Seed of Light

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa bowed before Lady Elestirne. "Greetings, it appears that the gods are smiling on us today. I have many of questions and few answers at the moment. First, I have seen many strange and wonderful races since being brought here by the mist, but yours is one I have not seen before. If it is not too much to ask, I wish to know more about your race. Also, I would like to know how the one named Nichtmar is doing? I am also more trouble then the last time we talked. On my way here, I was attacked. It was an orc. It was very similar to the one I fought in the forest, yet it was more clumsy. It's face had a look like the life had left it a long time ago and it had smell of death. It is a smell that I believe I have smelled before, but I can not be sure."

Tsukasa's heart felt heavy. He was worried for the ones that he doesn't even know, for the well being of a city that even though he hasn't been there long, he called home. The rising of the undead bothered him. He has seen the way that seeing a dead love one brought back to an unnatural life affects a person. He wants to help Mittelmarch in any way possible, but he has very few in whom he can call on to help him. Anyone that looked into Tsukasa's eyes, could sense the pain and burden that he felt.

[Giggles "Adguin"]

"Hey look at that Charles!" a boy of fourteen said to his friend as they passed down an alley. "It's parts of a dead orc. man I had never seen a dead one before! Maybe it has a sword or something valuable on it!"

"Jon don't mess with it! Who knows where it's been. Besides you know the rumors! What if it rises and kills us!"
Jon all the while bring him closer to the body just scoffed at him. "Those are just stories to tell to whiny babies like you to stop us from getting into trouble. The Jovians are gone and we are atleast free of their reign! Let's have some fun and sell what we can from this creature."
They stepped over the top half of the body both looking but not wanting to touch it. Finally Charles decided to show he wasn't afiard and reached for a cheaply made necklaces around it's neck.

It was the last thing he did in the lands as the orc instnly grabed his neck and broke it. It grabbed Jon though and looked at him while covering his mouth.

Jon was instantly confused as the orc put a giant kiss on his lips. He tried to break free but it's strength held him firmly in place.
After a second he felt something big enter his mouth and then he felt searing ripping pain as the Raven dug it's way into his throat he screamed as best he could but the raven took care of that by scratching and kicking his way down to his heart.

With it's razor sharp peak, it stabbed his heart over and over until he died and the beating of his heart, which had been beating since he was in his mother had finally stopped. After that it dug into his heart and rested.

Moments later Jon was standing. He dragged the bodies of his former friend and the two parts of the orc down too the sewers and threw them down there. The few animals Giggles had tainted in the city dragged them from there and took them to the cemetery.


Wiping some of the blood from him he slowly headed for the healing station. He walked to the front door, and some guards stopped him and he looked up and coughed up some blood. In a voice that sounded like he had been gargling with rusty nails and glass he said, "Please.....I don't feel well.....I need a healer...let me in......please...." He awaited the guards reply.



In the dank forest looking for his brother Giggle's sensed something from the spyhe had near the mountains. From it's eyes he saw figures doing a ancient demonic ritual within a hole in the side of the mountain. The crow was overwhelmed at sensing the newly formed demon and was urged by Giggles to get closer. He felt the pain of the bird being set a flame by Telamon.

Great I now have even more to fear in the Lands.
He quickened his search for his brother. he had hoped to at least be rid of one threat.

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne's silver eyes were very bright and piercing. At Tsukasa's first question though, their brilliance flickered briefly-as if in surprise. Authnor,at her side, moved a little at the question and his emerald eyes showed a sudden wariness. Elestirne's fair face was unreadable as she debated how to answer. At last she said, "If you truly know not of what we are Tsukasa, then perhaps the simplest answer is he best for now. We are elves. There are some, who have called us immortal, others who think of us as angels come to earth. Our race walked the earth long before men rose to populate it." Her melodic voice was even,simple. "And Olore...is Olore. He has been my companion and steadfast friend for many years. He understands all said to or around him in the tongues of elves and men and is very protective of me.

"Nichtmar..."her bright gaze flickered the short distance away to where the ogre lay. "...is sleeping now but he will recover. He should wake soon,but he might be weak. His race is a blessing to him on this occasion-a mortal man would have succumbed to the taint before I could have gotten here. And even then he is fortunate I arrived before he succumbed. The undead taint is powerful and ancient magic, and few are the healers with the skill, ability, or power to cure an infected person-especially one so far gone as he was. Herbs and poultices do not work,and spells and prayer are only marginally effective. But I am a rare kind of healer,and my power is stronger than the taint." Her silver eyes glittered.

At his final words, the elf tensed visibly,as did Authnor and Olore. "What you describe was an orc that had succumbed to the taint and become undead." Her melodic voice suddenly had a discordant note of harshness to it,and her face and eyes suddenly had a grimness to them. "You must find the creature and burn it."

"Or it will rise again, and infect others," Authnor put in;his voice even harsher than his queen's. "I pray it did not follow you to the city. If it did, you have endangered the people. Where did you leave it? It must be stopped if it still can-or others will be turned."

Elestirne started to speak again, but tensed anew. Her silver eyes flared and narrowed as she felt taint-very near-and she knew beyond a doubt that it was utterly banished from Nichtmar. Olore, beside her,and facing toward the door like she was,tensed also. His head came up and his ears went flat to his skull. His nostrils flared and he pawed the ground, his deep blue eyes unnaturally bright. The silver luminance about him seemed to brighten perceptibly as well,turning more silver-white. He spoke a single word, but only Elestirne and Authnor heard. Undead!. Authnor drew his sword instantly and moved to stand with his queen. Though she did not draw them, the slim elven swords on her hips seemed to flare softly with silver-blue light. Tensly,she waited. If the creature tried to enter the hall,she and Olore would see to it.

[Tsukasa]

At the mention of the undead orc being able to affect others, Tsukasa eyes widen with fear. He realized that he had put all of Mittelmarch at risk. He was about to ask Lady Elestirne something when he saw her tense up and the male elf come stand beside her with his weapon drawn. He also saw Olore tense up. Tsukasa could sense that something wasn't right, but he couldn't place what it was. That is when he heard a scratchy voice of a young boy call for a healer from the main door. He walked over to the front door and stepped outside.

Tsukasa walked up till he was a few feet away from the kid. He wanted to be able to observe the boy without putting himself at risk. He kept his hand near his katana, but tried not to scary the poor boy.

"Good day young man. I came out here to see what is wrong with you. I know there has been a lot of strange stuff going on as of late. Have you had any contact with anything that has recently died?"

While Tsukasa was talking to the boy, he looked into his eyes. They didn't look like the orc's but they also seem to lack the sparkle of life that most living beings have. He could also smell the slight smell of rot coming from the boy. With what he gathered, he slowly backed away from the boy, while keeping his hand near his sword at all times.

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar dreams…

He sprints down the narrow hallways he looks for the stairs to the light. The darkness at his heels, he makes it to the first step. He climbs and climbs. Suddenly the stones beneath his feet start dropping away to the black. The call of death is drawing him away from the light. The spire is crumbling as he chases the light. The light seems to be getting sharper and smaller. He reaches the top. The light is out of reach and floor is breaking beneath him. He climbs up on the ledge and jumps for the light.



In the real world…


“Nichtmar…become unead…burn it…” He hears familiar voices.


He awakes.


He leans up on an elbow confused of the where’s, how’s and when’s and watches the seen unfold at the doorway. In his medical gown he grabs his sword that was leaning against the cabinet and stood behind the elves and Tsukasa peering around to see what the trouble was.


“Um, Your Majesty, what I do this time?”

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm's reaction is much the same as the Elves', if a fraction slower. However, instead of rushing outside with Tsukasa, he spies Nichtmar's stirring and rushes to the Orc's bedside. Once Nichtmar had become coherent enough Storm begins to fill his fellow warrior in on what has taken place since his collapse at Cedric's.

[Cathán Neamhnaofa]

After discussing his plans with Telemon, he looks at Zigler still speaking with his mind "I don't see any problem with that Zigler. Also I will be traveling to Galladorn quite a bit during the winter to keep an eye on the people I want, if you ever want to join along you know how to get a hold of me now."

With everything completed Cathán and Zigler vanish from Telemon and appear in the basement of the inn. Even though it's fairly dark in the basement, Cathán sees a someone down there with them, but his back is turned to Cathán and Zigler. Cathán grabs Zigler and pulls him back into a dark corner and points in the direction of where the third person is. Using his mind, "Who is that?"

[Giggles "Adguin"]

The boy tensed noticeably , upon seeing everyone stare at him so strangely. "Wha...what did I do? I just need herbs or something. My throat is so dry. I just don't feel so good...."
The Raven tried to tap into what little was left of the boy's emotions: to play off the shock of being reprimend for doing nothing. It tried to think on what to do for it sensed that they were on to it but it did not understand how.
"I was sick for a few days from eating some bad sauages. I just don't feel so well since the pig had been dead for a while before but I was so hungrey...."
The boy coughed up some blood. Too any mortal it was normal blood ,but too keener eyes they could see that the blood was already starting to coagulate just a little....

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa's hand gripped the hilt of his katana, and his other hand gripped the sheath with his thumb right under the guard of the sword, so he could push it up for a quicker draw. Tsukasa could sense that the boy was lying. The lie only went to confirm what he already concluded. Tsukasa doesn't want to harm the boy, but if he has been affected by the taint, he is willing to strike him down.

"Would you like to tell me the truth of why you are here?"

Tsukasa kept his eye on the boy. He wasn't going to let him into the healing center, but he doesn't want harm to come himself due to any actions the boy might take.

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar raises a brow to Tsukasa and leans his sword back against the cabinet. Nichtmar listens to Storm as he puts on his pants, shirt and blue and black tabard. He straps his boots and sinches on his belt and scabbard. The Ogre steps infront of all of them and grabs the kid by the shirt and takes him to the Doc.

"Doc, if this kid is undead you'll know right?"

The Healer says, "Well I mean usually there would be some signs. Like biting...."

"Well good enough for me. I'm Hungry, anyone wanna go to Ced's for breakfast..."

He looks out the door, "...or dinner whatever time is it."

[Wulf]

Wulf walks into the healing center after having some trouble getting past the guards for not being sick. After alot of persuasion, he finaly walks in to hear a commotion somewhere nearby. He could hear a raspy voice from a child and a couple of others as he starts to head towards them.

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa glanced over at Nichtmar. He had made a good point. The boy hasn't done anything to show signs of being undead, but something had the elves troubled and in return that troubled him. He knew that the boy had lied about the reasoning for coming to the healing center.

"Nichtmar-san, I will join you shortly. Dinner would be great. I haven't eaten in hours. I first, need to talk to the doctor in private though."

Tsukasa waited patiently for a chance to be alone with the doctor. There were things that bothered him about previous events and the boy that he need to talk to him about, but he also didn't want to worry everyone in the healing center either.

[Wulf]

After a few seconds of walking, Wulf walked into the rooms and stood at the doorway as he saw the elves standing with a worried look on their face, and a few others.
He gently bows to the Elf female in respect, hoping to show that he ment no harm, as he took out his notebook and quickly wrote something as he handed it to the nearest elf.

(The Note in the book is: I would like to know who it was that was injured a while ago, for i may know him and would like to see him please.)

[ziglerrobertson]

"Dorian," Zigler whispers, "he works fer me. Best be getting along yourself laddie, I can take care o' this." As Cathan vanishes Zigler slowly approaches the near undead man who is staring at something on the floor.

Curious to know what it is that has enthralled Dorian's attention so, Zigler edges closer. Just as he spies the Lich blood by Dorian's toe Zigler's mug (which he never leaves the Inn without) knocks against one of the old Jovian crates he'd been saving.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Noticing how crowded things had gotten Storm replied to Nichtmar, "Lunch actually, and I think yours will be on the house." Raising his voice to address the crowd at large, "Folks, we're gonna head over to Cedric's and get some food into this man's stomach. Your all welcome to come along, but we can't feed this many for free!" Storm winks at Elestrine, letting her know that hers would also be one of the 'free' ones.

Storm walks to the door and courteously holds it open for everyone.

[Dorian Prior]

Dorian had felt the presence of a demon in the room, but did not act on it. He recognized the presence as Cathan, an ally, or at least so it seemed. Just as Dorian was about to speak, the demon seemed to have vanished. As yet another noise came from behind some crate, Dorian spun to face the intruder.

Dorian looked upon Zigler in initial surprise, but his eyes quickly narrowed and turned dark. He drew a long stiletto from inside his jacket and pointed to the blood on the floor.

"Greetings, barkeep... Care to share a tale as to how this got here?", he said menacingly.

[ziglerrobertson]

Zigler looks disgustedly down at the blood,"Laddie, that came from a rather foul smelling creature that Cathan had brought me. According ta mah friends the Lich had assulted one of Lucinda's girls. He spent many a night down here, in pain fer what he tried ta do."

Zigler steps closer towards Dorian, "Tell me lad, you ought tah be able to smell more than just that black blood! 'specially considerin' how much Jovian blood has stained the floor o' this cellar as well!" The Bard laughs maniacally.

"Now Dorian me boy-o, perhaps it's time ye be tellin' me a story of yer own, preffer'ly startin' as ta why yer down here?"

[Giggles "Adguin"]

The raven thanked all that was unholy for the oger's bluntness on him. But he sensed that he was exposed so he took the only path that lay before him.

He waited for the majority of the people to leave as he pulled the doctor to the side of the back room.

"Doctor, please come closer, I have another symptom besides my scratchy voice and cough, but I'm kinda embarrassed to say what it is....May I whisper it in your ear?"

"Hm? Well I suppose so. Just don't be getting me sick with whatever you have" was all the healer said.

"No, closer please....I'm so embarrassed by this...." The doctor looked puzzled but began to lean in closer.

The boy grabbed his neck and jumped onto his back while keeping his arm around the healer's neck. "If you want to live even a moment longer then do as I say or I'll do to you as my brethren tried to do to the Oger!"

The boy waited for the man to calm down before loosening his grip on his throat enough for him to breath properly.

"Now take me to the sick and injured ward. If you don't I'll let you live, but I'll turn all your family and loved ones before your eyes and keep you alive long enough to see them feast on your entrails!"
The boy awaited his reply, keeping his grip tight enough to where he couldn't yell for help.

[Dorian Prior]

As Zigler recounted his interaction with the lich, Dorian relaxed. He appeared to be telling the truth, at least. It was a wonder why he kept it to himself though...

Dorian gazed around the room, perhaps to see if anyone else were about to appear out of thin air, then spoke.

"I came down here to think after Nichtmar collapsed. I had a bad feeling about something, and it was too noisy upstairs to think straight."

Dorian paused, wondering if he could trust Zigler with his observations. He decided it wouldn't do any harm.

"There's a good deal of trouble waiting for this city, Zigler," Dorian said cautiously. "First with this lich, and an undead taint making its way around. Then with the Chu Ku'tal holed up in Moruliima and the Jovian refugees here in the city. And then this business with... Telamon...". Dorian sat upon one of the crates uneasily.

"This... being... visited me one night. He spoke of a city for the evil races... that I should seek out Banith," Dorian drifted off in thought. In a minute he straightened himself.

"Something is about to happen, Zigler. It's all interconnected somehow, but I don't know why. Something must be done, or these walls will come down around our ears again."

Dorian realized he still had his weapon in hand and sheathed it nervously.

[ziglerrobertson]

Zigler raises an eyebrow at Dorian's response, "Ye been down here fer a week?!? Well, at least ye didn't rush inta anything!"

Zigler grins as he listens to Dorian further. "I to have met this Telamon laddie, an' all I gots ta say on that note is that there is plenty o' room in this land. As fer the danger ta Mittelmarch, it's closer than ya might think."

The Inn Keeper gets a mischievous gleam in his eye as he remembers all the Jovian scum housed in the city's stadium. It's about time he took care of that, and having Dorian's presence helped to open a few doors.

"Yea remember those Jovian's civies in the stadium? Well, they be planning an uprising. Me thinks it's time we took care to make a few plans of our own, like taking care of them once and fer all." Zigler looks Dorian up and down,"So laddie, ya up for a little night work?" Zigler face breaks into a huge grin as he says this.

[Wulf]

Just as he handed the notebook to the elves, he suddenly heard a noise from the doctor as he quickly came to his aid.

To Wulf's luck, the boy and the mans back was towards him as he quietly came up behind them and grabbed the boy by the hair and ripped him off the man, throwing him hard against the wall behind them, as he quickly unsheathed his sword, pointing it at the kid.

[Sir Nichtmar]

OOC:

Dec 15, 2009 20:57:01 GMT -5 Giggles "Adguin" said:

.
He waited for the majority of the people to leave as he pulled the doctor to the side of the back room.

Let's not pounce on everything, let the story develop, he waited till we left. So lets get some food. I know everyone is eager to post, but allow for some natural RP. Maybe Wulf was there but I certainly wouldn't have stuck around. Nichtmar is hungry.

And since we have multiple paths going on this story, lets post a little setting dialogue before each post so we know where everyone is.

IC:

Inside Cedric's Inn...

Nichtmar stepped through the doors of Cedric's and asked the keeper. "Biggest Steak and potato you got!" Pulled up to the bar.

"N-some bread and a mug of ale please."

Nichtmar nods to one of the random patrons. The bread and Ale came first. He tore off a piece with mouth, chewed it down, and took a big gulp of ale.

"Aww that's good."

[Tsukasa]

Back in the healing center, Tsukasa saw the boy and the doctor talking. A part of him told him to not leave the doctor alone with him, but he pushed that feeling to the side. He was hungry and decided to leave and head over to Cedric's Inn. He need some time to sort through some stuff and he wasn't going to get that at the healing center.

Tsukasa walked out of the Healing Center. On his way out, he past a strange man in a silver mask. He acknowledge the man as he walked by. After a few minutes of walking, he entered Cedric's Inn. The sound of the busy inn helped to sooth Tsukasa's troubled heart a bit. He saw Nichtmar sitting at the bar, and he saw a few others from the healing center. He walked over to the his normal table. He pulled out one of his scrolls and some ink and started to write down what he has learned so far. He saw one of the help walking about the inn and pulled them a side so he could place an order of rice and fish. He also ordered some sake. He did another quick scan of the room and saw the elves that came with Lady Elestirne sitting in a group that was slightly separated from the rest of the patrons. He then looked over by the door and saw the elf that seemed to be Lady Elestirne's main protector. Tsukasa went back to writing on his scroll as he waited for his food and drink

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm had served Nichtmar and was busy taking care of the rest of the party. Olore, the white horse and Elestrine's companion turned a few heads, but as Storm approached with a bowl of sweet oats, most of the Inn's unflappable regulars turned back to their own drinks. It felt good to be back, but after a moments hushed conversation with Jed, Storm's worry arose again. What had become of Uncca Ziggy?!?

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor, from his place between the door and the rest of the elves, watched things with wary interest. He would rather have stayed at the healing center, for something had told him instinctively the boy was not what he had seemed and not to be trusted.. But, he and his elves at Elestirne's bidding had gone with the ogre, her swornbrother and the stranger. Olore, and the strange masked one had stayed with Elestirne at the center, so Authnor supposed she was safe enough. All the same, he was still uneasy. However, hunger had won out over that unease-for neither he nor the others had eaten since the mists had taken them,and it had taken Elestirne several hours to remove the taint from her friend. He had seen that she was tired,and reasoned that she meant to rest.

In his musing, Authnor's gaze fell on the stranger-Tsukasa,he remembered the name to have been. He had noted the mortal's extreme curiousity about them-evident even through the courteous respect-and he remembered that the mortal had been about to ask Elestirne something before the boy had shown up. The elf's eyes emerald eyes narrowed, perhaps he should learn more about this one and why he seemed so curious of Elestirne...

Rising, Authnor approaches Tsukasa;not wanting to admit that he was as curious of the stranger as he seemed to be of them... Reaching the corner table where Tsukasa sat and wrote, his goblet of wine in his hand, Authnor looked down at the scroll. He could not read the writing, but it seemed familiar to him,as did Tsukasa's garb... Authnor glanced from Storm back to Tsukasa and finally made the connection. "Greetings, samurai," he hailed as he came close enough. His melodic tenor voice was low, but pitched so that Tsukasa could hear it perfectly even with the bustle of the inn. When the man looked up, Authnor introduced himself. "I am Authnor, chief of the Lady's elves. I am different things to different people: Captain to some, Knight to others, Commander to all save my Lady, and Lord only when I cannot get away from it. I notice you seem very curious of us and of my lady especially. It seemed as though you were about to ask her something ere we left, yet you did not. I would be pleased to learn what this thing might be, that you were going to ask. If you have questions of us, or her, perhaps I can offer the answers. You are not the first to wonder of us. And additionally you seem troubled about something. What did you sense about the human boy?"