B-Shizzle
Meat Shield
Commander of the Legion
Posts: 213
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Post by B-Shizzle on Jan 12, 2007 1:42:10 GMT -5
The party comes to a stop when suddenly a tall man in a thick black cloak that is too familiar steps in front of them...
Pulling back his hood Bishop speaks of Grish'nak. "There's truth and much more in what you all say. Those mountains", as he points westward, "full of magic and power I cannot comprhend. Grish'nak...a brute, a murderer and one cursed general that I would love to best one day on the field."
"The Iron Mountains and their power are what drives this land and contains the energy needed to keep the permanent and the random portals open that we use to travel about. Who ever has control of the seals, controls the power of the Iron Mountains. In the Land we use the control of power and its balance to mark the ages. The First Age was controlled by good, the Second Age was evil and we are in the current upswing in the Third Age. The Second Age was started when Grish'nak's great great grandfather mustered the largest orc warband ever beheld and with the united evil armies broke the seals and took the power for himself. Grish'nak's blood knows this and due to his bloodlines is naturally literally a head above the best even when it comes to Orcs. He is massive. He is bloodthirsty. He is damn intelligent."
"Still wanna go the Library when there is certainly something else more fun to do here?"
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Jan 12, 2007 9:07:21 GMT -5
I turn and give Bishop a Dragoon hand shake.
"My friend it is good to see you."
Nods, "It's probably about time for an ale."
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Post by Zaron on Jan 12, 2007 11:22:11 GMT -5
Zaron nods at Taos words about riding outside the gates, and then turns as a familar voice is heard explaining more of Grish'nak. Bishop, it has been too long, what is the word from up north?
Zaron pauses one second then remembers himself, oh where are my manners. Bishop these are some new commers to our lands, Lady Elestirne, Stromm, and the young one is Strays. He sweeps is hands at the mentioned people, and this is Bishop, leader of the Legion of the Dragoons, and lord of the Northern Steppes.
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Jan 12, 2007 22:54:07 GMT -5
"Bishop, it is an honor to meet you." Storm walks up and shakes hands with Bishop. "As master Zaron has said I am Storm Brightblade, but please just Storm. And i am still interested in the library. I would like to know more about this world where i have come to and the history behind it. Unless you are one who knows the tales then by all means do share with us."
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B-Shizzle
Meat Shield
Commander of the Legion
Posts: 213
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Post by B-Shizzle on Jan 15, 2007 0:03:05 GMT -5
Bishop looks off in the direction of the library and with a look of longing also puts his hand on his stomach.
"Lots to know about this land but that is best done at night with ale. We currently have neither so apparently it is off to the library. Any specific topics in the Land that you are curious about?"
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Isen Ehtar
Grunt
1st King of Mittelmarch
Posts: 345
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Post by Isen Ehtar on Jan 15, 2007 12:10:01 GMT -5
"Come now Bishop. You know we are never out of ale here," Isen says as he tosses Bishop a skin filled with the drink. "If you need ale to talk about the land then you shall have it."
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Jan 21, 2007 12:07:01 GMT -5
Storm ponders for the moment wondering about what it is he would like to know. "Well if I am going to learn about this world, I guess we should start from the beginning. How is it that this world was made and what gods if any created it?"
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B-Shizzle
Meat Shield
Commander of the Legion
Posts: 213
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Post by B-Shizzle on Jan 23, 2007 11:47:50 GMT -5
" Why not go straight for the jugular then shall we?"
"The first thing that someone needs to know about the Land Between the Lands is its just that. It's on a different plane the other lands. For example, we need to travel through special gates that have been created from the power and magic from the Iron Mountains to travel to Eryndor cuz we have to cross planes of existence to get there. Some of these gates are permanent due to the flows of magical energy and their currents, they tend to stay in one place thus creating a permanent gate. But the currents drift as well and certain people have learned to predict this and can harness other energies to create temporary gates used to travel as well but sometimes a hassle if you need to cross to another dimension and things go awry."
"In terms of what we know about the beginning, its rather clouded. Where I come from as I am not a native of the Lands, it was created with purpose from the God that I worship which I will get to later. But we don't know how this dimension came to be. We guess that a cataclysmic event in another dimension sents rifts through all sorts of crazy and created the possibility for us here."
"Now gods are another thing altogether. Lots of inhabitants of the Lands are not necessarily permanent. Some can travel back and forth almost daily, while some alternate for years. Some were born here after intentionally or unintentionally their parents migrated here and others came here and now stay here like myself. There aren't too many 'native' gods to the Lands but there are a few. Most people are concerned about the power inherent to the land so there isn't much need. There are however many 'exotic' gods from those that came from another dimension and brought their beliefs with them such as myself and have continued the rituals and such here. Does that answer it for you?"
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Jan 24, 2007 23:01:22 GMT -5
Elestirne had been listening with interest as the one called Bishop spoke of the land. Now she spoke up in her own turn. "What you speak of, Lord Bishop is confined to this land,I think you mean. Outside of it there are many other lands and still more tales of their creation and of their gods. The passage of time also,is reckoned differently in different lands. By that,I mean the accounting and reckoning of history in each land differs from one another. Years-and time in general-pass much as they always have. How that passage of time is splintered and broken down into the history of individual lands is for them to fashion themselves. What more can you tell of this land Lord Bishop? Specifically,how from here is it to Lord Oron's home of Pentwyvern? 'Twas thither that I was journying to when I found myself in this land." Olore,who had let himself out of his stall,came up from behind and nuzzled her softly after subjecting the new mortal to a keen look. When do we go for our ride Lady?
Soon my friend,replied Elestirne;stroking the silver stallion's nose softly as she awaited an answer.
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Feb 2, 2007 11:42:56 GMT -5
Storm had a look of shock as soon as Bishop had finished.
"So there is a way for me to travel back to Krynn?!"
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Feb 4, 2007 22:59:55 GMT -5
Elestirne too,looked intrigued by this,then that intrigue was replaced by a thoughtful expression. "I admit I am interested. Can you tell us more perchance,of how one travels between here and other lands and where we might find our ways back to our respective homes?"
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B-Shizzle
Meat Shield
Commander of the Legion
Posts: 213
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Post by B-Shizzle on Feb 8, 2007 21:33:06 GMT -5
"Sorry for my moment of thought. I am not always the best with words so I was trying to think of the best way to phrase it. You honestly just step in to an area where the portals tend to believe. Its weird I know, but you can't see them. You normally just stay in about a 100 yard radius of where they are supposed to be and then you go. You can travel to wherever you want by learning how to bend your will and through focus. That's how we travel to other lands. When we want to visit we normally go to a reliable area and just camp for a couple of days and normally take the time to prepare for being with him or train in preparation for training with him because its that tough with him. Thats how people randomly come here, their thoughts aren't in a particular place and sometimes they end up here"
"For you Storm, if you have enough recollection of Krynn...its definitely a possibility"
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Feb 20, 2007 11:51:39 GMT -5
Storm shudders for a a slight moment and then jumps in the air from excitement. Almost at the top of his lungs he yells, "I can go home!" As soon as his excitement ends he sits down and takes a large drink of water. "Sorry about that. It's just that i thought i could never go home again as soon as i arrived here," Storm breathes heavily, "though will and when will i go home is the next question. I still have to escort you milady to This Oron the Wolfs lands, though i know you are about to say that it is not what i need to do. I choose to if you still wish for me to continue with you and Olore. But it is really good to know i can go home."
Storm then looks back to Bishop
"Now Bishop, you have told me how the land was created. Now how is it that people have found their way here. Is it the mist the enveloped me and brought me here?"
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Feb 21, 2007 0:22:48 GMT -5
"A strange mist brought Olore and I hither." Elestirne said. Her face was thoughtful. "And Oron,when I first met him,spoke-or so I believe-of a mist doing the same for him. So it sounds to me as though the mist might have something to do with the way people arrive here. Of course,I cannot say anything for certain-it is merely my guess."
She turned to look at Storm with an amused look. "You are free to do as you will Storm. As for myself,I also look to go home though when is undecided. Nothing is certain. For now though,I mean to go for a ride. Olore has been waiting patiently to stretch his legs." She mounted in one graceful movement and inclined her head slightly to Bishop. "It was a pleasure to meet you." Without any signal from her,Olore wheeled and the two trotted out of the city through the gate.
ooc:I know it's not very good,but it's the best I have now
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 8, 2007 22:30:33 GMT -5
Elestirne felt better and more at ease once they were out from the city and its walls. It seemed a grim sort of place to her and though she was heartened to have found elves here she was still uneasy. She had not come here of her own will-she had been brought here by the mist and for a reason she did not understand. It wasn’t the city exactly, that made her uneasy-it was the air of grimness,of wariness that she sensed which unsettled her.
Olore snorted, flicking an ear back. These people are well used to being attacked,to fighting and battle. That is the grim wariness you sense milady-the tension that stems from always being alert; knowing you could be attacked at any moment, but never knowing when
“Have we come to this land to be caught up in a war then my friend?” Elestirne wondered aloud,patting the stallion’s neck.
Olore considered this for a moment. No,the silver stallion answered at last. A great battle is looming-likely between this people and the orc general they seem in fear of-and I deem it will come soon. Whether we are still here to be caught up in it remains to be seen. One does not know what chances the next day brings.
“If a way exists for young Storm to return to his homeland, then the same way or one similar exists also for us to find our way back.” Elestirne mused.
Do you want to go home so soon Lady? We have been here barely more than a day.
Elestirne thought. “No, not yet friend. I want to know more about these people who know Oron,and their land. However,I do not wish to get caught up in a struggle I have no reason to be a part of and I do not wish to be trapped here. And this was an unexpected journey.”
Sometimes those are best. Olore shook his mane out as he trotted leisurely and it rippled in the light;cascading along his neck like a silver waterfall.
Elestirne laughed softly. “How true. After all,it was, in a way,an unexpected journey that led me to you and to finding out who I am was it not?”
Olore shook his head with a laughing nicker. That was also in part a journey of choice,but yes.
“Why have we been brought here Olore?”
I do not know my lady but it was not for no reason. Our purpose for being here will be disclosed when it is time His ears flicked and he shifted into a smooth canter. But for now I want to enjoy this opportunity to stretch my legs and have a good run.
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Mar 13, 2007 7:34:21 GMT -5
Olore & Elestirne finish their run through the great wood, they slow and stop by a Dark cloaked figure.
(In a scratchy low voice you don't recognize.) "Do you believe that all is for a reason Lady Elestirne?"
The figure glides closer, Olore is uneasy, Lady Elestirne pats his neck.
"Mittelmarch will fall, I'd ssuggest you don't linger herre. They will fight one of their own. It isss already decided."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 14, 2007 22:05:49 GMT -5
Olore and Elestirne cantered for a time,then Olore stretched out into an exhilarating gallop that took Elestirne's breath away and sent her hair streaming back. She laughed aloud in delight; joying in Olore's effortless power,strength and grace. She was as sorry as he when he pulled up and slowed after coming out of the wood. She patted his neck as he dipped his head. He hadn't even broken a sweat. "We'll go for more runs like that my friend,and more often," she told him; sensing his regret.
The mighty silver stallion nodded; snorting. It was a good run. I am content for now my lady. Perhaps... Olore's thoughts broke off abrubtly. He snorted,nostrils flaring, and threw his head up;every muscle of his body tense.
"Olore, what is it?" The stallion gave the smallest of nods ahead,where a dark,cloaked figure stood. Danger milady.
Elestirne tensed now herself as they drew closer to the figure,though outwardly she appeared at ease. One hand though, shifted slightly to rest by one sheathed sword. Olore pulled to a halt abreast of the figure with snort,and pawed at the ground lightly but was otherwise motionless. There is dark magic about him Lady, and some orcs in the bushes about. He has tried to conceal them by magic but I can smell them.
Bless your keen senses Olore, Elestirne praised silently. His spellwork must be at a high level for me to not have sensed them as well. She kept a wary eye on the stranger. Olore shifted uneasily and she steadied him with a pat to his neck as the figure glided closer. "Come no nearer,"she bade;speaking aloud at last. Her melodic voice was clear and firm; her clear grey eyes bright and keen,flickering slightly with a warning glint. Again, Olore shifted. Be careful lady. Be ready to fly if need be. I sense he is not to be trifled with.
Nor am I my friend,or you,responded Elestirne;watching the figure with piercing eyes. " What I believe is of no concern to you,nor is whether or no I decide to linger." Briefly,Elestirne's eyes flashed with a hint of silver flame. Silently,she called up an undetectable protection spell in case the dark figure became hostile and decided to attack. " And niether this land nor it's people will fall easily from what I have seen of both."
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Mar 21, 2007 9:35:39 GMT -5
The shade seems to follow the dark figure, his face never being illuminated by the the dawning sun. His pale chin is all that shows, his lips flow with each word.
He grins slightly, "That sspell will not help, but I will not harm you. I would've already if that were my wish... ...That is a marvelous creature you ride, it is not from these lands either. Oh forgive, I have not introduced myself..."
He seems to float closer to the side of the horse, he bows his head slightly and raises a hand to be shaked.
"I am Telemachus."
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Post by strays on Mar 22, 2007 9:41:11 GMT -5
Strays, always wanting to go somewhere and do something, continues to fidget while Bishop, and Storm, and Elestirne speak. He watches as Elestirne rides off and then he walks off. He goes back to the inn and goes straight to the pile of sticks that he had not finished fletching earlier. He sits down and starts to fletch. he looks around after a while and notices that his door (which he closed upon entering) was standing wide open. he lays down the stick/arrow he had begun to fletch and goes up to the door. he looks both ways down the hall and starts to close the door again. when he sees a small bit of parchment on the ground.
the parchment reads;
Greetings young fletcher, i watched you fletch a few arrows with masterful skill, and i would offer you a job. if you choose to accept, head down the stairs where i await. i am in closer to the shadows where not many can overhear. I shall wait an hour and if you have not arrived, i will leave.
Strays sets down the parchment, closes the door and thinks.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 26, 2007 21:41:46 GMT -5
"It is never ill done to be as cautious as possible when dealing with strangers-especially strangers of a strange land," said Elestirne evenly. "It may be that you do not intend harm to me but can you say the same of the orcs in the bushes just beyond you? My stallion and I have met some of their brethern already since entering this land-an encounter which proved ill for them. There is no love lost between my kind and their's."
Olore shifted with a snort. One slender foreleg pawed the ground indignately,insulted,when the dark one referred to him as an 'it'. It was a great insult to him to be called an it,or be referred to as a creature. Not even being called marvelous made up for the indignity and insult that came from being called a creature and 'it' in the same breath. He snorted again; lacing his ears back flat against his skull and stamping a hoof in a clear warning as the dark figure drifted closer and reached a hand out. Back dark one! Do not touch his hand Lady. The air around him is tainted and foul,and evil lies about him like a cloak.
Elestirne had no intention of doing so. She too, sensed the wrongness and darkness that emanated from the figure. Instead she gave only the slightest of nods in aknowledgement, her keen,, piercing gaze lancing through the figure; attempting to discern some features through the seeming constant shadow that masked his face.
"How you know my name I know not but already you tread on thin ground stranger. My horse is no mere creature, no dumb beast used only as a means of transportation or simple companionship-and he is certainly not an 'it'. He is far more than that and it is a grave insult to take him as a mere creature or to call him such. As you can see you have earned his ill will already and it is wise not to irritate him further,as he acts on his own will,not mine. A wrong move he might choose to take as an attack, a wrong word might be taken as a threat. Thus,I strongly suggest that you hold your ground dark one. Come no nearer and choose your next words with great care and thought." Elestirne's eyes glittered; flashing witrh silver light. Her hands rested casually near her swords and she held herself still and straight;watching and waiting.
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Post by Sir Nichtmar on Mar 27, 2007 6:03:45 GMT -5
“Ahh it is you who I sensed, such raw power.”
Incredible to him that he has not seen any beast in the Land Between with such ability. Long ago when he was but a pupil of Alatar he had seen such animals that were considered divine. His thoughts hidden, but he wished to see it bleed and drain the power from its blood. He looks back to Elestirne.
“I apologize I guarantee that the orcs that attacked you were not of my tribe, I gave no such order. The ones I brought with me...”
He waves them out and five very large orcs come from hiding.
“…are for my protection only. Sheath your weapons boys, do not disturb the beautiful lady and her companion. I meant no disrespect my lord.”
He bows to the horse and rises.
“You may have heard of my lord Grish’nak, though I am under his command, I do not share his tactics. I loath the slaughter and carnage that he brings, but one must do, what one must do.”
He begins to walk around the horse, admiring its intensity.
“Truly marvelous, I sensed him from the confines of the Iron Mountains and I had to see myself. I thought it was you milady…
He purposely steps into the wind letting his cloak flap and wrap the leg of the horse, he sends a hidden spell that the horse may sense like a strange coldness, but does not harm him. The magic shadows itself in the enchanted coat of the horse.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 28, 2007 0:28:14 GMT -5
Elestirne's gaze flickered for the barest moment to the orcs as they shuffled out from hiding,then it lanced back into Telemachus as he bowed to her and Olore. Olore watched him suspiciously as he bowed,then rose. The silver stallion sidled as Telemachus began to walk around him;making sure that the dark one remained always in his sight. The magnificent stallion snorted;keeping his ears laced back as a constant warning;lest Telemachus forget and attempt to touch him or his lady.
Elestirne too,watched Telemachus warily as he circled her and Olore. Her hands rested lightly on her swords and the air seemed to shimmer slightly around her. Her clear grey eyes were bright and keen;burning into Telemachus with a fierce intensity. "And what is your part in your lord's plan dark one? What must you do?" Her hands inched slightly closer to her swords;uneased and tensely alert with Telemachus being so close.
Again Olore sidled;his sculpted ears lacing back just a little farther as he stamped a foot in a more clear warning. "And whatever you sense did not come from him only dark one. I have power of my own as well,albeit different from his,and it is strong. Do not underestimate a lady of the Firstborn,the Elder Kindred. I am mighty among my people."
The dark figure's cloak caught in the wind, briefly wrapped around Olore's foreleg. Though it had been only the lightest of touches,for the briefest of moments,Olore shuddered;the silver stallion flinching and shying away with a snort,then pawing with the leg uneasily.
Concerned,Elestirne lay a hand on Olore's neck. Olore? Instantly,she could sense that something was wrong.
It froze and burned lady. Some sort of dark magic,and tainted. It tried to grab at me-perhaps some sort of spell-but I cannot tell. I suggest we do not linger much longer. He is up to no good. He has the air of a snake;deadly and sneaky. His words are poisoned and oily-for all that he tries to appear pleasant and well-meaning. I long to crush him and his orcs beneath my hooves and your swords,but we cannot spare the time for that. We must return to the city and you must tell Zaron and Nichtmar of this encounter as soon as can be. Something tells me they need to know of this one.
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Post by telemachus on Mar 28, 2007 7:34:01 GMT -5
Long has it been since Telemachus heard of his Elvin kind speak of power, as if merely saying the word would shield them from death. After the Dark Lord fell once again and men were to inherit the earth the order went out for all to leave to Andor. Telemachus feuded with Alatar over these orders, Telemachus wished to stay and take advantage of men. Even Alatar, a wicked blue wizard, knew it was time to leave. Alatar walked away from the argument expecting Telemachus to follow, but he did not. Instead he slit his throat from behind and took his staff and incinerated his body. Eventually he was the last elf and wizard in Middle Earth, but as said, it was time to leave. A mist engulfed Telemachus, bringing him to the Land Between in which he came to serve under Grish’nak.
In an arrogant and sarcastic tone, “I am sure the blood that flows through your veins is very powerful…I would like to see that power.”
He glides to the side of the horse looking up to Elestirne.
“You could…join me…with you at my side we could overthrow Grish’nak and we could be the power. Do not be blinded by the teachings of good and evil. These lines have been blurred by blood on both sides. Mere perspectives I believe. I do not wish to rule with fear, but with peace in mind. I despise using these creatures, but war calls for desperate measures does it not, Mittelmarch begs for the help of others, how is this different. They would kill me in an instant if they were here, but you with a steady and just hand maintain courtesy, something these settlers don’t understand. You are better than any soul hidden in their wooden tomb, so I ask that you consider my offer. Do not answer now, when you are ready come back to these woods and I will find you.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 28, 2007 16:23:10 GMT -5
Olore nickered softly,though his ears stayed laced back as he regarded Telemachus. You see lady? A true snake,with a poison-tipped tongue. He will shift to and fro,depending on what side it gives him most advantage to be on. He could not frighten you off- now he seeks to bring you to his side and offers you joint rulership and power over Mittelmarch if you accept. See how he flatters you? He wants you to accept the offer,it would be a great victory for his side,to gain you and your abilities,and a terrible blow to Mittelmarch.
He does not know me, Elestirne responded. I will not be caught in such a snare. He cannot corrupt or tempt me and he is brash and foolish for trying. I am am not prey,to be lured unwitting into a trap. I have seen both sides now and the dark shall not have me. If I must be caught up in this then I choose the right side;to fight for Mittelmarch with Zaron and Nichtmar. I will not ally with this dark one and his master. He insuts me with his offer and mocks me by thinking I might accept and subvert to his evil cause. I am lady and queen of the elves. My heart is too pure and noble to be corrupted and tainted by the dark.
Her eyes burned into Telemachus with a fierce intensity; simmering and dancing with silver fire. She saw through his mask now and she saw a being that, once, had been of her kind-but who long ago became corrupted and fell;removed from his people. Curiously, she felt no hate or contempt for this fallen being-only pity and disdain. When she spoke, Elestirne's voice-though level and quiet-vibrated with power. "I am sure you would like to see my power dark one, or, more specifically, to have it as your own and subvert it to your own ends and those of your master. What you offer is not yours to extend and my power you shall not have. I have nothing to gain from an alliance with you or your lord. You are fallen. There is no returning from the path you have elected to follow-only darkness and death await you on it. I am a creature of the light and with the light I shall remain! The darkness will not have me! Get you to your master fallen one, and hope that our paths cross not again,for it will go ill for you if so. I am the Starbrow. Darkness has no hold on me."
Olore reared with a trumpet as Telemachus's orcs started forward, and Elestirne drew her swords;unleashing the magic that she had been building up during the exchange of words between her and Telemachus. Bright, silver-blue light flared into being;blinding the orcs. The first two,stunned,quickly met their end at her swords,but two others got past her and Olore's gaurds;scoring hits on her and a glancing blow on Olore before her swords and the silver stallion's sharp hooves finished them. Elestirne caught the barest glimpse of Telemachus and the last orc slipping away.
Let them crawl back to their leader lady, said Olore;also noticing them. We must get to Mittelmarch and tell them of what has happened. Without another word the silver stallion leapt into a gallop and within the hour they were back at the city. Olore galloped through the open gates and slid to a rearing halt in front of the tavern. Elestirne summoned her strength and called out commandingly in a clear, ringing voice that echoed easily. "Zaron, Nichtmar! I must speak with you immedientally!" As she waited, she sheathed her swords and put a hand to her side with a wince. The wound from her first orc encounter had reopened and now she had a second and possibly a third from Telemachus's orcs. Olore stood slightly off-balance;favoring a foreleg. Gods curse it, she thought grimly. For good or ill I am caught up in this conflict...
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 28, 2007 21:32:11 GMT -5
Soon after Elestirne had called out,Storm rushed out the door. Seeing her wounds,he started to call to his god to heal them,but she stopped him with an upraised hand. "Healing can come later good knight. There is no time now. You must get me Zaron and Nichtmar as soon as possible. It is vitally important that they hear what I have to say,for it concerns my ride and something that happened during it. What that is,you will learn with them,but not before. Find them Storm,and make all haste. Do not delay."
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