|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 8, 2008 23:25:18 GMT -5
"No." Elestirne's melodius voice sounded a bit faint perhaps, but it was unquestionly firm. "There is no need for that. Sit down Authion." This last was delivered with a wearied,but unmistakeable, edge of command. The elven-knight obeyed instantly,meekly.
Opening her eyes,Elestirne focused on Kotaro and Authion. There were still traces of pain and worry in her eyes,but they were clear and bright,not shadowed. Her face was still slightly pale, but her features were smooth and composed, with a slight look of relief etched in them. She shook her head slightly in answer to Kotaro's questions; faint surprise flickering again in the depths of her eyes at his concern.
"I am well enough...or shall be. Just a bit...strained. Memories of my last encounter with Telemachus and his minions are...still unpleasant." The contest with the dark elf Raze played out again in her mind's eye, as did the last encounter with the sorcerer. Briefly, a hand went to her side before she clasped them both in her lap. "You need not worry friend. Little can be done about what pains me." Her eyes flickered to Tatsumura briefly.
"You were there Kotaro, three years ago,and saw me heal Baethor and Tatsumura with no more than thought. You have some idea of what I am perhaps. As should Tatsumura. But if you do not I will explain." She paused,a guarded look coming into her eyes as Tatsumura dispelled the magic he had set in place. "But not tonight." She sighed softly;rising reluctantly as Tatsumura stood. "Olore and Authion are right:there is time enough to speak tomorrow. Perhaps there shall be some to speak of this as well. And to tell you of the meaning of otorno..."
|
|
|
Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Oct 9, 2008 6:50:22 GMT -5
"I agree with Tatsamura-dono, today has been a very eventful day and we are all tired," Storm stood up and bowed to his daimyo and shogun, "excuse me Fuuma-dono Tatsamura-dono. Right this way my lady."
Storm took Elestirne and Authion to their rooms prepared for them by Storm. The rooms were in the same hallway as his. Storm took the queen and her knight a room three doors down from his room. Storm looked at Elestirne and smiled before opening the door.
"Oselle, do not be too distressed about what happened back in the throne room. Just know that we are all willing to do what is needed for your sake, especially me. Now dinner will be in a few hours, so you may do as you wish before then. If you excuse me there are some things I must attend too, good evening."
With that Storm walked away and back to the throne room where he still found Fuuma sitting there. Storm took a seat next to him.
"Fuuma-dono, if I may ask what happened those three years ago? I do not recall what happened to me so I was not able to join the fight."
|
|
Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
|
Post by Kotaro on Oct 9, 2008 9:15:53 GMT -5
Kotaro glanced at his subordinate. "I came upon Olore while they were on their way to Telemachus' tower, so I'm not aware what happened before. From what I'm told, Lady Elestirne had been taken prisoner by the fiend, and a rescue had been mounted. I encountered them in the forest near the tower."
"Evidently, Olore decided I wasn't a threat, and led me back to the group. Once we had met up, we continued to the tower on foot. When we got to the top of the spire, I removed the Lady from the room, but Tatsumura-dono elected to stay behind and fight off Telemachus using his ice magic. I fear, however, that Telemachus was far too powerful, even for a warrior as formidable as the Shogun. The next we saw of him, he was critically injured, but alive, thank the fortunes."
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 9, 2008 14:53:32 GMT -5
Elestirne dipped her head in a faint nod to Kotaro,as Authion dipped a short,brief bow. "Until the morning comes then my friend." She turned back to Storm. "Lead on otorno mine."
She, Olore and Authion followed as he led them upstairs to some rooms. A faint smile touched her lips in response to his. Slightly touched, she put a slender hand on his shoulder before he left them. " Otorno, I know and I appreciate it. But I do not want any of you risking yourselves or putting yourselves in harm's way for me-you least of all. You know I would blame myself for any injury recieved-especially if it could have been prevented. If this is between Telemachus and I only-and Olore-I want no one being harmed needlessly on my behalf. But this will be spoken of tomorrow."
After Storm had left, she turned to Authion and dismissed him as well. "Go to the warriors,"she instructed. "Make sure that they and their mounts are comfortable,and well looked after. Therafter,do as you will. No warrior of Tatsumura's will molest you."
"My Queen,"he started to say;appraising her keenly,worriedly.
She sighed a little. She still looked pale,she knew. "I shall be well enough Authion. In both ways that you would ask of. Now go. Do as you will. I am in no danger here. None of Tatsumura's own will harm me. And there is Olore, as always. You need not worry for me. If anything happens,you will be found."
The elven-knight gave her another keen look-but mingled with the worry was relief. He bowed and took his leave; going back the way they had come. After he had disappeared Elestirne retreated into her rooms. Olore followed,but did not stay for long. Nosing her gently, the stallion said. Rest Elestirne,while you may. I am going to wander,and see how strong a holding Tatsumura has. And I too,have things to see to. With a second gentle nuzzle, Olore turned and disappeared back into the corridor.
After he had gone,the elven-queen stood alone in her rooms for a moment;taking stock or her surroundings. Her rooms were simple,but well-appointed. She found herself satisfied,and nodded a little to herself. Calling gently,and kindly to a servant,she asked for a large basin of hot water to be brought. When it had been,she thanked the servant and dismissed her-then set about taking joy in cleaning the dust of travel from herself,and soothing away the weariness of her limbs from the long journey. Robing herself in clean,fresh raiment, the elven-queen went to the small window. Out of it,night was settling in,blanketing the land. She could glimpse a bit of the gardens and decided to go wander the paths for a time,to think and reflect.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 9, 2008 15:25:08 GMT -5
Olore snorted. He waited until Elestirne had gotten to her feet, then rose himself;pitching gracefully to a standing position with easy effortlessness. As Authion started to rise again the silver stallion locked gazes with Tatsumura. He said nothing,but his sculpted ears were tilted ever so slightly backwards in warning as he looked at the mortal, and his depthless eyes burned briefly with an indigo flame. He seemed displeased, but followed Elestirne, Authion and Storm upstairs without a sound.
He did not speak until he and Elestirne were alone, then said gently to his lady, Rest Elestirne,while you may. I am going to wander,and see how strong a holding Tatsumura has. And I too,have things to see to. With a gentle nuzzle, he took his leave of her and left her in her rooms.
Wandering the corridors soundlessly, he retraced his steps purposely;descending down again to the main level. As he wandered,he found himself passing again the great hall with the ice pillars,and cocked an ear. Voices were sounding from within. Kotaro and Storm. He nosed one of the doors open gently with a light push,and re-entered the chamber;pacing deliberately towards the two men whom were utterly unaware of his presence. Halting a little ways behind them,between two of the ice pillars, the stallion simply stood a moment and listened;his coat shimmering silver in the shifting play of light.
When he had listened enough,the stallion deliberately but gently tapped a forehoof against the nearer pillar; drawing their attention. Ignoring their surprise,he spoke. Slightly inaccurate Kotaro, but a good enough recount for three years having passed. You encountered us actually in the tunnels beneath the forest leading to the foul one's domain. And Storm was with us,though towards the back. I had you ask him if he could use his pendant to try to locate my lady,so that we would not waste time in the searching.
The sculpted ears laid back briefly. And we all stayed and fought-until the side of the wall gave way to Tatsumura and Telemachus's attacks. I would have helped your lord and perhaps then things would have turned out otherwise, but I was still shamed by my failure to prevent Elestirne's capture. I did not see where you,Storm,got off to. We could not find you after returning to the city, where Elestirne healed Baethor, and then Tatsumura. If you Kotaro,do not know or were not told what happened before I found you and you joined us, you ought to ask your lord or my lady.
|
|
Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
|
Post by Kotaro on Oct 9, 2008 16:05:23 GMT -5
"You are correct, my friend. The events have very seldom crossed my mind since then, so my memory is indeed a little foggy."
"I take it the Lady is comfortable? I would have it no other way."
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 9, 2008 16:39:54 GMT -5
Olore shook out his mane lightly;the strands rippling like liquid light. His starry blue eyes were thoughtful. Well enough,as may be expected. Tatsumura's wound pains her more than she shows-and why it pains her you will learn of her tomorrow, but not I. She is also grieved and troubled by your willingingness to put yourselves in harm's way for her when it is not your conflict,perhaps, to get into-especially noting the feeling she told you all of... Telemachus begged a meeting of her alone,and said that he would come alone as well but I will not trust that. He realizes-must-that I will be at her side-likely even expects it of me. I would not put it past him to have a few at his side-openly or secretly-either. If he has any left that would stand with him.
The stallion snorted in disgust,eyes flaring briefly. I know my lady would rather face him alone-regardless of what any of you wish or say-than take the chance of any one of you getting injured for putting yourself needlessly into danger you could have avoided. I think it would be better that we do not go alone-though I think it will be better for it to seem as though we are alone. Sparks flew as Olore stamped a hoof. Whatever the foul one plans or intends for begging this meeting of us,it cannot be good and I will not let Elestirne go into it alone,though I know why she wants to. This time, if Telemachus tries anything, he will not find me so pliant. If he tries to hurt her I will not hesitate to crush him if he gives me the chance. I am more than a match for him and he knows I am more than I seem. Another snort,gentler. But this is talk for tomorrow. I have other things to attend to. I bid the two of you good night and would hope that you find rest. Elestirne and I will appear for dinner if she desires it. The silver stallion dipped his muzzle in a faint nod.
|
|
Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
|
Post by Kotaro on Oct 9, 2008 17:17:02 GMT -5
"Good night, friend," Kotaro said, bowing his head.
He turned to Akaruri. "Anything you wish to discuss before we retire, Akaruri-kun?"
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 9, 2008 20:58:23 GMT -5
After leaving Storm and Kotaro to themselves, Olore resumed wandering. He ghosted through Tatsumura's castle, silent as a dream;his path leading him upwards. Those of Tatsumura's following that passed him stared in disbelief to see a horse indoors. Evidently,they had not been told of their lord's friends yet. Disbelief turned to wonderment that he made no sound and left no hoofprint, and that to admiration and awe for his magnificence and beauty. He gave these looks little thought and less notice;continueing purposefully on his way.
After ascending the second flight of stairs Olore turned along a hall and eventually found himself on an enclosed bridge leading to a tower. With a gentle snort, he began to cross the bridge. His nostrils flared. He scented familiar magic, and an icy tint to the air that was not in keeping with the warm night. He nodded satisfaction,with another snort.
Movement below caught his attention. He looked down to see Elestirne;walking and meandering along the paths in the garden. Even from here her midnight hair shimmered with silver in the gathering twilight. Above, the moon was bright and high in the sky. Likely, they had missed dinner. He wondered-briefly-what Kotaro and Storm might think if they came to Elestirne's rooms to bring her to the meal,but found her gone. He shook his head lightly,then moved a few paces closer to the tower before halting.
A breeze lifted his mane and forelock and sent them streaming and curling about his neck and ears. His tail swirled around his hind legs and flanks. But he himself was motionless. The stallion held himself collected,at attention:ears pricked,neck arched, head high and proud. Patiently,he waited. Tatsumura was in the tower, he knew,but he had no intention of climbing to him. He could simply appear in front of the windwalker at will of course, but Olore was in no hurry. The mortal would come down eventually and he would be waiting when he did. Olore seemed equal parts moonlight and starlight as he stood on the bridge before the tower's entrance,his coat shimmering silver and his softly glowing eyes the exact hue of the starry blue night surrounding him.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Oct 9, 2008 21:33:08 GMT -5
Storm looked around and waited too see when Olore was gone.
"Yes my lord I know that we will talk more about this in the morning but I feel that we need to talk about this now. I feel that no matter what the Lady feels that we need to escort her. I know that she is worried that we will get hurt for her but she can't go in there alone. She needs protection, she's my oselle and I need to protect her. I know she has Authion and Olore but she needs an ace in the hole in case things go wrong and that's where we come in."
|
|
Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
|
Post by Kotaro on Oct 9, 2008 21:57:26 GMT -5
"I agree. However, like Tatsumura-dono said, our shinobi are no match against the fiend's magic, regardless their individual skill. The shinobi's strength lies in his cunning, and the ability to work as a team. That is our greatest advantage, strength in numbers."
"But right now, I can feel my mind becoming clay. We shall discuss this more tomorrow."
He stood, nodding to his subordinate. "Get some rest, Akaruri-kun. I'm sure we'll all need it." With that, he turned on his heel and strode towards his wing of the castle.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Oct 9, 2008 22:04:14 GMT -5
Storm stood up and bowed.
"Good night Fuuma-dono," with that he bowed and walked out of the throne room.
Storm walked out into the garden. It was his favorite place out of the entire land between the land. He especially loved the trees that Fuuma-dono called the cherri-blosom. There was one tree that he loved the most though and that was a tree that was shaped to fit a being comfortable enough like a chair. He walked over to it and climbed into the tree. He sat there and watched the dark sky. Then there was a shimmer that caught his eye and it was that of the lady, his oselle. He waited until she walked over towards the tree he was sitting in.
"Out for a late night stroll Oselle?"
Storm smiled at her surprised look.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 10, 2008 13:05:53 GMT -5
It took Elestirne only a moment to leave her rooms and slip into the garden. She wandered the paths aimlessly,with no set pattern to her meanderings. Her mind was as restless and unsettled as her feet;thoughts chasing themselves back and forth as she walked. Despite her council with Tatsumura and the others her heart was still heavy. If she kept this tryst with Telemachus-and she had little doubt in her heart of hearts that she would not-what might happen? She knew that Telemachus had other motives for contacting her,for wanting to meet her-and that it was likely to be nothing good-but she was resolved to find out what it was, and what he wanted of her. She knew too, that she could handle him on her own-and would not hesitate to-and that Olore could more than handle him. She was in no serious danger-but she highly doubted that Telemachus would come alone, as he had said he would. She would be careful,of course. No matter how weak-or not-that he might be he was dangerous and it would not do to underestimate him. She had no intention of riding into danger blindly,as she had told all of them. She would go openly,yes-but with eyes,ears and senses alert.
But if Tatsumura and the others got involved...? She shook her head,eyes clouding. She could not guarentee that the sorcerer would not try to to hurt them-either to get to her or for his own maliciousness.. Nor that they wouldn't be hurt trying to help or protect her... And the feeling she had...the glimmer of foresight...the feeling that something had happened or would happen and that it would concern one of her friends in this land. Or more than one.. What if it meant Tatsumura? Or Kotaro? Or Storm? What if something were to happen to any one of them..?
She could understand their concern, their worry-she was friend to all of them and Queen and sister, respectively, to two of the four. They wanted to keep her safe, and protected; free from harm. And she was a Queen...and childless-for she had not yet found a heartmate. If something ever happened to her,what might become of Artanor? Yea, she could understand their concern.. But...she wanted them all to be safe as well,and not risk themselves needlessly-for she would blame herself for any injury they suffered. And,like Tatsumura's wound...if whatever injury they suffered were serious enough...she would feel it as her own.
She would rather go alone-with only Olore-but she knew they would never accept that, would never allow her to go into danger alone-especially considering it was Telemachus that she would face.
Authion would kill himself in dishonor rather than break his pledge(for so it would seem to him if she had him stay behind)and let her go alone. Tatsumura...Tatsumura who had battled with Telemachus before even as she had,wouldn't hear of it either and nor would Storm:her otorno,her brother... For some reason, he seemed to think he needed to redeem himself for something not his fault. And Kotaro..? She wasn't sure of him yet.
In some ways,he,like his lord, was as much an enigma to her now as they were three years ago. She still was not sure why Tatsumura had tried to help her and Olore that first time,nor why he and Kotaro came with the stallion to help recover her. Doubtless friendship was there...but... Again,she shook her head;having no answer.
She would much rather go alone-knowing the risks and dangers, and accepting them as preferable to any of her friends possibly getting hurt-but they would never allow it,she knew. And she would be just as adamant if it were one of them instead of her. But...what would they do? An acceptable compromise had to be reached...somehow. She sighed softly,worriedly as she drifted with graceful,gliding steps along the paths.
Even lost in thought as she was,she was still able to pick out the faint shape in a tree and recognize it for Storm. Slight surprise rippled across her face;temporarily masking the troubled,pained look she knew he had seen. "Otorno.... I...came out to think. I did not realize so much time has passed. Why are you out here? I thought you had things to see to."
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 11, 2008 22:54:00 GMT -5
After being dismissed by Elestirne, Authion obediently went to check on the warriors and the rest of their forces. All were well-settled and content-and glad to see him. He spent a few hours with them-especially his hand-picked knights-reassuring them all that they had not been forgotten and that they had nothing to fear:the lord of this place was a friend of their queen's, and honorable. The tension and worry eased immediently at that.
At their insistence, he took dinner with them;carefully deflecting the questions they asked of why they were here and what would happen. Only to his immediete subordinates did he let on some of what he knew: that they were here in friendship, to give aid and strentgh to these friends of the Queen against the enemies that might soon be threatening them-if they needed their aid. He said nothing of Telemachus, or his contact of Elestirne, nor what had happened three years ago..
As soon as was seemly, he excused himself and went to the stables to check on their mounts-specifically his own, Mornaur. He wondered how he and the other elf-horses might be adjusting to this alien enviroment. The great majority were less than at ease; having both never been out of Artanor before or seen/been around mortals. Yet, they were bearing up better than he had thought they would. About Mornaur he needn't even have worried.
The blood bay charger whinnied gladly at his appearence, and butted Authion's shoulder so hard it sent the knight back some steps. He laughed gently, but noticed with regret that there was nothing for him to do here. The stallion's dark eyes were bright and shining, his coat glossy. Authion stroked his muzzle aplogetically and moved on. Tommorrow,he resolved, he would spend more time with him.
Returning to the palace, Authion found his way back to the floor that held his room, and those of the queen's. Knocking on her door produced no response and when he opened it he found the rooms empty. Where would she ha'e gone? She had told him that she was perfectly safe here-and, wherever she was, Olore was likely not far-but Authion still felt uneasy at the idea of her wandering alone in this strange place.
Oddly restless, the elven-knight began to wander the corridors of the palace;hoping, perhaps,to cross paths with her. He noted,with intense, genuine interest,the strange, alien architecture-so very different from that of the elves'. But, even so...it was...pleasing. With every step, beneath his interest, worry gnawed at him. This contact by Telemachus of his lady-queen...he did not care for it at all. Nor did he care for the worry, grief-and pain-that she was suffering for this contact, for the talk they had had, and the willingness of himself and the others to put themselves into danger for her. Authion winced guiltily,knowing that some of it had been his doing. Olore's sharp-and true-words had hit painfully home. If he could not control his anger, he would be of little use to his queen when the meeting with the fiend came. And there was little doubt that the meeting would happen.
After nearly two centuries of friendship with her,the knight knew Elestirne's mind better than anyone save Olore. She was not pleased by this contact, but nor was she frightened. She would keep this meeting with the sorcerer and go into it alone if allowed. It was the safety and well-being of her friends, more than her own, that she feared for, worried about, and thought of preventing harm to. And she'd willingly rather put herself in danger, rather than have any of them do so for her. He admired her bravery and selflessness, but he could not, would not, let her face the fiend alone- not even with such a formidable ally as Olore at her side. And he had gotten the same impression of resolve and determination from the other three men. He shook his head. She wanted to go alone, and they-for the same reasons of friendship and loyalty,and others not shared-would not think of letting her.
Just before he decided to give up his wandering search and succumb to the weariness at last creeping through his bones, Authion espied a vaguely familiar figure at the end of the corridor he was currently wandering. He took a few more steps forward to be sure. The one that had met them in the garden... The foreign name came slowly to mind. "Kotaro?"he queried; hoping he had pronounced it right. His voice was soft, but carrying.
|
|
Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
|
Post by Kotaro on Oct 12, 2008 10:26:27 GMT -5
Kotaro turned toward the source of the familiar voice. "Yes? Ah, Authion, wasn't it? Is there something I can help you with?"
|
|
Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
|
Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Oct 12, 2008 11:35:29 GMT -5
Time seemed to stand still for the Shogun while he meditatied, though the Moon now working on it's decent clearly made it clear that time had passed. The obs of ice, had stopped flying around for some time, though their was still a cold chill in the air.
Masamune opened his eyes, taking in the view of the forest mountains and rivers in the distance. Of the clear, cloudless sky, with the untold numbers of stars clearly visable. His meditations had done little to settle him down. The memories of the battles of his life seemed to simply flow in his mind. The Oni that took his fathers life, the untold legions of orcs, drow, and demons that he battled while defending the lands of the Silver Phoenix Clan. His time spent as a wanderer, traveling to far and distant lands. His battle with Telemaches and his minions, and the battles that he had fought in since then along with the people he had come to call friends in Mittelmarch and the Land Between the Lands as a whole.
He made his way down the steps from the tower slowly. Each step taken with purpose. Each step taking him to his next point in life. At the base of the steps, he saw the onikage, the spirit horse Olore, standing there in the faint moonlight that shown through the small window. The great horse, had clearly been waiting for him for some reason.
"May I help you Olore-sama?"
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 12, 2008 22:30:42 GMT -5
The moon began to descend and still Olore stood as a carven statue on the bridge before the tower. In the mingled light of stars and moon he verily shimmered, haloed in silver; coat and eyes glowing softly with their own special radiance. To those on the ground below, he might well have seemed a star himself. Surrounded by-and yet part of-the night sky, an air of eternal patience mingled with expectance surrounded the silver stallion.
At last, movement came from him as a faint sound came from within the tower. He lifted a forefoof, then set it down in the exact same place. His eyes narrowed slightly. As the sound of footsteps ceased and Masamune began to emerge Olore stretched out his neck slightly and blew out his breath lightly as he shook out his mane. Faint as the light from moon and stars were the stallion seemed to draw it to him so that he stood in a pool of soft, silver-white light. His eyes were fixed on Masamune, the deep, starry blue orbs mirroring the star-speckled night. Windwalker. That one word reverberated with power and purpose. I would have words with you and would have you lsten to them. His words were firm and his ears tilted back slightly.
You think that I lack an understanding of your anger, your honor and your ways. And, the last may be true enough as I am not mortal and cannot be expected to know the customs and ways of such. The others, are not. Your anger from the news my lady brought of her contact by Telemachus and his plea for a meeting, has allowed me to see how the battle between you two played out and I am content for at last learning it. I understand that you feel you have failed, and feel this failure unacceptable and an insult to your honor and,perhaps,prowess as a warrior. I also understand that you wish to remedy this insult and I commend you for it. And I tell you something. Had I not been caught in shame for the capture of Elestirne I would have joined the battle with you against Telemachus and perhaps things would have ended other than they had.
And you forget-the depthless eyes flared briefly-my kind has our honor as well, and we do not ever forget. I have my own score to settle with the cursed one for the injury dealt my lady and the insult dealt me. My claim is before all others'-even yours windwalker-and you will not take from me the chance to give the sorcerer his due. The shame I feel is no less than the failure you feel and there is little difference between the two emotions. But your anger.... I told this to Authion and say it now to you:Do not let is consume you. It will only harm you in battle and that will help neither Elestirne or I if you are resolved to come with us to this meeting with Telemachus. But you-we-need a plan that my lady will accept, that will minimize the danger to her while still allowing her to feel as though she is handling it on her own.
The stallion's tone softened suddenly, becoming gentle. For, if I read your mind-and the minds of the others'-right you have as little intent of letting her go to meet him alone as I do of letting her go without me. And I am glad for it. But you must try to understand. She would rather put herself in danger than have any of you do so, not just because she believes this to be between only herself, Telemachus and I-which may well be true-but out of genuine concern for her friends and for the feeling she has of danger coming to you,which she would avoid and prevent if at all in her power.
The indigo eyes studied Masamune. And this you might not understand but she feels the pain of your wound almost as though it were her own and your pain hurts and upsets her;adding to the worry and trouble already taking a toll on her. I know you remember the healing she did of you after you drifted back to Mittelmarch following your battle with Telemachus. If you do not understand what she may be, it will be spoken of tomorrow. But you have caused her undue pain and it grieves me as much as it hurts her. Surely you noted her expression during the council session earlier?
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 12, 2008 23:16:29 GMT -5
Authion found enough humour through his weariness to chuckle dryly. "I? No. There is little you can do to help me, unless you can take away my worry and absolve me of the shame I feel for my hot words earlier, and my behaviour in our council together. No, I do not come for help. At least, none for myself. I come rather, to speak. May we walk together? What I would say-and ask-is nothing I worry of being overheard. And if it turns out to be I am certain you know a place removed from listening ears."
|
|
Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
|
Post by Kotaro on Oct 13, 2008 9:04:55 GMT -5
"Many, as a matter of fact. There's more to this castle than meets the eye. Only a few, myself included, are even close to knowing its full layout. Would the roof be suitable enough? Follow me."
With that, he led Authion to another hallway, stopping at a support beam. Turning a ceremonial mask, he slowly extended hand- and footholds from the beam, leading up to a trap door. Taking a wooden key from his sleeve, he opened the hatch leading to the roof.
"There we are. We're safe from prying ears as long as we're up here."
|
|
|
Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Oct 13, 2008 10:30:16 GMT -5
Storm jumped down from his spot in the tree and landed on all fours. His training with the Fuuma shinobi's made his reflexes ten times better than before. He walked up to the lady and grabbed her hand.
“Walk with me oselle.”
Storm and Elestirne walked a few minutes in silence. He led her to a bench and the two of them sat down.
"What is wrong oselle? I feel that something is troubling you and please do not try to hide it, I am your otorno and it bothers me when you are bothered by something tell me what is wrong. Is it about Telemachus?”
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 13, 2008 22:30:29 GMT -5
"And another would be your lord Tatsumura,"Authion reasoned. Following the warrior, he nodded in unconcealed surprise and approval as the hidden hand and foot-holds were revealed. Asending nimbly behind Kotaro the elf nodded yet again as he emerged onto the roof. "Yes, this shall do quite well, though there is no real need for such secrecy."
Authion studied Kotaro for a moment. "Among my kind excessive questioning-or too many questions at once-is considered...distasteful and impolite. There are things that are not your business, or that are not yours to know, and you would do better to refrain from trying to learn them. I do not know how it is among your kind, so I would hope you could forgive the rudeness of a stranger asking many questions. One learns only by asking however. But if my questions are overbold let me know." The elf took a breath and spoke bluntly.
"First...your lord is not entirely mortal is he? Violet is not a mortal eye color-I have been among enough of you to know that. There is magic about him too, and about this place. And it is strong. And there is magic here, in the very fabric of the land. Second...my lady Elestirne has trusted me with the full story of what happened here three years past, so I know that you and your lord helped her and Olore-and became friends afterwards-but not why you helped her... And...what is Telemachus? A dark sorcerer, yes,of much power. That much I know. But what is he? The queen told me of her battle with him, but more than that she will not say. I know that he tempted and tried to corrupt her, but if I try to ask why the mention of him troubles her she just looks through me and shakes her head. And I do not miss the expressions on her face when he is mentioned. Nor did I miss your lord's anger at my queen's news. What causes such a reaction from them? If you know I would have you tell me."
Authion hesitated briefly. "Also...Olore seems more...at ease here, more at peace. Especially in the company of Tatsumura. In Artanor...he speaks only to the Queen or I-and I only upon occasion. But here...he seems more at ease with speaking to others besides the two of us-for he has spoken to you three. Why? And...what do you know of...him?" The elven-captain's voice took on a suddenly cautious tone, and uncertainly wary; almost as though he though he might be overstepping his bounds-or overheard.
|
|
Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
|
Post by Kotaro on Oct 14, 2008 9:46:44 GMT -5
Kotaro furrowed his brow in thought. "I'll try to answer you in order. I don't know if Tatsumura-dono's lineage - he's half Yuki-On-Na, or ice spirit - lengthens his lifespan or not. It does give him control of ice magic, hence the throne room's... wintry decor. Aside from that, there's much I don't know about him. As for the Lands, yes, there is magic in its very existence. Mittelmarch exists in a pocket dimension, but I'm not very well-versed in the finer details. On Telemachus, your guess is as good as mine."
"Olore is an interesting subject," he continued. "If he does find himself more at ease here, I haven't the foggiest idea why. I know he has far greater power than he lets on. Olore is a good companion to Lady Elestirne, she's fortunate to have him as such."
"And no, you needn't worry about propriety. Questions are meant to be asked," Kotaro said, noting Authion's uneasiness.
"My turn. Where do you fit into this picture? The Lady seems to hold you in quite high esteem," the Samurai said, cocking his head curiously.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 14, 2008 10:56:39 GMT -5
Caught by surprise, Elestirne instinctively flinched as Storm made a grab for her hand. She started to pull away, but then relaxed and accepted the grasp after a moment. Never had she known him to do anything like this before, but she saw no harm in allowing it. She permitted him to lead her to a nearby bench. As they sat, she gently freed her hand and clasped it in her lap with its twin. There was a look of troubled worry on her face and her eyes were clouded, but her bearing was straight and proud. A light breeze blew her unbound hair first across, then away from, her face. It was a few moments before she spoke and when she did her voice was soft and muted.
"Yes....it was Telemachus. In part." With anyone else but Olore she would be guarded, careful. But Storm was her otorno, her sworn brother-what mortals might call 'kinbrother'. Familiy chosen...to replace family lost. She could let her guards down with him. The shudder that rippled through her slender frame was genuine,and plain. "I will never, can never, forget otorno." Her voice was laced with quiet pain. "The ambush...hearing the screams of the dying as Olore and I evaded the trap and raced away;knowing I was helpless to prevent their deaths. Being caught by the dark elf Raze,battling him...the poisoned wound...sending Olore on to Mittelmarch to bear warning and get aid...the darkness... Then waking in a room in Telemachus's fortress." Undisguised contempt and disgust darkened her melodious voice strangely. "Being tempted repeatedly by him-to no effect, but that didn't keep him from trying-seeing the demon's attack and being unable to help or give warning. Escaping and coming back to the town...seeing the damage wrought...healing Tatsumura and Baethor..."She shook her head.
"If you have ever wondered Storm, I did not stay to figt because it was not my place to, not my conflict to get into. And I did not want the chance of meeting Telemachus again. I knew that, if Tatsumura had survived, he had as well. Something I saw in Telemachus...reminded me too much like a similar encounter many years ago, before you and I had met and before even I became Queen." Some dark emotion shadowed her eyes,dimming their brilliance. "And that, I had no desire of being reminded of ever again. As I likewise did not want to be reminded of my encounter with Telemachus."
She raised her head to look full into Storm's eyes. "And then your message comes to me of the new threat to Mittelmarch, and my feeling of disquiet and danger...and I come-for friendship, and for you, my otorno-but not happily. And the first thing to happen is Telemachus contacting me;begging a meeting alone. I do not know what he wants with me, though I can guess, and I do not want this meeting...but I will go to it. Mine and Olore's business with him is still unresolved and has been the moment I broke his staff and Olore and the others got me out of there. I knew we would meet again eventually... But I want and need none of you getting involved. I do not understand why you feel you must redeem yourself for something you could not have helped...but this is not your fight Storm, my otorno, and I do not want you putting yourself in needless danger.
"I do not know why Tatsumura and Kotaro helped me those three years ago, but nor do I want them risking themselves either. I feel this is between the sorcerer, I, and Olore only. I would rather go into it alone and fight it as my own battle, than to have harm come to any of you for trying to protect me." Her silver eyes held him a moment,visibly pained.
"That is one part my brother. The other...I will tell you now what Kotaro and Tatsumura may learn tomorrow. I am...what is called an empath. Someone who can heal innately,naturally, of their own being-at no more effort than a thought, with no spells or herbs used. You saw this when I healed you shortly after we had met. But there is a deeper side to it. Empaths also have the ability to sense emotions, feelings-and pain-of others. And if the pain is strong enough, intense enough...an empath can and will feel it as their own,simply by being near the person." A faint shiver rippled through her. "This is what I feel with Tatsumura's wound...it pains me almost as much as it would if it were my own. But there is nothing to be done for it... And his and Authion's anger at my news...the tense mood of the council earlier...helps not at all. But I will endure, as always..." Some of the strained, taut paleness crept back into the elf-queen's face.
"Storm...otorno...I know that none of you wish to let me face Telemachus alone-not even with Olore at my side-though you know that he and I could handle the sorcerer by ourselves well enough. I understand your concern and appreciate it and I know that none of you want harm to come to me if preventable. But the feeling..the glimmer of foresight I had before recieving your message; the sense that something has-or will-happen that will involve one of my friends here... I know the risks and dangers of meeting with Telemachus and accept them,but I do not want anyone else to share them if it might likely place you in harm's way-especially considering this feeling. My foresight and intiuition are very seldom wrong....if..you all accompany me and harm comes to any of you for it...I will never forgive myself. As I said in council...I would not put it past Telemachus to try to hurt any of you-either for his own maliciousness, or to specifically get at me..." Elestirne bowed her head. Her dark hair swirled forward like curtains to hide her face,despite the crown on her head keeping some of the tresses back. Silver glimmered along the midnight strands as she shook her head slightly.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 14, 2008 12:41:12 GMT -5
Authion's emerald eyes were thoughtful. He found he liked this curious,frank mortal. "I am no mage or spellcaster,but every elf, regardless of age or kindred,has an innate attunement to nature. It...speaks to us as stone does to dwarves. We are its children. We also...are attuned to magic,since we are part of it. Both magic and life of this land is strong. Strange...different..but strong."
His eyes were solemn. " Whatever Telemachus is I actually care little. But he hurt my lady and I'm not about to let that insult go. I only wanted to know so that I could,perhaps, understand better why Elestirne is so troubled by the mention of him. Olore likely knows,but I doubt he would share that knowledge with me." Authion dipped his head faintly. "I know only slightly more of Olore than you do.. What I have is only guesswork and suspicions. He came to my lady long ago, shortly before she was crowned. Presumably,they met somewhere in her wanderings in the nearby mortal lands outside the realm while she did not know yet who she was.." Authion's face took on a guarded look, ;unsure of what he could or should say without giving away details of his lady and her past that may not be known-or meant to know. "I don't know what she has told you of her life so I apoligize if that is cryptic. It is her tale to tell though,not mine. Perhaps if you ask her,she will tell you and your lord what you do not know. I will not divulge it though-it is not my place.
"Anyway-however they met-Olore was with her when she returned to take up her birthright He hasn't left her side since and is rarely seen very far from her. All his love,devotion,loyalty...it is for her...why I don't know. There is a clear bond between them." Authion shook his head. "He seems,to the ignorant, nothing more than a very loyal and very intelligent and magnificent elven-horse...but he is much more. That I can tell clearly. I don't know what his true nature is..but he seems to me a spirit-being. There has always been something unwordly and unearthly about him. The power that surrounds him...the way he shimmers and glows-especially at night it seems-and his all-knowing depthless eyes... I have never seen his anger or power revealed...but I would pity whomever provokes or brings it down upon them-especially if they were unwise enough to attempt to harm or threaten Elestirne." The red-haired elf gave a faint shudder. "After nigh twenty years perhaps I have gotten used to him but...all the same.. I am heartily glad I am his friend,and not his enemy-and that Elestirne has such a powerful being-that,for whatever reasons-has chosen to be her constant companion and steed. Whatever he is,he is unquestionably good. Other questions I have but first yours,as is courteous."
" Yes, Elestirne holds me in rather high esteem if I may be vain enough to admit it. Why? I was the first friend she made and had after...the loss of her parents. She was just a child then;lost,bewildered and alone..and hurting. The old mystic that had brought her to the city and the steward who had taken her in as foster-daughter were...well-meaning perhaps,but distant and cool. I was just a captain of the city guard then,about the age of her father-or a bit older-and my heart went out to her. I began spending time with her and was soon after her arrival approached by the mystic to 'keep an eye' on her and teach her the ways of the blade-duties I accepted joyfully,though I wondered why they were given to me. Another tutor she had,a vain, arrogant elf far older than I..."
Authion clenched hs hands into fists. "I never trusted him and always knew something evil lay hid beneath his fair cloak,that.... The elf cast about for a moment then shook his head. "There is no good word in my tongue-or this common language-for him. Lady Elestirne might speak of him,if she tells you some of her past. But,to commence...my friendship with the Lady grew as she grew,and I was the only one she confided in all those years. I was mentor, teacher, and friend and I daresay I felt a bit of a father-substitute to her then,and still do now. I have never let her know that though."
Authion looked at Kotaro. . "But this was a rather lengthy answer to your question. The Queen holds me in esteem because I am her long friend,mentor,teacher,confidiante and the Captain of her Knights and commander/general of her army. She knows she can trust me,as she can trust Olore..or the one you call Akaruri, whom is her otorno." Authion's expression was thoughtful. "I believe she will explain that to you and Tatsumura tomorrow. I will...ask her to tell some of her life to you two as well-at least that which you do not know-so that you might have a better understanding."
"Now...my other questions-and perhaps a few more from you?-ere we call it a night. Just what do you know of my lady Elestirne? Why did you and your lord help her those three years ago? And...since Olore seems more relaxed around you here...have you ever seen his power, or have any theories according to your own culture of what he is?" Authion unclenched his hands and clasped them behind his back;waiting patiently.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 14, 2008 12:56:17 GMT -5
Olore paused to allow Tatsumura to absorb his words. It was easily the most he had ever spoken to the mortal at one time,and the stallion knew he would be surprised. It grows late and you are growing tired. But before I let you go to your rest I wish to show you something,so that you may,perhaps, understand my side.
Briefly, guardly,the stallion opened his mind and let the warrior see what had happened after he had met him and Elestirne. The race through the forest,after Tatsumura had diverted the orcs, the battle with the dark elf Raze and the poisoning and capture of Elestirne...Olore's bitter anger and shame,the worry and-yes-fear at being unable to contact her, the all-encompassing drive to find the sorcerer and recover the elf queen-and pay Telemachus back for the insult-the sense of failing in his charge...in his promise...of failing her..the wish to regain his honor... At that, Olore closed his mind and said gently. Do not think again that I do not understand Masamune. I understand more than you know. He stood still,his indigo eyes watching the mortal;awaiting his reaction.
|
|