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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 5, 2013 12:04:14 GMT -5
Authnor pulled Elestirne away from the line of fire, with Olore aiding; thus opening the line of sight for Rodeth. As they did so, she caught sight of Storm stumbling and tripping, plainly not recovered yet from the fall. At the same time, she noted the katana hilt falling free from his bag and beginning to shine with a strong light, even through its wrapping. The sceptor hanging yet hidden by her hip seemed to respond, even as it had back in Storm's room. She sensed its glow had strengthened and the thought crossed her mind that it was aware, somehow. And that odd feeling of...recognition..of familiarilty that she had sensed before when seeing the water-form in the vision seemed much stronger now. She felt it from not only the water-figure but from the sceptor and the hilt as well. The cryptic words of the spirit she had encountered came back to her, and a memory of the haggard,familiar face she had seen in the first vision the sceptor had shown and a vague suspicion started to bloom in her mind.
As she stood there, half frozen and torn between staying where she was and going to Storm, she noticed Rodeth and the remaining three guards closing ranks on the water-creature, with the war-horses adding a second ring. Fire bloomed from the mage's staff to circle the creature and here and there, hazy illusions of more warriors shimmered to life. Shaking off her persistent unease, she started to go towards Storm once more, but Authnor's arm and something else, made her pause and turn her attention to the water-creature,feeling sudden foreboding.
(have fun friend)
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Jun 29, 2013 17:39:26 GMT -5
Elestirne had breathed a relieved sigh when Storm had at last had everything in order. The three left his room and began to make their way back through the palace. On the way, down one long hallway, they passed a puddle of water on the floor. Storm walked on without notice but Elestirne hesitated, thinking it odd to find a puddle of standing water when the rest of the hallway was spotless. And there was nothing that could have made it... Olore did more than hesitate, he outright paused midstride and leveled his depthless gaze on it critically. Elestirne had resumed her stride, not wanting Storm to get too far ahead, not with the uneasiness and edginess still nipping at her. That uneasiness and sense of danger suddenly peaked and out of the corner of her eye she noticed the water spreading up the walls. In the space of seconds, though it seemed like minutes, it had frozen solid shattering both wood and stone to create a gaping hole. Part of the floor under the three buckled and gave way and ere they could react or scramble to secure footing, they were thrown out of the hallway and falling towards the ground.
Fortunately, they were only a story or so up but they had not controlled their fall, and thus, could not control the landing. Elestirne hit hard, but she had managed to twist somewhat so that she rolled. The shock and suddenness of impact still blasted the breath from her body though, and she rolled badly. She came to her feet bruised, slightly dazed and wincing in pain. A few cuts on her cheek and above one eye bled shallowly but other than that she seemed whole. A few feet away, Storm had also regained his feet and looked like her, to be nothing worse than slightly stunned and bruised.
Elestirne looked for Olore and found the stallion some distance further, slowly regaining all fours with a shake of his head. His horse form had proven a hindrance to him and he looked to be favoring a leg slightly. That was all she had time to notice, for she forced herself to focus on the puddle of water some feet away. She tried to shake off her dazedness as she watched the water take on the shape she had seen before, the man-shape that had so callously killed the Mittelmarch guards. She locked eyes with it and it started to approach her. Subconsciously, she was aware of the scepter glowing at her hip and it seemed to both burn and freeze her where she stood. All her instincts screamed danger but she couldn’t make herself react.
“My Lady!”
The two warning cries came from two different directions. Authnor reached her first, stepped in front, and unsheathed his sword to face the water-shape in nearly the same motion. The guard though, struck at it, the fine elven-blade sliding right through it. For a frozen moment, all was still. Then in a blur of motion, the water-creature shot one of its arms up; the limb shifting to become a blade. There was another frozen moment and the elven-blade-and the guard- fell to the ground; split cleanly in two. Authnor’s shout was echoed by cries of horror from the remaining three guards and the mage, just now arriving on the scene,with the mounts in tow. The creature…grinned, the very expression telling of enjoyment in the kill and horror, and continued its inexorable approach towards Elestirne. Authnor tensed and grimly stepped forward, fully shielding her with his body.
There was another voice and Elestirne looked to see Storm, hilt in hand. The water-shape paused its advance on her, turning instead to face and move on Storm. She called out a warning , and started to move towards him, dimly registering that Olore had regained her side. She had barely managed a few strides before Authnor seized her firmly and Olore turned into her path, blocking her. Do not. It will attract its attention back to you and you are not prepared for that. If we must fight this thing, it must be on a field of our choosing. Not here. Not right now. Watch and wait yet. If Storm is truly threatened, then we can step in. But not yet my lady. Hold, please
Elestirne started to wrench out of Authnor's grip and push past. Rather, she started to try to. She had almost succeeded in breaking Authnor's grip when a ray of fire roared past them, striking the creature. The queen and Authnor whirled about to see the mage, Rodeth, picking her way through the debris towards them. Her expression was one of nauseated horror, but grim, and her staff was leveled at the creature, ready to let fly again if there was need. The three remaining guards flanked her, swords up and the war-horses jostled and sidled behind them; aware of danger.
(you are forgiven friend)
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 30, 2013 1:44:10 GMT -5
Caught quite off guard, Elestirne did not have time to react as she felt herself turned around and pulled into a strong hug. She held herself taut at first-wary-but with all her shields down, and masks laid bare, she could not help but feel the genuine reassurance and regret in her otorno’s voice. Gradually, she softened and relaxed into the embrace, comfort and forgiveness. His words were a balm on her guilt-scarred soul, and eased her mind profoundly. She felt her eyes sting with the relief and gratitude overwhelming her and thought to pull away, but instead allowed herself the moment. When she heard a sound in the hallway though, she did pull away from the embrace, retreating to arm’s length. From that distance she regarded the knight closely, again marking the changes time had wrought in him, and again noting the genuine, unfeigned regret and reassurance.
“Storm…otorno…you are forgiven in your turn. Tatsumura’s ‘fall’ and supposed death impacted us both greatly and shock, grief and guilt were natural reactions. It was only natural that we withdrew into ourselves in an attempt to deal with it, though we would have done better to lean on each other for mutual support. But what is done is done and the fact is that Tatsumura is alive, and in danger. I have paid my debt with you, but I yet have a debt to Tatsumura, and a burden of guilt to be lifted and forgiveness to be received. Attempting to help him, is my attempt at settling this. It is quite possible you were meant to become warlord. Whether you realize it or not, you have grown since Tatsumura’s supposed ‘fall’, and most certainly since our first meeting. I am proud at what you have become and accomplished.” Her clear silver eyes glinted brightly, then clouded as her face turned solemn. “But we should not delay.”
As footsteps sounded on the threshold, she drew up her customary masks once more before turning to take in the man standing there. With her usual attention to detail, she noted the bandaged torso, and the name Storm called, and concluded this was the steward who had tried to defend Storm during the assassination attempt.
She watched with a sort of bemused amusement as the steward efficiently walked in and took charge in a way, though also with keen wariness; wondering what he thought of an elf and horse in his lord’s rooms especially after an assassination attempt. She caught Olore’s eye with a raised eyebrow and the stallion only shook out his mane, unconcerned. She and the stallion moved to the doorway to await Storm so they could rejoin her escort and get underway. Now that the fear of blame she had carried had been settled between her and Storm, she felt edgy, restless and uneasy. The sceptor still seemed alive with energy and it made her uncomfortable. Somehow,she couldn't dismiss the thought that it was reacting to the presence of the hilt. There seemed to be a palpable..energy in the air..but it was something to muse on another time. At the moment, she only wanted to be on the way. "Storm," she murmured quietly. "If you are ready we should rejoin my escort and get underway."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 28, 2013 11:04:46 GMT -5
"Authnor." The two men started, as much for hearing Elestirne's voice-as if they had not expected her to speak-as for her tone. It verily crackled with an icy edge that seldom if ever had touched her melodic voice.
"You are being presumptous. You forget your place and overstep your bounds in what you have said. Do not speak so to Storm. How long you may have been aware of his new rank and position matters not. By your code, you must still show him the deference and respect appropriate to it and this I expect you to do. He is a lord now and you will aknowledge this. It is also not your place to lecture him on the responsibilities of friendship and rulership ,or to pit the two against each other. It is also not for you to throw me in as if I am an example he is expected to uphold. His choices must be his own, not influenced by someone else,as mine were. Our situations are different. Artanor was not threatened nor in any sort of danger, when I chose to undertake this, but Mittelmarch may well be and you forget how easily mortals judge the smallest things.
"If Storm were to leave the city/rulership too long in the event of accompanying me in trying to find and help Tatsumura, he runs the risk of his people thinking he has abandoned them and defense of them and the city, and accounts friendship more important than duty to/protection of his people. He can ill afford that and I will not expect him to make such a choice if it might bring him to that. Rulership is a cage of many thorns, a balance of constantly weighing every decision made against whether-and how-it will affect your people and your domain. Each leader, while they may rule, is still governed by the law and by duty and responsibility. No ruler is ever truly free to do as they wish,once they take on the mantle of leadership. It is a sacrifice all who serve as rulers make. I made it..and now Storm has too. He is bound no less than I am. Do not expect him to make a decision when you do not and cannot understand all the implications and consequences that might result. Storm is within rights to rebuke you."
The icy edge in her voice had not softened, but it was joined by a tone of profound,weary sorrow and pain. It was the voice of one who knew only too well of what she spoke. "Go back to the others. They are no doubt growing curious and I believe Storm and I need to talk alone. Olore and I will rejoin you when we are done. If you truly believe danger stalks us, put yourself and the escort on alert for it. Go. You and I will talk more later." The dismissal in her voice was clear and decidedly serious,but also held disoppointment.
Authnor paled,then flushed. Eyes flashing,he turned from Storm to his queen as if to protest. Something he saw in the piercingly bright,unwavering silver eyes and sternly resolute face of the slender female shook the fight out of him. He snapped his frame to attention and saluted with a fist to heart and deep,if curt, bow from the waist, before turning smartly and leaving. Elestirne watched him go. When he had disappeared from sight she sagged against the doorframe;dropping all masks to show a world of weariness,disoppointment,uncertainty and possibly even reluctant fear. Her sigh was tired and bitter. Olore came forward to allow her to lean on his shoulder. She did so,draping an arm over his withers,and the pair entered the room to stand a few feet from Storm.
Almost hesitantly,she put a hand on the mortal's shoulder;masking surprise at the changes time had wrought in his build and height. The years pass so swiftly for them... Her voice was heavy.
"I cannot decide for you, nor can I ask what you cannot give. If you do decide to help me on this, I welcome you. If not, I will go about the search on my own as best as I might,come what danger may, to find and help Tatsumura. But Authnor did have a point. If you choose not to come, perhaps you should give the katana hilt into my keeping. The water-form,whatever it is, seeks it. It likely already knows I am here, but maybe I can least keep it from you. If the Azoth Gate is returned.." a definete shudder rippled the queen's slender form, "then you will have your hands full enough with that without adding more danger dogging your steps, or with leaving your people and domain vulnerable for accompanying me. I do not wish to delay any longer than necesary though, so I would ask to know what you decide. And...I would know one thing further,that has plagued my thoughts in the time since our last meeting. Do you...blame me otorno? Do you resent me?" The two questions came softly and hesitantly.
When she gained no answer,the queen signed almost inaudibly. Unbinding the pendant from her wrist,she pressed it into Storm's hand."If you have nothing to say to me otorno I have another debt and duty of friendship to go to pay, and another burden of blame to lift." She started to turn away,almost reluctantly;long midnight hair veiling her face.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 28, 2013 0:22:24 GMT -5
Authnor met Storm's gaze calmly. A flicker of what might have been triumph glinted briefly in the depths of his emerald-green eyes before it was overshadowed by the more customary flash of sternness and anger. His lip curled a little.
"You are presumptious. I have never wanted the crown. I have neither the blood, the right, the strength or the will for it. Nor do I want the headache, pain and stress that goes with it. It adorns a head far worthier and wiser than mine and may it stay there as long as stars endure until a heir is born deserving of and strong enough for it. For my part,I have always respected you for your friendship and bond with the queen and for giving her what I cannot,though I wish it otherwise.
"Let us understand each other clearly Storm. We are very different, and not only in race. We have clashed before this but let us keep in mind the chief similarity that binds us together:we both serve and are friends with Elestirne, if in different regards, and she values us both highly, again, for different reasons. You are a lord now,mayhaps, but that I had only been aware of for not even a hour. You might do well to allow some time for it to sink in. You have a position now,people to protect,a duty to your city. I understand that. Do you think Elestirne does not? She has the same responsibilities and yet she returned. Whether for friendship, for loyalty, for a responsibility/blame she feels she bears..she has returned. And for like reasons she has come here,though she certainly did not have to,and though she feels you hold her at fault, to warn you and try to see you safe from danger. Can there be any clearer definition of loyalty and friendship.
"I cannot tell you what to do in the case of the windwalker, but I go with my queen and if you choose to also we must set any...personal feelings or misgivings about each other based from previous experience aside. I will try to recall you are a lord now and considered full-grown among your kind. But we are wasting time and it is practical to think that danger is stalking you both. Decide as and how you will Storm between the responsibility of friendship and the responsibility and duties of rulership. But remember, for all that this is your domain,that I answer only to Elestirne. At the least, you might accompany her for at least the first step of the journey, then return here to see to this other threat. And if you do happen to blame her for your former lord's 'fall', do have done and realize it was no fault of her's, but his own choice."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 10, 2013 16:59:48 GMT -5
“Blame you?" Authnor's tone was quietly incredulous and outraged. "The windwalker went of his own will. You are in no way to blame! Nor can Storm blame himself. You have both shouldered guilt and blame where none exist. It's well past time you both let that go and have done. It has done neither of you any good and you both have far more important things to worry about than to mire yourselves in guilt and shock. There is danger likely stalking you both at this very moment, searching for the katana hilt. And possibly what you carry as well my lady. Should you both not better spend your time seeking out the wind-walker before this malice finds him first? And you Storm, what kind of oathbrother can you call yourself if you let Elestirne seek out Tatsumura without you? He was after all, your lord. It should be nothing less than your responsibility and duty to go with her to try to find and aid him, even overriding your current position and title."
The queen's head snapped up and fleetingly, she looked as though she had been slapped. Olore stomped his hooves and tossed his mane but made no comment. Elestirne glanced at Authnor, shocked and startled that he had spoken so-to her as well as Storm- then slid her gaze to her otorno, waiting tensely to see what he would do.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 9, 2013 1:06:47 GMT -5
Whatever Elestirne might have been expecting, it was not this. Her heart felt like a stone with the weight of the world as its mass. Full-grown he may be now, acvording to the years of his kind, but perhaps something of the youth lingers yet. She had instinctively, numbly moved to follow without conscious thought;driven as much by the responsibility she felt to the mortal she accounted a brother as by the unspoken law of that responsibility that said to always look out for and care for the other. Despite her fear possibly being confirmed that he had held her to blame and/or carried a grudge all these years, she refused to be held oathsworn. She and Olore followed speedily and Authnor followed after a startled oath of surprise.
Catching up to him at what was obviously his room, she did not enter, only watched his movements as the man frantically searched through a chest until he uncovered a bundle and unrolled it to reveal the katana hilt. The nearness of the thing seemed to make the sceptor yet hidden under her cloak hum and tingle. The frosty contact bit at her skin but the memories bit harder and keener and she bowed her head,closing her eyes with a wince against the pain as they surged up.
As if it were only yesterday she could see again the ordeal of her capture and torture, could hear the ring of blades as she fought Telamon for her life, her friends,and Mittelmarch. She felt again the bite of shock at the realization of Tatsumura's 'fate', the crushing guilt for both that and the death of Telamon at her hands, what she had had to face and tap into to beat the demon-elf.. Old injuries, long healed, seemed to reignite at the memories. White-hot pain flared at wrists, hand, side,ribs and one leg. She did well to hide her hiss of pain and dismay. The starmark hidden by her crown seemed to tingle and she again heard Araira's voice echoing gently..
Olore shouldered her, and she came back to herself out of the depth of memories with an effort to find Authnor just behind her,hand on her shoulder and dark concern and worry in his eyes. Olore shouldered her again and she took strength and balance from his presence, grounding and centering herself against the memories. The ending-song she had sung for Tatsumura flitted into her mind and she hummed the melody in a quiet whisper,with a gesture of respect and blessing. I will repay my debt my friend,and earn your forgiveness,
Returning her attention to Storm, she mulled her possible actions. She could go to him, but if he blamed her it might prompt him to turn on and revile her. But a rising sense of unease was creeping up on her and now that she had warned her oathbrother, she chafed to be on the way and attempting to repay her debt. Inwardly,she sighed heavily.
"Otorno, blame me if you will and I will take whatever anger or punishment you may wish to mete out for what you believe my part in and fault for Tatsumura's 'fall', for it pales insignificant to my own guilt and feeling of failure and blame. And there is nothing you, or anything on earth, can do to me than is worse than I already face and endure." Unconsiously,she rubbed briefly at her wrists and the pendant Storm had given her slipped down to wink and sparkle.
"If you wish nothing to do with me because of that I will accept that as well. But please understand I could do no less than warn you. You are friend and oathbrother and I would not fail or be forsworn in either responsibility. Think of me what you will for that, but I could not leave you in danger without warning. You can choose to come with me in my search or no, to help me or no, but at least belive me when I say you are in danger for the hilt in your possession. The malice that seeks Tatsumura and, by now,me-as well as you- has already killed in its search. I do not want you to meet the same end. You are my friend and I owe debts to both you and Tatsumura. Do not think less of me for that."
The queen's melodic voice was brittle, almost taut, with wariness, uncertainty, guilt and sorrow heavy in it. Her entire,slender frame seemed to emanate it, and there was a weariness, strain and yea,even bitterness there that Storm had never seen her show so openly in all his time of knowing the queen.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 3, 2013 15:58:50 GMT -5
Elestirne nodded courteously, if a little stiffly, and readily fell into step behind Storm. Authnor fell into step immediently on her heels, unable to avoid tossing an angry look back at the guards. A faint, silver shimmer at her shoulder revealed Olore's invisible presence. As soon as they had gone a little way, beyond sight and hearing of any that might come upon them, Storm turned to face her. She saw the mask of stern anger disipate and weariness show nakedly and palpably. She also caught a flicker of pain behind the smile. Her own smile felt a little strained and hesitant.
"'Much has changed in the years I have been gone, it seems. So I have learned from talk in the city. Your title and rank one of them. You are forgiven Storm. I well understand the virtue of caution for one in a position of leadership, especially given the situation and circumstances that let you rise to your position. Of the assassination attempt, I had not heard of it. But as I said, I did not have the luxury to try to seek you out in a more 'normal' manner, and it might well have brought unwise attention on me and danger to you to do so."
She watched him slide wearily to the floor. Olore rematerialized in a silver shimmer between them, and bent his long neck just enough to brush Storm's shoulder before nuzzling her. Authnor took up a watchful, guarded position, the knight instinctively looking for danger and protecting their privacy. He did spare a friendly nod to Storm before doing so. Elestirne listened as her friend told of the loss of his ancestral sword and it seemed to her that time drew the years back to reveal the uncertain, eager-to-please youthful knight of their first meeting six-no, closer to seven really,years ago.
Instinctively reacting to the pain and sense of loss from the one who had truthfully been her first real mortal friend, she let her own mask, decorum, and reticience slide. Falling softly to her knees besides him, she hesitated a moment before warily-almost uncertainly-the elven-queen enveloped the man she called oathbrother in a brief, cautious hug, projecting calm and steadiness.
Withdrawing almost self-consciously she spoke. "If there is any way of restoring your blade otorno I will help if I can and if you accept my company. We have..bigger problems though than your honor my friend. You could be in danger from something worse than assassions. I did not mean to return but I was...called to. You might not believe my words but take them in good faith. I would not speak false, least of all to you."
The queen hesitated, pain and reluctance shadowing her fair features, then relayed the story as swiftly as possible; her visions, the scepter glowing, the realization that Tatsumura was indeed alive and that they had been decieved all these years, that he needed help,had reached out to her...and that a formless malice that manipulated water sought him, and the katana. And knew of her at the least and could now be seeking Storm because of his possessing the hilt.
"I might well have brought danger to you by this otorno, but I had to warn you," the queen concluded almost heavily. "I owe you that, for friendship, and I will not let friends walk into danger blindly, regardless of what you may think of me. I do not expect you to aid me regarding Tatsumura but you deserved to be told. Myself, my path is set. I owe a debt that must be repaid and so, I cannot turn back from seeking out the windwalker and at least trying to aid him. Honor, loyalty, and friendship demand no less than that, though I put myself in peril."
Her eyes had turned haunted and dark and she rose slowly, seeming wary and uncertain, perhaps even hesitant.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on May 2, 2013 20:21:07 GMT -5
ooc: a few things. was not riding Olore, only Authnor is with me(the others stayed behind) and I thought we said early dawn otorno? Also, we would have been making for the front door-I wouldn't attempt climbing a tower
IC: Elestirne had blown a quiet, but resigned sigh as the guards, not listening, marched her and Authnor inside. Olore had faded out but she knew he was nearby. She focused on making sure Authnor did nothing rash,for the guards were watching him very closely owing to his earlier defensive movement.
Along their way,the guards were challenged angrily by a voice Elestirne knew well. The screen of guards parted to allow her a view of Storm. Ignoring Authnor's bristled indignance, she answered Storm's blandness with one of chilling,but simple, solemnity. "Doing so would have drawn unneeded and potentially unwise-attention and possible danger to you. And I could not wait on the luxury of morning. I have news you need to hear, and immediently and it should be alone to avoid unwelcome ears. It would seem you also have a tale to tell me. I commend your guards on their alertness. It is good to know you keep them so crisp. Might we talk otorno nin, somewhere we can be unbothered and unheard?" She waited patiently, moon-pale eyes clear,bright and piercing.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 26, 2013 16:32:16 GMT -5
Within two hours all four had made their way back and the tales they brought of what had gone on since she had left, as well as current news, alternately stunned, sickened and saddened her. She found herself profoundly grateful that she had gotten herself and all of her people out when she had, and that her friends and the city had survived. The news about Storm's new rank and position was by far the most surprising.
Much has changed. He has grown beyond the young, eager knight of our first meeting, beyond even the uncertain samurai during the time of the Jovians. Perhaps he is finally growing into himself and finding his right role and place in this world. And he is now full-grown in the reckoning of his kind, I must not forget that. Mortals grow so swiftly that if you blink you could miss their whole life. What might have changed between us I wonder? Tatsumura's 'fall' was very hard on him and it is possible he has held me to blame. Her eyes darkened, gaze turning inwards. If it is so I will face it. He remains my oathbrother regardless and I must at the least warn him of the danger he may be in.
Thoughtfully, one slender hand curled around and fingered a pendant she had wrapped around her wrist. Almost, she invoked its power, but restrained herself. We must get in to see him. But not all of us. Myself, Authnor and Olore I think. She mused a few moments longer, then tersely relayed the plan. The mage and guards stayed with the horses under spells of silence and concealment and she, Authnor and Olore-under similar protection and Olore's own magic, painstakingly gained entry into the Lord's House.
Human guards they passed without incident, as they made their way based on Elestirne's memories, but the elven guards were harder to elude and the elf-queen started to suspect that there were also spells of detection and revealing to thwart intruders. The closer they tried to come to where Elestirne thought Storm might be, the more guards they had to try to elude. And though they could not be seen or heard, except maybe as a vague spell-shimmer, the elven guards nonetheless sensed their presence and they were soon pinpointed and surrounded.
Resigned to and having had half-expected this, Elestirne had Olore remove the veil that had kept them unseen and unheard. They were near a tall window and Elestirne instinctively moved to put her back to it. The sky was just beginning to lighten from the inky dark of night to the pearly grey of earliest dawn. Both she and Authnor remained cloaked and the knight kept protectively in front of her. Though he laid no hand on his sheathed sword, his bearing was tense and alert,gaze watchful. Elestirne stood more or less at ease,with her hood back far enough to show the glitter of her crown and some star-touched midnight tresses. Olore stood unconcerned and inviolate, allowing just enough of a shimmer of silver light to his form and coat that it was clear he was something beyond a normal,mortal horse.
At the expected, terse challenge and brandished weapons, Elestirne answered calmly. "We offer no threats. My companions and I seek he you call lord. We have information he will want to hear and a warning of possible danger. You have nothing to fear from us, on my honor, but it is imperative that we speak to your lord and I am pressed for time. He and I know each other of old and my companions are known to him as well. I and the stallion you should at least be able to guess the identity of. Our names are known in this realm."
Slowly,and deliberatly she eased the silvery hood full back and the pale fingers of new dawn touched her face with soft light,as Authnor carefully followed her lead. Equally deliberately, she unbound the pendant from her wrist and held it out on its chain. "If that is not enough, take this as a token to your lord with the words that the one he knows as 'oselle' and Starbrow is come and wishes to talk to him in confidence regarding one he has thought lost. He will know what is referenced, and the pendant will prove my identity. We will remain here,under your watch,for I well understand the virtue of caution. We shall not move,I assure you."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 26, 2013 14:54:19 GMT -5
Elestirne watched and listened calmly to the spirit's response. In testament to the fury of the blizzard, ice crystals had formed in the elf's hair and eyelashes, sparkling like tiny stars as they slowly melted. Her cheeks had acquired an icy bluish tint as a result of the extreme cold, but were beginning to warm back into their normal tone. A few minor cuts and nicks from the flying ice bled minimally but were already healing. If the elf felt discomfort from either those or the extreme cold she had been exposed to, she gave no sign of it. Her gaze was still as clear, piercing and level as it had been at the beginning of the encounter.
The two females held each other's eyes for a long moment and for the elves that anxiously watched it seemed to them that there was a fleeting resemblance between their queen and the strange spirit. Elestirne’s gaze did not falter even as the scepter flared brightly before resuming the soft, steady glow it had held since they had arrived. The winds kicked up again, whipping hair and mane about, then fell away to show empty space where the spirit had stood.
The guards and Authnor started towards her, but Elestirne held motionless yet, gazing at where the spirit had been. A few crystal tears had caught and frozen on her cheeks but her expression was resolute.
Spirits near always speak true, Olore noted wryly. But they seldom speak directly or clearly. It seems this is true for all spirit-kind, regardless of their origin. As ever, I am with you. Follow your own heart on whether or no you are still resolved on your course. It is your own choice to make. I will not tell you yea or nay for I am not your conscience. There is peril in everything, and not least for trying to aid a friend thought lost and believed in danger.
Elestirne's response was simple and unwavering. "I will not turn back. Honor and loyalty compel me. I would not be accounted faithless and forsworn, and there is my debt to pay. Let us get to the city." She turned to answer the queries of Authnor and the guards and relayed orders in a few words. In a few moments, the company of seven was remounted and riding swiftly for the city.
In only a few moments they had gained the gates and slipped in and Elestirne as they came into the center square, was struck immediately by the absence of the Silvermoon tavern and other differences. Hooded, cloaked and veiled in a bubble of silence and concealment by the slightly stunned mage, the group conferred. At length, Elestirne sent two guards out under concealment spells to listen to talk in the other big tavern and report back with information. The other two, she sent in opposite directions under the same orders and for the same purpose.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 18, 2013 17:15:38 GMT -5
Elestirne reeled after Olore released the true-sight. Though what he had done had been only for an instant, it was still enough to profoundly unsettle and unnerve her. Inwardly, she shook. Her true-self and the ultimate fate that lay in store for her.. She started as Olore touched her cheek, and steadied with an effort,refusing to wipe away the crystalline tear,wich verily did shine like crystal,thanks to the true-sight. She placed her free hand on Olore's neck to ground herself. As always,contact with the stallion soothed her.
She tensed as the indignity of the spirit manifested itself in violent winds, below freezing temperatures and shards of ice. Despite the discomfort-and the memories of another blizzard-Elestirne held fast and refused to draw her cloak closer for warmth. She did though,cast a brief,reproachful glance to Olore.
As fast as it flared up, it ended. The winds ceased, the snow began to melt and the temperature to warm back to spring, except in the area immediently around the kami. Her elves could see her now,and Authnor and another called out with alarmed voices. She did not answer or look back,except to briefly lift her free hand in a warding signal to keep them back.
Hearing the spirit's admisson that Tatsumura was her son did not shock Elestirne as much as it might have another. She had suspected from first meeting the man and seeing his abilities that he wasn't truly mortal. For her own part, though her melodic voice was calm, the tone was as guarded as the spirit's.
"You may find it hard to believe windborn, but that does not make it untrue. I do not speak false. Your son, whom I and others know as Tatsumura, was-is my friend. He has helped me and I in my turn, have helped and aided him. The last time I was in this land three years ago, he came to my aid again,with the best of his ability and was thought lost in the battle that ensued. I slew the demon he had fought, but I still owe a debt. The sceptor has shown me images that cause me to believe your son,my friend,is alive and in need of help. Likely in danger as well. I mean to find him and repay my debt as best as I might. My guilt,and loyalty to friends demands no less. And I will not abandon friends in need. I believe the sceptor will help me find him.
"I seek another friend too,who also might be in danger. He called your son lord and did service to him,after a fashion. If he knew Tatsumura yet lived,he would wish to atone,and to help. I believe him to dwell in the city and the sooner I can find and speak to him,the sooner I can search for Tatsumura. It is also possible that he may have information that will help in my search."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 17, 2013 14:50:54 GMT -5
Elestirne's hair and Olore's long mane and tail were whipped this way and that by the wind but neither seemed bothered, and it did not diminish the soft radiance, one silver-white,the other silver-blue, they exuded.
Guessing from the words used that the spirit meant the scepter, Elestirne answered softly. "It was a gift... From a friend. I think that, possibly, he has reached out through it to call for help. If I can find him...I mean to answer that call.” Noting the spirit’s scrutiny of them, followed by the questions, Elestirne tensed faintly. After a moment, she decided on the simplest answer. “What my people and I are called are elves. We are creatures of light and goodness from a realm far from here. I have known some who look and speak similar to you. You must be what they have called a kami. My companion..." Here she hesitated. Spirit or otherwise,she balked at saying anything of Olore to anyone. Fortunately Olore himself slid in.
Standing at collected attention with tail flagged,neck arched and head high, mane and tail blowing in the wind and snow, he was a magnificent sight.
I have been called kami before,wind-born, by one whom I called wind-walker but it is not what I am. It is he my lady means to help and find and it is he who gave her the sceptor she carries. You too, seek him it seems.
What I am... the stallion's voice changed,becoming deeper;rich with power,authority and majesty. The light limning him grew brighter,too bright for mortal eyes to stand. Briefly-very briefly,for a second,no more, his appearence and Elestirne's changed in the perception of the spirit. The horse-shape wavered,became a ghostly silver outline filled with thousands of stars,mane and tail trailing glittering trails of stardust,his eyes infinite,depthless wells of starry night. Great feathered wings had sprouted from his shoulders and he held them half-furled. I am as you are,windborn, only of the heavens and light. I serve the powers my lady and her people worship and by their order I am bound to the lady elven-queen to be a protecter and companion for all her days. More than this,you need not know. This form...the stallion shrugged his wings, would be considered most unsettling to mortals and they could not handle the truth of it. Especially not her people. Thus I walk in a accepted form, one that is not thought twice of.
Elestirne too, had changed for that second of true sight. Outer trappings had faded away to show a female in flowing silver-white gown. The elusive,eldritch flicker of starry silver in her raven hair was stronger,as had the soothing silver-blue light limning her. Her moon-pale silver eyes had grown both clearer and brighter if that were possible and in her fair face there was a shining light. A starshaped mark in the center of her forehead,previously hidden by her crown,glowed with a soft silvery light and seemed to glitter as though dusted by stardust. And, most telling of all, elegant feathered wings had appeared, held half-furled and dusted with glittering stardust.
The queen trembled,seemed to fight for control for an instant. A glittering tear traced its way down her cheek. Olore stamped a silver hoof and the true-sight vanished. My lady fears her true self and the fate it means for her. She has not told her people or any of it and it is for the best that they see her only as an elf,and queen. It remains secret, until its right time to be unveiled. He bent his head just slightly to nose the queen's cheek lightly,keeping his eyes unwaveringly on the spirit.
Time presses us. We had other errands here than seeking the wind-walker,for my lady believes another friend in danger. We were making for the city when you came, windborn. If you wish us to exchange what we know of the one we both seek,let us do so. The lady's guards must be growing quite anxious about her safety. Things like a winter blizzard in spring always makes mortals most edgy,especially when their queen walked into it alone. And even elves feel the cold. It is most discouteous to cause them discomfort when they have offered no insult or harm beyond an arrow loosed in shock and fear for the sudden appearence Olore's voice was dry, and he tossed his mane with a stamp of hooves and swish of tail.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 16, 2013 19:07:09 GMT -5
The elves had settled into a uneasy rest,dismounting guardedly and setting a watch of the four guards,with six of the seven mounts adding another,loose ring of watch. The mage, the regal woman and the final guard were within the watchring. The guard stood at wary attention,the mage seemed fully in spell-trance. The woman was, if not in trance, obviously deep in thought and the silver-white stallion stood sentinel outside both watchrings. His head was up and he stared unblinking and unmoving,nostrils flared.
When the skies clouded and snow began falling,turning spring to winter in a instant, the silver stallion snorted. An instant later,the snorts of the other horses and one guard's cry echoed the alarm. In the watch-ring the lady tensed and rose fluidly to her feet;slender hands dropping guardedly to the swords on her hips. All eyes,elven and equine fixed unerringly on the exotic woman that had appeared a few yards away. The guards reacted immediently, drawing swords. One loosed an arrow,which fell to sparkling snowflakes. The horses snorted aggressively,pawing the ground,but waited on their masters's orders for now.
"Hold!." The command came sharp and authoritave. The lead guard and the lady had pushed past the ring for a better look. It was the guard that had spoken. Though his sword was drawn, he held it tip towards the ground. The lady carried a glowing sceptor of ice in one hand and she herself,seemed to shimmer faintly,subtly. As the silver stallion stepped to her side,he also seemed touched with an otherwrdly shimmer. The lady put her free hand on his neck, took in the glowing sceptor, then directed her moon-pale eyes to the strange woman. As one, she and the stallion moved forward a single,deliberate step, both holdinf the woman's eyes. Authnor started to protest but Elestirne's body laguage caused him to bite it off mid-syllablle.
Elestirne and Olore took a wise moment to carefully and critically assess the intruder. The control of snow and wind, the otherwordly beauty and paleness, the fact that she had hovered above ground before touching earth,the indifference to the sudden cold and the transmutation of the arrow..the glowing sceptor, and both Elestirne's and Olore's own inner reactions.. Both reached the same conclusion. Spirit... Olore noted. powerful, and stricken. She looks like the wind-walker,and his kind. Something must have drawn her here.
Reflectively, both dropped their gazes to the glowing sceptor. The elven queen took that in, recalled the word the spirit had spoken-undoubtedly a name,laced with strong grief,loss and confusion-and on the familiarity and similiarity of the woman's face. Not racially,though there was that too, but of family perhaps? Noting how the spirit's eyes also seemed to focus on the sceptor, Elestirne made a conclusion. She is connected to Tatsumura... She could help..or I might help her.
Raising her clear moon-pale silver eyes back to the spirit's ice blue ones, she raised the hand holding the sceptor slowly and calmly called out to her people in a low voice. "Stay back for now, do nothing. Olore stepped forward one single more step and the faint silver luminescence about him grew more definitive, though the guards could not see because of the blowing snow. His depthless,starry blue eyes shone and his very bearing radiated calm,power,light,serenity and goodness. Elestirne,at the stallion's shoulder, raised her hands to the side and palm out in a gesture of peace.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 12, 2013 18:53:17 GMT -5
Authnor was quick to react. He ordered the councillers out and called for bandages and tea. After getting her to let go of the sceptor, he tended to her cuts quickly and efficiently, overriding her protests that it wasn't necessary. Once her hands had been seen to the knight let her be,watching her keenly. Curiousity proved stronger than patience though and he spoke. "What happened?"
She eyed him steadily. "Tatsumura is alive."
The knight shook his head, his tone gentle. "He fell fighting that fiend Telemon. Three years ago."
This time, she shook her head. "It was assumed. Never proven. No body was found. He is alive. The sceptor...is connected to him somehow... He is in danger. So is Storm,possibly. I have no choice. I have to go." As he started to protest, she was already raising a bandaged hand to head it off. "I have to go Authnor. You don't have to like it. Just deal with it."
His jaw worked, eyes flashing and hands clenching-preparing to argue-but eventually his shoulders sagged in defeat. He sighed and bowed his head resignedly. "I should know better by now. But over my dead corpse are you going alone my queen. I will not hear of it. It's too dangerous."
She managed a grim smile. "Stubborn... All life is dangerous old friend. Have it your way though. If you insist, you had better get ready. No guards or escort though-I don't want to attract attention." Catching his dark look and the unspoken protest she relented. "Very well.. A few. Only. And a skilled mage. Make arrangements and be swift. Mind that I want to travel secretely, incognito. I cannot know what we will find in Mittelmarch when we arrive. Go. See to it."
Authnor snapped a salute and deep bow, and left. She could hear him issueing curt orders all down the corridor. She leaned back against the throne, bandaged hands coming to her temples, and felt Olore's silken muzzle whisper against her cheek. Hold fast lady. Let us walk the path one step at a time. We shall seek out Storm as soon as we arrive. Elestirne managed a wan smile, and lowered one hand to pat the stallion's cheek. He responded with a small nuzzle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The small group of riders milled about uneasily at the edge of a forest. Some miles away they could see the great gates of a city wall. Seven in number, their mounts chafed and stamped in the last shreds of swirling mist, bridles jingling faintly. Cloaked and hooded to a one in silver-grey, it was impossible to tell their race and gender. Save for one.
Mounted on by far the best mount, a magnificent silver-white stallion with eyes of starry night, this rider's hood had slipped a bit, revealing hair dark as midnight shadows touched by an eldritch flicker of starry silver. Eyes of pale,clear silver the color of moonbeams surveyed the surroundings critically. After a moment, the night-dark head nodded and a slender hand drew the hood off; revealing pointed ears and a crown of woven silver ornamented by diamonds and a single flawless moonstone.
"We are here. Let us rest a moment,then we can make for the city." The voice was that of a woman's, but far more lilting and musical than any human's. The moon-pale silver eyes darkened as she gazed towards the city. The silver stallion under her tossed his mane with a stamp as her elven fellows also drew back their hoods.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Apr 11, 2013 18:54:18 GMT -5
Elestirne sat on her throne, with Olore on the dais at her side and Authnor close by. It had been perhaps half a week since the first storm of spring and by now the news about her vision had reached Authnor and the council. Predictably there had been an outcry. Since that night, she had taken to carrying the sceptor around with her in the hope that it might reveal something more. It lay in her lap now, glowing slightly. She was no nearer an answer though, for all that she had taken to meditating nightly with just that hope in mind.
Authnor and the council had taken to believing that what the sceptor had 'shown' her had not been vision, merely a recording of its owner's last moments. For all of their belief in that theory, no one could explain why the sceptor persisted in glowing. Elestirne's own suspicion was that Tatsumura was somehow, impossibly, alive. She had no proof, but could not explain the strong feeling that nagged at her- a feeling, she now realized,had been at the edge of her consciousness since Tatsumura's 'fall'. Instinct told her that she was needed, that the vision from the sceptor had been a cry for help. And yet... a large part of her balked at the idea of returning to Mittelmarch.
Her physical injuries from that last adventure were long healed of course, but the mental and emotional wounds she still carried. Namely, her guilt over Tatsumura's fall and Telemon's death at her hands, as well as the deeper part of herself that she had had to tap into to win the fight with Telemon. Lightly, she tapped the sceptor with her nails, listening to Authnor and the others with half an ear. Her clear eyes were dark and her expression thoughtful.
Between one moment and the next , all changed. The sceptor flared with light, eliciting a sharp,startled cry from her. The others turned towards her in alarm, but she did not hear their queries. There were flickers of images that slowly solidified into a scene-what looked like two guards,a pit, and an odd,watery figure. She watched as the figure killed one guard and spoke. The language was known to her,though she did not speak it. It was spoken by the samurai of Tatsumura's Kyuden. Words drifted up to her dimly but the only one she heard with surety was 'katana'.
A sort of shock jolted through her, and an image crystallized in her mind: a swordhilt,wrapped with a silver horse-hair. A katana swordhilt. Her mind made a leap of understanding. The creature sought a katana, and something in her connected it to Tatsumura. Something bred familiarity..the command of ice..some tint to the voice.. Her mind made another leap, reasoning that if this creature was connected to Tatsumura, then the samurai lord was not only alive, but in danger. But if this creature also sought a katana.. Her blood ran cold. Storm...
This was the sign she had awaited. Here was the proof that she was indeed needed. Not only was a friend thought lost in need,possibly hunted, but her oathbrother was-if she was right-also in danger. Despite what she may feel,despite her misgivings, she knew now that she had no choice but to return. And there was the nagging feeling that the creature knew of her...
She came to to find herself slumped in the throne, her head leaning listlessly on her shoulder. She still held the sceptor,clenched tightly in white-knuckled hands. Trickles of blood seeped up between her knuckles and down past her wrists. It was a long moment before she registered Authnor, sword drawn, kneeling at her side and the rest of the councillers hovering nearby, worry-and fear-plain in their faces. Olore, as ever, stood at her side. He had stretched out his neck so that his head was in line with her shoulder. His pure aura soothed and shielded after the menace sensed from the water-shape. Elestirne?
"I have to go back..." She was barely aware of her own voice. "I am needed..called. Danger threatens friends.." Then, so soft, even she barely heard herself. "He is alive... I have a debt to repay..."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 28, 2013 15:25:02 GMT -5
The elf woke suddenly out of sleep,startled out of dreams. Heart thudding, she scanned the room warily, trying to discern what had wakened her. Thunder boomed and lightning flashed,heralding the spring storm that was sweeping in. The soft moonlight lighting the room,filtered through the curtains, flickered and shifted as the stormclouds gathered and built outside. All was as it should be and yet a nagging unease pricked at her. Rising, she robed and dressed silently and left the room; pulled by the nagging unease that something was not in order. Before she had gone two steps down the stairs there was a shimmer of silver and a magnificent stallion appeared at her side. Silently, he accompanied her as she gained the ground floor and moved unerringly for the Hall of Memory.
As the pair entered the Hall the strange pull on the elf increased threefold. Still silent, she drifted past the alcoves and pedestals holding artifacts and weapons of past ages and heroes, set between masterfully painted murals depicting events from the realm's history and mythology. Sparing not a glance at any of these, she moved unerringly for a far corner alcove where light was shining that was not from the nearest elven lantern. As they drew up before it it was shown to emanate from a sceptor that seemed wrought of pure ice.
A storm of emotions assailed the elf as soon as she saw the source of the light and her fair features creased into a frown. Memories swirled around her, deepening the frown. This sceptor had belonged to a lord she had known, a lord of men. It had been meant for her, but she had never understood why. She had kept the sceptor though,in memory. Her eyes clouded as she recalled how the sceptor had come to her hand.
Three years ago,as mortals reckoned things, had been her last visit to the land known as Mittelmarch,and her last adventure there. She winced visibly. Three years since the battle with the sorcerer Telamon,and the fall of Tatsumura. The samurai lord had fallen in battle with Telamon shortly before she had won free of her captivity and battled the demon-tainted sorcerer herself,despite weakness and many wounds. She had triumphed in that battle,but it had been a near thing and she did not like reflecting on it. No trace had ever been found of Tatsumura, so he had been assumed dead. Nothing, but for a broken hilt wrapped with a single silver horse-hair. No sign but that and now, perhaps,this glowing sceptor,which had never glowed before. She eyed it uncertainly,but could not deny the pull that still tugged at her and reached out.
The moment her slender fingers closed around the sceptor,something akin to a shock jolted up the full length of the elf's arm. For a brief moment,all her surroundings fell away. She saw a tall,lordly man battling a demonic-looking elf amid a raging blizzard of snow,ice and magic, then the image changed to a face. Gaunt,but proud and noble it was surrounded by immense amounts of straggly black hair. The face was familiar, especially the intense violet eyes,and astonishment coursed through the elven queen as she recognized it. It cannot be...
Elestirne? Olore nosed her cheek lightly. What is it?
The queen's hand clenched convulsively on the ice sceptor and she held that position a long moment,frozen in shock. When the silver stallion nosed her again,her free hand came to his muzzle and she stroked it briefly.
"If what I saw is true..." Her voice was musing,troubled. "One thought lost may have just tried to reach out. What the message may be though,is beyond me to say at this time. I sense I may once again be needed,to aid a friend." Clear silver eyes the color of moonbeams darkened. "But there is no way to be sure. Authnor is not going to like this."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 19, 2012 13:46:40 GMT -5
Authnor was only half-aware of Tigron rushing to the human form stirring on the other side of the fire, and of Tsukasa and the elves-some bloodied-crossing the ring as well. His attention was focused solely on his queen. She was still refusing his efforts to lift her so he settled for crouching at her side. Noticing the reborn approaching fast-and naked as a newborn babe-the warrior swiftly slid in front of Elestirne defensively as the reborn reached them and went to his knees, weeping. Authnor put a hand to his sword-hilt gaurdedly, casting Tigron a dark look as the man came up behind his brother. Behind him, the warrior sensed Olore getting up and edged warily to the side at the stallion's snort, hand still warily on hilt. He looked hard at both Tigron and the reborn as Tigron also knelt and spoke, before turning his attention back to the queen. What he could see of her face through the veil of hair was drawn with pain and weariness. He turned his gaze back on Tigron as the man addressed him.
"It is not my habit to give my respect or friendship to those that have not earned it," Authnor said coolly. "What you hope for depends heavily on your actions. But I see now your dedication to your brother and Tsukasa has helped me to see things in a different light. I see also that, whatever he once was, he is now a man. But the fact remains that it seems to have cost my queen dearly to work this rebirth for him." He felt something silky brush his arm and looked down. Elestirne had at last lifted her head, and her long hair had cascaded back. She looked at him, then took in Tigron and the reborn.
"Restoring a life unjustly taken incurs no debt,"she said quietly,answering the man. "It is the proper righting of balanceand the sanctity of nature. Thank the gods Tigron, for allowing your brother to be restored. It is they that hold the power of the gift of life, not I." Her melodic voice was weary and pained. "I am merely responsible for freeing him of taint and evil so that he could be restored to what he was. And I do not understand why you say the lich hated me most." She looked at the reborn now,faintly stern. "You should not have tried to help me Adguin. But what is done is done. And I have willingly paid the price demanded." "What price?" Authnor became at once heavily suspicious and concerned.
Elestirne looked at him steadily. "What healing has occured to my injuries has been revoked. Reversed. They are as they were the day they were recieved, with the exception of the gash. The ritual required the caster to give something as well. A sacrifice of sorts in return for the gift being asked. I chose to give the energy at work healing my wounds. They can wait to be healed. Adguin could not wait to be helped." The elven-queen drew in a shallow, pained breath. "My price is small for what was granted. Now we must decide what to do next."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Sept 2, 2011 16:37:48 GMT -5
Elestirne stirred a little, painfully, as awareness came back to her. Her vision was doubled and blurred so she did not move, staying as she had crumpled at the ritual’s close; on her knees with head bowed and hands limp in her lap. Her injuries and the gash seared her like fire but she tried to push the pain away. She knelt quietly, allowing her mind to replay the ritual. Drawing the lich-remnant out had been a little more difficult than she had thought, but it had come, and then attacked once it realized it could not escape the circle. She had repelled it thanks to Olore and her own secret lineage, and it had been banished and weakened to the point where it was no more threat. Fighting with it had taken its toll on her energy though. It might have been easier if the still trapped soul hadn’t decided to try to help and distract both the lich and her. Perhaps it had been an unconscious reaction though. The soul had instinctively latched on to her in the inn when she had interceded between the two to stabilize the dagger’s magic. Maybe it had thought her in danger and desired to protect and help. In any case, the lich-remnant had been firmly dealt with and she had proceeded immediately to the ‘true’ part of the ritual; drawing out, purifying, and redeeming the lost soul, appealing to the gods to restore life unfairly taken and allow a second chance .
Slowly, she had shaped the magic; drawing the soul out and, after purifying it, calling the kinblood and bits of the four elements to join with it and allow what would be, be. Faintly, the invocation she had used came back to her; the words ringing with power and magic. By life of water and quickening of fire. By breath of air, strength of earth and bond of blood, take your natural form. Return to the life you were reft of, and live again. May evil nevermore have power over or taint you. Banish the night of your past, and look towards the dawn of your future. Be reborn. Be Adguin Laingul! The light and magic had flared then, and all strength had fled her. Her vision had turned white and she had only half-seen a human form coalescing out of the blood and elements as she had collapsed weakly to her knees.
Dimly now, she was aware of someone kneeling at her side, touching her shoulder, then gently trying to raise her to her feet. She knew it had to be Authnor and stirred weakly, shaking her head with effort. “No… Leave me. Don’t worry about me. See to the other…” The knight stopped trying to raise her, but she sensed him still at her side. She raised her head alittle, her vision clearing, and saw the knight staring warily across the dead fire at the form stirring there,sword drawn. "Be at peace Authnor," she murmured softly. "There is no threat. It is the reborn."
Feeling Olore's soothing, familiar presence approaching she reached out her right hand and connected with a muscled neck as the silver stallion folded his legs to lay besides her;her swords,crown and necklace appearing in her lap an instant later by his magic. Arkwardly, she drew the necklace over her head,the pendant settling instantly in the hollow of her throat,then replaced the crown before any of the elves Authnor had posted around the glade came up and saw her starmark. She wasn't ready for the questions that would result if they saw it.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 31, 2011 16:25:32 GMT -5
Uneasily Authnor watched as his queen closed the salt circle carefully, then turned and slowly walked to the fire ring, where the kinblood, dagger and pitcher waited. Taking the silver pitcher gingerly with her right hand she filled it from the spring and slowly and carefully raised it above her head and upended it. The water sparkled as it cascaded out but did not touch her, only outlining her form like a sparkling mantle. She made a small gesture, her lips moving in a quiet chant. Water spiraled up from the spring and descended on the fire in a soft mist. Immediately, thick steam rose up with a hiss, the coals glowing.
Elestirne placed the bowl and dagger on the coals and immediently began another chant. The salt-ring, the area within and Elestirne herself-including her starmark-all began to glow softly. The glow brightened and as the chant continued it occurred to Authnor that it had become commanding. As he watched it seemed to him that a shadow was drawn ever so slowly out of the dagger’s jewel. He could feel the taint of its evil even through the protective circle. He tensed, watching. The lich-remnant seemed to seek an escape but could not circumfrent the circle.
With a bone-chilling howl, it turned on the chanting elven-queen. Authnor heard scattered bits of fighting along the unseen circle of elves surrounding the glade but it was Elestirne’s shrill scream of pain that moved him. Furiously, he drew his sword and started forward without thinking. Before he got two steps a stunning blow knocked him sprawling.
Recovering quickly, the knight scrambled to his knees, clutching for his sword, and looked up with a snarl. He found Olore facing him, eyes glowing and ears flat against his skull. Authnor eyed him warily. It will be death for you or any other to cross the circle, the stallion reminded pointedly. Hold Authnor Knight-Protector. You cannot serve your queen dead. With a second wordless snarl, Authnor retrieved and sheathed his sword, then picked himself up. Fuming, he did not try to move for the circle again but stood seething.
A second scream-more of a wail-sounded but to his relief it did not have Elestirne’s voice. Authnor looked past the blocking Olore to see the lich-remnant-apparently repelled by Elestirne’s purity-wavering and flickering. The queen was still chanting- if raggedly and weakly-and there was unmistakable power and command in it. The remnant flickered some more, then disappeared. Elestirne, Authnor was alarmed to see, seemed pale and unsteady; swaying slightly with bowed head and ragged breathing. Almost Authnor started towards her again but a glance at Olore made him think twice.
Slowly a melody rose up, becoming a soft song. The gentle glow of the ring seemed to brighten and the song grew louder. It was in the wood elven tongue, which Authnor could not speak, but somehow he understood that it was a request for new life, a plea for a second chance, to restore something that had been unfairly taken. The song shifted to a chant, became an invoking, a calling, and the soft glow intensified suddenly. Authnor caught a glimpse of Elestirne, standing tall and straight once more, if with effort; her loose hair swirling around her form like a river of star-dusted midnight though there was no wind. She stood with eyes closed and both arms raised to the heavens-the knight could only imagine the pain that was causing her-with palms facing outwards, as of a priestess making an offering. The glow in the circle brightened and the starmark flared on her forehead. The song swelled. Before the light grew too bright Authnor thought he saw something luminous drawn out of the gem. Blood rose out of the bowl to spiral around it, along with bits of dust, air, water and fire. It then seemed to coalesce into a form but the glow was now too bright to see and he could not be sure of what he had thought he had seen. Elestirne cried out once and then there was sudden silence. Slowly, the glow dimmed and vanished.
Once he could see again, Authnor leveled a angry look to Olore. The silver stallion answered nothing to Authnor’s unspoken challenge and raised no protest, so the knight rudely pushed past him; charging across the ring into the circle with his sword drawn. It was eerily silent within, the area dim and hazy. Magic lay thick in the air still. After a moment, Authnor spotted Elestirne and rushed to her. She had collapsed to her knees with head bowed and hands limp in her lap, long hair hiding her face and pooling on the ground. On the other side of the fire another form was stirring but Authnor thought only for his queen. He touched her shoulder lightly and was immensely relieved when there was a weak shudder in answer. She stirred listlessly as he attempted, very gently, to move her, and shook her head with effort. “No… Leave me. Don't worry about me. See to the other...”
Authnor stopped trying to raise her to her feet, but did not move away;staying right at her side and warily watching the other form that was stirring on the other side of the dead fire. It looked human...but he wasn't willing to let his guard down.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 23, 2011 17:07:28 GMT -5
"Perhaps more than you understand," Elestirne said carefully, after weighing Tsukasa's words. "But perhaps you will have the opportunity to after seeing my realm and people. We can speak of it later however. As I said, now is not the time. Perhaps after the ritual." Once again an unmistakable shadow clouded the elf-queen's fair features. She met Tsukasa's gaze directly before dipping her head a little at his words. "I am glad for your sake that you accept the condition, even if you may not understand it. We will indeed talk more later. For now...we should begin preparing and gathering materials for the ritual. I need to talk to Tigron more about his part in this, contemplate the spells that will be used and cleanse myself. The rest of the day until this evening is yours to spend as you will, both of you, as long as you come to the glade at the appointed time." Once more the elven-queen dipped her head to Tsukasa slightly, then to Authnor as well. "I shall see you both then." With that, she moved off leaving the two alone.
Authnor watched her until she was out of sight, noticing her weariness, pain, and uneasiness even if she had sought to hide it, then turned to Tsukasa, his face faintly troubled. "For my part, I too, am glad that you have accepted the condition, and that she has graciously granted your request. I look forward to learning more of your people and culture, as long as you are willing to tell of them. But we have more pressing things to attend to presently. No constraints are laid on you, but I must gather those I have selected and speak to them concerning this evening and their role in it, and gather that which can be gathered to help prepare the site for my lady. If you should need or wish to speak with me, find me." The knight offered a small, short bow and dip of the head. "Until this eve Tsukasa."
Several hours later…
Authnor stood uncertainly after returning from placing the dozen elves he had selected in various places in a rough circle about the glade. If anything evil approached they would know about it. He glanced uneasily to Elestirne. The queen was standing a short way off, talking to Tigron and Olore in a low voice. All was nearly ready. The salt ring was drawn, but not completed, and a smaller ring of fire was burning in nearly the exact center of it. The bowl of kinblood, the jeweled dagger containing the trapped soul and a silver pitcher all stood ready near the fire. As did, surprisingly, what looked like some simple clothes. The knight dismissed that curiosity with a shake of his head and focused on his queen.
She was clad only in a flowing silvery gown, barefoot and with her long hair loose and unbound. Her broken arm and shattered hand had been removed from both splint and sling, despite vehement protests, as had some of the bandaging on her cracked ribs and the gash in her side. Her crown, necklace and swords she had all removed and placed near Olore. The silvery starmark on her forehead glinted faintly. To his concerned gaze she seemed gaunt and pale. Weariness and pain seemed to drape her like a cloak, shadowed her eyes, but she held herself tall and straight. He found himself wondering if she had rested at all and what sort of toll this would have on her. Despite the knowledge that she could not die or be killed-was forbidden from it-and her assurances he remained uneasy. He caught and shared a glance with Tsukasa, sensing the man shared his concerns.
It was then that the queen approached him and he took his gaze from Tsukasa to focus on her. She came to a halt a few feet away and seemed to regard him critically with her piercing gaze. Her expression was hard to read but she seemed at once worried and gravely solemn. Her gaze released him to slide to Tsukasa and a small bit of thoughtfulness touched the worried cast of her features. “I have words for both of you,” she said. “In case you have forgotten what I said this morning , it shall be death to cross the salt ring after it is joined and the ritual begun. That is to be taken literally. Any other living thing in the circle while the ritual is in progress will confuse the soul. Or draw the lich-remnant to you in hopes of having a new host. At the very least. Therefore you must not cross the circle after it is joined. Not for any reason, or perceived danger to me. It is not worth your lives and I do not want your blood on my hands, or the deaths of innocents on my soul.”
Her silver gaze caught and held Authnor specifically, intensely bright. Unable to meet it, Authnor looked away uneasily, but she trapped him with it again. “Not for any reason, you must understand. So no Authnor, you may not guard and watch me personally as I do this. As you no doubt were hoping.” Her tone softened. “You both know my curse. I am in no true danger from this. Look to yourselves. Whatever undead yet remain might be drawn to this place when the lich-remnant is drawn out of the jewel.” She surveyed both with a faintly raised eyebrow, waiting. Authnor started to protest, but glanced to Tsukasa; wanting to see his reaction to this.
Before either could say anything, Olore intervened. There will be time for talk after. The sooner this is done, the sooner it is over. Elestirne nodded and turned from the two to cross into the ring. "Keep them at a safe distance my friend, until you know it is safe." The silver stallion nodded.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 13, 2011 12:38:11 GMT -5
Another glance to Authnor, Elestirne noticed with keen interest. Whatever the two had spoken of last night must have been of great interest, or at least had an effect upon Tsukasa. And his words about learning from him and him learning a lot from them…Elestirne’s expression turned thoughtful; considering. She had learned something from every mortal she had allowed into the realm. There was always something to learn in this wide, ever-changing world. And it was good for her people to see and directly interact with mortals, to see that they were people who lived and loved and thought; that not all of them were greedy, power-hungry, selfish or evil as many stories told. The faintest of smiles touched the elven-queen’s face. Each mortal was highly individual, as was each elf. Time some of the more xenophobic of her people realize and accept that. And there was no doubt that Tsukasa would learn and see much in his time with them.
It would be interesting to have a true samurai visit-she had been intrigued with some of the similarities she had noticed between this particular mortal culture and her own ever since first visiting the Shogunate. The love of beauty and art, the deep sense of honor, courtesy and loyalty…they were wholly unlike other mortal cultures… What was the word? Foreign? Yes, it would be most interesting to have one of this foreign, intriguing culture visit for a time. She would be sure to have any information learned put down to parchment and added to the library’s resources on mortals and their cultures and ways, as had become her habit for anything new she or her elves learned about mortals in their travels. And Tsukasa had more than proven himself to be of both good heart and good intent. Elestirne nodded slightly to herself. Yes, she would grant this. He had earned it by his actions. Though…perhaps there was another reason he asked, other than simply a desire to explore and learn about her people and their culture… She had a suspicion what it could be but decided not to raise it.
“I shall grant your request Tsukasa,” she said at last. “You are welcome to accompany us back to Artanor when we depart if you still desire to. I admit I have been intrigued by those that call themselves samurai ever since first visiting Lord Tatsumura’s Shogunate.” Briefly, a hint of deep sorrow and pain ghosted across her face. “I welcome the opportunity to learn more about the people and culture. And you no doubt will learn much about my people and our culture, and of elves in general likely. But I should forewarn you that much of what you see or observe in our society is likely to be very different from the way things are here in Mittelmarch, or even your homeland. Certain things you will not see at all, for they have no place in our way of life and culture.”
She appraised him searchingly. “We can speak on it more later perhaps. Now is not the proper time. But as for the length of your stay…it is yours to choose. If you come as a guest, you depart as a guest and thus we have no right to hold you if you wish to depart. But I am not likely to return to Mittelmarch unless they have need of me, so you will need to find your own way back to this land when you decide to. You would not be a burden-neither to me nor to my people-as long as you are respectful and polite. But most of my people speak only our tongue, so you would likely need a translator and possibly a guide if you decide to explore on your own. Once I return to my realm I will have duties that will take up my time-Authnor as well-so we will not always be available to help you.”
Her expression and tone suddenly turned grim and solemn. “I lay a condition upon the privilege of accompanying us back to my realm however. And I have asked this of all who have been allowed to pass the wards that surround and protect the realm. Even Storm. If you come back with us, if you pass the wards and stay with us, you must agree never to reveal the location of the realm, or the way there-save with permission or at extreme need-and you must agree never to bring harm, strife or evil to the realm, it people or its monarch.” Elestirne’s silver gaze had grown piercingly bright, focused intently on Tsukasa. “I realize what I ask may seem strange to you but I am firm on it.” She watched the warrior, wondering how he would react. Besides her, Authnor had grown watchful and attentive, the elven knight equally curious to see Tsukasa’s reaction and answer.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 4, 2011 14:53:56 GMT -5
At the samurai's words, Elestirne again cast a glance to Authnor. The elven knight stayed carefully expressionless but she thought he seemed faintly chagrined, or even humbled. She might have to ask him later just what he and Tsukasa spoke about. Part of it likely had to do with the ritual and her. She had not missed the looks they had been giving her and she knew still he did not like the idea and saw only the lich, not the victim... Perhaps Tsukasa had helped Authnor to look at the situation in a different way. The knight did tend to be rigid in his view of good and evil, though he had begun to be more accepting of the shades of grey involved in every situation.
She returned her attention and gaze to Tsukasa just as the samurai delivered his request. It surprised her enough that she came to a halt. For a long moment she stood unmoving, her expression unreadable.
"You ask something that is not often done," the elven queen said at last, slowly. "In the two and a half decades that have passed since I first took the throne and crown, only a handful of men have been allowed in the realm. Perhaps only four or five. Storm is one so privileged. Before I took the throne, none had seen or set foot inside the realm for millennia." Her eyes darkened briefly, but she shook her head faintly and the moment passed. She looked at Tsukasa searchingly. "If I grant this...it will be because I feel you have proven yourself worthy of the privilege-and the trust. And perhaps you have. But it is not a thing to ask lightly.” Her expression became thoughtful and it was another long moment before she spoke again. “I would know why you ask this and if there is some reason more than what you have said. If you simply wish to learn about elves…Mittelmarch has elves. We of Artanor are…different from most elves… It is a long way to my realm Tsukasa, even with aid of the mists, and we would likely leave as soon as I recover from the ritual. I am beginning to feel it is time my elves and I head home. We have done enough here, I have done enough. Mittelmarch’s need for us is past now and so our time to be here is past. Do you have any other reason to ask this Tsukasa? And I must wonder how long you would plan to stay with us.” Elestirne held the samurai’s gaze firmly,waiting.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 2, 2011 19:40:51 GMT -5
Elestirne's silver gaze held Tsukasa for a long moment before flickering to Authnor as she wondered just what the samurai wanted to speak about with her that he had already discussed with Authnor, and whether this had been one of the things that they had spoken on last night. Next she glanced to Olore. The eldritch being's starry blue eyes twinkled with a knowing glint and he tossed his mane. So. He knew of it too. Possibly he had listened in on them last night. Reassured, she turned her gaze back to the samurai. "Very well," she said after a moment. Turning to Tigron, she politely excused herself and then nodded to Tsukasa, one hand on Olore's neck. "I would like to hear what you would have to say, since Olore and Authnor seem already to know."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 2, 2011 19:12:36 GMT -5
Elestirne cast Authnor a swift, piercing gaze at his words to Tsukasa, wondering what the two of them could have said to each other last night. but let the matter lie without comment. Her gaze shifted instead back to Tsukasa as he continued.
"If you wish to have a part of this it is your own free choice and I will not ask it of you," she said at last. "Perhaps you could assist Authnor and my escort in gathering the wood and salt, or in forming the ring of defense against any unwelcome visitors that might be drawn to the lich-remnant or the magic. Or aid in any other way that might occur to you. But such must be your own choice." She gave him a piercing, searching glance-wondering what he thought of what he had heard about the ritual, particularily the last part of her words-but again made no comment.
His final words though, caused her to blink slowly in surprise. She glanced briefly to Olore, then rose slowly and regally from her seat, leaving the table to stand before Tsukasa. Her silver eyes held a look of speculative curiousity. "It is no burden to lend an ear when politely requested. If you wish that we speak in private we shall." Without looking, she waved Authnor to sit. The elven-knight had half-risen from his seat. "Stay Authnor. Tsukasa wishes to speak to me in private and he will be given that courtesy."
Returning her attention to the samurai,she gestured with the unbound hand to the door. "Let us walk then and let me hear the words you would speak. It would be good to walk in the free air and sunlight." The elven queen adjusted her swords on her hips and cast an uneasy glance towards Tigron and the dagger he carried. "Perhaps it will free my mind for awhile of the task that awaits me." She regarded Tsukasa calmly. "Lead on."
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