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 Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 8:41 am
Nicki did not like being reminded of how easily Seth had slipped through her grasp. In fact, it merely served to further her rage. “He would be dead now if not for our dear air soldier slipping in and taking pity on some brat. That same brat, whom I believe to be nothing more than a waste of space, tried to prove his worth by blotting out the group with a wave of dirt. He’s a foolish boy, but I left him up to Nicolai to deal with. If he thinks the boy is of worth that is with him to deal with not me. I won’t waste my time training some child. If it hadn’t been for his brash action Seth would be dead by now. However, I did learn something…” She paused for a moment, her eyes seeming to light with glee as she took the seat.
Unlike Adel, the night did nothing to quell Nicki’s rage. It was not something that could be so easily calmed. It was an ever present force that drove the woman, made her the vicious and dangerous being she was. Still, the pure delight in her eyes was obvious, though it was for another reason.
“Despite what that stupid boy had wished, his actions did prove somewhat useful. It would seem that this group, which appears to be quite the mix, has within it an earth user the likes of which I have never seen. She saved those people with metal, pulling it from the very cores of the earth. This one interests me. There are others in the group, whom I am sure, have some skill, but I have yet to see any of them. Fear assures me the water male has skill, but I was a little too busy to notice it. They could prove to be a nuisance.” At this point she was almost talking more to herself than to Adel.
Her icy hues moved over the horizon, watching the stars hanging in the sky. Some might have found the clear night sky beautiful, she merely saw it. There wasn’t even an ounce of Nicki that seemed to feel anything but the desire for death and destruction. Adel’s last words, likely meant to change the subject, caused Nicki to look at him with narrowed eyes. “I care little for what that ‘Prince’ thinks. Why you ally yourself with such weak beings is beyond me. Fire wielders.” She scoffed, almost laughing at the thought of them.
She had noticed the boy’s apparent liking for her, but what did she care? He could fawn over her all he wanted, it meant little to her. No man had impressed Nicki thus far, and she didn’t see any man impressing her in the future, least of all the Prince of the Fire Kingdom. Still, this little liking for her might come in handy later on, should she need someone she could manipulate. What better being than one who wanted you? Those were the easiest to manipulate. Alaura turned from the window, looking to Seth as he appeared at the door. She noticed that everyone seemed to be on edge, ready to take him out the instant he had shown himself. She shook her head, sighing in a rather exhausted manner. She knew it probably wasn’t wise to show such weakness before a potential enemy, but at this point she was almost certain that Seth intended this group no harm. If he had, he would likely have killed Keyla and not bothered to come back and help them fight the demon woman. On top of that, that evil woman had attacked Seth, meaning that they were not on the same side, unless it was customary for those of the Dark Kingdom to fight each other with obvious enemies around them. No, Seth was not here to cause trouble.
“Calm yourselves, please. Let the man enter and speak.” She looked to Shane, then to Yashi, her emerald gaze locking on each of them with great meaning and authority before moving on. Finally, she looked to Seth once more, motioning for him to enter and take a seat. She shuffled over to the chair she had taken up previously, taking a seat and letting her sore, tired body rest a little.
“I am Alaura Daluna, as I am sure you have been told be now, and I am what most here would call the leader of those earth soldiers out there. I am sure you have no intention of harming us, Seth, so please sit and tell me what it is you wish to tell me.” She looked straight into his eyes as she spoke, giving him an almost kind look. She wasn’t a cruel woman, simply strict and battle-hardened. She usually did not show such emotion as kindness because it only served to show weakness, at least in her eyes. To fight the evil that had risen, she knew she had to be strong, and to Alaura, emotions were weak.
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Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 3:03 pm
Keyla nodded
"I'm well aware of that as well.." she said and sighed, getting up again and looked at the water as it flowed past them, peacefully.
"And you're right, there probably won't be an end to the war soon.. or even ever." she ran a hand throug her hair
"History repeats itself.. everyday.. somewhere.. have you thought about that?" she said after a moment of silence
"The details in a stroy may be different but the basics are always the same.. war... it's something one cannot avoid.. whether it's large scaled like this one, or just a fight between siblings. There's always a fight somewhere.." she turned her sky blue eyes from the water to look at Xavier for a moment and then turned up to the sky
The worst for me is.. I can't do much right now.. the only thing I know how to handle and use in a fight is my body and will...
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Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:21 am
"Unfortunately that is the will of humanity, to consistently repeat itself even if its on an subconcious level. They say we look to the past to know about the future but I say its only to prepare for more war..."
Xavier bowed his head slightly then got up and stood next to Keyla.
"Your words speak wisdom beyond your years. I am quite impressed but it seems as if there is something that troubles you, apart from this war." He looked over at her with caring eyes.
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Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:21 am
Shane heard Alaura tell him to stand down. He lowered the ice blade and stood at the side of the room. He listened to the conversation.
Seth looked to her. "I will get straight to the point. I have discovered something... something so important that I am now a wanted man in the kingdom of darkness. The Knorthian people are able to command the elements as we do. Not just a single element, but all of them. I have not discovered how they are able to do this as of yet, but I do know that it most often occurs when they or someone they care for is in some sort of extreme danger. I realize that this is hard to believe, and I have no way of proving this to you, but you must believe me. This is the truth." Seth didn't even dare to blink. "I was taking Keyla to my home in the kingdom of darkness, so that I could get my research and then we could travel back here. I had hoped by the time we returned, I could've taught Keyla enough to prove this. We were unfortunately cut short of our journey due to Nicki's attack."
"I have joined forces with the fire kingdom, because I didn't feel the need to risk the lives of decent soldiers. Risking the lives of those pointless lowlifes is of no loss to me. Further more on that...this is the reason for me not wanting you to be attacking others, though I also realize that, if you hadn't, we would not have located Mr. Daedra. And so, I thank you for that. As for why I never let you kill him before, he was sent to complete an important mission that I had asked him to do. But he betrayed us by joining forces with these new foes. I thought I had him under my control, but he deceived me and then forced me out of his thoughts. Attempting to make further contact was getting to be rather bothersome and exhausting." Adel looked at her as she was scowling. "Must you always worry about the happenings of this war? Don't you ever just sit and relax? Or is it something else that is bothering you... perhaps something to do with you not in your original form? I do know of your previous demon existence, but have not witnessed it myself. I am curious though... if you miss being a demon, why have you not returned to your old ways? What swayed you to take a human-like form?" He had hoped she wouldn't get angry at the amount of questions asked of her and waited patiently for her response.
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Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 9:56 am
Alaura waited patiently and silently as Seth spoke, her eyes shifting down to the table top in front of her. His words had such weight to them, the kind of weight that could shift the balance of this war. As it seemed that the full armies of each kingdom were staying out of this war, Alaura hoped that perhaps this news would give the Knorthians cause to act. Perhaps this would allow them to finally raise an army capable of fighting off the forces of darkness and fire. Her emerald gaze slid upwards until it rested on Seth once more.
“I do not doubt your words. It is clear you wouldn’t come all this way, with so many potential enemies surrounding you, to tell me lies. Still, it bothers me that you would risk Keyla’s life like that. Had you taken her with you all the way back to your kingdom, there is a high chance she would have been caught and possibly killed. I suppose, in a way, we should thank that interruption from, what did you say her name was, Nicki.” She paused for a moment, looking about the room at Yashi and Shane. Everything seemed to be standing still while she and Seth spoke, as if the two men with their weapons were simply waiting for some order. She shook her head lightly, tossing strands of white hair about.
“Seth, you are welcome to stay with us. I know my own men will likely not trust you for some time, for in their eyes you have much to prove, but I can at least guarantee your safety. They will not harm you so long as I protect you. My men are loyal to me, I have earned their trust and loyalty, and as such I can assure your safety. However, should you betray us in any way, I cannot keep you safe, nor will I try. Now, if you wish to stay with us there are some things we must discuss concerning your kingdom. I need to know everything you know about the armies as well as anything you can tell me about this Nicki.” She was now leaning forward, her arms resting on the table and her eyes shining with life. There was a very good reason those men from the earth kingdom called her their leader. In that moment, all signs of weakness of exhaustion seemed to fade into memory, as if she had never lost her strength. Nicki rolled her eyes, hating how diplomatic humans seemed to be. They always had to find excuses for everything they did. Why bother having others mess up the things you could easily handle yourself? So maybe it wasn’t always easy, but being the solitary person she was, Nicki simply didn’t like the idea of outside help. It usually complicated things, making it harder for her to get what she wanted. Still, she sat and waited patiently through Adel’s speech, sighing in a rather bored manner. She had no problems being outwardly rude, even to one of such a high rank. Upon the questions, however, her eyes snapped to him dangerously. It wasn’t that she was surprised at him knowing. She made no attempt to hide what she truly was, beyond the mask of human flesh. However, for him to be questioning it, well it simply wasn’t something others had dared do before.
“I assure you it is not fear that binds me to this flesh. I have no liking for a human form. However, were I to change, were I to show you my true self, there isn’t a human around who could fight the fear my aura creates. I am not some lesser demon, of which you might be able to stand against. I am a demon of true power, a demon meant to be feared. To become who I truly am would be to inflict chaos on those around me. Do you know what a demon’s presence can do?” She looked to him, her eyes flashing with mischief and her lips sliding into a rather sly grin.
“I don’t suppose you do. Let me give you a hint. Demons are created from the very evil that group I met so desperately wishes to eliminate. We are made from darkness, flames and everything you fear in this world. The lesser demons are not so powerful to strike such fear in others. However, the true form of a demon like myself, simple as it may be, has the effect of causing men to go mad with terror and hatred. We spread destruction simply by existing and chaos follows in our wake. Unless you would like your army to fall to pieces, it is better for me to stay as I am, despite your curiosity.” Her tone was mocking and cruel as she leaned back in her seat, looking out of the balcony. A familiar roar broke through the night sky and Nicki couldn’t help but grin. Fear had clearly finished feasting and was likely heading back to Nicki’s estate to rest.
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Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:15 pm
Adel listened intently to her words. "Then I must still wonder...why do you not return to that form? So far as I have seen you hate all of those around you. You defy almost every order that is given to you. You desire only death and destruction of those that oppose you. Why do you not go back to being a demon? What keeps you from doing this? For you to hold back your true self out of pity for me and my kingdom would be a waste of time for you. Do not toy with me Ms. Venia. If you were given the chance, would you not kill me and take my throne for yourself? Or is it... that you are attached to something.... someone.....that prevents you from entering your demon form, perhaps out of fear of hurting them? I believe you are capable of something else... something that is far out of fear and hatred's grasp. Is it... compassion?" He looked away from her, knowing full well that she might lunge at him for this simple accusation. Getting up from his seat, he took the book with him over to the bookcase next to his bed. He placed the book amongst the rest. He then stared at the books, waiting for her response.
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Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:25 pm
Nicki glared at Adel with eyes that were no more than icy slits. She didn’t like what he was hinting at, and oh how wrong he was. Nicki did not feel compassion. She hardly knew the word. She felt only the heat of anger and the desire for pain and destruction. Her reasons were much simpler than foolish compassion, and of course they made much more sense. However, she was wary of telling Adel. Her reasons were simply this; to cause such chaos now would make the road to her final goal much more difficult to travel. It was much easier to manipulate when people weren’t running about like maniacs. She couldn’t very well afford to prematurely set off the chain reaction of madness before the time was right. Such things needed to be saved for when the leadership of this world was within her grasp.
“Do not underestimate my reasons, Adel. It is not out of some childish compassion that I keep my true form hidden. It simply would serve no purpose for me to reveal such things now. You will simply have to sit on your curiosity until the time is right.” Her words had bite to them as she once again shifted her gaze outwards. She was started to feel agitated once more and decided it was high time she left the room. Sitting for such long periods of time was not something she enjoyed.
She stood from her seat, moving towards the door. She paused only a moment and spoke without turning about. “If there is nothing else…” She let her sentence trail off. She knew, with the mood she was in, he would likely not bother with anymore questions, but perhaps he would. He seemed to be rather ruthless with his questioning of her, as if he were hoping to find some hidden kindness within her. It was exactly that part of him that Nicki saw as the weakness that would destroy his kingdom. It was simply one of the reasons she plotted to overthrow him.
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Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:35 pm
As Vivian wandered the forest floor, far beneath the canopy and the tree-houses above she was unaware that eyes watched her every move. Each man drew ever closer to her as she stared skyward to the well-crafted homes and then took more steps forward, her gown trailing on the ground.
A hand shot out from the shadows and seized the dark woman by the wrist, his movement setting off alarms in the girls head but otherwise she remained calm. "Let go." she ordered immediately, trying to snatch her hand away but the man held fast.
"Who are you?" he demanded, voice gruff and low so as not to draw attention from the houses above. Vivian struggled yet again, hating the feeling of inferiority she was getting from this man, "Who are you?" he repeated, not letting go.
Vivian narrowed her eyes, glancing about the darkness to eye the many men that surrounded the, back-up she assumed before looking the Earth soldier straight in the eyes. "Not an enemy." she said at length, settling the slight fear in the man's eyes. It was obvious he knew the kingdom she was from... and more so that if his assumption was correct the night only aided her.
"I don't care if you believe me or not, I just wish for safe harbor and to know exactly what it is you fight for." she added, knowing that there was still skepticism in the soldier.
He shook his head, releasing her arm from his grip, "That is not for me to decide," he motioned to the largest of the tree homes, "Come. Now."
The order nearly drew a snarl from the runaway's mouth but she held back, the moment was precarious enough as it was. With little argument save a glare to the next man who came forward, he had tried to guide her away, she followed quickly after the first man she'd actually spoken to.
They stopped below the great tree-house and the man clambered into the limbs easily, he knocked hard on the wall twice to signal who he was, then said sharply, "Got an outsider." into the wood.
After the man signaled Vivian climbed up after her, kicking the man below in the face for staring up at her skirt in near anticipation that he could see up it. "Pig." she growled, coming to stand beside the man who seemed to be the leader of the small patrol.
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Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:52 pm
Yashi simply watched in interest at what was going on. He figured that the man coming up the tree would indeed be Seth so he wasn't too worried. Plus Yashi didn't really feel like unsheathing his sword anyways. He listened to the two speak and knew that now with Seth on their side it could help them out somewhat. The information he spoke of meant that there was definatly a fighting chance. A soft smile slipped across his lips as he thought about the war ending, but he knew that was just a dream still though. It would take a long time before that would stop.
Now it seemed that another card was added to the deck. A earth soldier brought up a girl, who could easily be distinguished as part of the dark army. Though he figured she was of no threat and that she would be of some use as well. He did not dare speak since this wasn't his conversation. Alaura was in command here and he planned on keeping it that way. A shrug slipped from him as he thought about her being the commander and he also thought about how much he hated being commanded. Then again this was for the good of the people and to stop this war so he would definatly do what she asked.
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Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:41 am
Keyla glanced at Xavier as he stood beside her and spoke turning her eyes back to the sky before she said anything. She chuckled
"Am I really like an open book?" she asked and smiled, looking back at him
"Well... Something do troubles me.. I'm a knorthian.. which means I will be less able to help everyone, since well, let's face it, I'm only able to use weapons and my body to fight, while you have your elements." she said, leaving the part of her being able to maybe one day manipulate most of the elements out on purpose, since that was nothing she could do now
"Though I hope that the little things I can do for now will help.." she sighed and again ran her hand through her hair, giving him a faint smile
"Anyway.. I'm heading back to the camp now.. You're free to come with me if you want to." she said as she started walking back the way she came, though slowly so he could catch up if he decided to follow.
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Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:10 am
He looked down at the water as she spoke then back at her as she started to walk away. Smiling he quickly jogged up to her and started to walk beside her.
"Well now, dont put yourself down. If you are willing and able, I suppose I could teach you a few water bending skills."
He stopped and looked at her.
"That is assuming you wish to learn. I am more then happy to teach you."
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 7:44 am
Keyla came to a sudden stop as she heard what he said
Does he know about it? If he does.. how? she thought and seemed to be in her own world for a moment before she blinked and looked at him, smiling again and started walking. She pondered his offer
"Well... I guess it couldn't harm to try.." she chuckled
Though.. oh well.. it's worth a try.. she looked around at the forest. So far she had only been able to control the elements when she or someone else she knew was in danger, and that hadn't happened much. She wondered how she would be able to manipulate an element without being scared for someones safety.
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Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 3:53 pm
"Information on the armies of the kingdom of darkness? Though I was part of the army for some time, I was not a general, or in charge of any legions. I simply gave orders to generals because of my higher rank. They did most of the the combat planning. As for Nicki... well...she is not so easy to explain. She is evil incarnate. She obeys no one, not even the lord of darkness himself. She merely tolerates those who are able to fight with her. The only thing I have ever seen her remotely like is her creature, Fear, but you have already met." Seth stopped as he heard someone approaching the entrance to the tree house. An earth bending man from Alaura's group. He waited to hear what he had come up to say.
Adel turned his head to look at her as she spoke. He looked with an certain curiosity. He turned away to stare once more at his books. "I guess there is nothing more to say then."
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Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:34 pm
Alaura's bright eyes never left Seth as he spoke. She nodded once he was finished, her look of intense concentration waning into one of a more relaxed state. She was putting too much pressure on herself, but she honestly didn't know how to simply sit still. She was so used to constantly training and making herself stronger. She wasn't used to having to let her body heal as she had never pushed herself so far past her limits before. She didn't usually have the need to. In any case, the man now waiting at the door could wait a moment longer.
"Thank you, Seth. It is as I feared. That woman is evil of the darkest kind, and I think perhaps the greater threat to us. For now, however, there is little we can do. Thank you for your assistance. You are welcome to stay with me and my men as long as you wish, as goes for those who have chosen to join us thus far. We will offer you what protection we can." She spoke with a rather noble air, sitting in her regal manner. It was now that she finally turned her gaze, addressing the man at the door.
The earth man stepped inside, looking to Alaura with the upmost respect. "We found someone wandering about the camp area, Captain. We have brought her to you." He stepped aside, turning his head to look at the girl he had brought up with him. "She's the one you have to convince." He said with an almost mocking tone. He seemed to believe that this girl would be thrown out by Alaura.
Alaura's emerald eyes turned to look over the girl whom she could just see through the open door. "Come in." She said simply, her voice strong despite her weak body. She had the rather gifted ability to make herself seem fine, even when her body was crying out for her to rest.
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![[_Yashi_]'s avatar](https://a1cdn.gaiaonline.com/dress-up/avatar/ava/76/1e/b0f3ef9141e76_flip.png?t=1409309743_6.00_11)