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 Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:05 pm
Sun watched the man with open curiousity and accepted a small cup of water greatfully as Nahara offered it, giving her a wink and a grin, having recognized the stunned expression over the word "adventurer." He'd had that look not that long ago, but over a different word, his had been "fighter."
So young, he thought wistfully to himself as he watched the girl sit back down out of the corner of his eye. We've stirred this place up now...he got a small uneasy feeling, something very dark was looming in the future. He could feel it stir in the back of his head...then he realized he'd been asked a direct question.
"I'm known as Sunstrike, sleepy over there is Vahn. I'm sorry sir, but I didn't catch your name earli-" Sunstrike jumped in surprise as the door slammed, moveing up and around the head of his own bed before his body registered that he wasn't supposed to do that.
Scrolls scattered as he fell over into a few baskets. He lay there panting for a moment, trying to get his chest to work again.
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 5:38 pm
"Hibon!" Nahara had immediately glanced towards the doorway leading into the room, after hearing the downstair's door slam shut. A few moments later as feet were head coming up the steps, it was indeed the young Stratanian that appeared.
"Eh? What's up with everyone?"
"Their up. Well, one of them anyone." Nahara said, gesturing towards Sunstrike, who was busy making friends with the baskets that lay on the floor.
"Oh- so their not dead?"
"Nice of you to join us, Hibon. You didn't cause any more trouble outside I hope?" Dain said as he walked away from the bed in which the Kyonuske lay.
"What? No-- come on, I just got out of the jails. I just stopped by the tavern on the way here."
"Well you two, I'm going to go get dinner started. Entertain our guest why don't you?" With that Dain walked out of the room, leaving Hibon and Nahara with Sunstrike.
"You alright, Hibon?"
"Yea, yea-- never better." He said with sarcasm as he dropped onto the floor, sitting with crossed legs. "So then... did you ask him about the flaming bird yet?"
"Oh! That's right..."
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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 6:03 pm
Sunstrike blinked at the harsh voice, and reached up, grabbing the headboard gingerly, pulling himself into a better position to clean up the mess, a flush scrawled across his face at the hasty reaction. Idiot...there's no danger here...why did this boy make me so jumpy? Picking up the rest of the scrolls he watched as the three conversed a little statically, then he got the rest of the way up as the older man left...Sunstrike was displeased to remember that he still didn't know the old one's name. Wanting to move a little, he went over to look at his friend, himself, sitting on the side of the bed. Vahn Kyonuske "So then... did you ask him about the flaming bird yet?" He blinked at them, deeply puzzled. "Bird? I...is that how we got all the way out here?" This was half said to himself as he looked up, deep in thought, puzzling things out. Something in flames, strong enough to take two people that distance...two fire users...his look returned to his friend, at the damage that had been done... "You great idiot..." He mumbled though his words were soft as he reached forward to poke a finger right on his friends forehead, exactly where he'd scrawled the transfer spell. "What the hell did you do that could be seen all the way down here...I couldn't have given you that much to go on..." He knew for certain he didn't have anything left...what on earth had he given and what had he gotten in return? Confusing situation. He sighed and scootched down picking up one booted foot, he began working the straps, they were very hot to the touch, but instead of flinching away, Sun began to speak to the others as if working things in his head outloud, not affected by the heat at all. "You say a giant...fire ball in the shape of a bird rose out of the north and crashed here? I dunno what that's about. I passed out before anything like that happened. I was in a fight before Vahn ever came anywhere near me. Not an experience I want to repeat..." Lucind...he hoped she was okay. That was just one big mess of experience piled on itself. He managed to pull the boot off and place it beside the bed, and then began work on the other. "When I woke up was when we were on that cliff for a good few hours." He smiled at the two. "Sorry I can't be more of a help. I don't suppose your media has said anything about the state the Leviathan Stadium is in now?" The other boot thunked heavily down next to the first, and he put the covers over the now bare feet, pulling himself up in a crosslegged position on the edge and looking at the two curiously with his odd glowing eyes.
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 3:50 pm
"Hibon..." Nahara stared towards her brother, giving him a 'Behave yourself!' look, which he promptly replied with a 'what did I do now?!' look.
"No... reports on the radio said that most of their equipment went down, overheated or something. So everyone in town just has the usual rumours to offer-- aside from the usual talks on our problems." Nahara said as she watched Sunstrike actually remove the greaves from his companion's feet. How can he withstand that kind of heat...?
"Everyone in this town takes things for granted too easily. They just sit around, twiddling their thumbs hoping for a solution to literally fall out of the sky." Hibon said, with annoyance as he sighed. "We don't get much in, the form of aid from our neighbors... ever since the civil war."
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 4:41 pm
His shoulders drooped heavily at the problems with the radio. Lotsa fire damage, that wasn't a good sign. Vahn must have gone all out...again. It frustrated Sunstrike that he hadn't been able to help...and he couldn't stand the fact that he had been nothing but a hindrance...And now all those people, stuck without any sort of leadership whatsoever. And it was certain that neither he, nor Vahn were going anywhere quickly. Then something else struck him from the conversation.
"Civil War?" Sunstrike worked this through his mind, remembering what Nahara had said earlier about parents lost. Didn't take much to put two and two together. But there was more to it then that. There was an edge to Hibons voice that spoke volumes of contempt, anger and frustration.
"What exactly would the townsfolk be seeking protection for?"
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 5:33 pm
"Yes... A civil war, between the people of this region."
Hibon tilted his head up, as the powerful frame of Dain filled the doorway, Nahara looking as well. A simple dish rag in his hands, the old man was calmly wiping his hands clean. "This part of the continent wasn't always a desert you know... it became this way because of us. Humans."
Dain's voice was thoughtful, and carried loudly enough for all three of them to hear, as he never moved once from the doorway. "Humans... everything we touch changes. For the better, or for the worse: it is still change. This landscape changed as well, many, many centuries ago. These sands became stained with the blood brothers and friends alike... back when there was still some life left in this place. The grasslands they were known as... and all the races lived in harmony."
His eyes closed, as he paused in the movements of the rag. "However, 50 years ago... The people of the Grasslands went to war with the Lizardmen, their own neighbors. A quarrel over a small toll the Lizardmen were charging others to cross their land grew into a full-scale border dispute. Fighting between the early allied forces of the Stratanians and the Lizardmen became a quagmire with no end in sight."
Hibon lowered his head, silent as he'd heard this tale many times before.
"It was then that someone from the Northernlands appeared. He used his flames to fend off the Lizardmen who had invaded the southernmost reaches of the Grasslands." Draping the rag over one shoulder, Dain placed both his hands on his hips and his eyes locked with Sunstrike's.
"From then on, he became known as the 'Fire Bringer', the Stratanians rallied under him and his friends. United under the Fire Bringer's leadership, they all battled against the Lizardmen army. However, to free a large amount of prisoners being held by the Lizardmen, he traded his freedom, and was incarcerated within their territory, 'Hollow'. Four years later, his loyal followers managed to rescue him, and he continued fighting for the freedom of Strata. After another four years, Hollow sent a massive force into the grasslands, and the war swung into full force."
Dain finally moved forward into the room, walking towards Sunstrike. Reaching behind him, he took from his pocket, what he'd dug up from the closet before leaving to prepare for dinner. They were a pair of goggles... which he was holding out to Sunstrike.
"But then...as the war came to a head and the final battle begun, reports say that the Fire Bringer lost control of his power, and a massive explosion occured, killing countless people on both sides. The intense destruction caused the Lizardmen to offer a 50-year truce, but it also dramaticaly altered the landscape... turning the lands into desert. From then on, the region became known as the Barthavos desert."
Dain turned and continued walking, until he was almost out the doorway.
"...In one glorious instant, the heroes of flame vanished...and the Lizardmen troops fled in chaos and fear. It's an old legend of heroes and battles. 10 years ago, the truce was broken by the Lizardmen. First it started with the sporadic attacking of caravans... then full-scale skirmishes. 5 years ago, the City was under siege... and it was there that my grandchildren lost a mother and a father. They were heroes..."
Hibon and Nahara had their heads lowered in silence, clearly uncomfortable with the current subject.
"Come now... dinner's ready. I'm sure your friend won't be waking up anytime soon, so please, join us." Dain turned his head slightly, giving Sunstrike another cursory glance, before walking out.
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 6:02 pm
Sunstrikes eyes narrowed thoughtfully as the elder told the story. Mulling it over in his head, like only he could. "More fire links..." He mumbled...wondering if there wasn't some serious coincidence going on here. Loops of words ran through and twisted, baptism of power, loss of control...could that mean...
He blinked as a pair of goggles landed in his lap. His train of thought derailed happily as he placed them over his head and eyes.
The change was amazing. The tinted red eyepieces, showed only the shape of his eyes, rather then their actual colour, making them appear like normal human eyes, his ears were pressed back, pointed but not unusual on a world like Gaia, and even his face was a bit softer, less reptilian, which was a scary look considering the way the conversation was turning. He got up and followed the family to dinner, throwing a quick look towards Vahn before leaving the room.
Lizard...men? That had given him a pause. A people, a race...that might at least look like him? Sunstrike was facinated...as well as horrified at the violence that struggled on between the two peoples. No, then. Definately no where near him. Sun might like a good fight as much as the next man...but to kill people...he knew he'd done it before. And he knew just as well that he never wanted to be that way again. Although from the sound of things he wasn't going to get that luxury this time.
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 7:02 pm
"Gramps really knows how to lay it thick." Hibon said, raising his head before eventually standing up from the floor.
"Come now, Hibon... Sunstrike's not from around here, so grandfather just felt he should know of whats been going on--"
"So what?" His voice cut blindly, as he swept his arm to the side. "Those scale heads killed our parents! That's all the reason I need to kill every single last one of them! It's what they want... why else would gramps have gone out of his way to make sure I was in the militia!" He turned around, his right fist clentched tightly. "Even if my life is planned out for me, at least I'll get to accomplish what I want.... Every single one of those cold-blooded monsters are going to die, you'll see."
Hibon left, Nahara just staring after him, before lowering her head.
"....... --- I'm sorry you had to hear that. He... He's not always like that.. It's just... w-we really loved our parents... You understand, don't you?"
~~
Hibon leaned against the wall, outside the room, his head lowered as tears streamed from down his face. Dammit...
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 7:19 pm
Vahn Kyonuske Every single one of those cold-blooded monsters are going to die, you'll see." Hibon left, Nahara just staring after him, before lowering her head. "....... --- I'm sorry you had to hear that. He... He's not always like that.. It's just... w-we really loved our parents... You understand, don't you?" Sunstrike was looking away when she spoke, and it was a moment before he turned back to her moving his hands in a calming motion. He felt the need to leave this place...he was wondering if Vahn would be alright in their company if he snuck off in the night...how would the children feel...if they knew they'd rescued something akin to their hated enemy. Sadness ate around the edges of his soul. "Don't apologise for him, or for you, it's understandable, under the circumstances, and he's had a rough day, too." A flash of teeth in the dim light. A smile to ward away the feeling of loss. But his curiosity was aroused again. "Nahara...were you, were you and your brother there? At the battle? Did you see what they..."He stopped. No, it wasn't right to ask that, no matter how much- besides, it was the older gentleman who he should ask, not this young girl."Nevermind, it's a topic best left for bright days, to ease the ache, not for whispered shadows. Now I do believe there was some small mention of food? I dunno about you, but flying gods know how many miles has made me just a tiny bit hungry." This time the grin was genuine and almost conspiratory, as he casually draped a bandaged arm over her shoulders and nudged her in the direction his nose was now guiding them both.
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 8:50 pm
"It's just... he feels responsible... as do so many of the other youths. We weren't the only ones to lose parents, let alone loved ones in the battle. It's why the Militia has been able to recruit so many people over the course of a single year... Their rallying to try and go out and meet the Lizardmen head on... but.."
Nahara lowered her head, shaking it. "I just don't see how violence can solve violence. It'll never end... none of it will... unless both sides can come together."
She stood up from the bed, and smiled, her eyes closed, doing her best to bury the touchy subject down for the moment.
"Yes! My grandfather's quite the cook you know."
Running out the door, her bare feet padding along floor as she was sure Sunstrike would follow, she almost bumped into Hibon.
"Hibon!"
"Hey, don't you think we should warn him that gramps food isn't exactly the best in the world?" He said sarcastically, even as Nahara kicked him in the side.
"That's not nice! Just because he forgot you were allergic to mushrooms!"
"Ackk- hey! Hey, come on!"
Both ran down towards another room, where the smell of food seemed to waft out, and upon entering, Dain would be seen on the side, a heaping plate of still steaming rice in one hand, and a large plate of what appeared to be a brown lobster.
"Here you go-- my specialty: Sand Lobster Paella!"
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Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 9:34 pm
So...even these lives could be lost. He watched her go off, and bump into her brother, smiling at the exchange. They're way too young to be going out killing things...to even think about wanting to-
Sunstrike's jaw dropped, and his stomach rumbled. By the time his thought was interupted he was in the door and looking at the meal.
"By all the gods in heaven...Th-this is wayyyy too nice for me, erm...are you..I'll just..."He waved bandaged arms out in denial of the fact that he'd been offered this meal and began to back out of the door.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:11 am
"Ohohohohoho.... Enough yappin'. Have something to eat, will you?"
Dain said, a hearty laughter filling the room, as he went back to the kitchen to retrive the plate of drinks. Both Hibon and Nahara were walking forward as well, bare feet padding laong the floor. Hibon shot a look to Sunstrike hearing the tail end of his comment.
"You kiddin'? Don't you know it's rude not to eat when you're in gramps house?" Both Nahara and Hibon smiled, even as they settled into their seats.
"Ohohohohoh.. that's a good man." Dain came back out from the small kitchen, carrying a plate with three good sized glasses of cow milk, a creamy white liquid produced by female cattle (cows, heifers). It could be drunk straight, heated, chilled, or used extensively in baking, cooking, and cheesemaking. It was also a source of cream and butter.
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:23 am
"Ahhh, well, okay, if it'd be rude for me to not have some..." Sunstrike slid into the extra seat, blinking softly as he waited for the others to start eating before tucking in himself. He had to remind himself that things were probably hot, so take it easy, and that no...he should bite through the shell but use what he was given to crack and open the creature. Halfway through he remembered a bit more of his manners.
"I'm afraid I didn't catch your name earlier, sir. In fact I've talked to you on and off without ever really being able to ask now, also without getting too deep I was curious about you and your gran-daughters magic? I-if it's alright for you to talk about." His chest was actually beginning to ache a bit more then comfortably now...soon he'd have to go a rest, especially if he wasn't going to stay very long within the house. He took a sip of the liquid and then blinked happily. "This is really nice!"
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:52 am
The whole family was seated at the table, plates of rice for each of them, as well as a Sand Lobster for everyone.Dain used his great hands, cracking the shell of the lobster in half.
"Ohohoho.. who am I?"
Nahara and Hibon both exchanged glances, groaning inwardly. If there was one thing that their grandfather loved, it was telling stories. Hibon was doing his best to crack the lobster like Dain had, while Nahara simply used the untensil provided for just a thing.
"It is said that during the early years of the grassland's reign, a man appeared before the northern gate of Strata. In his arms, he carried a crying babe still swathed in its white birthing robes. He identified himself to the gate guards and that the purpose of his visit was to seek employment in the Militia. The guards laughed with derision for he was not a young man.
The man said nothing and he entrusted the babe to a beggar woman sitting nearby. Then he unsheathed the worn-looking battle-axe that was strapped to his back and silently, purposefully, swung it before the guards could draw their own swords. There was a sound like splintering thunder across a stormcloud-laden sky and the massive oak table, which the guards had used to record the number of entries into Strata, was hewed into two. A table that needed the strength of at least five men to move it.
Just as quietly, Elder Dain re-strapped his axe and after a polite thanks to the beggar woman as he gathered the baby in his arms once more, he then walked passed the now silent ranks of guards, towards the direction of the Militia Headquarters. There, he secured a position as a common foot-soldier but was soon known for his powerful strength and skill in battle. Swiftly climbing the ranks, the rough-spoken soldier, who despite the fact that his beard was now completely as white as new-fallen snow, beat out 14 other younger competitors during the succession trials to become the new Captain.
Prior to his first appearance at the gate, much of his early history was shrouded in mystery. Not once in his life, did he speak of of his wife to others and there were rumors, never confirmed, that the child he had brought with him was not of his blood. But it was obvious to all that the veteran soldier was very proud of his son and both men obviously cared very much for the other. What do bloodlines and lineages matter when compared against the simple pride a father has in his son?"
Dain leaned back, taking a long drink from his glass, before putting the now empty cup down.
"My name is Vaelaron Dain, son to Lysander Dain. My father died, a few months after my own son was born, Malakai Dain. I am the Magistrate of Strata, a title I received after the war of 50 years ago."
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Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 10:14 am
As opposed to the Nahara and Hibon, Sunstrike sat entranced of the story. Of course they'd probably heard it thousands of times, but if there was one thing Sun was a sucker for, it was a good story...
...and the great oak table split into two... He could picture it, he really could. The small child, the great axe. The daft guardsmen...all of it. The wheels turned in his mind.
"Your father would have liked the place my friend and I came from..." He said wistfully. Then he blinked. "Magistrate Dain?! So your..."Sunstrike thought a bit more. "You cook really well, for being so high up!" He grinned happily, everything in front of him gone, except for the plates and the empty cup. He looked down and spun the glass quietly for a second...50 years....the war.
He gingerly reached up and touched his chest. "Sorry to leave before the rest of you...but I think I need to go lie down again, no no, it's okay, stay. "He assured Nahara before she could get up." ...please excuse me." Another smile as he collected his plates and with a soft, "Thankyou." To Dain, he went and politely deposited them in the sink of the kitchen, and then wandered his way back down the hall to their room.
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