Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Oct 29, 2007 16:41:47 GMT -5
Kotaro turned to the stallion, whose name was apparently Olore.
"I've been tracking your party for some time now. I prefer to remain at my lord's side when I am not on assignment. If I am not welcome, I will leave without question."
Kotaro stood, wondering how Olore would answer.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Oct 29, 2007 17:07:02 GMT -5
Olore nickered;truly amused. As he turned and started to walk back the way he came his answer floated back and Tatsumura translated.
If you are not enemy,and bear no ill will towards I nor any other of the group you are welcome. Another warrior,another blade,is ever welcome in dark and dangerous places and situations and both we find ourselves in now. Be welcome one-called-Kotaro. You may call me Olore. More of me you need not know now. Tatsumura shall tell you why we are here and explain things to you.
To Tatsumura specifically he added:Tell him that I would like to know more of him,and if he has the use of magic. His silver coat shimmered as he made his way back up the passage without a backwards glance.
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Post by Kotaro on Nov 2, 2007 19:35:24 GMT -5
Kotaro wondered just how deep Olore's intelligence went. The shinobi could sense the subtle touch of telepathy, but he wasn't very adept at translating. Masamune apparently could, but Kotaro was curious to see if he was able to skip the interpretation and communicate with the stallion directly. Focusing his will and thoughts, he projected the words, Can you hear me, Olore?
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Nov 5, 2007 15:16:00 GMT -5
Olore paused in his step as he led the way back up the tunnel towards the group-which was becoming more a corridor than a tunnel,he saw. He had sensed something...an attempt at a connection..but it was not coming from Tatsumura and lacked the touch of magic. From the newcomer called Kotaro then?
The silver stallion considered it. He had not sensed any strong magic or power connected to the mortal,but it could be magic he might not be familiar with,or very subtle or minimal. Or...he had a very strong will. That seemed most likely. He took a moment more,to be sure of the attempted connection,then responded;his voice deep,resonant and thrumming with power. I can
He kept his thoughts slow and steady for Kotaro's benifet as he continued;his tone interested. You are a rare sort,and intrigueing. You have a discipline and focus in your thoughts not oft seen in your kind, and you recognize me as something more than I appear. Tell me how this is. Very few are able to communicate with me or hear me speak. Olore paused a moment,then continued on again. Ask what questions you have and I will answer as I may-or choose
Within a minute,they had rounded the last bend and rejoined the group. As they quickly made introductions and started on the way again,Olore was sure to keep his mind open and senses alert. Once they were in the fortress itself-which would be soon,he sensed-a problem would arise. In order to both search effectively for Elestirne and to have a better chance of avoiding detection the group might have to be split into two-perhaps even three. The problem that presented was,how would they all communicate?
Olore snorted,deliberating thoughtfully. If they remained one group...he could speak to Tatsumura-and now Kotaro-directly and they would translate...if they split...then he might have to go on his own,with perhaps one or two others and leave Tatsumura and Kotaro in charge of two other groups;relaying instructions and information to them and the others,and communicating with those with him by his actions and mood-as he had before Tatsumura joined with them. It would be frustrating though. He could,of course,use his power to project his thoughts directly to all-no matter the distance-but Telemacchus might sense that and since the sorceror already knew him to be more than a normal horse the silver stallion did not want to give away any more. As it was,distance might prove a problem in communication with Tatsumura and Kotaro anyway if they spilt...Olore shook his fine head slightly. He would think of something when the situation arose.
Coming out of his thoughts,the silver stallion realized that the corridor came to an end a short distance ahead. Covering the last few feet Olore found himself facing an immense oaken door. He pricked both ears forward;listening attentively. No sound. Carefully,the stallion set a powerful shoulder to the wood and nudged,first gently,then with more force. Nothing. Something on the other side kept it securely in place. Locked,or barred. The silver stallion snorted with deep disgust; a sound heard both audibly and mentally. Doors...mortals...foolishness. One of them will have to open it-I could myself,of course but I would make too much noise and we need to remain undetected for as long as possible. So one of them shall have to. They will need to be careful though-there could be a trap beyond it,or magic on it. Once we are through,then we can decide what is the next step of action. He waited,pawing at the ground softly with one forehoof.
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Post by Kotaro on Nov 5, 2007 16:23:18 GMT -5
Kotaro didn't even need to use his new-found telepathy to know that the group had been presented with a problem. He walked toward the door. It was locked, though it wasn't clear to Kotaro if it was a mechanical or magical lock that was blocking them. He turned to Olore, once again gathering his will.
Do you sense any magic or wards on this entry? I am unable to determine it myself. If it's a mechanical lock, I'm confident I can defeat it, but I'm afraid magical wards are beyond my skill.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Nov 6, 2007 15:45:44 GMT -5
Olore turned his head at Kotaro's question. Deep,depthless blue-black eyes regarded the entire group solemnly a moment before focusing solely on Kotaro. He locked gazes with the mortal for a long moment before turning back to the door-examining it carefully. Once more he set his weight against it experimentally;adding more and more force until he was pushing with all his weight on the door. Still it did not give. Then he kicked it softly with a forehoof;listening intently with pricked ears each time. The door is solidly built,and thick-it was intended to keep things out. It is also barred on the inside.
The silver stallion paused,gathering his thoughts as he cautsiously explored for signs of magic. He did not sense any triggers or alarms that would give them away if they forced the door,nor did he sense any hints of a magical trap. His keen ears had told him the room beyond was empty,but that did not mean that there were not guards or patrols near the room. Unhappily,Olore shook his head;silver mane rippling and falling softly along his neck. His eyes were dark as he answered Kotaro. I cannot sense any magical alarms or triggers but that does not mean that there is not magic of some sort on it. It is barred from the other side,but the room beyond is empty. Let me think on what to do... His ears flicked. Now,one who is called Kotaro,would be a good time to ask what we are doing here and why,for I sense that you are undoubtedly curious. Now too,is the time to ask any other questions you might have.
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Post by Kotaro on Nov 7, 2007 10:49:03 GMT -5
Kotaro started at the most obvious question.
It seems you're searching for something, and judging from the party size, it's a dangerous search. Am I wrong?
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Nov 10, 2007 16:44:43 GMT -5
At the question,Olore laced his ears flat back along his skull with a snort;pawing the ground with a mixture of anger and unhappiness. He focused a steady,unblinking gaze on Kotaro. His thoughts came clear and steady;laced with anger and pain.
You are right. We search,but the search is mine-not the others. They accompany because they have friendship with whom I search for. If they had not come with I would be alone-for I have a personal stake in the search. The stallion's proud head lowered slightly and the light in his eyes dimmed some ere flaring brighter. It would take too long to say you the whole story behind why I and the others are here so I shall try an abbreviated version. I came to this land with another-my lady and mistress. We befriended the leaders of the realm-the ogre is one,the other stayed behind-and learned of the threat to the land after an attack by orcs soon after arriving and a run-in with a dark sorceror soon after.
My lady,discovering that she and the leaders of Mittelmarch had a common friend-and being one who likes to help-offered to journey to the land of this mutual friend,tell him of Mittelmarch's situation and enlist his aid in helping the realm. The leaders agreed,and assigned an escot of warriors to aid us. Three days into our travel the group was ambused by dark forces. My lady and I won free of the trap and hastened back to Mittelmarch,outrunning and escaping a second ambush with help from Tatsumura,whom you call lord. It had looked as though we might gain safety,but a dark elf,minion of the sorceror,overtook us with magic and spirited my lady away after a terrific battle between the two.
The following day-today- I gained the town. Tatsumura-who followed me-was able to communicate with me and relay my thoughts to the others. A search party was organized and we set out;led and guided by me. My lady and I...have a very special connection but she was rendered unconsious in the battle with the dark elf and so,I could only follow by traces of her magic and aura-which led me to the mountains and the tunnels beneath them. She woke before you joined us and told me through our connection that the dark sorceror holds her in a fortress in the mountains-which we shall soon,it appears,enter. Where exactly she is I know not,but I trust she will be able to tell me more when inside.
She is the one we search for-the others because they feel friendship and because she will be a formidable ally for their side;I because she is my lady and mistress and I am honor-bound to serve and protect her. I have sworn to die before I fail her and so I must find and recover her,and have justice done on the one that holds her-especially if he did her harm. The stallion snorted;his next thoughts grim. I am of a single purpose-to recover her-and will grind to dust beneath my hooves all that stand between or seek to keep me from her until she is returned to me. The stallion's silver coat shimmered;mane and tail rippling like liquid starlight. His deep eyes burned with determination and anger. I am shamed for having lost her and honor binds me to recover her,since I am sworn to her protection and service. He paused,composing himself. I trust that answers your question suffieciently? Have you another?
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Post by Kotaro on Nov 10, 2007 22:11:00 GMT -5
Kotaro bowed his head in respect to the honorable stallion.
I need only know for whom we search. I am not ashamed to say that you are far more honorable than I, good Olore. My services are yours to do with as you will.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Nov 12, 2007 18:44:22 GMT -5
Olore's laced-back ears flickered forward for the briefest of moments at Kotaro's response. His unblinking gaze grew thoughtful as he considered the man. Honor means much to me. I was sent to my lady to be her protector and companion for as longs as she wills my companionship,or as long as I choose to remain at her side. I have no intention of leaving her. To have the dark elf and sorceror...steal her away despite my best efforts to prevent it has shamed me deeply-though I know she holds me blameless. I must recover her and seek justice to regain my honor and clear my consience-for I swore never to leave her side.
At the second part of Kotaro's response the stallion shook his head;thoughts almost gentle. We each have our own honour and hold to it. Measure it not against another's honour or deeds-for if you do so it is nearly always the other that will seem the more honourable;their deeds the more glorious. Keep thou to your own code of honour and be satisfied with your own deeds and you will not try to be something you are not and be disoppointed when you fail. That way,there is only yourself to impress and only you to set the standards,and only you to disoppoint if you fail to meet them. You are mortal. I am not. Do not judge yourself and your honour against mine. It is an unfair and unjust contest. Your actions and words have revealed you to be honorable by my reck,and one of your own has taken you for a vassel,which tells me he belives the same. As to services...I ask for none and require none. Keep thou to thine lord and bind yourself not to me. Assistance in recovering my lady though,I shall welcome and accept. But now we must decide what is to be done about this door:how to get through it and what to do after.
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Post by Kotaro on Nov 12, 2007 19:46:23 GMT -5
Kotaro considered Olore's words.
I had not thought of it that way. I will take your words to heart.
He turned to the group, addressing them and Olore aloud.
"In the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions for getting through the door? It's not magically locked, but it is barred on the other side."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Nov 16, 2007 17:23:14 GMT -5
Olore blew out his breath lightly;still holding Kotaro's gaze. Sometime's things are not as clear as we would like or need them to be and then we need someone to help us to better understanding.
The stallion shifted on his hooves;an idea occuring to him. If Kotaro can speak with me-albeit with some effort-solely by determination and will,without using the least bit of magic then perhaps...perhaps the others can communicate in the same way. If they can,then I will not need to use my power to make myself understood and our potential problem shall be solved. But then the question shall be:do any of the others possess such determination and will?
Olore tilted his fine head consideringly;intriqued by the possibility. It would only need to be two more at least-then I could safetly split the group and my concerns shall be allayed. Also,it might be an easier way for Tatsumura to communicate with me. The silver stallion nickered,eying the door askance with a stomp of his hoof and faintly disgusted snort;having come to a decision.
Turning,he laced his ears back slightly in distaste. He would have preferred a better way to gain entry than this but there was none. Gathering his will, he spoke. His voice echoed clearly to all;regal and disdaiful. I have decided. Stand back all-I am going to open the way. As an afterthought he added, Tatsumura,Kotaro,stay near but not too near. I may need you.
As he turned back to the door the stallion saw shock and comprehension on all faces-mixed with alarm and fear on the soldiers and apprehemsion and wariness on Nichtmar's. Good,they had all heard him.
Facing the door squarly Olore reluctantly began to gather and focus his magic. Power emantated from and surrounded the silver stallion in a palpable wave;making everyone step back involuntarily. His silver coat shone and shimmered with an ethereal glow;enveloping him in a halo of bright, pure light. His mane and tail glimmered with the same light;stirring in windless air. His dark eyes shone deep,starry,saphire.
He considered the door;sighing in resignation. Surely Telemacchus would notice this-as well as any of his minions that could sense magic. He snorted. So be it.
Hardening his resolve the silver stallion arched his neck and took a single,fluid step forward;touching the door lightly with an inquisitive snort. Stepping back after a moment he gave a grim,satisfied nod. With another snort and a little toss of his head Olore sent tendrils of magic out;searching,exploring.
The door became limned in uneartly,silver-blue light as the stallion laced his ears flat back and pushed mightily. Thin cracks began to appear and rearing, Olore struck hard at the weakened wood. The solid door shuddered-then burst inward abruptly with a sharp retort.
Satisfaction-mixed with trepidation-flowed from the silver stallion. Done... Eyes and ears alert,Olore crossed the threshold;carefully and delicately sidestepping the heavy metal bar that had secured the door. It lay a foot away,glowing slightly. The supports that had held it to the door lay nearby;twisted and useless. Come...the stallion directed;sfter picking his way to a clear spot.
The door itself was still mostly intact but ragged cracks spiderwebbed across its breadth;some deep enough to see through. But for the shimmer to his silver coat and the keen intelligence in his depthless eyes nothing remained to show Olore was not what he seemed except the aura of unbridled power that hung over him. Even so,the others followed carefully-at a respectful distance-behind the mighty stallion;wary now of what he had briefly revealed himself to be.
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Post by Kotaro on Nov 17, 2007 20:03:43 GMT -5
Kotaro could hardly believe the amount of power that Olore had just revealed. It was only there for the briefest of moments, but it was still astronomically powerful.
Not one you'd want to anger, he thought to himself, not putting the amount of will necessary to communicate with Olore. Of course, the same could be said of any of us... he mused as he followed Olore.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Nov 21, 2007 16:51:55 GMT -5
Olore-ears flicking to and fro alertly-advanced a few paces further into the room;listening as the others filed in behind him. They moved cautsiously;skirting the fallen bar and the mighty stallion sensed too-with a tinge of regret-that they were also wary of him. He understood their increased wariness-such power as he had revealed moments earlier,that still hung about him as a thin veil-could not fail to have such an effect. They may not know what he was-but it was now clear to one and all that he was most certainly not a mortal horse,whatever his appearence. He shook his fine head a little sadly. It could not be helped.
He looked around curiously. They were in a long,dusty, unlit room. Dim light filtered in through the closed door at the far end;revealing crates and containers. A storage room? Perhaps. Rough wooden beams criss-crossed above his head and he felt cool stone beneath his hooves. The air was fresh,not stale. They were in the fortress then.
Fluid strides took the silver stallion across the room in an instant on silent hooves. He stretched out his neck to nose the door inquisitively. Something rattled on the other side. A bolt? Olore eyed the door. No magic was on it and though it seemed solid it was not thick. He could break through easily-but it would make too much noise,draw the attention of any near. Kotaro or another would have to open it...
He pivoted to look at the group,thinking. If he spilt their numbers...Nichtmar and the soldiers could go one way...Storm and the youngling could come with he, Tatsumura and Kotaro..or he could go out on his own... But he didn't know where to look! He laced his ears back in momentary frustration. Elestirne had been unable to tell him. All he knew was that she was in a room with the sorceror...
Olore's deep eyes fell on Storm as he remembered something suddenly. Just before meeting Nichtmar and Zaron the young knight had created a duplicate of a pendant he wore-a magic pendant-and given it to Elestirne as thanks for her healing of him. Perhaps...perhaps Storm could-using the link between the two-be able to learn more accurately where Elestirne was. But that had been...a week ago? Did Elestirne still carry the pendant? Did Storm still have his? He had to see.
Not taking his gaze from Storm the stallion spoke to Kotaro. I do not wish to speak directly to this one or enter his mind without permisson. Ask him for me if he carries still a magic pendant,a copy of which he made and gave to my lady a week past. And ask if he could,through the link betweeen the two,find the exact location of the copy-and my lady-in this fortress. If she does not wear it it is still on her person. This could aid us mightily in our search.
Olore's voice was calm,purposeful-but underneath was a strong undercurrent of urgency and excitement. Also, can either you or Tatsumura get through the door with very little or no noise? There is no magic about it but a bolt secures it on the other side. Maybe a chain as well. You do not need to open it yet but I need to know. I could open it but it would make too much noise and might attract attention-which I do not care to do. I fear hands or tools are needed here and I possess neither.
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Post by Kotaro on Nov 22, 2007 14:23:31 GMT -5
Nodding to Olore, Kotaro turned to face Storm. "Olore wishes to know if you still carry the magic pendant you have, the one which you gave a copy of to Lady Elestirne. He also wants to know if you could determine the location of the Lady's copy."
Kotaro then faced Olore. I can try to undo the lock, but it will take some time. Reaching into his breastpocket, Kotaro withdrew his toolkit. He knelt before the door, and calmly went to work, trying to remain as quiet as possible.
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Dec 4, 2007 8:31:55 GMT -5
Nichtmar stepped up to Kotaro, “I don’t know who you are, but you aren’t an orc. Who or what is behind this door?”
The clamor of orcs echo down the hall.
“We must hurry.”
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Post by telemachus on Dec 4, 2007 8:43:42 GMT -5
Weeks have passed and Telemachus has reached the end of his patience. He snatches the staff off the table.
“You seem to think you can preach to me about your perceptions of “right and wrong”. I say you are blinded by your fears. I embrace the darkness and the power it gives me. This is your last chance, take the staff or leave.”
He points to the wooden door.
“I’ve been kind to you, Milady. Now I suggestion you make your decision…please.”
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Post by Kotaro on Dec 4, 2007 8:50:58 GMT -5
"Honestly, I have no idea what lies beyond this door," Kotaro replied without turning from his work. "However, we can find out once I can defeat this lock. But to do that, I require that I not be distracted. If you'll excuse me," he said, refocusing his efforts on the lock.
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Dec 4, 2007 9:31:58 GMT -5
"Enough! No time."
With a solid check of his shoulder, the door splinters and swings open. The wind from outside fills the hallway and we see the scene of Telemachus roaring at Elestirne. Nichtmar charges Telemachus, unsheathing his sword from his back.
"Kotaro get Elestirne to Olore!"
The screams of orcs echo behind Kataro. Suddenly the weight is lifted from Nichtmar's feet and he is slammed into a table.
"It'll take more than that wizard. Masamune! I could use your help...."
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Post by Kotaro on Dec 4, 2007 9:47:09 GMT -5
Kotaro was at Elestirne's side in the blink of an eye. "My lady," he said calmly, almost indifferent to the melee beginning to ensue around them. "Would you care to join us?" Taking the lady's hand, he lead her quickly to her waiting stallion.
After they reached Olore, Kotaro turned toward the oncoming orcs. "Now if I may take my leave, I have other business to attend to," he said, drawing his swords. Chanting a ninjutsu incantation, he ran towards the orcs, meeting their brute force with speed and skill.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Dec 6, 2007 18:34:21 GMT -5
Olore shook his head in disapproval as Nichtmar shoulder-rushed the door;bursting it open. No patience,this one... Snorting in disgust,he tensed as the sound of orcs reached his keen ears. Without a thought he sprang lightly through the blasted portal into the hallway beyond with a deep trumpet. He sikked some but quickly regained his balance. Casting about,he noted the forms of orcs charging down one end of the hall. Lacing his ears flat back he sent out his thoughts;his anger so focused that all the group heard him clearly-though his words were directed only to Tatsumura and Kotaro.
It will be much easier if we divide. Have Nichtmar take the soldiers and try to hold the orcs for a time. The knight and the youngling can either go on their own or follow me. You two are free to do as you choose: go on your own,join a group or to come with me. Without waiting for an answer the silver stallion sprang away to the upper levels;knowing his lady to be there.
His hooves clattered on the stone as he galloped along corridors and up stairs in fervent search but Olore cared not. No foe he encountered and he did not know if any had followed him. In truth though,he did not care overmuch. For the first time since she had been taken the stallion had his lady's scent-her spiritual scent,her aura-and it served as a clear beacon to him. That,as well as the magic he was sensing-and the strong surge of emotion he had just gotten from Elestirne-further served to point the way for the mystical being.
Suddenly,Olore skidded to an abrupt halt;sharp hooves throwing up sparks. His nostrils flared as he sensed a sudden release of power and build-up of magic. Excitement coursed through him as he sorted through the magic and recognized Elestirne's among it. I have her!, he sent out immedientally;the thought grim,but obvious excitement and relief coloring it.
Bounding up a stairway, the silver stallion clattered around a bend into a hall-just in time to see Elestirne diving out of a blasted doorway some feet down;her magic sparkling about her in a shield. Her swords were in her hands but held point down. Beyond her,he caught the barest glimpse of Telemacchus before more noise caught his attention. Swinging his fine head,Olore saw Nichtmar and the others-minus soldiers-come into the hall;chased by orcs. How did they get up here so soon?he wondered to himself.
As Nichtmar shouted for Kotaro to get to Elestirne,then got lifted off his feet and slammed into a table the silver stallion sprang with a leap as the mortal started towards his lady. He covered the remaining distance swiftly;reaching Elestirne a bare second before the light-footed, quick-moving Kotaro had gotten to the night-haired elven-women,taken her hand,and begun to lead her away. The regal silver stallion offered a grim nod to the warrior as the mortal drew his swords and spun away to join the battle.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Dec 6, 2007 20:00:44 GMT -5
Elestirne's lovely grey eyes narrowed-flashing dangerously as she raised her eyebrows. The slightest flush of color touched her high cheekbones. She looked at Telemacchus askance;disdain and pity in that look. " 'Preach'?"she asked. Her face was impassive but there was a subtly dangerous edge to her calm voice. " 'Perception'? Hardly. Nay, say rather 'counsel' and 'facts' for I have spoken but truth-from past experience-and have tried to help you see the error of this path and avoid further bloodshed where there should have been none to begin with! As for blind...it is not I but thou who is thus afflicted. The darkness has granted you power perhaps but power ever has a price and those who use it unwisely or selfishly shall find themselves consumed or controlled by it. Power will corrupt those who know not how to use it."
She shook her head almost sadly as she moved from the balcony. "I have tried to help you,to turn you back to the light,to get you to see the nature of the path you have set yourself on...to be patient in the hope and belief that you might not turn out the same as that one I knew." Her bright eyes watched him appraisingly;silver fires simmering in their depths. "But you have shown both hope and belief to be false."
Slowly,she retrieved her belongings;arming and garbing herself. Her gaze never left the sorceror's. Very deliberately the elven-queen picked up the staff-though she was loathe to touch the thing. Her piercing grey eyes lanced into Telemacchus's;holding him steadily in their penetrating gaze. " 'Kind'?"she repeated in response to his use of the word. Her melodic voice was cool,skeptical. Again she shook her head;night-dark hair flowing softly all around her. Her bright eyes sharpened.
"I shall say this to you Telemacchus. You do not rule Mittelmarch nor shall you ever. Its rule is give to worthier people-though they neither hold nor claim the title of ruler. The path you have chosen was your own to choose but it shall lead you to ill-fate if you insist on continuing along it. Your choices too,are your own-and yours to atone and pay for the mistakes that resulted and will still result, of them
"You, Telemacchus,have chosen the dark and so be it. But I am of the light and with it I hold and remain. As I told you our first meeting and tell you again,the dark will not have me. Know that I stand in defense of Mittelmarch with its citizens if you choose to continue your attack. As shall Olore,you seemed so intrigued by our first meeting. Neither him nor I do you want to anger. You demanded my decision?" Silver fires flaring brightly in her eyes,she took the staff in both hands and brought it down hard upon an upraised knee;shattering it. " There is your answer!"
In one smooth movement,she spun and dove through the door-which had burst at the release of power from the staff's shattering. Her defenses and magic already in place,the released energy washed harmlessly past her as she came agilely to her feet after the dive and spun a half-turn back to the sorceror. Her swords leaped to her hands,but she held them point down. "We are done here Telemacchus and you might consider it kind that our paths cross not again-for it might prove ill for you if they do. You have forgotten what it means to have power and the ability to change things and lives through the use of it. Power begets responsibility and you,through your actions and choices,have shown yourself unsuitable to hold either power or responsibility."
The silver sires in her eyes were not quenched but the elven-queen's voice was sorrowful,touched with pity. "You are fallen Telemacchus. If you atone not for your actions and do not abandon your attack on Mittemarch I fear the only mercy or pardon you will recieve will be the swift justice of a blade if you are fortunate and may it be a quick death."
Spinning back around she was astonished to see Olore coming from one direction and Nichtmar,Storm,Strays,Tatsumura and a stranger coming from the far end of the hall;chased by orcs. No hope of a quiet recovery and escape,it would appear..but how did they find me so swiftly..? She shook the thought away. Time enough to think on it later.
Nichtmar called an order and a strange name before being thrown into a table and the stranger immedientally moved towards her;arriving nearly before Olore leaped to her side.
Despite the gravity of the situation,and her wounds,Elestirne's sculpted lips quirked briefly into a smile at the stranger's words and manner. As he spun to join the battle,she raised her own blades;their keen edges gleaming softly. She fell into a ready stance,after a grateful,curiousity-tinged look to Olore.
Explanations and introductions must come later my lady,the silver stallion thought to her;reading her mind. Suffice for now to say he is a ally and warrior. At the moment we have other things to attend to-such as winning free of this place. Olore stomped a hoof;muscles bunching,deep eyes gleaming. His coat shimmered and his form began to take on the same,pure silver glow he had had in the tunnel. Power emanated palpably from him. Now is time for some retribution...
A grim smile flitted briefly over Elestirne's fair visage. Briefly,she lay a hand on her stallion's neck. "Indeed my friend. But it will not do to get carried away. We shall get free,but we must be careful. We are outnumbered here." A soft,silver-blue light seemed to shimmer around Elestirne and limn her form. Her keen grey eyes burned with determination. "But let them come on. We shall see how long they stand." Raising her voice she called to Nichtmar and the others;the clear tones echoeing. " Slay what you can,but try to make for the stairway. We do not want to be trapped here."
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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 Dec 7, 2007 8:18:02 GMT -5
Tatsumura moved to step throught the door to help Nichtmar when he heard the orcs, and the others taking off down the same hall. Tatsumura looked down at his hand, as a ball of ice formed.
"EVERYONE DOWN!!!!," he yelled as he threw the ball down the hall. It flew over the heads of the others, and into the group of on coming orcs. The sudden shock of an explosion shook the hall as ice and dirt were thrown in all directions. As the dirt cleared, it was seent aht several of the orcs had been impladed by shards of ice. Others that survived began clearing a path through the fallen.
Tatsumura shot into the room directly at Telemachus, drawing his katana just as he reached striking distance. The wizard blocked with his staff, even as the blade began to dig into the staff. The two stared at eachother with a fierceness that could be felt. No fear in eithers eyes, but each there own look. Telemachus' red yes and Tatsumura's violet eyes almost seemed to glow at the struggle. The wizard snuck a dagger strike out of nowhere, but hit only air as Tatsumura jumped back and threw his arm forward, a shard of ice appearing, but that is easily blocked.
Tatsumura held off a second attack as he felt dark energy forming around the wizard. As suddenly as it started, a blast emitted forth. Only a quick thin layer of ice pervented Tatsumura from being consumed in flames, but he was still thrown back against the wall.
The glow in their eyes continued to glow as the battle ragged around them.
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Dec 7, 2007 12:53:10 GMT -5
Nichtmar understood that delay of any order in combat could result in death. Any hesitation could mean failure of the mission. So when the voice of Tatsumura filled the room.
“Everyone Down!”
Nichtmar dove to the ground and suddenly felt a chill fill the room. The frost fell from his leather armor as he got back to his feet. Telemachus and Tatsumura were locked, blade against staff. You could see the question on Telemachus’s face. He’d never seen Tatsumura and he was surprised at the strength and the magic he conjured. Nichtmar had never seen Telemachus in action before he seemed formidable in hand to hand combat, blocking the quick strikes of Tatsumura. Suddenly the room lit up from a fire burst from Telemachus. Nichtmar charged his left flank. Nichtmar swung low with the intent of cleaving his leg, but he blocked it with his staff. The blow would’ve easily sliced a table leg, but his staff was saturated in magic. He countered Nichtmar and shoved the head of his staff into his chest. Nichtmar stuttered back.
"Slay what you can, but try to make for the stairway. We do not want to be trapped here." The voice of Elestirne echoed towards them.
Tatsumura and Nichtmar turned towards the voice to see many orcs beginning to fill the hall and others split off to go after Kataro and Elestirne. They turned back to Telemachus slowly backing away to allow our the new guests take their hand at us.
Nichtmar looked to Tatsumura, “So now what?”
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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 Dec 7, 2007 13:45:47 GMT -5
Masamune and Nichtmar backed up slowly into the hall. A group had already passed and was heading after the others, and the hall infront of them filled with more orcs, and Telemachus coming out of the room. Masamune returned his blade to it's sheath, and watched the advancing force carefully. Then he heard Nichtmar's words, "So what now?"
Masamune could only think of one thing. He turned and placed his hand on Nichtmar, before he could react, throwing him back some ten feet, with aid from some sort, the cold wind that followed proving to be the ally. He quickly placed his hand on the wall, creating a solid wall of ice between them, his voice echoed through the ice as he held out his hand towards the enemy.
"Go, get her out of here!!"
With that, the nodachi appeared in his hand, and a voice rang out, "AH, more orc blood." Tatsumura charged the group, laying into them with unseen fury. Telemachus stood there and watched as Masamune slaughtered several of the orcs as he made his way to him. As he moved in for a strike, he was checked in the back, and found himself in the room again. He turned around at the feeling of dark evergy again. He looked up to see Telemachus focusing his power, a number of orcs stood between the two.
Is this maho....no, he draws no blood...but it wreaks of the same foul stench.
Tatsumura held out his hand, and several large shards of ice shot forth, impaling the orcs, but to his horror, stopped before they hit Telemachus. With a evil grin, the wizard yelled, and the shards and orcs in fornt vanished, and Tatusmura was hit by a wave. It threw and pinned him to the wall, continually pressing against him. He looked back at the wizard, his eyes glowing with fury. Then suddenly, the wall behind himm gave way, and Masamune was thrown from the safty of the ground.
The side of the castle blew away, and in the debris, was Masamune, who fell with the rest of the shattered stone,into the empty mist of the high mountains.
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