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 Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 7:18 pm
[?]
"If you wish to leave them here then it will return with you to retrieve them, it would not wish for your efforts to be in vain." Echo rested a hand briefly on his as he raised it, both in thanks and promise, and then hid both of the delicate fists once more within the magicked cloak. Such a fortunate piece of cloth, one she would have surely perished without long ago, a fine gift from those she had once served the Great Spirit with. Though it pained her to accept it, being what she was also making her undeserving of the blessings of gifts, it had been freely offered and insisted upon.
"Thank you, Jarek." She said simply, stepping out into the sun and protected by her cloak, and made her own way slowly back to the others. Though her pace was even it was only so through determination and will. In the market place she had felt the hunger surge in the face of blood now, in the face of death, it remained and she knew that it would not be denied tonight. Sooner or later she would have to find something, prove once again the vile nature of her being to those around her, and either remain with them or become exiled for it - whichever they decided. Clouded with those thoughts she stopped short of the wounded kistune but gestured Jarek forward, "His breath will destroy it, but you will be cleansed along with your wounds if you have the strength to stand it."
Yes, she was quite aware of how easily that dragon could destroy her.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 7:40 pm
[-?-]
"You are most welcome priestess and I thank you for your offer."
He had followed diligently behind Echo after nodding at her wishes and exchanging words. Jarek would not deny her that and the tools he had been working on could surely come in use later. However... as they stepped up to the kitsune, Echo's words brought confusion to his brows. They very nearly stopped him dead in his tracks, as did the other words hinted at before...
Jarek felt as if he was left in the dark in regards to some big secret. The furrow marring his brow deepened as he stopped his pace entirely and turned back towards the priestess, though his presence alone included any who might tell him, "Wait, why is this so priestess? This is something I do not know and can not guess at. I would like to know if you wish to tell me... why the sun burns or this dragon's breath destroys?" He did not want to seem confrontational at all, as he tried to keep his tone curious, polite, strong and even. Only earnest inquisitiveness and an intent to be helpful.
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Hillbilly Hikari Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:01 pm
[-?-]
Aranhil walked quietly behind the priestess and the swordsman. Not intentionally eavesdropping, he was just close enough to listen. Jarek's question stopped him in his tracks; did he truly not know. The elf had nothing again the priestess,in fact would protect her to his death should the need arise. But he was no fool, he knew the beat that she hid within. She carried a heavy burden, one he was not so sure he could carry himself.
"It is because she is Agaryulnaer*," he said aloud, now close enough to officially join the pair, "Vampire."
The sound of the wind whispering through the trees filled the thoughtful silence that followed. His own locks rushed by his face in the breeze shading his eyes auburn strands. Aranhil only smiled at the priestess,"But a lovely one who's pure heart shines bright."
*blood-sucker
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:41 pm
[?]
While the others offered their introductions, gathered themselves, and generally busied themselves with non-life threatening tasks it felt as if Sekkusu was fading before the Ranger's eyes. A low moan sounded from near her and she could tell it was the Bear without looking, an empathic link between the two of them eliciting a sympathetic cry from him - while her heart broke his did too, and he couldn't understand why. She couldn't understand why!
Since she was old enough to ride she'd been gone into the forest, whisked away by a fear of being tied down to anything or anyone, and here there was a creature that had captured not only her attention, but her heart as well, seemingly. That moment in the marketplace had devastated her in more ways than one and she couldn't place it.. she just knew that she couldn't lose Sekkusu again.
Again? She almost recoiled at the thought, wary of where it had come from. Rayn had never met Sekkusu before... had she? No, she was sure that she hadn't. Not ever. And yet, instead of simply supporting the Fox she found herself offering gentle comfort, holding her hand and stroking her soft, dark brow with her thumb while they waited the healing magic.
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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:51 pm
Wullf had watched as the others gathered about at the news that Pearl could assist them with the wounded. Wullf's eyes never left Rayn though as she held the wounded Kitsune with more emotion then she had shown since they had meet, and Wullf half speculated maybe in a long time for the ranger. It was moments like this that one saw the true nature behind a person, even someone who guards their heart like a dragon guards its horde. Hearing the rangers words Wullf smiled and so did Pearl, but it was the dragon who answered first.
"I would not dream of asking neither you to move the young woman nor you to move from her. Once everyone is here I can begin right where you are."
That would have been the case except for the sudden revelation that suddenly sweeps over the group. Not a revelation really because that was considering that Jarek knew what a vampire was. If he had never come across one, in life or in lore, then why would he know what they were. For not had a moment gone by when all the group had assembled that the swordsman inquired as to why the priestess would not accept Pearl's healing abilities. Wullf had thought to pull the man aside and explain it in more quiet tones to save the priestess some face but Aranhil apparently had other ideas to the contrary.
A silence filled the group that was not comfortable in the slightest. Wullf could only imagine what was running through the poor priestess's mind at that moment. She seemed to have tried so hard to hide her true self and yet now it was out for all to hear. She was a vampire, an unnatural creature, one who prolonged their immortal life only by taking it from another. Yet this woman did not come off as someone who could have done such a thing to anyone. The thought of her harming the smallest of animals seemed hard to swallow much less accept, but she was also a priestess who still held power through the spirits to help and heal those around her. Wullf understood the spirits as well as a Priest would with part of his heritage being that of a silver dragon, and his sword relying on spiritual energy for its strength. He knew that the spirits worked in mysterious ways and only for a greater good. If this woman had her powers still then her heart, no matter its lack of beating, was still pure and filled with love for all things. Wullf watched and waited to see how others would react, and made a mental promise to defend the priestess should any take arms against her. This brought a chuckle to his muzzle as he thought of how Ronyo would think of the situation. A werewolf defending a vampire, now the world had truly gone crazy.
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Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:13 am
_________[?]
Echo stilled at the name and, in the ensuing silence, closed her eyes against it. No matter the kind words that followed it, or the growing sense she would find little to no revulsion from any in this gathering, it was a simple reminder to her that brought that night back to her memory. So she closed her eyes against that as well, remained still, and ushered only a single shaking breath before replying quietly, "Yes. A blood-sucker."
Indeed. It was shame she bore, not self-pity. Revulsion and disgust for what she'd become. And now it had been said aloud she once again felt the growing desire to flee come over her, to disappear and become Echo once more, not a Vampire. But it was something she could not escape, even if she tried.
With an oddly cold note, one directed at herself for the casual admittance, she confirmed the elf's words with more clarity. "The kiss of the sun burns and the touch of the Great Spirit punishes because it is no longer a creature the Great Spirit condones to life. It is unlife. It must feed off the lives of others so that it can continue to exist, and it must do so for the designs of the Great Spirit that it still serves." And that really was her only reasoning. For whatever reason the Great Spirit had seen fit to leave her with her will and her magic, it was so and, as a result, she would not rob the Spirit of its plans for her.
Uncomfortable both with the silence and attention she raised her sleight arms and folded them over her chest, a protective gesture, and waited for the topic to move past where it had been brought to.
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Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 1:16 pm
[-?-]
Understanding and sympathy hit Jarek at the explanation. Echo sounded no different than everyone else. Everyone took life to sustain their own, whether it was a plant or a creature. To Jarek's ears, he way the others had said it sounded as if they were making excuses for something horrible. Admittedly it was saddening in the way it sounded... as if something had been taken away from her unjustly. Jarek only guessed, but not far off the mark, that Echo's own beast dwarfs his own and he could not help but wish the scales were changed so she needn't shoulder such a heavy burden. It only changed his inquisitiveness to reservation and a pensive air of support. Even if the spirits did or did not still have plans for the priestess, Jarek would continue to support her. It just may be for a time longer than he had planned on, but he was no stranger to duty.
Even as his thoughts went both to Echo's withdrawal and the memories of the shrine he had tended with his family, he could recognize the need to change the subject for the priestess' sake. There would be plenty of time for the whole group to discuss everything with each other that they wanted to share. He was used to listening to others' prayers and wishes, if these collected needed him to do so again, he would. Jarek's own hair lifted off his shoulders and into the air as he nodded, hoping it was both seen and seen as supportive like the tone of his voice as he spoke, "I can see the hurt it brings you priestess, but you are not alone. Surely the Spirit will reward you for what was taken and if you need it, I shall continue to offer my aid on your journey..." It would only be a brief moments pause as his stance widened to the rest of the group...
It was at least slightly pleasing to see that the elven maiden had dressed more modestly. Through the layered skirt, blouse and bustier he had to admit she had quite the figure. As well as suppress the instinctive flinch, but he also did not dwell too long out of respect for the warrior brother. She did having a pleasing complexion and flowing rose copper hair... Refocusing after the brief moment, he went on, glad it was only an eyeblink's time worth of a sweeping glance.
"It is likely we will all be together for some time, as I have no ties to weigh me down, I shall offer my aid to all while our paths stay crossed. I was once myself a shrine priest before coming to this continent, as well as a blacksmith, if you have need of my services, ask." With that off his chest, he felt a bit better. Letting out pieces of memory helped, as he turned and walked into a more convenient area by the ranger and fox for the sake of the dragon. He did spare a critical look towards the priestess through his peripheral vision; his thoughts guarded. After a respectful bow, proper for his island culture, he addressed the dragon, "I am ready, honorable dragon."
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Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 11:13 am
As the swordsman made his way to join Rayn and the Kitsune Wullf made his way to stand in front of the priestess. The golden flame that Pearl used to heal with only gave a warm soothing sensations to those who were alive. To someone like Echo the flames would probably feel like the heat from a red dragon, a heat so powerful even those not caught in the blaze could feel it. Wullf didn't know how much of a shield he could be to the priestess but he would do his best none the less. With a nod towards Pearl the Ethereal Dragon smiled at those who awaited his breath.
"The look and sensation made be odd at first but please trust it will only heal not hurt."
Pearl's head arched up a bit as the dragon gathered the flame within himself and then extended his neck towards the party. His mouth opened gently but quickly and out pored a gout of gold flame that engulfed Rayn, Jarek, and Sekkusu. Wullf had only needed Pearl's healing breath once but he still remembered the sensation of the golden flames licking at his wounds. He felt heat and burning but neither one of pain but of soothing. It worked almost like any other healing magic by restoring lost blood and giving some energy back to the wounded. However with the golden flame the visible wounds, no matter the depth or size, seemed to turn to ash and blow away with the wind. After enough time had passed Pearl closed his mouth and stopped the bellowing healing flames. Wullf turned to the priestess first seeing if she had been adequately protected.
"Are you alright Priestess?" about the same time Pearl had taken a few steps closer to the three he had engulfed in his fire and brought his head just a bit closer as well. He remained at a fair distance so his appearance would not be one to startle anyone.
"Is everyone better now," Pearl's voice sounded like a father checking on his children after they had been sick, and the expression of concern that appeared on the dragon's face carried that message all the more.
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Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 2:34 pm
[?]
To have expressed her thanks to Jarek at this point, both for his understanding and sympathy, would have alleviated some of the hurt that had surfaced within herself. There was much more to Jarek than had already been exposed, which was to say, in the least, a lot. He said he was a man of Spirit, and she believed him for only a man such as this could carry himself as Jarek had done, and his skill with metal did not surprise her - a swordsman must know his weapon with the intimacy of one who has crafted its existence.
His offer of hope, the thought that the Spirit would reward one such as her, and his offer of aid were both appreciated, though only one was what she took comfort in. To expect a reward from the Spirit after what had turned her from it would be too prideful, too arrogant, and she would ask nothing more than that which had already been given. Her reward was her thought and will, that which had made her who she was in life, though she could not accept yet that she was but an echo of that girl.
When the fire released itself from the jaws of the dragon Echo flinched, despite the shield that Wullf had offered himself as, and she felt her skin crawl beneath the cowl and cloth of her magical cloak. Revulsion grew within her once again, filled with the now instinctive need to turn away from that heat, but she would not. The magical breath was Spirit magic, that same that in life would have been a blessing to her, and she would not cow to the beast that sought to turn her from it. She would take the heat, and the fire, and accept it.
Once it was over she was even more exhausted for it, the blaze having been impressive indeed, but she nodded to the question poised to her by the Werewolf. "Yes," She said without belaying the same quiver that found her chest at what it was she had accomplished, "It is fine. It is more concerned with the others..."
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Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 2:59 pm
[?]
Reflexively, Rayn shielded Sekkusu's body with her own from the fire. It was a matter of trust, she would note later, that despite assurances both from the others and herself, she just would not abandon caution no matter the nature of the situation - and she found herself even more strongly convicted to this as it was Sekkusu she was attempting to protect. As the fire licked and weaved Rayn was in the perfect vantage point to witness the blood and pain burn away, a holy burn as it took the hurt, her matted fur once more taking on a lustur and shine and the well-formed curves and softness returning to a body that had just previously been tattered.
The flame did not replace clothing, and the bandages remained, but Rayn was not embarrassed to be looking over Sekkusu's form. So perfect it was, fashioned out of clay of dreamers dust, she now looked as serene as she was beautiful. Speaking in a gentleness that was reserved only for her animal companions and night alone in the forest, the Ranger beseached the Fox for a word. "Sekkusu.." Her true name, not the title that the swordsman had used, and an undercurrent of warmth to it as it rolled off her tongue. "Sekkusu, are you alright?"
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Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 4:34 pm
[odd dreams]
Through everything, the comfort Rayn gave her was always there even as she slipped into fevered slumber again. Through her wounds. Through her wait. And through her healing. Even as the fires seeped over her and into her. Deep into her as it undid her hurt and eased her body and mind in the cracks and crevasses of her. But it was Rayn who eased her hurt and her heart the most. Over the fires it was her warmth she dreamed of first as a comfort and then as something more. Both hearing her name and another, Sekkusu opened her eyes to the same startling beauty as before, of Rayn, but with another imposed over it, as a ghost image she could not quite see...
But Sekkusu knew it was the same person, the same beauty who she had finally found... Finally? Still... here she was, huddled over her, so close she could reach out and touch her. She had felt cheated before when she had lost her... When!? She's here now!! Still, her offhand sought Rayn's at her words, she wanted to talk, to say she was alright, but something else came out...
Sekkusu could not help herself when she brought her free hand up to caress Rayn's cheeks, both of them, before resting her palm on the last. It was like a dream and it showed in her voice, so velvety as it whispered from her lips, "I've found you... And I can't leave you... Not ever... Can I...? Can I rest here in your hold for a moment longer...? Please?"
It was a testament to her shamelessness that she stayed as she did and did nothing to cover it up in front of the others. There were no others for her.
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Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 9:14 pm
[-?-]
It was not too long before Jarek could feel his wounds sear away with the white dragon's warm blessings. The spirits' blessings, for surely they had a hand in this somehow for this healing heat. Each moment in the great creature's breath brought strength back to his body and eased his creased brow. And just as soon, it was all over as the dragon's breath ceased. Too be honest, he had been scared witless when this Pearl's maw opened to elicit the creature's golden flame. If it was not for the all encompassing blast of the dragon's flame, the others might have seen Jarek flinch. It lasted long enough however for him to recover...
Bowing to the dragon once more, Jarek addressed the majestic creature respectfully, "Thank you noble dragon, I am in your debt for your aid. I hope it is a debt I may one day repay..."
When all was said and done, Jarek thought to check on Echo to see if she was alright, but he was drawn to the sounds coming from the ranger and the Wakahisa. He did not understand the exchange, but something in him hearkened back to his own past. The exchange was touching as he half-turned towards the two. With the Wakahisa's clothes in tatters, he could not look too long before he took off his own jacket, his uwagi and stepped close enough to lay it nearby, "For her, if you wish it to cover her up. I am sorry for the poor condition of it... I will look for something more fitting." Jarek had whispered, hoping not to disturb them overmuch, happy that they had found something in each other.
Jarek quickly rose and clacked back down the mound to Wullf and the priestess. It was regretful that he had shed his own shirt, but he could find something swiftly. He was at least partially conscientious of his many scars, but did his best to ignore the feeling even if his attention suffered for it... "Wullf, Priestess. Thank you Wullf. I assume you watched over her from the flame. You have my gratitude. If I might suggest, perhaps take the priestess inside out of the sunlight while I search for useful materials... and perhaps a shirt. I shall not be long." His conscientiousness drove him quickly from the scene...
On his way back into the buildings, Jarek could not help but nod towards the elven warrior and his sister, sparing a grateful smile to both. As he passed, he even vocalized his thanks with a swift bow, "You both are a welcome boon, thank you once more..." And again was on his way...
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Hillbilly Hikari Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 1:37 am
[-?-]
Aranel beautifully smooth peachy skin, flush a bright red when the shirtless warrior bowed to both her and her brother. But her blush was far from one of embarrassment, more from recognizing the warrior for a truly gorgeous male. His tan skin was accented at every angle by the scars across his torso; he was truly a sight to behold.
Her jeweled eyes followed his motions as he retreated towards the buildings presumably to find a shirt like he had announced only a moment ago. She spared a glance at her brother to see he had turned his attention back to the dragon. Frowning at his distrust, but understanding it from his stories she chose not to say anything.
With an innocent air, Aranel pulled their shared rucksack to her side and began rummaging through it, "Ara? We travel so much, and we have so many clothes for our travels.....surely we should share with those who need it? Sekkusu will surely wish for a new outfit.......and...Jarek wish to be clothed as well."
Distractedly he looked at her,"I doubt Sekkusu will wish to worry about clothes until she rests some more.....considering her fashions, she would probably appreciate one of your....show outfits when she is ready. But Jarek is welcome to one of my many tunics you make me keep."
He started to stand to walk towards Jarek's direction, just as Aranel grabbed a tunic from the rucksack and stood abruptly starting her brother, "I'll take it to him!"
"Oh?" Aranhil furrowed his brow to his sister's uncharacteristic oddness.
Hoping she hid her blush she responded,"Yes....I cannot help the others move into the Inn. I don't have your strength Ara....But I could help the swordsman, and perhaps if there is any food left at the inn, I could fix something for the group...."
Gaining his nod of approval to her hurried explanation, Aranel spun on her heel,took the path towards Jarek. The tunic grasped closely to her bosom out of nervousness, her tentative steps found her looking upon the eastern wolf again....far sooner then she had thought. The soft ground was silky underneath her shuffling sandals, the young elf swallowed hard against her blocked throat and her cheeks flushed again.
"Ah-......" words would not even come!
Shaking her head, and offering a soft laugh to herself, Aranel forced herself to calm before looking at the warrior again this time with a sweet smile, "You had said you would need a new shirt. You and Ara are roughly the same size with the exception of his height."
Nervously she held out a beautiful white linen tunic,with leather laced sleeves and side seams, "It has no Eastern ties and its not as nice as your shirt was; but I suspect it will work for now."
"I did want to thank yo for being nice to my brother......I think some people forget what he's done for them through out the centuries, not that he cares; so it is pleasing when someone is respectful of him especially with everything he has done for me," out of sheer nervousness she began to babble her deep rose colored hair shifting in the breeze occasionally.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aranhil stayed deep in thought for only a moment more. His sister was acting....odd. Not that that was unusual....but it was different. Shrugging, he gathered up his bow to hang on his back and sheathed his daggers. Hanging the rucksack on his back as well added no burden to the aged elf, neither did the extra weight lessen the power in his strides back to the main group still accompanied by that white beast. The warrior learned at an early age that when outnumbered in opinion to bite his tongue unless it was of value to do otherwise.
Folding his arms as he stopped aside the one called Wullf, his hardened teal eyes look at everything but the dragon. Taking no credit for himself, Aranhil shared the information of the inn discovered," Jarek found an Inn towards the end of town. Its in relatively good shape and would provide a decent respite until plans are made. Many of he rooms are still in decent shape to be slept in, and Aranel has gone ahead to try and make some sort of meal out of what is left in the kitchen area."
The elven warrior then knelt next to the two women holding each other,focusing on Rayn he offered his aid in genuine sincerity, "I would be honored if you would allow me to help you carry the kitsune to the protectiveness of the Inn, Ranger."
Names were not generally used by Aranhil unless he was in a long-term situation to use them; usually he deemed a person's occupation as a respectful title to use as an alternative. Warrior, Ranger, Priestess, Cleric, Scribe; they were all honorable titles as far as he was concerned.
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Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 7:00 pm
Pearl smiled seeing everyone feeling the renewed energy his healing breath had brought. The close bond the small group seemed to have spoke to the ancient dragon as well. They all seemed to react to each other as if they had traveled together for seasons. Pearl turned to regard Wullf who was talking with the tall male elf who had given the Ethereal Dragon a few odd looks over the time he had been there.
Wullf nodded to the priestess seeing that she was alright if not a bit out of breath from the heat of the flames. He turned to regard Aranhil as the elf spoke and Wullf began to look harder at the elf thinking he knew him from somewhere. Wullf shook the notion for now so he could give the elf his full attention. Looking in the direction of the Inn as Aranhil spoke Wullf continued to nod in understanding having no need to interject on any part.
"I think everyone could do with some rest at this point. I will be along shortly after I discuss a few things with Pearl and Tiki," Wullf turned Echo and held a smile for the priestess, "I think the Inn is the best place for you to gain some respite from the sun," With that he turned to Pearl and Tiki who had found his way to stand next to the ancient dragon, "Pearl, Tiki, I need to speak with you for a moment please," Wullf made his way to the other end of the small village to talk with his old friends about everything that had gone on and everything that might happen later.
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Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 12:51 pm
[?]
Rayn's heart beat itself asunder at her words, tearing itself from it's place and leaping to her throat and then.. the Ranger rested her hand over Sekkusu's own, finding the beat of it beneath her charcoal colored fur, and was both surprised and not surprised to discover that its beat was synchronized with her own. As if they had been two halves..
"Yes, Sekkusu, rest here for ever. I would not relinquish this hold for all of Sarigal."
When the swordsman offered his coverings to the kitsune in her arms Rayn dealt with it only absently, not even looking up as it was offered and taken, and lay it only gently over her beautiful form. She wanted to take in all of the creature before her, ravish her with her eyes, but she wanted to give her comfort and warmth at the same time. She spent long moments gazing into the deep, shimmering eyes of the Fox before she heard the Elf speak, the male, and she waited even longer before finally nodding her acceptance. She was not strong enough to carry her herself but she could stand nearby while she was carried by another.
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