|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 4:52 pm
I shall now demonstrate the law of Sacae...
all our tribesman banding together against our invaders!~)Sue(~  On the battlefield, everyone was doing well against the undead foes, beating them back from the darkness in which they came. Sue herself was so occupied with the smaller undead that she hadn't even the chance to fire a single arrow of Miugre at the large zombie dragon. Tibarn and FD made quite a team though, handling the large beast with their combined large strength. The nomad trooper almost smiled, but then Andre took a turn to avoid one of the zombies coming for her from behind. What a dirty trick, she thought as she turned around, quickly removing the head of the undead going for her with a single swing of the silver sword.
When all the battle was said and done, the burial was at last concluded with the efforts of the whole group. Sue said some nomadic prayers that she remembered from her own tribe, hoping that somehow, their souls found peace and were never defiled by the darkness of a summoner again. After the prayers, it was time to go back to the elders' camp. There was nothing here to prove their innocence, so that was the best move they could make.
Once reaching the elders' camp, Sue noticed that they were making preparations for some kind of upcoming battle. She could tell by that barrier that had been erected that the tribe meant to defend against a powerful enemy. What felt worse was that the enemy was assumed to be Learania! How could Sue prove her nation innocent when everyone else had all but given up hope and faith in her mission, anyway?
Songhua met with her group. It was good to at least still see the great Chieftain safe, instead of on the receiving end of whomever Learania's impersonators were. "We may be back safely, Songhua, but... we didn't find anything that could prove our words to be honest. And what was worse was what happened there. Undead of all forms, even a Dracozombie attacked us, and we had to fight the hordes of darkness. I thought it was strange how they happened to appear when we arrived." Sue paused for a moment to catch her breath. "It's almost as if someone were watching us... I have an awful feeling they intended on seeing us fall as well." ~)Nomad Trooper(~ You who harm the defenseless will pay at
the ends of >>-arrows-> and 0=|IswordsI>
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 5:29 pm
 It seemed the dragon was taken care of by hawk king and....another...dragon..So why did Kalilah feel so terrible now that this battle was done and over with?
She allowed the others to go on ahead before she did. The swordmistress looked behind her, the charred land and bodies..the stench. She couldn't stand it, but they were fellow members. Kalilah clapped her hands together in front of her chest, said a few last prayers, stood silent for a bit then turned to catch up with the others.
The once bubbly sword user was silent the entire time. Not even kitty-man's cookie could get her to be chippery like she was before. She smiled every now and then, but only when they got to the elder's camp did she return to her normal usual bubbly chippery self.
While the chief was talking with Sue and Tibarn, Kalilah's attention wandered to the many nomads running back and forth. Another one hm? This...wasn't going to end in a very good way was it? She returned her attention to the group talking once more. ((Blah is Blah ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 5:48 pm
Edward fell to a knee. He hadn't fought that much since the last battle and he was really out of breath. Edward cleaned his sword and put back in it's scabbard. He followed the rest of the group trying to clean blood specks and such off of his face and clothes.
Edward walked a bit and noticed that there was a pretty deep gash in the side of his chest. "Wha-? Ow..." He fell to one knee and frowned. "Funny, I didn't feel it until just now. He tried to clean it up a little and found that his vulnerary had fallen out of his bag during the battle. The Myrmidon groaned and tried to get someone's attention. "Does anyone have a spare vulnerary?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:06 pm
"Such a craft is one that I do not believe Learania possesses." Said Elder Kenafa as he and Elder Shamir came up to the group. "Although, that does not omit the possibility completely. Even still, it is clear that you were targeted."
Elder Shamir's eyes had widened as he saw the group of foreigners. He had not expected to see them ever again. He thought that he had made certain that they would be taken care of. Clearly, he underestimated them. But as his fellow elder spoke, Shamir knew that he would need to do some swift talking. "A-an attempt from these invaders to... make sure that their plans were not foiled... clearly! Hmph! How vulgar!" Shamir glanced to the side.
Elder Kenafa looked over to Shamir. "Yes... clearly. It makes me think that perhaps the guilty party was trying to cover up something that they did not wish this group from Learania to find out. To put it another way... it makes it look like Learania is innocent." He eyed Shamir a moment before turned back to the group. "But I do not believe this will convince many other Adlians, unfortunately. Be that as it may, we know that at least you all do not have blood-stained hands in this. As such, I believe that the best chance at finding out who is behind this is to catch them in the act and thwart them. It now seems that our goals have become the same. We shall fight.. and win."
------------------------------
Inside of a ger, Elder Kusume sat surrounded by various herbs and healing concoctions, as well as druids wielding heal staves. The ger was being used to heal the survivors of the Eydar tribe, and Elder Kusume was helping to tend to them personally.
One of the patients, a boy, clearly not of nomadic heritage, laid out on on his stomach as he waited to be treated. As the elder finished helping one survivor, she suddenly heard a ruckus being made over where the boy was. Kusume got to her feet, walked over, and slowly sat down. "Is everything well, boy of Learania? Are you not being treated well?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:25 pm
→ → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → →
 Abel had made it to the elder's camp, but he hadn't exactly been greeted with open arms. One of the nomad guards had also shot an arrow into his gut! Luckily, Chieftain Songhua had been there to stop him and helped Abel in. He had not been the first person from the Eydar tribe to arrive at the camp, so news about the attack had already reached. That was why he had been attacked so quickly; he was a charging horseman that wasn't Adlian. For all the guards knew, he was part of the invading force.
The time was taken to talk to Songhua about what he was doing in the plains and what he had seen. It was only a little more informative than what the other survivors had witnessed. He wasn't taken seriously by most anyway, though. After all, he was just a mercenary. He wasn't an influential voice for Learania. At least the Songhua fellow had listened, even if it didn't help to understand things more.
Once he was finished talking to the Chieftain, Abel was escorted to a ger that was being used to treat wounded. He figured that the others were nomads who were also at the Eydar. Some seemed to be in pretty bad shape. It was difficult for Abel to take in. But in any case, his backside was killing him! It was no bout bruised and blistered. He laid down and waited for somebody to treat him.
Finally, a druid came over with some herbs and a staff. He asked Abel was was wrong and when he told the healer, the guy started to take off Abel's pants! His pants! Naturally, Abel freaked out. "H-hey, whoa! What are you doing?!" Abel pushed the druids hands away.
The druid became slightly annoyed that the boy was interfering with his work. He had other people to tend to, and didn't have time for this. "The only way I can determine how to heal you is to see the area that needs healing. Now please, let me work."
"Well find a way to work that doesn't involve me exposing to the world!!" Abel clamped his hands to his belt, and began to struggle with the druid. "Help! Help! Perveeert!" Abel stopped yelling, when he heard the most calming voice he had ever heard. He looked over and saw an old lady sitting on the other side of him. "No, no I'm not! This man is trying something on me!"
← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ←
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:47 pm
The elder grinned slightly at the boy's innocent demeanor, then waved her hand as a dismissal to the druid. "I will take over then. This man has other people to heal." The druid gladly got up and left after a bow to the elder. He rolled his eyes at the boy as he walked away.
Elder Kusume looked down at the boy. "Your wound is on your behind, yes? I'm afraid the only way I can tell what the proper action to take is to actually see what the wound is." She positioned a stave on one side and herbs on the other. She would not use the stave if she did not have to. It was precious to them, in their current situation. As she looked at the boy, she could tell that he did not wish to accept this. "There is no need for modesty, child. It is nothing that I have not seen before. A simple treatment of herbs should be sufficient. But if you wish to walk around in pain... I will not stop you."
Eventually the boy agreed. A little fresh air down there was a lot better than walking around in pain. Once his trousers were lowered just enough, Elder Kusume picked up her herbs and began the treatment. She glanced at the boy's face several times, inspecting him. "...There is much strength in you, child. I can feel it, though the core of this strength has not yet come out..." She continued her treatment as she spoke. "You have been through much, and yet you still manage to smile. You have someone that cares for you, deeply; somebody to return home to. And yet I sense... a darkness that lingers in your heart. It is fear. But I am confident... that when your strength comes out, and the one who cares for you is there... that your fears will vanish. And you will rise to the occasion."
Elder Kusume finished, and leaned back. "There. You will be able to travel wherever you need to go, now."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:58 pm
→ → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → →
Thankfully for Abel, that druid had been sent away. But, he still had to take off his pants. As Abel listened to the elder, he figured that if it was necessary, that he would. He did need to get back to Learania, after all. That was a long walk... he wouldn't be able to make it unless he got treatment on his rear end. Leave it to Abel to get all the embarrassing injuries in the most embarrassing ways.
He listened the the elder speak, and tried to take in what she said. He had strength? Well, yeah, but... what did she mean he didn't yet have his true strength? She then mentioned about somebody who cared for him and he obviously began to think about Allihi. He wondered what she was doing at that moment. Playing with Amara, cooking, relaxing the way she needed to be... He missed her. But his thoughts about her stopped when the elder mentioned his darkness. He couldn't deny it. He didn't want to think about it, but it was true. He was scared. He tried to bury it deep down, but that didn't make it vanish. As the woman ended with a word of hope, Abel smiled. There was something special about the old woman. He didn't know how she could tell so much about him, but it made him feel better. Oh, and hey, his rump felt better, too! She was good...
Abel turned his head to look at the elder. "Thanks... really." Once he left, to his surprise, he would run into the group from Learania, and would probably stay to help them out.
And then Akihi walked in the room, with the first thing he saw being Abel's exposed butt.
← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ← ←
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:11 pm
 Cairne had been... remarkably silent the entire fight. Probably because he'd been scared nearly out of his wits as the corpse he was attempting to bury suddenly began wriggling in his arms, trying to break free. Shade was quick enough to come over and just snap the corpse's neck in the dog's jaws before the zombie could do anything, but even so.
It had been enough to just... make Cairne freeze in horror, afraid to touch another corpse lest it come to life again. At least until the sounds of battle began to die down and it became clear that the bad zombies were getting killed... again.
If I hadn't fled when I had... that zombie could've been me.
--------
He only spoke up again when Sue mentioned how strange it was for the undead to appear when they arrived.
"...They didn't just appear."
Cairne cleared his throat. It was just a bit intimidating, speaking once more before the two elders...
"I was scared when they came, yes. I realized full well that if I hadn't fled when I had, I might've been one of those shambling corpses." He gave a shudder. "...But corpses don't rise up again like that without the aid of magic. And the only kind of magic that can possibly do that is Elder Magic--very powerful magic, too, to conjure such a horde.
But one thing troubles me... if the horde was summoned to stop us, then the caster knew we were coming, did they not? But..."
Cairne looked over at Sue. It might have been a glare; it might have been a questioning look, or something. Who knew?
"At the very least, these people couldn't have done the summoning, I would've felt the magic if they had... that and the fact that they possess hardly a bone of magic in them," he said, not caring much for Sephas' feelings.
There was something else he'd wanted to say: something along the lines of "Regardless, it was Summoning most powerful. Elder Shamir, you are our country's most powerful Summoner. Surely it wouldn't be beyond your ability to summon such an army?" But he held his tongue. In truth, if Shamir really HAD... he might not have cared so much if only Learania was attacked. As far as he, Cairne, was concerned, a tribal massacre demands vengeance. If Learania was responsible for that massacre, then they should suffer that vengeance.
But the fact remained that the summoned creatures weren't just out for them... they'd come after HIM, too. And say as he would, something seemed strange about Shamir's claim.
So he at least made one hopefully damning comment on Shamir's suggestion:
"Regardless, Learania had no time to know about the coming of their own to the Aishyu camp, so they could not have timed it so perfectly."
At the very least, he was convinced that the summoning was not Learania's to blame.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:13 pm
Tibarn looked... ruffled. His bitten shoulder had been heavily bandaged, but redness bled through it nonetheless. Several patches of skin on his arms and chest were covered in splotchy red rashes, and his wings were in complete disarray, with feathers fluffed, ruffled, and missing in small patches, leaving exposed, rash-covered skin visible despite the Hawk King's best efforts to cover them with the other feathers.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Songhua," he sighed, shaking his head. "Perhaps if we had seen the smoke, we could have gotten there in time to pursue. Are any of the survivors here? Can I speak to one of them?" He reached up to scratch at his left upper arm slowly, where one of the worse rashes was beginning to peel already. While laguz shed most outward signs of damage upon returning to laguz form, the acidic substance had left quite a lot of residue on the Hawk King, and although the damage to his wings was immediately apparent upon his transformation, the rashes on his skin were the result of a few hours' return journey with zombie dragon breath clinging to his body.
"Incidentally," he added, "If I could have a quick wash and speak with a healer first, I would appreciate that as well."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:26 pm
 Aruna helped the nomads heal their brethren with her extensive herbal knowledge.((Blah. One liner.))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 8:47 pm
 After the rest of the zombies had been dealt with, their search for something to prove their innocence rather fruitless, FD went back into his substitute form to prepare to travel back to where the elders were. Of course, the brawl against the Dracozombie hadn't left FD unscratched, and all injuries he suffered in either form followed him into the other, so as he reverted into the regular-looking red headed human body he used, he felt fairly banged up. It wasn't anything terrible - his dragon form could take some heavy punishment and come out alright, but his neck was suffering minor bleeding from where the Dracozombie had clamped over it with its teeth. Fortunately, the bleeding wasn't particularly deep or severe since his the wounds hadn't gone very deep into his dragon form to begin with, even if on his neck, but he could still use some fixing up. While he had originally opted to deal with it once this ordeal was over with… when they had arrived at the Elders’ encampment and the possibility of another battle loomed over them, the dragon decided it prudent to get fixed up before there could be another skirmish, even if the bleeding itself had actually stopped.
Fortunately, the dragon was friends with the Nagini, Aruna. And although he’d never gone to her for healing before, he was fully aware of her talents and capabilities in the field. They’d been traveling together during this trip to Adliana to begin with – so she was the first person he went to. “Hey, Aruna, could you do anything about my injuries for me perhaps?” he asked. “I hadn’t considered immediately attending to them terribly important, but with the way the Adlians are preparing for a big battle, it wouldn’t hurt for me to be in better condition.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:04 pm
Lyre shifted back to her humanoid form, fatigued from playing "cat and mouse" with a bunch of corpses... except she was the mouse, and not the cat. She trudged back through the camp, overhearing a young myrmidon ask for a vulnerary- she did have one. She pulled the tincture out of her bag resting on her hip, and handed it to... Edward, she thought his name was. She recalled him vaguely from the war with Begnion.
"Here... you should probably clean that wound out too, I'm sure there's some pretty nasty stuff floating around from all those shambling dead, could get easily infected."
At the very least, she hadn't been injured, since all she had done was running- which meant she could at least try to help out those that were injured. She spotted her fellow Hostess Club member preparing some things for the wounded, and carefully picked her way through the encampment towards her.
"Aruna- ...is there anything I can help with? I don't know much about healing, but if you tell me what to do, or if you need anything..." she shrugged.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:09 pm
Songhua listened to the story given by Sue, and was truly astounded. They had been targeted specifically in an attempt to be done away with. Songhua did not know where such a summoning could have come from- it was more of a question on what allowed that army to be summoned, not so much who had the ability to do it, since there was likely more than one who could- but it seemed that the Learanian impostors were making sure that nobody found out their rouse. However, the important thing was that the entire group had made it back safely.
More words were exchanged by the elders and by the Aishyu survivor, and the chieftain intently listened. Thank goodness, Elder Kenafa was starting to seem as if he thought Learania was innocent. Even the blind man made such suggestions. It was not the entire country's mindset, but it was a start. "Well said, Elder Kenafa." Songhua looked to the king of the sky, as he spoke. "Do not blame yourself, my friend. None of us were in a position to help the poor tribesmen of the Eydar. We can only be thankful that there were many more survivors, this time." Songhua turned and pointed to a specific ger. "And the ones that came here are all being healed in the ger where the serpent-like woman is entering. However, nothing terribly new can be told. It is the same story that our Aishyu tribesman friend here told, more or less." Songhua stopped for a moment as Tibarn interjected with a request for healing. "Ah! Of course! The healers will heal you right-"
"Chieftain! Chieftain Songhua!" A voice suddenly called out. Songhua turned upon hearing it to see a nomad riding up to him... it was one from his tribe! The nomad quickly rode up, and stopped his horse. He didn't even bother to dismount. "Chieftain! It's horrible! Our sentries have spotted the invaders.. they're coming for us! They've probably already reached our tribe, by now!
"What?!" Songhua's eyes flared in horror. "No.. my people. My family." The Chieftain shook his head almost expecting the news to not be real. "I will not allow my tribe to be wiped out... even if it is hopeless, it is my duty to die trying to save them." He turned to face Sue, Tibarn and the other Learanians. "I must return to my tribe. I know you wish to prove your country's innocence... so I request this of you: Ride with me, and help me save my tribe, even if you may not make it back home. You do not have to answer me now. If you wish to ride with me, heal yourselves, prepare your horses if you have them.. and then follow after me." Songhua turned to the two elders. "If... there are men to spare, I would ask them of you, as well. I will humbly depart and know your answer when I leave."
Before leaving to prepare his horse, Songhua walked over to Cairne, the blind man, and placed his hand upon the man's shoulders. "I can only imagine the pain you must feel in your soul. Losing your tribe, your home, is not an easy thing. But if you would wish it, you are welcome to join my tribe and become part of our family. You would not be the first plainsperson we have taken in that lost their home." He patted the man's shoulder once and squeezed slightly. "I will let you think on this. But if you decide to accept my offer, then your new brothers and sisters need your help." He patted the man's shoulder again, then removed his hand. "Kalilah! Let's go!" After calling the girl, Songhua walked off to the stables to get his horse.
If the others were to go with him to his tribe and fight the Learanian impostors, they would do so, after they were prepared. The battle to come was bound to be the final one of the whole fiasco.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:15 pm
Aruna thought to herself while she bandaged up another plainsman. To honest she was a bit surprised when she learned how important natural healing methods were to these people. For once she felt a little closer to home in Girisha. A genuine smile curled her ruby lips.
Suddenly FD’s familiar voice rang in her ears. Now that she had more adequate herbs, dressing his wounds was easier. Her own supply from the Hostess Club was dwindling. “Yes, of course,” she replied in a pleasant tone. After her previous nomad patient left, the red-headed naga tapped her palm on the wooden stool in front of her, encouraging the fire dragon to sit. The first thing to come her attention was the shallow bite marks on his neck. While the man made himself comfortable, Aruna dipped a clean piece of cloth in a bucket of fresh water. Gently she began to wash the dried blood and dirt from the injury. Once she was done, the medic applied a strong smelling salve to speed up healing and prevent contamination. At first the scent was pungent, but as it was absorbed into the skin it became less noticeable. Lastly a small layer of bandages were wrapped around FD’s neck. “Next time you get hurt by an undead, get even the most minor wound treated. Infections are nasty. Okay?”
When she finished healing her friend, she heard her coworker call out to her. The kitty wanted to help? Perfect. She picked up a couple of small decorated clay pots then turned to face the catgirl. “The bird king looked to be in bad shape. When he’s done washing up, apply this to those rashes of his.” Aruna gave Lyre a container painted green. “And his bandages need changed too. Put this one on the open wounds.” She then handed over a couple of rolls of bandages and pot colored orange filled with the same salve she used on FD’s bite marks. “I think you could handle the much,” the nagini said with a chuckle before pointing the laguz in the right direction.
More bad news struck the Elder’s camp. The tribe of their ally was now under attack. Aruna decided to go with the group to heal the injured nomads. She grabbed as many herbs, elixirs, and bandages she could fit in her bag. One of the druids had offered the snake woman a precious Mend staff. She refused to even touch it before hurrying after Chieftain Songhua and his reinforcements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:24 pm
No no no! Not again! This time it was her own tribe! Chieftan Songhua's! The news shocked her a bit, mother..oh dear father sky her mother! Countless thoughts and events ran through her mind, worse events, horrifying ones, the sight she would see if things came to worse. No no no! Her hands unconciously grasped at the pendant around her neck and she jumped when Songhua called to her, ordering her to return with him. It was her tribe too after all, she was a part of it.
Kalilah nodded, whistling for the horse she was with to come over. Mounting on, the swordmistress followed after the chief. She needed no other items. Her Wo Dao and Elixer were plenty enough..besides...Kalilah was sure her mother had more hidden somewhere in their Ger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
