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Post by Lady Elestirne on Feb 28, 2009 0:52:15 GMT -5
Authion's hand slid to the hilt of his sword the moment his queen and Olore stepped fully into the light of the small fire. Picking up on his tension, Mornaur blew out his breath anxiously,but stayed still-until his master kneed him forward in the wake of Olore. With a sidelong glance to Kotaro,the elf noted with approval that the mortal sat Thalon well and gave the stallion the respect of a loose rein. Catching the warrior's eye,the veteran knight nodded very faintly-the slightest dip of a chin,no more.
As they edged fully into the light,Authion's hand closed around the hilt of his sword upon noticing that the guards had done the same. Or two at least,he corrected himself. The third-though startled as well-had not moved. Authion's bearing only tensed further upon noticing the way one of the solidiers was staring at Elestirne,jaw dropping. As though one: he had never seen an elf before or 2: he was astounded by her beauty. Or both,he noted grimly. He had not been told much-if anything-about these...'Jovians' had they called them?
When the wagon door opened and Telemachus stepped out,Authion's whole frame went rigid. Not only for finally coming face to face with the one that had hurt his queen her first journey here-but for discovering the sorcerer was an elf! His free hand tightened on the reins. Mornaur sidled and tossed his head uneasily,but Authion did not notice for the outrage building within him.
Then...Lady Elestirne's voice calm,commanding-but pained-cut though the riot of emotions and anger;instantly recalling him to himself. Chagrined,he replied apolegetically;realizing both that her empathy must have felt his intense emotions and that he must have hurt her. Her reply held no accusation,but she repeated the order firmly and this time he obeyed,if reluctantly. Sliding off Mournaur in a fluid movement,the knight kept a hand on his sword and his eyes on his queen and the sorcerer. He tensed anew at Telemachus's offer-his hand tightening around his sword-but relaxed slightly and nodded approval at Elestirne's words and actions. He watched warily as she and Olore walked to the edge of the camp-still in sight of everyone-and awaited Telemachus.
Reassured that she had the matter in hand,and heartened by the presence of Olore, he turned Mornaur loose with a word-and Thalon as well. The war-horse had dipped his head at Kotaro's thanks but, true to his battle-training, had not stirred a hoof and remained at guard-because Kotaro had not told him he could. Briefly patting both stallions on the neck,he made sure Storm's mount was secure before the joining the others at the fire across from the soldiers. He would not sit however,but remained standing,half in the firelight and half out;his hand near the hilt of his sword.
Standing near Kotaro the elf murmured-too low for the soldiers to hear, but just loud enough for Denendir, Kotaro and Storm to. "I think Lady Elestirne did right in not accepting the offer of speaking privately in the wagon. And it eases my heart a little for Olore to have refused to leave her. Elestirne told me of her adventure here three years earlier, and what happened between her and Telemachus." The knight's melodic voice went flat,hardened. "But she did not tell me that he was also an elf. This I am most....disturbed and unhappy at learning but I trust that she had her reasons for not telling me. Perhaps because she worried about my reaction. And she was right to do so. I have...personal reasons to dislike and mistrust what we call 'fallen' elves... As does my Queen-even more than I perhaps."
Authion let his gaze flicker briefly to where Elestirne,Olore and Telemachus stood. "She has suffered at the hands of one before this and that memory still haunts her-and always will I imagine-though it happened many years ago as you,Kotaro and Storm, reckon time-close to two decades perhaps. I do not know how long this meeting might take between them-or what things the dark one could have to say to my lady-but I hope it does not take overly long. I am uneasy about her-and us-being here at all. My lady could have refused to come-especially as he broke agreement and changed the time of the meeting. I do not know why she still kept the tryst." The tall elf shrugged,the faintest roll of a shoulder,and returned his eyes to his companions.
"Perhaps she saw something-or learned something-about Telemachus during that first meeting that she has not told me,besides the fact of his being an elf. I do not know. I know little about either the sorcerer or these...'Jovians'. If someone could enlighten me it would be good."
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Tatsumura Masamune
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Post by Tatsumura Masamune on Feb 28, 2009 17:33:23 GMT -5
The wind blew softly through the area, making the surrounding trees all seem to move.
Masamune looked on from a nearby tree. He looked down at the single strand of Olore's hair, and watched as it turned to dust. He's duties had kept him from answering the earlier calls. Cathan had arrived, and informed him that the Jovians were on the move, so he was forced to try and make plans just in case something were to happen.
He stood silently in the tree, no one had even noticed his arrival, something that he took a quiet pride in. He watched the exchange between Elestrine and Telemachus. Even though he had a immediate reaction to jump out and strike the tsukei down, he held himself for the moment. After all, this was suppose to be a peaceful meeting.
Masamune reached out with his mind, touching Olore's mind.
"I am sorry for the delay, forgive me my friend. I am watching you all right now."
With that, Masamune broke contact, he did not want his phyiscal presence to be known yet, and a longer connection might be picked up by the others. For the moment, he stands and watched, making sure things stay peaceful, if that changes, his katana is ready.
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Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Mar 1, 2009 18:28:00 GMT -5
Kotaro leaned slightly to reply to Authion, never breaking eye contact with Telemachus' guards. "I agree, that was a good decision. Olore would never leave her willingly. As for Telemachus, your lady told me of fallen elves after her rescue from him. I figured that it was between you and her to discuss. But from what I know, as far as elves are concerned, fallen elves are in the same category as dark elves and the undead."
He sighed. "And yes, she had the ability to cancel the meeting, but she didn't. I think you'd know better than I would why she chose to keep the rendezvous, you've known her far, far longer than I have."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 2, 2009 14:53:29 GMT -5
"Many people would die before you were able to separate Olore from her side." Authion said in a low voice. "I do not know how the dark elf managed to spirit her away to the..fiend with Olore not stopping him..unless..no I can think of nothing besides her ordering him away.." The elf slanted a quick,sharp gaze to Kotaro. "Has she done so? I was not aware... Perhaps I should explain..so you know why we abhor them-more even than orcs, or dark elves or,yea,even the undead." He pitched his voice just slightly louder-enough for Storm,but not the guards. "The undead we abhor because they are are perversions of life,of the natural cycle. The dark elves and orcs because one is the opposite of us and the other because they are enemies of nature and anything good. But fallen elves..."
Here, Authion actually shuddered. "They are elves that turn to the dark,who forsake their kith,kin and all it means to be 'elf';all our most treasured beliefs and ideals, those that turn their back on their heritage...sunder themselves from it. They are to us...a memory of the potential for darkness even in something initially good and bright. Dark elves are a perversion of all good about the elven race...Fallen elves are worse to us. They are something good and noble choosing darkness/evil,or being perverted to it. They...make us uneasy because they are proof that darkness is in elven souls as well as mortal...and it's not something we care to remember." He hesitated. "Perhaps you should know of that encounter.. Elestirne would not mind the telling,if it helps you to understand the current situation. And in it,may be the answer for why she kept this tryst, despite being within rights to refuse him."
The elf-knight locked gazes with each of them in turn. "Yes, I know her well-have known and served her all her life since she was but a child. But it doesn't mean I know her every reason for things she does. But..for this, I can guess. She is honorable,as I taught her to be. To her,backing out/refusing might have shown fear. She is unhappy for this meeting-and reluctant-but not afraid. I wish I knew why. But there, I am at a loss."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 2, 2009 21:22:22 GMT -5
Olore, waiting for both Telemachus's reaction and his responses to Elestirne, stood as still and silent as a ghost. His eyes and ears were fixed on the sorcerer, and he faced him squarely. He moved not at all and gave no sign of being aware of anything but the elven-queen at his side and the elf-sorcerer before him. So utterly motionless and still was he that,had his mane and tail not been blowing slightly and one seen the nostrils flutter as he breathed,he might have been taken as a crystalline statue carved of purest moonlight and starlight.
But while his body remained still his mind was active. He was aware of Tatsumura wind-walker before the man had settled in the trees ringing the camp. He,as he had agreed, had informed Tatsumura privately when they had left the kyuden and again when they had arrived here;shielding the contact even from Elestirne whom he normally kept nothing from. But she had not known the content of his and the windwalker's private conversation of the night before,only that they had spoken-and she did not need to know more. If he had told her Tatsumura's intent,she would have wanted him to stay behind,and would have felt she was being over-protected. Olore felt it was better to take no chances. If anything happened, the others could fight the guards,his lady could get clear, and he and Tatsumura together would fight the dark one. Elestirne definetly would not thank him for that if it came to it,but he was determined nothing happen to her again that was in his power to prevent and his honor had to be restored.
He sensed when Tatsumura enacted his magic back in the kyuden,using the hair, and his otherwordly senses sang out the alarm when the man had arrived. His mind closed to everyone,but Elestirne, the silver stallion sent out a current of thought to Tatsumura.
Do not ask forgiveness until you have done something that needs forgiveness. I am not sure it is wise for you to have come windwalker,given your feelings for the dark one and the way your last face-to-face meeting went. However,I aknowledge you have right to. I only hope your presence does not jepardize the meeting between my lady and the dark one-or Elestirne's safety.
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Post by telemachus on Mar 5, 2009 15:36:39 GMT -5
Arashi asks his question and one of the men looks to his commander for an order. The commander conveys his order in a simple nod. The guard pours a cup of water and offers it to Arashi. Arashi eyes the cup, obviously untrusting of the Jovians.
“It’s understandable you don’t trust us, but we are soldiers as you are. We are ordered to protect Telemachus, not to kill you. If we we’re, we wouldn’t poison you…no honor in it.”
He pours himself a cup of water and takes a drink. Then sits on a log and invites Arashi to join him.
“Too answer your question, I was born a Jovian and I am proud of it. We bring peace where there is chaos. We bring advancement. We have professions. The book types have their worth in our world too. We work together.” The guard goes on talking to Arashi.
Telemachus lower’s his hand. Slightly frustrated, “I was merely extending some hospitality, it’s wet out, and I thought I’d share a bottle of aged Elvin wine with you.”
He grins, “I found a few bottles hiding under some books in my old cave…I bet the taste is exquisite.”
Telemachus doesn’t seem his dark self. He seems to have a glow about him. Like maybe he’s seeking redemption. He wishes to speak to Elestirne privately away from the Jovians and her friends. He trusts no one.
“Malady, please don't make me beg. I only wish to speak…”
A cringe rips into his being, nothing heard or seen, but something elusive. He knows someone else is here, but not sure who. He doesn’t want to accuse her of a lie, but whom else could it be?
“Lady Elestirne, please…for your safety and my own. Join me in the wagon. My men are obviously outnumbered. The horse isn’t even tied to the carriage. I do not trust this sky. There’s something amiss about it.”
The Commander steps forward, “I assure you miss, we are not an enemy. We have orders from my Emperor to do nothing to start a war. It would not be in our best interest to harm you or your friends. Plus it is getting late. I’d like to pull up stakes as soon as possible.”
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Mar 5, 2009 18:00:42 GMT -5
Storm eyes the cup warrily.
"..we wouldn’t poison you…no honor in it.” said the guard
Storm nods and takes the cup. He raises it in thanks and takes a sip. Storm takes a seat next to the guard and pulls out some salted dried meat from a pouch on his belt and offers it to the guard.
"Same as well, there wouldn't be a reason to poison you."
The guard nods and takes the meat and takes a bite out of it. Storm smiles and then takes another sip of his water.
"So what can you tell me of your emperor? I have only heard bits and pieces but nothing serious. So a better question would be, who is he?"
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 5, 2009 22:25:34 GMT -5
"You forget the circumstances we parted under our last meeting." Elestirne's musical voice was perfectly level and calm,with no emotion-but there was the subtlest edge underscoring it. She looked him straight in the eye with no fear;her luminous silver eyes boring into him intently. "Given those, it is perfectly understandable that I do not trust you. I will not forget what was done Telemachus and well you know it."
Her eyes narrowed at his next words. Olore?
You cannot stand out here all night trading back and forth until one of you gives in. I understand your unease-I do not like this either-but the others can easily handle the guards. Storm,in fact, seems to be getting almost friendly with them, though the others keep a wary distance and ready stance-Authion especially. What Telemachus says is sincere-as far as it goes. He does only wish to speak. For now. What he has to say he must count important indeed if he is almost begging you. I know you would rather be under the free sky and in sight of the others but it is getting late, and the Jovians seem uneased by the night.
Nearly all mortals are,to some degree ,Elestirne answered. A soft mental sigh. I have no wish to be out here all night either. Very well.
You have your swords, and you have me. For-whether he likes it or not-I go with you. He'll not part me this time.
Elestirne lay her hand gently on Olore's neck as her gaze on Telemachus sharpened. "I have no fear for my safety Telemachus. The free sky holds no threat for me. But if it makes you that uneasy..." In a fluid movement, she and Olore moved off together;halting at the wagon and she continued like she had never paused. "Then we will meet as you ask. I have no fear of the night but I do not want to be here for all of it. But one thing I will not concede. Olore stays with. You may try to tell him you'd rather he not but I would suggest you..what is it that mortals say?.. 'deal with it'."
She turned the full force of that penetrating silver gaze on the Jovian commander for an instant. That subtle glint flickered at the depths of her eyes " 'Miss'? If that is how you have been taught to adress your elders-and those of higher rank-than your education has been sorely neglected. You would do better to call me by title,as you did the first time. And, among my people, it is deeds that matter more than words." She held his gaze a moment longer-making certain he noticed her pointed ears, slender frame,and other obviously non-human qualities. "And if you call me 'miss' you must-if I understand your use of that word right-find another definition. Unless all 'misses' of your kind are older than your grandfathers' great-grandfathers the word simply does not fit."
With that, she turned her glance back to Telemachus. "Let us go and have this conversation you were so eager for." There was a flat expressionlessness to her melodic voice, colored slightly with wariness and perhaps a tint of resignation. She waited until Telemachus had went inside first, then followed. Olore, since the opening was not wide enough to admit him, manuevered as close as he could,and pointedly stretched his neck and head into the wagon;preventing the door from closing. His long tail swished once;brushing across the grass.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 5, 2009 23:31:51 GMT -5
Authion-ever alert-caught the flicker of movement and turned his head very subtly to follow it. His whole frame tensed noticibly when he saw that the sorcerer, Olore, and his Queen were heading for the wagon. His hand, concealed in the shifting half-light he stood in,dropped to grip his sword unconsiously and began to slide it free from its sheath.
"Kotaro," he hissed harshly, his voice too low for any other to hear;catching the warrior's attention. Once he had it, he indicated with the barest dip of his chin the wagon and the three. "I do not like the looks of this. What has he done-or said-to convince her to agree to going into the wagon with him?" The elf's knuckles whitened as he gripped his sword and his other hand clenched and unclenched at his side. "Even with Olore it does not seem...safe. Right."
The elf's face darkened-and his bearing tensed more-at hearing the commander's disrespectful adress to Elestirne. He eased a little-slightly-at her words to the commander, but tensed again at watching her dissapear into the wagon. Anger boiled in him and he bristled at the thought of her being out of his sight,alone with the dark one-even with Olore right there. " Rhaich,"he swore under his breath. His face set grimly as he tried to keep the roiling emotions within him in check enough that Elestirne would not sense and be hurt by them. "I should be at her side. I swore..." Hand on sword, he subconsiously started forward;seething with emotion.
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Post by Kaida NyteClaw on Mar 6, 2009 8:50:42 GMT -5
Denendir watched consciously from where he stood that Elestirne and Olore were heading towards the wagon and about to go inside. Glancing to his side, he noticed Authion move very fast, Denendir felt a slight feeling of anger coming from Authion.
Reaching a slight arm and stepping in the way of him, Denendir said to him with a smile in elvish,"Friend, she knows she is doing. There is no need to bring bloodshed, all we can do is trust he will keep his word. From what he said, there is truth to be seen. So if you might join me, we can move closer to the wagon if you wish, perhaps to talk and such. That away if something starts, you can be closer to your queen."
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Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Mar 6, 2009 10:43:20 GMT -5
Authion felt a firm yet friendly hand on his shoulder. "Authion..." Kotaro said quietly in a voice that was not quite a growl. If you derail this meeting, all of our preparation will have been for nothing, and we could irreperably damage an already volatile situation. Stay your hand, lest you be the spark that starts the war.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 6, 2009 14:00:10 GMT -5
Authion halted as Denendir stepped into his path,blocking him. He had not even been aware that he had moved. The elf-knight started to go around,but the elf-lord's words-spoken in their own tongue-gave him pause.
"I do not trust him, or his word," Authion responded in the same tongue;his voice hard. "I swore an oath to my queen to protect and serve-and look out-for her. I do not want her to be alone with him,and out of our sight-not even with Olore as near as he can and on guard. I do not like this, not at all. I do not want to jepardize the meeting but I do not like her out of my sight with someone that cannot be trusted. If we can move closer to the wagon without inviting suspicion I would do so.
The knight sighed, and some of the tension and anger-some-seeped out of his shoulders and bearing. "You are right. I must trust her,trust that she knows what she is doing. But I do not like this,and I certainly do not trust him.
Feeling the firm yet friendly hand on his shoulder and hearing the warning in Kotaro's voice as the mortal said his name. The elf spun a half-turn-his anger not yet spent-to face the warrior. The elf-knight's eyes blazed with emerald flames,but the mortal-though a half-foot shorter-did not back down;returning the gaze unflinching. Faint surprise flickered briefly through Authion's stony countenance and his anger ebbed faintly as he felt Kotaro touch his mind and speak. His voice was still hard though,and a little sharp;crackling with anger as he responded in like manner.
Well do I know that Kotaro. I will not jepardize the meeting and I am certainly not about to start a war. Reluctantly,with effort, the elf-knight forced his hand to open and drop to his side and the sword slid back into its sheath smoothly. But,were it your lord and not my queen,and were you an elf, you might understand why I feel as I do-if not feel it yourself. Authion's voice was almost a snarl. I am bound by oath and friendship to protect her, and I cannot do so when she is out of my sight. I was not here three years ago to do so when she faced Telemachus the first time. Now I am. Am I wrong to want to avoid having the same thing happen again, to be protective? The knight-commander's gaze was level,challanging. Dare to tell me I am wrong to want to keep her in my sight and safe out of his clutches. I will not endanger the meeting but if I can get closer to my queen without doing so I will.
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Kotaro
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Post by Kotaro on Mar 6, 2009 14:15:23 GMT -5
No one will fault you for it. But you're not the only one protecting Elestirne-sama. Olore-sama is with her, and he would not let any harm come to her at all if he could help it.
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Post by Kaida NyteClaw on Mar 7, 2009 0:44:15 GMT -5
Looking to Authion, Denendir could feel the fear and the anger that swelled within Authion's mind and heart. Denendir could only help him to realize that there will be a time for revenge.
Denendir looked to authion and spoke again in their native tongue while smiling,"My friend, if you wish to get closer there will be no quarrel about it. We merely just walk closer that is all. And if you wish to be closer, then thats the best way to be, is next to the wagon. Which in the case of a violent breakout, you will be near to protect her."
Denendir nodded his head in the direction of the wagon, while pulling some Lambas bread from a pocket within his cloak, offering a piece to Authion. Smiling ofcourse.
"Im sure you have questions that need to be answered of me."Said Denendir with truth in his voice.
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 7, 2009 22:10:00 GMT -5
The blazing anger in Authion's emerald eyes cooled slightly. I know that. But honored Olore-as far as I know-is bound to Elestirne only in friendship and choice, not by oath or duty,aas I am. He is utterly devoted to he and would not let any harm come to her if he could prevent it. But since he is not,within my knowledge, oath-sworn to her I would feel better..more at ease-if only slightly-if I could get closer to my queen. Lord Denendir and I will see if we may get a little closer but perhaps you and Storm should stay here. Storm seems...comfortable with these Jovians and if something should go awry you two will be needed to see to the guards.
He gave Kotaro a long considering look;one faintly tinged with respect. I think I understand now why my queen counts you a friend-and appreciates that friendship. You seem to speak exactly what is on your mind-or tongue-and always with truth and conviction. And I have sensed no hidden motives to either you or your people thus far. If she counts you a friend...I shall as well. I think we shall get along during this time that I am a guest of your lands.
He turned back to Denendir now, again responding in their own tongue. "Not too close. Telemachus's senses are keen for being one of us... a visible, uncomfortable twitch. "and likely enhanced by his magic. I do not want it to be thought that we eavesdrop and I have no desire either to jepardize my queen's well-being,or invoke the wrath of a mage. Next to the wagon may be too close. Perhaps we might see about halfway between the wagon and the fire. Close enough that it eases my heart a little, but not so near that the guards might think us a threat to Telemachus-or that Olore will thnk we are interfering."
As the two elves began to make their way to a spot relatively midway between the fire and the wagon Authion kept the connection between his mind and Kotaro's open,in case the warrior should choose to respond. Accepting the way-bread Denendir offered him with a small nod, the knight reached into his own cloak and produced a small vial of the cordial elves frequently carried with them on long journeys and two small cups. One of these he filled and passed to the elf-lord with a small bow. "Yes,"he said without preamble. "I do have questions. But it was not the time or place to ask earlier. Nor do I think I should now. But as I do not know when another opportunity may arise.. Authion rolled a shoulder in a faint shrug and regarded Denendir intently;noting with faint surprise that the elf was shorter than he-shorter than Kotaro even-which seemed odd to the knight.
"It is plain that you are of good. With both my queen and Olore to vouch for you that point is moot. And I heard you speak of the vision you had while in our meeting. What I want to know is whom you are and from whence you hail and why you felt you needed to seek my queen and Olore out. And how you knew they were the ones in your vision. I could ask as well why you chose to accompany them back to the..kyuden is it called? but that seems an unnesecary question."
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Post by telemachus on Mar 12, 2009 7:53:39 GMT -5
Telemachus bows, “Thank you, Lady Elestirne.”
He leads her into the wagon and doesn’t quarrel with her demands. He sits in between stacks of books and scrolls. Opposite of him, Elestirne should notice he cleared as much room for her as he could, but there are books shoved to a side. His staff sits leaning from the floor to the ceiling opposite of the door they came in. He sits and pops open the aged bottle. Pours two glasses and hands one to Elestirne. He glances outside feeling the glare of Olore. Glances back to Elestirne.
“I thank you for coming. I apologize for the mess.”
He sips from his glass
“Once again you come to this world when change is at a turn. These Jovians are many and they are strong. Human, yes… knowledge of magic, nil… but they are powerful, they are not to be underestimated.”
He grabs a book, it’s bookmarked. Elestirne notices instantly that it’s written in Elvish. He opens it and hands it to her. There’s an image of a scepter.
“Isg’bel’s Scepter. They have it. According to some of the readings, it’s believed to hold great power. It’s said that Isg’bel could command several as one. He could change the land, raise the dead… Of course you could see how this weapon allures me. The story doesn’t end there. An ancient scroll was recently given to me by an old friend that has been in this land longer than I and longer than most. He had normally stayed out of way of war in this world, but since the scepter came up he’s been rather active. See everyone assumed Isg’bel was always this evil orcish sorcerer and much of the stories are true, but what happened before has been a mystery. He was actually a she and she was a mother, her family killed by humans, dwarves, and elves. They were clearing the land of orcs and beastly races. Isg’bel fled to the mountains and found the scepter, it transformed her. She was still a woman, but in legend she was believed a man. She reached out to her kind and united them into one of the most powerful armies this land had ever seen. Grish’nak was believed to be a descendent of Isg’bel, but as you know he is dead as well. Oron the Wolf made sure of that.“
He stops to drink, and hear a response.
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Mar 20, 2009 10:01:26 GMT -5
Storm sat and looked over at the group of people by the wagon. He grew concerned but when they dispersed a little, he let out a sigh of relief.
He looked over at the guard and smiled kindly, "Sorry about that, I don't know what they were doing. I doubt that it was anything important."
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 21, 2009 23:55:20 GMT -5
Elestirne had seated herself warily once Telemachus had sat across from her. Her sliver eyes took in her surroundings in a single quick glance, noting the overall mess of books and scrolls and the staff propped up against the opposite wall.
Salvaged from his stronghold no doubt, Olore noted cooly. He has been busy studying it seems. Likely on this sceptor these Jovians apparentally have and the demon's amulet.
Something in him seems different Olore, Elestirne mused reflexively as she watched Telemachus pour the wine.
He might change his skin, but not his form, the stallion was qiuck to retort. Once a snake, always one. Do not let your guard down.
Not a chance, Elestirne reassured. Gingerly taking the cup Telemachus offered, the elven-queen sniffed carefully at it before sipping cautsiously. The wine was genuine and no taint of poison marred it. She leveled a faintly curious look on the sorcerer. The light of her silver eyes was steady and bright,uncannily piercing.
"I never said I would meet you, nor did you politely request I do so," she pointed out mildly. "This was all your idea and doing. You are fortunate I am here at all Telemachus, given the circumstances we parted under last we met." Olore snorted meaningfully behind her. "And nothing should be underestimated. As for coming to the land...that I was asked to do, in friendship. I would not have returned else." Her eyes flared briefly and she took a small sip of her wine.
She looked at the book he proffered with interest but declined to take it. Her interest was piqued when she saw that it was written in elvish. Politely and patiently the elven-queen listened as Telemachus spoke; explaining about the sceptor and Isg'bel the orc. When he had finished she sat a long moment in silence and contemplation as she tried to sort out why he would have told her/involved her in this. He has to have a reason of some sort.. niether the sceptor or the amulet have anything to do with me...
Looking Telemachus in the eye she at last spoke. "I know that he is dead. I had heard that bit of news. But I do not know nor understand why you seek to involve me in this, nor what I have to do with it. I hold no connection to either amulet or sceptor, nor this land even save in friendship only. You were the one to contact me and set this tryst Telemachus, not I-even knowing that we did not part amicably the last time we crossed paths."
Her bearing tensed somewhat as she took a sip of wine. "And I have come, if perhaps unwillingly,to hear what you have to say. You have a reason for all of this: for contacting me and setting this meeting, for telling me what you have, for involving me at all... What is it Telemachus? What do you want? Why, I wonder,choose to single me out to tell what news you may have." Her gaze was bright and intently piercing;the light of her silver eyes steady and calm. Her fair face was carefully nuetral, almost expressionless,save he faintly curious look in her eyes and features. Olore snorted, his unblinking gaze on Telemachus as well. His tail swished, one forehoof delicately pawing the ground outside the wagon as he also awaited the sorceror's answer.
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Post by telemachus on Mar 26, 2009 8:16:26 GMT -5
Telemachus grins, “You are young and impatient, and when a day comes when you consider more than the now and the immediate future, I hope you then see the details I share with you are most important. The Jovians will be here for years. Do you understand? And you are connected to this Land, it allows you to come and go as you choose, yet others are forced to be here…something wants you here.”
He points an open book beside her. An image of a red crystal ring centered on the page and on the next demonic symbols. “Also the Azoth Gate, forged in hell, a weapon of demons. It creates portals to other worlds. It is powered by souls and magic. The scepter has the power to use the Azoth gate and Shatar has been ordered to capture Mittelmarch and find the gate.”
He glances out to the Jovians and back to her. He whispers harshly. “I am not with them. I despise the humans and their rape of the land. One day all of us will be gone and man will all be left. It happened in my home world, it will happen here. If the emperor gains these weapons he will use me to get home. Which seems ideal, but General Shatar and his army I’m sure will stay. See, they are divided. Shatar sees being here as a challenge and Thrawn just wants to get home. We can exploit this by making it seem like Shatar is hiding the Gate. This would cause division within the Jovians, giving you and your allies an upper hand. You or one of your allies needs to contact Helvaryn, the librarian, and have him get the Gate out of Mittelmarch. It may be too late, Shatar will attack soon, but knowing that paranoid elf, he’s got it hidden somewhere.”
He takes a breath, “It may be you who has to use these weapons, you understand?”
He looks outside to her guard and senses the ill feelings toward him. He looks to Elestirne. “Also warn your friends, if they kill me, I do not die alone. One of your friends is bound to me.”
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wolfblade
Meat Shield
not enough wepons
Posts: 134
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Post by wolfblade on Mar 27, 2009 12:31:07 GMT -5
*the alarm shot through his mind someone mentiond the gate and theother relics cursing to himself causing the box to shift he couldnt afford the spell components to get detail and break defence...it was exspensive so the all prupose alarm would have to do. but who would be talking about this...jovians.....or this Telemachus* i really wish i wasn't poor and didn't have to guess all the time
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Post by Lady Elestirne on Mar 28, 2009 13:57:05 GMT -5
Elestirne’s calm expression did not shift in the least. “To you who are older than I no doubt I seem young yes. And perhaps also impatient. But my experiences have lent me more patience than other elves my age. I learned the value of patience very early in my life Telemachus, and will not forget it. Rest assured of that. But who knows how many centuries you have seen. However you cannot be so certain that these Jovians will be here for years. Even the most firmly knotted rope can unravel. Some things are certain yes but it is generally wise to consider nothing set in stone until you see it etched there.” Her silver eyes flickered, briefly, at his declaration that she was connected to the land, that something wanted her here… Olore?, she questioned.
It is possible you have formed some sort of connection to the land our first journey here, the stallion's tone was thoughtful. Such things have ocurred though they are not common. What the connection may be here though,I could not say. The land does have ancient magic however, and many secrets. If he is speaking the truth, Olore's voice turned skeptical.then one of those secrets might be however you and the land are connected. I cannot give a more concrete answer. Not all the ways of magic are understood. Perhaps something does want you here-enough that you pass freely and easily,with no trouble.
Oron has come here, left, and returned. And others, Elestirne pointed out.
Through the Black Door yes, but the mists themselves? Olore countered.
Elestirne had nothing to say back to this and so she focused back on Telemachus and the drawing he was showing her of a red crystal ring. She glanced at the demonic symbols etched on the next page only briefly before returning her gaze to him. "Capture Mittelmarch? They may find that difficult. Mittelmarch will not give in without a fight-as you well know-and they have allies, of which I am only one. If these Jovians attack Mittelmarch will fight back."
Her eyes flickered slightly and one eyebrow rose as he continued. The intensity of her gaze sharpened as her eyes narrowed;mulling this over. For a long moment she was silent. "Division,"she murmured at last, her voice not even a whisper. "If they are divided amongst themselves they cannot stand together..or will have difficulty doiing so and remaining a cohesive whole. I have seen such before. But if they are strong they might still be able to funtion divided..to some degree.. As for contacting this...Helvaryn.." she shook her head slightly. "It seems as though you would seek to separate me from friends and allies yet again Telemachus. What would happen if the Jovians were to attack and I caught in Mittelmarch when that happened? I may not know much of them..but I know enough to know that they have no liking for the non-human races."
Her eyes flared briefly and she tensed minimally. "Why, Telemachus would it be I to use these weapons and send the Jovians home? I am no mage and my magic and the powers therein are opposite of demon magic. I could not use the ring without consequences and pain. You know that."
And he knows-or guesses-that you would do aught to help your friends if they were in peril,or to save lives if you could, Olore interjected. Because you are selfless and noble and cannot resist trying to help/save someone if you can. Be careful.
Elestirne started to answer, but froze at Telemachus's next statement. Her silver eyes widened and her cheeks paled briefly. She did not need to ask Olore for confirmation in this-she knew who the sorcerer meant. She inhaled sharply. Of course..how could I have forgotten? The spell Olore carried unwittingly after our first encounter with him..which Olore said transferred to... And later,after the war, I had recieved a message that a seal had been placed on the curse..then broken.. The feeling of one of my friends needing me/something being amiss with them...this is it.. And this is how Telemachus thinks he can involve me.. And he was right. No wonder he came with so few guards..
Snake.. Olore snorted in diisgust. Twists things how he wishes it. We cannot trust him..but nor can we ignore his words,for there may be truth in them.
Elestirne leveled a piercingly bright, unblinking stare on the sorcerer. I do not like being manipulated. Something steely glinted in her eyes,brief silver flames simmering in their depths. At all. But you are right Olore.
"Telemachus," she said slowly,evenly;the faintest edge underscoring her musical,softly lilting tones. "You have no right to involve me like this. Where is he? I might be able to heal him of the curse you have placed upon him and then he will be free. And what,I wonder, should happen if I do contact this Helvaryn and the amulet is removed from Mittelmarch? The sceptor,as you said, is in the possesion of the Jovians." She took a sip of wine, then set the cup down slowly and deliberately,meeting his eyes squarely. "You and I alone know what was said in your room those three years ago before the others found me and I wonder: has Grish'nak's defeat changed you at all or do you still follow the same path? I warned you then of the peril of desiring power and things not yours to have. I would pray you remember those words." She sighed once, softly. "Have you anything else to say?"
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Post by telemachus on Mar 30, 2009 9:36:28 GMT -5
He puts the book down and settles in his seat, hearing her words, noticing every expression. She worries about Mittelmarch and the ogre. He thinks to himself, she holds this image of steel, but she cannot hide her feelings.
“Mittelmarch’s leaders are gone. I’ve seen the future. The king is bound for allies, but he will only find pain. You’re ogre friend has been captured, but friends are on the way. I also have seen Mittelmarch soldiers joining the Jovians, one in particular will crush the heart of many.”
He listens to her talk about healing him of the curse. He grins.
“If you remove the curse he will die. His heart was severely damaged by a rusty orc blade four years back. The ‘curse’, as you say, sustains his life and I sustain the curse. I could remove it at anytime. I don’t have power to take control of him, but the dark magic feeds on his emotions and amplifies them. If my vision of the future comes true, he will be full of anger and hate. His heart will be broken when he hears of the betrayal. Then he will also become a weapon against the Jovians.”
He takes a sip, “Life is like music don’t you think? It flows from brite to dark and then eventually it must end. I feel my song coming to an end...”
He stops to think for a moment, barely hearing her question about Helvaryn and remarks to the past.
“The past doesn’t matter, child. If you warn Helvaryn, the item will be in your hands, instead of the Jovians.”
A vision floods his mind. Samuria, Jovians, death… “You must go… do not go back to the Shogunate. Go where you wish, but don’t go there… I must leave.”
He rises to open the door to the wagin. “Please heed my warning.”
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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 Mar 30, 2009 13:00:18 GMT -5
Masamune continues to sit in the tree silently, until he sees the door swing open. Telemachus steps out. Masamune jumps from the tree, landing just outside the meeting spot. He walks up slowly, his hand resting on his katana. No one seems to notice him except for the tsukei, and Olore.
Telemachus and Masamune glare at each other, and a feeling of anger rises between the two, though no overt actions are taken. There glares show the battle of fire and ice the two hand three years ago. The two Jovian guards make a move until waved off by Telemachus.
Masamune notices Elestrine making her way out. Then looks back to Telemachus.
"I assume your business is finished. If so, I would appreciate it if you now removed yourself from being so close to my home."
Then he heard and felt it. The sounds and rumbling of troop movements. But for them to be felt this way meant they were close....then it dawned on him. Masamune shot a icy glare at the tsukei.
"You snake!!!"
Masamune turned to Kotaro.
"Kotaro-san, head to Mittelmarch, tell them that the Kyuden is under attack. The rest of you protect Elestrine-dono, and do as she says!!"
He looks back to Telemachus one last time.
"We are not finished tsukei!!"
With that, Masamune darts off before anything else is said. It doesn't take him long to reach the tree line. He pauses for a moment at the horror he thought it was. over 1000 Jovians stood in formations not even 500 yards from the walls of the Kyuden.
Masamune made his way into the village, where children were crying, and the samurai were making their way to their positions. The Jovians where north of the village, which gave the samurai the slight advantage for thier arrows. Masamune made his way towards the kyuden where he ran into one of Elestrine's elves. Before she could answer, Masamune spoke.
"Elestrine-dono is in good hands. She is safe for now. I would ask that you and your comrades flee into the woods. This is not your battle, and I will not allow any of our honored guest to fall to these Jovians."
With that, Masamune made his way to his room, quickly doning his armor. The black armor, accented by the red and white lacing had not been worn in some time, but it was still good as new.
Within minutes, Masamune sat on a horse outside the walls of the Kyuden, with the hundred samurai that were all that they had. A few dozen ashigaru armed with bows and shugenja lined the walls. Masamune looked out at the commander of the Jovians, sitting on his horse across the field, who began to make his way across the field with only his banner carrier.
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Kotaro
Moderator
Supporter of Hammer Pants
Shogun
Posts: 1,174
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Post by Kotaro on Mar 30, 2009 13:40:13 GMT -5
Without word or hesitation, Kotaro leaped onto his mount and thundered off toward Mittelmarch. Before he was even a mile away, the screams of Mittelmarchers and the clash of steel told him the city was already under attack. Urging the elven horse faster, he rode as hard as he could. Leaning forward, he spoke directly into the Thalon's ear. "My city is at war, I need you to fight with me..." The stallion's increase in speed gave him the confirmation he needed.
Shouting a warcry that could have frightened a dragon, Fuuma Kotaro, the Wind Demon, charged straight into the horrendous melee, taking life after Jovian life with his steel.
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Post by Sir Storm Brightblade on Mar 30, 2009 16:27:05 GMT -5
Storm stood up as soon as his Shogun entered the clearing. Then the next thing he knew he was ordered to protect Elestirne, which wasn't as much an order as obligation. He stood up and ran to Elestirne's side and pulled out his katana and Brightblade. His family sword shined in a pale blue aura as usual when a fight against evil was coming. He looked left and right, watching the Jovians and then back to Telemachus.
"What in the Abyss's name have you done fiend?" He said to Telemachus in a disgusted tone.
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