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 Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:20 am
Crystal simply followed along, perfectly content to just walk at Seilynn’s side. She simply walked on the road, knowing they came to town only because the distinct electrical signatures of people were bustling about. There was a large mass in one place and Crystal could only guess that it was a tavern or inn of some sort. Hearing Seilynn speak, Crystal offered a sweet smile as she noticed the man her new friend spoke to.
Only when Seilynn had posed a question to her did Crystal finally look back, her teal eyes sparkling in her silent manner. “I know. I have nothing left for me here. I want to see the world, Seilynn, with you.” Her voice, starting off strong and rather careless as if the life she left behind meant nothing, became meek and soft by the end, the last two words practically whispered.
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Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:21 am
The seemingly sweet and innocent smile from before slowly slid away. It was replaced by the cruel smirk Nicki most often wore. Grinning viciously, Nicki leaned in a little more, her icy hues locked on Braut’s. “You do not know who I am, fool, and thus you haven’t a clue what I am capable of. But, as I am sure you are beginning to realize, you will loose. No man can defeat me, Braut, least of all the bottom feeders like you.” Her words came out in a low whisper, meant mainly for his ears. There was a slight hiss to her words, followed by a rumble from above. It seemed that while Nicki had her fun, Fear had yet to leave. He had been making his rounds, never far from his demonic mistress.
Slowly, almost tauntingly, Nicki began to push her arm closer to Braut’s, forcing his arm down inch by horridly slow inch. She could hear silence grip the area around the two as Braut's companions watched in shock while this small woman slowly brought down their large friend. Ever closer she pushed the man’s hand towards the table, toying with him before she would utterly destroy his ego. This was Nicki’s way, the way of any demon. Do not destroy swiftly, but slowly torture and enjoy every moment of it.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:02 am
The carriage began to pick up pace, rattling over the cobble stone road. What are you doing?? Stop this nonsense! Delanus! do you hear me?? STOP!! When no answer was forthcoming, Ariella gathered the few belongings she had brought with her and opened the door to the carriage, hoping to convince her headstrong adviser to give in to reason--by threatening to jump. Delanus, halt immediately, or I'll be forced to take matters into my own hands!! Princess!! What are you doing?! You'll fall!
I'll not let you leave these people to slaughter themselves! Do you hear?? I won't let that happen!! Stop this ridiculous nonsense now! Let me out of this carriage or I'll have you tried for treason and kidnapping!!
Just as Delanus was about to protest again, his eyes being on Ariella rather than the road, the carriage hit a bump in the cobbles. Ariella was thrown from the carriage onto the road, into the mobs of protesting Water kingdom patriots.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:00 am
Seilynn blinked at first as Crystal's voice became rather loud for the otherwise so silent and mellow girl, however the words she spoke made her smile. It was a nice thing to know, that Crystal didn't seem to mind having Seilynn around, as Seilynn really didn't mind having Crystal around. She nodded, "Alright, just had to make sure. Wouldn't want to kidnap you." She chuckled and then remembered something. "Right... we need supplies for our journey, don't we?" She asked and looked around for somewhere they might be selling decent food. She found a place and asked the man whom the carriage belonged to just wait a little. He nodded but made it clear that they had to hurry.
Seilynn then grabbed Crystal's hand and made their way over to the store, where they sold bread and next to it they sold meat. "Anything special you would like Crystal?" She asked and looked around at the bread. There weren't a lot of them but a few different ones. It even seemed they had the dark bread that was a standard bread in every Light Kingdom home.
++++++++
Keyla saw something white just in the corner of her eye and looked over to it, seeing Alaura coming down the earthen stairs she had seen be created earlier. However, at the sight of Alaura, Keyla frowned a little at the way she looked. She had seen it so many times before. Not on Alaura, but on her father. There was no mistaking that Alaura shouldn't be up and walking, and definitely not carrying a sword of that size. Keyla was amazed that the woman could move as well as she did.
However, she let her be as her eyes moved over to another white, the white steed which belonged to the Paladin. Keyla didn't know when he had arrived but she knew for certain he was a Knorthian, just like she was. That was a nice thing to know. She wasn't the only one who didn't have any of those elemental abilities. The entire camp were soon packed up and they would be on their way to the Water Kingdom.
At one moment, Keyla was starting to think about staying where she belonged, with the knorthians that were remaining in the Knorth Kingdom. She was at a fork in the road, where she had the choice to either stay with her kin, where she supposedly belonged, or follow these people, who might just split up when all this was over. She barely knew anyone of them which was her own fault mostly. She sighed. She glanced back at the medical tent which was still standing and then back at the white steed and it's owner. She had seen Paladin's very few times in her life, so now she took the opportunity to. In the end she became unaware that she might be staring.
++++++++
Devon was bored. Again. She sighed and stood. As soon as she did, the raven that had been sitting up at the wooden beams that was the sole structure of the tavern, swept down onto her shoulders, startling a few men that sat close. Devon giggled at this and then made her way out of the tavern. She started to stroll the streets of Undrago once more. Once she stopped, turned and looked up at the castle that towered over the capital city of the feared Dark Kingdom, grumbling curses under her breath before turning back to the road she was walking on.
In the emptiness, her steps made an eerie, echoing sound between the stonewalls of the houses. She silently started to hum for herself, so silently that it could barely be heard by human ears, yet the movement of her lips were visible and her voice floated on her breath. The one who sought to listen, would hear them, the words she sang with an old melody.
"It is her moon time
When there's iron in the air,
A rusted essence
Woman may I know you're there?
So in this gray haze
We'll be meeting again,
And on that great day
I will tease you all the same.
Beware
The woods at night,
Beware
The Lunar light..."
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 7:17 am
Crystal felt herself being pulled along once again, but not once did she complain. The truth was, she rather enjoyed the feeling. Each time that Seilynn questioned, each time she was acknowledged and pulled around like a doll, Crystal couldn't help but smile. She felt needed, wanted, and it was a feeling she wasn't willing to deny. Back in her small village she was nothing more than a burden to her neighbours. Extra baggage they couldn't afford but had felt obligated to take in. Now, however, she felt as though she had something to offer. Maybe not right at this moment, but at times she had things to offer to Seilynn, advice or knowledge. In some cases she was even sure she would have power to offer to the woman, as protection.
Giggling softly like the child she was, Crystal felt her heart leap with joy. When they stopped she was so giddy by this new feeling that she almost forgot her manners. Her tiny hand reached up, ready to feel the food that was before her. She knew only by the smell that they were getting food, but she couldn't see it. Her hand would have been a way to see it, but she swiftly remembered where she was and snapped her hand away.
Looking to Seilynn, Crystal simply shrugged. "Oh, I'll eat anything. So long as it isn't bugs." She made a rather comical, disgusted face then grinned up at her friend. While she had been travelling from her own kingdom to the dark kingdom, she had been eating little more than plants and bugs. It was a wonder she had even managed to survive, let alone keep any weight on her. The girl was thin but her clothes, dirty as they were, seemed to hide that fact relatively well. She wasn't overly skinny or straved, just a little on the small side for a ten-year-old girl. Still, never one to complain, Crystal simply smiled and waite, gripping Seilynn's hand like any other child might have done with their mother or big sister.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 7:55 am
Heavy footsteps filled the silence of the small, wretched room that Ariya had been forced to stay in. It was supposed to be the finest room in this inn, but it was barely fit for her retainers let alone the princess herself. Sighing in a rather vicious and frustrated fashion, she waited impatiently for her clumsy men to find the reason for her visit. Those footsteps, now growing louder, made it obvious that at last her quarry was found, leaving her to acknolwedge that she would not have to remain for long.
The door burst open, a little louder than she would have like. The sound, so sudden and sharp, caused both Haru and Freiya to growl menacingly from the bed. Three sets of eyes glanced that way nervously, two were from retainers the third and new entry. It was a rather scraggly looking man, obviously a farmer and obviously poor. His teeth, yellowed and rotting, made his grin rather putrid to the prim woman he offered it to. Standing from her seat, Ariya took only two steps forward before the smell of horses and s**t that clung to his clothes made her stop. When he tried to move closer she held up a hand, ceasing his movements instantly.
"That's quite close enough." She said in her warm tone. It was slightly sharp, yet none the less entrancing. The man knelt down while the retainers stood at the door. Only when Ariya had waved a hand to them, signalling their leave, did they finally slip out to take up post outside the door. Her bright, amber eyes locked down on the man once more, staring at him with little more than a mild interest. "Tell me what you know." She said sternly, clearly not wishing to have him milling about longer than required.
"Your highness will be pleased to know that I heard word amongst villagers. The Water Queen has been kidnapped, taken by the Dark King's soldier. She is being taken to the Dark Kingdom as we speak." The man looked as if he would say more, but another lifting of her hand stayed his tongue. "This I already know." She sai with growing frustration, her eyes seeming to spark like embers. The man knew this look well enough to bow his head, averting his eyes. "What news to you have of the rebels?" She questioned, taking a tentative step closer. The man, glancing up at her movement, took one look into her eyes and knew that if he did not deliver her something, anything, she would strike him dead where he stood.
"Th-there is little more to report, my lady. My informants have told me they still dwell within the forest, though I believe they will not linger much longer." It was the best he had and he could only hope it had been enough to satisfy her boiling rage. Standing up straight once more, Ariya turned about and walked to the window. For others it may have been unwise to turn one's back thus, but Ariya knew by the beasts that still rested on the bed she was well looked after. For several long, terrifying moments silence reigned over the room. Not even Haru or Freiya made a sound as they watched their mistress brood over what she had been told. Finally, when it seemed she would never turn, Ariya swung about and locked her fiery gaze on the man.
"You have not done as well as I had hoped, Jove." She said, intertwining her fingers before her as her hands hung at her front. "However," Here the man sighed in relief, letting free the breath he had been holding. "I will let it slide this time, as you have at least given me something to work with." She waved a hand towards the door, giving the man his leave. Only when he gripped the handle, barely propping the door open an inch, did Ariya speak up once more. "Oh, and Jove." The man turned about, his eyes looking utterly terrified that she had changed her mind. "Bring me anything less than what I asked for next time and Haru and Freiya will not be going hungry. That is all." Once again Ariya turned about, staring out the window with a malicious gaze as she watched those of the Light Kingdom go about their business.
Jove, glancing towards the beasts who now licked their lips, as if one cue, swiftly scrambled out of the door, slamming it behind him. A few seconds of silence hung over the air before the door opened once more. Ariya's advisor stepped in, kneeling in the middle of the room. He waited for her to turn about, smart enough by now to know that he was not to clear his throat or make any attempt to force her to turn. The last man who had made that mistake had been, as Ariya had just threatened to Jove, fed to her ever cruel beasts. Finally turning, Ariya addressed the man. She didn't say a word, merely awaited his report.
"Highness, Jove has been compensated for his information and sent on his way, to gather whatever else he can find about that group." He did not raise his head, not even to glance at the beasts. Ariya watched this kneeling man with slight interest. He was observant, smart enough to have seen the mistakes of others and to learn form them. He had proven a rather efficient young man, possibly the only reason Ariya kept him around. "How much?" She questioned, knowing she would not need to elaborate. "Less than half the promised price, princess." A grin slid over Ariya's features as she walked over to her advisor. "Very good. I see no reason to linger, dear Viktor. Ready the carriage, we will leave within the hour." Viktor nodded, still not looking up, and swiftly made his leave. Ariya, now alone once more, moved to the bed to take a seat between her pets. Both heads moved in, resting down on her lap, and Ariya, not looking like no more than a loving owner, scratched deep within their fur. Freiya, being the feline she was, began purring while Haru tried to lick Ariya's fingers. It was a moment rarely felt between them, for rarely were they alone long enough for Ariya to show she had a heart.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:25 am
The camp was nearly packed. As Ryal went about his business, he noticed another he had not seen before. he thought about speaking with her, as she appeared to be Knorthian like himself, but he couldn't help but feel awkward. He wasn't sure how to approach her.
What do I say...? I don't want her to think.... that I'm trying to....
He let out a sigh. He was utterly at a loss. how had he managed to find the favor of the king, the friendship of the prince, the loyalty of the guard... the love of the princess..? He still wasn't sure. He didn't seem to have the slightest social bone in his body.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:18 am
Damien, standing beside Asgoroth and fixing the saddle's straps, felt as if there were a pair of eyes locked on him. It was a strange feeling, unlike the one he got from the earthen soldiers. Their stairs were slightly more hostile, while the feeling running through him was more curious than anything. It wasn't any power, merely that unnatural feeling people often got when they knew they were being watched. Turning about, his bright blue eyes peered about until he spotted the source of this strange feeling. A young woman, clearly from his own Kingdom, was looking at him with something that seemed like curiosity.
Finishing what he was doing, Damien gave Asgoroth a friendly pat before heading over to this strange girl. He stopped a few feet away, offering that warm, charming smile that seemed so natural for him. His eyes sparkled in a kind and friendly manner. In that moment, despite the weapon that hung at his side and the armour that clung to him beneath his cloak, he seemed harmless.
"Good day, miss. How are you this fine morning?" His smooth, calm tone was like a gentle summer breeze when the sun warmed your face. It was a pleasant, bass tone though not so deep as to rumble in your ears. He stood far enough from the girl, whom he had seen about before, to not seem threatening. He knew she had to have been with this group for a while, given the way the men treated her. They seemed to offer her a sort of earned respect, something Damien hoped to attain on this journey. Perhaps if he got to know this girl better he might be able to earn a measure of that respect that she had earned, to learn from her how she had gained it.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:20 pm
Keyla blinked as she noticed that the Paladin was coming over in her direction. That's when she realized that she was staring and at that moment she felt rather dumb and rude. Even more so as the Paladin stopped not far away and spoke to her.
Keyla turned her ice blue eyes up to face the Paladin with a rather friendly smile that she gave most people, in return for the warm manner in which he treated her despite her staring just a moment ago. She glanced around the camp. "Good morning, sir. Well.. I'm fine I guess.. Despite what has been going on lately around here you know." She chuckled lightly and turned her eyes back to the Paladin, "And how are you?" She asked to be polite but also because she wanted to somehow start a conversation and get to know this person that now stood in front of her. Out of slight nervousness, she was playing with a strand of her blue hair.
Suddenly, Keyla jumped up from where she sat with an almost startled expression as well as one of realization on her face. "I'm sorry.. I forgot my manners. I'm Keyla. Nice to meet you." She offered her hand to shake his and smiled in that friendly way again. Even if her eyes held and ice blue color, they weren't that cold at all.
++++++++
Seilynn wasn't blind or ignorant enough to not notice the small movement Crystal made with her hand before she quickly pulled it back. However, she didn't question it, at least not yet. She looked around at the different breads and took the dark one from the Light Kingdom as well as a lighter bread that probably would taste better in a child's mouth, being a little sweeter.
After they had bought what they needed, Seilynn walked back to the carriage, still with her hand holding Crystal's. She didn't mind holding it and it had made her smile back in the store when she had felt the way her hand was being gripped by the smaller one. "Alright, then we're all set." She smiled and lifted Crystal onto the carriage before she got on it herself. She turned to the driver, "Thank you again, for letting us travel with you. It's much appreciated." She smiled and then looked back at Crystal. "Are you hungry?" She asked the young girl while she picked out the light bread she had bought and cut a few slices.
Lately, she had been watching how Crystal's eyes were moving, seeing that they were always looking straight forward, only twitching to the sides from time to time at sudden sounds. This made Seilynn suspect a few things, of which only one would be more than likely to be true.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 10:45 pm
Ryal stood some distance away, trying to decide what to say. He realized he was making quite an odd face, and quickly looked up, only to see that Damien had already approached her. His face went downcast as he came to the conclusion that he had missed his chance.
Now what? It's useless. I'm useless.
He turned to leave, when a thought struck him.
Perhaps I could... maybe... since I know Damien already, I could go and at least try to add to the conversation... sure. That's what I'll do. Right.
His mind made up, he trudged forward, hoping they wouldn't feel he was intruding...
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Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:11 pm
Damien's sapphire eyes sparkled as he began to laugh. It was a deep and rich laughter, full of a simple joy that seemed so hard to find in these times. But Damien, being the man he was, always managed to find that spark of light in the darkness. Bowing his head slightly, he let his gaze slip away from Keyla's only momentarily. "Ah, yes, I suppose these times do make finding joy rather difficult, but I am happy to hear you are well in spite of it all. As for myself," He started, lifting his head so that he stood tall once more. "It is a beautiful morning. It seems that while there are those who would wish the light in this world dimmed, the sun will shine bright regardless." His hand lifted as if to touch that burning ball of light that shone through the gaps in the trees. Its warmth was just beginning to heat the earth around them.
When Keyla afforded her name and held out her hand, Damien drew his gaze away from the sun's warm rays and towards the woman before him. His smile never faded, only seemed to grow to rival the warmth of the sun. He took Keyla's hand, though not to shake it. Kneeling down before her, he took her hand and bent his head forward, gracing it with a soft kiss. Looking up into her stunning eyes, Damien released her hand and placed his own over his heart.
"It is my pleasure to make your aquaintence, Keyla. My name is Damien Athariel, member of the Knorth's Order of Paladins. My services are at your disposal, madam, should you ever require them." He stood once more, dropping his hand back to his side. Movement caught his attention and he looked past Keyla to spot Ryal. Waving the boy over, he offered his warm smile to the man he had met just the night before. A snort of recognition came from the white beast that had slowly made its way over to Damien. "Good morning, Ryal. A pleasure to see you again. You're looking well."
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Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:17 am
Ryal hesitated a second when he was noticed. O-oh... They've seen me... He still hadn't worked out what he was going to say, but it was now too late. When Damien addressed him, he managed only a small, inaudible reply, unheard by all (including himself) around him. When he reached the other two, he cleared his throat nervously, and finally found a voice to go along with his words.
I'm quite well, thank you. Errm.. though I would feel much better if I had eaten a meal that wasn't fighting so hard to be free... >ahem< How are you this morning, Damien?
He still wasn't sure what to say to the young woman. He supposed the best he could do was to ask the thing that had first caught his eye. He waited for Damien's answer, then turned his attention to her.
So, you're from the Knorth, aren't you?
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Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 7:50 pm
As Damien took her hand, making Keyla think he intended to shake it, Damien made her blink when he got down to his knee and kissed her hand every so lightly. She watched him rather wide eyes from the surprise of it but finally blinked as he stood straight again and spoke. As soon as the surprise settled, that friendly smile was back,, although it was a little warmer now, more friendly and not so distant.
"Nice to meet you as well Damien. And We'll see how much I'll need help in the coming days I guess. That is, if you are going to stay with this group." She chuckled, not wanting to take anything for granted. She saw how his eyes floated over to something behind her and turned, seeing another man and gave him that sort of distant yet friendly smile she had given Damien. She nodded her head respectfully as Ryal came up to them and caught his name as Damien mentioned it.
When Ryal asked his question Keyla looked over to him and nodded. "Yes. Not so hard to guess is it? I mean, with these clothes and all." She chuckled and looked down at her clothing, which was a typical Knorthian garment. Her voice was kind and she had a rather female, bright voice. When she was calm and speaking, it could be quite soothing if she wanted it to be.
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 3:00 pm
Seth was halfway down the ladder when he heard Vivian's voice. "Why do you say these things?" He finished climbing down and looked up to her. Confusion clouded his mind, and though he was not angry with her, his voice was raised. "After everything he has done to the kingdoms... to their people... to you." He turned his head in disgust just thinking about him. "Why would we spare the man? He is pure evil. I sit perhaps compassion? He wants you dead Vivian, just because you will not follow in his footsteps." Seth stopped and looked around. Many of the people preparing to make their leave were standing around, all of them listening. He then realized what he had just told them. Everyone would soon know of Vivian and her relation to her father. He looked back to Vivian. He had not meant to sound angry, but it most likely came off as such. She would surely be less than pleased with his outburst."
Nicolai stifled a laugh as he watched most of the men leave the bar as their 'friend' was being easily defeated. They must have then realized who it is they were mocking. They were smart to flee for their lives. But Braut did not seem all that smart.
Braut buried his left hand into his pocket, revealing a dagger. "No one defeats Braut, much less a woman! You're dead!" And with that, Braut and the ten men left in the bar made their attack on Nicki.
Nicolai did not move from his bar stool. She had looked to him so that he may watch her doings. She wanted to show off a little and he had no intention of stealing her amusement. He knew that she could handle herself. Besides, she was better than himself in the first place. He simply sat back and smiled as he watched the show.
Adel walked further into the entrance to the library. The vast sea of texts bowed before them. The library itself was four stories, spiraling staircases connecting them. Not a single sound could be heard. A sense of tranquility was easily understood by any who entered. "I've learned many things from these infinite pages that tower before you my dear. Give thy mind to books, and the literature and lore of the ages will give thee the wisdom of sage and seer. A library of wisdom, then, is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to it. The only wealth which will not decay is knowledge. The only jewel which you can carry beyond the grave is wisdom." He smiled to her; a smile that he only showed to few. "You are special to me Dia. I show you all that I have. I do not surround myself with expensive trinkets or piles of gold or silver. You do not see jewelry in the shape of a crown or rings of any kind on me. All of my riches are here..." He indicated towards his head. "These books are my treasure. I value very few things more than them, but they do not even compare to you."
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 5:20 pm
Crystal followed along without another peep, happy simply to be allowed to remain. She had thought by now, given how useless she had now become, that Seilynn would have rid herself of the burden the child often thought she was. However, things had not happened as Crystal had thought. Seilynn continued to keep her around, going so far as to even lift the child into the carriage. A little nervous at no long being on the ground, which offered her a measure of comfort, Crystal clung to the side of the carriage though tried to keep any other signs of fright from her features.
Her eyes, moving very slowly, crawled over to the electrical form of Seilynn. Her patterns had become familiar to Crystal, the currents to each person being like a finger print that, once recognized, could be linked in Crystal’s mind to a specific person. Electrical currents were as unique to each individual as their physical appearance. Having spent a good deal of time with the woman, Crystal had come to recognize those patterns like a person would recognize a face or voice.
She nodded silently, her face void save for the slightest twitch at the corners of her lips. It wasn’t a smile pulling at her lips but rather the slightest twitch of uncertainty. She was nervous for perhaps the first time in her short life. Even the disease that had plagued her body at such a young age had not set fear in her heart. But now she was on her way, moving farther form home than she had ever been and her movements were not her own. She kept her eyes on the comforting form of her new friend to ease her hammering heart.
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