|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:02 am
Junkan got up, lumbering towards Quinn. What had seemed a safe distance of ten feet, was crossed in three steps from the man, his body bending over Quinn's, and that row of sharp fangs being shown to her. His breath reeked of blood, ash, and rotting meat, his breath hot and heavy on her. "Mine..." he spoke, his voice soft in volume, but harsh and rough in timber. Lilith then turned, and started climbing up the half ogre's leg, and was soon perched on his shoulder, looking down at Quinn as well.
James couldn't help smile behind his helm again, only wondering what was going to happen here, and what that flighty girl must be thinking right now.
"Well, Ogres aside, you're the one that knows where this island fortress is. Tell me."
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:23 am
If the puddle of drool that had landed on her shoulder had unsettled her, the row of sharp, reeking fangs threatened to push her over the edge. Fur bristling, she froze as the hulking beast reached over her and collected his property.
This was a contridiction to her -- soft, fluffy cute creatures simply did not associate with hulking, mean man eaters... so, either her eyes were decieving her about the little orange thing, or the ogre wasnt as bad as he looked. She could tell he was trying to be nice -- he had spoken quietly and he was quite gentle with his little friend... she had to admit, he seemed nice enough, and drool and big teeth aside, anything was better than being stuck, friendless and alone, with her crabapple of a comrade.
So, in a completely uncharacteristic manner, she dug into her pouch, produced a handful of candy and offered it to the lumbering fellow. Sharing candy was the highest honor Quinn bestowed apon anyone. She hoped he understood the gesture, even if butterscotch wasn't his idea of a grand treat.
Looking over her shoulder at James, she offered him a chagrinned expression and answered, "Well, its outside Durem... somewhere. I thought you would know. Maybe... do you have anything that flies?"
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:33 am
Junkan sniffed at the little girl's hand, and the candy within, his nose crinkling, his lips drawn back in what could be interpreted perhaps as a disapproval of the candy.
Lilith however, was much quicker, and more much on the ball with the candy. Her fornt paw lashed out quickly, knocking the butterscotch out of her hand, and to the ground. The candy wasn't long before an orange and red firebolt followed it down to the ground, and Lilith was all over it, chewing away the wrapper to get at the candy beneath.
Real helpful... James thought, looking with disgust at the antics of his hired muscle and Quinn.
James looked back up, towards the center of the city, "I saw an airship before... perhaps we could charter passage on board to this island... if not, well, this is a place of merchants and wealth. I'm sure someone in this city would have an airship we could rent out for a small time. But meanwhile you better be focusing, because you'll be guiding us there. You better damn well know where this island is."
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:47 am
Quinn smiled as the little orange creature devoured her offering. She figured the ogre wouldnt want it, but it was good to see someone enjoying it. Popping another butterscotch into her own mouth, she patted Junken on the arm and then slipped her hand into his. "I'm Quinn." She offered, indicating herself by pointing to her chest. "We can be friends?"
Then, turning back to James, hand still clasped in Junkan's, she replied, "Well... I live ontop of the clock tower... Its the tallest place in Durem. We could go there and try looking all around to see if we can spot it. I'm sorry that I dont know where it is right off hand. It is a secret island, after all..."
And with that, she grabbed Therin's lead in her free hand and began leading him and Junkan off to the clock tower.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 11:58 am
"Keep her alive Muscle!" James barked at the ogre harshly, hoping it would sink in, "Time is important right? I'll go see about chartering an airship while you look for this island. Meet back here, in one hour, do you understand?" he commanded Quinn, his voice hard and cold, with that certain edge that hinted he was used to having people follow his commands for one reason or another.
Junkan leaned down, hulking over, confused by this strange creature's behavior, but needing to keep an eye on her regardless. His face was screwed into a frown of deep thought as he walked with Quinn.
It wasn't more than a minute before Lilith finished her candy, and was zooming back up Junkan's shoulder, taking the customary perch on his right shoulder. She wasn't watching Quinn, well, she was glancing there occasionally, with begging eyes, apparently waiting for another candy. But most often she seemed to be whispering into Junkan's ear. Whatever she was talking about, it was taking a long time to explain though.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:18 pm
The walk to the clock tower was rather dull -- people stared at the odd couple, Quinn gave Lillith more candy and told Junkan all kinds of stories she thought the ogre might enjoy -- nothing too remarkable.
Quinn cautioned the ogre not to go to close to the portal to Sabilasi that was inside the top of the tower, telling him to stay near the edges and up they went. She quickly dashed over to her telescope, moving it around to the different sides of the tower in order to look all around the city.
At first, all she saw was birds and the sides of buildings. She chuckled at Junkan and said, "Darn thing... takes a bit of getting used to..." It wasnt long, however, before she realized the futility of her efforts.
Aside from the strangely barren area off the coast, there wasnt a island to speak of. Maybe she should tell James that the Highlord ran some Wizard place... maybe they could help them?
"Come on, Junkan." she issued with a sigh. "Lets head back to the cafe. James isnt going to be happy..."
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:31 pm
Junkan had remained quiet the entire trip, moving slowly to keep to Quinn's pace, but not saying a word, not making a face or anything. Deep in thought perhaps one would think, if it wasn't for the fact that 'deep in thought' was something that his race was not known for.
Still the trip back was mostly dull from the Ogre, Lilith was stil chattering in his ear, and from the occasionally nod or head shake, it didn't seem she was getting very far with whatever she was working on.
Back at the cafe, James waited, well, more like waited above and in front of the cafe. Hovering about 30 feet above the street was a small, sleek airship, meant for maybe only six people, if that, definately a more sport based model, guessing from the large engine on the back, and the powerful rotor blades that kept it hovering steadily over the street. Quite a few people seemed to be staring, but James was paying them no mind. Instead he was scanning the crowd, looking for Junkan, knowing he would be more recognizable of the two.
There, the big lug stuck out like a sore thumb amid the various well to do people of Durem. Slowly James cut the throttle to the engine, letting the airship drift smoothly down to land on the street. A bit of touchy flying, landing between buildings like that, but he seemed confident enough going down.
"Get on board, then talk.... daylight's burning," he barked out at Junkan and Quinn.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:42 pm
"Um...but... um..." James would hear none of it, so Quinn acquiesced with only a little hemming and hawing. Once on board, she burst out, "We couldnt see anything... maybe there's magic or something around it... Can we go see the Highlord's friends and see if they can help us? They live at the Wizard Con..clav..ical.. thing. Do you know where that is?"
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:54 pm
James frowned, staring coldly at Quinn, and muttering something under his breath, though the words 'vapid', 'incompetent', and a few others that would fit perfectly in the vocabulary of a seasoned sailor seemed to be repeated more than a few times.
When Junkan got onboard with Lilith he looked back at them, quieting his cursing tirade as he started to lift off, "If you haven't been on an airship before, I'd suggest sticking to the middle of the deck. Cuts down on Vertigo and sickness..."
When they were more or less over the level of the buildings, James searched the sky. He had seen that just a while ago, hadn't he? An airship, startlingly similiar to the Baroness's. If Quinn's friends were going after the Baroness, finding where she was hiding, might be a good start on the search.
"I saw a ship a while ago. Looked similiar to the Baroness's. Figured we could find that ship, ask the owner where they got it. Probably the same place the Baroness got her ship. That place should have records on her. Perhaps where she lives, or at least some information on where she frequents. Your friends are after the Baroness. If we find her, we should find your friends. As it is, it's the only lead I see."
Junkan and Lilith were both clinging to the deck the whole time, and from the look of it, were getting sick wtih the slight vibration and rocking of the airship in the wind. They were holding their stomachs by the gods only know what power still. It was clear however that neither of them would be a part of this conversation just as the struggled not to vomit up their stomachs.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:10 pm
Quinn, on the other hand, was perfectly comfortable on the airship. She did live at the top of a rather large tree, after all, and while it was more stable than the ship, it tended to sway when it stormed. She spent much of the flight dashing from one window to the next, oohing and ahhing at everything she could see.
"I've never flown before," she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "This is amazing! Can I fly?" Her exhuberance was mostly a facade, she was very worried about the Highlord. She knew the crystal was safe, she had seen it, but nothing so concrete had been discovered about her new friend.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epine de Rose Vice Captain
|
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:15 pm
Finding the ship was suitably easy for it hadn't budged from its place at the top of the Wizarding Conclave - getting near it however was an entirely different story. The Conclave was renowned for it's spectacular defence, granted there were no visible guards at the end of the doorway but those children who dared one another to attempt to smash a window now and again found all too quickly that a rather large and merciless barrier surrounded the complex itself.
Unseen to the human eye, it consisted of what appeared to be a spiritual veil - those mages who had selected to remain upon this plane of existance in order to preserve the future generations amassed into one considerably powerful entity that was capable of destroying practically anything that insisted on touching it for more than forty seconds - quite impressive, provided yo uweren't getting slaughtered by it.
Alas, as painfully obvious as the Airship might have been to the eye, it was impossible to reach and should they attempt to discover it within the records that resided in Aekea they would also find their attempts fleeting - The Baroness and her family had hidden their actions well for there was no record of commissioned construction involving the fleet of airships in which they owned...
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:07 am
(( *From Isle De Gambino* )) Epine de Rose "Oh, I will be fine my good boy," Onion responded in a faint manner, evidently uncomfortable with the jerking motions of the chocobo but as a knight it was his duty to endure such 'trivial' issues as this - instead, he kept his semi-glazed eyes focused on the way ahead, savouring the knowledge that Masamune was heading in the direction that he deemed necessary.
"Thank you Lady Masamune," He spoke, his tone one of absolute gratitude, "I really should not have been so foolish as to drink so much given the situation." He confessed meekly. Since the Chocobo appreciated the respect and care that this particular rider was giving it, the big blue bird made it's way fast across the sea. It wasn't long before the city of Durem came into sight. "Don't worry about it dear..." Masa replied, giving Onion Knight and gentle but reassuring squeeze on his shoulder with the tips of her fingers.
Once the Chocobo had made it's way on to dry land, Masa carefully dismounted the bird and then reached up to get Onion Knight and Behebuncle. Cradling one in each arm, she looked around. There were no other Chocobos about, and she didn't want the poor thing to get lonely. Smiling, she looked up at the friendly bird. "Would you like to come along with us?" The bird tilted its head and let out a "Kweh!" before nodding its head.Behebuncle's mouth curled up a little, giving the best smile he could manage as he considered how friendly Masa was. "The more the merrier."
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 1:10 am
Epine de Rose "Holy water." Was the only reply that Dune would give - if she were to be entirely honest it would be advise more than just a reply for the undead would be repelled by the water itself...they had never been bothered by crucifixes and she spoke from experience on that score.
Nevertheless, she soon pocketed the map once more and gave a nod as she finished her drink, rising to her feet so that the cloak finally drifted away from her lithe form to reveal the emerald travellers garb beneath, even the venecian mask could be seen smiling from within the cowl of the hood...good thing she wasn't on the opposition for some.
"And plenty of matches." She added as an after thought, aware that very few would have the capabilities to grant eternal light through the wide expanses of the catacombs. That was an unusual set of items for sneaking into a Citadel, Zayn thought to himself. Shrugging, he decided it would be best to follow Dune's advice. She was the one who knew how they were getting there, and if she said they needed holy water and matches. "I guess we're doing some quick shopping, then," he said to his companions. "There was an item shop not to far from here... Fire and I passed it on our way in." Mentally tallying the contents of his purse, Zayn led the way back to the shop. It wasn't the richest-looking establishment, being so close to theif-country and all, but it looked fairly reputable. Hopefully it would have the items they required.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 2:37 am
~Masamune~ Since the Chocobo appreciated the respect and care that this particular rider was giving it, the big blue bird made it's way fast across the sea. It wasn't long before the city of Durem came into sight. "Don't worry about it dear..." Masa replied, giving Onion Knight and gentle but reassuring squeeze on his shoulder with the tips of her fingers.
Once the Chocobo had made it's way on to dry land, Masa carefully dismounted the bird and then reached up to get Onion Knight and Behebuncle. Cradling one in each arm, she looked around. There were no other Chocobos about, and she didn't want the poor thing to get lonely. Smiling, she looked up at the friendly bird. "Would you like to come along with us?" The bird tilted its head and let out a "Kweh!" before nodding its head.
Behebuncle's mouth curled up a little, giving the best smile he could manage as he considered how friendly Masa was. "The more the merrier." Onion only smiled at the manner in which he was being handled, in certain circumstances he would have considered this to be patronizing but today he found it quite appropriate to be treated in such a delicate manner - in fact he was thankful for it.
Nevertheless, clearing his throat he motioned briefly with his hand towards the darkened horizon in one particular area, night had not yet fallen and yet for some bizarre reason that area of the horizon appeared to have been enveloped by an approaching dusk...strange and yet many would have suspected that thatwas a sign of foreshadowing or foreboding.
|
 |
 |
|
|
Epine de Rose Vice Captain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epine de Rose Vice Captain
|
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 2:42 am
kalindara That was an unusual set of items for sneaking into a Citadel, Zayn thought to himself. Shrugging, he decided it would be best to follow Dune's advice. She was the one who knew how they were getting there, and if she said they needed holy water and matches. "I guess we're doing some quick shopping, then," he said to his companions. "There was an item shop not to far from here... Fire and I passed it on our way in." Mentally tallying the contents of his purse, Zayn led the way back to the shop. It wasn't the richest-looking establishment, being so close to theif-country and all, but it looked fairly reputable. Hopefully it would have the items they required. Smiling beneath her mask, the rogue made easy work of keeping pace with the peculiar man. Maintaining said pace, she soon began reorganise a number of unseen items beneath her cloak, the occasional c***k heard and often a mutter from her own lips in response to it.
"We have not much time," She warned darkly, catching a glimpse of the approaching shadows upon the horizon, "Should those shadows completely envelope that area before we get inside then we stand no chance of navigating through it." She continued, grimacing beneath her mask as she involuntarily clasped her hand more tightly around her rapier.
"It seems we are expected..."
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|