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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 15, 2007 21:20:59 GMT -5
Olore waited patiently as the group readied and came together. Aside from Nichtmar,Strays, Storm and Tatsumura there were four other warriors accompanying which-including Olore himself-brought their total to nine. This added number satisfied the silver stallion and eased his mind. They were still a small group,but now they would be better able to meet any danger that might threaten. And they were traveling light too...good. The stallion nodded very slightly to himself, then abruptly swung his head around from his gaze on the mountains as the sound of galloping hooves reached his keen ears. A familiar pony came into sight,with a familiar dwarf swaying listlessly in the saddle. Before Olore could move though,an arrow sang from a sentry's bow and imbedded itself into Baethor's shield,causing the dwarf to fall from the saddle.
The stallion watched as Nichtmar went to Baethor,picked him up, and carried him inside Mittelmarch. He watched,but he did not follow;knowing Nichtmar would return. Tatsumura went with the ogre. My lady can heal Baethor when we recover her...he thought to himself. Soon enough,Nichtmar and Tatsumura came back and mounted up. Olore nodded to Nichtmar as the ogre called for him to lead,and moved out imedientally at a smooth,ground-covering trot;the bells on his bridle and harness ringing softly. The pace was swift,but gentle enough for the others to keep up without too much difficulty,as they fell into line behind him. His fine head instinctively turned to the north,towards the mountains,and in that direction he went. He sensed Tatsumura trying to clear his mind and strengthen the connection, and he sent a thought to the man;gentle,but firm at the same time. Do not try to connect with me until you are ready. Conserve thine strength for now.
He was aware of Tatsumura and Nichtmar as the two began to talk of the land,and he listened with interest-though only half an ear-as the grop continued on their way along the path he had chosen. He was a little distance ahead of them,but not so far ahead that he could not be easily seen. The light,but distinct musical ringing of his bells further insured that the group could not lose track of him even if they did lose sight of him.
They had been traveling for perhaps an hour or a little longer when Olore felt a tug on his mind and a familiar, anxiously awaited voice whispered to him faintly but definetly. Olore...?
The silver stallion dug in his hooves and came to an abrupt halt with a nicker of mingled joy,relief and disbelief. He wanted to rear and trumpet his happiness at the familiar contact-but knew that would only alarm the group. Instead,he kept his limbs firmly on the ground-after some brief dancing in place-and he sent his thoughts back with relieved happiness,albeit with an undercurrent of anxiety and concern. My lady,Elestirne, I am here! Where are you? Have you been hurt? Anxiously,he awaited her reply;one silver forehoof pawing at the ground nervously.
His demeanor changed visibly for the long-awaited contact. The forlorn sadness disappeared;replaced by determination and enegy. His deep eyes shone as he raised his fine head and arched his neck. The light filtering through the trees lended a shimmering effect to his silver coat and a depthless,otherwordly quality to his luminous, dark blue-black eyes as he turned to face the group,which was catching up.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 16, 2007 23:24:26 GMT -5
Elestirne did not take her penetrating gaze from Telemachus for an instant, not even as he twirled the staff and brought it to a halt inches from her hand. Her lovely eyes only narrowed more at his words;glinting briefly. Still she did not move to take the staff.
"I asked why you attempt to tempt me Telemachus." Her voice was level and cool. "I said nothing about your attempt succeeding. You have not answered that question and I must ask again:why do you attempt to tempt me? Is having me on your side so important,so crucial to you,to your cause that you must resort to tempting me before I even consider your offer" Her grey eyes flickered briefly as Telemachus glided closer to her,then glinted again,brighter than before. She watched him warily. Having him so close made her uneasy but she would not step back and let him see her discomfort.
"So you do feel that you need my strength and power in order to overpower Grish'nak and assume control of Mittelmarch... As for the staff... a 'taste of what could be mine'...what practical use have I for new power over a land so far from my own, and which seems to be running well enough under its current state of government?" She paused briefly,silver-grey eyes lancing into his.
"You speak of being Elven Telemachus, and say you desire me to be thine queen and equal...but already you err and have shown a forgetting of elven ways. If you truly desire me for your queen and equal and value me for more than my power..."here her eyes glinted again."then you would do well to press your suit better and court me with far more grace and courtesy than you have yet shown-starting with telling me where we are-and not resort to trying to tempt or co-erce me into agreeing.
"Also you must show me that this change of power you propose..your taking charge..will be best for this land and its people and not harm or have an negative impact on either,nor upset its balance. Also..why do you feel it must be the Elven to guide this land into its future and not one of its own people? We are stangers here. They are not;they know the land,and love and care for it. Should they not be the ones to decide its future?"
Briskly,she spun away from him and glided to the balcony. Her silvered midnight hair streamed out behind her and the hem of her dress snapped in the brisk breeze,which carried her voice back to Telemachus. "It is not the way of elven-kind to seek to be domineering over people and lands not our own-not even over those that are our owm. That is the nature of mortals:seeking to rule,conquer and have power over whatever they can;to covet and desire to possess that which they cannot or do not have. Those of elven-kind should be satisfied with what we have and should not seek to possess that which is another's or that which we are not meant to have. Why do you wish to posses and control this land which is not yours? Why can you not let it and its people be in peace?"
As she stood there at the balcony Olore's voice suddenly resounded in her mind; full of concern and anxiety. My lady,Elestirne,I am here! Where are you? Have you been harmed?
Nearly the full force of his will was in the stallion's sending and its consequent force and intensity almost overcame Elestirne. She winced briefly-both from the pain the force in Olore's sending had caused her, and fom that of the insistent poison still lingering in her blood. Though every bit as relieved as Olore to have regained contact she did not allow her emotions to go beyond her control as she answered the silver stallion.
Gently Olore..... Telemachus has me in a fortress somewhere in the mountains...I havn't been able to discover where... The room I am in is high up and from it I can look out south...over an expanse of forest and hills...and see Mittelmarch as a cleared space amid the green. A river lies to the east..how close to here..I cannot tell.
As for having been harmed...the slash Raze gave me was minor and has been healed...but there was poison on the blade and its dark taint lingers still... My wounds from our first encounter with Telemachus have re-opened also and will not heal... She had only just now noticed the pain but ignored it for the moment. But...enough of me...what news friend? Have you gotten to Zaron and Nichtmar? What is happening? With naught else to do,she simply stood at the balcony and gazed out over the land.
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Post by telemachus on Aug 23, 2007 9:03:08 GMT -5
Telemachus lowered his shoulders as he walked away and laid the staff across the table. He sauntered back to the ledge, a bit of regret tinted his face. His head lowered as his long-white hair flowed behind him.
“It is not true what you say, I’ve learned that no one here is actually from this realm. Its existence is a mystery even to me.”
He turned to Elestirne with a look of need, “Since being here my path has darkened, but I do desire the light. It is just…I need a guide back to it. I have fallen farther than I ever imagined.”
His head lowered more, his hair falling along both sides of his face like two white towers guarding his pain. A tear fell to the stone floor.
“You have amazing vision, Lady Elestirne. Perhaps I was wrong to think…too hope you could help me. If you desire to leave, I will have a guard escort you through the tunnels.”
He turned his back to her, his head still hanging low.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Aug 24, 2007 10:17:15 GMT -5
Elestirne's silver eyes flickered at Telemachus's words and she turned to see that the sorceror had his back to you. The staff lay on the table. She hesitated,consideing the sorceror carefully;her bright grey eyes veiled and uncertain. His words seemed sincerely spoken,and she sensed no lie in them but...all the same...she would be wary and keep up her gaurd. She knew well what Olore would say if she let it down.
The elven-queen considered her words very carefully and deliberately. "I spoke as I did out of experience with one like to you, who desired what he could not have and was not meant to possess and brought about his own ruin and destruction-and nearly that of my people and myself as well-trying to attain it. It was meant as a warning but...perhaps you are different from he."
She did not step away from the balcony,but she watched him;a note of gentleness touching the musical tones of her voice. "Perhaps it is not too late for you if you spoke truly and desire the light still. You have fallen Telemachus,yes, but perhaps you can raise yourself up from your fall and be redeemed and not go the same way as the one I spoke of." Her eyes were thoughtful. "Yes,assuredly your path has darkened but behind you the light still shines,if you possess the strength and will to turn your back on what you've become and go back to what you once were. But the first step is to know of your fall and what caused it. Only then,perhaps,will you begin your journey back from darkness."
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Post by storyteller on Sept 6, 2007 7:57:43 GMT -5
As if fate was waiting for Lady Elestirne’s words to come to a stop, suddenly an explosion of fire and smoke engulfed one of the sides of Mittelmarch. The rumble was felt by Elestirne’s search party, but they were in the caves now and could not be sure what it was, but they understood it could not be good. Elestirne and Telemachus watched the scene unfold. They could hear the screams echo up the mountains and see the fire grow around Mittelmarch.
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Sept 6, 2007 8:44:13 GMT -5
Storm was riding rear guard as usual. He heard Nichtmar and Tatsamura talking about something. But he was too busy trying to draw everything into the about his surroundings. If he was going to be here awhile he might try and remember his way around. Storm then pulled out his book and started drawing the surrounding area from Mittelmarch to where they were now.
“So Nichtmar, where is these mountains you were speaking of earlier? How far are they from Mittelmarch?”
At that moment there was a rumbling in the earth that the entire party felt.
“What in the name of lost gods’ was that?”
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Sept 6, 2007 22:18:25 GMT -5
Olore's ears laced back as he felt the ground rumble beneath his hooves;going flat against his skull. His eyes narrowed and he reared with a neigh as the rumble in the earth grew stronger. Behind the party there was smoke and a fiery glow,coming from the direction of Mittelmarch... Not good,he thought uneasily.
The silver stallion snorted and neighed again,more loudly. He could tell the others of the party were uneased and worried by the rumble,but he had to keep them focused on their present task,even though he too was worried about what might be happening at Mittelmarch.
At the same time that he felt the rumble,Olore also felt a strong sense of anxiety and concern from Elestirne and he realized that his lady must be in a position to view what was happening,and also that he had neglected to answer her. Swiftly,he sent out his thoughts,but gently,so that he would not overwhelm her.
My lady,Zaron is not with me but Nichtmar is and Storm,Strays and some additional warriors are with us as well-as is the stranger that helped us,Tatsumura he calls himself. We are on our way-I believe we are somewhere in the foothills presently but I cannot be sure.. I'm much relieved to hear you are unharmed,at least relatively. Stay on your guard around Telemachus,there is something happening-flame and smoke rise from the direction of Mittelmarch. I fear the attack may have began,but I am going to try to keep Nichtmar and the others focused so that we may recover you. If they go back to Mittelmarch though,then I shall continue on alone. Turning his attention back to the group Olore snorted and struck the ground sharply with a toss of his fine head;hoping that someone would notice him. Every muscle in his body was tense and he danced uneasily in place with a sense of anxious urgency. Come!
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Sept 6, 2007 23:24:22 GMT -5
Elestirne's eyes widened as flames and smoke suddenly erupted near Mittelmarch-whether inside the town or outside she could not tell for sure,though she hoped it 'twas outside. When the distant screams reached her ears she involuntarily took a step forward before remembering that she was somewhere in the mountains and in no position to be able to help.
Anxiously she watched;quickly surmising that Grish'nak must have launched his attack at last and hoping that the people recovered fast enough to fight back and defend against the attack.
Swiftly,she turned to Telemachus;her night-dark hair flying. Her eyes narrowed;flickering with a silver flame. "Is this your doing Telemachus or is this Grish'nak's? Was it your intention to make sure that neither I nor anyone else would be able to help Mittelmarch when the attack came?" Her keen gaze lanced into the sorceror suspiciously;grey eyes penetrating.
As she waited for the answer Olore's voice resounded once more in her mind and she listened carefully to the stallion's words and news. So,he was on his way with Nichtmar and a group of companions and they were in the foothills somewhere. Zaron had not accompanied them and was still in Mittelmarch and the silver stallion too,had come to the conclusion that the assault on Mittelmarch had begun..be wary of Telemachus..that she knew already...
Quickly she sent her thoughts back. I can see little else but smoke and flame but it looks indeed as though Mittelmarch is under attack,perhaps by Grish'nak. Make haste friend,and try to keep the party together-I do not know what resistance or how much,you may encounter on your way. If it comes to it,I will try to fight my way free to rejoin you and get back to Mittelmarch...Telemachus has offered me an escort through the tunnels..but I am wary of trusting it. I will see what I can learn,if anything,of the attack
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Sept 7, 2007 17:57:14 GMT -5
Nichtmar is filled with anxiety as the rumble shakes the earth beneath him.
“Storm, Shhh!”
The sounds of orcs echo through the cave.
Orc voices:
“What was that?!” one snarls.
Slap.
“Don’t you remember, The demon attacks t’day!”
“OH! K- Ka?”
Slap.
“Karn you fool!”
Nichtmar whispers to Masamune, “Tell Olore to stand back, we will need him to guide us through the caves with his connection to the Lady. Take point, I believe this attack will require your stealth, we’ll follow your lead.”
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Post by telemachus on Sept 7, 2007 18:10:38 GMT -5
His moment of vulnerability is halted as the fire rages Mittelmarch. Quickly and subtly he wipes the tear from his face and turns to the lady.
His voice articulate and irritated, “This is the work of a demon, named Karn. This is just one stroke of a superior masterwork created by myself and Grish’nak.”
He flows towards her snatching the staff from the table, gripping it violently.
“This is your chance to change things. Enough questions! Take the staff, remind me of the light and perhaps this realm need not see more death after this day or leave here knowing you could have made a difference in this land, but your were too weak and cowardly, fearing only for your own neck.”
He holds the staff out waiting for her decision.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Sept 7, 2007 23:40:00 GMT -5
Olore's sculpted ears swept forward at the sound of other voices,then went flat again immedientally upon recognizing them as orc-voices. He scraped a forehoof subtly against the ground-disturbing the earth slightly but making no noise. Danger...
His intelligent eyes narrowed upon catching Nichtmar's words and he swiftly snaked his fine head forward to nip at the ogre's arm and catch his attention. When Nictmar looked at him the silver stallion stamped a hoof and tossed his head;nodding to a shadowed part of the cave they had not noticed. There was a tunnel there,leading away from the direction the orcs approached from.
The stallion met Nichtmar's eyes with his own intense gaze,inclined his head slightly towards Strays,then back towards the tunnel;his intent plain. The tunnel runs deep and there is no sound from it. Send the youngling down it-away from the approaching danger. As for I..I am not accustomed to running when danger threatens,I am a warrior and it does not please me to think that you may get hurt whilst I and the youngling remain untouched. Olore paused. But my first and foremost concern is getting to my lady and you speak true when you say you need my connection to my lady to find and recover her. But if the approaching orcs are too much for you I will join in the battle.
Gracefully,silently,the stallion wheeled and moved off a little distance to stand at attention in the shadows;ears pricked,head up,eyes watchful. He stood absolutly still and only the faintest shimmer of silver and stray gleam of light from his bright eyes hinted at his vigilant presence. As he waited,the silver stallion sent his thoughts back out to Elestirne. My lady,we are in the caves beneath the foothills now. There are orcs approaching...they speak of a demon named Karn being the cause of the attack. Nichtmar plans to engage them.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Sept 8, 2007 0:32:48 GMT -5
The silver flames flickering in Elestirne's grey eyes flamed brightly at Telemachus's last comment but her face remained serene and her voice calm. "Only by questions can one gain answers and thus,knowledge that is sought. And you should not lay the title of 'coward' upon one whom you know nothing of when you wage a war within yourself and have not brought it to an end." Her voice was cool,collected. "And demons are not unfamiliar to me-I have dealt with them before.
"My decision is my own to make,and not yours. You have your own decision to make and should worry about it more than mine if you do not want to go the way of the one I mentioned." The words were delivered matter-of-factly with no hint of a threat in them.
She gestured gracefully with a slender hand out the balcony to the view of Mittelmarch and the surrounding landscape,and the fires;her face set,impassive. "This..this is not in the best interest of the land or its people and will only harm,not help. Once more you show your erring. You say you do not want innocents harmed...there are innocents down there that you are now harming,perhaps killing;mothers,fathers,children-whole families that are guilty of nothing,have done nothing. Mittelmarch itself,has done nothing to you-has caused no hurt,done no wrong. How then,do you justify this attack,this breaking of the peace,this potentional slaughter of innocents? This is not the Elven way Telemachus! We do not kill for no reason,for no cause. We do not shed innocent blood-not even the blood of the guilty do we spill unless at utmost need and in proven right and justification!"
Her eyes glimmered brightly. "Life is meant to be protected and preserved,not ended needlessly or unjustly,or at someone's whim." She turned from Telemachus back to the balcony. "An individual's choices and decisions determine who they will become in thier life and how they will be remembered. Some choices are foreordained,others optional. Still others,once made,cannot be undone." The silver flames still glimmered in her eyes,but now sorrow welled there also,and a trace of pity. "Turn away from the dark and the temptation of power Telemachus,before you destroy something good...and perhaps lose yourself in the process."
She hesitated slightly,but did not glance at the staff. " The staff is your instrument Telemachus. My power is channeled through other means." To Olore she responded. Be careful,and please make haste friend.
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Baethor
High Council
Duk'Rik of the Bri'Ak Duraz.
That which does not kill me, has made a tactical error
Posts: 2,234
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Post by Baethor on Sept 8, 2007 9:13:41 GMT -5
A rumble and the roar of flames...The sentry bell rings and screams echo through the streets...The smell of smoke, and death.
Baethors eyes open wearily...fuzzy images dart around the tent, something familiar...but he cant place them, his eyelids grow heavy again.
"Hey, they have an injured dwarf here brother..."
Ssaeloth dashtorei brother. Who cares, we have more important things. Just set fire to the tent so we can get out of here.
Hehe, just give me a second...
Baethor opens one eye halfway and see's what he's seen in his nightmares for the past two years...a dark elf standing over him with a long thin knife. Baethor heard something snap inside of him, as his hand wrapped around the dark elves fist and slammed the knife back into the dark elves chest.
"What! It lives brother! it-Acgk!"
Moving on instinct Baethor rolls off of his bed and grabs the stool that had been set next to him, whipping it behind him and forcing the surprised Drow to duck. Searching around him, Baethor found his waraxe Doric, laying next to his bent and battered shield. Hefting the axe in his hand he turned to face the dark elf. It cursed at him in its hissing language.
"Silence Dumelgi! You've taken one home, you shall not have this one!"
With a roar Baethor charges, the elf goes for the thin longsword at his hip, but is met by the spike tip of Baethors axe, staggering back before the heavy weapon smashes through the elves frail body.
Standing now over two dark elves, baethor could smell everything again...it was like back on that day...He could feel warrmth and strength flood into his weary limbs as a red haze lined his vision...His armour removed, clothed only below the waste, armed with nothing but his axe. Covered still in bandages and open wounds, Baethor walked towards the exit of the tent.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Sept 26, 2007 12:26:07 GMT -5
To all appearences Elestirne remained on high alert-acutely aware of all that was going on- but subconsiously her mind wandered. Thoughtfully,she considered the situation and what course to take,if any she could.
As she had told Telemachus she had powers and magic of her own but she was wary of using them-certain that the sorceror might have another reason besides that of her helping to change the tide for using them. Besides,she did not have much in the way of learned spells-her powers came from within and the natural world and dealt mostly with healing,protecting and understanding. But even so,she did have some offensive magic. If it came to it though,she would much rather be able to get out of the fortress without using magic. But if she had to,she would.
Her back was to the room,but she could picture the lay of it in her mind without too much difficulty,even hough she stood gazing at the land. Her gear and swords lay beside to bed-esily reached if she moved quick enough. The door lay a leap further. Beyond that,an unknown number of corridors and tunnels separated her rom Olore and the party.
Her eyes narrowed slightly,thoughtfully. And there would be fighting to likely-there were bound to be guards and other inhabitants of the fortess in the tunnels and corridors. There was little chance that she would not meet resistance if she tried to escape and win free.
If you plan to win free on your own be very careful lady, Olore imparted to her. Sunch an attempt may result in your recapture-for you are still injured-or it may result in our paths to you being blocked due to increased patrols and guards. Also,should you make such an attempt and succeed there is always the chance that w shall miss one another in the effort to find each other and I do nt care for that to happen. It may be risky but perhaps you should stay where you are for now-though I would continue to watch Telemachus carefully
Elestirne sighed,but reluctantly accepted the stallion's reasoning as sound. For the moment,the best course did seem to remain her-little though she relished the idea. Here at least she had a clear overview of the attack onMittelmarch and so, might glean an useful insight into th fortunes of the town an its people. But she as keen;y wary of Telemachus. The sorceror made her uncomfortably uneasy. She did not know what he might try to do-nor what he was capable of doing-and she did not know just what his plans were.
She had not had much experience with sorcerors aside from an unpleasant encounter with one shortly before her coronation. She had heard though,that they were prideful,unpredictable and often impulsive,and she could agree with that assessment.
Telemachus intriged her though,because he seemed disturbingly like and yet unlike the other she had warned him of: Aegnor,the fallen elf and dark sorceror. Aegnor had once-milenia ago-had been good and noble, but had been subverted by lust and greed. Chained to his hatred,he had refused to repent and ultimately had fallen.
Aegnor had been hard to read-unpredictable yes,but not impulsive-except for when his composure had slipped and his anger had flared. Like Telemachus,he had ever seemed collected and in control. There was a clear-and disturbing resembleance between the two.
Would Telemachus though,repent before he went the same way as Aegnor? It was up to him-his actions and decisions would,ultimately,determine the path his feet walked. The elven-queen shook her head a little sadly-both for the battle she presently could do nothing about,and for the sorceror whose path may lead him beyond all help. Too like to Aegnor perhaps...she reflected grimly. Some decisions,once made,cannot be undone;and some paths,once chosen.cannot be returned from...
Not everyone can be brought back lady. Olore's voice echoed solemnly and sadly in her mind. Some are called to the dark and embrace as their own-as though it had always been there inside them. But no one is evil from birth- our actions,or decisions determine the path that we follow in our life-either to the dark,or to the light. The silver stallion touched her mind comfortingly. There are some things that cannot be healed. Some are lost,and cannot or will not find their way back. Judge by his actions. If he is truly fallen,then he will not be redeemed and you cannot help him.
Reluctantly,she nodded slightly,though she was unwilling to acept the truth of his words. But being a healer she did not like the idea of there being someone or something that she could not help. Her resonse to Olore was grim and sorrowful. Then the consequences of his actions and choices are his-and only his-to pay and he may regret the road they have led him down when it comes time to atone. But others should not have to suffer.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Sept 26, 2007 23:36:07 GMT -5
Olore shifted uneasily where he stood hidden in the shadows. Normally the silver stallion had endless patience and could have remained in the same postion without stirring a hoof even though an army of orcs might be marching past. But his communion with his lady had made him uncharacteristically impatient and anxious to get to Elestirne's side.
The stallion had recognized undercurrents of distress,unease and sorrow in her voice and knew her to be both unnerved and disturbed by this encounter with Telemachus. It reminded her too much like an encounter with another she had known and battled years before. Olore shook his fine head subtly;a movement seen as nothing more than a faint silver shimmer. Memories of that encounter-and its battle-still haunted Elestirne now,years later. She had very nearly lost her life during it.
Olore pawed the ground-disturbing the earth with the movement but making not even the slightest sound to betray his presence. He glanced towards the group;hoping that Nichtmar would either engage the orcs soon or let the foul beasts pass them by-so that they could resume the search before Elestirne either tried to win free herself or before he situation between her and Telemachus grew dangerous.
Agitated,he shifted on his feet;anxious to be on the way. Elestirne's distress and growing unease made him very restless. If they do not act soon,he resolved grimly then I shall go on alone,regardless if thy need me to guide them-I am too close now to have much patience for delay when it cannot be afforded... Olore remained attentively alert for any danger that might threaten but inwardly the stallion wished intensly to be on the way and chafed at the wait.
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Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Oct 12, 2007 12:18:46 GMT -5
Masamune pulled his black cloak down over his face, hiding the white that may show through. He reaches down with his left hand, gripping the sheath of his sword near the hilt. He tiltsit forward slightly, bring his right hand to rest on the handle. He watches as several orcs pass by not noticing them, speaking in their foul language. They pass by, and Masamune relaxes for a moment, until he hears hurried footsteps. A single orc comes running clumsly down the corridor, tripping on a loose rock. He falls to the ground, looking up and seeing Masamune standing there. As he trys to cry out, Masamune quickly draws his blade, seperating the orcs head from his body. He turns around, looking at the group, just as the wolf starts dragging the body into the shadows.
"We have to hurry, someone is going to realize they are missing an orc."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 19, 2007 17:10:11 GMT -5
Olore too,relaxed as the orcs pass without mishap-then tensed abrubtly as the lagger comes into view;taking half a step forward. He stopped though as Tatsumura slew the orc first. The silver stallion nodded approval,then snorted softly in agreement at the man's words. Tossing his fine head,he directed his words to Tatsumura,slowly so as not to overwhelm the man. Yes,we must go. Now. Before the missing one is noticed and an alarm raised against us. Come.
Briskly the stallion emerged from the shadows,wheeled and began to make his way purposefully up the tunnel he had indicated to the group earlier. Even in the dim light the stallion's form seemed to shimmer with a subtle silver glow and his eyes were very deep and dark as his paused momentarily to look back at the rest of the group. He seemed half-shadow,half-ghost. Come. We waste time when there is none to waste. Let us go He began to walk again,this time not looking back. He sent his thoughts ahead to Elestirne. We are coming milady. The orcs passed us by-save for one that Tatsumura slew. How soon I cannot say,but we are coming.
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Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
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Post by Kotaro on Oct 19, 2007 22:53:49 GMT -5
Kotaro had been scouting the area for some time and had felt the deep tremor of the earth. "Demons shake the earth..." he said to no-one in particular. "I'd best report back to the lord." He began to search the ground around him for tracks. Finding a set that looked human, he followed them, passing en route an orc head. "Lord Masamune's work... I'm coming, my lord." He quickened his pace.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 22, 2007 17:06:26 GMT -5
Elestirne was brought back from her near trance-like state by the unexpected sound of Olore's voice echoing in her mind. We are coming milady. The words filled her with joy and she turned her mind from its wandering back to the present with a thankful prayer to Elene Lady of Stars. Soon now perhaps,she would be reunited with Olore and the others and not have to any longer stand by and be unable to do anything about the attack on Mittelmarch. While her mind had been wandering it also had been searching and scouting. Briefly, she had touched on Olore's presence somewhere deep in the tunnels, but then had lost it before discerning precisely where he was and how close to her. The same thing hads happened when she had bent her mind towards Mittelmarch in an effort to discern the fortunes of the town-the inhabitants were fighting back but she could not tell how they wwere faring. Some magic must be blocking her from seeing more clearly.
A thought struck her and she spun suddenly from the balcony-hair and dress swirling gracefully around her-to stop,perfectly poised,facing Telemachus. Her bright silver-grey eyes glittered as they lanced into him-whether from anger or another emotion could not be told-but their gaze was uncannily bright and piercing. Her melodious voice was clear and ringing, carrying echoeing,hinted undertones of authority and power;seeming to fill the room though she spoke softly. Briefly,she seemed to shimmer and flicker with light. Her eyes narrowed as she addressed the sorceror.
"It seemeth to me that your plans have fault Telemachus. Either that,or you have lied to me-which I would not be overly surprised at. Did you not tell me-or hint as much-that you wanted Mittelmarch and its land to rule and control? That gives the meaning and implication that you intend to leave the town more or less intact does it not? But see!:your demon and whatever other minions you have placed with it appear to be trying their best to overrun the defenders and destroy the town! Surely,as that is not your intent,will you not call them off ere they try to raze it to the ground and perhaps punish them for their brashness? For, how can you be a lord over and rule something that is completely destroyed? How can you be called a conqueror and master of wills when there is naught to be conquered and no wills to be mastered save those of the subjects you already command-whose wills you already have superiority over? Where is the triumph when there is nothing left to be triumphed over? Ought you not to call off the attack ere that which you seek to have dominion and lordship over is destroyed and lost to you?
She watched him;eyes bright and an eyebrow quirked-slender arms folded. She watched him;waiting patiently. A breeze stirred her hair as she stood thus, perfectly still;rippling the midnight tresses and sending shimmers of silver along each strand. She waited, because there was nothing else to do. She waited, because there was nothing else she could do.
(OOC: I need my computer back...)
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 25, 2007 13:38:57 GMT -5
As Olore made his way along the tunnel-followed closely by the others-he kept his sculpted ears ever pricked and in motion;listening intently to every sound. Most he discarded as unimportant-such as the faint dripping of water and the sounds of the group around him.
One sound though,caught his attention and he swiveled an ear to catch it better. It came from behind him,from behind the group. The silver stallion tilted his head slightly,listening.
It was following them,but rather carefully and quietly. Not an orc or goblin then-they made considerably more noise. Not one of the larger monster races either-it moved on too light of feet for that. What then could it be? A dark elf perhaps-maybe the same that had taken his lady? Olore did not know what sort of minions Telemachus commanded. It could be a dark elf. The stallion listened a little longer. But no. Whatever it was that followed moved quietly and lightly-but not enough so for an elf's light steps... So, too quiet for an orc,too light and soft for an ogre or any of the larger monsters-but neither light nor soft enough for an elf... Olore was intrigued.
Halting with asoft snort,the silver stallion sent his thoughts to Tatsumura. We are being followed. I go to investigate. Will you accompany me windwalker-named-Tatsumura? You are light-footed and know how to be quiet and careful. Have the others stay here.
Without waiting to see if Tatsumura answered,much less followed,the stallion wheeled and passed back through the group;swiftly disappearing into darkness. As silent and insubstantial as shadows,the silver stallion retraced his and the group's steps back down the tunnel and soon had located their pursuer.
It was...a man. A human. His dress seemed somewhat similar to Tatsumura's and he carried weapons-sheathed for now. Unsure yet of the mortal's intent in following them,the keen-eyed stallion stayed hidden in the shadows a few seconds more;observing. The man did not smell evil,he did not look evil,and he did not feel evil. Most importantly,Olore did not sense any thoughts of malice towards him or the group.
Making up his mind,the silver stallion moved fluidly,silently out of the concealing shadows to stand gracefully squarly in front of the stranger;blocking his way forward. He gave no appearence or indication of a threat,merely stood there;watching the strange man calmly with large,depthless intelligent eyes. Proud head held high,Olore gazed regally at the man,waiting patiently to see how he would react to his appearence. His silver coat shimmered softly in the gloom,mane and tail flowing. His eyes were luminous and he looked directly at the stranger.
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Kotaro
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Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
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Post by Kotaro on Oct 25, 2007 19:42:01 GMT -5
Kotaro stopped, curious about the creature that stood in his path. It looked equine, but Kotaro had seen enough horses in his life to know that this was no ordinary equus. It felt magical - almost divine, somehow. Kotaro could see vast intelligence in the being's bright eyes. It made no move, it simply stood in place. Sensing no threat from it, Kotaro bowed to it in respect and greeting.
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Tatsumura Masamune
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Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Oct 26, 2007 7:34:54 GMT -5
The message came across loud and clear in Masamune's mind, but nt painful as it had done before. As Olore took off without further notice, Masamune took off after him after letting the others know they would return soon. He moved down the hallway quickly, but quietly. His eyes scanning everything about him, his hand already resting on the hilt of his katana. He came running around the corner, seeing Olore's hind-ends. He click his blade free to prepare to strike...then halted when he saw the figure. His eyes widened as if he had just seen a ghost.
"Kotato!?!"
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Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
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Post by Kotaro on Oct 26, 2007 7:42:00 GMT -5
Kotaro turned to see his lord.
"Greetings, my lord," he said, bowing. "I trust you are well?"
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 29, 2007 12:03:42 GMT -5
Olore's sculpted ears swept back in response to sound behind him. Almost as quickly,they returned to their previous,poised position;having recognized the origin of the noise. The silver stallion did not glance at Tatsumura as the man came up beside him-all his attention focused on the stranger-but it was clear the stallion knew he was there.
His deep eyes narrowed as the stranger bowed to him. This is a surprise. This one recognizes me for more than a horse and shows respect...but I sense no magic about him.. Perhaps he sees things more clearly than others of his kind and knows that things are often more than they appear... Amused,Olore gave a low nicker,then dipped his proud held slightly to the mortal while continueing to hold his gaze;showing that he understood the gesture and aknowledged it.
He heard the name Tatsumura called the other,and heard him call Tatsumura 'lord' in return. The stallion's eyes narrowed a little more,thoughtfully. Perhaps the man was not alone in this land as he believed. Perhaps one of his kind had somehow followed-or wandered,as he-into Mittelmarch... An interesting possibility.
Olore snorted;pawing the ground very lightly. His ears momentarily flicked back to the direction from whence they had come. Once more,he adressed Tatsumura. If this newcomer is known to you and a friend,then I suggest we should return to the group and resume our travel through these tunnels into the fortress. The stallion's nostrils flared. There is a current of fresh air blowing towards us,back from where we left the group. We might already be within the fortress. At the least we are very near to being so. Let us return to the others. Almost,Olore considered using some of his power to make the other able to hear his thoughts but decided against it. The sorceror might sense it. Instead,he added to Tatsumura: Ask him what he does here and why he has followed Tell him to direct his answers to me-I will relay mine through you.
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Tatsumura Masamune
Moderator
Shogun of the Tou Fuu Shogunate
"You think this is something, you should hear about the Celestial Porpoise!"
Posts: 335
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Oct 29, 2007 16:08:56 GMT -5
Masamune nodded to Olore, then looked to Kotaro.
"Olore says that we should return to the others. I have plenty of questions for you, but those can wait for later. Olore would like to know how you got here for starters. And also, direct your questions to Olore."
With that, Masamune began to return to the group.
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