his arm to counter the warmth of the day. "Gamis is searching the church resources, and Mirielle has the Tower. If we can get any information from here, I think we would have a good range of sources," he says as they step through the darkness unseen. They reappear in their hidden room, and Kywyn is much relieved that it is cooler here. He steps into the hallway to approach the meeting chambers to seek a voice with which to consult. "Verinal? We have some new information concerning one or two of our puzzles. A mage's research indicates NaShae's mother needs a part of a mummy to work a cure. Is there any way to confirm this with one of the others?" "And would there be a way to uncover a location where the needed component might be found?"
#45 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 13:59:09	Verinal Part of a mummy? Interesting. Seregwath steps into the council room. "Hy'Sop agrees on that. We were just discussing it. He said unless you can buy the part somewhere, you'd be best off searching to the west of the city. Someone found a mummy there a long time ago. For my part, it looks like she was playing around with draconic elements."
#46 kywyn Aug 19, 2003 14:11:00	"West," Kywyn glances to NaShae, "We can search for tombs west of the city?"
#47 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 14:15:42	Verinal frowns. "It's mostly desert and wasteland out there..."
#48 kywyn Aug 19, 2003 15:06:17	"I don't suppose there is any easy way to travel thorugh that territory," Kywyn says evenly. "Is there a way to locate what we are looking for? A... A compass to point us in a direction? We most probably don't have time to be searching through the desert." Kywyn shifts his weight to his other foot while trying to think. "Who was this 'someone' who found the mummy?"
#49 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 15:26:10	Seregwath looks at his notes. "A Thalosian cleric... by the name of Bakarr. He wrote a book, but unfortunately the owner of the only known copy willed it to the church library." He frowns sourly.
#50 kywyn Aug 19, 2003 15:30:10	"The church... we know some people who may have access." Kywyn steps back to lean against the wall, going over the leads. He also waits to see if Nashae has more to ask about her mother.
#51 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 17:09:51	*nods to Seregwath* To the west.... *thinks for a moment* Draconic?? What do you mean?? Our mage source thinks she was looking for a way for arcane casters to heal.
#52 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 20:41:14	Seregwath grunts, staring off thoughtfully. "Yeah, that fits. But whatever, there's a draconic element going. And fire. Your mage friend will probably send you after toenail parings from a dragon, or something equally ridiculous."
#53 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 20:49:14	*frowns* I don't think she will. There was mention of dragons in the initial dicussion and she didn't refute that trying to find a dragon was a bad idea. I believe she would have said something if she thought any part would be useful. *tilts her head* What would you suggest, for the draconic or fire elements needed to counteract the spell? If I'm understanding correctly, that both are needed.
#54 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 21:12:09	"I don't know." Seregwath turns and walks out of the council room. Verinal turns and stares after him, then shakes his head.
#55 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 21:15:51	*blinks* *eyes narrow as he leaves the room, her voice dripping sarcasm* That was helpful. *shakes her head* I didn't give him the notes only for his personal knowledge. *turns to Verinal* He still doesn't think much of me, does he??
#56 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 21:21:50	With a rather strange and unreadable expression, Verinal turns back to NaShae. "Ah, I expect he'll come around. When he has something more to contribute. Perhaps he thought you were contradicting him..."
#57 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 21:39:16	*shrugs* I don't have time to baby his feelings. Either he helps or I can take the notes elsewhere to someone who will. He's getting the benefit of seeing quite a bit of my mother's research, from which he could build, if he so wanted. His feelings are not part of this. *shakes her head* We spoke to Marroc. He's been searching for threats against Dak, but has come against a problem. It seems nobody will talk about Dakarai. So far he has been unable to find anything. *sighs and rubs at her eyes, which are watery again since being in the other room* Is there anyway to... freshen our room?? Whenever I go there, I feel worse. It doesn't happen anywhere else. *frowns* Except when I was in the guild.
#58 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 21:47:09	"You'll kindly remember that Seregwath still has seniority over you, and treat him with the respect he is due. Now, I believe something can be done about the room. What does your room here have in common with the guild -- and which guild?"
#59 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 22:01:05	*raises an eyebrow* I'm not sure I see where I didn't. I asked his opinion and he walked away. I showed him respect when I accepted his help with my mother's condition. As well as when I asked his opinion. *waves away the topic* *frowns* The Silver Sword. *shakes her head* There's nothing in common. Not that I can think of, anyway. There's only a very few that can enter our room, the council, Kywyn and myself, Dakarai, and Anaya. *eyes narrow again at the mention of the former elf* Will she have her own room from now on? I'd rather her not be in mine. *shakes her head quickly, to get herself back to the topic* At the guild, I believe that many people live there. And more than that train there. *thinks* Except for Palasha and Anaya, there are no animals in our room. And the guild has a stable with many animals. *frowns and shakes her head* I can see nothing in common. Except that I have been to both recently. Though I have also been to the apartment we keep, and the market, and both of those places made me feel better. Not worse.
#60 kywyn Aug 19, 2003 22:50:14	Kywyn looks up and puts a hand on NaShae's shoulder. "It just started recently too, right?"
#61 zombiegleemax Aug 19, 2003 22:54:30	*leans slightly toward Kywyn and nods* Since I've come back from Ennorath.
#62 kywyn Aug 19, 2003 23:12:01	A tilt of worry crosses Kywyn's lips as he ponders. "Though, at the guild, it wasn't the most pleasant conversation to begin with... maybe it just aggravated the headache." "It sounds almost like you're allergic to something," Kywyn frowns slightly. He pauses to see if Verinal has any input. "I guess we should work on the leads we have... maybe rest first as well."
#63 zombiegleemax Aug 20, 2003 0:31:15	Speaking dryly, Verinal comments, "If you have a health problem, I suggest you consult a cleric. And I have been unable to learn anything, as yet, about Tiriestel's problem. As for fur-face, she's had her own room all along. It's across from yours."
#64 zombiegleemax Aug 20, 2003 7:22:03	*reaches for Kywyn's hand and squeezes it gently* *brow furrows deeply, annoyance flitting though her eyes* What is wrong with people today? I ask a question, they walk away. I answer your question and you're uninterested, even though it was [i]your[i] question. *shakes her head and turns to walk out* I'll keep looking. *walks back to their room* Let's just go. We should find Hermy. *sneezes* *disappears into the shadows* [to Elsewhere?? (up to you Kywyn) :P]
#65 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 17:31:21	[From Graveyard] *she enters the compound, but finds herself in a different room than what she is used to* .oO(This must be the room Shae was talking about... Verinal..I'm here. Should I meet you in the council chambers?)
#66 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 17:44:13	Looking around, she sees her water dish and sleeping pad in addition to a bed and chest. Verinal Yes, come to the council room.
#67 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 17:48:21	*she takes another look around the room and sees her weater dish and sleeping pad* .oO(I've been missing those...) *she exits the room and walks down the hallway to the council chambers*
#68 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 18:14:43	Verinal and Seregwath are waiting for Anaya in the council room. Well, Ascarer, you're about to either prove your worth or unworth. I have a task for you. Seregwath hrumphs at Verinal's speech, his expression clearly showing his lack of faith in Anaya's value. Verinal ignores the attitude of his companion. It seems that Atara will be needing manticore blood for her mother's condition. Since she is already engaged in related activity, you will be acquiring the manticore. Preferably alive.
#69 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 18:41:41	*she watches the reaction Sereqwath gives Verinsal to his opening statement, then raises an eybrow at the task he asks of her* A manticore? Alive? How am I to bring it back into the city let alone, doing it without raising anyone's attention?
#70 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 19:03:37	Perhaps restraining it near the city would be a better idea than bringing it into the city. Verinal suggests. Seregwath sneers at Anaya. "You're a druid. You do nature stuff. Can't you subdue and cage a manticore?"
#71 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 19:45:31	*she nods at Verinal then looks at Seregwath* I am a druid, yes..and I think I may be able to accomplish this task. I'm just trying to get the specifics of what I am going to do with it after I have obtained it. *she looks back at Verinal* Am I to do this on my own, or am I able to bring others with me to help with the task?
#72 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 20:07:04	I suspect a manticore would be a bit much for you alone, Ascarer. Recruit assistance. Tell them you've been hired by a collector who prefers to remain anonymous. Verinal gazes at Anaya, steel in his eyes. Do not fail us, four-foot.
#73 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 20:18:21	*she nods* I will not fail, sir. *she looks at Seregwath then back at Verinal* If that is all. I will take my leave. *she bows respectfully and leaves the room, heading back into her room and then leaves the compound* To Graveyard
#74 shatteredtower Oct 30, 2003 13:34:12	Hy'sop appears in the Council chamber, looking very angry. Verinal does not appear to notice. "You were not summoned," he says simply. "I wasn't informed of your plans for I'min-aesi jari, either!" the elf shouts. Verinal does not reply for several very long seconds. "And is there any reason that I am expected to inform you of my every decision?" he asks. Carefully, nearly concealing the small catch in his throat, Hy'sop replies, "No, certainly not, master. I was merely concerned about this break in precedent, and-" "You were concerned about the security of your position." (And of my life.)Oo. thinks the elf, sweating slightly even in the cool air of the chamber. "And of your life, too, of course," adds Verinal, then adds reassuringly, "You needn't worry, Hy'sop. I have not forgotten your efforts, and the price you've paid. "I'min-aesi jari has a different task. He must be prepared for it, or we must know that he is unfit for the responsibility." "And if he is unworthy?" "Then the task falls to Telwa Lokte." "But she-" "She is not ready for the trial yet. I am aware of this." "Your pardon, Verinal." "If he fails, however, she must be made ready," the great sorcerer says, in a voice like steel. "O-of course, master." "What news is there of the druid?" "None." Hy'sop isn't sure, but he suspects that Verinal sighs at that. "I shall look in on her shortly, Hy'sop. Was there anything else?" "Nothing. May I take my leave?" Verinal waves Hy'sop away, the necromancer bowing before he departs. The Master of the Avowed then resumes his meditations. "I see," he says after a time, speaking to the darkness.
#75 zombiegleemax Nov 05, 2003 20:56:42	[from Elsewhere] *appears in the room with Kywyn* *looks to him, then moves to the door*
#76 kywyn Nov 05, 2003 21:07:42	As they pass through the dark place, Kywyn feels a wave of something, like an easing of some sort of pressure. When he was here, he has always had purpose of sorts. Kywyn follows along with NaShae, taking measured steps as they go.
#77 zombiegleemax Nov 05, 2003 21:12:44	[FONT=century gothic]*steps into the hall, confused by the feelings coming from Kywyn* .oO(Verinal, we're back and here to report.) *walks down the hall slowly, waiting for his response*[/FONT]
#78 zombiegleemax Nov 07, 2003 0:46:22	The council chamber door stands open, with all of the council members in their places. Verinal gazes first at NaShae, then at Kywyn. Report, then.
#79 zombiegleemax Nov 07, 2003 7:38:13	*frowns and looks around at the group* Did we come at a bad time? *shakes her head* We got the part of the mummy we needed. And possibly enough money to raise the girl who went with me to see my family. Do we have time before we have to go after what you sent.... Anaya after? *her voice turns disdainful at the name* We'll have to gather another group. This last one wouldn't work out. They'd want to talk to the beast and try to convince it to come back of it's own will.
#80 zombiegleemax Nov 07, 2003 9:10:00	Originally posted by NaShae *frowns and looks around at the group* Did we come at a bad time? Not at all, Atara. We've been waiting for you, that's all. **shakes her head* We got the part of the mummy we needed. And possibly enough money to raise the girl who went with me to see my family. Elaborate, please. How did you find it? What did you do to acquire it? Did you learn anything that might be of use to the group? Do we have time before we have to go after what you sent.... Anaya after? *her voice turns disdainful at the name* We'll have to gather another group. This last one wouldn't work out. They'd want to talk to the beast and try to convince it to come back of it's own will. [/b] And if they succeeded in doing so, that would certainly show they were clever and creative, no? Don't be so quick to dismiss different means to an end. As for Four-legs, we'll discuss her at another time.
#81 kywyn Nov 07, 2003 10:07:41	Kywyn looks back to Verinal, feigning eye contact by gazing at a point behind him. "The unexpected factor was there is a sphinx that resides in that territory. She asked for riddles and puzzles... and then tribute for passage when our talks went in different ways," Kywyn adds quietly.
#82 zombiegleemax Nov 07, 2003 11:24:17	*nods, agreeing with Kywyn* The sphinx's territory is fairly far into the desert. Before things went sour, the sphinx told us of a tomb, we went inside and after a series of traps and misdirections, we found the true tomb. On the walls, there were murals. From what we could tell, dwarves lived in that area, but it wasn't a desert. I'd think it was exaggeration, but there was grain in urns throughout the tomb. According to the pictures, the dwarves also kept halfling slaves. The sphinx didn't know what became of the dwarves. *she pauses to think a bit* We ran into a storm at an unfortunate time. The only cover was exactly what we were told to avoid, since the desert floods easily. After that, we had to track bandits. We got the water they stole back from them. But that caused more arguments. But the leader of the bandit group told us of monsters to the north in the mountains. She described them as floating eyes. The paladinw ho went with us, has agreed to help her get rid of the monsters sometime withing the next year. *shrugs slightly* After that, there wasn't much. Arguing about my methods, and travelling home. *raises an eyebrow* Clever? Anyone can talk. I have been known to talk to get myself out of trouble. But in those instances, you have to trust those you are with. And trust the ones you are trying to talk to. *shakes her head* I trust few with my life. Bandits who have the intention of killing me, I can not trust. And since all this was done to make my mother well, that involves the safety of my son. Kywyn was there in the ambush with me. And there are far fewer people I trust with their lives. There's a place for talking. When you are in an ambush, with weapons--poisoned weapons--trained on you, is not one of them. Unless you have no choice.
#83 zombiegleemax Nov 07, 2003 13:41:19	Verinal gestures dismissively at NaShae. You underestimate the value of persuasion. Go amuse yourself. Our business now is with I'min-aesi jari The council turns their focus on Kywyn, obviously waiting for NaShae to leave the room.
#84 zombiegleemax Nov 07, 2003 14:27:14	[FONT=century gothic]*frowns, confused* No, I don't. *her tone doesn't match her words, she seems uninterested in what she just said* *glances to Kywyn, then to Verinal* Business?? *turning back to Kywyn, she squeezes his hand* [i]Be careful, beloved. I'll be waiting outside.[/i] *she looks at him, her outside calm hiding her worry at what the council could want of him* *holding his hand as long as she can, she slowly moves out of the room, then stands directly outside the door, waiting for him as she said she would*[/FONT]
#85 kywyn Nov 07, 2003 14:40:15	Gripping her hand for a long moment, Kywyn watches NaShae leave the room before turning back to Verinal. Kywyn does not initiate any speech, waiting silently instead.
#86 zombiegleemax Nov 07, 2003 15:04:15	You've progressed a great deal in your powers, I'min. Verinal says, after the doors have shut. The light in the room seems to focus around Kywyn, leaving the space not directly surrounding him shrouded in inky blackness. How far are you willing to go? How much are you willing to sacrifice?
#87 kywyn Nov 07, 2003 15:27:19	"Go?" Kywyn ponders. "If I have advanced, it is still a drop in the ocean." Inside, Kywyn longs to be in the cool darkness rather than under the light. "I've found thinking too far or too high tends to lead to issues." "But will and sacrifice are things I can accept, things I can know. Even moreso if it is in the direction that I feel is right."
#88 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 21:31:39	And what direction is that, I'min?
#89 kywyn Nov 08, 2003 21:42:36	"If you mean what ends, then I'd be hard pressed to give you an honest answer," Kywyn responds evenly. "But in my short life, I have learned. I've learned that few cliches hold true and that some of the best things in this life lie in doing the opposite of what the outside tells you is right." Kywyn's voice seems to come from somewhere deeper than his throat to him. "I've learned that ignorance is seldom bliss, knowledge is not always power, and that love is definitely not blind." His thoughts reach towards NaShae in the hallway for a twinkling.
#90 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 21:55:47	Kywyn reaches for NaShae's thoughts, but finds them inaccessible, as though a wall had sprung up around his mind. He suddenly realizes that he hears the rasp of heavy breathing, and Verinal speaks again as the circle of light widens slightly, so that it now surrounds him at a five foot radius. And have you overcome your self-doubts? Look on them now, and answer... Into the light sidles a creature, a mockery of himself. Under the ragged cloak glints the scale of metal, as though his gauntlets had grown and spread to cover his entire body, replacing skin and clothing. Yellow eyes fix on Kywyn with much of hunger, and nothing of thought, and it lunges for him. Initiative Kywyn Monster
#91 kywyn Nov 08, 2003 22:01:44	"What in the world?" Kywyn murmurs as he steadies his stance in front of the horrific double. The faces he has worn swarm in his mind. Kywyn the gifted, Kywyn the cursed, Kywyn the freak, Kywyn the Grey Ghost, Kywyn the Avowed. All these selves seemed so far away and yet they feel closer than they had before. It's as if Kywyn had run from them, diving into the world, but the whirlwind created in his wake was pulling all these past thoughts spinning back into him. The cold he knew. He perceives the place of his origin, and he could see his breath curling in the air. The numbness comes first, in the fingers and in the toes no matter how thick the gloves or boots. There is some pain at first, but then just... dullness. "I won't forget..." Shaking his hands to get the feeling back, Kywyn thinks to his own defense first. He holds his open hands up and allows his will to flow into the field of invisible energy around him. He chants a mantra telling himself he cannot be touched even as his confidience falters at the sight of the creature. "What is this, Verinal? Why are you showing me this now?" [cast shield]
#92 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 22:17:46	There are times in all our lives when we must confront our deepest fears. You have reached one of those times. In a ghastly sort of mimicry, the monstrosity sends out a black tentacle, and sidles in a circular fashion, as though assessing Kywyn's weak points.
#93 kywyn Nov 08, 2003 22:26:10	It looks hauntingly familiar. Was this supposed to be a sign of the future? In his darker moments, Kywyn had seen himself in a nightmarish mirror, but he always pulled away before seeing the demon face to face. In this moment, all his old hopes and fears are confirmed in one dire sweep: He isn't quite human. Worse still, there is no point to it, no great purpose, no higher good or reason in the world. Just endlessness and meaninglessness and none of it is anything. Seeing the thing imitate his own powers, Kywyn grits his teeth. "Does it possess the same abilities?... The same weakness?" Kywyn holds up a palm by his waist as he charges it with a morbid impetus. "I'm not killing you... this is the cure." "What will beating down this replica prove?" Kywyn asks Verinal, hoping the creature cannot speak. Gods, it was scary, though Kywyn wouldn't admit it out loud. With a bit of hesistation, Kywyn tries to touch the monster. [touch attack with contagion for slimy doom (1d4 Con)]
#94 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 22:38:11	You must ask yourself what this will prove. Kywyn reaches for his monster double, but it dodges, and goes through the words and gestures for a spell. Kywyn recognizes this as the one he uses to paralyze an opponent.
#95 kywyn Nov 08, 2003 22:49:27	"No..." Kywyn feels a real fear creeping up his spine. Determined not to be at the thing's mercy, Kywyn drops his current charge and thinks to bolster his movement. Then, a serious doubt arises in his head. What if he couldn't defeat his own set of powers? This is how it could end... paralyzed and savagely slain on the floor of this hidden away chamber, buried in the darkness. No... Kywyn decides to learn from this demon, this scaled hunger. "Come down and waste away with me," Kywyn intones as he produces a red ink vial from his pack's pocket. The ink colors the hue on his hand into a dim purple as Kywyn tries another touch attack. [ghoul touch touch attack]
#96 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 22:58:32	Kywyn slides past the monster's tentacle and strikes it. There is a dim expression of shock in its yellow eyes as it becomes immobile.
#97 kywyn Nov 08, 2003 23:05:51	Surprised to find himself sweating, Kywyn wastes little time in summoning his next power. He would drain this thing to rid it from the world... and from his fears. There was purpose, there was meaning. All he could see in this grey devil's sickly eyes was mindless want. "As above, so below" Kywyn recites with more sentiment than he thought he could muster. Measuring the cloaked thing's position, Kywyn lines up for a strike with the ridge of his hand into the throat. [cast vampiric touch, next round, attempt coup de grace with charged unarmed strike]
#98 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 23:17:13	The creature topples over, dead, and fades away into mists of nothingness. Silence surrounds Kywyn, then he realizes he can hear the slight shifting noises made by the council members at their table, beyond the sound of his own breathing.
#99 kywyn Nov 08, 2003 23:20:47	Regaining his normal composure, Kywyn turns suddenly toward the noises with a flourish of his cloak. "Are you satisfied?" he falls short of shouting. He blinks back the intensity as the rush of draining stabilizes. "There must be simpler ways of making a point?"
#100 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 23:43:20	Are there? Well, let's look at it from a more complicated view instead. Turn around, I'min. When Kywyn turns, he sees three tall mirrors, each larger than himself. Rather than reflecting anything in the room, they appear to be like the scrying crystal, showing visions of other places. The mirror directly in front of him shows NaShae, trapped in a spiderweb. A web so large she is suspended above the ground. Kywyn can just barely see the bulk of an enormous spider moving ponderously towards her as she struggles. On his left, his brother has fallen victim to worg-riding goblins. They are binding him with leather straps to a huge worg. On the right, is Dakarai. Giant, hairy creatures (apes of some sort?) have bound the struggling child, and are carrying him towards a turnspit over a large fire. Verinal's voice comes from the darkness behind Kywyn: I'm afraid you simply haven't time to save them all. Which will it be, I'min? Which way do you turn?
#101 kywyn Nov 08, 2003 23:52:17	Kywyn's steps towards the trio of mirrors, telling himself they are illusions. But the point is clear to him, this situation could happen. "How can I choose? I won't let choices like this be determined by calculations." He looks back to the glass, his eyes straining to hold back his concern. "I would help them all... Yet I am powerless to help at all. Losing any one would upset the balance." "I..." He is not sure how to continue, every angle displayed a new way for him to fail. "It's not fair. I know it isn't meant to be, but it's still not an equation with an answer."
#102 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 0:00:40	In refusing to choose, you yet choose. You will let them all die? Free yourself from all burdensome attachments? Tread your path alone once more?
#103 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 0:08:00	"No." "I find a way." "And if you think I am or will be ever truly alone anymore, you don't appreiciate the bonds I have grown," Kywyn adds with no hint of contempt, simply stating fact. "NaShae, I could never let go, I can't even think of it after that... Same with Dakarai, and losing either would diminish the other greatly. My brother, I have not been close to, but I know if I let him fall, it would rest over my head and cut me off form any thing I could hope to see again from my past." Another point dawns on him now. "I... I could not do it alone," he looks downward, "Not with my limitations." Lifting his chin, he punches out at the mirror to his right and then to his left with his gauntleted fists. Following that, he kicks at the central mirror with his heel.
#104 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 0:12:14	And if you can't do it alone, what do you do? Kywyn discovers that his hands and foot go through the mirrors as though the were open doorways.
#105 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 0:15:16	Kywyn recoils his limbs, shaking his head that nothing is what it seems. "I... I change the rules. I cheat. I do what ever is needed to change the situation." He turns to Verinal. "I find others I can trust to help me, I ask the Avowed for help, I..." He realizes how empty these propositions sound. "I prevent these situation from coming to pass by gaining the strength to stop them before they occur."
#106 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 0:17:42	And in the meantime, I'min, that spider is rather closer to Atara. And your son is being tied to a roasting spit. And your brother is about to be dragged to death. What will you do right now?
#107 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 0:22:07	Something clicks in Kywyn's head, and it ceases to be a simulation. "I... I need to help them." He turns and steps toward the portal showing NaShae who seems to be in the most current danger. He feels his hand trembling as he summons his ghostly appendage. "These are my dreams, that I've never lived before." Once the tentacle is extended, he recalls the power to siphon life force and sends the arm through the portal towards the spider.
#108 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 18:55:09	Strangely, Kywyn finds the tentacle loops back through the mirror to him. You'll find you need to pass through, yourself, I'min. Verinal comments in his usual dry manner.
#109 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 19:10:10	Kywyn rotates between the three mirrors. Each holds a piece of him. His brother carried Kywyn's past, NaShae his present, and Dak his future. He couldn't stand to choose. But it's about sacrifice, isn't it? Then he would have to cut off his past first. "I'm sorry Silis..." Between his today and his tomorrow, he has a no-win situation. Kywyn has come to hold the idea that only today is real. He needs NaShae. Kywyn moves towards that window. Then he stops unexpectedly. NaShae would never forgive him for leaving Dak... Well, she would forgive him anything, but she should be broken. If he were in her place, Kywyn feels he would order her to take Dak and get away, stay safe. Kywyn needs her, he needs the present, but understands how he is being selfish. Losing her would kill him, Kywyn knows. NaShae would want him to make sure Dak was alright... she believed in their son, she would die for him. Kywyn would die with her, for her, for Dakarai. It is the only solution he could see. Dammit, it's the only one. Kywyn gazes at NaShae's image, saying, "Forgive me." He rushes to Dak's mirror to attempt his rescue. Over his shoulder, Kywyn pleads with Verinal to aid NaShae and his brother, not expecting a response. "I can only win by losing."
#110 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 19:42:23	Nothing comes for free. What do you offer me? Verinal's narrowed eyes show that this is no idle question.
#111 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 19:44:04	Kywyn freezes. "Anything... You know this. Anything if it will solve this puzzle."
#112 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 20:00:48	Verinal takes a step or two closer, glancing over the mirrors. Anything? Really? His gaze passes across NaShae, who is struggling wildly in the spiderweb, her screams inaudible through the mirror portal. A fetching young thing, isn't she?
#113 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 20:03:49	"What are getting at? That I give her up to save her?" Almost wanting to throttle Verinal in the heat of the moment now. "If they will be safe, that is a start. I cannot give you anything that is not mine to give... "
#114 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 20:07:34	Ah, so the answer is not, actually, 'anything?' Then what is it? What will you offer me?
#115 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 20:10:40	"Anything I can offer myself, then." Kywyn starts to pace uncharacteristically impatient. "What do you want? I already do the Avowed's bidding... how can I better serve my purpose?
#116 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 20:13:50	Quite so. What more can you offer me? The spider now hovers above NaShae, while Dakarai is feeling the heat of the flames.
#117 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 20:22:54	"I have quested, I have gone to war, I have killed... All I can do is give myself up... " A wave of nausea falls over Kywyn as he feels his time running short. He falls to his knees, not in submission, but in despair. "I thought there would be more to it. When I came to you first, I thought there was an answer to the question." "What am I and why anything? And you said you would help me find the answers. And in a way you did by leading my path to my own family. I thought I could learn to understand the questions, that the answer wasn't important." Kywyn rocks forward slightly. "There's more to it, isn't there? The old visions and stupid ideas of fate and the possibility of goodness. And now all I can do is watch the candles burn until all light has left my visions?" "What is the key? I can go further, I can let go. I can become an instrument of your destiny. Is that what you want to hear?"
#118 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 20:29:08	His eyes burning with an uncanny fire, Verinal turns the full intensity of his gaze on Kywyn. Will you go the next step, I'min? Will you step across a threshold from which there can be no turning back, ever? Will you risk all to win, or lose, all?
#119 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 20:32:22	"I remember running through the snow... falling a step behind." Looking up, Kywyn nods. "Yes... " "I was seeking answers to why... what I was, what I was becoming?" Rising to his feet again, Kywyn speaks more clearly. "Through accepting and learning, I've become more attuned to what was in me. The dark is not a separate entity we can isolate and condemn and destroy." "It's a choice, made moment by moment. We shouldn't view ourselves as bound objects in orbit. We're the result of the... intersection of our hopes and dreams, thoughts and fears, and the things we touch and that touch us in return." "If it will save them, I will become what I need to. It's a choice I'm making."
#120 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 20:47:56	Verinal nods slowly. Then, you will cross the threshold to a future you could not possibly have imagined. The images in the mirrors dissolve like smoke in turbulent waters, and then the mirrors themselves vanish. The light in the room returns to normal, the council members leaning forward, watching avidly. Verinal gestures Kywyn towards the Orb. Come. After my hand is on the Orb, place your hands -- both of them, and simultaneously -- on the Orb. He grasps a talisman at his neck, and places his right hand on the Orb.
#121 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 20:52:22	Some sense of reality pierces the veil of urgent confusion in Kywyn's mind. He is able to dismiss the images as shadows again. With only a slight delay, Kywyn touches the orb as instructed.
#122 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 21:27:43	The moment Kywyn's hands touch the Orb, he feels himself pulled violently from his place, as though ripped out of the very fabric of reality. With a great rush, he enters a place of utter chaos, his body breaking into pieces, and those pieces becoming smaller pieces, until his physical being has been dissolved to its most basic essence. As his mind reels in shock, the atoms of his physical being stir, turn, transform, and regroup. For a time of indeterminate span, he floats in the heart of chaos, and visions sweep through. Darkar, Aria, and others battle zombies in a courtyard. Kywyn senses the presence of another being observing the fight, but who is it? He speeds through a corridor of bricked over alcoves, swerves, passing through a wall, and sees a ghoul prowling a tiny cell. As the sickening realization hits him that it is Kirby he sees, the ghoul looks at him and snarls, "Go away! I see you there! Go!!" Passing out of the cell, it dawns on Kywyn that he could see perfectly, but there was no light in the room... He veers and plunges deep into the earth, finding himself in a cavern. Orcs are torturing a handsome man, strong and somehow dignified in spite of his plight. As Kywyn watches, they rip out the man's eyes. As he recognizes the legend of Agathalos, he wonders at the familiarity of the man's face, but his attention is almost immediately taken by the flash of movement on a ledge, where a figure in a deep green cloak turns away... Slowly he regains a sense of equilibrium, only to lose it again when he is thrown from the Orb, coming to consciousness sprawled on the floor of the council chamber. Welcome to the Inner Circle, I'min.
#123 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 21:40:45	"You..." Kywyn blinks until there is some semblance of stability and vertigo starts to fade. There is the usual darkness at first. But as Kywyn's eyes adjust further, something new happens. They keep on adjusting and the outlines and shapes echo and imprint in his mind. His surroundings explode into waves, a new color to paint the world. Kywyn closes his eyes, gripping his sockets in sensory overload. "What's going on?"
#124 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 21:52:35	Verinal gestures to the Council table. There is a new chair, empty. You have joined the Inner Circle, I'min. Take your place.
#125 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 21:54:36	"Inner Circle." He walks behind the vacant seat. "I... feel different." Putting his hands on the back of the chair, Kywyn asks, "What does this mean?"
#126 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 22:13:15	Sitting somewhat heavily in his chair, Verinal replies, You will find that you have become stronger in some of your spells, more attuned to that form of magic. Some spells you will find become... even more natural than they are now. And you'll soon understand why we rarely bother with torches.
#127 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 22:17:08	Kywyn sits down, seemingly drained of reaction. He looks around the table, gauging reactions and trying to anticipate what's to come.
#128 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 22:22:45	A murmur of welcome comes from the assembled Avowed, though Hy'sop looks slightly resentful. Out in the hallway, NaShae has been granted the vision of Kywyn's trial, but at the moment before Verinal invites Kywyn to join him at the Orb, the vision evaporates.
#129 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 22:30:24	Kywyn nods slowly to the others, even Hy'Sop. "The visons I saw, are they something more?"
#130 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 22:35:18	*the vision cuts and Shae stares, wide eyed, at the door* *brow furrows and her voice comes out small and weak* Kywyn?? *her eyes move over the door, unsure of whether to try them, knowing that Verinal could keep her out if he wanted* .oO(What happened?? Where is Kywyn?? Did something go wrong??) *she begins to pace, her worry growing with every step*
#131 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 22:40:13	Iam speaks up, saying, "The visions are your own, but it has been our experience that they are of the past, and sometimes the present."
#132 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 22:42:09	Kywyn rubs his temple. The memory of the trial seems scattered in some places. "Then there is much I am unsure of."
#133 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 22:50:49	As Kywyn reaches up to rub his forehead, a small, dark blob on his shoulder shifts and indicates displeasure at the jostling.
#134 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 22:59:16	"What's this?" Somehow, the shadowy presence does not set off any alarm in Kywyn's mind. It feels familiar. Why did everything seem familiar? Craning his neck to see, Kywyn is greeted by a pair of golden orbs. Odd thoughts stream in his head as if a voice were coming from near his ear. "Where did you come from?"
#135 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 23:04:28	Stretching first one hind leg, and then the other, the frog tilts its head to examine Kywyn with one big eye. [swm]I'm here, now. What are we going to do now?[/swm]
#136 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 23:13:16	"We... we are going to listen." Kywyn assures his new friend. The frog jumps atop of Kywyn's head, which Kywyn thinks makes him look ridiculous in front of the others. Quickly catching the creature and placing the frog back on his shoulder, Kywyn stretches his neck to the side. "So this is what a familiar is like." "Can we let NaShae into the room, or least let her know what's happened? I get the feeling I'm going to have a lot to pick up here before this starts making sense," Kywyn says tiredly.
#137 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 23:16:20	It is unnecessary for Atara to know more than your new position. We do not reveal the secrets of the transformation to those not of the Inner Circle. Iam looks from Verinal to Kywyn, and suggests, "Perhaps I'min should rest." Verinal nods agreement.
#138 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 23:28:59	"I don't think I could put the details into word if I wanted to," Kywyn notifies. "Yes, rest would be... appreciated." Kywyn stands and pushes his chair back into place. "Excuse me," he bows. He makes his way unsteadily back toward the door. The black frog finds a home under Kywyn's cloak at the shoulder for the time being. "Hex... That's your name. You're a beautiful hex... For better and for worse," Exiting, Kywyn looks for NaShae. He takes her hand, letting her see what he can remember of the ordeal and explaining that he has a position in the "Inner Circle," though he's not sure what that means.
#139 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 23:35:51	[FONT=century gothic]*eyes widen as she sees what he is sending* *pulls him quickly into a hug* [i]Are you alright? [/i] *seems a bit concerned* [i]Is this good? Something you wanted?[/i] *she looks at him, obviously unsure of how to feel, but her concern for him and what he wants shows* [/FONT]
#140 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 23:44:07	"More like something they showed me I needed." He rests an arm around her shoulder as they walk back to their room. The black frog takes the opportunity to introduce himself to NaShae by leaping onto her shoulder. "This is Hex... Somehow came during everthing that happened. But I think the bond is similar to you and Palasha. They said not to reveal what occured after the things you've seen through me... I don't even understand what happened myself, so I think we're safe." Hex sticks to NaShae lovingly, "Guo-guo."
#141 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 23:52:49	[FONT=century gothic]*blinks at the frog, staring for a moment* *laughs suddenly* Palasha isn't going to like this. No offense to you, Hex. And greetings. But she thinks of you as hers. Even if you technically aren't. *nods* [i]I was able watch some, but I was worried. The vision stopped and I didn't know what happened to you.[/i] *leans into him, wanting to stay close, but seeing that he's tired* Did you want to go home now? Or just stay here??[/FONT]
#142 kywyn Nov 09, 2003 23:58:42	He pulls her in, needing her support mentally more than physically. "Here, if it's all the same to you." They walk to their room and he sits upon the bed. The frog leaps to the counter nearby, exploring the surroundings.
#143 zombiegleemax Nov 10, 2003 0:07:25	*sensing his mood, kneels on the floor in front of him and gently take off his boots, setting them beside the bed, then reaches for his hands and take off the bracers* *leans over toward the table* Excuse me, Hex. *setting the bracers on the table, careful of the frog* *gently runs her finger between the familiar's eyes, as a greeting and gesture of affection to this part of Kywyn* *turning back to her love, she helps him get comfortable, then gets herself ready for bed* *pulling the blanket onto him, she puts out the candle in their room and carefully makes her way to bed, sliding under the blanket and curling herself around him*
#144 zombiegleemax Nov 10, 2003 14:08:44	*wakes to the feeling of something in her hair* *not being able to see what it is, she moves her finger out to poke at it and is answered by a small croak* *gently reaches up and untangles the frog from her hair* Good morning, Hex. You can't sleep in my hair, though. *holding the frog, she reaches for the table and sets him down* *lighting the candle, she looks over Kywyn, seeing he's still asleep* *she kisses him on the forehead and gets ready to leave, writing a note in case he wakes* *stepping into the shadows, she leaves to get them some food* [to Market]
#145 zombiegleemax Nov 10, 2003 16:41:01	[from Market] *appears in the room, setting Palasha on her stand* [swf]Stay here. I would rather wait until Kywyn wakes to introduce you.[/swf] *she takes out the food and eats a bit, watching Kywyn to see when he'll awake*
#146 kywyn Nov 10, 2003 19:02:07	Kywyn can only sleep. Sleep and recover from the catalyst which has charged every particle in his body. He stays in bed for most of the next day, not moving much. Distant images of waves and stars fill his dreams.
#147 kywyn Nov 11, 2003 15:32:07	Finally waking form his deep slumber, Kywyn shakes away the remnants of his clouded visions. He cannot remember specifics, but he is left with a lingering feeling of violent energy. Seeing NaShae lightens his burden, and he quickly eats some of what she brought back. Kywyn greets Hex who leaps into the folds of Kywyn's cloak folded on the chair, chirping a light "guo." "Thank you for getting food, I'm sorry for sleeping so late." Seeing Palasha, Kywyn waves the bird over. "This is Hex... He's in the shape of a frog, but he isn't quite one." The tiny black shape peeks out from the cloak and peers across with golden eyes. Turning back to NaShae, Kywyn asks, "Should we go to the Temple to see how the others made out with everthing? Or to the Tower to see if Mirielle is back?" He knows there is more to discuss with the others but does not feel up to it at the moment.
#148 zombiegleemax Nov 11, 2003 16:11:20	*Palasha hops over to examine the frog* *she turns to Shae* [swm]This is the not-food?[/swm] *NaShae nods to her* [swf]He's Kywyn's familiar. Like you're mine.[/swf] *the bird ruffles her feathers, trying to make herself look bigger, obviously angry* [swm]But Kywyn is mine![/swm] *snaps and screeches at the little black frog* *Shae taps on her familiar's beak* [swf]Stop it! You behave! You're going to have to learn to live with him. Unless you'd rather stay outside. [/swf] *Palasha snaps at Shae, obviously still angry, and goes back to her perch in a huff* *preens and ruffles her feathers in a display intended to make sure they know that she's prettier than any frog* [color=indigo]*smiles at the bird* [swf]Please just try to get along with Hex. He's a nice little frog. And just because he lives here too, doesn't mean we love you any less. Just like when Dak came along. We still loved you then.[/swf] *turns back to Kywyn and frowns, still worried at how long he slept* I'm not sure if the others are back. And Mirielle probably still needs time to research. *thinks for a moment* As much as I don't want to see Gamis right now, maybe we should check at the Silver Sword and see if we collected enough money. [/color]
#149 kywyn Nov 11, 2003 22:32:48	"That sounds like a good idea," Kywyn agrees, putting on his cloak. Hex climbs underneath the cloth, unperturbed by Palasha.
#150 zombiegleemax Nov 11, 2003 22:42:13	[FONT=century gothic]*smiles softly and puts on her cloak and pack* *gently goes to get Palasha, smoothing her feathers, then sets her familiar on her pack* Are you ready? You're feeling well enough? *she walks over and takes his hand, keeping an eye on Palasha to make sure she's not going to start in on Hex again* [color=blue]She was upset. She still thinks she can hold claim on you. And that no frog could be as pretty as her, so why would you want Hex.[/color] *her worry shows through, as she tries to cover it up with talk of her familiar*[/FONT]
#151 kywyn Nov 11, 2003 23:05:07	"Huh," Kywyn comments. He takes a moment to pet Palasha while they go. "You are a very pretty creature." He takes NaShae's hand. "Just like her master." Exiting into the shadows, Kywyn and NaShae appear in the cemetery. The light seems different to Kywyn, the air smells different.
#152 zombiegleemax Nov 17, 2003 14:26:18	[FONT=century gothic][From Elsewhere] *walks through the streets to the graveyard* *moving into the older section, she and Kywyn disappear, to their room in the compound* *steps through the door into the hall, more nervous than usual* .oO([i]Verinal? I would like to speak with you about something. May I meet you in the council chamber?[/i])[/FONT]
#153 zombiegleemax Nov 17, 2003 14:29:53	You may. Verinal is waiting in his usual spot when NaShae and Kywyn enter the chamber. He nods to Kywyn, indicating Kywyn's place at the table.
#154 zombiegleemax Nov 17, 2003 14:47:04	*Shae waits until Kywyn takes his place with the rest of the council* *takes a deep breath to steady her nerves* We have found where some of the threat against Tiriestel lies. A source has said that Praen, the wizard, is still interested in Dak for his own purposes. This source got his information from one of the Striker's who was working with Gatchni when I was taken. However, I don't believe that this threat stops with Praen. Enough listened to him, if this plan was even his original idea, that Gatchni and Richard turned to his side. Others may still be helping Praen, who may even think it a good enough idea to continue this after he is dead. *as she speaks, her face becomes a pleasant, blank mask and her voice grows stronger, falling into the teachings of her child and young adult-hood* I have a way to get into the Striker's, to infiltrate the group to find and end the threat. Any information I find while there, is yours. *her nerves start to come back as she gets to the part where she asks for their help* I would ask for your help in this. When the offer was given before, I had to leave the group and the support it offers. As I'm sure you can understand, I refused the offer. I ask that I remain a member here, as NaShae, since I will be using another name and disguise in the Striker's. I also ask that I am able to get help from the group if there is a problem that I cannot solve on my own or if I am in life threatening danger. As it is, I can choose to leave this the way it is. Or I can take this opportunity. The only task you have given me is to bring back information on the Strikers. But if you would rather my skill be put to use elsewhere, you only have to say.
#155 kywyn Nov 17, 2003 14:49:18	Hesistantly, Kywyn steps toward the seat, wanting NaShae to stay close. "There are some things maybe you can clear up for me as well," Kywyn says quietly as he nears Verinal.
#156 zombiegleemax Nov 18, 2003 11:18:42	You will not be abandoned, Atara. We are all quite aware of your value to the group. What are your plans? How would you effect this infiltration? Verinal glances over the other council members, then looks back at NaShae. And are you sure this is the best option?
#157 kywyn Nov 18, 2003 11:35:07	Kywyn fidgets adjusting his gauntlets absently under the table. He had hoped the council would have other options. But seeing NaShae's courage, he concentrates on what is being said.
#158 zombiegleemax Nov 18, 2003 11:37:01	*mentally sighs with relief, trying to keep her calm facade as she does* I have magic that will disguise me. But I also plan to use other disguise tools. In case someone sees past the magic and for times that the magic runs out. But I hope that will not happen. I have a way into the group. To be introduced as another. *shakes her head and sighs* No, Verinal. I'm not sure it's the best option. But it is the one I can think may allow us to get the threat completely and not have to wait until it shows itself each time. *looks to Kywyn* If there was another way, I would gladly take it. But I can think of nothing else that would let me get the information and stop any threats to Dak from that direction.
#159 zombiegleemax Nov 18, 2003 11:53:57	If Praen is the heart of the matter, could you not lure him away from his cover, and question and kill him?
#160 zombiegleemax Nov 18, 2003 11:58:23	*nods* I could. But the question is, is he the start of all this? And has he swayed anyone to his side that would continue this if I were to question and kill him? *frowns* I would agree that that would be the best solution, if we know for certain that Praen is behind this. But we don't have enough to be certain.
#161 zombiegleemax Nov 18, 2003 12:04:35	Verinal nods. Gather your information, then, and we wish you well.
#162 zombiegleemax Nov 18, 2003 12:06:58	*nods* Thank you, Verinal. *steps aside to wait for Kywyn to finish what he wanted to talk to Verinal about*
#163 kywyn Nov 18, 2003 17:47:14	"Can we do anything to ensure her escape, or will it take more preparation?" Kywyn leans closer toward Verinal, speaking quietly. "My own questions were about the changes in me. You said some abilities would start to come more naturally, and my eyes are different. I was wondering if anyone knows how far does this change go?" A small message is heard in Kywyn's mind, and he recognizes it as coming from his familiar. "Why silly questions?" the frog projects from under his hiding spot in Kywyn's cloak. "Not silly..." Kywyn replies, "I want to understand more." "More questions, more headache... Guo-guo... I remember being frozen in the pond for many beats... no questions... forget what it was like before darkness. When light comes, eyes seem different, things seem different. No difference." Kywyn wonders at the spiraling thoughts, "You were a real frog before I found you?" "No... But I remember," Hex supplies. Kywyn shifts in his seat and keeps listening.
#164 zombiegleemax Nov 19, 2003 9:04:09	Verinal considers his reply, then speaks through mindvoice to Kywyn. You may have felt that spells of a certain type were... easier... for you. That will become more pronounced. Most likely, one of those spells will become particularly easy for you, perhaps lasting longer than normal, as well. You'll be able to mark things with your magical signature whenever you wish. You've already noticed you can see in the dark; you'll also be able to cast a few more spells every day than you could before. As you progress, there could be other changes, such as becoming resistant to energies, like fire. We can discuss that further if it becomes necessary.
#165 kywyn Nov 19, 2003 12:31:10	Kywyn nods and rises to stand with Nashae.
#166 zombiegleemax Nov 19, 2003 19:23:54	*reaches for Kywyn's hand, not wanting to be away from him any longer* *nods again to Verinal* Thank you. *turns to leave the council chamber with Kywyn* *stops in their room* I have to get a few things to help with this. *pain and worry flashes through her eyes* We have a few days. Is there anything we need to do now? Before I go...
#167 kywyn Nov 19, 2003 21:11:57	"I'm not sure... Maybe see if we can find Miri and what else can be done for components..." He pulls NaShae into him and rests his head on her. "I don't know."
#168 zombiegleemax Nov 19, 2003 21:22:48	[FONT=century gothic]*wraps her arms around him, kissing him lightly* *gently smoothes his hair, trying to keep her thoughts calm, but the fear and worry for him still come through* [i]I understand. I know there are things we should do, but I can't think past hiding away with you to make up for the time I'll have to be gone.[/i] *moves enough to look into his eyes*[/FONT]
#169 kywyn Nov 19, 2003 21:39:41	Hex takes the chance to hop away to the table to loom in the shandows. Kywyn's fears echo off hers. He can't help but feel things are being pushed away. First Dak sequestered in a foreign land and now NaShae having to walk away. He hopes that real solitude isn't the natural state. "Just stay with me now, then." He leans back with her body in his arms, closing his eyes. "Don't let me forget."
#170 zombiegleemax Nov 19, 2003 22:09:54	[FONT=century gothic]*lays with him, holding him tightly to her* *a pained expression crosses through her eyes* [i]Beloved, I'm not leaving you. Please, don't think that. You and Dak are my world. I've done everything I know to stay with you. I've fought my father and hurt someone who didn't deserve it, just to stay with you. This is part of that. I'm coming back. Nothing could keep me away. [/i] *kisses him and stares at him, memorizing his face* [i]And I'll find some way to be with you. To see you. [/i] *an odd panicked expression crosses her face and tears form in her eyes* [i]I'll do anything to prove to you that I'm not leaving. Whatever you want. Anything you need me to do. If I could keep us all safe another way, I would. But nobody has come up with a better solution. [/i] *brushes her hand along his face, letting him feel though their link how much she loves him and hates leaving for any reason*[/FONT]
#171 kywyn Nov 19, 2003 23:01:35	Kywyn opens his eyes to witness the quality of Nashae's features. Her beauty touches him more because he knows the source is deep within. With his new eyes, he falls in love with her face all over again. Kywyn turns out the single lamp lighting the room. Even after light has left, an evanescent image remains in his sight, becoming stronger as his eyes adjust. "Smile for me." "And you don't have to prove anything."
#172 zombiegleemax Nov 19, 2003 23:08:32	[FONT=century gothic]*sighs with relief, smiling* *the tears that threatened before spilling down her face* *hugs him tightly* [i]Thank you.[/i] *isn't sure she could tell him what she's thanking him for, but felt the need to do it all the same* *closes her eyes, crying softly, just in the need to get some of the emotions of the situation out*[/FONT]
#173 kywyn Nov 19, 2003 23:48:59	Later in the day, feeling physically drained and emotionally spent, Kywyn rises and sits near NaShae. He turns to her to see what she wanted to do in preparation.
#174 zombiegleemax Nov 20, 2003 17:44:42	*Unable to see in the darkness of the room, Shae turns to Kywyn, looing at where she knows his face should be* I need to get dye for my hair. Quite a bit. And see if there's something that will change the color of my eyes. Maybe my skin color too, but that may be too much to ask for. *bites her lip* I think that my older clothes will be fine to wear. I'll also have to think of a name. And where I'm from and why I came to town. *frowns* I think that's it. I hope it is.
#175 kywyn Nov 20, 2003 22:55:33	Taking NaShae's hand and locking their fingers, Kywyn watches her. "Whenever you want to go, then. Did you say you were going to be using an illusion to hide your appearance as well?" he voices gently.
#176 zombiegleemax Nov 20, 2003 23:07:51	*brow furrows, but she raises his hand to her lips* I don't, really. But we should go soon. There's not much time. *nods* At least to smooth the disguise. But I need to be disguised incase anyone sees through the glamour. I hadn't planned on changing anything but coloring.
#177 kywyn Nov 20, 2003 23:16:13	Kywyn lights the lamp and grabs his things. "The safer the better," he agrees.
#178 zombiegleemax Nov 20, 2003 23:21:13	*nods* I agree. *gathers her things, getting ready to leave* *frowns* I should ask the teacher if she knows where I could find these things. She would know better than I would.
#179 kywyn Nov 20, 2003 23:48:18	Kywyn finishes pulling on and strapping in his boots as Hex climbs up his shin. "Would you know where to find her?"
#180 zombiegleemax Nov 20, 2003 23:52:17	*nods* Of course. But I'm not sure she would appreciate it if I brought even you along. *frowns* It might be best if you wait in the market until I talk to her. Or I can do it tonight and we can get the things tomorrow. *sighs, getting frustrated that she can't spend all the time she has left with Kywyn, actually with him*
#181 kywyn Nov 20, 2003 23:57:58	Kywyn moves to NaShae's side and kneels by her, touching her knee. "Whatever you think is best."
#182 zombiegleemax Nov 21, 2003 18:27:00	*frowns* Well, I don't think she'd appreciate it if I brought you with. *sighs* Let me go talk to her first and I'll meet you in the Last Lich. Then we can go talk to Miri together. Hopefully she'll be ready to see someone now.
#183 kywyn Nov 21, 2003 18:47:38	Kywyn nods his agreement and walk swith NaShae through the shadowy corner of the room. Appearing in a quiet spot in the graveyard he takes her hand and paces to the edge of the graveyard before letting go. "I'll be at the Last Lich, then," he says, the last thoughts transmitted being ones of longing. Kywyn slowly makes his way to their old home. --- [To LLI]
#184 zombiegleemax Nov 21, 2003 19:38:19	*watches him for a bit longer* I'll be there as soon as I can. *she heads off, nearly at a run for the teacher's house* [to Elsewhere]
#185 zombiegleemax Nov 21, 2003 20:19:50	*letting out a deep breath and wiping his brow, Silis stands up* .oO(I didn't think sorting all this could get so tiring...) *he pushes the last box of spidersilks next to the jars of dried mushrooms* *he sends out his thoughts to find his master* "Verinal? I'm finished."
#186 zombiegleemax Nov 21, 2003 20:24:28	Good. And I hope you've learned your lesson about interrupting Hy'sop in his studies. You may go. Verinal's mind-voice ends abruptly, leaving Silis with the feeling that he'd best not bother his superiors for a few days...
#187 zombiegleemax Nov 22, 2003 1:04:25	*swallowing, Silis nods* *he goes to his room and cleans up and puts on fresh clothes* *he puts on his gauntlets, crossbow, and cloak* .oO(I need a drink...) "Nessai'mithe..." *he disappears as the shadows wrap around him*
#188 zombiegleemax Nov 26, 2003 14:48:15	Having bid her companions farewell at the city gate, Anaya made her way to the Graveyard, and thence to the Avowed compound. Screech remains in the graveyard, asleep in a tree. Once inside, Anaya walks to the council room, where Verinal awaits her. The chamber door shuts behind her, sealing off the subsequent scene from view. Shortly afterwards, Verinal's voice sounds in NaShae and Kywyn's minds, informing them of the location of the manticore.
#189 zombiegleemax Dec 02, 2003 19:39:58	*After speaking to Verinal of her return as well as her task of bringing the manticore back to be completed, she leaves the compound when excused*
#190 zombiegleemax Dec 13, 2003 21:48:54	"Nessai'mithe..." *he materializes in his room* *he collapses on his bed in exhaustion* *after lying on his stomach, breathing into the blanket for nearly an hour, he sits up* *he takes off his dirty clothes and goes to clean himself* *in the dim light of the bathroom, he examines his wounds* *he breathes slowly as he washes them, absorbing the pain* *when he walks back to his room, he skits out of the way of the few other sorcerers that pass him in the hall* *he gets back to his room and puts all his things away* *waves of exhaustion wash over him, but he resists* .oO(Not just yet...just a little bit longer...) *he begins to slowly stretch his sore muscles, moving in ingrained patterns across the room* *his mind empties as his breathing becomes the only thing to concentrate on* *soon, even that becomes automatic* *in this trance, he sees the web that makes up his strength, his true power* *grey strands filter out in every direction, and motes of colour dance in the darkness* *green, red, blue, indigo, and white arc across the strands, making bridges between them* *suddenly the lights begin to whirl faster and faster, moving tighter together until they have made a solid spinning ring* *the pace of his breathing begins to quicken, and the ring rushed in towards him* *his eyes flash open and he gasps for breath just moments before the ring touches him* *he holds his chest as he moves towards his bed* *he is in a daze as he moves back the blankets and gets into the bed* .oO(No...not yet...nothing's right just yet...) *he slips into darkness, and a beautiful, merciful music fills his blind dreams*
#191 zombiegleemax Dec 14, 2003 16:12:52	*he tosses* *he turns* *the blankets lie forgotten on the floor* *the sheets are covered in his cold sweat* *a whimper escapes his sleeping lips* *inside, terror rules* *a nightmare has hold of his psyche, and there are no more limits* *he comes to a dead end, staring into a corner that reaches up into forever* *back against the walls, he turns and faces the chaos and aberritions* *they inch closer, and as they come, a smile creeps across his face* *he lifts up his hands and reaches out towards the mass, his fingertips almost brushing the flux before him* *something extends out to him, an arm, a tentacle, it's hard to tell* *the two touch and begin to meld together* *his smiles just widens as the horror slips into him* "Mine..." *his eyes open and the smile hasn't faded*
#192 zombiegleemax Dec 16, 2003 19:33:21	*breathing heavily, Silis stops his excersizes* *he stretches his warm muscles* *grabbing his dirty shirt, he goes to the bathroom to clean himself* *he returns and puts on a clean outfit of charcoal greys* "Nessai'mithe..." *he closes his eyes and fades away*
#193 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 19:31:51	From the city streets, two figures shuffle into the graveyard, further in than most folk venture. They vanish around a corner hidden by a statue in the moonlight. Through the tugging darkness, Kywyn and NaShae travel until they reach their Avowed room. Kywyn goes to the drawer to obtain one of their money pouches. "We should leave a message for Verinal that we are going, though I assume he knows already and would tell us if he had any issue with it." Kywyn's mind speech switches to a wider frequency, amplified by the walls of this mysterious place. "Verinal, we are making preparations to leave for Ennorath." Simultaneously, Kywyn looks around, going to another drawer to pick out a clean set of dark, fitted clothing. After, he sits on the bed, pulling NaShae gently with him.
#194 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 20:39:40	*sits close to Kywyn, gazing at him* *wraps her arms around him* Since you're one of the council, can you find Silis? Or call to him at least?
#195 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 20:49:40	Very good. Who are you traveling with, and when will you leave? Verinal's voice echoes in both NaShae and Kywyn's minds.
#196 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 20:58:08	"I'm not sure," he thinks to NaShae. To Verinal, he communicates, "Darkar of the Jackals or his cleric friend... and we were thinking maybe Silis."
#197 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 21:02:47	Ah, yes, Darkar seems a good choice. As for Silis... the experience would do him good. He spends too much time daydreaming his life away.
#198 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 21:05:49	"I wouldn't know anymore," Kywyn comments about his brother, "There was a time when we would just say, "let him dream a while longer," but I don't where he's at anymore." "Would you know his location?"
#199 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 21:10:43	There is a brief pause, then Verinal responds, He has just entered the graveyard.
#200 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 21:15:26	"Alright," Kywyn looks to Nashae to see if she's ready to head home. "I'll see if I can talk to Silis on the way."
#201 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 21:18:23	*nods to Kywyn and untangles herself from him* Alright. We'll meet him there. *stands and waits for him, holding out her hand*
#202 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 21:20:07	Kywyn rises and strides toward the shadows, catching NaShae's hand in motion. He moves through the dark passage, toward a different shade of night and the welcoming moon. --- [To Graveyard]
#203 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 3:12:06	*the shadows part and his body fills the space provided* *he makes sure that the door to his room is firmly shut* *he takes off his gauntlets and lets them slip out of his hand* *the metallic clatter rings in his ears* *he pulls off his cloak and shirt and throws them across the room* *he walks the few steps over to his bed and falls face first on to the bed* [color=darkblue].oO(Mother above...And again, everything changes...)[/color] *a string of curses stream in and out of his head and his mouth* *he rolls over on to his back and stares at the ceiling* [color=darkblue].oO(God I want him here...Maybe I should just write him a letter...Yes...I have to let him know I'm alright...)[/color] *with some reservation, he sits up and goes to his drawers* *he takes out some paper and sits back down on the bed* *he rests the paper on a book and slowly begins to write to Akana*
#204 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 4:30:44	*he writes* Akana, my beautiful blue eyes, I should have done this sooner. I miss you so much. I’m so sorry. Sorry that I left you behind. Sorry that I didn’t write sooner. Sorry that you might get in trouble for getting this letter. You know I’ll dry your eyes if anything ever happens. But I really hope nothing does. I never want anything bad to happen to you. Ever. I found Kywyn. He’s got a wife. Her name’s NaShae and she’s an elf. And they’ve got a son. His full name is Dakari, but we call him Dak. Crazy, that I’m an uncle. You’d love him. He’s so much fun. And he’s special, like Kywyn and me. And NaShae is too. But don’t tell anyone. I don’t think they like to make it common knowledge. As far as my magic’s going, it is going. I can do different things with it now, and I can do it more often. It would amaze you, Kana. Just like you amaze me every time I think of you. Which is a lot these days. I’ve gone out adventuring a bit so far. It’s all right I suppose. It’s a way to work on my magic, if anything. And make some money for us to have and use. I’m going out again soon, with Kywyn and NaShae. I’m not too sure where exactly we’re going, but it’s called Ennorath. If that helps at all. I have no idea how long we’re going to be out, or what might happen along the way. But I promise I’ll be safe, for you. I had a talk with Kywyn today. First one in a while actually. We’ve both been busy. With stuff. I don’t know. Anyway, it was a fairly deep conversation I guess. Made me really think. I’ve been wrong about a lot of things Akana. About Mother and Father, about Ky, about safety, about decisions. But not about you. You’re nothing but right. I’ve been trying the wrong way. I was trying to find my answers with someone else’s questions. So now I have to figure out my own questions. And then get my own answers. Gods above, writing that makes me feel so alone and so detached. But then I think of you, and I feel connected again. You’re one of the questions that I know the answer to. You might be looking at a different boy when I come back. But not that much. I know what parts of me you love, and there’s nothing that would make me change those. Love forever, Silis *he reads over the letter again* *satisfied with it, he puts it on his side table and blows out his candle* [color=darkblue].oO(I'll do the other one later...)[/color] *the darkness quickly welcomes him, as do his dreams*
#205 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 16:43:56	*yawning, Silis' eyes open* *he sits up in bed, proping himself up with his arms* [color=darkblue].oO(Guess I should write that letter...)[/color] *he rolls out of bed and goes to get more paper* *he sits back down on his bed and leans against the wall* *he begins to put his thoughts down on to the paper*
#206 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 16:57:52	Dear Mother and Father, I almost don’t want to write this. I have many reasons not to, but one very good reason to write to you. Kywyn wants me to. So this letter is for him. I did find him. It took me a while, but I did it. He didn’t run away. He didn’t abandon your values and life style. He just found them in a different place. But we’ve had this discussion before, so I won’t start it again. Father, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t control my powers. I didn’t mean to do anything to you. But I’m even more sorry that we ever got to a point where I would lose control. It’s not that I don’t have respect for you and all that you’ve done; it’s just that your way isn’t my way. I tried your way, but it didn’t work for me. So I tried Kywyn’s way, and that didn’t turn out too much better. So now I’m trying to find my way. A part of me wishes I didn’t have to do it so far away from you, but another part of me is glad. Yes that sounds brutal, but that’s how I feel. There was very little that kept me around as long as I did. And the main reason I did was one of the main reasons I ultimately had to leave. Don’t hurt him, or I’ll hear about it. And I’ll never forgive you for it. Mother, I’m sorry. Sorry that you had to lose both of your babies. Well, we’re not lost. We’re in the process for finding ourselves. Kywyn couldn’t do that at home, and neither can I. I still love you Mother, that hasn’t changed. But other parts of me did, and I had to find ways to accommodate those changes. There wasn’t quite enough room for me to do that at home. There was one way, but I put that way at too much risk by staying. Kywyn might not have run away, but I did, and I’m sorry for that Mother. I’ll come back some day, and we can talk more about it then. But until then, we can just keep each other in our dreams. Silis *he reads over the letter again, and again, and again* *he nods slowly to himself, content with what he has written* *he puts the letter next to the one for Akana* *he stands and goes to wash himself*
#207 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 17:22:46	*still drying out his hair, Silis comes back into his room* *putting on clean clothes, a softer grey this time, he reaches out his mind into the web* [color=royalblue]"Verinal?"[/color]
#208 zombiegleemax Dec 27, 2003 12:37:35	*he waits for a while before hearing a soft female voice* "Master Verinal is busy now Nessai'mithe. Try to speak with him later." *Silis nods to the authority in the voice* *he straps on his gauntlets and crossbow, picks up the two letters, and steps into the shadows* "Nessai'mithe..."
#209 zombiegleemax Jan 23, 2004 20:33:42	[From Graveyard] *she enters her room and changes from her wolf form than back into elven form and dusts off her cloak* *she sits on her bed and thinks for a moment and how Marroc acted and the information..he didn't present* .oO(Something's wrong with that whole conversation...he kept tell me of places as if he was trying to direct me away from what I was looking for.) *she sits on her bed for a while lost in thought*
#210 zombiegleemax Jan 23, 2004 20:55:37	*after a while of thinking she sends her thoughts outward* .oO(Verinal? I have a question to ask you)
#211 zombiegleemax Jan 25, 2004 1:14:55	*after hearing no replay and a long silence she shrugs* .oO(Odd...I guess he's not here...) *she makes sure she has everything and exits the compound* To Graveyard
#212 kywyn Feb 22, 2004 22:59:25	[From NaShae's Search For Dakarai] A dark clad man leads a horse into the graveyard and stops to tie the reigns to a barren tree. "Be right back," Kywyn whispers as he pats the horse's back. He steps toward a row of headstones as if to pay tribute, but continues past the stones and further into the shadows... Appearing in the Avowed room keyed to NaShae and himself, Kywyn spares a glance around the small chamber. "Verinal?" Kywyn sends his message through the mystic web. "There was a threat delivered in the form of walking devils in Ennorath. Whoever it is wants Dakarai delivered to the Abreyaken Ruins east of town. We will not comply, so we go in with a simple ruse and uncover a link to the source of this problem." Kywyn walks out of the room and toward the main hall. "I have played this game for a while now; it's almost hard to remember not playing it. I know you are not our caretaker, and we are not your wards, but I thought we should report to you and check is there is any guidance here."
#213 zombiegleemax Feb 22, 2004 23:08:42	Abreyaken Ruins? I don't know those. You say devils came after you in Ennorath? If that was the warning... When Kywyn reaches the council room, the rest of the Inner Circle is waiting, some just taking their seats.
#214 kywyn Feb 22, 2004 23:11:53	"Yes... It's a sign of things to come," Kywyn allows. He looks around at the rest of the Inner Circle before moving slowly to his own place. He chews his lip, not sure what he can expect to gain here. "I thought it best to report in and check."
#215 zombiegleemax Feb 22, 2004 23:24:59	Delmarc stares at the Orb while he speaks. "The devils must have been summoned. Summoned creatures do not stay for more than minutes, as a general rule. Some devils can summon more devils. And they are difficult to damage."
#216 kywyn Feb 22, 2004 23:32:36	Kywyn comments, "They were." He does not sit just yet. Instead he rests his hands on the back on his chair. He pauses for a while, gathering the words, before addressing Verinal. "Every path I've tread. Every asset I've acquired. Every man and woman I've retired or remaindered. Every trial I've passed. Every lie I've told and held on to. For you, for me, for us..." "When I first came to you, I was a boy, angry about a lot of things. But the time has been kind and cruel. I've found victory in defeat and defeat in victory. Now I stand before you in this hour as more a man, mostly an agent, and part of your Inner Circle." He lets his hands fall off the back of the cold chair. "I... think I'm starting to understand what it means to be Avowed. It's not just a thing that I can lose myself in to sidestep the troubles of caring. It's something that may consume all that I am in order to preserve all I have built," Kywyn says thoughtfully. "I can deal with that, I think I have to now." "But now I want to know if there is reciprocation in the link between us, between agent and handler. I may not be anything more that an expensive asset for you, but I still..." he trails off. "Because now the target is my son, my future. We will be walking into a trap, and a dangerous one, I know it. The control we normally seek is out of our hands. It's a bad task, but it's our chance to act instead of react," Kywyn reaches back to pull his hood up. He finishes, "I need to get back to the group, we will be leaving soon enough. Do you have anything that can help us?"
#217 zombiegleemax Feb 22, 2004 23:39:18	Delmarc turns to Kywyn. "What sort of devils? It makes a difference."
#218 kywyn Feb 22, 2004 23:42:53	Kywyn faces Delmarc and tries to recall the details, "The last time it was large humanoid looking ones with scales and tails. Snakes for a beard. The one I saw first stank of bad smelling smoke and had skin that looked burned."
#219 zombiegleemax Feb 23, 2004 0:01:31	"Snakes for a beard?" Delmarc thinks, muttering out loud. "Humanoid, tails..." The various Avowed discuss the matter, proposing ideas and rejecting them again. Finally they agree that Kywyn must have faced barbazu. "But the burned skin? That just doesn't match, and it worries me."
#220 kywyn Feb 23, 2004 0:04:08	"There was just one like that," Kywyn says, "It was able to transport itself through space." "Do you think it likely we will face the same things again? And is there a way to counter? One of my runes can ward off summoned creatures, but it will be of limited use if we need to fight them."
#221 zombiegleemax Feb 23, 2004 0:10:47	"You can damage them effectively with a silver weapon. That goes past their defenses. Or a weapon imbued with positive energies..." Delmarc glances at Verinal then continues, "Many of these devils and such have a natural resistance to magical energies. A spell might work one time, then not another, but the stronger the spellcaster the more likely you are to affect the devil. Some devils have resistances to other things as well, but whether these do, I'm not sure. I'm sorry."
#222 kywyn Feb 23, 2004 0:14:34	Kywyn nods, "Spells did seem more effective that blades." "This may sound silly, but do we have any silvered weapons I could borrow?" "If not, I should get going. We will deal as best we can. If we don't return, you will know why."
#223 zombiegleemax Feb 23, 2004 0:28:02	Verinal nods, and Iam leaves the room, returning with a sickle. She hands it to Kywyn, who sees that it has been very carefully silvered. "Try not to damage or lose it."
#224 kywyn Feb 23, 2004 0:31:27	"Thanks," he carefully takes the weapon and stows it away. With a last nod to the Inner Council, Kywyn rushes off. Back to his room, back through the shadowy gate, Kywyn hurries to get back to the party. Kywyn appears in the cemetery from behind a statue. He stops and unslings his backpack. From it, he draws forth a sheet of paper and a blacklead pencil. Scribbling a few lines of text down, Kywyn fuses his artistic hand with creative magic to alter the letters. They would become dangerous. He folds the note and tucks it away safely. "Just in case," he muses as he walks over to untie the horse. They leave silently as they came. [cast explosive runes] --- [To Nashae's Search For Dakarai]
#225 shatteredtower Mar 13, 2004 22:25:55	After several days of exploring her abilities and wandering the fields about the city, Anaya receives a summons from Verinal. "You've had time to practice. Now it's time for a test. Go to the east gate and find the trail of a human wizard, a half-elf, an elf with a very quick stride, a halfling, and, at least at one point, a bear. Follow it. They have nearly a day's head start on you, but they are weighed down by the gear they carry, so you should have little trouble catching them, if you do not waste any time. "Three of them are known to you. They seek to put a stop to the excesses of one of your number. Show us what you have to offer them. "Go now. Gather what you think you will need, but do it quickly."
#226 kywyn Mar 27, 2004 21:49:41	Parting ways with Darkar and Silmarwen after entering the city, Kywyn walks with NaShae and the horses, one carrying the body of Silis, back to the graveyard. Tying the mounts in a secure place, they tread into the shadows and through the impossible gate into the compound. Emerging in their room, Kywyn appears emotionless as he carries the shrouded body into the hall to seek an audience with their handler. "Verinal?... We return." The candlelit, tenebrous halls of this hidden place brood in their own shadows. Slow steps usher Kywyn and NaShae to the main meeting room. Little things rise and stick in Kywyn's senses, prodding and festering details. His eyes pick up the available light and reiterate the information until it becomes lucid. The dirt tracked in by unviewed footsteps lingers in unswept corners. A spider stirs near the stone wall. Kywyn hates spiders. Just reflexively, he didn't know why. The darkness seems more a pulled silk sheet of black than an absence of light. It winds above them in the corridor and in doors further away. It winds between the people here. Waiting to be granted access, Kywyn enters and lowers the body to the floor. He walks to the table and places down the silver sickle that was loaned to him. "The objective is complete. Praen is dead. The demon he was trying to use is dead, after some complications..." Kywyn says impartially. "Silis is dead," he adds. Kywyn looks into the dimness, separating the figures from the background cleanly. "I don't know what to do." "But I do know we need to get back to Dakarai." Rubbing the slight stubble on his chin the weeks have granted him, Kywyn collects his facts and speaks. "We have Praen's notes, which should explain more clearly. We also acquired several items from the hideout; most are with the Jackal Darkar at the moment. I have a ring that Praen wore that may bear some protections. The Abreyaken Ruins hide an underground lair and a room of power. Circles line the floor, and a large crystal hangs from the domed ceiling." Kywyn's ebon frog crawls out of the shade of the grey cloak and poises on the man's shoulder; the tiny pinpoints of gold which are Hex's eyes gape out. A tired look hangs on Kywyn's face, but his lithe yet square shoulders hold his head up firmly. He clasps his hands behind his back, hiding the unrest of his clutched fingers.
#227 zombiegleemax Mar 28, 2004 22:49:49	"Indeed? The ruins sound quite intriguing." Verinal holds out his hand for the notes. Glancing at Silis' body, he grunts. "He was weak. You'll be going after Dakarai when?"
#228 kywyn Mar 28, 2004 22:56:27	"The energy fields were overwhelming in the underground room. If you investigate further, perhaps there will be something of use." Kywyn is silent for a moment at Verinal's comment toward Silis. "He was... not in the right place." "Is there nothing you can do for him now?" As Verinal looks over the notes, Kywyn glances to NaShae, "I think we would like to leave as soon as possible. Unless you know of another method, we'll need tot ravel the road once more."
#229 zombiegleemax Mar 28, 2004 23:05:12	Verinal looks from Kywyn to the remains of Silis. He stares at the body for a long, cold moment, then replies, "I'm not certain he could be of use to us. The method I used to bring the druid back yields... uncertain results. And it's not without a degree of strain. What could you offer in exchange?"
#230 kywyn Mar 28, 2004 23:24:11	"What could I offer that I have not already?" Kywyn asks while raising his hands. "I really don't know..." he sighs, "Perhaps its not the better choice to pull him back."
#231 zombiegleemax Mar 28, 2004 23:33:44	Verinal raises an eyebrow, then passes a page of notes to one of the other Inner Circle. "Well, I expect you'll want to leave once you've reclaimed your share from that Jackal," he finally says.
#232 kywyn Mar 28, 2004 23:42:40	"Yes, or even sooner." "We'd like to go as soon as we've have a chance to rest. Though I... I need to tend to Silis's resting place. That will take some time, unless it can be put off. Would you have any advice toward this end?" Kywyn runs a hand through his hair, all the way to the base of his skull. "There's no time to think... Dakarai is too far away. Everything has just happened, and it's all just floating there around us like debris after a shipwreck," he mutters.
#233 kywyn Mar 30, 2004 10:37:46	After conferring with Verinal, Kywyn sets about putting Silis to rest. Kywyn asks NaShae to rest, but he knows she would rather aid Kywyn in his grim task. Carrying Silis back tot their room, Kywyn does what he can to clean up the body. He removes Silis’s weapons and pouches. ”All these trips back and forth to Ennorath aren’t free. A burial costs a good amount too. I should sell some of those old scrolls I’ve been holding on to, didn’t do us much good when we were in trouble.” With a pinch of guilt, Kywyn looks to the possessions, “The pouches and that crossbow should cover some of our expense. They’re not needed anymore, and I don’t want to keep them around...” He looks down and pulls off Silis’s spiked gauntlets. ”Why would you use these?” Kywyn asks Silis with a twisted smile somewhere in his head. Kywyn places the gloves on the desk, keeping them as a memento. Picking up the unyielding weight of his brother, Kywyn looks to NaShae before exiting with her into the darkness. Appearing in the graveyard, Kywyn places the body on one of the horses and they head toward the temple to make arrangements. --- [To Temple of Ordemet]
#234 kywyn Apr 17, 2004 12:55:05	Kywyn approaches the cemetery and stalks into the deeper section. He stops by the section where Silis's ashes were returned to the earth for a second before walking slowly in the area of shadows under the statues and still-leafless trees. I'min-aesi jari. His other name triggers the portal and Kywyn is enveloped in shadows of a different shade. Materializing in his room, he paces into the hallway and tries to send his report through the mental web. "Verinal, you probably know of our return. We have Dakarai back with us. Was any new information gained from Prean's notes?"
#235 zombiegleemax Apr 17, 2004 17:54:10	Dakarai is well? Yes, we learned some things.
#236 kywyn Apr 17, 2004 22:59:47	"He is well," Kywyn eneters the main hall. He continues in a vocalized fashion. "Happy, even, I would say. It's my hope that we can maintain such an environment for him to grow." "The things learned, are they relevant?"
#237 zombiegleemax Apr 17, 2004 23:14:54	"Relevant... Everything is relevant, and relative. The devil, 'Evuzhin,' she was apparently a chosen servant of the Dark Son, brought here by a wizard seeking to use here to increase his own power. He must have been destroyed before he could accomplish his goal. Evidently she had powers beyond those normally associated with her kind."
#238 kywyn Apr 17, 2004 23:29:12	"True enough," Kywyn concedes. He listens to the information intently. "We defeated the devil, but is she truly gone?"
#239 zombiegleemax Apr 17, 2004 23:33:59	Verinal is quiet for a moment, considering. "We... have no reason to think she is not dead."
#240 kywyn Apr 17, 2004 23:43:10	"Good," the word falls from Kywyn's lips like a dropped stone. "Then the business started with Gatchni and ended with Prean should be completed. There is no direct conflict with the Strikers at the moment."
#241 zombiegleemax Apr 18, 2004 7:17:01	Verinal nods thoughtfully, "Yes, it would seem so. What are your plans now?"
#242 kywyn Apr 18, 2004 12:41:21	"Plans?..." it seems almost a foreign concept now, "Plans." "I really don't know. It's been a while since I could think about that." "No doubt you'll reach us if there is a matter that requires our attention. For now... I think I'm going learn to breathe again." "Yeah," Kywyn affirms, "Finding my breath would be a good start." Kywyn's face is a contrary mix of placidity and confusion, as if he is straining somewhere inside to remember something. "I'll be on my way if there's nothing pressing."
#243 zombiegleemax Apr 18, 2004 13:08:36	Verinal nods, and waves dismissal. "Yes, I know how to find you."
#244 kywyn Apr 18, 2004 13:41:25	"Yes," Kywyn nods before leaving the hall. He walks back to his room and into the shadows without stopping. --- [To Graveyard]
#245 zombiegleemax May 04, 2004 22:52:55	*walks through the graveyard disappering behind a statue* *appears in her family's room and walks through the door to the hallway* .o(I'm here Verinal) *waits at the door to the meeting hall until he tells her to come in*
#246 kneyejailb May 04, 2004 22:59:01	Verinals voice rings in NaShae's head. "Enter." Once inside the room, Verinal is seated behind his table. He stares at the elf as she enters. "Do you feel that you have attained your rightful v3ngance against those who sought to harm your family?"
#247 zombiegleemax May 04, 2004 23:02:08	*looks at Verinal* Justice, Verinal. If it had been adequate vengance, both Praen and Gatchni would have died slower.
#248 kneyejailb May 04, 2004 23:09:46	Verinal frowns. [color=red]"None the less, they are dead." "You are now free to work towards our goals." "Is that correct?"[/color]
#249 zombiegleemax May 04, 2004 23:11:38	*nods* I am. And I had not forgotten my debt here. Thank you for letting us take care of our personal matters.
#250 kneyejailb May 04, 2004 23:19:25	Verinal nods slightly. "You are no use to me if your head is not clear." Verinal tilts his head forward. "Now that it is clear, are you still prepared to infiltrate the Striker organization?" "There are no more there you wish to see dead specifically." Whether the last statement was a question, or a statement is unure.
#251 zombiegleemax May 04, 2004 23:25:10	*shakes her head* None specifically. *nods to him* I am still able to do that. What is it you want me to accomplish?
#252 kneyejailb May 04, 2004 23:29:52	Verinal studies NaShae for a moment before responding. "I have captured an agent of theirs." "An agent that has ties to two of ours that have dissapeared." Verinal pauses to see what kind of reaction NaShae has, if any to that news before continueing. "You will take that agents place."
#253 zombiegleemax May 04, 2004 23:34:34	*raises an eyebrow* *nods* I will have to know what that person looks like so I can play the part.
#254 kneyejailb May 04, 2004 23:56:09	"You will be allowed to study her." "And to question her about what part you will be playing." With a wave of his hand, a door behind Verinal opens, and an elf woman is led through it by Far'o Iam. The woman is roughly NaShae's heigth, and a few pounds heavier most likely. Her dark black hair seems to have a hint of the violet color of her eyes in it. It has the look of having at one point been finely styled, though it appears very tusseled and unkept now. Her dress is a very fine evening gown, or it would be very fine if not for a few slices in them. Verinal motions towards her. "This is Calmoranna. Daughter of the the third in line to the throne of Caranbar." "No, you haven't heard of it. It does not exist. Nor does Calmoranna."
#255 zombiegleemax May 06, 2004 0:01:00	*tilts her head and walks over to the woman* *her eyes are cold as she looks a critical eye over the woman* That was her story? Royal family of a place that doesn't exist. *looks specifically for any signs that the woman is actually highborn*
#256 kneyejailb May 06, 2004 0:18:47	Verinal nods. "Yes. That was her story. But there is nothing noble about her." "Her real name appears to be Elanna. And she comes from Ennorath originally." "That would be too easy for to check on. Days at the most. An elven kingdom in the Southlands would not be so quick." Verinal pauses to let NaShae study the woman.
#257 zombiegleemax May 06, 2004 0:50:53	*eyebrows raise and a small amused smile appears on her face* From Ennorath? *shakes her head* Do you know me Elenna? Who I am? *turning from her more relaxed, city posture, she gathers herself and straightens to the posture and bearing that she was raised to*
#258 kneyejailb May 06, 2004 0:57:53	Elanna nods.
#259 zombiegleemax May 06, 2004 0:59:17	*stares for a moment, her eyes cold and appraising, then nods once* And who am I, Elanna?
#260 kneyejailb May 06, 2004 1:05:01	"Lord Ch'radryn's daughter." "The one that ran away to live with a common human."
#261 zombiegleemax May 06, 2004 1:12:29	*nods* You must have left recently. *tilts her head* Is your family with a house?
#262 kneyejailb May 06, 2004 1:29:07	The woman snorts. "I left decades ago. You aren't exactly unknown to my friends." "In fact we choose to base my disguise around you. The spoiled brat who ran away from home to live with humans."" "My father worked as a servant in your house years ago. Before he was let go. He works for the Ythbain family now." She laughs. "Oh yes, I know who you are."
#263 zombiegleemax May 06, 2004 1:40:57	*laughs, her amusment never reaching her cold eyes* And what do you know about me? Other than I ran away from home?
#264 kneyejailb May 06, 2004 1:54:29	Elanna smiles back. "I know enough." "I know you've shacked up with that aryist. The one the children call the Grey Ghost." "And you had his child." "And that you killed Gatchni." She laughs again. [color-green]"Or did you want to know what I know about your life before you threw it all away to go slumming?" "I know you had everything handed to you on a silver platter. In fact my father handed it to you on occasion." "And I know that you had a tendancy get angry and to pout when things didn't go your way. I've used that several times. I must admit, it is rather effective." "In fact I think pouting may have been what got me into the Ayres. "[/color]
#265 zombiegleemax May 06, 2004 2:09:15	*raises an eyebrow* I don't deny any of that. However, I have grown up since... I left to 'go slumming'. *her face grows impassive* Is that all you know? None of that is very private knowledge. *tilts her head* What grudge do you have against me? Or against my family?
#266 kneyejailb May 06, 2004 2:16:37	Elanna laughs again. "Oh, I forgot to mention that I know how self centered you are." "I don't give two figs about you, or your family." "You just happened to be a good inpiration for me to model my behavior on."
#267 zombiegleemax May 06, 2004 2:25:37	*laughs* Then you don't really know me. *her smile turns malicious* And what would you have done had I recoginized you when I was asked to join by Gatchni himself? You do know I would have recoginized you for what you were. A commoner attempting to pose as a noble. What would they have done to you? Consider yourself fortunate. I've been at their mercy. Have you?
#268 kneyejailb May 06, 2004 7:22:20	"Who do you think suggested I do it?" She laughs yet again. "I was assigned this job. I didn't pick it, they picked me."
#269 zombiegleemax May 06, 2004 7:46:41	*steps closer to the elf* What were you picked to do, Elanna? Why would they want a....terrible copy of me? [Intimidate +7, Thanks ST.]
#270 kneyejailb May 06, 2004 17:40:15	Originally posted by NaShae *steps closer to the elf* What were you picked to do, Elanna? Why would they want a....terrible copy of me? [Intimidate +7, Thanks ST.] Ellana's vioce falters for a second, and she looks towards Far'o Iam instead of meeting NaShae's gaze. "We needed to get someone into the Ayres." "And with the rumours of a elf princess ... slumming... in the city, it seemed like a good ruse." "They bought it at least." Ellanna regains her composure a bit, and catches NaShae's eye in a stare for a brief moment. "So it couldn't be that unbelievable of an impression could it have?"
#271 zombiegleemax May 07, 2004 7:13:38	*nods, looking slightly amused* Yes, it could. You were trying to make humans believe, right? What do they know of it? *nods low to Verinal* You didn't fool that one. Nor did you fool me. *turns back to Elanna, her face going blank again* Why were you needed in the Ayres?
#272 kneyejailb May 07, 2004 20:27:46	Elaana clenches her fist. and then looks at both NaShae and then Verinal. "A lot of money changes hands there. A lot of money they we don't get a cut of." "And deals are made there as well. They may be minor nobles, but they do have some powerr here in the city." "My friends wanted to know how much power, and wanted a way to influence." "That would be me."
#273 zombiegleemax May 10, 2004 7:51:25	*shakes her head, disapprovingly* And what was your 'cut' of the money you brought back?
#274 kneyejailb May 11, 2004 0:02:24	Ellana frowns. "It all depends on how many people get involved in it." "And how useful the information I gather is." She glances at Verinal. "So far I haven't found anything out. I've just been getting myself set up."
#275 zombiegleemax May 11, 2004 21:02:34	*nods* What happened to those that disappeared?
#276 kneyejailb May 11, 2004 21:24:47	Ellanna twitches a bit and then answers. "Like I told him earlier. I don't know. I barely met them." "I only saw the bard around the club once or twice. I assumed they weren't impressed with his performance and sent him away." "The girl, I talked to a few times. She hired on as a serving girl not to long after I applied there." "I did not even know she was missing until,... he... asked me what happened to her." Ellanna glances at Verinal and then back at NaShae.
#277 zombiegleemax May 14, 2004 18:38:26	*raises an eyebrow and leaves that matter for Verinal to deal with* *nods, then turns to Verinal* Have you had someone listening to her, yet?
#278 kneyejailb May 14, 2004 20:17:15	Verinal nods. "I have." "She appears not to know anymore then what she just told you about my agents." "Feel free to to do you're own probe. It might help you with your assignment." "You will be taking her place at the Ayres."
#279 zombiegleemax May 19, 2004 8:37:15	*nods* How long do I have to observe her? *tilts her head and looks to the woman* As much as it would be helpful, she knows my intention is to learn from her. If there's not a probe on her at all times, there's not much of a point in keeping her alive.
#280 kneyejailb May 19, 2004 18:46:40	Verinal nods at Far'o Iam. "You are correct. There is no point in keeping her alive when she no longer has value to us." The halfling draws a wicked looking knife and moves towards the elven woman. Elanna trembles. "I can help you! I 'll tell you everything you want!" Verinal motions for Far'o Iam to stop and then looks to NaShae. "Do you think she can help you?"
#281 zombiegleemax May 26, 2004 12:19:01	*thinks for a bit, watching her* *nods* I think she'll help now.
#282 kneyejailb May 26, 2004 18:06:06	Verinal waves the halfling away before addressing NaShae. "Her life is yours then for as long as you find it useful." Verinal turns his gaze on the captive. "You will answer Telwa Lokte truthfully if she sees fit tio ask you anything." "She will know if you are speaking the truth, as will I." "Do you understand?" The elf nods. "I'll tell you anything you want to know." "Yes. You will." "Telwe Lokte. Ask what you wish to know."
#283 zombiegleemax May 29, 2004 17:07:17	*nods to Verinal, casting her spell to read thoughts before asking the elf questions* *tired and her questions used up, she looks again to Verinal* That's all I can think of for now. Are you going to keep her alive for a while or no? In case I think of anything else, that is.
#284 kneyejailb May 29, 2004 17:42:12	Ellana squirms under NaShaes questioning. "I came into town a few months ago, and got caught picking a pocket almost immediately. But not by the guards." "I was taken to the Fox Boarding house, and given the choice of working for the Strikers, or well, not working at all. Ever.... Not much of a choice really." "Munduval, " Her thoughts differentiate from her words momentarily and NaShae picks up that who ever this Munduval is, is also refered to as Shadow, "found out that I used to work in a royal household" Again NaShae picks up a thought that isn't spoken. .o0(He seemed very interested that it was one from your town.) "And he assigned me to this job. I was given ettiquette lessons, a few servants, and a new wardrobe." "I was told that I needed to get into the club, and then find out their secrets. I wasn't told why." Ellana shifts under NaShaes gaze. "I lmoved into the old Dumont Manor with my servants, and applied for membership there, about a week ago." "They are still debating on wether I should be allowed to join or not." "They are suppose to send word to me there when they've come to a decision." Unless she has an incredibly resistant mind, NaShae gets the impression there isn't much left for Ellana to say. Verinal coldly watches the interrogation, and afterwards answers NaShaes question. "Her life is yours. If you wish her alive, then alive she will remain." He waves for the halfling to take the prisioner away, before continuing. "You will take her place. If there is a secret at the Ayres that the Strikers wish to learn, I wish to learn it as well." "You will move into the manor she spoke of and await word from the club to see if your membership was approved. Her servants will need to be replacced of course, with ones of your choosing." "I will see to removing them, you will see to replacing them." "And I will give you whatever funds you need to play the part." Verinal stares at NaShae, before continuing. "I'min-aesi jari will not be among your servants." "If you must speak to him, it will be subvertly." "I will give you time to explain your situation to him first of course." "You have one night." Verinal gives NaShae a wave of dismisal.
#285 codrian Jun 29, 2004 15:16:55	[OOC: From Graveyard.] Couple of months ago Is whisked to the familiar room where he hasn't been in six months or so. Looks around at the collected, surprisingly thin layer, dust. .oO(They employ someone to wipe dust?) Shrugs and then heads to find the meeting room. .oO(Though, probably it wouldn't matter which way I walked, I'd end up to that room anyway.)
#286 zombiegleemax Jun 29, 2004 15:30:34	Verinal awaits Codrian in the council chamber. Report, then.
#287 codrian Jun 29, 2004 16:00:29	Gives a start when Verinal speaks suddenly. I never get used to someone reading my thoughts. But, alas, to why I'm here. Not hard to guess, the druid is now dead. To condense it all. Pauses for a moment. As is his animal companion and wyrmling green dragon we encountered. To start from the beginning, I hired three SSAG members to help me in the task. All three were people I had worked with before, specifically elven monk named Ran, halfling paladin Threfdil Proudfoot and human wizard Tynk Waverstone. We set out for the area of Benelvir's caves and eventually made a camp couple of miles distant. We encountered his slaves on two occasions and on both times fought against them. What was quite clear that this time they were enhanced versions compared to what I encountered on the previous time. Soon after the second fight against these wretches, we met quite unexpectedly a person which all of us knew from previous times, an elven druid called Anaya. Her appearance was suspicious and I strongly suspect that she had some purpose being out there. I think that she might be something quite different than what I've thought, given the odd change to a wolf later on. One conclusion I drew was that there was very few in the city who knew where I was heading to, mainly all of them members of this organization. After this encounter, we continued to Benelvir's caves and after much searching managed to find the druid. There was some sort of magical fog inside the cave, very thick and it swallowed all the sound. The fog remained there even after we left the area. Combat with Benelvir lasted quite long but eventually we were able to kill him and subdue his hound. We found various magical items on his person, which we are yet to identify but I'll be working on that with the Hightower wizard in days to come. After resting a night we were about to head back to the city but were interrupted by a green wyrmling. This dragon was apparently a child of same dragon whose half-dragon sire I encountered on my previous trip. Sheritlaelyn by name, this mother dragon, quite powerful I'd imagine and residing somewhere not too far away from the city. We managed to kill the wyrmling, after we had first tried to shoo it away but it wanted to fight. The dragon dead, another curious creature appeared. A small lizard like creature that pulsed with electricity. The mage, Tynk, said that he had seen the creature in his dreams and wanted to try to bond with it. He said something about being inspired by this creature to learn Lightning Bolt spell. And I suspect that he plans to make this creature we encountered as his familiar, like I have Vareanin. That's about all.
#288 zombiegleemax Jun 30, 2004 10:57:07	Steepling his fingers, Verinal half-closes his eyes, hmm-ing thoughtfully. I'd like to know more about that fog, and what may be hidden in it... Are you sure the 'mother dragon' is still alive? And you said you subdued the hound-- where is it now?
#289 codrian Jun 30, 2004 15:54:16	Thinks a moment before answering. The fog. Benelvir's base was underground, in a serie of caves. There's two entrances to those caves, one from a footpath and another from a clearing with a totem pillar. Almost immediately inside the caves begins thick cloud of fog. Inside the fog no sound can be heard and you can't see more than one feet ahead. I tried casting a spell inside the fog, and succeeded but I think it might not always be manageable. The fog seemed to have some kind of magical aura. As for what it was covering, it spanned throughout the passages from the exit to the ways to caverns inside. Making it extremely difficult to navigate in there. I believe that fog is still there, it didn't vanish after the druid was killed. Small pause. I can't be completely sure, but I believe this is the case from wyrmling's reaction. After seeing the baby dragon to spit acid, like the half-dragon had done before, I said aloud the name of dragon who had sired the half-dragon and the wyrmling visibly reacted to it. Thus, I would say that the mother, Sheritlaelyn, is still alive. Ah, the hound... I forgot to say that the encounter with the wyrmling started with the dragon killing Geahn. He was half-eaten before we got a chance to do anything.
#290 zombiegleemax Jun 30, 2004 22:48:20	Hm. Well, better information on the fog and tunnels would have been preferable, but otherwise, not bad. You had something else you wished to discuss?
#291 codrian Jul 01, 2004 4:07:09	As for the tunnels, we didn't see need for staying there to investigate them more as they weren't critical part of achieving the main objective. Oh, lest I forget... Hands out the Magic Missile wand. ...to give this back. I spent only 2 charges from it. And yes, I thought to tell that some time before leaving for this adventure I managed to succeed in learning to cast spells without being hindered by armor, or at least lighter kind of armor. Spells require bit more concentration to cast, but I need to worry less about protective enchantments, allowing me to save my spells and prayers for something else.
#292 zombiegleemax Jul 01, 2004 11:03:02	You may keep the wand. Verinal nods at Codrian's description of his armor usage. Have you learned any new spells, though?
#293 codrian Jul 01, 2004 11:15:13	A couple, I think. I've yet to use either of them in practice, but I should have knowledge to cast them if needed. Other one shoots a small globe of acid at a target close by. Second one is such that with it I can fire a lance of fire, also at a target within 10 yards of me. Second one is more powerful one. And I believe that in time I may be able to use it out to 15 yards or more and perhaps also fire more than one ray. Pockets the wand. Oh, and also I discovered some time ago that I can use one prayer to duplicate the effect of normally arcane incantation to discover properties of a magical item. I can use this prayer in similar manner to what I can turn memorized prayers into healing power. The material component is still the same, a pearl of value at least one hundred gold.
#294 zombiegleemax Jul 01, 2004 22:58:16	Good. Tell me more about your druid. You said she changed into a wolf?
#295 codrian Jul 02, 2004 4:02:00	Yes, she did that. When we were fighting Benelvir and his hound, me, Tynk and Anaya took on the druid while the monk and the paladin fought the hound. We had managed to down Benelvir, but Geahn was still standing, then suddenly a wolf surged in to attack the hound. This wolf was our druid. It seemed oddly natural for her to do it, like she had had some affinity towards that particular form.
#296 zombiegleemax Jul 02, 2004 10:10:42	Did you question her about it afterward? Verinal sits back, taking a sip from a cup, with a slightly bored expression.
#297 codrian Jul 02, 2004 10:14:48	I tried but she wouldn't agree to say more about it than it is one of her abilities. Though, I think that every night she was around, she didn't sleep where we others did, always vanishing in the evening and appearing in late morning. She would also occasionally disappear somewhere during the day for an hour or two. Pauses for a moment. Ahem... now, if you don't have more questions, I would like to discuss about a suggestion.
#298 zombiegleemax Jul 02, 2004 10:22:16	Verinal nods, seeming somewhat satisfied. Suggestion? Go ahead.
#299 codrian Jul 02, 2004 10:28:36	Before this adventure I purchased myself couple of scrolls with lesser healing spells scribed on them. Those scrolls were very useful to have along. Now, I've been studying also scribing spells to scrolls and believe that I could achieve similar kind of scrolls than those that I acquired then, and some more. I think that I might be able to create scrolls that contain either arcane or divine spells. Unfortunately creation of scrolls costs quite a deal of money and I am not the richest person in the city. Thus, I have a suggestion to consider. I could create also create scrolls for this organization. So, if you could fund my scribing, I could create scrolls for myself and for Avowed. Perhaps on one for one basis.
#300 zombiegleemax Jul 02, 2004 10:36:36	Certainly, we could do that if you have something useful to offer. What sort of spells did you have in mind? The ones for our stores would, of course, have to be at least as powerful as the ones you make for your own use. He takes another sip, watching Codrian intently.
#301 codrian Jul 02, 2004 10:51:45	I could make for you possibly some with that fire lance spell I've recently learned to use. And maybe some that would allow casting that identifying spell. As for myself, I would make new pair of lesser healing prayers and possibly one or two bit more powerful ones to repel poison or to heal accrued physical damage, like that caused by poisons or touch of some undead beings.
#302 zombiegleemax Jul 02, 2004 11:05:03	That would be acceptable. You have an estimate of the costs?
#303 codrian Jul 02, 2004 11:19:57	Hmm... I think the rays require 75 gold per piece. That identification dweomer more, as it probably requires one those pearls usually used. 175 gold, possibly. Prayers... 25 gold to cover those both of curative prayers and another 75 gold for the restorative one.
#304 zombiegleemax Jul 02, 2004 11:34:27	Verinal nods. So what are you asking for, then?
#305 codrian Jul 02, 2004 12:00:22	Hmm... 425 gold in all.
#306 zombiegleemax Jul 02, 2004 14:07:02	Verinal gazes thoughtfully at Codrian, then nods slowly. Alright, we'll see what you can do. Verinal leaves the council room, returning with a sack which he hands to Codrian.
#307 codrian Jul 02, 2004 14:17:00	Thanks. I'll create the scrolls in upcoming couple of weeks. Takes the sack from Verinal. Is there anything more you want to know about?
#308 zombiegleemax Jul 02, 2004 14:23:39	If so, I'll let you know. Verinal gestures dismissively.
#309 codrian Jul 02, 2004 14:30:11	Nods and leaves. Returns to Cemetery soon after taking his leave of Verinal.
#310 kywyn Jul 03, 2004 0:19:22	Pale-clothed and somber, Kywyn draws near. From the shadows of the cemetery, Kywyn slips into the secret space of the shade and into the room that was given to him and NaShae. "I'min-aesi jari..." Once there, he goes about checking over the room quickly since it has been some time since he has had reason to linger here. While gathering some old notes and sketches from the desk for reference and inspiration, he sends a question out to anyone of the council. "I'min here... Something I meant to ask about before..." Kywyn comes across a few old drawings of people he had seen in the city, one is a rough of NaShae and her wizardess friend from the first time they met... What was the other elf's name again? Anna? Anastianna? Kywyn continues with his second, more audible train of thought, "The permit the Hightower requires, I didn't realize it got so much more expensive the more they think you're liable to cause damage. Are all the others just left to their own ways of dealing with it?"
#311 zombiegleemax Jul 03, 2004 22:52:40	They have not yet demanded gold in the thousands, I think, from you. When that day arrives, the group will aid you.
#312 kywyn Jul 03, 2004 23:37:41	"I see. No they haven't yet. I didn't know it would get so expensive... Thanks," Kywyn ends his communication. He wonders what right the wizards have to impose this sort of tax on something that is a natural resource (and often an involuntary one at that) for those who dwell here. Kywyn finishes gathering his papers and leaves through the shadows once again. Stepping out onto the grass, Kywyn has the sudden thought to go check in on an old friend. Slinging his backpack over his shoulder, he walks out of the cemetery toward a shop he has not visited in some time. --- [To NMS]
#313 codrian Aug 22, 2004 16:59:54	Andir. Falls down... to stand in his room. .oO(I never get used to that. Uhh... I think that meatpie I ate for dinner is still en route.) Walks bit shakily to the bed and sits down. .oO(Now what? Maybe I'll look outside and walk a ring.) Stands up and walks out of the room. .oO(Left or right? Right. Doesn't matter as I will end up back here regardless of the choice.) Heads right.
#314 codrian Sep 18, 2004 15:37:57	After dropping off his purchases for the journey, makes his way to temple cemetery and passes to his room at the compound. Looks around and speaks to empty air. Uh... hey. I would have something to talk about.
#315 zombiegleemax Sep 18, 2004 16:50:30	Indeed? And what is on your mind today?
#316 codrian Sep 18, 2004 17:04:59	Frowns and heads to the meeting room, in hopes he would happen on it this time around. Yes. This comes with bit of a sort notice, but I'll be out of town after tomorrow until a yet unspecified date.
#317 zombiegleemax Sep 18, 2004 17:32:47	Yes, that is rather short notice. Where might you be going?
#318 codrian Sep 18, 2004 17:38:14	Earlier today, I was approached by one of those with whom I went out to remove that druid a while ago. The halfling paladin, Threfdil Proudfoot, lost his special mount, a bear, in the battle with the druid's hound. Clearly a heavy thing for him, he has now found some way to go seeking to get this bear back. I will be going with him to help him to find the bear. I understand that the bear's home is probably in one of Thalos' realms, off this world.
#319 zombiegleemax Sep 18, 2004 20:52:15	Verinal contemplates Codrian silently for a moment after the half-elf enters the chamber. Intriguing. There are strange hazards on other planes of existence. We'll be interested in what you have to report. Here... He offers Codrian a ring. This will help to protect you from some of the dangers. It won't shield you from being chopped to pieces, but some creatures have more subtle ways of attack.
#320 codrian Sep 19, 2004 3:05:19	Takes the ring and looks at it for a moment, then slids it into one of his fingers. Thanks. I'm sure it'll be of help at some point. From what Threfdil told me, we are first traveling to the desert west of here to find a way to whatever place we are going then. I'll try to make notes of what I see on the journey.
#321 zombiegleemax Sep 19, 2004 5:37:05	That should take several days at least. Very well.
#322 codrian Sep 19, 2004 6:56:26	That it most likely will do, take several days. Is silent for a moment. I'll be going now, to prepare to leave tomorrow.
#323 zombiegleemax Sep 19, 2004 7:07:26	Verinal nods, silently.
#324 codrian Sep 19, 2004 7:32:58	Leaves the meeting room and returns to his room. After a moment, appears abck to graveyard.
#325 kywyn Oct 13, 2004 15:12:57	Arriving in the secret room through the shadow threshold, Kywyn steps into the chamber. He sits down at the desk and looks over the papers he left around. ”Verinal, our group returned from retrieving Hermy’s father successfully. Nothing particularly unusual along the trip. Though we were surprise attacked by a pair of hulking beasts. They were crab-like, but with tentacles that paralyzed.” Kywyn pauses as he revisits the unpleasant memory of being in the chuul’s grasp. ”But they were put to rest. There were some interesting relationships when Hermy’s father was found. He had become a valued scribe for a Mr. Mooney. But in the end, gold was exchanged to compensate him, and Hermy had the paperwork, after all.”
#326 kywyn Oct 14, 2004 11:40:51	”If you need to discuss further, you can reach me.” Kywyn ends his communication. He listens to the web with his natural proclivity for calm. After, Kywyn rises and falls through the tenebrous gate back to the outside. --- [To Elsewhere]
#327 kywyn Oct 19, 2004 15:49:11	Materializing in the dark chamber, Kywyn lights a candle at the desk and gathers a few papers from his pack to tuck into the drawer. He lets his mind drift into the web. He had promised the wizard he would not utter the words, but the thoughts were free to flow. "Lead on information. I was approached by a Hightower mage who wants to search in the sewer tunnels for knowledge he thinks is left down there..." Kywyn briefly considers whether he should say "down here" instead given the supposed subterranean location of this cell of the Avowed compound. Though he somehow knows that assumption is not quite correct. "He mentioned a wizard Eldarosh banished from the Tower for dark research, and a refuge underground where he kept his findings and who knows what else." "Proceeding with contact... meeting again in a week to see what he has found. Do you have any intelligence to add?" In the back of his mind, Kywyn weighs the excitement and curiousity of this sort of exploration with the caution against risking his safety and everything he's found for himself here.
#328 kywyn Oct 21, 2004 10:33:25	By the flickering glow of the candle, Kywyn opens his sketchbook while conferencing with the others. The first page is blank, but he feels the need to add something to it. A blank canvas is the most beautiful and tragic sight in his augmented eyes, purity and potential, and emptiness and hunger. He takes out an ink vial and pen. One shot, one hit, one kill. There is a fragility and transcendent fleetingness to adding ink to paper. It can’t be undone, the moment will never come again, and it can feel like a universe in a pen stroke. Meaningless and profound all at once. Kywyn thinks of something to write rather than draw, though with symbols they could be one in the same. He knows nothing he draws would stand as a permanent marker under his own critical eye. He would pick out the flaws he knows are there and scrutinize if he made the right choices. Instead, Kywyn simple writes in straight-lined print: A single tome sits on the desk, its shadow stretched out by the candlelight. Your fingers run along the rough, unassuming cover. You hear yourself ask, "Can you show me something true?" A voice whispers somewhere behind you. "The world is a lie. The lines depend on who does the drawing -- and who does the seeing." You speak again, even as you realize you are already opening the book. "Then show me a lie." When his inkpen is almost spent, he whispers to his letters and then reads them over while a shadow creeps out of and over his right hand. The shadow seeps into the writing tool and a shadow ink in fashioned. Kywyn draws a curving ‘S’ that becomes the outline of a serpent, the part-imaginary ink touches onto the paper. As he completes a circle around it, the sigil fades into a watermark and then animates before Kywyn’s eyes. The pale man says something to the snake image; the words aren’t clear, even to him. The snake seeks refuge, hiding among his written words. Luckily there are enough to provide cover and the snake vanishes. Kywyn blinks, wondering how much of the sight is hallucination. Dangerous sign, Hex had told him. The frog watches from the shadows on the desk and merely croaks a quiet warning. --- [shadow conjuration (sepia snake sigil) on first page of sketchbook]
#329 kywyn Oct 22, 2004 11:07:57	After gathering what information he can, Kywyn nods and stands to exit through the shadows of the room. The darkness envelopes his form and then he is gone. Spinning through the path he has become accustomed to, the world resolves itself around Kywyn. Back in the graveyard, Kywyn makes his way back onto the streets. --- [To Elsewhere]
#330 zombiegleemax Feb 03, 2005 22:08:48	Appears from the shadows of her room .oO(Verinal..I came by to let you know that I will be leaving town in the morning and I will be gone for a couple of weeks from what I am told.)
#331 shatteredtower Feb 04, 2005 1:25:48	After a lengthy pause, Anaya receives Verinal's reply. .oO(Yes, the matter of the Jackal. I will expect a full report when you return, both on his plans and anything you might learn about his adversaries.)
#332 zombiegleemax Feb 04, 2005 12:28:54	[i]She nods. .oO(Yes Sir. I will be back soon and I will try to get as much information as possible. Is there anything else you need of me before I go?)
#333 shatteredtower Feb 04, 2005 15:13:52	.o(That will be all.)
#334 zombiegleemax Feb 04, 2005 21:09:38	She nods and head back into the shadows of her room [b]To Graveyard[/i]
#335 kywyn Apr 23, 2005 13:48:32	Kywyn moves through the graveyard and seeks refuge from the sun in the shade of a statue. It is nice to have the clear sky above him again, but the light of Thalos is already getting too hot for his tastes. He sinks into the shadows. His proficiency with working from the darkness is growing, and the man is already tapping into the network of mindspeech in the Avowed compound before he materializes in his room. “I’min-aesi jari…” He senses Verinal is not available, but his thoughts bounce from node to node, seeking a receiver. “Requesting connection…” “Inner Circle clearance…” A twang shivers back along his psychic chord. “Nothing major to report in sewers yet… Our intelligence in that area is lacking more than we think. Have encountered zombie and mummified creatures with varied special abilities. There is definitely something or someone down there. It might have something to do with the necromancer that supposedly once resided there.” “Will continue surveillance with group.” He wished he could call on another agent to be a backup in the group, as it seems the current party’s talents are lacking in some areas when a simple door and pit can keep them stumped. But he is getting to know the system better. No more agents than necessary, the more in a single area, the more possible connections others may make. Assets are key, move from the shadows. If you do your job, no one will know what you have gathered or altered. Kywyn collects some papers from his drawer into his backpack. He checks that his runes are still on his sketchbook for insurance. “Will continue…” The light colors of Kywyn’s clothes contrasts with the dimness and candlelight as he fades once again out of the room. --- [To Cemetery]
#336 kywyn Apr 28, 2005 22:07:21	Kywyn Liew of the Avowed, also known to some as I'min-aesi jari -- the Seeker, stalks toward the cemetery as the sun sets. The last crimson streaks burn on the horizon as the stoic man moves from shadow to shadow. The Avowed. Funny how a word can change one's life. When Kywyn first heard rumors of the sorcerers' cabal, he was angry, lost, and alone. From an early age, he studied the esoteric martial arts of stances and movement to control the dark touch pulsing through his hands, but it never seemed quite enough. Kywyn came here to the city, to this very graveyard, years ago, searching for them. Now, he is one of their agents, one of their Inner Circle. He has discovered means by which to craft auras and secrets of the second sight, but the dark touch and its deadly permutations remain his trademark. If it draws breath, Kywyn could enact a number of malevolent afflictions. It used to be more of a liability than a boon, but he has gotten better at restraining it. The young man looks much different from earlier in the day. Dressed in matching, form-fitting black shirt and pants, metal gear covers the lower portions of his arms and legs. Articulated gauntlets, bracers, and couters; segmented greaves and poelyns. A hooded, grey poncho-cloak completes his ensemble, its edges torn into irregular borders at his chest and back. It is the first time in a long while that Kywyn has worn his black outfit. Perhaps he is trying harder to separate a more normal life with this shadow one. Kywyn halts briefly by the base of a grimy stone monolith. He touches his right index finger to the surface to retrace some of the chiseled names. Deviating from the engravings, he draws his own spiral runes in the layer of dirt. With a few garbled words, the symbols take on a glow and float off the ash grey stone. The ignis fatuus are known to lead foolish men to their deaths, but tonight the marsh lights simply float in an orbit around Kywyn as he walks. Though the exploration of the source of his metahuman abilities has granted him darkvision, the artist's eye likes the play of the bluish light off the cemetery surfaces. The mantled figure reaches the oldest section of the graveyard. Uttering his name to open the gate to the Avowed compound, Kywyn sinks into the darkness. The world goes black; he drifts until the forms around him start to solidify once again, like waking from a dream. In his secret chamber, Kywyn sits at the dark, polished desk in his secret chamber, pushing some papers aside. He concentrates to throw his mind into the ether. In this place, the connections between the "Children of the Mark" are stronger. Kywyn's own enchanted tattoo appears on his face: a simple tapering tear over his right eye, joined by a curving horn over his temple. "No new information on the sewers?..." Kywyn checks. "I'll be headed back down tomorrow morning then. Hopefully just to see what is behind the next door. If we keep meeting stiff resistance, the group may reconsider. The wizard seems determined though." Kywyn leaves the shadows once again and appears in the graveyard --- [To Elsewhere]
#337 kywyn Apr 29, 2005 12:47:55	Kywyn awakens face down on the austere bed in his Avowed chamber. He sits up momentarily, unable to dismiss the vision as a simple dream. He feels different. Something between a headache and an adrenaline buzz plays havoc with his brain. The dim room, lit by candles that never seem to go out, shakes in the man's vision. With some effort, Kywyn clears his head enough to see straight. He does not remember coming back here, but his cloak and satchel are resting by the desk. Hex relaxes in a water basin on the bedside table. Kywyn knows he should get back home to his soul mate and young son who, though both Avowed themselves, would nonetheless be worried. Through drowsy eyes, Kywyn cannot seem to get up. Maybe just a few more minutes. I'm looking at the shadow play. With a soft thump, he falls back down on the quilted mattress. I could look all night.
#338 kywyn Apr 29, 2005 12:48:33	Kywyn eventually rises and steps through the shadows again, feeling more connected to the coolness he finds therein. Appearing in the cemetery, Kywyn heads home to the warmth of his truelove's bed. He just wants to close his eyes until the morning comes. --- [To Elsewhere]
#339 kywyn May 05, 2005 21:52:50	The link glows red as the two dreamers drift until her dreams hold his. There is no up or down, no right or wrong, here in space between thoughts. There is only the miracle of the idea and what shapes it may take as their minds twist. It is a bright day outside in the city. A flock of small birds fly over the buildings in the market. The smell of cooking food and wood fires fills the air. Kywyn finds himself walking to the Last Lich Inn. This can’t be right. It feels off, like he just sprang into existence out of nothing and is disappearing at the same time. Nothing makes sense. But he is walking forward anyway. Some murky voices mutter somewhere as if the sounds are being poorly overlaid on top of the normal background clamor. When he turns, the market scene momentarily skips a step like a choppy series of still images. Kywyn reaches the inn door, and the distortions waver out. He is going in for the first time. He doesn’t know how or why, but this is the first time. It is several years ago when he first arrived in the city. Dressed in morbid black with his grey poncho-cloak and steel gauntlets, Kywyn pulls open the door and enters. ”Unreal...” he thinks. The inn as it was before the Night of the Shadows. The place is filled and there, at the bar, are the burly Arnor and elf Kal taking care of the patrons. And there is NaShae. Why can he remember? Was it all a dream, a premonition, until now? Kywyn moves toward a quiet corner seat out of habit but stops himself and moves to a chair near NaShae. He watches her. ”Could it be that she doesn’t know me yet?” a shiver of utter sadness resonates within. Then the oddest, and most unexpected, feeling washes over Kywyn as he observes the elf girl. He feels... relieved. He could save her from the hurt, he could be unselfish for once this time... But could he really? When the dark-haired man can catch her attention, he asks softly, “NaShae?” Startled, NaShae turns toward the voice, frowning when she doesn't recognize the man sitting nearby. She looks over the human, looking for any clues that might tell her who he is, "I haven't seen him before, I'm sure of it. And Father wouldn't work with humans. He wouldn't...unless....no, not Father. He couldn't."
#340 kywyn May 05, 2005 21:53:44	She gives a glance to Anastrianna, The Frail, her friend and gives a raised eyebrow to see if she knows this man. She speaks quietly in elven, not sure if the man speaks it, but watches him for any sign he understands, [i]"Would you like something to eat? Ale? Anastrianna? Would you like anything else?" [/i] Kywyn listens to NaShae speak in her native tongue, only picking up one or two words. For the most part, he is clueless, but Kywyn’s face is difficult to read as he seems intent on his server. "No... I guess not," he answers, "I just wanted to say hello..." "Again for the first time," he finishes in his thoughts. Kywyn pulls his chair in closer to the table. He looks into the elf’s indigo eyes with a deepening gaze. "Could I get a cup of mint tea please?" he asks quietly. NaShae nods, "Anything else...I'm sorry. I don't know your name." His eyes catch hers and her smile slips. Suddenly, she blinks and turns away. The elf turns to her friend, eyes wide again and looking more than a bit confused about the situation and the man. "Kywyn," he states. The young man runs a gloved hand through his raven hair. "Anything else?..." Kywyn repeats softly. "You wouldn't believe me..." he starts. "… Maybe you would." "What would you say if I told you I could see into the future?" He leans forward slightly as if preparing to tell her a secret. NaShae passes along the order for the mint tea and orders food for Anastrianna. Intrigued by the odd statement, the elf sits back at the table, smiling at the dark haired man, "Pleasure to meet you, Kywyn. You somehow already know my name, so I guess I don't have to introduce myself. Were you talking to someone and they mentioned an elf at the inn? Is that how you know about me?" She stares at him intently, raising an eyebrow, with a small smile on her face, "I would ask if you're a wizard. Or if you have another secret. And of course, I would ask what the price of this secret knowledge is." She gives the man a wink, willing to play along, but thinks it is just an intricate way to get into a conversation. Leaning close, mimicking his motion, she smiles, looking closely at the man, [i]"It's too bad he could be crazy. This is the most imaginative way to approach someone. And he's really quite handsome. Not my usual type, smarter...intriguing...." [/i] "Must have just heard your name around here," Kywyn offers. He adjusts his old gauntlets and slips a small private smirk toward NaShae. Quietly, he speaks, "Those are good questions. I am not a wizard, at least not a normal one, I do have a secret, and the price is free for you... So..."
#341 kywyn May 05, 2005 21:55:09	Adjusting his chair, Kywyn looks to NaShae again. "How about this?...." "We meet and start off slow, but soon we fall for each other. We find ourselves in each other’s touch. We have to fight against and hide from the things in the world that try to pull us apart or make us lose faith," says Kywyn evenly. "To prove to ourselves it’s all worth something, that we’re worth something, we might kill, we might die..." his face turns more serious for a moment, "We most definitely will live." "And when the dance is through, it’s me and you. It doesn’t matter if everything we’ve built collapses, we know something, the only thing, that matters..." The man blinks and leans back slightly. "And in the future, there’s someone special waiting to meet you." NaShae laughs, amused by the dark-haired man, "This is the most creative way of trying to ask someone out I've heard." Her eyes gleam as she grins at Kywyn, "So, in the future you see, you and I are, after many trials, married, and living happily ever after? How, if I may ask, do you get your information?" Honestly thinking it's just a ploy to get to know her a bit better, Shae plays along, though she's slowly becoming more interested in the dark man, "Do I get to know this secret that we learn along the way? And who this special person is? Or would that be telling too much?" "It’s what I’ve seen for myself," Kywyn nods. "The secret? I haven’t quite figured that part out yet, but I know it’s there." "And the someone special," Kywyn says, "Is our son." A shade of sorrow drapes over him as he considers his son doesn’t exist here. Neither did Hex, or Palasha, or Mon’Qui. None of them. "This… this isn’t…" he gazes into NaShae’s eyes with a more somber expression, "It can’t be like this. Someone has to remember… You can’t just erase everything and rewrite it the way you want...." "There’s nothing left to stand on if the ground breaks away. Undo the foundation, and how can anything survive? There must be something to this… We have to figure it out," he thinks. Kywyn asks NaShae, "Can we take a walk? Get out of this place while we still have time?" NaShae's eyes widen, "A son as well?" Her mind tries to form a picture of what a son of theirs might look like, but the hazy, unformed image is shattered by the serious expression on Kywyn's face. Her brow furrows, "But you remember, do you not? You're the one telling me about it, so your memories are intact." When he requests a walk, the elf looks around the inn then nods. Standing, she walks over to Kal, the smile wiped from her face. Switching back to elven, she whispers to him, "I'm going out. Make sure Anastrianna gets something to eat please and doesn't just fall asleep on the table. If something happens to me, tell Cog to find the man sitting at the table with us. He might be crazy, but he seems relatively harmless...but just in case..." She checks her weapons, then walks back to the table, "Let's go. I'm interested to hear more."
#342 kywyn May 05, 2005 21:55:52	"Yes..." the dark-clad man tries to answer NaShae, "I know it doesn’t make any sense. I wish I could just enjoy it, but… how can you go back?" Kywyn walks with NaShae to the exit, scanning the common room for clues to the situation. He opens the door for the elf and follows her out... Kywyn feels grass under his feet where there should cobblestones. He looks around to see they are in the middle of the graveyard, far away from the walls of the Last Lich. The field of headstones is bathed in red light from the setting sun peeking through the gathering clouds. "What the hell?" Kywyn ponders quietly, "And sunset already?" He looks to NaShae to see if she perceives any peculiarity. With a gauntleted grip, Kywyn takes NaShae’s hand protectively as he glances around. A throbbing pain begins in his heart, and Kywyn must lean on a nearby thin-trunked tree for support. "Hhhhhh…" He had nearly forgotten the intermittent chest pains he used to deal with back then, as if the dark touch within him was growing too large for his physical frame to handle. Kywyn stares at NaShae. It wasn’t until he met her that he had a reason to take better care of himself. "Beautiful girl... always knew you would save me," he whispers. NaShae shrugs, "From what you said, all you have to do is wait. You see the future, it will come on its own, right?" The elf looks around the graveyard, suddenly nervous but trying to act normal, "I didn't realize it was this late. Why are we here?" Looking at the surroundings, her sense of distrust grows, until Kywyn grabs her hand. Surprised, she shivers at the static-like tingle as his hand touches hers. Her eyes widen and she starts to ask what was going on, when she sees him lean against the tree, obviously in pain. Unsure of what to do, she looks over him, "Kywyn?! What's wrong? What do you mean save you? What do I do?" Her eyes are caught in his again and she takes a step closer before she realizes it. Shae shakes her head, confused, but more worried, "What is happening?" "I haven't exactly seen the future," Kywyn risks losing any credibility he might have with her, "I've lived it. Or at least I think I have." The man turns and takes a breath, the edges of his torn poncho-cloak fluttering in the building breeze. "How do you save me?" Kywyn turns his head back to her, reestablishing a deep gaze. "Don't you see? You already have," a small, fleeting smile plays across his face.
#343 kywyn May 05, 2005 21:56:46	With a few more breaths, the pulsing inside is more manageable. He props himself up with her support, remembering a long ago occasion (or perhaps one that has not yet come to pass) where he had turned away her aid to rise. With an arm around her shoulders, Kywyn stands. He feels a rumble in the ground. "Something's here. It's coming apart." The expectant clouds succeed in blocking away the sun, casting the scene into grey. The first drops of cold rain come falling like tiny javelins. NaShae frowns, "Then what I said still stands, you still just have to wait for the future." Thinking this is the strangest day of her life, she watches Kywyn as he recovers. Once he can stand, she steps away a little, "I don't understand. I thought this was just a way to get to know me. Possibly to ask me to dinner or something, but I guess if you're actually from the future as you say, you wouldn't even need to do that." Her head tilts, "Why are you here? What is here and what is coming apart?" Sighing, she shakes her head, not even paying attention to the rain, other than shivering from the cold, "You say we're together in the future, but why this now? Does this happen?" She frowns, "This is just too strange to me. I don't understand." "I don’t know why I’m here." "It," Kywyn states, "Everything’s coming apart. Whatever is happening has unraveled our story... back to the first moment we met." "Without this, nothing else could exist." Looking up at the rain, Kywyn forms a theory. "They must have done it." He starts walking, one hand on his chest. He walks toward the older section of the cemetery. "The Avowed, they’ve done it before... Is this what it feels like? To be erased?" Kywyn sets foot in the shadow of a statue and tries to open the shadowy gate. His mind finds no purchase; he does not even feel the link to the other Children of the Mark. "Where are you?" "Why would you do this?... Why don’t you want me anymore?" "Verinal?!" Kywyn and shouts at the ground as the thunder blares in reply. The man’s rare yell turns the rain to falling snow. He and NaShae can see their breath. Kywyn stalks back to NaShae and takes her hand. "It won’t be like this. I won’t forget you." He starts leading her away, but the graveyard seems to stretch out in all directions with repeating patterns of tombstones. Neither the horizon nor the city skyline is visible anymore, concealed by ice fog.
#344 kywyn May 05, 2005 21:57:20	Kywyn turns and puts his arm around NaShae to shield her form the cold. Any tears that may be forming in the man’s eyes are lost to the rain and snow. "Stay with me." "Please," he adds in a soft voice. He tries to move closer to her, desperately afraid she might push him away and run. NaShae startles at his outburst, nearly moving away, but something keeps her there. Unsure of what to do, she watches Kywyn, shivering as the air around them grows cold. Though still very confused, she feels warmer close to him and moves closer, thinking even in that moment it's not smart. Her head tilts sensing the emotion in his voice, "Hey, if it'll make you feel better, I can assure you I won't forget about you." Shae looks up at his face to see if it helps, but notices his eyes are shinier than they were, "Kywyn. I don't understand what or who you were yelling to, or why, but what are you concerned about? I'm still here. And strangely, I want to be here, even as strange as this is." Unsure what to do with the obviously distraught man, she does the only thing she can think may help. Stepping away for a moment, Shae moves to look him in the face. Nervous of how she'll be received, she slowly takes the step to him, wrapping her arms around his form to hold him until he can calm down. As soon as her arms are around the human, a gasps steals from her throat as something inside her clicks...a feeling of security, safety, home. Afraid to move, afraid to look at him, she closes her eyes tightly and shivers, whispering, "Who are you?" "No one," Kywyn whispers, suddenly dead calm. "It doesn’t matter. You won’t forget me, that means everything." The spark between them is felt on both sides. "I still believe there’s something here for you and me..." Kywyn says as he clenches his fists and then let’s them go. He entwines his arms around her form, his breath in time with hers. "I’m not afraid." "I want you to be free." The edges of the scenery begin to rip away like pages torn from a book, but Kywyn just holds on. "Me? I’m who you made me." He kisses her, pressing his breath onto hers as he passes out.
#345 kywyn May 05, 2005 21:58:53	It is a bright day outside in the city. A flock of small birds fly over the buildings in the market. The smell of cooking food and wood fires fills the air. Shae finds herself in the Last Lich, or she thinks that's where she is, between the nausea and dizziness she can't see well. Resting her head on the table for a moment, she tries to breathe through the pain of the missing links with her familiar and her love. The elf raises her head slowly and looks around, resisting the urge to shake her head, [color=indigo]"This is wrong. This is all wrong."[/color] She see Arnor and Kal, sitting at the bar and talking, and strangest of all, Frail is at the table. She's seen none of them in a while and know's at least one is dead. Fighting the urge to get sick, Shae knows this is not a reverie, she doesn't remember these feelings from the first time this scene happened. A dark-clad stranger wanders into the Last Lich. His eyes dart from side to side, then again more slowly as if expecting an ambush of some sort. Dropping back his grey hood, his pale face is exposed to the light flooding in through the windows. His eyes look tired as if he has been awake for too long. He walks through the crowd, careful not to touch anyone. No one seems to notice him pass. Kywyn makes his way to a side table and takes a seat, causally glancing about the room for something or someone. He rests his gauntleted hands on the table. NaShae watches Kywyn walk into the building, her eyes following his as he looks around, expecting trouble suddenly. She frowns, "Is someone after us again?" Looking around on her own, she doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary, or any more out of the ordinary than things have been. She turns back in time to see Kywyn sit at a table away from her. Feeling like she's had the wind knocked out of her, she closes her eyes against the tears forming in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she stands and goes to the bar, getting two cups of mint tea before heading to the side table where he's sitting. Trying her best smile, she sets down the cup for him, still holding hers, "May I join you, Kywyn?" "Oh, sorry," Kywyn speaks almost in a whisper, "Do you need this table?" "Wait, what did you call me?" The raven-haired man looks carefully at the attractive elf. He knows she is out of his sphere, but he can’t help gazing for a second. His expression darkens slightly; he turns away to look around the room again until the angst subsides. NaShae struggles for a smile and shakes her head, "No, I just asked if I could sit with you. You seem to need the table more than I do." Her head tilts as she struggles to hide her worry, "You seem tired." Biting her lip, she frowns, "He doesn't know me?" She looks at him, her frown deepening, "I called you Kywyn. What else would I call you?" She swallows at the lump in her throat, trying to hold back tears, "May I sit with you?" "If you wish," Kywyn nods. "Have we met before? I’m sorry, my mind wanders sometimes, I get confused." Kywyn casts his gaze downward, wondering what this girl could want with him. The sounds of the inn seem louder to him than tolerable. So many people here. The faces never seemed so uncaring and oblivious. "Are you alright, miss...?" Kywyn looks to NaShae.
#346 kywyn May 05, 2005 22:00:26	Giving a small smile, Shae pulls out the chair and sits, setting her cup on the table in front of her before it starts shaking, "He doesn't know me." Nodding, then giving a shrug, she watches him to see his expression, "In a way. You obviously don't know who I am, though. My name's NaShae." Holding tightly to her cup, she struggles to keep her composure, "I'll be alright. I'm sorry you have to see me like this, but I wanted to talk to you. To meet you properly." She nods to the cup in front of him, "Did you want something other than mint tea?" Giving a strange smile, she scoots her cup to him, "Or you can have mine if you don't want to trust that one. You don't seem the trusting sort, I won't be offended." "Um... thanks, but I’m okay," Kywyn looks down at the offered cup with a bit of confusion. The sentiment fades from his face as he speaks again, "Hello, NaShae. What do you mean we have met in a way?" He keeps his hands under the table. NaShae looks down, curling into her chair as she thinks of where to start. Finally after a moment, her lips move again and a whisper carries from her, "You don't remember. I don't know what's happened here. It's not a reverie. Something's gone wrong." She looks up, "You don't remember me. But I know you. Better than anyone else does. You've gone missing from me and the pain is horrid." She lightly touches her head and over her heart. Taking a breath, she blinks tears, "There's no way to explain this. At one time you were my strength, helping me get through times that would have destroyed me. And I did the same for you. We've fought together, laughed, built a home, you've watched me-drawn me-as I slept in the safety of your windowless apartment." She looks back up, wiping at her face, "I know your secret and I've never been frightened. Never been scared of it. I trust you." She gives him a sad smile, "You must think I'm insane. I feel crazy, none of this has happened yet, but I feel the loss...of you...of everything we've built. It's all gone." Kywyn finds himself wanting to comfort her but only manages to place a hand on the tabletop. "How can you know me?..." he murmurs. The man cagily studies the elf. What is wrong with her? How could she know? This is too strange. But then again, he did come to the city in search of strangeness to match his own. "I mean..." Kywyn cannot seem to put the right words together. "It’s not my fault," he utters muddleheadedly. NaShae places her hand over his and shakes her head, "Of course it's not your fault. You wouldn't do that. To want to go back here? To take everything away from me? You wouldn't, ever. You always seemed amazed that I chose you...likely even up until I remember." She gives him a smile, feeling better just at the little contact they have, "Kywyn, I know you wouldn't hurt me. You've done nothing but take care of me and...." Her eyes widen and tears spill as the thought of Dak reminds her that he's not there...their son who they fought for, killed for, nearly died for, disappeared. Her voice cracks as she whispers the rest of the sentence, "...and our son." She hears the words as if they are said across the room, but her heart shatters as they're spoken. Shae hides her face in her hands, trying to compose herself, but begins sobbing, "Everything's gone! I can't even feel the magic in my blood. Palasha, Dak, us...all gone. I don't think I can handle starting over again. All the fights, all the blood, all the fear... I can't do it again!"
#347 kywyn May 05, 2005 22:01:54	As NaShae touches his hand, Kywyn’s eyes go wide. "No... don’t..." Other syllables escape his lips like ghosts breaking free of a grave. His hands glow an insipid blue, channeling negative energy between the elf girl and himself. "Don’t..." As the touch burns, Kywyn stands suddenly, knocking over the small table and the two mugs. The clamor causes a pause in the room’s normal din. Kywyn looks about, the attention drilling into him like spearheads. The man in black kneels to turn the table right side up and collect the shards of porcelain. "I..." "I..." He stands, ready to leave this place. Whispers run through the crowd, but most start to go back to what they were doing. NaShae shivers, her voice slower, almost slurred, "I'd forgotten how cold your Touch is." Seeing he's about to leave, Shae grabs his arm, above the gauntlets, "It was an accident. I'm not hurt, not much, just very, very cold. You don't have to leave. Besides, I'll know where to look for you." "Huh. Accident... Like a child that hasn’t been trained to use the washroom," Kywyn whispers back mordantly. He pulls his gauntlets up tighter and slinks to the edge of the room and toward the door, finding NaShae attached to his arm. "Who are you? All this talk about a future and a son, and magic in the blood you don’t feel anymore. Names I don’t know..." "Don’t you know what happens to people like us – I mean, like you when you talk about things like that and can’t control themselves? They burn you at the stake, in one way or another." Kywyn opens the door and is met with a stiff wind that throws his hood back and sends his cloak fluttering. Shae follows Kywyn outside, shivering harder in the wind, "No, Kywyn. They're kidnapped by old friends who plan to skin them alive for being what they are." She runs in front of him stopping in his path, "I know you think I'm insane. I would too. If you want me to go away, tell me. You won't see me again." Shae tenses to the the expected blow, though not physical, she knows it'll kill her just the same. Kywyn stops short of running into the girl. He places his hands on her shoulders, still dizzy from the rapture of the brief life-draining. "What are you talking about?"
#348 kywyn May 05, 2005 22:02:58	By touching her, Kywyn feels the oddest sensation. She feels like home, like a home he doesn’t know yet. He blinks. "You still have a choice. You’re beautiful and have a good setup here. For me, I could try to just sit on my hands and go on pretending with things. And I’ll wake up tomorrow and I’ll be fifty, never knowing why," Kywyn is not sure why he is spilling his caged emotions to her. "I won’t go that way." He is still holding her shoulders. NaShae sighs softly at Kywyn's hands on her shoulders. She shakes her head, "No, I don't have a choice. You do. I've seen what's to come and I can't live it alone. You kept me going." Reaching out, she lightly touches his cheek, staring into the hood. She takes a deep breath and leans into him, brushing her lips against his. When she steps back, her voice is a whisper, "I've made my choice. It's time to make yours." The kiss throws Kywyn off balance. Such a strange sensation surging in his heart. "Choice..." The distant buildings in the background begin to blow away as if they were made of sand, leaving just the blue of the sky. "If I have a choice..." he starts, "I don’t know who you are... But we’re here." The kiss has changed his outlook. It is a crack in the ceiling of ice that he has been trapped under and a flash of light in the water he has been drowning in. He holds the stranger’s hands with his own. "Do we really have a choice?" A small glimmer of hope ripples through NaShae's eyes, "Always. You can choose to let fate guide you. Or you can fight, rail against fate and spending your days wallowing in misery." She slips her hands from his, slowly sliding them to his shoulders, "As insane as it sounds, I love you, Kywyn. It's one of the few times where fate will favor us. But you still have a choice." Kywyn stays silent for a long time. "I would chose... to trust something, anything. I’ve wanted to for so long." "Trust something, trust this..." he is not pushing her back. The buildings closer to them crumble with little noise and gust away. "Is this the end?" Kywyn asks NaShae as if she should know. "Never expected to last that long anyway," he mentions somewhat apathetically. Shae shakes her head, "I don't think it is." She moves closer to him, if he lets her, "Trust in us." Her fingers brush his lips, "Besides, if this is the end, why are you waiting to choose?" Kywyn whispers through her fingertips. "I guess we’ve both chosen then." Sighing with relief, Shae steps close to him, pressing her lips tightly to his. The scene around them swirls into the mists of a sleepy haze.
#349 kywyn Jul 28, 2005 23:32:21	The council has gone quiet. A single figure in pale, slack cloth roams past the dark double doors that lead to the table room. The man stops in the half-light, part of his visage visible by the glow of the candles that never go out. His short hair the color of raven feathers seems to grow out of the black shadow before breaking abruptly at his pale face. To his peculiar eyes, the darkness did not present a problem. Kywyn continues down the hall toward his own chamber. He remembers the times before when he was called in front of the Inner Council as if it were some sort of supernatural court, to be tried for accusations of various sorts, or to be put into contest with others to prove his worth. Lately, it has been quiet. Even after joining as one of the shadows at the table, Kywyn understood little of what they did. Most likely, people have just become wrapped up in their own endeavors. He knows it happens. He should be thankful if the Avowed requires little of him at the moment. Without thinking, Kywyn steps into a place he has not been before. It appears that the shadows have taken on a more ragged appearance, like the silhouettes of a leafy canopy, though he is quite certain he is far from any woods. Did he actually miss it? The random death missions he was forced to comply with? The human mulls as he ambles through the strange path. What was wrong with him? Maybe he is just old enough now to know the pangs of nostalgia. Any questions he was seeking answers to… It became clearer to him now; this place wouldn’t answer them for him. It might give him the tools, but it wouldn’t make an easy way out. That’s the part of life that he had to work at – figuring yourself out so you aren’t just counting down the days. At least he has the opportunity for introspection, it is more than many people can afford. Kywyn continues out of the shadows, smelling slightly of ancient trees. It causes him a moment’s pause, but he passes it off as just another eccentricity of the compound. He slips into his room and onward into the shadow. There are things to do. Kywyn lingers just at the edge of the black. --- He stops at the periphery. In the last months of 679, North Port Reckoning, three hundred years ago at the northern fort that would become Fortitude Pass, an army swept in from the frosted mountains led by a boy king who became known as “The Winter Talon” or “The Gyrfalcon.” The tale has become local legend among the sub-arctic communities though historians would question how much is based on folklore rather than fact. At the time, there was a great mining craze for the resources of the relatively unsettled region, everything from coal to precious metals was thought to lie in the mountains and foothills around the fort. This brought an influx of foreigners seeking the potential industry, which eventually brought an upsurge of people set on trading and commerce (such as Kywyn’s relations). This second wave proved more worthwhile and sustainable, and Fortitude Pass became a settlement based on trade. However, the army that came before the Pass wouldn’t be forgotten. One of the last mining shifts that year produced and extraordinary deep shaft. The miners would often say that Mother Earth1 seemed to be opening of Her own accord to allow them access to something that wanted to be seen. The optimists among the workers assumed this would be some great cache of natural treasures. What they supposedly found was something else altogether. Kywyn reaches out to pick up some paper from his desk to tuck into his satchel before going. He turns around to look behind him as if he suspected he is being watched. He knows he is most likely always being watched here and even above, tied to this place by unseen threads. So this gesture is in regard to another ping of intuition. Things he was taught as a child, from town tutors and other sources, are rising to his consciousness in the dark. He reaches out toward the corner of his smooth-faced, stone chamber walls; the shadows seem soft and pliable. It was said the tunnel went around and down for such a long stretch that the air smelled of a different country. The tunnel had not given up anything extraordinary, but the picks kept falling on the stone that seemed almost to recoil from the blows. Finally, a section of rock was reached which was so soft that one could almost mistake for the hide of some beast. Without warning, the wall dissolved, revealing a whole other landscape, one of towering black trees, pitiless grey sky, and a winding stone road. The miners were shocked, and some ran away from fright. The few that remained tentatively poked at the image as if it were a painting, but nothing stopped their fingers. A shape approached them on the road, causing more men to begin fleeing. When the lantern light cast aside the shadows to reveal the figure, some of the men ceased their egress. A human boy of about sixteen wearing only strange furs and feathers stood before them in what should have been the end of the mine shaft. The opening behind him faded away to more natural rock. They tried to speak to the lad, who seemed more curious than scared. The pale boy with untamed white hair (an odd color for his age) did not seem to comprehend the common tongue, but attempted to reply in some gibberish language that sounded like whistling. Kywyn finds himself looking at a landscape that very much reminds him of the old histories he had been taught. The visions of this other place and his Avowed room flicker back and forth like faces on a spinning coin. He finds if he concentrates, the other space becomes clearer, more substantial. He has never thought about it that way, but the shadowy travel that the Avowed use regularly bears a strong resemblance to the stories of the Winter Roads. Kywyn feels a twinge of fear at focusing on the dark scenery, a foolish fear he knows. The slender man has made use of this path for a couple of years now. But why has he never seen the trees before? There were no elves anymore in the area (there still aren’t many to this day). A small quantity of half-elves was known, but this only hinted at a disappeared race. It was a common belief that the snow faeries, that once were blamed for played harmful tricks on the first watchmen of the fort, had abandoned this district when the population of humans became too great. Where they went is unknown, but it was sometimes assumed that any elves that lived here also left with their distant fey cousins. Others contend that the snow faeries are still present, performing more benign tasks such as painting frost on window panes and encouraging snow. In the early days, another deception attributed to the snow faeries was the abduction of human babies from their cribs, replacing them with a replica made of ice that was somehow given all the similarities to perpetuate the ruse. It would seem like the mock child was fine at first, but then he or she would grow cold as if from disease and then pass away days later. On the very rare occasion where the child was passed over a cooking fire (particularly one with an iron cauldron), he or she would revert to an ice sculpture and melt away with a hiss. This discovery would often prompt a quest for retribution if the family survived the trauma.2 --- 1The Great Mother (or Mother Earth), The Green Man, and Father Frost were sometimes locally used as alternatives to the divine names Ordemetrix, Agathalos, and Kakodemmion known to all. This may have been a remnant from the nature-oriented cults that are known to have existed before the settlements in the area became established. However, the obvious inconsistency between Kakdemmion’s title and his universally accepted position as Ordemetrix’s second son caused much disaccord among the civilized priests which came to the community. The general consensus is that Father Frost is merely the name given to the aspect of Kakodemmion accountable for the deathly cold winters which were a yearly threat to survival. Some believed the Winter Talon was sent by Demmion as a destroyer, strengthening the Father Frost connection. Yet at the same time, stories of the Snow Queen were popular, further confusing the issue. Regardless, the local monikers have since fallen into disuse. 2In Fortitude Pass, this led to the superstitious custom of passing a child over a campfire on his or her first birthday. Most who still perform this rite have a brief notion of the reasoning and are not overly concerned about snow faeries, treating it as a good luck tradition. Even if people did not care about faeries, magic in general did not have the best connotations, and respectable people avoided it. Kywyn would find this attitude persisting in his time.
#350 kywyn Aug 04, 2005 11:37:17	That winter was the harshest the settlement had seen. The mysterious boy was taken back to the fort and was inspected by the physicians and magicians and other learned individuals who thought to unravel the enigma. The boy was taught simple trade tongue speech, which he picked up with alacrity. He was wrapped in standard clothing though the cold never seemed to bother him. And little by little, the people around him tried to make him more human and less wild. The one thing they could not suppress was his wild magic. The hypothesis brought up by the scholars was that the boy one of the unlucky infants abducted by the snow faeries. He somehow survived, returning to the realms of men through some perilous spellwork. Draped in off-white cloth that resists being overtaken by the shade, Kywyn shifts his foot subtly, as if bracing from some unfelt wind. “The Winter Roads…” thinks Kywyn as he looks around the shadows before stepping into them. Has he ever really looked? The boy was given the name of David Falconer. It is uncertain where this name came from precisely – some accounts note it as his birth name was remembered after learning to the language, others say it was assigned by the miners who found him. For a time, the lad seemed contented. By the winter’s solstice, something had changed in David Falconer. He had seen too much of the cruelty and arrogance in the actions of the settlers, and it disillusioned him. He spent more and more of his days starring out an open window toward the far-off mountains and whistling to the chill wind. It would appear to the pioneers harboring him that the boy was degenerating into more uncultivated tendencies. A fever consumed him and burned through all the language he had been taught. The medics could not determine the source of his sickness. The tales imparted to us in our youth can shape our thoughts more than most would think. Even if the stories themselves aren’t remembered, the imprints left upon the mind take root in all other fertile notions that spring from the same ground. Kywyn sheathes himself in shadow. The room disappears behind him. “We’ve walked this road before,” Kywyn murmurs to the frog-shaped piece of gloom that has climbed upon his shoulder. “When did we stop?” croaks the reply. “When I awoke and didn’t realize how far I had walked.” The calm man recalls the night of his induction into the Avowed’s inner channels. It was to be a way to connect with the deeper source, to gird yourself with the system and see past the borders. That first blast of insight had rocked Kywyn’s brain. But he had been far away for a moment. He spoke of was and when, and to be and nevermore, all in the same breath. He used to speak in riddles because that was how the world spoke to him. Now he is grounded in more practical things. He thinks of his lover and his son and he takes another step forward without falling. The darkness under his feet is like a film over an endless ocean. He couldn’t let all the mysteries fall away. That night the local healer came to check on David Falconer only to find the boy missing, his window open. Three days later, a small army of soldiers with pure white skin and silver armor marched toward the first snow-covered village. Though the pioneers were a hardy breed, they were quickly over taken by the strange men who left no tracks in the snow. One by one, the communities were occupied until it seemed they were beyond hope. At the last battle, the ranks split to make way for their general. A detached-looking David Falconer, now referred to as The Gyrfalcon, appeared, surprising the men and women who knew him. The deaths in the defense of the towns also earned the youngster the Winter Talon title which was whispered in fear. His face was flush with heat, contrasting sharply with his unknown soldiers. Without a word, The Winter Talon and his ranks descended upon the last outpost in the area. Kywyn finds his balance holding tentatively. His sight pierces through the blackness, showing him a shadowy trail with looming shapes along each side. It is a fragment out of space and time that contains the peace of a midnight breeze and the tumult of a nighttime blizzard, both overlapping such that they were transparent to each other yet both tangible. But the man cannot hold on for long upon the precipice of nothingness. His toes curl within his boots as if he could grasp on like some perched bird. A teetering this way and a curving that way... Then he falls back below into the familiar shadow route and is spit out in graveyard. Kywyn flies forward, rolling several times through the grass before colliding with the panel of a stone base. His breath comes raggedly as if he has been running for miles. In the aftermath, David Falconer's fever finally broke, and he gazed back over the trail of bodies his men had left. With a cry, he threw his sword into the snow and ran back toward the mountains. Everywhere, the army fled as if hearing a soundless horn for retreat. The bodies of those soldiers that were attacked or captured transformed into ice and then melted to ice water. The siege was over as suddenly as it began. 3 He feels thin and transparent as if he is just a watercolor painted upon the air. He wonders if this is how his shadow-conjured creatures must feel while they have breif life. Kywyn stands woozily and dusts himself off. Checking that Hex is alright as well, the sorcerer paces toward home under the night sky, half-remembered fables and memories swaddling around his head like whispering ghosts recounting his own story among their own. --- 3There is a theory among some northern bards that the entire incident was a mass delusion caused by a mysterious fever brought by the wild boy. The fact is after the skirmish, there were no definite signs that an army had been there. The settlers that had died had no sword marks upon their bodies. Still, the story persisted and some pennants have been found that reportedly bear the Gyrfalcon’s banner.
#351 kywyn Sep 29, 2005 13:18:23	He sets up the short wooden post in the space next to the desk. It is padded with an old cord wrapped several time around a spot a few inched from the top. Another cord is wound at the bottom of the log. He was never a handyman, but Kywyn has found setting up training tools was worth the effort. There is no base to keep it fixed, and the wood is not too thick, Kywyn can touch his thumbs and middle fingers around its girth. He stands with a low stance with his weight gathered on his right side. His left arm is outstretched with an open palm while his right is chambered vertically at his shoulder. Two lines, vertical and horizontal, representing an infinity of depth and breadth. The line of energy builds in his right ankle, drawing upon the earth for strength. Kywyn shifts his hips, letting the line travel upward as his twists his elbow out and his fist in. His stance transfers to a more central pose as the arc formed by his legs allows the focus to cut diagonally across his body, readying a spot as his fist travels a spiraling line to the target at his left. As his focus if directed, his mind is touching a void. All the boys he has been and could have been, all the men he will be and could be, flash in the space. He is a small child with neatly combed hair, an age-worn gentleman swaddled in beige robes, a rusted over shadow with gold eyes. His breath slips out in a hiss as he makes contact. His knuckles are not clenched tightly, and his fist recoils slightly to avoid throwing away all his energy. His feet almost hop slightly as he connects. Hex is perched atop the training post. The frog does not budge as Kywyn’s gauntleted hand passes through the log. [color=olive]“You feel like you’re surrounded by ghosts, guo-guo.”[/color] Hex chirps, “Which one are we today? Kywyn unwraps the tiny strap of leather from his left index finger. The artist’s smudging tool doubles as a magical focus when obscuring his outline. With vague word, he dismisses the illusion and his figure flickers back to its true location about two feet away. Kywyn feels the draw of the images his projects. His mind plays tricks sometimes, and he figures identity is a nebulous thing to begin with. “We are who we are, who we think we are, who others think we are.” Kywyn communicates to his familiar, “Shadows tethered to something you can’t see. We’re bound that way.” Kywyn gently lays the target on its side. It will be more useful in the yard of the apartment anyway. “But maybe we don’t have to be.”
#352 zombiegleemax Nov 20, 2005 18:45:21	Appearing in her room, Shae carefully makes her way through the room, not really caring that it's dark except for Palasha complaining. Feeling for the door, she steps into the hall, staying close to the wall to get to the main hall and hopefully Dakari. She knocks on the door and steps in, her lack of sight obvious in her staring at nothing until someons speaks, then trying to move her attention toward them.
#353 kywyn Nov 25, 2005 14:31:54	"You sat beside me on the stones, a million miles away." The voices whispered and swirled around the frog and the shadow of a man like hungry ghosts. The shadow uttered another painful, forbidden phrase as the air filled with fluttering bat wings one moment and became a fresco of inverted colors the next. Magic, he reassured himself, had a habit of distorting the senses. Besides, his mind was too far gone to worry about defining what was going on around him concretely. "You learned of the natural course, of decay and revival." A wind began to blow, pulling at black locks. The room with no corners grew darker and tighter as if inhaling for a deep plunge. Over the growing clamor, he heard shouting behind him, though he could not make out what the noise was saying. It was too late anyway; the evolution had begun. The tiny black glob of a frog floating easily in the ankle-deep water looked around with animal suspicion. The room was now a marsh. "There were times I thought we were about to break." The frog looked up at the shaded diagram of a man. How his sleek frame still seemed so unwieldy compared to the other water creatures. Then again, the man was not of the water, not anymore. The murky quagmire bubbled. Either the water level rose or the frog and the man began to sink, no way of telling. The rumble that erupted stirred up old memories of days long faded. "Maybe it would be better if we did." Shades of the past, specters of the future. Somewhere in the background, the steel shriek of metal being twisted apart and rearranged. It did not matter; he seemed very far away right now. Light streamed into the area where there had been none before. The brightness caused the frog to frantically swim to safety in the shade of the man who wasn’t all there. "You cannot do this. The rules exist for a reason." "Hush, now," the illusion said, and the magic adhered to his words. The voices fell away. The shadow of a man spoke again, his voice was the crumpling of dried leaves, "This is a day of endings. In the demise..." "I remember..." He opened his eyes, not realizing he had closed them, and found himself somewhere else, somewhere different. "You sat beside me..."
#354 zombiegleemax Nov 26, 2005 13:49:16	Shae steps into the great hall, looking as though she's staring at something at the far end. Hearing her son's voice, but not knowing where he is, she speaks, "Dak?" Feeling the small child rush her and wrap his arms around his mother in a hug, she wraps her arms around him. She gives a general nod into the hallway, "Thank you. I am sure you know what has happened. I must see to getting Kywyn back home." Taking Dak's hand she heads back out, following his lead.