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Thread: The children of UKC- IC

  1. #21
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    Default Short Co-Op by Kris and Derp

    Aerosia


    The coast, a sight Cliven had yet to properly describe and therefore inscribe into his own memory. To him it was a world apart from what he knew. In place of vast dusty plains and arid wastes were verdant hills bordering the seemingly endless plain of the ocean.


    Ocean, the very thought brought back flashes of Cliven’s journey, weeks of nothing but rolling waves and the occasional bird, filled with little to do but sit, wait, and drink with the crew. Cliven decided long ago that alcohol was a very good way to spend long nights.


    Now however, Cliven had none of that, no desert, no ship to wait for landfall, no crew to get drunk with. No instead he found himself standing on dry land with both himself and his horse feeling suddenly quite thirsty, though for now that would have to wait. Cliven had no money, and no knowledge of the area, Though at the moment one of those could be fixed.


    Forming the exact words in his head Cliven turned to his recently found companion.
    “Say, Shani, where could a man find drink and work around here, it looks nice enough, might stay a while.”


    “There are small locations of inns around, which I’m sure you will find to be worthy. But Aerosia, and Kail village are more… traditional when it comes to drinking. I don’t think you would find fancy stuff as Ivalor or even Ascara. Even Sigard imports from these two places, so I’ve heard…”, she slowly halted, “I do need to return to my Patron, but I would really like to hear more about you. If you would like to escort me first to the Mother Matron, a small stop with the Lady Mother, for I have information for her, afterward I can escort you to one of the inns. In there you can place your horse and get food and a place to sleep, and I can hear more about your tales”, Shani said, hoping this man will be ready to follow her.


    Cliven had to think about this for a second, on one hand he had nowhere to go and no information, but on the other if he told this woman too much she might condemn him to a life of prison or worse back in Sigard. Cliven opted quite readily for telling his new companion a little more about himself, it seemed the safer option than trying to beg and scratch for money.
    “Sounds agreeable, Lead on, and what would you like to know?”


    Shani looked somewhat dreamy when she walked beside him, leading onward into the small town, “I would say whatever you want to tell me”, she smiled again.


    Many people in town bowed their head when they saw the young lady passing by. Cliven must have realized by now that she had been somewhat important, even if she may have rejected such claims. Before long they reach the place.


    It was not very impressive building per se, but it was sure big enough. The place was built within the ruins of a former cavern? Or maybe the remains of an old mine? The place held many candles, which Shani explained were symbolic to the fire goddess the Ladies in Red were worshipping.


    In the place more woman like Shani were covered in red from head to toe, some even had their face hidden within red scarf.


    “This is the gathering place, where poor people may eat, and even rest. There is not much here, but we care not for riches of this world. Have you run into such places in your travels? I only been as far as Ivalor, but even this journey was short. I would have liked to travel abroad, but my duty as a sister lies here, in this humble place”, said Shani.


    I see now, Shani is respected here, more so than she let on. I guess she’s a good person to know, though I’d rather not start that kind of habit again that’s what got me in a gang in the first place.


    Cliven looked around the building, it was not half bad, not compared to the open camps and hard nights Cliven was used to.
    “Places like this?”


    Cliven scratched his scruffy chin for a moment.


    “Once or twice, little watering holes hidden away in desert towns, Sigard was a hard enough place without having to worry about food and a place to sleep, those innkeepers had it rough though, not the best crowd that far in, if they were lucky one of their patrons was a vigilante bounty hunter hell bent on taking some bandit out. If not, well I can leave that up to your imagination, I’ve seen a lot of things in my time. Not sorry I left though.”


    “I am sorry you had it rough… But why did you come here, to Aerosia, of all places? I’m sure this place might seem rather boring for someone like you?”, Shani asked.


    “Not really sure why I came here, all I know is I had to leave, I’m done with that desert, I’ve left my past there and I never want to look back. It’s ugly enough just thinking about it.”
    Cliven finally said, after a second or two of thought.
    “Besides, “
    He continued,
    “A little bit of boring might just be exactly what this old soul needs.




    "Life before death,
    Strength before weakness,
    Journey before destination."
    -The First Ideal

  2. #22
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    Default CO Mega post: Mysti, Repent Kris and AB!

    Aboard The Dream:

    The princess Al’Andunn sat on the cot in her cabin, her brother An’Mar seated beside of her. His voice was uncommonly stern, much like that of his father's, the King.

    “Phae, you knew when we left that this day would arrive without mother and father’s presence.”

    The young prince reached out to touch his sister’s arm gently, his voice softening.

    “They are here, with us in spirit.”

    Phaedra looked up into her brother’s kind, dark eyes. Her eyes glistened with the tears that had been softly rolling down her cheeks.

    The Dream rocked to and fro upon the becomingly increasingly unsettled ocean. The skies above were no longer clear, the storm having moved in swiftly to cause the ocean to swell. Waters ovnce calm began to roil beneath them.

    “I know, brother, but I will only turn eighteen once and..”

    The dark haired beauties voice trailed off, her feeble attempt at controlling her emotions becoming more evident with each passing second. Phaedra felt weak, unable to regain her composure and tears began to fall again. Her voice cracked with emotion.

    “And I miss mother and father more than I even thought to be possible.”

    Sad eyes looked up at her brother, the Princess's body trembling as she began to sob uncontrollably. An’Mar’s strong arms immediately wrapped around his sister in an attempt to console her but the Princess would not be comforted easily.

    “Oh, Phae” he began, long fingers brushing the now damp hair from her eyes.. He’d not finish the sentence he began as the boat lurched suddenly, thunder cracking overhead.

    “Shit.”

    He muttered the words, pulling his distraught sister to her feet. An’Mar’s voice again became stern as he took his sibling by the shoulders and shook her softly as though to awaken her.

    “Phaedra, you must calm down. The storm…”

    He warned her, caution filling his voice. She gasped, blinking back tears. With his hands remaining on her shoulders she closed her eyes and began to pull in deep breaths in an attempt to re-center herself. She could hear her mother’s loving voice telling her.

    “Child, you must calm your storm.”

    She breathed in another deep breath, then opened her eyes. The boat rocked suddenly again, this time harder than the last, waves crashing hard against the side of The Dream.

    Her eyes widened as she glanced up at her brother.

    “Shit.”

    This time it would be the Princess’s voice that uttered the word. The siblings both made a dash for the cabin door at the same time, An’Mar reaching it first and flinging it open. Brother and sister raced up the steps that led to the deck only to be met by waves crashing over the side of the Dream along with shouts of the crew.

    An’Mar grabbed his sister, leading her towards the port side of the ship. The storm raged out of control, tossing the large boat around as though it were a mere dinghy. The Prince did not share his sibling’s ability to control storms, and even she did not yet have the full power that their father, King Arjak held over the elements.

    “Sis” he called above the din of crashing waves and men shouting, but she did not hear her brother. Phaedra heard only the voice of her father as he had tried to teach her how to use her own developing elemental powers.

    “In order to control the storm, you must first learn to control yourself. Focus Phaedra!”

    An’Mar watched as his sister became very still, her breathing slowing seemingly to all but a stop. Her eyes were closed and amidst the storm that raged around them and men bustling to secure the ship a look of calm serenity passed over her fair features.

    “That’s the way, Sis.”

    He whispered the words, realing that his sister was attempting to control the storm that threatened The Dream and those aboard it.

    “You can…”

    *Crack*

    Lightning lit the skies and An’Mar’s gaze left his sister’s face to look in the direction of the illumination. For a split second he froze, then suddenly he lunged for his sister in a desperate attempt to move her out of the way of the mast that had just been snapped in half by the lightning strike. It was falling directly towards her.

    “Phaedra!”

    The name had barely left his lips as he pushed her out of the way. Phaedra’s eyes snapped open just in time to see the crows nest hitting her brother on top of the head.

    Phaedra screamed his name.

    “An’ Mar!”

    She dashed forward towards her brother but a giant wave rolled over the deck of The Dream. The sound of wood splintering could be heard all around them. Phaedra felt the sudden cold of water swirling around her. She cried out to her brother but the sound was lost amidst the screams of the crew. Another wave hit and The Dream splintered into what seemed to her to be a million pieces.

    Then Phaedra was in the cold ocean. Cold. It was so cold.

    “An’Mar!”

    The name tore from her lips as she searched frantically across the crashing waves for any sign of her brother. Chocolate colored orbs scanned the roiling ocean, cold and helplessness beginning to settle in over the Princess. Phaedra fought to remain awake but felt herself rapidly slipping towards the darkness of sleep. She cried out her brother’s name again only to have the sound swallowed by the turbulent waters.

    Something bumped against her.

    It was the broken mast bobbing in the water against her leg. She grabbed onto it, clinging to it tightly. She felt the rope floating on top of the water and grabbed it. Still lucid, she fought the raging sea to secure it around the floating piece of mast. She began to wind the rope around her wrist, one last ditch attempt to keep herself afloat with it.

    Cold. It was so cold. Phaedra fought the overpowering urge to simply fall asleep and given in the the darkness that would take her.

    *Thump. Thump.*

    Phaedra was vaguely aware that what she felt bumping against her was a body. She didn’t want to look at it, rather certain by the limpness of the body that whomever it was no longer lived just the same that she was sure she also would no longer live.

    Reasoning kicked in and in her last moments of lucidness she forced her eyes open.

    It. Couldn’t. Be.

    There, beside her in the water, floated non other than her brother.

    “An’Mar” she whispered, reaching for his floating form and pulling him tightly against her. She moved to kiss the forehead of the brother that she thought was lost to her and in that moment felt a breath, his breath, kissing her wet skin.

    He was alive!

    She clung to him as she tethered the rope around them both, first binding brother to sister and then both of them to the broken mast.

    Then, Phaedra too lost consciousness.


    ***


    Aerosia- Shores near village of Kail




    It would not be until she felt the warm glow of sun kissing her cheeks and the gentle lapping of water against her face that the Princess’s eyes would begin to flutter open. She struggled to move and pain instantly shot through her ribs. She screamed out in pain but forced her eyes to open, squinting against the brightness surrounding her.

    There, on the beach laying beside of her was her brother, Prince An’Mar. Both of them were still tethered to the mast that had carried them safely to the sandy shoreline. Blood streamed down the side of her brothers head.

    Phaedra screamed.

    Her wails pierced the quiet beach. Scream after scream between prayers to the All-father that her brother’s life be spared would filter across the empty shoreline. Prayers, and screams of desperation ripped from her parched throat in hopes that someone, anyone, might hear her cries and come to their aide.

    There was yet hope. An’Mar Al’Andunn still drew breath and as long as he did she would continue her relentless praying and calling out to the empty beach for help.


    ***

    Jaylyn supressed her giggle by popping a berry into her mouth, but it didn’t hide her smile. She had just been telling Talia of her encounter with the boys on the docks from the day before, and the two girls laughed about what Callan might have looked like if he actually had fallen into the sea. That little prank would have to stay a secret from her mother, Jay mused as she chewed, though there wasn’t much of a chance of that happening. On such a small island, word of everything got around.

    But it was a beautiful morning to be out, and she wasn’t going to let any sort of worries get in the way of her fun. As soon as the sun was up, Jay was out the door. She had paused only to leave her parents a note saying she was going to find some fraego berries, but left out the detail that Talia was joining her. They probably would have guessed it anyway.

    Talia, oddly enough, joined alone. She probably kept Dreeg beside her bed, as to not alarm VIR of her absence. She was supposed to be grounded for few more days after all.

    While the two walked Strahl romped nearby, investigating holes in the ground and chasing the occasional rabbit into the brush. Jaylyn snorted as the dog sniffed at yet another tree trunk. “You’d think he would have memorized every smell on this island already,” she said. “It’s not like
    there is every anything new here.”



    “Well, I have a goblin that does the same thing… so who can say for sure?” The two laughed but suddenly Strahl froze and cocked his head. The big dog let out a barely audible whine, and on reflex Jay stopped her chewing to better hear him. But another sound reached her ears instead. One that was far more alarming.

    “Somebody needs help,” she breathed. The girl was off and running as soon as the words left her lips. She waved at Talia to follow, making for a nearby hill. At the top, the two could get a better view of the surrounding fields, the sea, and the sandy coastline where…

    Jay pointed at two dark figures on the beach, and they were off again. Within seconds, the girls were close enough to make out details in the strangers’ clothing and faces, and Jaylyn was shocked to realize they weren't strangers at all.

    “Phaedra!” she cried between huffs of breath as they drew close. “Phaedra what happened?! What are you doing here? How did...”

    Jaylyn? It couldn't be. How....

    "The sea's. So angry....They swallowed everything...so angry..."

    Her words were only half lucid. She coughed. Damn it hurt. She tried to wrap her arms around her chest but found herself to still be tethered to the mast.

    The mast....it had saved her. Them..

    Phaedra fell back upon the sand, looking up into the face of her friend. Her own face held a mixture of disbelief and horror.

    ”An'Mar".

    She managed to choke out the word before looking towards her brother and then shutting her eyes again. The light hurt her head, and she was tired. So very, very tired

    “An’Mar” she repeated, her eyes futtering back open as she attempted to adjust them to the light.

    Jaylyn then caught sight of the blood trailing from An’Mar’s head and drew to a sudden stop.

    The healer in her automatically assessed the damage. The Al’Andunn children looked a mess, but it seemed that An’Mar’s head wound was the worst of the injuries. At least the visible injuries. It frightened her to see how so much blood had already pooled into the sand beneath him, while more still leaked steadily. How much blood still remained inside the prince? Jaylyn’s frown deepened. This would have to be dealt with… now.

    And it was her first time healing without her mother nearby. Jaylyn swore under her breath and moved her eyes to meet Phaedra’s. Wide eyes, with the fire of barely restrained terror flickering through them. Jaylyn felt the same, but at least she could do something about it. She hoped.

    Without another word, she fell to her knees beside An’Mar and placed her hands on either side of his face. His skin felt smooth and cool beneath her fingers, and dark features didn't respond. The brother of her dear friend, the quiet, refined boy of whom she had stolen many a secret glance during their visits… It felt like a strange intrusion to act with such intimacy while he was unconscious. Before she could hesitate again, Jaylyn plunged into him.

    Pain! Sharp, searing pain flared into Jaylyn’s mind as soon as she joined her consciousness with An’Mar’s spirit. It was a feeling that blanketed all others, making it difficult to focus. As much as Jaylyn wanted to retreat from the feeling, however, she had to dive deeper into it. Through his body, towards his head where the wound was, Jay swam through what little blood the prince had left towards the point where it flowed out of his body.

    The gash was easy enough to find on the inside, and she sent all of her energy towards mending. She whispered to his tissues, urging them to grow and knit back together, urging the blood away into other parts of his body. The wound was bad, but An’Mar was young and strong, and his body responded immediately. While it was a dangerous for a patient to bleed into unconsciousness, the lack of active though kept distractions at bay. As it was, Jay’s empathy only picked up muted feelings of fear, guardianship, and concern.

    It was impossible to tell how long she had worked, or what was happening around her as she did. But after a time, An’Mar’s heartbeat grew stronger, his breathing steadier. His mind began to spark with stronger emotions. They would become thoughts soon… Jaylyn withdrew. Her green eyes fluttered open, pupils adjusting to the light. The feeling of being joined with the prince broke off with a startling jolt, and Jay was left in her own body.

    Letting her hands fall into the sand, the girl supported herself on shaky limbs, on all fours. She felt absolutely exhausted.

    “Hey!”, Talia walked behind her, “Are… are you okay?”, the redhead reached her hand forward in order to support the young healer, but pushed it back quickly. The last thing she wanted to do was somehow ruin everything that Jay has fought to achieve. If she would somehow unleash a fireball… well… that would be a pretty wasted effort on this whole healing process, won’t it?

    Talia averted her gaze from Jay at the slowly recovering lad. Truth be told, Talia kinda envied Jay. She was very popular and beautiful girl that many wished her company. Not only that, but both of her parents were still alive and to top it all, she has inherited gifts of sweet talks from her father and healings from her mother.

    Healings… A thing Talia would probably never do. Setting a hut aflame? No problem! Starting a fight among the other kids? EASY! But actually being useful?

    While Talia was expert at destroying things and being so clumsy and outcasted, Jay was the perfect angel, that god gifted her as a friend for some reason. True, it took Talia a while to accept the idea that Jay’s feelings were honest and she saw her as a friend and not some kind of a lone creature to take pity for. Too bad Jay’s hair and clothes suffered few times until the message was clear enough though.

    Anyway, Jay was kneeling, lost and powerless, the lovely angel so weak after bringing someone, literally from the graves and that sight filled Talia with happiness… but also with despair. Despair because she felt so hopeless and unable to help.

    But the boy was alive and Jay, whose power clearly took a toll, was in a stable shape herself.

    The weak moans of the boy brought Talia back to her consciousness and she felt extremely terrible with herself for being so selfish and envious. But at the same time she couldn’t have brought herself to support her best friend and only watched as Phaedra did it for her.

    Phaedra now turned into a new target of her of jealousy; How close were those two? And would Jay push her away for the sake of this new girl? Those were clearly foolish thoughts… but for a girl that didn’t had much to hold onto… It felt like horrible reality that could happen. Better to expect the worse as one would say.

    “Do you…. Know each other?”, Talia asked carefully.

    Displaying the warmth and grace of her mother, Phaedra extended her free hand towards the girl who was with Jaylyn. Smiling through what was more than evident pain on her face and in her voice, she offered graciously.

    "Yes, we are."

    A grimace passed briefly over her face but the Princess ignored the pain emanating from her rib area. Having already noted a hint of something she couldn't quite place in the stranger's voice she quickly added.

    "Any friend of Jay's is a friend of ours. It is our pleasure to meet you”

    “A.. a pleas..ure”, Talia added slowly, looking at Jay and and slowly reached out her hand. She saw Virgil doing it few times when strangers were around. It was some kind of way to let others know each other. She didn’t like the idea of touching people she didn’t know, but it was best to not make something that Jay would look down upon, “How… how long? From where?”, there were so many questions she wanted to ask those two.

    “Our parents,” Jaylyn replied, surprised to hear her voice wavering as much as it did. “Our mothers especially were friends… years ago.” She looked up at the other two girls, feeling rather weak and sheepish. Her eyes turned to An’Mar, glad he was unconscious during her moment of weakness. The thought made her blush even more.

    “Sorry. Introductions: Talia,” Jay pointed at each of her friends in turn, “Phaedra, An’Mar… Strahl.” Her dog cocked its head at Jaylyn’s half-hearted chuckle. She might be too drained to do much, but she'd have to be unconscious to skip making a joke… even a poor one.

    Her green eyes moved to the rope that tied Phaedra to the mast. She rocked back to sit crossed-legged in the sand and removed the knife from her boot, but didn't trust her shaking hands to use it so close to her friend. Instead, Jaylyn simply held out the knife as an offering to her friend, so that Phaedra could free herself and her brother.

    While digesting Jay’s words and she was helping the two siblings, Talia took the time to actually notice what was around her, “What’s going on here? Why are you two here? Looking like this?”.

    More and more questions, however… The soft heaving of Jay made Talia realize there were pressing matters at the moment. Jay and those children needed to be looked at, “Jay… your mother… Let’s go to her…”, Talia said.


    ***

    Chanclera-

    “Do you…. Know each other?” Bria’s head shifted slightly as she continued making notes for tinctures and mixtures. Over her time with Zelvad and in Chanclera overall, Bria developed a very strong green thumb. Whenever she wasn’t helping with official or ‘family’ business, Bria was working on helping keep restoratives and remedies up and stocked. She was working on her latest journal entries when she asked Zelvad about his relationship with Loryan.

    “More than I care to, honestly.” Zelvad replied, begrudgingly.

    Bria gave a look of confusion while noting a few extra tonics and mixtures for combination in her notes before continuing. “Then why do you work with him if the two of you are always at odds with each other?”

    Zelvad grunted as he paced around the table Bria worked at. “Because as much as I loathe the man’s methods and ideals, we share the same goals. We both want the safety and unity of Chanclera. We just butt heads on how to go after those goals. For instance, we got into an argument today about the lore of the Ancients and slightly addressing the fact that the people are ignorant of why the Lunar Fangs exists. Our order was created to stem the flow of corruption. Also, though he is correct in the fact that while many magic users have died as collateral in this conflict-”

    “-he’s also come to understand the measure of power we have here. He may have numbers and force-”

    “-but we have an advantage of beings faces in the crowd, Bria. Well, all except for me and the other Elders of course. Also, he has a broader field of vision than we do. On another down side he apparently knows about what’s been going on in our free time.”

    Bria’s eyes darted to the assassin in worry as her recording efforts came to a sudden halt. “How much?”

    Zelvad pulled out the papers that Loryan had given him, setting them down the table in front of Bria. “Enough to give us a head start. Two actually. A stone in Aerosia we apparently haven’t checked under…”

    “...and lemme guess.” Bria interrupted, “Ivalor? The only other place we haven’t looked?”

    “Apparently. It just seems too obvious, like it would be the first place I would be expected to look.”

    Bria shook her head and scoffed. “It’s also too perfect to pass up. Why not at least take a chance? Worst case, is that we end up chasing another shadow….unless you’re worried we’re actually going to find her.”

    “Why would I be, Bria? Is it the fact that I wanted to make an honest shot at a peaceful life with the two of you?” Zelvad’s voice soon began to scale in volume after each passing thought. “The fact that I still don’t understand why she vanished in the first place? The fact that it put me in such a depressive rage that I decided to channel my anger into this shadow war, bringing the Fangs back in line with the ideals we were founded on?” Zelvad’s body visibly shook as he soon slumped against a wall and slid to the ground, a long shuddering exhale soon following as Bria slowly approached him as the Elder continued. “I have books upon books for back up plans in place for everything when it comes to Chanclera and the clan, but I can not for the life of me figure out how I’m going to be able to approach her positively. I have no plan, no reserves, nothing. I want to yell at her! I want her to know how much it hurt me that she could not stand and fight for her friends, her allies, for us. For me.” A few soft sobs came before Zelvad wiped the coming tears away.

    Bria slowly walked behind Zelvad and wrapped her arms around him, Zelvad responding by resting his hands on her arms with a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry, Uncle Zel. I’m so wrapped up in everything sometimes I forget that it’s affecting you more than anyone else. What you want to do with Loryan’s information then?”

    Zelvad sniffled as he stood up and scratched at his head, Bria letting go in the process of him standing up. His eyes darted around for a few seconds in contemplation before he locked eyes with a nearby map and spoke.“We need to cover as much ground as fast as possible, so...I’ll go to Aerosia. I have some outside sources there, so I’ll be able to narrow everything down faster if I go by myself.” By now his voice and his body had regain their collective composure, the only betrayal being the occasional shudder in his exhales. “Take....Roland and go to Ivalor. He doesn’t know what she looks like, so he won’t know what to look for and there will be a LOT of ground to cover from what I understand. Covering that area will be easier with a two person group effort.”

    “And if she’s in Aerosia?”

    “I’ll...cross that bridge when I get to it. Now go ahead and get Roland, if he’s not as his usual haunts, then Kirin should know where he is.”

  3. #23
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    Virgil knocked on Talia’s door and after a couple seconds of silence slowly creaked it open. The door stopped once the goblin came into sight. Dreeg never left her side, so it told Virgil all he needed to know. Slowly shutting the door, Virgil decided now would be a good of a time as any to speak to the Mother again. She should have calmed down by now so after making sure everything around the house was taken care of, Virgil left his home.


    The trek through the town did some good for his head, Talia was a manageable headache after considering everything the two of them had already been through in their own lives, but he feared for her when she was by herself. The townsfolk didn’t care, still stuck in their ways about the ‘imp girl and her goblin raising hell’. Somedays…


    Though as he walked something felt different, something old and familiar. These thoughts were cemented when he heard an all too familiar voice yell from the rooftops about being home.
    Virgil’s eyes went up and it all came back to him...he still owed this man a fight.


    Vii took in a deep breath with a large smile, rolling his shoulders carefully while smiling down at the people. He stopped upon one face in particular as he scanned through the area below. His smile turned into a grin before jumping down, scattering the crowd wide. Vir, the last man he really had a fight with. Spinning the scythe in his hand, he headed over, his eyes wide.


    “VIR, how damn long?! Been a long ass time if you ask me, so shall we pick up where we left off?” Vii asked him, flicking his scythe with a spin. He held the stance before letting it go with a hefty cough. One could see the few specks of blood before he quickly wiped on his pants. He let out a few chuckles while walking up to Vir, carefully placing the scythe into his sheath and crossing his arms.


    “But seriously, it's been a damn long time. Anything new?” Vii asked calmly, a smirk still on his face.


    “Vii, my name is Virgil. We discussed this when we first got here. Though, seeing that again you are in no condition to fight, it seems that the only thing new here other than your return is that I have to go speak to The Mother about Talia’s latest ‘escapades’, apparently she decided to play a prank on one of the other girls in town, and it eventually led to her fire magic showing again. If you want, you can come with. Otherwise, head back to my place and keep an eye on Talia. I may have grounded her, but that’s not gonna stop her from trying to sneak out.”


    Vii let out a chuckle at his response. Giving him a smile and a roll of the shoulders to look at him.


    “I might not be that violent bloodthirsty killer I was, but I'm still not a babysitter. I'll come join you to see this mother.” Vii spoke. Giving him a smirk and crossing his arms, he motioned for him to lead the way, looking to head forward.


    Virgil nodded back and started on his way with Vii in tow. “So what brings you back to Aerosia? I thought you were traveling the world looking for a fight worthy of your skill and time...did you find what you were looking for?”


    “Still have yet to find the truth, so came back to town to restock, rest, and gather supplies. Best place I know for It.” Vii spoke, stopping to lean against a nearby wall.


    Virgil stopped next to him and chuckled. “Now that I’m thinking about it, it’s kinda hard to believe that an entire generation has arrived since we came here from Sigard and left the project. I’d like to think we acclimated well, despite the populace’s original opposition to us moving here. Gods above, did they hate us. Far as I can tell, Gwen and Joseph vanished after they were certain I wasn’t going to kill them, and everyone else has either made moves to have a chance at a regular life and have gone off to experience it elsewhere.” Virgil scratched his head as he returned to his normal pace, Vii soon following suit. “Seems you and me are the only ones who still call Aerosia home, by my count of the group we arrived with at least...we’re some old bastards, huh?”


    “More than you think.” Vii said with a chuckle, patting vir on the shoulders before falling behind a few paces. It was strange looking around here again, having gotten so used to being on the road. It was rather nice just to have some peace and quiet instead of the usual…


    “Dear Lord, I feel old now. I'm actually happy that things are quiet.” Vii said with a decisive laugh, both shrewd and bitter sweet.


    Virgil couldn’t help but share in the laugh. “Not what the project heads expected when they molded us into human weapons, eh?” Virgil chuckled again before reaching the door of The Mothers. Virgil knocked on the door and after a few seconds, one of the women answered the door. “Oh, it’s you Virgil….who is your friend?”


    “Old friend of mine. Is the Matron in? I need to speak with her about the situation with Olivia and Talia.”


    “Of course. Right this way Virgil. Will your friend be joining you?”


    “Yeah. It’ll be good to get him reaquainted with the town, he’s been gone on business for awhile.”


    ***
    Aerosia- The Mother’s Temple








    The mothers often traveled between red tents across Aerosia, bearing in mind the symbol of “humbleness”, and “purity”. In each such tents, many people could join in and pray by the candlelight that represented the “Great Mother’s Light”.


    There’s no book detailing how one should speak to the Goddess, since the mothers never believed that prayer should be confined. They thought that a prayer should be something coming from one’s heart. So they encouraged the idea of joining in a moment of silence beside a fire or small candle and reaching with the power of will to the heavens above.


    The main temple however, was a much more organized location as it was set within a small cavern. The Mothers kept the ruined location the way it was when they arrived, and only added a few chambers afterwards to allow storage of food and beds for the poor.


    There were always candles lit.


    Each room was like the other, and so was the one for the Mother’s Matron, Atalyah.


    As well as being the current leader, she was the same one originally sent by The Earth Oracle Gilliam with the group of heroes 17 years ago, but she had her share of adventures since then. She had taken the vows of chastity, and applied to be the apprentice of the former Mother Matron.


    She had been a responsible leader and very kind, but not once did people consider her to be too soft or stern. The rest of the sisters and Mothers respected her and her position, but some would hint that others wished for the role. For there were many cases where Atalyah ruled in favor of or against cases that the rest of the mothers objected outright or were wholeheartedly welcomed.


    Most of them concerned the child of fire, Talia.


    “Child of fire” was a title given to the girl by Atalyah herself. It was the only way to convince the other mothers that the child was not “trouble”, but in fact someone that held a strong connection with the holy fire they so believed in.


    It is known that many Mothers disagreed, but they decided to let it be, and kept the child.


    As for the fate of the girl, as much as Atalyah loved her, she knew she couldn’t possibly keep Talia around. Virgil was doing great as a patron, but she knew it was not enough. She sent one of the younger sisters by the name of Shani, to check an option for the girl to go to one of the churches at Ivalor, and knew that the young Mother should be arriving soon.


    However… Convincing Virgil to agree… was going to be another case altogether. The young man was very attached to her, but she knew she had to talk the man into letting others keep her in check, and that was the only option she saw before her eyes.


    As she lit another candle, she was jolted by the sound of heavy steps came to her direction. Turning around, she nearly dropped her matches, “Who is there?”, she asked.


    “Be easy, Matron.” Virgil held his hands up as he walked into the light of nearby candles. “It’s just me..you wanted to talk to me further about Talia...Vii is here too.”


    “Yes…”, she said slowly, “Do come in”, she invited the two in, inside a chamber that looked like a small dining room. She took her seat and waited for the men to sit themselves.


    “Vii”, she nodded to the new man, “It’s been a while…”, she didn’t prolong the inevitable with him though and quickly changed her gaze back to Virgil, “Where to start?”, she asked, half amused, half nervous, “Look, you know how much I love the girl? You know, don’t you?”


    “I do. I know we wouldn’t be having this talk if you didn’t. You’d be just as the boy Darius’ mother...she is the one that came and got me this morning by the way. Though speaking plainly, I know what Talia did was in the wrong. On both counts, and I’ve scolded her thoroughly on the matter. Though I’d put gold on the fact that the second offense would not have happened had Olivia not responded in the fashion she did.”


    “Virgil… if only… that was…”, she Sighed, “Virgil, may I ask how old you are?”


    “Since I’ve been keeping count or total? Keep in mind I was a weapon for my formative years, so sentimental things like birthdays weren’t really a priority.”


    “Virgil… I’ll be blunt… I think Talia is missing important roles in her life. I know you try hard to sustain a ‘family’ image, but without a mother figure… and I don’t mean the sisterhood… you know what I mean. I don’t know if you actually want Talia in your life, or it’s just in your nature, but you are not able to create any relationship that would be able to allow Talia to connect deeply to a mother. Because of that, I believe Talia is so… rebellious. She needs it. She needs more than an uncle. She needs something more, and we cannot give it to her here.” The Matron paused for effect before she continued.


    “I also worry for you, Virgil. I know you took her under your wing, but what about your own life? Won’t you want to try and live for yourself too? She won’t be young forever you know. You won’t have much years left to spend time with a person and start your own family. And knowing her, she will probably try to sabotage any woman who may try to take a place in your life. If you did it while she was young, maybe it would be different. She is very wise and I am afraid sometimes a little manipulative. She has you wrapped around her, and you know it.”


    Virgil could do nothing but shake his head and chuckle at first. “You know, the only thing you’re right about is that I have no potential for courting a woman while Talia is still here. Gwen watched over the girls we came in with, the feminine mindset and attitude were nothing the rest of us were one hundred percent familiar with. Sexuality and other ‘feminine’ business was laughably beyond our grasp as well. Though after the almost two decades we’ve spent now in the outside world, I think I’ve gathered enough real world knowledge to at least handle the basics for raising a female. Everything else is still a challenge to me, but I do what I can. Also, if a strong mother figure was so important in her life, why not take her in? You’re the head mother right? You know all about what being a mother means. Hell, you have a girl of your own! If a strong maternal role is what she needs, you should have put her with an actual woman instead of a killer, whose only proficient skills when he arrived were bloodshed and fire.”


    Virgil shook his head as he slowly stood up and began pacing. “As for me, I just want peace and quiet. I don’t want to fight anymore. The active desire has been buried for a very long time, and I’ve only ever acted in the interest of self-preservation and safety of everyone I came with. I made them a promise that as long as I was able, they would be kept safe and have a genuine chance at a new life without prison cells and starvation, without the mindless slaughter of hundreds, or thousands of innocents...A promise which has extended to Talia. So as far as the subject of attachment, I think you have it backwards since I’m the only one who gave even a half of a thought to looking past her faults and trying to find the person behind the charismatic attitude and spitfire reactions.”


    “Attachment! Virgil! You can’t…You speak as though Talia and you are…”, Knowing how sensitive was Virgil in ways of expressing himself, she decided not to follow her words. She reconsider and after a moment added, “This ‘partnership’ you both share is not healthy! Also, my daughter is a slightly different case. Although it is not uncommon to see a sister giving birth, it is not something one would hope a ‘Mother’ to do. Especially not the Matron. Back when I gave birth, I was young and unbound to the title I hold today. Currently, I am a symbol to many like the goddess herself. So because of this, I cannot be tied to one soul. When I took the job, I knew that my child will be the last one to be brought into this world by me. So just as I cannot be too attached to Shani, I cannot care for Talia as a mother, no matter how much I feel for her. However, that’s not the main issue. If it was only that, I would have arranged another to take her in…”


    Atalyah considered her next words carefully, gazing at Vii shortly before returning her eyes to Vrigil. “It’s her power… That power… is too strong for anyone to handle. I have given her talismans over the past years to try and suppress her might but they have kept shattering. That child’s power source is not something I am familiar with. It’s far stronger and directed than anything I’ve seen or heard before. I read much on it… I am certain none of our spells can keep that power in check….”, She rocked in her chair, “You deserve courting… love, it is beautiful to live for yourself. You did such grace with the girl, but I believe someone else can do the job from now on…”, she raised her gaze, “While the assassins hold many skills to stop magic, I don’t wish for Talia’s gift to be broken or for her to be hurt. I don’t know much about them either. That’s why I’ve never considered turning to one but Ivalor’s priests have studied recently a new field in suppressing one’s spells and magic. She can train under the direct guidance of the high priests and the paladins… They will have better means to control her power…I’ve sent my child- sister Shani to look into it… she should return soon with her findings…”


    The matron noticed Virgil started to annoying fidget and shift his body to regain some lost comfort. “Don’t say ‘No’ right away Virgil… I know Ivalor has been a place of bad omens, but things have changed there… The new field of study and magic canceling abilities of the priests will surely allow them to help her… She will be better off at the great church”


    Virgil’s right nostril and eyebrow twitched furiously at that final comment. “Ivalor? Ivalor?! You are fucking mental if you think I’m going to allow her into that cesspool of corruption while I still draw breath! I was there when I was still a part of the project, and the place reeked of nothing but death, brimstone, and sadness. No one left their homes or even tried to flee for that matter, they either just cried to their ‘GOD’ in their prayers as they begged to be delivered from the perdition that they had apparently been sentenced with, or they became beggars that starved and died on the ‘holy city’s’ streets. OH! AND DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON BOLGAN!” During Virgil’s show of contempt, all of the candles in the room couldn’t decide whether they wanted to their lights be smothered by the sudden random gusts of wind, or climb to the ceiling from the apparent amount of heat they were being fed.


    Regardless, all of the candles in the Matron’s room were very visibly melted down by about three inches shorter by the time Virgil finished his tirade, finally calming himself enough to finish his statement. “The man is trouble personified! There is no way I’m allowing her to be sent to that hell. End. Of. Fucking. Story.”


    No. Vii, feeling rather unneeded, went to lean against the nearby wall, folding his arms and watching. It soon grew tiresome and he half wished to join Talia. They fought like an old couple debating who gets the lady lamb hock. It drove him mad.


    “Why not let me take her?” No. Vii said loudly, breaking the mood. Letting the words settle in the air, he pushed himself off the wall and walk into the center of the room.


    “I got no emotional ties and like hell a tiny woman is getting one over me. Secondly, Ivalor ain't no place to be going. I stayed there for a day, and it was the worst ever.” No. Vii spoke into the room, gathering their looks carefully.


    “If you're worried about training, then look no further. Ask 'Virgil' here, I got the best fighting talent here. Look at me, you can tell it.” NoVii crossed his arms at the end, staring at the mother.


    “As much as I relish the idea right now Vii, you’re skill set is a little too hardcore. You have to begin to literally kill yourself to get anywhere combat wise, and if you ever lose your antidotes...you will actually die. I realize that you’re weapon of choice is a scythe, and that a scythe is pretty much a staff with a curved blade on one side, and that Talia is good with staves, btu it's a risk i'm not ready to take.”


    “Hold on”, said the Mother, “Before going about the training, can someone please explain to me what is wrong with Ivalor and Priest Bolgan?”, she looked at Virgil, “I know you had some past but you have always dodged the question about it, why?”


    “Ivalor is not as shiny and gold as you want it to be, Atalyah. It may look like the brightest beacon in the world, but even the brightest lights can cast the darkest shadows.” Virgil shook his head and scoffed. “Even if I did tell you everything, you’d never believe me. I saw it and even I’ve been having trouble wrapping my head around it from time to time.”


    “But that just…can’t be…”, Atalyah looked puzzled, “Why would you say something like that? Why won’t you tell me the reasons?”, she bit her lip before continuing, “It still doesn’t make any sense. Both of you claims the place is of evil and yet…It was high priest Bolgan who…”

    Virgil cut his eyes at the Matron, a touch of hesitance and fear in his voice. “Who did what, Atalyah? I need you to finish that thought. Did you cut a deal with him? The man is working with forces that just want to watch the world burn, so if you have any ties with him we’re going to have some problems.”

    “The priest came here about 7 years ago. He asked more questions than gave answers, but I was able to gather that he knew about Talia. I never contacted him, he just knew. He knew she was here, and he knew something about her. It was during the time her power truly started to get messed up.”

    ‘10 years of grace’, he said, ‘as was told by the pact’.

    “I didn’t know what he meant. Bolgan told me that she needs to be dealt with carefully. Someone needs to watch her, and make sure she stays safe. He obviously knew something we don’t know, as he spoke of her power. If you remember, only a few individuals knew. So him explaining to me about it was unsettling to say the least, but I knew he spoke true. He gave me a number of amulets to protect her from herself. He said when the time was right, that she should come to Ivalor- that she would be better off there, as the priest there will be able to tame her power, so she could grow as she should, with more control. I sent Shani there, asking if the offer still stands.”

    It was that moment when everyone noticed the door slowly opening. A young woman dressed in red, a man they have not seen before stepped in.

    “Hello Mother- Matron, I mean Matron”, shani said slowly, giggling like a teenager, “Why is it so dark in here?”, She noticed Virgil and Vii, “Hello!”, she waved.

    “Shani, i'm glad to see you back. I was just explaining the service you did for me to Virigl and his comrade. What did the high priest say? Is she still able to travel?”

    Shani stepped forward while she was responding, “He said she is welcomed. Although he is sure of her finding the way herself.”

    Virgil sucked his teeth and shook his head. “This is such bullshit. Does Talia get no say in this? She’s not gonna be happy about people making decisions for her.”

    “Either way… she can’t stay here.. And you know it”, Atalyah said. “Please think it over carefully, maybe take my offer or that of Mr. Vii. Please speak to me again when you come to a decision, I will support it however I can”.


    Atalyah then noticed the man beside Shani, “Who are you, good sir?”


    “This is Cliven, he is soooooo interesting!”, Shani butted in with a smile which then was soon retracted when she realized how unfitting her words were. Recovering her composure she straightened her mouth and spoke again, “He is from the desert of Sigard, coming here for a bit of fresh air!”

    Virgil scoffed as he rose to his feet, giving a sarcastic bow to the Matron before leaving.
    <img src=https://i41.tinypic.com/2z6t8j4.gif border=0 alt= />

    You can't wrestle with your demons without becoming stronger in the process.
    The trick is to not grow horns yourself.

  4. #24
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    Ro nearly tripped when he heard the last name spoken. It had been years since he’d heard the last name “Fardale,” and even longer since he’d heard the name “Baxter.” Sure, he heard from his grandparents once in a blue moon, but….

    “Well… you’ve certainly caught my attention now, if you didn’t before!” He said this with a nervous chuckle and a forced smile. And Ro almost never forced a smile. He shuffled from one foot to the other, ran a hand over his head, looked down at the ground.

    “I’m sorry to say, but if you’re looking for him, he’s not here. He’s been gone for quite some time. ”

    “Ah… shame, shame. Good man, good man”, said the old man as he looked at the far horizon, “I would have really liked to have help and support as I travel to Ivalor, you know those old bones ain’t what they used to be… He always gave me good prices as he took me for my destinations”.

    Ro took in a sharp intake of air before breaking out in a fit of coughing, covering his mouth with his sleeve. Once he’d calmed down a bit, he excused himself weakly. “Huh. Well. I wish you good luck.” He nodded with yet another forced smile. Ro had no interest in this conversation. But then the guilt of his shortness began to set in. Clearly, this man needed something. Support in a time of need. Regardless, he did his best to redirect the conversation. Even thinking about his estranged father felt blasphemous.

    “I can help you find an escort, if needed. There’s plenty of merchants in the city. Now that I think about it, my good friend Yuelia had been talking about heading to Ivalor on business.”

    “That’s wonderful”, said the old man, “Lead on then”.

    As he slowly got up he took a cane to lean on and carefully steady himself beside the young man, “You would join us when we go?”, he asked.

    “Oh no, no, I’m sorry sir. I have too much work to do. Plus, I’m no adventurer.” Ro lead on, careful not to walk too fast. “You’d probably find that I’d just slow you all down!”

    “Nonsense! You will not only be a wonderful company, I can perfectly sense that you would like to go on an adventure, won’t you?”

    Won’t you?!

    The old man’s voice echoed in Ronan’s head. The smile was still honest, but sensation felt… sinister in a sense…

    Now the reason started to speak within Ronan. Wouldn’t it be so bad to just go ahead with this man?

    “After all, I cannot possibly travel alone with a woman. Even at my age, people will not view this well”.

    ’Yes, of course… He shouldn’t travel all by himself with Yuelia, said Ronan’s mind.

    “And I believe, as a man, I would have certain needs. I am old and cannot handle by myself. To let a woman handle me will be wrong”.

    This is true, echoed Ronan’s mind.

    “What’s more, it’s only a short distance. You’d be home before you know it. Will you truly miss such chance?”

    The old man got up in a way that fitted a boy, but Ronan at this point was so busy with his thoughts that he hadn’t notice it, “Right?”, he asked Ronan.

    “Right!” Ronan said cheerfully. “Of course. Of course I’ll accompany you. I apologize, it was rude of me to say otherwise.” The words were ripped from him, but they came so easily that he barely noticed. Of course he would accompany the old man. How could he ever think otherwise?

    “If you don’t mind, I’ll just need to prepare a few things. It shouldn’t take long. When did you want to head out?”

    “As soon as possible, little guy”, the old man grinned, “As soon as possible!”.



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  5. #25
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    Chapter 2- End Of Innocence


    Aerosia

    It felt stiff.

    It felt unnatural. With a wave of his long fingers he flipped up the covers that held him into the bed of the small human girl with the red hair.

    The aroma was faint so he could tell she was not there.

    Why would she leave him behind?

    Small flashes of the hours before made him recall of a soup. Delicious soup. He then felt heavy. He was then sleepy.

    Human put him to bed after that? Probably better to see where the human whelp was. Big scary man, she called "uncle" told her to stay. He won't be pleased at all if she was not here, in her room. Better find the little human girl before the big one comes.

    ***

    The goblin followed the smell of his mistress but the years already played tricks on his nose. He was no longer such good tracker. In terms of age, Dreeg was considered to be old. Older than other goblins he knew that is. Well, most of them didn't reach much in age because of the horrible goblins races that were held in Sigard, but his old trader master often made note of his age. Maybe that was why he was found of that disgusting beast? The idea that age did not held back any of his stamina? And like the banner and the clothing with the red strips, Dreeg was a symbol.

    How did he ended up in this cavern?

    Certainly, the little miss was mischievous and as much as she and that other girl liked to get into trouble, Dreeg was sure that they have never came across this place.

    At least there were no dogs here. He hated that dog of the female friend of his mistress.

    And so, lost within the simple thoughts that ran in his head and without a smell to go back by, the little goblin found himself pulled further and further in. He was a goblin so he was unbothered by the cold and because he was so simple minded the idea of fear did not paralyzed him yet. It will need to manifest in some form before he would start shaking. It's not that he was courageous. He was just too stupid to know what he was getting himself into.

    At the edges of the cave the small goblin reached a piles of crystals.

    "Shiny!", said Dreeg as he moved his slimy fingers across the new founding.

    Tell me do you remember?
    The games and the laughter!
    Far from the choices we’d have to make.
    A kiss on the lips, turned the toad to a prince and the end was a lifetime away


    A human voice? Dreeg moved in closer and soon noticed the image of one, who seemed to be stuck within the crystal. Frozen? Dead? But then, how did that one spoke?

    It’s the end of an innocent era, the beauty we know will be lost.
    We are building a bridge, between heaven and hell... To return again


    There it was, that voice again. But it felt as though it was piercing his mind, instead coming from his ears. Dreeg shook his head and leered at the sealed man as he turned to climb up on some crystals to get a better look.

    Where do we go from here…?

    Eyes popped open in their sockets and Dreeg fell on his back, screeching as it tried to drag himself away. The entire room was lit with a mysterious light which made the little goblin to cover his eyes.

    "Where is my sister?", asked a voice, now clearly and straight without an echo.

    Dreeg slowly looked behind him.


    "I was sure... I felt her... And yet....", The man narrowed his eyes the moment he saw the goblin. As the little one tried to escape the man grabbed the goblin by his head and lifted him, watching as it flipped his arms and legs as it tried to escape.

    "Why is my sister's aura strong with you, I wonder?", He closed his eyes slowly, "I felt her... She died... It was the reason I removed myself from this silly war...".

    Thoughts began to slip into the man's mind. They were simple as the host he was trying to suck information from was such creature.

    There were two main people inside its mind that the images kept repeating. Old trader. The man knew of him, heard of him. Lord Trader of the scales. He had dealing with Emonalach, did he not?

    And the other one was that of a young girl... That red hair... oh how she resembled that host that his sister took...

    But nothing of his sister...

    The man was about to let go of the little thing when he saw a vivid image. The lord trader was being kissed by his sister, the general Lady Rose, and as she sipped away his life force, she soon ended up with a dagger in her throat.

    She was dead indeed, killed by that trader.

    The man let go of the goblin, "There are no siblings among the divines. You can only have your birth form divided into two on rare cases when the spirit in which you are created from. decides to be that of a twin. Of all the generals, she and I were linked by something stronger than the goal we shared with Emonalach".

    The goblin saw an opening and was about to leave as the man raised his left hand. The goblin was "paused" in his track.

    "Where is that master of yours?"

    "The girl... escaped room", said the goblin slowly.

    "No, no... although that girl interests me a bit, I would like to learn of your old master"

    Dreeg seemed to be lost in thoughts and after a long pause he uttered: "Old master. Sea. Monster".

    "What a simple minded creature... but I would consider that trader to be possessive of his 'things'. If you, little goblin, claims that the girl is your mistress, that would mean that the old man has never returned to be your master. I don't think you ran away either. Was it what you said? Monster? Maybe he was lost to the sea", the man clicked his fingers and the goblin fell on his hands. Feeling the pressure gone from his body Dreeg didn't wait and fled.

    "Simple minded ugly beast", said the man as he heaved, "I feel it burning in me. Urges. Sister alone would have those. I was numb. wishing to sleep, forever", the man raised his hand to his chest, "It aches.. for her? or because I have lost something that was part of me?".

    The man leaned against the crystal he just burst free from and soon sunk into his thoughts, "I was revived, with no pact and without a human to free me... Why?... and how? I am positive that goblin was not so special per so... But he sure had some lingering... power? about him... Not exactly his, but... someone close to him...maybe, that girl?"

    The man looked at the trails of mud left by the goblin as he ran, "I better study the new reality I woke into... and maybe contact one of the generals. I need a place of power to do it, though", he grinned but soon stopped. He lifted his hand to touch his face and lips. For someone who was always calm, strong emotions and feelings were unheard of. He wondered now if that's what drove his sister so wild, as she was cursed to feel so strongly, "It would seemed some lust slipped into the sloth, interesting...".

    He started to march, "Looks like I am going to join this silly war against the humans after all..."

  6. #26
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    NoVii followed vir out of the room, giving a passing glance to the new man. He was chuckling gently as they walked.

    "You know, my offer still stands. I know I don't look like much, but I can hold myself up rather well man. You think a little girl could take me?" NoVii asked Virgil, stopping them in the hall.

    "I can take her anywhere, show her the world, and keep her safe. She'd be in the best hands, whether by the law of the merchant guild or my hands.”NoVii commented to his getting, giving a dry hard cough. It was a rather harsh one, but he was still rather healthy.

    "Even Dreams, can be a nightmare"
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  7. #27
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    "As far as what steps we take next, the decision is Talia's. I'll tell her about what the matron has worked out, and I'll tell her about learning under the two of us. It's her future...she's entitled to make that choice on her own. If she's chooses to work with us, then that's great. If she decides on the Matron's plan..." Virgil winced at the thought as he said it, "...then I'll see her off safely. As much as I'd love to be there with her, I'm not setting one foot on Ivaloran soil if I can avoid it."

    Virgil traced his fingers along the strap of his goggles as they arrived back at his home. Vrigil scoffing as he walked inside and toward the door to Talia's room. "Talia, we need to talk about..." the door swung the rest of way open to show Virgil that the room was missing both the girl and the goblin, and a nearby window wide open. "...the ridiculous amount of bullshit this day has been."

    If she ran off, where could she have gone? "Welp..let's go Vii. If we're gonna get that decision out of Talia, she's gonna need to sit still long enough to give us a straight answer. Check the coast line, i'll check with the townspeople."

    Arriving in Aerosia - Roughly 45 minutes later

    The wind felt good as the ship sailed on through the seas toward Aerosia. The crew was getting ready to dock, so he just tried to stay out of their way. While arriving at port, he was reminded of the last conversation he had with his parents and mentor before he left.

    Recurring dreams were troubling his sleep, and he was asking for clarity. He was playing his music as usual, but something was off. The colors of his magic were slowly being bled out regardless of how much power he put behind them until all that was left was a veil of gray surrounding him, and the last thing he saw was a hulking beast slowly groggily running at him before waking up.

    All three of the queried individuals reached a consensus and figured it was a metaphor that he would soon reach a plateau in his abilities and overall learning, but with the past events in Norgard they also did not rule out the possibility of something far more sinister arriving and trumping his own skills, permanently.

    So after much deliberation, they all agreed for him to go and see the world to gain knowledge to both empower his mind and his talents, mundane or otherwise. The young magician was always good about trying new things, so he naturally agreed. The only real troubling part in all of this was the last piece of advice that his mentor gave before he got on the ship. 'I know you'll be instrumental to your family. Don't push yourself and you will prevail.'

    Why did he say it like that? Was there something going on that he was missing? The magician put the thought in the back of his mind as the ship was finally tied off at the dock. The steps of the ship and on to dry land were short and simple, leading to a steady stroll as he looked around while lightly fidgeting with his bracelet as he did so.

    Not shortly after he was approached by a man with long dreads, with colors interchanging between red and black. He was very unremarkably dressed, with the only out of place articles being the two swords strapped to his legs, and the goggles around his neck. "Excuse me stranger, you didn't happen to see a girl with red hair or a tiny green goblin come through?"

    The magician shook his head and responded after the man sighed. "Would you like some help? I'm sure I can help you find your woman and her familiar..."

    The man with dreads raised an eyebrow. "My wo- Oh no, no, no. I'm her legal guardian, not her other. I grounded her earlier today for some mischief she caused and decided to repay such enforcement of discipline by sneaking out while I was out running errands."

    "Oh...OH!" The wizard slapped his own forehead with his palm after realizing the stumble he made "My apologies. I merely assumed by your words that she was...lemme start over."

    The magician held out his hand as he smiled. "Tobias Markouth, Son of the House Markouth of Norgard. A pleasure, Mister...?"

    Virgil took the man's hand and shook it. "Virgil Renali, formerly of Sigard. If you're offering help I'll gladly take it. Though I'm sure how much more good it will do, I will accept help however I can. Though what brings you all the way from the north?"

    They both started walking and talking, pausing the conversation whenever Virgil got to another one of the townspeople to ask if they had seen the girl, the man described who was apparently named 'Talia'. Such a beautiful name.

    "Oh, just doing a walkabout. Gaining worldly experience so that when I take my father's place as the head of the House, I can keep an open mind."

    "And the bracelet?"

    "What about it?"

    "The runes inscribed on it...it's charmed?"

    "In a manner of speaking."

    Virgil was about to turn and respond again, until one of the usually nosy townswomen pointed out that she saw the odd instance of the goblin running around by its lonesome, pointing in the direction it headed off to. "That means she was gone before I even left to see the Mother...great."

    Virgil turned to Tobias and scoffed."I know we just met, but can you do me a slight favor?"

    "Sure, Virgil. How can I help?"

    "Can you head to that huge building over there, and tell the leader of those women of the cloth I'll have an answer for her soon? Just tell them I sent you, and that you need to talk to the Matron."

    "Sure, Virgil. Where are you going?"

    "To find the goblin. That thing is usually glued to her side, so if I can follow it then I can track her down."

    The two then nodded to each other and split off.
    Last edited by Repent!; 11-18-2016 at 02:28 AM. Reason: trying to not double post
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  8. #28
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    Cliven glanced quickly around the room, the flickering light was plenty to him and it revealed that he had been brought in right in the middle of some tense conversation. Yet introduced he was. Shani sounded quite excited, for what reason Cliven could not guess, yet excited she was. And now it was his turn to speak.

    "Cliven Crane" the weathered man said, placing his hand on his lapel.
    "Ex traveler and current transplant of Sigard, if you can even grow a plant in that dusty old bowl."
    Cliven flicked his eyes around the room before speaking up.
    "It seems you all have a problem, if it means anything I'd be much obliged to help any way I can. Shani has done more than enough to deserve some for of repayment."




    "Life before death,
    Strength before weakness,
    Journey before destination."
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  9. #29
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    Ivalor-Capital Camelot

    The church was built within a very big city that had some kind of spiritual sensation to it. Ronan has heard from the old man, who whose name was “Jared”, that the city was burnt to the ground by a mysterious circumstances and the fact the place has come back alive in such short while (only 16 years) was rather impressive. It was known fact that lady priestess Noa died in that fire, but a new woman has taken her place and name, known as Noa the second. She was said to be very lovely maiden.

    Jared has explain a bit on the religious aspect of the place, but insisted it was best to meet with the high priest for more information.

    They spent 14 days at sea and another 5 days marching from the port to the city. By the time they reach the church it was already nightfall.

    “We should spend the night here and head tomorrow for the church. I have a friend there I would like to meet”, said the old man, “I am sure he will be surprised”.

    The old man paid for their rooms and as they each parted at the inn, with the weird name “Smacked Ass”, as a brothel it used to be, but was closed and opened as a inn with a new owner after the trader of the famous “Scales” went missing.

    “I hope you shall have a nice dreams”, said Jared as he disappeared behind the doors of his own room.

    ***

    Ro was still surprised that his mother took him leaving so well. She almost seemed excited for him, insisting that he’d be better off finding something else to do besides hanging around this ‘gods forsaken city.’ He even asked a number of times if she’d be more comfortable with him staying, if she’d have any troubles, but she scoffed and shooed him out the door. Even Ephraem was… as enthusiastic as she could be. If anything, this whole thing was the most anticlimactic step in his life. And that was that.

    And then he was sitting in a strange, unfamiliar inn.

    And despite feeling quite awake, he started feeling very, very tired.

    Shouldn’t you go to sleep?

    Yes, Ro thought as if compelled. I think I should go to sleep.

    So he slept.

    And then he promptly woke up in a greenhouse.

    He only imagined the heat, the humidity, the droplets of sweat on his forehead. But the flora… oh, the flora! It was clear as day, impossible as it all was. There were amaranth flowers bigger than cedar trees dangling from the ceiling. Vines thicker than his own waist wound around poles so tall he couldn’t see the tops. Hell, there were plants he couldn’t even begin to name.

    Ro took small steps forward, trying to watch his step. He was so afraid of missing a single sight that he kept his eyes to the ground, trying to catch every single small petal and pistil in his memory. His foot nearly stomped a yellow flower with a spiny red stem, causing him to stumble back a few steps--

    --”Oof! I beg your pardon!” The man spoke as Ro collided into him.

    “I am so sorry!” Ro twisted around to face him. “I am so sor--”

    “Oh, that’s quite alright. You just need to watch where you’re going!”

    But Ro didn’t respond. He couldn’t bring himself to even close his mouth as he looked the man dead in the eyes. Bright red hair, dark brown skin, tall and gangly. Though he could barely remember the image from his childhood, somehow he knew. He was in the presence of Baxter Fardale, the father that had left all those years ago. Baxter didn’t acknowledge him. He just turned away to stare down at a table lines with potted plants. Baxter would pick up a plant, twist it around for a moment, and put it back down with a clack.

    “Um…” Ro started. “Excuse me?” Perhaps he was mistaken. Then again, the old man had said his name. But this was a dream, right? He’d fallen asleep inside an inn, not a greenhouse.

    “I am very busy, as you can see.” The man waved his hands about the table with a flourish or two.

    Ro leaned around the table to try to get a better look. Even Baxter’s face was so much like his own. Of course, with Ro’s rounded chin and nose, he looked much more like his mother. Baxter was like a more angular, shorter version of himself.

    “Do you even know who I am?” Ro asked.

    Baxter stopped to huff and place his plant back on the table. “And who would that be?”

    “Um… I’m… My name is….”

    “Your name is Ronan,” Baxter said with a nod of his head. “And we’re all very proud of you, son.”

    Ro didn’t feel quite so tall anymore. Every word Baxter said made him shrink just a little more. “Right. My name is Ronan. I’m your son.”

    “Yes, that’s what I said.” Baxter rolled his eyes while maintaining a smile. “Now run along. I have more important matters to attend to.”

    This was never how Ronan imagined this fated meeting. In his spare time he imagined that he would look into his father’s eyes and tell him just how much he’d done by the simple act of leaving. Sure, they got along fine business-wise, but there was always the sense of loss. Though he was sure this was just a dream, every word Baxter said was far too real.

    He shrunk.

    “Go away, now,” Baxter said.

    He shrunk again.

    “Run along!”

    Finally Ronan had gotten so small that he simply disappeared into a bright red flower.

    When he woke up, he was finally back at the inn. He stared up at the ceiling with wide, blank eyes. He didn’t feel that he’d gotten much rest at all.



    Free Editing

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  10. #30
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    Ivalor

    The old man Jared was sitting down by the tables at the lowest floor at the Inn sipping coffee and reading from a paper. It was a new invention by the offices of Sigard, papers combined together featuring pictures and articles. It was hardly worthy to be called a book, and was used more as a cheap entertainment. The people called it "newspaper", but those that truly understood the wind of things, hardly consider it as "News". Kingdoms had trouble allowing such crap to spread, but they slowly gave in, despite the fact that those papers, more than once, featured scandals and propagandas.

    Jared hardly needed something like this to understand the world, or what's new in it, but it was still amusing to read it none the less and a great way to pass time.

    He sensed Ronan descending down the stairs but hardly made a move to make him realize that. He covered his face by the larger paper pages as he reached his hand to pour the young man some coffee.

    "There", he handed him the cup without really looking at him, but behind the covers he grinned like mad. He could sense the terrible feelings that ate at the boy heart and he enjoyed it so, "There is some bread and butter along with some jam, and I know the lady is about to bake some pancakes, so please, help yourself and enjoy the morning".


    Aerosia

    Shani Shivered as VIR left. Looking at the Matron she realized the man was very upset.

    "Mother I-"

    The Lady halted her from speaking further, "Let him calm down, child", she said slowly, "I'm sure he will come to his senses".

    "Anyway, this young man you mentioned", the Matron turned to look at Cliven.

    Cliven glanced quickly around the room, the flickering light was plenty to him and it revealed that he had been brought in right in the middle of some tense conversation. Yet introduced he was. Shani sounded quite excited, for what reason Cliven could not guess, yet excited she was. And now it was his turn to speak.

    "Cliven Crane" the weathered man said, placing his hand on his lapel.
    "Ex traveler and current transplant of Sigard, if you can even grow a plant in that dusty old bowl."
    Cliven flicked his eyes around the room before speaking up.
    "It seems you all have a problem, if it means anything I'd be much obliged to help any way I can. Shani has done more than enough to deserve some for of repayment."


    "Yes, we do have a problem... However the matter is regarding this man that just left abruptly...", she sighed, "There is a child here with unknown gift. While having good intentions her outbursts caused a very terrible harm. We wished her to study at Ivalor so she could control her power... The man that just left is her guardian, any futher advices need to be told to him. You come from Sigard are you not? Maybe you can come up with another method? If so could you please mention it as well?"

    "She can't stay, Mother?", asked Shanni slowly.

    "We tried for 17 years child. There is not enough excuses to cover for everything. As much as I love her, Talia cannot remain here".

    "Cliven Crane, was it?", said the woman, "I am the mother matron, spiritual leader here. As you are a guest in our village, I shall give you shalter and place to stay until you have both feet on the ground and able to advance, or find something to do here. don't feel obligated to solve our problem, but if you do, please talk some sense to that man, Virgil?"

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