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 Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 9:51 pm
He suppressed a roll of his eyes at the words. Just like the nobles, all thinking that they were going to be fleeced by the working man, when it was more often he other way around. Not that he was too worried about such things, it was just typical. "I'm aware of the price and that the contract shouldn't be broken. however, no one has given me the specifics of what i'm doing. I'm afraid i'm going to need to hear that first before I agree."
Zhao Tan has some air of his own earned nobility, as if he had managed to earn some title but lost it. Still, he seemed to be formal enough, and have some amount of intelligence. Maybe to much for a mook.
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Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:00 pm
*clears his throat* Well, now that we are through with that. *He looked much more relaxed all of the sudden.* It is nice to meet you, Zhao. I am Nicholai Maxwell, but you may call me Nick if you please. Now, I only kept my business air because I was tought to keep a hard edge and tough face around mercs and brigands, but now that we are clear on the details of our agreement, I can be more relaxed and explain my quest. *He turns to Zhao* Now, I am seeking the Relic of the Wind, which, if you are familiar with folk lore, is a relic of great power, and a treasure for any mage. Once I have it, I am going to use its powers to become the greatest mage ever, and then establish a Magic Academy of sorts. But, we of course, do not know where the relic is, and as thus, we must find information about it. That is our mission of now. To ask the locals about the location of the wind relic. Of course, we must be discreet. If word got out about it, we would be forced to deal with some rather unpleasant people. So, my friend, that is what we are going to do now. We shall meet back at this place tonight, and hope that one of us has uncovered a lead. So, be on your way, and I will be on mine. *He extends his hand to Zhao* I want to begin and end this journey as friends. Will you accept my extension of friendship?
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Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:06 pm
The Wind Relic? What sort of craziness was this? Did it even exist? Zhao Tan wasn't sure, and was fairly certain that this was a wild goose chase. He wasn't certain whom he should ask, or where to begin on his quest. He really didn't know much about it, and doubted random people would know of it. Still, maybe there were a few leads he could look up... Of course, figuring them out would be the hard part.
He considered it for a moment, and looked at the costs. They could be looking for years! He started calculating in his head how far that money would get him. It was indeed a grand price... "I'll join you, but there has to be one condition. If we haven't found the Relic within two years time, I am no longer obligated to remain with you, unless you pay me again. It is a good sum of money, but I can't live forever on it. If that is acceptable to you, I will do my best." He brought his hand out to meet the other.
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Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 11:37 am
Fenrir SongMoon The Wind Relic? What sort of craziness was this? Did it even exist? Zhao Tan wasn't sure, and was fairly certain that this was a wild goose chase. He wasn't certain whom he should ask, or where to begin on his quest. He really didn't know much about it, and doubted random people would know of it. Still, maybe there were a few leads he could look up... Of course, figuring them out would be the hard part. He considered it for a moment, and looked at the costs. They could be looking for years! He started calculating in his head how far that money would get him. It was indeed a grand price... "I'll join you, but there has to be one condition. If we haven't found the Relic within two years time, I am no longer obligated to remain with you, unless you pay me again. It is a good sum of money, but I can't live forever on it. If that is acceptable to you, I will do my best." He brought his hand out to meet the other. *Nicholai nodded* Well, I guess money is no object at this time, so yes, I will agree to your terms. Those two years will be well-spent, Zhao. Now let us part for the time being, and look for a lead. Laburnum is the bridge between both sides, and I am sure that if someone knows how to find the Relic, they will surely have some connection here. *He nodded one last time to Zhao, then walked away, with a brisk pace*
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 12:22 am
Espa looked about and called out again. This time, a little boy clad in white robes poked his head out from behind a shrub. Why he was there and what he was doing was of no concern to her. She locked eyes with him and nodded her chin at him.
"Yo! You there, can you go find a healer for us? This man is hurt."
She asked in Eastern and Western just in case so that her message was clear. The little boy nodded and scampered away.
~~~~~
Levie jogged through ivory halls and assorted passageways until he came to the door to the classroom where he was supposed to be. He had been skipping his class until the woman with the mismatched eyes saw him. She had a piercing gaze and a laidback aura to her. She was with another woman and they were supporting an injured man. Now there was no getting around her.
He stared at the door and raised his fist. 'So much for skipping,' he thought and knocked thrice.
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:36 am
It seemed that the water spirits smiled on him today- he had made it back to the palace without much of a fuss, and that he could continue making his rounds without reprimand. The girl named Hoshimi still weighed heavily on his mind, but he did his best to keep his thoughts to himself as he walked through the gates again. He would have to ask Tsai about everything that happened for the past fifteen years- later.
For now, he headed inside the palace again, and continued his walk around, making sure to check for any possible entrances and potential exits. He would have to- it would seem unprofessional if he did not. It frustrated himself that the two ninja had been here before him. But he supressed that thought as well- he would not dishonor the kunoichi and her student by even thinking maliciously towards them. He would simply watch and wait, and judge by actions as usual.
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 12:09 pm
arrow The palace of the East (or whatever it's called) in the gardens
The sun had begun to dip down towards the Western horizon but it still threw many rays of light and long shadows across Laburnum. Alcyone still relied on her parasol to cast off the light so she could still see some shapes at least. As the shadows grew, so did the clarity of her sight. Sighing, she hooked her free hand into the crook of Kouji's arm and walked with him about the palace compound.
About an hour ago, they had led the young Seyumi up to her room, or rather Kouji carried her up to her. She had become tired through acting as only a child could, dramatized how tired she was. Mere moments after Kouji picked her up, she was asleep in his arms. Alcyone permitted herself a small smile.
They took her up to her rooms and with the aid of several servants, tucked her into bed. Alcyone sat on the edge of the bed and pushed a stuffed animal into Seyumi's grasp so the young girl would stop trying to lock those strong arms of her around the Kunoichi's waist.
She then stood and went to the door where Kouji was waiting.
"Oh how she reminds me of K'anya."
The two ninja exited the room and headed for their own chambers which weren't very far from Sey's. In fact, their little rooms were side by side which had many advantages. One of which being that one could quickly summon the other. It was a nice arrangement and the two nodded at each other before going into their respective rooms.
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 4:41 pm
"What does it matter." He was grinning noticeably, "Dreams are nothing until you make them the truth."
"And the truth is a matter of opinion. It can be bent and broken, twisted and skewed."
He laughed some more; it felt good under the effects of the medicines he abused. He looked at the long metal pin in his hand, and eyed it... Just stared at it for a few seconds.
"Truth, lies, dreams, illusions, faith, spirituality, deceit..." He threw the pin in the air and in one swift movement he grabbed it again only to bring it into his upper arm. "Reality."
He didn't wound deep, but enough to draw a trickle of blood... As well as enough to make the same drugs that made the laugh so good sent an amplified wave of pain though his entire body.
It made him smile.
"Reality, is a figment of our collective imaginations. And we all accept out fates."
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Joseph Brown Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 4:59 pm
Nicholai Maxwell *Yuri takes her hand, and holds it in between both of his* Tiel, you know what you heart desires you to do, and some people are keen enough to sense it also. But, whether you follow your desire is your decision. What will you do? Your true desire is not to be a carpenter, is it? "It is!" Tiel protested. "But...not if things are always going to be like this..." She gestured toward the ill made chair. "They are, aren't they?" she asked him, obviously upset, and sounding far more vulnerable than she had previously. "That's why you're asking, right? I'm never going to be a proper carpenter..." The girl felt tears coming to her eyes, but stilled them for a moment as Rigel spoke. Unsurprisingly, it didn't make her feel any better. But for a moment she could hold off the tears, to ask him a question. "I don't understand-" That was an understatement. Most of the words that had fallen from his mouth seemed simply nonsensical when he put them all together, though Tiel was sure there was a deep meaning beyond the limits of her understanding. "-if reality is just our imagination, then fate is too. Anything's possible, then, and we could change it if we didn't like it." She glared balefully at her chair in the corner, dark eyes glistening, for a moment just willing it to be something pretty. "It doesn't work."
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 7:46 pm
Owle Isohos Nicholai Maxwell *Yuri takes her hand, and holds it in between both of his* Tiel, you know what you heart desires you to do, and some people are keen enough to sense it also. But, whether you follow your desire is your decision. What will you do? Your true desire is not to be a carpenter, is it? "It is!" Tiel protested. "But...not if things are always going to be like this..." She gestured toward the ill made chair. "They are, aren't they?" she asked him, obviously upset, and sounding far more vulnerable than she had previously. "That's why you're asking, right? I'm never going to be a proper carpenter..." The girl felt tears coming to her eyes, but stilled them for a moment as Rigel spoke. Unsurprisingly, it didn't make her feel any better. But for a moment she could hold off the tears, to ask him a question. "I don't understand-" That was an understatement. Most of the words that had fallen from his mouth seemed simply nonsensical when he put them all together, though Tiel was sure there was a deep meaning beyond the limits of her understanding. "-if reality is just our imagination, then fate is too. Anything's possible, then, and we could change it if we didn't like it." She glared balefully at her chair in the corner, dark eyes glistening, for a moment just willing it to be something pretty. "It doesn't work." *He touched her face gently, lifting her chin* Tiel, the Spirits obviously planned something more for you. When you accept it, you will realize your true calling. *He smiled kindly, as if inviting her to speak of all her sorrows. He then turned to Rigel* Now, Rigel, you speak of reality as if it means nothing, and that truth is just a collection of accepted lies. Why is your outlook on life so cold? Dreams are what keep us living. *He smiled at Rigel, too.* It is all about how you look upon life, and I guess nothing can change your views. *He returned to Tiel* Now, do you think you will ever understand your destiny?
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:42 pm
Lao was just about to retire to his room when he saw Alcyone's door closing. He sighed to himself as he departed, just down the hall. As he passed Seyumi's room, he smiled and whispered, ever so slightly "Sleep well, Seyumi-dono," before he went to his room in the palace, just two away from Kouji. As he looked around the lavish set up, he smiled. This was exquisite, but he was not impressed. He would view the room for what it was- just a place to sleep. Only the vain saw it otherwise.
He simply got into his bed and slept, trying not to let Hoshimi's eyes, along with the eyes of the Kunoichi, carry over into his sleep...
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Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:15 pm
After he had departed from Nicholai, or Nick as he insisted on being called, Zhao Tan found himself wandering restlessly. A part of that was because he didn't quite know what was expected of him. This task was so ambiguous and self conflicting. How was he supposed to ask someone if they knew anything about Water Relics? And how was he supposed to do it without appearing odd? Without attracting attention? He wasn't supposed to be an assistant, he was supposed to be a bodyguard. The man seemed nice enough, and it was a good cause, but he felt this would be a long series of troubling incidents over and over again. he could tell from the way his bones pin pricked.
He stopped on a bridge and sighed, leaning heavily on the railing. He hadn't been paying attention to where he was, and was a little bit muddled as to where he was in the city. He was certain he could find his way back, but that didn't change the fact that he could be anywhere in the city, alone, and looking for mysterious and random people.
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Joseph Brown Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 2:16 pm
"Cold?" He laughed as he watched the small spot of red grow through the gauze that covered his arms, "No, lies are exciting and fun."
"Lies give you the power over reality." He had a plan for his metal pin, "And when you've discovered that you live outside of the norm, its like watching mice in a cage. Now watch and see how the world is made up of lies, and that you can play with the slaves of reality."
He held the pin between his thumb and forefinger, it was the perfect size and shape for his little example. He lined up his target, it seemed to be the center of all these problems... His arm shot out forward launching the pin into open air. The speed seemed almost unreal, but anybody with the least bit of spiritual aptitude can tell that he had called the dark spirits of gravity to help him along.
The dull rip of the pin digging through wood passed through the workshop.
"Now..." Rigel admired his handiwork, "Isn't that sad Tiel, you've left a nail sticking out of that chair. My I think somebody could get hurt! My, if one of those apprentices, let alone you father see this... I think you would be in trouble." What a lie.
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Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:22 pm
V13 Virus "Cold?" He laughed as he watched the small spot of red grow through the gauze that covered his arms, "No, lies are exciting and fun." "Lies give you the power over reality." He had a plan for his metal pin, "And when you've discovered that you live outside of the norm, its like watching mice in a cage. Now watch and see how the world is made up of lies, and that you can play with the slaves of reality." He held the pin between his thumb and forefinger, it was the perfect size and shape for his little example. He lined up his target, it seemed to be the center of all these problems... His arm shot out forward launching the pin into open air. The speed seemed almost unreal, but anybody with the least bit of spiritual aptitude can tell that he had called the dark spirits of gravity to help him along. The dull rip of the pin digging through wood passed through the workshop. "Now..." Rigel admired his handiwork, "Isn't that sad Tiel, you've left a nail sticking out of that chair. My I think somebody could get hurt! My, if one of those apprentices, let alone you father see this... I think you would be in trouble." What a lie. *Yuri felt the presence of the spirits, and the movement of the nail into the chair, but kept silent. He guessed that whatever Rigel had planned with that nail had a purpose, and if things didn't go Yuri's way, he could tell Tiel the truth. Rigel's little demonstration might serve Yuri just as well.* Tiel, do you realize how dangerous that could be, however it got there? Life is like that. There are always nails, and there are always people to remove them. Now, what role will you take?
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Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:39 pm
*Nicholai walked the streets at his quick pace, searching for a place to start asking. He passed the usual assortment of locales: bars, inns, shops, and houses, but then something caught his eye. A soothsayer's hut, hidden at the end of an alley. Of course, he would have to go in. Those blessed with clairvoyancy would be a great aid to him, because he knew that few would know on their own of the location.
He stepped inside the drab hut, and knelt on the mat in front of a network of dangling curtains. He called out to whatever was inside* Hello? Is anyone in there?? *He knew how bland and unoriginal his questions were, but he knew they would get his point across. A raspy voice replied from inside, but he was surprised when a very young face appeared instead* What has brought you here, young gentleman? *The girl's face and voice did not match at all, as she was more lovely than the finest of roses, yet her voice reminded him of an old crone* I asked you what you seek, sir. *Her voice bore down on him like a weight upon his throat, repressing his voice, as for some reason, he was struck with a great fear of this being.*
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