Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Dec 7, 2007 17:48:10 GMT -5
"As you wish, my lord," Kotaro said as he moved swiftly to Elestirne. "Would you come with me, my lady?" he asked, holding out a gloved hand.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Dec 8, 2007 16:47:09 GMT -5
Before joining the melee,Elestirne turned to Olore momentarily. Thank you my friend,she murmured;speaking by mind. You owe me a story when we get free of here.
The stallion whickered a little and dipped his fine head;ears flicking briefly towards his mistress before lacing flat against his skull. His response was warm. I am joyed to have you back at my side my lady and to see you relatively unharmed. His tone hardened. But stories and thanks must wait until we are free. Payment must be exacted on those who caused you harm. Olore struck at the ground sharply. Cracks spiderwebbed from the place he had struck and the silver luminence that permeated his form brightened noticably.
Elestirne noted this,and noted also his taut,tense muscles;the rigid set of his neck,the flared nostrils and intense,burning eyes and the power that hung quivering in the air about him,which literally crackled with energy. The stallion was angry,or very close to it-something she had never seen from him before. But there was another emotion a seething...shame? Why? She only thought for an instant before it came to her. Olore was ashamed for not preventing her capture or protecting her-though he could have done nothing about either. In his eyes though,he had failed her-a thing unnacceptable to the intensely loyal and honorable mystical being-and he would not forgive himself until he brought retribution on those responsible for his dishonor. The elven-queen was touched but did not have time to dwell on it as she and the silver stallion sprang into the melee.
Olore got the first kill,with a lashing forehoof shattering an unfortunate orc's skull. Elestirne's initial strike was non-lethal;the slender elf slamming the pommel of a sword into another orc's forehead. The creature's eyes crossed and it dropped insensate to the floor,where Olore promptly trampled it. Smoothly,Elestirne moved to the next orcs in her path. Her swords moved in a blur;one slashing across a throat,the other smoothly lopping off an arm at the elbow,then coming back to behead the arm's owner. She and Olore moved on through the orcs;working their way towards the others as best as they could.
Hearing Tatsumura's shout,she dove to the ground,just as an explosion sounded and dirt and ice rained down. Recovering swiftly,she leapt smoothly back to her feet to see several orc dead,and Tatsumura battling with Telemachus. Nichtmar joined after a moment.
Casting about,she saw the surviving orcs beginning to recover and struggle past their fallen. She and Olore moved to dive back into the melee just as an icy wind swept past-carrying Nichtmar- and a wall of ice sprung up;separating Tatsumura and Telemachus from the others
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Dec 11, 2007 15:29:15 GMT -5
After a few moments of intense fighting with the remaining orcs Olore suddenly reared with a deep trumpet. Spinning away from the latest orc she'd downed Elestirne saw the stallion ramping in place;half-rearing. Turning to regard the ice wall her eyes narrowed as she to,saw what the stallion had. She heard Tatsumura's words clearly,and saw the stranger again move towards her;feeling slightly irritated to be thought in need of protection or watching over when she was quite able to defend herself. She understood though,that no one wanted to risk the chance of her being recaptured. She was grateful for the concern but still felt slighted.
Sensing a focusing of power,she turned again;watching as Tatsumura sent several ice shards towards Telemacchus. They impaled several orcs in the way but didn't come near to touching the sorceror. Telemacchus in response-after banishing the shards and bodies-sent a wave at Tatsumura;pressing the other against the wall. "Olore!"she called "Help him!"
The stallion nodded grimly;deep eyes burning fiercely as he summoned his power. The soft luminence surrounding him brightened;flaring to a brilliant silver radiance. A foreleg lashed out at the stone and sparks flared up. The floor seemed almost to tremble as the ice wall shattered into a thousand harmless fragments.
As soon as the way was clear Olore sprang forward,leaping over the glittering fragments-whether to help Tatsumura or to get at Telemacchus himself could not be told for certain. Elestirne immedientlly moved to follow,her own power flaring around her in a silver-blue halo;determined to help her stallion.
No! Stay back! Olore's voice echoed in her mind in clear warning-and,to her surprise,judging by the reactions of the others,in their minds as well. Another thing to ask him,she noted. There was a shudder that shook the whole floor. An ominous rumble sounded as dust filled the area. When it cleared,Elestirne could keenly feel the icy wind and saw that a whole section of the fortress had fallen away;providing a clear view of the land-and of the burning Mittelmarch. Telemacchus and Tatsumura were nowhere to be seen but Olore was ramping in frustration just beyond the rubble.
Olore? Elestirne's questioning tone carried worry as the silver stallion picked his way carefully back across the rubble to rejoin her and the others.
He shook his head. No sign of either my lady,he said,thoughts directed only to her. I am not sure what happened. But we should be gone from this place while we can-I do not know how stable the floor may be now and we need to aid Mittelmarch. If we meet Telemacchus again it will likely be on the battlefield. The stallion snorted,shaking out his mane. About Tatsumura we can do nothing but hope. Let us go.
Elestirne nodded solemnly before turning to the others. "Olore is right." Her clear,melodic voice carried traces of pain and weariness. "We must be away from this place. Mittelmarch is under attack-burns in fact-and we must get back to the town. There is a demon there,at the least,and most likely more enemies" Wiping her swords clean,she sheathed them and looked at the group-holding each in her penetrating gaze by turn.
"Stories we both have to tell I am sure,but they must wait. Introductions also,are in order-"here her keen eyes flickered briefly to the stranger, "-but they too must wait." Her gaze shifted to Nichtmar. "I owe you thanks. It was a dangerous thing to come with Olore to recover me from Telemacchus but I am grateful you did. When we get back to the town Olore and I will aid Mittelmarch in the fight against Telemacchus,if you will have us. I only wish I could bring more aid. Now,let us go. How did you come into the fortress?"
A room on the first level, Olore supplied before any of the others could answer. They left their mounts at a safe place in the tunnel. If we make haste we can perhaps gain the town before the attack is fully underway-and call for Oron to help.
Nuzzling the elven-lady fondly,tenderly,Olore directed his thoughts to Kotaro only briefly. This,Kotaro-as you have clearly already realized-is my lady. Proper introductions must-as she said-wait until we are clear of here but perhaps you can understand why it was important she be recovered. Shaking out his long mane,the stallion-still limned in silver light-trotted a few feet down the blasted,orc-strewn hall. Come now. The last thought had been audible to all.
Elestirne watched Olore start to move off with the faintest of smiles before turning to regard the stranger;considering him carefully with keen grey eyes. Olore had explained him a friend but had given her no name-nor had he told her of this one when he had described the party that had set out. She knew to trust the stallion though. If he had called this one a friend she would accept him as such. She took the stranger's offered hand briefly. "I thank you too,for whatever part you may have played in helping Olore and the others. I do not think Olore gives us much a choice however. Let us be gone from here as soon as may be-I worry for how the town fares. Show me the way you came into the fortress." Her bright eyes glinted,though she put a hand to her side with a wince. "The sooner we get back to Mittelmarch the better for I believe more battle lies ahead for us all before the day is over."
OOC:great posts everyone
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Dec 18, 2007 9:11:48 GMT -5
Nichtmar quickly got to his feet to see the ice wall blocking off Masamune and Telemachus. Nichtmar attempted to break it with his sword, but it was impregnable and there was no time.
“Masamune, crazy fool,” Nichtmar yelled!
He turned heading for the queen, and barely slid out of the way of an orc blade. Nichtmar shoves his elbow into the nose of the orc and slides his blade across the belly. He moves into a parry and slashes the face of another orc. He reaches the queen.
“Elestirne we need to go…Aid Mittelmarch? What are ya talkin about?
They begin making there way through the caves.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Dec 21, 2007 18:05:30 GMT -5
OOC: I'll get my post in when I next get on after Christmas my friends-I did not have the time to do it tonight. Happy holidays to all
~ Lady Elestirne
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Tatsumura Masamune
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Dec 26, 2007 12:08:47 GMT -5
The rushing wind blasted in his ears, the force had managed to knock him out for a moment. Masamune opened his eyes slowly, looking around, seeing the the blasted rubble around him and the intense sensation of falling. A rumbling above him caused him to look up just in time to see a large chunk of the wall explode at him in a thousand dagger like pieces. He maneuvered out of the way just in time to only manage to lose his cloak, which was throughly shredded by the shards. He "stood" up on a rock, and looked up, staring at the dark wizard, who apparently followed him in his decent.
Masamune reached out his hand, the no-nodachi appearing in his hand once again. He leaped at Telemachus, the dark wizard doing the same in turn. They clashed, the force form there attack scattering several nearby stones. Burst of fire and ice raining in the wake of their weapons clashing. As they set falling face to face, it be came clear that the stones were falling faster then either of them. The winds picked up around both of them, as if to arrest the fall of the two.
Telemachus's eyes burned with fury at this man tat stood against him. Masamune managed to keep up an onslaught of attacks, even as the two continued to fall. The two continued to trade blows, even as they cleared the clouds, a crystal clear lake appearing below them. Masamune had failed to land a single successful blow, and just as he swung in for a strike, Telemachus managed to lock the blade in place and with a smile, went in for a strike, only to be met with the hilt of the nodachi.
A look of bewilderment crossed his face, quickly followed by a look of uncontrolled fury. Once again, he unleashed a a wave of energy, that blasted Masamune away from him. Telemachus quickly allowed himself to hover over 100 feet over the water, while Masamune fell quickly toward the water, spinning out of control. Then suddenly, 30 feet above the water Masamune stopped, freezing winds felt around the area, facing Telemachus.
Telemachus in his fury unleashed a series of fireballs, which were met by large ice shards from Masamune. When it became clear it was a standstill, Telemachus roared with fury, a giant fireball appearing, and heading at Masamune. Masamune couldn't stop it, and instead, slammed his hands together, sending over a hundred small ice shards flying around the ball, and at Telemachus. Telemachus managed to dodge the shards enough that he was not shredded, but not enough to avoid being cut in several spots on his body. In turn, Masamune was hit by the fireball, and a explosion followed the impact.
After several minutes of smoke and dust clearing, Telemachus looked down at the lake, no sign of Masamune anywhere. He simply grit his teeth, before turning to the smoke rising from Mittelmarch, and landing in the nearby woods, and disappearing into the woodline. Several hundred yards away, a broken and battered form laid on the banks of the mouth of the river leaving the lake. Masamune laid there unconscious, his body bloody and his clothes singed from the explosion.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Dec 26, 2007 17:55:21 GMT -5
Elestirne was silent as the group moved down to the first level and,from thence,to the room that led to the tunnels the others had made their entry from. Before answering Nichtmar's questions the elven-queen took the moment to survey the room and observe the damage wrought. Her eyebrows rose as she noted the ruined door and she nodded slightly in appreciation of the bared power of the mighty stallion;clear testament to why it was most unwise to anger the mystical being. She had questions for Olore,but they would have to wait until she had answered Nictmar first. She turned to face the orgre,Olore standing protectively beside her. "Yes, we need to go." Her voice was clear and firm and her keen eyes glittered. "There is a demon at Mittelmarch," she repeated evenly,grimly ,"attacking the town. His name is Karn. I saw the attack unfold from on high and I believe it was cordinated by Telemacchus. Likely the demon is not alone-others were probally sent to help him but that I do not know for sure. One thing for certain though,is that the town burns and we must get there."
As the others collected their mounts and the group started on the way back through the tunnels,Elestirne noted that there was a spare mount-presumably ridden by Tatsumuar,or perhaps the other. Olore?,she asked curiously. Tatsumuar had no horse when he aided us with the orcs did he?
It was give to him so that he might keep up with the group, the silver stallion explained. But he has a strange magic that allowed him to get to Mittelmarch shortly after I did.
She nodded slightly,thinking. And the newcomer?,she asked curiously.
He came upon us in the tunnels on our way into the fortress-or rather,I found him following us. Olore snorted softly. His name is Kotaro and he calls Tatsumura lord. I do not know much else but he helped us and I adjudge him to be honorable. The stallion shook out his long mane,the bells on his bridle jingling softly. I can talk with him in the same way as I do with Tatsumura,through a focusing of the will. And I can make the others to understand me by focusing my will and thoughts.
Again Elestirne nodded. You revealed yourself?,she asked. It was as much as a statement as it was a question.
For an instant only,came his response. To get through the door and into the fortress. It was necessary. They know now I am no normal horse but they suspect nothing. Only Tatsumura guesses-or knows-that I am no mortal being but he is not altogether mortal himself. The one called Kotaro I suspect,also knows I am not mortal.
A third time Elestirne nodded,but this time said nothing. Olore studied her with concern. She moved nimbly and alertly despite her hurts;slender hands resting easily near the hilts of her blades-but in her face was graven sadness, worry and weariness. Her clear grey eyes were dark,dimmed by some inner turmoil. What is it Lady?he asked her.
She shook her head;voice uncharateristically dark and grim as she replied. Telemacchus. I do not dare to think that we have seen the last of him. A hard fight is in store for the people of Mittelmarch and those that choose to fight alongside them. He has power...great power
We can deal with him,Olore answered equally grimly. I shall crush him if he comes near you again. His power is no match for mine. Yes it will be a hard fight but those that fight for and with Mittelmarch will do so out of love for and desire to defend, land and life. The silver stallion paused a moment,then spoke again. What happened in the chamber before we came upon you? I sensed a great release of power.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Dec 26, 2007 19:37:17 GMT -5
Elestirne glanced at the stallion. Very briefly and faintly,she chuckled. When she spoke though,it was aloud;ending their private conversation. Her musical voice,though grim still,had a tinge of wryness underlying it. Olore halted and looked at her,head tilted slightly;concern and interest in his dephtles eyes.
"What happened? That,I think, is a tale all deserve-and want-to hear." She waited until the others had paused and gathered around her before continueing;her gaze on all but her words adressed pto Nichtmar. "I do not know how much Storm may have been able to tell you of what happened on the way to the Black Door so I shall start there.
"Three days we rode without incident. On the waning of the third day we were ambushed by orcs and a dark elf Taos named Raze. Instantly we split forces-Taos staying behind with the majority of the soldiers while the rest,Baethor,Storm followed me in an attempt to break the trap. Olore and I managed to win free but the others fell behind and I did not see what befell them. Storm at least,escaped,but of Taos,Baethor and the soldiers I know not."
Taos's mount returned with Storm,Olore imparted. Baethor returned just before we set out,gravely wounded. The soldiers we can assume all are slain. Taos I do not know about.
With a slight nod to the stallion Elestirne continued. "Olore and I rode for the Black Door immedientally but soon realized we were being pursued. After ambushing and slaying our pursuers we made instead for Mittelmarch with all speed to warn you and Zaron. After some hours another party of orcs somehow caught up to us and attempted to aus. Tatsumura-as Olore has told me his name is-appeared then and allowed us to get away by fighting the orcs. We however,did not get much further before Raze caught up to us using dark margic. The two of us had a terrific and furious battle and I did him serious injury-but not before he had managed to poison me and spirit me away to Telemacchus in the fortress." She shuddered brifly,putting a hand momentarily to her side.
"Olore's part you know-he reached Mittelmarch early this morn after coveringin a night distance a normal horse and rider would take a day and a half to. I awoke later in an unfamiliar chamber-but was unable to contact Olore until the poison's effect had somewhat worn off and I had gained some of my strength back. The only person that ever I saw was Telemacchus and he tried persistently to convince and tempt me to his side;offering me first rulership,then partnership,then offered to take me as his pupil. Each time I would not be swayed.
"I in my turn sought to turn him from this path,this course that he had chosen,to see if he might be redeemed-but to no avail. I also attempted to gain information from him on his plans for Mittelmarch;when he would strike and how,if Grish'nak would be a part-but gleaned little. That I gleaned I shared with Olore,who in turn informed me of your movements and progress-but I could not tell exactly where I was. From the balcony in the chamber I could see Mittemarch and I saw when the town was attacked-just as Olore informed me you had passed by some orcs who were talking about the attack.
"From the little I gleaned from Telemacchus the demon's attack is but the first part. Karn is to lay waste to the town's defenses. Then Grish'nak-and perhaps Telemacchus-arrive to finish the stroke. We must get to the town swiftly ere Karn can do much harm and we must send for aid at once-to any that might be able to come."
The elven-quen turned to Olore. "The backlash of power that you sensed my friend? That was my doing." Her eyes flickered with silver flame. "Telemacchus continuously tried to offer me a staff of power and persisted in trying to tempt me to accept it. Just before you reached the floor I grew weary and irritated with his attempt-and him-and broke the accursed thing;releasing its magic. That was what sent you into the table I believe Nichtmar." Her calm,cool tone belied the power within her. Her eyes glittered.
"But the time for talk is now past. Now we must ride for Mittelmarch with all speed." In an instant she was on Olore's back. Her penetrating gaze found the newcomer. "Olore has told me you are called Kotaro and that you call Tatsumura lord. I am the Lady Elestirne as you may have already guessed. Olore adjudges you to be honorable and I trust his judgement but I shall choose to reserve my own until his is proven,if you'll understand." She gathered up the silver stallion's reins in one graceful hand and gestured with the other towards the light of burning Mittelmarch. "More pressing matters await now."
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Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Dec 27, 2007 4:28:02 GMT -5
"I'd expect nothing less, my lady," Kotaro replied, walking without a sound. "To be honest, I'd be somewhat disappointed if you took me at face value." His almost-smile was hidden behind his mask. "Regardless, I offer you my services to you as long as you deem them necessary, my lady."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Dec 29, 2007 14:12:09 GMT -5
"Seldom is anything as it appears,"answered Elestirne serenely. "Thus,nothing should be taken as it appears at first glance for face value until the truth of it is known or revealed. Things often turn to ill when judgement is given too hastily at the hand of assumption or first impressions. It is ever wise to reserve judgement until judgement is called for or character and intentions proven." She paused to run a hand along Olore's shining neck as the silver stallion dipped his fine head. "Olore knows this as he himself is not what he seems."
"But,as I said,the time for talk is past. Our concern must be Mittelmarch now,as the town is in danger." Her brilliant eyes darkened some. "I wish that I knew what happened to Tatsumura though. The force that crumbled the side of the castle was tremendous;caused by the clashing of magic between Tatsumura and Telemacchus."
Olore tossed his head. No time to worry about that one. As you said lady,our concern must be Mittelmarch for the moment. Tatsumura has power of his own,which you know. He should be allright. It is to be hoped at least. He will rejoin us later if he is able. But we must get to Mittelmarch. After we gain the town we can search for the windwalker if there is time.
Elestirne gave a slight,reluctant nod to this in agreement,but her eyes remained fixed on the smoke rising from Mittelmarch;their gaze troubled. "Nichtmar!"she called at last. "Which is the quickest way to Mittelmarch? I sense time grows short for the town. If Telemacchus survived the colapse of the castle wall,as I suspect he did,he will likely make for Mittelmarch."
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Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Dec 29, 2007 16:16:32 GMT -5
"I have faith in my lord," Kotaro said simply. "But in the meantime, I agree, we must hurry."
And Olore, Kotaro projected, I thank you for your trust. It's more difficult for shinobi to gain others' respect. Thank you.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Jan 2, 2008 10:58:18 GMT -5
Elestirne offered a small but definete nod to Kotaro. "Faith is a good thing to have,as is hope. It is what holds many to thier purpose,to thier course in life:to their beliefs,their selves and to,"here she offered another slight nod to the man, "their lords. Olore has told me Tatsumura has powerful magic of his own. I do not think your faith in your lord misplaced." She paused,then continued solemnly. "As for services you can offer me it might be considered that you have done so already-for you helped Olore and to help him is to help me. You did not have to continue with them after he found you and told you the reason for their search. I thank you for that."
Very briefly,a wry look flickered over the elven-queen's face before the solemnity and gravity settled again on her fair features. "I am surprised he would accept help,but if none had accompanied Olore or offered to help he would have come alone-whatever the danger. He is very devoted to me. However,he is not one who gives trust to ot confides in others easily or often. Rare too is it that he will choose to make himself heard to others and rarer still-very rare indeed-that any of those others hear him when he speaks,or can answer him back. You might consider yourself fortunate." Her clear grey eyes twinkled,though their gaze remained keen and piercing as she shifted it to Nichtmar;awaiting the ogre's response.
Olore snorted as if amused,dipping his regal head slightly. His depthless,deep sapphire eyes caught and held Kotaro. The faintest suggestion of a chuckle was in his voice as he answered the mortal. She misses nothing. She knows that I choose to speak to you and that you are able to understand and speak back. She does not hear our words though. What my lady says is true however:very rare is it that I will speak to,or make myself understood to others besides she and even rarer is it that any of those understand and are able to speak back in return. Truly,you should consider yourself fortunate. The silver stallion paused;his deep eyes unreadable in their unwavering gaze as he considered the warrior's words.
Trust is given. Respect is earned. Trust to you was given when Tatsumura recognized you for friend,and for your actions against the orcs. Also because I knew you not to be of evil ilk. Olore pawed the ground. Respect must still be earned however,though you have shown yourself honorable and trustworthy thus far. I do not know what these...shinobi are but if it is more difficult for they to gain respect and trust than it is for others then perhaps that is due to thier reputation,or their actions as a group. But that matters little to me. I judge by the actions and behaviours of the individual rather than the generalities of a race or group.
You,through your actions and words thus far,have shown yourself to be honorable and I sense your character to be good and so,I give trust to you. Respect you have yet to earn young Kotaro. Trust was a gift freely given and unasked for,you had no need to thank me but you are welcome all the same if you will not abuse the gift and I do not think you will.
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Jan 8, 2008 7:48:04 GMT -5
Nichtmar, Kataro and Elestirne ride hard for Mittelmarch. The billows can be seen above the tree line, it fills Nichtmar’s heart with rage and anxiety. He knows it’s too late. He just hopes his friends are still alive. No words are spoken on the pursuit. They must get there, that is all that matters.
They ride out of the forest, bodies strew across the farmland as they pass by, and the once tall walls of Mittelmarch are now piles of ash and rubble. Smoke still radiates from everywhere, most building within the walls are intact. As he gets closer he recognizes the familiar silhouette of Zaron. Normally a vision of gleaning armor and pride, Zaron now covered in black soot, blood, probably mostly of others, piles the bodies of the enemies in a fire.
Zaron tells them how Karn was just out to destroy our defenses, and that he was sure there would be a second attack.
Baethor saunter’s up carrying the body of a dark elf to add to the pile.
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Baethor
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Duk'Rik of the Bri'Ak Duraz.
That which does not kill me, has made a tactical error
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Post by Baethor on Jan 8, 2008 11:24:26 GMT -5
Drenched in dark blood, eyes rimmed with red, hand still clutching the dripping battleaxe in his hand, he heaves the next body onto the pile...The dark elves attack came so furiously, so swiftly, that the walls were burning before the gaurd could even assemble...Were it not for the Crimson Fang and Zaron, the entire village may have fallen...
After leaving the tent Baethor had charged into the fray, something snapping deep inside his psyche, the dark elves had to die...Visions of fire and blood and deaths of dwarven soldiers flashing through his minds eye. His father...and brothers...His mother and sister...All fueled his rage as he gnashed, bit, clawed, gored and cleaved through dark elf flesh.
Still wavering from madness and calm while piling the bodies, Baethor plods back to the wall and grabs another dark elf corpse, stripping the light chain and thin blades from the thing, and tossing them into a pile of gathered arms and armour. Hefting the dark elf onto his shoulder he dragged the vile thing to the pile and tossed it on, more of the blood flowing down his shoulders, staining his beard. Looking up he could see the figures riding into the village, his friend nichtmar obviously shaken by the carnage. Looking finally to his bloody little friend, naked from the waist up, the bandages placed there long torn away.
"....S'about time ogre..."
Looking back behind at the group, nodding to the elf queen. Planting the spike tip of his axe in the dirt he walks over to a nearby fire, grabbing a rather large tankard of some unknown liquid and the end of a torch stuck into the flame he walks back tot he pile of corpses and hurls the viscous fluid onto the bodies, theodoric walks around the other side and dumps a similar tankard on the bodies, and the two dwarves drop there torches into the pile, lighting the pitch and setting the pile ablaze.
"What of telemachus....Does he live..."
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Jan 9, 2008 14:31:34 GMT -5
“He lives... “
Nichtmar dismounts slapping the horse on its back side. The horse trails off to join the other Mittelmarch horses in the singed stable. Nichtmar takes in the view of the injured, the dying , and the dead. He kneels down to take a closer look at a dark elf.
“I have only seen a few of these creatures before, not so many at once. I did not know they existed here. ”
He rises and looks back to the mountains, “Also we may have another ally, but I fear he may be dead, his ways and dress where none I’d seen before. I hope he lives. He knew magic I believe. Is there any word if Pentwyvern will aid us?”
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Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Jan 9, 2008 14:48:48 GMT -5
Kotaro watched Nichtmar and the unnamed dwarf talk, and his mind drifted to Masamune. He somehow sensed his lord was alive, but something gnawed at him from the inside. Doubt, perhaps? Who could tell. All he could do was hope that Masamune was alive and at least able to adequately defend himself, if not completely mobile.
Best to keep our minds on the task at hand, he thought to himself. We haven't the time for aimless worry. There is much work to be done.
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Baethor
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That which does not kill me, has made a tactical error
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Post by Baethor on Jan 9, 2008 16:33:58 GMT -5
The dwarf stares into the fire, somberly shaking his head. feeling solace now that the dark elves were burning, soon the madness that had taken him would fade, he knew, and his wounds would once again take him. The dwarf waivered as he looked up to his friend.
"Nay....At least, I've not heard any, zaron might've..."
Walking back to the small campfire the torches were sitting in, the dwarf bends over and picks up his own mug, and slowly tips the contents to his lips, gulping down the liquid as it burned down to his gut.
"The walls... need to be..re-built. The few dwarves here, and meself could make an expidition to the mountains and carve some rock, and start to rebuild our...defences..."
The dwarf tipped back the last of the alchohol, and felt his fingers go very numb, he was aware nichtmar was speaking to him, but suddenly the world grew very cold and dim. As the dwarf felt his knees give out from under him and he seemed to fall for a very long time as the darkness surrounded him once more...
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Jan 11, 2008 17:53:02 GMT -5
Riding hard with what might be considered unnatural and reckless speed,the group,at Nichtmar's guidance,finds a shortcut and reaches Mittelmarch the next morning.
As they near the town and come to a halt outside of it Elestirne's brilliant eyes widen,and then darken;dismay clouding them at the sight that awaited the group.
The once-tall walls were comepletely gone,only piles of rubble now. Smoke and ash filled the air,though many of the structures within the walls seemed still to be solid and standing,if damaged.
Bodies of enemies were stacked together in burning piles on the fringes,the acrid smoke and stench of death filling the air. By the nearest of these Elestirne saw familiar figures. One was Zaron,his armour covered in soot and blood. The other two were dwarves,one very badly injured. As they came up to them the elven-queen recognized that one to be-to her surprise-Baethor.
You said that Baethor was gravely injured,perhaps even near death,she sent to Olore.
And so he is,the silver stallion answered. Perhaps he is more resilient to his hurts than I thought. Or,perhaps it is the more likely that he has such stubborness that the seriousness of his wounds have not yet sunk in,or he refused to aknowledge them when there was his town threatened and fighting to be done in defense of it.
Elestirne nodded very slightly,then spoke;echoeing Nichtmar's response to Baethor's question of Telemacchus. "Yes he lives as far as we know,though we last saw him engaged in a terrific fight with the ally Nichtmar has mentioned. Such was the strentgh of the magic they flung against each other that a part of the fortress collapsed and they fell. I have good reason to believe that Telemacchus is very much alive still however,and that we have not seen the last of him. I do not think the fall from the fortress finished him,or that we could be so lucky.
As for our ally,I hope to that he lives,for he helped Nichtmar and the others to find me and then get away from the fortress and before that he had helped Olore and I after we escaped the ambush and tried to make our way back to Mittelmarch to warn you. He seemed to be in command of or have use of powerful magic and he might have been able to use some of it to save himself from the deadly fall. But we are able only to hope."
"As to the dark elves Nichtmar..."her gaze shifted to the ogre briefly before returning to focus on Zaron. "There was one at the ambush,named by Taos as 'Raze' and I believe he was the one that had set the ambush up. He was also the one that caught up to Olore and I after we escaped his trap and bore me away to Telemacchus in the fortress in the mountains,after managing to poison me during the furious battle we had." Olore snorted and struck the ground at this;his ears lacing back at the memory of the incident and his inability to prevent his lady's capture. Elestirne stroked his shining neck very briefly to calm him,but a very faint,barely seen shudder rippled through the elven-lady's slender frame as she too,remembered,and felt the pain of her wounds.
When she continued,her melodic voice was uncharateristiclly dark and grim,her eyes sad and grave in her fair face. "There is much we must talk of Zaron,and immedientally,and very little time in which to talk of it."
No sooner had she finished,then did she see Baethor waver and collapse in the midst of answering Nichtmar on if there was any word from Oron. Swifter than any of them could blink,before they had even registered that she had moved at all,she was off Olore and kneeling at the fallen dwarf's side;examing him and his wounds gravely. He needed healing,and immedientally. She would have to do it.
She hesitated only for the barest of seconds before falling into herself and calling upon the innate power there;forgetting her own wounds and weariness.
Gradually,soft silver-blue light shimmered into existence between her cupped hands,pooling there like light made liquid.
Slowly,working carefully both because of the wounds that drained her strength as well as the great seriousness of the dwarf's wounds,she spread her hands out and ran them over Baethor,but did not touch him. The light brightened and spead out over Baethor,illuminating both dwarf and elven-queen in its soft raidiance. Closing her eyes,Elestirne forced away the awareness of the pain of her wounds and the way they were weakening her and focused only on healing Baethor. I can heal or have my wounds tended to later,she thought grimly through the pain. It is Baethor that needs the healing most now.
After a long moment she opened her eyes and rose,the silver-blue glow that had limned her form and covered Baethor fading,then vanishing. Automatically her slender hands went to her side as awareness of her wounds flooded back and she swayed with the exhaustion and sense of faintness that was the cost of the intense healing just performed.but mercifully kept her feet.
Olore came forward and she placed an arm over his withers for support before turning to the others. "It is done...though it has taken much of my strength and I was at less than full to begin with,being already wounded. Baethor should wake soon,and though his wounds are not all healed he will live." Her voice was faint with pain,and trembled slightly with exhaustion. "When he does,we must all talk."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Jan 12, 2008 16:43:22 GMT -5
As Elestirne spoke to the others,Olore turned his head to regard Kotaro. There had been no time for speech after exiting the caves with Elestirne,dur to their race to get here,but the silver stallion had sensed that the mortal was worried about something.
Very lightly,he subtly touched his slender muzzle to the warrior's sleeve to catch his attention and spoke to him,though keeping his sculpted ears focused attentivly on the conversation.
You are troubled, he noted. It would please me to learn the source of your trouble if you wish to share it. Have my words back at the caves in some way caused offense or upset to you? I am not versed in mortals and their ways,so it is possible that I may have caused offense in some way without knowing,and if so I do apoligize. Or is it the unknown fate of thine lord that troubles you? Your lord has strange-and powerful magic Kotaro-I believe it is likely he survived the fall from the broken fortress. The mystical being snorted a little. Best it is not to worry overmuch about him and focus more on the current situation. When there is time,we shall search for your lord Tatsumura and my lady can heal him if he is injured. But to return you to the present,the tall mortal is Zaron,that other leader of this land I mentioned you and the gravely injured dwarf is called Baethor. He was part of the escort sent with I and my lady on our way to find help. The other dwarf I know nothing of.
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Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Jan 13, 2008 1:08:38 GMT -5
Kotaro's lips turned into a half-smile beneath his mask. You have not offended me in the least. I'm simply worried about my lord. But you're right, he is a very capable man, we should all have faith in him.
The shinobi nodded in Baethor's direction. How badly is he injured? I was trained in field medicine, but only for simple things, like setting broken bones, field-dressing, and brewing various herbal teas and remedies.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Jan 14, 2008 15:02:54 GMT -5
Olore snorted very lightly. I do not doubt your abilities or the training you might have had,but his wounds are beyond your's-or any other's-skills with herbs or medicines. His wounds are quite grevious and require immediete attention. My lady Elestirne will see to them and make him whole. She is quite a skilled healer. Watch and you will see,and perhaps understand.
The stallion had watched with unsurprise as Baethor succumbed to his wounds and collapsed unconsious in the midst of speaking and he was unsurprised to to feel Elestirne vault lightly from his back to kneel at the dwarf's side before any were aware she had moved at all. Soft, silver-blue light was already shimmering to life and pooling into her cupped hands as she summoned forth the power of her innate magic to heal Baethor;seemingly heedless of her own wounds and the toll they were exacting on her already diminished stength. But she either did not notice the pain or was purposely ignoring it as she closed her eyes and focused her will,for the need to heal the dwarf blocked out awareness of all else-most especially the pain of her own wounds.
Olore surveyed his lady carefully as she worked over Baethor,the silver-blue light illuminating and covering both in a soft halo. Her fair face was tense and drawn with the effort required to mend the grievious wounds. The light itself-though still appearing radiant to the others-was not as intense as it could have been to Olore's keen eye,a creature kin to the light. That bespoke to him clearly the difficulty his lady was having with this healing.
The last-and only time-the silver stallion had seen a healing cause his lady this much trouble,she had taken it upon herself to heal a fatal wound of a stranger new met and recently resurected,before she had become Queen. Though she had been at full strength then,and unhurt ,the effort had taken her strength and rendered her unconsious. She was at less than full strength now,wounded and poisoned besides,and he could see that her magic was taking of her strength to aid it in healing Baethor,as it had that other healing years ago. He watched her gravely,concerned,but could do nothing to help. His worry was palpable. She overtaxes herself,he sent to Kotaro. This healing takes much of her and she is at less than full stength. I am concerned. I shall have words for her when she is finished.
She should not have attempted this-given all she had been through and that she was wounded and poisoned-but he knew there had been no other choice to her. Baethor's wounds were so grave they demanded immediete attention and she was the only one with the ability to see to and heal them . To the healer part of her nature,she had had to help,since it was a healer's nature to help and heal. He knew her. She thought first of others than herself. Even now,weary and wounded,her first thought and concern upon reaching Mittelmarch again and seeing the destruction wrought on the town had been to help and heal what and where she could-so it was natural she had leapt instantly to aid Baethor. Though neither he nor she had anticipated becoming a part of this war,or had known for what reason the mist had brought them to this strange land,that same instinct to help and heal-and her gentle,peaceful and compassionate nature-had moved her to decide to aid and fight with these friends of Oron in their war against Telemachus;though her dislike and disdain of war was well-known. She would much rather avoid bloodshed in solving conflicts.
Her decision,he knew,had also been influenced by their first encounter with Telemachus and the ambush on the escort on the way to the Black Door and her capture and poisoning by Raze-as well of the natural enmity between light and dark. She would have liked perhaps, to have some-or all-of her army here with them to help these people even more,but even with just the two of them she was resolved to help Mittelmarch as much as she could. And even with just the two of them...the silver stallion allowed himself the faintest of chuckles,he suspected they would do more than their fair share of damage to those of the enemy foolish enough to come against him. Those unfortunates-and Telemachus- would learn exactly why it was extremely unadvised to cross an elf-especially an elven-queen possessed of power and magic-and even more importantly,why it was ill-done to cross him.
The silver stallion had not forgotten the slight and insult the dark sorceror had given him their first meeting and he morever had a score to settle about his lady. He had meant his words to her: he would crush Telemachus-or any other-that came near or threatened his lady if they did not meet her first. Teklemachus could not match his power and magic and his allies could not hope to stand against him-except maybe the demon-and certainly they would like him with his true nature revealed and full power and wrath aroused if it came to that...but there would be time enough to think of that later.
The mystical being shook his fine head slightly-the bells on his bridle and harness chiming softly-and blew out his breath in a sigh as he returned his thoughts to the present. He noticed Elestirne stirring from her trance,her work done,and moved forward fluidly as she rose;knowing she would need his support for a few moments to recover from the strain of such an intensive healing. She put an arm over his withers gratefully;the light of her magic fading from her gradually. Before she could argue,he took the moment to rebuke her gently.
Olore nuzzled her slightly. You should not have done that,he sent. You overtaxed yourself. You gave too much of your strength lady,and you were already wounded-and poisoned-to begin with. But he will thank you-and be in your debt besides. You saved his life.
It needed to be done,she answered. And I will recover. What is more important now is that we learn what has happened here and talk of what I know. They must be prepared for the second attack. I can see to my wounds after Baethor wakes and we talk. Compared to Baethors,they are trifles. I have had worse.
Olore only nodded,conceding the point. Her innate magic worked on her as well,even if she did not have the strength to consiously draw on it. She would recover. He took the moment to look over Baethor as she spoke to Zaron and Nichtmar,nodding in approval. The dwarf was not fully heal,but his remaining wounds were no longer open. Doubtless he would be very sore and tender upon waking though. The silver stallion sent his thoughts out to Kotaro. Now you see my lady's power of healing. It took much of he strength but she will recover. And Baethor shall live. She will not use magic to heal often-only if the need is dire-and seldom does she show her powers of magic at all,preferring to fight with the blade,though she has no love of conflict and would rather avoid battle than take part in it. It is ill-advised to underestimate her. She is a formidable warrior by either magic or blade at need. Olore snorted. Thrise more when I stand at her side. But enough. When the dwarf wakes,we will talk and decide what must be done and perhaps we will search for your lord.
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Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Jan 14, 2008 17:08:00 GMT -5
Kotaro nodded. Very good. In the meantime, please inform me if anyone requires me. I need to find herbs and fungi for my own purposes. I won't be far, simply call to me when I'm needed. With that, Kotaro turned and left, setting about his task.
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Jan 15, 2008 10:22:10 GMT -5
Nichtmar rolls Baethor over on his back shoving some hey under his head.
Concern in his voice, “You stupid dwarf…”
Elestirne kneels beside him and Nichtmar moves out of the way. The sun seems to know the situation for it peeks through the clouds and the smoke and dances across Mittelmarch. The warmth on his skin reminds him that this is home, but something is different. Paranoia, anxiety, rage, trickles in the back of his mind. Suddenly a flash of himself stabbing Baethor in the chest, then reality. It made him light headed, then he regained himself.
“I’m gonna go…help with the clean up.”
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Baethor
High Council
Duk'Rik of the Bri'Ak Duraz.
That which does not kill me, has made a tactical error
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Post by Baethor on Jan 15, 2008 11:20:26 GMT -5
Blackness...my eyes are open, but i see nothing around me...I feel nothing in my limbs...I cant even tell if I'm holding my hand in front of my face...Floating in darkness, like water, without substance.
A light glowing mist suddenly surrounds me, a pale blue light, lifting me up, preventing me from sinking into the black...the mist is taking shape...a moving light, stepping through the mist...I know this face....Father? A voice speaks from nothing, the lips unmoving, but i know...I know the features of my own father...
[glow=blue,2,300]It is not your time yet, lad. Your lands need you.[/glow]
But why....What can I do...
[glow=blue,2,300]You can survive...You were always destined for better things Baethor. Though your clan is broken, you are strong, you have a gift for bringing others to your cause. The broken clans need someone like you...They need a Thunderblood...[/glow]
A gift?...Better things?...Then why am i cursed to fail as i have..another voice...stronger...louder...
[glow=red,2,300]HAH! Failure! We dinne know the meaning o the word lad![/glow]
Doric...and...
[glow=green,2,300]Don' worry brother...were always with you...[/glow]
Falard?...The voices in unison ring out that it is not yet my time...the spirits reaching to me and placing there hands on my chest, the strange blue mist flowing through there hands into my chest, as sudden warmth spreads through my body, a flash of light and a jolt of pain rocking through my body
"ACH!"
Suddenly the dwarf lurches to his side, sputtering a stream of dwarven curses, holding his shoulder, as if finally realizing what had happened to him, his muscles aching with the need for rest, that the stubborn dwarf would not grant them. Raising himself up to a sitting position he gasps for air and looks around.
"Someone....get me....a drink....."
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Tatsumura Masamune
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Jan 15, 2008 14:31:20 GMT -5
The small river had managed to sweep the unconscious broken body down the river. He seemed to stay afloat by a thin layer of ice that seemed to form just around his body. The water had managed to subdue the smoke that came off his blasted body, but the burn marks on his body and clothes from the attack were still evident. Masamune didn't realize how long he floated, only that it had seemed like a long time, as if he had been floating for eternity.
Then the sudden stop. Masamune finally woke to his back hitting something. As he opened his eyes, he saw that it was the support piller for a dock. He struggled to pull himself up on the extended dock. He eyes caught sight of a town, mostly intact, but it's walls burnt to the ground. As he looked around, he noticed the tavern that he had stopped in no less then a week ago. He knew where he was, but as he tried to stand up, he felt his strenght give out again, and he hit the wood of the docks with a hard thud.
Despite his lack of strenght, he said one word before passing out again...."Mittelmarch..."
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