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Epine de Rose
Vice Captain

 
Offline
PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 1:37 pm


[--an end to a tale--]


It all began with a sacred artefact, this artefact was not sacred through magic or valuable materials but namely due to its sentimental value. Upon the death of her father, the young Elizabeth Regalia was left with nothing other than a jewel filled abode and an empty heart - the corridors cold and lonesome, she had nothing other than the exotic creatures and the priceless treasures that reminded her of the family in which she had lost.

However it was a well known fact amongst the thieves of Durem that the household of Regalia was very wealthy and the magical artefacts within fetched a pretty price upon the market - thus, one thief in particular decided that it was time to investigate and pillage what she thought was of worth and on one night the infamous Cordelia entered the household and explored the desolate corridors.

...The libraries were passed, the most valuable rooms were passed and it was only upon spotting the cane that for some absurd and unusual reason she decided that it was of the most value. How wrong she was to assume that it was magical for it was simply a keepsake and yet as she fled from the household once more she was watched by the eyes of none other than the daughter of Regalia herself.

Pained by her loss, the daughter of Regalia swore that she would learn to protect her home using the inherited magic in which all her family had possessed, within this promise she also swore to ensure that she would return the cane to its rightful place within her home and thus the infamous 'Ferosa' was born...

The trials and encounters between the two girls are hardly worth a mention but it should be noted that upon the birth of Ferosa the Overlord of the Wizard's Conclave also came to power once more. Both were one in the same and as the young Elizabeth began to mature she was well aware that there were always way to capture and eliminate an opponent...for this, it would require much planning but one thing was for certain - lies, rumour and intrigue were to prove invaluable.

Her greatest and final stunt came in the planning of the 'theft' of the crystal from the Temple. Dune had long since watched the temple, fascinated by the riches inside as well as the power in which these crystals held, it was an ideal trap and after many discussions with the Crystal Guardian it was agreed that the seizure of a very special crystal would be enough to lure the thief out into the open for long enough to regain the cane...unfortunately in this stunt, Elizabeth also had to resign herself to the fact that for a time, she would be viewed as the enemy.

It was with this plan in mind that the masquerade ball was summoned forth, all were invited and during this event the plan was set into motion, the theft of the crystal performed and the finale in which Ferosa took flight and the infamous Dune was foolish enough to take the bait and follow - alongside this, unbeknownst to those who swore to return the crystal to its place, these chosen volunteers were thrown into an adventure quite unlike they were ever to experience again.

Many things took place upon their journey, the seizure of "Fiore" being the first to occur followed by the discovery of the poisoned Roan and the journey to the Planar Rift where they were lead by the trusted and yet rather ethereal Epee to witness the truth behind the events that had unfolded previously.

Before them, revealed only through crystal shards they were presented with the assassination of Elizabeth Regalia, the restoration of the Celestial Dragon, Roan and the flight of Cordelia from the depths of the Citadel of Regalia - horrified, they demanded at once to be taken to the citadel in the hopes that by some chance they might save the Overlord yet alas it was too late and although the Celestial Dragon did come and did take them to the Citadel they were simply too late...

[--*****--]


"All good things must come to an end, life and death are as one in this world and as each event transgresses fates threads are cut and drawn accordingly." The childish voice called out from behind the group that now stood upon the garden outside the large citadel.

The voice itself belonged to a young girl, clad in a white winter coat with her fur-rimmed hood drawn up around her head to protect her from the cold while a small tendril of short blond hair seemed to tickle at each cheek. Beside her, stood a tall gentleman who's features were somewhat difficult to make out beneath his tophat and thick winter coat yet the cane, the same cane that had been taken by Cordelia rested within his hand.

The two stood in silence and only when the steady form of Roan began to emerge from the large doorway, the fallen mage within his arms did the azure gaze of the child turn towards the group once more, her expression sad and yet set...in ways she was most unlike a child for she was hardly naive in the given circumstances.

"I think it is time you returned to where you are safe." She advised in a gentle voice, lifting a gloved hand to point towards the doorway of the citadel which closed in response before shaking her head and motioning towards the group before her, "Lady Regalia must be laid to rest, it is what she deserves but even now her final abode must remain unknown to you." A shake of her head, a snap of her fingers later and the group would soon find themselves in the back rooms of the Turtle's Paradise...all they need do was descend the stairwell and enter the main room once more.

"Saevem." Roan croaked as he watched the group disapparate and approached the gentleman and young girl, "You said it would end in tears."

"It is time, Roan." The tiny girl simply responded as she placed her hand on the cloth of his tunic and grasp it in an attempt to offer her sympathy, "She needs to sleep."

[--*****--]


The preparations were made and the events which followed were done in absolute secrecy - only Saevem and the highest of officials were granted the priviledge of watching as the now embalmed body was taken down into the depths of the conclave where all Overlords were laid to rest. In silence, they walked passed each of the monuments dedicated to the mages of the past and those of the council could only curse at the knowledge that the Overlord they had, had died prematurely.

Placing her body upon the stone slab in which was to be her place of rest, each bowed in turn as the child known as Saevem was at last allowed to step forward, touching the forehead and then fingertips of the fallen mage before bowing her own head with a whispered prayer of safe travels for the fallen noble - this done she looked up once more and seemed to smile as at last the stones surrounding her began to manipulate themselves into elaborate carvings.

Each carving depicted a part of her life and were all the more exotic and ornate due to how short her reign had been and yet, there was a poignancy for the lack or achievement made them all the more important. It was as the stones began to transform that the slab beneath her still form began to glow, the delicate and yet sorrowful sound of the fallen soul's voice echoing across the desolate halls as this glow enveloped and caressed her pale cheeks fading only when her body had at last been encursted in black marble and many a jewel.

"Sleep well, Overlord Regalia." Saevem whispered, biting her lower lip in an attempt to hold back her emotions for she was still a child and she was only human...

[--*****--]


"Who is to direct the Conclave now?" One of the Council enquired to another as they sat around the table, the most Senior releasing a sigh as the dreaded question arose - he already knew this answer for Saevem had predicted it would arise and had given him the information he needed.

"Saevem has advised that we become silent, lock the doors and bar entry to all for she says a change in the winds is coming." He shook his head and lifted it so that he could gaze at each of his comrades in turn, "For now she will be our guide and advise us but she says it will only be temporary - "

"You are to say no other mage may enter our sanctuary?"

"All other mages? For now they cannot enter this abode yet it is advisable that you continue to search for and instruct the new outside...this is not forever but if we do not lock our doors now, there will be trouble between us -"

"And the thieves..."

The group lapsed into silence at this.

[--*****--]


Following this discussion, the Citadel of Regalia was once again hidden to the world through the magics of the Conclave - the doors of the Wizard's Sanctuary closed to the world and although the mages would often be seen they would rarely speak of their home nor divulge into the reasons of it's descent into isolation.

The Apple Orchard that had rested outside Durem was soon enveloped by the magics of the Grand Druid, Roan and only those born of the earth or who loved the earth were granted the permission to enter this haven while he found solace in solitude and sleep.

The Crystal that had been stolen was once more returned to the Temple by Saevem, the young child who so many viewed with respect -

And yet...none knew where the infamous Cordelia had disappeared to, the thieves refused to provide any information in relation to her whereabouts and yet it was well known through Durem that she had fled the city, perhaps even approaching new and more obscure locations in an attempt to exact her revenge, it was even said that her final words told of her return and her success at seizing the Crystal at last.

But of course, that is an entirely different story, isn't it?
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:34 am


[--E N T R Y . O N E--]
.aversham.


A refusal...? The young female continued to gaze at the lithe and ethereal form that now resided in front of her. Black and clasped in many a chain, this being was only recognisable by her rather unique appearance and with a nod of respect the young female listened to what the wraith of the Crystal Temple had to say.

As far as messages went, this one was brief and yet almost self-explanatory, the crystal that they had stolen was in fact mature and already accustomed to the Citadel - according to the wraith of this Temple (known only as the Crystal Guardian) it was therefore unhealthy to allow it to reside next to the Prime Crystal once more as it would pine and perhaps even harm itself through its loss of a home.

The young female released a sigh at this revelation and glanced briefly at the crystal that hovered a mere inch from the wraith's hand. As 'young' as she might have been the girl understood the issue and due to her respect for the wishes of the dead she could do no more than accept the responsibility for something she was otherwise unskilled in attending to.

Another nod in silent understanding and eventually the Guardian disappeared into the depths of the Crystal Chamber once more, leaving only the white clad child and the crystal at her doorway - she was not thrilled at this at all, she was no mage and yet for some obscure reason the slumbering spirit locked within the Crystal warmed her heart and seemed to bring about an almost maternal instinct within her - alas this was Elizabeth's summon, not hers and she could hardly allow it to become attached to her.

"Onion." She addressed the tiny knight who stood at the bottom of the steps and descended the stairwell herself with a small 'clip' of her leather shoed feet, "I have a request, if you do not mind me asking." She continued as she lowered herself to take a seat on the step and placed the crystal upon her lap.

"Yes, m'lady?" The tiny knight hadn't quite been the same since his friend had been murdered and his squire had pushed himself into isolation, it was only right therefore that this female had taken him under her wing and allowed her to accompany her, yet it was only now that she was finally able to give him a sense of purpose in which he would enjoy.

"The Crystal cannot return here, it pines for the Citadel and I must return it." She confessed softly, extending her hand so that she could lift Onion onto her lap as well, "It needs to be taken care of and guarded - I believe you are the only one who can accomplish this task." She confessed, a small and wistful smile flickering onto her lips as the knight's eyes seemed to brighten at the mere prospect of taking care of such an object.

"You mean it, m'lady Saevem?" He enquired, his voice scarcely above a whisper as he looked up towards the wise azure eyes of the 'child'. She simply nodded and he once again observed the crystal that pulsed with such warmth and life, "I will do this but in return for a favour of my own..." He said slowly, mentally chastising himself for such a selfish act but he had to try.

"Ask of it and I will see if it is possible."

"First you must grant a name, the entity in here has been unknown for too long." He shook his head and grimaced, no man deserved to have no identity regardless of whether they slumbered or not and he knew that Saevem would be wise in her choice.

"What you request of me is what the summoner is supposed to do." She pointed out smoothly causing him to raise a brow as if by some obscure reason he knew more about the situation than even she did - as if he could commune with the crystal or the creature within it with much more ease.

"He needs a name..." He repeated, almost pleadingly until at last the now named Saevem released a sigh.

"Very well," She murmured in defeat and offered a delicate smile, "By the powers that rest within me, I will bestow the name of 'Aversham' upon the mighty beast that slumbers within this crystal." She offered, the warm feeling within her growing as she saw Onion Knight nod appreciatively at her surrender, "Is that all?"

"No." His voice became choked at this point and as he rested a gloved hand on the crystal he was silent for a long time, "They say you can revive the dead without consequences, is it true...?"

"To revive the dead is a risk, it is dangerous and is not as simple as casting a spell - you need artefacts and an entity capable of performing the ceremony to draw upon each artefact."

"But it is possible?"

"Yes, it is possible." Saevem relented, her brow furrowing as she tried to piece together exactly what Onion had in mind, she thought he knew but those who were selfish often corrupted the process...

"Then m'lady Saevem, I ask that you do but one thing for me - I wish for you to find a method to return Lady Regalia to life for her death was premature and fate drew a most unkind card...they belong together and nothing should have torn them apart - "

For a time the young girl was silent, her gaze trained upon the forests outside the door and the pathway that would lead her back outside and towards Barton. She had to admit that even she considered the death to be premature and even as the noble had been laid to rest she had sensed a great injustice in all that had transgressed - unfortunately however her expertise as a medium did not extend quite so far as clerical ressurection and necromancy.

"Onion," She released a sigh at last as she took one of her tiny hands in hers, "I am but a medium - a messenger of the spirits," His face fell but she continued, her expression one of set determination despite the discomfort in her eyes, "But I know of the one who holds the information that you seek, of the old magics that are capable of restoring one who has been harmed unjustly to life."

"So you will do it?" He asked suddenly to which she shook her head.

"Nay, I will set things into motion as that is all I am capable of doing - I will plant the seeds necessary for a chosen few to find this entity and to enquire from her the means of restoring Lady Regalia." She assured, her eyes brightening with just a little hope as the knight's mood brightened.

"In the meantime I would suggest that you speak with Roan while I restore the Crystal to it's pedestal - I am sure he will be more than happy to assist any who would help bring back that which he loves most." She advised, setting Onion down upon the ground once more as she rose to her feet and clasped the crystal in both hands.

"Lady Saevem..." Onion began uncertainly as both walked towards the deep jungle outside the temple.

"Yes?"

"Why did you only step into the fray now, there were so many opportunities and you -"

"I had my reasons for staying away, you know I am weak and incapable of defending myself - for that reason I would have been a hinderance and a burden."

"I see - one more thing."

"Yes?"

"...Will Roan get to live in the Citadel with me as well and will you be living there too?"

"Yes he will, it is his home after all and as for myself - we shall see, the citadel is rather big when you're this small."

"You're one to talk." The knight gave with a snort which indeed caused the young girl to smile, after all, he was much smaller than even she!

.to be continued.

Epine de Rose
Vice Captain

 
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Epine de Rose
Vice Captain

 
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 7:15 am


[--E N T R Y . T W O--]
.aversham speaks.


Although what happened was unfortunate, nothing could justify the lack of information that the Thieves' Guild gave to those who enquired to the whereabouts of the culprit. This point often caused Onion much grief and as he looked upon the great citadel that was now to be his home he couldn't help but take note of the overwhelming sadness within him - why did they hide a murderer, they weren't even aware that she had planned to acquire the crystal and murder the Overlord so what was stopping them?

Glancing at the Crystal that by some miraculous feat, he was managing to escort to its chambers he became briefly aware of the entity within it - it felt no loss, no sadness in respect to the Overlord but it seemed to have dimmed ever since Saevem had taken her leave and gone to 'set the wheels in motion' as she had promised...most peculiar.

"It appears to just be you and I, my dear boy." He announced to the silent crystal, the light within it flickering briefly in response as he lifted it onto his back once more and trekked across the lawns to the opened door, the door that Saevem had opened before taking her leave - needless to say the sheer height of it was daunting but he had seen worse things...such as Roan when he got up on the wrong side of the hammock in the morning.

Upon entering the citadel however, he gave a shudder at the absolute silence that enveloped him. For some obscure reason the trinkets had all seemed to drop into some sort of slumber and as he walked all he could hear were the tiny patters of his own booted feet against the marble stones so carefully set against the floor.

"Strange." He mused, slipping under one of the many curtains and at last into the chambers where Phoenix had lain under the close protection of the Overlord. Following this, he carefully clambered up onto the pedestal and set the crystal upon the pillow where it flickered once more and then seemed to explode with light.

"her death was necessary
without it she would not have come
in solitude i would have lain
but i promise the lady is not gone"


Onion released an almost girlish shriek as he toppled from the pedestal and gazed up at the glowing crystal in awe, the musical voice thrumming out with such power before both light and the entity seemed to fall into a slumbering state once more...he had little choice other than to sit upon the floor and releasing was quick breaths as his heart raced.

"N-not gone...Aversham?" Onion continued to gaze up towards the crystal from where he was sat upon the floor but the weak bond he had with the crystal revealed only that the entity within the Crystal had seemed to fall back into its comatose state once more.

Guard him well, Onion - the voice of Saevem came back into his mind and the tiny knight shook his head, the Spirit Medium was right, he had to take care of this crystal to the best of his ability...it seemed to know a great deal more than even he had anticipated.

.to be continued.
PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 8:35 pm


[--E N T R Y . T H R E E--]
.progress.


Gazing towards the spirit, the young girl simply pursed her lips in apparent dissatisfaction - for the last few days she had scoured the lands, the living and the dead for information on the 'Seer' yet none knew of her or perhaps it was that they feared what might become of them if they even spoke of her, let alone her whereabouts.

The spirit which now disappated and once again returned to the veil had been no exception, although it had touched lightly on the subject it had taken careful measures not to mention anyone, anything or any locations and thus she was less than impressed and with all the respect she could muster she had returned the spirit to it's rightful place - such trivial pursuits were beginning to wear thin on her, she may have appeared youthful but she was so very tired.

You wish to know of the Divine one...?

The voice lingered across the now poppy filled battlefield and the tiny girl glanced round to point her azure gaze in the direction of the pale, ethereal figure of a man who she had known so well from passing. He had come to her on his death and he did what he could to aid her, he held no superstitions and yet he was adamant that this was the path in which he wanted to take - he had no desire to pass on yet.

"Yes, you know where she lies?" She asked slowly, turning her figure round so that she was more comfortably positioned regardless of the fact that she was still standing and her feet were rather painful.

I give you this information, yet only because you help my daughter. He murmured, his ethereal yet youthful features shifting into a grimace as he seemed to drift across the battleground and pointed his hand towards the large mountain region to the west...he said nothing and yet the look of absolute confidence in his eyes denoted that this was the place to go.

"The cannibals live there..." Saevem confessed uncomfortably, her expression flooding with worry as she trained her gaze on the snowy peaks and gave a shudder at the concept of what beings lurked within the caves - yes, the Blood Queen would simply love them if she encountered them.

That they do, but only in the absolute depths - It is the Hall of Eternity that you must look for. The ethereal being, that of Lord Regalia pointed out as he gave a not and faded from view. Despite the obvious discomfort the knowledge caused, Saevem could also confess that she was at least remotely thrilled at the fact that she was making some suitable progress. Granted, she lacked the strength to reach those peaks herself but -

"Who in their right mind would face cannibals and dire beasts just to reach the Hall - they scarcely know her." Saevem voiced with a hint of mild irritation, in ways she supposed she could pay people but she doubted the Seer would approve!

.to be continued.

Epine de Rose
Vice Captain

 
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Epine de Rose
Vice Captain

 
Offline
PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:10 pm


[--E N T R Y . F O U R--]
.missing summoner.


So Lady Regalia was note his summoner, Saevem was not his summoner - Onion paced back and forth within the Phoenix chamber and pursed his lips. The Crystal had spoken a few times and each time it had done so it touched upon valuable information in relation to its summoner yet could not pinpoint the precise location...

To Aversham, the summoner was young and in close proximity to the citadel yet was beyond his reach or sight. To Aversham he was also within the reach of an ally of the Regalia family but even then he couldn't specify who that was - all his information was very obscure and for a being who liked facts, Onion did not appreciate the riddles.

Another sigh and he paced back and forth again before pausing and examining the weather outside. The Winter Festival was vast approaching and he knew he had to perform, this in mind he took a very decisive action, making his way towards the crystal pouch (which he somehow slipped Phoenix into) and slipping it onto his back.

He was grossly overpacked but with a 'humph' of determination he began to make the long trek towards the tavern where he was sure that he would find someone with further information...either that or the summoner in question would magically pop into existance like they usually did!

.to be continued.
PostPosted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 7:52 am


[--E N T R Y . F I V E--]
.aversham arrives.


.paper.
    Genesis leaned closer to the warm crystal, happy to regain the feeling in her hands after sleeping outside the tavern.. freezing to death in the cold air. Darn Waltz and his fascination with the night sky.

    The elysian nodded after a moment and whispered to the shard, hoping her slumbering brother would hear her. "You're gate is prepared, Aversham.. You have but to will it to open." She waited for some sign from him that he might be prepared to join her in this world. But, she fully expected he might want to wait until he had a proper summoner.

    Waltz, feeling her uncertainty, glanced over at Onion and scrunched his little nose.


.epee.
    Onion appeared to be remotely confused by the peculiar actions of the Elysian, he had seen and encountered her before on a number of occasions but had never had a chance to be this close to her before - nevertheless it was not so much her he was interested in but the manner in which she tended to the glowing fire crystal and the words in which she said.

    "His gate is prepared...?" He repeated, his expression that of confusion as he glanced towards Saevem who seemed to be a little bit more than just confused, she almost appeared uncomfortable, "How -?" He paused again and then with a shake of his head he simply glanced at the crystal where a deeper light seemed to stir within.

    Slowly but surely, in response to her words the glowing crystal's light grew brighter - it wasn't eye piercing but the subtle light continued to get progressively brighter while the surface of the delicate artefact seemed to ripple with heat.

    Here...? The tendrils that whipped out from within the crystal gently licked at the Wind-based Elysian's hands in an attempt to heat them up just a little more as the somewhat sleepy creature seemed to respond from within.


.paper.
    The elysian smiled, finally feeling warm again. She turned her crimson eyes on Onion at his question and seemed almost confused as she thought it over. "I.. I don't know." She shrugged helplessly. "I always know when the gates are ready.. I can feel it."

    The avian turned her attention back to the crystal as she noticed its reaction. "Ah," she purred at hearing the voice. "No, not here." She seemed to blush a little as she glanced around. "She should be coming shortly.. to bring you there. She knows too.."


.epee.
    The crystal said nothing in response to the avaian's words, rather it seemed to have either fallen asleep once more (unlikely for it maintained it's vibrant glow) or it seemed to be deep in thought, carefully considering the options set before it - in all honesty Aversham could have only seen two choices and he disliked one of them...avoiding it with the first choice seemed almost more appropriate.

    Mmmm... The crystal rippled with heat once more, the glow somehow maintained by an almost fully conscious creature lurking within, that creature that seemed to feet the crystal with such a light as this, Then if she deems me ready, I will come but I wish for Sir Onion to be present alongside me. He agreed with a pulse of light.

    Perhaps in a more open form he could seek out his summoner but only time would tell, when the Guardian deemed it time she would no doubt descend upon him to lead him to the gateway Genesis spoke of - patience was a virtue.


.paper.
    As if on cue, a pocket of air in the middle of the room seemed to darken. Light disappeared into the void of that space as it widened and took the shape of a woman. The Guardian materialized slowly, the details of her chains and clothing becoming more focused over the few moments it took for her to became completely solid.

    At once she appeared to be agitated at being away from the temple, but her expression was tempered with softness as her eyes went immidiately to the glowing crystal.

    Without a word she extended her shadowed hand to the shard, and as if beckoned a circle of symbols snaked around the crystal and began to glow dimly.

    "I will take the summoner to the temple," she said vaguely as she scanned the room. A swirl of black mist coiled around her legs as she waited.


.epee.
    "Summoner?" Onion looked vaguely confused and then released a gasp of reverence as the crystal gave another ripple of heat and the runes began to encircle the delicate surface - "Aversham!" He whispered, lifting a gloved hand to his tiny mouth before turning to Saevem for some sort of support or advice.

    'Go with him!' She mouthed desperately as she began to rise from her own seat and waved her hands around enthusiastically as though this event gave her the ideal catalyst to start something of remote importance.

    "I - I," Onion cleared his throat and dusted down his armour before raising his tiny hand and stepping into view beside the crystal, "I will be accompanying the crystal, its summoner is absent at this precise moment in time." He confessed guiltily, as though the inability to find the elusive being was his fault.


.paper.
    Genesis blinked and floated back a few inches from the crystal. She watched the circle of symbols and absently settled closer to her familiar. The elysian was surprised that the Guardian had come so instantly. She was ever more impressed by the woman's power and intelligence.

    Waltz simply grumbled at the avian's warm and fuzzy thoughts. He sometimes wished he could turn the bond off.. or down a little bit. Warm and fuzzy was not his thing. No sir. In response, he did his best to glower it away.

    The Guardian seemed remotely puzzled by the familiar's words, but did not protest.

    Eager to be on with the summoning, the guardian extended her arms, one to the crystal, the other to Onion. A spiral of black mist seeped up from the floor and enclosed the familiar and his charge.

    The Guardian appeared to come out of focus as she reverted to her ethereal state. In moments her form, as well as those of her passengers, blurred then dissipated into nothingness.

    ((to guildness))

    Out of no where, the Guardian solidified at the entrance to the chamber. Behind her, two small black shadows lifted from the ground. Color and life seemed to spill out of the blackness as Onion and the crystal shard were expelled from the portal.

    The wraith pushed open the door to the cloister and turned her gaze on the familiar.

    "Enter"


.epee.
    Onion gave a small squeak and removing his helmet out of a sign of respect he gave a slight nod to the guardian and made his way into the chamber - too say the least he was terribly small in comparison to the 'titanic' features of the room and he certainly felt out of place - the magic resonating from the walls and crystal were completely unrecognisable to him and thus he was completely inexperienced in these matters regardless of what bond he might have had with the crystal.

    Goodluck Onion He heard the words of Saevem very faintly and with a smile, determination flashed into his expression and he gave another nod. Nay, if the gate was open then it was time for Aversham to make himself known...in this form not even Dune could harm him.

    "Ready." He announced.


.paper.
    The Guardian paused a moment to consider the situation.

    "I shall assist thee," she said at length in her airy voice. As Onion entered the chamber, the wraith extended her misty arms and lifted the familiar and the crystal onto the alter. The sensation must have been similar to sitting on solid clouds. Whatever that might feel like.

    With care, the Guardian assisted the crystal into Onion's little arms and urged him toward the (to him) tall stone mount. She held the two steady as she waited patiently.

    Meanwhile the temperature in the room had risen noticably, and already a smoldering ligh waited at the corners of the room. It gave the appearance that there had recently been a fire in the room, and the ashes were still hot.


.epee.
    Onion wobbled briefly under the weight of the crystal, but with a small grunt of effort her slowly but surely waddled towards the 'tall' mount opposite him. Granted he was forced to walk in a 'side-step' so that he was able to see but he made suitably good progress despite the fact that he was still trying to remove the tingling sensation from his legs that the Guardian's assistance had caused.

    "Nearly there, Aversham." He murmured in a strained voice and then at last he was there, standing just a few inches away from the mount he took a deep breath and with a small yell of effort he switched the grip of the crystal so that he was supporting it at the base and with one last 'titanic' push he managed to slide it up onto the mount itself.

    The crystal seemed to wobble for a time, unstable due to the manner in which it had been lifted and set yet after a time it seemed to regain its centre of balance and gave another brief ripple of heat from its epicentre - with that it was completely still.

    "There." Onion puffed as he buffed his helmet and took a few step backwards to get a better look at the crystal upon the pedestal.


.paper.
    The wraith nodded her approval just as a staggering wave of heated energy rolled out from the crystal and over the side of the altar. The Guardian winced slightly as the ethereal substance struck the walls of the cloister and ignited the runes into firey brilliance.

    Immediately the chamber was stifled with almost overwhelming heat. The symbols shifted like a firestorm across the room to the dizzying dance of the summoning spell.

    On the mount, the circle of runes wavered in the heat flowing forth from the crystal as they moved purposely around it. When it decended the final few inches to the altar, the circle seemed more to melt onto the surface than anything else. At the moment the symbols finally settled, thus completing the spell, a blinding pillar of fire spewed up from the crystal and slammed into the ceiling.

    It lasted only a moment, and when the display sputtered out, the temperature began to fall to a more bearable level. And there, in place of the fire, was the elysian. The remaining embers of the flames floated down around the firebird..

    User Image


    The wraith glanced down at the familiar then back again at the bird. With an inward sigh, she lifted Onion up to the height of the elysian's transparent form. "It may be difficult," she whispered, "But you must pull him through..."


.epee.
    Aversham's wise eyes remained planted on the small familiar, patient and otherwise encouraging despite his lack of words he seemed to be willing the small familiar to at least attempt to extend a hand to him so that he might at least stand a chance of connecting to his anchor - even with such a connection he could then will himself to pass through with the help of his familiar.

    "Alright - tally ho!" Onion announced despite the shock his mind was currently enduring, he briefly adjusted the metal plates on his arms and then extended his tiny hand to clasp it around Aversham's extended wing - a deep breath and then with a 'roar' of effort he began to pull backwards.

    "It's time Aversham!" He continued, straining to tuck at the ethereal form until at last his gloved hands began to meet with soft feathers, real feathers - warm to the touch and most definately solid.

    His expression one of absolute conversation, the delicate firebird appeared to be concentrating all his spared strengths in extending his form so that the tiny familiar could stand a chance of being an anchor despite being his summoner - words could not describe his relief when he at last felt the pressure of fingers against feather and his world became that of sound - that of life.

    "Aversham!" Onion breathed as he lessened his grasp in case he harmed the bird (despite this being otherwise impossible). Admiring the coloured feathers as the bird took the opportunity to admire his plummage and then seemed to frown once more.

    "I am awfully small." He observed distastefully.


.paper.
    Carefully the wraith lowered the pair to the altar and glanced with intereset at the elysian.

    "You are whole," she observed, as if it were a curiousity. A tiny smile crept onto her placid face as she leaned forward. "You are small, indeed. But you are whole.. in body and energy. You have been summoned Prime. I am intrigued."

    The wraith leaned back and tilted her head. "Any summoning sickness will pass from you relitively quickly. Would you like me to take you back to the tavern?" She frowned at her own offer, suddenly thinking herself as being far to accomodating.


.epee.
    "It appears my magics are indeed intact, however for what purpose this has occured is unknown to me - my memory is lost for a time." The bird confessed before shaking his head from side to side and flexing his wings, "Alas I will decline your offer to return me to the tavern, I will find my own way there as I deem it necessary to recover and adjust before I become more sociable." He continued before giving a slight nod towards the Guardian and then towards Onion who was kneeling by his clawed feet.

    "We depart?" The knight enquired slowly as he turned his gaze upwards towards the bird inquisitively. He was not surprised to see the phoenix gazing down upon him in what appeared to be an agreeable manner.

    "Yes, we do." The firebird agreed as he gazed towards the door and proceeded to them, first he would grow accustomed to the forest and then he would visit the tavern in which he had encountered so briefly...


.to be continued.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 3:58 am


[--E N T R Y . S I X--]
.gaia.


So this was Gaia, the faintest link between his home world had brought him here to an exotic world in some forms but in others distinctly recognisable although the reason for this appeared to have slipped his mind for the time being. Flexing his wings as he sat atop the temple with Onion by his side, he surveyed the forest surrounding him and smiled - as dense and wild as it might have been it truly was a sight to behold and a very sacred place.

"Exsquisite." He offered softly, green eyes flicking towards each and every direction before resting with some form of finality upon the horizon in which the citadel would have lain - his home and yet not yet his home if one were to be specific for not enough had transgressed to the point where he could enter it and sufficiently call it this.

"How long since my Crystal spawned?" He enquired finally, glancing towards Onion who appeared to be gazing out across the horizon himself in an almost thoughtful manner.

"Six months, possibly more - time passes in odd manners here." The knight confessed in an equally gentle manner before patting at the warm feathers of his newly born companion's wing - the firebird didn't even flinch but seemed to be mildly content with such an interaction as though company was certainly something he desired.

"A long time to lay in a dormant state then," The firebird squinted briefly and attempted desperately to piece together the reasons behind this and the obscure manner in which somehow he had managed to maintain his powers even within sleep - granted he could scarcely remember a thing about Nexus but to reawaken in his prime was something of considerable interest to him...

"Very." Onion agreed and then shook his head, "But then again it could have been longer, it was just -"

"Circumstances." Aversham finished understandably and turned his gaze towards Onion with a mild smile flashing within his eyes, "She will return, that much I promise you and in time the wrongs will right themselves but one must be patient." He turned his gaze back to the great wall in the distance, that of the Great Wall of Gambino and shook his head.

"When those who have the necessary skills descent upon us then our wrongs will be righted, the injustices realigned and brought to a more honourable and desirable conclusion." He continued to gaze across the landscape with a hint of reverence, the sheer beauty of the scenary an overwhelming sight to him in comparison to the absolute darkness and solitude of a forced slumber.

"This world cannot be allowed to fall to chaos, too beautiful and sacred is it - it is but the single light that sustains our world...Should chaos reach Nexus..." He shook his head again and turned his gaze to Onion with an unspoken warning and an unspoken promise.

Without having sworn by verbal means the firebird had promised to protect Gaia and it's citizens, or at least to aid them in righting the injustices caused by his dormant form - in short, he had promised that Cordelia would be found and all would be revered, it just took time.

"Forgive me Aversham but I think that it might be best if we at least return to the tavern." The Knight advised delicately and offered up a wry smile, "Many will like to meet you and stretching your wings for a sufficient period of time might be of more use than brief spurts." He pointed out in a logical manner, causing the bird to raise a brow but to nod in agreement.

"Very well." The firebird replied as he lowered his neck so that Onion could mount his back and become comfortable. He had to admit that this familiar was surprisingly calm, perhaps through the sheer shock of his birth but alas...Aversham would give it but a few minutes until that changed.

Nevertheless, with a musical cry the firebird took flight, extending it's irridescent wings and ascending into the warm air thermals that would soon carry it to Gambino and further into the lands of Gaia.

"I still think I am too small." The bird murmured as he flew through the air...

.to be continued.
PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 4:26 pm


[--E N T R Y . S E V E N-]
.a different sort of pleasure.


It seemed that the Winter Festival was going suitably well, based upon current facts the firebird could discern that each and every aspect of it was enjoyable with the exception of the brief sense of hysteria caused by this apparently 'evil' woman known only as 'Neru' to himself and perhaps even to a few others.

As he perched upon the rooftops of the tavern once more he took into consideration, all those who seemed to thrum with a power not even they could recognise, each had potential to which they had yet to be introduced but he knew that if and when they did... He paused briefly at this thought and shook his head - when they did his kind would once again walk the lands and be free.

He released an Avian sigh and with a hint of disdain turned his gaze back down to the hustle and bustle of the tavern below him - Onion seemed to be in a merry mood having downed countless shots of rather potent liquer and yet it was the two Ieldi that were of most interest to him, bent close to one another as they discussed the circumstances of the story he had become painfully aware of the fact that one of them had a crystal!

"Another!" He whispered feverently to himself, it was of no regret to him when he descended to speak with them for although the summoner was silent, the other Ieldi known as Odilen proved to be of suitable interest as well as beauty - in comparison to the void that was Nexus this was much more enjoyable especially with the type of conversation she seemed to provide...

.to be continued.

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PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 4:30 pm


[--E N T R Y . E I G H T--]
.libern tale.


The story had not made much of an impression upon the spectators but in his presentation of the delicate issue, Onion had done his duty and provided the key threads that connected the fragile lines of fate together - in his presentation he had at last given at least a few beings a method in which to achieve their greatest desires whether they be selfish or whether they be selfless.

The tiny knight released a sigh and examined his shot glass briefly, gazing at the clear content which was in fact water as opposed to any form of alcoholic beverage. Despite his outward appearance of stoism it was clear that the story had deeply impacted the knight and with a delicate chirp, Aversham extened his wing to embrace the familiar in as best a manner he could.

"I have but one question, Onion." Aversham's voice was gentle and tentative as he attempted to shuffle through the confusing tale and to come to terms with the revelation of precisely what his familiar was, "Were you human?" He asked softly, his emerald gaze focusing upon the knight who seemed to smile a tad wistfully.

"No, I just looked that way." He gave a chuckle and very gently stroked at the firebird's wing with a gloved hand, "I do not remember where I was born, only that I was brought up in Durem and was drawn to the Temple shortly after my fall in the Libern." He confessed, indicating that in some way he was deeply and spiritually connected to the temple that contained the Prime Crystal...Aversham could only smile at this.

"So tell me, why did you not tell them the entire story?" He enquired, ruffling his feathers and briefly preening at his chest. Onion seemed to hesitate and then seemed to grimace, his own green eyes fixed on the firebird who, for all his thoughts was a newly acquired friend that he would never surrender.

"I would rather not destroy a happy event, you know as well as I -" He paused, his brow furrowing further as he stroked a little more at the Phoenix's feathers, "If I were to confess to them that the Libern is volatile to the extent that you are immediately attacked upon entry, do you honestly anticipate that they would go?"

"I understand your point Onion, but what about the Elysian?" Aversham persisted, his own eyes narrowing as a brief expression of guilt fluttered across Onion's features.

"Unbeknownst to the Ieldi, his Elysian will save his life."

"But not yours."

"...No."

.to be continued.
PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 4:31 pm


[--E N T R Y . N I N E--]
.festival's end, the wheels turn.


Well, it was all over and as he watched the crowds disperse and return to their abodes he couldn't help but feel just a little upset at the fact that such sociable creatures would now revert back to their more alienated states - nevertheless, he simply gave a bow of his head as he said goodbye to another patron and at last turned his gaze towards his tiny summoner.

The Nalgae, who had appeared within the festival with the help of the Druid's was certainly different to what he had anticipated and yet as he observed the tiny creature play with it's adoptive father he smiled. Different, vulnerable and yet all at the same time he became wholely aware that the little creature was incomprehensibly brave, it rarely wept for its mother and yet still held a smile.

So much had happened, he had emerged and slowly but surely small threads of truth began to unravel themselves and coax those who had listened. Tantalizing to those who longed for adventure, he was certain that in some ways Saevem had planned each and every interaction so that they worked in accordance with one another until at last she had sparked off enough interest for him to hear the words 'Libern' uttered upon the lips of the occasional patron.

Ah yes, Libern - the range that held the Staff of Ages and the power of the gods, or so it was rumoured. He doubted the deital part was true with the exception of having their favour but alas there was so much upon the range that would help so many of those who lurked down here...including the 'holy' Elysians that now resided within the world. Within that range, they would surely meet someone who was capable of teaching them far greater things than a mage could - the clerics of the temple could make them just as powerful as he.

A grimace of his avian features as he kept his gaze planted upon the being, the Grand Druid known as Roan. He seemed to have recovered in the slightest sense when it came to the death of his lover but there was a part of the avian that knew that things were going to change.

Some for better and some for worse...

.to be continued.

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PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 4:40 pm


[--E N T R Y . T E N--]
.a new face.


.reika.
    Though she didn't fully understand the compliment, it made her embarassed and she shyly ducked her head. But she didn't get the chance to respond because the little Mu had taken off, which she watched with sad eyes. Mew, was it because she hadn't said anything in return he had gotten bored with her? The thought saddened her and she looked up at Koni, who was watching Roan and Onion before sensing her unease and lifting her closer so she could hide her face against his cheek. "Reika do badly?"

    "I doubt that be the case, Reika. I think the small one saw someone he knew and had to simply go say hi. Tis nothing ye did wrong." He calmed her after a bit and found a place to sit down, placing her on the table before he roused the moogle she had gotten from the contest. Though he didn't know how familiars and Elysians worked together yet, she seemed really happy with him and got him to dance with her once he had awakened more.


.aversham.
    Aversham appeared to have calmed down and with a slight twitter he lifted and stretched one wing to preen at the multicoloured feathers before catching sight of the white garbed elysian, or rather catching sight of her twinkling head dress as it reflected the candle light and allowed innumerable beams of light to penetrate otherwise darkened corners of the room.

    "Always the bright one." He murmured to himself, green eyes fixed on the tiny Elysian as he finished preening his feathers and reseated himself so that he could observe her from a distance, although she seemed suitably more content to dance about with her little moogle which was...in itself adorable.


.reika.
    Her eyes were closed as she danced, not really aware of the way she might look to others, spinning about gracefully, her little moogle trying his best to keep up but not as good as she was, sadly enough. He kept falling back on his rump with a little ump, but would just pick himself back up and tried again.

    Humming softly to herself, she seemed to sense someone was watching her, for her eyes opened a bit and she looked around, her gaze landing on Aversham. Oh! He was watching... it was okay to dance before her guardian, that was a given, but she also got a bit flustered when she noticed others were as well. Slowly stopping her dance, she went to the end of the table and waved at him in excitement. Maybe this time they would get to chat!


.aversham.
    The firebird arched an avian brow as she stopped and seemed to momentarily suffer from a wave of guilt that swept through his form and chastised him for otherwise interrupting her game. Nevertheless, there was very little else that he could do and with a slight chirp he ruffled his feathers and extended one wing to provide her with a well practice, yet winged wave in return...It was only shortly after that, that he mustred the courage to take the brief flight towards her and land upon the table, just a few inches away from her.

    "Please, do not stop on my account." He murmured softly, the musical tone somewhat sorrowful as he attempted to emphasize that he was rather guilty for disturbing her without having to blatantly apologise, "If you would prefer, I will turn my back?" He offered dutifully, although a part of him mentally reminded himself that he would rather not miss the opportunity to watch the ornate Elysian perform - she really was quite enchanting.


.reika.
    She was pleased that he had waved to her, bouncing from one bare foot to the other in happiness before she seemed to feel like he wasn't happy. Was something the matter? When he flew over towards her table, she moved a bit, not like there wasn't enough room, but wanting to tell him that he was more than welcome to join.

    The entreaty made her own brows go up before placing a finger against her lips. Oh.. he had liked her dancing? "Nay... um.." Her eyes shifted from side to side as she worked over the words in her head. "Tis fine. I can ... continue to dance.... for ye.." Smiling brightly, she looked over at Yue, her little moogle, who had been staring at Aversham with wide eyes. "Tis a fri...end, Yue. Say.. yer.. greetings..." The familiar bopped into a bow at her entreaty. Pleased with it, she looked over at the Phoenix again and shook her head gently. "Do not.. turn around... I am not.. um.. used to knowing.. I am being.. watched... b-but I.. do not mind." She hoped he didn't think she was slow with how stuttered her speech was. She was trying to learn as best she could. "Please.. enjoy.." Moving back into position, she went back to what she was doing happily. This was a nice feleing.. knowing someone other than Koni liked her dancing.


.aversham.
    Enjoy? Well that was certainly one way of putting it and with a gentle coo the firebird simply made himself comfortable and ruffled his wings as the intense emerald eyes fixed themselves upon the dancing Elysian who was ever so slightly smaller than he but suitably more attractive...at least she had humanoid limbs and could look remotely seductive - all he could give was smouldering looks (pun not intended)!

    Nevertheless, after a few moments he simply released a sigh and allowed his eyes to follow each step she made. Granted he would never been as subtly or as graceful as her in the art of dance but aerial precision was where he reigned supreme...in fact he could swear that he would be perfectly capable of declaring him Lord of the Skies, especially when compared to the hulking figure of Bahamut.

    ...No, no - he wasn't going to get tetchy - he was more mature than that.

    Well Almost.


.reika.
    She was glad he stayed to watch her dance, looking over at him shyly a few times to make sure he was still there and hadn't left. His eyes were very intense and though they made her flush shyly, she didn't stop dancing this time. Yue, on the other hand, was not quite so used to dancing as she was and tired out a lot more easily. Giving a soft ku~~po!, he laid down onto his stomach and just watched her. Some of her steps were perfected and she had to fix her headdress ever now and then, but she was definately a natural for dancing.

    There was no way she could fly. She lack the proper wings for such a thing, not that it bothered her for long. Her song was still easy to hear as she did a few spins and a sway of her tiny hips. Koni was half paying attention, though one never was sure how much the man truly did see. But she knew she was protected. And Aversham was watching! She wanted to do a good performance, oh yes indeed!


.aversham.
    Alright, so he wasn't mature - in fact he had the mentality of a two year old in certain circumstances if people wanted him to be honest. To such a extent was his honesty that he was mentally agreeing with his subconcious that he would rather waste all his time watching the pretty little light Elysian than ever righting the injustices that had been performed during the period in which he was dozing in that crystal of his.

    Nevertheless after a few moments he did release a sigh and chastised his mind, forcing himself to place other matters in front of his own self indulgence - he hadn't spoken to her, it was hardly polite for him to simply stare at her as she performed...it was just wrong to him in some respects.

    "How are you feeling, you have been awake for at least a little now?" He asked at last.


.reika.
    Her mind was definately focused ont he dancing she was doing. Making sure she kept her breathing timed just right was rather important to her. But she also wouldn't ignore anyone who was speaking to her and so she slowed down in her steps so that she could focus on Aversham and still dance, since he had seemed upset she had stopped completely last time. "Feel..ing? I have.. been awake.. for a bit of.. time.." She nodded a few times because she had been. "been around to watch.. the festival! Which was.. so bright...and beautiful!" Her hands reached up for something shiny only she seemed able to see, her smile showing how happy it made her as she shifted into a full circle.

    "Though... I get a bit.. tired sometimes. So many things to see... to do.. cannot do them all... makes me rather sad... but I am honored... to have come... here to see them all..." Deciding that she should pause for a bit, she settled down onto her knees before sitting down fully, fiddling with the mass amount of fabric about her to make sure she was.. somewhat properly covered. "Ye must.. see so much more... being able to fly... Do ye enjoy it?"


.aversham.
    "One would expect so, but on'es vision is somewhat distorted and warped as they fly - distance and perception become rather erratic and when one attempts to observe what lies below in detail then one will find such a thing rather difficult to assess and focus upon." The firebird confessed dutifully, hoping that he was not speaking in terms that were too complicated for the Elysian who appeared to be finding it difficult to communicate following her slumber in the Nexus.

    "However, I do confess that it is much easier to appreciate the sights of the world from the air when you have someone upon your back to share it with you." He murmured delicately as he glanced towards Onion who was otherwise trying to have a drunken yet in depth discussion with a certain druid...it wasn't working.

    "If you have a wonderous being describing such things to you, then you appreciate them..."


.reika.
    She appeared to be understanding what he said. Even though her speech was slow at the moment, her mind was not. Looking rather thoughtful about the words he had said, she tilted her head, her hair shifting with the movement before she nodded. "I suppose.. it would seem that way, aye.. one must focus.. on flying mroe than trying.. to observe..." The more she spoke, the less she halted and looked baffled. It was partly Koni's fault she had such speech issues die to his thick accent making it hard for her to properly understand him.

    "Tis easier with a partner?" Her gaze flickered over to Onion as well, finding him a rather curious being personally.. but he seemed to be rather... smashed, she believed the term was. Akiya was teaching her as well so she had a very.. mixed way of learning. "I see... I wish ever so.. to go flying... one day... well.. not on my own.. since I cannot fly..." The way he spoke made her curious. It seemed like he was offering her something and she leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement but a touch of hesitation. "Would ye.. mind allowing... me to ride yer back one day?" It was a rather bold thing to ask and the second the question was out, her face turned red and she straightened. "F-Forgive me.. if tis... too forward... I should have.. waited until we are better friends before.. asking such a huge favor, aye?"


.aversham.
    Score! Ahem - rather he meant, not score but something more gentlemanly? For a few moments he seemed to argue with his baffled mind over the context in which he should take the situation regarding the pretty female and then seemed to snigger inwardly, his eyes glittering as he chastised his own thoughts...he was doing that rather a lot as of late, she was a bad influence on him.

    "If you would care to join me then I would have no qualms about it." He replied at last, trying his best to phrase it so that her summoner didn't attempt to turn him into a distant relative of a roast chicken - that would be later when he decided to blow himself up to ressurect the dead...and he didn't anticipate he'd be doing that anytime soon.

    "But I warn you it is rather different to what you would anticipate." He cooed as he leant forward a little and blew soft air over her face to indicate that if she touched him or even sat on him for a long period of time, she would get rather warm...


.reika.

    "Hurrah!" She couldn't help tossing her arms up in the air as she did, so very happy that he had agreed and didn't seem to think she was a forward girl for asking something that would invade his personal space. Koni was watching them, his eyes narrowed at Aversham. He seemed a bit too pleased at the thought of allowing Reika to go flying with him, but she was happy... and it wasn't like it could possible mean anything... right? Well, it had better not. "Oh ye are.. so verrah, verrah kind to allow me to!"She had no idea she made him chastine himself rather often. If she had, she probably would have felt guilty for making him out of sorts.

    "Rather.. different? By what means?" The soft air made her giggle, but it was very warm. Wow... unable to help herself, she scooted closer to Aversham and reached out to stroke his feathers shyly. "Oooooh.. ye are so warm...." She doubted she'd have a problem riding with him... she just hoped Koni wouldn't get protective as he tended to and say no.


.aversham.
    Heh - heh - heh. Thankfully he had suitably more self control than most and thus he was able to prevent himself from smiling but the twinkle in his eyes became slightly more triumphant as he extended a wing so that she could admire the multicoloured feathers and more to the point the pinions which so many seemed to have a habit of snagging when he wasn't looking...as though they had magical properties or somethign as absurd as that.

    Nevertheless, he couldn't help himself as he glanced briefly towards Koniryu and then turned his head away briefly - he had a suspicious the former deity might eat him if he continued with anymore subtle innuendo against his otherwise naive and young Elysian but it wasn't HIS fault, he'd been around Onion too long and he was a terribly bad influence - encouraging him to be himself and all that nonsense.

    He supposed he could be pompous again if he really wanted though...

    "You are most welcome, Lady...?" He feared that his name apparently escaped him for he had not been formly introduced and could only provide a somewhat guilty avian smile towards her...


.reika.
    "Nay, nay. I have it now. Aversham is a fun name to say! Though.. if ye prefer I call ye Ave, I can do that as well..." She was getting a bit baffled over it now. It was a bit hard to say at first, but now that she got the hang of it, it wasn't a problem at all. A sound caused her to look up in time to see Koni get up from his chair to get to drink. She had wondered what took him so long. Normally, he would have wandered off to get one sooner than this. He must be worried about something.. but she would have to ask later.

    "Ave or Aversham... either is fine.." She was thankful her name wasn't terribly hard to say. A shorter version of her name would have confused her, or so she believed. "A skillful touch, truly?" The thought definately seemed to please as she clapped her hands. "Tis grand to know I'm good at something!"


.aversham.
    "I rarely lie, Dear Reika," Aversham lowered his head slightly so that he was level with her face, his eyebrow raising as she made that oddest of comments - at least she was good at something? Contrary to believe, Aversham was under the impression that she would be skilled in a number of things, a quick learner was she!

    "And you should know that you are suitably more valuable than simply specialising in one skill, you have many and in particular your dancing." He shook his head, emerald eyes blinking slowly as he stretched out the other wing and examined his feathers very briefly, "Do not belittle yourself when it is unnecessary." He advised in a simple voice.

    "But alas, I do believe I have business to attend to." He murmured in a remotely suspicious manner, his eyes twinkling as he gave a ruffle of his feathers and very lightly tapped her across the nose with one of his feathers.

    "I shall see you soon, yes?"


.reika.
    "I.. dinnae mean to m-make ye think I thought... ye were a liar!" She looked aghast at the thought of saying something that she hadn't but she looked at him when he got down to her level. She was smaller than he was after all.. but it was something she hadn't truly thought about.

    "Well.. aye.. I do realize that I am.. decent with dancing... I have much practice to do... there might be other things.. I shall be good at. I just.. have nay found them yet..." His advice made her nod in agreement. It was so simple and easy to understand, how could she not get it? A little mewl of sadness left her when he said he had to go but she couldn't help giggling when his feather tickled her nose.

    "Aye! I hope to see ye soon! And I hope ye have fun... doing whatever tis ye are doing..." A sudden sound made her look around in bafflement. What was that?


.aversham.
    Aversham simply released a chuckle at her mewl and with a musical lilt he seemed to 'explode' sending a shower of feathers down upon the table as he fluttered across the tavern, grasped the unfortunate Onion and proceeded out of the Tavern window with expert precision - it only took a few moments and then the musical cry of the firebird could be heard above the tavern...seemingly distancing itself as it headed westwards towards unknown regions.


.to be continued.
PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:09 am


[--E N T R Y . E L E V E N--]
.valentine's day.


"So, what exactly is this festival again?" The avian enquired uncertainly as he watched Onion examine the wares upon the stall with a critical eye before beginning to at last make his decision in relation to what charms he wanted on the bracelet - there were wings, eyes and a wide range of other beautiful little jewelled shapes to place upon it but he was terribly fussy in relation to what he wanted - or rather what the firebird apparently wanted.

"'Tis Valentine's Day, my dear boy!" Onion glanced up from deciding upon the colour of the metal of the bracelet and tapped at his cheek thoughtfully, "A festival of courting and appreciation for love - 'tis customary to give away trinkets to pretty females!" He explained and waved away the firebird's apparently doubtful expression.

"If I am to do that, then I would cause the household of Regalia to take a nose dive into poverty..." Aversham pointed out in a skeptical manner as though he misunderstood the concept (which he did) and was thus assuming that he had to send a trinket to every pretty female he saw...Somehow he doubted that proposal would bode too well with Roan at the best of times.

"No, no!" The knight sighed and placed his hands on his hips. Having finally made his choice the jeweller had disappeared into his little workshop to begin placing each item together, "Females you consider pretty and females you like!" He shook his head and couldn't help but release a bemused snigger.

"I see, so this would explain why you are purchasing such a trinket for Lady Masamune then?" Aversham persisted, raising a brow as Onion gave a splutter and promptly swung round to stare at the bird in astonishment - it wasn't a stare of denial though, it was almost as if he was stunned that he'd gotten something right.

"Actually this one is for you." Onion quickly changed the subject with a wave of his hand.

"Eh?" It was Aversham's turn to be remotely confused at this point and he couldn't help but give a ruffle of his feathers, mind reeling as he tried to translate the vague hints that familiar was chucking at him.

"Well I did see how you were acting around the pretty Elysian..." Onion grinned devillishly and his grin seemed to grow as Aversham became mildly uncomfortable and shook his head ferociously.

"I fear it is highly inappropriate to send such trinkets when I scarcely know her."

"So send it as a friend -" Onion paused and extended his hand to catch the bracelet he was given, the jeweller knew to place it upon the tab Regalia used, "And then tell her it meant something else when you get to know her a little better!"

"...You really do not have much experience with women, do you?" Aversham enquired doubtfully, although Onion ignored him.

.to be continued.

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PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 3:59 pm


[--E N T R Y . T W E L V E--]
.the concept of courting.


.reika.
    Today was another good day to come to Tavern. This time, Reika was brought by Akiya, since Koni had some intense studying he needed to do and didn't want to give into Reika's wishes this time, it was up to the other one to bring her out into the sunshine. Yue was at her side as always, though they had been told they needed to go to the grove to find the other two... least that's what Koni said. Ah well, could do that later.

    Listening to Reika's excited chatter about her meeting with Ave and how she found him so fascinated, he nodded a few times with a chuckle as they went inside and found their usual palce to sit.. until Reika said that she wanted to sit somewhere brighter, so he moved.

    Once she was set down at the table with Yue, she looked around curiously. Awww, seemed Aversham wasn't in today! Her lips pursed into a soft pout of disappointment but she tried not to let it get her down. She was sure he had a life, like herself, and couldn't always be confined to the Tavern. That just wouldn't be any fun at all!

    At Yue's insistance, she got Akiya to have over a kupo nut to feed him and then worked on some new steps that she had come up with.


.aversham.
    "Yeeehahaha!" The familiar voice shrieked outside, the musical voice seeming to ripple through the sea air until at last the red firebird barreled in through the window, accompanied by the yell of horror from the familiar that clung to the feathers upon his back for dear life.

    "I may be small but I am fast!" Aversham announced delightedly as he gave an abrupt twist in the air and swooped down to land on a table so that his poor (and now ill) familiar could slide off his back and recover from the obviously traumatising flight...it was apparent that Aversham was a bit of a daredevil in the sky.

    "Just don't do it again..." Onion squeaked, flopping down onto his backside as Aversham untied the bags from his legs and promptly dropped them beside him.

    "Well then let me remind you that I am not a carrier pidgeon."


.reika.
    The loud noise caused her to miss her step and fall over onto her bottom with a startled omph! There was a sound one didn't hear everyday! Least not in her household really... looking around, she saw Aversham and Onion zoom in like they were on amission of great import. Was something going on? Curious, something that she was quite often, she scooted as close as she could given the amount of space on her table and watched as Onion slid off Aversham's back.

    Awww, the poor dear looked sick! Poor thing... but that had also looked like such fun! She really couldn't wait til it was her turn to ride on his back. "A.. carrier.. pidgeon...?" Aversham definately did not lok like that kind of bird. Not in the least. Standing up carefully, she watched him curiously, wondering if she should call out to him or not.. great! Now shyness was setting in.


.aversham.
    It wasn't that he had heard her so much as he could sense a kindred spirit. His avian form stiffened abruptly and as Onion developed that infuriating look of smugness he knew immediately that it was none other than a certain female Elysian who he had met not so long ago - urgh, not this again...if Onion said anything, Aversham was going to develop more cannibalistic tendencies.

    "Do not even start." Aversham warned darkly before at last placing a mild smile upon his beak (by some miracle) and very calmly turning round to clap his emerald eyes upon the tiny figure on the table not as far away from him as he might have anticipated.

    "Oh I won't - you might though." Onion jibed before darting for cover, Ave didn't dignify him with a response.

    "Good afternoon, m'lady Reika!"


.reika.
    "Good afternoon, Aversham! How are ye today?" She had finally learned how to just say greetings without stuttering or feeling foolish. She was obviously very pleased that he had said hello to her, as she clapped her hands in excitement, a happy smile on her face. "Looks like ye were... having fun with yer friend.... Onion-sir..." Akiya told her the little guy's name was Onion Knight, so she called him Onion-sir. "Did you just finish doing... something exciting?"

    "Aww, feeling sick, Onion?" The angel couldn't help but be rather amused by hos Onion at first looked set to fall over, but then appeared smug wen Aversham looked over at Reika. Oho, was there something he was missing? He knew that Koni hadn't beena happy puppy when they had returned home the other day, but he hadn't bothered explaining why. The two Elysians were friends, right? Or else they wouldn't be speaking to each other so candidly. Least that's what he thought.


.aversham.
    "I am faring reasonably well," Aversham replied courteously as he fluttered onto the table and landed beside her, tapping her lightly on the cheek with the tip of his wing in passing, "As for doing something exciting -" He hesitated briefly and then released a chuckle of what appeared to be a skeptical nature.

    "Only if you count shopping to be exciting." He confessed at last and shook his head, "And how fares the divine beauty before me, hm?" He enquired mischeviously.

    Meanwhile, Onion appeared to be regaining his composure and promptly leapt to his feet as he caught sight of the angelic being, "Oh I say!" He yelled in recognition and released a delighted chuckle, waddling across the table so that he could place himself at a closer proximity.

    "And how fairs the giant this day?" Onion enquired, failing to comment on whether or not he was feeling relatively ill (which he was) but he couldn't help but grin even more as Akiya appeared to see what he saw as well...


.reika.
    "Tis always good to hear!" Her eyes widened as she felt that tap of his wing, wondering if it was done on purpose or just a mere chance. It most likely was and she tilted her head ab it. Hmm shopping. "I've never done that so I cannot say whether or not tis a pleasing pastime. It all depends on the.. company.. I would suppose.. and what exactly ye are out... shopping for."

    Her cheeks turned a dark red when he called her that, something she.. well.. had never been called before. Hoping that he was only kidding,she shook her head a bit. "I know not what ye speak of.. this divine beauty... but I am well enough... a bit tired.. but nothing I shall not get over quickly... Thank ye for the concern."

    Resting an elbow on the counter, he watched him carefully as he made his way over, chuckling himself as he asked how the giant fared. Yeah, he was stillr eally tall. "Haven't shrunken yet.. still trying to make that happen. Other than that, I'm doing just fine, thank you kindly. And yourself? Other than looking like you never wish to ride Aversham again?" He knew his name because of Reika.. he looked over at the two before his smirk widened. "Awww.. they're sweet together, neh?"

    He was only jesting though.. he couldn't resist poking a bit of fun at the situation.


.aversham.
    "Indeed they are, although I beging to wonder whether or not Aversham quite understands the concept of courting..." Onion placed his hands upon his hips and gave a grunt of irritation, it was almost as if he were willing the bird to flirt mercilessly but that irritating chilvary beneath his red plummage was only serving to ruin the knight's fun...it wasn't that Onion was dishonourable a little play wasn't bad, now was it?

    "And my dear boy, simply offend Tismere - they rather like shrinking people." He cooed as though referring to someone else as well as himself, he didn't specify who though.

    Meanwhile, Aversham seemed to be vaguely amused by the blush he had caused and simply shook his head at the modesty. In part he was wholey tempted to chastise her for it but in another part he was apprehensive to, if she became a little too haughty and aware of her looks then she might lose that innocence that he found so frightfully intriguing.

    "I know of exactly who I speak, she is standing before me." He offered at last and shook his head.


.reika.
    "Courting? Do you really think it could be something like that? It could be he's just trying to get to know her better... hmm.. so that's why Koni was all bent out of shape yesterday..." Rubbing his chin, he leaned back in his seat a bit, still highly amused. He would have to watch to see how this played out, most definately.

    "Tismere? I have no clue who that might be, but I'll try to keep that name in mind...." Though now he was terribly curious as to who this might be.. if it was a person...

    Her face turned even redder than before when he said that. He meant her?! How was she some divine beauty?! Granted, Koni called her lovely, but that was her guardian! Who was more like a faher figure anyway.... Mentally flailing, she bowed in thanks, trying to hide her embarassed face. "U...um... thank ye... for such kind words..." This time, she wasn't stuttering because she had a hard time saying what she wanted to say.

    "Ye are rather handsome yerself..." Which was true, in her book.


.rp incomplete.

.to be continued.
PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 3:24 pm


[--E N T R Y . T H I R T E E N--]
.i wasn't there.


.genesis.
    It was fairly quiet in the tavern now that the festival had ended. Genesis rather liked it this way. It was difficult for her to be around large crowds for long periods of time. The elysian wasn't much for being social for some reason, and she assumed she had been the same in her other life.

    Genesis closed her eyes for a moment and sensed for her summoner. She was around somewhere, probably in the basement where it was dark and cool. Though the little avian loved the company of her summoner, she also understood the ghost's natural tendancy to solitude. At least Paper never wandered too far away, always staying close enough for Genesis to sense her.

    The elysian held her eyes shut for a moment longer, calling in a very gentle breeze through one of the open windows and letting it carry her onto the counter. With a smile, she opened her eyes and looked around from her vantage point. Waltz had busied himself with searching through the cracks in the floorboards for any left over kupo nuts from the festival. She laughed an airy laugh before settling herself on top of a blueberry muffin. Absently she picked off pieces of her cushiony seat as she quietly contemplated some inner thoughts.


.aversham.
    "There's one of there, Sir Fluffy." Onion announced as he sat upon one of the table tops and stared down upon the moogle who seemed intent upon exploring the interior of the tavern in the hope of uncovering these apparently 'tasty' kupo-nuts...personally the familiar couldn't see the fascination in them, he was much more partial to punch nowadays.

    Nevertheless, he continued to watch the other familiar with some form of interest as his own companion (in the form of Aversham) continued to preen himself in the corner of the room, his bright plummage standing out surprisingly well against the dark shadows in which he sat - it seemed that it was unusually quiet within the tavern this day but then again, all had to recover from the rather long festival, regardless of how pleasant it had been.

    Still, the Elysian couldn't help but glance up as something caught the back of his mind, a sense of recognition in relation to another being. Granted he scarcely knew her but he had met her once when he was in his more dormant state.

    "Greetings." He murmured, despite failing to turn his head in her direction.


.genesis.
    Waltz swung his head up to peer at the voice and huffed in surprise as his hat almost toppled backward off his little head. The moogle shook a paw at Onion accusingly as he scanned the direction that the other familiar had indicated out of the corner of his little black eyes. Ah!

    "Ku-kupo," Waltz called back up to Onion as he waddled over to the trapped morsel. "I knew that one was there. I was getting to it, you know."

    Genesis smiled again as she observed her friend, but the expression became thoughtful once again as she faintly heard someone addressing her. Well, she thought it was her. There really wasn't anyone else around. Leaning forward to get a better look at who ever it was, she spotted Aversham.

    "Ah," she sighed, the smile returning to her face. "Well met, firebird." Genesis inclined her head despite figuring that he wouldn't notice. "I am glad to see your summoning was successful," she added as she watched him attend his beautiful feathers.


.aversham.
    "It very nearly was not." Furling his wings against his side once more the Phoenix slipped out of the shadows to become somewhat more sociable and offered as pleasant a smile as he could manage with his beak towards the delicate female Elysian, "However it seems I was lucky that my familiar -"

    "Haha, you lie! You had no idea it as there!" Onion interrupted in a loud voice as he waved his tiny gloved hand after Waltz and stuck his tongue out, Aversham could only grimace at this.

    "Was strong enough, even if he lacks in intelligence." He mused, shaking his head from side to side as he observed the wind Elysian and gave an appreciative nod, she was rather pleasant to look at to say the least, "And how fair you this day?" He enquired.


.genesis.
    Genesis couldn't helped but laugh lightly at Onion's outburst. She waited for Waltz's retort, but was surprised when he was not forthcoming with one.

    "I hope it wasn't too difficult," she said as she turned her attention back to Ave, her expression shifting to slightly concerned. "The summoning process is such a delicate thing.." The elysian seemed to lose her train of thought for a moment and almost didn't seem like she would answer Aversham's polite inquiry.

    "Oh," she chirped at last, her cheeks darkening in embarassment. "I'm well enough, I suppose. Though I have been better." She tilted her head at the only other elysian she'd ever spoken with for any amount of time since her summoning. "Tell me, have you any memories of.. well, the Nexus?" The look in her eyes was unreadable, something of a mix of apprehension, longing, and confusion.

    In the background Waltz grunted loudly as he finally managed to tug the stuck kuponut out of its prison. "Hah!" he shouted in triumph. He then remembered Onion's remark and scowled up at him. "Says you, kupo. I have the eyes of a hawk!"


.aversham.
    "No you don't, I had to point to where it was!" Onion retorted, flashing an even larger grin as he waved a tiny gloved hand again and with a 'yahoo' plummeted to the ground where he somehow landed on his feet with a slight grunt of pain - well he was wearing armour and considering his size, it was damned heavy.

    Nevertheless, on the other side of the room Aversham appeared to have become remotely uncomfortable. He was not going to lie but the only thing he remembered from the Nexus was that he was huge and now he wasn't, other than his traditional size he was almost completely unaware of everything that had transgressed within the Nexus despite maintaining all of his power.

    "I must confess that I know not of what happened in the Nexus, I emerged Prime but my memory is not as it once was." He replied at last and released a grudging sigh, "All I know is that I was significantly larger and now I am incredibly petite - I scarcely remember what happened to the Nexus and why it resulted in what appeared to be an almost endless slumber to me." He paused briefly and seemed to assess the Elysian before him for a time, her own discomfort indicated that apparently she knew a little more than he did.

    "I apologise, truly I do."


.genesis.
    Genesis nodded, offering a small smile to Ave. "You don't need to apologize.. Aversham isn't it?" She stuffed a piece of a blueberry into her mouth as she regarded him quietly for a moment. "I.. don't remember anything from before I was summoned either," she conceded after finished the bite. "Well, besides the feeling of being quite a bit larger, as you said."

    Waltz grumbled at Onion as he hopped down in front of him. "Yes, well, you were only pointing out the obvious, kupo. I had left it there to return to later." The moogle fluffed himself up and took a few nibbles from his aquired treat.

    "I've... been into the Nexus recently," Genesis whispered to her hands as she sat them in her lap. She wondered what he would think of that. "But, I remember nothing solid of that experience either." She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed a claw to her forehead. "As hard as I try, I only remember fragments... Such darkness."

    Waltz murmured a faint "kupo" as he suddenly felt the distress rolling through his bond with Genesis. The moogle watched her closely as he continued to nibble at the nut.


.aversham.
    A brief flicker of concern overcame is usually 'stoic' avian face. His eyes narrowed to mere slits and he seemed to disregard her assumption of his name for a time - what was of most interest to him was that she had reentered the Nexus, he had considered such a feat somewhat suicidal and although he was remotely inclined to take risks, venturing into a plane that was so brutally...well, he wasn't sure what had happened but it was simply illogical.

    "You went back?" He enquired in astonishment, a flash of panic rippling through his emerald eyes as he examined the apparently distressed Elysian, whatever she had experienced orseen appeared to have been locked away by some obscure power, perhaps the same power that had prevented him from recalling anything of relative use.

    "How could you have been so foolsih?" He hissed before shaking his head and mentally chastising himself for insulting the Elysian who seemed to know a great deal more than him, she had evidently had help and thus he was not warranted to question her.

    "You can recall nothing?" He persisted in a small voice, releasing a delicate sigh as he at last gave a nod, "And yes, I am Aversham as you so rightly assumed." He confirmed in the same manner as before. He was pleased to note that Onion appeared to have sank into silence, as if overwhelmed by the same otherwise inexplicable emotion that now flowed through him - she had been able to see their home, just once and even in it's fallen home!

    ...He felt terribly homesick right now.


.genesis.
    Genesis winced at the firebird's harshness and opened her crimson eyes to glance plaintively at him. "Foolish," she mimicked in an empty voice, her eyes seeing through him for a moment before focusing again. "Foolish?" she said again as if the thought had not occured to her. "Maybe so," Genesis whispered, lowering her eyes and sounding a little defeated. "I don't know if I accomplished anything by it. I just know that I had to do something. You are newly summoned, whereas I have been on this plane for months, wondering over the fate of our home. Wondering if there was nothing I could do to help our mother Crystal." She sighed, slipping off her seat to pant herself on the counter and on top of a napkin. Absently she took up a small note-taking pen that sat nearby and studied it.

    "The Guardian knew of a possible way to send us back in. She sent me in with the knowledge that I may not return." The slender elysian leaned the tip of the pen on the napkin and scratched at it idly as she thought back. "But I did it with the hopes that it would reveal a way for us," she indicated herself and Aversham, "to be able to help the situation there."

    Waltz appeared by her side and fluffed himself up into a comfortable ball as he eyed Aversham critically.

    "The Guardian said she sent me to Aesolon'Reaux." Squinting, Genesis scrawled a few lines across the napkin. "I wish I could remember it... our home." A pained look flashed accross her face. "I think I must have died there, in that place."


.aversham.
    "Did...?" Aversham seemed to freeze in his place, a eerie discomfort and chill creeping through his eternally warmed limbs. She had died and yet he, with all his power and skill could not have resurrected her? His brow furrowed at this thought and for a time he racked his mind in the hope that something would come to him - how could he fail.

    Granted, with all his power he frequently fell to the powers that be, sacrificed his own life with guarantee from the higher entities that he would return. He was by fate a martyr, honour bound to die in order to restore the lives of all those who had fallen...The chill grew worse and despite his otherwise 'optimistic' nature he was filled with dispair. Did that mean that Reika had died to? Did that mean every Elysian he caught within his gaze had perished and he hadn't been there?

    "I assume that the fact that your memory fails you, means that in fact you found no way." He muttered huskily, clearing his throat in a pained manner as he attempted to ignore the troubled gaze of his familiar who also appeared to be sharing the irrepressable guilt and by the gods, it hurt.

    "I am sorry." He murmured in a pitiful tone at last, his tiny form slumping as he lifted his emerald gaze ever so slightly, "I was not there..."


.genesis.
    "Well," Genesis said, blinking away the day dream she had wandering into. "I just get the feeling... something defeated me in there. I feel like I left a part of myself with it." She winced glancing down at her scribbles. "At least, I do not see any other reason for me to have been expelled from the Nexus in the manner it happened to me. I was unconcious and weak for days.."

    Waltz made a few sympathectic noises and patted his companion on the back. Without meaning to, he peered down at the napkin and scrunched his nose. Something about the half picture was starting to seem familiar.

    "Again you apologize where there is no fault," Genesis said softly. "Truthfully," she glanced down at her beloved familiar. "I did not expect to return at all. Perhaps the Crystal was watching over me."


.aversham.
    "Or perhaps there was something within this capable of pulling you out in such states of desperation." He furrowed his avian brow and sought to fully understand his own statement, Onion had never confessed to him that he could sense the emotions of the Elysian and thus he was incapable of even connecting this small point to his comment - no matter how relevant.

    "The Crystal; when I was there I assumed that it provided a gateway and it was my will and the will of both the Guardian and Onion -" His words seemed broken and he shook his head again to shake the muddled thoughts back into some remotely reasonable order, "What I mean - is that whenever I was breaking through the gateway to reach this world I considered it more the determination of both myself and the two on the other side that allowed me through...not the crystal - to me the crystal was just a gateway."

    "But perhaps that was simply because I was prime, reawakened from my slumber and had not even been brave enough to attempt to reenter the Nexus." He murmured bitterly, cursing his own cowardice as he flicked his gaze towards Onion who was bravely ascending the chair to reach him - thearmoured familiar really was rather agile.

    "You have no idea what the entity you speak of was?" He enquired at last, deeming it appropriate to at least try and pick information out of the crevaces of the Elysian's mind, he would deal with his own anxieties later.


.genesis.
    tGenesis slowly pulled her eyes up from the napkin where her clawed hands continued to push the large pen across its surface. "The Crystal is most certainly not.. just a gateway." She tilted her head in thought. "Unless you mean the shard that you were summoned from, in which case you would be correct." Genesis sighed, her eyes losing focus again. "I speak of the Prime Crystal, the mother of our kind. Surely you remember enough of our nature to know this? She is the only reason the Nexus did not kill you." She regarded the phoenix blankly for a second before adding, "Permanently."

    Waltz nudged his friend, bringing her out of dark mood. "Perhaps he does not remember that," he said quietly.

    "Well.." Gen's eyes floated down to the napkin again and watched as the pen continued on its journey across the white surface. "I.." She shut her eyes and tried her hardest to remember. She was greeted by the same flash of images. "There is darkness in the Nexus, and it is alive with malice.. I believe that is what attacked me." She frowned. "But that would mean that the shadow has reached.." With a start, the elysian's eyes flew open and fixed on the napkin. She practically jumped straight up and hung in the air, dropping the pen in the process. Gensis stared at the image she had drawn and whispered.. "Aesolon'Reaux.."

    User Image


.aversham.
    Was it just her bad mood or did she make a habit of belittling in everything he said and did. He had quite clearly specified that he remembered nothing despite emerging primed and ready for any battle he was presented with. What part of that could the pathetic little welp not understand - he was no seer, he was a martyr and having died do frequently death was not really something he tended to remember.

    The cheeks about the jawline of his beak tensed as he fought back the urge to snap at the Elysian, honour and courtesy demanding that he be the more approachable of the two (regardless of how odd that might have sounded). Nevertheless, his eyes did glitter with a hint of fury and pain as she seemed to question his intelligence - it wasn't his fault he remembered nothing, was it?

    He failed to notice the image in which the creature had drawn upon the napkin and instead turned his gaze down towards his taloned feet in what appeared to be some form of defeat.

    "I am sorry I lack the ability to remember anything, apparently I am incompetent in that area of 'study'." He hissed severely, finally releasing at least a part of his fury at the nerve of the elysian before him - she might have been first here but she was far from being in a position of authority over him.

    "But at least I am competent enough to not be as stupid as you, you who enters the Nexus and dies at the hands of an unseen foe because she wanted to be the hero!" He snapped again, lifting his head up and narrowing his eyes to mere slits, "Too impatient to wait - no, too selfish." He corrected and shook his head.

    How dare she insult him when she was as much a fool as he, if not more.


.reika.
    It was to be expected, he supposed. Ever since Reika made a new friend, she would want to go to the tavern as much as humanly possible. And today was no expection, obviously. Giving a soft cluck of his tongue, Koni got his new chocobo to slow down before the bar and he carefully slipped down. Patting the bird, whom he called Arkli, he fed him a green and sent him on his way until he called for him to collect them. This was tiring. He had so much studying to do... he didn't have time to take constant trips to Turtle's Paradise! Grumbling to himself, he shoved back his hood as he strode in, found a able and sat down. Seems some of the Elysians were out and about today.. maybe it would make her happy.

    Reaching behind him, he very carefully withdrew the very specifically made backpack from his shoulders and set it on the table, letting the fabric fall as it would. Inside the bag was what looked like a replica of the bedroom in the house he had created for her at home. and resting in the bed was Reika. "Awaken, Reika. We're arrived at yer favorite place to be"

    Stirring carefully, she stretched out her arms as she yawned. She really liked her travelling bedroom that had been made for her. This way, she didn't have to worry about gusts of intense winds knocking her off Koni's head and she could properly nap. her guardian was so kind to her! And Koni had way too much time on his hands apparently >>.

    Looking around, she saw that Aversham and another were here. But.. the tensions in the room were so high... something was wrong...


.genesis.

    Genesis blinked back her fixation with the image and regarded Ave with a completely surprised expression. "I.." She floated back down to the counter and took a few tentative steps toward the firebird. "I did not mean to.. I was.." Genesis shook her head. "I apologize.. I was so caught up.. with my own suffering." She sat herself down again and offered an apologetic smile. "You must not have had much time to explore the temple... there is information there, about our kind."

    She spread her black hands helplessly. "I did not learn these things on my own, I have had time to study some writings in the temple. And the Guardian has spoken with me on a few things when I can convinve her to sit with me." Genesis sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It was insensitive of me to assume you've learned these things. It's just that they seem so natural to me now." She seemed to shrink further as Aversham insulted her actions in re-entering the shadows.

    "Well, it's fine for you to say those things," Genesis whispered. "But it is.. my duty," she winced, thinking herself sounding rather unconvincing. "As the first summoned.. The Guardian told me her method was untested and she did not know if it would even work." She finally let her eyes rise to his. "Would you risk more of our kind, as few as have been summoned, to the whims of fate? Had her methods been fatal," her gaze fell again. "It would have only been me lost to the winds."

    A moment of silence hung as Genesis seemed to be having some inner stuggle. "This," she said at last, backing up to point at the picture she drew. "Talking with you.. I have unburied a memory of the Nexus.. this is the home city if the elysians as I recall seeing it when I re-entered." Her voice was hollow. "I think.. you would like to know what it looked like."


.aversham.
    "You truly are a selfish wretch." Aversham muttered in disgust, she seemed incapable of realising her own statement as he could only narrow his eyes further, if her methods had failed then she would have been the only one lost - what scholar her told her that theory, what scholar took the time to consider that in her death she would not only affect all those still trapped, but also her summoner and familiar.

    "Did you not even stop to consider your actions? Duty, honour - they are all but words when you do not consider every action you take as well as the consequences." If he had teeth he would have grit them at this point, however he simply turned his head away from her and her drawing as though he could no longer bear the sight of her, he didn't even seem to see Reika despite the familiar aura.

    "If you had died, if you had been lost completely then you would not only have plunged the Nexus into complete and utter darkness, you would have caused all those on the outside to lose hope because there would have been no way back, we wouldn't have seen it!" His feathers seemed to bristle as he raised himself to his full height and flexed his wings in some form of angered gesture, had he hands, he would have smacked them on the table.

    "More to the point, if you had perished then what if you damaged the mother crystal?" He snarled furiously, "And furthermore, how would your summoner and familiar have felt - knowing that you had gone into the Nexus, knowing they had let you make such a stupid choice only to find out that you had died..."

    "Do you honestly think they could live with the guilt, with the foolish actions you made because you were duty-bound?" He flared, reeling round once more to place a critical and disgusted eye upon the Elysian for he could stare down upon anyone just as easily as her accursed familiar. "Even I am duty bound, but I consider my actions and know my place." He paused and shook his head as he seemed to slip into the shadows again to mask his own fury and emotion.

    "It's time you knew yours."


.genesis.

    Genesis lifted a feathered brow at Aversham's outburst. Her eyes lost the haunted look that she'd worn from the beginning as they fixed on the firebird with new clarity. That she had to look up at him from her sitting position didn't seem to bother her much. "You make a lot of accusations, firebird," she stated flatly. "I told you how long I have been on this plane. Do you think that I just awoke one day and decided to leap head first into what would likely be my death? Certainly not."

    The elysian stood up, tired of the loftly look she was recieving from this hot-headed featherbrain. What gave him the right to make this accusations? All she had wanted was someone to speak with... someone who understand her pain. Bah, this creature understood nothing. She had to float a bit, but she met him at eye level. "You cannot possibly make the assumption that the Nexus would suffer from my loss. It is improbable." She leaned forward, suddenly looking very disgusted with what stood before her. "Many of our kind must have died before the Crystal was able to shield them in Aesolon'Reaux. Do you fear your memories as you seem to fear entering the Nexus? Perhaps you survived the shadow's onslaught because you abandoned your brethen." She scowled.

    "I will not be judged by you. If I had died in the journey to the Nexus, the Guardian would have gained the necessary knowledge she needed to make the trip safe." Genesis bristled visibly. "But I doubt it would matter to you anyway. I bet you're quite content to stay here and let the other rot in their forced slumber!"


.reika.
    Since the two were close to the others like herself, she overheard the ending parts of their conversation. Now, she truly wasn't the type to pry... but there was so much anger and disgust in Aversham's voice.. something she had never heard from him before because he was alays so kind to her. They had to be close, he and the other Elysian... she was rather worried about them.. even the one she didn't even know.

    Looking over at Koni, who seemed to be interested in their issue as well, she went over to the edge of her table and began to pace, obviously in a panic. In all truths, she was left with few choices.. what could she do to try to help? Was it bad to want to help? Her mind whirlled over all the tiny things and gave herself a headache. "M-Mew..."


.aversham.
    Perhaps you survived the shadow's onslaught because you abandoned your brethen... The words caused his entire form to stiffen and for a long while he was silent, how was he to know the choices he had taken when he could scarcely even remember what the Nexus was like. He found no words to express the absolute hatred welling within him and after a few moments he simply shook his head and allowed his now hardened gaze to focus upon the wind bourne Elysian.

    "Perhaps that is why I am still here then." He replied bitterly, obviously referring to his apparent cowardice in battle and failure to sacrifice himself as if he had never made such a choice before. He was always prepared to die in the hope of restoring life to those around him and now she claimed that he was a partial reason for their death.

    "What you accuse me of is desertion and murder." His reply was simple and appeared to be that of defeat, "And yet you know nothing of the torment I feel in my own failure, I do not know why I was not there!" He roared and leant forward so that his beak rested so very close to her throat.

    "Allow me to grant you permission to chastise everyone of our kin and lead them to their deaths then, apparently you also deem it necessary to return me to the depths of hell in which I came." With that said he flicked his eyes towards the delicate 'mew' produced by Reika and closed them, what a thing to see.

    "I suggest you explain your little charade to one of your other kin, I will be curious to see if they all appreciate your self-righteous motives." He muttered finally and with that, flexed his wings and shot upwards in a shower of feathers, only to swoop down and grasp Onion in his talon - their destination was not far away, but at a suitable distance for Aversham to ignore the apparent 'leader' of their new home.

    "Ave -"

    "I do not want to know." The firebird muttered darkly as he pulled his wings around himself and seemed to bury his head within his plummage. Onion could only look on.


.reika.
    Though she truly didn't get it, those last words by Genesis made her flinch. That.. was really harsh to say, for whatever reason it was said. It was like she was blaming Aversham for something important.. which was never a really nice thing to do. Her heart went out to Aversham at his reply back to the winged Elysian and the way he held himself in general. He was deeply hurt.. and angry.. very very angry. These vibes were easy for her to pick up and she sank down to her knees slowly, feeling so depressed herself.. though she was very much in the dark.

    She wanted to talk to Aversham.. to try to help him calm down but he took off so rapidly, she could only watch with wide eyes. "A... Aversham...." Placing her slim hands in her lap, she wondered what to do... there was nothing she could do. But she wanted to make things better... for both of the two in the fight...


.genesis.
    Genesis listened quietly to his words, each utterance filled with misplaced hate seeping into her. As he said his peace and fled her presence she glanced over in Reika's direction and sat silently in thought.

    Waltz, as far as he was concerned, had had enough of Aversham's injured pride and he went about grooming the ends of Gen's feathered hair in an attempt to calm her frayed nerves.

    Genesis, however, was not satisfied with the way he had left her company, but did not wish to stand in his presence any longer. "I know your nature, pheonix," she whispered, her voice carried to Aversham on a breeze, crossing the distance he wanted to place between them. "You think if you sacrificed yourself, it would be more honorable than what I had chosen to do? How selfish of you to belittle my decision." Genesis leaned her head back and took a deep breath. "I am not here to force you to back into the darkness you've been rescued from." She turned her head in his direction. "Though your reluctance to render aide to your brothers and sisters unsettles me, it is not my place to force action upon you..."

    Waltz puller her hair somehwat roughly, and muttered. "Don't waste your breath on him, Gen. Kupo.. he doesn't seem to see that you were only trying to help." The moogle 'hmphed', unaware that his voice was carrying too. "Blasted bird can't seem to see past his own beak. Selfish indeed."

    With a shrug, Genesis severed the breeze that linked them, feeling the gentle backdraft flow over her. She turned back to Reika and offered a weak wave. With a groan, Genesis settled herself on the counter, suddenly feeling awfully weak, and wept quietly.


.aversham.
    "All knowing, all powerful." Aversham muttered as he pulled his head out from under his wings and examined his feathers briefly, admiring the bright plummage for quite sometime before turning his gaze towards the doorway in an unusually cold manner.

    "You are neither and nor am I, you assume you know me -" He turned his gaze at last towards the Elysian with an unseated hatred and shook his head, "If you know me so well, then why do you not tell me who I am, what I am and what memories I have lost - you who holds sway and orders all to their deaths when they have at last found some form of solace." He shook his head a little more and turned his gaze back to the doorway.

    "Aversham, don't do this." Onion pleaded uncomfortably as he tugged at the wing of the firebird, who chose to ignore him and he released what appeared to be a musical shriek, "Please don't do this." The tiny knight continued as the avian turned his sharp, and almost predatorial eyes upon the knight beside him.

    "I have no place here." The bird murmured darkly, offering a wing to the knight who continued to figid uncomfortably, "As the Queen deems it. I am a coward, worthless and selfish...It is only logical that I embrace those truths and find others who are -"

    "Aversham." Onion pleaded again and tugged at the same feathers which threatened to come loose, "Please...?"

    "Just like me." The bird finished and waited another few moments until he was apparently certain that the familiar was not intent on coming with him, for the briefest instance a look of pain flashed through his fury filled eyes. "I see." Was all he could offer as he spread is wings and took his leave from the tavern with another flurry of feathers.

    Onion stood on the table for quite some time following his departure before glancing towards Roan for some kind of advice, the Druid provided none and instead the tiny knight turned to Genesis and shook his head.

    "I would wish no harm on anyone, but that was beyond any form of forgiveness." He murmured at last, leaping from the table and waddling towards the doorway with a shake of his head, he only paused once to look at Reika and offered a wry smile.

    "He doesn't remember a thing and yet he is sorry that he was apparently absent when he was most needed." He murmured in the hope that his explanation would at least be heeded in some form. That done, he could only follow after the invisible trail left by the firebird for him to follow...


.reika.
    Shocked to have the other.. the Queen? Their Leader? She didn't understand.. but she did wave back to her, after a bit of a shocked silence. Things were only getting worse between them, weren't they. Even though they weren't even int he same room, were they still able to speak to each other? And why did they look at her like she was meant to be knowing something? She really had no idea about anything.. as far as she knew.

    Curling up a bit, she looked over to where aversham had disappeared, hoping that he would return again so that they might talk. But when only Onion returned... her eyes flickeredd with a heavy sadness before she looked down. So many painful things were being said.. it made her want to weep.. She happened to look up in time to see Onion's smile and she managed a shaky one to him at best. And then give a nod to the words he spoke. Though they only gave her more questions and even fewer answers. But before she could ask where aversham had gone, he too had made his way out. "Why... why are they so sad...?"

    A deep feeling of helplessness welled inside her heart and she sighed heavily, leaning into the pat that Koni gave her. This uneasiness.. she didn't like it...


.genesis.
    With a profound sigh, Genesis turned over and glared at the ceiling, tears staining her face. "I meant," she growled in frustration. "Your nature as a phoenix, you lummox... It's in the books," she muttered half-heartedly.

    Waltz did his best to mutter calming words to his companion but she was ignoring him.

    "Why did he twist my words around in such a manner," she asked to the wind. The elysian was growing increasingly frustrated, several of her facial feathers poping out at weird angles in the process. "He didn't understand -anything- I said. Not one thing!!" Genesis gritted her teeth in anger. "I don't understand what his problem is at all. He thinks he's so special? That somehow his loss of memory is somehow more significant then the others'?"

    Waltz shook his head. "I don't think that's it, kupo." The moogle winced, reluctant to play the devil's advocate. "It seems you struck a rather nasty cord in him. It's just a guess, kupo. Even if that were so, he was insufferably thick headed about it."

    "What?" she practically shrieked as she sat up and flexed her claws. "I don't care.. I can't stand him! I don't care if he ever comes back! Good riddance!" Her wings twitched in anger and she leveled a withering glare at the last place she'd seen the firebird and the familiar. "What a disgraceful creature. He's not a phoenix, he's a vulture! Go ahead," she screamed at the door. "Go ahead and run away while those better than you die so that you may have your 'solace'!" She spat and launched herself into the air. Waltz stuggled to keep up as a rather fierce wind ripped through the tavern and carried her out a window, in the opposite direction of that hateful bird.


.to be continued.

Epine de Rose
Vice Captain

 
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