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 Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:09 pm
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Kiss of Death
Someone surfaces from Tien's past.
Joint Roleplay 28
mistalina13 It was barely after dawn, yet Morgan had woke early to watch the sunrise. There was no point in trying to sleep longer anyway, her dreams were puntuated by the Trickster's memories for much of the night as they had been the last few days after she had left Echo's home. So much of it seemed to intimate and personal to be shared, especially now that some of the details were less fuzzy then they had been. Though, it seemed Tien did not share the same respect for her host's memories. She went through nearly everything. There was nothing quite like metaphorically being stripped naked and examined. Tian Yue was right, gods were nosey. You have potential, but there is much work to be done."Where shall we go today?" Morgan extended an hand toward the serpent resting atop her backpack. Seek out more allies of old.Kaulu wound her way up Morgan's arm and over her shoulder, letting her head come to rest upon a collarbone while leaving her tail wrapped around the girl's arm, as if protecting her mistress' gem.
Thabara Someone was following her. In fact Morgan had been followed ever since she'd left behind the security of Music's peaceful little abode, the girl's silly attire making it all too obvious whom it was whose gem she was bearing. Foolish little Trickster, trying to mold that girl into your role, too soon, too early.'She' was not the one in control, that was easy enough to spot for him. Her movements were different from what the goddess' would have been, speaking of insecurity, anxiety. That split-second of hesitation before she'd reached out for the serpent. No, that clearly wasn't 'her'. He hid himself in the shadows of an entrance, patiently waiting for the teen to pass by. The moment she did, his hand shot out, bony fingers grabbing her arm with the strength of iron shackles, jerking her closer. "Hey thar, Missy," he hissed, a haggard figure barely visible in the shadows. But there was the smell. The smell of cheap alcohol which was not even remotely masking another, much more offensive aroma - the sweet, putrid scent of rot and decay. "I like your snake, Missy. Sell it to me, will ya?"
mistalina13 Morgan nearly screeched when she felt someone or something grab her arm as she passed. She tried to wrench her arm away, to no avail as he spoke. "Sorry, I can't, it doesn't belong to me." She wrinkled her nose and did her best to keep her gag reflex under control as she tried again to free her arm. Whatever it was that had her was quite strong. Death.What?Get away from it! Either it's dead, or spends time among them!Working on it!"Unhand me."
This was only the second time she had spoken through her host without warning, but these were extreme circumstances.
Thabara "But, I'll pay you generously, Missy. Very generously. See," he rised the large earthen jug he was holding with his left, its contents splashing, " snake wine is a delicacy I haven't had in Ages." His dark, practically black eyes lay a tad too deep in their sockets, yet they seemed to burn with an unholy vitality as they locked onto the snake. He could sense the girl's fear and it excited him. It was his time to play games now, his time. "Unhand me."There went a jerk through his body when he heard her voice, and his head snapped around to look at the one speaking. " Tien.." He practically purred that name. His lips split into a broad, wide grin - too wide, like a shark's - and he finally made a step forward. A haggard figure clad in dirty, ragged clothes; the strands of his long dark hair with streaks of gray filthy and unkempt. "Hiding behind that girl's face now, eh?" The stranger spat. "Just another kind of mask." His cracked voice was dripping with venom as he lashed out at her. "What is she to you, Tien? A doll, that you dressed her up to look like some poor copy you? You've always enjoyed playing games, though I didn't know that included dolls." The fingers around her arms even tightened their grip - it seemed absurd, laughable that this gaunt, almost sceletal person would possess such strength, and yet he did - there'd be a mark left behind, at the very least.
mistalina13 Morgan would've jumped and screeched at the sight had Tien not been working to keep her fear supressed at the moment. "Do you...know her?" She whined when the stranger gripped her arm tighter and her mind started to race, hoping she could find some way to escape this situation. Careful mine host, it will be harder to run if you are broken. There was something eerily familiar about that tone of voice and that smile. It was not unlike that of a cheshire cat."Please, answer me!" Another small whine. Kaulu in the meantime had wound her way around Morgan's arm, toward the stranger and would make an attempt at biting him if the command was given.
Thabara " Know her?" His eyes narrowed and the mad grin slowly melted away. "I thought I knew her. For a while. For a while I trusted her. But no one can truly know her. She does't even know herself." He pulled the girl closer, his black eyes seemingly trying to burrow into her skull, as if was trying to pry upon the goddess within. "Ain't it so, Tien? I'm surprised you even managed to remember your name, lest alone who- what you are."
mistalina13 Forgive me, Morgan. "Who are you?"Morgan felt as if she had been pushed aside, forced into the role of observer for the moment. The need to escape was overwhelming, yet she had no control. She was caught between Tien, this stranger who knew her and the stinging pains that shot up from her arm. The Trickster did all she could to shove her host aside, whether she did so for protective reasons or not was up in the air. All she knew was that she could not manage it for long yet.
Hopefully it would be long enough for him to answer.
Sosiqui Tian Yue was flying again, in dragonshape - he had so many to look for (and so many to not look for) that he had taken to going out every day, in an ever-widening arc away from the Pantheon itself. The past three days had netted nothing much other than the views of more devastation. But now, as he soared, he suddenly caught a weak flare of divine power from below.
What...?
Curious, he angled his flight downwards, peering until he spotted two figures below. They seemed to be struggling, he realized, after a moment. A deity attacking someone else? No... the soft breath of power was not coming from the attacker.
And then he recognized one of them. A chill of cold rage shot through him, and he turned his vague downward turn into a full dive, letting out a bellow of anger as he plummeted towards the pair.
Morgan!
"Release her, or I swear by the Twin Crown I will see you dead in my claws!" he roared, landing in a skid and twining about in one sinuous movement to challenge her attacker. Simultaneously, he thew every shield at his command around the girl.
No, not Morgan, he realized as his power enfolded her. Tien.
But it was close enough for him, for now.
Thabara The Dragon's sudden appearance was unexpected and he let go of the earthen jug in his right, the heavy vessel smashing to pieces and it's intoxicating content spilling all over the cracked ground - there had indeed been a few dead snakes within. However, it happened less out of surprise but the intent to free his hand to weave an ancient magical gesture into the air, conjuring up a shield of his own. The crackle of the two protective spells conflicting with each other was enough to tell him that the other's shield was quite powerful. " I know what you used to look like underneath your mask," he hissed into the girl's ear before he abruptly let go of her and pushed her towards the dragon. There was something eerily familiar about the draconic beast, but it took him a moment before he could place that familiarity because it was so diminished in shape and form in contrast to its former glory. Ah. Tien Lung. Dragon King."I see you already found yourself a toy to be your knight in shining armor, and the World Shield no less!" He clearly was mocking her, his voice laced with acid. "But he fails, Tien, he fails. The silver city of Tanagra, the continent Pereth D'ain, the underground cities of Laer.. He couldn't protect them." He sneered, his dark eyes settled on the dragon. "I saw the victims of your failures, dragon, I saw them all."
mistalina13 How would you....know that? The Trickster's presenced faded into the background, her saved energy having been nearly exhausted for the time being.Morgan stumbled, having been forced back into control when Tien's presence retreated. The exhaustion of Tien's outburst rapidly began to catch up with her and she nearly fell back onto the paving stones. "Leave my beloved alone, you miserable creature!" She managed to get to her feet again and retreated to Tian Yue's side.
Sosiqui Tian Yue hissed low at the interloper, flicking his tail protectively around Morgan as she came to his side. "Have you? Well, I have seen Universe bound and branded, and my Lord the Twin Crown grievously injured because I was not there. What are all your names to that?" He lifted his head and stared into the man's odd, deep-set eyes. "The blade-edges of your words are old and broken. I am Tien Lung reforged and you hold no power over me. This girl is under my protection." Bless you, Shaiming, for giving me that freedom from the daggers of Tien Lung's past.
Under Tian Yue's rage ran a current of thought, lightning-quick. Someone from the goddess' past, it seemed - and his as well? But he remembered no such thing. His nose twitched slightly at the smell of decay.
Thabara The stranger's dark eyes narrowed at Tian Yue's words. 'Tien Lung reforged'? "I see," he said finally - slowly, cautiously. He'd heard the rumors, but paid little attention to them since he hadn't thought them to be true. "Seems like I've been somewhat out of the loop with what's been going on in the Pantheon. My bad." He grinned, not seeming overly bothered by that revelation. "Explains why you would be interested in her at all." Her. Clearly, it was the girl the dragon was interested in, not the goddess."It doesn't matter," he said, hooking his thumbs into the belt of his pants and proudly raising his chin. "The girl will be gone soon enough. Once She gets stronger, she'll come to seek me out on her own."
mistalina13 Morgan reached over to rest a hand on Tian Yue's neck and she sighed. This stranger was right, Tien was getting stronger. See if he will give you a name..."Huh, oh, okay." She murmured. Her hand ran idly over Tian Yue's scales as she let her gaze slide back to the stranger. "She's asking for a name, care to oblidge?" Morgan pushed her glasses up on her nose with her free hand.
Sosiqui "If she seeks you out, that is her own affair, and none of mine unless Tien chooses to ask for my protection." Tian Yue flicked a glance over at Morgan. He had never seen the goddess take control before, and the thought gave him a pang of regret as the adrenaline calmed in his mind. But that was the way things worked, as he knew only too well.
The rest of the matter was Tien's alone. He merely sat, ready to protect Morgan if he was needed, but he would not interfere in the goddess' plans. Whoever this exceptionally stinky old man was, he was clearly someone from the past, with his lists of dead names and interest in a goddess only newly reborn.
Thabara "Fine with me," the stranger said, nodding briefly, the tone of his voice filled with obvious dislike and arrogance as he spoke to the dragon king. "Depends," he said, turning slightly to address Morgan. Glasses, of all things. No wonder 'She' hasn't made her wear a mask yet.. That was amusing, somehow. "Is there anything, anything you could offer me in return?"
mistalina13 Offer him a favor, Morgan, from me. The feeling of familiarity with the stranger surfaced again. Faint flickers of memory from times of old, still plagued by too many shadows."A favor, from Tien." Morgan took a deep breath, trying to stay relaxed. She was grateful Tien Yue had come looking for her, she needed his strength right now.
Thabara He hadn't planned to disclose anything to her, merely to enjoy himself while he taunted her, mocked her.. But a favor? That was just too good to be true. It also made it painfully obvious that the goddess was still far from being her old self yet - in the days of old she wouldn't have made an offer as careless as this one. A powerful thing, that, a favor - especially if offered by a god. "A favor, just like that?" he asked, inwardly berating himself that he was probably letting this excellent trade slip through his fingers. "You're not going to try and put a limit on it, or to haggle?" He asked ironically and raised a brow. Why, in Hades' name, was he actually trying to warn her? Guilt perhaps. For the role he had played back then.
mistalina13 "No killing." Morgan continued to run her fingers across Tian Yue's scales to reassure herself that he was actually there. If she was still around when this favor was fulfilled, she didn't want to be a witness to killing. Were I strong enough, you would not have to deal with this...stranger at all.
Thabara Fool.A wicked grin spread on his face, revealing irregular rows of teeth - some missing, some blackened, the ones remaining whole of a sick yellowish color and seeming way too sharp. Dangerous. Hungry. Shark-like. Such a fool. Definitely not her old self yet again."A kiss it shall be then," he purred, enjoying himself immensely. Oh, he might get stomped on by the Dragon for this, but this borrowed body wouldn't last much longer anyway so he didn't mind.
Sosiqui Tian Yue's tail lashed once, lightly, then lay still again. He didn't like the idea of that... creature... touching Morgan, and especially kissing her, but... the Trickster's business was her own. It wasn't his place to interfere more than he already had.
But it didn't mean he had to like it.
mistalina13 Her expression slightly, gaze narrowing. If one knew what to look for, they would see a hint of the old Tien. The hand on Tian Yue's scales slipped away. Mine host, I need your help.You have got to be kidding me.I wish I was.At this moment Morgan wished she was gone or at least able to retreat further. The thought of kissing that creature disgusted her. You owe me big time!A few steps brought her close enough. Get it over with. Quickly."Very well." The voice wavered between that of the host and goddess.
Thabara His embrace was surprisingly gentle, but the look he shot at Tian Yue as he peered at him over Morgan's shoulder, the grin he flashed at him, could be interpreted as nothing else but a challenge. So, her lover was actually sticking to the protocol? How utterly boring, just like a certain someone he knew.. The kiss.. it was short. Passionate, but short. Perhaps because he felt pity on some level for Tien's innocent host who had been dragged into this against her will. It might even have been a good kiss if it hadn't been for the taste of death, the odor of death, the touch of death.
mistalina13 Tien was hit with the same flashes of memory as she had been when Echo had mentioned the masks.
Kiss. Passion. Affection. Love?
So many shadows, so many pieces missing. Not enough answers. Her presence faded suddenly, back to that of a looming shadow.Morgan's skin blanched and she pulled away, stumbling backward and nearly falling down as she fought off her gag reflex. She couldn't help but shutter. Is he...dead?"Now there is something you owe Her."
Sosiqui Tian Yue quickly shifted to steady his lover, recoiling inwardly even as she did. What a thing to ask for... what kind of history did this man have with the Trickster?
Thabara " Angmar. It is the first name I bore, and my true one. Appreciate it, for names have power. Unfortunately it is not the one I'm most commonly known by nowadays." He smirked. "Nonetheless, perhaps you will be able to dig something up in that fancy library of yours. If not, there will certainly other chances, other exchanges of favors." The stranger flourished a bow and added mockingly: "Perhaps I will have found a body by then which is more pleasing for your eyes to look at."
mistalina13 Morgan leaned against the Dragon and swallowed nervously. Hopefully there would be no more favors until she was gone. She might as well have been kissing a corpse...which was just...wrong. Angmar? And old memory stirred, but the wisps vanished before she could catch them. That name was familiar, very familiar. Where does he fit into this puzzle?She resisted the urge to snort and roll her eyes at that last comment, obviously the pleasantry and mocking were for Tien, not her.
Thabara "More pleasing to touch as well," 'Angmar' added with a grin, when goddess and girl seemed to have chosen to stay silent. Idly he kicked against the remnants of the earthen jug and the dead, soaked reptiles with the tip of his boot. Shame he hadn't thought of asking for the snake. At another time perhaps.. "Well then, I shall be off," he said, turning and waving over his shoulder. "This hasn't turned out to be as amusing or interesting as I thought it would. Another time then, perhaps when you remember more.."
mistalina13 Part of her was tempted to call out to him, tell him to stay in the hopes of learning more. Perhaps Tien was encroaching on her moreso than she originally thought. She kept quiet and simply stared after him as he walked away. We will meet again, when I am more whole.Morgan waited until Angmar was out of sight before looking back at Tian Yue and she couldn't keep the sadness from her expression.
Sosiqui As soon as the man was gone, Tian Yue curled around Morgan, enfolding her gently in his coils, a draconic hug. "I missed you," he rumbled, softly. "Who was that man? How is Tien? How are you?"
mistalina13 "I missed you too." Morgan leaned against him and sighed heavily. "He is familiar to Tien, that's all we both know." She stroked the Dragon's scales lightly. "She is...distant and confused." Morgan closed her eyes. "I'm...mostly fine." Considering I'm a few steps closer to dead. She fell silent for a moment, then opened her eyes to gaze up at him. "Can you take me home?"
Sosiqui Tian Yue looked surprised. "I thought... are you done journeying already? I mean, yes, of course I can take you home... I'd love to have you back, but if Tien needs..." His voice trailed off. He did want her back, desperately so, but the goddess had to be considered as well.
mistalina13 "No. I wanna go home with you." Morgan threw her arms around the Dragon's neck. She didn't care that she was being selfish at this point. Silly girl, lets go home with your Dragon. Tien laughed then, but her voice had sounded almost sad. What you need now is to train and that can be done anywhere."Tien even says I can go home."
Sosiqui "Well then, with permission..." Tian Yue chuckled and lifted her lightly up in one carefully cupped claw, offering her a step up to his shoulders. "That man... Angmar. He knew some ancient names, very ancient indeed... old failings of the Fading." His eyes were narrowed slightly now in thought.
mistalina13 I knew him...but from where...I'm not sure.Morgan carefully climbed up onto the Dragon's shoulders and settled herself. "Tien says she knew him, but she can't remember from where." She rubbed the side of his neck lightly. "Thank you for coming for me love."
Sosiqui "Did..." Tian Yue paused. "Did no one else come for you, then? I had searched, but your... your friend, Ser. She was gone before I even read your note forbidding her to go. I looked for her, but did not find her. Did she find you...?"
mistalina13 "No...no one else did." Morgan closed her eyes. "Ser probably got lost." She sighed heavily, part of her doubted her friend was still alive. Her fingers ran idly over the scales of the Dragon's neck as she tried to banish the bad thoughts.
Sosiqui "I see..." Tian Yue bowed his head for a moment, then straightened. "Hold on," he warned, and waited for her before leaping up into the sky, twining upwards until they were high above where Angmar had accosted her.
mistalina13 Morgan relaxed the further away from that place that they got. She opened her eyes to look at the landscape. The fact it was so bleak and dead still upset her, but to a far less of a degree. I wish to speak to your Dragon, once I've had time to regain my strength.She waited until they were on their way to relay the Trickster's request.
Sosiqui "Speak to me? Of course - I've wanted to speak to her as well. I would like to know the goddess that holds you," Tian Yue said, with a smile that was only a little sad. The wind rushing around them carried the scent of ashes and dying things.
There must be restoration before too much more time has passed.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:10 pm
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Coming Home
Solo Roleplay 19
Morgan couldn't describe how nice it was to be home again. Familiar room, familiar bed, familiar sleeping companion. It wasn't long before she succumbed to sleep, snuggled into the Dragon King's side, with his arm around her waist holding her close. He had been rather protective since the whole incident with the dead - but not really - man earlier this afternoon. Before she fell into a deep sleep however, she was caught and left to drift listlessly in that place in between dreams and waking. That meant Tien probably wanted something.
Did you need to speak with me?
Just for a moment or two, girl, then you can rest. The tone was surprisingly kind, given her usual snide attitude.
What about?
There was aught but silence for a few moments, enough time for Morgan to think the Trickster might've changed her mind before something happened. Tien's shadow appeared; just like it had the first time they had spoken only this time it was sharper, distinctly more feminine, with the contours of a mask echoed where the shadow's face would've been. She laughed a little when her host gasped.
T..Tien?
Is there anyone else locked up in your head with you? The shadow seemed to radiate amusement at her host's clear displeasure. If the girl didn't like being teased, oh well, she would learn to ignore it or at least bear it gracefully. I feel a bit more whole than I did before our little excursion. Though things are still missing, like those puzzles pieces you can never manage to find after you mix them up.
Are you really keeping me awake to wax poetic?
Hardly. Actually, I kept you awake to thank you, if you must know. Not everyone would've done what you did. It was clear enough from her tone that 'thank you' were not words she was accustomed to using. When it was clear that no response was forthcoming the Trickster sighed. Aren't you supposed to say 'your welcome' or something?
Do you remember who Angmar is at all?
Only that he is..well...we were close. Other than that, just vague impressions. He is a faceless shadow like the rest.
Sadly, other than Echo, he has been the best lead to finding anything.
I would hope it doesn't remain that way. He will be difficult to get anything useful from without bargaining. I would not force you, or that Dragon King of yours, to endure anything like that again on my behalf. She knew the last experience had not been pleasant for either of them, nor for herself really.
Do you know of anyone else we could seek out for help?
Perhaps, it depends on if we parted on good terms or not and if they are among the reborn. I'll think on it and see what can be done in the days ahead, not everything needs to be tended immediately.
Then w-you can send Asherah to see if she can find anyone once she comes back?
Sounds like a fair plan, but there is really aught else that can be done tonight. We should rest, mine host. Before we wake your Dragon with worry. The goddess wouldn't admit it, but even she sounded tired now. Sleep well, and we will deal with things as they come.
Goodnight, Tien.
Goodnight, little Morgan.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:13 pm
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One She Thought Was Gone
Asherah Finds Angmar
Joint Roleplay 29
mistalina13 The feline aoide began her trek through the ruined city in search of her mistress. In two days she hadn't seen any traces nor heard a scrap of news. It was frustrating. Granted her Mistress' business was her own, but she still should have been by her side, for protection at least. Asherah snorted softly and adjusted the bag on her shoulder. She had long since shed those attrocious frilly petticoats in favor of her more comfortable, closer fitting garments. A charcoal silk shirt, with a bodice, comfortable breeches and open toed flat boots. Her hair was worn down, with a red ribbon loosely tied at the end. She paused for a moment and sniffed the air. The scent was unmistakable. Death.Her tail lashed from side to side as she dropped her bag to the ground and reached for a throwing knife from her sleeve. Something was nearby and she knew it.
Thabara There was violin music, suddenly, the wild rhythmic melody of a gypsy tune drawing her towards the nearby entrance of a backyard. Strangely enough, there was laughter as well. Asherah could glimpse caravan's parked there, from where she was standing, and a young woman juggling. The putrid smell of death and decay still remained in the air, stronger now, but it might be much more perceptible to her fine senses than the mortals' for they seemed not to be bothered by it at all.
mistalina13 The feline's ears perked at the music and she wrinkled her nose. I had no idea there were still people here. She replaced the knife and started cautiously toward where she heard the music from. Asherah made near the edge of where the caravans were and then stopped to avoid being spotted, picking a decent vantage to observe the goings on.
Thabara They were carnival folks, it seemed, for the caravans were fancifully painted in bright colors - still beautiful, even though the color had peeled off in many places, allowing for rust and decay to settle. The violin player was not visible to her, but there was another young man wearing simple bluejeans and a dirty t-shirt practicing a poi performance. Some dogs fighting over some scraps of food. A pair of scrawny kids playing with marbles in the dust, and another person sitting nearby, clad in simple clothes and a riding coat which had clearly seen better times, apparently assigned to watch over the children. His face was hidden in the shadows cast by the brim of the large hat he was wearing, revealing only a mass of filthy long hair - much of it grayed - thin lips and an unshaven jaw. He seemed old, that was the first impression everyone got of him, but his hands moved swiftly - one skillfully wielding a small carving knife, the other shifting around small piece of bone. "Kitten," he said without looking up, lips twisting into a broad grin, "I see you."
mistalina13 Asherah very nearly jumped when addressed, silently cursing herself for not hiding herself well enough. She took a step out into the open. "So you do." The feline knew better than to let her guard down, even if the old man seemed mostly harmless. She sniffed the air again, trying to pinpoint the source of the foul scent. Perhaps it was nothing more than a dumped body somewhere in the ruins nearby. At least, that's what she hoped.
Thabara The carnival folk clearly hadn't noticed her until now, at least they looked startled enough. The juggler missed one of her balls, a bright red one, and it rolled towards Asherah, coming to rest right in front of her feet. Whispers in a foreign language could be heard, indicating there were more mortals than just the few she saw, but the man raised his right hand to wave them off dismissively, and the voices stilled. Apparently his judgment was respected, and if he didn't think of the strange woman as a danger, then she wasn't. "Fancy seeing you here, Asherah," the man said. "Looking for your mistress? Lost her again? These people wear masks for there performances, just as she did, but you wont find her here."
mistalina13 Asherah tried not to let the suprise register in her expression. "How do you know who I am?" She couldn't help but snarl a little. Lost her again! This man certainly wasn't what he appeared to be. Some memory flicked from long ago. It couldn't be...no...there was no way. "Who are you!?"
Thabara "Come closer, kitten, and I'll show you."
mistalina13 Asherah bent to retrieve the ball that had rolled over toward her and tossed it back to the juggler it came from before she catiously approached the old man. An uneasy feeling crept over her the closer she got. Something definately wasn't right about him. It coudn't be him though, there had to be explaination for this.
Thabara The juggler smiled politely and nodded a thanks, but the look in her eyes showed that she was still wary of the stranger. The smell of rot and decay she'd sensed clearly grew stronger the closer she moved to him, until there was no other explanation possible - he had to be the source of it. "Now than kitten, will you dare to touch me?" He shifted, one hand motioning at his chest. "Right here.. where the heart should be."
mistalina13 Asherah tried not to recoil simply at the stench. That man was rotting. She supressed a shutter and eyed him suspiciously. Touch him? The feline's tail lashed back and forth and she tentatively reached out a hand when she got close enough. "How is it you know who I am?" She kept her voice low.
Thabara He grabbed her hand, as soon as she reached out with it, and pressed it against his chest. Something was strange underneath her fingers, not as it should be. A hole. A hole where the heart should be. "Does that answer your question, kitten?" he sneered. "I should have stitched it up, as usual, but ahhh.. you start to get lazy with age."
mistalina13 Asherah's eyes went wide, her upper lip went into a snarl and she yanked her hand back. "YOU!" Her tail lashed back and forth and her ears flattened. "It shouldn't be possible..."
Thabara He laughed then, a loud, roaring laughter which seemed to verge at the brink of madness until it abruptly stopped, as if the sound had been cut off. "There is little that is not possible for me, Asherah. You know which masters I served.."
mistalina13 Asherah hissed and her snarl did not lessen. "You served yourself first..." Her tail lashed faster and her muscles tensed. If it would do any good she would've shreded him on the spot. "...that's the way it always was."
Thabara "True, that." He seemed rather serious, suddenly. "There was a time once, at which I might have served her, gladly so, had I not been bound by another." There was a small pause before he added solemnly: "And had I been able to trust her." "So." He pushed up his hat a little, peering up at the aoide with those strange bottomless eyes of his, apparently not in the least put off by the anger she displayed. " Are you searching for your mistress?"
mistalina13 "She slipped away before I was able to approach her." Asherah wrinkled her nose. "Did she happen to cross your path?" It was a risk to let him know that much, but hopefully it would be worth it.
Thabara "She's always been of the slippery kind, yes." The man grinned. "I've seen her. Shared a kiss with her as well, though she did not seem too excited." He shrugged. "If I tell you, will that gain me a favor?"
mistalina13 Asherah hissed. "I would not be either, with you looking like that." Her tail continued to lash back and forth. "I am in no position to give favors. Nor would you get one if I were."
Thabara "I'm not asking for anything big. Just.. if you would deliver a thing or two to her, for me? Nothing harmful, I swear that by--" he paused, apparently at a loss by what or whom to swear his oath. "By my heart," he finally decided. "Wherever that b***h has hidden it."
mistalina13 "I suppose I can do that." Asherah relaxed slightly. "Whenever I find her." She quirked an eyebrow. Hidden? The feline knew better than to ask, especially since it was something her mistress had failed to mention before.
Thabara "Well, her brave new knight in shining armor came to pick her up, that dragon king, Tien Lung. I suppose you know where he lives?"
mistalina13 Asherah nodded. "I do, though, the Dragon has no interest in my mistress, only her host..."
Thabara He leaned forward, suddenly seeming very interested. Enough, perhaps, to make Asherah regret she'd slipped that certain bit of information. "Is that so?" She might have been wrong, but there seemed to be something akin to relief in his voice.
mistalina13 "At least as far as I can tell anyway." Asherah snorted softly and shook her head. "I need to return to my mistress, is there a delivery you wish me to make now?"
Thabara He shook his head. "No, not yet. There are.. things I need to find first, things I need to do first. Later. I'll find you, kitten."
mistalina13 Asherah nodded. "Very well. I must start on my way back now, I've delayed enough as it is." She turned and started to walk back the way she had come.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:14 pm
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Trickster & the Dragon
Tien talks with Tian Yue.
Joint Roleplay 30
Sosiqui Tian Yue hummed to himself under his breath as he moved down the hallway towards Morgan's room. It was good to have her back, so good - he hadn't been in the Aoidei quarters much since she'd left. After all, there was always the risk of running into Nebula on the way...
But not this time. He paused for a moment at Morgan's door, then knocked. "Love? Are you in?"
mistalina13 Morgan was laying on her bed and had dozed again only to be jarred awake by the knock on the door. "Yeah, come in." She sat up some and idly groped around for her glasses on the small table beside her bed.
Sosiqui Tian Yue opened the door and went over to the bed, sitting on the edge next to her and reaching out to put one hand on hers. "How are you feeling? A bit more like yourself once you've had a chance to sleep properly?"
mistalina13 Morgan retrieved her glasses and slid them on. "A bit, yeah." She sat up further and leaned against him. "Thank you, for coming to find me..." Her cheeks reddened slightly and she glanced away.
Sosiqui "I would find you wherever you were if you needed me," Tian Yue said gently. "How is Tien? I felt her in control when I protected you from that man. She is growing stronger."
mistalina13 "She's been quiet...the last few days." Morgan sighed softly. "Tien can only speak through me...she can't...control my body yet." She did her best to keep the sadness from her voice. Tien stirred at the mention of her name but did not speak, figuring she would leave Morgan time with her lover. Part of her felt guilty for taking her from the Dragon.
Sosiqui Tian Yue nodded. "It takes time to gain that control. Shaiming used to exert it during the night, while I... er, Crispin... was asleep. Phaedra doesn't yet- oh, you don't know," he said suddenly, squeezing Morgan's hand. "We found Nebula. The one that dwelled here in her place is Asherah, one of Tien's Aoidei. Did she find you? She set out to seek you. Nebula herself... it's complicated, but in the end she too was taken by a jewel. Phaedra, Goddess of Greed."
He did not mention how very unpleasant Phaedra was, or what had been done to his once-servant.
mistalina13 Asherah..."No, we weren't approached by anyone except Angmar." Morgan squeezed his hand in return. "It's a shame...about Nebula." She lifted his hand and nuzzled it. "I apologize..."
Sosiqui "Yes..." Tian Yue left the rest unsaid - that in a way, it was a relief that the Aoide would be gone, but there was guilt there too. It was convenient for Tien Lung that Nebula would die, was it? Feh... there's honor for you. He shook his head. "It is hard for her. The goddess is one of Destruction's seven; she is not kind."
He paused as the timbre of Morgan's voice shifted, then inclined his head respectfully. "Greetings, Trickster. Apologize for what?"
mistalina13 "For taking your lover from you, Worldshield." There was a tinge of regret in her voice.
Sosiqui That... that was a surprise, and Tian Yue took one sharp, indrawn breath before shaking his head, a sad smile on his face. "No. You need not apologize for your rebirth. Tien Lung did exactly the same thing to Morgan, after all. I... I will miss her dearly," and he fumbled to hold Morgan's hand tighter yet, "but I do not blame you. Don't feel guilty about it, please. I will treasure her for as long as I can."
He paused. "But... thank you, for the thought. You are kind."
mistalina13 Tien did her best to keep what she said from her host. "I will keep as much of her with me as I can, but I am in no position to make a promise like your predecessor did." That was her small way of admitting she wasn't nearly as strong as the Dragon.
She nodded weakly, but it was the best she could manage. "As are you, strong too, just like she said." There was a tinge of a smile and a mischievous unfamiliar glint in her host's green-brown eyes.
Sosiqui "I know - I would never expect something. I never expected it before it happened..." Tian Yue trailed off, then shook his head. "What Shaiming did is unprecedented and not likely to be repeated. But... thank you. Again."
His tail flicked back and forth lightly under his robes. "I have wanted to speak with you from when I learned you had chosen Morgan for your own. I am not sure if we met in the time before the Fading. Or if I had... if I would have known." His smile quirked, playfully. "A lady of masks, yes?"
mistalina13 "I cannot recall..." Her head lulled lazily against the Dragon's arm. "Mhm. But it was not to my advantage this time...I cannot remember my true face." She sighed softly.
Sosiqui Tian Yue's instinctive reaction to the soft movement was to lightly put one arm around her to support her - too late remembering that it was Tien, not Morgan. Oh well. Best to... get used to it, I suppose... "My memory - or, rather, the ancient memories of Tien Lung - are fragmented as well," he said, aloud. "The face you have chosen for now is beautiful, though."
A pause. "... Whatever happens... take care of her, please? I know I have very little right to ask, but I can't help it."
mistalina13 "I will do what I can..." Tien felt a pang of guilt then at the sadness in the Dragon's voice. "...I'll take my leave now, so you can have some time with her..."Morgan felt herself suddenly shoved back into control as Tien retreated and she slipped her arm around his. "I love you, no matter what happens, I love you and I always will." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke, her gaze drifting up to meet his.
Sosiqui "Likewise," Tian Yue said softly, bending to brush his lips against hers, a bare touch - making sure it was Morgan there, looking up at her. Once he was sure, he moved to deepen the kiss.
mistalina13 Morgan shifted and reached up to lace her arms around his neck as she returned the kiss.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:15 pm
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Cat in the Shadows
Asherah's Return.
Solo Roleplay 20
She can’t complain that I didn’t let her sleep; even though she will be exhausted regardless, come morning. The Trickster carefully pushed her sleeping host’s consciousness aside and experimented with small movements. It was an odd feeling to have a body again, even if it wasn't really her own yet. She slipped free of the Dragon's near clinging embrace, thankfully without waking him, uneasily shifting the for now borrowed body into an upright position. Eyes closed against the dizziness that broke over her like a wave against the shore.
The goddess swore silently, cursing gravity among other things. Once the dizziness past her eyes opened again, scanning the room. Despite the darkness everything was unnaturally fuzzy. Right...glasses. Where are those infernal things? She scooted over carefully, checking the small table at the bedside.
Suddenly a light appeared nearby and the glasses were held up before her, politely offered by a dark furred hand. “Mistress.” The word was practically purred out, like a lover's endearment.
"Put that out, before you wake him." Tien shielded her eyes against the sudden brightness until it vanished and inclined her head toward the sleeping Dragon. Just who was that? The voice being feminine eliminated Toki from the list of suspects. Besides, the Rabbit had sense enough not to disturb the Dragon or her host while they slept unless the need was dire.
She took the offered glasses, carefully unfolded the sides and slid them onto her borrowed face. Things were somewhat clearer, now that she was not light blinded. A feline woman. Trickery thought of Nebula at first but dismissed the thought. That particular aoide was as good as dead already. She only knew of one other that looked similar...her own.
“Ash…Asherah?” The voice was soft, cracking and wavering between her host's and her own.
"Yes, mistress. I am sorry to wake you." The catgirl reached out and touched her shoulder gently.
“You didn’t.” She suddenly felt so tired again. "I had a thought to take care of some things tonight, but...it can wait I think."
“Oh..." Asherah's tail twitched. "I've just returned and I thought I should present myself promptly, but you should rest."
“You survived well, in my absence.” A faint hint of a smile appeared at the corner of her host's lips. So considerate, my kitten is. A hand reached up and rested atop Asherah's on her shoulder.
“You taught me well, Mistress.”
“I'm glad, Asherah. I would've been sad, had you been lost to me.” Tien reached out and tugged the aoide close, moving to embrace her; hoping to avoid the unseemly gesture of tumbling to the floor. That would certainly wake the Dragon, if nothing else did. Thankfully ever faithful Asherah had caught her, the aoide sliding her other arm around her host's waist.
She rested her head against Asherah's shoulder, murmuring. "There is more I would say and do, but now isn't the time. Soon enough though." She the catgirl a gentle squeeze. "You are right though; I should rest and so should you. Take my host's room in the aoide quarters for now."
"As you wish." Asherah helped Tien back into bed, disappearing from the Dragon's bedchamber as if she had never been there at all.
Once she was safely back in bed, Tien withdrew and nudged her host's consciousness back to the forefront; laughing quietly when the sleeping girl automatically sought to curl back into the Dragon's warmth.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:17 pm
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To See the Stars
Morgan meets Lucius.
Joint Roleplay 32
mistalina13 You picked a good time to loose your nerve, mine host.I know...For once Morgan wished Asherah was not so resourceful in finding out things. She stood facing the doorway to Lucius' chambers and a group of butterflies suddenly began flitting around in her stomach, making her quesy. "Great..." She muttered and bit her lip. Go ahead and knock, Morgan, you are not alone in this.Morgan swallowed hard and lifted a hand to knock.
Ivynian  The door was, in fact, cracked open to save on playing for hours with getting the handle open. Lucius considered the growing hate he had for doorhandles while he mounted the stairs from the below shop. He'd be better off just removing the handle and putting the thing on a swing hinge. It wasn't graceful, making his apartments like a public room or pub or some other such place. But it wasn't graceful to be seen trying to work a handle and cussing at it in the hall for twenty minutes at a time either. Well, hello there? There is someone outside my door again. You'd think I was back to my old prominence, so many visitors. I have no ******** clue who she is though. She's human....a host or potential host, perhaps. But why would she be at my door? Just knocking on every door in the hall? Meeting the neighbors? His mouth pulled sardonically. "I think you'll find that no one is home." He announced his presence as he paced down the hall.
mistalina13 It was a moment before he came up the hall that she noticed the door was actually open. "Odd...." How could she have missed such a thing? The nerdling sighed softly and bit her lip, maybe he wasn't here after all. "I think you'll find that no one is home."Morgan would've jumped out of her skin, if such a thing was possible. She hadn't even heard foosteps coming up the hall! Why didn't you warn me!? Even her mental voice sounded annoyed. Learn to be more observant... The Trickster giggled impishly and settled back to watch the show.Morgan looked over her shoulder, offering a brief smile before turning to face him. Skin like a muted night sky...and bound hands. "It's nice to finally meet you...Lucius..." Her tone was soft and gentle, if a little timid. The warm smile reappeared on her lips and she bowed politely. Even though he was bound, he was still magnificent. She couldn't help but be a little in awe. The WorldShield has good taste...
Ivynian "You know me, but I'm afraid I require the courtesy of an introduction from you." Host or potential host for certain. She didn't have the mannerisms of an Aoide, and mortals had neither reason nor knowledge to know his name anymore. He doubted that any follower of the other gods would be filled in regarding him either. Out of sight, out of mind.
mistalina13 "My name is Morgan, host to Tien, Commedia Dell'Arte. I wanted to meet you because your important to the one I love." She smiled still as the greeting was offered. But the grin turned impish as the Trickster greeted the bound god. "Greetings, Universe." The Trickster retreated back afterward, content to just listen for the moment.
Ivynian Because I'm what? That was hardly a thorough introduction. Why add that onto the end at all if you aren't going to explain any further? The title she gave didn't mean much to him at the moment, either, but name and the word host struck true enough. "Again, you have me at a disadvantage. Who exactly do you intimate? I am not important to many. "The fledging reborn in her had a familiar voice, something that rang in his memories like laughter and warm evenings spent with entertainment and coy plotting. Commedia....art of comedy? Something to do with that. Well, I've always been said to have a sense of humor, whether it was benignly said or no.
mistalina13 "My lover's name is Tian Yue...at least...it is now." Morgan's smile lessened a little. "He is Tien Lung, Worldshield." She bit down on her lower lip lightly to try and keep her focus away from her thoughts. Calm yourself and don't dwell on what can't be changed.After a moment or two her smile brightened again. "I only wish we could've met sooner." It wasn't the whole truth, but it would do.
Ivynian "Tian Yue? I see. Tien Lung and Shaiming of old. Well this would have had potential to be nasty in a previous life. He wasn't certain if his chest ached or not. Memory was there, all their times entwined as flickered light and scale, their games and puzzles. The solving of hearts riddles and betrothal to each other. The happy ceremony, Gaia had wrapped cord woven of AllColour about their wrists. His choker. And it was returned now, and they had spoken some, tiptoed around each other in an unfamiliar dance. What were they to each other now? But here was a mortal that was lover to him? "'It is now'?...Well, you have the problem of time on your hands, that is for certain, if you are a host. Enjoy him as you may, Morgan. Were you likewise attached to the boy that was his host? Crispin, I think it was?"
mistalina13 "I was...and still am in a way." It was shyly but willingly admitted. She missed the time when she did not have to share nearly as much, when there were no old memories to compete with. "I miss him." She blushed faintly and glanced away. "...and soon it will be my turn to disapear from his life." Morgan wrang her hands nervously. "After I am gone, do what you can to not let him fall into sorrow..." She sighed softly and her eyes closed. It was a bold request to make of Universe and she knew it, but she did not want Tian Yue to be alone.
Ivynian "Well aren't you bold, for mumbling to your hands. We've only just re-met in this life.""The Dragon Kings have each other, closer then any other kin among us supposedly, and beloved by Harmodius himself. He hardly has need of me. Besides" Lucius' rested a fist on his hip, jutted in contraposto. "As you said, that creature is Tian Yue. Shaiming was my lover, in days dead. We have no claims for each other, nor are responsible for each other."It was mostly just spite. Some human host begging strangeness of him that he hadn't even sorted out himself. Let alone they'd only just introduced themselves. How very like a mortal, to ask for something without previous acquaintance and just expect to be given it. That would be the sort that Tien Lung would pick up for his bed. Simpering. "So you sought me out to ask me to look over your ******** buddy when you die, because you were too foolish to steer clear of jewels and are now paying the price for it? That's hardly just wanting to meet me. Shall I move stars and nebula for your benefit as well, to commemorate our first encounter? Would you like comets to shower when you die? " This was hardly necessary. He could feel the brand hot in his blood. "Look, Morgan. Tell me why I should care? He is not my lover. We have spoken only barely in this life, and I certainly don't know a thing about you. Why do you come to me? Do you know why I am marked? I love Creation, not his dragon Worldshield. " His tone gentled, "I have paid for my love. Then and now....bound many times over. I don't ever want to love again, I think. I want to be free. "
mistalina13 Morgan did her best not to let his tone rile her. "I only ask because he speaks well of you." She snorted softly. "Besides, companionship might do you both some good." It might take the edge off your cynicism for one. A hand went to her hip, almost mimicking Lucius' pose. "Being marked doesn't change who you are." She kept her tone even and gentle. "Everyone who has loved has paid...Lucius. It's just when you find the right person, the cost seems worth it and it's no longer a binding...or a prison...its freedom." It was a very mortal view of things and part of her expected a biting backlash from Lucius for it.
Ivynian * Companionship do us both some good? Well, that doesn't speak very highly of you as a 'lover' if he needs companionship when he does already have you.* "Meaningless. You give me no rhetoric I haven't already heard.""If there is nothing else, Morgan? I wish you the best with the Dragon, as yourself and perhaps continuing if you become one with your god. And to your god, Trickery....well met. I look forward to sometime coordinating something wonderful with you in the future. I have always been a fan."Her words seemed less like argument and more like advice, as if he had asked for advice. Though he supposed to the self-important mortal mind any such invitation smacking of that sort of personal nature would be so construed. Pretentious girl, that she dared. To a diety. When she claimed to be lover to another. When she was a host! She should no better her place in the hierarchy of the World, but there she stood in mock stance as if she had wisdom more then her years about how he should carry himself through Life, Himself, and Everything. They would not be friends.
mistalina13 Morgan nodded politely. "As I am sure she would wish to cross paths with you again." She reached back to nudge his door open for him a little further before starting back down the hall toward Tian Yue's rooms. The Dragon was right, he was certainly handsome, but arrogant and cynical as hell. Perhaps with more time and friendships he'd learn otherwise.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:19 pm
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Bird of Bones
or a Gift from the Shadow.
Solo Roleplay 21
It was on the on the way back from her visit with Universe that Morgan, quite literally, stumbled over something on her way through the door into the aoide quarters. Thankfully she was able to catch herself somewhat, throwing her arms in front of her face before she collided with the floor, thereby saving her glasses and possibly her nose.
Whatever was in the object that had been left in the path of the door let out an awful noise as its residence was toppled over. "The hell was that?"
I don't know anymore than you do. Why not look? And while your at it learn to watch where your walking. Clearly, Tien wasn't amused at her host's sudden clumsiness.
Yeah, yeah. Morgan sighed and rolled over before pulling herself into a crouch. It was a small basket, draped with black fabric. That didn't make any sense at all. What would a basket be doing in the middle of the hall? She turned the basket upright, pondering the list of possible suspects. Couldn't have been an aoide, Toki and Asherah were both too tidy to even think to do this sort of thing; surely not Tian Yue either, if it had been the Dragon King he would've put it in a more sensible place.
Then who?
Chirp.
"Uh..." Had the basket just chirped?
In my experience, mine host, inanimate objects oftne don't make noise on there own. Perhaps something in the basket did.
Chirp! The noise seemed to be a little more insistent this time.
Clearly, whatever it is, wants attention of some sort.
"If you say so..." Morgan pulled back the black fabric and stared at the little creature inside. The creature, now quiet for the moment, stared back at her. "What the..."
Some manner of bird, I think.
Please, oh wise one, what manner of bird looks like that. It has wings on its head! Truth be told she wasn't sure if they were wings, only that they looked like they might be.
I don't know. But it chirps, has wings and seems to behave like a bird. So what else could it be?
Morgan reached into the basket, tentatively seeking to pet the bird-creature-thing. Whatever it was, seemed to enjoy the attention and chirped contentedly. Even going so far as to hop over a little to ask for more. It seemed that the trespass and flipping of its little home was forgiven.
Seems you've attracted another creature, mine host. Lets take it to our room then, so we aren't lingering in the hall.
"Yeah...last thing I need to do is get in Toki's way when he's of mind to clean something." She laughed softly, cradling the basket against her as she rose to her feet. The Rabbit was her friend, but she still though he should give himself a break once a while. He'd certainly more than earned it. What she hadn't noticed as she started toward the door to her room was a small scrap of paper tumbling to the floor.
Wait. You dropped something.
"Huh..." Morgan looked back over her shoulder. "...oh. Guess I did." She turned back and picked up the paper, unfolding it as she balanced the basket on her hip. The short note was written in black ink, in an elegant hand. She scanned it quickly and went to pocket it, hesitating a moment when Tien seemed thoughtful. "Someone you know?"
The Note May this remind of times past, and holidays long forgotten by all but we.
Weaver of Shadows
Melanctha. You’ve awakened, my old friend?
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:20 pm
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Daggers Crossed
Solo Roleplay 22
At the request of her Mistress Asherah had scrounged to find two good pairs of daggers and now they were finally being put to use. The how, however, the aoide had tried to protest against. Currently she was being used as a practice dueling opponent while neither was wearing any sort of armor. If an accident happened...what then? The Dragon King certainly wouldn't be too pleased if she damaged the girl, even if it wasn't intentional. In the end she eventually conceded and agreed to go along with it after her mistress had agreed to take responsibility.
The feline aoide snarled briefly, her muscled tensed. This girl had more strength than she would’ve thought. The dream teaching her Mistress had been doing must have helped some, she was doing passing well for someone who looked like they barely knew what end of a dagger to hold. For the moment though, the girl stood stock still her focus seemingly elsewhere.
Better...
Funny. Why am I bothering with this again?
Muscle memory. It takes time to build…you could be dead before your brain has a chance to tell your muscles what to do if you’re ambushed. The goddess sighed, her host didn't have to be lead by the nose at times. Despite the fact that she was naive, the girl was quite clever when she put her mind to work.
Asherah decided to use the girl's moment of distraction against her and moved to attack.
"Woah!" Morgan lifted a dagger just in time to parry one of the catgirl's. Apparently she had been paying more attention that the aoide thought. We’re in the pantheon. When would I get ambushed? Surely being the Worldshield's lover granted her some measure of small protection, even if she was a host. It certainly sounded that way, after how Ishum had treated her.
You’d be surprised, child. Tien’s tone was almost condescending, like a parent speaking to a disobedient child. Not all gods who dwell in the same halls are allies, not all aoide either...
I could’ve guessed that much. Sheesh. Morgan rolled her eyes and sidestepped, barely avoiding Asherah's next attack, aimed for her throat.
Use those dancer’s legs, girl. With that training you have no excuse to cut it so close. It’s clumsy!
She snorted and ducked to make a counter attack at the feline aoide’s side. It cut through the fabric of her shirt before the feline pushed it away.
“Better. I still do not like the fact the girl is not wearing armor.” Asherah wrinkled her nose as she glanced momentarily at the ripped shirt. "Nor, I, though I'm not sure I have anything to worry about with her aim like it is." She moved to strike the girl again as she spoke.
“But she does have my help.”
Morgan made a face as Tien spoke through her unbidden. It was still an awkward feeling. “You’re distracting more than helping.” She leaped back to avoid a slash at her midsection.
That’s no excuse. Tien punctuated the comment with a mental swat. Focus. I did not spend all that time teaching you to see you beaten by an aoide!
Geez. What’s got your panties in a wad today?
“This will be easier once you learn to move deliberately and less on instinct. Must we go through the forms again?” Asherah drew up into a defensive stance, her tail flicking back and forth in irritation.
“No…” Morgan paused to push her glasses up her nose.
I wish those weren’t necessary.
So do I, sometimes.
“Come at me this time, and mean it. Weak attacks are easily overpowered.” The feline kept her gaze on Morgan, still unmoving with the exception of her tail. "Odds are, if you have to fight it will be your life on the line."
Morgan rushed at the aoide, moving at first to strike at the aoide’s face and as she expected Asherah brought up knives to guard against the attack. She brought her other dagger around to strike at the feline’s side.
Finally, you’re getting the idea.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:21 pm
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In Dreams
Solo Roleplay 23
Morgan tossed and turned; caught in that fitful place between asleep and unable to wake up. As of late she and Tien were intruding on one another’s thoughts and dreams far more than the nerdling like. At times she was the observer, other times she experienced the memories first person. It was fascinating and unnerving at the same time...almost like she was becoming the Trickster herself. Things had gotten more real, death had become more tangible all of a sudden and it scared her.
She tugged at the edges of her cloak anxiously; he was late by upper world terms. Though, time didn't seem to hold as much meaning down here since most every resident was of the dead variety. Hands disappeared back beneath the cloak; it was all she could do to keep from pacing.
Silly man.
Finally she heard footsteps coming from just out of sight. Maybe, just maybe he wasn't going to stand her up! He did have a tendency to do that from time to time, unavoidable circumstances or something.
Her gaze rested on the path where into view.
Please...
The steps came to a halt still a good distance away from her, his gaunt figure barely visible in the thick fog, and there he remained - as if there was an invisible line drawn upon the ground which he could not cross.
Without making a sound he put a finger to his lips in a silent warning, his eyes flicking towards the huge black birds perching on the dead branches of a nearby tree with a meaningful look, and then he quietly motioned for her to follow him.
He never looked back to see if she really was behind him, despite the fact that the heavy mist stifled any sound that was made. He knew better than that… Bad idea, trying to look back, here in the borderlands.
Rules. His rules.
But for every rule there was a way to break them, bend them.. Or, at the very least, a workaround.
The path he followed seemed to be only visible to him - twisting and bending like a giant serpent, often taking unexpected turns - and it was hard to tell how much time had passed until they arrived at his cottage. An ugly, crooked little thing, that cottage, which - if you looked at it from the corner of your eyes - seemed to have been built from skulls and bones rather than stone.
Only then, when they'd arrived at the doorsteps, he finally turned to embrace her, his lips finding hers.
She shuddered and curled into a ball. This was a familiar dream…drawn from Tien’s memory rather than her own. Given the things she had seen about the Trickster this was quite the romantic moment...intimate enough to make her wish she could run from it. But it came unbidden time and time again each time more clear and complete.
She followed after without hesitation, always keeping her gaze forward because if he slipped from her sight she would be lost in this place. She kept her distance until they reached the cottage, the only place they could really hide anymore.
Her hood fell back when their lips touched. Short hair fell around her face, brushing the cheekbones of a finely crafted leather mask lightly as the remnants of an appearance changing spell flickered away.
"I was worried..." Just barely whispered, her words were for him alone.
She rested her head against his shoulder, her arms lacing around him. Sometimes she needed the reassurance, to make sure he was real; that her mind wasn't playing tricks on her.
"Ah but why should you be, sweet prankster?" His lips curved up before they sought hers again for another kiss. "There is barely anything left which has not been done to me yet for all those sins I have committed. That can be a good thing in a way - you ought to be more worried about yourself," he said jokingly, not entirely serious about it. After all his lover’s talent to wiggle her way out of even the most perilous situations was legendary - quite literally.
"Mmm...I always worry about you though. Almost as much as I missed you..." She lifted a hand to caress his cheek before it slid down coming to rest on his throat, her thumb running back and forth along his jaw lightly. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile, golden eyes glittering as she watched him.
Tien often wondered who this man was…now she was beginning to wonder as well. The Trickster obviously thought highly of him. It took a moment to connect the proverbial dots. Was he...no...it couldn't be..could it? The thought of the man nearly made her wake from gagging from the memory.
"You worried about me more than you missed me?" He rose a brow, and there was a dangerous glint to his dark, almost black eyes as his smile broadened to a daring grin. "And how much do you love me, fair trickster?" Perhaps not at all.. He was well aware of that, the feelings of a goddess could not be fathomed by the ways of a mortal. Even though, as he proudly had to admit to himself, he had come as damn close to immortality as it was possible - and had paid tenthousandfold for that sacrilege; was still paying for it, in fact.
Do not think of that.
Slowly, playfully, his hands rose to find the strings at the back of her head which held the mask in place.
The only thing that was never clear in any memory…was the Trickster’s face. Did she not remember it anymore…?
More than life itself.
"I'll leave you to puzzle that out." She teased lightly, staying still as he went to remove her mask. Something she allowed no one else to do. A playful smile still graced her lips.
Whoever he was, did she ever tell him that she loved him?
(( Used a prefading RP, anything in #99BBDD is Thablet. ))
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:22 pm
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Gift of a Heart
A mysterious gift...
Solo Roleplay 24
Morgan groaned and rolled over in bed. The Trickster was doing her best to wake her host for another day of training but it seemed the girl did not wish to rise yet. Was she that easily exhausted? That certainly couldn’t be the case…the Goddess knew that her host indulged in things far more energy consuming than training before both before and after coming to the Pantheon.
I’ve been awake on and off all night…'cause of you! Let me sleep! Clearly the nerdling wasn't pleased, her mental voice holding the tone that a feline poked away might have if it could speak.
How so?
Your memories…got tangled into my dreams again. A sigh and her host buried her face in her pillow again.
It’s getting clearer now…but there are still holes.For a moment Trickery seemed to have forgotten her host's disinterest in rising.
Tien?
Hn?
Who is he?
Only silence answered her host and she withdrew slowly, to ponder things. Who was he? Who was the one who made my heart race like that...? Why don’t I remember his face?
Morgan grudgingly sat up when the Trickster retreated and groped blindly for her glasses on the side of the desk nearest her bed. Her fingertips found something, it was rather thin and fragile...certainly not the glasses she had been intending to find.
“What the…?”
She lifted the object, feeling the brush of a thin metal chain against her hand. A necklace? Where did this come from? The nerdling brought it closer to examine it. It was a delicate heart pendant on a silver chain.
Did you know this was here?
What was…where? Tien borrowed her host’s eyes for a moment, silently cursing the slightly muddy vision. Maybe it’s a gift from your Dragon, perhaps?
Maybe…
Something flickered in Tien’s memory, vanishing before she could grab it. She tried to dismiss it, but something unseen tugged at her. The Trickster retreated again. Asherah will be coming soon, expecting to find you awake and ready for training.
A gentle knock came from the door. “Mistress, Lady Morgan….are you awake?”
Morgan sighed and sat up. “Come in….Asherah.” She answered the aoide mid-yawn, blinking owlishly.
The door opened and the black cat slipped in, soundlessly closing the door behind her. “I trust this morning finds you well.” Asherah offered a soft smile and her gaze slipped to the necklace, still dangling from Morgan’s hand. “A gift?”
“Hn...? Oh yeah….I think so anyway.” Morgan looked up at the necklace again, only then realizing her glasses were still missing. “Do you see my glasses anywhere, Asherah; I can’t seem to find them…”
The aoide looked around and spotted the glasses on the far side her desk, half buried in papers. “Here they are, Lady Morgan.” She plucked them off the desk and offered them to the girl, handling them delicately so her claws didn't scratch the lenses.
“Thank you…..Asherah." Morgan slid her glasses up the bridge of her nose. Much better! "So what’s on the agenda for today….or should I bother asking?”
“More training, or supposed to be.” The aoide purred softly and her ears twitched. “Someone comes this way. It sounds like your Dragon. You may yet be saved from me for today.”
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:24 pm
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Not Serious Business - Part I
One last game...
Joint Roleplay 33
Sosiqui  Tian Yue hummed to himself under his breath as he searched around under his bed, his tail waggling comically; if anyone had been in the room to see the dragon tail protruding out from beneath the dangling bedcovers, they would have been hard pressed to realize that the being currently rooting among dustbunnies and boxes was really the Dragon King Tien Lung.
Aha! "Ow!" Tian Yue winced as he banged his head on the underside of the bed, but he had his prize - his bag of dice and character sheets. They'd been shoved under here at some point. He wasn't exactly sure when...
Probably when I decided being a god meant I had to be Serious. He made a face and squirmed out from under the bed, brushing the dust away from his clothes. He was still wearing robes, but these were much simpler than his elaborate court hanfu. But enough of that. More than enough of that.
Tian Yue gathered up the dice and papers, then headed for Morgan's room. He tapped on the door, hoping she was in - her time wasn't entirely her own after all, not anymore. "Morgan? Are you in, love?" He grinned, wondering what she'd think about what he'd brought. It had been quite a while.
mistalina13 More than one voice could be heard from the opposite side of the door. A moment or two later the door to Morgan's room opened and Asherah slipped out and bowed politely to Tian Yue before disappearing out the door to the pantheon corridor. "Come in, love." The voice he heard through the open door was Morgan's. She got up from her desk chair and stepped into the light of the doorway. "Greetings, Worldshield."She took a half step back and motioned for him to come in.
Sosiqui Tian Yue nodded to Asherah as she passed him, still faintly startled by the other Aoide's similarity to Nebula - but that was another thought to stomp on. Wherever Nebula had gone, her welfare was no longer his business, and it did him no good to worry.
Fortunately, Morgan was a very good distraction. "Good morning - and to you as well, Tien," he added, walking over to the desk and putting the papers down there. "Both still doing well, I hope?"
mistalina13 "Mhm." Morgan closed the door and followed him back into the room, embracing him after he dropped the papers onto the desk. "Mmm...I missed you." She nuzzled against his shoulder. What did he bring with him?Hm? She pulled away from the Dragon slightly and looked back over your shoulder. "Character sheets...and your dice." A little smile. "Did you want to play?"
Sosiqui "No, I thought we'd do a bit of origami." Tian Yue grinned, then reached out and ruffled her hair lightly. "Of course! We haven't gamed for a while, and well... there's more important things than trying to manage what can't be managed, and fret over things that worrying won't fix." He made a self-depreciating face. "Help me remember?" he added, impish. The Dragon was definitely in a playful mood. "Tien, if you'd like to play, I would love to have you join the game. It's a simple diversion, but fun, and you might enjoy it."
mistalina13 "Sure." Morgan reached up and stroked his cheek. "She'll probably take you up on that, she's been asking enough about it." She laughed a little. "I'll join you.""It's settled then, where did you want to play?" She smiled softly.
Sosiqui "How about the living room? It's a bit more spacious, and we can use the table... and I can make Toki attend us. Remember that one time when he went to get us drinks, and he didn't come back for hours." Tian Yue laughed, but there was a soft warmth to his smile and a flush of pink in his cheeks. That had been the day they'd first kissed. Fallen in love. So many things.
mistalina13 "Yes, I remember." Morgan blushed too. It was a treasured memory for her. "I'll get my notes and we'll be ready to go." She gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Could you go get the table and chairs arranged, love?" As she looked up into the Dragon's eyes she felt a wave of sadness, maybe even with a hint of guilt, though it was not her feeling. I am sorry, for what's been done.I appreciate it, though nothing can be changed now. She smiled up at Tian Yue again, more reassurance for herself that she was alright then for him.
Sosiqui "Oh, sure thing." Tian Yue gathered the gaming supplies back up and, giving Morgan a grin, scurried back to his own chambers. He deposited the papers on the coffee table and tugged an armchair over so that it faced the couch on the other side of the table. Perfect.
He had needed this, he realized. Finding Beryl's gentle advice was an excellent tonic for his divine self, but his still-human nature needed more than just ambrosia. Forget high and mighty notions of divinity. If I can't remember things like this... He shook his head. Then I won't be me anymore. Whatever me I have become.
mistalina13 The Trickster's presence felt closer then it had ever been. The shadow the goddess had been in her dreams had recently flooded with color offering a muddled hint of her appearance. More of her memories had resurfaced as well, though not quite complete. He's waiting for you...remember?Ah...yeah. Morgan shook her head and grabbed a shoulder strap of her backpack, slinging it someone ungracefully over her shoulder. "Now where are...oh yeah." She pulled open a desk drawer and rummaged around for a moment before pulling out a large dice bag. That's everything...isn't it?Yeah.She left her room, pulling the door shut behind her, and headed to the common room where Tian Yue waited for her. "So, did you want the chair or the couch, Love?"
Sosiqui "Oh, either is fine with me... hmmm." Tian Yue was shuffling through the character sheets, brow furrowed in thought. Then he looked sheepishly up at Morgan. "I don't know if this is telling or not, but... I'd rather play the character Shaiming rolled. Ting, that human mage... is that strange?" He gave her a wry smile.
mistalina13 "No...it's not strange at all." Morgan smiled and slid the strap of her backpack off her shoulder, leaning over to set it down on the floor. A slight, almost dizzy, sensation caught up with her when she righted herself and she nearly stumbled as she went to put the tackle box down. Must've gotten up too fast.
Sosiqui "Funny how things work..." He missed seeing Morgan totter, so absorbed was he in reading over Ting's character sheet. "What about Tien? A rogue as well, I assume?"
Tian Yue smiled, amused at the thought. Tien was curious too. Maybe Gianfar would like it - it was so full of rules and lore and bestiaries and all manner of minutiae that Knowledge might well be fascinated by the game. Perhaps... perhaps they could even get up a little gaming group! In the Pantheon....? Well, it might ease tensions to be allowed to smite pretend mortals instead of being tempted to go for the real thing...
Surely everyone couldn't be serious every minute. There had to be some room for just being.
mistalina13 "Perhaps...but, that's like being myself..."Morgan settled herself on the couch and began shuffling through papers, trying to convince herself that the dizzy sensation she felt a moment ago was nothing. "Try something different then?" She pulled out her own character sheets as well as a blank one. Once the characters were decided she would choose a campaign. "Hn...what would you recommend, Dragon?"
Sosiqui "Hmm... I understand what you mean. I- er, Shaiming - came up with the character I'm going to use. A human, something different for him." Tian Yue's smile was a little bit sad for just a moment, remembering. He would have loved this. "I'm not really sure why he picked a mage, but... well, there are lots of choices. I guess it's a chance to behave like something different from what you really are..."
Maybe that's her job, though. Trickery. Maybe she does that all the time... He wasn't sure. "How about you, Morgan? Are you going to GM today?"
Oh, stars, she's got the goddess of Trickery in her head.
We're all going to die of horrible, horrible traps.
mistalina13 "Perhaps a bard, but I'll think about it."I can if you wish, Love, unless you would like to try your hand at it?" Morgan smiled softly and rolled her eyes as Tien rummaged around in her memories for descriptions of the classes. Shall I get the book for you, to make it easier?That would be most helpful.She giggled and pulled out the Player's Guide. "It seems she can't make up her mind."
Sosiqui "I'll leave it to you - you have a sneakier mind, and with Tien's help... I fear for Ting's life, I really do." Tian Yue grinned, impishly. "Then again, Tien will be on my team..."
mistalina13 "Alright then...." Morgan giggled. "...though you do not know if she will be help or hindrance." "A Bard, I think."A small dizzy sensation came over the nerdling and she snapped the player's guide shut. "It's settled then. Now to find a suitable game." She closed her eyes, shaking her head gently in the hopes of ridding herself of the dizziness.
Sosiqui Tian Yue noticed that time; he tilted his head at her, curious. "Are you okay? Need some coffee or something?"
"A bard, huh. Bard and a wizard... let's hope we don't have to come down to a muscle vs. muscle fight, or we'll be doomed! Still, wits will out... with any luck..." He picked up his dice bag and opened it, peering inside at the polyhedrons within. "Behave, you lot."
mistalina13 "I'm alright..." Morgan nodded and adjusted her glasses. "I think I have a game that will work...." She smiled softly. "Bards have ways to protect themselves...and others. More than you might realize." "Asking dice to behave? You might as well try to collar Chance herself." An impish playful laugh came from Morgan's lips, but it was definitely not her own.Unlike before Morgan did not seem startled when Tien spoke or did things through her. She simply smiled again. "How does an escort mission sound?"
Sosiqui "Oh, you'd be surprised, my Lady Trickster - with all the importance and superstition surrounding dice, I wouldn't be at all shocked to find that we have a God of the d20 somewhere in our Pantheon." He grinned and tipped his dice out of the bag, into his hand. "An escort mission would be fine, provided the person we're escorting isn't some insipid creature who can't take care of herself..." Tian Yue made a face. "I had enough of that with video games back on Earth, thank you."
mistalina13 "I learned a little of it from Morgan..."It was Morgan who laughed this time. "I assure you, it's not." She retrieved her own dice pouch from the backpack and emptied them carefully onto the table, peering at the numbers that came up. "They are angry with me...I think." The nerdling wrinkled her nose. "Oh yes, are we playing this round with miniatures or just maps?"
Sosiqui "Angry dice, hmm? That could be good for us... but if Tien's using your dice, hmm. I wonder if they'll know who is who?" Tian Yue peered curiously at the dice. He didn't quite remember if Crispin's dice had seemed different when he was rolling for both himself and Shaiming.
For that matter, would they 'know' that he was a different person now? Sort of?
"Hmm... maybe just maps. Less complicated for the newbie." He grinned at Morgan, though the sly look was solely for Tien.
mistalina13 "True." Morgan smiled softly and reached down to push her miniatures tackle box out of the way. "Take a couple of minutes to look over your sheet and pick which spells you would like to prepare; I have to help Tien get her character sheet filled in, alright?" She picked four three of the d6's and let them fall onto the table. The dice were slightly kinder to Trickery, but the rolls didn't come out great. The nerdling sighed softly and scribbled the numbers down on paper.
Sosiqui Tian Yue made a face at the dice rolls; not quite as good as they could be, not for his future companion-in-arms. He forced himself to look at his character sheet, not at the dice, and after a moment began marking with his pencil to remind himself what spells he had chosen for that 'day'.
"Okay," he said when he was finished. "I'm ready, I think." He held up the character sheet so that Morgan could see as well. "How fares the bard?"
mistalina13 "Not much use for heavy labor...but good at what she does." Morgan nodded and tried not to frown at the sheet. Angry...angry dice. "Strength...11....Dexterity....13....Constitution....13.... Intelligence....14....Wisdom....15....Charisma...16." She glanced over Tian Yue's sheet as well and nodded. "Looks fine to me..." Not everyone can be perfect...even in games...I know...She set the character sheet for Tien's bard on the table and picked up her notes. "Time to begin."
Sosiqui Tian Yue nodded, retrieving his character sheet and pouring the rest of dice out of his hand and onto the table with a soft clatter. "So where are we adventuring today, oh Master of Games?" He grinned. It really had been too long since they'd last done this.
mistalina13 "Since your last mission to retrieve the pendant, you've attained a sort of fame among the magical community. The pendant you retrieved was an ancient relic, containing powerful spells that wizards of this age have only read about." Morgan paused for a moment, glancing down at her notes again. "But it seems this pendant also contained a great evil, that is now loose in the world. This time, it is your job to escort the High Sorceress as she travels to the source of the evil now contained the Wizarding Acadmedy's walls, to destroy it." Hn...why a bard and a mage for that job."You two were chosen for this mission because you blend in with her traveling entourage. Any other questions?"
Sosiqui "Pendants. It's always pendants, honestly." Tian Yue grinned. "Someday, someone should write in a mystical toe ring or something... anyway. What kind of terrain are we covering? What's the details of the mission?"
mistalina13 "The terrain is mostly what you would expect: very hilly, with roads and forests dotting it. Though, the school itself is actually in a peculiar place. It's on an island in the middle of a large lake. So, time on a ship will be required to reach it." Morgan glanced down at her notes before picking up the dice to roll again, cringing a little at the result. "According to the seer traveling with you, there will stormy weather a fair portion of your journey. Good for the crops, not so good for you as you will not be able to make so much progress on those days." Tien listened attentively, doing her best not to snoop through her host's thoughts for clues about the game.
Sosiqui "Duly noted. Okay... let's get going, then. Dare I assume our employer has provided adequate supplies, in the interest of brevity? If not, let's take care of that first... if so... then let us proceed, hm." Tian Yue peered at the character sheet. Maybe playing Ting wasn't the wisest course of action, tactically speaking, but he'd made his choice and it would have to do.
mistalina13 "Basic supplies and mounts are provided. However, any special supplies you need, like material spell components, are not provided for you. Most are easily required on your way out of town, bear in mind if this mission lasts too long and you run out of components you cannot use some of your spells." Morgan skimmed her notes. Rarely, most simply use your voice or your instrument.No, just your voice and your instrument.Very well then."There are other hirelings, mercenaries, among the entourage as well. So you are not alone in this mission, however they do not know all of the details. They are clothed as servants. Keep an eye on them, in case one double crosses." She rolled the dice onto the table again, glancing at the numbers. "After a couple of hours, the caravan is ready to leave..."
Sosiqui "Okay, let's get this show on the road, then." Tian Yue picked up his d20 and rolled it absently around in one hand. "Ting takes a position near the front of the caravan - not in the very very front of course, let's put some people with swords between the mage and anyone looking to stick sharp objects in him - but enough so that he can watch the road ahead and keep a subtle eye on said people with swords."
mistalina13 "Karin takes a position near the High Sorceress, strumming her lute idly as she rides."Morgan suddenly felt distant and dizzy as Tien spoke. The feeling only came closer, crashing over her like a wave hitting shore as she came back to awareness. The nerdling closed her eyes and took a deep breath, in attempt to steady herself before reaching for the dice again. Her hand shook as she dropped the dice on the table. They all came up ones. Uh oh.
Sosiqui Tian Yue winced. "Ouch... I don't think I've ever seen a roll that bad bef- Morgan!" He jumped up and darted to her side of the table, then knelt next to her chair. "Love, you're shaking..." He reached up and cupped her trembling hand in his. "What's wrong?!"
mistalina13 It's time, little Morgan."Dizzy...and sick." Morgan squeezed his hand. "Tien says it's time. I'm scared." Her voice was quiet and uneasy. "I need to lay down...help me to the couch?" She let go of his hand and forced herself to her feet and managed a few uneasy steps before collapsing on the floor.
Sosiqui "Tien says- time..." Tian Yue's voice trailed off, and he made a small, distressed sound as she staggered away from him only to collapse on the floor. "Morgan! Oh, love..."
He lifted her up gently - much easier to do now, as the Dragon King, than it had been for Crispin - and carried her in to his bedroom. If the changes for her would be anything like his own had been... the couch might be insufficient, and she might fall off. The bed would be better. He thought all of this distantly, as if it was someone else entirely who was here, carrying Morgan, thinking clinically about how best to care for her as she...
Died?
No. Tian Yue laid her carefully down on the bed, then knelt at the side, reached up one hand to brush her hair away from her face. For a long moment he remained there, silent, watching her breathe, memorizing the soft shape of her features.
He'd known this was coming for months now. Why was it so hard? But if it had been easy...
Then I wouldn't be... me. I wouldn't be the Tien Lung that Shaiming wanted me to be.
He took a deep, shuddering breath, then reached up and took one limp hand in his, squeezing tightly. "I love you," he said, quietly.
Then Tian Yue made himself let go, made himself go and sit on a chair, though he couldn't quite bring himself to leave the room entirely. Only then, when he was seated, did he let himself cry.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:25 pm
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To Finally Blend - Part I
A beginning of and end...
Solo Roleplay 25
So dizzy.
The sensation of falling, impacting on cold stone; Morgan felt weak and still dizzy. She forced herself to sit up and look around. She had come here once before…when she first met Tien…when the Trickster tested her. Did that mean that it was over?
It is an end and a beginning.
I’m dying?
Loosing your sense of reality already? Best not do that so soon…
AM NOT. Morgan forced herself to her feet and the light rose in the room. It was the end of the tunnel…the last test. Was it time to continue then? She looked up toward the roof. There was the trap door, with the key in the lock.
Come to me…Morgan.
She carefully made her way up the ladder and reached up with a shaking hand to turn the key in the lock. Once it clicked she forced the trap door up, causing it to flip open, impacting on the floor of the room above with a loud slam.
Morgan winced at the echo and climbed up into the room. Torches blazed alight as soon as her hands touched the floor on the edges of the trap door. It was a large open room, with long tables scattered about, several hallways leading off and double doors, presumably leading to outside. Parts of the room were unclear or heavily cloaked in shadow as if this place was created from a half remembered dream…or an unclear memory.
What is this place?
“Come outside, and I’ll tell you.”
The Trickster’s voice came from the half open double doors. Morgan took a deep breath and carefully made her way to the doors, pushing one open wider so she could make her way out. The doors opened into a large courtyard, framed by various overhangs, tents and other manners of shelter. It looked like some sort of gathering…or…
...or a den of thieves?
Morgan jumped. Tien had finished her thought. A figure moved in the shadows across the courtyard, taking a moment before stepping into the light. She stared openly, eyes wide in awe. It wasn't until a smirk crossed the figure's lips that she realized that it was Tien, only far clearer then she had ever seen the Trickster.
“This was the gathering place…my home.”
“You mean…like a temple?”
“Not really, I needed no proper temple, my art is practiced everywhere. I offered my followers a place to sleep…and other necessities…under a guise of course.”
“Then what was that…you put me through?”
“The Gauntlet…though in reality…it was never quite like that. It was meant to test those loyal to me…before they were brought in my fold. Your imagination twisted the Gauntlet far beyond how it ever was…” There was a hint of approval in her voice. She appreciated her host's creative mind. The girl might have grown into something a bit like herself, had her thread of life not been about to cut short.
Morgan ground her teeth, clearly having missed the unvoiced compliment. “Am I just a sacrificial sheep in the fold then?”
“No, you are far more important…the vessel of my rebirth…though, I did not know you when the pieces of my soul in that jewel called out to you…” She vanished suddenly and appeared before her host.
The Trickster stood at least a head above the nerdling. Her long hair pulled up into a messy bun, it was dark in color like Morgan’s own with streaks of tiger’s eye orange leaked in. Tien was clad in silk and leather, similar to Asherah’s chosen fashion, but a simple mask covered her face and green-golden eyes staring down at her. A ghost image of fae wings sprouting from her back made her all the more imposing.
This was Tien, Trickery incarnate.
The Commedia Dell'Arte.
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:26 pm
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To Finally Blend - Part II
A duel not for the ages...
Solo Roleplay 26
The Trickster’s hand touched Morgan’s cheek, cupping it gently. Her tone not unlike one a mother might use with her child. “I will never forget what you did for me. No matter the outcome, you'll continue on in some form or another..." It wasn't a lie, even if the girl didn't win there was much in her the Trickster would keep for her own and temper. "...and he'll never want for anything, that much I can assure you." She grinned playfully.
“Outcome of what?” Morgan lifted her hand to rest it atop the Trickster’s, only to have her hand go through it. Her gaze turned away from the goddess, her cheeks turning pink part from embarrassment, and part from mention of Tian Yue. Part of her was frightened, wishing this was only a dream.
“Our blending…” Always wondering 'what if'...mortal flaw I suppose.
Her gaze flicked back up to meet Tien’s. The Trickster’s playful expression had disappeared, leaving behind something more passive and cold. Morgan frowned slightly. It seemed Trickery, like most things, had two sides; playful and gentle on one, cold and vengeful on the reverse. From what she had seen, Tien embraced the playful side more often. Perhaps her counterpart was the reverse?
“One last test remains…” Tien drew back from her host and slid a pair of daggers from sheathes at her hip, offering one to Morgan. “Duel me.”
“What?!”
You heard me. The Trickster pressed the dagger into the girl's hand.
Morgan looked from the Trickster to the dagger. She seemed serious, a little too serious and it only made her more frightened. “Is this a game?”
“Yes and no, dear one.” Tien purred. “It is a test of your strength and your will to live. Beat me and I will allow you to take my place and continue to survive.” A small tugged at the edge of her lips as she brought the dagger up and brushed the tip of it against Morgan’s cheek gently. “You are growing weaker, except the terms or surrender, the clock is ticking.”
Her gaze followed the dagger as it brushed against her cheek. “I’ll do it.” It’s not as if I have a choice. The nerdling bit her lip slightly, waiting.
“You do, actually, but I did not pick a host who would simply lie down and die.” She smiled, more than satisfied. “Let’s begin…” The Trickster backed away. “I’ll let you have the first strike.”
..
It wasn’t an even contest but Morgan was not willing to give up, even in the state she was in. The nerdling was unsteady on her feet, vision gradually growing fuzzier. She attempted a slash at Tien’s side, catching mostly cloth but earning a snarl from the Trickster as she pushed her away.
The snarl disappeared when Morgan crashed onto her behind. “It’s a shame we could not do this sooner…little Morgan.” She twirled the dagger in her hand. “It will be over soon.”
For you, maybe.
Morgan spotted an opening, due to the Trickster’s idleness and decided to take advantage. She got to her feet, her hands shaking from a mix of adrenaline and fear. What if this didn’t work?
Tien smiled seeing her host regain her footing. Even if she had questioned her choice of host in the beginning she questioned it no longer. Morgan was stronger than she expected, both physically and mentally.
The nerdling closed the space between them. “You’re good.”
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Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 10:27 pm
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To Finally Blend - Part III
One last trick...
Solo Roleplay 26
“Of course.” Tien did nothing to hide the arrogant tone of her words, as it was simply the truth. Were she not as skilled in combat, and escape, she likely would not have survived so long during her first life. She had gotten in her fair share of trouble with mortals and immortals alike after all. Her grin widened and for just a moment she seemed to hesitate.
It was in Tien’s moment of hesitation that Morgan struck, driving the dagger into Trickery's stomach, pushing it up toward where her heart would be. “Was your arrogance what caused you to fade?” The question was whispered as Morgan twisted the dagger. Only to pull it free a moment later, the weapon clattering on the stone floor when it fell from her hand as she watched Trickery crumble to the ground before her. "Guess it means I've won then..." Her voice sounded numb and lost, it was only then she realized just how much her hands were trembling.
“Indeed…you deserve to survive…come here, child.” The Trickster beckoned for Morgan to kneel beside her. “Remove my mask, please.”
Morgan leaned close and carefully removed the mask, tossing it aside. She was astonished to find Tien did not look that much different from herself. Roughly the same features, albeit a bit aged, eyes alight with mischief even now. Perhaps the Trickster mimicked her host because she, even on the verge of death, did not remember her own face?
I chose to look like this because despite what you may think, you are beautiful. True words, untainted by any trace of condescension. The girl's self confidence was another thing on the list to temper.
Tien beckoned Morgan closer, smiling softly when her host obeyed so readily. The girl was so gullible sometimes. She lifted her head to press a soft kiss to the girl's cheek; a farewell of sorts, even though she wasn't going anywhere, not really. “There's just one more thing....”
Morgan failed to notice the blade still clutched in Tien's hand at her side. The goddess' grip tightened on the handle and she lifted it slowly, bringing it behind her host. The girl was too distracted to notice, not realizing what was happening until it was too late and the blade was buried in her back.
The nerdling let out a gasp, her eyes going wide as the pieces came together. “You...you tricked me…” She sputtered out the words, sounding almost as if she didn't believe it, even after what had just happened. The light began to fade from her eyes as she fell against the goddess, head coming to rest on her shoulder.
“Forgotten who I am already? What a silly girl you are, Morgan."
The Trickster stroked her dying host’s hair until she fell into the darkness herself. Given the circumstances even she didn't know what the outcome would be for certain, only that the girl would be mostly gone. Thankfully she felt nothing of the changes her former host's body went through to accommodate her.
Slowly the world around them both flickered and faded into shadow, creeping in toward host and goddess, eventually consuming them both. No way to undo what had been done now.
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