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 Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 6:45 am
The snow fell from dark skies.Even though it was midday the sun had decided once more to hide behind the expanse of gray clouds that continued to cover the land in snows. While others may have feared the upcoming storm, a lone figure easily skirted along the mountainside. Honestly, it was as if he simply accepted the cold and if one had even gotten a glimpse of his features they may even consider him a ghost with his pale gaze and clear-ice like gems. For those that had known him he would actually appear as a ghost considering that his past had been swallowed up in an avalanche months ago.
He was dead to them now.
The thought twisted Tryston's gut. Even if his neutral expression showed no fear or pain the inner turmoil was still there - just bubbling beneath the surface. It was even worse considering that he knew he was along the borders and that soon he simply wouldn't be in Zena at all and even then he didn't know what the future held. Still, it was his trust in his mentor that forced his feet forward. If Lyrie said to wait and to leave for a bit then leave he would. His hand clenched around the carved handle hanging at his side as he found comfort in his sword before moving on even more through the billowing snows...
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Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 8:56 am
Losing one of their own was always hard, Rhag’na though stoned face, felt the pang of the lose deep within him. Everyone one of these men were his brothers and Tryston had been no different. No different at all. Perhaps, closer even than some of the older swordsman’s considering his age so close to Rhag’na’s. It had been a great lose, Tryston had been young and talented and now his potential had eclipsed into nothing. Wasted talent, Rhag’na thought as they’d all stared at the empty tomb for it was not in battle that he had died but by the hands of Zena herself.
That had been days ago, now Rhag’na wondered the icy cold mountainous expanse by himself, mainly on a hunt but also to clear his mind. Tryston gone from his mind now, there was no use dwelling on such sentimental things after all. Such chores always did him well; he practiced patience and calm while waiting for something to snare in his trap. Plus, sometimes he felt as if they sent him on such errands so the older men could speak about things he was too young to know about. Rhag’na always scoffed at that thought; he didn’t think he was too young at all.
From his hiding spot, Rhag’na spotted movement. His eyes found a figure moving through the snow. Slowly, not fast at all. HE narrowed his eyes, Rhag’na had traveled quite far from the camp but he hadn’t expected to see anyone here. Then the figure turned around, pausing long enough for Rhag’na to see his face.
“Tryston,” his eyes grew wide, mouth opened slightly. There was no way… And yet he knew his eyes had not deceived him. Rh’agna moved from his hiding spot, traveling across the forest as fast as he possibly could so he could intercept Tryston. When he spotted him, he moved away from the tree he’d bene hiding behind.
“Your face is certainly not one I would have expected to see.” He said, crossing his arms as he stared at his fallen brother in arms.
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Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2016 10:33 am
For a second Tryston believed it to be an illusion in the snows or a spirit whispering his name. After all surely no one else would be so far out in the wilderness like this - at least that had been his hope. Still as he slowly looked up to face the familiar features of his brother -well considering the circumstances, one who used to be a brother- Tryston frowned. "Nor is yours." He found himself replying with his different gaze studying Rhag'na's features quietly, "Perhaps it's better if we pass now and just consider this a trick of the snows."
As much as he wished to have a warm reunion with Rhag'na the man was on edge. Had no his mentor warned him to not encounter anyone from back home? What if even Rhag'na was with those who had plotted out the destruction that day? His hand stayed clenched on the sword hilt which rested at his side before he turned as if to leave. Was it even worth trying to explain? Or was this a trap for him as well? Who else was out here? Tryston found his gaze scanning what he could through the snows. After the incident he was forever one edge for more attacks...
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Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2016 10:56 am
Now that Tryston was facing him Rhag’na could tell it was him, the features and his body were the same and yet he was not the same man. It was hard to mistaken the special pattern of his crystals. Had death changed Tryston? Had he even died? Rhag’na could not decide which it was.
“You think I am a trick of the snow?” Rhag’na shook his head. “I am not.” He said firmly, he wanted answers and he would get them. “What happened to you Tryston?” He still cared about the man and felt the need to know what had happened.
“There’s no one out there,” Rhag’na called to him as he eyed Tryston’s reaction. The man was on far too edgy with his hand on his sword like that. “I am hunting by myself.” Maybe if Tryston knew that they were alone he would open up, would tell him why he was fleeing like this. It was odd, what could possibly have made Tryston want to run like this? Perhaps even fake his death. Rhag’na wondered if anyone else knew of this, was his mentor aware? And if he was, why was he keeping quiet about this? This all stank and Rhag’na didn’t like it at all.
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 9:43 am
"More so that I would be for you." Replied Tryston quietly before Rhag'na's other question forced his gaze away. How did one tell his brother that they had corrupted souls in their fellowship? Such an accusation could be treated with conflict rather than agreement. And it was conflict which made Tryston wary - what if his friend was with a group? Any signs of a clash would only gain more attention for them both.
He was alone? The realization made Tryston's grip falter ever so slightly. While his fingers were not clenched tightly around the carved handle his stance was still firm - prepared in case his old companion may be lying or even unaware of being followed. But how could that be? They shouldn't be hunting him - Rhag'na's reaction proved that his 'death' had taken hold in the group. He was but a spirit lost in the ice of the mountains, "If I give you a response it will not please you, Rhag'na." He began quietly, "I'll warn you now if you wish to avoid dangers then stay as you are - don't dig for answers that may cause your death as well."
It was vague, but at the same time a warning. The last thing he wanted was for someone he actually held caring for to be harmed by those vagabonds. Yet, what if Rhag'na found himself betrayed by them as well? It was enough to make Tryston pause as he studied the other ice earthling.
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Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 8:12 am
“Life in general is not pleasant Tryston.” Rhag’na replied with a steady gaze. When had his friend become so concerned with his emotions or what he might like or dislike? It was not like him, this kind of thing should not have bothered Tryston. What was he hiding? Rhag’na’s eyes twitched as he tried not to narrow them at his friend. “I will take the response whether it pleases me or not.” He added just in case Tryston might have any doubts about whether or not to tell him. He was not afraid of any truth; his brother in arms ought to know that.
“What are you afraid of Tryston?” Rhag’na said in a softer voice, he chose to completely ignore the warning. He did not need warnings, nor did he avoid dangers. It was their job to face danger head on, but here Tryston was running away from it. Whatever it was. If Tryston did not tell him, then he would do his own digging. He needed to know what had happened or at least why it had happened. He was not afraid of death and if that was what he would face then so be it.
“Have I ever been afraid of death?” It was not a concept he had been raised with. Rhag’na was not afraid and he would not run away. Not like Tryston was.
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Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2016 3:50 pm
Tryston turned a cold gaze towards his brother. Yet it wasn't that he was unkind just more silent and thoughtful than anything. He was studying the situation and trying to balance things. Should he just turn away now and leave through the snows? That could lead to a chase or even worse a fight. Frowning ever so slightly Tryston finally gave a short nod, "I warned you yet I honor your decision." As much as he wished to just disappear and allow his mentor to try and figure out more of the truth running into Rhag'na prevented that. And how could he ignore his brother's request when he obviously felt the risk of death was worth a truth? Rhag'na was strong - one of the few apprentices that Tryston truly respected. He would not die easily, but still the ice male was wary. Should anything happen to Rhag'na due to his actions then Tryston would be haunted by guilt.
But still he would honor his brother's decision as he was in Tryston's eyes a respected warrior.
"The avalanche did not kill me when it should." Tryston finally stated calmly as he lowered his hood so that his brother could get a good view of his face, "Yet the snows were not what tried to kill me, Rhag'na. I was out with a convoy when our own attacked my group. I fought hard and defeated a few before the snows took me and one of the brothers away. When I awoke it was a new dawn and I found myself like this...cold and different. Believe me or not, but should I be known as alive then they will try to finish the job. For now Lyrie, my mentor, sent me out to go and find out what happened to the convoy and to better understand why such a situation happened. It will help us to realize who out of our brothers are corrupted enough to attack kin and why. Forgive me if I still feel on edge with you, brother, as I do not know who I can trust any longer."
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Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:12 am
What could be so bad that Tryston had to warn him for it? he didn’t need warning labels on anything in life. Rhag’na stared right back at Tryston, his mind trying to run different scenarios as to what he might tell him. Had he discovered some mysterious family member? Had he stolen? Were assassins after their group? Rhag’na couldn’t wrap his mind around what could possibly be so bad.
“Thank you.” He said with a nod of his head. Tryston was a good warrior, loyal and followed the code of honor. Whatever he had to say, Rhag’na would trust that it was truthful.
Rhag’na knew that Tryton looked different, the eyes gave him away. Except he was not ready to see how much exactly Tryston had changed. He looked like… a more icy version of an ice tribe member. Not kissed by the gods but it was different than any other ice tribe he’d ever seen. It did not scare him though; he could not be scared of a brother.
“Impossible,” was the first word to fly out of Rhag’na’s mouth. It was simply impossible. “Do you mean to tell me that you were betrayed by our own brothers? Are you sure Tryston? Are you truly sure it was them and that the snows have not changed more than your appearance?” It was just impossible, incomprehensible for Rhag’na. His brothers would not betray their own like this. It simply could not be them.
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 9:46 am
"I believed that was going to be your reaction." Admitted Tryston quietly. This was why he had just wished to leave than be caught by a brother - one who he considered a friend none-the-less. That alone was enough to make him sad, "But after all the time you have known me do you believe I would lie?" If anything he was the brother who took things sincerely and never raised a brow at a joke. "Trust me when I say I was in shock." The man shook his head slowly, "At first I had seen them only as enemies invading our caravan - even thought that they were bandits. However, I was wrong because I saw the crest on one of the brothers. My hesitation then allowed him to drag me down the cliff with him into the abyss below." Not that many would believe that - if they knew he was still alive then Tryston would be labeled as the murderer. A dark sin for any one in the brotherhood as killing brothers was simply unheard of. Tryston's mouth pressed into a firm line, "I would have never expected our brothers to be hired against us either." His gaze glimmered with cold anger, "If all else fails then when you return seek out Lyrie, my mentor. He is the one who saved me from death and now in secret seeks out the truth."
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 10:10 am
“No I do not believe you are lying.” Tryston was not a liar he knew that for sure and still Rhag’na struggled with the idea, struggled with the mere concept that the Brothers would do such a thing. He didn’t know what or who to believe anymore. This was a very serious offense and if Tryston proved to be right than something had to be done. People needed to know and Rhag’na would have to dig into things to find the truth. Even if it hurt the Brotherhood he would not stop until all those who had commit such a crime had paid.
“We must do something about this Tryston. You cannot be running away at such a time.” No Rhag’na felt Tryston ought to be helping him figure all of this out. “This cannot stand.” He said bitterly, he was in complete shock at the whole thing. Who could possibly be involved? Who was not at camp that day? Who had an excuse he would have to look into? He was disgusted to think those men were now sitting around his fire and enjoying the protection of the Brotherhood. If he did this he could not act rashly, he needed to temper his anger.
“I will seek out Lyrie, I will aid him where possible.” He hated not knowing if he could trust his father with this knowledge. Perhaps if he found evidence and could leave Tryston’s name out of the whole thing he could know for sure. “I will keep your secret.”
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 1:49 pm
"I did not wish to run away." Tryston admitted as his fists clenched in frustration, "Lyrie forced me away from the brothers." He took a breath, "As much as I wanted to fight my way through and find the culprits it was not that easy. Lyrie has sent me back towards Tale to find out exactly why that company would have been targeted by our brothers. He's hoping I can find answers and then return once he has found some of his own." Tryston shook his head, "Greed it seems is a powerful foe." Such a thought made him sneer. They were a brotherhood that was supposed to be dedicated to protecting Zena and its people. Yes they were for hire for how could they live otherwise? But even they knew how to pick and choose their missions. Such sabotage was not like them. His gaze ventured up and the man took a step towards his brother. A faint smile, something rare for Tryston, crossed his features. "Thank you Rhag'na." His hand rose to touch the other man's shoulder, "I appreciate it, but be careful." His silver gaze darkened, "If I were to lose someone because of this I could not stand it." But the question was now what did they do? "Are you here on a mission as well? I have been gone for weeks and am curious about any news." He had spent too much time adjusting to his new self and recovering from the severe injuries he had received from the fall. Even now his body was still stiff feeling and far from being as fully usable as before the accident.
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 2:13 pm
He was glad to hear his brother was not running away.
“As long as you return, that is what matters.” And as long as he didn’t get killed in the process too. But that was why they’d made him disappear, if his enemies knew he was dead they would not go looking for him. Neither would they recognize him at a quick glance with his changes if they ever crossed paths. “Please give me news when you have some. I want to know.”
He hated to think some of his brothers had fallen to greed, perhaps blackmail? Perhaps something else… But Maybe Rhag’na was looking for too much into it. Perhaps greed is what had gotten to them. “Disgusting,” he uttered and spat on the ground.
“I will be careful,” he added with a nod. He didn’t plan on letting anyone know except for possibly his father after he’d evaluated the situation and Lyrie. “No I’m just doing a bit of scouting, checking how the hunting goes in case we need to change area. But the coming of age ceremony of coming up, I am picking the sword as my weapon. I would say I look forward to being a real brother but that has been taken from me.” Rhag’na said sourly.
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 2:26 pm
"Of course." Tryston nodded his head, "I'll try to send letters if possible." His lips pursed, "But I will have to figure out the best way to go about them." Even if he had to take the strange way his mentor had suggested of posing as a lover or some old acquaintance talking of nonsensical things that would only make sense to those looking for more. Tryston shook his head, "Don't think in such a way. Even if some are not in the right that does not mean all of the brothers are to be wronged." The man gritted his teeth, "If we have learned anything the honor of the sword will come through. This is just one step in weeding out those that have fallen from the path. It may take time, but eventually I believe the brothers will be redeemed." He nodded, "But I am proud. I wish I could be there to see you take your sword." The iceling's hand shifted to his own blade, "Seems my ceremony came a bit early and unexpectedly." They were supposed to have come of age at the same time after all. But events had matured Tryston far quicker than expected.
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 4:17 pm
“You could always send them to my father, no one open his letters that is for sure. I can tell him letters will come for me but through another name.” They wouldn’t open letters from his father or else face the sword and he could always lie to his father about whom the letters were from. “He will not question if I tell him it is a woman I have met.” Rhag’na made a face. Such a thing was not true but his father wouldn’t dare ask further details on the situation. If he wasn’t tell his father, he certainly didn’t want the others to know as well.
“I would remove them from the brotherhood and Zena if they wished to live.” That would be the only suitable punishment unless they wanted death. IF they stayed in Zena Rhag’na was sure they would be an unwelcomed and dangerous presence. Tryston may not share the view but Rhag’na would not let those who were guilty go without punishment.
“I am sorry Tryston,” Thag’na truly felt bad for him. He grabbed his hand and squeezed gently in reassurance. "We can have a proper ceremony when you come back."
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2017 12:25 pm
Tryston pinched the bridge of his nose before slowly letting out a sigh, "I can do that." The male finally consented as he glanced up towards his sword brother, "Do you prefer Roseli or Trystia?" He wanted to groan as the awful names came to mind. Those were what his mentor had suggested the first time, "Since I'll be writing to Lyrie as Trystia, I should send letters as Roseli to you." He swore if either man mentioned his 'alter-ego' after this the swordsman would have to reconsider his protection of brothers from his blade. It was embarrassing enough to think of the gooey letters he had to sent Lyrie. "You would be nice then." Tryston's gaze hardened at the thought. He was more of the mindset to remove them from the world completely. However, such thoughts were festering from revenge and the man wished to not fall to such a level. Justice in the end would have to rule his blade. Blinking, the man smiled faintly as he squeezed his friend's hand in turn. "By the time I get back I feel that we'll be leading the ceremonies." He teased lightly, "But we will see." It would have been nice to see his brother chose his path, but it seemed fate had other plans in store for them.
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